Pictured (L-R): WME’s Kevin Neal, CAA’s Kylen Sharpe, and Louis Messina of Messina Touring Group pose backstage with their awards during the Honors and Awards Ceremony at the IEBA 2015 Conference. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images
International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), the trade organization for live entertainment industry, concluded its 45th Annual Conference yesterday evening (Oct. 13) with a performance by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo who were inducted in to IEBA’s 2015 Hall of Fame. Presenters included Trace Adkins, Gretchen Wilson, Vince Gill, and John Rich. Recipients included Clint Black, The Bridgestone Arena, The Ryman Auditorium, and Kevin Neal (full list below).
“We’re thrilled with the tremendous growth of the organization and conference,” says IEBA President Kell Houston. “The networking opportunities, informational panels, and live performances are unrivaled—the proof is in the record number of enthusiastic attendees this year.”
Next year’s 46th Annual IEBA Conference will be held at Nashville’s Omni on Oct. 8-11.
Pictured (L-R): Agency for the Performing Arts’ Jim Gosnell, Clint Black, Agency for the Performing Arts’ Steve Lassiter and Cass Scripps, and Brinson Strickland of The Collective LA pose backstage at the Honors and Awards Ceremony during the IEBA 2015 Conference. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for IEBA
Pictured (L-R): Vince Gill, Terry Elam, and IBEA President Kell Houston pose backstage, celebrating the establishment of the Terry Elam Scholarship at the Honors and Awards Ceremony. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for IEBA
Bridgestone Arena’s David Kells (L) and Ryman Auditorium’s Sally Williams (R) pose backstage at the Honors and Awards Ceremony. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for IEBA
2015 IEBA HONOR AND AWARD WINNERS:
Casino of the Year
Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, CT
Casino Buyer of the Year
Lori Otelsberg – Signature Entertainment
Club Buyer of the Year
Ed Warm – Joe’s Bar and Bub City
Corporate Buyer of the Year
Gary Osier – Gary Osier Present
Fair of the Year
Wisconsin State Fair – West Allis, WI
Fair Buyer of the Year
Michelle Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
Festival of the Year
Austin City Limits – Austin, TX
Festival Buyer of the Year
Gil Cunningham – Neste Event Marketing
International Buyer of the Year
Judy Seale – Judy Seale International
Venue of the Year
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
Venue Executive of the Year
Sally Williams – Ryman Auditorium
Talent Agent of the Year
Kevin Neal – WME
Promoter of the Year
Louis Messina – Messina Touring Group
Rookie of the Year
Kylen Sharpe – CAA
Career Achievement Award
Clint Black
Hall of Fame Inductees
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Industry Achievement Award
Country Concert in Fort Loramie, Ohio
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Gary Rossington Recovering at Home After Surgery
/by Craig_ShelburneGary Rossington
Gary Rossington, founding member and guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd, is recovering at home following heart surgery on Thursday (Oct. 8).
Rossington suffered a heart attack last week, although he is expected to make a full recovery, according to the band’s management.
The band’s next concert will take place on Nov. 7 in Montgomery, Ala. Refunds are being offering for a cancelled show in Terre Haute, Ind., originally scheduled for Friday (Oct. 16). However, a concert in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., originally set for Saturday will be rescheduled for 2016.
In a statement, Rossington said:
IEBA Distributes Honors and Awards To Conclude 45th Conference
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): WME’s Kevin Neal, CAA’s Kylen Sharpe, and Louis Messina of Messina Touring Group pose backstage with their awards during the Honors and Awards Ceremony at the IEBA 2015 Conference. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images
International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), the trade organization for live entertainment industry, concluded its 45th Annual Conference yesterday evening (Oct. 13) with a performance by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo who were inducted in to IEBA’s 2015 Hall of Fame. Presenters included Trace Adkins, Gretchen Wilson, Vince Gill, and John Rich. Recipients included Clint Black, The Bridgestone Arena, The Ryman Auditorium, and Kevin Neal (full list below).
“We’re thrilled with the tremendous growth of the organization and conference,” says IEBA President Kell Houston. “The networking opportunities, informational panels, and live performances are unrivaled—the proof is in the record number of enthusiastic attendees this year.”
Next year’s 46th Annual IEBA Conference will be held at Nashville’s Omni on Oct. 8-11.
Pictured (L-R): Agency for the Performing Arts’ Jim Gosnell, Clint Black, Agency for the Performing Arts’ Steve Lassiter and Cass Scripps, and Brinson Strickland of The Collective LA pose backstage at the Honors and Awards Ceremony during the IEBA 2015 Conference. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for IEBA
Pictured (L-R): Vince Gill, Terry Elam, and IBEA President Kell Houston pose backstage, celebrating the establishment of the Terry Elam Scholarship at the Honors and Awards Ceremony. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for IEBA
Bridgestone Arena’s David Kells (L) and Ryman Auditorium’s Sally Williams (R) pose backstage at the Honors and Awards Ceremony. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for IEBA
2015 IEBA HONOR AND AWARD WINNERS:
Casino of the Year
Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, CT
Casino Buyer of the Year
Lori Otelsberg – Signature Entertainment
Club Buyer of the Year
Ed Warm – Joe’s Bar and Bub City
Corporate Buyer of the Year
Gary Osier – Gary Osier Present
Fair of the Year
Wisconsin State Fair – West Allis, WI
Fair Buyer of the Year
Michelle Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
Festival of the Year
Austin City Limits – Austin, TX
Festival Buyer of the Year
Gil Cunningham – Neste Event Marketing
International Buyer of the Year
Judy Seale – Judy Seale International
Venue of the Year
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
Venue Executive of the Year
Sally Williams – Ryman Auditorium
Talent Agent of the Year
Kevin Neal – WME
Promoter of the Year
Louis Messina – Messina Touring Group
Rookie of the Year
Kylen Sharpe – CAA
Career Achievement Award
Clint Black
Hall of Fame Inductees
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Industry Achievement Award
Country Concert in Fort Loramie, Ohio
Donald Passman’s Music Industry Book Slated For Ninth Edition
/by Sherod RobertsonKnown for its influential and widely read texts in the music world, this newest edition of Passman’s “industry bible” has been revised by the author with developments and trends for newcomers as well as the generation of industry professionals who’ve grown up with it.
The new edition updates the latest information on how streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, YouTube, and Soundcloud have changed and continue to change revenues, A&R and royalties. The updated book features chapters on subjects from how to pick a team, to royalties and record deals, co-publishing and copyright, songwriting and secondary publishing income.
Passman’s prestigious career includes stints teaching at USC Law School’s Advanced Professional program and regular lectures at Yale, Harvard Law School, and UCLA. His clients have included R.E.M., Green Day, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Bryan Adams, and many others. Passman currently works with and represents record labels, songwriters, producers, and industry executives, among others.
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott Set To Host Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonHillary Scott
Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott has been tapped to host Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Awards honoring Jo Walker-Meador, Steve Buchanan and Reba McEntire on Monday, Nov. 16.
Leadership Music will honor the three music industry luminaries at a gala cocktail reception, awards presentation and musical tribute beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater. Big Machine Label Group is the title sponsor for the 2015 event.
As CMA’s legendary former Executive Director, Meador will receive a new award named for Leadership Music’s Founding Council; Buchanan has been chosen as the recipient of the Brian Williams Ambassador Award; and McEntire will be honored with Leadership Music’s prestigious Dale Franklin Award.
“It’s always special to help recognize passionate people in our industry,” said Scott. “All three of these honorees have personally made amazing contributions not only in Nashville but have been part of sharing country music across the globe. I’m thrilled to have been asked to host and look forward to celebrating in a few weeks!”
Nashville’s Construction Gets National Attention
/by Craig_ShelburnePhoto courtesy of VisitMusicCity.com
The construction cranes in Nashville have caught the eye of the New York Times, which published a story today (Oct. 14) about the changes in the city’s skyline.
Much of the article’s focus covers the growth in the Gulch and downtown, although other neighborhoods are spotlighted as well. In the piece written by Keith Schneider, the story notes:
Read the full story at the New York Times website.
Lecrae Makes History, Lauren Daigle Wins at Dove Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonLauren Daigle performs at the 46th Annual Dove Awards. Photo: Getty Images
Rapper Lecrae made history last night (Oct. 13) at the 46th annual Dove Awards, held at the campus of Nashville’s Lipscomb University. Lecrae became the first hip-hop artist to earn the Gospel Music Association’s top honor, a Dove award for Artist of the Year. Lecrae also took home Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year for Anomaly, as well as Rap/Hip-Hop Song of the Year for “All I Need Is You.”
Lauren Daigle was named New Artist of the Year, and earned “Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year” and “Song of the Year” honors, both for “How Can It Be.”
Producer/songwriter Seth Mosley also led the winners at this year’s Dove Awards, picking up honors for Songwriter of the Year (non-artist), Producer of the Year, and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (as a co-producer on for King & Country‘s Run Wild Live Free Love Strong).
Songwriter Tom Douglas, well-known for hits including “The House That Built Me” and “Meanwhile, Back at Mama’s,” earned a Dove Award as a co-writer on Skillet’s “Good to be Alive,” which earned the Rock Song of the Year honor.
The Oak Ridge Boys picked up a Dove honor for Country Song of the Year for “Sweet Jesus” (ft. Merle Haggard). Alabama took home Bluegrass/Country Album of the Year for Angels Among Us. Robert Deaton, a well-known awards show and video producer, won a Dove Award for Best Christmas Album, for his production role on Michael W. Smith‘s The Spirit of Christmas.
The show will air on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. CT.
KB performs at the 46th Annual Dove Awards. Photo: Getty Images.
List of televised award winners:
Song of the Year: “How Can It Be,” – Lauren Daigle (writers) Jason Ingram, Jeff Johnson, Paul Mabury
Artist of the Year: Lecrae
New Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle
Southern Gospel Album of Year: Pray Now – Karen Peck & New River (producer) Wayne Haun
Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year: “I Luh God (ft. Big Shizz)” – Erica Campbell (writers) Warren Campbell, Erica Campbell, Lashawn Daniels
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: Anomaly – Lecrae (producers) Dirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny, Street Symphony, S1, J. Rhodes, 808XEIite, GAWVI, Nate Robinson, Mashell, Derke Minor, Vohnbeatz, Lasanna, “Ace” Harris, Alex Medina, Jaquebeatz
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: RUN WILD, LIVE FREE, LOVE STRONG – for King & Country (producers) Seth Mosley, Tedd T. Matte Hales, Ben Glover
Gospel Artist of the Year: Tasha Cobbs
Praise and Worship Song of the Year: “Because He Lives (Amen)” – Matt Maher (writers) Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Bill Gaither
Inspirational Film: Mom’s Night Out (directors) The Erwin Brothers (producers) Affirm Films, FourBoys Ent. Provident Films, Pure Flix Ent. And TriStar Pictures
Special recognition honors also presented include:
Lifetime Achievement Award – Bobby Jones Gospel and John Rivers 20 The Countdown Magazine
GMA IMPACT AWARD – YouTube
The Outstanding Mainstream Contribution to Gospel Music Award – Mark Burnett and Roma Downey
Radio Impact Award – CCM – The Joy FM, Southern Gospel – enlighten, Gospel – WPRS – FM 104.1
Brooks, Underwood And More To Honor Frank Sinatra
/by Troy_StephensonFrank Sinatra
The legacy of Frank Sinatra will be honored during Sinatra 100- An All-Star Grammy Concert that will broadcast on Sunday Dec. 6, 2015 at 9 p.m./Eastern on CBS.
In celebration of the late icon’s 100th Birthday, there will be performances of Sinatra classics by Grammy award-winning artists such as Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Adam Levine, Carrie Underwood, and Usher.
“Frank Sinatra is a voice for all generations. His showmanship and artistry have remained unmatched since he began performing professionally in the 1930s to his last recording 21 years ago,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “Today, he continues to gain popularity for his classic sound and signature style. It’s only fitting that we join the global celebration in honor of his 100th birthday.”
The live concert taping will be held Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, at Wynn Las Vegas’ Encore Theatre.
Faith Hill, Kellie Pickler Set For New Daytime Talk Show
/by Jessica NicholsonFaith Hill
Faith Hill is set to take on the role of executive producer for a new, as-of-yet unnamed daytime talk show, MusicRow has confirmed. Hill will co-executive produce the show with manager Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment), and Lisa Erspamer, whose career includes time as Chief Executive Officer and Exec. VP of Programming/Development for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
The show’s first announced co-host is fellow country artist Kellie Pickler, with additional co-hosts to be announced soon. The production’s topics will center on lifestyle topics including gardening, interior decorating, cooking, and more, and will feature experts in various fields.
The program is aimed to premiere in Fall 2016 or 2017. It is being produced by Legendary Television, a division of Legendary Pictures, the company behind Jurassic World, Blackhat, Straight Outta Compton, Steve Jobs, and more.
The show is set to be filmed in Nashville.
Pickler is no stranger to television, from her Top 10 inclusion on American Idol in 2006, to her win on Dancing With the Stars in 2013, to her upcoming CMT reality series, I Love Kellie Pickler, set to premiere on Nov. 5.
Kellie Pickler
Cam’s “Burning House” Certified as Gold Single
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman; Sr. VP Marketing Paul Barnabee; Executive VP & COO Ken Robold; Cam; Sony Music Nashville Executive VP, Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges; VP A&R Jim Catino; Arista Nashville VP Promotion Lesly Simon; manager Lindsay Marias; and co-producer and “Burning House” co-writer Tyler Johnson.
Singer-songwriter Cam received a plaque for her first gold single on Tuesday (Oct. 13) at the offices of Sony Music Nashville. The music video will premiere today on Entertainment Tonight and ETonline.com. It was shot by ACM and CMA Award-winning director Trey Fanjoy and produced by Trent Hardville for Big Feather Films.
The Arista Nashville/RCA Records newcomer’s current EP, Welcome to Cam Country, and upcoming full-length album are produced by Grammy-winner Jeff Bhasker (Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, FUN., The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift) and Tyler Johnson (Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Mikky Ekko.) “Burning House” was co-written by Cam, Bhasker, and Johnson.
Cam celebrates her gold-certified single for “Burning House” with members of her team and the Sony Music Nashville staff.
IEBA Unveils Masterminds Behind Kelsea Ballerini Breakout
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): John Huie, Fletcher Foster, Kelsea Ballerini, Ray Waddell.
On the final day of the 45th Annual International Entertainment Buyers Association’s (IEBA) three-day conference at Nashville’s Omni Hotel, Black River artist Kelsea Ballerini was joined by her manager Fletcher Foster (Iconic Entertainment) and agent John Huie (CAA). The three were led by Billboard‘s Ray Waddell on the stage of the CMA Theater today, Oct. 13 to give a sneak peek into breaking a new artist in today’s market.
“Kelsea was signed as a writer before she had an artist deal,” noted Huie of the importance of a song. “That’s where Nashville is going, even for someone who has the entire package. For years, this town was about finding people who had the package and then for songs. Kelsea had over 100 songs in her catalog before she ever got a record deal.”
“I feel like being naive has been my biggest asset so far because I don’t know what I’m not supposed to do,” confessed Ballerini who was introduced to Nashville by a producer her mother hired in Knoxville, Tenn., to commemorate the songwriting her 14-year-old daughter had achieved. That producer introduced the now 22-year-old star to Nashville during future visits to Music City.
Huie and Foster met Ballerini because of this songwriting–Huie at an ASCAP writer showcase when the singer was 15 and Foster through Black River Publishing’s Celia Froehlig.
“There’s this illusion that women can’t sell tickets,” said Huie of a misperception he has challenged with Ballerini. “Some people think you have to have hits before you go work because you’re not suppose to put women in clubs.
“Kelsea said she was going to be a touring act and wanted to work, so we grabbed everything. Now that she has a hit, we can direct the boat a little better but her dedication and attitude is what makes her additionally special and makes you want to fight even harder for.”
“I counted almost 190 dates on the calendar last year for Kelsea,” emphasized Foster of Ballerini’s busy year. “That doesn’t include press, rehearsal, or travel. I’m talking about a performance on each of those dates for radio, paid, or free dates.”
“One of the biggest blessings I’ve had in my life is being a hardcore country music fan,” explained Ballerini of her drive. “I remember coming to CMA Fest standing in line for hours to meet Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, and Justin Moore. Being on this side of it now, I know how to make the 45 seconds you get with someone count. I would save my money to get nosebleed seats at arenas to see my favorite artist. Being in the back row taught me how to make people in the very back feel like you see them. Being a fan really taught me how to be an artist.”