117 Entertainment has announced the promotions of Jessica Vandergriff and Mae Dowda in the publicity department.
Vandergriff has been promoted from Publicity Manager to Director of Publicity. She is an Ohio native and graduate of Western Kentucky University. Vandergirff moved to Nashville in the summer of 2020 with a B.A. in public relations. After starting her career in book publishing, she joined 117 in June 2021 as the Publicity Manager, where she has been responsible for overseeing the public image and media strategy for 117’s diverse roster of clients.
Dowda came to Nashville from Alabama to pursue a career in public relations with dreams of working in music. Before coming to 117, she worked with clients in the tech, product and B2C sectors as a publicist for another entertainment group and an account coordinator. She began at 117 during the summer of 2021 as an intern before she took the role of Publicity and Tour Marketing Manager. In this role, Dowda takes charge of 117’s tour marketing department as well as supports the rest of the team in other publicity matters.
CMHOF Features David Hood In Nashville Cats Program
Pictured (L-R): Dan Penn, Patterson Hood, Jim Horn, David Hood, Richard Bennett and Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHOF) featured renowned bassist David Hood in a program for its in-depth interview series, Nashville Cats. The ongoing series highlights musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours.
As a member of the famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (also known as “The Swampers“), Hood has created an unforgettable body of recorded work during his more than 60-year career. His first sessions included the 1960s R&B hits “I’m Your Puppet” by James & Bobby Purify and “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” by Aretha Franklin.
Hood became one of the most respected and in-demand studio bassists in R&B, pop and country music. While he was based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama—where he co-founded Muscle Shoals Sound Studio—Hood also logged considerable session work in Memphis and Nashville. He supplied the famous bass line and catchy solo spot on the Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There” and lent his groove to classic albums by CMHOF member Willie Nelson (Phases and Stages), Paul Simon (There Goes Rhymin’ Simon) and Traffic (Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory).
The Nashville Cats program—which included a brief performance, as well as vintage photos, audio and film clips—was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website. After the program, Hood signed commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.
Rick Lang Signs With Billy Blue Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director, Billy Blue Records; Rick Lang; Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director for Billy Blue Publishing
Billy Blue Publishing has signed multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Rick Lang.
With well over 100 cuts to his credit, including several album title tracks, over a dozen No. 1 hits and every song on the Grammy-nominated album Gonna Sing Gonna Shout, Lang has earned a spot as an established presence in the bluegrass community and beyond. Over the course of his career, Lang has received a nomination for a GMA Dove Award for his gospel release Look to the Light and a nomination for an IBMA Award in the Gospel Recorded Event Of The Year category for his single “Sailing On.”
Lang shares, “This is truly a blessing in my life. Not only am I grateful for the opportunity to continue to evolve and grow as a songwriter, but it’s fertile ground for someone like me who has a deep love and passion for writing bluegrass and Gospel music. Since the 2018 release of my Gonna Sing Gonna Shout project on Billy Blue Records, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Jerry Salley, Joe Dan Cornett, and the amazing staff at Billy Blue and to collaborate with some of their top songwriters. It has been both fun and rewarding, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”
Nashville Behind The Song Showcases The Kinleys & More
The Kinleys, Doug Johnson, Don Henry and Tiffany Goss will perform at the “Nashville Behind The Song” brunch at City Winery on Aug. 5.
Hosted by industry veteran Debbie Zavitson between 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the event will transport attendees into the captivating world behind the songs that have become a soundtrack to countless lives.
The Kinleys—identical twins Jennifer and Heather Kinley—charged seven Billboard Hot Country songs between 1997 and 2000, including “Please,” “Just Between You and Me” and “Somebody’s Out There Watching.” When Zavitson first saw the sisters perform, she teamed up with renowned songwriter Doug Johnson, then head of Epic Nashville, to nurture and develop the act.
Johnson, now VP of A&R of Black River Entertainment, will be joining The Kinleys on stage. His career includes breaking country music records with artist Lee Brice‘s “Love Like Crazy.” The track spent an astonishing 56 weeks on the chart and was named Billboard‘s Song of the Year.
Grammy-winning songwriter Don Henry will also grace the stage, captivating the audience with the stories behind some of the biggest hits in country music history. Henry is known for his contributions to songs such as Miranda Lambert‘s “All Kinds Of Kinds” and Kathy Matea‘s “Where’ve You Been.”
Alabama-native songwriter Tiffany Goss will bring her expertise on authentic delivery and connecting with the audiences. She previously worked with Clay Walker, Chris Janson, Brooks & Dunn, Brett Young and Delta Rae.
For ticket information and further details about Nashville Behind The Song, click here.
Hailey Whitters Slates New Six-Song EP ‘I’m In Love’ For July 28
/by Lorie HollabaughHailey Whitters. Photo: Harper Smith
Hailey Whitters is releasing a new six-song EP I’m In Love on July 28 via Pigasus / Songs & Daughters / Big Loud. The album’s title track is out now, ahead of the video for the song arriving this Friday, July 14.
The project finds Whitters tapping into her ’90s country influences while exploring relationships, heartbreak and finding love, and includes tracks penned by Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon, Lee Thomas Miller, Hillary Lindsey, Jimmy Robbins and more.
“My last two LPs were concept records—The Dream being about my Nashville experience, and Raised was a love letter to the heartland I’m from,” shares Whitters. “Both of these records are foundational to who I am. Along the way I’ve lived a lot of life and learned a lot about myself, and I’m excited to get more personal and straight from the heart with this next chapter. If you’ve made it this far, you know where I’m coming from. Now I’m ready to share where I’ve been and who I am.”
The new EP, produced by Jake Gear and Whitters, follows her rise after winning New Female Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards in May, where she performed her Gold-certified single “Everything She Ain’t.” Yesterday, Billboard named Whitters their July 2023 all-genre Chartbreaker for her rise and the success of the breakout single, which has spent 62 weeks on their Country Airplay chart and marked her first appearance on the Hot 100 chart in May.
I’m In Love EP Tracklist:
1. Tie’r Down (Hailey Whitters, Rodney Clawson, Chris La Corte)
2. Countryside Chick (Hailey Whitters, Matt Roy, Brett Tyler)
3. I’m In Love (Cameron Bedell, Nicolle Galyon, Lee Thomas Miller)
4. Mellencamp (Nicolle Galyon, Mark Holman, Jordan Minton)
5. Bad Love (Hailey Whitters, Hillary Lindsey, Jimmy Robbins)
6. Everything She Ain’t (Hailey Whitters, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell)
Class Of 2023 Inducted Into The Country Radio Hall Of Fame
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): “Dollar” Bill Lawson, Charlie Morgan, Pam Green, John Willyard, Trish Biondo and Wade Jessen’s nephew Meagher McConkie. Photo: Kayla Schoen
The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) inducted the Class of 2023 into the Country Radio Hall of Fame on Monday night (July 10) at a special dinner and awards ceremony at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, Barbara Mandrell and Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Kayla Schoen
Four esteemed off-air radio broadcasters and two exceptional on-air radio personalities were honored during the event. The off-air honorees included Pam Green, Charlie Morgan, Wade Jessen (posthumously) and John Willyard. Trish Biondo and “Dollar” Bill Lawson were recognized for their remarkable on-air contributions.
Country Radio Hall of Fame member Bill Cody served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. As each honoree took the stage, they paid tribute to the mentors who have guided and inspired them on their respective journeys.
Scott and Julie De Vos. Photo: Kayla Schoen
Additionally, Scott and Julie De Vos of De Lux Productions were honored with the prestigious 2023 CRB President’s Award. The couple has been a driving force behind the scenes at CRS for 26 years, spearheading and managing production across the multitude of live music events over the three days during the conference.
Barbara Mandrell received the esteemed 2023 CRB Artist Achievement Award, which is presented to an individual artist or act who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country radio and country music through their leadership, engagement and creativity.
Trisha Yearwood, the previous year’s CRB Artist Achievement recipient, performed a special musical tribute to Mandrell with Garth Brooks surprising the audience and joining Yearwood on “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” CMA CEO Sarah Trahern helped to honor Mandrell during the event.
Nominations for the 2024 Country Radio Hall of Fame are being accepted now. The Class of 2024 will be revealed at CRS 2024, which will be held Feb. 28 – March 1, 2024.
Cheekwood’s ‘Under The Stars’ Music Series To Return This Summer
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Songwriters Under the Stars” 2022. Photo: Howard Ezell/Courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
Cheekwood’s “Under the Stars” concert series is returning this summer, offering the sounds of some of music’s most in-demand performers and players from across the nation under the night sky at Nashville’s Cheekwood Estate & Botanical Gardens. The series includes jazz songwriter and bluegrass evenings filled with music along with food trucks and vendors offering wines by the bottle, local brews, craft cocktails and more.
The “Jazz Under the Stars” evening, presented in partnership with WFSK-Jazzy 88, will kick off the series on July 21 and feature the headlining Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio as well as an opening performance by the 18-piece Nashville Jazz Orchestra’s Big Band. Tickets are $55 for members and $65 for the general public.
The “Songwriters Under the Stars” evenings will take place Aug. 25-27 and feature chart-toppers Jon Nite, Josh Osborne and Chris DeStefano sharing songs and stories, accompanied by the renowned Nashville Symphony. Tickets are $65 for members and $75 for the general public. A new Premium Package ticket offering is available for “Songwriters Under the Stars” this year. The package includes one ticket with exclusive, front stage viewing in an Eno Lounger SL chair, two drink tickets and access to premium parking with a golf cart shuttle to the concert location.
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway will headline “Bluegrass Under the Stars,” with AJ Lee & Blue Summit opening the show on Sept. 8. Tickets are $55 for members and $65 for the general public.
“‘Under the Stars’ is a one-of-a-kind Music City experience and we are so excited to welcome such a stellar lineup of top players, writers and singers to Cheekwood,” says Director of Music & Public Programs Mark Mason. “The ‘Under the Stars’ concert series is already earning its reputation as the quintessential open-air Nashville summer concert series with music, food and drinks, offering something for everyone to enjoy.”
Additionally , Cheekwood will host a “Thursday Night Out” event featuring live music, food trucks and the light exhibit displaying the work of British artist Bruce Munro, LIGHT: Bruce Munro, every Thursday.
For more information, click here.
Reba McEntire To Celebrate New Book At The Ryman
/by Lorie HollabaughReba McEntire is celebrating the release of her upcoming new lifestyle book with a one-night-only special event, “Not That Fancy: An Evening with Reba & Friends” on Nov. 5 at 7:30 pm at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Hosted by McEntire’s former Reba co-star Melissa Peterman, the event will feature an evening of stories with Reba at the Mother Church, including some from her new book Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots which is due out Oct. 10. The book features over 50 recipes from Reba’s family traditions and her restaurant Reba’s Place in Atoka, Oklahoma, as well as never-before-seen photos and stories and simple lifestyle tips.
All tickets to “Not That Fancy: An Evening with Reba & Friends” will include a complimentary copy of the new book. Tickets go on sale here July 14.
UTA Promotes Brandi Brammer To Sr. VP, Global Music Operations
/by LB CantrellBrandi Brammer
UTA has elevated Nashville-based Brandi Brammer to Senior Vice President of Global Music Operations.
Rising from VP of People & Business Partnerships, Brammer will now lead the day-to-day operational work of UTA Music worldwide, spanning human resources, legal and business affairs, finance, facilities and technology initiatives, as the practice continues its expansion.
“I’m thrilled to take on this new leadership role during such a pivotal moment in the growth and evolution of UTA Music,” says Brammer. “This is such an incredible opportunity to foster synergy across so many integral parts of UTA Music on a global scale with the most talented people in the business.”
Brammer joined UTA in 2021 after serving at VP of Human Resources at WME and leading HR for its music division. Prior to that, she worked at CAA, helping triple the size of their Nashville office and eventually overseeing HR for the company’s music and sports divisions across the Southeast. Earlier in her career, Brammer worked at the Academy of Country Music as Director of Events.
“Brandi’s an exceptional leader who has played an integral role in growing our presence in Nashville and beyond. Her deep experience, proven track record and collaborative approach will be an invaluable asset as UTA Music continues to expand globally and scale our business on a global stage,” shares Scott Clayton, UTA Partner & Co-Head of Global Music.
UTA works with a wide range of established and emerging artists across all genres of the industry, including 21 Savage, Anitta, Ari Lennox, Bad Bunny, Bebe Rexha, Burna Boy, Cardi B, Central Cee, Common, Deadmau5, Demi Lovato, Florence + the Machine, Guns N’ Roses, Halsey, Illenium, J. Cole, James Blake, Jamey Johnson, Jason Derulo, Jimmy Eat World, Karol G, Kaskade, Latto, Lil Nas X, Lil Wayne, Lizzo, LL Cool J, Machine Gun Kelly, Marshmello, Michael Franti, Midland, Muse, My Morning Jacket, Offset, Paramore, Pitbull, Post Malone, Romeo Santos, Rosalía, Spoon, Sublime with Rome, The Jonas Brothers, The Kid Laroi, Toby Keith, Tori Kelly, Train, Tyler Hubbard, WizKid, YG and Young The Giant, among others.
Industry Ink: 117 Entertainment, CMHOF, Rick Lang, More
/by Caela Griffin117 Entertainment Promotes Jessica Vandergriff & Mae Dowda In Publicity
Jessica Vandergriff & Mae Dowda
117 Entertainment has announced the promotions of Jessica Vandergriff and Mae Dowda in the publicity department.
Vandergriff has been promoted from Publicity Manager to Director of Publicity. She is an Ohio native and graduate of Western Kentucky University. Vandergirff moved to Nashville in the summer of 2020 with a B.A. in public relations. After starting her career in book publishing, she joined 117 in June 2021 as the Publicity Manager, where she has been responsible for overseeing the public image and media strategy for 117’s diverse roster of clients.
Dowda came to Nashville from Alabama to pursue a career in public relations with dreams of working in music. Before coming to 117, she worked with clients in the tech, product and B2C sectors as a publicist for another entertainment group and an account coordinator. She began at 117 during the summer of 2021 as an intern before she took the role of Publicity and Tour Marketing Manager. In this role, Dowda takes charge of 117’s tour marketing department as well as supports the rest of the team in other publicity matters.
CMHOF Features David Hood In Nashville Cats Program
Pictured (L-R): Dan Penn, Patterson Hood, Jim Horn, David Hood, Richard Bennett and Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHOF) featured renowned bassist David Hood in a program for its in-depth interview series, Nashville Cats. The ongoing series highlights musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours.
As a member of the famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (also known as “The Swampers“), Hood has created an unforgettable body of recorded work during his more than 60-year career. His first sessions included the 1960s R&B hits “I’m Your Puppet” by James & Bobby Purify and “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” by Aretha Franklin.
Hood became one of the most respected and in-demand studio bassists in R&B, pop and country music. While he was based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama—where he co-founded Muscle Shoals Sound Studio—Hood also logged considerable session work in Memphis and Nashville. He supplied the famous bass line and catchy solo spot on the Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There” and lent his groove to classic albums by CMHOF member Willie Nelson (Phases and Stages), Paul Simon (There Goes Rhymin’ Simon) and Traffic (Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory).
The Nashville Cats program—which included a brief performance, as well as vintage photos, audio and film clips—was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website. After the program, Hood signed commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.
Rick Lang Signs With Billy Blue Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director, Billy Blue Records; Rick Lang; Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director for Billy Blue Publishing
Billy Blue Publishing has signed multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Rick Lang.
With well over 100 cuts to his credit, including several album title tracks, over a dozen No. 1 hits and every song on the Grammy-nominated album Gonna Sing Gonna Shout, Lang has earned a spot as an established presence in the bluegrass community and beyond. Over the course of his career, Lang has received a nomination for a GMA Dove Award for his gospel release Look to the Light and a nomination for an IBMA Award in the Gospel Recorded Event Of The Year category for his single “Sailing On.”
Lang shares, “This is truly a blessing in my life. Not only am I grateful for the opportunity to continue to evolve and grow as a songwriter, but it’s fertile ground for someone like me who has a deep love and passion for writing bluegrass and Gospel music. Since the 2018 release of my Gonna Sing Gonna Shout project on Billy Blue Records, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Jerry Salley, Joe Dan Cornett, and the amazing staff at Billy Blue and to collaborate with some of their top songwriters. It has been both fun and rewarding, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”
Nashville Behind The Song Showcases The Kinleys & More
The Kinleys, Doug Johnson, Don Henry and Tiffany Goss will perform at the “Nashville Behind The Song” brunch at City Winery on Aug. 5.
Hosted by industry veteran Debbie Zavitson between 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the event will transport attendees into the captivating world behind the songs that have become a soundtrack to countless lives.
The Kinleys—identical twins Jennifer and Heather Kinley—charged seven Billboard Hot Country songs between 1997 and 2000, including “Please,” “Just Between You and Me” and “Somebody’s Out There Watching.” When Zavitson first saw the sisters perform, she teamed up with renowned songwriter Doug Johnson, then head of Epic Nashville, to nurture and develop the act.
Johnson, now VP of A&R of Black River Entertainment, will be joining The Kinleys on stage. His career includes breaking country music records with artist Lee Brice‘s “Love Like Crazy.” The track spent an astonishing 56 weeks on the chart and was named Billboard‘s Song of the Year.
Grammy-winning songwriter Don Henry will also grace the stage, captivating the audience with the stories behind some of the biggest hits in country music history. Henry is known for his contributions to songs such as Miranda Lambert‘s “All Kinds Of Kinds” and Kathy Matea‘s “Where’ve You Been.”
Alabama-native songwriter Tiffany Goss will bring her expertise on authentic delivery and connecting with the audiences. She previously worked with Clay Walker, Chris Janson, Brooks & Dunn, Brett Young and Delta Rae.
For ticket information and further details about Nashville Behind The Song, click here.
CMA Welcomes New Women’s Leadership Academy Class
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Executive Coach Cory Colton, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy Tiffany Kerns, Heather Vassar, Halie Hampton Mosley, Allison Laughter, Samantha Borenstein, Rachel Powers, Mallori Kirchenschlager, Meg Kehoe, Kaitlyn Moore, Jessica Myers, Courtney Allen, Stephanie Davenport, Kylen Sharpe, Charlotte Burke Bass, Molly Shehan, Executive Coach Diane Watson and CMA CEO Sarah Trahern at the 2023 Women’s Leadership Academy Kick-Off Retreat on Monday, July 10 at CMA. (Not Pictured: Taylor Smith). Photo: Drew Noble/CMA
CMA has announced a new class for its Women’s Leadership Academy, which kicked off this week.
The professional development program, now in its second year, is an interactive group coaching experience for 15 high-performing, high-potential women leaders within country music. The 15-week program will include an initial one-on-one coaching session to establish individual goals and set success measures, seven educational sessions as a group, and group coaching sessions twice a month throughout the entirety of the program.
Cohort members will walk away with an expanded network, a roadmap for career growth, and improved leadership abilities. Session topics are expected to include leadership branding, imposter syndrome, establishing boundaries, managing conflict and stress, communication and leveraging influence.
“After our inaugural year last year, we were blown away at the conversation, community and genuine connection that was born from this program,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “We were reminded that true leadership starts with developing a system of support across our business, and through the incredible women in this program, that’s exactly what we’ve seen happen. There was no doubt that we would continue this program, and I am thrilled to welcome this year’s impressive class of women.”
Throughout the next 15 weeks, participants will be coached by expert executive coaches, Diane Watson, PCC, and Cory Colton, PCC, BCC, and will receive further insight surrounding increased self-awareness and how to use it strategically, confidence building and communicating effectively, managing inner criticism to unleash further potential, building a personal brand and networking successfully, as well as creating a better work-life integration by setting boundaries.
The new class of CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy:
Courtney Allen (Senior Director of A&R, Concord Music Publishing)
Charlotte Burke Bass (Vice President of Nashville Operations, The Oriel Company)
Samantha Borenstein (Artist Manager, Sam I Am Entertainment)
Stephanie Davenport (Senior Director of A&R, Warner Music Nashville)
Halie Hampton Mosley (Vice President of Roster Operations, WHY&HOW)
Meg Kehoe (Head of Media, Sony Music Nashville)
Mallori Kirchenschlager (Business Manager, Luma Business Services)
Allison Laughter (Vice President of Digital, Marketing and Streaming, Red Light Management)
Kaitlyn Moore (Vice President of Marketing, mtheory)
Jessica Myers (Vice President of Rights Management, Big Machine Label Group)
Rachel Powers (Vice President, Messina Touring Group)
Kylen Sharpe (Agent, CAA)
Molly Shehan (Partner/Attorney, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC)
Taylor Smith Tileston (Tour Manager, Little Big Town)
Heather Vassar (Vice President, EMPIRE)
Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith Announce ‘2023 Christmas Tour’ Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughAmy Grant and Michael W. Smith have announced the dates for their upcoming “2023 Christmas Tour” this holiday season.
Grant and Smith will kick off the co-headlining journey on Nov. 26 in Atlanta, making additional stops in Kansas City, Washington D.C., Dallas and more. All shows go on sale this Friday (July 14). The pair will be joined by special guest Michael Tait of the Newsboys on the nine shows, including their first appearance together in New York City at Carnegie Hall on Dec. 5.
The concert will feature selections spanning the artists’ expansive Christmas repertoires and combine the vast collection of holiday albums between them. Following the nine-city run with Grant, Smith will continue the tour with Tait for eight more dates, hitting Fort Myers, Minneapolis, Des Moines, Bowling Green, Nashville and more, while Grant returns to Nashville for her “Christmas at the Ryman” residency with husband Vince Gill, which will kick off on Dec. 13.
In support of their longstanding relationship with Compassion International, Grant and Smith will bring awareness to their child sponsorship experience at each show. For more information, visit AmyGrant.com and MichaelWSmith.com.
“2023 Christmas Tour” Dates:
**Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Michael Tait
*Michael W. Smith and Michael Tait
Nov. 26 – Atlanta, GA – Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre**
Nov. 27 – Durham, NC – DPAC**
Nov. 30 – Kansas City, MO – Kansas City Music Hall**
Dec. 01 – Waukegan, IL – Genesee Theatre**
Dec. 04 – Tysons, VA (Washington, D.C.) – Capital One Hall**
Dec. 05 – New York, NY – Carnegie Hall**
Dec. 06 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre**
Dec. 09 – Dallas, TX – Music Hall at Fair Park**
Dec. 10 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre**
SMACKSongs & Worktape Music Partner To Sign McCoy Moore
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Carly Sater, Lee Krabel, McCoy Moore, Travis Gordon, Sam Sarno and Jeremy Groves
SMACKSongs and Worktape Music have partnered to sign McCoy Moore to a worldwide publishing deal.
The Lakeland, Florida native moved to Nashville after graduating from high school to pursue songwriting. Moore spent his first few years in town playing as many writers’ rounds as possible, sharing original music and releasing songs independently as an artist. He has since has garnered cuts with artists such as Shane Profitt and Bryce Mauldin.
“McCoy is not only an incredible talent but a great person as well,” says Lee Krabel, VP of Publishing at SMACK. “From our first meeting with McCoy and Travis [Gordon] we knew we had to figure out a way to all work together. We are excited to see what he can accomplish!”
“The SMACK team is a proven developer of talent and their enthusiasm for McCoy and his songs has been truly palpable,” adds Worktape Music’s Gordon. “I’m thrilled to partner with them to help make McCoy’s dreams become reality.”
“I’m super thankful for Lee and Travis, and my whole SMACKSongs/Worktape family,” says Moore. “I couldn’t be more excited to write songs and be surrounded by hardworking people every day in this next chapter of my career. Every time you walk into the office, you can tell everyone is happy to be there and I feel that same way. I’m grateful for good folks believing in what I bring to the table, and I’m excited to get to work!”
Farm Aid To Return To Indiana
/by Lorie HollabaughWillie Nelson performs at Farm Aid 2022. Photo: Sharon Carone
Farm Aid is returning this year to Noblesville, Indiana on Sept. 23 at Ruoff Music Center.
Performers for Farm Aid 2023 will include Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds) and Margo Price, as well as Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring The Wolfpack, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson, Allison Russell, The String Cheese Incident and Particle Kid.
The festival will highlight the work of family farmers to address climate change through regenerative, organic and sustainable farming practices, and will showcase these innovative climate champions on the Farm Aid stage and throughout the event. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m. ET, at LiveNation.com.
Indiana has hosted Farm Aid concerts three times, and this marks the second festival in Noblesville. Farm Aid IV took place at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis in 1990, and Farm Aid 2001: A Concert for America was held in Noblesville just weeks after the terrorist attacks of 2001.
“Family farmers have the solutions to some of our toughest challenges,” says Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson. “As we face a changing climate, farmers in Indiana, across the Midwest and all over the country are farming in ways that create more resilient farms to build healthy soils and protect our water.”
“We are honored and excited to bring the Farm Aid experience back to Indiana. My home state holds deep meaning for me and for the generations of family farmers who have dedicated their lives to caring for the Earth and bringing us good food,”says Farm Aid Co-Founder John Mellencamp.