R.J. Romeo Promoted To President, Romeo Entertainment Group

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Talent buying agency Romeo Entertainment Group has announced a round of promotions. R.J. Romeo has been promoted to President, while Michelle Romeo has been promoted to Vice President and Harlan Burggraaf has been promoted to Controller/Director of Operations.

Bob Romeo will remain with the company as Chairman of the Board. Fran Romeo recently left the company to pursue other interests.

The company celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, and represents 120 annual multi-day events in 36 states. In 2019, REG produced nearly 500 concerts throughout the United States and Canada.

In 2014, REG won the IEBA Industry Achievement Award. Last year, R.J. Romeo was honored with the “Don Romeo” ACM Talent Buyer of the Year Award and the IEBA Fair Buyer of the Year Award.

“Fran was an integral part of leading Romeo Entertainment Group over the last 20 years,” said Michelle Romeo. “She did so much for us as a company as well as for our team. We wish her nothing but the best on her next endeavor.”

“I am grateful for the solid foundation that Don, Bob, and Fran have created for REG over their decades of leadership,” said R.J. Romeo. “I am honored and excited to implement our vision and lead REG into the future and with the help of the leadership team, continue to grow REG’s roster of amazing events. Celebrating 65 years is an indescribable feeling of pride. For an independent, family-owned company to survive and thrive for three generations is a testament to the integrity driven and relationship based business we have built.”

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of the 65th anniversary of Romeo Entertainment Group!” said Michelle Romeo. “R.J. and I look forward to carrying our legacy into the third generation and are so grateful to be surrounded by such an amazing team who we consider to be our extended family.”

“I’m so appreciative that my father was able to pass the business on to me and 25 years later as the company celebrates 65 years, I’m able to pass it on to my son and daughter,” said Bob Romeo. “I’m looking forward to mentoring R.J. and Michelle and supporting their vision in bringing Romeo Entertainment into the future.”

REG is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, while leadership operates out of the company’s Nashville office.

 

Billie Eilish, Finneas Perform Set At Third Man Records

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Photo: Emily Quirk

“Bad Guy” singer Billie Eilish was joined by her brother and chief collaborator Finneas for a performance yesterday (Nov. 6) in The Blue Room at Nashville’s Third Man Records.

The set, which included “All The Good Girls Go To Hell,” “Ocean Eyes” and more, was recorded live before an audience made of both industry insiders and fans. The performance was recorded on Third Man’s direct-to-acetate system. A vinyl version will be available in December, only at Third Man retail outlets in Nashville and Detroit.

Among those in attendance for the performance were Jason Isbell, Michelle Branch, and Vanessa Carlton. Eilish was introduced by Jack White, who said Billie is “someone we really love, and we think is really innovative and inspiring.” Before playing her final song of the night (“when the party’s over”), Eilish praised Jack for “inspiring a whole generation of people to do what they want.”

Eilish debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Top 200 charts with her album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. “Bad Guy” brought her first No. 1 single, and earned more than 3 billion global audio streams. Her debut project is the second-highest selling album of 2019. Her 2020 Where Do We Go? World Arena Tour begins March 9, 2020, and includes a stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in March.

Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, The Highwomen, Tanya Tucker And More To Open CMA Awards

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Females will be in full force in a united, historic, not-to-be-missed opening performance at the upcoming 53rd Annual CMA Awards. The performance, led by Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, will also feature Terri Clark, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, The Highwomen (comprised of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires), Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Tanya Tucker and Gretchen Wilson, each performing iconic country songs for a decades-spanning medley.

Country Music’s Biggest Night will also feature an additional performance from Kelsea Ballerini, joined by fellow breakthrough artists Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and Runaway June. Coming together for an epic performance of an iconic CMA Song of the Year and CMA Single of the Year featuring a special appearance by Little Big Town, this will be one of the night’s most talked-about performances.

The 53rd Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Carrie Underwood with special guest hosts Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, celebrates legendary women in country throughout the broadcast, which airs live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 8/7c on ABC.

ACM Lifting Lives Announces 2019-20 Board

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ACM Lifting Lives has announced its board of directors for the 2019 – 2020 term. Previously announced officers include Chairman Paul Barnabee, Vice-Chairman Troy Vollhoffer, Vice-President Lorie Lytle, Treasurer Dwight Wiles, and Secretary Taylor Wolf.

The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors is made up of an equal number of ACM Board Members, referred to as representative directors, as well as leaders in non-profit and corporate affairs that aren’t ACM Board Members, referred to as public directors. This year, there were six representative director positions elected, five public director positions elected, and one public director position appointed by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors:

Newly elected REPRESENTATIVE directors include:

  1. Duane Clark
  2. RAC Clark
  3. Ryan Dokke
  4. Becky Gardenhire
  5. Shawn McSpadden
  6. Darin Murphy

Newly elected PUBLIC directors include:

  1. Dan Berkowitz
  2. Tiffany Brush
  3. Ross Copperman
  4. John Hickman
  5. Beth Moore

Newly appointed PUBLIC director includes:

  1. Kathleen Flaherty

“I am thrilled to be a part of this compelling organization, that supports the influence of music to lift the spirits of our community and friends in a time of need. We’re fortunate to have such generous artists and an incredible board ready and willing to continue to join us in improving lives though the power of music,” said ACM Lifting Lives Chairman Barnabee.

 

CMT Next Women of Country To Honor Brandi Carlile

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Earlier this year, Brandi Carlile became a Grammys darling when she picked up three awards, including Best Americana Album, for By The Way, I Forgive You. She then teamed with Maren Morris, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires to form the country supergroup The Highwomen and took on production duties for Tanya Tucker’s album While I’m Livin’.

At the upcoming CMT Next Women of Country event, set for Nov. 12 at the CMA Theater at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Carlile will pick up another accolade, as she is honored with the 2019 CMT Next Women of Country Impact Award.

The Impact Award is presented to a female artist for outstanding achievements and contributions to women in the industry, while impacting songwriting, recording, radio airplay, record sales, streams, media impressions, awards and touring in country music over the past year. The honor will be presented by singer-songwriter Lucie Silvas and Change the Conversation co-founder, Tracy Gershon. Carlile will be the fourth recipient of the honor, following her The Highwomen bandmate Maren Morris, who earned the honor in 2018, as well as Kelsea Ballerini (2017) and Brandy Clark (2016).

Martina McBride and CMT’s Leslie Fram will co-host the seventh annual celebration.

“Not only is she one of the greatest performers of our time, she’s an incredible advocate and champion for her fellow female artists, lending her support and starpower to up-and-coming artists in the genre,” said Fram, Senior Vice President, Music Strategy & Talent. “We are truly thrilled to celebrate her monumental achievements, both as a solo artist, producer, and as a member of the groundbreaking group The Highwomen, with this Impact Award.”

Bonnie Sugarman Joins Outback Presents As Community Outreach Coordinator

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Bonnie Sugarman

Bonnie Sugarman has joined Outback Presents as the company’s newly-appointed Community Outreach Coordinator.

In her new role, Sugarman will be responsible for managing and coordinating the numerous charitable events/donations in which Outback Presents regularly participates.

Sugarman began her career in Chicago at International Creative Management and was eventually transferred to Los Angeles where she became an agent for fairs, festivals and corporate events. After joining Agency for the Performing Arts in 1983 as Head of Fairs and Festivals, Sugarman worked with artists including Johnny and June Cash, Red Skelton, Tony Bennett, the Gatlin Brothers, Dottie West, Rosemary Clooney, Kenny Rogers, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Bob Hope, and Dolly Parton. She transferred to Music City in the early 1990s to help oversee APA’s then-new Nashville office, and eventually rose to Senior Vice President at the company. Sugarman called APA home for 35 years before departing the company in December of last year.

In 1995, Sugarman made Nashville Association of Talent Directors history when she was the first woman awarded the organization’s Agent of the Year Award. The following year, she made history again as the first agent to win the award for two consecutive years. A graduate of the 2010 class of Leadership Music, Sugarman was honored with the NATD Hubert Long Award in 2005, and currently serves as the first VP of NATD.

“We are very lucky to have Bonnie join our team,” says Outback Presents President Mike Smardak. “Her integrity and leadership will help us expand our initiatives in the community. I could not imagine a better choice than Bonnie.”

“I have long been a great admirer of Mike Smardak, not only for his success and reputation as a promoter, but for his kindness and generosity in supporting countless charities and worthy causes,” adds Sugarman. “I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to join Outback Presents and will strive to use my skills and experience to be an asset to the organization.”

Reviver Entertainment Group Signs Singer-Songwriter Brooke Moriber

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Brooke Moriber

Reviver Entertainment Group has signed singer-songwriter Brooke Moriber for publishing and artist development.

Earlier this year, New York native Moriber released her debut single “Cry Like A Girl.” The track was also featured on Spotify’s New Music Nashville playlist for several weeks.

“I am very excited and proud to be part of the Reviver family,” Moriber says. “I love the vision that David Ross and Gator Michaels have for my music. Carole Ann-Mobley and Clay Myers have been wonderful on the A&R front and helping this native New Yorker tell her story and plant new roots in Nashville.”

Reviver CEO David Ross adds, “We couldn’t be happier to welcome a talent like Brooke Moriber. We love her spirit, her powerhouse voice and feel that she will make a big impression on people in a very short period of time. She has already accomplished so much, and we are excited to continue her musical journey with her.”

Founded in 2011 by Ross, Reviver Entertainment Group is home to label Reviver Records; the company’s roster includes David Lee Murphy, Big & Rich, Thompson Square, Michael Tyler, Tenille Arts, Aaron Goodvin, Blackjack Billy, and more.

Alan Jackson Announces 2020 Tour

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Alan Jackson has announced a new headlining tour, to launch Jan. 10, 2020 at Cincinnati, Ohio’s Heritage Bank Center. The trek includes stops at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena (Feb. 14), Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena  (Aug. 7) and a performance at Indio, California’s Stagecoach Festival (April 26). The last time Jackson performed at Stagecoach was in the festival’s inaugural year in 2007.

Several of Jackson’s concerts will also showcase a few of his favorite aspiring performers who perform at AJ’s Good Time Bar in Nashville.

Tickets are available at alanjackson.com/tour. Jackson is again teaming up with CID Entertainment to offer fans VIP experiences at nearly all of his 2020 shows.

A list of tour dates is below, with more shows to be added.

Friday, Jan. 10: Cincinnati, OH (Heritage Bank Center) ^^
Saturday, Jan. 11: Columbia, SC (Colonial Life Arena) **
Friday, Feb. 14: Atlanta, GA (State Farm Arena) ^^
Saturday, Feb. 15: New Orleans, LA (Smoothie King Center) **
Friday, Feb. 21: El Paso, TX (UTEP Don Haskins Center) ^^
Saturday, Feb. 22: Fort Worth, TX (Dickies Arena) ^^
Thursday, March 26: Tulsa, OK (BOK Center) ++
Friday, March 27: Springfield, MO (JQH Arena) ++
Saturday, April 25: Glendale, AZ (Gila River Arena) ++
Sunday, April 26: Indio, CA (Stagecoach Festival) <>
Thursday, July 9: Ft. Loramie, OH (Country Concert) ##
Friday, Aug. 7: Nashville, TN (Bridgestone Arena) **
Friday, Aug. 14: Cleveland, OH (Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse) ++
Saturday, Aug. 15: Detroit, MI (Little Caesars Arena) ++
Friday, Sept. 11: Des Moines, IA (Wells Fargo Arena) ++
Saturday, Sept. 12: Milwaukee, WI (Fiserv Forum) ++
Friday, Oct. 2: Salt Lake City, UT (Vivint Smart Home Arena) ++
Saturday, Oct. 3: Denver, CO (Pepsi Center) ++
** Tickets on sale Friday, November 15
^^ Tickets on sale Friday, November 22
## Tickets on sale November 25
<> Tickets available now!
++ On sale date TBD

‘The Ty Bentli Show’ Teams With Dierks Bentley For 100,000 Thank Yous Drive

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The Ty Bentli Show morning show team with Commanding Officer Captain Tim Kinsella

The Ty Bentli Show has officially begun its annual quest for “100,000 Thank Yous” for deployed members of the U.S. armed services, with the help of listeners and Dierks Bentley. Each year, the show encourages its listeners to write a thank-you note that will be sent to deployed members of the U.S. armed services as a reminder of how highly we regard the brave people who put on a uniform and work to sustain our freedom. This year’s campaign for “100,000 Thank Yous” campaign kicked off on Monday, Nov. 4 and the show will celebrate this year’s partnership with Dierks Bentley with a party on Friday morning, Nov. 8, as it broadcasts live from Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Nashville.

This year, The Ty Bentli Show went next level to launch the nationwide effort, loading up the whole crew in Nashville and traveling to Naval Air Station Pensacola, the home of the Blue Angels. Ty, Tricia “TJ” Jenkins, Chuck Wicks and Bryan the Webb Guy broadcasted live on Nov. 4 from the award-winning galley at NAS, and the morning’s guests included NATTCE Commanding Officer Tommy Decker, and Naval Air Station Commander, Captain Tim Kinsella. The team also took the opportunity to invite a new class of active duty men and women on the air throughout the show, to discuss what it means to them to see thousands of strangers thanking them for the path they’ve chosen to follow in their lives.

Miranda Lambert paid a visit to the show on Nov. 5, contributing her own personal “Thank You” to the cause, and then telling Ty and the team about the important role that early military fans played in the story of her career.

In years past, “100,000 Thank Yous” has seen support from country superstars like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and Garth Brooks.

Taylor Swift To Play Free Atlanta Show

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Taylor Swift Lover album.

Taylor Swift has announced she will perform a free concert in Atlanta as part of NCAA’s March Madness tournament. On April 5, 2020, Swift will headline the Capitol One JamFest at Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, marking her first non-Lover Fest show of 2020.

“We’re thrilled to have Taylor Swift perform as the headliner for the closing night of the March Madness Music Festival,” NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt said in a statement. “This will be one of many great events for fans during Final Four weekend, from the opening of Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One on Friday morning, through the semifinals to the National Championship celebration on Monday night.”

Capitol One JamFest’s additional performers will be announced in coming weeks. The event has previously featured headliners including Katy Perry, the Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Maroon 5, and more. Details on tickets for the free event have not been released.

In September, Swift announced a pair of two-day stadium concerts for 2020–titled Lover Fest East and Lover Fest West–following the release of Lover, her first album under her new label home Universal Music Group. Lover Fest West is set for July 25-26 at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, while Lover Fest East is set for July 31-Aug. 1 at Foxborough, Massachusetts’ Gillette Stadium. Both festivals have sold out.

Swift will become the first female artist in history to open an NFL stadium, when she performs at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.