The city of Nashville is adopting a new resolution recognizing the Ryman Auditorium and its 130 years as Music City’s most famous and respected concert venue.
The resolution states, “The venue is most famous for being a home for country music…its legacy has been defined by showcasing one of the most expansive lists of diverse performers ranging from jazz, pop and bluegrass to rock and roll, classical, and hip hop. From its very beginning, the Ryman has been a stage to just about every type of music and every type of performer.”
Since the first concert held on May 4, 1892, the Ryman has welcomed an array of acts and genres of music on its hallowed stage, from Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin to former president Theodore Roosevelt and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., plus music icons including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, B.B. King, Sheryl Crow, Garth Brooks, Lizzo and Harry Styles.
“The Ryman is the crown jewel of Nashville, and we are so excited to celebrate 130 years of Music City’s most famous concert venue,” says Metro Nashville District 19 Council Member Freddie O’Connell. “Whether you are a country music superstar or an up-and-coming artist, music lover or history buff, out-of-towner or Nashvillian, the Ryman is for everyone.”
“As the stewards of this magnificent historical landmark, we have the unique privilege of sharing its 130-year legacy with guests from all over the world,” adds Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryman Auditorium’s parent company, Ryman Hospitality Properties. “We are thankful that the City of Nashville has chosen to recognize this tremendous milestone and look forward to continuing our commitment to celebrating and sharing the Ryman with our community.”
The Ryman’s annual Community Day, when Tennessee residents are invited to experience the Ryman’s daytime tour experience free of charge, will take place Sunday, May 29. Complimentary self-guided tours will be available from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with presentation of a valid Tennessee state ID at the Ryman box office.
Throughout the year, the Ryman will continue celebrating its anniversary with more concerts and residencies than ever before, new daytime tour experiences, community events, giveaways and more. For more information on the Ryman’s 130th, click here.
RecordingTheMasters Announces New Wave Of Cassette-Only Reissues
/by Lydia FarthingRecordingTheMasters, a leader in reel-to-reel tape manufacturing, will release its latest cassette-only music series in conjunction with ThinkIndie Distribution.
The series features a new full-length album from Patty Griffin comprised of demos and home recordings titled Tape, alongside a number of reissues available on cassette for the first time ever: Built to Spill‘s Plays the Songs of Daniel Johnston, John Prine’s The Tree of Forgiveness, Suzanne Vega’s An Evening of New York Songs and Stories, Mother Nature’s Sznz and Versus’ Ex Voto.
The albums will be released on RecordingTheMasters’ RTM C-60 high quality audio cassette tape, offering best-in-its-class sound quality in an analog cassette. The cassettes will be available at participating indie record stores beginning June 17.
Additionally, RecordingTheMasters’ B-1000 Portable Cassette Player, features a built-in microphone and external microphone recording, will be available via select indie retailers.
Previous cassette releases from RecordingTheMasters and ThinkIndie include Sturgill Simpson’s Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1: The Butcher Shoppe Sessions, Major Lazer’s Peace Is The Mission, Maren Morris’ Girl, Lupe Fiasco & Kaelin Ellis’ House EP, The Mavericks’ En Español, The Story So Far’s Proper Dose, Killswitch Engage’s Atonement, and more.
Kane Brown Announces International ‘Drunk Or Dreaming Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown has announced dates for his upcoming international fall trek, “The Drunk or Dreaming Tour,” kicking off Sept. 17 in Melbourne, Australia.
The tour will visit cities throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and Europe, and marks the first time Brown will tour Australia and New Zealand. Artists providing support across select dates include Blanco Brown, Chris Lane, Jesse James Decker, and Restless Road.
Pre-sale will begin on Tuesday, May 10 at 10 a.m. local in Canada and the UK and on Tuesday, May 10 at 12 p.m. local in Australia and New Zealand. Tickets for the international tour go on sale May 13 at 10 a.m. local time for all Canada and UK/EU dates, with Australia and New Zealand tickets on sale at 12 p.m. local time.
The announcement comes just before Brown’s hometown stadium show in Chattanooga on May 7, as well as the release of his new single, “Like I Love Country Music” on Friday (May 6).
ACM Lifting Lives Announces New Grant Cycle For Mental Health Awareness Month
/by Lorie HollabaughACM Lifting Lives has announced that its 2022-2023 grant cycle will open for submissions beginning May 16 through June 16.
With support from Gibson Gives, Country Thunder, and other donors, this month-long application window continues ACM Lifting Lives’ history of supporting mental health organizations, as well as individuals struggling with those issues.
With the submission window opening tied to May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the 2022-2023 grant cycle moves ACM Lifting Lives’ landmark COVID-19 Response Fund into its next phase.
“We are proud to re-open submissions for our grant making process and support the essential work being done by organizations providing music therapy as a way of healing,” says Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “We also have listened carefully to the members of our country music community who suffered emotional and mental setbacks from loss of work during the pandemic. We are proud to continue to support those that qualified for our COVID-19 Response Fund to get the additional help they need to thrive and participate in an industry that celebrates healing through the power of music.”
Eligible beneficiaries for the 2022-2023 grant cycle will fall into one of three primary areas:
More information on how to submit, along with further details on eligibility requirements, can be found at acmliftinglives.org. Recipients for this grant cycle will be notified in summer 2022 with funds arriving shortly thereafter.
Sixth Annual SIP Cabo Unveils 2022 Dates, Initial Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughSongwriters in Paradise has announced the sixth annual SIP CABO set for Nov. 30-Dec. 3, featuring some of Music City’s most talented songwriters and performers playing nightly acoustic shows.
The SIP CABO 2022 lineup includes Jedd Hughes, David Ryan Harris, Mark Bryan, Patrick Davis, Lauren Jenkins, and more to be announced. This year’s featured venues include Bahia Hotel, Sur Beach House and Bar Esquina.
The SIP Family will also host its first ever SIP Healdsburg, taking place July 20-23 in Sonoma County, California. The Healdsburg lineup will feature David Ryan Harris, Kristian Bush, Patrick Davis, Ashley Campbell, Marc Broussard, William Beckmann, Lauren Jenkins, Paul McDonald, Chris Stills, and more. Featured venues for the inaugural SIP Healdsburg include Robert Young, Bella, Comstock and La Crema.
Passes for all SIP experiences can be purchased at songwritersinparadise.com/cabo.
Songwriters In Paradise is a boutique music festival series that showcases singer-songwriters performing in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations. SIP was created in 2013 when Nashville singer-songwriter Patrick Davis brought together a few of his songwriting friends for a weekend of shows on the tiny Bahamian Island of Hope Town. Charitable funds are raised at each SIP event via the auctioning off of signed guitars, handwritten lyrics and other items.
Brittney Spencer To Sing National Anthem At Saturday’s Kentucky Derby
/by Lorie HollabaughBrittney Spencer. Photo: Nicki Fletcher
Brittney Spencer is set to sing the national anthem at the upcoming 148th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 7.
Spencer will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of the approximately 160,000 fans expected to be in attendance at this year’s run for the roses. The performance will take place just after 4 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage.
“We are so excited to have Brittney Spencer help us kick off this year’s Run for the Roses by joining us as the coveted national anthem singer,” notes Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “As an incredible rising talent breaking through in country music right now, we cannot wait to amplify her voice on the Kentucky Derby stage and hear her rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’”
Brittney is the twelfth major artist to perform the national anthem at the iconic horse race. Past artists who have performed include Tori Kelly (2021), Jennifer Nettles (2019), Pentatonix (2018), Harry Connick, Jr. (2017), Lady A (2016), Josh Groban (2015), Jo Dee Messina (2014), Martina McBride (2013), and Mary J. Blige (2012).
Play It Again Entertainment Adds Bear Bailey To Artist Roster
/by Lydia FarthingBear Bailey. Photo: The Dwyers
Play It Again Entertainment, the label division of PIA Music Group, has added rising star and TikTok sensation Bear Bailey to its roster.
Known for broadcasting his popular cover performances in his local gas station, his videos have propelled him to over 100 million views and now over 3.2 million followers on TikTok. Bailey will release his own debut song, “Put Your Heart On My Tab,” later this month.
Bailey also recently launched his new YouTube series, Gas Station Sessions, with his rendition of Rascal Flatts‘ “Prayin’ For Daylight.” The series will pay tribute to his hometown, his fans and to the roots of his discovery.
Play It Again Entertainment, founded in 2020 by award-winning singer-songwriter Dallas Davidson, is the label, publishing, and artist management division of parent company Play It Again Music Group. PIA Entertainment also includes rising singer-songwriters Walker Montgomery and Dylan Marlowe.
City of Nashville To Adopt Resolution Honoring Ryman’s 130-Year History
/by Lorie HollabaughThe city of Nashville is adopting a new resolution recognizing the Ryman Auditorium and its 130 years as Music City’s most famous and respected concert venue.
The resolution states, “The venue is most famous for being a home for country music…its legacy has been defined by showcasing one of the most expansive lists of diverse performers ranging from jazz, pop and bluegrass to rock and roll, classical, and hip hop. From its very beginning, the Ryman has been a stage to just about every type of music and every type of performer.”
Since the first concert held on May 4, 1892, the Ryman has welcomed an array of acts and genres of music on its hallowed stage, from Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin to former president Theodore Roosevelt and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., plus music icons including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, B.B. King, Sheryl Crow, Garth Brooks, Lizzo and Harry Styles.
“The Ryman is the crown jewel of Nashville, and we are so excited to celebrate 130 years of Music City’s most famous concert venue,” says Metro Nashville District 19 Council Member Freddie O’Connell. “Whether you are a country music superstar or an up-and-coming artist, music lover or history buff, out-of-towner or Nashvillian, the Ryman is for everyone.”
“As the stewards of this magnificent historical landmark, we have the unique privilege of sharing its 130-year legacy with guests from all over the world,” adds Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryman Auditorium’s parent company, Ryman Hospitality Properties. “We are thankful that the City of Nashville has chosen to recognize this tremendous milestone and look forward to continuing our commitment to celebrating and sharing the Ryman with our community.”
The Ryman’s annual Community Day, when Tennessee residents are invited to experience the Ryman’s daytime tour experience free of charge, will take place Sunday, May 29. Complimentary self-guided tours will be available from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with presentation of a valid Tennessee state ID at the Ryman box office.
Throughout the year, the Ryman will continue celebrating its anniversary with more concerts and residencies than ever before, new daytime tour experiences, community events, giveaways and more. For more information on the Ryman’s 130th, click here.
Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Announces Staff Additions, Promotion
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): John Goodwin, Sydney Gilbert, and John Sloboda
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has added two new staff directors and promoted one.
John Goodwin recently joined the museum as Director of Digital Marketing, John Sloboda joins as Director of Exhibitions, and Sydney Gilbert has been promoted to Associate Director of Creative Project Management.
In his role, Goodwin will oversee the digital marketing team, contribute to the museum’s owned media initiatives, and help expand public access to the museum’s collections. He served as communications manager at MTSU for over six years, where he oversaw digital communications, social media strategy and video production for the marketing and communications division. He also served as an executive producer for True Blue TV, the university’s television station. Prior to joining MTSU, Goodwin was an account executive at WKRN News 2 and Capitol Broadcasting in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As Director of Exhibitions, Sloboda will guide all phases of the museum’s gallery exhibition program, from conception and design through fabrication and installation. He will lead the exhibits team in collaboration with curatorial, creative, education and editorial staff to create 12 temporary exhibits each year that draw from the museum’s collections and interpret the history of the country genre. Sloboda comes to the museum from the exhibitions department at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where he worked for nearly 12 years, ultimately serving as the Director of Museum Design and Exhibitions. He most recently held the role of Director of Exhibits and Creative at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
In her new position, Gilbert will direct the strategy, workload and timelines for all of the museum’s creative and content initiatives. Prior to joining the museum, she most recently served as development manager at the Queens Museum in New York City, where she launched a unique membership program connecting members with the museum’s World’s Fair archive and the opportunity to own museum-quality editions from its collection. Prior to her promotion, Gilbert was the museum’s Creative Project Manager.
Steven Lee Olsen Inks With Warner Chappell, Mailbox Money Music
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Sarah Robbins, Jimmy Robbins, Steven Lee Olsen, Ben Vaughn, Sophie Moll, Spencer Nohe
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) and Mailbox Money Music have signed Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Steven Lee Olsen.
Born and raised in Toronto, Olsen moved to Nashville in 2004 to pursue his songwriting dreams. Drawing upon his R&B, soul, country, and pop influences, Olsen’s songs have been recorded by Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington, Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Little Big Town, Lady A, The Judds, Dallas Smith, and more.
He has written two No. 1 songs in the U.S. with his Grammy-nominated, double-Platinum certified song “Blue Ain’t Your Color” performed by Urban, and “More Girls Like You” performed by Kip Moore. He also had a No. 1 song in Canada with co-writing credits on the Platinum hit “Drop,” performed by Smith.
“We’re so grateful to be working with SLO alongside our incredible partners at Mailbox Money,” says Spencer Nohe, Senior Director, A&R, WCM Nashville. “He has an infectious spirit and his talent and track record speak for themselves!”
Jimmy Robbins, Mailbox Money Music adds: “SLO is one of the most naturally gifted songwriters I’ve ever been in the writing room with, and I couldn’t be more excited to be working together!”
Olsen is signed to Universal Music Group Canada and managed by The Core.
Country TV Pioneer Bayron Binkley Passes
/by Robert K OermannNashville producer/director Bayron Binkley died at age 89 on Monday (April 25).
Known as “Bink,” he was one of the first television executives to specialize in country music. He created local programming at WSMV-TV in the 1950s and 1960s, worked on country stars’ syndicated shows of the 1960s and 1970s, then graduated to cable television when TNN was launched as The Nashville Network in the 1980s and 1990s. Binkley produced and/or directed specials for such stars as Willie Nelson.
Bayron Binkley
After graduating from Lipscomb High School, Bayron Binkley began his career in Nashville by working as a cameraman at WSMV in the late 1950s. He created a children’s TV character named “Happy A. Clown” and portrayed him for several years before shifting to directing local series such as Opry Almanac, The Ralph Emery Show and The Noon Show. He also provided stories for the station’s evening news telecasts.
The WSMV studios were used as locations for the production of weekly country-music series that were nationally syndicated by Show Biz. Binkley became the producer/director for the shows hosted by Flatt & Scruggs, Jim Ed Brown, Kitty Wells & Johnny Wright, Del Reeves and others. He also created programming for Opryland Productions. In 1981, he created the groundbreaking cable series Nashville Alive.
When TNN launched in 1983, Binkley was tapped to create some of its early shows. These included Church Street Station (1984), New Country (1986) and Rock n Roll Palace (1988). He created TNN specials for such stars as Bobby Goldsboro (1989), Ricky Van Shelton (1989) and Willie Nelson (1990).
In 2005, he directed the all-star special celebrating Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
Bayron Binkley was known for his ebullient, larger-than-life personality, sense of humor and fun-loving spirit. He made many close friendships with country music’s stars.
He is survived by sons Bayron Jr. and Blair, by six grandchildren, six great grandchildren and by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
There will be a visitation with the family on Thursday (May 5) from 6-8 p.m. at the Church of Christ of Green Hills, 3805 Granny White Pike adjoining Lipscomb Academy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charities of your choice.