Dan + Shay Announce October Tour

/by

danshay111Warner Bros. Records duo Dan + Shay will be on the road later this year for the Where It All Began Tour.  Ten dates have been announced for October, with on-sale dates and times to be announced soon. Dan+Shay was on the road with Hunter Hayes this spring and will join Blake Shelton this summer before beginning their headlining tour.
The duo, comprised of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, released its debut single “19 You and Me” in 2013, followed by their current song “Show You Off.” They have been nominated for an ACM and CMT award and had a chart-topping album debut with Where It All Began.
More information on Dan + Shay can be found here.
Dan + Shay’s Where It All Began Tour:
Oct. 9-Minneapolis, Minn.-Mill City Nights
Oct. 10-Madison, Wis.-Majestic Theater
Oct. 15-Nashville, Tenn.-Cannery Ballroom
Oct. 16-Birmingham, Ala.-Workplay Soundstage
Oct. 17-Robinsonville, Miss.-Horseshoe Tunica
Oct. 19-Tulsa, Okla.-Cain’s Ballroom
Oct. 23-New York, N.Y.-Highline Ballroom
Oct. 24-Philadelphia-The Trocadero Theatre
Oct. 25-Washington, D.C.-9:30 Club
Oct. 26-Columbus, Ohio-Newport Music Hall

Deana Carter to Play Several Hometown Shows in Nashville

/by

DeanaCarter1

Deana Carter


Deana Carter is currently out promoting her first new album in nearly a decade, Southern Way of Life (Little Nugget Records). In support of the release, the singer-songwriter is set to play several shows in her hometown of Nashville. Carter is scheduled to play The Basement on May 21, The Grand Ole Opry on May 31, and she will join Eddie Stubbs on June 2 at 7 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame for the “An Evening With Eddie Stubbs,” broadcast on WSM AM.
Southern Way of Life features songwriters Kacey Musgraves, Kimberly Perry and Tyler Hilton.
Additionally, Carter will join John Rich (of Big & Rich) in Memphis on June 3 for a performance benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sara Evans' Slow Me Down Tour Goes Full-Speed in May

/by

slow me down1111On the heels of her seventh studio album, Slow Me Down, Sara Evans is set to embark on her headlining Slow Me Down Tour on May 24. The trek will include a stop at Nashville’s LP Field on June 7 during the 2014 CMA Music Festival.
The Slow Me Down Tour, which wraps Oct. 24 in Reno, Nev., will find Evans offering several of her signature hits, including “Suds In The Bucket,” “Born To Fly,” “A Real Fine Place To Start,” and “A Little Bit Stronger.”
To launch the tour, Evans will appear on the Fox & Friends Summer concert series on May 24.
Slow Me Down Tour Dates:
May 24 Caruthersville, MO -Lady Luck Casino
June 7 Nashville, TN -LP Field
June 12 Lemoore, CA -Tachi Palace Casino
June 13 Oroville, CA -Gold Country Casino
June 14 Santa Rosa, CA -Sonoma Country Fairgrounds
June 21 Cullman, AL -Rock The South
July 5 Bossier City, LA -Margaritaville Resort
July 10 Duluth, MN -Bayfront Park
July 11 Clinton, IA -Wild Rose Casino & Resorts
July 12 Emmetsburg, IA -Wild Rose Casino & Resorts
July 13 Rhinelander, WI -Hodag Country Festival
July 18 Bremen, GA -Mill Town Music Hall
July 19 Panama City, FL -Bay Pointe Marina
July 25 Deadwood, SD -Deadwood Mountain Grand
July 26 Colorado Springs, CO -World Arena
July 27 Denver, CO -Coors Field
Aug. 1 Waverly, IN -Bremer County Fair
Aug. 2 Michigan City, IN -Blue Chip Casino
Aug. 9 Sedalia, MO -Missouri State Fair
Aug. 15 West Wendover, NV -Peppermill Concert Hall
Aug. 16 Lewiston, ID -Clearwater River Casino
Aug. 17 Brownsville, OR -The Willamette Country Music Fair
Aug. 29 Cohasset, MA -South Shore Music Circus
Aug. 30 Hagersville, Canada -Hagersville Summer End Festival
Aug. 31 Jackson, NJ -Six Flags
Sept. 1 Woodstock, CT -Woodstock Fair
Sept. 5 Thief River Falls, MN -Seven Clans Casino
Sept. 6 Fort Yates, ND -Prairie Knights Casino
Sept. 27 Fort Worth, TX -Bass Performance Hall
Oct. 19 Thousand Oaks, CA -Kavli Theater
Oct. 23 Santa Ynez, CA -Chumash Casino
Oct. 24 Reno, NV -Grand Sierra Resort

Brad Paisley's Country Nation World Tour Launches in May

/by

Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley


Brad Paisley has announced his 2014 tour and association with tour sponsor, KRAFT Cheese & Dairy brands. Country Nation World Tour presented by KRAFT Cheese kicks off in Philadelphia on May 16 and will visit more than 40 cities in the United States and Canada during the summer months. Special guests on the trek include Randy Houser, Charlie Worsham, Leah Turner and Dee Jay Silver.
Paisley has partnered with Tickets-for-Charity to offer fans some of the best seats in the house to benefit St. Jude Target House. Tickets are available at ticketsforcharity.com.

Paisley’s Country Nation World Tour presented by KRAFT Cheese dates are as follows:
May 16 Susquehanna Bank Center Philadelphia
May 17 First Niagara Pavilion Pittsburgh, Pa.
May 24 Tree Town Festival Forest City, Iowa*
May 30 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater St. Louis
May 31 First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre Chicago
June 1 Cricket Wireless Amphitheater Bonner Springs, Kan.
June 12 Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia, M.D.
June 13 Clays Park Amphitheatre N. Lawrence, Ohio**
June 14 Hunter Mountain Hunter Mountain, N.Y.
June 15 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion Bangor, Me.
June 19 Klipsch Music Center Indianapolis
June 20 Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati
June 27 Marcus Amphitheatre Milwaukee, Wis.*
June 28 Chippewa Valley Country Festival Cadott, Wis.*
July 2 Molson Canadian Amphitheatre Toronto, ONT
July 3 Darien Lake Performing Arts Center Darien Center, N.Y.
July 5 XFINITY Theatre Hartford, Conn.
July 10 Sleep Train Amphitheatre San Diego
July 11 Salinas Sports Complex Salinas, Calif.**
July 12 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Irvine, Calif.
July 19 Ravina on the Lakes Peoria, Ill.
July 24 Cheyenne Frontier Days Cheyenne, Wy.*
July 26 North Dakota State Fair Minot, N.D.*
August 1 Cape Blanco Country Music Festival Sixes, Ore.
August 2 Sleep Train Amphitheatre Sacramento, Calif.
August 8 We Fest Detroit Lakes, Minn.
August 14 Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood Atlanta
August 15 MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Tampa, Fla.
August 16 Cruzan Amphitheatre West Palm Beach, Fla.
August 21 New York State Fair Syracuse, N.Y.
August 22 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, N.J.
August 23 XFINITY Center Boston
September 4 Austin360 Amphitheater Austin, Texas
September 5 Gexa Energy Pavilion Dallas
September 6 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Houston
September 18 Farm Bureau Live Virginia Beach, Va.
September 19 PNC Music Pavilion Charlotte, N.C.
September 20 Jiffy Lube Live Washington, DC
*Dates are festivals – include Paisley and multiple other artists
**Randy Houser is not on this date

Miranda Lambert's Platinum Tour To Launch July 10

/by

ML_ADMAT_photo_R1111

Miranda Lambert


Miranda Lambert will launch her upcoming Platinum tour on July 10 in Fort Loramie, Ohio. The 30-city Crystal Light Presents Platinum Tour will include two Canadian concerts, and will wrap Sept. 20 in Honolulu.
“It’s the color of my hair, my wedding ring, my airstream trailer, so it’s just a natural fit for the name of my new album and it’s why we decided to name the tour Platinum too,” Lambert says. Her upcoming fifth studio album Platinum, will be released June 3.
Lambert has welcomed two new members to her touring band, including singer-songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett will join as opening acts on the trek beginning Aug. 8.
The new show will feature a new signature stage design, as well as songs from her upcoming album, including the hit “Automatic,” the title track, and others. Lucky Lambert fans in select cities will get the chance to hear a preview of the album, thanks to the previously announced “Platinum Across America” tour.
7/10/14 Fort Loramie, Ohio
7/11/14 Tuscaloosa, Ala.
7/12/14 Rogers, Ark.
7/17/14 Monticello, Ia.
7/18/14 Cleveland
7/19/14 Cincinnati
7/20/14 Brooklyn, Mich.
7/25/14 Twin Lakes, Wis.
7/26/14 Pittsburgh
8/1/14 Sweet Home, Ore.
8/3/14 Camrose, Alberta
8/8/14 Sacramento, Calif.**
8/9/14 Mountain View, Calif.**
8/10/14 Irvine, Calif.**
8/15/14 Chicago**
8/16/14 Indianapolis**
8/17/14 Bonner Springs, Kan.**
8/21/14 Raleigh, N.C.**
8/22/14 Virginia Beach, Va.**
8/23/14 Washington, D.C.**
8/29/14 Darien Lake, N.Y.**
8/30/14 Hartford, Conn.**
8/31/14 Bethel, N.Y.**
9/4/14 Toronto, ONT**
9/5/14 Philadelphia**
9/6/14 Boston**
9/11/14 Pensacola, Fla.**
9/12/14 Lafayette, La.**
9/13/14 Corpus Christi, Texas**
9/20/14 Honolulu
**Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett to perform as support on these dates.
 
 
 
 

Leah Turner Preps for First Nationwide Tour

/by
Leah Turner - Edwards Photography Studios image 5

Leah Turner. Photo: Edwards Photography

Leah Turner took to the soundstage at SIR in Nashville on Monday (May 12) to rehearse for media professionals before heading out for Brad Paisley’s summer tour.

With her Sony Nashville backing (home to a few of Country’s female arena headliners including Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert) the Columbia Nashville recording artist has promising support to become part of the future of women on Country radio. The California native holds her own, with plenty of magnetic charisma and unique vocal chops to break into Nashville’s mainstream.

Leah Turner - Edwards Photography Studios image2

Leah Turner. Photo: Edwards Photography Studios


Last week, a digital EP was released in advance of  the summer tour. Turner not only provides the female flair to her Sony labelmate Paisley’s party as the only girl in her four-person band, but in the whole tour lineup, which also includes Charlie Worsham, Randy Houser, and Dee Jay Silver.
After a short video intro (to be displayed courtesy of Paisley’s production), Turner blazes to the stage dressed in cowboy boots, tattered jeans, and a bedazzled tank. During her media preview, the blonde chanteuse performed an unreleased title “Make Your Move,” and captivated her audience through three additional titles on her EP, including her first single “Take The Keys,” followed by “My Finger” and her rising single “Pull Me Back.”
The four month tour begins Friday, May 16 in Camden, N.J., and heads west after July. Check out concert dates here.
I’m already anticipating a full-length album and her CMA Fest appearance at the Bridgestone’s Bud Light Stage!

WME Adds Kevin Neal

/by

Pictured at tonight's (May 12) TJ Martell fundraiser, the Roast of Rob Beckham (L-R): WME's Beckham, Kevin Neal, and Greg Oswald.

Pictured at tonight’s (May 12) TJ Martell fundraiser, the Roast of Rob Beckham (L-R): WME’s Beckham, Kevin Neal, and Greg Oswald


William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME) has announced the addition of agent Kevin Neal, bringing several clients with him including Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Colt Ford and Parmalee.
Neal joins WME as a partner after recently exiting Buddy Lee Attractions, where he served as the company’s president since 2009. The veteran agent has over 30 years of experience.
Under his leadership at BLA, the agency received the 2014 Pollstar Award for Independent Booking Agency of the Year. Additionally, Neal was named IEBA Talent Agent of the Year in 2006, 2008 and 2010; and NATD Agent of the Year in 2007. He was also a 2013 NATD Honors Award Recipient.
Neal was raised in the music business as the son of legendary agent and manager Bob Neal. He joined the Neal Agency in 1981 and worked with his father, before joining Buddy Lee Attractions from 1983 to 1985 and returning in 1988.
The addition of Kevin Neal marks the continued growth of WME’s Nashville office. In 2010 WME acquired Joey Lee’s 360 Artist Agency, bringing over artists Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack, and Lee Brice. Neal and Lee previously worked together at Buddy Lee Attractions when Joey Lee served as CEO of that agency.
Earlier this year, WME brought on former Paradigm agents Mike Snider, Kevin Huffman and Dan Rauter to launch a Christian Music Division in the Nashville office, bringing over artists including CeCe Winans, MercyMe, Red, and Tenth Avenue North.
WME’s Nashville office represents Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Easton Corbin, Justin Moore, The Band Perry, Danielle Bradbery, Charlie Worsham and many more.

Paul Moore Leaving WME

/by

paul moore

Paul Moore, Photo: Hether Crawford


Veteran agent Paul Moore is leaving William Morris Endeavor (WME), effective June 30. He joined the agency 36 years ago as a secretary, and went on to serve in leadership roles including Sr. VP, Co-Head/Nashville, Co-COO/Nashville and Head of the Fair and Special Events Department nationwide.
Moore established the WMA-Nashville operation to book corporate events and private engagements. He also established the WMA Contemporary Christian Music Department and added Christian artists Sandi Patty, 4Him, Point of Grace and Petra as clients.
He helped integrate the Jim Halsey Agency and Triad Artists Agency into WMA after the smaller agencies were acquired.
During his career he acted as the responsible agent for Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Ronnie Milsap, Tanya Tucker, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Ray Stevens, T.G. Sheppard, Lee Greenwood, the touring agent for television legend Bob Barker, and many more.
Moore will be honored for his outstanding industry service when he receives the Academy of Country Music’s Mae Boren Axton Award at the 8th Annual ACM Honors ceremony Sept. 9, 2014 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Moore says he isn’t going into retirement. “I see this more as a ‘graduation’ from the University of WMA/WME,” he said. “I leave with a body of knowledge based on 36 years working at the greatest talent agency in the world. I’m simply turning the page to a new chapter. I just don’t know yet what the title of that new chapter will be… In the meantime, there will be lots of long walks with the pups, long-neglected garages and closets to sort through and many hours spent catching up with my friends and family.”
Moore was a longtime board member of IEBA, ACM, and Belmont University School of Performance and Visual Arts. He is a graduate of Leadership Music, an IEBA Hall of Fame inductee and NATD Award winner.

Dierks Bentley Offers Pre-Tour Preview

/by

bentley1111Dierks Bentley has spent the past three weeks in a sweltering Nashville rehearsal hall crafting and perfecting the details of his upcoming headlining Riser Tour.
I ain’t afraid of working to the bone, a line from his Riser project’s title track, is an apt description of Bentley, who is still clearly enamored with his craft of music and performance after more than 10 years and eight albums for Capitol Nashville.
“I’ve always been one of the guys that designs sets on cocktail napkins on the back of the bus,” Bentley explained. “When we first started off, we were just figuring out how we were going to build a stage and … a lot of amplifiers have been a big part of our production … and our look. The older you get and the more you get the chance to do this, the less you take for granted and you never know what tomorrow will bring. I told everyone, ‘Let’s just go big. Let’s put together a show like it was the last show we’re ever going to do, like this was the last tour.’” The very hands-on entertainer even tweeted a photo of himself on a forklift earlier in the day.
The relentless heat inside the rehearsal hall didn’t faze Bentley, who has been running through his entire tour set multiple times throughout the day. “You should see the 4 p.m. showing. It’s even hotter in here,” he quipped. In fact, Bentley explained the heat will prepare him for his upcoming run of outdoor amphitheater shows.
Riser has already spawned one chart-topping single, “I Hold On.” Friday night (May 9) will see the launch of the Riser Tour in Charlotte, N.C. Bentley will bring Chris Young, Chase Rice and Jon Pardi along for the trek.
Bentley offered Nashville media an early look at the new show’s production. The stage was drenched in red, white and blue light as the band strummed the first strains of “5-1-5-0.” Though his audience was a small crowd of crew and media, Bentley performed as though a full amphitheater crowd filled the room, entertaining from within the marked off sections of warehouse floor as if it were a real stage. Behind him, a massive lighting rig and video screen blazed with luminosity and sound, adding a swirl of intensity that heightened Bentley’s already energetic performance.
From there, Bentley sailed through more hits, including “Tip It On Back.” His humorous new single “Drunk On A Plane” received an even more hilarious video treatment, while he tested his between-song conversation on the industry crowd during “I Hold On.”
“This song is about things I believe in, and Country music is at the top of that list,” he said. Fitting words from a bonafide riser, fighter, survivor who has spent the past decade carving his own musical path in the Country music landscape.

Kevin Neal Exits BLA

/by

Kevin Neal

Kevin Neal


Veteran agent Kevin Neal has exited his post as President of Buddy Lee Attractions, where he was the responsible agent for Jason Aldean and many more. BLA’s roster is also home to Florida Georgia Line, Colt Ford, Parmalee, John King, Jason Michael Carroll, LoCash Cowboys, and others.
“I am proud of the work we did at BLA during my tenure as President,” Neal told MusicRow. “We built the company to new prominence, especially working with Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line and so many more. And we won the 2014 Pollstar Award for Independent Booking Agency of the Year. Now it is time for me to move on. I wish everybody at BLA the best. There will be an announcement coming shortly.”
Neal took over the role of President in 2009 following the departure of Tony Conway. At the time, Neal had been with the agency for 20 years. 
His career includes winning IEBA Talent Agent of the Year in 2006, 2008 and 2010; and NATD Agent of the Year in 2007. He was also a 2013 NATD Honors Award Recipient.
Neal was born in Shreveport, La., and raised in the music business as son of agent/manager Bob Neal. He joined the Neal Agency in 1981 and worked with his father, before eventually settling at Buddy Lee Attractions.