Country artists Ty Herndon, Bucky Covington, Bo Bice, Carter’s Chord, and Mockingbird Sun were among the performers at the Autism Sings! benefits this week at Margaritaville in downtown Nashville. The event raised funds to benefit research efforts for Autism research.
(L-R): Autism Speaks Regional Director Kathy Streng, Bo Bice, Becky Robertson (Carter's Chord), Katie Chance, Emily Robertson (Carter's Chord), Joanna Robertson (Carter's Chord), Even Farmer (CMT host). Photo: Randi Radcliff
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Rodney Atkins recently teamed up with WRIL/the Big 106 and Massey Ferguson for an all-day radio drive to raise money for disaster relief to communities of Harrogate, TN; West Liberty, KY; and East Bernstadt, KY that were affected by recent storms. Atkins is a native of Harrogate. Donations can still be made through Atkins’ website here.
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Big Machine Records trio Edens Edge is teaming up with St. Louis Sam’s Club associates today (March 15) to raise awareness of hunger in the United States. Starting at 11 am, Edens Edge and Sam’s Club volunteers will load pallets of food into trucks and deliver the donation the St. Louis Area Foodbank. More info at outnumberhunger.com.
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Gilda’s Club Nashville is presenting “Humor, Heart and Hope: Laughter Through the Cancer Journey,” a program designed to inform and inspire attendees to use the power of humor while living with cancer. The program takes place at 6 pm on Tuesday, March 20, at the Gilda’s Nashville Clubhouse. More info here.
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Trace Adkins is offering fans who attend his Songs & Stories Tour a chance to see him from the first five rows and meet him backstage, and the proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and NRA Country Cares. Packages are on sale at tickets-for-charity.com.
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(L-R): Woods, Lawrence
Tracy Lawrence was named an honorary Operation Troop Aid board member following his performance at Cadillac Ranch during Country Radio Seminar. Operation Troop Aid Founder/CEO Mark Woods presented Lawrence with the certificate, an honor shared by Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, and Darius Rucker.
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Darryl Worley has re-recorded “The Fishin’ Hole,” the iconic theme song from The Andy Griffith Show, in conjunction with the state of Tennessee to raise funds for fisheries. Fans can text FISH to 50555, which will add a $10 donation to the user’s phone bill to be received by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. See a video of the song here.
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Texas favorite Granger Smith is again partnering with the Boot Campaign to walk 100 miles in combat boots from South Austin to the Ft. Hood military post in Killeen. The campaign helps raise awareness of soldiers transitioning back home after combat. More info here. www.BootCampaign.com
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Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music will host SENSE Theatre – A Stage of Hope For Children With Autism at 7 pm on Wednesday, April 18. Performers will include Jeri Sager (CATS), singer/songwriter Tammy Vice, Ryan Michaels Band, SENSE Theatre “Bridges and Earworms” Summer Camp Participants, and members of the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
Big Machine Announces New Hires
/by FreemanBig Machine Label Group has added three new members to its administrative team: Brad Kash James Saxon, and Amber Holguin.
“Big Machine Label Group is proud to announce some great additions to our Finance and Admin team,” says BMLG GM Andrew Kautz. “Brad, James and Amber are a great complement to our team who’ve been doing an amazing job.”
Brad Kash
Kash joins BMLG in the newly created role, Director of Finance. He will head up day-to-day finance duties for the label group, including royalties and analytics. Kash brings over 10 years experience in music industry finance, including time as CFO and Managing Partner of Big Fish Entertainment and most recently as Director of Operations Finance & Administration at EMI CMG. In his new role, he will report directly to Kautz. Reach him at brad.kash@bmlg.net.
James Saxon
Saxon is a former royalty administrative coordinator with Sony/ATV and Flood, Bumstead, McCready, & McCarthy who will take on the role of Financial and Royalty Accounting Assistant with BMLG. His duties will include support in accounts payable, expense tracking, and royalties. Email him at james.saxon@bmlg.net.
Amber Holguin
Holguin joins as Administration & Licensing Coordinator, and she will assist with rights administration and licensing for BMLG and Super 98 Music Publishing. In this role, the MTSU graduate will report to BMLG Director of Administration Wayne Milligan. Reach her at amber.holguin@bmlg.net.
Bigger Picture Signs Three New Artists
/by Sarah SkatesD. Vincent Williams. Photo: Dale Manning
Bigger Picture Group has added three new acts to its Artist Ventures division. D. Vincent Williams, Chris Janson and Ryan Kinder join the roster which already includes Craig Campbell and Chris Cagle.
Today’s signing announcement was made by Bigger Picture Group’s Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Keith Stegall, the producer behind Alan Jackson, Randy Travis and Zac Brown Band. “I’m thrilled to announce some of our new artists that will be joining ‘the family,’” he says. “I’m most proud of the culture that we have provided for these talented individuals to thrive and continue to create.”
The most established artist among the three new singnees, D. Vincent Williams’ songwriting career has resulted in cuts by Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Jason Aldean and Lee Ann Womack, totaling more than 15 million in album sales. He is also the winner of the 2002 ACM Song of the Year award “I’m Moving On,” recorded by Rascal Flatts.
Chris Janson. Photo: Dale Manning
Ryan Kinder. Photo: Eric England
Rusty Walker’s Daughter Kinsley Darwin Passes
/by Sarah SkatesKinsley Darwin
MusicRow extends sincere condolences to radio programming vet Rusty Walker and his family on the passing of his daughter, Kinsley Darwin. She was 17. The family resides in Iuka, Mississippi and Kinsley died at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. She was a senior at Tishomingo County High School where she was active in numerous clubs and organizations. Kinsley enjoyed playing tennis and serving as a Homecoming Maid. She was popular among her classmates, who voted her the student with the Most School Spirit.
Survivors include her parents, Sammy and Teresa Darwin; grandparents, Jackie and Burnette Bryant; and sisters Nikki Darwin Clark (Nathaniel) and Beth Darwin Huntley (Ryan). She was preceded in death by her brother, Jay Darwin; and grandparents, Jimmy and Mollie Darwin.
Visitation is today, March 15, from 4-8 p.m. at Mt. Evergreen United Methodist Church, where Kinsley was a member. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, March 16 at Tishomingo County High School gymnasium. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kinsley Darwin Memorial Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 377, Iuka, MS 38852. An online guestbook can be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
JT Hodges Chats With Fans In Web Series
/by Freeman“Just Talkin’” episodes will air at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/j-t-hodges and www.facebook.com/jthodgesmusic.
Hodges recently performed at MusicRow’s 10th Annual CRS Meet & Greet and Awards, and his single “Goodbyes Made You Mine” is at No. 30 on the most recent CountryBreakout Chart. He hit the scene in 2011 with his single “Hunt You Down” and an opening slot on Toby Keith’s Locked & Loaded Tour.
New Artist Nominees Added to ACM Fan Jam
/by Eric T. ParkerAs previously announced, the event is hosted and headlined by Zac Brown Bandat the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas during the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which broadcasts from across the street at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Awards take place Sun., April 1, at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on CBS, and will feature footage from the fans-only concert at Mandalay Bay. Tickets for the ACM Fan Jam are on sale now at $37 and $57.
Fans can vote for their favorite New Artist nominee here, beginning Monday, March 19, 2012 until the live show (8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT) on Sunday, April 1. The ACM New Artist of the Year honor will be awarded to one of the nominees on the ACM Fan Jam stage during the Awards telecast.
Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Class of 2013 Announced
/by Caitlin Rantala“On behalf of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum board of directors and staff I am honored to announce the 2013 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Induction Class,” said Lawson. “The 2013 class showcases why the state of Kentucky has produced some of the world’s greatest music achievers in all genres of music, and I am truly honored to recognize them with induction into the Hall of Fame.”
These artists will join other Kentucky native music professionals to be honored for their musical contributions around the world. The induction ceremony will take place on April 12, 2013 at the Lexington Center Bluegrass Ballroom (430 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507). Tickets for the ceremony go on sale April 9, 2012. For more information please visit http://www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com.
Past inductees include Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, Keith Whitley, Crystal Gayle, Dwight Yoakam, Wynonna & Naomi Judd, Ricky Skaggs, Tom T. Hall, Bill Monroe and more.
Benefit News (3/15/12)
/by FreemanCountry artists Ty Herndon, Bucky Covington, Bo Bice, Carter’s Chord, and Mockingbird Sun were among the performers at the Autism Sings! benefits this week at Margaritaville in downtown Nashville. The event raised funds to benefit research efforts for Autism research.
(L-R): Autism Speaks Regional Director Kathy Streng, Bo Bice, Becky Robertson (Carter's Chord), Katie Chance, Emily Robertson (Carter's Chord), Joanna Robertson (Carter's Chord), Even Farmer (CMT host). Photo: Randi Radcliff
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Big Machine Records trio Edens Edge is teaming up with St. Louis Sam’s Club associates today (March 15) to raise awareness of hunger in the United States. Starting at 11 am, Edens Edge and Sam’s Club volunteers will load pallets of food into trucks and deliver the donation the St. Louis Area Foodbank. More info at outnumberhunger.com.
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Trace Adkins is offering fans who attend his Songs & Stories Tour a chance to see him from the first five rows and meet him backstage, and the proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and NRA Country Cares. Packages are on sale at tickets-for-charity.com.
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(L-R): Woods, Lawrence
Tracy Lawrence was named an honorary Operation Troop Aid board member following his performance at Cadillac Ranch during Country Radio Seminar. Operation Troop Aid Founder/CEO Mark Woods presented Lawrence with the certificate, an honor shared by Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, and Darius Rucker.
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Darryl Worley has re-recorded “The Fishin’ Hole,” the iconic theme song from The Andy Griffith Show, in conjunction with the state of Tennessee to raise funds for fisheries. Fans can text FISH to 50555, which will add a $10 donation to the user’s phone bill to be received by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. See a video of the song here.
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Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music will host SENSE Theatre – A Stage of Hope For Children With Autism at 7 pm on Wednesday, April 18. Performers will include Jeri Sager (CATS), singer/songwriter Tammy Vice, Ryan Michaels Band, SENSE Theatre “Bridges and Earworms” Summer Camp Participants, and members of the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
Photo Spread: John Hobbs, Eli Young Band, Dustin Lynch
/by Sarah SkatesMuseum Honors John Hobbs with Nashville Cats Program
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently (3/10) honored John Hobbs in its quarterly series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians. Hobbs discussed his life and career as a session musician including contributions to recordings by Deana Carter, Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, Olivia Newton-John, Lionel Richey, Georg Strait and Shania Twain. He also discussed his role as bandleader for Vince Gill and producer for Gill, Collin Raye and LeAnn Rimes.
(L-R): Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr, Nashville Cat David Briggs, Hobbs, Nashville Cat Eddie Bayers and program host Bill Lloyd. Photo: Donn Jones
Dustin Lynch’s Opry Debut
Broken Bow Records artist Dustin Lynch fulfilled a lifelong dream earlier this month when he made his debut in the Grand Ole Opry’s hallowed circle. He performed hit single “Cowboys and Angels” and “She Cranks My Tractor.” Hailing from nearby Tullahoma, Tenn., Lynch grew up listening to and visiting the Opry and aspiring to one day earn the honor of gracing its stage.
Photo: 2012 Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo
EYB Gives Boost to St. Jude
Eli Young Band recently headed to Towson University in Maryland to help the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity raise money for St. Jude. Area radio station WPOC/Baltimore sponsored EYB’s mini concert and the groups’ combined efforts garnered nearly $2,000. The band played songs from its Republic Nashville album, including the No. 1 platinum-selling hit “Crazy Girl,” and latest single “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” EYB is headlining the Keep On Dreamin’ Tour and will open for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Australian tour beginning next week.
Photo: Courtesy of Republic Nashville/Cliff Blake
CMT Hits the Streets With “Concrete Country”
/by FreemanThe Farewell Drifters
CMT.com has launched a new online performance series called Concrete Country that will feature independent singer/songwriters performing their original music in the streets of downtown Nashville. CMT will also debut the new blog “CMT Edge” which will highlight roots musicians and be curated by writer/producer Craig Shelburne.
“It’s not just our job. We’re as passionate as our fans are about finding the best new artists, whether they’re performing in a club, garage or on the sidewalk like Concrete Country,” said Martin Clayton, vice president, CMT.com. “We want country fans to think of CMT.com first when they’re looking for new music, from the superstars to an entire untapped genre of alt-country, roots musicians.”
Featured performers on Concrete Country include roots artists like Lydia Loveless, The Farewell Drifters, Caitlin Rose, Jason Boland, Will Hoge, and Robert Ellis.
Toby Keith Scheduled For Several TV Appearances
/by Eric T. ParkerTonight, NBC’s EXTRA will feature a segment about Toby. The episode airs at 12:05 am CT for Nashville residents. Tomorrow (March 15), Toby is sheduled for an appearance on NBC’s The Ellen DeGeneres Show, followed by a visit with The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Friday, March 16. As March wraps up, Toby will appear on the popular late night talk show Chelsea Lately (E!) on Tuesday, March 27.
The video for “Red Solo Cup” has recently eclipsed 15 million views, and even spawned a Cledus T. Judd parody. Toby is also scheduled to perform on the 47th Annual ACM Awards, April 1.