Sturgill Simpson
Americana music covers a whole lot of ground, which today’s stroll through Americanaland proves.
We have everything from the jazz-blues A.J. Croce to the pop of Blue Sky Riders, from the folk of Mary Chapin Carpenter to the rock of Hard Working Americans.
Both of our spotlight records lean toward the country side of things. The Disc of the Day award belongs to the justly heralded Sturgill Simpson.
The Discovery Award goes to Clark Paterson. He has two previous EP’s, and now comes his first full album. He won’t win any prizes as a singer, but he scores big points for songwriting prowess and on-disc raw charisma.
WILD PONIES/Love Is Not A Sin
Writers: Doug & Telisha Williams; Producer: Tres Sasser; Publishers: Bully Goose/American Echo, BMI/SESAC; No Evil (track)
– Fronted by Doug and Telisha Williams, this band has a spare sound dominated by his guitar and her bass. Multi-instrumentalist Fats Kaplan adds other textures. The singing—whether it’s her solo or as a duo—is right on the money, and the songs are sturdy and true. Slated for a May 13 release, the new album is titled Radiant. It’s an alt-country ride.
A.J. CROCE/If You Want Me To Stay
Writers: Sylvester Stewart; Producer: Jim Keitner; Publisher: Mijac/Sony-ATV, BMI; Compass (track)
-Croce’s album That’s Me in the Bar launched him into prominence 20 years ago. Compass Records is celebrating its anniversary by reissuing it and adding this bonus track. His natural jazz/blues vocal phrasing suits the 1973 Sly & The Family Stone classic perfectly. The album’s impressive cast includes Billy Payne of Little Feat, Robben Ford, Ry Cooder, Jonell Mosser, Flea of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos. By the way, A.J. Croce is the son of the late singer-songwriter Jim Croce.
STURGILL SIMPSON/In Bloom
Writer: Kurt Cobain; Producer: Sturgill Simpson; Publishers: The End of Music/BMG Rights Management/Silver Songs, SESAC; Atlantic (track)
-Simpson’s just-released A Sailor’s Guide to Earth is already a contender for Americana Album of the Year. This echoey, melodic Nirvana cover contrasts his country baritone with strings, steel, horns (by The Dap Kings) and spacey atmospherics. It’s all pretty darn dreamy. Apart from this track, the album is totally solo written and produced by the artist. A home run.
R.J. COMER/Nightly Suicide
Writer: R.J. Comer; Producer: Jef Scott; Publishers: Entered Apprentice, no performance rights listed; AJC (track)
– This is just about as gritty as it gets. The title tune of Los Angeleno Comer’s collection is a barroom lament with drinks lined up for hours and hours. A steady, slamming beat and grinding electric guitar slashes punctuate his dour, doomy baritone vocal drone. The new album’s almost-as-dire “The Moon Ain’t Fallen on Me Yet” has a music video.
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER/Something Tamed Something Wild
Writers: Mary Chapin Carpenter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Why Walk, ASCAP; Lambent Light
– This rippling acoustic track kicks off her new CD The Things That We Are Made Of. Her liquid alto has never sounded more enchanting.
JEFFERSON GRIZZARD/Daydream of Hope
Writer: Jefferson Grizzard; Producer: Ben McRee; Publisher: Back Porch Syndicate, BMI; Back Porch
– The title tune of this Georgia-based troubadour’s latest is pretty slow going, with his nearly naked vocal grappling with existence. Elsewhere on the CD you’ll find a solid group of Music Row session aces backing his rocking ruminations.
BLUE SKY RIDERS/Why Not
Writers: Blue Sky Riders; Producer: Blue Sky Riders; Publishers: Blue Sky Riders/Adave/Slattery Songs, ASCAP/SESAC; 3Dream (track)
-This trio—Kenny Loggins, Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman—had the most refreshing new sound of 2013. Its sophomore CD is just as gorgeous. On the bopping title tune, Georgia takes a sprightly lead vocal. All the tracks are dandy, but the rollicking “I’m Lucky Like That,” led by Kenny, is especially catchy. This is joyous music that will be in my speakers for months and months to come.
CLARK PATERSON/Sweet Baby
Writers: Clark Paterson/Mark Cline Bates; Producers: Eric McConnell/Clark Paterson; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP; CP (track)
– Paterson’s album is titled The Final Tradition. It includes this jaunty, romping ditty with plinky, plunky steel guitar accompaniment and a wildly clever, quasi-spoken, “talking blues” vocal. Guaranteed to make you smile. Also check out “Hillbilly Shit.” That’s Tim Carroll on electric guitar, incidentally. East Nashvillian Paterson plays a 6 p.m. show at Fond Object on Saturday, May 14. Be there or be square.
HARD WORKING AMERICANS/Opening Statement
Writers: Hard Working Americans; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Shad N Froyd A/Ow My Eye/Grand Island/Bavarian Bombshell/Willy Briar/Eyelid Sky, BMI/ASCAP; Melvin/Thirty Tigers (track)
– Todd Snider and company return next month with their Rest In Chaos third CD. But you can get an advance listen to this track from it on the band’s website. It’s a thumping, echo-soaked outing with a dry, conversational vocal about a losing lover’s journey. Neal Casal’s guitar solo is totally cool.
JANE KRAMER/Carnival Of Hopes
Writer: Jane Kramer; Producer: Adam Johnson; Publisher: Famous Brown Boots, ASCAP; JK (track)
– Her soprano has an ache and a break that are appealing. The title tune of her album is “folk” in all the right ways, with light acoustic instrumentation and a charming melody. She hails from Asheville, North Carolina, and you can hear misty mountains in her sound.
Artist Updates: Jennifer Nettles, Parmalee, Native Run, Marty Brown
/by Jessica NicholsonJennifer Nettles Performs For Big Machine Rocks
Pictured (L-R): Adam Vasallo, Director of Entertainment & Marketing, HSN; Kelly Rich, SVP of Sales, Marketing and Interactive, BMLG; Andrew Kautz, COO, BMLG; Scott Borchetta, President and CEO, BMLG; Jennifer Nettles; Sandi Spika Borchetta, SVP Creative and Music Has Value; BMLG; John Zarling, SVP Partnership Marketing & Promotion Strategy, BMLG; Jackie Campbell, Director Strategic Partnership, BMLG; Jennifer Conner, EVP of TV Content and Programming, HSN. Photo: Jason Davis
Jennifer Nettles performed during the second installment of the Big Machine Rocks event in Nashville earlier this week, as part of a long-term collaboration between Big Machine Label Group and leading live content retailer HSN. Nettles debuted songs from Playing With Fire, due May 13 on Big Machine Records,. She treated audiences to signature hits and spoke about her career throughout the special.
Parmalee Meets With CMT Team
Pictured (L-R, Top Row): CMT’s Stacey Cato; BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba and Lynette Garbonola; (Center Row): CMT’s Jennifer Danielson, Anne Oakley, Leslie Fram, Leeanne Lisk, Julia Blosil, and Jordan Stephens (Bottom Row): Parmalee members Josh McSwain, Barry Knox, Matt Thomas, and Scott Thomas
Stoney Creek Records group Parmalee met with CMT executives and staffers this week to preview their upcoming single “Roots,” the lead single from their upcoming sophomore album.
Native Run Member Engaged To Former Edens Edge Member
Rachel Beauregard and Dean Berner. Photo: Dean Berner, Facebook
Native Run singer Rachel Beauregard is engaged to former Edens Edge member Dean Berner. “We’re so excited to share our happiness all our family, friends, and loved ones around the world and elsewhere,” said Berner via social media. “We’re so excited and are currently celebrating over our favorite and most important meal of the day, breakfast. So to sum it up…love and breakfast. But the greatest of these is LOVE!”
Songwriter, America’s Got Talent Performer Marty Brown Makes Ryman Auditorium Debut
Marty Brown at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Shellie Brown
Singer-songwriter Marty Brown made his debut performance at the Ryman Auditorium earlier this month.
Brown penned Tracy Byrd‘s 1998 hit “I’m From The Country,” as well as “When I Stop Loving You” for Trace Adkins. Brown also appeared on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent, where he performed a rendition of the Bob Dylan classic “Make You Feel My Love.”
Brown has worked with Keith Stegall‘s Dreamlined Entertainment to release a recording of “Make You Feel My Love.”
MTSU Will Host Match Records Showcase On Sunday
/by Craig_ShelburneMatch Records, a student-run record label at Middle Tennessee State University, will be presenting an artist showcase and fundraiser on Sunday (May 1) at Soulshine Pizza in Nashville.
Held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the showcase will feature performances from Patrick Britt, Brittney Spencer, Reign, and Chasing Lights.
Proceeds will benefit Match Records, which is part of MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry. The event is free but the organization is accepting donations on its ticketing page.
ASCAP Revenue Topped $1 Billion in 2015
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP reports that for the second year, its combined domestic and foreign revenue topped $1 billion, with total 2015 revenue of $1.014 billion.
Domestic revenue topped $716.8 million (a $61 million increase from 2014), with $867.4 million in total royalty distributions. ASCAP reports that it returned 88 cents of every dollar collected to music creators, with an operating expense ratio of 12.3 percent. ASCAP tracked, matched and processed 570 billion performances in 2015, an increase of 14 percent over 2014.
The PRO saw growth in several areas. General Licensing, which covers bars, restaurants, music venues, and similar businesses, garnered $11 million, with growth of 9.1 percent. In the Audio/Visual category, which covers broadcast and cable TV as well as top streaming services like Amazon and Netflix, ASCAP closed 68 agreements representing 245 programming services and their related websites.
Additionally, ASCAP created a new Global Services Team in 2015 to offer services to its music creator and publisher members as well as to its foreign PRO partners, which annually handled over 70,000 inquiries.
According to ASCAP, the company has more than 10 million song in its database, as well as a total of 560,000 songwriter, composer, and publisher members. Nearly 40,000 members joined in 2015, including Kelsea Ballerini and Fetty Wap.
Among the creators renewing their memberships are Ashley Gorley, Kevin Kadish, Meghan Trainor, Calvin Harris, and more.
ASCAP President Paul Williams said, “ASCAP is a tireless advocate for the rights of music creators who depend on ASCAP to earn a living, whether it’s on Capitol Hill or at the negotiating table, and we are truly invested in their success. ASCAP’s superlative results mean we are doing the best job possible for our songwriter and composer members even as we advocate for changes to the outdated music licensing laws that disadvantage songwriters in the today’s digital world. These results are a testament to why the world’s most talented songwriters choose to call ASCAP home.”
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews said, “2015 was a winning year for ASCAP members, who are the heart and soul of our organization. While the music industry is in the midst of tremendous change, ASCAP has stayed ahead of the curve with a strategic focus on revenue growth, operational efficiencies, technology and service innovations demonstrating that the collective licensing model delivers the best value proposition in the performing rights world. We are happy that we could deliver a 6.2 percent increase in domestic royalties to our members in 2015, and we remain committed to transforming into the most progressive operation ensuring that songwriters, composers, lyricists and music publishers can enjoy a sustainable living in today’s music marketplace.”
The Band Perry’s “Live Forever” Named Team USA’s Official 2016 Summer Olympics Song
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Band Perry perform on NBC’s Today’s Citi Concert Series. Photo: Getty Images
The Band Perry‘s song “Live Forever” has been chosen as the official song of Team USA at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The band has released an Olympics Edition of their music video for the song to commemorate the occasion.
The Band Perry appeared on NBC’s Today on Wednesday morning (April 27) to deliver a special performance of “Live Forever” on the plaza as part of the Citi Concert Series.
“We wrote [‘Live Forever’] about six to eight months ago, so we never imagined that we would write it, end up recording it, and then allow it to be part of the US Olympic team,” said Reid Perry.
“‘Live Forever’ is really about those moments that make you feel like you are going to live forever, and that really is the spirit of the Olympics and we are really honored to bring that song to these guys,” added Kimberly Perry.
The Love Junkies Play New Songs, Introduce Alyssa Micaela
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Alyssa Micaela, Hillary Lindsey
Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose played a handful of new tunes prior to a showcase for Alyssa Micaela, a budding artist/songwriter, on Wednesday night (April 27). The award-winning trio performed three songs at The Country, a new venue near Centennial Park, before bringing Micaela (a writer for Liz Rose Music and Warner/Chappell Music) to the stage. Numerous A&R label executives, PRO representatives and publishing company personnel could be spotted in the crowd.
Lindsey, McKenna and Rose are collectively known as The Love Junkies. They traded lines on their new collaborative compositions “Like Patsy Would” and “Think Like a Man,” then concluded their set with their signature hit, “Girl Crush.”
Pictured (L-R): Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna.
Leading up to the show, the three songwriters posed with MusicRow Challenge Coins, presented for writing “Girl Crush.” Starting in 2014, every artist and songwriter with a No. 1 single on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart receives a coin. Last June, “Girl Crush” was named Song of the Year at the 2015 MusicRow Awards, leading the way for even more recognition, including ACM nominations, and CMA and Grammy Awards.
Rose personally introduced Micaela to the stage, noting that she thinks of the young talent as her own daughter. They have worked together closely for the last seven years. Micaela is managed by Pete Olson at Master Craft Management.
DISClaimer: Sturgill Simpson Leads Americana Offerings
/by Robert K OermannSturgill Simpson
Americana music covers a whole lot of ground, which today’s stroll through Americanaland proves.
We have everything from the jazz-blues A.J. Croce to the pop of Blue Sky Riders, from the folk of Mary Chapin Carpenter to the rock of Hard Working Americans.
Both of our spotlight records lean toward the country side of things. The Disc of the Day award belongs to the justly heralded Sturgill Simpson.
The Discovery Award goes to Clark Paterson. He has two previous EP’s, and now comes his first full album. He won’t win any prizes as a singer, but he scores big points for songwriting prowess and on-disc raw charisma.
WILD PONIES/Love Is Not A Sin
Writers: Doug & Telisha Williams; Producer: Tres Sasser; Publishers: Bully Goose/American Echo, BMI/SESAC; No Evil (track)
– Fronted by Doug and Telisha Williams, this band has a spare sound dominated by his guitar and her bass. Multi-instrumentalist Fats Kaplan adds other textures. The singing—whether it’s her solo or as a duo—is right on the money, and the songs are sturdy and true. Slated for a May 13 release, the new album is titled Radiant. It’s an alt-country ride.
A.J. CROCE/If You Want Me To Stay
Writers: Sylvester Stewart; Producer: Jim Keitner; Publisher: Mijac/Sony-ATV, BMI; Compass (track)
-Croce’s album That’s Me in the Bar launched him into prominence 20 years ago. Compass Records is celebrating its anniversary by reissuing it and adding this bonus track. His natural jazz/blues vocal phrasing suits the 1973 Sly & The Family Stone classic perfectly. The album’s impressive cast includes Billy Payne of Little Feat, Robben Ford, Ry Cooder, Jonell Mosser, Flea of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos. By the way, A.J. Croce is the son of the late singer-songwriter Jim Croce.
STURGILL SIMPSON/In Bloom
Writer: Kurt Cobain; Producer: Sturgill Simpson; Publishers: The End of Music/BMG Rights Management/Silver Songs, SESAC; Atlantic (track)
-Simpson’s just-released A Sailor’s Guide to Earth is already a contender for Americana Album of the Year. This echoey, melodic Nirvana cover contrasts his country baritone with strings, steel, horns (by The Dap Kings) and spacey atmospherics. It’s all pretty darn dreamy. Apart from this track, the album is totally solo written and produced by the artist. A home run.
R.J. COMER/Nightly Suicide
Writer: R.J. Comer; Producer: Jef Scott; Publishers: Entered Apprentice, no performance rights listed; AJC (track)
– This is just about as gritty as it gets. The title tune of Los Angeleno Comer’s collection is a barroom lament with drinks lined up for hours and hours. A steady, slamming beat and grinding electric guitar slashes punctuate his dour, doomy baritone vocal drone. The new album’s almost-as-dire “The Moon Ain’t Fallen on Me Yet” has a music video.
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER/Something Tamed Something Wild
Writers: Mary Chapin Carpenter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Why Walk, ASCAP; Lambent Light
– This rippling acoustic track kicks off her new CD The Things That We Are Made Of. Her liquid alto has never sounded more enchanting.
JEFFERSON GRIZZARD/Daydream of Hope
Writer: Jefferson Grizzard; Producer: Ben McRee; Publisher: Back Porch Syndicate, BMI; Back Porch
– The title tune of this Georgia-based troubadour’s latest is pretty slow going, with his nearly naked vocal grappling with existence. Elsewhere on the CD you’ll find a solid group of Music Row session aces backing his rocking ruminations.
BLUE SKY RIDERS/Why Not
Writers: Blue Sky Riders; Producer: Blue Sky Riders; Publishers: Blue Sky Riders/Adave/Slattery Songs, ASCAP/SESAC; 3Dream (track)
-This trio—Kenny Loggins, Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman—had the most refreshing new sound of 2013. Its sophomore CD is just as gorgeous. On the bopping title tune, Georgia takes a sprightly lead vocal. All the tracks are dandy, but the rollicking “I’m Lucky Like That,” led by Kenny, is especially catchy. This is joyous music that will be in my speakers for months and months to come.
CLARK PATERSON/Sweet Baby
Writers: Clark Paterson/Mark Cline Bates; Producers: Eric McConnell/Clark Paterson; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP; CP (track)
– Paterson’s album is titled The Final Tradition. It includes this jaunty, romping ditty with plinky, plunky steel guitar accompaniment and a wildly clever, quasi-spoken, “talking blues” vocal. Guaranteed to make you smile. Also check out “Hillbilly Shit.” That’s Tim Carroll on electric guitar, incidentally. East Nashvillian Paterson plays a 6 p.m. show at Fond Object on Saturday, May 14. Be there or be square.
HARD WORKING AMERICANS/Opening Statement
Writers: Hard Working Americans; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Shad N Froyd A/Ow My Eye/Grand Island/Bavarian Bombshell/Willy Briar/Eyelid Sky, BMI/ASCAP; Melvin/Thirty Tigers (track)
– Todd Snider and company return next month with their Rest In Chaos third CD. But you can get an advance listen to this track from it on the band’s website. It’s a thumping, echo-soaked outing with a dry, conversational vocal about a losing lover’s journey. Neal Casal’s guitar solo is totally cool.
JANE KRAMER/Carnival Of Hopes
Writer: Jane Kramer; Producer: Adam Johnson; Publisher: Famous Brown Boots, ASCAP; JK (track)
– Her soprano has an ache and a break that are appealing. The title tune of her album is “folk” in all the right ways, with light acoustic instrumentation and a charming melody. She hails from Asheville, North Carolina, and you can hear misty mountains in her sound.
Keith Urban Adds Canadian Dates To Ripcord World Tour
/by Craig_ShelburneKeith Urban has added six Canadian concerts to his Ripcord World Tour 2016.
He will be joined on the fall dates by special guests Dallas Smith (“Wastin’ Gas”) and Maren Morris (“My Church”).
Urban will launch the series of Canadian shows on Sept. 10 in Vancouver, British Columbia. He will make his first-ever performances in Kelowna, British Columbia, on Sept. 11, and Prince George, British Columbia, on Sept. 13.
On Sept. 15, he will play Calgary, Alberta, followed by a show in Edmonton, Alberta—the first artist announced to perform at the brand-new Rogers Place. The Canadian series of dates ends Sept. 17 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
“Our Canadian shows have always been off-the-hook giant parties,” said Urban. “From the very first shows I ever did, there was a synergy with the audience that’s only grown stronger over the years. I can’t wait to bring the Ripcord World Tour to everyone this year.”
Urban will release his eighth studio album, Ripcord, on May 6. The project includes the hit singles “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” “Break on Me” and “Wasted Time.”
The first stop of his Ripcord World Tour is June 2 in Kansas City, Missouri, with special guests Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris.
CMA Foundation, Brett Eldredge Honor 50 Nashville Music Teachers
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): John Esposito, President/CEO, Warner Music Nashville and CMA Board Chairman; Nashville Mayor Megan Barry; Brett Eldredge; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Joe Galante, CMA Foundation Board Chairman. Photo: Kayla Schoen / CMA
The CMA Foundation honored 50 Nashville music teachers during the inaugural CMA Music Teacher of Excellence, held Tuesday night (April 26) at City Winery in Nashville. Hosted by CMA award winner Brett Eldredge, the event recognized teachers who brought value to their students, to their individual schools, and to the community. Each teacher received a $2,000 grant from the CMA Foundation.
“Purchasing instruments has been central to the mission of the Foundation, but rewarding teachers provides the motivation and encouragement necessary to have a dynamic, sustainable music program in Nashville and other cities,” said Joe Galante, Chairman of the CMA Foundation Board of Directors.
Brett Eldredge welcomes his childhood music teacher, Judy Carroll, as his special guest at the inaugural honors evening at City Winery Tuesday in Nashville. Photo: Kayla Schoen / CMA
Eldredge’s own childhood music teacher, Judy Carroll, also attended the ceremony. Carroll is a 27-year veteran music educator, having taught voice and choral programs at elementary and middle schools in Paris, Illinois.
“Everyone needs somebody to help guide you along. Someone that sees the talent in you, that believes,” said Eldredge. “There are so many schools that don’t have music programs and that is why I’m so passionate about this, because some kids may not have their Judy Carroll, or their mentor, or the person that helps them along. Kids should never be without the option to have music in their lives.”
CMA Music Teacher of Excellence Franklin Willis, Choral Director at Madison Middle Prep (center), with Dr. Nola Jones, Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Jon Loba, Executive Vice President, BBR Music Group and CMA Board member, at the CMA Music Teacher of Excellence honors at City Winery Tuesday in Nashville. Photo: Kayla Schoen / CMA
To date, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $13.68 million to 30 music education initiatives across the country, reaching 1 million students.
The inaugural recipients of the CMA Music Teacher or Excellence grants are:
Kate Affainie (Granberry Elementary)
Ronda Armstrong (Stanford Montessori)
Jennifer Barnes (Lockeland Design Center)
Rita Black (Eakin Elementary)
Christopher Blackmon (Thomas Edison Elementary School)
Michael Currie (A.Z. Kelley Elementary)
Benjamin Easley (John Overton High School)
John Feltt (Hermitage Elementary School)
Kim Marie Folsom (Dan Mills Elementary)
Lisa Forbis (Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School)
Mandy Funderburk (Bellevue Middle School)
Laura Gabriel (Nashville School of the Arts)
Janelle Ganske (Hillsboro High School)
Katie Harrah (W.H. Oliver Middle Prep)
Kathy Hart (Harpeth Valley Elementary)
Daniel Hayes (Granberry Elementary)
Kathy Hull (Hull-Jackson Montessori School)
Melissa Husebo (Andrew Jackson Elementary)
Ira “Trey” Jacobs III (Head Middle Magnet)
Lisa Kemp (Haywood Elementary)
Steven King (Tom Joy Elementary)
Laura McAfee (Glenn Elementary Enhanced Option)
Melissa McClaran (Cane Ridge Elementary)
Kimberly McLemore (Antioch High School)
Anna Maria Miller (Hume-Fogg/Martin Luther King)
Eleni Miller (John Overton High School)
Ila Nicholson (John Early Museum Magnet Middle Prep)
Franklin Norris (Meigs Academic Magnet)
Jennifer Partridge (Cumberland Elementary)
Sean Patrick (Cole Elementary)
Catherine Pratt (Goodlettsville Elementary)
Holly Rang (Pennington Elementary)
Richard Ripani (Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School)
Tracy Roberts (Dodson Elementary)
Alaina Schwartz (Crieve Hall Elementary)
Todd Shipley (Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet School)
Marilyn Smith (W.H. Oliver Middle Prep)
Nita Smith (Creswell Middle Prep)
Alexander Snyder (Two Rivers Middle Prep)
Michael Walton (DuPont Hadley Middle Prep)
Karen Waters (Park Avenue Enhanced Option Elementary School)
Paul Waters (Bellevue Middle School)
Susan Waters (W.H. Oliver Middle Prep)
Richae Williams (J.E. Moss Elementary)
Franklin Willis (Madison Middle Prep)
Chad Witemeyer (Maxwell Elementary)
John Womack (McGavock High School)
Joshua Wright (McGavock Elementary)
Frank Zimmerer (East Nashville Magnet High School)
Ben Zolkower (Hillwood High School)
Brett Eldredge, center, is host of the CMA Teachers of Excellence event and gathers with teachers on stage at City Winery on April 27.
CMHoF Receives $2,500 Federal Grant For Preservation Needs
/by Craig_ShelburneThe Tennessee State Library & Archives is distributing more than $30,000 worth of federal grant funds to 15 organizations across the state to help preserve important historical records.
The Country Music Hall of Fame will receive $2,500 from the organization. Other Nashville locations receiving $2,500 grants are the Southern Baptist Library and Archives, as well as Travellers Rest Historic House and Museum.
These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including purchasing storage equipment such as shelving and boxes, hiring temporary staff for specialized records preservation projects, training archives personnel, or creating digital versions of records.
The funding for the grants comes from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, which is part of the National Archives. The Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board reviews grant applications to determine which groups receive awards each year.
“When historical records are lost, they are irreplaceable,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “That’s why the projects these 15 organizations are undertaking are so important. They are taking steps to ensure the historical treasures in their communities are properly preserved. I commend the work that the grant recipients are doing on behalf of our state’s shared history.”
The grant recipients are:
Blount County Archives, Maryville, $1,900
Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville, $2,500
C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa, Memphis, $2,500
Dyer County Archives, Dyersburg, $925
Highlander Research and Education Center, New Market, $2,500
Houston County Archives, Erin, $925
Lincoln County Archives, Fayetteville, $2,000
Museum Center at 5ive Points, Cleveland, $2,500
Overton County Archives, Livingston, $2,500
Pink Palace Museum, Memphis, $2,400
Sam Davis Home, Smyrna, $1,900
Stewart County Historical Society, Dover, $2,000
Southern Baptist Library and Archives, Nashville, $2,500
Travellers Rest Historic House and Museum, Nashville, $2,250
University of Memphis Special Collections, Memphis, $2,450
CMA Music Festival Reveals More Free Performances
/by Jessica NicholsonLocated at the corner of Broadway and First Avenue in downtown Nashville, the Gildan Broadway Stage will operate Thursday-Sunday, June 9-12 from 10:45 a.m. until approximately 4:30 p.m. CT.
Performing on the Gildan Broadway Stage are Sammy Arriaga, Ryan Beaver, Craig Wayne Boyd, Courtney Cole, Ruthie Collins, Adam Craig, Jacob Davis, Cale Dodds, Ben Gallaher, Haley Georgia, Ryan Griffin, Levi Hummon, Brett Kissel, Jon Langston, Brandon Lay, Lucy Angel, MamaDear, Walker McGuire, Carly Pearce, Sister C, Cole Taylor, The Railers, Walker County, Waterloo Revival, and Carter Winter. (Artists and schedules subject to change).
“We take great pride in CMA Music Festival being a place where fans can discover a new favorite act,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Nearly a dozen artists are making their festival performance debut on the Gildan Broadway Stage, making it a great spot to hear something fresh.”
Those debuting artists include Benton Blount, Fort Defiance, Olivia Lane, Levon, Steve Moakler, Radio Romance, Jordan Rager, Runaway June, Rae Solomon, The Last Bandoleros, and Morgan Wallen.
Also making her festival debut is Third Man Records’ Margo Price, who has been added to The Park Stage in Walk of Fame Park.