Centricity Music Promotes Two

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centricity music logoCentricity Music has promoted two key staff members. Ben Stauffer has been promoted from Finance Director to VP of Finance, and Kris Love from Director of Radio Promotions to Sr. Director of National Promotions. Stauffer will take on an expanded role of the financial duties for Centricity Music and Centricity Publishing, while Love will oversee all activities in the radio department including tracking, promotions, radio visits and promotional tours.
Stauffer will continue to report to General Manager Caren Seidle, and Love to Steve Ford, VP of Marketing.
A Pennsylvania native, Stauffer joined Centricity Music while completing his graduate degree. After time working with Flood, Bumstead, McCready and McCathy, Stauffer rejoined the Centricity team initially as Finance Director.
Love hails from Knoxville, Tenn., and previously worked at AC and CHR radio stations in the city. He then moved to Nashville and became a top independent radio promoter before joining Centricity Music as Director of Promotion.
Based in Franklin, Tenn., Centricity Music was founded in 2005, and includes artists Aaron Shust, Andrew Peterson, Carrollton, Jason Gray, Jonny Diaz and others.

Round Hill Music Opens Nashville Office, Acquires Big Tractor Catalog

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round hill music1Round Hill Music, a full-service creative rights management company with a focus on music publishing, has opened a Nashville office at 1004 18th Ave. S.
Mark Brown has joined the team as VP and General Manager of the Nashville office. Brown previously spent three years as Chief Creative Officer at MPR Entertainment Group’s publishing arm, Root 49 Music. During his career, Brown has spent time as Creative Director for Universal Music Publishing Group, as well as Sr. Director of A&R for Sony Records.
Brown joins Director of A&R, Kari Smith, who joined Round Hill Music in Spring of 2013.
Round Hill Music has acquired the Big Tractor catalog, which includes the titles “Doin’ What She Likes” (Blake Shelton), “All Over The Road” (Easton Corbin), “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me” (Hunter Hayes), “I Saw God Today” (George Strait), and “Amazed” (Lonestar), among many others.
Also attached to the Big Tractor catalog is writer Wade Kirby, whose songs have been recorded by Kenny Rogers, Rodney Atkins and Faith Hill. Writer Rachel Proctor is also attached to the Big Tractor catalog; Proctor has penned songs for Jessica Simpson and Jesse Lee.
“We are honored to continue the legacy of what Scott Hendricks built with Big Tractor as that catalog is the main basis for our Nashville beginning,” Neil Gillis, President of Round Hill Music, said. “With industry creative vet Mark Brown at the helm being joined by Kari Smith for all creative services and plugging and with the continuing all purpose creative efforts of Clay Myers, the future looks bright.”
Round Hill Music was founded by Josh Gruss in 2010.

SESAC Plans $20 Million Building

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sesacSESAC is building a new $20 million home on Music Row. The 110,000-square-foot space will be located at 35, 37, 39 and 41 Music Sq. E., reports the Tennessean. Groundbreaking could take place in the next two months. SESAC is expected to use about 35,000 square feet of the complex and lease the remainder. Completion is scheduled for 2015.
The properties on Music Sq. E. were purchased from The BBR Music Group owner Benny Brown and his wife Carolyn for $3.5 million according to reports. In turn, the Browns bought a 25,000-square-foot property at 65 Music Sq. W., formerly home to Sony/ATV’s administration division, for $4.1 million and will move BBR operations there.
The admin arm of Sony/ATV recently moved downtown to the Fifth Third Center at 424 Church Street. Sony/ATV’s creative division remains at 8 Music Sq. W.
SESAC is currently in two buildings at 55 Music Sq. E and 66 Music Square W.

Townsquare Media Partners With Just Jared Inc.

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townsquaremediaTownsquare Media Group has partnered exclusively with entertainment group Just Jared Inc. Just Jared will work with Townsquare’s national digital business, which, according to Comscore, includes music and entertainment digital properties that reach more than 60 million unique U.S. visitors monthly.
“Townsquare Media continues to attract top notch entertainment partners that reflect our solutions-focused, multi-platform business. We are thrilled to add Just Jared to our influential premium portfolio,” said Sr. VP, National Digital Sales Andi Poch. “They approach celebrity news with an authentic and refreshing perspective and are very well-respected by readers, advertisers and the entertainment industry alike.”
Brothers Jared and Jason Eng run Just Jared Inc., which includes various websites, YouTube Channels and branded events. The company was founded in 2005.
“We are excited to partner with Townsquare Media and look forward to strengthening our sales, branding and operational efforts across the board, while at the same time, adding a robust and loyal audience to Townsquare’s growing entertainment portfolio,” said Just Jared Inc.’s CEO Jason Eng. “Our brand continues to expand into exciting areas, including our newly launched JJ Spotlight series – which features both established & up-and-coming talent with exclusive interviews and photo shoots.”

Tamela Mann Tops Stellar Awards

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tamela mann11

Tamela Mann


Tamela Mann was the big winner at the 29th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which were held Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Municipal Auditorium.
Mann was awarded trophies for Artist of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year (for Best Days), Traditional Female of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, and Praise and Worship CD of the Year (for Best Days). The actress and singer currently stars in Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns.
Song of the Year went to Kirk Franklin‘s “Take Me To The King.”
Atlanta vocalist Tasha Cobbs earned New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female of the Year honors.
Winners List:
Artist Of The Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days, Tillyman Music
Song Of The Year
Kirk Franklin, “Take Me To The King” – Best Days, Tillyman Music
Male Vocalist Of The Year
Tye Tribbett
Albertina Walker Female Vocalist Of The Year
Tamela Mann
Group/Duo Of The Year
Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
New Artist Of The Year
Tasha Cobbs, EMI Gospel (Motown Gospel)
CD Of The Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days, Tillyman Music
Choir Of The Year
Hezekiah Walker, Azusa: The Next Generation, RCA Inspiration
Producer Of The Year
Fred Hammond & Derek “Dc” Clark, United Tenors Hammond Hollister Roberson Wilson, RCA Inspiration
Contemporary Group/Duo Of The Year
Fred Hammond United Tenors, United Tenors Hammond Hollister Roberson Wilson, RCA Inspiration
Traditional Group/Duo Of The Year
John P. Kee And New Life
Contemporary Male Of The Year
Anthony Brown
Traditional Male Of The Year
John P. Kee
Contemporary Female Of The Year
Tasha Cobbs
Traditional Female Of The Year
Tamela Mann
Contemporary CD Of The Year
Tasha Cobbs
Traditional CD Of The Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days, Tillyman Music
Urban/Inspirational Single Or Performance Of The Year
Tamela Mann, “Take Me To The King,” Best Days, Tillyman Music
Music Video Of The Year
Brand X, Testimony – Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Tyscot Music And Entertainment
Traditional Choir Of The Year
Hezekiah Walker, Azusa: The Next Generation, RCA Inspiration
Contemporary Choir Of The Year
Earl Bynum & The Mount Unity Choir, Bishop K.W. Brown Presents Earl Bynum & The Mount Unity Choir, K.W. Brown Ministries
Special Event CD Of The Year
Hezekiah Walker, Azusa: The Next Generation, RCA Inspiration
Rap Hip Hop Gospel CD Of The Year
Lecrae, Gravity, Reach Records
Childrens Project Of The Year
Jekalyn Carr, Greater Is Coming, Lunjeal/Malaco
Fan Favorite Quartet Of The Year
Doc Mckenzie & The Hi-Lites
Recorded Music Packaging Of The Year
Patrick Dopson, Best Days, Tillyman Music
Praise And Worship CD Of The Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days, Tillyman Music

Garth Brooks Reveals Comeback Special Event in Ireland

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garth brooks ireland11Garth Brooks recently visited Dublin, Ireland to make a special announcement in person. Standing in Croke Park, the location of his sell out concerts in 1997, the legendary entertainer announced that he will return to that same venue in July 2014 for two performances, before the start of his worldwide tour, which is slated to begin later this year.
“Before we go back on tour in the Fall of 2014, I want to challenge myself, the band, and crew,” Brooks said. “In ’97, we were lucky enough to play Croke Park, and the stadium was under construction. 130,000+ of some of the greatest fans in the world [joined us]. I was quoted then as saying, ‘When this stadium is finished, I would love to come back and try to fill it again…this time to the brink.’…and we’re back to do just that.”
Tickets for The Garth Brooks Comeback Special Event on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, 2014, in Croke Park, presented by Aiken Promotions, go on sale on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. from ticketmaster.com and all usual ticket outlets Nationwide.
Brooks retired from music in 2001, and moved back to Oklahoma to raise his children.
In 2009, Brooks launched a five-year run at the Wynn Las Vegas. Since then, he has made several special appearances to aid various charities. Those appearances included nine sold out Nashville concerts over the span of six days in 2010, to raise money for the flood relief efforts in Tennessee. More than 145,000 fans attended the concerts. In July 2013, Brooks joined several other Country artists, including Toby Keith, to perform a concert raising funds to benefit those affected by a tornado outbreak.
The singer-songwriter was recently inducted into the International Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, as well as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. In October 2013, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Performing for his induction were his heroes George Strait, James Taylor and Bob Seger. On Nov. 29, 2013, nearly nine million viewers tuned in for Brooks’ CBS special Live From Las Vegas.
In November 2013, he also rose to the top of the all-genre Nielsen Soundscan rankings with Blame It All On My Roots, marking the ninth time Brooks has accomplished that feat.

Lady Antebellum Extends 'Take Me Downtown Tour'

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Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum


Lady Antebellum will extend their North American Take Me Downtown Tour. The now nearly 80-city tour will begin its summer leg on March 22 in Phoenix at Ak-Chin Pavilion.
“The energy from the crowds on opening weekend was like a drug…it was totally intoxicating,” said Lady A’s Charles Kelley. “It felt so unbelievable to be back on stage together, and each night was better than the last. We’re going on to North Dakota this weekend and from now through the summer amphitheater shows, we’re going to try and raise the bar night after night.”
Special guests Kip Moore and Kacey Musgraves are currently out with the trio and will continue on to the first newly announced summer shows. Lady A will also welcome a combination of Billy Currington, David Nail and Joe Nichols for the remaining new tour dates.
TAKE ME DOWNTOWN TOUR 2014 North American Summer Dates:
3/22 Phoenix, AZ
3/23 San Diego, CA
3/27 Omaha, NE
3/28 Tulsa, OK
4/10 Evansville, IN
4/11 Atlanta, GA
4/12 Birmingham, AL
4/25 Raleigh, GA
4/26 Charlotte, NC
4/27 Knoxville, TN
5/9 Dallas, TX
5/10 Houston, TX
5/16 Hollywood, FL
5/17 Tampa, FL
5/30 Cincinnati, OH
5/31 Cuyahoga Falls, OH
6/1 Bethel, NY
6/14 Irvine, CA
6/15 Mountain View, CA
6/20 Grand Junction, CO
6/21 Sheridan, WY
6/27 North Platte, NE
7/4 Cavendish, PEI
7/6 Ottawa, ONT
7/18 Minot, ND
7/19 Cheyenne, WY
7/22 Paso Robles, CA
7/24 Noblesville, IN
7/25 Columbus, OH
7/26 Harrington, DE
7/27 Wantagh, NY
7/30 Davenport, IA
8/22 Clarkston, MI
8/23 Burgettstown, PA
8/30 Bangor, ME
8/31 Gilford, NH

Stellar Gospel Music Awards Head to Municipal Auditorium

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stellar awards11The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, held in Nashville since 2006, will celebrate 29 years of honoring the best in gospel music with a move from the Grand Ole Opry to the Municipal Auditorium. The awards show will be held Saturday (Jan. 18), and will feature more than a dozen Gospel music mainstays, including Shirley Caesar, Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell, Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker and more. The View co-host Sherri Shepherd and Dish Nation star Rickey Smiley will co-host this year’s Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
UP Television Network will air the awards beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
Tickets are $55-200 ($35 student discount) and are available at ticketmaster.com.

Americana Music Association To Offer Phil Everly Tribute

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the everly brothers11The Americana Music Association will remember Phil Everly with Americana’s Pre-Grammy Salute & Tribute to the Everly Brothers: Remembering Phil Everly. The event will take place at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 25. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m.
Phil Everly, half of the legendary duo, was a generous supporter of the not-for-profit music association. In 2009, Everly scribed the lyrics of one of the duo’s signature hits, “When Will I Be Loved,” on parchment paper and donated the work for auction, raising thousands of dollars for the Americana Music Association.
The event promises to be an inspirational night of music. A limited number of tickets were made available on Friday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. PST. To purchase tickets, visit troubadour.com.
The event is co presented by Vector Management, Middle Tennessee State University and Nissan.

Luke Bryan Concert Rescheduled After Partial Stage Collapse

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luke bryan

Luke Bryan


Luke Bryan‘s concert tonight (Jan. 17) at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. has been rescheduled for Friday, Feb. 21, due to damage sustained to a portion of the stage during production load out after last night’s show in Columbus, Ohio.
According to news site nbc4i.com, officers were dispatched to Columbus, Ohio’s Schottenstein Center at about 12:04 a.m. Friday on a report of a stage collapse. According to the Ohio State University Police Division, four received minor injuries during the collapse. Kyle Davis, 47, of Columbus; Leonard Devrijer, 49, of Columbus; Andrew Gammon, 26, of Nashville; and Steven Meyers, 41, of Bremen were transported to an area hospital and treated for minor injuries.
No serious injuries have been reported.
According to Bryan’s publicist, the damage occurred after the show ended, and no fans were in the building. Necessary repairs to the production element will be made so the tour can continue.