Rodeowave's Phil Vassar kicked off the performances at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stages on Friday. Pictured (L-R): CMA SVP Marketing and Communications Sheri Warnke, Vassar, and CMA CEO Steve Moore.
Chapter 402
FRIDAY AT THE FEST
On Friday (6/8) Nashville temperatures crept up toward what is more normal for the CMA Music Festival—until then we’d been blessed with the mildest weather in the history of the fan fiesta. So, prepared to sweat, we hit the “campus” on a 90-degree afternoon.
The Convention Hall exhibit area was far busier than it had been the day before. Ella Mae Bowen, Buddy Jewell, T. Graham Brown, Scotty McCreery, Blackberry Smoke, Jana Kramer, Doug Stone, Chase Rice, Craig Campbell, Sherry Lynne, Winfield’s Locket, Danielle Peck, Heidi Newfield, LoCash Cowboys, Corey Wagar, Laura Bell Bundy and The Oak Ridge Boys were autographing and posing for fan snapshots. So were daily stalwarts Lynn Anderson, Donna Fargo and Bucky Covington.
At the Acoustic Corner stage, always one of my favorites, Carter’s Chord was harmonizing sweetly. The afternoon’s schedule there also included Jimmy Fortune, Marty Raybon and Con Hunley, vocal champs all.
In the Gilden booth, fans were trying their hands at the “cow pie” tossing “Corn Hole Challenge” game as well as in a basketball basket-toss contest.
Frankie Ballard. Photo: CMA
The Bridgestone stage was blistering under the afternoon sun, but get a load of the talent lineup. It included Eric Paslay, Rose Falcon, the reunited Exile and hotshot picker Frankie Ballard.
Over at the Country Music Hall of Fame (6/8), Casey James was autographing in the Museum Store, Love & Theft were singing on the plaza and David Anderson was serenading on guitar in the lobby’s restaurant.
Across the street at the Bic Beach, Morgan Frazier was warbling away. Young people were having fun at a pick-up, co-ed volleyball game nearby.
Over by the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, The Lodge was hosting Kellie Pickler for an autograph signing and Kip Moore for a performance. This facility is co-presented by GAC, HGTV and the Travel Channel.
At the lovely Caesar’s Palace tent, two gals were giddy being videotaped singing along with Shania Twain’s “Man, I Feel Like a Woman.” Shania begins her residency at the Palace on Dec. 1, and the Vegas venue was offering fans a chance to win tickets to see her.
The Buckle zone was also much more crowded than it had been. Legendary Bill Anderson was autographing inside the Opry Originals gift shop. A TV crew from GAC’s new “Noteworthy at the Opry” show was capturing it all.
What was going on outside the shop was even more entertaining. A group of ranting evangelists had taken up spots on the pavement just outside the store’s door. One guy with a megaphone was shouting at passers by, “Repent! Shame on you, ungodly, immodest, wild, wild women! Submit to your husbands!”
“This is so irritating,” said one tank-tubed hottie to her girlfriend. “Isn’t what they’re doing, like, illegal?” her babe buddy replied. Alas, no, it is not.
One accomplice had on a cloth “sandwich board” stating, “Warning to all Pot Smokers, Masturbators, Drunks and Partiers, Sexual Perverts, Judgment Coming.” On the other side of the street, another guy bellowed with a megaphone, “Country music doesn’t glorify God; country music glorifies sin!” That did it. Several fans yelled right back at him.
Still another fellow silently held a yellow-and-red banner reading, “Pornography: Pathway to Hell’s Fire.” A group of merry, tanned, shirtless heathens posed in front of it, grinning and giving the thumbs-up sign, while their buddy took their picture. Priceless.
The Oak Ridge Boys backstage at LP Field. Photo: Alan Mayor
Fortunately, the megaphones could not be heard up on the Hard Rock Café’s fan-packed plaza. Maggie Rose was rocking the stage. Organizers were tossing free t-shirts. The bar was serving Bushwhackers, Strawberry Daiquiris and beer. After Maggie, singer-songwriter Jessie Lee took over on the acoustic stage, displaying just as much spirit.
Near gridlock was achieved at Riverfront Park that afternoon (6/8) while the gifted Gloriana and David Nail entertained. My gut instinct sensed that a lot of locals were mixed in with the Festival attendees, accounting for the plethora of people.
That evening, the Festival faithful again gathered at LP Field. No one, but no one, can sing “The Star Spangled Banner” like the fabulous Oak Ridge Boys. After finishing and accepting an ovation, the quartet launched into a crowd-pleasing, a cappella, rendition of “Elvira.” Naturally, the audience sang along.
Living legend Ronnie Milsap romped through his hits, concluding with a surprise rock-out on The Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women.” I thought this was perhaps too early in Brantley Gilbert’s career to have him on the Festival main stage, but the crowd welcomed him with gusto.
Jake Owen at LP Field. Photo: Alan Mayor
Jake Owen was clearly pumped about finally graduating from Riverfront to LP Field, six years after his chart debut. His enthusiastic set featured romping, clapping, stage diving and obvious joy. The masses waved their arms in sync throughout “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” as Jake cheered them on. If a superstar wasn’t born, it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying. The Band Perry also came prepared to win and took the stage with great vitality.
Gwen Sebastian and Randy Houser were booked to perform acoustic interludes in between the big stars. Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood brought the night to a close with superstar razzle dazzle, and the finale fireworks did the rest.
As usual, the personalities of Music Row could be found mingling among the hoi polloi at the CMA Music Fest. At various times during the day (6/8), I encountered Allen Brown, Barry Coburn, Charlie Monk, Dennis Banka, Rod Essig, Two Foot Fred and Gary Overton (that’s A through G, if you’re keeping score).
Plus, Jo Walker Meador, Butch Spyridon, Mary Ann McCready, Robert Reynolds, Anthony Martin, Chuck Aly and Karen Tallier were working the “campus.” Onward into the weekend!
SATURDAY
On Saturday afternoon (6/9), the Festival crowds were bigger than ever downtown, but the star pickins were slim. So it turned out to be a day of discoveries. That’s the way these things usually turn out.
At Riverfront, Corey Smith was a delightful surprise. His songwriting is individualistic and ear catching. His bluesy/country/folkie singing was also distinctive. The Georgia phenom said, “I’ve never written a hit song, but I’ve written a lot of songs that make me feel better about myself.” He must have brought his fan club with him, because although the songs were unknown to me, hundreds were singing along with the lyrics.
At the Hard Rock, Matt Mason laid down a very cool, country-rock groove. This former Nashville Star contestant has an EP titled Chasing Stardust and was on Luke Bryan’s CMT tour last year.
Believe it or not, I even found a discovery at the karaoke station in the Buckle zone. Miss Mary and I were passing by when I glimpsed a small slip of a girl taking the mic to sing to the track of “Broken Wing.” She was a revelation, not only hitting the “money” notes, but also investing the song with real feeling. I swear, if we’d put out a tip jar, we could have raised her college tuition right then and there.
Her name is Chloe Channell. She is 10 years old. She is from Milton, Florida. She recorded her first CD at age 8. She performs in northern Florida, southern Georgia and northeast Alabama with a group called The Sawmill Band. She has a website, of course, which is how I learned all of this.
The best discovery of all was Pancho Amat. He and his band came to the CMA Fest from Cuba. On Saturday afternoon on the Bridgestone stage, they were laying down some fantastico Caribbean grooves. David & Susana Ross say that Pancho is a superstar in his homeland, and I believe it. (See video below).
Autographing in the Convention Center that afternoon (6/9) were Aaron Lewis, The Gatlins, Sage Keffer, Scarletta and Brantley Gilbert. At the mobbed Durango stage, Mark Wills was singing “Don’t Laugh at Me” and “19 Somethin,’” both of which sounded dandy with just acoustic-guitar accompaniment.
Kip Moore at the Riverfront. Photo: CMA
Even in that Fan Fair district, the young and buff outnumbered the older and physically challenged attendees who normally have congregated in that zone. Heading into the huger part of the Fest that is free, I noted that there were at least as many locals without neck lanyards as there were “official” registrants, maybe more. These, too, were overwhelmingly young.
After bopping to Pancho at Bridgestone, we caught Donny Fallgatter in the Beach zone, Jason Thomas in the Roadhouse and Payton Taylor at the Hard Rock. Following peppy Payton was Ayla Brown, a Season 5 American Idol finalist, official anthem singer of the Philadelphia 76ers and a new Nashvillian.
If you sought bigger stars, you pretty much had to get down there in the morning — Kip Moore and Lonestar at Riverfront – or late afternoon – Kix Brooks at The Lodge and Mel Tillis at Riverfront.
Hunter Hayes. Photo: Alan Mayor
The evangelists had moved further down Broadway, by the way. Standing near the entrance to Riverfront, Mr. Megaphone was shouting, “Turn away from Kenny Chesney! Turn away from Toby Keith! I don’t believe any of these country stars are Christians!” Nobody paid any attention.
Rick Murray, LeAnn Phelan, Brett James, Beth Gwinn and Lucas Hendrickson were among the industry-ites working it in the afternoon sunshine.
That night at LP Field (6/9), host Melissa Peterman urged the crowd to act up for the ABC-TV cameras. “That’s what they’re looking for,” she advised. Julie Roberts sang the Anthem. Kenny Rogers rolled through a somewhat mechanical set of his classics.
Then Hunter Hayes lit up the coliseum. Literally. As they entered, all 70,000 fans were given tiny flashlights with the instruction, “For Hunter Hayes.” When he made his way to a baby grand piano set up in the midst of the throng on the field to sing “Wanted,” all the little lights lit up. The adoring female faces immediately surrounding him said it all.
“OMG, Hunter Hayes!” Melissa exclaimed. “He’s 20!”
Rodney Atkins popped in for an unannounced run through of his new single, “Just Wanna Rock and Roll.” Little Big Town had everyone singing along to “Boondocks” and “Pontoon.” Then Eric Church came out in a lather with “Drink in My Hand,” “Smoke a Little Smoke” and more. Love & Theft and Kip Moore were booked for the acoustic interludes. Luke Bryan and Faith Hill were tapped to headline. There was an even longer fireworks finale than there had been on Friday.
The CMA Hospitality stadium box starred such fabulons as Ed Benson, Dale Bobo, Jonathan Walker, Jeff & Terri Walker, Victoria Shaw, Steve Moore and Mayor Karl Dean.
Little Big Town. Photo: Alan Mayor
Bobby Karl Works CMA Music Festival (Part 2)
/by Bobby KarlRodeowave's Phil Vassar kicked off the performances at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stages on Friday. Pictured (L-R): CMA SVP Marketing and Communications Sheri Warnke, Vassar, and CMA CEO Steve Moore.
Chapter 402
FRIDAY AT THE FEST
On Friday (6/8) Nashville temperatures crept up toward what is more normal for the CMA Music Festival—until then we’d been blessed with the mildest weather in the history of the fan fiesta. So, prepared to sweat, we hit the “campus” on a 90-degree afternoon.
The Convention Hall exhibit area was far busier than it had been the day before. Ella Mae Bowen, Buddy Jewell, T. Graham Brown, Scotty McCreery, Blackberry Smoke, Jana Kramer, Doug Stone, Chase Rice, Craig Campbell, Sherry Lynne, Winfield’s Locket, Danielle Peck, Heidi Newfield, LoCash Cowboys, Corey Wagar, Laura Bell Bundy and The Oak Ridge Boys were autographing and posing for fan snapshots. So were daily stalwarts Lynn Anderson, Donna Fargo and Bucky Covington.
At the Acoustic Corner stage, always one of my favorites, Carter’s Chord was harmonizing sweetly. The afternoon’s schedule there also included Jimmy Fortune, Marty Raybon and Con Hunley, vocal champs all.
In the Gilden booth, fans were trying their hands at the “cow pie” tossing “Corn Hole Challenge” game as well as in a basketball basket-toss contest.
Frankie Ballard. Photo: CMA
The Bridgestone stage was blistering under the afternoon sun, but get a load of the talent lineup. It included Eric Paslay, Rose Falcon, the reunited Exile and hotshot picker Frankie Ballard.
Over at the Country Music Hall of Fame (6/8), Casey James was autographing in the Museum Store, Love & Theft were singing on the plaza and David Anderson was serenading on guitar in the lobby’s restaurant.
Across the street at the Bic Beach, Morgan Frazier was warbling away. Young people were having fun at a pick-up, co-ed volleyball game nearby.
Over by the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, The Lodge was hosting Kellie Pickler for an autograph signing and Kip Moore for a performance. This facility is co-presented by GAC, HGTV and the Travel Channel.
At the lovely Caesar’s Palace tent, two gals were giddy being videotaped singing along with Shania Twain’s “Man, I Feel Like a Woman.” Shania begins her residency at the Palace on Dec. 1, and the Vegas venue was offering fans a chance to win tickets to see her.
The Buckle zone was also much more crowded than it had been. Legendary Bill Anderson was autographing inside the Opry Originals gift shop. A TV crew from GAC’s new “Noteworthy at the Opry” show was capturing it all.
What was going on outside the shop was even more entertaining. A group of ranting evangelists had taken up spots on the pavement just outside the store’s door. One guy with a megaphone was shouting at passers by, “Repent! Shame on you, ungodly, immodest, wild, wild women! Submit to your husbands!”
“This is so irritating,” said one tank-tubed hottie to her girlfriend. “Isn’t what they’re doing, like, illegal?” her babe buddy replied. Alas, no, it is not.
One accomplice had on a cloth “sandwich board” stating, “Warning to all Pot Smokers, Masturbators, Drunks and Partiers, Sexual Perverts, Judgment Coming.” On the other side of the street, another guy bellowed with a megaphone, “Country music doesn’t glorify God; country music glorifies sin!” That did it. Several fans yelled right back at him.
Still another fellow silently held a yellow-and-red banner reading, “Pornography: Pathway to Hell’s Fire.” A group of merry, tanned, shirtless heathens posed in front of it, grinning and giving the thumbs-up sign, while their buddy took their picture. Priceless.
The Oak Ridge Boys backstage at LP Field. Photo: Alan Mayor
Fortunately, the megaphones could not be heard up on the Hard Rock Café’s fan-packed plaza. Maggie Rose was rocking the stage. Organizers were tossing free t-shirts. The bar was serving Bushwhackers, Strawberry Daiquiris and beer. After Maggie, singer-songwriter Jessie Lee took over on the acoustic stage, displaying just as much spirit.
Near gridlock was achieved at Riverfront Park that afternoon (6/8) while the gifted Gloriana and David Nail entertained. My gut instinct sensed that a lot of locals were mixed in with the Festival attendees, accounting for the plethora of people.
That evening, the Festival faithful again gathered at LP Field. No one, but no one, can sing “The Star Spangled Banner” like the fabulous Oak Ridge Boys. After finishing and accepting an ovation, the quartet launched into a crowd-pleasing, a cappella, rendition of “Elvira.” Naturally, the audience sang along.
Living legend Ronnie Milsap romped through his hits, concluding with a surprise rock-out on The Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women.” I thought this was perhaps too early in Brantley Gilbert’s career to have him on the Festival main stage, but the crowd welcomed him with gusto.
Jake Owen at LP Field. Photo: Alan Mayor
Jake Owen was clearly pumped about finally graduating from Riverfront to LP Field, six years after his chart debut. His enthusiastic set featured romping, clapping, stage diving and obvious joy. The masses waved their arms in sync throughout “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” as Jake cheered them on. If a superstar wasn’t born, it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying. The Band Perry also came prepared to win and took the stage with great vitality.
Gwen Sebastian and Randy Houser were booked to perform acoustic interludes in between the big stars. Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood brought the night to a close with superstar razzle dazzle, and the finale fireworks did the rest.
As usual, the personalities of Music Row could be found mingling among the hoi polloi at the CMA Music Fest. At various times during the day (6/8), I encountered Allen Brown, Barry Coburn, Charlie Monk, Dennis Banka, Rod Essig, Two Foot Fred and Gary Overton (that’s A through G, if you’re keeping score).
Plus, Jo Walker Meador, Butch Spyridon, Mary Ann McCready, Robert Reynolds, Anthony Martin, Chuck Aly and Karen Tallier were working the “campus.” Onward into the weekend!
SATURDAY
On Saturday afternoon (6/9), the Festival crowds were bigger than ever downtown, but the star pickins were slim. So it turned out to be a day of discoveries. That’s the way these things usually turn out.
At Riverfront, Corey Smith was a delightful surprise. His songwriting is individualistic and ear catching. His bluesy/country/folkie singing was also distinctive. The Georgia phenom said, “I’ve never written a hit song, but I’ve written a lot of songs that make me feel better about myself.” He must have brought his fan club with him, because although the songs were unknown to me, hundreds were singing along with the lyrics.
At the Hard Rock, Matt Mason laid down a very cool, country-rock groove. This former Nashville Star contestant has an EP titled Chasing Stardust and was on Luke Bryan’s CMT tour last year.
Believe it or not, I even found a discovery at the karaoke station in the Buckle zone. Miss Mary and I were passing by when I glimpsed a small slip of a girl taking the mic to sing to the track of “Broken Wing.” She was a revelation, not only hitting the “money” notes, but also investing the song with real feeling. I swear, if we’d put out a tip jar, we could have raised her college tuition right then and there.
Her name is Chloe Channell. She is 10 years old. She is from Milton, Florida. She recorded her first CD at age 8. She performs in northern Florida, southern Georgia and northeast Alabama with a group called The Sawmill Band. She has a website, of course, which is how I learned all of this.
The best discovery of all was Pancho Amat. He and his band came to the CMA Fest from Cuba. On Saturday afternoon on the Bridgestone stage, they were laying down some fantastico Caribbean grooves. David & Susana Ross say that Pancho is a superstar in his homeland, and I believe it. (See video below).
Autographing in the Convention Center that afternoon (6/9) were Aaron Lewis, The Gatlins, Sage Keffer, Scarletta and Brantley Gilbert. At the mobbed Durango stage, Mark Wills was singing “Don’t Laugh at Me” and “19 Somethin,’” both of which sounded dandy with just acoustic-guitar accompaniment.
Kip Moore at the Riverfront. Photo: CMA
Even in that Fan Fair district, the young and buff outnumbered the older and physically challenged attendees who normally have congregated in that zone. Heading into the huger part of the Fest that is free, I noted that there were at least as many locals without neck lanyards as there were “official” registrants, maybe more. These, too, were overwhelmingly young.
After bopping to Pancho at Bridgestone, we caught Donny Fallgatter in the Beach zone, Jason Thomas in the Roadhouse and Payton Taylor at the Hard Rock. Following peppy Payton was Ayla Brown, a Season 5 American Idol finalist, official anthem singer of the Philadelphia 76ers and a new Nashvillian.
If you sought bigger stars, you pretty much had to get down there in the morning — Kip Moore and Lonestar at Riverfront – or late afternoon – Kix Brooks at The Lodge and Mel Tillis at Riverfront.
Hunter Hayes. Photo: Alan Mayor
The evangelists had moved further down Broadway, by the way. Standing near the entrance to Riverfront, Mr. Megaphone was shouting, “Turn away from Kenny Chesney! Turn away from Toby Keith! I don’t believe any of these country stars are Christians!” Nobody paid any attention.
Rick Murray, LeAnn Phelan, Brett James, Beth Gwinn and Lucas Hendrickson were among the industry-ites working it in the afternoon sunshine.
That night at LP Field (6/9), host Melissa Peterman urged the crowd to act up for the ABC-TV cameras. “That’s what they’re looking for,” she advised. Julie Roberts sang the Anthem. Kenny Rogers rolled through a somewhat mechanical set of his classics.
Then Hunter Hayes lit up the coliseum. Literally. As they entered, all 70,000 fans were given tiny flashlights with the instruction, “For Hunter Hayes.” When he made his way to a baby grand piano set up in the midst of the throng on the field to sing “Wanted,” all the little lights lit up. The adoring female faces immediately surrounding him said it all.
“OMG, Hunter Hayes!” Melissa exclaimed. “He’s 20!”
Rodney Atkins popped in for an unannounced run through of his new single, “Just Wanna Rock and Roll.” Little Big Town had everyone singing along to “Boondocks” and “Pontoon.” Then Eric Church came out in a lather with “Drink in My Hand,” “Smoke a Little Smoke” and more. Love & Theft and Kip Moore were booked for the acoustic interludes. Luke Bryan and Faith Hill were tapped to headline. There was an even longer fireworks finale than there had been on Friday.
The CMA Hospitality stadium box starred such fabulons as Ed Benson, Dale Bobo, Jonathan Walker, Jeff & Terri Walker, Victoria Shaw, Steve Moore and Mayor Karl Dean.
Little Big Town. Photo: Alan Mayor
New Officers Elected to NaSHOF Board
/by FreemanAlger will serve as the Vice President, while Dye has been named Treasurer and Finance Chair. They join Chairman John Van Mol and Secretary Layng Martine, who were re-elected to their respective positions.
Also serving on the NaSHOF Board are Steve Bogard, songwriter and Director of The Copyright Forum at Belmont University; Kye Fleming, NaSHOF member; Wayland Holyfield, NaSHOF member; Ken Paulson, President and CEO of The First Amendment Center; Dr. Bethel Thomas, VP of University Advancement at Belmont University; Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville; and Mike Vaden, Director of Decosimo/Vaden.
Ex-officio board members include attorney David L. Maddox (Counsel), David L. Maddox & Associates, P.C.; and author/entertainment journalist Robert K. Oermann (Historian). NSAI’s Mark Ford serves as Manager of Affairs.
Band Perry Working With Rubin On New Album
/by FreemanKimberly Perry revealed the news when the group played Today’s “Toyota Concert Series,” on Friday, June 1. Check out the video here. No release date has been set for the project.
Additionally, Band Perry has partnered with the Schick Hydro Silk brand for its 2012 summer tour dates. Schick will bring an interactive water-themed experience to the group’s shows. Beginning June 18, fans can visit Schick Hydro Silk’s Facebook page to enter “The Band Perry Escape” sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes and a VIP trip to see Band Perry live.
Artist Snapshots (6/08/12)
/by FreemanLittle Big Town performed today (6/8) during SiriusXM’s The Highway “Super Fan Concert Series” held in the SiriusXM Music City Theatre at Bridgestone Arena. Lucky guests got to hear songs including “Front Porch Thing,” “Little White Church,” “Bring It On Home,” “Pontoon,” and “Boondocks.” LBT also treated attendees to a special country performance of Lady Gaga’s hit “Born This Way” after Karen Fairchild shared, “We met a man that asked us, ‘Can you make Gaga country?,’ and we said, ‘Hell Yeah.'” After the performance, the band took questions from the audience. The show will air on SiriusXM Sun., June 10th at 9 am ET.
LBT also gave a standout performance of “Pontoon” on the CMT Music Awards Wednesday (6/6), causing sales of the single to spike 250%. Since its release two weeks ago, the song has sold nearly 100,000 downloads. “Pontoon” appears on the group’s upcoming Capitol Records album produced by Jay Joyce. The group will play LP Field during CMA Music Festival Saturday, June 9.
Little Big Town performs for an intimate audience at the SiriusXM Music City Theater today (6/8).
• • • • •
It’s been a whirlwind week for Scotty McCreery, who nabbed his first CMT Music Award on Wednesday (6/6) and graduated from high school less than a day later in Garner, NC. He returns to Nashville today (6/8), where he is scheduled to sign autographs during CMA Music Festival and perform at LP Field on Sunday (6/10).
Scotty McCreery accepts his high school diploma from Principal Drew Cook at the Garner Magnet High School graduation.
• • • • •
Lonestar held its sold-out fan club party during CMA Music Festival. The group, now reunited with original front man Richie McDonald, is currently promoting its new single “The Countdown” to country radio.
(L-R): Lonestar’s manager Corey Wagner; Lonestar members Keech Rainwater and Dean Sams; Triple Crown Promotions’ Doc Gonzales and Jim Dorman; Lonestar’s Richie McDonald and Michael Britt.
Photos: CMA Music Fest Week Benefits
/by FreemanDarius Rucker’s Third Annual Darius & Friends benefit concert took place at the Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville, with guests Rodney Atkins, Sunny Sweeney, Chuck Wicks, Clint Black and more. The concert, paired with Rucker’s Darius & Friends Golf Tournament raised over $121,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
(L to R): Sunny Sweeney, Chuck Wicks, Rodney Atkins, Darius Rucker, and Clint Black. Photo: Randi Radcliff.
• • • • •
The Country Weekly CMA Music Fest Kick-Off Party was held June 5 at Hard Rock Cafe, with headliner Colt Ford and guests LoCash Cowboys, Matt Stillwell, and Randy Houser. The event raised $10,000 for Musicians On Call.
(L-R): Chris Lucas (LoCash Cowboys), Colt Ford, Preston Brust (LoCash Cowboys) Matt Stillwell. Photo: Kendra Motycka
CMA Music Festival Sells Out For 3rd Consecutive Year
/by Eric T. ParkerBrad Paisley was presented with CMA's International Achievement Award during the press conference at yesterday's (6/7) LP Field Show. Pictured (L-R): Steve Moore, Brad Paisley, Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton. Photo: Alan Mayor
This 2012 CMA Music Festival has sold out of all available seats for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field for all four nights (June 7-10), marking the third consecutive year to achieve the feat.
Final numbers, which include attendance in all areas of the Festival, will be released on Monday, June 11.
Production re-evaluated the needs of its crew to see if any additional seats are available to be freed up and made available for purchase. Interested fans can check Ticketmaster to see if any additional tickets have been added.
Summer NAMM Coming in July
/by FreemanOver its three day run, Summer NAMM will host over 10,000 registrants and 400-plus exhibitors to Nashville. In addition to exhibits from leading music product and instruments companies, the convention will also offer clinics, workshops, panels, educational sessions, and live music.
Summer NAMM will also once again offer its consumer “Wanna Play Music Day” on Saturday, July 14. Musicians and appreciators of all stripes are invited to come check out the demonstrations, products, and workshops from 10 am – 4 pm. The cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
More info here.
Bluebird Commences 30th Anniversary Celebration
/by FreemanThe Bluebird Cafe is currently celebrating its 30th Anniversary and got the event underway with a series of special showcases. The performances kicked off an extended celebration of homecoming shows, guest appearances, and events planned throughout the coming year. For more info check bluebirdcafe.com.
During ASCAP’s popular monthly showcase series at the Bluebird featured veteran hitmakers Walt Aldridge and Dave Berg, as well as rising singer/songwriter Eric Paslay and newcomer Carly Pearce.
(L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Jonathan Kingham, Eric Paslay, Dave Berg, Carly Pearce, Walt Aldridge and ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.
As part of the Bluebird’s celebration, BMI showcased four rising young songwriters at the famed venue on June 7.
(L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins and songwriters Neal Carpenter, Hailey Steele, Sammy Arriaga, Adam James. Photo: Steve Lowry
Industry Ink Friday (6/8)
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently (5/26) honored Mark D. Sanders in its quarterly Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters series. Sanders discussed his life and songwriting career which includes “I Hope You Dance,” “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “It Matters to Me” and “Blue Clear Sky.” Pictured (L-R): Buddy Mize, Sonny Curtis, Museum Editor Michael Gray, Mark D. Sanders and Jerry Foster. Photo: Donn Jones
• The Production Music Association will present a panel discussion Thurs., June 21, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at BMI’s Nashville offices. Panelists include Joel Goodman, President of Cue Music and founder of MusicBox; Ron Mendelsohn, Co-founder and CEO of Megatrax; Mark Montgomery, digital media entrepreneur, investor and Founder of FLO (thinkery); Marshall Seese, Jr., founder & CEO or Mowgli Games; and Shawn White, Director of Business Affairs for Scripps Networks Interactive. The event is open to all interested professionals. The cost to attend is $15 for non-members and $10 for PMA members. RSVP to debra@pmamusic.com.
• As previously reported, Don Schlitz will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York on June 14, in a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis in Midtown. A story in the New York Post highlights Schlitz and the other inductees.
• Big Machine GM Andrew Kautz was recently reappointed to the A2IM President’s Advisory Committee. A2IM is the American Association of Independent Music.
• The Nashville Chapter of the Audio Engineering Society held its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony in the Ford Theater of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Sunday (6/3). Engineers Glenn Snoddy, Mort Thomasson, Bill Porter, Gene Eichelberger, Lee Hazen, Dave Harrison and Jim Pugh were honored. The program was presented in partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
• O’Shea has signed a management deal with Jim Morey. The LA based manager has worked with Michael Jackson, Neil Diamond, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Clint Black and Phil Vassar. The husband-wife duo are natives of Australia and won CMAA New Talent of the Year in January, the Australian equivalent of the CMA Horizon Award.
• Nashville engineer Chuck Ainlay will discuss sound quality at an event for the Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing. The event is Sat., June 16 in San Antonio. Admission is free for Recording Academy members. RSVP to RSVP_Texas@grammy.com.
• VEVO will celebrate music videos reaching the 100 million views milestone with its newly-minted Certified Award. First-time honorees Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, LMFAO and Selena Gomez will be celebrated with a rollout of exclusive, original programming premiering on VEVO. Certified Awards will be presented quarterly.
The May installment of ASCAP's "We Create Music" Showcase series on May 23 drew an industry crowd to The Basement in Nashville. Songwriters Marc Beeson, Lindsay Ell, Aaron Espe, Eli Teplin and Charity Vance performed and alternative pop rockers Ferrier closed out the evening. Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Ryan Beuschel, Whizbang Inc.'s Jen Wolczyk, Charity Vance, ASCAP's Robert Filhart, Ferrier's Will Harrison, Brandon Ingle, Jordan Hester and Jason Cheek, ASCAP's Evyn Mustoe, Aaron Espe and ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan.
Bobby Karl Works CMA Music Festival (Part 1)
/by Bobby KarlChapter 401
Jason Aldean at the press conference for the LP Field Nightly Concerts on Thursday (6/7). Photo: Alan Mayor
All eyes are on LP Field.
By day, the tens of thousands of CMA Fest attendees scatter throughout the city to fan-club parties, shopping sprees, charity events, tourist haunts and whatnot. But the whole flock comes to roost each evening at the coliseum, 70,000 strong.
On Thursday (6/7), that venue shimmered with the stardust of Glen Campbell, Jason Aldean, Kellie Pickler, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum and more. It was undoubtedly the day’s ultimate goal and destination, yet there were plenty of diversions along the way to there.
We began our journey at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage. Here’s the deal there: When the gates open, the LP Field ticket holders are allowed in 1/2 hour before everyone else, ensuring that they get prime spots. This also has the effect of stationing the young and nubile front and center. After that, the general public is admitted free.
Lee Brice performing at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage during CMA Music Festival. Photo courtesy CMA.
When I arrived, the venue was completely full, with thousands bopping and basking in the sunshine. Jerrod Niemann was aurally seducing them with “What Do You Want from Me.” They sang it back to him. He finished with the Big Finale of “Lover, Lover.” Lee Brice was up next with his hearty and friendly vibe. Linda Davis was hosting what was otherwise an all-male, all-day talent lineup.
The big change at Riverfront is the backstage area. In place of folding chairs and open air, there is now a cool, dark, air-conditioned tent with potted ferns, refreshments, white couches, easy chairs and cushions. You watch the stage show on closed-circuit TV.
The Hard Rock Café plaza now has two stages, a small acoustic one and another for bands. The fans gather under a large, shady tent here, and can avail themselves of a full bar, as long as they keep their drinks on the patio and don’t take them out onto Broadway.
O’Shea was singing with energy when I arrived. Then Old Dominion took the bigger stage. These Nashville country-rockers have written songs recorded by Steve Holy, Taylor Swift, Randy Houser and Chris Young. They were followed by singer-songwriter Madeleine Slate.
As you proceed up Broadway, you enter The Buckle, a fun zone between 2nd and 4th Avenues. Here you’ll find Cricket karaoke singing, roulette wheels for prizes, the U.S. Marines chin-up contest and free samples of Blue Bell ice cream and free bottled water. Sony has a big trailer truck for gamers where you can enter to win a PlayStation. The Pedigree tent has doggies for petting. There are Bad Boy Buggies to sit on. ASCAP has a tented performance stage in this zone, but it was silent when I stopped by.
The Lodge at CMA Music Festival. Photo courtesy CMA.
Turn left and you’re in Fan Alley. The Caesar’s Palace tent offered relaxation and free Shania Twain cardboard fans. Emerald Coast had a fly-casting game. Jack in the Box hosted a mechanical bull. Pause at the misting tent if you need to, then get in line for the GAC/HGTV structure called The Lodge. This is an autograph zone, but that didn’t stop the fans from asking Jake Owen to sing to them. “I didn’t even bring a guitar,” he protested. Thompson Square were signing as well. Waiting in the wings was Vanilla Ice. The “Ice Ice Baby” rapper is now a real estate rehab expert with his own HGTV show.
The diving dogs are back! Actually, they are called the Ultimate Air Dogs. Their new location this year means that they have to pass by you, to and from their swimming pool diving platform. So I got to meet Pippin the whippet. Across from that is the Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage. This new venue was featuring artists such as Amber Hayes and Matt Stillwell when I was there. The audience is also under a tent at this one, which features a huge, three-sided bar dispensing free iced tea. This venue also dispenses free Chevy t-shirts, which are actually just as nice looking as the official merch.
Hall of Fame Park is now the Bic Soleil Summer Beach. Here, you will find beach-ball tossing, a volleyball net, some small tents with couches and a “beach” of actual sand with chaise lounges. Most of the fans were listening in the sun as Jason Cassidy did his rocking “Ride of Your Life,” followed by Bush Hawg and Sunny Sweeney.
Up on 4th Avenue, The Clydesdales have a fully functional, tented “barn” set up. Each of the eight massive steeds has his or her own stall. They are bathed and groomed daily, to the delight of the fans. At this zone, you can also register to win a free six-pack of Budweiser. The iconic beer wagon, by the way, was built in 1903 by Studebaker.
Moe Bandy and Janie Fricke perform at the Bud Light Stage. Photo courtesy CMA.
The Bud Light Stage on the Bridgestone plaza was extremely popular on Thursday afternoon (6/7). A capacity crowd was enjoying T. Graham Brown belting “I Tell it Like it Used to Be” to wind up the “Classic Country Show” that also featured Moe Bandy, Janie Fricke and Gene Watson. This is another open-air venue, but the lack of shade seems to bother no one.
Fret not, Music Row fabulons: You will encounter your own kind amid the fan hubbub. At various stops along the way on Thursday, I greeted Cliff Audretch, Regina Stuve, Larry Fitzgerald, Shelly Mullins, Beth Gwinn, Leslie Roberts, Stuart Dill, Tracy Gershon, Wendy Pearl and Ryan Moore grooving on the fest.
At the Convention Center, the old fest moniker of Fan Fair is gradually fading away. This zone is now the AT&T and Cisco Fan Fair Hall, so that succinctly sums up the fest’s evolution.
Of its 60 booths, only three are for A-List artists – Alan Jackson, Chris Young and Dolly Parton. Another six are for “name brand” acts – The Kentucky HeadHunters, Lynn Anderson, Doug Stone, Donna Fargo, Bucky Covington and William Lee Golden. I love both Lulu Roman and Two Foot Fred, but although they were present and willing, few fans were at either booth when I went by. Fred is promoting his autobiographical book.
Only three major record companies are hosting booths, Warners, Big Machine and Universal. Of the remaining 46 booths, I counted 14 as belonging to indie artists and/or labels. That means that more than half of the booths now belong to retail entities such as Cabot Cheese, Sprint, Cracker Barrel, Jack Daniels, Field & Stream, Dillard’s, Budweiser, Chevrolet and Twisted Sister Apparel.
The dwindling star power of the autograph zone was the least of the fans’ complaints. This year, a lottery system was inaugurated. If you wanted to get a big-star autograph, you had to register on-line in May to qualify for the daily dispensing of autograph wristbands. Those who didn’t win one, clustered in a “Hopefuls” line to maybe get an extra. Plus, the wristband didn’t guarantee you’d get to the big star you desired. Boy, were they griping.
But something had to be done. If a Reba or Trace appears, the zone becomes a mob scene. And the big stars simply can’t accommodate everyone who wants them, even if they stay all day. The new system at least keeps their crowds and time commitments to a manageable size.
Flying Island's Gwen Sebastian got to meet Joey + Rory for the first time yesterday (6/7) in a Fan Fair Hall booth. Rory Feek co-wrote Gwen’s new single "Met Him in a Motel Room" with Jamie Teachenor. (L-R): Rory Feek, Gwen Sebastian and Joey Martin
Besides, there were plenty of other artists to get to know. In addition to Lynn, Donna, Bucky and the HeadHunters, artists in booths on Thursday (6/7) included Leah Seawright, Josh Turner, Her & King’s County, Miss Willie Brown, Gwen Sebastian, Laura Bell Bundy, Justin Moore, Craig Morgan, Nick Cross, Cowboy Troy, Trailer Choir, Billy Gillman and Eden’s Edge.
Also, you can have a custom photo made with the iconic Jack Daniels statue or participate in a fun Dolly trivia contest. There are film screenings in the Convention Center this year, as well.
The Durango Acoustic Corner stage has moved into the exhibit hall. This terrific venue used to be in a Convention Center hallway and needed more space. The stunning, stone-country vocal blend of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver on “Between Leaving and Loving You” at that stop was the sweetest sound I heard all day.
Go home. Change clothes. Pick up Miss Mary. NOW head for the mecca of LP Field.
BMI has a Tailgate Party set up on the parking lot, entertaining fans before they enter the massive venue. On Thursday, the line-up there included The Peach Pickers – Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins. Love them.
The Peach Pickers perform at BMI's Tailgate Party outside LP Field. Photo courtesy CMA.
Inside, Steve Moore greeted the throng and introduced Mayor Karl Dean. “We are thrilled to welcome you to Nashville,” said Dean, explaining how the Fest gives back to Nashville schools, thanks to the stars’ generosity. “Let’s start off this festival by giving these artists a huge round of applause. Enjoy yourselves, and have a wonderful, wonderful time.” Up in the CMA Hospitality Box, I congratulated hizzhonor on his speech. “Well, at least nobody booed,” he replied.
David Nail showcased the fruits of the fest by performing a moving rendition of “The Sound of a Million Dreams” with the Nashville School of the Arts Chamber Singers. The students then sang the National Anthem.
Glen Campbell performs at LP Field. Photo courtesy CMA.
“Welcome to your home for the next four nights,” said host Storme Warren to the crowd. He brought on Glen Campbell, who drew a massive cheer. The roars continued as he fired off one iconic hit after another – “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Galveston,” “Southern Nights.” When he lost his way in the lyrics of “Rhinestone Cowboy,” thousand of voices helped him through it. At times, he seemed agitated or confused, but his golden voice and guitar playing carried him through.
By the time he finished, Bev Lambert was weeping. “This is the last time we’ll see him,” explained Miranda’s mom. Miss Mary said she was choked up when Glen was singing about “the rivers of my memory” in “Gentle on My Mind.”
By the time Miranda Lambert and The Pistol Annies were through rocking the joint, LP Field was a full house. It was quite an inspiring sight. At the start of the week, there were still a few “nosebleed” seats available, but on Thursday afternoon, the CMA announced that the fest was officially completely sold out.
Lady Antebellum performs at LP Field. Photo courtesy CMA.
Kellie Pickler did a sweet, acoustic set on a small, high stage situated at mid field. Then Jason Aldean came out rocking on the main stage. At the conclusion of “She’s Country,” he went down into the crowd to shake some hands. The glorious Lady Antebellum was up next, followed by Zac Brown Band and Brad Paisley. Lauren Alaina provided a second acoustic moment.
Schmoozing the room were David & Susana Ross, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Herkie Williams, Tom Baldrica, Rob Oatman, former mayor Bill Purcell, LeAnn Phelan, Bob Doerschuk, Ron Cox, Charlie Cook, Steve Lassiter, John Dorris, Aaron Hartley, Tom Corley, Nancy Shapiro, Jeff Walker and Ed Hardy.
Zac Brown Band at LP Field press conference. Photo: Alan Mayor