Artists, Chef Grace Ryman Stage For 'Sing For Your Supper'

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sing for your supper1Music and food grace the stage of the Ryman Auditorium in a current series airing on Public Television stations.
Sing For Your Supper with Bob Waggoner premiered earlier this month on Public Television stations; the fall season’s 13 episodes feature Chef Bob Waggoner preparing a gourmet meal with several top performers. But, there is no such thing as a free lunch, so Chef Bob will make each entertainer “sing for their supper” on the Ryman stage. Artists appearing on the series include Lauren Alaina, Kelleigh Bannen, Dailey & Vincent, Sarah Darling, Brett Eldredge, Escondido, Amy Grant, Brandon Heath, Jana Kramer, The Mavericks, Erin McCarley and Craig Morgan.
The first episode, which debuted Sept. 7 in most markets, featured Waggoner and Grant preparing a Seared Foie Gras & Beef Tenderloin.
Waggoner was one of the first chefs to bring farm-to-table cuisine from Europe to the US. The Southern California native began working at Trumps in West Hollywood, followed by his first position as chef (at age 23) at Members, a private club in Caracas, Venezuela. He became the first American to own his own restaurant in France (at age 26), and then returned to the United States to join The Wild Boar in Nashville, where he helped earn the restaurant the AAA Five-Diamond award as well as the Grand Award from Wine Spectator. He went on to helm the Charleston Grill in Charleston Place for 12 years. He earned an Emmy for his television show “Off The Menu” with Turner South. He has also helmed Nashville restaurant Watermark.
Mike Kirk serves as executive producer for the series, with Anastasia Brown as producer and talent booker.
Upcoming menus and artists include Waggoner making a Duck Breast Salad and Lobster Tempura with Jana Kramer, and creating Wild Shrimp and Elk with Craig Morgan (for this episode, sportsman and entertainer Morgan brought in elk he hunted).
For more information, visit singforyoursupperusa.com.

No. 1 Celebration: Brett Eldredge’s “Don’t Ya”

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, co-writer Chris DeStefano, Brett Eldredge, co-writer Ashley Gorley, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito and RLB Artist Management, LLC’s Rob Baker. Photo: Erika Goldring

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, co-writer Chris DeStefano, Brett Eldredge, co-writer Ashley Gorley, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito and RLB Artist Management, LLC’s Rob Baker. Photo: Erika Goldring

Monday afternoon (Sept. 23) BMI and ASCAP celebrated Brett Eldredge’s No. 1 hit “Don’t Ya” in Nashville restaurant Cabana’s stylish back room. Written by Eldredge, Chris DeStefano and Ashley Gorley, “Don’t Ya” is published by Out of the Taperoom Music, Sugar Glider Music Publishing, Combustion Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music and Paris Not France Music.

BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed the standing room-only crowd, congratulating the writers and presenting Eldredge with a coveted No. 1 guitar. Collins listed the singer’s numerous accomplishments, including his stint on Taylor Swift’s RED Tour and his bold decision to skydive when “Don’t Ya” reached No. 1.
ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel came onstage to honor the three writers, calling DeStefano and Gorley “one of the hottest songwriting duos” in the business today, with songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Billy Currington, Luke Bryan and more. Beuschel also prophesied that Gorley will be named ASCAP’s 2014 Songwriter of the Year.
Combustion Music Publishing’s Chris Farren and Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg took the stage to present awards and celebrate each writer. Van Valkenburg commented on DeStefano’s tireless work ethic before turning to Eldredge and saying, “If the time ever comes when you don’t want to be an artist, you’ll have a lifelong career as a songwriter.” Warner/Chappell Music Publishing also paid tribute to the writers with special plaques.
The party included presentations from Country Radio Broadcasters’ Michelle Kammerer and CMA’s Brandi Simms. Avenue Bank’s Cooper Samuel was also present to announce that a donation had been made by Avenue Bank in the writers’ names to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Warner Music Nashville President and CEO John Esposito showered praise on Eldredge, the first artist he signed upon moving to Nashville, saying, “He has that unbelievable unique style of phrasing that makes the song his. I’m blessed to have one of the greatest vocalists I’ve ever heard on our roster.”
DeStefano and Gorley took the stage to express their gratitude and thank their families. “Thanks for never thinking that songwriting isn’t a real gig and asking me to get a real job,” said Gorley, who was celebrating his eleventh No. 1.
Finally, Eldredge boomed his appreciation through the microphone, saying, “Let’s tell some stories. This is very surreal to me right now.” He shared stories from his early days, like sleeping on the roof of a parking garage before an audition and dropping off demo CDs with his family. He also commented on Nashville’s community, saying “This town sticks together like a family and I hope it never changes.” The singer will kick off his Bring You Back tour on Oct. 3 in Oxford, Ohio.
As the celebration died down, partygoers snacked on pizza and drinks while late afternoon turned to early evening.

Toby Keith To Embark On First Australian Tour in 2014

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toby keith1

Toby Keith


Toby Keith is set to party Down Under next year, bringing his Hammer Down Under Tour to Australia for a series of arena concerts beginning in March 2014. Keith will also headline the 2014 CMC Rocks the Hunter festival at the Hope Estate in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley. Joining Keith on the arena tour dates will be Eli Young Band and Kellie Pickler.
The current lineup of concerts includes:
Friday, March 14, 2014: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD
Sunday, March 16, 2014: CMC Rocks The Hunter Festival, Hope Estate, Pokolbin, NSW
Tuesday, March 18, 2014: Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW
Wednesday, March 19, 2014: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne VIC
For more information, visit tobykeith.com.

Opry, Southwest Bringing Pope, Farr, Love and Theft to NYC

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Nashville New York backdrop111In celebration of the Grand Ole Opry’s Birthday and Country Music Month, the Opry and Southwest Airlines® are set to fly three Nashville newcomers to New York City for a series of free acoustic performances at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park. To set the tone, the Opry’s signature microphone stand and a replica of the famed circle of wood from center stage at the Opry House will also be making the trip.
Tyler Farr will perform Sept. 30, followed by Love and Theft on Oct. 3 and Cassadee Pope on Oct. 7. On-air personalities from New York’s NASH FM 94.7 will host each event. Each performance is open to the public and admittance will be based on a first-come first-served basis.
“We’re looking forward to presenting to our friends and fans in New York some of the artists who’ve really excited our audiences during recent Opry performances,” said Pete Fisher, Opry VP and general manager. “It’ll be great to extend our birthday party and Country Music Month beyond Music City to New York City.”
Full schedule details, as well as a chance to win a VIP trip to Nashville including airfare on Southwest Airlines and admission to numerous Nashville attractions, can be found at opry.com/nyc.

ACM Announces New Board for 2013-2014 Term

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acmThe Academy of Country Music has announced its new Board of Directors for the 2013-2014 term. Six qualifying professional categories were elected by the membership this year, and director-at-large positions were also appointed by Chairman Ken Robold, President Darin Murphy, and VP Paul Barnabee. Directors are elected from each category based on its number of members, and each director serves staggered two-year terms, with half the board membership changing each year.
New Members to The Academy of Country Music’s Board of Directors 2013-2014:
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Michael Knox, Music Knox/peermusic Nashville
Betsy McHugh, Martingale Entertainment
Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management
Chris Parr, Spalding Entertainment
LeAnn Phelan, ASCAP
Dave Pomeroy,Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257
Sally Seitz, iTunes
Peter Strickland, Warner Music Nashville 
“I’m excited to see what these 10 terrific new members, with their original perspectives, will bring to the already energetic group of dedicated professionals on the Board,” said Robold.  “We’re blessed to have true commitment from so many hard working industry heavyweights to deliver the mission of the Academy, as we gear up for what will be key years in ACM history.”
The 2013-2014 ACM Board of Directors: 
OFFICERS
Chairman-Ken Robold, Southern Ground Artists
President- Darin Murphy, CAA
Vice President-Paul Barnabee, Sony Music Nashville
Treasurer-Duane Clark, FBMM
Parliamentarian-Paul Moore, WME
Secretary-Tiffany Moon, Academy of Country Music
AFFILIATED
Tony Brown, TBE
Buddy Cannon, Buddy Cannon Productions
Tim DuBois, Artist Management Partners
Michael Knox, Music Knox / peermusic Nashville
Neal Spielberg, Spielberg Entertainment
ARTIST/ENTERTAINER/MBI
Luke Bryan
Craig Morgan
Kimberly Perry, The Band Perry
Dave Pomeroy, Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257
CLUB/CASINO/VENUE OPERATOR
Roger Gearhart, Graham Brothers Entertainment
Jerry Hufford, Buck Owens’ Enterprises
COMPOSER
Don Schlitz
MANAGER
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment/Red Light Management
Marion Kraft, Shopkeeper Management
Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management
MEDIA/PR
Mary Hilliard Harrington, The GREENROOM
MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO
Frank Liddell, Carnival Music
LeAnn Phelan, ASCAP
ON-AIR PERSONALITY
Bob Kingsley, Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40
RADIO
Charlie Cook, West Virginia Radio Corporation
RECORD COMPANY
Tom Baldrica, Show Dog-Universal Music
Mike Dungan, Universal Music Group
Greg McCarn, Black River Entertainment
Peter Strickland, Warner Music Nashville
TALENT AGENT
Greg Oswald, WME
TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER
Brad Garrett, Police Productions
TV/MOTION PICTURE
Sherman Halsey, Halsey Productions
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Robert Allen, 13 Management
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Clay Bradley, BMI
Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Mike Culotta, Streamsound Records
Dallas Davidson, 2 Chord Georgia Music
Chris Farren, Combustion Music
Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry
Leslie Fram, CMT
Brandon Gill, Morris Artists Management
Gary Haber, Haber Corporation
Pat Higdon, Patrick Joseph Music
Gayle Holcomb, WME
T.K. Kimbrell, T.K.O. Artist Management
Mike Kraski, Tenacity Management Group
Jon Loba, BBR Music Group
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Doc McGhee, McGhee Entertainment
Betsy McHugh, Martingale Entertainment
Dan Mason, CBS Radio
Curt Motley, PARADIGM
Brian O’Connell, Live Nation
Chris Parr, Spalding Entertainment
Glenn Peoples, Billboard Magazine
Fran Romeo, Romeo Entertainment Group
Kimberly Schlapman, Little Big Town
Sally Seitz, iTunes
Butch Spyridon, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ken Tucker, Beats Music
Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell Nashville
Ed Warm, Joe’s Bar
PAST CHAIRS
Butch Waugh
Sarah Trahern, Great American Country
Bill Mayne, Country Radio Broadcasters
Rod Essig, CAA
John Grady, Crush Management
Mark Hartley, Fitzgerald Hartley Co.

Artist Updates (9-24-13)

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Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks


• Garth Brooks will return to Las Vegas for eight shows in October and November. The shows are slated for Oct. 18 (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.), Oct. 19 (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.), Nov. 8 (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.), Nov. 9 (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.). Tickets are on sale at wynnlasvegas.com.
Kellie Pickler

Kellie Pickler


• Kellie Picker was hospitalized and forced to delay a concert on Saturday (Sept. 21), after a suspected bout with food poisoning. Pickler received an IV at the show and went on to perform a 90-minute set.  “Many thanks to everyone who came to my show tonight,” Pickler tweeted. “Again, I’m so sorry I had to delay my show…thank you for your grace & understanding.”
Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton


• Calling all beards! Chris Stapleton is calling on his fans to submit photos of their facial hair via social media for the chance to win a place on his guest list at one of his shows, beginning with Joe’s Bar in Chicago on Sept. 27. The ongoing campaign, “Get Cleared With Your Beard,” launched today and encourages fans to get creative with their submissions.
“It’s funny, I get a lot of questions right off the bat from fans about my beard, which always makes for a great conversation starter…we just get straight down to the personal stuff,” laughed Stapleton. “I decided to have some fun with it and celebrate the beard…women too! If your husband or boyfriend or brother, or even your grandma has a beard and you are proud of it, then send in your photos!”
Fans can submit photos of their beard with the hashtag #GetClearedWithYourBeard to Stapleton’s Facebook,  Twitter or Instagram.
Pictured (L-R): Roger Murrah, Al Jarreau. Photo by Mark Ciampa.

Pictured (L-R): Roger Murrah, Al Jarreau. Photo by Mark Ciampa.


• Songwriters Hall of Fame songwriter, Roger Murrah, welcomed jazz great, Al Jarreau, back to Nashville Sunday (Sept. 22). The two friends enjoyed some laughs following Jarreau’s sold out performance with the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Murrah and Keith Stegall wrote one of Jarreau’s most successful songs of his career, “We’re In This Love Together.” Murrah will soon be in the studio recording his own ‘songwriter album’ planned for release in the Spring of 2014.
•  Sibling trio Taylor Made recently performed in support of the Wounded Warrior Walkers, who are making the cross-country trek to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. Together with station WTNJ, the band supplied live music at a show in West Virginia during a meet-and-greet with the Wounded Warrior Walkers.

Country trio Taylor Made perform for the Wounded Warrior Walkers in West Virginia.

Country trio Taylor Made perform for the Wounded Warrior Walkers in West Virginia.

War Memorial Auditorium Gets Sound Upgrade For 88th Birthday

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Pictured above, Mumford & Sons perform to a packed house at WMA.

Pictured above, Mumford & Sons perform to a packed house at WMA.


Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium, which celebrates its 88th birthday this month, has been outfitted with a state-of-the-art sound system by Brantley. The new upgrades were designed to accentuate the venue’s natural acoustics and provide an optimum listening experience for concert-goers.
“War Memorial Auditorium was built at a time when there were not a lot of amplification devices available, so the walls and hard surfaces were designed acoustically and architecturally to carry the sound naturally,” said Brent Hyams, chief operating officer for War Memorial Auditorium. “With the new technology, we can augment the natural acoustics, amplify the sound and make sure that every corner of the room–from the balcony to the floor seats–provides an incredible concert experience.”
The venue’s sound system upgrade includes permanent rigging points to fly the sound system, a line array speaker system that provides directional sound, stage drapery to eliminate sound reflection, and absorption panels all around the venue and on the ceiling. Additional upgrades will roll out over the next few months.
The War Memorial Auditorium was originally built to honor the 3400 Tennesseans who died in World War I and has been the performance home for the Nashville Symphony and the Grand Ole Opry. Performers like Ray Charles, KISS, David Bowie, and the Eagles have all crossed its stage at one point or another over the past eight decades, and Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers recently filmed the video for their new song, “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” at the concert hall. It was host to the Music City Eats Festival’s Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Petty Fest tribute concert last weekend, and the upcoming feature film The Identical, which stars Ashley Judd and Ray Liotta, also shot scenes at the legendary venue.
War Memorial Auditorium was given the Gold Medal Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Institute of Architecture.

War Memorial Auditorium was given the Gold Medal Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Institute of Architecture.


Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium has rocked audiences for years, bringing performances by legendary music artists from Ray Charles, Roy Acuff and Elvis Costello to Hollywood starlets and presidential candidates Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy, who gave speeches on the courtyard steps.

Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium has rocked audiences for years, bringing performances by music artists from Ray Charles, Roy Acuff and Elvis Costello to Hollywood starlets and presidential candidates Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy, who gave speeches on the courtyard steps.

Kacey Musgraves Added To Katy Perry Charity Concert

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Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves

Katy Perry will perform a concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday, Oct. 23 benefiting the Young Survival Coalition. Perry’s We Can Survive concert will feature several guest artists, including Sara Bareilles, Ellie Goulding, Tegan & Sara and Country music’s Kacey Musgraves.

“These are all very powerful women that I really respect and look up to,” said Perry in an interview with Carson Daly on 97.1 AMP, “and I wanted them to come together to promote this supportive message and have a  fantastic night full of great music. There’s so many great acts in this lineup. And I get to play a lot of songs off the record that will have come out the night before.”
The Young Survival Coalition is a global organization dedicated to helping young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Tickets for Perry’s We Can Survive concert go on sale Friday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. PT through Ticketmaster. Pre-sale for Citi Thank You card-members begins on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. PT.

Overton Named Honorary Professor By MTSU

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Gary Overton, who holds the plaque commemorating his designation as Honorary Professor, is surrounded by MTSU students after his talk on campus.

Gary Overton, who holds the plaque commemorating his designation as Honorary Professor, is surrounded by MTSU students after his talk on campus.


Sony Music Nashville‘s Gary Overton has been dubbed an Honorary Professor by Middle Tennessee State University‘s Department of Recording Industry. He was surprised with the presentation Sept. 17, after his talk with 250 MTSU students as the debut speaker in the department’s new Chair’s Speakers Series. Overton graduated from the college in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recording Industry Management, and was recently inducted into the school’s Mass Communication Wall of Fame.
“Gary Overton is one of the most successful graduates in the 40-year history of the Department of Recording Industry,” said Beverly Keel, the department’s chair. “He has been so generous with his time, guidance and advice that we were eager to bestow this rare honor on Gary. The students are still buzzing with excitement about his talk here and were inspired by his words of wisdom and encouragement. He is a wonderful ambassador for MTSU and country music.”
Currently the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Nashville, Overton previously spent 15 years as Executive VP & General Manager of EMI Music Publishing’s Nashville division, where he was responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations. During his tenure there, the company earned Publisher of the Year honors from ASCAP, BMI, and/or SESAC 12 times. Prior to that, Overton managed Alan Jackson and also served as head of A&R for BNA Entertainment and VP of Warner/Chappell Music.

Nissan To Become iTunes Radio Exclusive Automotive Launch Partner

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iTunesRadioNissan has announced its first-year commitment for iTunes Radio, becoming an exclusive automotive partner, according to a statement on the official website. This will allow the automaker to take advantage of creative formats, including audio/video across Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC. Among the first Nissan vehicles included in the iTunes Radio partnership are the 2014 Nissan Rogue compact SUV, the 2014 Nissan Versa Note and the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.
“We see iTunes Radio as an integral part of our new vehicle launches and ‘big moments,’ riding the wave of interest and usage of this exciting new service to maximize exposure of Nissan’s new models,” said Jon Brancheau, VP, Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. “We’re also adding iAd on iTunes Radio as a critical platform in support of ongoing campaigns, such as our college football and Heisman Trophy Tour initiatives. It’s a great way for Nissan to reach the right audiences in the right markets.”
The 2014 Nissan Rogue will go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in November, and the vehicle’s presence on iTunes Radio is a significant part of the marketing campaign for the product.
“Nissan, as a brand also known for innovation, is proud to support iTunes Radio from the very beginning, with content relevant to consumers’ interests,” added Brancheau. “We see iTunes Radio being a huge success and we look forward to delivering amazing brand experiences to this exciting new audience.”
Nissan is the only automotive partner with iTunes Radio; additional exclusive partners include McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble and Pepsi.