Chevrolet is earning its title as the Official Ride of Country Music by sponsoring numerous events at the 2012 CMA Music Festival, running June 7-10.
A private Industry Test Drive will occur this Friday, June 1, 11 AM- 2 PM near the CMA offices. For each test drive taken, Chevrolet will donate $25 to the CMA Foundation, which benefits music education.
On Mon., June 4 at 6 PM at The Stage, Chevrolet will present the CMA Global Artist Party featuring Australians Bob Corbett, Morgan Evans, Adam Harvey, Craig Morrison and Joe Robinson; Canadians Emerson Drive, High Valley and Jess Moskaluke; Vickie Evans (New Zealand); Lisa McHugh (Ireland) with Gene Watson; and Gary Quinn (UK). Australian husband and wife duo O’Shea return as hosts.
“The Eighth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” will begin at 11 AM on Wed., June 6. The parade will start at 10th Avenue and end at Chevrolet Riverfront Park for the Chevrolet Block Party at 12:30 PM, which is free and open to the public.
The Festival officially begins on Thurs., June 7 when Montgomery Gentry kicks off the free concerts at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage at 10 AM. Acts that are slated to perform include Wade Bowen, Lee Brice, Laura Bell Bundy, Craig Campbell, Edens Edge, Brett Eldredge, The Farm, Colt Ford, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Gloriana, JT Hodges, Steve Holy, Casey James, Jana Kramer, Tracy Lawrence, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Neal McCoy, Jo Dee Messina, Kip Moore, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, David Nail, Heidi Newfield, Jerrod Niemann, Oak Ridge Boys, James Otto, Randy Rogers Band, Thomas Rhett, Sawyer Brown, Corey Smith, Sunny Sweeney, Josh Thompson, Mel Tillis, Uncle Kracker, Phil Vassar, James Wesley, and Darryl Worley. Chevrolet vehicles will be on display.
New this year is The Chevrolet Roadhouse, located in Fan Alley (off Broadway and 4th Ave.), which will feature performances by Weston Burt, Due West, Erin Enderlin, Flynnville Train, Adam Gregory, Amber Hayes, Imaj, Zack Lockwood, Lucy Angel, Rachele Lynae, Josh Mullins, Gary Quinn, Chase Rice, The Roys, Matt Stillwell, and Jason Thomas.
Fans will also have an opportunity to test drive a Chevrolet at the Ride and Drive on Fourth Avenue between Broadway and Demonbreun Street. The “Catch a Chevy” program will give free rides to fans.
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HGTV, GAC, DIY Network and Travel Channel are hosting The Lodge, a venue in Fan Alley. The Lodge’s GAC Living Country Stage line-up includes performances by Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Bucky Covington, Love & Theft, Kip Moore, Sarah Darling, Josh Thompson, Kix Brooks, Katie Armiger and Casey James; and autograph sessions with Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Rodney Atkins, Easton Corbin, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Thompson Square, Jake Owen, Scotty McCreery and rapper Vanilla Ice, host of DIY Network’s The Vanilla Ice Project. Additionally, HGTV stars set for appearances are Chris Lambton (Going Yard), Drew and Jonathan Scott (The Property Brothers), and Amie and Jolie Sykes (Junk Gypsies). Host Bert Kreischer will be on location to film an upcoming episode of the new Travel Channel series, Trip Flip. He will surprise a few lucky tourists, taking them behind-the-scenes at the Festival.
Chevy Revs Up CMA Music Fest
/by Sarah SkatesA private Industry Test Drive will occur this Friday, June 1, 11 AM- 2 PM near the CMA offices. For each test drive taken, Chevrolet will donate $25 to the CMA Foundation, which benefits music education.
On Mon., June 4 at 6 PM at The Stage, Chevrolet will present the CMA Global Artist Party featuring Australians Bob Corbett, Morgan Evans, Adam Harvey, Craig Morrison and Joe Robinson; Canadians Emerson Drive, High Valley and Jess Moskaluke; Vickie Evans (New Zealand); Lisa McHugh (Ireland) with Gene Watson; and Gary Quinn (UK). Australian husband and wife duo O’Shea return as hosts.
“The Eighth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” will begin at 11 AM on Wed., June 6. The parade will start at 10th Avenue and end at Chevrolet Riverfront Park for the Chevrolet Block Party at 12:30 PM, which is free and open to the public.
The Festival officially begins on Thurs., June 7 when Montgomery Gentry kicks off the free concerts at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage at 10 AM. Acts that are slated to perform include Wade Bowen, Lee Brice, Laura Bell Bundy, Craig Campbell, Edens Edge, Brett Eldredge, The Farm, Colt Ford, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Gloriana, JT Hodges, Steve Holy, Casey James, Jana Kramer, Tracy Lawrence, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Neal McCoy, Jo Dee Messina, Kip Moore, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, David Nail, Heidi Newfield, Jerrod Niemann, Oak Ridge Boys, James Otto, Randy Rogers Band, Thomas Rhett, Sawyer Brown, Corey Smith, Sunny Sweeney, Josh Thompson, Mel Tillis, Uncle Kracker, Phil Vassar, James Wesley, and Darryl Worley. Chevrolet vehicles will be on display.
New this year is The Chevrolet Roadhouse, located in Fan Alley (off Broadway and 4th Ave.), which will feature performances by Weston Burt, Due West, Erin Enderlin, Flynnville Train, Adam Gregory, Amber Hayes, Imaj, Zack Lockwood, Lucy Angel, Rachele Lynae, Josh Mullins, Gary Quinn, Chase Rice, The Roys, Matt Stillwell, and Jason Thomas.
Fans will also have an opportunity to test drive a Chevrolet at the Ride and Drive on Fourth Avenue between Broadway and Demonbreun Street. The “Catch a Chevy” program will give free rides to fans.
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HGTV, GAC, DIY Network and Travel Channel are hosting The Lodge, a venue in Fan Alley. The Lodge’s GAC Living Country Stage line-up includes performances by Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Bucky Covington, Love & Theft, Kip Moore, Sarah Darling, Josh Thompson, Kix Brooks, Katie Armiger and Casey James; and autograph sessions with Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Rodney Atkins, Easton Corbin, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Thompson Square, Jake Owen, Scotty McCreery and rapper Vanilla Ice, host of DIY Network’s The Vanilla Ice Project. Additionally, HGTV stars set for appearances are Chris Lambton (Going Yard), Drew and Jonathan Scott (The Property Brothers), and Amie and Jolie Sykes (Junk Gypsies). Host Bert Kreischer will be on location to film an upcoming episode of the new Travel Channel series, Trip Flip. He will surprise a few lucky tourists, taking them behind-the-scenes at the Festival.
Siman Launches RPM Entertainment
/by Freeman“It’s been my desire for a long time to combine label services with management and publishing,” said Siman. “Unlike most other companies trying to do deals where they participate in all areas but lack in depth expertise, we have staff with huge track records in all these areas.”
Former Stoney Creek Records VP/GM Rider joined Siman earlier in February 2012 and serves as Sr. VP for the new company. Email her here. Joining the team for promotion efforts are Jack Christopher and Rocco Cosco, who both previously served with Bigger Picture. Christopher will take on the role of VP Promotion, and can be reached here. Cosco, who also spent time with Curb Records and Mercury Records will be RPM’s new Director of National Promotion. Reach him here. Former R&J Records staffers Jon Conlon and Kelsey Lantrip also join the promo staff, with Conlon handling West Coast promotion duties and Lantrip as Promotion Coordinator/Executive Assistant. Email Conlon here and Lantrip here.
RPM made the announcement through a video parodying DirecTV’s memorable “bad decisions” ad campaign.
Maggie Rose, who was formerly known as Margaret Durante is shipping her new single “I Ain’t Your Momma” to country radio on May 30. She is also on the road with the Country Throwdown Tour this summer.
CRS Accepting Nominations For 2013 Country Radio Hall of Fame
/by Eric T. ParkerNominations for On-Air Personality and Radio Hall of Fame can be made on the CRS website, and CRS officials will provide official applications to nominees. Application returns will be accepted to the CRS offices until Fri., Sept. 7. Applications received after the deadline will be held for consideration for the 2014 Hall of Fame class.
The 2013 Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and induction ceremony will be held Feb. 26, 2013, the night before the official beginning of CRS 2013, running Feb. 27 – March 1, at the Nashville Convention Center.
“Each year, Country Radio Broadcasters seek to recognize the true legends of Country radio by welcoming new members to the Country Radio Hall of Fame,” said CRS Hall of Fame Chairman, Charlie Morgan. “The caliber of past inductees ensures that this is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Country radio professional, and we are excited to open the application process for this year’s class.”
Nominees may include air-checks, press clippings, awards listings and other materials for consideration.
Curb Records to Release “The Last Ride” Soundtrack
/by FreemanStarring Henry Thomas, Jesse James, Fred Thompson, and Kaley Cuoco, The Last Ride is a fictionalized account of a period of Williams’ life when he was sobering from alcohol and drugs and trying to get his career back on track. In late 1952, he scheduled several New Year’s shows in West Virginia and Ohio but passed away on New Year’s Day in 1953 in the back of his Cadillac.
The soundtrack contains some of Williams’ best known songs as well as new selections written for the project. Performers include Williams’ daughter Jett Williams, Johnny Cash, The Isaacs and more.
The Last Ride will be released in selected theaters in June. A few Nashville fans got to see a special screening of the movie on Saturday (5/26) at Ernest Tubb Texas Troubadour Theater.
Tracks on The Last Ride soundtrack:
The Last Ride Theme – Benjy Gaither
Hey Good Lookin’ – Jett Williams
Honky Tonk Man – Russ Taff
Keep on the Sunny Side – Rebecca Frasier
I Will Marry You – Wes Hampton
It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels – Sarah Johns
Cold, Cold Heart – Doug Anderson
The Swing Low Sweet Chariot – Clyde Wright & The Incredible Golden Gates
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry – Michael English
Longing – Jett Williams
Footprints – Benjy Gaither
I’m Winging My Way Back Home – The Blackwood Brothers
Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You – Jett Williams
On I Down The Road – Val Storey
Chino – Nathan Young
Ilene – Nathan Young
What Ya Gonna Do – Nathan Young
Tennessee Waltz – Nathan Young
O Come Angel Band – The Isaacs
Hank Williams’ Blues – Jett Williams
The Night Hank Williams Came To Town – Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings
The Last Ride – Tony Ramey
Lifenotes: Doc Watson Hospitalized; Mark Bright’s Father Passes
/by Freeman“Doc’s condition has somewhat deteriorated this morning. He remains in critical condition,” says a post on folkloreproductions.com, which has been giving daily updates of Watson’s progress.
Watson was listed as critical on Thursday (5/24) after undergoing surgery for an impacted colon. He was originally airlifted to Wake Forest Baptist from Watauga Medical Center in Boone, NC, after he fell at home.
Watson has won seven Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Endowment for the Artist National Heritage Fellowship.
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MusicRow offers its condolences to producer Mark Bright and family, following the passing of his father William Delbert Bright (of Longview, TX) over the weekend. He was 82. Visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview on Wednesday (5/30) from 6 – 8 pm, and services will be held Thursday (5/31) beginning at 10 am.
Atkins To Host Second Annual “Music City Gives Back” Concert
/by Caitlin RantalaThe free to the public event features an all-star lineup including Clint Black, Thompson Square, Lee Brice, Josh Thompson, Jana Kramer, The Farm, Mallary Hope, and The Willis Clan. Music is scheduled to begin at 5 pm on the outdoor stage on Broadway in downtown Nashville between Second and Fourth Avenues.
“Last year was such a great experience to close down Broadway and to raise money and awareness for the American Red Cross we decided to do it again,” says Atkins. “This is an organization that helps so many people in all of our communities and they need support not just when disaster strikes. Looking forward to getting out there and working with Wrangler Western Wear and Cricket’s Muve Music to raise awareness and party with everyone in Music City.”
With the help of sponsors Wrangler Western Wear, Cricket Wireless, Carl Black Chevrolet, Advanced Auto Parts, and GAC, fans will be able to enjoy a night of great music at no cost and have the opportunity to contribute to the American Red Cross. Donations may be made on-site.
Those unable to attend the festivities will still be able to enjoy the concerts by streaming the performances live on the Wrangler Facebook page.
Photo Roundup (5/29/12)
/by MichelleBig Machine Records was part of a second Indianapolis 500 championship on Sunday (5/27) thanks to its sponsorship of driver Dario Franchitti, who raced into Victory Lane for the third time in his career. The race aired nationally on ABC and is the second most watched sporting event in the United States. The win comes one year after Big Machine Records sponsored the late Dan Wheldon’s winning car at the 2011 Indianapolis 500. BMLG also provided fans with pre-race entertainment and distributed over 250,000 white Big Machine Records-branded sunglasses to honor Wheldon. Martina McBride kicked off the racing event by performing the national anthem.
Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Country Superstar Martina McBride and 2012 Indy 500 Winner Dario Franchitti. Photo: Becky Fluke/Big Machine
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Warner Music Nashville kicked off its 3rd Pickin On The Patio season with new talent, Charlie Worsham. The event, held on the WMN Patio the fourth Thursday of each month, was the first in a six-show series now running through October. Worsham, who recently signed to WMN, is currently working on his debut album with Arthur Buenahora.
Photo (L-R): Arthur Buenahora (Publisher & Executive Producer Ole Music Publishing), Scott Hendricks (SR VP A&R Warner Music Nashville), John Esposito (President & CEO Warner Music Nashville), Charlie Worsham, Brad Henderson (Manager BigHowdy {CREATIVE BRANDS}), Cris Lacy (VP A&R Warner Music Nashville), Scott Kernahan (Manager Rogue Music), and Kelli Cashiola (VP Brand Management Warner Music Nashville)
Swift Exhibition To Open At Hall Of Fame In Time For CMA Fest
/by Sarah SkatesThe exhibition will include artifacts from the tour's vignettes, such as this Valentino ball gown, dancers’ and aerialists’ costumes, and the “Juliet balcony” in which Swift soared above the crowd while performing “Love Story.” Swift recently pledged $4 million for an education center at the museum.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has tons of events lined up for music lovers coming to Nashville for next week’s CMA Music Festival, and one highlight is sure to be the June 6 opening of Taylor Swift: Speak Now—Treasures from the World Tour.
The exhibition running through Nov. 4, 2012, includes dozens of costumes, instruments, and props from the tour which entertained more than 1.5 million fans over 111 shows in 19 countries. The Speak Now exhibition will recreate 10 vignettes from the tour.
On display will be designer gowns by Roberto Cavalli, Marchesa and Jenny Packham; and instruments including a shimmering red Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, Deering six-string banjo with rolled steel drum, and Taylor brand koa wood ukulele with mother-of-pearl inlay.
During June 5-9, museum visitors will be able to attend autograph signings and/or performances with new and legendary artists. Live from the Museum Store, Presented by CMT will include autograph signings with Lee Brice, Lee Greenwood, the Oak Ridge Boys and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride, as well as performances and autograph signings with Casey James, Tracy Lawrence, Love and Theft, Joanna Smith and Josh Thompson.
The museum will also present a special Songwriter Session with Kellie Pickler, and a tribute to Country Music Hall of Fame member Chet Atkins by Steve Wariner.
On Tues., June 5 David Nail will kick off this summer’s Hot Nights at the Hall series. Also on the schedule are Jana Kramer (July 13) and Love and Theft (Aug. 31). The shows run 6-9 p.m. and are for Museum members only.
For details visit www.countrymusichalloffame.org.
Nashville Superstars Make Forbes “Celebrity 100” List
/by FreemanA few of Nashville’s biggest stars make the cut, led by Taylor Swift at No. 11. Her earnings for the previous 12 months totaled $57 million, and her social media ranking was seventh best overall. Just making the Top 50 at No. 49 is Toby Keith, who earned $55 million between his numerous ventures. Close behind at No. 53 is Kenny Chesney, and Brad Paisley lands at No. 68.
Jennifer Lopez is at the top of the list, with earnings over $52 million and a near constant media presence. The American Idol judge has parlayed her presence on that show into hit singles and endorsements from L’Oreal and Gillette as well as a clothing line at Kohl’s. She bests last year’s No. 1 Lady Gaga, who slips to fifth place overall. In the No. 2 slot is Oprah Winfrey, whose presence was actually somewhat diminished following the end of her syndicated television run.
See the full list here.
Parallel’s JP Williams Boosts Scholarships
/by Sarah Skates$25,000 of the gift will go to the Ron Baird Scholarship Fund for Entertainment Management students at the University of Montana in Missoula. It will be distributed by IEBA and NATD. Baird previously headed CAA’s Nashville office and passed away last year.
$37,500 will be used to supplement the scholarship in Williams’ name at Belmont. Since founding the scholarship in 2007, IEBA has awarded money to five students in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business.
A $37,500 scholarship will also be founded in Williams’ name at Murray State University in Murray, KY. NATD will distribute the funds to students in the Music Business program.
Parallel Entertainment is behind the Blue Collar Comedy enterprise.