“It’s kind of a celebration of sorts,” says Performing Songwriter Publisher/founder Lydia Hutchinson. “I always wondered what the finish line would look like, but now it’s clear to me we have reached it.” The 16-year-old publication will cease publication after its June issue. “As sad as change and letting go are, it feels like a […]
With Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival Tour taking over Louisville’s Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, some of Nashville’s music industry folks headed north for the festivities. (L-R): CMT Pres. and CMA Board Member Brian Philips, Chesney, Sony Nashville Chairman Joe Galante and CMA CEO Tammy Genovese. • • • Co-headliners Randy Houser and Jamey Johnson filled […]
The CMA Music Festival will open with a free Kick-Off Parade and Block Party beginning at 2 PM on Wed., June 10. Hosted by Grand Marshal Rodney Atkins, “The Fifth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” will feature artists riding in Chevy vehicles, including Deborah Allen, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Mandy Barnett, Bo Bice, Bomshel, […]
Alan Jackson will thrill fans next week with a free concert marking his 20 years in country music. The performance and party is set for Wed., June 10 at Nashville’s Cadillac Ranch, following that afternoon’s parade kicking off the CMA Music Festival. Industry guests are welcome as well. Doors will open at 6:30 PM. Show […]
As CMA Music Festival draws near, workers install the final components of the GAC wrap on the Sommet Center’s glass tower. A 50 foot tall Martina McBride will welcome fans to next week’s event. Shawn Pennington, formerly of Dale Morris & Associates, has launched his own artist management and consulting company called Matchless Management. Details, […]
Actor/comedian/writer Steve Martin made his Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd. He was greeted with a standing ovation before performing songs from his first music album, The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo. Friend John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), who produced the album and assembled an all-star […]
Last night’s Dateline NBC piece on Taylor Swift was undeniably flattering. The hour-long segment followed her through preparations for a headlining tour, portraying her as one of the most hands-on young entertainers in the business. She was shown participating in every aspect of her career—designing the stage, auditioning back-up dancers, decorating her backstage vibe room […]
“Proof” River Run/Big 7 “I have made no secret of my respect for this artist. He’s proudly country, and this groove-saturated drinking song is one more feather in his cap.” —Robert K. Oermann, Music Row. So far, 2009 has been a banner year for Charlie Allen. Allen has seen his music gain acceptance around the […]
Big Tractor Music has announced the re-signing of hit songwriter Wade Kirby. First signed to the company in 2004, Kirby worked with Big Tractor for three years before shifting to another publisher, only to return after 8 months. His latest chart-topper is George Strait‘s No. 1 single, “I Saw God Today,” which garnered Grammy, ACM […]
Ronnie Gilley Entertainment’s Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music & Arts Festival is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 4 – 6 in Enterprise, AL. And with appearances from a star-studded list of artists including Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Randy Owen, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, Gary Allan, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, […]