UTA Adds Nick Barnes As Digital Strategy Agent

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Nick Barnes

Nick Barnes has joined United Talent Agency as a Digital Strategy Agent, based in UTA’s Nashville office.

Barnes has spent the last three years as Director of Fan Engagement and Digital for Eric Church, while a member of global management firm Q Prime. Barnes oversaw Church’s growing fan club model, global digital strategy, and built proprietary technology to identify and mitigate ticket brokers’ activity on the secondary market – with the goal of putting all tickets in the hands of Eric’s real fans at face value. In addition to supporting Church’s touring and music career, Barnes has helped launch other verticals of the artist’s business, such as Highway To Home with Rooms to Go, and These Boots by Lucchese.

Prior to Church and Q Prime, Nick spent three years as Manager of Digital Marketing at Sony Music Nashville and Arista Records, working with such artists Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. Barnes graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, AL with a B.A. in Music. While a student at Samford, he co-founded Brier & Moss Clothiers.

In his new role, Barnes will help build and execute digital and direct-to-audience strategies for clients across the agency, with a specific emphasis on music artists and the agency’s growing Nashville presence. Barnes is the latest addition to the agency’s Digital Strategy team, which also boasts full time executives in Los Angeles, New York and London.

UTA Nashville co-head Nick Meinema said, “As the agency continues to expand our suite of services across all areas, Nick will help bring our digital strategy practice to the next level, and give us true digital boots on the ground in Nashville. His expertise at the intersection of music, digital and marketing will serve as an invaluable tool as we continue to create new and innovative opportunities for our clients.”

Barnes said, “I’m elated to join the team at UTA and enter into a new chapter in my career. UTA’s commitment to digital growth is forward-thinking and progressive. With the constantly changing digital landscape, I look forward to keeping the company ahead of the curve and using my experience to attract new talent in Nashville and beyond.”

 

Ryan Hurd Joins Florida Georgia Line’s Smooth Tour

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RCA Nashville’s breakthrough singer/songwriter Ryan Hurd continues his journey on the road as he signs on to join Florida Georgia Line on the Smooth Tour 2017 beginning June 15 in New York with 14 stops including St. Louis, Missouri; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hurd just completed the Spring leg on Thomas Rhett’s sold-out Home Team Tour, and has also joined Maren Morris on her sold-out HERO Tour this year. He will continue on the HERO Tour in Europe this fall. Keeping his foot on the touring accelerator, Hurd will perform at country’s top festivals this year, including Stagecoach, Windy City Smokeout and Country Thunder.

The singer-songwriter recently released his debut self-titled EP, that has collectively garnered over 30 million streams since Hurd’s initial release of “We Do Us” last September.

A majority of tickets are on sale now, with the remainder becoming available to the public this Friday, April 28.

For tour dates, visit www.RyanHurd.com.

Pandora Teams With Goldenvoice To Livestream Stagecoach Country Music Festival

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Pandora has teamed with Goldenvoice to host an exclusive livestream of performances from the upcoming Stagecoach Country Music Festival, slated for April 28-30 in Indio, California.

Performances and artist interviews will be available throughout the festival at pandora.com/stagecoachfestival. The station will be co-hosted by Pandora’s country, rock and Americana curators, Rachel Whitney and Eric Shea.

“With over 60 million listeners every year, Country fans are one of the biggest, most engaged and loyal audiences on Pandora,” said Nick Bartle, chief marketing officer at Pandora. “Partnering with Goldenvoice to livestream one of Country’s biggest events allows us to connect our listeners with this year’s amazing lineup of talent at Stagecoach for three days of exclusive live performances and content.”

Pandora’s audio livestream will feature the following performances:

Friday, April 28:
Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Randy Houser, Jon Pardi, Maddie & Tae, Elle King, Randy Rogers Band, Son Volt, William Michael Morgan, Justin Townes Earl, Anderson East, Dylan Scott, Ryan Hurd, Quiet Life, Bailey Bryan

Saturday, April 29:
Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, Willie Nelson and Family, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Jamey Johnson, Margo Price, Tucker Beathard, Nikki Lane, Robert Ellis, Brent Cobb, John Doe, Traveller, Jonathan Tyler, Brooke Eden, The Walcotts, Ruston Kelly, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Black Pistol Fire, Jackie Lee

Sunday, April 30:
Thomas Rhett, Tyler Farr, Cam, Cowboy Junkies, The Cadillac Three, Wynonna & The Big Noise, Terry Allen, Steep Canyon Rangers, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs, Kiefer Sutherland, LANco, Levi Hummon, Courtney Cole, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Dan Layus

George Strait Adds Las Vegas Dates

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George Strait has added to his successful 2 Nights of Number 1’s run at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, tacking on six appearances throughout 2017. The unique concert series allows Strait, who has 60 No. 1 hits to his credit, to showcase not only his radio hits but many fan-favorites that didn’t reach the pinnacle of the country charts.

Upcoming 2017 shows are slated for July 28-29, Sept. 1-2, and Dec. 8-9. Special guest Cam will join him on these dates.

The singer-songwriter launched 2 Nights of Number 1’s during his T-Mobile Arena run on April 7-8, where he played chart-toppers such as “You Look So Good In Love,” “Baby Blue,” “The Chair,” “Check Yes Or No,” and more, in addition to fan-favorites including “Troubadour.”

“Back when we announced 2 Nights of Number 1’s, I said if the fans wanted to hear more, we would look at it,” says Strait. “Well, we heard them loud and clear. This is something they want more of, so that’s what they will get.”

Strait stepped away from touring in 2014 on his The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, which peaked with a concert at AT&T Stadium near Dallas, which drew a record-breaking 104,793 fans. In 2016, he began an exclusive series of shows at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. The show’s success prompted more shows to be added for 2017.

Tickets and VIP packages for the July 28-29 2 Nights of Number 1’s shows are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit straittovegas.com.

Artist News: Soul2Soul Tour Opens, Midland Opry Debut, Silverado Records

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Soul2Soul 2017 Opening Night

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017 launched Friday night (April 7) in New Orleans, La. Members of their team from Sony Music Nashville joined them on the road for opening night of one of this summer’s biggest tours. The outing visits Nashville for back-to-back shows Aug. 4 and 5 at the Bridgestone Arena.

(L-R): Ken Robold, Lauren Thomas Fowler, Josh Easler, Randy Goodman, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Steve Hodges, Shane Allen, John Zarling, Jim Catino

 

Midland Makes Opry Debut

Midland made their Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night (April 8). Lead singer Mark Wystrach, guitarist Jess Carson and bass player Cameron Duddy performed two shows from the legendary circle that night, offering debut single “Drinkin’ Problem” and fan-favorite “Burn Out.”

Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry GM Sally Williams, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Midland’s Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach and Jess Carson, Opry Entertainment President Steve Buchanan, Sandbox Entertainment’s Todd Ramey and BRND MGMT’s Matt Graham. Photo: ©2017 Grand Ole Opry | Chris Hollo

 

Silverado Signature Songwriter Series Features Tyler Jordan

Silverado Records has signed singer-songwriter Tyler Jordan for the third volume of the Silverado Signature Songwriter Series album releases. Hailing from Belton, SC, Jordan has been writing songs in Nashville since 2010.

(L-R): Tyler Jordan and Silverado’s Aaron Chesling

Lady Antebellum To Headline Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

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Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum is scheduled to play their second headlining show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The show is part of the trio’s previously announced You Look Good World Tour, featuring Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young.

The trio is climbing the radio charts with their current single, “You Look Good,” penned by Hillary Lindsey, Ryan Hurd, and busbee, who also produced the trio’s upcoming album Heart Break, slated to release June 9.

The tour and album mark a return for the trio after a brief hiatus, which saw Charles Kelley release his solo project The Driver, which featured the Grammy-nominated title track that included vocals from Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay. Meanwhile Hillary Scott earned two Grammy honors for her inspirational album Love Remains, and the single “Thy Will.”

Tickets for the Sept. 9 Nashville date will go on sale 10 a.m., March 31 at Bridgestone Arena’s box office and via Ticketmaster.

WME Signs Austin Burke

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Pictured (L-R) front: Austin Mullins, WME; Sherrie Austin, Go Long Entertainment; Will Rambeau, Go Long Entertainment; Sloane Logue, WME; Greg Oswald, WME; Jeff Davis, Go Long Entertainment. Back: Austin Burke

WME has signed West Coast-influenced country artist Austin Burke.

Burke is set to release an EP later this month. His current single, “Sleepin’ Around,” is on rotation with SiriusXM’s The Highway and has already accrued over 775K spins on Spotify. Burke got his start in music at age 3, when he performed the national anthem for the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Arizona native moved to Nashville by way of southern California.

Burke is managed by Sherrié Austin and Will Rambeaux at Go Long Entertainment, LLC.

 

Sally Williams To Lead Opry Entertainment Group’s New Division

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Opry Entertainment Group today (March 6) announced it has created a programming and artist relations division which will be headed by Sally Williams. Her new post is Senior Vice President of Programming & Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment, and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry, reporting to Opry Entertainment Chief Operating Officer, Michael Guth.

Williams, who was previously the Company’s Vice President of Concerts & Entertainment and General Manager of Ryman Auditorium, will lead a team that will be responsible for all booking, programming, artist relations and artist collaborations across Opry Entertainment’s growing portfolio of media and entertainment assets, among them: the Grand Ole Opry, Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium, Opry City Stage (Summer 2017), Ole Red Nashville (Spring 2018) and Ole Red Tishomingo (Fall 2017).

As part of her new role, Williams will also serve as general manager of the Grand Ole Opry where she will be responsible for overseeing the show’s lineup, programming and member relations. She will continue to oversee programming for the Ryman.

The new division headed by Williams also includes Dan Rogers, promoted to Director of Marketing, Communication, and Artist Initiatives; Gina Keltner, promoted to Senior Talent Manager; Dolly Chandler in the new position of Opry Entertainment Group Talent Buyer; and other team members to be announced.

Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Opry Entertainment parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties, said, “In all of my time with this company, I have never been more excited about the opportunity we have to expand the Opry’s reach and share its story with more people than ever before. Given the growing breadth and depth of our assets, we are increasing the resources dedicated to partnering with the music community and better aligning our portfolio to support developing artists, honor today’s superstars, and celebrate country music’s legends. Sally is uniquely qualified to lead this new division.”

Williams, who is currently serving as the 2017 chairman of the County Music Association, joined the Company in 1999 and spent seven years managing concerts and other events for the Opry Entertainment Complex. After a brief stint with the Country Music Association, Williams returned to the Company in 2008 as General Manager of Ryman Auditorium. Under Williams’ leadership, Ryman Auditorium has been named Pollstar Magazine’s Theatre of Year for seven consecutive years and CMA’s Touring Awards Venue of the Year for five consecutive years. Williams has received numerous industry awards and recognitions for her expertise in venue management, talent buying and event promotion.

“It’s such a privilege to be part of Nashville’s music community,” said Williams. “The teams at the Opry and the Ryman are extremely passionate about being good partners in the creation of meaningful experiences for both artists and fans. I’m excited to work with them as we continue to expand these opportunities.”

RaeLynn Invites Fans to Dance Party on RaVe Tour

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RaeLynn is hosting a huge dance party this Spring as she kicks off her RaVe Tour April 20 in Columbus, Ohio. Immediately following her run opening for Blake Shelton’s Doing It To Country Songs Tour, RaeLynn will launch the club tour, which will include a full performance followed by a dance party DJed by the singer.

Pre-sale for tickets and a VIP experience, which includes show admission, photo opps, a meet and greet, exclusive tour merch and early access (where applicable) begins March 6. Fans can sign up at RaeLynn.com to participate in the pre-sale by joining her online community. General public ticket sales begin March 8.

“I’m so excited to headline my first tour and show my fans what’s it’s like to come to a RaVe show,” exclaimed RaeLynn. “It will be the perfect blend of my favorite things; country music, a non-stop DANCE PARTY and all the glitter! I can’t wait for everyone to come out and experience it.”

Raelynn’s current single is “Love Triangle.”

Raelynn’s RaVe TOUR:
April 20 – Columbus, OH @ The Bluestone
April 21 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ The Rusty Spur
May 11 – Chicago, IL @ Joe’s Chicago
May 12 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
May 13 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze
May 19 – Lansing, MI @ The Loft
May 20 – Indianapolis, IN @ 8 Seconds Saloon
May 24 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge

 

Greg Janese Joins UTA As Head Of Corporate And Special Events

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Greg Janese

Greg Janese has joined UTA as Head of Corporate and Special Events. Janese will be based in Nashville and will be responsible for booking the agency’s roster in those categories and will also work closely with other departments throughout the agency.

Janese joins UTA from Paradigm, where he was employed for 12 years and headed the corporate and special event division. Prior to joining Paradigm, Janese was president of TBA Entertainment Corporation, a corporate event production company. While at TBA, Janese led the company’s expansion into the corporate communications business through strategic acquisitions and internal growth. He joined TBA after selling Avalon Entertainment Group, a company he co-founded, to the entertainment concern. Avalon Entertainment Group was a concert promotion and production company that specialized in producing entertainment marketing events and headline entertainment for the corporate market.

Jeremy Zimmer, chief executive officer, co-founder of UTA said, “Greg is a key executive who will help us continue to strengthen the bridge between our artists and corporate America. UTA is committed to fulfilling the promise of full service representation and Greg will be a tremendous asset in that regard.”

Janese said, “I’m honored to take this role at UTA, and to have the opportunity to work alongside Jeremy Zimmer and so many other talented executives at a company that is truly raising the bar within the creative community. Artists today are looking to their representatives for visionary, forward-thinking and specialized services across many areas of their work. UTA is leading the way, and that’s why I’m so excited to join this team and focus on the corporate event market.”