BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM: Daytime Shows
Chapter 565
Ashley Campbell performs on the Opry Classics stage. Photo: Ashley Campbell/Twitter
Part of Friday’s CMA Fest felt bittersweet. That date, June 9, marked the release of Adios, the final studio album by the legendary Glen Campbell. To commemorate it, daughter Ashley Campbell, who performs on the album, and Carl Jackson, who produced it, participated in a Q&A with songs on the CMA Close-Up stage at Fan Fair X in the Music City Center.
Carl recalled being discovered when he was 18 by Glen. He spent 12 years traveling the world with the Country Music Hall of Fame member. He sang the album’s “Arkansas Farmboy,” which he wrote to tell Glen’s story.
Ashley performed the CD’s title tune. She bravely and candidly updated the fans on her father’s condition. She wants people to know the reality of Alzheimer’s.
Glen is in the final stages of the disease, she told the crowd. He can no longer process language, nor speak it. He lives almost completely internally, but enjoys little things like desserts and naps. He is also unfailingly pleasant and enjoys being around people. Which is a blessing, since many patients grow angry, confused, difficult and/or anxious.
Glen’s “booth” in the exhibit hall was a van outfitted to be a listening room. His vintage album jackets lined the walls. Dubbed The Vinyl Store, it was stocked with reissued LPs and turntables, one of which was wired into the sound system and previewed Adios for prospective customers. You could buy CDs, too. I chose the vinyl.
Up until this point, I had also missed seeing the “One-Piece-at-a-Time” Johnny Cash Cadillac. It was in a booth promoting The Storytellers Museum in Bon Aqua, which is where it usually resides. You can bet there was a steady stream of picture takers to the automobile.
Just up the road from the museum in Bon Aqua is The Hideaway Farm, Cash’s rural retreat. This lovely Victorian farmhouse is also now a tourist attraction. Bon Aqua is 40 minutes west of Music City. By the way, there’s a bluegrass festival there on July 1.
Another highlight in the hall was a mini Hee Haw cornfield where you could pose for snapshots.
In addition to Ashley and Carl, Deana Carter, Bobby Bare, Ronnie McDowell, Lulu Roman, Charlie Worsham, Jake Owen, Mark Wills, Charley Pride, Scotty McCreery, Bailey James and Temecula Road were working the campus that afternoon. Not to mention such industry mavens as Ben Vaughn, Mike Dungan, Mark Logsdon, Victoria Shaw, Todd Cassety, Scott Stem, Taylor Shults and Kirt Webster.
Meanwhile, scattered around on the festival’s nine downtown stages were such scheduled greats as Josh Turner, Nora Collins, James Otto, Sylvia, Ty Herndon, Lari White, Mo Pitney, David Frizzell and Lauren Alaina.
At the Riverfront Stage Granger Smith received a Gold Record for “Backroad Song” after the ace showman riled up his so-called “Yee-Yee Nation.” He closed the show in his trademark bib-overalls-and-tank-top outfit.
At the Gilden Hard Rock stage, Dennis Banka finished his emcee duties on Friday. But no one showed up to replace him. He didn’t want to leave the venue unattended, so he wound up spending all day hosting there. He enjoyed sets by Olivia Lane, Joanna Smith, Risa Binder, Filmore, Carter Winter and more.
Over on the Chevy Park stage, Swon Brothers member Colton Swan leaped over a metal barricade to get up close and personal with the fans.
As for me, I had to hustle on up to 8th & Broadway. I needed to catch the 3:41 No. 7 Hillsboro/Green Hills bus to beat rush-hour traffic home. The rest of you suckers suffered in the congestion while I read a magazine in air-conditioned comfort.
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM: The Nissan Stadium Concerts
Chapter 566
Kelsea Ballerini on the Nissan Stadium Stage during 2017 CMA Music Festival. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini/Twitter
The beautiful fireworks at midnight over Nissan Stadium commemorated another outstanding evening of song that was Friday’s CMA Fest concert (June 9).
Brooke Eden kicked things off with an excellent, octave-jumping rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Opening artist Trace Adkins exuded effortless charisma, as always. I also dig it that he is directly and bravely addressing aging with “Watered Down.”
Rascal Flatts shouted, “Are you ready to rock?” to the massive crowd. It was. One surprise artist was Dustin Lynch, who stood on a small stage in the midst of a throng of fans. He introduced his new single/video “Small Town Boy.”
Television stars and country recording artists The Property Brothers hosted. They pronounced Sam Hunt, “the most beautiful man in country music.”
Sam was, indeed, a huge crowd favorite, giving new energy to “Take Your Time” and getting a roar of approval for “Body Like a Back Road.” Said Sam, “We’ve played for fans all over, but you guys take the cake for the most dedicated fans in music.”
The equally studly Brett Young appeared as another surprise artist. He sang his chart-topping ballad “In Case You Didn’t Know.”
Kelsea Ballerini and Rhett Akins will co-host the August ABC network TV special that will be crafted out of this whole whoop-de-doo. On Friday, she was the delightful appetizer for the headlining main course of Eric Church and Blake Shelton. Kelsea introduced a new song and (as of now) a non-single titled “I Hate Love Songs.”
Blake brought Trace back out to sing “Hillbilly Bone” with him. “That’s country, right there!” quoth Blake.
Photo ID (L-R): Matt Signore, COO, WMN; John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, WMN; Blake Shelton, Peter Strickland, CMO, WMN; Scott Hendricks, EVP A&R, WMN; Kristen Williams, SVP Radio & Streaming, WMN; Narvel Blackstock, Starstruck Entertainment; Brandon Blackstock, Starstruck Entertainment
This was actually Blake’s second concert of the day. That afternoon, he’d staged a surprise pop-up performance at the WildHorse Saloon. It was a 90-minute journey through his hit-packed catalog of 16-years duration. Sherod Robertson, Erika Goldring, Cindy Watts, Helen Comer and Troy Gorczyca were among the lucky ones packed into the venue.
Troy is the Brand Manager of Smithworks Vodka, the title sponsor of the event. As the drink’s spokesman, Blake introduced it to the Nashville market during the CMA Music Festival. Because Blake said so, I bought a bottle. Miss Mary tasted it and pronounced it good.
Up in the CMA Hospitality Suite that night, the schmoozing reached a new plateau by the time Blake hit the stage. At times, you could hardly hear the music over the gabbing.
Attending fabulons included Charlie Cook, Chuck Aly, Dave Pahonek, David & Susana Ross, Larry McCormick, Chris Horsnell, Amy Smartt, Bill Denny, Aubrey Gilbert, Hank Adam Locklin, Bret Wolcott, Lisa Manning, and Susan Stewart.
If you couldn’t get into Nissan Stadium, or if you needed more female sounds than just lonely Kelsea could offer that night, CMA Fest offered an innovative alternative at Ascend Amphitheater.
Running simultaneously with Friday’s Nissan show was an all-female bill on the free Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage there on the other side of the Cumberland. It starred Danielle Bradbery, Kelleigh Bannen, Natalie Stovall, Ruthie Collins, Aubrie Sellers, Kellie Pickler and Sara Evans.
Black River Entertainment Adds Dave Dame To Radio Promotions Team
/by Jessica NicholsonDave Dame
Black River Entertainment Sr. VP of Radio Promotion Mike Wilson has announced the hiring of Dave Dame as Director of Radio Promotion West Coast.
“I have known Dave for years. He has great relationships with his stations and will be a fine addition to the Black River team,” says Wilson.
Dame arrives at Black River Entertainment with 23 years of experience in radio promotion from Sony Music Entertainment, specifically with Arista Records and BNA/Columbia Records. During that time, he worked singles to radio for Kenny Chesney, Brooks and Dunn, and Alan Jackson. Most recently, Dame worked with Show Dog Nashville.
“I’m very excited to join Mike and his Black River team. I have known and worked with Mike for many years,” says Dame. “I get to play this incredible music from these exciting artists for my friends at radio. This is going to be great fun, and I can’t wait.”
Reporting to Mike Wilson, Dame is officially on board beginning today, Monday, June 12, and is based out of Yorba Linda, California. Dame joins the newly added Theresa Ford, who also begins today. Dame can be reached at Ddame@blackriverent.com and Ford at Tford@blackriverent.com.
Grand Ole Opry Adds Wednesday Night Shows To Summer Schedule
/by Alex ParryThe Grand Ole Opry will add nine weeks of Wednesday night shows to its schedule, beginning June 14 and running through Aug. 9, in addition to the Opry’s Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday performances on the show calendar.
Wednesday shows start this week with Grammy-winning Opry members Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Riders In the Sky, and Ricky Skaggs, as well as Charlie Worsham, CeCe Winans, and more. Winans, who made her Opry debut earlier this year, is scheduled to return each Wednesday throughout June as part of her celebration of Black Music Month.
Among others scheduled for Wednesday shows later in the summer are Charlie Daniels Band, Eli Young Band, Brett Eldredge, Chris Janson, Thompson Square, A Thousand Horses, Josh Turner, and Rhonda Vincent.
For more, visit opry.com.
Ty Herndon Holds Second Annual Concert For Love And Acceptance In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Alan and Ty Herndon at the Second Annual 2017 Concert for Love and Acceptance Photo Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Ty Herndon’s second annual 2017 Concert for Love and Acceptance on Thursday night (June 8) featured an evening filled with entertainment from a wide variety of musicians and celebrities that attended to support Nashville’s at-risk youth. Joining Herndon for the event, which was hosted by CMT’s Cody Alan, were Billy Gilman, Kree Harrison, Ryan Kinder, Runaway June, Michael Ray, Street Corner Symphony, Thompson Square, Trent Harmon, Mickey Guyton, comedian Dana Goldberg, Noah Guthrie, Ken Block of Sister Hazel, Kingston, former Everyday Sunday member Trey Pearson, and European pop artist Bastian Baker, who became the first international artist to participate in the event.
Michael Ray performs at the Second Annual 2017 Concert for Love and Acceptance
Billy Gilman performs at the Second Annual 2017 Concert for Love and Acceptance
Funeral Services, Celebration Of Life Set For Songwriter-Producer Norro Wilson
/by Robert K OermannNorro Wilson at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Poets and Prophets: Salute to Legendary Country Songwriter Norro Wilson on March 5, 2011. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame.
Services for the late Norro Wilson will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 15, at 3:30 p.m.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held immediately afterward at BMI on Music Row, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their stories and memories of Norro to share.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, top record producer and longtime music-business executive passed away on June 8 at age 79.
He is survived by his daughter Christy Myers, son David Wilson, son-in-law Jody Myers, granddaughter Wilson Myers and “mother of his children and beloved cohort” Patsy Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Alive Hospice.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: CMA Music Fest 2017 Wraps With Superstar Performances
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 568
Levon. Photo: Levon/Twitter
Despite thousands of Bonnaroo attendees coming back into town, the CMA Fest throng and Predators fans arriving for a crucial Game Six of the Stanley Cup playoffs downtown, the Armageddon of crowd control did not occur on Sunday afternoon (June 11).
While I was there, the streets were still dominated by the CMA fans. Many were buying souvenirs on the last day of the Fest. In the Marketplace district of Fan Fair, jewelry seemed to be the most popular take-home items.
Each major label had its own strategy during the Fest. Sony set up a Pop-Up store inside the Omni Hotel lobby. It sold both LPs and CDs. You could also purchase black t-shirts bearing the logos of RCA, Columbia or Arista.
There were charming freebies, too – Luke Combs combs, sleep masks with Chris Young’s “Losing Sleep” imprinted on them, Kenny Chesney cardboard fans and the like. John Zarling was there picking up a pair of Miranda Lambert plastic “Pink Sunglasses” for his daughter. Across from the pop-up, Lanco was hosting a coffee-shop event. Kane Brown, Levon and Cam also put in appearances.
Over on Third Avenue South, Big Machine had also set up a pop-up store. The scintillating Delta Rae closed things out there with a show that delighted fans late Sunday afternoon.
The Warner strategy continued to be hosting fan-club parties at its Music Row office. On Sunday, it held events for High Valley, Charlie Worsham and Michael Ray.
UMG set up a big dome at the corner of McGavock & 8th Avenue South. The label projected music films on its 70-foot ceiling all festival long. On Sunday, the visuals were augmented with performances by Brandon Lay, Clare Dunn, Temecula Road and Eric Paslay.
The best music I heard on Sunday – and, indeed, among the best of the entire Fest – was the harmony-drenched Dailey & Vincent set at Fan Fair’s Durango Music Spot.
Over on the CMA Close-Up Stage, Danny Shirley, Terry McBride and Mark Wills were taking part in a nostalgic panel discussion about country music in the 1990s. All three have always been good talkers.
Closing out the autograph sessions at Fan Fair on Sunday were Jeff Bates, Chris Janson, Easton Corbin, Stephanie Quayle, Luke Combs, The Railers, Darryl Worley, Georgette Jones, Exile, Scotty McCreery, Rian Paige, Seth Innis and Brett Young, among others.
Pictured (L-R): DeStefano, Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN), Justin Luffman (VP Brand Management, WMN), Nick Hartley (Fitzgerald Hartley Management), Morgan Evans, Cole Swindell, Peter Strickland (CMO, WMN)
Out at the Chevy Park stage, I was stunned to see/hear hundreds of fans singing along with Morgan Evans. “It’s amazing,” said Neil Spielberg in wonderment. They knew all the words to this handsome Australian star’s “If I Didn’t Love You,” despite the fact that he’s still relatively obscure stateside. Morgan is perhaps best known for being engaged to Kelsea Ballerini.
Down at Riverfront, Maddie & Tae, Chase Bryant, Canaan Smith and Home Free were among those slated to close the daytime CMA Fest Sunday shows. Here again, Broadway was still dominated by CMA attendees.
But by the time I left at 3:30 p.m., the tide was beginning to turn. A constant parade of people wearing gold Predators jerseys was now streaming into downtown from all directions. Many were headed for a huge viewing party in Ascend Amphitheater. When the puck dropped, there were 60,000 hockey fans on the streets of Nashville.
Country fans still had plenty to cheer about. Phil Vassar booked a free concert for the viewing-party attendees in Hall of Fame Park at 5:15 p.m. Vince Gill and Dierks Bentley appeared amid the crazies on Broadway to introduce Luke Bryan’s performance to salute the playoff. Vince has held Preds season tix since Day One. Dierks and his band actually play hockey.
Luke entertained CMA folks as well as Predators fans from the roof of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge at 6 p.m. This was shown on all of the jumbo screens situated on the streets.
“It’s so inspiring to see where they [the Predators] have come from,” Luke said before the show. “A Southern team to have come this far is such a rarity. Nashville is laying a foundation. My boys are hooked [on hockey] for life.”
Tim McGraw at Game Six of the Stanley Cup Finals. Photo: Faith Hill/Twitter
Mayor Megan Barry joined him at his free show. Faith Hill then rocked Bridgestone by singing the National Anthem. Tim McGraw hyped the crowd with whoop-it-up towel waving.
Over at Nissan Stadium, half of the TV monitors in the CMA Hospitality Suite were tuned to the game during the evening concert. Stormie Warren co-hosted the show with ABC-TV’s The Goldbergs star Hayley Orrantia. And weren’t we thrilled when she told us we’d be seeing Brad Paisley later on the show?
Restless Heart did The National Anthem in harmony. Tracy Lawrence unleashed a barrage of classic hits. Darius Rucker brought out Karen Fairchild to duet on “If I Told You” and Old Crow Medicine Show to perform “Wagon Wheel” with him. His reliable, blandly pleasant style went over extremely well.
Song for song, Little Big Town can hold its own with anyone in this industry. Collectively and individually they are also among our finest singers. Capping the night were the massive fan favorites Keith Urban and Brad Paisley, the latter of whom earlier hoisted a catfish at Bridgestone Arena.
Brothers Osborne perform during 2017 CMA Music Festival. Photo: Brothers Osborne/Instagram
But the act that stole the show on Sunday night was Brothers Osborne. Subbing for an injured Chris Stapleton, John and T.J. Osborne lit the stadium on fire and burned it to the ground. By the time the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year winners finished with the one-two assault of “Stay a Little Longer” and “It Ain’t My Fault,” the entire place was roaring, clapping along, dancing and screaming in ecstasy.
With their relentless, driving intensity and rousing showmanship, these guys made 50,000 converts that night. ABC is insane if it doesn’t put them on the CMA Fest TV special. We have no one else like Brothers Osborne.
Working the room in the CMA Suite were Victoria Shaw, Stuart Dill, Amy Smartt, Dennis Banka (maintaining his perfect attendance record), Aaron Hartley, Karen Clark, Melissa Maynard and Metro District 19 Councilman Freddie O’Connell.
Backstage, Tracy, Darius and LBT all commented about how jazzed this community has been about the Preds. Alas, we lost. The Pittsburgh Penguins went home with The Stanley Cup.
Tickets for next year’s CMA Music Festival will go on sale on June 27. The Fest will launch on June 7, 2018, as will Bonnaroo. To date, the CMA fest has raised $17.5 million for music education.
“Forever Country” Creators Receive RIAA Plaques During CMA Fest
/by Lorie HollabaughCMA Board Chairman and Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry Sally Williams (third from left) gathers with (L-R) “Forever Country” co-arranger Josh Osborne, producer Shane McAnally, music video producers Joanna Carter and Chandra LaPlume, and CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside following a special panel during CMA Music Festival.
Photo Credit: Donn Jones / CMA
The success of “Forever Country” was recognized Saturday (June 10) during CMA Fest as producer Shane McAnally and co-arranger Josh Osborne received plaques celebrating RIAA Gold certification of the chart-topping, award-winning single created to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards.
The plaques were presented by Damon Whiteside, CMA Chief Marketing Officer, and Sally Williams, CMA Board Chairman and Senior Vice President/Programming and Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry, following the “Making of a Mash Up – A Close Up Look at CMA’s Forever Country” panel at XFINITY Fan Fair X during the CMA Music Festival.
The hit single, which is a medley of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” and Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” featured 30 CMA Award-winning acts. The song is one of only three songs in history to debut at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart, and soared to No. 1 on U.S. and international sales and streaming charts.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: CMA Music Fest Blends Charity, Hits For Saturday Shows
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 567
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Allen Brown and Jaime Marconette; CAA’s Kylen Sharpe; Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman; Cam; Sony Music Nashville’s Josh Easler, Jen Way, John Zarling; Cam’s manager Lindsay Marias; and, CAA’s Rod Essig.
The most flawless weather in CMA Fest memory continued on Saturday (June 10).
Fans were treated to plenty of warmth, to be sure. But Nashville’s oppressive summer humidity was absent, and a breeze blew all day. No wonder there was a veritable armada of boats floating behind the Riverfront Stage throughout the afternoon.
They were the backdrop for the sounds of some of the finest up-and-coming talents in country music. The Riverfront lineup on Saturday included Brett Young, High Valley, Drake White, Cam and William Michael Morgan. Hot stuff.
Meanwhile, a solid lineup of talented vets populated the Budweiser Forever Country Park off Lower Broadway – John Berry, Andy Griggs, Mila Mason and Terry McBride among them.
Too hot for you outside? In the Xfinity Fan Fair X exhibit hall of the Music City Convention Center you could sit in air conditioning and take in both newcomers and established artists. In the former category were Levi Hummon, Walker Hayes, Luke Combs and Michael Tyler. Among the latter were Rex Allen Jr., Barbara Fairchild, Even Stevens and Jim Lauderdale.
Reba McEntire performs the National Anthem at the 27th Annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for City Of Hope
Over at First Tennessee Park, the attraction was the 27th annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game. Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe surprised fans by throwing the first pitch. Reba McEntire sang the National Anthem, followed by a performance of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” by Sara Evans. Team Captain for iHeart Media was Bobby Bones, and Team Captain for Sirius XM/Grand Ole Opry was Bill Cody. The Bones team won, 9-6, but who’s counting when it’s all for such a good cause?
Artists participating included Billy Ray Cyrus, Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler, Jessie James Decker and her hubbie, NFL player Eric Decker. Also Lauren Alaina, plus Lunchbox, Eddie & Ray of the Bones radio show, Drew Scott & Jonathan Scott (The Property Brothers), Aaron Watson, Trent Harmon, The Swon Brothers, Danielle Bradbury, Maggie Rose and Miss Tennessee Allee-Sutton Hethcoat. The play-by-play was called by Lee Greenwood, Jeannie Seely, Tim Rushlow and Gator Harrison.
Colton Swon, Drew Scott, Danielle Bradbery, Zach Swon, and Jonathan Scott arrive at the 27th Annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for City Of Hope
Went home. Put my feet up. Rested. Changed clothes. Headed back out for the Saturday evening shoe at Nissan Stadium.
Bobcat Company, the Knoxville Central High School choral group, sang The National Anthem. As the sun began to set, fans were taking their seats while the great John Anderson took the stage. He was in splendid voice as he fired off hits, blam-blam-blam.
“Black Sheep,” “Straight Tequila Night,” “Money in the Bank,” “Swingin,’” “Seminole Wind” one right after another. What a stylist that guy remains.
“CMA Fan Fest, we’re sure proud to be a part of it, as always,” he said humbly. “Have a great evening!”
At this year’s Scotty McCreery Fan Club Party, a core group of fans surprised McCreery by donating $2,100 in his honor to the CMA Foundation to support music education. Pictured (L-R): McCreery fan Sharon Jules, Scotty McCreery, CMA Foundation’s Tiffany Kerns, and McCreery fan Betty Holt.
The stage presence of Maren Morris has improved dramatically since she made her debut at the fest last year. Sporting short locks, she was snarky on “Rich,” touching on “I Could Use a Love Song” and soaring on “My Church.” A good job, all around.
Chris Young came out and ignited the crowd’s enthusiasm as he tore into “Aw Naw” He was easily the vocal powerhouse of the night, perhaps never more so than when he closed his set with the electrifying Cassadee Pope duet “Think of You.” He also introduced his new single, “Losing Sleep.”
Each night of the fest has featured a surprise guest. Saturday’s was Old Dominion, who made a brief but highly musical appearance. Lady Antebellum followed, complete with horns purloined from Justin Timberlake in Memphis.
Thomas Rhett gave the crowd “Die a Happy Man” and brought out Maren Morris to sing “Craving You” with him. But the night belonged to the showmanship and the mega hits of Florida Georgia Line as a beaming full moon shone over the stadium.
Major Megan Barry showed up to bask in it all. Also working the room were Christy Walker Watkins, David & Susana Ross, Izzie Ross, Brandi Sims, Laura Crawford, Bret Wolcott & Lydia Lenker, Steve Popovich Jr., Terry Calonge, Horton Frank and the 615 band drummer Louis Winfield.
The CMA Fest alternative to the big Nissan stadium concert was at Ascend Amphitheater on Saturday evening. That venue’s Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage presented a Warner Bros. Records bill starring Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes, High Valley, RaeLynn, Cale Dodds, Ryan Kinder and Bailey Bryan.
Florida Georgia Line perform at Nissan Stadium during 2017 CMA Music Fest. Photo: John Shearer/FGL Instagram
Bobby Karl Works The Room: CMA Music Fest’s Friday Lineups Salute Legends, Newcomers
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM: Daytime Shows
Chapter 565
Ashley Campbell performs on the Opry Classics stage. Photo: Ashley Campbell/Twitter
Part of Friday’s CMA Fest felt bittersweet. That date, June 9, marked the release of Adios, the final studio album by the legendary Glen Campbell. To commemorate it, daughter Ashley Campbell, who performs on the album, and Carl Jackson, who produced it, participated in a Q&A with songs on the CMA Close-Up stage at Fan Fair X in the Music City Center.
Carl recalled being discovered when he was 18 by Glen. He spent 12 years traveling the world with the Country Music Hall of Fame member. He sang the album’s “Arkansas Farmboy,” which he wrote to tell Glen’s story.
Ashley performed the CD’s title tune. She bravely and candidly updated the fans on her father’s condition. She wants people to know the reality of Alzheimer’s.
Glen is in the final stages of the disease, she told the crowd. He can no longer process language, nor speak it. He lives almost completely internally, but enjoys little things like desserts and naps. He is also unfailingly pleasant and enjoys being around people. Which is a blessing, since many patients grow angry, confused, difficult and/or anxious.
Glen’s “booth” in the exhibit hall was a van outfitted to be a listening room. His vintage album jackets lined the walls. Dubbed The Vinyl Store, it was stocked with reissued LPs and turntables, one of which was wired into the sound system and previewed Adios for prospective customers. You could buy CDs, too. I chose the vinyl.
Up until this point, I had also missed seeing the “One-Piece-at-a-Time” Johnny Cash Cadillac. It was in a booth promoting The Storytellers Museum in Bon Aqua, which is where it usually resides. You can bet there was a steady stream of picture takers to the automobile.
Just up the road from the museum in Bon Aqua is The Hideaway Farm, Cash’s rural retreat. This lovely Victorian farmhouse is also now a tourist attraction. Bon Aqua is 40 minutes west of Music City. By the way, there’s a bluegrass festival there on July 1.
Another highlight in the hall was a mini Hee Haw cornfield where you could pose for snapshots.
In addition to Ashley and Carl, Deana Carter, Bobby Bare, Ronnie McDowell, Lulu Roman, Charlie Worsham, Jake Owen, Mark Wills, Charley Pride, Scotty McCreery, Bailey James and Temecula Road were working the campus that afternoon. Not to mention such industry mavens as Ben Vaughn, Mike Dungan, Mark Logsdon, Victoria Shaw, Todd Cassety, Scott Stem, Taylor Shults and Kirt Webster.
Meanwhile, scattered around on the festival’s nine downtown stages were such scheduled greats as Josh Turner, Nora Collins, James Otto, Sylvia, Ty Herndon, Lari White, Mo Pitney, David Frizzell and Lauren Alaina.
At the Riverfront Stage Granger Smith received a Gold Record for “Backroad Song” after the ace showman riled up his so-called “Yee-Yee Nation.” He closed the show in his trademark bib-overalls-and-tank-top outfit.
At the Gilden Hard Rock stage, Dennis Banka finished his emcee duties on Friday. But no one showed up to replace him. He didn’t want to leave the venue unattended, so he wound up spending all day hosting there. He enjoyed sets by Olivia Lane, Joanna Smith, Risa Binder, Filmore, Carter Winter and more.
Over on the Chevy Park stage, Swon Brothers member Colton Swan leaped over a metal barricade to get up close and personal with the fans.
As for me, I had to hustle on up to 8th & Broadway. I needed to catch the 3:41 No. 7 Hillsboro/Green Hills bus to beat rush-hour traffic home. The rest of you suckers suffered in the congestion while I read a magazine in air-conditioned comfort.
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM: The Nissan Stadium Concerts
Chapter 566
Kelsea Ballerini on the Nissan Stadium Stage during 2017 CMA Music Festival. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini/Twitter
The beautiful fireworks at midnight over Nissan Stadium commemorated another outstanding evening of song that was Friday’s CMA Fest concert (June 9).
Brooke Eden kicked things off with an excellent, octave-jumping rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Opening artist Trace Adkins exuded effortless charisma, as always. I also dig it that he is directly and bravely addressing aging with “Watered Down.”
Rascal Flatts shouted, “Are you ready to rock?” to the massive crowd. It was. One surprise artist was Dustin Lynch, who stood on a small stage in the midst of a throng of fans. He introduced his new single/video “Small Town Boy.”
Television stars and country recording artists The Property Brothers hosted. They pronounced Sam Hunt, “the most beautiful man in country music.”
Sam was, indeed, a huge crowd favorite, giving new energy to “Take Your Time” and getting a roar of approval for “Body Like a Back Road.” Said Sam, “We’ve played for fans all over, but you guys take the cake for the most dedicated fans in music.”
The equally studly Brett Young appeared as another surprise artist. He sang his chart-topping ballad “In Case You Didn’t Know.”
Kelsea Ballerini and Rhett Akins will co-host the August ABC network TV special that will be crafted out of this whole whoop-de-doo. On Friday, she was the delightful appetizer for the headlining main course of Eric Church and Blake Shelton. Kelsea introduced a new song and (as of now) a non-single titled “I Hate Love Songs.”
Blake brought Trace back out to sing “Hillbilly Bone” with him. “That’s country, right there!” quoth Blake.
Photo ID (L-R): Matt Signore, COO, WMN; John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, WMN; Blake Shelton, Peter Strickland, CMO, WMN; Scott Hendricks, EVP A&R, WMN; Kristen Williams, SVP Radio & Streaming, WMN; Narvel Blackstock, Starstruck Entertainment; Brandon Blackstock, Starstruck Entertainment
This was actually Blake’s second concert of the day. That afternoon, he’d staged a surprise pop-up performance at the WildHorse Saloon. It was a 90-minute journey through his hit-packed catalog of 16-years duration. Sherod Robertson, Erika Goldring, Cindy Watts, Helen Comer and Troy Gorczyca were among the lucky ones packed into the venue.
Troy is the Brand Manager of Smithworks Vodka, the title sponsor of the event. As the drink’s spokesman, Blake introduced it to the Nashville market during the CMA Music Festival. Because Blake said so, I bought a bottle. Miss Mary tasted it and pronounced it good.
Up in the CMA Hospitality Suite that night, the schmoozing reached a new plateau by the time Blake hit the stage. At times, you could hardly hear the music over the gabbing.
Attending fabulons included Charlie Cook, Chuck Aly, Dave Pahonek, David & Susana Ross, Larry McCormick, Chris Horsnell, Amy Smartt, Bill Denny, Aubrey Gilbert, Hank Adam Locklin, Bret Wolcott, Lisa Manning, and Susan Stewart.
If you couldn’t get into Nissan Stadium, or if you needed more female sounds than just lonely Kelsea could offer that night, CMA Fest offered an innovative alternative at Ascend Amphitheater.
Running simultaneously with Friday’s Nissan show was an all-female bill on the free Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage there on the other side of the Cumberland. It starred Danielle Bradbery, Kelleigh Bannen, Natalie Stovall, Ruthie Collins, Aubrie Sellers, Kellie Pickler and Sara Evans.
Bobby Bones To Tour With His “Class Of 2017” Picks
/by Lorie HollabaughBones has chosen artists he believes are the next big thing for the past three years and rallies behind them to share their music as his “Class Of” artists, and former picks include Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, and Jon Pardi.
“I can’t wait to get back on the road with the Raging Idiots,” Bones said of the upcoming tour. “But I’m especially looking forward to taking out these great new artists.”
Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood To Return As Hosts For CMA Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonThis year’s CMA Awards will take place Nov. 8, airing live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC Television Network.
Paisley and Underwood’s 10-year run is second only to Vince Gill’s 12-year run as host of the awards show, from 1992-2003.
The 2017 CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by more than 7,600 professional members of CMA, which is the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958.