Latest News For August 28, 2008

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HEADLINES (Normally updated daily by 9:00am CST)

 

National Gospel Music Heritage Month Starts Next Week

The greatest names ever in gospel music will be featured on-air, online and on-demand as Gospel Music Channel (GMC) television network celebrates the first-ever National Gospel Music Heritage Month (http://www.gospelmusicheritage.com)  across multiple platforms in September.

World and network premieres, documentaries, original specials and series, short-form and interstitial pieces, music videos and more will help GMC proclaim and celebrate the heritage of gospel music everyday during the month in September. Highlights include: Mahalia Sings! -- rarely-seen performances by Mahalia Jackson hosted by Gospel great Dorothy Norwood every Sunday night at 7:00 p.m.; documentaries on the gospel works of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Al Green, The Dixie Hummingbirds and other legends; special presentations of GMC’s biography series Faith & Fame featuring contemporary stars Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and others; the world television premiere of the 2008 BMI Trailblazer Awards, held in conjunction with and prior to the Stellar Awards, the exclusive celebration features exhilarating performances by gospel music's premier recording artists; two Gospel/Christian music legends, Bill Gaither and Dr. Bobby Jones, bringing a multitude of performers together, and much more. For complete listings visit: www.gospelmusicheritage.com.

Online, www.gospelmusicheritage.com  will feature exclusive performances, expanded interviews, facts, figures and historical nuggets and trivia, local market calendars of gospel-related events, and more. Programming and content will be available by GMC affiliates via a specially-created Gospel Music Heritage folder in GMC’s Video-on-Demand offerings, as well.

 

Crystal Shawanda Celebrates The Highest Charting Album By A Native American Artist In The SoundScan Era

RCA Nashville recording artist Crystal Shawanda’s album, Dawn Of A New Day, entered the Billboard Country Albums Chart at #16 making Shawanda the highest charting full-blooded Native American country artist in the SoundScan era. The album features her emotional debut single and Top 20 hit, “You Can Let Go,” which continues to climb the country radio charts.

Michael McCall of the Associated Press writes “Dawn Of A New Day suggests Nashville has discovered another strong female vocalist capable of establishing her own point of view.”

Crystal grew up on the Wikwemikong reservation on Canada’s Manitoulin Island where she and her family found daily comfort and hope through music. Shawanda means “Dawn of a New Day” in Crystal’s native Ojibwe language, and a new day is what music has given Crystal. A citizen of both the U.S. and Canada, Crystal has always turned to her music, which she credits for saving her life. Dawn Of A New Day, which was produced by Scott Hendricks, is dedicated “To Those In Need Of Hope.”

 

IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) Now Accepting Entries

The 5th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is now accepting entries. IAMA promotes excellence in Acoustic Music Performance and Artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include D'Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Sonicbids.com, Acoustic Cafe Radio Show and XM Satellite Radio.

IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels. Unlike other music industry competitions, IAMA focuses on developing new markets for Acoustic artists, labels and with or without CD releases. Past year's winners include Charlie Dore (UK), Randy Kohrs & The Lites (USA), Craig Bickhardt (USA), etc.

Win prizes in 8 different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth over US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Winning songs will be heard on radio! Winners and runner-ups will be featured on our CD compilation. Also, we feature up to 10 different artists get featured and promoted on IAMA website every month, which provides a review, ratings, CD information and more (see details below). The sooner, you enter, the sooner you get featured!

Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition/song choice, Music Production and originality.
(Please note that IAMA is a different competition from USA Songwriting Competition).

All entries must be postmarked by November 10 or earlier. Ways to enter:

** For the regular entry form, please go to: http://www.inacoustic.com/entryform.html

** Or enter online here to get the FREE Sonicbids subscription worth $18 here, *FREE EARLY ENTRY BONUS: First 1,000 entrants will each receive a FREE subscription to Sonicbids worth $18.00 (first 1,000 entrants, must be entered by Oct 31st or earlier, so hurry!) : http://www.sonicbids.com/iama2008

 

Adam Gregory Makes His First Appearance On Grand Ole Opry

Big Machine/NSA/Midas recording artist Adam Gregory made his first ever appearance on the legendary Opry stage last night along with Chuck Wicks, Steve Wariner, Bill Anderson, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Riders In The Sky. "I had this feeling of excitement mixed in with some nerves." Adam commented about the experience. "When my time came to stand on the famous circle on stage, it was like a rush of adrenaline came over me." Adam performed three songs including his current single "Crazy Days."

The same day the rising star made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, his single, "Crazy Days," was launched in digital format. The eSingle, video and mobile versions of "Crazy Days" is now available for purchase digitally at iTunes.

 

Pictured above from L to R: Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher, Adam, Adam's manager and Mathis Entertainment President Lawrence Mathis.

 

Pete Schlegel Releases "You Can't Bring Her Back" Video

Pete Schlegel has recorded and released a video for his current single "You Can't Bring Her Back," off of his sophomore cd, I'm Not Listening. Pete originally released "You Can't Bring Her Back" in March 2006.

"After the success of "Liquor To Like Her", I tend to have funny songs on my cd," says Pete Schlegel. "With my background as a former state trooper, I thought it fitting to cut a funny song about my wife running off with a state trooper!"

Pete Schlegel is the story of a Mid-west farm boy's dream come true. Three nationally charted singles, "Short For Gone", "Leavin' Ain't As Easy As It Sounds" and "It Takes A Whole Lot Of Liquor To Like Her," were released from his debut cd, Strong Stuff.

 

Steve Thompson Of Country Duo Thompson Ward Delivers Debut Album “Porch Funk” To GAC’S Country Music Across America

Today, Steve Thompson, one-half of the new country music duo Thompson Ward, hand-delivered his debut album, “Porch Funk,” to Travis Television, the production company responsible for GAC’s Country Music Across America.

Thompson met with Country Music Across America host, Storme Warren, producer, Greg Travis and assignment editor, Melissa Carr.

“It was exciting meeting everyone from Country Music Across America. It’s even more exciting seeing all the folks of such a high caliber program really digging our music,” says Thompson. “We seem to be connecting with a wide array of people. I think this is possible because our music is real… it’s who we really are… it’s not made-up. “

Steve Thompson and Bryan Ward are currently in the pre-production stage of their first video, Spiders and Snakes, in support of “Porch Funk.”

For more on Thompson Ward, please visit www.thompsonward.com. 

Pictured L to R: Storme Warren, Melissa Carr, Steve Thompson, Greg Travis

 

Kellie Pickler and Kenny Chesney Toast "First Family" of Music Row

Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, Kellie Pickler, Gretchen Wilson and Ronnie Milsap performed Tuesday at a formal Nashville event in which a precedent-setting five people were presented Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Award, recognizing guiding forces in the city’s music community.

The Bradleys, headed by late patriarch Owen Bradley, were hailed by host Brenda Lee as "the first family of Music Row." Owen, a long-time member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, produced a stream of country classics during his tenure at the helm of Decca Records, including Conway Twitty’s "Hello, Darlin’," Patsy Cline’s "I Fall To Pieces," Loretta Lynn’s "Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)" and Kitty Wells’ "It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels."

His brother, guitarist Harold Bradley — also a Hall of Famer — was honored, along with Owen’s children, Jerry and Patsy Bradley; and daughter-in-law Connie Bradley. Numerous people, including Kenny and Ronnie, recounted the ways in which members of the Bradley family influenced their careers through friendly counsel, tough love and simple foresight.

"If I had to point to one personality who made it all happen, it would be Owen Bradley," Brenda said, choking back tears.

She recalled that their business relationship began when she held her first recording session, at a mere 11 years of age, with Owen directing the proceedings. He was "my confidence in the studio," she said. "He always respected me as an artist, even though I was just a little kid."

Kenny gave a delicate, vocal-and-piano rendition of "Better As A Memory," Ronnie performed the always-dramatic "It Was Almost Like A Song" and Kellie turned in a rousing version of "Red High Heels." Lee Ann ably covered Loretta’s "You Ain’t Woman Enough," Gretchen gave a faithful reading of Patsy’s "Crazy" and Mandy Barnett — the artist on the final session Owen ever produced — gave a big-voiced interpretation of Roy Orbison’s "Crying."

Kix Brooks’ Arrington Vineyards provided the wine at the GAC-sponsored event, attended by producers Tony Brown (George Strait, Vince Gill) and Tom Collins (Barbara Mandrell, Sylvia). The evening also attracted a number of songwriters, including Don Schlitz ("The Gambler"), Craig Wiseman ("Live Like You Were Dying"), Gary Burr ("I Try To Think About Elvis") and Wayland Holyfield ("Could I Have This Dance"). In a taped message, "Bless The Broken Road" composer Marcus Hummon fired off a self-deprecating comment that earned some — though not all — of the night’s biggest laughs: "Songwriters are basically like dogs. They just wanna be told they’re loved."

In addition to Owen Bradley, the other honored Bradleys’ accomplishments include:
• Harold Bradley — A session guitarist, he’s appeared on hits by such notables as Eddy Arnold, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Statler Brothers. He’s also the head of the Nashville chapter of the Musicians Union and joined Owen in building the first studio on what’s now Music Row.

• Jerry Bradley — A noted publisher, he produced hits for Charley Pride and Dave & Sugar while leading RCA’s Nashville division, where his tenure included the peak commercial years for Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings.

• Connie Bradley — Heads the Nashville office of ASCAP, a performing rights organization that collects and distributes money for songwriters.

• Patsy Bradley — One of the original three employees at BMI, another performing rights organization, where she became a 40-year mainstay of the company.

 

Tim McGraw Has "Hits" Galore

Tim McGraw topped the Billboard country album chart earlier this year by combining his first two best-of releases as a combo pack, Greatest Hits: Limited Edition. Now a third volume is on the way this fall, according to Dial-Global.

Indeed, Amazon.com is already taking pre-orders on its site for a 12-track collection, Greatest Hits 3, featuring cover artwork with red-and-black lettering embossed over an image of Tim in front of a stone wall. The disc features his live recording of "If You’re Reading This" as well as collaborations with Def Leppard on "9 Lives" and with Tracy Lawrence on "Find Out Who Your Friends Are." It’s unclear from the listing whether the latter song also features Kenny Chesney’s voice or if the track might be a remixed version that turns it into a duet.

The release date for the project is Oct. 7. Between now and then, Tim has plenty of other events to keep him occupied. He presents the first show at a new 3,000-seat venue at Treasure Island Casino in Welch, Minn., on Saturday, and he hosts his own Swampstock benefit concert in Rayville, La., Sept. 13 with guests Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Halfway To Hazard and Catherine Raney.

 

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert Take Leap

Neither Blake Shelton nor Miranda Lambert has headlined a mid-sized arena tour before, but the couple is hoping their collective track record will be enough to make a road show of that magnitude succeed this fall.

No dates have been announced yet, but the plan thus far would yield two-and-a-half hours of music. They took a test run with the concept a month ago, playing their first show together at a fair in Toledo, Ohio.

"It's exciting, and it's really scary for me at the same time — not so much for her," Blake says. "She's really somebody that came out of the box and just has been kickin' ass since day one, you know? And my career's been a slower build than that. But I'm finally gonna take the step, and she's gonna do it with me. We're gonna go out, and we're gonna play arenas this fall. And that is just creepin' me out — 4,000- and 5,000-seat arenas, and I'm not openin' for Rascal Flatts anymore or Toby [Keith]. You gotta hope that I'm enough and that she's enough. We finally feel like we're there."

Among the songs they tried out as duets when they played the Toledo date were the Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn classic "Feelins’" and the Charlie Daniels Band’s "The South’s Gonna Do It Again." They also locked in harmonies on Blake’s hit "Home" — appropriate since Miranda provided the background voice on the recorded version of the song.

 

Keith Urban's Back Injury Not Serious - He Continues His Grueling Schedule

Keith Urban is traveling to Canada to headline Saturday's (8/30) Country Rocks Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia, dispite the slipped disc he suffered last Saturday night (8/23).

That injury happened during his show at the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa in Kelseyville, Calif last weekend. Publicist Paul Freundlich is saying very little about the injury, but Keith appears to be fine and is continuing his grueling schedule.

 

The Inside Scoop On Josh Gracin's Unbelievable (Ann Marie)

Here's something you can use on your show--a great way to give your listeners a greater insight whenever you play Josh Gracin's new song, Unbelievable (Ann Marie).

Josh also gives you his thoughts about his last two hits, We Weren't Crazy and Stay With Me (Brass Bed), as well as some of his other hits and performances.

 

Click here to see the video/audio, in Josh's own words and voice.

 

Melissa Jones Gears Up For New Single Release

Country singer Melissa Jones recently completed a month long military tour, visiting twenty bases, ships and hospitals across the United States during the months of July and August. In addition to her acoustic performances, Melissa also spent time with the military personnel at each base, making field and hospital outings, visiting with injured soldiers, military spouses and senior officials.

Melissa, whose brother SGT Jake Taylor recently returned from the war in Iraq, is devoted to supporting our troops. A special military tribute CD titled Red, White And Blue Night In Georgia, containing ten songs and several videos, was released through Eurpac and AAFES to military exchanges around the country. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these CDs are dedicated to the organization, Hope for the Warriors™.

How Far Would You Go, the third single from Melissa’s self-titled debut album, will impact country radio in mid-September. Her recently released album, Melissa Jones, produced by Nelson Larkin and Steve Kondor, also includes the singles The Perfect Man and Who Do You Think I Am which have already received national airplay at country radio.

 

Lucky 7 Management Signs Powerhouse UK Band Panic Cell

Lucky 7 Management has just announced signing a worldwide management agreement with Panic Cell, hailing from London and South East UK. L7M has been managing rock bands with exclusive worldwide contracts since Late 2006. Lucky 7 Management is nationally & world renown as being a "go-getter" in the industry and a strong driving force of representation, mixed with real life experience & professionalism. Panic Cell’s line-up credits include the 2004 LP “Bitter Part of Me,” the 2007 LP “What doesn’t Kill Us”, and the recent special edition re-release of “Bitter part of me” cd/dvd earlier this year, all by Ant Hill Records. The band has also been working on new projects providing soundtracks for new MTV series 'Fur TV' (www.myspace.com/furtv)  and cutting edge Bollywood movie ‘Pusher’ - www.pusherthemovie.com  – released summer/autumn 2008.

 

Rural Rhythm to Release Audie Blaylock & Redline CD "Lonesome Weary Heart"

Rural Rhythm Records is pleased to announce they will release a brand new album by Audie Blaylock & Redline early 2009. The new CD will include the chart single, Lonesome Weary Heart, currently appearing on the Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 Singles Chart and debuting this month on XM Bluegrass Junction’s Top 30 Tracks.

Grammy® award-winning producer, Carl Jackson says, “Audie Blaylock is one of the most talented folks in bluegrass music today. He’s a top-notch guitarist and vocalist and I’m very pleased to know there’s a new project on the horizon. When Audie is involved, you can bet the music will be bluegrass at its finest.”

Rural Rhythm Records will now be handling future Radio requests and has also made the single available to Radio Stations via RadioSubmit.com

“No holds barred, take no prisoners, hard driving’ bluegrass, just the way I like it,” is how Terry Herd (Bluegrass Radio Network) describes this band comprised of Audie Blaylock, Patrick McAvinue, Evan Ward, Matt Wallace and Jason Johnson. The band has had a full schedule of tour dates this year, plus promotional appearances including an upcoming interview with Gracie Muldoon on the popular WorldWideBluegrass.com Radio show on August 29th at 1:00 pm EDT.

Audie Blaylock & Redline are scheduled to make numerous appearances at the upcoming International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) annual World of Bluegrass in Nashville including a performance at the IBMA FanFest on Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 pm. Other appearances that week include After Hours Showcase performances for Colorado Case, Bronzewound, and the South Florida Bluegrass Association. The single, Lonesome Weary Heart will be part of the IBMA Rural Rhythm CD Sampler available to all IBMA registrants at this year’s convention.

In 2005 and 2006, Audie Blaylock and Redline were nominated for the IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year award. Since Blaylock began his career at age 19 when he joined Jimmy Martin and The Sunny Mountain Boys, he has received a multitude of other honors and awards including: the IBMA Entertainer of the Year award as a member of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage; 2007 IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year Award with Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock; a Grammy® nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and an IBMA nomination for Recorded Event of the Year for "A Tribute to Jimmy Martin: The King of Bluegrass;" and so many more.

For more information on Audie Blaylock, please visit www.audieblaylock.com

 

Catie Curtis' etown appearance airing this week

Catie Curtis' appearance on etown, taped earlier this summer along with The Barenaked Ladies, will air August 27 - September 2, 2008. To find a local station click here.

About etown: etown's mission is to educate, entertain and inspire a diverse audience, through music and conversation, to create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world. etown is heard from coast to coast on NPR®/public, commercial, and community stations. Like old-time radio variety shows, every etown show is taped in front of a live audience and features performances from many of today's top musical artists as well as conversation and information about our communities and our environment.

Catie Curtis' upcoming album, Sweet Life, will be available everywhere on September 9th. Upcoming press/radio includes Acoustic Café, Blurt, Curve Magazine, Performing Songwriter, PopMatters, The Advocate, WFUV (on-air) and WUMB (on-air).

 

Love On The Inside Maintains #1 Country Album Position For Fifth Consecutive Week

Holding strong at the top of Billboard’s Country Albums chart is Sugarland’s near-platinum, third album Love On The Inside. This marks the fifth consecutive week the duo’s held the #1 position. Love also currently sits at #5 on the Top 200 chart.

Sugarland continues to tour in support of the album, and during an upcoming west coast run, will make several additional stops to perform and chat with some of the most popular press outlets, including ELLEN, CNN, CHELSEA LATELY, GOOD DAY L.A. and NPR’S WEEKEND EDITION.

 

Randy Bachman and Crystal Shawanda to Perform at Canadian Country Music Association Awards

The Board of Directors of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) announced today that International music legend Randy Bachman and up and coming artist Crystal Shawanda have been added as performers for the Canadian Country Music Awards in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 8, 2008.

Country music sensations Adam Gregory, Aaron Pritchett and Lisa Brokop have been added as award presenters, along with former Canadian Idol contestant Tara Oram. Country music songwriter and recording artist Jimmy Wayne will also be on hand to present, along with CMT Canada's Paul McGuire and Elissa Lansdell.

Born in Winnipeg, Canadian music icon Randy Bachman has over 120 Gold and Platinum singles internationally and over 40 million records sold. Bachman continues to tour throughout North America and Europe with his own band and under Bachman/Cummings with Burton Cummings.

Manitoulin Island and Native American country music newcomer Crystal Shawanda's debut disk Dawn of a New Day was released in summer 2008 in both Canada and The US. Her single You Can Let Go is the fastest climbing single by a Canadian in the history of the BDS Country Charts and is currently Top 25 on American charts.

The 2008 CCMA Awards will be broadcast nationally on CBC Television at 8pm with encore broadcasts on CMT Canada. Terri Clark will host the show, which will feature previously announced performers Gord Bamford, Dierks Bentley, George Canyon, Doc Walker, Emerson Drive, Jessie Farrell, Kellie Pickler and Johnny Reid, with special guest presenters Michelle Wright, W. Brett Wilson and Jim Treliving from CBC's The Dragons' Den and songwriter Bill Anderson.

Tickets for the CCMA Awards are on sale now and range in price from $39.50 - $79.50. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 204.780.3333 or at any Ticketmaster location.

All CCMA Award nominees are available online at www.ccma.org

For details about Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards, visit www.ccma.org.

 

Billy Ray Cyrus Shoots New Video For Single "Somebody Said A Prayer"

Billy Ray Cyrus was recently in Tarzana, California to film the music video for his newly released single, “Somebody Said A Prayer.” The video is directed by Roman White and includes a cameo by Billy Ray’s son Trace, lead guitarist for the band Metro Station.

The video will make its TV and online debut in the coming weeks.

“Somebody Said A Prayer,” written by country powerhouses Neil Thrasher and Craig Wiseman, is from Cyrus’s upcoming new CD, Back To Tennessee, which will be released later this year.

To learn more about Billy Ray Cyrus visit www.billyraycyrus.com  or www.myspace.com/billyraycyrus.

 

AMA, Country Hall of Fame & NPT present Glen Campbell And More!

The Americana Music Association, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, and Nashville Public Television have teamed up to present a packed weekend of special programs during the upcoming Americana Music Festival and Conference (Sept. 17-20), including a film screening and Q&A with Country Music Hall of Fame member Glen Campbell in the Museum’s Ford Theater on Saturday, September 20 at noon; and a Campbell tribute concert at 8:30 p.m. at the Cannery Ballroom. Other events will feature Carlene Carter, Jerry Douglas, James Hand, Dave Insley and the music of Blind Alfred Reed. (A complete schedule of Museum/NPT-co-sponsored AMA Week programs is included below.)

“We always strive to educate our audiences about the breadth and depth of country music, its many facets and influences,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “Americana music, which embraces music in all of its root forms, is very representative of that vast scope, and we’re pleased to offer these programs to AMA registrants and our own visitors.”

“Our programs with the Country Music Hall of Fame this year are awesome and we are excited NPT shares our appreciation for great music,” said Americana Executive Director Jed Hilly. “The roots of Americana run deep throughout the great American musical traditions and we are thrilled to be working with the Museum on these special programs.”

“Both the AMA and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrate the roots of contemporary American music,” said Beth Curley, President and CEO of NPT. “By broadcasting and promoting what we feel is some of the best music programming in Nashville, especially of the Americana and country variety, we feel we’re a part of that celebration as well. It’s a perfect partnership.”

To celebrate the August 19, 2008, release of his ironically titled CD, Meet Glen Campbell, the guitar god and Country Music Hall of Fame member will visit the Museum at noon on Saturday, September 20, for a rare film screening and Q&A. Meet Glen Campbell features high-spirited, emotionally charged versions of tracks that have personally moved and inspired him, including Tom Petty’s “Angel Dream,” the Replacements’ “Sadly Beautiful,” U2’s “All I Want Is You,” the Velvet Underground's “Jesus,” and Jackson Browne’s “These Days,” among others. The disc features an array of power-pop talent, including Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander, Wendy Melvoin (Prince and the Revolution), and Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction. The companion film, Meet Glen Campbell: A Documentary, which traces Campbell’s influences and chronicles his rise to music stardom, will be shown in the Museum’s Ford Theater. Following the screening, Campbell, filmmaker George Dougherty and album producer Julian Raymond will take questions from the audience. This program is included with Museum admission and is free to Museum members and to AMA conference registrants with badges.

When the program concludes, Campbell will sign copies of his new CD in the Museum Store.

That evening, Campbell will be feted at the Cannery Ballroom with a special tribute concert, Star-Spangled Rodeo: A Salute to Glen Campbell. The show, which begins at 8:30 p.m., will feature Bryson Jones and the Sin City All Stars, including Jesse Dayton, Greta Gaines, Jim Lauderdale, Raul Malo, Chuck Mead, Jason Ringenberg, and a special appearance by Campbell himself. This program is free to AMA conference registrants with badges. Registrations for the entire Americana Music Conference may be purchased for $400 (Members) and $500 (Non Members). For more information on purchasing Conference Registrations visit http://www.americanamusic.org/.  Wristbands, good for admission to this show and other AMA showcases, may be purchased for $35 at the Museum Store or Grimey’s New and Preloved Music in Nashville.

 

Billy Currington Third Album "Little Bit Of Everything" Slated For October 14 Release

Mercury Nashville will release Billy Currington’s third album *Little Bit Of Everything October 14. Everything is co-produced by Carson Chamberlain and Currington and consists of 12 tracks, 5 of which Currington had a hand in writing.

Between tour dates, studio visits to finalize the album, and filming a video in downtown Nashville for his new single “Don’t”, Currington took some time to reflect on the album.

“People kept asking what kind of music they’d hear on this next album, whether it was going to be R&B, pop, country or rock, and I seemed to keep saying the same thing,” said Currington. “It’s going to be a little bit of everything, I guess!”

Currington debuted in ‘03 with the powerful Top 10 hit “Walk A Little Straighter”, followed by the Top 5 smash “I Got A Feelin’”. He went on to duet with Shania Twain on “Party for Two” and quickly earned notoriety, a devoted fan base and platinum sales status. Sophomore album Doin’ Somethin’ Right debuted at #2 on the country charts and further delivered with the hits. “Good Directions” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” snagged him his first and second #1 singles, the latter of which also won him “Hottest Video of the Year” at the ’06 CMT Music Awards. Currington has been nominated for awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country

 

Brian Owens Named Nashville Film Festival Artistic Director

Nashville Film Festival has named Brian Owens as Artistic Director. Owens joins the Festival as it gears up for its 40th anniversary on April 16-23, 2009, following two years of tremendous growth in attendance and stature. Owens was previously the artistic director of the Indianapolis International Film Festival, which he founded in 2003.

"As founder of the Indianapolis International Film Festival, Brian has seen much success," said Sallie Mayne, NaFF Exectuive Director. "Nashville Film Festival will benefit from his strong artistic vision, great industry contacts and his passion for film. We are thrilled that Brian will be joining the Nashville Film Festival organization as we get ready to celebrate our 40th annual festival."

"From my first phone conversation with Brian, I was impressed with his passion, knowledge and drive," added Stacy Widelitz, NaFF board president. "When we met with him, I realized that the perfect person for Nashville Film Festival had come to us, almost by fate. I'm looking forward to working with Brian, and the entire board is excited to have him on the team."

Owens founded the Indianapolis International Film Festival in 2003, acting initially as programming director, executive director and primary fundraiser. By 2008, he had expanded the Festival's programming to over 130 films over 11 days and increased attendance from 2,400 the first year to over 9,000. In that time, he secured Indiana premieres of over 11 Academy Award nominees including The Story of the Weeping Camel, Murderball, War Dance, Away from Her and Mongol. Owens also screened Academy Award-nominated winning shorts Ryan and West Bank Story, as well as the nominated shorts Il Supplente, I Met the Walrus, 9, and Binta & the Great Idea. He holds a B.A. in English and Certificate in Film Studies.

"I am thrilled to become a part of the team for the 40th Annual Nashville Film Festival," said Owens. "The movie industry is changing around us and it is becoming more difficult to see the independently minded, challenging films that used to come to our arthouse theaters. I think a film festival is more important than ever for those of us who seek to expand our horizons, and I hope to play a vital part in bringing some of the best cinema the world has to offer to Nashville.”

Over 22,000 people attended the 2008 edition of the Nashville Film Festival -- more than a 35% increase over two years -- to watch 215 films from 38 countries. In recent years, NaFF Films and events have been covered nationally and internationally in Variety, IndieWire, Script, the Associated Press, the Canadian Press, New York Magazine, GAC TV, CMT and more.

Notable guests that have attended NaFF include William H. Macy, Al Gore, Vincent D'Onofrio, Joey Lauren Adams, Patricia Neal, Lyle Lovett, Danny Glover, Lawrence Bender, Harmony Korine, Ray McKinnon, Walton Goggins, Rob Hardy, Brad & Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Rob Thomas, Kiefer Sutherland, Joshua Jackson, Craig Brewer, Ashley Judd, Peter Falk, Paul Reiser, Patrick Swayze, Rick Schroder, Oprah Winfrey, Matthew McConaughey, Christine Vachon, Michael Moore, Barbara Kopple, D.A. Pennebaker, and John Waters, to name a few.

 

The Webbs Release Milestone Recording During Week of National Quartet Convention

Song Garden Music Group recording artist The Webbs (formerly the Rick Webb Trio) will be releasing a brand new project at the National Quartet Convention next month in Louisville, Kentucky.

The recording, entitled 25th Anniversary Edition, is a milestone recording for the group. Not only does it celebrate 25 years of music ministry for Rick and Phyllis Webb, it is their first recording where the entire group is made up of family. Son, Parker, and daughter, Hannah, make an impressive recording debut on this project.

Vice President of Song Garden Music Group David Staton said, “Rick and Phyllis have always had one of the finest groups in Gospel music, but now that their kids have joined them, it adds a whole new dimension to what they do. The family harmony is unmistakable, and the two generations on stage appeals to everyone they sing to. Gospel music was built on family names like Goodman, LeFevre, Blackwood, and Speer, and I believe this recording will add Webb that that very impressive list of names.”

The new project not only reflects back over the 25-year history of the group, but it also shines a bright light on the very clear future for this great family.

The group’s new single from the album, “Singing With the Saints”, will be released to Southern Gospel radio stations across the country next week.

The Webbs recently announced the unveiling of the group’s brand new, fully-updated website. The new webpage was designed by the staff of b.creative. b.creative is owned and managed by Brad Strider. The brand new site features and up-to-date schedule, biography, online store, media information for churches and promoters, and much more.

The Webbs have seen a strong response from radio for their latest single, “Hallelujah to the Lord.” The song has spent an impressive 23 weeks on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart. In addition, the song has consistently charted in the Top 100 Southern Gospel Songs according to the RadioActiveAirplay.com’s weekly chart.

For more information on The Webbs, visit http://www.thewebbsmusicministry.com.  Fans are encouraged to visit The Webbs on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thewebbsmusicministry.

For information on how to book the group for your church, event, or concert, call the Dominion Agency at (910) 484-6996 or email them at scheduling@thedominionagency.com.  You can visit them online at http://www.thedominionagency.com.

 

Beyond the Ashes Added to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Benefit Concert
Dynamic male vocal trio, Beyond the Ashes, has been added to this Thursday’s concert to benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The concert will be held at Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville in an effort to help fight for a cure for these life impacting diseases.

The concert performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. Also taking place during the event is a silent auction with items from Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Barry Manilow, and more. Two Rivers Baptist Church is located at 2800 McGavock Pike in Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets are $15.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door. They are available now at area LifeWay Christian Stores, as well as in the Two Rivers Baptist Church office. Call 615-889-3950 for any additional information.

This cause hits close to home for this group, as group member Justin Howard’s mom is a lymphoma survivor.

Justin shares, “This is such an awesome cause, and it is so important and special to me and my family. My Mom fought lymphoma cancer and without the help from the Doctors and a miracle from God my Mom would not be healed today.”

Beyond The Ashes is honored to appear, along with Crabb Revival and Aaron and Amanda Crabb, for such a great cause.

Sponsors for the event are Lifeway Christian Stores, Solid Gospel, Daywind Records, and Two Rivers Baptist Church.

To learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls. 

For more on Beyond The Ashes, visit www.beyondtheashesonline.com

 

Beloved Embarks On Media Tour With Numerous Television Appearances Nationwide

Following the release of their first nationally distributed release, Wake the World (Trato Records), on August 19th, Christian pop trio BELOVED is reaching audiences nationwide and beyond through a successful media tour filled with numerous television appearances.

In the last month, BELOVED has appeared on some of Christian television's biggest shows including Daystar Television Network's Celebration, TCT Network's REJOICE!, NRB Network's Babbie's House and Atlanta Live, FamilyNet's Mornings with Lorri and Larry and Every Day with Marcus and Lisa, Body Builders and the popular morning show Live at 9 which airs on the CBS affiliate in Memphis, Tennessee. Additionally, the group is scheduled for upcoming appearances on The Good Life, Friends & Neighbors, CTN's The Coffee Club, LeSEA Broadcasting's The Harvest Show and Live From Studio B - a 30-minute live concert series taped before a studio audience.

"BELOVED is a blend of harmony and humor, music and ministry delivered with a passion for Jesus and joy!" says Pastor Myles Holmes, host and producer of REJOICE! "BELOVED's unique style will keep you laughing and learning as you relate to these women through their music, hilarious routines and real-life stories. Whether in concert, church service, women's conference or world-wide television ministry, BELOVED is an experience and a breath of fresh air you will want to enjoy again and again."

"Not only did Beloved give a great performance, but it was evident that their ministry goes beyond the music to speak straight to the hearts of women," says Trish Ragsdale, Executive Producer of FamilyNet's EveryDay with Marcus and Lisa.

"BELOVED is a lot of fun," says Lorri Allen, Producer and Host of FamilyNet's Mornings with Lorri & Larry. "The women each have a fresh sound, a sense of humor and a heart for the Lord. We can't wait to have them back!"

An equal mix of Point of Grace, Anita Renfroe and Bette Midler, BELOVED connects with audiences instantly through relational humor and infectious encouragement. The trio wrote 9 of the 11 tracks on Wake the World, including the first radio single, "Love God, Serve Others," which was produced by GRAMMY® Award winner Mac Powell of Third Day. The remainder of the album was produced in Atlanta by John Carrozza (Boyz II Men, Babbie Mason).

"Working with BELOVED, it is obvious to see God's hand of encouragement extended through the lives of these wonderful women of faith," says Brad Mathias, Vice President of Operations at Infinity Music Distribution. "The joy they sing with and the humility and transparency of their ministry translates to both men and women of every walk of life, and represents the authentic and effective music ministry that will impact homes, families and communities for Jesus Christ. It is exciting to see the launch of this ministry on the national media stage and we're proud to partner with them in this season of their lives."

Wake the World was released on August 19, 2008 by Trato Records and Infinity Music Distribution, a division of Central South Distribution.

For further information, please visit www.belovedga.com. 

 

NSAI Monday To Kick Off SONGPOSIUM Week In Nashville

If your goal is to write a hit song, then you need to sign up for NSAI Monday, according to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). Calling it THE reality check of the songwriting business, NSAI presents two panels during the day-long event, set for September 22.

An Industry Elite Panel featuring hit songwriters and music publishers will listen to 10 previously submitted songs, selected at random from the audience, during a no-holds-barred exercise in how publishers evaluate material.

After lunch, the panel is “Rodney Atkins: The 10 Year Overnight Success,” with Rodney's producer, manager and A&R rep talking about the tremendous ups and downs during Rodney’s long, uphill road to the top of the charts. Attendees will learn why they choose particular songs, what sets one artist apart from another, and how to successfully launch an act in today’s market.

Registration for NSAI members is $50 for either panel or $90 for both. Non-members pay $60 for either or $108 for both.

Capping off the day is a special concert featuring Grammy-winning Blues songwriter/artist Delbert McClinton along with his friends Lee Roy Parnell, Al Anderson and Gary Nicholson. Cost for the 8 p.m. show at Mercy Lounge (1 Cannery Row) is $20. Tickets available at the door. Proceeds benefit the NSAI Legislative Fund for copyright protection.

NSAI Monday, which kicks off the week-long SONGPOSIUM event, features more than 80 classes taught by some of the biggest names in the music industry, as well as nightly concerts at the Bluebird Café showcasing some of Nashville’s best songwriters. For more on NSAI Monday and SONGPOSIUM, go to www.nashvillesongwriters.com  or CLICK HERE .