Dolly Parton To Headline Inaugural Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Benefit

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Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye organizers Tara Joseph, Donna Wells and Katie Larson join Dolly Parton to announce the First Annual Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Benefit Concert.
Photo: Jacob Wells

Nashville’s inaugural Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Benefit Concert and VIP Cocktail Hour will be held in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater on Oct. 24.

Country music legend Dolly Parton will headline this year’s event and will be joined by Dennis Quaid, Artimus Pyle Band, Linda Davis, Collin Raye and many others. The live concert will be emceed by former Ford model and Home Shopping Network personality, Stacey Schieffelin and co-host of The Bobby Bones Show Amy Brown. Proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye and cannot wait for this fantastic show,” says Paula Schneider, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen and a breast cancer survivor. “Funds raised by this event will help us accelerate the pace of progress and ensure that everyone living with breast cancer today can get the care they need. Together, we can ensure that no one faces this disease alone.”

The Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Benefit Concert will showcase some of Nashville’s greatest talent and world-renowned headliners, along with testimonials from breast cancer survivors, conversations with professionals in the health and wellness industry, and more.

To purchase tickets and learn how you can Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye, click here.

In Pictures: Pilgrimage Festival Celebrates Return To Franklin After Two Years

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Day 2 of Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival on Sept. 26, 2021. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival came back to Middle Tennessee this past weekend (Sept. 25 & 26). The two-day event welcomed a crowd of 25,000 to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee.

Maren Morris performs onstage during day one of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images

Led by back-to-back headliners both nights, Maren Morris and The Black Keys kicked things off on Saturday, and Cage The Elephant and Dave Matthews Band capped the event on Sunday.

Over 50 acts in total appeared across five stages: the Midnight Sun Stage, Gold Record Road Stage, Simple Truth X Shady Grove Stage, Lil’ Pilgrims Family Stage, and Americana Music Triangle Experience. Paste Magazine’s Paste Studio on the Road: Pilgrimage Music Festival was also livestreaming backstage appearances throughout the weekend from Hailey Whitters, The Harlem Gospel Travelers, Jamestown Revival, and Wax Owls.

Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys perform onstage during day one of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

“All the stars aligned for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival this year. We were blessed with a full crowd, brilliant weather, and one of the best lineups that we’ve ever had. It truly seemed like every artist was giving their absolute best, knowing just how meaningful it was to finally be able to bring music lovers together,” shares event co-producer W. Brandt Wood. “People were smiling, kids were dancing, and the music was rocking. We wanted to give everyone a transcendent experience that truly brought joy, and the crowds really came out in mass to celebrate as one community. We’re already counting down until next year!”

Co-produced by Wood, Better Than Ezra frontman and Franklin resident Kevin Griffin, and Michael Whelan, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival aims to boost tourism in Williamson County while also supporting the local community. A portion of every ticket sale will be donated to members of the music industry in need through the Recording Academy’s nonprofit MusiCares, in addition to Friends of Franklin Parks for capital projects at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.

Dave Matthews Band performs onstage during day two of the 2021 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Matt Shultz of Cage the Elephant performs onstage during day two of the 2021 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images

Wasserman Music Adds Shannon Casey As SVP, Fairs & Festivals

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Shannon Casey. Photo: Gregg Roth

Veteran agent Shannon Casey has joined Wasserman Music as SVP, Fairs and Festivals, effective Oct. 1. She will be based in the agency’s Nashville office.

Casey spent more than two decades at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Nashville, and has represented many of the top live entertainers in the music business. A Belmont University graduate, Casey has been a volunteer and concert committee member at Thistle Farms and Thistle Stop Cafe, served on the board of the Nashville Film Festival, and coordinated the CAA Foundation’s philanthropic efforts with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and The PENCIL Foundation. She is a member of the Recording Academy, the Academy of Country Music and The Country Music Association.

“The addition of Shannon to Wasserman Music brings irreplaceable experience and expertise in a rapidly evolving economy in fairs and festivals,” says Senior Vice President Lenore Kinder. “She has cultivated decades of meaningful relationships with her buyers, and I have no doubt they’re just as eager to get back to business with her as we are!”

“I am delighted to join the Wasserman Music team,” shares Casey. “I look forward to working with some of the most passionate and respected agents in the business. I can’t wait to reconnect with all the Fair and Festival talent buyers, with whom it has been my pleasure to work over the years, and I’m excited about creating new touring opportunities for a dynamic roster of talented artists.”

Mandy Barnett Invited To Become Newest Opry Member

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Mandy Barnet. Photo: Chris Hollo

Mandy Barnett received the ultimate birthday present last night (Sept. 28), when she was invited to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Barnett, who has appeared on the Opry more than 500 times over the course of nearly 30 years, will be formally inducted into the Opry family later this fall. She is also slated to appear in four Opry Country Christmas shows debuting this coming holiday season at the Opry House.

Connie Smith and Mandy Barnett. Photo: Chris Hollo

Opry member Connie Smith joined Barnett on stage to lead the Opry audience in singing “Happy Birthday,” before reading a birthday card which included Barnett’s invitation. “You’ve felt like family since we first met, and on this, your special day, we’re honored to invite you to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry!” Smith read.

Mandy replied, “This is the happiest day of my life! I came here back in the 80’s and met so many of the greats that came before me like Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Jean Shepard, Billy Walker- and you Connie. I made my Opry debut in 1994 and I’ve had so many supporters who have rooted for me and been nice to me all these years.”

“Night after night, year after year, we’ve been astounded by Mandy’s magnificent performances. She loves the Opry and the Opry loves her right back. It’s a great match now and will be for years to come,” said Dan Rogers, Opry vice president and executive producer.

She has built a reputation for her devotion to classic country, R&B, and popular standards. A Tennessee Music Pathways historical marker in Barnett’s Tennessee hometown honors her contributions in making Tennessee the “Soundtrack of America.”

Barnett’s latest album, 2021’s Every Star Above, acts as a celebration of Billie Holiday’s Lady in Satin with arrangements by the late jazz maestro Sammy Nestico.

In Pictures: ‘The Jesus Music’ Film Gets Star-Studded Premiere At Nashville’s CMHOF

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Pictured (L-R): Michael W. Smith, Russ Taff, CeCe Winans, John Schlitt, and Rebecca St. James perform on stage during the afterparty for the premiere of The Jesus Music. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

The premiere of The Jesus Music film was hosted at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame on Monday, Sept. 27, and some of Christian music’s biggest players took to the red carpet.

Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, CeCe Winans, Bart Millard from MercyMe, Joel Smallbone from For King & Country, Newsboys’ Michael Tait and Duncan Phillips, Rebecca St. James, John Schlitt, Russ Taff and more were in attendance.

Newsboys’ Michael Tait and Duncan Phillips assist in a marriage proposal between Otto Price and Sami Cone during red carpet arrivals for the premiere of The Jesus Music. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

In addition to a surprise proposal on the red carpet with the help of Tait and Phillips, the night was also filled with an all-star performance capping off the evening’s after-party from Taff, Smith, Winans, St. James, Schlitt and backup band Sixwire.

The documentary, which Lionsgate is releasing to theaters nationwide on Oct. 1, reveals Christian music’s story—from its beginnings at the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California through its transformation into the multibillion-dollar industry of Christian Contemporary Music today.

Directed by the Erwin Brothers, The Jesus Music features interviews with the genre’s biggest stars including Grant, Smith, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, and Lauren Daigle.

To watch the official preview for The Jesus Music, click here.

Pictured (L-R): Moriah Smallbone; Joel Smallbone; Jason Constantine, Lionsgate; Rebecca St. James; Jon Erwin, Writer/Director; Russ Taff; Eda Kowan, Lionsgate; Michael W. Smith; Josh Walsh, Producer; Amy Grant; Kevin Downes, Executive Producer; TobyMac; Jason Crabb; Michael Tait; Brandon Gregory, Producer; Bart Millard. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

Pictured (L-R): Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, and Jason Crabb arrive at the premiere of The Jesus Music. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

Chris York Receives 2021 CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award 

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Pictured (L-R): Kara McCabe, Head of PR, SJM Concerts, Alex Simmonds, Promoter, SJM Concerts, York and Caroline Hamer, Head of Digital, SJM Concerts. Photo: Matt Woolliscroft

U.K. concert promoter Chris York received the 2021 CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award on Monday (Sept. 20). He received the honor through a special video message from artists and industry members in Nashville and the United Kingdom.

The video included messages from Little Big Town; CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern; CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development Milly Olykan; President and Chief Strategy Officer, Live Nation Women Ali Harnell; CAA Agent Nigel Hassler; and WME Nashville Partner/Co-Head and Chair of the CMA International Committee Jay Williams.

“We are thrilled to congratulate Chris on this honor,” says Trahern. “Chris’ impact on country music has enabled artists in every stage of their career to begin building their platforms in the U.K. and beyond. His commitment to introducing U.K. audiences to fresh and new talent each year has helped drive the profile and consumption of country music in the U.K. at an incredible rate. We are so grateful for Chris’ work across our country music community.”

The Jo Walker Meador International Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.

York is the Director of SJM Concerts and is also one of the founding co-promoters of the U.K.’s largest country event, Country to Country (C2C). Since its launch in 2013, the festival has paved the way for artists to regularly tour and develop their fan base across the U.K. and Europe. York also co-developed the C2C Presents brand and co-promoted acts including CMA’s Introducing Nashville during the U.K.’s annual Country Music Week.

York is also a member of the CMA U.K. Task Force, which works to increase the profile and opportunities for country in the United Kingdon. York is also known for his key role in the careers of Drake, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Lorde, Massive Attack, Oasis, Swedish House Mafia, The Chemical Brothers, and many more.

“While we have thoroughly missed not seeing Chris and being able to travel to the U.K. over the last two years, we are so pleased to now recognize him for his incredible work in our industry, growing and furthering country music on both sides of the Atlantic,” adds Olykan. “We send our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to him on this well-deserved honor and for his valuable work on behalf of our genre.”

Industry Ink: Old Dominion, Big Machine, Laura Orshaw, East Music Row

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Old Dominion’s “One Man Band” Earns 4x Platinum Certification

Old Dominion

Old Dominion’s hit single “One Man Band” has been certified 4x platinum by the RIAA.

The band was awarded plaques for RIAA Platinum certification commemorating 4 million units certified.

These certifications come just ahead of the release of the band’s new album Time, Tequila and Therapy on Oct. 8.

The band recently took home the award for Vocal Group of the Year at the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards for the fourth consecutive year. The Grammy-winning group was also nominated for Vocal Group of the Year for the 2021 CMA Awards.

 

 

Big Machine Label Group Adds 2, Ups 1

Pictured (L-R): Kaylan Moody, Josie Hardin, Flo Myerscough-Harris

Big Machine Label Group has added Kaylan Moody and Josie Hardin to the marketing team as Start Team Lead and Digital Marketing Manager, respectively. The company has also promoted Flo Myerscough-Harris to Label Assistant, UK.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Moody started her career at the university-owned radio stations. She now joins BMLG following stops at WHHZ/Gainesville, Florida, and most recently as Associate Editor at All Access.

In her role, Hardin brings her marketing expertise from previous roles at Sophie Shear Vocal Studios and William Morris Endeavor following internships with Universal Music Group and Thirty Tigers.

Myerscough-Harris rises from Label Intern with the Big Machine UK team after gaining prior experience with Under The Apple Tree as a Production Assistant and NBCUniversal International as a Central PR & Communications Intern.

“We are excited to see the immediate impact that Kaylan and Josie are having with our artists,” says BMLG’s Executive Vice President Mike Rittberg. “Their work ethic and creativity has already been such an asset to our team. I am also thrilled to have Flo move into a full-time position with our UK team. There is really nothing better than seeing one of our interns grow within the company.”

 

 

Dark Shadow Recording Signs Laura Orshaw

Pictured (L-R): Laura Orshaw, Stephen Mougin

Dark Shadow Recording has signed Grammy nominated fiddler and vocalist, Laura Orshaw. A two-time IBMA award-winning artist, and the first female to win SPBGMA Fiddle Player of the Year, Orshaw is currently working on her debut label project, due out in 2022.

Orshaw has toured throughout the world opening and sharing the stage with artists such as Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, John Scofield, Jim Lauderdale, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sarah Jarosz, Tony Trischka, Becky Buller, and Darol Anger among others.

“I’m beyond thrilled to be joining the Dark Shadow Recording family,” says Orshaw. “Although I’ve known Stephen and Jana (DSR Owners) for many years, my first chance to work with Stephen in the studio was in 2017 when my then fiancé, Tony Watt, and I recorded a duet version of Guy Clark and Shawn Camp’s ‘Magnolia Wind’… Stephen’s skills as a producer and engineer are truly awe-inspiring, but I am most impressed with his work coaching artists and creating an environment where they can do their best work. It’s an honor to join Stephen, Jana, and the rest of the DSR family!”

“Anyone who has heard Laura Orshaw play and sing knows she’s a powerhouse,” adds Dark Shadow recording owner Stephen Mougin. “In studio sessions, I’ve watched her inspire fellow musicians to ‘up their game’ because of her offerings to a tune, one of the many reasons I asked her to play on my own album. She has toured with a variety of bluegrass bands from modern to traditional and manages to sound perfectly at-home in every scenario. Beyond being a great human, Laura is a determined, hard-working, talented artist and I’m thrilled that she is joining the Dark Shadow Recording family.”

 

 

Emily Dryburgh Shifts To Director of Management, A&R At East Music Row

Emily Dryburgh

With the recent launch of East Music Row, a joint venture created by Deluge Music in support of Johnny Gates and the associated businesses, Emily Dryburgh has shifted her role from Creative Director of Publishing to Director of Management, A&R at East Music Row.

Her duties will include overseeing operations at the label and its ancillary platforms and also managing Gates’ career.

Trisha Yearwood Releases Fourth Cookbook ‘Trisha’s Kitchen’

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Trisha Yearwood

Global country music star, Food Network host, and New York Times best-selling author Trisha Yearwood has released her fourth cookbook. Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends and Family is available everywhere now.

Yearwood used her unplanned time at home during the pandemic to focus on the recipes and stories that fill her kitchen, including a breakfast lasagna, double-stuffed brownies, and many more. “You really have to sit down and think about, ‘What’s the most important thing about the ‘why’ of this recipe?’ and ‘Why do I love it?’” Yearwood says of the new book. “I really enjoy that! I really love the process of telling the stories.”

Written with longtime collaborator and sister, Beth, the new cookbook features a foreword by Yearwood’s in-house taste-tester, Garth Brooks.

“I think there’s part of her heart and soul in this one,” Brooks says. “You treat all these books like a novel,” he told her. “You’re in there working… typing, typing… working, working… typing. And I’m thinking, ‘Well, you’re just throwing recipes together.’ But not at all. Not a Trisha Yearwood cookbook.”

Yearwood will host a virtual event in partnership with Williams Sonoma to promote the book, featuring special guests including Lauren Alaina and others. Throughout the week, she will also hold a variety of virtual book signings hosted by bookstores all around the country, including one with Brooks and another where she’ll be joined by Reba McEntire.

Jessie James Decker Announces New EP, ‘The Woman I’ve Become’

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Jessie James Decker

Jessie James Decker‘s latest project, The Woman I’ve Become, will be released Oct. 22 via Big Yellow Dog / Atlantic Records / Warner Music Nashville. Along with the EP announcement, Decker has released a teaser from the upcoming collection, “Not In Love With You.”

The Woman I’ve Become features seven songs that are both a reflection and celebration of personal growth, including her self-assured anthem “Should Have Known Better” which reached No. 2 on the iTunes country chart and No. 3 all-genre upon its release.

“The Woman I’ve Become is unlike any record I’ve ever created,” Decker says. “It’s a true transition from the young girl I was to the woman I have become. I’ve never been this vulnerable before. I think life changes and growth have made me confident enough to show that vulnerable side.”

Decker has accumulated more than 100 million on-demand streams and has achieved success in multiple arenas as a singer, TV personality, designer, beauty and lifestyle influencer, and New York Times best-selling author.

The Woman I Am Track List:
1. Not In Love With You (Sam Ellis/Jordyn Shellhart)
2. Tell You Enough (Jordan Reynolds/Jordan Minton/Emily Weisband/Jon Hume)
3. Should Have Known Better (Tom Barnes/Pete Kelleher/Benjamin Kohn/Madi Yanofsky)
4. Dance With Someone Else (Tenille Townes/Tina Parol Gemza/Dave Pittenger)
5. The Woman I’ve Become (Jessie James Decker/Jonathan Quarmby)
6. Girls Like To Dance (Maren Morris/Julian Bunetta/John Ryan)
7. I Need A Man (Jessie James Decker/Alyssa Bonagura/Matt McVaney/Shane Stevens)

Thirty Tigers, American Root Records Partner With Jacob Bryant For Upcoming Album

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Pictured (L-R): David Macias (President, Thirty Tigers), Jacob Bryant, Jeff Catton (CEO, American Roots Records)

Country rocker Jacob Bryant has partnered with Thirty Tigers and American Roots Records as he prepares for his forthcoming album, Bar Stool Preacher, set for release on Jan. 14.

Bryant has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles on the road playing in honkytonks, fairs and Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. After losing his mother in 2010, he fought depression and anxiety while self-medicating with alcohol and cocaine, ultimately suffering a heart attack at the age of 19, Since then, he has turned his pain into passion.

“The first time I heard Jacob’s music, I couldn’t believe how great it was. I was immediately taken with his strong vocals and incredible songwriting. It’s not often that I hear something where the song is stuck in my head after one listen, and that happened with several of his songs. I think Jacob has it in him to be a major star, and I’m proud that he and his team picked us to help him realize his promise,” says President of Thirty Tigers David Macias.

“David Macias is a titan in this industry and I’m stoked to have him and his team behind this project. This album means the world to me and I can’t wait to get it out to the masses!” Bryant shares.