2014

Country fans heading to Nashville in June for the CMT Music Awards and CMA Music Fest will have the chance to join chart-topping country artist Rodney Atkins for his annual Music City Gives Back concert in downtown Nashville on Tuesday, June 3. Now in its fourth year, the show will feature an all-star lineup of Atkins’ friends including Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch, Josh Thompson and more and will benefit Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School. The event will kick off at 6:00 p.m. CT at 1st Avenue and Broadway and is free to the public. “I am so excited to be part of this event for the fourth year in a row and to have such a great group of artists give their time and talent to help out,” said Atkins. “I’ve always believed that music is a great healer and it’s important to me as an artist to use that platform to give back.” Founded in 1984, W.O. Smith Music School provides music instruction to children from low-income families for the nominal cost of 50 cents per lesson. An all-volunteer teaching artist faculty of 220 gives music lessons to more than 650 students annually. Instruments and all learning materials are loaned to the students at no additional expense.

Winner of the British Country Music Awards 2013 Album of the Year, country singer-songwriter Pete Kennedy is releasing his latest single, “I Am The One,” today. “I Am The One” is the first single off of new record of the same name. The single is already gaining notoriety, earning itself a top spot on the New & Noteworthy section of the iTunes Country page alongside other country greats such as Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts and the case of the hit TV show “Nashville.” The song holds special meaning for Kennedy, as he wrote it while making the move to Nashville from his native home, Ireland. In the song, he doubts whether he can make it in the Nashville music scene, but he pushes the doubt aside, knowing that no matter what, he’ll make it through in the end. Kennedy has made good use of this inner confidence as he’s made the big switch to Nashville. Already a huge success in Ireland and Britain, Nashville is an entirely new challenge for the talented performer, one he’s meeting with characteristic charm and vigor. Kennedy is taking Nashville’s challenges in stride, already becoming a favorite among music lovers. He’s garnering countless friends and fans wherever he goes, proving his trust in himself, as declared in “I Am The One,” is well-merited. A favorite in the United Kingdom, Kennedy has received numerous awards and nominations at the British Country Music Awards, including back-to-back Album of the Year awards for his albums “The Nashville Sessions: Volume 1” and “The Nashville Sessions: Volume 2,” as well as nominations for Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and European Act of the Year. But his accolades aren’t just limited to the United Kingdom. Kennedy is also receiving high praise in Music City, USA. He made his break into the states with being selected for the high honor of performing at the County Music Radio CMR Nashville International Showcase in 2011, and since then he’s gone on to be named an official featured artist during the 2013 CMA Festival. Now that Kennedy is officially located in Nashville, expect a lot of exciting big news about the talented singer. The release of his new single, “I Am The One,” is just the beginning. Kennedy has also recorded a music video for the single, featuring scenes shot in both Ireland and Nashville. The video can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RIW2cyp_18&feature=youtu.be.

Darius will host his fifth annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert in Nashville, TN on June 2nd, and some of the acts scheduled to join him have just recently been announced! Every year it’s a surprise, and this time the reveal is particularly exciting. Clint Black, Eli Young Band, David Nail, Cassadee Pope, Kenny Rogers, Corey Smith and Thompson Square are among some of the names that will take to the stage at the Wildhorse Saloon, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The next day, Darius will be hitting the golf course for his annual Darius and Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament. Colt Ford, JT Hodges, Randy Houser, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley, Dustin Lynch, David Nail, Jon Pardi, Eric Paslay and Thompson Square’s Keifer Thompson are some of the names announced to join him on the course. Both events are sold out, and both events are anticipated to be the best kick off possible for the 2014 CMA Music Fest.

The fifth annual We’re All 4 the Hall concert took place last night. Vince Gill commented on the event’s conception: “I think what killed me early on was finding out how little the artist community did for The Country Music Hall of Fame,” said Gill, himself a Hall of Famer. “This is a Hall of Fame that’s ours. That’s who is in here, these country artists. And come to find out, there wasn’t a whole lot of flag waving and support and chipping in and all that stuff. And I was like, ‘Let’s try and have everybody do their part.’” Keith Urban joined Gill for the annual Nashville concert. The two of them opened the stage for a dozen artists ranging from today’s newest hit makers, including Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves and Brett Eldredge, to its biggest stars like Carrie Underwood, Country Music Hall of Famer Reba McEntire and new inductee Ronnie Milsap. “I remember I went to the first one years ago and I didn’t have anything going on with my music then yet,” said Eldredge, who had his first number one song with ‘Don’t Ya’ last year. “I was still trying to get it all figured out and I remember thinking, ‘It would be so cool to play this event.’ I’m a huge fan of The Country Music Hall of Fame and just the fact this benefits that and country music is the coolest thing in the world. I’m such a nerd for that.” Urban, who handles booking the lineup for the Nashville event, chose Songtellers as the theme this year. As in past years, he wanted something that was multigenerational and that would include artists who were remarkable song interpreters instead of limiting it to artists who are songwriters. “They have to cull through songs and find songs,” he said. “Why did Reba cut ‘Fancy’ or certain songs she’s had over the years? Did she have to fight somebody for them? Did someone else try and cut them? They aren’t necessarily just a story about the writing of the song. I think it will make for an interesting evening.” In the last four years, the event has raised more than $2 million. Museum director Kyle Young said that money goes into the general operating budget, which funds preservation, conservation, exhibitions, school programs and more. Specifically, the money has allowed the institution to more than double the number of programs offered to youths and families and helped the museum position itself for the major expansion and continue to provide free programs to students in Metro Nashville Public Schools.

The 2014 CMA Music Festival will have fans rockin’ on the Riverfront with today’s announcement of performers for the Chevroletâ„¢ Riverfront Stage. The lineup for the free daily concerts is packed with more than 50 artists, from Country Music legends to the brightest up-and-coming stars. CMA Award nominees Big & Rich will officially kick off the Festival when they take the stage on Thursday, June 5 (10:00 AM/CT). This will mark the first time the duo will hit the Riverfront stage together, setting the pace for the music-filled days to follow. “Big & Rich will bring a great energy to the official start of the Festival, and I know our fans will not want to miss their performance,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. Performers scheduled to hit the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage include Frankie Ballard, Big & Rich, Danielle Bradbery, Kristian Bush, Craig Campbell, Jason Michael Carroll, Terri Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dan + Shay, Tyler Farr, Colt Ford, Gloriana, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis, David Nail, Jon Pardi, Parmalee, Eric Paslay, Kellie Pickler, Cassadee Pope, Collin Raye, Chase Rice, Maggie Rose, Corey Smith, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three, The Swon Brothers, Uncle Kracker, Clay Walker, Darryl Worley, Charlie Worsham, and Wynonna. The official lineup was announced via CMA social networks this morning, with a video directed by Ben Boutwell showing Chevrolet vehicles taking Country Music fans to historic locations in downtown Nashville for the reveal. Fans can follow the conversation and share their thoughts on the lineup with #ChevyCMA and view the video here. 2014’s lineup includes six CMA Award winners and 15 CMA Award nominees. Twelve artists will be making their Riverfront debut, including four Festival newcomers, making the daily shows a must-see for attendees during the four-day event, happening Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in downtown Nashville. “This outstanding lineup, paired with the artists performing at the Nightly Concerts at LP Field, represent the best in Country Music from past to present to future,” said Trahern. “The Riverfront shows are always a highlight of CMA Music Festival, and with the caliber of talent, this year is sure to be no exception.” The Chevrolet Riverfront Stage has long been a CMA Music Festival fan favorite, with concerts beginning each day at 10:00 AM/CT in Riverfront Park on the sloping bank of the Cumberland River. The shows are free and open to the public, and one of the most popular attractions at the Festival. Four-day ticket holders are able to enter 45 minutes before the general public. Fans do not need to have tickets to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field to attend concerts at Chevrolet Riverfront Stage. While tickets to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field are sold out, the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is among the numerous other entertainment and music stages, special events, and activities throughout downtown Nashville to enjoy during CMA Music Festival. CMA Music Festival’s newest attraction, AT&T U-verse® Fan Fair X at the Music City Center, features artist performances, celebrity Q&A sessions, and more. Fans can play paparazzi and snap photos of the stars, shop the Fan Fair X Marketplace, and more. Fan Fair X tickets are $10 a day or $25 for four days. Children eight and under are admitted free. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or the CMA Music Festival Box Office by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) (price includes handling fees). Visit CMAfest.com for details. The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience began in 1972 as Fan Fair®, bringing 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. More than 40 years later, the now legendary Festival has become the city’s signature music event. In 2014, CMA Music Festival will host visitors from every state and 21 foreign countries. For all the latest info on CMA Music Festival visit CMAfest.com. To stay connected with CMA visit Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, and Instagram.com/CMA or text FESTIVAL to 66937. CMA Music Festival will once again be filmed for a national television special to air on the ABC Television Network. This is the 11th consecutive year that the event has been filmed for a network television special, a feat no other music festival has achieved. “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” will be executive-produced by Robert Deaton. About Chevrolet: Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at chevrolet.com. CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA. Chevroletâ„¢ is the Official Ride of Country Music. Bud Light is the Official Beer of the CMA Music Festival. Pepsi is the Official Soft Drink of the CMA Music Festival. Bad Boy Buggies are the Official UTV of the CMA Music Festival. www.cmaworld.com

Joe Brown, one of the headline acts scheduled to appear at this year’s Village Pump Folk Festival, has had to withdraw from the bill owing to medical reasons. Speaking this week, Festival Director, John Alderslade, said: “Everyone is disappointed that he won’t be able to play at this year’s Festival but Joe hopes this will be only a postponement and we are all looking forward to seeing him in 2015. He’s a hard performer to replace, so we have gone for a completely different kind of act and we’re delighted to have Peatbog Faeries – one of the top Scottish bands – headlining on the Village Pump Stage on the Friday night. They are great favourites on the Festival circuit and should bring the first night of our festival to a rousing climax.” Peatbog Faeries were nominated as Best Live Act in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2012 and have twice won Best Live Act in the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. With a line-up of fiddle, keyboards, pipes, drums, bass and guitar they combine traditional – sounding Scottish tunes with a hard rock edge, making them the perfect party band so Pump fans should be rocking and reeling the night away. Be a Steward at the Festival For anyone who’d like to get in free and become involved with the Festival, there are still some opportunities to be a steward over the weekend. In return for a few hours’ work each day, you can earn a free weekend ticket, worth £120. Details are on the web-site as below. The Village Pump Folk Festival takes place at the White Horse Country Park, Westbury from July 25 -27.

Fans of Americana music may debate on various topics, but are undoubtedly in agreement regarding one point: The only thing better than a single great musician, is two great musicians. That’s certainly the case with hey Harley, a brand-new collaboration between acclaimed singer-songwriters Lizanne Knott and Bill Reveles whose respective strengths are poised to shine in their configuration as a new powerhouse on the Americana scene. Knott is best known for her award-winning songwriting and infectious, smoky vocals, championed overseas by London’s famed Bob Harris who has been a staunch supporter since first hearing her debut release in early 2002. Reveles has received four songwriting and artist awards, including Best Male Artist at the Southern California Music Awards and Best Adult Contemporary Artist from the prestigious Los Angeles Music Awards. He has over 50 placements in both TV and film including hit series such as ‘Beverly Hills 90210,’ ‘Melrose Place,’ ‘Party Of Five,’ and Paramount Films’ ‘Nobody’s Fool’ starring Paul Newman, Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith, and the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Both artists have multiple solo albums under their belts (Knott’s latest, STANDING IN THE ENGLISH RAIN, earned a spot on the 2013 Top Folk Albums list); and have graced some of the U.K. and U.S.’s most famed stages and festivals; sharing the stage with notable names including Shawn Colvin, Joan Osborne, Jimmy Webb, JD Souther and many others. The newly formed duo plans to release its label (Proper Music Group) debut record at the top of 2015. Radio singles will be available by August before they embark on a fall tour in the U.K. The strength of hey Harley by reputation alone impressed Taylor Guitars enough to offer a coveted artist partnership to the duo for their upcoming treks on the road. The two musicians are planning to relocate from their home bases of Philadelphia (Knott) and Los Angeles (Reveles) to live and work in Nashville’s vibrant artist community, before heading overseas for a six-week run to include England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. That tour will be followed up by appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe; and will include radio and TV appearances with Bob Harris, BBC2 and more.

Several years ago, Stella Parton, envisioned an event that would empower women from all walks of life – with the theme ‘Renew – Restore – Revive’. That dream became reality this month at the DoubleTree Hotel in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The inaugural Stella Parton’s Red Tent Women’s Conference was comprised of a Friday night concert, Saturday speakers and a Sunday brunch. On Friday evening, famed announcer and television host, Keith Bilbrey brought the dazzling and radiant Red Tent Founder/CEO, Stella Parton to the stage where the attendees welcomed her with enthusiasm and appreciation. She proceeded to rock the excited audience with her anthem, “Tell It Sister, Tell It,” which is also the title of her inspirational memoir. Following her dynamic performance, Stella brought to the stage an all-star female band featuring Robin Ruddy (steel guitar/utility), Anita Cochran (guitar/vocals), Nancy Gardner (drums), Michelle Poe (bass/vocals), Catherine Marx (keys), Jonelle Mosser (vocals), and Odessa Settles (vocals). From there, country torch singer, Mandy Barnett charmed the crowd; after which, Stella welcomed her sister and keynote speaker, Dolly Parton, to the stage. After Dolly’s rousing performance and keynote address, Stella rejoined Dolly on stage along with their sisters, Rachel and Laura as well as niece, Hannah to perform a song co-penned by Stella and Dolly entitled “More Power To Ya.” That was only the beginning with Saturday featuring renowned speakers Patricia R. Miller (Vera Bradley), Genie James, Sherry Deutschmann (LetterLogic), Kate O’Neill, Julee Jones, Marcela Gomez, Lisa Quigley, Shayna Humphrey, Pat Shea, Gretchen Peters, and Chef Margot McCormack. These illustrious and successful women shared their personal experiences with messages geared toward inspiring other women. A diverse group, the lecturers covered a range of topics from business, politics, and finance to entertainment and spirituality. The celebration ended with a beautiful and delicious Easter Sunday brunch. Stella addressed the audience with sincerity and appreciation – inviting all back for the next Red Tent Women’s Conference, for which plans have already begun. “The weekend was magical,” Stella comments. “This event was a dream come true for me and to see and hear how this conference impacted women makes all the struggles to get here worthwhile. Plus having the support of my family means the world to me. It truly was a weekend to Renew – Restore – Revive!”

Act now and save up to $200 off walk up prices at. Americanafest 2014. Early bird rates are available now! Register now for the Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, presented by Nissan. Each year, the Americana Music Festival & Conference features over 100 artists, bringing together legends and the next generation of rising stars for four days of music and education. Artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, The Avett Brothers, Amos Lee, The Civil Wars and more have graced the Americana Festival stages, making it both the critics’ darling and the place where artists want to be. The event brings together thousands of fans and music business professionals from all over the world in Nashville, TN. Nearly 50 panels and daytime events feature some of the industries brightest minds in one of the nation’s most comprehensive and diverse music conferences. With planning already underway, the 2014 Americana Music Festival & Conference promises to once again be the must-attend event for anyone with a passion for music. Registration includes access to all daytime conference activities, all evening festival showcases and one ticket to the critically acclaimed Americana Honours & Awards Show at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Please note – Awards show tickets are available to conference registrants only.

Country music star Josh Turner, who has sold more than five million albums and entertained fans with sold-out shows across the nation, will release his first book, ‘Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family, and Fatherhood’, April 29, 2014. The book is centered on his Christian faith, with Turner telling stories and revealing lessons learned throughout his life as a father, husband, son, brother, and friend. ‘Man Stuff’, featuring a forward written by “Duck Dynasty” star Jase Robertson, is published by Thomas Nelson, an imprint of Harper Collins Christian Publishing. MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner is one of country music’s most successful artists. With a rich, deep voice and unique style, Turner is a double-platinum-selling singer/songwriter and a disciple of traditional country music, a mentor to up-and-coming artists —and one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry. From his 2003 Platinum-selling debut Long Black Train to his most recent 2012 Billboard No. 1 release Punching Bag, Turner has received six Inspirational Country Music Awards and garnered multiple GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM nominations. Turner’s hits include ‘Time Is Love,’ ‘Why Don’t We Just Dance,’ ‘Firecracker’ and ‘Would You Go with Me’. This year Turner added author to his list of accomplishments. His first book, Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family and Fatherhood comes out April 29, 2014 and his sixth studio album is expected to follow later this year. The Hannah, S.C. native has been songwriting and performing since he was a young child, and in support of music education, created The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund to assist students interested in pursuing a future in arts and music.