Uncategorized Archives - Page 1335 of 1363

Pinnacle and Avenue Bank Announce Merger

January 28, 2016/by Sherod Robertson

Pinnacle and Avenue Bank have jointly announced today (Jan. 28) the signing of a definitive agreement for Avenue to merge into Pinnacle.

The proposed merger has been approved by each company’s Board of Directors and is expected to close later this year. Completion of the deal is subject to regulatory approvals and the approval of Avenue’s shareholders.

Ron Samuels, Avenue’s chairman and chief executive officer, will be named vice chairman of Pinnacle’s board of directors once the acquisition is completed. He will serve on Pinnacle’s Senior Leadership Team and will report to Pinnacle’s president and chief executive officer, M. Terry Turner.

Samuels will be responsible for continuing Avenue’s development of a national franchise focused on the music industry as well as ensuring that Avenue’s history of strong growth continues in the combined firm.

“Both we and Pinnacle have been committed to the idea that Nashville deserves a large and impactful local bank. Bringing Nashville’s two best locally owned banks together is a fabulous thing for this city,” Samuels said. “By joining forces, Pinnacle and Avenue can grow faster and more efficiently, realize more value for our shareholders and provide a broader array of banking services to the client base than we could as independent firms. Since Avenue’s founding in 2006 we have focused on offering sophisticated services to Middle Tennessee’s businesses and their owners with a personal touch, and we will continue that tradition with Pinnacle.”

The full press release can be read here.

Ringside: A Fight For Kids Announces Participants In 12th Annual ‘Rumble On The Row’

January 12, 2016/by Troy_Stephenson

Four country music industry professionals have been named for the 2016 “Rumble on the Row” bouts at the 12th annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids gala boxing event, presented by City Auto. It will happen on Friday, March 4 in Liberty Hall at The Factory in Franklin, TN.

RCA Nashville Director, National Promotion Josh Easler will face EMI Director, Regional promotion Chris Fabiani. And Jon Andolina, Director of Tour Marketing/Sponsorships for Jake Owen, will take on Arista regional Rusty Sherrill.

The evening event will include gourmet dining, sounds by DJ KO, surprise celebrity guests, a silent auction with numerous one-of-a-kind items, and boxing featuring two “Rumble on the Row” and three additional amateur bouts.

The annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids event supports The Charley Foundation, the Nashville non-profit organization that provides assistance to disable and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups throughout Middle Tennessee.

“Ringside’s ‘Rumble on the Row’ bouts are always the most anticipated and this year’s match-ups will be fierce competitions,” said Carolyn Miller, founder and chairman of The Charley Foundation, who produces the annual event. “I am so grateful to these four gents for their commitment to train and help raise funds for this event which will directly help impact the lives of so many local children in need.”

For tables and tickets, visit charleyfoundation.org.

The Peach Pickers Announce Annual ‘Georgia On My Mind’ Benefit Concert

January 5, 2016/by Troy_Stephenson

GOMM 2016 Deck Cover

The song-writing trio known as The Peach Pickers (Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins) will once again host “Jameson Irish Whiskey Presents: Georgia On My Mind,” an evening celebrating the music of Georgia.

The event returns to the historic Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 and will include a special tribute to Otis Redding.

Tickets are available for purchase now, with proceeds benefitting the non-profit Georgia Music Foundation. Tickets are $49.50 and $39.50 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, ryman.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Davidson, who serves as chair of the Georgia Music Foundation, says, “For all of us, this benefit concert is about giving back to Georgia and supporting invaluable programs like this one.”

For the past two years, special guests and surprise performers have joined The Peach Pickers on stage including Georgia natives Lauren Alaina, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, and more.

Pictured (L-R): Dallas Davidson, Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, Play It Again Music Publishing’s Austin Marshall, Maggie Rose, Ben Hayslip and Rhett Akins

Underwood, Bentley, Chesney to Headline ACM’s Party For A Cause

December 16, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

The Academy of Country Music will bring numerous stars to Vegas for its fourth ACM Party For A Cause, slated for April 1-3, 2016 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on the Strip.

Full-set performances will include headliners Carrie Underwood (Friday, April 1), Dierks Bentley (Saturday, April 2) and Kenny Chesney (Sunday, April 3).

Additional performers include Frankie Ballard, Kelsea Ballerini, Lee Brice, Cam, Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Kip Moore, Kellie Pickler, Chris Stapleton, Chris Young, Maddie & Tae, Old Dominion and more to be announced.

The Party Stage will feature more hit makers and rising stars including Lauren Alaina, Kelleigh Bannen, Chase Bryant, Lindsay Ell, Jana Kramer, Chris Lane, Jackson Michelson, Granger Smith, Brothers Osborne , with more artists to be announced soon.

Underwood is also slated to host a special “ACM Women of Country Night.” More details on the evening will be announced soon.

Ticket proceeds from the ACM Party For A Cause Festival benefit the Academy’s charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives. Generous giving from fans, and partnerships with artists, has allowed ACM Lifting Lives to support military programs that use music therapy to aid our veterans and wounded warriors, while providing funding to help them ease back into civilian life. Over $400,000 has been donated to various military organizations in just three years.

“We’re excited to bring the ACM Party for a Cause Festival back to our home-away-from-home in Las Vegas,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “As we continue to raise the bar in country music entertainment, we’re also educating guests on the causes they’re contributing to. It’s because of the fans buying tickets and joining us for this event, that we’re able to support and give back to those that serve and protect our country.”

Three-day passes are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Keith Urban To Be Presented The CRS Artist Humanitarian Award

December 14, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

The Country Radio Broadcasters have announced Keith Urban as the recipient of the 2016 CRS Artist Humanitarian Award. The honor will be presented by last year’s Artist Humanitarian Award recipient, Lady Antebellum, at the opening ceremonies of Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 8, 2016.

CRS Executive Director, Bill Mayne says, “Keith Urban is a true humanitarian who gives out of love, passion, spirit, and generosity. It’s been an honor to witness quietly from the sidelines, the amount of time, talent, and passion that Keith has selflessly given over his life and career. The impact and reach of his generosity has effected so many and is so broad in scope and depth – his is a bar of humanitarian effort, that we all can be inspired by!”

The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.

Past recipients of the Artist Humanitarian Award have included Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others.

The T.J. Martell Foundation To Honor Community Leaders

December 14, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Aubrey Harwell, Brian Philips, Dr. Jennifer Pietenpol, Frederick W. Smith, Kenny Rogers.

The T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research will honor community leaders at their 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala taking place at Nashville’s Omni Hotel on Monday, Feb. 29, 2016.

The honorees this year include:
Aubrey Harwell – Spirit of Nashville Award
Brian Philips – Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award
Dr. Jennifer Pietenpol – Medical Research Advancement Award
Kenny Rogers – Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award
FedEx Corporation – Outstanding Global Citizenship Award with
Frederick W. Smith accepting on behalf of more than 350,000 team members around the world.

The 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala is co-chaired by T.J. Martell Foundation board members, Dave Berryman, President of Gibson Guitar Corp. and Leslie Fram, CMT’s Senior Vice-President of Music Strategy. The evening is produced by Martin Fisher and Edie Hoback of High Five Entertainment and has raised over 3.5 million dollars since its inception in 2009.

Tickets and table sponsorships are available by contacting (615) 256-2002 or emailing tmoffat@tjmartell.org. Visit tjmartell.org for more information.

BMI Teams With Artist Growth To Capture Artists’ Self-Reported Tour Data

December 9, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Performing rights organization BMI has partnered with Artist Growth to utilize AG Accel to capture artists’ self-reported tour data.

BMI will use AG Accel to better identify and spotlight their existing affiliates whose careers are beginning to show signs of traction. The announcement comes recently after Artist Growth teamed up with Caroline and SONY to identify new artists outside their networks.

“Entering into this agreement with Artist Growth is the next logical step in the integration of the app with our BMI Live program,” says Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations Nashville. “We believe in the Artist Growth format and now there is a way for us to continue to monitor the success of BMI affiliated bands and artists in a way that previously did not exist. Now, when we are asked by industry gatekeepers which up and coming writers are buzzworthy, we can use the data to quantify this to other industry members.”

“It’s time that a formal process exists to provide artists with a direct channel to share their achievements with potential partners. BMI is at the center of the songwriting universe and we are proud to be working with them to ensure that artists have an outlet for proper recognition. Everyone should have the opportunity to get in front of investors, sponsors, and potential industry partners and BMI is helping us to expand this resource to new frontiers. We’re passionate about bringing this network to the industry, and believe that it will become an indispensable way for artists to connect with partners.”

Artist Growth previously partnered with BMI in 2012 for a ‘first of its kind’ software integration to streamline live performance royalty submissions for musicians through BMI Live, an innovative program designed to pay royalties to songwriters for live performances in bars, clubs, restaurants and other music venues. Through that partnership, BMI members signed up for BMI Live are able to submit their set lists for royalty payments as soon as they leave the stage via their Artist Growth app.

CMHoF Partners with Google for Williams Family Virtual Exhibition

December 4, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHoF) has teamed with Google‘s Cultural Institute project to feature its 2008–09 Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy exhibit, from the Hank Williams family, as part of 60 digital experiences from the world’s foremost cultural institutions.

The online display is available on mobiles, tablets and desktop computers, offering a unique, interactive online experience showcasing the best in dance, music, opera and more.

“Our mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the evolving history of country music,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “The Hank Williams story is a multi-layered saga of triumph and tragedy, set in the hardscrabble South over several generations. Partnering with Google allows us to tell that story around the world, beyond the life of the Family Tradition exhibit. This collaboration is a game-changer.”

Amit Sood, director of the Google Cultural Institute, commented: “Our goal is to open up performing arts to all, to catch the eye of the curious and offer access to details that even die-hard fans have never seen before.”

Through rare and previously unavailable images provided by the Williams family, the CMHoF’s exhibit examines the ways in which American music continues to be influenced by Williams.

Other cultural arts centers participating include: American Ballet Theatre, Carnegie Hall, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Opera and many more.

CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award Presented To Steve Turner

December 2, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Pictured L-R: Bill Denny, lifetime CMA Board member; Judy Turner; Steve Turner; Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee; Jon Loba, CMA Awards and Recognition Committee Chairman and Executive Vice President, BBR Music Group; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Frank Bumstead, CMA Board Chairman and Chairman, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Photo Credit: Christian Bottorff/CMA

Steve Turner, President of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors and Founder of MarketStreet Enterprises, was presented the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award today (Dec 2) during the CMA Board of Directors meeting at the Omni Hotel in Nashville.

“I am honored and touched by this award from the Country Music Association,” said Turner. “I am also gratified by the fact that it symbolizes the shared goals of two institutions striving to build and maintain the stature of country music around the world.”

The award was presented to Turner by Jon Loba, Chairman of the CMA Awards and Recognition Committee and Executive Vice President of BBR Music Group; Bill Denny, lifetime CMA Board member; and Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee.

“His steadfast enthusiasm, his contribution of countless hours, and his vision has secured the Hall of Fame’s future without compromising its mission of preserving the music we all love,” said Lee. “I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of the CMA Foundation’s Humanitarian Award.”

The CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award is for an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism, and advocacy. Those recognized must be a Country Music professional who has evidenced commitment to worthwhile causes that are important to the Country Music Association and the Country Music community.

The honor was created in 2014 and Kix Brooks was the first recipient.

ASCAP Names Lisa Selden As SVP, Administration Services

December 2, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Lisa Selden

ASCAP announced today (Dec. 2) that Lisa Selden will join its executive leadership team as Senior Vice President, Administration Services, effective Jan. 1, 2016.

Selden will oversee processing and payment of royalties services for clients of Administration Services. She will also identify opportunities to develop new competitive service offerings for existing and new domestic and international customers as market needs evolve.

Selden has 15 years of experience with multi-platform and digital businesses, most recently as SVP, Strategy, Operations and Business Development for Viacom Music Brands. During 10 years with Viacom, she launched its music publishing business, and increased revenue and profitability from its media assets by innovating ways to monetize content across the web, television and mobile. Selden held earlier positions with Napster 2.0 and HBO. She has an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a B.A. from Syracuse University.

“Lisa brings an innovative, entrepreneurial mindset and client service experience to this position. She has worked at the digital, cutting edge of traditional companies as they strive to leverage their assets in productive new ways to meet changing industry dynamics,” said Alice Kim, ASCAP Chief Strategy and Development Officer. “As we seek to expand capabilities for all of our members and customers, Lisa’s approach will be essential to helping ASCAP continue to flourish in tomorrow’s performing rights landscape.”

“Lisa is a key addition to the strong executive team that we are building to evolve ASCAP’s mission to meet the demands of the new music marketplace,” added ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.