Rosanne Cash
will be the recipient of
Smithsonian Magazine’s 2014 Performing Arts Award during the third annual American Ingenuity awards. The event will honor 10 of the most inspired pioneers in America in visual arts, performing arts, natural sciences, physical sciences, technology, education, youth achievement, and more.
T Bone Burnett will be on hand to present the honor to Cash. The remaining winners will be revealed in the November issue of
Smithsonian magazine.
• • •
Lee Ann Womack will be the headliner of the annual Girl Scout Luncheon, hosted by Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee and CMT. The event will take place Monday, Sept. 15 at Music City Center from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. All proceeds from the luncheon benefit Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee.
“Any time you can empower young women, show them the practical way to realize their dream… or help parents understand unconventional aspirations, I think you make the world richer,” Womack said.
To purchase a ticket to the event, visit gsmidtn.org.
• • •
Reba
Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, David Foster, and Larry King will join Andrea Bocelli for the international debut of Celebrity Fight Night, in Tuscany, Italy on Sept. 3-7. Joining them will be Maestro Zubin Mehta, Sophia Loren, and Muhammad Ali. McEntire will receive a special honor during the evening to commemorate her ongoing of support for charities.
The event will bring together 100 philanthropic donors and guests from around the region. Loren will be celebrated at an exclusive event at Bocelli’s villa in Forte dei Marmi, days before her 80th birthday. Foster will direct the entertainment at the private party, which will include performances from McEntire, Ronnie Dunn, Richie and Sinbad.
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
Artist Updates: Rosanne Cash, Lee Ann Womack, Reba
/by Jessica NicholsonRosanne Cash
Rosanne Cash will be the recipient of Smithsonian Magazine’s 2014 Performing Arts Award during the third annual American Ingenuity awards. The event will honor 10 of the most inspired pioneers in America in visual arts, performing arts, natural sciences, physical sciences, technology, education, youth achievement, and more.
T Bone Burnett will be on hand to present the honor to Cash. The remaining winners will be revealed in the November issue of Smithsonian magazine.
• • •
“Any time you can empower young women, show them the practical way to realize their dream… or help parents understand unconventional aspirations, I think you make the world richer,” Womack said.
To purchase a ticket to the event, visit gsmidtn.org.
• • •
Reba
Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, David Foster, and Larry King will join Andrea Bocelli for the international debut of Celebrity Fight Night, in Tuscany, Italy on Sept. 3-7. Joining them will be Maestro Zubin Mehta, Sophia Loren, and Muhammad Ali. McEntire will receive a special honor during the evening to commemorate her ongoing of support for charities.
The event will bring together 100 philanthropic donors and guests from around the region. Loren will be celebrated at an exclusive event at Bocelli’s villa in Forte dei Marmi, days before her 80th birthday. Foster will direct the entertainment at the private party, which will include performances from McEntire, Ronnie Dunn, Richie and Sinbad.
Stars Salute Lynyrd Skynyrd At Upcoming Concert
/by Sarah SkatesThe initial lineup includes Lynyrd Skynyrd, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Gregg Allman, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Jason Isbell, Jamey Johnson, Aaron Lewis, Moe., Govt Mule, Robert Randolph, Blackberry Smoke, Cheap Trick and Donnie Van Zant. Additional performers and surprise guests will be announced in the coming weeks.
An all-star house band will be led by GRAMMY Award-winner Don Was who will serve as the music director. Keith Wortman is the creator and executive producer. Ken Levitan and Ross Schilling are executive producers.
One More For The Fans! —Celebrating The Songs & Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd will be recorded for multi-platform distribution.
“Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music has had a profound and unmistakable influence on artists and fans all over the world,” commented Don Was.
“This incredible initial lineup of artists coming together to celebrate this band and their music is a genuine reflection of that,” added Keith Wortman. “I am honored to produce a multi-media event of this magnitude.”
As part of the campaign to save the Fox Theatre from demolition, Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded their 1976 live album, One More From The Road, at the landmark theatre. The title One More For The Fans! —Celebrating The Songs & Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was inspired by that legendary album’s title.
Tickets go on sale to the general public August 18 at 10 a.m. at www.foxtheatre.org and by phone at (855) 285-8499. Tickets will also be available at the Fox Theatre box office. Details at www.celebrateskynyrd.com.
Industry Ink: SESAC, Downtown Music Publishing, Capitol CMG, ole
/by Jessica NicholsonDavid Shawl
SESAC has named David Shawl as Associate Director, Business Development Center (BDC). Shawl will work with the BDC’s director in overseeing daily operations of the BDC, as well as handling numerous licensing projects.
“David brings a level of excellence to our operations as he works alongside the music licensing representatives, as well as with SESAC licensees,” says Bill Lee, SESAC’s Sr. VP, Licensing. “We are excited to announce this well-earned promotion.”
A Nashville native, Shawl attended Austin Peay State University.
• • •
Downtown Music Publishing has signed ASCAP songwriter Andy Albert to an exclusive publishing deal. Albert is a member of the ASCAP Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters (GPS) Project class of 2014. The Atlanta native was previously part of the duo Bonaventure, with Dan Smyers of Dan +Shay.
Pictured (L-R): Downtown Music Publishing’s Danny Berrios, Music Ro Management’s Rohan Kohli, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Andy Albert, Downtown Music Publishing’s Steve Markland and attorney Chip Petree.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Matt Ewald (CCMG), Jimi Williams (CCMG), John Thompson (CCMG), Daniel Bashta, Chris York (CCMG), Taylor Bashta, Jeff Gunkel (CCMG).
• • •
ole recently hosted a luncheon at Nashville’s Pinewood Social on Aug. 6 as part of BMI Presents…Sync THIS!
Pictured (L-R): Andrew Petroff (ole songwriter/producer), Stacy Widelitz (Composer), John Ozier (ole, GM Nashville Creative), Jesse Lee (ole songwriter), Gilles Godard (ole, VP Business Development), Emily Mueller (ole, Creative Manager), Ben Strain (ole, Creative Director), Toddrick Spalding (Trailer Park), Kasey Truman (Chop Shop Music), Randall Foster (ole, Sr. Director, Sync & Licensing), Jim Scherer (Whizbang, Inc), Jazz Godard (Hummingbird Productions), Chris Clark (Leo Burnett), Aaron Howard (Hummingbird Productions), Guinn Rogers (Hummingbird Productions), Jeremy Ash (BMI), and Penny Everhard (BMI).
Daniels, Rucker To Be Featured in SEC Documentary
/by Troy_StephensonCharlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels, Darius Rucker, Ashley Judd, Melissa Joan Hart, and Emmitt Smith, among others, will be part of four SEC Storied documentaries that will help kick off the new SEC Network, a 24/7 sports network launching Aug. 14 and operated by ESPN. In “The Stars Are Aligned,” 14 famous figures—each representing a different college in the Southeastern Conference—spill their emotions and explain why they’ll never forget where they came from. “The Stars Are Aligned,” directed by Andy Billman will air Thursday, Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
Watch for it to air on the new SEC Network on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. ET.
Celebrities/athletes interviewed for the film (one for each school in the SEC):
1 – Darius Rucker – South Carolina
2 – Jason Dufner – Auburn
3 – James Carville – LSU
4 – Ashley Judd – Kentucky
5 – Shepard Smith – Ole Miss
6 – Charlie Daniels – Tennessee
7 – Amy Robach – Georgia
8 – Willie Geist – Vanderbilt
9 – Melissa Joan Hart –Alabama
10 – Rick Perry – Texas A&M
11 – Ralphie May – Arkansas
12 – Emmitt Smith – Florida
13 – Carl Edwards – Missouri
14 – Jonathan Papelbon – Mississippi State
BMI Appoints Hunter To Executive Director Role
/by Jessica NicholsonMason Hunter
Mason Hunter has been named Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships/Business Development at BMI. In this role, he will identify new partners that align with BMI’s business needs, create new revenue streams to benefit the organization’s affiliates, and maximize existing partnerships. Hunter will be based in BMI’s Nashville office, and will report to Jody Williams, VP, Writer/Publisher Relations.
“I am delighted to welcome Mason to our organization’s Writer/Publisher team and to utilize his keen partnership perspective to serve BMI’s affiliates,” Williams said. “He will play a vital role in building on our success to create unique opportunities that grow BMI’s value in the music business community.”
“Bringing together our songwriters with our licensees creates a synergy, which is beneficial to both our customers,” commented Phil Graham, BMI Sr. VP, Writer/Publisher Relations. “Mason’s knowledge in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships is a valuable asset; he’ll oversee a structure that will optimize BMI’s efforts as an advocate for content creators.”
A 14-year veteran of BMI, Hunter was most recently Executive Director, Chain & Specialty Market Sales. During his work at BMI, he has held several titles, including Sr. Director in both Media and General Licensing, where he worked with key accounts and trade associations in media and hospitality industries. Hunter is a Certified Public Accountant, and began his career in audit services at Deloitte, before joining BMI’s Audit and Finance Department.
VIDEO: Country Artists Raise ALS Awareness With Ice Bucket Challenge
/by Kelsey_GradyDierks Bentley
A new challenge is sweeping the social media realm and has Country stars such as Chase Rice, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan and Kelby Ray (The Cadillac Three) dumping ice water on their heads. The ice bucket challenge goal is to raise money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
If dared to take the challenge, which goes by the hastag #strikeoutALS, participants have 24 hours to complete the challenge, or to make a donation. Those that have been challenged to step up to the plate include Kip Moore, Jerrod Niemann, Randy Houser, Tyler Farr, Jon Stone (American Young), Brothers Osborne, Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum), and Jake Owen.
Watch a few of the #icebucketchallenge attempts below.
Luke Bryan:
Lee Brice: