Keith Urban's 'Light The Fuse Tour 2013' Launches Second Leg in October

Keith UrbanKeith Urban has added a second leg of 17 concerts to his ‘Light The Fuse Tour 2013’ that will get underway on Oct. 18 in Omaha, Neb. Additionally, shows in Austin, Albuquerque and at Denver’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater have been added to the newly dubbed “Light The Fuse Tour 2013” first leg.
Tickets for “Light The Fuse Tour 2013,” with Little Big Town and special guest Dustin Lynch, will go on sale nationally beginning on Friday, April 5.
The “Light The Fuse Tour 2013” first leg kicks off on July 18 in Cincinnati and concludes on Oct. 5, after 28 outdoor shows highlighted by Urban’s first performance at Los Angeles’ famed Hollywood Bowl. The second leg gets underway in Omaha before 17 arena shows conclude in Louisville, Ky. on Dec. 8.
 

KEITH URBAN’S “LIGHT THE FUSE TOUR 2013” SECOND LEG

Oct. 18– Omaha, Neb. –CenturyLink Center
Oct. 19–Oklahoma City–Chesapeake Energy Arena
Oct. 20–Springfield, Mo.–JQH Arena
Oct. 25–Tulsa, Okla.–BOK Center
Oct. 26–Bossier City, La.–CenturyLink Center
Oct. 27–Lafayette, La.–Cajundome
Nov. 8–Kansas City, Mo.–Sprint Center
Nov. 9–Des Moines, Iowa–Wells Fargo Arena
Nov. 10–Peoria, Ill.–Peoria Civic Center
Nov. 14–Manchester, N.H.–Verizon Wireless Arena
Nov. 15–Uncasville, Conn.–Mohegan Sun Arena
Nov. 16–Uncasville, Conn. –Mohegan Sun Arena
Nov. 22–State College, Pa.–Bryce Jordan Center
Nov. 24– Toledo, Ohio–Huntington Center
Dec. 6–Greenville, S.C.–Bi-Lo Center
Dec. 7–Charleston, W.V. –Charleston Civic Center
Dec. 8–Louisville, Ky.–KFC Yum! Center

KEITH URBAN’S “LIGHT THE FUSE TOUR 2013” FIRST LEG (previously announced)

**ADDED DATES IN BOLD**

July 18–Cincinnati, Ohio–Riverbend Music Center
July 19–Twin Lakes, Wis.–Country Thunder
July 20–Monticello, Iowa–Great Jones County Fair
July 25–Charlotte, N.C.–Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 26 –Raleigh, N.C.–Time Warner Cable Amphitheatre
July 27–Atlanta –Verizon Amphitheatre
Aug. 4–Detroit–DTE Energy Music Center
Aug. 8–Columbia, Md.–Merriweather Post Pavilion
Aug. 9–Canandaigua, N.Y.–CMAC
Aug. 10 –Boston–Comcast Center
Aug. 15–Austin, Texas- -Austin360 Amphitheater
Aug. 16 –Houston–Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Aug. 17–Dallas–Gexa Energy Pavilion
Aug. 22–Birmingham, Ala.– Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Aug. 23–St. Louis- -Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug. 24–Indianapolis–Klipsch Music Center
Aug. 28–Albuquerque, N.M.- -Sandia Casino Amphitheater
Aug. 30–Denver, Colo.- -Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
Sept. 12–Cleveland, Ohio–Blossom Music Center
Sept. 13–Pittsburgh- – First Niagara Pavilion
Sept. 14–Camden, N.J.– Susquehanna Bank Center
Sept. 21–Mountain View, Calif.- -Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sept. 22–Sacramento, Calif.–Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sept. 27–Los Angeles–Hollywood Bowl
Sept. 28–San Diego-Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sept. 29–Phoenix, Ariz.– Desert Sky Pavilion
Oct. 4–Tampa, Fla.–Live Nation Amphitheatre Tampa
Oct. 5–West Palm Beach, Fla.–Cruzan Amphitheatre
* Keith Urban and Little Big Town Only
 

Rascal Flatts To Launch 'Live & Loud' Tour in May

rascalflattsRascal Flatts will launch a brand new tour this summer, Farmers Insurance Presents Rascal Flatts “Live & Loud.  The 34-city run will launch on May 31 in Jones Beach, N.Y. at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre with special guests The Band Perry and 2012’s The Voice winner Cassadee Pope. Rascal Flatts wrapped their “Changed Tour” earlier this month.

2013 Farmers Insurance Presents Rascal Flatts “Live & Loud” dates:
May 31–Jones Beach, N.Y.–Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre
June 2–Holmdel, N.J.–PNC Bank Arts Center
June 6–Atlanta–Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
June 7–Tampa, Fla.–Live Nation Amphitheatre Tampa
June 8–West Palm Beach, Fla.–Cruzan Amphitheatre
June 14–Boston–Comcast Center
June 15 Hartford, Conn.–Comcast Theatre
June 16–Saratoga Springs, N.Y.–Saratoga Performing Arts Center
June 23–Grand Junction, Colo.–Country Jam USA
June 27 Detroit–DTE Energy Music Theatre
June 28–Cleveland, Ohio–Blossom Music Center
June 29–Indianapolis–Klipsch Music Center
July 18–Eau Claire, Wis.–Country Jam USA
July 19–Stateline, Nev.–Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena
July 23–Paso Robles, Calif.–California Mid State Fair
July 25–Cheyenne, Wy.–Cheyenne Frontier Days
Aug. 2–Gilford, N.H.–Meadowbrook
Aug. 3–Bomanville, ON–Mosport Park Raceway/Boots & Hearts Festival
Aug. 9–Wichita, Kan.–INTRUST Bank Arena
Aug. 10–Tulsa, Okla.–BOK Center
Aug. 16–St. Louis–Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Aug. 17–Chicago–First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 18–Sioux City, Iowa–Tyson Events Center
Sept. 5–Cincinnati–Riverbend Music Center
Sept. 6–Pittsburgh–First Niagara Pavilion
Sept. 7 Darien Center, N.Y.–Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center
Sept. 12–Phoenix–Desert Sky Pavilion
Sept. 13–San Diego–Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sept. 14–Irvine, Calif.–Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sept. 26–Virginia Beach, Va.–Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
Sept. 27–Raleigh, N.C.–Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
Sept. 28–Washington, D.C.–Jiffy Lube Live
Oct. 3–Las Cruces, N.M.–Pam American Center/ New Mexico State University
Oct. 4–Lubbock, Texas–United Spirit Arena
Live Nation is the national tour promoter. For more information, visit rascalflatts.com or livenation.com.
 

Keds Partners For Swift's RED Tour

KedsKeds will again partner with Taylor Swift, this time on the road as a sponsor for the North American RED Tour with the release of a limited edition Champion sneaker featuring the names of each city on the tour.
Throughout the length of the tour, Keds will run a series of giveaways including seat upgrades and backstage tours in every city. Inside each venue at the Keds pop-up Style Studio, fans will be able to receive exclusive access to ordering and girls will be encouraged to share their stories of bravery, self-confidence, friendship and style for the Fearlessly video set.
“The tour shoe is the first of its kind and is a really unique memento of the concert experience,” said Rick Blackshaw, president, Keds. “We can’t wait to meet our fans and help inspire as many girls as possible to be fearless.”
The 23-year-old singer’s tour kicked off this past week (March 13) in Omaha, Neb. and continues through September.

More Guests Announced for George Jones Final Nashville Show

georgejonesRadio and television personalities Lorianne Crook & Charlie Chase, Ralph Emery, Bill Cody, Larry Black, Rick Marino & Lisa Manning, Bill Mack, and Keith Bilbrey are all set to take part in George Jones’ final Nashville concert. The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 22.
“Throughout my career I have made lots of friends,” says Jones. “I would not have had a career that lasted 50 years without all of these great radio personalities. They always were so good to me and always made me feel like I was somebody whether I had a song on the radio or not. I am forever grateful to them.”
In addition, country legend Barbara Mandrell will make a rare appearance to celebrate Jones’ career.
“I love Barbara! She asked me to sing on her song ‘I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool’ in 1981 and that song soon became a #1 record for us. I was honored to be part of her Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony a few years ago, as she is just one of the greatest singers of all time,” adds Jones. “She is not just a good singer, but she is my good friend. I am so happy that Barbara is coming to the Nashville show.”
Although still eight months away, more artists will continue to be announced.

Brantley Gilbert Prepares For First Europe Shows and First USO Tour

bgilbert

Brantley Gilbert


Brantley Gilbert will kick off his first shows in Europe with a performance at Glasgow’s Oran Mor tomorrow (March 15) and Manchester’s Club Academy Saturday (March 16). He will wrap the journey on Sunday (March 17) at London’s 02 Arena for the Country 2 Country Festival, which also features Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Little Big Town and more.
Following his UK trip, Gilbert will continue overseas on his first USO tour. He will perform four concerts and meet with the military troops and their families. In addition, military ID holders who attend the Glasgow and Manchester shows will have the opportunity for an exclusive meet and greet with Gilbert.
“Man you know we sing about country being country wide, but we are taking it to the next level this time,” said Gilbert. “I’m excited to meet all of the country fans in Europe. We will have a blast… and performing for the troops… man I couldn’t be more excited about that. I have so much respect for what our service men and women do every day. To have the chance to perform for them while they are actively serving our country couldn’t make me more proud to have this opportunity.”
The Georgia native continually supports the military and recently partnered with RAM Trucks as part of its RAM JAM series, auctioning off his truck in support of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). On Veteran’s Day he joined Musicians On Call at the Nashville Veteran’s Hospital and performed for patients. Watch a portion of the special visit below.

 

Industry Ink (3-13-13)

riaa52311Blake Shelton and Florida Georgia Line recently received certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America. Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” and FGL’s “Cruise” both received double-platinum certifications.

• • •

Brian Davis

Brian Davis


Rising singer/songwriter Brian Davis has signed with entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for representation.

Davis is currently on the road opening for Valory Music Co.’s Brantley Gilbert and MCA Nashville’s Kip Moore for Gilbert’s 2013 “Hell On Wheels Tour.”
Davis has recorded a total of six albums and released them on his own. His current album, Under The Influence, is available on iTunes.
• • •
Cold River recording artist Katie Armiger has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with leading New York-based rights management firm, Downtown Music Publishing. Armiger’s music joins the catalog, which includes titles by John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Hans Zimmer, Ellie Goulding, Neon Trees, Jewel, Santigold, Social Distortion, and Seal.

“Katie’s wonderful new album further showcases her exciting and powerful voice as both singer and songwriter. Her writing is sophisticated and memorable and we at Downtown couldn’t be more excited to start working with this emerging music force,” commented Jedd Katrancha, SVP Creative Downtown Music Publishing.
Pictured: (front row) Jedd Katrancha (Downtown Music Publishing), Katie Armiger, Craig Hayes (Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes); (back row): Karen Krieschen (Cold River Records) and Erica Johnson (Cold River Records)

Pictured: (front row) Jedd Katrancha (Downtown Music Publishing), Katie Armiger, Craig Hayes (Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes); (back row): Karen Krieschen (Cold River Records) and Erica Johnson (Cold River Records)

• • •
Combustion Music and Creative Nation, together with music publishing partner Warner/Chappell Music, have signed a co-publishing agreement with duo, Native Run. Made up of Virginia natives Rachel Beauregard and Bryan Dawley, Native Run draws on influences ranging from Earl Scruggs and Bruce Springsteen to Patsy Cline and Keith Urban.
Pictured: (Front Row) Jim Zumwalt, Julie Stuckey, Beth Laird, Bryan Dawley and Rachel Beauregard, Chris Farren, Luke Laird, & BJ Hill.(Back Row): Chris Van Belkom, Phil May, Kenley Flynn, & Ben Vaughn.

Pictured: (Front Row) Jim Zumwalt, Julie Stuckey, Beth Laird, Bryan Dawley and Rachel Beauregard, Chris Farren, Luke Laird, and BJ Hill. (Back Row): Chris Van Belkom, Phil May, Kenley Flynn, and Ben Vaughn.

 

George Jones To Bring More Guests to Final Nashville Show

georgejonesGeorge Jones is excited to announce his dear friends and fellow Grand Ole Opry members Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt and other performers from his hit song “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” will join him onstage at his final sold-out Nashville show. Pam Tillis, Kathy Mattea, Tracy Lawrence, Patty Loveless, Joe Diffie, Mark Chesnutt, and T. Graham Brown are the latest additions to concert lineup. The event will take place Friday, Nov. 22.
The show has already announced Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Shelby Lynne, Sam Moore, Lorrie Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner and Gene Watson as participating in the evening of music.
In addition, Brenda Lee, John Conlee, Lee Greenwood, Eddy Raven, The Roys, Janie Fricke, T.G. Sheppard, Dailey & Vincent, Gary Morris, Jessi Colter, Bobby Bare, Jim Ed Brown, Little Jimmy Dickens, Stonewall Jackson and more will all take the stage during the finale performance.
More stars are expected to be announced as performers gear up to pay tribute to one of the world’s most accomplished recording artists.
“Alan and Denise Jackson have been friends of Nancy and I for years, so this show wouldn’t be the same without him,” said Jones. “I am also so grateful that my dear friend Garth Brooks is going to be on stage with me.  I am not sure who will be crying more, me or him.”

IEBA Names Executive Director

Pictured (L-R): Pam Matthews, Dir. of Strategic Alliances & Operations Candice Davis and Mallori Kirchenschlager

Pictured (L-R): Exec. Dir. Pam Matthews, Dir. of Strategic Alliances and Operations Candice Davis, and Dir. of Events and Membership Mallori Kirchenschlager


Pam Matthews has been appointed the Executive Director of IEBA (International Entertainment Buyers Association). The announcement was made by the trade organization’s Board of Directors. She previously spent seven years at Gaylord Entertainment as General Manager of the historic Ryman Auditorium. During her tenure, the theatre received its National Historic Landmark status, its first Pollstar Theatre of the Year honor, Academy of Country Music Venue of the Year, and IEBA Venue of the Year. In 2006, Billboard magazine ranked Matthews among its “Twenty Top Women in Music.” Prior to that, Matthews spent 12 years with The Judds as Vice President and Treasurer of Wynonna, Inc. and J2K, Inc. Her career began at Mid South Concerts in Memphis, and she landed in Nashville as part of the Pace Concerts team that designed and operated Starwood Amphitheatre.
IEBA Chairman and President of Signature Entertainment Lori Otelsberg comments, “I believe Pam has the greatest vision and ability to continue building on IEBA’s success, while bringing new and creative ways to better our association, and building relationships within the industry to strengthen our reputation as the premier conference for live entertainment.”
Matthews adds, “Opportunities like this don’t come along every day. To be of service to my industry, and to an organization with such a rich history and such a commitment to its members and the community at large, is an honor indeed. It is with genuine excitement that I begin this new adventure.”
Matthews joins IEBA staffer Candice Davis, Director of Strategic Alliances & Operations. 2013 marks Davis’s fifth IEBA Conference and third year as a full-time employee of the association. She plays a vital role in conference planning and is responsible for IEBA Interactive student programs and all aspects of business operations.
Mallori Kirchenschlager is IEBA’s new Director of Events & Membership. She is a Belmont University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business and Accounting. She comes to IEBA following five years of experience at Creative Artists Agency, where she was mentored by Rob Light, Head of Music and Managing Partner in Los Angeles, and Marc Dennis in Nashville.
IEBA President and Co-owner of Chicago’s Joe’s Bar Ed Warm says, “We love Mallori’s approach; her ideas are fresh and creative. Her agency experience brings an important perspective. And having a staff member dedicated to the membership represents our dedication to IEBA’s mission statement and to the mutual success of our organization and the industry as a whole.”
The 43rd annual IEBA Conference will take place October 19-22, 2013 at the new Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville.

The Mavericks To Launch Tour March 14

Pictured (L-R): Robert Reynolds, Eddie Perez, Paul Deakin, Raul Malo & Jerry Dale McFaddenPhoto: George M. Gutierrez

Pictured (L-R): Robert Reynolds, Eddie Perez, Paul Deakin, Raul Malo & Jerry Dale McFadden
Photo: George M. Gutierrez


The Mavericks have announced a string of U.S. tour dates, beginning later this month. Next Thursday (March 14), The Mavericks will close out the Americana Music Association’s South By Southwest show at Antones in Austin, Texas. The show will simultaneously kickoff The Mavericks’ first tour in eight years, supporting the release of In Time, their first album The Valory Music Co.
TOUR DATES:
March 14–Austin, Texas – SXSW (Antones)
March 15–San Antonio – Sam’s Burger
March 16–Fredericksburg, Texas – Luckenbach
March 17–Midland, Texas – Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
March 20–Santa Fe, N.M. – Lensic Theatre
March 21–Tucson, Ariz. – Fox Tucson
March 22–Laughlin, Nev. – Avie Resort & Casino
March 23–San Juan Capistrano,Calif. – Coach House
March 25–Solana Beach, Calif. – Belly UP
March 26–Los Angeles – El Rey Theatre
March 27–Palm Desert, Calif. – McCallum Theatre
March 28–Bakersfield, Calif. – Buck Owens Crystal Palace
March 30–Sacramento, Calif. – Crest Theater
April 1–Denver – Gothic Theatre
April 3–Minneapolis – The Pantages
April 4–Chicago – Park West
April 5–Royal Oak, Mich. – Royal Oak Music Theatre
April 9–Washington, D.C. – Birchmere
April 10–Philadelphia – Keswick Theatre
April 11–Northhampton, Mass. – Calvin Theatre
April 12–Boston – Royale
April 13–Tarrytown, N.Y. – Tarrytown Music Hall
April 17–Munhill, Pa. – Carnegie Music Hall
April 18–Bethlehem, Pa. – Musikfest Café
April 19–Atlantic City, N.J. – House of Blues
April 20–Verona, N.Y. – Turning Stone
For tour information, visit themavericksband.com.

George Jones Sells Out Final Nashville Date

georgejonesGeorge Jones’ last Nashville show is sold out. The final concert date, Nov. 22, sold out 12,000+ seats at Bridgestone arena.
“I am overwhelmed with emotion that the fans have already sold out this show,” Jones said in a statement. “I never thought so many fans and friends would want to come see me at this age.  Hell, I didn’t even think I would be alive at this age, yet alone doing my final show.”
Jones’ final tour has an impressive guest list which includes: Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, Kid Rock, Shelby Lynne, Montgomery Gentry, Sam Moore, Lorrie Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner and Gene Watson.
Stay tuned, more performers are expected to be announced shortly.