The stars are aligning for autograph signings at the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall at the upcoming 2010 CMA Music Festival. Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker and the Judds are among the artists set to meet the fans face-to-face this year.
“The fan and artist interactions in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall are the heart of the CMA Music Festival experience,” said CMA Board Chairman Steve Moore. “This year we have invited new exhibitors, artists, technologies, and partners to help improve the experience for our attendees. And to top it off, we have a terrific list of artists eager to spend one-on-one time with their fans.”
Both McGraw and Rascal Flatts will make their return to the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall. McGraw’s last appearance in the Fan Fair Hall was in 2000, and Rascal Flatts last appeared in 2002.
The Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall will undergo a makeover, becoming an educational feast for the eyes. Photos and facts dating back nearly four decades will adorn the walls as well as the updated CMA Booth, which will host autograph signings for the first time.
The Judds will make an exclusive appearance in the CMA Booth, marking the first time the popular mother/daughter duo has signed autographs at the event since the 1990s when the event was held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Other artists signing in the CMA Booth include Laura Bell Bundy, Danny Gokey, Randy Houser, Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Josh Thompson, and Chuck Wicks.
Back by popular demand, CMA will make available individual tickets to the Fan Fair Hall on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13 only. Entrance to the Fan Fair Hall will be exclusive to four-day ticket holders on Thursday and Friday, June 10-11. The $15 passes will go on sale Friday, June 11 exclusively at the cash-only information booth within the Nashville Convention Center, home of the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall.
Some of the other stars confirmed to sign throughout the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall include Jason Aldean, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, David Ball, Frankie Ballard, The Band Perry, Bo Bice, Big Kenny, Bomshel, Ash Bowers, Luke Bryan, Burns & Poe, Carter’s Chord, Tommy Cash, Cherryholmes, Mark Chesnutt, Terri Clark, Cowboy Troy, Diamond Rio, Whitney Duncan, Emerson Drive, Fast Ryde, Colt Ford, Larry Gatlin, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Jack Greene, Adam Gregory, George Hamilton IV, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Mallary Hope, Julianne Hough, Joey + Rory, Lady Antebellum, Blaine Larsen, Jesse Lee, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love & Theft, Patty Loveless, Irlene Mandrell, Jo Dee Messina, Randy Montana, Jimmy C. Newman, Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, O’Shea, James Otto, Jake Owen, Danielle Peck, Melissa Peterman, Richard Petty, Point of Grace, John Rich, Julie Roberts, The Roys, Sawyer Brown, Brady Seals, Kevin Sharp, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Trent Tomlinson, Trailer Choir, Two Foot Fred, Uncle Kracker, Bryan White, The Whites, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley, Billy Yates, and more. All artist appearances are subject to change.
Several stars and their fan clubs opt to present their own booths, which often reflect the artists’ personal style including: Trace Adkins, Razzy Bailey, Brooks & Dunn, Bucky Covington, Billy Gilman, Con Hunley, Alan Jackson, Buddy Jewell, The Kentucky Headhunters, Mindy McCready, Dolly Parton, Marty Raybon, Riders In The Sky, LuLu Roman, Ashton Shepherd, Doug Stone, Gretchen Wilson and Chris Young.
Several new exhibitors join the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall experience in 2010 including the US Air Force, Lynn Anderson International Fan Club, Carhartt, The Country Network, Dillards for the Reba Brand, Dish Network, DRIVE4COPD, Farm Boy & Farm Girl, PlayStation Experience Truck, Southern Belle Glamour, Sprint, Universal Music Group Nashville, VELVEETA Shells and Cheese, and Votre Vu.
Returning exhibitors include Barnes & Noble, Big Machine Records, Chevy, CMT, Cupit Music, DigitalRodeo.com, Divas of Daytime, Duck/Buck Commander, Durango Boots, Grand Ole Opry, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products, Great American Country (GAC), Lamon Records, Microsoft, Music City Merchandise, Nashville Palace, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, RFD-TV, R.O.P.E., Roper Apparel and Footwear, Silpada Designs, Skaggs Family Records, Tootsies, Waggin’ Train Dog Treats, Warner Music Nashville, and WSM-AM.
Fans can get a schedule of when artists will be appearing in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall by texting “SCHEDULE” to 66937.
“Block Party” Returns To CMA Fest
/by contributorThis year’s Block Party, hosted by Rossi Morreale (Dating in the Dark) and Brandon Barash (General Hospital), is filled with entertainment for the entire family. Located at the CMA Music Festival Family Zone in the Walk of Fame Park (between Fourth and Fifth Avenue on Demonbreun) the party will include daily activities and games such as “Name that ABC Tune” and “Daytime Drama.”
There will be plenty of music as well with scheduled performances on Friday, June 11 by Capitol Nashville recording artist Emily West and BNA recording artist Chris Janson in addition to Port Chuck: Steve Burton, Brandon Barash, Bradford Anderson, and Scott Reeves (Jason Morgan, Johnny Zacchara, Damien Spinelli, and Steve Webber on General Hospital). On Saturday, June 12 the Divas of Daytime: Kathy Brier formerly from One Life to Life, Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer on One Life to Live), and Bobbie Eakes (Krystal Carey on All My Children) will perform and mark their return to the Block Party as a trio.
Also, ABC and Soapnet have donated $50,000 to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help with the flood recovery. In partnership with the Office of the Mayor and Davidson County’s Office of Emergency Management, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee ensures that one gift can impact the widest range of charitable needs in times of disaster.
Gibson Unveils Brad Paisley Signature Acoustic
/by contributorOnly 300 Brad Paisley Model guitars are being produced by Gibson Acoustic, and each one comes with a formfitting hardshell case with plush blue lining, an owner’s manual, Gibson’s Gold Warranty, label personally signed by Paisley, and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Walmart Offers “Strait Live” DVD Reissue
/by contributorGeorge Strait Live track listing:
“The Fireman”
“Deep Water”
“The Cowboy Rides Away”
“Hot Burning Flames”
“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind”
“Dance Time In Texas”
“You’re Something Special To Me”
“Six Pack To Go”
“Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her”
“Amarillo By Morning”
“All My Ex’s Live In Texas”
“Rhythm Of The Road”
“Any Old Time”
“You Look So Good In Love”
“Marina Del Ray”
“Unwound”
Bonus Music Videos:
Amarillo By Morning
The Chair
Check Yes Or No
She’ll Leave You With A Smile
Living For The Night
Jimmy Ritchey Unveils Vibe Room Music
/by contributorRitchey has also announced the signing of Pam Tillis to Vibe Room Music. Over the course of her 30-year career, Tillis has enjoyed top ten hits including her co-written “One of Those Things” and “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life).” She was named the CMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year in 1994. Her songs have been recorded by an assortment of artists including Chaka Khan, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Gloria Gaynor, Conway Twitty, Lorrie Morgan, Holly Dunn, and Sweethearts of the Rodeo.
“Pam’s reputation speaks for itself,” Ritchey says. “Her name alone gives Vibe the ‘Wow!’ factor. She is one talented lady and represents the Tillis dynasty with poise, grace, wit and tenacity. We’re thrilled to be working with her, and I have no doubt the best is yet to come from Pam.”
A co-writer on George Strait’s current Top 5 single, “I Gotta Get To You,” as well as the title cut from Strait’s latest album, Ritchey was also instrumental in discovering Jake Owen and co-wrote Owen’s latest single, “Tell Me.” He has produced records for Clay Walker, Mark Chesnutt and Tommy Shane Steiner. He is presently working on recording projects with Blaine Larsen, Star De Azlan, and new Sony Records artist Joanna Smith.
Day-to-day operations in the Vibe Room will be handled by Carlton, who will serve as Vice President. Carlton brings 30-years experience to the organization. He has worked with writers including Tony Martin, Lee Miller, Bobby Pinson, Monty Criswell, Erin Enderlin, and Tommy Karlas, as well as Ritchey.
In addition to Tillis, the Vibe Room Music roster of songwriters includes Treehouse recording artist Larsen and artist/writer Sam Hunt. Nancy Tuck is Director of Administration.
44th Annual CMA Awards Set For Nov. 10
/by contributor“The CMA Awards is ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’ and is one of the most highly anticipated events for our industry each year,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “It’s a night to recognize and honor our finest performers, songwriters, record producers, musicians, and music video directors.”
The 2009 CMA Awards came in No. 3 for the week in the 18-49 demo and No. 5 for the week in total viewers, according to Nielsen. Held during November Sweeps (Nov. 11), The 43rd Annual CMA Awards dominated the night, ranking No. 1 in all six half-hours of the night in both total viewers and Adults 18-49 (5.3/14). In fact, it was a clean sweep on the night as the network also took top honors of the evening across all key Adults, Men, and Women demographics (18-24, 18-49, 25-54), as well as registering as the top-rated broadcaster with Teens (12-17) and Kids (2-11).
The program beat second place CBS by 5.7 million viewers with 17.3 million people tuned in. The CMA Awards gave ABC its biggest Wednesday audience with non-sport programming in well over four years and its highest Adult 18-49 numbers in two years. An estimated 36 million viewers watched all or some portion of the live, three-hour broadcast.
The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958.
Winners of The 44th Annual CMA Awards will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting members of the Country Music Association. CMA Awards balloting is officiated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
“The CMA Awards recognizes the best of our format. Our artists and music resonate with people from all walks of life and that’s what makes this ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’,” said Moore.
The eligibility period for the 2010 CMA Awards is July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. All voting for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will be conducted online. The first ballot and instructions will be e-mailed June 29 to CMA members in good standing who are eligible to vote. Voting for the first ballot closes at 5:00 PM/CT, July 15.
The second ballot will be e-mailed to CMA members Aug. 10. Voting for the second ballot closes at 5:00 PM/CT, Aug. 23. The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced in early September.
The third and final ballot will be e-mailed to CMA members Oct. 15. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends at 5:00 PM/CT, Nov. 2.
The 44th Annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, and Paul Miller is the Director. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.
The first CMA Awards Banquet and Show was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast on NBC Television for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The Awards aired on NBC through 1971, and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005.
Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevy: the Official Ride of Country Music.
The Stars Will Sign at CMA Music Fest
/by contributor“The fan and artist interactions in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall are the heart of the CMA Music Festival experience,” said CMA Board Chairman Steve Moore. “This year we have invited new exhibitors, artists, technologies, and partners to help improve the experience for our attendees. And to top it off, we have a terrific list of artists eager to spend one-on-one time with their fans.”
Both McGraw and Rascal Flatts will make their return to the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall. McGraw’s last appearance in the Fan Fair Hall was in 2000, and Rascal Flatts last appeared in 2002.
The Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall will undergo a makeover, becoming an educational feast for the eyes. Photos and facts dating back nearly four decades will adorn the walls as well as the updated CMA Booth, which will host autograph signings for the first time.
The Judds will make an exclusive appearance in the CMA Booth, marking the first time the popular mother/daughter duo has signed autographs at the event since the 1990s when the event was held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Other artists signing in the CMA Booth include Laura Bell Bundy, Danny Gokey, Randy Houser, Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Josh Thompson, and Chuck Wicks.
Back by popular demand, CMA will make available individual tickets to the Fan Fair Hall on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13 only. Entrance to the Fan Fair Hall will be exclusive to four-day ticket holders on Thursday and Friday, June 10-11. The $15 passes will go on sale Friday, June 11 exclusively at the cash-only information booth within the Nashville Convention Center, home of the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall.
Some of the other stars confirmed to sign throughout the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall include Jason Aldean, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, David Ball, Frankie Ballard, The Band Perry, Bo Bice, Big Kenny, Bomshel, Ash Bowers, Luke Bryan, Burns & Poe, Carter’s Chord, Tommy Cash, Cherryholmes, Mark Chesnutt, Terri Clark, Cowboy Troy, Diamond Rio, Whitney Duncan, Emerson Drive, Fast Ryde, Colt Ford, Larry Gatlin, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Jack Greene, Adam Gregory, George Hamilton IV, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Mallary Hope, Julianne Hough, Joey + Rory, Lady Antebellum, Blaine Larsen, Jesse Lee, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love & Theft, Patty Loveless, Irlene Mandrell, Jo Dee Messina, Randy Montana, Jimmy C. Newman, Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, O’Shea, James Otto, Jake Owen, Danielle Peck, Melissa Peterman, Richard Petty, Point of Grace, John Rich, Julie Roberts, The Roys, Sawyer Brown, Brady Seals, Kevin Sharp, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Trent Tomlinson, Trailer Choir, Two Foot Fred, Uncle Kracker, Bryan White, The Whites, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley, Billy Yates, and more. All artist appearances are subject to change.
Several stars and their fan clubs opt to present their own booths, which often reflect the artists’ personal style including: Trace Adkins, Razzy Bailey, Brooks & Dunn, Bucky Covington, Billy Gilman, Con Hunley, Alan Jackson, Buddy Jewell, The Kentucky Headhunters, Mindy McCready, Dolly Parton, Marty Raybon, Riders In The Sky, LuLu Roman, Ashton Shepherd, Doug Stone, Gretchen Wilson and Chris Young.
Several new exhibitors join the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall experience in 2010 including the US Air Force, Lynn Anderson International Fan Club, Carhartt, The Country Network, Dillards for the Reba Brand, Dish Network, DRIVE4COPD, Farm Boy & Farm Girl, PlayStation Experience Truck, Southern Belle Glamour, Sprint, Universal Music Group Nashville, VELVEETA Shells and Cheese, and Votre Vu.
Returning exhibitors include Barnes & Noble, Big Machine Records, Chevy, CMT, Cupit Music, DigitalRodeo.com, Divas of Daytime, Duck/Buck Commander, Durango Boots, Grand Ole Opry, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products, Great American Country (GAC), Lamon Records, Microsoft, Music City Merchandise, Nashville Palace, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, RFD-TV, R.O.P.E., Roper Apparel and Footwear, Silpada Designs, Skaggs Family Records, Tootsies, Waggin’ Train Dog Treats, Warner Music Nashville, and WSM-AM.
Fans can get a schedule of when artists will be appearing in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall by texting “SCHEDULE” to 66937.
Show Dog-Universal Promotes Natalie Moore
/by contributorNatalie Moore
Natalie Moore has been promoted to Director of Artist Development and Creative Services for Show Dog-Universal Music, it was announced today (6/3) by George Nunes, General Manager of the label to whom Moore reports.
Formerly, Moore served as Manager of Artist Development and Creative Services for the company. In her new role, Moore is responsible for overseeing artwork, design, photo shoots, video shoots, and media with independent publicity for all Show Dog – Universal Music artists.
“Natalie has played a key role at Show Dog–Universal and her contributions have been invaluable,” said Nunes. “Her work ethic and attention to detail is second to none. I am extremely proud to be working with Natalie and this promotion is well-deserved.”
Moore joined Universal Records South in 2003 as Artist Development Coordinator with the creative and publicity departments.
Toby Keith Event Nets Almost $600,000
/by contributorThe perennially sold-out gathering was standing-room-only again, with co-emcee Larry The Cable Guy keeping the crowd in stitches and Toby Keith jumping on stage to perform with headliner David Allan Coe. Surprise guest, and Show Dog-Universal Music label mate, Phil Vassar also took the stage to rock the house for a few songs.
Top draws in the auction included dinner for 20 with Keith. As it did last year, the meal generated such interest that Keith agreed to do two dinners, one for each of the top bidders at $28,000 a piece. A Super Bowl package went for $16,000 and top silent auction items included a canvas of Keith featuring the lyrics to “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” that went for $3,900, Vikings and Jets Brett Favre jerseys at $4,100 and a Cal Ripken, Jr. package that brought in $3,500.
Proceeds from this year’s event will help fund the OK Kids Korral 16-room guest lodge, which will house pediatric cancer patients and their families on the grounds of Oklahoma University Medical Center. With completion expected in 2012, the 30,000 sq. ft. facility will be a haven of respite for families of young children struggling through cancer treatments. Visit the website at www.tobykeithfoundation.org for details.
BMG acquires Adage IV Catalog
/by contributor“Working with BMG Rights provides an opportunity to participate in the future of music publishing,” said Herb Jordan, founder and CEO of the Los Angeles based Adage Group. “The Adage Group looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of BMG Rights.”
“Herb Jordan and his team at Adage Group have built an impressive catalog of music rights – the iconic songs in the Adage IV catalog are a perfect fit for our synch and licensing strategy,” Laurent Hubert, COO North America, BMG said. “We look forward to working with Herb and his team”.
After the acquisition of Cherry Lane and the formation of the JV One Haven Music Publishing earlier in 2010, this acquisition is another cornerstone in building up high quality repertoire for BMG Rights Management, the joint venture between the international media company Bertelsmann and the global private equity firm KKR.
ABC Special Captures CMA Fest
/by contributorSome of the artists already announced to appear at LP Field during CMA Music Festival include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, and more. Taylor Swift will host a free 13-hour fan meet and greet event during the Festival at the Bridgestone Arena, which will include a short acoustic performance.
“Our announced lineup this year is the strongest ever and a country music enthusiast’s dream bill,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors.
The primetime television special, CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, debuted in 2004 as a two-hour special highlighting the Festival and Music City. In 2005, the special moved to the ABC Television Network.
In 2009, the special expanded to three hours boosting ABC ahead of CBS, NBC and FOX with the network’s second biggest audience during the summer season. With 7.4 million viewers and a 4.7/8 overall rating, it outperformed its broadcast rivals in total viewers topping CBS by 6 percent, NBC by 32 percent and FOX by 85 percent.
The special had a 43 percent increase in viewers compared to 2008, generating the biggest audience in four years and tallied its highest Adult 18-49 rating (2.0/6) in three years. The special ranked No. 12 for the week among total viewers and No. 11 for the week for Adults 18-49.
CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock is executive-produced by Robert Deaton and directed by Gary Halvorson. The 2009 CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.