St. Jude has launched a nationwide campaign to kick off Monday, December 4 and continue through the end of 2017, featuring more than 80 artists and influencers with the goal of creating a ‘giving movement’ for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The THIS SHIRT SAVES LIVES campaign will be supported by more than 120 Country Cares radio partners helping to motivate potential donors to become a Partner in Hope and give $20 a month for the exclusive tee shirt.
“We’ve long given apparel as a thank you to donors, but this year we’ve re-branded the offering as our driving incentive. The goal is to create a giving movement to help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food,” says Jessica Turri, Sr. Specialist at ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude.
Promotional banners will be placed around Music Row, and to launch the campaign an industry-wide reception will be held at the Country Music Association in Nashville.
The on-air push will coincide with a social push from participating artists such as Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Brett Eldredge, Kelsea Ballerini, Jake Owen, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Darius Rucker, Cassadee Pope, Lindsay Ell, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi, Brothers Osborne, LOCASH, Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Walker Hayes, Ryan Hurd, Jackie Lee, Michael Ray, Devin Dawson, Ashley McBryde, Cam, Canaan Smith, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Craig Campbell, Danielle Bradbery, Delta Rae, Drew Baldridge, Drake White, Dustin Lynch, Josh Turner, Lucas Hoge, Luke Combs, Mickey Guyton, Mo Pitney, Runaway June, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Beathard, William Michael Morgan, Scotty McCreery, Granger Smith, Kacey Musgraves, Midland, Dan + Shay, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Josh Turner, Lee Brice, and many more. Nashville photographers, John Shearer and Andres Martinez, lent their talent to the campaign, shooting many of the 80+ artists featured.
As an operation St. Jude offers free care for patients, requiring the compensation of 3,600 employees. In total operations run more than $2 million a day, which is primarily covered by public contributions. All research from the hospital is publicly available, in hopes of accelerating the eventual cure for childhood cancer.
Brandi Brammer Joins WME
/by Eric T. ParkerBrandi Brammer
WME has announced former CAA Human Resources executive Brandi Brammer has joined its Nashville office in a role helping develop business strategy, client relations and daily operations. Brammer will also work as a liaison between Nashville and the rest of WME’s offices.
“We are thrilled that Brandi has decided to join our team in Nashville,” said Scott Clayton, Co-Head of WME’s Nashville office and first to start a migration of now four executives including Matthew Morgan and Buster Phillips. “I am excited to continue our successful 10 year plus partnership, and we are all looking forward to working with Brandi to grow WME’s business in Nashville and around the globe.”
In her previous role at CAA, Brammer led the Human Resources team and managed operations for the agency’s Nashville office. She also grew the office from 38 employees to more than 120, ultimately expanding her role to function as the lead Human Resources Business Partner and Recruiter for the CAA offices throughout the Southeast region.
During her career, Brammer has served on many philanthropic committees and boards, recently honored for the second year in a row with Nashville Business Journal. Brammer began her career at CAA in its Los Angeles office before joining the Academy of Country Music as Director of Events. She rejoined CAA’s Nashville office in 2007.
WME also announced the promotion of Sarah Van Hoven to Director of Human Resources for the Nashville office, continuing to serve as the HR lead for the office’s 119 employees.
Montgomery Gentry Announces New Tour: Here’s To You
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 25-date tour will hit Indianapolis, Augusta, Sioux Falls, Birmingham, Ridgefield, CT and more through September.
“I’m anxious to get back out on the road and play some new music for our friends and fans,” reveals Montgomery. “Next year marks the 20th anniversary of our band – we’ve got lots to celebrate and look forward to in 2018.”
“Better Me,” the lead single from the new album, set for release on February 2, 2018, is currently on Country radio and was penned by Jamie Moore, Josh Hoge, and Randy Montana.
Here’s To You Tour Dates:
Weekly Register: Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks Continue To Reign On Albums Chart
/by Eric T. ParkerFor the country albums charts, Garth Brooks moves to the No. 1 slot with his Anthology Part 1: The First Five Years box set, which debuted last week at No. 2 with 53K. This week the anthology, which comes with a 240-page book, moved 57K, for a combined 110K units to date. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill‘s duets project for Sony, The Rest Of Our Life, flip flops this week with Brooks, landing at No. 2 on the country chart with 24K, compared with 104K units moved last week when it debuted. Sitting at No. 3 for the second week is Blake Shelton‘s Texoma Shore, which saw 21K units moved this week for 130K cumulative sales. Thomas Rhett follows at No. 4 with Life Changes, at 16K this week, while Kane Brown notches the No. 5 sot with his self-titled project moving 14K.
Debut albums this week included Cole Swindell‘s Down Home Sessions IV with Warner, garnering 2.7K units while Jake Owen‘s Greatest Hits release from ex-label RCA broke out with 2.5K.
For the country single sales, the Florida Georgia Line feature with Bebe Rexha, “Meant To Be” sits at No. 1 with 25K this week, for a total of 404K since release. Down from the top spot last week at No. 2 is LANCO’s “Greatest Love Story,” moving 13K. The No. 3 song this week is Kane Brown duet with Lauren Alaina, “What If’s,” with 9.3K. Blake Shelton’s “I’ll Name The Dogs” sits at No. 4 with 9.1K while Chris Stapleton’s “Broken Halos” moved 8.4K.
The Voice contestant Red Marlow is the top country debut with his cover of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance” at No. 8 with 8.2K. In addition to Bebe Rexha, FGL also lends a hand to Big Loud artist Morgan Wallen‘s “Up Down,” which went for adds on Nov. 7 but has already garnered 32K in cumulative sales, 3.6K this week.
Information courtesy of Nielsen Soundscan.
Official Curb/Word Entertainment Announcement Elevates Four Key Executives
/by Eric T. ParkerThe announcement subsequently elevates four key executives, including Benson Curb, Jeff Tuerff and Ryan Dokke overseeing a 12 member marketing and promotion department for Curb/Word Entertainment. Bryan Stewart, former VP A&R, will be elevated to SVP of A&R for Curb/Word Entertainment.
Similarly, Benson Curb has been elevated from VP Sales to SVP of Revenue and Marketing, Curb/Word Entertainment; Jeff Tuerff has been upped from VP Marketing to SVP of Marketing, Curb/Word Entertainment. Ryan Dokke sees an elevation from VP Promotion, to SVP of Promotion, Curb/Word Entertainment.
“We’ve witnessed dramatic changes in the entertainment industry over the last decade. Benson, Bryan, Jeff and Ryan have met these challenges with the necessary enthusiasm and understanding to successfully market music and artists to multiple genres. This combined company effort will allow artists on our rosters to draw on the full breadth of experience and talent these executives exhibit. Bringing Curb and Word together will create opportunities for our artists that individual and separate companies can’t,” said Norman.
Additional executive promotions and announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Reminder: Lee Thomas Miller Rally At BMI Today
/by Lorie HollabaughThe event is being hosted by Shannan Hatch, Bart Herbison, Michael Martin, Liz Rose, Ben Vaughn, Jody Williams, and Craig Wiseman. Host committee members include Jim Beavers, busbee, Tom Douglas, Jim Free, Mitch Glazier, Ben Hayslip, Brett James, Kelley Lovelace, Tim Nichols, Frank Rogers, Stacie Standifer, Jeff Stevens, Troy Verges, Brad Warren, Brett Warren and Kris Wiatr.
RSVPs go to 615-830-7000 or rsvp@leethomasmillerforcongress.com.
Industry Ink: Darius Rucker, Michael Ray, Charlie Worsham
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker And Ply Gem Extend Partnership With Home For Good Project
Through the Home for Good project, Ply Gem has already donated more than $1.2 million in building products and is helping to raise awareness of the critical need for affordable housing in communities across the country by partnering with Darius Rucker as campaign ambassador and building industry professionals to spread the word and make a difference.
“Seeing the power of the ‘Home for Good Project’ last year and the impact it had on people’s lives was absolutely incredible,” shares Rucker. “I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue to work with Ply Gem to give back to individuals, families and communities across the country in 2018.”
Michael Ray Named Brand Ambassador For GIVN Water
Michael Ray
Michael Ray has partnered with GIVN® Water as a brand ambassador. Recognized as a 2016 Best for the World Honoree, GIVN® Water provides one day of clean drinking water from each bottle sold, having provided over 850,000 days of clean water thus far.
“When I learned that GIVN provides a day of clean water to those in need for every bottle they sell, I immediately felt that significance and the ripple effect it could have not just in the U.S. but also on a global scale,” shares Ray. “Growing up in a small rural town in Florida, I learned at an early age that showing people you care is the greatest way to strengthen a community. Whether it was something as small as taking a neighbor a meal, my grandfather not only told me but he showed me the importance of being there for one another. I think we all need that right now. No gesture is too small.”
Ray is wrapping up his Get To You Tour this weekend with shows in Louisville, Kentucky, and Warrendale, Pennsylvania.
Charlie Worsham Releases Book To Benefit Grenada, MS Youth
In its first two years, the organization raised nearly $100,000, including $35,000 at this past weekend’s gala in Grenada. The second annual event featured special guest and newly inducted Country Music Hall of Fame member, Don Schlitz. More information can be found at FollowYourHeartArts.org.
CRS New Faces Of Country 2018 Talent Announced
/by Lorie HollabaughCo-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the annual new artist showcase is one of the most-anticipated events each year at CRS. Performances will be powered by Live Nation and take place in the CRS Performance Hall.
Dinner tickets for the 2018 New Faces of Country Music Show are sold-out. The $599 regular registration rate for CRS 2018, held Monday, Feb. 5-7 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, is available at CountryRadioSeminar.com. On Dec. 5, the CRS rate increases to the final rate of $699. In addition, a limited number of Omni Hotel rooms are still available.
SOLID Honors Alum At 20th Anniversary Holiday Party
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): SOLID 20th Anniversary Chair Kari Barnhart, SESAC’s Jayson Wyatt, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Lev’s House Ent.’s Justin Levenson, SOLID President Basak Kizilisik. Photo: Brenton Giesy Photography
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) celebrated its 20th anniversary at a special holiday party at The Cordelle (Nov. 30), honoring SESAC’s Jayson Wyatt, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy and Manager at Lev’s House Ent., Justin Levenson.
The association of rising music industry professionals commemorated the last two decades and recognized the SOLID alumni who have gone on to become esteemed leaders in the entertainment industry. International royalties administrator at SESAC Jayson Wyatt received SOLID’s Spirit of SOLID Honor, VP of A&R at Warner Music Nashville, Cris Lacy, was honored as the Distinguished Alum, and Manager at Lev’s House Ent., Justin Levenson, was named the Inspire Award honoree.
Mayor Megan Barry presented the organization with an official proclamation, naming November 30 as SOLID day along with the office of the State of Tennessee.
“Being able to celebrate 20 years of SOLID with colleagues and friends in the current class as well as alumni dating back to the founding members was truly special. This organization has achieved so much in two decades and I’m proud that we were able to pay homage to its history on Thursday night,” shares SOLID president Basak Kizilisik. “Cris, Justin and Jayson are shining examples of the impact SOLID has had on the lives and careers of leaders who are shaping the landscape of the music industry and we’re so thankful for their continued passion and desire to pour into the generations that are coming up after them. The recognition from Mayor Megan Barry and the State of Tennessee was an incredibly humbling way to cap this night. I’m so thankful for the support Nashville gives to organizations like ours. Here’s to another twenty!”
Since the organization’s establishment in 1997, SOLID has raised more than $250,000 for the Nashville community through events such as Bowl For Kids’ Sake, Nashville Music Market during CMA Fest, SOLID’s annual kickball tournament, Red Rubber Showdown and the Miller Harris golf tournament, and has provided volunteer services through its Habitat for Humanity build, 343 Tribute Project to thank firefighters on Sept. 11 and SOLID’s day of service at Second Harvest Food Bank.
SOLID 2017 Board of Directors. Photo: Brenton Giesy Photography [CLICK TO ENLARGE]
‘Bluegrass Underground’ To Kick Off Season Eight In March At New Home The Caverns
/by Lorie HollabaughLocated at the foot of Monteagle Mountain in the hills of Grundy County, Tennessee near Pelham, Tennessee, The Caverns is the new permanent home of Bluegrass Underground, and will allow its annual PBS taping schedule to now be more flexible, with several taping weekends instead of a single once-a-year marathon which enables a broader range of artists to appear on the show.
“Every aspect of the patron experience has been improved and enhanced – a streamlined ticketing process, closer parking, nicer bathrooms, more comfortable seating, better sightlines and more. And the space itself is even grander and, dare I say…‘cavier’,” says The Caverns General Manager and Associate Producer Joe Lurgio.
Bluegrass Underground was previously located about 40 miles north, at the Cumberland Caverns, outside of McMinnville, Tennessee.
PBS tapings in April and May will include Carlile, The Sam Bush Band, Flatt Lonesome, The Turnpike Troubadours, Kathy Mattea, Lettuce, The Rev. Osagyefo Sekou, Mary Gauthier and Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. Packages and tickets for all events go on sale Saturday, Dec. 9, at thecaverns.com.
St. Jude Launches ‘This Shirt Saves Lives’ Campaign
/by Eric T. ParkerThe THIS SHIRT SAVES LIVES campaign will be supported by more than 120 Country Cares radio partners helping to motivate potential donors to become a Partner in Hope and give $20 a month for the exclusive tee shirt.
“We’ve long given apparel as a thank you to donors, but this year we’ve re-branded the offering as our driving incentive. The goal is to create a giving movement to help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food,” says Jessica Turri, Sr. Specialist at ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude.
Promotional banners will be placed around Music Row, and to launch the campaign an industry-wide reception will be held at the Country Music Association in Nashville.
The on-air push will coincide with a social push from participating artists such as Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Brett Eldredge, Kelsea Ballerini, Jake Owen, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Darius Rucker, Cassadee Pope, Lindsay Ell, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi, Brothers Osborne, LOCASH, Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Walker Hayes, Ryan Hurd, Jackie Lee, Michael Ray, Devin Dawson, Ashley McBryde, Cam, Canaan Smith, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Craig Campbell, Danielle Bradbery, Delta Rae, Drew Baldridge, Drake White, Dustin Lynch, Josh Turner, Lucas Hoge, Luke Combs, Mickey Guyton, Mo Pitney, Runaway June, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Beathard, William Michael Morgan, Scotty McCreery, Granger Smith, Kacey Musgraves, Midland, Dan + Shay, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Josh Turner, Lee Brice, and many more. Nashville photographers, John Shearer and Andres Martinez, lent their talent to the campaign, shooting many of the 80+ artists featured.
As an operation St. Jude offers free care for patients, requiring the compensation of 3,600 employees. In total operations run more than $2 million a day, which is primarily covered by public contributions. All research from the hospital is publicly available, in hopes of accelerating the eventual cure for childhood cancer.