Photo courtesy of Kenny Chesney social media.
No Shoes Nation invaded by land and sea behind the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge Saturday, Aug. 16, to bask in the sun, sea and live music from Country star
Kenny Chesney. The free Flora-Bama-Jama event drew a crowd of over 40,000. Although gates did not open until 10 a.m. Saturday, people began arriving Friday and were in line all night to get in. Early arrival fans set up camp close to the stage with pirate flags and inflatables and channeled Chesney’s good beach vibes as neighbors helped each other fight the heat index by splitting trips to the water stations and by passing out ice. The Escambia County Fire Department were welcomed as celebrities as they sprayed fire hoses from the main stage to help keep the party going. Fans also had full access in and out to the gulf shore.
At 5 p.m.,
Kenny Chesney walked down the strut in orange cargos, a grey cut-off and a ball cap, strummed a chord and sang, “Sittin’ here at the Flora-Bama/ Bout to open up a big ole can o’/ good times…” Everyone joined in singing along to the newly released Instant Grat Track. It marked Chesney’s only concert of 2014; he has spent much of the year writing and recording his latest album,
The Big Revival, which will release Sept. 23.
Photo: Kelsey Grady
“Man, when those people kicked in and started singing ‘Flora-Bama’ back to me, that just hit me in the heart,” says Chesney. “A year without touring takes me away from that, and those fans… whether they know it or not… inspire me. So having spent the year writing and recording, that was like plugging into the source.”
Chesney’s 32-song set lasted two and a half hours and had the whole crowd singing hit after hit, including “How Forever Feels” and “Don’t Happen Twice,” acoustic numbers “Old Blue Chair,” “You and Tequila” and the acoustic-turned-full-band rendition of “When I See This Bar.” He also brought out frequent co-writer
David Lee Murphy as a surprise to share vocal duties on Murphy’s songs “Dust On The Bottle” and “Party Crowd.”
Photo courtesy of Kenny Chesney social media.
Ending the show with a crowd favorite “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” Chesney made sure to let the fans know just how much they mean to him. He took the last 20 minutes to autograph flags, license plates, T-shirts, and other merchandise. Two very special young fans also received the opportunity to get up on stage with Chesney as he signed his own guitar and a football helmet during “The Boys of Fall.”
Chesney employed a top-notch sound system around the one-third of a mile imprint, including speakers pointed at the sea for the 300+ boaters who took in the show from the ocean.
“We had the No Shoes Navy, the No Shoes Nation, people who aren’t afraid to get out there and live and just experience the moment. The fact that we could announce this show two weeks ago, build it and have that kind of response to a crazy notion I had – one that started out with playing a little keg show in the upstairs of the club and turned into a great big show on the beach? It says a lot about my team, the Flora-Bama’s
John McInnis and
Cameron Rice and especially the people who came from all over to be here with us.”
Recorded by
Shaun Silva for a TV special this fall, Chesney and band took the tailgate vibe of his shows and distilled it. Bikinis, shorts, tank tops, sunburns and ball caps, the dress code was casual and the mood was great. As the four-time CMA and four-time ACM Entertainer of the Year said, “It was a party. It was a day at the beach. It was a good time. But mostly, it was the gathering of the No Shoes Nation for the music, and the fun, and just getting to see each other.”
Industry Ink: AIMP, ACM, Nickel Creek
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): John Allen (BMG Chrysalis), Marc Driskill (AIMP Exec. Director/Sea Gayle), Kari Barnhart (5/3 Bank), Brian Brasher (Panelist), Lindsey Williams (Panelist), Randy Wachtler (Panlist), Brad Peterson (5/3 Bank), Hunter Williams (Production Music Association), Tim Fink (SESAC), Michael Martin (ASCAP), Paul Jones (Panelist). Photo: Misha Tristan
• • •
Nickel Creek was produced by Alison Krauss and engineered by Gary Paczosa, now Sugar Hill Records’ Vice President of A&R.
• • •
This Is Country: A Backstage Pass to the Academy of Country Music Awards will release Tuesday, Sept. 23, and is available for pre-order at Amazon. Proceeds from the sales of the book go to ACM Lifting Lives.
Artist Updates: Joel Crouse, Alabama, Lindsay McCaul
/by Jessica NicholsonProduced by Jamie Houston, the project includes Crouse’s lead single, “Don’t Tell Me.”
• • •
The deluxe edition will contain three exclusive tracks not found on the regular edition, which will release later in September on Gaither Music Group. Tracks on the deluxe version include “I Saw The Light,” “Because He Lives,” “Raising Alabama,” and other classics.
• • •
Ty Bates Signs With PLA Media
/by Troy_StephensonRed Light Management artist Ty Bates has been added to PLA Media’s roster. The Georgia native’s debut EP, recorded at Warner Bros. Studio, is available at online retailers today (Aug. 19).
“We first met Ty when he volunteered to perform at the Manny Cuevas benefit that our office was handling PR for and he blew us away,” says PLA Media president Pam Lewis. “He has such a distinctive tone and quality in his voice. We look forward to a long-term run launching this unbelievable talent.”
Bates will host an album release party on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 12th and Porter in Nashville.
His current tour schedule is listed below:
Aug. 22 | 9 PM| The Wing Cafe and Tap House, Marietta, GA
Aug. 3 | 8 PM | Coo Coo’s Nest, Cumming, GA
Aug. 2| 8 PM| Southern Ground Social Club, Senoia, GA
Aug. 29 |9:30 PM| The Brickhouse, Newnan, GA
Aug. 30 |9 PM| Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee, NC
Sept. 12 |8 PM| Treasure Island Casino, Welch, MN
Sept. 13 |8 PM | Treasure Island Casino, Welch, MN
Sept. 20 |10 PM| Whiskey Barrel Saloon, Lansing, MI
Sept. 27 |8 PM| Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee, NC
Oct. 17 |9 PM| Mama’s Country Showcase, Griffin, GA
Oct. 18 |8 PM| Barnesville Barn Party, Barnesville, GA
Oct. 23 |7 PM| Backroads Saloon, Marshall, MI
Oct. 25 |10 PM| Red Rock Saloon, Madison, WI
Nov. 1 |11 AM| Rita’s Bus Trip GA/FL Game, Jacksonville, FL
Nov. 20 |9 PM| Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Rosemont, IL
Nov. 21 |9:30 PM| Skooter’s Roadhouse, Shorewood, IL
Nov. 22 |9 PM| Wildwood Saloon, Iowa City, IA
Dec. 13 |9 PM| Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Rosemont, IL
Taylor Swift Announces Official Pop Album, '1989'
/by Jessica NicholsonTaylor Swift announced her first official pop album, 1989, slated for release Oct. 27. She made the announcement from New York City. During the worldwide livestream on yahoo.com, she first greeted viewers from atop the Empire State Building, before joining an intimate group of hand-selected fans to announce the album, as well as its first single, “Shake It Off.”
“We made the most sonically cohesive album I’ve ever made. I was listening to a lot of late ’80s pop, because I love the chances they were taking, and how bold it was, and how ahead of its time it was,” said Swift. “What I found from reading up on it and really diving into the late ’80s, was it was apparently a time of limitless potential and this idea that you can be who you want, wear what you want, love who you want. The idea of that was so inspiring to me, so limitless possibility was a theme for me.”
1989 will feature 13 songs, a cd booklet designed by Swift, one of five collectible sets of 13 exclusive photo prints. The Deluxe 1989 album will include additionally include three bonus songs, three of Swift’s songwriting voice memos, and a code to enter the 1989 Swiftstakes. The digital collection will include 13 songs, a digital cd booklet designed by Swift, one set of 13 exclusive photo prints and a code to enter the 1989 Swiftstakes. The Swiftstakes includes chances for concert tickets and meet-and-greets with the star.
The project is available immediately for pre-buy on taylorswift.com, iTunes, and Target.
She also previewed the video for “Shake It Off” (see video below). The clip was directed by Mark Romanek, who has worked with Madonna, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Johnny Cash, R.E.M., and others.
“Shake It Off” is now available for download on Play MPE.
BMI Brings Nashville Music To Chicago Area
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): BMI’s Dan Spears, Brandon Kinney, Famous Dave’s President & CEO Ed Rensi, Kendell Marvel.
BMI partnered with Famous Dave’s recently to present the Country Songwriter Series at three of the barbeque restaurant chain’s Chicago area locations on Aug. 13-Aug. 15. Nashville songwriters Brandon Kinney and Kendell Marvel performed their hits and told the stories behind their songs in front of packed crowds in Bolingbrook and Oswego. Marvell has penned hit songs for George Strait, Jake Owen and Gary Allan. Kinney has written chart-topping tunes for Craig Campbell, Lonestar and Randy Houser.
The chain is considering rolling out the songwriter series across all of their Chicago area stores over the next few months.
Pictured (L-R): Brandon Kinney and Kendell Marvell perform.
Artist Updates: Kacey Musgraves, Lori McKenna, Robby Johnson, The Secret Sisters
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Brian Wright (UMG Nashville SVP, A&R), Cindy Mabe (UMG Nashville President), Shane McAnally (Album co-producer and co-writer of “Merry Go ‘Round” and “Follow Your Arrow”), Kacey Musgraves, Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment owner). Photo: Jessica Wardwell
Kacey Musgraves was celebrated following her Saturday night appearance at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky. as part of Katy Perry‘s Prismatic World Tour. Her label, Mercury Nashville, presented the singer-songwriter with two RIAA Gold certifications and one platinum certification. Musgraves’ debut album Same Trailer, Different Park and her song “Follow Your Arrow” both recently reached Gold status by the RIAA. Her debut single “Merry Go ‘Round” has also reached platinum status from the RIAA.
• • •
Lori McKenna
Lori McKenna will release a new acoustic record Numbered Doors, available worldwide on Sept. 23. The project was live-tracked with producer Mark Erelli at Chris Rivals’ Middleville studios. McKenna is also set to perform at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe on Friday, Oct. 3.
• • •
The video was directed by Ryan Smith, whose credits include Jason Aldean‘s “My Kind of Party” video.
• • •
Nashville Booking Agent Injured in Weekend Accident
/by Jessica NicholsonMatt Rizor
Nashville booking agent Matt Rizor was a victim in a hit-and-run this weekend. Metro police say 34-year-old Rizor was walking across West End Avenue near 17th Ave. on Saturday morning (Aug. 16) around 3 a.m. when a dark colored sedan hit him, leaving Rizor with life-threatening injuries.
Rizor, known to friends as “Mateo,” is a booking agent at Bobby Roberts, which recently merged with The Agency Group. His family says he suffered several injuries and is in a coma.
Metro police state they are still looking for the driver, and are asking for the public’s help in finding the suspect. Evidence at the scene suggests the dark sedan has a damaged windshield and headlight. Anyone with information can contact the Emergency Communications Center at 862-8600.
A fund has been set up to aid Rizor and his family with medical expenses. To donate, visit gofundme.com.
Industry Ink: Columbia Nashville Adds Radio Rep, Borchetta Gets Iced, Dixon's No. 1
/by Jessica NicholsonSamantha Borenstein
Samantha Borenstein has joined Columbia Nashville’s promotion team as Manager, Regional Promotion. She was most recently Director, West Coast Regional Promotion for Stoney Creek Records. She has previously worked with City of Hope in Los Angeles, Jordin Sparks/Cozy Touring, and Celebrity Fight Night Foundation.
“Sam’s background – both in country radio promotion and in prior roles working with artists, events, and logistics – is stellar, and I’m very proud to welcome her to the Columbia Nashville family,” said Nobert Nix, VP, National Promotion for Columbia Nashville.
Borenstein begins her new role tomorrow (Aug. 19) and can be reached at Samantha.Borenstein@sonymusic.com.
• • •
Capitol CMG Publishing presented artist Colton Dixon with two No. 1 plaques for “You Are” and “Never Gone,” from his debut album A Messenger, prior to his album release show in Murfreesboro, Tenn. His second album, Anchor, releases Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Pictured: Capitol CMG Publishing’s Senior Creative Director Stacey Willbur with Capitol CMG recording artist Colton Dixon.
• • •
Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta was challenged by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard to participate in the extraordinarily popular ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and the industry exec is clearly not one to back down from a challenge.
Borchetta challenged three Big Machine Label Group artists Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, and Brantley Gilbert for a “Small Town Throwdown” Ice Bucket Challenge. Watch Borchetta’s Ice Bucket Challenge below.
George Strait Set For Live Album, CMT Concert Special
/by Troy_StephensonWhile fans sang along to chart-topping hit after hit, CMT was filming the event for George Strait: The Cowboy Rides Away, a CMT concert special that will air Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 at 7 p.m. ET. The two-hour special will air exclusively on CMT and will also feature new interviews with the “King Of Country Music” and selections from his 60 No. 1 hits. The project was executive produced by Erv Woolsey and Louie Messina, produced and co-directed by Danny O’Bryen, and co-directed by Brian Lockwood.
Additionally, Strait will release a 20-track live album recorded at his final tour date. The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium will release on MCA Nashville on Sept. 16.
Fans can join in on the conversations by following @CMT on Twitter and Instagram and using #TheCowboyRidesAway and also on CMT’s official Facebook page.
Kenny Chesney's Flora-Bama-Jama Rocks 40,000 Fans
/by Kelsey_GradyPhoto courtesy of Kenny Chesney social media.
No Shoes Nation invaded by land and sea behind the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge Saturday, Aug. 16, to bask in the sun, sea and live music from Country star Kenny Chesney. The free Flora-Bama-Jama event drew a crowd of over 40,000. Although gates did not open until 10 a.m. Saturday, people began arriving Friday and were in line all night to get in. Early arrival fans set up camp close to the stage with pirate flags and inflatables and channeled Chesney’s good beach vibes as neighbors helped each other fight the heat index by splitting trips to the water stations and by passing out ice. The Escambia County Fire Department were welcomed as celebrities as they sprayed fire hoses from the main stage to help keep the party going. Fans also had full access in and out to the gulf shore.
At 5 p.m., Kenny Chesney walked down the strut in orange cargos, a grey cut-off and a ball cap, strummed a chord and sang, “Sittin’ here at the Flora-Bama/ Bout to open up a big ole can o’/ good times…” Everyone joined in singing along to the newly released Instant Grat Track. It marked Chesney’s only concert of 2014; he has spent much of the year writing and recording his latest album, The Big Revival, which will release Sept. 23.
Photo: Kelsey Grady
“Man, when those people kicked in and started singing ‘Flora-Bama’ back to me, that just hit me in the heart,” says Chesney. “A year without touring takes me away from that, and those fans… whether they know it or not… inspire me. So having spent the year writing and recording, that was like plugging into the source.”
Chesney’s 32-song set lasted two and a half hours and had the whole crowd singing hit after hit, including “How Forever Feels” and “Don’t Happen Twice,” acoustic numbers “Old Blue Chair,” “You and Tequila” and the acoustic-turned-full-band rendition of “When I See This Bar.” He also brought out frequent co-writer David Lee Murphy as a surprise to share vocal duties on Murphy’s songs “Dust On The Bottle” and “Party Crowd.”
Photo courtesy of Kenny Chesney social media.
Ending the show with a crowd favorite “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” Chesney made sure to let the fans know just how much they mean to him. He took the last 20 minutes to autograph flags, license plates, T-shirts, and other merchandise. Two very special young fans also received the opportunity to get up on stage with Chesney as he signed his own guitar and a football helmet during “The Boys of Fall.”
Chesney employed a top-notch sound system around the one-third of a mile imprint, including speakers pointed at the sea for the 300+ boaters who took in the show from the ocean.
“We had the No Shoes Navy, the No Shoes Nation, people who aren’t afraid to get out there and live and just experience the moment. The fact that we could announce this show two weeks ago, build it and have that kind of response to a crazy notion I had – one that started out with playing a little keg show in the upstairs of the club and turned into a great big show on the beach? It says a lot about my team, the Flora-Bama’s John McInnis and Cameron Rice and especially the people who came from all over to be here with us.”
Recorded by Shaun Silva for a TV special this fall, Chesney and band took the tailgate vibe of his shows and distilled it. Bikinis, shorts, tank tops, sunburns and ball caps, the dress code was casual and the mood was great. As the four-time CMA and four-time ACM Entertainer of the Year said, “It was a party. It was a day at the beach. It was a good time. But mostly, it was the gathering of the No Shoes Nation for the music, and the fun, and just getting to see each other.”