Chris Stapleton Added to MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute
Chris Stapleton has been added to the lineup to honor Lionel Richie at MusiCares’ pre-Grammy Person of the Year event at the Los Angeles Convention Center’s West Hall, alongside previously announced country performers Luke Bryan and Lady Antebellum. Additionally added performers include Yolanda Adams, Leon Bridges, Ellie Goulding, Dave Grohl, Rihanna, and Florence Welch. Jimmy Kimmel will host the event, which will also include Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Demi Lovato, The Roots, Usher, Pharrell Williams, and Stevie Wonder.
The concert will benefit MusiCares’ Emergency Financial Assistance And Addiction Recovery Programs. Rickey Minor, current music director for American Idol and past two-time music director for the GRAMMY Awards, will be the evening’s musical director. As part of Grammy Week, the 8 p.m. celebration will culminate with the 58th Annual Grammy Awards on Monday, Feb. 15 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Michigan’s ‘Faster Horses’ Festival Adds Performers
The fourth Faster Horses Festival in Brooklyn, Michigan will include headliners Jason Aldean, Eric Church and Lady Antebellum. Hosted from July 15-17, the three-day festival will feature two stages of previously announced artists including Gary Allan, A Thousand Horses, Big & Rich, Granger Smith feat. Earl Dibbles, Jr., Sam Hunt, LoCash, David Nail, Joe Nichols, Jon Pardi and Travis Tritt. Passes will go on-sale on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. ET at fasterhorsesfestival.com.
Gretchen Wilson Teams with Buckcherry for Song
Buckcherry recently teamed up with Gretchen Wilson for a duet on the band’s song “The Feeling Never Dies.” The track will be featured on the Deluxe Edition of the band’s record Rock ‘N’ Roll, which comes out Friday, Jan. 29.
Ashley Monroe Writer To Release “The Blade,” Songs Featured In Lifetime Movie
Songwriter to Ashley Monroe‘s “The Blade,” Jamie Floyd, will release the title she wrote with Allen Shamblin and Marc Beeson on Feb. 5 as the lead single from her upcoming six-song EP, Sunshine & Rainbows, set for an early spring release.
Three of Floyd’s solo-penned songs will be featured in the Lifetime Original Movie, Manson’s Lost Girls (8:00 p.m. ET/PT) on Feb. 6. Floyd has also written songs for Ronnie Dunn, Brian McKnight and Kellie Pickler and shows including Finding Carter (MTV), Nashville (ABC), The Client List (Lifetime) and Beauty & The Beast (CW Network). She also penned the finale and additional music performed by McKnight in Dolly Parton‘s latest Christmas movie, A Country Christmas Story.
Luke Bryan Wraps Second Crash My Playa
Luke Bryan. Photo: aLIVE Coverage
Luke Bryan wrapped the second annual sold-out, four-night concert event, Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa, in Riviera Maya, Mexico on Monday night (Jan. 25). Headline shows were performed by Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Cole Swindell. Additional performers included Craig Campbell, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Chris Stapleton and DJ Rock.
The event was self-produced by the production arm of CID Entertainment at The Barecló Maya Beach Resort.
Al Anderson Tapped For CMHoF’s Poets And Prophets Series
/by Craig_ShelburneAl Anderson
Al Anderson, award-winning songwriter and former longtime member of eclectic roots-rock band NRBQ, will share stories and songs in the songwriter series Poets and Prophets, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 1:30 p.m.
Hosted by museum editor Michael Gray, the interview will be illustrated with rare recordings, photos and vintage film clips from Anderson’s career. Anderson will offer a brief performance.
Poets and Prophets is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and passes are required for admittance. Museum members can reserve their program passes in advance by phone (615-416-2050) or via reservations@countrymusichalloffame.org.
This program takes place in the Museum’s Ford Theater and will also be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming. The live stream is powered by NewTek TriCaster. Anderson will sign a commemorative Hatch Show Print poster, available for purchase in the Museum Store following the program.
A native of Windsor, Connecticut, Anderson formed the Wildweeds in his late teens and achieved his first songwriting success with the rock & roll band’s 1967 single “No Good to Cry.” After joining NRBQ in 1971, Anderson played guitar, sang, and wrote band favorites such as “Ridin’ in My Car” and “It Comes to Me Naturally.” “Big Al” left NRBQ in the early 1990s and began writing hit songs for country acts, including “Every Little Thing” (Carlene Carter); “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” (Mavericks); “Unbelievable” (Diamond Rio); “The Cowboy in Me” (Tim McGraw); and “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” (George Strait). Most recently, Anderson penned Zac Brown Band’s “Loving You Easy” and Strait’s “Cold Beer Conversation.”
Anderson has written dozens of songs with Chris Stapleton; an audio sample of some of their unreleased demo recordings will be played during the Poets and Prophets program. Anderson now splits his time between Nashville and Santa Fe, New Mexico, and plays with the World Famous Headliners. In 1993, Musician magazine recognized him as one of the 20th century’s Top 100 guitarists, and in 2000 he was BMI’s Country Songwriter of the Year.
The Poets and Prophets series honors songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music history. Previous subjects include Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Bobby Braddock, Wayne Carson, Buzz Cason, Jerry Chesnut, Hank Cochran, Roger Cook, Sonny Curtis, Dean Dillon, Bob DiPiero, Tom Douglas, Kye Fleming, Jerry Foster, Dallas Frazier, Red Lane, Dickey Lee, John D. Loudermilk, Bob McDill, Roger Murrah, Dan Penn, Gretchen Peters, Curly Putman, Allen Reynolds, Mark D. Sanders, Don Schlitz, Whitey Shafer, Red Simpson, Jeffrey Steele, Sonny Throckmorton, Billy Edd Wheeler, Norro Wilson and Craig Wiseman.
Artist Updates: Zac Brown, Chris Janson, Lori McKenna
/by Jessica NicholsonZac Brown Debuts Z Alexander Brown Wine Brand
Pictured (L-R): John Killebrew, Zac Brown
Zac Brown Band lead singer Zac Brown has teamed with winemaker John Killebrew to debut Z Alexander Brown “Uncaged” Wines. The brand’s official website lists a cabernet sauvignon (2013-North Coast), which boasts notes of black cherry, cola, and mocha. There is also the Uncaged proprietary red blend (2013-North Coast), which incorporates aromas of blueberry, black cherry and baking spice.
“Wine has always fascinated me because of its inherent connection to the land and the artistry necessary to craft a distinct and memorable experience,” said Brown.
For more information, visit zalexanderbrown.com.
Chris Janson Performs For Grand Ole Opry Employees
Chris Janson performs for Grand Ole Opry employees.
Chris Janson is a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry, having played the revered stage more than 120 times already during his career. The Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville artist recently performed at a gathering of Grand Ole Opry employees, performing four songs, including “Buy Me A Boat” and “Power of Positive Drinkin'”.
“It’s incredibly humbling to play in a room full of heroes and patriots who love America as much as I do,” says Janson. “ And when The Opry calls – I’m always there!”
Named to MusicRow Magazine’s 2016 Next Big Thing list, Janson will perform at the New Faces concert during Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 10 in Nashville.
Lori McKenna Recording With Dave Cobb
Pictured (L-R): Dave Cobb, Lori McKenna. Photo: Becky Fluke
Lori McKenna, a co-writer on Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” is a recording artist in her own right. The multi-talented McKenna has been in the studio working with superstar producer Dave Cobb, who is known for his work with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, A Thousand Horses, and more.
McKenna released the project Unglamorous on Warner Bros. Nashville in 2007. Her latest release, Numbered Doors, released in 2014 via Hoodie Songs.
Her songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw (“Humble and Kind”), Faith Hill (“Stealing Kisses,” “Fireflies”), RaeLynn (“God Made Girls”), Hunter Hayes (“I Want Crazy”), Reba (“Until They Don’t Love You”), Carrie Underwood (“Like I’ll Never Love You Again”) and more.
Frankie Ballard Lines Up International Tour Dates for March
/by Jessica NicholsonFrankie Ballard. Photo: Drew Reynolds
Frankie Ballard is taking his energetic live shows internationally this year, with nine concerts scheduled in the UK and Germany in March.
Ballard will make his debut performance at London’s Country to Country (C2C) Festival on March 11 and 13, with gigs on the Yamaha Stage and during a C2C After Show Party
“This is my first time overseas, and if I’m honest, I’m both nervous and excited to see how we’re received,” said Ballard, who is slated to release a new album in 2016. “What can I say? It’s a big deal for me. I know one thing though, we’re gonna be bringin’ the heat.”
Frankie Ballard European Tour Dates
March 11 – London, UK, Country to Country Festival
March 13 – London, UK, Country To Country Festival
March 14 – Birmingham, UK, O2 Institute 3
March 15 – Glasgow, UK, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
March 16 – Manchester, UK, Deaf Institute
March 17 – London, UK, Hoxton Bar and Kitchen
March 20 – Hamburg, DE, Rock Cafe
March 21 – Berlin, DE, Frannz Club
March 22 – Munich, DE, Backstage
Weekly Chart Report (1/29/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Pinnacle and Avenue Bank Announce Merger
/by Sherod RobertsonThe proposed merger has been approved by each company’s Board of Directors and is expected to close later this year. Completion of the deal is subject to regulatory approvals and the approval of Avenue’s shareholders.
Ron Samuels, Avenue’s chairman and chief executive officer, will be named vice chairman of Pinnacle’s board of directors once the acquisition is completed. He will serve on Pinnacle’s Senior Leadership Team and will report to Pinnacle’s president and chief executive officer, M. Terry Turner.
Samuels will be responsible for continuing Avenue’s development of a national franchise focused on the music industry as well as ensuring that Avenue’s history of strong growth continues in the combined firm.
“Both we and Pinnacle have been committed to the idea that Nashville deserves a large and impactful local bank. Bringing Nashville’s two best locally owned banks together is a fabulous thing for this city,” Samuels said. “By joining forces, Pinnacle and Avenue can grow faster and more efficiently, realize more value for our shareholders and provide a broader array of banking services to the client base than we could as independent firms. Since Avenue’s founding in 2006 we have focused on offering sophisticated services to Middle Tennessee’s businesses and their owners with a personal touch, and we will continue that tradition with Pinnacle.”
The full press release can be read here.
BMI Showcases Indie Rock Talent With Eastside Sounds Series
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Penny Gattis, BMI; members of Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes; Mark Mason, BMI
BMI and ALT 98.3 presented the Eastside Sounds showcase on Wednesday night (Jan. 27) at the Basement East, featuring electronic Florida-based band Polyenso and ALT 98.3 Artist in Residence indie band Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes. The music series highlights up-and-coming talent in the indie rock world.
Artists receive exclusive interviews and live performances from the ALT 98.3 studios in the week leading up to the showcase, building buzz for the free event. The next installments of Eastside Sounds will take place March 30, May 25, July 27, Sept. 28, and Nov. 16, with different acts featured on each show.
Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis, BMI; members of Polyenso; Jody Williams and Nina Carter, BMI
The Listening Room Cafe Plans 10-Year Anniversary Weekend
/by Craig_ShelburneChris Blair, owner of The Listening Room.
Nashville venue The Listening Room Cafe has booked a number of prominent songwriters for its 10th anniversary celebration, scheduled for Feb. 5-7.
Founded in Franklin, Tenn., in 2006, owner Chris Blair relocated to Nashville’s Cummins Station in 2008, and over time established the space as one of Music City’s notable listening rooms. A few years later Blair found his dream location at 217 Second Avenue (at the corner of Demonbreun) and spent six months completely renovating the nearly century-old building and terrace before opening in February 2013. A partnership with Bose resulted in a state-of-the-art Room Match System, elevating The Listening Room to one of the best-sounding rooms in Nashville.
Additionally, the venue is a sought-after spot for private, corporate, and music industry events, breakfast and lunch meetings, wedding receptions and TV tapings.
“Without question, we would not be celebrating this special 10-year anniversary without an incredible staff, unwavering support from Nashville’s creative community, and the amazing talents of a long list of songwriters and artists,” Blair said. “It is said it all starts with a song and for me, it really did. I cannot wait to see what the next 10 years have in store for The Listening Room.”
To celebrate the 10th anniversary, an entire day of live music is scheduled for Sat., Feb. 6. There’s a $5 cover for the entire day (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and the room will be cleared for that evening’s 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. shows.
Tickets for all performances below are available on the venue’s website.
Friday, Feb. 5:
6–7:30 p.m.: Smithfield, Phil Barton, Bruce Wallace, Adam Wood ($10)
8:30–10 p.m.: Craig Campbell, Keifer Thompson, Kristian Bush, Cole Taylor ($10)
Saturday, Feb. 6:
10 a.m.: doors open ($5 for entire afternoon)
10:30 a.m.: Ambers Drive
12 p.m.: AJ Kross, Mason Douglas, Colby Dee, Tyler Filmore
1:30 p.m.: Chris Blair, JT Harding, Dave Johnson
3 p.m.: Brian White, Karyn Williams, Danny Myrick, Bridgette Tatum
4:30 p.m.: Lonestar (special acoustic performance)
6–7:30 p.m.: Carly Pearce, Lockhart, Josh Matheny, Elise Hayes ($10)
8:30-10:30 p.m.: Laura Veltz, Jimmy Robbins and Special Guests ($10)
Sunday, Feb. 7:
10 a.m.–3 p.m. Special Sunday Brunch Song Suffragettes show
Carrie Underwood Confirms Grammy Performance, Prepares Tour Launch
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood and Sam Hunt will collaborate during a performance at the upcoming Grammy Awards, Underwood confirmed via social media. Underwood is nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for “Little Toy Guns,” while Hunt is up for the all-genre Best New Artist honor, as well as Best Country Album (for Montevallo),
In addition to the upcoming Grammy performance, Underwood is prepping for The Storyteller Tour-Stories In The Round, which launches Saturday (Jan. 30) in Jacksonville, Florida. The tour will make more than 40 arena stops in the U.S. and Canada, as well as five international shows in March during Country to Country (C2C).
The tour will be extra special for some members of the military and their families, as Underwood is teaming with Operation Homefront and Carnival Cruise Line. Underwood will meet with soldiers and their families throughout the tour. On Nov. 4 in the Port of New York City, Underwood will headline a special concert honoring military members. The event will take place aboard one of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ships, Carnival Vista.
Artist Updates: MusiCares, Faster Horses, Gretchen Wilson, Jamie Floyd, Crash My Playa
/by Eric T. ParkerChris Stapleton Added to MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute
Chris Stapleton has been added to the lineup to honor Lionel Richie at MusiCares’ pre-Grammy Person of the Year event at the Los Angeles Convention Center’s West Hall, alongside previously announced country performers Luke Bryan and Lady Antebellum. Additionally added performers include Yolanda Adams, Leon Bridges, Ellie Goulding, Dave Grohl, Rihanna, and Florence Welch. Jimmy Kimmel will host the event, which will also include Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Demi Lovato, The Roots, Usher, Pharrell Williams, and Stevie Wonder.
The concert will benefit MusiCares’ Emergency Financial Assistance And Addiction Recovery Programs. Rickey Minor, current music director for American Idol and past two-time music director for the GRAMMY Awards, will be the evening’s musical director. As part of Grammy Week, the 8 p.m. celebration will culminate with the 58th Annual Grammy Awards on Monday, Feb. 15 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Michigan’s ‘Faster Horses’ Festival Adds Performers
Gretchen Wilson Teams with Buckcherry for Song
Buckcherry recently teamed up with Gretchen Wilson for a duet on the band’s song “The Feeling Never Dies.” The track will be featured on the Deluxe Edition of the band’s record Rock ‘N’ Roll, which comes out Friday, Jan. 29.
Ashley Monroe Writer To Release “The Blade,” Songs Featured In Lifetime Movie
Three of Floyd’s solo-penned songs will be featured in the Lifetime Original Movie, Manson’s Lost Girls (8:00 p.m. ET/PT) on Feb. 6. Floyd has also written songs for Ronnie Dunn, Brian McKnight and Kellie Pickler and shows including Finding Carter (MTV), Nashville (ABC), The Client List (Lifetime) and Beauty & The Beast (CW Network). She also penned the finale and additional music performed by McKnight in Dolly Parton‘s latest Christmas movie, A Country Christmas Story.
Luke Bryan Wraps Second Crash My Playa
Luke Bryan. Photo: aLIVE Coverage
Luke Bryan wrapped the second annual sold-out, four-night concert event, Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa, in Riviera Maya, Mexico on Monday night (Jan. 25). Headline shows were performed by Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Cole Swindell. Additional performers included Craig Campbell, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Chris Stapleton and DJ Rock.
The event was self-produced by the production arm of CID Entertainment at The Barecló Maya Beach Resort.
Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell Top ‘Nashville Scene’ Country Music Critics Poll
/by Jessica NicholsonTwo of music’s most compelling voices and evocative songwriters ruled the the Nashville Scene‘s 16th annual Country Music Critics Poll. Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 (respectively) in several categories, including Best Male Vocalists, Best Songwriters and Artists of the Year. Stapleton’s Traveller and Isbell’s Something More Than Free also landed as the No. 1 and No. 2 albums in the poll, respectively.
Additionally, Isbell and Stapleton made a strong showing among Best Singles, with Isbell’s “24 Frames” at No. 2, followed by Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Traveller” at No. 5 and No. 8, respectively.
Other winners topping the poll this year include Little Big Town (Best Single for “Girl Crush,” and Best Duos and Groups), Cam (Best New Artists), Bob Dylan (#1 and #2 Best Reissue), Ashley Monroe (Best Female Vocalists) and the Mavericks (Best Live Acts). Also high in the rankings were Kacey Musgraves, Eric Church, Maddie & Tae, and Willie Nelson.
Voters surveyed in this year’s poll include more than 80 journalists, who have written for publications including MusicRow, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and more.
For a full list of winners from the 16th Annual Country Music Critics Poll, visit nashvillescene.com.