Touring Career Workshop Celebrates Ninth Successful Year

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(L-R): Chris Lisle, moderator; Chris Cobb, owner, Exit/In; Melissa Bubela, production manager, Ascend Amphitheater, Nashville; David Graham, director of technical operations, Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena  Photos: Jason Davis/2019 Touring Career Workshop

The ninth annual Touring Career Workshop held in Nashville on Nov. 6 at the Soundcheck Annex attracted more than 350 attendees.

Created by Chris Lisle, owner of Chris Lisle Lighting Design and Erik Parker, CLLD production designer, the event featured panels of experts on topics geared towards everyone from tour managers to roadies to help navigate the touring life. Among the topics covered were taxes, retirement planning, health insurance options, mental and physical health, real estate investing and work safety. The event was completely free of charge and included networking opportunities with top lighting, sound and production companies.

During the evening Tom Addison, Dierks Bentley’s tour manager, was honored with the Sam ‘Old Skool’ Harden award for his dedication to mentoring those coming up through the ranks. Harden was a designer and lighting tech for Bandit Lites.

(L-R): Erik Parker, co-founder and associate director, Touring Career Workshop; Tom Addison, Dierks Bentley tour manager and recipient of the 2019 Sam ‘old skool’ Harden Award; Savannah Harden; Chris Lisle, co-founder and executive director, TCW

Weekly Radio Report (11/8/19)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.

Kane Brown To Kick Off 2020 With First International Headlining Tour

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Photo credit: Joseph Llanes

Kane Brown is launching his first ever international headlining tour, the Kane Brown Worldwide Beautiful Tour, in Dublin on Feb. 2. The tour will make stops in London (Feb. 4), Amsterdam (Feb. 5), Paris (Feb. 6), and Berlin (Feb. 8) before circling back to kick off the North American leg of the tour on Feb. 29. Russell Dickerson and Chris Lane also join the Worldwide Beautiful Tour lineup, with each rotating slots throughout the tour. An additional support act will be announced in 2020.

The tour will follow Brown’s sold-out Los Angeles Staples Center headlining date on Jan. 9 as part of the Staples Center 20th Anniversary Celebration. Tickets for the Kane Brown Worldwide Beautiful Tour will go on sale Friday, November 15. Live Nation is the official tour promoter and Citi is the official pre-sale credit card of the Worldwide Beautiful Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets through Citi Entertainment.

2/2/2020 – Dublin, Ireland – Academy Dublin
2/4/2020 – London, UK – O2 Forum Kentish Town
2/5/2020 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg
2/6/2020 – Paris, France – L’Alhambra
2/8/2020 – Berlin, German – Metropol
2/29/2020 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
3/1/2020 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center
3/5/2020 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
3/6/2020 – Albany, NY – Times Union Center
3/7/2020 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
3/19/2020- Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre
3/20/2020 – Oshawa, ON – Tribute Comm. Centre
3/21/2020 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
3/26/2020 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum
3/28/2020 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
4/23/2020 – Tupelo, MS – BancorpSouth Arena
4/24/2020 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
4/25/2020 – Lafayette, LA – CAJUNDOME
4/30/2020 – El Paso, TX – Don Haskins Center
5/1/2020 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena
5/7/2020 – Lincoln, NE** – Pinnacle Bank Arena
5/8/2020 – Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center
5/9/2020 – Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center

Apple Music Launches “Today’s Country” Global Playlist

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Apple Music has launched Today’s Country, a global playlist featuring music from a variety of country music’s breakout artists, stars, and emerging voices. The playlist is a revamp of Apple’s former “The A-List: Country” playlist.

Topping the newly-relaunched playlist is Miranda Lambert‘s “It All Comes Out In The Wash,” from her recently-released seventh album Wildcard. Other tracks currently featured include Tyler Childers’ “Lady May,” Runaway June’s “We Were Rich,” HARDY’s “One Beer” (ft. Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson), The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table,” Sam Hunt’s “Kinfolks,” and more.

The signature playlist art for Today’s Country will feature a different marquee artist each week.

DISClaimer: Kane Brown’s “For My Daughter” Tops New Releases

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Kane Brown

Variety is the spice of life.

This is an adage that all country radio programmers should take to heart, because back in the day, their stations’ playlists were a lot more diverse than they are today. And everyone liked terrestrial radio a whole lot more than they do now.

So in today’s column we have everything from bluegrass to pop, from neo-rockabilly to hardcore honky tonk, from tender emotionalism to party-hearty romps. Sample them all.

The Disc of the Day goes to Kane Brown, who has the sweetest song about fatherhood that I’ve heard in ages. Give Mike Alan Ward a DisCovery Award.

STEPHANIE QUAYLE/Whatcha Drinkin’ ‘Bout
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; Rebel Engine
-A sprightly barroom anthem, delivered with verve and abetted by some dandy guitar twanging. I’m in.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Outskirts
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Rodney Clawson/Ashley Gorley; Producers: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Publishers: Big Red Tow/EMI Blackwood/Round Hill Compositions/Round Hill Works/Shirt at Work/Two Chord Georgia/Copyright Control Ashley Gorley, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joes
– Nicely thumping and sung with conviction. The topic isn’t exactly news — it’s the one about partying in the countryside after work with a honey. “Heartland,” “ball cap,” “hot girl in a t-shirt,” “red dirt,” “cold beer” “simple life,” it’s all here.

MIKE ALAN WARD & DIERKS BENTLEY/No Getting Over You
Writers: Ward/Bentley; Producers: Carl Jackson/Randy Kohrs/Ken Triphan; Publishers: Colonel Rebel/Wooteeny/Blue Nugget/Big White Tracks/Sony-ATV, ASCAP; Twang-Gang
– If you ask me, every country playlist needs a splash of bluegrass. The two voices are the calling cards of this dandy toe-tapper, but the picking will dazzle you just as much. The supporting cast is a who’s-who of instrumentalists. Ward’s album is titled Whiskey, Trains and Lonesome, and it is simply stellar from top to bottom.

KANE BROWN/For My Daughter
Writers: Kane Brown/Tom Douglas/Chase McGill; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– Kane became a first-time Daddy on Oct. 29, and he’s wasted no time in celebrating the event in song. “I grew up without a dad/I’m gonna be the best one I can be.” That’s just one of the honest lyrics in this heart-tugging mini-masterpiece. A lump-in-throat performance of a song packed with truth and beauty.

DANIELLE BRADBURY/Blackout
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BMLG
– Drawn from the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack, this sounds like a big bid for pop stardom. The echoey atmosphere, stately keyboard work, crashing rhythms and layered, multi-part vocals all are very, very involving. There’s a richness of vocal tone here (reminiscent of Sia) that’s a long way from her days as a contestant on The Voice.

CLINT BLACK/This Old House
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; CB
– Clint enlists eight buddies as vocal collaborators here — Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Sara Evans, Cody Jinks, Michael Ray, Darius Rucker, Travis Tritt and Steve Wariner. The song is a ballad about nostalgia for a homeplace. It’s solidly country, but the tempo plods a bit. There’s an extremely effective music video that equates the “house” with the Grand Ole Opry, with memories coming alive off the photos on the walls, in visions in dressing rooms and hallways and via historic clips on the storied stage. Recommended.

ADAM DOLEAC/Famous
Writers: Adam Doleac/Andy Skib/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Arista Nashville
– Smooth. His gently persuasive vocal is right on the money in this pop-country slow jam. The overall vibe is a kinda bland, yet kinda pleasant.

HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH/Hold On
Writers: Jim Beavers/Chris Stapleton; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Dontcallmebrett/WB/Ken Tucky, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol
– Despite the seeming hopelessness of our modern world, this jaunty ditty advises us that love will see us through. Optimistic and upbeat. The band “gang” vocals as the song reaches its finale are just the right touch.

GRANGER SMITH/That’s Why I Love Dirt Roads
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Jon Nite/Brad Rempel/Granger Smith; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Wheelhouse/BBR
– Stirring and anthemic. It’s hard to produce an up-tempo tune with this much crispness, while maintaining its rushing forward momentum. This does all that and more. Charisma on the hoof.

CHUCK MEAD/Shake
Writers: Charles Mead/Paul Cebar; Producer: Matt Ross Spang; Publishers: Pagan Idol/Groovesburg Joys, BMI; Plowboy
– The latest single from Chuck’s fine Close to Home CD is a swampy, groove-a-minute outing with dollops of blues, rockabilly and roots-rock in its countryboy DNA. This guy is a one-of-a-kind talent, and more power to that.

R.J. Romeo Promoted To President, Romeo Entertainment Group

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Talent buying agency Romeo Entertainment Group has announced a round of promotions. R.J. Romeo has been promoted to President, while Michelle Romeo has been promoted to Vice President and Harlan Burggraaf has been promoted to Controller/Director of Operations.

Bob Romeo will remain with the company as Chairman of the Board. Fran Romeo recently left the company to pursue other interests.

The company celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, and represents 120 annual multi-day events in 36 states. In 2019, REG produced nearly 500 concerts throughout the United States and Canada.

In 2014, REG won the IEBA Industry Achievement Award. Last year, R.J. Romeo was honored with the “Don Romeo” ACM Talent Buyer of the Year Award and the IEBA Fair Buyer of the Year Award.

“Fran was an integral part of leading Romeo Entertainment Group over the last 20 years,” said Michelle Romeo. “She did so much for us as a company as well as for our team. We wish her nothing but the best on her next endeavor.”

“I am grateful for the solid foundation that Don, Bob, and Fran have created for REG over their decades of leadership,” said R.J. Romeo. “I am honored and excited to implement our vision and lead REG into the future and with the help of the leadership team, continue to grow REG’s roster of amazing events. Celebrating 65 years is an indescribable feeling of pride. For an independent, family-owned company to survive and thrive for three generations is a testament to the integrity driven and relationship based business we have built.”

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of the 65th anniversary of Romeo Entertainment Group!” said Michelle Romeo. “R.J. and I look forward to carrying our legacy into the third generation and are so grateful to be surrounded by such an amazing team who we consider to be our extended family.”

“I’m so appreciative that my father was able to pass the business on to me and 25 years later as the company celebrates 65 years, I’m able to pass it on to my son and daughter,” said Bob Romeo. “I’m looking forward to mentoring R.J. and Michelle and supporting their vision in bringing Romeo Entertainment into the future.”

REG is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, while leadership operates out of the company’s Nashville office.

 

Billie Eilish, Finneas Perform Set At Third Man Records

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Photo: Emily Quirk

“Bad Guy” singer Billie Eilish was joined by her brother and chief collaborator Finneas for a performance yesterday (Nov. 6) in The Blue Room at Nashville’s Third Man Records.

The set, which included “All The Good Girls Go To Hell,” “Ocean Eyes” and more, was recorded live before an audience made of both industry insiders and fans. The performance was recorded on Third Man’s direct-to-acetate system. A vinyl version will be available in December, only at Third Man retail outlets in Nashville and Detroit.

Among those in attendance for the performance were Jason Isbell, Michelle Branch, and Vanessa Carlton. Eilish was introduced by Jack White, who said Billie is “someone we really love, and we think is really innovative and inspiring.” Before playing her final song of the night (“when the party’s over”), Eilish praised Jack for “inspiring a whole generation of people to do what they want.”

Eilish debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Top 200 charts with her album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. “Bad Guy” brought her first No. 1 single, and earned more than 3 billion global audio streams. Her debut project is the second-highest selling album of 2019. Her 2020 Where Do We Go? World Arena Tour begins March 9, 2020, and includes a stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in March.

Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, The Highwomen, Tanya Tucker And More To Open CMA Awards

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Females will be in full force in a united, historic, not-to-be-missed opening performance at the upcoming 53rd Annual CMA Awards. The performance, led by Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, will also feature Terri Clark, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, The Highwomen (comprised of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires), Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Tanya Tucker and Gretchen Wilson, each performing iconic country songs for a decades-spanning medley.

Country Music’s Biggest Night will also feature an additional performance from Kelsea Ballerini, joined by fellow breakthrough artists Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and Runaway June. Coming together for an epic performance of an iconic CMA Song of the Year and CMA Single of the Year featuring a special appearance by Little Big Town, this will be one of the night’s most talked-about performances.

The 53rd Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Carrie Underwood with special guest hosts Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, celebrates legendary women in country throughout the broadcast, which airs live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 8/7c on ABC.

ACM Lifting Lives Announces 2019-20 Board

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ACM Lifting Lives has announced its board of directors for the 2019 – 2020 term. Previously announced officers include Chairman Paul Barnabee, Vice-Chairman Troy Vollhoffer, Vice-President Lorie Lytle, Treasurer Dwight Wiles, and Secretary Taylor Wolf.

The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors is made up of an equal number of ACM Board Members, referred to as representative directors, as well as leaders in non-profit and corporate affairs that aren’t ACM Board Members, referred to as public directors. This year, there were six representative director positions elected, five public director positions elected, and one public director position appointed by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors:

Newly elected REPRESENTATIVE directors include:

  1. Duane Clark
  2. RAC Clark
  3. Ryan Dokke
  4. Becky Gardenhire
  5. Shawn McSpadden
  6. Darin Murphy

Newly elected PUBLIC directors include:

  1. Dan Berkowitz
  2. Tiffany Brush
  3. Ross Copperman
  4. John Hickman
  5. Beth Moore

Newly appointed PUBLIC director includes:

  1. Kathleen Flaherty

“I am thrilled to be a part of this compelling organization, that supports the influence of music to lift the spirits of our community and friends in a time of need. We’re fortunate to have such generous artists and an incredible board ready and willing to continue to join us in improving lives though the power of music,” said ACM Lifting Lives Chairman Barnabee.

 

CMT Next Women of Country To Honor Brandi Carlile

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Earlier this year, Brandi Carlile became a Grammys darling when she picked up three awards, including Best Americana Album, for By The Way, I Forgive You. She then teamed with Maren Morris, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires to form the country supergroup The Highwomen and took on production duties for Tanya Tucker’s album While I’m Livin’.

At the upcoming CMT Next Women of Country event, set for Nov. 12 at the CMA Theater at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Carlile will pick up another accolade, as she is honored with the 2019 CMT Next Women of Country Impact Award.

The Impact Award is presented to a female artist for outstanding achievements and contributions to women in the industry, while impacting songwriting, recording, radio airplay, record sales, streams, media impressions, awards and touring in country music over the past year. The honor will be presented by singer-songwriter Lucie Silvas and Change the Conversation co-founder, Tracy Gershon. Carlile will be the fourth recipient of the honor, following her The Highwomen bandmate Maren Morris, who earned the honor in 2018, as well as Kelsea Ballerini (2017) and Brandy Clark (2016).

Martina McBride and CMT’s Leslie Fram will co-host the seventh annual celebration.

“Not only is she one of the greatest performers of our time, she’s an incredible advocate and champion for her fellow female artists, lending her support and starpower to up-and-coming artists in the genre,” said Fram, Senior Vice President, Music Strategy & Talent. “We are truly thrilled to celebrate her monumental achievements, both as a solo artist, producer, and as a member of the groundbreaking group The Highwomen, with this Impact Award.”