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Michael Ray Celebrates ACM Nomination, First Week Of “Nineteen Tour”

By on February 28, 2019 in In The Press

Photo credit: Allister Ann

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – 2019 has virtually just begun, and Michael Ray is already calling it his “best year ever”…and for good reason. The Florida native is nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2019 ACM Awards, which will be broadcast on CBS live from MGM Grand’s Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7 at 8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT.

“It’s gonna take a second for this to sink in,” Ray admitted shortly after the nominations were announced. “I grew up watching the ACM Awards year after year. I took notes in a notebook and kept track of the nominations and winners.”

To celebrate this latest career milestone, Ray set off on his much-anticipated Nineteen Tour on Feb. 21 in Washington, D.C., taking the devoted crowd through a journey of his career thus far through hits like “Kiss You in the Morning,” “Think a Little Less,” “Get To You” and the addictive chart-rising smash “One That Got Away.”

“I’m making it a point this year to slow down a little and soak in as many moments as possible and live in them,” Ray told fans last weekend. “Y’all singing every word to my songs is one I wish I could bottle up.”

Of course, 2019 looks to have many more such moments in store for the fan-favorite. Set to continue the Nineteen Tour in his adopted hometown of Chicago today, Feb. 28, Ray will make show stops in Indiana and Ohio before heading overseas for the first time to play C2C: Country to Country Festival 2019 upon the coveted Spotlight stage on March 8.

Upcoming Nineteen Tour Dates
Thursday, Feb. 28 – Joe’s Live – Rosemont, IL
Friday, March 1 – 8 Seconds Saloon – Indianapolis, IN
Saturday, March 2 – The Dusty Armadillo – Rootstown, OH
Friday, March 8 – C2C: The SSE Hydro – Glasgow, UK
Saturday, March 9 – C2C: The O2 – London, UK
Sunday, March 10 – C2C: The O2 – London, UK
Thursday, March 14 – CMC Rocks 2019 – Brisbane, AUS
Friday, March 15 – CMC Rocks 2019 – Brisbane, AUS
Saturday, March 16 – CMC Rocks 2019 – Brisbane, AUS
Sunday, March 17 – CMC Rocks 2019 – Brisbane, AUS
Sunday, March 24 – Juana’s Pagodas and Sailors’ Grill – Navarre, FL
Sunday, March 30 – Chasco Fiesta 2019: Sims Park Amphitheatre – New Port Richey, FL
Wednesday, April 10 – Casper Events Center – Casper, WY*
Thursday, April 11 – Budweiser Events Center – Loveland, CO*
Sunday, April 14 – Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival 2019 – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Wednesday, April 24 – Club Rodeo – San Jose, CA
Saturday, April 27 – Stagecoach – Indio, CA
Thursday, June 13 – Headwaters Country Jam – Three Forks, MT
Friday, June 14 – Country Jam – Mack, CO
Sunday, June 16 – Tailgate N’ Tallboys – Peoria, IL
Friday, June 21 – Country Stampede – Manhattan, KS
Friday, July 12 – Hodag Country Festival – Rhinelander, WI
Thursday, July 18 – Country Thunder – Twin Lakes, WI
Sunday, July 21 – Faster Horses Festival – Brooklyn, NY
Thursday, Aug. 1 – Yamhill County Fair – McMinnville, OR
Sunday, Aug. 4 – Sunfest Country Music Festival – Lake Cowichan, BC, Canada

*Denotes dates with Old Dominion

For tickets and more information, visit michaelraymusic.com.

About Michael Ray
Country singer-songwriter Michael Ray was a hit right out of the box, scoring both with critics and on the charts. With Country Aircheck boasting there are “big things on the horizon for Michael Ray” and his live shows lauded by USA Today as simply “lip-smacking good,” the Florida native backed up that praise with two number ones from his 2015 self-titled debut album with “Kiss You in the Morning” and “Think a Little Less.”  His sophomore album, Amos, which debuted in the Top 3 on the Billboard Country Charts upon release has already spawned the hit “Get to You” and Top 15-and-climbing single “One That Got Away,” which All Access declared “an undeniable crowd pleaser.” Michael Ray, nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the upcoming ACM Awards, is currently headlining select dates before taking his music across the globe to play at CMC Rocks 2019 in Australia. He will also be playing a number of fairs and festival dates this summer, including Tortuga Music Festival, Stagecoach, Country Thunder and Faster Horses. Learn more about Ray at MichaelRayMusic.com and follow him onFacebook at @MusicMichaelRay or Instagram and Twitter@MichaelRayMusic.

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Kip Moore Will Release ROOM TO SPARE Vinyl On Record Store Day

By on February 28, 2019 in In The Press

KIP MOORE WILL RELEASE SPECIALLY-CURATED ROOM TO SPARE VINYL ON RECORD STORE DAY, APRIL 13

New Release Will Include Tracks From Moore’s Recent Acoustic EP And Critically-Acclaimed Studio Albums SLOWHEART And WILD ONES

Multi-Platinum Singer/Songwriter’s Headlining Sold-Out L.A. Show at The Wiltern Will Air on AT&T’s Audience Network Tomorrow, March 1

Nashville, TN – February 28, 2019 – Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore announced he will release ROOM TO SPARE, his first Record Store Day vinyl on April 13. The special collection of songs will include seven tracks that were released on his ROOM TO SPARE: THE ACOUSTIC EP, marking the first time the songs will be available on vinyl. As well as the stripped-back acoustic tracks, there will be five additional tracks from Moore’s previous studio albums including “Plead The Fifth,” “Last Shot,” “The Bull” and “Guitar Man” taken from his wildly-acclaimed SLOWHEART and “That Was Us” from the highly-praised WILD ONES. All the tracks on the release were hand-picked by Moore, culminating in an essential playlist for his empathic following. Fans can purchase the vinyl at participating record stores, available to search here.

“I’m still a big believer that there’s something special about the physical part of buying a record,” said Moore. “For me, there’s nothing better than the sound of vinyl and so I’m really happy that these songs are going to be able to be heard that way.”

ROOM TO SPARE – Official Vinyl Track List:

SIDE A: Room To Spare – Acoustic Sessions
1. Plead The Fifth
2. Tennessee Boy
3. Love You To The Moon
4. It Ain’t California
5. Wish It Was Me
6. Come Home With You
7. Part Of Growing Up

SIDE B: Kip Essentials
1. Plead The Fifth (Studio Version)
2. That Was Us (Studio Version)
3. The Bull (Studio Version)
4 Last Shot (Studio Version)
5. Guitar Man (Studio Version)

Moore will be offering fans an inside look at his most recent headlining tour, with an exclusive episode on AT&T AUDIENCE Music Concert Series. Taking the stage at The Wiltern in Los Angeles for a sold-out show, Moore brought fans to their feet with his energetic performance proving why he is “one of country music’s most tireless and powerful live draws” (Rolling Stone). The full concert special airs tomorrow, March 1 at 10pm PT/ET on DIRECTV Ch. 239, AT&T U-verse Ch. 1114, DIRECTV NOW and WATCH TV.

Currently nominated for CMA’s International Achievement Award, Moore recently extended his Room To Spare: Acoustic Tour, following a sold-out run last fall. Moore will head out on the stacked tour next month with shows scheduled in the U.S., Canada and The U.K. Moore recently unleashed his next single “The Bull” from his revered third studio album SLOWHEART that garnered instant praise from critics as the “sound of an uncompromising, genre-defying artist firing on all cylinders,” (NOISEY), as well as spawning his fourth No. One hit “More Girls Like You.” SLOWHEART also landed on multiple “Best Of” lists including Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, UpRoxx, Bobby Bones Show and many more. SLOWHEART follows the acclaim that surrounded Moore’s sophomore album WILD ONES and his PLATINUM debut album UP ALL NIGHT that spawned three No. One hit singles, including GOLD certified “Beer Money,” PLATINUM certified “Hey Pretty Girl,” and the DOUBLE PLATINUM breakout hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck.” For more information, visit kipmoore.net.

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Brett Young Taps Gavin DeGraw For Co-Headline Show In Las Vegas (3/22)

By on February 28, 2019 in In The Press

NASHVILLE, TN (February 28, 2019) – In advance of multi-PLATINUM selling artist Brett Young’s triple play in Los Angeles (Saturday, March 23 – Monday, March 25 at The Novo), the “Here Tonight” hitmaker will once again collaborate with Gavin DeGraw, uniting for a co-headlining show at The Joint in Las Vegas on March 22. Young & DeGraw’s friendship spans over a decade, they have been integral parts of each other’s lives with DeGraw even co-writing and singing on Young’s autobiographical “Chapters,” featured on his TICKET TO L.A. album (BMLG Records), but this is the first time they will share the stage as co-headliners. Tickets are already on-sale to the general public, for more information visit brettyoungmusic.com.

Young’s current single, “Here Tonight” continues its ascent on the Country charts this week, highlighting his “California-rooted smooth rock groove” (Nashville Lifestyles). Co-written alongside Ben Caver, Justin Ebach and Charles Kelley, “Here Tonight” has over 65 million streams in the US.

ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year Brett Young’s sophomore release TICKET TO L.A. debuted atop the Billboard Country Albums chart and follows his PLATINUM self-titled debut, which dominated the Top 20 on the Country Albums chart for 37 weeks. Delivering four consecutive No. 1 PLATINUM-certified hits, Young was named ASCAP’s 2018 Country Songwriter-Artist of the Year for his “melodic craftsmanship” (Billboard). He has also garnered nominations from ACM, Billboard, Teen Choice, CMT and CMA Awards as he continues to rack up nonstop hits as “one of country music’s most reliable new hitmakers” (Tennessean). Following his current headlining dates, Young is set to join Kelsea Ballerini on the MISS ME MORE TOUR. He will also perform at multiple festivals throughout summer including stops at LakeShake in Chicago, IL on June 22 and Faster Horses in Brooklyn, MI on July 19. For additional information, visit BrettYoungMusic.com.

Gavin DeGraw is a multi-platinum selling singer, performer and songwriter. He first broke through with the 2003 release of his debut album, CHARIOT, which sold over 1 million copies, earned platinum certification, and yielded three hit singles: “I Don’t Want To Be,” “Follow Through,” and the title-track, “Chariot.” Gavin’s self-titled second album debuted at No. 1 on the digital sales chart and at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart in 2008, earning Gavin his first Top 10 album. It spawned the hit singles “In Love With A Girl,” which Billboard dubbed “a rocking home run,” and the gold-certified “We Belong Together.” In addition, Gavin was nominated for his first Grammy for “We Both Know,” the song he co-wrote with Colbie Caillat for the 2013 film, “Safe Haven.” Since then he has been consistently touring around the world, including sold out dates with the legendary Billy Joel, and hit a milestone with the release of his first greatest hits compilation titled FINEST HOUR.  For more information visit www.gavindegraw.com/ facebook.com/gavindegraw / twitter: @gavindegraw.

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Jake Owen Announces GREETINGS FROM…JAKE Album Release On March 29

By on February 28, 2019 in In The Press

NASHVILLE, TENN. (Thursday, February 28, 2019) – Chart-topping singer/songwriter JAKE OWEN will release his next full-length album, GREETINGS FROM…JAKE, on March 29 on Big Loud Records. Announced today by The Tennessean, GREETINGS FROM…JAKE marks Owen’s first major record release since signing with new label, Big Loud. With more than 3.4 billion global career streams to date, Owen’s versatile talent continues to set the bar for anthem country with #1 hits like “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “The One That Got Away,” “Beachin’,” “I Was Jack (You Were Diane),” and most recently, “Down To The Honkytonk.”

The ACM Award-nominated singer/songwriter’s current Top 10-and-climbing single, “Down To The Honkytonk,” follows Owen’s seventh career #1, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane).” The John-Mellencamp inspired homage was also was also his first #1 single for Big Loud Records. Written by Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird and Shane McAnally, “Down To The Honkytonk” features Owen’s “deep country timbre that’d make singers of two decades ago proud” (Taste Of Country) and marks the Florida-native’s fastest-rising career single to date.

Also revealed today, the album’s cover art was inspired by old time postcards from Owen’s childhood and his Floridan roots, with a nod to Owen’s new label home and a welcome invitation for fans to join him on this next chapter musically and in all areas of his life–music, film, golf, and at home.

GREETINGS FROM…JAKE is the follow-up to Owen’s AMERICAN LOVE album, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart. The new album reunites Owen and producer Joey Moi, who produced some of Owen’s biggest hits to date, including “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Alone with You” and “Beachin’.”

After taking the stage earlier this year to perform “Down To The Honkytonk” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Owen was featured on the ABC national special “I’m Coming Home,” which honored his work with The Jake Owen Foundation and St. Jude from his hometown of Vero Beach, Florida. In addition to taking the national TV stage, Owen recently performed live at the Daytona 500 and played in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

“Down To The Honkytonk” is currently available across all digital retailers. For more information, visit JakeOwen.net or Facebook at www.facebook.com/jakeowen, and follow him on Instagram @jakeowenofficial and Twitter @jakeowen.

ABOUT BIG LOUD RECORDS:
Founded in 2015, Big Loud Records is an independent label created by four partners; GRAMMY award-winning songwriter Craig Wiseman, acclaimed producer Joey Moi, and artist managers Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Seth England. Headquartered in Nashville, TN, and under the leadership of label President Clay Hunnicutt, the company pioneers a progressive business model that has put the label at the forefront of the ever-changing music industry. Big Loud Records is home to a vibrant roster of rising and established recording artists which include HARDY, Chris Lane, Jake Owen, MacKenzie Porter, Mason Ramsey and Morgan Wallen. Out of the gate, the label scored a #1 hit with its first-ever release — Chris Lane’s GOLD-certified “Fix”, followed by chart-topping tracks including Jake Owen’s “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” and Morgan Wallen’s PLATINUM-certified “Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line. With awards and honors extending to Big Loud Records’ artists and staff alike, the label’s VP/Promotion, Stacy Blythe, was awarded the year’s top honor for SVP/VP at the 2019 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards.

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Brandon Ratcliff Visits Eight Cities With Sofar Sounds

By on February 28, 2019 in In The Press

February 28, 2019 – Nashville, TN – Singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist Brandon Ratcliff will visit 8 local markets for 8 live shows with Sofar Sounds – the music startup that curates intimate, live performances around the world.

 

Throughout the month of March, Monument recording artist Brandon Ratcliff will visit 8 different cities across America with Sofar Sounds, bringing his music directly to fans in their own communities. Kicking off the run in Phoenix, AZ, Ratcliff will play a series of secret shows in local, intimate, and unexpected venues. With a dedicated following, Sofar Sounds strives to create an immersive experience that brings fans and artists closer together. Ratcliff is thrilled to share his music through this cutting-edge platform that engages music lovers in new and authentic ways.

 

“I can’t wait to get out on the road and share my music with the passionate audiences Sofar Sounds has built,” says Brandon. “To perform my songs in this unique way will be such a great chance to connect with fans across the country.”

 

Brandon’s debut track, “Rules of Breaking Up” garnered 15 million streams in just 12 weeks, and his follow-up,  “Number In My Phone,” was released last month. Check out Brandon’s acoustic version of “Rules of Breaking Up” here.

 

About Brandon Ratcliff:

Brandon Ratcliff is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter and artist from Cotton Valley, Louisiana. Son of Suzanne Cox of the legendary Cox Family, he was surrounded by music and began to hone his craft from a very young age. His talents quickly attracted the music business machine in Nashville, but at the age of 20, he decided to turn down a publishing deal and work on his craft… he would not take the quick and easy route. In the process of finding great co-writing partners, he befriended Pete Good (producer and co-writer) and AJ Babcock (co-writer) who would go on to become his closest friends outside of the studio. Together, they sharpened Ratcliff’s musical talent, drawing from country, R&B and classic rock, as well as Ratcliff’s personal inspirations such as Stevie Wonder and John Mayer. Eventually, Grammy-award winning producer Shane McAnally teamed up with them, and the result is a bold, fresh look at the seasons of relationships delivered by an artist with a clear point of view and a distinctive sound.

 

About Sofar Sounds:

Sofar Sounds reimagines the live event experience through curated, secret performances in more than 400 cities around the world. Founded in London in 2009, Sofar brings guests and artists together in unique locations, without the distractions that plague other live events. Sofar shows begin as a secret: guests sign on for three unnamed performances at undisclosed locations, hosted by community members in everyday spaces — from living rooms and rooftops, to retail stores. Through the transformation of these spaces into captivating venues, Sofar serves as a platform for artists to connect with engaged audiences in cities around the world. Sofar invites guests to discover new artists, spaces, people, neighborhoods and cities, whether at home or abroad, creating an inclusive and accessible global community where people make genuine connections.

 

Brandon Ratcliff Sofar Sounds Cities

March 2nd Phoenix, AZ

March 6th Denver, CO

March 13th Chicago, IL

March 15th Dallas, TX

March 17th Philadelphia, PA

March 19th Washington, DC

March 24th New York City

March 26th Boston, MA

 

Learn more about Brandon Ratcliff:

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28 Tennessee High Schools To Participate In 2019 Spotlight Awards

By on February 28, 2019 in In The Press

Talented high school actors, singers, dancers and technicians from 28 Tennessee schools are putting their skills on display this year and seeking recognition and important feedback as part of the sixth annual Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards, or Spotlight Awards.

Founded in 2013 by Mike Fernandez, dean of Lipscomb’s George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts, the awards program is presented now in partnership with the nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center as one of its six arts education programs.

Twenty-five high schools from last year are returning to the program, joining three new schools. While the majority are in Middle Tennessee, two East Tennessee schools – Chattanooga Christian School in Hamilton County and Grace Christian Academy in Knox County – are participating again.

Though many of the performances are scheduled for this month, participating schools began last fall submitting their productions and planning for a diverse group of adjudicators – comprised of Lipscomb faculty, TPAC staff and local theater professionals – to attend and review the shows, look for outstanding performances and provide valuable feedback.

The program culminates on May 11 with a full day of workshops on the Lipscomb campus on subjects like improv acting, dance, audition techniques and more, followed by an evening Tony Awards-style ceremony in TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall. The ceremony is filled with performances, and students are presented with a variety of awards including Outstanding Lead Actor, Outstanding Lead Actress, Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Musical Direction, Outstanding Design Concept, all-star cast and crew and more.

“The program seeks to recognize exemplary work from all participating schools,” said Fernandez. “It is also a great opportunity to encourage and to further develop young people who have a passion and talent for acting and performing. In Middle Tennessee, we have many high schools with outstanding theater programs. The rapid growth of this program in just the first five years, indicates there is a great desire by students and teachers to produce top-quality shows while improving their skills.”

The Spotlight Awards ceremony on May 11 is available to the public, and general admission tickets go on sale March 1 at TPAC.org, by phone at 615-782-4040, and at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St.

“Now in our third year, we are so pleased with our partnership with Lipscomb University. By combining resources and efforts, we provide Tennessee high school students a solid opportunity to further develop and hone their artistic skills,” says Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC President and Chief Executive Officer. “For some, this could become a career. For others, it’s a way to build collaborative skills and self-confidence. Anything we can do to support that growth in a meaningful way is important.”

TPAC contributes additional resources to the program, including staff support, presenting the awards ceremony, and its connection to The Broadway League, through which students chosen as Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress travel to New York and participate in The Jimmy Awards® (www.JimmyAwards.com) in June. Named in honor of legendary Broadway theater owner and producer, James M. Nederlander, the 10-day program celebrates the most talented high school actors from across the nation.

Last year’s outstanding leads were Tiyanna Gentry of Hillsboro High School and Sevon Askew of Central Magnet School.

“American Idol” alum Piper Jones, who has performed with Studio Tenn, Nashville Children’s Theatre, and more, will lead a day of student workshops on May 11 and host the Spotlight Awards ceremony.

Jones is an artist whose message encourages and inspires others through her formidable and unmatched voice. She first discovered her voice when she started singing in her church choir at the age of four, and she began recording professionally at the age of 15. Piper studied Commercial Voice at Belmont University and, in 2014, appeared on the 14th season of “American Idol.” She now works as a teacher, session singer, worship leader and thespian in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. She has appeared in Studio Tenn’s “The Ray Legacy,” “Big River,” “A Studio Tenn Christmas,” “One Night Only Gala” and most recently as Ursula in Nashville Children’s Theatre’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Jones is currently an independent contemporary Christian artist who recently debuted her first EP, “Conqueror.”

The complete list of schools and their productions includes:

Davidson County
Christ Presbyterian Academy – “Singin’ in the Rain”
Davidson Academy – “Freaky Friday”
Father Ryan High School – “Cinderella”
Goodpasture High School – “Cinderella”
Hillsboro High School – “Rock of Ages: High School Edition”
Hume-Fogg Academic High School – Disney’s “Newsies”
Lipscomb Academy – “Big Fish”
McGavock High School – “Hairspray”
Nashville School of the Arts – “Urinetown”
Overton High School – “Bonnie & Clyde”

Hamilton County
Chattanooga Christian School – “West Side Story”

Knox County
Grace Christian Academy – “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”

Maury County
Columbia Academy – “Oliver!”
Mt. Pleasant High School – “Hello, Dolly!”

Putnam County
Monterey High School – “Tarzan”
Upperman High School – “West Side Story”

Rutherford Country
Central Magnet School – “The Drowsy Chaperone”
Siegel High School – Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”

Sumner County
Hendersonville High School – “Mary Poppins”
Station Camp High School – “Heathers The Musical: High School Edition”

Williamson County
Battle Ground Academy – Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”
Brentwood High School – “Thoroughly Modern Millie”
Franklin High School – “Bring It On The Musical”
Independence High School – “Bring It On The Musical”
Page High School – “Mamma Mia!”
Ravenwood High School – “Anything Goes”

Wilson County
Lebanon High School – “Little Shop of Horrors”
Mt. Juliet Christian Academy – “Guys and Dolls” Lipscomb University’s George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts is the fastest-growing colleges in the university, with a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The mission of the college is to be a Christ-centered, innovative, entrepreneurial arts community committed to rigorous artistic training, creative collaboration and professional growth that seeks to train the next generation of believer artists who seek to uplift, challenge and entertain. For more information, visit cea.lipscomb.edu.

The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) program impacts more than 100,000 students who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of Touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Presented by the Broadway League Foundation, the program sends a Best Actress and Best Actor winner from each of these competitions to New York for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only talent showcase on Broadway. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $2,000,000 in educational scholarships. The eleventh annual Jimmy Awards will take place on Monday, June 24, 2019 at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. Coaching and rehearsals for this one-of-a-kind event will be held Monday, June 17, 2019 through Monday, June 24, 2019 in New York City. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.

Institutional sponsors for TPAC include Nissan North America and Coca-Cola. TPAC is funded in part by support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission.

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Don Moen Reacts To GMA Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Induction

By on February 27, 2019 in In The Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 27, 2019) – Earlier this morning, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) revealed the latest slate of inductees and honorees for this year’s GMA Honors & Hall of Fame Ceremony, to be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, TN.

 

Don Moen – internationally renown worship leader, singer, songwriter, author, and executive – was announced as one of the individuals slated to be inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

 

Upon hearing the announcement, Moen commented:

“It is a great honor for me to be among those chosen for induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, joining so many of my heroes both past and present who have impacted Gospel Music worldwide.

 

As an artist, songwriter, producer and label executive, I have had the privilege of working with so many incredibly talented people over the years who have influenced my life greatly and made it possible for me to fulfill my calling. I am eternally grateful for each one and thankful to the Gospel Music Association for this honor.”

 

Moen is set to be inducted alongside Tramaine Hawkins, Dottie Leonard Miller, and Janet Paschal. In addition the night will honor Don Finto for Caleb Company, LaDonna Boyd for R. H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, Roy Morgan and Gary Gentry for Premier Foundation and country group Rascal Flatts.

 

Don Moen, a pioneer of the modern Praise and Worship movement, has spent his career as a worship leader, producer, songwriter, and music executive. Moen has sold over 5 MILLION records during his career. While a student at Oral Roberts University in the early 70s, Moen began touring with the musical group Living Sound and evangelist Terry Law. By 1986, Moen had recorded “Give Thanks” for the Hosanna Music! praise and worship series at Integrity Music, where he would serve as creative director, executive producer, and eventually, president of the label. During his tenure there, he sold more than 5 million units and signed worship leaders and songwriters, such as Paul Baloche, Ron Kenoly, Darlene Zschech, and many more. Today, Moen lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Laura, where he is president of Don Moen Productions and oversees his international nonprofit ministry, Worship in Action.

 

CONNECT WITH DON MOEN:

www.DonMoen.com
facebook.com/DonMoenMusic

instagram.com/DonMoen

twitter.com/DonMoen

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Chase Rice Joins GMA’s “Strahan & Sara” For TV Debut Of “Eyes On You”

By on February 27, 2019 in In The Press

Rice Joined by Local Volunteer Firefighters in Celebration of Partnership
Supporting the National Volunteer Fire Council

Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe) Available Everywhere Friday, March 1

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Platinum-selling entertainer Chase Rice Joins GMA’s “Strahan & Sara” for TV Debut of “Eyes On You” yesterday, February 26, with the television debut of massive hit “Eyes On You,” described by People as “addictive” and Billboard as “the latest sign for Rice that things are working.” In addition to the viral sensation which has now been streamed more than 120 million times, Rice also sat in as the house band for the full show, providing music throughout the hour. Watch his full performance of “Eyes On You” HERE.

“‘Eyes On You’ is about living in the moment, taking it all in, and since releasing it we’ve relived these moments of fans singing it back to us night-after-night. It’s wild and an incredible thing to witness when a song transcends its original meaning and people adopt it as their own,” shares the man ESPN characterizes as “a rarity.” “This is their song — your song, and my eyes are on you.”

While speaking with hosts Michael Strahan and Sara Haines before his performance, Rice pointed out a group of Long Island volunteer firefighters in the audience. Invited as his guests, the first responders were on hand in celebration of Rice’s recently announced partnership with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire to raise funds and awareness for the National Volunteer Fire Council, which supports and advocates for the 70% of firefighters who volunteer their time to keep us safe.

In addition to his Top 15-and-climbing single, “Eyes On You,” Rice also performed Platinum-certified Top 5 hits “Ready Set Roll” and “Gonna Wanna Tonight” as well as “Do It Like This” off his No. 1 debut album Ignite the Night, plus current album cuts “Three Chords & The Truth” and “On Tonight,” a re-imagined version of which will appear alongside three other deluxe tracks on Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe), available worldwide as the title implies this Friday, March 1.

For more information visit www.chaserice.com and follow on Twitter and Facebook @ChaseRiceMusic and on Instagram @ChaseRice.

About Chase Rice
Country music maverick Chase Rice has become one of country music’s most exciting figures since arriving in Nashville, building a loyal fan base across the country through his energetic live shows and gaining the attention of music critics and industry professionals alike with his edgy, eclectic sound. The Tar Heel State native released his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions, with new label Broken Bow Records in November 2017. The lead single, “Three Chords & The Truth,” reached the Top 20 at country radio with the follow-up, “Eyes On You,” now Top 15 and quickly climbing and streamed more than 120 million times. Rice’s debut album Ignite the Night launched at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the all-genre chart, and produced a pair of Top 5 hits, the Platinum-certified “Ready Set Roll” and “Gonna Wanna Tonight.” After supporting Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour, Rice consistently sold out 2,500-3,000 seat venues on his headlining JD and Jesus Tour, Everybody We Know Does Tour and Lambs & Lions Tour. He recently served as direct support on the Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2018 and headlined a U.K. run in advance of his highly-anticipated Eyes On You Tour, currently underway.

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Luke Bryan Lands 22nd Career #1 Single With “What Makes You Country”

By on February 27, 2019 in In The Press

Season 2 of ABC’s American Idol Premieres March 3

Appearances Set for Good Morning America, LIVE with Kelly & Ryan, Nightline and The View

Nashville – February 27, 2019– Four-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan claims the top spot on the MEDIABASE country singles chart this week with the title track of his What Makes You Country album. “What Makes You Country,” a platinum selling single written by Luke, Dallas Davidson and Ashley Gorley, becomes Luke’s 22nd career #1 single and the fourth consecutive #1 single from the album.

“We reminisced our childhoods and how we were raised when we got together to write this one,” shares Luke. “A small town upbringing learning work ethic, manners, how to hunt and fish. Just living and enjoying life. I’m proud to be country and that I’ve been able to follow all my dreams and still remain true to who I am.”

In celebration of the season premiere of American Idol this Sunday, Luke, along with fellow judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, visited Good Morning America this morning and tomorrow they’ll appear on Nightline followed by LIVE with Kelly & Ryan on Friday. Next Monday, March 4, the judges will appear on The View.

 

About Luke Bryan

Luke is a two-time Academy of Country Music and a two-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, a five-time host of the ACM Awards, a NSAI Artist/Songwriter of the Year and was named a CMT Artist of the Year six consecutive years. Luke has more certified digital singles than any other country artist with 46 million tracks and 12 million albums with four Billion music streams. Luke has placed 22 singles at #1, 12 of which he co-wrote. In each of the last several years, Luke’s headline tours have performed for 1.5 million fans or more and in 2018 he headlined the most stadium shows in one year of his career, now totaling 34 stadium concerts to date. Also in 2018 Luke opened Nashville’s only six-floor entertainment facility in the heart of Music City, LUKE’S 32 BRIDGE FOOD + DRINK. This summer fans can see Luke on his “Sunset Repeat Tour” with special guests Cole Swindell and Jon Langston.

 

Visit www.LukeBryan.com or follow Luke on Twitter @LukeBryanOnline, Instagram and Facebook

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Seven Lucky St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails

By on February 27, 2019 in In The Press

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these lucky seven Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey cocktails from William Grant & Sons, a family-owned distillery of award-winning spirits. Known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity, Tullamore D.E.W. is a triple distilled, triple blended whiskey dating all the way to 1829 when the Tullamore Distillery was founded in Tullamore, County Offaly, in the heart of Ireland. Tullamore D.E.W. is Irish True!

 

THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT ST. PATRICK’S DAY

1. The shamrock represents the holy Trinity; the three-leaved plant was frequently used by St. Patrick to explain how it worked.

2. The shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade was in Hot Springs Arkansas and it was 98 feet long.

3. The White House fountain goes green on St. Patrick’s Day

Irish Gold Rush – created by Tim Herlihy, National Tullamore D.E.W. Ambassador

2 parts Tullamore D.E.W. Original
¾ parts Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
¾ parts Honey Syrup

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake until well chilled, about 10 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled double old fashioned glass.

Many Waters – created by Tim Herlihy, National Tullamore D.E.W. Ambassador

1 1/5 parts Tullamore D.E.W. Caribbean Rum Cask
Coconut Water
1 brown sugar cube
3 dashes of Angostura Biters
Lime wheel

Add Tullamore D.E.W. Caribbean Rum Cask, brown sugar and bitters to a highball glass and muddle. Top the cocktail with coconut water and ice, stir together. Garnish with lime wheel.

Iced Irish Coffee – created by Tim Herlihy, National Tullamore D.E.W. Ambassador

2 parts Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey
1 teaspoon ground espresso
2 teaspoons demerara sugar
3 parts cold brew coffee
Fresh cream

Combine whiskey and espresso in a small bowl; let stand 15 minutes. Strain whiskey through a coffee filter into a cocktail shaker.
Meanwhile, stir sugar and 2 tsp. hot water in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add demerara syrup and cold brew to cocktail shaker; fill with ice. Shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice and top with cream.

Irish Coffee – created by Tim Herlihy, National Tullamore D.E.W. Ambassador

1 ½ parts Tullamore D.E.W. Original
1 ½ parts strongly brewed coffee (Tim’s Pick: any premium dark roast)
½ part sugar (Tim’s Pick: Demerara Sugar)
Lightly whipped heavy cream
Cinnamon or nutmeg

Preheat a clear-stemmed glass with very hot water. Add the sugar and brewed coffee and stir well. Once sugar has melted, stir in the Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey. Gently whip the heavy cream by shaking it in a protein shaker with a blender ball – you want a still somewhat loose, not stiff consistency. Pour the cream over the back of a hot teaspoon to top the drink (and prevent cream from penetrating the top of the drink). Finally, garnish with grated nutmeg or cinnamon for spicy finish.

Hot Toddy – created by Tim Herlihy, National Tullamore D.E.W. Ambassador

2 parts Tullamore D.E.W. Original
¼  parts lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
Top with boiling water and a clove studded lemon

First warm a mug with hot water, then discard water and combine ingredients above. Stir before serving, garnish with lemon.

Irish Maid – created by Tim Herlihy, National Tullamore D.E.W. Ambassador

2 parts Tullamore D.E.W. Original

1/5 parts St-Germain
¼ parts Fresh Lemon Juice
¼  parts Simple Syrup
5 slices of Cucumber

 

Muddle the cucumber slices in a shaker. Add the remaining ingredients and ice to the shaker and shake vigorously. Fine-strain into a chilled rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

Tullamore D.E.W. Pickleback – created by Tim Herlihy, National Tullamore D.E.W. Ambassador

1 shot Tullamore D.E.W. Original with a back of pickle juice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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