Among the events surrounding CMA Fest is Clay Walker’s annual Chords of Hope Benefit concert, which took place last night, June 10, at 3rd & Lindsley, to raise money for the Vanderbilt MS Center.
Photos: Bev Moser
Chapter 491
CHRIS YOUNG HOSTS FANS AT THE OPRY HOUSE
The CMA festival is a boat-load of fun, but you’ll put in some seriously long hours trying to take it all in.
On Wednesday (6/10), I began my day early, at the morning Chris Young fan-club gathering. More than 16 hours later, the post-CMT Awards events could keep you rocking into the night, if you let them.
Fan-club celebrations take place at just about every venue in Music City. Copying Carrie Underwood’s event for her faithful followers on Tuesday, Chris brought his fans to the Opry House.
“It’ll be hard to top this,” he told the attendees about the location. Chris probably could have filled the place, but he limited the crowd to 500. I’m told that’s how many he can meet and greet in two hours. Really? I’m impressed.
Before the party started, we gabbed with Cindy Hunt, Cindy Watts, Jim Catino, proud mama and Music Row businesswoman Becky Harris, George Walker IV, Tori Mason and Chris’s grandpa Richard Yates. Richard was a major influence, since he was a picker and singer who performed on The Louisiana Hayride and palled around with such stars as Marty Robbins. I loved listening to his stories.
Chris bantered with his band and chatted easily with the fans as he ran through a set that included a jaw-dropping, a capella rendition of the 1963 Marty Robbins classic “Begging to You.” Thanks to his grandfather, he’s known it all his life.
More surprising was a flawless interpretation of the 1962 Tony Bennett pop immortal “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” performed with simple piano accompaniment. Counterbalancing that was a sublimely country reading of Keith Whitley’s 1988 chart topper “When You Say Nothing At All.” Fear not, Chris also gave the fans “Getting’ You Home,” “Neon,” “Voices,” “Aw Naw,” “Lonely Eyes” and other hits of his own.
Next, organizers took fans in groups of 50 to get snapshots and autographs with Chris. Robert K. Oermann told Music Row stories to those remaining in the house to keep them engaged while they waited to meet their idol.
As you might expect, Chris’s fan club is dominantly female. During the Q&A session, one woman asked Oermann about radio not playing female artists. It was as if a bomb had been detonated. Suddenly, 400 ladies were loudly speaking out about this: These women are seriously pissed off. I wish every country radio programmer in America had been there. This is a major, major issue with the fans. I was stunned at vehemence of their opinions. They deeply resent radio assuming that they don’t want to hear female voices. I felt thoroughly validated, since I have always thought that to be the case.
Sam Hunt, RaeLynn and The Shires performed at the Country Weekly Kick-Off Party Powered by NASH in Nashville Tuesday (June 9) night at the Cannery Ballroom. The sold-out event benefited Musicians On Call. Pictured (L-R): Lisa Konicki (Editor-In-Chief, NASH Country Weekly), Jeff Meltesen (Pubisher, NASH Country Weekly), RaeLynn, Sam Hunt and Pete Griffin (President, Musicians On Call).
DOWN ON THE RIVERFRONT
Meanwhile, at Pinewood Social, the CMA’s Sarah Trahern was conferring with the Metro Nashville police force. Did you know that she also treats the street cops to a big breakfast the week before the fest to thank them for their tireless overtime work during the week?
Onward we went. We hit the Riverfront Stage downtown just in time to see and hear Canaan Smith be the inaugural artist of the fest. His hearty and soaring set baptised the stage’s all-afternoon show at 12:30 p.m.
The way this series of performances worked is with half-hour sets alternating with 15-minute acoustic segments on a mini-platform in front of the stage. So after Canaan finished, Jason Michelson turned in a soulful, intense set. You have to be a mighty man to take charge of a crowd with just your voice and guitar, and Jason rocked the joint.
Next, Parmalee was boistrous and raucous, with audio effects and a party-hearty attitude. “It’s CMA week: Are you guys ready to get this party started?!” exclaimed lead singer Matt Thomas. “Have a good time! When I say, ‘Good,’ you say, ‘Time.’” They did, and this led into the band’s stomping “Musta Had a Good Time” (which incorporated a snippet of Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country”).
The band concluded its set with its career-launching “Carolina.” This cleared the way for the clever songwriting of Annie Bosko. “You Look Like I Need a Drink” was a charmer. Again, I so admired these acoustic players who had to amuse and arouse the crowd without being up on the main stage.
I took in some of this action during lunch at the George Jones Museum. You see, its restaurant has big open windows that look directly out above the Riverfront stage. I ran into Patrick Clifford and Nancy Jones there, as well as some of the Chris Young fan-club folks.
The menu includes healthy salad fare and “normal” food, but I went with a totally-festival diet by ordering the bacon-wrapped hot dog covered in cheese sauce, plus crinkle-cut french fries. For those of you keeping score, this is my second straight day of weenie for lunch.
The Riverfront Stage rocked on into the afternoon. Among those booked for the fest’s first big show were Clare Dunn, Logan Mize, Blackjack Billy, Dallas Smith, Sundy Best and Old Dominion.
Emily Luxen, Jimmy Carter, Stephanie Langston, Big & Rich, Cowboy Troy, Cole Swindell, Hunter Hayes and The General Jackson showboat glided through.
After the CMT Awards at Bridgestone Arena, the Wildhorse Saloon hosted genial Johhny Lee and David Frizzell, at the “A Night With the Legends” concert. Also booked were Eddy Raven, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mickey Gilley, The Bellamy Brothers, Exile, Larry Gatlin, T. Graham Brown, Lee Greenwood, Larry Stewart, Marty Raybon and Tim Rushlow. So don’t come crying to me about not being able to find classic country sounds at this festival.
Also surrounding CMA Fest is the Stars For Second Harvest benefit at The Ryman. Pictured (L-R): Chris Carmack and Charles Esten at the show on June 9.
‘Darius And Friends’ Raise $220K For St Jude
/by Troy_StephensonDarius Rucker
Darius Rucker’s sixth annual “Darius And Friends” benefit concert was held this past Monday night (June 8) at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. It continued into Tuesday with the Celebrity Tee-Off sponsored by State Water Heaters.
At the Wildhorse, Rucker welcomed country starts such as Little Big Town, Brett Eldredge, A Thousand Horses, Brothers Osborne, Scotty McCreery and Steve Wariner to the stage.
On Tuesday, several of the same artists returned for an early tee time including Eldredge, A Thousdand Horses, and McCreery. They joined Vince Gill, Eric Paslay, JT Hodges, Jon Pardi, Joe Nichols, Cole Swindell, David Nail, Dustin Lynch, James Otto and Jana Kramer for a day of golf.
The two day charity campaign raised more than $220,000 for childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Darius and Friends” is sponsored by State Water Heaters, Intel, CDW, Two Bits and Humdingers.
Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett Pair For Fall CMT Tour
/by Eric T. ParkerBrett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett. Photo: John Shearer/CMT
After wrapping a successful Next Women of Country Tour this spring with Danielle Bradbery and Jana Kramer, CMT will head out on its 14th annual tour this fall, new with Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett. Bradbery will join the boys as a special guest.
The pair revealed the nationwide tour on Twitter on Wednesday (June 10) and that evening introduced Kenny Chesney‘s performance during the CMT Music Awards.
Officially titled CMT on Tour: Brett Eldredge & Thomas Rhett—Boots & Suits, the two performers will start with a coin toss to determine who performs first, while kicking off events in late October. Dates and cities for the concerts will be announced soon.
“Thomas and I have been buddies for a while,” said Eldredge. “We started out in Nashville around the same time, and now we get to hit the road together on the Suits & Boots Tour. This show will have a lot to offer the fans because we have such different styles, but they work well together. I promise, this is going to be a show the fans will never forget!”
“I’m super pumped to embark on my first co-headlining tour with someone like Brett,” added Rhett. “I can’t wait to be out on the road doing our own shows and having full control of what we want our fans to see. It’s going to be a party as soon as you walk through the doors.”
CMT on Tour marks the first headlining tour for both Eldredge and Rhett, as the pair have separately been busy cranking out music with a combined two studio albums and six No. 1 hit singles to date. The guys have performed to millions of fans with spots on coveted superstar bills including Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and Keith Urban.
Created in 2002, CMT On Tour has played a role in launching up-and-comers towards superstar status including Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Keith Urban, Jake Owen and Kip Moore. The tour is produced by Live Nation.
Radio Ink: America’s Morning Show, Curb Records, Americana Music Assoc.
/by Sarah SkatesGlenn “Qtip” Johnson
Qtip Johnson Joins America’s Morning Show
Cumulus announces that America’s Morning Show hosted by Blair Garner has signed on new Executive Producer Glenn “Qtip” Johnson. He takes the producing reins starting June 15.
Johnson most recently hosted mornings on WCYQ/Q100 Country in Knoxville, Tenn. for Scripps Broadcasting. Prior to that, he was morning host (as “Qtip”) for Cumulus Top 40 station WABD in Mobile, Ala. He also hosted the morning show for Dittman Broadcasting’s WABB in Mobile.
Americana Airplay Chart
Nash Country Weekly is now publishing the Americana Airplay Chart in its magazine. The Americana Airplay Chart sits prominently on the weekly chart’s page, alongside Billboard’s Top 10 Country albums and singles and the Top 10 CMT and GAC videos.
“We are excited to have our chart included in the premiere edition of Nash Country Weekly,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “It’s a fantastic contrast to the mainstream commercial names you will see on other charts. The Americana Airplay Chart represents a diverse array of American roots music styles and is probably the only chart where country music enthusiasts can find Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Mavericks, Dwight Yoakam, Asleep at the Wheel celebrating the music of Bob Wills, and Eilen Jewell all on the same page.”
Nathan Cruise
Curb Hires Cruise
Curb Records announces that Nathan Cruise will join the Promotion Department on Monday, June 15, overseeing responsibilities in the Southeast.
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be back at Curb!” exclaimed Cruise. “I am such a fan of the artists and staff at the label and look forward to being a part of their success! Big time thanks to Ryan [Dokke] and Taylor [Childress] for this opportunity!”
Ryan Dokke, VP of Country Promotion added, “Through his years in radio promotion, Nathan has proven himself time and time again to be a professional at bringing great ideas and excitement about country music to our radio friends. We are extremely excited to add him to our team.”
Concurrently, Annie Sandor, who previously handled the SE, will assume NE regional duties. Cruise can be reached at NCruise@curb.com or 615-496-6356.
DisClaimer: No Denying Miranda Lambert And Rainey Qualley
/by Robert K OermannBoth of our award winners today come from female country artists. They had tough competition from the men of A Thousand Horses and Brushville. But there was no denying that the Miranda Lambert record with Little Big Town singing harmony is the Disc of the Day.
Similarly, no one even touched the hem of Rainey Qually’s gown as she swept up to the podium as this week’s DisCovery Award winner. Her “Me and Johnny Cash” rocks in all the right places.
ERICA NICOLE/I’m Making Mine
Writer: Emily Weisband; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: WB/Thankful for This, ASCAP; GTR (CDX) (www.ericanicolemusic.com)
I have liked several of this gal’s upbeat, danceable, tuneful performances in the past. It turns out that she’s equally potent when essaying stirring, thoughtful lyrics.
BRUSHVILLE/Dangerous
Writer: Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins; Producer: Klye Lehning; Publisher: WB/Get a Load of This/EMI Blackwood, ASCAP/BMI; Brushville (CDX) (www.brushville.com)
—It seems that what is “dangerous” isn’t risky driving, drinking, night swimming or even making love. It’s falling in love. Smartly executed in every way.
IRLENE MANDRELL/We Will Stand
Writer: Eric Homer; Producer: Pat Holt; Publisher: Blue Chameleon, ASCAP; CDX (www.irlenemandrell.com)
—She was always overshadowed vocally by sisters Barbara and Louise. But in her own modest and tentative way, Irlene holds her own on this patriotic outing.
ROWDY McCARRAN/Eyes Wide Open
Writer: none listed; Producer: Fred Vail; Publisher: none listed; RM (track) (615-297-0700)
—Veteran producer Vail’s latest discovery is a rootsy country romper with a personable drawl and a solid CD title song. Give this guy a deal.
THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS & JOHNNIE JOHNSON/Meet Me in Bluesland
Writer: R.Young/G.Martin/A.Kenney/D.Phelps/F.Young/J.Johnson; Producer: The Kentucky HeadHunters; Publisher: BMG Firefly/Bughouse/Them Young Boys/Song Garden/BMG Bumblebee/Bug/Mr. Erik/I.B. Headed/JFJ, ASCAP/BMI; Alligator (track) (www.kentuckyheadhunters.com)
—The late Johnnie Johnson was Chuck Berrry’s right-hand man as a high-octane piano pounder and sometime songwriting collaborator. He was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and died in 2005. His 2003 blues sessions with the HeadHunters are now being released as a CD with this stately outing as the title tune. His piano work still captivates, and his shouted, down-home blues vocal is equally riveting. The country group proves to be surprisingly adept as an r&b backing band.
JB AND THE MOONSHINE BAND/Shotgun, Rifle and a .45
Writer: J.B. Patterson; Producer: JB and The Moonshine Band; Publisher: JBMB, BMI; Thirty Tigers (track) (www.jbandthemoonshineband.com)
—Too busy. It sounds like a cluttered demo tape. Clean up your production.
MIRANDA LAMBERT & LITTLE BIG TOWN/Smokin’ and Drinkin’
Writer: Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producer: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainley & Glenn Worf; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Wruckestrike/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Twangin and Slangin/Smack Ink, BMI/ASCAP; RCA (track)
—Strings sigh, a steel guitar moans and a drum kit shuffles along while electric guitar notes pierce the evening atmosphere. Languid, liquid vocals lounge in nostalgia and misty memory. Enchanting. Seductive. Dreamy.
RAINEY QUALLEY/Me and Johnny Cash
Writer: Rainey Qualley/John Ramey/Jeffrey East; Producer: Russ Zavitson & John Ramey; Publisher: Zavitson/Rainey Qualley/Tazmaraz, ASCAP/BMI; Cingle (track)
—This puts pedal to the metal and boasts a delicious backbeat, plus stuttering fiddle and banjo, deep-twang guitar and a wailing, wide-open vocal. A highway song for a red-hot summer. This is going places.
A THOUSAND HORSES/Drunk Dial
Writer: Michael Hobby/Corey Crowder/Neil Mason/Cale Dodds; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Carolina June/Greatshakin/Universal/Crowder Taylor/Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Nevada House/Cale Dodds, BMI/ASCAP; Republic Nashville (track)
—“Smoke” was a dynamite career launcher. The follow-up, due at the end of the month, is just as cool. “(This Ain’t No) Drunk Dial” is sung with rough-edged soul and shrouded in echoey, mysterioso guitars. Ear grabbing in the extreme.
OLIVIA LANE/You Part 2
Writer: Danny Myrick/Ilya Toshinsky/Olivia Lane; Producer: Ilya Toshinsky; Publisher: Round Hill/Warren Piece/Liv Write Play/Lane Train, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; Big Spark (www.olivialane.com)
—Choppy rhythms, a quasi-spoken vocal with a hip-hop vibe and a minimal melody. It’s too far on the pop side of things for my taste, but I won’t deny that it’s very listenable.
Need A Lift To Bonnaroo? Fly UberCHOPPER
/by Lorie HollabaughThe price of a quick and convenient flight from Nashville does not come cheap—rides on the UberCHOPPER will set you back $1500. Each ride can accommodate up to three people.
Uber has teamed with Helistar Aviation to provide the scenic rides, which will be available Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The return trip to Nashville is via Uber car, not helicopter.
Grammy Elects National Board, Updates Awards Process
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Once again, the Board of Trustees meeting has produced meaningful discussions about the vital role that The Recording Academy plays in the music community, along with a new group of accomplished and intelligent leaders,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “I am excited to begin collaborating with the newly elected officers and integrating the fresh vision they will bring to our organization, in addition to continuing to work jointly with our reelected officers who will maintain their strong leadership roles.”
•••••
Several Awards Process updates have been announced, including changes to the Country Field.
See the complete list of changes involving Credit Changes, Contemporary Instrumental Field, Featured Artist, and Music Video/Film Field.
2015 CMT Awards Welcome Underwood Back To The Fold
/by Eric T. ParkerCarrie Underwood. Photo: Bev Moser.
Carrie Underwood has returned from her maternity break with a bang, if last night’s (June 10) CMT Music Awards is any indication.
The idol was the lead nominee and recipient at the video awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, taking home Video of the Year, Female Video of the Year, and Collaborative Video of the Year (with Miranda Lambert).
“This is my first awards show since little Isaiah has been in the world,” beamed Underwood as she accepted Female Video of the Year. “I’m sure he’s napping on the bus right now, but I should definitely say he’s inspired me so much.”
Underwood performed “Little Toy Guns” to close the evening’s events, displaying powerful vocals and raw believability that rivaled an earlier performance by queen Reba (“Goin’ Out Like That”), who returned to the CMT stage after a 10-year hiatus.
Lady Antebellum kicked off the evening with their unrelenting “Long Stretch of Love” before transitioning into EDM keyboardist, Zedd’s “Beautiful Now.”
Pictured (L-R): Dave Haywood, Kelli Haywood, Chris Tyrell, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, Cassie McConnell. Photo: Bev Moser.
Brittney Marie Cole, Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, Hayley Stommel. Photo: Bev Moser.
David Spade as Joe Dirt. Photo: CMT
Since the show began at 7:00 p.m. CT, some of the outdoor performances were illuminated by daylight, including Florida Georgia Line’s (“Anything Goes”) and Darius Rucker’s (“Homegrown Honey”). The former of which saw Brian Kelley rivaling Underwood for the night’s most frizzy hair. Later, Kenny Chesney took advantage of the night sky and performed before a backdrop of full-scale fireworks on Nashville’s lower Broadway.
Speaking of hair, David Spade took the stage in “Joe Dirt” form: sporting a mullet and sideburns. His sketch introduced Keith Urban: “He’s so close to having a mullet, why don’t you just do it, man?” The Aussie made his television debut of new single “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16), written by Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. The three tunesmiths plus Ashley Gorley are also behind Jake Owen’s “Real Life.” Last night Owen’s performance of the song included crowd surfing to the CMT stage.
A production highlight of the evening was a pre-filmed sketch of “Guuber,” Nashville’s fictitious car service. The star-studded piece included show hosts Erin Andrews and Brittany Snow, Kristen Bell, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Tyler, Alan Jackson, Tom Arnold, Hunter Hayes, James Corden, Justin Bieber, Big & Rich and Rick Springfield.
Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, Sam Hunt and Eric Church also performed. Newcomers took to the Nationwide side stage with their current singles as the show went to commercial break. To keep the tune fresh in viewer’s minds, a riff of the single ushered viewers back from break too. Rising artists who performed during these spots included Frankie Ballard (“Sunshine & Whiskey”), Maddie & Tae (“Girl In A Country Song”), Chris Janson (“Buy Me A Boat”), Kelsea Ballerini (“Love Me Like You Mean It”), and RaeLynn (“God Made Girls”).
Pictured (L-R) Kelly Lynn Janson, Chris Janson. Photo: Bev Moser.
With a slew of new programming coming to CMT, including new series from Kellie Pickler (I Love Kellie Pickler) and Billy Ray Cyrus (Still The King), comedian Ron White said, “Go ahead and bust the nobs off your TV because there’s no reason to ever change the channel again.” White is hosting his Fifth Annual Salute To The Troops event on CMT, Friday, June 12.
In addition to viewing the show online, additional CMT broadcasts include Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m.; Friday, June 12 at 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m.; Saturday, June 13 at 12 a.m.; Sunday, June 14 at 6:30 a.m.; Sunday, June 14 at 8:00 p.m. Teen Nick will run an encore on Sunday June 14 at 10:30 p.m.
See a full list of winners here.
Pictured (L-R): Laura Bell Bundy, Danielle Bradbery, Lee Ann Womack, RaeLynn, Maddie & Tae, Ashley Monroe. Photo: Bev Moser.
Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt. Photo: Bev Moser
Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett. Photo: Bev Moser.
Pictured (L-R): Kellie Pickler, Kyle Jacobs. Photo: Bev Moser.
Pictured (L-R): Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook. Photo: Bev Moser.
Pictured (L-R): Jason Aldean, Brittney Kerr. Photo: Bev Moser.
Pictured (L-R): Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. Photo: Bev Moser.
Pictured (L-R): The Band Perry’s Neil, Kimberly, Reid. Photo: Bev Moser.
Pictured (L-R): Michael Caussin, Jana Kramer. Photo: Bev Moser.
Friday Is New Universal Release Day For Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPreparations for the switchover involved record companies, distributors and retailers all working together to reconfigure their supply chains and marketing practices. Charts in some countries are also changing in alignment with the new international release day. The move has been overseen by an international steering group made up of the IFPI, representing some 1,300 labels worldwide; WIN-Impala, representing independent labels worldwide; FIM, representing musicians’ unions and associations globally; Featured Artists Coalition representing UK performers; Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) (UK); and Music Biz (US).
“Like so much of modern life, the borders between countries have broken down with the advent of the Internet,” commented Cary Sherman, RIAA. “Marketing buzz generated by the labels we represent—and the ensuing appetite it builds for today’s artists—does not stop at national borders. Music has become more global than ever, and fans eagerly discover, share and inform their friends and followers of their favorite artists through a variety of social media platforms. Fans demand instant access to their favorite artists and newly discovered songs. The beginning of the weekend is fans’ favorite time of the week and we hope to tap into that excitement with new music. On top of that, consumer research across multiple markets, including the United States, shows Fridays and Saturdays as the most preferred days for new music releases. With this change, the objective is to better leverage weekend foot traffic in retail outlets and harness the growing buzz behind a new album or song that builds across national markets.”
Abbey Adams Adds Senior Director Stripes At Sony/ATV
/by Lorie HollabaughAbbey Adams
Abbey Adams has been promoted to Senior Director/Creative at Sony/ATV. Adams joined the company in 2006 and began her publishing career at Blacktop Music in 2002. She is a graduate of MTSU.
“Abbey has proven to be a valuable asset both to our writers and our company,” said Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville. “Her love of songwriters and her passion for music make her an inspiring leader on our team.”
Bobby Karl Works CMA Fest: Chris Young Party, Riverfront Concerts
/by Bobby KarlAmong the events surrounding CMA Fest is Clay Walker’s annual Chords of Hope Benefit concert, which took place last night, June 10, at 3rd & Lindsley, to raise money for the Vanderbilt MS Center.
Photos: Bev Moser
Chapter 491
CHRIS YOUNG HOSTS FANS AT THE OPRY HOUSE
The CMA festival is a boat-load of fun, but you’ll put in some seriously long hours trying to take it all in.
On Wednesday (6/10), I began my day early, at the morning Chris Young fan-club gathering. More than 16 hours later, the post-CMT Awards events could keep you rocking into the night, if you let them.
Fan-club celebrations take place at just about every venue in Music City. Copying Carrie Underwood’s event for her faithful followers on Tuesday, Chris brought his fans to the Opry House.
“It’ll be hard to top this,” he told the attendees about the location. Chris probably could have filled the place, but he limited the crowd to 500. I’m told that’s how many he can meet and greet in two hours. Really? I’m impressed.
Before the party started, we gabbed with Cindy Hunt, Cindy Watts, Jim Catino, proud mama and Music Row businesswoman Becky Harris, George Walker IV, Tori Mason and Chris’s grandpa Richard Yates. Richard was a major influence, since he was a picker and singer who performed on The Louisiana Hayride and palled around with such stars as Marty Robbins. I loved listening to his stories.
Chris bantered with his band and chatted easily with the fans as he ran through a set that included a jaw-dropping, a capella rendition of the 1963 Marty Robbins classic “Begging to You.” Thanks to his grandfather, he’s known it all his life.
More surprising was a flawless interpretation of the 1962 Tony Bennett pop immortal “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” performed with simple piano accompaniment. Counterbalancing that was a sublimely country reading of Keith Whitley’s 1988 chart topper “When You Say Nothing At All.” Fear not, Chris also gave the fans “Getting’ You Home,” “Neon,” “Voices,” “Aw Naw,” “Lonely Eyes” and other hits of his own.
Next, organizers took fans in groups of 50 to get snapshots and autographs with Chris. Robert K. Oermann told Music Row stories to those remaining in the house to keep them engaged while they waited to meet their idol.
As you might expect, Chris’s fan club is dominantly female. During the Q&A session, one woman asked Oermann about radio not playing female artists. It was as if a bomb had been detonated. Suddenly, 400 ladies were loudly speaking out about this: These women are seriously pissed off. I wish every country radio programmer in America had been there. This is a major, major issue with the fans. I was stunned at vehemence of their opinions. They deeply resent radio assuming that they don’t want to hear female voices. I felt thoroughly validated, since I have always thought that to be the case.
Sam Hunt, RaeLynn and The Shires performed at the Country Weekly Kick-Off Party Powered by NASH in Nashville Tuesday (June 9) night at the Cannery Ballroom. The sold-out event benefited Musicians On Call. Pictured (L-R): Lisa Konicki (Editor-In-Chief, NASH Country Weekly), Jeff Meltesen (Pubisher, NASH Country Weekly), RaeLynn, Sam Hunt and Pete Griffin (President, Musicians On Call).
DOWN ON THE RIVERFRONT
Meanwhile, at Pinewood Social, the CMA’s Sarah Trahern was conferring with the Metro Nashville police force. Did you know that she also treats the street cops to a big breakfast the week before the fest to thank them for their tireless overtime work during the week?
Onward we went. We hit the Riverfront Stage downtown just in time to see and hear Canaan Smith be the inaugural artist of the fest. His hearty and soaring set baptised the stage’s all-afternoon show at 12:30 p.m.
The way this series of performances worked is with half-hour sets alternating with 15-minute acoustic segments on a mini-platform in front of the stage. So after Canaan finished, Jason Michelson turned in a soulful, intense set. You have to be a mighty man to take charge of a crowd with just your voice and guitar, and Jason rocked the joint.
Next, Parmalee was boistrous and raucous, with audio effects and a party-hearty attitude. “It’s CMA week: Are you guys ready to get this party started?!” exclaimed lead singer Matt Thomas. “Have a good time! When I say, ‘Good,’ you say, ‘Time.’” They did, and this led into the band’s stomping “Musta Had a Good Time” (which incorporated a snippet of Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country”).
The band concluded its set with its career-launching “Carolina.” This cleared the way for the clever songwriting of Annie Bosko. “You Look Like I Need a Drink” was a charmer. Again, I so admired these acoustic players who had to amuse and arouse the crowd without being up on the main stage.
I took in some of this action during lunch at the George Jones Museum. You see, its restaurant has big open windows that look directly out above the Riverfront stage. I ran into Patrick Clifford and Nancy Jones there, as well as some of the Chris Young fan-club folks.
The menu includes healthy salad fare and “normal” food, but I went with a totally-festival diet by ordering the bacon-wrapped hot dog covered in cheese sauce, plus crinkle-cut french fries. For those of you keeping score, this is my second straight day of weenie for lunch.
The Riverfront Stage rocked on into the afternoon. Among those booked for the fest’s first big show were Clare Dunn, Logan Mize, Blackjack Billy, Dallas Smith, Sundy Best and Old Dominion.
Emily Luxen, Jimmy Carter, Stephanie Langston, Big & Rich, Cowboy Troy, Cole Swindell, Hunter Hayes and The General Jackson showboat glided through.
After the CMT Awards at Bridgestone Arena, the Wildhorse Saloon hosted genial Johhny Lee and David Frizzell, at the “A Night With the Legends” concert. Also booked were Eddy Raven, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mickey Gilley, The Bellamy Brothers, Exile, Larry Gatlin, T. Graham Brown, Lee Greenwood, Larry Stewart, Marty Raybon and Tim Rushlow. So don’t come crying to me about not being able to find classic country sounds at this festival.
Also surrounding CMA Fest is the Stars For Second Harvest benefit at The Ryman. Pictured (L-R): Chris Carmack and Charles Esten at the show on June 9.