Student Musicians Featured at Keep the Music Playing Concert

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Several of the brightest groups from Metro Nashville Public Schools will be honored at CMA’s Third Annual Keep the Music Playing All Stars Concert Tuesday, January 31 at 6:30 PM. Hosted by Chris Young at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the event will recognize student musicians from schools that have benefited from CMA’s Keep the Music Playing program.

The musical evening features performances from five Nashville school groups including Bellevue Middle School Band; Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet Theatre and Orchestra Departments; McGavock High School Wind Ensemble; and a special duet between the Glengarry Elementary Orff Ensemble and Singers with Suzy Bogguss. Chris Young will perform with Nashville School of the Arts student Mignon Grabois and Charley Woods, who performed their version of “If I Die Young” on the 45th Annual CMA Awards in November.

Chris Young will host CMA's Third Annual Keep the Music Playing All Stars Concert.

“This event is an inspiring reminder of what students can achieve if given the right tools and support,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. “We’re extremely grateful to the artists who played during the 2011 CMA Music Festival for giving the next generation of musicians the opportunity to learn the joys of music and shine on this exquisite stage.”

Since 2006, CMA has donated half of the net proceeds from its Music Festival to Keep the Music Playing, for a total of $4.7 million. The 2011 contribution will be announced during a private reception before the concert on January 31.

Artist Round Up (1/11/12)

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Curb recording artist Rodney Atkins will be making a return appearance to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! stage tonight (Jan. 11) at 12:00 a.m. ET/11:00 p.m. CT. Atkins is set to sing the multi-week No. 1 single and title track of his current album, “Take A Back Road,” in celebration of its RIAA Platinum Single Certification. In addition, Atkins will end the show with a performance of his new single, “He’s Mine.” Atkins begins a full year of touring in February with a stop in Verona, NY. The tour has him crossing the country from New York to western Oregon, including a USO visit with troops. Dates here.

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Following a sold out New Year’s Eve headlining show for nearly 6,000 fans from Billy Bob’s Ft. Worth, Chris Young continues the momentum with his first appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Airing Tuesday, Jan. 17, Young will perform his current hit single, “You,” from his 2011 album Neon. The single is Top 5 and climbing on both the Billboard and Mediabase country charts, and No. 6 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.

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Mark Wayne Glasmire is celebrating the rollout of his newest EP release, Mark Wayne Glasmire (Traceway Records), which appeared Tuesday, January 10. His current U.S. single, “Going Home,” is moving up the MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Chart, sitting at No. 60 this week, and the artist’s debut video has just been added to GACtv.com and CMT.com. The “Going Home” video can also be seen on The Country Network, American Music Channel, Roughstock, Yallwire and Yahoo! Music.

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Vince Gill has been added to the MerleFest 25 lineup, happening April 26-29 at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. Gill deliver the closing performance of the evening on Thursday, Apr. 26. Among the numerous performers slated for the festival are bluegrass heroes Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Dailey & Vincent, Alison Krauss & Union Station and more. MerleFest is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans, gathering to celebrate the memory of musician Eddy Merle Watson, beloved son of American music icon Doc Watson.

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Elaine Roy, Vietti Foods Company, Inc. President Philip M. Connelly and Lee Roy. Photo: J. Westby

Brother/sister duo, The Roys, will join Vietti Foods to extend the Vietti Vinyl campaign, with the duo’s image appearing on 500,000 cans of the brand’s Family Style Beef Stew. It will be sold in Family Dollar stores in 25 states throughout 2012. While The Roys are the first artists to grace the Beef Stew can labels, the Vietti Chili line participants include: Chris Young, Bo Bice, The Isaacs, John Corbett and Riders In The Sky.

Television Appearance, New Music From Emily West

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Emily West made a guest appearance on primetime television last night (1/10) on ABC’s Body of Proof playing a troubled girl with a drug problem accused of killing a dealer. The episode features the new song the song from West titled “Head On,” written by Trent Dabbs and Gabriel Kelley.

“This is a perfect opportunity for me because this character I play is really raw and kind of messed up so I love that. I love anything that’s a little dysfunctional,” West told John Dwyer of ABC’s WKRN News 2.

West was sent the script in an unconventional way without an agent, manager or acting coach but landed the role from some executives she met an industry party last year.

“[The executive said], ‘Hey, do you act?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah.’ She says, ‘Okay because I’m going to send you a script because there’s a really cool opportunity to play this part in Body of Proof,'” said West, adding, “things like that don’t happen like that.”

West’s TV appearance coincides with her December self-released EP, I Hate You I Love You, which reached the No. 2 position on the iTunes Singer-songwriter chart. This 6-song EP includes “Head On” and joins “Blue Sky” as the only music West has available for purchase from her catalog. West recorded a music video in December for the title track off of her EP, “I Hate You I Love You.”

Watch a video of Emily West singing “Head On” for ABC here.

Sony Names New Top Digital Exec

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Kooker joined Sony Nashville to celebrate the New York kick-off of Miranda Lambert's tour in late 2010. Pictured with Lambert and Gary Overton

Sony has a new President of Global Digital Business and U.S. Sales. Dennis Kooker was promoted to the role from his previous post of Exec. VP of Operations/GM of Global Digital Business and U.S. Sales. His career in the music business began 17 years ago.

With the promotion, Kooker fills the vacancy left by the exit of Thomas Hesse who recently joined Bertelsmann.

Based in New York, Kooker will report to Sony Music Entertainment chairman/CEO Doug Morris.

Gord Bamford’s Next Steps

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Alberta-based country singer/songwriter Gord Bamford began his musical career over 16 years and four albums ago, and now he’s taking a couple big next steps.

Sony Music Entertainment Canada announced on Monday (Jan. 9) it has signed Bamford for a recording deal, and his major label debut Is It Friday Yet? will be available March 6. The collection’s title track is already impacting Canadian Country radio.

“Sony Music is home to some of the biggest names in Country music today,” says Sony Music Entertainment President Canada Shane Carter. “We welcome Gord to the roster that made us the No. 1 airplay label at Country radio for a second year in row (Mediabase Canada). As well as his burgeoning career, Gord’s philanthropic efforts are to be commended. We are thrilled to have him call Sony Music Entertainment Canada home.”

Additionally, Bamford has inked a worldwide, multi-album publishing agreement with ole. Through the arrangement, ole will also acquire Bamford’s prior catalogue which includes “Blame It On That red Dress,” “Little Guy,” “Drinkin’ Buddy,” and more.

“Gord is always striving to take his songs and artistry to the next level and we’re proud that he’s chosen ole to support him as he ascends in his career over the next few years,” says ole CEO Robert Ott. “Our team is looking forward to great Creative and business success with Gord.”

Bamford swept the 2010 Canadian Country Music Awards by taking home six honors including Album of the Year (for Day Job), and earned a Juno Award nomination for Country Recording in 2008. He has placed over 20 singles on the Canadian country charts.

Anniversaries Help Kick-Off New Year

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Congratulations to all the outfits on The Row are celebrating anniversaries this month.

GREEN HILLS MUSIC GROUP

Woody Bomar’s company is celebrating its 5th anniversary. During its tenure the indie publisher has scored cuts by Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Jake Owen and has upcoming releases by Edens Edge, The Dirt Drifters, Hunter Hayes, and Bucky Covington. Green Hills writer Paul Duncan also wrote the new Matt Stillwell single  “Ignition.” The publisher maintains catalog by Bonnie Baker, Bob Regan, Rick Giles, Georgia Middleman, and Steve Williams. Email Bomar or visit GreenHillsMusicGroup.com

NASHVILLE PUBLICITY GROUP

The public relations firm specializing in family-friendly entertainment is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. Since launching, Brian Mayes has successfully represented hundreds of clients, including GRAMMY® Award winning recording artists, leading book publishers, feature films, non-profit organizations and more. www.nashvillepublicity.com

YOUNG ENTERTAINMENT PROFESSIONALS

YEP will host a First Anniversary Bash with Country music trivia at Mercy Lounge on Jan. 31 (note: event location has changed from Cabana). Since its founding in January 2011 with only two members, YEP has grown to over 1200 members by partnering with a host of Music Row organizations to support its growing needs.

YEP raised over $2,000 for the Be The Match Registry National Marrow Donor Program during its final event of 2011, held Dec. 12 at Exit/In. Performers included Charlie Worsham, Brent Cobb, Chase Foster, and more. Find YEP on Facebook.

Upcoming Film Features New Keith Urban Song

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Keith Urban has recorded a song specifically for a Navy SEAL action-thriller titled Act of Valor, in theaters Feb. 24. “For You” was written with Monty Powell and will be featured during the film’s end credits.

“I loved the challenge of writing for a film,” said Urban. “I’ve never done that before. After seeing Act Of Valor, Monty and I wanted to capture the essence of not only what these men and women do so extraordinarily, but how that relates to all of us. ‘Valor‘ shows us what they are willing to give their all for, which made me wonder, ‘what am I willing to give my life for?’”

“For You” was co-produced by Dan Huff and Urban, engineered by Mark Dobson and Todd Tidwell and was recorded at Starstruck Studios. The film’s soundtrack, which includes “For You” and other original material from to-be-announced country artists, is available at digital and physical retailers Feb. 21.

Produced and directed by former Baja 1000 champion Mike “Mouse” McCoy and former stuntman Scott Waugh, the Bandito Brothers’ Act of Valor stars a group of active-duty Navy SEALs and tells a story of contemporary global anti-terrorism.

McCreery’s Debut Album Goes Platinum

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Scotty McCreery’s debut album, Clear As Day, has been certified platinum in just three months after its Oct. 4, 2011 release.

McCreery says the platinum certification marks a major milestone in his career, “It means the world to me,” he explains. “It’s one of the highest honors you can get with your album and it’s a huge testament to the loyalty of country music fans and how great they have been to me this year. 2011 was absolutely an incredible, life-changing year for me. I want to say a huge thanks to the fans for this.”

Clear As Day debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts, making McCreery the youngest man in history to open at the top of the all-genre chart with a debut release. It has also claimed the highest sales to date of any solo country album released in 2011.

The album’s first single, “I Love You This Big,” has been certified gold. His current single, “The Trouble With Girls,” is approaching gold status as well.

On Thursday (1/12), the singer begins his first country music tour when he joins Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality Tour 2012 presented by Chevrolet.  The tour, which also features The Band Perry, kicks off in Grand Rapids, MI.

McCreery is well aware of Paisley’s reputation as a great prankster. “The band and I were talking about pranks yesterday in rehearsals. It has to be good pranks, but know-your-place pranks, so we are figuring out what we’ll have in store for Brad. But he has to get us first. We’ll wait!”

DISClaimer Single Reviews (1/11/12)

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Clay Walker, Ira Dean, Josh Turner and Shooter Jennings are the men of the hour.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Josh Turner, but don’t count those other guys out, by any means. All three are playing at the top of their game this week.

And there’s a challenger waiting in the wings. If some major picks up “Ghost” by Tim Culpepper, watch the fur fly. Not since Joe Nichols and Chris Young have I heard a new country vocalist so thoroughly in command of his instrument.

Tim Culpepper

Here’s what I know about him so far. He’s from Montgomery, AL, where his father was/is a country singer in area clubs. He was discovered on Lower Broadway. I looked at his video online. Tim isn’t a clone. He has his own look with long sideburns, blue eyes, a handlebar mustache and an athlete’s physique. Also: the clip includes line-dancing zombies.

”Ghost” is Tim Culpepper’s debut single, and based on it, I can’t WAIT to hear the rest of his CD. Send one, and sign me up for the fan club. Needless to say, he is this week’s DisCovery Award winner.

JOSH TURNER/Time Is Love
Writer: Tom Shapiro/Tony Martin/Mark Nesler; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Little Dooey/Sony-ATV/Casa Jaco/Little Lola Mae, BMI; MCA Nashville(CDX)
—Airy, breezy, atmospheric, wafting and completely charming. An ultra-romantic outing with a built-in smile. In addition to the glowing warmth of his vocal, another plus is the shimmering instrumental work throughout.

IRA DEAN/Somethin’ ‘Bout a Sunday
Writer: Ira Dean/Josh Thompson; Producer: Ira Dean; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Hillbilly Rich, BMI; Average Joes (CDX) (www.averagejoesent.com)
—He wakes up cigarette-stained, hung over, bone tired and ashamed of himself. But somewhere inside is an ember of wanting to change and start over. The powerfully written lyric is as real as dirt, and the melody is uplifting and inspiring. This deserves massive airplay.

KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS/Great Acoustics
Writer: Kentucky Headhunters; Producer: Kentucky Headhunters; Publisher: Them Young Boys/Mr. Eric/I.B. Headed, ASCAP/BMI; Red Dirt (CDX) (615-347-9686)
—Surprisingly pop-ish for a group that usually sounds much more edgy.

SHOOTER JENNINGS/The Deed and the Dollar
Writer: Shooter Jennings; Producer: Shooter Jennings ; Publisher: Wolf’s Tale, ASCAP; Black Country Rock (CDX) (615-861-4232)
—He can still just barely sing, but there is nevertheless something utterly appealing about this love ode with a steady beat. Play it.

JANIE FRICKE/Goodbye Broken Heart
Writer: J. Fricke; Producer: Bill Vorndick; Publisher: Janie Marie Fricke, BMI; New Music Deals (track) (www.newmusicdeals.com)
—Janie’s new Country Side of Bluegrass CD consists mainly of acoustic reinterpretations of her classic hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Never previously noted as a songwriter, she provides the collection’s one new tune. It’s a jaunty bopper sung with a smile and featuring dandy fiddle and acoustic-guitar breaks.

TYLER FARR/Hot Mess
Writer: Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Jim Catino & Julian King; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck/String Stretcher/WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This, BMI/ASCAP; BNA
—Cluttered sounding.

CLAY WALKER/Like We Never Said Goodbye
Writer: Tiffany Goss/Cory Batten; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Curb Congregation/I Want to Hold Your Songs/Words & Music, SESAC/BMI; Curb (track)
—He runs into his ex unexpectedly, and they tumble head over heels all over again. The song is somewhat word-y, but the production is sterling, and Walker’s vocal performance is super believable.

TIM CULPEPPER /Ghost
Writer: Elbert/M. Baker/G. Jarrell/K. Jarrell; Producer: Elbert West; Publisher: none listed; Honkytone (615-452-9844)
—I dig this. He is a hardcore honky-tonk vocalist with cool dips, slides and moans that recall such masters as Gosdin and Whitley. The song is a rumbling barroom lament about a man haunted by a past love. Play this over and over again, you’ll get no complaints from me.

MARLEE SCOTT/Train Wreck
Writer: Marcus Hummon/Jedd Hughes/Sarah Buxton; Producer: David Kalmusky; Publisher: Sony-TV Tree/Pula Pula, BMI; Brigade (www.marleescottl.com)
—She sings with plenty of moxie. Next time, give her a song with a melody.

DAVE ROBERTS/Lindsy Mae
Writer: Dave Roberts; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; DR (www.daverobertscountry.com)
—He has a earnest, easy-going vocal delivery and shows definite promise as a songwriter. Listenable.

Dunn’s Smokin’ Hot Show at Franklin Theatre

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Ronnie Dunn with his Arista Nashville promotion team. Pictured L-R: Andy Elliott (Midwest Regional), Lesly Tyson (VP Arista Nashville Promotion), Dunn, John Sigler (National Promotion), Tyler Waugh (SE Regional), Lauren Thomas (West Coast Regional), Rusty Sherrill (Promotion Coordinator), Ryan Dokke (Northeast Regional).

Ronnie Dunn’s benefit concert at the Franklin Theatre Saturday night (1/7) was interrupted by a blaring fire alarm and a visit from the fire department.

In the midst of his Brooks & Dunn classic “Ain’t Nothin’ ‘Bout You” the smoke machine set off the smoke detector. Dunn and his band finished the song and left the stage, but the sold-out theatre of fans barely budged. Firemen came to investigate and determined the venue was safe.

The show continued with a mix of Brooks & Dunn hits (“My Maria,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “I Believe”) and tracks from Dunn’s solo album, including his new single “Let The Cowboy Rock.”

Proceeds benefited the historic venue.

Franklin Firefighter David Hickel, and Dunn. Photo: Josepha Cheong