MusicRowPics: Rick Monroe Artist Visit

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Yesterday (8/29), Rick Monroe took a break from touring to stop by MusicRow headquarters. The Florida native played several songs, including his current single “Crazy Not To.”

“The next song I’m going to play for you will be better, I promise,” Monroe said before sharing a second song, aptly called “Better.”

Recently, Monroe has been on tour with Pat Green, Eric Church, Josh Thompson and Randy Hauser. He shared that he’s in the process of planning an another tour. With shows sponsored by Jagermeister (whose logo was etched into his guitar), it was only fitting that Monroe’s final song was titled “Great Minds Drink Alike.”

His Part One EP was released earlier this May on Render Records and is available on iTunes.

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CMHoF, Keith Urban Team For Education Program

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The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will host an educational program featuring Keith Urban on Thurs., Sept. 6 at 10 AM/CT. Selected Metro Nashville Public School high school students will be able to attend All Access: Keith Urban in the museum’s Ford Theater.

Although the program is not open to the public and the school registration period is closed, the event will be live-streamed at www.countrymusichalloffame.org and www.keithurban.net. Interested educators and music fans are encouraged to watch online. The 75-minute program will be moderated by Museum Editor Michael Gray.

“In this special program, students will hear Keith talk about the craft of songwriting, his influences and creative inspirations, seminal moments in his career and more,” explained Ali Tonn, the museum’s director of education and public programs. “They will also have the opportunity to ask him questions. This program is the first of its kind for the museum and will serve as a ‘pilot’ of sorts; we hope to be able to offer more All Access educational programs when our museum expansion is completed in 2014.”

Urban has for years been a generous supporter of the museum: His annual We’re All for the Hall concerts, which began in 2009, have raised approximately $1.5 million to date, and exponentially increased awareness of the institution and its mission.

Adkins’ New Song Resonates With Political Audience

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Trace Adkins sang his topical new song “Tough People Do” during a Citizens United charity event in Tampa on Tuesday (8/28), causing some to declare it an anthem for the GOP.

Written by Chris DuBois, Joel Shewmake, and Jason Matthews, “Tough People Do” has been recorded by Adkins for his upcoming album, which does not yet have a title or release date. He recently debuted the song at a concert in New York.

The lyrics (chorus below) embody a spirit of strength and survival during times of economic struggle, a message that Adkins wanted to share with the political crowd.

“Tough people pull themselves up by the bootstraps
When they hit hard luck
And they stay strong and they keep on fightin’
Like they don’t know how to lose
See, tough times don’t last
Tough people do”

“That’s the point of this song,” Adkins told USA Today’s Brian Mansfield. “That’s what we have in our DNA. That’s what we come from. That’s who we are. That’s what this country needs to be reminded of. We still have the wherewithal, still have the muscle to straighten out this incredibly twisted frame that we’re driving on.”

Eric Church’s Band Members Host Charity Golf Tournament

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Eric Church‘s touring band mates including bassist Lee Hendricks with other band members Jeff Cease, Jeff Hyde, Driver Williams and Craig Wright, along with set carpenter Michael Todd Stembridge, will host the inaugural “Put A Club In My Hand” golf tournament at Nashville’s Gaylord Springs on September 25 to benefit MusiCares.

“I lost a lot of equipment in the Nashville flood, but MusicCares came in immediately and helped me recover from those financial losses,” said Hendricks. “We, as a band, would love to see Music City step up and repay them for helping to alleviate so much hardship within our community, and also acknowledge what they do on a daily basis to make sure all of us are taken care of.”

Thirty-six industry professionals and musicians are invited to compete in the 18-hole four-man scramble. Complimentary food and prizes including a PRS guitar and a Hawiian vacation package will be awarded for a long-drive competition, a closest-to-the-pin contest and a putting contest.

“I could not be more proud to have my guys step up and decide to do something on their own,” said Church. “They realized how much they had been helped and wanted to ensure other people would have that opportunity in the future. I certainly will be supporting their efforts and want everyone else to join me.”

For more information or to register, click here and enter the password “Swingsteen2012” where prompted. For sponsorship opportunities, please email Deanna Kenisell.

Black River Taps New VP Promotion

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Bill Macky

Black River Entertainment’s General Manager Greg McCarn announced today (8/30) the addition of Bill Macky to the promotion staff as Vice President Of Promotion.

As a part of the restructuring, Brian Rhoades moves from NE Promotion Rep. to Sr. Director of National Promotion & Strategy, and Bill Lubitz continues on as the Director of National Promotion and is in the process of relocating to Nashville.

Officially taking the helm of Black River’s Promotion Department on Sept. 5, Macky fills the vacancy left by the resignation of VP of Promotion Rick Baumgartner who exited due to non-life-threatening health issues.

Macky joins Black River after spending over 30 years in the music industry, including 16 years programming country radio stations in Pittsburgh, San Jose, Sacramento and San Diego. Macky’s executive experience includes stops at MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville, Category 5 Records, 1720 Entertainment, Stroudavarious Records and Rodeowave Entertainment.

Upon accepting this position, Macky said, “Black River Entertainment is poised to become a major player in our industry and I am honored to have been asked to be a part of this team. The environment that Greg McCarn and Gordon Kerr have created is unlike any other I’ve been around. From the artists to the staff, this is a very special place. I’m very excited and I can’t wait to get started.”

In making this announcement, McCarn states, “I am so excited about the addition of Bill Macky to Black River. His leadership, depth and experience are a valuable addition to our promotion team as we move forward with the development of the label and our artists.”

Macky will be seeking regional candidates for the Director of Promotion – West Coast and for the newly available Director of Promotion – Northeast, resulting from the recent promotion of Rhoades. Contact Macky via macky@blackriverent.com or 615-780-3070.

Kramer’s “Why Ya Wanna” Certified Gold

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L–R: Scott Hendricks (Sr. VP, A&R WMN / album producer), Chris Stacey (Sr. VP, Promotion WMN), Jordan Pettit (National Director, W.A.R Promotion), Chris Palmer (VP, W.A.R Promotion), John Esposito (President & CEO WMN), Peter Strickland (Sr. VP, Brand Management & Sales WMN)

Jana Kramer’s single “Why Ya Wanna,” recently earned Gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) which marks an exciting career first for the young artist. Kramer was presented with a plaque marking this special accomplishment at Warner Music Nashville’s Pickin’ On The Patio party Aug. 23.

Kramer has sold over 700,000 single tracks, including over half a million of “Why Ya Wanna.” Her self-titled debut album premiered at No. 5 on the Top Country Albums Chart.

Save The Date: Capitol Street Party

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Mark your calendars: the fifth annual Capitol Street Party will take place October 17, 2012. The free, open-to-the-public event is Capitol Records Nashville’s opportunity to showcase some of its hottest up-and-coming talent alongside one or more of its superstar artists.

Performers for this year’s show have not been announced, but the previous four years have featured Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson and more. Last year’s event took place September 21 and was held on Demonbreun Ave. between the Roundabout and the I-65 overpass.

IEBA Hall of Fame Names New Class

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Charley Pride

Three new inductees will join the IEBA Hall of Fame during an Oct. 9 ceremony at the organization’s upcoming conference. The new class includes Charley Pride, an artist who has sold over 70 million albums sold and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry; longtime Amusement Business writer and staffer Ray Pilszak; and the late New York State Fair executive Joe LaGuardia, who spent over three decades with the fair and passed away in May.

The 42nd conference of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) is planned for Oct. 6-9 in Nashville, where over 600 live entertainment industry executives will convene for networking and over 50 artists’ showcases.

The IEBA Hall of Fame was established in 2010 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the organization. To date, 41 of the most prestigious buyers, agents and live entertainment pioneers have been inducted.

Voting is currently underway for the annual IEBA Industry Awards (nominees below). Winners will be announced on Oct. 9.

Ray Pilszak

International Buyer of the Year
Johanne Bougie – Festival International de jazz de Montreal
Rob Potts – Entertainment Edge
Declan Quinn – Q&N Productions
Larry Werner – Panhandle Productions

Fair Buyer of the Year
Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions
Bonnie Brosious – Great Allentown Fair
Gil Cunningham – Neste Event Marketing
RJ Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group

Joe LaGuardia

Festival Buyer of the Year
Bob Babisch – Milwaukee Summerfest
Mike Smardak – Outback Concerts
Glenn Smith – Glenn Smith Presents

Club Buyer of the Year
Roger LeBlanc – The Coach House
Ethan Levinson – AEG Live
Gary Osier – Gary Osier Presents

College Buyer of the Year
Mark Letson – EastCoast Entertainment
Ari Nisman – Degy Entertainment
Brian Waymire – The Agency Coalition / Red Gorilla Music

Corporate Buyer of the Year
Ed Bazel – The Bazel Group
Fran Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
Randy Wright – Integrity Events

Casino Buyer of the Year
Steve Bogdanovich – Romeo Entertainment Group
Kell Houston – Houston Productions
John Valentino – AEG Live

Venue Executive of the Year
Hugh Lombardi – TD Garden, Boston
Brenda Tinnen – Sprint Center, Kansas City
Sally Williams – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville

Emerging Talent Agent of the Year
Heath Baumhor – APA
Sullivan Bigg – Bigg Time Entertainment
Jeffrey Hasson – Paradigm Agency
Travis Wolfe – Paradigm Agency

To register for the conference, visit ieba.org.

Loretta Lynn to Celebrate 50th Opry Anniversary

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The legendary Loretta Lynn will celebrate her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry with a star-studded special Opry show on Sept. 25. Artists scheduled to join Lynn for the celebration include her sister, Crystal Gayle, as well as Miranda Lambert (plus the Pistol Annies), Lee Ann Womack, and Trace Adkins.

“There is no one at the Opry, in country music, or on Earth quite like Loretta Lynn,” said Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry vice president and general manager. “Her influence as a recording artist and songwriter reaches across musical genres, cultures, and generations. She’s earned her place among America’s musical icons, and we look forward to celebrating 50 years of Opry membership with her next month.”

Lynn joined the Opry family on September 25, 1962. Among her numerous accomplishments are three Grammy Awards, eight CMA Awards (including being the first female Entertainer of the Year in 1972), induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Judd Resumes Touring

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As her husband Cactus Moser continues to recover following his Aug. 18 motorcycle accident, Wynonna Judd has announced she will resume touring with her band tomorrow (8/30).

“We continue to feel loved and supported by the outpouring of messages from people around the world,” said Judd, “Cactus continues to improve every day as he begins his road to rehabilitation. We are looking forward to the day when we will be back together on stage again and I believe we will be stronger than ever. Until then I will be out on the road with the rest of the band while I wait lovingly and patiently for my husband to return to The Big Noise.”

In lieu of flowers, gifts and cards, Moser is asking for family, friends and fans to make a donation in his name to Homes For Our Troops, a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to helping military personnel who have returned home with serious disabilities. Please visit homesforourtroops.org/cactusmoser to learn more.

For a full list of Judd’s tour dates, click here.