Pictured (L-R): Travis James, Gavin O’Reilly, Bobby Roberts, Nick Meinema, and Lance Roberts.
today (Aug. 12) announced the acquisition of
The Bobby Roberts Company, the talent agency representing artists including
Merle Haggard, John Anderson, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, John Michael Montgomery, Blackjack Billy and
Chris Janson.
Earlier this year, The Agency Group celebrated the second anniversary of the establishment of its Nashville office led by Sr. VP
Nick Meinema and home to agents
Scott Galloway, Justin Bridgewater, Stu Walker and
Justin Hill. The Nashville office will now see the addition of newly appointed Vice President
Lance Roberts and booking agents
Travis James, Josh Garrett, Matt Rizor and
Alec Vidmar with their respective rosters.
Bobby Roberts will continue his active involvement as a strategic consultant.
The system of booking dates by Agents in the Nashville office will be territorial, instead of The Agency Group’s standard Responsible-Agent system. Territories will be allocated as follows:
Lance Roberts: TN, ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL
Travis James: MI, IN, OH, KY, WV, PA, NY, VT, ME, NH, MA, CT, RI, NJ
Scott Galloway: AR, LA, TX, OK, MN
Josh Garrett: FL, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, VA, TN, MD, DE
Alex Vidmar: WA, OR ,MT, ID, WY, CO, UT, NV, CA, AZ, AK, HI
Justin Hill (Performing Arts Centers): WA, OR, MT, ID, WY, CO, UT, NV, CA, AZ, AK, HI
Nick Meinema: Canada
The Agency Group is headed by Founder & Worldwide President
Neil Warnock who leads a team of 90 agents in seven international offices (London, Los Angeles, Malmo, Miami, Nashville, New York, and Toronto). The Agency Group’s roster includes
The Black Keys, Guns N’ Roses, Kevin Costner and Modern West, Muse, Paramore, Nickelback, Wiz Khalifa, Jeff Bridges, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Ringo Starr, Dolly Parton, RUSH, The Mavericks, Sundy Best, Dallas Smith and many more. Warnock said, “Nashville—the home of so many music legends—has always been a central ambition of The Agency Group to increase our presence here, and with The Bobby Roberts Company joining us it will bring even greater strength and purpose going forward.”
“We see Nashville as a vital music hub and an essential ingredient in our global strategy. The addition of The Bobby Roberts Company’s roster to our list of internationally acclaimed Country artists solidifies our place within the genre,” stated
Gavin O’Reilly, Group CEO of The Agency Group. “We are delighted and honored to carry on the goodwill and proud legacy built by the incomparable Bobby Roberts and to welcome a group of talented agents.”
“All of us at The Bobby Roberts Company are very pleased to become a part of The Agency Group family through this exciting merger,” said Bobby Roberts. “We now have the resources, tools and additional agents to better serve and enhance the touring needs of our artists. The possibilities are endless for our roster with The Agency Group’s team of professionals and their various departments, and under the combined leadership of Nick Meinema and Lance Roberts we will have much to offer artists, managers and the overall Nashville music community.”
“Since its founding in 1986, The Bobby Roberts Company has been a highly respected Nashville institution with superb A&R and booking capabilities,” said Meinema. “With The Agency Group’s unique global reach and added strategic services in Brand Integration, Digital and Tour Marketing, and Fairs/ Festivals, Casinos, Colleges and Corporate Booking, we look forward to bringing a world of new opportunities to our expanded roster of artists.”
Alan Jackson To Perform Exclusive Shows at CMA Theater
/by Eric T. ParkerAlan Jackson
Alan Jackson is set to perform two Wednesday night concerts, Oct. 8 and 22, as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2014 Artist-in-Residence. Held inside the new 800-seat CMA Theater at 7:00 p.m., both exclusive evenings provide Jackson the opportunity to personally structure the performances.
Jackson’s residency coincides with the forthcoming exhibition Alan Jackson: 25 Years of Keepin’ It Country, slated to run from Aug. 29 through March 2015, making him the first simultaneous artist-in-residence and major museum exhibit subject.
Tickets will be limited to two per show to the general public at Noon (CT) on Monday, Sept. 8 for $60-100. Limited pre-sale tickets will be offered to museum members registered by the end of August and Alan Jackson fan club members beginning Friday, September 5 at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit countrymusichalloffame.org/artist-in-residence.
Established in 2003, the museum’s residency program annually honors a musical master who can be credited with contributing a large and significant body of work to the canon of American popular music. Previous Artist-in-Residence honorees include Cowboy Jack Clement, Earl Scruggs, Tom T. Hall, Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Douglas, Vince Gill, Buddy Miller, Connie Smith, Kenny Rogers and Ricky Skaggs.
Kenny Chesney's 'The Big Revival' Track Listing Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Chesney
Fans who pre-order Kenny Chesney‘s Sept. 23 release The Big Revival will get his single “American Kids,” as well as new song “Flora-Bama,” a musical tribute to a well-known bar on the Alabama/Florida state line.
“It’s a very specific song about a very specific place,” Chesney says of the song, which was co-written with David Lee Murphy, “but it’s also a song for anyone who has somewhere they go to let their mind unwind. It’s about bein’ easy, but bein’ engaged. Because – as I’ve said – places like the Flora-Bama are what life is all about.”
Co-produced by Chesney and Buddy Cannon, the 11-track release The Big Revival includes songs from Dennis Linde, Andrew Dorff, Craig Wiseman, Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally, Tom Douglas, Brad Tursi, Luke Laird, Jimmy Yeary, Rodney Clawson, and more. “Don’t It” features the voices of Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski, while “Wild Child” reunites Chesney with his “You and Tequila” singing partner Grace Potter.
The Big Revival Track Listing
1. The Big Revival (Dennis Linde)
2. Drink It Up (Rodney Clawson/Vicky McGehee/David Lee Murphy)
3. Til It’s Gone (Rodney Clawson/David Lee Murphy/Jimmy Yeary)
4. American Kids (Rodney Clawson/Shane McAnally/Luke Laird)
5. Wild Child (with Grace Potter) (Kenny Chesney/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne)
6. Beer Can Chicken (Kenny Chesney/Ross Copperman/David Lee Murphy)
7. Rock Bottom (Craig Wiseman/Matt Dragstrem)
8. Don’t It (Brent Cobb/Chase McGill)
9. Save It for a Rainy Day (Andrew Dorff/Matt Ramsey/Brad Tursi)
10. Flora-Bama (Kenny Chesney/Ross Copperman/David Lee Murphy)
11. If This Bus Could Talk (Kenny Chesney/Tom Douglas)
The Agency Group Acquires The Bobby Roberts Company
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Travis James, Gavin O’Reilly, Bobby Roberts, Nick Meinema, and Lance Roberts.
The Agency Group today (Aug. 12) announced the acquisition of The Bobby Roberts Company, the talent agency representing artists including Merle Haggard, John Anderson, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, John Michael Montgomery, Blackjack Billy and Chris Janson.
Earlier this year, The Agency Group celebrated the second anniversary of the establishment of its Nashville office led by Sr. VP Nick Meinema and home to agents Scott Galloway, Justin Bridgewater, Stu Walker and Justin Hill. The Nashville office will now see the addition of newly appointed Vice President Lance Roberts and booking agents Travis James, Josh Garrett, Matt Rizor and Alec Vidmar with their respective rosters. Bobby Roberts will continue his active involvement as a strategic consultant.
The system of booking dates by Agents in the Nashville office will be territorial, instead of The Agency Group’s standard Responsible-Agent system. Territories will be allocated as follows:
Lance Roberts: TN, ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL
Travis James: MI, IN, OH, KY, WV, PA, NY, VT, ME, NH, MA, CT, RI, NJ
Scott Galloway: AR, LA, TX, OK, MN
Josh Garrett: FL, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, VA, TN, MD, DE
Alex Vidmar: WA, OR ,MT, ID, WY, CO, UT, NV, CA, AZ, AK, HI
Justin Hill (Performing Arts Centers): WA, OR, MT, ID, WY, CO, UT, NV, CA, AZ, AK, HI
Nick Meinema: Canada
The Agency Group is headed by Founder & Worldwide President Neil Warnock who leads a team of 90 agents in seven international offices (London, Los Angeles, Malmo, Miami, Nashville, New York, and Toronto). The Agency Group’s roster includes The Black Keys, Guns N’ Roses, Kevin Costner and Modern West, Muse, Paramore, Nickelback, Wiz Khalifa, Jeff Bridges, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Ringo Starr, Dolly Parton, RUSH, The Mavericks, Sundy Best, Dallas Smith and many more. Warnock said, “Nashville—the home of so many music legends—has always been a central ambition of The Agency Group to increase our presence here, and with The Bobby Roberts Company joining us it will bring even greater strength and purpose going forward.”
“We see Nashville as a vital music hub and an essential ingredient in our global strategy. The addition of The Bobby Roberts Company’s roster to our list of internationally acclaimed Country artists solidifies our place within the genre,” stated Gavin O’Reilly, Group CEO of The Agency Group. “We are delighted and honored to carry on the goodwill and proud legacy built by the incomparable Bobby Roberts and to welcome a group of talented agents.”
“All of us at The Bobby Roberts Company are very pleased to become a part of The Agency Group family through this exciting merger,” said Bobby Roberts. “We now have the resources, tools and additional agents to better serve and enhance the touring needs of our artists. The possibilities are endless for our roster with The Agency Group’s team of professionals and their various departments, and under the combined leadership of Nick Meinema and Lance Roberts we will have much to offer artists, managers and the overall Nashville music community.”
“Since its founding in 1986, The Bobby Roberts Company has been a highly respected Nashville institution with superb A&R and booking capabilities,” said Meinema. “With The Agency Group’s unique global reach and added strategic services in Brand Integration, Digital and Tour Marketing, and Fairs/ Festivals, Casinos, Colleges and Corporate Booking, we look forward to bringing a world of new opportunities to our expanded roster of artists.”
Jerrod Niemann To Headline Fall Dates
/by Eric T. ParkerJerrod Niemann. Photo: Rebecca Clark
Sea Gayle Records/Arista Nashville recording artist Jerrod Niemann has announced he will headline his Get Your Buzz Back Tour, from October through the end of the year.
Named for his latest single by the same name, the tour will hit over 15 cities with opening act Chris Lane.
Niemann is currently on tour with Keith Urban’s summer Raise ‘Em Up Tour.
For his Sept. 12 headlining date at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Niemann’s opening act will be Logan Mize.
Initial Get Your Buzz Back Tour dates:
Oct. 24 | House of Blues | Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Oct. 31 | The Fillmore | Silver Spring, Md.
Nov. 6 | Theatre Of The Living Arts | Philadelphia, Pa.
Nov. 12 | Egyptian Room | Indianapolis, Ind.
Nov. 13 | House of Blues | Chicago, Ill.
Nov. 14 | House of Blues | Cleveland, Ohio
Nov. 15 | St. Andrews Hall | Detroit, Mich.
Nov. 20 | House of Blues | San Diego, Calif.
Dec. 4 | House of Blues | Houston, Texas
Dec. 6 | House of Blues | Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Industry Pics: Paisley's Album Listening Party, Rogers with Dan Rather
/by Troy_StephensonSeated row (L-R): Jeri Cooper, Justin Cole, Brad Paisley, Coyote Calhoun, Michael Bryan, Rob Anthony. Middle Row (L-R): Bill Simmons, Todd Nixon, Opie Joe, Charlie Cook, JJ Ryan, Jeff Wyatt, Lauren Thomas, Ali O’Connell, Ginny Rogers, Lesly Tyson, Rusty Sherrill, Jenny Shearin. Back Row (L-R): Gator Harrison, Gary Overton, Jeff Garrison, Doug Montgomery, Shane Collins, Andy Elliott, Gregg Swedberg, Dusty Panhorst, John Sigler, Kendal, Elizabeth Heller, Mike Craft, Jody Van Alin, Joel Raab
Brad Paisley hosted a Moonshine In The Trunk album listening party at his Yellow House on Thursday (Aug. 7). After a serving of songs from his Aug. 25 release accompanied by “song-appropriate shots of alcoholic beverages,” the crowd of radio VIPs, Arista Nashville promo folks and Sony Music Nashville execs posed for a group photo.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s VP of Museum Services Carolyn Tate, Museum Board Chairman Steve Turner, Dan Rather, Kenny Rogers, and Museum Executive Director Kyle Young. Photo: Rick Diamond
Kenny Rogers recently opened up to journalist Dan Rather for a feature that will air this fall on AXS’ series The Big Interview with Dan Rather. The interview is in anticipation of Rogers’ Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit Kenny Rogers: Through The Years, which will open Aug. 15.
Kim Copeland Productions Adds Artist Development Services
/by Jessica NicholsonKim Copeland
Kim Copeland Productions has opened a comprehensive Artist Development branch of the organization. Owner Kim Copeland and business partner Susan Tucker will work to offer assistance to clients to take recording projects beyond the studio.
Services include performance coaching, vocal coaching, image coaching, social media training, business marketing, branding, and more.
“We love discovering the uniqueness in each artist and helping them showcase their talent to the world,” says Copeland. “Whatever their ambitions, we want to give them all of the tools they need to succeed.”
“I’m so excited to be working with Kim in offering these great new services,” says Tucker. “It was the logical next step for us to combine all of the knowledge and experience we have to give our clients their best opportunity for success.”
Tucker, who made the move from Houston, Texas to Nashville more than 25 years ago, began her career as a performing songwriter. She has authored two books. In addition to music publishing, she has worked in artist management and promoted live events.
Copeland first launched her career as a performer, producer, songwriter, vocal and performance coach. She has worked with artists including Nashville Star finalist Rachel Williams, Tim Sweeney, Chris Monaghan, McKenna Faith, and Leather & Lace. Her music recently appeared in the movie Frozen Ground, featuring Nicolas Cage and John Cusack.
The business office for Kim Copeland Productions is located at 1216 17th Ave. S. The recording facility is located at 1204 17th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212.
Bryan Sets Touring Record, Plans Jam In Mexico
/by Sarah SkatesLuke Bryan at Gillette Stadium. Photo Courtesy of Gillette Stadium/ David Silverman
Luke Bryan broke another concert attendance record over the weekend, and followed that with the announcement of his Crash My Playa event in Mexico.
Bryan’s concert at Boston’s Gillette Stadium on Sunday night (Aug. 10) set the all-time record for a single day Country concert in the history of the field. Over 60,000 fans attended to watch Bryan, special guest Dierks Bentley, and openers Cole Swindell and Lee Brice.
Crash My Playa is set for January 23-27, 2015 at the all-inclusive Barceló Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. It will include beachfront concerts by Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and Cole Swindell, and special guests Kelleigh Bannen, Dustin Lynch, Eric Paslay, DJ Rock and Chris Stapleton. Details at www.crashmyplaya.com.
Bryan’s That’s My Kind of Night Tour continues until the end of October with additional stadium dates in Philadelphia and in Chicago. The tour will also stop in New York City again for its second sold-out show at Madison Square Garden and Bryan will be the first Country concert to play Brooklyn’s Barclay’s Center on Sept. 14. In October, Bryan will be on his annual Farm Tour.
Live Nation is the national promoter for the That’s My Kind of Night Tour, which is sponsored by Miller Lite, Texaco and Cabela’s.
Bryan’s concert at Gillette Stadium. Photo: Michael Monaco
Sea Gayle Music Inks Deal With Songwriter Phillip White
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jake Gear, Mike Owens, Freeman Wizer, White, Chris DuBois and Marc Driskill
Sea Gayle Music has signed songwriter Phillip White to a publishing agreement. White, a Nashville native, earned ACM song of the Year honors for Rascal Flatts‘ “I’m Movin’ On,” and has also had songs recorded by Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Reba and others.
“Phillip is an exceptional songwriter and has a unique ability to connect music and life. Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with him knows how talented he is, but also how great it is to work with him. We are thrilled to have him as part of the Sea Gayle team,” Sea Gayle EVP/GM Marc Driskill says.
3 Ring Circus Music Signs Bonagura
/by Jessica NicholsonBonagura (center) is pictured with her creative team at 3 Ring Circus (L-R): Davis Dirickson, PLLC partner R. Landon Dirickson, Esq.; ASCAP Senior Creative Director LeAnn Phelan; 3 Ring Circus Music Director of A&R/Artist Management Casey LeVasseur; Franklin Publishing & Management President Darrell Franklin; Alyssa Bonagura; 3 Ring Circus Music President Jeffrey Steele; ASCAP Senior Creative Director Mike Sistad. Photo: Colin M Lewis – Stella Cadente ENT
The daughter of artists Michael Bonagura and Kathie Baillie (Baillie and the The Boys), Bonagura first recorded for a duet with Kenny Rogers at age 10, and was on tour by age 13, opening a 50+ city tour for Marty Stuart. She attended Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts in the U.K. In 2012, her song “I Make My Own Sunshine” was placed in a Lowe’s commercial. She has also recorded and performed with artists including Vince Gill, Matt Maher, Jo Dee Messina, and Steele.
Love and Theft Announce Headlining Tour Plans
/by Jessica Nicholson“We couldn’t be more excited to get out on the road for these dates,” said Love and Theft member Stephen Barker Liles. “Joel is an awesome dude, not to mention a killer artist. Having DJ DU and DJ Rod Youree will add a great element to the shows, making this a tour we will never forget and we are excited to share the experience with our fans!”
Love and Theft’s current single, “Night That You’ll Never Forget,” sits at No. 19 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart.
Night That You’ll Never Forget Tour Dates:
Oct. 16*–Portland, ME–Asylum
Oct. 17*–Boston, MA–Royale
Oct. 18*–Fairfield, CT–Alumni Hall at Fairfield University
Oct. 24* –Baton Rouge, LA–Louisiana State University
Oct. 30+–New York, NY–The Gramercy Theater
Oct. 31+–Rochester, NY–Water Street Music Hall
Nov. 1+–Lancaster, PA–Chameleon Club
Nov. 2+–Clifton Park, NY–Upstate Concert Hall
Nov. 6+–Davie, FL–The Round Up
Nov. 7+–Sarasota, FL–White Buffalo Saloon
Nov. 8+–Daytona Beach, FL–Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Nov. 13+ –Roostown, OH–The Dusty Armadillo
Nov. 14+--Columbus, OH–The Bluestone
Nov. 15+ –Morgantown, WV–Schmitt’s Saloon
Nov. 20+–Wilmington, NC–Ziggy’s By The Sea
Nov. 21+–Charlotte, NC–Coyote Joe’s
Nov. 22+–Kernersville, NC–Bucked Up Super Saloon
Dec. 5+–Houston, TX–Firehouse Saloon
Dec. 11+–Phoenix, AZ–Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill
Dec. 12+--Rancho Cucamonga, CA–Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill
Dec. 13+–Folsom, CA–Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill
Dec. 17+–Bemidji, MN–Sanford Center
Dec. 18+–Lincoln, NE–The Single Barrel
Dec. 19+–Denver, CO–Grizzly Rose
Dec. 20+–Ogden, UT–The Outlaw Saloon
*Special Guests are Joel Crouse and DJ Rod Youree
+Special Guests are Joel Crouse and DJ DU