More than a dozen country artists will perform this weekend in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to help raise money and collect much-needed items for victims of wildfires that recently ravaged the area.
Zac Brown Band will headline the Mountain Tough Benefit, hosted by Ole Smoky Moonshine, in Pigeon Forge on Sat., Dec. 17. The lineup begins at 10 a.m. ET, also featuring Jim Lauderdale, Rodney Crowell, Sam Bush, Derek St. Holmes, Jason D. Williams, Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley, Randy Kohrs, Sarah Potenza, Mo Pitney, Chelle Rose and others. Music City Roots, WMOT/Roots Radio from Middle Tennessee State University as well as a network of statewide and regional radio stations will broadcast the event. All proceeds will go to the Sevier County Community Fund, established by the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation to directly benefit families impacted by the wildfires.
On Sun., Dec. 18, emerging singer/songwriter Kaitlyn Baker will perform along with Stephen Goff & The Royals, a regional band, at the Smokies Strong Relief Benefit at Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge. Presented by hot sauce company Pepper Palace, Sunday’s free lineup runs from 2-6 p.m. and set to include Santa and bounce houses.
“This event is to receive donations for our community and their families, but most importantly to give the children a very Merry Christmas,” said Will C-Nuñez, Executive Director of Marketing for Pepper Palace. “Items to donate can be gift cards, clothing for children or adults and supplies, like toothpaste, toilet paper, or canned foods.”
Fourteen people lost their lives in the fires, which caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
To donate online, visit mobilecause.com or text PFG 91999. Donations may also be dropped off at SmartBank locations and at Hard Rock Café Pigeon Forge. Checks may be made out to Gatlinburg Relief Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 1910, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868-1910.
Road Pics: Brothers Osborne, Home Free, Michael Ray with Randy Travis
/by Sarah SkatesBrothers Osborne Perform Atop Tour Bus
They will continue on The Dirt Rich Tour through the beginning of next year with upcoming stops in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New Orleans, as well as a show at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works on Jan. 18.
Randy Travis Joins Michael Ray
Randy Travis and Michael Ray
Atlantic / Warner Music Nashville recording artist Michael Ray performed at the KSCS-FM Country Fest in Grand Prairie, Texas on Friday (Dec. 9). The rising star surprised fans by bringing country music legend Randy Travis onstage to sing his classic “Forever and Ever, Amen.”
Home Free’s Sold Out Show at TPAC
Pictured (L-R): Home Free’s Tim Foust, Adam Rupp and Rob Lundquist, Alan Panettiere, Hayden Panettiere, Home Free’s Adam Chance and Austin Brown. Photo: Olena Lysenko
Columbia Records’ Home Free brought their successful A Country Christmas Tour to Nashville’s TPAC Sunday night (Dec. 11). The sold out stop featured the all-vocal group performing songs from their new Christmas album, along with fan favorites including “Ring of Fire,” and “Snapback.”
After the show, CMT’s Nashville star Hayden Panettiere visited with the band backstage.
Luke Bryan is SoundExchange’s Most-Streamed Country Artist of 2016
/by Sarah SkatesClick to see the full list.
SoundExchange has released lists of its Top 20 most-streamed artists, tracks and breakout artists of 2016.
Three country hitmakers landed among the Top 20 Streamed Artists, with Luke Bryan at No. 13, Kenny Chesney at No. 16 and Jason Aldean at No. 17.
Ranking at No. 11, Maren Morris was the only country singer on the Breakout Artists list.
Adele’s “Hello” was streamed more than any other track. The Weeknd scored three songs on the Top 20 tracks list: “The Hills,” “Earned It” and “Can’t Feel My Face.”
Drake was the most-streamed artist.
SoundExchange based the data on the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2016.
CMT Sets Premiere Date For ‘Sun Records’
/by Sarah SkatesCMT has revealed a new title and premiere date for its limited eight-part scripted series Sun Records. Formerly known as Million Dollar Quartet, it is based on the Tony Award®-winning musical.
The series will premiere on CMT on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 10 PM ET/PT. The announcement follows the 60th anniversary of the historic Million Dollar Quartet recording sessions featuring Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins on Dec. 4, 1956 at Memphis’ Sun Records Studios. Sun Records will join Nashville to complete CMT’s new Thursday line-up.
The series chronicles Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, and the artists through their sudden rise to fame, set against a backdrop of political change and social unrest.
The cast includes Chad Michael Murray (Sam Phillips), Billy Gardell (Presley and Arnold’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker), Drake Milligan (Elvis Presley), Kevin Fonteyne (Johnny Cash), Christian Lees (Jerry Lee Lewis), Jonah Lees (Jimmy Swaggart), Trevor Donovan (Eddy Arnold), Keir O’Donnell (Dewey Phillips), Jennifer Holland (Sam’s wife Becky Phillips), Margaret Anne Florence (Sam’s assistant Marion Keisker), and Kerry Holliday (Ike Turner).
Sundance Head Wins ‘The Voice’
/by Jessica NicholsonSundance Head, Photo: NBC.com
Country singer Sundance Head emerged the winner last night (Dec. 13) during the season 11 finale of The Voice. He performed a mash up of “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” with KISS.
The singer beat out fellow competitors Billy Gilman, We McDonald, and Josh Gallagher, to earn coach Blake Shelton his fifth win on the series.
Head’s victory was a comeback story, following his first singing competition rounds during American Idol‘s sixth season, where he was cut from the Top 12.
Additionally, country entertainer Cam performed a rendition of her hit “Burning House” with Gallagher.
Showing proof of his potential as an artist, Head’s recordings from the show have recently landed in the Top 5 of the Nielsen Soundscan tracks chart.
Zac Brown Band To Headline East Tennessee Relief Events Dec. 17-18
/by Eric T. ParkerMore than a dozen country artists will perform this weekend in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to help raise money and collect much-needed items for victims of wildfires that recently ravaged the area.
Zac Brown Band will headline the Mountain Tough Benefit, hosted by Ole Smoky Moonshine, in Pigeon Forge on Sat., Dec. 17. The lineup begins at 10 a.m. ET, also featuring Jim Lauderdale, Rodney Crowell, Sam Bush, Derek St. Holmes, Jason D. Williams, Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley, Randy Kohrs, Sarah Potenza, Mo Pitney, Chelle Rose and others. Music City Roots, WMOT/Roots Radio from Middle Tennessee State University as well as a network of statewide and regional radio stations will broadcast the event. All proceeds will go to the Sevier County Community Fund, established by the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation to directly benefit families impacted by the wildfires.
On Sun., Dec. 18, emerging singer/songwriter Kaitlyn Baker will perform along with Stephen Goff & The Royals, a regional band, at the Smokies Strong Relief Benefit at Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge. Presented by hot sauce company Pepper Palace, Sunday’s free lineup runs from 2-6 p.m. and set to include Santa and bounce houses.
“This event is to receive donations for our community and their families, but most importantly to give the children a very Merry Christmas,” said Will C-Nuñez, Executive Director of Marketing for Pepper Palace. “Items to donate can be gift cards, clothing for children or adults and supplies, like toothpaste, toilet paper, or canned foods.”
Fourteen people lost their lives in the fires, which caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
To donate online, visit mobilecause.com or text PFG 91999. Donations may also be dropped off at SmartBank locations and at Hard Rock Café Pigeon Forge. Checks may be made out to Gatlinburg Relief Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 1910, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868-1910.
Danielle Bradbery, Drake White, Trent Harmon To Perform At CMHoF Free Day
/by Sarah SkatesDanielle Bradbery, Drake White, and Trent Harmon
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is partnering with Ford Motor Company Fund for the eighth Ford Community Day. Museum admission will be free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, as a way to say “thank you” to patrons.
There are numerous events on Sunday’s schedule, including Songwriter Sessions and Signings with J. T. Harding and Bob DiPiero.
There is also a guitar pull with Danielle Bradbery, Drake White, and Trent Harmon. While it is a free performance, a ticket will be required for admittance. Guests can make reservations beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. For details on programming or to make a reservation, visit countrymusichalloffame.org/ford
Visitors who wish to purchase a museum membership on Sunday will receive a 20 percent discount, and it is available at the museum or countrymusichalloffame.org (discount code FORD20).
Ray Benson, Dale Watson Prepping First Duo Project
/by Jessica NicholsonDale Watson and Ray Benson
Ray Benson and Dale Watson will release their first duo album, Dale & Ray, on Jan. 6 on Ameripolitan/Home Records, distributed by Mailboat Records. The album will include original tracks, such as “The Ballad of Dale and Ray,” and “Bus’ Breakdown,” as well as a tribute to Merle Haggard, “Feelin’ Haggard.”
On Wednesday, Dec. 14, SiriusXM will preview one of the album’s two cover tunes, a rendition of Willie Nelson’s “Write Your Own Songs.” The song will play simultaneously on SirusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and on Outlaw Country at 5 p.m. ET.
“Ray and I have talked about doing this record from all the way back when I had black hair and he was still awake at the wheel,” Watson says. “To be able to do a record with a man I respect so much has been a dream come true.”
“The idea for this record is older than Willie Nelson,” Benson confirms. “Dale and I are kind of kindred spirits. We both have made careers as outsiders, fighting for the opportunity to play and showcase the kind of music that we want to play. For this record, we got to write and create original music that I’m extremely proud of.”
The duo also has several shows set for 2017 (below):
Jamboree In The Hills Adds Chris Young, Kelsea Ballerini To 2017 Lineup
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young, Kelsea Ballerini
The 41st annual Jamboree In The Hills has added Chris Young and Kelsea Ballerini to its artist lineup for 2017. The festival will take place July 13-16 in Belmont County, Ohio.
Previously announced talent includes Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean, and Lady Antebellum. Young will join the Friday schedule and Ballerini will take the stage on Saturday, with more performers set to be revealed soon.
After recently announcing a name change to Jambo Country, Jamboree In The Hills organizers listened to fans’ response, and opted to retain the festival’s original name, as well as all of the traditions its diehard fans have come to know, including four days of music.
Ticket sales for Jamboree In The Hills begin with a one-day only sale this Thursday (Dec. 15) from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET, with exclusive deals on four-day passes and camping only.
Tickets for the one-day sale will be available via jamboreeinthehills.com, onsite at the Belmont venue or charge by phone at 1-800-594-TIXX.
Metro Planning Commission Approves Music Row Detailed Design Plan
/by Eric T. ParkerThe DDP addresses land use, transportation, and community character at the neighborhood level. Such proposals include density requirements, height requirements and setback requirements. This DDP is adopted as an amendment to the Green Hills-Midtown Community Plan and therefore as a component of the countywide NashvilleNext General Plan.
Once adopted as an amendment to the community plan, the DDP serves as the primary guide for the neighborhood’s development.
Charity News: Ronnie Dunn, WMBA, Brett Eldredge
/by Jessica NicholsonRonnie Dunn Cancels Miracle on Broadway Appearance
Ronnie Dunn has had to cancel his appearance at Friday’s (Dec. 16) Miracle on Broadway concert in Nashville after coming down with a cold and sore throat. Dunn was part of the first Miracle on Broadway event in 2014.
Created by Kelly Clarkson, Friday’s event at the Bridgestone Arena benefits Abe’s Garden, the Nashville Public Library Fund, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and the W. O. Smith Music School.
Steve Wariner and Hunter Hayes have been newly added to the lineup, which also includes Reba, Kelsea Ballerini, RaeLynn, the SteelDrivers, and Chip Esten.
A few tickets remain and can be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, all TicketMaster outlets, livenation.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for Second Harvest Food Bank.
Brett Eldredge Teams With Macy’s and Clothes4Souls To Benefit Nashville Rescue Mission
Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/AP Images for Macy’s
Guests of the Nashville Rescue Mission received brand new winter coats during the Clothes4Souls and Macy’s “Share the Warmth” event on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 in Nashville, with the help of Brett Eldredge and several volunteers. Macy’s has donated over 165,000 coats in partnership with Clothes4Souls since 2013.
Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/AP Images for Macy’s
Women’s Music Business Association Holds Tunes For Tots Writers Round
Pictured (Back row L-R): Damian Martin (Raquel Aurilia’s accompaniment), Raquel Aurilia (artist/songwriter), Makenzie Williams (WMBA Events & Ed.) Rachel Bradshaw (Stella Jane), Sarah Davidson (Stella Jane), Dana Lalevee (WMBA President), Michelle Pereira (artist/songwriter), Kortney Toney (WMBA Events & Education). (Front row L-R): Jana Horvath (WMBA Treasurer), Rachael Gerringer (WMBA Membership & Marketing), Marissa Bond (exiting WMBA Treasurer), Julia Grimoldi (WMBA Vice President)
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) held its annual Tunes for Tots writers round benefiting Toys for Tots earlier this week at The Country, located at 110 28th Avenue in Nashville.
Performers included artist-writer Raquel Aurilia, duo Stella Jane (Rachel Bradshaw and Sarah Davidson), and artist-writer Michelle Pereira. Over $100 and six overflowing bags of toys were collected for Toys for Tots at the door.