City of Hope Celebrity Softball game. Photo: Bev Moser
Chapter 494
CITY OF HOPE CELEBRITY SOFTBALL GAME
Saturday’s CMA Music Fest had it all: sports antics, extreme eating, a two-ton trophy, a Gold Record, you name it.
To begin the day, there were two good reasons to attend the annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game this year. It was the 25th anniversary of this fun-filled, fan-favorite charity event. Plus, it was being held at the new First Tennessee Park, the just-completed home of our Nashville Sounds baseball team.
Ideal reasons, right? Then Cindy Hunt told me that the call time for the event was 7:15 a.m. What? But a promise is a promise, so I dragged myself out of bed on a Saturday morning (June 13) at the crack of dawn.
“It’s a great day for baseball,” as the late Ernie Banks used to say. The temperature was balmy. A breeze was blowing. The sun was shining. More fans than ever filled the stands.
“We have a great day for a great cause; we’ve sold more tickets than ever: I think it’s a wonderful thing,” said smiling Bucky Covington. “I feel like a winner: Team Opry, come on,” crowed J.T. Hodges. Team Opry, coached by Pete Fisher, is the usual winner of the contest. The opposing squad was Team iHeart, headed by Bobby Bones. “They always win because they always cheat,” groused Bones. “I played baseball in college, and I’m super competitive,” he added.
Vince Gill, who was pitching for Team Opry, had the opposite attitude. “I’m not competitive like I used to be,” he said. “I’m a new man. When I pitch, I want the player to get a hit.”
Also playing ball on Team Opry were Covington, Hodges, Aaron Watson, Charles Esten, Deana Carter, Phil Vassar and former Miss America Rachel Smith. In addition to Bones, Team iHeart’s roster included Eddie & Lunchbox, Lauren Alaina, Doug McCormick and Lindsay Ell, sporting full makeup and false eyelashes, no less.
Personable player SaraBeth was the StageIt winner this year. “You do a home-based concert online,” she explained. “And people click to contribute [to City of Hope]. I raised $4,000, and it was easy.” A lot of her fan base has been built via social media, she added.
I thought it was cute that the Love & Theft members were placed on opposing teams. Stephen Barker Liles played for Team iHeart, while Eric Gunderson was on Team Opry. The same was supposed to be true for the married Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, but Little Big Town cancelled. I suspect it’s because they were too busy with their hosting duties for the ABC-TV special that’s being made about the fest.
Team iHeart member Angie Johnson, the artist who is a former Voice competitor and a U.S. Air Force vet, sang the national anthem. Which is no easy task at that hour in the a.m.
Another pre-game event involved her fellow player, Nashville native Stephen Bess. He spoke to the crowd about his leukemia and the lifesaving treatment he received at City of Hope. He said, “I think I cried myself to sleep every night,” waiting for a stem-cell donor who was a genetic match. The donor, Jonas Baade, was found in Germany. The two men met for the first time at the game. They enfolded one another in a bear hug on the pitcher’s mound while the crowd cheered.
“This is why we’re all here today,” said co-host Cody Alan. By the way, Bess is the step-grandson of Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess, the founder of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
Alan’s play-by-play with co-host Lorianne Crook didn’t have much excitement for the first three scoreless innings. After that, the underdog iHeart team took a commanding lead. Then slugger Chuck Wicks batted Team Opry into the lead. Team iHeart rallied and made it a 5-5 tie game. Then Bret Michaels of Poison drove in the winning run for Team iHeart. Crossing home plate as the winning runner was, appropriately, Jonas Baade.
As usual, there were plenty of hi-jinks. Many of them were provided by Booster the Rooster, the Sounds mascot, or by Gnash, the Predators mascot.
The game raised $200,000 for City of Hope. Another plus: Some of the fans signed up to become bone-marrow donors.
Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in bone-marrow transplantation and genetic research to combat cancer and other diseases. Its main hospital is northeast of L.A. in Duarte, CA.
After we did our duties on the red carpet, we made our way to the park’s boxes on the upper deck. Hallelujah: scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits, sausage and life-saving coffee awaited.
First Tennessee Park has flawless turf, spacious dugouts, comfortable spectator seats and excellent sight lines, as well as a groovy V.I.P. area. Instead of routine junk food, it offers Pepperfire Hot Chicken, Smokehouse Barbecue and soft-serve ice cream. There is even a real restaurant beyond the right-field wall.
Hacks and flacks were out in abundance. Kay West, Katherine Cook, Terry Bumgarner, Craig Campbell, omnipresent GettyImages photographer Rick Diamond, Susan Niles, Chuck Dauphin, Jaclyn Carter, Allison Auerbach and Jackie Marushka all worked the gig.
By the time the game ended around noon, and everyone headed downtown, the heat was at microwave levels. Nevertheless plucky stars like The Swon Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Tanya Tucker and Chris Janson signed up to perform. Even warmer were the red-clad Rebel Stomp dance troupe, who pranced tirelessly during the J.T. Hodges performance.
By mid Saturday afternoon, downtown was wall-to-wall people. It got more than a little claustrophobic. As the Riverftont Stage crowd swelled beyond capacity, the CMA took the unprecedented step of closing off admission.
Lucky T. Graham Brown, David Ball and Mark Wills were among those scoring air-conditioned indoor gigs at Fan Fair X. Also indoors were Trisha Yearwood and Will Hoge. They signed autographs in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Saturday afternoon also featured the Nathan’s hot dog competive eating contest. The winner swallowed 33 of them in 10 minutes, which qualified him for the national championships on July 4 in—where else?—Coney Island, NY. That does it: No more weenies for me, fest or no fest.
(L-R): Charles Esten, Deana Carter and Bucky Covington showed of their softball skills for charity at City of Hope’s 25th Annual Celebrity Softball Game at the new First Tennessee Park during CMA Music Festival in Nashville. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for City Of Hope
SATURDAY NIGHT AT LP FIELD
Little Big Town at LP Field at CMA Music Festival 2015. Photo: Bev Moser
As we headed for LP Field that evening (June 13), we caught part of a fine set by pop-country stylist Chris Lane at the BMI Tailgate Party outside the venue. Kellie Pickler sang “The Star Spangled Banner” to christen the nightly stadium concert. The 2013 Dancing with the Stars champion has her own home-furnishings line and will star in a CMT reality-TV series this fall.
The honchos of Operation Troop Aid addressed the crowd. The organization has sent $7 million in CARE packages to overseas troops. It also gives out an annual Patriot Award. Past winners have included The Charlie Daniels Band, Hank Williams Jr., Darryl Worley, Kid Rock, Kiss, Aaron Tippin, Mark Wills, Gary Sinese and Toby Keith. The honor goes to “an entertainer who goes above and beyond in support of our troops.”
The award was renamed this year to honor the late American Sniper Navy Seal Chris Kyle. Parents Wayne and Deby Kyle, who were celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary that day, made the presentation. “Don’t ever, ever forget that we have boots on the ground,” said Wayne. “We have to support them in every way. We try to cover the troops who come home and try to adjust to civilian life.”
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Bev Moser
In recognition of her eight tours of service overseas and countless visits to veterans’ hospitals, Kellie Pickler became the first woman to win the honor. It is a massive, yard-high metal trophy topped by an eagle. “I should have worked out,” quipped Pickler as she lifted it. “Oh my goodness. God bless you. I’m so honored,” she continued, getting weepy. Remember: “If you don’t stand behind every service man and woman in the military, please feel free to stand in front of them.”
Wynonna & The Big Noise kicked off the concert. “I’m a proud woman in country music, and I’ve been doing this for 30 years, thanks to you,” she told the audience. With bluesy rearrangements of Judds and solo hits, she turned in a highly aggressive set. Husband Cactus Moser sang backup and rocked out on the drum kit.
Chris Young came out guns blazing on “Aw Naw.” “I’ve been coming to CMA Fest since I was a little, bitty kid,” said the Murfreesboro native. “It’s so cool that you’re here.” He added that he’d been given a Gold Album backstage, “which is hard to do these days.” For his finale, he tore into the stone-country ballad “Tomorrow.” The crowd went nuts, rewarding him with a long, loud standing ovation. This was Young’s second appearance on the fest’s mains stage. It will not be his last.
At this point, more and more people were streaming into the stadium. While Thomas Rhett entertained, they headed for their seats in time to catch the headliners, starting with new-to-LP-Field Brett Eldredge. “It’s very surreal…that people know my name,” said the freshly minted star. The sensational Little Big Town was next, followed by superstar Carrie Underwood.
“I feel like I’m in a really good place,” said new mom Underwood, who was celebrating her 10th anniversary at the fest. “I don’t know what to expect for the next 10 years. As long as I enjoy what I’m doing, I consider that winning.”
V.I.P. schmoozers in attendance included Mark Bright, Allen Brown, Michelle Myers, Karen Tollier, Sirius XM’s John Marks, Forrest Sanders, Bob DiPiero & Leslie Tomasina DiPiero, Paul Barnabee and Victoria Shaw. The indefatigable Jeff Walker was again on the scene. He attended his first Fan Fair in Municipal Auditorium in 1977, and is still going strong.
Kellie Picker. Photo: Bev Moser
Eric Church Breaks Fifth Attendance Record on ‘The Outsiders Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church
Eric Church is vowing that no two shows on his The Outsiders Tour this year will be the same, and he’s off to a good start in keeping that promise with his recent Orange Beach, AL show at The Amphitheater On The Wharf.
Opening for himself, Church played a 45-minute acoustic set for the crowd before joining his band onstage for the three-hour, 28-song show that mixed deep cuts like “Before She Does” and “Carolina” with favorites and chart-toppers like “Talladega,” “Cold One” and “Wrecking Ball.”
A record 10,021 fans were in attendance at the show, which marks the fifth attendance record set by the The Outsiders Tour so far. The tour was ranked at the top on Billboard’s Hot Tours of 2015 list.
Bobby Karl Closes Out CMA Music Fest 2015
/by Bobby KarlPictured prior to Brad Paisley’s Sunday evening LP Field performance (L-R): Taylor Lindsay, Director, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; Mike Craft, Senior VP, Finance and Operations, Sony Music Nashville; Sarah Trahern, CEO, CMA; Brad; Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald-Hartley Management; Lesly Simon, VP, Promotion, Arista Nashville; and, Damon Whiteside, Senior VP, Marketing and Partnerships, CMA. Photo: Dusty Draper
Chapter 495
For me, the last day of the annual CMA Music Festival is always touched with a tinge of tristesse—it’s kinda sad that the circus is leaving town.
But it was so unmercifully hot and humid on Sunday (June 14) that I couldn’t feel anything except exhaustion. The heat index was 96 degrees, the highest of the week-long country celebration. Seriously. It was so hot you could feel the fiery concrete through the soles of your shoes.
As a whole, this year’s festival witnessed more folks—825—being treated for heat-related issues than ever before. This is twice the number of last year. On Sunday afternoon, alone, 299 succumbed.
For me, it wasn’t just the heat. When I woke up on Sunday, every bone in my body ached from the week’s relentless pace and long hours. But we rallied to hit the streets for a final afternoon’s stroll through the festival campus.
While strolling, I spotted my first traditional-looking Islamic festival goer. This woman was dressed with her hair and limbs completely covered, despite the temperature. She had her daughter in tow. For all I know, she was a Nashvillian. But this brings up the fact that people from 20 nations registered, as well as fans from all 50 states.
According to CMA’s Sarah Trahern, this year’s festival set another attendance record with a daily footprint of 87,680. That is up 9.6 percent from last year. Sales of tickets to the exhibit hall in the Music City Center were up 26 percent.
Atlantic Records artist Michael Ray brought his Top 15 and climbing debut single, “Kiss You In The Morning,” to sunbathed crowd at the CMA Music Festival. Following his performance yesterday on the Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena, Ray visited with fans, friends and family. (L-R): Scott Hendricks, Ray’s producer and EVP A&R Warner Music Nashville; Ray and Rebekah Gordon, Director A&R, WMN
Despite the blazing heat, thousands gathered to live it up with Riverfront’s all-star lineup, including Lonestar, Thompson Square, Phil Vassar and Diamond Rio. Not surprisingly, a sizable flotilla of boats full of fans bobbed behind the stage on the Cumberland.
Other acts booked to sing and swelter on outdoor Sunday stages included The Grascals, Keith Anderson, The Marshall Tucker Band, Tate Stevens, Striking Matches and The Steeldrivers. “Stick a fork in me, I am well done,” quipped Channel 4’s overheated Jimmy Carter as the afternoon wore on.
At the Hard Rock (officially called the Gildan Broadway Stage at The Hard Rock Café), Drew Baldridge turned in a rocking, zesty set. Then he went behind the stage and signed autographs for surprised and delighted fans on 1st Ave. N.
Closing down the blessedly air-conditioned Music City Center were the fest’s final autographers, including Jo Dee Messina, Ken Mellons and Jamie O’Neal. Obviously, Chip Esten drew a huge crowd. But you know who else did? Buddy Jewell. So there.
Bringing the Fan Fair X portion of the fest to a close were such performers as Wade Hayes, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, John Berry, Ray Scott, Dustin Lynch and George Ducas. By mid-afternoon, many were already taking down their booths there. See what I mean about the last day seeming kind of sad?
Keith Urban backstage at LP Field. Photo: Bev Moser
If anything was guaranteed to chase the blues away, it was the lineup at LP Field that night. People like Eric Church, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley can always lift my spirits and remind me of why I love country music. Evidently, this works on the fans, too. They were definitely up for one more party. All three of these stars, by the way, flew in especially to perform for the fans at this “SuperBowl of Country Music.”
As we arrived, Charlie Worsham was feverishly rocking the BMI Tailgate Party. His shouted vocals, ripping guitar work and jumping stage presence enthralled all.
After Lee Greenwood did an instrumental version of “The Star Spangled Banner” on his sopranino saxophone, the first two finale concert performers couldn’t have been more different.
First up, Neal McCoy was performing at his 28th CMA fest. This master entertainer did hits as well as “The Beverly Hillbillies Theme” in hip-hop style, incorporating “The Banana Boat Song” (I kid you not). “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” led into “Wink.” Hey, he’s a showman.
Second came Cole Swindell, performing at LP Field for the first time. Looking and moving like a hologram of Luke Bryan, he played star-making hits such as “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight” and “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey.” The crowd’s enthusiastic reception recalled the one given to fellow first timer Brett Eldredge the previous night.
Mellow Darius Rucker proved why he is so widely liked. As you might imagine, all 50,000 fans sang along to “Wagon Wheel.”
And then the three superstars brought the 2015 CMA Music Festival to a close. Celebratory fireworks lit up the downtown skyline at midnight.
Seeing the fest’s finale were Sally Williams, Jody Williams, Billy Dawson, Charlie Cook, Charles Dorris, Joanne Berry, Victoria Shaw and Dennis Banka. A “summit meeting” of the “brain trust” of festival regulars featured Jeff Walker, David Ross, Pat Higdon and Dale Bobo.
I did not join them. The meeting I need is a massage.
Darius Rucker visits media backstage at LP Field. Photo: Bev Moser
Schermerhorn Pays Homage To Hank Sr. And Cash
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“The Hank and Cash Legacy: Studio Tenn’s Musical Tribute to Hank Williams Sr. and Johnny Cash” will combine the best of Studio Tenn Theater Company’s hit productions “The Hank Legacy” from 2013 and “The Cash Legacy” from 2015 in a theatrical concert format. Singers and musicians will put their spins on timeless country gems like “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Hey, Good Lookin,’” “I Walk The Line,” and “Ring Of Fire,” among many others.
Tickets are currently on pre-sale now for subscribers, $500 and up donors, and groups of 12 or more, and will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. June 19 by calling 615.687.6400 or online.
Easton Corbin ‘Gets Real’ With New Album Release
/by Troy_StephensonCorbin co-wrote three of the new tracks including “Like a Song,” “Diggin’ on You,” and “Damn Girl.” He is also adamant about cutting songs that go beyond the bottle and the bonfire. For About To Get Real, he re-recorded All Over the Road’s ballad “Are You With Me.” Corbin says, “Country music isn’t only about having a good time and drinking and this and that. It’s also about serious subject matter. It touches on each end of that spectrum, from happy-go-lucky to heavy. And that’s the basis of country music, that whole human experience.
“I definitely feel that I’ve discovered my natural sound with this album,” he continues. “If I try to do anything other than straight-ahead country, then that would just sound forced. And to have any longevity in this business, you really have to know who you are.”
His self-titled debut album provided back-to-back No. 1 songs including his first single, “A Little More Country Than That” and its follow up “Roll With It.” At the time, he was the first solo male artist in 17 years to have his first two singles go No. 1. His 2012 sophomore album, All Over The Road, had two Top 10 singles including the title track and “Loving You Is Fun.”
Easton Corbin, About To Get Real, track listing:
1. Kiss Me One More Time (Carson Chamberlain, Wade Kirby and Phil O’Donnell)
2. Guys And Girls (Zach Crowell, Jaren Johnston and Cary Barlowe)
3. Clockwork (Carson Chamberlain, Wade Kirby and Ashley Gorley)
4. Diggin’ On You (Easton Corbin, Carson Chamberlain, Phil O’Donnell and Wade Kirby)
5. Baby Be My Love Song (Jim Collins and Brett James)
6. About To Get Real (Jeremy Stover, Ben Hayslip and Rhett Akins)
7. Yup (Shane Minor, Phil O’Donnell and Wade Kirby)
8.Wild Women And Whiskey (Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride)
9. Are You With Me (Tommy Lee James, Terry McBride and Shane McAnally)
10. Damn Girl (Easton Corbin, Carson Chamberlain and Jeff Hyde)
11. Just Add Water (Tony Lane and David Lee)
12. Like A Song (Easton Corbin, Carson Chamberlain and Stephen Allen Davis)
Bobby Karl Works The Celebrity Softball Game And Saturday Night at LP Field
/by Bobby KarlCity of Hope Celebrity Softball game. Photo: Bev Moser
Chapter 494
CITY OF HOPE CELEBRITY SOFTBALL GAME
Saturday’s CMA Music Fest had it all: sports antics, extreme eating, a two-ton trophy, a Gold Record, you name it.
To begin the day, there were two good reasons to attend the annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game this year. It was the 25th anniversary of this fun-filled, fan-favorite charity event. Plus, it was being held at the new First Tennessee Park, the just-completed home of our Nashville Sounds baseball team.
Ideal reasons, right? Then Cindy Hunt told me that the call time for the event was 7:15 a.m. What? But a promise is a promise, so I dragged myself out of bed on a Saturday morning (June 13) at the crack of dawn.
“It’s a great day for baseball,” as the late Ernie Banks used to say. The temperature was balmy. A breeze was blowing. The sun was shining. More fans than ever filled the stands.
“We have a great day for a great cause; we’ve sold more tickets than ever: I think it’s a wonderful thing,” said smiling Bucky Covington. “I feel like a winner: Team Opry, come on,” crowed J.T. Hodges. Team Opry, coached by Pete Fisher, is the usual winner of the contest. The opposing squad was Team iHeart, headed by Bobby Bones. “They always win because they always cheat,” groused Bones. “I played baseball in college, and I’m super competitive,” he added.
Vince Gill, who was pitching for Team Opry, had the opposite attitude. “I’m not competitive like I used to be,” he said. “I’m a new man. When I pitch, I want the player to get a hit.”
Also playing ball on Team Opry were Covington, Hodges, Aaron Watson, Charles Esten, Deana Carter, Phil Vassar and former Miss America Rachel Smith. In addition to Bones, Team iHeart’s roster included Eddie & Lunchbox, Lauren Alaina, Doug McCormick and Lindsay Ell, sporting full makeup and false eyelashes, no less.
Personable player SaraBeth was the StageIt winner this year. “You do a home-based concert online,” she explained. “And people click to contribute [to City of Hope]. I raised $4,000, and it was easy.” A lot of her fan base has been built via social media, she added.
I thought it was cute that the Love & Theft members were placed on opposing teams. Stephen Barker Liles played for Team iHeart, while Eric Gunderson was on Team Opry. The same was supposed to be true for the married Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, but Little Big Town cancelled. I suspect it’s because they were too busy with their hosting duties for the ABC-TV special that’s being made about the fest.
Team iHeart member Angie Johnson, the artist who is a former Voice competitor and a U.S. Air Force vet, sang the national anthem. Which is no easy task at that hour in the a.m.
Another pre-game event involved her fellow player, Nashville native Stephen Bess. He spoke to the crowd about his leukemia and the lifesaving treatment he received at City of Hope. He said, “I think I cried myself to sleep every night,” waiting for a stem-cell donor who was a genetic match. The donor, Jonas Baade, was found in Germany. The two men met for the first time at the game. They enfolded one another in a bear hug on the pitcher’s mound while the crowd cheered.
“This is why we’re all here today,” said co-host Cody Alan. By the way, Bess is the step-grandson of Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess, the founder of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
Alan’s play-by-play with co-host Lorianne Crook didn’t have much excitement for the first three scoreless innings. After that, the underdog iHeart team took a commanding lead. Then slugger Chuck Wicks batted Team Opry into the lead. Team iHeart rallied and made it a 5-5 tie game. Then Bret Michaels of Poison drove in the winning run for Team iHeart. Crossing home plate as the winning runner was, appropriately, Jonas Baade.
As usual, there were plenty of hi-jinks. Many of them were provided by Booster the Rooster, the Sounds mascot, or by Gnash, the Predators mascot.
The game raised $200,000 for City of Hope. Another plus: Some of the fans signed up to become bone-marrow donors.
Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in bone-marrow transplantation and genetic research to combat cancer and other diseases. Its main hospital is northeast of L.A. in Duarte, CA.
After we did our duties on the red carpet, we made our way to the park’s boxes on the upper deck. Hallelujah: scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits, sausage and life-saving coffee awaited.
First Tennessee Park has flawless turf, spacious dugouts, comfortable spectator seats and excellent sight lines, as well as a groovy V.I.P. area. Instead of routine junk food, it offers Pepperfire Hot Chicken, Smokehouse Barbecue and soft-serve ice cream. There is even a real restaurant beyond the right-field wall.
Hacks and flacks were out in abundance. Kay West, Katherine Cook, Terry Bumgarner, Craig Campbell, omnipresent GettyImages photographer Rick Diamond, Susan Niles, Chuck Dauphin, Jaclyn Carter, Allison Auerbach and Jackie Marushka all worked the gig.
By the time the game ended around noon, and everyone headed downtown, the heat was at microwave levels. Nevertheless plucky stars like The Swon Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Tanya Tucker and Chris Janson signed up to perform. Even warmer were the red-clad Rebel Stomp dance troupe, who pranced tirelessly during the J.T. Hodges performance.
By mid Saturday afternoon, downtown was wall-to-wall people. It got more than a little claustrophobic. As the Riverftont Stage crowd swelled beyond capacity, the CMA took the unprecedented step of closing off admission.
Lucky T. Graham Brown, David Ball and Mark Wills were among those scoring air-conditioned indoor gigs at Fan Fair X. Also indoors were Trisha Yearwood and Will Hoge. They signed autographs in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Saturday afternoon also featured the Nathan’s hot dog competive eating contest. The winner swallowed 33 of them in 10 minutes, which qualified him for the national championships on July 4 in—where else?—Coney Island, NY. That does it: No more weenies for me, fest or no fest.
(L-R): Charles Esten, Deana Carter and Bucky Covington showed of their softball skills for charity at City of Hope’s 25th Annual Celebrity Softball Game at the new First Tennessee Park during CMA Music Festival in Nashville. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for City Of Hope
SATURDAY NIGHT AT LP FIELD
Little Big Town at LP Field at CMA Music Festival 2015. Photo: Bev Moser
As we headed for LP Field that evening (June 13), we caught part of a fine set by pop-country stylist Chris Lane at the BMI Tailgate Party outside the venue. Kellie Pickler sang “The Star Spangled Banner” to christen the nightly stadium concert. The 2013 Dancing with the Stars champion has her own home-furnishings line and will star in a CMT reality-TV series this fall.
The honchos of Operation Troop Aid addressed the crowd. The organization has sent $7 million in CARE packages to overseas troops. It also gives out an annual Patriot Award. Past winners have included The Charlie Daniels Band, Hank Williams Jr., Darryl Worley, Kid Rock, Kiss, Aaron Tippin, Mark Wills, Gary Sinese and Toby Keith. The honor goes to “an entertainer who goes above and beyond in support of our troops.”
The award was renamed this year to honor the late American Sniper Navy Seal Chris Kyle. Parents Wayne and Deby Kyle, who were celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary that day, made the presentation. “Don’t ever, ever forget that we have boots on the ground,” said Wayne. “We have to support them in every way. We try to cover the troops who come home and try to adjust to civilian life.”
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Bev Moser
In recognition of her eight tours of service overseas and countless visits to veterans’ hospitals, Kellie Pickler became the first woman to win the honor. It is a massive, yard-high metal trophy topped by an eagle. “I should have worked out,” quipped Pickler as she lifted it. “Oh my goodness. God bless you. I’m so honored,” she continued, getting weepy. Remember: “If you don’t stand behind every service man and woman in the military, please feel free to stand in front of them.”
Wynonna & The Big Noise kicked off the concert. “I’m a proud woman in country music, and I’ve been doing this for 30 years, thanks to you,” she told the audience. With bluesy rearrangements of Judds and solo hits, she turned in a highly aggressive set. Husband Cactus Moser sang backup and rocked out on the drum kit.
Chris Young came out guns blazing on “Aw Naw.” “I’ve been coming to CMA Fest since I was a little, bitty kid,” said the Murfreesboro native. “It’s so cool that you’re here.” He added that he’d been given a Gold Album backstage, “which is hard to do these days.” For his finale, he tore into the stone-country ballad “Tomorrow.” The crowd went nuts, rewarding him with a long, loud standing ovation. This was Young’s second appearance on the fest’s mains stage. It will not be his last.
At this point, more and more people were streaming into the stadium. While Thomas Rhett entertained, they headed for their seats in time to catch the headliners, starting with new-to-LP-Field Brett Eldredge. “It’s very surreal…that people know my name,” said the freshly minted star. The sensational Little Big Town was next, followed by superstar Carrie Underwood.
“I feel like I’m in a really good place,” said new mom Underwood, who was celebrating her 10th anniversary at the fest. “I don’t know what to expect for the next 10 years. As long as I enjoy what I’m doing, I consider that winning.”
V.I.P. schmoozers in attendance included Mark Bright, Allen Brown, Michelle Myers, Karen Tollier, Sirius XM’s John Marks, Forrest Sanders, Bob DiPiero & Leslie Tomasina DiPiero, Paul Barnabee and Victoria Shaw. The indefatigable Jeff Walker was again on the scene. He attended his first Fan Fair in Municipal Auditorium in 1977, and is still going strong.
Kellie Picker. Photo: Bev Moser
Bobby Karl Works Music Fest: Concert For Love And Acceptance, Friday Night at LP Field
/by Bobby KarlTy Herndon and family at the Concert For Love and Acceptance at City Winery. Photo: Herndon’s Facebook page
Chapter 493
Friday at the CMA Music Festival (June 12) was a rainbow of activities.
In the morning, superstar Luke Bryan staged his fan-club party at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Which was totally appropriate, since he has a brand-new “Dirt Road Diary” exhibit in the museum. The 700 attendees got free passes to see it. Bryan also favored them with a stripped-down, acoustic concert of hits.
Romping on various stages around the festival campus were Charles Esten, Lorrie Morgan, Eric Paslay, Brothers Osborne, Deana Carter, The Cleverlys, Randy Montana, Rhett Akins, Paulette Carlson, Doug Stone, Angaleena Presley and Lauren Alaina.
Broadway belter Laura Bell Bundy was everywhere on Friday. The Kentucky-born Bundy sang in Hall of Fame Park, autographed at Fan Fair X in the Music City Center and even appeared on the 6:00 o’clock news on Channel 4. Yes, she released a new country album, too. Dennis Banka calls it her “Popeye” record, I Am What I Am.
“Trailer Hitch” singer Kristian Bush was determined to make the best of his day at the fest as well. He appeared on stages, at autograph sessions and in an afternoon Opry panel discussion. His witty fellow panelist Jeannie Seely wore a “Tomato” t-shirt, by the way. She was among many female performers sassing country radio’s deliberate exclusion of women from playlists.
A mid-day shower cancelled or postponed some activiities, but didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. It also didn’t lessen the humidity.
Perhaps the most newsworthy event of the day was the multi-artist “Concert for Love and Acceptance” at City Winery. This was the first gay celebrity event ever scheduled during the week of country hoopla.
With the Supreme Court set to rule on gay marriage this month, Catholic Ireland becoming the unlikely first nation to legalize it via a popular vote, the publication of an LGBT issue of Entertainment Weekly and the Caitlyn Jenner transgender media frenzy, the concert was certainly timely. Still, it was a gutsy move for the generally conservative country community.
“We are making history today,” said participant Deborah Allen. “In Tennessee, things are slowly changing,” added Jamie O’Neal.
“I’m proud to be here today,” said Billy Gilman, who came out as gay last November. “This is the first time I’ve come to Nashville that I’m totally me.” He added that it was not planned that Ty Herndon came out on the same day that he did.
“Ten years ago, I couldn’t imagine myself standing here,” said Jennifer Knapp, who came out as a Christian-music artist in 2010. “I’m excited that Nashville is becoming LGBT friendly,” said Meghan Linsey, who competed so memorably on The Voice this year. “Nashville is becoming an increasingly diverse city,” agreed Mayor Karl Dean. “We continue to make great strides. We’re all in this together.”
Chris Carmack, who portrays gay artist “Will Lexington” on the Nashville TV show and is releasing “Being Alone” as his debut country single, added his support. So did Crystal Gayle, Melinda Doolittle, Shelly Fairchild, Tiffany, Sarah Potenza (another Voice competitor), Stella Parton, Stephanie Quayle, Levi Hummon and more. Supportive video greetings were screened during the three-hour concert from Reba McEntire, Lance Bass and Chely Wright.
Herndon, who co-hosted with Meghan McCain, received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd when he first took the stage. “I am here to tell you from the bottom of my heart, I have never in my life…” said Herndon, pausing to choke back tears, “…felt more love and acceptance.”
“He’s a very courageous man to come out [in country music],” commented superstar songwriter Desmond Child. “I spent years when I was an artist hiding my sexuality, and it hurt me….I think people are coming to their senses. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
“I’m looking forward to the next 10 years, seeing this event grow and seeing the country-music community grow in supporting the LGBT community,” added Herndon. The show was a sell-out, filling the venue with more than 400 fans.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT LP FIELD
Lady A backstage at LP Field on Friday. Photo: Bev Moser
We headed back to the mainstream action at CMA Music Festival. That evening, we arrived at LP Field in time to hear a stirring version of “The Star Spangled Banner” by Restless Heart.
The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating a new Rock of Ages gospel CD, the publication of the book On the Road with The Oak Ridge Boys and their 2015 election as members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. They rolled through renditions of their hits for the crowd.
“We’ve lost a great artist, our fellow inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame,” said the group’s tenor Joe Bonsall. “Jim Ed Brown died on Thursday. If you’re still in town Monday, come by the Ryman [for Brown’s memorial service]. We’re gonna sing. Lady A’s gonna sing, for a great country-music artist.”
In the middle of “Elvira,” the Oaks suddenly stopped. The group brought out surprise guests Little Big Town, who have worked up a blues arrangement of the song. Both quartets sang it, which sounded pretty dang cool.
The Band Perry came out bouncing and dancing. They unleashed a highly energetic set, punctuated with ‘80s pop funk. “This is always our favorite night of the whole year,” said lead singer Kimberly Perry, “seeing your beautiful faces under a beautiful Nashville sky.”
Luke Bryan visits media at LP Field. Photo: Bev Moser
In just a few short months, the showmanship of youngsters Maddie & Tae has improved dramatically. The duo was charming. Earlier in the day, the gals joined Kelsea Ballerini and Hunter Hayes in announcing the launch of Radio Disney Country, a new radio outlet that will commence during CMA Week this fall.
The fun was only beginning. As the night continued, the hits of Randy Houser, The Zac Brown Band and Lady Antebellum poured forth. During his performance, Luke Bryan got a jolt when he got too close to one of his stage effects. A CO2 smoke blaster erupted between his legs and into his face, with no damage done except to his dignity. Bryan began the day singing for 700 and ended it by singing for 50,000.
This sun-up to sundown schedule of the artists is matched by many in the industry. In short, this is not a week for sleeping.
Throughout Friday, I encountered such tireless festival folks as Jon Freeman, Cindy Watts, Ed Morris, Christy Watkins, Michelle Myers, Suzanne Gordon, George Walker IV, Brett Wolcott, Dale Bobo, Greg Hill, Tracy Kornet, Larry McCormick, Jimmy Carter, Bill Denny, Chuck Dauphin, Adam Tamburin and The Boston Globe’s visiting Sarah Rodman.
Friday festival returning appearances were staged by such folks as Jeff Walker, David & Susana Ross, Paul Zamek (spelled correctly this time), Aaron Hartley, Melissa Maynard, Karen Tallier, Brandi Simms and Butch Spyridon, all of whom have been mentioned as faithful followers on one or more earlier days of the 2015 fest. So hooray for them.
On the Bobby Karl hot-dog monitor, for the first time this week, I did not have a weenie for lunch on Friday. So I made up for it by having one for dinner.
Maddie & Tae backstage at LP Field on Friday. Photo: Bev Moser
CMA Fest Pics: Chris Janson, Chris Young, Cam, Blake Shelton
/by Lorie HollabaughJanson Plays To SRO CMA Crowd
Chris Janson thrilled the crowd at the Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena with a blistering set that included his Top 25 single “Buy Me A Boat.” Janson signed autographs and took photos with the bevy of fans following his show.
Pictured: (L-R): Warner Music Nashville EVP of A&R Scott Hendricks; Janson; WMN VP of A&R Cris Lacy and WMN president & CEO John Esposito
Chris Young Surprises Former Teacher With Grant
The Farmers Insurance Thank America’s Teachers bus tour arrived at CMA Music Festival this weekend on its national tour, and Chris Young joined the insurer for a special surprise event on Saturday. The occasion honored Young’s former music teacher, Brenda Gregory, for her dedication to her students. Young presented Gregory with a $2,500 check to fund her classroom needs and continue motivating students. Through the program, Farmers will give away more than a million dollars to educators in 2015 and the public will help determine how to spend it.
Brenda Gregory, Chris Young, Thank America’s Teachers representative
Sony Sports Cam-O For CMA Fest
Sporting her signature sunny yellow, Cam is surrounded by staff and execs from Sony Nashville and CAA with her manager Lindsay Marias all wearing yellow Cam sunglasses for her mid-day performance at the Bud Light Stage at CMA Music Fest.
Beers On Blake Trends Worldwide
Although Blake Shelton couldn’t attend this years CMA Fest, his Beers On Blake did offer of a cold one ‘on him’ at downtown area bars Thursday afternoon helping fans enjoy CMA Fest, using hashtags #beersonblake and #yourvoiceofchoice trending worldwide. Shelton is keeping the party going as well by offering fans a chance to come party with him in November at the upcoming CMA Awards. Fans can enter to win two ways: by sharing his Spotify #YourVoiceofChoice playlist or posting a picture saying why he’s #YourVoiceofChoice on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Combustion Signs Multi-Skilled Mickey Jack Cones
/by Troy_StephensonMickey Jack Cones has joined Combustion Music, along with partner Atlas Music Publishing, under a long-term publishing agreement. Cones has worked with Trace Adkins, Jeff Bates and Thompson Square. He has produced songs such as Joe Nichols’ “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah,” as well as, Dustin Lynch‘s “Where It’s At (Yep Yep).”
Cones says, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining such a force of a team with Combustion and Atlas. They are, irrefutably, among the heaviest of hitters in the music publishing industry. Their proven hit making track record speaks for itself. Not to mention, it doesn’t get any better than this caliber of people. Creatively and personally, I couldn’t ask for a better partnership.”
Combustion Music’s President, Chris Farren, adds, “I have been a big fan of Mickey’s for some time. He is a triple threat as a musician, songwriter and producer, and is one of the hottest producers in Nashville. What the rest of the town may not know is that he is an equally good songwriter, and we plan on helping him grow that facet of his career. We couldn’t be more fired up.”
In addition to his work as a musician, songwriter and producer, Cones owns Westwood Studios, a retreat-like recording studio in Nashville’s Berry Hill area.
Bobby Karl Works The Don Henley Listening Party
/by Bobby KarlThat’s why a who’s-who was there. Pete Fisher, Peter Cooper, Suzanne Gordon, Susan Stewart, Sarah Skates, John McBride, John Huie, Holly Gleason, Molly Felder of Swan Dive, Rod Essig, Phyllis Stark, Jed Hilly, Michael Rhodes, Bill Mayne, Brian Mansfield, and Kyle Young were listening in bliss.
Alicia Warwick, Tom Roland, Karen Leipzinger, Butch Spyridon, Deborah Evans Price, Gordon Kennedy, Jeff Balding, Regina Stuve, Vernell Hackett, Todd Cassety, Teresa George, Chuck Dauphin and Henley co-writer Stan Lynch also made the guest list.
“We wanted to give everybody a reason to get out of downtown,” said droll host John Grady. “What an honor it is for me to present this music to you….I can’t stop listening to this record.”
He first played the Tift Merritt song “Bramble Rose,” a mandolin waltz featuring Henely, Mick Jagger and Miranda Lambert. The breathtaking, steel-soaked ballad “The Cost of Living” co-stars Henley with Merle Haggard. “Take a Picture of This” has the throb and lush melody of a classic Henley solo outing. The Martina McBride duet “That Old Flame” rocks like a No. 1 stone smash. Trisha Yearwood is the harmony singer on the power ballad “Words Can Break Your Heart.”
The Louvin Brothers chestnut “When I Stop Dreaming” drew loud applause for its arrangement as a duet with Dolly Parton. The shambling, stately, steady “Praying for Rain” has a chorus choir featuring Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Ashley Monroe and Yearwood. “Train in the Distance” is a rootsy, autbiographical outing with a background vocal by Lucinda Williams.
Beverly Keel did a nice one-on-one with Henley about the project, which is his first solo album in 15 years. “I enjoyed making this record more than any record I’ve made in my career,” he said. “Most of it was done in Nashville.” For more of Henley’s comments, see this afternoon’s article.
The album is called Cass County. It will be released by Capitol on the West Coast, and Grady’s I.R.S. imprint in Nashville will handle its country singles.
It would have been lovely to stay and bask in that atmosphere, but duty called.
Memorial For Former Sound Stage Owner Ron Kerr Set For Saturday
/by Sarah SkatesThe studio hosted landmark recordings by Garth Brooks, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams Jr., Reba, The Oak Ridge Boys, Waylon Jennings and numerous others. Legendary producer Jimmy Bowen leased the studio from Kerr.
A native of Detroit, Mich., Kerr was an accomplished businessman who worked in real estate and music. He was also an avid sailor, winning the J-24 Class, U.S. Championship twice. Kerr was a trumpeter and gentleman farmer, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Friends and family say they will miss his vivacious spirit and love for life.
Kerr was preceded in death by parents Walter and Eleanor Burr Kerr. He is survived by loving wife Gwyneth B. Kerr; daughter Bonnie S. Kerr; sons Ronald S. (Wendy) Kerr, Robert W. (Lisa) Kerr and Donald W. Kerr; grandchildren Peter, Madeline, Amelia, Rowan, Daphne, Brianna and Veronica; and Marion Stahl Kerr of Miami, FL, mother of his children.
The cause of death remains unconfirmed, but according to reports he passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
A life celebration will be held Saturday, June 13, 2015, 5 to 7 p.m. at Sound Stage Studios (10 Music Cir. S., Nashville, TN 37203).
Today Black River Entertainment owns Sound Stage.
Arrangements by Williamson Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens, 3009 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN 37064.