FOCUS on the 615
Nashville's premier entertainment blog including album, song and show reviews and exclusive artist interviews.
Photo credit: Jake Harsh
LOCASH’s Preston Brust married Kristen White in a private ceremony among friends and family on the rooftop of the George Jones Museum on Labor Day, September 7. The singer of the Top 30 Billboard smash hit “I Love This Life” said, “She’s my ‘soul on fire,’ my ‘song,’ my ‘person.’”
Jewel’s new album Picking Up the Pieces is receiving its worldwide debut Friday, but the album is available now for preview on Pandora, offering fans a first look at the album critics are calling “remarkably raw” and “bracingly honest” (Entertainment Weekly) ahead of its Sept. 11 release.
For three days only, Les Paul’s Big Sound Experience exhibit will be staged outside the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. It will allow visitors to step into 1,000 square feet of entertaining and interactive experiences, focusing on Les Paul and his many contributions to musical innovation. You will explore sound, music, and technology inventions; discover Les Paul’s personal story; and marvel at the performing techniques that made him a legendary pop music icon.
Photo credit: Alan Poizner
Sony Music Nashville has signed singer/songwriter Maren Morris, who joins the label group’s Columbia Nashville imprint. The Texas-native has quickly established herself in Nashville’s music community with songwriting and vocal stylings that reflect her country, folk and pop influences, with Rolling Stone Country touting her “a stellar solo artist in her own right.” Currently on Spotify, songs from her self-titled EP have garnered from than 2.5 million streams in little over a month, with 3 songs hitting Spotify’s US and Global “Viral 50” chart.
Kings of Leon, co-founders of Music City Food + Wine Festival, are proud to announce the musical guests for Harvest Night presented by Infiniti, an evening that brings together signature dishes from world-renowned chefs and live performances of iconic soul and R&B by distinguished artists, celebrating the music of Nashville. Harvest Night begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville. For more information, please visit www.musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com
Photo credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ACM
The 9th Annual ACM Honors was an intimate evening at the Ryman Auditorium to recognize special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
This Fall, Musicians On Call (MOC), a groundbreaking nonprofit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities across the country, will be kicking off a first-of-its-kind, four city Rock The Room Tour. The tour will raise awareness of the impact music has on healing, honor leaders in entertainment and philanthropy and raise funds for Musicians On Call in order to continue making a difference in the lives of patients through its unique “bedside tours” in hospitals. The Rock The Room Tour will kick off October 21st at City Winery with special performances by Martina McBride and Kelly Clarkson and a special appearance by Reba. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets you can go to www.musiciansoncall.org/RTRT
Superstar Carrie Underwood took to social media earlier to reveal the track listing to her fifth studio album, Storyteller, set for release on October 23. Storyteller was produced by Jay Joyce, Mark Bright, and Zach Crowell with six of its 13 songs co-written by Carrie, including the record-breaking first single, “Smoke Break.”
Eric Church and Little Big Town top the list of final nominees for “The 49th Annual CMA Awards” with five nominations each. The stellar lineup of finalists includes staunch traditionalists, format icons, roots rockers, and contemporary trailblazers.
Celebrating love and pride in America, Average Joes Entertainment is pleased to make available, “We Salute You,” a free six-song download in commemoration of Patriot’s Week, September 7-11, 2015. “We Salute You,” features songs from such country artists as Montgomery Gentry, Colt Ford, Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys, Charlie Farley, Moccasin Creek and Danny Boone. To download “We Salute You,” click here.
“We chose the period between Labor Day and the Anniversary of 9/11 for this giveaway as a small token of thanks to all hard-working people, and for those who serve our great country.” said Tony Morreale, VP Marketing/Promotion at Average Joes. “We’re glad to be able to share some great music.”
The free six-song download includes these songs:
1. Montgomery Gentry – “Damn Right I Am;” A prideful song about where you’re from and what you’re thankful for featured on the duo’s “Rebels on the Run” album released on Average Joes Entertainment.
2. Colt Ford – “Answer to No One f/JJ Lawhorn;” From the #1 Billboard Album, “Declaration of Independence,” this song promotes such family values as God, work, family and country.
3. Danny Boone – “1965;” A heartfelt tribute to Danny Boone’s father, a Vietnam Vet, who lived a life of service.
4. Moccasin Creek – “Old Glory;” A tribute to heroes everywhere who sacrifice for our freedom.
5. Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys – “Standard American;” This blue-collar anthem is an honest snapshot of four hard-working people who are the true backbone of America.
6. Charlie Farley – “All I’ve Been Through;” The title track to Charlie’s upcoming album, this song chronicles Farley’s trails and tribulations, and encourages understanding of ones self. Get it now! This sneak peek from the new album will only be available Sept. 7-11.
About Average Joes Entertainment
Average Joes Entertainment, an Atlanta and Nashville-based entertainment company, launched with flagship artist Colt Ford in the fourth quarter of 2008. By the middle of 2011, AJE had achieved over 7 million Sales (physical and digital). Average Joes Entertainment has grown into a powerhouse indie label/entertainment company whose roster of artists includes Colt Ford, Bubba Sparxxx, The LACS, Lenny Cooper, Sarah Ross, Demun Jones, Moccasin Creek, Trailer Choir, Moonshine Bandits, Charlie Farley, Twang and Round, Cypress Spring, I4NI and the popular Mud Digger Series. In addition, the company recently partnered with the extreme off-road Mega Truck Race Series which provides exciting family race events coupled with a live music festival.
