Country Music Well Represented At The World Series

Carly Pearce, Zac Brown, Lauren Alaina

Country music was well represented at the Major League Baseball World Series this season, with Zac Brown, Lauren Alaina, and Carly Pearce all performing the National Anthem during this year’s series.

Brown did the honors of singing the National Anthem at Game 3 of the World Series on Friday night (Oct. 29) at Truist Park in Atlanta before the Atlanta Braves took on the Houston Astros. Brown, who is a Georgia native, also narrated Fox’s Game 4 pre-pitch segment, which aired on Saturday night (Oct. 30) just before the game.

Another Georgian, Alaina was invited to perform the National Anthem before Game 5 at Truist Park. “It was truly an honor to be able to sing the National Anthem at the World Series for my favorite team,” Alaina tells MusicRow. “It was so incredible to feel all 65,000 people in that stadium come together as one. It’s such a powerful song and represents unity. I will never forget it. The icing on the cake was my dad getting to be there. He was in heaven. I can’t thank MLB and the Braves enough for the opportunity of a lifetime. GO BRAVES.”

Pearce sang the Anthem before Game 6 in the series, with the Braves leading the Astros three games to two in the best of seven series. “Few things are as American and iconic as the World Series… like singing at the Grand Ole Opry, this is one of those things you don’t dare dream — and almost can’t believe when it’s actually happening,” says Pearce of the experience.

The Atlanta Braves clinched the series last night (Nov. 2) after defeating the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6 at Minute Maid Park. The epic win marks their first World Series title since 1995.

ACM Lifting Lives Announces Board Of Directors For 2021-2022 Term

ACM Lifting Lives has announced the newly elected Board of Directors for its 2021-2022 term.

As previously announced, officer roles for the 2021-2022 term are Troy Vollhoffer as Chair, Lorie Lytle as Vice-Chair, Daniel Miller as Vice President, Duane Clark as Treasurer, and Taylor Wolf as Secretary.

“As we conclude a monumental year for ACM Lifting Lives, we are grateful for the service of this year’s board members and the role they played in helping to distribute more than $3.8 million in funds to our country music community,” says Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives executive director. “We are excited to welcome our new board members and to utilize their unique expertise and passion in continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of others though the power of music.”

The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors is comprised of ACM Board Members, referred to as representative directors, and leaders in non-profit and corporate affairs who are referred to as public directors.

2021-2022 ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors:
Officers:
Chair – Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
Vice-Chair – Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Vice President – Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
Treasurer – Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary – Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives

Representative Directors:
– Jackie Campbell, 615 Leverage + Strategy
– Duane Clark, FBMM
– RAC Clark, Lion’s Heart Entertainment*
– Beville Dunkerley, Pandora
– Rod Essig, CAA
– Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
– Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management*
– Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
– Darin Murphy, CAA*
– Annie Ortmeier, Universal Music Group Nashville*
– Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
– Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
– Sally Williams, Live Nation

Public Directors:
– Scott Adkins, Adkins Publicity**
– Tiffany Brush, Topgolf**
– Mark Bloom, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
– Ross Copperman
– Chris Farren, Combustion Music
– Kathleen Flaherty, K21 Communications
– Fletcher Foster, F2 Entertainment
– Julie Gordon***
– John Hickman, Dallas Cowboys
– Greg Hill, Hill Entertainment Group
– Ricky Kelley, Harley-Davidson of Columbia
– Ellen Lehman, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee**
– Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
– Beth Moore
– Kimberly Schlapman, Little Big Town
– Meredith Seacrest, Ryan Seacrest Foundation
– F. Reid Shippen, Robot Lemon
– Elaina Smith, Nights with Elaina
– Jay Williams, WME
– Judee Ann Williams, CAA**

* – Newly elected Representative directors
** – Newly elected Public directors
*** – Newly appointed Public director

Bridgestone Arena Updates COVID Entry Protocols

Bridgestone Arena

Bridgestone Arena will no longer require fans and guests to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to attend Nashville Predator games, starting Nov. 13. The change in protocol will also apply to events and concerts held at the venue unless a specific tour or event has its own protocols that differ from the protocols being announced today (Nov. 3).

“We would like to thank Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the Nashville Health Department and countless other partners for continuing to provide insight that enabled us to bring this good news to the community,” says President and CEO of Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators, Sean Henry. “We are encouraged that the data trends are moving briskly in a positive direction; today’s announcement is consistent with our original intention to update our protocols as case counts and transmission levels evolved.”

The relaxing of COVID-19 protocols comes as Davidson County’s transmission level has dropped below the “Substantial Transmission” level in the CDC’s metrics of percentage of positive tests in the past seven days. More information on the CDC’s measurement of levels of community transmission can be found here.

“The Metro Public Health Department appreciates Bridgestone Arena’s concern for the health of their fans and for continuing to consult with us on their safety protocols,” says Metro Public Health Bureau Director Hugh Atkins.

All policies and procedures remain subject to change and masks remain strongly recommended for those attending a game or event at Bridgestone Arena.

Joe Ginsberg Inks With Anthem Entertainment, Wrensong Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Maurna Donovan (Wrensong Publishing), Ree Guyer (President/Owner of Wrensong Publishing), Joe Ginsberg, Abbe Nameche (Wrensong Publishing), Noah Dewey (Anthem Entertainment), Tim Wipperman (President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville)
Photo: Alex Heddle

Songwriter and producer Joe Ginsberg has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Anthem Entertainment and Wrensong Publishing.

Originally hailing from Denver, Ginsberg graduated from the University of Southern California with a jazz studies degree in upright bass. He spent 15 years living in Los Angeles touring with bands before co-writing the Miranda Lambert single “Little Red Wagon.”

Following the song’s success, Ginsberg moved to Nashville and signed with BMG Nashville, shifting his focus to writing and producing full time in 2014. During his time at BMG, he sharpened his writing and production skills while landing cuts with Carly Pearce, Bailey Bryan, Larry Fleet and many more.

“Joe is that rare writer who feels genuine in multiple music styles and brings a unique flavor to whatever world he’s contributing to,” says President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville Tim Wipperman. “He’s great to have in the house.”

“‘Little Red Wagon’ has been one of my favorite songs in the recent past,” adds Wrensong’s Owner/President, Ree Guyer.  “Being able to not only meet Joe but get the opportunity to work with him, I was absolutely thrilled. He’s definitely coming into his own as an amazing writer and producer and we are thrilled to have him as a part of the Anthem/Wrensong family. Along with being an incredibly talented songwriter, Ginsberg’s gift and passion for production is unmatched.”

“I am so honored and proud to join the Wrensong/Anthem family,” shares Ginsberg. “Wrensong’s enthusiasm and focus is unmatched in this business…f rom our first meeting I felt free and inspired to be my creative (and strange) self. In this business that type of spark can often be a difficult thing to find, and I am so excited to take this ride together.”

Randy Travis To Release Deluxe Edition Of His Classic ‘Old Time Christmas’ Album

Randy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor

Randy Travis is ringing in the holidays with the release of An Old Time Christmas (Deluxe Edition) on Nov. 19, featuring three never-before-released songs.

Originally released in 1989, the Gold album is the first Christmas record Travis ever released. The Country Music Hall of Fame member’s songs have become Christmas standards, and he has appeared in movie classics like Annabelle’s Wish and A Holiday to Remember.

An Old Time Christmas (Deluxe Edition) will be available for preorder on Nov. 12 at RandyTravis.com.

In addition to the album release, Travis will celebrate his 35th Anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry with a special appearance on Dec. 11. The lineup for that evening’s show also includes Jon Pardi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carly Pearce and Don Schlitz, with more to be announced.

An Old Time Christmas (Deluxe Edition) Track List:
1. Old Time Christmas (2021 Remaster)
2. Winter Wonderland (2021 Remaster)
3. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (2021 Remaster)
4. White Christmas Makes Me Blue (2021 Remaster)
5. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (2021 Remaster)
6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (2021 Remaster)
7. Pretty Paper (2021 Remaster)
8. Oh, What a Silent Night (2021 Remaster)
9. How Do I Wrap My Heart Up for Christmas (2021 Remaster)
10. The Christmas Song (2021 Remaster)
11. Little Toy Trains (From The Vault)
12. There’s a New Kid In Town (From The Vault)
13. White Christmas (From The Vault)

BMI To Hold Country Awards As Online Celebration

BMI will hold its 69th annual Country Awards as an online event again this year. The PRO will pay homage to the creative community in Nashville with a special online celebration launching on Nov. 15.

The celebration will take place on BMI.com and on BMI social media and will feature exclusive videos from award winners. In keeping with BMI’s tradition, the celebration will honor the Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and the 50 most-performed country songs of the past year.

Last year, artists and songwriters including Ross Copperman and Warner Chappell were among those receiving top honors during the online 2020 BMI Country Awards.

Travis Tritt Announces Solo Acoustic Tour For 2022

Travis Tritt. Photo: David Abbott

Travis Tritt has announced his new solo acoustic tour, “An Evening with Travis Tritt,” which will kick off Jan. 13 in Jackson, Tenn. and run through Feb. 27.

The intimate shows will feature Tritt sharing personal stories and anecdotes about his life and musical influences. He’ll perform some of his biggest hits along with songs off his new album, Set In Stone, his first original full-length studio album in more than a decade that was produced by Dave Cobb.

Among the cities he’ll visit on the new run will be Birmingham, Virginia Beach, Baton Rouge, Beaumont, and more. Tickets for various shows will be available for pre-sale starting Nov. 3 with public on-sale starting Nov. 5.

This announcement comes after news that Tritt had cancelled his concerts at venues that require proof of COVID vaccination, mask mandates, or testing. Shows that do not have mandates are set to continue as scheduled.

“An Evening with Travis Tritt” Tour Dates:
Jan 13: Jackson, TN – Carl Perkins Civic Center
Jan 15: Birmingham, AL – Alabama Theatre
Jan 17-18: Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
Jan 19: Tiffin, OH – The Ritz Theatre
Jan 22: Myrtle Beach, SC – The Carolina Opry
Jan 23: Virginia Beach, VA – Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 11: Baton Rouge, LA – L’Auberge Casino & Hotel
Feb 12: Waco, TX – Waco Hippodrome Theater
Feb 13: Beaumont, TX – Jefferson Theatre*
Feb 16: Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Feb 18-19: Mt. Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Feb 20: Zainesville, OH – Secrest Auditorium
Feb 23: Fort Wayne, IN – The Embassy*
Feb 25: Jackson, MI – Michigan Theater
Feb 26: Lorain, OH – Lorain Palace Theater*
Feb 27: Wilkes Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts

Pete Good Extends Co-Venture With SMACKSongs & King Pen Music/Warner Chappell Music Nashville

Pictured (back row, L-R): Christina Wiltshire, Harrison Sokoloff, Sam Sarno, Ben Vaughn, Jeremy Groves; (front row, L-R): Robin Palmer, Pete Good, Kelly King. Photo: Molly Bouchon

Songwriter and producer Pete Good has extended his worldwide music publishing deal with SMACKSongs and King Pen Music/Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

A Sioux Falls, South Dakota native, Good has written songs for Tim McGraw, Walker Hayes, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker and more, and produced projects for artists like Tenille Townes, CB30, Brandon Ratcliff, Teddy Robb, and Alex Hall.

“We’ve had a great working relationship with Pete Good and he’s been a really valuable member of our roster and team,” says Robin Palmer, chief creative officer, SMACKSongs. “We’re excited to continue this successful partnership with Kelly King and King Pen Music.”

“It has been a real blessing to work beside such a hardworking, dedicated friend, Pete Good, and watching his amazing talent continue to evolve. I am looking forward to continuing our partnership with SMACKSongs, as well with Warner Chappell joining the team, and what the future holds for us,” said Kelly King, president, King Pen Music.

“I’m very excited to continue writing songs for SMACKSongs and King Pen Music,” adds Good. “I have always felt at home with this team, and appreciate their pursuit of great songs.”

Skillet & Tauren Wells To Headline 2022 Winter Jam Tour

Winter Jam, one of Christian music’s biggest multi-artist tours, has announced the lineup for its 2022 “All Together Now” tour. Sponsored by Compassion International, headliners for this year’s event will feature Skillet and Tauren Wells.

Skillet, best known for songs like “Whispers in the Dark,” “Hero,” and “Monster” joins the tour with their new album Dominion set to release Jan. 14. Meanwhile, Wells is coming off his hit single “Famous For (I Believe),” which won Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the 2021 GMA Dove Music Awards.

“We are beyond excited to play Winter Jam again,” says John Cooper of Skillet. “Due to the times we are living in, I think Winter Jam will have more energy, more passion and will be more encouraging than ever before. We’ll be playing new songs from our upcoming record, Dominion, and some of the old fan favorites too. We are ready, the fans are ready—let’s kick off 2022 as a year of victory instead of defeat!”

Also included in this year’s lineup are KB, Colton Dixon, I Am They, and NewSong. Shane Pruitt is slated to speak while Abby Robertson and Bayside Worship will lead the pre-jam. Once again, the tour will honor it’s “no ticket required” policy with a $10 donation at the door.

Winter Jam kicks off this year’s tour on Jan. 7 in Charleston, West Virginia; and will hit a total of 41 cities around the country, including Columbus, Tampa, Tulsa, St. Louis, and more before its final stop on March 27 in Allen, Texas.

“I am so excited about getting back out on a full 41 city Winter Jam Tour with an amazing lineup,” says Eddie Carswell of NewSong. “After the last couple of years, we wanted to make sure everyone could come to these shows, so we went to just a $10 donation at the door. The heart of Winter Jam is to make it affordable for everyone. It’s all about the people getting together to hear the music and the message of Jesus.”

For more information and a full list of tour dates, click here.

Russell Dickerson, Phil Vassar, More Among 2021 Christmas 4 Kids Concert Lineup

Russell Dickerson, Phil Vassar, Jeffrey Steele, Eddie Montgomery, Brett James, November Blue, Steve Dorff and Carolyn Dawn Johnson will perform as part of this year’s Christmas 4 Kids concert on Nov. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Vassar will host the benefit, which has provided hundreds of underprivileged children in Middle Tennessee with their very own Christmas shopping spree each year for over three decades. The funds generated by the Ryman concert and Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet are used to give over 400 children from 29 different schools a special day with a chauffeured trip aboard an entertainer’s tour bus, dinner, a party hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a shopping trip to Walmart where the children receive a brand new winter coat and $175.00 to spend however they choose.

“I’m just so proud to be a part of the Christmas 4 Kids organization,” says Vassar. “Charlie Daniels passed the torch on to us, and it is an honor to carry on this tradition that is such a big part of our community in Nashville.”

“We are excited to have Phil Vassar join us again to host our 2021 fundraiser,” adds Christmas 4 Kids President Linda O’Connell. “We missed everyone last year and are thrilled to be back with a great slate of artists to raise funds so that we can take 400 elementary school children Christmas shopping this year.”

Tickets for the show are available now at Ryman.com. Masks are required for concert entry.