Urban Tour Going Strong

/by

Keith Urban pictured June 23, 2011 on stage in Columbia, SC.


Keith Urban’s Get Closer 2011 World Tour opened in Biloxi, MS earlier this month, embarking on a 50-plus city run. He has dates scheduled through mid-October, including a stop Aug. 6 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
His new production features a main stage as well as four smaller platforms that bring Urban out into the audience. The design is inspired by an amusement park, including a roller coaster style backdrop.
He is touring in support of his sixth album, Get Closer, which includes current single “Long Hot Summer.”
Jake Owen will appear on all U.S. dates, while the Canadian leg in July will feature The Band Perry.
AT&T/Samsung are the presenting sponsors of the Get Closer 2011 World Tour, which plays in St. Louis, MO (6/29) and Moline, IL (6/30) this week.

Urban shows his new stage set, which is inspired by an amusement park.

Groupon Grows Ties To Music Biz

/by

David Gray's new album is available exclusively via Groupon.


Groupon is the latest unconventional outlet for selling music. Today the deal site is offering digital downloads of the new album from pop/rock star David Gray. Lost and Found-Live in Dublin 2011 is available exclusively on the coupon e-tailor for the deeply discounted price of $6, listed as a $13 value. Additionally, Groupon subscribers will be able to sample a track from this release for free via a Groupon RCRDLBL-branded widget. Gray’s label home, Downtown Records, will do a physical release of the album later this year.
This follows a similar Groupon deal with Rihanna’s album in November 2010, and the May 2011 announcement of GrouponLive, a partnership between the deal factory and Live Nation.
Groupon has also offered tickets to Britney Spears’ current Femme Fatale trek for $31, about half the face value of $61.
Seeking increasing name recognition, Groupon was a big sponsor of Saturday’s (6/25) MTV Video Music Aid Japan concert special.
Forbes reports Groupon has 83 million email subscribers, and matched last year’s total coupon sales of 30 million in the first quarter of 2011. Still, the company lost $413 million last year.

Photo Friday

/by

Luke Bryan, Doobie Brothers on “CMT Crossroads”
Luke Bryan teamed with The Doobie Brothers for the new installment of CMT Crossroads, set to premiere Friday, June 24 at 9 p.m., CT. Taped before an invitation-only audience in Nashville, the show includes major hits from The Doobie Brothers (“Black Water,” Long Train Runnin,” “China Grove”) and Bryan (“Rain is a Good Thing,” “Do I,” “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”).

(L-R): John Hamlin, SVP Music Events & Talent, CMT; Bill Flanagan, EVP Editorial Director, MTVN; John McFee, The Doobie Brothers; Tom Johnston, The Doobie Brothers; Patrick Simmons, The Doobie Brothers; Brian Philips, President, CMT; Luke Bryan; Mike Dungan, President, Capitol Records Nashville; Tom Forrest, Producer, Taillight Productions. Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage.com


 
Justin Moore and his Outlaws
Justin Moore took songwriting pals Jeremy Stover and Rhett Akins with him to perform Wednesday (6/22) in Indianapolis. The show presented by Hank FM (WLHK) was called The Making of Outlaws Like Me, named for Moore’s new album.

(L-R): HANK FM’s Bob Richards, Justin Moore, HANK FM’s Lisa Aigner, Ernie Mills, Fritz Moser, Jeremy Stover and Rhett Akins


 
Xtreme Muzik Tour Opens At Show Me Fest
Xtreme Muzik The Tour starring Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson launched Saturday night (6/18) at the Show Me Music and Arts Festival in Springfield, Missouri. Produced by Tony Conway, the festival was the first event of its kind in the area, drawing three-day aggregate attendance of 34,000 fans. Other performers included Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Train, OneRepublic, and REO Speedwagon.

Artists and crew of "Xtreme Muzik The Tour" gathered with Show Me Music & Arts Festival producer Tony Conway (center w/ball cap) prior to the tour's first show on Saturday night in Springfield, MO.

Dolly Looks Toward "Better Day"

/by

Dolly Parton chats with American Country Countdown host Kix Brooks to promote her new album. Photo: Thien Phan as photographer.


Dolly Parton is gearing up for Tuesday’s (6/28) release of her new album Better Day. The first single “Together You And I” is climbing MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart, and she recently shot a video for the song in Nashville with director Trey Fanjoy. The project is coming via Dolly Records, with distribution through Warner Music Nashville.
Parton will kick-off a world tour July 17 in Knoxville, TN. She is set for a July 22 performance on The Tonight Show, and a two-night stand at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles July 22 -23. After wrapping the U.S. dates August 3, the tour moves overseas for 18 shows in England, Ireland, Denmark and Sweden starting August 20. She will play a pair of shows September 7-8 at the O2 Arena in London, the venue where Parton recorded her 2009 two-disc DVD/CD set, Live From London. A tour of Australia will follow in November, and more dates in the U.S. and Canada in 2012 are in the works.

iPhone Software Could Curtail Concert Taping

/by

Apple has filed a patent for software that would stop iPhone users from taping concerts. The London Times first discovered the patent document, and the Daily Mail thoroughly examined it in this report.
According to the Mail, holding up the iPhone at a live music event would trigger infra-red sensors in the venue which would shut-off the camera function. Calls, texts and other features would still be operational on the phone.
Rights holders have long complained about the release of unlicensed audio and video recordings. This software is supposed to curtail that kind of copyright infringement.
There is no indication that Apple has immediate plans to implement the software, or that it is even out of development.

Industry Ink: Conway Launches Show Me Festival

/by


Tony Conway pictured before Tim McGraw's set.


Tony Conway, President of CEG Live Concert Events, produced the first annual Show Me Music And Arts Festival in Springfield, Mo. last weekend (June 17-19). Among the top-name performers were Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Train, Big & Rich, One Republic, Little Big Town, and Kellie Pickler.
• • • •
Gibson Summer Jam 2011 will take place July 23 at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville (1612 Elm Hill Pk.). Set to perform are Bachman & Turner, Gary Clark Jr., Johnny A. with Dixie Peach, The Kicks, 3 Pill Morning and A Friend Called Fire. Attendees can check out Gibson’s latest instruments and products. The event runs 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., and coincides with Summer NAMM in Nashville. Details at www.gibson.com/summerjam11.
• • • •
Songwriter Paul Overstreet received a trail marker on the Mississippi Country Music Trail earlier this month in Jackson County. Among other musical pioneers who have been honored with trail markers are Conway Twitty, Faith Hill, Jimmie Rodgers and Marty Stuart.
• • • •
Country newcomer Justin Haigh is building a team. He has signed with Jim Della Croce’s Pathfinder Management, The Bobby Roberts Company for booking, The Press Office for public relations, Ken Landry and Jason Landry at Apache Ranch Records, and Sam Cerami and Jerry Duncan for radio promotion. Haigh’s new album People Like Me was produced by Lew Curatolo, and features the single and video, “All My Best Friends (are Behind Bars),” directed by Jim Shea.

(L-R): Jim Della Croce, Bobby Roberts, Justin Haigh, and Jason Landry


• • • •






Jake Simon







Jake Simon has joined BMI’s New York office as Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations. He will report to Charlie Feldman, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, New York, and Samantha Cox, Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, New York. Simon joins BMI from Universal Music Publishing where he was an Administrative Assistant.
• • • •
Bluewater Music has signed Ross Wariner and Cody Uhler of Nashville’s Uncle Skeleton to a worldwide administration agreement. Uncle Skeleton, a 12-plus member outfit that includes a string and horn sections, recently performed at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Wariner and Uhler established themselves locally as innovative songwriters, musicians and producers behind popular rock bands including Kindercastle and Nahnee Bori.

Ross Wariner and Cody Uhler


Major Stars, Major Tours

/by

Alan Jackson Debuts Single in Chattanooga
Alan Jackson performed at Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival on Friday, June 17. Among the songs in his hit-laden set was new single, “Long Way To Go,” which he played live for the first time before the estimated crowd of 90,000.

(L-R): Maurice Miner, the co-op; Steve Hodges, Sr. VP Promotion, Capitol Records-EMI Records Nashville; Alan Jackson; Trudie Daniell, EMI Records Nashville Dir. Regional Promotion—SE; Kristi Curry, the co-op


Chesney Fills Field in Philly
Kenny Chesney’s Goin Coastal Tour sold out Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, drawing more than 52,000 fans for the all-day event. Playing the stadium for the fourth time in five years, Chesney’s set included a surprise appearance from rock singer-songwriter Grace Potter, who adds guest vocals to Chesney’s current single, “You And Tequila.” Also on Saturday night’s (6/18) guest list was Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who joined Chesney on stage to introduce the football song, “The Boys of Fall.”

Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter


Flatts Fest Kicks Off
Rascal Flatts launched their summer tour, Flatts Fest, over the weekend with two shows and crowds of 35,000. The sold-out, kick-off show in Bristow, Virginia, followed by the Virginia Beach show, saw huge crowds show up early to enjoy the karaoke challenge, the “Why Wait” wedding chapel, scavenger hunt and more. Flatts Fest is slated to run through Sept. 18.

Rascal Flatts onstage in Virginia

Swift and Underwood Among Best Paid Celebs Under 30

/by

Ahh, to be young and wealthy beyond your wildest dreams.
Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are part of an elite group of young celebrities who know what that feels like, according to Forbes (“The Best Paid Celebrities Under 30”).
Swift’s earnings in the previous year totaled approximately $45 million, according to the feature. Her third album Speak Now was triple platinum mere weeks after its release and her live shows bring in $750k per engagement. Underwood collected $15 million, courtesy of a successful tour and her starring role in the big budget film Soul Surfer.
Topping the list is Lady Gaga, whose international touring success and massive record sales from May 2010 to May 2011 (prior to release of new album Born This Way) earned her an estimated $90 million. Seventeen-year-old Justin Bieber lands at No. 2 with a reported $53 million, thanks to his concert movie Never Say Never, platinum album My Life 2.0, and wildly popular touring base. NBA star LeBron James is at No. 3 with $48 million, followed by tennis champ Roger Federer at No. 4 ($47 million) and Swift at No. 5.
Other celebs on the list include Katy Perry ($44 million), soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo ($38 million), Beyonce Knowles ($35 million), and Rihanna ($29 million).

MusicFest Sellout Sets New Attendance Record

/by

CMA is reporting its second consecutive CMA MusicFest sellout. The country music organizations which puts on the massive downtown event has released the following informatin. Average daily attendance over the four days was 65,000.
In 2010, Festival attendance jumped 16.7 percent over 2009 when attendance was 56,000. The 65,000 attendance in 2011 includes four-day ticket packages, promotional and single night tickets, as well as attendance in non-ticketed zones and events.
“To meet the outstanding sell out of 2010 again in 2011 speaks volumes about the strength of this event, the dedication of our fans, the support of our local community, and the popularity of our music and artists,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
Despite record-setting temperatures in Nashville, attendance in the numerous free Zones, public events, and concert venues was equally strong. In fact, there was record attendance Saturday at Chevrolet Riverfront Park with more than 25,000 fans attending the free concerts throughout the day on the sloping bank of the Cumberland River.
According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, the direct visitor spending generated by CMA Music Festival in 2010 was approximately $24 million, about $1 million above the 2009 figure, easily the top annual generator of tourist income in Nashville. And it appears that 2011 was a boon to business again. Figures for 2011 will be released by the NCVB at a later date.
“Eighty percent of our four-day ticket holders come from outside of Tennessee,” said Moore. “And we are seeing gains with our locals who are coming out to support our free areas and purchasing a growing number of tickets to attend the single night concerts at LP Field.”
CMA Music Festival was a boon to downtown businesses, but it also benefits music education in Music City. The artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time. They are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing. In appreciation of their exhaustive efforts, CMA donates half the net proceeds from the event to music education on their behalf through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education called “Keep the Music Playing.” To date, CMA has donated $4.7 million.
Tickets for 2012 CMA Music Festival which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, go on saleSaturday, July 30 (10:00 AM/CT). (Call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or 1-800-CMA-FEST [262-3378]). To purchase tickets online, visit www.CMAfest.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free.
2012 CMA Music Festival Four Day Ticket Package Prices
Seating Level                                      Price
Gold Circle                                          $325
Floor                                                    $225
Lower Level Premium                         $225
Lower Level                                         $180
Club Level Premium                           $180
Club Level                                           $160
Upper Level Reserved                         $125
Upper Level General Admission         $115
 

Gill Gets Chills From Duane Allman Guitar

/by

“I have chills running down my spine,” Vince Gill told the crowd. “This was the guitar that Duane Allman played with the Allman Brothers.” Gill got the chance to play the guitar, while in Macon, Georgia, home of the Allman Brothers Band, on May 5 to do a benefit concert for the Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia.
The 1957 Les Paul Gold Top Standard is the instrument on which Allman actually recorded the rock classic “Layla” with Eric Clapton on the Derek And The Dominoes’ immortal set, 1970’s ­Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Allman also played this guitar on the first two Allman Brothers Band albums.
Allman traded the guitar a mere week later, obviously with no inkling of the importance the instrument would have in the history of rock music.  He died in a motorcycle wreck the following year. The guitar had been played in public at the band’s annual March Beacon Theater run in NYC—by band members Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks—but this is the first time it was played in Macon, GA since Allman’s death.
Watch Gill play some extended guitar solos at the concert on “Pretty Little Adrianna” below.