The Americana Music Association Festival and Conference runs Oct. 12-15 with events centered at the Downtown Sheraton, but that’s not stopping organizers from expanding the reach to other venues around town. Many of the events listed below are also free and open to the public. Check americanamusic.org for admission details and times.
For those interested in the business of music, early Bird Registration for the Conference is $350 for AMA members and $450 for non-members through Oct. 10. It includes admission to all AMA panels and all musical nighttime showcases, plus special events and a ticket to the Americana Honors & Awards show at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Thurs., Oct. 13.
Here’s a quick look at some of the off-site fun:
Wed., Oct. 12
• songwriter Steve Forbert performs and showcases photography at Tinney Contemporary Gallery
• Music City Roots: Live From the Loveless Cafe with Grayson Capps, The Milk Carton Kids, and more
Thurs., Oct. 13
• Land of 1000 Dances: The Groundbreaking Sounds of Muscle Shoals Presented at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with guest speakers David Briggs, Rick Hall, Norbert Putnam, Donnie Fritts, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham and Jimmy Johnson. Moderated by journalist Holly George Warren.
• 10th Annual Americana Honors and Awards Show at the Ryman Auditorium with Lucinda Williams, Gregg Allman, Jerry Douglas, Rick Hall, Bob Harris, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, Hayes Carll, The Civil Wars, Elizabeth Cook, Justin Townes Earle, Jessica Lea Mayfield, The Secret Sisters
Fri., Oct. 14
• live radio broadcast with Mojo Nixon for SiriusXM Outlaw Country at the Sirius XM Theater at Bridgestone Arena Tower, with performances by Bottle Rockets, North Mississippi Allstars and Kenny Vaughan
Sat., Oct. 15
• Americanarama IV at Grimey’s New And Preloved Music, a free, all-day concert, plus the Yazoo beer truck, local food vendors and a store-wide sale
• Performance by The 1861 Project on the Legislative Plaza in front of War Memorial Auditorium and the Sheraton Hotel. Presented in partnership with the Southern Festival of Books. The 1861 Project is a concept album that sets stories of the Civil War to new songs. Featuring Thomm Jutz, Irene Kelley and more. Free and open to the public
• Thirty Tigers and The SummerTyne Americana Festival Party at Hard Rock Café. Free and open.
• Musician’s Corner at Centennial Park. The free weekly outdoor showcase features Nanci Griffith, a Tom T. Hall tribute, Ben Sollee, Brian Wright and more
Sun., Oct. 16
• Stagemothers Aussie BarBQ at The Basement with numerous acts
Thursday News Parade
/by admin>>Atlantic Record’s Brett Eldredge has become the first new artist to receive an honorary “Friends and Family” membership to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. He visited the Hall on Sept. 27 after logging his 10th Opry performance singing his current single, “It Ain’t Gotta Be Love.”
Seated: Brett Eldridge; (Standing: L-R): Rob Baker (Violator Management), Debbie Parsley (Event Entertainment Manager), Sharon Burns (Vice President, Sales & Marketing), Rachel Weingartner (Membership Coordinator), Kyle Young (Director), Brad Kennard (Violator Management), Jay Orr (Vice President, Programs) and Ali Tonn (Director, Education & Public Programming)
Chelsea Ogden
>>Chelsea Ogden has been named Social Media Coordinator at PLA Media. President/CEO of PLA Media, Pam Lewis says, “As social media becomes more prevalent, I want to expand our efforts with a dedicated department at PLA. Having this division is crucial.” Ogden first joined the company in earlier in the summer as an intern. Previously she worked for Epic Modeling Agency in New York doing both print and runway work. She is currently a senior at Belmont pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business.
>>Scott Welch Management’s Scott Welch has been named co-chair of the Musicians On Call Board of Directors. He will share the position with Tom Poleman who has served for the past two years. Michael Solomon, founder of MOC noted,
Scott Welch
“Scott has repeatedly demonstrated his absolute love and passion for the organization and it is this passion along with his vision toward the future that makes him so ideal to lead Musicians On Call to the next level of programming and expansion.”
MOC is a nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. Welch has been serving as the only Nashville representative on its Board of Directors.
Scott has managed the careers and development of multi-platinum recording artists Alanis Morissette, LeAnn Rimes, Steve Perry, Paula Abdul, Collective Soul, C&C Music Factory, and others.
IEBA Conference Opens Sunday
/by Sarah SkatesNathan Hubbard
The International Entertainment Buyers Association conference opens Sun., Oct. 2 in Nashville, running through Tues., Oct. 4.
Nathan Hubbard, CEO of Ticketmaster at Live Nation Entertainment, will speak to IEBA attendees on Tues., Oct. 4 at 11:00 a.m. as part of the annual conference. He was named to the position after the conclusion of the Live Nation-Ticketmaster merger in January 2010. Previously, he was CEO of Live Nation e-commerce, overseeing all digital, ticketing, and e-commerce initiatives for the company and handling the launch of Live Nation Ticketing in January 2009. He joined the company in 2006 following Live Nation’s purchase of Musictoday, where he was CEO.
Numerous showcases have been previously announced. Just revealed is the WME showcase set for Mon., Oct. 3 at 9:45 PM. Wynonna Judd kicks off the evening at War Memorial Auditorium with a reworked show including a new band. Also taking the stage will be The Band Perry, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice, Neal McCoy, Eric Paslay and Tyler Farr.
Details at ieba.org.
Pickler Acting Debut On 90210
/by adminBNA Records artist Kellie Pickler made a visit to KWJJ in Portland, OR. and visited with PD Mike Moore.
Kellie Pickler’s personality is as big as the North Carolina mountains where she grew up, in Albermarle. In fact, her infectious sense of humor may be too huge to allow her to be branded as just a music artist. So it should be no surprise that she has become almost a regular on the Ellen Show and will soon make her acting debut on CW’s 90210 set to air Oct. 18. Ms. Pickler will appear on the Ellen Show on Oct. 4 to perform her current single, “Tough” and premiere some clips from the upcoming episode.
“You see Ellen DeGeneres on TV and she’s so funny and warm and kind hearted,” says Pickler. “But when the camera’s go off, she’s still that same person. It’s always fun to be on Ellen and have some laughs, sing my songs and dance.”
Pickler will play the role of Sally on 90210, the country-singing cousin of local cowboy Austin (Justin Deeley). While in Los Angeles, Pickler will also perform at Camp Pendleton on Oct. 7 as part of Operation Gratitude, a free show for all US Service members.
Playing The Opry Is A Dream Gig
/by Sarah SkatesLittle Jimmy Dickens welcomes Eric Lee Beddingfield to the Opry.
Playing The Grand Ole Opry is a dream for many rising artists. In fact, a recent survey of thousands of musicians conducted by Digital Music News and Reverbnation ranked playing the Opry fifth on the Most Desired Venues and Gigs list.
Here’s some of the Nashville acts who recently made that dream a reality.
Top indie artist Katie Armiger made her debut on the famed stage, as did Australian country music trio, The McClymonts.
A few newcomers graced the venerable stage as part of George Jones’ 80th birthday celebration, including Atlanta based band Blackberry Smoke and Eric Lee Beddingfield who performed his song “The Gospel According to Jones.”
This weekend, Warner Bros. Records artist Jason Jones will perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time, playing his debut single, “Ferris Wheel.” Jones will join Laura Bell Bundy, Jimmy Dickens, Mike Snider, and others in the line-up for Saturday’s (10/1) show.
Americana Music Festival Takes Fun Off-Site
/by Sarah SkatesFor those interested in the business of music, early Bird Registration for the Conference is $350 for AMA members and $450 for non-members through Oct. 10. It includes admission to all AMA panels and all musical nighttime showcases, plus special events and a ticket to the Americana Honors & Awards show at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Thurs., Oct. 13.
Here’s a quick look at some of the off-site fun:
Wed., Oct. 12
• songwriter Steve Forbert performs and showcases photography at Tinney Contemporary Gallery
• Music City Roots: Live From the Loveless Cafe with Grayson Capps, The Milk Carton Kids, and more
Thurs., Oct. 13
• Land of 1000 Dances: The Groundbreaking Sounds of Muscle Shoals Presented at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with guest speakers David Briggs, Rick Hall, Norbert Putnam, Donnie Fritts, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham and Jimmy Johnson. Moderated by journalist Holly George Warren.
• 10th Annual Americana Honors and Awards Show at the Ryman Auditorium with Lucinda Williams, Gregg Allman, Jerry Douglas, Rick Hall, Bob Harris, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, Hayes Carll, The Civil Wars, Elizabeth Cook, Justin Townes Earle, Jessica Lea Mayfield, The Secret Sisters
Fri., Oct. 14
• live radio broadcast with Mojo Nixon for SiriusXM Outlaw Country at the Sirius XM Theater at Bridgestone Arena Tower, with performances by Bottle Rockets, North Mississippi Allstars and Kenny Vaughan
Sat., Oct. 15
• Americanarama IV at Grimey’s New And Preloved Music, a free, all-day concert, plus the Yazoo beer truck, local food vendors and a store-wide sale
• Performance by The 1861 Project on the Legislative Plaza in front of War Memorial Auditorium and the Sheraton Hotel. Presented in partnership with the Southern Festival of Books. The 1861 Project is a concept album that sets stories of the Civil War to new songs. Featuring Thomm Jutz, Irene Kelley and more. Free and open to the public
• Thirty Tigers and The SummerTyne Americana Festival Party at Hard Rock Café. Free and open.
• Musician’s Corner at Centennial Park. The free weekly outdoor showcase features Nanci Griffith, a Tom T. Hall tribute, Ben Sollee, Brian Wright and more
Sun., Oct. 16
• Stagemothers Aussie BarBQ at The Basement with numerous acts
Slideshow: Brent Anderson, Josh Turner, Will Hoge, Glen Campbell
/by Sarah SkatesBrent Anderson Lunch at 3rd & Lindsley
Sea Gayle Records/Arista Nashville newcomer Brent Anderson debuted music from his upcoming album at an industry lunch and showcase at 3rd and Lindsley on Fri., Sept. 16. At radio now, “Amy’s Song” officially impacts on Oct. 3.
Pictured (L-R): WKDF Director of Promotion Marie Miscia; WSIX PD Jon Anthony; Anderson; Arista Nashville Regional Promotion Mgr. Tyler Waugh; WKDF APD/MD Matt Bradshaw; and Arista Nashville Regional Promotion Mgr. Lauren Thomas and Promotion VP Lesly Tyson. Photo: Alan Poizner
Will Hoge and Glen Campbell at GAC
Nashville singer/songwriter Will Hoge ran into the legendary Glen Campbell at the GAC studios recently. Hoge was there to tape a segment for On the Streets that will air Sept. 27, the same day he releases Number Seven (Ryko). He is also promoting the new single and video, “When I Get My Wings.” Hoge kicked off his headlining tour over the weekend in Athens, GA.
Glen Campbell (L) and Will Hoge (R)
Josh Turner Helps Education SCORE
MCA Nashville’s Josh Turner performed at the first-ever SCORE Prize (State Collaborative on Reforming Education) event at the Ryman Auditorium earlier this month.
MCA Nashville’s Josh Turner met up with Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and SCORE CEO Jamie Woodson at the Ryman Auditorium.
She’s Country Tour To Feature Newfield and Tatum
/by admin“Heidi and Bridgette both bring high-energy performances and a ‘let’s party’ attitude that are perfectly suited for these venues,” says tour co-producer and Paradigm Nashville co-head, Mike Snider.
Sponsor Pendleton Whisky, launched in 2003, is marketed by Hood River Distillers of Hood River, Ore., and available nationwide. “Pendleton Whisky’s ‘Let’er Buck’ slogan is borne from the bold spirit of independence and hard-work ethic of the American cowboy and cowgirl,” says Tia Bledsoe, Director of Marketing for Hood River Distillers. “Heidi and Bridgette encompass that same spirit. They aren’t afraid to let loose and give their all in everything they do on and off the stage.”
“I have partnered up with a few good friends, Pendleton Whisky, and my crazy talented girl, Miss Bridgette Tatum,” says Newfield. “Together we’re throwing a party in your town. We want every one of our club tour shows to be overflowing with people who are rowdy, whiskey drinking, country music lovin’, not scared to have a damn good time kind of people.”
Initial She’s Country Tour dates
Nov 2 – Little Rock, AR – Revolution Music Room
Nov 3 – Dallas, TX – Glass Cactus
Nov 4 – Katy, TX – Mo’s Place
Nov 5 – Helotes, TX – Floores Country Store
Nov 6 – Austin, TX – Midnight Rodeo
Nov 9 – Nashville, TN – LOCATION TBD
Nov 10 – Wichita, KS – Denim & Diamonds
Nov 11 – Des Moines, IA – Krazee Kafe
Nov 12 – Kansas City, MO – Denim & Diamonds
Nov 16 – Memphis, TN – Newby’s
Nov 17 – Starkville, MS – State Theater
Nov 18 – Jacksonville, FL – Mavericks
Nov 19 – Atlanta, GA – Peachtree Tavern
Industry Ink Thursday (9/29)
/by Sarah SkatesWarner Music Nashville hosted its final Pickin' on the Patio of the season on Sept. 22. Entertaining guests was new act The Farm (comprised of Nick Hoffman, Damien Horne and Krista Marie). The stripped-down acoustic showcase included their songs, “Home Sweet Home,” “Sweet Sweet Sunshine” and “Fresh Off the Farm." Pictured (L-R): New Revolution's Rob Dalton, Dave Kirth, and Renee Leymon; manager Bob Mitchell; Nick Hoffman; New Revolution's Andy Elliott, and Maurisa Pasick; WMN's John Esposito; Krista Marie; Damien Horne; and New Revolution's Doug Baker.
Mike Severson
• • • Way Out West Records has tapped radio promo man Mike Severson to serve as VP Artist Development, Promotion, & Marketing. He has 17 years of music industry experience in Nashville, including promotion and marketing positions at MCA Nashville, Rounder and Midas Records. In addition, Severson has also worked at All Access and spent five years in radio in Tulsa. He will continue his role with World Vision as an artist consultant for the country music format.
Shawna Russell is the label’s flagship artist, with more additions planned for the coming months. Severson can be reached at mike.wayoutwest@gmail.com and (615) 496-6023.
• • • Buddy Cannon’s offices have moved. Cannon Productions can now be reached at 2801 Bransford Ave., Nashville, TN 37204.
Phone is (615) 383-2124 and email is budro@comcast.net.
• • • Several Nashvillians contributed to the new Fab Fan Memories project featuring songs and stories about The Beatles. Included are The WannaBeatles, Janis Ian, Phil Keaggy, and more. Grammy winner Dennis Scott produced the project with fellow WannaBeatles members Bryan Cumming, David Toledo and Nathan Burbank.
• • • Big Machine Records and Colonial Candle have partnered for a boxed gift set including a CD of holiday songs and a “Holiday Sparkle” candle.
Jess Meuse (L) signed a management agreement with Guest House Studios Pres. Tony Buenger (R). They are pictured at The Bazel Group offices with Shirley Hutchins/The New Penny Group, who administers Muese’s catalog.
Familar Faces Grace “Most Beautiful” List
/by Sarah SkatesCover girl Julianne Hough.
Nashville Lifestyles’ “25 Most Beautiful People” list includes several familiar faces from Music Row.
“To celebrate 12 years of Nashville Lifestyles, I cannot think of a more fitting personality than Juilanne Hough for our cover. Like the magazine, she has grown in so many ways, with the release of Footloose showcasing even more of her talents and interests,” explained Publisher Stacie Standifer.
Ranking among the most lovely are GAC’s Suzanne Alexander, singer/songwriters Jay O’Shea and Sherrie Austin, Christian artists Jason Crabb and Andrew Fromm, Luke Bryan’s wife Caroline Bryan, and entertainment journalist Heather Byrd. Each of these people and many more wer profiled and photographed for the new issue. See it at nashvillelifestyles.com.
McBride Orchestrates ELEVEN; Songwriter Agency Signings; and Marlee Scott Visits CMA
/by adminSkip Ewing
>>The Songwriter Agency has signed singer/songwriters Ira Dean, Skip Ewing and Rebecca Lynn Howard for bookings. The Agency was founded by Paul Compton and Randy Harrell in 2010 and books a roster of country, Christian, pop and rock music songwriter/performers. For more info visit www.thesongwriteragency.com.
>>Big Ride Entertainment’s Marlee Scott visited the CMA Sept. 29, to perform several songs for the staff including her debut current single “Beautiful Maybe.” The song is currently climbing MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart and his risen to No. 62. Scott recently released a dance mix of the country single that has been sent out to clubs, DJs and dance instructors.
(L-R) Big Ride Entertainment's Kim Leiske; CMA Senior Manager of Membership & Balloting, Brandi Simms; AristoMedia Group President and CMA Board member, Jeff Walker; InstiGator Entertainment President, Gator Michaels; Marlee Scott; CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore; CMA Senior Coordinator of Member and Industry Relations, Betsy Walker; and Big Ride Entertainment's Gerry Leiske. Photo: Christian Bottorff/CMA