Twain Gears Up For Vegas Residency

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Shania Twain is preparing for the Dec. 1 premiere of her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Shania: Still The One is expected to offer dramatic visuals, high fashion and a few surprises. The superstar is acting as Show Creator and Executive Producer and she teamed with a top-tier creative group to bring her extravaganza to life. The series is produced by AEG Live.

Show Director Raj Kapoor specializes in productions with cutting edge choreography, styling, design, staging, and special effects. He has worked with Carrie Underwood, Michael Jackson, Eminem, Usher, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Paul McCartney, Britney Spears and countless others.

Other renowned individuals contributing to the show are production designer Michael Cotten, costumier Marc Bouwer and lighting designer Peter Morse.

“My first step in creating the show was writing out the song list, building my ideas from there,” said Twain. “I wanted to keep the hits at the heart of it all while weaving elements of surprise throughout the experience. My vision is to bring the atmosphere of each song alive through multi- dimension sensory and share the journey of my life and career with the audience from a unique perspective. The Colosseum theatre is heaven for an artist and the opportunity to collaborate with such a brilliant team is making my dream show a reality.”

Twain has announced 14 new performances, listed below, which will go on sale Fri., June 8 at 10 a.m.
March 2013: 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30
April 2013: 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10

Prices range from $55 to $250, plus applicable fees. Details at www.shaniainvegas.com.

Photo: BPG’s Stegall Honored With Million-Air Certificates

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BMI recently presented Bigger Picture Group Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Keith Stegall with Million-Air certificates to recognize his hit songs “I Do (Cherish You)” and “We’re In This Love Together.” “I Do (Cherish You),” written by Stegall with Dan Hill, was recorded by both Mark Wills and 98 Degrees and has 4 million performances to date. “We’re In This Love Together,” which Stegall wrote with Roger Murrah, was recorded by jazz singer Al Jarreau and has 3 million respective broadcasts to date.

Stegall’s work as a producer has spawned more than 20 platinum and multi-platinum albums, including recordings by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, and Zac Brown Band.

“I came to Nashville to do one thing and that was to learn to write songs,” said Stegall. “I accidentally became a record producer, but I’m always a songwriter at heart.”

(L-R): BMI Vice President of Writer-Publisher Relations Jody Williams; Bigger Picture Group Chairman & Chief Creative Officer Keith Stegall; BMI Director of Writer-Publisher Relations Bradley Collins. Photo: Drew Maynard

In other Bigger Picture news, BPG singer/songwriter Ryan Kinder recently signed with SESAC for representation. Kinder is currently working on his full-length album, due for release later in 2012.

(L-R): Bigger Picture’s Alan Kates, producer/Bigger Picture Chairman Keith Stegall, Kinder, SESAC’s Dennis Lord and Bigger Picture’s Nick Garvin and Jeff Carlton. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Naomi Judd Launches SiriusXM Series

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Naomi Judd will host a limited-run six-week series of live, phone-in interviews called, “Think Twice,” which begins airing Fri., June 8 at 10:00 am ET on SiriusXM Stars, ch. 107.

Ashley Judd will be the first guest for the hour debut, marking the first ever interview with mother and daughter. The Judds are expected to discuss the dynamics of their mother-daughter relationship.

The goal of the series is to inspire, educate and challenge listeners to “think twice” about topics that are controversial and fascinating, such as relationships, current events, politics, creationism vs. evolution

“I’m a communicator,” said Naomi Judd. “Whether I’m expressing myself through a book, one of my speaking engagements or chatting one-on-one with a stranger on the street, I have an insatiable curiosity about human behavior and for questioning the status quo, and can’t wait to share both our common and different experiences and take on issues.”

“Think Twice” episodes will air at 10:00 am ET, Fridays on SiriusXM Stars through July 13. Encore presentations will air Saturdays from 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET on SiriusXM Stars. Future guests include Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. Director, National Institutes of Health and Dr. Helen Morrison, a forensic psychiatrist specializing in serial killers.

Chesney Extends Agreement With Sony Music Nashville

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Sony Music Nashville has extended its recording agreement with country superstar Kenny Chesney, who has sold over 30 million albums and scored 23 No. 1 hits during his time on the label group’s roster.

(L-R): Jess L. Rosen, Esq. (Greenberg Traurig, LLP), Gary Overton (Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO), Chesney, Clint Higham (President Morris Artists Management), Dale Morris (CEO Morris Artists Management). Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images/WireImage

“We are very happy to be renewing our worldwide partnership with Kenny Chesney,” said Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris. “He is a tremendous superstar with a unique creative vision and we look forward to sharing continued success with him in the years ahead.”

“This is Kenny’s recording home and I couldn’t be happier to say that Kenny and Sony will continue to make records together for many years to come,” remarked Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton. “And his new album Welcome to the Fishbowl may be his finest record yet!”

Under the arrangement, Chesney’s future recordings will bear his Blue Chair Records imprint, which will now be affiliated with Columbia Nashville. Concurrently, Sony Music has announced that it will retire the BNA Records imprint, Chesney’s former label home. All BNA artists and employees will now be assigned to Columbia Nashville.

Chesney’s thirteenth album Welcome to the Fishbowl is due for release June 19, and includes his current hit single “Come Over.” On June 2, Chesney kicked off the Brothers of the Sun Tour with Tim McGraw at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. The opening show, with guests Jake Owen and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, lasted nearly seven hours and featured numerous surprises and an abundance of new music.

Photo: Jill Trunnell

Presenters at Wednesday’s CMT Music Awards

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The 2012 CMT Music Awards will be presented Wed., June 6 at 7 p.m. CT at Nashville’s Bridgestone arena. The list of presenters was revealed today (6/4) and includes Jason Aldean, Ronnie Dunn, Alan Jackson, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, and Sara Evans, who is also spokesperson for CMT One Country.

Hosted by Toby Keith and Kristen Bell, the show will include performances by Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Pistol Annies, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams, Jr. and Zac Brown Band.

Also set to present are CMT’s My Big Redneck Vacation host and CMT Music Awards Twitter Tracker correspondent Tom Arnold, Redneck Island host Steve Austin, American Idol finalists Colton Dixon and Skylar Laine, 2012 Indianapolis 500 Winner Dario Franchitti, Twilight star Ashley Greene, pro skateboarder Tony Hawk, actress Denise Richards, television and movie star Dax Shepard and singer Jordin Sparks. Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and The Band Perry will also present.

Fans can vote for the winners at CMT.com, and on mobile devices at CMT Mobile or the CMT Insider app through the end of the day. The five finalists for Video of the Year will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com, CMT mobile, CMT Insider app or via text message to determine the night’s big winner.

Michael Dempsey will executive produce the 2012 CMT Music Awards alongside director Joe DeMaio. John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux serve as executive producers for CMT.

McFadden Joins Tenacity Records

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Music business and promotion veteran Tim McFadden has joined the Tenacity Records team as Vice President of Promotion, effective immediately.

McFadden most recently served in the promotion departments of R&J Records and Momentum Music Group. He began his career in radio with WGAR/Cleveland and brings over 30 years experience to the Tenacity staff.

The addition of McFadden rounds out the label’s promotion team consisting of Gary Greenberg, Jeff Davis, and David Shaw, headed up by Sr. VP David Haley. Anne Sarosdy will continue to work with the promotion team in an as-yet-unnamed new role. Tenacity Records is lead by Mike Kraski and is home to artists Bill Gentry and Darryl Worley.

Congratulate McFadden here.

Mark Your Calendar (June 2012)

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Single Releases

June 4
Corey Wagar/Take Ya Back
Matt Gary/City Lights/17/Quarterback
Rodney Atkins/Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll/Curb
Bill Gentry/That Kind Of Life/Tenacity
Matt Enik/A Natural/Red Dog Music Group

June 18
Gwen Sebastian/Met Him In A Motel Room/Flying Island
Craig Morgan/Corn Star/Black River
Casey James/Crying On A Suitcase/19/BNA
Denae Gardner/Welcome To America/4D Records

Album Releases

June 5
Alan Jackson/Thirty Miles West/ACR-EMI Nashville
Colt Ford/Declaration of Independence/Average Joe’s
Bela Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio featuring Rodney Jordan and Jason Marsalis/Across The Imaginary Divide/Rounder
Rodney Crowell & Mary Karr/KIN, Songs by Mary Karr and Rodney Crowell/Vanguard Records
Jana Kramer/Jana Kramer/Elektra Nashville
Various Artists/Foggy Mountain Special: A Bluegrass Tribute To Earl Scruggs/Rounder

June 12
Edens Edge/Edens Edge/Republic Nashville
Josh Turner/Punching Bag/MCA

June 19
Kenny Chesney/Welcome to the Fishbowl/BNA
Marlee Scott/Beautiful Maybe/Big Ride Entertainment

June 26
Mindy Smith/Mindy Smith/Giant Leap/TVX Records
Chris Cagle/Back In The Saddle/BPG
Little Feat/Rooster Rag/Rounder

Industry Events (CMA Week)

June 4-5
Billboard Country Music Summit, presented in association with CMA at the Cannery Ballroom

Monday, June 4

  • Global Artist Party. 6 PM at The Stage — Bob Corbett, Morgan Evans, Adam Harvey, Craig Morrison and Joe Robinson; Emerson Drive, High Valley and Jess Moskaluke; Vickie Evans; Lisa McHugh with Gene Watson; and Gary Quinn. Australian’s, O’Shea, host.
  • Darius Rucker performs a benefit concert at the Wildhorse for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Tuesday, June 5

  • Country Weekly magazine hosts benefit for Musicians On Call featuring Colt Ford, LoCash Cowboys, and Matt Stillwell at the Hard Rock Cafe 9 PM
  • Country Music Beach Party to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at The Star at Broadway; 6 to 9 PM — Ashley Gearing, Canaan Smith, Darryl Worley, Craig Campbell, and Steve Holy
  • Stars For Second Harvest; 7:30 PM at the Ryman — Jake Owen and Florida Georgia Line, Dallas Davidson, Rodney Clawson, and Craig Wiseman
  • CMHoF Hot Nights At The Hall with David Nail
  • YEP (Young Entertainment Professionals) Mixer at Bar Louie in the Gulch, 6 pm. Happy Hour extended until 8. All ages welcome
  • Aristo Global Show. 12:30 – 3:45 PM at The Second Fiddle — Baylou, Clayton Bellamy, Rick Caballo, Adam Gregory, Pete Kennedy, Colm Kirwan, Josh Macumber, Raintown, Jessica Ridley, and Travellin Rose. Adam Harvey will host the show, which includes a free lunch for attendees

Wednesday, June 6

  • GAC Kick-off Breakfast. 7 AM at the CMHoF with Josh Turner, Lauren Alaina, Thompson Square and Kip Moore
  • R.O.P.E.’S “Breakfast With the Stars” at New Nashville Nitelife from 9 AM to 12 PM — Jim Ed Brown, Jean Shepard, T.G. Sheppard, Jimmy C. Newman, George Hamilton IV, Mel Tillis, Moe Bandy, Tommy Cash, Charlie McCoy, Jan Howard, Mac Wiseman, Larry Black, Ronnie McDowell, Dickie Lee, Freddy Weller, Bobby Lewis, Bobby G. Rice, June Stearns, Karen Wheeler, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Robyn Young, Kelly Lang, Rattlesnake Annie, Razzy Bailey, Dianne Sherrill, Jett Williams, T. Graham Brown
  • Kick-Off Parade. 11 AM starting at 10th Avenue, ending at Chevrolet Riverfront Park for the Chevrolet Block Party at 12:30 PM — Little Big Town, Brazilbilly, Eric Lee Beddingfield, LoCash Cowboys
  • Hard Rock Entertainment Stage — Johnny Gates and The Invite, Greg Burroughs, Her & Kings County, Chance Anderson, Carter’s Chord, Pearl Clarkin, Kingston, Sarah Sadler, Summerlin Road, Elk River Band, Jim Quick & The Coastline
  • CMT Music Awards. 7 PM at the Bridgestone Arena. Broadcast live on CMT with hosts Toby Keith and Kristen Bell.
  • The Warner Sound/CMT Awards ‘Fan After Party’ 9:30 pm at aVenue, featuring Gloriana and special guest Charlie Worsham
  • CMHoF Exhibit Opening: Taylor Swift: Speak Now—Treasures from the World Tour
  • Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam 10 PM at The Ryman with Connie Smith & The Sundowners, Wynonna, Roger McGuinn, The Oak Ridge Boys, Stonewall Jackson and The Chuck Wagon Gang

Thursday, June 7

  • Warner Sound at aVenue:  Jana Kramer’s Album Release Party. Music City’s Most Wanted Live: Hunter Hayes in Concert
  • Screening: Kenny Chesney’s “Welcome to the Fishbowl” — Convention Room 209/210: (10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM)
  • Suntrust Hot Dog Day: 11:30 AM – 2 PM at Suntrust on Music Row
  • CMHoF — Tracy Lawrence FREE Performance and Autograph Signing, Joanna Smith FREE Performance and Autograph Signing, Lee Greenwood Autograph Signing, Lee Brice Autograph Signing
  • Thompson Square, Randy Houser, Parmalee and Kristy Lee Cook will perform at the Wildhorse benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
  • Durango Acoustic Corner — Gene Watson, Georgette Jones, Lulu Roman, Riders in the Sky, Bryan White, Jesse Keith Whitley, Amber Hayes, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Black Lillies, Billy Dean
  • Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage at Fan Alley — The Roys, Rachele Lynae, Adam Gregory, Chase Rice
  • The Buckle —  Emily Lynch, JJ Lawhorn, Summerlin Road, Kalisa Ewing, Brent Wesley, Channing Wilson, Guitars of the Stars Benefit Auction
  • BIC Soleil Bella Beach Stage in Walk of Fame Park — Mockingbird Sun, HER & Kings County, Lindsay Lawler, Tim Dugger, Blackjack Billy, Jason Cassidy, Bush Hawg, Sunny Sweeney
  • Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza — Jeff Bates, Greg Bates, Julie Roberts, Tyler Farr, “Classic Country Show” featuring Moe Bandy, T. Graham Brown, Janie Fricke, and Gene Watson, hosted by Moore & Moore.,Trent Tomlinson, Miss Willie Brown, Cledus T. Judd
  • Hard Rock Entertainment Stage — Riverbilly, Stephen Salyers, Hank Grant, Kim Wolff, Erin Sylvester, Alyssa Bonagura, O’shea, Old Dominion, Madeleine Slate, Logan Mize, Michael Sarver, Borrowed Blue, Clayton Anderson, Hollywood Yates, Levi Lowrey, Cross County Junction, Coy Taylor, Whitney Duncan, Aaron Kelly, Mac Powell(Third Day), Tyler Reeve, Brinley Addington, Nik & Sam, Ira Dean
  • Texaco Country Club at Margaritaville Live Concert Series; 11 pm — Tyler Farr and Kellie Pickler
  • Musicians On Call Hard Rock Songwriters in the Round: ASCAP — performances by: Kyle Jacobs, Brett James, Rivers Rutherford, and Tony Lane
  • Riverfront Stage — Lee Brice, Colt Ford, Tracy Lawrence, Dustin Lynch, Neal McCoy, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Jerrod Niemann, Randy Rogers Band, Josh Thompson, and Uncle Kracker
  • BMI Tailgate Party — Brent Cobb, The Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson)
  • LP Nightly Concerts — Jason Aldean, Glen Campbell, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley,and Zac Brown Band. Acoustic performances: Lauren Alaina and Kellie Pickler. Special performance: David Nail with the Nashville School of the Arts Chamber Choir (under the direction of Walter Bitner). National Anthem performer: Nashville School of the Arts Chamber Choir (under the direction of Walter Bitner). Host: Storme Warren

Friday, June 8

  • Warner Sound at aVenue: Frankie Ballard opens for Cledus T. Judd
  • CMHoF — Charley Pride Autograph Signing, Casey James free Performance and Autograph Signing, Love and Theft FREE Performance and Autograph Signing
  • Chris Cagle performs at the Wildhorse to benefit Saddle Up!, a therapeutic horseback riding program for physically and mentally challenged children in the Nashville area
  • YEP (Young Entertainment Professionals) Mixer at Bar Louie in the Gulch, 6 pm. Happy Hour extended until 8. All ages welcome
  • Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage at Fan Alley — Amber Hayes, Weston Burt, High Valley, Matt Stillwell
  • Screening: “Malibu Country” on ABC — Convention Room 209/210: (10:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:45 PM); “Nashville” on ABC — Convention Room 209/210: (11:15 AM, 1 PM, 2:45 PM); Kenny Chesney’s “Welcome to the Fishbowl” — Convention Room 209/210: (9:15 AM, 4:15 PM)
  • Hard Rock Entertainment Stage — Vicki Raye, Rick Caballo, The Mantz Brothers, Matt Caldwell, Pearl Heart, Brothers Osborne, David Bradley, Jaime Fox, Pearl Clarkin, Jesse Keith Whitley, Cheryl LuQuire, Maggie Rose, Jesse Lee, Corbette Jackson, Meagan Michaelis, Trailer Choir, Ella Mae Bowen, Chris Lane Band, Cross County Junction, Bo Bice, Matt Stillwell, Kelleigh Bannen, Julianne, Bridgette Tatum
  • Texaco Country Club at Margaritaville Live Concert Series; 11 PM— Joanna Smith and Love and Theft
  • Musicians On Call Hard Rock Songwriters in the Round: BMI — Phil O’Donnell, Tim James, Kendell Marvel, and Bob DiPiero
  • Durango Acoustic Corner — The Roys, Bucky Covington, Janie Fricke, Gwen Sebastian, Buddy Jewell, T. Graham Brown, Carter’s Chord, Jimmy Fortune, Marty Raybon, Con Hunley
  • BIC Soleil Bella Beach Stage in Walk of Fame Park —  Kristy Lee Cook, Matt Gary, Lighter Ray, Rachel Holder, Aaron Parker, Michael Ray, Morgan Frazier, Parmalee, Rachel Farley, Drew Smith
  • Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza — Eric Paslay, Rose Falcon, Katie Armiger, Exile, The McClymonts, Frankie Ballard, Big Smo, Drake White, Blackberry Smoke
  • Riverfront Stage — Craig Campbell, The Farm, Gloriana, Jo Dee Messina, David Nail, Oak Ridge Boys, Thomas Rhett, Sawyer Brown, Phil Vassar, and James Wesley
  • BMI Tailgate Party —Kristen Kelly, Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys, Trent Summar & The New Row Mob
  • LP Nightly Concerts — The Band Perry, Brantley Gilbert, Ronnie Milsap, Jake Owen, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood. Acoustic performances: Randy Houser and Gwen Sebastian. National Anthem performer: Oak Ridge Boys. Host: TBD

Saturday, June 9

  • Warner Sound at aVenue: TouchTunes Karaoke sing-off & Kiss My Country Ass model search
  • CMHoF — Kellie Pickler Songwriter Session and Autograph Signing
  • The Chris Lane Band, Brent Cobb, Clayton Anderson, Brian Davis and winner of the Wildhorse’s “Battle for the Saddle” (to be determined next week) band search competition will perform
  • City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game. 9 AM at Greer Stadium — Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Brantley Gilbert, Lauren Alaina, David Nail, James Otto, Robin Meade, and Scott Hamilton are among those participating in the charity softball game between rivals After MidNight with Blair Garner and the Grand Ole Opry. Storme Warren will emcee the event
  • Hard Rock Entertainment Stage — Brinn Black, Mia Bergmann, Tommy Gallager, Zach Lockwood, Scarletta, Hannah Aldridge, Jeff Allen, Adam Craig, Jason Jones, Brandy Clark, Payton Taylor, Ayla Brown, Matt Mason, Abigail Rose, Aaron Kelly, Ashley Ray, Julienne Irwin, Parmalee, JJ Lawhorn, Carly Pearce, Payton Rae, Russell Dickerson, Mika Combs, Ray Scott
  • Opry at the Ryman Matinee, 3 PM
  • Texaco Country Club at Margaritaville Live Concert Series; 11 PM — Casey James and Kristen Kelly
  • Musicians On Call Hard Rock Songwriters in the Round: SESAC — Cledus T Judd, Rob Hatch, Lance Miller, and Cary Barlowe
  • Musicians Corner at Centennial Park, 3 PM— Bo Bice, Lighter Ray, Carter’s Chord, The Henningsens, Channing Wilson, Ryan Griffin, and Brinley Addington
  • Screening: “Nashville” on ABC — Convention Room 209/210: (11:15 AM, 1 PM, 2:45 PM); “Malibu Country” on ABC — Convention Room 209/210: (10:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:45 PM); Kenny Chesney’s “Welcome to the Fishbowl” — Convention Room 209/210: (9:15 AM, 4:15 PM)
  • Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage at Fan Alley — Imaj, Josh Mullins, Jason Thomas, Gary Quinn
  • Durango Acoustic Corner — Lynn Anderson, Jason Michael Carroll, Lonesome River Band, Teea Goans, Doug Stone, Mark Wills, Dana Romanello, Shawn Camp, Chase Rice, Joanna Smith
  • BIC Soleil Bella Beach Stage in Walk of Fame Park —  Lacey Brown, Russell Dickerson, Lyndsey Highlander, Maggie Rose, Levi Lowrey, Donny Falgatter, The Henningsens, Chris Janson, Dean Alexander, Connor Christian & Southern Gothic
  • Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza — Josh Gracin, Trailer Choir, Sonia Leigh, Randy Montana, The Cleverly’s, Canaan Smith, Jaida Dreyer, Bucky Covington
  • BMI Tailgate Party — Florida Georgia Line, Chanice Neal, Mo Pitney
  • Riverfront Stage — Laura Bell Bundy, Edens Edge, Casey James, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Kip Moore, Heidi Newfield, James Otto, Corey Smith, and Mel Tillis
  • LP Nightly Concerts — Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Hunter Hayes, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, and Kenny Rogers. Acoustic performances: Love and Theft and Kip Moore. National Anthem performer: Julie Roberts. Host: Melissa Peterman

Sunday, June 10

  • Durango Acoustic Corner — Donna Ulisse & The Poor Mountain Boys, Chuck Wagon Gang, Sarah Darling, The Grascals, Due West, The McClymonts, Lesley McDaniel, Russell Moor & Iiird Tyme Out
  • BIC Soleil Bella Beach Stage in Walk of Fame Park — Brother Trouble, The Stickers, Craig Morrison, Marlee Scott, Frank Ortega, Brazilbilly, Stephanie Quayle, Mustang Sally Band, Eric Lee Beddingfield
  • Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage at Fan Alley —  Due West, Zach Lockwood, Flynnville Train, Erin Enderlin
  • Hard Rock Entertainment Stage — Erin Enderlin, JD Shelburne, Brinn Black, Corey Crowder, Smithfield, Chris Cavanaugh, Payton Taylor, The Buchanan Boys, Joey Hyde, Jason Miller, Chad Freeman & the Redline, Lauren Elise, Kohlwater, Adam Sanders, Cadillac Black, Caroline Kole, Brent Cobb, Walker Hayes, Connor Christian & Southern Gothic, Ransomville
  • Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza — Mark Wills, Jon Pardi, Jason Michael Carroll, Mandy Barnett, Joanna Smith, Charlie Worsham, Kentucky Headhunters, Andy Gibson
  • Riverfront Stage — Wade Bowen, Brett Eldredge, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, JT Hodges, Steve Holy, Jana Kramer, LoCash Cowboys, Lorrie Morgan, Sunny Sweeney, and Darryl Worley
  • BMI Tailgate Party — Hogslop String Band, Kenny Vaughan, World Famous Headliners
  • LP Nightly Concerts — Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, The Mavericks, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, and Rascal Flatts. Acoustic performances: Bill Anderson and Steel Magnolia. National Anthem performer: Sarah Darling. Host: Evan Farmer

June 28
WMN Pickin’ on the Patio

Home of George Jones Going Up For Auction

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Aerial view of George Jones' estate

George Jones’ Williamson County estate is hitting the auction block in July, the Nashville Post reports.

The 9,700 square foot home sits on 78 acres of land, offering two guest residences and a stable among its amenities. J.P. King Auction Company will handle the sale.

This is not the first attempt to sell the property. In 2011, Jones and his wife Nancy listed the home for $15 million through Bailey & Ivy Realtors.

Jones has also been struggling with some health-related issues of late. Late in May, he was released from a Nashville-area hospital after receiving treatment for an ongoing upper respiratory infection. Jones was initially hospitalized for the infection in late March, and canceled his concert dates through June to allow time for recovery.

R.O.P.E. Hosts Annual Breakfast This Week

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The R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) breakfast is scheduled for Wed., June 6 at the Nashville Nightlife theater from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, located in Music Valley Village near the Opryland Hotel. The event is held annually during CMA Music Festival.

Among the artists scheduled to attend are Jim Ed Brown, Jean Shepard, T.G. Sheppard, Mel Tillis, Tommy Cash, Jan Howard, Mac Wiseman, Jett Williams and T. Graham Brown.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children age 6- 12. To purchase tickets call (615) 860-9257 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

In more R.O.P.E. news, the organization’s 25th anniversary Golden Awards show and dinner is set for Oct. 11, 2012.

Deluxe Edition of Edens Edge Album Exclusively at Cracker Barrel

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The debut album from Edens Edge will hit stores June 12, and a deluxe version will be released through Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s music program the same day. The extended version will contain three tracks not available on the band’s Big Machine Records self-titled, standard edition. This marks the first time Cracker Barrel will release the deluxe version on the same day as the regular version.

Beginning June 2 all Cracker Barrel locations will distribute digital download cards redeemable for one free download of Edens Edge’s sassy new single, “Too Good to Be True.” The song is a follow-up to their Top 20 hit “Amen.”

The Arkansas-bred band is comprised of lead vocalist Hannah Blaylock; harmony vocalist, guitar and dobro player Dean Berner; and harmony singer, mandolin, banjo and guitar player Cherrill Green. Collectively, they penned half of the songs on the project as well as the three tracks for the deluxe version, which will be available in-store and at crackerbarrel.com.

Tracks on Edens Edge–Deluxe Edition
Amen (Skip Black, Hannah Blaylock, Catt Gravitt, Gerald O’Brien)
Swingin’ Door (Terry Clayton, Brett James, Ashley Monroe)
Skinny Dippin’ (Dean Berner, Laura Veltz, Vince Melamed)
Too Good To Be True (Gordie Sampson, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges)
Last Supper (Hannah Blaylock, Catt Gravitt, Danny Myrick)
Feels So Real (Angelo, Hillary Lindsey, Tia Sillers)
Who Am I Drinking Tonight (Hannah Blaylock, Laura Veltz)
Liar (Andy Stochansky, Laura Veltz)
Cherry Pie (Dean Berner, Vince Melamed, Laura Veltz)
Christ Alone (Steve Smith)

Exclusive tracks:
Roots (Cherrill Green, Catt Gravitt, Skip Black)
Little Bird (Dean Berner)
Wherever I Go (Hannah Blaylock, Joy Williams, Danny Myrick, Jennifer Schott)