City National Bank Opens On Music Row

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Pictured (L-R): Lori Badgett, David Innes, Holly Bell, Diane Pearson, and Mandy Gallagher.


City National Bank has opened its first banking office in Nashville, Tenn. with a full staff headed locally by Holly Bell. With offices across the country, the bank has long established roots in the entertainment business, including many Music City clients.
Bell brings two decades of Nashville music business banking experience to her new post, Sr. VP for Entertainment and Team Manager. She was formerly a entertainment and private bank manager with Wells Fargo. Bell reports to Martha Henderson, the Exec. VP and Manager of City National’s entertainment division. “Expanding into Nashville is an exciting step for City National,” said Henderson. “It’s a logical extension of our very strong entertainment business in California and New York. We’ve recruited an outstanding team of local bankers, and their experience will further strengthen our ability to serve the entire music industry.”
Joining Bell on the City National team are Senior Relationship Managers Lori Badgett and Diane Pearson, who were previously with SunTrust Bank’s Nashville entertainment division for 15 and 20 years, respectively. Fellow former SunTrust banker Mandy Gallagher is also on board as a Relationship Manager with 12 years of experience.

David Innes is a Senior Relationship Manager who will serve Atlanta based music industry clients. Innes’ two decades of service include time at Wells Fargo and SunTrust.
City National’s Account Managers include seasoned bankers Adrian Foreman, Meridy Kizer, Jamie Lay and Kristy Sargent.
Coming to the new Nashville location from other City National branches are Jason Plum as Credit Officer, and Will Hurst as Office Administrative Manager.

City National Bank’s temporary office in Nashville is open at 60 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203, and can be reached at (615) 782-5620. Employees can be reached at firstname.lastname@cnb.com (ex. Holly.Bell@cnb.com).
The permanent location is scheduled to open later this summer at 54 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203.
City National Bank is America’s 25th largest bank, with 80 offices, including 16 full-service regional centers. It is backed by $21.6 billion in total assets.

Photos: CMA Music Fest in Full Swing [updated]

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Star-Packed Opry Shows
The Grand Ole Opry presented by Humana hosted two sold-out, star-studded shows last night (6/7) with performances by Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Darius Rucker, Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Dickens, Bill Anderson, and Jerrod Niemann. During the first of two shows, Opry member Underwood introduced the newest American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina on stage. They will make their Opry performance debuts this Fri., June 10.

Lady Antebellum at the star-studded Opry.


Vince Gill at Premiere Radio Remotes
Vince Gill helped kick-off the Premiere Radio Remotes. Premiere Networks, the official radio partner of the 2011 CMA Music Festival, will be broadcasting from the Nashville Convention Center this week. Premiere will play host to 18 of Country radio’s biggest stations, as well as the syndicated radio shows After MidNite with Blair Garner and The Crook & Chase Countdown.

Vince Gill performs at the Premiere Radio Remotes.


Ashton Shepherd Previews New Music
MCA Nashville’s Ashton Shepherd kicked off her CMA Music Fest week with a media/industry luncheon hosted by MCA Nashville and BMI at BMI’s Music Row offices. The 24-year-old singer/songwriter performed a selection of songs from her sophomore album, Where Country Grows, which hits streets on July 12. Representatives from Grand Ole Opry Group, Country Weekly, Wall Street Journal, AOL, Rhapsody, Microsoft, Citadel Digital, Country Aircheck, Academy of Country Music, CMT and William Morris Endeavor were just some who enjoyed the luncheon performance.

Pictured (L-R): BMI VP, Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams; Ashton Shepherd; Beverly Keel, Sr. VP Artist & Media Relations, UMG Nashville; and Faith Quesenberry, Vector Management. Photo: Erika Goldring


Carrie Underwood’s Fan Club Party at The Opry
Opry member Carrie Underwood held her annual fan club party at the Grand Ole Opry yesterday (6/7) morning. Her fans began lining up the night before for a chance to see their favorite artist. The party, emceed by Storme Warren, kicked off with a 45-minute performance by Carrie and her band, followed by a question and answer session. The event ended with a game of “Fan Club Feud” with prizes including a fly-away trip to one of Underwood’s concerts plus backstage passes. She will return to the Opry stage tonight to perform as part of two-sold out shows. Tomorrow, she heads to Australia for a two-week promotional trip to support her Play On: Deluxe Edition CD.

Carrie Underwood leads "Fan Club Feud" at her party. Photo: Chris Hollo, Hollophotographics


Aussie Connie Kis Andersen Joins Yallwire For Southern Cooking
While in Nashville for the CMA Music Fest, Australian country artist Connie Kis Andersen enjoyed some southern cooking. Stephanie Langston, host for Yallwire, took Andersen to Arnold’s restaurant to dine on its famous turnip greens, fried green tomatoes and chess pie. Andersen is working her current single, “Steamy Dreams.”

(L-R): Stephanie Langston and Connie Kis Andersen

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/8/11)

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We have a mixed bag of sounds on tap today.
The listening session was dominated by indies. Some of them were quite listenable (Stephanie Urbina Jones, Aaron Einhouse), others not so much. The one who stood out as a DisCovery Award winner was Drake Jensen. Other than the fact that he is managed out of Ottawa, I know next to nothing about him.
Lady Antebellum was, as always, a luscious listening experience. But the Disc of the Day belongs to Kellie Pickler. “Tough” is the perfect song for this personality-packed performer.
I don’t have an awards category for this, but maybe I should honor someone each week who reminds us all what hardcore country music really sounds like. If I did, I would certainly polish a statuette for the supremely soulful stylings of Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent. Their album is called Your Money and My Good Looks. It dropped this week. Get it.
JIMMY LEHOUX/Twenty Toes In The Sand
Writer: Liz Miller/Tom Stipe; Producer: Tom McBee; Publisher: Check to Rex/Pen, ASCAP; Ruby (www.jimmylehoux.net)
—Half of this town has been ripping off Jimmy Buffett for years.
DRAKE JENSEN/Wash Me Away
Writer: M. Narmore/M. McGuire; Producer: Kim Copeland; Publisher: Oven/Avalon Avenue, BMI/ASCAP; Soaring Eagle (track)
—Very dramatic. Unmistakably country, but with a certain sonic majesty and terrific, multi-layered production finesse. Not only is the song finely crafted, he sings with open throated confidence and clear conviction. A winner.
KELLIE PICKLER/Tough
Writer: Leslie Satcher; Producer: Frank Liddell & Luke Wooten; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Leslie Satcher, BMI; BNA
—At last! The giant hit that Pickler has always deserved is finally here. This rumbling, romping rhythm number has a lyric with real moxie, and she delivers it with just the right amount of sass.
T.J. BROSCOFF/Pillow
Writer: T.J. Broscoff; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: Bill Green, BMI; BGM (www.tjbroscoff.com)
—Take vocal lessons to learn how to hold a note longer than a nanosecond.
CLAUDIA NYGAARD/His Left Side
Writer: Claudia Nygaard; Producer: Claudia Nygaard; Publisher: Cattlelog, BMI; Bet the Ranch (track) (www.claudianygaard.com)
—This one’s a story song on the folkie side of things. His wife has passed away, and he wants to come back to work the land as soon as he recovers from a stroke. Instead, he comes home to die, holding the reins of his old horse standing by his bedside on the front porch.
GENE WATSON & RHONDA VINCENT/Gone For Good
Writer: Jimmy Melton; Producer: Herb Sandker; Publisher: Castle Street/Bughouse/Bug, ASCAP; Upper Management (track) (www.geneandrhonda.net)
—The first duet album by these two superb country vocalists features chestnuts like “My Sweet Love Ain’t Around,” “Sweet Thang,” “Til the End,” “Out of Hand” and “You Could Know as Much About a Stranger,” plus three Rhonda originals. Among the new tunes by others, this lost-love weeper is the awesome single/video. If you yearn for a real honky-tonk ballad with emotion-soaked harmony and moaning steel, this will smack you right between the eyes. A match made in hillbilly heaven.
LADY ANTEBELLUM/Just A Kiss
Writer: Dave Haywood/Charles Kelley/Hillary Scott/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Paul Worley & Lady Antebellum; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/DWHaywood/Radiobulletspublishing/EMI Foray/Hillary Dawn/EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher, BMI/SESAC; Capitol Nashville (CDX)
—A delirious dream of harmony vocalizing. It is, indeed, the audio equivalent of a romantic kiss.
AARON EINHOUSE/The Cougar Song
Writer: Aaron Einhouse; Producer: Walt Wilkins; Publisher: none listed, BMI; AE  (www.aaroneinhouse.com)
—Three husbands down, the lady at the bar is waiting for you to light her cigarette, if you catch my drift. Bouncy, and sung with drawling good humor.
CONNIE KIS ANDERSEN/Steamy Dreams
Writer: Connie Kis Andersen; Producer: Doug Wayne; Publisher: Kismana, APRA; Kismana (track) (www.conniekisandersen.com.au)
—This has reportedly already been a top-5 country hit in Australia. She sings capably in a slightly bluesy way, and the swampy guitar work is exemplary. But the whole thing is just too “white” for my taste.
STEPHANIE URBINA JONES/I’m Not A Pinata
Writer: Stepahnie Urbina Jones/Mark Marchetti; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Casa Del Rio/Baby Z, SESAC/BMI; Texican Entertainment (www.stephanieurbinajones.com)
—The instrumental single is a snappy country rocker with a whiplash beat. The vocal version has a husky alto intro before the smoking track catches fire. I have long been a fan of this performer, and this time around she’s really kicking tail.

Quick Pics

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The LoCash Cowboys with show host Adam Richman.


LoCash Cowboys Take On Man v. Food Nation
The LoCash Cowboys taped an episode of the Travel Channel’s Man v. Food Nation at Rooster’s Texas Style BBQ in Nashville earlier this year, and it will air tomorrow night (6/8). The restaurant is holding a public viewing party at 8 PM/CT to see the duo take on a 72-ounce steak challenge. 
See a clip here.
The LoCash Cowboys will appear at that party, as well as at other events this week including the CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade (6/8), the Musicians On Call benefit concert at Hard Rock Café (6/9), and the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage (6/12). Tonight (6/7) at Rocketown they will model in the Country Weekly Fashion Show, also benefiting Musicians On Call.


Casey James and Robin Rhodes


 


Birthday Surprise From Casey James
BNA Records artist Casey James was the surprise guest at Robin Rhodes‘ birthday party on Saturday night (6/4) at the Wine Loft in Nashville. Rhodes is the Senior Director of Music Initiatives for After Midnight With Blair Garner.
CMA Hosts Chevy Test Drive
Chevrolet, The Official Ride of Country Music, hosted an Industry Test Drive at the CMA offices on Friday, June 3. Participants had the opportunity to test drive several different exciting Chevrolet vehicles, and the car manufacturer donated $25 for each test drive to the CMA Foundation, which benefits music education through CMA’s Keep the Music Playing campaign.

(L-R): CMA Board Member Troy Tomlinson; Phil Caruso, manager of national promotions for Chevrolet; CMA CEO Steve Moore; and CMA Board Member Mike Dungan display Chevrolet's Patron Organizational member certificate. Photo: Amanda Eckard/CMA

Eric Church To Preview Album Live From CMA Fest

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Eric Church


EMI Records’ Eric Church will offer members of his fan club, the Church Choir, and Sirius XM listeners an exclusive preview of his new album Chief this week. As part of CMA Music Festival, he is set to perform Thurs., June 9, 4 p.m. at the Music City Theater. The acoustic set will be limited to 60 guests who will win entry via the fan club. Church will share stories behind the songs with Sirius XM’s The Highway host Storme Warren, and the entire performance will air at a later date on The Highway.
Chief, which hits stores July 26, will be Church’s third studio set, and reunites him with longtime producer Jay Joyce. Complete track list here.
For tomorrow (6/8) night’s CMT Music Awards, Church is nominated for the Nationwide® Insurance On Your Side® award for best new live act.
He just wrapped a tour with Jason Aldean, and will join Toby Keith on the road beginning June 30 and continuing through the fall.

Tommy Emmanuel Presented With CMA Global Artist Award

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(L-R): CMA CEO Steve Moore, Keith Urban, Tommy Emmanuel


Australian guitar wizard Tommy Emmanuel was presented with the 2011 CMA Global Country Artist Award last night (6/6) by fellow Aussie guitar slinger Keith Urban. The presentation took place during the CMA Global Artist Party at The Stage.
After dazzling the audience with selections from his own catalog as well as a Beatles medley and the Australian folk song “Waltzing Matilda,” Emmanuel was surprised when Urban joined him onstage to make the presentation. The Global Artist Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an artist who has furthered country music’s popularity and brought it attention in a foreign territory. Previous winners include Paul Brandt (Canada), Troy Cassar-Daley (Australia), Lee Kernaghan (Australia), and Jason McCoy (Canada).
“This award means so much to me because I spend 90 percent of the year on the road, traveling around the world playing music,” said Emmanuel. “And I tell people about America because I love this place. I choose to live in Nashville because a lot of the roots of the music that I play are right here and in Kentucky. I’ve always seen it as not just my job but my calling to get out there and play music and show the younger generation that it’s cool to be yourself and set your mind on being the best that you can.”
Emmanuel’s set and presentation kicked off the CMA Global Artist Party, which featured nine international acts. In addition to Emmanuel, performers included Raintown (UK), Luke Dickens (Australia), Kaylee Bell (New Zealand), McAlister Kemp (Australia), Chad Brownlee (Canada), Dianna Corcoran (Australia), Marlee Scott (Canada) and Dean Brody (Canada). Aussie husband-wife duo O’Shea hosted the standing room only event.

(L-R): Top row: CMA President Steve Moore, artist Marlee Scott, artist Kaylee Bell, artist Chad Brownlee, Global Artist Party producer/director Mark Moffatt, artist Tommy Emmanuel, artist Drew McAlister (McAlister/Kemp), artist Claire McArthur (Raintown), artist Troy Kemp (McAlister/Kemp), artist Paul Bain (Raintown), artist Dean Brody, artist Dianna Corcoran, artist Luke Dickens. Bottom row: AristoMedia Director of Operations Matt Watkins, hosts Jay and Mark O’Shea, AristoMedia President/CEO Jeff Walker.

Little Big Town Lead Ride For A Cure

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Little Big Town will host the star-studded Ride For A Cure on Sun., June 12 to benefit the TJ Martell Foundation. The ride begins at Nashville’s Roundabout Plaza at 10:30 a.m. and ends at Harley Davidson of Columbia Superstore for lunch and a concert by Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jerrod Niemann, David Nail and more.
Ticket details at (615) 256-2002
 or www.NashvilleRideForACure.com
•••••
Another upcoming event benefiting TJ Martell’s fight against cancer and AIDS is the Sun., June 26 “Tennessee Meets Tuscany” dinner. Green Door Gourmet along with notable Nashville restaurants Miel, Caffe Nonna, 1808 Grille, and Dulce Desserts, will provide a sumptuous Tuscan inspired four-course feast just a few steps from the fields where the menu items were grown. Musicians Davide Facchini and Anita Camarella will bring their Italian homelands charm for the night’s entertainment.
To purchase tickets, please contact the T.J. Martell Founation Office at (615) 256-2002 or mgoodwin@tjmartellfounation.org or click here.

Calendar For Busy CMA Music Fest Week

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Email events and updates to news@musicrow.com.
Monday, June 6
Billboard Country Music Summit
8 am – 5 pm: Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
5:30 – 6:30 pm: Cocktail reception and roundtable discussions
Performances & Events
6 pm: CMA Global Artist Party at The Stage on Broadway. Performers include Tommy Emmanuel, Kaylee Bell (New Zealand), Dean Brody (Canada), Chad Brownlee (Canada), Diana Corcoran (Australia), Luke Dickens (Australia), McAlister Kemp (Australia), O’Shea (Australia), Raintown (UK) and Marlee Scott (Canada). O’Shea is hosting.
8 pm: Darius & Friends at the Wildhorse Saloon. Benefit for St. Jude featuring Darius Rucker, Rodney Atkins, Easton Corbin, Justin Moore, and Jerrod Niemann.
9 pm: Show Dog-Universal’s JT Hodges performs free show at Margaritaville.
Tuesday, June 7
Billboard Country Music Summit
9 am – 5 pm: Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Including the 3:15 pm panel moderated by MusicRow Publisher David Ross “Publishing: Red and Black Ink; Return on Investment & Entrepreneurship in a Business of Pennies—The New Roadmap.”
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm: Closing cocktail reception with Kellie Pickler.
Performances & Events
6 am: Porter Wagoner Memorial Artists & Anglers Fishing Tournament at Sanders Ferry Park, Hendersonville. Participants include Bryan White, Joey + Rory, James Wesley, Bo Bice, Bobby Bare, Daryle Singletary and more.
12 pm: 8th Annual AristoMedia Global Show at The Second Fiddle. High Valley (Canada), Brett Kissel (Canada), Ryan Laird (Canada), Mike & Ashley (New Zealand), Craig Morrison (Australia), Six West (Canada), Springfield (Australia), and Steve & Heather (France). Hosted by Australian sister trio The McClymonts. 12:30 pm: Ashton Shepherd lunch and performance on BMI Rooftop. Invitation only.
1 pm: Payton Rae EP Release/Fan Club Party at The Rutledge. Streaming live here.
3 pm: Aristo Summer Show at The Second Fiddle. Performances by Adam Gregory, Amber Hayes, Deborah Allen, DJ Miller, Lacy Green, Margaret Phillips, Rachel Holder and Ty Herndon. Streaming live here.
4 pm: Storme Warren’s 5th Annual Nashville Navy Celebration at Limelight. With Jimmy Wayne, Jeff Bates, Trent Willmon, Keith Anderson, Danielle Peck, Wade Hayes, Ray Scott, Jaime Fox, Memarie Gayle, Shane Thomas, Joanna Smith and more.
6 – 9 pm: 103 WKDF Country Beach Party presented by Bridgestone at The Stage. Appearances by Darryl Worley, Kellie Pickler, David Nail and Thompson Square. Benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Nashville. 7-11 pm: Music City Gives Back concert with Rodney Atkins. Between 2nd and 4th Ave. downtown, features guests Josh Thompson, Thompson Square and more. Benefits American Red Cross Relief Fund for tornado victims.
8 pm: Country Weekly Fashion Show & Concert at Rocketown. Benefits Musicians On Call.
Grand Ole Opry
5 pm: Edens Edge and Jerrod Niemann perform for free at Opry Plaza stage.
7 & 9:30 pm: Two sold out Grand Ole Opry shows feature Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Jerrod Niemann, Oak Ridge Boys, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood and more.
Wednesday, June 8
CMT Music Awards
6 pm: CMT Music Awards Red Carpet
7 pm: CMT Music Awards. Performances by Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, host Kid Rock, Toby Keith, Big & Rich, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts and Sugarland.
CMA Music Festival
11 am: The Seventh Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade with Bill Anderson and the Oak Ridge Boys as the Grand Marshals, other artists participating include Deborah Allen, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Sherrie Austin, Bo Bice, Bomshel, Ash Bowers, Crystal Bowersox, Lee Brice, Carter Twins, Carter’s Chord, Dailey & Vincent, Sarah Darling, Billy Dean, The Dirt Drifters, Eli Young Band, Tyler Farr, Ashley Gearing, Andy Griggs, The Harters, Walker Hayes, Her & Kings County, Ty Herndon, JT Hodges, Steve Holy, Buddy Jewell, Jason Jones, LoCash Cowboys, Lunabelles, Miss Willie Brown, The Roys, Daryle Singletary, Stealing Angels, Josh Thompson, Tiffany, Rhonda Vincent, and Mark Wills.
1 – 4 pm: Sixth Annual CMA Music Festival Chevy Block Party at Riverfront Stage. Hosted by WSM’s Beth Brightwell and Rick Marino, performers include Josh Thompson, Lee Brice, Eli Young Band, Uncle Kracker and Randy Houser.
Performances & Events
7 am: 4th Annual GAC Kick-off Breakfast at Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Performances by Lee Ann Womack, Ashton Shepherd, David Nail and Laura Bell Bundy. Sold out.
11 am: Wild Bill’s Nashville opens for Music Fest week at 101 Broadway
1-3 pm: Craig Morgan annual Fan Club Party at 12th & Porter
2 pm: Shania Twain announcement. Invitation only.
3 pm: Tracy Lawrence Fan Club Party at Rocketown. Special performances by Lacey Brown and Rick Huckaby
7 pm: Eric Lee Beddingfield fan appreciation performance at Nashville Center Stage (514 8th Ave. S.)
7 – 10 pm: The Duets of Country Music at Al Menah Shriner’s Temple with Bill Anderson & Jan Howard, Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely, David Frizzell & Shelly West, and Jean Shepard & Harold Hawkins
10 pm: Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam at the Ryman Auditorium. Benefit for MusiCares and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library features Doug Kershaw, Dolly Parton, The Quebe Sisters, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives and Mel Tillis.
10 pm: Dierks Bentley Last Call Ball fan club party at Rocketown. Sold out.
10 pm: Glen Templeton performance with special guest Kelly Parkes at Cadillac Ranch
10:30 pm: CMT Awards After-Party with Chase Rice, Florida-Georgia Line, and Jesse Rice at Tin Roof.
Thursday, June 9
CMA Music Fest
9 am: Riverfront Stage. Gary Allan, Emerson Drive, Colt Ford, Sammy Kershaw, Neal McCoy, Craig Morgan, James Otto, Jake Owen, Randy Rogers Band, Steel Magnolia
10 am – 5 pm: Fan Fair Hall at Nashville Convention Center
10 am – 6 pm: Family Zone at Walk of Fame Park
10 am – 6 pm: Gildan Fun Zone. Broadway, 1st – 4th Avenues
10 am – 6 pm: Power Zone, 2nd Ave. and Church
10 am – 5 pm: Sports Zone Bud Light Stage. The Cleverlys, CMA Celebrity Close Up Hosted by Blair Garner, CMA Songwriters Series presented by ASCAP (featuring Blaine Larsen, Brad Crisler, Marla Cannon-Goodman and Brent Anderson), Due West, Ashley Gearing, Sean Patrick McGraw and Ty Stone
10 am – 6 pm: Chevy Stage. Paul Bogart, Cooking Demo with Cracker Boy, Jolie Holliday & Sonny Burgess, Sonia Leigh, Meet & Greet with Jimmy Houston and Larry Nixon, Fishing/Hunting Clinic with Bob Redfern, Skyler
11 am – 6 pm: Lays Stage, Bridgestone Arena. Blackberry Smoke, Bush Hawg, Classic Country Show (Jeannie Seely, Moore & Moore, Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent, Lynn Anderson and David Frizzell), Edens Edge, Casey James, Jason Jones, Daryle Singletary, and Joanna Smith
11 am – 8 pm: Hard Rock Cafe Stage. Carter Twins, Cross County Junction, The Davisson Brothers Band, Ira Dean, Courtney Dickinson, HER & Kings County, Captain Kid, Sunny Ledfurd, Matt Mason, Matt Stillwell, Zane Williams, Kimberly Wolff
8 pm: Nightly Concerts at LP Field. Jason Aldean, Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, Casey James, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Zac Brown Band (feat. Alan Jackson, Amos Lee, Sonia Leigh and Randy Travis)
Performances and Events
10 am: “Rise, Shine & Party Time” acoustic concert at The Rutledge with Steel Magnolia, Laura Bell Bundy, and James Otto.
11:30 am – 2 pm: SunTrust Hot Dog Day at SunTrust Music Row Branch.
1 pm: George Jones fan club party at The Palace
2 – 5 pm: Montgomery Gentry fan club party at Rocketown
4 pm: Guitars of the Stars Benefit Auction and performances by Steve Wariner and Josh Thompson at Hall of Fame Park.
4 pm: Eric Church previews his new album Chief on Sirius XM’s The Highway from Music City Theater. Attendance open to fan club members
5 pm: Gloriana Line Dance Contest at Family Zone Stage. Instructional video here.
10 pm: BMI Songwriters Showcase at Hard Rock, benefiting Musicians on Call. Featuring Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby, Rhett Akins, and Thomas Rhett. After-party hosted by LoCash Cowboys. Tickets here.
Bonnaroo (June 9-12 in Manchester, TN) —Sleigh Bells, Deerhunter, Band of Skulls, Best Coast, Wavves, The Walkmen, Karen Elson, Band of Heathens, Hayes Carll
Friday, June 10
CMA Music Fest
9 am: Bill Anderson, Frankie Ballard, Bucky Covington, Brett Eldredge, Jo Dee Messina, Randy Montana, Sawyer Brown, Phil Vassar, James Wesley, Darryl Worley
10 am – 5 pm: Fan Fair Hall at Nashville Convention Center
10 am – 6 pm: Family Zone at Walk of Fame Park
10 am – 6 pm: Gildan Fun Zone. Broadway, 1st – 4th Avenues
10 am – 6 pm: Power Zone, 2nd Ave. and Church
10 am – 5 pm: Sports Zone Bud Light Stage. Performers include Burns & Poe, CMA Celebrity Close Up Hosted by Blair Garner (with Ashton Shepherd), CMA Songwriters Series presented by BMI (featuring Her & Kings County, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Ray Scott and Tiffany)
10 am – 6 pm: Chevy Stage. Paul Bogart, Chevy Celebrity Outdoor Challenge (hosted by Bob Refern and Travis ‘T-Bone’ Turner, Bone Collectors, Cooking Demo with Cracker Boy, Daniel Lee Martin, Meet & Greet with Jimmy Houston and Larry Nixon, Payton Rae, Skyler
11 am – 6 pm: Lays Stage, Bridgestone Arena. Katie Armiger, Steve Azar, Laura Bell Bundy, Earl Thomas Conley, The Harters, Ty Herndon, JT Hodges, Miss Willie Brown, Kip Moore
11 am – 8 pm: Hard Rock Cafe Stage. The Band Chelli, Rachael Farley, Mickie James, Derek Joseph, The Lost Trailers with Corbette Jackson, Lunabelles, Dustin Lynch, Dave Pahanish, Matt Ramsey, Chase Rice, Scarletta, Hollywood Yates “The Wolf”
8 pm: Nightly Concerts at LP Field. Dierks Bentley, The Cleverlys, Lady Antebellum, Reba, Ashton Shepherd, Sugarland, Keith Urban, Clay Walker
Performances and Events
10 am – 1 pm: Teddy Gentry (Alabama) performs with “Best New Nashville” artists at Cadillac Ranch. Meet & Greet to follow upstairs
4 – 6 pm: Steve Holy and Mark Cooke host Double Fan Club Party at Cotton Valley Records (713 18th Ave. S.). RSVP here.
4 – 6 pm: Stephen Cochran Project fan club party at Cadillac Ranch
8 pm: Season Finale of CMT’s Next Superstar. Guest performance by Kristen Chenoweth.
10 pm: ASCAP Songwriters Showcase at Hard Rock, benefiting Musicians On Call. Featuring Dave Berg, Ashley Gorley and Clay Mills. Average Joe’s hosts after-party. Tickets here.
Grand Ole Opry—Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Roy Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Randy Travis, Bradley Gaskin, Charley Pride, Mel Tillis, and more.
Bonnaroo—Arcade Fire, Florence + The Machine, My Morning Jacket, Lil Wayne, The Decemberists, Matt & Kim, Ray Lamontagne, Big Boi, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Warren Haynes Band, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Wanda Jackson
Saturday, June 11
CMA Music Fest
9 am: Riverfront Stage. Crystal Bowersox, Jason Michael Carroll, Billy Ray Cyrus, Steve Holy, Lonestar, David Lee Murphy, David Nail, Corey Smith, Mel Tillis, Chuck Wicks
10 am – 5 pm: Fan Fair Hall at Nashville Convention Center
10 am – 6 pm: Family Zone at Walk of Fame Park
10 am – 6 pm: Gildan Fun Zone. Broadway, 1st – 4th Avenues
10 am – 6 pm: Power Zone, 2nd Ave. and Church
10 am – 5 pm: Sports Zone Bud Light Stage. Brother Trouble, CMA Celebrity Close Up Hosted by Blair Garner, CMA Songwriters Series presented by SESAC (featuring Margaret Durante, Tyler Farr, Matt Stillwell and Winfield’s Locket)
10 am – 6 pm: Chevy Stage. Bone Collectors, Chevy Celebrity Outdoor Challenge (hosted by Bob Refern and Travis ‘T-Bone’ Turner), Cooking Demo with Cracker Boy, Daniel Lee Martin, Russell Dickerson, Austin Dillon Q&A and Skyler
11 am – 6 pm: Lays Stage, Bridgestone Arena. T. Graham Brown, Sarah Darling, The Dirt Drifters, Bradley Gaskin, Andy Griggs, Hunter Hayes, Jennette McCurdy, Jamie O’Neal and Stealing Angels
11 am – 8 pm: Hard Rock Cafe Stage. Greg Bates, Brinn Black, Lacey Brown, Ty Brown, Buffy, Common Thread, Cowboy Troy, Tyler Farr, Martin McDaniel, Thomas Rhett, Bridgette Tatum, and Clint Wade
8 pm: Nightly Concerts at LP Field. Trace Adkins, Clint Black, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Thompson Square, Josh Turner, and Chris Young
Performances & Events
9 am: Jo Dee Messina Fan Club Party and performance with guest Crystal Bowersox at Belcourt Theatre.
9:30 am: City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge at Greer Stadium. Brett Eldredge, Chuck Wicks, Jake Owen, James Wesley, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, Kerry Collins, LoCash Cowboys, Robin Meade, Denise Jones of Point of Grace and players from the Nashville Predators have expanded the team rosters and will take the field for the highly anticipated game between longtime rivals Grand Ole Opry and After MidNite with Blair Garner. American Idol alums Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina will also join.
11:30 am-2:30 pm: Gildan Activewear to break Guinness World Record for Largest T-Shirt in Centennial Park. Danny Gokey and Emmylou Harris will appear. Special Musicians Corner event in Centennial Park will feature Love and Theft, The Henningsens, Sara Jean Kelly, Heather Morgan and Andrew Combs.
11:30 am: Craig Wiseman songwriter session in CMHoF’s Ford Theater
2 pm: Gretchen Wilson fan club party at Studio Gallery/Fontanel
2 – 4 pm: Jason Michael Carroll fan club party at Whiskey Bent Saloon
6 pm: Burns & Poe perform at Whiskey Bent Saloon (306 Broadway)
8 – 10 pm: Stephen Cochran Project, Kyle Turley and Caddle perform at 12th & Porter
10 pm: SESAC Songwriter showcase at Hard Rock, benefiting Musicians On Call. Featuring Monty Powell, Rob Hatch, Brian White, and Jon Nicholson. After party to follow. Tickets here.
Grand Ole Opry
3 pm: Grand Ole Opry Matinee at Ryman Auditorium with Mandy Barnett, Thompson Square, and Anna Wilson among others.
7 pm: At Grand Ole Opry House. Roy Clark, Charley Pride, Diamond Rio, Ralph Stanley, Mel Tillis, and more.
Bonnaroo—The Black Keys, Mumford & Suns, Eminem, Girl Talk, Old Crow Medicine Show, Buffalo Springfield, String Cheese Incident, Alison Krauss & Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas, Dr. John with the original Meters and Allen Toussaint, Amos Lee, Loretta Lynn, Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears, Miss Willie Brown and more.
Sunday, June 12
CMA Music Fest
9 am: Riverfront Stage. The Bellamy Brothers, Roy Clark, Terri Clark, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Josh Kelley, LoCash Cowboys, Troy Olsen, and Sunny Sweeney
10 am – 3 pm: Fan Fair Hall at Nashville Convention Center
10 am – 4 pm: Family Zone at Walk of Fame Park
10 am – 6 pm: Gildan Fun Zone. Broadway, 1st – 4th Avenues
10 am – 4 pm: Power Zone, 2nd Ave. and Church
10 am – 4 pm: Sports Zone Bud Light Stage. Performers include Anita Cochran, Mark Cooke, Curtis and Luckey, Josh Hoge, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Kristen Kelly, Frank Ortega, The Roys and Bridgette Tatum.
10 am – 4 pm: Chevy Stage. Cooking Demo with Cracker Boy, Jolie Holliday, Fishing/Hunting Clinic with Bob Redfern, Skyler, Julie Roberts
11 am – 4:30 pm: Lays Stage, Bridgestone Arena. Bo Bice, Carter’s Chord, Dailey & Vincent, Foster & Lloyd, Walker Hayes, Jaron & TLRTL, Christian Kane, Robin Meade, Mark Wills
11 am – 7:15 pm: Hard Rock Cafe Stage. Alyssa Bonagura, Chris Cavanaugh, Corey Crowder, Heath Forbes, Matt Kennon, Carly Pearce, JD Shelburne, Tommy Steele, Brianna Tyson, and Mark Wills
8 pm: Nightly Concerts at LP Field. The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, the JaneDear girls, Miranda Lambert, Tracy Lawrence, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, and Jimmy Wayne
Performances & Events
10:30 am: 5th Annual Ride For a Cure benefitng T.J. Martell Foundation. With CaliRodi, Tyler Farr, Dean Alexander, Bo Bice and Eric Paslay. Performance by Little Big Town with special guests to follow.
Bonnaroo—The Strokes, Iron & Wine, Cold War Kids, Widespread Panic, Robert Plant & Band of Joy, G. Love & Special Sauce, Explosions In The Sky, Gregg Allman, Galactic, Superjam feat. Dan Auerbach and Dr. John, Robyn, Smith Westerns, Mavis Staples and more.

Stars Added To Tomorrow Night's CMT Awards

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Shania Twain and Taylor Swift recreate "Thelma & Louise" for the CMT Music Awards. Photo Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT.com


The star lineup continues to grow for tomorrow night’s (6/8) 2011 CMT Music Awards. The Band Perry has been added to the performance schedule, and Shania Twain and Taylor Swift will join forces to open the show by recreating Thelma & Louise. Also set to appear are Glee’s Chord Overstreet, Ron White, Donald Trump, Kenny Rogers and host Kid Rock. Additional presenters on-hand at the 10th anniversary show will include Martina McBride and Little Big Town, actress Cheryl Hines, Gary Busey, and Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon.
Other newly announced performers set for the Nationwide Insurance stage include Lee Brice, Colt Ford, Hunter Hayes, The JaneDear Girls, Thompson Square and CMT’S Next Superstar Finalists Matt Mason and Steven Clawson.
The 2011 CMT Music Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridestone Arena on CMT and CMT.com. Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Big & Rich, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band and Luke Bryan.
Set to present are Shania Twain, Sara Evans, Justin Bieber, Sheryl Crow, American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina, Train, Kristen Chenoweth, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Melissa Peterman, Dancing With The Stars winner Hines Ward, Green Bay Packers’ Clay Matthews and actress/songwriter Mary Steenburgen.

CAA To Relocate Nashville Offices

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Creative Artists Agency has announced plans to relocate its Nashville offices to the SunTrust Building downtown. Currently located at 3310 West End Ave., CAA’s 65-person team will move to its new 23,000 square foot space once construction is completed this fall.
“This move marks a new era for us,” said CAA’s head of music and managing partner, Rob Light. “We began our Nashville office as a one-man operation nearly 20 years ago and our team here has since built it into a dominant industry force. The new office is in the heart of this dynamic city and will offer much more space for our growing operations. This will contribute to the most effective environment for continuing to deliver the best possible service to our clients.”
CAA’s Nashville operations was established in 1991 and was the agency’s first office outside of Los Angeles. The company also has offices in New York, Chicago, London, Beijing, Dubai and more.