Pictured (L-R): U.S. Marine Corps E-3/Lance Corporal Christopher Allen, Strait, and Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco, U.S. Army (Retired) Photo: Terry Calonge
On Friday (Jan. 18),
George Strait kicked-off the first of 21 tour stops on his 2013
The Cowboy Rides Away Tour at United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas.
Martina McBride is Strait’s special guest on the tour. An audience of over 15,000 was afforded what will soon be a rare occurrence–seeing Strait and his Ace In The Hole Band live in concert.
The evening began for many with a VIP reception in a room aptly named “The King’s Tavern,” which features multiple traveling memorabilia cases on display as part of “The King’s Exhibit” with featured items ranging from Dusty Chandler’s jacket (the lead character Strait portrayed in the film
Pure Country), to Strait’s Country Music Hall of Fame medallion from his November 2006 induction.
Partway through the show Strait broke stride after he performed his current single, “Give It All We Got Tonight,” and introduced U.S. Marine Corps E-3/Lance Corporal
Christopher Allen. Allen was then recognized as the 287th recipient of the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s (MWSF) “Homes 4 Wounded Heroes” (H4WH) program and the first awardee to receive a key directly from Strait. The presentation was made possible through Strait’s longtime friend, Lieutenant General
Leroy Sisco, U.S. Army (Retired).
“Our foundation is thrilled at this opportunity to work with such an incredible patriot as George Strait and with his help we are going to change the lives of the heroes and their families by awarding 100% mortgage-free homes at the next 20 concerts on George’s ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ finale tour,” said Sisco.
The Allen family will receive a spacious 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom one-story home in Bakersfield, Calif. complete with a pool and a two car garage. The homes made available for the program are donated to MWSF through partnerships and, as revealed at the show in Lubbock, will be awarded to one service member at every tour stop on
The Cowboy Rides Away Tour.
Upcoming 2013
The Cowboy Rides Away Tour dates:
Jan 19 | Chesapeake Energy Arena | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Jan 25 | EnergySolutions Arena | Salt Lake City, Utah
Jan 26 | Idaho Center | Nampa, Idaho
Jan 31 | Sleep Train Arena | Sacramento, Calif.
Feb 1 | SaveMart Center | Fresno, Calif.
Feb 2 | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, Nev.
Feb 15 | Xcel Energy Center | St. Paul, Minn.
Feb 16 | Alerus Center | Grand Forks, N.D.
Feb 22 | First Niagara Center | Buffalo, N.Y.
Feb 23 | XL Center | Hartford, Conn.
Mar 1 | Thompson-Boling Arena | Knoxville, Tenn.
Mar 2 | Rupp Arena | Lexington, Ky.
Mar 17 | Reliant Stadium | Houston, Texas
Mar 22 | Bi-Lo Center | Greenville, S.C.
Mar 23 | Greensboro Coliseum | Greensboro, N.C.
Apr 5 | The Pit | Albuquerque, N.M.
Apr 6 | Pan American Center | Las Cruces, N.M.
Apr 12 | Verizon Arena | N. Little Rock, Ark.
Apr 13 | New Orleans Arena | New Orleans, La.
Jun 1 | Alamodome | San Antonio, Texas*
* On sale date March 9, 2013
ASCAP Announces GPS Project Class of 2013
/by Caitlin RantalaPictured (L-R): ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Jonathan Kingham, Brittany Aultman, Sarah Allison Turner, Keith Walker, Austin Smith, Ryan Plappert, Brian Burke, Jillian Arciero, Kris Hitchcock, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel and Chris Drizen
ASCAP Senior Creative Director LeAnn Phelan and Creative Manager Ryan Bueschel have announced the names of the twelve talented, unsigned songwriters that will make up the ASCAP GPS Project Class of 2013. Now in its third year, the program puts emphasis on getting the best of Nashville’s unsigned ASCAP songwriters in front of the city’s vibrant publishing community. Twelve writers are paired with twelve publishers for one meeting a month, along with a follow-up meeting to help develop the writer and solidify the relationship.
ASCAP’s GPS Project Class of 2013 participants are: Jillian Arciero, Brittany Aultman, Brian Burke, Chris Drizen, Kris Hitchcock, Jonathan Kingham, Anthony Olympia, Ryan Plappert, Dara Sisterhen, Austin Smith, Sarah Allison Turner and Keith Walker.
“With shrinking man power and increasing workloads, as a community we can’t afford to take our eyes off the importance of writer development. The ASCAP GPS Project gets some of Nashville’s finest publishers involved in an invaluable learning experience for these talented writers,” commented Phelan.
The 2013 ASCAP GPS Project kicked off in January and will continue with events taking place through the end of the year. Additional special activities will include a mid-year writers’ round, guidance for participants from attorneys and other industry influentials, networking events and more. For more information, please contact the ASCAP Nashville office at nashville@ascap.com.
Amazon Aims To Compete With iTunes
/by Sarah SkatesAmazon offers over 22 million songs and over two million albums. Some of the store’s cost-saving deals include $5 albums, $0.69 songs, and free songs from up-and-coming artists.
Music purchases are automatically saved to customers’ Cloud Player libraries for no charge. Those songs can then be downloaded or played instantly from any iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Kindle Fire, Android phone or tablet, Roku, Sonos home entertainment system, or web browser.
Amazon also offers personalized recommendations based on purchase history, best-seller lists and Amazon customer ratings.
AIMP To Host Social Media Panel in Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonAriel Hyatt (founder of CyberPR), Wayne Leeloy (Senior Director of Digital Marketing for Warner Music Nashville), Marcus Whitney (CTO of Moontoast) and John Barker (President of Clearbox Rights, LLC) will discuss product development and marketing strategies involving social media and e-commerce. They will also examine the early stages of development with a publisher/administrator who is fostering an audience through social media.
A hot lunch buffet will be served. The cost for AIMP members is $25, while the price for non-members is $40. Those interested in attending can RSVP at www.aimp.org.
All Eyes Media Gets New Senior Director
/by Jessica NicholsonDonica Christensen
Donica Christensen has joined All Eyes Media as Senior Director. In her new role, she will help oversee the eclectic roster of artists that includes Widespread Panic, Lucinda Williams, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and Matt Costa, among other artists.
Previously, Christensen was Sugar Hill Records’ Director of Artist & Media Relations for the past five years, overseeing campaigns for Sarah Jarosz, Marty Stuart, Black Prairie and Sam Bush. Prior to her time with Sugar Hill, she was part of the team at Commotion PR, as well as working independently. She is a graduate of Belmont University’s Music Business program.
“I am stoked to be joining Jim Flammia’s team at All Eyes Media,” says Christensen. “Their passion for great music, integrity and eclectic roster make it the perfect move for me.”
“Our artists will benefit greatly from Donica’s experience, passion and work ethic,” says Flammia. “However, the most important trait she brings to All Eyes is how much she cares. We are very excited to have her on board.”
Christensen can be reached at All Eyes Media at 615-227-2770 and at donica@alleyesmedia.com.
Country Artists Team for Country Cares Seminar
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Voice winner Cassadee Pope visits with a St. Jude patient.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently welcomed Hunter Hayes, X Factor winner Tate Stevens, The Voice winner Cassadee Pope, High Valley, Alabama’s Randy Owen and Brantley Gilbert, along with over 1,000 members of the radio industry, to the 24th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® seminar. Since 1989, this event has brought together country music artists, radio stations and country music listeners to support the mission of St. Jude. Country Cares has raised over $440 million for the organization.
Hunter Hayes checks out a video with a St. Jude patient.
“I was told it was not going to be an average hospital visit,” says Hayes. “First of all, it is already happy. It’s joyous. There’s an energy. There’s a positivity. There’s the ‘hope’ message that lives and breathes in everything, in the people, in the building. It’s more than just bright colors and lots of natural light. It’s the attitude, it’s the hearts and the minds. It’s the way the people operate here. And the way you feel when you come here.”
“Since this is my first trip to St. Jude I just really wanted to soak in every second, every minute of it,” says Pope. “I’d been wanting to experience this since I was a kid. Just seeing all the campaigns and promotions and the big names behind this I knew it was such an amazing cause. That it was a place that was inspiring.”
For more information on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, visit stjude.org, facebook.com/stjude or twitter.com/stjude.
Pictured (L-R): High Valley’s Brad Rempel and Bryan Rempel, Alabama’s Randy Owen, High Valley’s Curtis Rempel
NYC Goes Country
/by Sarah SkatesNash-FM is using the tag line “Country for Life,” and launched with first song “How Country Feels” by Randy Houser. Listen live at nashfm947.com.
Jason Aldean plays Madison Square Garden on March 2.
Further proof of the genre’s growing popularity in the Big Apple is Friday’s news (Jan. 18) of Jason Aldean selling out famed Manhattan venue Madison Square Garden. According to his team, all available tickets were purchased in ten minutes for his first-ever concert at the arena. His 2013 Night Train Tour, which hits NYC on March 2, will feature Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett.
“I think people underestimate country music’s popularity in New York City,” said Aldean. “The Garden is one of those places every artist dreams of playing. I am blown away that my show sold out that quickly…it makes me even more excited to hit rehearsals this month and get the Night Train tour on the road. I can’t wait to see you, New York!”
Aldean is the latest country star to experience touring success in New York. In August 2012, Live Nation’s Brian O’Connell told the New York Daily News, “We’re seeing more headlining tours in the New York area going into 2013 than we have in history. It’s double what it was three or four years ago.” That article reported that New York is the single biggest market for country music sales, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Numerous factors have contributed country’s rise in popularity in the last several years, including genre-crossing superstars Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Lady Antebellum; and country music on television shows such as American Idol and The Voice. The CMA has been working to boost country’s presence in New York City for years, particularly since 2005 when the CMA Awards moved to Madison Square Garden for one year.
Holly Williams Readies Tour, 'The Tonight Show' Appearance
/by Jessica NicholsonWilliams will kick off her U.S. tour on Jan. 24 at Joe’s Pub in New York. She will also play Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on Feb. 6, Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre on Feb. 12 as well as additional tour stops in San Diego, Chicago and other cities.
The Highway was recorded at The Art House in Nashville and produced by Charlie Peacock (The Civil Wars), co-produced by Williams, and engineered and mixed by Richie Biggs, which additional engineering and mixing by Nick Autry and Chuck Ainlay. The 11-track album also features guest vocals from Jackson Browne, Jakob Dylan, Dierks Bentley and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Thompson Square Reveals Album Track Listing, Release Date
/by Michelle“There are a lot of fun, upbeat songs on this new album. It’s very diverse and kind of all over the map,” says Keifer Thompson. “The songs on the album are autobiographical and tell the story of our journey over the last few years – an incredible journey that I am still trying to wrap my head around.”
Keifer and Shawna Thompson co-wrote five of the 13 songs on the album, alongside such heavyweights as Brett James (Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel”) and David Lee Murphy (Thompson Square’s “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”).
Keifer shares an additional co-writing credit with hit makers Vicky McGehee and Kyle Jacobs on the blue-collar love story, “That’s So Me and You.”
Other notable collaborations include the album’s title track, “Just Feels Good,” written by Bobby Pinson, Brad and Brett Warren.
Thompson Square is currently touring with Luke Bryan on his sold-out Dirt Road Diaries Tour. The duo will continue with Bryan throughout the tour’s second leg, beginning May 17 in Virginia Beach, Va. and ending Oct. 26 in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Just Feels Good Official Track Listing:
1. Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About
(Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson, David Lee Murphy, Brett James)
2. Here We Go Again
(Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson, Vicky McGehee, David Fanning)
3. You Don’t Get Lucky
(David Lee Murphy, Bob DiPiero, Tom Shapiro)
4. That’s So Me And You
(Keifer Thompson, Vicky McGehee, Kyle Jacobs)
5. I Can’t Outrun You
(Kyle Jacobs, Joe Leathers, Ben Glover)
6. Testing The Water
(Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Hillary Lindsey)
7. For The Life Of Me
(Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson, David Lee Murphy, Brett James)
8. If I Didn’t Have You
(Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson, Jason Sellers, Paul Jenkins)
9. Here’s To Being Here
(Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson, David Lee Murphy, Brett James)
10. Just Feels Good
(Bobby Pinson, Brett Warren, Brad Warren)
11. Maybe It’s You
(Kyle Jacobs, Vicky McGehee, Kyle Sackley)
12. Run
(Ross Copperman, Michael Davey)
13. Home Is You
(Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Winners
/by Eric T. ParkerIn addition to hosting duties, Mary Mary was honored with nine nominations, taking home five trophies to tie the evening with Charles Jenkins.
Special honors were bestowed upon Bishop TD, Kurt Carr and Inez Andrews. Also in attendance was Shirley Caesar and former Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams. This year, the Stellar Awards presented five categories highlighting the top Gospel radio stations at a special ceremony at TPAC on Saturday, Jan. 19.
The Stellar Awards aired for the first time on GMC network, in addition to 150 syndicated stations around the country. Local markets will re-air the program beginning January 26 – March 30.
28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Winners
Artist of the Year
Marvin Sapp
Song of the Year
“Awesome” Charles Jenkins, The Best of Both Worlds, Inspired People
Male Vocalist of the Year
Marvin Sapp
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kierra Sheard
Group/Duo of the Year
Mary Mary
New Artist of the Year
Le’andria Johnson
CD of the Year
The Best of Both Worlds, Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago, Inspired People
Choir of the Year
Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
Producer of the Year
Isaac Carree, Eric Dawkins, Warryn Campbell, Gerald Haddon, Rick Robinson
Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
Mary Mary
Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
The Williams Brothers
Contemporary Male of the Year
Fred Hammond
Traditional Male of the Year
Marvin Sapp
Contemporary Female of the Year
Le’andria Johnson
Traditional Female of the Year
Vanessa Bell Armstrong
Contemporary CD of the Year
Go Get It, Mary Mary, My Block/Columbia Records
Traditional CD of the Year
I Win, Marvin Sapp, Verity Gospel Music Group
Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year
“Go Get It — Go Get It,” Mary Mary, My Block/Columbia Records
Music Video of the Year
“Go Get It — Go Get It,” Darren Grant, My Block/Columbia Records
Traditional choir of the Year
Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
Special Event CD of the Year
Go Get It, Mary Mary, My Block/Columbia Records
Rap Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
The Whole Truth, Da T.r.u.t.h., Xist Music/Black Fuel Entertainment
Children’s Project of the Year
Anointed By God, Anointed By God, One Voice Media
Quartet of the Year
The Williams Brothers
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
The Best of Both Worlds, Charles Jenkins, Inspired People
Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Shifting the Atmosphere, Jason Nelson, Verity Gospel Music Group
George Strait Kicks off 'The Cowboy Rides Away' Tour
/by Caitlin RantalaPictured (L-R): U.S. Marine Corps E-3/Lance Corporal Christopher Allen, Strait, and Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco, U.S. Army (Retired) Photo: Terry Calonge
On Friday (Jan. 18), George Strait kicked-off the first of 21 tour stops on his 2013 The Cowboy Rides Away Tour at United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Martina McBride is Strait’s special guest on the tour. An audience of over 15,000 was afforded what will soon be a rare occurrence–seeing Strait and his Ace In The Hole Band live in concert.
The evening began for many with a VIP reception in a room aptly named “The King’s Tavern,” which features multiple traveling memorabilia cases on display as part of “The King’s Exhibit” with featured items ranging from Dusty Chandler’s jacket (the lead character Strait portrayed in the film Pure Country), to Strait’s Country Music Hall of Fame medallion from his November 2006 induction.
Partway through the show Strait broke stride after he performed his current single, “Give It All We Got Tonight,” and introduced U.S. Marine Corps E-3/Lance Corporal Christopher Allen. Allen was then recognized as the 287th recipient of the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s (MWSF) “Homes 4 Wounded Heroes” (H4WH) program and the first awardee to receive a key directly from Strait. The presentation was made possible through Strait’s longtime friend, Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco, U.S. Army (Retired).
“Our foundation is thrilled at this opportunity to work with such an incredible patriot as George Strait and with his help we are going to change the lives of the heroes and their families by awarding 100% mortgage-free homes at the next 20 concerts on George’s ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ finale tour,” said Sisco.
The Allen family will receive a spacious 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom one-story home in Bakersfield, Calif. complete with a pool and a two car garage. The homes made available for the program are donated to MWSF through partnerships and, as revealed at the show in Lubbock, will be awarded to one service member at every tour stop on The Cowboy Rides Away Tour.
Upcoming 2013 The Cowboy Rides Away Tour dates:
Jan 19 | Chesapeake Energy Arena | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Jan 25 | EnergySolutions Arena | Salt Lake City, Utah
Jan 26 | Idaho Center | Nampa, Idaho
Jan 31 | Sleep Train Arena | Sacramento, Calif.
Feb 1 | SaveMart Center | Fresno, Calif.
Feb 2 | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, Nev.
Feb 15 | Xcel Energy Center | St. Paul, Minn.
Feb 16 | Alerus Center | Grand Forks, N.D.
Feb 22 | First Niagara Center | Buffalo, N.Y.
Feb 23 | XL Center | Hartford, Conn.
Mar 1 | Thompson-Boling Arena | Knoxville, Tenn.
Mar 2 | Rupp Arena | Lexington, Ky.
Mar 17 | Reliant Stadium | Houston, Texas
Mar 22 | Bi-Lo Center | Greenville, S.C.
Mar 23 | Greensboro Coliseum | Greensboro, N.C.
Apr 5 | The Pit | Albuquerque, N.M.
Apr 6 | Pan American Center | Las Cruces, N.M.
Apr 12 | Verizon Arena | N. Little Rock, Ark.
Apr 13 | New Orleans Arena | New Orleans, La.
Jun 1 | Alamodome | San Antonio, Texas*
* On sale date March 9, 2013