Urban Receives ARIA Noms, Wraps Tour

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Already in the running for two CMA awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Keith Urban received three nominations for Australia’s Grammy Awards, the ARIAs, on Tuesday (10/11). Urban was nominated for Best Country Album, Highest Selling Album and Most Popular Australian Artist.

Urban also received nods for three American Country Awards last week, including Album of the Year (Get Closer), Best Male Video (“Put You In A Song”) and Touring Headline Act of the Year.

Urban brought special guest Isaac Slade of The Fray on stage during his performance at The Pepsi Center in Denver, CO on Tuesday (10/11). The two performed a rendition of The Fray’s hit song “How To Save A Life.” A video of the performance can be seen here.

His Get Closer 2011 World Tour, which played for sold-out crowds in over 60 cities throughout Australia, Canada and The United States, ended Saturday in Minneapolis.

Digital Diary-Data Files Updates

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>>ReDigi.com is an online Boston-based digital marketplace for pre-owned music sales in the U.S. The beta version of the site opened last week and is designed to establish a resale value for digital music. Consumers can legally buy and sell used digital music direct from one fan to another, while “granting artists and labels a significant portion of the proceeds from the sale (and resale) of their music.” ReDigi CEO CEO John Ossenmacher says, “ReDigi gives users the new freedom to take full advantage of the ownership rights of their music. It also provides artists and labels another revenue stream so they can keep producing the tunes we love so much.” Pre-launch, the new company amassed a following of over 130,000 social network fans.

 

>>New Broadband adoption data has been released from Connected Tennesse, a public-private, non-profit partnership with goals to accelerate technology in Tennessee. Tennessee’s Technology Trends 2011 is the group’s latest report which says that 64% of all TN adults have broadband service at home. Today, 50% of low-income families with children (those with incomes below $25,000) subscribe to broadband, up from just 17% in 2007 – an astonishing growth of 194%. Meanwhile, 55% of rural residents now have broadband at home, compared to just 30% in 2007, growth of 83%. Over the past three years, Connected Tennessee has specifically targeted both groups through its Computers 4 Kids program and eCommunity leadership teams (eCS). “It is gratifying to know that our hard work over the past three years has made a real impact on Tennessee’s broadband landscape,” says Connected Tennessee Executive Director Michael Ramage. “More Tennesseans than ever before are now able to access all of the benefits afforded by a high-speed Internet connection. What we set out to do was to help better the lives of those citizens who were virtually cut off from the information highway, due to either geography or income levels, and we feel that these statistics prove that we have been able to accomplish that formidable task.” Read the complete findings here.

 

>>Enjoying Google+? Then this new [free] Chrome browser extension might be just what the doctor ordered to boost your G+ followers and add you to circles all over the Internet. The extension was created by programmer Joshua Woodward using data from Google+ Statistics a site which tracks and generates detailed stats for over 76,309 users. Woodward describes it simply saying, “View a profiles socialstatistics.com infograph, all without leaving the comfort of Google+.” (My profile here.)

 

 

 

ole Annouces Acqusition

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ole’s production music company, ole clear, has acquired LA based MusicBox and its catalog of 24,000-plus tracks. The deal includes ownership in the flagship libraries MusicBox and PromoBox and the rights to represent music tracks in 17 sub-published libraries across the United States. No staff changes are expected, and MusicBox will continue operations at 9157 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood.

Robert Ott, CEO ole clear says, “Joel Goodman and Daniel Stein have created a great company at MusicBox. We take seriously our responsibility to continue the legacy of great customer service and Creative at MusicBox and will work hard to bring clients and sub-published companies an unrivaled experience.”

Adds MusicBox Pres. Goodman, “All of us at MusicBox are excited at being part of the ole family. Through working with ole as our Canadian sub-publisher, we saw first-hand their commitment to music publishing and knew we had found the right partner to take MusicBox to the next level and beyond.”

This moves MusicBox to ole’s automated, cloud IT services for a better client tech experience.

ole clear is one of the world’s largest providers of 100% cleared production music in all media. clear is committed to quality and offers 150,000 tracks of music in all genres from renowned libraries.

Bobby Karl Works the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

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(L-R): Inductees Alan Jackson and Thom Schuyler; Mentor Award winner David Conrad; and inductees John Bettis, Allen Shamblin and Garth Brooks. Photo: Alan Mayor

Chapter 379

Just about everyone you know in the music business turned out for the sold-out, 41st annual Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel Sunday (10/16).

The attractions were the inductions of Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Thom Schuyler, Allen Shamblin and John Bettis. Not to mention the companionship galore.

After welcoming remarks by host John Van Mol, the current chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation board, NSAI’s Bart Herbison and Steve Bogard took the stage.

“We’re going to have a spectacular night tonight,” Steve promised. His prophecy was fulfilled.

The annual “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” NSAI honors went to “American Honey” by Shane Stevens, Cary Barlowe and Hillary Lindsey; “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Jim Collins and David Lee Murphy; “Hello World” by Tom Douglas, Tony Lane and David Lee; “Homeboy” by Casey Beathard and Eric Church; “Honey Bee” by Ben Hayslip and Rhett Akins; “Mean” by Taylor Swift; “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer” by Troy Jones; “The Boys of Fall” by Casey Beathard and Dave Turnbull; and “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” by Earl Bud Lee and John Wiggins; plus the Song of the Year winning “If I Die Young” by Kimberly Perry.

The Band Perry was on the road, but Kimberly sent a video saying, “Thank-you to the Good Lord for whispering it in my ear.”

For the fourth time in five years, Taylor Swift received a standing ovation as the Artist/Writer of the Year. “Just the fact that the people in this room were standing up is overwhelming for me,” she said. “I can’t believe I’m here with my heroes.”

Frequent Brad Paisley collaborator Chris DuBois won his second straight NSAI Songwriter of the Year award. “There’s no award that means more to me as a songwriter,” he said.

The NSHoF’s Van Mol retook the podium to recognize board members, sponsors and the 2011 passings of Hall of Famers Charlie Louvin and Don Wayne. “Their work lives on in our memories,” he said.

Lance Freed presented David Conrad with the Frances Williams Preston Mentor Award. When Almo-Irving wanted to open a Nashville office in 1981, Frances recommended David as its leader. “Over the next 22 years, David Conrad was responsible for 186 top-10 country hits,” Lance recalled. “David worked for the songwriter, not the other way around. He trusted them. They trusted him. He’s a special man who cares deeply about people.”

“This can’t be right: When did I do this?” David blurted, adding that when he was informed of the honor, “Just to be safe, I ran out that week and mentored the hell out of everybody.” He thanked, “My best friend, my best mentor and my true love, my wife Karen.” David also recalled Chet Atkins, Owen Bradley, Harlan Howard and Tom Collins as his own mentors. “You’re really lucky when you have people like that in your life [especially] the ‘serial mentor,’ Frances Williams Preston.

“There was love there: I loved writers and I love songs,” David added. “It’s a circle, as the song says, and I hope we never break it.”

The 2011 Hall of Famers were inducted alphabetically. That meant John Bettis came first. Michael Clark spoke at length about his collaborator, saying, “John is the consummate psychologist, and he’s a communicator.”

Brett James and Wayne Kirkpatrick sang a medley of Bettis hits, including “Heartland,” “Yesterday Once More,” “Slow Hand” and “Human Nature.” Lynn Anderson vividly reprised her 1973 chart-topper “Top of the World.”

“This is the room, isn’t it?” said John in accepting. “This is where we want to be. This is where we all belong. I’m glad we have this room. It’s nice to know we can get together like this and appreciate each other. I thank you very much for the greatest honor I’ve ever gotten. God bless you.”

Allen Reynolds and Bob Doyle did the honors for Garth Brooks. “Who can measure the impact of the songs that have come from Garth’s own pen?” asked Allen. “You’ve been a blessing and an inspiration to many, and we thank you.”

“The songs you’ve written have endured and stayed relevant,” added Bob.

Jenny Yates saluted the inductee with “When You Come Back to Me Again.” Pat Alger sang “The Thunder Rolls.” Stephanie Davis offered “We Shall Be Free.” Kent Blazy did “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” Victoria Shaw sang “The River” and invited the crowd to join her in its last chorus.

“I’m already choked up, because these are my friends, and I love them so much,” Garth responded. He thanked God, his co-writers, his mentors, his parents and his wife, Trisha Yearwood. “This is the home of songwriters. In the music business, the greatest award you can receive is to be called a songwriter.”

Mike Dungan recited Alan Jackson’s accomplishments and hits, adding “This man has made his mark on the world. He has moved away from, but never out of, his humble beginnings. Thank you for making the world a better place.”

The Wrights performed a medley of “Good Time,” “Remember When,” “Chattahoochie,” “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and “Here in the Real World.” (Adam Wright is Alan’s nephew and was the ring bearer at his wedding.) Taylor Swift sang “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”

(L-R): The Wrights (Shannon and Adam Wright), Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift and Capitol Nashville Pres./CEO Mike Dungan. Photo: Alan Mayor

Alan reminisced, “I was just stupid enough not to be scared, so we just came up here….and it’s been goin’ pretty good….I just write whatever I feel….It’s just life, and that’s what country music has always been to me. I can’t stand up here and feel worthy when I see that list of names [of prior inductees]. Thank y’all for including me. I feel blessed.”

Don Schlitz and Thom Schuyler are BFF’s, and Don was clearly moved by Thom’s long overdue induction. “There are so many of us who consider him their best friend,” said Don. “For all the songwriters who ever walked on Music Row, he wrote our anthem.”

J. Fred Knobloch kicked off the musical tribute with “Love Will Turn You Around.” Tony Arata followed with “My Old Yellow Car” and “Years After You,” then Fred returned with “Long Line of Love.” Lacy J. Dalton drew cheers with the aforementioned anthem, “16th Avenue.” Jellyroll Johnson backed all three on harmonica.

The always-eloquent Thom responded, “I am honored more than you can know to be a part of this community of songwriters on Music Row. This is the greatest songwriting community on God’s Green Earth. Thank you for setting a place for me at your lovely table.”

Mike Reid lauded Allen Shamblin for writing, “songs that do more than entertain.” Lionel Cartwright provided a medley of Shamblin’s “He Walked on Water,” “Don’t Laugh at Me” and “The House That Built Me.” Wynonna sang “I Can’t Make you Love Me.”

“This is amazing,” said Allen. “It’s a miracle I’m here tonight….For me, growing up, there was food, water, air and songs.” Echoing the theme of companionship and camaraderie that ran through the evening, he added, “You are my families and my friends. I love y’all. This means more to me than I can ever say.”

Like I said, everyone who is anyone was there. That would include such world-class fabulons as Troy Tomlinson, Fletcher Foster, Jerry Foster, Jerry Chestnut, Bonita Hill, Dan Hill, Bobby Braddock, Bobby Rymer, Bob Regan, Tim Wipperman, Tim Fink, Tim DuBois, Gretchen Peters, Pete Fisher, Bucky Wilkin, Becky Harris, Ted Harris, Emmylou Harris, Judy Harris and Harry Chapman.

Luke Laird has four songs on the charts right now, including the current No. 1, “Take a Back Road.” He was schmoozing, as were Dickie Lee, Rick Sanjek, John Scott Sherrill, Sherrill Blackmon, Kenny O’Dell, Kerry O’Neill, Kye Fleming, Kyle Lehning, Paul Kennerley, Shelby Kennedy, Ron Stuve, Ron Cox, Dean Dillon, Mayor Karl Dean, Nashville first lady Anne Davis, Mac Davis, Caroline Davis, Mark Bright, Mark D. Sanders, Pat Higdon, Pam Tillis, Dave Loggins, Dennis Morgan, Dwight Wiles, Dallas Frazier, Dene Anton, Wayne Carson, Wayne Halper, Bill Rice, Barry Coburn, Brett Eldredge, Bernie Nelson, Gary Burr, Holly Bell, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Woody Bomar, R.C. Bannon and Max T. Barnes.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you: The ballroom also held Joey + Rory, Jody Williams, Andrew Kintz, Andy Childs, Rattlesnake Annie, Anthony Smith, Tia Sillers, Even Stevens, Whitey Shafer and Gilles Godard, whose “Trains I Missed” was recently named the bluegrass Song of the Year at the IBMA awards. Not to mention Celia Froelig, Amy Kurland, Wayland Holyfield, Tracy Gershon, Lori Badgett, Hugh Prestwood, Diane Pearson, Chip Petrie, Roger Murrah, Melanie Howard, Perry Howard, Kathy Louvin, Karen Oertley, Jewel Coburn, Ralph Murphy, Deborah Allen and the irrepressible Shawn Camp.

We dined on huge roast beef portions, scalloped potatoes, asparagus and a julienned vegetable medley, followed by chocolate cake and/or banana pudding cups topped with whipped cream.

It’s a good thing we love each other. The cocktail hour was at 5:00 p.m., and we didn’t leave the ballroom until 10:30. Now that’s companionship.

Americana Fest: Friday Night Showcases

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Buddy Miller performs with Jim Lauderdale at Cannery Ballroom, courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Kim Jameson

Experience and youth shared the spotlight during the Friday (Oct. 14) night Americana Fest showcases. I’m pleased to report that both camps performed exceedingly well, so let’s call it a draw.

In one corner was Alabama sister duo The Secret Sisters, who were a late addition to the Cannery Ballroom lineup. Laura and Lydia Rogers just released their first recordings in 2010, but sound like they could have been transported via time machine directly from the 1950s.

But it’s not fair to dismiss them as a nostalgia act. Sure, they have a genuine affection for and knowledge of classic country, but their original compositions fit seamlessly between covers of The Davis Sisters’ “I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know” and Jim Reeves’ “Four Walls.” Their set consisted of only their two voices and an acoustic guitar, but that was enough. They harmonized beautifully, recalling the Everlys or Louvins, and finished with a stunning a capella version of Patience & Prudence’s “Tonight You Belong To Me” just to drive the point home.

In the other corner performing later on the Cannery stage were Americana all-stars Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale. Both have built singular, long-lasting careers as songwriters, musicians, guest performers, and recording artists. Add producer to the list in Miller’s case, and radio personality/emcee to Lauderdale’s. They’ve been to a few rodeos, to be sure. Seeing them play together, pooling their experiences, was thrilling.

First off, there’s not another guitar player in Nashville—nay, the world—like Buddy Miller. Instead of playing the ever-popular Telecaster, Les Paul or ES-335, he’s usually armed with an obscure but unmistakable-sounding Wandre instrument. He can also change his playing style like a chameleon, channeling countrified chicken-picking or gale-force noise with equal ease. Is it any wonder that Robert Plant loves him or that he keeps sweeping the Americana Honors?

Backed by pros Chris Donohue, Greg Liesz, and Brian Mullins, the two sang together like they’ve been doing it since childhood, tossing covers of George Jones (“Why Baby Why,” “Race Is On”) and Webb Pierce (“Poison Blood”) in with their own work like “I’m Pretending,” “King Of Broken Hearts,” “Hold On My Love,” “Halfway Down,” and a righteous “Hole In My Head,” which they penned together. It was an energetic, honky tonk tour de force.

By the end, Lauderdale had begun to overheat. “We’re sweatin’ up here like Rush Limbaugh at a Steve Earle concert,” he joked.

Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars at Cannery Ballroom, Courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Kim Jameson

Elsewhere during the evening Memphis artist Amy LaVere displayed a jazzy, almost avant garde sensibility, skillfully handling her upright bass on numbers like “Cry My Eyes Out,” “Washing Machine” and Tom Waits’ “Green Grass.” Elizabeth Cook showcased the different sides of her personality on “El Camino,” and “Heroin Addict Sister.” A solo John Oates showed his soulful side on Leiber/Stoller’s “Searchin’” and the Hall & Oates smash “Maneater.” North Mississippi Allstars showed tremendous instrumental prowess on their funky, bluesy jam rock, including an instrumental requiring drummer Cody Dickinson to keep time with his feet while picking complex leads on an acoustic guitar.

Will Kimbrough performs at the Rutledge, courtesy of the Americana Music Assocation. Photo: Tacy Judd

Showcasing across town at the Rutledge were The Vespers, Matraca Berg, Eric Brace & Peter Cooper, The Bottle Rockets and a midnight set by Will Kimbrough. Station Inn featured David Wax Museum, The Farewell Drifters, and the Black Lillies. At the Basement were Tommy Womack & the Rush to Judgment, Ian McLagan, Henry Wagons, and New Country Rehab.

One more night to go. Scheduled to perform are James McMurtry, Farewell Milwaukee, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Sieraa Hull and Highway 111, and Sam Llanas of the BoDeans. Come on out and hear some tunes, y’all.

Photo Friday

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MCA Nashville singer/songwriter Kip Moore stopped by the CMA offices recently (10/11) to perform several songs for the staff including his new single “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck.”

(L-R) CMA Senior Coordinator of Member Relations and Services, Betsy Walker; Kip Moore; CMA Senior Manager of Membership and Balloting, Brandi Simms; CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore. Photo: Christian Bottorff/CMA

• • • •

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently (10/13) hosted a reunion of musicians, producers, songwriters and performers who helped pioneer and popularize the Muscle Shoals music industry. During the panel discussion, Land of 1,000 Dances: The Groundbreaking Sounds of Muscle Shoals, Rick Hall discussed the founding of FAME Studio and its role in soul music with artists like Clarence Carter, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Wilson Pickett and Candi Staton. The panel was presented in partnership with the Americana Music Association (AMA).

(L-R) front row: Holly George-Warren, moderator, and Michael Gray, Museum Editor. back row: Norbert Putnam, Jimmy Johnson, Rick Hall, David Briggs, Candi Staton, Dan Penn, Donnie Fritts and Spooner Oldham. Photo: Donn Jones

• • • •

GRAMMY nominee and three-time ASCAP Christian Song of the Year winner Matthew West celebrated his fourth No. 1 hit, “Strong Enough,” during a party at ASCAP earlier this week. West kicked off another leg of his Story of Your Life Tour on Thursday, and recently debuted his first, full-length holiday project, The Heart of Christmas, on October 4.

(L-R): Combustion Music's Chris Van Belkom, ASCAP's Michael Martin, Combustion Music's Chris Farren, ASCAP's Tim DuBois, Emilly West, Delaney West, Lulu West, Matthew West, Warner/Chappell's Steve Markland, ASCAP's Marc Driskill, Warner/Chappell's Phil May. Photo: Lauren Perry

Americana Fest: Thursday Night Showcases

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So much to see and do, man.

Thursday, October 13, was the second night of the Americana Music Association’s Conference and Festival and also the organization’s 10th Annual Honors and Awards. For those who couldn’t make it out to that fine affair, I’d suggest reading about it right here.

Nightly showcases got off to a late start because of the Awards, so many bands across town weren’t hitting the stages until after 10 pm. But once again we were off to our beloved Mercy Lounge, where Athens, Ga.-based songwriter Lera Lynn started off the evening. The young performer favored a rock band setup for her music, which drew on influences of British and American folk, and jangly 60s rock. She even paid homage to one of the forebears of Americana and Country, turning in an eerie minor-key version of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”

Carrie Rodriguez performs at The Cannery Ballroom, Courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Krissie Gregory

Downstairs in the Cannery Ballroom, performer Carrie Rodriguez was delighting the audience with her dazzling fiddle skills, leading the band through some hypnotic instrumental jams. Her set also included “La Punalada Trapera,” a Spanish language song written by her great aunt that appears on her 2010 album Love and Circumstance.

Nashville singer/songwriter Will Hoge was next up on the Mercy Lounge stage, and by the time I made it upstairs he and band were ripping through “Sex, Lies and Money” from his 2007’s Draw The Curtains. He joked that he and his musical compatriots had journeyed to the show from “a faraway land, called Inglewood.”

Hoge, it must be said, is a dynamite live performer. His voice last night was pure soul, adding the precise amount of emotional heft to tracks like “When I Get My Wings,” a standout from his current album Number 7. Other selections included “Trying To Be A Man,” “Fool’s Gonna Fly,” and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” which Eli Young Band cut for their recently-released Life At Best collection.

Will Hoge and band at the Mercy Lounge, Courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

Mark Olson of the Jayhawks at the Cannery Ballroom, Courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Krissie Gregory

Attendees were also crammed into the Cannery Ballroom to see the Jayhawks perform. The Minnesota band has been mining the fertile lands of planet country-rock since well before “Americana” had a name, and they played an important role in shaping its current sound. Band principals Gary Louris and Mark Olson sounded uncannily like their finest recordings, blending their voices in pristine harmony. Their set featured “Two Hearts,” “She Walks In So Many Ways,” “I’d Run Away,” “Tiny Arrows,” and their gorgeous, enduring minor hit “Blue” from 1995’s Tomorrow The Green Grass.

Americana opened its borders for Romantica, a folk-rock band from Minneapolis-via-Belfast and the final performers at Mercy Lounge on Thursday. Their sound fused the obligatory Gram Parsons influence with a little chamber pop and classic rock ‘n’ roll.

Band leader Ben Kyle professed his love of Nashville mid-set. “I love this town, because it’s where country music comes from.” Hey, we like it too!

Lori McKenna performs at the Rutledge, courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Kim Jameson

Across town at the Rutledge, songwriter Lori McKenna played a with a full-band that included her producer, Barry Dean. Performances included the title track from her 2011 album Lorraine, “Buy This Town,” “Witness To Your Life” and “Stealing Kisses,” which Faith Hill cut in 2005.

Performers around town included Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore, followed by JD Souther at The Station Inn. The lineup at the Basement included Amanda Shires, Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three, and Malcolm Holcombe, who set the Twitterverse abuzz following his set.

Last night was a late one for yours truly, so feel free to rattle me awake tonight if you catch me dozing against the wall. On tap for later: Matraca Berg, Will Kimbrough, Amy LaVere, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale and Buddy Miller, and much more.

Also: look on musicrow.com for more coverage of AMA showcases tomorrow and Sunday.

SESAC hosted the opening reception at the 12th Annual Americana Music Festival and Conference on Wednesday, October 12 at Sheraton Downtown Nashville. The event featured performances by Americana artists Amy Black and Robby Hecht. (L-R): SESAC’s Amy Beth Hale, Robby Hecht, Amy Black and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Event To Benefit Local Veterans

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(L-R) Ira Blonder, Board member and managing General Partner of Sound Kitchen Studios; Mary Lankford Benson, Board member and Senior Vice President at Tennessee Commerce Bank; and Tim Gregath, Executive Director of We Are Building Lives

The 4th Annual No Veteran Left Behind event will take place Saturday, Oct. 22 from 6 – 9 pm at Lexus of Nashville, Cool Springs. The special event benefits We Are Building Lives, a non-profit organization serving homeless veterans in the Nashville area. The night includes a wine tasting and live musical entertainment.

“It’s going to be a great evening for an incredible cause,” says Mary Lankford Benson, We Are Building Lives Board Member. “We are so fortunate to have individuals willing to serve and protect our country. Now it’s our turn to help and serve them. Events like this allow us the means to offer them the assistance they need.”

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at www.WeAreBuildingLives.org or by contacting Benson at 615-308-1639. An additional $1,000 event sponsor packet is also offered at a special value, including ten VIP tickets, special seating and a personalized event poster. All proceeds will be donated to We Are Building Lives.

ICM Association Will Go Pink, Stream Awards

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The Inspirational Country Music Association is “Turning Nashville Pink” this year from Oct. 24-28 in honor of October’s national theme of breast cancer awareness and to raise funds to benefit the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition. The ICM Association will turn the city pink during its Inspirational Country Music Week and the ICM Faith, Family, & Country Awards. Throughout the week, downtown Nashville businesses will display pink in support of the cause. The state capitol will follow suit and light up pink for the entire week.

This year’s Inspirational Country Music Week schedule is slated to draw a cross section of industry, music fans, broadcast media and artists in a showcase of music and seminar-related activities. The 2011 ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards will be the highpoint finale of Inspirational Country Music Week on Oct. 28

The presentation of the 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center will stream online this year, hosted as an online ticketed webcast via www.StageIt.com. Music fans can access sign-up information for the webcast, as well as buy tickets for the online awards ceremonies, at www.stageit.com/faithfamilycountry.

“The live webcast of this year’s awards is being presented through an agreement we’ve signed with StageIt, a very innovative California-based production team that specializes in delivering major artist music driven ‘event experiences’ online,” says Jason Higgins, Executive Director of the Inspirational Country Music Association.

GAC Network’s Storme Warren and Inside Edition’s Megan Alexander will be on the pink carpet, hosting the event. Artists already announced to perform that night include Lee Greenwood, Ricky Skaggs, Joey+Rory, The Roys, Guy Penrod, Buddy Jewell and Chuck Day.

Major artist nominees on the Top 5 ballot for this year’s awards include Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Ronnie Dunn, The Roys, Josh Turner, Jeff Bates, Randy Travis, The Grascals, Ricky Skaggs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Point of Grace, The Isaacs and George Strait. Film honors finalists include Country Strong, Secretariat and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

For more information, please visit www.ccma.cc.

SHeDaisy Signs Management Agreement

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SHeDAISY, the platinum-selling sister trio, has signed an exclusive management agreement with Stuart Dill and John Ferriter of Octagon Entertainment.

“I’ve been a fan of SHeDAISY since I first saw the girls perform. Their voices blend so beautifully and I couldn’t be more excited to work them and call them friends and clients,” said Ferriter.

Utah-native sisters Kristyn, Kelsi and Kassidy Osborn of SHeDAISY have had five albums, charted fifteen times on Billboard and released a Best of SHeDAISY LP in 2008. The trio released their debut album, The Whole Shebang, with Lyric Street Records in 1999. The debut album went platinum and gave the sisters three Top Ten country hits.

“Major plans are underway for a new album and tour. We look forward with great anticipation to ramping up SHeDAISY in the coming year,” noted Dill.

SHeDAISY joins Octagon Entertainment-Nashville artists Billy Ray Cyrus, Jo Dee Messina, Laura Bell Bundy and Weston Burt, as well Octagon Entertainment clients Piers Morgan, Nancy O’Dell, Erin Burnett, Dr. Drew Pinsky and Curt Menefee.