The Store Marks One-Year Anniversary Of Serving Nashville Community

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The Store, the nonprofit free-referral based grocery store co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, is celebrating its one-year anniversary and marking a year of serving many more families in a more widespread way than ever imagined when it was originally conceived.

The nonprofit had no idea a year ago how its operation model was going to change. It opened for in-store clients on March 12, 2020, following the March 3 tornado that devastated parts of Nashville. The Store was only open for four days when the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread and in-store shopping was not going to be feasible. A new plan was implemented to reach people in need as they sheltered at home. A home delivery system for the elderly was immediately put in place, and curbside pick-up was implemented for households in need. Weekly deliveries are currently capped at 450 households and curbside pickup is at 200 per week, which is six times the initial projection.

Fifty-four million people are estimated to be suffering from food insecurity nationally at this time, with one in four being children and one in six elderly. The Store serves the community not only food staples, but fresh produce, toiletries, household cleaners, pet food, diapers and other non-food items needed provided by sponsors, partners and donors.

“When we started dreaming about creating The Store years ago, we never imagined we would open our doors just days from catastrophic events—the tornados and then the pandemic—that would greatly impact the need for assistance in our community for months and months to come…. We couldn’t have opened The Store without fantastic community involvement from many people and organizations, including Belmont University, our board, staff, referral partners, volunteers, donors and the Edgehill community,” says The Paisleys, The Store, co-founders. “None of us could have done this alone. We are definitely Better Together.”

The Store’s referring agencies increased from the original six partners in March 2020 to currently fifteen. Clients are referred by Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Edgehill Community Partners/MDHA, Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Monroe Harding (Reengagement Hub), Conexión Américas, CMA, Metro Public Health Department (COVID Reserve Group), Oasis (Transitions Program), TriStar Centennial Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Hillsboro High School/MNPS Hillsboro Cluster, Safe Haven Family Shelter, Amerigroup, End Slavery TN, Community Achieves Program and YWCA.

“We are so grateful for our community partners who have worked with us as we rapidly adjusted our operating model to meet this year’s challenges, our volunteers who stepped up to deliver groceries to our elderly neighbors, and our donors who recognized that their support meant food on tables this past year,” says Courtney Vrablik, The Store, Executive Director. “I think it’s been a great example of how Nashville is at its best when we work together.”

Red Light Management And Twitch Partner To Launch CTRL_MUSIC_

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Red Light Management and interactive livestreaming service Twitch, have partnered to launch CTRL_MUSIC_, a country music channel on Twitch with live, interactive concerts by some of the genre’s biggest names.

Included on the channel will be the Country Now Live series, taking place Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. central, beginning March 17, with 24 consecutive weeks of performances, live Q&As with artists, behind the scenes access, and lifestyle exclusive content. Country Now Live is in partnership with CountryNow.com, a country music news and lifestyle website.

The first round of performers appearing on the Country Now Live series on CTRL_MUSIC_ include Brett Young, Lady A, Chris Janson, Jordan Davis, Elle King, Riley Green and Lindsay Ell.

Performances will take place at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, which has established itself as a standout concert venue with state-of-the-art production capabilities delivering the ultimate livestreamed experience.

The hour-long show will be captured by seven cameras, followed by an interactive Q&A from the stage, allowing online fans the opportunity to engage the artists in real-time. At present no live audiences will be allowed in venue, but that is subject to change based on local COVID-19 conditions and protocols.

Also featured exclusively on CTRL_MUSIC_ will be On Time with Bobby Bones, the monthly interview show by iHeartRadio host, TV personality and best-selling author, Bobby Bones.

 

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Travis Denning, Breland, Miranda Lambert, Shenandoah

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Travis Denning, BRELAND

There are a number of conflicting country forces in today’s stack of wax.

With two Shenandoah entries, there’s a hint of nostalgia in the air. Matthew West and Lathan Warlick bring a CCM flavor to the proceedings. The Wild West is an all-female band. Brett Kissel is a gust of Canadian country. Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall represent the acoustic, troubadour, singer-songwriter wing of our format. Robert Counts and Hardy are Southern rock.

Wandering through this forest of diverse sounds, we emerge with a DisCovery Award for Montana’s Jonah Prill. Finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day honor are Travis Denning and Breland, two thoroughly different artists who are doing superb work in their respective arenas.

JONAH PRILL / “You Remind Me”
Writers: Jonah Prill/Ryan Hayes/Justin Olmstead; Producer: none listed; Label: JP Media
— He has a resonant country baritone with a warm sincerity that suits this tune of romantic regret just fine. The track crashes around him with loads of electric guitar and rock energy. Promising.

CARLY PEARCE & MATTHEW WEST / “Truth Be Told”
Writers: Andrew Watt/Andrew Jacob Pruis/Matthew West; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
— The song has been a big CCM solo hit for West. The addition of Pearce makes the already affecting lyric shimmer with new polish. It’s a lovely effort, although I wish her excellent harmony vocals were mixed louder so that their “twin” performance twirled even brighter in the spotlight.

ANDREW JANNNAKOS / “Gone Too Soon”
Writers: Andrew Jannakos/Jason Afable/Josh Bricker; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— He sings well, and the swirly production is okay, if a little too busy. The tuneless pop song does nothing for me.

SHENANDOAH & BLAKE SHELTON / “Then a Girl Walks In”
Writers: Adam Sanders/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Foundry
— We’ve previously reviewed the Zac Brown Band and Ashley McBryde cuts from the Shenandoah duets album. Now comes a collaboration with the mighty Blake. He and band’s Marty Raybon are a very hearty vocal match for one another. It doesn’t hurt that the song is as warm and comfy as this one is. Solid work.

SAMMY SADLER & MARTY RAYBON / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob DiPiero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: none listed; Label: BFD/Audium
— Sadler’s album is titled 1989 because it consists of remakes of tunes from that year. In this case, it’s a Shenandoah chart topper, and the band’s Marty Raybon is along for the retro ride. Sadler doesn’t have Raybon’s vocal charisma, but he holds his own on this sprightly outing.

JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT & JON RANDALL / “In His Arms”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Recorded live outside with only Randall’s guitar for accompaniment, this airy, atmospheric performance is a like a fresh, clean breeze of authenticity. Lambert sings lead as her songwriting collaborators chime in with soft, gentle harmonies. In a word, enchanting.

BRETT KISSEL / “Make a Life, Not a Living”
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day/Steven Lee Olsen; Producer: Brett Kissel/Bart McKay/Jesse Frasure; Label: OneRPM
— Kissel is a huge deal north of the border, the reigning Canadian country Male Vocalist of the Year with buckets of Gold Records and awards. This soaring song of positivity has one of country’s most timeless messages: Money can’t buy happiness, and life’s simple pleasures are best.

ROBERT COUNTS & HARDY / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Hardy/Robert Counts/Jake Mitchell; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Ritchey; Label: Arista Nashville
— Lotsa noise—screaming guitars, pounding drums, shouted vocals. I think it’s supposed to be some kinda redneck/outlaw vibe. Both of them can do better.

TRAVIS DENNING / “ABBY”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
— “Abby” stands for “AnyBody But You,” which is how he feels about moving on from his ex and finding someone new. First of all, I love spelling songs. Second of all, this is as clever as all get out. Catchy, too. Play it.

THE WILD WEST / “Better Way”
Writers: Manda Mosher/Tawny Ellis/Heather Anne Lomax/Amilia K. Spicer/Pi Jacobs/Deb Morrison; Producer: Eric Craig/Manda Mosher; Label: Blackbird
— All six of the members of this all-female ensemble swap lead vocals, and they create choral magic when they all sing together. The song is a love-your-neighbor hippie ode with a lilting, inspirational vibe. It’s quite charming, in a homemade, under-produced kinda way.

LATHAN WARLICK & RAELYNN / “Roots”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Jarrod Ingram/Lathan Warlick/Racheal Lynn Davis/Summer Overstreet/Zach Dyer; Producer: The720; Label: Records/Columbia
— Warlick is a singer/rapper/dancer from Jackson, TN who has made a few waves in the Christian-music field. His collaboration with country’s RaeLynn is more hip-hop than country, despite her able singing. Pass.

BRELAND / “Cross Country”
Writers: Breland/Sam Sumser/Sean Small/Will Gittens; Producer: Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
— His “My Truck” collaboration with Sam Hunt was a Platinum success. Now Breland steps out with something even better, a lovely, uplifting, melodic tenor vocal performance that wafts and soars on zephyrs of sound. There’s equal parts of vulnerability and strength in his delivery of an autobiographical lyric about trying to find your place in a world where you don’t fit in. The acoustic guitar, gently shuffling rhythm and open-air atmosphere are all wondrous.

Lindsay Ell, Phillip Phillips, Breland Added To 2nd Ave Strong Concert

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Lindsay Ell, Phil Vassar, Phillip Phillips, Breland, Derek St. Holmes, Tyler Rich and Shenandoah with special guest Gyth Rigdon are among the artists added to the upcoming 2nd Ave Strong virtual concert to benefit the restoration and preservation of the historic district of downtown Nashville. They join previously announced artists Ashley McBryde, Lee Brice, Old Dominion and Scotty McCreery for the March 26 event at the Wildhorse Saloon.

Hosted by Natalie Stovall of Runaway June, the benefit will include highlights like Shenandoah with Rigdon performing “I Want To Be Loved Like That,” which Gyth performed on The Voice.

The evening aims to raise $2 million towards the $10 million overall goal to support the 2nd Avenue district which was severely damaged by last year’s Christmas Day bombing. The show will be broadcast on March 26 from 7 – 9 PM on NewsChannel 5 and will be live streamed through the Grand Ole Opry YouTube and 2ndavestrong.org.

“We have been humbled by the outpouring of support from the community,” said Tim Walker, executive director of Metro Historical Commission. “That the music industry would come together to help support the efforts to restore and preserve 2nd Avenue will show the world what Nashville is all about.”

Whiskey Myers Launch Coffee Line

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Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage

Country rock band Whiskey Myers has partnered with Gruene Coffee House to start a coffee line called Whiskey Myers Coffee.

The new venture, led by drummer and caffeine aficionado Jeff Hogg, kicks-off the line with a Texas Pecan Coffee blend, a favorite among the band.

“This medium roast, gourmet Costa Rican coffee is covered with our popular secret recipe of pecan, caramel and vanilla extract oils,” says Greune Coffee Haus owner and roaster Kelly Hall. “We then stir in fresh pecan pieces from Oliver Pecan Company, located right here in TX. When you grind your coffee to fill your morning cup, those pecan pieces get ground up with it like tiny exploding flavor capsules.”

Whiskey Myers coffee and mug bundle

After the product dropped yesterday (March 10), the one-pound coffee bean bag and mug bundle sold out, but is already being restocked. While this initial offering is a Whiskey Myers branded edition of an existing blend, the band plans to expand with original coffee selections in the future while also continuing to work with other beloved small businesses.

For more information on Whiskey Myers and when the next batch of coffee will be available, visit www.whiskeymyers.com.

Josh Turner To Release ‘Your Man’ Deluxe Edition For Its 15th Anniversary

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Josh Turner will release a deluxe edition of his No. 1 debut album, Your Man, on June 25, in honor of its 15th anniversary.

In addition to the 11 original tracks on the album which feature collaborations with John Anderson, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and Diamond Rio’s Marty Roe, Gene Johnson, and Dana Williams, the deluxe includes three bonus live recordings of Turner’s No. 1 hit songs “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” and the fan favorite “Me and God.”

“The Your Man album holds so many special memories,” says Turner. “It marked so many firsts in my career.  My first No. 1 album and single and we were pregnant with our first child. It was a pivotal album in my career, and I am so thankful to be celebrating it 15 years later with the release of Your Man Deluxe Edition.”

Josh Turner and Jennifer Turner. Photo: Lance Goodman.

Turner shared the news with fans first at a livestream concert last night (March 10) from downtown Nashville’s Ole Red. His wife Jennifer, who starred as Turner’s love interest in the “Your Man” official video 15 years ago, surprised him on stage last night with the news that the track is officially RIAA-certified triple-Platinum. The hit song was written by Chris Stapleton, Chris DuBois and Jace Everett.

The Your Man deluxe edition marks the first time the signature album has been pressed on vinyl which will be available exclusively at Walmart.

Your Man Deluxe Edition Track List:
1. Would You Go With Me
2. Baby’s Gone Home To Mama
3. No Rush
4. Your Man
5. Loretta Lynn’s Lincoln
6. White Noise (featuring John Anderson)
7. Angels Fall Sometimes
8. Lord Have Mercy On A Country Boy
9. Me And God (featuring Dr. Ralph Stanley and Marty Roe, Gene Johnson, and Dana Williams of Diamond Rio)
10. Gravity
11. Way Down South
12. Your Man (Live from Kansas City, MO)
13. Would You Go With Me (Live from Plant City, FL)
14. Me And God (Live from Key Largo, FL)

Anthony Martini Takes Reins As Royalty Exchange CEO

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Anthony Martini. Photo: Nabil Miftahi

Anthony Martini has been named CEO of Royalty Exchange, the world’s first online platform to turn music royalties into an asset class that anyone can invest in. Effective immediately, he replaces founding CEO Matthew Smith, who will remain with the company as Chairman.

Martini has a long history of advocating for the financial empowerment of artists. He began his career as an artist manager, including a senior role at Crush Management, where he discovered and developed rapper Tyga, among other acts. He later joined pioneering music licensing platform Jingle Punks, where he played an instrumental role in its sale to Canadian publisher Anthem Entertainment. Most recently, Martini founded the artist-first independent record label Commission Records, signing hit acts such as Lil’ Dicky and MadeinTYO. He sold a majority stake in the company to Big Noise in 2019.

“I’m incredibly happy that we found Anthony and that he agreed to step into the CEO role,” says Royalty Exchange founder and chairman Smith. “He has the experience, vision, drive, and relationships—not to mention charisma—to lead Royalty Exchange into its next chapter.”

“I’ve always enjoyed the thrill of finding the next big artist, but this time I’ve found the next big company,” says Martini. “Royalty Exchange is disrupting the financial landscape of the music business in favor of those who actually create the value in this industry—the artists. That’s a mission I can get behind and take to the next level. I joined Royalty Exchange because it’s the only company built to serve all artists, not just the most successful few. Superstar artists already make plenty of money, so they shouldn’t be the only ones to profit from today’s music catalog gold rush. Our marketplace allows any artist, big or small, to set their own terms and tap into this unprecedented demand for music royalties.”

Martini joins Royalty Exchange at a critical juncture in the pioneering platform’s history. Last year, the company marked 1,000 catalog transactions completed across the marketplace. To focus the demand of its 27,000 registered investors, Royalty Exchange recently expanded its marketplace into a new section called The eXchange. Here, artists set their own price for their catalogs and get offers directly from potential investors which enables them to select only the best and highest offers.

Margo Price And Nathaniel Rateliff To Perform On ‘CMT Crossroads’

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Margo Price and Nathaniel Rateliff, backed by longtime band The Nights Sweats, will take the stage together for a new episode of the series CMT Crossroads, premiering Friday, March 26 on CMT.

CMT Crossroads shows the far-reaching roots of country music by pairing country artists with musicians from other genres. The series debuted in January of 2002 with Elvis Costello and Lucinda Williams and since has showcased musical partnerships including Ray Charles and Travis Tritt, Bon Jovi and Sugarland, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire, Def Leppard and Taylor Swift, Sting and Vince Gill, John Mayer and Keith Urban, Mumford & Sons and Emmylou Harris, Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood, Stevie Nicks and Lady A, Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves, Alicia Keys and Maren Morris, and more.

Price and Rateliff’s episode will be the first since Halsey and Kelsea Ballerini’s episode premiered in March 2020.

“I am excited to be playing CMT Crossroads. Through the last five years the band and I constantly crossed paths with Margo Price and her band at Farm Aids, The Outlaw Fest, Newport Folk and more places,” says Rateliff. “Our first chance to hang together was on Willie Nelson’s bus at Farm Aid. Ever since this I have loved watching her and the band play. She is a hell of a performer and songwriter.”

“I am so excited to sing with my friend Nathaniel and both of our bands at Crossroads,” says Price. “Through the years the two of us have sat in and sang with both Willie and his son Lukas, but we have never sang together on our own material. I’m really looking forward to collaborating after all this time.”

CMT Crossroads: Nathaniel Rateliff & Margo Price is produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and Ellie Chandler and will premiere on Friday, March 26 at 10 p.m. ET.

Wells Fargo Private Bank’s Nashville Entertainment Group Ups Danielle Lares-Bouharoun

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Danielle Lares-Bouharoun

Wells Fargo Private Bank has promoted Danielle Lares-Bouharoun to Managing Director in the company’s Wealth Management organization.

Lares-Bouharoun has worked with sports and entertainment figures, as well as entrepreneurs, executives and family wealth offices over her 30-year career in banking. In her new role she oversees Wells Fargo Private Bank’s Nashville Entertainment Group office and has responsibility for clients nationwide. She most recently held the role of Senior Private Banker.

She is a member of the CMA and The Recording Academy, as well as a graduate of Leadership Music.

Congratulate Lares-Bouharoun at danielle.lares-bouharoun@wellsfargo.com.

Franklin Theatre Launches Phased Reopening For 2021

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Photo: Courtesy The Franklin Theatre

The Franklin Theatre has announced its phased reopening plan for 2021, with its box office reopening with limited hours beginning on Friday, March 12.

The current reopening plan, which will be modified as needed based on any future COVID-related restrictions, will bring back limited-capacity weekend movies and limited-capacity plus livestream performances through June. Until the state guidelines indicate otherwise, the theater’s capacity is approximately 75 guests, which accounts for adequate social distancing.

The box office’s limited hours will run through April and will be 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to new shows going on sale over the next several weeks, many 2021-2022 shows are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased online at FranklinTheatre.com, over the phone at 615-538-2076 or in person at the box office.

Beginning in July, the theater will begin presenting movies and live performances with increasing regularity and possible increased capacity. The Franklin Theatre will continue to follow the governor’s Tennessee Pledge and CDC guidelines and update reopening plans as needed.

“We are emerging from an incredibly challenging season for The Franklin Theatre,” says Heritage Foundation COO, Meg Hershey. “While we had to temporarily close the doors to public events, we are diligently working behind the scenes to reschedule some of the amazing programming that was planned for last year. We couldn’t be more excited about getting this cherished venue back open to continue its mission, bringing inspiring arts and entertainment experiences to our community.”

The theater is currently open for private rentals, including Monday nights through April where local non-profit, Studio Tenn, is hosting its popular virtual talk show, Studio Tenn Talks: Conversations with Patrick Cassidy. In addition, as part of its mission to be a platform for local philanthropy, The Franklin Theatre is currently working in partnership with local video production companies and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to provide an opportunity for non-profits to film affordable promotional videos to support their participation in The Big Payback, CFMT’s annual 24-hour giving event that kicks off on Wednesday, May 5 at 6 p.m.