Ronnie Dunn Cancels Miracle on Broadway Appearance
Ronnie Dunn has had to cancel his appearance at Friday’s (Dec. 16) Miracle on Broadway concert in Nashville after coming down with a cold and sore throat. Dunn was part of the first Miracle on Broadway event in 2014.
Created by Kelly Clarkson, Friday’s event at the Bridgestone Arena benefits Abe’s Garden, the Nashville Public Library Fund, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and the W. O. Smith Music School.
Steve Wariner and Hunter Hayes have been newly added to the lineup, which also includes Reba, Kelsea Ballerini, RaeLynn, the SteelDrivers, and Chip Esten.
A few tickets remain and can be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, all TicketMaster outlets, livenation.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for Second Harvest Food Bank.
Brett Eldredge Teams With Macy’s and Clothes4Souls To Benefit Nashville Rescue Mission
Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/AP Images for Macy’s
Guests of the Nashville Rescue Mission received brand new winter coats during the Clothes4Souls and Macy’s “Share the Warmth” event on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 in Nashville, with the help of Brett Eldredge and several volunteers. Macy’s has donated over 165,000 coats in partnership with Clothes4Souls since 2013.
Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/AP Images for Macy’s
Women’s Music Business Association Holds Tunes For Tots Writers Round
Pictured (Back row L-R): Damian Martin (Raquel Aurilia’s accompaniment), Raquel Aurilia (artist/songwriter), Makenzie Williams (WMBA Events & Ed.) Rachel Bradshaw (Stella Jane), Sarah Davidson (Stella Jane), Dana Lalevee (WMBA President), Michelle Pereira (artist/songwriter), Kortney Toney (WMBA Events & Education). (Front row L-R): Jana Horvath (WMBA Treasurer), Rachael Gerringer (WMBA Membership & Marketing), Marissa Bond (exiting WMBA Treasurer), Julia Grimoldi (WMBA Vice President)
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) held its annual Tunes for Tots writers round benefiting Toys for Tots earlier this week at The Country, located at 110 28th Avenue in Nashville.
Performers included artist-writer Raquel Aurilia, duo Stella Jane (Rachel Bradshaw and Sarah Davidson), and artist-writer Michelle Pereira. Over $100 and six overflowing bags of toys were collected for Toys for Tots at the door.
Ray Benson, Dale Watson Prepping First Duo Project
/by Jessica NicholsonDale Watson and Ray Benson
Ray Benson and Dale Watson will release their first duo album, Dale & Ray, on Jan. 6 on Ameripolitan/Home Records, distributed by Mailboat Records. The album will include original tracks, such as “The Ballad of Dale and Ray,” and “Bus’ Breakdown,” as well as a tribute to Merle Haggard, “Feelin’ Haggard.”
On Wednesday, Dec. 14, SiriusXM will preview one of the album’s two cover tunes, a rendition of Willie Nelson’s “Write Your Own Songs.” The song will play simultaneously on SirusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and on Outlaw Country at 5 p.m. ET.
“Ray and I have talked about doing this record from all the way back when I had black hair and he was still awake at the wheel,” Watson says. “To be able to do a record with a man I respect so much has been a dream come true.”
“The idea for this record is older than Willie Nelson,” Benson confirms. “Dale and I are kind of kindred spirits. We both have made careers as outsiders, fighting for the opportunity to play and showcase the kind of music that we want to play. For this record, we got to write and create original music that I’m extremely proud of.”
The duo also has several shows set for 2017 (below):
Jamboree In The Hills Adds Chris Young, Kelsea Ballerini To 2017 Lineup
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young, Kelsea Ballerini
The 41st annual Jamboree In The Hills has added Chris Young and Kelsea Ballerini to its artist lineup for 2017. The festival will take place July 13-16 in Belmont County, Ohio.
Previously announced talent includes Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean, and Lady Antebellum. Young will join the Friday schedule and Ballerini will take the stage on Saturday, with more performers set to be revealed soon.
After recently announcing a name change to Jambo Country, Jamboree In The Hills organizers listened to fans’ response, and opted to retain the festival’s original name, as well as all of the traditions its diehard fans have come to know, including four days of music.
Ticket sales for Jamboree In The Hills begin with a one-day only sale this Thursday (Dec. 15) from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET, with exclusive deals on four-day passes and camping only.
Tickets for the one-day sale will be available via jamboreeinthehills.com, onsite at the Belmont venue or charge by phone at 1-800-594-TIXX.
Metro Planning Commission Approves Music Row Detailed Design Plan
/by Eric T. ParkerThe DDP addresses land use, transportation, and community character at the neighborhood level. Such proposals include density requirements, height requirements and setback requirements. This DDP is adopted as an amendment to the Green Hills-Midtown Community Plan and therefore as a component of the countywide NashvilleNext General Plan.
Once adopted as an amendment to the community plan, the DDP serves as the primary guide for the neighborhood’s development.
Charity News: Ronnie Dunn, WMBA, Brett Eldredge
/by Jessica NicholsonRonnie Dunn Cancels Miracle on Broadway Appearance
Ronnie Dunn has had to cancel his appearance at Friday’s (Dec. 16) Miracle on Broadway concert in Nashville after coming down with a cold and sore throat. Dunn was part of the first Miracle on Broadway event in 2014.
Created by Kelly Clarkson, Friday’s event at the Bridgestone Arena benefits Abe’s Garden, the Nashville Public Library Fund, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and the W. O. Smith Music School.
Steve Wariner and Hunter Hayes have been newly added to the lineup, which also includes Reba, Kelsea Ballerini, RaeLynn, the SteelDrivers, and Chip Esten.
A few tickets remain and can be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, all TicketMaster outlets, livenation.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for Second Harvest Food Bank.
Brett Eldredge Teams With Macy’s and Clothes4Souls To Benefit Nashville Rescue Mission
Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/AP Images for Macy’s
Guests of the Nashville Rescue Mission received brand new winter coats during the Clothes4Souls and Macy’s “Share the Warmth” event on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 in Nashville, with the help of Brett Eldredge and several volunteers. Macy’s has donated over 165,000 coats in partnership with Clothes4Souls since 2013.
Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/AP Images for Macy’s
Women’s Music Business Association Holds Tunes For Tots Writers Round
Pictured (Back row L-R): Damian Martin (Raquel Aurilia’s accompaniment), Raquel Aurilia (artist/songwriter), Makenzie Williams (WMBA Events & Ed.) Rachel Bradshaw (Stella Jane), Sarah Davidson (Stella Jane), Dana Lalevee (WMBA President), Michelle Pereira (artist/songwriter), Kortney Toney (WMBA Events & Education). (Front row L-R): Jana Horvath (WMBA Treasurer), Rachael Gerringer (WMBA Membership & Marketing), Marissa Bond (exiting WMBA Treasurer), Julia Grimoldi (WMBA Vice President)
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) held its annual Tunes for Tots writers round benefiting Toys for Tots earlier this week at The Country, located at 110 28th Avenue in Nashville.
Performers included artist-writer Raquel Aurilia, duo Stella Jane (Rachel Bradshaw and Sarah Davidson), and artist-writer Michelle Pereira. Over $100 and six overflowing bags of toys were collected for Toys for Tots at the door.
Leading Music Organizations To Trump: ‘Tech Corporations Can Do Better’
/by Sarah SkatesClick to read the full letter.
Leading music industry organizations, including the RIAA, The Recording Academy and the performing rights organizations, sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump to state the importance of intellectual property and rights-holders earning fair market value. This letter comes on the eve of Trump’s meeting with leaders of the tech industry Wednesday (Dec. 14) afternoon.
The correspondence addresses that “music drives innovation” and that “sophisticated technology corporations can do better” in preventing illegal access to music and “paying fair market value.”
The letter is signed by A2IM, American Federation of Musicians, ASCAP, Americana Music Association, BMI, Church Music Publishers’ Association, Christian Music Trade Association, Gospel Music Association, The Living Legends Foundation Inc., Music Managers Forum – U.S., NSAI, NMPA, The Recording Academy, RIAA, Rhythm & Blues Foundation, SAG-AFTRA, SESAC, The Songwriters Guild of America and SoundExchange.
According to the New York Times, top executives from Tesla, Alphabet (Google’s parent), Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook are scheduled to attend tomorrow’s meeting.
Last month, Mr. Trump hosted a similar meeting with members of the media with the main purpose of lashing out at them.
Sony Music Nashville Names Jennifer Way To Director, Marketing Role
/by Jessica NicholsonJennifer Way
Jennifer Way has joined Sony Music Nashville as Director, Marketing, reporting to Hannah Dudley, Vice President, Marketing. Way will be responsible for the strategy, development and execution of targeted marketing campaigns for her assigned artists.
Dudley says, “I am extremely excited for Jen to join the marketing team, bringing her considerable experience and excellent relationships to her new family at Sony Music Nashville.”
With over 10 years marketing experience with Universal Music Group Nashville, Jennifer Way was Manager, Marketing & Artist Development. She has an extensive background in marketing and product management for such artists as Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Lady Antebellum, Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, Charles Kelley, Jordan Davis and David Nail. Her recent launch highlights include the 2017 GRAMMY-nominated albums Love Remains by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family and Keith Urban’s Ripcord, as well as Chris Stapleton’s Traveller.
Jennifer Way remarked, “It’s such an exciting time for Sony Music Nashville and I’m honored to be joining the team as the newest member. I can’t wait to jump in and begin working with these incredible artists.”
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Way resides in Nashville with her family. She can be reached at jennifer.way@sonymusic.com.
Drake White Sets First Headlining Tour For 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonDrake White
Following the release of his debut album earlier this year, BMLG artist Drake White will kick off his first headlining stint in February 2017. White and his band The Big Fire will take The Spark Tour 2017 to 17 clubs across the US, including a show at Nashville’s Exit/In on April 13.
“I couldn’t be more excited to get out on the road for my first headlining dates,” exclaimed White. “The Big Fire and I are road warriors. We have been playing together for many years so to be out there on our own tour is really special for us.”
White was recently named as one of MusicRow‘s 2017 Next Big Thing artists, and has opened for artists including Willie Nelson, Zac Brown Band and Eric Church.
UPCOMING SPARK TOUR 2017 DATES
Feb. 4: Husson University – Gracie Theatre | Bangor, ME
Feb. 16: Texas Club | Baton Rouge, LA
Feb. 17: Mo’s Place | Katy, TX
March 17: Coyote Joe’s | Charlotte, NC
March 18: The Blind Horse Saloon | Greenville, SC
March 23: Gramercy Theatre | New York, NY
March 24: Paradise Rock Club | Boston, MA
March 25: Mohegen Sun – Wolf Den | Uncasville, CT
April 7: The Dallas Bull | Tampa, FL
April 13: Exit/In | Nashville, TN
April 14: Mercury Ballroom | Louisville, KY
April 19: Jergel’s Rhythm Grille | Warrendale, PA
April 20: Coyote Joe’s | Shelby Township, MI
April 21: 8 Seconds Saloon | Indianapolis, IN
May 5: The Bluestone | Columbus, OH
May 31: Moonshine Beach | San Diego, CA
June 2: Brandin’ Iron | San Bernardino, CA
Big Loud Mountain Signs Mat Kearney
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Big Loud Mountain partners Seth England and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Mat Kearney, Big Loud Mountain partners Craig Wiseman and Joey Moi and Big Loud Mountain’s Troy Johnson
Songwriter/artist Mat Kearney has signed with Big Loud Mountain Management and has new music in the works.
Kearney’s unique blend of hip-hop, adult alternative, and spiritually-based songwriting have garnered a dedicated fanbase during his 10-year career. His current record, Just Kids (released in February 2015), became his fourth-consecutive Top 5 release on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. The prolific writer has also contributed songs to dozens of television shows and movies, including Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, and Soul Surfer. Kearney recently wrapped his run on the COMPADRES 2016 Tour, presented by Needtobreathe. His career breakthrough came in 2006 with his major label debut, Nothing Left To Lose, which has sold over 450,000 copies.
“Big Loud is an exciting place to be. Great people with big ideas,” said Kearney. “After being on a major label for 10 years I felt a strong need to start this journey together as an independent artist. It has been so inspiring, and I feel lucky to have such a world-class team down the street.”
Big Loud Mountain partner Seth England said of the signing, “After our first meeting with Mat, we knew we had to officially work together. I’ve always respected Mat’s career from a distance all these years. We couldn’t be more excited to join his team. We’ve had the pleasure of hearing what Mat is working on next and I can confidently say the best is yet to come for him.”
Big Loud Mountain is also home to superstars Florida Georgia Line and breakout artists Chris Lane and Dallas Smith.
Dierks Bentley Inks Deal With Kobalt Music Copyright
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Willard Ahdritz (Kobalt founder/CEO), Merril Wasserman (EVP, Business Development), Dierks Bentley, Richard Sanders (President, Kobalt North America), Laura Alexander (Senior Creative Director), Stephanie Cox (VP, Creative), Jesse Willoughby (GM, Kobalt Nashville).
Dierks Bentley has inked a deal with Kobalt Music Copyright for representation of his back catalog, including hits such as “I Hold On,” “Home,” “Drunk On A Plane,” “Sideways,” and more, MusicRow has confirmed. Kobalt will also handle administration for Bentley’s future compositions.
“I couldn’t be more happy about joining the Kobalt team,” said Bentley. “Everyone I’ve had a chance to meet emits a feeling of belief in the power of songs and songwriting. You can’t help but sense their excitement about writing collaborations and possibilities. I look forward to having the positive energy surrounding me as we start thinking about the next project.”
Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt, commented, “Dierks Bentley is a gifted artist and songwriter who has only grown stronger over the years. We very much believe in him and feel strongly that he will keep growing and that the best is yet to come.”
Jesse Willoughby, General Manager of Kobalt, Nashville stated, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring such a phenomenal artist like Dierks Bentley into the Kobalt family. His career continues to thrive as he pushes new boundaries on every project. His eighth album release speaks volumes about his contribution to country music and popular culture as a whole. Welcome to Kobalt, Dierks!”
Alabama, Cyndi Lauper Set For Tonight’s Dolly Parton Telethon
/by Jessica NicholsonDolly Parton‘s Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon will air tonight (Dec. 13) on GAC, AXS-TV, RFD and The Heartland Network, beginning at 8 p.m. EST.
Significant donations have already been committed before the airing, including pledges from Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
Artists performing on the show include Parton, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr., Chris Stapleton, Reba, Alison Krauss, Michael W. Smith, Chris Janson, Big & Rich, LOCASH, Chris Young, Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Cyndi Lauper, Don McLean, Amy Grant, Alabama, Aaron Lewis and Rhonda Vincent.
“The donations that are already coming in are so special to me,” Parton said. “It means there are a lot of people behind us and ready to help us. There is still so much need to support the people of the Smoky Mountains, but thanks to Taylor and Kenny and both the ACM and CMA for gettin’ us started with such huge donations.”
More than 1300 families have been displaced due to the wildfires which spread across Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee in late November. The entertainment icon established the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund to provide $1000 each month for six months to every family who lost their primary residence. Currently, the monthly pledge is in excess of $1.3 million each month.