The Nashville Film Festival (NaFF), presented by Nissan, starts today (4/19) at the Regal Green Hills Cinemas, running a full week until next Thursday (4/26).
The festival will open with dual premieres of After, directed by Ryan Smith, and Beauty is Embarassing, directed by Neil Berkeley.
Big Easy Express
Musical films are always a highlight of NaFF, and this year’s selections will include co-closer Big Easy Express, co-presented by the Americana Music Association and Nashville Scene. The film follows Old Crow Medicine Show, Mumford & Sons, and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros on a train journey from California to Louisiana. The film will screen for free at 8 pm Thursday (4/26) in Nashville’s Centennial Park. Also closing the festival is the documentary Paul Williams: Still Alive, about the legendary songwriter and music executive.
Songwriter Hank Cochran will be the focus of a bio-documentary called Hank Cochran: Livin’ For a Song. Wes Pryor of Reel Cool Films directed the film, which features appearances by Willie Nelson, Bobby Bare, Elvis Costello, Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, Jamey Johnson, and more. The documentary premieres at 7 pm on Wednesday (4/25).
Just in time for Record Store Day on Saturday (4/21), record store documentary Brick and Mortar and Love will screen Friday (4/20) during NaFF and again at Grimey’s New and Pre-Loved Music on Saturday.
Also included is Welcome to Nash Vegas, a documentary directed by Julie Dove about the long and tough road to stardom in Nashville. Interviewed in the film are Darius Rucker, Lee Brice, Sherrie Austin, Joe Galante, Wayne Halper, Lisa Johnson, Trey Bruce, and more. The film shows at 8:30 pm Monday (4/23).
Among the daily panel discussions is “The Evolution of Women Behind the Camera,” taking place at 4:30 pm on Saturday (4/21), with actor/producer Nicole Kidman, as well as fellow actor/directors Famke Janssen, Carrie Preston, and Beth Grant.
The popular music supervisors panel will also return with Evyen Klean (Hemingway & Gellhorn), Tricia Holloway (Middle Men), PJ Bloom (Glee, American Horror Story), Wende Crowley (Friends With Benefits), Jenee Deangelis (Cold Case), and Michael Freeman (music producer, Ogilvy & Mather). Music supervisor panels take place Tuesday (4/24) and Wednesday (4/25).
For tickets, laminates, and a full schedule visit nashvillefilmfestival.org.
Nashville Film Festival Begins Today
/by FreemanThe Nashville Film Festival (NaFF), presented by Nissan, starts today (4/19) at the Regal Green Hills Cinemas, running a full week until next Thursday (4/26).
The festival will open with dual premieres of After, directed by Ryan Smith, and Beauty is Embarassing, directed by Neil Berkeley.
Big Easy Express
Musical films are always a highlight of NaFF, and this year’s selections will include co-closer Big Easy Express, co-presented by the Americana Music Association and Nashville Scene. The film follows Old Crow Medicine Show, Mumford & Sons, and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros on a train journey from California to Louisiana. The film will screen for free at 8 pm Thursday (4/26) in Nashville’s Centennial Park. Also closing the festival is the documentary Paul Williams: Still Alive, about the legendary songwriter and music executive.
Just in time for Record Store Day on Saturday (4/21), record store documentary Brick and Mortar and Love will screen Friday (4/20) during NaFF and again at Grimey’s New and Pre-Loved Music on Saturday.
Also included is Welcome to Nash Vegas, a documentary directed by Julie Dove about the long and tough road to stardom in Nashville. Interviewed in the film are Darius Rucker, Lee Brice, Sherrie Austin, Joe Galante, Wayne Halper, Lisa Johnson, Trey Bruce, and more. The film shows at 8:30 pm Monday (4/23).
The popular music supervisors panel will also return with Evyen Klean (Hemingway & Gellhorn), Tricia Holloway (Middle Men), PJ Bloom (Glee, American Horror Story), Wende Crowley (Friends With Benefits), Jenee Deangelis (Cold Case), and Michael Freeman (music producer, Ogilvy & Mather). Music supervisor panels take place Tuesday (4/24) and Wednesday (4/25).
For tickets, laminates, and a full schedule visit nashvillefilmfestival.org.
CMT Music Awards Noms Coming Monday
/by Sarah SkatesCMT is heading to Rockefeller Plaza with platinum-selling group Little Big Town to reveal the nominees for the 2012 CMT Music Awards on NBC’s Today show. The announcement will be made Mon., April 23 live during the 10 a.m. EDT hour of Today.
This is the second year in a row that CMT and NBC have partnered to announce the CMT Music Awards nominations. Voting will begin on CMT.com immediately following the announcement.
Little Big Town, who will be releasing brand new single “Pontoon” this month, will sit down with Today host Hoda Kotb and guest co-host Willie Geist to reveal the nominees in select categories and give their predictions for the night’s big winners.
The 2012 CMT Music Awards mark the 11th anniversary of the awards show, which will air live from Nashville Wed., June 6 on CMT and CMT.com. More details to be announced.
CMA Fest Global Events Performers Revealed
/by Eric T. ParkerGene Watson to duet with Lisa McHugh (Ireland)
The 2012 Global Events showcases, held June 4-5 during 2012 CMA Music Festival week in downtown Nashville, will feature 22 Country artists from five different countries and territories.
The lineup for the CMA Global Artist Party, presented by Chevrolet, takes place 6:00 – 10:45 pm June 4 at The Stage on Broadway and includes Bob Corbett (Australia), Emerson Drive (Canada), Morgan Evans (Australia), Vickie Evans (New Zealand), Adam Harvey (Australia), High Valley (Canada), Lisa McHugh (Ireland) with the legendary Gene Watson (U.S.), Craig Morrison (Australia), Jess Moskaluke (Canada), Gary Quinn (UK), and Joe Robinson (Australia). Australian husband and wife duo O’Shea return as hosts from last year’s event.
The Aristo Global Show will be held June 5 from 12:30 – 3:45 pm at The Second Fiddle. This year’s performers include Baylou (Australia), Clayton Bellamy (Canada), Rick Caballo (Australia), Adam Gregory (Canada), Pete Kennedy (Ireland), Colm Kirwan (Ireland), Josh Macumber (Canada), Raintown (UK), Jessica Ridley (Canada), and Travellin Rose (UK). Australian artist Adam Harvey will host the show, which includes a free lunch for attendees.
Nashville producer Mark Moffatt will again serve as music coordinator for both events. Digital and new media company AristoWorks will stream both nights of showcases online through multiple platforms including: CMAworld.com, CountryMusicChannel.com.au, DreamWest-tv.fr, and AristoWorks.com.
“Eight years ago, CMA launched its first international showcase event during CMA Music Festival week,” said Jeff Walker, CEO/President, AristoMedia and CMA Board member. “Within a few years, we had to add a second show to accommodate the number of submissions we were receiving. It’s been fascinating to watch these events grow year after year, and I’m extremely proud of the success we’ve had so far.”
Dick Clark Passes Away
/by FreemanPhoto: Associated Press
Broadcast and entertainment legend Dick Clark passed away today (4/18) in Los Angeles following a heart attack, according to numerous reports. He was 82. The beloved host of the long-running American Bandstand, Clark’s contributions helped spread the popularity of rock & roll in the US and gave the world favorite TV shows like The 25,000 Pyramid and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
Born Richard Wagstaff Clark, he was also a savvy businessman whose empire extended to restaurants, film and played an important role in the development of country music. He launched his company Dick Clark Productions in 1957, which currently produces the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Clark’s relationship with the ACM spans over 40 years, dating back to 1965 when the organization was first trying to produce an awards show and get it televised.
“Dick stepped in and helped us get the show on TV, and actually hosted the show starting in 1969,” says ACM CEO Bob Romeo. “Eventually he became executive producer of the show. A relationship followed where the ACM entered into a contract with Dick Clark Productions to produce our Awards show.”
The relationship with the Clark family continues to this day, as the show’s executive producer role is now overseen by Dick’s son Richard A. (RAC) Clark II.
Romeo recalls the intimidation he felt over his first meeting with Clark.
“Before I became CEO I was chairman of the board for several years,” says Romeo. “When I was elected, one of my first duties was to go negotiate with Dick Clark on a new TV contract. Here I am, 30 years old, don’t know anything about the TV business and I’m going to walk in and have a meeting with Dick Clark. I’ll never forget the feeling. But Dick had the ability to just make me feel welcome and we talked through the issues and resolved a new deal. I felt in that moment that I had a lot to learn about the business and, you know what, I had some good teachers.”
More recently, the ACM entered into a contract with Dick Clark Productions as a full partner of the show. Earlier in 2012, the ACM, Dick Clark Productions and CBS renewed their association for another 10 years.
Curb Records founder and music industry veteran Mike Curb also had a longstanding association with Clark, and sent the following statement upon hearing the news.
“I had the opportunity to work with Dick Clark for 50 years, beginning when I wrote the theme for American Bandstand. He has clearly been the most important figure during my lifetime in the industry.”
The Dick Clark Productions official Twitter posted the following earlier:
“Dick Clark was a pioneer, entrepreneur, showman, icon, legend. The first to truly integrate music and TV. We will march on with his vision.”
Publisher Notes (4/18/2012)
/by Eric T. ParkerMetts Joins Cauley Music
Metts brings a 26-year background in publishing, production and A&R to his new role, where he will oversee music publishing and production divisions as well as development of the company’s six writers.
He most recently held a dual role at Stroudavarious Records, overseeing the publishing division while being heavily involved in the A&R department.
Cauley Music Publishing is located in Nashville at 1617 17th Avenue South. Phone: 615-915-3604. Congratulate Metts at jimmy@cauleymusicgroup.com.
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Crazy 8’s Host MusiCares Benefit
Pictured (L-R): Arthur Buenahora (ole music publshing); Liz Morin (Showbiz-Ro Music); Debbie Carroll (MusiCares) Rusty Gaston (This Music); Juli Newton Griffith (Magic Mustang); and Drew Alexander (Curb Publishing)
The Crazy 8’s Pitch Group held a benefit for MusiCares on Feb 1 to thank Debbie Carroll and the MusiCares organization for its contributions to the music community. The event took place at The Bluebird Cafe with Bobby Pinson, Chris Wallin, Marv Green and Kyle Jacobs. The Crazy 8’s presented a check for over $1,300 from ticket sales to MusiCares.
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Jack Williams signs with Savannah Music Group
(L-R): Greg Gallo, (Greg Gallo Creative Services); Bob Saporiti (GM); attorney Maria Spear; Williams, Dave Gibson (President); and attorney Norman Gillis. Photo: Denise Fussell
Savannah Music Group celebrates the April 2012 signing of writer Jack Williams. The company’s current songwriting roster includes Kevin “Swine” Grantt, Williams, and Dave Gibson. Savannah Music Group expanded its staff in December of 2010 with the addition of music industry vet Bob Saporiti as General Manager.
Todd Cassetty’s First Film Set For Nashville Premiere Thurs.
/by Sarah SkatesCassetty, a director and producer who has created television specials for Taylor Swift, and recent pieces for Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, is behind 5 Days In Denver, his first full-length film which follows a group of protestors at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. The film is also an examination of present day First Amendment rights, media coverage of dissent, and the relevance of protest in modern society.
Todd Cassetty
“I’ve always wanted to make a documentary,” explains Cassetty. “And it was 2008, an election year, and I came up with the idea of following protestors through either the Democratic or Republican national convention because I’d never seen a modern documentary that follows protestors in the moment. I found a very organized and focused group that was going to protest in Denver at the DNC. For eight days during the DNC I had a crew of 12 following them around as they took to the streets.”
The group of protesters called Re-create 68, named for the spirit of 1968, rallies against the American government. In Denver in 2008 this included defying federal court orders and ultimately being arrested.
“There’s plenty of drama with police and riot gear and pepper spray and we were right in the middle of all that,” Cassetty continues. “We had gas masks with us, in case we needed them. We had a lawyer on speed dial. But another key part of the film deals with the preparation leading up to the DNC and how this group had to struggle to exercise their First Amendment rights. They had to sue the city of Denver and the Secret Service to get access to parade routes. They were vilified in the media. It was really eye-opening for somebody like me, who’s not very political, to see what these people had to go through. And even if I’m not interested in making a sign and marching in the street, I still feel like people should be able to do that, and I was shocked by how the government does not make it easy. Before this, the only exposure I’ve had to protestors is what most people have had: a sixty second clip on the news.”
The documentary took three years to complete due to Cassetty’s busy career, but it is now making the film festival rounds, timed perfectly during the current election and the DNC next September. He hopes to tackle more socially conscious projects in the future while continuing the entertainment work he loves.
The film’s tagline: Think democracy is easy? Think again. See the trailer below.
The Mavericks Performing Two Nashville Shows
/by Caitlin RantalaThe Mavericks have also just been announced as performers at CMA Music Fest on Sunday, June 10 at LP Field in Nashville. The band is slated to release a new album later this year.
Darius Rucker Sets Date For Annual St. Jude Fundraiser
/by Eric T. ParkerThe two-part fundraiser presented by GAC begins early with the St. Jude Darius and Friends celebrity golf tournament, which takes place at the Gaylord Springs Golf Links. The concert is scheduled for later that same evening at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. Performers have not yet been announced, but previous guests have included Jake Owen, Easton Corbin, Radney Foster, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Justin Moore, and Jake Owen.
100 percent of ticket sales will be donated to further St. Jude’s mission of providing the best care possible for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases at no cost to their family. The concerts alone have helped raise more than $100,000 for the organization.
“Ever since I made my first visit to the hospital, I was so moved,” said Rucker. “I knew I needed to be part of it and support it in any way possible. These events allow me to honor the outstanding work of the researchers, doctors and staff at St. Jude and I’m honored to be able to help contribute to their efforts.”
DariusRucker.com members will have early access to tickets through April 21, when sales open to the general public. Tickets may be purchased at the Wildhorse Saloon and through Ticketmaster.
Journalist Pat Harris Passes Away in Nashville
/by FreemanNashville journalist Pat Harris passed away Saturday (4/14) of natural causes at her daughter’s Nashville home. She was 88.
A native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Harris held numerous roles during her lengthy career, including serving as Reuters News Service’s middle Tennessee reporter for nearly three decades up until about a year ago. She was also a Time magazine correspondent for over 25 years, and wrote a weekly entertainment feature for Chicago Sun Times and a monthly column for Music City News. Additionally, her work appeared in the Wall Street Journal and the Christian Science Monitor.
The veteran scribe got her start with International News Service in Chicago after finishing high school, later moving to the Springfield, Ill. office after INS merged with United Press International, where she served as bureau manager.
Harris was also the Chicago press aide for Governor Adlai Stevenson during his presidential campaign against Dwight Eisenhower. She later wrote a book called Adlai: The Springfield Years, which was published in 1975.
Harris arrived Nashville in 1965 when her husband accepted a job at The Tennessean. She worked for the TN Education Department for 12 years, handling PR, writing speeches, and editing the Trailblazer magazine.
Harris is survived by her daughter Barbara and numerous friends. A private celebration of her life will be held later. Those close to Harris, who was a lover and advocate of animals, request memorial contributions be made to ASPCA, or local organizations like Happy Tales, Love at First Sight, or Nashville Humane Association.
Weekly Register: Lionel Richie Rides High
/by bossrossLionel Richie and Tim McGraw after singing "Sail On."
This week in sales again belonged to Lionel Richie who topped the country album sales chart with over 128k units driving Tuskegee’s 3-week sales to a lofty 423k. Actually, Richie was the only current country album in chart positions 1-39 to post a positive move, jumping 35%. For the how? and why? Read on.
Readers will recall that last week’s Nielsen SoundScan rankings were impacted by the ACM Awards show which gave many artists nice looking percentage gains and boosted the Rascal Flatts debut, but in reality, didn’t greatly move the needle on total country album sales tonnage. And like the tide, last week’s incoming percentage gains gave way to this week’s outgoing deficits as w/w country album sales dropped 23%.
The ACM wisely takes advantage of having all the artists gathered for its awards show by shooting an additional TV special the following day (as does the CMA with its Christmas gala). This year it was ACM Presents Lionel Richie and Friends, an all-star benefit for ACM’s Lifting Lives charity. The chief architect of this event should take a deep bow, for it proved to achieve a splendid convergence of goals. The two-hour show gave CBS a ratings win for the evening, offered a stellar marketing tie-in with the Tuskegee album, raised money for charity and offered multiple artists additional TV time.
Richie’s new album of duets with country stars was re-created In Concert and it worked smoothly. Performers included Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans and Marc Anthony, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker, and Blake Shelton, but one star shown brighter than all the rest. Mr. Richie exuded the confidence and charm of a seasoned professional while his voice and songbook did the talking. Several artists have already personally confided to me that working with Lionel Richie was a career highlight.
This week’s grid has a new column and a few tweaks. The data is all YTD and now shows Last Week and This Week to offer a bit more perspective. The far right column is new and shows album sales including TEA albums for both country and all genre. This is the first week we have been able to get all the necessary information to be able to compare apples to apples, meaning 2012 to 2011. Country is showing a healthy 11.06% YTD sales gain compared with the same period last year while all genre sports a more modest 2.42% gain. These results are not surprising because country track sales are exploding compared with all genre, up 23.8% YTD (all genre is up 8%). The country albums w/TEA total is 15.929 million albums. The all genre figure is 131.716 million. Last week’s TEA index helps to show the percentage of the albums w/TEA that is tracks based.
Upcoming
Kip Moore, Lee Brice and Carrie Underwood are some of the upcoming releases. Click here to see more.
Also, there’s still time to register for next week’s Leadership Music Digital Summit. Your Scribe will be taking part in what promises to be an educational day. Don’t miss it.