12th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Coming in May
Singer, songwriter and entertainer Toby Keith will host the 12th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, to be held May 15-16, 2015 at Belmar Golf Club and Riverwind Casino in Norman, Okla.
“This event and our USO Tours are the best things we get to do all year,” says Toby Keith. “I’ve been blessed with healthy kids, and I’m more than blessed to bring a bunch of folks together who want to help folks who haven’t. The great time we have – and we do have one, now – is a far distant second to making a difference for kids and families right here where we live.”
Roughly 750 attendees are expected at Friday (May 15) night’s dinner, which will include live and silent auctions. Serving as the evening’s host and auctioneer, Toby also brings in some friends for a musical performance. Live auction items include four tickets to the British Open, a trip to Cabo and a Dallas Cowboys Founders Club experience with private jet.
More than 100 silent auction items include memorabilia from Miranda Lambert, Larry Bird, Jason Aldean, George Strait, Tony Romo, Luke Bryan, The Highwaymen (Cash, Willie, Waylon, Kristofferson), Phil Mickelson, Eli Manning, Roger Clemens, Roger Federer, Jack Nicklaus, Tim Tebow, Ted Nugent, Mia Hamm, Greg Jennings and Nolan Ryan.
Saturday’s twin shotgun golf starts will feature 120 golfers and celebrities in the morning and 144 more in the afternoon. Both will have first and second place winners, and the winner of the Built Ford Tough Shootout will drive off in a new Ford Truck.
Mindy McCready Musical Headed For Los Angeles Opening
Mindy McCready
The life and career of late country singer Mindy McCready will soon be the focus of a new musical production. Beginning May 8, actress Jennifer Blake will star in McCready the Musical, which will run for six weeks at Los Angeles’ Spirit Studio in Silverlake. The project was co-created by Blake and writer/director Jon Bernstein.
The show will feature new arrangements of McCready’s hits, such as “Ten Thousand Angels” and “Guys Do It All The Time.” McCready the Musical will also cover the singer-songwriter’s childhood, early career, and relationships with actor Dean Cain and baseball’s Roger Clemens, among others.
McCready the Musical, starring Blake and band members Brady Harris, Jim Bianco, Michael Ursu and Clinton Pickens, will run through June 12.
For tickets, visit mccreadythemusical.com.
Ty Herndon, Meghan McCain To Host Concert for Love and Acceptance in Nashville
Mindy McCready
Ty Herndon, along with political commentator and author Meghan McCain, will host the inaugural Concert for Love and Acceptance at City Winery in Nashville on June 12.
Additional artists will be announced over the coming weeks. Herndon created the Concert for Love and Acceptance in partnership with GLAAD.
The event will be commemorated by the presentation of the first RALY Awards (Rescue A Life Y’all), which will honor and celebrate individuals and businesses that have demonstrated their support of at-risk youth and saving lives.
Doors will open at 2 p.m., with the show beginning at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at citywinery.com.
Amy Grant Teams With Barefoot Republic Camp
Amy Grant
Amy Grant will host two day camp sessions during this year’s Barefoot Republic Camp, which will be held at Amy Grant’s 400-acre family property, located in Franklin, Tenn. Barefoot at the Farm is for rising K-6th graders, and will take place June 15-19, and June 22-26.
The unique location will allow Barefoot Republic to offer programming its typical day camp sites do not provide. Outdoor adventure, horseback riding and other traditional Barefoot programs like team and extreme sports, music production, STOMP, dance, photography and more will be available.
For more information, visit barefootrepublic.org.
Industry Ink: Michael Deputato, Sammy Kershaw, Bev Moser, ASCAP
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Michael Deputato with wife Milenka and their daughter.
GoFundMe Campaign Launched For Former UMGN Exec Deputato
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for industry executive Michael Deputato, who is fighting brain cancer. Deputato has beaten brain cancer once, but after spending the last decade in remission, the brain cancer has returned.
Deputato worked at UMGN for eight years, before moving to New York in 2012.
To donate, visit gofundme.com.
Sammy Kershaw Lands New Record Deal
The singer-songwriter is set to release his new album I Won’t Back Down on June 9.
“Sammy Kershaw is one of those voices that you know the moment you hear it. We at Cleopatra are excited to work with an artist of Sammy’s caliber,” says Cleopatra Records President Tim Yasui.
Bev Moser Named To Nossi College of Art’s Photography Advisory Board
Bev Moser
Industry photographer Bev Moser of Moments By Moser Photography has been invited to serve and participate on the Nossi College of Art’s Photography Advisory Board. Board members offer advice and suggestions on the school’s curriculum and give a real-world business perspective in discussions on classes in photography, videography, graphic design, and illustration, as well as the processes of hiring photographers, and more.
Nossi College of Art is based in Madison, Tenn.
Newcomer Bailey James Aligns with ASCAP
Pennsylvania singer-songwriter Bailey James signed with ASCAP recently while in Nashville. James has co-written with Jeanie McQuinn, Steve O’Brien and other Nashville writers. She is also working with Jeff Teague of Artist & Repertoire, LLC, as well as DareDevil Productions.
Pictured (L-R): Bailey James with ASCAP’s Mike Sistad.
Kathy Best’s BDBest Events To Represent George Jones Museum
/by Jessica NicholsonGeorge Jones
BDBest Events, helmed by music industry veteran and event planner Kathy Best, has been selected as the official event planning agency to represent the George Jones Museum.
“I am thrilled about having Kathy join our team as we launch The George Jones Museum,” says Nancy Jones. “Her expertise and knowledge of event planning and 20+ years in the music industry is unparalleled in Nashville and we have many exciting things ahead of us.”
“It is an honor to be working with the George Jones Museum,” says Best. “Nancy Jones and her staff have put together a great tribute to one of Country Music’s most defining performers. Just as impressive is the beautifully designed state of the art event spaces. It’s gorgeous and we are already booking weddings and events before opening. I’m looking forward to spreading the word about the George Jones Museum.” The Museum includes a restaurant, a 7,800 sq. foot event center, a roof top event space and bar overlooking Nashville’s Riverfront Park.
As an event planner and venue owner, Best has planned over 350 weddings including the 2011 wedding for Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert as well as Thomas Rhett, Tom Gossin (Gloriana), Sarah Darling, as well as Brantley Gilbert’s upcoming nuptials. Prior to that, she helmed Front Page Publicity, where she represented artists including Lambert, Martina McBride, the Dixie Chicks and Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait.
Best can be reached at kathy@frontporchfarmstn.com or events@georgejonesmuseum.com
The George Jones Museum is located at 128 Second Avenue North in Nashville.
Norway To Become First Country To Eliminate FM Radio Band
/by Jessica NicholsonAccording to a statement by the Norwegian government, the decision aims to save approximately $25 million (US) per year, and aid in facilitating a switch to digital radio.
The Norwegian government stated that the cost of using the FM network is eight times higher than using Digital Broadcasting (DAB) System, which is a standard of digital radio technology used throughout Europe.
“This is an important day for everyone who loves radio,” said Thor Gjermund Eriksen, head of public broadcasting network NRK, in a statement. “The minister’s decision allows us to concentrate our resources even more upon what is most important, namely to create high-quality and diverse radio content to our listeners.”
“Listeners will have access to more diverse and pluralistic radio content, and enjoy better sound quality and new functionality. Digitization will also greatly improve the emergency preparedness system, facilitate increased competition and offer new opportunities for innovation and development,” Minister of Culter Thorhild Widvey added. “Whereas the FM system only had space for five national channels, DAB already offers 22, and there is capacity for almost 20 more.”
Norway’s DAB system offers 22 national channels, compared to five on the FM band. Though Norway is the first to shut off its FM band, other countries in Europe and Southeast Asia are in the process of transitioning to DAB.
March 2015 Tallies From RIAA
/by Eric T. ParkerAmong those with Nashville ties are Hunter Hayes (“I Want Crazy”) at 2x Platinum, Taylor Swift (“22,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”) at 3x and 6x Platinum, respectively. Jana Kramer’s “Why Ya Wanna” hit Platinum as did Swift’s “Style.”
Nashville Notable Gold Singles
Lee Brice – “Drinking Class”
Brett Eldredge – “Mean To Me”
Hunter Hayes – “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me”
Hunter Hayes – “Invisible”
Sam Hunt – “Take Your Time”
Blake Shelton feat. Ashley Monroe – “Lonely Tonight”
Cole Swindell – “You Ain’t Worth The Whiskey”
Nashville Notable Gold Albums
Chris Tomlin – How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection
Meghan Trainor – Title
VH1 Save The Music Foundation To Blend Music, Cuisine in Nashville
/by Jessica Nicholson“The VH1 Save the Music Foundation always seeks out new and creative opportunities to spread the word about the importance of music education,” said Paul Cothran, Foundation Vice President and Executive Director. “As advocates of all forms of artistic expression, and fans of great food, we saw a natural pairing in music and food. We are excited to see the magic that can happen when we set the masters of music and cuisine, to pursue their passion!”
The first dinner of the series, held on April 27, is hosted by Chef Trevor Moran of Nashville restaurant The Catbird Seat. The evening will also include an acoustic performance from ‘Ex’s & Oh’s’ singer Elle King. Sponsors for the event include Avnet and William Hill Estate Winery.
VH1 Save the Music has partnered with Metro Nashville Public Schools since 1999, raising $1.23 million for new musical instruments so that students in over 40 schools could gain the tools and confidence to excel in academics as well as pursue their passion.
Musically Mastered Menu tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
Willie and Merle Say, ‘It’s All Going To Pot’
/by Sarah SkatesWillie Nelson and Merle Haggard have teamed for Django and Jimmie, a new studio album coming June 2 from Legacy Recordings. They’ve released the first video, “It’s All Going To Pot” (embedded below).
The title track is about their influences, jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and country music’s “singing brakeman” Jimmie Rodgers. Production was helmed by Nelson’s longtime collaborator and friend Buddy Cannon.
In 1983, Nelson and Haggard released Pancho & Lefty, a critically-acclaimed top-selling project which opened the doors for a number of successful follow-up projects together.
Also coming up, Nelson, 81, is releasing his memoir, It’s A Long Story: My Life. In the book, debuting May 5, he discusses growing up during the Great Depression, singing in dance halls at age 13, women in his life, tax troubles, founding Farm Aid, Nashville in the ’60s, his history with alcohol abuse, and marijuana advocacy.
Django and Jimmie track list
1. Django and Jimmie – written by Jimmy Melton and Jeff Prince
2. It’s All Going To Pot – written by Buddy Cannon, Jamey Johnson and Larry Shell
3. Unfair Weather Friend – written by Marla Cannon-Goodman and Ward Davis
4. Missing Ol’ Johnny Cash (guest vocals from Bobby Bare)- written by Merle Haggard
5. Live This Long – written by Shawn Camp and Marv Green
6. Alice In Hulaland – written by Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon
7. Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright – written by Bob Dylan
8. Family Bible – written by Walter M. Breeland, Paul F. Buskirk, and Claude Gray
9. It’s Only Money – written by Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon
10. Swinging Doors – written by Merle Haggard
11. Where Dreams Come To Die – written by Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon
12. Somewhere Between – written by Merle Haggard
13. Driving The Herd – written by Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon
14. The Only Man Wilder Than Me – written by Merle Haggard
Artist Updates: Toby Keith, Mindy McCready, Ty Herndon, Amy Grant
/by Jessica Nicholson12th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Coming in May
“This event and our USO Tours are the best things we get to do all year,” says Toby Keith. “I’ve been blessed with healthy kids, and I’m more than blessed to bring a bunch of folks together who want to help folks who haven’t. The great time we have – and we do have one, now – is a far distant second to making a difference for kids and families right here where we live.”
Roughly 750 attendees are expected at Friday (May 15) night’s dinner, which will include live and silent auctions. Serving as the evening’s host and auctioneer, Toby also brings in some friends for a musical performance. Live auction items include four tickets to the British Open, a trip to Cabo and a Dallas Cowboys Founders Club experience with private jet.
More than 100 silent auction items include memorabilia from Miranda Lambert, Larry Bird, Jason Aldean, George Strait, Tony Romo, Luke Bryan, The Highwaymen (Cash, Willie, Waylon, Kristofferson), Phil Mickelson, Eli Manning, Roger Clemens, Roger Federer, Jack Nicklaus, Tim Tebow, Ted Nugent, Mia Hamm, Greg Jennings and Nolan Ryan.
Saturday’s twin shotgun golf starts will feature 120 golfers and celebrities in the morning and 144 more in the afternoon. Both will have first and second place winners, and the winner of the Built Ford Tough Shootout will drive off in a new Ford Truck.
Mindy McCready Musical Headed For Los Angeles Opening
Mindy McCready
The life and career of late country singer Mindy McCready will soon be the focus of a new musical production. Beginning May 8, actress Jennifer Blake will star in McCready the Musical, which will run for six weeks at Los Angeles’ Spirit Studio in Silverlake. The project was co-created by Blake and writer/director Jon Bernstein.
The show will feature new arrangements of McCready’s hits, such as “Ten Thousand Angels” and “Guys Do It All The Time.” McCready the Musical will also cover the singer-songwriter’s childhood, early career, and relationships with actor Dean Cain and baseball’s Roger Clemens, among others.
McCready the Musical, starring Blake and band members Brady Harris, Jim Bianco, Michael Ursu and Clinton Pickens, will run through June 12.
For tickets, visit mccreadythemusical.com.
Ty Herndon, Meghan McCain To Host Concert for Love and Acceptance in Nashville
Mindy McCready
Ty Herndon, along with political commentator and author Meghan McCain, will host the inaugural Concert for Love and Acceptance at City Winery in Nashville on June 12.
Additional artists will be announced over the coming weeks. Herndon created the Concert for Love and Acceptance in partnership with GLAAD.
The event will be commemorated by the presentation of the first RALY Awards (Rescue A Life Y’all), which will honor and celebrate individuals and businesses that have demonstrated their support of at-risk youth and saving lives.
Doors will open at 2 p.m., with the show beginning at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at citywinery.com.
Amy Grant Teams With Barefoot Republic Camp
Amy Grant
Amy Grant will host two day camp sessions during this year’s Barefoot Republic Camp, which will be held at Amy Grant’s 400-acre family property, located in Franklin, Tenn. Barefoot at the Farm is for rising K-6th graders, and will take place June 15-19, and June 22-26.
The unique location will allow Barefoot Republic to offer programming its typical day camp sites do not provide. Outdoor adventure, horseback riding and other traditional Barefoot programs like team and extreme sports, music production, STOMP, dance, photography and more will be available.
For more information, visit barefootrepublic.org.
Industry Ink: Nashville Film Festival, JRA Fine Arts, CMHoF
/by Jessica NicholsonCMHoF’s Peter Cooper To Moderate Q&A at NaFF
Produced and directed by Kochones for the Annenberg Space for Photography, Country: Portraits of an American Sound also includes interviews with artists such as Lyle Lovett, Keith Urban, Rosanne Cash, Roy Clark, Larry Gatlin, Marty Stuart, Brenda Lee, Lorrie Morgan, Terri Clark, Holly Williams and Kenny Rogers.
As previously reported, the film festival is offering numerous panels about music in movies.
For more information, visit: https://nashvillefilmfestival.org/buy-tickets/
JRA Fine Arts Signs The Willis Clan
Family band The Willis Clan has signed with JRA Fine Arts for exclusive booking representation. The Nashville-based musical family was featured on the 2014 season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, as well as the 2013 season of The Today Show, as winners of NBC’s Sound of Music Family contest.
Pictured (L-R): Brinson Strickland, President, The Collective Nashville, Brenda Willis, Dan Mann, General Manager, JRA Fine Arts
Producer/Songwriter Rick Hall Welcomed For Conversation at Country Music Hall of Fame
Pictured (L-R): The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Abi Tapia, writer Peter Guralnick, Rick Hall, and Heritage Builders Publishing’s Sherm Smith.
Photo: Jason Davis, Getty Images
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival Announces Inaugural Lineup
/by Troy_StephensonThe Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has announced a list of acts performing at the inaugural two-day event on Sept. 26-27 at The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tenn. Willie Nelson, The Lone Bellow, Sheryl Crow, Weezer, Will Hoge, John & Jacob, The Decemberists, Rainey Qualley and Jimmy Cliff are a few of the confirmed performers, with more to be announced soon.
Early Bird passes and VIP packages are available now at a limited price of $169 (two-day pass) and $399 (two-day VIP package), with Single Day Passes to be available soon. To see the full list of artists added so far, and to get ticket information, visit www.pilgrimagefestival.com.
A portion of each ticket sale will benefit the City of Franklin. In addition, a portion of ticket sales will also benefit MusiCares®, a nonprofit organization that was established by The Recording Academy® to provide a wide range of emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery resources to members of the music community.
In Pictures: Memorial Service For Photographer Alan Mayor
/by Sarah SkatesGarth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood with Alan Mayor’s sister, Theresa Smith.
Photos by Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
The life of music photographer Alan Mayor was celebrated last night (April 20) during a memorial service at BMI, co-hosted by BMI and Dickinson Wright. Misty Loggins and friends performed and loved ones spoke to the crowd, while a carousel of photos displayed in the background.
Mayor passed away February 23, 2015 and was laid to rest during a private ceremony.
Over the past 30 years, the renowned photographer accumulated an unrivaled archive of country music’s elite. Some of his career highlights include capturing Paul and Linda McCartney on stage with Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, and photographing the wedding of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He was the principal photographer of Garth Brooks’ early career, and the two developed a strong friendship. Mayor was the longtime photographer for MusicRow magazine and released the 1999 book, The Nashville Family Album: A Country Music Scrapbook.
Heather Lawrence remembers Alan Mayor fondly.
(L-R): Marc-Alan Barnette and Jimbeau Hinson perform.
Misty Loggins performs.
Unique bookmarks were handed out at the service.