Buddy Lee Acquires Metro Talent Group

(L-R): BLA President Kevin Neal, MTG Founder Cass Scripps

Buddy Lee Attractions has acquired the independent agency Metro Talent Group (MTG), and MTG founder/owner Cass Scripps will join the company for artist representation.

“Our company is very excited about Cass and his roster coming on board at BLA,” says BLA President Kevin Neal. “Cass is one of the most respected agents in the world, and for 17 years built a tremendously successful independent agency in Atlanta. His knowledge of the business as well as the relationships that he has developed throughout the years will continue to keep BLA on the growth pattern that we set a year ago. I have been a long time fan of Cass and the way he has been instrumental in the development of the careers of his artists. When given the opportunity to be able to make Cass a part of our team we didn’t hesitate.”

The MTG roster joining BLA includes artists such as Corey Smith, David Ryan Harris, Drivin N’ Cryin, Edwin McCain, and Kevn Kinney. Contact Scripps at cscripps@blanash.com or by calling 615-244-4336

Photos: Shaffer and Cannon, Paisley and Clark, Songwriters In Florida

Late Night With David Letterman bandleader Paul Shaffer stopped by Vibe 56 Recording Studio last week to add keyboard overdubs to a new Willie Nelson project being produced by Buddy Cannon. Shaffer also performed with Marty Stuart on the Grand Ole Opry the following night.

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Brad Paisley’s H2O World Tour finished out 2010 in Tulsa, OK at the BOK Center last weekend. Paisley invited CMA Entertainer of the Year Roy Clark to join him on stage and they ripped through Clark’s instrumental “Ghost Riders in the Sky” for the sold-out crowd. Paisley commented, “I learned how to play guitar with a Roy Clark songbook, so I blame all this on him.”

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BMI recently partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to sponsor the 1st Annual Northwest Florida Songwriters Series. Held in Destin and Sandestin, the inaugural two-day event featured more than a dozen BMI songwriters from Nashville. Pictured (back row): Rodney Clawson, Aaron Barker, BMI’s Dan Spears, Bobby Tomberlin, Candi Carpenter, Jeff Cohen, Bridgette Tatum, Bill LaBounty, Tim James and Danny Myrick; (front row): BMI’s Mason Hunter, Scotty Emerick, Charlie Worsham and BMI’s Tom Annastas.

Swift Announces World Tour

Taylor Swift’s Speak Now is going international following the announcement of her Speak Now World Tour 2011, which gets underway February 9 in Singapore. The global trek currently has 87 shows scheduled, spanning 19 countries in Asia, Europe and North America. Tour dates for New Zealand and Australia are planned for later in the year.

During the first quarter of 2011, Swift will tour through Asia and Europe before launching her North American tour May 27 in Omaha, NE. Six stadium shows, including the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, are on the itinerary. The North American leg is sponsored by Covergirl, and tickets start at $25.

She will perform in Nashville September 16 and 17.

Swift’s 2009-10 Fearless Tour ran for 15 months, playing 107 dates in 88 cities and five countries.

Initial Dates for Speak Now World Tour 2011:

February 9—Singapore
February 11—Seoul, South Korea
February 13—Osaka, Japan
February 16 & 17—Tokyo, Japan
February 19—Manila, Philippines
February 21—Hong Kong
March 6—Brussels, Belgium
March 7—Rotterdam, Holland
March 9—Oslo, Norway
March 12—Oberhausen, Germany
March 15—Milan, Italy
March 17—Paris, France
March 19—Madrid, Spain
March 22—Birmingham, UK
March 25—Belfast, Northern Ireland
March 27—Dublin, Ireland
March 29—Manchester, UK
March 30—London, UK
May 27 & 28—Omaha, Nebraska
May 29—Des Moines, Iowa
June 2 & 3—Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
June 4—Orlando, Florida
June 7—Columbus, Ohio
June 8—Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June 11—Detroit, Michigan
June 14 & 15—St. Paul, Minnesota
June 18—Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 21—Buffalo, New York
June 22—Hartford, Connecticut
June 25—Foxborough, Massachusetts
June 30—Greensboro, North Carolina
July 1—Knoxville, Tennessee
July 2—Louisville, Kentucky
July 8—Charlotte, North Carolina
July 9 & 10—Atlanta, Georgia
July 14—Montreal, Quebec
July 15 & 16—Toronto, Ontario
July 19 & 20—New York, New York
July 28—Grand Rapids, Michigan
July 29—Indianapolis, Indiana
July 30—Cleveland, Ohio
August 2 & 3—Washington, DC
August 6—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
August 9 & 10—Chicago, Illinois
August 13—Lexington, Kentucky
August 14—St. Louis, Missouri
August 18 & 19—Edmonton, Alberta
August 23 & 24—Los Angeles, California
September 1 & 2—San Jose, California
September 3—Sacramento, California
September 6—Portland, Oregon
September 7—Seattle, Washington
September 10 & 11—Vancouver, British Columbia
September 16 & 17—Nashville, Tennessee
September 21—Tulsa, Oklahoma
September 24—Kansas City, Missouri
September 27—Denver, Colorado
September 28—Salt Lake City, Utah
October 4—Little Rock, Arkansas
October 5—New Orleans, Louisiana
October 8—Dallas, Texas

Signings: New Frontier and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; Mark Hybner and Thom Shepherd

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

New Frontier Touring has signed Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for exclusive worldwide representation. The multiple Grammy and CMA award-winning band is known for its Will the Circle Be Unbroken album, and classic hits such as “Mr. Bojangles” and “Fishin’ In the Dark.”

For booking contact:
New Frontier Touring
Paul Lohr
paullohr@newfrontiertouring.com
615-321-6152
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Thom Shepherd, Photo: Dan Harr

Mark Hybner Management has signed singer/songwriter Thom Shepherd. Shepherd’s song’s have been cut by Craig Morgan (“Redneck Yacht Club”), David Ball (“Riding With Private Malone”), Montgomery Gentry (“A Man’s Job”), Kevin Fowler, Bucky Covington, Colt Ford and a host of others.

As a performer Shepherd tours the world, most recently completing a ten-day cultural exchange mission tour through Saudi Arabia where he played a series of shows for Saudi citizens, Marines, and U.S. Embassy employees.

Contact: Mark Hybner Management
Mark Hybner
361-772-5678
mhybner@hybnerent.com

Thompson Entertainment Group
Chuck Thompson
615-742-8004
cthompson@thompsonentertainmenmtgroup.com

Chesney Stadium Sell-out; Currington W/ Babyface; Atkins Brings Country To Jersey

Rodney Atkins. Photo: Matthew Ryan/Wanderer Arts Photography

Kenny Chesney sold out Boston’s Gillette Stadium on Saturday morning (11/20) in just 8 minutes. The August 27, 2011 stop on his Corona Extra sponsored Goin’ Costal Tour is the first official sell-out of his 2011 concert season.

This marks Chesney’s sixth sell-out at the venue, each time totaling almost 60,000 tickets. Chesney is fresh off his 20th No. 1 single “The Boys of Fall.”

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Rodney Atkins brought country music to New Jersey with style. He was the first country artist to perform at the Starland Ballroom, a local legend, and played to a sold-out crowd.

Starland’s Jon Vena credits the genre’s growth in the market to the addition of new country station, WKMK Thunder 106. Atkins’ latest single, “Farmer’s Daughter,” is still climbing the charts and is currently in the Top 5. The single has sold close to 500,000 downloads on iTunes.

Among the acts who have previously graced the stage at Starland are Justin Timberlake, The Black Crowes and Social Distortion.

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Billy Currington surprised fans at his show at Joe’s Bar in Chicago last week by bringing out superstar artist and producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds for a soulful collaboration of “Change The World.” See video below.

Back in September, Currington and Edmonds met in Los Angeles to write and struck up a friendship. Edmonds joined Currington on a three-day run for more writing sessions last week.

Heidi Newfield Experiences A Paradigm Shift

Paradigm Talent Agency has signed Heidi Newfield for booking representation, with Mike Snider and Greg Janese serving as her Nashville agents.

“Heidi has it all!  She has the songs, the voice, and a great live show,” says Snider. “Everyone here at Paradigm is excited to play a part in Heidi’s career. There is so much we can do, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

The former Trick Pony frontwoman is currently working on the follow-up to her debut solo album What Am I Waiting For with Blake Chancey, and its first single “Stay Up Late” is due for radio release soon. The album features songs from Keith Gattis, Jeffrey Steele and Jeremy Popoff as well as Newfield’s own compositions.

(L to R): Greg Hill of Greg Hill Management/Red Light Management, Paradigm's Bob Kinkead, Steve Dahl, Greg Janese, Mike Snider, Newfield, Paradigm's Brian Hill, and Keith Shackleford

Urban Sets Summer/Fall Tour Dates

Photo credit: John Mayer

Keith Urban has announced dates for his upcoming U.S. tour, set to open June 16 in Mobile, Alabama. For the Get Closer 2011 World Tour fans can expect an all-new stage production. The outing will hit more than 45 cities before wrapping in mid-October. On the schedule is an August 6 stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The tour comes in support of Urban’s sixth studio CD Get Closer, which was released last week. Get Closer follows two previous consecutive Billboard country and pop No. 1 albums, as well as five previous CDs, all of which have been certified platinum or multi-platinum.

“Playing live is what it’s always been about for me,” said Urban. “It’s creating in the moment, it’s the joy, the electricity, the unexpected, the passion and the unknown journey that we’re all taking together. I’ve always felt that the best live concert experiences tap into a deep need in all of us to feel a part of something…to belong. I’m bringing the big boom box and an arsenal of songs and I can’t wait to throw this party!!!!”

For more a complete list of dates and ticket information go to www.keithurban.net.

Tour And New Single For Josh Thompson

With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, Josh Thompson has a lot to be thankful for this year. He has been nominated for a 2010 American Country Award for Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist for his Top 20 debut single, “Beer On The Table.” He also co-penned a track on Jason Aldean’s newest album, My Kinda Party called “Church Pew or Bar Stool.”

Josh Thompson

Now on the heels of a new single, “Won’t Be Lonely Long,” set to go for adds at radio on Nov. 22, Thompson is also set to kick off the holiday season with his first headlining tour. The 2010 Cold Beers and Reindeers Tour will feature special guest James Wesley and Columbia Nashville labelmate Joanna Smith.

Thompson’s new single follows his Top 15 “Way Out Here.” He has spent the past year playing over 185 concerts opening for artists such as Brad Paisley, Eric Church and Hank Williams, Jr. The new tour will stop in some of the most popular Texas music venues. For more info check www.joshthompsonofficial.com or www.coldbeersandreindeers.com

2010 Cold Beers and Reindeer Tour Dates
12/8 Victoria – Victoria Community Center
12/9 Lufkin – Wildhorse Saloon
12/10 Texarkana – Shooters
12/14 Tyler – Electric Cowboy
12/15 Abilene – Guitars and Cadillacs
12/16 Wichita Falls – Outskirts
12/17 Lubbock – Wild West
12/18 Amarillo – Midnight Rodeo

Country Thunder Festivals For Arizona, Wisconsin

Country Thunder Music Festivals have been announced for Florence, Arizona (April 7-10/2011) and Twin Lakes, Wisconsin (July 21-24/2011). The Arizona event features Toby Keith as its headliner, plus artists such as Martina McBride and Jason Aldean.

The Wisconsin Country Thunder event in July features Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, Martina McBride plus headliners Rascal Flatts.

General admission tickets for the four-day events start at $99. Tent and campsites are available which range from primitive rugged to rustic and modern amenities. Complete info can be found online. More artists are expected to be announced for both events in coming weeks.

http://arizona.countrythunder.com/
http://wisconsin.countrythunder.com/

Aldean Takes His Party On The Road

Following the release of his new album My Kinda Party, Jason Aldean has announced the 2011 My Kinda Party Tour. The 32 city trek gets underway January 21 in Little Rock, AR, and features special guests Eric Church and the JaneDear girls.

“This is the tour I’ve dreamed about putting together my whole life. My band has never been tighter, and I finally have enough material and the kinda production to really take the songs to that next level for the fans,” says Aldean. “This one is for my Mom, who used to drive me to clubs when I wasn’t even 16 yet, wait on me to play the same Alabama, John Anderson and George Strait covers every night, then drive me home and make me do my homework before bed. We’ve come a long way!”

Initial dates on the My Kinda Party Tour:

Jan. 21 – Little Rock, AR
Jan. 22 – Fayetteville, AR
Jan. 28 – Columbia, MO
Jan. 29 – Tulsa, OK
Jan. 30 – Lubbock, TX

More dates will be announced on http://www.jasonaldean.com/.

In other Aldean news, he’s one of five artists (along with Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and the Zac Brown Band) to be selected for CMT Artists of the Year. The 90 minute special celebrating their achievements will air Dec. 3 at 7 pm CT on CMT.