Steel Magnolia Signs New Management, Booking Agreements

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Steel Magnolia, duo Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones, have signed with Nashville/Tampa-based Rainmaker Management and Nashville’s Agency for the Performing Arts. The duo is also currently nominated for Top Vocal Duo for a third year at the 47th Annual ACM Awards set for Sunday, April 1.

Rainmaker Music Management is a multi-platform management, licensing and production company. Formed by Stan Strickland, a 30 year industry vet who worked with bluegrass icon Del McCoury, cabaret jazz star Ann Hampton Callaway and budding songwriter, Adam Anders (who is now the music producer for Glee). Business partner Brett Steele has managed rock acts from Roxx Gang to Dex Romweber Duo as well as the late, great Charlie Louvin.

“Stan Strickland is one of the most knowledgeable and respected people in roots music,” says Linsey of the duo’s new management team. “Brett Steele, who works with us directly, was involved in the very beginning – and he understands what Josh and I have wanted to do with our music, for our fans. It’s awesome to be working with him again.”

“And Steve Lassiter, our agent at APA, is so much about music bringing people together,” added Jones. “He focuses on the live connection for artists, which is what – as any of our fans will tell you – we’re all about.”

Currington Earns Gold, Lines Up TV Appearances

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Billy Currington’s fourth studio album Enjoy Yourself, has been certified Gold by the RIAA, marking his second consecutive album to receive the status.

Currington, who is currently working on his fifth studio album, just finished recording “Just For You” for Lionel Richie’s Tuskegee, which was released Mon., March 26. The pair will debut the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live on April 4 and The Talk on April 5.

“That song was a massive hit in Europe that we’re now bringing to America,” said Richie. “I’m so happy to be able to let him present that song to America.”

Currington kicked off his 16-date cross-country headlining tour last week with labelmates David Nail and Kip Moore. Ram Trucks brand has come on board as presenting sponsors for select dates of the tour.

Currington’s first two singles from his fourth studio album Enjoy Yourself, “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer” and “Let Me Down Easy,” marked his fourth and fifth consecutive No. 1 singles, with seven No. 1s overall. Since his debut in 2003, Billy has sold more than 11 million units, and received nominations for two Grammys.

(L-R) UMG's Jill Brunett, Damon Moberly, and Royce Risser; Billy Currington; UMG's Brian Wright and Katie Dean. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Photo: Wild Cub Wins Round Two of Road To Bonnaroo

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Keegan Dewitt of Wild Cub. Photo: Drew Maynard

BMI, Mercy Lounge, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, and the Nashville Scene hosted the second round of Road to Bonnaroo 2012 to a packed house at 8 off 8th on Monday night (3/26). Artists competing for a performance slot at the annual summer festival scheduled for June 7-10 in Manchester, TN, included Evan P. Donohue, Wild Cub, The Running, Static Revival, Nikki Lane, Five Knives, Tesla Rossa, and Marquee Mayfield.

Wild Cub emerged as the evening’s winner after delivering an energetic set of percussive, danceable pop with shades of New Wave. Also promising: Evan P. Donohue, who showed his knack for fuzzy pop anthems and brought his buddy Caitlin Rose out for a duet; and Nikki Lane, who has a kind of dark, rockabilly Nancy Sinatra vibe, but unfortunately got stuck with the last slot of the night as the crowd was thinning.

(L-R): Roxanna Haynes, BMI’s Mary Loving, MusicRow’s Jon Freeman, Evan P. Donohue, and BMI’s Julie Stuckey and Mark Mason. Photo: Drew Maynard

Jagermeister Partners with Randy Houser for Tour

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Jagermeister Herbal Liqueur has announced the Jagermeister Presents Tour featuring country music singer/songwriter Randy Houser. The tour will kick off April 26 in Knoxville, TN and hit 16 cities across the nation. Render Records artist Rick Monroe will serve as the supporting act.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Randy Houser again, someone who appreciates our brand and knows how to enjoy it! He’s grown as a musician and songwriter and Jager’s been with him from the beginning,” says Rick Zeiler, Director of Strategic Marketing at Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc.

Houser adds, “In 2009 I had the chance to be out on Jagermeister’s first country tour with my buddy Pat Green right as I was about to put out my first single, so I couldn’t be more excited to be out on this Jagermeister Presents Tour. It’s gonna be one hell of a party!”

Houser is also currently working on his upcoming full length album for Stoney Creek Records, and a single is slated for release in Spring 2012.

For additional information visit www.JagerMusic.com. Tickets can be purchased at www.randyhouser.com/tour. Tour dates are as follows:

4/26 Knoxville, TN    Cotton Eyed Joe’s
4/27 Columbia, SC          Tin Roof
4/28 Duluth (Atlanta), GA  Wild Bill’s
5/11 Baton Rouge, LA       Texas Club
5/24 Davie, FL             The Roundup
5/25 Fort Walton Beach, FL The Block
6/14 Fort Wayne, IN        Piere’s
6/16 Charlotte, NC         Coyote Joe’s
6/21 Salisbury, MA     Blue Ocean Music Hall
6/22 Portland, ME      Asylum
6/24 Keene, NH         Colonial Theatre
6/28 Winston Salem, NC  Johnny & June Saloon
6/29 Raleigh, NC       City Limits Saloon
6/30 Murrells Inlet, SC The Beaver Bar
7/13 Evansville, IN    Stoney’s
7/27 Chicago, IL       Joe’s Sports Bar

McGraw Returns to the U.S. For Series of Appearances

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Tim McGraw recently returned from Australia with wife, Faith Hill, following their first tour down-under together. The couple performed for sold-out crowds in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and helped set an attendance record at the CMC Rocks the Hunter festival.

“I’ve toured Australia before, and each time it gets better and better,” said McGraw. “We had an awesome time traveling around the country and getting to meet and play for so many fans…they love their country music, and they really showed us a great time.”

McGraw will head to Las Vegas next, where he will perform at the 47th ACM Awards on Sun., April 1. He will also make a special appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Wed., April 4 and will perform on the ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends In Concert airing on Friday, April 13 on CBS.

Preparations are under way for McGraw’s 20-city stadium tour with Kenny Chesney this Summer. The Brothers of the Sun Tour reunites McGraw and Chesney for the first time in 10 years. The tour kicks off June 2 in Tampa and runs through August.

Road To Bonnaroo Returns to Mercy Lounge

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Nashville’s Road To Bonnaroo returns to the Mercy Lounge for a second round of spirited musical competition tonight (3/26). Performers competing for a spot at the 2012 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival include Wild Cub, Five Knives, The Running, Tesla Rossa, Static Revival, Marquee Mayfield, Nikki Lane, and Evan P. Donahue.

RTB 2012, presented by BMI, the Nashville Scene, Mercy Lounge, and Bonnaroo, will send one band per each of the three rounds to the outdoor summer festival scheduled for June 7-10 in Manchester, TN. To select the winners, an industry panel of local journalists, bloggers, and 8 off 8th hosts provide half the verdict, while the votes of audience members will determine the other half. There is no cover charge to attend.

Round One of RTB 2012 already went to By Lightning. After tonight, only one performance spot will be up-for-grabs and the winner of that one will be determined April 16.

BamaJam 2012 Lineup Expands

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BamaJam 2012 recently announced the addition of Willie Nelson, Uncle Kracker and NEEDTOBREATHE to its growing list of performers. The musical festival takes place Thursday, June 14 through Saturday, June 16 in Enterprise, AL.

These performers join previously announced stars Kid Rock, Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson. More artists announcements and a full festival schedule is forthcoming.

Specially priced 3-day tickets are available for an early-purchase price of $119 online at www.bamajam2012.com, as well as through Ticketfly.com, or charge by phone at (877) 4FLYTIX or (877-435-9849). Or be one of a limited number of people to have special access to stand on stage throughout the festival for $999.

Brantley Gilbert Announced for Ram Truck Series

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Brantley Gilbert has been announced as the second artist to be included in the Road to the Ram Jam series and sweepstakes. Kellie Pickler was announced first, with a total of five artists to be included for an invitation-only concert in Nashville on Dec., 29th. The remaining three country artists will be announced throughout the year.

The series is presented by the Ram Trucks and will feature exclusive video, sweepstakes, and free downloads. Fans can enter for a chance to win trips for two to 2012 Ram Jam concert on the contest website or through the Facebook page. Gilbert will additionally offer fans a chance to win a free download of his single, “Kick It In The Sticks” when they enter the Road to the concert sweepstakes.

All five participating artists will receive a lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in early 2013 with all proceeds benefiting a charity of each artist’s choice. Gilbert will donate to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

“Teaming up with Ram for the Road to the Ram Jam was a no brainer – it’s a great way to reach out to the BG Nation and beyond with some amazing and very cool content,” said Gilbert. “The best part is we get to auction off my truck at the end of the year and donate the money to IAVA. How awesome is that?”

Signings and Hirings: G7, Hearts Bluff, Bobby Roberts, Centricity

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Centricity Music Publishing has signed hit Christian songwriter Sam Mizell to an exclusive contract. His songs have been recorded by Matthew West, Natalie Grant, Madisa, Francesca Battistelli, and many others. His seven No. 1 singles have resulted in a Grammy nomination, and Dove and ASCAP awards. (L-R): Sam Mizell and Centricity Music head Steve Rice

Hearts Bluff Music has expanded its Creative Services department with the addition of Greg Gallo. His background includes placing songs with Faith Hill, Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum, as well as roles at Ash Street Music and Big Loud Shirt.

Hearts Bluff President/CEO Scott Parker leads the company which according to a press release has $20 million in private funding and has acquired over 50 No. 1 hits in recent years.

In addition, Gallo continues to provide creative services for Revelry Music Group, Extreme Writers Group, Brave Music, Silent Gate Music, Savannah Music Group, Yacht Haven Music and Beautiful Day Music.

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The Bobby Roberts Company has signed Curb Records artist Morgan Frazier and Bigger Picture artist Chris Janson for exclusive booking representation. President Lance Roberts also announced the hiring of Matt Rizor as an agent.

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G7 Entertainment Marketing today announced the appointment of four new executives. Lori Cloud has joined G7 as Executive Director of Client Services. She has 25 years of entertainment marketing experience and was most recently VP Brand Strategy and Digital Media at management firm Big Enterprises. Previously she was a Brand Agent at the LA headquarters of Creative Artists Agency, where she managed client relationships such as The Coca-Cola Company, P&G, Sprint, Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Starwood Hotels.

Rick Whetsel is on board as G7’s Director of Booking and Production. He has more than 20 years experience in the music industry including founding Nashville-based Great Big Shows, a top concerts promotions and productions company. Most recently he has focused on sponsor-driven events and corporate productions, working with a variety of Fortune 500 consumer brands.

Diana Garcia has joined G7 as Digital Strategist and Project Manager, specializing in data collection, viral marketing, social media and interactive storytelling. She has more than eight years of experience working with acts including Rascal Flatts, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brooks & Dunn, Dolly Parton and many others.

Christian Henderson has joined G7 as Project Manager. Henderson was most recently at Creative Artists Agency.

The Cadillac Black Set Debut Release Date

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Nashville-based trio The Cadillac Black will release its self-titled debut album on Tuesday, April 17 via all major digital retailers. There will also be a small run of physical copies and vinyl available through the band’s website: www.thecadillacblack.com.

The band, who just returned from playing the ASCAP showcase at SXSW, will celebrate the album release with a Nashville show Friday, April 20 at The Basement. Following that, the band is scheduled to hit the road in May supporting Lynyrd Skynyrd on select dates, before spending the rest of the month out with Dierks Bentley and The Eli Young Band.

The Cadillac Black already has songs from the debut album featured in a number of television shows including three songs each on Vampire Diaries and Hart Of Dixie, as well as tracks on CSI Miami, Baseball Wives and House.

The Cadillac Black on tour:
5.4.12- Baltimore, MD supporting Lynyrd Skynyrd
5.5.12- Fredricksburg, VA supporting Lynyrd Skynyrd
5.10.12- Charlottsville, VA supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.11.12- Corbin, KY supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.12.12- Little Rock, AR supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.17.12- Salisbury, MD supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.18.12- Greensboro, NC supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.19.12- Portsmith, VA supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.24.12- Tupelo, MS supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.26.12- TBD supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band