“The Voice” Contestant Invited to Join Shelton’s Tour

Country artist Gwen Sebastian’s journey on NBC’s The Voice has come to an end, but her career has since taken a very exciting turn.

Following her “Battle Round” performance of Pat Benatar’s “We Belong” and elimination on Monday (3/19), Sebastian has been invited to join Voice judge Blake Shelton’s Well Lit & Amplified Tour. Sebastian had been considered one of the season’s frontrunners, and was even named by Entertainment Weekly as a contestant to watch.

“The first time I ever heard Gwen’s voice I knew it was something special,” said Shelton. “She has the rare ability to combine power with passion in her singing abilities. Although our journey together has ended on The Voice, it’s just beginning in real life. I’m so proud every night to share the stage with her on the Well Lit & Amplified Tour. She is a star! We love our Gwen.”

“Never in a million years would I think that this journey would lead me to be on stage with Blake,” added Sebastian. “I am honored he asked me to become a part of his show and a member of his ‘road family.’ Watching him perform is a learning experience in itself. He has a big heart and an infectious laugh. Plus, he’s pretty darn funny!”

Sebastian will also join Shelton for a performance at the 47th Annual ACM Awards, which airs live on CBS Sunday, April 1 at 8 PM/ET.

Upcoming Well Lit & Amplified Tour dates:

March 21 — Rapid City, SD (Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena)
March 22 — Bozeman, MT (Brick Breeden Fieldhouse)
March 23 — Billings, MT (Metra Park)

Lady Antebellum to Open For Springsteen in London

Lady Antebellum will get a lesson from the Boss when they open for Bruce Springsteen as part of the 2012 Hard Rock Calling Festival in London, UK. The concert takes place at London’s Hyde Park on July 14.

“It’s Springsteen…there is no entertainer we look up to more than him,” said Lady A’s Charles Kelley. “I’m going to be like a little kid at Christmas watching his show. It’s the biggest honor for us to be invited to play this festival…the entire lineup is awesome!”

The London date with Springsteen coincides with the European leg of Lady A’s Own The Night World Tour, which begins in July. Due to high demand, the July 13 concert in Glasgow has moved to a larger venue, and the trio has added an extra date at Dublin, Ireland.

Full dates here.

Toby Keith’s New Tour Hits the Road in Overdrive

Toby Keith will hit the road on June 14, when his Live In Overdrive Tour kicks off in Salt Lake City, UT. The 38-date tour, presented by Ford F-Series, will feature Brantley Gilbert as the opening act.

Keith is nominated for three 2012 ACM Awards, and is scheduled to perform for the telecast on April 1. The Minneapolis location of his I Love This Bar & Grill also earned an ACM nomination for Nightclub of the Year.

As reported earlier, Keith is making the rounds on TV with recent appearances on Ellen, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and an upcoming Chelsea Lately (March 27). Last week, Keith visited with Ryan Seacrest’s morning radio show to talk about “Red Solo Cup,” which was called “THE spring break song of the year.”

The night before the ACMs, Keith is nominated for Favorite Male Singer at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards.

Toby Keith’s Live in Overdrive Tour Dates (subject to changes and additions):
6/14 – Salt Lake City, UT
6/15 – Denver, CO
6/16 – Albuquerque, NM
6/22 – North Platte, NE
6/23 – Manhattan, KS
6/29 – Detroit, MI
6/30 – Indianapolis, IN

7/4 – White Sulphur Springs, WV
7/12 – Sarnia, ON (Canada)
7/13 – Cleveland, OH
7/14 – Washington, DC
7/15 – Raleigh, NC
7/21 – Monticello, IA
7/22 – Twin Lakes, WI
7/26 – Virginia Beach, VA
7/27 – Pittsburgh, PA
7/28 – Cincinnati, OH
7/29 – Darien Lakes, NY

8/2 – Sparta, WI
8/3 – Detroit Lakes, MN
8/4 – Camrose, AB (Canada)
8/8 – Lake Tahoe, NV
8/9 – San Diego, CA
8/10 – San Bernardino, CA
8/11 – Las Vegas, NV
8/12 – Mountain View, CA
8/17 – Holmdel, NJ
8/18 – Philadelphia, PA
8/19 – Saratoga Springs, NY
8/24 – Atlanta, GA
8/25 – Charlotte, NC

9/1 – St. Louis, MO
9/2 – Chicago, IL
9/7 – Dallas, TX
9/8 – Houston, TX
9/14 – Tampa, FL
9/15 – West Palm Beach, FL
9/21 – Hartford, CT
9/22 – Boston, MA

Industry Updates (3/20/12)

Spin Doctors Promotions has formed Spin Doctors Music Group, now offering booking, artist management, label services, social media, marketing and more in addition to continuing its focus on secondary radio promotion. The company has also added staff members Brian Hanshaw, who will specialize in new business development, booking, and artist development; and Heather Leto, who will handle marketing and publicity. Reach Hanshaw here and Leto here. Nashville-based Spin Doctors Music Group is owned and operated by veteran programmer Al Brock.

• • •

Restless Heart has signed an exclusive booking agreement with Nashville-based Brand N Music, joining a roster that includes Andy Griggs, Buddy Jewell, Billy Dean, Jamie O’Neal, Ty Herndon, and more. “Part of the Brand N Music growth strategy for 2012 is to bolster our national roster with award-winning, successful national acts,” says Brand N Music President Greg Burns. “Having the opportunity to work with Restless Heart helps us accomplish that goal. I’ve always been a big fan of Restless Heart and we are looking forward to bringing their fantastic live show to venues throughout the U.S. and beyond!”

• • •

Judy Seale, President of Judy Seale International and Stars For Stripes, was honored with the Tennessee Marine 2012 Leadership Award at the Operation Yellow Ribbon event at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena on March 6, 2012. The annual event honoring the US military and their families was hosted by Charlie Daniels and featured guests Darryl Worley and Gary Sinise.

“Rarely am I speechless, but receiving this honor was a very emotional moment in my life,” said Seale. “This is equivalent to a Grammy or an Oscar for me in my career. To be presented this award by my heroes–the U.S. Marines–and experience the moment with Charlie Daniels, Gary Sinise and Darryl Worley was overwhelming. There are so many others who share my passion and support of the military who should be receiving this recognition as well.”

(L-R): Darryl Worley; Charlie Daniels; Judy Seale; Major Harry Thompson, US Marine Corps – Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Nashville; and Gary Sinise.

Industry Ink (3/14/12)

Country-rock group Parmalee recently signed a publishing deal with Nashville’s Gallo and Landers Music. The North Carolina group also recently inked a recording contract with Stoney Creek Records.

“Our team feels very fortunate to get to work with a talent like Parmalee,” said Gallo and Landers Music’s Jim Landers, “and I look forward to seeing great things happen with them.”

(L-R): Almon Law’s Noah McPike; Gallo and Landers Music's Jim Landers; Parmalee’s Barry Knox, Matt Thomas, Scott Thomas, and Josh McSwain; Gallo and Landers Music's Greg Gallo; and BMI’s Bradley Collins. Photo: Drew Maynard

• • •

Cindy Collins has announced the formation and launch of C2 Managment, with services in artist development and management. Collins’ first client, Maggie Eckford, recently earned a placement deal with Razor and Tie. Collins career includes time with CMT, and more recently with Spalding Entertainment where she worked with Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts.

“I will always appreciate the guidance Clarence provided during my time with the firm, and I am now thrilled to begin this new chapter with such a genuine and exceptional talent as Maggie Eckford,”says Collins.

Reach her at cnd.collins@gmail.com.

• • •

The deadline to enter the inaugural Unsigned Only Music Competition has been extended until April 11, 2012. The contest to find unsigned talent features celebrity judges Cyndi Lauper; Kenny Rogers; Angie Stone; 3 Doors Down; Charlie Daniels; Jeremy Camp; Manchester Orchestra; Craig Morgan; Robert Smith (The Cure); Kelly Clarkson; and more. More info here.

• • •

The 2012 International Entertainment Buyers Association Conference will take place in Nashville October 7-9, and the organization’s board is currently planning the event. IEBA also recently announced the endowments of three new scholarships: one in honor of Barry Jeffrey of WME at John Brown University; one in honor of Steve Tolman of LogiCom Project Management at Murray State University; and one in honor of Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts, also at Murray State.

• • •

PCG Nashville and Crawdad’s Classics Gourmet Flavorings recently launched the “Flavor of Music,” a weekly series featuring artists in development at PCG Nashville. Hosted by radio personality Rick Marino, the showcases are held 6-8 pm on Tuesdays at Red Rooster (1530 Demonbreun). Eight artists will be featured in total, and the first artist showcase took place on Tuesday (March 13) with Lauryn Taylor Bach. Next up on March 20 is Samantha Landrum. There is also an Android app for the series available here.

CMA’s SRO Touring Awards To Return In 2012

The Country Music Association hosted its first CMA Membership Roundtable and Discussion yesterday at the Hilton Downtown Nashville. CMA members were treated to lunch and had the opportunity to hear about the organization's initiatives for 2012 including the revival of the SRO Awards, CMA's "Year of Country Radio," and healthcare benefits that are available to the association's constituents. (L-R): CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore; CMA Senior Manager of Membership & Balloting, Brandi Simms; CMA Sound Healthcare CEO, RJ Stillwell; and CMA Board member and The AristoMedia Group President, Jeff Walker. Photo: Christian Bottorff/CMA

CMA is reinstating the touring industry SRO (Standing Room Only) Awards in 2012. The honors will be presented during Country Music Month in October.

“Following the recent success of the inaugural CMA Touring Musician Award in 2011, the CMA Board felt that the SRO Awards in their entirety should be reintroduced in 2012,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. “The touring industry is a vibrant part of our business and these hard-working individuals are very deserving of this recognition.”

Balloting will be conducted with a two-step election process, beginning with a nominating round, then a finalist round. Voting will begin in April.

Ballots will be sent to CMA members in the following categories: Affiliated, Artist, Entertainment Services, Musician, Personal Manager, Publicist, Record Label, Talent Agent, Talent Buyer/Promoter, TV/Video/Media, and Venue.

The SRO Award categories
Business Manager of the Year
Coach/Truck Driver of the Year
FOH (Front of House) Engineer
Lighting Director of the Year
Manager of the Year
Monitor Engineer of the Year
Production Manager of the Year
Publicist of the Year
Talent Agent of the Year
Tour Caterer of the Year
Tour Manager of the Year
Touring Musician of the Year (approved and implemented in 2011)
Venue of the Year
Video Director of the Year

An individual, company or tour cannot win two consecutive years in the same category. Ballots will be tabulated by accounting firm Deloitte & Touche.

The SRO Awards were created by the CMA Board of Directors in 1990, and were handed out through 1997.

Lady Antebellum Hits Touring Milestone, Launches Prom Contest

Lady Antebellum’s current headlining Own The Night 2012 World Tour stopped at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN, on March 11, where the trio was honored with plaques to celebrate its 15th consecutive sold out concert date.

Their Canadian run of tour dates begin tonight (March 13) in Winnipeg, MB at the MTS Centre.

Lady Antebellum is presented with plaques at their Minneapolis concert date. (L-R): Fred Frank (Frank Productions), Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Andy Warg (Target Center)

• • • • •

The group is also asking for high school-age fans to submit videos for a chance to win a free Lady A concert at their prom this spring. One school will chosen by the band based on creativity, originality and hometown pride and named on March 20.

“‘Dancin’ Away With My Heart’ is one of those nostalgic songs that takes you back to a certain place or moment in time,” says Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “You can picture the disco ball and remember back the last slow dance! We wanted to make someone’s prom extra special this year…we may even dress up! You just never know…”

Entries are being accepted through March 16. More info here.

Brad Paisley Adds Virtual Reality Dates

After recently wrapping the first leg of his Virtual Reality World Tour, MusicRow‘s Artist of the Year Brad Paisley has announced 43 additional appearances in 2012.

Continuing on the tour will The Band Perry, Scotty McCreery and Easton Corbin with additional artists appearing on select dates to include Miranda Lambert, Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann.

Live Nation is the national tour promoter.

Virtual Reality World Tour 2012:
May 18 – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO
May 19 – Klipsch Music Center – Indianapolis, IN
May 20 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
June 1 – Nikon Theatre – Jones Beach, NY*
June 2 – Comcast Theatre – Hartford, CT*
June 3 – Comcast Center – Boston, MA*
June 9 – Wrigley Field – Chicago, IL**
June 15 – Blossom Music Center – Cleveland, OH
June 16 – DTE Music Center – Detroit, MI
June 22 – Country USA Festival – Oshkosh, WI
June 23 – Chippewa Valley Country Festival – Cadott, WI
June 29 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga, NY
June 30 – Susquehanna Bank Center – Philadelphia, PA
July 14 – Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB***
July 15 – Craven Country Jamboree – Craven, SK***
July 20 – Red Sky Music Festival – Omaha, NE***
July 21 – Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, WY***
July 26 – Sleep Train Amphitheatre – Sacramento, CA*
July 27 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA*
July 28 – Harveys Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena – Lake Tahoe, NV*
August 10 – Bethel Woods Pavilion – Bethel Woods, NY
August 11 – Darien Center – Darien Lakes, NY
August 12 – Walter Baker Park – Ottawa, ON****
August 16 – BOK Center – Tulsa, OK*
August 17 – TBD
August 18 – Gexa Energy Pavilion – Dallas, TX*
August 24 – Time Warner Cable Music Center – Raleigh, NC*
August 25 – Jiffy Lube Live – Washington, DC*
September 13 – Farm Bureau Live – Virginia Beach, VA
September 14 – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre – Charlotte, NC
September 15 – Lakewood Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA
September 27 – Jacksonville Arena – Jacksonville, FL
September 28 – 1-800-ASK GARY – Amphitheatre Tampa, FL
September 29 – Cruzan Amphitheater – West Palm Beach, FL
October 4 – Ford Center – Evansville, IN
October 5 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH
October 6 – Giant Center – Hershey, PA
October 11 – Verizon Arena – Little Rock, AR
October 12 – CenturyTel Arena – Bossier City, LA
October 13 – New Orleans Arena – New Orleans, LA
October 17 – Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ
October 18 – Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre – San Diego, CA
October 20 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA

Support acts will be The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery – unless noted.
*The Band Perry and Easton Corbin
** Miranda Lambert, Chris Young, The Band Perry and Jerrod Niemann
*** The Band Perry only
****Brad only – festival date

Church Brings Blood, Sweat & Beers To The Masses

Photo: Jeff Mintline

Eric Church has long been a touring favorite, and his recent successes are helping take his live productions to exciting new places.

Tomorrow, his Blood Sweat & Beers Tour with Brantley Gilbert is playing a sold-out Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, followed by stops in Binghamton, NY; Reading, PA, and Atlantic City, NJ. Just a few weeks away is Church’s May 19 show at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, which marked the artist’s 21st sold-out concert of this tour. Church will also preach to the hometown congregation May 5 when the tour hits Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and he’s been added to the lineup for BamaJam 2012 taking place June 14-16 in Enterprise, AL.

Blood, Sweat & Beers kicked off Jan. 19 in Fort Smith, AR and has been averaging 7,500 tickets sold per show. See full Church dates here.

In slightly more surreal lineups, Church is the only country artist scheduled to play the rock and metal friendly Orion Music + More festival June 23-24 at Bader Field in Atlantic City. The festival was created by Metallica, who will headline both nights and play their classic albums The Black Album and Ride The Lightning in their entirety. In addition to Church, other performers include Kentucky rockers Cage the Elephant, Memphis favorites Lucero, Suicidal Tendencies, Modest Mouse, The Gaslight Anthem, Titus Andronicus, The Sword, Liturgy, Black Tusk, Torche, Sepultura, and more. Info here.

Church will also return to late night television, when he performs on NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Monday, March 19.

Artist Growth and BMI Partner to Aid Performing Artists

Music management app Artist Growth and BMI have announced a partnership to help musicians simplify the process of collecting performance royalties. BMI affiliates will now be able to register for royalties using any Artist Growth-equipped mobile device as soon as they finish playing a show.

BMI writers are being offered a free six-month trial of Artist Growth, which launched in Nashville in January 2012 with the goal of providing an entire toolkit for managing a music career. In coming months, BMI Live participants will be able to submit performances and set lists through Artist Growth as well.

“Artist Growth is an innovative new digital platform that presents exciting possibilities for BMI performing songwriters to manage and organize their schedules and tour support,” said Jody Williams, BMI VP Writer/Publisher Relations. “We look forward to offering access to Artist Growth to all BMI-affiliated writers, and working closely with their team to offer greater digital integration with BMI’s groundbreaking BMI Live program.”

During SXSW, Artist Growth also announced partnerships with CD Baby, Americana Music Association, PledgeMusic, Folk Alliance, NYU Steinhardt’s Music Business Program, Belmont University and more.