Stars Go Blue Raises $36,000 for the Blue Note Fund

Recently, the Colon Cancer Alliance presented the 3rd Annual “The Stars Go Blue” for Colon Cancer Benefit featuring “Couples in Country Music” at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater in Nashville, TN. The event raised $36,000 for the Blue Note Fund, which provides financial support for colon cancer patients in need of assistance. Hosted by Storme Warren, along with his wife, Allison Warren the event featured rare, acoustic performances by MCA’s Josh Turner with his wife and band member, Jennifer; Linda Davis with her husband singer/songwriter, Lang Scott; Paul Martin, former lead singer of Exile and current member of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives with his wife, Jamie Martin; and Charlie Kelley, “The Stars Go Blue” creator and Grammy nominated producer/artist with his wife, GAC personality, Nan Kelley. Charlie Kelley was honored with the 2011 Visionary Award for his work to create the Blue Note Fund.

(L-R): Storme Warren, Allison Warren, Paul Martin, Jamie Martin, Josh Turner, Nan Kelley, Charlie Kelley, Linda Davis and Lang Scott. Photo: Randi Radcliff

Jimmy Wayne

Jimmy Wayne Named National Spokesperson for CASA

In an effort to raise awareness and recruit volunteers to help America’s abused and neglected children, the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association has teamed up with country music artist Jimmy Wayne, who will serve as a national spokesperson for the organization. Wayne will open the 30th annual National CASA conference in Chicago on March 20. Himself a former foster youth, Wayne will share his personal story and perform for over 1,500 CASA and Guardian ad litem volunteers, staff and supporters from across the county. “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Jimmy Wayne and are very appreciative of his willingness to support our national cause for children,” said Michael Piraino, CEO of the National CASA Association. “Jimmy’s personal experiences in foster care add immeasurable authenticity to his role as a spokesperson for National CASA. He will be an inspiration to the youths we serve and our national network of volunteers, as well as others who may want to become more involved in helping abused and neglected children.” For more information about the National CASA Association, please view our website at www.casaforchildren.org.

WMBA Garners Top-Earner Award at Bowl For Kids’ Sakes

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) raised $1,775 in donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Solid and CAA sponsored charity event, Bowl for Kids’ Sake on Tuesday (3/15). The WMBA’s, “Dolls with Balls”, received the “Top- Earner” award for their fundraising efforts with $12,000 being raised in total for the charity.

(L- R): Kama Upton, Amanda Fletcher, Betsy Walker, Laura Covington, Tina Hill, Daina Goodwin and Amanda Joyner

Jerry Douglas

Jerry Douglas—Americana at the Bluebird Cafe

The Americana  Music Association will present an evening with Jerry Douglas and friends as the Bluebird Café, Thursday March 24 at 9pm. Widely known as the foremost master of the Dobro, Jerry Douglas has played with J.D. Crowe & the New South, the Country Gentlemen, Boone Creek, and Strength In Numbers. Tickets are $25 and proceeds go to support the Americana Music Association. For more information or tickets visit www.americanamusic.org or www.bluebirdcafe.com.

David St. Romain

Rising Star David St. Romain To Play Two Benefits

In the midst of launching and promoting his new album, Aria Records recording artist David St. Romain is lending a hand to worthy causes. On March 23, St. Romain will headline a benefit show in Roswell, GA benefiting the Pink Kick-Starter Project, a registered program of Bikers Battling Breast Cancer. Three days later, March 26, he’s the featured musical guest at the Never Quit Never Forget Gala in Baton Rouge, LA which benefits the Lone Survivor Foundation’s efforts to welcome home, empower and restore wounded soldiers and their families. Also benefiting from the event will be the United Warrior Survivor Foundation, which supports surviving spouses of special operations forces. For more information, go to www.neverquitneverforget.org.

Steep Canyon Rangers Perform at Garden & Gun Music Issue Party

The Steep Canyon Rangers performed recently at the Station Inn in Nashville during Garden & Gun’s Music Issue Party. The Farewell Drifters and Shannon Whitworth also performed. All proceeds went to benefit Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School, which provides instruments and lessons to kids in need.

Photo: Tamara Reynolds Photography

Register Online for the MCTI

The 38th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational will be held Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1 at the Brownlee O. Currey Jr. Tennis Center at Vanderbilt University. MCTI is the only fundraising event that directly benefits the Center for Child Development at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.  MCTI provides essential funding for the Center’s services not covered by medical insurance for children with disabilities and their families. Register online at www.musiccitytennis.com.

Sugarland Co-Hosts GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown

Sugarland will co-host this week’s GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown, airing tonight (3/18). Little Big Town also stops by to chat on the episode. Pictured: Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush on the set of their Incredible Machine Tour with GAC host Suzanne Alexander.

The Grascals Appear on RFD TV’s Larry Country Diner

The Grascals will appear on RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner Saturday (3/19). The group’s set included a fiery performance with special guest Darryl Worley on “White Lightning,” his duet from the group’s current album, The Grascals & Friends-Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin (Cracker Barrel/BluGrascal Records). Check local listings for specific channel information. (L-R): Renae Johnson, Jimmy Capps, Jamie Johnson, Terry Smith, Keith Bilbrey, Kristin Scott Benson, Larry Black, Terry Eldredge, Danny Roberts, Jeremy Abshire, Nadine and Dee Ann Grand. Photo: Jeremy Westby

The Marty Stuart Show Welcomes Loretta Lynn

Country Music Legend Loretta Lynn joined Marty Stuart and Connie Smith on The Marty Stuart Show March 12. The show is currently in its 3rd Season and brings traditional country music into living rooms across the country every Saturday night on RFD-TV. Check local listings for more information. Photo: Bill Thorup

Kenny Chesney ‘Coastal’ Living

Kenny Chesney took a minute to relax with “Marley” the swordfish behind the scenes of the 2011 Corona Presents Kenny Chesney’s ‘Goin’ Coastal’ Tour, which kicked off yesterday (4/17) at Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach.

Walker Hayes Visits CMA

Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Walker Hayes visited the CMA offices Tuesday afternoon (3/15) to perform for the staff including his current single “Why Wait for Summer.” (L-R): The Music Group’s Christy DiNapoli, Capitol Records Nashville Coord. Media/Public Relations Ann Inman, Capitol Records Nashville Sr. Dir. Media/Public Relations Dixie Owen, Hayes, CMA Sr. Coord. Member/Industry Relations Betsy Walker, and CMA Sr. Mgr. Awards Balloting/Election Admin. Brandi Simms. Photo: Athena Patterson

Eagles at the Great Wall

For the first time in their 40-year history, the Eagles are performing in Mainland China. They performed in Shanghai on March 9 and Beijing on March 13. “The people have been very warm and welcoming,” said Eagles’ co-founder Don Henley. “They sing along with ‘Hotel California’ and ‘Desperado.’ It’s amazing. We’re looking forward to coming back again in the future.” Hong Kong will be the final stop on their 12-city tour of Asia. The broup also performed four concerts in Japan before the devastating earthquake and tsunami. (L-R): Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Timothy B. Schmit.