Wide Open Music Group Signs Tim Owens
Wide Open Music Group has announced the signing of Tim Owens to an Exclusive Songwriter Agreement. Owens, the co-writer behind such No. 1 hits as “Ticks” (Brad Paisley) and “Settlin’”(Sugarland), joins the growing writer and creative staff of the Nashville-based independent music publishing company. Wide Open also acquires Owens’ Conejos Music catalog which features three songs from Paisley’s current album American Saturday Night.
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ACM Honors Tickets Available
The 4th Annual ACM HONORS, an evening of musical tribute performances and special presentations celebrating the special honorees and non-televised category winners from the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, held earlier this year. Tickets are now available to music fans at Ticketmaster.com and cost $37 each. Host and performer Lee Ann Womack will be joined by presenters Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kris Kristofferson and Frank Liddell, special performers Buxton Hughes, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Larry & Steve Gatlin with Ronny Robbins, Martina McBride, John Rich, Kenny Rogers, The Secret Sisters, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, and Randy Travis. Click here for a complete list of honorees.
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Ohio Gets S’more Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts will join Hershey’s to sweeten football fans’ tailgates this Saturday (9/11) in Columbus, Ohio as they canvas the Ohio State University tailgating grounds to introduce S’mores as the Official Dessert of Tailgating. The band will head back to their home state of Ohio for one of this season’s hottest matchups in college football – University of Miami vs. Ohio State University. Before the game, fans will be treated to a surprise visit from Rascal Flatts by passing out S’mores to tailgaters. Rascal Flatts will also perform the National Anthem prior to the game, which will be televised on ESPN.
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Country Quartet Takes Off At Fontanel
The Fontanel Mansion today (9/10) hosted the release of four Great Horned Owls on the property. Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, located just outside Nashville, raised three of the stately birds from owlets, and the fourth was an adult rehabbed from an injury. Jaime Dudney, Director of Hospitality for the Fontanel Mansion and daughter of country music superstar Barbara Mandrell, helped release the birds and also named them Roy Acuff, Little Jimmy Dickens, Minnie Pearl, and Hank Snow after Country Music Hall of Fame members.
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Dog Day Festival Comes to Centennial Park
Nashville’s Humane Association will hold their 21st Annual Dog Day Festival on Saturday September 18th in Centennial Park. Festivities begin at 10:00 AM with contests, prizes, paws parade, shopping, a microchip clinic, kid zone and more. Suggested donation is $5 and children under 5 are admitted free. Musical guests include Jessica Miller, Clay Evans, Greg Hall, Kenneth Duncan, and Kacey Smith. All Proceeds Benefit the Nashville Humane Association. For details go to www.nashvillehumane.org.
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Grammy Grant Foundation Accepting Submissions
The GRAMMY Foundation® Grant Program administers grants annually to organizations and individuals to support efforts that advance the archiving and preservation of the music and recorded sound heritage of the Americas for future generations, as well as scientific research projects related to the impact of music on the human condition. Recipients are determined based on criteria such as merit, uniqueness of project and the ability to accomplish intended goals. To view guidelines visit www.grammyfoundation.com/grants. The deadline for submission is Oct. 1, 2010.
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Artists Making The Radio Rounds
/by Sarah SkatesPhotos from George Strait, Gwen Sebastian, Joanna Smith, The Roys and Brian Stace visiting radio programmers and performing across the nation.
George Strait visited with John Crenshaw (L) and UMG’s Joe Putnam (R) before a recent show.
Open Road Records' artist Gwen Sebastian with KSOP's MD Debby Turpin in Salt Lake City.
Columbia Nashville newcomer Joanna Smith visits with WAMZ PD Coyote Calhoun while promoting her debut single, "Gettin' Married." Pictured (l-r): Calhoun, Smith, Columbia Nashville's Bo Martinovich
The Roys performed a listener appreciation show for “Big Country” WWBE Radio in Selinsgrove, PA where they serenaded MD Shelly Marx for her birthday.
Independent recording artist Brian Stace joined actor Gary Sinise, music legend Glen Campbell, entertainer Ann-Margaret and over 700 motorcycle riders in California this past weekend for the Ride to the Flags honoring victims of the September 11 attacks. Pictured signing autographs with Campbell.
Parties On The Row: Capitol, NSAI, TJ Martell
/by Sarah SkatesTo benefit Metro Nashville public schools, anyone who brings a school supply item to donate to the Pencil Foundation between 5 and 6 PM that night will have a chance to meet McCurdy. The free and open to the public party has been a big hit since it launched three years ago.
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The annual End of the Row Party to benefit the TJ Martell Foundation will be at 5 PM on Thursday, Sept. 16 in the backyard of the Crownover, Tisinger offices (1701 18th Ave. S). The performance line-up of hit songwriters and artists includes Radney Foster, Gordie Sampson, Hillary Lindsey and Tom Douglas. Jeff Batson will host the opening round featuring CJaye LeRose, Greg Bates, Drew Holland, Brandon Hood, and Julienne Irwin.
Valet parking, food and drinks are included in the ticket price, $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For questions or tickets, email endoftherow@dcjtlaw.com or call Danni O’Neill at 615-577-9604.
Chesney Set For CMT’s “Invitation Only”
/by Sarah SkatesPhoto credit: Rick Diamond/WireImage
Kenny Chesney is the latest superstar to tape an installment of CMT’s Invitation Only. On the episode premiering Monday, September 27 (10 p.m. ET/PT) the singer will debut five new songs from his forthcoming album to be released the next day (9/28).
Taped before a small studio audience in Nashville, the one-hour special includes Chesney performing hits like “When The Sun Goes Down,” and “Out Last Night,” as well as new songs from Hemingway’s Whiskey, such as the title track, and lead single “Boys of Fall.”
While answering questions from fans, Chesney reveals the strangest gift he has ever received from a fan, gives his advice to new artists and discusses what stands out about his new album.
Other new episodes of Invitation Only will debut this fall, with Toby Keith on Friday, October 8 and Rascal Flatts on Monday, November 15.
Invitation Only is a High-Five Entertainment production, with Martin Fischer and Edie Lynn Hoback serving as executive producers. Margaret Comeaux and John Hamlin serve as executive producers for CMT.
Bamford, Reid Multiple Winners At 2010 CCMA Awards
/by FreemanCCMA Award Winners Victoria Banks (top) and Johnny Reid
Male artists dominated the 2010 Canadian Country Music Awards, held last night (9/12) at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Gord Bamford collected three awards during the telecast, including album of the year (for Day Job, helmed by CCMA Producer of the Year Byron Hill), CMT Video of the Year (“Day Job”), and Male Artist of the Year. Johnny Reid also fared well, taking home the Fans’ Choice Award, Single of the Year (“Dance With Me”) and Songwriter of the Year (“Dance With Me,” written with Victoria Banks and Tia Sillers). Banks also earned a trophy for Female Artist of the Year.
FANS’ CHOICE AWARD
Johnny Reid
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“Dance With Me” — Johnny Reid
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Day Job — Gord Bamford
SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
“Dance With Me” (written by Victoria Banks/Johnny Reid/Tia Sillers; recorded by Johnny Reid)
CMT VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Day Job” — Gord Bamford
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Victoria Banks
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gord Bamford
GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
Doc Walker
ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Corb Lund
RISING STAR
One More Girl
(L-R): CCMA Producer of the Year Byron Hill, Album of the Year Winner Gord Bamford
Friday Photos: Roys Help MDA; Bonsall’s Book
/by adminCountry brother and sister duo, The Roys, made their national TV debut on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon held in Las Vegas over Labor Day weekend and joined a large group of TV/film/stage and music celebirities that donated their time to help raise funds for MDA’s lifesaving mission. The Roys performed “ Right Back At You,” a song that will appear on both of their upcoming CDs, on Pedestal Records.
(L-R) American Idol runner finalist Ace Young with Elaine Roy and Lee Roy.
Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys jammed Wednesday evening with Bluegrass banjo virtuoso Ned Luberecki at a release party for Joe’s latest book, From My Perspective (Journey Press, September 1, 2010). The new book is a collection of Joe’s entertaining reflections on life, music, patriotism, and God. The event was held Wednesday evening, September 8, at UPtown’s Smoke Shop in Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser
(L-R) Ned Luberecki and Joe Bonsall
Friday News Bits: Grammys, Flatts, ACM & More
/by contributorWide Open Music Group has announced the signing of Tim Owens to an Exclusive Songwriter Agreement. Owens, the co-writer behind such No. 1 hits as “Ticks” (Brad Paisley) and “Settlin’”(Sugarland), joins the growing writer and creative staff of the Nashville-based independent music publishing company. Wide Open also acquires Owens’ Conejos Music catalog which features three songs from Paisley’s current album American Saturday Night.
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The 4th Annual ACM HONORS, an evening of musical tribute performances and special presentations celebrating the special honorees and non-televised category winners from the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, held earlier this year. Tickets are now available to music fans at Ticketmaster.com and cost $37 each. Host and performer Lee Ann Womack will be joined by presenters Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kris Kristofferson and Frank Liddell, special performers Buxton Hughes, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Larry & Steve Gatlin with Ronny Robbins, Martina McBride, John Rich, Kenny Rogers, The Secret Sisters, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, and Randy Travis. Click here for a complete list of honorees.
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Rascal Flatts will join Hershey’s to sweeten football fans’ tailgates this Saturday (9/11) in Columbus, Ohio as they canvas the Ohio State University tailgating grounds to introduce S’mores as the Official Dessert of Tailgating. The band will head back to their home state of Ohio for one of this season’s hottest matchups in college football – University of Miami vs. Ohio State University. Before the game, fans will be treated to a surprise visit from Rascal Flatts by passing out S’mores to tailgaters. Rascal Flatts will also perform the National Anthem prior to the game, which will be televised on ESPN.
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The Fontanel Mansion today (9/10) hosted the release of four Great Horned Owls on the property. Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, located just outside Nashville, raised three of the stately birds from owlets, and the fourth was an adult rehabbed from an injury. Jaime Dudney, Director of Hospitality for the Fontanel Mansion and daughter of country music superstar Barbara Mandrell, helped release the birds and also named them Roy Acuff, Little Jimmy Dickens, Minnie Pearl, and Hank Snow after Country Music Hall of Fame members.
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Nashville’s Humane Association will hold their 21st Annual Dog Day Festival on Saturday September 18th in Centennial Park. Festivities begin at 10:00 AM with contests, prizes, paws parade, shopping, a microchip clinic, kid zone and more. Suggested donation is $5 and children under 5 are admitted free. Musical guests include Jessica Miller, Clay Evans, Greg Hall, Kenneth Duncan, and Kacey Smith. All Proceeds Benefit the Nashville Humane Association. For details go to www.nashvillehumane.org.
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The GRAMMY Foundation® Grant Program administers grants annually to organizations and individuals to support efforts that advance the archiving and preservation of the music and recorded sound heritage of the Americas for future generations, as well as scientific research projects related to the impact of music on the human condition. Recipients are determined based on criteria such as merit, uniqueness of project and the ability to accomplish intended goals. To view guidelines visit www.grammyfoundation.com/grants. The deadline for submission is Oct. 1, 2010.
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ReTune Nashville Sets Benefit Concert, Auction
/by contributorThe October 23 event is a kick-off to ReTune Nashville’s global online auction of more than 70 original art pieces created from flood-damaged music instruments. Light hors d’oeuvres and wine will be available during the art viewing and live art auction portion of the event, where a small selection of “ReTuned” gear will be up for bidding. All other “ReTuned” items will be auctioned off online each month leading up to the anniversary of Nashville’s devastating floods. There will also be a silent auction of other items donated from Nashville artists and musicians.
Due to the size of the venue, only 600 tickets will be available for public purchase. Tickets purchased the day of the event will be $45.
ReTune Nashville t-shirts can also be pre-ordered in conjunction with event tickets at a discounted rate of $15. T-shirts are limited to one per ticket.
ReTune Nashville is a 100% volunteer effort, and all proceeds from ticket sales, auction items and merchandise will directly benefit Nashville’s musicians through MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief and the Nashville Musicians Association Flood Relief Fund.
More information regarding performers and online auction details will be announced soon.
Click here to visit ReTune Nashville’s blog and view the progress of art pieces. To purchase event tickets or to see how you can become a sponsor, visit retunenashville.org.
Alan Jackson Announces Fall Tour
/by contributorThis year, Jackson is celebrating the 20-year anniversary of his debut album with the November 23 release of 34 Number Ones, a career-spanning, double-disc collection featuring all 34 of Jackson’s No. 1 hits. With 37 songs in all, the project will also include two rare tracks and the new single, “As She’s Walking Away,” with Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson. The video for the track, featuring both artists, will make its premiere on CMT Top 20 tomorrow (9/11) at 10 AM/CT.
From his debut release in 1990, Here in the Real World, to his latest album, Freight Train, Jackson has sold more than 50 million albums and scored 34 No. 1 hits. On September 14th, he will be honored with ASCAP’s Founders Award, its most prestigious honor.
TOUR DATES:
November 4 Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA
November 5 Nokia Theater at LA Live, Los Angeles, CA
November 6 Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
November 11 State Farm Arena, Hidalgo, TX
November 12 Cedar Park Center, Cedar Park, TX
November 13 The Pavilion at Coushatta, Kinder, LA
November 18 North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
November 19 LJV Memorial Coliseum, Winston-Salem, NC
November 20 US Bank Arena, Cincinnati, OH
ACM Lifting Lives Enlists Artists’ Help
/by contributorAt the ACM Awards last April, ACM Lifting Lives converted the traditional artist gift lounge into a space where artists could give back to an organization of their choice, instead of receiving gifts themselves. Artists stopped by to give a direct-to-camera message about their favorite charities. These videos can now be seen as part of the My Cause web feature on ACMLiftingLives.org, with new monthly features grouping artists and causes by theme.
This month, “My Cause: Country Beats Cancer” is highlighting causes that advance the fight against cancer. Donations can be made to each charity using a donate link available with each video. Below are the artists and causes included in the September “Country Beats Cancer” feature.
Randy Houser – St. Jude
Toby Keith – Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C)
Lonestar – St. Jude
David Nail – Payton Wright Foundation
Blake Shelton – St. Jude
To watch the September My Cause videos and donate to these causes, please visit ACMLiftingLives.org. A new My Cause theme including more artists and charities will be announced in October.
Weekly Chart Report (9/10/10)
/by FreemanKKBQ/Houston's Johnny Chiang (L) found out that Sunny Sweeney likes chewing gum. Sweeney’s “From A Table Away” is currently at No. 27 on the CountryBreakout Chart.
SPIN ZONE
Lady Antebellum has a knack for these multi-week No. 1 songs, don’t they? The Capitol trio’s “Our Kind Of Love” tops the CountryBreakout Chart for a fifth consecutive week, despite some slight spin erosion. That puts Kenny Chesney’s strong single “The Boys of Fall” and Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song” in good position to challenge the top spot very soon.
The lone new entrant to the top 10 is Taylor Swift’s “Mine,” which sits at No. 9 after a brief five weeks. The Top 20 is crowded with newer singles moving up, but Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue” (No. 12) and Brad Paisley’s “Anything Like Me” (No. 15) appear to have enough momentum to outrun the rest. Just outside the top 20 are Zac Brown Band’s “As She’s Walking Away” at No. 21, Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” at No. 25 and Carrie Underwood’s “Mama’s Song” at No. 28, all three of which earned over 200 additional spins.
It’s a strikingly young chart, due to a mass of superstar singles sprinting toward the top. Indeed there are very few singles over 20 weeks old still gaining spins, save for Easton Corbin’s “Roll With It” at No. 5 and the JaneDear girls’ “Wildflower” at No. 26. New to the chart this week include Blake Shelton’s “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” at No. 68, Walker Hayes’ “Pants” at No. 69, and Josh Kelley’s “Georgia Clay” at No. 74.
Frozen Playlists: KITX, KKCN, KYEZ, WBKR, WKWS
Upcoming Singles
September 13
Matt Kennon/You Can Still Wear White/BamaJam
Jewel/Ten/Valory
Carrie Underwood/Mama’s Song/19 Arista
Cody McCarver/I’m America/E1
September 20
LoCash Cowboys/Keep In Mind/Stroudavarious
Troy Olsen/Good Hands/EMI Records Nashville
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New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Blake Shelton/Who Are You When I’m Not Looking/Reprise/WMN — 68
Walker Hayes/Pants/Capitol — 69
Josh Kelley/Georgia Clay/MCA — 74
Gretchen Wilson/I Got Your Country Right Here/Redneck Records/C05 Nashivlle — 76
Melanie Denard/All I Ever Did Was Love You/StarPath — 77
Steve Richard/80 Acre Church/Force MP Entertainment — 78
Derek O’Bannon/The Truth Talks Too Much — 79
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Carrie Underwood/Mama’s Song/Arista — 378
Zac Brown Band feat. Alan Jackson/As She’s Walking Away/Atlantic/Bigger Picture — 332
Blake Shelton/Who Are You When I’m Not Looking/Reprise/WMN — 318
Brad Paisley/Anything Like Me/Arista — 294
Taylor Swift/Mine/Big Machine — 287
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Tommy Steele/Forever 17 — 212
Jesse Lee/Like My Mother Does/Atlantic/WMN — 211
Chris Heers/Happy Thought — 200
Laura Bell Bundy/Drop On By/Mercury — 184
Andy Vello/Hank It Up/LoozLip Records — 117
Two Week Most Added*
Artist/song/label — New adds
Blake Shelton/Who Are You When I’m Not Looking/Reprise/WMN – 26
Walker Hayes/Pants/Capitol – 19
Carrie Underwood/Mama’s Song/Arista – 15
James Otto/Soldiers & Jesus/Warner Bros./WMN – 14
Randy Houser/A Man Like Me/Show Dog – Universal – 10
David Nail recently visited WXBQ in Johnson City. (L-R): WXBQ PD Bill Hagy, Nail, WXBQ's Regina Kilgore, and UMG VP Joe Putnam.
The Roys recently visited KBCR/Steamboat Springs, CO. The duo’s latest single “Beautiful” is climbing the CountryBreakout Chart. (L-R): Lee Roy, KBCR’s Debbie Duncan and Elaine Roy.