Pictured (L-R): Michael Shmerling, Kent Oliver, Kelly Clarkson, Jonah Rabinowitz, Jaynee Day. Photo: Eric T. Parker
During a press conference at Nashville’s Starstruck Entertainment earlier today (Dec. 9), 2017 Grammy Awards nominee Kelly Clarkson introduced beneficiaries of her second Miracle on Broadway Christmas show next week (Dec. 16) at the Bridgestone Arena.
“What I found interesting with all the organizations we happened to pick this year is [they] are all intertwined somehow,” remarked Clarkson. “W.O. Smith kids have come to sing for Abe’s Garden. And when we were at [Abe’s Garden] they were raising money, I feel like it was for Second Harvest. Y’all are all intertwined, which I thought was really beautiful and organic.”
Also benefited this year will be the Nashville Public Library Fund.
Though the Facebook Live feed had technical difficulties and did not air, Clarkson— a Texas-native—encouraged everyone to give back in their own communities.
“I love Nashville,” Clarkson went on to say. “I’ve been here for a decade now and I feel like this is my community as well. [Giving back is] an important thing for everyone to do. Even if [a charity] doesn’t affect you on your daily, it will down the line—it’s the Domino effect. It’s really important for us to support each other. That’s more relevant now, than ever.”
Tickets are still available for the 2016 Miracle on Broadway, including various VIP experiences, at ticketmaster.com. The star lineup already includes Reba, Ronnie Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, RaeLynn, The Steeldrivers, and Nashville’s Chip Esten.
Pictured (L-R): Jonah Rabinowitz, Michael Shmerling, Kelly Clarkson, Kent Oliver, Jaynee Day. Photo: Natalie Moorhead
Leaders of the four local charities she will be supporting with proceeds from the event offered remarks during the conference, including Jaynee Day, Pres./CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Second Harvest serves 46 counties—half the state of Tennessee.
“One in seven Tennesseans, and one in five children in Tennessee does not know where there next meal will be coming from,” noted Day. “Healthy/nutritious food is a critical component for all of our success and the success of our communities in being healthy and being able to read and play instruments.”
Day’s charity is the only returning charity from 2014, when $400,000 was raised. “For every dollar that we received, we can provide four meals,” noted Day. “So over 400,000 meals were provided by Kelly, her team, and the community [two years ago].”
Jonah Rabinowitz, Executive Director of the W.O. Smith Music School, touted the 100 percent high school graduation rate for the past 18 years his students have had who learned a musical instruction in his programs.
“All except three have gone on to either a two-, or four-year college, and the other three went in to the military,” noted Rabinowitz. “We provide music instruction to students qualifying for reduced/free lunch programs. They get their instruction for 50 cents, we provide students with their instrument and music if they don’t have those things available.
“It’s taking a child with great need and putting them in a lesson where they learn something about the craft of making music, but what they’re really doing is having this personal relationship [with their instructor] that makes a huge difference in a child’s life—it’s steady and their efforts are going to be appreciated.”
Founder and Chairman of Abe’s Garden, Michael Shmerling, named the charity after his father Abe, who declined with early onset of Alzheimer’s. Shmerling’s experience with care facilities led to a 12-year development process, after which Abe’s Garden opened last year, disseminating free information throughout the country and housing 42 beds. 35,000 Nashville residents have the disease.
“You think, oh that’s a memory care facility, that’s amazing because people are obviously in need because of the statistics,” noted Clarkson. “But the actual architecture and gardening and classes, and how they’re all productive.”
Kent Oliver, Director of the Nashville Public Library, was representing its foundation, which raises private dollars to promote library services, which include education with computers, robotics, 3D printer, film making, puppet shows for literacy, etc.
“Metro government does a great job at supporting us, but over the course of its lifetime, the foundation has raised $43 million for these value-added programs,” noted Oliver. “Without the foundation, we would not have the opportunity to make this difference.”
Word Music Publishing Signs Jonathan Lee
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R, back row):Rod Riley, Joel Timen, Janine Appleton, Trevor Mathiesen, Josh Bailey. (L-R, front row): Jonathan Lee, Jonathan Mason
Word Music Publishing has signed a worldwide exclusive songwriting agreement with worship leader and Dove-nominated songwriter Jonathan Lee.
Formerly with Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing and Centricity Publishing, Lee’s songs have been recorded by for King & Country, Newsboys, Selah, and Phillips, Craig & Dean. Lee is a co-writer of for King & Country’s “Proof of Your Love.”
“It’s been crucial to our team to make sure we are building a strong group of worship leaders that see the local church as the major leagues when it comes to how we partner together,” says Jonathan Mason, Director of Word Worship Music. “Jonathan’s love for the local church cannot be denied and we believe new songs of worship will continue to rise through his continued ministry.”
As part of this new partnership, Lee will write songs to lead and release through his own recordings as well as for other artists as a staff songwriter for Word Music Publishing.
Kelly Clarkson Introduces Nashville Beneficiaries For 2016 Miracle On Broadway
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Michael Shmerling, Kent Oliver, Kelly Clarkson, Jonah Rabinowitz, Jaynee Day. Photo: Eric T. Parker
During a press conference at Nashville’s Starstruck Entertainment earlier today (Dec. 9), 2017 Grammy Awards nominee Kelly Clarkson introduced beneficiaries of her second Miracle on Broadway Christmas show next week (Dec. 16) at the Bridgestone Arena.
“What I found interesting with all the organizations we happened to pick this year is [they] are all intertwined somehow,” remarked Clarkson. “W.O. Smith kids have come to sing for Abe’s Garden. And when we were at [Abe’s Garden] they were raising money, I feel like it was for Second Harvest. Y’all are all intertwined, which I thought was really beautiful and organic.”
Also benefited this year will be the Nashville Public Library Fund.
Though the Facebook Live feed had technical difficulties and did not air, Clarkson— a Texas-native—encouraged everyone to give back in their own communities.
“I love Nashville,” Clarkson went on to say. “I’ve been here for a decade now and I feel like this is my community as well. [Giving back is] an important thing for everyone to do. Even if [a charity] doesn’t affect you on your daily, it will down the line—it’s the Domino effect. It’s really important for us to support each other. That’s more relevant now, than ever.”
Tickets are still available for the 2016 Miracle on Broadway, including various VIP experiences, at ticketmaster.com. The star lineup already includes Reba, Ronnie Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, RaeLynn, The Steeldrivers, and Nashville’s Chip Esten.
Pictured (L-R): Jonah Rabinowitz, Michael Shmerling, Kelly Clarkson, Kent Oliver, Jaynee Day. Photo: Natalie Moorhead
Leaders of the four local charities she will be supporting with proceeds from the event offered remarks during the conference, including Jaynee Day, Pres./CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Second Harvest serves 46 counties—half the state of Tennessee.
“One in seven Tennesseans, and one in five children in Tennessee does not know where there next meal will be coming from,” noted Day. “Healthy/nutritious food is a critical component for all of our success and the success of our communities in being healthy and being able to read and play instruments.”
Day’s charity is the only returning charity from 2014, when $400,000 was raised. “For every dollar that we received, we can provide four meals,” noted Day. “So over 400,000 meals were provided by Kelly, her team, and the community [two years ago].”
Jonah Rabinowitz, Executive Director of the W.O. Smith Music School, touted the 100 percent high school graduation rate for the past 18 years his students have had who learned a musical instruction in his programs.
“All except three have gone on to either a two-, or four-year college, and the other three went in to the military,” noted Rabinowitz. “We provide music instruction to students qualifying for reduced/free lunch programs. They get their instruction for 50 cents, we provide students with their instrument and music if they don’t have those things available.
“It’s taking a child with great need and putting them in a lesson where they learn something about the craft of making music, but what they’re really doing is having this personal relationship [with their instructor] that makes a huge difference in a child’s life—it’s steady and their efforts are going to be appreciated.”
Founder and Chairman of Abe’s Garden, Michael Shmerling, named the charity after his father Abe, who declined with early onset of Alzheimer’s. Shmerling’s experience with care facilities led to a 12-year development process, after which Abe’s Garden opened last year, disseminating free information throughout the country and housing 42 beds. 35,000 Nashville residents have the disease.
“You think, oh that’s a memory care facility, that’s amazing because people are obviously in need because of the statistics,” noted Clarkson. “But the actual architecture and gardening and classes, and how they’re all productive.”
Kent Oliver, Director of the Nashville Public Library, was representing its foundation, which raises private dollars to promote library services, which include education with computers, robotics, 3D printer, film making, puppet shows for literacy, etc.
“Metro government does a great job at supporting us, but over the course of its lifetime, the foundation has raised $43 million for these value-added programs,” noted Oliver. “Without the foundation, we would not have the opportunity to make this difference.”
Women’s Music Business Association Announces New Officers, Members
/by Jessica NicholsonOfficers:
President: Dana Lalevee (Nashville Songwriters Association International)
Vice President: Julia Grimoldi (Sony/ATV)
Secretary: Ellen Mundy (Paradigm Talent Agency)
Treasurer: Jana Horvath (Flood, Bumstead, McCready, and McCarthy, Inc.)
Events & Education Co-Chairs: Kortney Toney (Motown Gospel) and Makenzie Williams (Sony/ATV)
Membership & Marketing Co-Chairs: Charlene Bryant (RCA Inspiration) and Rachael Gerringer (HarperCollins Publishing/Freelance)
New Members:
Holly Atherton
Jessica Bowling
Elizabeth Brock
Alexandra Bruno
Jamie Bruno
Elyse Chamberlain
Sarah Champion
Dana Dickie
Thalia Ewing
Michelle Garramone
Kelley Goss
Sarah Harris
AJ Jansen
Terah Kimbrell
Mykael LaBar
Cindy Maier
Katie Rose
Alexa Ryncavage
Kayleigh Shoemaker
Charla Smith
Grace Stern
Cynthia Torres
Katie Travis
Adriana Uribe
Kristin Van Zant
Erica Vogler
Kendel White
Kelsey Wise
Stephen Dorff’s Country Music Film ‘Wheeler’ Coming In 2017
/by Sarah SkatesStephen Dorff in Wheeler.
Stephen Dorff’s upcoming country music film Wheeler was shot in Nashville and will be released Feb. 3 to theaters and on demand. Deadline.com reports: “Dorff used prosthetic makeup and, with only a few in the know, as ‘Wheeler’ converses with real people in real locations, with every musical number performed live including at Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe. Kris Kristofferson, Bobby Tomberlin and rising star Audrey Spillman also appear and perform.”
In addition to starring in the film, and writing and performing the music, Dorff co-wrote and produced the movie with director Ryan Ross.
According to Variety, Momentum Pictures has acquired the North American rights, and Varèse Sarabande Records will release the official soundtrack on Feb. 3. The single “Pour Me Out of This Town,” co-written with his brother/hit songwriter Andrew Dorff, is available on digital services.
Tomberlin, Mickey Raphael, and Derek Vanderhorst executive produced the film.
The extensive makeup effects come courtesy of Christien Tinsley (Westworld, The Passion of the Christ) and his team.
BMLG Releases Trent Harmon’s Debut EP
/by Jessica NicholsonAmerican Idol winner Trent Harmon earned the votes of viewers on the strength of his powerful falsetto and astute song choices.
Now, the Big Machine Label Group’s Dot Records (under license of 19 Recordings) artist has released a five-song mix of original music and cover tunes. Harmon’s self-titled EP includes his single “There’s A Girl” and “Falling (Remix).” The project was recorded with songwriter/producer Jimmy Robbins and producer Julian Raymond.
“I’m so excited to finally get this EP into the hands – and ears – of my wonderful supporters,” Harmon shared. “This EP is a ‘tip of the hat’ to some of my favorite performances from American Idol – especially ‘Chandelier’ – as well as my current single, ‘There’s A Girl.’ 2016 has been an incredible year, and we’re working on a very special LP for 2017. Thank YOU for riding this wave with me.”
TRENT HARMON EP Track List:
1. There’s A Girl | Trent Harmon, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
2. Falling (Remix) | Dallas Davidson, Brett James, Keith Urban
3. Drink You Away | James Fauntleroy, Chris Godbey, Jerome Harmon, Garland Mosley, Timothy Mosley, Justin Timberlake
4. Sharp Dressed Man | Frank Beard, Billy Gibbons, Joe Hill
5. Chandelier | Sia Furler, Jesse Shatkin
Charity News: Combustion Music, Christmas 4 Kids, Musicians On Call
/by Jessica NicholsonCombustion Music Raises $75K During Hope Town Music Festival
Combustion Music hosted its third annual Hope Town Music Festival on Friday Dec. 2 on the island of Elbow Cay in the Bahamas. Over $75,000 was raised from the four songwriter rounds, with the income going to support Every Child Counts, Friends of the Environment, and Hope Town Fire & Rescue.
Combustion Music President Chris Farren welcomed songwriters including Ashley Gorley, Brett James, Chris Destefano, Matt Jenkins, Jameson Rodgers, Jordan Walker, Johnny McGuire, Mickey Jack Cones, Chip Esten, John Nite, Kendall Marvell, Andy Albert, and Marc Beeson, who all contributed their time and songwriting efforts.
“All of my friends donated their time and talents, and together with the local community and some incredible Nashville sponsors, we raised a bunch of money that will all stay on the island and really make a difference… not to mention the fact that we all had a blast,” said Farren.
“We at SunTrust Music Row have been involved with the Hopetown Music Festival since its inception in 2013. We are so glad to be a part of such a great cause, that gives back to such a special place like Hopetown,” said Suntrust First Vice President Dusty Miller.
Sponsors, partners, and donors participating included ASCAP, The Academy of Country Music, SunTrust Bank, Hackney Financial, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell, IBC Airways, Sword Rowe & Company, Abaco Inn, Albury’s Ferry Service, Abaco Buzz, Hope Town Inn and Marina, Hope Town Harbor Lodge, Harbour’s Edge, Commonwealth Brewery Limited, Lighthouse Marina, Rock Around The Clock, Island Cart Rentals, and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
Artists Revealed For Christmas 4 Kids Tour Bus Show
Admission to the event is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children ages 2-12 and $20 for a family pass. Admission for children under 2 is free. Tickets may be purchased onsite at the Hendersonville Walmart (204 North Anderson Lane, Hendersonville, TN 37075) on the day of the event.
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, over 400 underprivileged children from 29 different schools around Middle Tennessee will participate in a day-long shopping excursion. The day consists of a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus, dinner, and a party hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. To wrap up the day, the tour buses journey to the Hendersonville Walmart, where the kids receive a new winter coat and $150 to spend on anything they like.
Musicians On Call Teams With Radio Disney Country
The visit, presented by Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country, and sponsored by the Jason Pollack Bedside Performance Program, City National Bank and Genentech was in celebration of Musicians On Call’s Half A Million Moments campaign, the milestone of performing for 500,000 patients, families and caregivers across the country.
Both artists are featured on the new track entitled “The Human Race” that also features longtime MOC supporters Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, Lindsay Ell, LOCASH, Tegan Marie and more. Fans can purchase single on iTunes, with some of the proceeds going to benefit MOC.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Plans Facilities Upgrade
/by Sarah SkatesThis comes following recent updates to the building, including a new information desk in the conservatory, and replacing neon exterior lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting. During 2016, the organization also revamped parts of Historic RCA Studio B on Music Row.
The CMHoF operates in a $100 million facility, between the original cost of the building and its 2014 expansion.
The newly-renovated restrooms will be modeled after the 2014 upgrades for a consistent look, all designed by Tuck Hinton Architects. The 10 restrooms spanning four floors have not been updated since the building opened in 2001. Since then it has welcomed over 8.5 million guests, including more than one million visitors during each of the past two years—adding up to expected wear and tear.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Sr. VP of financial services and operations Nina Burghard told the Nashville Post, “As with all capital projects, we underwent an extensive and competitive bidding process, resulting in our contracting the job for less than what was originally bid.”
American Constructors will handle the project which is expected to be complete by March 2017.
Meghan Trainor Cancels Remaining Tour Dates For 2016
/by Jessica NicholsonMeghan Trainor. Photo: Epic Records
Meghan Trainor has canceled the remainder of her performances for 2016, due to an illness.
The 22-year-old “All About That Bass” and “Dear Future Husband” singer announced via Instagram on Thursday (Dec. 8) that she has been put on “strict vocal rest” for two weeks.
Trainor had been slated to perform at the 96.5-FM TIC All Star Christmas concert in Connecticut Thursday (Dec. 8), at Z100’s Jingle Ball 2016 in Madison Square Garden in New York City Friday (Dec. 9), at HOT 99.5-FM’s Jingle Ball 2016 in Washington D.C. Monday (Dec. 12), at Power 96.1-FM’s Jingle Ball 2016 in Atlanta on Friday (Dec. 16), and at the Y100 Jingle Ball 2016 concert in Florida on Sunday (Dec. 18).
Last year, the singer was also forced to cancel tour dates due to vocal problems.
See Trainor’s Instagram message to fans below:
MusicRowPics: Terra Bella
/by Jessica NicholsonTerra Bella with MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson
Seven years ago, Martina Otterbeck was a competitive karaoke singer in California’s San Joaquin Valley when she met guitarist Joseph Costa.
“I was looking for free guitar lessons, and Joe was in a band,” recalls Martina. “We had a mutual Top 8 friend on MySpace, so we agreed to meet.”
Joseph’s family had been farming in the Central Valley for more than 100 years, but he was drawn to a career in music. Meanwhile, Martina was rodeoing, but wanted chase her passion for singing.
The meeting led to love, marriage, and forming the duo Terra Bella. In August 2013, Joseph and Martina Costa followed their dreams to Nashville, making the 2,200-mile move from California.
The duo recently visited MusicRow‘s office, where they previewed three tracks from their six-song EP Road To Forever, including single “You’ve Got That Somethin’,” “I’m Down,” and the nostalgic, folksy “Hey Mama,” co-penned with Robert Williford. The project was produced by Johnny Garcia, longtime guitar player for Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
“When we moved to [Nashville], I got pretty homesick for a second there and it was on our second anniversary,” Joe recalls. “Martina was mad at me for spending too much money on our anniversary. I remember missing home and thinking, ‘I wish we could go see our parents.’ That led to writing ‘Hey Mama.'”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Troy Stephenson, Terra Bella and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson
Though “Hey Mama” would become the song that would capture Garcia’s attention, the connection to Garcia came via family members in Texas.
“Part of Martina’s family lives in the Rio Grande Valley. We were down there visiting, and her grandmother threw a big party and invited a cousin, who was also a musician. We got to chatting and started jamming, and he said, ‘Do you guys know Johnny Garcia?’ He was a friend of Johnny’s and sent him our music.”
Garcia was impressed with the duo’s songs, harmonies, and onstage chemistry, and agreed to produce them. “He took Terra Bella and made us a better version of ourselves,” Martina says.
“We’ve really worked hard to get where we are, but that’s all we know,” Martina concludes. “That comes from the farming and ranching background. We are not afraid to get our hands dirty.”
Terra Bella with the MusicRow staff.
Historic Music Row Building Faces Demolition
/by Sarah SkatesThe building at 1815 Division St. in Nashville dates back to 1929. Photo: Copyright 2016 Google
The last remaining pre-World War II building in the Music Row area is facing demolition. According to the Nashville Post, the property at 1815 Division St. was purchased for $2.6 million by real estate investor Salah Ayesh. He planned to tear it down in August until a 90-day hold was put on issuing the demolition permit. That hold has now been lifted.
Ayesh plans to meet Thursday, Dec. 15 with representatives from multiple government entities to discuss the building’s future.
The Nashville Post reports that the building opened in 1929 and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Its storied history includes time as the Florence Crittenton Home for Unwed Mothers.