Single-night tickets to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during CMA Music Festival will go on sale Sat., April 14 at 10:00 AM/CT, starting at $40 (plus applicable handling fees).
2012 CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in downtown Nashville. Hunter Hayes, Martina McBride and Jake Owen have joined the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. The current lineups for the Nightly Concerts are as follows in alphabetical order:
Thurs., June 7: Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, and Zac Brown Band
Fri., June 8: The Band Perry, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood
Sat., June 9: Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Hunter Hayes, and Faith Hill
Sun., June 10: Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, and Rascal Flatts
Four-day ticket packages are also available, from $125 per person plus handling fees. Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.com, CMAfest.com or by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378).
Anyone interested in volunteering can attend the CMA Volunteer Fair on Thurs., April 12 (from 4:30-7:30 PM/CT) or Sat., April 14 (from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM/CT) at the CMA office at One Music Circle South, Nashville, TN 37203 to fill out an application and learn more about the volunteer opportunities. Those who cannot attend the Volunteer Fair may also submit an application online at CMAfest.com.
CMA Music Festival has made huge strides in supporting Nashville’s music education programs with $6.1 million donated to date, but it has also contributed by highlighting the city as a thriving tourist destination. According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, direct visitor spending generated by the Festival in 2011 totaled more than $30 million and drew a daily average of 65,000 fans. This year the event will once again be filmed for an ABC television special to air in late summer.
The Band Perry and Kimberly Williams-Paisley Fight Hunger
/by Eric T. Parker(L-R) Back- Kim Nelson (SVP, External Relations & President of General Mills Foundation); Jack Sinclair (EVP of Walmart); Scott Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group); Front– Reid Perry; Kimberly Williams-Paisley; Sylvia Mathews Burwell (President of the Walmart Foundation); Kimberly Perry; Vicki Escarra (President & CEO of Feeding America); Neil Perry. Photo: J. Michael Krouskop
The Band Perry and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, in association with Walmart and four of nation’s largest food companies — General Mills, ConAgra Foods, Kraft Foods and Kellogg Company — are part of a nationwide campaign to fight hunger this Spring.
The kickoff event, hosted at a Nashville-area Walmart, invited customers to become involved. Shoppers can look for specifically marked products and scan the QR codes on the packages, or by visiting the company’s Facebook page through April 30. Walmart’s Facebook page will provide information on how to help communities hardest hit by unemployment and volunteer opportunities within local communities will also be available.
Spring traditionally brings a decrease in donations to food banks, leaving them unable to meet the needs of nearly 50 million Americans. To bridge the gap, the campaign expects to sponsor over 40 million meals and raise $2 million for Feeding America food banks and Action for Healthy Kids.
In 2010, Walmart committed $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger. As a part of this commitment, Walmart pledged to donate more than 1.1 billion pounds of food, valued at $1.75 billion, as well as $250 million in grants to support hunger relief organizations. To date, Walmart has contributed close to 600 million pounds of food and $122 million in grants to hunger relief programs.
Big Machine Label Group recently announced a national initiative to Outnumber Hunger in conjunction with Feeding America and General Mills. The Band Perry, as well as numerous other artists on the label group’s roster, are participating in the campaign.
Publishing Pics
/by Sarah SkatesPhoto: Peyton Hoge
Liz Sharpe Signs With Ram Writers Group
SESAC singer/songwriter Liz Sharpe has signed with Ram Writers Group for publishing representation. Sharpe, who released her debut disc, Kiss Your Soul in 2011, is currently working on a new project. Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Ram Writers Group’s Doug Merrick, Sharpe, producer Will Rambeaux and SESAC’s John Mullins.
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Razor & Tie Cheers Catt Gravitt
Razor & Tie Music Publishing writer Catt Gravitt recently celebrated her first No. 1 song: “Alone With You” recorded by Jake Owen. Co-written with Shane McAnally and JT Harding, the track is already Gold having sold over 600K downloads.
This is Razor & Tie Music Publishing’s second country No. 1 in less than six months, following Dave Barnes’ “God Gave Me You,” recorded by Blake Shelton.
Jake Owen and Catt Gravitt
Gravitt’s other recent/current singles and cuts include “Why Ya Wanna” (Jana Kramer), “Amen” (Edens Edge), “Honesty” (Kelly Clarkson), and two cuts on Adam Lambert’s next album.
“We have been proud to work with Catt Gravitt for nearly five years,” said Sharon Tapper, Vice President Music Publishing. “She is an extraordinarily talented writer, blessed with a creative spirit that enables her to connect with artists and co-writers on a very deep level, enabling her to create songs that resonate with honesty and truth. We are proud and honored to be part of Catt’s team.”
CMA Fest Single-Night Tickets On Sale Saturday
/by Sarah Skates2012 CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in downtown Nashville. Hunter Hayes, Martina McBride and Jake Owen have joined the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. The current lineups for the Nightly Concerts are as follows in alphabetical order:
Thurs., June 7: Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, and Zac Brown Band
Fri., June 8: The Band Perry, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood
Sat., June 9: Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Hunter Hayes, and Faith Hill
Sun., June 10: Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, and Rascal Flatts
Four-day ticket packages are also available, from $125 per person plus handling fees. Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.com, CMAfest.com or by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378).
Anyone interested in volunteering can attend the CMA Volunteer Fair on Thurs., April 12 (from 4:30-7:30 PM/CT) or Sat., April 14 (from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM/CT) at the CMA office at One Music Circle South, Nashville, TN 37203 to fill out an application and learn more about the volunteer opportunities. Those who cannot attend the Volunteer Fair may also submit an application online at CMAfest.com.
CMA Music Festival has made huge strides in supporting Nashville’s music education programs with $6.1 million donated to date, but it has also contributed by highlighting the city as a thriving tourist destination. According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, direct visitor spending generated by the Festival in 2011 totaled more than $30 million and drew a daily average of 65,000 fans. This year the event will once again be filmed for an ABC television special to air in late summer.
Gift of Music Concert Names Performers
/by FreemanGeneral admission tickets are $49, and available by calling the Wildhorse box office at 615-902-8211. Premium seating is also available for $1000, which gets dinner, a signed guitar, and meet and greet access.
The Dustin J. Wells Foundation was established by Nashville dentist Dr. Dennis Wells to honor the memory of his son, a gifted musician. Through the help of many country artists, the foundation has raised nearly $300,000 for the W. O. Smith Music School.
My Music Screen Sets Sights On Film and TV
/by Freeman“My Music Screen is a modern, interactive, web-based approach to a music pitch sheet,” says Soled. “I first realized the need for such a targeted service to help artists and songwriters make this connection, while working with publishers and music supervisors at Conexion Media Group in Nashville.”
During her tenure with Conexion, Soled managed exploitation and media licensing for the company’s catalogs, placing music with TV, film, ad agencies and video games. Her resume includes experience with RCA Label Group, Universal Music Group, and Sony Pictures Music Division.
My Music Screen subscribers pay an annual fee for access to the list of films and shows in production, which also includes the ability to submit up to 10 mp3s a month for consideration. Submissions are reviewed for suitability and pitched by My Music Screen. The service is for professional use only, and does not accept demos.
More info here. Reach Soled at Janice@mymusicscreen.com.
The Band Perry Visits Hometown to Raise Funds
/by Eric T. Parker(L-R): Neil Perry, Jocelyn Keefer, Kimbery Perry and Reid Perry
Greeneville, TN’s Doak Elementary School recently received help in its efforts to raise funds and awareness for the Greene County Relay for Life from hometown celebrities, The Band Perry. The trio initially offered an autographed photo for the campaign, then decided to make a surprise visit last Thursday (4/5), recognizing the students’ dedication. The annual fundraising campaign benefits the American Cancer Society.
Every year, the school works to honor the memory of late teacher Lisa White, a cancer victim who was a long-time supporter of the Greene County Relay for Life. Since White’s passing, the Doak School has held an annual fundraising campaign, which raised more than $34,000 last year. This year $35,000 was the goal.
“Cancer is something that has touched our lives,” Kimberly Perry, who has a friend who teaches at the school, said. “We had an aunt who passed away from cancer, and Lisa White was a dear friend of ours. To honor those ladies’ lives in this way — and to raise some money for the American Cancer Society — is something we like being a part of.”
Tonight (4/10), The Band Perry will help raise funds for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for “We’re All for the Hall.” The trio will also appear on ACM PRESENTS: Lionel Richie and Friends – In Concert, this Fri., April 13 on CBS.
Online Services Company Idea Den Adds Three Staffers
/by Sarah SkatesDale Manning
Dale Manning, founder and President of digital marketing company Idea Den announced three recent hirings today (4/10). Joining the team are Brian Foyster, Brendan O’Malley and Jon Wright, who will work with clients including Chris Cagle, Craig Campbell, Casting Crowns, Third Day and Alice Cooper. The new staffers will also focus on Idea Den’s marquee product FanTorrent, which is a fan engagement and content management system designed to unify commerce, content, communication and analytics.
Brian Foyster is on board as director of online marketing and publicity. His career path includes marketing, production and promotion roles at Hopeless Records, Epitaph Records, Warner Bros., Sony BMG and Bigger Picture Group.
Brian Foyster
Brendan O’Malley is serving as director of business development and client services. Prior to joining Idea Den, O’Malley was senior project manager for Avon Voices, an online global singing and songwriting competition.
Jon Wright is the project director of online services. Wright’s credentials include an eight-year stint as creative director and managing partner with MusicCityNetworks. Wright joined the Idea Den team in 2011 and has contributed to the company’s expansion and the development of new software.
Manning’s experience includes time at Hewlett-Packard and integrated marketing company powerhouse, CMD Agency. In addition, he has created and sold four technology ventures to progressive brand-building companies. He has received numerous Addy and Rosey awards.
Jon Wright
Brendan O'Malley
Artist Updates (4/10/12)
/by FreemanShow Dog-Universal sister trio Carter’s Chord (Becky Robertson, Emily Fortney, Joanna Ott) is releasing the video for “Love A Little Bigger” exclusively on VEVO April 16. The group traveled to the Dominican Republic to shoot the video in conjunction with humanitarian organization World Vision. Emily wrote the song after the girls traveled to Guatemala and experienced the terrible poverty of the area. See behind the scenes shots from the shoot here.
Photo: Front row: World Vision US's Lee Broadwell, Producer April Dace, SDUs Natalie Moore, CCs Becky Robertson, Carolay Montes de Oca Peralta, Director Chris Hicky, CCs Emily Fortney, CCs Joanna Ott, World Vision Dominican Republic's Claudia Martinez, Back Row: TKO Artist Management's Alan Good, WV USs Michael Bianchi, Agripina Peralta Brito, Director of Photography Dave Ogle, WV USs Mike Severson, WV USs Charles Dorris
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WME Signs Bri Bagwell For Booking
/by Eric T. ParkerBri Bagwell
Upcoming 24-year old country artist Bri Bagwell has signed an exclusive booking representation deal with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME). Agent Henry Glascock will represent Bagwell.
“Seeing my name on WME’s roster next to artists like Miranda Lambert and Reba is a dream come true,” said Bagwell.
A native of Las Cruces, NM, Bagwell has made an impact in the Texas music scene, recently sharing the stage with artists such as Miranda Lambert, Eli Young Band, Josh Abbott Band, and Pat Green.
In June 2011, shortly after departing from the set of the inaugural season of CMT’s Next Superstar, Bagwell released her debut album, Banned from Santa Fe.
Recently, she teamed up with Texas whiskey maker, Rebecca Creek Distillery, to promote her single “Whiskey.” The video for the single will premiere at a hometown performance at the Rio Grande Theater in Las Cruces on April 21.
April Tour Dates
April 13 – Lone Star Saloon with Casey Donahew Band – Uvalde, TX
April 14 – The Tap – College Station, TX
April 15 – Billy’s Icehouse – New Braunfels, TX
April 21 – Rio Grande Theater – Las Cruces, NM
April 24 – Texas Music Theater – San Marcos, TX
April 25 – Humphrey’s Bar & Grill – Hunstville, TX
April 26 – Saxon Pub – Austin, TX
April 27 – Killeen Municipal Amphitheater with Whiskey Myers – Killeen, TX
April 28 – Luckenbach Dancehall with Asleep at the Wheel – Fredricksburg, TX
Alan Jackson Plans New Album Release
/by Eric T. ParkerThe album, recorded with long-time producer Keith Stegall, is climbing the charts with its first single, “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore,” which currently sits at No. 15 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Cart.
“I grew up on Highway 34 outside of Newnan, Georgia, and that’s where we came up with Thirty Miles West,” said Jackson. “I think we were about thirty miles west of the official part of the Dixie Highway that runs through Georgia.”
Jackson has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide. He has written or co-written 25 of his 35 No. 1 singles, putting him in the elite company of songwriters Paul McCartney and John Lennon who’ve written and recorded more than 20 chart-topping songs.