Mary Chapin Carpenter. Photo: Jonathan Stewart
Mary Chapin Carpenter is launching an extensive tour this summer that features a series of headline performances including a special concert at Wolf Trap on Aug. 22, as well as a run of shows with Sugarland as part of their There Goes The Neighborhood Tour 2020. Additionally, in April, Carpenter will resume her intimate duo shows with longtime friend and collaborator Shawn Colvin. Those newly-announced shows will kick off April 3 at Clearwater, Florida’s Capitol Theatre and will span through April 11 at Chattanooga’s Walker Theatre.
The tours support Carpenter’s new full-length album, which was produced by Ethan Johns and will be released this Spring. The project is Carpenter’s first album of new material in five years, and she recently released a new single, “Our Man Walter Cronkite,” from it.
“Growing up, Walter Cronkite was in our house Monday through Friday, presenting the news as The Most Trusted Man In America, as he was known in his time,” said Carpenter. “My parents raised us to believe that people in jobs like Cronkite’s told the truth; they raised us to believe in a world that reaches out to those who need help, that does not turn away from those less fortunate, or homeless, or those forced to leave their country because of the threat of violence, poverty and persecution. The arms were there to hold them, the eyes to see them, and the hearts of the world were there to love them. Because that was the right thing. It’s a different time now. I miss my parents, and I miss Walter Cronkite.”
Mary Chapin Carpenter And Shawn Colvin: Together On Stage:
April 3—Clearwater, FL—Capitol Theatre
April 4—Key West, FL—Sunset Green Lawn
April 5—Fort Lauderdale, FL—Parker Playhouse
April 7—Greensboro, NC— The Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
April 8—Charlotte, NC—Belk Theater
April 9—Cincinnati, OH—Memorial Hall
April 10—Knoxville, TN—The Bijou Theatre
April 11—Chattanooga, TN—The Walker Theatre
Mary Chapin Carpenter on the There Goes The Neighborhood Tour 2020:
on-sale now
June 4—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage
June 5—Syracuse, NY—St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
June 6—Hartford, CT—Xfinity Theatre
June 12—The Woodlands, TX—Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
June 13—Dallas, TX—Dos Equis Pavilion
June 14—Austin, TX—Germania Insurance Amphitheater
June 18—Albuquerque, NM—Isleta Amphitheater
June 19—Phoenix, AZ—Ak-Chin Pavilion
June 20—Chula Vista, CA—North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 25—Wheatland, CA—Toyota Amphitheatre
June 26—Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheatre
June 27—Irvine, CA—FivePoint Amphitheatre
July 10—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center
July 11—Camden, NJ—BB&T Pavilion
July 12—Wantagh, NY—Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
July 16—Holmdel, NJ—PNC Bank Arts Center
July 18—Bangor, ME—Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
July 19—Gilford, NH—Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
July 23—Burgettstown, PA—S&T Bank Music Park
July 24—Clarkston, MI—DTE Energy Music Theatre
July 25—Milwaukee, WI—American Family Insurance Amphitheater
July 31—Alpharetta, GA—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Mary Chapin Carpenter Headline Tour:
on-sale dates vary, check local listings
June 16—Denver, CO—Botanic Gardens
August 10—Rockport, MA—Shalin Liu Performance Center
August 11—Brownfield, ME—Stone Mountain Arts Center
August 12—Brownfield, ME—Stone Mountain Arts Center
August 14—Portland, ME—State Theatre
August 16—Ridgefield, CT—Ridgefield Playhouse
August 17—Ridgefield, CT—Ridgefield Playhouse
August 20— Kennett Square, PA—Longwood Gardens Open Air Theatre
August 21— Chautauqua, NY—Chautauqua Institution
August 22—Vienna, VA—Wolf Trap
Academy of Country Music Announces Staff Promotion, Additions
/by Lorie HollabaughDanielle Bardier, Gloria Chavez, and Hannah Kellis
The Academy of Country Music has announced a promotion within the Events department and two new additions to the Academy staff. Danielle Bardier has been promoted to Coordinator, Events, while Gloria Chavez has joined the staff as Assistant, Finance & Operations and Hannah Kellis has joined the staff as Assistant, Creative & Content Production. All positions are based out of the Academy’s office in Encino, California.
Born and raised in Douglas, Massachusetts, Bardier joined the ACM in the beginning of 2019 as Assistant, Events. In her new role, Bardier will continue to work on several facets of the ACM Awards, ACM Party for a Cause events and ACM Honors. Bardier graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing. During her time at USC, Bardier interned for the Academy of Country Music in the events department and served as a production assistant following graduation. Since graduating, Bardier moved back to Mass, where she worked as a sponsorship and event coordinator at Harpoon Brewery. Bardier reports to Erick Long, Senior Vice President, Events.
Chavez joined the ACM as Assistant, Finance & Operations. A Los Angeles native, she has an extensive background in accounting and finance with work experience in both the mortgage banking industry as well as property management. In her role as Assistant, Finance & Operations, Chavez will help oversee all aspects of general office and building operations as well as act as office receptionist. She will also work alongside vendors to ensure the upkeep of both the office and building maintenance, including managing office inventory, all technological system processes and assisting in the finance department with various projects. She reports to Alexa Fasheh, Vice President of Finance & Operations.
Kellis joins the ACM as Assistant, Creative & Content Production. Originally from Maine, Kellis graduated from Pepperdine University in Malibu where she studied Media Production. Upon graduating, she interned with companies such as A Rocha USA and Therapy Studios, where she assisted with both production and post-production. She then worked at Vendetta/Apartment 3B Productions, where she handled script coverage and event preparation. In her new position at the Academy, Hannah will oversee administrative tasks and other projects for the Creative & Content department. She reports to Lisa Lee, Senior Vice President, Creative & Content Production.
Wade Bowen Signs With BMI
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: Mitch Ballard, Wade Bowen
Texas singer/songwriter Wade Bowen recently became a member of BMI when he met up with Mitch Ballard, Director/Creative, Austin at legendary Texas venue Gruene Hall. Bowen is currently on tour supporting his latest album.
“For almost 20 years Wade Bowen has been a stand out in Texas music,” says Ballard. “His Bowen Foundation has raised millions for his hometown of Waco with Bowen Fest becoming one of the premier festivals in the State. We are proud to have Wade a part of the BMI family.”
“BMI made a commitment to Texas singer/songwriters last Spring by opening an office in Austin and today, I made a commitment to them,” said Bowen. “I am so happy to be affiliated alongside so many greats and favorites.”
Weekly Radio Report (2/14/20)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
Aubrie Sellers And Lillie Mae Announce Co-Headlining Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughThe two share many things in common including being raised in musical families and literally growing up on the road (Lillie in an RV with her family and Aubrie on a tour bus). They also share a mutual respect for many of their heroes, including Ralph Stanley, Steve Earle, Buddy Miller, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Marty Stuart, Iain Archer, Brendan Benson, Jack White, Robert Plant, and Dave Cobb, to name a few.
“When Aubrie asked me if I wanted to do this tour with her, I got so excited I could barely wait! I couldn’t believe it,” said Lillie Mae. “I am such a huge fan of her songwriting, her last record and the new music — and her incredible voice! I listen to her all the time, and I’m so honored to join her and her band for this tour, it’s going to be one for the books. I’m so thrilled to be part of such a cool tour.”
Sellers adds, “This tour is going to be a blast. I love Lillie and all her creativity and energy. There’s just no one like her.”
The tour opener will be Out Of Limits, which is comprised of Ethan Ballinger, who produced Ryan Culwell and has performed with Lee Ann Womack, Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, and Tim O’Brien, Misa Arriaga, who has produced Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson among others, and Frank Rische, a session player whose work can be heard on records by artists including Miranda Lambert and Jim Lauderdale.
“We’re both super excited to have an all-star opener made up of members of our own bands coming together as the psych-country outfit ‘Out of Limits,’ said Sellers. “It fits within our Cosmic Country/Americana show perfectly. Think of a blend of The Ventures, Everly Brothers, Link Wray and The Beach Boys.”
Sellers recently released the album Far From Home, via Soundly Music. The project follows her critically acclaimed 2016 album New City Blues. Lillie Mae released her third solo album, Other Girls, last year on Jack White’s Third Man Records.
March 26 — Nashville, TN – The Basement East
March 27 — Macon, GA – Hargray Capitol Theatre
March 29 — Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre
March 31 — Washington, D.C. – DC9 Nightclub
April 1 — Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle
April 2 — New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
April 3 — Boston, MA – The Red Room @ Cafe 939
April 4 — South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
April 6 — Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
April 7 — Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Indianapolis
April 8 — St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway
April 23 — Houston, TX – Rudyards
April 24 — Austin, TX – Barracuda
April 25 — Dallas, TX – The Blue Light Dallas
April 28 — Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
April 29 — San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
April 30 — Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s
May 1 — Los Angeles, CA – The Moroccan Lounge
May 3 — San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
May 4 — Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
May 5 — Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
May 7 — Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room
May 8 — Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theatre
May 9 — Denver, CO – Lost Lake
Yola, Blackberry Smoke Added To Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonBlackberry Smoke, Yola and Dr. Dog are among the performers who have been added to the upcoming Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival, slated for Sept. 11-13 in downtown Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia.
The full lineup for the festival was announced Friday (Feb. 14), and will feature 121 bands on 16 stages over the three-day weekend. Among those on the newly-released full lineup are The SteelDrivers, Kelsey Waldon, The Steel Woods, Jim Lauderdale, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, and more. The festival previously released the names of 30 performers on the lineup, including Jason Isbell, Tanya Tucker, Moon Taxi, and Rhonda Vincent.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we marvel at how Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has affected so much positive change in our region,” said Leah Ross, BCM Executive Director. BCM is the parent nonprofit organization of the festival, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and WBCM Radio Bristol. “Our downtown has gone from shuttered buildings to thriving businesses. New boutique hotel projects, craft breweries and restaurants – and a festival that draws over 40,000 music lovers each year. Yet with all that growth, we’ve managed to remain authentic as a music festival and as a community. People come here to pay homage to our great music heritage because they know how important Bristol is to music history.”
For more information, visit birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.
Mary Chapin Carpenter Announces Full Tour Slate Around New Album Release
/by Lorie HollabaughMary Chapin Carpenter. Photo: Jonathan Stewart
Mary Chapin Carpenter is launching an extensive tour this summer that features a series of headline performances including a special concert at Wolf Trap on Aug. 22, as well as a run of shows with Sugarland as part of their There Goes The Neighborhood Tour 2020. Additionally, in April, Carpenter will resume her intimate duo shows with longtime friend and collaborator Shawn Colvin. Those newly-announced shows will kick off April 3 at Clearwater, Florida’s Capitol Theatre and will span through April 11 at Chattanooga’s Walker Theatre.
The tours support Carpenter’s new full-length album, which was produced by Ethan Johns and will be released this Spring. The project is Carpenter’s first album of new material in five years, and she recently released a new single, “Our Man Walter Cronkite,” from it.
“Growing up, Walter Cronkite was in our house Monday through Friday, presenting the news as The Most Trusted Man In America, as he was known in his time,” said Carpenter. “My parents raised us to believe that people in jobs like Cronkite’s told the truth; they raised us to believe in a world that reaches out to those who need help, that does not turn away from those less fortunate, or homeless, or those forced to leave their country because of the threat of violence, poverty and persecution. The arms were there to hold them, the eyes to see them, and the hearts of the world were there to love them. Because that was the right thing. It’s a different time now. I miss my parents, and I miss Walter Cronkite.”
April 3—Clearwater, FL—Capitol Theatre
April 4—Key West, FL—Sunset Green Lawn
April 5—Fort Lauderdale, FL—Parker Playhouse
April 7—Greensboro, NC— The Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
April 8—Charlotte, NC—Belk Theater
April 9—Cincinnati, OH—Memorial Hall
April 10—Knoxville, TN—The Bijou Theatre
April 11—Chattanooga, TN—The Walker Theatre
Luke Bryan Reveals Track List, Album Cover For New Project
/by Jessica NicholsonLike many in Bryan’s catalog, “Born Here Live Here Die Here” pays homage to the Leesburg, Georgia native’s small town roots. The track was written by Jameson Rodgers, Josh Thompson and Jake Mitchell.
“The second I heard the song “Born Here, Live Here, Die Here” it related to me, how I grew up, how I have so many roots and so many ties to my hometown,” Bryan said. “Being tied to your hometown is very important in country music. I fell in love with the song right away and now we have an album and a tour derived from this song. It’s pretty amazing. I’m proud of this new music and I’m really excited to get it out!”
The album, produced by Jeff Stevens and Jody Stevens, follows Bryan’s 2017 project What Makes You Country, and contains Bryan’s recent chart-topper “Knockin’ Boots,” which marks his 23rd No. 1 overall. He will hit the road this summer, welcoming openers Morgan Wallen, Runaway June and Caylee Hammack. On Feb. 16, he returns to the American Idol judges table alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as a new season of American Idol premieres.
BORN HERE LIVE HERE DIE HERE Track listing:
1. Knockin’ Boots (Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite, Gordie Sampson)
2. What She Wants Tonight (Luke Bryan, Ross Copperman, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite)
3. Born Here Live Here Die Here (Jake Mitchell, Jameson Rodgers, Josh Thompson)
4. One Margarita (Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
5. Too Drunk To Drive (Luke Bryan, Michael Carter, Brandon Kinney)
6. Build Me A Daddy (Jake Mitchell, Josh Thompson, Brett Tyler)
7. Little Less Broken (Michael Carter, Lindsay Rimes, Matt Rogers)
8. For A Boat (Randy Montana, Josh Thompson, Mike Walker)
9. Where Are We Goin’ (Luke Bryan, Brent Cobb)
10. Down To One (Dallas Davidson, Justin Ebach, Kyle Fishman)
Amy Grant Shares Personal Message About Heart Health
/by Jessica NicholsonAmy Grant
Amy Grant recently shared her personal story regarding the importance of heart health with her fans, in honor of Heart Health Awareness month.
In a social media post, the Grammy-winning, Nashville native and fierce music community supporter paid tribute to her doctor, Dr. John Bright Cage. She also revealed that she recently underwent a series of tests, which showed that “I have had a heart condition since birth. The first good news is that I am completely asymptomatic. The second good news is that it’s fixable.”
Grant stated she has shifted her touring and travel plans for 2020 in order to focus on her health. “So instead of concerts and camping trips this summer, I’m going to take care of my heart,” she noted.
She ended her note by encouraging fans to take time to care for themselves and their health. “Are you taking care of yours?! Please do.”
Curb Publishing Signs Darren King
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: ET Brown (SESAC), Darren King, Joel Timen (VP, Publishing and A&R, Curb | Word Entertainment), and Jordan Mattison.
Curb Publishing has inked an exclusive songwriting deal with Darren King. King is a founding member of MuteMath and was one of the creators behind reimagining five of Twenty One Pilots’ songs for MuteMath’s EP TOPxMM.
The Nashville-based King has also co-written and co-produced tracks with Kanye West and Travis Scott and is currently working on his debut album DK the Drummer Presents Lockers: Vol. 1.
“I am beyond excited to welcome Darren to Curb Publishing,” shares Joel Timen, VP, Publishing and A&R at Curb. “He is one of the most talented songwriters and producers I have encountered in my career. Darren is the type of songwriter, artist and producer that inspires me to show up and work hard every day, and is the perfect addition to our already impressive roster of pop writers.”
Darren adds, “I’m honored to join the Curb Publishing team. Joel Timen has earned a reputation amongst the music community as being one of the most affable, trustworthy, and inspiring people you can find. I am thankful that I get to work with him and I’m excited to hear what songs come from our collaborations.”
“We have known Joel for a long time and have been impressed with the work he has done while at Curb,” comments Jordan Mattison of Goodfolk, Darren’s manager. “We are excited to be a member of the family and have a lead who aligns with a big vision and is able to carry out and execute our mutual goals for Darren.”
DISClaimer: John Anderson, Blake Shelton, MacKenzie Porter Top New Tracks
/by Robert K OermannNashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member John Anderson has teamed up with Mr. Black Keys, Dan Auerbach, plus superstar Blake Shelton. The result is country-music nirvana. Give this man this week’s Disc of the Day award.
Anderson’s runners up represent two opposite wings of the country sound. Nathan Stanley clings to tradition with his effort, while Cam is pushing the pop side of things.
The DisCovery Award goes to MacKenzie Porter. She sounds like a comer, to me.
JEFF BATES/If I Get Drunk Tonight
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Skydancer
-Dark and dramatic. On this ballad, he wonders if he can obliterate her memory with whiskey. If only it weren’t taken quite so s-l-o-w-l-y.
KALIE SHORR/Escape
Writers: Candi Carpenter/Kalie Shorr; Producer: Shorr; Publisher: none listed; KS
– Strikingly mature. In the video, she sits alone on a road case, reminiscing. Intercut home-movie footage of her with her older sister lends a sadly nostalgic tone. The lyric is a touching ode to getting away from your roots, and the video adds the layer of a life cut short by drug abuse. Well written. Well sung. Well done.
JOHN ANDERSON & BLAKE SHELTON/Tuesday I’ll Be Gone
Writers: John Anderson/Dan Auerbach/David Ferguson; Producers: Dan Auerbach/David Ferguson; Publisher: none listed; Easy Eye Sound
-Anderson’s comeback was nearly scuttled by a health crisis. But he survived. This splendid thumper finds him in fine voice, as distinctive as ever. Shelton chimes in, but this is the legend’s show all the way. Shower this man with praise and glory.
INGRID ANDRESS/Life of the Party
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Music
– The title is ironic, since her heart is fully broken. The verses meander a bit, but the choruses bring the song home with oomph. The power in the echoey production is a plus, too.
TYLER FARR/Only Truck In Town
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Deric Ruttan/Josh Thompson; Producers: Jason Aldean/Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy; Publisher: none listed; Night Train
– Farr’s return is as the flagship artist on Jason Aldean’s new label, Night Train Records. The song is a slow-burn celebration of his hot girlfriend, because, “She makes me feel like I’m the only truck in town.” There’s a screaming rock-guitar solo in the middle of it.
CAM/Till There’s Nothing Left
Writers: Cam/Tyler Johnson/Jeff Bhasker/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Tyler Johnson/Jeff Bhasker; RCA
– I dig her a lot, and there’s no denying the fabulously layered production and overall sonic splendor of this. Still, as gorgeous as it is, it definitely pushes on the outer boundaries of “country.” Is she in the right format?
WALKER MONTGOMERY/Like My Daddy Done It
Writer: Dallas Davidson; Producer: Davidson; Publisher: none listed; Play It Again
– He’s the son of John Michael Montgomery and the nephew of Eddie Montgomery. He’s good looking, and he sings well. Give him a shot.
DYLAN SCOTT/Nobody
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Very hooky and very romantic. This guy always displays great vocal chops, and this yearning effort is no exception. Deserving of beaucoup airplay.
MACKENZIE PORTER/Seeing Other People
Writers: jason Afable/Emily Falvey/Matt McGinn; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: none listed; Big Loud
– This winsome Canadian is touring with Chris Lane and Brad Paisley. She is already award-nominated in her homeland, and this commercial ditty should up her profile, stateside. It’s about the gut-wrenching experience of seeing your ex with somebody else. Her soft soprano is backed by an atmospheric, wafting track with plenty of “air.” In a word, promising.
NATHAN STANLEY/That’s How I Got To Memphis
Writers: Tom T. Hall; Producers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Orchard
– He’s the grandson of Ralph Stanley, but don’t expect a high, lonesome, Appalachian vocalist. Nathan is just as influenced by Nashville honky tonkers as he is bluegrass folks. That is very much in evidence on this outstanding cover of a Tom T. Hall classic. He sings it with enormous heart and soul, and the backing is replete with steel guitar and deep-bass twang. This is country music as it was meant to be sung.