Hall Of Fame To Host Artist Signings During Music Fest
The Country Music Hall of Fame will welcome thousands of fans during Music Fest week with tons of activities, including autograph signings, special programs, performances, and the new exhibition, Luke Bryan: Dirt Road Diary.
Among the artists slated to sign autographs or perform are Kelsea Ballerini, Danielle Bradbery, Cam, Angaleena Presley, RaeLynn, Eric Paslay, Trisha Yearwood, Chase Bryant, Montgomery Gentry, Old Dominion, Charley Pride, Brenda Lee, Lonestar, Oak Ridge Boys, Will Hoge, Jason Michael Carroll, and Brandi Carlile.
A new addition for Music Fest this year is a bundled ticket option that will include museum admission and four-day access to Fan Fair X for $39.95. More information about events can be found here.
Rogers Exhibit To Run Through Music Fest
Kenny Rogers: Through the Years, the exhibit devoted to Rogers’ impressive seven-decade career, will be open through CMA Music Fest this year so that fans can get one last look before the exhibit shutters June 15. The exhibit provides a comprehensive look at Rogers’ life and work including his awards, memorabilia, costumes, cameras and more spanning his 70-plus years as a recording artist. The same day the exhibit closes, Rogers will embark on his Farewell South Africa Tour.
Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats Album, Panel Discussion
Legacy Recordings and Country Music Foundation Records will release Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City, a two-disc audio companion to the exhibit of the same name that is currently featured at the Country Music Hall Of Fame. The CD features 36 tracks recorded in Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s by many of the biggest names in contemporary music and will also include a previously unreleased version of the Bob Dylan song “If Not For You.”
In celebration of the CD’s June 16 release, the Museum will host a concert July 7 at 6 p.m. with the lineup and location to be announced soon. Prior to the release, fans can follow a special Spotify playlist featuring ten cuts from the collection. A new song will be added to the playlist each week leading up to the project’s release, and the featured tunes will include special commentary by Charlie Daniels, who played guitar on three of Dylan’s albums.
As part of the exhibition, the Hall will also highlight the 1972 album Kingston Springs Suite by songwriters Vince Matthews and Jim Casey. The album, which had the creative and financial support of Johnny Cash, Cowboy Jack Clement, Kris Kristofferson, and Shel Silverstein, was shelved, and became part of Nashville lore, until its recent release. The panel discussion Saturday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m. will include Casey, journalist Frye Gaillard, and Kingston Springs cohorts Danny Flowers and Chris Gantry.
The Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City exhibit will run through December 2016.
Chevy To Offer Apple/Android Infotainment System In 2016
/by Eric T. ParkerUpgraded 8-inch MyLink system in a Novo Cruze 2016 interior. Photo: Chevrolet
Chevrolet—the only company offering high-speed 4G LTE Wi-FI in U.S. and Canada car models—has joined Hyundai in revealing it will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in new models. This hardware will be featured in eleven 2016 Chevy models in the U.S. and additionally available in Brazil, Mexico and Canada.
The seven-inch MyLink infotainment systems are compatible on both operating systems, while the upgraded eight-inch version is only available for Apple, as of the beginning of 2016. Those Apple-exclusive models include the Impala, Volt, Corvette, Colorado, Tahoe and Suburban.
Many features will be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel when phones are connected via USB.
Android Auto: built around Google, the growing audio and messaging app ecosystem includes Spotify, Google Play Music, WhatsApp, Skype, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps: Android.com/auto. (Requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above.)
Apple CarPlay: uses the iPhone to allow drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps: Apple.com/ios/carplay. (Requires an iPhone 5 or later.)
In 2014, the models included in this rollout accounted for more than 2.4 million vehicle sales, or 51 percent of Chevrolet’s total global sales.
Multi-Level Restaurant, Venue Coming To Lower Broad
/by Sarah SkatesDeveloping a plan for the building was a significant challenge due to its dilapidated condition. These plans were submitted today (June 1) to the Metropolitan Development and Housing Authority.
The building revitalization is designed to meld with the unique aesthetic of the historic Lower Broadway area and complement the new Broadway Hotel on 3rd Ave. S.
Additionally, Smith and Ross support pending legislation that would include the 200 block of Broadway in the Broadway Historic District Overlay.
Industry Pics: ole Bus, Regions Bank, Global Eyes Signs Jessa
/by Lorie HollabaughField Trip—Jeremy Stover, Justin Weaver Hitch Ride On ole Bus
ole songwriter Jeremy Stover along with Justin Weaver caught up with Dustin Lynch on the road recently to write as they traveled to shows at the Power Plant Live in Baltimore, MD the Clarksburg Amphitheater in Clarksburg, WV, and the Blue Ridge Music Festival in Salem, VA.
Pictured (L-R): ole songwriter Jeremy Stover, Dustin Lynch and Justin Weaver
Regions Bank and Haynes Galleries Help Courageous Kids
Regions Bank’s Lisa Harless and Haynes Galleries recently hosted a “Friend-Raiser” for the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY. CCK is a free medical camp for kids with chronic or terminal illnesses and serves many families throughout the southeast. Les Kerr and Dan Modlin, Cowboy Dan Harrell, and Lynn Marie Rink performed at the event.
Pictured (L-R): Ted Bell, Jacquelynn Shumate, Marshall Shumate, Les Kerr, Dan Modlin, Lisa Harless, Stephanie Renfrow and Adam Slack
Jessa Inks Management Deal With Global Eyes
Global Eyes Entertainment has signed artist/songwriter Jessa to an exclusive artist management agreement. Jessa has written songs with Steve Williams, Will Nance, Nick Sturms, Rob Crosby, James Dean Hicks, Bruce Wallace, Thom Schuyler, Janey Street and more.
(Front Row): Jessa. (Back L-R): Tommy Pierce, Global Eyes Entertainment Partner; Ramona E. Simmons, GEE founder; Preston Sullivan, GEE GM
Hall of Fame Gears Up For CMA Music Fest
/by Lorie HollabaughHall Of Fame To Host Artist Signings During Music Fest
The Country Music Hall of Fame will welcome thousands of fans during Music Fest week with tons of activities, including autograph signings, special programs, performances, and the new exhibition, Luke Bryan: Dirt Road Diary.
Among the artists slated to sign autographs or perform are Kelsea Ballerini, Danielle Bradbery, Cam, Angaleena Presley, RaeLynn, Eric Paslay, Trisha Yearwood, Chase Bryant, Montgomery Gentry, Old Dominion, Charley Pride, Brenda Lee, Lonestar, Oak Ridge Boys, Will Hoge, Jason Michael Carroll, and Brandi Carlile.
A new addition for Music Fest this year is a bundled ticket option that will include museum admission and four-day access to Fan Fair X for $39.95. More information about events can be found here.
Rogers Exhibit To Run Through Music Fest
Kenny Rogers: Through the Years, the exhibit devoted to Rogers’ impressive seven-decade career, will be open through CMA Music Fest this year so that fans can get one last look before the exhibit shutters June 15. The exhibit provides a comprehensive look at Rogers’ life and work including his awards, memorabilia, costumes, cameras and more spanning his 70-plus years as a recording artist. The same day the exhibit closes, Rogers will embark on his Farewell South Africa Tour.
Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats Album, Panel Discussion
Legacy Recordings and Country Music Foundation Records will release Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City, a two-disc audio companion to the exhibit of the same name that is currently featured at the Country Music Hall Of Fame. The CD features 36 tracks recorded in Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s by many of the biggest names in contemporary music and will also include a previously unreleased version of the Bob Dylan song “If Not For You.”
In celebration of the CD’s June 16 release, the Museum will host a concert July 7 at 6 p.m. with the lineup and location to be announced soon. Prior to the release, fans can follow a special Spotify playlist featuring ten cuts from the collection. A new song will be added to the playlist each week leading up to the project’s release, and the featured tunes will include special commentary by Charlie Daniels, who played guitar on three of Dylan’s albums.
As part of the exhibition, the Hall will also highlight the 1972 album Kingston Springs Suite by songwriters Vince Matthews and Jim Casey. The album, which had the creative and financial support of Johnny Cash, Cowboy Jack Clement, Kris Kristofferson, and Shel Silverstein, was shelved, and became part of Nashville lore, until its recent release. The panel discussion Saturday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m. will include Casey, journalist Frye Gaillard, and Kingston Springs cohorts Danny Flowers and Chris Gantry.
The Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City exhibit will run through December 2016.
2015 Mayoral Music Industry Forum Showcases Candidates
/by Sherod RobertsonKen Paulson (far left) moderates the Nashville Mayoral Forum with candidates Linda Eskind Rebrovick, Jeremy Kane, Charles Robert Bone, Howard Gentry, Megan Barry, David Fox, and Bill Freeman at the CMA Theater. Photo: Frederick Breedon for WireImage
The 2015 Mayoral Music Industry Forum was held last Thursday (5/28) at the CMA Theater for music industry members and guests to hear directly from the seven candidates running for Nashville mayor. The Forum was a collaborative project presented by CMA, Leadership Music, the Music City Music Council, and The Recording Academy (Nashville Chapter) as a benefit for their Nashville-based members.
The roundtable discussion featured mayoral candidates Megan Barry, Charles Robert Bone, David Fox, Bill Freeman, Howard Gentry, Jeremy Kane and Linda Eskind Rebrovick and was moderated by Ken Paulson.
Paulson posed a series of nine questions during the evening with each candidate allowed up to ninety seconds for their response. While the topics were not centered solely on the music industry, the forum did allow the approximately 300 industry members in attendance the opportunity to learn more about the candidates’ positions on topics such as historical preservation, transportation issues, music education in public schools and the increasing cost of housing in Nashville.
All the candidates were well prepared to discuss these topics. The evening didn’t include any stabs or measured dissension among the candidates, reminding guests that politics, at least in Nashville, can at times be very civil.
After the forum, a reception offering an open bar and hors d’oeuvres was held for attendees to meet with the candidates.
The 2015 Nashville mayoral election will take place on August 6, 2015. The election is officially nonpartisan and the Nashville charter requires a candidate to receive a majority, or 50 percent plus 1, to win. In the likely event no candidate wins a majority of the vote, a runoff will be held on September 10, 2015 between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes.
(L-R): David Fox, moderator Ken Paulson, Howard Gentry, Alicia Warwick (The Recording Academy), Charles Robert Bone, Linda Eskind Rebrovick, Sarah Trahern (CMA), Bill Freeman, Megan Barry, Ed Hardy (Music City Music Council), Debbie Linn (Leadership Music), and Jeremy Kane. Photo: Dusty Draper/CMA
T.J. Martell Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Fundraising Push
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Dave Rothfeld, Floyd Glinert, Clive Davis, Dick Asher, Sheila Asher, Tony Martell and Dr. Jim Holland. Photo: Getty Images
The T.J. Martell Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a special Top 40-themed Honors Gala and a series of inventive marketing programs and research initiatives to help boost its fundraising to support the foundation’s research and medical treatments for leukemia, cancer and AIDs.
Slated for October 15, the 40th Anniversary T.J. Martell Foundation Annual Honors Gala will be hosted this year by MTV original VJs Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Nina Blackwood, and once again brings together music industry and entertainment execs and celebs to honor those who have helped support the foundation and its vision. In recognition of research and medical treatment advancements, the foundation will also announce the newly-created Clive Davis Research Fellow Award this year, an annual grant awarded to a person who has made innovative strides and research in cancer or AIDS. The event will be held in New York City at Cipriani on Wall Street.
Among the special 40th anniversary programs the organization is planning is “Music to Beat Cancer,” led by Brian Kaplan, an entertainment attorney diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 52. Now in full remission, Kaplan wants to help cancer patients cope through music and has created a special compilation CD of songs written by artists to instill hope and inspiration for those battling cancer.
The foundation has also commissioned London-based visual artist Tim Wakefield to create Soundwaves art works to be auctioned off. Soundwaves art is made using the actual digital sound waves of a song transferred to canvas and autographed by the musician.
CharityBuzz has also teamed up with T.J. Martell to offer a special 40th Anniversary online auction of items and unique music experiences that are one-of-a-kind opportunities. From luxury items to exotic trips, it will be the biggest single online auction the Foundation has ever offered.
The “Candles for Cancer” campaign will celebrate survivors of cancers and illuminate their inspirational stories. The program will be announced on national TV and survivors will be invited to light a virtual flame on the T.J. Martell Foundation website and donate in the name of another survivor or patient. Inspiring stories of survivors around the country will also be included in a national series of videos and a new PSA campaign that will launch later this year.
In November 2015 the foundation will also host a Celebrity Purse Auction as part of Julien’s Auctions annual Hollywood Legends auction, that will include purses used and autographed by celebrities. Over 100 purses have been collected to help raise funds for further research.
Since its formation in 1975, T.J. Martell has raised and provided over $270 million for innovative medical research in fighting cancer and AIDS and has made amazing strides in treatments for gastric cancer, sarcoma cancer, prostate cancer, neuroblastoma in children, leukemia, AIDs, breast cancer, HIV-related cancers, lung cancer and others.
For King and Country Win Artist of the Year at K-LOVE Awards
/by Sarah SkatesArtist of the Year For KING & COUNTRY.
For KING & COUNTRY took home three honors, including the evening’s biggest award, Artist of the Year, at last night’s (May 31) 3rd Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards at The Grand Ole Opry House, presented by Pepsi. The fan-voted CCM show was hosted by FOX & Friend’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron.
Other winners included:
Male Artist of the Year: Chris Tomlin
Female Artist of the Year: Francesca Battistelli
Group/Duo of the Year: For KING & COUNTRY
Song of the Year: Newsboys “We Believe”
Worship Song of the Year: Lauren Daigle, “How Can It Be”
Artist of the Year: For KING & COUNTRY
Best Live Show: For KING & COUNTRY
First Christian Artist to Appear on 7UP Can: Big Daddy Weave
Sports Impact: Benjamin Watson
Movie Impact: A.D. The Bible Continues
Book Impact: The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurst
Francesca Battistelli wins Female Artist of the Year
Broadcast live on K-LOVE.com, highlights included performances by Francesca Battestelli, Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Colton Dixon, Crowder, Lauren Daigle, For KING & COUNTRY, Danny Gokey, Hawk Nelson, Kari Jobe, Matt Maher, MercyMe, Plumb, Sidewalk Prophets, TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, Third Day and Matthew West.
This year’s K-LOVE Fan Awards partnered with Hands & Feet Project to build a family-style home for orphaned or abandoned children in Haiti.
The show was the pinnacle event of the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend and Ultimate Fan Experience. There was a star-studded Kickoff Concert, featuring performances by TobyMac, Newsboys, Matthew West, Matt Maher and Sidewalk Prophets. Saturday night welcomed the Songwriters Showcase hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman and featuring MercyMe, Crowder, Colton Dixon, Nichole Nordeman and more. On Sunday, Third Day and Kari Jobe started the day off with a special Worship Service at the Opryland Resort.
The 4th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards is set to return to the Grand Ole Opry House on June 5, 2016.
Photos: Getty Images/Terry Wyatt & Rick Diamond
Male Artist of the Year winner Chris Tomlin performs “At The Cross (Love Ran Red).”
Hosts Kirk Cameron and Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
Mark Your Calendar – June 2015
/by Eric T. ParkerAlbum Release Dates
Billy Currington/Summer Forever/Mercury Nashville
Maddie & Tae/Start Here/Dot
Gloriana/THREE/Emblem Records-Warner Bros. Records
Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard/Django and Jimmie/Legacy Recordings
Rainey Qualley/Turn Down The Lights [EP]/Cingle
KT Oslin/Simply/Red River
Kentucky HeadHunters with Johnnie Johnson/Meet Me In Bluesland/Alligator
June 9
Montgomery Gentry/Folks Like Us/Blaster Records
Laura Bell Bundy/Another Piece Of Me/Big Machine Records
Ashley Clark/Greyhound [EP]/I.R.S. Nashville
Various/Now That’s What I Call Country- Volume 8/Universal Music Group Nashville
Lynn Anderson/Bridges/New Center Sound Records
Sammy Kershaw/I Won’t Back Down/Cleopatra Records
June 16
Various/Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City/Legacy Recordings-Sony Music Entertainment-Country Music Foundation Records (CMF Records)
The SteelDrivers/The Muscle Shoals Recordings/Rounder Records
Big Smo/Bringin’ It Home [EP]/Elektra Records Nashville
June 23
Kacey Musgraves/Pageant Material/Mercury Nashville
Canaan Smith/Bronco/Mercury Nashville
Sugar & The Hi-Lows/High Roller
Corey Smith/While The Gettin’ Is Good/Rounder-Sugar Hill
June 30
Easton Corbin/About To Get Real/Mercury Nashville
Single Add Dates
Luke Bryan/Kick The Dust Up/Capitol Nashville
The Cadillac Three/White Lightning/Big Machine
Sam Hunt/House Party/MCA Nashville
Kristian Bush/Light Me Up/Streamsound
Jeff Lionheart/Without You/Generic Records
Jason Pritchett/Good Show/BDMG
Amy Rose/Show Up Naked And Bring Beer/SMG
June 8
Hunter Hayes/21/Warner Bros.
Jake Owen/Real Life/RCA Nashville
Craig Campbell/Tomorrow Tonight/Red Bow Records
The Cains/Journey’s End/GMV Nashville
Olivia Lane/You Part 2/Big Spark Music Group
Michelle Wright/Laugh A Little/Savannah Music
Chris Hennessee/The Gospel According to Lane/Big Gassed Records
Susan Hartman/Love You Everyday/Pink Scarf Music-SDMG
Two Way Crossing/Car Trouble/JMarlowe
Cort Carpenter/Let Me See Your Koozie/
June 15
Tyler Farr/Withdrawals/Columbia Nashville
Lavendine/Maybe I Might/Nine North Records-Turnpike Music-Edgehill Nashville
JB and the Moonshine Band/Shotgun, Rifle and a .45/Light It Up Records-Thirty Tigers
June 22
Brian Collins/Shine A Little Love/Blue Light Entertainment
June 29
Stephanie Quayle/That’s What I’m Talking About/Rebel Engine
Brushville/Dangerous/Brushville, LLC.
Industry Events
2015 CMT Music Awards
June 11-14
June 13
SOLID’s 13th Annual Music Row Yard Sale & Auction from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the George Jones Museum
June 18
Songwriter Hall of Fame Annual Awards Gala at the New York Marriott Marquis
June 19
The National Museum of African American Music’s My Music Matters: A Celebration of Legends Luncheon at 11:30am at Wildhorse Saloon.
June 23
MusicRow Awards at ASCAP [invitation only]
June 24
Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Awards
June 27
CMA Broadcast Awards submissions close 6:00 p.m. CT
HGTV Returns To CMA Music Fest With Stellar Performance Lineup
/by Eric T. ParkerFrom June 11-14, artists (schedule below) will deliver performances on the hour. There will also be $4,000 in total cash giveaways during the week. DIY Network’s Alison Victoria, HGTV’s David Bromstad, and Great American Country’s Suzanne Alexander and Nan Kelley will co-host the live musical events.
“The HGTV Lodge is back this year with a bigger and better experience for country music fans,” said Shannon Jamieson Driver, senior vice president, marketing and creative, HGTV and DIY Network. “Our venue is 40-percent larger than last year and hosts our biggest lineup of country music stars to date–not to mention provides a cozy ‘home’ environment festival-goers won’t find anywhere else.”
Schedule of Events, subject to change:
Thursday, June 11:
11:00 AM Kip Moore performance
12:00 PM Jana Kramer/autographs only
1:00 PM Eric Paslay performance
2:00 PM Charles Esten, star of ABC Television Network’s Nashville performance
3:00 PM Thompson Square performance
4:00 PM Cole Swindell performance
5:00 PM Kelsea Ballerini performance
Friday, June 12:
10:00 AM Josh Turner performance
11:00 AM Brothers Osborne performance
12:00 PM Will Hoge performance
1:00 PM Casey James performance
2:00 PM Lady Antebellum performance
3:00 PM Open House
4:00 PM Zac Brown Band
Saturday, June 13:
10:00 AM Emi Sunshine performance
11:00 AM Ryan Kinder performance
12:00 PM Open House
1:00 PM Clare Bowen, star of ABC Television Network’s Nashville performance
2:00 PM Tyler Farr performance
3:00 PM Randy Houser performance
4:00 PM Darius Rucker performance
5:00 PM Open House
Sunday, June 14:
10:00 AM Love and Theft performance
11:00 AM Kristian Bush performance
12:00 PM Open House
1:00 PM ASCAP Songwriters
2:00 PM Lauren Alaina performance
3:00 PM Dustin Lynch performance
4:00 PM Michael Ray performance
SoundExchange Hosts BeBe Winans At The Bluebird
/by Sarah SkatesJonathan McReynolds, Jimmy Nichols, Michael Huppe, BeBe Winans, Alexa Cruse. Photo: Terry Wyatt Photography
The SoundExchange Influencers Series returned to Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Legendary gospel and R&B singer BeBe Winans was joined by fast-rising gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds, and Alexa Cruse, the daughter of Grammy and Dove Award-winning contemporary Christian artists Janice Archer Cruse of The Archers and John Cruse of The Cruse Family.
The SoundExchange Influencers Series demonstrates the impact of legacy artists on today’s music and provides a forum to address issues currently facing music legends, namely, fair pay and recognition for all sound recordings across all mediums and all eras of music.
“The SoundExchange Influencers Series pays homage to the music’s past, present and future,” said Michael Huppe, president and CEO of SoundExchange. “We bring together established artists, artists in the middle of their career and artists who are just starting out, for a conversation about influence. Who influenced their music, who they influence and how we should celebrate the VALUE of music. All music has value and all artists deserve to be paid fairly every time their work is used, on EVERY platform.”
Jonathan McReynolds. Photo: Terry Wyatt Photography