Jessica Harp Marries In Intimate Ceremony
NASHVILLE – Jessica Harp, one-half of Country Music duo The Wreckers, married violinist and band mate Jason Mowery today in Downtown Franklin, Tenn. at CJ’s Off The Square, a local art gallery.
"Growing up you and your girlfriends talk about getting married, who you will marry, the kind of wedding you want -- today exceeded all of my expectations," said Harp. "Jason and I feel incredibly lucky to have such amazing family and friends to share this wonderful moment with."
The couple chose to keep the nuptials intimate by inviting their family and closest friends. A multitude of candles and special lighting illuminated the ceremony, while flowers were kept simple. Chocolate and aqua were the bride’s colors of choice for the occasion. As a special touch, the couple had guests supply a list of their favorite songs to be played at the reception, also held at CJ’s.
Harp along with Michelle Branch as The Wreckers released their debut album Stand Still Look Pretty in May 2006. The album debuted at #4 on the Top Country Album charts and had three singles in the Country Top 40 chart, including “Leave The Pieces, “My Oh My” and “Tennessee.” In 2006, The Wreckers were the first duo to reach #1 with their debut single, "Leave the Pieces," since Brooks & Dunn in 1991 and the first female duo to reach #1 with their debut single in over 53 years. In December 2007, they released the live CD/DVD Way Back Home: Live From New York, which was recorded during a sold-out show at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on July 13, 2007. In late 2007, both Harp and Branch announced they would release solo albums on Warner Bros. Records in the coming months.
IEBA Names Tiffany Davis New Executive Director
Nashville, TN – Nashville, TN- International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) has hired Tiffany Davis as executive director. Davis comes to IEBA after serving five years as director of membership programs and creative services for the Academy of Country Music. There, she doubled the ACM's professional membership and increased associate membership to more than 60,000. Davis also brings five years' experience in live entertainment production as an assistant production manager for Davis Entertainment, which produces the concert series for Rodeo Houston, among other events. Davis can be reached at tiffany.davis@ieba.org.
"I am honored and excited to have been selected as IEBA's executive director," says Davis. "IEBA has a proud legacy, and I look forward to working closely with members, the board of directors and the industry at large with the aim of growing the organization and keeping its future bright."
"IEBA is indeed fortunate to have secured someone with Tiffany's credentials to lead the organization forward," declares IEBA President Carey Harveycutter. "With her talent, vision and enthusiasm, I am certain Tiffany will be instrumental in taking IEBA to the next level."
IEBA's team also includes Keith Britt, marketing director. Britt oversees marketing, advertising, sales, publicity, promotional activities and sponsorship programs. Before joining IEBA, Keith served as VP of marketing for luxury home furnishings brand John-Richard and worked as director of communications for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Britt's experience also includes work as vice president of public relations for The Buntin Group and group director for Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence. He has managed clients such as Education Excellence for Florida (former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham), Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, High Five Entertainment, Boyd Gaming, and Clint Eastwood's golf apparel line Tehama. Britt can be reached at keith.britt@ieba.org.
IEBA is a not-for-profit association formed to professionally promote and develop all forms of entertainment for the public, to cultivate acquaintance and communications among entities who buy and utilize entertainment talent, to circulate information of value to members and the public as to develop more frequent and efficient use of such talents, to develop and maintain liaison with local, national and international organizations in allied fields and to provide such other related services which promote the advancement of the Association.
Amber Rhodes Partners With NetFlix In Valentine's Day Promotion
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Amber Rhodes (Stray Dog Music), who released her debut single "So Long Goodbye" to country radio in September 2007, and Netflix have joined together to launch a new radio contest "for-singles-only."
“So Long Goodbye,” is a spunky, could-care-less, letting-go song featuring mandolin and fiddle licks, whimsical vocals [with “woo-oohs” and “yeah-yeahs” reminiscent of the Beatles] and a Go-Go’s finish that has been unanimously dubbed as one of the "happiest break-up songs of the year." Celebrating love lost, Amber is inviting all single persons to participate in a special Valentine's Day Promotion "for-singles-only." The radio promotion recognizes the joys of being single on Valentine's Day. Callers will be encouraged to phone into participating radio stations with their happiest break-up story--a break-up with a happy ending--or a "glad to be single" story. The single with the best tale will contend for a grand prize pack that includes a 3-month unlimited movie rental package from Netflix and an autographed Amber Rhodes CD sampler, including the single “So Long Goodbye.”
Amber Rhodes’ “Valentine’s Day for Singles” promotion is a part of Netflix’ new Say It With Movies campaign. The company has teamed up with movie/relationship expert Bev West (co-author of the “Cinematherapy” series) to create a list of great Valentine's movie options for individuals in various stages of a relationship. The list can be found at www.netflix.com/valentines during the week leading up to the holiday.
Amber Rhodes’ single, “So Long Goodbye,” (co-written with Hugh Colocott and produced by Axel Niehaus and Erik Steinert--Stray Dog Music) is currently airing on more than 140 country radio stations across the nation; moving up to No. 49 on the Music Row chart last week.
The national radio promotion is being produced by GrassRoots Promotion (Nashville) and Stray Dog Music.
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Named Entertainer Of The Year
Nashville, TN – The Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Awards were held last night at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, TN and the New Queen of Bluegrass and her very talented band members were honored with many prestigious awards.
“It was an especially exciting night because it was Kenny’s first Banjo Player of the Year Award,” said Rhonda Vincent. “He’s been my own Banjo Player of the Year for quite a while. It was also wonderful to see Kenny and Hunter awarded for all their hard work. It was thrilling!”
The group won in the following categories:
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage- Entertainer of the Year
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage- Vocal Group of the Year
Rhonda Vincent- Female Vocalist of the Year
Hunter Berry- Fiddle Player of the Year
Mickey Harris- Bass Player of the Year
Kenny Ingram- Banjo Player of the Year
Rhonda’s latest album, Good Thing Going is the #1 Album on Billboard’s Bluegrass Chart for the third consecutive week since its debut. Her first single, “I’m Leavin”, has garnered the # 1 spot on the Sirius Satellite Radio Countdown for the third week as well.
Rhonda & The Rage are also burning up your television airwaves with upcoming appearances on Fox & Friends (airing February 17th), GAC’s Master Series with Bill Cody (airing February 3rd), and The Crook & Chase Show (airing February 7th). Check local listings for airtimes.
Doug Stone Lends His Support At Jack Hanna Gala Fundraiser
Nashville, Tennessee – TNT/Progression Music Group recording artist, Doug Stone recently appeared at Jack Hanna's gala fundraiser benefitting the Georgia Rehabilitation of Wildlife (GROW) Hospital and Clinical Research Center in Atlanta, Georgia. At the event, Hanna purchased Stone's autographed guitar, which he donated for the event's silent auction. Stone just released his 11th album, My Turn in September 2007. The album features his current single "She Always Gets What She Wants."
Eddie P. Briley Releases Debut Single, 'Daddy's Girl'
Nashville, TN – Eddie P. Briley has released the single, “Daddy’s Girl,” on Signature/Aspirion/Quarterback Records. It is the debut song from his forthcoming CD, Briley-fied, and goes for adds at Country radio on Feb. 11.
“Daddy’s Girl,” written by Briley, is a powerful ballad about the longing of a child to have the love of her father. It is especially dear to Briley; his inspiration for the song was his daughter, Aubrie-elle, who - unlike the girl in the song - is the apple of her daddy’s eye. “I am so grateful that I have been there for my little girl,” Briley states. “I feel like there are a lot of people who can relate to ‘Daddy’s Girl.’ It strikes a chord with fans everywhere I go.”
Briley is indeed making quite an impression with fans – his MySpace page has logged over 1.7 million views to date, and his official website traffic is nearing the 1 million visitor mark. In addition, the video for “Daddy’s Girl” is making new fans for Briley at YouTube, Y’all Wire, and other outlets.
The country music industry is finding that Briley is a force to be reckoned with. He recently debuted “Daddy’s Girl” and other songs from Briley-fied to a packed house at Nashville’s famed Wildhorse Saloon. Briley’s first concert in Music City was a major highlight in his career so far. When interviewed backstage after the show by television media – the Florida native exclaimed, “I love it here in Nashville! I hope to be spending a lot more time here in the future!”
Fans Clamor For Tickets To 2008 CMA Music Festival
NASHVILLE - CMA Music Festival is the ultimate destination for music lovers. Four days, 35 hours of autograph signings, 100 hours of live music, 400 Country Music artists and celebrities, and more than 191,000 fans add up to one major musical philanthropic event: 2008 CMA Music Festival, held Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville.
"I describe CMA Music Festival to those who have never been as 'spring break' for adults," said Karyn Tomaski of Palm Harbor, Fla. "CMA Music Festival was, without a doubt, our best vacation experience. Can't wait for June!"
Dubbed the "crown jewel" of Country Music festivals by USA Today, CMA Music Festival builds on the reputation of Fan Fair®, which was created exclusively for the fans in 1972. And 37 years later, the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA Music Festival.
"My two sisters and I have travelled from Ireland to Nashville for the last five years and always have a great time at the CMA Music Festival," said Barbara Purcell of Dublin. "It is brilliant to see all of the artists perform at the same venue. In 2007, we brought more friends with us. They enjoyed the whole experience and are planning a return trip. We will be back!"
Each June, the artists take time out of their busy touring schedules to perform for free, meet fans, sign autographs, and pose for photos as a way of giving back to the people and community that have supported them throughout the year. Half the net proceeds from the Festival are donated on behalf of the artists to CMA's charity campaign "Keep the Music Playing." The program supports music education in Metro Nashville's 136 public schools through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education (NAPE). To date, CMA has donated more than $1 million to purchase equipment and instruments to meet the music education needs of the county's 75,000 public school students.
"CMA Music Festival is a unique experience that could only take place in Nashville," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Thousands of people come to Music City from around the globe to hear the music that made our city famous and interact with the artists who create it through autograph signings and one-of-a-kind events. We welcome these fans of America's music to Nashville's signature music event."
"CMA Music Festival is truly the best time anyone could ever have!" said Susan Thompson, of New Berlin, Ill. "The town of Nashville itself is a huge highlight of the Festival. The atmosphere is unlike any other town. The locals are great and welcome you in. There is so much to do outside of the concerts - great food, great shopping, and great sightseeing."
The 2007 CMA Music Festival generated $21 million in direct visitor spending for the city, according to the Nashville Visitors and Convention Bureau (NCVB). Since moving the Festival to Downtown in 2001, visitor spending has increased from $15.5 million to the current $21 million.
"A world-class music festival in the world's 'Music City' - what could be more perfect?" asked Butch Spyridon, President of the NCVB. "The event is truly the highlight of the year and the $21 million in visitor spending is icing on the cake."
Following the record-setting aggregate attendance of 191,000 in 2007, tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are selling at a brisk pace - 14 percent ahead of last year and 38 percent ahead of tickets sold by this date in 2006.
"It speaks to the strength of the event and the popularity of Nashville as a tourist destination that our sales are outpacing each previous year," said Genovese. "We are poised to have another very successful year."
CMA Music Festival fans are dedicated and they don't mind telling their friends and families.
"I have attended CMA Music Festival every year since 2003," said Joyce Spicer of West Bath, Maine. "The first year I went alone. The following year my husband had to go to witness for himself all of the excitement that I had tried to convey to him. We have attended every year since. Last year, my children went and love it every bit as much as we do. We will be back this year with bells on - well, at least sun screen on!"
Tracie Molter of Waterford, Mich., made new friends from Florida at CMA Music Festival in 2006. "Not only do you meet celebrities, but you meet and make friends that you will have for a lifetime."
CMA Music Festival is about the fans and their relationship to both the artists and the music they love. Four days filled with activities and events, building up to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field with state-of-the-art production and heart-pounding entertainment, the fan-favorite CMA Music Festival Photo Line, and giant video screens showcasing all the fun.
Surprise artist appearances are a hallmark of CMA Music Festival and 2007 didn't disappoint with Reba McEntire performing with Kelly Clarkson, rocker Ted Nugent joining Montgomery Gentry and a surprise performance by five-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year Rascal Flatts. As plans come together for 2008, surprise performances and unique collaborations are always considered.
"CMA Music Festival is also a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth of Country Music," said Genovese. "Our format includes an amazing array of talented artists representing the many styles of Country Music and we are thrilled to spotlight them for the fans."
In addition to the Nightly Concerts, fans will enjoy four days of nonstop music during the Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park with an eclectic lineup of artists performing on dual stages, including Country hit-makers, rising stars, legends, bluegrass performers, and surprise guests. Music can also be heard in Acoustic Corner at the Nashville Convention Center, the site of the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall), which features daily autograph sessions, shopping and lifestyle exhibits from with extended hours Thursday and Friday, June 5-6, (10:00 AM-6:00 PM); 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8.
"I loved the Riverfront Park performances," said Rosalie Jonas of British Columbia, Canada. "Every area gives you a great view of the stage. There, I met John Conlee and had my picture taken with him. The Festival is the ultimate experience for Country Music fans."
"The Riverfront shows are always a thrill," said Karen Newman of Frankfort, Ky. "It is such a relaxed atmosphere and it is a treat to see new artists perform."
"When we weren't at the Riverfront, we were at the Exhibit Hall looking for autographs," said Rachel Atcheson of Lilburn, Ga. "The atmosphere was awesome because it was just a lot of people getting together to hang out. The stars wanted to meet fans as much as the fans wanted to meet them. And they were always eager to get to know you and see how you're liking the Festival."
CMA Music Festival offers many other opportunities for fans to interact and see their favorite stars in unique settings, whether asking questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up sessions, presented by GAC, or watching the artists compete in friendly competitions in the ChevyT Sports Zone.
The Chevy Sports Zone, which is free and open to the public in the parking lot adjacent to the Sommet Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, at the corner of Demonbreun Street and Fifth Avenue, offers fans the opportunity to participate in sporting activities plus see unique celebrity competitions and appearances from professional athletes. A strong relationship exists between sports personalities and Country artists and it is a proven winner with fans, too.
"I really enjoyed the Sports Zone," said Annette Gasper, of DeForest Wis. "It was a lot of fun to see the artists enjoying a little friendly competition with their fellow stars."
The McDonald's®-Dr Pepper® Family Zone is a fun stop for the entire family. Free to the public and open daily at the park across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the McDonald's-Dr Pepper Family Zone is the place for children and adults to kick back and enjoy games, hands-on educational exhibits, storytelling with Country artists, and more. In fact, CMA Music Festival is very family-friendly with a discounted price for children age 12 and younger - making it an attractive family vacation.
A haven for fans of all ages, the Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First and Third Avenues, will sparkle with activities that include interactive displays, games, and product sampling. Daily access to these popular attractions is free and open to the public.
For a deeper look into the lives of some of our musical heroes and their road to stardom, there is the CMA Celebrity Close Up, presented by GAC, on Thursday, June 5 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. CMA Celebrity Close Up gives fans an opportunity to submit questions for celebrity panelists. The sessions are taped for future airing on GAC television. A separate ticket is required. The artist lineup and ticket on-sale date for 2008 will be announced soon.
At CMA Music Festival, the fun doesn't end with the closing fireworks at LP Field. Night-owls will find many late-night activities that are part of CMA Music Festival After HoursT. Clubs and bars in Downtown Nashville offer outstanding entertainment and exclusive specials for attendees, making CMA Music Festival After Hours a favorite activity.
Kristen Theall of Sunset, La., attended CMA Music Festival for the first time in 2006. "It was great. I met so many people. After the concerts, meet-and-greets and other activities, I was getting only about five hours of sleep a night in those four days. But it was definitely worth it. I can't wait to go again."
CMA Music Festival is always in motion, constantly evolving and growing. New events are on the horizon, with more information to be announced as plans come together.
Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville are available now. Fans are encouraged to purchase early for best available seating.
To order tickets for the 2008 CMA Music Festival call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees.
Four-day ticket package categories correspond to different levels of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; McDonald's-Dr Pepper Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy Sports Zo ne; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.
2008 CMA Music Festival Four Day Ticket Prices are: Gold Circle (SOLD OUT); Floor Level (SOLD OUT); Lower Level (adults: $145; ages 12 and younger: $102); Club Level (adults $135; ages 12 and younger: $95); Upper Level general admission (adults: $110; ages 12 and younger $78).
* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.
A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available by phone order only. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or Ticketmaster to order. The price is $31 for cars; $63 for vans/shuttles; and $123 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.
Attending is easy. Numerous tour operators provide tour packages including CMA Music Festival tickets, accommodations, and tickets to other Nashville attractions, such as the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Visit www.visitmusiccity.com or call 1-800-657-6910 for more information on tour packages as well as hotel listings and information about camping sites and RV parking.
Gray Line offers an all day Park N Ride shuttle service from the Music Valley/Opryland area to the CMA Music Festival events. To purchase a separate pass and make an advance Gray Line satellite shuttle service reservation call 1-800-251-1864 or visit www.graylinenashville.com
Shuttle service from outlying areas of Nashville to CMA Music Festival events will be available from several park-and-ride locations with unlimited access on the Gray Line Satellite Shuttle. To purchase a separate pass and to make advance Gray Line Satellite Shuttle reservations, call 1-800-251-1864 or (615) 883-5555, or visit www.GraylineNashville.com.
Merchandise for the 2008 CMA Music Festival is now available for sale online. Attendees can come dressed to impress with a line of clothing that captures the spirit and style of the event including the official CMA Music Festival 2008 Cactus unisex T-shirt and logo hoodie. To purchase official event merchandise, visit www.CMAfest.com.
The site also features up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more. Attendees can also sign up for CMA Exclusive e-news at www.CMAfest.com.
CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Borders® Books & Music: The Exclusive Music & Book retailer of the CMA Music Festival. Wrangler®: The Exclusive Jean of the CMA Music Festival. Additional promotional partners include, Dr Pepper®, Greased Lightning® Cleaning Products, McDonald's® and Music City Rising Star. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Share Stage For All-New "CMT Crossroads"
NASHVILLE – Led Zeppelin front-man and legendary rocker, Robert Plant, and bluegrass superstar, Alison Krauss, share the stage performing their own classics as well as songs from their new album, Raising Sand in the next all-new episode of CMT CROSSROADS: ROBERT PLANT AND ALISON KRAUSS premiering Monday, February 11 at 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., ET/PT. Plant and Krauss were recently nominated for a GRAMMY® in the category of “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals” for the song "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" from Raising Sand. Click here to see their performance of “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)” from CMT CROSSROADS on CMT.com.
Together, Plant and Krauss combine his rock intensity with her angelic grace for a phenomenal episode of CMT CROSSROADS. The two music icons perform songs from their new album, including "Please Read the Letter" and "Rich Woman." The pair performed Alison Krauss and Union Station’s “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Hoe Corn,” as well as Led Zeppelin classics “Black Dog” and “When the Levee Breaks.” The pair also pay homage to The Everly Brothers with their version of “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On).” Special guest, T Bone Burnett, acclaimed songwriter, performer and Raising Sand producer, joins in the onstage collaboration.
CMT CROSSROADS pairs country music stars with popular artists from other genres—pop, rock, R&B—to play together, swap stories, and share their common love of music. Recent episodes of CROSSROADS have included Lindsey Buckingham and Little Big Town; Steve Earle and Rosanne Cash; Bonnie Raitt and Lyle Lovett; Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers; Bon Jovi and Sugarland; John Fogerty and Keith Urban; Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire; and Kenny “Babyface” Edmond and Trisha Yearwood; and, most recently, Joss Stone and LeAnn Rimes.
CMT CROSSROADS is presented by Alltel Wireless, the first title sponsor of the critically-acclaimed series and new advertiser for CMT. Alltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has 12 million customers.
For more information on CMT CROSSROADS log on to CMT.com.
Keith Urban Opens New Tour With Three Sold-Out Shows And A Surprise Guitar Give-Away
After enjoying some time off in Australia, Keith Urban has returned. Three sold-out shows, two in Uncasville, Connecticut and one in Rochester, New York, kicked off his “Love, Pain and the whole crazy Carnival Ride Tour” with Carrie Underwood this past weekend.
Always an electrifying performer, Urban’s shows thrive on the unexpected. In Uncasville, during his performance of “You Look Good In My Shirt,” Urban leapt into the crowd for the song’s guitar solo. Nobody could’ve imaged that Urban would strip his Epiphone electric guitar from his shoulder and give it to a 15-year old fan.
The performer’s next stop is Madison Square Garden, on February 13th, where Urban will make his sold-out debut and join an elite group of country artists who have sold out the world famous arena.
With additional dates recently added in Peoria, IL and Sacramento, CA, “Love, Pain and the whole crazy Carnival Ride Tour” presented by Verizon is already proving to be a crowd favorite. Next for Urban, after “Love, Pain & the whole crazy Carnival Ride Tour’s” completion on April 26th, Urban will co-headline select stadium dates with Kenny Chesney.
For more official Keith Urban news, ticket information and more, go to www.keithurban.net.