Nashville songwriters will head to the Big Apple once again to participate in the CMA Songwriters Series at Joe's Pub. The series initiated in 2005 and has become one of New York City's most popular and intimate nights of music. Hosted by hit songwriter Bob DiPiero, the 2009 series will begin Thursday, March 19. Other songwriters performing and sharing the inspiration behind their songs include BMI Songwriter of the Year Casey Beathard, ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Dave Berg, Sarah Buxton and Rivers Rutherford. Additional CMA Songwriters Series performances are scheduled for May 21 with others to be announced soon.
Record executive and producer Tony Brown will be honored with the 2009 Cecil Scaife Visionary Award on March 2 in Nashville. LaRawn Scaife Rhea founded the award in honor of her father. The award is given to an individual each year who, through their life and work, has made it possible for future generations to realize careers in the music industry.
The event will benefit The Cecil Scaife Music Business Scholarship Endowment. During the evening, there will be a silent auction that will include a signed guitar from Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame member James Burton, an autographed hat from George Strait, an autographed fiddle from Charlie Daniels; a guitar signed by Vince Gill and Amy Grant, plus many other items.
The event will benefit The Cecil Scaife Music Business Scholarship Endowment. During the evening, there will be a silent auction that will include a signed guitar from Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame member James Burton, an autographed hat from George Strait, an autographed fiddle from Charlie Daniels; a guitar signed by Vince Gill and Amy Grant, plus many other items.
Walt Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park in Lake Buena Vista, Florida has launched a new attraction, the American Idol Experience. A private party was held last Thursday, February 12, where all the American Idol winners performed and Idol judge Paula Abdul and host Ryan Seacrest demonstrated the new attraction. On hand were Idol winners Carrie Underwood, David Cook, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard and Kelly Clarkson. Underwood sang "All-American Girl" and joined Cook for a duet on Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way."
The American Idol Experience offers you the chance to watch, perform and vote for favorite singers. If your audience votes you the best singer of the day at the finale show, you will receive a Dream Ticket, where if eligible you will have an opportunity to make a reservation to sing in front of an American Idol representative at an actual regional audition of the American Idol TV show. The attraction opened to the public on Saturday, February 14.
The American Idol Experience offers you the chance to watch, perform and vote for favorite singers. If your audience votes you the best singer of the day at the finale show, you will receive a Dream Ticket, where if eligible you will have an opportunity to make a reservation to sing in front of an American Idol representative at an actual regional audition of the American Idol TV show. The attraction opened to the public on Saturday, February 14.
The announcement the music industry has been waiting for has come: a definitive merger agreement between Live Nation and Ticketmaster to create Live Nation Entertainment.
The move combines Live Nation, the world's largest concert promotion firm, with Ticketmaster's industry dominating ticketing company, also bringing into the fold the numerous artist and venue relationships encompassed by both companies. The merger also scuttles one of the most well-known names in live entertainment in Ticketmaster.
According to Billboard, Live Nation and Ticketmaster shareholders will each own approximately 50% of the combined company. According to the announcement, the new company anticipates generating approximately $40 million of operating synergies through the combination of their ticketing, marketing, data centers and back-office functions. The merger agreement was approved by both companies' boards of directors.
The move combines Live Nation, the world's largest concert promotion firm, with Ticketmaster's industry dominating ticketing company, also bringing into the fold the numerous artist and venue relationships encompassed by both companies. The merger also scuttles one of the most well-known names in live entertainment in Ticketmaster.
According to Billboard, Live Nation and Ticketmaster shareholders will each own approximately 50% of the combined company. According to the announcement, the new company anticipates generating approximately $40 million of operating synergies through the combination of their ticketing, marketing, data centers and back-office functions. The merger agreement was approved by both companies' boards of directors.
Music industry veteran James Stroud will bring country music to China and launch an international music and entertainment exchange program this year.
Stroud, who recently returned from China over the New Year's holiday weekend, settled the plans to organize and coordinate a series of concerts to take place at various locations in China. James Stroud, Ronnie Gilley (Ronnie Gilley Entertainment/BamaJam Music & Arts Festival) along with Investors Equity of Nashville, secured an agreement with China to produce a series of concerts and events to be held in both China and the U.S. No artists were named.
During Stroud's early January visit, he was accompanied by the musical trio Lucy Angel; the group performed at the Great Hall Of The People in Tiananmen Square on January 3 before Chinese government officials and more than 280 international dignitaries and ambassadors.
"I was honored and overwhelmed by the gracious welcome, hospitality and friendliness of the Chinese people. They have a genuine love and admiration for American music and entertainment and that was made evident as they enthusiastically embraced the performance," Stroud said. "The reaction solidified our plans...and as far as I know, this series will be a first. We hope it to be the first of many."
The first of the China concert series, officially named 2009 Zhang Jia Jie International Country Music Week, will kick off in May with the first of the series to take place on May 14 in Hunan province.
In addition to country music, the series will feature performances by an international cast.
Stroud and his partners are also in negotiations to host a major concert in the fall at the Bird's Nest/Beijing National Stadium, the structure built to host the 2008 Olympic Games. This final show in 2009 will boast performances by an array of award-winning artists, both American and international, from a variety of music genres.
"We are working diligently with all parties (our partners and China committee members) to not only have great events but establish a strong foundation to substantiate this effort to take this movement of 'unity through music' to other countries," Stroud added.
Stroud, Gilley and partners will produce shows in the U.S. featuring Chinese and American artists. The first cultural exchange concert will take place at Troy University, Troy, Ala. with the date to be announced. "With international affiliate schools in China, Japan, Germany, Korea and more, Troy University is the optimum location to kick-off the exchange concert series," said Stroud.
Stroud is working to host a similar event in Nashville to attract music students and the Music City community. The Chinese committee will bring singers and dancers to the U.S. events. "This not only opens the doors to our community, but to all of America to experience the music and culture of China. Because music is a world language, these mutual, cultural, exchange events will strengthen our overall initiative to establish a successful, long-running relationship through entertainment," Stroud concluded.
Stroud is well known as a producer and record label executive as President of former Nashville labels, Giant and DreamWorks.
Stroud, who recently returned from China over the New Year's holiday weekend, settled the plans to organize and coordinate a series of concerts to take place at various locations in China. James Stroud, Ronnie Gilley (Ronnie Gilley Entertainment/BamaJam Music & Arts Festival) along with Investors Equity of Nashville, secured an agreement with China to produce a series of concerts and events to be held in both China and the U.S. No artists were named.
During Stroud's early January visit, he was accompanied by the musical trio Lucy Angel; the group performed at the Great Hall Of The People in Tiananmen Square on January 3 before Chinese government officials and more than 280 international dignitaries and ambassadors.
"I was honored and overwhelmed by the gracious welcome, hospitality and friendliness of the Chinese people. They have a genuine love and admiration for American music and entertainment and that was made evident as they enthusiastically embraced the performance," Stroud said. "The reaction solidified our plans...and as far as I know, this series will be a first. We hope it to be the first of many."
The first of the China concert series, officially named 2009 Zhang Jia Jie International Country Music Week, will kick off in May with the first of the series to take place on May 14 in Hunan province.
In addition to country music, the series will feature performances by an international cast.
Stroud and his partners are also in negotiations to host a major concert in the fall at the Bird's Nest/Beijing National Stadium, the structure built to host the 2008 Olympic Games. This final show in 2009 will boast performances by an array of award-winning artists, both American and international, from a variety of music genres.
"We are working diligently with all parties (our partners and China committee members) to not only have great events but establish a strong foundation to substantiate this effort to take this movement of 'unity through music' to other countries," Stroud added.
Stroud, Gilley and partners will produce shows in the U.S. featuring Chinese and American artists. The first cultural exchange concert will take place at Troy University, Troy, Ala. with the date to be announced. "With international affiliate schools in China, Japan, Germany, Korea and more, Troy University is the optimum location to kick-off the exchange concert series," said Stroud.
Stroud is working to host a similar event in Nashville to attract music students and the Music City community. The Chinese committee will bring singers and dancers to the U.S. events. "This not only opens the doors to our community, but to all of America to experience the music and culture of China. Because music is a world language, these mutual, cultural, exchange events will strengthen our overall initiative to establish a successful, long-running relationship through entertainment," Stroud concluded.
Stroud is well known as a producer and record label executive as President of former Nashville labels, Giant and DreamWorks.
Billy Powell, the keyboardist for the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died early this morning at his northeast Florida home.
Powell called 911 about 12:55 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 1:52 a.m., said Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett.
Powell, 56, who has a history of heart problems, missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. A heart attack is suspected. Cornett said no autopsy will be performed because Powell's cardiologist will sign the death certificate.
The Jacksonville-based band was formed in 1966 by a group of high school students. Powell first joined Skynyrd in 1972 after serving as the band’s roadie for a year. His keyboard work is featured prominently on the band’s debut album, "Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd," with Billy credited for crafting the intro for their epic anthem “Free Bird.” Lynyrd Skynyrd soon became one of the South's most popular rock groups, with other hits such as "What's Your Name," "Gimme Three Steps" and "Sweet Home Alabama," which reached the Top 10 on the national charts in 1974.
The band was decimated on October 20, 1977, when their chartered plane crashed in a swamp near McComb, MS. Six people were killed -- lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines,his sister, vocalist Cassie Gaines, as well as an assistant road manager, the pilot and co-pilot. Powell was one of the survivors in the crash. Despite suffering injuries including facial lacerations and nearly losing his nose, Gary was the first to be discharged from the hospital and was the only member to attend his bandmates’ funerals.
Two years after the accident, Powell and fellow members Allen Collins, Gary Rossington and Leon Wilkeson formed the Rossington-Collins Band. It broke up in 1982. Powell then reunited with Skynyrd after a decade-long hiatus for some concerts in 1989 where Ronnie Van Zant's youngest brother, Johnny, had taken over as lead vocalist. Powell remained with the band until now.
The band is canceling upcoming shows and directing fans to its Website for tour updates.
Powell called 911 about 12:55 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 1:52 a.m., said Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett.
Powell, 56, who has a history of heart problems, missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. A heart attack is suspected. Cornett said no autopsy will be performed because Powell's cardiologist will sign the death certificate.
The Jacksonville-based band was formed in 1966 by a group of high school students. Powell first joined Skynyrd in 1972 after serving as the band’s roadie for a year. His keyboard work is featured prominently on the band’s debut album, "Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd," with Billy credited for crafting the intro for their epic anthem “Free Bird.” Lynyrd Skynyrd soon became one of the South's most popular rock groups, with other hits such as "What's Your Name," "Gimme Three Steps" and "Sweet Home Alabama," which reached the Top 10 on the national charts in 1974.
The band was decimated on October 20, 1977, when their chartered plane crashed in a swamp near McComb, MS. Six people were killed -- lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines,his sister, vocalist Cassie Gaines, as well as an assistant road manager, the pilot and co-pilot. Powell was one of the survivors in the crash. Despite suffering injuries including facial lacerations and nearly losing his nose, Gary was the first to be discharged from the hospital and was the only member to attend his bandmates’ funerals.
Two years after the accident, Powell and fellow members Allen Collins, Gary Rossington and Leon Wilkeson formed the Rossington-Collins Band. It broke up in 1982. Powell then reunited with Skynyrd after a decade-long hiatus for some concerts in 1989 where Ronnie Van Zant's youngest brother, Johnny, had taken over as lead vocalist. Powell remained with the band until now.
The band is canceling upcoming shows and directing fans to its Website for tour updates.
The 12th Annual CountryAngel's Network Online Charity Auction event is going on now, with items donated from Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and more. Fans can bid on autographed and personalized photos from Faith and Tim, an autographed cowboy hat from George Strait, and a collection of items from Taylor, including an autographed photo, locker poster, pink bandana and a pack of halographic guitar picks.
CountryAngel's Network has chosen Kansas resident, Andy Dalberg, to be their receiving beneficiary for this event. Andy was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and a number of other medical conditions. He will be 14 years old next month and has been wheelchair bound since birth. His family had been using a 1984 van to take Andy to his hospital visits and school. Last month, the 24-year-old vehicle finally gave out, so proceeds from our event will go toward the purchase of a new van so that Andy can continue to make his hospital visits and school.
To bid on the auction items above and to see a complete list of artists and items, visit www.countryangelsnetwork.org.
CountryAngel's Network has chosen Kansas resident, Andy Dalberg, to be their receiving beneficiary for this event. Andy was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and a number of other medical conditions. He will be 14 years old next month and has been wheelchair bound since birth. His family had been using a 1984 van to take Andy to his hospital visits and school. Last month, the 24-year-old vehicle finally gave out, so proceeds from our event will go toward the purchase of a new van so that Andy can continue to make his hospital visits and school.
To bid on the auction items above and to see a complete list of artists and items, visit www.countryangelsnetwork.org.
Fred Migliore, host of FM Odyssey, the long-running nationally syndicated radio show, has released a two CD interview retrospective with the late Dan Fogelberg. Dan passed away from advanced prostate cancer on December 16, 2007 at the age of 56.
During his interview with Dan, Fred engaged Dan in a wonderful, animated conversation about Dan’s first 25 years in the music business. You will hear 13 full-length songs, including "Same Old Lang Syne," "Nether Lands," "The Last Nail," and "Mountains To The Sea," as well as Dan's thoughts on many of those songs.
The special 2 CD Collector’s Edition, titled An Retrospective Interview with Dan Fogelberg, is available for $29.95 at www.fmodyssey.com with $3 from each CD sold going to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in Dan’s name. There's been enormous response to this project! Go to www.fmodyssey.com to see what people are saying!
During his interview with Dan, Fred engaged Dan in a wonderful, animated conversation about Dan’s first 25 years in the music business. You will hear 13 full-length songs, including "Same Old Lang Syne," "Nether Lands," "The Last Nail," and "Mountains To The Sea," as well as Dan's thoughts on many of those songs.
The special 2 CD Collector’s Edition, titled An Retrospective Interview with Dan Fogelberg, is available for $29.95 at www.fmodyssey.com with $3 from each CD sold going to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in Dan’s name. There's been enormous response to this project! Go to www.fmodyssey.com to see what people are saying!
An original master recording of outtakes from Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline sessions has apparently sold on eBay for $30,000. The auction was for the recording itself -- not the rights that would allow it to be commercially released. The one-inch, eight-track analog tape runs for 27 minutes and includes five outtakes of Dylan's hit, "Lay Lady Lay," and an unreleased jam session of "Going Back to Chicago." The recording was made on February 14, 1969 at the Columbia Studio on Nashville's Music Row and has been stored in a New Jersey warehouse for almost 18 years.
On December 16, Harmonix and MTV Games released five downloadable country songs for their Rock Band series in a track pack called Gone Country 1. The songs include Brad Paisley's "Mud on the Tires," Brooks & Dunn's "Hillbilly Deluxe," "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)" by Dierks Bentley, "Sin Wagon" by the Dixie Chicks and Miranda Lambert's "Gunpowder and Lead."
Then in January, Activision will include three country songs in its next round of downloadable content for Guitar Hero World Tour. Brooks & Dunn's "Hillbilly Deluxe," Brad Paisley's "Ticks" and Rascal Flatts' "Me and My Gang" will be available for download on January 8, 2009 as part of the Country Rock Track Pack.
Then in January, Activision will include three country songs in its next round of downloadable content for Guitar Hero World Tour. Brooks & Dunn's "Hillbilly Deluxe," Brad Paisley's "Ticks" and Rascal Flatts' "Me and My Gang" will be available for download on January 8, 2009 as part of the Country Rock Track Pack.
