Celebrities to Guest Host “After MidNite”

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Actress Jennie Garth will host "After MidNite" on July 11 and 12.

After MidNite host Blair Garner is heading out for his summer vacation this week (July 10-16) and has recruited a handful of celebrities to host the show in his absence.

Leading off the week on Monday night/Tuesday morning (July 10) is American Idol finalist Skylar Laine, who will discuss her Idol journey and being on the road with the tour.

Actress Jennie Garth (CMT’s Jennie Garth: A Little Bit Country, Beverly Hills 90210, Dancing With The Stars) will assume hosting duties for Tuesday night/Wednesday morning (July 11) and Wednesday night/Thursday morning (July 12). Garth will be accompanied by her entourage of three children and two dogs.

On Thursday night/Friday morning (July 13), and Friday night/Saturday morning (July 14), Rodeowave Entertainment artist Phil Vassar will sit down at the controls to talk touring, songwriting, and the video for his new single.

Finally, General Hospital star and singer/songwriter Scott Reeves will be the host of After MidNite  Saturday night/Sunday morning (July 15) and Sunday night/Monday morning (July 16). Reeves portrays Dr. Steven Webber on GH and will discuss his acting projects and band Port Chuck.

Visit www.AfterMidNite.com for more info.

iHeartRadio Festival Reveals Superstar Line Up

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The Clear Channel iHeartRadio Music Festival 2012 has a superstar line-up for the second year in a row. Set for Sept. 21-22 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, performers include Taylor Swift, Aerosmith, Rihanna, Usher, Bon Jovi, Lil Wayne, Green Day, Swedish House Mafia, No Doubt, Brad Paisley, Pitbull, deadmau5, Miranda Lambert, Enrique Iglesias, Linkin Park, Jason Aldean, P!nk, Mary J. Blige, Calvin Harris and Shakira. Ryan Seacrest will kick off the event and more artists will be announced prior to the festival.

The line up was revealed this morning (7/9) with a simultaneous roadblock announcement by all 850 Clear Channel radio stations nationwide, their websites and iHeartRadio.

The inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival in September 2011 marked the official launch of the new iHeartRadio. iHeartRadio delivers free, instant access to more than 1,000 live broadcast and digital-only radio stations, plus user-created Custom Stations inspired by favorite artists and songs.

iHeartRadio reached 10 million registered users in May. Registered users are only a percentage of iHeartRadio’s overall listeners, since registration is only required for the Custom Station feature.

iHeartRadio is available as a free application for web, mobile, tablets, automotive, television and gaming devices. The mobile app has been downloaded more than 85 million times.

For more details visit iHeartRadio.com/vegas. Tickets go on sale July 14 at 1 p.m. ET.

From the Road (7/09/12)

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Pretty Good at Sayin’ “Cheese”
Mercury Nashville’s Billy Currington took a break from working on his upcoming album for an “Up Close and Personal” session with KKBQ at the Four Seasons in Houston.

(L-R): KKBQ APD/MD Christi Brooks, Billy Currington, Mercury Nashville’s Jill Brunett, KKBQ PD/OM Johnny Chiang

• • • • •

Farr Away in Star Country
Columbia Nashville new artist Tyler Farr recently stopped by Roanoke’s WSLC (Star Country) during his promotional radio tour.

(L-R): WSLC PD Brett Sharp, Farr, WSLC Promo Director Rachel Rodes, Columbia Nashville’s David Friedman

• • • • •

Like Johnny and June… and Also Buck
Sidewalk Records’ Heidi Newfield is currently visiting radio to promote her new single “Why’d You Have to Be So Good.” Recently she visited with KUZZ/Bakersfield.

(L-R): KUZZ PD Tom Jordan, Newfield, KUZZ Promo. Dir. Jerry Hufford

CountryBreakout No. 1 Song

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According to the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5150 allows a qualified officer to involuntarily confine a person who is deemed to be a danger to himself or others. Which means Dierks Bentley could be wading through some serious Fatal Attraction territory over some girl in his latest single “5-1-5-0.”

And yet, the song (written by Bentley with Brett and Jim Beavers) sounds like concentrated summertime, riding a twangy, uptempo groove that screams “Party!” Which is one good reason it’s the CountryBreakout Chart No. 1 song for the third consecutive week. Extending this theme, the Wes Edwards-directed video clip features copious amounts of ATVs, jacked up trucks, mud, scantily clad women, dust clouds and a high speed police chase. So this particular state of mental distress actually seems like a pretty happenin’ way to be, all things considered.

“I have never had so much fun…or gotten so dirty…at a video shoot,” said Bentley. “It’s hard to call it ‘work’ when you get to drive trucks and four wheelers through the mud all day. The fans who came out to this shoot were ready to get 5-1-5-0, so we basically just pulled up a bunch of trucks, threw some gear in the back, turned up the speakers and then let them do their thing. It was pretty wild!”

Bentley also recently played CMT’s Unplugged series, where he unveiled his new signature HD Dierks Bentley Martin guitar, which will be available in stores fall. For tour dates, check www.dierks.com.

Weekly Chart Report (7/5/2012)

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Joanna Smith visited with WDKN recently to promote her new single, “We Can’t Be Friends.” The song lands at No. 26 on this week’s CountryBreakout Chart. Pictured (L-R): Dale Turner (WDKN), Smith, RG Jones (Sony Music Nashville)

SPIN ZONE
This summer’s heat wave continues its grip on us just as Dierks Bentley’s “5-1-5-0″ continues holding CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week. The Band Perry’s “Postcard From Paris” maintains the No. 2 spot while Keith Urban’s “For You” jumps another step to No. 3. In its 8th week on the chart, Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” skips up one to No. 4 followed by Gloriana‘s “Kissed You” at No. 5.

Judging by the high number of frozen reports below, many radio people are vacationing or just enjoying some Independence Day time off. Nevertheless, Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” paddles up another 3 spots entering the Top 10 at No. 9 with a 245 spin gain this week. Zac Brown Band‘s “The Wind” blows by another 3 spots to No. 20 while Carrie Underwood‘s “Blown Away” leaps from No. 73 to No. 44 in its 2nd week on the chart with 362 additional spins.

Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” at No. 60 is both the highest chart debut and the largest increase in spins this week. Other debuts include Andy Gibson‘s “Summer Back” at No. 63, Candy Coburn‘s “That Thing You Do” at No. 77, Eric Church‘s “Creepin'” at No. 78, Glen Templeton‘s “That’s My Job” at No. 79, and Randy Travis‘ “More Life” at No. 80.

Frozen Reports: KCJC, KFTX, KGMN, KICR, KMKS, KTTI, KVOM, KVVP, KXBZ, KYEZ, KYYK, KYTN, KZTL, WDHR, WEIO, WKDZ, WLJE, WOWF, WQNZ, WRHT, WTCM, WTHO

RADIO NEWS
KBXB/Sikeston, MO PD C.J. Cruze has announced he is exiting his position with the station, effective July 13. Taking up his duties will be Brian Taylor, who will take music calls Tuesdays 11 am – 12 pm. Reach him at btaylor@withersradio.net.


Upcoming Singles
July 9
Carrie Underwood/Blown Away/19-Arista Nashville
The Lost Trailers/American Beauty/Stokes-HRT-New Revolution
Lisa Torres/Car That Runs/Render Records
Miss Willie Brown/You’re All That Matters To Me/A&M Octone-Rodeowave
Parmalee/Musta Had A Good Time/Stoney Creek
Kip Moore/Beer Money/MCA
Steve Richard/Toothbrush/Force MP-GrassRoots
Marty Stuart with Buck Trent/Tear The Woodpile Down/Sugar Hill
Joanna Mosca/Dream On Savannah/Dolce Diva

July 16
Lauren Alaina/Eighteen Inches/Mercury Nashville-19 Recordings-Interscope
Kelleigh Bannen/Sorry on the Rocks/EMI Nashville
Levi Riggs/There’s Still A Place For That/Flying Island
Lonestar/The Countdown/4 Star Records
Shooter Jennings/The Real Me/eOne
Levi Riggs/There’s Still A Place For That/Windridge
John Karl/Redneck Rich (Hillbilly Happy)/Pour Boy
Don Williams feat. Alison Krauss/I Just Come Here For The Music/Sugar Hill

• • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Tim McGraw/Truck Yeah/Big Machine – 60
Andy Gibson/Summer Back/Curb – 63
Candy Coburn/That Thing You Do/LomaJean – 77
Eric Church/Creepin’/EMI Nashville – 78
Glen Templeton/That’s My Job/Black River Entertainment – 79
Randy Travis/More Life/Warner Bros. – 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Tim McGraw/Truck Yeah/Big Machine – 364
Carrie Underwood/Blown Away/19-Arista Nashville – 362
Little Big Town/Pontoon/Capitol – 245
Zac Brown Band/The Wind/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 207
Lady Antebellum/Wanted You More/Capitol – 198

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Carrie Underwood/Blown Away/19-Arista Nashville – 16
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA Nashville – 16
Tim McGraw/Right Back Atcha Babe/Curb – 12
Aaron Lewis/Endless Summer/Blaster Records – 12
Trace Adkins/Them Lips (On Mine)/Show Dog-Universal – 10
Casey James/Crying On A Suitcase/19-Columbia Nashville – 9
Heidi Newfield/Why’d You Have To Be So Good/Sidewalk Records – 8

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Bill Gentry/That Kind of Life/Tenacity Records – 184
Brandon Holland/Man In The Moon – 167
Britt & Blaire/Young Summer/Mt. Juliet Records – 165
Bobby Dean/Me and George Strait/Lamon – 165
Sawyer Brown/Ain’t Goin’ Out That Way/Beach Street Records – 161

Trace Adkins made a stop in Bakersfield as part of his "Songs and Stories Tour" Pictured (L-R): KUZZ/Bakersfield PD Tom Jordan, Jordan's wife Lori Giamanco, Adkins and Show Dog-Universal’s Lisa Owen

Scotty McCreery and Jana Kramer played WKLB/Boston’s Rockin’ Country Music Series on Monday night (7/2). Pictured (L-R) W.A.R. MW/NE regionals Lindsay Walleman, WKLB’s Dawn Santolucito, Kramer, McCreery, WKLB’s Ginny Rogers, and Mercury’s Sally Green

Charlie Cook On Air: Andy Griffith

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When I started in radio I worked 3 PM until 11 PM Monday through Saturday. I turned the radio station off at 11 PM and cleaned up the office (and related littler offices, if you know what I mean) before I left for home. Today my hours are different.

Most people start their careers as journeyman. I have read that some starting as newspaper journalists begin by writing obituaries.

I am one of those weird people who read obits and visits cemeteries from time to time. I know that this sounds morbid but visiting grave sites is like reading abbreviated biographies.

The week before Independence Day I visited Arlington National Cemetery and a local cemetery here in Morgantown, West Virginia.

There are 300,000 stories at Arlington and some of them we know. President Kennedy, the Challenger astronauts and more heroes than I could ever list here.

The cemetery here in Morgantown includes the grave of Zacquill Morgan, who founded this city. I ran across the grave of Thomas F. Brooks who was born in 1770. He died in 1836. I stood above the grave of Mr. Brooks realizing that he was born before the Revolutionary War and died before the Civil War.

That made me stop and think about our history and to appreciate what we have done for the world in those 236 years.

Then just three days ago someone who has been part of almost everyone’s history died. Andy Griffith.

We talk about six degrees of separation but it was much closer here in Morgantown. You see, Morgantown was the hometown of Don Knotts.

And then as a Country Music fan we all appreciated what Mr. Griffith contributed to another West Virginian’s body of work. “Waiting on a Woman” was a great song but a spectacular video for Brad Paisley and Andy Griffith was the reason.

Raise your hand if you have ever watched The Andy Griffith Show. Or Matlock. And don’t forget that Andy was associated with Gospel and Country Music during his early career.

I am not here to write an obituary for Andy Griffith. I could never do that and you can find one online if you want one.

But what I wanted to do is say thanks to Andy, to Jack Lameier, to Frances Preston and Donna Hilley and Rusty Walker.

It has been a tough couple of months for those of us in and around Country Music. It should make all of us think about how much of a family we all are.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)

Vassar Receives Distinguished Virginian Award

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Rodeowave Entertainment artist and Virginia native Phil Vassar recently received the 2012 Distinguished Virginian Award from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters at the organization’s 75th Annual Summer Conference. The award honors those who have contributed substantially to the well-being of the Commonwealth of Virginia, its citizens, or the broadcast industry.

“This is an incredible honor,” said Vassar. “I am extremely proud to be a Virginian. The music and creative environment for me growing up in Lynchburg played a huge part in who I am today.”

“Most everyone knows Phil Vassar for his talents in songwriting and performing; he is legendary in that arena,” said Randy Smith of WSET-TV in Lynchburg. “But there’s much more to Phil than just his phenomenal music career. The impact that Phil has on the world around him, especially back in his home town of Lynchburg, is nothing short of remarkable, yet it is something that you will never hear him boast of.”

Smith listed numerous benefit concerts Vassar has performed to support his hometown, such as the annual events to benefit The Miller Home for at risk teenage girls. Smith concluded by saying, “Phil Vassar is the true definition of the person we seek to be the Virginia Association of Broadcaster’s Distinguished Virginian.”

Vassar is back on the road this week performing shows in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Wisconsin through the weekend. “Don’t Miss Your Life” is his current single.

From the Road (7/3/12)

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Hide the ‘Stache
Arista Nashville’s Kix Brooks recently performed a show at Joe’s Bar in Chicago. Before the show Kix and a few female colleagues had some fake mustache fun.

(L-R) Back Row: Halie Hampton (Arista Nashville), Laurie Kapugi (WUSN PD Jeff Kapugi’s wife), Kix, Lesly Tyson (Arista Nashville), Lisa Ramsey-Perkins (Arista Nashville). Front Row: Lauren Thomas (Arista Nashville), Marci Braun (WUSN Chicago APD)

• • • •

What, No Red Solo Cup?
While headlining for this past Sunday’s (June 24, 2012) WBCT’s Birthday Bash in Grand Rapids, MI, Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie and Troy celebrated backstage with the station’s PD Doug Montgomery.

(L-R): Average Joes' Joe Schuld, Eddie Montgomery, WBCT's Doug Montgomery, and Troy Gentry.

• • • •

Gary Allan, Teed Off
MCA Nashville multi-platinum artist Gary Allan recently made a stop at the famed Whistling Straits Golf Course in Milwaukee with WMIL PD, Kerry Wolfe. After playing a round, Allan and his band headlined Summerfest in downtown Milwaukee.

(L-R): Jaime Hanna (Gary Allan band member), Kerry Wolfe (WMIL PD), Gary Allan, Royce Risser (UMG Sr VP Promotion), Donna Jo Passuntino (MCA Dir. Midwest Promotion), Van Haze (MCA VP Promotion) and Levi Dennis (Gary Allan band member)

Industry Ink (6/29/12)

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Nashville-based Artist Growth earned the most votes in the “Best Music App” category during the MTV O Music Awards. The five-month-old startup company beat out fellow nominees like Spotify and Live Nation for the prize. In recent months, Artist Growth has announced a partnership with BMI to help streamline live performance royalties for participating artists.

• • • •

Country Radio Seminar is offering a “Crazy Days of Summer” discount on CRS 2013, which will be available from July 2 to July 31. During that period, a special $349 registration will be available until the end of the month or until 349 individuals have registered. Following the promotion, the CRS $399 Early Bird rate will go into effect. CRS 2013 is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 1 in downtown Nashville. Register here.

• • • •

Big Machine Label Group is building on its love of racing and cars, as it has announced a long-term music partnership with Hot Wheels. The companies will celebrate the agreement with a “Double Loop Dare” tomorrow (6/30) during the X Games Los Angeles, which will air live on ABC beginning at 10:15 am. Two Team Hot Wheels drivers will pull off the stunt, driving their cars through 60 foot tall loops. See a preview here.

• • • •

Dale Turner

Radio promotion veteran and on-air personality Dale Turner has joined Radio Informer Inc. as VP Sales and Label Relations. In this role, Turner will oversee the compilation of Radio Informer’s Country CD sampler which is serviced to radio outlets and industry executives every month. The next issue ships on July 9. Turner, whose career includes time with RCA and Lyric Street Records, will also maintain his current morning show hosting duties at WDKN/Dickson, TN. Reach Turner here.

• • • •

The Society of Leaders in Development recently hosted its 10th Annual Music Row Yard Sale at Bridgestone Arena during the CMA Music Festival, raising $3500 for the Vanderbilt Music Therapy Program. The event collects memorabilia and promotional items from companies in the music industry and offers fans a chance to buy them during Music Fest.

• • • •

Congratulations to Dawn Delvo (of Black River Entertainment) and Rick Olszewski, who were named the 2012 Man & Woman of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Tennessee Chapter. Both honorees are from Nashville and collectively raised over $164,000 for the organization.

• • • •

Emily Mueller

Emily Mueller has announced the launch of [listen + connect] creative, a creative services consultancy for songwriters and producers. Among the services the company offers are A&R, catalog management, and songplugging. A graduate of Belmont University, Mueller’s experience includes time working with Sarah Buxton’s catalog at Tom-Leis Music as well as working with Taylor Swift producer Nathan Chapman. She is currently working with up-and-coming songwriter Brett Tyler and producer Eddie Gore. Contact her here.

• • • •

Western boot company Lucchese has retained Jim Havey Public Relations for representation of its new Nashville flagship store, which opened June 1 in the Gulch neighborhood. Located at 503 12th Ave. S., the 4,000 square foot space aims to blend the city’s music and fashion scenes.

• • • •

Nashville-based application development company WV Magic Design has changed its name to DevDigital. Founded in 2005, the company builds custom products for multiple platforms and has created products for Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, and more. For more info, visit www.devdigital.com.

Weekly Chart Report (6/29/2012)

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Jake Owen (R) recently appeared at the Butler Co Fair in Allison, IA to a record turnout. The show was hosted by KIAI FM The Country Moose Morning Host / PD Wolf Bowers (L).

SPIN ZONE
Nashville hit 105 degrees yesterday, breaking the previous record set in 1952, and Dierks Bentley’s “5-1-5-0” is just as hot in its second week of holding CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot. The Band Perry’s “Postcard From Paris” moves up to No. 2, followed by Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” at No. 3, Keith Urban’s “For You” at No. 4 and Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” at No. 5 in only its 7th week on the chart.

Gloriana’s “Kissed You” continues its rise by jumping 2 up positions to No. 6 by adding another 203 spins while Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” motorboats up another 5 spots to No. 12. With a 276 spin gain this week, Zac Brown Band takes ten steps to No. 23 and Miranda Lambert’s “Fastest Girl In Town” jumps from No. 40 to No. 35 with an impressive 349 additional spins.

The chart debuts this week are led by Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” at No. 73 and Tim McGraw’s “Right Back Atcha Babe” at No. 75. Rounding out the debuts is Shawna Russell’s “Sounds Like A Party” at No. 76, Scarletta’s “Right Here Right Now” at No. 77 and Colt Ford (with Jake Owen) with “Back” at No. 79.

Frozen Reports: KFTX, KIAI, KGMN, KWEY, KXKZ, WDXX, WKBQ, WKWS, WXXK, WZMR

RADIO NEWS
Tim Andrews has left his post as Program Director at KGMN and joined KSWG in Phoenix. He can be reached at tim@963realcountry.com or (602) 254-6644 after July 16th. Brian Williams has taken the Program Director position at KGMN vacated by Andrews and can be reached at brian@kgmn.net or (928) 753-9100.

Upcoming Singles
July 2
Tim McGraw/Truck Yeah/Big Machine
Chris Cagle/Let There Be Cowgirls/Bigger Picture
Colt Ford feat. Jake Owen/Back/Average Joes
Andy Gibson/Summer Back/Curb
Steele/Do You Really Have To Go
Shane Yellowbird/They’re All About You/On Ramp

July 9
The Lost Trailers/American Beauty/Stokes-HRT-New Revolution
Lisa Torres/Car That Runs/Render Records
Miss Willie Brown/You’re All That Matters To Me/A&M Octone-Rodeowave
Parmalee/Musta Had A Good Time/Stoney Creek
Kip Moore/Beer Money/MCA
Steve Richard/Toothbrush/Force MP-GrassRoots

• • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Carrie Underwood/Blown Away/19-Arista Nashville – 73
Tim McGraw/Right Back Atcha Babe/Curb – 75
Shawna Russell/Sounds Like A Party/Way Out West – 76
Scarletta/Right Here Right Now – 77
Colt Ford with Jake Owen/Back/Average Joe’s – 79

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA Nashville – 349
Zac Brown Band/The Wind/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 276
Big & Rich/That’s Why I Pray/Warner Bros. – 215
Little Big Town/Pontoon/Capitol – 211
Kenny Chesney/Come Over/Blue Chair-Columbia Nashville – 211

Most Added
Carrie Underwood/Blown Away/19-Arista Nashville – 16
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA Nashville – 16
Tim McGraw/Right Back Atcha Babe/Curb – 12
Aaron Lewis/Endless Summer/Blaster Records – 12
Trace Adkins/Them Lips (On Mine)/Show Dog–Universal – 10
Casey James/Crying On A Suitcase 19/Columbia Nashville – 9
Heidi Newfield/Why’d You Have To Be So Good/Sidewalk Records – 8

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Glen Templeton/That’s My Job/Black River Entertainment – 183
Candy Coburn/That Thing You Do/LomaJean – 177
Bobby Dean/Me and George Strait/Lamon – 167
Bill Gentry/That Kind of Life/Tenacity Records – 165
Britt & Blaire/Young Summer/Mt. Juliet Records – 160

Curb Records’ Rachel Holder visited with Gator/107.9 morning team, Dingo and Blue, this week in Myrtle Beach, SC while promoting her single “In Your Arms.” (L-R): WGTR’s Dave "Blue" Bluefields, Holder, and Dingo

Scarletta visited with Neil Wieland (holding sign) at KAIR/Atchison, KS who added "Right Here Right Now," which debuted at No. 77 on the CountryBreakout Chart this week.

Mark Wayne Glasmire, Tommy Steele and Amber Hayes had dinner the evening before their “Tuesday On The Town” performance in Hampton, IA. (L- R): Luke (Amber’s cousin), Mark Wayne Glasmire, Amber Hayes, Tommy Steele, Mike and Janet Betten

Sugarland recently hung out with the UMG and US*99 crews in Tinley Park, IL. (L-R) Back Row: UMG’s Royce Risser and Brian Wright. Front Row: UMG’s Stephanie Wright, WUSN’s Liz Geerling, UMG’s Charlie Dean and Katie Dean, WUSN PD Jeff Kapugi, Jennifer Nettles, Laurie Kapugi, WUSN’s Marci Braun, Kristian Bush, and Mercury’s Damon Moberly