WME's Nashville Office To Relocate to the Gulch

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wme sliderWilliam Morris Endeavor (WME) is slated to move its Nashville office to an upcoming 15-story office tower in the Gulch area.
WME will relocate 80 staff members from its current location at 1600 Division Street to a 26,000 square feet space in the new building in 2016. The building, which Eakin Partners will begin work on this summer, will be located at 1201 Demonbreun Street, at the corner of 12th Ave. S and Demonbreun, next to condominium tower Twelve Twelve.
Recently Kevin Neal, former president of Buddy Lee Attractions, joined William Morris Endeavor, bringing with him Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Colt Ford and Parmalee. Additional clients represented by WME include Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry, Eric Church, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton.
Partners at WME’s Nashville office include Rob Beckham, Joey Lee, Greg Oswald, Jay Williams and Kevin Neal.

APA Signs Keith Anderson

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keith anderson1111

Keith Anderson


APA has signed Keith Anderson to its country music roster. Anderson’s Top 10 hits include “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” “Every Time I Hear Your Name,” and “I Still Miss You.”
“Keith has a wealth of talent,” commented APA Nashville Sr. Vice President Steve Hauser. “His songwriting and live shows are top-notch. We are excited to have him become a part of the APA family.”
“APA’s passion and enthusiasm for live music is contagious,” said Anderson. “The minute I met them, I could feel their energy and excitement. I’m ready to hit the road, and feel so blessed to have them in my corner.”
Anderson’s latest single, “I’ll Bring The Music,” is currently spinning on Sirius XM Radio.

IEBA Announces New Board Member

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John Bolton

John Bolton


The members of IEBA (International Entertainment Buyers Association), a non-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals, have elected John Bolton, Vice President of Entertainment for SMG, to their Board of Directors in the “Buyer/Promoter” category. He replaces outgoing director Leslie Master of Live Nation.
As part of the corporate team at SMG Entertainment, Bolton works with stadiums and arenas across the country to present over 28,000 live events annually. Bolton supervises a national network of regional marketing directors who are responsible for some 140 arena marketing professionals.
In addition to his role as General Manager for SMG in Tulsa, Bolton acted as Regional Vice President for SMG for its venues in Puerto Rico and the West Coast. Bolton was responsible for creating five new festivals and events in Tulsa that attract more than 200,000 people per year. Bolton earned “Venue Executive of the Year” recognition from IEBA in 2011 and from Pollstar in 2012, as well the “Venue Excellence Award” from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) in 2011.
He fulfilled two terms on IEBA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee from 2005 to 2008 and from 2009 to 2012. Bolton also serves as the current Chair of the Board of Directors for IAVM.
IEBA’s 44th annual conference will be held Sept. 27-30, 2014, at Nashville’s Omni Hotel. For more information, visit ieba.org.

Lee Brice Unveils New Album Coming Sept. 9

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leebriceidontdanceLee Brice has set a release date of Sept. 9 for his third album on Curb Records, I Don’t Dance. It is the follow up to his Gold selling 2012 release Hard 2 Love, which produced three No. 1 songs including the CMA, ACM and MusicRow Song of the Year “I Drive Your Truck.” Brice has been previewing some of the new tracks live on Luke Bryan‘s “That’s My Kind of Night” tour. 

Yesterday (June 9) members of the media attended an exclusive listening session with Brice, hosted by Robert K. Oermann, at the historic Columbia Studio A on Music Row. Guests were treated with light appetizers and libations before a welcoming by Curb CEO Jim Ed Norman.
“As soon as I finished Hard 2 Love,” Brice shared, “I realized I had learned so much about putting together a record that I was anxious to take that knowledge and start the next one. This [album] is definitely a step further, if not a couple of steps further.”
Brice performed an acoustic version of “I Don’t Dance,” the first single from the project, which he wrote with Rob Hatch and Dallas Davidson. Originally penned for the first dance at his wedding, Brice said, “We finished writing the song and I immediately told Rob and Dallas, ‘Guys, this is the one.'”
Regarding his desire to include live recordings on the album such as “Panama City,” Brice confessed, “You do get blemishes and you can’t mix it perfectly, but you do get that thing about live. There’s a magic and you can’t get it unless you do it live.” In addition to “Panama City,” listeners got to hear several other cuts from the upcoming album including the working-man anthem “Drinkin’ Class,” as well as, “Girls in Bikinis,” “Somebody’s Been Drinkin’,” and “Good Man.”

Robert K. Oermann interviews Lee Brice about his upcoming album, "I Don't Dance."

Robert K. Oermann interviews Lee Brice about his upcoming album, I Don’t Dance.


The cover of the new album features a 1940-era guitar given to Brice by his wife Sara on their wedding day. The imagery is fitting because Brice is credited with writing ten of the album’s thirteen songs and is also a producer. Brice said he worked his writing muscles a lot in the past, but a demanding schedule changed his approach. “I don’t just write a song to write a song,” he said. “That was okay for awhile to build those muscles, but now, whatever little time I do have to write, I have to focus and make sure that my writing is worth that time.”
Being the producer of this project, Brice said, “I’ve always known what I wanted, I just didn’t know how to get there. I’m just now figuring it out,” said Brice. “I’ve always been the producer in my mind because I know what I want to hear.”
The listening party wrapped with Brice performing “When the Whiskey Used to Burn,” an ode to the fun times and experiences of youth.
I Don’t Dance Tracklist 
1. I Don’t Dance
2. No Better Than This
3. Show You Off Tonight
4. Always The Only One
5. Good Man
6. Drinkin’ Class
7. That Don’t Sound Like You
8. Girls In Bikinis
9. Sirens
10. Somebody’s Been Drinkin’
11. The Airport Song
12. My Carolina
13. Panama City
To see a list of tour dates, click here.
Pictured (L-R): Curb Records CEO Jim Ed Norman; Moderator Robert K. Oermann; Lee Brice; Curb Records VP/Sales Benson Curb; Curb Records VP/Marketing Jeff Tuerff. Photo: Jake Giles Netter/This City’s Full

Pictured (L-R): Curb Records CEO Jim Ed Norman; Moderator Robert K. Oermann; Lee Brice; Curb Records VP/Sales Benson Curb; Curb Records VP/Marketing Jeff Tuerff. Photo: Jake Giles Netter/This City’s Full

Strait's Superstar Finale Sets Concert Attendance Record

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George Strait's The Cowboy Rides Away Tour final stop at AT&T Stadium  on June 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for George Strait)Photo Credit - Getty Images for George Strait

George Strait at AT&T Stadium on June 7. Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images for George Strait


George Strait broke the record for most attendees at an indoor concert in North America on Saturday night (June 7). 104,793 fans joined him for the last stop of the Quicken Loans Presents: The Cowboy Rides Away Tour at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. King George welcomed eight superstar guests during the three-hour event, including Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert and Martina McBride.
The reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year performed 40 songs. Asleep at the Wheel opened the evening.
As part of the Military Warriors Support Foundation “Homes 4 Wounded Heroes” program, Strait presented Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry and his wife Ashley with a million dollar home in the Dallas area. Additionally, Strait’s charity auctions have raised $1,325,619 for The Jenifer Strait Foundation.
Adding to the emotional charge of Saturday night was the retirement of the stadium’s GM Bruce Hardy who has also celebrated 30+ years in the industry.
Other records set by Strait during his illustrious career: the most No. 1 singles of any artist in any genre, the only artist to chart a Top 10 hit every year for 30 years, and the most No. 1 albums, Gold albums, and Platinum albums in the history of Country music.
The indoor concert attendance record for North America was initially set by The Rolling Stones in 1981 at The Louisiana Superdome with a capacity of 87,500.
June 7, 2014 Set List:
“Check Yes or No”
“A Fire I Can’t Put Out”
“Lovebug” with Special Guest Vince Gill
“Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” with Special Guest Vince Gill
“River of Love”
“Lead On”
“Fool Hearted Memory” with Special Guest Jason Aldean
“Nobody in His Right Mind Would Have Left Her” with Special Guest Jason Aldean
“Arkansas Dave”
“I Saw God Today”
“Cowboys Like Us” with Special Guest Eric Church
“Easy Come Easy Go” with Special Guest Eric Church
“The King of Breaking Hearts”
“Marina Del Rey”
“Here For A Good Time” with Special Guest Sheryl Crow
“When Did You Stop Loving Me” with Special Guest Sheryl Crow
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne”
“Drinkin’ Man”
“Jackson” with Special Guest Martina McBride
“Golden Ring” with Special Guest Martina McBride
Military Warrior Support Foundation Home Giveaway
“Give It Away”
“I Got A Car”
“A Showman’s Life” with Special Guest Faith Hill
“Let’s Fall To Pieces Together” with Special Guest Faith Hill
“I Believe”
“Blame It On Mexico”
“Amarillo By Morning” with Special Guest Alan Jackson
“Murder On Music Row” with Special Guest Alan Jackson
“The Chair”
“Give It All We Got Tonight”
“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” wit Special Guest Miranda Lambert
“Run” with Special Guest Miranda Lambert
“You Look So Good In Love”
“I’ll Always Remember You”
“Ocean Front Property” with Special Guest Kenny Chesney
“The Fireman” with Special Guest Kenny Chesney
“Troubadour”
“Unwound”
Encore (Strait was joined by all special guests):
“All My Ex’s Live In Texas”
“Folsom Prison Blues”
“The Cowboy Rides Away”
Bird's eye view of AT&T Stadium.

Bird’s eye view of AT&T Stadium.

Dunn Signs With William Morris Endeavor

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Clare Dunn recently signed with William Morris Endeavor for exclusive booking representation. The Colorado native has been touring in support of her self-released single “Get Out,” which is top 25 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. Dunn has recently opened dates for Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Hank Williams, Jr., Jamey Johnson, Parmalee, Colt Ford, and others.
She will be performing on the Bud Light Bridgestone Stage during CMA Fest on Saturday, June 7 at 4:30 p.m.

Pictured (L to R): WME’s Jay Williams, Clare Dunn, WME’s Kevin Neal

Pictured (L to R): WME’s Jay Williams, Clare Dunn, WME’s Kevin Neal

Losers Bar To Host Free Concerts

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tlIn the spirit of CMA Fest, Losers Bar in Midtown Nashville will be hosting two free, outdoor kick-off concerts Tuesday (June 3) and Wednesday (June 4).
Tuesday’s Midtown Throw Down will feature Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers, Josh Abbott and Daryle Singletary. Doors open at 5:00 pm, and music starts at 6:00.
mtThe Tracy Lawrence Street Party will be hosted on Wednesday by Captain Jack of Renegade Radio, featuring Lawrence along with special guests including Trent Tomlinson, Joe Diffie, Dee Jay Silver, Jared Wade, Rick Huckaby, William Michael Morgan. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the performers will take the stage starting at 6:30.
By: Laura Hostelley

Kip Moore Set As Headliner for CMT on Tour 2014: Up In Smoke

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kip-moore111featuredCMT on Tour 2014: Up In Smoke has named Kip Moore as the headliner with special guests Charlie Worsham and Sam Hunt as supporting acts. Now in its 13th year, the CMT tour will kick off Sept. 25 in New York, NY. Over 20 cities will be visited through November.
Moore’s album Up All Night produced three No. 1 Songs with the platinum-selling “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” “Beer Money” and “Hey Pretty Girl.”
Worsham’s current single “Want Me Too” is off his latest project Rubberband, which has landed on several “Best of” lists.
Hunt has several hits as a songwriter including Kenny Chesney‘s “Come Over” and Keith Urban‘s “Cop Car.” His first single as an artist, “Leave The Night On,” will be released to radio this month.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 6 and a full list of dates and more information and can be found HERE.

Trace Adkins To Resume Touring in June

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Screen shot 2014-05-28 at 3.06.58 PM1111Trace Adkins will return to the stage beginning June 5 at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, N.J.  The tour will feature Adkins’ six-piece band, the Sarepta Gentleman’s Club. Adkins stepped out of the spotlight earlier this year to overcome some personal challenges. The tour will launch on June 5, and will wrap Sept. 26 in California.
“I’m excited, recharged and ready to get back on the road,” Adkins says. “I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of encouragement and support over the past few months. It’s hard to put into words how much comfort you take from hearing ‘We’ve got your back.’ So these shows are for you guys – thanks.”
Trace Adkins Upcoming Tour Dates:
6/05 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
6/06 Mt.Pocono, PA Sherman Theater Summer Stage at Mt. Airy Casino Resort
6/07 Atlantic City, NJ The Concert Venue at Harrah’s Atlantic City
6/13 Niagara Falls, NY Seneca Niagara Casino Theatre
6/14 Fredericton, NB Countryfest
6/20 Biloxi, MS Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
6/21 Baton Rouge, LA Dixie Landin’ Summer Concert Series
7/12 Green Bay, WI Oneida Casino
7/13 Sault Ste Marie, MI Kewadin Casino
7/18 Sloan, IA Riverfest 2014 – WinnaVegas Casino & Resort
7/19 Prior Lake, MN Lakefront Music Fest
7/20 Peoria, IL Country Life Music Festival
7/23 Helena, MT Last Chance Stampede
7/24 Boise, ID CenturyLink Arena
7/25 Eugene, OR Lane Country Fair
7/26 Wendover, NV Peppermill Concert Hall
8/01 Huntington, NY Paramount
8/02 Cohasset, MA South Shore Music Circus
8/03 Hyannis, MA Cape Cod Melody Tent
8/07 Clear Lake, IA Surf Ballroom
8/08 Ft Wayne, IN Headwaters Park
8/09 Washington, MO Washington Town & Country Fair
8/11 Beaver Creek, CO Vilar Performing Arts Center
8/12 Douglas, WY Wyoming State Fair
8/15 Mahnomen, MN Shooting Star Casino
8/16 Thunder Bay, ON Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
8/27 Woodstock, VA Shenandoah County Fair
8/28 Cincinnati, OH Horseshoe Casino
8/29 Elkhorn, WI Walworth County Fair
8/31 Nichols, NY Tioga Downs Grandstand
9/06 Hot Springs, AR Hot Springs Rally
9/26 Rohner Park, CA Weill Hall

John & Jacob Announce Debut Album Release Date

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john and jacobNew duo John & Jacob will release their self-titled debut album on Aug. 12. In support of this, they will join Kacey Musgraves on an overseas tour beginning June 27 in Manchester, UK. Before that, they will bring their high energy live show to Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee.
Their new song “Be My Girl” was featured on the hit TV show Nashville and helped it gain popularity with radio and country music fans.
The Birmingham, Ala., natives landed a publishing deal with Major Bob Music within two years of moving to Nashville.
For more information on John & Jacob, click here.