Fans of old school country will be happy to know that the CMA Music Festival has added a new “Forever Country” stage in the park space behind Ascend Amphitheater during Music Fest week. The new stage will feature performances by country acts from the 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s including Jeff Bates, Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, Mark Chesnutt, Confederate Railroad, George Ducas, Emerson Drive, Exile, Andy Griggs, Ty Herndon, “Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence and Friends”, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Little Texas, Lonestar, Mila Mason, Terry McBride, Rick Monroe, Jamie O’Neal, James Otto, Danielle Peck, Trick Pony, Collin Raye, Restless Heart, Julie Roberts, Ray Scott, Shenandoah, Doug Supernaw, Rhonda Vincent and Daryle Singletary, Lari White, Mark Wills, and Darryl Worley.
Additionally, the the Music City Stage returns for a second year, located in the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville Convention and Visitor Corp’s Music City Stage is the only free, air-conditioned, indoor festival stage, offering fans a convenient place to escape the heat while still catching entertainment from some of country’s newest rising stars.
Appearing on the Music City Stage Thursday through Sunday are Jimmie Allen, Sammy Arriaga, Kassi Ashton, Maggie Baugh, Brennley Brown, Brian Callihan, Dallas Caroline, Jessie Chris, Julia Cole, Nora Collins, Dalton & the Sheriffs, Shelly Fairchild, Kenny Foster, Livy Jeanne, Jessie Key, Colm Kirwan, McCoy, Tristan McIntosh, Megan & Liz, Native Run, Camille Rae, Mary Sarah, Zach Seabaugh, CJ Solar, Scott Stevens, Sweet Tea Trio, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Hootz, Kasey Tyndall, and James Robert Webb.
On Sunday ASCAP Presents at the Music City Stage will showcase artists Raquel Cole, Crooked King, Dorado, Adam Hambrick, Lucas Hoge, Martin McDaniel, Post Monroe, Brandon Ratcliff, Sarah Allison Turner, and Anna Vaus.
“We focus on programming unforgettable performances on every stage and thank our returning partners for helping us to do that, while also offering unique activities and experiences for fans,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern.
Exit/In Offers Ultimate Guilty Pleasures Show With ’90s Country Throwback
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Adam Craig, Dustin Lynch, Craig Campbell, Storme Warren, Adam Sanders, Lauren Alaina, Michael Ray. Photo: Alex Ferrari
Nineties night at the Exit/In last night (April 11) conjured up some hits from the decade and offered plenty of fun surprises for those in attendance, as artists Adam Craig, Adam Sanders, Craig Campbell, Dustin Lynch, Lauren Alaina and Michael Ray all came together to sing some of their favorite hits of the bygone decade.
Adam Craig kicked off the night and was joined by Craig Campbell to harmonize on BlackHawk’s “Goodbye Says It All.” During Adam Sanders’ set, Mark Wills walked out to join Sanders on “She’s In Love.” Michael Ray offered up a fun rendition of “John Deere Green” and invited Marty Raybon and Mike McGuire of Shenandoah to the stage to collaborate on their hit “Two Dozen Roses,” followed by an impromptu, unrehearsed version of “The Church On Cumberland Road.”
During Lauren Alaina’s set, Martina McBride got in on the fun, joining her for “This One’s For The Girls,” and the fun-filled, nostalgia-packed evening capped off with Dustin Lynch, who brought Rhett Akins out to sing Akins’ first No. 1 single “That Ain’t My Truck,” followed by an all-star packed-stage rendition of “Friends In Low Places” to close out the night.
Pictured (L-R): Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon, Michael Ray, Johnstone Entertainment’s Cole Johnstone, Shenandoah’s Mike McGuire
Sony Music Nashville Promotes Jim Catino
/by Jessica NicholsonJim Catino
Sony Music Nashville’s Jim Catino has been promoted to Senior Vice President, A&R. Most recently Vice President of A&R, Catino is a 22-year music industry veteran who first joined the label group in October of 2001. Based in Nashville, he continues to report directly to Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman.
In his new role, Catino will continue signing and developing artists with Sony Music Nashville’s three labels – Arista Nashville, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville – and, overseeing the A&R team which includes Senior Director Taylor Lindsey, Associate Director John Johnson and A&R Representative Margaret Tomlin.
“I’m excited to be making this announcement today,” said Goodman. “Since arriving at Sony Music Nashville 21 months ago, I’ve been impressed with Jim’s ‘ears’ and sensibilities as well as the great team that he’s built around him. He’s always looking to do the right thing as it relates to the artists and their music and has been the driver of some of our great, early successes.”
“It has been an honor to be a part of the Sony Family over the past 15 years,” Catino says. “My A&R experiences have been so rewarding. I’m grateful to Randy for the opportunities he’s given me, particularly entrusting me with our A&R focus going forward. We’re creating an exciting, fresh culture that is so artist and music friendly. Randy has allowed our A&R team to lead that charge in new ways.”
Prior to joining Sony Music Nashville, Catino held posts at DreamWorks Music Publishing, Giant Records and MCA Music Publishing. At each company, he worked closely with songwriters and secured copyrights.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Catino graduated from Belmont University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Music Business. He serves on the Board of Belmont’s Music Business Department and is a member of the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, Leadership Music and The Recording Academy, including the P&E Wing.
Catino and his wife Molly and daughters Katy and Kelly reside in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Brett James’ Cornman Music Launches Management Division
/by Jessica NicholsonShea Fowler
Cornman Music has launched CornMGMT, which will be helmed by former Cornman Music Creative Director Shea Fowler. Additionally, Rakiyah Marshall has been added to the Cornman Music family as Creative Director.
“As Shea Fowler takes over the helm of our CornMGMT team, we are super excited to have Rakiyah Marshall joining our Cornman Music family as Creative Director,” said Brett James, who started the boutique publishing company in 2007. “She’s the perfect blend of youth and experience and her warmth and sense of humor make her the perfect fit.”
Fowler will oversee management for Cornman Music’s Caitlyn Smith who was recently announced as one of Monument Records’ flagship artists under the label helmed by Jason Owen and Shane McAnally.
“I am so excited and honored to be to be a part of the Cornman Music family, owned by acclaimed songwriter Brett James, who has given me the opportunity to work with such talented writers and a rich catalogue of hits,” Marshall said. “Looking forward to this new journey and the chance to discover homes for some great songs.”
Rakiyah Marshall
Housed on Music Row in Nashville, Cornman Music’s roster of artists and songwriters include Kip Moore, Justin Weaver, Steven Lee Olsen, Josh Mirenda, Nick Brophy, Josh Miller and Smith. Cornman is a co-venture with Warner/Chappell and has had hits such as Meghan Trainor and John Legend’s duet “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere On A Beach,” among other cuts by Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean and many others.
Marshall, a native New Yorker, is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a B.A. in Broadcasting/Business Administration. Following graduation, she spent two years in Marketing at Verve Label Group. After her time at Verve, Marshall joined Republic Records radio promotion team working with artists such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. Her passion for country music led her to Nashville. She can be reached at rakiyah@cornmanmusic.com.
Fowler has served as Creative Director at Cornman Music since 2012. A graduate of Belmont University with a B.S. in Entertainment Industry Studies, Fowler worked as the A&R Coordinator at Big Machine Label Group for three years before joining Cornman Music. She can be reached at shea@cornmanmusic.com.
CMA Music Festival To Debut ‘Forever Country’ Stage
/by Lorie HollabaughAdditionally, the the Music City Stage returns for a second year, located in the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville Convention and Visitor Corp’s Music City Stage is the only free, air-conditioned, indoor festival stage, offering fans a convenient place to escape the heat while still catching entertainment from some of country’s newest rising stars.
Appearing on the Music City Stage Thursday through Sunday are Jimmie Allen, Sammy Arriaga, Kassi Ashton, Maggie Baugh, Brennley Brown, Brian Callihan, Dallas Caroline, Jessie Chris, Julia Cole, Nora Collins, Dalton & the Sheriffs, Shelly Fairchild, Kenny Foster, Livy Jeanne, Jessie Key, Colm Kirwan, McCoy, Tristan McIntosh, Megan & Liz, Native Run, Camille Rae, Mary Sarah, Zach Seabaugh, CJ Solar, Scott Stevens, Sweet Tea Trio, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Hootz, Kasey Tyndall, and James Robert Webb.
On Sunday ASCAP Presents at the Music City Stage will showcase artists Raquel Cole, Crooked King, Dorado, Adam Hambrick, Lucas Hoge, Martin McDaniel, Post Monroe, Brandon Ratcliff, Sarah Allison Turner, and Anna Vaus.
“We focus on programming unforgettable performances on every stage and thank our returning partners for helping us to do that, while also offering unique activities and experiences for fans,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern.
Industry Ink: Deluge Music, Gordon Law, BMG, BMI, Eastside Sounds
/by Lorie HollabaughThornley Joins Deluge Music
Pictured (L-R): Mason Thornley, Mark Friedman (President Deluge Music) and Emily Dryburgh (Creative Manager, Deluge Music)
Deluge Music has signed songwriter Mason Thornley. “Mason is extremely talented and will be a force in this town very soon! I’m thrilled to have him as part of the Deluge Music family!” says Mark Friedman, President of Deluge Music.
Chuck Allen Floyd Joins Gordon Law
BMG To Publish Music Book Series
J. Human And The New Respects Come To The East Side
Dan Fernandez Joins Big Deal Music
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“When I grow up, I want to be as cool as Dan. We are so thrilled to have him as part of the Big Deal family and look forward to helping share his talents,” says Greg Gallo, Senior Creative Director for Big Deal Music.
“I’m excited to be making music with good friends,” said Fernandez about the new association.
Alabama’s Jeff Cook Battling Parkinson’s Disease
/by Sarah SkatesJeff Cook pictured in November 2016 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where Alabama gave an intimate performance and interview. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images
Alabama member Jeff Cook will step away from touring due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. The band’s fiddle player and guitarist was diagnosed about four years ago but kept the condition private until now, he told The Tennessean.
Cook and fellow band members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry sat down with the newspaper to discuss Cook’s condition, a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.
For most tour dates, Cook will not be performing with Alabama, although he plans to play concerts on May 27 in Orange Beach, Ala., as well as a fan event in June.
Trace Adkins Packs Spring With TV Dates, USO Tour Plans
/by Lorie HollabaughBusy touring with a packed schedule of dates through the end of October, Adkins is also planning a USO Tour this spring. He has performed for service men and women on 11 USO Tours throughout his career.
Reba, Jason Isbell, John Prine Set For Thistle Farms Fundraiser
/by Eric T. ParkerThe event will celebrate the organization’s accomplishments of the past two decades, with a star-studded lineup of performers including Reba McEntire, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and special guest John Prine. Founder Becca Stevens—as well as the women of Thistle Farms, survivors of addiction, trafficking and addiction—will lead the evening with stories of hope and inspiration.
Thistle Farms recently launched new branding for its much-loved Body & Home line of handmade products. Esteemed chef Martha Stamps has been tapped to lead the culinary direction of the expected summer reveal of the Café of Thistle Farms, formerly known as Thistle Stop Café. Also underway is a $3 million renovation that includes a new manufacturing facility as well as an expanded cafe and event space.
Tickets are available for the Love Letters evening at thistlefarms.org.
Nashville Bourbon Derby To Benefit T.J. Martell’s FTL Sarcoma Fund
/by Troy_StephensonMembers of the music industry have teamed up to host the Nashville Bourbon Derby on Tuesday, May 2, at the East Ivy Mansion. Proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation’s FTL Sarcoma Fund, which raises money for sarcoma cancer research in memory of Lindsay Walleman.
The event will feature rare bourbons donated from personal collections throughout the Nashville area, food trucks, auction items, and music from Warner Music Nashville artist Charlie Worsham‘s extensive vinyl collection.
The $50 entry fee includes ten (10) tickets redeemable for tastings. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
The event’s host committee includes Jordan Pettit, Damon Moberly, Ryan O’Nan, Ryan Beuschel, Mark Block, Ryan Miller, Bo Martinovich, Darren Koch, Chris Palmer, Luke Rodgers, and Myles Murphy.
For more information, visit www.nashvillebourbonderby.com.