Work on the new Virgin Hotels Nashville, slated to be built in the Music Row area at the corner of Division Street and 17th Ave. S., will begin in April 2017, according to an update from Virgin Hotels. The Buccini/Pollin Group and BPGS Construction have signed on to develop the property, which is planned to open in Summer 2019.

Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels, commented, “Virgin Hotels is growing at an exciting yet strategic rate, and as we continue expanding it’s crucial we align ourselves with partners that truly understand our vision. The team at Buccini/Pollin Group and BPGS are a prime example of that, and we’re thrilled to bring this hotel to life with them as our partners.”

The new build hotel will feature 260 chambers, multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the brand’s flagship space, The Commons Club, a rooftop lounge with an infinity pool, gym, and 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Nashville joins upcoming Virgin Hotels developments in Dallas, Palm Springs, New York, Silicon Valley and more, with a hotel currently open in Chicago.

Tracy Lawrence Celebrates 11th Annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry

Tracy Lawrence Stands with Titans Cheerleaders at 11th Annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry. Photo: Jon-Paul Bruno

Tracy Lawrence held his 11th annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry Tuesday, Nov. 22 to benefit Nashville Rescue Mission.

Later that evening, Lawrence was joined by Big & Rich, Ben Rue, Jerrod Niemann and Halfway to Hazard for the second annual Tracy Lawrence Mission: Possible Charity Concert at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. During the concert, Lawrence revealed a new homeless fundraising initiative he will be launching in May 2017, the Mission: Possible Golf Tournament and Charity Concert, a partnership with WSM that will benefit Lebanon, Tennessee’s Brooks House and the Nashville Rescue Mission. The Brooks House is a non-denominational, faith-based transitional, non-emergency shelter where women and children receive temporary shelter.

Funds raised by the singer at his annual event have helped provide more than 75,000 meals to those in need, and more than 5,000 turkeys have been fried and donated to the Mission.

Tracy Lawrence (L) Participates in Turkey Frying. Photo: Jon-Paul Bruno

Sam Hunt, Florida Georgia Line Team With Musicians On Call

Musicians On Call is set to launch its first Deck The Halls Campaign, with some help from Florida Georgia Line, DNCE, Sara Evans, Sam Hunt, Trey Songz, Band of Merrymakers and more.

These artists personally designed limited-edition holiday sweaters that are for sale at musiciansoncall.org. Proceeds from the sale of the sweaters will help MOC to continue to deliver the healing power of music to patients across the country. The campaign also feature a holiday gift auction, including signed guitars and memorabilia and VIP experiences from more than 25 artists including Ed Sheeran, Kelly Clarkson, Reba, and more. The auction runs through Dec. 8 at ebay.com.

Vince Gill And More Team For Homeless Charity Benefit Concert

Vince Gill

Vince Gill, Jim Lauderdale, Alan O’Bryant, Tim O’Brien, Valerie Smith and more will gather to help charity Room in The Inn. Sam Jackson will emcee.

The 17th annual Christmas Bluegrass Benefit Concert For The Homeless will take place Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at The Station Inn. A $15 minimum donation at the door is welcome. Attendees are also encouraged to bring items to donate, such as soap, shampoo, new socks, combs, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

RIAA Gold and Platinum Certification Holiday Schedule

The RIAA will be closing the books for Gold & Platinum certifications early, on Friday, Dec. 9. After Dec. 9, 2016 they will not accept requests to certify any titles until after the first of the new year.

In an effort to allow industry members to submit fourth quarter certifications, the RIAA will temporarily suspend its 30-day physical album release requirement as shown below:

• Released by Friday 11/11/16 – eligible for certification beginning Friday 12/2/16
• Released by Friday 11/18/16 – eligible for certification beginning Friday 12/9/16

Music Health Alliance Sets Free “Get Covered” Seminar at BMI

Nashville non-profit Music Health Alliance is working around the clock to offer assistance to members of the music community, ahead of the 2017 healthcare open enrollment deadline on Dec. 15. Music Health Alliance, in partnership with MusiCares, will offer a free “Get Covered” seminar on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at BMI (10 Music Square East) from noon to 2 p.m.

Those interested in attending should RSVP to Shelia Shipley-Biddy (Shelia@musichealthalliance.com).

Music Health Alliance has provided free assistance to more than 450 members of the creative community as they navigate the complicated health insurance system. In that time, Music Health Alliance has helped realize nearly $1 million dollars in premium savings for its clients.

 

18th Annual BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors Names Honorees

Pictured (L-R): Kim Burrell, Marvin Sapp

BMI will honor Gospel music artists Kim Burrell and Marvin Sapp at the 18^th annual BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta, GA on Jan. 14, 2017. The event will pay tribute to the best of the gospel music community with former Trailblazers award recipient Yolanda Adams returning to the stage as host alongside gospel singer-songwriter VaShawn Mitchell.

The invitation-only event will be attended by gospel music’s top songwriters, stars, and industry executives. In addition to honoring Burrell and Sapp, BMI will also announce the “Most Performed Gospel Song of the Year.”

“BMI is thrilled to be back in Atlanta celebrating the brightest talent in gospel music today,” said BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations in Atlanta, Catherine Brewton. “Kim Burrell and Marvin Sapp are paving the way for future generations of gospel songwriters by effortlessly crossing genres and exposing inspirational music to a wider audience. Both epitomize what it truly means to be a Trailblazer of gospel music and are positive role models in faith, charity and beyond.”