Mercury Records artist/Broadway star Laura Bell Bundy stopped by Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville, TN recently to inform student Michael Nelson that he would be performing a song on the Sports Zone Stage at this year’s CMA Music Festival.
Bundy, star of Broadway’s Legally Blonde: The Musical, took time out from promoting her Top-5 selling country debut, Achin’ and Shakin’, to personally deliver the news to the high school senior and aspiring singer/songwriter during his lunch break at the school.
“It always amazes me when I see young people with raw talent and passion,” said Bundy. “Michael may be inspired by country music, but I was inspired by him today. I love being able to see beyond the surface of the fans, it’s incredibly humbling and makes me feel blessed.”
“This is amazing, just completely awesome,” said a near speechless Nelson.
Nelson, who has been playing guitar and writing songs for just over a year, came to the attention of CMA after he performed at the high school’s student talent show. After graduation this month, he will be attending Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio on an ROTC scholarship. He hopes to become an Apache helicopter pilot in the Army after graduation.
“Today’s young singers and songwriters are the future of Nashville’s music industry,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “It’s great to be able to showcase talent that may be performing on the LP Field stage someday.”
Nelson will perform his song “Feels So Right,” on the Sports Zone Stage at 3:45 PM CT on Thursday, June 10. After his performance, he will introduce Bundy, who will host a dance clinic, teaching fans the moves from her hit video and single “Giddy On Up.”
Now in its 39th year, CMA Music Festival will be held on Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13, in downtown Nashville.
Laura Bell Bundy congratulates high school senior Michael Nelson
Country Hall Unveils Updates
/by Sarah SkatesDel McCoury and Sam Bush in the galleries Thurs. night. Photo by Donn Jones
Curators at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum unveiled additions to its permanent collection at a special reception Thursday night (5/13). The second-floor updates, which bring the story of country music forward in time from 1965 to present, showcase contemporary artists Jamey Johnson, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, bluegrass and Americana artists Sam Bush, Del McCoury and Buddy Miller, and many more. Among the artifacts added to the permanent exhibition, Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music, are costumes, gowns, guitars, and awards. Preview it here.
Jamey Johnson's guitar is among the new items on display.
On Saturday, May 22, there will be a book signing with John Carter Cash. The Hall will be closed on Sunday, May 23, in preparation for that evening’s invitation-only Medallion Ceremony, inducting Ferlin Husky and Billy Sherrill into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Museum will re-open on Monday, May 24.
The Museum was also closed May 3-7 due to the catastrophic flooding and subsequent loss of electrical power, but only minor damage was sustained, affecting the Ford Theater and a mechanical room. The exhibits and collections, located on the upper floors of the building, remained safe and dry. Hatch Show Print and Historic RCA Studio B also came through the rain and flooding unscathed.
MusicRow Award Nominations Coming Wed.
/by adminBallots, which contain safeguards to insure they can be used only once, will be e-mailed to readers later that day. The ballot box will then close on Monday, May 24.
Winners will be revealed at the Annual MusicRow Awards ceremony, to be held on June 24 at BMI’s Nashville offices. Also set to be announced and presented will be this year’s Top Ten Album All-Star Musicians.
MusicRow’s Awards are an annual reader highlight because they are voted upon by an “inner circle” of industry professionals and often single out top talents at early career stages. MusicRow subscribers as of Wed. May 19 11 a.m. will be eligible to receive emailed ballots..
Warner/Chappell Promotes BJ Hill, Alicia Pruitt
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): BJ Hill and Alicia Pruitt
BJ Hill and Alicia Pruitt have been promoted to Sr. Directors of A&R for Warner/Chappell Nashville. They will continue to be responsible for signing emerging songwriters, developing the publisher’s existing roster, and securing song placements.
Hill joined the company in 2005 where he is responsible for signing and overseeing some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley, and established hitmaker Wendell Mobley. Hill’s background includes stops at Universal Music Group and Jody Williams Music.
Since joining Warner/Chappell in 2006, Pruitt has bee responsible for signing and serving as the day-to-day contact for songwriters Deana Carter, Sean McConnell and Randy Rogers. Her tenure in the music business also includes time as Creative Director at Big Tractor Music Publishing and a stint at Broadvision Music Publishing.
Photos: Gill Wedding, Country Throwdown, Songwriters
/by Sarah SkatesBride Jenny Gill and husband Josh Van Valkenburg. Photo: Zach and Jody Gray
Jenny Gill, singer and daughter of Vince Gill, was married on May 8th to Josh Van Valkenburg, Manager of A&R for EMI Music Publishing. The wedding and reception was held at the Nashville home of her father and his wife Amy Grant. Jenny’s mother is Janis Oliver of Sweethearts of the Rodeo. The couple, who were childhood friends, are honeymooning in Jamaica.
Photo: Zach and Jody Gray
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Capitol/EMI Records Nashville labelmates Troy Olsen and Walker Hayes are performing on the Country Throwdown tour. Here they are at the opening show in Tampa, FL. The first annual multi-stage tour runs through mid-June. Pictured L-R: Troy Olsen & Walker Hayes.
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The International Broadcasters Idea Bank Conference drew small market radio owners and operators to Nashville on May 4. At the event, BMI sponsored a guitar pull featuring George Ducas, Dave Pahanish and Jeffrey Steele. The group has penned more than a dozen chart-toppers between the three of them. Pictured after the performance outside the Parthenon in Nashville are (front row): BMI’s Mason Hunter and Ducas; (back row): Commonwealth Broadcasting President/CEO Steve Newberry, Steele, NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith, Pahanish, Cromwell Group President and Conference host Bud Walters and BMI’s Dan Spears.
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McKendree, a Nashville-based songwriter with Ten Ten Music and genre-bending international recording artist, has recorded a modern remake of the Dolly Parton classic “Jolene.” Featuring Parton’s voice from the chorus of the original recording, McKendree's remake is the first single being released from his upcoming CD, McKendree Mania Volume 1, available in June. The album was produced by Peter Brazier of Vertical Rooms studio in Cambridge, England. A shoot for the "Jolene" music video took place last week in Nashville. (L-R): Peter Brazier (record producer), Jewel Coburn (president, Ten Ten Music Nashville), and McKendree. Photo: Hannah Haley
Music City Relief Concert Raises Over $1.7 MM
/by Sarah SkatesLady Antebellum's Hillary Scott, the Grand Ole Opry's Pete Fisher and Kellie Pickler backstage at Music City Keep On Playin’: A Benefit For Flood Relief. Photo by Kay Williams for GACtv.com
Last night’s flood relief concert on GAC raised $1.7 million and counting. Some of Nashville’s biggest names turned out to perform, answer telethon phones and make significant donations. Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley opened the night with a $100,000 gift. Kimberly co-hosted the event at the Ryman along with actor and Nashville native James Denton. Proceeds from “Music City Keep On Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief” will go to the The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Among the performers were Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Rodney Atkins, Kellie Pickler, Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley with guest Sam Bush, and Christian star Jaci Velasquez.
When they weren’t on stage, many of the stars took donations at the phone bank, where they were joined by the likes of Lorrie Morgan, Nicole Kidman, Billy Dean, Joey+Rory, Lee Roy Parnell, Dailey & Vincent, Julie Roberts, Marty Raybon, Whitney Duncan, Holly Williams, Bomshel, Katie Armiger, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and countless others.
Martina McBride performs. Photo by Ed Rode for GACtv.com
The ACM made a sizable contribution. Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley presented a $250,000 check on behalf of ACM Lifting Lives. Brooks & Dunn taped a special message for the telethon, thanking all the artists who participated in the taping of the recent ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo. Ticket proceeds from that live event in Las Vegas went to ACM Lifting Lives, which in turn quickly earmarked funding for those affected by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee.
More photos here.
SOLID Preps 13th Annual Crawfish Boil
/by contributorThe informal gathering is free and open to the public (21 + with I.D.). In true low-country style, crawfish – “mudbugs” – will be served as well as potatoes, corn and beer. Bro’s Cajun Cuisine will cater the Creole fare and beverages are courtesy of the locally-owned Bluegrass Brewing Company.
“This is always one of our favorite events because it’s so casual and really gives everyone an opportunity to spend time together,” says SOLID President Katie Pope. “We are so proud of SOLID and the relationships it builds and many of those relationships start at events like the Crawfish Boil.”
Throughout the party, second year and alumni members of SOLID can look forward to getting to know the 2010 class. The May Boil marks the first large-scale social event of the year since inducting new members.
As temperatures heat up on the Row and downtown, SOLID is also gearing up for the annual Yard Sale in June during CMA Fest. Currently, members are pooling together materials, assets, and gifts to include in the sale, the organization’s largest fundraiser, which takes place in the Bridgestone Arena during the outdoor festival. Anyone interested in donating, volunteering or just learning more about the event should contact Ian Wolczyk at ianwolczyk@gmail.com.
Artist News: Nail, McCurdy, Dalley and Jewel
/by contributorMCA Records artist David Nail will be the focus of a new six-part CMT webisode series titled Making The Team. Cameras document Nail’s invitation to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals during spring training camp in Jupiter, Florida.
The premiere episode posted today (5/14) at 6:00 AM CT on www.cmt.com. A new episode will post every Friday for six consecutive weeks.
Nail will return to Florida this weekend to participate in the sold-out second annual Lakewood Ranch Golf Outing in Lakewood Ranch Friday, which benefits The Payton Wright Foundation and includes a golf tournament, silent auction, dinner and concert by Nail. The foundation provides assistance to families with children battling brain cancer and funding for brain cancer research. The festivities will be held at the Kings Dune course and Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
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Capitol Nashville artist Jennette McCurdy has announced that “Not That Far Away” will be her first single from her upcoming debut album. McCurdy is currently on a radio tour visiting stations across the country in support of her single which is scheduled to impact radio later this month.
“This song really captures the last year of my life,” McCurdy says. “I’ve been in Nashville writing for and recording my record and following my dream while really missing my family and friends back in Garden Grove, California.”
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Amy Dalley at Mad Donnas
Mad Donna’s Music Row East, a showcase of up-and-coming artists and writers by Music Row publishers, labels and managers, will feature singer/songwriter Amy Dalley on Thursday, May 27. Doors open at 7:00 PM, music starts at 8:00 PM. There is no cover charge. Mad Donna’s is located at 1313 Woodland Street in East Nashville.
Jewel’s HD Album Launch
broadcasting network; and Big Machine Label Group have joined forces to launch Jewel’s new album Sweet and Wild via a live, High-Definition broadcast event on Monday, June 7.
Velocity Broadcasting®, the largest global, private High-Definition
The ticketed, interactive concert will give fans across the country the opportunity to hear Jewel perform songs from her new album before it is officially released to the public on Tuesday, June 8. Fans can see and hear the concert in Velocity HD Digital Suites™ located in some of the nation’s top clubs and restaurants – Morton’s The Steakhouse, Maggiano’s Little Italy and the private clubs of ClubCorp. The concert will also be broadcast in select movie theaters in more than 75 cities across the United States and Australia.
Hard Rock Reopens, Announces Flood Benefit
/by contributorTo further aid the surrounding community in flood relief efforts, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville will host Fork the Flood benefit concert on Sunday, May 23 to raise funds for Hands on Nashville, a local volunteer organization helping to spearhead flood relief in Middle Tennessee.
Gracing the Reverb Room stage alongside hosts country singer Mindy McCready and songwriter Shawn Carnes, will be a number of local favorites and emerging acts, including Stephen Salyers, Gypsy Hombres, Carswell, The Cold Stares, Zach Spencer, Amanda Broadway, Newmatic, Halo Stereo, The Honeymoon Thrillers, Dave Berg, The Minor Keys and Snow Black Sunday. Doors open at 5:00 with a 6:00 show time.
615 Music Nominated For Daytime Emmy
/by contributor“The team here at 615 Music is very proud to have been involved in the making of such a memorable song to promote the Today show with NBC,” Wachtler says. “As a company, we are proud of our ongoing relationship with NBC and of the work we do together.”
615’s nominated song, “Your Day is Today,” was written by Wachtler and songwriter Greg Barnhill for the Today show on NBC, featuring vocals by Paisley Van Patten. The 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast from Las Vegas, airing on CBS on Sunday, June 27 at 8:00 PM CT.
Laura Bell Bundy Surprises Aspiring Singer
/by contributorMercury Records artist/Broadway star Laura Bell Bundy stopped by Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville, TN recently to inform student Michael Nelson that he would be performing a song on the Sports Zone Stage at this year’s CMA Music Festival.
Bundy, star of Broadway’s Legally Blonde: The Musical, took time out from promoting her Top-5 selling country debut, Achin’ and Shakin’, to personally deliver the news to the high school senior and aspiring singer/songwriter during his lunch break at the school.
“It always amazes me when I see young people with raw talent and passion,” said Bundy. “Michael may be inspired by country music, but I was inspired by him today. I love being able to see beyond the surface of the fans, it’s incredibly humbling and makes me feel blessed.”
“This is amazing, just completely awesome,” said a near speechless Nelson.
Nelson, who has been playing guitar and writing songs for just over a year, came to the attention of CMA after he performed at the high school’s student talent show. After graduation this month, he will be attending Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio on an ROTC scholarship. He hopes to become an Apache helicopter pilot in the Army after graduation.
“Today’s young singers and songwriters are the future of Nashville’s music industry,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “It’s great to be able to showcase talent that may be performing on the LP Field stage someday.”
Nelson will perform his song “Feels So Right,” on the Sports Zone Stage at 3:45 PM CT on Thursday, June 10. After his performance, he will introduce Bundy, who will host a dance clinic, teaching fans the moves from her hit video and single “Giddy On Up.”
Now in its 39th year, CMA Music Festival will be held on Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13, in downtown Nashville.
Laura Bell Bundy congratulates high school senior Michael Nelson