Chase Rice plays to packed crowds at CMA Music Festival 2015. The fest generated a record $46.8 million in direct visitor spending, an increase of $7.5 million over last year, according to NCVC. Daily attendance was record-setting 87,680 fans, besting 2014 by 9.6 percent. Photo: CMA
Nashville Tourism By The Numbers
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) has shared new statistics about 2014:
$5.43 billion—direct visitor spending in Davidson County in 2014, compared to $4.99 billion in 2013
31.5 percent—percentage of Tennessee’s total visitor spending which happens in Nashville
13.1 million—total visitation to Nashville in 2014, up from 12.2 million in 2013
$259.17 million—state tax revenue generated by direct visitor spending for 2014, up 10.4 percent
$137.41 million—local tax revenues, up 8.8 percent
57,400—Davidson County employs in tourism-related fields
$49,882,792—hotel occupancy tax collections, up 24.1 percent over 2013
“In 2003 we set a goal, to be a $5 billion a year industry by 2015. To realize we have reached that goal one year early is incredibly exciting,” said Ken Levitan, chairman of the NCVC board of directors. “We should celebrate our accomplishments, but our next challenge will be maintaining that level of success by continuing to allow our product to evolve while protecting our authenticity. I have no doubt we can continue our success if we work together as an industry and as a community.”
The NCVC attributes Nashville’s success as a destination to signature events such as the CMA Music Fest, Bonnaroo, New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July celebrations, as well as reaching new audiences via strategic partnerships with Bon Appetit, Sports Illustrated and GQ, and new offerings such as the Music City Center, Music City Food + Wine, Live on the Green and Ascend Amphitheater.
Tennessee Tourism By The Numbers
Additionally, Governor Bill Haslam and Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, announced state-wide statistics, according to the 2014 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee as reported by U.S. Travel Association:
$17.7 billion—direct domestic and international travel expenditures in 2014, up 6.3 percent, an all-time high for the state
152,900—tourism-generated jobs for Tennesseans, up 2.8 percent
$1.5 billion—state and local sales tax tourism revenue, up 7 percent
101.3 million—people who traveled to Tennessee, up 5.1 percent increase, topping 100 million for the first time
3—number of counties (Davidson, Shelby, Sevier) receiving more than $1 billion in economic impact
Top 10—Tennessee is one of the Top 10 destinations for U.S. travel
8.5 out of 10—Tennessee’s customer satisfaction rating
“Tourists are drawn to Tennessee for our world-renown music, outstanding attractions, stunning scenic beauty,” Triplett said. “But, at the end of the day, people keep coming to Tennessee for our authenticity and exceptional, Southern hospitality. That is the ‘made in Tennessee’ brand delivered to our visitors every day by our communities and partners.”
29th Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament Raises $65K
/by Jessica NicholsonTeam Vaden Group, 1st place costume contest winners (L-R): Vaden Group’s Vicki Cherry, Jennifer Lane and Trisha Adams, Avenue Bank’s Ellen May and Vaden Group’s Caleb Dugger – Photo: Bev Moser
Pictured (L-R): Scott Siman and Herky Williams
Members of the Nashville music industry’s creative community offered their best golf games (and costume ideas) during the 29th annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament (MRLGT), which was held Aug. 17 at Franklin, Tenn.’s Old Natchez Country Club.
The event raised approximately $65,000 to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee, and counted ASCAP, City National Bank, Tim McGraw, Chris Young and McGhee Entertainment as sponsors. McGhee Entertainment was also named the 2015 MRLGT Director’s Award honoree. Meanwhile, McGraw was honored with a special award from the MRLGT in recognition of his years of support (the honor was accepted by McGraw’s manager Scott Siman).
The MRLGT’s 2015 Contributing Sponsors also included Big Machine Label Group, Country Music Association, Maverick, Tim Perryman, Reba, Allen Reynolds, Joe Don and Tiffany Rooney, Blake Shelton, Slo & Low BBQ, SunTrust Bank and UMG Nashville.
Since its inception in 1987, the tournament has raised almost $1.9 million to date for United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee.
Tournament Founder/Director Herky Williams said, “Even after 29 years, we still continue to pick up momentum. This will be our biggest year since we switched to having only one tee time, and next year’s 30th anniversary will be our best tournament yet. Once again our planning committee stepped up and did an outstanding job.”
Team City National Bank (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Rebekah Gordon, Starstruck’s Penny Chubb, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Travis Gordon, City National Bank’s Diane Pearson and Starstruck’s Kelli Haywood – Photo: Bev Moser
Team ASCAP on the green (L-R): ASCAP’s Ryan O’Grady, Holly Chester, Beth Brinker, Alison Toczylowski, Evyn Mustoe and Corsair Distillery’s Andrew Webber – Photo: Ed Rode
Sponsors The Primacy Firm at Tent City:(L-R): Primacy’s Denise Nichols and Fifth Third Bank’s Kari Barnhart – Photo: Ed Rode
Atlantic’s Stevo Robertson Sets Up Shop In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonSteve Robertson
In addition to being home to some of country music’s talented artists, the Warner Music Nashville office is now a base for discovering burgeoning rock/pop talents in Music City.
Steve “Stevo” Robertson, Atlantic Senior Vice President of A&R, has relocated from his previous base in Orlando to Nashville. The long-time Atlantic A&R exec will continue to focus on the signing and development of rock and pop artists. The move comes as Atlantic continues to expand its A&R presence in music centers across the globe.
“Stevo has been an invaluable member of our A&R team for nearly two decades, consistently bringing in outstanding artists, from Shinedown to Paramore,” said Atlantic Chairman & CEO Craig Kallman and Executive Vice President/Head of A&R Pete Ganbarg. “As the incredibly vibrant Nashville scene continues to diversify, Stevo’s roots in the South make him the perfect guy to be Atlantic’s eyes and ears in the city’s rich and expanding world outside of country music. Special thanks to Warner Music Nashville President and CEO John Esposito for welcoming him so warmly into his family.”
“I’m very excited about becoming inspired and stimulated by all the great music being created in this amazing city,” said Robertson. “There are so many fantastic artists, producers, and songwriters working and developing their own sounds and styles in the community, and I can’t wait to jump into it all. I, too, want to thank Espo and his terrific team for graciously allowing me to share their knowledge and work alongside them as we continue to look for the best talent to join the Atlantic team.”
Prior to joining Atlantic in 1997, Robertson spent four years as Assistant Program Director/Music Director at Orlando, Fla., radio station WJRR, the state’s first commercial Alternative station. While there, he brought several future chart-toppers to the attention of Atlantic, including Collective Soul, Seven Mary Three, and a band called Tabitha’s Secret that became known as Matchbox Twenty.
Since officially joining Atlantic, Robertson’s signings include platinum rockers Shinedown and Tennessee-based Paramore, along with emerging artists such as Meg Myers and Vinyl Theatre. His first post at the label was Director of A&R, and he was named Senior Director in 2000 and upped to Vice President in 2007. Robertson was promoted to Senior Vice President of A&R in 2010.
Robertson began his career in the mid-‘80s working at Rock station WZTA (ZETA 4) in Miami and at community Alternative station WKPX in Ft. Lauderdale.
InDo Nashville Offers Modern Workspaces For Entertainment Industry Professionals
/by Jessica NicholsonInDo Nashville bar
As Nashville’s economic growth continues, InDo Nashville offers modern working spaces for creative professionals in Music City’s entertainment industry. Founded by Kate and John Richardson, InDo Nashville is located at 632 Fogg Street in Nashville. The area encompasses three floors and 11,000 sq. ft. of space, including co-working spaces, songwriting rooms, conference rooms, a concierge, a hanging pod-chair room, and an 1500 sq. ft. event space. The interior features reclaimed wood, high ceilings, natural light, warm colors and inspirational artwork. “This place is definitely a departure from the beige walls and cubes in the typical corporate world, and we invite everyone to come in and visit,” John Richardson says.
InDo Nashville is already home to companies including Richlyn Marketing, Wonderful Union, ONErpm, Acklen Avenue, ADAM Audio, Jump Goat Media, as well as Hill Productions & Media Group. “We have built an environment in which creative entrepreneurs will thrive, and the perfect hub for networking,” says Kate, who also leads Richlyn Marketing.
Membership levels range from full-time co-working memberships to songwriter memberships and meeting room memberships. Part-time memberships are available for executives based in other cities, who desire to keep an office space in Nashville without the overhead of an office lease. Walk-in rates are also available, including a co-working day pass ($40) and a songwriting session pass ($45).
Interested parties can set up a tour of InDo Nashville by contacting john@indonashville.com, or by visiting Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. MusicRow subscribers can receive a free day pass for mentioning this feature.
For more information, visit www.indonashville.com.
InDo Nashville interior
InDo Nashville Lobby
InDo Nashville Pod Chair Room
InDo Nashville Front View
Rucker, Dunn, Eldredge Tapped To Play CMA Songwriter Series
/by Troy_StephensonPictured: Ronnie Dunn, Darius Rucker, Brett Eldredge
Some of country music’s most soulful male vocalists will take the stage on Aug. 24 in Nashville. Darius Rucker, Ronnie Dunn, and Brett Eldredge are all slated to perform as part of the upcoming CMA Songwriter Series, which will be taped beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works. Rucker will be joined on stage by songwriters including Casey Beathard, Nathan Chapman, Chris Dubois, Ashley Gorley, Tim James, Charles Kelley, Clay Mills, Frank Rogers, and Rivers Rutherford. Collectively, they are responsible for some of Rucker’s biggest hits including “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.”
At 9:30 p.m. CT, Dunn and Eldredge will take the stage with appearances by songwriters Tony Martin, Wendall Mobley, Neil Thrasher, and Craig Wiseman. Eldredge will also welcome Ross Copperman, Tom Douglas, Travis Hill, and Heather Morgan.
Limited tickets are available to the public at here for the Darius Rucker performance and here for the Ronnie Dunn and Brett Eldredge show.
“Front and Center” is an original one-hour concert series that airs commercial-free on public television. Now in its sixth season, the show has presented artists including Dierks Bentley, Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls, Jack Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Cyndi Lauper, The Fray, Train, Keith Urban, and more. It is a production of Front and Center Entertainment, LLC in association with WLIW21 for WNET, and distributed by American Public Television.
Tennessee Tourism By The Numbers
/by Sarah SkatesChase Rice plays to packed crowds at CMA Music Festival 2015. The fest generated a record $46.8 million in direct visitor spending, an increase of $7.5 million over last year, according to NCVC. Daily attendance was record-setting 87,680 fans, besting 2014 by 9.6 percent. Photo: CMA
Nashville Tourism By The Numbers
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) has shared new statistics about 2014:
$5.43 billion—direct visitor spending in Davidson County in 2014, compared to $4.99 billion in 2013
31.5 percent—percentage of Tennessee’s total visitor spending which happens in Nashville
13.1 million—total visitation to Nashville in 2014, up from 12.2 million in 2013
$259.17 million—state tax revenue generated by direct visitor spending for 2014, up 10.4 percent
$137.41 million—local tax revenues, up 8.8 percent
57,400—Davidson County employs in tourism-related fields
$49,882,792—hotel occupancy tax collections, up 24.1 percent over 2013
“In 2003 we set a goal, to be a $5 billion a year industry by 2015. To realize we have reached that goal one year early is incredibly exciting,” said Ken Levitan, chairman of the NCVC board of directors. “We should celebrate our accomplishments, but our next challenge will be maintaining that level of success by continuing to allow our product to evolve while protecting our authenticity. I have no doubt we can continue our success if we work together as an industry and as a community.”
The NCVC attributes Nashville’s success as a destination to signature events such as the CMA Music Fest, Bonnaroo, New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July celebrations, as well as reaching new audiences via strategic partnerships with Bon Appetit, Sports Illustrated and GQ, and new offerings such as the Music City Center, Music City Food + Wine, Live on the Green and Ascend Amphitheater.
Tennessee Tourism By The Numbers
Additionally, Governor Bill Haslam and Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, announced state-wide statistics, according to the 2014 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee as reported by U.S. Travel Association:
$17.7 billion—direct domestic and international travel expenditures in 2014, up 6.3 percent, an all-time high for the state
152,900—tourism-generated jobs for Tennesseans, up 2.8 percent
$1.5 billion—state and local sales tax tourism revenue, up 7 percent
101.3 million—people who traveled to Tennessee, up 5.1 percent increase, topping 100 million for the first time
3—number of counties (Davidson, Shelby, Sevier) receiving more than $1 billion in economic impact
Top 10—Tennessee is one of the Top 10 destinations for U.S. travel
8.5 out of 10—Tennessee’s customer satisfaction rating
“Tourists are drawn to Tennessee for our world-renown music, outstanding attractions, stunning scenic beauty,” Triplett said. “But, at the end of the day, people keep coming to Tennessee for our authenticity and exceptional, Southern hospitality. That is the ‘made in Tennessee’ brand delivered to our visitors every day by our communities and partners.”
SESAC Inks Green Day
/by Jessica NicholsonConsisting of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool, the American punk band is known for “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “American Idiot,” “Know Your Enemy,” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” and has sold more than 75 million albums.
“Green Day is an iconic band that has created important, diverse and unforgettable records,” said John Josephson, Chairman and CEO, SESAC. “Billie Joe, Mike and Tre are phenomenal songwriters and musicians whose influence on the musical landscape is immeasurable. We are thrilled and humbled to welcome them to the SESAC family.”
“We are thrilled to be signed to SESAC and excited to partner with them for the next phase of our musical adventure,” the band said in a statement.
Steven Tyler Added to Franklin, Tenn. Festival feat. Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow
/by Eric T. ParkerSteven Tyler. Photo: Zack Whitford
Franklin, Tenn.’s inaugural Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has added Steven Tyler to its lineup of performers. Tyler will perform with Nashville-based band, Loving Mary.
Willie Nelson, Wilco, Weezer, Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton, John & Jacob, Nikki Lane, Cage the Elephant, Iron & Wine, Punch Brothers, Holly Williams, and more have been previously announced for the Sept. 26-27 event at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm (lineup below).
Benefiting the City of Franklin, Franklin Parks and MusiCares, the two-day event will feature music, food, and culture set against the natural amphitheaters of the former walking horse farm. Food and beverage participants will be announced this summer.
In addition to artists performing their own sets, Pilgrimage will feature Pilgri-mashups where one-of-a-kind pairings of musicians collaborate with one another on stage as well as the first-ever Kitchen Stage and Sippin’ Stage and Little Pilgrim’s Landing specifically for kids.
Single Day tickets are available for $92. Two-day passes are $172 (VIP $499). Children under 10 get in free when accompanied by an adult ticket. Click here to order.
The festival recently announced the lineup for the Hohner’s Little Pilgrim’s Family Stage which features performances by Ralph’s World, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Jazzy Ash & The Leaping Lizards, Farmer Jason, Casey Campell, Laura Doherty, and a special performance by Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers aboard the Pilgrimage Pirate Ship.
Saturday, Sept 26, 2015
Wilco
Weezer
Sheryl Crow
Cage The Elephant
Neko Case
Iron & Wine
Dr. John
Punch Brothers
Trampled By Turtles
Saint Motel
Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear
Joe Pug
Holly Williams
Will Hoge
ELEL
Guthrie Brown & The Family Tree
Kingfish
Sunday, Sept 27, 2015
Steven Tyler
Willie Nelson
The Decemberists
Band of Horses
Jimmy Cliff
Dawes
St. Paul & The Broken Bones
Chris Stapleton
The Lone Bellow
Lucius
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires
Nikki Lane
Big Sam’s Funky Nation
John & Jacob
The Grand Southern
NAWAS
Artist Updates: Drake White, Dolly Parton, Bonnaroo
/by Jessica NicholsonDrake White. Photo: David McClister
Drake White Joins ZBB Tour
DOT/BMLG artist Drake White and The Big Fire has been selected by both Little Big Town and now Zac Brown Band for opening slots on both tours this fall. White will begin his run of of 11 tour dates with ZBB’s Jekyll+Hyde Tour Friday, Aug. 21 at New York City’s Citi Field. White was previously added to dates on Little Big Town’s Pain Killer Tour.
When not on tour, White is in the studio with producers Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover working on his debut album, which is planned for an early 2016 release.
‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors’ Gets Air Date
Dolly Parton
NBC will air the holiday film Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 9 p.m. ET.
The movie is set in Tennessee’s Great Smokey Mountains in 1955 and serves as a family-oriented story about events in Dolly and her family’s lives. Recently announced cast members include Jennifer Nettles in the role of Parton’s mother, Avie Lee Parton. Gerald McRaney will portray Grandpa Jake Owens, while Ricky Shroder will portray Dolly’s father, Lee Parton.
Dates Set For Bonnaroo 2016
United Talent Agency Eyes The Agency Group
/by Sarah SkatesUnited Talent Agency is in negotiations to acquire The Agency Group, according to Billboard.
UTA has a solid film and television roster, including Johnny Depp, John Cusack, Kevin Hart, Sigourney Weaver, Seth Rogen, and Will Ferrell, but its music division could use a boost, particularly after the exit of a few notable pop/rock clients earlier this year.
In recent years TAG, headed by CEO Gavin O’Reilly, has been on an acquisition spree, which could prime it for purchase.
TAG’s Nashville office, run by Nick Meinema, boosted its roster in 2014 when it purchased The Bobby Roberts Company. Additionally, the company has been building its divisions focused on branding, EDM, Latin, casino, college and corporate events.
Today, the local office represents Aaron Tippin, Aubrie Sellers, Austin Webb, Benton Blount, Bill Anderson, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, BJ Thomas, Blackjack Billy, Bobby Bare, Casey Jamerson, Chris Janson, Collin Raye, Confederate Railroad, Connie Smith, Cowboy Troy, Dallas Smith, Dean Brody, Deana Carter, High Valley, Jaida Dreyer, James Otto, John Anderson, John Conlee, John Michael Montgomery, Kentucky Headhunters, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Lenny Cooper, The Lacs, Logan Brill, Marty Stuart, Mel Tillis, Merle Haggard, Pam Tillis, Pauly Shore, Restless Heart, Sam Lewis, Sammy Kershaw, Sarah Ross, Sundy Best, Taylor Hicks, and Walker McGuire.
TAG is also home to the Black Keys, Guns N’ Roses, Muse, Paramore, Nickelback and many more.
Photo from The Agency Group’s 2014 acquisition of The Bobby Roberts Company. Pictured (L-R): Travis James, Gavin O’Reilly, Bobby Roberts, Nick Meinema, and Lance Roberts.
Brad Paisley Teams With IMG College, Zaxby’s For Tour
/by Troy_StephensonBrad Paisley
Brad Paisley has announced the Country Nation College Tour Presented by Zaxby’s. He will take his show on the road to select IMG College partner universities to provide free entertainment for the campus community. IMG College, serving more than 200 universities nationwide, is a division of WME | IMG, which also represents Paisley and brokered the college tour deal.
The first show is scheduled for Sept. 6 at the Virginia Tech campus is Blacksburg, Va. Eric Paslay will open the show on this date.
The Country Nation College Tour Presented by Zaxby’s will also see Paisley play on Sept. 10 at the University of Texas with Pat Green, on Sept. 11 at Baylor University and Sept. 12 at The University of Arkansas. Both the Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 shows will include special guest duo The Raging Idiots, which features Bobby Bones and Eddie from iHeartMedia’s national country radio program The Bobby Bones Show.
“Music and sports are passions of so many people—Zaxby’s included—and we couldn’t think of a better way to unite the two this fall,” said Zaxby’s CEO and co-founder Zach McLeroy. “We’re even more passionate about the guests and communities we serve, and this sponsorship is a perfect opportunity for us to give back to our fans.”
The tour is named after Paisley next single, “Country Nation,” from his current album Moonshine in the Trunk. The tune, penned by Paisley and longtime collaborators Kelley Lovelace and Chris DuBois, manages to include shout outs to 18 college sports mascots. “Country Nation” will be shipped to country radio on Aug. 31 with an airplay impact date of Sept. 14.