Jason Aldean performing at Atlanta’s Suntrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday, July 21, 2018.
Georgia native Jason Aldean took over Atlanta Braves SunTrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday (July 21) with opening acts, Lauren Alaina, Luke Combs, and a rare performance from Hootie & The Blowfish.
Inclement weather delays Jason Aldean performance at Atlanta’s Suntrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday, July 21, 2018.
The High Noon Neon Tour stop at Atlanta Braves new SunTrust Park stadium began with Aldean rocking the venue with “Gettin’ Warmed Up” and “Take a Little Ride” but not before a storm delay temporarily evacuated fans to interior shelter. While the dark skies looked precarious, the bad weather never arrived and after an hour or so, the show went on as planned.
Aldean delivered his many hits such as “Tattoos on This Town,” “Any Ol’ Barstool,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” and “Lights Come On,” to a very energetic crowd singing every word. He also peppered into his set with songs from his new album Rearview Town including “You Make It Easy” and his current single, “Drowns the Whiskey” with the song’s featured artist, Miranda Lambert shown on giant video walls.
“Playing SunTrust was one of those nights I’ll never forget,” said Aldean. “So many friends, family and fans were out in the sea of people and I could feel that energy the minute we got on stage. Hootie & the Blowfish, Luke and Lauren definitely set the night off right, and if we could have kept playing all night, I think we would have.”
Many industry members from Nashville made the trek to Atlanta to witness Aldean’s high-energy stadium performance while some took the opportunity to catch up with Aldean backstage prior to showtime. Attending industry members included Rod Phillips, John Hamlin, Clarence Spalding, Charlie Cook, Jon Loba, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Kirsten Grenier, Sherod Robertson, Chris Parr, Aaron Spalding, Kristin Cantrell, Shelley Gaines and others. Broken Bow Records’ Dustin Lynch also took a break from his tour to come by and enjoy seeing label mate Aldean’s stadium performance.
Pictured (L-R): Guest, Charlie Cook, Sherod Robertson, Jason Aldean, John Hamlin.
Pictured(L-R): Chris Parr (Maverick Management), Dean Felber (Hootie & the Blowfish), Mark Bryan (Hootie & the Blowfish), Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker (Hootie & the Blowfish), Jim “Soni” Sonefeld (Hootie & the Blowfish) and Clarence Spalding (Maverick Management).
Prior to Aldean’s set, Lauren Alaina was first to hit the stage. The spirited entertainer was visibly emotional from having her father backstage to witness her dreams coming alive that day by playing the stadium. She also had plenty to celebrate when she announced that earlier that same day, she had become engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Alex Hopkins. Luke Combs was next in the lineup. Carrying his signature red solo cup, he worked the crowd into a frenzy for a 45-minute set. Next, with a backdrop of a Waffle House, Hootie & The Blowfish came onstage for a rare performance featuring lead singer, Darius Rucker. The band shared an hour of classic hits with fans.
On Friday, the day before the Atlanta show, Jason Aldean surprised two fans at the Field & Stream Shop in Kennesaw, Georgia, with tickets to his concert on Saturday in Atlanta. Aldean is a brand ambassador for Field & Stream Shop and announced the giveaway earlier that afternoon on Twitter. Fans quickly made their way to the store for the event but what they didn’t know, is that Aldean would be there to personally give the winners their tickets and invite them to a private acoustic performance before Saturday’s show.
That same day, he announced details behind his third Concert For The Kids charity event on Thursday, Sept. 6 in Macon, Georgia. The reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year will return to the Macon Coliseum with direct support from Lauren Alaina. After raising more than $1.2 million from the past two events, proceeds will once again benefit Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health, which serves as the region’s only dedicated pediatric facility, serving central and south Georgia. The facility enhances the lives of children through patient care, research and education. Tickets go on-sale to the public beginning Friday (July 27) at 10 a.m. EST.
“There are a lot of reasons I love doing what I do, but being able to give back to these kids and their families is definitely really important to me,” said Aldean. “We’ve been able to help support the build of an entirely new facility, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the community shows up for the hospital this year and what we can do to keep helping the people there.”
Jason Aldean performing at Atlanta’s Suntrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung.
Jason Aldean performing at Atlanta’s Suntrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung.
Nashville Rock-Punk Group Diarrhea Planet To Disband
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville-based rock-punk band Diarrhea Planet has announced they are calling it quits.
“It’s with a heavy heart we announce our final shows,” the band shared via social media. “We’ve had an incredible run largely thanks to all of you incredible people, but we’ve decided to bring it to a close. It has truly been amazing to share our music with y’all onstage and off.”
The band will end following two upcoming shows in Nashville, when they will play at Exit/In on Sept. 7 and 8.
For nearly a decade, the band has been popular in Nashville’s pop and punk scene, and has released three albums. The group, which includes Jordan Smith, Emmett Miller, Evan Bird, Brent Toler, Mike Boyle and Ian Bush, initiated at Belmont University. In 2009, they released their debut EP Aloha!.
They went on to sign with Infinity Cat Recordings to release their first LP Loose Jewels (2011), and also released the EPs Yama-Uba (2011), Aliens In The Outfield (2014) and the LPs I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams (2013) and Turn To Gold (2016).
Georgia Native Jason Aldean Takes Over Atlanta Braves SunTrust Park
/by Sherod RobertsonJason Aldean performing at Atlanta’s Suntrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday, July 21, 2018.
Georgia native Jason Aldean took over Atlanta Braves SunTrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday (July 21) with opening acts, Lauren Alaina, Luke Combs, and a rare performance from Hootie & The Blowfish.
Inclement weather delays Jason Aldean performance at Atlanta’s Suntrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday, July 21, 2018.
The High Noon Neon Tour stop at Atlanta Braves new SunTrust Park stadium began with Aldean rocking the venue with “Gettin’ Warmed Up” and “Take a Little Ride” but not before a storm delay temporarily evacuated fans to interior shelter. While the dark skies looked precarious, the bad weather never arrived and after an hour or so, the show went on as planned.
Aldean delivered his many hits such as “Tattoos on This Town,” “Any Ol’ Barstool,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” and “Lights Come On,” to a very energetic crowd singing every word. He also peppered into his set with songs from his new album Rearview Town including “You Make It Easy” and his current single, “Drowns the Whiskey” with the song’s featured artist, Miranda Lambert shown on giant video walls.
“Playing SunTrust was one of those nights I’ll never forget,” said Aldean. “So many friends, family and fans were out in the sea of people and I could feel that energy the minute we got on stage. Hootie & the Blowfish, Luke and Lauren definitely set the night off right, and if we could have kept playing all night, I think we would have.”
Many industry members from Nashville made the trek to Atlanta to witness Aldean’s high-energy stadium performance while some took the opportunity to catch up with Aldean backstage prior to showtime. Attending industry members included Rod Phillips, John Hamlin, Clarence Spalding, Charlie Cook, Jon Loba, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Kirsten Grenier, Sherod Robertson, Chris Parr, Aaron Spalding, Kristin Cantrell, Shelley Gaines and others. Broken Bow Records’ Dustin Lynch also took a break from his tour to come by and enjoy seeing label mate Aldean’s stadium performance.
Pictured (L-R): Guest, Charlie Cook, Sherod Robertson, Jason Aldean, John Hamlin.
Pictured(L-R): Chris Parr (Maverick Management), Dean Felber (Hootie & the Blowfish), Mark Bryan (Hootie & the Blowfish), Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker (Hootie & the Blowfish), Jim “Soni” Sonefeld (Hootie & the Blowfish) and Clarence Spalding (Maverick Management).
Prior to Aldean’s set, Lauren Alaina was first to hit the stage. The spirited entertainer was visibly emotional from having her father backstage to witness her dreams coming alive that day by playing the stadium. She also had plenty to celebrate when she announced that earlier that same day, she had become engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Alex Hopkins. Luke Combs was next in the lineup. Carrying his signature red solo cup, he worked the crowd into a frenzy for a 45-minute set. Next, with a backdrop of a Waffle House, Hootie & The Blowfish came onstage for a rare performance featuring lead singer, Darius Rucker. The band shared an hour of classic hits with fans.
On Friday, the day before the Atlanta show, Jason Aldean surprised two fans at the Field & Stream Shop in Kennesaw, Georgia, with tickets to his concert on Saturday in Atlanta. Aldean is a brand ambassador for Field & Stream Shop and announced the giveaway earlier that afternoon on Twitter. Fans quickly made their way to the store for the event but what they didn’t know, is that Aldean would be there to personally give the winners their tickets and invite them to a private acoustic performance before Saturday’s show.
That same day, he announced details behind his third Concert For The Kids charity event on Thursday, Sept. 6 in Macon, Georgia. The reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year will return to the Macon Coliseum with direct support from Lauren Alaina. After raising more than $1.2 million from the past two events, proceeds will once again benefit Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health, which serves as the region’s only dedicated pediatric facility, serving central and south Georgia. The facility enhances the lives of children through patient care, research and education. Tickets go on-sale to the public beginning Friday (July 27) at 10 a.m. EST.
“There are a lot of reasons I love doing what I do, but being able to give back to these kids and their families is definitely really important to me,” said Aldean. “We’ve been able to help support the build of an entirely new facility, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the community shows up for the hospital this year and what we can do to keep helping the people there.”
Jason Aldean performing at Atlanta’s Suntrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung.
Jason Aldean performing at Atlanta’s Suntrust Park for a sold-out homecoming show for 37,935 fans on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung.
Chris Young Signs New Publishing Deal
/by Jessica NicholsonFront Row (L-R): Kent Earls, UMPG Nashville; Chris Young; Cyndi Forman, UMPG Nashville. Back Row (L-R): Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald Hartley; Travis Gordon, UMPG Nashville; Ron Stuve, UMPG Nashville; Larry Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald Hartley; Becky Harris, Huskins-Harris Business Management; Dorothy Leonhardt Huskins-Harris Business Management; Missy Roberts, UMPG Nashville
Having co-written several of his own No. 1 singles, in addition to penning hits for artists including Kane Brown, Chris Young is becoming as known for his songwriting as for his signature country voice.
Young has now announced a new global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group.
“Chris Young is a publisher’s dream. He’s a gifted songwriter, incredible vocalist and selling out arenas on his current headlining tour. We’re honored and thrilled that he has joined the UMPG family and look forward to an exciting future together,” said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President and General Manager, UMPG Nashville.
“Kent, Ron Stuve, Cyndi Forman, Evan Lamberg and everyone at Universal Music Publishing are passionate about my work as a songwriter and what can be accomplished together in the future. I can’t wait to see where we will go together as a team,” said Young.
Young co-wrote his consecutive No. 1 singles, “Losing Sleep,” “Sober Saturday Night,” “Think Of You” and “I’m Comin’ Over.” The RCA Records artist has also earned 17 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum projects. The Grammy and ACM-nominated artist is currently headlining his Chris Young Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour, with more than 55 arena and amphitheater scheduled dates.
Jonathan Wolf Joins Stites & Harbison’s Nashville Office
/by Lorie HollabaughWolf works with clients on a wide range of copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property law litigation and transactional matters related to the media and entertainment industry, as well as domestic relations/family law matters. His work includes matters related to music publishing; royalty disputes; intellectual property rights; social media; internet defamation; right of publicity; talent-driven marketing; integrated media; and book publishing. He also assists clients with domestic relations issues such as divorce and post-divorce matters.
Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Wolf practiced in Memphis, where he advised clients in the areas of media and intellectual property rights in both a transactional and litigation context, as well as in creditors’ rights and collection law. Before obtaining his law degree, he worked with high profile artists in the music industry, media companies and other rights holders by facilitating transactions in concert touring, music publishing and artist management. He earned his J.D. from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.
Taylor Swift Celebrates Big RIAA Certifications (Including A Diamond Certification)
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Taylor Swift and Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta. [Click photo to enlarge]
Swift also hits the No. 1 spot on the Top 40 radio chart this week with her current single “Delicate,” marking Swift’s 10th ascent to the top of the chart. Swift will continue the reputation Stadium Tour in the US throughout the fall before heading overseas for additional dates and will wrap in Tokyo, Japan on Nov. 21.
Chris Stapleton To Join Joe Walsh On VetsAid 2018 Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughTickets will go on sale this Friday (July 27) through the Tacoma Dome Box Office as well as Ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000 and military discounts will be available to all active and retired military personnel and their families by showing identification at the Tacoma Dome Box Office.
Launched on Sept. 20, 2017 with an inaugural concert in Fairfax, Virginia featuring performances by Walsh, Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban and Gary Clark Jr., the first VetsAid concert disbursed nearly $400,000 in grants to veterans’ services organizations nationally and locally.
Veterans and their wellbeing have always been important to Walsh, a Gold Star son himself. His father was a flight instructor for the first US operational jet powered aircraft, the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star, and died while stationed and on active duty on Okinawa when Walsh was 20 months old. He’s been involved with veterans’ related causes for years, supporting various charities, visiting the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and offering free guitar lessons to the wounded veterans there. He has also campaigned for his good friend, Iraq war veteran and (now) Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois.
“This Veterans Day I invite you to join me and my friends,” Walsh explains, “to remember the men and women who have served our country and honor their sacrifice by helping us raise funds to support their essential and basic needs. I invite us to come together and celebrate the things that unite us as Americans… like great music!”
Luke Bryan Becomes First Artist To Headline All Three Of Minneapolis’ Stadiums
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan
Luke Bryan made history last weekend with his Saturday night (July 21) Target Field show in Minneapolis, becoming the first artist to headline all three of Minneapolis’ current stadiums. Fans attending the show were also the first to see Bryan’s new music video “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” as it exclusively debuted on the stadium’s big screens at sunset. The video for the song, which was written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill, was filmed last month outside of Nashville on Dale Hollow Lake at the Sunset Marina & Resort, and was directed by Michael Monaco.
In 2015, Luke sold-out TCF Bank Stadium and in 2016 he packed out U.S. Bank Stadium and became the first artist to christen the brand-new venue. He resumes his stadium tour Saturday night (July 28) in L.A. at Dodger Stadium.
7/28-Los Angeles, CA @ Dodger Stadium
8/4-Denver, CO @ Sports Authority Field at Mile High
8/25-St. Louis, MO @ Busch Stadium
9/1-Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field
10/13-Vancouver, BC @ BC Place Stadium
10/26- Detroit, MI @ Ford Field
Reba McEntire Inks Publishing Deal With Given Music
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jenny Hall, Creative Director, Given Music Publishing; Reba; Michael Hollandsworth, VP/GM, Given Music Publishing; Cindy Owen, Given Founding Partner.
Reba McEntire has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Given Music Publishing,
McEntire’s professional relationship and friendship with Given Music founding partner Cindy Owen dates back to the early ’80s, when McEntire gave her a start in the music industry when Owen was in her teens. Owen later became McEntire’s VP of Creative Services, a position she held for 15 years before launching her own entertainment company in 2002 and then Given Entertainment with business partner Jim Kacmarcik in 2013.
“Signing Reba to Given is for sure a full circle moment for me,” Owen says. “One of my greatest blessings is having had a front row seat for all these years to watch her blaze new trails and become the icon she is. Her work ethic, talent and determination are unmatched and examples to us all. Reba has always made evident her lifelong passion for songs, songwriters and the songwriting community. We at Given look forward to being a part of her team as she continues to expand new horizons in entertainment and create opportunities for herself and other songwriters.”
“It has been said that it all begins with a song. For me, it starts with the songwriter,” McEntire says. “From their very talented and creative imaginations, they create something that can make you laugh, lift your mood, get you two-stepping or break your heart. What they write affects people in a way that few things can. Joining the Given team is something that excites me in a number of ways; first and foremost that I again get to work with my longtime friend and colleague Cindy Owen. I have great respect for the rest of the creative team, as well as the incredibly talented roster of songwriters who are part of the Given family. As I continue to explore new creative avenues, this is the perfect home for me as a writer.”
Industry Ink: BMI, Austin Burke, PLA Media
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI’s Rooftop Series Features Kalie Shorr, Morgan Wallen
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, Kalie Shorr, George Dickel’s Brian Downing and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen
Earlier this week, the BMI rooftop was brimming with industry tastemakers, friends and family eager to hear from BMI songwriters Kalie Shorr and Morgan Wallen. The evening kicked off with a private toast honoring Wallen’s first No. 1 hit as an artist, “Up Down,” with BMI executives and songwriters CJ Solar, Michael Hardy and Brad Clawson. The summer rooftop series offers a unique opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the Nashville skyline while enjoying complimentary food and beverage and the best of Music City’s veteran and rising talent. The summer’s two remaining shows will take place on Aug. 21 and Sept. 11.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, BMI’s Mason Hunter, CJ Solar, Michael Hardy, Morgan Wallen, Brad Clawson, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson.
Austin Burke Signs With 287 Entertainment
Emerging country artist and songwriter Austin Burke has signed with 287 Entertainment for exclusive management representation.
Earlier this month, Burke signed a worldwide recording deal with AWAL, Kobalt’s recording company. AWAL’s partnership with Burke began with global distribution services and progressed in the wake of the success of his EP. AWAL’s newly-acquired partner, in2une Music, is arranging a multi-city radio tour in support of “Whole Lot In Love.” The tour kicks off this week, ahead of Burke’s performance at the Faster Horses Country Music Festival in Michigan.
PLA Media Adds Tim Williams To Roster
Tim Williams
PLA Media has added country/Americana artist, actor and Trivago spokesperson Tim Williams to its award-winning roster. Tim, most commonly recognized as the “Trivago Guy,” has served as the face of the travel company across North America since 2013 and will be premiering his debut country project titled Magnolia City this fall.
Williams is joined alongside a client list including the world renowned attractions Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum and Tina Turner Museum, Jesse Rice and Gary Morris.
Jason Isbell, John Berry, Gordon Mote Join Jacksonville State Tornado Relief Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughAlabama, the Charlie Daniels Band, Shenandoah, Jamey Johnson, and Comedian Darren Knight “Southern Momma” have already been announced to perform on the benefit for Jacksonville State University. SiriusXM’s Storme Warren will emcee the event.
On March 19 of this year, JSU and the surrounding Jacksonville community was hit by a EF-3 tornado, severely damaging 23 buildings and impacting more than 50 more. Fortunately there was no loss of life, however millions of dollars in damage was reported following the storm.
“We are so thankful and blessed that friends of ours, and some from our great state of Alabama, have offered to help raise funds to repair the damage from the horrific tornado a few months back,” says Alabama frontman Randy Owen. “The university has been wonderful to work with on helping us setup the concert. From the looks of ticket sales and strong support from sponsors, this will be a very special night for the attendees.”
The rain or shine event begins at 6 p.m. CT. Tickets prices start at $25.00 and are on-sale now at Ticketfly.com or by calling 877-4FLY-TIX.