TPAC, Nashville Symphony Look to Safely Return to Live Performances

/by

Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Nashville Symphony have formed a two-year joint health and safety partnership with HCA Healthcare and its TriStar Health affiliate based in Nashville to help guide their safe reopening and return to live performances. By helping to sustain a safe environment for TPAC spaces, the partnership will bring ballet, opera and professional theatre back to the community through the Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera and Nashville Repertory Theatre.

In addition to providing valuable financial support through a grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health will serve as the “Official Health and Safety Partner” for both TPAC and the Symphony to build resilience in the performing arts community and deliver safe and enriching arts experiences for artists, musicians, patrons, staff and volunteers. The partnership builds on decades-long relationships between the organizations and HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health, which has sponsored TPAC’s annual Broadway at TPAC series for 14 years and supported the presentation of more than 70 Broadway productions to 1.5 million people.

The partnership’s initial focus will include:

  • Ongoing guidance from HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health medical and infectious disease experts on implementing effective health and safety operations;
  • An assessment of public, backstage and performance spaces to recommend physical changes that protect performers, technicians, patrons and staff;
  • Communications to the public on how they will safely return to performances at the James K. Polk Cultural Center (TPAC and its Resident Companies) and Schermerhorn Symphony Center (Nashville Symphony);
  • COVID-19 testing resources for artists and staff; and
  • Training and resources for staff in CPR, emergency preparedness, First Aid assistance and more.

“We are beyond grateful to HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health for expanding our partnership to provide critical resources and support as we plan for our reopening,” says Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine. “Through their generosity and partnership, we are now taking our next steps toward providing our community with live music again. Their expertise will help us open on the right timeline with proper precautions for our musicians, staff and patrons. We are confident that live music will once again fill our hall this year, and we’re elated to have the experts at HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health guide us in making that a reality.”

“It is our privilege to collaborate with Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Nashville Symphony as a health and safety partner to help facilitate a safe reopening and return to live performances,” said Dr. Tama Van Decar, Chief Medical Officer, TriStar Health. “Through this collaboration, we will seek to deliver safe experiences utilizing clinical resources and best practices in safety protocols, which will build lasting confidence for artists, patrons and staff. It is important that we focus on returning to these enriching live experiences to support the mental health and well-being of our Nashville community. There is a psychological benefit in being present, immersing ourselves and participating in shared artistic experiences.”

BMG Signs Jordan Harvey

/by

Jordan Harvey

BMG announced the signing of singer-songwriter Jordan Harvey. Already signed to BMG as a songwriter, the multi-instrumentalist now joins the roster as an artist.

Growing up in Edinburgh, Scotland, Jordan began working in a local recording studio at 16 years old. After moving to London and studying music at Tech Music School, Jordan headed back home to Edinburgh, where he opened for Simple Minds as a member of the OK Social Club. By 2016, he was playing his own shows as a solo act, and by 2017, he was singing on BBC One as a contestant on the singing competition Let It Shine.

Jordan then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he joined King Calaway. The group opened for Garth Brooks and a host of shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Late Show with James Corden, TODAY, The Kelly Clarkson Show and the internationally-acclaimed show Neighbours. Jordan separated from the band late last year.

“We’ve known Jordan for years and there has always been a special magic about him that lights up a room,” said Jon Loba, President, BMG Nashville. “We’re excited to see his creativity flourish and where his talent leads him.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better birthday present—since day one the people at BMG have become family and I can’t imagine entering this next chapter with any other team,” said Jordan. “I am so grateful for their relentless support and especially Loba for believing in me.”

Jordan is currently focused on writing with new music anticipated this year.

Tune In to Learn The 2021 CountryBreakout Awards Winners Tomorrow

/by

In place of the annual Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards, MusicRow will reveal the winners of the 19th annual CountryBreakout Awards virtually starting at 9:00 a.m. TOMORROW (Feb. 16). Winners will be revealed on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards Schedule of Announcements:
9:00 a.m.: Reporter of the Year
9:30 a.m.: Songwriter of the Year
10:00 a.m.: Label of the Year
10:30 a.m.: Independent Artist of the Year
11:00 a.m.: Breakout Artist of the Year
11:30 a.m.: Group/Duo of the Year
12:00 p.m.: Female Artist of the Year
12:30 p.m.: Male Artist of the Year

Each winner will be featured in MusicRow‘s Country Radio & Streaming issue, out Tuesday (Feb. 16).

Celebrities Send Valentines To Frontline Workers Through Musicians On Call

/by

Tenille Townes performs during Musicians On Call’s Frontlines Valentines Initiative. Photo: Musicians On Call.

Artists including Jon Pardi, Jameson Rodgers, Adam Hambrick, Andrew Jannakos, Jillian Jacqueline, Leigh Nash, Mitchell Tenpenny, Drew Green and Tenille Townes sent love and thanks to frontline caregivers in hospitals across the country recently through Musicians On Call’s Frontlines Valentines Initiative.

The artists recorded dedications for healthcare workers to say thank you for their continued sacrifices during the pandemic. Townes and Jacqueline also performed virtually for hospital workers at Children’s Health in Dallas and Alive Hospice in Nashville, respectively through MOC’s Virtual Bedside Performance Program.

As part of the Frontline Valentines initiative, Musicians On Call also worked with national brand partners including Crocs, Kendra Scott and Bose to send surprise gifts to deserving caregivers.

“All year long Musicians On Call is proud to show how grateful we are for the sacrifices of our hardworking caregivers by sharing the joys of live music. The care they show their communities every day is inspiring, and for that reason we wanted to make sure they felt extra special this Valentine’s Day. Thanks to the support of these talented artists and committed brand partners, we can lift them up and brighten their day,” said Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin.

Brandy Clark Taps Brandi Carlile, Lindsey Buckingham For Deluxe Album

/by

Brandy Clark

Brandy Clark is celebrating the one-year anniversary of her critically acclaimed album, Your Life is a Record, with the release of a special deluxe edition available March 5 on Warner Records.

The expanded album will feature six bonus tracks including “Remember Me Beautiful,” a new song Clark wrote earlier this year as part of NPR’s Morning Edition Song Project. It also includes collaborations with Brandi Carlile (“Like Mine” and “Same Devil”) and Lindsey Buckingham (“The Past is the Past”), as well as live renditions of two album tracks: “Pawn Shop” and “Who You Thought I Was,” the latter of which is out now.

In honor of the album’s anniversary, Clark will perform her first ticketed livestream concert Saturday, March 6 at 8 p.m. ET via Mandolin. Details here.

The new release continues a big year for Clark, who is nominated for two awards at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards—Best Country Album (Your Life is a Record) and Best Country Solo Performance (“Who You Thought I Was”).

Your Life Is A Record (Deluxe) Track List:
1. I’ll Be the Sad Song
2. Long Walk
3. Love is a Fire
4. Pawn Shop
5. Who You Thought I Was
6. Apologies
7. Bigger Boat (feat. Randy Newman)
8. Bad Car
9. Who Broke Whose Heart
10. Can We Be Strangers
11. The Past is the Past
12. Who You Thought I Was (Live From 3rd & Lindsley)
13. Pawn Shop (Live From 3rd & Lindsley)
14. Remember Me Beautiful
15. Like Mine
16. Same Devil (feat. Brandi Carlile)
17. The Past is the Past (feat. Lindsey Buckingham)

Artist Action: Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Doug Stone, Drake White

/by

Drew and Ellie Holcomb Pen Songs For Tennessee Tourism

Drew and Ellie Holcomb recorded the new music at the Sound Kitchen. Photo: Katie Kauss/Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development

Drew and Ellie Holcomb released the new songs “Feels Like Home” and “Hey Rivers” as a part of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s “For the Love of Tennessee, Travel Safe” campaign.

The songs were inspired by a seven-day, 1600-mile R.V. trek the Holcombs and their three children took across the state as part of a video series to promote safe travel in the era of Covid 19.

To date the campaign has netted more than 75 million views. To view the webisodes, including the Holcomb’s performance of “Hey Rivers” and “Feels Like Home” live on the historic Ryman stage, visit www.tnvacation.com.

Ellie Holcomb also has a new song with Amy Grant. “A Woman,” released Friday (Feb. 12), is the story of Mary Magdalene and the debut single from the multi-artist album FAITHFUL: Go and Speak.

 

Doug Stone Celebrates 10 Million Albums Sold Worldwide

Pictured (L-R): Jeremy Westby, Pres./CEO, 2911 Media; Austin Smith, Smith Social Media; Doug Stone; Tayler Bock, SPM Brand Partnerships; Jimmy Dasher, Countdown Talent booking

Doug Stone was recently awarded a plaque to commemorate 10 million albums sold worldwide, including multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. Stone’s legacy spans three decades consisting of 10 studio albums, eight No. 1s and 26 charted singles including “I’d Be Better Off (In a Pine Box),” “I Thought It Was You,” “A Jukebox With Country Song,” “In a Different Light,” ”Too Busy Being in Love” and “Why Didn’t I Think of That.”

“Wow, I knew I had sold some records, but I had no idea that 10 million CDs had gone out the door,” says Stone. “My life has been a country song with many ups and downs. I am thankful to still be doing what I have always loved doing and that is singing for the fans and bringing my music to the stage. We all lived through a tough year last year and to start 2021 off with this honor is absolutely a great beginning to what is in our future.”

 

Drake White’s Wednesday Night Therapy Nears First Anniversary

Dillon Carmichael and Drake White at the Wednesday Night Therapy show on Feb. 3, 2021. Photo: Zack Knudsen

Drake White is nearing the one-year anniversary of his streaming live show, Wednesday Night Therapy.

Since debuting on March 18, 2020, White has welcomed Kip Moore, Colbie Caillat, Frankie Ballard, and Dillon Carmichael to his Whitewood Hollow barn in Nashville for performances. Hayes Carll will join the Feb. 17 show.

The last 18 months have been eventful for White, who suffered a paralyzing stroke mid-concert and endured months in the hospital. He went on to launch Wednesday Night Therapy just as the pandemic broke out. White recently gave a TEDxNashville Talk titled: “How paralysis helped me find my true 100%.”

As White approaches the one-year anniversary of his livestream, he expresses gratitude for wife Alex, his physical therapists and doctors, his band The Big Fire, the artists who have joined him on the show each week, and his fans The Firestarters.

Kari Jobe Announces 22-City The Blessing USA Tour

/by

Kari Jobe

Kari Jobe, in conjunction with Premier Productions, has announced The Blessing USA Tour. Sponsored by illumiNations and CovidSafeChurch.com, Jobe will hit 22 cities across the U.S.

Also featuring Cody Carnes, the tour will kick off on April 15 in Pittsburgh, and continue on to markets including Dallas, Orlando, Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Houston. Tickets will go on sale to the public next Friday, Feb. 19.

The tour is implementing “socially distanced and/or reserved COVID-safe seating and capacities” in each venue. Tour members will be tested and everyone entering will be temperature checked in addition to other standards and local requirements.

“This past year has been so difficult for a lot of us,” Jobe remarked. “We had no idea that the timing of ‘The Blessing’ would fall at such an incredibly sensitive time for our globe. I have cried so many times as I’ve watched different people all over the world declaring this song over their families, their churches and their nations. It has been so sweet. I’m so thankful that His promises are promises of peace and strength.”

Written and released the week before the the COVID pandemic hit the globe, Jobe co-wrote the tour’s namesake, “The Blessing,” with her husband and songwriter Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship’s Steven Furtick and Chris Brown. “The Blessing” was the most consumed new CCM song of the year in 2020 and also won for Worship Song of the Year at last year’s GMA Dove Awards. It is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the upcoming Grammy Awards.

The Blessing USA Tour (all dates subject to change):
4/15/21 – Pittsburgh, PA
4/16/21 – Cleveland, OH
4/17/21 – Lexington, KY
4/22/21 – Jacksonville, FL
4/23/21 – Orlando, FL
4/24/21 – Ft. Myers, FL
4/25/21 – Tampa, FL
4/29/21 – Dallas, TX
4/30/21 – Joplin, MO
5/1/21 – St. Louis, MO
5/2/21 – Jackson, MS
5/6/21 – Tulsa, OK
5/7/21 – Oklahoma City, OK
5/8/21 – College Station, TX
5/9/21 – Houston, TX
5/14/21 – Atlanta, GA
5/15/21 – Cullman, AL
5/16/21 – Knoxville, TN
5/20/21 – Minneapolis, MN
5/21/21 – Cedar Rapids, IA
5/22/21 – Omaha, NE
5/23/21 – Wichita, KS

Clare Dunn’s ‘Real Thing’ EP Out Today

/by

Clare Dunn released her new female empowerment EP, Real Thing, Friday (Feb. 12) via Big Yellow Dog Music.

She says, “Real Thing walks through the journey of not being afraid to be exactly who you are as a woman—whether that means standing up for yourself, not being afraid to express your emotions when you’ve been blown off, not being afraid to fall head-over-heels in love, or not being afraid to accept yourself as you are. There’s no wrong way to be a woman.”

“No Wrong Way” is the culmination of the project’s theme, disposing of all the labels people put on women and finding strength in imperfection. Throughout the project, Dunn addresses authenticity (“Real Thing”), vulnerability (“Unread”), and in-the-moment fearlessness (“No Reservations”).

Dunn co-wrote and self-produced the EP at her family’s ranch in Southeast Colorado. It features co-writes by some of Nashville’s top talent including Luke Dick, Liz Rose and Connie Harrington.

Real Thing Track List:
1. No Reservations (Clare Dunn, Liz Rose, Luke Dick)
2. Real Thing (Dunn, Jenn Decilveo)
3. Unread (Dunn, Joseph Patton, Josh Gabbard)
4. No Wrong Way (Dunn, Rose, Ben West)
5. We Are (Dunn, Connie Harrington, Mark Holman)

Chart Action: Dan + Shay Debut On Radio Charts

/by

“Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay debuted on all three radio charts this week: No. 33 on Billboard, No. 45 on Mediabase, and No. 63 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The duo is also most added with over 150 radio stations playing the single written by Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Ryan Lewis, Tayla Parx, and Jordan Reynolds.

“To us, ‘Glad You Exist’ is more than just a song,” said Dan + Shay. “It’s a message of gratitude and hope. A message to everyone in our lives: our fans, our friends, our families, to remind them all how grateful we are to be on the planet at the same time. It’s truly remarkable when you think about it. We’ve spent the majority of the past year, like many others, searching for answers and a sense of normalcy, but finding comfort in memories of better days (that we all know will return soon). Concerts, bonfires, road trips with friends, even the simple things like date night at a restaurant, or beers at a bar during a football game. This song has taken on a new meaning not being able to see our loved ones in person, but throughout history, music has always had a special way of bringing people together, even when we are furthest apart. These words hold a special place in our hearts, and hopefully they will in yours too. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again (and again). We’re just so glad you exist. Every. Single. One of you.”

 

Ashley McBryde Announces ‘Never Will: Live From A Distance’

/by

Ashley McBryde may not be able to return to the road, but she’s giving fans a taste of the live experience with her upcoming six-song EP Never Will: Live From A Distance, arriving Friday, May 28. The opening track, “First Thing I Reach For – Live,” is available now.

“We released Never Will on April 3 last year, so we went straight from rehearsals for a tour to not seeing each other in person for months,” says the singer. “Getting together to rehearse and record these live versions safely was our way of giving the fans a taste of what they would have seen had the world not changed so much. Man did it feel good to strap on the guitar and see my guys and just play, but we cannot wait to do it again with our incredible fans in person soon.”

McBryde kicked off 2021 with multiple television appearances, including her debut performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show with current single “Martha Divine,” and a performance of title track “Never Will” on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Never Will: Live From A Distance Track List
1. “First Thing I Reach For,” (Ashley McBryde, Randall Clay, Mick Holland)
2. “Shut Up Sheila,” (Nicolette Hayford, Charles Chisholm)
3. “Velvet Red,” (Ashley McBryde, Patrick Savage, Daniel Smalley)
4. “Voodoo Doll,” (Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Brandy Clark, Connie Harrington, Jake Mitchell, Aaron Raitiere)
5. “Martha Divine,” (Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Spillman)
6. “Sparrow,” (Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Brandy Clark, Connie Harrington, Jake Mitchell, Aaron Raitiere)

YouTube video