Category Archives: Nashville

Dates Announced for 2017 Kruger Brothers Music Academy

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Registration is Open for 6th Annual Kruger Brothers Music Academy Acoustic Players Learn from the Masters Nashville, TENN —  Dates have been announced and registration is now open for the 2017 Kruger Brothers Music Academy, an intensive and inspiring e Registration is Open for 6th Annual Kruger Brothers Music Academy Acoustic Players Learn from the Masters Nashville, TENN — Dates have been announced and registration is now open for the 2017 Kruger Brothers Music Academy, an intensive and inspiring educational weekend for acoustic music players of all levels, beginner to advanced. Now in its 6th year, this very exclusive event offers masterclass instruction in banjo, guitar and bass by the internationally renowned Kruger Brothers. This year, the trio will be joined by The Kontras Quartet, bringing excellence in violin/fiddle, viola and cello to the academy offerings. The Kruger Brothers Music Academy will be held from the evening of Thursday, May 4 and continuing through midday Sunday, May 7, 2017. The annual event is a truly unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in musical discussion, instruction, and collaboration in a fun workshop environment. The program is conveniently held at the Wilkesboro Holiday Inn Express in North Carolina, allowing participants to enjoy meals, lodging, instructional and jam sessions plus interaction among participants and artist presenters, all under one roof. The Kruger Brothers entertain and uplift audiences throughout the world, but agree that sharing the academy experience with acoustic musicians is a highlight of their musical year. “We love to welcome friends old and new to our hoetown for this annual event,” says Jens Kruger. “It is a very special experience.” The Kruger Brothers Music Academy highlights the music of the Kruger Brothers and their extraordinary abilities as caring teachers and mentors. The camp offers classes focused on technique and theory, plus a variety of fun activities, including late-night jam sessions. The program is designed primarily for adult participants. Attendance is limited. ATTENDING THE 2017 MUSIC ACADEMY OFFERS: An opportunity for classical and folk musicians to meet in Wilkesboro, the heart of American Folk Music, and to participate in the merging of the musical world of both genres. A unique, one-of-a-kind musical workshop: three full days and four nights of classes, jamming and sharing with like-minded music lovers. Individual instrument classes in guitar, banjo, bass (upright and bass guitar), viola, celllo and violin. A discovery of the unity of the musical world through illuminating workshops, group discussions, jam sessions, targeted lectures and concerts. An understanding of, and appreciation for, music on a deeper level. A shared insight into the inner workings of the “emotional language” of music. An opportunity for participants to perform at the Academy “Night of Stars” on Saturday evening. The opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. THE KRUGER BROTHERS ACADEMY Thursday, May 4 through Sunday, May 7, 2017 Holiday Inn Express Wilkesboro 1700 Winkler Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 RATES & REGISTRATION: Full Academy attendance including meals and three nights at the Holiday Inn Express – $985 Full Continue reading Dates Announced for 2017 Kruger Brothers Music Academy→

TIN PAN SOUTH SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL 2017

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The popular Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival turns 25 next year, and dates have been set for March 28-April 1, 2017. Regions Bank returns for the tenth year as the presenting sponsor of the event. In addition, the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade association Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) turns 50, and the NSAI-owned Bluebird Cafe celebrates 35 years of providing an iconic stage for songwriters next year.Produced by NSAI, Tin Pan South reigns as the world’s largest all-songwriter festival. This year, over 350 talented songwriters performed 92 shows at 10 of Nashville’s top music venues. Thousands of music fans attend the event annually to hear writers tell stories behind hit songs they have written and perform those songs as they were originally composed. Stay tuned to tinpansouth.com in the coming months for information about venues, lineups, the popular Fast Access Passes and more. About NSAI: The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization. Established in 1967, the membership of more than 5,000 spans the United States and 10 foreign countries. For almost 50 years, NSAI has been dedicated to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music. For more information, visit nashvillesongwriters.com. About Regions Financial Corporation: Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $125 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, mortgage, and insurance products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,600 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.  

The Cleverlys Sign with Moonstruck Management

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Moonstruck Management is excited to announce they have signed The Cleverlys to the agency. Their one-of-a-kind comedy/music blend can only be described as a “GrassHipPop Fushion” with hilarious covers from “Gangnam Style” to Beck’s “Loser” taking them to some of the hottest stages around the country. “We are so excited to partner with Moonstruck! Josh has been stalking us for a while now, and I noticed his hard work and dedication to his stable. Even at gun point I can feel the love. This is going to be an amazing kidnapping…I mean partnership,” said Digger Cleverly. Rolling Stone Magazine says Digger’s “out-of-date eyeglasses are as thick as his hillbilly accent, but whose comic sensibilities are a hilariously off-kilter hybrid of Homer & Jethro and The Office.” The publication highlighted The Cleverlys’ “uncaged cover of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ‘By the Way‘ from their latest six-song EP, Cash Crop, released on the Average Joes Entertainment label and produced by Noah Gordon. Cash Crop is available now on iTunes. Digger is joined by his faux-family band are all accomplished musicians, their influences include Bill Monroe, Tony Rice, Public Enemy and Mott the Hoople. As heard from their previous releases, Cash Crop showcases the group’s ability to put a bluegrass spin on cover songs from any genre. The genius arrangements of covers by Digger Cleverly has created incredible viral success with millions of views. “I have been a fan of The Cleverly’s for the last 4-5 years. Their stage show is one of the most entertaining and well-crafted shows in music today,” said Josh Trivett. “I booked them for the 2016 Huck Finn Festival in California that Moonstruck Management was organizing. Once again, we watched them wow a crowd like no other band. I was so excited when Digger called me back in September and couldn’t be more excited about the future.” Moonstruck Management will soon announce The Cleverlys’ 2017 tour schedule, so be sure to sign up for news at TheCleverlys.com. Also please join them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel because you seriously can’t begin to know what’s coming next!  

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS SIGNS WITH ENTOURAGE MANAGEMENT

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SPEARS AND TEAM CELEBRATE BMI AND NSAI  AWARDS FOR SONGSTRESS Nashville, TN — November 10, 2016 — Ontourage Management is proud to announce the signing of new management client Jamie Lynn Spears.  The Louisiana based singer-songwriter added several accolades to her resume in recent weeks, winning two awards for “I Got The Boy” recorded by Jana Kramer; including a BMI Award as well as NSAI’s “Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written.”  She shared the BMI Award and NSAI Award with co-writers Connie Harrington and Tim Nichols. Ontourage Management President Tony Conway said, “Our team at Ontourage is extremely proud to represent Jamie Lynn Spears for management.  Her devotion to songwriting and country music is as real as it gets.  We, as well as her team are already at work on her soon to be announced projects, that are exciting and fresh.” Katie Weaver of Ontourage Management added, “Jamie Lynn Spears is a force to be reckoned with and well on her way to making a major footprint in Country Music. We are thrilled about this partnership and the success her future holds as she continues to accomplish her goals.” Last week, Jamie Lynn was honored to be inducted into the CMT’s Next Women of Country Franchise 2017. In addition to the ceremony, she hosted the AT&T Red Carpet Live for the 50th Annual CMA Awards along with Bobby Bones and Brett Young. She topped the week off on Friday with a performance on The Grand Ole Opry in the Ryman Auditorium. With a week full of visibility and praise for her songwriting, Jamie Lynn Spears and her team are off to a great start.  Spears will continue to focus on her songwriting through the year’s end and will be announcing her new projects as an artist in early 2017. For more information log onto: www.jamielynnspears.com www.conwayent.com/ontourage/jamie-lynn-spears  

LITTLE BIG TOWN ANNOUNCE FIRST EVER RYMAN RESIDENCY: “LITTLE BIG TOWN AT THE MOTHER CHURCH”

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“LITTLE BIG TOWN AT THE MOTHER CHURCH” Iconic Venue Heading Into Quasquicentennial Celebrations NASHVILLE, TN (NOV. 1, 2016) –From the stage of Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, Little Big Town, along with Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and Ryman Auditorium General Manager Sally Williams, announced this morning their upcoming “Little Big Town at the Mother Church” residency.  The first ever Ryman residency, slated for six nights in 2017, will kick-off on February 24 during Country Radio Seminar week.  The date will coincide with the release of the Grammy-winning band’s seventh studio album entitled, The Breaker.  Additional dates scheduled for the residency are February 25, May 19 & 20 and September 15 & 16. The opener for the February 24 show will be Brent Cobb and February 25 will be Ashley Monroe. Tickets and special two-day packages for all shows will go on sale Friday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m.via ticketmaster.com and ryman.com and will be available online only. Tickets for the concerts will be $90.50, $60.50 and $50.50. Each ticket purchased to see Little Big Town at the Ryman includes one (1) physical album of Little Big Town’s new album, The Breaker, scheduled to be released on February 24, 2017. Also on Friday, CID Entertainment will offer additional VIP experiences. For full details, visit bit.ly/2e5PIws. “Little Big Town at the Mother Church” will see the Grand Ole Opry members return to the historic Ryman, where they first graced the storied stage in 2005.  Each of the six shows will feature different support acts and surprise special guests.  Known for their progressive partnerships, expect the unexpected from these upcoming shows. With no other headlining tour currently scheduled, “Little Big Town at the Mother Church” will account for a large portion of the foursome’s touring plans in North America in 2017. These limited live dates are not to be missed.  “As musicians, there is no better feeling in the world than playing on the stage at the Ryman,” said Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook.  “To be given the opportunity to headline their first residency means so much to us as a band and we promise to make each night as memorable for the fans as possible.” “To launch our 125th-anniversary celebration we wanted to do something new – a Ryman residency,” said Williams. “Little Big Town consistently bring to the table fresh, exciting creations. ‘Little Big Town at the Mother Church’ will be no exception.  We’re honored to celebrate this major milestone with them and to cement their place in Ryman history moving forward.” In addition to the residency, Little Big Town announced the release of their seventh studio album, The Breaker (Capitol Records Nashville), available in stores February 24.  The album, produced by Jay Joyce, features lead single, “Better Man,” written by Taylor Swift, and is currently climbing the charts at radio. The video for “Better Man,” directed by Becky Fluke and Reid Long, premieres worldwide today.  To view the video click here: http://vevo.ly/2JlWhh. “The Breaker is about letting go of things that break you, it’s about the new Continue reading LITTLE BIG TOWN ANNOUNCE FIRST EVER RYMAN RESIDENCY: “LITTLE BIG TOWN AT THE MOTHER CHURCH”→

Joe Diffie Signs With Silverado Records

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SILVERADO RECORDS ADDS COUNTRY MUSIC ICON, GRAMMY & ACM AWARD-WINNING ARTIST JOE DIFFIE TO CLIENT LINE-UP Rising independent label Silverado Records is proud to announce the signing of country music icon, ACM and Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum selling artist Joe Diffie to their roster. “Working with Joe Diffie is a true honor,” said Silverado Founder and CEO, Scott Thomas. “There isn’t a Silverado team member who isn’t already a huge Joe Diffie fan, and working with Joe on new music is something that we’re all extremely excited about.” With 13 albums, more than 20 top ten singles and 12 number one tracks to his name, Diffie is best known for his smash hits, “Third Rock from The Sun,” “Ships That Don’t Come In,” and “John Deere Green.” He is a recognized artist of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and has been a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 20 years. Diffie has signed a multi-project deal with Silverado. “Working with an iconic artist like Joe starts to put into perspective the mission we have here at Silverado Records to build a label that’s steeped in equal parts traditional country music, and also country music that leans new or different,” said Thomas. Diffie is currently working on his Silverado debut with renowned songwriter and producer Phil “Philbilly” O’Donnell, who has myriad credits with country music mainstays like Blake Shelton, Craig Morgan, George Strait, Trace Adkins and Clint Black. The project is slated for release in 2017. “I’ve been hanging on to some really great songs for a while, so when Scott invited me to release them on Silverado Records, it was a motivator for me to record them,” said Diffie. “I’m looking forward to sharing them with my fans real soon.” The pair previously teamed up for Diffie’s most recent single “Girl Ridin’ Shotgun” the video for which has amassed nearly 10 million YouTube views, and features cameo appearances from superstars like Shelton, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Lee Brice, McGraw and Keith Urban. About Silverado Records: Launched earlier this year, Silverado Records hosts offices in Nashville and Las Vegas and has become a haven for established and rising country artists hoping to carve their own path in the music industry. Founder and CEO Scott Thomas, a serial entrepreneur and entertainment industry veteran, is also the CEO of Silverado’s parent company, Exegan Music Group, which owns or controls more than a dozen other record label catalogs. The first half of his career was rooted in the radio business, as a radio DJ, production manager, and program director before co-founding Zeo Radio Networks in Denver. Thomas moved to the record side in 2008 with the launch of Jake Records. Thomas is joined on the Silverado Records team by accomplished industry professionals with storied careers at landmark labels and organizations. A&R Director Aaron Chesling formerly served as Logistics Coordinator for Big Machine Records and Heather Cramsie serves as the Marketing Director after a successful run as the Director of Southeast Promotion at Sidewalk Continue reading Joe Diffie Signs With Silverado Records→

Charlie Monk, The "Mayor of Music Row", Celebrates 60 Years in Show Biz

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Nashville Industry Vet’s Hometown of Geneva, Alabama Unveils “Charlie Monk Lane” Nashville, Tenn. (October 17, 2016) – If you work in the Nashville music business and don’t know the name Charlie Monk, you probably haven’t been around very long.  After all, he is the “Mayor of Music Row.”  This year, Monk is celebrating six decades of blood, sweat and tears in show business. “When I started out in 1956, I wanted to be a radio or TV star or maybe an actor,” recalls Monk.  “I found out when I moved to Music City that I was a lot better at nurturing other talented people which got me into the management, publishing and production side of music.  I’m proud that I have made a good living for my family, had a lot of fun hanging with super talented folks and doing a lot of different things in the entertainment world.” Monk recently attended his 60th high school class reunion in his hometown of Geneva, Alabama.  During his visit, the town presented him with his very own roadway, “Charlie Monk Lane.” “Everybody in Geneva, Alabama, population 4,500, knew that I was the poorest kid in town but they knew that I was a hard worker and many of them gave me jobs and encouragement,” he says.  “It took a village to raise me. I am unbelievably honored with this recognition and thank the mayor and city council for having the ceremony during a reunion of my 1957 high school graduating class. ‘CHARLIE MONK LANE’… that’s pretty cool.” Charlie Monk may know everyone working in Nashville’s music community. Outside of that community, Monk may very well be Nashville’s most influential unknown. Whether entertaining America on his daily SiriusXM radio show, managing Monk Family Music or hosting a major music event, he is honest and frank in everything he does. It’s his unique personality, combined with 60 years experience in show business, that has made Monk one of the most respected executives on Music Row. Through the years, Monk has developed strong instincts. In 1983, for example, Monk signed a young singer/songwriter named Randy Traywick — now known as Randy Travis. He signed Kenny Chesney to his first songwriting deal and negotiated his first record contract with Capricorn Records. Songwriters Monk has signed “off the street” include Marcus Hummon, Holly Dunn, Jim McBride, Keith Stegall, Aaron Tippin and Philip Douglas. Monk Family Music Group published songs have been recorded by Travis, Tippin, Led Zeppelin,  Lonestar, Reba, LeAnn Rimes, Tracy Lawrence, The Mavericks, Cheap Trick, Kenny Rogers, Sandi Patti, Glen Campbell, Otis Redding, Louise Mandrell, Trick Pony, Carolina Rain, Ike & Tina Turner, Jeff Treece, and John Michael Montgomery. Monk’s entertainment career began in 1956, sweeping floors at WGEA in Geneva, Alabama. He landed a weekend air shift at the station and remained throughout his high school years. While attending Troy University, Monk worked a full-time shift on WTBF radio. He later moved to Mobile to join the staff at WKRG radio and television. He was often called upon to work the Continue reading Charlie Monk, The "Mayor of Music Row", Celebrates 60 Years in Show Biz→

Round Hill Music enters into asset purchase agreement w/ Hall of Fame Songwriter, Bob DiPiero

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Round Hill Music enters into an asset purchase agreement with Hall of Fame Songwriter, Bob DiPiero   Round Hill Music has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Hall of Fame Songwriter Bob DiPiero.  DiPiero has been responsible for an uninterrupted string of country music hits. One of Nashville’s most prolific and consistent songwriters, Bob possesses a humble drive to keep learning and stay relevant. He has had over 1,000 songs recorded by other artists, countless hit singles, and an astounding 15 #1 hits. His songs have been featured in TV shows, commercials and movies. In 2011 his song “Coming Home” from the Country Strong movie soundtrack was nominated for both an Oscar and Golden Globe Award for “Best Original Song in a Motion Picture.” “I am so excited that Round Hill has purchased Love Monkey Music’s Bob DiPiero catalog.  It contains many of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member’s greatest hits in addition to the brand new single “Boys Like You” by Fancy, feat. Ariana Grande and Megan Trainer.  It will be a blast to work with Bob and Leslie to exploit the many undiscovered gems that lie in this important catalog.”- Mark Brown, VP&GM Round Hill Music, Nashville L-R: Mike Milom – attorney; Bob DiPiero; Mark Brown – Round Hill Music – VP&GM, Nashville; Matthew Beckett – attorney Among his other countless awards are 50 BMI Million-Air honors, multiple Songwriter of the Year awards and 2 consecutive Triple Play awards for 3 #1 songs within a 12 month period. Bob is the originator of the CMA Songwriters Series and has served as its Host for 10 years, bringing Nashville’s finest songwriters and artists throughout the United St ates and overseas to Belfast, Dublin, London and Paris. In 2007, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and Nashville’s Walk of Fame. About Round Hill Music: Headquartered in New York with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville, Round Hill Music was founded by Josh Gruss in 2010 in partnership with Richard Rowe and Neil Gillis, as a boutique-sized music publisher offering high-to uch administration and creative services to its songwriters. Since then, Round Hill Music has built an extensive catalog of music recorded and performed by the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Bon Jovi, Steve Perry, Louis Armstrong, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Def Leppard, Carrie Underwood, Backstreet Boys, Aerosmith, Buckcherry, Mötley Crüe, Daughtry, Gavin Rossdale, Michael Bolton, Percy Sledge, Katy Perry, and American Authors.  Round Hill has also signed exclusive publishing deals and joint partnerships with a number of established music companies including record label Mexican Summer, licensing company Bosshouse Music as well as Big Loud Shirt Industries, Big Loud Bucks, and Feel Music Group, and also provides a high level of service to their songwriters and producers including Marti Frederiksen (Mick Jagger, Def Leppard, Pink, Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood), s inger/songwriter Wade Kirby (Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, George Straight), and singer/songwriter Tatu (Eve, DJ Headhunterz). Songs in the company’s Continue reading Round Hill Music enters into asset purchase agreement w/ Hall of Fame Songwriter, Bob DiPiero→

Bob Woods gives Impromptu Impresario Performance at 80

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Sometimes we have to step out of the mainstream and just enjoy music for the sake of music. That’s definitely the case with this fantastic and fun video featuring 80-year old guitar picker Bob Woods, who wowed music shop customers and staff in the British Audio Service shop in Nashville, TN with his sweet sweet licks. The video may be a year old by now, but still deserves a lot more recognition than it’s gotten so far! Cheers to you Bob!

Dwight Yoakam To Headline Ryman Auditorium

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Dwight Yoakam To Perform At The Ryman Auditorium For The First Time In Years. Dwight Yoakam will have his first performance at the Ryman Auditorium since 2005, on April 12, 2013. Yoakam is currently touring in support of his 2012 album, 3 Pears. “The Ryman is one of a handful of places in the world, that from the moment you step inside, you can feel that you have entered a hallowed chamber occupied by the essence of the great.” -Yoakam 3 Pears has been named one of 2012’s most critically acclaimed country albums. The Lone Bellow is set to open for Yoakam that night.