Over 35 artists of different genres will come together to tribute the Grammy-winning Christian artist at an event dubbed 35 Years of Friends: Celebrating The Music of Michael W. Smith. Promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, the concert will take place April 30, 2019 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will feature performances that will include many of Smith’s 35 No. 1 singles. In addition, 2018 marks the 35th Anniversary of Smith’s Top 10 single “FRIENDS,” which helped introduce his music to both secular and non-secular audiences.
Artists tapped to perform at the tribute include: Amy Grant, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Wynonna, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, The Oak Ridge Boys, MercyMe, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Donnie McClurkin, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Matt Maher, Matthew West, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band, and more are to be announced soon.
“Michael is a Christian music icon and we can think of no better way to celebrate him than with this star-studded lineup we have put together,” said Outback Concerts’ Morgan Carney. “It’s going to be an event not to be missed, and will be a fantastic celebration of one of the greats.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Michael for over thirty years,” said John Huie, Head of Music at CAA in Nashville. “I’ve seen his music impact people from all walks of life – from Presidents to pedestrians. This celebration of his contributions to music and the impact of the song ‘FRIENDS’ will be very special. It’s been fun watching it come together as so many artists from all genres are anxious to celebrate Michael and his music. An event like this is a first for a Christian artist – and it’s going to be great!”
“Putting a tribute event together can be a tremendous amount of work, unless you are doing a tribute to Christian superstar Michael W. Smith,” said Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group/Ontourage. “I have been a fan and follower of his music and mission in life since he started performing. Every single artist that his manager Chaz and I talked with said yes right away. It is an honor to work alongside Michael, Chaz and the promoter, Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts. One thing we can all promise, and that is this will be a very special, one night only concert, with lots of surprises and magical collaborations.”
Tickets go on sale at 10 am (CT) Friday, December 14 at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena.
Randy Travis Honored With Helping A Hero’s Lee Greenwood Award
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R) top row: Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Chairman of the Board David Balat, PR Chair Jennifer Hammond, Tate Stevens, Nicole C. Mullen, Lee Greenwood, Scooter Brown, Secretary Karen Roan, board member Hon. Chris Daniel and Chairman Emeritus Meredith Iler; Bottom row: Audit Chair LTC E.A. “Buddy” Grantham, Randy Travis and Vice Chairman of the Board Sunil “Sunny” Sharma
Randy Travis was honored with the Lee Greenwood Award by the Helping A Hero organization on Monday (Dec. 10) at their Lee Greenwood & Friends concert in Houston. The concert, held at Houston Baptist University, celebrated Christmas and patriotism while honoring and raising money to build homes for wounded warriors.
The reception and silent auction was followed by the concert program, featuring performances by special guests. Scooter Brown Band sang songs from their album American Son while Tate Stevens performed “Ordinary Angels.” Gavin DeGraw performed many of his hits including “Soldier” and Lee Greenwood offered a rendition of “God Bless the USA.” SSG Shilo Harris, a retired military veteran, received the Pillar Award.
“Randy Travis has done so much for our troops over the years having done five USO tours and otherwise entertaining and honoring them in a variety of ways. We are thrilled to be able to recognize him for his continued efforts and salute his enormous talents,” said Meredith Iler, Chairman Emeritus of Helping A Hero.
“As a combat veteran, it means the world to me that Helping A Hero is serving veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom. Tonight was a celebration of decades of music, with various genres represented—we were glad to be a part of it,” said Brown.
Sister Hazel Returns With New EP ‘Fire’ In February
/by Lorie HollabaughSister Hazel is set to release their new EP, Fire, on Feb. 8. The newest EP is Volume III of the collectible compilation series titled, “Elements,” and includes a bonus seventh track that will continue throughout the series.
The six-track EP is the follow-up to their Billboard chart-topping EP’s, Water and Wind and features tracks written by Sister Hazel with writers including Monty Powell, Jennifer Hanson, and more. Fans who pre-order the EP can get the instant grat track, “Here With You,” which is also available on all streaming services now.
“The writing and production of ‘Here With You’ was a very cool departure from the norm for us,” said Drew Copeland, singer and guitarist for the band. “Getting a chance to write a song with Monty and Anna in Utah was a total blast and an honor. Once again Ken delivers a killer vocal and the band loves the way this song turned out.”
To celebrate the release of their new EP, Sister Hazel has announced a string of tour dates for 2019, which include the sold out Holiday Hang in Chicago and the 19th Year of their signature “Rock Boat Cruise.” For more visit sisterhazel.com.
2. “On and On” Lyrics & Music by: Ryan Newell, Todd Wright, Mike Meadows
3. “Life and Love” Lyrics and Music by: Ken Block, Trent Summar
4. “Fire” Lyrics and Music by: Andrew Copeland, Michael Logen, Jennifer Hansen
5. “She’s All You Need” Lyrics & Music by: Ryan Newell, Todd Wright
6. “Here With You” Lyrics & Music by: Ken Block, Drew Copeland, Monte Powell, Anna Wilson
7. Elements III (Growing Up) Lyrics & Music: Ken Block
Second Punk Rock/Alternative Music BreakFEST To Be Held June 2
/by Jessica NicholsonFollowing this year’s successful inaugural BreakFEST held in Franklin, Tennessee, the punk rock/alternative music festival will return for a second year at Liberty Hall at The Factory on June 2, 2019.
The morning fest will begin at 8 a.m. CT, with performances from New Found Glory, mae, Real Friends, The Early November, Hawthorne Heights, Jetty Bones, Dollskin, Love You Later, Microwave, and H.A.R.D.
The event will also highlight food and drinks from a variety of vendors, including Frothy Monkey, Honest Coffee Roasters, Five Daughters Bakery, High Brow Coffee and Tea, Triple Crown Bakery, Mojos Tacos, Muletown Coffee, Tiny Little Doughnuts and Juice Bar.
VIP Deluxe tickets are available for $100 (includes balcony seating, separate bathroom and bar, separate event entry line, VIP laminate, shirt and poster), while general admission tickets are $38.50. For more visit breakfest.net.
CD Baby’s DIY Musician Conference Heads To Austin In 2019
/by Lorie HollabaughCD Baby’s DIY Musician Conference will move from Nashville, Tennessee to Austin, Texas, for 2019 to connect with a fresh community of musicians in another city with deep music ties. The three-day conference will take place Aug. 16-18 at Austin’s downtown Hilton.
The series of presentations, workshops, mentoring sessions, and jam rooms provide musicians with intensive interaction and learning, giving them the tools they need to enhance their creative lives and careers.
“CD Baby pays close attention to what our artists need,” said CD Baby’s Kevin Breuner. “We know they are often hungry for a real plan of action, for helpful advice and encouragement, not for another panel on abstract business issues facing major labels.”
Breuner adds the conference will focus on accessible, actionable ideas for musicians at a variety of career crossroads.
Tickets for the conference are on sale now at diymusiciancon.com.
Country Group Alabama Signs With Absolute Publicity
/by Jessica NicholsonAlabama
Nashville-based public relations company Absolute Publicity has added country group Alabama to its roster.
“Alabama is considered royalty in our industry and is without doubt the most iconic group in the history of country music,” says Absolute Publicity company president Don Murry Grubbs. “Words can’t describe how honored we are to announce the addition of Randy, Jeff and Teddy to our roster.”
2019 will mark five decades since the band originally formed in 1969. In that time, Alabama has earned 43 No. 1 singles (including 21 consecutive chart-toppers), as well as numerous CMA, Grammy and ACM Awards. The band members were inducted as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and also have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Absolute Publicity, formed in 2009, also represents Aaron Tippin, Billy Dean, Charlie Daniels, Craig Wayne Boyd, Collin Raye, John Anderson, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Ricky Skaggs, Pam Tillis and more.
Alt Pop/Rock Trio Kid Politics Inks Deals With Paradigm, Suit Music, peermusic, Riser House Records
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville-based alt pop/rock indie trio Kid Politics has inked deals with several companies ahead of the release of their debut EP Lost In The Jungle, out Friday, Dec. 14 (Suit Music/Riser House Records).
They have aligned with Jarrod Holley‘s Suit Music for management, and most recently, added Paradigm Talent Agency to handle booking, peermusic for sync licensing, Riser House Records for distribution and Ritholtz/Levy for legal representation.
The band includes frontman Kelby Dover, Michael Mann on drums and Nick Arbuckle on bass. Kid Politics formed less than a year ago in Nashville, and has performed at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and earned a main stage slot at Nashville’s Fourth of July celebration.
Produced by David Spencer (Hunter Hayes/Jacob Whitesides) and Andrew Dixon (Sabrina Carpenter/Matt Wertz), Lost in the Jungle includes five tracks all co-written by Kid Politics’ frontman Dover.
“Kid Politics is one of the most exciting alt pop/rock bands to emerge out of the fast growing Nashville Music indie music scene over the past few years,” says peermusic creative executive Craig Currier. “They have the entire package to break through to the next level – stellar songwriting, an energetic and commanding live show and lead singer/front man Kelby Dover has one of the most powerful yet soulful vocals I’ve heard in a long time. We’re thrilled to be working with them and look forward to being part of their future success.”
More news on 2019 tour dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Lost In The Jungle Tracklist:
1. Lost in the Jungle (Kelby Dover, Jonathan Sherwood, Jimi Bell, David Spencer)
2. California Vibes (Dover, Sherwood, Bell, Spencer)
3. Heartline (Dover, Bell, Spencer, Garen Geuyikian)
4. Moving On (Dover, Bell, Nicholas D’Andrea)
5. Did it Anyway (Dover, Sherwood)
Zac Brown Launches Zac Brown Collective, Expanding Portfolio Of Brands
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown, frontman of the Zac Brown Band, is launching a new entertainment and lifestyle-branded parent company, Zac Brown Collective, to house his many brands and businesses. Formerly known as Southern Ground, the re-imagined company expands its portfolio of brands and will act as a parent company to Brown’s growing interests in music, food, fashion, film, and merchandise.
The Collective brings together the best and brightest minds in all of those areas to form a company filled with brands that are fully grounded in the “American experience.”
“We’ve been working towards this development for years. My team and I are more than ready to roll out our roster of unique brands that embody our latest vision of delivering consumers a genuine American experience. It’s an exciting time for us and we can’t wait to show the world what we have to offer,” said Zac Brown. “I am also so proud that our work with Zac Brown Collective will aid in building a stronger future for Camp Southern Ground and its amazing mission.”
Zac Brown Collective will remain unwavering in its commitment to Brown’s biggest passion, Camp Southern Ground, by continuing to allocate funds and resources to the camp. Founded by Brown, the camp supports military and veteran families; further serving children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, social or emotional challenges and typically developing children.
Hit Songwriter Floyd Parton Passes
/by Robert K OermannStella Parton and Floyd Parton. Photo: Stella Parton/Twitter
On Monday (Dec. 10), his family held a private memorial service in East Tennessee for singer-songwriter Floyd Parton.
He died on Thursday, Dec. 6, of an undisclosed illness at age 61. Floyd Parton is best known as the writer of “Rockin’ Years,” recorded by his sister, Dolly Parton, as a chart-topping duet with Ricky Van Shelton in 1991. The song was also recorded by George Jones.
His other notable compositions include “Waltz Me to Heaven,” which was included on Dolly’s Rhinestone movie soundtrack in 1984.
The two co-wrote “Nickels and Dimes.” It was recorded by show business legend George Burns in 1980 and also included on Dolly’s No. 1 album Heartbreaker in 1978.
He also co-wrote songs with his sister Stella Parton, including “Smooth Talker.” Stella was with him when he passed away.
Floyd Parton’s death was announced by the Atchley Funeral Home of Pigeon Forge, TN on Monday, the date of his family’s private memorial service.
“We laid our sweet baby brother to rest,” said Dolly in a statement issued yesterday. “We all sang his lovely song ‘Rockin’ Years,’ together as a family at the service to say goodbye to him. He lived a short life of love and beautiful songs.”
Floyd Parton is survived by 10 of his 12 siblings. They are Willadeene, 78; David, 76; Denver, 75; Dolly, 72; Bobby, 70; Stella, 69; Cassie, 67; Randy, 64; his twin Freida, 61; and Rachel, 59. Dolly, Stella, Randy, Freida and Rachel have all had recording careers. Willadeene is an author and poet. Cassie is an actor.
The family has requested that donations in his name can be sent to My People Senior Activity Center, 1220 Main Street, Sevierville, TN.
Noah Guthrie Signs With CAA For Exclusive Global Representation
/by LB CantrellCAA and The Holland Group Management announced today the recent signing of Americana/soul singer-songwriter, Noah Guthrie, to CAA for exclusive booking representation.
With more than 56 million streams and fast approaching 100 million YouTube views, Guthrie found fame covering chart-topping hits as well as through his recurring role as Roderick Meeks on the hit TV show, Glee. He received national attention with his blues-filled version of LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It,” which, to date, has received over 25 million views. Guthrie has opened concerts for Ed Sheeran, Neon Trees, Ben Rector, Cobra Starship, Matisyahu, Matt Nathanson and Selena Gomez and was recently a semifinalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.
“The entire team here is genuinely thrilled to welcome Noah to the CAA family!” CAA’s Brian Waymire said. “We love his incredible talent and are very excited about great things to come.”
Randy Travis, Amy Grant, Francesca Battistelli And More To Tribute Michael W. Smith
/by LB CantrellOver 35 artists of different genres will come together to tribute the Grammy-winning Christian artist at an event dubbed 35 Years of Friends: Celebrating The Music of Michael W. Smith. Promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, the concert will take place April 30, 2019 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will feature performances that will include many of Smith’s 35 No. 1 singles. In addition, 2018 marks the 35th Anniversary of Smith’s Top 10 single “FRIENDS,” which helped introduce his music to both secular and non-secular audiences.
Artists tapped to perform at the tribute include: Amy Grant, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Wynonna, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, The Oak Ridge Boys, MercyMe, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Donnie McClurkin, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Matt Maher, Matthew West, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band, and more are to be announced soon.
“Michael is a Christian music icon and we can think of no better way to celebrate him than with this star-studded lineup we have put together,” said Outback Concerts’ Morgan Carney. “It’s going to be an event not to be missed, and will be a fantastic celebration of one of the greats.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Michael for over thirty years,” said John Huie, Head of Music at CAA in Nashville. “I’ve seen his music impact people from all walks of life – from Presidents to pedestrians. This celebration of his contributions to music and the impact of the song ‘FRIENDS’ will be very special. It’s been fun watching it come together as so many artists from all genres are anxious to celebrate Michael and his music. An event like this is a first for a Christian artist – and it’s going to be great!”
“Putting a tribute event together can be a tremendous amount of work, unless you are doing a tribute to Christian superstar Michael W. Smith,” said Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group/Ontourage. “I have been a fan and follower of his music and mission in life since he started performing. Every single artist that his manager Chaz and I talked with said yes right away. It is an honor to work alongside Michael, Chaz and the promoter, Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts. One thing we can all promise, and that is this will be a very special, one night only concert, with lots of surprises and magical collaborations.”
Tickets go on sale at 10 am (CT) Friday, December 14 at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena.