Wanna Dunk An Exec, Critic, or Charlie Monk?

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Well, now’s your chance. Because several good sports—many of them from MusicRow’s In Charge list—will be sitting in the dunking booth at the Country Cares party on Thurs., Aug. 20. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® will host a street party from 5-8 PM at Roy Acuff Place as a thank-you to the music industry for twenty years of support of its very successful Country Cares for St. Jude Kids program. Festivities will include burgers, beverages, music and games. The party, hosted by the St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board, is open to the music industry. Country Cares program founder Randy Owen and ALSAC/St. Jude COO Dave McKee will be on hand to greet guests.

Here’s the official “dunking” schedule (subject to change):

5:30 p.m. Bart Allmand, songwriter, Disney Music Publishing
5:45 p.m. Suzanne Alexander, GAC host
6:00 p.m. Robert K. Oermann, longtime columnist for MusicRow magazine and owner of R.K.O. Media Products
6:15 p.m. Adrian Michaels, VP of country promotion, Curb Records
6:30 p.m. Blair Garner, host of radio show “After MidNite With Blair Garner”
6:45 p.m. Charlie Monk, Pres. of Monk Family Music Group and unofficial “Mayor of Music Row”
7:00 p.m. Jimmy Harnen, president, Republic Nashville records
7:15 p.m. Wade Jessen, senior chart manager, Billboard magazine
7:45 p.m. Jimmy Rector, VP of national promotion, Columbia Records Nashville

TV Shuffle: Reba, Billy, Shania, Brad, Love & Theft

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Lance--Reba

Photo credit: Kristi Boyd

Reba McEntire will be on this week’s CMT Top 20 Countdown, chatting with host Lance Smith about her new album, and her installment of CMT’s Invitation Only which premieres this Friday, August 21 at 8:00 PM/CT.

Tomorrow, (8/19) from 2:45-3:15 PM/CT, Reba will conduct a live Web chat from New York City in partnership with USTREAM and Facebook. Click here or go to www.facebook.com/reba for more information.

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Billy Currington will perform tonight, Tues., Aug. 18 on CBS’s The Late Show With David Letterman.

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Shania Twain will be a guest judge when the American Idol auditions hit Chicago Aug. 30-31, according to People.com. Among the other guests on the panel this season will be Victoria Beckham and Mary J. Blige. They are filling in for Paula Abdul who will not return this season.

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paisleyBrad Paisley’s new video for his current single, “Welcome to the Future,” is available online at bradpaisley.com, youtube.com/bradpaisley and cmt.com, as well as on CMT and GAC. The video is directed by Jim Shea, who also worked on Paisley’s award winning videos “Waitin’ On A Woman,” “Start A Band,” “Online” and “When I Get Where I’m Going.” It was filmed in New York City; Washington, DC; Los Angeles; Tokyo and Kumamoto Japan.

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Carolwood Records trio Love And Theft will make their first-ever national TV appearance this Friday, August 21 when they perform on NBC’s Today Show. Love And Theft will chat with the Today Show’s Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb and play their hit single “Runaway” during the 10 AM broadcast.

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Miley Cyrus will close out the Today show’s summer concert on Aug. 28 at Rockefeller Center. She is replacing Mariah Carey who was originally scheduled for that date.

Paid Downloads On The Rise, But CD Still Rules

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itunes-logoAccording to The NPD Group, a leading market research company, while CDs remain the most popular format for paid music purchases, digital music sales are making up an ever-greater share of U.S. music sales. CDs comprised 65 percent of all music sold in the first half of 2009 compared to paid digital downloads, which comprised 35 percent. By comparison, paid digital music downloads comprised just 20 percent of sales in 2007 – growing to 30 percent of the music market last year.

Russ Crupnick, NPD VP of entertainment industry analysis says, “With digital music sales growing at 15 to 20 percent, and CDs falling by an equal proportion, digital music sales will nearly equal CD sales by the end of 2010.”

According to NPD MusicWatch, when it comes to the unit-sales volume of music sold at retail – including paid digital music downloads and CDs – Apple iTunes leads in the U.S. with 25 percent of music units sold, which is up from 21 percent in 2008 and 14 percent in 2007. Walmart (including Walmart.com) remains in second position with 14 percent of music volume sold. Best Buy ranked third.

iTunes also continued to solidify its lead in the digital music arena, as consumer downloads from iTunes comprised 69 percent of the digital music market in the first half of 2009, followed by AmazonMP3 at 8 percent.

Walmart leads all sellers of CDs with a 20 percent share of the physical music market, followed by Best Buy at 16 percent, and Target and Amazon tied at 10 percent each.

Sneak Preview of CRS 41

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crs-41Organizers of this year’s Country Radio Seminar have tweeked the format of the educational panels for the coming event, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010, at the Nashville Convention Center. Panels which were previously tailored to radio station market size, will offer information that can be applied to all  markets, as well as the music industry as a whole.

In response to comments from attendees, the Agenda Committee is making sure that no more than three panels will be held simultaneously. Also, the Sales panels which previously took place the same day have been redistributed throughout the three days of the seminar.

Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s agenda highlights:

Wednesday, Feb. 24: The as-yet-unannounced Keynote Speaker, followed by the Universal Music Group luncheon and showcase, the songwriter event KCRS Live!, the Music City Jam hosted by Taylor Swift, and panels such as Bob Rosner’s “Workplace 911” and “The Taylor Effect,” about the marketing strategies that have been successful for the superstar.

Thursday, Feb. 25: Examples of panels might include: “So You Think You Know How to Do An Artist Interview? You’re Wrong!” “The Great Playlist Debate: Can Passive Be Passionate?” and a special research project. Other events include Sony Music Entertainment’s luncheon and showcase, and BMI/Country Aircheck’s WCRS Live!

Friday, Feb. 26: Friday kicks off with the newly renamed Power Breakfast (formerly Manager’s Breakfast), followed by the Capitol luncheon and showcase. Panels on Friday cover the already confirmed: “PPM Affects Every Facet of Our Industry, and This Means You!” “Arbitron vs. Nielsen” and “51 Great Promotional Ideas in 50 Minutes.” CRS 41 closes with the New Faces of Country Music® Show and Dinner. Performers have yet to be announced.

Registration, a detailed agenda and confirmed panelists can be viewed at the Country Radio Broadcasters Web site: www.CRB.org.

Combustion Forms Joint Venture With New West

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(L-R) Combustion Music's Chris Farren, Ashley Hertzog, Chris Van Belkom, Stephanie Greene.

(L-R) Combustion Music's Chris Farren, Ashley Hertzog, Chris Van Belkom and Stephanie Greene.

Under the terms of a deal announced by Combustion President/Founder Chris Farren and New West Music President/Founder Cameron Strang, New West has acquired an interest in the Combustion catalog resulting in the formation of a new partnership between the two companies. The new arrangement creates an independent force with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville. New West will be the administrator for the new venture on a worldwide basis.

Combustion has recently had hit singles from Kings Of Leon (“Sex on Fire” “Use Somebody”) plus four No. 1 country singles in past eight months: “It Won’t Be Like this For Long” (Darius Rucker), “Just A Dream” (Carrie Underwood), “Then” (Brad Paisley) and “Start A Band” (Keith Urban and Brad Paisley). The company also published last year’s CMA Single of the Year “You’re Gonna Miss This” (Trace Adkins). Combustion writers Ashley Gorley, Gordie Sampson, Blair Daly and Nathan and Caleb Followill (Kings of Leon) have amassed 16 #1 hits across 5 different formats in the last eighteen months.

“At Combustion we have always strived to sign the very best and most focused songwriters available, regardless of their style or background,” says Farren. “Cameron Strang has always been an independent minded and forward thinking business man, and I am confident that together with New West we will meet the challenges of the new music business while creating as many opportunities for our writers and songs as possible.”

The New West Music/Southside Independent Music offices have also been on a hot streak earning a BMI Song of the Year awards for “S.O.S.” “S.O.S.” (Rihanna 2007), “Beautiful Girls” (Sean Kingston 2008), “Take You There” (Sean Kingston 2009) and current worldwide hits “Better In Time” (Leona Lewis) and “Right Round” (Flo Rida). In 2008, Southside writer/producer J.R. Rotem was recognized with the BMI Urban Songwriter of the Year Award. Cameron Strang is also the president and founder of New West Records, which won the NARM Award for Independent Label of the Year in both 2007 and 2008. The label is home to such artists as Steve Earle, Kris Kristofferson, Dwight Yoakam, John Hiatt, Delbert McClinton, Ben Lee, Drive By Truckers, and Old 97’s.

“Chris Farren and his staff at Combustion Music have an ability to develop songwriters that is second to none,” says Cameron Strang. “Nothing changes as far as creative operations for Combustion or New West except they have a new partner in LA who can bring added opportunities in film, television, urban and pop and we have a new partner in Nashville with a first rate creative team.”

New West will continue to operate at 9215 Olympic Blvd. in Beverly Hills, CA. Combustion continues to operate at 1609 17th Ave S. in Nashville, TN.

Benefits Roundup

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worleyDarryl Worley’s Tennessee River Run, scheduled for September 10-13 at Pickwick Landing State Park in Savannah, Tennessee will feature performances from Worley, Craig Morgan, Caitlin & Will, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove and more. Other activities include a 5k run/walk, fishing tournament, and live auction. Another bass fishing tournament, also benefitting the Darryl Worley Foundation, is planned for November 7th at Pickwick Lake. Darryl Worley Foundation helps serve the needs of the people of Hardin and McNairy Counties in West Tennessee and the surrounding areas of West Tennessee, Northwestern Alabama and Northeastern Mississippi.
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The 8th Annual John Jarrard Concert will be held Thursday, September 24, 2009 on the front lawn of Pierce Auditorium at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. Performers at the event include Steve Cropper, Buddy Cannon, Roger Cook, Gary Nicholson, Jimmy Hall, John Berry and more. Hosted by the John Jarrard Foundation, the event benefits local charities including the Good News Clinics, Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County, Georgia Mountain Food Bank Fund and Good News at Noon. Visit www.johnjarrardconcert.com for more information.
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millerharrisThe 10th Annual Miller Harris Golf Tournament is set for Monday, September 14 at the Temple Hills Golf Club. Sponsorships range from $200 to $1000 or $150 for individual players. Prior to the tournament, the Bluebird Cafe will also host a Miller Harris benefit on August 27. Performers include Josh Hoge, Carey Barlowe, Nathalie Hemby, Monty Powell, Sherrie Austin, Jeff Bates and Stephen Dale Jones. Proceeds from both events benefit the Miller Harris Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with asthma and students interested in the music industry.
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Golf enthusiasts have a second reason to be excited, because the annual Writer Cup golf tournament, benefitting The Nashville Mission and The Room In The Inn, will be held Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday October 1 at Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, Tennessee. Also benefitting both Nashville Mission and Room In The Inn is the 8th Annual Music Row Coat Drive, and final pickup will be October 2. Contact Norman De Vasure at norman@normanproductions.com or 615-320-7300 for more information on both.

Republic Nashville Signs The Band Perry

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perry

If everyone in this photo buys a CD the group will be well on its way to Gold sales. (TOP ROW, Left to Right): David Crow, Milom, Joyce, Horsnell & Crow, PLC; Bob Doyle, Bob Doyle & Associates; Scott Borchetta, CEO of Republic Nashville; Allison Jones, A&R Republic Nashville; Marie Perry; Steve Perry; Jimmy Harnen, President of Republic Nashville; Josh Pegram, Bob Doyle & Associates; Cheryl Harris, O’Neil Hagaman; (BOTTOM ROW, Left to Right): Neil Perry; Kimberly Perry; Reid Perry

The Band Perry is comprised of siblings Kimberly Perry (lead vocals, piano, rhythm guitar); Reid Perry (backing vocals, bass); and Neil Perry (backing vocals, mandolin, drums, accordion) and is managed by Bob Doyle and Josh Pegram with Bob Doyle & Associates artist management.

“We are incredibly excited and proud to welcome Kimberly, Reid and Neil of The Band Perry to the Republic Nashville family,” said Jimmy Harnen, President of Republic Nashville.

The Band Perry began its journey in the roadhouses around Mobile, Alabama, and eventually graduated to national tours, including the 2005 Coca-Cola’s New Faces of Country Tour, followed by TGI Friday’s Friday Night Concerts Tour in 2006. The group is currently working in the studio on new music with veteran producer Paul Worley.

NoShoesRadio.com Partners with Hooters

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Screenshot from NoShoesRadio.com

Screenshot from NoShoesRadio.com

Atlanta-based Hooters restaurants partnered with NoShoesradio.com, Kenny Chesney’s new online radio station which launched last week. The station located at www.noshoesradio.com reflects Kenny’s eclectic taste, ranging from country to reggae to rock, and beyond. The radio station promotional launch takes place in major cities across the country. Chesney appeared at last week’s kick off at the Hooters of Jacksonville Landing. “Kenny’s fans are our customers.  They want to have a great time and enjoy themselves, just like when they are at Hooters,” says Noela Scarano, Director of Marketing for Hooters of America, Inc.  “The fit is perfect and we are excited for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing internet launch.”

NoShoesRadio.com is scheduled to broadcast from seven additional Hooters restaurants over the summer including Troy, MI; Toronto, Canada; Manassas, VA; Raleigh, NC; Tallahassee, FL; Charleston, SC; and Bloomington, IL.

The Hooters Happy Hour segment along with others will be heard daily on NoShoesradio.com. Hooters plans to host listening parties throughout the 2009 Sun City Carnival Tour with Hooters Girls on site during each tour stop.

McGraw Offers Fans Southern Voice

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McGraw-SoVo-CD-Cvr-fnl_300Tim McGraw will release Southern Voice on Curb Records, Oct. 20. The new album will contain his current single “It’s A Business Doing Pleasure With You” written by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger and Brett James. This release, recorded in Nashville with producer Byron Gallimore, marks McGraw’s first studio set in almost 2 and a half years.

TimMcgraw.com notes that the superstar will perform on NFL Opening Kickoff Presented By EA Sports which will be simulcast on NBC and NFL Network on Sept. 10. The show starts the 2009 season and pays tribute to six-time Super Bowl Champions the Pittsburgh Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh. McGraw, together with the Black Eyed Peas, will open the celebration with a free live concert at Point State Park in Pittsburgh.

Here’s the final track listing for Southern Voice:

1. Still

2. Ghost Town Train

3. Good Girls

4. I Didn’t Know It At The Time

5. It’s A Business Doing Pleasure With You

6. If I Died Today

7. Mr. Whoever You Are

8. Southern Voice

9. You Had To Be There

10. I’m Only Jesus

11. Forever Seventeen

12. Love You Goodbye

Possum Returns, Sony Sign, Katie Armiger & Craig Morgan

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To help celebrate Cracker Barrel’s 40th year anniversary, George Jones’ newest album goes on sale August 31 exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations. A Collection Of My Best Recollection has 12 tracks including two songs that have never been released before, “I Don’t Want To Know,” and “I’m A Long Gone Daddy.” 

To help celebrate Cracker Barrel’s 40th year anniversary, George Jones’ newest album goes on sale August 31 exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations. A Collection Of My Best Recollection has 12 tracks including two songs that have never been released before, “I Don’t Want To Know,” and “I’m A Long Gone Daddy.”

Sony's new logo has made it onto the sign outside their offices on Horton Ave.

Sony's new logo has made it onto the sign outside their offices on Horton Ave.

Craig Morgan recently shot the video for his single, "Bonfire," where he surprised bystanders in a variety of locations with impromptu performances. The video is said to be a cross between Jackass and Candid Camera.

Craig Morgan recently shot the video for his single, "Bonfire," where he surprised bystanders in a variety of locations with impromptu performances. The video is said to be a cross between Jackass and Candid Camera.

Kate Armiger recently stopped by WWQM to ride the cow with MD, Kenny Jay.

Katie Armiger recently stopped by WWQM to ride the cow with MD, Kenny Jay and promote her single, "Gone."