The Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) presented by Nissan is set for April 19-26 at the Regal Green Hills Cinemas, and will continue its tradition of screening two films at the festival’s opening and closing. Opening selections will include Beauty Is Embarrassing and the world premiere of After, while the closing selections will include Big Easy Express presented by the Americana Music Association, and Paul Williams Still Alive.
“What started the last two years, almost by accident, with Bloodworth and Submarine opening and Another Earth and Terri closing has turned out to be a successful strategy for us,” says Brian Owens, NaFF artistic director. “It gives people a couple of options and wildly different ones at that, on each of the nights. Whether it’s an oft-hilarious art documentary or a borderline dystopian fantasy, or music films about then or now, we’ve got you covered.”
Written and directed by Ryan Smith, After tells the story of two bus crash survivors who awake to find they are the only people left in their town and they must work together to find the truth. Nashville ties include Magnetic Dreams Animation for visual effects, and producers Seabourne Pictures and Sabyn Mayfield.
Neil Berkeley’s Beauty Is Embarrassing is about artist Wayne White, a Chattanooga native whose career has taken him from puppeteer to Pee-Wee’s Playhouse to music videos to the world of fine art.
Big Easy Express, directed by Emmett Malloy and presented by the Americana Music Association, tracks Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Mumford & Sons on a musical journey from California to Louisiana via train.
Paul Williams Still Alive started as an investigation by director Steven Kessler to find out what happened to his childhood idol, songwriting great Paul Williams.
Also included as an official selection in the lineup is Brick and Mortar and Love, a documentary about independent record stores by director Scott Shuffit that features My Morning Jacket, Nappy Roots, The Watson Twins and Grimey’s co-owner Doyle Davis. Check out a trailer here.
New to NaFF this year is the first annual Rotary Red Carpet Run 5k, a road race through Green Hills on Saturday, April 21. Presented by the Rotary Club of Green Hills, the event benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Backpacks program. Info and registration here.
Garth Brooks to Perform at Calgary Stampede
/by Eric T. Parker“Garth Brooks has a long history with Calgary,” says Paul Rosenberg, vice-president Programming, Calgary Stampede. “We are thrilled to have him here during our Centennial year. Garth is a country music legend; to have him perform at the Centennial Calgary Stampede is incredible.”
Brooks retired from touring in 1998 and now performs a special one-man show at the Wynn Las Vegas. Outside performances are rare, except for occasional special charity events.
The 2012 Centennial Calgary Stampede will be held July 6–15. Brad Paisley is scheduled to perform with The Band Perry Sat., July 14, and Johnny Reid will perform on Fri,. July 13. Additional Stampede Concert announcements are expected to be made in the coming weeks.
Jackson to Play Benefit Show for Virgina Town
/by Caitlin RantalaFans across the country had two months last fall to vote for which city would receive a concert from Jackson. The little town of Mineral amassed over 31,000 votes and won the opportunity to host the concert. Mineral continues to repair and rebuild after a rare East Coast earthquake that hit on August 23, 2011, causing widespread damage in the region.
Funds raised for the LEF will be used to assist the county public schools, including replacement of Louisa County High School’s extensively-used auditorium. The Louisa County High School is currently condemned.
Tickets for Smithfield Presents Alan Jackson: Music For Mineral are on sale now at www.ticketfly.com.
In addition to the concert, The Alan Jackson Charity Golf Classic will be held at The Royal Virginian Golf Course on the morning of Saturday, May 19. For details on registering as a player or team, please visit www.theroyalvirginian.com/Tournaments.html. All proceeds from the tournament will help fund LEF.
Young Guns Publishing Signs Cyndi Thomson
/by FreemanThomson signed to Capitol Records in 2000 and released her debut album My World featuring the No. 1 single “What I Really Meant To Say.” Thomson was a co-writer on eight of the Gold-certified album’s 11 tracks. Outside of her own recordings, Thomson also co-wrote the Gary Allan hit “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful.”
“Having written and worked with Cyndi in the past I can honestly say she is one of the most unique and talented artists I’ve ever met,” said Cliff Downs, President of Ramblin’ Music. “We are thrilled that she will be part of our staff and we look forward to the new music that she will be creating with us.”
The Young Guns roster also includes Weston Burt, Kimberly Paige, Ben Reno, Phoebe Sharp, and Gimm & Icky (Garrison and Tripp Weir).
Rascal Flatts Launches Album with Multiple Appearances
/by Eric T. ParkerThe trio’s performance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show airs today (4/5) as the group prepares to walk the red carpet tonight in New York City’s Times Square for the premiere of Changed: One Night Exclusive Movie Theatre Event. The special will appear on over 650 movie screens across North America. Limited tickets are still available.
While in New York, Rascal Flatts will wrap a busy week with an appearance on Good Morning America Fri., April 6. Additionally, CBS is preparing the premiere of the Lionel Richie & Friends- In Concert special for April 13, which includes the band’s duet with Richie “Dancin’ On The Ceiling.”
Additional promotional appearances included a performance on the 47th ACM Awards with Steve Martin appropriately playing banjo on the band’s latest single, “Banjo.” On release day (4/3), the band traveled to Los Angeles for a live appearance on the Dancing With The Stars results show.
Check back with musicrow.com for extended coverage of the Changed theater event.
Changed tracklisting:
1. Changed
2. Banjo
3. Hot In Here
4. Come Wake Me Up
5. She’s Leaving
6. Let It Hurt
7. Lovin’ Me
8. Hurry Baby
9. Sunrise
10. Great Big Love
11. A Little Home
Changed Deluxe Album features Bonus Tracks:
1. Friday Can’t Come Fast Enough
2. Fall Here
3. Right One Time
4. Next To You, Next To Me
UMPG Extends Publishing Agreement with Lori McKenna
/by Eric T. ParkerLori McKenna
Universal Music Publishing Group has extended its worldwide publishing agreement with singer/songwriter Lori McKenna. McKenna originally signed with the company in 2009.
“Lori McKenna is one of the most highly regarded talents in the Nashville songwriting community and beyond,” said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Universal Music Publishing Nashville. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our relationship with her and look forward to our future successes.”
The Stoughton, MA native gained national prominence with her appearance on Oprah, where she performed “Fireflies” with Faith Hill. After landing three songs on Hill’s album, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Sara Evans, and LeAnn Rimes clamored to record her songs. Recently, McKenna has been co-writing with Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Wynonna Judd, and Little Big Town.
McKenna herself has opened for Trisha Yearwood and for Hill and McGraw’s wildly popular Soul2Soul Tour. McGraw co-produced her first major label album Unglamorous (Warner Bros.) in 2007, which she followed with her most recent release Lorraine. Additionally, the songstress’ recording of “Two Soldiers Coming Home” can be heard on the Act of Valor soundtrack.
Nashville Film Festival Announces Opening and Closing Films
/by Freeman“What started the last two years, almost by accident, with Bloodworth and Submarine opening and Another Earth and Terri closing has turned out to be a successful strategy for us,” says Brian Owens, NaFF artistic director. “It gives people a couple of options and wildly different ones at that, on each of the nights. Whether it’s an oft-hilarious art documentary or a borderline dystopian fantasy, or music films about then or now, we’ve got you covered.”
Written and directed by Ryan Smith, After tells the story of two bus crash survivors who awake to find they are the only people left in their town and they must work together to find the truth. Nashville ties include Magnetic Dreams Animation for visual effects, and producers Seabourne Pictures and Sabyn Mayfield.
Neil Berkeley’s Beauty Is Embarrassing is about artist Wayne White, a Chattanooga native whose career has taken him from puppeteer to Pee-Wee’s Playhouse to music videos to the world of fine art.
Big Easy Express, directed by Emmett Malloy and presented by the Americana Music Association, tracks Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Mumford & Sons on a musical journey from California to Louisiana via train.
Paul Williams Still Alive started as an investigation by director Steven Kessler to find out what happened to his childhood idol, songwriting great Paul Williams.
Also included as an official selection in the lineup is Brick and Mortar and Love, a documentary about independent record stores by director Scott Shuffit that features My Morning Jacket, Nappy Roots, The Watson Twins and Grimey’s co-owner Doyle Davis. Check out a trailer here.
New to NaFF this year is the first annual Rotary Red Carpet Run 5k, a road race through Green Hills on Saturday, April 21. Presented by the Rotary Club of Green Hills, the event benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Backpacks program. Info and registration here.
Hank Jr. Signs Licensing Deal with Blaster Entertainment
/by Caitlin RantalaMike Dennison, President of Blaster Entertainment, Hank Williams, Jr. and Tom Porter, CEO of Blaster Entertainment, sign exclusive agreement to distribute Hank's new CD.
Blaster Entertainment and Hank Williams, Jr. announced they have entered into an exclusive three year licensing agreement. The new partnership comes just before Williams’ new studio album release, which will hit stores in June. The agreement licenses Blaster Records, a division of Blaster Entertainment, to distribute Bocephus Records’ new releases for the next three years.
“When I started Blaster Records a bit over five years ago, my goal was to create an entertainment company that became home to some of country music’s biggest stars,” said Tom Porter, CEO of Blaster Entertainment. “Hank Williams Jr. is a giant in the business and we are beyond excited to welcome him into the Blaster family.”
“I’m excited about this new album we’ve been working on,” Hank Williams Jr. said. “When looking at labels, I had several choices. When my team brought me the opportunity from Blaster and with the soon-to-be-announced distribution deal, it was the best deal in town.”
Lucy’s Hosts Words For Warriors Acoustic Show
/by Eric T. Parker“We hope this will become the first of many annual events at Lucy’s Country Café to support KWO initiatives,” states Bobby Pinson, owner of Lucy’s Country Café.
Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at Blue Bar, and will be for sale for $20 at the gate. The show runs from 7 – 11 pm.
Singer/Songwriter Bobby Pinson and his wife Lucy opened the restaurant in early 2012 in the same building as Blue Bar on Broadway. They serve a southern-style meat-and-three buffet featuring a variety of homemade family recipes. Every Wednesday the cafe hosts “Sing For Your Supper,” where established and aspiring songwriters can take the stage.
Benefit News (4/04/12)
/by Freeman• • • • •
Former Tennessee Titans player Kevin Carter will host his 11th Annual Kevin Carter’s Waiting For Wishes Celebrity Waiters’ Dinner, benefitting The Kevin Carter Foundation and Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee. The event takes place at 5:45 at The Palm Restaurant Tuesday, May 8, with co-host Jay DeMarcus (of Rascal Flatts), and has raised over $1.1 million for the charity over the last 10 years. More info at waitingforwishes.com.
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The ACM Concert – Salute to the Military Presented by NRA Country that took place during the ACM Experience in Las Vegas on March 31 raised $50,000 to support the military. Folds of Honor Foundation accepted $20,000 of the total, Wounded Warrior Project received $20,000 and Nellis Air Force Base Youth Programs was given $10,000. The event was hosted by HLN’s Robin Meade with performers Lee Brice, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers, Bradley Gaskin, JT Hodges, Kip Moore, Craig Morgan, John Rich, and ACM Vocal Duo of the Year winner Thompson Square.
(L-R): Wayne LaPierre of the NRA and Bob Romeo of the ACM. Photo: Getty Images for ACM
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The Tennessee chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has named Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher as the corporate chair of its 2012 Middle Tennessee Light the Night Walk, the annual LLS fundraising event. The event will take place Friday, Oct. 12 at LP Field. More info here.
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Carrie Underwood recently took a break from promoting her single “Good Girl” to attend the City of Hope Wine Dinner.
(L-R): Lance Houston (APD WUBL Atlanta), Robin Rhodes (PD After Midnight), Doug Montgomery (Country PC PD), Carrie Underwood, Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman Gary Overton, Arista’s VP of Promotions Lesly Tyson, Brad Hardin (SVP Clear Channel), Gator Harrison (OM Clear Channel Chattanooga), and Lance Tidwell (PD Clear Channel Hartford)
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Film-Com Focuses on Tennessee Film and TV Business Model
/by Eric T. ParkerMany Nashville locations will host events including the New Project Expo at Titans Stadium; Faith in Film Conference at Nashville City Club. Additional seminars and events will be held at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theatre, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, AT&T Tower, Ocean Way Studios, Watkins Film School and Belmont University.
Participants will include national and international film and television executives, financiers, distributors, production companies, film/TV music industry execs, screenwriters, agents, and filmmakers. Mayor Karl Dean and U.S. Congressman Marsha Blackburn are two of the keynote speakers during the week.
The FILM-COM Financing & Distribution Market segment held April 17-20, is set to welcome more than 100 participants.
“The core focus of Film-Com is commerce,” says Chairman Andy van Roon. “We are working hard to build a pragmatic business market. In 2009 we began developing a supplemental model to generate more film and television activity in Tennessee. We intend to do this for serious properties with bona fide business plans and marketable elements from modest budget to $15 million range, which would enable both employment opportunities for Tennessee production personnel and revenues for Tennessee-based film/television infrastructure.”
Film-Com’s partners include the Memphis Film Commission, Fuel Films, and Knoxville Films, working with the mid-state’s FilmNashville and approximately sixty film, television and music industry professionals working in Tennessee.
For additional information, click here.