Luke Bryan and Keith Urban. Photo: Donn Jones
SUNDAY, JUNE 12:
The last day of CMA Fest is usually a bit of a bummer, as the circus prepares to fold up its tents and leave town. But this year, Sunday was busier than ever. At Fan Fair X, Maddie & Tae, Canaan Smith, Darryl Worley, Mark Collie, Lance Carpenter, Exile, Olivia Lane and Jack Ingram were all greeting the fans and/or autographing. The longest autograph line by far belonged to Chase Rice.
Enchanting newcomer Lacy Cavalier was one of the highlights at Radio Disney on Sunday. This stage was consistently intriguing throughout the days of Fan Fair X. In the booths, I had a reunion hug with Ashton Shepherd, and we took a photo together. She gave me a copy of her new, self-penned CD, Out of My Pocket. I also met and posed for a snap with rugged stud Travis Rice, the singer of “Women, Water and Beer.”
“I know everyone in the industry is tired and just trying to get through this last day,” said Travis. “But I want it to go on and on. It’s my first CMA Fest, and I got to be here as an artist.”
On the Durango Stage, Sweethearts of the Rodeo were closing their set with the rockabilly tune “Gone to Kentucky.” They played to a full house. “Thank you, again, for being our fans,” said the duo’s Kristine Arnold while sister Janis Oliver strummed the opening chords of the song.
The Song Suffragettes. Photo: Bets Wilson/CMA
The Song Suffragettes were enthralling a crowd with their acoustic performances at the CMA Close-Up Stage on Sunday afternoon. This rotating cast of female tunesmiths plays weekly in Nashville on Mondays at The Listening Room Cafe.
Sylvia. Photo: Fletcher Moore/CMA
As the afternoon drew to a close, Sylvia performed with a guitar accompanist on the Durango Stage. She shared songwriting stories with the crowd and sang with grace.
Outside, the temperature was a replay of Saturday, and the air quality and the humidity were no improvements, either. The Riverfront Stage booked a terrific finale lineup – Cam, Phil Vassar, Tyler Farr, Old Dominion and LoCash. Dennis Banka of WUCZ, as well as Tennessean photo journalists George Walker IV and Shelley Mays, were on the scene.
Cam. Photo: Hunter Berry
Cam was a complete delight. “Let’s show everybody there’s still love in the world: Put your arms around each other,” she said. At one point, Tyler unfortunately jumped off the stage and then couldn’t get back on, at least not gracefully.
LoCash became the first act to directly address the day’s tragedy, the largest mass shooting in U.S. history. At least 50 were slain and more than 50 were hospitalized after a man with an assault rifle opened fire in an Orlando gay dance club called Pulse.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to Orlando,” said the “I Love This Life” singers Chris Lucas and Preston Brust. This prompted a spontaneous outburst of “U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.” chanting from the audience.
I spent most of Sunday with the fans at the upper end of the fest. Keith Anderson drew the best crowd I saw at the Chevy Cruze Stage all weekend. He had the fans singing along with his melodic “Every Time I Hear Your Name,” as well as to a funky version of “Pickin’ Wildflowers.” He was followed by the equally energetic J.T. Hodges and the stone-country Margo Price.
I cruised through Honky Tonk Alley to the strains of a cover band featuring Kelsey Hickman (she’s regular on Lower Broad at Rippy’s). Then I ducked into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where the gift shop was doing very brisk, last-day business.
Song Suffragette Kalie Shorr was singing sweetly at the Music City Stage. My last daytime show of this year’s CMA Fest was, happily, one of my fondest memories of the weekend. It was a capacity-crowd gig at this same venue by Brent Cobb, who writes like a champ and sings with authentic, Dixie-fried soul.
“To be a songwriter in Nashville, all you gotta do is believe in yourself,” Brent told the crowd. “So that’s what I do, believe in myself.” He talked about singing his song “Down Home” on the new, multi-artist Southern Family CD. After performing his homesick weeper “Sad Ol’ Rainy Days,” he brought his dad on stage to sing Everly-style harmony on “Country Bound.” The song will appear on Brent’s album being produced by his cousin Dave Cobb. It is due in October. Can’t wait.
Out at Nissan Stadium that evening, the mingling fabulons in the hospitality suite included Lisa Harless, Bill Simmons, John Esposito, Krista Darden, David & Susana Ross, Jeff Stevens, Tammy Genovese, Victoria Shaw and B.J. Hill.
And can I get a witness for those daily and nightly hosting CMA staffers? Folks like Brandi Simms, Melissa Maynard, Aaron Hartley, Brenden Oliver, Amy Smartt, Angela Roland and, of course, boss lady Sarah Trahern always keep the fest ball rolling. By the way, the CMA’s moving day on Music Row is June 30.
Exile. Photo: Dusty Draper/CMA
On Sunday night, there were several moments memorializing the victims in Orlando. After greetings by CMT personality and host Cody Alan and the national anthem performance by Ray Stevens, the legendary Exile took the stage.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the band tore through “Give Me One More Chance,” “Super Love” and “It’ll Be Me.” Then the group paused. “We know that there are a lot of lives that need healing and prayers,” said Sonny LeMaire. Exile then harmonized on the spiritual “People Get Ready.” As dusk gathered, the group closed with “Kiss You All Over.” The last chorus belonged to the fans, who sang it with gusto.
Little Big Town with Pharrell Williams. Photo: Donn Jones
Little Big Town also took the stage with a barrage of hit favorites, then paused to address the tragedy. “Tonight, it would not be right if we didn’t sing this next song for our friends in Orlando, who are healing,” said Karen Fairchild. “We need a change. We need a healing. And love is stronger than hate. Show Orlando all the love you have!”
The song was “Miracle.” On it, the group sang, “Hear me in the trouble… I could use your helping hand. I want some peace, some sweet release…Send out some healing for this heart.” Seemingly out of nowhere, the song’s producer Pharrell Williams appeared on stage to sing with LBT. Ripples of applause responded.
On “Girl Crush,” 60,000 fans sang every word, then gave the group a huge ovation. “Boondocks” was the electrifying set closer. “We loved playing for you tonight!” shouted Karen. “Take care of each other.”
Thomas Rhett. Photo: Dusty Draper/CMA
Thomas Rhett and Brett Eldredge offered a duet version of “Vacation.” During their own sets, Rhett played “Die a Happy Man,” “T-Shirt” and more hits. Then Eldredge stepped up to the plate for his own set of singles like “Beat of the Music.” These two will be co-hosting the CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock ABC-TV special about the festival, which airs on August 3.
Brett Eldredge. Photo: Donn Jones
Following a surprise appearance from Billy Ray Cyrus to promote his new CMT series, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan closed out the 45th annual CMA Music Festival. Celebratory fireworks lit the sky at 12:30 a.m.
Industry Ink: BMI, RedJett Artist Management, H20 Artist Agency
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI Teams With Retail Association Of Maine
Pictured (Standing, L-R): BMI Songwriters Dave Pahanish, Hugh Mitchell. Kneeling: Reny’s Store Manager Carl Hodge, BMI’s Dan Spears, Retail Association of Maine Executive Director Curtis Picard.
BMI joined forces with the Retail Association of Maine on Friday and Saturday (June 10-11) to help celebrate their Shop Second Saturday campaign by bringing two award-winning Nashville songwriters to the state. BMI songwriters Dave Pahanish and Hugh Mitchell performed at three different locations in support of the initiative aimed at supporting Maine retail stores. Among the venues was Reny’s, a family-owned chain of Maine department stores with 16 locations that have been in operation since 1949.
BMI’s 8th Off 8th At Mercy Lounge
Pictured (L-R): Walking Man’s Jonathan Draper, songwriter Chloe Kat, Walking Man’s Mick Utley, BMI’s Nina Carter and songwriter Ron Gallo.
Holt, Flack Team For Redjett Artist Management
Pictured (L-R): Kendra Flack, Lauren Daigle, Blanca, Leigh Holt
Music executive Leigh Holt has teamed with Red Barn founder Kendra Flack to develop new artist management agency Redjett Management. Based in Franklin, Tennessee, the company offers day-to-day artist management and tour management/logistics services. Their clients include Christian artists Lauren Diagle and Blanca.
Holt, a former Warner Music Nashville VP of Strategic Partnerships, launched maddjett, a full-service agency designed to build brands, businesses, and partnerships, in 2013.
Flack’s career includes work in show production, set design and tour management for tours including Winter Jam and for artists including Kari Jobe.
H20 Artist Agency Relocates To Brentwood
Scott Huie
Longtime Christian music booking agent Scott Huie has relocated his H2O Artist Agency to Brentwood, Tennessee. The office is now located at 7106 Crossroads Blvd., Ste. 215 in Brentwood.
Huie also returns as the exclusive booking agent for Newsboys, after previously representing the band for 15 years. H2O Artist Agency’s roster also includes Peter Furler; singer/songwriter Ryan Stevenson; band Rush of Fools; hard rock mainstay Seventh Day Slumber; singer/songwriter Trevor Morgan; Classic Imperials; and vocalist Karyn Williams.
Since beginning his career in Christian music in 1985, Huie spent six years at the H1 Agency and International Creative Management in New York, as well as nine years at Nashville-based Vanguard Entertainment. He founded the H2O Artist Agency in 1999, where he initially represented Newsboys.
Huie can be reached at 615-454-3635 and booking@h2o.com.
CMA Music Festival Sees 88,500 Daily Visitors, Social Media Boom
/by Craig_ShelburnePhoto: Donn Jones/CMA
The 2016 CMA Music Festival has set a record for daily attendance, with an average of 88,500 fans participating each day. The event was held June 9-12 in downtown Nashville.
Attendance figures for 2016 include four-day ticket packages and promotional tickets, as well as attendance in Fan Fair X and free areas downtown. In all, more than 500 artists and celebrities participated in more than 250 hours of concerts on 11 stages, seven of which were free.
The 2016 CMA Music Festival sold out months in advance prompting large, enthusiastic crowds at the Festival’s numerous stages and event areas with a record-setting daily attendance of 88,500 fans.
“The advance sell out speaks to the strength of the event, but great weather, the addition of two new, free stages at Ascend Amphitheater, and record crowds at Fan Fair X at the Music City Center contributed to our attendance hike,” said CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “We continue to see strong local and regional support for this event, which is a boon to the city of Nashville.”
For the first time since moving to downtown Nashville in 2001, Chevrolet Riverfront Stage reached capacity twice on opening day. Official CMA Music Festival merchandise sales increased 16 percent over 2015. The Festival’s two newest stages at Ascend Amphitheater hosted 5,000 fans each day.
First-time Facebook Live broadcasts with over 20 artists generated over 1.3 million views. Snapchat artist takeovers increased views 260 percent over last year. Screens at five stages powered by Postano generated 55,000 social interactions resulting in 1.2 billion impressions. CMA website views were up 25 percent partially due to the fan social hub powered by Postano. Giphy hosted more than 400 artist GIFs for fans to use in their social feeds.
Corporate brand partnerships are a key element to the marketing, fan experience, and support of the festival with more than 50 different brand experiences activating at CMA Music Festival.
“This year’s Festival brought new and bigger immersive partner activations that enhanced the experience for both fans and brands and continued to differentiate our Festival as a global leader in music festival brand partnerships,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships. “The increased attendance and fan engagement showcases the passion and loyalty of our country music fans and artists in addition to the dynamic opportunity for brands to reach this meaningful audience and create lasting impressions.”
Charity News: Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Musicians On Call
/by Jessica NicholsonAlan Jackson, Ply Gem Dedicate Habitat For Humanity House
Alan Jackson with new Rutherford County Area Habitat homeowner Keosha Hendricks and her daughter Akori’ Yahah after receiving keys to her new home
Alan Jackson and Ply Gem, a manufacturer of building products, helped dedicate a house built with a local family in La Vergne, Tennessee, as part of the Habitat for Humanity national Home Builders Blitz week.
“This is the reason why I love this country so much – we step up and we give of our time. Thank you Ply Gem and Habitat for Humanity,” Jackson said before giving the house keys to new Rutherford County Area Habitat homeowner Keosha Hendricks, and her daughter Akori’ Yanah. “This is just a house, but you and Akori’ will make it a home.”
“I’m so grateful to be a part of this program,” said Hendricks. “The experience has been amazing and my daughter is going to have a stable, healthy home,” Hendricks said through tears. “Thank you Habitat, Ply Gem and Alan. We finally have a home to call our own.”
Habitat’s Home Builders Blitz included professional builders in 31 states working this week alongside nearly 250 Habitat homeowners to build or repair their homes. The sponsorship is one component of the Home for Good project—a multi-year initiative that includes the donation of more than $1 million of performance siding and windows and funds for Habitat for Humanity to use to help families build nearly 300 homes in 2016, alone.
Alan Jackson hands the keys to new Rutherford County Area Habitat homeowner Keosha Hendricks and her daughter Akori’ Yahah
Carrie Underwood’s Calia Line, Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation Donate To Sports Matter
Carrie Underwood presents first Sports Matter grant of $100,000 to girls sports teams in her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma
DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and fitness brand CALIA by Carrie Underwood have donated $500,000 in Sports Matter grants to girls youth sports teams across the country.
Since 2014, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation has pledged over $50 million to support teams and raise awareness of the importance of youth sports across the country through its Sports Matter initiative. CALIA is a fitness and lifestyle brand created in partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods and Carrie Underwood,
To launch the partnership in Underwood’s hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and Underwood herself surprised unsuspecting Checotah Middle School and High School female student-athletes during a summer practice to present a Sports Matter grant of $100,000 to the Checotah School District Girls Athletic Programs.
“I am so honored to partner with The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation to give back to my high school’s girls sports teams,” said Underwood. “Being active in youth sports while growing up helped set the foundation and passion for making fitness an important part of my life today. Participating in sports also taught me important life lessons about dedication and teamwork. Through this donation, we want to make sure there are plenty of opportunities for girls to play sports in Checotah for years to come.”
Musicians On Call Launches Summer Moments Auction
Musicians On Call (MOC), a nonprofit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in hospitals across the country, launched its Summer Moments Auction. The auction, in partnership with eBay, will run through June 22 and will include VIP experiences and memorabilia from over 25 artists including some of the biggest names in music.
The Summer Moments Auction is a part of MOC’s Half a Million Moments campaign, celebrating the milestone of performing for half a million patients, families and caregivers.
Music fans can bid on memorabilia from Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Sara Evans, Gavin DeGraw, Ingrid Michaelson, Andy Grammer, Nick Jonas & Demi Lovato, Clay Walker, Clint Black and more. Bids start at $99 and fans can place their bids by going to www.ebay.com/moc. Fans have the opportunity to support MOC in all their eBay purchases through “Give at Checkout,” a site-wide donation promotion.
“As we celebrate the milestone of performing for half a million individuals, we’re excited to bring ‘Summer Moments’ to music fans across the country,” said Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President. “With the funds raised, we can bring our own unique brand of bedside ‘summer tour’ performances to patients nationwide all year long.”
LifeNotes: Chips Moman, Hit Producer And Songwriter, Passes
/by Craig_ShelburneChips Moman
Chips Moman, a songwriter and producer who made his mark in country music after a significant career in R&B, died Monday (June 13) in LaGrange, Georgia, after a long illness. He was 79.
Moman was born with the name Lincoln Wayne Moman in LaGrange, Georgia, on June 12, 1937. He received his nickname because of his skills as a poker player.
As a songwriter, his credits include 1977’s “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” for Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, co-written with Buddy Emmons.
With Emmons, Moman also wrote the two-week No. 1 single, “The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want to Get Over You,” recorded by Waylon Jennings. Prior to that, Moman and co-writer Larry Butler composed a two-week No. 1 country hit for B.J. Thomas titled “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.” The recording won a 1975 Grammy for Best Country Song.
R&B staples from his catalog include “Dark End of the Street” and “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,” co-written with Dan Penn.
As a country producer, he won ACM Awards for Willie Nelson’s single “Always on My Mind” and corresponding album, also titled Always on My Mind. Nelson and Merle Haggard enlisted him to produce “Pancho & Lefty.” In addition, he collected a 1985 ACM Award as producer of “Highwayman,” the iconic single recorded by Johnny Cash, Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Nelson, known collectively as the Highwaymen. Moman also produced the first two albums for the Highwaymen.
He produced a collaborative 1986 album titled Class of ’55: Memphis Rock & Roll Homecoming that brought together Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins. Interviews from that session won a 1986 Grammy for Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Recording.
Elvis Presley fans know Moman as the producer of standards like “In the Ghetto,” “Suspicious Minds” and “Kentucky Rain.” Presley recorded those songs at American Sound Studio for the 1969 album, From Elvis in Memphis.
Moman had strong ties to Memphis by working at Stax Records and producing the label’s first hit single—Carla Thomas’ 1960 release, “Gee Whiz.” Within a few years, after leaving Stax, he opened American Sound Studio in Memphis, where Dusty Springfield recorded her enduring 1969 album, Dusty in Memphis. Moman was also an accomplished guitarist who played numerous sessions in Memphis and Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Only making occasional appearances in the last few decades, Moman had lived in LaGrange since 1994. In 2012 he gave a public interview at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Chips Moman after a Country Music Hall of Fame program in 2012. Pictured (Back row, L-R): Museum Editor Michael Gray with musicians Gene Chrisman, Bobby Emmons and Weldon Myrick; (Front row, L-R): Musicians Bobby Wood, Chips Moman and Reggie Young. Photo: Donn Jones
LeAnn Rimes Inks Recording Deal With RCA UK
/by Jessica NicholsonLeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes has inked a worldwide recording deal with RCA UK, and is set to release a new single, “The Story,” on Aug. 5. The track is from her 16th studio album, due later this year in the United Kingdom. Plans for a U.S. release will be announced at a later date.
Colin Barlow, President of RCA UK, said, “LeAnn Rimes is one of the music business’s finest singers, and it’s an absolute pleasure to welcome her to the RCA UK family.”
“’The Story’ is a song that resonates with me as WE are all a part of one collective, universal story,” said Rimes. “I fully embrace the journey I am on in life and the events that have gotten me to where I am today. This song is not only a love song but a song of self-acceptance and appreciation for life.”
She added, “I am elated to have Colin and the family at RCA UK by my side, as we share the same vision and passion for the future. Being surrounded by fantastic, forward thinking collaborators, I’ve never felt so comfortable and supported in my artistry. I feel like I found a true home.”
CMT Music Awards Receives Record-Setting Ratings
/by Craig_ShelburneThe 2016 CMT Music Awards rated as the network’s most-watched awards show ever. Airing live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, the ceremony was broadcast across CMT, TV Land and Nick@Nite on June 8.
The show attracted 3.6 million total viewers (live plus three days) across the three networks, rising 20 percent over last year. The rating for the target demo notched a 1.47 (live plus three days).
The awards also made an impression through social media, with #CMTawards trending worldwide for five hours to rank as the No. 1 Series/Special on Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings for the day, according to Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Sunday At CMA Music Festival
/by Bobby KarlLuke Bryan and Keith Urban. Photo: Donn Jones
SUNDAY, JUNE 12:
The last day of CMA Fest is usually a bit of a bummer, as the circus prepares to fold up its tents and leave town. But this year, Sunday was busier than ever. At Fan Fair X, Maddie & Tae, Canaan Smith, Darryl Worley, Mark Collie, Lance Carpenter, Exile, Olivia Lane and Jack Ingram were all greeting the fans and/or autographing. The longest autograph line by far belonged to Chase Rice.
Enchanting newcomer Lacy Cavalier was one of the highlights at Radio Disney on Sunday. This stage was consistently intriguing throughout the days of Fan Fair X. In the booths, I had a reunion hug with Ashton Shepherd, and we took a photo together. She gave me a copy of her new, self-penned CD, Out of My Pocket. I also met and posed for a snap with rugged stud Travis Rice, the singer of “Women, Water and Beer.”
“I know everyone in the industry is tired and just trying to get through this last day,” said Travis. “But I want it to go on and on. It’s my first CMA Fest, and I got to be here as an artist.”
On the Durango Stage, Sweethearts of the Rodeo were closing their set with the rockabilly tune “Gone to Kentucky.” They played to a full house. “Thank you, again, for being our fans,” said the duo’s Kristine Arnold while sister Janis Oliver strummed the opening chords of the song.
The Song Suffragettes. Photo: Bets Wilson/CMA
The Song Suffragettes were enthralling a crowd with their acoustic performances at the CMA Close-Up Stage on Sunday afternoon. This rotating cast of female tunesmiths plays weekly in Nashville on Mondays at The Listening Room Cafe.
Sylvia. Photo: Fletcher Moore/CMA
As the afternoon drew to a close, Sylvia performed with a guitar accompanist on the Durango Stage. She shared songwriting stories with the crowd and sang with grace.
Outside, the temperature was a replay of Saturday, and the air quality and the humidity were no improvements, either. The Riverfront Stage booked a terrific finale lineup – Cam, Phil Vassar, Tyler Farr, Old Dominion and LoCash. Dennis Banka of WUCZ, as well as Tennessean photo journalists George Walker IV and Shelley Mays, were on the scene.
Cam. Photo: Hunter Berry
Cam was a complete delight. “Let’s show everybody there’s still love in the world: Put your arms around each other,” she said. At one point, Tyler unfortunately jumped off the stage and then couldn’t get back on, at least not gracefully.
LoCash became the first act to directly address the day’s tragedy, the largest mass shooting in U.S. history. At least 50 were slain and more than 50 were hospitalized after a man with an assault rifle opened fire in an Orlando gay dance club called Pulse.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to Orlando,” said the “I Love This Life” singers Chris Lucas and Preston Brust. This prompted a spontaneous outburst of “U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.” chanting from the audience.
I spent most of Sunday with the fans at the upper end of the fest. Keith Anderson drew the best crowd I saw at the Chevy Cruze Stage all weekend. He had the fans singing along with his melodic “Every Time I Hear Your Name,” as well as to a funky version of “Pickin’ Wildflowers.” He was followed by the equally energetic J.T. Hodges and the stone-country Margo Price.
Song Suffragette Kalie Shorr was singing sweetly at the Music City Stage. My last daytime show of this year’s CMA Fest was, happily, one of my fondest memories of the weekend. It was a capacity-crowd gig at this same venue by Brent Cobb, who writes like a champ and sings with authentic, Dixie-fried soul.
“To be a songwriter in Nashville, all you gotta do is believe in yourself,” Brent told the crowd. “So that’s what I do, believe in myself.” He talked about singing his song “Down Home” on the new, multi-artist Southern Family CD. After performing his homesick weeper “Sad Ol’ Rainy Days,” he brought his dad on stage to sing Everly-style harmony on “Country Bound.” The song will appear on Brent’s album being produced by his cousin Dave Cobb. It is due in October. Can’t wait.
Out at Nissan Stadium that evening, the mingling fabulons in the hospitality suite included Lisa Harless, Bill Simmons, John Esposito, Krista Darden, David & Susana Ross, Jeff Stevens, Tammy Genovese, Victoria Shaw and B.J. Hill.
And can I get a witness for those daily and nightly hosting CMA staffers? Folks like Brandi Simms, Melissa Maynard, Aaron Hartley, Brenden Oliver, Amy Smartt, Angela Roland and, of course, boss lady Sarah Trahern always keep the fest ball rolling. By the way, the CMA’s moving day on Music Row is June 30.
Exile. Photo: Dusty Draper/CMA
On Sunday night, there were several moments memorializing the victims in Orlando. After greetings by CMT personality and host Cody Alan and the national anthem performance by Ray Stevens, the legendary Exile took the stage.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the band tore through “Give Me One More Chance,” “Super Love” and “It’ll Be Me.” Then the group paused. “We know that there are a lot of lives that need healing and prayers,” said Sonny LeMaire. Exile then harmonized on the spiritual “People Get Ready.” As dusk gathered, the group closed with “Kiss You All Over.” The last chorus belonged to the fans, who sang it with gusto.
Little Big Town with Pharrell Williams. Photo: Donn Jones
Little Big Town also took the stage with a barrage of hit favorites, then paused to address the tragedy. “Tonight, it would not be right if we didn’t sing this next song for our friends in Orlando, who are healing,” said Karen Fairchild. “We need a change. We need a healing. And love is stronger than hate. Show Orlando all the love you have!”
The song was “Miracle.” On it, the group sang, “Hear me in the trouble… I could use your helping hand. I want some peace, some sweet release…Send out some healing for this heart.” Seemingly out of nowhere, the song’s producer Pharrell Williams appeared on stage to sing with LBT. Ripples of applause responded.
On “Girl Crush,” 60,000 fans sang every word, then gave the group a huge ovation. “Boondocks” was the electrifying set closer. “We loved playing for you tonight!” shouted Karen. “Take care of each other.”
Thomas Rhett. Photo: Dusty Draper/CMA
Thomas Rhett and Brett Eldredge offered a duet version of “Vacation.” During their own sets, Rhett played “Die a Happy Man,” “T-Shirt” and more hits. Then Eldredge stepped up to the plate for his own set of singles like “Beat of the Music.” These two will be co-hosting the CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock ABC-TV special about the festival, which airs on August 3.
Brett Eldredge. Photo: Donn Jones
Following a surprise appearance from Billy Ray Cyrus to promote his new CMT series, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan closed out the 45th annual CMA Music Festival. Celebratory fireworks lit the sky at 12:30 a.m.
Plaques Presented To Canaan Smith, Locash, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band At CMA Music Festival
/by Craig_ShelburneLeft to Right: UMG Nashville’s Bryan Chisholm, UMG Nashville SVP A&R Brian Wright, UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, Mercury Nashville’s Canaan Smith, Mercury Nashville VP Promotion Damon Moberly, UMG Nashville’s Amanda Good, UMG Nashville’s Kelli Porter. Photo: Alan Poizner
Canaan Smith, Locash and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band all received special recognition during CMA Music Festival.
On Saturday (June 11), Smith was presented with a platinum plaque for his No. 1 single, “Love You Like That.” The presentation was made during his daytime performance on the Riverfront Stage.
Mike Dungan and Canaan Smith. Photo: Alan Poizner
On Sunday, Locash accepted a gold plaque for “I Love This Life” from Reviver Records President/CEO David Ross. Ross presented the plaque to the duo’s Chris Lucas and Preston Brust just before the final song of their set.
Pictured (L-R): Chris Lucas, Locash; David Ross, President/CEO, Reviver Records; Preston Brust, Locash. Photo: Webster PR
In celebration of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 50th anniversary, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development honored bandmates Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter and John McEuen with special commemorative art pieces on Saturday (June 11). The special presentation took place at Nissan Stadium during CMA Music Festival, just prior to the band’s debut performance at the stadium. Brian Wagner, assistant commissioner of marketing, Department of Tourist Development, made the presentation to each member of the group.
Pictured: Brian Wagner, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band members Jimmie Fadden, John McEuen, Jeff Hanna and Bob Carpenter. Photo: J. Scott Whigham
In Pictures: ASCAP At CMA Music Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Brent Rupard, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Jillian Jaqueline, Anthony Olympia
ASCAP presented three days of live music during this year’s CMA Music Festival.
On Thursday, June 9 and Friday, June 10, ASCAP offered performances from emerging songwriter-artists Carlton Anderson, Jeston Cade, Hannah Dasher, Hannah Ellis, Emily Hackett, Jillian Jacqueline, Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rogers, Brent Rupard and CJ Solar on the Budweiser Acoustic Stage at Ascend Amphitheater.
Pictured (L-R): Hunter Phelps, ASCAP’s Robert Filhart and Jameson Rogers
Pictured: CJ Solar on the ASCAP Budweiser Acoustic Stage at Ascend Amphitheater
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Eyvn Mustoe and Hannah Dasher
On Saturday, June 11, ASCAP Presented a special Hit Songwriters Round at the HGTV Lodge, hosted by Kelly Sutton and HGTV’s Property Brothers stars Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott.
The round featured top ASCAP songwriters Chris DeStefano (“Something in the Water”), Ashley Gorley (“T-Shirt”), Jon Nite (“Break on Me”) and Deric Ruttan (“Came Here to Forget”). The Scott brothers, who are also songwriter-artists, hosted a meet and greet immediately following the round and performed an acoustic version of their song, “Let the Night Shine In.”
Pictured: The ASCAP Hit Songwriters Round at the HGTV Lodge during CMA Music Festival
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Ashley Gorley, ASCAP’s Alison Webber, Property Brothers‘ Jonathan Scott, Deric Ruttan, Property Brothers‘ Drew Scott, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker and Mike Sistad, Chris DeStefano and Jon Nite at the ASCAP Hit Songwriters Round at the HGTV Lodge
Charity News: Charlie Worsham, Dolly Parton, Scotty McCreery
/by Jessica NicholsonCharlie Worsham, CMA Aid The Quest Center
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Lindsey Jones, CMA Community Outreach Coordinator; Quest Center participating students; Jim Lutz, Co-founder and CEO of The Quest Center; and Worsham. Photo: John Russell / CMA
The CMA Foundation presented a $20,000 donation to The Quest Center, a music education and resource center located in Dickson, Tenn., a largely rural community with limited access to music programs, during Warner Music Nashville recording artist Charlie Worsham‘s annual fan club party Sunday in Nashville.
Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $13.6 million to support quality, sustainable music education programs across the country. Donations are made on behalf of the more than 400 artists who appear for free each year during CMA Music Festival.
Dolly Parton Donates Autographed Shoes For Charity
Dolly Parton recently donated autographed shoes to be auctioned on eBay, to benefit Shoes4Souls. The autographed shoes were bundled with an autographed photo of Parton wearing the shoes and a signed headshot for the auction. The winning bid brought in $2,025.
The proceeds will help charity Soles4Souls distribute new shoes to those in need here in the U.S. and around the globe. It is estimated that 400 million children around the globe don’t have access to adequate footwear.
Scotty McCreery Raises $1,200 For Opry Trust Fund
Scotty McCreery poses with a group of his fan club members who surprised him at his Fifth Annual Fan Club Party by donating $1,200 to the Opry Trust Fund in his honor. Photo: Scott Stem
Scotty McCreery‘s Fifth Annual Fan Club Party, held during CMA Music Festival at the Grand Ole Opry’s Studio A, helped raise money for a good cause. During the photo line where he meets with each attendee, a group of his fan club members surprised him with a donation of $1,200 to the Opry Trust Fund in his honor. The Opry Trust Fund’s mission is to help those in the country music industry when they need it most by offering financial assistance during their time of need.
“I have the greatest fans in the world, and I love getting to spend time with them at my fan club party,” said McCreery. “Having them make a donation in my name to the Opry Trust Fund shows how generous and thoughtful my fans are. I’m so pleased they chose such a great cause to support as the Opry Trust Fund.”