Valory Music Co. artist Jewel will embark on a cross-country tour this summer, presented by Country Financial. The Star Light Café Tour will find the three-time Grammy nominee performing acoustically in support of her sophomore country album, set to hit retailers June 8.
“I am so excited to hit the road as part of the Country Financial Road Trips and Guitar Picks concert series,” said Jewel. “It gives me a great opportunity to spend some time with the fans. I’ve spent the better part of my year writing and recording this new album. There is nothing more rewarding for me than getting the chance to perform some of my new songs along with the hits I’ve had over the course of my career. These shows really become a sneak peek into my songwriting and my life.”
Jewel’s first country album, Perfectly Clear, was released in June 2008 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country charts. The new album, titled Sweet and Wild, maintains her country roots.
“There is no one better than Jewel at bringing the feel of an intimate living room setting to the theatre,” said Valory Music Co. President Scott Borchetta. “With nothing more than her acoustic guitar, witty storytelling and unmatched vocal ability, she brings you into the moment and keeps you there until the lights go up.”
For the 20-city Star Light Café Tour, Country Financial is teaming up with Jewel to provide her fans with unique concert and online offerings as part of its Road Trips and Guitar Picks concert series. Fans are invited to visit www.tripsandpicks.com to register for prizes, play games and get free downloads. Opening for Jewel on the tour, beginning on the June 11 date in Atlanta, will be singer-songwriter Radney Foster. Jewel’s June 21t, Boise, ID show at the Botanical Gardens will be a co-headlining show with Brandi Carlile.
Tickets for the Star Light Café Tour will go on sale starting April 23 and will be available here.
Jewel Star Light Café Tour Dates
6/1 Fargo, ND Fargo Theatre; Presented by Country Financial
6/2 St. Paul, MN O’Shaughnessy; Presented by Country Financial
6/3 Milwaukee, WI The Pabst Theater; Presented by Country Financial
6/4 Chicago, IL VIC Theatre; Presented by Country Financial
6/5 Florence, IN Belterra Resort & Casino
6/6 St. Louis, MO Sheldon Concert Hall; Presented by Country Financial
6/11 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Ctr; Presented by Cotton States Insurance
6/12 Robinsonville, MS Horseshoe Tunica
6/13 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Ctr; Presented by Cotton States Insurance
6/15 Oklahoma City, OK Rose State Perf. Arts Ctr.; Presented by Country Financial
6/16 Kansas City, KS Midland Theater
6/17 Salina, KS Stiefel Theatre
6/18 Denver, CO Arvada Center; Presented by Country Financial
6/19 Colorado Spring, CO Pikes Peak Center
6/21 Boise, ID Idaho Botanical Gardens
6/22 Missoula, MT The Wilma Theater
6/24 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory; Presented by Country Financial
6/25 Portland, OR Oregon Zoo; Presented by Country Financial
6/26 Jacksonville, OR Britt Pavilion
6/27 Seattle, WA Woodland Park Zoo Amphitheater
Jewel Sets Nationwide Tour
/by contributor“I am so excited to hit the road as part of the Country Financial Road Trips and Guitar Picks concert series,” said Jewel. “It gives me a great opportunity to spend some time with the fans. I’ve spent the better part of my year writing and recording this new album. There is nothing more rewarding for me than getting the chance to perform some of my new songs along with the hits I’ve had over the course of my career. These shows really become a sneak peek into my songwriting and my life.”
Jewel’s first country album, Perfectly Clear, was released in June 2008 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country charts. The new album, titled Sweet and Wild, maintains her country roots.
“There is no one better than Jewel at bringing the feel of an intimate living room setting to the theatre,” said Valory Music Co. President Scott Borchetta. “With nothing more than her acoustic guitar, witty storytelling and unmatched vocal ability, she brings you into the moment and keeps you there until the lights go up.”
For the 20-city Star Light Café Tour, Country Financial is teaming up with Jewel to provide her fans with unique concert and online offerings as part of its Road Trips and Guitar Picks concert series. Fans are invited to visit www.tripsandpicks.com to register for prizes, play games and get free downloads. Opening for Jewel on the tour, beginning on the June 11 date in Atlanta, will be singer-songwriter Radney Foster. Jewel’s June 21t, Boise, ID show at the Botanical Gardens will be a co-headlining show with Brandi Carlile. Tickets for the Star Light Café Tour will go on sale starting April 23 and will be available here.
Jewel Star Light Café Tour Dates
6/1 Fargo, ND Fargo Theatre; Presented by Country Financial
6/2 St. Paul, MN O’Shaughnessy; Presented by Country Financial
6/3 Milwaukee, WI The Pabst Theater; Presented by Country Financial
6/4 Chicago, IL VIC Theatre; Presented by Country Financial
6/5 Florence, IN Belterra Resort & Casino
6/6 St. Louis, MO Sheldon Concert Hall; Presented by Country Financial
6/11 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Ctr; Presented by Cotton States Insurance
6/12 Robinsonville, MS Horseshoe Tunica
6/13 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Ctr; Presented by Cotton States Insurance
6/15 Oklahoma City, OK Rose State Perf. Arts Ctr.; Presented by Country Financial
6/16 Kansas City, KS Midland Theater
6/17 Salina, KS Stiefel Theatre
6/18 Denver, CO Arvada Center; Presented by Country Financial
6/19 Colorado Spring, CO Pikes Peak Center
6/21 Boise, ID Idaho Botanical Gardens
6/22 Missoula, MT The Wilma Theater
6/24 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory; Presented by Country Financial
6/25 Portland, OR Oregon Zoo; Presented by Country Financial
6/26 Jacksonville, OR Britt Pavilion
6/27 Seattle, WA Woodland Park Zoo Amphitheater
Strickland Exits Golden Music
/by contributorBrinson Strickland
Brinson Strickland, President and CEO of Golden Music Nashville, has exited the label. No other staff changes have been made. Strickland released this statement: “I’m proud of the amazing team we put together to promote both Williams Riley and Benton Blount, however I felt it was the right time for me to transition into another opportunity.”
Strickland began his career in Nashville as a member of Capitol Records Nashville group Pearl River. He also spent seven years working with multi-Platinum recording artist Bryan White as guitar player and vocalist, while also serving as Tour Manager and Tour Accountant.
In 2001, Strickland became a partner in JAG Management, where he worked with artists including Brad Paisley, Ashley Gearing, and Josh Turner. In 2003, he formed 262 Five, Ltd with Kyle Gustie.
Strickland can be reached via email at brinson@262five.com or by calling 615-969-0334.
Sparkart Spotlights Darius Rucker
/by contributor“We updated the site to showcase Darius’ awesome live show in the creative direction he wanted for his fans,” says Ryan Bitzer, Sparkart Nashville’s VP of Business Development. “We also added a free members-only area with pre-sale ticket opportunities, exclusive VIP packages, and exclusive content with more behind the scenes footage.”
“I’ve heard from a lot of our fans about the content they want to see on our website, and I want them to know that we’ve listened,” says Rucker. “I’m really excited to have a website I can be proud of and one that functions as a one-stop shop.”
Upcoming events and news will be readily available, including hot topics like Rucker’s ACM Award Nomination for Top Male Vocalist of the Year, the 16th Annual Hootie and the Blowfish Monday After the Masters celebrity pro-am golf tournament, set for April 12, 2010, and Rucker’s 1st Annual “Darius & Friends” concert on June 7 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon to raise funds for St Jude’s.
Judds Invite Fans to “Name That Tour”
/by contributorIn preparation for their highly anticipated 2010 final tour, superstar duo The Judds are inviting fans to become part of Judds “herstory” by naming their upcoming tour with The Judds Name That Tour Contest.
“We have shared so many memorable moments with our fans over the last 26 years and we know that we would not be here without their love and support,” said the Judds in a statement. “They are our family of choice and this tour is truly a family affair. So, it just felt right to ask them to help us name the tour. After all, they are the reason we are embarking on this journey together one last time.”
The prize winner, to be judged by Wynonna and Naomi, will receive a prize package that includes a mention in the 2010 Commemorative Judds Tour Book, a personal “thank you” video message from The Judds and $500 in tour merchandise
Entries should be “authentic,” and will be judged on originality, creativity, and the ability to capture the scope of the event. To enter, visit www.wynonnna.com, complete the entry form and submit a single tour name for the tour. All Entries must be received by April 23 at 11:59 PM CT. Limit one entry per person. The winning entry will be announced in June.
Shania Twain Heads To TV
/by contributor“The show will follow [Twain] as she begins her climb back to the top, a personal journey filled with risk, revelations and unexpected adventures,” said a statement from the network.
This won’t be Twain’s first on-camera experience since her estrangement from husband/producer Robert “Mutt” Lange. In addition to her January appearance as an audition round guest judge on American Idol, the singer has been posting personal videos on her website in recent months, chronicling her travels and family life. An air date for Why Not? With Shania Twain has yet to be announced.
ACM Awards Adds Performers, Presenters
/by contributorIn addition, Kristen Bell, Jamie Foxx, Julianne Hough, LL Cool J, Matthew McConaughey and LeAnn Rimes are scheduled as presenters. The ceremony will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18th at 7:00 PM CT on the CBS Television Network.
The above artists join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood.
Trace Adkins Comics? There’s an App For That
/by contributorThe iPad editions of Luke McBain #1-4 are currently available for download from the iTunes App Store for $2.99 each.
Leadership Music Names Oertley Chief Staff Executive
/by contributorKaren Oertley
The Board of Directors of Leadership Music has named music industry veteran Karen Oertley to the position of Chief Staff Executive for the educational, non-profit organization, effective April 26.
In her new role as Executive Director, Oertley will assume responsibility for directing the planning of the yearly class program, and fundraising, event committee supervision, community alliance and alumni communication efforts, among other duties.
“Karen brings a strong business background combined with an in-depth knowledge of both the music industry and Leadership Music,” said Pat Collins, President of the Leadership Music Board. “The degree of expertise that she brings to this position is impressive. I anticipate new growth and success for Leadership Music under Karen’s guidance.”
Previously, Oertley was Vice President of the Billboard Music Group, where she served as group publisher of Musician magazine and publisher and editor-in-chief of Amusement Business, the international newsweekly for the live entertainment industry. She also held oversight of VNU’s Nashville office, housing Billboard, Airplay Monitor and The Talent Touring (Boxscore) Database Division. She was later appointed publisher of Nielsen Business Media’s Hospitality Design magazine, based in New York. Most recently, Oertley has served numerous clients as a marketing and business development consultant and been an active community volunteer.
“I have always considered Leadership Music to be a gift, and I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the organization,” Oertley says. “With an alumni base of 800 industry leaders, Leadership Music is a vital and essential element in the continuing dialogue on the evolution of the music business. I look forward to working with the board, the staff, and our alumni to further the organization’s mission and objectives.”
Oertley is a Leadership Music alumna, class of 1995, and has been a member of the board of directors as well as the Alumni Committee, the Digital Summit Marketing committee and other program committees. She has also served on the boards of the Academy of Country Music (ACM), the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), and the Nashville Sports Council, where her participation continues through the Charities Committee. She has been an active member of other industry organizations including NARAS, CMA, IAFE, IAAM, and IAAPA.
Artist News: Jamie Tate, Steel Magnolia, Laura Bell Bundy, Mark Wayne Glasmire and More
/by contributorJamie Tate Records With 82nd Airborne Chorus
Bodell Records artist Jamie Tate was in Nashville last Wednesday (3/31) to record a song, “I’ll Give My All,” with the world-renowned 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus. The session took place at Black River Music Group’s recording studio, where the 82nd Airborne Chorus contributed back-up vocals to Tate’s patriotic anthem. The song was co-written by Lane Caudell and Blake Mevis.
Top row, l to r: President of Cauley Music Group Bob Crumley, “I’ll Give My All” co-writer and co-producer Lane Caudell, artist Jamie Tate. Bottom row, l to r: “I’ll Give My All” co-writer and co-producer Blake Mevis, Black River Group recording engineer David Biondolillo.
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The momentum continues for Big Machine Records’ Steel Magnolia. This week alone, the duo picked up two 2010 CMT Music Award Nominations as well as a Top 10 hit. Steel Magnolia (Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones) earned two CMT Music Awards on Monday – the first for Duo Video of the Year for their debut single, “Keep On Lovin’ You.” The duo was also nominated for USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year. Steel Magnolia’s double nominations come on the heels of the duo’s ACM nominations for both Top Vocal Duo and Top New Vocal Duo. Also on Monday, Steel Magnolia’s debut single, “Keep On Lovin’ You,” entered the Top 10 on the Billboard Top Country Songs Chart. “Keep On Lovin’ You,” is the highest charting debut single from a male/ female Country duet act in the history of the Billboard Top Country Songs Chart.
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Mercury Records newcomer Laura Bell Bundy will be profiled in an upcoming GAC special, Introducing: Laura Bell Bundy. The special will feature Bundy and those those closest to her talking about her remarkable career, which began began on the stage of New York’s Radio City Music Hall when she was 9 years old and includes starring Broadway performances in hit shows like Wicked, Hairspray and Legally Blonde. Bundy was signed to Mercury Records in 2008 and began working on her debut disc, Achin’ and Shakin’, which will be released April 13.
“I think I’m most proud of it because I’ve been true to myself through the process,” Bundy says. “I couldn’t have imagined the creative process being any better than it was.”
GAC will premiere Introducing: Laura Bell Bundy on Sunday, April 11, 10:00 pm CT.
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Singer/songwriter Mark Wayne Glasmire kicked off his Eyes Wide Open radio tour on April 5 with a station visit at KQUS in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The four-day, 10-station radio promotion sweep supports Mark’s upcoming country radio release, “You Opened My Eyes.” Glasmire is visiting stations in Arkansas and Oklahoma. While on the road, the singer/songwriter received news that leadoff single “You Opened My Eyes” was nominated for Best Country Song for the 18th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2010.
Sirius/XM Unveils All-Alan Jackson Radio
/by contributorAlan Jackson’s Freight Train Radio will feature the award-winning country superstar talking about and playing music from his 18-album career, from his first album, Here in the Real World, to his most recent release, Freight Train. Jackson will personally
introduce each song and share stories and personal anecdotes about writing, recording and performing some of the most popular country hits of all time.
In addition to hearing non-stop Alan Jackson music, listeners will hear Jackson introducing and playing songs by his favorite artists, both traditional and contemporary, including George Strait, Randy Travis, Lee Ann Womack, Hank Williams Sr., Hank Williams Jr. and George Jones.
Jackson also talks about family life, how it’s changed over the years with his success and share personal stories about his father and what it means being a father.