The Country Music Hall of Fame is just one of several venues across Nashville that attracts thousands of fans during the CMA Music Festival, which will be held June 9-12.
This year, Blake Shelton will launch the activities at the Country Music Hall of Fame with a brief acoustic set and interview with CMHoF museum editor Michael McCall on Monday, June 6, at 3 p.m. The appearance is in support of his exhibition Blake Shelton: Based On A True Story, supported by SunTrust.
The museum will host several events throughout the week of CMA Music Festival, welcoming artists including Craig Morgan, Gary Allan, Aubrie Sellers, Bill Anderson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Scotty McCreery, Mickey Guyton, Margo Price, Brandy Clark, and more.
Fans can access at bundled ticket option with CMA Music Festival’s Fan Fair X, which is located inside Music City Center. The ticket includes museum admission and four-day access to Fan Fair X for $39.95, and can be purchased online or at the museum’s box office.
A limited number of presale tickets for Shelton’s program will be available to museum members along with Shelton’s fan club members via TicketFly.com on May 11 at 10 a.m. The general public can reserve tickets for Shelton’s appearance on May 13 at 10 a.m.
Schedule of Events:
Monday, June 6
3 p.m.: Interview and Performance with Blake Shelton
Wednesday, June 8
11:30 a.m.: Autograph signing with Craig Morgan
1:30 p.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Aubrie Sellers and Adam Wright
3:30 p.m.: Songwriter Session with Gary Allan
Thursday, June 9
10 a.m.: Autograph signing with Bill Anderson
2 p.m.: Autograph signing with Oak Ridge Boys
Friday, June 10
10 a.m.: Autograph signing with Scotty McCreery
12:30 p.m.: Performance and signing by some of CMT’s Next Women of Country, including Lauren Alaina, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Margo Price, and Tara Thompson. Hosted by CMT’s Leslie Fram
Saturday, June 11
10 a.m.: Autograph signing with Brandy Clark
11:30 a.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Rae Lynn
1:00 p.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Mickey Guyton
3:30 p.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Jack Ingram
Sunday, June 12
1:00 p.m.: Fiddle Demonstration with Ryan Joseph
2:00 p.m.: Film Screening: Good Rockin’ Tonight: The Legacy of Sun Records
Craig Morgan Will Release New Album On June 3
/by Craig_ShelburneCraig Morgan has announced his new album, A Whole Lot More to Me, will be released by Black River Entertainment on June 3.
Morgan spent nearly a year working on the album, which marks his first collaboration with co-producer Byron Gallimore. Morgan also co-wrote five of the album’s 12 tracks. Mac Powell, lead singer of Christian rock band Third Day, is featured on the track “Hearts I Leave Behind.”
“I’ve got a renewed energy with this record,” Morgan said. “In fact, I’m at the pinnacle of my career—producing, singing and touring. And this album epitomizes that. It’s all about living to the fullest, and when people hear it, I know they’ll relate it to their own lives.”
A Whole Lot More to Me Track Listing:
1. “I’ll Be Home Soon” (Justin Ebach/Steven Dale Jones/John King)
2. “Living On Memories” (Craig Morgan/Scott Stepakoff/Josh Osborne)
3. “All Cried Out” (Wendell Mobley/Neil Thrasher/Busbee)
4. “A Whole Lot More To Me” (Craig Morgan/Mike Rogers)
5. “Hearts I Leave Behind” featuring Mac Powell (Nick Sturms/Travis Meadows)
6. “Country Side Of Heaven” (Eric Paslay/Dylan Altman/Shane McAnally)
7. “Nowhere Without You” (Michael McDonald John Goodwin)
8. “I’m That Country” (Craig Morgan/Mike Rogers/Kevin Denney Tom Botkin)
9. “When I’m Gone” (Justin Ebach/Steven Dale Jones)
10. “Who Would It Be” (Dylan Altman/Will Hoge/Gordie Sampson)
11. “Remind Me Why I’m Crazy” (Craig Morgan/Jim McBride/Phil O’Donnell)
12. “Can’t Wait To Stay” (Craig Morgan/Phil O’Donnell)
Pictured (L-R): Mac Powell, Byron Gallimore, Craig Morgan
Blake Shelton To Launch CMHoF Activities During CMA Music Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonThis year, Blake Shelton will launch the activities at the Country Music Hall of Fame with a brief acoustic set and interview with CMHoF museum editor Michael McCall on Monday, June 6, at 3 p.m. The appearance is in support of his exhibition Blake Shelton: Based On A True Story, supported by SunTrust.
The museum will host several events throughout the week of CMA Music Festival, welcoming artists including Craig Morgan, Gary Allan, Aubrie Sellers, Bill Anderson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Scotty McCreery, Mickey Guyton, Margo Price, Brandy Clark, and more.
Fans can access at bundled ticket option with CMA Music Festival’s Fan Fair X, which is located inside Music City Center. The ticket includes museum admission and four-day access to Fan Fair X for $39.95, and can be purchased online or at the museum’s box office.
A limited number of presale tickets for Shelton’s program will be available to museum members along with Shelton’s fan club members via TicketFly.com on May 11 at 10 a.m. The general public can reserve tickets for Shelton’s appearance on May 13 at 10 a.m.
Schedule of Events:
Monday, June 6
3 p.m.: Interview and Performance with Blake Shelton
Wednesday, June 8
11:30 a.m.: Autograph signing with Craig Morgan
1:30 p.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Aubrie Sellers and Adam Wright
3:30 p.m.: Songwriter Session with Gary Allan
Thursday, June 9
10 a.m.: Autograph signing with Bill Anderson
2 p.m.: Autograph signing with Oak Ridge Boys
Friday, June 10
10 a.m.: Autograph signing with Scotty McCreery
12:30 p.m.: Performance and signing by some of CMT’s Next Women of Country, including Lauren Alaina, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Margo Price, and Tara Thompson. Hosted by CMT’s Leslie Fram
Saturday, June 11
10 a.m.: Autograph signing with Brandy Clark
11:30 a.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Rae Lynn
1:00 p.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Mickey Guyton
3:30 p.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Jack Ingram
Sunday, June 12
1:00 p.m.: Fiddle Demonstration with Ryan Joseph
2:00 p.m.: Film Screening: Good Rockin’ Tonight: The Legacy of Sun Records
MusicRow’s 2016 InCharge Directory Available Now
/by Craig_ShelburneMusicRow proudly unveils its 2016 flagship print directory, InCharge.
The 96-page resource serves as the definitive collection of key industry gatekeepers and decision-making professionals within the Nashville entertainment community. Each of the 410 entries represent many others who serve vital roles in supporting the entertainment industry, from legal to record label, publisher to publicity, banking to insurance, and many more.
Since originating with MusicRow in 1987, the annual InCharge issue comes complete with detailed career biographies, contact information, and board and professional organization affiliations.
“With each issue of InCharge, MusicRow shines the spotlight on Nashville’s music industry decision makers,” said Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “Often referred to as Nashville’s music industry ‘bible,’ this publication proves each year to be the single most indispensable resource for industry members, with each person in the directory representing many others who serve vital roles of supporting and growing our music economy.”
Three quick-reference appendices conclude the issue, including a label staff appendix that lists rosters as well as names and positions of staffers. The two other appendices categorize entrants by company affiliations and business categories. Also exclusive to InCharge is an editorial piece by Robertson about exploring the power of influence.
Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville breakout artist Brett Eldredge lands his first MusicRow cover with this 2016 InCharge directory. The 2014 CMA New Artist of the Year co-wrote and co-produced all 12 songs on his sophomore album Illinois, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200. After wrapping his first headline tour, CMT on Tour: Brett Eldredge & Thomas Rhett – Suits & Boots, Eldredge will spend the summer on the road touring with Keith Urban for his RipCORD World Tour 2016.
InCharge is not available digitally. However a searchable database is available for MusicRow subscribed members at MusicRow.com. Single copies of InCharge are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $89, and included with yearly subscriptions at no additional cost.
Phyllis Stark Joins ‘CMA Close Up’ As Contributing Editor
/by Jessica NicholsonPhyllis Stark
CMA Close Up has added Phyllis Stark as Contributing Editor.
Stark, a veteran editor and journalist, was formerly the Nashville Bureau Chief and Senior Editor for Billboard. She continues to write a weekly column for Billboard‘s Country Update. Her career includes work as Executive Producer of National Content for E.W. Scripps Company’s television and radio station sites, a Nashville music correspondent for MSN.com, a MusicRow contributor, and Executive Editor of Country Music at radio-info.com, where she created the newsletter Stark Country.
Stark also served as VP, A&R and Head of Operations for the Nashville division of independent record label Robbins Entertainment.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Phyllis’ experience, credibility and integrity join our editorial team,” said Wendy Pearl, CMA VP of Corporate Communications and CMA Close Up Executive Editor.
Maren Morris Makes National TV Debut On ‘Good Morning America’
/by Craig_ShelburneGeorge Stephanopoulos, Good Morning America; Maren Morris; Robin Roberts, Good Morning America; Rob Marciano, Good Morning America; Lara Spencer, Good Morning America. Photo: ABC/Lou Rocco
Maren Morris performed “My Church” during her national television debut on Good Morning America on Monday (April 25).
With over 433,000 downloads and 13.4 million streams on Spotify, “My Church” is the lead single from Morris’ debut album, HERO, which will be released on June 3. Morris co-produced the album, which will be released by Columbia Nashville.
In addition, Morris will support Keith Urban’s RipCORD World Tour 2016 starting on June 2 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Charity News: The Listening Room Cafe, Neal McCoy, Clay Walker
/by Jessica NicholsonSongwriters Set Charity Concert At The Listening Room
Pictured (L-R): Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne, Ashley Gorley
ASCAP songwriters Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne and Ashley Gorley will perform at Nashville music venue The Listening Room on Thursday, May 5 as part of a charity concert for The Donnell family. Both the father and young son in the family were recently diagnosed with cancer.
The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more, visit listeningroomcafe.com.
Neal McCoy To Headline Children’s Charity Concert
Neal McCoy
Neal McCoy will perform during the 26th annual William Shatner Priceline.com Hollywood Charity Horse Show, to be held June 4 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.
Guests will be treated to an arena show and a world-class reining competition, followed by a western dinner catered by Stonefire Grill. The evening concludes with a performance by McCoy.
Proceeds from the event will benefit special-needs children’s charities across the city of Los Angeles including AHEAD With Horses, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Hollenbeck Police Activities League (PAL), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Painted Turtle and others.
Clay Walker Announces Seventh Annual Chords of Hope Concert
Clay Walker
Clay Walker will host the seventh annual Chords of Hope Benefit Concert at 3rd & Lindsley during Nashville’s CMA Fest on Wednesday, June 8.
The concert, sponsored by TEVA and Pinnacle Financial Partners, will help raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) research with proceeds going to the MS Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Walker’s charity, Band Against MS (BAMS).
Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are now available here.
Ryman Adds 98 Degrees, Melissa Etheridge, Kansas To Calendar
/by Craig_ShelburneThe Ryman Auditorium has announced upcoming concerts from pop group 98 Degrees, Oscar-winning musician Melissa Etheridge and rock band Kansas.
Etheridge is scheduled to perform on July 17. She released the album This is M.E. in 2014. In addition to her catalog of hits, Etheridge will share personal stories about her life and the inspiration behind her songs.
98 Degrees will play on July 19. Known for hits like “Because of You” and “The Hardest Thing,” the R&B/pop group will be supported by O’Town (“All or Nothing”), Dream (“He Loves You Not”) and Ryan Cabrera (“On the Way Down”).
Kansas is booked for Oct. 8. One of the most popular bands of the 1970s, the group is famous for hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Kansas is expected to release a new album this fall.
Tickets for all shows go on sale Friday (April 29) at 10 a.m.
BMI Hosts Songwriter Retreat For 10 Belmont Students
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R, standing): Jake Rogers, Daniel Ethridge, Meredith McNair, Colton Jones, Dani Brillhart, Hunter Leath and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. Seated: Kayla Woodson, Emily Landis, Kasi Ashton and Caylan Hays. Photo: Amber J. Davis
BMI hosted a three-day intensive songwriters retreat for 10 Belmont University students at the Sony/ATV Firehall.
Students of all grade levels joined for collaborations and writing groups at the retreat, which was held April 22-24. The students were able to record demos of their new tracks to send to publishers and management.
Songwriters Kayla Woodson and Daniel Ethridge discuss the details of their chorus in one of the three songs written in just one day of the Belmont writers retreat. Photo: Amber J. Davis
Caylan Hays and Meredith McNair sing through a rough edit of one of their new songs. The pair spent the retreat meeting new songwriters, writing songs and recording demos. Photo: Amber J. Davis
Carlin Nashville Hosts Showcase During Nashville Film Festival
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R, Middle/Front): Katrina Tsang, Carlin Nashville; Abbey Hickman, We Are Walker; Brian Naguit, CBS; Blaire Alise, Blaire Alise & The Bombshells; Anastasia Brown, Format Entertainment; Julia Michels, Format Entertainment; Jeff Gordon, Carlin Nashville; Kaylin Frank, Disney; Justine von Winterfeldt, Format Entertainment; Aaron Mercer, Wool & Tusk; Nick Maker, Energy BBDO; Toddrick Spalding, Mob Scene; (L-R, Back): Gideon Klein, Blaire Alise & The Bombshells; Nick Keenan, Leo Burnett; Nick Swafford, Blaire Alise & The Bombshells; Jessie Key, Blaire Alise & The Bombshells. Photo: Carlin Nashville
Carlin Nashville hosted a private dinner and showcase for film, TV and ad executives during the Nashville Film Festival on Friday night (April 22).
Music supervisors were treated to brand new songs from Carlin Nashville songwriter and rock artist Blaire Alise & The Bombshells. The sponsored event featured an energetic, intimate performance followed by an outdoor dinner party at East Nashville’s Rumours East.
Blaire Alise & The Bombshells perform. Photo: Mary-Beth Blankenship
Carlin Nashville is the Nashville division of independent music publisher Carlin America. With offices in New York, London and Nashville, Carlin has one of the world’s largest catalogs of vintage and modern roots music. Notable catalogs include: King and Starday Records, AC/DC, James Brown, Billie Holiday, George Jones, Stanley Brothers, Stephen Sondheim and many more.
Kendall Lettow Joins MV2 Entertainment
/by Craig_ShelburneKendall Lettow
MV2 Entertainment has announced the hiring of Kendall Lettow as Creative Director. In the new role, she will pursue publishing, artist development, and TV/film placements for the company.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Lettow studied music business at MTSU and interned at Big Loud Shirt publishing company in 2011. She landed her first job at Kobalt Music as a creative assistant that same year, followed by career stops at Still Working Music and ThiS Music.
Songwriters on the MV2 roster are Jay Allen, Bart Allmand, Robert Arthur, David Fanning, Terry McBride, Mark and Cherie Oakley and Nora Collins.
“I am truly excited to have Kendall here at MV2. Her creative drive and passion for music make her a perfect fit for our team,” said MV2 Entertainment General Manager Tony Harrell.