Jimmy Ritchey Unveils Vibe Room Music

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Songwriter/producer Jimmy Ritchey has announced a new collaborative venture, Vibe Room Music. A newly-established Music Row assembly located at 38 Music Square East, 2nd Floor, Vibe Room Music is made up of Ritchey, publishing veteran Jeff Carlton and a variety of multi-talented songwriters. The company is poised to introduce a library of compositions in a variety of styles suited for a multitude of formats.

Ritchey 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

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The Country Music Association and ABC Television Network have announced that The 44th Annual CMA Awards will air Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) on ABC live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

“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

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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.

Show Dog-Universal Promotes Natalie Moore

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Natalie 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

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The seventh annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic raised close to $600,000 May 21-22 in Norman, Oklahoma. Comprised of a dinner/auction/concert and golf tournament the following day, the event has raised almost $3,000,000 since its inception for Oklahoma’s children battling cancer and their families.

The 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.

Pros For Africa and Whitten-Newman Foundation Co-Founder Reggie Whitten donated a custom Triumph Rocket III motorcycle autographed by NFL stars Tommie Harris (Bears), Adrian Peterson (Vikings), Roy Williams (Bengals) and Mark Clayton (Ravens). The bike sold for $40,000 and Whitten intends to make the cycle donation an annual occurrence because, in his words, “Triumph” is exactly what he wants the sick children of Oklahoma to do.

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

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BMG Rights Management has announced the acquisition of the Adage IV catalog. Adage IV consists of rights in a number of classic compositions performed by artists including John Mayer, Ray Charles, Rob Thomas, Joni Mitchell, Faith Hill, Elvis Presley, Frankie Lymon, Joe Cocker, The Beach Boys and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Among the acquired music rights are well-known pieces such as “Why Do Fools Fall In Love,” “Stay,” “Let’s Go Get Stoned,” “Little Darling,” “I Don’t Need No Doctor” and “Breathe.”

“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

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ABC TV is heading to Nashville to take fans to the hottest music event of the year with CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock. Between Thursday and Sunday, June 10-13, today’s biggest country stars will hit the stage during a four-day celebration of America’s music for a special that will air Wednesday, Sept. 1 (7:00-10:00 PM/CT) on the ABC Television Network.

Some 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.

SoundExchange Enlists AFTRA in Royalty Search

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The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), a national union of more than 70,000 performers, recording artists and broadcast journalists, and SoundExchange, a non-profit U.S. digital performance rights organization authorized to collect royalties for the digital performance of sound recordings, today announced a new joint initiative to identify and distribute SoundExchange royalties which are owed to AFTRA member recording artists.

Starting today (5/2) AFTRA will begin notifying more than 6,000 AFTRA recordings artists for whom SoundExchange has collected royalties from digital services that have streamed their recordings online. SoundExchange provided AFTRA with a list of artists who are members of the union, but who are not yet registered with SoundExchange. AFTRA will mail letters, send email notices and make direct person-to-person phone calls to all AFTRA member recording artists who are due royalties. As a union representing recording artists, AFTRA is in the unique position to have contact information for many recording artists, and was glad to be a part of the project.

“Increasingly, our world is evolving into the digital age,” said AFTRA National Executive Director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth. “This means more opportunities for AFTRA recording artists to share their creative contributions with a wider audience and more opportunities for our members to earn the income they need, such as the royalties collected by SoundExchange, to sustain their careers, support their families and continue enriching our culture and society through their gift of music. As AFTRA’s National Executive Director and as a board member of SoundExchange, I am very pleased to partner with SoundExchange to identify, to locate and pay AFTRA members their share of the tremendously profitable digital revolution.”

“SoundExchange is constantly reaching out to notify artists about their unclaimed royalties, yet it can be difficult to get them to register,” said SoundExchange Executive Director John Simson. “Many don’t know about the law that entitled them to these royalties, or believe it’s too good to be true. That’s why partners like AFTRA are essential: they understand the value of our work and have existing relationships with those artists who can most benefit from registering. AFTRA is a great resource to artists, and hearing about SoundExchange from such a trusted organization helps reassure artists that these royalties are both real and theirs.”

When sound recordings are played on satellite radio, Internet radio or digital cable services, SoundExchange collects a royalty on behalf of the recording artists and the copyright holder, as directed under U.S. Copyright Law. Since 2001, SoundExchange has collected and processed billions of spins and paid out more than $412 million in digital royalties, unfortunately thousands of music professionals are not yet registered and millions of dollars in royalties are currently unclaimed. AFTRA and SoundExchange have partnered to locate unregistered AFTRA recording artists and ensure the distribution of these payments.

AFTRA is represented by Hedgpeth on the SoundExchange Board of Directors which consists of equal representation between artists’ representatives and label representatives. Legendary recording artist and AFTRA member Martha Reeves also serves as a Board member, though not as a union representative.

Recording artists may register with SoundExchange, free of charge, to receive royalties. New registrants can claim any back royalties collected in their names and they will continue to be paid quarterly, every time they’re owed. For more information on registration, please visit www.soundexchange.com.S

DISClaimer Reviews (6/02/10)

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There is some solid stuff in this stack of platters.

Richie Fields, Sunny Sweeney and Kim Parent are all back, singing as superbly as ever. Newcomers Dianna Paul and Sherry Lynn prove that they are ready to run with the big dogs. From the folkier side of things are delightful discs by Ellis Paul and TV star Robert David Hall.

Our Disc of the Day comes from the good people at Broken Bow. It is “Real” by James Wesley. And hand a DisCovery Award to Dianna Paul. Both of these singles, by the way, are fine pieces of country songwriting. And that always goes a long way with this listener.

RICHIE FIELDS/Wichita
Writer: Dave Robbins/Tim Gates/Trey Robbins; Producer: J. Gary Smith; Publisher: Songwriters of Platinum Pen/Tim Bert/Songs of Platinum Pen/Slickhead/Jo Trey, BMI/ASCAP; Joint Journey (CDX) (410-442-4629)
—Dramatic sounding. The descending chords, chiming guitars and stately tempo set up a resonant, throaty baritone who can really deliver the goods. Everything I have heard by this man has been top notch. Surely one of you big labels could use a talent like this.

SUNNY SWEENEY/From a Table Away
Writer: Sunny Sweeney/Bob DiPiero/Karyn Rochelle; Producer: Brett Beavers; Publisher: Big Machine/Super 98/International Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Words & Music/Clarity Tree/Sony-ATV/Love Monkey, BMI; Republic Nashville (CDX) ()
—I remain a fan. She is confidently country, and the steel-guitar soaked midtempo song is loaded with hooks and harmonies.

JAMES WESLEY/Real
Writer: Neal Coty/Jimmy Melton; Producer: Dan Frizsell & Rodney Clawson; Publisher: Bug/Songs of Universal/Write Em Rite, BMI; BBR (CDX) (615-244-8800)
—Any song that begins with, “500 channels and there ain’t much on tonight” is fine with me. The gist of it is the comparison between his own experience and what he sees on “reality” TV. The struggle to survive, losing a job, foreclosure, death and flooding are what is “Real.” Superbly written and strongly sung.

KACEY JONES/It’s Gonna Take One Helluva Man
Writer: Kacey Jones/Benita Hill/Becky Hobbs; Producer: Kacey Jones; Publisher: Mamalama/Gooby/Becca’s Mecca, ASCAP/BMI; IGO (CDX) (www.kaceyjones.com)
—Cute and clever, as usual. “It’s gonna take one helluva man to be better than no man at all.”

ELLIS PAUL & KRISTIAN BUSH/Annalee
Writer: Ellis Paul; Producer: Thad Beaty & Jason Collum; Publisher: none listed, SESAC; Black Wolf (CDX) ()
—This folkie, formerly on Rounder, has a bunch of Boston Music Awards on his shelf. Accompanied by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, he embarks on a more soaring, pop-country sound with this tuneful outing. The track builds in excitement throughout as Paul’s voice soars with power and intensity on succeeding high choruses.

DARRYL WORLEY/Keep the Change
Writer: Darryl Worley/Phil O’Donnell/Jim “Moose” Brown; Producer: Jim “Moose” Brown & Kevin “Swine” Grantt; Publisher: House of Sea Gayle/Antlered One/Pickwick Landing/Big Loud Bucks/Imokalee/Daphil, ASCAP/BMI; Stroudavarious ()
—“I work half the year for me the other half for Uncle Sam.” No you don’t. The federal tax rate is lower than it has been since 1950. “America’s in trouble/If they don’t wise up and stop busting out the blocks that were laid as a foundation.” What, exactly, does that even mean? “Our nation could wind up in a pile of rubble” he asserts, without offering anything to back that statement up. In other words, stupidity set to music.

SHERRY LYNN/What a Day to Shake a Heartache
Writer: Sandy Ramos/Ronnie Kimball/Kalii Palmer; Producer: Ted Hewitt; Publisher: Lawyer’s Wife/Kimbro, BMI/ASCAP; Stealheart (www.sherrylynnmusic.com)
—The track has a nice, rolling, rumbling quality to it. Her sprightly vocal rides atop the churning rhythm with aplomb. Listenable.

ROBERT DAVID HALL/Things They Don’t Teach You in School
Writer: Robert David Hall; Producer: Chris Wall; Publisher: Chenango, BMI; RDH (track) (www.robertdavidhallmusic.com)
—The title tune to this fellow’s new CD is an acoustic-based gem with plenty of rippling guitar work, harmonica, brushed drums and upright bass. His plain-spoken vocal is just right for the lyric that praises the virtue of street smarts over book learnin.’ Hall portrayed coroner “Dr. Robbins” on the original CSI TV series. He has also had recurring roles on L.A. Law, The Practice and other shows and is active on radio and in voice-over work. In addition to this tune, check out his versions of producer Chris Wall’s “I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight” and of the country goldies “Sittin’ on Top of the World” and “Just Because.”

DIANNA PAUL/Maker’s Mark
Writer: Dianna Paul/John Paule/Daniel Steigerwald; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Willow Pond, BMI; Seacoast (www.diannapaul.com)
—It is a ballad. It starts out really slowly. But things perk up when she gets to the chorus hook. Drinking won’t ease your pain. “When it all goes dark/Look to your Maker’s mark.” Nicely written and sung with trembling emotion.

KIM PARENT/Don’t Tell a Soul
Writer: Getzov/Erlich; Producer: Harry Stinson; Publisher: none listed; KP (track) (www.kimparent.com)
—Drenched in sultry, sensuous, bluesy atmosphere. This is the title tune to Kim’s second collection, and it is a sound to get completely lost in. For a funkier groove, check out her equally sexy and swampy performance of “Puttin’ on the Dog.” Right now, she’s out backing Brooks & Dunn on their farewell tour. But you might also know Kim Parent as one of the vocalists on CMT’s The Singing Bee television series. She sings jingles for Wendy’s and has appeared on records by Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina, Phil Vassar, Reba, Aaron Tippin, Tim McGraw, Josh Turner and many others. The lady has the goods.

Swift and Pickler Set Musicfest Plans

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Two of country music’s biggest stars (and best buds) Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler have unveiled their ambitious game plans for the upcoming CMA Music Festival. Pickler will be visiting with fans and signing autographs at Opry Originals: The Shop on Broadway located at 300 Broadway on Thursday, June 10, from Noon-2:00 PM. 

The singer will immediately follow the singing with a 30-minute acoustic performance in the store. Opening at 8:00 AM, the store will distribute a limited number of autograph vouchers with the purchase of a Pickler CD or Pickler-branded prints and photos created exclusively for the signing at Opry Originals.

While Pickler’s signing event seems like a well planned crowd pleaser, superstar Swift’s autograph signing event is likely to be the highlight of the week for many a country fan. The multi-Platinum singer has announced that she will spend 13 hours meeting as many of her fans as possible. Swift will host Taylor Swift’s 13-Hour Meet & Greet at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on June 13th. 

The event will run from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM.

Swift will kick off the festivities at 8:00 a.m. that day, and will meet as many fans as possible over the course of the 13-hour event. The event will include a short acoustic performance that afternoon shortly after 2:00 PM, and will also feature several different fan activities throughout the day. Taylor Swift’s 13-Hour Meet & Greet is open to the public and admission is free.

“My favorite thing about CMA Music Fest has always been getting to spend time with the fans, so this year I wanted to figure out a way to meet as many of them as possible,” Swift said. “Thirteen is my lucky number, and the 13th is during Music Fest, so I think spending 13 hours that day with my fans is going to be amazing!”

Additional event details will be posted on www.taylorswift.com the week of the event.
This will be Swift’s only performance during the CMA Music Festival.