Leslie Cohea
Leslie Cohea joins Sandbox
Leslie Cohea has joined Sandbox Entertainment’s management/marketing team. In her new position, Cohea will oversee touring aspects for all Sandbox clients, including routing, ticketing, and budgeting.
Cohea comes to Sandbox from AEG Live/The Messina Group in Nashville, where she spent the last decade working in touring and concert promotion with artists ranging from Paul McCartney and Mumford & Sons to Keith Urban and Little Big Town.
“I have had the pleasure of watching Leslie excel in her field while with AEG Live/The Messina Group,” said Sandbox President/CEO Jason Owen. “We are thrilled to have such an amazing person and asset join the Sandbox family. Touring is one of the most important parts of an artist’s career and having her expertise in-house is invaluable.”
“I’m so excited to join Jason Owen and his team at Sandbox,” said Cohea. “They have become visionaries in the industry and I can’t wait to dive in headfirst and work closely with their impressive roster of clients. AEG Live/The Messina Group gave me an incredible foundation of knowledge and experience over the past 10 years that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I can’t thank my mentors and friends, especially Ali Harnell, enough for all that they taught me along the way.”
Leslie can be reached here.
Big Yellow Dog Music Grows Film & TV Sync Department
Alex Stefano
Devon DeVries, VP of Creative Film & TV A&R at Big Yellow Dog Music, announces hiring of Alex Stefano as Film & TV Manager. Stefano, a classically trained pianist, is a recent Belmont University graduate whose work experience includes peermusic Nashville, L.A.-based Chop Shop Music Supervision and Lighting Director at Belmont’s School of Music.
“Alex is smart, talented and understands the value of driving creative excellence,” says Devries. “I am excited to have her on the team.”
Big Yellow Dog has been enjoying whirlwind success lately, including that of BYD songwriter, Meghan Trainor who recently earned two Billboard Music Awards, Top Hot 100 Song and Top Digital Song.
Elice Cuff Joins The GreenRoom
Elice Cuff
Elice Cuff has joined The GreenRoom as a publicist with the company representing an impressive roster of artists including Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kix Brooks, Lady Antebellum, Kip Moore, Thomas Rhett and Rascal Flatts.
Cuff’s prior music industry stints include her experience at Sweet Talk Publicity and CMT.
Creative Trust Music Group Promotes Mattingly to General Manager
Mark Mattingly
Creative Trust announces promotion of Mark Mattingly to General Manager of Creative Trust Music Group. Mattingly joined the company in 2011 as Live Events Manager whose roster includes Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath, Citizen Way, Laura Story and I Am They, among others.
“Mark’s move to this prominent role in the overall career direction of our artists is no surprise to anyone who works closely with him. He’s an incredible asset to our roster of artists,” remarks Creative Trust Managing Partner Jim Houser.
“It is a privilege for us to have Mark take on this important leadership role at Creative Trust. He has proven himself as a highly motivated professional manager, integral to our team and the clients we serve,” adds Creative Trust President and Founder Dan Raines.
Additionally, Rachel Pinkerton has been promoted to the role of Associate Brand Manger. In her new role, she will continue her day-to-day artist and branding responsibilities working closely with Creative Trust’s brand managers on logistics, artist merchandise and other facets that enable the company’s artists to tour and minister around the world. Pinkerton is a graduate of Baylor University with a B.A. in Music and Entertainment Marketing.
Country Music Goes International: CMA Presents Awards, Belmont Hosts Conference
/by Kelsey_GradyRicky Ross Receives CMA International Country Broadcaster Award
Ricky Ross received the 2014 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award yesterday (May 26) from CMA Board Chairman Frank Bumstead, CMA Board President John Esposito, CMA Board President-elect Sally Williams, Chairman of the CMA Awards and Recognition Committee Jon Loba, and Board member Brett James at CMA’s corporate office in Nashville.
Ross, a broadcaster, singer, and songwriter who has had cuts by James Blunt and Ronan Keating to name a few, regularly visits Nashville. He presents BBC Radio Scotland’s “Another Country,” a mix of classic Country and Americana and the show has won two Sony Radio Awards.
Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy and CMA Board Chairman; Sally Williams, VP of Business and Partnership Development of Ryman Auditorium and CMA Board President-elect; Brett James, CMA Award-nominated songwriter and CMA Board member; CMA International Country Broadcaster Award winner Ricky Ross; John Esposito, Pres./ CEO of Warner Music Nashville and CMA Board President; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jon Loba, EVP of BBR Music Group and Chairman of the CMA Awards and Recognition Committee. Photo: Christian Bottorff/CMA
Bob Shennan Receives CMA Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award
Another award was given out last week as Hunter Hayes presented the CMA Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award to Bob Shennan, Controller Radio 2, 6 Music, Asian Network, and Director, BBC Music.
“Bob is a tremendous ambassador for country music and the international growth of the format,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “And as a CMA Board member, he is a trusted and valued resource as we continue to explore and develop new ways to expand the format abroad.”
Shennan said, “It is a great privilege to serve on the Board of the CMA and this award is a wonderful honor. Country music is enjoying a golden age in the U.K. The BBC is here to support great music, and I am proud to do my bit.”
Hunter Hayes (r) presents BBC’s Bob Shennan with the CMA Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award at the BBC offices in London Friday, May 22. Photo: Anthony D’Angio/CMA
International Country Music Conference Held at Belmont University
The International Country Music Conference was held last week at Belmont University. The annual conference, under co-Chairs Don Cusic and James Akenson, hosts country music scholars for three days of presentations and panel discussions. This year there were presenters from Japan, Norway, Germany, England, Canada and Australia.
The Belmont Award, given for the Best Book on country music during calendar year 2015 was presented to Barry Mazor for his book, Ralph Peer and the Making of Popular Roots Music.
The Chet Flippo Award, sponsored by Rolling Stone magazine for excellence in country music journalism, was given to Jewly Hight.
Pictured (L-R): James Akenson, Barry Mazor, Jewly Hight, Rolling Stone’s Beville Dunkerley and Don Cusic.
Industry Ink : Owen Welcomes Baby, Summer Arts Soiree, Belmont Survey, Ashlyne Huff Book
/by Lorie HollabaughArts Immersion Summer Soiree’
The event raises money to help provide free legal aid to over 2500 members of the Nashville arts and entertainment community and over $1,400,000 worth of gratis services have been provided since its creation.
Individual tickets to tonight’s event are $40 and can be purchased at the door, and both single and patron tickets can be purchased here.
Sandbox’s Jason Owen, Bravado’s Sam Easley Welcome Baby
Sandbox Entertainment President Jason Owen and Bravado/Nashville Director of A&R Sam Easley are excited to announce the birth of their first child, Leo Easley Owen. Baby Leo made his debut yesterday (May 26) in California and measured 8 pounds, 10 ounces and 21 inches. Both parents and baby are doing well.
Ashlyne Huff Revelette Celebrates Book Release
Ashlyne Huff Revelette, daughter of producer Dann Huff, is celebrating the release of her first novel Falling Stars on June 1 in Nashville at Jonathan’s Grille in Green Hills. Ashlyne and her dad will perform with two other writers at an in-the-round during the book launch party from 6:30-8 p.m.
The fictional novel follows the story of once-famous country artist Lily Black as she returns to Nashville and tries to regain the fame amidst a changing, new, backstabbing musical world.
Belmont University Polls Employers On Expectations
Belmont University has compiled a survey for music business employers in order to help university entertainment industry programs tailor their curriculums to better serve students and employers. A link to the survey can be found here.
CMHoF Hosts Songwriters Ashley Gorley, Rodney Clawson; Grady Martin Family
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a performance by songwriters Ashley Gorley and Rodney Clawson on Saturday, May 23, in support of the new Luke Bryan: Dirt Road Diary exhibition. Gorley, 2014 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, and Clawson, 2014 BMI Songwriter of the Year, performed a number of their hits, including several No. 1s recorded by Bryan.
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Abi Tapia, and Rodney Clawson. Photo: Terry Wyatt, Getty Images
Earlier this month, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum welcomed the family of Grady Martin to the CMA Theater for a luncheon celebrating the announcement of Martin’s Hall of Fame induction. Museum staffers and the family discussed the upcoming fall Medallion Ceremony and the legacy of Martin, who was a member of the legendary “A-Team” and played on hundreds of records throughout his career.
Pictured (L-R): Sue and Joshua Martin, and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Director and CEO Kyle Young. Photo: Amanda Richard
Hirings and Promotions: Sandbox, Big Yellow Dog, The GreenRoom, Creative Trust
/by Lorie HollabaughLeslie Cohea
Leslie Cohea joins Sandbox
Leslie Cohea has joined Sandbox Entertainment’s management/marketing team. In her new position, Cohea will oversee touring aspects for all Sandbox clients, including routing, ticketing, and budgeting.
Cohea comes to Sandbox from AEG Live/The Messina Group in Nashville, where she spent the last decade working in touring and concert promotion with artists ranging from Paul McCartney and Mumford & Sons to Keith Urban and Little Big Town.
“I have had the pleasure of watching Leslie excel in her field while with AEG Live/The Messina Group,” said Sandbox President/CEO Jason Owen. “We are thrilled to have such an amazing person and asset join the Sandbox family. Touring is one of the most important parts of an artist’s career and having her expertise in-house is invaluable.”
“I’m so excited to join Jason Owen and his team at Sandbox,” said Cohea. “They have become visionaries in the industry and I can’t wait to dive in headfirst and work closely with their impressive roster of clients. AEG Live/The Messina Group gave me an incredible foundation of knowledge and experience over the past 10 years that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I can’t thank my mentors and friends, especially Ali Harnell, enough for all that they taught me along the way.”
Leslie can be reached here.
Big Yellow Dog Music Grows Film & TV Sync Department
Alex Stefano
Devon DeVries, VP of Creative Film & TV A&R at Big Yellow Dog Music, announces hiring of Alex Stefano as Film & TV Manager. Stefano, a classically trained pianist, is a recent Belmont University graduate whose work experience includes peermusic Nashville, L.A.-based Chop Shop Music Supervision and Lighting Director at Belmont’s School of Music.
“Alex is smart, talented and understands the value of driving creative excellence,” says Devries. “I am excited to have her on the team.”
Big Yellow Dog has been enjoying whirlwind success lately, including that of BYD songwriter, Meghan Trainor who recently earned two Billboard Music Awards, Top Hot 100 Song and Top Digital Song.
Elice Cuff Joins The GreenRoom
Elice Cuff
Elice Cuff has joined The GreenRoom as a publicist with the company representing an impressive roster of artists including Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kix Brooks, Lady Antebellum, Kip Moore, Thomas Rhett and Rascal Flatts.
Cuff’s prior music industry stints include her experience at Sweet Talk Publicity and CMT.
Creative Trust Music Group Promotes Mattingly to General Manager
Mark Mattingly
Creative Trust announces promotion of Mark Mattingly to General Manager of Creative Trust Music Group. Mattingly joined the company in 2011 as Live Events Manager whose roster includes Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath, Citizen Way, Laura Story and I Am They, among others.
“Mark’s move to this prominent role in the overall career direction of our artists is no surprise to anyone who works closely with him. He’s an incredible asset to our roster of artists,” remarks Creative Trust Managing Partner Jim Houser.
“It is a privilege for us to have Mark take on this important leadership role at Creative Trust. He has proven himself as a highly motivated professional manager, integral to our team and the clients we serve,” adds Creative Trust President and Founder Dan Raines.
Additionally, Rachel Pinkerton has been promoted to the role of Associate Brand Manger. In her new role, she will continue her day-to-day artist and branding responsibilities working closely with Creative Trust’s brand managers on logistics, artist merchandise and other facets that enable the company’s artists to tour and minister around the world. Pinkerton is a graduate of Baylor University with a B.A. in Music and Entertainment Marketing.
Bonnaroo Awards $200k To Nonprofits Through Charitable Fund
/by Lorie HollabaughMy Morning Jacket is 2015’s Bonnaroo Works Fund Ambassador.
Bonnaroo’s charitable arm, the Bonnaroo Works Fund, will award nearly $200,000 to 40 nonprofit organizations in 2015. Recipients of the grants will include First Book, Notes for Notes, the Land Trust of Tennessee, and Keep Coffee County Beautiful.
The festival has also named longtime lineup favorites My Morning Jacket as this year’s Bonnaroo Works Fund Ambassadors. The band will help spread the Fund’s message and encourage supporters to get involved.
“Bonnaroo’s founders have always been committed to Bonnaroo Works Fund as the Festival’s philanthropic centerpiece, and the added support of such an amazing headlining band as My Morning Jacket will help continue to raise our profile in the music and philanthropic communities,” said Ashley Capps, co-creator of Bonnaroo and president of Bonnaroo Works Fund.
In March the Works Fund collaborated with the Nashville International Airport to launch the third annual Bonnaroo-themed artistic skylight exhibition featuring regional artists. Travelers can view the new exhibition at the airport through February 2016.
Works Fund projects are also on display throughout the festival grounds including the tree adoption program, Root for Roo, and at the Bonnaroo Works Community Center where fans can bid on silent auction music memorabilia items and learn about the various organizations the Works Fund supports.
Eric Paslay Signs With Warner/Chappell
/by Kelsey_GradyEric Paslay
Warner/Chappell Music announced today it has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with singer/songwriter Eric Paslay.
Paslay’s songwriting accolades include ASCAP’s 2012 Country Song of the Year for Jake Owen’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” as well as nominations for CMA Song of the Year in 2012 and a 2013 Grammy nomination for Best Country Song, both for The Eli Young Band’s “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” Paslay has also penned songs for artists such as Amy Grant, Jimmy Buffett and Lady Antebellum.
“I’ve always had great relationships with everyone at Warner/Chappell,” said Paslay. “I’m glad that I get to hang my songwriting hat there and can’t wait to catch some great songs with the team.”
“Eric Paslay sings and writes take-your-breath-away songs,” said Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music Nashville. “When Paslay’s voice comes on the radio, you immediately know you’re getting ready to hear a song sung with emotion that was crafted by a true artisan. Everyone at Warner/Chappell is very proud to represent Eric and his music.”
The 2015 Mayoral Music Industry Forum Extends Invitation
/by Sherod RobertsonCreated by the CMA, Leadership Music, The Music City Music Council, and NARAS as an important forum for their members, the event, now open for all music industry members, will be held Thursday, May 28, 2015, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the CMA Theater inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
All interested attendees should RSVP here.
Moderated by MTSU Dean of the College of Mass Communication Ken Paulson, the roundtable discussion will include mayoral candidates Megan Barry, Charles Robert Bone, David Fox, Bill Freeman, Howard Gentry, Jeremy Kane, and Linda Eskind Rebrovick.
The event will include a meet & greet reception with the candidates in the grand foyer immediately following the forum. The forum will include complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
Solid’s Music Row Yard Sale And Auction To Be Held In June
/by Troy_StephensonSOLID (the Society of Leaders in Development) will hold its 13th Annual Music Row Yard Sale & Auction on Saturday, June 13 from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the George Jones Museum in downtown Nashville. Items up for auction include meet and greets, autographed guitars and signage from the CMA Red Carpet. Ronnie Milsap’s tour bus is also available for purchase. An online auction will start on June 4 and features items from some of country music’s biggest artists at charitybuzz.com.
“This is an exciting year for the Yard Sale & Auction. We have a new location which overlooks the Riverfront Stage and allows people to catch a glimpse into the life of country music legend George Jones,” says organizer Kari Barnhart, “Not to mention that festival attendees will have access to rare memorabilia that cannot be found anywhere else. By taking the auction online, we can give fans who are not able to attend CMA Fest an opportunity to take a piece of music history home with them as well!”
The George Jones Museum will also offer discounted entry into the museum for those attending the yard sale.
Proceeds from the event will help SOLID fund education, networking, leadership and volunteer opportunities. A portion will also benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
In addition, SOLID will be selling specialty made hand-bags that are made from event flags of previous CMA events. A percentage of those sales will go to Notes for Notes, which provides after school music education through the Boys & Girls Club.
Underwood Returns To The Stage Throughout CMA Fest
/by Eric T. Parker“Hey #CMAfest! Looks like I will be seeing you real soon! @CMA,” Underwood posted on her Instagram. Photo: Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood has been added to the sold-out 2015 CMA Music Festival Nightly Concerts at LP Field on Saturday, June 13. She joins previously revealed Saturday performers Wynonna & The Big Noise, Chris Young, Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldredge and Little Big Town. Full LP Field schedule below.
The performance marks the 10th anniversary of Underwood’s first CMA Fest performance in 2005, following her victorious run on American Idol that same year. She will also celebrate one decade since her first Grand Ole Opry performance. The Opry member will return on Tuesday, June 9 for two Opry shows prior to an Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club Party that evening.
Then on Wed., June 10, Underwood will perform her current hit, “Little Toy Guns,” at the fan-voted 2015 CMT Music Awards, where she leads the industry with five nominations, including two for Video of the Year. “Little Toy Guns,” featured on Greatest Hits: Decade #1, is included in her nods for Female Video of the Year.
For full CMA lineup from June 11-14, schedules, maps, activities, trivia, and more information can be found at CMAfest.com and downloaded on the CMA Fest app (iOS, Andriod).
LP Field Schedule
Thursday, June 11: Alan Jackson, Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean
Friday, June 12: The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Brice, Maddie & Tae, Randy Houser, The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan
Saturday, June 13: Wynonna & The Big Noise, Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldredge, Little Big Town
Sunday, June 14: Neal McCoy, Cole Swindell, Darius Rucker, Eric Church, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley
Rodney Atkins to Host Fifth Annual “Music City Gives Back” Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughRodney Atkins
Rodney Atkins will host his annual benefit concert, “Music City Gives Back” June 9th in downtown Nashville. Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Maddie & Tae, and Kip Moore round out the lineup for this year’s star-studded event.
“I’m grateful to be hosting this special event for the fifth year in a row alongside a stellar group of artists,” said Atkins. “It truly means a lot to be able to give back through what I love to do most – play music.”
DJ Silver will be on hand to kick off the festivities at 6:00 p.m. between 2nd and 3rd Avenue on Broadway, and select artists will sign autographs from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The show will also be streamed live by Chevrolet and Wrangler.
America’s Morning Show host Blair Garner will return along with media partners NASH and NASH ICON.