Performers pose onstage at the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
The sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ, the event founded by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, took place on Sunday (Nov. 12) at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon, and raised over $300,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant program.
Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach perform during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
The party was hosted by Hallmark actor and director Ashley Williams and Hallmark actor, producer and writer Nikki DeLoach, and emceed by Apple Music radio host Kelleigh Bannen. Williams and DeLoach opened the evening with a surprise performance of “Party In the U.S.A.” before welcoming guests and sharing why co-hosting the event meant so much to them after both losing a parent to dementia. Williams’ mom, Linda, passed away with Alzheimer’s in 2016, and DeLoach’s dad, David, passed away with Pick’s Disease, a rare form of dementia, in 2021.
“We are beyond grateful to the Nashville community, performers, generous sponsors and attendees near and far who joined us at the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ,” said the co-hosts. “Everyone coming together for this cause means the world to us and our families. Together, we raised awareness and funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s research grant program, which is helping us get one step closer to ending Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
Dressed in 2000s fashion, performers took to the stage with Wildhorse Saloon’s house band, Three Lane, and covered throwback hits.
Jay Allen gave his take on “Kryptonite,” and was joined by wife, fellow artist Kylie Morgan, to perform his song “No Present Like the Time.” Melinda Doolittle performed her versions of “Crazy In Love” and “Since You’ve Been Gone,” while Charles Esten channeled Billie Joe Armstrong for “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” Paul Freeman sang his rendition of “Mr. Brightside,” and Paul Greene put his spin on “Seven Nation Army.” Ginna Claire Mason performed “Before He Cheats,” MaRynn Taylor serenaded the crowd with “Complicated,” while Alicia Witt channeled Britney Spears for “Lucky.”
Jay Allen and Kylie Morgan perform perform during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
The function also featured Noah Thompson’s take on “Move Along,” the Hallmark stars’ “I Gotta Feeling” group number and a group finale to “Beautiful Day.”
Williams-Paisley was also in attendance along with Benjamin Ayres, Brooke D’Orsay, Cindy Busby, Danica McKeller, Erich Hover, Erin Cahill, Jen Lilley, Jesse Hutch, Kristoffer Polaha, Melissa Joan Hart, Riley Weston, Sarah Drew and Trevor Donovan.
This year’s Event Committee included Williams; DeLoach; Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer, Hallmark Media; Blake McDaniel, Music Touring Agent, CAA; Andrew Walker, actor, producer and Co-Founder, Little West; and Jay Williams, CEO & Apiarist, Williams Honey Farm.
To date, Dance Party to End ALZ has raised more than $2.1 million to fund diverse and exciting Alzheimer’s research—from studying the impacts of genetics and sleep on the brain, to developing a smartwatch-based intervention for dementia risk reduction.
Melinda Doolittle performs during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
Charles Esten performs during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
Pictured (L-R): Jay Williams, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
Songwriters Hall Of Fame Debuts ‘Power Of Song’ Exhibit At Belmont University
/by Lorie HollabaughLinda Moran, SHOF President & CEO with Bill Anderson, SHOF Inductee
The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) recently held a VIP event at Belmont University to launch its traveling exhibit, “The Power of Song: A Songwriters Hall of Fame Exhibition,” which is currently on public display at the school now through April 21 at the Lila D. Bunch Library.
Attendees of the special kickoff event included: Bill Anderson, SHOF Inductee; Tim Nichols, songwriter; Tom Douglas, songwriter; Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville; Steve Dorff, SHOF Inductee & Board Member; and more.
Hosted by the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, the exhibit illuminates the art of songwriting, celebrating the legacy and works of SHOF inductees and other songwriters who have received special honors or awards from the nonprofit. “The Power of Song: A Songwriters Hall of Fame Exhibition” pays tribute to masters of the craft, offering a rare glimpse behind the creation of some of the most popular hits of all time.
The Belmont exhibition was curated with the intent of educating students and guests on the musical contributions of the SHOF’s all-genre inductees and honorees. Visitors are greeted with a sizzle reel of performances from the SHOF’s Annual Induction Ceremony and Awards Gala. The displays include an array of wall tiles with handwritten lyrics and background on songs written by SHOF inductees and honorees. Admission is free of charge.
The exhibit also includes a SHOF original film featuring conversations with inductees Jimmy Jam, Toby Keith, Carole King, Smokey Robinson, Carole Bayer Sager and Diane Warren sharing stories behind their legendary songs and creative process. Additionally, an interactive kiosk consists of interviews with Keith, Robinson, Carole King and Don Schlitz. Rare artifacts on display include Cole Porter’s walking stick, and instruments used by hitmakers Benny Blanco, Halsey, Terry Lewis, Post Malone, John Mellencamp and Bill Withers.
Since 2010, the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles has served as a physical home of the SHOF Gallery. The ongoing collaboration led to development of the new traveling exhibit, which first debuted at City University of New York Graduate Center in the summer of 2022. Due to the success and industry support, SHOF’s Board of Directors significantly broadened the exhibit scope and launched it earlier this year at the Grammy Museum, where it was on display before moving to Nashville to be part of Belmont University’s 50 Years of Music Business Education Celebration. For Belmont University, the exhibit has been uniquely curated with an educational focus, as it will also be used by students for research purposes.
In Pictures: Sixth Annual Dance Party To End ALZ Raises Over $300K
/by Liza AndersonPerformers pose onstage at the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
The sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ, the event founded by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, took place on Sunday (Nov. 12) at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon, and raised over $300,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant program.
Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach perform during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
The party was hosted by Hallmark actor and director Ashley Williams and Hallmark actor, producer and writer Nikki DeLoach, and emceed by Apple Music radio host Kelleigh Bannen. Williams and DeLoach opened the evening with a surprise performance of “Party In the U.S.A.” before welcoming guests and sharing why co-hosting the event meant so much to them after both losing a parent to dementia. Williams’ mom, Linda, passed away with Alzheimer’s in 2016, and DeLoach’s dad, David, passed away with Pick’s Disease, a rare form of dementia, in 2021.
“We are beyond grateful to the Nashville community, performers, generous sponsors and attendees near and far who joined us at the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ,” said the co-hosts. “Everyone coming together for this cause means the world to us and our families. Together, we raised awareness and funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s research grant program, which is helping us get one step closer to ending Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
Dressed in 2000s fashion, performers took to the stage with Wildhorse Saloon’s house band, Three Lane, and covered throwback hits.
Jay Allen gave his take on “Kryptonite,” and was joined by wife, fellow artist Kylie Morgan, to perform his song “No Present Like the Time.” Melinda Doolittle performed her versions of “Crazy In Love” and “Since You’ve Been Gone,” while Charles Esten channeled Billie Joe Armstrong for “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” Paul Freeman sang his rendition of “Mr. Brightside,” and Paul Greene put his spin on “Seven Nation Army.” Ginna Claire Mason performed “Before He Cheats,” MaRynn Taylor serenaded the crowd with “Complicated,” while Alicia Witt channeled Britney Spears for “Lucky.”
Jay Allen and Kylie Morgan perform perform during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
The function also featured Noah Thompson’s take on “Move Along,” the Hallmark stars’ “I Gotta Feeling” group number and a group finale to “Beautiful Day.”
Williams-Paisley was also in attendance along with Benjamin Ayres, Brooke D’Orsay, Cindy Busby, Danica McKeller, Erich Hover, Erin Cahill, Jen Lilley, Jesse Hutch, Kristoffer Polaha, Melissa Joan Hart, Riley Weston, Sarah Drew and Trevor Donovan.
This year’s Event Committee included Williams; DeLoach; Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer, Hallmark Media; Blake McDaniel, Music Touring Agent, CAA; Andrew Walker, actor, producer and Co-Founder, Little West; and Jay Williams, CEO & Apiarist, Williams Honey Farm.
To date, Dance Party to End ALZ has raised more than $2.1 million to fund diverse and exciting Alzheimer’s research—from studying the impacts of genetics and sleep on the brain, to developing a smartwatch-based intervention for dementia risk reduction.
Melinda Doolittle performs during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
Charles Esten performs during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
Pictured (L-R): Jay Williams, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach during the sixth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association
Amy Grant & Trisha Yearwood To Host ‘CMA Country Christmas’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: ABC
The Country Music Association has revealed this year’s hosts and performers for the 14th annual network holiday special, CMA Country Christmas, set to air Dec. 14 on ABC at 7 p.m. CT.
Hosted by Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood, CMA Country Christmas will feature performances by Grant, Yearwood, Jordan Davis, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi, Lindsey Stirling, The War And Treaty, Zach Williams and Lainey Wilson
Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the holiday special showcases performances of festive classics from country’s biggest stars. The show, which was executive produced by Robert Deaton, directed by Milton Sneed and written by Jon Macks, will re-air the next day on Hulu and Disney+.
Dustin Lynch Earns Ninth Career No. 1
/by LB CantrellMulti-Platinum artist Dustin Lynch has earned his ninth career No. 1 at country radio as “Stars Like Confetti” tops the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart this week. He also reigns No. 1 on the Countrytown Hot 50 in Australia.
Penned by Josh Thompson, Thomas Rhett and Zach Crowell, “Stars Like Confetti” was first heard on Lynch’s 2022 album Blue In The Sky, which also delivered the 2x Platinum, six-week No. 1 collaboration “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” and hit “Party Mode.”
“What a way to cap off what has been an incredible year for us! Country radio friends and fam, thank YOU for another No. 1! Big shout-out to Josh Thompson, Thomas Rhett, and Zach Crowell for bringing this one into existence and their surrounding support systems,” shares Lynch. “Speaking of support systems, I’ve got the best. Thank you to my team, band, crew, and the best damn radio folks in the biz—Broken Bow Records. If y’all need me, I’ll be gone huntin’.”
Lynch recently released his sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy, and is on deck to support Blake Shelton’s “Back To The Honky Tonk Tour” this winter. Lynch’s headlining “Killed The Cowboy Tour” will kick off on April 2 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Producer & Songwriter Matt Bronleewe Signs With Concord Music Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Devon Reilly, Matt Turner, Brad Kennard, Richard Rose, Dave Steunebrink, Emily Kaiser, Jaclyn MacDonald, Claire Buchanan; (L-R, front row): Kourtney Kirkpatrick, Matt Bronleewe, Jen Hubbard. Photo: Audrey Spillman
Producer and songwriter Matt Bronleewe has signed a worldwide co-publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. Bronleewe will work across Concord’s A&R and Synchronization creative teams.
Bronleewe has had a long career in the industry as an artist, songwriter and producer working across genres and sync. His name has appeared on over 600 records, and his songs have amassed billions of streams and over 30 million sales. Bronleewe has had multiple No. 1s, and his music has appeared in hundreds of placements in ads, promos, TV series and more, such as the film Birds of Prey, the trailer for The Witcher and ads for brands including Target, Nissan Toyota, Ralph Lauren and more.
He works closely with the artist Ruelle, who was named Billboard’s “Most Synced Artist” in 2018 and continues to be listed in TuneFind’s Top Sync Artists list. Bronleewe collaborated with her on her song “I Get To Love You,” which currently appears in a campaign for Kay Jewelers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the Concord family,” says Kourtney Kirkpatrick, VP Synchronization at Concord Music Publishing. “His impressive career as a writer and producer spans many genres, includes numerous hit songs, and countless sync placements across all media. His work continues to break barriers, and we could not be more excited to represent such a talented and versatile writer!”
“I’ve known the crew at Concord for a number of years, and I’ve seen firsthand the amazing enthusiasm and support they provide for their songwriters,” says Bronleewe. “I couldn’t dream up a better team of individuals to work with, and I’m excited for the creative journey ahead!”
MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart Features CMA Winners
/by LB CantrellJelly Roll accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at The 57th annual CMA Awards.
Some recently-crowned CMA Awards winners appear on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.
Tracy Chapman, who wrote the titanic hit “Fast Car,” sits at No. 3. Luke Combs‘ cover of Chapman’s enduring song won both Song and Single of the Year at last week’s CMA Awards.
Chris Stapleton, who took home the Male Vocalist of the Year trophy, is at No. 11 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for his charting single “White Horse.”
New Artist of the Year Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) maintains his position at No. 4 this week on the chart, as his songs “Need A Favor,” “Save Me” and “Wild Ones” continue to rise up the charts.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
In Pictures: Dreamy Draw Music Festival Makes Debut In Old Town Scottsdale
/by Liza AndersonMidland performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine
The Dreamy Draw Music Festival made its debut in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona over Nov. 3-4.
Margo Price performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine
The two-day event featured some of the best country, folk, Americana, roots and rock music acts spread across the grassy grounds of the Scottsdale Civic Center, including headliners Midland and Lord Huron as well as Luke Grimes, Margo Price, Trampled by Turtles, Breland, Hailey Whitters and Watchhouse, among others. A percentage of proceeds were donated back to the festival’s nonprofit partner Scottsdale Arts.
Each of the three Dreamy Draw stages provided fans with intimate spaces to watch perfromances while enjoying the comfort of shaded grassy lawns, tree lined areas and sunsets. Attendees also had the option to purchase a one-of-a-kind VIP artist package with amenities such as a private lounge with comfortable seating and a dedicated premium bar.
The Bronco Stage’s Friday (Nov. 3) lineup included Nat Myers, Stephen Wilson Jr., Price and Midland, while the Stampede Stage consisted of The Senators, Grady Spencer & The Work, Emily Nenni, Whitters and Grimes. Additionally, the Poncho Stage provided Matt Farris, Logan Crosby, Chase Wright, Country Night and Breland.
On Saturday (Nov. 4), JD Clayton and American Aquarium took the Bronco Stage along with Trampled by Turtles and Lord Huron. The Stampede Stage starred Taylor Glasheen, Steely Dead, Mighty Popular, Watchhouse and Jamestown Revival, and the Poncho Stage included American Hustler, Logan Halstead, Nolan Taylor, Evan Honer and Will Worden.
Local food and drinks as well as regional fashion vendors like Cave and Post Trading Co. showcasing Arizona’s bold style accompanied the performance lineup.
Luke Grimes performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine
Hailey Whitters performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine
Stephen Wilson Jr. performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine
Ashley McBryde Extends ‘The Devil I Know Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley McBryde has added over 30 dates to her “The Devil I Know Tour,” presented by Ariat.
She’ll kick off the second leg on Feb. 22 in Charleston with more dates scheduled across the U.S. through June 2024, including stops in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Orlando, St. Louis, Fort Worth, Detroit, and more. Kasey Tyndall, Harper O’Neill, Corey Kent, Meg McRee, Will Jones, Bella White and JD Clayton will open the 2024 dates. The Trybe presale begins tomorrow (Nov. 14), while public sales begin this Friday (Nov. 17). For more information, click here.
A longtime fan of Ariat, McBryde and the brand have partnered since 2018. “It has been exciting to watch Ashley’s career grow over the past five years, and we couldn’t be more proud to support her headlining tour,” says Susan Alcala, VP Partnership Marketing, Ariat.
McBryde is currently on the first leg of “The Devil I Know Tour” presented by Ariat, with nine more dates in 2023 before a soon-to-be sold-out return to the U.K. and Ireland at the top of the year.
Brinley Addington Renews With Spirit Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): AJ Burton, Vice President, Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution; Andy Hodges, Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville; Mike Fiorentino, Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Matt Cottingham, Lewis Brisbois; and Kennedy Murphy, Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville; (L-R, front row): Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville; Brinley Addington; and Kara Jackson, Senior Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group
Brinley Addington has renewed his publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville.
Addington has had songs recorded by artists such as Ryan Hurd, Darius Rucker, Chris Janson, Brantley Gilbert, Parmalee, Tyler Farr, Kameron Marlowe and more. He notched his first No. 1 single with Hurd and Maren Morris‘ double-Platinum, Grammy and CMA-nominated duet “Chasing After You.” Addington was also named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Standout Songwriters of the Year for 2021.
“Spirit Music is thrilled and honored to partner with Brinley Addington as he continues to build on an impressive track record of songwriting successes,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer of Spirit Music Group and CEO of Spirit Music Nashville. “The next few years are going to be a fun ride with Brinley!”
“I’m excited to start this new chapter with the incredible group of people at Spirit Music Nashville,” says Addington. “Spirit has been a great partner and publishing home for me, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation we’ve created these last four years. Big thanks to Frank, Kara [Jackson], Kennedy [Murphy] and the whole team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to keep working toward the goals we’ve set.”
Big Machine Label Group & CreatiVets Release ‘Veteran’s Day Special, Vol. IV’ Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughBig Machine Label Group and CreatiVets have released a new Veteran-
The album includes 10 new tracks, all penned by veterans through the CreatiVets organization with 10 featured artists on the album, including Dillon Carmichael, Love and Theft, Lance Carpenter and more.
“I am immensely proud of the journey we’ve embarked on over the past decade,” shares CreatiVets Co-Founder & Executive Director, Richard Casper. “Our mission has always been to amplify the voices of our brave veterans, and this year, on November 10th, we are celebrating our 10-year milestone by releasing 10 poignant songs. Each track is a testament to the resilience, experiences, and stories of our veterans. We believe that through music, we can foster understanding and healing, and we invite everyone to join us in this celebration of a decade of dedication, artistry, and unity.”
CreatiVets has helped more than 1,000 combat Veterans since its founding in 2013, with more than 400 Veterans participating in its songwriting programs to date. The organization’s main goal is to end Veteran suicide by offering alternative ways to cope with trauma, using the arts as a therapeutic cornerstone in the road to recovery.
Serving as a connector for opportunities that magnify CreatiVets within the entertainment space since 2020, Big Machine Label Group continues to contribute to CreatiVets’ operational initiatives through Scott and Sandi Borchetta‘s Music Has Value Fund and Big Machine Music, which serves as the co-publisher for CreatiVets.
Veteran’s Day Special, Vol. IV Track List:
1. “Back To Me (featuring Kenny Foster)” – (Kenny Foster, Tremain Davidson, Dustin Jones, Chris Rafetto)
2. “Live With It (featuring Johnny and Heidi)– (Johnny Bulford, Heidi Raye, Richard Casper, Brett Gillan, Meghan Patrick, Marc Silvestri, Jody Thompson)
3. “Just Keep Breathing (featuring Dillon Carmichael)” – (Dillon Carmichael, Richard Casper, Denis Oliverio, Dave Pittenger)
4. “Boots On The Ground (featuring Garrett Jacobs)”– (Garrett Jacobs, Chris Ferrara, Jerry Majetich, Josh Roberts)
5. “Nasariyah (featuring David Borne and Chris Ferrera” – (David Borne, Richard Casper, Chris Ferrara, Eric Killeen)
6. “Good Morning, Vietnam (featuring Jordan Fletcher) – (Jordan Fletcher, Robert Arthur, Jim Van Den Heuvel, Len Erickson)
7. “I’d Change Everything (featuring Love and Theft)” – (Eric Gunderson, Stephen Liles, Richard Casper, Brett Gillan, Rich Stinson)
8. “The Man I Love To Hate (featuring Eric Burgett)” – (Eric Burgett, Charlie Merritt, Bryan Pitman, David Quinones)
9. “Don’t Come Home (featuring Lance Carpenter)” – (Lance Carpenter, Chris Bickel, Nate Kenyon, Drew Swedenborg)
10. “What Keeps Me Around (featuring Dylan Brady)” – (Dylan Brady, Seth Cole, Lonnie Lee Fowler, Miguel Vasquez)