Benefit News: Josh Turner Raises $150K For Tornado Ravaged Town

Josh Turner with UMG's Royce Risser, Joe Putnam, and fans at the Ringgold fundraiser.


Josh Turner’s recent benefit in Ringgold, GA brought in over $150,000 for the community devastated on April 27 by an EF-4 tornado. Despite pouring rain, he helped raise the spirits of area residents. All proceeds from the US101 sponsored event will be split evenly between the Ringgold Band and the Ringgold athletic fund. The storm destroyed about 50% of the town’s businesses, many homes and places of worship. Ringgold High School and Ringgold Middle School both suffered major damage. Sadly, nine lives were lost.
• • • •
James Otto’s Ottomaniacs came together to raise $4,000 for flood victims in Minot, ND as a result of his live streaming benefit concert on StageIt.com. Total proceeds from tips and ticket sales totaled $2,000, and one anonymous fan generously matched that amount bringing the total donation to $4,000. The benefit was part of the series Otto began in early June called “Thirsty Thursdays” in which he performs live streaming shows on StageIt.com from his home studio.
• • • •
Musicians Corner is hosting a benefit show to help fund its upcoming fall season of free music in Centennial Park. The benefit is July 24, 7 PM at 3rd & Lindsley featuring Pat McLaughlin, Humming House and Uncle Lucius. Tickets are $10 for General Admission and $25 for Reserved Seats, which includes a free Musicians Corner 2011 Membership and T Shirt. The show will be broadcast on Lightning 100 from 8-10 PM.
• • • •
Wynonna and HLN’s Robin Meade performed at the 2011 Independence Day Concert in Warner Robins, GA. The show aired July 4 on the Armed Forces Network.
• • • •
The North To Alaska Tour—Red Dirt in the Last Frontier, featured Bleu Edmondson, Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland, Wade Bowen, Roger Creager and Brandon Jenkins. Proceeds from three shows, complete with meet and greets with the artists, benefit children with autism.
• • • •
Lee Brice invited servicemen from VR-57 out of Naval Air Station North Island (San Diego, CA) up on stage while performing in Del Mar, CA on Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour.

Lee Brice honors service members on Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour.

Industry Ink Thursday (7/21)

MCA Nashville’s Ashton Shepherd hit six cities in five days to celebrate the release of her album Where Country Grows. She played to a near capacity crowd at Cotton Eyed Joe's in Knoxville at a show sponsored by WIVK. Shepherd also stopped in Atlanta, where she is pictured here with (L-R): MCA’s Van Haze, WKHX PD Mark Richards, and WKHX MD Mike Macho.


Artists Set For ICM Awards
The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards will include appearances by Lee Greenwood, Joey & Rory, Ricky Skaggs and The Roys. Popular television personalities Storme Warren and Megan Alexander will host the Oct. 28 show at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
CMT Radio
Erin Duvall is joining the CMT Radio team in Nashville today as Associate Producer. She has worked for AOL’s The Boot and Country Aircheck and recently relocated back to Nashville from Los Angeles. In this role, Duvall will be responsible for helping to produce CMT’s radio programming, representing CMT Radio at industry events, conducting artist interviews, as well as writing the network’s prep materials that are sent nightly to CMT Radio Network’s over 160 radio affiliates.
Duvall will work closely with Curt Miller who has been promoted to the role of Producer, CMT Radio Network. Miller joined CMT Radio in November 2010 and previously held the position of Associate Producer after working with Fox 17’s Tennessee Mornings for five years. Both Duvall and Miller report to Jean Williams, Director of CMT Radio.
Turntable.fm
Turntable.fm has secured licenses with ASCAP and BMI. Users of the growing social music site join virtual crowds in themed rooms where they can listen to music selected by “DJs” or become a DJ themselves. The crowd can vote on each song selection and chat with each other.
Airplay Direct
AirPlay Direct has hired Lee Williams as Manager of International Development. He is the founder and owner of European country music radio station CMR, which is in its seventh year of broadcasting. Each month it reaches nearly 500,000 listeners around the world.

Colt Ford Taps Star Friends to Honor Hometown Heros


Colt Ford


Colt Ford has recruited a fantastic line-up for a benefit concert next month in his hometown Athens, Ga. Set to perform are Rhett Akins, Jason Aldean, Dallas Davidson, Mike Dekel, Edwin McCain, and James Otto.
The Aug. 16 show at the Georgia Theater will benefit local police officers and their families who were victims of a recent shooting. Senior Police Officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian died, and Senior Police Officer Tony Howard was injured.
“I’ve known Tony for over 25 years, and both he and Buddy are and were pillars in this community, and I can’t stand by and not do something for their families during this difficult time due to such a brutal offense,” says Ford.
The evening will include a pre-show VIP cocktail reception and silent auction. “I want to raise as much money as we can through the auction, performances, and donation links, so I can’t thank my friends enough for joining together with me for this great cause,” said Ford.
General admission and VIP tickets will go on-sale Friday, July 22 at 10 a.m. ET here.

LeAnn Rimes Sets Fall Release Date


LeAnn Rimes puts a female spin on classic country songs originally performed by men for her upcoming project, Lady and Gentlemen. Set for release Sept. 27 on Curb Records, Rimes offers songs first made popular by Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Merle Haggard and others. Last year Rimes released her remake of the John Anderson hit “Swingin.’”
Rimes fans will also find new material on the project. The bonus tracks include her current single, “Give,” as well as new cut “Crazy Women” and an updated recording of her 1996 debut hit, “Blue.”

Justin Niebank and John Hobbs produced the album, and Rimes, Vince Gill, and Darrell Brown served as executive producers.

Jason Aldean on CMT Invitation Only


The latest edition of CMT Invitation Only features Jason Aldean and is set to premiere Friday, July 29, 10:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m., ET/PT. During the show Aldean answers questions from fans, and performs older hits including “Hicktown,” “Amarillo Sky,” ”Why,” and “Crazytown,” as well as faves from his newest album “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kinda Party.”
CMT is also premiering the special What’s Your 20? 20 Greatest Men, 20 Years on Wed., Aug. 10. The two-hour countdown show will rank Country’s 20 greatest men according to fan-voted selections chosen on CMT.com. The special also features new exclusive interviews with the honorees, including Aldean, Trace Adkins, and Keith Urban, as well as several of their female contemporaries like Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride and Taylor Swift.

Brenda Lee, Jeannie Seely To Host SOURCE Awards

Brenda Lee and Jeannie Seely will once again host the SOURCE Awards, slated for Thurs., Aug. 25, 2011 at the Noah Liff Opera Center in Nashville. The annual celebration honors women in the music industry for their contributions.
Kay Smith, chairman and founder of the SOURCE Awards, says, “Brenda and Jeannie have claimed ownership of the podium, and we couldn’t be more thrilled and grateful. Their natural wit and charm adds intimacy, humor, and warmth to the event.”
The previously announced 2011 SOURCE Awards Honorees are Roberta Edging, Millie Kirkham, Barbara Orbison, Evelyn Shriver, Janice Erickson Wendell, plus a posthumous recognition for Georgia Twitty Chellman.
Awards dinner reservations are $75.00 per person. Mail check to SOURCE, Attn:  Betty Sanders, Box 331126, Nashville, TN 37203-7510. Seating is limited and reservations are required by July 28. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Margie Hunt at mhuntmusicservices@comcast.net.

Industry Ink Wednesday (7/20)

“American Picker” Turns Songwriter
Mike Wolfe, known for his role in the History Channel series American Pickers, owns a home in Nashville and recently opened the second of his Antique Archeology retail stores in Music City—the first is in LeClair, Iowa. He has been working with producer Brian Ahern on a project called Music to Pick By. They’ve been collaborating with songwriter Dale Watson, one of Wolfe’s favorites.

(L-R): Mike Wolfe; producer Brian Ahern; and BMI's Jody Williams, welcoming Wolfe to the BMI family. Photo: Drew Maynard


CCMA Fans Choice Nominees
The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced the nominees for the 2011 Fans’ Choice Award. From Friday, July 22— Friday, Sept. 9, fans can vote at www.ccma.org for Dean Brody, George Canyon, Terri Clark, Doc Walker or Johnny Reid. The winner will be announced during the Canadian Country Music Awards® broadcast live on CBC in Hamilton, ON on Sept. 12.
Free Frankie Ballard Track
Frankie Ballard’s “A Buncha Girls” is the iTunes Single of The Week. The song is from his self-titled debut produced by Michael Knox.
Doyal Exits AirPlay Direct, Expands Own Agency
Clif Doyal has left his post as Executive VP of AirPlay Direct. He had worked for the digital music delivery service since 2009. Doyal continues to operate the Clif Doyal Agency, an artist and label management/consulting business, and CDA Promotions-Nashville, a publicity and marketing company. He currently works with Shawna RussellLiveWire and others. Doyal is seeking experienced candidates for an in-house radio promotion staff and an in-house booking agent. Interested parties can contact him at CDAnashville@aol.com.
“Nashville Skyline” On Murdoch
CMT.com’s Chet Flippo offers an interesting backstory on embattled media mogul Rupert Murdoch here. Flippo’s piece was also picked up by the LA Times.
 

Chesney Leads Country Tour Rankings

Kenny Chesney onstage in Columbus, Ohio in late June.


The touring industry is rebounding following the 2010 slump according to Pollstar’s Mid-Year report. Gross box office receipts and ticket sales are on the rise, despite an increase in ticket prices.
The report tracks data from Jan. 1-June 30, 2011. It shows a 10.2 percent hike in the average ticket price in North America, which climbed $6.25 to a record high of $67.02.
Total ticket sales for the first half of the year equal 16.7 million, a 5.3 percent jump over a year ago.
Concerts have grossed $1.12 billion, an increase of $157 million (16.2 percent).
Nashville’s own Bridgestone Arena ranks ninth in the United States and 23rd in the world for concert attendance, based strictly on tickets sold to music events. Last year, Bridgestone ranked 23rd in the U.S. and 48th in the world.
Country on Pollstar’s Top North American Tours list
(gross in millions, 1/1/11- 6/30/11)
No. 4—Kenny Chesney, 46.7 million
No. 6—Taylor Swift, 29.5
No. 15—George Strait, Reba, Lee Ann Womack 18.4
No. 27—Brad Paisley, 11.9
No. 28—Jason Aldean, 11.8
No. 33—Sugarland, 10.1
No. 39—Rascal Flatts, 9.2
No. 49—Tim McGraw, 7.3
No. 50—Zac Brown Band, 6.7
* Culled from the list’s Top 50 tours. See report for full list, including each tour’s average ticket price, average number of tickets sold, total tickets, average gorss, number of cities and number of shows.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/20/11)

They don’t call it “Country Music City,” just Music City.
And there’s a heck of a lot more going on here than honky-tonk tunes. In addition to hosting the pop-crossover success of Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem,” the Hot 100 features Ke$ha’s “Blow” as well as the runaway top-10 smash “Tonight Tonight” by our own Hot Chelle Rae.
Let’s see—Paramore has a single called “Monster” on the Transformers soundtrack, and lead singer Hayley Williams is teaming up with Weezer on a Muppets tribute CD. Jack White’s Third Man imprint is promoting a single by Stephen Colbert (!). Jeff the Brotherhood has scored a Warners deal. Kings of Leon, Ben Folds and The Black Keys continue to be beacons of excellence.
In this pop-rock DisClaimer roundup, the aforementioned Hot Chelle Rae wins our Disc of the Day prize. I’m a little late getting to him, since his album dropped early this year, but Sharif Iman is most assuredly the DisCovery Award winner in this stack of platters.
JONELL MOSSER /When He Gets Home
Writer: Tom Britt/Jonell Mosser; Producer: Kevin McKendree, Tom Britt, Jonell Mosser & The Nico Teen Idols; Publisher: Slugfish/Brothers Mothers, no performance rights listed; City Hall (track) (www.cityhallrecords.com)
—Widely regarded as one of the 10 best female singers in Music City, regardless of genre, this blue-eyed soul diva co-wrote most of her new Fortunes Lost, Fortunes Told album with Nashville rock guitarist and co-producer Tom Britt. The set kicks off with this backbeat romper that marries New Orleans with new-wave soul. Elsewhere, she covers Taj Mahal’s “Giant Step,” Nick Lowe’s “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day,” and Craig Fuller’s “Fool for You.” This vet still sounds great.
WILL HOGE/When I Get My Wings
Writer: none listed; Producer: Will Hoge; Publisher: none listed; Ryko (track)
—This guy is a true Music City treasure. We nearly lost him four years ago when a truck crashed into his scooter, crushing his lungs and breaking multiple bones. His superb 2007 CD Draw the Curtains contained the thrillingly soulful “Washed By the Water.” He performed it, unforgettably, as the finale song of the Ryman telethon to benefit the victims of the May 2010 Nashville flood. This fitting successor is the lead single to his forthcoming, fall-release, seventh solo album titled Number Seven. Complete with blasting horns, it’s a simmering, stately Memphis/Stax slow-burn religious revival. Awesome.
HOT CHELLE RAE/Tonight Tonight
Writer: R.K. Follese/N. Overstreet/E. Kiriakou/E. Kidd Bogart/L. Robbins; Producer: Emanuel Kiriakou; Publisher: Midas/Sleep When I’m Rich/Scarlet Moon/Nash O/Roditis/Here’s Lookin’ at You Kidd/Beluga Heights/Sony-AATV/Hey Kiddo/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Jive (track)
—Chord Overstreet is gone from from the cast of Glee, but brother Nash Overstreet has a big, fat pop hit with his band Hot Chelle Rae. Both are the sons of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Paul Overstreet. In addition to Nash, HCR also contains Jamie and R.K. Follese, the sons of country hit writer Keith Follese, plus Ian Keaggy, the son of Christian-music guitar wonder and multiple Dove awardee Phil Keaggy. “Tonight Tonight” has entered the pop top-10 with its cheerfully bright choruses, spoken passages and thumping party beats. It is the centerpiece of the group’s EP featuring three videos and four equally catchy audio tracks. Irresistible.
JIOSA/On The Edge
Writer: Denny Jiosa/John Toomey/Jon Von Boehm; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Jazzdaddy, SESAC; Sonic Canvas (track) (www.jiosa.com)
—Veteran Nashville guitarist Denny Jiosa now has a trio containing bassist Jon Von Boehm and drummer John Toomey. The title tune to the group’s new album is a rocking affair with improvised metallic axe screaming and steady rhythm undertow. Fling your hair around to this one. Also check out the groovy, echoey instrumental cover of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Bummer
Writer: Jake Orrall/Jamin Orrall; Producer: Jeff the Brotherhood; Publisher: Infinity Cat, ASCAP; Infinity Cat (track) (www.infinitycat.com)
—Brothers Jamin and Jake Orrall are beloved graduates of Be Your Own Pet. Their second CD as Jeff the Brotherhood seems to address their reputation as being better live than on disc, for it is quite the production. Audaciously titled We Are the Champions, the stoner-punk collection is full of wit as well as bashing and crashing. This single gets under your skin with its deep, dark instrumental bed and droning vocal. The boys’ father is Robert Ellis Orrall, of “Al Gore” notoriety, and the only Nashville songwriter to have written for both Shenandoah and Lindsay Lohan, not to mention “Look it Up” for Ashton Shepherd. By the way, this is the last chance you’ll have to buy Jeff as an indie (on vinyl, if you wish), because Warners is about to give Infinity Cat a shot at world domination.
ROYAL TAILOR/Hold Me Together
Writer: none listed; Producer: Chuck Butler; Publisher: none listed; Provident (track) (www.royaltailoronline.com)
—This bi-racial foursome is scaling the Christian charts with this track from its debut album Black & White. The plaintive tenor lead vocal arches skyward with shadowing backup singing and gently electrified, spacey instrumental work. The lyric could be romantic or religious, depending on the listener, so I sense definite pop-crossover potential.
BILLY FALCON/When
Writer: Billy Falcon; Producer: Billy Falcon & Nick Pellegrino; Publisher: none listed, BMI; BF (track) (www.billyfalcon.com)
—Billy moved to Music City some 20 years ago following the loss of his wife to breast cancer. He raised daughter Rose on his own in Nashville, and she is now a pop record maker, herself. The two spent a good part of this year on the road opening for Bon Jovi, and Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are his co-writers on the album track “When We Were Beautiful.” “When,” the CD’s title tune, addresses Billy’s grief. It is a starkly arranged ballad with his cracked delivery fronting a sighing string section. The moving lyric wishes mom could only see her daughter now, as a blossoming adult. Essential listening that is loaded with soul.
BURLAP TO CASHMERE/Build A Wall
Writer: Steven Delopoulos; Producer: Mitchell Froom; Publisher: SD Songs, SESAC; Jive/Essential (track) (www.burlaptocashmere.com)
—Although based in Brooklyn, this five-man folk-rock band is marketed out of Music City. Its hair-raising back story involves guitarist John Philippidis being nearly beaten to death by two now-imprisoned male assailants because of a road-rage incident in 2005. His cousin, Steve Delopoulos, is the band’s songwriter and lead singer. The group’s long comeback has led to a self-titled CD that includes this very cool, crunchy, compelling thumper. Burlap to Cashmere deserves to stand alongside Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers and other stellar practitioners of heart-pumping alternative, acoustic pop.
MATTHEW WEST/Strong Enough
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sparrow (track)
—In addition to being an award-winning CCM artist, West writes songs for folks like Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Point of Grace, Mallary Hope (”Love Lives On”) and Diamond Rio (”This Is My Life”). His current hit has a shuddering, hard-rock track that contrasts somewhat disturbingly with his light, tenor vocal delivery. Pass.
SHARIF IMAN/Shine
Writer: Sharif Iman; Producer: Dave Wilson; Publisher: Fox/Chocolate Soul Child, SESAC; Foxy/CSC (track) (www.sharifiman.com)
—This Nashville singer-songwriter was so determined to make it in music that he endured periods of homelessness. The handsome, self-proclaimed “Chocolate Soul Child” has made solid strides forward with his indie single, which is also the title tune to his CD. It is a shimmering, soaring outing that showcases his impressive vocal range and inspirational songwriting. I believe in this guy.

"MusicRow" Exclusive With StageIt CEO Evan Lowenstein

(L-R): MR Publisher David Ross, Evan Lowenstein, MR Owner/Pres. Sherod Robertson


Recently named to Digital Media Wire’s list of 25 Execs to Watch in Digital Entertainment for 2011, Evan Lowenstein, Founder and CEO of StageIt, sat down exclusively with MusicRow to discuss the success of his innovative company.
First, a little background: launched in fall 2010, StageIt.com offers artists a web-based platform to perform live and have direct interaction with fans from their laptops. Although much like a virtual concert, the artists have much more flexibility in delivering the entertainment.
Artists choose when and how long to perform, and how much to charge. The artist not only decides how many tickets to sell, but can change the number up until the performance starts. In other words, the ticket cost, “size” of venue, and length of show can be completely reactive to demand.
Lowenstein says country music particularly lends itself to such a platform because the genre’s fans enjoy accessibility to artists. He also points out that country artists are more comfortable delivering their music in stripped down settings than acts in other genres.

“We say we offer a front row seat to a backstage experience,” explains Lowenstein. “The most expensive ticket in the house is a front row seat. We are capitalizing on the connectivity of the Internet and the advancements in the broadcasting to literally bring [fans] this amazing content. Take a country artist, or any artist, and put them together with the fans, and the medium becomes less important. If you meet a famous artist or someone special, it doesn’t matter if it’s in a rickety elevator or stairwell or on a plane, it’s the content [that matters], not the medium.”

As a former member of pop brother-duo Evan and Jaron, known for Top 10 hit “Crazy for this Girl,” Lowenstein has always been fascinated with connectivity to fans. Although the technology existed, he was equally frustrated with not having a way to share his experiences with fans without devaluing his content and himself as an artist. This frustration led to the creation of StageIt.

StageIt CEO Evan Lowenstein


StageIt offers a way for the artist to monetize the online experience. Perhaps more importantly, it allows fans a way to show direct appreciation to the artist through a virtual tip jar and online chatting during the performance. Some users spend over $50 a week. Artists on StageIt can also sell their records during the show, much like in a traditional venue. Hear something you like and a purchase is just one click away.
In an era when we can see anything anytime we want, StageIt appears to be heading in the opposite direction. None of the live shows are ever recorded or archived. Regarding technology, Lowenstein is quick to respond, “Just because it’s available doesn’t mean we have to use it.” The company focuses on bringing back the mystery of the artist and feels if someone is available 24/7 there is less value. Today’s artists have too much access according to Lowenstein. He says, “This is why artists have careers for four and a half minutes.”
StageIt continues to focus on the needs of the artist and the best way to connect with their fans, which to Lowenstein means no distracting advertising. The site creates moments and intimate experiences for the fan and many artists have taken advantage.
StageIt performances from country music artists include Big Kenny, Don Schlitz, Sherrie Austin, James Otto, Jerrod Neimann, Chris Young and others. After using the StageIt platform, Jimmy Buffett was so impressed with the experience, he partnered with the company.
While the industry is plagued with piracy issues and declining revenues, Lowenstein says, “We’ve found a playing field where the fans and artist agree there is value.”
Visit StageIt.com for more information.