Sr. Producer and co-host Craig Havighurst describes Music City Roots: Live From The Loveless Cafe as Nashville’s version “4.0 or 5.0” music scene. He explains, “I wrote a book [Air Castle of the South] about how WSM grew and how it spawned the first publishing, tour management, record company, and recording studio in the ‘20s. With the demise of The Nashville Network and the loss of Opryland, a global platform for Nashville was missing. Music City Roots has become that. The show gives the chance to hear a natural sounding guitar and a vocal performance not auto-tuned for audiences who crave an honest performance of music. Guests come for old favorites and hear two artists they have probably never heard of, and many times they purchase their CDs before they leave.”
The weekly live radio and web broadcast overseen by Havighurst, and Executive Producers Todd Mayo and John Walker, celebrates its third season when it debuts for the fall season on Wednesday (10/10). Barely changed in format, the show remains rooted in the premise that it generates excitement for the Americana, Folk and Roots music scene, whether the artists live here or are passing through. Organizers have used a clever combination of technology to achieve this goal.
Originally broadcast on WSM-AM, the live program changed hands after its first season to current partner, WRLT/Lightening 100. Now syndicated to roughly 20 national radio stations in addition to public radio, the program mingles legends with up-and-coming artists, sometimes unheard of even by aficionados of the genre.
Last month, Roots Radio launched as a free, mobile-friendly, continual stream of archived performances from live shows. Live HD video footage of the performances are available through Livestream musiccityroots.com, thanks to video director Jim Yockey, who has experience at PBS and TNN.
Additional avenues are being explored to bring programming to television. A recent deal includes a thirteen episode 1-hour series ordered by CMC Television in Australia, which begins in December 2012. To pair with the international exposure, the MCR’s production crew will travel to the country in early 2013 to record a program with Elizabeth Cook and co-host Jim Lauderdale. The trip will take place around the time of the Tamworth Music Festival.
“Our No. 1 export as a city is our musical culture,” said Mayo. “Our goal is to send it out in the best possible light, through every medium possible.”
It takes a full-time crew of 4-5 employees, together with 6-8 part-time, to run the show. They hosted and recorded the first-ever Americana Music Association pre-show for the September awards. Additionally, the crew broadcasted the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Awards for the first time in its history, and has begun producing the “Fiddle/Sticks” ongoing series expected in October.
“For years I have met people through Nashville who have great ideas with their heart in the right place, but it isn’t the most lucrative,” said Havighurst. “I’ve been knocked out by both [Walker and Mayo’s] passion to find ways to reach new people, and close deals for long-lasting sponsors.”
“We are thrilled to reach this milestone and are so excited about the days to come,” said Walker. “Todd Mayo and I had a vision from its inception, and in the three years since our first show, we found the warmth, support and participation we have received from sponsors, attendees and artists to be overwhelming and energizing.”
The 2012 season will feature upgrades to the Roots set, lighting and video production. As the third anniversary unfolds, audiences will be treated to emerging talent and musical legends, along with co-host Lauderdale and veteran Grand Ole Opry announcer Keith Bilbrey as emcee.
For information about shows, tickets, schedules, and sponsors, please visit: www.musiccityroots.com.
Music City Roots Celebrates 3rd Anniversary
/by Eric T. ParkerThe weekly live radio and web broadcast overseen by Havighurst, and Executive Producers Todd Mayo and John Walker, celebrates its third season when it debuts for the fall season on Wednesday (10/10). Barely changed in format, the show remains rooted in the premise that it generates excitement for the Americana, Folk and Roots music scene, whether the artists live here or are passing through. Organizers have used a clever combination of technology to achieve this goal.
Originally broadcast on WSM-AM, the live program changed hands after its first season to current partner, WRLT/Lightening 100. Now syndicated to roughly 20 national radio stations in addition to public radio, the program mingles legends with up-and-coming artists, sometimes unheard of even by aficionados of the genre.
Last month, Roots Radio launched as a free, mobile-friendly, continual stream of archived performances from live shows. Live HD video footage of the performances are available through Livestream musiccityroots.com, thanks to video director Jim Yockey, who has experience at PBS and TNN.
Additional avenues are being explored to bring programming to television. A recent deal includes a thirteen episode 1-hour series ordered by CMC Television in Australia, which begins in December 2012. To pair with the international exposure, the MCR’s production crew will travel to the country in early 2013 to record a program with Elizabeth Cook and co-host Jim Lauderdale. The trip will take place around the time of the Tamworth Music Festival.
“Our No. 1 export as a city is our musical culture,” said Mayo. “Our goal is to send it out in the best possible light, through every medium possible.”
It takes a full-time crew of 4-5 employees, together with 6-8 part-time, to run the show. They hosted and recorded the first-ever Americana Music Association pre-show for the September awards. Additionally, the crew broadcasted the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Awards for the first time in its history, and has begun producing the “Fiddle/Sticks” ongoing series expected in October.
“For years I have met people through Nashville who have great ideas with their heart in the right place, but it isn’t the most lucrative,” said Havighurst. “I’ve been knocked out by both [Walker and Mayo’s] passion to find ways to reach new people, and close deals for long-lasting sponsors.”
“We are thrilled to reach this milestone and are so excited about the days to come,” said Walker. “Todd Mayo and I had a vision from its inception, and in the three years since our first show, we found the warmth, support and participation we have received from sponsors, attendees and artists to be overwhelming and energizing.”
The 2012 season will feature upgrades to the Roots set, lighting and video production. As the third anniversary unfolds, audiences will be treated to emerging talent and musical legends, along with co-host Lauderdale and veteran Grand Ole Opry announcer Keith Bilbrey as emcee.
For information about shows, tickets, schedules, and sponsors, please visit: www.musiccityroots.com.
Show Dog and Universal Music Renew Agreement
/by Freeman“We are committed to expanding our creative investment in all areas of country music,” stated Mr. Dungan. “Show Dog-Universal Music is on solid ground, and is uniquely situated as one of the premier custom-shop labels in Nashville. With Toby and Mark at the helm, I’m confident that they will be able to expand the label even further.”
“We are extremely proud to be part of the Universal family and their commitment and belief speaks volumes at this time in the music business,” added SDU Music President, Mark Wright.
Since forming Show Dog-Universal Music in 2009, Keith and Wright have expanded the label’s roster to include Trace Adkins, Josh Thompson, JT Hodges, Joel Crouse, Rose Falcon, Jessie James, and Krystal Keith.
Kellie Pickler Finds New Label Home
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Fitzgerald Hartley's, Larry Fitzgerald; Black River's VP of A&R, Doug Johnson; Kellie Pickler; Black River's CEO, Gordon Kerr; Black River's GM, Greg McCarn
It was announced today (10/8) that Kellie Pickler has signed a recording contract with Black River Entertainment.
“From our initial meeting, it was clear to me how much the entire team respects the artists’ musical vision, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into the studio to record and release new music to country radio,” said Picker.
“Anyone who loves country music deserves to turn on their radio and hear Kellie Pickler,” said Doug Johnson, VP of A&R at Black River. “I am honored to have the opportunity to help share her music with the world.”
“She’s real, she adores her fans, she’s rooted in and committed to country music and she’s genuine,” praised Gordon Kerr, CEO of Black River Entertainment. “How can you ask for more than that?”
Pickler has spent the past 6 years with 19/BNA Records for whom she released three albums after appearing on American Idol. Her 2006 debut album, Small Town Girl, sold 800,000 copies and contained the breakout singles, “Red High Heels,” and “I Wonder.”
In 2008, the Albemarle, North Carolina native released her self-titled sophomore record featuring the Taylor Swift co-write and first Top 10, “Best Days of Your Life.”
Pickler co-wrote six of the 11 tracks on her current Frank Liddell and Luke Wooten-produced release, 100 Proof, which she is currently touring to support. She returns to co-host Anderson Live today (10/8) alongside Anderson Cooper, establishing herself as the only co-host to appear twice in history of the show.
Black River is also home to recording artists Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling, Due West and Glen Templeton. The company operates the newly renovated Ronnie’s Place and Sound Stage recording studios, Black River Records, Black River Publishing and Black River Management.
For a full list of appearances by the singer, visit www.kelliepickler.com.
Lynda Weingartz Promoted at AirPlay Direct
/by Freeman“I am very proud to have been a contributor to the accomplishments of AirPlay Direct since joining the team,” said Weingartz. “And I look forward to all of the on-going challenges we will face as a company, as well as to the successes I expect in the future.”
In her over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Weingartz has worked in management, talent development, as well as content development for corporate entities such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, UPS and more.
Congratulate her here.
Aristo International Report Highlights CCMA Awards, Americana Week and More
/by Sarah SkatesClick to view the newsletter.
The AristoMedia Group has issued the October issue of its Aristo International Report. Highlights include:
• The 2012 CCMA Awards in Saskatoon
• Australian activities at the Americana Music Conference and Festival in Nashville
• A preview of next year’s CMC Rocks the Hunter festival lineup
• A look back at Lady Antebellum’s hugely successful world tour
• The CMA posthumously honors journalist Rineke Van Beek
• The British Country Music Award winners and Hall of Fame inductees
• Aristo Q&A with RGK Entertainment’s Ron Kitchener
• Photos from this year’s CCMA Awards and Americana Week
The company has been issuing this quarterly review of global activities since 2008. Please click to view the newsletter online at www.AristoMedia.com or download the pdf.
CMA Celebrates Country Music Month
/by Michelle(L-R) Mayor Dean, CMA Board Chairman Gary Overton, CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore, CMA President-Elect Ed Hardy Photo: Christian Bottorff/CMA
The Country Music industry and CMA are celebrating Country Music Month with events and activities designed to heighten awareness of the format leading up to Country Music’s Biggest Night, The 46th Annual CMA Awards, on Thursday, Nov. 1.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean issued a proclamation from the city citing the important role and meaningful impact of the Country music industry on Nashville’s economy and reputation as a center for the entertainment business and global tourism. Country Music Month was also recognized by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, who stated in the proclamation: “I Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee, do hereby proclaim October 2012 as Country Music Month in Tennessee and encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance.”
As part of the Country Music month celebration, the popular CMA Songwriter Series will take place at Joe’s Bar in Chicago on Oct. 24 and Joe’s Pub in New York City on Oct. 25. Both shows feature feature Sunny Sweeney, Kendell Marvel, Leslie Satcher, and host Bob DiPiero.
The CMA Songwriters Series will also return to Nashville on Wednesday, Oct. 31 (9:00 PM/CT) at Marathon Music Works for a show featuring Kristian Bush, Brantley Gilbert, and host Bob DiPiero. For more information on the CMA Songwriters Series, visit CMAsongwritersseries.com.
“CMA’s mission is to advance Country Music around the world,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “And Country Music Month is another tool for reaching consumers who embrace our artists and the format culminating with the live broadcast of the CMA Awards.”
CMA events and industry activities planned for the October include:
• Return of the CMA SRO Awards, honoring members of the touring industry, on Oct. 9
• CMA Songwriter Series events in Chicago (Oct. 24), New York (Oct. 25), and Nashville (Oct. 31)
• Private reception for the 2012 CMA Awards nominees
• CMA Channel for Country Music Month on iHeartRadio
• The 87th birthday celebration of the Grand Ole Opry
• Awards banquets for Nashville performing rights organizations
• CMA giveaways and more featured on CountryMusicMonth.com
Gene Higgins Announces Retirement
/by Freeman“It has been an incredible journey with a whole lot of blessings and satisfaction seeing what this organization has turned into today,” said Gene Higgins. “I would love to invite all the media, industry and friends to come share in this 20 year celebration and retirement ceremony.”
Gene will continue working with Power Source Music, which promotes songs that fit the organization’s motto of Faith, Family and Country.
A special farewell to Gene is planned for Sunday, October 14 at Cornerstone Church (726 W. Old Hickory Blvd., Madison, TN). The music begins at 6:45 pm with performers including T. Graham Brown, John Berry, Stella Parton, The Roys, Jeff Bates, and many more.
The organization’s 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family, & Country Awards are scheduled for Thursday, October 18. Tickets are available here.
Swift to Appear on SiriusXM’s “Town Hall” Series
/by Freeman“SiriusXM’s Town Hall with Taylor Swift” will air live on The Highway, channel 59, Monday, October 22 at 2 pm/ET. The intimate gathering will be hosted in front of listeners by SiriusXM’s Al Skop, and Swift will answer questions from the audience. The special will also feature songs from Red. Other “Town Hall” specials have featured Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Coldplay, Ronnie Dunn, and more.
“There are few artists today who have reached such a large audience around the world and across multiple genres. Taylor Swift has a personality that her fans love and some lucky few are now getting the chance to share the same room with her and ask her questions,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM.
Fans will have a chance to attend Swift’s “Town Hall.” Details will be available Monday, Oct. 8 by visiting www.siriusxm.com/thehighway.
Comedy Fundraiser For Rocketown
/by Eric T. ParkerThe VIP reception, hosted by Rocketown Board of Directors, will feature a silent auction, dinner and entertainment. Auction items are currently available for bidding here.
The nonprofit outreach home for teens provides opportunities in arts, music, action sports and mentoring programs. Courses in film, art, dance, rhyme, song writing, journalism and graphic design have benefited Nashville youth since opening in 2003.
Cho was the keynote entertainer for The 59th Annual Radio & Television Correspondents’ Dinner attended by the Bush Administration and has worked with artists including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Willie Nelson, and Carrie Underwood. This spring, Henry sold a special/pilot to GAC in which he’ll serve as host, co-writer, and co-producer.
Allen has performed on every U.S. cable comedy show and across the country. He has starred in his own sitcom pilot, Happy Wife, Happy Life, for PAX TV, and on his own DVD collections.
For more information, visit http://www.rocketown.com.
The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation Adds Four to Staff
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Stacy Eaton-Carter, Elizabeth Vazquez, Bailey Groetsch, Tracy Rode
The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation (MPCF) has expanded its staff to include Tracy Rode (Director of Client Services), Bailey Groetsch (Oncology Social Worker), Elizabeth Vazquez (Oncology Content Coordinator), and Stacy Eaton-Carter (Director of Development, Annual Giving).
The additions cap three years of growth, nearly tripling the size of the organization. With a reach beyond Nashville, the foundation has offered free support, education, and one-on-one guidance to thousands of adults facing cancer across 36 states, 3 Canadian provinces, and South Africa.
“I am confident the expertise and talents we’ve added to our already amazing team will help further fulfill our mission to create a more confident cancer journey for adults anytime, anywhere,” said Susan Hosbach, Executive Director of MPCF.
Rode is a Tennessee native and graduate of Vanderbilt University. Since 1998, she served as President of Vision3 Interactive. Currently, she is President of FiftyForward’s Board of Directors.
Groetsch is a native of New Orleans, an undergraduate in psychology and masters in social work. Bailey is a licensed master social worker in Tennessee and is a member of the Association of Oncology Social Workers.
Vazquez, a Registered Nurse with over 14 years of research experience with anxiety disorders, marketing, and oncology. She also works at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute where she assisting oncologists.
Eaton-Carter is a nonprofit professional with more than 15 years of experience as the Director of Corporate and Institutional Giving with Cheekwood and more than 12 years with the Nashville Symphony’s development department. The board treasurer of the Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, she is only one of 20 fundraising professionals decorated with the CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) in the Middle Tennessee area.
In addition to celebrating 25 years in 2012, the MPCF celebrates Minnie Pearl’s 100th birthday. For more information and latest news, visit www.minniepearl.org.