Pictured (L-R): Vince Gill, Holly Williams, Nancy Wilson, Ann Wilson, Emmylou Harris, Rita Wilson and Jason Mraz. Photo: Brandon Clark/ABImages
Los Angeles’ Club Nokia welcomed a star-studded, eclectic lineup of artists for the
All For The Hall fundraising event benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The event took place Tuesday, March 4, and featured music from
Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Heart, Jason Mraz, Holly Williams, and
Cam Ochs.
Gill performed
Merle Haggard‘s “I Can’t Be Myself,” his own “Whenever You Come Around,” and the
Buck Owens classic “Together Again,” with Harris lending her signature harmonies. Harris offered “Home Sweet Home,” from her 2011 album
Hard Bargain, as well the
Gillian Welch song “Orphan Girl,” and a cover of “Tears In Heaven,” the
Eric Clapton ballad penned by
Will Jennings.
Ann and
Nancy Wilson of
Heart gave a stirring rendition of their hit “Dog & Butterfly.”
Mraz performed his hits, “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up.”
One of the guests for the evening was actress and singer-songwriter
Rita Wilson, who performed “You’re Still Gone,” which she co-wrote with Nashville writers
Jessi Alexander and
Jon Randall Stewart.
The audience was delighted by the performers’ renditions of many of their hits, and the performers relished opportunities to add a few somber selections to the mix. “I love singing sad songs,” said Ann Wilson. “I guess if you sing too many in a row, the audience starts going, ‘Ahhhhh,'” Harris stated, “We can’t get enough sad songs,” to which Wilson replied, “You can’t beat a good ol’ dying song.”
Williams performed “Waiting on June,” about the life and death of her maternal grandparents, Warren and June White. “She’s one of my favorite singers and songwriters around these days,” Gill praised Williams.
“Nashville is this amazing town, with this great songwriting community, and it also has this incredible museum,”
Rita Wilson said, stating that she is drawn to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection of stage wear designed by Nudie the Rodeo Tailor. “I hope if you do plan a trip [to Nashville], go there and see the museum.”
Gill closed the show with a rendition of the
James Taylor song “Bartender’s Blues,” which was later a hit for
George Jones. The two-hour performance resulted in a standing ovation for the performers.
Taylor Swift and Longtime Publicist Paula Erickson Part Ways
/by Jessica NicholsonPaula Erickson and Taylor Swift. Photo: Reuters
Taylor Swift and her longtime publicist, Paula Erickson, have parted ways, MusicRow has confirmed.
Erickson and Swift began working together in 2007, beginning a seven-year professional relationship. In that time, Swift soared to worldwide success and released four albums that have all been certified multi-platinum.
During Erickson’s tenure with Swift, she coordinated numerous high-profile media appearances for the superstar, including hosting duties on Saturday Night Live and performances at the Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards, along with cover stories in publications including Glamour, Vogue, and Vanity Fair.
Erickson’s other clients include Show Dog-Universal. Previously, the PR maven was awarded the Publicist Guild’s Maxwell Weinberg Publicist Showmanship Award for work with the Academy Award-winning motion picture Walk The Line.
Napa and Nashville Say 'Cheers' For Charity
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, Jonathan Singleton, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, Striking Matches Justin Davis, NOTES for Education Co-Founder & President Debi Cali, Striking Matches’ Sarah Zimmermann, ASCAP’s Anna Maki, David Lee Murphy, Ray Stephenson, NOTES for Education Board Member Julie Meirick, ASCAP’s Meghan Muse, NOTES for Education Board Member Fran Leach, Jon Randall Stewart, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Mike Sistad and Alison Toczylowski. Photo: Ed Rode.
If a glass of Zinfandel supports music in schools, why not have a whole bottle? That’s exactly the idea behind the second annual Napa in Nashville event, which took place on the veranda at Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday (March 6). For the past five years in Napa, the two cities have combined creative exports – winemaking and songwriting – to support Notes for Education.
Throughout the Nashville evening, it was clear the sister cities share the craft of storytelling. Casual conversations included stories of winemaker struggles, one even sleeping in an SUV until they were able to support the first crop of grapes. Cali recognized the perseverance and patience required to succeed in the winemaking process. Of the communal experiences while wine matures, Cali made reference to Jackalope, the Nashville brewery participating in the event, “It takes a lot of beer to make wine!”
Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, who took home the raffle grand prize at last year’s event, embraced his “responsibility” to sponsor this year’s Nashville event. SunTrust has played a large part in the success of the Napa events as well.
Tastings were offered prior to two sets of acoustic songwriter rounds. Sarah Zimmermann of Striking Matches, whose “When The Right One Comes Along” handwritten lyrics were available for auction, mentioned, “This is our favorite event of the year, second to the one in California!” Ray Stephenson contributed artwork and performed a set including “Hemmingway’s Whiskey,” another song with handwritten lyrics available for auction.
Although the anchor Napa winery Baldacci, host of the Napa events, does not have wine available in Nashville stores, a few of the Napa area’s varietals can be found locally. Phifer Pavitt wine is available at Etch and Kayne Prime. Nashville resident Gary Carr co-founded BNA Wines, produced in California and available at Nashville’s Lockeland Table, among many others. Bellaterra Ranch is based in Franklin, Tenn., pairing cigars with California-grown varietals. Cali has created her own Notes, Harmony Zinfandel, which supports the cause she leads with help from Napa’s Fran Leach and Nashville’s Julie Meirick.
Rounding off the Nashville evening were veteran hit makers David Lee Murphy (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”), Jon Randall Stewart (“Whiskey Lullaby”), and Jonathan Singleton (“Let It Rain”).
For more information on the organization or its annual events in Nashville or Napa, visit notesforeducation.org.
Special thanks to Luckey at Hat Creek Carriages for MusicRow‘s complimentary transportation to the event!
St. Jude Adds Moon In Radio Development Department
/by Jessica NicholsonTravis Moon
Travis Moon has joined St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the newly created position of Sr. Liason/Programming in the organization’s Radio Development department. The position is based in Nashville.
Travis will remain at his job as PD of Clear Channel Country station KAJA in San Antonio until Wednesday, April 30. Travis can be reached at travismooncountry@hotmail.com.
CMHoF Offers Pete Anderson Program, Merle Haggard Film
/by Sarah SkatesOn March 22, at 2:30 p.m., Anderson will sit for an interview in the Ford Theater with the museum’s curatorial director, Mick Buck. Pete Anderson: California Country’s Second Generation will feature a discussion of his career as a guitarist and producer. Anderson gained prominence in the 1980s for his guitar and production work with Dwight Yoakam. The pair generated over a dozen Top Ten singles and led a renewal of interest in the Bakersfield Sound. Anderson also produced records for Mark Chesnutt, Sara Evans, Roy Orbison and others. In addition to the interview, Anderson will perform songs from the Bakersfield repertoire and from his latest release, Bird Above Guitarland. The program will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.
On March 30, at 2:00 p.m. in the Ford Theater, the museum will screen Merle Haggard: Learning to Live with Myself (2010). This 90-minute installment of American Masters (PBS) by filmmaker Gandulf Hennig includes concert footage and interviews with Haggard, his family, friends and fellow artists. The film tracks Haggard’s life and career through growing up in Oildale, California, his incarceration at San Quentin and his successful career as a songwriter and singer. John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, Keith Richards and Don Was also appear in the film.
The film screening is free, and the Anderson program is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Visit countrymusichalloffame.org/ for complete admission details.
Edgehill Village Sold for $9.2 Million
/by Jessica NicholsonThe area was sold by Wade Elam, who reinvented the buildings in 2002 with Steve Asbury. The buyer is Edgehill Village Investors LLC. The area offers 57,000 square feet of space, including some office and apartments. The eight buildings that make up the area are located at Edgehill Ave. and Villa Place.
“We are excited about the opportunity to purchase Edgehill Village,” said Lowe, who is a principal at Cassidy Turley Commercial Real Estate Services. “We’ve long admired the property for its uniqueness. The former owners did a wonderful job with the redevelopment, and it shows in the terrific mix of tenants. Our goal is to continue Edgehill Village’s success and to add value where we can.”
Lady A To Receive Recording Artists' Coalition Award
/by Sarah SkatesLady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum will be honored with the Recording Artists’ Coalition Award during The Recording Academy’s 2014 Grammys on the Hill Awards. The event is set for Wednesday, April 2, at The Hamilton Live in Washington D.C.
“We are proud to honor Lady Antebellum for their artistry and inventiveness in the country arena as well as their philanthropic efforts to make a difference for disadvantaged children here and abroad,” said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. The Recording Artists Coalition Award is named for The Academy’s artists’ rights program founded by Don Henley and Sheryl Crow.
Lady A, seven-time Grammy winners, started the LadyAID Fund to support children’s hospitals in the United States and Canada, and support the overall betterment of children’s lives around the world.
House of Representatives majority whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will also be honored for their support of music creators. In addition, Westfield Academy and Central School (Westfield, N.Y.) music teacher Kent Knappenberger will be the recipient of the inaugural Music Educator Award. The event will include live performances and one-of-a-kind tributes.
Among those expected to attend are SESAC hit songwriters Gary Burr and Victoria Shaw, pop music legend Dionne Warwick, Los Lonely Boys, Hanson, and Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers.
The Grammys on the Hill Awards are sponsored by SESAC, and proceeds from the event will benefit underserved music programs through Grammy Signature Schools.
On April 3, the day after the awards, The Recording Academy will host Grammys on the Hill Advocacy Day, where hundreds of music professionals from across the country will visit with lawmakers to advance policies that improve the environment for American music. Now in its 10th year, the program is the music community’s only annual advocacy day in Washington, D.C.
Weekly Chart Report (3/7/14)
/by Michael_SmithIndustry Ink (3/7/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonJD May
Nashville’s FLO {thinkery} has added JD May in the newly created position of EVP/Global Business Development. May will be responsible for directing the sales efforts for FLO {thinkery}, Made-In Network, and all FLO-developed and managed businesses, and for driving the growth of the company’s business model; and developing new opportunities.
May has previously worked with echomusic, Ticketmaster, Front Gate Tickets, Sony Music Publishing, and Mozes. He also served as the first Executive Director at the Americana Music Association.
• • •
EJ Bernas
EJ Bernas has exited his promotions post at Curb Records. Bernas joined Curb in May 2013, and previously worked for Bigger Picture Group as Director of National Promotion.
He has spent time as VP of Music and Entertainment for the Tin Roof Corporation. Prior to that he spent eight years at Universal Music Group as Senior Director of Southwest Promotion for MCA.
• • •
The Copyright Society of the South recently held a standing room only meeting at ASCAP, hosting a panel titled, “Lawyers In The Round.” The distinguished panel discussed the possibility of eliminating the controlled composition clause, music streaming overseas, terminations, and other topics.
Pictured (L-R): Front row: Mike Milom, Orville Almon, and Matthew Beckett with Rush Hicks (moderator). Back row: Denise Stevens (CSOS, Treasurer), Ted Goldtrhope (board member), Jill Napier (CSOS, Vice Chairman), Kele Currier (CSOS, Secretary), Wendi Crosby (board member) and Misha Hunke (board member). Photo credit: Chelsea Jones
• • •
Toby Keith To Launch New Tour in May
/by Jessica NicholsonToby has again partnered with Tickets-For-Charity to offer fans some of the best seats in the house, while benefiting charity.
Shut Up And Hold On Tour, Presented by Ford F-Series dates thus far (subject to change):
May 25- Forest City, IA-Tree Town Music Festival
May 30-San Bernardino, CA-San Manuel Amphitheater *
May 31-Mountain View, CA-Shoreline Amphitheater *
June 1-Sacramento, CA-Sleep Train Amphitheater *
June 13-Burlington, IA-Burlington Steamboat Days
June 14-Winsted, MN-Winstock Music Festival
June 28-Washington, DC -Jiffy Lube Live *
June 29-Cleveland, OH-Blossom Music Center *
July 12- St. Louis, MO -Verizon Wireless Amphitheater *
July 13 -Chicago, IL-First Midwest Bank Amphitheater *
July 19 -Tooele, UT-Tooele County Fairgrounds
July 25-Holmdel, NJ -PNC Bank Center *
July 26-Hartford, CT- XFINITY Theatre *
July 27 -Bethel, NY-Bethel Woods Center *
Aug. 1-Bowmanville, ON-Boots and Hearts Festival
Aug. 8-Cincinnati, OH-Riverbend Music Center *
Aug. 9-Pittsburgh, PA-First Niagara Pavilion *
Aug. 23-Lima, OH -Allen County Fair
Sept. 13-Indianapolis, IN-Klipsch Music Center *
Sept. 27 -Philadelphia, PA-Susquehanna Bank Center *
* featuring Colt Ford
Nashville To L.A.: CMHoF's All For The Hall
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Vince Gill, Holly Williams, Nancy Wilson, Ann Wilson, Emmylou Harris, Rita Wilson and Jason Mraz. Photo: Brandon Clark/ABImages
Los Angeles’ Club Nokia welcomed a star-studded, eclectic lineup of artists for the All For The Hall fundraising event benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The event took place Tuesday, March 4, and featured music from Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Heart, Jason Mraz, Holly Williams, and Cam Ochs.
Gill performed Merle Haggard‘s “I Can’t Be Myself,” his own “Whenever You Come Around,” and the Buck Owens classic “Together Again,” with Harris lending her signature harmonies. Harris offered “Home Sweet Home,” from her 2011 album Hard Bargain, as well the Gillian Welch song “Orphan Girl,” and a cover of “Tears In Heaven,” the Eric Clapton ballad penned by Will Jennings. Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart gave a stirring rendition of their hit “Dog & Butterfly.”
Mraz performed his hits, “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up.”
One of the guests for the evening was actress and singer-songwriter Rita Wilson, who performed “You’re Still Gone,” which she co-wrote with Nashville writers Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall Stewart.
The audience was delighted by the performers’ renditions of many of their hits, and the performers relished opportunities to add a few somber selections to the mix. “I love singing sad songs,” said Ann Wilson. “I guess if you sing too many in a row, the audience starts going, ‘Ahhhhh,'” Harris stated, “We can’t get enough sad songs,” to which Wilson replied, “You can’t beat a good ol’ dying song.”
Williams performed “Waiting on June,” about the life and death of her maternal grandparents, Warren and June White. “She’s one of my favorite singers and songwriters around these days,” Gill praised Williams.
“Nashville is this amazing town, with this great songwriting community, and it also has this incredible museum,” Rita Wilson said, stating that she is drawn to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection of stage wear designed by Nudie the Rodeo Tailor. “I hope if you do plan a trip [to Nashville], go there and see the museum.”
Gill closed the show with a rendition of the James Taylor song “Bartender’s Blues,” which was later a hit for George Jones. The two-hour performance resulted in a standing ovation for the performers.