Shenandoah Makes First Grand Ole Opry Appearance In Nearly 25 Years
Pictured (L-R): Shenandoah’s Shane Chilton, Jamie Michael, Stan Munsey, Donnie Allen, Marty Raybon, Grand Ole Opry’s Pete Fisher, Shenandoah’s Mike McGuire, SiriusXM’s J.R. Schumann, Johnstone Entertainment’s Cole Johnstone
For the first time in nearly 25 years, Shenandoah returned to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry this past weekend.
Fronted by Marty Raybon (who has rejoined the group after a 17 year absence), the country group performed on Friday and Saturday nights, offering several of their hit songs including “The Church on the Cumberland Road,” “Two Dozen Roses” and “I Wanna Be Loved Like That.”
Nashville Stars Wrap Third U.S. Tour
The stars of ABC’s Nashville perform in the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Pictured (L-R): Jonathan Jackson, Chris Carmack, Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio and Charles Esten.
Stars of ABC’s Nashville wrapped their third successful U.S. tour over the weekend in Uncasville, Connecticut. The tour featured cast members Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack and Charles Esten performing original music as well as songs from the series. Will Chase, Jonathan Jackson, and Aubrey Peeples joined the tour in select cities.
The tour is produced by Opry Entertainment.
Granger Smith At iHeartCountry Music Festival
Granger Smith with Meg Stevens
Granger Smith greets Meg Stevens (of WMZQ in Washington, D.C.) at the iHeartCountry Festival in Austin last weekend.
Olivia Lane Visits Radio Disney
Pictured (L-R): Radio Disney’s Manager of Standards & Practices, Elaine Kan; Radio Disney Country’s On-Air Talent Katie Boggs; Olivia Lane; Radio Disney’s Coordinator of Music Programming, Austin Bessey. Photo: Radio Disney
Big Spark Music Group’s Olivia Lane, currently featured on iTunes Country New Artist Spotlight, performed at The Hotel Café in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 3. After her visit earlier in the day to Radio Disney, the staff came to her concert to listen to her play live.
Michael Ray Visits With Green Bay Radio Staffers
Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville artist Michael Ray visited with WNCY MD Charli McKenzie and PD Dan Stone.
Pictured (L-R): MD Charli McKenzie, Shari Roth (WEA’s Manager, Regional Promotion, North), Michael Ray, and PD Dan Stone
In Pictures: SESAC At Key West Songwriters Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonSESAC hosted a lineup of music at the 21st Annual Key West Songwriter’s Festival. The Brunch-In-The-Round was held at Kelly’s Caribbean Bar and was hosted by SESAC affiliates Rob Hatch and American Young and featured performances from songwriters Steve Bogard, Justin Ebach, Matt Willis, Nicolette Hayford, Justin Wilson and Brian White among others.
The annual Key West Songwriters Festival revolves around five days of performances from over 200 top songwriters and artists.
Pictured (L-R): John Marks, songwriter Lance Carpenter and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Sheel
Pictured (L-R): American Young’s Jon Stone, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch & Tim Fink, and songwriter Rob Hatch. Photo: Sheel
Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Stevie Monce, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and Tyler Reeve. Photo courtesy of SESAC.
Songwriters Brian White and Jesse Lee perform at the Brunch-in-the-Round. Photo courtesy of SESAC.
Pictured (L-R): Royston Langdon, SESAC’s Ellen Truley, Robby Towns and Steve Bogard. Photo courtesy of SESAC.
Audience Network Launches TV Series For Emerging, Unsigned Artists
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (clockwise, from top left): Aubrie Sellers, Mitch Rossell, Ryan Beaver, Julia Cole
Nashville artists Aubrie Sellers, Julia Cole, Ryan Beaver and Mitch Rossell will be featured in a new monthly music show, Audience Music: Spotlight.
The series helps showcase emerging, unsigned music talent by giving them a first live performance on national television, as well as an in-depth interview. Sellers’ episode will launch the series on June 10, followed by Isac Elliot (June 17), Cole (June 24), Rossell (June 24) and Phebe Starr (July 29).
The show crosses a diverse array of musical genres. Other participating artists include Elliot, Starr, Oh Whitney, The Sisterhood, and Armstrong Leigh.
“With the new series, we are leveling the playing field for highly talented emerging artists by helping them cut through the noise,” said Bart Peters, Vice President of Development and Production, AT&T. “We are giving them the same performance opportunity for the television broadcast, online exposure and promotion. The inspiration for the spotlight series came from watching Isac Elliot perform at a showcase — and we are pleased that Isac is performing in our spotlight series.”
Audience Network reaches over 28 million subscribers airing via national broadcast on DIRECTV (Ch 239) and U-verse (Ch 1114), on directv.com and uverse.com, and on smartphones and tablets via the DIRECTV and U-verse apps.
In Pictures: Shenandoah, ‘Nashville’ Cast, Granger Smith, Olivia Lane, Michael Ray
/by Jessica NicholsonShenandoah Makes First Grand Ole Opry Appearance In Nearly 25 Years
Pictured (L-R): Shenandoah’s Shane Chilton, Jamie Michael, Stan Munsey, Donnie Allen, Marty Raybon, Grand Ole Opry’s Pete Fisher, Shenandoah’s Mike McGuire, SiriusXM’s J.R. Schumann, Johnstone Entertainment’s Cole Johnstone
For the first time in nearly 25 years, Shenandoah returned to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry this past weekend.
Fronted by Marty Raybon (who has rejoined the group after a 17 year absence), the country group performed on Friday and Saturday nights, offering several of their hit songs including “The Church on the Cumberland Road,” “Two Dozen Roses” and “I Wanna Be Loved Like That.”
Nashville Stars Wrap Third U.S. Tour
The stars of ABC’s Nashville perform in the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Pictured (L-R): Jonathan Jackson, Chris Carmack, Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio and Charles Esten.
Stars of ABC’s Nashville wrapped their third successful U.S. tour over the weekend in Uncasville, Connecticut. The tour featured cast members Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack and Charles Esten performing original music as well as songs from the series. Will Chase, Jonathan Jackson, and Aubrey Peeples joined the tour in select cities.
The tour is produced by Opry Entertainment.
Granger Smith At iHeartCountry Music Festival
Granger Smith with Meg Stevens
Granger Smith greets Meg Stevens (of WMZQ in Washington, D.C.) at the iHeartCountry Festival in Austin last weekend.
Olivia Lane Visits Radio Disney
Pictured (L-R): Radio Disney’s Manager of Standards & Practices, Elaine Kan; Radio Disney Country’s On-Air Talent Katie Boggs; Olivia Lane; Radio Disney’s Coordinator of Music Programming, Austin Bessey. Photo: Radio Disney
Big Spark Music Group’s Olivia Lane, currently featured on iTunes Country New Artist Spotlight, performed at The Hotel Café in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 3. After her visit earlier in the day to Radio Disney, the staff came to her concert to listen to her play live.
Michael Ray Visits With Green Bay Radio Staffers
Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville artist Michael Ray visited with WNCY MD Charli McKenzie and PD Dan Stone.
Pictured (L-R): MD Charli McKenzie, Shari Roth (WEA’s Manager, Regional Promotion, North), Michael Ray, and PD Dan Stone
Reba, Brooks & Dunn Extend Las Vegas Residency Into 2017
/by Craig_ShelburneReba and Brooks & Dunn have added 12 shows to their residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Six of the shows will take place in 2016: Nov. 30, and Dec. 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10. The remainder will be for shows in 2017: Feb. 22, 24, and 25; and March 1, 3, and 4.
Tickets for these shows will go on sale Friday (May 13).
Previously announced dates already on-sale are: May 10, 13, 14; and July 12, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26, 29, and 30.
The collaboration is a culmination of the friendship and musical admiration Reba and Brooks & Dunn have shared since first touring together in 1993. Presented jointly by Caesars Entertainment and AEG Live, the two-hour production features more than 30 hits backed by a band of 10 players from both of their touring bands. The set includes solo and joint performances of their signature tracks including “Fancy,” “My Maria” and “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”
Martin Guitar Will Screen Documentary At Summer NAMM
/by Craig_ShelburneMartin Guitar will be screening an award-winning documentary, The Ballad of the Dreadnought, every day at the Summer NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Trade Show.
The three-day industry event will take place June 23-25 at Nashville’s Music City Center.
The documentary is part of Martin Guitar’s celebration of the Martin Dreadnought’s 100th anniversary in 2016.
The film is narrated by actor and musician Jeff Daniels and features interviews with Chairman & CEO Chris Martin IV, Seth Avett, Rosanne Cash, Vince Gill, George Gruhn (of Gruhn Guitars), Jason Isbell, Del McCoury, Sturgill Simpson, and many more.
The Dreadnought has made its own impact in the history of American Music over the past century, and the new film highlights its historic roots and the array of music artists who have made the Martin Dreadnought a key part of their own legacies.
Members of the public can attend the screening by purchasing a Music Industry Day pass from NAMM and can only view it on Music Industry Day on Saturday, June 25. The film will be screened in Room 205.
ASCAP Panel Seeks Nashville’s Urban Writers, Artists, Producers
/by Craig_ShelburneAn ASCAP Song Panel for Nashville’s urban songwriters, artists and producers will be held May 20, from 1 to 4 p.m.
The panel is open to ASCAP members only. The location will be disclosed upon being selected for the event.
Featured panelists will include:
Gina Waters-Miller, VP National Promotions & Label Relations – eOne Music
Kamaal Malak, Producer/Songwriter/Musician – Freedom Riders and former member of Arrested Development
Mike Steel, Producer – Trackburnaz Productions: Migos, Shawty Redd, Travis Port
Playa G, Producer/Songwriter/Musician – Mansion Life Music: 2 Chainz, Lauryn Hil
The deadline to apply is Monday, May 16. Submissions may be sent to rmonroe@ascap.com.
Two mp3 songs may be emailed for consideration. Please indicate in your e-mail if you are submitting music as an ASCAP artist, songwriter and/or producer.
Also, please list your complete contact information (legal name, phone number and e-mail address) in your e-mail. Participants must be present at the song panel, with no representation allowed. Due to limited space, accepted participants are not allowed to bring guests.
Live Nation Drops Tickets To $20 For Select Summer Shows
/by Jessica NicholsonLive Nation has revealed the 150 artists involved in a special Kickoff to Summer offer, which gives fans access to select Live Nation concerts for $20 per ticket. The promotion begins Friday, May 13 and runs through May 20 at livenation.com.
Among those artists are Alabama Shakes, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton, Don Henley, Dwight Yoakam, Gregg Allman Band, Hillsong Worship, Jason Aldean, Josh Turner, Journey/Doobie Brothers, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Rogers, Lee Brice, Lynyrd Skynyrd, mercyme, Miranda Lambert, Needtobreathe, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band, and more.
The promotion was first offered last year, and aided Live Nation to reach a sales volume in amphitheaters of 14.4 million tickets.
The vast majority of the $20 promotional tickets are offered for Live Nation’s lawn inventory in its amphitheaters. In a review of last year’s promotion, Live Nation reported seeing increased sales for full-priced reserved seat sales in its amphitheaters during the week of the promotion and in the weeks following.
For a full list of participating artists, visit livenation.com.
NMPA Will Honor SESAC’s Pat Collins With Industry Legacy Award
/by Craig_ShelburnePat Collins
Pat Collins, Vice Chairman of SESAC, will be presented with the Industry Legacy Award by the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) on June 8 in Manhattan.
NMPA will also honor singer-songwriter, musician and philanthropist Sting with its Songwriter Icon Award. Additionally, NMPA President & CEO David Israelite will host a keynote discussion with legendary manager, executive and visionary Irving Azoff.
The NMPA President’s Award will be given to Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for his contributions to helping creators survive in the digital age. Additionally, esteemed attorney and music publisher John Eastman will be given the Lifetime Service Award.
Nashville singer-songwriter Devin Dawson will kick off the event, followed by Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville band The Last Bandoleros, plus a special performance by Sting.
“I am incredibly excited to honor Sting at this year’s Annual Meeting,” said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “He is a household name not only for leading The Police and his work as a solo artist, but also through his unsurpassed songwriting. Additionally, I am thrilled to hear from Irving Azoff who has made an indelible mark on music, and to celebrate John and Pat, both of whom have provided leadership that continues to guide our industry.”
Israelite added, “As Congress continues to play a huge role in songwriters’ future, I look forward to honoring Congressman Jeffries who has been a leader in advancing the Songwriter Equity Act.”
Each year, the NMPA holds its Annual Meeting at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square the night prior to the Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner.
Israelite will deliver his yearly State of the Industry Address, which will include new publishing industry data and a forecast for what’s to come.
Tire Manufacturer Signs On As Florida Georgia Line Tour Sponsor
/by Craig_ShelburneFlorida Georgia Line has added Nitto Tire as the presenting sponsor of their upcoming Dig Your Roots Tour.
Nitto Tire is a leading manufacturer of off-road and street performance tires. The brand will be launching an all-new tire in its Grappler line of truck and SUV tires this summer. Florida Georgia Line fans will get a first look at this new tire at CMA Fest in Nashville on June 11.
In addition, this new tire will be featured on a Florida Georgia Line-inspired truck (F150) built by Nitto. The truck will be given away to a fan at the conclusion of the tour. In addition, Nitto Tire will be activating on-site at select shows this summer while giving fans the opportunity to engage with the brand and win prizes.
“Being car enthusiasts ourselves, we are thrilled to partner with Nitto Tire for our tour,” says the duo’s Tyler Hubbard.
Brian Kelley continued, “Getting our own FGL inspired car is incredible! We are honored and can’t wait for one of our fans to drive away in it.”
Florida Georgia Line performed on NBC’s The Voice and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday (May 9). The duo’s next concert will take place Thursday in Tupelo, Mississippi.
BMI Songwriters Celebrate Music (And Awards) In Key West
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI songwriters took advantage of the balmy weather and beachy locale to mingle with fellow songwriters and to perform some of their hit songs during the Key West Songwriters Festival this month.
Artist-songwriter Jake Owen served as the headliner for the Saturday evening show on Duval Street. Also on the bill were Kane Brown and LANco.
Several songwriters, including Owen, Rhett Akins, Wendell Mobley, and Natalie Hemby, were also honored with Millionaire Awards during the festival.
The retreat was held May 4-8 in Key West, Florida.
Jake Owen receives a Millionaire Award during his concert on the Duval Street stage during Key West Songwriters Festival on May 7, 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Jody Williams present Rhett Akins and Wendell Mobley with Millionaire Awards at the San Carlos Institute during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
Even Stevens performs at Conch Republic Seafood Company during Key West Songwriter’s Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
Pictured (L-R): Bob DiPiero and Heather Morgan perform at the San Carlos Institute during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI’s Jody Williams presents Natalie Hemby with a Millionaire Award at the San Carlos Institute during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring Photo
Pictured: Lori McKenna and Ashley Cleveland perform at the San Carlos Institute during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring Photo
Pictured (L-R): Key West Songwriters Festival’s Charlie Bauer, songwriter Rhett Akins, BMI’s Jody Williams and Key West Songwriters Festival’s Dani Holliday gather for a photo at Conch Republic Seafood Company during Key West Songwriter’s Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
Kyshona Armstrong performs at the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
Jake Owen performs on the Duval Street Stage during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring