Sturgill Simpson will perform shows at the Ryman Auditorium Oct. 30-31 as part of the second leg of his Living The Dream Tour, which runs through Nov. 22. Billy Wayne Davis opens the Nashville shows, and tickets for all of the newly-announced dates go on sale this Friday (July 24). Every date on the first leg of Simpson’s tour was completely sold out.
Simpson has been touring heavily all year in support of his highly acclaimed 2014 release, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, and will hit Atlanta, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Vancouver, and other cities on the next leg of dates. He’ll also perform some dates abroad in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK in August.
The critic’s darling has graced the stages of the Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Late Night with Seth Meyers, the BBC’s Later…with Jools Holland, A Prairie Home Companion, Austin City Limits and The Grand Ole Opry over the past year. He is up for three awards at the Americana Honors and Awards Show in September including Artist, Album, and Song of the Year.
STURGILL SIMPSON TOUR DATES
July 24—Cooperstown, NY—Brewery Ommegang*
July 25—Newport, RI—Newport Folk Festival
July 26—Hampton Beach, NH—Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
July 29—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE*
July 30—Columbus, OH—The LC Pavillion*
July 31—Chicago, IL—Metro (SOLD OUT)
August 1—Chicago, IL—Lollapalooza
August 2—Indianapolis, IN—White River State Park*
August 14—Gothenburg, Sweden—Way Out West
August 15—Oslo, Norway—The Oya Festival
August 18—Edinburgh, U.K.—Liquid Rooms
August 19—Leeds, U.K.—Brudenell Social Club
August 20—London, U.K.—Islington Assembly Hall
August 22—Wales, U.K.—Green Man
August 24—Groningen, Netherlands—Noorderzon Festival
August 25—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Paradiso Grote Zaal
August 27—Tonder, Denmark—Tonder Festival
August 29—Helsinki, Finland—Helsinki Festival
September 6—Moorhead, MN—Bluestem Center for the Arts Amphitheatre†
September 7—St. Paul, MN—Minnesota State Fair – Grandstand†
September 12—Maryville, TN—The Shed (SOLD OUT)
September 13—Asheville, NC—Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
September 15—Norfolk, VA—The NorVa
September 16—Charlottesville, VA—Jefferson Theater (SOLD OUT)
September 18—Philadelphia, PA—Theatre of Living Arts
September 19—New York, NY—Beacon Theatre
September 20—Buffalo, NY—Town Ballroom (ON-SALE JULY 24)
September 23—Washington, DC—Lincoln Theatre (SOLD OUT)
September 24—Washington, DC—Lincoln Theatre (SECOND SHOW JUST ADDED)
September 25—Baltimore, MD—Rams Head Live
September 26—Boston, MA—Boston Calling Festival
October 2-4—Austin, TX—Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 9-11—Austin, TX—Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 15—Tuscaloosa, AL—Tuscaloosa Amphitheater‡
October 23—Atlanta, GA—The Tabernacle
October 30 & 31—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium
November 5—Denver, CO—Ogden Theatre
November 7—Salt Lake City, UT—The Complex
November 10—Spokane, WA—Knitting Factory Concert House
November 12—Vancouver, BC—Vogue Theatre
November 13—Seattle, WA—Showbox SoDo
November 14—Portland, OR—Crystal Ballroom
November 15—Eugene, OR—McDonald Theatre
November 18—Oakland, CA—Fox Theater
November 20—Los Angeles, CA—The Theater at Ace Hotel
November 22—San Diego, CA—The Observatory North Park
*appearing with Old Crow Medicine Show
†appearing with Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson
‡appearing with Jason Isbell
Blake and Miranda Call It Quits
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton at the BMI Country Awards. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BMI
Country music superstar couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert divorced after four years of marriage, MusicRow has confirmed.
The couple issued the following statement to the Associated Press:
Brantley Gilbert Plans Chattanooga Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughBrantley Gilbert
In the wake of the recent, tragic shootings in Chattanooga, Tenn., Brantley Gilbert has announced he will perform a benefit for the families of the fallen servicemen. He announced the plans for a “full-blown concert” by calling in to US101 radio.
Details for the event are still being ironed out, but a date and venue will be announced soon.
An avid supporter of the military, Gilbert just released a video highlighting his impactful motorcycle ride with the Wounded Warrior Project that helped launch their Rolling Odyssey therapy program over Memorial Day Weekend.
Miranda Lambert To Play Rare Club Show in Nashville
/by Eric T. ParkerThe evening will be “unplugged” and is billed after Lambert’s 2015 tour Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars.
The club lineup will begin at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:00 p.m.), with all proceeds going to The Miranda Lambert Women Creators scholarship at Belmont University.
Tickets were announced via social media and went on sale at 10:00 a.m., July 20 for $30. 3rd & Lindsley has a capacity of about 1,000.
The superstar played a club show at Nashville’s Exit/In before her 2015 tour launched in January. That show was free and also announced via social media, but only three hours before doors opened.
Jay Allen Signs With MV2
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Clay Myers, Tony Harrell, Jay Allen and James Archer/ CEO, MV2 Entertainment
Singer/songwriter Jay Allen has inked an exclusive publishing deal with MV2, the publishing and artist development company formed by Tony Harrell, James Archer, and Clay Myers.
“I am both honored and excited to be working with Jay,” said Harrell. “He is an exceptional artist with an undeniable voice and presence that is truly captivating.”
Allen hails from Cedar Falls, Iowa. He moved to Nashville in 2013.
“When I first walked into MV2, it was a new venture and the place was empty…no furniture, only a card table and a few folding chairs,” shared Allen. “Tony and Clay greeted me at the door with a firm handshake, we spoke for an hour or so, and I knew I had found my home. Seems like I’ve been through hell and back to get here, but I can’t help but feel blessed. James, Tony, Clay, Kendra, and the entire MV2 team are the most authentic, hardest working, faith-driven people I’ve ever met, and I’m proud to call them my family.”
Also on board at MV2 are the executive team of Blake Gage and Harold Johnson.
Harrell and Myers can be reached at 615-320-0036, or tony_harrell@mv2entertainment.
Sturgill Simpson Adds Two Ryman Dates to Extended Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughSimpson has been touring heavily all year in support of his highly acclaimed 2014 release, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, and will hit Atlanta, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Vancouver, and other cities on the next leg of dates. He’ll also perform some dates abroad in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK in August.
The critic’s darling has graced the stages of the Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Late Night with Seth Meyers, the BBC’s Later…with Jools Holland, A Prairie Home Companion, Austin City Limits and The Grand Ole Opry over the past year. He is up for three awards at the Americana Honors and Awards Show in September including Artist, Album, and Song of the Year.
UMPG Upgrades Online Portal Features
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Because of our industry-leading technology we’re able to continually develop new features and services that meet the needs of our songwriters. Universal Music Publishing Group continues to be at the forefront in offering the very best system and global copyright administration worldwide,” said Jody Gerson, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group.
UMPG was the first major publisher worldwide to provide online accounting for its writers, including 24/7 online access to royalty statements, payment information, royalty data, and a suite of analysis tools and personalized income tracking services.
American Eagle Awards Honor Jim Halsey, Among Others
/by Eric T. ParkerJim Halsey (second from left) with the Oak Ridge Boys and Dr. David Sanders.
The National Music Council honored legendary music manager/booker Jim Halsey, his late son Sherman Halsey, Kris Kristofferson, Jim Lauderdale, and Charley Pride last week (July 11) at the 32nd Annual American Eagle Awards, which were held in Nashville for the first time.
Halsey’s award comes in recognition for his lifetime commitment to music and music education and was presented by the Oak Ridge Boys.
“We have a tradition of honoring not only musical performers and writers, but also music educators, supporters of music, impresarios and producers who have shaped the music of our nation,” said NMC president Dr. David Sanders. “Jim Halsey’s ability to nurture artists, and his record of guiding the careers of some of America’s greatest talents, has earned him a special place among those who have made comprehensive contributions to musical life in America.
Halsey has worked directly to shape the careers of 24 members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, including the Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Minnie Pearl and George Jones. He will be honored later this year when he is inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Easton Corbin Debuts Song For Ram Summer Campaign
/by Eric T. ParkerEaston Corbin. Photo: Ram
Mercury Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin has partnered with Ram Trucks to debut his new song titled “Let’s Ride” today (July 17). Directed by Shaun Silva, the official music video was released today on Yahoo! Music for a one-day exclusive before release on VEVO, YouTube, Yahoo Ram Country and other digital services.
Ram helped create the music video and behind-the-scenes video while Nashville-based G7 Entertainment Marketing and Doner agency joined in to help with the 30-second commercial spots, running from July to August.
“We continue to look for unique ways to creatively show how Ram trucks are an integral part of our culture and the everyday lives of our customers,” said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, FCA—Global. “It is rewarding to know that Easton, one of the hottest young artists in country music today, wrote the song inspired by his ongoing experiences behind the wheel of our Ram trucks.”
“When you think about songs you want to perform, you often think about songs you heard while in your favorite truck,” said Corbin. “It’s easy to write a song like ‘Let’s Ride’ because it is all about fun and having a good time, which is what the Ram brand is all about.”
The new “Summer Nights” and “Carnival” ads tell the story of a young couple sneaking out in their Ram 1500 for a night of summertime adventures.
Corbin was previously one of five country artists who participated in the Ram’s 2012 “Road to the Ram Jam” sweepstakes and concert. The auto maker continued to work with Corbin in 2013 as part of the brand’s “Year of the Farmer” initiative where he made a series of visits and private concerts across the country for current FFA members.
Combustion Atlas Publishing Signs Paul Moak
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Lani Crump (Showdown Management), Paul Moak, Chris Farren (Combustion Music owner/President), Dave Steunebrink (Showdown Management), Kenley Flynn (Creative Dir., Combustion Music)
Grammy-nomintated, ASCAP award winning producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter, and musician Paul Moak has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with independent publishing venture, Combustion Atlas.
“Paul is giant talent,” said Chris Farren, Combustion Music owner/President. “Not only is he an incredible songwriter, but one of the most organic and innovative producers in town who makes records that sound like none else. We could not be more excited about helping propel him to the next level.”
Based in Nashville, Moak has amassed credits on more than 500 albums exceeding total sales of 10 million, across a variety of genres, with an impressive roster of artists that includes: Joy Williams, Mat Kearney, John Paul White, Marc Broussard, Relient K, The Vespers, Leagues, Madi Diaz, House of Heroes, Matt Maher, and Goodbye June.
Moak’s work has been featured on hit TV shows One Tree Hill, Private Practice, Pretty Little Liars, The Vampire Diaries and 666 Park Avenue as well as commercials for Bose, American Family Insurance, and Taco Bell.
Moak also established The Smoakstack Studio located in Nashville which he owns and operates.
Jägermeister Taps Lee Brice and Rick Monroe for Fall Tour
/by Eric T. ParkerAs part of the tour, Jägermeister will be enlisting renowned illustrator Billy Perkins to create custom, limited edition artwork that will be featured throughout each venue. Each stop will also feature original artwork from the brand’s “56 Parts: Best as One” campaign as well as a custom Jägermeister Lee Brice cocktail inspired by the artist.
“The craftsmanship that Lee puts into his recordings and live performances are second to none, and his style of music pairs perfectly with a brand rooted in quality like Jägermeister,” said Cliff Rigano, Director of Music Marketing for Jägermeister.
“The people we play for on the road night after night are the greatest fans in the world,” shared Brice. “They love to have a great time and are fans of the Jägermeister brand. I’ve been looking for a way to partner with Jäger for a while now and this tour is the perfect way to do that. I can’t wait to get started!”
“I am honored to be invited back as the Jägermeister brand ambassador and emcee of the concert series,” said Monroe. “This will be my seventh Jägermeister tour, having performed on this tour with Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Randy Houser, Eli Young Band, Aaron Lewis, and a few others. These shows are something the fans look forward to, as much as I do, because they know it is always a party!”
Tickets can be purchased through leebrice.com.
Jägermeister Presents: Lee Brice Tour Dates
9/11 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theatre
9/12 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia at LA Live
9/13 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
9/16 – Worley, ID – Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel: The Event Center
9/17 – Boise, ID – Revolution Center
9/18 – Minden, NV – TJ’s Corral at the Carson Valley Inn
9/24 – Springfield, MO – Shrine Mosque
9/25 – Enid, OK – Enid Event Center
9/26 – Muskogee, OK – Muskogee Civic Center
9/30 – Fredericksburg, VA – Celebrate Virginia Live at Pancho Villa Pavilion
10/1- Williamsport, PA – Community Arts Center
10/2- Wallingford, CT- Toyota Presents Oakdale
10/3 – Niagara Falls, NY – Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel
10/8 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
10/9 – Indianapolis, IN – Old National Centre: Murat Theatre
10/22- Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
10/23 – Danville, IL – David S. Palmer Arena
10/24 – Davenport, IA – Adler Theatre