Charlie Daniels And Others Plan Holiday Music, Benefits

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charlie danielsCharlie Daniels has released a holiday CD/DVD package and is planning his annual Christmas 4 Kids fundraiser. Joy to the World: A Bluegrass Christmas features a mix of Christmas standards, and a number of originals written by Daniels and his band. The two-disc CD set boasts guests Kathy Mattea, Dan Tyminski, Jewel, Suzanne and Evelyn Cox of the Cox Family, Aaron Tippin and The Grascals. The Twin Pines Christmas DVD contains live performances, commentary and interview footage with Daniels and the rest of the artists.

Meanwhile, Chris Young, Gretchen Wilson and Phil Vassar are set for The 2009 Charlie Daniels Band and Friends Concert to benefit Christmas 4 Kids. Other annual fundraising events include the Annual Tour Bus Show on Mon., Dec. 14 at the Hendersonville, TN Wal-Mart. Tickets and details at www.Christmas4kids.org.

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Tracy Lawrence’s 4th annual Mission Possible Turkey Fry will take place Tues., Nov. 24 from 8 AM-5 PM at the Nashville Mission parking lot (639 Lafayette St.) Since the food drive’s inception, Lawrence and celebrity pals have raised almost $200,000 worth of meals and cash donations.

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Lee Greenwood’s new Christmas offering, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, features holiday classics and will be released on Country Crossing Records.

Jeff Cook has released his first solo holiday album, Christmas Joy. The ten track album will have new and classic  material. On Tues., Nov. 3, it will be available for digital download via iTunes, Amazon.com, and Cook’s website, www.jeffcook-agb.com.

Indies On The Rise: Russell Works Oklahoma, Armiger on AOL

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Shawna Russell and Way Out West Records form an alliance with Joe Burris, Gilead Productions (l-r): Way Out West Records’ President/Artist Co-Manager, Tim Russell; Russell; Gilead Productions President, Joe Burris; Way Out West’s VP/Artist Co-Manager, Clif Doyal. Photo: Patti Doyal

Oklahoma based artist Shawna Russell has been making big moves in her home state recently, including headlining a concert in Oklahoma City, performing on the Fox 25 News morning show, and entering an endorsement deal with Sheplers Western Wear/OKC. Russell and Way Out West Records have also formed a marketing and regional publicity alliance with Joe Burris’s OKC-based Gilead Productions. Burris will report to Russell and label/artist co-managers, Clif Doyal and Tim Russell, and will also provide non-exclusive booking and sponsorship acquisition services for the artist.

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Cold River Records artist Katie Armiger has been selected as AOL The Boot’s Video of the Week for her current single, “Gone.” The rising star wrote the song the night before she left for Nashville about leaving home to chase her dreams. Watch it here.

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Garth Fundis and Jen Foster at her recent showcase.

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Singer-songwriter Jen Foster performed at a showcase Tues. night (10/13) at The Rutledge in Nashville. She is shifting her focus from on-stage performer to behind-the-scenes collaborator and current plans include working with renowned producer Garth Fundis.

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Lots of indies are releasing new product, with many opting exclusively for digital distribution. Black River Music Group’s Emma Jacob’s new CD 2,232 Miles is available exclusively on iTunes. The single “Julianna” is currently featured as a free download in People magazine’s Country issue….Grammy-winner Bryan White’s new studio album, Dustbowl Dreams, has been digitally released, including lead single, “The Little Things.”…. Also going for digital distribution is Derek Sholl with his self-titled album, which includes “When They Come Back,” a tribute to veterans returning from combat.

Mark Wayne Glasmire headed out on the first leg of his fall radio tour of MusicRow Country Breakout reporters last week. The run included visits to 15 stations in four states and supports Glasmire’s debut country single, “Everything Is Gonna Be Alright.” ….Pheromone Recording artist Greg Hanna released his self-titled debut on Tues., Oct. 13. The CD was produced by Hanna and hit songwriter, Kim Tribble. The first single “It’s A Man’s Job” just entered the Top #40 on MusicRow’s Breakout chart and a video to support the single will be airing soon at various video channels.

Skaggs, Morgan Among ICM Award Winners

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morganRicky Skaggs, Craig Morgan and Tracy Lawrence were among the winners at the 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Award Show, held last night (10/16) at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium. Skaggs was selected Mainstream Country Artist of the Year, and joined The Whites to perform “Salt of The Earth.” Morgan received Video of the Year for his single “God Must Really Love Me” and performed the song during the show. Lawrence won Mainstream Inspirational Song of the Year for “Up To Him.” Point of Grace, who recently crossed in to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music),” won Vocal Group of the Year.

Also on hand to perform were Jason Crabb, Randy Houser, Adam Gregory, Carter Twins, Halfway to Hazard, Cherryholmes, Katalyst, Jordyn Shellhart, CrossCountry the Band, James Payne, Del Way, Tommy Brandt, Dennis Agajanian, Greg McDougal and Amanda Fessant.

Wayne Elsey, CEO & Founder of charity Soles4Souls, went barefoot as he presented an award to raise awareness for the more than 300 million children worldwide who do not have shoes.

Voted on by the CCMA membership, the 2009 ICM Awards will be aired on TCT Networks, The Worship Network, and more channels, which reach a combined 500 million people throughout the world.

Complete list of winners:
Entertainer of the Year CrossCountry the Band
Male Vocalist Tommy Brandt
Female Vocalist Sandra Dee
Vocal Duo The Roys
Vocal Group Point of Grace
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song “Up To Him,” Tracy Lawrence
Mainstream Country Artist Ricky Skaggs
Christian Country Song “Good Ole Boys,” James Payne & Del Way
Songwriter Russ Murphy
Video “God Must Really Love Me, Craig Morgan, Director, Eric Welch
New Artist Steve Richard
Musician Dennis Agajanian
Comedy Act Barry McGee
Radio Personality Leon Joplin
Radio Station WCWV, Summersville, WV
Living Legend Award Ken Holloway
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist The Isaacs
Youth In Music Award Matthew Wacaster
Music Evangelist of the Year Russ Murphy
Faith, Family, & Country Movie Fireproof, Provident Films
Television Network TCT Network

Point of Grace

Point of Grace

NBC Debuts Artists in Residence Partnership

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bjNBC Universal is starting an “Artists in Residence” program with Bon Jovi as the first act set to participate. Featured artists will be exposed across NBCU’s multiple platforms and brands, including interviews, musical guest appearances, and guest-starring roles. The “Artists in Residence” project coincides with the Nov. 10 launch of the band’s new studio album, The Circle.

As part of the program, Bon Jovi has confirmed appearances on the special “Bon Jovi Month” on the Today show in November during which they will appear live on the program on all four Wednesdays that month, capped off with a special concert performance on the plaza on Wed., Nov. 25. Additionally, Bon Jovi will appear on several NBC Entertainment programs and be the featured guest on Bravo’s Inside the Actors’ Studio.

Jon Bon Jovi will be the subject of a USA Character Showcase, which will highlight him as both an artist and philanthropist in an on-air and on-line campaign. He will be a featured panelist at a USA Network and Tom Brokaw-sponsored “Characters Unite National Town Hall,” about overcoming social injustices, in Washington, D.C. Jon will also be featured on NBC’s Nightly News with Brian Williams, as well as in the company’s award-winning public service campaign The More You Know with spots running on NBCU’s cable and broadcast networks. The band’s music will also  be heavily integrated throughout NBC’s network and cable programming.

Nashville Scene: Johnny Jones, 1936-2009

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A vital piece of Nashville’s R&B history fell silent Wednesday, Oct. 14 with the death of legendary blues guitarist Johnny Jones. Read more.

It’s Official: Garth Set For Wynn Residency

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Garth at the press conference.

Garth Brooks is planning a five year residency at the Wynn hotel and casino in Las Vegas. The one-man show will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights for 15 weeks per year. Brooks and casino magnate Steve Wynn revealed details today from a Vegas press conference. Concerts begin December 11, 2009.

“I told him he couldn’t afford me, I was wrong,” joked Brooks during the announcement this afternoon from the Wynn. As part of the deal, Wynn had to buy Brooks a plane to get him to and from his Oklahoma home quickly.

Tickets will be priced at $125 for all levels, with the first five weekends set to go on sale Sat., Oct. 24 at 8 AM/PT (details below). About 200 seats per show will be available exclusively to Wynn hotel guests.

Confirmed dates are December 11, 12, 13; January 1, 2, 3 and 22, 23, 24; and February 12, 13, 14 and 26, 27, 28. Concerts will be 8 PM, with an additional Saturday night show at 10:30 PM.

Though it is being billed as one-man show, Brooks is promising surprise guests.

The late entertainer Danny Gans most recently occupied the Wynn Encore theater, before he passed away. “This room is for special moments of entertainment,” said Wynn, reiterating that he plans to maintain only superstar level acts in the theater when it is not in use by Brooks.

Brooks’ charity partner is Teammates For Kids and some proceeds will benefit them.

Brooks revealed this morning that he is officially ending his retirement. Following much speculation, he shared the news at a press conference in Nashville and then took the press with him to Las Vegas for  another event.

It has been almost 11 years since Brooks did a full-scale tour. The 47-year-0ld reiterated today that he will not be touring or recording until his youngest daughter, 13, graduates from high school in about five years.

With more than 128 million albums sold, Brooks is the best selling solo artist in U.S. history. He is the only solo artist in RIAA history to have six albums top the 10 million mark. In the midst of one of the most successful careers in music history, Garth retired in 2001, delivered his last record for Capitol Records and moved back to Oklahoma to raise his children.

With a $5 service charge and a $13 tax, the total ticket price is $143. Tickets may be booked by calling 702.770.7469 or online at www.wynnlasvegas.com/boxoffice.

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Garth Brooks and Steve Wynn at the Las Vegas press conference.

ZBB, Friends To Save Georgia Theater

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zbbZac Brown Band keeps adding to the line-up for its Georgia Theatre benefit show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The Oct. 30 date will include Little Big Town, Joey + Rory, Shawn Mullins, Aslyn and Oliver Wood. Proceeds from the show will go to rebuild the beloved and recently decommissioned Georgia Theatre in Athens. Prior to a devastating fire earlier this year, the establishment hosted performances by local legends including R.E.M., B-52s, Drive-By Truckers and Widespread Panic, as well as rising stars like ZBB.

“The Zac Brown Band are showing their incredible generosity and their love for the Athens music scene by hosting this benefit,” says Wilmot Greene, Georgia Theatre owner. “The presence of the Theatre in Athens has allowed bands to find an important early audience that helps to bring bigger success later. That’s a big part of the tradition of the Theatre and is an important aspect of why it needs to be rebuilt. This concert will be a huge help.”

Presented by Outback Concerts, tickets will cost $100 and are available via Ticketmaster.

NSAI Song Contest Deadline Nears

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jewelWith only two weeks until the Halloween deadline, October 31, 2009, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is encouraging songwriters to submit their best tunes to the NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT. The contest is designed to help unsigned songwriters navigate the road to becoming professional hitmakers.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive a mentoring session with The Valory Music Co. recording artist Jewel. Additional prizes include a single-song professional demo, tickets to the 2011 CMT Music Awards, a private tour of CMT studios, a performance at the legendary Bluebird Café, meetings with major music publishers and a one-year membership to NSAI, just to name a few.

Nashville pro writers, publishers and industry professionals will narrow down the finalists over three rounds of judging and select the Grand Prize Winner, 10 Runners-Up and 10 Honorable Mentions. Then the Top 10 will be posted on www.nsai.cmt.com for fan voting for the CMT Listeners’ Choice Winner, running January 20 through February 26, 2010.

All genres of music are encouraged. The entry fees are $35.00 (NSAI members) and $45.00 (non-members) per song. Proceeds benefit the NSAI Legislative Fund to protect the rights of songwriters. For a full list of prizes and how to enter, visit www.nsai.cmt.com.

New Hank Williams Recordings, Hank III At The Hall

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Hank Williams III treated both devoted fans and Museum visitors to a special interview and performance on Saturday (10/10) at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. During the program, which was held in conjunction with the Museum’s major exhibition Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Williams spoke about his family’s musical legacy and performed his own brand of country music, punk rock and heavy metal with a full band.

Pictured L-R—Exhibit co-curator Carolyn Tate, Daniel Mason (banjo), Williams, Shawn McWilliams (drums), Zach Shedd (bass), Adam McOwen (fiddle), Andy Gibson (steel guitar, dobro) and exhibit co-curator Michael McCall. Photo by Donn Jones

Pictured (L-R) Exhibit co-curator Carolyn Tate, Daniel Mason (banjo), Williams, Shawn McWilliams (drums), Zach Shedd (bass), Adam McOwen (fiddle), Andy Gibson (steel guitar, dobro) and exhibit co-curator Michael McCall. Photo by Donn Jones

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A set of previously unreleased recordings that Hank Williams made for the Mother’s Best radio show in 1951 will be issued as a 3-CD box set called Revealed: Unreleased Recordings on Nov. 3 via Time Life. In addition to 50 tracks not heard since they originally aired, the collection includes extremely rare in-studio conversations with Williams, and each disc contains a complete show exactly as it was heard over fifty years ago. Of particular importance is “Cold, Cold, Heart” captured on one of the program’s earliest surviving shows, making it the first public performance ever of the song.

The recordings offer new insight into William’s life and music, revealing a previously guarded personality. It showcases his humor as he jokes with his band and the emcee, and his love of music as he talks about his favorite songs.

McGraw, More Added To CMA Awards

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Ttim_mcgraw_13569im McGraw will perform at the CMA Awards for the first time since 2005 when the event lands at the Sommet Center on Wed., Nov. 11.

The star-packed lineup continues to grow dramatically with the addition of McGraw, a special Vince Gill/Daughtry duet, and Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, and Zac Brown Band.

“The 43rd Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, airs live Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. Previously announced performers include Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Underwood, and Keith Urban.

McGraw last performed on the CMA Awards stage in 2005, when he joined wife Faith Hill on “Like We Never Loved At All.” His last solo performance on the CMA Awards was in 2004, when he opened the show with “How Bad Do You Want It?”