Kenny Chesney on the afternoon of Aug. 11, prior to his show at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. Photo: Kenny Chesney/Instagram
“Music and songs are the most powerful thing we have,” country music superstar Kenny Chesney told the record-breaking crowd of 55,182 fans (besting One Direction’s 2014 Nissan Stadium record of 54,249) that packed Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on Saturday (Aug. 11), the setting for the 16th stop on his Trip Around The Sun Tour. “This is beautiful.”
This Hillbilly Rockstar was in full control of his stadium-sized legion of fans as he offered a 20+ song set, filled with hits from a career that has spanned more than two decades.
“I haven’t played this stadium in six years and I apologize for it,” Chesney told the crowd.
All was clearly forgiven, as the audience stood at attention throughout a set that ranged from 1998’s “How Forever Feels” to his latest chart-topper “Get Along.”
Throughout the energetic two-hour performance, Chesney worked every part of the massive stage, dancing, grinning, running and generally staying as close as possible to his No Shoes Nation. He led the audience in hit after hit, including “Livin’ In Fast Forward,” “Beer In Mexico,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” and more.
Though temperatures in Nashville hovered in the 80s well into the evening, Chesney never left the stage. Before he reached the second half of the set, Chesney’s signature tank and jeans were clearly soaked with sweat, both from the heat and from a concert that is essentially a rigorous two-hour cardio workout for the superstar.
Two large video screens followed his every move, in addition to a video screen that flashed scenes from various music videos. During “Young,” the screens showcased photos from Chesney’s own childhood, including his early performances and sports games.
The moody “Somewhere With You” offered the first slow burn of the concert, strategically placed nearly 10 songs into the show. The placement of the show’s scarce quiet moments heightened the pure emotional connection between fans and superstar. Midway through “Anything But Mine,” Chesney allowed the audience to take over the chorus, while he ended the song with only his warm baritone left convey the song’s nostalgia.
Chesney showcased members of his ace band throughout the evening, highlighted by his collaboration of “Setting The World On Fire’ with bassist and vocalist Harmoni Kelley. With her powerful, edgy voice, she more than held her own center stage, while Chesney offered his vocals from the catwalk, shaking hands with fans.
He also welcomed the evening’s openers, Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion, and Brandon Lay back to the stage at various points. Thomas Rhett collaborated on “When The Sun Goes Down,” while Lay sang on “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” During “Save It For A Rainy Day,” Chesney traded lines with Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi and Matt Ramsey, who co-wrote the 2015 Chesney hit with the late Andrew Dorff.
David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney.
As he has done for several shows on his Trip Around The Sun Tour, Chesney welcomed David Lee Murphy to perform two of his signature ‘90s hits, “Dust On The Bottle” and “Party Crowd.” The two also offered their recent chart-topping collaboration, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” Chesney and Murphy were in Nashville earlier this week to celebrate the No. 1 single with industry members, but Saturday evening they shared the song’s uplifting message, and their longstanding friendship, with the fans.
Saturday night’s stadium show reached a pinnacle with the duet, which served as a swirling anthem of hope.
“Let us help you forget whatever it is, and just live in this music, this moment.” Tennessee native Chesney urged the crowd, with the sincerity of a southern preacher, using music to spread his musical message of love, hope, sunshine, and good times.
LANCO Plans First Headlining Tour For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughThe band will hit 14 cities on the new tour, before closing out the run where it all began for the band, in Nashville, with a show at the Cannery Ballroom Dec. 7. The first tickets to select cities will be available to the “FANCO” fan club members tomorrow (Aug. 14) before tickets go on sale to the public Friday (Aug. 17) at fanco.lancomusic.
“This is a brand new show we’ve put together for our fans and it will be the first time we get to play Hallelujah Nights in its entirety,” said lead singer Brandon Lancaster. “This year has been full of so many incredible firsts for us, and we’ve learned so much out on the road about ourselves and about what our people want and expect from us. We can’t wait to play these songs and share their stories from front to back that represent the core of LANCO.”
Kenny Chesney Offers Hits, Hope And Unity During Nashville Show
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Chesney on the afternoon of Aug. 11, prior to his show at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. Photo: Kenny Chesney/Instagram
“Music and songs are the most powerful thing we have,” country music superstar Kenny Chesney told the record-breaking crowd of 55,182 fans (besting One Direction’s 2014 Nissan Stadium record of 54,249) that packed Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on Saturday (Aug. 11), the setting for the 16th stop on his Trip Around The Sun Tour. “This is beautiful.”
This Hillbilly Rockstar was in full control of his stadium-sized legion of fans as he offered a 20+ song set, filled with hits from a career that has spanned more than two decades.
“I haven’t played this stadium in six years and I apologize for it,” Chesney told the crowd.
All was clearly forgiven, as the audience stood at attention throughout a set that ranged from 1998’s “How Forever Feels” to his latest chart-topper “Get Along.”
Throughout the energetic two-hour performance, Chesney worked every part of the massive stage, dancing, grinning, running and generally staying as close as possible to his No Shoes Nation. He led the audience in hit after hit, including “Livin’ In Fast Forward,” “Beer In Mexico,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” and more.
Though temperatures in Nashville hovered in the 80s well into the evening, Chesney never left the stage. Before he reached the second half of the set, Chesney’s signature tank and jeans were clearly soaked with sweat, both from the heat and from a concert that is essentially a rigorous two-hour cardio workout for the superstar.
Two large video screens followed his every move, in addition to a video screen that flashed scenes from various music videos. During “Young,” the screens showcased photos from Chesney’s own childhood, including his early performances and sports games.
The moody “Somewhere With You” offered the first slow burn of the concert, strategically placed nearly 10 songs into the show. The placement of the show’s scarce quiet moments heightened the pure emotional connection between fans and superstar. Midway through “Anything But Mine,” Chesney allowed the audience to take over the chorus, while he ended the song with only his warm baritone left convey the song’s nostalgia.
Chesney showcased members of his ace band throughout the evening, highlighted by his collaboration of “Setting The World On Fire’ with bassist and vocalist Harmoni Kelley. With her powerful, edgy voice, she more than held her own center stage, while Chesney offered his vocals from the catwalk, shaking hands with fans.
He also welcomed the evening’s openers, Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion, and Brandon Lay back to the stage at various points. Thomas Rhett collaborated on “When The Sun Goes Down,” while Lay sang on “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” During “Save It For A Rainy Day,” Chesney traded lines with Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi and Matt Ramsey, who co-wrote the 2015 Chesney hit with the late Andrew Dorff.
David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney.
As he has done for several shows on his Trip Around The Sun Tour, Chesney welcomed David Lee Murphy to perform two of his signature ‘90s hits, “Dust On The Bottle” and “Party Crowd.” The two also offered their recent chart-topping collaboration, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” Chesney and Murphy were in Nashville earlier this week to celebrate the No. 1 single with industry members, but Saturday evening they shared the song’s uplifting message, and their longstanding friendship, with the fans.
Saturday night’s stadium show reached a pinnacle with the duet, which served as a swirling anthem of hope.
“Let us help you forget whatever it is, and just live in this music, this moment.” Tennessee native Chesney urged the crowd, with the sincerity of a southern preacher, using music to spread his musical message of love, hope, sunshine, and good times.
Industry Pics: Luke Combs, Brett Eldredge, Mitchell Tenpenny
/by Haley CrowLuke Combs Honors Co-Writers On Opry Stage
Luke Combs teamed with the Grand Ole Opry to create a rare and matchless moment on the Opry stage Tuesday night (Aug. 7). Combs, who debuted on the Opry stage in 2016, chose to honor the collaborating songwriters from his Platinum-selling debut album This One’s For You and deluxe album This One’s For You Too to step into the circle and perform with him—turning the legendary stage into an unrivaled songwriting round reminiscent of where it all began for these songwriting friends. Several of the writers—Wyatt B. Durrette, Rob Synder, and Channing Wilson—appeared on the Opry for the first time with Combs, while Randy Montana, Jonathan Singleton, and Rob Williford were welcomed back to the stage to perform with Combs on hits they’d co-written.
Brett Eldredge Performs On Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Pictured (L-R): Michael Levine (KKGO); Chad Schultz (VP Radio Marketing, WMN); Rick Young (Manager Regional Radio & Streaming, WMN); Gator Harrison (WSIX); Brett Eldredge; Rod Phillips (iHeartCountry); Rob Baker (Longshot Management); Zorbey Ozdilek.
Brett Eldredge took the outdoor stage at Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wednesday night (Aug. 8) for a set that included his chart-topping hit “The Long Way” and brand new single “Love Someone.” Fans can catch his CMT Crossroads event with Meghan Trainor airing on Sept. 3.
Mitchell Tenpenny Visits Academy of Country Music
Pictured (L-R): Allen Brown, Sony Music Nashville; Jen Way, Sony Music Nashville; Mitchell Tenpenny; Lisa Lee, ACM SVP, Creative & Content; Kristen Ashley, Riser House. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music® welcomed Riser House/Columbia Nashville recording artist Mitchell Tenpenny to the office while he was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Tenpenny performed his current rising single, “Drunk Me,” from his self-titled EP, Mitchell Tenpenny and previewed a few tracks from his upcoming album.
Click here to watch a video from Tenpenny’s visit featuring an exclusive interview and clips from his performance.
Adam Hood’s ‘Somewhere In Between’ Coming In October
/by Jessica NicholsonAs a writer for Grammy award-winning producer Dave Cobb‘s Low Country Sound, Adam Hood is most known for his songs recorded by Miranda Lambert, Brent Cobb, Anderson East, Lee Ann Womack and Little Big Town, and after years of writing for others, Somewhere in Between, is an album that finally finds Hood telling his own story. Due Oct. 12 on Hood’s label Southern Songs, the deeply autobiographical record features Hood writing or co-writing 10 of the record’s 11 tracks alongside friends Pat McLaughlin, Brent Cobb, who appears on the electrified “She Don’t Love Me,” and Josh Abbott.
Teaming up with friend and producer Oran Thornton (Miranda Lambert ‘Revolution,’ Eric Church ‘Caught In The Act: Live,’ Angaleena Presley ‘Wrangled’), Hood recorded most of the album live at Nashville’s Sound Emporium Studios over two quick days. His goal was to create something that reflected the raw, real sound of his concerts, where overdubs and unlimited takes are never an option. The result is a record that reflects Hood’s Opelika, Alabama-bred working class roots, mixing the upbeat thrill of roadhouse roots-rock songs with the contemplative, stripped-down sway of country ballads.
Joining him in the studio were guitarist Pat McLaughlin, bassist Lex Price, and drummer Jerry Roe. Hood celebrates America’s rural pockets with songs like “Keeping Me Here” and “Real Small Town,” two songs filled with images of main streets, open landscapes, hard times, and good people. A dedicated family man, Hood wrote “Locomotive” — a heartland anthem, full of Telecaster twang and sunny swagger — after watching his young daughter develop her motor skills while playing with a set of blocks, and balancing his life as a relentless road-warrior, Hood penned highway ballad “Downturn” about a life filled with wanderlust and long drives from gig to gig.
Somewhere In Between Tracklist:
1. Heart of a Queen (Adam Hood, Ben Danaher)
2. She Don’t Love Me (ft. Brent Cobb) (Adam Hood, Brent Cobb, Josh Abbott)
3. Alabama Moon (Adam Hood, Pat McLaughlin)
4. Downturn (Adam Hood, Jason Eady)
5. The Weekend (Adam Hood, Pat McLaughlin)
6. Bayou Girl (Willis Alan Ramsey)
7. Easy Way (Adam Hood, Pat McLaughlin)
8. Locomotive (Adam Hood, Jason Saenz)
9. Keeping Me Here (Adam Hood, Jason Saenz, Oran Thornton, Jared Hicks)
10. Real Small Town (Adam Hood, William Clark Green)
11. Confederate Rose (Adam Hood, Pat McLaughlin)
Bobby Karl Works Jason Aldean’s 20th No. 1 Celebration
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): Songwriter Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP/Tree Vibez Music), Artist/Songwriter Morgan Wallen (BMI/Big Loud), Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley (BMI/Big Loud) and Tyler Hubbard (BMI/Big Loud), Michael Knox (Producer). Photo: Steve Lowry
Chapter 598
The party was billed as a celebration of the 20th No. 1 hit by Jason Aldean, but the real attraction for me was a look at the latest country-star honky-tonk on Lower Broadway.
The first thing to know is that Jason’s joint is HUGE. It’s a $32 million investment for its owners and encompasses 27,000 square feet, six bars, multiple music stages and three rooftop venues.
Décor touches include stone-walled lighted stairways, rustic wood walls, tin ceilings, neon signs, video walls showing sporting events, antique metal ad logos and a Jason photo wall of his memories. We partied on the top level, which featured a vintage Ford pickup shell mounted on a seven-foot-tall ledge.
This floor featured two levels of rooftop, each with its own bar. Half of the rooftop area is covered, which was good, because it rained briefly.
ASCAP and BMI hosted the event, while RIAA president Mitch Glazier surprised Aldean with the news that “You Make It Easy” is the first country song to reach Platinum status in 2018. He was also awarded a Gold certification for his recently-released album Rearview Town, making it the first country album released this year to reach that mark.
Jason’s 20th No. 1 is “You Make It Easy,” penned by Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Morgan Wallen and Jordan Schmidt. Florida Georgia Line’s Kelley and Hubbard, who are both signed to Big Loud for publishing, were on hand to celebrate the chart-topping single, and to support co-writer Schmidt, who is signed to FGL’s publishing company Tree Vibez.
Following multiple plaque presentations, Aldean mingled freely with the guests. That was good, too. Brandi Simms, Earle Simmons, Chris Parr, Chris Oglesby, Jody Williams, Andrew Kintz, Clarence Spalding, Lisa Konicki, Michael Knox, Brendan Oliver, David Preston, Tom Roland, Kos Weaver and more mingled along with the star. We all got party favors, little sacks full of “whiskey stones.” They bore Jason’s Georgia-shaped logo.
The Ford truck isn’t the only vehicle on display. Floors two and three of the venue are combined into one massive entertainment space, and it features a 1961 “Big Green Tractor” bar. What must be the largest John Deere machine ever manufactured is situated with its giant rear tires, up-high seat and front section intact. Where the motor should be is a rack of liquor bottles. Oh, heck, the rest is too complicated to describe. Just go see it. This level also features a roof bar.
The first floor features a 1960 chopped, powder-blue Cadillac mounted above the bar. Like the other levels, this one also has an excellent stage for performances.
Since the venue is officially called Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, I thought it was odd that no food was served. Just for the record, the menu includes catfish sliders, steak, pork chops, salmon, meatloaf, pot roast, salads, burgers, hot chicken, mac & cheese, hot dogs, fried bologna and pasta.
I am told that Jason Alden’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar has been packed with fans ever since it had its soft opening last spring.
Pictured (L-R): Rick Shedd (BBRMG), Jason Aldean, Mitch Glazier (RIAA President), Liz Kennedy (RIAA Director, Communications), Jon Loba (BBRMG). Photo: Steve Lowry
Rhett Walker Band’s Self-Titled EP Out Today
/by Lorie HollabaughThe six-song EP features the debut single “Say Hello,” and its follow-up, “Like Your Father Does,” which the band debuted on the Grand Ole Opry, their tenth appearance on the show, earlier this summer. The EP is the follow-up to their albums Come To The River (2012) and Here’s To The Ones (2014).
In support of the new album release, yesterday the band performed “Say Hello” on Nashville’s “Today In Nashville,” which aired live on the NBC affiliate WSMV. This fall, they will hit the road with 7eventh Time Down and visit cities including Fayetteville, NC, New Bedford, MA, Paoli, PA and more through October 28.
September 20 Rome City, IN
September 21 Point Pleasant, WV
September 22 Paoli, PA
October 3 Winston Salem, NC
October 6 Fayetteville, NC
October 11 Spencer, WV
October 12 Ephrata, PA
October 18 Collinsville, IL
October 19 Clinton, MO
October 20 Paragould, AR
October 25 New Bedford, MA
October 26 Auburn, ME
October 27 Montgomery, NY
October 28 Sewell, NJ
Sony Music Nashville Elevates Alli Champagne To Director, Legal & Business Affairs
/by Jessica NicholsonAlli Champagne
Alli Champagne has been promoted to Director, Legal & Business Affairs, at Sony Music Nashville. Reporting directly to SVP, Legal & Business Affairs Angie Magill, Champagne will continue handling contract negotiations in connection with the label’s artist roster, serving as counsel to all label departments, and as Sony Music Nashville’s Radio Compliance Officer.
Champagne, who joined Sony Music Nashville in 2014, was previously with Viacom/CMT’s Legal & Business Affairs team, prior to which she practiced entertainment law and copyright infringement litigation for various Nashville based law firms. Champagne is a Music Business graduate of Belmont University, as well as Pepperdine University School of Law where she received Certification in Entertainment, Intellectual Property, & Technology Law, and served as editor for the Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship and the Law.
Champagne can be contacted at alli.champagne@sonymusic.com.
The War And Treaty’s ‘Healing Tide’ Rolls In Today
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 11 songs on Healing Tide were written solely by Michael and feature Tanya (vocals), Michael (vocals, piano, Wurlitzer, Rhodes) and Miller (guitars, banjo) as well as Brady Blade (drums), Adam Chaffins (bass), Jim Hoke (organ, saxophone, autoharp, harmonica), Russ Pahl (pedal steel, banjo), Sam Bush (fiddle), Bill Huber (trombone), Matt Slocum (cello) and special guest vocalist Emmylou Harris on “Here Is Where the Loving Is At.”
The duo will tour throughout 2018 including upcoming festival stops at Fayetteville Roots Festival, Moon River Music Festival and a triumphant return to AmericanaFest in Nashville, where the two first made headlines after a breakthrough performance at the 2017 Americana Music Festival & Conference when they stepped in to fill in for an ill Buddy Miller.
Centricity Music’s Caitie Hurst Releases Debut EP
/by Jessica NicholsonCentricity Music artist Caitie Hurst releases her first EP today (Aug. 10), How Could I Be Silent. Each of the project’s seven tracks were written or co-written by Hurst.
Hurst worked with several producers and writers including Cody Fry (Ben Rector), Ground Control (Apollo LTD), Colby Wedgeworth (Jordan Feliz, Zach Williams), Justin Morgan (Audio Adrenaline), and Riley Friesen (Brandon Heath, Matt Hammitt). The title track has made its way to the No. 2 spot on the CHR Indicator chart, and currently stands at No. 4 on the Hot AC chart.
Hurst will go on tours this fall with both NewSong and Unspoken, followed by a slot on For King and Country at Christmastime’s tour.
How Could I Be Silent Track Listing:
1. How Could I Be Silent
2. Walkin’ On The Water
3. Nothing To Hide
4. Answers
5. Lights
6. Wanderer
7. Signs
Tri Star To Host American Red Cross Blood Drive August 21
/by Lorie HollabaughBlood donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and more donations are needed now to help prevent the suffering a blood shortage can cause, so Tri Star is encouraging members of the Nashville music community to come on over to their offices at 11 Music Circle South and help. The goal for this year’s drive is to fill 33 slots and gather 27 units of blood.
The Red Cross Blood Drive truck will be located in the back parking lot of the Tri Star offices, and a schedule sign-up sheet with appointment times is available here. Food will be served during the drive as well, and industry members are encouraged to come by and participate. For any questions, contact Morgan Nellis at morgan@team-tristar.com or (615) 513-0712.