Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Dusty Draper
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Chapter 594
The events surrounding the CMA Music Festival are all geared to showing the fans a country good time, but the industry folks find their fun spots, too.
The Music Row fabulons gathered on Friday (June 8) at the CMA Hospitality Suite at Nissan Stadium. Working the room were Ashley Cranford, Cheri Cranford, Terri Walker, Christy Walker-Watkins & Matt Watkins, Biff Watson, Ted Ellis and Tim Wipperman.
Larry McCormick and Rick Diamond headed for the photo pit while Mike Craft, Zach Farnum, Elizabeth Motley, Metro Nashville COO Rich Riebeling, Edie Emery and Lon Helton commenced schmoozing.
Charley Pride. Photo: Natasha Moustache
They and the 65,000 fans in the house were royally entertained. The yodeling Walmart kid, Mason Ramsey, proved he can really, really sing by delivering a flawless, a cappella “Star Spangled Banner” to inaugurate the evening’s music. Hall of Famer Charley Pride, 80, proved that age is but a number with a peppy, bopping set.
Wearing a groovy, Mariota/Titans No. 8 jersey, Brett Young delivered sensitive ballads and tempo tunes with equal aplomb. Incidentally, the tattoo inscription on his right forearm reads, “If it feels like home, follow its path.”
Garbed in a vivid, red western shirt, Jake Owen sang “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” on a mid-field mini stage. By contrast, Luke Combs was practically invisible on the main stage due to his all-black outfit. Only his omni-present Red Solo Cup distinguished him from the stagehands. Vocally, he was solidly country, and the audience sang along with every word.
Jake Owen.
Blake Shelton drove the fans wild with his wits and sing-along hits. He received a ton of media attention during the fest because of the official opening of his Ole Red mega honky-tonk on Lower Broadway.
But poor Jason Aldean was barely noticed when he opened his honky-tonk across the street. This was because its interior construction was barely finished in time to meet a fest-opening deadline. Thus, no publicizing plans could be made. Blake had a “soft” opening weeks ago.
Also at the stadium on Friday night, Old Dominion continued the fan enthusiasm. Carrie Underwood (a.k.a The Queen of CMA Fest) blazed brightly as the day’s finale act, outfitted in a sequined green romper. Fest vendors sold crystal “tears” to be glued to your cheeks in solidarity with Carrie’’s torrid smash “Cry Pretty.”
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Natasha Moustache
The industry schmoozing in the CMA suite reached its zenith on Saturday (June 9). The blizzard of fabulons included Dave Brainard, Frank Myers, Wayne & Pat Halper, Silverfish Media’s Patrick Thomas (of Big D & Bubba fame), Alecia Davis, Jason Neufeldt, Laura Crawford, Metro councilman Freddie O’Connell (whose downtown district houses the fest), Stephanie Teatro, Sherod Robertson, Brian Schwenk and Stuart Dill.
Singer-songwriter Jenny Tolman was in respite mode, in between her CMA Fest showcases on Friday and Sunday. David Pick told me about his Vintage TV, England’s leading music channel that will soon launch in the U.S. Ed Benson was there, too: He’s one of the dwindling few who attended Fan Fair in its original location at Municipal Auditorium.
The Property Brothers greeted us from the stage. “We’re glad to be here with you tonight; the more noise the better,” said Drew Scott — or was it his twin brother Jonathan Scott? Next, crimson-clad Jillian Jaqueline essayed the National Anthem to begin the musical entertainment.
Garth Brooks surprises fans with a performance Saturday, June 9 on the CMA Close Up Stage at Xfinity Fan Fair X during CMA Fest. Photo: Natasha Moustache
Lee Ann Womack’s set emphasized the tunes from her new hit Americana CDs, but tossed in the 1962 George Jones classic “(An Empty Bottle, a Broken Heart and) You’re Still on My Mind.” Her ethos was underscored via a powder-blue Hank Williams T-shirt.
Even so, it was CMA New Artist of the Year Jon Pardi who turned in the most solidly country set of the fest’s Nissan shows. Resplendent in a multi-hued, Southwestern-patterned shirt and white cowboy hat, he included his sublime MusicRow Song of the Year nominee “She Ain’t in It.”
The jumbo screen showed a tease/preview of Sugarland’s “Babe” video, which featured a red-wigged Taylor Swift as the plot’s vixen. Following a pattern set by Thursday’s Carly Pearce and Friday’s Jake Owen, there was a solo-song slot, “Downtown’s Dead” by Sam Hunt.
Chris Stapleton. Photo: John Russell.
Dustin Lynch, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Stapleton and Keith Urban served up their signature sounds to close the show. The fans cheerfully sang an absent Carrie Underwood’s part during Urban’s performance of “The Fighter.” The star concluded his crowd-pleasing set well past midnight.
Of course the big news on Saturday wasn’t at the stadium. Garth Brooks turned up at the Music City Center to chat and sing on the CMA Close-Up Stage.
The health report was good at this point in the fest. The heat collapses/incidents numbered 69 on Thursday, 92 on Friday and 79 on Saturday. This tally is lower than last year’s.
Brett Young. Photo: Donn Jones
Back in the CMA suite on Sunday (June 10), Brett Woolcott & Lydia Lenker, Mike Vaden, Bill Denny and suite stalwart Dennis Banka were working the room. Municipal Auditorium manager Bob Skoney was there, too. He shared that he’s now been with that facility for 41 years. That deserves a “wow” in an industry where nobody keeps the same job for an entire career.
A new addition to the suite this year was a population of fluttering moths. Guests amused themselves by capturing them, swatting them or stomping them. The insects also dive-bombed the stadium spectators.
“We’ve got some surprises for you tonight,” said show host Storme Warren slyly. He also had some calendar advice: “ABC-TV, Aug. 8, 8 p.m. Set your DVR’s now.”
Keith Urban. Photo: Donn Jones
Ray Stevens was Sunday’s National Anthem performer. Ricky Skaggs left the fans gasping for breath as he concluded his set with fiery picking on “Country Boy.” Brett Eldredge bounced out to the strains of his new single “Love Someone.” Clad in a crisp white shirt/jacket, he charmed the crowd with “The Long Way” and had them lighting their phones during “Wanna Be That Song.”
Cole Swindell offered his new heartache ballad “In the End” as the Sunday solo spot. The first surprise guest was Thomas Rhett, whose set was highlighted by a languid, lovelorn rendition of “Marry Me,” his jaunty, autobiographical “Life Changes” and a twinkling, stadium-lit “Die a Happy Man.”
Dierks Bentley rocked the house with “I Hold On” and more. He also brought out the night’s second surprise, Dwight Yoakam, who offered a thunderously received “Fast As You.” A third surprise was Brothers Osborne on “Burning Man.” They get the award for pinpoint scheduling. Following their barn-burning Thursday fest set, they zipped south to perform at Bonnaroo, then back.
The CMA hospitality buzzed with excitement as the evening reached a crescendo with Florida Georgia Line. FGL’s “surprise” guests were Bebe Rexha, Morgan Wallen and The Backstreet Boys. Fest closer Luke Bryan serenaded Randy Travis.
Another music-biz hotspot is the Green Room in the Music City Center. Sunday’s visitors schmoozing there included Terry McBride, Don Murry Grubbs, Restless Heart, Buddy Kalb, T.G. Sheppard, Devon O’Day, Bobby Bare and Chris Young.
CMA fest may be over, but we will continue our eternal Music Row merriment this week as we celebrate accomplishments by Kane Brown, Tony Brown, Hillary Williams and David Davis & The Warrior River Boys. Onward!
Stagecoach 2019 Passes On Sale Friday
/by Lorie HollabaughStagecoach Festival, 2018
The dates for Stagecoach 2019 have been announced, with the festival set for April 26-28, 2019 at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The announcement follows a record setting 2018 with a record number of passes sold, and performances from superstars Garth Brooks, Keith Urban and Florida Georgia Line. Lineup announcements will be revealed this Fall.
Passes for the 2019 experience will go on sale beginning this Friday (June 15) in an advance sale available one day only, while supplies last. All ages welcome with kids 10 & under free in General Admission. Visit stagecoachfestival.com for additional info.
Pass prices:
3-Day GA (advance sale only price) – $329.00
3-Day GA & Shuttle Combo (advance sale only price) – $389.00
3-Day Corral Standing Pit – $1,399.00
3-Day Corral Reserved Seating – C1 – $1,399.00
3-Day Corral Reserved Seating – C2 – $899.00
RV Resort 50 Amp – $619.00
RV Resort 30 Amp – $619.00
RV Resort Dry – $619.00
Preferred Parking – $100.00
Car Camping – $176.00
Camping Companion parking – $60.00
Shuttle Pass – $75.00
Country Singer Billy ThunderKloud Dies
/by Robert K OermannColorful country entertainer Billy ThunderKloud passed away in Florida on June 5 at age 70.
The former Nashvillian enjoyed a string of chart records in the 1970s, but is more often remembered for the beads, turquoise jewelry, feathers, braids and costumes he wore to recognize his Native American ancestry.
ThunderKloud was born Vincent Clifford in British Columbia, Canada. He was a member of the Gitksan tribe, part of the Tsimshian Indian Nation. His tribe dubbed him Chief Dau-Hkansqu. At age 14, he hopped a train from Port Edward, BC to Edmonton, Alberta in order to attend the Indian Residential School there.
At the school, he formed the Chieftones in 1964 with fellow Native American musicians Jack Wolf, Barry Littlestar and Richard Grayowl. They were initially billed as “Canada’s All-Indian Band.”
In 1965-68, the group issued a series of singles on the Claremont, Cuca and Youngstown labels. The William Morris Agency signed the band. Clifford/ThunderKloud appeared on TV’s To Tell the Truth in 1966, and after his identity was revealed, The Chieftones performed on the national telecast.
The star adopted the stage name Billy ThunderKloud in 1972. Now billed as Billy ThunderKloud & The Chieftones, the act landed a Nashville recording contract with Superior Records, which was owned by Oak Ridge Boys member Duane Allen.
ThunderKloud moved to Nashville in 1974 and signed with 20th Century Records. He and the band debuted on the country charts the following year with “What Time of Day.” It rose to #16 on the country charts and briefly crossed over to the pop hit parade.
After this, the group became noted for country remakes of pop oldies such as “Pledging My Love” (1975), “Indian Reservation” (1976) and “Try a Little Tenderness” (1976) as it moved from 20th Century to Polydor Records.
Billy ThunderKloud & The Chieftones’ last appearance on the country charts was with 1979’s “It’s Alright,” written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice.
Buddy Lee Attractions booked the band, making it a favorite on the fair and festival circuit. On the road, the Chieftones were augmented by the members of Hank Williams Jr.’s band.
The group was chosen to entertain at President Richard Nixon’s second Inaugural Ball in 1973. After an appearance at Walt Disney World the following year, Walt Disney gave his pet mountain lion to ThumderKloud as a gift. It reportedly travelled with the band on its tour bus.
The group’s albums included All Through the Night (1973), Off the Reservation (1974), What Time of Day (1975), Where Do I Begin to Tell a Story (1976) and Some of Nashville’s Finest (1980). In their jacket photos, the band was pictured in feathered headdresses, elaborate silver-and-turquoise belts and necklaces, leather accessories, tunics, long braided-pigtail hairdos and similar regalia.
ThunderKloud was chosen Outstanding Indian of the Year in 1975 by the American Indian Exposition. He continued to tour and make personal appearances until 1991.
He retired to Palm City, FL and died there due to complications from a stroke and pneumonia. He is survived by his wife Bev, daughters Shawnee and Chey Kuzma and by three grandchildren.
At his request, there will be no funeral service. Donations may be made in Billy ThunderKloud’s name to the National Indian Child Welfare Association, to Shriners Hospital for Children, to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of your choice.
Midland, Randy Travis, Lee Brice, RaeLynn Pick Up Honors During CMA Fest
/by Jessica NicholsonWhile hundreds of artists were on hand over the weekend to perform as part of CMA Music Fest, some artists were also picking up career honors.
Cracker Barrel presented its inaugural Country Legend Award to Randy Travis. The honor is awarded to country musicians with over 30 years in the business, including past partnerships with Cracker Barrel’s music program. The company also made a $5,000 donation in Travis’ name to the CMA foundation.
Pictured (L-R): Michael Ray, Randy Travis and Julie Ulmer, Cracker Barrel Sr. Marketing Manager
During their set on June 9 as part of Spotify’s Hot Country lineup, Midland was surprised when Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta presented the Texas trio with a plaque to commemorate the RIAA platinum certification of their debut single “Drinkin’ Problem.”
Pictured (L-R): Jess Carson, Mike Ritteberg, Jim Weatherson, Scott Borchetta, Mark Wystrach, Kris Lamb and Cameron Duddy. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Warner Bros. / Warner Music Nashville artist RaeLynn was also surprised with some RIAA hardware during her CMA Fest set at Chevy Riverfront Stage. Her WMN family honored the singer-songwriter with a Gold plaque for her hit single “Love Triangle.”
Pictured (L-R): Kerry Hansen (Manager, Big Enterprises); Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN); RaeLynn; John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Katie Bright (National Director Radio & Streaming, WMN)
Meanwhile, Lee Brice was inducted into Pandora’s “Billionaires Club” during CMA Fest. Brice is one of the Top 25 most-streamed country artists of all time on the streaming service, with more than 2 billion streams. He was surprised with a plaque commemorating the milestone. He is only the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire plaque.
Photo ID (L-R): Enzo DeVincenzo (Red Light Management), John Clore, VP Marketing (Curb | Word Entertainment), Jessie Lowe, Promotion Coordinator (Curb Records), Blair Munday, VP Creative (Curb | Word Entertainment), Benson Curb, SVP Revenue (Curb | Word Entertainment), Beville Dunkerley, Director of Artist Marketing and Industry Relations (Pandora), Lee Brice, Haley McLemore (Red Light Management) Rachel Whitney, Head of Country Programming (Pandora), Kris Waitr (Waitr & Associates), Ryan Dokke, SVP/General Manager (Curb | Word Entertainment), Jeff Tuerff, SVP Marketing & Creative (Curb | Word Entertainment) RJ Meacham, VP Promotion (Curb Records). Photo by Spidey Smith [Click to enlarge]
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Stars Come Out To Shine During CMA Music Fest
/by Bobby KarlKelsea Ballerini. Photo: Dusty Draper
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Chapter 594
The events surrounding the CMA Music Festival are all geared to showing the fans a country good time, but the industry folks find their fun spots, too.
The Music Row fabulons gathered on Friday (June 8) at the CMA Hospitality Suite at Nissan Stadium. Working the room were Ashley Cranford, Cheri Cranford, Terri Walker, Christy Walker-Watkins & Matt Watkins, Biff Watson, Ted Ellis and Tim Wipperman.
Larry McCormick and Rick Diamond headed for the photo pit while Mike Craft, Zach Farnum, Elizabeth Motley, Metro Nashville COO Rich Riebeling, Edie Emery and Lon Helton commenced schmoozing.
Charley Pride. Photo: Natasha Moustache
They and the 65,000 fans in the house were royally entertained. The yodeling Walmart kid, Mason Ramsey, proved he can really, really sing by delivering a flawless, a cappella “Star Spangled Banner” to inaugurate the evening’s music. Hall of Famer Charley Pride, 80, proved that age is but a number with a peppy, bopping set.
Wearing a groovy, Mariota/Titans No. 8 jersey, Brett Young delivered sensitive ballads and tempo tunes with equal aplomb. Incidentally, the tattoo inscription on his right forearm reads, “If it feels like home, follow its path.”
Garbed in a vivid, red western shirt, Jake Owen sang “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” on a mid-field mini stage. By contrast, Luke Combs was practically invisible on the main stage due to his all-black outfit. Only his omni-present Red Solo Cup distinguished him from the stagehands. Vocally, he was solidly country, and the audience sang along with every word.
Jake Owen.
Blake Shelton drove the fans wild with his wits and sing-along hits. He received a ton of media attention during the fest because of the official opening of his Ole Red mega honky-tonk on Lower Broadway.
But poor Jason Aldean was barely noticed when he opened his honky-tonk across the street. This was because its interior construction was barely finished in time to meet a fest-opening deadline. Thus, no publicizing plans could be made. Blake had a “soft” opening weeks ago.
Also at the stadium on Friday night, Old Dominion continued the fan enthusiasm. Carrie Underwood (a.k.a The Queen of CMA Fest) blazed brightly as the day’s finale act, outfitted in a sequined green romper. Fest vendors sold crystal “tears” to be glued to your cheeks in solidarity with Carrie’’s torrid smash “Cry Pretty.”
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Natasha Moustache
The industry schmoozing in the CMA suite reached its zenith on Saturday (June 9). The blizzard of fabulons included Dave Brainard, Frank Myers, Wayne & Pat Halper, Silverfish Media’s Patrick Thomas (of Big D & Bubba fame), Alecia Davis, Jason Neufeldt, Laura Crawford, Metro councilman Freddie O’Connell (whose downtown district houses the fest), Stephanie Teatro, Sherod Robertson, Brian Schwenk and Stuart Dill.
Singer-songwriter Jenny Tolman was in respite mode, in between her CMA Fest showcases on Friday and Sunday. David Pick told me about his Vintage TV, England’s leading music channel that will soon launch in the U.S. Ed Benson was there, too: He’s one of the dwindling few who attended Fan Fair in its original location at Municipal Auditorium.
The Property Brothers greeted us from the stage. “We’re glad to be here with you tonight; the more noise the better,” said Drew Scott — or was it his twin brother Jonathan Scott? Next, crimson-clad Jillian Jaqueline essayed the National Anthem to begin the musical entertainment.
Garth Brooks surprises fans with a performance Saturday, June 9 on the CMA Close Up Stage at Xfinity Fan Fair X during CMA Fest. Photo: Natasha Moustache
Lee Ann Womack’s set emphasized the tunes from her new hit Americana CDs, but tossed in the 1962 George Jones classic “(An Empty Bottle, a Broken Heart and) You’re Still on My Mind.” Her ethos was underscored via a powder-blue Hank Williams T-shirt.
Even so, it was CMA New Artist of the Year Jon Pardi who turned in the most solidly country set of the fest’s Nissan shows. Resplendent in a multi-hued, Southwestern-patterned shirt and white cowboy hat, he included his sublime MusicRow Song of the Year nominee “She Ain’t in It.”
The jumbo screen showed a tease/preview of Sugarland’s “Babe” video, which featured a red-wigged Taylor Swift as the plot’s vixen. Following a pattern set by Thursday’s Carly Pearce and Friday’s Jake Owen, there was a solo-song slot, “Downtown’s Dead” by Sam Hunt.
Chris Stapleton. Photo: John Russell.
Dustin Lynch, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Stapleton and Keith Urban served up their signature sounds to close the show. The fans cheerfully sang an absent Carrie Underwood’s part during Urban’s performance of “The Fighter.” The star concluded his crowd-pleasing set well past midnight.
Of course the big news on Saturday wasn’t at the stadium. Garth Brooks turned up at the Music City Center to chat and sing on the CMA Close-Up Stage.
The health report was good at this point in the fest. The heat collapses/incidents numbered 69 on Thursday, 92 on Friday and 79 on Saturday. This tally is lower than last year’s.
Brett Young. Photo: Donn Jones
Back in the CMA suite on Sunday (June 10), Brett Woolcott & Lydia Lenker, Mike Vaden, Bill Denny and suite stalwart Dennis Banka were working the room. Municipal Auditorium manager Bob Skoney was there, too. He shared that he’s now been with that facility for 41 years. That deserves a “wow” in an industry where nobody keeps the same job for an entire career.
A new addition to the suite this year was a population of fluttering moths. Guests amused themselves by capturing them, swatting them or stomping them. The insects also dive-bombed the stadium spectators.
“We’ve got some surprises for you tonight,” said show host Storme Warren slyly. He also had some calendar advice: “ABC-TV, Aug. 8, 8 p.m. Set your DVR’s now.”
Keith Urban. Photo: Donn Jones
Ray Stevens was Sunday’s National Anthem performer. Ricky Skaggs left the fans gasping for breath as he concluded his set with fiery picking on “Country Boy.” Brett Eldredge bounced out to the strains of his new single “Love Someone.” Clad in a crisp white shirt/jacket, he charmed the crowd with “The Long Way” and had them lighting their phones during “Wanna Be That Song.”
Cole Swindell offered his new heartache ballad “In the End” as the Sunday solo spot. The first surprise guest was Thomas Rhett, whose set was highlighted by a languid, lovelorn rendition of “Marry Me,” his jaunty, autobiographical “Life Changes” and a twinkling, stadium-lit “Die a Happy Man.”
Dierks Bentley rocked the house with “I Hold On” and more. He also brought out the night’s second surprise, Dwight Yoakam, who offered a thunderously received “Fast As You.” A third surprise was Brothers Osborne on “Burning Man.” They get the award for pinpoint scheduling. Following their barn-burning Thursday fest set, they zipped south to perform at Bonnaroo, then back.
The CMA hospitality buzzed with excitement as the evening reached a crescendo with Florida Georgia Line. FGL’s “surprise” guests were Bebe Rexha, Morgan Wallen and The Backstreet Boys. Fest closer Luke Bryan serenaded Randy Travis.
Another music-biz hotspot is the Green Room in the Music City Center. Sunday’s visitors schmoozing there included Terry McBride, Don Murry Grubbs, Restless Heart, Buddy Kalb, T.G. Sheppard, Devon O’Day, Bobby Bare and Chris Young.
CMA fest may be over, but we will continue our eternal Music Row merriment this week as we celebrate accomplishments by Kane Brown, Tony Brown, Hillary Williams and David Davis & The Warrior River Boys. Onward!
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit To Play Six Ryman Shows In October
/by Jessica NicholsonThe shows are set for Oct. 22-24, and Oct. 26-28.
Over the past year, the group has won a Grammy for Best Americana Album (for The Nashville Sound) as well as a Grammy for Best American Roots Song (for “If We Were Vampires”). They are nominated for four honors at the upcoming Americana Awards. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit held court for three concerts at the Country Music Hall of Fame last year as its 2017 Artist-in-Residence.
Tickets for the band’s upcoming Ryman shows will go on sale Friday (June 15) at 10 a.m. at ryman.com.
In Pictures: Artists Light Up Nashville Stages For CMA Fest
/by Jessica NicholsonLindsay Ell
Lindsay Ell performs at the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater Presented by BBR Music Group during CMA Fest Thursday, June 7. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley answers questions and performs for fans at Xfinity Fan Fair X inside Music City Center during the Artist of the Day session at CMA Fest Thursday, June 7.
Jon Pardi
Reigning CMA New Artist of the Year Jon Pardi opens the Riverfront Stage during CMA Fest Thursday, June 7.
Spotify at CMA Fest
Blake Shelton performs on stage at Spotify’s Hot Country Presents Hunter Hayes, Chris Lane, Michael Ray and more at Ole Red during CMA Fest on June 7, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Several artists, including Blake Shelton, Nashville star Charles Esten, Hunter Hayes and more, have been performing at Shelton’s newly-opened Ole Red venue in Nashville, as Spotify takes over CMA Fest.
Spotify is shining a bright light on the country music scene with their newly enhanced video playlist Hot Country, which has over 4.6 million listeners, giving fans a chance to dive deeper into the country music they love, explore up-and-coming artists, and jive to their favorite singers.
The Sisterhood and Hunter Hayes (center) perform on stage at Spotify’s Hot Country Presents Hunter Hayes, Chris Lane, Michael Ray and more at Ole Red during CMA Fest at on June 7, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Jillian Jacqueline performs on stage at Spotify’s Hot Country Presents Hunter Hayes, Chris Lane, Michael Ray and more at Ole Red during CMA Fest on June 7, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Pandora at CMA Event
Carly Pearce at Pandora Presents: Backroads at Marathon Music Works on June 5, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for Pandora
On Tuesday, June 5 Pandora hosted Backroads, a concert featuring performances by Brad Paisley, Morgan Evans and Carly Pearce in Nashville at Marathon Music Works. Highlights included an on stage wedding proposal right before Evan’s performance of his hit “I Do,” Pearce’s cover of Shania Twain’s classic, “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” and Paisley’s set.
Brad Paisley at Pandora Presents: Backroads at Marathon Music Works on June 5, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for Pandora
Dan+Shay
Pictured (L-R): Dan Smyers, John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment); Shay Mooney
Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville’s Dan + Shay followed their milestone-making evening at the CMT Music Awards, where they won “Duo Video of the Year,” with a performance at Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest. The duo’s brand new self-titled album is due on June 22.
Hunter Hayes
Hunter Hayes and John Esposito
Hunter Hayes performed a slew of hits this afternoon (June 8) during his CMA Fest performance at the Chevy Riverfront Stage. The five-time GRAMMY© nominee belted his 5X Platinum No. 1 single “Wanted” as well as two-time Platinum “I Want Crazy” and Gold-certified “Storm Warning.”
Sara Evans with Song Suffraggettes
Sara Evans surprised Song Suffragettes’ Kasey Tyndall, Cassadee Pope, Chloe Gilligan, Evans’ recent tourmate Kalie Shorr, and Jenna McDaniel to perform Evans’ “Born To Fly” at the CMA Close Up Stage inside Music City Center during CMA Fest Thursday, June 7.
Chris Tomlin, Pat Barrett Celebrate Platinum Single “Good Good Father”
/by Jessica NicholsonFrom (L-R): David Sylvester, Capitol CMG, Tony Patoto, The Fuel Music; Ed Cash, producer; Chris Tomlin; Pat Barrett; Casey McGinty, Capitol CMG Publishing; Brad O’Donnell, Capitol CMG; Hudson Plachey, Capitol CMG; Anthony Piedmonte, Piedmonte & Co. Photo: Trent Nicholson
Chris Tomlin and co-writer Pat Barrett celebrated a platinum RIAA certification for Tomlin’s “Good Good Father” earlier this week, during an album preview party for Barrett’s upcoming self-titled album, which will release July 20.
Barrett is the flagship artist on Tomlin’s newly-announced imprint label, Bowyer & Bow (in partnership with Capitol CMG). Barrett’s debut single “The Way (New Horizon)” is at radio now. Barrett will head out on Tomlin’s “Good Good Father” Tour in Canada this fall, which follows his spring run performing on the “Worship Night in America” Tour.
Chris Tomlin, Pat Barrett.
Make-A-Wish Hosts CMA Fest Luncheon For Families
/by Lorie HollabaughMake-A-Wish hosted a luncheon by Kretschmar Deli that took place Thursday afternoon (June 7) at the Bell Tower in Nashville. Easton Corbin was the special surprise guest at the event, which also featured appearances by fellow Kretschmar brand ambassadors Ruthie Collins, Kelleigh Bannon, and Natalie Stovall.
Each artist performed a few songs and mixed and mingled with the Make-A-Wish families during the CMA Music Fest event. The deli brand granted a local Make-A-Wish kid’s ultimate dream of attending the CMA Music Festival in Nashville and set them up in Music City in style this week, complete with spending cash and concert tickets. All of this happened as part of Kretschmar’s ongoing Legendary Wishes campaign, which helps Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions nationwide.
Ernest Tubb Record Shop Celebrates 50 Years With David McCormick
/by Lorie HollabaughDavid McCormick, owner of Ernest Tubb Record Shop, was recently honored for 50 years of ownership of the iconic Nashville landmark. A surprise party was held at Hank Snow’s home, The “Rainbow Ranch,” by past and present employees and other guests including Jan Howard, Tim Atwood, Bobby Marquez and Midnite Jamboree emcee Jennifer Herron.
“What a surprise and honor it was to be joined by my staff from past to present, along with family and friends, to celebrate 50 wonderful years of running Nashville’s most famous record shop. This is truly something I will never forget,” McCormick said. “I owe a lot of gratitude to not only my staff, but also to the many customers of Ernest Tubb Record Shop. Thank you, everyone!”
Ernest Tubb Record Shop has been open for more than 70 years, and is the oldest advertiser on 650 AM WSM. The Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, founded by Mr. Tubb in 1947 at the original Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway in downtown Nashville, is the second-longest running radio show in history. Heard weekly at Midnight (CT) on WSM, the show is currently recorded from the Texas Troubadour Theatre (2416 Music Valley Drive) at 10pm every Saturday night.
During CMA Fest Ernest Tubb Record Shop will host meet and greets, artist signings and performances at 417 Broadway through Sunday.
Friday, June 8
11am Ricky Cook
12pm Tayla Lynn
1:30pm Bobby Marquez
2pm Scott Southworth
3pm Jeff Bates & David Ball
4:30pm Sylvia
Saturday, June 9
12 Midnight Charles Esten**
Sunday, June 10
2pm Hilary Williams
** performing
Big Machine/John Varvatos Records Band Badflower Tackles Topic Of Suicide In Latest Video
/by Jessica NicholsonThose words, which intro the new video from Big Machine/John Varvatos Records rock band Badflower’s “Ghost,” are especially evocative and timely, in the wake of news of the recent suicides of designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef and tv host Anthony Bourdain.
Badflower’s “Ghost” offers a video that traces one young man’s descent into a devastation so deep, he can’t navigate his way out of it. The video clip veers from flashbacks of a great young love about to embark on marriage and a young man consumed by grief.
“We didn’t want a video that reflected every detail of the song,” says Badflower frontman Josh Katz. “The song is detailed enough on its own, that would’ve been extremely morbid even for us. So, we came up with a story about a guy whose fiancée died, and he’s staging the wedding he never had. The concept alone actually brought us all to tears just talking about it.”
California-based Badflower, which also includes Katz’s cohorts Joey Morrow, Alex Espiritu, and Anthony Sonetti, was the first band signed after Scott Borchetta and John Varvatos launched the label in 2017.
As a touring musician, prolific songwriter and young man trying to find his place in the world, Katz relates deeply to the sentiments in “Ghost.”
“The song is about attempting suicide which is something I’ve never done but often think about,” Katz says of the visceral track. “I didn’t care to write about why I would do it. The ‘why’ is pretty much always some form of overwhelming sadness. For me it comes from struggling with my mental health. But I didn’t wanna write THAT song. I wanted to write the specific details about how I would do it and what it would feel like. And what I might be thinking about in those final moments. Who it would affect and what I would leave those people with. I wanted to capture those thoughts in the rawest form, without burying them in metaphors and vagueness. So that’s what I did.
“I think suicide is horrible, and tragic, and I don’t support it,” he continues. “But I feel that tug; I know that level of sadness and confusion. I understand what it feels like to be a stranger on this planet. There’s a million artists more qualified to inspire people to ‘stay positive’ and ‘never give up.’ And I hope to one day be in a place to provide that as well. But I’m still struggling. So for now, all can I offer is another voice that says you’re not alone.”
“Ghost” is now available at all digital retailers and streaming services and is available for immediate airplay on rock radio.