Tag Archives | Hard Rock Cafe

BMI Returns To CMA Fest With Maui Jim Broadway Stage At Hard Rock Cafe Takeover

After a brief hiatus, BMI will return to downtown Music City for CMA Fest with a special takeover of the Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday, June 7th from 2:45pm-6:45pm. Fans and industry tastemakers alike are invited to kick off Country music’s most quintessential weekend of live music with a parking lot party featuring performances from some of the format’s hottest rising talent. BMI has built a solid track record curating CMA Fest stages over the years, with the well-loved Tailgate previously featuring superstars like Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Kane Brown, Jon Pardi, Chris Lane, Michael Ray and more.

“Our history at CMA Fest speaks for itself. For years, our BMI Tailgate Party served as a hub for up-and-coming Country talent at the festival,” said Mason Hunter, Assistant Vice President, Creative. “We’re excited to be back at CMA Fest and proud to continue to be a launching pad for the careers of our genre’s breakout singer-songwriters.”

See below for a full lineup of performers:

2:45pmPayton Smith

3:25pmDrew Parker

4:05pmFaren Rachels

4:45pmRay Fulcher

5:25pmTrea Landon

6:05pmAdam Craig

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Country Weekly’s Annual Kick-Off Party To Take Over Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe June 3

 

Country Weekley Kick-Off PartyCountry Weekly to throw the bash of the summer with the annual Country Weekly Kick-Off Party powered by NASH on Tuesday, June 3 at Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe. The event serves as the magazine’s pre-celebration to the big CMA Music Festival and will feature performances by two of today’s hottest country stars – Kip Moore and Frankie Ballard.

Kip MooreSponsored by Durango and Roper, all proceeds from the show will benefit Musicians On Call, a non-profit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. For the past eight years, Country Weekly has teamed up with Musicians On Call on fundraisers to help support the charity’s mission.

“Musicians On Call couldn’t be any more excited to work with Country Weekly again on this great event,” says Pete Griffin, President of Musicians On Call. “Having the support of Kip Moore, Frankie Ballard, Hard Rock Cafe, Durango and Roper means so much to us and will allow us to bring the healing power of music to more patients and facilities in Nashville and around the country.”

 

Tickets are on sale now and range from $30 General Admission to a $500 VIP package including a reserved table for four guests plus a meet-and-greet with the performing artists. All attendees will enjoy a red carpet arrival complete with bright lights and a backdrop for photos. Doors open at 7:00P with the music cranking up at 8:00P.

For more information on the event, ticket options and Musicians On Call, please visit www.MusiciansOnCall.org.

Frankie BallardAbout Kip Moore:
MCA Nashville singer/songwriter Kip Moore shot out of the gate with the best selling debut country album from any solo male country artist released in 2012 and 2013, which spawned the PLATINUM, two week chart-topping hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” followed by two more No. one singles, “Beer Money” and “Hey Pretty Girl.”   In advance of his upcoming sophomore album due out later this year, Moore recently released “Dirt Road” as his latest single.  In addition to headlining his own shows, which have often been selling out in minutes, Moore, “one of Nashville’s breakout stars…” (Washington Post), joins Tim McGraw on his SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN Tour for over 30 dates across the country this summer. www.KipMoore.net

About Frankie Ballard:
Frankie Ballard has launched onto the country music scene with breakthrough #1, GOLD-certified smash “Helluva Life.” The infectious anthem is featured on his current album SUNSHINE & WHISKEY (Warner Bros. Records), which debuted in the Top 5 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and captures the rising newcomer’s unique blend of blues-infused, country rock. Produced by Marshall Altman (Mark Broussard), Ballard played guitar on every track on the project including his latest single “Sunshine & Whiskey.” The Battle Creek, Michigan native is currently touring all over the country playing headline shows and will join Jake Owen’s Days Of Gold Tour for select dates through the summer. His dynamic live show has caught the eye of many headliners, including Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and longtime idol Bob Seger, who have previously tapped him for coveted opening slots. Ballard has appeared on TBS’ Conan, NBC’s TODAY Show and CBS’ Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He first captured the national spotlight with hits – “Tell Me You Get Lonely” and “A Buncha Girls.” www.FrankieBallard.com

About Country Weekly
As America’s premier country entertainment source for 20 years, Country Weekly and CountryWeekly.com deliver the inside stories on country music’s hottest stars, featuring late-breaking news and the scoop on the stars’ lifestyles, families, homes, favorite foods and latest fashions. Country Weekly is published 52 times a year by parent company American Media, Inc. www.countryweekly.com

About Musicians On Call (MOC)
Musicians On Call (MOC) was founded in 1999 with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. To date, its volunteers have played for over 400,000 people nationwide. Musicians On Call continues its mission through room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities as well as the Music Pharmacy and Project Playback Programs. www.musiciansoncall.org

Musicians On Call

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Musicians On Call Nashville Announces Kelly Clarkson For Sixth Anniversary Concert Presented By Citi Private Pass November 14 At Hard Rock Cafe

Kelly Clarkson

Exclusive Pre-Sale for Citi Private Pass Members Begins 10 a.m. CT Wednesday, Oct. 9 with Public On-Sale Opening at Noon Friday, Oct. 11

Musicians On Call (MOC) Nashville is celebrating six years in Music City with an anniversary benefit concert featuring GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Kelly Clarkson. The Nov. 14 event presented by Citi Private Pass will showcase Clarkson in the intimate setting of downtown Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe, located at 100 Broadway. Tickets will be available for purchase exclusively by Citi Private Pass members for a limited time beginning at 10 a.m. CT Wednesday, Oct. 9 with general on sale opening at noon Friday, Oct. 11. Tickets start at $160 and include a VIP Cocktail Reception provided by Hard Rock Cafe and valet parking provided by Eagle Parking.

The night will also include a silent auction featuring items from local vendors and autographed memorabilia from today’s hottest stars.  All proceeds from the event will go directly to MOC Nashville and its efforts to bring live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.  Since MOC’s expansion into Nashville in April 2007, it has brought the healing power of music to over 70,000 patients, families and staff in Middle Tennessee through 12 weekly programs in seven area healthcare facilities including the latest program, which recently launched at Alive Hospice. Through the generous support of artists like Clarkson, as well as sponsors Citi Private Pass, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, and City National Bank, MOC Nashville will continue to thrive and grow.

Clarkson has long been a champion for MOC – last year surprising patients and lifting spirits at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt with an impromptu performance for the holidays.  The vibrant singer is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year at this year’s CMA Awards as well as nominated for Musical Event of the Year for her collaboration with Vince Gill on “Don’t Rush.”  Clarkson brings her soulful vocals to her latest Oct. 29 holiday release, Wrapped In Red.

For more information on the MOC Nashville Sixth Anniversary Concert, visit www.musiciansoncall.org/kellyclarkson. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Dana Sones at dana@musiciansoncall.org.

About Kelly Clarkson
Since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago, Kelly Clarkson has released five studio albums (Thankful, Breakaway, My December, All I Ever Wanted, Stronger), one Greatest Hits album, sold over 20 million albums worldwide, 10 million albums in the US and has had 10 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. She is the recipient of three GRAMMY Awards, four American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, one country Music Association Award and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Clarkson’s last studio effort Stronger debuted at No. 2 on both the Billboard Top 200 and Digital Albums Chart. The album produced the smash singles, “Mr. Know It All” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” which marks Kelly’s 9th and 10th Top 10 hit. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” was No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart for two consecutive weeks (three weeks total) marking her 3rd No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart.  Clarkson’s Stronger was certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A. and won the GRAMMY for Best Pop Vocal Album. Clarkson released Greatest Hits – Chapter 1 last year, which featured three brand new tracks as well as a compilation of some of her greatest hits to date.  Kelly spent the summer touring with Maroon 5 and recording her very first Christmas album Wrapped In Red, which is set for release on October 29th.

About Musicians On Call (MOC)
Musicians On Call (MOC) was founded in 1999 with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. To date, its volunteers have played for over 400,000 people nationwide. Musicians On Call continues its mission through room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities as well as the Music Pharmacy Program. www.musiciansoncall.org

About Citi Private Pass
The Citi Private Pass entertainment access program rewards Citi customers by offering access to thousands of events including preferred seating, early access, VIP experiences, complimentary tickets and more. The only way to get access is by purchasing tickets with a Citi credit card or Citibank debit card; customers can view a list of upcoming events and sign up for the Citi Private Pass newsletter at www.citiprivatepass.com.

About Citi
Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 170 venues in 54 countries, including 133 cafes, 18 hotels and 7 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida., as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Johannesburg, Chennai, Istanbul and Tenerife. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Aruba, Riviera Maya, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. New Hard Rock Casino projects in development include Hungary and Northfield, OH. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

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Katie Armiger’s Black Dress Inducted Into Hard Rock Memorabilia Collection

Katie Armiger

Country artist Katie Armiger donated her infamous black dress to the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas on Wednesday, May 22nd. Armiger wore the black dress on the historic Opry stage in August 2012, the night her “Better In A Black Dress” music video went #1 on GAC’s Top 20 Countdown.

“I am a longtime fan of Hard Rock Cafe,” said Armiger.  “Ever since I was little girl I can remember visiting the restaurants around the country and admiring the eclectic array of memorabilia that graced the walls.  Being asked to include one of my dresses to display alongside all of the superstars of music for thousands of people to see at such a well-respected franchise is such a great honor.”

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Country’s Newest Carrie Zaruba Pins Her Legacy with Legends of Rock

Carrie Zaruba Carrie Zaruba

Country’s newest vocal vixen vagabond, Carrie Zaruba has been named one of the most recent inspirations for the iconic Hard Rock Cafe Nashville pin series. The “Save The Planet” pin blends Hard Rock’s eco-friendly initiative with Carrie’s spirited, artsy style.

On the decision to work with Carrie on the design and image, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville’s Manager of Sales and Marketing, Rachal Smith said, “When we were discussing the recent industry showcase Carrie did at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville just a few weeks ago and saw her current photo shoot for her newly released EP Woman On A Mission, we knew her image would be a great fit for a modern mother-nature….A true beauty with an edgy style and a big voice!”

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Martina McBride Raises Over $35,000 For Musicians On Call At Nashville Fundraiser

Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 Benefit at the Hard Rock Cafe Breaks MOC Nashville Fundraising Records

Martina McBride

Photo Credit: Paul Levy

Republic Nashville recording artist, Martina McBride, performed to a sold out Hard Rock Cafe Nashville crowd on Friday, Nov. 16 with all proceeds directly benefitting Musicians On Call (MOC) Nashville, the non-profit that brings music to the bedsides of patients in six area healthcare facilities. Breaking MOC Nashville fundraising records for a single event, the benefit amassed over $35,000 through the event ticketing, silent auction, and through a unique online auction that afforded one lucky winner the opportunity to join McBride on stage for a song to which winning bidder, Lyndsi Riley, chose “This One’s for the Girls.”

“We could not imagine a better way to celebrate our fifth anniversary in Nashville. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see such an icon perform in an intimate setting,” shared Katy Epley, MOC Nashville’s Program Director. “Martina and her entire team could not have been more gracious or supportive of our efforts to bring the healing power of music to the bedsides of patients.”

McBride expressed, “I was so happy to be a part of the fifth anniversary of Musicians On Call in Nashville. We put together an eclectic set list of hits mixed with some of our favorite album cuts for a show that was one-of-a-kind. It’s a great organization doing important work and I was proud to be a part of that very special evening.”

Funds raised from the event will be used to support the local MOC branch and help to continue and to expand its Bedside Performance Programs. Visit www.MusiciansOnCall.org for more information on upcoming events or on how to donate or volunteer.

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Tin Pan South 2012: One Of Nashville’s Best Traditions

The Annual Songwriter Festival Celebrates It’s 20th Year!

Tin Pan SouthThe 20th Annual Tin Pan South festival is in the books, and Focus was there for some of the best shows of the week. The festival consists of two songwriter rounds per night in 10 separate venues. (Simultaneously… that is to say 20 rounds per night!) Obviously I could only get to two – sometimes three – per night, and I tried to choose the best of the best.

This is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s not fan mania, it’s not running around craziness, it’s not media madness… it’s the best songwriters in the world in a down-home style playing acoustic versions of their most famous songs. They truly enjoy playing and singing together, and the more accomplished musicians like to jump in to harmonize or play along, even when they’ve never sung or played them before! Not only that, I really love hearing these Billboard-topping hits played by the people who wrote them.

For those who are not familiar, more country artists than you would think DON’T write their own songs, and if they do they almost always collaborate with songwriters. This is a festival where you get to hear the songwriters. And not just hit-makers either. The week also consists of some of the best unsigned artists and incredibly talented singer/songwriters from Nashville.

 

Tuesday

What better way to kick it off than two rounds at The Hard Rock Café? Josh Turner was the big name at the first, while Luke Bryan took time out of his busy schedule to play the second. These are obviously two big names who DO write a lot of their material.

Josh was on stage with many of his collaborators Mark Narmore,
 Mark Nesler and
 Jeremy Spillman. They played a lot of his stuff along with Narmore singing his number one smash “Thats What I Love About Sundays” complete with Neil Diamond impression, and Nesler jamming out to Keith Urban’s “You Look Good in My Shirt.” And although it was cool seeing Josh and his songwriters singing these versions, Josh has a personality about as dry as the Mohave Desert.

Jim Beavers, Jeff Stevens, Luke Bryan and Bob DiPiero at Tin Pan South 2012.

Jim Beavers, Jeff Stevens, Luke Bryan and Bob DiPiero at Tin Pan South 2012. Photo Credit: Jessica Adkins

Not so with Luke. He was with some of the biggest songwriters in town: Jim Beavers, Bob DiPiero and Jeff Stevens. I’ve ever laughed so hard at a songwriter round! From bad language and dirty jokes to Luke being half in the bag, this is the reason I love this week.

Jim Beavers kicked it off with his hit “Am I The Only One” cut by Dierks Bentley. He also sang “Felt Good On My Lips” and “Red Solo Cup,” a crowd favorite. Luke started with “Is Someone Else Calling You Baby,” and also hit “Rain Is A Good Thing,” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” Also for those who didn’t know Luke got his big break writing “Good Directions” which was cut by Billy Currington. Bob Dipiero a.k.a. Bobby D had me in stitches, singing the REAL version of “Daddy’s Money.” He also sang Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice” and Montgomery Gentry’s “Gone.”

That was certainly the highlight, although afterwards I got the hell out of there as the slew of Vanderbilt girls rushed the stage to meet Luke afterwards.

 

Wednesday

Wednesday I tried hitting three shows. First was the Musicians Corner show at Commodore Grille featuring Jared Blake, Jessica Campbell, Daniel Ellsworth, Matt Giraud and Pearl Heart. A very eclectic show, they covered indie, rock, pop, blues and country. Such is Musicians Corner.

Then I had to hurry over to The Rutledge to catch Danny Myrick, Heidi Newfield, Bridgette Tatum and Focus friends, The Farm. These artists never cease to amaze me. Nick Hoffman from The Farm was playing beautiful fiddle accompaniments to many of the songs simply by asking what key the song was in. And for the record, I still have a crush on Krista 😉

Then it was off to Hard Rock again for a show I was really excited about. The ASCAP-hosted event featured an opening by the incredibly talented duo Striking Matches who I have had the privilege of hearing a few times before. Watch out for them, they’ll be huge! Then the main show featured Radney Foster, Josh Kear, Eric Paslay and Rivers Rutherford. Just to name a few of the songs these guys have penned: “Raining on Sunday” “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” “If You Ever Stop Loving Me” “Real Good Man” “Stealing Cinderella” “Dancing Away With My Heart,” “Drunk On You,” “Before He Cheats,” and “Need You Now.” Whew!

The last four were penned by Big Yellow Dog hit-making machine Josh Kear, who I worked with about a year ago. I got to hear “Dancing Away With My Heart” when it was still a WORK TAPE, and he debuted the song live at last year’s Tin Pan. It was so cool to hear it come full circle, now a number one song, and hearing him sing it again. Oh, and those last two songs won Josh a total of three Grammy’s… no big.

 

Thursday 

I tried hitting two first round shows again, but I had so much fun at the first one, I only heard one song at the second. Granted, it was Paul Overstreet and the ENTIRE Rutledge singing “Forever and Ever Amen.” Then they brought it home with a bluegrass jam session. Awesome. But the first show was real groovy (I can’t think of a better word, albeit a little dated).

James Otto at Tin Pan South

James Otto at Tin Pan South 2012

It was Greg Barnhill, Joanna Cotton, James Otto and Lee Roy Parnell. Joanna sang one song (can’t for the life of me remember the name) that was uncut, but so funny you could barely hear her over the laughter. She also sang a song that was pitched to Tina Turner. Obviously country fans know James Otto, and he was a big hit. I didn’t know he co-wrote one of my current favorites “Ain’t In No Hurry” by Zac Brown Band. At the end he segued right into a chorus of “Free Fallin’” and everyone on stage joined in for an impromptu four-part harmony! After he played his hit “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” I rushed to The Rutledge.

Another session of songwriting gold, this one featured Tom Douglas, Tony Lane, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson and James T. Slater. Here we go again with the laundry list of songs these guys wrote: “The House That Built Me,” “I Run To You,” “I Need You,” “Southern Voice,” “Little Rock,” “Roll With It,” “Letters From Home,” “Wasted,” “So Small,” “Last Name,” “Coming Home,” “A Little Bit Stronger,” “Jesus Take The Wheel,” “In My Daughter’s Eyes,” “ The High Cost Of Living,” and “Falling In Love Again.” Not bad.

Tony Lane with his salty, sultry voice sang “I Need You,” the Tim and Faith cut. In my opinion, that’s the way that song was intended to sound. I learned that the Hillary Lindsey-penned and Lady A-cut “American Honey” was in fact inspired by the liquor, and James Slater slayed a New Orleans version of “High Cost of Living” with Hillary Lindsey on harmony and Gordie Sampson rocking a guitar solo.

 

Friday

Friday I had to check out our dear friend Jesse Lee at Belcourt Taps & Tapas. She was adorable and amazing as always, playing some of her new material with friends Johnny Bulford and Chris Roberts.

Since this was a lower-key show, I didn’t expect to hear any songs that made the radio except for Jesse’s “It’s A Girl Thing.” Johnny surprised me by playing a song he wrote on a Tuesday afternoon; had it pitched to Lee Brice that Thursday; and that Saturday it was announced as his newest single… That doesn’t happen. And that song is currently sitting at number one on the charts: “Woman Like You.”

Then I went to Commodore Grille to see an artist I love, Mike Willis. He was joined by Danny Flowers, Jim Parker and Ricky Ray. Although I didn’t really know any of the songs, the guitar playing was stellar, and it was some of the bluesiest music I’d ever heard.

 

Jesse Lee and Johnny Bulford at Tin Pan South

Jesse Lee and Johnny Bulford at Belcourt Taps & Tapas

Saturday 

Although the week was starting to catch up to me, Saturday I hit up three more shows. Because I had hit up the shows with country hit-makers all week, I tried to diversify and see some independent singer/songwriters. First was Stephanie Chapman,
 Jen Foster, 
Emily West and
 Kate York at The Rutledge. Very fun and enjoyable, and Emily West – who has graced the Musicians Corner stage before – is just a joy to watch.

Then I stuck around to see The World Famous Headliners, a group comprised of three other Big Yellow Dog songwriters, Shawn Camp, “Big” Al Anderson and Pat McGlaughlin. Although The Headliners are a group in and of themselves, these three have written hits such as “Two Pina Coladas,” “ Would You Go With Me,” “River Of Love,” “Firecracker,” and George Straight’s current number one “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright.”

I decided to end my week where I started it, at The Hard Rock to support my Musicians Corner family once again. This was the Music City Unsigned show featuring Justin Wade Tam, the Musicians Corner Production Director and lead singer of the group Humming House. He was joined by Sandra McCracken, Andrew Ripp, Amy Stroup, Waterdeep and Angel Snow. A great way to end the week.

 

Jen Foster, Kate York, Emily West, Stephanie Chapman and Nathan Chapman at Tin Pan South

Jen Foster, Kate York, Emily West, Stephanie Chapman and Nathan Chapman at Tin Pan South 2012

Of course, I was on my own for half the week as Patrice was galavanting around Vegas at the ACMs. You can read her write up of that amazing experience here.

And be sure to keep an eye out for tickets next year when Tin Pan celebrates it’s 21st birthday! It really is a phenomenal time for music lovers. For the complete list of performers from this year’s Tin Pan South, click here.

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