Touring Archives - Page 165 of 213

NBN SoundLand: Day 4

September 26, 2011/by Freeman

After late nights with Next Big Nashville’s SoundLand on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, I spent the rest of the weekend dragging. I guess there’s always a price for pursuing good times.

But you know what? Totally worth it.

On Saturday (9/24), BMI sponsored a brunch gathering for SoundLand VIPs at the über-hip Imogene + Willie boutique on 12th Ave. S., thanks to BMI (picture included below). Riff’s and Taste of Belgium food trucks were on site to provide eats. Thank festival organizers Jason Moon Wilkins and Kevin Brown, along with “Party Czar” Emilee Warner, for putting these happenings together.

Later SoundLand turned up the volume at the Neuhoff Factory, a former meat-packing plant overlooking the Cumberland River that is being re-purposed as a mixed-use arts facility. The imposing five-stories high brick exterior enveloped festival attendees in the outdoor performance area and made for a strangely beautiful setting.

The Black Belles

Performers on the bill included Knoxville’s Royal Bangs, Ohio native Jessica Lea Mayfield, followed by Nashville’s Apache Relay and Tristen. The buzz was big for The Black Belles, an all female group discovered by Jack White who looked bewitching in black dresses and hats while concocting a strange brew of surf rock, punk, and rockabilly. Three-quarters female local faves Those Darlins were next, and raced through an energetic set of garage rock rave-ups including “Be Your Bro.” Final slot of the Neuhoff stage went to Jake and Jamin Orrall in JEFF the Brotherhood.

Over at The Basement, twin sister act The Watson Twins were on the bill, to be followed by Nashville’s Caitlin Rose, whose debut Own Side Now is out Sept. 27 via ATO Records. To finish the festivities with a bang, late night revelers got to be nostalgic and rock the night away as My So-Called Band performed all of Nirvana’s Nevermind in tribute to the legendary album’s 20th anniversary.

Pictured at the BMI and Soundland VIP Brunch at Imogene + Willie are (L-R): SoundLand/American Songwriter's Robert Clement, BMI's Jody Williams, Chancellor Warhol, SoundLand’s Jason Moon Wilkins, BMI's Clay Bradley, Matchstick Management’s Mark Hobson and BMI's Julie Stuckey. Photo: Erika Goldring

Luke Bryan Launches CMT Tour With Sold-Out Show

September 26, 2011/by Sarah Skates

Luke Bryan at Terminal 5 in NYC

Luke Bryan kicked-off his headlining tour earlier this month. CMT ON TOUR: Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines launched with a sold-out show at Terminal 5 in New York City, and setting an attendance record in Utica, New York.

The tour features special guests Lee Brice, Josh Thompson and CMT’s Next Superstar winner Matt Mason. Dates run through November, with a total of 22 shows along the way.

Tickets for Bryan’s Farm Tour concert in Athens, Georgia on Friday, Sept., 30 are also sold out. The benefit series will take place during a 2-week break in the CMT On Tour shows.

Photos by Scott Gries

(L-R): Lucia Folk, Sr. Director Public Affairs, CMT; Evan Farmer, Host CMT Top 20 Countdown; Luke Bryan; Anne Oakley, Director Program Enterprises, CMT; Kerri Edwards, Red Light Management.

NBN SoundLand: Day 3

September 24, 2011/by Freeman

It’s all about the music, and Day 3 of Next Big Nashville’s SoundLand offered a ton of sounds from regional and national artists.

Prior to the shows, industry movers and shakers got not one, but two, VIP parties to check out during the day: a lunch BBQ sponsored by ASCAP at the new Jackalope Brewery on 8th Ave. S. (picture included), and a Nashville Scene-sponsored party at the Gibson Showroom on Church St.

Pictured at ASCAP’s 2nd annual Beer/BBQ Lunch at Jackalope Brewery are (L-R): Marc Driskill, Jesse Willoughby, Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Evyn Mustoe (Sanctuary), Asha Goodman (Sacks & Co), Mike Sistad, Ashley Wilcoxson (Sanctuary), Jaren Johnston, LeAnn Phelan, Ryan Bueschel, and Amy Lewis. Photo: Anna Maki

There was also more music than one person without the ability to bend space and time could possibly see. Over at the Cannery Ballroom, folkie Robert Ellis laid down a quick set, followed by a soulful, guitar-heavy group of songs from Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit. Singer/songwriter Justin Townes Earle played the last performance slot downstairs in the Cannery Ballroom, and Nashville’s Madi Diaz closed out the night upstairs at the Mercy Lounge. Over at Jack White’s Third Man Records performance space, Detroit punk-rockers Human Eye were bashing out a noisy symphony, followed by oddball comedian Neil Hamburger.

Yelawolf. Photo: Next Big Nashville

Just past 11 pm, Mississippi rapper Big K.R.I.T. was finishing up his fist-pumping set at the 12th Ave Block Party stage. The main event was Alabama-based rapper Yelawolf (who lived in Antioch for a stretch), who spits rapid-fire machine gun raps and has the pale, tattooed appearance of a Nine Inch Nails band-member circa 1995. Following Yelawolf, local DJ Wick-It kept the party going by spinning dance-friendly dubstep and hip-hop tracks.

One night left, and a plethora of local heroes are on the bill.

Artist Updates: Aldean, Bryan, Bentley, Kane

September 23, 2011/by Freeman

Jason Aldean

• Tickets for Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party Tour stop Feb. 24 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena went on sale earlier this morning (9/23), and promptly sold out in a matter of minutes. “It feels good to sell out any venue in any city, but to sell out your hometown is just an unbelievable feeling,” says Aldean. “I can’t wait to come home for this one…you can bet me and the boys in the band will be ready to go that night!” Aldean is tied for most nominations at this year’s CMA Awards (Nov. 9, 8-11 pm/EST on ABC), including Entertainer of the Year. Capitol Records artist Luke Bryan is set to open the show.

: Luke Bryan

• Speaking of Luke, he’s set to start his six day “Farm Tour” next Thursday, September 29 in Clemson, SC. Proceeds from these shows will fund a scholarship for a student from a farming family in each community. Prior to launching the tour, Bryan will head to the west coast for his first appearance on Access Hollywood Live Monday, September 26 and The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Wednesday, Sept. 28. He’s also nominated for a CMA Award for New Artist of the Year.

Dierks Bentley

• Also on television next week is Capitol Records artist Dierks Bentley, who will be performing a version of Pink Floyd’s classic “Wish You Were Here” Sept. 29 on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon as part of the show’s week-long tribute to the band. Other artists scheduled to play Pink Floyd’s songs include Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, The Shins, and MGMT.

Christian Kane performing during the Crockettsville I.V. 2011 Charity Concert & Trail Ride. Photo: L. Luxenburger

• Singer, songwriter, and actor Christian Kane launched the first leg of his Raising Kane tour September 22 at Knoxville’s Cotton Eyed Joe, alongside Bigger Picture labelmate Chris Cagle. The tour will span 16 cities nationwide, with additional dates to be announced in the coming weeks. Kane’s debut country album The House Rules is currently available for purchase, and its second single “Let Me Go” is climbing the charts.

NBN SoundLand: Day 2

September 23, 2011/by Freeman

Foster The People. Photo: Next Big Nashville

Day two of SoundLand, presented by Next Big Nashville presented more musical options, more musical genres, and more Nashville locations.

Following the work day, festival VIPs schmoozed at the super-swanky new location of Virago prior to the music start, where they enjoyed complimentary drinks and food courtesy of SunTrust, The Orchard, and Loeb & Loeb. As an aside, aren’t these M Street restaurants (see also: Tavern, Kayne Prime, Whiskey Kitchen) just gorgeous?

Kyle Andrews. Photo: Next Big Nashville

The crowds flocked to the 12th Avenue Block Party, where headlining bands were being featured on an outdoor stage at the end of the street. Beer vendors and food trucks were abundant. Neighboring venues 12th & Porter and Mai got in on the action as well, with sets from Nashville’s Kyle Andrews and Uncle Skeleton at 12&P and How I Became The Bomb and Boss of Nova at Mai. On the Block Party stage, Cults played upbeat, hazy pop that included the single “Go Outside.” Foster the People, enjoying a victory lap following the breakout success of their hit “Pumped Up Kicks,” delivered an energetic set of irresistibly quirky, danceable electronic pop.

Over at Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom, festival organizers had underestimated the demand for Austin, Texas-based electro wizards Ghostland Observatory and a mob had formed outside the building when the room reached capacity. By the time we were permitted entrance, Ghostland’s set was more than half finished. But for a brief, 30 minute stretch, late-arriving audience members were rewarded with pummeling, thumping electro-funk, and a seizure-inducing laser and strobe light setup. Following Ghostland’s set, downtempo musician/DJ Bonobo was playing upstairs at Mercy Lounge.

Nearby at the Station Inn, Black Crowes founding member Rich Robinson, and My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel played sets before cellist/singer Ben Sollee. Rhode Island’s The Low Anthem turned in a late set over at the Basement.

On tonight’s itinerary are two Alabama boys: Americana fixture Jason Isbell and rapper Yelawolf.

Photos: Capitol Street Party, ACL, Gloriana, BJE Conference

September 22, 2011/by Freeman

Last night’s (9/21) Capitol Street Party drew a crowd of over 12,000 fans to Demonbreun Street to watch as artists Eric Paslay, Eric Church and headliner Alan Jackson perform. New EMI Nashville recording artist Jon Pardi kept the party going into the late hours of the night after the show at the Tin Roof.

(L-R): Capitol Records Nashville SVP of Promotion Steve Hodges, SVP Cindy Mabe, Pardi, Capitol Records Nashville President and CEO Mike Dungan, Jackson, Paslay, Capitol Records Nashville COO Tom Becci.

Eric Church onstage at the Capitol Street Party. Photo: Christie King

• • • • •

BMI’s songwriter stage during Austin City Limits Sept 16-18 drew large crowds and showcased artists from across the nation in a variety of genres such as blues, folk-rock, hip-hop and country. Performers from Nashville, the U.K., the Midwest, New York, and Texas all took turns sharing songs for the large live music event.

(L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley; BMI stage performers James Guldry and Matthew DeMaio of the Kingston Springs, Chancellor Warhol, Jon Pardi and Ian Ferguson and Alexander Geddes of the Kingston Springs; and BMI’s Mark Mason. Photo: Erika Goldring

• • • • •

Emblem/WMN’s Gloriana gathered for a photo following the group’s performance before the CRS board members in Nashville on September 15.

(L-R): CRS' Bill Mayne; Emmis/Indianapolis' Charlie Morgan; Gloriana's Tom Gossin, Rachel Reinert and Mike Gossin; WQYK/Tampa's Mike Culotta; WMN's Chris Stacey and John Esposito. Photo: Kristen England

• • • • •

Belmont University recently held its 2011 Best Job Ever conference, an annual event focusing on music and entertainment trends, evolving job opportunities, and industry networking. This year’s conference featured Emmy Award winning video director George J. Flanigen giving the keynote speech. Flanigen encouraged the audience of aspiring professionals to “get out into the mix and get to work!”

George Flanigen (center) with student organizers.

NBN SoundLand: Day 1

September 22, 2011/by Freeman

Taylor Goldsmith/Dawes. Photo: Next Big Nashville

SoundLand, presented by Next Big Nashville kicked off last night (9/21) with an opening VIP reception at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall. Complimentary beverages were provided by Starr Hill brewery and Firefly Skinny Vodka.

The first series of musical performances were held across the courtyard at War Memorial Auditorium. Sometime Nashville resident Jonny Corndawg began the proceedings with a set of good-humored, frequently filthy country songs reminiscent of the Tom T. Hall era. Los Angeles folk-rockers Dawes played the middle set, showcasing soaring melodies and Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith’s instrumental chops.

M. Ward. Photo: Next Big Nashville

In addition to its own set, Dawes served as the backing band for Corndawg and the evening’s closer M. Ward. The Portland-based folkie (also known for being one-half of She & Him with Zooey Deschanel) played solo tracks including “Sad, Sad Song” and “Poor Boy, Minor Key” before being joined for a full band setup with Dawes. Guests during the evening included Deer Tick singer John McCauley, fiddle player Josh Hedley, and members of Nashville’s own Lambchop.

There’s a lot more to come. We’ll keep you updated. In the meantime, check out more pictures from last night here.

Jonny Corndawg. Photo: Next Big Nashville

Highest Paid Country Stars

September 22, 2011/by Sarah Skates

*Urban wasn't ranked in 2011, and Sugarland wasn't ranked in 2010.

Forbes’ latest list of “Country Music’s Highest Paid Stars” was released this week, covering gross income earned between May 2010 to May 2011. Major revenue streams for most of the acts on the list includes sponsorships/endorsement deals, touring, publishing income and album sales.

For comparison, MusicRow looked back to the 2010 rankings. Most of the same stars are on both lists, though the graph above shows fluctuations in gross earnings. Ranking for the first time in 2011 is Sugarland.

Forbes reports, “We talked to agents, managers, publishers, lawyers and others in the know to come up with our estimates, which are gross earnings. We do not deduct for taxes or things like agent and manager fees.” See full story here.

2011 Highest Earners
1. Toby Keith $50 million
2. Taylor Swift $45 million
3. Brad Paisley $40 million
4. Tim McGraw $35 million
5. Rascal Flatts $34 million
6. Kenny Chesney $30 million
7. George Strait $24 million
8. Alan Jackson $22 million
9. Carrie Underwood $20 million
10. Sugarland $18 million

2010 Highest Earners
1. Kenny Chesney $50 million
2. Toby Keith $48 million
3. Taylor Swift $45 million
3. Rascal Flatts $45 million
5. Tim McGraw $30 million
6. Keith Urban $28 million
7. George Strait $25 million
8. Brad Paisley $22 million
9. Alan Jackson $15 million
10. Carrie Underwood $13 million

Swift Package Due In Time For Holidays

September 21, 2011/by Caitlin Rantala

Taylor Swift’s Broadway inspired Speak Now World Tour is coming to a living room near you. Swift announced today that the show will be released as CD/DVD and CD/Blu-ray sets. The sets can be purchased in stores and through online retailers starting Monday, Nov. 21, in time for the holiday season. Click here to watch Swift’s video announcement for her fans.

Speak Now World Tour – Live will also be available as CD/DVD or CD/Blu-ray combo paks on Big Machine Records’ website, www.bigmachinemusic.com.

Swift finishes up the U.S. leg of her Speak Now Tour Tuesday, Nov 22. The show is already sold out.

Photo Spread: NATD Honors Gala

September 20, 2011/by Sarah Skates

The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) saluted industry leaders at an Honors Gala on Wed., Sept. 14 at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel. 2011 honorees include Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Alabama, Nashville Predators Head Coach Barry Trotz, Agency for the Performing Arts President/CEO Jim Gosnell, and Conway Entertainment Group President Tony Conway.

See complete Bobby Karl coverage here.

Photos courtesy of NATD/Getty Images.