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The Milk Carton Kids @ The Ryman

The Milk Carton Kids hit the Ryman Auditorium stage Thursday night in support of their new record I Only See The Moon, out now on Far Cry Records in partnership with Thirty Tigers.   They are celebrating their 4th Grammy nomination this year for Best Folk Album.
Having a sound that has withstood time since their first public recordings in 2011, The Milk Carton Kids have developed and grown an impressive following.  The Ryman audience was fully attentive to the simple production, reminiscent of the classic icons from the past (Simon & Garfunkel, The Everly Brothers), one microphone being shared by the duo was all that was needed for their magical chemistry on stage.
Singer/songwriter Alix Page opened the show with her beautifully rich and breathy vocal style,  followed by renowned guitarist Julian Lage.
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The 2023 London Fashion Week Opening Debuts Country Artist Michael Rix For Jeff Garners Prophetik Clothing Show At Burlington Arcade

Nashville made a profound presence this year at London Fashion Week by honoring local designer Jeff Garner as the opening runway show at the iconic Burlington Arcade.  Garner has made a name for himself and his Prophetik Clothing brand by dressing many musicians, from Taylor Swift to the Kings Of Leon. His designs have been seen on The Acadamy Awards, The Grammys and in various top publications.  Garner is an eco-fashion pioneer.
Country artist Michael Rix has been differentiating himself as a performer by adding the banjo as an integral element to his soulful sound. Michael is endorsed by Recording King Banjos. At the helm of his latest release “Take A Drink,” Rix has definitely been paying his dues within the Nashville music community, not only sharing the stage and writing with some of the industries top songwriters, he is also an author, penning the book “From Cult To Country,” sharing his story as a cult survivor from his early childhood.  Michael has a story that is unmatched, yet you can hear the triumph and hope within the music he shares.
Rix was approached by Garner in the spring of 2023 at the Davy Crockett “Savage Lands” movie premiere, presenting the idea for him to play and sing during Garners “Let Them Be Naked” runway show at London Fashion Week. The show was sponsored by The Redford Center (Robert Redfords foundation) and included a special appearance from Gerard Butler. Not only was this the 1st runway show ever to be held at Burlington Arcade, Rix was the 1st country banjo artist to perform within the historic property.

Michael Rix will be performing at the Pilgrimage Music Festival this Saturday at noon, kicking things off on the Americana Triangle Stage, with Mike Farris closing the show.  Other headlining performers included at  the Pilgrimage Festival are The Lumineers, The Black Crowes, Zack Bryan, Better Than Ezra and James Bay.  To check out the full line up, visit www.pilgrimagefestival.com.

For more information about Michael Rix, Jeff Garner, Prophetik Clothing and London Fashion Week, please visit:

www.michaelrix.com

www.prophetik.com

www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

United Kingdom press links:

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/london-fashion-week-september-2023-b2410628.html

https://www.etonline.com/gallery/must-see-celeb-sightings-september-2023-210709

https://nextjs-dot-london-fashion-week.appspot.com/designers/prophetik

https://www.gonesunwhere.com/2023/09/london-fashion-week-opens-with-ethical.html?m=1

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Multi-platinum Artist Bishop Briggs Fall Tour Kicks Off In Nashville

Bishop Briggs chose Nashville as the 1st city to kick off her “Don’t Look Down” Fall tour on Friday Oct. 8th at the Brooklyn Bowl.  The show was well attended with a supportive crowd singing along and giving her reciprocated Nashville love.   She made mention about possibly making Nashville her new home.

With a full band and elaborate stage production appropriate for the midsized venue, Bishops rebellious schoolgirl persona and soulful, lush vocals were on point, not being hindered by her energetic, rock fueled presence.

In 2022, Bishop captivated the world with fan favorite “superhuman.” Inspiring critical applause, Forbes lauded it as “brilliant” and proclaimed, “Like all great songs though, Briggs makes the tale universal.” Prior, she dropped the emotionally charged one-two punch of “High Water” and “Art of Survival.” She enraptured viewers with a stirring rendition of “High Water” on CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden. Simultaneously, “Revolution” graced the tracklisting of the EA Games NHL 23 Soundtrack and video game, while the MLB chose to use “Revolution” prominently during the playoffs.

She also contributed “Lessons of the Fire” to the NETFLIX original series Devil In Ohio, which dominated the platform at #1 in the US and cracked the Global Top 10 for two weeks at #2.

In 2023, Bishop Briggs now shines brighter than ever on When Everything Went Dark, which has earned widespread acclaim. Atwood Magazine hailed “Baggage” as “an impassioned anthem of empowerment, emotional reckoning, and self-acceptance.” V Magazine touted it on V’s New Music Roundup and proclaimed, “Briggs’s shockingly powerful voice booms atop of a production that blends alternative and techno influences, reflective of the conflict inside of her own inner turmoil.“ 

Making headlines, Bishop also just emerged as the winner of the latest season of The Masked Singer. She left crowds in awe worldwide with one show stopping performance after another. 

Don’t Look Down Tour Dates w/ MisterWives:

  • 9/8/23 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
  • 9/9/23 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
  • 9/10/23 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
  • 9/12/23 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
  • 9/15/23 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
  • 9/16/23 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
  • 9/17/23 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner
  • 9/19/23 – Toronto, ON – History
  • 9/20/23 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
  • 9/22/23 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
  • 9/23/23 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
  • 9/24/23 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
  • 9/26/23 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Center
  • 9/27/23 – Columbus, OH – Kemba Live!
  • 9/29/23 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
  • 9/30/23 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders KC
  • 10/1/23 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
  • 10/4/23 – Houston, TX – House of Blues – Houston
  • 10/6/23 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues – Dallas
  • 10/9/23 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
  • 10/10/23 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
  • 10/11/23 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
  • 10/13/23 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
  • 10/15/23 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
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I Sailed On Royal Caribbean’s President’s Cruise, And Here’s Why I Would Do It Again

Photo credit: Royal Caribbean International

[BEYOND the 615Travel Feature]  What’s the President’s Cruise on Royal Caribbean? It’s a special, annual cruise that the President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, plans a fun-filled, week-long cruise onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s modern, innovative ships and travels on along with the Executive Staff to celebrate all things Royal Caribbean with their most loyal cruisers.

Michael Bayley and the Executive Staff onboard Allure of the Seas for the President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

Anyone can book this cruise.  No invitation is needed to sail on it, but it depends on your tier level with Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, the Crown & Anchor Society, as to what special events onboard for the week you’ll be invited to take part in.

There were plenty of fun activities for everyone onboard, regardless of loyalty tier level, to enjoy every day.  Plus, there were more intimate, exclusive events that week planned for the two highest tiers: Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus that included cocktail parties, trivia with the Executive Staff & hosted by Super Mario, Common Ground meeting with the president, sharing memories & memorabilia from past Royal Caribbean cruises with the President and Executive Staff by individuals, and a fun pool party.  There were also daily activities reserved for only the highest and most loyal tier of the Crown & Anchor Society, Pinnacle Club, with daily meals shared together and exclusive surprises for them.

Pinnacle Club & Diamond Plus loyalty tier members enjoying a special Crown & Anchor Society Pool Party onboard Allure of the Seas in the Solarium during the 2023 President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit:  Joe Zicari

Loyalty gains you special privileges, perks, and recognition onboard every Royal Caribbean cruise throughout the year with their loyalty program, Crown & Anchor Society, but during the annual President’s Cruise, your loyalty is uniquely-rewarded in different ways and taken to a heightened level depending on your tier status with them.

Each day I received surprises and special theme memorabilia to take home with me. Pictured are a few of the fun gifts I was given onboard during the President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

Each day I was treated to a fun gift in my cabin or at an event that included a President’s Cruise-themed magnet on my cabin door to greet me on embarkment day along with my themed cowboy hat in the color of my choice at the cruise terminal, a bottle of champagne with a special note thanking me for my loyalty, a President’s Cruise-themed insulated bottle to take home, themed beach bag, a chocolate bar from Royal Day at Costa Maya, and a limited release 25th anniversary baseball hat.  It was so much fun to open my cabin door to find special treats left for me.  There were also daily drawings for luxe prizes that everyone onboard the cruise was entered in to at the largest events that week.

Watch a short video of highlights HERE.

Some of the managers of crew onboard Allure of the Seas during the President’s Cruise greeting passengers. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

Now in its 6th year, this year’s President’s Cruise took place on the beautiful Allure of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s oasis class of ships, from July 23-30, 2023 to the Western Caribbean ports of Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya, Mexico and Cozumel, Mexico.

Allure of the Seas
Photo credit: Royal Caribbean International

Sailing out of Royal Caribbean’s brand new cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, this President’s Cruise promised to be bigger & bolder than previous President’s Cruises with the much-awarded cruiseline celebrating 25 years of the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program, a new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal, and the most phenomenal comeback of all the cruiselines following the pandemic shut down back in 2020 as their stock prices continue to soar and prepare to launch 2 brand-new ships in 2024 (The highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas in January and Utopia of the Seas in July.)

Royal Caribbean’s brand new, state-of-the-art, multimillion dollar cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas that opened in November 2022. Photo credit: Royal Caribbean International

The oasis class is currently the largest class of ships in the world out of all the cruiselines, featuring: Wonder of the Seas (newest, launched March 2022), Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas.  With the final ship in this innovative class to be unveiled in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas.

Watch a short video of highlights HERE.

This was my first President’s Cruise to have the pleasure of sailing on, but it definitely won’t be my last if I can help it.  I can say without hesitation that this was my very favorite cruise I have ever been on in my 30 years of cruising.  Being a long-time fan of Royal Caribbean since my very first cruise ever onboard their then state-of-the-art Sovereign of the Seas back in 1993, I was sailing as a Diamond Plus tier member with their loyalty program, Crown & Anchor Society.  I have so many past cruises to compare this one to, so saying it was my favorite is no small feat.

Watch a short video of highlights HERE.

As an added special treat, 10-time GRAMMY Award winner & musical icon, Chaka Khan, was onboard sailing all week with her family and band.  She performed an exclusive concert twice while sailing during the 7-night voyage.  Only a limited number of guests were able to see her perform in-person in the ship’s Amber Theater, but the concert was livestreamed all across the ship for special viewing parties in various venues onboard for all guests onboard to enjoy.  You can watch some clips from her performance onboard HERE.

I had access to most of the special events planned, including seeing Chaka Khan perform live onboard this mammoth vessel, which was one of the highlights of the cruise for me.  Hearing her iconic hit songs again and seeing her perform in-person brought back so many great memories for me as a teenager growing up in the 1980’s, which was during the heighth of Chaka Khan’s career.  She still has an incredibly-powerful voice after all these years and puts on a great show.  I couldn’t help myself as I stood and sang along to “I’m Every Woman”, and I was out of my seat dancing for most of the show, as well.  So much fun!

Super Mario having a little fun with the Executive Staff as he hosts a trivia game with them during the President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

This special cruise included a milestone silver anniversary celebration of 25 years since the creation of the Crown & Anchor Society, which offers the best perks for loyalty out of all the cruiselines, in my opinion.  Everyone onboard was able to enjoy this beautiful, silver-themed celebration in the ornate Royal Promanade.

There was the fun day at the port of Costa Maya where Royal Caribbean took over the entire port to celebrate Royal Day with free food, drinks, and entertainment at every turn that all guests onboard got to enjoy.  You can see some of the highlights of the celebration HERE.

Royal Caribbean tookover the port of Costa Maya in Mexico for one day dubbing it Royal Day. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

The Royal Roundup, a country music-themed party held in Studio B, was a big hit among guests as drinks were served and people took to the dance floor for some fun linedancing doning their complimentary President’s Cruise cowboy hats that we all received on embarkment day at the new cruise terminal in Galveston as we prepared to sail away later that day.  A great time had by all for some fabulous, boot-scootin’ fun!

Another highlight was the Garden Spritz party I got to enjoy along with other Diamond Plus tier members in the Central Park neighborhood of the ship, which was beautifully-decorated with touches of orange since sponsored by Chandon for this special occasion.

The Garden Spritz mixer sponsored by Chandon in the Central Park neighborhood onboard was beautifully-decorated and decked out in orange for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club tier members only to enjoy. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

New Pinnacle Club members, Patrick and Janice Moan, enjoying the Garden Spritz mixer sponsored by Chandon in Central Park neighborhood onboard Allure of the Seas during the President’s Cruise 2023. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

The Central Park neighborhood is always one of my favorite places to visit because it is so beautiful and a wonderful place of tranquility to escape to for a nice dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, a peaceful stroll, listen to some jazz music, or to enjoy a nightcap whenever sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s oasis class ships only.

This is a view of the Central Park neighborhood onboard Allure of the Seas from a little-known, tucked away public balcony accessible from deck 9 by the elevators on both sides. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

There is just so much I could write about, but I’m afraid this article would become a long novel if I go on about it much longer.  So, I’m going to wrap it up now! I would book this particular themed cruise again and again in a heartbeat.  It was a level of amped up fun that only Royal Caribbean International, its President and his Executive Staff knows how to truly bring!

The Island Jam with Michael Bayley held at the beautiful Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort in Roatan, Honduras for the President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

This cruise had everything, even all-you-can-eat lobster tails with a full, fresh seafood spread available for all guests on the first day in the Windjammer Cafe along with specialty procured excursions filled with unique experiences designed for the President’s Cruise only, like the Island Jam with Michael Bayley, held at the beautiful Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort in Roatan, Honduras featuring an all-you-can-eat, mouthwatering spread of local favorites, fresh coconut water served in handcrafted coconuts with the President’s Cruise logo emblazoned on it, local music, dancing, and tasty tropical drinks with little umbrellas served by an attentive staff on sugar white sand beaches overlooking clear, turquoise-colored water.  It was a slice of paradise for the day that I never wanted to leave!

If you are looking for an all-inclusive vacation that will appeal to the entire family, you can’t go wrong with a Royal Caribbean cruise onboard one of their 26 ships, but especially on an oasis class ship like Allure of the Seas.  From great food, included in the cruise ticket cost per person, full Broadway shows like “Mamma Mia” in the Amber Theater, an aerial, acrobatic, highdiving, water-themed spectacular show in the Aquatheater that is a must-see (on oasis class ships only), an ice skating rink by day turned into an entertaining ice skating show inside Studio B featuring elite level ice skaters from around the world, comedy club featuring rotating featured comedians, highly-organized  by staff kids programs for all ages, a surfing simulator, pools, hot tubs, waterside, a zip-line, arcade, movies, shopping, live music in various nightclubs, dance classes, theme parties, parades through the Royal Promanade, trivia, bingo, full-access ship & kitchen tours with brunch, shipboard activities designed for athletes &

Enjoying breakfast in Coastal Kitchen on Allure of the Seas.
Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

foodies, specialty dining, spa, health club, staff-led exercise classes, the adult-only fun of the Solarium featuring a pool & bar area and Casino Royale. (Don’t forget to insert your Seapass into the slot machines as you play or hand to the dealer at table games to become a member of Club Royale to earn points towards perks like free drinks, free cruises, onboard comps, invitations to special casino events, and more.)

Enjoying a cosmopolitan in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour onboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

There is just SO much to experience and do onboard Royal Caribbean’s innovative fleet of ships that will appeal to all ages and you’ll never be bored.  I promise! So, what are you waiting for? Go to their site by clicking HERE to book a cruise now to see how fabulous a vacation at sea can be.  Whether you’re a solo traveler, celebrating your honeymoon, a family traveling together, or enjoying retirement in your golden years, there is something onboard for everyone on a Royal Caribbean ship to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Europe, Greece, Asia, Australia, and more.

Want to find out when & where the next Royal Caribbean President’s Cruise is? Just watch the video below to find out!

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The Music City Grand Prix: A Nashville Takeover

2023 marks the 3rd year for the Music City Grand Prix to make its presence known in the streets of downtown Nashville.  The roar of INDYCAR racers, combined with live music and fans from all over the globe make this sensory overloaded 3 day festival one of the biggest yearly undertakings in downtown Nashville.

Nissan Stadium stood as the mother ship of this spectacular event, with hundreds of vendors and thousands of racing fans congregating to celebrate  the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.  The schedule features races at a combination of super-speedways, short ovals, road courses, and temporary street circuits held across the U.S. and Canada. While INDYCAR is the governing body for the sport, each individual race is operated by its own ownership group.

INDYCAR’S are single-seat cars that feature the new Aero-screen and a 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 engine. These engines are optimized to run 12,000 RPM with an estimated 500-700 horsepower depending on the turbocharger boost setting.

Nashvilles course is the first of its kind to cross a major body of water, the Cumberland River.  For all of the awards and results, you can go to  www.musiccitygp.com

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Ty Herndon’s Concert For Love & Acceptance

The Concert for Love & Acceptance, in partnership with GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, and groundbreaking country artist Ty Herndon, returned to the Wildhorse Saloon stage last night for its 8th year.  Performing for a tremendously enthusiastic crowd, Herndon and Terri Clark kicked off the show, followed by the legendary Pam Tillis.
Other performances included:

Chrissy Metz, Maddie & Tae, Sam Williams, Brooke Eden, Chapel Hart, Desmond Child, Billy Gilman, Jamie Floyd, Brandon Stansell, Bryan Ruby, Wendy Moten, Shelly Fairchild, Justin Fabus, Auti, Autumn Nicholas, Jada Cato, Jason Catron, and Matt Bloyd.

This highly anticipated event has now became a tradition to welcome the Pride month of June in Nashville, equally becoming a premier show during CMA Fest.
For more information you can go to https://www.f4la.org/
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Betty Who Live @ The Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

The spirit of love was guided, fed and led by the one and only Betty Who at Nashvilles Brooklyn Bowl to an energetic and well attended audience Monday, March 6th.In support of the Nashville show,  drag performer Shea Couleé opened the night with a dynamic set of original dance music, adding not only a bit of controversy to the show in the midst of Tennessees current anti-drag bill that was passed last week, but proved the art of drag is inclusive with live music.

Couleé achieved international fame after competing on season nine of RuPaul’s Drag Race, placing in the top four. In 2020, Couleé won the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Couleé later returned to compete on the all-winners seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022, once again placing in the top four.
Betty Who previously performed at the 2014 Nashville Pride Festival in support of her debut studio album, Take Me When You Go. The Australian singer-songwriters second studio album, The Valley (2017), saw the commercial success of her cover of “I Love You Always Forever“, which peaked to the top ten in Australia and reached the top of the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the United States.
Her 2022 project simply entitled “BIG!” has received critical acclaim, weaving together a body of well crafted pop songs with relatable depth and purity.  The combination of breathy, melodic hooks and solid vocal tone showcases that she is an artist with global and cultural appeal.  In true Who style, her beautifully, unique version of Kate Bush’s iconic hit song “Running Up That Hill” was released last month.
Whos live show definitely exhibits her love to perform and her connection with the listener is something she does not take for granted.  There is a reason why Betty Who has maintained relevance and grown a substantial fanbase for over a decade.  Her growth as a songwriter and recording artist shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. In fact, it seems she’s just begun a new chapter.
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BUSH @ The Ryman

BUSH performing at the Ryman. Photo credit: Shawn Carnes

The 90’s music revolution could not be documented without mentioning the massive success of the UK band Bush. Formed in1994, Bush found immediate success outside the UK with the release of their debut album, Sixteen Stone, which is certified six times multi-platinum by the RIAA.[3] They went on to become one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the 1990s, selling over ten million records in the United States and 20 million records worldwide, with numerous top ten singles on the Billboard rock charts[5] and one No. 1 album with Razorblade Suitcase in 1996.[6] The band broke up in 2002 but reformed in 2010, and have released five albums since then: The Sea of Memories (2011), Man on the Run (2014), Black and White Rainbows (2017), The Kingdom (2020), and The Art of Survival (2022)

The release of “The Art of Survival” was celebrated in Nashville at The Ryman Auditorium on Monday Feb. 20th with a rock show beyond expectations, playing for an energetically packed iconic venue.

We have not seen the last of Bush, recognizing their skillful musicianship, well crafted songwriting and an unmatched live performance, this band proves longevity and and the influence of the 90’s music movement carries over into today’s modern pop rock creative pool. The Ryman continues to diversify the live music culture in Nashville, showing there is a demand and supportive fanbase that encompasses all generations. The Bush performance proved that, giving hope to future artists and lovers of music, in a city that has made its mark for all genres. Rock and Roll is indeed alive and well in Music City!

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A Special Night At The Judds Farewell Concert Taping

CMT and Sandbox Productions in conjunction with country music legend Wynonna Judd will headline a history-making concert event with “The Judds: Love Is Alive – The Final Concert” on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Murphy Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
The event recreates “The Judds 1991 Farewell Tour” for a special televised event airing in March 2023 on CMT.
Wynonna’s current tourmates Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and Martina McBride are also slated to perform.
Photo credit: MTSU

I was one of the fortunate ones to be invited to attend The Judds Farewell Concert taping produced by CMT and Sandbox Entertainment.  The concert took place Thursday, November 3rd in Murphy Center at MTSU in Murfreesboro, located just 45 minutes outside of Nashville.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkiZr7TOL4Z/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

This was the original location of the farewell concert back in 1991, so it was a re-creation of that night made for CMT.  For me, it was extra special since I was a student at MTSU back then.  It was a night filled with nostalgia.

Wynonna Judd was joined by several special guests throughout the two hour concert on this beautiful fall night, including: Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini,  Martina McBride, and Brandi Carlile. 

Understandably, this was an emotional night for Wynonna after the tragic loss of her mother, Naomi Judd, only a few months ago before they were to set out on the final tour together.  Thankfully, she has all these incredibly-talented friends in the industry to help her sing the iconic duos’ many well-known hit songs.

The audience held up lit up phones, sang along, danced, and many tears were shed throughout the evening without any prompting like you normally get at tv tapings.  You could feel such incredible, uplifting energy throughout the building from the moment Wynonna and her band stepped on stage through to the very end.  It was truly a magical night.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkmXn9bs_js/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

My very favorite part of the concert took place at the very end when Wynonna was joined on stage by all her special guests and a choir joined into the audience to sing, “Love Can Build A Bridge”.  It gave me chillbumps as I fought back tears.  It was a very moving and powerful moment in a night full of special moments .

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkpDRl3sDN-/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

This special will be airing exclusively on CMT very soon.  I will be sure to spread the word when the special is to air.  You don’t want to miss it!

 

 

 

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“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn” Was A Beautiful Tribute

Photo Credit: Russ Harrington

Last night, CMT and Sandbox Productions, in partnership with Loretta Lynn’s family presented “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn”.  It aired live on CMT to 2000 friends and family who gathered to celebrate her life at the Grand Ole Opry, while also allowing 500 people from the general public to attend in-person.  It was simulcast on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse: Willie Nelson’s Classic Country (Channel 59)

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: A memorial for Loretta Lynn is seen during the CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

Two additional CMT commercial-free encore airings on Wed, Nov 2nd at 8p/7c & Sun, Nov 6th at 11a/10c.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Margaret Comeaux, Patrizia DiMaria, Jason Owen, Ebie McFarland and SVP of music strategy for CMT’s Leslie Fram attend CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)

Fans started lining up outside at 3am, hoping to get a seat to see some of the country music industry’s biggest names pay tribute through song and telling their personal stories about the iconic Queen of Country Music.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Margo Price performs onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

 

NBC’s “Today Show” co-host and close family friend Jenna Bush Hager hosted the star-studded event, which included emotional messages and moving performances from Alan Jackson, Barbara Mandrell, Brandi Carlile, Darius Rucker, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, George Strait, The Highwomen’s Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby with Brittany Spencer, Hoda Kotb, Jack White, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, Sissy Spacek, Tanya Tucker, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Wynonna feat. Gaither Vocal Band +

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Darius Rucker speaks onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

Larry Strickland.

On-stage guests who appeared to share heartfelt messages included Barbara Mandrell, Darius Rucker, Faith Hill, Hoda Kotb, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw, plus special messages from Lynn’s closest friends and fans: Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Sissy Spacek and Taylor Swift.

Opening the memorial, Wynonna feat. Gaither Vocal Band + Larry Strickland delivered a chills-inducing performance of the classic hymn, “How Great Thou Art for the night’s first standing ovation. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Tayla Lynn and Patsy Lynn Russell attend CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)

Host Jenna Bush Hager recalled the controversy surrounding one of Lynn’s biggest hits – a song that country radio originally refused to play, “The Pill,sung by a spirited Margo Price.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Lukas Nelson and Emmy Rose Russell perform onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

One of the highlighted performances was from Lukas Nelson, grandson of Willie Nelson, and Emmy Russell, Loretta’s granddaughter. They received a standing ovation for their rendition of “Lay Me Down”.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Karen Fairchild seen backstage during CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT)

Jack White’s surprise appearance and powerful live performance of “Van Lear Rose, the title track of his and Loretta’s Grammy-winning album, was a standout of the night.  Introduced by Margo Price, fans were also treated to a rarely seen performance from Third Man Records Vault Package #24 featuring White and Lynn performing “Whispering Sea,” a favorite of White’s and one of the first songs Loretta ever wrote. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Jack White performs onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

The Highwomen’s Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby and Brittney Spencer performed a show-stopping finale of Lynn’s most recognizable hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Earlier in the night, Carlile also performed “She’s Got You” solo.

Lynn’s daughter Patsy Russell and granddaughter Tayla Lynn gave a moving final thank you to the attendees.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Crystal Gayle (L) seen during CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT)

Throughout the evening, more of Lynn’s closest friends and fans delivered heartfelt speeches and shared personal memories, including Sissy Spacek, who recalled being “thunderstruck” upon first meeting Loretta; Dolly Parton shared that “Loretta was the best friend anybody could ever have.” Taylor Swift praised Lynn for being an example for all songwriters, particularly females with her ‘truthful, fearless honesty’ in her writing. 

Loretta Lynn was a trailblazer for women in country music, conveying her unique honky tonk sound with clever songwriting.  Often quoted as being an artist ahead of her time, Loretta’s multi-award winning career has spanned over 7 decades, with more than 50 top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart — including 16 number ones.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Keith Urban performs onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

Loretta Lynn passed away in her sleep on Oct. 4th.  She was 90 years old.

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Full performance list below:

 

In loving memory of the life and legacy of Loretta Lynn, The Loretta Lynn Foundation exists to establish, preserve, and promote public awareness of the historical and cultural contributions of Loretta Lynn and the cultural contributions of country music as a genre and to establish, preserve, and maintain an educational and recreational facility for the general public through which to give to and serve others. For more information and to make a donation, visit foundation.lorettalynn.comor text LORETTA to 53-555. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile and Natalie Hemby of the Highwomen with Brittney Spencer (CL) perform onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

“COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER: A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE & MUSIC OF LORETTA LYNN” is a co-production from CMT and Sandbox Productions; Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Jason Owen (Sandbox), Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions) and Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media) are Executive Producers.

For more information, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.

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