WMBA Host ‘Mindset Matters’ Mental Health Workshop & Panel
Pictured (L-R): WMBA’s Mackenzie Adkins, Taylor Baird and Aura Guadagno; Founder and CEO Of The Music Health Alliance Tatum Allsep; Co-Founders Of The Mental Health Initiative Jessie Louverture and Lauren Conklin; Founder Of Tina Marie Manifestation Tina Marie Sanders; WMBA’s Katharine Poole, Virginia P. Brick and Alyssa Hoffman
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) held a public event for the Nashville community focused on empowering mental wellness last month at the Hilton Green Hills.
Katharine Poole from MRow Network moderated the “Mindset Matters” mental health workshop and panel that featured Tatum Allsep, Founder and CEO of Music Health Alliance; Lauren Conklin and Jessie Louverture, co-founders of the Mental Health Initiative; and Tina Marie Sanders, founder of Tina Marie Manifestation. These wellness ambassadors shared personal stories with their medical and mental health experiences, which led to creating organizations that provide awareness, access to financial resources, tools to manage mental health and communities that support that journey.
“Mental Wellness is extremely important for me as I have been on my own mental health journey for decades. It’s my responsibility as a leader to create safe spaces like this so that conversations can happen,” shares WMBA’s President Virginia P. Brick. “For me, I got to witness people just showing up for themselves. But hearing them express the event made them feel seen and heard while leaving with tangible resources of hope. That’s impact. It was an incredible event.”
Expanding on WMBA’s wellness vision, the “Mindset Matters” mental health panel will be featured on MRow Network Salutary Row podcast. This special edition episode will be available July 1, 2023, and highlights Salutary Row Host KW Poole’s interviews with empowering women of mental health advocacy at the inaugural event.
Major Bob Celebrates Ben Williams As ‘Tennessee Orange’ Hits No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Graham Kothman (Creative Director), Ben Williams, Andy Friday (Head of Creative), Bob Doyle (Owner/President)
Major Bob Music is celebrating songwriter Ben Williams as the fan-favorite “Tennessee Orange” tops the charts. Williams co-wrote the track with Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins and David Fanning.
Bob Doyle, Owner and President of Major Bob Music, presented Williams with a plaque commemorating the success with Graham Kothman and Andy Friday, Major Bob’s Creative Director and Head of Creative, respectively.
CMHOF & Nashville Public Library Honor 10 Years of ‘String City’
Pictured (L-R): Terri Luke, NPL’s Interim Dir., Asst. Dir. for Branch Services; Linda Harrison, NPL’s Asst. Dir. for Education and Literacy; Lisa Purcell, the museum’s EVP of External Affairs; Steve Turner, the museum’s Chairman Emeritus; Donna Nicely, former Dir. of NPL and former Chair of the Education Council at the museum; Jay Turner, Board Member at the museum; and Bret Wilson, Wishing Chair Productions Program Manager
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Nashville Public Library (NPL) celebrated the 10th anniversary of String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry with the debut of several new additions to the performance.
String City is an exciting story of country music’s evolving history told through nearly 100 puppets ranging from DeFord Bailey to Johnny Cash to Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. Marionettes, rod puppetry, animation and an ever-changing set tell the story of the genre as it relates to Nashville’s transformation into Music City.
New additions to the family friendly program include representations Kane Brown, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker and Chris Stapleton. The museum’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs Lisa Purcell and the library’s Assistant Director for Education and Literacy Linda Harrison spoke at the performance in the museum’s Ford Theater, unveiling the new additions and acknowledging the anniversary of the long-running show and collaboration.
String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry is created and presented by the Library’s Wishing Chair Productions in collaboration with the museum. The production was made possible in part by a special gift from Steve Turner, the museum’s Chairman Emeritus, and his wife Judy to the Nashville Public Library Foundation.
Gary Sinise Accepts Charlie Daniels Patriot Award
Pictured (L-R): David Corlew, Gary Sinise, Joel Pruitt. Photo Credit: Erick Anderson / eafoto
Famed actor Gary Sinise, best known for his acclaimed role as Lt. Dan alongside Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, has formally accepted the Charlie Daniels Patriot Award. Longtime manager of the late Daniels, David Corlew, co-founded The Charlie Daniels Journey Hone Project (TCDJHP) and presented Sinise the award with Joel Pruitt, a Green Beret combat veteran and recipient of last year’s honor.
“I am honored to receive this award from Charlie Daniels, in his name,” says Sinise. “To receive an award in his name is a blessing, a privilege, an honor. Why did I get so lucky?”
“Gary Sinise has set the ‘high water mark’ in support for our vets,” explains Corlew. “Foundations and support groups can learn so much from this guy. Besides creating an incredible bed of work in the film and entertainment industry, he has utilized it to broaden the reach for all of us, a wonderful example of selfless service. Simply put, he cares, and so do we. Charlie would be very proud that we made this happen.”
In 2022, TCDJHP raised over one million dollars for our nation’s veterans, marking the organization’s most successful year to date. Today the non-profit continues Daniels’ patriotic mission with multiple yearly events, including the Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards, TCDJHP’s biggest fundraiser. This fall, the special dinner event will enter its fifth year with formal details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Touring Career Workshop Brought Free Counseling To Bonnaroo
TCW’s registration tent in Bonnaroo’s Artist Village. Counseling sessions were held in the trailer on the right.
Touring Career Workshop (TCW), a Nashville-based nonprofit designed to serve the touring music industry, provided confidential mental health counseling sessions free of charge to all artists, bands, crews and staffs at this year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.
As part of their All Access program, counselors were available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for each of the festival’s four show days, allowing folks to check in on topics including work, relationships and family issues.
“Festival sites can be busy, chaotic places and we wanted to have a resource like this available for anyone in need,” says Chris Lisle, TCW Co-Founder. “We are grateful to C3 Presents and, especially, Brandon Sossamon, their Director of Production—and a TCW board member—for his support in pulling this all together.”
Since its inception, TCW’s All Access program has paid for over 250 counseling sessions for those in need, offering four sessions with one of several pre-approved therapists and life coaches that are handled in total confidentiality.
MTSU Students Help Produce 30 Bonnaroo Concerts For Hulu
About 50 students and faculty from MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment worked this year’s Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Photo: James Cessna.
At this year’s Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, about 50 students and faculty from Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Media and Entertainment worked in live television production and content creation for 30 performances that will be featured on Hulu.
MTSU’s long-time partnership with the iconic four-day music event began in 2014. The partnership allowed students to capture images and sound from more than 35% of the concerts at this year’s Bonnaroo. Over the first two days of the festival, Hulu streamed 30 stage performances that MTSU produced, 27 of which were student-directed.
“Our production efforts at Bonnaroo are as ‘real world’ as it can get,” says Bob Gordon, an Associate Professor of Media Arts and the college’s Live Production Degree Coordinator.
Students from MTSU’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media filed daily stories and photos for Sidelines, the university’s student news operation; Seigenthaler News Service; and the MTSU Student Voice. Also, photography students roamed the festival grounds for visual stories.
“We are doing more with Bonnaroo this year than ever,” says Beverly Keel, Dean of MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment. “The work they create will be the highlight of their collegiate portfolios and the memories they create will last a lifetime.”
‘You Got Gold: Celebrating The Songs Of John Prine’ Returns In October
/by Lorie HollabaughThe second annual “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine” will take place this October in Nashville, with shows at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater (Oct. 8), The Basement East (Oct. 9) and the Ryman (Oct. 10, Prine’s birthday).
The three-day affair will feature performances by an array of surprise artists, celebrating not only Prine’s esteemed career, but also the community he built over the past 50 years, and will benefit The Hello in There Foundation. Tickets for all three shows will go on sale to the public this Friday, June 30. Full ticket details can be found at yougotgold.johnprine.com/
“The time I spent with John on the road made one thing very clear—the community he helped create was always, and remains, at the heart of the music and the work we continue to do every day,” says Fiona Prine. “I’m so happy that ‘You Got Gold’ will now become an annual event to ensure that we maintain that connection and grow our beloved community. I look forward to seeing everyone back in Nashville this October, to celebrate John’s songs and help further the work of the Hello in There Foundation.”
Last year’s “You Got Gold” tribute raised nearly $500,000 for the Hello in There Foundation and featured performances by Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris and more. Established by the Prine family, the work of the Hello In There Foundation is inspired by John’s simple song title, “Hello In There.” The Foundation aims to identify and collaborate with individuals and communities where people are marginalized, discriminated against or, for any reason, are otherwise forgotten. Benefitting organizations for the 2023 “You Got Gold” concerts include the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Porter’s Call, Renewal House and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Additionally, proceeds from the CMA Theater show will benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Words & Music” program, which is expected to reach more than 10,000 students through a songwriting curriculum that improves literacy and social-emotional learning. In addition to supporting the museum’s educational mission, the gift will honor the memory of Peter Cooper, who served as the museum’s Senior Director, Producer and Writer, and was also an award-winning music journalist, author, Grammy-nominated producer, recording musician, songwriter and father.
Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum To Open New Patty Loveless Exhibit
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Music Hall of Fame member-elect Patty Loveless‘ career will be highlighted in a brand new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, “Patty Loveless: No Trouble with the Truth,” opening Aug. 23.
Running through October 2024, “Patty Loveless: No Trouble with the Truth” will trace Loveless’ story from musical prodigy to Grammy-winning country star who carried forward the sounds of her Appalachian roots. It will include stage wear, tour memorabilia, manuscripts, instruments, photos, videos, posters and more. Examples of items to be displayed include:
“My journey into a career of music all started out on an Epiphone acoustic guitar my father bought for me in 1969,” says Loveless. “As a 12-year-old, I didn’t want to set the world on fire, I just wanted to play and sing music. By the age of 14, I wrote ‘Sounds of Loneliness’ and ‘I Did’ on this guitar, two songs that in 1986 ended up on my debut album for MCA records. Now that guitar will be displayed in my exhibit of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where it truly belongs with other memorabilia of the many people that supported me throughout my musical journey to whom I’m forever grateful.”
“Patty Loveless achieved lasting success by merging traditional country music styles with a modern sensibility in her song choices and musical arrangements,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “As one of country music’s most accomplished song interpreters with immense vocal power, she has remained focused on conveying deep emotion through her lyrics and recordings, and her influence resonates throughout today’s generation of country artists.”
In support of the exhibit’s opening, Loveless will participate in a conversation and acoustic performance in the museum’s CMA Theater on Aug. 26. During the program, she will discuss her career and share stories and memories associated with the artifacts included in the exhibit. Tickets will be available here on June 30.
Throughout her career Loveless has won five CMA awards, two ACM awards and two Grammys. She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on June 11, 1988, and will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October of this year.
Grayscale Marketing Promotes Alissa Endres & Hires Shelby Albrecht
/by Lorie HollabaughAlissa Endres & Shelby Albrecht
Grayscale Marketing has promoted Alissa Endres to Senior Marketing Manager and hired Shelby Albrecht as the company’s new Graphic Designer.
“Alissa joined Grayscale as an Account Executive in May of 2022 and has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication and a deep understanding of the marketing landscape receiving Grayscale’s Employee of the Year in 2022,” says Tim Gray, Grayscale Marketing CEO. “With her strong leadership abilities and keen eye for detail, we have promoted her to Senior Marketing Manager. In this new role, she will oversee key client accounts, develop innovative marketing strategies and lead the marketing team in achieving their objectives.
“Additionally, we are delighted to welcome Shelby to our creative team,” Gray adds. “Her talent and fresh perspective will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to create visually captivating marketing assets.”
“I am truly honored and excited to take on this new role as Senior Marketing Manager at Grayscale Marketing,” says Endres. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to collaborating with our talented team to deliver exceptional results for our clients. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of creativity and effectiveness in digital marketing.”
“I am thrilled to join Grayscale Marketing and contribute to the company’s creative endeavors,” says Albrecht. “I am passionate about translating ideas into visually stunning designs that effectively communicate the essence of a brand. I am eager to collaborate with the talented team at Grayscale Marketing and help drive impactful campaigns for our clients.”
Sam Sarno Promoted At SMACKSongs
/by LB CantrellSam Sarno. Photo: Ford Fairchild
SMACKSongs has promoted Sam Sarno to Creative Director, effective immediately.
After joining SMACKSong’s publishing team in 2019, Sarno has worked extensively with hit songwriters Pete Good and Marc Beeson, as well as with producer-writer Lalo Guzman, singer-songwriter Josh Dorr and up and coming singer-songwriter Johnny Clawson.
Sarno will continue that work in her new role. She will also be responsible for signing and developing new talent and generating opportunities for SMACK’s current roster of over 20 writers.
“Sam has proven herself to be one of the best young publishers in town over the last few years,” says SMACK VP of Publishing, Lee Krabel. “Her passion for her writers and for SMACK is second to none. Sam has earned every bit of this promotion and we can’t wait to see what else she can accomplish.”
“The culture that SMACK has cultivated is very special and our incredible roster of writers makes each day fulfilling. Working alongside Lee, Robin [Palmer] and the rest of the team has taught me so much about how to be the best advocate for my writers I can be. I’m beyond grateful to get to come to work each day and excited to see what we can accomplish from here.”
Congratulate Sarno at sam@smacksongs.com.
Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal Launch New Label, RumbleStrip Records
/by Lorie HollabaughRosanne Cash & John Leventhal. Photo: Vivian Wang
Longtime partners, creative collaborators and Grammy winners Rosanne Cash and producer John Leventhal have formed a new label, RumbleStrip Records.
RumbleStrip will release a slate of special projects, archives and reissues, including the first vinyl pressing of Cash’s album, The Wheel, remastered as an expanded edition to celebrate the project’s 30th anniversary. Recorded in the early ’90s when Cash first moved to New York City, The Wheel was produced by Leventhal—her eventual life partner—and sparked a reinvention of her sound and career. RumbleStrip is also planning to release a series that re-explores Cash’s recently-acquired catalog of masters from 1978-1993.
In early 2024, the label will also release Leventhal’s first solo album. Cash and Leventhal are also looking forward to signing new, unknown and undervalued artists to the RumbleStrip label. The company is partnering with Thirty Tigers for distribution.
“John and I are excited about starting our own label, and we are tremendously grateful to be partnered with Thirty Tigers, who know how to get it done,” shares Cash about the new venture.
“I have listened to Rosanne Cash’s music ever since Seven Year Ache came out, and I was working in record stores,” says Thirty Tigers founder David Macias. “She has continued to grow and push the boundaries of her creative powers. I respect her immensely. She is a vital artist, and I am so thrilled that she has agreed to team up with Thirty Tigers.”
Cash’s long-standing, exclusive partnership with Blue Note Records remains intact for her upcoming solo releases.
Anthem Entertainment Extends Publishing Agreement With Chris Janson [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Lance Roberts, Chandler Thurston (Anthem Creative Director), Noah Dewey (Anthem VP of Creative), Kelly Janson, Chris Janson, Courtney Crist (Anthem Sr. Creative Director), Maddie Sanderson, Gracie Glass (Anthem Creative Coordinator) and Tom Lord
Anthem Entertainment has extended its publishing deal with multi-Platinum artist and songwriter Chris Janson, continuing the relationship the two started in 2016.
Janson just released his first album since signing with Big Machine Label Group, The Outlaw Side of Me. The project includes current single “All I Need Is You,” which is nearing the top 20 on the charts, and focus track “21 Forever,” which features Dolly Parton and Slash.
Janson’s first hit came in 2015, with the extremely popular track “Buy Me a Boat,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Country Airplay Chart and No. 1 on Mediabase, and has gone four-time Platinum since its release. Other songs that have recently earned Platinum certifications include “Good Vibes,” “Drunk Girl” and “Fix a Drink.” Janson has also celebrated two more No. 1 hits with “Good Vibes” and other 2019 single “Done,” with both songs also achieving RIAA Gold status.
“We are excited to continue and expand our co-publishing venture with Chris Janson,” says Gilles Godard, President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. “He is truly an amazing and innovative writer, who knows how to reach his audience by keeping it real and telling the truth with every lyric and every melody. We look forward to celebrating many more hits together!”
“Chris Janson is the real deal, period,” adds Noah Dewey, VP of Creative for Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. “He’s the quintessential country artist and one of the best entertainers in the business. It’s a privilege to work with him and his wife Kelly, on our continuing partnership at Anthem Entertainment.”
Anderson Benson Acquired By Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
/by Liza AndersonBrent Daughrity
Nashville-based insurance broker and risk management firm Anderson Benson was recently acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
A global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firm headquartered in Illinois, Gallagher offers services in approximately 130 countries through their operations as well as a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.
Anderson Benson’s Entertainment Specialty Practice leader Brent Daughrity has joined Gallagher as Head of the National Music & Entertainment Practice Group alongside Co-Founder & President George Anderson, who now serves as Gallagher’s Area Chairman. They will remain in their current location under the direction of Bumpy Triche, Head of Gallagher’s Mid-South Retail Property/Casualty Brokerage Operations, along with Anderson Benson Co-Founder Reno Benson, Steve Buzzell, Will Wright and the rest of their team.
With entertainment niche expertise, Anderson Benson has provided insurance, risk management and loss control services to a variety of commercial industries and private clients across the nation. For over a decade, the company has built client relationships that have allowed them to fully understand risk exposure, provide expert consultation and offer effective customer service.
“Anderson Benson’s entertainment market expertise offers us significant opportunities for growth,” says J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President & CEO. “I am delighted to welcome George, Reno, Brent, Steve, Will and their associates to Gallagher.”
Industry Ink: WMBA, Major Bob, CMHOF, Gary Sinise, More
/by Caela GriffinWMBA Host ‘Mindset Matters’ Mental Health Workshop & Panel
Pictured (L-R): WMBA’s Mackenzie Adkins, Taylor Baird and Aura Guadagno; Founder and CEO Of The Music Health Alliance Tatum Allsep; Co-Founders Of The Mental Health Initiative Jessie Louverture and Lauren Conklin; Founder Of Tina Marie Manifestation Tina Marie Sanders; WMBA’s Katharine Poole, Virginia P. Brick and Alyssa Hoffman
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) held a public event for the Nashville community focused on empowering mental wellness last month at the Hilton Green Hills.
Katharine Poole from MRow Network moderated the “Mindset Matters” mental health workshop and panel that featured Tatum Allsep, Founder and CEO of Music Health Alliance; Lauren Conklin and Jessie Louverture, co-founders of the Mental Health Initiative; and Tina Marie Sanders, founder of Tina Marie Manifestation. These wellness ambassadors shared personal stories with their medical and mental health experiences, which led to creating organizations that provide awareness, access to financial resources, tools to manage mental health and communities that support that journey.
“Mental Wellness is extremely important for me as I have been on my own mental health journey for decades. It’s my responsibility as a leader to create safe spaces like this so that conversations can happen,” shares WMBA’s President Virginia P. Brick. “For me, I got to witness people just showing up for themselves. But hearing them express the event made them feel seen and heard while leaving with tangible resources of hope. That’s impact. It was an incredible event.”
Expanding on WMBA’s wellness vision, the “Mindset Matters” mental health panel will be featured on MRow Network Salutary Row podcast. This special edition episode will be available July 1, 2023, and highlights Salutary Row Host KW Poole’s interviews with empowering women of mental health advocacy at the inaugural event.
Major Bob Celebrates Ben Williams As ‘Tennessee Orange’ Hits No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Graham Kothman (Creative Director), Ben Williams, Andy Friday (Head of Creative), Bob Doyle (Owner/President)
Major Bob Music is celebrating songwriter Ben Williams as the fan-favorite “Tennessee Orange” tops the charts. Williams co-wrote the track with Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins and David Fanning.
Bob Doyle, Owner and President of Major Bob Music, presented Williams with a plaque commemorating the success with Graham Kothman and Andy Friday, Major Bob’s Creative Director and Head of Creative, respectively.
CMHOF & Nashville Public Library Honor 10 Years of ‘String City’
Pictured (L-R): Terri Luke, NPL’s Interim Dir., Asst. Dir. for Branch Services; Linda Harrison, NPL’s Asst. Dir. for Education and Literacy; Lisa Purcell, the museum’s EVP of External Affairs; Steve Turner, the museum’s Chairman Emeritus; Donna Nicely, former Dir. of NPL and former Chair of the Education Council at the museum; Jay Turner, Board Member at the museum; and Bret Wilson, Wishing Chair Productions Program Manager
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Nashville Public Library (NPL) celebrated the 10th anniversary of String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry with the debut of several new additions to the performance.
String City is an exciting story of country music’s evolving history told through nearly 100 puppets ranging from DeFord Bailey to Johnny Cash to Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. Marionettes, rod puppetry, animation and an ever-changing set tell the story of the genre as it relates to Nashville’s transformation into Music City.
New additions to the family friendly program include representations Kane Brown, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker and Chris Stapleton. The museum’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs Lisa Purcell and the library’s Assistant Director for Education and Literacy Linda Harrison spoke at the performance in the museum’s Ford Theater, unveiling the new additions and acknowledging the anniversary of the long-running show and collaboration.
String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry is created and presented by the Library’s Wishing Chair Productions in collaboration with the museum. The production was made possible in part by a special gift from Steve Turner, the museum’s Chairman Emeritus, and his wife Judy to the Nashville Public Library Foundation.
Gary Sinise Accepts Charlie Daniels Patriot Award
Pictured (L-R): David Corlew, Gary Sinise, Joel Pruitt. Photo Credit: Erick Anderson / eafoto
Famed actor Gary Sinise, best known for his acclaimed role as Lt. Dan alongside Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, has formally accepted the Charlie Daniels Patriot Award. Longtime manager of the late Daniels, David Corlew, co-founded The Charlie Daniels Journey Hone Project (TCDJHP) and presented Sinise the award with Joel Pruitt, a Green Beret combat veteran and recipient of last year’s honor.
“I am honored to receive this award from Charlie Daniels, in his name,” says Sinise. “To receive an award in his name is a blessing, a privilege, an honor. Why did I get so lucky?”
“Gary Sinise has set the ‘high water mark’ in support for our vets,” explains Corlew. “Foundations and support groups can learn so much from this guy. Besides creating an incredible bed of work in the film and entertainment industry, he has utilized it to broaden the reach for all of us, a wonderful example of selfless service. Simply put, he cares, and so do we. Charlie would be very proud that we made this happen.”
In 2022, TCDJHP raised over one million dollars for our nation’s veterans, marking the organization’s most successful year to date. Today the non-profit continues Daniels’ patriotic mission with multiple yearly events, including the Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards, TCDJHP’s biggest fundraiser. This fall, the special dinner event will enter its fifth year with formal details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Touring Career Workshop Brought Free Counseling To Bonnaroo
TCW’s registration tent in Bonnaroo’s Artist Village. Counseling sessions were held in the trailer on the right.
Touring Career Workshop (TCW), a Nashville-based nonprofit designed to serve the touring music industry, provided confidential mental health counseling sessions free of charge to all artists, bands, crews and staffs at this year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.
As part of their All Access program, counselors were available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for each of the festival’s four show days, allowing folks to check in on topics including work, relationships and family issues.
“Festival sites can be busy, chaotic places and we wanted to have a resource like this available for anyone in need,” says Chris Lisle, TCW Co-Founder. “We are grateful to C3 Presents and, especially, Brandon Sossamon, their Director of Production—and a TCW board member—for his support in pulling this all together.”
Since its inception, TCW’s All Access program has paid for over 250 counseling sessions for those in need, offering four sessions with one of several pre-approved therapists and life coaches that are handled in total confidentiality.
MTSU Students Help Produce 30 Bonnaroo Concerts For Hulu
About 50 students and faculty from MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment worked this year’s Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Photo: James Cessna.
At this year’s Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, about 50 students and faculty from Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Media and Entertainment worked in live television production and content creation for 30 performances that will be featured on Hulu.
MTSU’s long-time partnership with the iconic four-day music event began in 2014. The partnership allowed students to capture images and sound from more than 35% of the concerts at this year’s Bonnaroo. Over the first two days of the festival, Hulu streamed 30 stage performances that MTSU produced, 27 of which were student-directed.
“Our production efforts at Bonnaroo are as ‘real world’ as it can get,” says Bob Gordon, an Associate Professor of Media Arts and the college’s Live Production Degree Coordinator.
Students from MTSU’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media filed daily stories and photos for Sidelines, the university’s student news operation; Seigenthaler News Service; and the MTSU Student Voice. Also, photography students roamed the festival grounds for visual stories.
“We are doing more with Bonnaroo this year than ever,” says Beverly Keel, Dean of MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment. “The work they create will be the highlight of their collegiate portfolios and the memories they create will last a lifetime.”
Ashley Cooke Takes Her ‘Shot In The Dark’ On The Road In August
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Cooke. Photo: Robby Klein
Ashley Cooke is launching her new 24-date “Shot In The Dark Tour” beginning Aug. 23 in Panama City, Florida. Rising artists Matt Schuster and Vincent Mason will join Cooke on the dates as support.
The tour will visit Philadelphia, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta and more through Nov. 10, with a Nashville stop at Basement East on Oct. 19. Tickets go on sale beginning June 30 at 10 a.m. local time at ashleycooke.com.
“Putting out my debut album is already a dream in itself, but to experience the roller coaster journey of this album together, in person each night, is why I do what I do and I’ll cherish every moment,” shares Cooke. “It’s an incredible opportunity to have talented artists like Matt Schuster and Vincent Mason joining me on this tour, and I’m counting down the days til I can see y’all out there!”
The show announcement comes just days after Cooke unveiled that her debut album will arrive July 21. Prior to embarking on her headlining tour, Cooke will join Luke Bryan‘s “Country On Tour” this summer, kicking off on July 13 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
LoCash Opens Up On New ‘I Love This Life Podcast’
/by Lorie HollabaughLoCash‘s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas have launched a new podcast, the I Love This Life Podcast, across all streaming platforms and on the duo’s YouTube channel.
Hosted by Brust and Lucas, alongside their friend J.R. Jaus of 99.5 QYK, “Episode 1: If You’re Happy And You Know It, Clap Your Hand” sets the tone for revealing all the backstage secrets that they’ve kept throughout their 21-year friendship. Taking it back to their wild days at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville where they performed and taught line dancing, Brust and Lucas turn the mics on each other as they expose behind-the-scenes stories of grinding off-and-on the road. From getting to gigs in a stolen van to bizarre crowd interactions that they’ll never forget, LoCash share some laugh-out-loud stories fans will enjoy.
The duo promises a no-holds-barred approach to the new podcast, rolling with no planned topics, the raw and real conversations, and one main message—LoCash “loves this life.” Special guests from all walks of life will also pop up for an added perspective.
The busy Wheelhouse Records/BMG artists return to the Grand Ole Opry on Friday (June 30) for a red-white-and-blue tribute of their latest release “Three Favorite Colors” ahead of Independence Day, and will go full-throttle Saturday (July 1), playing the first-ever Monster Jam World Finals halftime performance, as the marquee event races into Nashville for the first time for the Monster Jam World Finals XXII at Nissan Stadium.
LoCash will also join a lineup of talent on July 4 performing with the Boston Pops and conductor Keith Lockhart at the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston.