Holly Williams performs the first afternoon of Franklin, Tenn.’s Pilgrimage Music Festival. Photo: Terry Wyatt.
By Sarah Skates and Eric T. Parker
Sometimes the unpredictability of an outdoor festival adds to the fun. So attendees didn’t let the overcast sky keep them from this weekend’s inaugural Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. The event was a welcome addition to the Williamson County, Tenn. calendar, bringing a boatload of top-notch musical artists to the usually quiet suburb. The festival and its expected 10,000+ guests invaded Harlinsdale Farm, across from The Factory at Franklin.
The huge field offered plenty of room for attendees to spread out around three main stages, plus a children’s stage. In between the stages, numerous vendors sold jewelry, art, clothing, cigars, chocolate and more, mostly from local companies.
Many music fans took advantage of free admission for ages 10 and under, showing up with kiddos in tow.
Football fans enjoyed cheering on their teams while watching televisions inside the beer tent, but the long lines left them with short patience. Overheard from fans: “This line is too long. They’re losing money.” The response from another fan was clear: “No, we’re losing music!”
We arrived Saturday (Sept. 26) in time to see Cage The Elephant create a firestorm spectacle. Crowdsurfing frontman Matt Shultz was shirtless by the time he exited the stage. The Jay Joyce-produced band ran through their well-known songs including “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked,” “Shake Me Down,” “Aberdeen,” “Cigarette Daydreams,” “Come A Little Closer” and “Back Against The Wall.”
Matt Schultz of Cage The Elephant crowdsurfs the first afternoon of the Franklin, Tenn. Pilgrimage Music Festival. Photo: Terry Wyatt.
On a different stage, Sheryl Crow accompanied her multitude of hits with a six-person band. Those standards included “All I Wanna Do,” “My Favorite Mistake,” “Soak Up The Sun,” “Everyday Is A Winding Road,” and a medley of “Picture” and “If It Makes You Happy.”
“It’s so fun to drive down the street to go to work,” said the Nashville resident.
Crow welcomed friend and fellow festival performer Holly Williams and her husband Chris Coleman to the stage for “Are You Strong Enough To Be My Man.”
Crow’s instrumental prowess was on full display behind a piano and harmonica when stagehands weren’t feeding her bass, electric, or acoustic guitars for other songs. Accordions, mandolins, an upright bass and steel guitar—thank God—all added flair to her solid set.
On another stage, the Punch Brothers were performing their brand of punchy bluegrass. Earlier in the day, Nashville mainstay Will Hoge was on the docket, as well as Iron & Wine and Neko Case.
Despite the threatening skies, we stuck around for Weezer. A full-on rain started as Rivers Cuomo sang “Say It Ain’t So,” echoing the sentiments of the drenched crowd. Many troopers waited it out in the downpour, and the band reciprocated with a slew of old and new hits.
Wilco was set to close out Saturday evening.
Chris Stapleton performs the second afternoon of Franklin, Tenn.’s Pilgrimage Festival. Photo: Terry Wyatt.
On Sunday (Sept. 27) Chris Stapleton was joined by wife Morgane Stapleton and five band members who all performed on his Mercury debut album, Traveller. For the festival, his all-star line-up included producer Dave Cobb, Willie Nelson’s harmonica player Mickey Raphael and Waylon Jennings’ steel player Robby Jennings.
As a tribute, the soulful outlaw performed a Waylon cover, “I Ain’t Living Long Like This,” and a David Allan Coe/George Jones cover “Tennessee Whiskey.”
After the first song (“Nobody To Blame”) was over, the smell of marijuana filled the air. “It smells good out there,” said Stapleton from the stage. Appropriately, his set also included “Might As Well Get Stoned.”
Steven Tyler’s set brought to life the sentiments expressed in his daughter Mia Tyler’s book about her father’s positive energy. The Sunday crowd lured the international rock star by chanting: “Walk this way, Steven!” The stage was finally ready about 10 minutes behind schedule, but Tyler more than made up for it with his trademark energy and about a 20-minute addition to his 30-minute slot.
Steven Tyler on the second afternoon of Franklin, Tenn.’s Pilgrimage Festival. Photo: Terry Wyatt.
The Hall of Fame songwriter performed many of his hits including “Sweet Emotion,” “Cryin’,” “Walk This Way,” “Jaded,” and “Dream On” while on a white Steinway piano. He played two covers: Janis Joplin’s “Piece Of My Heart,” and The Beatles’ “I’m Down.”
One thing is for sure, Tyler still has his magic touch. His larger-than-life energy led to him throwing aviator glasses to the crowd and a harmonica from his pocket. His six-person backing band, Loving Mary, features Tyler’s longtime co-writing cohort Marti Frederiksen as well as Rebecca Lynn Howard.
“I live [in Nashville] now,” announced Tyler, who has been working on a Big Machine Records country album. Tyler performed the forthcoming effort’s single, “Love Is Your Name,” written by Eric Paslay and Lindsey Lee.
Festival organizers, including Franklin resident Kevin Griffin (interview here), have already announced Pilgrimage will return in 2016.
Willie Nelson performs the final night of Franklin, Tenn.’s Pilgrimage Festival. Terry Wyatt
Pandora To Host Free Women In Country Show in NYC
/by Eric T. ParkerMartina McBride will be joined by Cassadee Pope and RaeLynn for a free Pandora Presents recording for listeners in New York City on Oct. 14.
The intimate evening of Big Machine Label Group artists will celebrate females in country music and will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation and breast cancer research. The Altman Building concert will be open to Pandora listeners (21+) who RSVP in advance.
“The scale of Pandora is the perfect way to amplify the power of women in country music in a year where some have questioned it,” says Pandora’s Lars Murray. “Listeners and fans have spoken; these women have over 370 million spins on Pandora.”
Pandora has the unique ability to determine which artists will resonate best with local listeners by analyzing musical preferences, stations created, and thumbed-up songs. Invitations to events are then extended to Pandora listeners who have demonstrated an affinity for the identified artists.
Past Pandora-curated events include Jack White, Fall out Boy, Imagine Dragons, Miguel, Wyclef Jean, Earlsweatshirt, Steve Aoki, Jason Derulo, Chromeo, Celine Dion, Trey Songz, Diplo, Charli XCX, Neko Case, Bleachers, Tegan & Sara, Aloe Blacc, Cold War Kids, Estelle, J Balvin, The Hold Stead, Iggy Azalea and more.
Lionel Richie Signs to Kobalt Music Publishing
/by Craig_ShelburneLionel Richie. Photo: Alan Silfen
Lionel Richie has signed a global publishing agreement with Kobalt Music Publishing, Inc. The pop star found Platinum success in country music with Tuskegee, a 2012 duets album with artists like Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker and Shania Twain.
Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt, said, “I couldn’t be more excited about welcoming Lionel Richie into the Kobalt family. A true global superstar, his music has touched billions of people and influenced artists around the world.”
Sue Drew, GM of Creative and Acquisitions at Kobalt, said, “It is an honor to be representing Lionel Richie, one of our American treasures. His body of work is a testament to his talent and success and we are proud to be working with him.”
Richie will begin a Las Vegas residency on April 27, 2016, inside The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. He has also been named the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year.
Music City Roots To Live Stream IBMA Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonAs previously announced, the awards show will also be broadcast live on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction.
The 26th Annual IBMA Awards will be hosted by The Gibson Brothers, beginning at 7:30 p.m. EDT at Raleigh, N.C.’s Memorial Auditorium in the Duke Energy Center. The awards are voted on by the professional membership of the IBMA, which has its headquarters in Nashville.
Performers include the Earls of Leicester, Del McCoury Band, Hot Rize, The Gibson Brothers, Larry Sparks, Steep Canyon Rangers with Edie Brickell, Flatt Lonesome, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Balsam Range, and an all-star closing jam.
“We’ll be airing highlights from the show in this fall’s APT series, but there’s something magical about the live experience,” said Music City Roots Executive Producer John Walker. “Some moments only happen once in a lifetime, like the Tony Rice speech in 2013. We’re so thankful to the folks at Acceptance Insurance for stepping up and making this possible.”
IBMA Executive Director Paul Schiminger added, “We are excited to once again partner with Music City Roots to offer live online streaming of the IBMA Awards Show. While there is nothing like being there in person, it is great to have online viewing available for those fans who can’t be Raleigh for this spectacular evening of musical celebration.”
The awards show is part of IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event, which is presented by Chiesi USA and runs Sept. 29-Oct. 3. The event includes the IBMA Business Conference (Sept. 29-Oct. 1), Wide Open Bluegrass (Oct. 2-3), and the Bluegrass Ramble (Sept. 29-Oct. 1).
MusicRowLife: The Browns’ Bonnie Brown Diagnosed With Lung Cancer
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Bonnie, Jim Ed Brown, and Maxine. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images.
Bonnie Brown of soon-to-be Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Jim Ed Brown & The Browns has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma Right lung cancer. The entertainer made the announcement yesterday (Monday, Sept. 28) during a Medallion media luncheon at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater.
“I have recently undergone tests to determine the best type of treatment for this horrible disease. This news came as a shock to our family as we are still mourning the loss of my big brother, Jim Ed, who passed away from the same cancer in June. As Jim Ed said at the announcement of our induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier this year, ‘Cancer is no fun,’ and I agree. I have full faith in my oncologist and the many specialists at CARTI in Little Rock, and I trust in them to determine the best path to my full recovery. I am surrounded by the love and support of my family and I am determined to live many more years.”
She also expressed determination to attend the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, slated for Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Get well cards can be sent to: PO Box 233, Dardanelle, AR, 72834-0233.
The family trio was known for a string of hits in the 1959 Grammy-nominated hit “The Three Bells,” as well as “I Take A Chance” (1956) and “I Heard The Bluebirds Sing” (1957).
Round Hill Music Adds Marcus Kiser To Roster
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Chris Alderman, Rough Hollow Entertainment, Mark Brown VP/GM Round Hill, Marcus Kiser, Josh Saxe, Creative Director Round Hill, Neil Gillis, President Round Hill, Braeden Roundtree WME
Round Hill Music has signed a publishing deal with Marcus Kiser.
“We are delighted to be embarking on a musical journey with Marcus Kiser,” said Mark Brown, VP/GM, Round Hill Music. “Marcus is a great performer and an equally skillful songwriter. He is a unique talent with a great work ethic that we think will yield exceptional results.”
Kiser is the frontman of Old Southern Moonshine Revival who has spent the last 10 years in Nashville. Booked by WME and signed to Rough Hollow Entertainment management, the band’s current single, “Waste Another Beer,” is currently in the Top 20 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Countdown. Their latest EP, Can You Feel It Now, was produced by Danny Myrick (“Truck Yeah,” “International Harvester,” “She’s Country”).
Artist Updates: Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow, Jake Owen, Love and Theft, Erica Nicole
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton Set To Join Nashville’s NYE Bash Lineup
Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton will join headliner Kings of Leon at the 2015 Jack Daniel’s Bash on Broadway: New Year’s Eve in Music City (#NashvilleNYE), according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC).
The free concert and street party has grown from 15,000 in 2009 to more than 135,000 last year.
Previously announced acts include Nashville singer-songwriting duo Sugar + The Hi-Lows; Nashville-based rock trio The Whigs; Nashville-based indie rockers Wild Cub; and rising country star Kelsea Ballerini.
Sheryl Crow Plans Valentine’s Day Weekend Performances with Nashville Symphony
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow will perform with the Nashville Symphony for two shows on Valentine’s Day Weekend. She will perform on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Crow will offer an array of hits, including “All I Wanna Do,” “Strong Enough,” “Every Day Is A Winding Road,” and more, all backed by a full symphony orchestra.
The Nashville Symphony will be conducted by Vinay Paramesaran.
For tickets, visit nashvillesymphony.org.
Jake Owen To Appear on ‘The Ellen Degeneres Show’
Jake Owen. Photo: David McClister.
Jake Owen will perform his Top 20-and-climbing hit “Real Life” during an appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show. The episode is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. CT. “Real Life” is the first single from Owen’s upcoming album, slated to release in 2016. Owen recently celebrated 10 years as an RCA Nashville recording artist.
Love and Theft To Headline Fright Night Concert at Tin Roof Nashville
Love and Theft will headline the Nashville Basket Brigade’s Annual Fundraising Fright Night at Tin Roof Nashville on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The “Whiskey On My Breath” singers are set to close out a show that includes performances from Stella // James, Sweet Tea Trio, Rattlesnake Rattlers and Dixie Jade.
The Halloween-themed event will feature live music, a beer pong tournament, costume contests and drink specials. Fundraising Fright Night is open to the public, ages 21 and up. $10 donation at the door. Doors are at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit nashvillebasketbrigade.org.
Erica Nicole Guests Hosts For Country Fix TV
Erica Nicole
Erica Nicole will bring her electric personality to Country Fix TV through Oct. 11 as she guest hosts two different week-long episodes of the program. “It was an absolute blast,” the singer-songwriter said. “Everyone was terrific and I had a wonderful time. It is amazing to think that I’ll be reaching out to 100 million homes.”
Her current single, “I’m Makin’ Mine,” is at No. 15 on the MusicRow CountryBreakoutChart.
Producer Dave Brainard Assaulted, Hospitalized
/by Craig_ShelburneDave Brainard
Dave Brainard, the producer known for his work on Brandy Clark’s 12 Stories, is in the hospital after being assaulted at a crosswalk at 1505 Demonbreun Street in Nashville in the early morning hours Sunday (Sept. 27).
According to a report in The Tennessean on Monday (Sept. 28), Brainard was in the crosswalk with Deborah DeLoach and another female friend when an oncoming car struck DeLoach. The female passenger got out of the car and attacked DeLoach. Then the male driver stepped out of the car and started punching and choking Brainard until he was unconscious.
DeLoach told the publication that Brainard suffered a broken jaw on both sides, lacerations on his chin and lip, and shattered teeth. Police drove Brainard to the emergency room, according to Metro Nashville Police Department spokeswoman Kris Mumford. Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday.
According to Mumford, the couple driving the car was well-dressed, as if returning from a formal event. The car was described as a gray or charcoal-colored Infiniti.
Clark’s 12 Stories was nominated for a Grammy for best country album. His additional credits include producing Jamey Johnson, Jerrod Niemann and Ray Scott. He is also a co-writer on the Hunter Hayes single, “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me.” He owns deciBel Nashville, a production and artist development company on 16th Avenue.
Industry Ink: Republic Nashville, SSM Entertainment, Suite 28 Records, Press Management Group
/by Jessica NicholsonRepublic Nashville Ups Lois Lewis
Lois Lewis
Republic Nashville Vice President Promotion Matthew Hargis has “added” Senior Director of Regional Promotion to Lois Lewis’ title. In the newly-created position, she will continue to maintain relationships with radio in the southwest and promote a roster that includes Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, Cassadee Pope, A Thousand Horses and Brett Young.
“For the last six years, Lois has been a champion for our artists, and we are ecstatic to have her on the team,” said Hargis. “Her enthusiasm, tenacity, knowledge of the industry and zest for life will continue to help fuel ‘the machine.’”
Lewis, who will remain based in Phoenix, spent 10 years working in various roles at KNIX and KiiM before joining Republic Nashville as Director of West Coast Promotion. She can be reached at lois.lewis@bmlg.net or 615-324-7907.
SSM Entertainment Celebrates Grand Opening
SSM Entertainment celebrated their Grand Opening and introduced newly-named President, Patti Olsen-Garafola, and Vice President of Branding, Jennifer McKillop at a BBQ and Crawfish Boil on Sept. 19.
SSM artists Branch & Dean and Kayla Adams performed.
Pictured (L-R): McKillop, Renegade Radio’s Captain Jack, Adams, Dean Scallan, Olsen-Garafola, Steve Branch and Robby Lynn, also from Renegade Radio.
Suite 28 Records Launches With First Signee
The first signing to the label is Kory Caudill. Caudill got his start playing piano for Justin Moore, and has teamed with Suite 28 to release his debut recording Tree of Life. The project fuses classical, pop, jazz, and a new-age atmosphere.
Press Management Group Celebrates One Year
Press Management Group co-founders David Kiggins and Kimberly Novosel celebrate one year of business and the launch of new country artist Jarred Pierce. The artist management company, nicknamed PMG, provides a unique service by combining the development services that A&R departments typically provided before digital music with the services of traditional managers.
They Beth Potter (Buddy Lee Attractions, The Erv Woolsey Company) to round out the team. “The combined years of experience the three of us have in music, media and marketing make this a powerful team!” says Kiggins. “We saw a need among musicians and businesses for specially tailored services that will help elevate brands and careers, and we have the right tools to make that happen.”
Pictured (L-R): Beth Potter, Kimberly Novosel, David Kiggins. Photo: Brenna Mader.
Steven Tyler, Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow—Pilgrimage Festival Rocks Franklin
/by contributorHolly Williams performs the first afternoon of Franklin, Tenn.’s Pilgrimage Music Festival. Photo: Terry Wyatt.
By Sarah Skates and Eric T. Parker
Sometimes the unpredictability of an outdoor festival adds to the fun. So attendees didn’t let the overcast sky keep them from this weekend’s inaugural Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. The event was a welcome addition to the Williamson County, Tenn. calendar, bringing a boatload of top-notch musical artists to the usually quiet suburb. The festival and its expected 10,000+ guests invaded Harlinsdale Farm, across from The Factory at Franklin.
The huge field offered plenty of room for attendees to spread out around three main stages, plus a children’s stage. In between the stages, numerous vendors sold jewelry, art, clothing, cigars, chocolate and more, mostly from local companies.
Many music fans took advantage of free admission for ages 10 and under, showing up with kiddos in tow.
Football fans enjoyed cheering on their teams while watching televisions inside the beer tent, but the long lines left them with short patience. Overheard from fans: “This line is too long. They’re losing money.” The response from another fan was clear: “No, we’re losing music!”
We arrived Saturday (Sept. 26) in time to see Cage The Elephant create a firestorm spectacle. Crowdsurfing frontman Matt Shultz was shirtless by the time he exited the stage. The Jay Joyce-produced band ran through their well-known songs including “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked,” “Shake Me Down,” “Aberdeen,” “Cigarette Daydreams,” “Come A Little Closer” and “Back Against The Wall.”
Matt Schultz of Cage The Elephant crowdsurfs the first afternoon of the Franklin, Tenn. Pilgrimage Music Festival. Photo: Terry Wyatt.
On a different stage, Sheryl Crow accompanied her multitude of hits with a six-person band. Those standards included “All I Wanna Do,” “My Favorite Mistake,” “Soak Up The Sun,” “Everyday Is A Winding Road,” and a medley of “Picture” and “If It Makes You Happy.”
“It’s so fun to drive down the street to go to work,” said the Nashville resident.
Crow welcomed friend and fellow festival performer Holly Williams and her husband Chris Coleman to the stage for “Are You Strong Enough To Be My Man.”
Crow’s instrumental prowess was on full display behind a piano and harmonica when stagehands weren’t feeding her bass, electric, or acoustic guitars for other songs. Accordions, mandolins, an upright bass and steel guitar—thank God—all added flair to her solid set.
On another stage, the Punch Brothers were performing their brand of punchy bluegrass. Earlier in the day, Nashville mainstay Will Hoge was on the docket, as well as Iron & Wine and Neko Case.
Despite the threatening skies, we stuck around for Weezer. A full-on rain started as Rivers Cuomo sang “Say It Ain’t So,” echoing the sentiments of the drenched crowd. Many troopers waited it out in the downpour, and the band reciprocated with a slew of old and new hits.
Wilco was set to close out Saturday evening.
Chris Stapleton performs the second afternoon of Franklin, Tenn.’s Pilgrimage Festival. Photo: Terry Wyatt.
On Sunday (Sept. 27) Chris Stapleton was joined by wife Morgane Stapleton and five band members who all performed on his Mercury debut album, Traveller. For the festival, his all-star line-up included producer Dave Cobb, Willie Nelson’s harmonica player Mickey Raphael and Waylon Jennings’ steel player Robby Jennings.
As a tribute, the soulful outlaw performed a Waylon cover, “I Ain’t Living Long Like This,” and a David Allan Coe/George Jones cover “Tennessee Whiskey.”
After the first song (“Nobody To Blame”) was over, the smell of marijuana filled the air. “It smells good out there,” said Stapleton from the stage. Appropriately, his set also included “Might As Well Get Stoned.”
Steven Tyler’s set brought to life the sentiments expressed in his daughter Mia Tyler’s book about her father’s positive energy. The Sunday crowd lured the international rock star by chanting: “Walk this way, Steven!” The stage was finally ready about 10 minutes behind schedule, but Tyler more than made up for it with his trademark energy and about a 20-minute addition to his 30-minute slot.
Steven Tyler on the second afternoon of Franklin, Tenn.’s Pilgrimage Festival. Photo: Terry Wyatt.
The Hall of Fame songwriter performed many of his hits including “Sweet Emotion,” “Cryin’,” “Walk This Way,” “Jaded,” and “Dream On” while on a white Steinway piano. He played two covers: Janis Joplin’s “Piece Of My Heart,” and The Beatles’ “I’m Down.”
One thing is for sure, Tyler still has his magic touch. His larger-than-life energy led to him throwing aviator glasses to the crowd and a harmonica from his pocket. His six-person backing band, Loving Mary, features Tyler’s longtime co-writing cohort Marti Frederiksen as well as Rebecca Lynn Howard.
“I live [in Nashville] now,” announced Tyler, who has been working on a Big Machine Records country album. Tyler performed the forthcoming effort’s single, “Love Is Your Name,” written by Eric Paslay and Lindsey Lee.
Festival organizers, including Franklin resident Kevin Griffin (interview here), have already announced Pilgrimage will return in 2016.
Willie Nelson performs the final night of Franklin, Tenn.’s Pilgrimage Festival. Terry Wyatt
Songwriter Jack Williams Signs to Lynn Gann Music
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Ralph Murphy (ASCAP), Lew Garrison (Garrisongs 1-4-5), Matthew Becket (Beckett Law), Kelly Donley (Safford Motley, PLC), Jack Williams, Beth Brinker (ASCAP), Lynn Gann (LGME!), Michael Martin (ASCAP) & Mike Sistad (ASCAP).
Jack Williams has signed a songwriter agreement with Lynn Gann Music Enterprises (LGME!) in conjunction with Garrisongs 1-4-5. Williams’ recent cuts include “Back on a Dirt Road” by Montgomery Gentry, as well as recordings by Kevin Costner & Modern West, Aaron Pritchett, Kendra Kay and Rivertown Saints.
Williams signed his first songwriting contract in 1976. His credits include cuts by Gregg Allman, Blackfoot, Uriah Heep and Molly Hatchet. The Oak Ridge Boys and Steve Earle have also recorded Williams’ material.
With 27 years of publishing experience, Gann opened LGME! in 2014. Garrisongs 1-4-5 is the music publishing entity of Birmingham, Ala.-based songwriter/attorney Lew Garrison.