Three Nashvillians Among "Idol" Finalists

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(L-R): Kendra Chantelle, Paul McDonald, and Ashton Jones


Nashvillians Ashthon Jones, Kendra Chantelle and Paul McDonald made it to the top 24 on the current season of American Idol. The first group of finalists were revealed last week on the Fox show.
All three contestants have been trying to make it in the music business. McDonald sings in his band The Grand Magnolias, Chantelle has had a gig at the Hard Rock Cafe, and Jones won the 2009 Nashville Independent Music Award for best female R&B solo artist.
As the competition on Idol heats up in coming weeks, don’t forget to tune in to Nashville’s Fox 17 for its Idol expert panel, featuring MusicRow’s own Jon Freeman.

Lambert Cancels Dates Due To Illness

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Miranda Lambert‘s tour kicked off on a high note earlier this month with two sold-out shows, but the outing hit a snag when she was forced to cancel the upcoming Australian leg.
She announced cancellation of her tour dates Down Under this morning (2/28) on her official website. The singer is suffering from a respiratory infection and is under doctor’s orders not to perform.
She was set for a series of shows with Alan Jackson, which were scheduled to start this Friday (3/4) in Melbourne.

 “I was very much looking forward to Australia with Alan Jackson and performing for all the music lovers down under,” Lambert said in her web posting.
The dates—which sold out in minutes—included five arena performances, in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, as well as the CMC Rocks the Hunter festival. Australian artists will fill the spots.
Lambert’s The Revolution Continues tour kicked off with two sold-out shows at the famed Billy Bob’s Texas in Ft. Worth. She is the first artist to ever sell out back-to-back nights at the venue. Tickets for both nights were gone in a record breaking 30 minutes.

Paisley’s Video Paintbox Adds To Concert Production

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Brad Paisley brought his H2O Frozen Over tour to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Saturday night, playing a sold-out show to 13,500 fans. Pictured (l-r): Sony Music Nashville Sales VP Kerri Fox-Metoyer; Arista Nashville Promotion VP Lesly Tyson; Fitzgerald Hartley’s Bill Simmons; Niemann; Paisley; Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton, Promotion Sr. VP Skip Bishop, and Marketing Sr. VP Paul Barnabee. Photo: Ben Enos


Brad Paisley H20 Tour
Feb. 26, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
Brad Paisley is the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, so if you’re reading this you probably already know he’s a member of an elite club of artists that write great songs, play incredible guitar and sing convincingly. But if you haven’t seen his live show, then you still haven’t sampled his genius for presenting his music in an arena setting. Saturday night’s Nashville performance (2/26) was the last stop on his H20 tour that began shortly after last year’s May floods ravaged Music City.
Each song in the high energy two-hour set gets treated with a full production almost akin to the style of a broadway musical. But instead of dancers, costume changes and canvas backdrops, Paisley creates warm, engaging video “sets” that highlight, frame and sometimes expand the lyrics using animation and more. Often he deftly  blurs the lines between the two dimensional screen and those on the three dimensional stage. He also freely explores/prowls the venue’s extremities to get closer with “the people in the cheap seats.” The show even employs previously unheard musical interludes to bridge moments between songs. Video screens at concerts are hardly new, but Paisley has not only reinvented the process, he’s elevated it.
The effect of Paisley’s magic video paintbox—he creates many of these video segments himself—is mesmerizing but not distracting. Staging for the H20 tour  was sparse. Four circular risers provide a home for the band and directly behind them is a balcony, the rest is a giant video screen. And last but not least on stage  was Paisley himself, dressed in jeans, t-shirt and white hat—the epitome of one of the good guys.
Hit songs flooded the stage such as “Celebrity,” “Waiting On A Woman,” “Water,” “American Saturday Night,” “Welcome To The Future” and more. Alison Krauss came out to duet on “Whiskey Lullaby.” (Oh wait, that was only a video image.) “Letter To Me,” voiced with acoustic guitar was one audience favorite, among many.
The evening closed with a second encore—“Alcohol.” A portable bar was quickly unfolded and a busload of industry revelers poured out on stage to help celebrate the tour’s final performance. Sony Nashville label head Gary Overton and wife Jan were all smiles, and Paisley manager, “lovable” Bill Simmons could be seen sharing a celebratory hug with tour promoter Brian O’Connell.
• • •
Jerrod Niemann and then Darius Rucker warmed the crowd earlier in the evening. Predictably Niemann’s hit “Lover, Lover” was the standout, and closer for his set. Rucker opened smartly with “Alright,” which showed his experience and good vocal chops. Covers of “Family Tradition” and “Purple Rain” were excellent choices during his set and also took the crowd out of its seats.

Toby Keith Introduces Wild Shot Mezcal

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Sorry, horses, you still have to drink beer. Ever the entrepreneur, Toby Keith is launching Toby Keith’s Wild Shot Mezcal, a 100% green agave spirit that purports to be authentic. Very few Mezcal products currently exist in the market and Keith plans to capitalize on that with his version of the traditional Mexican drink.
“I have always been fascinated with Mexico and the drink Mezcal,” Keith says. “It is a part of my life. Mexico is a theme that runs through many of my songs, including my recent single ‘Bullets In The Gun.’ The tradition and history of Mezcal is magical to me, and dates back to 16th century warriors celebrating the defeat of their enemies.”
Mezcal varies from agave-based tequila in its preparation method and the inclusion of the agave worm in the bottle. Keith points out that the worm is not decoration. “It’s not there for the look,” he says. “It is there to be eaten. It is believed that the worm will bring wondrous experiences and every individual’s will be different.”
Wild Shot will be imported by Shaw-Ross, and a special pre-launch tasting event will be held in Nashville next week.

Is Digital Music Heading To The Clouds?

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Look up! Is it a bird or a plane? No. It’s the clouds.
The music industry waters are set to begin rippling again later this year, possibly as early as summer when, according to Financial Times, Apple, Google and Spotify jump into the cloud with music. Exactly what this will mean, may be a bit different for each of the companies involved and those that inevitably will follow. [“Cloud” is a simple metaphor to describe information and files placed on a server accessible from anywhere via an Internet connection.]
Spotify’s approach is clearest since its free and/or paid plan already is very popular in Europe. Users get free music streamed from the cloud in exchange for seeing ads or pay and get the music without ads. Google and Apple’s strategy is still unoffical. However, according to FT.com, Apple is planning to use the cloud resources it acquired last year from Lala, “mainly to allow users of its iTunes store to back up their collections and access them from any Apple device.” This method would support the paid download approach that Apple’s iTunes store has pioneered and popularized.
Google is anxious to launch a download store of its own, but is also interested in using the cloud to offer a digital locker where songs could be stored, much the same as the Apple plan, “to keep copies of their media in the cloud,” says FT.com. (Amazon already has its own digital store, but even with discounted pricing has been unable to steal appreciable market share from iTunes.)
Perhaps the most perplexing of all is the delay that Spotify has faced in trying to secure its U.S. launch which was supposed to begin in 2010. Sony and EMI have reportedly signed onto the service, but Universal and Warner Music are still in negotiations. Labels are concerned about how many free tracks users will be able to enjoy and if/how that might impact download sales. Many execs believe that Spotify will have a negative impact on sales without offering a large revenue stream in return.
With Warner and EMI both in play and up for sale, it is unclear how/if negotiations with Spotify might affect each company’s valuation.

Benefit News

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Kenny Chesney Raises Awareness For Everglades Foundation
On February 18 Kenny Chesney performed for the Everglades Foundation benefit in Palm Beach, Fla. Chesney’s friend and Foundation Board member Jimmy Buffet joined him on stage for “Back Where I Come From” and one of Buffett’s signature songs, “Come Monday.” Mac McAnally joined Chesney on “Down The Road.”
The Everglades Foundation is dedicated to protecting and restoring one of the world’s unique natural ecosystems, providing economic, recreational and life-sustaining benefits to the millions of people who depend on its future health. For more information, visit www.evergladesfoundation.org.
Lady Antebellum Headlines Gift of Music Event
Just 5 days after their 5 Grammy sweep, Lady Antebellum headlined the Dustin J. Wells Foundation Gift of Music event benefitting Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School, a nonprofit school that provides music lessons and instruments to children from low-income families. Joining Lady A were Dierks Bentley, Heidi Newfield, Joey + Rory, LoCash Cowboys, Brett Eldredge and a student band from the school.

Photo: Fred Pierson


Carrie Underwood Presents Check to Save The Children
Carrie Underwood presented Mark Shriver, Sr. Vice President of U.S. Programs for Save the Children, a check from proceeds collected through ticket sales from the 2010 fall leg of her Play On Tour. From every ticket sold during the September to December 2010 run of shows, 36¢ was donated to Save The Children’s U.S. Programs, a donation totaling $140,125.68.
This charitable initiative was inspired by the “36 cents” written in the lyrics of Underwood’s album track “Change” on her most recent album Play On, which addresses how even the smallest bit of spare change that one might have can add up to make a difference and help “change” the world.

Photo: Chris Hallo




2011 Chords of Hope
Clay Walker will return to Nashville Wednesday, March 2 to host the second annual Chords of Hope: The Clay Walker MS Benefit Concert at the Wildhorse Saloon. The concert, presented by 98 WSIX and produced by Clay’s charity, Band Against MS (BAMS), will help raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) research with proceeds going to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Tickets for the concert, being held during the National MS Education and Awareness Month, are on sale now through the Wildhorse Saloon. To learn more about Clay Walker and BAMS, visit www.claywalker.com and www.bandagainstms.org.
Braswell Performs Benefit Concert for Rescue Mission
Recording artist and Flat Track Motorcycle Champion, Beau Braswell, will perform Monday, February 28 at 8:00pm at 3rd & Lindsley to benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission. Braswell is a six-time AMA National Champion and a two-time AMRA World Motorcycle Champion. Braswell is also a singer/songwriter and grew up right here in Nashville. He released his first CD Time To Ride through Harley-Davidson® stores nationwide and his newest project will be released later this summer.
Music City Tennis Invitational
The 38th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational will be held Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1 at Brownlee O. Currey Jr. Tennis Center at Vanderbilt University. MCTI is the only fundraising event that directly benefits the Center for Child Development at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. MCTI provides essential funding for the Center’s services not covered by medical insurance for children with disabilities and their families. To register online or for more information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities visit the organization’s website www.musiccitytennis.com.
Lambert’s Cause For The Paws
Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation will host the 4th annual Cause For The Paws on April 30 in downtown Tyler, Texas. This year’s event will be a “festival on the square” featuring Lambert and special guests Stoney Larue,  Josh Kelley and host Nan Kelley. Ticket prices start at $25. For more information, visit www.mirandalambert.com or MuttNation’s website www.muttnationfoundation.com
Craig Campbell Brings Music to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
Craig Campbell recently participated in a Rhythm of Hope songwriting session with patients at the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Rhythm of Hope is an interactive music program for pediatric patients that gives children a chance to create their own music while learning the art of songwriting. After visiting with the patients, Campbell and the children performed the song they wrote together.

ACM Newcomer Awards To Church and TBP

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ACM fan voters have chosen Eric Church and The Band Perry as winners of this year’s Newcomer Awards—Top New Solo Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group. This means that both winners automatically become nominees for the Top New Artist Award to be presented on the 46th Annual ACM Awards, April 3, 2011.
The two awards will be presented next week in Nashville by Luke Bryan at the ACM-sponsored CRS Music City Jam. Fans will be able to watch the presentation on GAC’s ACM Top New Artists special which will premiere March 14.
Voting for Top New Artist will take place at www.VoteACM.com powered by CBS.com beginning March 11th at 12noon PT and will continue until 5pm PST on Sunday, April 3.
Professional members of the Academy of Country Music select the final nominees in the Top New Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Duo or Group categories. Professional member votes were combined with fan votes to obtain the winners of the Top New categories.

SESAC Names Jason Ingram Christian Songwriter of Year

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(L-R): SESAC's Tim Fink, Jason Ingram, SESAC's John Mullins & Trevor Gale. Photo: Ed Rode


2010 CHRISTIAN SONGWRITER: Jason Ingram
2010 CHRISTIAN PUBLISHER: Sony/ATV Timber Publishing
-Performing rights organization, SESAC, named Christian songwriter/producer Jason Ingram as its 2010 Christian Songwriter of the Year at ceremonies held 2/24 at Nashville’s Hutton Hotel. Sony ATV Timber Publishing was named SESAC’s 2010 Christian Publisher of the Year. Over 25 songs were acknowledged at the awards dinner which was hosted by SESAC’s Tim Fink and John Mullins.
Ingram was honored for work in the Christian format with hits such as “Keep Changing The World” by Mikeschair, “Light Up The Sky” by The Afters and “Healing Begins” by Tenth Avenue North. Other SESAC winners included Christian songsmiths Cary Barlowe, Ian Eskelin, Michael Donehey, Regie Hamm and Tiffany Arbuckle Lee.
A simple but elegant version of  “Born Again,” one of the evening’s honored songs, was performed by Seth Mosley who wrote the song with his partner, Juan Otero. Mosley and Otero make up the writing team, The Wright Brothers. SESAC also took the opportunity to acknowledge and reward the #1 songs that topped Billboard’s Christian charts in 2010.

Belmont University To Honor Peebles and IEBA

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Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business will honor the International Entertainment Buyers Association and one of its founders Harry “Hap” Peebles with the 2011 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence. The presentation will take place at the school’s Best of the Best showcase 7 pm, March 26 at Belmont’s Curb Event Center.
Established in memory of program founder Bob Mulloy, the annual Award of Excellence recognizes an individual or organization that has achieved a level of excellence in the music business and entertainment industries with notable service to Belmont University and the Nashville community. Previous recipients include Donna Hilley and Vince Gill.
Peebles served the country industry over 60 years, working with Barbara Mandrell when she was only 11 years old. He is a founder of IEBA, originally known as the International Country Music Buyers Association, which began in 1970 as a non-profit trade organization for talent buyers, promoters, agents, managers and artists. IEBA has established four endowed scholarships for Belmont students in honor of Peebles, Don Romeo, J.P. Williams, and George Moffett. Collectively the endowments represent over $300,000 in investments.

Littlefield Memorial Benefits Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

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A private reception was held at ASCAP yesterday (2/24) to honor the late Merlin Littlefield, who died from pancreatic cancer in 2008. Littlefield was a veteran of the Nashville ASCAP office for 19 years and was instrumental in the signings of Reba McEntire, Lyle Lovett, George Strait and Gary Burr to the performance rights society. The event was hosted by country music legend Larry Gatlin with special guest speaker Lisa Niemi Swayze, who lost her husband, actor Patrick Swayze, to pancreatic cancer in 2009.
Proceeds go to the Merlin Littlefield Pancreatic Cancer Memorial Fund benefitting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Donations can be made at the organization’s website www.pancan.org.
In addition to Littlefield, pancreatic cancer has claimed the lives of other members of the country music world including Charlie Louvin, who passed away just last month, Buddy Killen, Hank Cochran, Alan Webb, Edward Gaylord, Felice Bryant and Joe Carter.
Photos: Alan Mayor

(L-R): Mica Mosbacher, Larry Gatlin, Eileen Littlefield and Lisa Niemi Swaze.


(L-R): Kathie Baillie, Michael Bonagura, Kristine Arnold, Larry Gatlin, Eileen Littlefield, Dr. Donald Hudson, Janis Gill Oliver and Tony Toliver.