Final preparations are underway for this year’s Key West Songwriters Festival, scheduled for Wednesday, April 28 – Sunday, May 2. Presented by Better Angels Music and benefiting the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation, the annual festival, now in its 15th year, will feature more than 100 top-tier songwriters.
Full band concerts will bookend the 2010 festival, with Universal South artist Randy Houser kicking things off with a free concert at the Ocean Key Pier on Wednesday, April 28, from 6-8 p.m. The Raul Malo Band will perform at the Ocean Key Pier Saturday, May 1.
Other scheduled performers include Robert Earl Keen, Kim Carnes, Jamey Johnson, Dean Dillon, Hugh Prestwood, Scotty Emerick, Shawn Mullins, Dallas Davidson, Chuck Cannon, Chuck Jones, Marty Dodson, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Kylie Sackley, Jon Mabe, Chas Sandford, Dave Pahanish, Sherrie Austin, Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, Bonnie Bishop, Jaida Dreyer, Sunny Sweeney, Kelly Archer, Tim James, Ashley Ray, Heather Morgan, Emily Shackelton, Will Bowen, Casey Musgraves, Bobby Tomberlin, Molly Reed, Dan Adams, Joel Shewmake, Todd Wilkes, Josh Thompson, David Adam Byrnes and many more. Click here for more information.
Rucker On Today Tomorrow
/by contributor“Lester was one of best interviews of my career with Hootie & The Blowfish,” says Rucker. “Having the opportunity to talk with him about where I am as a country singer really made the entire process come full circle. I am so grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given thanks to country radio, and now, thanks to Today.”
Gillette UNCUT Film Series Features Tim McGraw
/by contributorThe event included a World Premiere screening of the Gillette UNCUT films, which feature the stars preparing for performances and revealing not only some of their pre-show rituals, but moments of introspection, self-doubt and re-assurance. In addition, Gillette has launched “Shave Like a Rock Star,” a series of tongue-in-cheek shaving tutorials featuring the
likeness of each artist. Each of the films can be viewed here.
“I take every performance very seriously and my preparation for any show is critical,” says McGraw. “I’m excited to share this peek into my preparation in the Gillette UNCUT film directed by my friend Danny Clinch.”
Underwood To Sing At Superbowl
/by contributorUnderwood joins a stellar list of performers who have sung the National Anthem at the Super Bowl including: Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Harry Connick, Jr., Garth Brooks, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, Luther Vandross, Cher, Faith Hill, Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson and many more. Underwood will be hitting the road in March for her headlining “Play On Tour.”
Jill Napier Joins Big Loud Bucks
/by contributorJill Napier
Big Loud Bucks Administration and Information has announced the addition of Jill Napier as Executive VP of Administration. Napier comes to Big Loud Bucks from Ten Ten Music, where she spent the last 8 years and served as VP of Business Affairs.
“Jill is one of the most respected and experienced company officers and administrators in Nashville,” says Big Loud Bucks owner Craig Wiseman. “We are so excited about bringing Jill on board as a part of our restructuring and upgrading to better serve our award winning clients.”
ole Adds Kele Currier
/by contributor“Kele’s wealth of contacts and administration experience gives ole an even deeper connection to the Nashville music community and is further evidence of ole’s commitment to super serve country music songwriters,” says ole President Michael McCarty. “This move also provides us with an expert administration presence in the US market.”
Currier’s resume includes her most recent position as Executive Vice President of Administration for Big Loud Bucks, as well as roles with Integrated Copyright Group, Opryland Music, Maypop Music and SESAC.
Cadillac Sky Partners With Dualtone
/by contributor“After weighing all the opportunities for releasing this phenomenal new CD, remaining independent is without question the best option,” said band manager Evert Wilbrink. “With Dualtone, we will optimize our national and international momentum while still owning and controlling our music.”
Dualtone President Scott Robinson is excited about working with musicians who are known
for their fresh approach to both their musical and business lives. “I really believe Cadillac Sky has the potential to be one of the big breakout artists of 2010. The direction they took with this new album puts them in a unique position to cross many genre boundaries that still exist out there and we’re pleased to be partnering up with these guys.”
Key West Songwriters Festival Ready To Roll
/by contributorFull band concerts will bookend the 2010 festival, with Universal South artist Randy Houser kicking things off with a free concert at the Ocean Key Pier on Wednesday, April 28, from 6-8 p.m. The Raul Malo Band will perform at the Ocean Key Pier Saturday, May 1.
Other scheduled performers include Robert Earl Keen, Kim Carnes, Jamey Johnson, Dean Dillon, Hugh Prestwood, Scotty Emerick, Shawn Mullins, Dallas Davidson, Chuck Cannon, Chuck Jones, Marty Dodson, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Kylie Sackley, Jon Mabe, Chas Sandford, Dave Pahanish, Sherrie Austin, Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, Bonnie Bishop, Jaida Dreyer, Sunny Sweeney, Kelly Archer, Tim James, Ashley Ray, Heather Morgan, Emily Shackelton, Will Bowen, Casey Musgraves, Bobby Tomberlin, Molly Reed, Dan Adams, Joel Shewmake, Todd Wilkes, Josh Thompson, David Adam Byrnes and many more. Click here for more information.
Toby Keith Offers Semitrailers For Haiti
/by contributorNashville residents are encouraged to donate medical supplies, nonperishable food and water purification products, as well as first aid kits, soap, workgloves, tarps, hydration containers, bandages, alcohol wipes, baby formula and headlamps.
Country Blog Plans City Of Hope Benefit
/by contributorLady A Album Sales Soaring
/by contributorThe band, up for two awards at this Sunday’s Grammy telecast, made it onto Hits’ mainstream sales chart last year with their self-titled debut album, the first country act to do so since the Dixie Chicks in 2007.