Dolly Parton and Opry to Auction Custom Guitar to Raise Funds for Opry Trust Fund

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Dolly Parton has joined forces with the Grand Ole Opry to help raise money for the Opry Trust Fund by donating a custom autographed Dolly Parton/Opry 95th Anniversary guitar to be auctioned off.

Proceeds raised will go to the Opry Trust Fund to benefit music industry professionals most affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Parton has been a longtime supporter of The Opry Trust fund, which has distributed more than $2 million since its inception.

Established in 1965, The Opry Trust Fund provides financial assistance to music industry professionals during their time of extraordinary need to cover certain expenses, including medical bills, rent or mortgage bills and utility payments. The need is greater than ever as the music industry continues to be one of the most deeply impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Those wanting to get in on the auction can place a bid at opry.com/dolly-guitar-auction/.

The Mulehouse Staffs Up, Eyes Spring Opening

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Award-winning radio personality Blair Garner is sharing details about his entertainment venue, The Mulehouse, ahead of its scheduled spring opening. As previously announced, the 55,000 sq. ft. multi-use entertainment and special events venue is housed in a former church in Columbia, Tenn.

Garner will act as CEO, with other team members including Eric Garner, Chief Operating Officer; Michael Oppenheimer, General Manager; Jon Shyer, Dir. of Concerts & Marketing; Geoffrey Borchgrevink, Production Manager; and Tracy McGlocklin, Private Event Sales Manager.

Additionally, Garner is outsourcing services from several other companies:

Neste Live!, a Live Nation company, has partnered with The Mulehouse as the venue’s exclusive talent buyer, creating opportunities to book top artists and talent from across the globe. Fans will purchase tickets to upcoming shows and events through See Tickets.

Nugs.net will be the official livestreaming partner, giving artists the ability to reach fans on a global level through the use of the venue’s advanced livestreaming technology.

Clair Global will handle live production services and integrated permanent technology solutions. Clair has designed a top-of-the-line streaming, audio and lighting system as part of the venue’s buildout.

615 Leverage + Strategy will oversee The Mulehouse marketing efforts, strategic partnerships and branding. Hulcher PR will handle all public relations efforts on behalf of both The Mulehouse and Blair Garner.

Nashville-based MJM Architects is the architecture firm of record and Steelhead Building Group is the general contractor.

“In the past two years of planning and development of The Mulehouse, we’ve focused on creating a first-of-its-kind experience. Whether it be an artist or one of their fans—we want to effectively transport them to a different world through what they see and what they hear,” said Blair Garner. “We’ve spent countless hours trying to walk in the shoes of everyone who will interface with the property. We’ve tried to anticipate their every need, while also answering needs that they didn’t even know they had. We’ve created a rich and unique experience for our livestream guests. Sure, it’s a lofty goal. But it’s a goal easily within our reach thanks to the incredible power players in our corner. They are our Mulehouse dream team!”

Phase 2 of the project is slated to include an upscale restaurant, bar and intimate performance space, which are slated to open in 2022. An additional 30,000 sq. ft. beyond the current buildout will house a 35-key boutique hotel to be completed in 2022.

Artist Action: Lee Brice, Craig Morgan, Laine Hardy

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Folded Flag Foundation’s Songwriters Cafe’ To Feature Lee Brice

The Folded Flag Foundation is hosting its fourth installment of the Songwriters Café, a series of free online concerts benefiting families of our country’s fallen heroes, Feb. 15. The latest installment will be headlined by Lee Brice, with Whitney Duncan and Teddy Robb. The series is sponsored and hosted by O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar, and O’Charley’s has raised more than $1.5 million for Folded Flag. The show will once again be hosted by Westwood One’s Elaina Smith.

“I am humbled to spend an evening playing my music and supporting Folded Flag,” said Brice. “I released “I Drive Your Truck” nine years ago and still think about its message of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I hope the audience watching will feel as passionately as I do and get inspired to contribute to Folded Flag to help these deserving families.”

Craig Morgan and Monster Energy Team for Iron Dog Snowmobile Race

Craig Morgan. Photo: Nate Griffin

Craig Morgan is partnering with Monster Energy for the 2021 Iron Dog Snowmobile Race in Alaska, performing the National Anthem at the start of the race on Feb. 13 and joining pro class riders on Feb. 20 for the final day of the 2,600 mile trek. Known to be the longest, toughest snowmobile race in the world, the Iron Dog will continue on with COVID precautions in place. In 2013, the singer participated in Fjällräven Polar, a 200-mile, five-day dog sled race that kicks off in Sweden before making its way through three countries. The trek was showcased on Morgan’s TV show, Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors.

“As a part-time resident here in Alaska, I can’t wait to partner with Monster Energy on this longstanding tradition in the state,” said Morgan.

Laine Hardy Returns From Trip Overseas Entertaining The Troops

Photo: Staff Sgt. Miranda A. Loer

Laine Hardy recently returned from his inaugural trip overseas to entertain U.S. service members. The trip culminated in a full band performance of some of Laine’s tunes including “Ground I Grew Up On” and “Tiny Town” at Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf. Laine, the grandson of an Army veteran, also took part in the 2020 virtual NYC Veterans Day Commemoration and was deeply impacted by the trip.

“My band and I greatly appreciate the sacrifice that each of the service members make for our country,” said Hardy. “We are thankful for everything we were able to honorably experience while here. This will be a moment in my life I will never forget.”

Gabby Barrett Celebrates 1 Billion Streams, Plans ‘Live From The Goldmine’ EP

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Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett will release a 7-track Live From The Goldmine EP on March 16.

The 20-year-old star shares this announcement as she reaches a new career milestone: officially surpassing 1 billion global streams just seven months after the release of her full-length debut, Goldmine. The upcoming EP will bring her live concert experience to fans. The songs were recorded during her album release performance special of the same name (see video below).

Serving as a first preview of the collection, the track “The Good Ones (Live From The Goldmine)” is available now.

Meanwhile the studio version of “The Good Ones” is Top 15 and climbing, and has tallied more than 125 million on-demand streams.

Live From The Goldmine EP Track List:
1. “Footprints On The Moon” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
2. “Rose Needs A Jack” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Joe Clemmons)
3. “Jesus & My Mama” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Cliff Downs, Marti Dodson)
4. “Thank God” (Gabby Barrett, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
5. “The Good Ones” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick)
6. “I Hope” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
7. “Goldmine (Bonus Performance)” (Nicolle Galyon, Caitlyn Smith, Liz Rose)

YouTube video

Lineup Revealed for CRS Team UMG at The Ryman

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The lineup has been announced for the Team UMG at the Ryman luncheon, to be held during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.

Comprised of emerging and established artists from Universal Music Group (UMG) Nashville’s roster, the event will take place Thursday, Feb. 18 at Noon CT and feature a headline appearance by Eric Church and additional performances by Lauren Alaina, Priscilla Block, Jon Pardi, and Parker McCollum.

Royce Risser, EVP Promotion UMG Nashville comments, “While we will miss being with you all in person at the Ryman, trust me when I say you do not want to miss what we have planned. This year’s show will be from an entirely new perspective, with a couple of surprises along the way. You really don’t want to miss it.”

The Team UMG at the Ryman luncheon will only be available for viewing through CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.

For access to this and other CRS-related events, register at CountryRadioSeminar.com.

The CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience agenda is now available for viewing on the CRS 2021 pre-event site.

Anthem Entertainment Partners With NSAI Chapter Challenge

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Anthem Entertainment has offered single-song contracts to two Nashville Songwriters Association International members following the most recent NSAI Chapter Challenge. Sal Cosentino, member of the NSAI New York City Chapter, was selected for his song “Truth Is,” and Linda Sclafani, member of the NSAI Columbus, Ohio Chapter, was chosen for her song, “One More Round of Cheer.”

The upcoming NSAI Chapter Challenge will take place in April, where nearly 100 NSAI Regional Chapters will hold a Chapter Challenge meeting for the first phase. Any member who opts to participate will present one song at their local chapter during the designated meeting, and all members present will vote on their favorite submission which will advance to the second stage. In the second stage, NSAI representatives will review each winning song along with each Regional Chapter Coordinator submission to narrow down to a final group of songs presented to Anthem Entertainment for contract consideration.

“We were so impressed with the songs presented in this year’s Chapter Challenge that we were thrilled to extend single-song contracts to two NSAI Members, Sal Cosentino and Linda Sclafani,” said Tim Hunze of Anthem Entertainment. “We are partnering with NSAI once again for another Chapter Challenge and look forward to exploring another group of songs and songwriters!”

“The Anthem Chapter Challenge offers a unique chance for our members to not only be heard by one of America’s top global publishing companies, but also the incredible opportunity for one or more of them to receive a contract where Anthem will attempt to get their songs placed with an artist and/or in film or television,” said NSAI Regional Chapter Director McKenzie Parker. “NSAI has thousands of members who write great songs but don’t pursue songwriting as a full-time career. This is a unique and unprecedented opportunity for them to have a professional relationship with a great publishing company.”

MTSU Program Helps Students of Color Explore Careers in Country Music

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MTSU is launching Bridges to Nashville: Exciting Career Opportunities in Country Music, a five-month pilot program designed to educate college students of color nationwide about the country music industry.

Beverly Keel, MTSU’s Dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, created the initiative and will host the series.

The first session will be held on Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. CT and feature a conversation between artist and hit songwriter Shy Carter and Shannon Sanders, songwriter/producer and executive director of BMI’s Nashville office.

It will be followed by a 5 p.m. panel on record labels that will be moderated by Gina Miller, Sr. VP and GM of Entertainment One, and founding board member of Nashville Music Equality.

“The goal of this program is to educate students of color about country music in hopes that they will consider country music as a viable career path after graduation,” Keel says. “The program will explore what today’s country music is, how the industry operates and what the potential career opportunities are.

“In addition, this program will introduce industry leaders to African-American students who are interested in internships and jobs. The goal is to create more diversity in all areas of the country music industry.”

The 90-minute Zoom sessions will begin at 4 p.m. CT and include a conversation with a creator of color and focus on one segment of the industry. There is no cost to students.

The other program dates are:
March 31—Publishers, Performing Rights Organizations and Songwriters;
April 21—Talent Agencies and Promoters;
May 26—Studios, Producers and Engineers;
June 23—Entrepreneurial Opportunities (Digital Marketing, Publicity, etc.).

Series sponsors are BMI, Change the Conversation, CMT, Country Music Association, Diversify the Stage, Nashville Music Equality and the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter.

Details and registration here.

Reservoir Signs Brooke Eden to Worldwide Publishing Deal [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Chandler Cunningham (Reservoir Creative Coordinator), Brian O’Neil (Brooke Eden’s manager, Constellation Management), Brooke Eden, John Ozier (Reservoir EVP Creative), Greg Gallo (Reservoir VP Creative). Photo: Haley Crow

Reservoir announces the signing of country singer-songwriter Brooke Eden to a worldwide publishing deal. The deal includes Eden’s future works and most notably a trio of new singles including “No Shade,” which was released on Friday (Feb. 5).

“I had one Zoom meeting with the Reservoir team and just knew they had to be my new publishing family!” says Eden. “Working with [Reservoir VP, Creative] Greg Gallo in the past through co-writes, I knew his passion for songs and songwriters, and I knew I needed that fire from my publishing team. Then I met [Reservoir EVP, Creative] John Ozier and he put the icing on the cake. This team is fierce, and we all love what we do so much that it makes the whole creative process a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together!”

Ozier adds, “Brooke is a powerful storyteller, and it is an honor to support her creatively as she shares new music with the world. We are so happy to add her remarkable talent to the Reservoir roster.”

Eden also recently announced her partnership with Brian O’Neil‘s newly formed Constellation Management & Consulting company.

Shenandoah Announces Rescheduled Dates for 2021 Every Road Tour

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Shenandoah has announced the rescheduled 2021 tour dates for their Every Road Tour. The tour will hit venues in select markets opening up with strict social distancing measures, and will kick off Feb. 19 at the Arena Theatre in Houston.

Led by frontman Marty Raybon and co-founding member Mike McGuire, Shenandoah will perform catalog favorites like “Church on Cumberland Road,” “Sunday in the South” and “Two Dozen Roses” as well as material from their latest album, Every Road on the new dates.

“It has been way too long. It’s been a ‘hard day’s night’ to quote the Beatles, but it’s time to get on the bus, run the highway and listen to the crowd. Excitement is not a big enough word for the way the Shenandoah camp feels. We’re ready to get back to the Big E – entertainment. Y’all come out and capture some of this cooped up energy,” said Raybon.

Every Road marked the group’s first album of all-new music since 1994. Shenandoah released several instant-grat tracks from the 10-song album, produced by Buddy Cannon, starting with the lead single “I’d Take Another One of Those” with Zac Brown Band. The second track, “Every Time I Look At You” with Lady A, debuted on The Kelly Clarkson Show and features a video airing now on CMT.

The Every Road Tour Dates:
Feb. 19 Arena Theatre – Houston, Texas
Feb. 20 Billy Bob’s – Ft. Worth, Texas
March 5 Private Event – Corpus Christi, Texas
March 21 Firefighters Indian River – Vero Beach, Fla.
March 27 The Stone Theater at Keestone Resort – Loretto, Tenn.
April 2 Cotton Country Club – Granger, Texas
April 3 Coyote Country Store – Gail, Texas
April 24 Private Event – Ardmore, Ala.
May 1 ValleyFest Park – Dunlap, Tenn.
May 15 Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival – Sevierville, Tenn.
May 22 Liberty Showcase Theatre – Liberty, N.C.
May 29 Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – Stateline, Nev.
May 30 Rolling Hills Casino – Corning, Calif.
June 5 Green River Live – Greensburg, Ky.
June 18 Ford County Fairgrounds – Melvin, Ill.
June 19 Winstock Country Music Festival – Winsted, Minn.
June 26 Cattle Baron’s Ball – Waco, Texas
July 2 Wild West Festival – Hays, Kan.
July 4 Freedom Celebration – Albuquerque, N.M.
July 9 Huntley Homestead – Huntley, Mont.
July 15 Gardiner Farms – Tuscumbia, Ala.
July 17 Country Jam USA – Eau Claire, Wis.
July 22 Marshall County Fair Campground – Warren, Minn.
July 29 Jackson County Junior Fair – Cottageville, W.Va.
July 30 Country Tonite Theatre – Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
July 31 Warren Sewell Field – Woodland, Ala.
Aug. 5 Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds – Elma, Wash.
Aug. 7 Crook County Fairgrounds – Prineville, Ore.
Aug. 17 State Fair of West Virginia – Lewisburg, W.Va.
Aug. 26 Minnesota State Fair – St. Paul, Minn.
Aug. 27 Minnesota State Fair – St. Paul, Minn.
Aug. 28 Callaway 200 Bicentennial Bash – Fulton, Mo.
Sept. 24 Showplace Theatre at Riverwind Casino – Norman, Okla.
Sept. 28 Brown County Fair – Georgetown, Ohio
Oct. 15 Watson Lake Park – Prescott, Ariz.
Oct. 16 Heber Valley Fest – Heber City, Utah
Oct. 23 Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo – Bryan, Texas
Oct. 30 Live Oak County Fair Grounds & Coliseum – George West, Texas

Industry Ink: CMHoF, YEP, Songs For Sound

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The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum Promotes Seven Staffers

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum announced that seven staff members have been promoted to either associate director or director roles within the museum’s Creative, Guest Relations, Information Technology and Marketing teams.

Pam Carey has been named director of creative project management. In this role, Carey directs the strategy, workload and timelines for all of the museum’s creative and content initiatives.

Nicole Childrey has been promoted to director of digital content. In this role, she oversees the development and implementation of creative, digital content initiatives across the institution, including social media strategy and content marketing.

Luke Wiget will be the museum’s director of creative content responsible for the creation of the museum’s digital storytelling and content marketing. In this role, Wiget oversees a team that is responsible for producing photography, video, motion graphics and radio content for the museum and its properties.

Lindsey Funfgeld, who most recently served as guest relations manager, has been promoted to associate director of guest relations, where she oversees the museum’s guest relations and reservations team.

Johnny Cunningham has been promoted to director of information and technology operations, where he is responsible for the management, strategy and execution of IT infrastructure for the organization while building a technology roadmap for the future.

Kaley Daeger will become the museum’s director of information and technology business solutions, where she provides oversight and counsel on recommended uses of technology to achieve strategic goals and initiatives, as well as on future technology needs and emerging technologies.

Tori Tarvin has been elevated to the role of director of marketing. In this role, Tarvin is responsible for the institution’s marketing strategy, paid media, promotions and partnerships, digital distribution channel management, email marketing efforts, project management, and music and media licensing.

 

YEP Celebrates 10th Anniversary with YEPPIES

Last week YEP (Young Entertainment Professionals) marked its 10th anniversary with its first-ever YEPPIES, a digital award show honoring the organization’s outstanding members.

In the past decade the non-profit networking group for the entertainment industry has grown to more than 38,000 members across all social media platforms with chapters in Nashville and Los Angeles.

Favorite Songwriter: Emily Falvey
Favorite Nashville Venue: The Basement East
Most Active YEP Board Alum: Andrew Cohen
Favorite Manager: Carrie Lelwica
Favorite Publicist: Mary Katelyn Price
Best Mentor: Rachel Guttmann
Favorite Tour Manager: Carrie Lelwica
Favorite Photographer: Rachel Deeb
Favorite Social Media Manager: Jacquie Painten
Most Active YEP Member: Corey Horn
Favorite Up-And-Coming Artist: Tenille Arts
Favorite Videographer: Randy Shaffer
Favorite Producer: Corey Horn

 

Songs For Sound Announces New Co-Director

(L-R): Founder and CEO Jaime Vernon; and Managing Dir. of Partnerships, Loyalty, and Audiological Care Miranda Weidle. Photo Courtesy of Songs for Sound

Songs for Sound, a Nashville-based organization working to protect and restore hearing for the 400 million people worldwide who suffer from hearing loss, has hired Miranda Weidle as Managing Dir. of Partnerships, Loyalty, and Audiological Care. She will work alongside Founder and CEO Jaime Vernon.

Weidle, an audiologist for 20 years, will oversee daily operations, strategic planning, industry partnerships and campaigns aimed to increase the standards of audiological care. She is married to country artist Jimmy Charles and the founder of YouniqueNashville, an artist branding, management and booking company.

To date, Songs for Sound has given over 26,000 people free hearing tests and support nationwide.

Weidle can be reached at mweidle@songsforsound.com.