Tag Archives | Music City Gives Back

Autograph Signings Announced For Eighth Annual “Music City Gives Back” Benefit Concert At Ascend Park

By on May 31, 2018 in In The Press


The all-star group of artists joining Rodney Atkins for his eighth annual “Music City Gives Back” concert benefitting W.O. Smith Music School just got even bigger, with five hours of autograph signings preceding the evening’s concert.

In addition to performances by Atkins, featured headliners Big & Rich and celebrated newcomers Drew Baldridge, Travis Denning and Ashley McBryde beginning at 5 p.m., the free and open-to-the-public event will also feature some of Nashville’s favorite artists signing autographs for fans in the sponsor activation area of Ascend Park.

A full schedule of autograph sessions is below:

ALLY BANK

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Phil Vassar

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Kip Moore

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Drew Baldridge

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Jay Allen

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Hudson Moore

CARL BLACK CHEVROLET

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Canaan Smith

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Adam Craig

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Jon Pardi & Justin Adams

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Radio Romance

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Rodney Atkins

WRANGLER

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Dillon Carmichael

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Stephanie Quayle

3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Uncle Si and the Sicotics

TUNEIN

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. William Michael Morgan

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Teagan Marie

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Walker McGuire

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Kalie Shorr

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Adam Doleac

The entire show will be streamed on WranglerNetwork.com, with radio coverage on TuneIn’s “Country Roads” station.

For continuing updates, follow Music City Gives Back at www.facebook.com/MusicCityGivesBack, on Twitter @MusicCityGB and on Instagram @MusicCityGivesBack.

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Rodney Atkins To Host Eighth Annual “Music City Gives Back” On Monday, June 4 At Ascend Park

By on May 18, 2018 in In The Press

Photo Credit: Joseph Llanes

One of Country Aircheck’s “most-played artists of the decade,” Rodney Atkins will kick off a week of country music ahead of CMA Fest 2018 with his eighth annual “Music City Gives Back” concert on Monday, June 4. The star-studded event will be held at Ascend Park and feature a performance by Atkins along with friends Big & Rich, as well as additional artists to be announced in the coming days.

“This show has become a highlight of every summer for me,” said Atkins. “It gets bigger and better each year, and it’s such a fun way for us to give back to the W.O. Smith Music School here in Nashville. We have some great artists joining us this year and I’m so grateful for their support.”

The concert is free and open to the public with first-come, first-served seating. Select artists will also be available to sign autographs in the sponsor activation area from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with performances beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Ally Bank, Carl Black Chevrolet and Wrangler® return for the eighth year as presenting sponsors for Music City Gives Back. Wrangler will share live video of the show at WranglerNetwork.com, while Music City Gives Back will also be heard all across North America on TuneIn’s “Country Roads” station, the most listened to country station on the platform.

Atkins recently released “Caught Up In The Country,” the lead single off his forthcoming fifth studio album expected later this year. Big & Rich are nominated for a CMT Music Award in the 2018 Duo Video of the Year category for their hit single “California.”

 

For continuing updates, follow Music City Gives Back at www.facebook.com/MusicCityGivesBack, on Twitter @MusicCityGB and on Instagram @MusicCityGivesBack.

About Rodney Atkins

Rodney Atkins is an award-winning country music singer/songwriter whose six chart-topping hits include “Take A Back Road,” “It’s America,” “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy),” “These Are My People,” “Watching You” and “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows).” Having recently surpassed 13 million units sold during his notable career, Atkins also landed six songs on Country Aircheck’s “Top 100 Songs of Our Decade,” including the No. 1 most-played song with his Platinum-certified hit, “Watching You.” He recently released “Caught Up In The Country” to country radio, with a forthcoming studio album expected this fall. For more information and the latest updates, visit www.RodneyAtkins.com or follow online @RodneyAtkins.

About Big & Rich

They are America’s Technicolor cowboys, brothers-in-arms in service to the creed that great music has no boundaries. Individually, John and Big Kenny are first-rate musicians, songwriters, producers, entertainers—and now the creative force behind their own label imprint, Big & Rich Records. Together, they are one of the most truly original musical forces ever unleashed on a welcoming world. Big & Rich have made a career of being relatable and musically relevant since exploding into the public consciousness in 2003 as the rarest of breeds—true country music game changers. With 2004’s triple-platinum Horse of a Different Color, they were able to tap into the best strands of a wide spectrum of popular music, filter them through their pens and voices and produce a sound that is instantly recognizable, if not classifiable.

About Ally Financial Inc.

Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a leading digital financial services company with assets of $170.0 billion as of March 31, 2018. As a client-centric company with passionate customer service and innovative financial solutions, Ally is relentlessly focused on “Doing it Right” and being a trusted financial partner for its consumer, commercial and corporate customers. Ally’s award-winning online bank (Ally Bank, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender) offers mortgage-lending services and a variety of deposit and other banking products, including CDs, online savings, money market and checking accounts and IRA products. Ally also promotes the Ally CashBack Credit Card. Additionally, Ally offers securities brokerage and investment advisory services through Ally Invest. Ally remains one of the largest full-service auto finance operations in the country with a complementary auto-focused insurance business, which together serve more than 18,000 dealer customers and millions of auto consumers. Ally’s robust corporate finance business offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies. For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit www.ally.com/#/disclosures.

About Carl Black Chevrolet

Carl Black Chevrolet is one of General Motors’ top dealers with locations in Atlanta, Nashville and Orlando as well as online at carlblack.com.

About Wrangler

Wrangler has been an icon in authentic American style around the world for more than 70 years. With a rich legacy rooted in the American west, Wrangler commits to offering unmatched quality and timeless design. Its collections for men, women and children look and feel great, inspiring those who wear them to be strong and ready for life, every day. Wrangler is available in retail stores worldwide, including brand flagship stores in Denver and Dallas, department stores, mass-market retailers, specialty shops, western outfitters and online. A VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, Wrangler is backed by one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies. For more information, visit Wrangler.com.

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“Music City Gives Back” Concert Hosted By Rodney Atkins Returns To Downtown Nashville On June 6

By on May 9, 2017 in In The Press

Photo credit: Joseph Llanes

SEVENTH ANNUAL “MUSIC CITY GIVES BACK” CONCERT HOSTED BY RODNEY ATKINS RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Atkins set to perform during star-studded night of music benefiting W.O. Smith Music School; full lineup to be announced soon

Six-time chart-topping country artist Rodney Atkins will host his seventh annual “Music City Gives Back” concert on Tuesday, June 6, unofficially kicking off a week of country music festivities in Nashville ahead of the CMT Music Awards and CMA Music Festival. The popular star-studded event, which benefits W.O. Smith Music School, will take place near 5th Avenue and Demonbreun Street in downtown Nashville and will include performances by Atkins and more artists to be announced in the coming days.

“Nashville is a special place in the way that people in this community truly support one another and this is another great example of Nashville and the music industry coming together to support the kids and future of our community,” said Atkins. “As an artist, I’m blessed to be able to call Nashville home and grateful for the opportunity to give back through music with this event every year.”

The concert is free and open to the public and performances will begin at 4:55 p.m. Select artists will also be available to sign autographs in the free, no-ticket-required sponsor activation area from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., where guests can have a drink, get some food and meet their favorite artists.

Carl Black Chevrolet, Wrangler and Ally are returning for the seventh year as presenting sponsors for Music City Gives Back. Carl Black Chevrolet will stream the performances and behind the scenes interviews live on both CarlBlackRadio.com and TuneIn Radio’s Country Roads, and Wrangler will stream live on WranglerNetwork.com.

Returning media partners NASH FM 103.3 and 95.5 NASH ICON will also be on site to emcee the event and introduce the star-studded lineup. For continuing updates and artist announcements, follow Music City Gives Back at www.Facebook.com/MusicCityGivesBack, on Twitter @MusicCityGB and on Instagram @MusicCityGivesBack.

About Rodney Atkins                                                                                                        
Rodney Atkins is an award-winning country music singer/songwriter whose six chart- topping hits include “Take A Back Road,” “It’s America,” “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy),” “These Are My People,” “Watching You” and “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows).” Having recently surpassed 10 million units sold during his notable career, Atkins also landed six songs on Country Aircheck’s “Top 100 Songs of Our Decade,” including the No. 1 most-played song with his Platinum-certified hit, “Watching You.” He is currently recording for his forthcoming fifth studio album via Curb Records, with new music expected in 2017. For more information and the latest updates, visit www.RodneyAtkins.com or follow www.Facebook.com/RodneyAtkins and Twitter @RodneyAtkins.

About Carl Black Chevrolet and Carl Black Radio
Carl Black Chevrolet is a top GM dealer with locations in Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando and CarlBlackChevy.com.  Carl Black Radio is heard worldwide on TuneIn Radio, and inside the showrooms at all five of Carl Black’s southeastern dealership locations. The channel features an aggressive playlist of today’s top country hits, brand new releases and live musical surprises. The channel also highlights behind the scenes artist audio from the Carl Black family of artists, which includes Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Brett Eldredge and the MCGB performing artists.

About Wrangler®
Wrangler® apparel is available nationwide in mass retail outlets, select department stores and specialty retailers including work apparel chains, farm & fleet, and western stores, as well as through online and catalog retailers. To find a retailer or for more information on the Wrangler family of products, visit Wrangler.com or call 888.784.8571.

About Wrangler Network
Wrangler Network is the online and mobile destination for fans of the western lifestyle to access at no cost exclusive live video of country music, rodeo, and equestrian performances and events. Millions of people access WranglerNetwork.com or the Wrangler Network via its free mobile app to get the latest clips, news, photos and more. For more, visit the Wrangler Network at WranglerNetwork.com and download the mobile app, free of charge, for iPhone or Android. You can also find Wrangler Network content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and now Snapchat.

About Ally Financial Inc.
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a leading digital financial services company and a top 25 U.S. financial holding company offering financial products for consumers, businesses, automotive dealers and corporate clients. Ally’s legacy dates back to 1919, and the company was redesigned in 2009 with a distinctive brand, innovative approach and relentless focus on its customers. Ally has an award-winning online bank (Ally Bank Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender), one of the largest full service auto finance operations in the country, a complementary auto-focused insurance business, a growing digital wealth management and online brokerage platform, and a trusted corporate finance business offering capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies. The company had approximately $162.1 billion in assets as of Mar. 31, 2017. For more information, visit the Ally press room at https://media.ally.com or follow Ally on Twitter: @AllyFinancial.

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RODNEY ATKINS SET TO HOST SIXTH ANNUAL “MUSIC CITY GIVES BACK” CONCERT BENEFITING W.O. SMITH MUSIC SCHOOL ON TUESDAY, JUNE 7  

By on May 17, 2016 in In The Press

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“Consistently entertaining” (People) and six-time chart-topping country artist Rodney Atkins will host his sixth annual “Music City Gives Back” concert on Tuesday, June 7, unofficially kicking off a week of country music festivities in Nashville ahead of the CMT Music Awards and CMA Music Festival. The star-studded event, which benefits W.O. Smith Music School, will be take place near 5th Avenue and Demonbreun Street in downtown Nashville and will feature performances by Atkins, Craig Campbell, LANco, Canaan Smith and headliner Dustin Lynch. Continue Reading →

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RODNEY ATKINS RALLIES FRIENDS FOR FIFTH ANNUAL “MUSIC CITY GIVES BACK” CONCERT BENEFITING W.O. SMITH MUSIC SCHOOL

By on May 26, 2015 in In The Press
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Photo credit: Joseph Llanes

Six-time chart-topping country artist Rodney Atkins will once again take over the busy streets of downtown Nashville“Music City Gives Back”Tuesday, June 9. Launched in 2011 as a way to raise funds for Nashvillians who suffered devastating losses during the 2010 flood, this year’s concert will support the W.O. Smith Music School. Atkins will host a star-studded lineup for the event, with Atkins, Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Maddie and Tae and Kip Moore all set to perform.

Continue Reading →

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Rodney Atkins To Host Fourth Annual ‘Music City Gives Back’ Concert On June 3

By on May 24, 2014 in In The Press

Rodney AtkinsCountry fans heading to Nashville in June for the CMT Music Awards and CMA Music Fest will have the chance to join chart-topping country artist Rodney Atkins for his annual “Music City Gives Back” concert in downtown Nashville on Tuesday, June 3. Now in its fourth year, the show will feature an all-star lineup of Atkins’ friends including Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch, Josh Thompson and more and will benefit Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School. The event will kick off at 6:00 p.m. CT at 1st Avenue and Broadway and is free to the public.

Carl Black Chevrolet and Wrangler® are returning for the fourth year as presenting sponsors for Music City Gives Back. Both sponsors will stream the show live on CarlBlackRadio.com and WranglerNetwork.com, a first-of-its-kind mobile and online destination that serves as a centralized hub for all Western lifestyle content, respectively. Ally Financial will also be joining the event this year as a stage sponsor. Cumulus Media stations NASH-FM 103.3 and WSM-FM 95.5 will be on site, with “NASH Nights Live” Host Shawn Parr broadcasting live and “America’s Morning Show” Host Blair Garner introducing artists as they hit the stage.

“I am so excited to be part of this event for the fourth year in a row and to have such a great group of artists give their time and talent to help out,” said Atkins. “I’ve always believed that music is a great healer and it’s important to me as an artist to use that platform to give back.”

Founded in 1984, W.O. Smith Music School provides music instruction to children from low-income families for the nominal cost of 50 cents per lesson. An all-volunteer teaching artist faculty of 220 gives music lessons to more than 650 students annually. Instruments and all learning materials are loaned to the students at no additional expense.

Atkins is currently working on his fifth studio album for Curb Records and performing headlining dates across the country. For more information, please visit www.RodneyAtkins.com or follow on Twitter and Facebook @RodneyAtkins.

About Ally

Ally Financial is a leading automotive financial services company powered by a top direct banking franchise. Ally’s automotive services business offers a full suite of financing products and services, including new and used vehicle inventory and consumer financing, leasing, inventory insurance, commercial loans and vehicle remarketing services. Ally Bank, the company’s direct banking subsidiary and member FDIC, offers an array of deposit products, including certificates of deposit, savings accounts, money market accounts, IRA deposit products and interest checking. Ally’s Corporate Finance unit provides financing to middle-market companies across a broad range of industries. With approximately $148.5 billion in assets as of Mar. 31, 2014, Ally operates as a financial holding company. For more information, visit the Ally media site at http://media.ally.com or follow Ally on Twitter: @Ally.

About Carl Black Chevrolet
Carl Black Chevrolet is one of General Motor’s top dealers with locations in Atlanta, Nashville and Orlando as well as online at www.carlblack.com. CarlBlackRadio is an internet station available on the Tune In platform that features current singles, past hits and favorite album cuts of top Country artists broadcast inside the showrooms and ready for easy access with the GM 4G LTE digital dashboards available on new 2015 GM Models.
About Cumulus Media
Cumulus Media (CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands in order to deliver choices for listeners and advertisers and create opportunities for shareholders. As the largest pure-play radio company, Cumulus’ exclusive audio content is fully distributed through approximately 460 owned an operated stations in 89 U.S. media markets, over 10,000 broadcast radio affiliates and through numerous digital channels, including a national streaming/mobile platform and partnership with digital audio provider, Rdio. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

About Wrangler®
Wrangler® Western Wear, a VF Corporation brand, is available nationwide in specialty stores, including work apparel chains, farm & fleet, and western stores, as well as through online and catalog retailers, and www.wrangler.com. To find a retailer or for more information on the Wrangler® family of products, visit www.wrangler.com or call 888-784-8571. To access the latest western lifestyle, rodeo and county music live streamed video, news and more, visit the Wrangler Network at www.WranglerNetwork.com.

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CMA Music Fest 2012 Recap

By on June 13, 2012 in Special Events

We just finished up a week of the biggest country music party in the world. CMA Music Fest took over Nashville and broke records. That’s right; over 71,000 fans came to see over 450 artists perform more than 200 hours of concerts. And FOCUS was right in the middle of it!

It would truly be a novel to walk you through the week from my point of view, so I’ll give you some highlights:

 

Monday

Billboard Country Music Summit and CAA New Office Party

Luke Bryan at the 2012 Country Music Summit

Luke Bryan at the 2012 Country Music Summit

I could only make the first day of CMS, but it was still packed with information and fun. We got great insight from industry professionals on everything from touring to radio. We also got an insight into Luke Bryan’s career and examined his rise to stardom, straight from the man himself and his team.

That night we attended the Creative Artist Agency’s new office party in the penthouse of the Suntrust building downtown. Aside from the breathtaking views (from just about EVERY office), the cool technology they installed and the free drinks, we also ran into our friends Jesse Lee, Jana Kramer and Kip Moore. And apparently I met Hot Chelle Rae, but am embarrassed to admit that I had no clue what they looked like.

Highlight: Jana Kramer. Obviously.

 

Tuesday

Chevy Volt Country Music Tour and Country Music Gives Back

Tuesday was my big Chevy Volt excursion that I told everyone about. Don’t worry, the full article and (more importantly) the footage are coming! My friend Hannah and I had a lot of fun… and the footage will probably end up being PG-13, especially with me driving in Nashville traffic.

Then it was off to the Country Music Gives Back VIP Party sponsored by Muve Music. There we ran into Jana again, Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Josh Thompson, and got an interview with Thompson Square! Wonderful people; sickeningly adorable; and fun to interview, so watch out for that as well!

Highlight: An interview with country’s hottest duo… one of the highlights of the entire year, let alone Tuesday.

Thompson Square at Country Music Gives Back 2012

Thompson Square with Matt Williams at Country Music Gives Back

 

Wednesday

CMT Music Awards

If you watched the awards, you don’t need a recap. If you missed them, don’t worry; CMT will re-air them 32,598 times this month. I regret that I wasn’t doing my normal live tweeting, but hey, it’s hard to do while you’re there watching. CMT did it right with the two collaborations: Lady A and Hot Chelle Rae opened the show, and Journey joined Rascal Flatts to sing “Don’t Stop Believing.” Epic. We then went to the Warner Music after party where Gloriana performed. Love those guys!

Highlight: Lady A/Hot Chelle Rae killed it!

 

Thursday

CMA Music Fest Day 1 and Jana Kramer Album Release Party

Jana Kramer

Jana Kramer at her album release party!

Now on to the main event. I spent most of my time at the Chevy Riverfront stage. Today I saw Josh Thompson, Jerrod Neimann and Lee Brice. Great performances by all, and Jerrod even ran into the crowd.

After that, we had to go to aVenue for Jana Kramer’s album release party. The One Tree Hill fan base was prevalent, and Jana sang most of the songs off her debut self-titled album. If you haven’t yet, go pick up the album!

Then it was time for the nightly LP Field show. In case you don’t know, these shows feature SIX big-name acts performing each night, as well as the National Anthem and two acoustic performances. It all gets compiled into an ABC special sometime in the fall. Which means, every once in a while, a performance needs to be re-done, and it’s not uncommon for one of the hosts (this year Luke Bryan and Kimberly Perry) to get the crowd excited and make a throw to a band who played yesterday… just for TV.

Anyway, I’ll just run down the list of performances for Thursday: David Nail, legend Glen Campbell, Miranda Lambert, Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebelum, Zac Brown Band, Kellie Pickler and Brad Paisley. Not a bad night of concerts. And that was night ONE!

Highlight: Rhinestone Cowboy live.

 

Friday

CMA Music Fest Day 2

David Nail at CMA Music Fest

David Nail

Back to Riverfront to see Thomas Rhett, Jo Dee Messina, Gloriana, David Nail, Craig Campbell and The Farm. Jo Dee Messina performed “Don’t Stop Believing” (second time I heard that song live at CMA Fest… weird) and Brought. The. House. Down. When I say not a single person was sitting or silent, I mean it. It didn’t become one of the best karaoke and party songs in history for nothing, folks.

I’ve also never seen The Farm do a full set. I’ll just say it: Holy shit, these guys bring it! Maybe it’s because they are all crazy talented and seasoned veterans of performing, or maybe it’s their refreshingly eclectic sound (Damien Horne even broke into a beat box during one song), but I would pay serious money to see these guys in concert. I don’t want to say you heard it here first, but watch out for them!

The LP show featured Ronnie Milsap, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen, The Band Perry, Gwen Sebastian, Blake Shelton, Randy Houser and Carrie Underwood. I always liked “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” but I never thought about how much of a stadium anthem it could be. How about 65,000 people ALL singing along, waving their hands and waving lighters (and by lighters I mean cell phones). I was actually thrilled to have nosebleed tickets to be able to watch the entire thing unfold.

Highlights: Krista Marie (from The Farm) blew me a kiss from stage then threw me her pick. Everyone else in the crowd, eat your hearts out.

 

Saturday

CMA Music Fest Day 3

Corey Smith at CMA Fest

Corey Smith

Riverfront again: Love and Theft, Kip Moore, Casey James, Heidi Newfield, James Otto and Corey Smith. Probably my favorite riverfront day as a whole. I’m calling it right now: watch out for Casey James. Next Keith Urban. You DID hear that one first. And many people don’t know who Corey Smith is, but the crowd sure did. That’s because Corey made a grassroots name for himself in the SEC circuit. A Georgia Bulldog alum, he has penned some of the greatest underground college anthems of all time. The crowd that was there all knew it, and was singing every word (as was I.) And we even got to see a proposal take place during Kip Moore’s “Hey Pretty Girl.” Congrats to Matt and Trish!

LP Field: Julie Roberts, Kenny Rogers, Hunter Hayes, Love and Theft (again), Little Big Town, Eric Church, Kip Moore (again), Faith Hill and Luke Bryan. Kenny is still orange, Hunter is still a child prodigy, Eric Church is one of the hottest names in country music right now and put on a show as such, Faith Hill was… there, and Luke Bryan is hilarious.

Highlight: Either singing along to “Drinkin’ Again” by Corey Smith or “Boyfriend” the Justin Bieber song Luke covered on piano.

 

Sunday

CMA Music Fest Day 4 and Exhaustion

Sunny Sweeney at CMA Fest

Sunny Sweeney

Quite honestly, after this entire week, I’m not sure I know what was going on on Sunday. Somehow I walked down to riverfront and got escorted backstage before Sunny Sweeney performed (I went with it), but I couldn’t hear or see, so I left and went back down front where I belonged. I love Sunny though. I also love Jana Kramer who performed later in the day (yeah, that’s no secret). In between though, was Lo Cash Cowboys, who I have never seen live. Talk about fun! At one point Preston Brust walked over to the truss (the big thing holding the stage up) which had a neon sign on it that said “Do NOT climb Truss!” Guess what happened next… he ended up re-taping that sign to the very very top of the truss. We cheered.

Last night at LP: A little subdued in comparison to the rest of the week. Sarah Darling, The Mavericks, Bill Anderson, Scotty McCreary, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson, Steel Magnolia and Martina McBride. Through pure adrenaline I stayed and watched the entire thing, which ended with Martina bringing the house down.

Highlight: Martina singing “Broken Wing.” Flawless. And ending in a 5-minute standing ovation, complete with tears from the singer (and Matt).

So, what a week. I’m still recovering. Patrice I’m sure will have her own reflection on the week with her own highlights. If you were there what were yours? We’d love to know!

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Follow FOCUS on the 615 This Week for All Your Country Music Insight

By on June 4, 2012 in Special Events

The Billboard Country Music Summit, CMT Awards and Especially CMA Music Fest All To Take Place This Week

Who’s ready? If you’re a country music fan, there’s only one place you should be this week, and that is right here in the 615! But if you can’t make it down for all the festivities, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. CMA Music Fest is the biggest country music party of the year, and will be the highlight of the week, but that’s not all:

Monday and Tuesday is the Billboard Country Music Summit at Cannery Ballroom featuring keynote speakers Luke Bryan, Thompson Square and Willie Nelson. Tuesday morning, I (Matt) will be driving around in a Chevy Volt to all the country music hotspots (stay tuned for more on that), then Tuesday evening we’ll be attending the Muve Music’s Pre-Concert event, taking place before the “Music City Gives Back” concert with exclusive interviews. Wednesday is our friend Jana Kramer’s album release party (can’t wait!), then Wednesday night is the CMT Music Awards. We’ll be at all of these events and more, and will bring you exclusive footage and interviews!

Make sure to follow Focus on the 615 and Matt on twitter for live updates:
@FOCUSonthe615
@mattwilliams27

And keep checking back here for full interviews, photos and write ups. What a week it’s going to be. Here we go!

About the Billboard Country Music Summit

Billboard Country Music Summit
Conceived as the business-related kickoff for the weeklong celebration of Country Music that culminates with the 2012 CMA Music Festival, the Summit has quickly become known for hosting attendees and speakers that are the elite industry players, including established Country Music industry executives, up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and artists that are making a difference. The content and networking at the Summit is unmatched in the industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing this vital genre.

Programming is customized to fit the needs of the Country Music business stakeholders today and tomorrow, touching on recording, touring, radio, publishing, finance, sponsorships, international, digital/social and artist development. Discussions are led by the executives who write the checks, write the songs, book the shows, program the singles, create the campaign and take the stage. In its first two years, the Summit has already hosted compelling artist discussions with such stars as Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Charlie Daniels, Gary Alan and others, with case studies and keynotes that break down the most successful artist development and superstar careers in the genre. There is nothing else in the country music business like it.

About “Music City Gives Back”
Music City Gives BackAward-winning and top-selling country star Rodney Atkins headlines Music City Gives Back with a host of other artists on Tuesday, June 7th in downtown Nashville. Josh Thompson, Thompson Square and others will join Atkins for a night of great music.

The concert will increase awareness, accept donations of needed items and raise funds for tornado victims for the American Red Cross Relief Fund through donation collection locations around the event. The public can make donations at the event or by visiting www.redcross.org.

The CMT Music Awards

CMT Music AwardsCMT kicks off the summer with country’s biggest stars and sizzling performances at the 2012 CMT Music Awards live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on June 6. It’s the only entirely fan-voted award show that recognizes country’s best video and musical achievements. Hosted by Toby Keith and Kristen Bell, this year’s performers include Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Willie Nelson and many many others.

CMA Music Fest

CMA Music FestThe ultimate country music fan experience featuring hundreds of artists from up and comers, to legends and superstars performing on multiple stages. Thousands of fans from around the world come together in the epicenter of the Country Music community to party with countless opportunities to get close to the stars for a treasured autograph or priceless picture. This is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion to discover new artists before they hit it big, hear new music, and meet other fans who share your passion for Country Music in Music City USA

Created for the fans in 1972 and committed to the fan experience in 2012, CMA Music Festival brings it all together – artists, music, autographs, pictures, activities, and more – all for you, the most devoted fans in the world!

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