Oak Ridge Boys
The
Oak Ridge Boys are gearing up for the 24
th year of their annual Christmas tour this year as they celebrate 40 years in the business. The group will cross the country on dozens of dates on the
Christmas Time’s A Comin’ Tour as they spread some Yuletide cheer and celebrate their four decades of recording, and they’ll perform plenty of the tracks from their 2012 holiday CD of the same name,
Christmas Time’s A Comin, at every stop.
“Christmas is my favorite time of the year,” said Oak Ridge Boy
Duane Allen. “The Oak Ridge Boys get to take our Christmas tour all over the USA, sharing joy, happiness, gifts, families getting together, and, of course, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Our Christmas shows are the highlight of our year. Our 40th Anniversary tour dates are turning into celebrations everywhere we go. We have chosen a busy schedule so we can say ‘thank you’ to the many promoters, radio stations, fairs, festivals, and our wonderful fans who have all supported us for so many years. We hope everyone will come on out and celebrate with us.”
Christmas Time’s-A-Comin’ Tour Dates:
Nov. 5-7 – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 12-14 – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 16 – Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Nov. 19-21 – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 25 – Portsmouth, Ohio
Nov. 29 – Sioux Falls, S.D.
Nov. 30 – Des Moines, Iowa
Dec. 1 – Cheyenne, Wyo.
Dec. 2 – Salt Lake City, Utah
Dec. 3 – Cedar City, Utah
Dec. 5 – Billings, Mont.
Dec. 6 – Boise, Idaho
Dec. 7 – Kennewick, Wash.
Dec. 8 – Lewiston, Idaho
Dec. 9 – Spokane, Wash.
Dec. 10 – Eugene, Ore.
Dec. 11 – Redding, Calif.
Dec. 12 – Yountville, Calif.
Dec. 13 – Northridge, Calif.
Dec. 14 – Coachella, Calif.
Dec. 15 – Tucson, Ariz.
Dec. 16 – Amarillo, Texas
Dec. 17 – Topeka, Kan.
Dec. 18 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dec. 19 – Wabash, Ind.
Dec. 20 – Akron, Ohio
Dec. 21 – Toledo, Ohio
Dec. 22 – Green Bay, Wis.
'Chasing Nashville' To Premiere in October
/by Jessica NicholsonThe participants in Chasing Nashville include:
Autumn Blair – A true coal-miners daughter, Autumn hails from one of the back hollers of West Virginia and is related to Loretta Lynn.
Helena Hunt – From Clyde, N.C., Helena lives in an actual log cabin and is known for her incredible music talent, including her prowess while playing the banjo.
Lauren Marie Presley – Originally from Red Water, Texas, Lauren’s single mother puts everything behind her daughter’s dream while constantly reminding her that she may be related to the legendary Elvis Presley.
Savannah Little – From Pikeville, Ky., Savannah comes in tow with a mom who manages every aspect of her career and spares no expense to ensure that she shines.
The series also features entertainers Julia Knight, Celeste Turner and Tyra Short.
Lifetime has ordered nine hour-long episodes of the series.
Chasing Nashville is produced by Superfine Films and Thinkfactory Media. Steven Miller (Hillbilly Blood: A Hardscrabble Life) and Justin Green (Hillbilly Blood: A Hardscrabble Life) executive produce for Superfine Films. Adam Reed (Preachers’ Daughters), Adam Freeman (Gene Simmons Family Jewels) and Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoys) serve as executive producers for Thinkfactory Media, along with Lifetime’s Rob Sharenow, Gena McCarthy, Kimberly Chessler and Abigail Harvey.
No. 1 Celebration: Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel”
/by Michael_SmithPictured (L-R): Gaylord Entertainment/Grand Ole Opry’s Steve Buchanan, SESAC’s Tim Fink, co-writer Ketch Secor, BMI’s Clay Bradley, Darius Rucker, producer Frank Rogers, and Capitol Nashville’s Mike Dungan. Photo: Rick Diamond
Monday night (Sept. 16), guests gathered at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium to celebrate Darius Rucker’s No. 1 hit “Wagon Wheel.” BMI and SESAC hosted the celebration on the Ryman’s stage, where guests wandered in the footsteps of so many storied performers. Written by Ketch Secor and icon Bob Dylan (who was not present), “Wagon Wheel” is published by Blood Donor Music and Special Rider Music.
BMI’s Clay Bradley welcomed the crowd, congratulating both Rucker and the song’s writers. “Where else would Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor and Darius Rucker come together but in Nashville, Tennessee,” he said before handing Secor a BMI guitar to celebrate his first No. 1. “We expect big hits to come out of that guitar,” he joked.
The song’s producer Frank Rogers stepped up to briefly discuss the story behind “Wagon Wheel” and Rucker’s fervor to record it. SESAC’s Tim Fink joined the stage to present special plaques and praise “Wagon Wheel,” saying, “’It’s been done in folk and bluegrass and now Darius Rucker brings it to country in a way I don’t think anyone else could.”
UMG’s Mike Dungan commanded the crowd’s attention, taking the stage to present “Impaler Awards” and honor the song. “It’s great to make music that has some impact, but it’s great to work with someone that changes your life,” he said, referencing his friendship with Rucker.
Presentations followed by Country Radio Broadcaster’s Bill Mayne and The Opry’s Steve Buchanan, who revealed plans to induct Old Crow Medicine Show into the Opry Tuesday evening, Sept. 17. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox was also present to announce that a contribution had been made in the writers’ names to the Martha O’Bryan Center, where Secor volunteers.
Secor took the microphone to convey thanks and discuss the meaning of his first No. 1 song. “I’m humbled but ever so proud to share this song and this special night with my hero Bob Dylan,” he said.
Finally, Rucker expressed his gratitude, saying, “This is my sixth No. 1 in country music and that’s amazing to me. It’ll probably be the biggest song I ever have.” The singer ended his speech by turning to Secor and saying, “The best thing that came out of this for me was my friendship with Ketch.”
After the presentations ended, guests continued to mingle on the stage while evening light filtered through the Ryman’s stained glass windows.
Amy Grant, Kirk Franklin To Host 44th Annual Dove Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonThe awards show will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013 at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., at 7:30 p.m. CT.
The show will be broadcast on Monday, Oct. 21st at 8:00 p.m. ET exclusively on the UP network. Tickets are available now at the Allen Arena box office in Nashville or at ticketsnashville.com.
GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo states, “There are not too many names more synonymous with Christian and Gospel music than our hosts Amy and Kirk. We are so grateful for their contributions to the Dove Awards throughout the years and we’re excited to have them as the co-pilots of what is turning out to be one of the most compelling nights of music ever on the Dove stage.”
For a complete list of Dove Award nominees, visit doveawards.com.
MusicRowPics: Zane Williams
/by Jessica NicholsonSinger-songwriter Zane Williams stopped by the MusicRow offices on Monday (Sept. 16) to perform songs from his album Overnight Success. The title track is a song he calls autobiographical. “It’s how to become an overnight success in the industry in 10 easy steps,” he said. A few of those steps include buying a second-hand amp, playing every day for nine or 10 years, eating fast food at every meal, firing the original band, buying a new van, burning out on music and coming back to it, and finally getting a shot at the “big time.” “I’ve lived every line in this song,” says Williams.
“I didn’t grow up listening to country music and didn’t grow up in a musical family,” says Williams. “It took me a while to figure out where I fit.” With his penchant for story songs, and his strong twangy vocals, it seems Country is a place his songs can call home. His songwriting has garnered plenty of awards and attention. He won the John Lennon Songwriting contest, and his song “The Big Picture” was the Grand Prize-winning entry in the 6th annual CMT/NSAI Song Contest. Williams is currently signed with BE Music & Entertainment for management, label representation and publishing. His songs have been recorded by Pat Green and Jason Michael Carroll (“Hurry Home”).
He performed “On A Good Day,” penned in the snowy mountains of Telluride, Colo. A couple hired him to perform at their wedding at their spacious log cabin in Telluride. A heavy snow fell during the event, leaving Williams unable to fly out to his next show. “I’m sitting there in this large log cabin with 25-foot bay windows and watching snow fall on the mountains, and I thought it would be a good setting for a song,” said Williams.
The song, along with “When You’ve Got A Woman” and “Overnight Success,” are on Williams’ album Overnight Success, produced by Williams and Tom Faulkner, who may be best known for helping create jingles for Motel 6 and Chilis’ babyback ribs. “He had so many great ideas on how to arrange things and different instrumental lines, that I brought him in to produce the album,” says Williams. Williams wrote every song on the project, which was recorded near his home in Dallas.
For more information on Zane Williams, visit zanewilliamsmusic.com.
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Corey Smith to Launch Headline Tour
/by Caitlin Rantala“Touring has always been the backbone of my career and it wouldn’t be possible without the help of promoters like Live Nation,” said Smith. “I’m excited to make more special memories across the country on this tour.”
Smith is also in the studio working on his ninth full-length album. On this new project, he is collaborating for the first time with renowned producer Keith Stegall (Zac Brown Band/Alan Jackson).
For tour dates and more information, visit coreysmith.com.
The Band Perry To Play Heifer International Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Band Perry
The Band Perry will have a busy week this week as they hit the West Coast for several events. They kicked off the week on Monday (Sept. 16) with an appearance on the newly-launched Arsenio Hall Show, and the trio is set to perform a special acoustic show at Heifer International’s Second Annual “Beyond Hunger: A Place At The Table” Gala Thursday (Sept. 19) in Beverly Hills. The event will honor actress Susan Sarandon for her commitment to the charity and efforts to combat world hunger, and proceeds will benefit the organization’s mission to end hunger and poverty across the globe.
The siblings will then travel to The Talk TV show on Friday (Sept. 20) to chat with the ladies and perform their latest single, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely.” The following day, the band makes their debut appearance at the IHeartRadio Music Festival in Vegas, where they’ll perform as part of the festival on the strip with artists including Avril Lavigne and Jason Derulo. The three are also hard at work wrapping up details on their upcoming We Are Pioneers headlining world tour, which kicks off Nov. 8.
Artist Updates (9-17-13)
/by Lorie HollabaughSteve Wariner
Steve Wariner will have his watercolors on display at the Tennessee State Museum on Oct. 11. The exhibition, which is part of three new exhibits centered around a musical theme, will include 21 of Wariner’s favorite paintings. The paintings will be on display through Dec. 29 and the exhibit is open to the public free of charge.
“I am absolutely thrilled at this tremendous opportunity to have my art on display at the Tennessee State Museum,” said Wariner. “My work has been exhibited occasionally here-and-there over the years but never like this or at this level. This truly is a first for me…I am very grateful.”
• • •
Hunter Hayes
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and NARM debuted a new music video recently from Hunter Hayes as part of the industry-wide Give The Gift of Music campaign.
The video highlights the significance of giving and receiving music as a gift and launched exclusively in a featured “Countdown to the CMA Awards” section of the givethegiftofmusic.info website.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Striking Matches, Laura Heatherly, T.J. Martell Foundation, Ryan Kinder and David Augustin, Corporate Flight Management
The T.J Martell Foundation recently held its first annual “Nashville is Nowville” event at the Hangar at Corporate Flight Management in Smryna. The event, which featured performances by Striking Matches and Ryan Kinder and a fashion show unveiling Amanda Vallentine’s new line, raised $20,000 for the foundation.
• • •
Halfway to Hazard and Troy Gentry perform at the 6th annual Crockettsville Charity concert.
Photo: Debbie Wallace
Halfway To Hazard held its 6th Annual Crockettsville Charity Concert & Trail Ride Sept. 7-8 in Crockettsville, Ky. and raised more than $150,000 for area charities. Nearly 23,000 people attended Saturday’s concert at Abner Farm where Lee Brice, Troy Gentry, Halfway to Hazard, Keith Anderson, Gary Chapman, Larry Cordle, Christian Kane, Brian Nutter, and Ray Scott performed. Over the past six years, the event has raised $725,000 for Kentucky charities.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Brantley Gilbert, Danielle Bradbery
Brantley Gilbert and labelmate Danielle Bradbery both performed at Chicagoland Speedway before the NASCAR GEICO 400 race on Sunday (Sept. 15). Brantley performed a pre-race cocert, while Danielle sang the national anthem.
Hosts Revealed For Fourth Annual American Country Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonThis is Adkins’ fourth year serving as a host of the awards show. “I can’t wait to see if I have what it takes to keep up with this racing superstar,” said Adkins.
In addition to his hosting duties, Adkins will be joined by legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff and other guests for a special performance of “Carol of the Drum” (otherwise known as “Little Drummer Boy”). The song is featured on Adkins’ recently announced Celtic-infused Christmas album, The King’s Gift.
The American Country Awards offers fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists, albums, singles, videos and touring artists. Nominees, performers and presenters have yet to be announced for the fourth annual American Country Awards.
Rhapsody Restructures, President Jon Irwin Steps Down
/by Michael_SmithThe company’s changes come on the heels of an investment by Columbus Nova Technology Partners, which has placed principals Jason Epstein and Andrew Intrater on Rhapsody’s board.
Oak Ridge Boys Launch 24th Holiday Tour This November
/by Lorie HollabaughOak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys are gearing up for the 24th year of their annual Christmas tour this year as they celebrate 40 years in the business. The group will cross the country on dozens of dates on the Christmas Time’s A Comin’ Tour as they spread some Yuletide cheer and celebrate their four decades of recording, and they’ll perform plenty of the tracks from their 2012 holiday CD of the same name, Christmas Time’s A Comin, at every stop.
“Christmas is my favorite time of the year,” said Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen. “The Oak Ridge Boys get to take our Christmas tour all over the USA, sharing joy, happiness, gifts, families getting together, and, of course, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Our Christmas shows are the highlight of our year. Our 40th Anniversary tour dates are turning into celebrations everywhere we go. We have chosen a busy schedule so we can say ‘thank you’ to the many promoters, radio stations, fairs, festivals, and our wonderful fans who have all supported us for so many years. We hope everyone will come on out and celebrate with us.”
Christmas Time’s-A-Comin’ Tour Dates:
Nov. 5-7 – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 12-14 – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 16 – Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Nov. 19-21 – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 25 – Portsmouth, Ohio
Nov. 29 – Sioux Falls, S.D.
Nov. 30 – Des Moines, Iowa
Dec. 1 – Cheyenne, Wyo.
Dec. 2 – Salt Lake City, Utah
Dec. 3 – Cedar City, Utah
Dec. 5 – Billings, Mont.
Dec. 6 – Boise, Idaho
Dec. 7 – Kennewick, Wash.
Dec. 8 – Lewiston, Idaho
Dec. 9 – Spokane, Wash.
Dec. 10 – Eugene, Ore.
Dec. 11 – Redding, Calif.
Dec. 12 – Yountville, Calif.
Dec. 13 – Northridge, Calif.
Dec. 14 – Coachella, Calif.
Dec. 15 – Tucson, Ariz.
Dec. 16 – Amarillo, Texas
Dec. 17 – Topeka, Kan.
Dec. 18 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dec. 19 – Wabash, Ind.
Dec. 20 – Akron, Ohio
Dec. 21 – Toledo, Ohio
Dec. 22 – Green Bay, Wis.