Alabama Unites Fellow Stars For "Bama Rising"

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Country band Alabama today (5/17) announced plans for “BAMA RISING: A Benefit Concert for Alabama Tornado Recovery,” presented by Verizon. The June 14 concert at Birmingham’s BJCC Arena will feature performances by the superstar band as well as Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Sheryl Crow, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Bo Bice, Luke Bryan, Taylor Hicks, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, David Nail, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker and Ashton Shepherd. Confirmed special guests include radio personality and former University of Alabama football star and NFL player Jay Barker.
Alabama’s Randy Owen, speaking on behalf of the group, says, “My hope is that this will bring happiness and help to my fellow citizens in Alabama. I believe it’s extremely important that we do this benefit, and I want everyone in the state to feel like they are part of it. I hope we all can pull together to help get through the worst natural disaster I’ve ever seen in Alabama. I appreciate my friends in country music, everyone that’s been involved, and anyone that’s helped in any way.”
The Bama Rising Fund has been established at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to support long-term recovery statewide in the wake of the April 2011 tornadoes that devastated Alabama.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 20, at 11:00AM CST at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices will range from $25 to $150. VIP packages will also be available. Visit www.bamarising.org for more details. Bama Rising is presented by Red Mountain Entertainment and AEG Live/The Messina Group. Corporate sponsors include Verizon, Bravado, Zeekee Interactive, Bill Young Productions, Tour Design and Ticketmaster.
For information on becoming a corporate sponsor to support relief efforts, contact Jay Wilson at Red Mountain Entertainment – 205.585.2531 or jay@redmountainentertainment.com.

Curb Records Sues Tim McGraw

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Curb Records has filed suit against Tim McGraw claiming breach-of-contract, reports Billboard.biz. According to documents obtained by Billboard, Curb alleges that the tracks on McGraw’s upcoming Emotional Traffic album were recorded outside of a contractually designated time period.
Under the agreement the album should have been recorded “no earlier than 12 months and no later than 18 months” following the delivery of the previous album. His previous release, Southern Voice, hit streets in 2009.
Billboard reports that the suit seeks undisclosed damages, a sixth “option period” record, and “injunctive relief” preventing him from entering another recording contract.
This is the official statement from McGraw’s spokesperson:

Sadly, after a twenty year relationship which has provided unprecedented success for both parties, Curb Records has chosen to end its accord with Tim McGraw by filing suit against him.
Tim McGraw delivered his new album, Emotional Traffic, to Curb in the fall of 2010. The label is holding the album hostage from country music fans in an attempt to force Tim McGraw to serve perpetually under a contract that he has already fully and faithfully completed. The only song Curb has released from the album, “Felt Good on My Lips,” was a multi-week #1 hit.
Although Curb has not released the album, Tim McGraw has decided to perform new songs from Emotional Traffic on his current tour because he feels it is one of his best ever.
Most importantly, Tim McGraw wants to thank his fans for their continued support in his efforts to release new and exciting music.

More here.

Zarling Promoted To VP

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Big Machine Records and Valory Music Co.’s Sr. Dir. New Media & Promotion Strategy John Zarling has been promoted to VP Promotion & Media Strategy for the Big Machine Label Group.
“John Zarling is my visionary soul brother,” says BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta. “He has literally been with me from the very first minute of the label and never veered from the plan or the commitment, even when all odds were against us. He deserves all the credit he gets and more. Congrats, my friend!”
In this expanded role, Zarling will continue to direct national promotion campaigns for the label group’s artists, which will now include Republic Nashville. BMLG National Dir. Radio Marketing Mandy McCormack will continue to report to Zarling.
“It has been an unforgettable opportunity for me to witness the birth of the Big Machine Label Group,” says Zarling. “It is overwhelming when I look back on the early days of the label and see how far things have come in such a short period of time. I feel so fortunate to have been part of this amazing team since day 1 and look forward to the next phase of the journey.”
Prior to joining the Big Machine team in 2005, Zarling spent six years with UMG Nashville, where he was eventually elevated to Manager, Charts & Syndication for MCA, Mercury and DreamWorks.
Congratulate him Here, or leave a comment below.

AIMP Sets Sights On Music City

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) is looking to establish a Nashville chapter to join its Los Angeles and New York memberships. The non-profit organization, formed in 1977 is dedicated to providing education and information to its members on current topics, trends and practices in the music publishing industry. To help introduce the organization to the Nashville music community AIMP President Richard Feldman is coming to Nashville to present a panel discussion titled, Music Supervision: Tips On Placing songs in Film and TV.

Richard Feldman


“One of the AIMP’s long-term goals is to establish a Nashville chapter that would operate alongside chapters in Los Angeles and New York,” said AIMP President Feldman. “With recent encouragement from local publishers here in Nashville, it is time to make this a reality. We believe that the music community here will find value and benefits in the organization’s panels, networking, and advocacy initiatives.”
The free panel, hosted by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC will take place in Nashville on June 14 at the Embassy Suites Vanderbilt from 6-8 p.m. Speaking on the fine art of music supervision, current trends, tips on placing songs in film and TV, and opportunities specifically for Nashville-based talent will be artist Jace Everett, Primary Wave GM Michelle Belcher, plus music supervisors Gary Calamar, Andrea von Foerster and Tony von Pervieux.
 

John Rich Eyes Win on "The Celebrity Apprentice"

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John Rich has made it to the final two contestants on The Celebrity Apprentice, and many observers say he is headed for the win. With perfectly orchestrated timing, he also has two new music releases out today (5/17), and a slew of promotional TV appearances this week. As the show’s season comes to an end, he will be visiting The View, the Today show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight.
The Celebrity Apprentice season finale airs Sun., May 22 on NBC, where Rich is competing against actress Marlee Matlin. The show pits celebs against each other to raise money for charity and Rich is working on behalf of St. Jude.
One of his new Six Pak albums also supports the research hospital. For The Kids pays tribute to the families and friends of St. Jude with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the cause.
Warner Bros. Records is also releasing the more commercial Six Pak, Rich Rocks, featuring lead single “Country Done Come To Town.” Guests on the offering include Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr. and Lil Jon.
Rich has also re-teamed with former Big & Rich bandmate Big Kenny for a tour and new single, “Fake ID.”

Benefit News: Bama Rising Details Coming Today

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Bama Rising
Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry of Alabama are expected to announce the details of BAMA Rising today (5/17), a benefit concert for Alabama tornado recovery to be presented by Verizon.
Team Rio
Diamond Rio’s Team Rio raised $110,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters by running in the recent Country Music Marathon. Bandmates Jimmy Olander, Marty Roe and Gene Johnson presented a check to the charity at the 7th Annual Team Rio Finish Line Party. Team Rio 2011 had over 120 adult runners and 80 Team Rio Kids participants from several local schools. Olander accomplished his goal of finishing the half marathon in less than two hours.

(L-R): Lisbeth Couser of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Renee Behrman-Greiman of Modern Management, and Jimmy Olander and Marty Roe of Diamond Rio present a check for $110,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters.


Celeb Softball
The City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge annually marks the unofficial kick-off of CMA Music Festival. This year Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, David Nail, Brett Eldredge, Chuck Wicks, Jake Owen, James Wesley, Josh Gracin and Point of Grace are set to take the field on Saturday, June 11, at 9 a.m. at Greer Stadium in Nashville. For the first time in the game’s history, two City of Hope supporters will hang out in the dugout (visit www.cityofhope.org/connected to enter). The Celebrity Softball Challenge has raised more than $2 million for City of Hope, a leading research, treatment and education institution for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
Jars of Clay Benefit Concert
Blood: Water Mission—the organization that began as the vision of Jars of Clay’s Dan Haseltine to impact Africa with safe water in the fight against HIV/Aids—had reason to celebrate recently in Nashville. A concert at the Ryman called the “Well: Done Celebration” was held in honor of the successful completion of the ‘1000 Wells Project’ to provide fresh water wells to 600,000 people. The event raised over $100,000 and brought praises from Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam who was on hand for the celebration.

Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine joins in the 'Well: Done Celebration' with (L-R) Rich Hoops, Chairman of the Board of Blood: Water Mission; BWM Director Jena Nardella; Haseltine; Governor & Mrs. Bill Haslam; Mike Hamilton, Althletic Director at the University of Tennessee and BWM Board member.

Josh Turner Surprises Scotty McCreery Onstage

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Scotty McCreery and MCA's Josh Turner


American Idol hopeful Scotty McCreery got the surprise of a lifetime when he performed in his hometown of Garner, NC on Saturday (5/14).
As he was starting into Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” which has become one of his signature songs from the season, Turner himself appeared onstage and shocked the young singer. The two performed Turner’s “Your Man” and “Long Black Train” together.
“I think he was surprised,” laughs Turner. “He didn’t see me until we were almost face-to-face. I think I almost gave him a heart attack.”
• • • • •
In other Idol news, recently ousted James Durbin returned to his hometown of Santa Cruz, CA for a special celebration that included a procession with the Santa Cruz High School marching band and a performance with his friends The White Album Ensemble. Traditionally only the final three Idol contestants get to make the trips home, but the show reportedly made an exception in Durbin’s case.
 

Tube Time: Music Videos and TV Visits

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Jerrod Niemann Visits Hazel Smith
Jerrod Niemann recently paid a call on the always fabulous Hazel Smith for a little fun in the kitchen on her CMT show, Southern Fried Flicks with Hazel Smith. Niemann’s next single, “One More Drinkin’ Song,” will be out soon.

Pictured (L-R): Smith, Niemann. Photo credit: Jimmy Corn


The Roys on RFD-TV
Bluegrass brother/sister duo The Roys recently brought their down home sense of fun and unique sibling harmonies to the RFD-TV show Larry’s Country Diner.

(L-R): Clint White, LCD's Renae Johnson, Lee Kaufmann, Elaine Roy, Tom D'Angelo, LCD's Nadine, Lee Roy, Chad Jeremy and host Larry Black. Photo credit: J. Westby


Amber Hayes Shoots Video In LA
Amber Hayes debuted the music video for her single, “Wait,” Friday (5/13) exclusively on Yallwire.com. Shot and directed by award-winning producer/director Steven Goldmann (Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson), Hayes traveled to Los Angeles to film the video in Simi Valley.

(L-R): actor Spencer Lee, Amber Hayes, director Steven Goldmann, and stylist Jamie Ford


Jacob Lyda On Location of Debut Video
Jacob Lyda recently spent two days taping the video for his debut single, “I’m Doing Alright,” on location in Springfield, TN and Nashville. Directed by Mitchell Stuart of HQ Productions, the video is scheduled for release in the coming weeks.

Pictured (L-R): Davis Music Group GM Gator Michaels, Jacob Lyda, and Director Mitchell Stuart



LBT Heads To Craig Ferguson
Little Big Town will perform current single “The Reason Why” on CBS’ The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Wednesday, May 18 at 12:35/11:35pm CST. The band will continue on the road with Sugarland until the end of this month and then begin touring in support of their critically-acclaimed album The Reason Why.
 
 

Songwriter Series Sells Out New York's Joe's Pub

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The CMA Songwriters Series returned to New York City’s Joe’s Pub on May 11 for yet another sold out show. The popular series, in it’s seventh year, features many of Nashville’s best tunesmiths in an intimate, acoustic setting. Hanging out backstage prior to their performance were: Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson, Dean Dillon, Steve Wariner, Craig Wiseman and perennial host Bob DiPiero.

(L-R) Bob DiPiero, Craig Wiseman, Bill Anderson, Dean Dillon, and Steve Wariner. Photo: Kyle Quigley/CMA.

Jaron and the Long Road To Love – Beautiful Lies (feat. Big Kenny)

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Already spinning at KAJA, WIOV, KBEQ, KIXZ, KUBL, WTGE, WIWF, WPOR, WHWK, WJVC, KRRV, WXXK and WPUR!
Thanks to the support and enthusiasm of radio, Jaron and the Long Road To Love is releasing new single “Beautiful Lies,” featuring guest vocals by Big Kenny.
The song was originally released as part of Jaron’s “Wednesdays No Longer Suck” YouTube series, where he records and releases a new song with accompanying video every Wednesday. So far Jaron has recorded eight originals and four covers including Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams.” Since its release, “Beautiful Lies” has found numerous fans in country radio who couldn’t wait to play it.
Jaron first emerged onto the music scene in the late 90s as one half of sibling duo Evan and Jaron, who enjoyed a run of successful singles including the multi-platinum hit, “Crazy For This Girl.” After a short hiatus, Jaron returned to music in 2009 and found success right off the bat. His first single, the humorously cathartic “Pray For You,” was a slow-building smash in 2010 and has gone on to sell over 1 million digital downloads. His 2010 album Getting Dressed In The Dark was released shortly after and has sold over 120k copies to date.
http://www.facebook.com/JaronandTheLongRoadtoLove
http://www.youtube.com/jaronwoodvideo
http://www.jaronatlrtl.com/
Jaron and the Long Road To Love – Beautiful Lies