A sold-out crowd surrounded the stage in the Bridgestone Arena Friday night for the My Kinda Party Tour with Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Lauren Alaina. The show proudly delivered a hybrid of both the energy of a fully produced Garth Brooks show and pitch-perfect vocals allowing fans the opportunity to let their hair down and satisfy a critic’s pick.
The set list was undeniably country, and rightly so, with all three acts hailing from the state of Georgia. They played to that niche all evening with songs about “Georgia Peaches,” “Drinkin’ Beer and Wastin’ Bullets” and a “Big Green Tractor.”
Alaina skipped onstage wearing a shimmery metallic sundress to perform songs from her post-American Idol release Wildflower. She reflected on her first Idol audition happening in the Bridgestone, “my dream started in this building.”
Though Aldean’s name was on the concert marquee that night, Bryan too easily captivated the arena. The audience shone as brightly the LED stage risers that flashed L-U-K-E as he displayed the hits that put him on the stage. Although he fist-pumped a guitar when he walked onstage, Bryan spent a majority of his set showcasing his charismatic personality. He ran up and down the ramps showing off his tight jeans with enthusiasm for an admiring crowd.
He slowed the tempo only a few times, one to cover Adele’s “Someone Like You” behind a piano, exhibiting a rare and tantalizing falsetto. “In a city of the world’s greatest musicians, I am playing the piano? I suck at the piano!” he said in playful self-deprecation. It was no stretch of the imagination to understand why Bryan’s Spring Break event is so enjoyable, the audience was left burning-hot for Aldean.
Headliner Aldean’s high-octane energy continued the party through his set, which was apparently a night of firsts, “This is the first show we’ve done with fans behind us, and our first full show in Nashville, and it sold out.”
Aldean shared his stage set-up with the two opening acts, but when he appeared beds of intelligent lights aligned to resemble crops planted in a row—perfect for his farm referencing songs “Amarillo Sky” and “Flyover States.”
After a few of his hits on the main stage, Aldean was quickly escorted to an acoustic stage in the back of the arena where was joined by Bryan to duet on Shenandoah’s “Sunday in the South,” Tracy Lawrence’s “Time Marches On,” and Alabama’s “Love in the First Degree.” The pair also played Bryan’s “We Rode in Trucks,” requested by Aldean who said, “this is one of my favorite songs Luke doesn’t play in his set anymore.” The intro to “Don’t You Wanna Stay” brought deafening cheers when Kelly Clarkson surprised the audience for the spot usually covered on tour by Alaina.
The last rows of the balcony danced just as hard as the audience up front, all fueled by the electricity from the stage—everyone came to party. It left us amazed at the effects of electricity.
Nashville’s DWP Live Projects Success at Super Bowl Halftime
/by Eric T. ParkerMadonna on the Super Bowl Halftime stage
Although the halftime show at the 2012 Bridgestone Super Bowl lasted only 12 minutes, months of planning and testing by Nashville production company DWP Live went into the spectacle.
Set designer Bruce Rodgers of Tribe engaged Orlando based LMG, a video, audio and lighting technology provider, to develop lightweight LED for the main stage. In turn, LMG partnered with Danny Whetstone’s DWP Live, for field projection in front of the stage.
In preparation for the Super Bowl, DWP Live staffers traveled to LMG’s headquarters in December 2011 to test eight crane rigs, which were each used to hold a bundle of four projectors in the air, shooting downwards 150 feet onto the field surface. A total of 32 Barco FLM HD20 projectors were used to cover the 11,000 square foot projection area.
Actual setup time for the halftime show happened in a strict 12 minute time frame. The LED team and over 500 volunteers rolled out and assembled the stage on the field, comprised of 796 lightweight FLED tiles, constructed into fourteen customized LED carts. The result turned the stage and field projection area into everything from Vogue magazine covers to reverberating speakers.
More than 114 million Americans watched as Madonna performed songs with guests LMFAO, Cee Lo Green, M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj, around the displays. After the performance, breakdown and removal of the stage and projection area from the field was completed in less than seven minutes.
DWP Live was founded in 2007 as a single source solution for production services, AV design, and equipment rental. Since the company’s founding, it has experienced rapid growth and become a key partner for trade shows, corporate events, concerts and permanent facilities around the world.
The Band Perry’s Sold Out Show at the Ryman
/by Caitlin RantalaThe Band Perry makes its headlining Ryman Auditorium debut February 20, 2012 – the first act to perform on the Ryman’s new stage. Front Row: The Band Perry's Reid, Kimberly, and Neil Perry. Back Row: Jimmy Harnen, Republic Nashville President; Erik Peterson, TBP Artist Management; Bob Doyle, TBP Manager; Rob Beckham, William Morris Agency; Sally Williams, Ryman Auditorium; Dana Burwell, Producer; Steve Buchanan, Gaylord Entertainment; and Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Records CEO.
The Band Perry played to a full house at the Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 20 in downtown Nashville, TN. When tickets went on sale last fall, the show sold out in a staggering twenty minutes, a first for the Republic Nashville breakout trio. Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry were also the first artists to perform on the recently renovated stage at the legendary venue.
“We are so excited to have performed our first headlining show in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium! Country music’s ‘Mother Church’ was in need of some loving attention, so a brand new stage has just been added,” says Kimberly. “We had the honor of being the very first act to perform on it. The evening was even better than we imagined.”
Natalie Hemby opened for the 2012 ACM Vocal Group of the Year contenders. Hemby, who wrote Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim” and “White Liar,” told the audience when The Band Perry offered her the opening slot, she was so excited that she screamed. She performed several songs including the hits she wrote for Lambert, as well as a lullaby that she recently penned for her daughter.
Afterwards, accompanied by a full band, The Band Perry shared a few new songs as well as their Gold-certified No. 1 single, “All Your Life;” their Triple-Platinum, No. 1 smash, “If I Die Young” and the Gold-certified “You Lie” from their Platinum Republic Nashville debut album. Their set included a backdrop made up of three LCD screens, which showed various animations and music video clips during the performances.
Not only did the Feb. 20 show in Music City sell out in a matter of minutes for The Band Perry, their show Feb. 18 at Billy Bob’s Texas in Ft. Worth, also sold out in advance. With more than 16,000 in attendance, the sibling trio also performed to a packed venue at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo on Feb. 15.
The Band Perry heads back out on the road this week with Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality Tour 2012. Upcoming stops include:
2/23 Madison, WI – Alliant Energy Center
2/24 Moline, IL – iWireless Center
2/25 Springfield, MO – JQH Arena
Lineup Announced For Charley Foundation’s Ringside Event
/by Freeman“Ringside” will offer gourmet dining, live music, celebrity guests, and a live auction to start off the evening. The main event is four bouts of professional boxing, sanctioned by the Tennessee Athletic Commission.
Musical performers include 80s pop hitmaker Tiffany, plus country artists James Otto, Bridgette Tatum, and Ira Dean. Additional performers include songwriters Chas Sanford (John Waite’s “Missing You”); Blair Daily (Uncle Kracker’s “Smile”); Danny Orton (Rascal Flatts’ “Stand”); and Marabeth Poole (Julianne Hough’s “Dreaming Under The Same Moon”).
All money raised will provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational, and care groups in the Nashville area. NFL Alumni Tennessee Chapter will be a beneficiary, and expected NFL guests include Eddie George, Neil O’Donnell, Brad Hopkins, Kevin Dyson, Kelly Holcomb, and Al Smith.
“This year’s amazing lineup of talent will play a significant role in assisting the Charley Foundation help make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of local children, their families, and their communities,” said Carolyn Miller, Charley Foundation founder and chairman. “I am forever grateful for their unfailing support.”
Bluebird Cafe To Host Weekend Benefit Shows
/by Sarah SkatesOn Friday, March 2 organizers of the Music City Tennis Invitational, which benefits the Center for Child Development at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, will host a fundraiser at the venue. The 9:30 p.m. show will feature Heidi Newfield, Leslie Satcher, Marv Green, and Kendell Marvel.
This weekend’s event leads up to the 39th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational, set for April 21-22 at the Brownlee O. Currey Jr. Tennis Center at Vanderbilt University. Details at www.musiccitytennis.com or by calling (615) 322-7733.
• • • • •
On Saturday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. the fourth annual John Jarrard Foundation Night at the Bluebird will feature Richard Leigh, John Driskell Hopkins, James Dean Hicks and Joanna Cotten.
The foundation started in memory of songwriter John Jarrard has raised over $1,000,000 since its inception to benefit charities including The Boys and Girls Clubs, Good News Clinics, and Good News at Noon. www.johnjarrardfoundation.com
Reservations are suggested for both events at www.bluebirdcafe.com or by phone at (615) 383-1461.
KREK’s Dusty Edwards Passes
/by FreemanKnown as Ron Schmidt to his family and friends, Edwards was born in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma and went on to serve in the United States Air Force after finishing high school. He joined KREK in 1992, where he worked for 20 years, including time as MD and on-air talent. Basketball was also a passion of his, and he served as the voice for Bristow Pirate basketball games.
Edwards had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in early February, and began chemotherapy treatment. Last week, he suffered a heart attack that left him in a coma. After a period with no change, he was taken off life support and passed away shortly after. He had taken leave from KREK in December 2011 prior to his diagnosis.
He is survived by his father Ronald Sr., mother Gladys, brother Donald (aka “Shorty”), sister Gidget, daughter Tascha, granddaughter Makayla, and two nieces and a nephew. His first grandson is also on the way. He was preceded in death by his brother David.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday, March 1, at 11 am at the Freeland Center in Bristow, with interment to follow at Tecumseh Cemetery in Tecumseh, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorial contributions be made to assist with medical bills, through a fund set up in his name. Contributions can be sent to Dusty Edwards Benefit Fund, c/o Community Bank, PO Box 1010, Bristow, OK 74010.
For correspondence, contact Gidget Miller, 15606 E. Tecumseh, Norman, OK, 73026.
The McClymonts – I Could Be A Cowboy
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“I’ve always been fascinated by cowboys and what they do,” said Brooke. “So I started to think about what it would be like if one of us started to date a cowboy. It seemed to me, they would never be home. So when we wrote this, we came from the woman’s perspective. Obviously we could never be cowboys, ‘cause we’re women, but it was a concept that we’d never explored before. This ballad says a lot without saying too much.”
The sisters have been met with great success in Australia. Their first four singles topped the Country Music Charts in Australia and their first two albums achieved Australian Recording Industry (ARIA) Gold certifications.
In June 2011, The McClymonts relocated to Nashville, TN, and released Wrapped Up Good on BSM Music (distributed by Fontana Distribution). Wrapped Up Good was produced by Nathan Chapman and Adam Anders (Fox TV’s Glee, Shania Twain, Hannah Montana). The album’s title track peaked at No. 28 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. They are scheduled to release their third album, Two Worlds Collide, in the states later this year.
www.themmcclymonts.netthemcclymontsau
www.facebook.com/
www.twitter.com/themcclymonts
Management : Stephen White Management
Stephen White – 760 846 0754Zac Taylor – 419 371 4636info@themcclymonts.net
Publicity : Webster and Associates
Montine Felso – montine@websterpr.com
Kirt Webster – kirt@websterpr.com
[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/10192258/mcclymonts-cowboy.mp3″ text=”The McClymonts – I Could Be A Cowboy” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]
Joanna Smith – We Can’t Be Friends
/by ProgrammerPlaylistSmith was raised on a farm in tiny Crestview unincorporated, Georgia, and has displayed her rural roots in songs like “Farm Girl” and “Gettin’ Married.” After arriving in Nashville, she honed her live performance chops in front of the rowdy nighttime crowds at legendary Broadway hang Tootsie’s. She has landed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV-Monument, as well as opened for Glen Campbell at the Ryman Auditorium. Smith is currently working on her debut album for Columbia.
“I want to sing country songs that hard-working, real people can relate to,” says Joanna. “Songs that folks can connect with through the ups and downs of life.”
http://www.joannasmithofficial.com
http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSmithOfficial
Nashville Parties With Aldean, Bryan, and Alaina
/by Eric T. ParkerThe set list was undeniably country, and rightly so, with all three acts hailing from the state of Georgia. They played to that niche all evening with songs about “Georgia Peaches,” “Drinkin’ Beer and Wastin’ Bullets” and a “Big Green Tractor.”
Alaina skipped onstage wearing a shimmery metallic sundress to perform songs from her post-American Idol release Wildflower. She reflected on her first Idol audition happening in the Bridgestone, “my dream started in this building.”
Though Aldean’s name was on the concert marquee that night, Bryan too easily captivated the arena. The audience shone as brightly the LED stage risers that flashed L-U-K-E as he displayed the hits that put him on the stage. Although he fist-pumped a guitar when he walked onstage, Bryan spent a majority of his set showcasing his charismatic personality. He ran up and down the ramps showing off his tight jeans with enthusiasm for an admiring crowd.
He slowed the tempo only a few times, one to cover Adele’s “Someone Like You” behind a piano, exhibiting a rare and tantalizing falsetto. “In a city of the world’s greatest musicians, I am playing the piano? I suck at the piano!” he said in playful self-deprecation. It was no stretch of the imagination to understand why Bryan’s Spring Break event is so enjoyable, the audience was left burning-hot for Aldean.
Headliner Aldean’s high-octane energy continued the party through his set, which was apparently a night of firsts, “This is the first show we’ve done with fans behind us, and our first full show in Nashville, and it sold out.”
Aldean shared his stage set-up with the two opening acts, but when he appeared beds of intelligent lights aligned to resemble crops planted in a row—perfect for his farm referencing songs “Amarillo Sky” and “Flyover States.”
After a few of his hits on the main stage, Aldean was quickly escorted to an acoustic stage in the back of the arena where was joined by Bryan to duet on Shenandoah’s “Sunday in the South,” Tracy Lawrence’s “Time Marches On,” and Alabama’s “Love in the First Degree.” The pair also played Bryan’s “We Rode in Trucks,” requested by Aldean who said, “this is one of my favorite songs Luke doesn’t play in his set anymore.” The intro to “Don’t You Wanna Stay” brought deafening cheers when Kelly Clarkson surprised the audience for the spot usually covered on tour by Alaina.
The last rows of the balcony danced just as hard as the audience up front, all fueled by the electricity from the stage—everyone came to party. It left us amazed at the effects of electricity.
CRS 2012 Attendance Shows Growth
/by FreemanA total of 2,904 registrants attended the gathering of country radio and music professionals held Feb. 22-24 in Nashville, including 2,190 full registrants (attendees, exhibitors, panelists and sponsors) and 714 participant registrants. Participants are attend individual CRS events or purchase single day seminar passes only. Total CRS attendance in 2011 was 2,649, up from 2,181 attendees in 2010.
“With attendance jumping nearly 10 percent this year, daily superstar performances, improved on-site conveniences and more event sponsors than ever before, CRS 2012 was a great success,” says CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne. “This is the fourth straight year we’ve enjoyed growth in our attendance numbers, and it really goes to show how the Country radio industry is not only remaining relevant, but thriving in today’s media saturated marketplace.”
CRS 2013 is scheduled for Feb. 27-March 1, 2013 at the Nashville Convention Center
MusicRowPics: GAC’s ACM New Artist of the Year Taping
/by Caitlin RantalaLast night (2/26) at Marathon Music Works, GAC taped its ACM New Artist of the Year special. Artists featured on the show include The Band Perry, last year’s New Artist winner, along with this year’s nominees Scotty McCreery, Brantley Gilbert and Hunter Hayes. The special will premiere Mar. 19 at 9 PM/ET on GAC.
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[Photos: Caitlin Rantala]