Chris Young performs on the Duval Street Main Stage during Key West Songwriter’s Festival on May 9, 2015, in Key West, Fla.
Photos: Erika Goldring, unless otherwise noted.
Songwriters showcased new songs and well-known hits under balmy weather last week during the 20th annual Key West Songwriters Festival, held May 6-10, presented by BMI. More than 40 shows and in-the-round performances were featured, as well as ticketed shows at area venues including San Carlos Institute, Tropic Cinema, and the Key West Theater.
Among the performers were Chris Young, Robert Earl Keen, Dean Dillon, Jeffrey Steele, Bob Dipiero, Lee Thomas Miller, Al Anderson, Pat MacLaughlin, Shawn Camp, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, James Slater, Even Stevens, Steve Bogard, Steve McEwan, Guthrie Trapp and the Mulekickers, Chuck Cannon, Loving Mary, Josh Dorr, Dylan Altman Blues Band, Kostas, Aaron Watson, and more.
SESAC hosted its annual Brunch & In-The-Round on Friday, May 8. Chart-topping songwriters Rob Hatch (“I Don’t Dance”) and Lance Miller (“Drink To That All Night”) led the show which also featured John & Jacob, Brian White, Karyn Williams and many others. The showcase took place at Key West’s Kelly’s Caribbean Bar. Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, songwriter and brunch host Rob Hatch, SESAC’s Tim Fink and songwriter/ brunch host Lance Miller. Photo: Sheel
(Pictured, Back row): Mayor Craig Cates, Pete Abbott, Jimmy Wallace, Guthrie Trapp, Steve Mackie, BMI’s Mason Hunter and Bradley Collins, SunTrust Bank’s Earle Simmons. (Front row): BMI’s Mark Mason, Dani Strampello, HD Radio’s Joe D’Angelo.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mark Mason, Mayor Craig Cates, Jack Ingram, SunTrust Bank’s Earle Simmons, BMI’s Jody Williams and KWSWF’s Charlie Bauer at the Ocean Key Sunset Pier Kick.
Pictured (L-R): Bob DiPiero, Robert Earl Keen and Charlie Worsham perform at the San Carlos Institute.
Pictured: Lori McKenna and Liz Rose receive certificates of achievement for 1 million plus broadcast performances from BMI’s Leslie Roberts at Blue Heaven during the Key West Songwriter’s Festival on May 7, 2015.
Pictured: BMI’s Mark Mason and Jody Williams present Jeffrey Steele several Million-Air play awards at the San Carlos Institute on May 8, 2015, in Key West, Fla.
Pictured: KWSWF’s Charlie Bauer, Chris Young, BMI’s Mark Mason and Mayor Craig Cates gather for a photo after presenting Young with a certificate of achievement during Key West Songwriter’s Festival on May 9, 2015.
Live Nation Jumps On Awards Show Bandwagon
/by Eric T. ParkerThe show will honor the year’s most memorable performances in categories as varied as Live Performance of the Year, Best On-Stage Collaboration, Road Warrior of the Year, and Best Special Effects in a Festival. It will also feature unique, never-before-seen collaborations and special appearances.
Live Nation Entertainment’s president and CEO Michael Rapino will executive produce the show with Mark Shapiro, IMG’s Chief Content Officer; Allen Shapiro (So You Think You Can Dance, Golden Globe Awards), dick clark productions’ CEO; and Michael Rapino, dick clark productions’ president.
“With all the honors given to recorded music, it’s great to finally see awards created for live performances,” said David Eilenberg, senior vice president of unscripted series, specials and late night for TBS and TNT. “We’re proud to be joining forces with Live Nation, IMG, and dick clark productions to break new ground and honor the most exciting live musical performances of the year.”
“Touring is by far one of the most powerful platforms for artists to connect with their fans,” said Allen Shapiro. “I’m excited to launch a new franchise with Live Nation and IMG.”
IMG’s previous primetime productions include Christmas in Rockefeller Center, Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year, Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular, the NHL All-Star Game and NHL Awards, and 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief.
dick clark productions is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming with the Academy of Country Music Awards, American Country Countdown Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, Golden Globe Awards, Hollywood Film Awards and The People Magazine Awards. Weekly television programming includes So You Think You Can Dance, World’s Funniest Fails, and Boom! (FOX).
Billboard recently celebrated the 11th anniversary of its own (non-televised) Touring Awards, and the CMA revived its non-televised SRO Awards, which took place 1990-97, before returning in 2012.
Photos: Nashville Soaks Up Sun, Songs In Key West
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young performs on the Duval Street Main Stage during Key West Songwriter’s Festival on May 9, 2015, in Key West, Fla.
Photos: Erika Goldring, unless otherwise noted.
Songwriters showcased new songs and well-known hits under balmy weather last week during the 20th annual Key West Songwriters Festival, held May 6-10, presented by BMI. More than 40 shows and in-the-round performances were featured, as well as ticketed shows at area venues including San Carlos Institute, Tropic Cinema, and the Key West Theater.
Among the performers were Chris Young, Robert Earl Keen, Dean Dillon, Jeffrey Steele, Bob Dipiero, Lee Thomas Miller, Al Anderson, Pat MacLaughlin, Shawn Camp, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, James Slater, Even Stevens, Steve Bogard, Steve McEwan, Guthrie Trapp and the Mulekickers, Chuck Cannon, Loving Mary, Josh Dorr, Dylan Altman Blues Band, Kostas, Aaron Watson, and more.
SESAC hosted its annual Brunch & In-The-Round on Friday, May 8. Chart-topping songwriters Rob Hatch (“I Don’t Dance”) and Lance Miller (“Drink To That All Night”) led the show which also featured John & Jacob, Brian White, Karyn Williams and many others. The showcase took place at Key West’s Kelly’s Caribbean Bar. Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, songwriter and brunch host Rob Hatch, SESAC’s Tim Fink and songwriter/ brunch host Lance Miller. Photo: Sheel
(Pictured, Back row): Mayor Craig Cates, Pete Abbott, Jimmy Wallace, Guthrie Trapp, Steve Mackie, BMI’s Mason Hunter and Bradley Collins, SunTrust Bank’s Earle Simmons. (Front row): BMI’s Mark Mason, Dani Strampello, HD Radio’s Joe D’Angelo.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mark Mason, Mayor Craig Cates, Jack Ingram, SunTrust Bank’s Earle Simmons, BMI’s Jody Williams and KWSWF’s Charlie Bauer at the Ocean Key Sunset Pier Kick.
Pictured (L-R): Bob DiPiero, Robert Earl Keen and Charlie Worsham perform at the San Carlos Institute.
Pictured: Lori McKenna and Liz Rose receive certificates of achievement for 1 million plus broadcast performances from BMI’s Leslie Roberts at Blue Heaven during the Key West Songwriter’s Festival on May 7, 2015.
Pictured: BMI’s Mark Mason and Jody Williams present Jeffrey Steele several Million-Air play awards at the San Carlos Institute on May 8, 2015, in Key West, Fla.
Pictured: KWSWF’s Charlie Bauer, Chris Young, BMI’s Mark Mason and Mayor Craig Cates gather for a photo after presenting Young with a certificate of achievement during Key West Songwriter’s Festival on May 9, 2015.
Kacey Musgraves Presents ‘Pageant Material’ June 23
/by Jessica NicholsonPageant Material is the follow-up to Musgraves’ Grammy-winning, Gold-certified debut album Same Trailer, Different Park.
“Going back into the studio this time around was really fun and exciting for me because I knew more about myself and my direction,” said Musgraves. “The majority of Pageant Material was recorded live—which was a bit of a departure from Same Trailer—and gave it more of a concise, classic sound. All of the incredible musicians were in the same room playing on the entire record, and I think that spirit comes across. The last couple of years have done so much for me, and this project was really affected by that in the best way. There are certain moments lyrically that still hit me hard even after listening so many times. It’s a great glimpse into where my head is from Same Trailer to now.”
Pageant Material track listing:
1. High Time (Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)
2. Dime Store Cowgirl (Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)
3. Late To The Party (Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Josh Osborne)
4. Pageant Material (Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)
5. This Town (Musgraves, Luke Laird, Brandy Clark)
6. Biscuits (Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark)
7. Somebody To Love (Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
8. Miserable (Musgraves, Josh Osborne, Brandy Clark)
9. Die Fun (Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)
10. Family Is Family (Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
11. Good Ol’ Boys Club (Musgraves, Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby)
12. Cup Of Tea (Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
13. Fine (Musgraves, Ashley Arrison, Shane McAnally)
Teen Cancer America Partners With The Band Perry, Vanderbilt
/by Sarah SkatesTeen Cancer America national ambassadors The Band Perry.
The Band Perry are acting as national ambassadors for the organization Teen Cancer America. Roger Daltrey, founder of the non-profit, shared the news at a press event yesterday (May 11) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, prior to his band The Who’s concert there.
Daltrey also welcomed the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt as the newest hospital to partner with Teen Cancer America (TCA). Daltrey noted the special emotional and social needs of teens with cancer, and how they sometimes fall through the cracks at hospitals. “They’re too old to be children and too young to be adults,” he said.
Three young cancer patients and former patients were part of the program. One boy explained what he wanted when he was undergoing treatment: a mini fridge, a place to play Legos and a DVR. That’s not too much to ask.
Daltrey shared a recent experience where he visited a hospital and was surprised to find that three teen boys were being treated there but hadn’t met each other. “They just want a room where they can do the things that teenagers do… have a bit of fun and talk to each other,” said the rock star. “The best therapy is to talk to each other.”
Kimberly Perry said, “We’ve noticed that teens and young adults still struggle with the same fears and anxieties (as younger children), that’s why we were so excited that TCA has a specific focus on catering to their needs. That’s programs, that’s environments, that’s mini fridges. And we are so excited to be in discussion with Vanderbilt to bring a wing here as our hometown community. This is near and dear to The Band Perry’s heart because so many of our fans at the shows night after night are teens and young adults… We’ve been looking for a long time for a non-profit to be involved with.”
Also on hand were TCA chair Rebecca Rothstein, and CEO Simon Davies; as well as Dr. Scott Borinstein, Vanderbilt Asst. Professor/director, Sarcoma Program.
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have been patrons of Teenage Cancer Trust in the UK, the forerunner to TCA, for over 20 years. Based on its success in bringing the issues facing teens and young adults with cancer to the forefront, they expanded their efforts by founding Teen Cancer America in 2012. Vanderbilt is the eleventh hospital to join TCA; the organization is in talks with dozens of others to create more specialized facilities and programs to serve this age group.
Throughout The Who Hits 50! North America Tour, Teen Cancer America will be in attendance on each stop and will host fan fundraising events. The Who are donating $1.00 from every ticket sold to Teen Cancer America and fundraising through text donations (text WHO to 20222).
Photos: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
The Band Perry with Roger Daltrey and Reece, a former cancer patient.
Belmont, ASCAP Honor Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn
/by Jessica NicholsonBen Vaughn is honored with the Belmont University Music City Milestone Award. Photo: Andrea Hallgren
Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, alongside industry partner ASCAP, honored alumnus Ben Vaughn as the sixth recipient of the Music City Milestone Award (MCMA).
The MCMA celebrates Belmont’s connection with Music Row while recognizing a Belmont graduate who has achieved success in the entertainment and music industries early in their career. Previous Music City Milestone Award recipients include Beka Tischker, Ashley Gorley, Rusty Gaston, LeAnn Phelan and Carla Wallace.
“Ben does not like attention put on him… But well-deserved to celebrate his journey and impact on the music industry with his family, friends and peers,” said ASCAP’s Michael Martin.
Curb College Dean Doug Howard added, “Ben is a committed family man, an amazing publisher, a true visionary, a friend to songwriters and artists and a valued partner of the Curb College.”
Among those on hand to honor Vaughn were producer and EVP of A&R at Warner Music Scott Hendricks, former Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton and Jon Platt, president of the North American division of Warner/Chappell.
Ben Vaughn with Scott Hendricks. Photo: Andrea Hallgren, Belmont University Photographer.
Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Gary Overton, Ben Vaughn, and Tom Luteran. Photo: Andrea Hallgren, Belmont University Photographer.
Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and Jon Platt. Photo: Andrea Hallgren, Belmont University Photographer.
Belmont University’s Sarah Cates with Ben Vaughn. Photo: Andrea Hallgren, Belmont University Photographer.
Artist Updates: Brad Paisley, Mickey Guyton, Rissi Palmer
/by Troy_StephensonPaisley’s New Video Crushes It
Brad Paisley has released an animated video for his current single “Crushin’ It.” The parody video depicts a country music super hero and includes other country stars including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and more. Paisley completely hand drew the video.
Mickey Guyton Preps EP For Capitol Records Nashville
Guyton will head out on tour with Brad Paisley this summer on his Crushin’ It World Tour, which kicks off May 15 in Philadelphia.
Rissi Palmer To Release Five-Song EP
The project includes original songs penned by Rissi and was produced by Drew Ramsey (India.Arie, Jonny Lang), and Shannon Sanders (Randy Travis, John Legend). The Back Porch Sessions includes the project’s first single “Sweet, Sweet Lovin’,” along with “Well Enough Alone” “Summerville,” “Anything But Yours,” and “Love On You.”
For more information, visit rissipalmermusic.com.
Grand Ole Opry Slates CMA Fest Lineup
/by Eric T. ParkerThe music is set to kick off earlier in the afternoon with a free Opry Plaza Party presented by Humana featuring Tyler Farr and Mo Pitney.
Additional Opry fun will happen later in the week with performers Joe Diffie, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Mickey Gilley, Chris Janson, Charley Pride, Clare Bowen, and Mel Tillis.
Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows through Dec. 15. Tickets and information are available at 800-SEE-OPRY and opry.com.
Americana Honors & Awards Nominations To Be Revealed May 14
/by Jessica NicholsonThe awards nominations will take place beginning at 1 p.m. CT, and will be streamed live at musiccityroots.com.
The nominations event will include music from reigning Americana Duo/Group of the Year The Milk Carton Kids, alongside special guests John Hiatt, Nikki Lane, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn.
The Americana Honors & Awards will be held Sept. 16, 2015 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Lady Antebellum Announces CMT Music Awards Noms Tomorrow
/by Jessica NicholsonLady Antebellum
Fans will find out which of their favorite country superstars are nominated for a buckle at this year’s 2015 CMT Country Music Awards when Lady Antebellum kicks off the nominations announcement live on Wednesday, May 13 during the 8 a.m. EST hour of the Today show. The trio will perform their new single “Long Stretch of Love,” announce the nominees for Female Video of the Year and Male Video of the Year on-air, and reveal the Video of the Year nominees at Today.com.
Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood will also announce Best Group Video of the Year and Breakthrough Video of the Year respectively on their social media accounts Wednesday morning. Additional categories will be unveiled with the help of Nashville locals via photos taken from iconic areas around Music City and posted on CMT’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms.
All categories will be announced by 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT.
Arista Nashville’s Logan Mize to Release 5-Song EP
/by Eric T. ParkerSelf-produced with Jim Catino and Ryan Gore, the EP was entirely co-written by Mize, including his current single, “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time.”
Coinciding with the release, CMT will air the world premiere of the new music video for the single, directed by Darrin Dickerson and produced by David B. Stevens for Ghostwater Films.
Online now, at PawnShopGuitarEP.com, fans can RSVP for a chance to win a party package, including the EP, an Igloo Party Bar, custom Logan Mize koozies, and a Big Green Egg.
Track listing for Pawn Shop Guitar – EP:
1. “Thank God for You” (Logan Mize/Blake Chaffin/Jon McElroy/Randy Montana)
2. “El Camino” (Mize/Chaffin)
3. “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time” (Mize/Kelly Archer/Chaffin)
4. “Better Off” (Mize/Casey Beathard)
5. “What I Love About You” (Mize/Beathard)