Touring Archives - Page 94 of 213

Blackberry Smoke Teams with Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine

February 23, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, Tennessee’s First Legal Moonshine has partnered with band Blackberry Smoke, who recently celebrated a chart-topping album debut in the country rankings. Ole Smoky has joined Blackberry Smoke on their U.S. tour, pouring out their Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine backstage and for the fans in attendance.

Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr reflects, “It’s great to be able to partner with an authentic Company like Ole Smoky Moonshine.” He continues, “It’s important for us to work with genuine brands.”

Bandmate Brit Turner adds, “It’s great to work with another American company that shows such great respect to their employees and customers. Ole Smoky Moonshine has the best product in the legal moonshine game.”

“We are thrilled to partner with one of our favorite bands, Blackberry Smoke, on their upcoming tour. Rocking out with them across the country and meeting old and new fans of Ole Smoky is an honor. We are an American brand, by the people and for the people, and can’t wait to get out on the road with the band and make some great memories,” said Ole Smoky co-founder Joe Baker.

Blackberry Smoke Winter/Spring 2015 US Tour Dates:
2.24     Lincoln, NE – The Bourbon Theater
2.26     Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s
2.27     Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
2.28     Springfield, IL – Boondocka
3.5       Milwaukee, WI – Rave
3.6       Chicago, IL – Joe’s Sports Bar
3.7       Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
3.11     Green Bay, WI – Meyer Theater
3.12     Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
3.13     Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
3.14     Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
3.19     Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Cleveland
3.20     Philadelphia, PA – The Electric Factory
3.21     Munhall, PA – Carnegie Music Hall
3.22     Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
3.24     Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Ballroom
3.26     Portland, ME – State Theatre
3.27     Boston, MA – House of Blues Boston
3.28     New York, NY – Webster Hall
4.3 Nashville, TN-Ryman Auditorium
4.8       Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
4.9       Richmond, VA – The National
4.10     Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
4.11     Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion
4.16     Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
4.17     Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
4.18     Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Myrtle Beach
4.22     Columbia, SC – Music Farm Columbia
4.23     Charleston, SC – Music Farm
4.24     Dothan, AL – Toadlick Music Festival
4.25     Orlando, FL – House of Blues Orlando
4.30     Austin, TX – Emo’s
5.1       New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
5.2       New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
5.7       Houston, TX – House of Blues
5.8       Dallas, TX – House of Blues
5.9       San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater

Music City Venues, Execs Top Pollstar Awards

February 23, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Some of the top concert venues, artists, and promoters in the touring world were honored Saturday (Feb. 21) during the 2015 Pollstar Awards.

Musical legend Paul McCartney earned Major Tour of the Year, while newcomer Sam Smith earned Best New Touring Artist.

The Ryman Auditorium, which hosted the awards, was named Theatre of the Year, while The Ryman’s Sally Williams was honored as Facility Executive of the Year.

The Ryman Auditorium wasn’t the only Nashville venue to be honored. Music City’s Bridgestone Arena was named Arena of the Year.

Other Music City honorees included Live Nation Nashville’s Brian O’Connell was named Talent Buyer of the Year, while William Morris Endeavor’s Kevin Neal earned Third Coast Agent of the Year.

Creative Artist Agency’s John Huie earned the Bobby Brooks Award Agent of the Year honor. Nashville’s Moo TV earned Video Company of the Year.

Pollstar Awards Winners (Full List)

Major Tour Of The Year – Paul McCartney
Most Creative Stage Production – Katy Perry
Comedy Tour Of The Year – Dave Chappelle
Best New Touring Artist – Sam Smith
Major Music Festival Of The Year – Austin City Limits Austin, Texas
Music Festival Of The Year – Telluride Bluegrass Festival Telluride, Colo.
International Music Festival Of The Year – Glastonbury Festival United Kingdom
Nightclub Of The Year – 9:30 Club Washington, D.C.
Theatre Of The Year – Ryman Auditorium Nashville, Tenn.
Arena Of The Year – Bridgestone Arena Nashville, Tenn.
Red Rocks Award Best Small Outdoor Venue – Greek Theatre Los Angeles, Calif.
Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue – Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles, Calif.
Best New Major Concert Venue – Forum Inglewood, Calif.
International Venue Of The Year – The O2 London, United Kingdom
Facility Executive Of The Year – Sally Williams Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn.
Nightclub Talent Buyer Of The Year – Roger LeBlanc Canyon Club / The Coach House / So. Calif.
Talent Buyer Of The Year – Brian O’Connell Live Nation Nashville
Bill Graham Award Promoter Of The Year – Charles Attal C3 Presents
International Promoter Of The Year – Barrie Marshall Marshall Arts
Third Coast Agent Of The Year – Kevin Neal WME
Bobby Brooks Award Agent Of The Year – John Huie Creative Artists Agency
Independent Booking Agency Of The Year – The Windish Agency
Booking Agency Of The Year – WME
United Kingdom Booking Agent Of The Year – Emma Banks Creative Artists Agency UK
Personal Manager Of The Year – John Silva Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age
Road Warrior Of The Year – Gus Brandt Foo Fighters, Pharrell Williams
Lighting Company Of The Year – Bandit Lites
Sound Company Of The Year – Clair
Staging / Equipment Company Of The Year – Stageco
Transportation Company Of The Year – Rock-It Cargo
Video Company Of The Year – Moo TV

Fontanel Reveals Summer Lineup, Rebrands with Chevy and Holiday Inn

February 20, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

AEG Live and Fontanel Attractions have announced two new sponsorship partnerships, leading into the 2015 summer concert series at the amphitheater.

Carl Black Chevy has signed on to be the name in title sponsor of the 4,500 capacity amphitheater located just 15 minutes from downtown Nashville. The venue will now be called the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater.

All shows performed at the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater this summer will be a part of the Holiday Inn® Concert Series. This sponsorship precedes additional collaboration between Fontanel and the iconic Holiday Inn brand, which will soon jointly celebrate the groundbreaking of a new hotel, The Lodge at Fontanel, a Holiday Inn Resort. This 150-room resort property is expected to open in 2017.

The first of the confirmed shows for the 2015 summer Holiday Inn Concert Series include:
John Fogerty – May 3 (on sale March 6 at 10 a.m.)
The Doobie Brothers & Jerrod Niemann – May 9 (on sale March 13 at 10 a.m.)
Lindsey Stirling – June 23 (on sale TBD)
Last Summer On Earth Tour feat. Barenaked Ladies & Violent Femmes – July 13 (on sale Feb. 27 at 10 a.m.)
Damien Rice – Aug. 16 (on sale March 6 at 12 p.m.)

“Carl Black Chevrolet is excited to not only continue but expand its partnership with one of America’s top destinations and certainly Nashville’s most unique concert venue,” said PD Sumner, Vice President for Carl Black Automotive Group. “The Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheatre will provide us an opportunity to take our branding initiatives to a whole new level.”

“We like to think that for musicians who live life on the road, every tour stop and performance is part of an extraordinary journey,” said Maurice Cooper, Vice President, Holiday Inn brand, the Americas, IHG. “We are proud of the role the Holiday Inn brand plays in enabling the journeys of the thousands of guests walking through our doors every day.”

“The continued growth and success at the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater would not be possible without the contributions of the community, the amazing artists who play this unique concert setting, and all our supporting sponsors,” said Ali Harnell, Senior Vice President for AEG Live. “We are excited to expand the relationship with Carl Black Chevy, and are happy to welcome the Holiday Inn brand into the family.”

Additional shows for the Holiday Inn Concert Series at the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater will be announced in the upcoming weeks. To purchase tickets, please visit woodsamphitheater.com.

Hirings and Promotions: Goldenvoice, New Heartland Group

February 18, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Goldenvoice, producers of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival, have promoted Stacy Vee to Festival Talent Buyer, where she will oversee all booking and talent buying for both Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio, Calif., and Big Barrel Country Music Festival in Dover, Del.

“It is exciting to see this happen for Stacy,” said Paul Tollett, President and CEO of Goldenvoice. “Her appreciation for all the different types of country music, combined with the relationships she’s established in Nashville, made this role a natural fit for her.”

Vee will continue to support Tollett on day-to-day activities related to booking all other festival talent buying opportunities and managing the experience of agents, managers and musicians that do business with Goldenvoice.

• • •

New Heartland Group, a branding agency in Brentwood, Tenn., has added Jordan Harrison as Account Executive, and Kelly Dean as Account Coordinator.

Harrison joins from Girlilla Marketing, where Jordan was a Sr. Account Manager. Dean joins New Heartland Group as a recent graduate of Lipscomb University.

New Heartland Group’s recent branded entertainment partnerships include Blake Shelton with Pizza Hut, and Dierks Bentley with Mountain Dew.

SoundExchange Adds Two to VP Roles

February 18, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Mark Eisenberg and Jacqueline Petersen

SoundExchange has expanded its executive team with the addition of Mark Eisenberg as Sr. VP, Strategic Initiatives, and Jacqueline Peterson as Sr. VP, Communications.

Eisenberg previously served as Global Head of Content Acquisition and Strategy for MixRadio. Prior to his work at MixRadio, he spent more than 15 years as Executive Vice President and Head of Business & Legal Affairs for the Global Division Business Group at Sony Music Entertainment.

Peterson transitioned to SoundExchange from a role as Sr. VP of Corporate Communications at Live Nation Entertainment. She previously worked as Strategic External Communications Director for Caesars Entertainment Corporation. In her role at SoundExchange, Peterson will lead the company’s internal and external communications, marketing, and public relations efforts.

“I’m extremely excited to welcome Mark Eisenberg and Jacqueline Peterson to our team. Their collective experience in the music industry is immeasurable. Both have proven track records of strategic leadership and helping the industry succeed,” said SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe. “SoundExchange is only as good as the people who work for it and we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent. With these new additions, our team is stronger than ever and poised to achieve even greater success in 2015. Their knowledge and experience of the music industry will be invaluable to SoundExchange and we are thrilled to have them join our organization.”

Toby Keith To Bring Fans ‘Good Times & Pick Up Lines’

February 17, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Toby Keith.

Country music’s highest-paid musician, Toby Keith, will soon embark on a recently announced The Toby Keith Good Times & Pick Up Lines Tour presented by Ford F-Series.

Close to 30 dates are set for the 2015 outing, launching in California at the Shoreline Amphitheatre and making its way back east, in addition to a set of Canada dates after May 29 (full schedule below). More concert stops are expected to be added.

Radio fans have already been treated to his No. 13 single, and rising, titled “Drunk Americans.” The pseudo lyric video available now.

The 2015 Toby Keith Good Times & Pick Up Lines Tour presented by Ford F-Series:

5/29 – Mt. View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
5/30 – San Bernardino, CA – San Manuel Amphitheater
5/31 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
6/14 – Hunter, NY – Taste of Country Music Festival
6/19 – Vineland, CO – Bands in the Backyard
6/20 – Sheridan, WY – Big Horn Country USA
6/28 – Cadott, WI – Country Fest
6/30 – Moose Jaw, SK (Canada) – Mosaic Place
7/01 – Calgary, AB (Canada) – Cowboy’s Stampede Tent
7/10 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
7/11 – Darien Lake, NY – Darien Lake PAC
7/17 – Raleigh, NC – Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
7/19 – Chillecothe, IL – 2015 Country Life Music Festival
7/23 – Monticello, IA – Great Jones County Fair
7/24 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days
7/25 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
7/30 – Atlanta, GA – Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
7/31 – Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
8/01 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/02 – West Palm Beach, FL – Cruzan Amphitheatre
8/07 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
8/08 – Washington, DC – Jiffy Lube Live
8/09 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
8/14 – Boston, MA – XFINITY Center
8/21 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
8/22 – Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
9/05 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
9/25 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
9/26 – Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagara Pavilion

The Mavericks Host Margarita Party Ahead of Album/Tour Launch

February 13, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Pictured (L-R): Paul Deakin (The Mavericks), Mike Molinar (Big Machine Music), Eddie Perez (The Mavericks), George Briner (The Valory Music Co.), Jerry Dale McFadden (The Mavericks), Allison Jones (BMLG) and Raul Malo (The Mavericks).

Last night (Feb. 12), The Valory Music Co.’s legendary band, The Mavericks, hosted a private gathering for music industry fans and friends in advance of their latest CD and international tour. Mono, the 12-track album will be released Tuesday, Feb. 17 in time for the Mondo Mundo Tour, which kicks off Thurs., Feb. 19 at The Wilbur Theater in Boston.

The Grammy-winning band’s invitation was complete with an intimate live preview of select songs and a Patron margarita bar. NPR is now streaming the album in-full.

The Mavericks return to the Grand Ole Opry stage tonight (Feb. 13), where they first announced the new album last November. They will perform the lead track, “All Night Long,” on Late Night With Seth Meyers, airing next Wednesday (Feb. 18) on NBC at 11:35p.m. CT.

For more information, visit themavericksband.com.

The Mavericks jam as they preview tunes from MONO, due out Feb. 17 on The Valory Music Co.

Doobie Brothers Add Additional Tour Dates

February 12, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Pictured (L-R): John McFee, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers have added new dates to their nationwide 2015 tour, including select dates with Don Felder of The Eagles. The band are also giving fans advance access to ticket pre-sales via their recently launched “Takin’ It To the Streets Concert Club.” Member perks also include exclusive merch and meet & greet opportunities.

Fans can join the “Takin’ It To the Streets Concert Club” here.

Newly Added 2015 Tour Dates
April 22: Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, Midland, Texas (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
April 24: Majestic Theatre, San Antonio (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
April 25: Verizon Theatre, Grand Prairie, Texas (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
April 27: ACL Live at the Moody Theatre, Austin, Texas (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
May 2: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, Alpharetta, Ga. (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
June 14: Sigmund Stern Grove, San Francisco
June 16: Lee Schwab Amphitheatre, Bend, Ore.
July 17: Moondance Jam, Walker, Minn.
July 18: Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside, Iowa
July 19: Divot’s Conference Center, Norfolk, Neb.
Sept. 10: Lockn’ Festival, Arrington, Va.

Chief On Tour: CBS Goes Behind The Scenes

February 12, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Eric Church with CBS' Mark Strassmann Courtesy: Jill Trunnel

Eric Church with CBS’ Mark Strassmann
Photo courtesy: Jill Trunnel

CBS This Morning went behind the scenes of Eric Church’s tour recently. Reporting from Fresno and Los Angeles, Mark Strassmann showed what goes into the $19 million production: 170 tons of equipment, 100+ crew members, 18-hour days, 14 trucks, 12 buses, six-hour set up, and, as his stage manager put it, “100,000 pounds of rock your city.”

Costs of the nine-month outing are $3 million for the stage, $3.9 million for vehicles, $2.5 million for lighting video and audio, and $2 million to pay the crew, which equals about “$250,000 to show up” at a venue.

Strassman also interviewed Church last year, showing his hometown Granite Falls, N.C. and the cabin where he wrote the songs for The Outsiders. See that here.

Industry Ink: BMLG, Larry Henley, Demolition Music Publishing, IEBA

February 10, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Republic Nashville and Big Machine Label Group Celebrate Grammys

Artists and executives at Republic Nashville and Big Machine Label Group celebrated after the Grammy Awards were held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine President/CEO Scott Borchetta and Republic Records Founder/CEO Monte Lipman. Photo: Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

Pictured (L-R): Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry. Photo: Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

Celebration of Life Service Set for Larry Henley

Larry Henley

A Celebration of Life service has been set for singer-songwriter Larry Henley, who died Dec. 18, 2014 at the age of 77. His compositions included “Wing Beneath My Wings,” “‘Til I Get It Right,” “He’s a Heartache,” “Is It Still Over,” “Lizzie and the Rainman,” and “Bread and Butter.”

The service will be held Thursday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. in the first floor lobby of BMI (located at 10 Music Sq. E.). Those wishing to honor Henley can make donations to Alive Hospice, located at 1718 Patterson Street in Nashville.

Demolition Music Publishing Adds To Writer Roster

Demolition Music Publishing has signed Michael August, a New Jersey native who has made Nashville his home for the past two years.

Demolition’s President, Jon D’Agostino says the young company was proud to add Michael to their roster of writers because “Michael is that talented singer-songwriter who brings his ‘A’ game and ‘A+’ attitude to every writing session with the goal to write a hit and get it cut!”

DMP President Jon D'Agostino, DMP current DMP writers Adam Searan and Jason Eustice, welcome Michael August for to the songwriting team.

DMP President Jon D’Agostino, and DMP writers Adam Searan and Jason Eustice, welcome Michael August to the songwriting team.

IEBA To Offer Summer Scholarships

International Entertainment Buyers Association has announced it will continue its Summer Internship Scholarship program and will award $15,000 in scholarships to 10 students interning in the entertainment business this summer. Each student will receive an individual scholarship of $1,500. Applications are available now at www.ieba.org. The application deadline is April 3, 2015.

In 2014, 10 summer scholarships were distributed to students at eight universities interning in eight states across the country. Internships included Hangout Fest, AC Entertainment, ROAR, Live Nation Clubs and Theaters, Rodeo Fame, and Progressive Global Agency.

Pictured (L-R)L Zach Swon of The Swon Brothers, Sinita Tatum (IEBA Student Member and 2014 MTSU graduate now employed with Neste Event Marketing), Kelly Feild (Belmont Student and 2014 IEBA Scholarship Recipient), and Colton Swon of The Swon Brothers.

Pictured (L-R): Zach Swon of The Swon Brothers, Sinita Tatum (IEBA Student Member and 2014 MTSU graduate now employed with Neste Event Marketing), Kelly Feild (Belmont Student and 2014 IEBA Scholarship Recipient), and Colton Swon of The Swon Brothers.