Big Success For T.J. Martell’s Best Cellars

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best_cellars_tjmlogoThe Tenth Anniversary celebration of the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Best Cellars Dinner on Monday (4/27), was a great success, raising $160,000 for cancer research at the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at Nashville’s Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The event, presented by Eco-Energy Inc., is one of the Foundation’s signature events and is known for pairing Best Sellers (country music’s top selling artists and other celebrities) with Best Cellars (Nashville’s top wine collectors) and an extraordinary gourmet meal prepared by a world renown guest chef. Martina McBride, Jamey Johnson, Amy Grant, Jay DeMarcus, Heidi Newfield, Chynna Phillips, Billy Baldwin, Big Kenny, Kellie Pickler, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, Michelle Branch, Jake Owen, Sara Buxton and Tennessee Titans Mike Heimerdinger were in attendance to celebrate the Foundation’s milestone. Guest chef Dean Fearing, chef/partner of Fearing’s at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, created a spectacular menu which was paired with a selection of wines from top wine collectors of Nashville and beyond. Big Kenny Alphin, along with wine host Tom Black, conducted a live auction that raised $94,000 by auctioning off dinners in the private homes of Alphin and LeAnn Rimes.  Country artist Jamey Johnson also got into the auction spirit by offering his presence at a dinner in the home of wine host Eliza Kraft Olander of Raleigh, North Carolina. Additional items included a trip to New York for the US Open Tennis Championship as well as the Best Cellars Collection of thirteen bottles of wine – a bottle donated by each of the participating wine hosts.

“The Best Cellars Dinner is one of the best events in Music City and it has raised more than $1.5 million for cancer research.” said Joe Galante, Chairman of Sony Music Nashville and Co-Chairman of the Best Cellars Dinner. “The dinner is a wonderful example of how artists give freely of their time and energies and, along with many other caring people, come together for a special evening of food and wine to help make a difference in the lives of others. I am proud of our success over the past ten years and look forward to another great event in 2010.”
For more information about the Best Cellars Dinner and the T.J. Martell Foundation, click here.

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(l-r) Big Kenny Alphin; Bill Hearn, President and CEO of EMI Christian Music Group and Co-Chairman of Best Cellars; Billy Ray Hearn, Co-Chairman of Best Cellars; Joe Galante, Chairman of Sony Music Nashville; Phran Galante; Chef Dean Fearing of Fearing’s at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; Dr. Hal Moses, Director of the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center; Laura Heatherly, Executive Director of the T.J. Martell Foundation – Nashville Division; RCA Artist Jake Owen; Jennifer Pietenpol, Director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. (Photo: Alan L. Mayor)

Chip Peay Returns to the Row

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cpe-logoAfter an eight year hiatus from the entertainment business, Chip Peay has returned to Nashville to re-open Chip Peay Entertainment, LLC along with three music publishing companies. Peay was recently joined by songwriters, producers and industry leaders as he announced his new endeavor at a party held at Regions Bank Music Row. Peay managed Alan Jackson from 1995 to 2000 and oversaw all facets of his career. Prior to that time he managed the careers of Ricky Skaggs, The Bellamy Brothers, Don Williams, Steve Wariner, Ronnie Milsap, Restless Heart, Michael Johnson, Baillie & The Boys, Kim Richey and others. He began his music industry career as a talent agent and worked with Crescent Moon Talent, United Talent, Inc., and with Top Billing, Inc.

All three of Peay’s new publishing companies, Big Wide Pants Music (ASCAP), Blue Canary Music (BMI) and Bogey Blue Music (SESAC), will focus on single song deals. In the late ‘70s, prior to his success as an artist manager, Peay dabbled in music publishing, scoring two big hits with Alabama’s “Close Enough to Perfect” and “Love’s Gonna Get You Someday” with Skaggs. When his management career took off, Peay sold his catalog to Welk Music. Returning to Music Row after an eight year absence, Peay found a drastically different landscape, where “big publishing deals are a thing of the past, and great writers are not having their deals renewed.” With so many hit writers and catalogs out of circulation, Peay decided the time was right to try something different. He’s currently working with a group of writers including Christina Aldendifer, Kathie Baillie, David Ball, Michael Bonagura, Dede Day, Jim McBride and Michael Spriggs, going through catalogs, dusting off the great songs and getting them back out on the street.

“There’s all kinds of ways to skin a cat,” Peay said. “And right now there are a lot of great songwriters and great catalogs in this town laying dormant. We’re trying to find the right deal for everybody involved.”

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(l-r) Michael Spriggs, Christina Aldendifer, Chip Peay, Dede Day, David Ball, Jim McBride, Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura (photo: Chris Hollo)

Jason Aldean to Meet Bryan Adams at Crossroads

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crossroadsPop superstar Bryan Adams will share the stage with Platinum-selling country rocker Jason Aldean, in an upcoming episode of CMT Crossroads. CMT Crossroads: Bryan Adams and Jason Aldean will be taped before jason1an invitation-only audience in Nashville at the beginning of May and will premiere on CMT on Friday, June 26 at 8:00 PM/CT. With his long list of hits, including “Summer of 69,” “Run To You,” “18 ‘Til I Die” and “It’s Only Love,” Adams has achieved No. 1 status in over 40 countries, and he continues to perform to sold out audiences on six continents. He also holds the distinction of being the first westerner to play in both Pakistan and Vietnam. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has been inducted into both the Canadian Juno Hall of Fame as wellbryan as Canada’s Walkway of Stars. After selling two million copies of his first two albums, topping the charts with smash hits, including “Hicktown,” “Why,” “Amarillo Sky,” “Laughed Until We Cried” and his current single, “She’s Country,”  Aldean is going strong with his third album, Wide Open. “She’s Country” continues to be one of the most digitally downloaded songs and ringtones in all genres. For more information on CMT Crossroads, visit www.CMT.com

Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation Heads to Key West

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muzakThe Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to redefining and supporting music education, has announced its partnership with the Better Angels Key West Songwriters Festival, which will take place in Key West, Florida April 28-May 3. The 14th annual event will feature more than 130 performing songwriters in over 30 shows. In connection with the festival, a limited edition CD will be sold to benefit the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation. The proceeds will be used by the Foundation to support educational programs and to foster opportunities for young, aspiring songwriters. The limited edition CD is a collection of hit songs performed by their writers, including Gary Burr and Kylie Sackley (“Nothin’ Bout Love Makes Sense”); Jamey Johnson (“In Color”); Tim Nichols (That’d Be Alright”); Bob DiPiero (“Till You Love Me”); and David Lee and David Turnbull (“Lucky Man”). The CD also features Desmond Myers and Kelsey Mula, alumni of Heart & Soul’s Noise! Camp, an annual two-week summer camp held at Vanderbilt University that gives students a first-hand look into the music industry. Only 1,000 copies of the CD will be sold at the festival. The cost will be $20 per CD, while supplies last, and all proceeds will go towards the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation.  Any remaining quantities of the CD will be available for purchase on the Heart & Soul Foundation’s website at www.heart.muzak.com, beginning May 5.

Vince Gill and Amy Grant Challenge America

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challengeAmy Grant and Vince Gill have announced plans to host an evening of music at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on Monday, June 8 at 8 PM, honoring wounded warriors and launching the nationwide Challenge America initiative. Challenge America — an outgrowth of Challenge Aspen, a non-profit organization that has provided adaptive recreation for people with disabilities since 1995 — will work with communities to support the development of recreational and occupational programs for returning injured military and their families. Musical guests slated to join Grant and Gill at the Kennedy Center launch event include Michael McDonald, Alison Krauss, Darius Rucker, Melinda Doolittle and Mac McAnally, with bestselling author Stephen Mansfield.

“I’m excited about getting to play on stage with all of these talented folks and to share what we believe in so deeply,” Gill said. “We want to make an impact on the individuals who have given to us in unimaginable ways. Challenge America is our way of honoring the men and women who truly are heroes.”

Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 2, and are priced at $50, $75 and $95 for general admission and $500 for Gold Circle Seating to include a post-show reception. Tickets are available at the Kennedy Center Box Office, via InstantCharge by calling (202) 467-4600, and online here.

Talent Merger Spawns WME

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logo_wma_smTop Hollywood talent shops William Morris Agency and Endeavor Agency agreed yesterday (4/27) to join forces. The newly combined entity would be called William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME). WM’s Jim Wiatt would serve as Chairman with three co-chiefs— Endeavor’s founder, Ari Emanuel; Endeavor managing partner Patrick Whitesell; and William Morris President Dave Wirtschafter. According to insiders, the move is more about consolidation and cost-reduction than about creating industry dominance.

WME is expected to have over 400 agents and more than 800 employees and will likely trim about 200 positions. According to the WSJ, the deal is still subject to approval by several Hollywood unions and government antitrust officials.

endeavorWMA represents artists such as Kanye West, Britney Spears and Russell Crowe; Endeavor claims Matt Damon, Adam Sandler and Robert DeNiro. Rival agencies which are likely to be carefully watching this deal include Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and International Creative Management (ICM). According to Billboard, motion picture agent and Endeavor co-founder  Tom Strickler has announced his resignation. WMA agent David Lonner has also announced plans to head for the door.

Nashville’s William Morris Agency office is co-headed by Rick Shipp and Paul Moore. Nashville artists represented include Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, John Rich, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and many more. The merger is not expected to have much effect in Nashville since Endeavor does not have a stand-alone Music City office, although it  has been affiliated with Buddy Lee Attractions and represents BLA for TV & Film projects.

Capitol Ups Mabe to Sr. VP, Marketing

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cindy-mabeCapitol Records Nashville has promoted Cindy Mabe to Senior VP, Marketing. Mabe previously held the position of VP Marketing. She will oversee marketing, digital marketing/new media, media, creative services, production and international strategies for Capitol Records Nashville, reporting directly to Capitol President and CEO Mike Dungan. Since joining the label in March 2007, Mabe has overseen marketing campaigns that have landed the label with five No. 1 albums and have resulted in breaking two new acts – Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker. Both of those acts recently celebrated RIAA certified Gold albums. Mabe was also instrumental in organizing the 2007 and 2008 “Capitol Records Pub Crawl.” The label shut down Demonbreun Street and brought in numerous music, local business and national sponsors to give a free music event to the public and showcase the label’s artists. In the two years over 15,000 fans, music industry members and local businesses have enjoyed the event.

“Cindy has brought to this label, it’s roster of artists, and our music, a superior level of marketing expertise and strategic planning, with focus and discipline for the process,” Dungan said. “Demonstrating willingness to jump in and just make things happen, she has also proven herself as a company-wide leader. I am thrilled to recognize her with this promotion to Senior Vice President.”

Jonell Mosser, Jason Michael Carroll, Loggins & Messina “Uncorked” and More

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jonellThough she’s been a regular (and intense) presence in Nashville’s many clubs and recording studios the whole time, it’s been eight long years since powerhouse vocalist Jonell Mosser has released an album of her own. That will change tomorrow (4/28) with the release of Trust Yourself, the singer’s debut record for the Better Angels label and her most fully realized solo release to date. Produced by Bil Vorn Dick and featuring songs from writers including Bob Dylan (the title cut), Michael McDonald and Kim Parent, the album also features Mosser’s blistering take on some of her own expertly crafted and emotionally riveting songs. Mosser will spend a busy day-of-release starting at radio station Lightning 100, where she will be featured live at noon live with Dan Buckley. From there Mosser will head to Grimey’s Preloved Music Grimey’s New & Preloved Music where she will do an instore performance. But the big celebration will take place on May 15 at Mosser’s home base at 3rd and Lindsley for an official record release party. The evening will double as a benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank and all are being encouraged to bring along can of food.

jasonSpeaking of new releases, Arista artist Jason Michael Carroll has got one, and it also drops tomorrow (4/28). Growing Up Is Getting Old reunites the “Alyssa Lied” singer with noted producer Don Gehman (Hootie & The Blowfish, John Mellencamp), who helmed Carroll’s debut disc, Waitin’ in the Country. That album debuted at No. 1 and produced two back-to-back Top 5 hits. The new album’s leadoff single is “Where I’m From,” which is already Top 20 and climbing. For more news, visit www.jasonmichaelcarroll.com.

avKix Brooks’ Arrington Vineyards will be hosting “Uncorked,” a lawn concert series featuring Etta James and the Roots Band on June 12 and ‘70s hit duo Loggins & Messina on September 6. Doors will open at 4:00 PM for James and at 3:00 PM for Loggins and Messina. Picnic fare may be brought to the event, and food and beverage will be available for purchase. No coolers or outside alcohol allowed. Tickets for both events are on sale now at ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets for this rain or shine event are $50.00.

cma3And speaking of outdoor music, it doesn’t get any bigger or better than the CMA Music Festival and ABC Television will be there capturing all the action. CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, will air on Monday, August 31. For the first time, the special will be three hours instead of two. This is the sixth time ABC will broadcast this special since the original Fan Fair® was launched in 1972. Last year’s Festival enjoyed its biggest-ever turnout, with more than 191,000 fans attending over its four days.

MerleFest Draws Over 70,000 Fans

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merleThey’ve barely finished packing the tents and tearing down the stage and it’s already clear that this year’s Merlefest was as expansive and impressive as ever. Preliminary estimates show that over the festival’s four days (April 23-26) more than 70,000 music fans filled the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina for MerleFest 2009. With the exception of a Friday night squall, the weather was perfect, and despite the tough economy, attendance remained high, with Friday posting the fourth highest Friday numbers in the Festival’s history, and Saturday’s numbers approaching last year’s attendance figures.

“Reports from surveys and interviews with fans tell us that our attendees took advantage of the entertainment value that we take pride in offering every year,” said festival director Ted Hagaman. “With over 95 artists performing on 15 stages over the four days of the festival, in addition to a variety of activities and shopping, there was truly something for everyone.”

MerleFest honors the memory of Eddy Merle Watson and the musical contributions of Doc, Merle and the entire Watson family. The event started in 1988 and serves as the biggest fund-raiser for Wilkes Community College. Performers at MerleFest 2009 included Doc and Richard Watson, Linda Ronstadt with Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Emmylou Harris, Travis Tritt with Jerry Douglas, The Waybacks, The Del McCoury Band, Blue Highway, The Grascals, Dailey & Vincent, Mountain Heart with Tony Rice, Sam Bush, John Cowan, The Greencards, The SteelDrivers, Jim Lauderdale, David Bromberg, Tift Merritt, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, and many more. Additional information about all aspects of Merlefest can be found here.

Skip Ewing Announces Horse & Writer “Invitational”

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ewingGrammy nominated songwriter Skip Ewing is once again offering some aspiring songwriters the chance to learn from the best through Skip Ewing’s Horse & Writer “Invitational” 2009. Held at the Lazy L&B Ranch in Dubios, Wyoming, the event offers selected applicants “concentrated songwriting mentorship in the areas of creativity, self-exploration and observation, music business, co-writing, craftsmanship and more.” The key word here is “selected,” as Ewing stresses that Horse & Writer is not a songwriting contest. Ewing and his staff listen to each application package to identify the talented, committed writers who they feel have genuine promise—something Ewing calls “seeds of greatness.” All selected applicants attend on a full scholarship worth $2500 and pay no tuition. For its ninth consecutive year, Horse & Writer will feature Ewing, along with hit songwriters/mentors Clay Mills (“Beautiful Mess,” “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It”) and Deanna Bryant (“Johnny and June,” “Stupid Boy”) overseeing the seven-day songwriting program and offering one-on-one instruction. Horse & Writer “Invitational” 2009 takes place July 12-18. Application fee is $100 with a two song maximum. Applicants wishing to submit additional songs can send a third song for a $50 charge and a fourth for an additional $40. Applications must be postmarked by May 15. Click here for more information.