J.P. Arencibia and Kimberly Perry
had a lifelong dream come true Monday night (Sept. 30) when she accepted a proposal from boyfriend, Torontos Blue Jays pitcher
J.P. Arencibia, her publicist confirms. Arencibia surprised Perry by appearing under a huge old oak tree on her parents’ property with ring in hand. She had always envisioned getting proposed to under that tree, and when she realized what was happening, her mother urged her to go put on her favorite pink dress – also part of her dream proposal scenario. Inside with the dress Perry found a letter from her family along with a locket bracelet her grandfather had given her grandmother years ago in their early days of courtship.
The couple first met in 2012 at the Florida Strawberry Festival and have been dating for a year and a half. The other men in Kimberly’s life, her father, and siblings
Reid and
Neil, wholeheartedly approve of Arencibia — a first for the brothers, according to Kimberly. The couple are planning to be married next Summer.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Purple Heart Recipient and Former SEAL, B.K. (Bert Kellerman); Lauren Kellerman, Navy SEAL Foundation Director of Programming; Urban; Petty Officer First Class Emily Feeks, (wife of Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Patrick Feeks, KIA Afghanistan
has donated his royalties from his song, “For You,” which was penned for the film
Act of Valor, to the Navy SEAL Foundation. The non-profit helps SEAL families and their parent commands with financial burdens and offers needed support and activities. Urban presented a $300,000 check to the organization last Saturday night at his San Diego show.
“The Navy SEAL Foundation is humbled by Keith’s generosity and support of our community and its families,” said
Robin King, CEO of the Navy SEAL Foundation. His generous donation will help fund resiliency retreats for 120 SEALs and their families, fund the opportunity for over 500 Naval Special Warfare children to attend summer camp in 2014, where they’ll learn the importance of teamwork, communication, cooperation, goal setting and overcoming adversity.”
• • •
Taylor Swift
is taking her
Red tour across the pond for several shows in London at the O2 Arena on Feb. 1, 2, and 4. She announced the new dates via
YouTube and social media, and the dates mark a return to the UK for the young superstar, who also played the O2 on her
Speak Now World Tour in 2011.
• • •
Josh Thompson
has partnered with the
Chicago Beer Company in support of his latest single, “Cold Beer With Your Name On It.” Illinois fans will receive a
free download of the song with the purchase of a six-pack of Chicago Beer. The company will also host a VIP reception/sound check event at his Nov. 30 show, and at three other Chicago shows in 2014 which will feature a three-song, acoustic set by Thompson.
• • •
Christian artist Jason Crabb premiered the video for his new single, “Love Is Stronger,” yesterday on USAToday.com. His new CD of the same title is out now.
Combustion Music Premieres Uncut Songs
/by Eric T. ParkerCombustion President and Owner Chris Farren welcomed attendees and extended appreciation to Northwestern Mutual and Tacklebox Films alongside Vice President Chris Van Belkom and Creative Director Kenley Flynn. “This video was done in one day at Ocean Way,” said Farren. “It is something we are very proud of, and most of the writers are here.”
Nicole Flamia Produced the piece for Tacklebox, while Ryan Lassan directed and edited the video in an effort to make the publishing company’s copyrights more compelling for major release. The first Songwriter Session achieved four cuts since the video’s release, while the second yielded six cuts from its track listing. After premiering, videos are then individually uploaded to YouTube for additional promotional exposure.
Combustion songwriters including Brett James, Ashley Gorley, Brett Tyler, Kelly Archer, Zach Cromwell, Matt Jenkins, Blair Daly, Jerry Flowers, recently signed Show Dog-Universal duo Native Run (Rachel Beauregard, Bryan Dawley), and Matthew West performed titles alongside co-writers and musicians in the Nashville studio. Vocalists on various tracks included Sarah Buxton, Mickey Guyton, Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby and Steve Moakler.
Copies of songs were available to attendees on CD as they exited the theatre. Songs are available for listening on Combustion’s Soundcloud.
Combustion Songwriter Sessions Vol. III Track List:
“Sober Sunrise” (Brett James/Steve Moakler/Jessi Alexander)
“Drink It Up” (Ashley Gorley/Phil O’Donnell/Wade Kirby)
“Love On Ya” (Brett Tyler/Lucie Silvas/Eric Snyder/John Osborne)
“Dirt Road Therapy” (Kelly Archer/Zach Crowell/Matt Jenkins)
“Something We Shouldn’t Do” (Jenkins/Shane McAnally/Jimmy Robbins)
“Something Borrowed” (Kelly Archer/Natalie Hemby/Butch Walker)
“Maps Out The Window” (Sarah Buxton/Blair Daly/Nathan Chapman)
“You’re The One” (Jerry Flowers/Kelly Archer/Zach Crowell/Mickey Guyton)
“High Heels and Four Wheels (Native Run/Ryan Hurd)
“Into The Light” (Matthew West/Pete Kipley)
Artist Updates (10-1-13)
/by Lorie HollabaughJ.P. Arencibia and Kimberly Perry
Kimberly Perry had a lifelong dream come true Monday night (Sept. 30) when she accepted a proposal from boyfriend, Torontos Blue Jays pitcher J.P. Arencibia, her publicist confirms. Arencibia surprised Perry by appearing under a huge old oak tree on her parents’ property with ring in hand. She had always envisioned getting proposed to under that tree, and when she realized what was happening, her mother urged her to go put on her favorite pink dress – also part of her dream proposal scenario. Inside with the dress Perry found a letter from her family along with a locket bracelet her grandfather had given her grandmother years ago in their early days of courtship.
The couple first met in 2012 at the Florida Strawberry Festival and have been dating for a year and a half. The other men in Kimberly’s life, her father, and siblings Reid and Neil, wholeheartedly approve of Arencibia — a first for the brothers, according to Kimberly. The couple are planning to be married next Summer.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Purple Heart Recipient and Former SEAL, B.K. (Bert Kellerman); Lauren Kellerman, Navy SEAL Foundation Director of Programming; Urban; Petty Officer First Class Emily Feeks, (wife of Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Patrick Feeks, KIA Afghanistan
Keith Urban has donated his royalties from his song, “For You,” which was penned for the film Act of Valor, to the Navy SEAL Foundation. The non-profit helps SEAL families and their parent commands with financial burdens and offers needed support and activities. Urban presented a $300,000 check to the organization last Saturday night at his San Diego show.
“The Navy SEAL Foundation is humbled by Keith’s generosity and support of our community and its families,” said Robin King, CEO of the Navy SEAL Foundation. His generous donation will help fund resiliency retreats for 120 SEALs and their families, fund the opportunity for over 500 Naval Special Warfare children to attend summer camp in 2014, where they’ll learn the importance of teamwork, communication, cooperation, goal setting and overcoming adversity.”
• • •
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is taking her Red tour across the pond for several shows in London at the O2 Arena on Feb. 1, 2, and 4. She announced the new dates via YouTube and social media, and the dates mark a return to the UK for the young superstar, who also played the O2 on her Speak Now World Tour in 2011.
• • •
Josh Thompson
Josh Thompson has partnered with the Chicago Beer Company in support of his latest single, “Cold Beer With Your Name On It.” Illinois fans will receive a free download of the song with the purchase of a six-pack of Chicago Beer. The company will also host a VIP reception/sound check event at his Nov. 30 show, and at three other Chicago shows in 2014 which will feature a three-song, acoustic set by Thompson.
• • •
Lindsey Appointed to A&R Director at Sony Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonTaylor Lindsey
Taylor Lindsey has joined Sony Music Nashville as Director, A&R. In her new role, Lindsey will share day-to-day A&R responsibilities for all Sony Music Nashville artists, including the Arista Nashville, Columbia Nashville and RCA Nashville rosters. Already in her new role, she reports to Sony Music Nashville’s VP of A&R, Jim Catino, who continues to report to Gary Overton, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville.
Lindsey joins the company from BMG Chrysalis in Nashville, where she served as Sr. Creative Director since January 2011 and was a songplugger for the organization’s numerous writers. Prior to that, Taylor worked at Raylene music with her sister, songwriter Hillary Lindsey, and as a College Membership Representative in the Athens and Atlanta areas for ASCAP from 2007 through 2009. Taylor attended the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga. and currently resides in Nashville.
She can be reached at Taylor.Lindsey@sonymusic.com.
Headliner Announced For New Year's Eve "Bash on Broadway"
/by Jessica NicholsonHank Williams, Jr.
The fifth annual Music City New Year’s Eve “Bash On Broadway” has revealed Hank Williams, Jr. as this year’s headliner. Music City will offer multiple days of free live music and Nashville’s own midnight Music Note Drop.
“Football, football and Hank! All our rowdy friends are staying over this year,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. “This may be the best end-of-year ‘mash-up’ we have ever had with the Titans, the SEC and Hank ringing in the New Year. Are you ready?”
“This year is going to be very special on New Year’s Eve,” says Hank Williams Jr. “December 31st will mark the 60th anniversary of daddy’s death. For years, I have not performed on New Year’s Eve in honor of my father, but this year is a monumental year in the history of Hank Williams. If daddy would have lived, he would have been 90 years old this year. I hope Music City is ready to boogie woogie, because Bocephus is going bring the party to Nashville.”
Sponsors of this year’s New Year’s Eve ‘Bash on Broadway’ include Miller Lite, Coors Light, Jack Daniel’s, Advance Financial 24/7 and McDonald’s.
CMA EDU Expands to Universities of Florida and Nebraska
/by Michael_Smith“With six official chapters, CMA EDU has the potential to reach nearly 170,000 college students,” said CMA Community Outreach Manager Matthew Seaton. “That is a substantial sampling of a very important demographic for the format.”
Several clubs held opening meetings in September, including the University of Central Florida, which enjoyed a performance by Uncle Kracker. Meanwhile, the University of Nebraska welcomed Dee Jay Silver to its inaugural meeting on Sept. 16. The University of Florida chapter will hold its inaugural meeting later this month and celebrate with a Luke Bryan concert ticket giveaway.
Events for the upcoming year include a speech by radio personality Bobby Bones at MTSU in October. Last night (Sept. 30) Billy Currington paid a visit to Belmont University.
Nashville chapters can also participate in an industry career shadow day in partnership with the Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID). Students in the program will have opportunities to be involved in events, including the Country Radio Seminar, the Leadership Music Summit, PollStar LIVE, CMA Awards and CMA Music Festival.
For more information, visit cmaworld.com.
Prominent Entertainment/IP Attorney Joins Adams and Reese
/by Jessica NicholsonPhil Kirkpatrick
Adams and Reese LLP has hired entertainment and intellectual property/technology litigation attorney Phil Kirkpatrick for its Music Row office. Kirkpatrick, a local litigator since 1979, most recently worked with firm Dickinson Wright as special counsel.
Kirkpatrick will work with partners Linda Edell Howard and Lynn Morrow. He will also handle liability litigation and commercial litigation, though he is best known for his music industry work. Previous clients have included the estates of Harlan Howard and Tupac Shakur, entertainers Aretha Franklin and Dave Loggins, and Universal Music Group.
He has represented MCA Records in prosecuting claims for unauthorized use of sound recordings of artists Patsy Cline and Kitty Wells and copyright infringement of album cover artwork of Conway Twitty. Kirkpatrick earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Tennessee.
“Over the past 34 years, Phil has represented the interests of some of the more prominent artists, songwriters and music labels in the entertainment industry, and his background will bolster our intellectual property, entertainment and litigation practice areas,” said Brad Lampley, Partner in Charge of the Adams and Reese Nashville Office.
Adams and Reese is a multidisciplinary law firm with more than 340 attorneys and advisors located in 16 offices in 15 markets throughout the southern United States and Washington, D.C.
Great American Country Unveils New Brand Identity
/by Jessica Nicholson“The re-imagined Great American Country marks a natural evolution for what was previously known as GAC,” said Burton Jablin, president of Scripps Networks. “We’ve long had a vision for this network to be an all-American lifestyle destination. Think of it as a love letter to America, with heart and soul. It represents how we as Americans live and celebrate.”
“This is a significant moment in the evolution of Great American Country” said Sarah Trahern, Sr. VP and GM of the network. “Our roots are in country music, and some of those ever-present themes woven throughout the genre – senses of patriotism, pride in our homes, our families and nation – in many ways embody our network’s spirit and will help guide our programming strategies going forward.”
As part of the brand evolution, the use of the former acronym has been changed to the use of the full title – Great American Country. Also, a new, bold red logo inspired by the American flag has been introduced; the new design was created by Los Angeles-based Big Block Design Group.
“It’s important for us to lead by clearly stating who we are and defining our position in the media landscape,” said Jennifer Leitman, Sr. VP, marketing and creative services for the network. “We’re celebrating America and want to wave that flag, which we’re actually doing through the playful, modern use of our new flag logo.”
The network is also working to include more lifestyle programming into its lineup, including recent programming such as Farm Kings, Kimberly’s Simply Southern, Celebrity Motorhomes and other programs. The October re-brand of Great American Country also marks the network’s debut in high definition – an improvement made in response to viewer and market demand.
'Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas' Coming in October
/by Michael_SmithBuddy Cannon produced the family’s album, which features guest performances by Alison Krauss, George Strait, Luke Bryan and Josh Turner. A video sneak peek has been made of the making of the album featuring Strait and Bryan.
To preorder the album and find out more, visit duckthehalls.com.
Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas Track Listing:
1. “Ragin’ Cajun Redneck Christmas” (Willie Robertson)
2. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (Missy Robertson)
3. “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” (Uncle Si Robertson)
4. “Christmas Cookies” (Phil Robertson and George Strait with Miss Kay)
5. “Away In A Manger” (Sadie Robertson with Alison Krauss, Luke 2: 8-14 Scripture Reading by Mia)
6. “Hairy Christmas” (Willie Robertson and Luke Bryan with Phil, Uncle Si, Jase, Jep)
7. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (Missy and Jase Robertson)
8. “Duck The Halls” (Robertson Family)
9. “Camouflage And Christmas Lights” (Reed Robertson)
10.“Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” (Sadie Robertson and Robertson kids with Uncle Si)
11.“Night Before Christmas” (Uncle Si Robertson)
12.“Why I Love Christmas” (Missy Robertson with Josh Turner)
13.“Silent Night” (Robertson family)
14. Phil’s Prayer, Willie’s Closing
Industry Ink (9-30-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonProducer’s Chair founder James Rea stopped by the MusicRow offices on Friday, Sept. 27 to celebrate the seventh season of the Nashville program. During the visit, Rea met with MusicRow staff and presented a plaque to MusicRow Enterprise Owner Sherod Robertson commemorating the important role RowFax and MusicRow have played in the success of the monthly program.
Rea hosted his seventh anniversary event at Douglas Corner on Thursday (Sept. 26) with producer Mark Bright.
The Producer’s Chair monthly column runs exclusively on RowFax prior to the Douglas Corner program, which is held the last Thursday of the month with varying producers. MusicRow subsequently runs the column for subscribers-only.
Pictured (L-R): Eric Parker, MusicRow owner Sherod Robertson, Producer’s Chair founder James Rea.
James Rea visits with MusicRow staff. Pictured (L-R): Michael Smith, Eric Parker, Sherod Robertson, James Rea, Jessica Nicholson, Caitlin Rantala.
• • •
Songwriter Rich Karg has signed with Green Hills Music Group and Grin Like A Dog Songs for publishing. A native of Nashville, Karg is a former member of the Karg Brothers.
“Rich Karg is a delight to work with,” said Steve Mitchell, President of Grin Like A Dog Songs. “As a writer, he digs in deep for the substantial ideas, comes up with superb melodies, and is game to explore almost any musical direction you can think of. We are all the richer to have him on the team.”
Green Hills Music Group was founded in 2007 and has cuts by Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Jake Owen, Don Williams, Bucky Covington and Luke Bryan. Grin Like A Dog Songs has published songs recorded by Joe Nichols, Kassie DePaiva of ABC’s One Life to Live, Canadian artist Sean Hogan and Christian artist Suzzette Michaels.
Pictured (L to R): Leslie Mitchell (Grin Like A Dog Songs), Woody Bomar (Green Hills Music Group), Rich Karg, Steve Mitchell (Grin Like A Dog Songs).
• • •
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Stoney Creek Records recording artists Thompson Square to its Los Angeles office recently. The ACM Vocal Duo of the Year and ACM staff celebrated the duo’s recent success, including the Gold RIAA certification for their recent single, “If I Didn’t Have You.”
Pictured (L-R): Bob Romeo, ACM CEO; Shawna Thompson; Keifer Thompson; Tiffany Moon, ACM Executive Vice President/Managing Director. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
WKDF Launches New Morning Show With McFly, James, and Walls
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Cumulus station’s new team is on the air from 5:30-10 a.m. each morning, bringing celebrity and country news, local traffic and weather, and happenings from around the city to listeners.
“When the opportunity to do a fun, hip, plugged-in, conversational morning show on the station I have called home for so long was presented to me, it was too good to pass up,” said Walls. “I am in love with Nashville, I have a passion for country music, and I love keeping up with pop culture, so the opportunity to combine all of that and share it with listeners I have come to know and love over the last 13 years is a dream come true and a challenge that I am beyond excited to take on with Marty McFly, Stew James and our producer, Jeff Lyon.”