Buenahora Joins ole

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ole music publishing has announced the addition of Arthur Buenahora as the company’s Senior Creative Director, Nashville. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Buenahora got his start in the music business in the tape room at Sony/ATV/Tree. He rose quickly through the ranks, placing over one hundred songs over five years, resulting in ten No. 1 singles and developing promising newcomers including Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert and a 14-year-old singer/songwriter by the name of Taylor Swift. In 2005, he joined Capitol Records Nashville as Senior Director of A&R where he continued his creative relationship with Bentley and Church. In 2008, he moved over to Universal Records South as VP of A&R.

“Arthur has had a huge impact on Nashville, signing Dierks Bentley and Taylor Swift among others, to their first publishing deals,” says ole Chief Creative Officer, Gilles Godard. “Having worked both in publishing and on the record side offers him a unique perspective on the ever-changing music business, and I look forward to adding him to our team at ole.”

“I’m really pumped about joining ole,” enthuses Buenahora. “They’re a growth company and I’m looking forward to helping maximize the potential of the catalog there and making sure that the songs get the best opportunity to shine.”

“Stars Go Blue” For Colon Cancer

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The Colon Cancer Alliance, a national non-profit dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer, will present the 2nd annual Stars Go Blue For Colon Cancer benefit on March 23 at 7:00 PM at Nashville’s Loveless Barn. The concert will feature intimate acoustic performances by country songwriters including Rodney Crowell, Gretchen Peters, Mike Reid, Barry Walsh and Peter Cooper. Last year’s inaugural Stars Go Blue For Colon Cancer benefit raised over $18K for the cause.

The benefit was inspired and created by four-time Grammy nominee Charlie Kelley who was diagnosed and treated for colon cancer in 2008 only three weeks after his wife, GAC host Nan Kelley, successfully completed treatment for a different form of cancer. After making a full recovery, Charlie Kelley resolved to help others battling with the disease.

Thanks to event sponsors AmSurg, Lightning 100 and Liberty Party Rental, proceeds will benefit both the Colon Cancer Alliance and newly established Blue Note Fund. Founded by Kelley, the Blue Note Fund gives small monetary gifts to colon cancer patients in need.

Event tickets go on-sale today and are available here and at the Loveless Barn box office. General admission is $35. Exclusive blue ribbon tables are also available for $500 and include front row tables (four seats per table).

“I’m very excited about this year’s benefit,” Kelley says. “We’ll have some of Nashville’s best performers and writers out in full force for the cause. It’s a testament to the large hearts of the entertainment community here and I am grateful and indebted for their support.”

For those who missed last year’s event, it is now available on DVD. The 2009 Stars Go Blue For Colon Cancer benefit concert features Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Ricky Skaggs, Hal Ketchum, Jamie O’Neal, Peter Cooper, LynnMarie Rink and Charlie Kelley. 50% of the net proceeds from the Colon Cancer Alliance benefit DVD will be donated directly to the Blue Note Fund. The DVD is available here.

Barnett Returns as Patsy Cline

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Always … Patsy Cline, the popular musical celebrating the life of the country legend, is set to return to the Ryman Auditorium on June 18. The show will be performed on the same stage where Patsy Cline was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1960. 2010 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Cline’s Opry induction. Mandy Barnett will reprise her role for the sixth time as the famous singer. Joining Barnett on stage to reprise her portrayal of Louise Seger, Cline’s most devoted fan, will be Tere Myers. Always…Patsy Cline creator and original director, Ted Swindley, will also return to direct. The musical was originally produced at the Ryman in 1994 following an $8.5M renovation by Gaylord Entertainment Company.

Always … Patsy Cline features more than 20 of the singer’s most memorable songs including “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” and “Sweet Dreams,” which became a hit shortly after her death.

The production will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 18 through July 29 with the exception of July 4. Tickets are on sale now and available here or at the Ryman box officewww.getgaylordtickets.com.

Big Machine Signs Comedienne Melissa Peterman

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Pictured L to R: Big Machine Records President & CEO Scott Borchetta, Melissa Peterman and manager Darris Hatch. photo credit: John Russell

Big Machine Records has signed actress Melissa Peterman and is planning a spring release for her debut comedy album. Peterman played ditzy home wrecker “Barbra Jean” on Reba and was the host of CMT’s 2009 The Singing Bee.

“I have always wanted to be a recording artist mostly because I really want a tour bus. I hear those things are a party on wheels,” says Peterman. “The truth is I love what I do and to get a chance to share my stand-up with fans who haven’t had the opportunity to see me live is very cool. And the great part of having your own comedy CD is I am already done Christmas shopping. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the BMR team and am so excited about releasing my first comedy CD on a label with such a great track record.”

“I’m a huge fan of Melissa’s and I’m thrilled that she’s going to join us,” says Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of Big Machine Records. “She’s been cracking up America for years. Now it’s time to record it!”

Peterman 

has also appeared on numerous other television shows, the hit Coen brothers film Fargo, and most recently starred in the independent comedy Dirty Politics. In addition, the Minnesota native has performed in a number of stage productions, including the commercially and critically acclaimed, Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding.

Peterman is currently performing at arenas across America on tour with George Strait, Reba and Lee Ann Womack. The comedy star previously opened for Reba and Kelly Clarkson on their Two Worlds, Two Voices Tour. She is managed by Darris Hatch and represented by the APA agency.

In more Big Machine news, the soundtrack for box office smash Valentine’s Day scanned over 28,000 units in its first week. The eclectic soundtrack, which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Soundtracks chart and No. 20 on the Billboard Top 200, features new music from Big Machine/Valory artists Taylor Swift, Jewel, and Steel Magnolia. Over 40% of first-week soundtrack sales were designated as digital purchases, likely enhanced by an aggressive viral marketing campaign for the film and soundtrack. The film brought in over $63 million in its  opening weekend box office, becoming the week’s No. 1 movie.  The all-star cast includes Swift in her first feature film role.

Moxy Records Opens In Nashville

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Chelsea Field

Newly formed Moxy Records, a division of Moxy Music Group, has begun full-time label operations based out of its new offices in Nashville. The label recently signed its first act, singer/songwriter Chelsea Field. She is currently in the studio with producer Trey Bruce recording the final tracks for her debut album.

Field is scheduled to complete her album in the coming weeks, with a debut single to be released soon after. She makes her first appearance at Country Radio Seminar this week (Feb. 24-26) and performs on the Digital Rodeo Guilty Pleasures show to close out the three-day seminar on Friday night.

The Moxy Records mailing address is P.O. Box 331695, Nashville, TN, 37201. General label inquiries should be directed to info@MoxyRecords.com or 615-512-4535.

Radio industry veteran and hit producer Edison Bahamon of Mixed Up Productions is the most recent addition to the Moxy team. Bahamon will operate as Director of Radio Marketing. Contact Edison at: Eddie@MoxyRecords.com or 615-512-4535.

WiseSmith Management Group was hired earlier this year to serve as industry consultants for the label. Contact Doc Smith of WiseSmith at: Doc@MoxyRecords.com or 615-512-4535.

Jonathon Esarey, of entertainment marketing group One Open Door, will handle the label’s development and management of sponsorship opportunities. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Jonathon at Jonathon@MoxyRecords.com or 615-512-4535.

Former Mavericks bassist and industry veteran Robert Reynolds will head the label’s artist relations department. Reynolds can be reached at: Robert@MoxyRecords.com or 615-512-4535.

Visit www.MoxyRecords.com for more information.

Country Music Hall of Fame Names Next Class

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Clockwise: Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky, Billy Sherrill, and Don Williams

The Country Music Association announced today that Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky, Billy Sherrill, and Don Williams will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.

Due to a tie in the voting, both Dean and Husky will be inducted in the “Veterans Era Artist” category. Williams will be inducted in the “Modern Era Artist” category. Sherrill will be inducted in the “Non-Performer” category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the “Recording and/or Touring Musician” and “Songwriter” categories. Dean, Husky, Sherrill, and Williams will increase membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame from 108 to 112 inductees.

“These four gentlemen broadened Country Music immensely with their talents, exposing millions of fans around the world to our format,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “Their contributions to the genre and to popular culture are immeasurable, and we are proud to award them the highest honor in Country Music.”

Induction ceremonies for Dean, Husky, Sherrill and Williams will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum later this year. Since 2007, the Museum’s Medallion Ceremony, an annual reunion of the Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official rite of induction for new members.

“The 2010 honorees are Southern men who have used their voices, songwriting, instruments and life experience to create enduring Country Music that dominated popularity charts throughout the middle and closing decades of the 20th Century,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “Their songs, recordings, live performances, and presence on radio, television, and even in the movies, are part of the sonic architecture that now frames our music in the mainstream. We extend our heartiest congratulations to them all and look forward to the stories and fellowship to come.”

“I thought I was already in there,” said Dean humorously. “Seriously, it brought a huge grin to my face. I am honored.”

An emotional Husky said, “I’d like to thank my Lord Jesus Christ for dying for me, saving my soul, and bringing me into the world as a country boy. And also, for giving me the talent to sing, entertain, and help convert millions around the world to Country Music. I’m still a country boy and proud of it. In the words of my close friend, the late Stringbean, ‘I sure am glad I’m me!'”

“Anything I have ever accomplished would have been totally impossible without the help and support of the greatest songwriters and musicians in the world, and of course what I stole from Owen Bradley,” said Sherrill.

“I feel extremely honored and overwhelmed with this news,” said Williams. “It is unbelievable that CMA thought about me in this manner.”

CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize noteworthy individuals for their outstanding contributions to the format with Country Music’s highest honor.

For more information on the inductees and the election process click here.

Fans Vote On New Music From Whitney Duncan

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Reprise/Warner Bros. Records is planning the April 20 digital release of Whitney Duncan’s debut album, Right Road Now, exclusively on www.whitneyduncan.com and iTunes.

A poll opened last night (2/22) on her site that gives fans the opportunity to select one of three songs they want to be featured on the new album. The winning song will be included in the release.

Duncan co-wrote every song on Right Road Now. She has penned songs for LeAnn Rimes, Crystal Shawanda, Lee Ann Womack, as well as her own duet with Kenny Rogers.

Duncan will perform this afternoon at MusicRow’s party exclusively for Country Radio Seminar attendees. Also taking the stage will be Show Dog -Universal group Trailer Choir. Look for loads of coverage tomorrow morning in the subscriber-only @MusicRow.

Paisley Sells Out West Coast Run, Heads For “Tonight Show”

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Brad Paisley’s American Saturday Night Tour whipped around the west coast this past weekend with four sold-out shows in Fresno, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Reno. The L.A. Staples Center was packed with over 13,000 fans, including celebrities Sheryl Crowe, William Shatner, The Jonas Brothers, and members of REO Speedwagon.

The American Saturday Night Tour with special guests Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore will take a break this week and then concludes next weekend, March 4-6, with stops in Greenville, SC; Knoxville, TN; and Charleston, SC.

Paisley will return to the west coast on March 1 as the musical guest for Jay Leno’s first show back as host of The Tonight Show. Also on the line-up are Jamie Foxx and Olympic Gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn.

Chart Climbers: Armiger, Ballestrini, Burns & Poe, Kennon

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Armiger takes the Kiss Me Now tour to PD Scott Lindy and MD Lance Houston at WUBL.

With Country Radio Seminar hitting town this week, artists are set to schmooze radio reps from across the nation. Here’s a rundown of some of the rising artists and their singles that are already climbing MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart.

Katie Armiger’s “Kiss Me Now” is at No. 52 on the Country Breakout Chart. It’s the first single from her forthcoming third album on Cold River Records, and she penned it with Lyric Street recording artist Sarah Buxton and well-known Nashville songwriter Blair Daly. This is also Armiger’s first single to chart on Billboard.

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Veronica Ballestrini

Veronica Ballestrini is working her new song “Out There Somewhere.” It’s the follow-up to her debut single, “Amazing,” and last week edged ahead of Armiger at No. 51 on the Country Breakout Chart. Ballestrini performs Friday, February 26 at 12th & Porter at 9 pm, where one fan in attendance will win a spot on her upcoming fan cruise to the Bahamas. The boat leaves from Miami, FL on August 27 and makes stops in CocoCay and Nassau. To learn more about the cruise and to register, please visit Ballestrini’s website.

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Matt Kennon

Riding the momentum of his breakthrough single “The Call,” Bamajam artist Matt Kennon will release his self-titled debut album on April 27, 2010. He co-wrote the single, which is currently at No. 22, with Noah Gordon and Jeremy Campbell. BamaJam will be releasing the three-song The Call – EP to digital outlets on Tuesday, March 9.

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Burns & Poe performed “Big Truck,” for the folks at syndicated show Mud Truck TV recently. The track was chosen as a featured song for an upcoming show, along with their rising single “Don’t Get No Better Than That” from Blue Steel Records (No. 26 on the MR chart). The duo’s episode is set to air ­ Thursday, March 4, at 1:30PM/CT.

Pictured with the Mud Truck crew l-r: Lisa Austin, Michelle Poe, Keith Burns, and Brian Austin.

ASCAP Elevates Nashville to Regional Office to Serve all Musical Genres To Be Led By Industry Veteran Tim DuBois

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Official press release: Nashville, TN — ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento announced a major expansion of the company’s Nashville operations which will be elevated to a Regional Office serving all genres of music.

Effective immediately, the newly established ASCAP Nashville Regional Office will be overseen by Nashville-based industry veteran Tim DuBois, who has been appointed Vice-President and Managing Executive of the operations, reporting to ASCAP Senior Vice-President and head of Domestic Membership Randy Grimmett. Connie Bradley, Senior Vice-President of ASCAP Nashville, will continue to serve the company as a Senior Advisor, reporting to Grimmett, in a role she had been discussing with LoFrumento for some time. In her new role, Bradley will advise the organization on trends and developments, travel on behalf of ASCAP and work closely with high-profile writers on special projects.

As a result of ASCAP’s expanded emphasis and investment in Nashville, the new Regional Office will now serve a broader array of members across musical genres and a multi-state geographic footprint while bolstering its services to new and existing members, according to LoFrumento.

“The City of Nashville commends ASCAP for recognizing Music City’s evolution into a vibrant mecca, known worldwide for developing musical talent of all genres,” Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. “As the 2010 Grammys indicated, Nashville is producing today’s most popular music, and boasts one of the most energetic and talented pools of writers and performers in the country.”

The expansion reflects Nashville’s growing importance as a global music capital that is a magnet for songwriters and publishers in a spectrum of genres. Nashville is today the launching pad for many of the most talented writers and performers in all genres of music and the ASCAP office will respond to this growth and change in the marketplace by taking on a regional approach to its core mission in Nashville. ASCAP also expects to expand the geographic region the office serves, serving other parts of Tennessee, as well as Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, the Carolinas, Florida and Virginia, among others, LoFrumento said.

“From Brad Paisley to Paramore, from the Kings of Leon to Alan Jackson, Nashville is the home to many of the most exciting developments in today’s music industry,” said LoFrumento. “Our office, while continuing to serve the needs of Country and Christian music’s greatest writers and publishers, will expand our vision and strategy to also meet the needs of the Pop, International, Urban and Folk writers, as well as film and television composers, who work, live and thrive in this region.”

In announcing DuBois’ appointment, Grimmett said, “ASCAP is privileged that an executive of Tim’s stature has joined us in this leadership role. Tim’s vision of the music industry and of Nashville’s prominent role dovetail perfectly with our expanded focus in Nashville. He will direct the daily operations of our team and office here, while assuring that ASCAP’s importance and impact grow even greater. We look forward to helping Tim fulfill that mission during this exciting time of expansion for ASCAP.”

DuBois stated, “I am excited about this opportunity to lead ASCAP’s Nashville Regional office. I believe ASCAP’s recognition of the influx and development of other successful genres of music in Nashville speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to our whole community. In addition, I hope to be able to address the growing needs of the business professionals who represent all genres of music here and to align the mission, goals and business strategies of this office with those of ASCAP’s Domestic Membership.”

DuBois has had a long career as one of the most successful executives in the recording industry having led both Arista Records and Universal South Records. A Clinical Professor of Management at Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management and long-time ASCAP member, DuBois’ storied career has included recognition as a songwriter, manager, record executive and producer. Five songs that he has co-written have been No. 1 hits. DuBois’ songs have received numerous awards, and two Grammy Award nominations. As a producer, his accolades have included over twenty No. 1 and top 5 singles and more than a dozen gold, platinum, and double platinum albums. Tapped to open a Nashville division of Arista Records in 1989, DuBois discovered and signed Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, BlackHawk, Pam Tillis and Diamond Rio. DuBois quickly turned the new label into one of the most successful in country music history, selling more than 75 million records worldwide in just four years.

After serving as president of Gaylord Entertainment’s Creative Content Group in 2001, DuBois went on to head Universal South Records with producer Tony Brown in 2002, a position he held until 2006. DuBois was recognized as the most powerful person in the music industry by Business Nashville in 1996, Record Executive of the year in 1992 by Pollstar, and was included in Entertainment Weekly’s list of 101 Most Powerful People in Entertainment in 1994 and 1995.

DuBois currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and has served as a board member of the Country Music Foundation, Nashville Songwriters Association International, Leadership Music, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He is a co-founder and board member of MyWerx LLC, the former chairman of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and is a board member of Sun Trust Bank in Nashville.

“We applaud Connie Bradley’s contributions to ASCAP over her 34 years with our organization,” said LoFrumento. “Her name will always be synonymous with ASCAP Nashville. She is a dedicated and hardworking executive, and we are thrilled that her vast knowledge base will continue to inform our strategic plans as an advisor for us.”

“John LoFrumento and I have been discussing this transition and new role for some time and I am pleased that it these changes have come to fruition,” Bradley said. “After 34 years, this new role as a Strategic Advisor is an exciting change for me. I can focus on the strategic direction and vision for ASCAP, an organization I have loved for my entire career. I am also looking forward to having a bit more time to spend with my family. I am delighted to welcome my good friend Tim DuBois to ASCAP and to work with him during such a dynamic time of change as our organization broadens to meet the expanded role of Nashville as a music capital.”