Barry Tashian Headed For Boston Hall of Fame

The Remains, 1966 (L-R): Bill Briggs, Chip Damiani, Barry Tashian and Vern Miller. Photo: Ed Freeman

Nashville singer, songwriter and musician Barry Tashian is to be inducted into the Boston Music Awards Hall of Fame on December 5 because of his 1960s career in the rock band The Remains.

As Boston college students, The Remains were signed to Epic Records in New York, but came to Nashville in 1965 and 1966 to record at the Quonset Hut with producer Billy Sherrill. The group’s debut album was reissued on CD and vinyl in 1999. A Remains Greatest Hits CD appeared in 2007. The Remains were the subjects of the 2009 documentary film America’s Lost Band.

During a brief career, The Remains appeared on such national TV programs as Hullabaloo and The Ed Sullivan Show. The band was chosen as an opening act on the final Beatles U.S. tour in 1966. That experience led to Tashian’s 1997 book Ticket to Ride. After the tour, The Remains broke up.

Tashian next surfaced as a sideman for Gram Parsons in the 1970s. He moved to Nashville in 1980 and was the lead guitarist in Emmylou Harris’s Hot Band in 1980-88. He records and performs today in the Americana/folk duo Barry & Holly Tashian with his wife. Son, Daniel Tashian is a Nashville pop mainstay.

The Remains last reunited for a CD and tour in 2002. In addition to Tashian on lead vocals and lead guitar, the group includes Vern Miller on bass, Bill Briggs on keyboard and Chip Damiani on drums. Tashian says they plan to perform at the induction ceremony.

“All four of us consider it a privilege and an honor to be inducted,” said Tashian.

Swift Announces World Tour

Taylor Swift’s Speak Now is going international following the announcement of her Speak Now World Tour 2011, which gets underway February 9 in Singapore. The global trek currently has 87 shows scheduled, spanning 19 countries in Asia, Europe and North America. Tour dates for New Zealand and Australia are planned for later in the year.

During the first quarter of 2011, Swift will tour through Asia and Europe before launching her North American tour May 27 in Omaha, NE. Six stadium shows, including the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, are on the itinerary. The North American leg is sponsored by Covergirl, and tickets start at $25.

She will perform in Nashville September 16 and 17.

Swift’s 2009-10 Fearless Tour ran for 15 months, playing 107 dates in 88 cities and five countries.

Initial Dates for Speak Now World Tour 2011:

February 9—Singapore
February 11—Seoul, South Korea
February 13—Osaka, Japan
February 16 & 17—Tokyo, Japan
February 19—Manila, Philippines
February 21—Hong Kong
March 6—Brussels, Belgium
March 7—Rotterdam, Holland
March 9—Oslo, Norway
March 12—Oberhausen, Germany
March 15—Milan, Italy
March 17—Paris, France
March 19—Madrid, Spain
March 22—Birmingham, UK
March 25—Belfast, Northern Ireland
March 27—Dublin, Ireland
March 29—Manchester, UK
March 30—London, UK
May 27 & 28—Omaha, Nebraska
May 29—Des Moines, Iowa
June 2 & 3—Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
June 4—Orlando, Florida
June 7—Columbus, Ohio
June 8—Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June 11—Detroit, Michigan
June 14 & 15—St. Paul, Minnesota
June 18—Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 21—Buffalo, New York
June 22—Hartford, Connecticut
June 25—Foxborough, Massachusetts
June 30—Greensboro, North Carolina
July 1—Knoxville, Tennessee
July 2—Louisville, Kentucky
July 8—Charlotte, North Carolina
July 9 & 10—Atlanta, Georgia
July 14—Montreal, Quebec
July 15 & 16—Toronto, Ontario
July 19 & 20—New York, New York
July 28—Grand Rapids, Michigan
July 29—Indianapolis, Indiana
July 30—Cleveland, Ohio
August 2 & 3—Washington, DC
August 6—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
August 9 & 10—Chicago, Illinois
August 13—Lexington, Kentucky
August 14—St. Louis, Missouri
August 18 & 19—Edmonton, Alberta
August 23 & 24—Los Angeles, California
September 1 & 2—San Jose, California
September 3—Sacramento, California
September 6—Portland, Oregon
September 7—Seattle, Washington
September 10 & 11—Vancouver, British Columbia
September 16 & 17—Nashville, Tennessee
September 21—Tulsa, Oklahoma
September 24—Kansas City, Missouri
September 27—Denver, Colorado
September 28—Salt Lake City, Utah
October 4—Little Rock, Arkansas
October 5—New Orleans, Louisiana
October 8—Dallas, Texas

Signings: New Frontier and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; Mark Hybner and Thom Shepherd

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

New Frontier Touring has signed Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for exclusive worldwide representation. The multiple Grammy and CMA award-winning band is known for its Will the Circle Be Unbroken album, and classic hits such as “Mr. Bojangles” and “Fishin’ In the Dark.”

For booking contact:
New Frontier Touring
Paul Lohr
paullohr@newfrontiertouring.com
615-321-6152
•••••

Thom Shepherd, Photo: Dan Harr

Mark Hybner Management has signed singer/songwriter Thom Shepherd. Shepherd’s song’s have been cut by Craig Morgan (“Redneck Yacht Club”), David Ball (“Riding With Private Malone”), Montgomery Gentry (“A Man’s Job”), Kevin Fowler, Bucky Covington, Colt Ford and a host of others.

As a performer Shepherd tours the world, most recently completing a ten-day cultural exchange mission tour through Saudi Arabia where he played a series of shows for Saudi citizens, Marines, and U.S. Embassy employees.

Contact: Mark Hybner Management
Mark Hybner
361-772-5678
mhybner@hybnerent.com

Thompson Entertainment Group
Chuck Thompson
615-742-8004
cthompson@thompsonentertainmenmtgroup.com

Canadian Tunesmiths Honored At SOCAN Awards

Songs performed by George Canyon, Doc Walker, Johnny Reid and The Road Hammers were among the songs honored at the annual SOCAN Awards last night (11/22) in Toronto, ON. Sarah McLachlan was a standout winner, earning nine SOCAN Classic Awards for songs that reached at least 100,000 radio plays. Composer Galt McDermot (Hair) was named SOCAN’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Vancouver-based Songwriter/producer/instrumentalist Brian Howe was given the International Achievement Award for his work with Hinder, Daughtry, David Cook, Puddle of Mudd and more. Canadian rockers Nickelback also earned multiple recognitions for their hits “Gotta Be Somebody” and “If Today Was Your Last Day.”

SOCAN Country Songwriting Awards:

“Just Like You” (Performed by George Canyon)
Composers: George Canyon, Gary Harrison, Richard Marx; Publisher: None

“One Last Sundown” (Performed by Doc Walker)
Composers: Chris Thorsteinson, Dave Wasyliw, Jon Mabe; Publishers: ole, Roots 3 Music Inc.

“A Woman Like You” (Performed by Johnny Reid)
Composers: Johnny Reid, Brent Maher; Publisher: Johnny Mac Entertainment Inc.

“Homegrown” (Performed by The Road Hammers)
Composers: Chris Byrne, Jason McCoy, Larry Haack, Bobby Taylor; Publisher: Airstrip Music

Chesney Stadium Sell-out; Currington W/ Babyface; Atkins Brings Country To Jersey

Rodney Atkins. Photo: Matthew Ryan/Wanderer Arts Photography

Kenny Chesney sold out Boston’s Gillette Stadium on Saturday morning (11/20) in just 8 minutes. The August 27, 2011 stop on his Corona Extra sponsored Goin’ Costal Tour is the first official sell-out of his 2011 concert season.

This marks Chesney’s sixth sell-out at the venue, each time totaling almost 60,000 tickets. Chesney is fresh off his 20th No. 1 single “The Boys of Fall.”

•••••

Rodney Atkins brought country music to New Jersey with style. He was the first country artist to perform at the Starland Ballroom, a local legend, and played to a sold-out crowd.

Starland’s Jon Vena credits the genre’s growth in the market to the addition of new country station, WKMK Thunder 106. Atkins’ latest single, “Farmer’s Daughter,” is still climbing the charts and is currently in the Top 5. The single has sold close to 500,000 downloads on iTunes.

Among the acts who have previously graced the stage at Starland are Justin Timberlake, The Black Crowes and Social Distortion.

•••••

Billy Currington surprised fans at his show at Joe’s Bar in Chicago last week by bringing out superstar artist and producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds for a soulful collaboration of “Change The World.” See video below.

Back in September, Currington and Edmonds met in Los Angeles to write and struck up a friendship. Edmonds joined Currington on a three-day run for more writing sessions last week.

Average Joes Inks Corey Smith

L to R: Manager Marty Winsch, Corey Smith, and Average Joes Entertainment's CEO Shannon Houchins.

Average Joes Entertainment has signed Corey Smith through a partnership with UNDERtone Records. Smith’s debut for the label headed by CEO Shannon Houchins is expected early next year.

Smith has been steadily releasing albums since 2002 on UNDERtone Records. His five projects to date have collectively sold over 200,000 albums and over 760,000 digital singles according to Nielson Soundscan. In addition, Smith fans have downloaded over 800,000 free digital singles from www.coreysmith.com.

Smith is represented by Metro Talent Group’s Cass Scripps for booking and Marty Winsch for personal management.

Booking:
Metro Talent Group
Cass Scripps
(770) 395-1000
cass@metrotalentgroup.com

Manager:
Mountain Entertainment
Marty Winsch
(864) 962-8220
mntnent@aol.com

BMI Celebrates David Lee and East Side Sounds

David Lee Rolls to the Top with Easton Corbin
Songwriter David Lee earned his third career No. 1 as “Roll with It” recently topped the charts. On Nov. 19, BMI hosted a celebration to toast the success of the song which was co-written with Tony Lane and Johnny Park and recorded by Easton Corbin. (L-R): BMI’s Mark Mason, Universal Music Publishing’s Pat Higdon, producer Carson Chamberlain, Corbin, Lee, Park, Mercury Nashville’s Katie Dean, Lane and BMI’s Beth Laird. Photo: Steve Lowry

Acoustic and Eclectic East Side Sounds
BMI staged the latest installment of East Side Sounds on Nov. 17 at Rumours East Wine Bar. Highlighting Nashville’s rich scene east of the Cumberland River, the showcase featured locals Eric Wilson, Rayland Baxter and Shane Piasecki, as well as Austin’s Ruby Jane, whose performance doubled as a celebration of her 16th birthday. (L-R): Piasecki, Baxter, BMI’s Beth Laird, Ruby Jane, BMI’s Mark Mason and Wilson. Photo: Eric England


CMA Announces New Board

Steve Buchanan is Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors

The Country Music Association held the annual Board of Directors election meeting in Nashville this week. The new Board year does not begin until Jan. 1, 2011.

Steve Moore stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Board in August when he assumed the post of Chief Executive Officer of the Association. At that time, Steve Buchanan, Gaylord Entertainment Senior Vice President of Media and Entertainment, moved from President of the Board to Chairman, and Gary Overton, Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO, moved from President-Elect to President of the Board. Serving as President-Elect is Pat Collins, President and COO of SESAC.

The established line of succession is: President-Elect moves to President, and the President becomes Chairman.

Directors By Membership Category

Gary Overton is President of the CMA Board

Newly-elected Directors are indicated in bold. Carryover Directors, not bold, are serving the second year of a two-year term.

Advertising Agency/PR/Marketing
Jessie Schmidt, Schmidt Relations
Jeff Walker, AristoMedia/Marco Promotions

Affiliated
Steve Buchanan, Gaylord Entertainment Co.
Nancy Shapiro, NARAS

Artist
Kix Brooks
Jay DeMarcus, Rascal Flatts

Broadcast Air Talent
Storme Warren, Surfing Moose Productions
Charlie Cook, McVay Media, Los Angeles, Calif.

Composer
Victoria Shaw, Songalicious Music
Bob DiPiero, Love Monkey Music

Entertainment Services
Frank Bumstead, Flood, Bumstead, McCready, & McCarthy, Inc.
Mike Vaden, The Vaden Group

International
Ron Kitchener, RGK Entertainment, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Ian Ashbridge, Wrasse Records, UK

Music Publisher/PRO
Jody Williams, BMI
Tim DuBois, ASCAP

Musician
John Hobbs
Randy Scruggs, Randy Scruggs Productions

Personal Manager
Doc McGhee, McGhee Entertainment
Ken Levitan, Vector Management

Producer/Engineer/Studio
Mark Wright, Show Dog Universal
Dann Huff, Dann Huff Productions

Radio
Becky Brenner, KMPS-FM, CBS Seattle, Wash.
Jaye Albright, Albright & O’Malley, Bainbridge Island, Wash.

Record Company
Randy Goodman
Gary Overton, Sony Music Nashville

Record/Video/Online Merchandiser
Charlie Anderson, Anderson Merchandisers, Knoxville, Tenn.

Talent Agent/Promoter
Tony Conway, Conway Entertainment Group, LLC
Joey Lee, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC

Talent Buyer/Venues
Jeff Krueger, FACE, Inc./WE Fest, Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Larry Vallon, AEG Live!, Los Angeles, Calif.

Television/Video/Media
Lon Helton, Country Aircheck
Brian Philips, Country Music Television (CMT)

Lifetime Directors
J. William Denny
Ralph Peer II
Frances Preston

Ex-Officio Members
Jim Free, The Smith-Free Group, Washington, D.C.
Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Directors at Large

Steve Bogard, One Music Group
Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Records/Valory Music Company
Connie Bradley
Luke Bryan, artist
Pat Collins, SESAC
Mike Dungan, Capitol Records
John Esposito, Warner Bros. Records
Karen Fairchild, Little Big Town
Joe Galante
Jeff Garrison, KILT, Infinity Broadcasting, Houston, Texas
Mark Hamilton, Apple, Inc.; iTunes Store, Cupertino, Calif.
Ed Hardy, Great American Country (GAC)
Pat Higdon, Universal Music Publishing Group
Clint Higham, Morris Management Group
John Huie, Creative Artists Agency
Jan Jeffries, Cumulus Media, Atlanta, Ga.
Brett James, Cornman Music
Marion Kraft, Shop Keeper Management
Luke Lewis, UMG Nashville
Frank Liddell, Carnival Music
Erik Logan, Harpo, Inc., Chicago, Ill.
John Marks, SIRIUS XM Radio
Doug Montgomery, WBCT-FM, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Mike Moore, Entercom Communications, Portland, OR
Jason Owen, Sandbox Entertainment
Rob Potts, Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Five Dock, Australia
David Ross, Music Row Publications, Inc.
Ron Sakamoto, Gold & Gold Productions, LTD., Alberta, Canada
Rick Shipp, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC.
Bill Simmons, The Fitzgerald Hartley Company
Clarence Spalding, Spalding Entertainment, LLC
Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Rusty Walker, Rusty Walker Programming Consultant, Inc., Iuka, Miss.
Tim Wipperman, Wipperman Music Group

Marty Stuart To Receive Symphony Harmony Award

Marty Stuart

Marty Stuart will receive the prestigious Harmony Award at the 2010 Symphony Ball on Saturday, December 11 at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel. Also at event, Mayor Karl Dean will be presented with the Gold Baton Award.

The Harmony Award is presented annually to individuals who have supported and helped develop Nashville’s musical culture, and shown particular interest in the many kinds of music which exist here in harmony.

Stuart is a four-time GRAMMY® winner, platinum-selling recording artist, Grand Ole Opry star, country music preservationist and songwriter. Record producer and previous Harmony Award winner Tony Brown explains, “Marty has been the torchbearer and authority on all things ‘Hillbilly, Mountain Music, Bluegrass, Traditional Country and Southern Music,’ period! He is absolutely one of Nashville’s treasures.”

Other previous recipients of the Harmony Award include Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Mike & Linda Curb, Lyle Lovett, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, The Judds, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Chet Atkins, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood.

The Gold Baton Award, being presented to Dean, honors individuals who represent the epitome of leadership, community spirit and service to others. This award has been presented by the Nashville Symphony only on rare occasions to acknowledge visionary leadership benefiting the Symphony, the music industry and the Nashville community.

The 26th annual Symphony Ball is being chaired by Lin Andrews and Janet Ayers. The ball annually raises $500,000 for the Symphony and its commitment to artistic excellence and music education. Since its inception in 1985, it has raised a total of more than $6.5 million. This year’s event is being held at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza while Schermerhorn Symphony Center continues to undergo repairs from the May flood.

Heidi Newfield Experiences A Paradigm Shift

Paradigm Talent Agency has signed Heidi Newfield for booking representation, with Mike Snider and Greg Janese serving as her Nashville agents.

“Heidi has it all!  She has the songs, the voice, and a great live show,” says Snider. “Everyone here at Paradigm is excited to play a part in Heidi’s career. There is so much we can do, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

The former Trick Pony frontwoman is currently working on the follow-up to her debut solo album What Am I Waiting For with Blake Chancey, and its first single “Stay Up Late” is due for radio release soon. The album features songs from Keith Gattis, Jeffrey Steele and Jeremy Popoff as well as Newfield’s own compositions.

(L to R): Greg Hill of Greg Hill Management/Red Light Management, Paradigm's Bob Kinkead, Steve Dahl, Greg Janese, Mike Snider, Newfield, Paradigm's Brian Hill, and Keith Shackleford