Live Nation and UMG Announce Strategic Partnership

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Live Nation Entertainment and Universal Music Group announced this week that they are forming a strategic partnership of both companies’ management assets.

UMG, along with Live Nation’s Front Line Management Group, will introduce a joint venture management company with the aim of building artistic brands through sponsorships, strategic marketing, and more. Each unit will operate individually, but will be able to utilize the other’s assets.

Front Line will manage the partnership, focusing on building consumer bundling initiatives for UMG artists such as concert tickets and music products through artist web properties.

According to the New York Post, Universal’s management companies to be combined include Trinifold, Twenty First Artists, 5B and Sanctuary, a roster that boasts The Who, ZZ Top, NBC’s The Voice, Robert Plant, and more. They’ll join artists under the Front Line umbrella, such as the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, Christina Aguilera, Journey and others. Live Nation will reportedly get a 51 percent stake in the combined companies.

“This is an unprecedented partnership that unites the world’s top music artists with the world’s leading artist management, live entertainment, event ticketing and sponsorship resources to drive innovation across our industry,” commented Live Nation/Front Line Chairman Irving Azoff. “We see tremendous opportunities to work together to create a broad range of products built on the power of music and the direct connection between artists and fans. We look forward to working closely with Lucian Grainge and the talented UMG team in this new and exciting chapter of the music industry.”

Overseas Fans Embrace Country

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Pictured backstage (L-R): Neil Warnock, CEO, The Agency Group; Tor Nielsen, Head Promoter Live Nation Artists; Dolly Parton; Thomas Johansson, Chairman of Live Nation Europe; Danny Nozell, Parton's manager

Fans in Europe and Australia continue to embrace country music, drawing an ever-growing number of tours overseas. Lady Antebellum, Alan Jackson and Taylor Swift all wooed international fans earlier this year. More recently, Dolly Parton, Lorrie Morgan and Dailey and Vincent performed in Europe.

Parton sold out the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden on Aug. 27 as part of her outing supporting new album Better Day. She continues European dates until her tour re-opens in the U.S. on Oct. 7.

Lorrie Morgan

Morgan just returned from her second stint in Europe. During the first overseas tours in almost ten years, she performed in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark and Sweden. She is also preparing to release Beyond the Interview: Lorrie Morgan (ANR Records), a box set with a documentary video featuring her family, friends, industry peers, and favorite artists.

Dailey & Vincent made their way across the pond for a four-concert tour of Ireland and Switzerland, with sold-out box offices on all dates. They also played the Gstaad Festival in Switzerland along with Trace Adkins, Laura Bell Bundy and more.

Dailey & Vincent in Europe

Swift’s Sold-Out Traveling Sound Emporium

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Swift's musical pulpit left the stage and traveled around the entire arena so everyone got a close-up view of the artist they had come to see. Photo: David Ross

In “Speak Now,” the album title track, Swift plays the third wheel in a love triangle that ends at the altar with her stealing the groom from the grasp of the bride-to-be. Photo: David Ross

“I’m a hopeless romantic,” Taylor Swift told the 15,000 screaming fans jammed into Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Sept. 16. Indeed, her 14-track Speak Now album, which according to Nielsen Soundscan has sold 3.65 million copies in 46 weeks, is packed with stories of love—won and lost. Like a musical Cecil B. Demille, Swift has created an evening full of elaborate song visualizations for her fans to enjoy.

For example, there were fireworks, numerous wardrobe changes, choreography, ballet, acrobatic dancers suspended from a trapeze on bungee cords, snow, and detailed sets. A favorite was the life-size romantic bridge with nine string players perched upon it arching like a rainbow above a bright white piano, played by our star who sang her haunting ballad of regret, “Back To December.”

The “Speak Now” church scene recreated the song’s vivid lyric, complete with stained glass window, pews, bride, and the “snotty little family all dressed in pastels.” As the song ends, Swift ran out through crowd… with the groom!

“When you’re falling in love or losing it, that’s the most intense happiness or sadness and that’s when you need music the most,” Swift told the crowd. Introducing her next song, “Last Kiss,” she opined that although you don’t believe it will ever happen at the time, a first kiss is eventually followed by a last kiss.

Throughout the evening, Swift played piano, acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, ukulele and showcased her accomplished ‘book’ of songs. The crowd screamed, sang along to every song and cheered at each of the star’s glances or expressions. Special guests included Ronnie Dunn, who joined Taylor for a duet of “Bleed Red,” and Paramore’s Hayley Williams who duetted “That’s What You Get.” (see video below)

It’s easy to tag Swift’s popularity as a pop/country culture phenomenon, which it may be. But to dismiss it as such would be a huge oversight. After three multi-platinum albums, sold out international tours, and a slew of songwriter awards too numerous to mention, this unique songstress’ accomplishments have made her a member of the elite group of singer/songwriters that includes greats such as Paul Simon, James Taylor, Roger Miller, Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson.

But challenges remain for Swift and her fans as the 21-year-old artist transitions from teen to young woman. Can she maintain current fans while attracting a more mature crowd? Other young artists such as Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears have stumbled while navigating their rites of passage. However Swift’s greatest asset—her songs—may act as a GPS for success if they can continue to navigate through events and emotions to which her fans relate.

“My respect and admiration for her as an artist just shot through the roof while I was watching her go through her 2-hr set. Her voice sounded incredible, she played like a million different instruments, and she told great stories. That is easily my favorite thing about Taylor. Her storytelling. If you haven’t seen her show or never bought one of her albums, you’re seriously missing out. Of all the friends I have who play/write music, I’ve never seen anybody do it all with as much heart and grace as Taylor does.” —Hayley Williams

 

Bobby Karl Works The Room

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Chapter 373—Pt. 2

The Possum Turns 80

Onward. The festivities continued on Tuesday (9/13) with a downtown party to salute the 80th birthday of George Jones. We began at Rippy’s on Broadway in an upstairs dining room packed with reporters, photographers and videographers. The Possum patiently posed and did interviews, one by one.

“You never know when you’re going to pass away or what’s going to happen,” he said philosophically. When I asked him if he had a birthday message for his fans, he added, “I hope everybody lives to be 80 and more.”

Eddy Raven, Jason Michael Carroll, The McClymonts, Richard Young of The Kentucky Headhunters, Whitey Shafer, Ken Mellons, Billy Yates, Guy Penrod, Guy Gilchrist (who draws/authors the Nancy cartoon and writes country songs), Keith Bilbrey, Jimmy Carter, Randy Matthews of The Nashville Music Guide, Doak Turner, Rob Simbeck, Beth Gwinn and more well wishers crowded around the legend.

“You have been much on my mind this week,” I told attendee Travis Tritt. “And you, mine,” he replied. You see, we were together at his house in rural Georgia on 9/11/01. I was there with a CMT crew when the world stopped turning.

The vittles were – what else? – barbecue and fried chicken, plus raw veggies, tortilla chips and (huh?) chocolate cupcakes. Meanwhile, hundreds of fans jammed the main dining room, eager for a glimpse or a snapshot of George.

The birthday celebration continued at the Ryman during the Tuesday night Opry (9/13). It featured Alan Jackson, Joe Diffie, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Ann Womack and Jamey Johnson. But we had other fish to fry.

The Opry cheers George Jones' 8oth. (L-R): Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, Eric Lee Beddingfield, George Jones, Joe Diffie, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban

Leadership Music Alumni Reunion

Actually, there wasn’t a fish in sight at the Noah Liff Opera Center (9/13). Truth to tell, the schmoozing was so intense at the Leadership Music Annual Alumni Reunion there that I never got near the food table.

Everyone from Chuck Aly to Rolf Zwiep attended. Forgive me for this blur of bold type, but the massive crowd included such notable LM grads as Bill Lloyd, Bill Ivey, Billy Lynn, Peter McCann, Peter Collins, Tom Collins, Tom English, Dave Pomeroy, David Bennett, David Corlew, Ed Theis, Ed Salamon, Eddie DeGarmo, Charles Dorris, John Dorris, John Lomax III, John Beiter, Jonathan Yudkin, Jimmy Gilmer, Jim Photoglo, J. Fred Knobloch (in golf togs), Fred Vail and such other two-syllable stars as Ralph Peer, Ron Cox and Jay Frank.

The triple monikered Ree Guyer Buchanan, Melanie Smith Howard, Denise Stiff Sheehan, Hank Adam Locklin and Brenna Davenport-Leigh mingled with Tamara Saviano, Stacy Widelitz, Sheri Warnke, Deb Varallo, Garth Fundis, Kathleen O’Brien and Kira Florita (who was on her home turf since she’s now the opera’s development director). Bobby Rymer, Bo Thomas, Dale Bobo, Butch Baker, Sherrill Blackmon, Gene Kennedy and Caroline Davis worked the room, too. We congratulated the folks wearing red ribbons, since they represented this year’s LM class.

Meanwhile, Fabulous Superlative Kenny Vaughan was showcasing his new solo CD at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop (9/13). And The Dirt Drifters were celebrating theirs at 3rd & Lindsley (9/13). Are the plates still spinning?

NATD Honors

On Wednesday afternoon (9/14) The Recording Academy held a reception at its office to kick-off its Grammy U program. Singer-songwriter Dave Barnes was the attraction there.

That evening (9/14) at the historic Hermitage Hotel downtown the inaugural NATD Honors banquet was staged. The gala’s genial host Colt Ford described himself as “the best lookin’ 300-pound country singer in the whole wide world.”

Rod Essig called honoree Mayor Karl Dean, “The Music Mayor,” citing such initiatives as Musicians Corner in Centennial Park, the Live on the Green concert series, the Music City Convention Center, the expansion of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Music City Music Council, Nashville Rising, the National Folk Festival and the fact that Dean is the first mayor to go through Leadership Music. Coming up: a new Nashville amphitheater and the announcement at the Ryman on Friday of a major music-education program in the Nashville school system.

“The music industry is No. 1, because it is the one industry that brings to the city, every day, creative people,” said Dean, “and that is what makes great cities great.”

“One of the things we could do is play more Colt Ford on the radio,” suggested Ford.

The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) staged its first College of Knowledge program at Murray State in Kentucky this year. On hand were the school’s Sarah Clark and $2,500 NATD scholarship recipient Hannah Rodgers, now an intern on Music Row at The Bazel Group.

Steve Lassiter spoke of honoree Jim Gosnell’s commitment to Nashville. Thanks to his support, the APA office here has expanded from 6 to 17 staffers, from 10 to 40 clients and quadrupled its business. Danny Robinson recalled his 30-year history with Gosnell.

Comedian Lewis Black’s remarks are mostly unprintable. “I’m in this business 40 years and I have NEVER heard somebody call themselves a ‘talent director,’” he barked. “This fake organization! You’re all hired extras!” he added in his trademark, sputtering, on-the-verge-of-a-heart-attack delivery style.

“Now I have a glimpse of what my funeral is going to look like,” said Gosnell. “I accept this on behalf of everyone at APA.”

Pete Weber saluted Barry Trotz. The Nashville Predators honcho becomes the first in the NHL to coach the first 1,000 games in a team’s history. He also led the Preds to the second round of the playoffs last season.

“I’m very blessed that you would honor me to be part of your community,” Trotz said.

Mike Campbell told a funny Tony Conway story involving TNN, the Illinois State Fair, Ricky Van Shelton, a lucky belt and a wayward helicopter. Joe Guercio presented Conway with the Col. Tom Parker Award.

“This award is special to me because I knew Col. Parker, and we were buddies,” said Conway.

Greg Fowler said, “25 years with Alabama was, and still is, the greatest time of my life.” The group’s award was for, “four decades of musical success and timeless philanthropy.”

In accepting, Randy Owen told us that he is a cancer survivor. “We are going on the road for 15 or 20 shows next year, so come see us,” said Jeff Cook. “I’m not too good at looking back,” added Teddy Gentry. “We’re looking forward, so send us some songs.”

The capacity crowd included Kevin Neal, Neal Spielberg, Jeff & Terri Walker, Crystal Gayle & Bill Gatsimos, Moore & Moore, Bernard Porter, Preshus Tomes, Rod Harris, Robert Frye and Fletcher Foster, plus such NATD board members as president Steve Tolman and Bonnie Sugarman, Jeff DeBusk, Josh DeBusk, Ed Bazel, Randi Perkins, Mike Smardak and Philip Lyon.

You wouldn’t think it would take three hours to hand out five awards, but it did. One consolation was the tasty menu. Glen Leven Salad, followed by beef tenderloin au poivre demi glace with buttermilk potato puree, roasted broccolini and garlic comfit with fresh fruit tart or coconut dessert cake prepared to perfection by the elegant, on-site restaurant The Capitol Grille. Don’t be too impressed: There was a card on the table with helpful foodie lingo on it.

Bobby Karl Works The Room

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Chapter 373—Part 1

The party circuit is on warp speed this week.

In just the first three days of it, there were multiple schmoozefests to attend on the same day, often at the same time. This party boy sometimes felt like he was juggling multiple plates on sticks. Filled with hors d’oeuvres.

Ten Out of Tenn Launch Party

“I am the TOT Mom,” explained Kristen Dabbs when Clay Bradley introduced us at BMI (9/12). “This is our seventh tour and our fourth album.”

The BMI party was to launch this year’s edition of “Ten Out of Tenn,” the compilation CD and its accompanying fall tour, which starts this week. Each year, Nashville’s pop/alternative community pulls together to show just how fabulous our non-country music makers are. They not only share the TOT Vol. 4 CD, but also a bus.

After the first successful compilation, Kristin approached BMI about hosting its annual TOT kick-off celebration, which the organization has been doing for the past three years in a row.

This year’s TOT participants are Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman-Jones, Gabe Dixon, Tyler James, k.s. Rhodes, Andrew Belle, Trent Dabbs, Amy Stroup, Butterfly Boucher and Jeremy Lister. Most of this collective attended the soiree.

“These are the most unique, valuable songwriters in our community,” said Clay in welcoming the crowd. This year’s tour will hit 16 cities with sensational TOT sounds.

“Everyone at BMI has been amazing in supporting this whole concept,” said Trent. “There’s so much happening – so many people are moving here. Tell all your friends [who live] in the cities that we’re playing.”

Trent introduced Gabe, who recently splendidly showcased his new One Spark CD at the newly expanded and renovated 3rd & Lindsley (9/4). Gabe followed that with a performance of the CD’s “Running on Fumes” on Jimmy Kimmel Live (9/8), which is the same song he did at BMI. The participants all sang and played percussion behind him, then gathered at the front of the stage to form a circle around Trent for an unplugged moment.

Amy was next, followed by k.s. Rhodes, whose ebullient “Where I Come From” fully captures the spirit and camaraderie of Ten Out of Tenn. Last week (9/8), k.s. performed with The Nashville Symphony, by the way.

Susan Myers, Suzanne Alexander, Jon Randall Stewart, David Wykoff, Dan Keene, Heather Byrd, Luke Laird and more were digging the sounds and sampling the roast beef mini sandwiches, quiche slices, fruits, cheeses and beverages.

The Ten Out of Tenn tour runs through Oct. 1 with dates all across the eastern U.S. The group's latest album, aptly titled Volume 4, is available on iTunes. Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley and Ten out of Tenn’s Trent Dabbs, Jeremy Lister, Andrew Belle, K.S. Rhoads, Amy Stroup, Tyler James and Gabe Dixon. Photo: Drew Maynard

 

City National Grand Opening

The party bar has officially just been raised. The opening of the Music Row office of City National Bank (9/12) was among the most flashy and opulent of celebrations. After touring the office, we entered a massive white tent on the blocked-off South Street. Inside, it was like an igloo Casbah. White couches, white carpet, white flowers, white chandeliers, white cloth, white tables, white, white, white. Palm trees stood in the corners.

Bartenders were serving “CNBtini’s,” a specially concocted blue martini. Wait staff circulated, bearing trays of sushi, bacon-wrapped asparagus, mushroom tarts, cheeseburger sliders and other assorted canapes. Las Paletas frozen treats of various flavors were also served.

In one corner was a green screen where you could have your photo taken with a Times Square, tumbling dollar bills or CNB logo digital backdrop. Before you departed, they handed you the finished snapshot in a leather CNB frame.

I am told that event planner Jayne Bubis put the bash together. Well done, Jayne.

Lori Badgett shushed the schmoozing fabulons to introduce celebrity impersonator Pete Peterkin. He came out wailing as Little Richard, then had the crowd clapping and laughing as he “did” Elvis, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, Chuck Berry (complete with duck walk), Jerry Lee Lewis, James Brown and Michael Jackson. “I taught them all!” he brayed. “Shut up!” It was quite entertaining.

Tim DuBois, Joe Galante, Dwight Wiles & Diana Johnson, Ed Hardy, Becky Harris, Bob Doyle, Kerry O’Neil, Susan Stewart, Chuck Flood, Pete Fisher, Harry Chapman, Beverly Keel, Dan Hill, Jayne Rogovin, Jon Freeman, Karen Oertley, Barry Coburn, Sherod Robertson, Allen Brown, Sarah Brosmer, Mary Ann McCready, John Lytle, Sally Williams and Mike Vaden were in the throng.

The office, itself, at 54 Music Sq. E., gleamed with modern décor. Posters of the Hollywood films that CNB has financed were placed throughout the space. This is, after all, the bank of everyone from Jack Benny to Marilyn Monroe. CNB loaned Lucille Ball the moolah to buy out Desi Arnez and become the first female head of a major studio, Desilu. CNB provided the big cash for Frank Sinatra to pay off the kidnappers of his son. We are talking loaded and show-biz connected up the wazoo.

And now the CNB largess extends to Music City. At the party, the bank made a $15,000 donation to Jonah Rabinowitz for the W.O. Smith Community Music School.

Let the record show that Holly Bell, who heads the new Nashville division, chose the smaller office and gave the bigger ones to Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett.

“We’re very proud and excited to be here,” said Lori. It showed, believe me.

To mark the grand opening, City National Bank presented a check for $15,000 to Nashville’s W. O. Smith Music School. Pictured (L-R): Jonah Rabinowitz, WO Smith executive director; Holly Bell, SVP/team leader, CNB; Martha Henderson, EVP Entertainment, CNB; Russell Goldsmith, CEO, CNB; Ed Hardy WO Smith board president; and Tony Conway, WO Smith board.

 

Connie Smith Wraps Residency

Zipping on down to the Country Music Hall of Fame, we caught the finale of Connie Smith’s three-concert Artist-in-Residence shows at the Ford Theatre (9/12). So did Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Dallas Frazier, Marty Stuart, Hunter Kelly, Craig Havighurst, Steve Betts and David McCormick. Bill Denny and Barry Mazur had perfect attendance records, having witnessed all three shows.

Her theme of the eve was “Connie and the Girls.” She welcomed mentor Jean Shepard and disciples The Quebe Sisters Band, Tanya Tucker and Martina McBride. “I stole everything from you,” Tanya told Connie. “Well, not everything, because you’ve still got it.” And how.

Connie closed with “Take My Hand,” featuring daughters Jodi Seyfried, Jeanne Haynes and Julie Barnick. She encored with a hand-clapping “Satisfied.”

Many of the attendees, by the way, were also at the BMI party last week (9/8) celebrating the release of Connie’s awesome Long Line of Heartaches CD.

Onward. The festivities continued on Tuesday (9/13) with a downtown party to salute the 80th birthday of George Jones.

Read Pt. 2 of Bobby Karl Works the Room tomorrow exclusively on MusicRow.com.

Connie Smith with two featured performers, Martina McBride and Jean Shepard, before her final Artist-in-Residency show Monday night (9/12) at the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum. Pictured (L-R): Martina McBride, Connie Smith, Jean Shepard and Museum Senior Vice President of Public Relations Liz Thiels. Photo: Donn Jones

Soundland Prepares To Make A Big Noise

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Soundland, presented by Next Big Nashville, hits town next week on Wednesday, September 21, offering four days of diverse musical performances, educational field trips, and VIP events.

Over 100 artists are scheduled to perform through Saturday, September 24, including Foster The People, Ghostland Observatory, M. Ward, Justin Townes Earle, Yelawolf, Big K.R.I.T., Dawes, Cults, The Low Anthem, JEFF The Brotherhood, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Bonobo, The Ettes, Jonny Corndog, and many more.

Educational Field Trips include a Civil Wars Case Study September 22 at the Belcourt, American Songwriter Sessions with The Low Anthem and Justin Townes Earle (also Sept. 22), the State of A&R (Sept. 23), and more. Check here for full Field Trip details.

Foster The People

VIP badge holders have swanky parties every day of the event, including the Opening Night Reception at TPAC on Sept. 21; the SunTrust Industry Party presented by Loeb & Loeb and The Orchard at Virago Sept. 22; the ASCAP-sponsored BBQ & Beer Day Party at Jackalope Brewery and Nashville Scene & Gibson VIP Party at Gibson Showroom on Sept. 23; and the BMI-sponsored Brunch at Imogene & Willie September 24.

Single day tickets for $25 are still available to some of the shows, including M. Ward (9/21); Foster The People (9/22); Ghostland Observatory (9/22); Justin Townes Earle with Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit (9/23); Yelawolf & Big K.R.I.T. (9/24), and the just-announced Neuhoff Factory Party (9/24) with local faves JEFF The Brotherhood, Those Darlins, The Black Belles, Tristen, Jessica Lea Mayfield and more.

M. Ward

Four-day, all music wristbands are also available for $65 that grant access to all shows and venues, with unlimited venue-hopping. For $150, fans can get the full VIP experience that includes all music, VIP parties, field trips, a goodie bag, and plenty of free food and drink.

Hunter Hayes Preps Album Release, Plans Tour

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Warner Music Nashville artist Hunter Hayes will release his self-titled debut album Oct. 11, and will support it by launching his first-ever club tour on Oct. 8.

Hayes’ “Most Wanted” Fall Tour 2011 gets underway at Ford Park Exhibit Hall in Beaumont, TX and currently has 15 U.S. dates scheduled, including a stop Nov. 2 at Nashville’s 12th & Porter.

Two special VIP Experience packages will be available for purchase at each show. The “VIP Coffee House Experience” includes a pre-order of Hunter Hayes, a Hunter t-shirt, a tour laminate, and pre-show coffee with Hunter at the venue. The second option is the “Hunter Hayes Early Entry Experience” and gets buyers early entry the night of the show, a t-shirt, and the album pre-order. Full tour dates are below.

The young multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, keys, and more) played every instrument on Hunter Hayes, wrote or co-wrote every song, and co-produced it with Dann Huff. CMT.com’s “Listen Up” is offering exclusive live performances of some of the tracks from Hayes’ recent performance at 12th & Porter, as well as a video bio and other exclusive footage. Check out the performances here.

Hunter Hayes “Most Wanted” Fall Tour 2011:
10/8                 Beaumont, TX – Ford Park Exhibit Hall
10/9                 Gretna, LA – Heritage Festival
10/12               Foxboro, MA – Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill
10/20               Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
10/21               Indianapolis, IN – The Earth House
10/22               Lexington, KY – Cosmic Charlie’s
10/26               Detroit, MI – Clutch Cargo
10/27               Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
10/28               Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
10/29               Pittsburgh, PA – The Altar
11/2                 Nashville, TN – 12th and Porter
11/5                 Sanford, FL – The Barn
11/6                 Davie, FL – The Round Up
11/11               Milwaukee, WI – Red Rock
11/12               Chicago, IL – To Be Announced

Talent Agencies Reveal IEBA Conference Performers

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Two Nashville talent agencies have released the performance lineups for the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) conference, which takes place at the Sheraton Downtown Nashville October 2-4.

APA will open the IEBA Conference on Sunday, October 2, with performances from Lyndsey Highlander, Aaron Parker, Ray Scott, Dread Clampitt, Wanda Jackson and Jim Messina.

“Our attendees can’t wait to see who APA will showcase each year, and they never disappoint.” says IEBA Executive Director, Tiffany Davis. “They always set the bar high and get everyone pumped for the night!”

On Monday, October 3, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) will showcase some of its best new talent for conference-goers, including Kip Moore, Edens Edge, Brett Eldredge, Craig Campbell, Sonia Leigh, and Love and Theft.

“The CAA showcase is always a much anticipated performance,” added Davis. “The agency has been a great partner of ours for many years, and we always look forward to their talent.”

Over 500 of the live entertainment industry’s top decision makers are expected at this year’s conference. Last year the organization celebrated its 40th anniversary with record-breaking attendance and top-notch performances.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Set First Australia Dates

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McGraw and Hill appeared on the Australia edition of "Today" to make the exclusive announcement. Here they are laughing as McGraw points to his wife is the "biggest star" of the pair, and Hill says no she is the family cook. Click to watch.

By: Caitlin Rantala

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are going Down Under, touring Australia together for the first time. The 2012 tour includes seven concerts, which run through the entire month of March.

The couple is the latest in a slew of country artists mounting their first tours to Australia, including Alan Jackson and Lady Antebellum.

The Australia 2012 tour will be a six-date run with a two-night residency in Brisbane. Additionally, the pair will headline at CMC Rocks the Hunter. The first show launches at Perth’s Burswood Dome on March 14, 2012.

It’s been five years since McGraw and Hill hit the road together.

Presale tickets are available through Tim McGraw’s Official Fan Club, which can be joined at www.McGrawFan.com.

March 14, 2012: Burswood Dome in Perth, AU 

March, 16 2012: Entertainment Centre in Adelaide, AU
March 20, 2012: Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, AU
March 23 2012: Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, AU
March 24, 2012: Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, AU
March 27, 2012: Allphones Arena in Sydney, AU

George Jones To Celebrate 80th Birthday At The Opry

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By Caitlin Rantala

George Jones celebrates his 80th birthday Monday, Sept. 12, and The Grand Ole Opry will host a special celebration for him during the Tuesday night Opry Sept. 13.

Artists set to perform include Alan Jackson, Montgomery Gentry, Joe Diffie, Pam Tillis, Oak Ridge Boys, Jamey Johnson, Blackberry Smoke and Eric Lee Beddingfield. Tickets to the event can be purchased at www.opry.com.

Radio listeners can also win tickets to Jones’ Grand Ole Opry birthday celebration by tuning into Nashville’s 650 AM WSM on Sept. 12. The broadcast can be heard worldwide from www.wsmonline.com and will feature a Jones classic every hour from midnight to 7 p.m.

Along with the concert, The Opry invites fans to submit their recipes for the Opry’s Birthday Bash Dessert Contest through the Opry’s Facebook page. The three recipes with the most votes will be prepared by a professional chef and judged by Jones on Sept. 13. The winner will receive a grand prize trip to the Opry’s Birthday Bash in October. The new Opry Backstage Grill may also choose to feature the dessert on their menu.