Nashville Stars Sell Big Across US

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Keith Urban Sets Record at San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Keith Urban set a new attendance record this past weekend (Feb. 11) for the 62-year old San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

Urban packed 16,799 fans into San Antonio’s AT&T Center, which has attracted some of country music’s biggest artists including Reba, Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith and Taylor Swift.

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo also has upcoming entertainment scheduled from Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley and Lady Antebellum.

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Eric Church Sells Out Arena in 30 Minutes; Adds Show

Eric Chuch fans in Bloomington, IL grabbed 7,000 tickets for his April 28 show at US Cellular Coliseum just 30 minutes after the on-sale began. This marks the 11th time his Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour has sold out since it began on Jan. 19.

To meet the additional demand in Bloomington, Church has booked a second show at the same venue the following night, Sunday, April 29 with special guests Colt Ford and Blackberry Smoke. Tourmate Brantley Gilbert will not be performing at the second show.

Bloomington is one of over 50 dates on Church’s arena headlining tour with upcoming stops scheduled in Cleveland, Panama City, Orlando, and Tallahassee.

Bonnaroo 2012 Lineup Revealed

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Middle Tennessee’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has revealed performers for its 2012 edition, scheduled for June 7-10 in Manchester.

Headlining bands include Radiohead, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Phish. Also slated to perform are Best New Artist Grammy winner Bon Iver, the reunited Beach Boys (Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks), Americana darlings The Avett Brothers, The Shins, Foster The People, electronic wiz Skrillex, hip-hop star Ludacris, comedian/actor Aziz Ansari, Feist, The Roots and many more. Full lineup here.

Artists making the cut from Tennessee or on Nashville labels include a reunited Ben Folds Five, The Civil Wars, Needtobreathe, Sarah Jarosz and Moon Taxi. Others will be named as the Road To Bonnaroo contest unfolds.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Feb. 18 at 11 AM/CT at bonnaroo.com.

Wade Bowen Plays Nashville’s Exit-In

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Wade Bowen’s current single “Saturday Night” (Sea Gayle/BNA) bears the refrain “So why does everybody love Saturday night/Stale smell of beer and the smoke in your eyes/I keep sittin’ and drinkin’ and thinkin’ ‘bout a sad good-bye/So tell me why is everybody so in love with Saturday night?” It’s an inversion of the usual party-hearty weekend theme found in popular country songs, set to a jangling, uptempo track. It works really well because, let’s face it, the weekend sucks when you’re alone and brokenhearted.

That marriage of darker subject matter to gritty, driving country rock is a particular strength of Bowen’s, and he was in fine form when he played Nashville’s Exit-In last Thursday (Feb. 9) with Charlie Worsham and Striking Matches. Backed by his usual six-piece band, the beloved Texas artist debuted songs from his upcoming BNA Records album and spirited versions of his older material.

The set kicked off with “God Bless This Town,” a bitter take on the gossip and narrow-mindedness that plagues small town dwellers. He originally recorded the song in 2006, but has re-recorded it for the new album. Other new songs included “All That’s Left,” “Say Anything,” and the rocking “Patch of Bad Weather.”

Years of playing hundreds of dates have given Bowen a commanding stage presence, and he’s built a great chemistry with his band. As a unit, they excel in building the suspense for each new song.

Failed relationships were a popular topic in the evening’s selections, and they range from the haunted memory ballad “Ghost In This Town,” to the done-me-wrong kiss off “Nobody’s Fool,” and breakup aftermath tale “You Had Me At My Best.” He even touched on the casualties of alcoholism in “Daddy And The Devil.” Pretty grim stuff, but the crowd loved it.

Fans were also treated to a special appearance by Dave Loggins, whose “Please Come To Boston” is a staple of Bowen’s live sets. Loggins joined the band onstage for a verse and chorus of the song before turning the stage back over.

Bowen closed out his main set with the cathartic and triumphant “Resurrection,” which ought to feel familiar to anyone who’s ever endured a bad breakup. “We’ve all been there,” he said. “If you haven’t, you’re not living like you should.”

For his encore, he played an acoustic “Before These Walls Were Blue” accompanied by vocalist Jessica Murray. He closed out the evening with one more poison-arrow anthem called “Beat Me Down,” accompanied by the song’s co-writer Sean McConnell and a pack of rowdy music lovers pumping their fists in time.

Being bummed out never felt so good.

Industry Ink (2/10/12)

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The Songwriter Agency has announced the signing of legendary tunesmith Dean Dillon to its roster for live bookings. Dillon has over 90 charted songs to his credit, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

“Dean Dillon has been one of the most prolific songwriters in Nashville for over 30 years, and he’s also one of the most entertaining artists on the road,” said Songwriter Agency president/co-founder Paul Compton. “The list of cuts he has had with some of the biggest names in the business is amazing.”

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Longtime Gospel music executive Eric Melton has departed his position as Director of Media Relations for Homeland Inspiration Group and launched his own Promotion and PR firm Choice Promotions.

“After spending over 17 years in the Nashville music industry plus a number of years in broadcasting in local radio and in national satellite and syndicated radio, now has come the time that I must begin a new endeavor,” says Melton. “God takes us through many phases of our lives I am thankful that a new day is on the horizon.”

Reach Melton by email here.

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Brittany Pellegrino has been added to the promotion staff at Cold River Records for an unspecified regional position. She was previously a promotions staffer at WKDF/Nashville, and interned with Warner Bros. and Big Machine. Reach her here.

Ryman Earns Top Concert Industry Honor

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Last week at the 23rd Annual Pollstar Awards in Los Angeles, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium was named Theatre of the Year for a second consecutive year. The honor was voted upon by peers and is regarded as the industry’s highest honor. Other nominees included Beacon Theatre in New York City, Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas.

This is the Ryman’s fourth Theatre of the Year win in 10 years, and it is also the reigning Academy of Country Music Venue of the Year.

“We are extremely grateful to our peers in the concert industry for awarding us this honor two years in a row,” said Ryman GM Sally Williams. “The Ryman is a very special building not only for Nashvillians, but also for music lovers all over the world. We continually strive to create memorable, unique experiences for all visitors – from the artists on stage to the fans in the pews.”

Country Throwdown Tour Adds Gary Allan and Others

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The third-annual Country Throwdown Tour announced Gary Allan as the headlining artist, and he will be joined by Josh Thompson, Eric Paslay, and Sunny Sweeney. Rodney Atkins and Justin Moore will appear on select dates.

The 2012 multi-stage extravaganza is expected to reach 20 cities over two months, kicking off in Gulfport, MS, May 18.

“I’ve always been a fan of the Warped Tour, so I thought it was great when they [4 FINI Inc.] came up with the concept of doing a country version of it with the Throwdown Tour,” says Allan. “We’re hoping this is the best tour yet.”

The 2012 outdoor tour brings together top artists and emerging talent, providing a constant stream of music in a festival environment throughout the day. In addition to performances on two main stages, the Bluebird Cafe Stage will spotlight soon to be announced singer-songwriters as they perform in the round.

“We’re proud to continue our relationship with the Bluebird Cafe and some of Nashville’s most talented songwriters,” adds tour co-founder and co-producer, Sarah Baer. “We’re especially thankful for the many people in the music community who have been supportive of trying something new and have helped us give developing artists a home on the tour scene.”

Allan will host a press conference Feb. 27, at The Label in Nashville joined by 4 FINI producers and tour creators Kevin Lyman and Baer discussing further details of the event.

2012 Country Throwdown Tour (more dates to come). Tickets for select cities are on sale now.

5/18-Gulfport, MS @ Jones Park
5/26-Gilford, NH @ Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion
5/27-Bangor, ME @ Waterfront Park
6/1-Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
6/2-Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion
6/3-Anderson, IN @ Hoosier Park Casino
6/13-Glen Allen, VA @ Innsbrook Pavilion
6/14-N. Lawrence, OH @ Clay’s Park Amphitheatre
6/15-Danville, VA @ Carrington Pavilion
6/16-Washington, PA @ CONSOL Energy Park
6/17-Syracuse, NY @ Empire Court
6/22-Sioux Falls, SD @ W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds
6/23-Rockford, IL @ Davis Park / Metro Center
6/28-TBD
6/29-Marion, IL @ Rent One Park
6/30-Bridgeview, IL @ Toyota Park
7/1-Norfolk, NE @ DeVent Center
7/6-TBD
7/7-TBD
7/8-TBD

Haggard Resumes Tour

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Merle Haggard is returning to the road after an illness that forced him to cancel several January tour dates. The postponed dates have been rescheduled for April and Haggard’s previously booked tour—including a stop at Nashville’s Ryman—resumes February 28 in Tucson, Arizona at the Fox Theatre. Scheduled dates included below.

“I’m feeling good and ready to get back on the bus,” says Haggard. “Thanks to all for their powerful prayers that led to my speedy recovery. I’m rehearsing with the band and looking forward to playin’ and singin’ again.”

Merle Haggard tour dates:
2/28 — Tucson, Arizona — Fox Theatre
2/29 — Anaheim, CA — The Grove
3/1 — San Diego, CA — Balboa Theatre
3/2 — Laughlin, NV — Edgewater Casino
3/3 — Rancho Mirage, CA — Agua Caliente Casino
3/5 & 3/6 — Folsom, CA — Three Stages at Folsom Lake College
4/11 — Nashville, TN — The Ryman Auditorium
4/12 — Pigeon Forge, TN — Country Tonite Theatre
4/13 — Florence, IN — Ballerra Casino & Resort
4/14 — Greensboro, NC — War Memorial Auditorium
4/15 — Columbia, SC — The Township Auditorium
4/16 — Annapolis, MD — Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
4/17 — Shippensburg, PA — The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center
4/19 — Torrington, CT — Warner Theatre
4/20 — Portsmouth, NH — The Music Hall
4/21 — Atlantic City, NJ — Harrah’s Atlantic City-The Concert Venue
4/22 — Springfield, OH — Clark State Performing Arts Center
4/25 — Macon, GA — Macon City Auditorium
4/26 — Paducah, KY — Four Rivers Center
4/27 — Lula, MS — Isle of Capri Casino

First Investigation Into Indiana State Fair Tragedy Concludes

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A six-month investigation into the Indiana State Fair tragedy has determined that the company which built the roof and rigging, the stagehands union, and fair officials share blame for the Aug. 13 stage collapse which killed seven people and injured 58 others. As a result of the findings, relatively minimal fines were issued to these three parties, the largest of which was $63,000 and went to the staging company, Mid-America Sound Corp.

The query was conducted by the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and is the first of three independent investigations.

According to the AP and other news outlets, fair officials were informed of the stage’s limitations, and should have evacuated the area. Mid-America maintains that fair representatives knew the temporary roof structure and rigging being used that night would not sustain winds of 25 mph or severe weather.

Newly released testimony also shows that Sugarland and their representatives refused offers to delay the start of the concert that night. Indiana State Fair Commission executive director Cindy Hoye testified as part of a lawsuit against Mid-America. According to the AP:

Hoye testified that a representative for a concert promotion company working with the fair twice approached Sugarland about the fair’s desire to delay the show. Hoye said, “They were trying to get to Iowa to play the Iowa State Fair, and so they said they did not want to delay.” She also said that the fair offered to pay for extra stagehands in Des Moines to reduce the time needed to set up the stage, but the band declined.

Ringo Starr To Celebrate Birthday In Nashville

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Ringo Starr will celebrate his birthday on July 7 with a performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. At noon that day he will be at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, where he will continue his tradition of recent years by asking those around the world to join him in a wish for Peace & Love.

Starr’s tour with his 13th All Starr Band will launch June 14 at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario and conclude July 21 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. New to the All Starrs are Steve Lukather (Toto) and Gregg Rolie (Santana & Journey), who join All Starr alumni Richard Page, Todd Rundgren, Mark Rivera, and Gregg Bissonette.

The tour is being produced by Dave Hart and fans can expect to hear a jukebox worth of hits including classics such as “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Photograph,” “Little Help From My Friends,” “Yellow Submarine” and “Wings.”

Reba Preps TV Pilot, GAC Concert Special

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Reba has been on the racetrack supporting son and professional driver Shelby Blackstock. (L-R) Narvel Blackstock, Shelby, and Reba at the Daytona Continental Tire Challenge race

Reba McEntire has been busy preparing for the pilot episode of primetime ABC TV show Malibu Country, first reported by MusicRow last September.

Reba said, “ABC loves the pilot script of Malibu Country that Dave Stewart thought up, Brandon Blackstock brought to me, and Kevin Abbott wrote! What a team, April is gonna be a fun month!”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, McEntire will executive produce and star in the multi-camera comedy from ABC Studios. Her husband and manager Narvel Blackstock joins Abbot as a writer. Full production is expected to start in August 2012.

Reba brought along a video crew to a recent tour stop at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, LA, to capture the show for her first concert special in 15 years. All The Women I Am was produced by Jon Small, a creative partner of Reba’s since the mid-‘80s. It will premiere Sat., March 17, 10:00 pm/ET on GAC.

In addition, Reba will host the March 24 Celebrity Fight Night benefit in Phoenix, and co-host the 47th Annual ACM Awards with Blake Shelton April 1 on CBS.

Reba will also be featured in upcoming episodes of NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are and Oprah’s Master Class. Reba’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are will premiere March 2, offering an up-close look inside her family history. “I can’t wait to watch the final edit,” McEntire said. “We filmed for 11 days! So worth it.”

Oprah’s Master Class airs Sunday nights on OWN and will feature McEntire on a yet-to-be-announced date.

Reba will also perform away from the camera on the International Festival of Country Music tour, hitting London, Belfast, Zurich and Mannheim, February 26-March 4. The singer is hosting a sweepstakes through Feb. 22 for tickets and backstage passes to the international dates here.

Reba is set to release her latest Dillard’s Reba collection in June, with clothes, luggage, furniture, dishes, flatware, shoes, table linens and bedding.

All that on top of recently falling victim to a death hoax fabricated by the Global Associated News. McEntire clarified, “I definitely did not fall off a mountain, nor am I dead. I am alive and kicking!”