Josh Turner, Scotty McCreery, Love and Theft, Josh Thompson, Lauren Alaina, Craig Morgan, and Little Big Town will all take part in album and/or book signings at the Opry Originals Shop, located at Nashville’s 3rd Avenue and Broadway, during CMA Music Fest.
Numerous artists will no doubt be part of two additional Opry-related events that were recently announced: the City of Hope Celebrity Softball game slated for June 7 at 9 a.m., and the Opry at the Ryman matinee that will take place Saturday, June 7 at 3 p. m.
For more information, visit opry.com/cmafest
• • •
Tracy Lawrence
will launch the “Tracy Lawrence Street Party” during CMA Fest on June 4 in Nashville. Lawrence will perform at Losers Bar & Grill parking lot in Nashville for the free, open to the public concert starting at 6:00pm.
The concert will feature guest appearances as well as a headlining performance from Lawrence.
The entertainer recently reached the one million followers mark on Facebook. “I enjoy interacting with fans through social media,” Lawrence says. “We have built a great community online and I wanted to reward everyone with something special during CMA Fest this year.”
“Tracy reached a million Facebook followers by collaborating with our data-driven strategies about his fans to better communicate and embrace them,” says
Jay Frank, Owner/CEO of DigMark. “By combining our methods with his great catalog of new and classic music, we’ve been able to reconnect Tracy with long time fans and establish new, younger fans as well.”
• • •
Chuck Wicks. Photo: Jim Wright
is slated to join the
Country Weekly Kick-Off Party Powered by NASH as a host and performer. The event, slated for June 3, will take place in its new location at Nashville’s Mercy Lounge (located at 1 Cannery Row). Wicks will join previously announced performers
Kip Moore and
Frankie Ballard. The concert will benefit Musicians On Call.
For more information, visit
musiciansoncall.org.
Artists Add Appearances During CMA Music Fest Week
/by Jessica NicholsonNumerous artists will no doubt be part of two additional Opry-related events that were recently announced: the City of Hope Celebrity Softball game slated for June 7 at 9 a.m., and the Opry at the Ryman matinee that will take place Saturday, June 7 at 3 p. m.
For more information, visit opry.com/cmafest
• • •
Tracy Lawrence
Tracy Lawrence will launch the “Tracy Lawrence Street Party” during CMA Fest on June 4 in Nashville. Lawrence will perform at Losers Bar & Grill parking lot in Nashville for the free, open to the public concert starting at 6:00pm.
The concert will feature guest appearances as well as a headlining performance from Lawrence.
The entertainer recently reached the one million followers mark on Facebook. “I enjoy interacting with fans through social media,” Lawrence says. “We have built a great community online and I wanted to reward everyone with something special during CMA Fest this year.”
“Tracy reached a million Facebook followers by collaborating with our data-driven strategies about his fans to better communicate and embrace them,” says Jay Frank, Owner/CEO of DigMark. “By combining our methods with his great catalog of new and classic music, we’ve been able to reconnect Tracy with long time fans and establish new, younger fans as well.”
• • •
Chuck Wicks. Photo: Jim Wright
Chuck Wicks is slated to join the Country Weekly Kick-Off Party Powered by NASH as a host and performer. The event, slated for June 3, will take place in its new location at Nashville’s Mercy Lounge (located at 1 Cannery Row). Wicks will join previously announced performers Kip Moore and Frankie Ballard. The concert will benefit Musicians On Call.
For more information, visit musiciansoncall.org.
SAG-AFTRA, SoundExchange Team To Distribute Unclaimed Royalties
/by Sarah Skates“While we are best known for our focus on music, SoundExchange also collects royalties for actors, comedians and spoken word recordings,” said SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe. “The match with SAG-AFTRA allows SoundExchange to reach all of these important performers (both music and non-music) who are entitled to their share of royalties from streaming radio services.”
For details or to register visit www.soundexchange.com or call SoundExchange at 800-961-2091.
Steve Wariner Books Date at Nashville's Listening Room
/by Jessica NicholsonSteve Wariner
Steve Wariner will perform a rare, intimate concert at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville on Wednesday, June 18 at 8:30 p.m.
“I always loved it when Chet Atkins performed his series of shows at Café Milano back in the ‘90s, and for a long time I’ve thought it would be fun to do something like that,” said Wariner, who spent several years performing in Atkins’ band.
“Chet could have easily played in any arena around town, but instead he wanted to be somewhere cozy and comfortable where the locals and tourists alike could see him perform whatever he felt like doing,” he continues. “That’s the approach I’m taking with this show as well — I’m going to have fun and just let the night dictate what I perform. Of course I’ll do some of my hits, but I love the thought of just coming out on stage, picking up my guitar, and playing whatever comes to mind. I’m still deciding if it will be me and the band, me solo and acoustic, or me and a few players. Who knows? If it’s as much fun as I think it will be, I might decide to do this more often.”
Joe Bachman Signs With Buddy Lee Attractions
/by Jessica Nicholson“Signing with BLA is one of the most exciting moments for me so far and I am thrilled to be part of this amazing organization. Being out on the road, performing and meeting fans is such a huge rush for me and I know that BLA will keep me doing what I love. I couldn’t be happier!” Bachman says.
BLA’s booking agent Brian Fee shares, “We are excited to be in the Joe Bachman business! Joe is as genuine and passionate as anyone I’ve ever met or worked with, and it shines through in his performances!”
Philadelphia native Bachman is currently on a radio tour to support his current single, “Lookatchu.” When he’s not on the road, he is in the studio with producer Chris Stone crafting his upcoming album for Rock Ridge Music.
CMT Music Awards Adds Artists To Nationwide Insurance Stage
/by Jessica NicholsonThe 2014 CMT Music Awards air live on Wednesday, June 4 at 8 p.m. ET on CMT and cmt.com.
Veteran live event producer Michael Dempsey returns to executive produce the 2014 CMT Music Awards, alongside director Joe DeMaio. John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux serve as executive producers for CMT.
Black River Publishing Renews Contract With Whitehead
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (L-R): Celia Froehlig, Vice President of Black River Publishing; Forest Glen Whitehead; Gordon Kerr, CEO of Black River Entertainment
Black River Publishing has announced the contract renewal of hit songwriter/producer Forest Glen Whitehead. Since originally signing with Black River, Whitehead has co-written two singles, “Makin’ This Boy Go Crazy,” recorded by Curb/Sidewalk recording artist Dylan Scott, and “Ball Cap,” recorded by Black River’s Glen Templeton. He also has a penned song on Brantley Gilbert’s new album Just As I Am called “Lights of My Hometown.”
Forest is currently producing Black River’s Kelsea Ballerini as well as co-producing Dylan Scott along with Jim Ed Norman.
Industry Ink (5/22/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonDerrick Hampton
Brentwood-based Studio Gold Music, Inc. has signed Derrick Hampton to a new Publishing and Promotional deal. The Georgia native’s music has appeared in television shows including The Middle and Glades. He is a two-time Georgia State Championship in the Country Showdown, and won the 2011 NSAI/CMT Listener’s Choice Award with the song “Angie’s List,” co-written with David Banning.
He was chosen by ASCAP to be one of 11 songwriters accepted into their inaugural GPS (Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters) Program.
“We are so proud to have Derrick join the Studio Gold Music family. Derrick is very well known in his home state of Georgia, where he has opened for the likes of Daryle Singletary, The Drifters, Jerry Clower and many others. He has also played out at venues here in Nashville, including being invited to play several times at the world-famous Bluebird Cafe. His writing skills are phenomenal, and he takes such great care with his song structure. He is a pro, and a real pleasure to work with,” Mike Mouret, President of Studio Gold Music, said.
• • •
The award honors hospitality excellence, and is given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.
• • •
Founded in 2010 by Cheryl Pawelski, Greg Allen, Dutch Cramblitt and Brad Rosenberger, Omnivore Recordings has become the sought-after place for releasing previously unissued, newly found “lost” recordings and catalog material.
Spearheaded by Brad Rosenberger, formerly of Warner/Chappell Music, Omnivore’s Music Publishing division has joined forces worldwide with SWside Songs.
Artist Updates (5/22/14)
/by Sarah SkatesJake Owen hung with PGA golfers Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker at the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass Golf Course in Ponte Verde Beach, Fla. recently. Owen is currently on his headlining Days of Gold tour.
Wynonna and musician husband Cactus Moser wrote and recorded a song entitled “Follow Me” for the upcoming feature film The Hornet’s Nest. The movie uses real footage to tell the story of an elite group of U.S. troops sent on a dangerous mission in Afghanistan. Wy and Cactus are making the media rounds to promote the movie and soundtrack visiting Good Morning America, Katie, Fox & Friends and Entertainment Tonight. The Hornet’s Nest opens nationwide June 6.
• • • •
Maryland native Maggie Rose is nominated for an Emmy Award in her homestate. She co-wrote and performed “Get Ya Game On” for Comcast SportsNet as the theme for their coverage of the Washington Redskins’ 2013 season. Additionally, Rose recently released “Looking Back Now,” the third single from her debut album Cut To Impress.
• • • •
Rick Monroe will hit the road as emcee and performer on Jagermeister’s 2014 Ultimate Summer of Music Tour with Eli Young Band. His upcoming EP “It’s a Love Thing” will be released June 3 and features the emphasis tracks “Small Town,” “Fires Out” and “Great Minds Drink Alike.”
• • • •
Wynonna and Cactus
Craig Morgan has partnered with lifestyle brand Farm Boy to develop and produce co-branded merchandise.
• • • •
Lucas Hoge will visit US Coast Guard units as part of the upcoming USO Wrangler National Patriot Memorial Day Tour.
Tina Parol Signs With Sony/ATV Publishing, Love Monkey Music
/by Jessica NicholsonSESAC songwriter Tina Parol has signed with Sony/ATV Publishing and Love Monkey Music for exclusive representation. Parol has had cuts with pop singer Britney Spears and Country band Natalie Stovall and The Drive.
Parol recently stopped by Sony/ATV in Nashville to celebrate.
Pictured (L-R): Love Monkey Music’s Drew Hale, Sony/ATV’s Terry Wakefield, Hall of Fame songwriter/Love Monkey’s Bob DiPiero, Parol, AAM Manager Leslie T. DiPiero, SESAC’s John Mullins & Dennis Lord and Love Monkey Music’s Emily Peacock.
MusicRowPics: Jay Jolley
/by Jessica NicholsonThe pianist and vocalist offered acoustic takes on the up-tempo, foot-stomping “Friday Night Thing (A Little More Country),” as well as an equally moving ballad, “Paradise,” which highlighted his artfully raspy voice. He previously recorded the tune with singer Amanda Bailey of band Annabelle Road.
He recently shot the video for his current single, “High and Mighty,” in California, and offered a soulful rendition of it during the visit.
Jolley is gearing up for a radio tour and has several shows slated in coming weeks in Michigan.
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