The 2019 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has unveiled a series of updates to its campground Plazas. The 18th annual four-day, multi-stage camping festival will take place June 13 – 16 at Great Stage Park, the 700-acre farm and event space in Manchester, Tennessee.
The 2019 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will see a variety of unprecedented experiences throughout the Plazas, including live performances and light-based art installations unlike anything previously seen in the festival’s long, creative history.
Plaza 2 will be transformed into “Roo’s Sanctuary Of Self Love,” curated By Hayley Williams of Paramore. Bonnaroovians visiting the BougieRoo area will have the opportunity to get festival ready with hair styling by Good Dye Young, mini spa treatments, glitter stations and flower crowns. In addition, Services In The Sanctuary will offer feature everything from and nightly themed dance parties to alternative therapies and panels on mental health and self-love. Fans will also get a chance to win a makeover with Brian O’Connor of Good Dye Young and meet Williams herself.
Among the new Plazas will be “Where In The Woods,” located on the Eastern woods of Bonnaroo’s campground, near both VIP camping and Plaza 2. “Where In The Woods” will transform the forest into an unforgettable magical landscape for late-night fun and daytime escape from reality. The Where Stage will feature DJs and surprise sets late into the night with an otherworldly dance floor.
Plaza 9 will be dubbed “Bayou Libre,” curated by the New Orleans entertainment collective FREEWATER. An interactive experience inspired by the landscape and the spirits of the swamp, Bayou Libre will be a place where Bonnaroovians can relax in the shade during the day and experience parties late into the night. FREEWATER will bring musical acts as well as some secret performances from New Orleans-based artists featured on the main Bonnaroo lineup.
Plaza 7 will feature “Whiskey Jam At The Ville,” curated by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and local maker-space Fort Houston. Located right next to The Grove, “Whiskey Jam At The Ville” will give festival attendees a chance to sample the best in Nashville’s live music, food, art, and more. Whiskey Jam, a local Nashville favorite for weekly live music events, will host a Wednesday night kick-off part and present surprise musical acts throughout the weekend.
Brooklyn’s House of Yes and Little Cinema return to Plaza 3 in 2019, once again offering up thrilling performance spectacles and one-of-a-kind dance party madness. Dirty Circus will feature jaw-dropping circus acts, drag queens with fantastic feats of skill, while Little Cinema and Cinema Club will present interactive immersive screenings. The new Day Lounge and Night Owl Cinema series will also provide shade and late night entertainment. Bonnaroovians are also all invited to Plaza 3’s opening night and closing night parties, as well as what will be a certain highlight of this year’s event – the first-ever Bonnaroo pride parade. The festival has always provided a place of inclusiveness and innovation, though Bonnaroovians will now see the spirit manifest into a trail of radical expression and celebration.
The Grove at Plaza 7 is back again in 2019 with plenty of shade along with art installations, hammocks, and much more. At night, Nashville’s Fort Houston will transform the beautiful tree-filled space into something even more special with the promise of more lights and experiences than ever before, including the return of “Tonalism,” an all-night ambient music experience by DUBLAB. The “Tonalism” events will feature live performances and DJ sets in an environment transformed by light projections, art installations, and other various multimedia elements. Visitors will be encouraged to lie down and listen for a transformative and contemplative experience.
The Boogaloo Of Wonder at Plaza 6 will be Bonnaroovians’ go-to spot for comedy performances, artistic exploration, and entertainment of all sorts. Lineup details and more will be unveiled soon.
The Tower at Plaza 4 offers attendees a convenient stop to or from their camp to grab food, crafts, coffee, and more. Located right near the entrance to Centeroo, The Tower will also host festival favorites like the Bonnaroo Census as well as inspiring art, and more.
The newly revamped VIP Campground Plaza will feature air-conditioning, private bars, complimentary Wi-Fi, daily yoga classes, games, live video feeds of the festival performances, and some special surprises. Located close to Plazas 2 and 3, the VIP Campground Plaza is available exclusively to VIP patrons.
Tickets, including General Admission (four-day), VIP (4 Day), Platinum (4 Day) and more, are on sale now. Tier 4 tickets are nearly sold out but fans can lock in GA tickets for just $47 via ticket layaway plans.
Open Position: Nashville Mayor’s Office Seeking Manager Of The Music City Music Council
/by LB CantrellThe Nashville Mayor’s Office of Economic and Community Development is seeking to fill the position of Manager of the Music City Music Council and Special Projects.
The Music City Music Council was started in 2009 by Mayor Dean and a handful of industry leaders. The city’s veteran music business people and artists were invited to pool their resources and personal networks to investigate obstacles and opportunities for all aspects of the entertainment business, including creative enterprises, publishing, artist development, technology, media and support/logistics.
The all-volunteer Music Council has played a role in several economic development successes to bring more entertainment-related jobs to the city, including Sony/ATV’s expansion to downtown with 60 new jobs and Eventbrite’s expansion into Nashville.
Reporting to the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Community Development, the Manager of the Music City Music Council and Special Projects will develop programs to support the growth of Nashville’s key business clusters, particularly the music industry, and manage other projects in the focus areas of the office. The qualified candidate will work with the Music City Music Council to design and implement programs which heighten the awareness and development of Nashville’s reputation as the leading city for music in the world; conduct policy research, program development, policy development and other projects as assigned; organize quarterly Music Council meetings and monthly committee meetings with Music Council members; and act as the liaison between the city and the music and entertainment industry.
Desired Qualifications:
-Bachelor degree in related field and a minimum of three years’ relevant professional experience in business, government and/or nonprofit organizations.
-Must have a strong working knowledge/familiarity of music and entertainment industry
-A proven track record of strong project execution, policy research, project management and results driven impact
-Strong working knowledge of local government practices
-Basic IT skills (databases, MS Office etc.)
-Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization
-An entrepreneurial self-starter can do approach with the ability to think and plan creatively and innovatively
-Be a quick learner, able to absorb large amounts of information and apply data and critical thinking to program development
-Be able to work within a political environment.
All interested candidates should review the job description and send a resume and cover letter to Audra.Ladd@nashville.gov.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs, FGL Top Country Sales Charts
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Combs tops this week’s Country Streaming Songs chart, with 10 million streams of his latest single, “Beautiful Crazy,” according to Nielsen Soundscan. The track also holds the No. 1 position this week on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay, and Country Digital Sales charts.
On the Country Streaming Songs chart, Dan + Shay take the No. 2 and No. 3 slots, with “Speechless” (7.7 million streams) and “Tequila” (7.4 million streams). Chris Stapleton‘s “Tennessee Whiskey” is at No. 4 with 7.3 million streams, followed by Kane Brown‘s “Heaven” with 7 million.
As previously reported, Florida Georgia Line topped this week’s Country Albums chart with their latest project, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, which moved 50K in total consumption in its debut week. Comb’s This One’s For You is at No. 2 with 25K in total consumption.
Kacey Musgraves‘ Golden Hour, which topped the country albums chart last week following her multiple Grammy wins, is at No. 3 this week, with 20K. Fellow Grammy winners Dan + Shay see their self-titled project at No. 4 with 15K. Stapleton’s Traveller is at No. 5 with 12K.
Other top country debuts include the Elvis Presley 68 Comeback Special 50th Anniversary, which debuted at No. 9 with 9K, Ryan Bingham‘s American Love Song at No. 12 (7.5K) and Hayes Carll‘s What It Is at No. 26 with 5.2K.
Jon Pardi Celebrates Platinum Album
/by Jessica NicholsonJon Pardi celebrates a platinum album. Photo: Brian Vaughn
Capitol Records Nashville’s Jon Pardi celebrated a Platinum RIAA certification for his album California Sunrise last week (Feb. 19) at the San Antonio Rodeo where he headlined the sold-out show with a crowd of over 16,500 attendees.
Produced by Pardi and Bart Butler, California Sunrise reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart when it debuted back in 2016. The album produced the 2x Platinum-selling hits “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt On My Boots,” as well as the Platinum-selling No. 1, “Heartache On the Dance Floor.”
Pardi is currently out on the road for the 2019 Burning Man Tour with Dierks Bentley. He also has an upcoming five dates in Australia kicking off in April.
Pictured (L-R): Maggie Hunt (Red Light Management), Mike Harris (UMGN COO), Mike Dungan (UMGN Chairman & CEO), Jon Pardi, Melanie Wetherbee (Red Light Management), Kylen Sharpe (CAA), Brian Wright (UMGN EVP A&R). Photo: Brian Vaughn
The Grammy Effect On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellSome songwriters on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart found themselves benefitting from the Grammy effect this week, including Best Country Song co-writer Shane McAnally, who advanced two spots to No. 1 this week. McAnally is supported by seven songs this week: Midland’s “Burn Out,” Old Dominion’s “Make It Sweet,” Jake Owen’s “Down To The Honky Tonk,” Eli Young Band’s “Love Ain’t,” Brothers Osborne’s” I Don’t Remember Me (Before You),” and Kacey Musgraves’ “Space Cowboy” and “Rainbow.”
Kacey Musgraves finds herself at No. 19 after many months of not appearing in the top 60 on the Top Songwriter Chart. Luke Laird also made a huge leap from No. 23 to No. 9 with the help of some Grammy-induced listening, co-writing Musgraves’ “Space Cowboy” and “Butterflies” with Natalie Hemby (No. 45), along with Owen’s “Down To The Honky Tonk.”
Ashley Gorley moves down to No. 2 this week, and Kevin Welch follows him at No. 3. Brett James and Luke Combs stay in place at No. 4 and 5, respectively.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Bonnaroo Adds Updates To Plaza Areas For 2019
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 2019 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will see a variety of unprecedented experiences throughout the Plazas, including live performances and light-based art installations unlike anything previously seen in the festival’s long, creative history.
Plaza 2 will be transformed into “Roo’s Sanctuary Of Self Love,” curated By Hayley Williams of Paramore. Bonnaroovians visiting the BougieRoo area will have the opportunity to get festival ready with hair styling by Good Dye Young, mini spa treatments, glitter stations and flower crowns. In addition, Services In The Sanctuary will offer feature everything from and nightly themed dance parties to alternative therapies and panels on mental health and self-love. Fans will also get a chance to win a makeover with Brian O’Connor of Good Dye Young and meet Williams herself.
Among the new Plazas will be “Where In The Woods,” located on the Eastern woods of Bonnaroo’s campground, near both VIP camping and Plaza 2. “Where In The Woods” will transform the forest into an unforgettable magical landscape for late-night fun and daytime escape from reality. The Where Stage will feature DJs and surprise sets late into the night with an otherworldly dance floor.
Plaza 9 will be dubbed “Bayou Libre,” curated by the New Orleans entertainment collective FREEWATER. An interactive experience inspired by the landscape and the spirits of the swamp, Bayou Libre will be a place where Bonnaroovians can relax in the shade during the day and experience parties late into the night. FREEWATER will bring musical acts as well as some secret performances from New Orleans-based artists featured on the main Bonnaroo lineup.
Plaza 7 will feature “Whiskey Jam At The Ville,” curated by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and local maker-space Fort Houston. Located right next to The Grove, “Whiskey Jam At The Ville” will give festival attendees a chance to sample the best in Nashville’s live music, food, art, and more. Whiskey Jam, a local Nashville favorite for weekly live music events, will host a Wednesday night kick-off part and present surprise musical acts throughout the weekend.
Brooklyn’s House of Yes and Little Cinema return to Plaza 3 in 2019, once again offering up thrilling performance spectacles and one-of-a-kind dance party madness. Dirty Circus will feature jaw-dropping circus acts, drag queens with fantastic feats of skill, while Little Cinema and Cinema Club will present interactive immersive screenings. The new Day Lounge and Night Owl Cinema series will also provide shade and late night entertainment. Bonnaroovians are also all invited to Plaza 3’s opening night and closing night parties, as well as what will be a certain highlight of this year’s event – the first-ever Bonnaroo pride parade. The festival has always provided a place of inclusiveness and innovation, though Bonnaroovians will now see the spirit manifest into a trail of radical expression and celebration.
The Grove at Plaza 7 is back again in 2019 with plenty of shade along with art installations, hammocks, and much more. At night, Nashville’s Fort Houston will transform the beautiful tree-filled space into something even more special with the promise of more lights and experiences than ever before, including the return of “Tonalism,” an all-night ambient music experience by DUBLAB. The “Tonalism” events will feature live performances and DJ sets in an environment transformed by light projections, art installations, and other various multimedia elements. Visitors will be encouraged to lie down and listen for a transformative and contemplative experience.
The Boogaloo Of Wonder at Plaza 6 will be Bonnaroovians’ go-to spot for comedy performances, artistic exploration, and entertainment of all sorts. Lineup details and more will be unveiled soon.
The Tower at Plaza 4 offers attendees a convenient stop to or from their camp to grab food, crafts, coffee, and more. Located right near the entrance to Centeroo, The Tower will also host festival favorites like the Bonnaroo Census as well as inspiring art, and more.
The newly revamped VIP Campground Plaza will feature air-conditioning, private bars, complimentary Wi-Fi, daily yoga classes, games, live video feeds of the festival performances, and some special surprises. Located close to Plazas 2 and 3, the VIP Campground Plaza is available exclusively to VIP patrons.
Tickets, including General Admission (four-day), VIP (4 Day), Platinum (4 Day) and more, are on sale now. Tier 4 tickets are nearly sold out but fans can lock in GA tickets for just $47 via ticket layaway plans.
Wide Open Music Inks Worldwide Publishing Agreement With Sony/ATV
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Matt Stell; Josh Van Valkenburg, SVP, Sony/ATV; Paul Sikes; Victoria Goodvin, Wide Open Music; Ash Bowers; Jimmie Allen; Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO, Sony/ATV; Tom Luteran, VP, Sony/ATV
Wide Open Music has entered into a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony/ATV Nashville. The principals of the indie publishing company are songwriter/producer Ash Bowers and business partner Steve Williams.
The Wide Open Music writer roster includes Jimmie Allen, Ash Bowers, Matt Stell and Paul Sikes.
“Steve and I are very proud of our songwriters and want the best opportunities and the best team surrounding them, which is why we are excited to partner with Sony/ATV,” said Bowers.
“We admire what Ash and Steve have built in a relatively short period of time and feel fortunate to be able to come alongside them in building for the future,” said Sony/ATV Nashville’s President/CEO Troy Tomlinson.
Chicago-Based Company Acquires Fontanel Property
/by Jessica NicholsonChicago-based BlueRoad Ventures has acquired the 167-acre Fontanel property, located at 4133 Whites Creek Pike, for $14.5 million, according to the Nashville Post.
The property includes the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater, as well as The Inn at Fontanel, and was sold by owners and music industry veterans Dale Morris and Marc Oswald. The property has been on the market for approximately one year.
The site, which was originally built in 1988 for country artist Barbara Mandrell, also includes Natchez Hills Winery and Tasting Room, Adventure Works Ziplines, Cafe Fontanella, and Prichard’s Distillery, among others.
BlueRoad Ventures had not responded to requests for comment at press time.
Tayler Bock Named Chief Business Officer At Tempo
/by Lorie HollabaughTayler Bock has been appointed Chief Business Officer for Nashville-based music business software company Tempo. Bock will oversee Tempo’s day-to-day business operations and all future projects for the company.
Prior to his role at Tempo, Bock was most recently an agent at Buddy Lee Attractions. He also previously worked as an agent at ArtistLive, and has worked in many aspects of the industry including tour management, venue hospitality, artist management, booking, talent buying, merchandising, and royalty collection. He has worked with artists including Wheeler Walker Jr, Ty Herndon, Terry McBride, Jon McLaughlin, Joe Denim, David Adam Byrnes, Evan Bartels, and more.
“Right now as the music industry moves further and further into a digital age, I could not be more excited to be a part of the Tempo team,” said Bock. “Bringing new aged technology to aspects of the music business that are becoming more dominant than they were years ago is a very exciting, yet challenging future!”
The company celebrated its eight-year anniversary in 2018, and offers software product lines for booking, publishing, touring and talent buying. With over 3,000 users, Tempo provides support for all aspects of the industry. Tempo staffers include founder Brittany Wegusen, Vice President of Client Relations Gwen Gude, and Alex Dolezal in client relations.
Tempo’s client roster includes Rob Thomas, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Lee Brice, Cole Swindell, Jon Langston, Red 11 Music, Conway Entertainment, Cara Lewis Group, Romeo Entertainment, and Kinkead Entertainment.
Major Bob Music Signs Andy Sheridan
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (Back row, L-R):: BMI’s Leslie Roberts; Landon Dirickson of Dirickson Law; Bob Doyle, President Major Bob Music. (Front row, L-R): Major Bob’s Chandler Thurston; Andy Sheridan; Tina Crawford, VP/Major Bob Music.
Major Bob Music has signed writer/producer Andy Sheridan to a worldwide publishing agreement. Sheridan is also a multi-instrumentalist and has served as Music Director on the road for artists including Hunter Hayes, Phil Vassar, and Ben Rector.
busbee Celebrates Altadena Launch With Nashville Bash
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Alison Junker; Bethany Mako; Daniel Lee; busbee; BJ Hill; Katie Jelen; Noreen Prunier
Producer and songwriter busbee celebrated the launch of his new company, Altadena, Sunday night (Feb. 24) at The Cordelle in Nashville with a crowd of music industry friends, including top brass from partner companies Warner Music Nashville, Warner/Chappell Publishing, and Red Light Management.
A growing force in the launching and development of careers of artists, producers, and songwriters in a variety of genres, Altadena has offices in Los Angeles and Nashville. The company’s staff includes GM and VP of Creative Daniel Lee, Nashville Creative Director Noreen Prunier, and LA Creative Director Kelly Benini.
The opening included catered barbeque from Nashville’s Peg Leg Porker and a performance from attendees of Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School, one of three local non-profits highlighted by busbee during the evening’s festivities. In addition to the W.O. Smith school, special attention was given to Porter’s Call, a Nashville organization that provides gratis counseling services to members of the arts industry, as well as Corner to Corner, a local organization that invests directly in underestimated entrepreneurs in an effort to foster the creation and growth of small businesses in Nashville’s most economically-challenged communities.
Pictured (L-R): busbee, Warner Music Nashville CEO John Esposito