Artist Updates (4/10/12)

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Show Dog-Universal sister trio Carter’s Chord (Becky Robertson, Emily Fortney, Joanna Ott) is releasing the video for “Love A Little Bigger” exclusively on VEVO April 16. The group traveled to the Dominican Republic to shoot the video in conjunction with humanitarian organization World Vision. Emily wrote the song after the girls traveled to Guatemala and experienced the terrible poverty of the area. See behind the scenes shots from the shoot here.

Photo: Front row: World Vision US's Lee Broadwell, Producer April Dace, SDUs Natalie Moore, CCs Becky Robertson, Carolay Montes de Oca Peralta, Director Chris Hicky, CCs Emily Fortney, CCs Joanna Ott, World Vision Dominican Republic's Claudia Martinez, Back Row: TKO Artist Management's Alan Good, WV USs Michael Bianchi, Agripina Peralta Brito, Director of Photography Dave Ogle, WV USs Mike Severson, WV USs Charles Dorris

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Gretchen Wilson has joined ZZ Top’s Gang of Outlaws Tour, which also features 3 Doors Down. The journey kicks off May 25 in Manchester, NH. Full dates and tickets are available at GangOfOutlaws.com.
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Big Loud Mountain’s upcoming duo Florida Georgia Line (Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley) has released its debut single “Cruise” to iTunes today (4/10). The song will also be shipping to country radio later in April, and appears on the duo’s forthcoming Joey Moi-produced EP. Listen here.

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Shooter Jennings has recently released his album Family Man, and is scheduled to appear on The Late Show With David Letterman tonight (4/10), IMUS tomorrow (4/11), and The View on Thursday (4/12). Jennings’ latest single “The Deed and the Dollar” is currently climbing MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart at No. 65.

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Ray Stevens is currently promoting his new release Encyclopedia of Recorded Comedy Music with a series of media appearances. Earlier today (4/10), the legendary funny man performed on Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends, and also has upcoming appearances 4/14 and 4/15 on RFD-TV’s Crook & Chase.

WME Signs Bri Bagwell For Booking

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Bri Bagwell

Upcoming 24-year old country artist Bri Bagwell has signed an exclusive booking representation deal with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME). Agent Henry Glascock will represent Bagwell.

“Seeing my name on WME’s roster next to artists like Miranda Lambert and Reba is a dream come true,” said Bagwell.

A native of Las Cruces, NM, Bagwell has made an impact in the Texas music scene, recently sharing the stage with artists such as Miranda Lambert, Eli Young Band, Josh Abbott Band, and Pat Green.

In June 2011, shortly after departing from the set of the inaugural season of CMT’s Next Superstar, Bagwell released her debut album, Banned from Santa Fe.

Recently, she teamed up with Texas whiskey maker, Rebecca Creek Distillery, to promote her single “Whiskey.” The video for the single will premiere at a hometown performance at the Rio Grande Theater in Las Cruces on April 21.

April Tour Dates

April 13 – Lone Star Saloon with Casey Donahew Band – Uvalde, TX
April 14 – The Tap – College Station, TX
April 15  – Billy’s Icehouse – New Braunfels, TX
April 21 – Rio Grande Theater – Las Cruces, NM
April 24 – Texas Music Theater – San Marcos, TX
April 25 – Humphrey’s Bar & Grill – Hunstville, TX
April 26 – Saxon Pub – Austin, TX
April 27 – Killeen Municipal Amphitheater with Whiskey Myers – Killeen, TX
April 28 – Luckenbach Dancehall with Asleep at the Wheel – Fredricksburg, TX

The Bazel Group Launches Getmebookings.com

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Nashville booking agency The Bazel Group has announced the launch of getmebookings.com. The new service is aimed at artists, comedians, and speakers with no professional representation, or who need to take charge of their bookings.

“We have had such great response from our launch of getmebookings.com that we can now pass the savings along to the performers,” says Ed Bazel, CEO of The Bazel Group, Inc.

The Bazel Group has 35 years of experience in the entertainment industry and specializes in concerts and comedy shows. A campaign through getmebookings.com includes a customized email campaign, follow-up phone calls from agents

“The best part of this is that our campaigns are documented so that the performer can review real statistics of who has been called, who has read their email, clicked through, etc. I doubt that you will find many agencies that do this for their clients,” adds Bazel.

The company is currently offering an introductory rate of $295 to use the service. More info here.

Lady A Backstage: Going To Kansas City

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A short video moment from the Fan Club meet and greet where the band performed “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” with an acoustic guitar. The backstage schedule is a lot more demanding than many might imagine. Here’s Lady A’s call times from Kansas City. Sound Check 3-3:45; Dinner 5-7; Radio Lounge meet n greet 6; Lipton meet n greet 6:15; Lady A fan club meet n greet 6:30.

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After all the meet and greets, local press, rehearsals and more, the band explodes on stage for the main event. Here, center stage, the trio sings its opening number “Own The Night.” (Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood.)

Superstar tours move from city to city like self-contained armies equipped with a caravan of 18-wheelers, a cast of technicians, musicians, engineers and full-blown catering. Like a small village of specialized craftsman, each member plays an integral part in helping to set up, present the show and then pack up and move to the next location.

Lady Antebellum’s Own The Night 2012 World Tour began Jan. 31 in Bloomington, Illinois and has enjoyed a string of sold out dates. The show travels overseas to the UK and Ireland this summer where they will open for Bruce Springsteen at the Hard Rock Calling Festival and also perform a series of headline dates.

Your Scribe reviewed the show a few weeks ago (click here) but collided again with Lady A in Kansas City on April 6. Here is a pictorial glimpse of life backstage for a superstar act and its team. (All photos and video David Ross)

These two photos were taken inside the Kansas City, Mo. Sprint Center in the dining area while everyone was socializing and relaxing a bit. Note the oil paintings from a local artist behind Hillary of artists that have performed at the venue. (Photo Left) Lady A’s Hillary Scott (R) with college friend Brittany Moses (L); (Photo right) Lady A’s Charles Kelley (R) with Steve Buchanan (L), President Opry Group, Gaylord Entertainment.

While most everything focuses on the tour and its immediate needs, artists must also look to the future. That’s why it’s not uncommon to find some of Nashville’s top songwriters tagging along working on songs with the artists. (L-R) Marv Green, who co-wrote the Kix Brooks hit “New To This Town”; Susan Stewart, South Regional Director, Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy; Tim Nichols co-writer of “Live Like You Were Dying”; Jason Sellers, who cowrote the Jason Aldean/ Kelly Clarkson duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay?”; and CMT Sr. VP Music Strategy Leslie Fram.

After the show Lady A surprised Thompson Square’s Keifer and Shawna Thompson—part of the tour—with a cake to applaud their ACM award as Vocal Duo of the Year. The playful moment took place at club La Bellum which is the tour “hangout.” Inside was a ping pong table that travels everywhere with the production plus an island bar area. (L-R) Dave Haywood, Keiffer and Shawna Thompson, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley.

Garth Brooks to Perform at Calgary Stampede

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The Calgary Stampede is celebrating its Centennial anniversary this year with a concert from Garth Brooks. The country mega star will step out of the Vegas lights on July 12 at 7:30 pm for an appearance at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Ticketing information for the Stampede concert will be announced Tuesday, April 10 at noon.

“Garth Brooks has a long history with Calgary,” says Paul Rosenberg, vice-president Programming, Calgary Stampede.  “We are thrilled to have him here during our Centennial year. Garth is a country music legend; to have him perform at the Centennial Calgary Stampede is incredible.”

Brooks retired from touring in 1998 and now performs a special one-man show at the Wynn Las Vegas. Outside performances are rare, except for occasional special charity events.

The 2012 Centennial Calgary Stampede will be held July 6–15. Brad Paisley is scheduled to perform with The Band Perry Sat., July 14, and Johnny Reid will perform on Fri,. July 13. Additional Stampede Concert announcements are expected to be made in the coming weeks.

Lady Antebellum Announces Rebuilding Henryville Details

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Lady Antebellum has named tornado stricken Henryville High School in Henryville, IN as the winner of the group’s Own Prom Night Contest, entitling its upperclassmen to a private Lady A concert.

The Capitol Records trio has invited the school’s Juniors and Seniors to the KFC YUM! Center in nearby Louisville, KY on May 16 for a private prom event followed by a post-party concert open to the public. All proceeds raised from the Rebuilding Henryville concert will remain local through the New Hope/Indiana Bankers Association for the benefit of the Disaster Relief Fund. Fans unable to attend can make a donation here.

“Helping rebuild this community is our biggest priority right now,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “We were so moved by the stories from Henryville High School, but also from the students at their rival schools who raised their hands and said they wanted to help.”

Lipton has also come on board to help with the event in the spirit of their “Drink Positive” and “Live Positive” message, a campaign that Lady A already supports.

Watch the video submission on behalf of Henryville High School from rival school, Silver Creek High School below.

McGraw, Underwood, and Alabama Headline New Canadian Festival

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The inaugural three-day Boots and Hearts Music Festival is set for August 10-12, 2012 and expected to be the largest Canadian country music festival to date.

Bowmanville, Ontario’s Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will host the event, which features superstars including Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Alabama, and Kid Rock. Additionally, more than 20 international and Canadian artists will perform on two stages, among them are Big and Rich, Lauren Alaina, Canaan Smith, Paul Brandt, Jason McCoy, Dallas Smith, and High Valley.

The newly refurbished park offers 750 acres of manicured grassland and hills, perfect for camping under the stars and enjoying music. Aside from music, there will be a Boom Town, kids zone and petting zoo, authentic country fare, a local Farmer’s Market, and a mechanical bull.

Three-day passes and camping permits will be available here starting tomorrow (4/4). VIP packages offer exclusive stage front access, premium reserved seating, shaded areas, picnic tables, couches, private restrooms, food and beverage vendors.

“We have three full days of country music on two stages, tailgates, barbeques, and all kinds of activities throughout the day to keep fans entertained,” said Shannon McNevan, partner and executive director, Republic Live (promoter and producer of the festival). “Just when other music festivals call it a night, Boots and Hearts will ramp things up with nightly after-parties.”

Industry Ink (4/02/12)

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Jacob Lyda and Tracy Lawrence have both signed agreements with the Bobby Roberts Company for booking representation. Lawrence is currently climbing the chart with his single “Pills,” while Lyda made a big impression with his recent Top 40 hit “I’m Doin’ Alright.”

L-R: Wally Wilson, Skyville; Jacob Lyda; Bobby Roberts, BRC

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Banner Records has appointed songwriter/publisher Bob Dellaposta as Dir. of A&R for the company’s new Nashville division. Dellaposta is also owner of My Three Kids Music Publishing and a music publishing/songwriting instructor at Nashville State Community College. Reach him at [email protected].

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Renowned voice coach Renee Grant-Williams is now offering free weekly video NewsLessons. The videos offer vocal technique training, career guidance, performance advice, and music business guests. More here.

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Nashville’s Rukkus Room studio has added Canadian pop singer Brittany Lane and South Carolina-based country singer Duane Cliatt to artist development deals.

(L-R): Lane, Rukkus Room’s Mike Schelling, Cliatt

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Leann Fray and Josh Rogers have opened RESULTS fitness, a boutique personal training/group fitness studio at 1617 16th Ave. S. The facility boasts a cycling studio, onsite massage, BarreAmped studio, and personal consultation. Fray and Rogers have a combined 20 years in the fitness business, and are offering numerous health and wellness services at RESULTS. More info here.

Rodney Crowell Announces KIN Tour With Author Karr

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Rodney Crowell has announced a collaborative effort with New York Times Best Selling author Mary Karr for KIN – Rodney Crowell and Mary Karr Tour, featuring special guest Steuart Smith.

The tour, which begins on May 31 in Chicago, treats the audiences to an evening of music, poetry, readings and storytelling.

The tour supports the June 5 release of KIN, Songs by Mary Karr and Rodney Crowell (Vanguard Records). The album, produced by Joe Henry, is a combination of two storytellers from different worlds, seamlessly blending verse, melody and poetry.

Karr is an award-winning poet and best selling memoirist who has taught at Harvard and Syracuse University, where she still holds a chair in literature. She is the recipient of numerous fellowships and awards, including a Guggenheim, a Radcliffe Bunting Fellowship, The Whiting Writer’s Award, and a Pushcart Prize.

Last year, Crowell released his memoir Chinaberry Sidewalks (Knopf/Random House).

KIN – Rodney Crowell and Mary Karr Tour:
May 31            Chicago, IL                 Old Town School of Folk Music
June  3             Alexandria, VA          The Birchmere
June  5             New York, NY            Joe’s Pub
June 6              Boston, MA                Café 939
June 13            Berkeley, CA              Freight And Salvage
June 14            Santa Cruz, CA           Rio Theatre
June 15            Los Angeles, CA        McCabe’s (2 shows)
June 16            Santa Barbera, CA      Lobero Theatre
June 17            Portland, OR               Aladdin Theatre
June 18            Seattle, WA                Triple Door

Rascal Flatts Announces New Name for 2012 Tour

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Rascal Flatts announced today they have re-named their 2012 tour the Farmers Insurance Presents “Changed Tour.” The tour name reflects the title of the band’s upcoming album, Changed, due in stores this Tuesday (4/3). The concert line-up will feature an all band set-up with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge opening. The trek launches in Hartford, CT, on June 15 at the Comcast Theatre. Please check www.rascalflatts.com for up to date tour information.

 Changed Tour dates:
6-15        Hartford, CT                        Comcast Theatre
6-16        Boston, MA                          Comcast Center
6-23        Washington DC                   Jiffy Lube Live
6-24        Virginia Beach, VA             Farm Bureau Live
6-29        Cleveland, OH                     Blossom Music Center
6-30        Darien Center, NY               Darien Lakes Perf. Arts Center
7-6          Bangor, ME                          Bangor Waterfront Pavilion
7-13        Dallas, TX             **           Gexa Energy Pavilion
7-14        Houston, TX         **           Woodlands Pavilion
7-20        Detroit, MI                            DTE Energy Music Theatre
7-22        Cincinnati, OH                     Riverbend Music Center
7-27        St Louis, MO                        Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7-28        Chicago, IL                           First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8-9          Charlotte, NC                       Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8-10        Raleigh, NC                          Time Warner Cable Music Center
8-11        Philadelphia, PA                 Susquehanna Bank Center
8-31        Indianapolis, IN                   Klipsch Music Center
9-1          Pittsburgh, PA                       First Niagara Pavilion
9-13        Mountain View, CA            Shoreline Amphitheatre
9-14        Irvine, CA                             Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
9-15        San Diego, CA                      Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
9-20        Boise, ID                               Taco Bell Arena
9-21        Spokane, WA                       Spokane Arena
9-22        Tacoma, WA                        Tacoma Dome
TBA       Vancouver, BC                    Rogers Arena
TBA       Winnipeg, MB                      MTS Centre
TBA       Grand Forks, ND                  Ralph Engelstad Arena
10-4        Phoenix, AZ                          Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion
10-5        Albuquerque, NM                Hard Rock Presents the Pavilion
10-6        Denver, CO                           Comfort Dental
10-18     Lexington, KY                     Rupp Arena
10-20     Atlanta, GA                          Lakewood Amphitheatre
10-26     Tampa, FL                            1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre
10-27     W Palm Beach, FL              Cruzan Amphitheatre

**Thompson Square will replace Eli Young Band