150,000 Attend Minnesota’s WE Fest, 2017 Dates Set

Aerial crowd shot at 34th WE Fest. Photo: Phierce Photo

Aerial crowd shot at 34th WE Fest. Photo: Phierce Photo

Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, saw 150,000 cumulative attendees for Townsquare Media’s 34th Annual WE Fest, held at Soo Pass Ranch Aug. 4-6.

The lineup included Eric Church, Kid Rock, Tim McGraw, Steven Tyler with The Loving Mary Band, Lee Brice, Billy Currington, Gary Allan, Joe Nichols, Montgomery Gentry, Granger Smith feat. Earl Dibbles Jr., LOCASH, Amanda Watkins, Halfway to Hazard, William Michael Morgan and High Valley.

“We are so grateful for the continued support of our ticket buyers that, year in and year out, make WE Fest the biggest and best country music and camping festival in the world,” said Dhruv Prasad, EVP, Live Events, Townsquare Media, Inc. “As we approach the 35th anniversary event, we are planning to deliver our best lineup ever, as well as working on continued operational improvements to the attendee experience. We can’t wait to see everyone again next August!”

Events will continue in 2017 with Luke Bryan and Zac Brown Band already announced as two headliners. The 35th Annual WE Fest will be held August 3-5, 2017.

Kid Rock. Photo: Adam Grim

Kid Rock. Photo: Adam Grim

 

Tim McGraw. Photo: Phierce Photo

Tim McGraw. Photo: Phierce Photo

 

Eric Church. Photo: Phierce Photo

Eric Church. Photo: Phierce Photo

 

Brothers Osborne Slated For First Headlining Tour

Brothers Osborne. Photo: chadcrawfordphotography.com

Brothers Osborne. Photo: chadcrawfordphotography.com

EMI Nashville’s Brothers Osborne will headline The Dirt Rich Tour starting on Sept. 22 in Rosemont, Illinois.

The tour will hit almost 30 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Vancouver, British Columbia. Fans can purchase tickets beginning on Friday (Aug. 12) on the band’s website. Their debut album, Pawn Shop, includes the hits “Stay a Little Longer,” “21 Summer,” “Rum” and more.

“‘Dirt Rich’ is a song on the record that makes a statement about who we are and where we come from,” says John Osborne. “We felt it was an appropriate title for the tour because it really defines who we are.”

TJ Osborne adds, “We have been fortunate to be a part of some really great tours but this one is especially exciting because we’ve been building towards this for a while. We can’t wait to perform more of our material in an intimate setting with the fans out there. It’s going to be a blast.”

Joining the Maryland natives for select dates is LANco, composed of Brandon Lancaster, Tripp Howell, Eric Steedly, Jared Hampton and Chandler Baldwin. LANco recently impacted country radio with their debut single “Love Live Tonight” from their four-song, self-titled EP produced by Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Little Big Town). Just wrapping up an extensive festival appearance schedule this spring and summer, the five man band has previously toured with Dwight Yoakam, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band and more.

In addition, British-born singer/songwriter Lucie Silvas will join Brothers Osborne for the remaining tour dates. Silvas has sold over a million albums in Europe and toured with acts such as Little Big Town, Elton John, Chris Stapleton, James Bay, Macy Gray and Jamiroquai. She recently released the critically- acclaimed album, Letters to Ghosts, on her own imprint label through Caroline Records. Silvas co-wrote and co-produced the entire album.

Brothers Osborne’s The Dirt Rich Tour Dates:
Sep. 22: Rosemont, IL; Joe’s Live
Oct. 13: Asbury Park, NJ; The Stone Pony*
Oct. 14: Rochester, NY; Anthology*
Oct. 15: Buffalo, NY; University of Buffalo*
Oct. 19: Madison, WI; Orpheum Theatre*
Oct. 20: Minneapolis, MN; Cabooze*
Oct. 21: Milwaukee, WI; The Rave*
Oct. 22: Detroit, MI; St. Andrews Hall*
Oct. 26: Columbia, MO; The Blue Note*
Oct. 27: Kansas City, MO; Uptown Theater*
Oct. 28: Indianapolis, IN; Deluxe*
Nov. 4: New York, NY; Irving Plaza*
Nov. 10: Philadelphia, PA; TLA*
Nov. 11: Cleveland, OH; House of Blues*
Nov. 12: Louisville, KY; Mercury Ballroom*
Nov. 17: Atlanta, GA; Terminal West*
Nov. 18: Greensboro, NC; Cone Denim Entertainment Center*
Nov. 19: N. Myrtle Beach, SC; House of Blues*
Nov. 25: Denver, CO; Summit Music Hall**
Nov. 26: Lewiston, ID; Clearwater River Casino**
Nov. 27: Boise, ID; Egyptian Theatre**
Nov. 30: Vancouver, BC, Canada; Commodore Ballroom**
Dec. 2: Portland, OR; Roseland Theater**
Dec. 3: Chico, CA; Senator Theater**
Dec. 7: San Francisco, CA; The Fillmore**
Dec. 9: Sacramento, CA; Ace of Spades**
Dec. 10: Riverside, CA; Riverside Municipal Auditorium**
Dec. 15: Los Angeles, CA; Belasco**
Dec. 16: San Diego, CA; House of Blues**
Dec. 17: Las Vegas, NV; House of Blues**
Jan. 7: Dallas, TX; House of Blues*
Jan. 14: Orlando, FL; House of Blues*

*Featuring LANco
**Featuring Lucie Silvas

In Pictures: Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Frankie Ballard, Willie Nelson

Dolly Parton Brings Pure & Simple Tour To Red Rocks

Pictured (L-R): APA's Frank Wing and Steve Martin, Mrs. Chuck Morris, AEG CEO Live Rocky Mountains/Pacific Northwest Chuck Morris, Dolly Parton, CTK Mgmt's Danny Nozell, Co-President and COO AEG Live Rocky Mountains/Pacific Northwest Brent Fedrizzi, and Webster PR's Kirt Webster. Photo: Jeremy Westby/Webster Public Relations

Pictured (L-R): APA’s Frank Wing and Steve Martin, Mrs. Chuck Morris, AEG CEO Live Rocky Mountains/Pacific Northwest Chuck Morris, Dolly Parton, CTK Mgmt’s Danny Nozell, Co-President and COO AEG Live Rocky Mountains/Pacific Northwest Brent Fedrizzi, and Webster PR’s Kirt Webster. Photo: Jeremy Westby/Webster Public Relations

Dolly Parton brought her Pure & Simple Tour to Red Rocks in Colorado on July 27. The tour is supporting the summer release of her double-disc album Pure & Simple with Dolly’s Biggest Hits.

Kenny Chesney Welcomes Sammy Hagar For Santa Clara Concert

Kenny Chesney with Sammy Hagar. Photo: EB Media PR

Kenny Chesney with Sammy Hagar. Photo: EB Media PR

Kenny Chesney treated fans to a performance with Sammy Hagar during his Spread The Love concert in Santa Clara, California’s Levi’s Stadium on Saturday (Aug. 6).

 

Frankie Ballard Joins Willie Nelson At Washington Pavilion Show

Pictured (L-R): Robbie Harrington (bass), Billy Justineau (keys), Travis McNabb (drums), Willie Nelson, Frankie Ballard, Eddie Robinson (guitar)

Pictured (L-R): Robbie Harrington (bass), Billy Justineau (keys), Travis McNabb (drums), Willie Nelson, Frankie Ballard, Eddie Robinson (guitar)

Warner Music Nashville/Warner Bros. Records Frankie Ballard joined Willie Nelson on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, posing for a photo before going onstage.

Industry Pics: Sony Music, Jake Owen, Ronnie Dunn, Watershed Festival

Jake Owen, Sony Music Celebrate Madison Square Park Concert

Jake Sony Music Madison Square Park Photo

Picture (L-R) on the roof of the Sony’s new office building across from Madison Square Park: Julie Swidler, Executive Vice President Business Affairs and General Counsel, Sony Music Entertainment; Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment; Jake Owen; and, Kevin Kelleher, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Sony Music Entertainment.

RCA Nashville’s Jake Owen rocked New York City’s Madison Square Park Thursday (Aug. 4), with reportedly over 3,500 attendees at the summer monthly concert series, sponsored by Sony. Nash FM/WNSH Radio in New York was the presenter.

This event was the last one in a series of media appearances in New York during the launch of Owen’s new album, American Love, which released Friday, July 29.

 

NASH Icon’s Ronnie Dunn Premieres Latest Single

Pictured (L-R): America's Morning Show’s Blair Garner and Kelly Ford, Jay DeMarcus, Ronnie Dunn and America's Morning Show's Chuck Wicks.

Pictured (L-R): America’s Morning Show’s Blair Garner and Kelly Ford, Jay DeMarcus, Ronnie Dunn and America’s Morning Show’s Chuck Wicks.

NASH Icon artist Ronnie Dunn and his producer/Rascal Flatts bass player, Jay DeMarcus, stopped by America’s Morning Show to premiere his latest single, “Damn Drunk.”

 

Watershed Festival Celebrates Sold Out Weekend

Fans attend The Watershed Festival in The Gorge, Washington

Fans attend Watershed Festival in The Gorge, Washington

The fifth annual Watershed Festival launched on Friday, July 29 in The Gorge, Washington, as fans enjoyed the first country festival to host back-to-back weekends.

Fans enjoyed performances from Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Keith Urban, A Thousand Horses, Brothers Osborne, Brett Eldredge, Tyler Farr, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, David Nail, Jon Pardi, RaeLynn, Travis Tritt and more.

The fun returns on  Friday, Aug 5-7, where fans will be able to enjoy more of the distinguished and eclectic lineup.

Live Nation, Municipal Auditorium Enter Three-Year Deal

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT LOGOLive Nation and Municipal Auditorium have partnered to bring more concerts to the downtown Nashville venue, MusicRow has confirmed.

The three-year deal entails a significant investment in the property, which opened in 1962. Live Nation has agreed to pay $1 million to the venue’s operating fund. Metro government will supply $1.5 million in upgrades to the venue as soon as possible, according to a spokesperson for Municipal Auditorium. According to The Tennessean, the Metro Council has approved upgrades for improved dressing rooms and restrooms, new paint, and high-speed internet, among other items.

The agreement indicates that if Live Nation’s net profit exceeds $2 million, the revenue will be divided evenly between the two entities. Live Nation and Metro Nashville also operate Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville.

In Pictures: BMI Showcases New Artists At Lollapalooza

LANco plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

LANco preps for the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI continued its presence at Lollapalooza showcasing new artists throughout the four-day Chicago festival, including Arista Nashville’s LANco.

Day Two at the BMI Stage featured indie rock quintet Horse Thief, boundary-pushing singer-songwriter Polly A, alt-rockers Weathers, duo Muddy Magnolias, electro-punk band PVRIS, R&B crooner JAHKOY, and psych-rock trio Sunflower Bean.

Day Three continued with pop-rockers AudioDamn!, punk-pop trio Potty Mouth, post-punk quartet DROWNERS, introspective alt-rockers Nothing, fiery pop singer-songwriter FRANKIE, and the electric Secret Weapons.

Wrapping up with Day Four country newcomers LANco, indie rock band the Dreamers, musically diverse duo Unified Highway, R&B crooner TOTEM, the unconventional quartet Mothers, and provocative rap trio the Flatbush ZOMBiES.

The festival’s 25th Anniversary wrapped Sunday, July 31. See photos from Day One of Lollapalooza.

LANco plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

LANco plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

The Drowners plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

The Drowners at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Muddy Magnolias play the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

Muddy Magnolias at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Potty Mouth preps for the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

Potty Mouth at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

PVRIS plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

PVRIS plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

Industry Ink: SOURCE, BBR Music Group, Springer Mountain Farms

SOURCE Membership Luncheon Features YWCA Nashville President/CEO Pat Shea

SOURCE held its monthly membership luncheon at ASCAP on July 28. Pat Shea, President and CEO of YWCA Nashville was the invited guest speaker. Founded in 1991, SOURCE is a nonprofit organization supporting women executives and professionals who work in all facets of the Nashville music industry.

Pictured (L-R): Dawn Delvo, Black River Entertainment; Edie Emery; Pat Shea, President & CEO, YWCA Nashville; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank. Photo: Lyndie Wenner/SOURCE.

Pictured (L-R): Dawn Delvo, Black River Entertainment; Edie Emery; Pat Shea, President & CEO, YWCA Nashville; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank. Photo: Lyndie Wenner/SOURCE.

 

BBR Music Group Adds Promotion Coordinator

Jessica Crans

Jessica Crans

BBR Music Group has added Jessica Crans as the new promotion coordinator for Broken Bow Records and Stoney Creek Records.

Crans spent the last three semesters as an intern in BBR Music Group’s radio promotion and digital marketing departments. While majoring in Music Business at Middle Tennessee State University, Crans was also employed by Ryman Hospitality and served as a tour manager for Stoney Creek Records’ Lindsay Ell on the 2016 CMT Next Women of Country Tour.

Crans takes over the role formerly held by Carly Ronayne and will report directly to Broken Bow Records VP/Promotion Lee Adams and Stoney Creek Records VP/ Promotion Chris Loss.

Crans can be reached at 615-610-2134 and at Jess@bbrmusicgroup.com. Ronayne will remain with BBR Music Group through Aug. 12. She is currently exploring other opportunities and can be reached at carlyronayne@gmail.com.

 

Springer Mountain Farms To Host Nashville Shows

Springer Mountain Farms

Springer Mountain Farms will present Nashville concerts from country traditionalists Moe Bandy and Kelly Lang in August.

Bandy will celebrate the release of his latest album, Lucky Me, at the Nashville Palace on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The show will also include a performance from Hawshaw Hawkins Jr. Tickets can be purchased here.

Singer/songwriter Kelly Lang will take the stage at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley on Monday, August 29 at 7pm to perform songs from her brand new album Throwback. T.G. Sheppard will be a featured guest. Tickets for the show can be purchased for $20 here.

Industry Ink: CAA, RIAA, Hillsong United, Capitol Nashville

Frankie Ballard Signs With CAA

Frankie Ballard

Frankie Ballard

Frankie Ballard has signed with CAA for representation. Ballard’s 2014 album, Sunshine & Whiskey, garnered three No. 1 singles, including “Young & Crazy,” the gold-certified “Helluva Life,” and the platinum-certified “Sunshine & Whiskey.” His latest album, El Rio, released in June. He is managed by Christian Svendsen and Jon Elliot of WAY Entertainment and his attorney is Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig. Ballard was previously represented by WME.

 

Hillsong United’s Zion Gets Gold Certification

Hillsong UNITED with Capitol Christian Music Group CEO Bill Hearn and team during a stop at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. on their Empires U.S. tour.

Hillsong United with Capitol Christian Music Group CEO Bill Hearn and team during a stop at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. on their Empires U.S. tour.

Hillsong UNITED’s 2013 release Zion has garnered an RIAA gold certification, totaling more than 500K units. Zion‘s “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” spent a record-breaking 45 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs Chart. Most recently, the platinum-selling song was honored with a 2016 Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Song.

 

Capitol Nashville Adds Radio Promotion Regional Directors

Annie Sandor Mara SidweberCapitol Records Nashville has named Annie Sandor as Director of Regional Promotions, Southeast and Mara Sidweber as Director of Regional Promotions, Southwest. The label’s roster includes Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Mickey Guyton, Jon Pardi, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town.

Sidweber brings her knowledge from Top 40 and country radio, in addition to years working as a regional with Capitol Nashville (2004-2008), Bigger Picture (2008-2012) and most recently as Vice President of Promotion for record label Southern Ground.

Sandor joins Capitol from Curb Records, where she served as Regional Promotions Manager. Prior to her six years with Curb, Sandor worked in promotion for CO5 Music and as the Promotions Director for WWYZ/Hartford, WPOC/Baltimore and WKIS/Miami.

Sandor can be reached at Annie.Sandor@umusic.com. Sidweber can be reached at Mara.Sidweber@umusic.com

Kelsea Ballerini To Embark On First Headlining Tour This Fall

Kelsea Ballerini The First Time TourKelsea Ballerini has revealed dates for her first headlining tour, the appropriately-titled The First Time Tour.

The trek is named for her debut Black River Entertainment album, The First Time, and launches Oct. 21 in Houston, Texas. The 11-city tour will close with two shows in Las Vegas, featuring CamJacob DavisMorgan Evans, Levi Hummon and Carly Pearce are slated for other dates on the tour.

“I’ve been blessed to open for so many incredible artists and people I admire. Getting to watch their shows and learn more about our craft has inspired me to grow as an artist,” shared Ballerini. “One of the highlights of touring has been meeting fans and creating new relationships along the way. And for that reason, I was inspired to put together my first headlining tour. I can’t wait to get up close and personal with the people who have made the last few years so incredible. See you this fall!”

Tickets for The First Time Tour will be available to fan club members beginning Wednesday, Aug. 3, and go on sale to the public this Friday Aug. 5.

Kelsea Ballerini’s The First Time Tour:
Oct. 21: Houston; House of Blues (with Carly Pearce)
Oct. 22: Dallas; House of Blues (with Carly Pearce)
Nov. 11: Knoxville, Tenn.; Tennessee Theatre (with Morgan Evans)
Nov. 12: Atlanta; Buckhead Theatre (with Morgan Evans)
Nov. 18: Mahnomen, Minn.; Shooting Star Casino
Nov. 19: Minneapolis; Mill City Nights (with Levi Hummon)
Dec. 2: New York City; Irving Plaza (with Jacob Davis)
Dec. 3: Buffalo, N.Y.; Town Ballroom (with Jacob Davis)
Dec. 8: Los Angeles; Wiltern
Dec. 9-10: Las Vegas; Orleans Casino (with special guest Cam)

Florida Georgia Line Sets Attendance Record In Wyoming

Florida Georgia Line at Cheyenne Frontier Days 2016. Photo: Justin Mrusek

Florida Georgia Line at Cheyenne Frontier Days 2016. Photo: Justin Mrusek

Florida Georgia Line bested the Cheyenne Frontier Days concert attendance record on Saturday (July 30) with 25,011 attendees. The festival’s grand finale show bested Jason Aldean’s 2013 record, which at the time was the largest concert ever held in the state of Wyoming.

“Saturday night’s show in Cheyenne was truly amazing, setting the new record for concert attendance,” said Bob Romeo, President of Romeo Entertainment Group. “It was incredible to see how much Florida Georgia Line has grown into a polished, undeniable headline act in just a few short years. Everything from the production to their energy on stage was spot on and the fan response was overwhelming. I’m so proud of Brian and Tyler and all that they have accomplished.”

Florida Georgia Line at Cheyenne Frontier Days 2016. Photo: Cliff Cox Photography

Florida Georgia Line at Cheyenne Frontier Days 2016. Photo: Cliff Cox Photography

Florida Georgia Line sold more than 1.5 million in 2015. This summer’s Dig Your Roots Tour has continued to sell out venues with a bill that also includes Kane Brown, The Cadillac Three and Cole Swindell.

Meanwhile, the duo’s latest single “H.O.L.Y” has now been at No. 1 for 12 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and also reached the top spot at country radio. The song is the first release from the duo’s forthcoming third studio album, Dig Your Roots, which is set for release on Aug. 26 on Big Machine Label Group and features collaborations with Tim McGraw, Backstreet Boys and Ziggy Marley.