Pictured (L-R): David Olney, Phil Madeira
Nashville’s roots-music veterans grab the spotlight in this week’s Americana review column.
Two of them are sharing the Disc of the Day award. One of them is the eternally esteemed David Olney. The other is Phil Madeira, who is taking a radical left turn into jazz with his excellent new project.
Even the DisCovery Award winners have a vet connect. Rolling River Royalty includes Robert Jetton, who has been a Nashville fixture for 40+ years.
Also lending class to this listening session were such old faves as James House and Doug Green (a.k.a Ranger Doug).
JAMES HOUSE & THE BLUES COWBOYS/Long Way Down
Writers: James House; Producer: James House; Publisher: none listed; Producer: James House; Victor (track)
– James has long been a shape shifter. He began as a pop act in the ‘80s, achieved moderate success as country artist in the ‘90s (”This Is Me Missing You”) and then became a highly successful writer for others (”A Broken Wing,” “Ain’t That Lonely Yet,” “In a Week or Two”). Now he’s a steamy blues rocker with a new billing and a new CD. His new voice is a hoarse, strangulated, urgent squall, and the tracks are hot stuff. Recommended.
ROLING RIVER ROYALTY/Pissed
Writers: Robert Jetton/Wen Tilley; Publisher: Rocking Ranchero/Wendell Tilley, BMI; Producer: none listed; Kingfish/New Bohemian
– I am a longtime fan of Nashville singer-songwriter Robert Jetton. His latest project is a collaboration with a neighbor named Wen Tilley. Their debut CD features tunes that “Robo” has written with Dennis Lord and Delbert McClinton, a pair of Haggard covers and two traditional tunes, as well as some of the songs he’s created with his new confederate. This one is tongue-in-cheek honky tonker that will have you tapping your toes and smiling like a loon. The sound is charmingly uncomplicated, clear and clean, featuring tasteful guitar work, lilting mandolin, steel, twang and sweet harmonies.
DON MCLEAN/Botanical Gardens
Writers: Don McLean; Publishers: Benny Bird/Universal; Producers: Mike Severs/Don McLean/Pat Severs; BMG
– The title tune of this veteran’s new CD is a rumbling, echo-y, bluesy rocker. But all the cool, moody production in the world can’t change the fact that he sings in a white-boy folk voice.
BEN DE LA COUR/Dixie Crystals
Writers: Ben de aa Cour; Publisher: Flour Sack Cape, BMI; Producers: Ben de la Cour and Joe Lekkas; Flour Sack Cape
– This Music City sing-songwriter kicks off his new CD, The High Cost of Living Strange, with a bopping, fiddle-soaked, dark little vignette of meth addiction. It’s pretty “noir,” but pretty dang cool.
PHIL MADEIRA/Rich Man’s Town
Writers: Phil Madeira; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Phil Madeira; Mercyland
– This man does so many things well. He’s been a stalwart of Emmylou Harris’s Red Dirt Boys band, an ace session musician, a respected contributor to the CCM genre, a hit Americana music creator and a songwriter for the likes of Alison Krauss, Amy Grant, Toby Keith and The Civil Wars. Now he’s a piano-based jazzman with a CD about the tribulations of his working-class New England homeland. This track is a dazzling accomplishment, just one of many on his Providence collection. Essential.
JOHNNY RIVERS/I Stand Accused
Writers: Jerry Butler/Billy Butler; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Johnny Rivers; Soul City
– This ‘60s pop star has crafted a new EP that collects some of his longtime favorite songs. They come from the likes of Glenn Frey, Jack Tempchin and Roy Orbison. His own ballad, “Land of Dreams,” serves as the title tune. The set kicks off with this languid, soulful take on Jerry Butler’s 1964 oldie.
MISSOURI MILE/Make Me Fall
Writers: Sheena Persons/Sheila Rochelle/Byron Hill; Publishers: Song Source/Triage/Rambler American/DHM, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Byron Hill; BHP
– This sister duo has a flawless vocal-harmony blend and a strummy, acoustic-guitar sound. Think of a more folkie Judds. Their new CD, A Million Miles Away, begins with this gentle, airy, relaxing outing that will pleasantly lull your senses. In case you haven’t heard, their producer and songwriting collaborator, Byron Hill, is most deservedly being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this fall.
RANGER DOUG/The Blue Juniata
Writers: Marian Dix Sullivan; Publishers: public domain; Producer: Joey Miskulin; Rural Rhythm
– No, he hasn’t left Riders In the Sky. In fact, the other members of the group are very much a part of his “solo” Songs of the Frontier album. Four of the selections are traditional cowboy folk songs and all of the rest are so old they’ve slipped into the public domain, including this lovely 1844 tune that begins the proceedings. You’ll take a scenic audio ride into Americana western glories when you spin this disc.
MARK HUFF/Stars For Eyes
Writers: Mark Huff; Publishers: Zero Weather/BMG; SESAC; Producer: Chad Brown; Exodus Empire
– This fellow has been a singer-songwriter on the Nashville scene for about a decade. The title song of his newest CD boasts a sincere, soft, tenor lead vocal and a swirl of layered pop instrumentation. Engaging, if not exactly rootsy.
DAVID OLNEY/This Side Or The Other
Writers: David Olney/Annie McCue/John Hadley; Publishers: Reed Lily/Milkman’s Daughter/Hadley Six, ASCAP/APRA/BMI; Producers: Steve Dawson/DAvid Olney; Black Hen (track)
– This durable troubadour’s troubadour is back with another darkly expressive collection. As always, he is a mountain of vocal charisma as well as a stunning song poet. In addition to a clutch of originals, you’ll find a fascinating cover of The Zombies’ “She’s Not There” on the CD. The title tune waltz speaks of love until death to the accompaniment of sighing steel, chiming guitar and wistful harmonica. Check out the cast — Fats Kaplan, The McCrary Sisters, Charlie McCoy and the man’s own road warriors. This is a record to spend some quality time with, so get in line when it drops a week from Friday.
Dan + Shay Celebrate No. 1 Single “Tequila”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jordan Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Nicolle Galyon. Photo: Ed Rode
Dan+Shay‘s two-week No. 1 single “Tequila” is officially the most-streamed country song released in 2018 to date, it was announced Thursday (Aug. 16).
The streaming achievement comes after the duo welcomed industry members to ASCAP’s Nashville office on Tuesday (Aug. 14) to celebrate the song’s success, followed by a massive, 10,000-person strong party in the heart of the Music Row area.
“Tequila” was penned by Dan+Shay’s Dan Smyers, Nicolle Galyon (celebrating her fourth No. 1 single), and Jordan Reynolds (celebrating his very first No. 1 single as a writer).
Among those at the event were BMI’s David Preston, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Buckeye26’s Wendell Mobley, Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill, MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson, and Warner Music Nashville CEO John Esposito.
Back row: Wes Vause (SVP Publicity, Warner Music Nashville), Shane Tarleton (SVP Creative Services, Warner Music Nashville), Clark Tedesco (Artist Development Manager, Warner Music Nashville), Tim Foisset (VP Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Tom Martens (National Director Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Tom Starr (Regional Manager Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Rohan Kohli (Director A&R, Warner Music Nashville). Front row: Jordan Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Nicolle Galyon. Photo: Ed Rode
Back row: Lisa Ray (Sandbox Entertainment), Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment), Beth Brinker (ASCAP), BJ Hill (VP A&R, Warner/Chappell), Wendell Mobley (Publisher), John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), David Preston (BMI), Mike O’Neill (BMI). Front row: Jordan Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Nicolle Galyon. Photo: Ed Rode
Matt McGinn Extends Publishing Deal With SMACKSongs
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): SMACKSongs’ Josh Osborne, Robin Palmer, Matt McGinn, Shane McAnally, Lee Krabel and Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox
Songwriter and producer Matt McGinn has extended his worldwide publishing agreement with Nashville-based music publishing company, SMACKSongs. The deal, exclusively administered by Kobalt, comes on the heels of McGinn’s back-to-back No. 1 hits recorded by Kane Brown.
“To be able to call SMACK home is such a privilege,” McGinn says. “Not only is it led by two of the greatest songwriters on the planet, but also I get to work with my friends and some of my favorite people on a daily basis. I just can’t believe this is a job.”
McGinn moved from Virginia to Nashville in 2012, landing his first publishing deal with SMACKSongs six months later, and marking Shane McAnally’s first signing at his soon-to-be award-winning publishing powerhouse. During his time at SMACKSongs, McGinn has written songs recorded by Brown, Florida Georgia Line, Walker Hayes, Jake Owen, Carly Pearce, Michael Ray, Cassadee Pope and more. He has also produced forthcoming projects by artists on the rise, including Renee Blair and Teddy Robb.
In 2017, McGinn earned his first No. 1 with Brown’s triple-platinum smash with Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs” which spent five consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He recently earned his second No. 1 with Brown’s double-platinum, two-week chart topper, “Heaven.”
“It’s been so rewarding to see Matt’s growth as a writer and producer since signing him in 2012,” says McAnally. “We are very proud to have him in the SMACK family and are thrilled to continue working with him through this next chapter.”
David Tolliver Extends Agreement With Three Hounds Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Tom Harrison, CEO/Founder, Three Hounds Music; David Tolliver; Tyler Bell, GM, Three Hounds Music
David Tolliver has extended his exclusive publishing agreement with Three Hounds Music. Best known as half of the duo Halfway to Hazard, Tolliver is also a veteran songwriter. Along with co-writing the majority of Halfway to Hazard’s three albums, he has also had cuts by Tim McGraw, Jerrod Niemann, Brantley Gilbert, Wynonna, Neal McCoy and numerous others.
“I’m so happy to be part of the Three Hounds Music family,” Tolliver says. “Tom Harrison and Tyler Bell are good people, they believe in me and I’m looking forward to a great future with them.”
Three Hounds Music is also home to writers Sarah Beth Terry and Bobby Terry.
DISClaimer: Roots Music Veterans Take The Spotlight
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): David Olney, Phil Madeira
Nashville’s roots-music veterans grab the spotlight in this week’s Americana review column.
Two of them are sharing the Disc of the Day award. One of them is the eternally esteemed David Olney. The other is Phil Madeira, who is taking a radical left turn into jazz with his excellent new project.
Even the DisCovery Award winners have a vet connect. Rolling River Royalty includes Robert Jetton, who has been a Nashville fixture for 40+ years.
Also lending class to this listening session were such old faves as James House and Doug Green (a.k.a Ranger Doug).
JAMES HOUSE & THE BLUES COWBOYS/Long Way Down
Writers: James House; Producer: James House; Publisher: none listed; Producer: James House; Victor (track)
– James has long been a shape shifter. He began as a pop act in the ‘80s, achieved moderate success as country artist in the ‘90s (”This Is Me Missing You”) and then became a highly successful writer for others (”A Broken Wing,” “Ain’t That Lonely Yet,” “In a Week or Two”). Now he’s a steamy blues rocker with a new billing and a new CD. His new voice is a hoarse, strangulated, urgent squall, and the tracks are hot stuff. Recommended.
ROLING RIVER ROYALTY/Pissed
Writers: Robert Jetton/Wen Tilley; Publisher: Rocking Ranchero/Wendell Tilley, BMI; Producer: none listed; Kingfish/New Bohemian
– I am a longtime fan of Nashville singer-songwriter Robert Jetton. His latest project is a collaboration with a neighbor named Wen Tilley. Their debut CD features tunes that “Robo” has written with Dennis Lord and Delbert McClinton, a pair of Haggard covers and two traditional tunes, as well as some of the songs he’s created with his new confederate. This one is tongue-in-cheek honky tonker that will have you tapping your toes and smiling like a loon. The sound is charmingly uncomplicated, clear and clean, featuring tasteful guitar work, lilting mandolin, steel, twang and sweet harmonies.
DON MCLEAN/Botanical Gardens
Writers: Don McLean; Publishers: Benny Bird/Universal; Producers: Mike Severs/Don McLean/Pat Severs; BMG
– The title tune of this veteran’s new CD is a rumbling, echo-y, bluesy rocker. But all the cool, moody production in the world can’t change the fact that he sings in a white-boy folk voice.
BEN DE LA COUR/Dixie Crystals
Writers: Ben de aa Cour; Publisher: Flour Sack Cape, BMI; Producers: Ben de la Cour and Joe Lekkas; Flour Sack Cape
– This Music City sing-songwriter kicks off his new CD, The High Cost of Living Strange, with a bopping, fiddle-soaked, dark little vignette of meth addiction. It’s pretty “noir,” but pretty dang cool.
PHIL MADEIRA/Rich Man’s Town
Writers: Phil Madeira; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Phil Madeira; Mercyland
– This man does so many things well. He’s been a stalwart of Emmylou Harris’s Red Dirt Boys band, an ace session musician, a respected contributor to the CCM genre, a hit Americana music creator and a songwriter for the likes of Alison Krauss, Amy Grant, Toby Keith and The Civil Wars. Now he’s a piano-based jazzman with a CD about the tribulations of his working-class New England homeland. This track is a dazzling accomplishment, just one of many on his Providence collection. Essential.
JOHNNY RIVERS/I Stand Accused
Writers: Jerry Butler/Billy Butler; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Johnny Rivers; Soul City
– This ‘60s pop star has crafted a new EP that collects some of his longtime favorite songs. They come from the likes of Glenn Frey, Jack Tempchin and Roy Orbison. His own ballad, “Land of Dreams,” serves as the title tune. The set kicks off with this languid, soulful take on Jerry Butler’s 1964 oldie.
MISSOURI MILE/Make Me Fall
Writers: Sheena Persons/Sheila Rochelle/Byron Hill; Publishers: Song Source/Triage/Rambler American/DHM, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Byron Hill; BHP
– This sister duo has a flawless vocal-harmony blend and a strummy, acoustic-guitar sound. Think of a more folkie Judds. Their new CD, A Million Miles Away, begins with this gentle, airy, relaxing outing that will pleasantly lull your senses. In case you haven’t heard, their producer and songwriting collaborator, Byron Hill, is most deservedly being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this fall.
RANGER DOUG/The Blue Juniata
Writers: Marian Dix Sullivan; Publishers: public domain; Producer: Joey Miskulin; Rural Rhythm
– No, he hasn’t left Riders In the Sky. In fact, the other members of the group are very much a part of his “solo” Songs of the Frontier album. Four of the selections are traditional cowboy folk songs and all of the rest are so old they’ve slipped into the public domain, including this lovely 1844 tune that begins the proceedings. You’ll take a scenic audio ride into Americana western glories when you spin this disc.
MARK HUFF/Stars For Eyes
Writers: Mark Huff; Publishers: Zero Weather/BMG; SESAC; Producer: Chad Brown; Exodus Empire
– This fellow has been a singer-songwriter on the Nashville scene for about a decade. The title song of his newest CD boasts a sincere, soft, tenor lead vocal and a swirl of layered pop instrumentation. Engaging, if not exactly rootsy.
DAVID OLNEY/This Side Or The Other
Writers: David Olney/Annie McCue/John Hadley; Publishers: Reed Lily/Milkman’s Daughter/Hadley Six, ASCAP/APRA/BMI; Producers: Steve Dawson/DAvid Olney; Black Hen (track)
– This durable troubadour’s troubadour is back with another darkly expressive collection. As always, he is a mountain of vocal charisma as well as a stunning song poet. In addition to a clutch of originals, you’ll find a fascinating cover of The Zombies’ “She’s Not There” on the CD. The title tune waltz speaks of love until death to the accompaniment of sighing steel, chiming guitar and wistful harmonica. Check out the cast — Fats Kaplan, The McCrary Sisters, Charlie McCoy and the man’s own road warriors. This is a record to spend some quality time with, so get in line when it drops a week from Friday.
Kelly Bolton Named VP/Creative At Tape Room Music
/by Lorie HollabaughKelly Bolton
Kelly Bolton has joined Tape Room Music as VP of Creative. The Lexington, Kentucky native joins the Tape Room staff after previous stops at Big Deal Music and Black River Publishing, where she served as Creative Director.
“I’m so excited to have Kelly on board. She’s the perfect fit for our roster and our staff and I look forward to watching her help our company grow. Go Big Blue!”, says Tape Room Founder Ashley Gorley.
“We are pumped to add Kelly to the family! Her A&R abilities and passion for working with creatives made her an obvious choice as we continue building Tape Room Music,” says Blain Rhodes, Tape Room GM.
“I am excited to begin my next chapter at Tape Room Music, joining this innovative team created by Ashley and Blain. I can’t wait to get to work with the extremely talented writers.” says Bolton.
Gorley launched Tape Room Music in 2011 and since then, Tape Room writers have accounted for 16 No. 1 songs and numerous top ten singles by artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Dustin Lynch and many more.
Bolton can be reached at kelly@taperoommusic.com
Clarence Spalding Bonus Q&A: On Launching Brooks & Dunn, Management Philosophy
/by Eric T. ParkerMusicRow featured Maverick manager Clarence Spalding in its latest Artist Roster print magazine, an industry directory detailing the team members behind Nashville artists.
In this bonus web Q&A Spalding discusses his 40-year career in the music business, currently managing Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Brooks and Dunn, Terri Clark, Darius Rucker, Rachel Wammack, and more. For more from Spalding’s interview, pick up a print copy of MusicRow’s Artist Roster issue, or subscribe here.
– – –
On Launching Brooks & Dunn:
Bob Titley signed Brooks & Dunn in 1991. I had been working for Stan Moress. We managed Eddie Rabbitt, K.T. Oslin, Lorrie Morgan, Don Williams, Clint Black, Ronnie Milsap and more. Kix and Ronnie were the third act on the Reba tour, and I got a call that Bob was looking for someone. We partnered for 10 years until Bob decided he didn’t want to be in the business. So I formed Spalding Entertainment with [my first artists] Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn and Terri Clark. Marne McLyman has been the longest-standing employee. She’s been here 13 years, since she graduated Belmont. She currently handles Reba and Brooks & Dunn.
On Incorporating Big Loud In To The Maverick Fold:
I think Chief and Seth [England] are the type of managers that will benefit most from Maverick. They’re young, aggressive and have acts that love playing in the pop world. If you’re interested in that, there’s no better place to be than with the managers who have the biggest pop acts in the world.
I try to keep my door open because different staff members will come in and lay on the couch with their computers, and ask questions—feeding off each other. A Jason Aldean question can educate you on a lot of subjects because he’s playing at such a high level.
I always stress, every morning you get to wake up and play in a major league ballpark. We should be grateful, but with that comes a responsibility to bust your ass every day…to pay attention, listen and focus—all the things it takes to be a great manager. Then it takes luck. You need a kiss every now and then to break through.
On Ex-employee And Now CEO/Chairman, Sony Records Nashville Randy Goodman:
Randy is a forward, critical thinker. He was great when he was here. I’m not sure he enjoyed management as much as we enjoyed having him here. You see him now…He’s cut out to be a great label person, and I’m damn sure ecstatic he’s running Sony and they’re on top of their game.
On A Together In Vegas Extension:
[Caesars] talking to us about a [2019 extension. Reba, Kix and Ronnie] love doing it. I would have bet a lot of money that we would have done it for one term and they would say, ‘We’ve had enough of Vegas….’ They don’t even leave! They go for two weeks—fly on Wednesday and come home on Sunday—taking advantage of being on the west coast. They eat, golf, run, Ronnie’s always taking the bus out to shoot photos. All of them invite family, friends. It’s like a family reunion back stage. They’ve approached it from the right way, which kind of surprised me.
Africa wasn’t on my bucket list, but Reba had been twice. She was the only one who had—so she put it together. She called my wife and I think Ann had it in her head it was going to be in tents. Reba said, ‘We’re gonna be in lodges!” There were nine total. It was Mike Dungan and his wife Jane, Shane Tarleton, Joe Galante and his wife Fran and then Reba’s boyfriend Skeeter. They said it was during [CMA] music fest, and I said, ‘I’ll do that.’ I called Dungan and used that as a selling point. That’s when you find out if you’re really needed.
But Africa was phenomenal. I’d go back.
T-Mobile To Offer Free Pandora Plus, Live Nation Concert Perks For Customers
/by Eric T. ParkerT-Mobile Pres./COO, Mike Sievert. Photo: Sean Rayford/AP Images for T-Mobile
T-Mobile customers will now receive a free, one year Pandora Plus subscription and exclusive magenta benefits at Live Nation concerts.
The announcement, made Wednesday (Aug. 15), is part of the provider’s “Un-carrier” campaign, which eliminated contracts, subsidized phones and many fees for customers after the 2013 roll-out.
Courtesy of T-Mobile, affiliates receive one year of Pandora Plus streaming service in the U.S. In another first for the Un-carrier, T-Mobile announced an exclusive multi-year partnership with Live Nation, giving Un-carrier customers access to last-minute reserve seats in sold-out sections and discounted tickets at Live Nation amphitheater and arena concerts.
“Our customers get treated like rock stars with Team of Experts, and we believe they ought to be treated like that everywhere they go,” said Mike Sievert, President and COO at T-Mobile. “Music connects us, so we’re connecting our rock star customers with exclusive magenta extras at Live Nation events and with Pandora. Now, when they turn on their tunes or head to a show, they’ll get an elevated experience, just for being with T-Mobile. We’re always looking to thank our customers in bigger, bolder ways…this latest move is no exception – and we won’t stop!”
Industry Ink: Brett Eldredge, Sony Music Nashville, Grin Like A Dog Songs
/by Jessica NicholsonBrett Eldredge Enjoys Platinum Certifications
While Edgar enjoys the dog days of summer, country star Brett Eldredge celebrates the Platinum certifications of his No. 1 hits “Mean To Me” and “Lose My Mind.” Eldredge is currently climbing the singles and sales charts with “Love Someone,” a song he recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! He is prepping for the second leg of his The Long Way Tour, which kicks off Sept. 13 in Denver, Colorado.
Sony Music Nashville Promotes Liz Cost
Liz Cost
Sony Music Nashville EVP of Marketing and New Business John Zarling announces the promotion of Liz Cost to Associate Director, Marketing, Sony Music Nashville. Cost is responsible for the strategy, development and execution of marketing plans for her portion of the label group’s roster.
Grin Like A Dog Songs Signs Emily Minor
Leslie Mitchell, Emily Minor
Grin Like A Dog Songs has signed North Carolina native Emily Minor for management representation.
“I first saw Emily perform in a writer’s round at a venue in town and was immediately captivated,” says Grin Like A Dog Songs’ Leslie Mitchell. “I could not believe that someone with her voice, songs, talent and beauty had not been signed. As it turns out, Emily was so busy touring that she rarely played in Nashville. I was lucky to walk in and see her on one of those nights.”
Grin Like A Dog is an independent music publishing and artist management company based in Nashville. Leslie Mitchell has worked in the music industry for over 10 years in various roles including publishing, A&R, and artist management.
Badflower To Open Tour Dates For From Ashes To New
/by Lorie HollabaughBadflower are set to tour with From Ashes To New on their The Future Is Now Tour 2018. The Fall dates kick off Sept. 16 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and tickets for all shows are on sale now at badflowermusic.com.
The band, the first act signed to Big Machine/John Varvatos Records, had their single “Ghost” hit Top 10 at Rock radio, and the video for the song surpassed one million views on YouTube. The track is currently on playlists like Apple Music’s A-list Rock, Spotify’s Rock Hard and Amazon’s Introducing Rock.
Badflower has also been added to the lineup for iHeartRadio Music Festival in Vegas on Sept. 22, the Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 28 and Rock Allegiance in Camden, New Jersey on Oct. 6.
Badflower Tour Dates
September 2 – Tucson, AZ – The Rock
September 5 – Lubbock, TX – Jake’s Backroom
September 7 – Baton Rouge, LA – The Texas Club
September 10 – St. Louis, MO – The Ready Room
September 13 – St. Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall
September 15 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest Chicago**
September 16 – Spartanburg, SC – Ground Zero*
September 17 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks*
September 19 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum*
September 20 – Destin, FL – Club LA*
September 22 – Paradise, NV – Toshiba Plaza**
September 25 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note*
September 27 – Ringle, WI – Q & Z Expo Center*
September 28 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life at Champions Park**
September 30 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Piere’s Entertainment Center*
October 02 – Joliet, IL – The Forge*
October 03 – Belvidere, IL – The Apollo Theatre*
October 04 – Detroit, MI – Shelter*
October 06 – Camden, NJ – Monster Energy Rock Allegiance**
October 09 – Watertown, NY – Exhibition Hall*
October 10 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall*
October 11 – Sturgis, MI – Nikki’s*
October 12 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon*
October 14 – Springfield, MO – The Complex*
October 25 – Grand Prairie – Freaker’s Ball**
October 26 – Amarillo, TX – XR Club
* From Ashes To New Tour
** Festival Dates
California Country Music Venue The Palomino Club To Ride Again For Benefit Concert
/by Jessica NicholsonRevered California music venue The Palomino Club, which closed in 1995, will re-open on Oct. 8 for a one-night benefit concert.
The event aims to raise funds for the Valley Relics Museum, and will welcome artists including Palomino veterans Jim Lauderdale, Rosie Flores, James Intveld and his Honky Tonk Palominos, as well as members from the original Palomino Riders house band. Original Barn Dance founder Ronnie Mack, who hosted a monthly showcase there until it closed, will help to MC the event.
“The Palomino was the most important music venue for country music after the Ryman Auditorium,” Intveld says. “Country music stars from Buck Owens to Merle Haggard and Gram Parsons to Dwight Yoakam recognized the difference in the freedom, lifestyle and the California upbeat sound that originated out here where the Palomino was its headquarters.”
Located in a working class area of Los Angeles, The Palomino Club welcomed artists including Johnny Cash, Rose Maddox, Buck Owens, Glen Campbell, Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Linda Ronstadt. Other artists including Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, George Harrison, and John Fogerty also gave impromptu performances.
Flores adds, “The Palomino was an integral part of my social and musical life. I saw some of my biggest Honky Tonk influences there; owner Tommy Thomas gave me my first break after I won the talent contest four time in a row. I’m thrilled to be part of a special evening with my fellow songwriters and musicians from the best times in my life.”
In addition to the concert performances, the Palomino Rides Again fundraiser will feature a BBQ dinner, as well as numerous artifacts from the museum’s collection of country music and Hollywood history including original pieces from the Palomino, Nudie Cohen items, and one of the famous “Nudie Mobile” cars. Music memorabilia and specially donated items will also be available for auction.
“The roots of California’s country music scene were first planted in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley,” said museum founder Tommy Gelinas. “No place represented that more closely than the legendary Palomino Club so we’re thrilled to show off memorabilia that hasn’t been seen in almost 40 years.”
Other Palomino Club-themed events, to celebrate the venue’s 70th anniversary and California’s country music legacy, will be announced in the coming months including a panel discussion during AmericanaFest® 2018 with artists who played at The Palomino.
For more, visit thepalominoclub.com.