Rascal Flatts has announced their headlining Riot Tour 2015. The first show will launch May 29 in St. Louis, and the tour will continue throughout the summer.
Scotty McCreery is named as the opener on the tour.
Prior to their summer tour, the trio will be the be the first country act to play a residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The shows are scheduled from Feb. 25 to March 14. The Voice winner Craig Wayne Boyd will handle the opening slot.
“2014 was such a great year for us on the radio and on tour,” said Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus. “Now we’re getting ready for the first-ever country residency at The Joint at the Hard Rock in Vegas. We’re having a blast with it, and we’ll be counting the days til the buses pull back out of Nashville for opening night.”
Cities for the Riot Tour 2015:
Cozumel, MX
Atlanta, GA
Forest City, IA
St. Louis, MO
Indianapolis, IN
Hershey, PA
Virginia Beach, VA
Washington, DC
Hartford, CT
Columbus, OH
Cadott, WI
Dallas, TX
Pittsburgh, PA
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh, NC
Holmdel, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
Boston, MA
Detroit, MI
Brownsville, OR
Toronto, ON
Cleveland, OH
Darien Center, NY
Jones Beach, NY
Cincinnati, OH
Chicago, IL
Albuquerque, NM
Phoenix, AZ
Irvine, CA
Mtn. View, CA
W. Palm Beach, FL
Tampa, FL
LifeNotes: Music Journalist Bill Littleton Dies
/by Robert K OermannBill Littleton
Veteran country music journalist Bill Littleton passed away last weekend in his home state of South Carolina. He was 75 years old.
Littleton died on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Greenwood, S.C. who spent 47 years in Nashville.
He is probably best known as the Nashville bureau chief of Performance magazine for more than 20 years. Littleton was also an actor, a singer-songwriter and a writer of fiction. He had character roles in such films as I Walk the Line (1970), co-starring Gregory Peck and Tuesday Weld; Payday (1973), starring Rip Torn; and Deadhead Miles (1973), co-starring Alan Arkan and Charles Durning.
Bill Littleton recorded several of his songs, occasionally performed in clubs and posted both audio and videos of his music online over the years. He notably accompanied Tom T. Hall on the journey that resulted in Hall’s 1971 LP In Search of a Song. Littleton wrote the album’s liner notes and his many snapshots of the trip were featured on its back jacket.
At the time of his death, Bill Littleton was residing in Boiling Springs, SC. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister and his wife, Connie Fuller Littleton. He is survived by sister Linda Griebno and several nieces and nephews. Celebration of life services are being planned for Boiling Springs as well as Nashville.
Clearview Artist Management Signs Elizabeth Lyons
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Elizabeth Lyons & Clearview Artist Management’s Steve Schweidel
Clearview Artist Management has signed Vanderbilt University graduate Elizabeth Lyons to its roster.
Steve Schweidel, Principal of Clearview, says, “This young talented artist will be the next big female star in country music and I’m just lucky to have stumbled upon her.”
“Our paths crossed after playing at The Bluebird Cafe.” Lyons said. “So thankful to be working with such an experienced manager! From the moment I met Steve we shared the same vision. I’m honored to be working with him. This #PartyRules! WOOWOO!”
Last week, Lyons released her new music video for her single, “#PartyRules,” which is being worked to country radio.
Clearview Artist Management clients have included Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, James Otto, Ty Murray, and Ocean Street.
Word Music Publishing Extends Agreement with Songwriter Justin Ebach
/by Jessica NicholsonJustin Ebach
Songwriter Justin Ebach has extended his publishing agreement with Word Music Publishing.
Ebach has penned the current singles for Group 1 Crew, David Dunn, Ashes Remain and OBB, as well as cuts for Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets, Chris August, The Newsboys and more. Ebach has also garnered cuts recently with Josh Turner, Casey James, Ashley Gearing, and more.
“It is an honor to get to team up with such a talented and hardworking songwriter like Justin,” says Janine Appleton, Creative Director of Word Music Publishing. “It’s so impressive that he not only writes consistent radio songs in various genres, but he’s equally as talented in the studio, able to turn around a full demo quickly, on which he plays is player, vocalist and producer. His songs continue to receive positive attention from A&R and artists alike. Songwriters like him don’t come around every day.“
‘Bluegrass Underground’ Reveals Fifth Season Line Up
/by Sarah SkatesArtists set to perform on ‘Bluegrass Underground.’
The fifth season of Emmy-winning TV series Bluegrass Underground is packed with some of the genre’s biggest stars. The shows will be recorded in front of live audiences March 27, 28 and 29 at Cumberland Caverns’ Volcano Room in McMinnville, Tenn.
Friday, March 27: Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Hot Rize, Robert Earl Keen, Chatham County Line
Saturday, March 28: Jerry Douglas presents The Earls of Leicester, Lee Ann Womack, Amos Lee, The Quebe Sisters
Sunday, March 29: Leftover Salmon, Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass
Tickets to all shows go on sale at bluegrassunderground.com on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. A limited number of all-inclusive overnight ticket packages are being offered for the first time.
The show’s fourth season is now airing on PBS stations everywhere. Check local listings.
Cumulus to Launch NashTV Programming on January 26
/by Jessica NicholsonThus far, NashTV involves 12 programs, including content from radio programs America’s Morning Show, Nash Nights Live, and Kickin’ It with Kix. Other programs include style program Nash Lash, cooking shows BBQ Tricks, and Grits & Hits, as well as American Music Overseas and Real Live Performances, Proud: Everyday American Heroes, and sports programming Hick Xtreme and Picks From The Sticks.
The programming will be available on-demand via musicchoice.com, as well as Music Choice’s iOS and Android apps.
A preview video of the programming is available at nashtvpreview.com.
ACM Award Nominations To Be Revealed January 27
/by Jessica NicholsonThe awards show will broadcast live for the first time from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8:00 PM live ET/ 7:00 PM CT on the CBS Television Network. Four-time ACM Award winners Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan will return to co-host this year’s awards show.
Additional information on nominations will be released soon.
Last year, George Strait was honored as Entertainer of the Year, while Jason Aldean was named Male Vocalist of the Year and Miranda Lambert earned the Female Vocalist of the Year trophy. Kacey Musgraves‘ Same Trailer, Different Park took home Album of the Year honors, while Lee Brice‘s “I Drive Your Truck” (penned by Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary) earned Song of the Year.
Mary Chapin Carpenter Announces Acoustic Tour
/by Eric T. ParkerMary Chapin Carpenter.
Mary Chapin Carpenter has announced she will embark on a series of intimate shows this spring from Arizona to Massachusetts.
The acoustic outing launches in March 17 in New Orleans with select special guests Aoife O’Donovan and Lúnasa (full dates below). More dates are expected to be announced.
Carpenter will continue performing select orchestral concerts throughout the acoustic tour, including shows with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (March 5), the Charlotte Symphony Pops (March 7) and the Kansas City Symphony (May 8).
Last year she released orchestral reinterpretations of her own songs, including “Between Here and Gone” and “Come On Come On.” Recorded at Air Studios in London, Songs from the Movie, was arranged and conducted by six-time Grammy winner Vince Mendoza (Sting, Diana Krall, Chris Botti, Elvis Costello, Björk, Joni Mitchell) and was produced by Carpenter and Mendoza along with Matt Rollings (Keith Urban, Lyle Lovett).
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER ACOUSTIC TOUR DATES
March 26 New Orleans, LA Civic Theatre#
March 27 Galveston, TX The Grand 1894 Opera House#
March 28 Fort Worth, TX Bass Performance Hall#
March 29 New Braunfels, TX Brauntex Theatre#
March 30 Oklahoma City, OK OCCC Performance Hall#
April 1 Santa Fe, NM Lensic Performing Arts Center#
April 2 Phoenix, AZ The MIM Theatre#
April 3 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum Theater#
April 4 Tucson, AZ Fox Tucson Theatre#
April 16 Collingswood, NJ Scottish Rite Auditorium**
April 19 Derry, NH Stockbridge Theatre**
April 20 Waterville, ME Waterville Opera House**
April 22 New York, NY Town Hall**
April 23 Troy, NY Troy Savings Bank Music Hall**
May 1 Skokie, IL North Shore Center for the Performing Arts**
June 26 Hyannis, MA Cape Cod Melody Tent#
June 27 Cohasset, MA South Shore Music Circus#
#with Aoife O’Donovan
**with Lúnasa
The Listening Room To Celebrate Ninth Anniversary In February
/by Troy_StephensonThe Listening Room is located at 217 Second Avenue South in Nashville.
“The Listening Room continues to be the place to hear not just established songwriters and artists, but those on the rise as well,” said owner Chris Blair. “I can think of no better way to celebrate our ninth birthday than with a full day of great live music and great food.”
The afternoon schedule includes Amber’s Drive, The Lookout, Carly Pearce, Elise Hayes and Smithfield. The evening entertainment starts at 6:00pm with Phil Barton (Lee Brice/”A Woman Like You”) and Friends, which has a $10 cover. At 8:30pm, Rhett Akins (“That Ain’t My Truck,” “Don’t Get Me Started”) takes the stage with Jimmy Robbins (Blake Shelton/”Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert/”We Were Us”); Jonathan Singleton (Billy Currington/”Don’t,” Gary Allan/”Watching Airplanes”) and Laura Veltz (Chris Young/”Lonely Eyes,” Eli Young Band/”Drunk Last Night”). This show also has a $10 cover.
Valet parking and surface lot parking is available. For more information: listeningroomcafe.com.
Jamey Johnson Signs with Paradigm
/by Jessica NicholsonJamey Johnson
Singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson has signed with full-service entertainment agency Paradigm. Johnson’s responsible agents at Paradigm will be Curt Motley and Jeffrey Hasson.
“I look forward to working with Paradigm, “ Johnson says. “Touring is how we do what we do. My band has always been a touring band and it is important to have that connection to our fans. Paradigm is the agency that can keep us on the road in front of our fans. My booking agent has to be an extension of family,” he says. “We are proud to have a home at Paradigm, and we are proud to bring them into our fold as well. “
“We are excited to welcome Jamey Johnson into our Paradigm family,” Motley says. “We are honored to represent an artist of Jamey’s caliber.”
Johnson recently released the single “Alabama Pines” on his own label, Big Gassed Records. “This was one of those songs that I had in mind when I was talking about the ones that didn’t seem to fit That Lonesome Song or Guitar Song,” he says. Johnson penned the song in 2007 with Teddy Gentry of group Alabama, guitar player Wayd Battle, and producer/songwriter Carson Chamberlain.
His 2008 album, That Lonesome Song, was certified platinum for 1 million in sales, and his 2010 double album, The Guitar Song, received a gold certification.
Rascal Flatts To Launch Riot Tour 2015 in May
/by Troy_StephensonRascal Flatts has announced their headlining Riot Tour 2015. The first show will launch May 29 in St. Louis, and the tour will continue throughout the summer.
Scotty McCreery is named as the opener on the tour.
Prior to their summer tour, the trio will be the be the first country act to play a residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The shows are scheduled from Feb. 25 to March 14. The Voice winner Craig Wayne Boyd will handle the opening slot.
“2014 was such a great year for us on the radio and on tour,” said Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus. “Now we’re getting ready for the first-ever country residency at The Joint at the Hard Rock in Vegas. We’re having a blast with it, and we’ll be counting the days til the buses pull back out of Nashville for opening night.”
Cities for the Riot Tour 2015:
Cozumel, MX
Atlanta, GA
Forest City, IA
St. Louis, MO
Indianapolis, IN
Hershey, PA
Virginia Beach, VA
Washington, DC
Hartford, CT
Columbus, OH
Cadott, WI
Dallas, TX
Pittsburgh, PA
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh, NC
Holmdel, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
Boston, MA
Detroit, MI
Brownsville, OR
Toronto, ON
Cleveland, OH
Darien Center, NY
Jones Beach, NY
Cincinnati, OH
Chicago, IL
Albuquerque, NM
Phoenix, AZ
Irvine, CA
Mtn. View, CA
W. Palm Beach, FL
Tampa, FL