Tag Archives | Nashville

Michelin Star Chef Chris Anderson Brings His Signature Restaurant, WESTEND, To The Hutton Hotel

By on November 26, 2017 in Eat & Drink, The Latest, Things To Do

An exciting, new restaurant, WESTEND, is set to open at the end of November inside Nashville’s Hutton Hotel.

This new establish to Nashville’s burgeoning culinary scene is to be the signature restaurant of famed Michelin star Chef Chris Anderson.

We had the pleasure of talking to & sampling some of Chef Chris Anderson’s creations at the 2017 Music City Food + Wine Festival in September and, most recently, last weekend at Nashville Lifestyle’s BRUNCH AND BLOODYS event at the Union Station Hotel. With both, we found that his culinary creations were not only skillfully & creatively-presented to appeal visually to consumers, but combine a variety of flavors and seasonings that create a taste explosion in one’s mouth that would appeal to discriminating palettes and foodies everywhere.

Anderson carries quite the resume as he makes his way to Nashville by way of Chicago and Palm Springs after spending time developing his talents in the kitchens of 3 Michelin-starred Chicago heavy hitter, Alinea, as well as the now defunct L2O & Moto. Most recently, he was the executive chef at the SO•PA Restaurant at L’Horizon Resort & Spa in Palm Springs.

The North Carolina native intends to combine some of his favorites from his home state to fuse into favorite flavorings that are uniquely-Nashville. Think hot crab, for instance, a twist on hot chicken; a favorite of Nashvillians made famous by Prince’s Chicken many years ago and crab meat, a delicacy of North Carolina. He likes to call it “progressively Southern cuisine”. We can’t wait to see what all he comes up with!

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Country Icon Mel Tillis Passes Away At Age 85

By on November 19, 2017 in In The Press

Following a lengthy struggle to regain his health, country music legend Mel Tillis passed away early this morning at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida. Tillis battled intestinal issues since early 2016 and never fully recovered. The suspected cause of death is respiratory failure. Tillis was 85.

 

The Country Music Hall of Famer leaves behind six children (Pam Tillis, Connie Tillis, Cindy Shorey, Sonny Tillis, Carrie April Tillis, and Hannah Puryear), six grandchildren, a great grandson, a sister (Linda Crosby) and brother (Richard Tillis), the mother of five of his children (Doris Tillis), his longtime partner (Kathy DeMonaco), and many lifelong friends and fans around the world.

 

The Tillis family asks for your prayers and will soon release more information regarding funeral services in Florida and Nashville.

 

Lonnie Melvin Tillis was born in Tampa, Florida on August 8, 1932. Throughout his 60+ year career, the Grand Ole Opry member recorded more than 60 albums, had 35 Top Ten singles, six #1 hits (“I Ain’t Never,” “Coca-Cola Cowboy,” “Southern Rains,” “Good Woman Blues,” “Heart Healer,” and “I Believe In You”), was named the Country Music Association’s coveted Entertainer of the Year, and was elected a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He wrote over 1,000 songs, 600 of which have been recorded by major artists including Kenny Rogers (“Ruby, Don’t You Take Your Love To Town”), George Strait (“Thoughts Of A Fool”), and Ricky Skaggs (“Honey, Open That Door”). Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) named Tillis Songwriter of the Decade for two decades. In February of 2012 President Obama awarded Tillis the National Medal of Arts.

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Celebrate The Holidays With Star-Studded 8th Annual “CMA Country Christmas” Airing Nov. 27 On ABC

By on November 17, 2017 in In The Press

Host Reba McEntire performs at the “CMA Country Christmas” taping on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. “CMA Country Christmas” will air Monday, Nov. 27 at 8/7c on the ABC Television Network.

Country Music’s biggest names kick off the holiday season with “CMA Country Christmas,” airing Monday, Nov. 27 (8-10 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

The eighth annual “CMA Country Christmas” returns with first-time host and iconic entertainer Reba McEntire and features two hours of star-studded performances from Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House by Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, CB30, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, McEntire, CeCe Winans, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young, in addition to special collaborations by Ballerini and McEntire, Little Big Town and McEntire, and Jackson and Young.

For more information, visit CMAChristmas.com and follow us on Twitter @Countrymusic.

“CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and Jon Macks is the writer.

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Show Review: Tim Rushlow And His Big Band Bring SWINGIN’ AT THE PALACE To Nashville Through New Year’s Eve

By on November 17, 2017 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

Photo courtesy of 117 Entertainment

Award-winning former Little Texas frontman, Tim Rushlow, brings his big band sound with a 24-piece band to The Nashville Palace every weekend now through New Year’s Eve.

It is a treat to see & an experience that you don’t want to miss. No one is doing this anymore, singing the American songbook & standards from such greats as Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, & more. He has a true love for the classics from eras past bringing his incredible voice & charisma as he lights up the stage for nearly 2 hours.

Be transported back to 1965 in Las Vegas when the Rat Pack led the way as the Nashville Palace has transformed it’s main stage area & room into a nightclub setting from decades ago complete with a maî·tre d in a tuxedo, decorative lighting, Christmas decor, and cloth-covered tables with soft candlelight.

Don’t miss a fantastic datenight with your significant other as you dine on salad, delicious prime rib or baked chicken with tasty sides, speciality cocktails, and creamy cheesecake as you are entertained all evening long. Dinner & drinks are included in your ticket price with the show.  You’ll feel just like you stepped back to 1965! Get your tickets now, as they are going fast as word spreads of this unique production.

Buy tickets from the Nashville Palace either over the phone or their website here You can buy them there that night, but we strongly encourage you to get your tickets in advance, so you don’t get left out!🍸

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AN EVENING WITH SCOTT HAMILTON & FRIENDS Bring A Spectacular Show Of Music And Figure Skating To Nashville This Sunday

By on November 13, 2017 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

This Sunday, November 19th, Olympic Gold Medalist and philanthropist, Scott Hamilton, brings us what is sure to be a spectacular production as he is hosting the 2nd annual AN EVENING WITH SCOTT HAMILTON & FRIENDS in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena beginning at 5pm.

Ticket prices start at only 30.95 and go up in price from there.  You can purchase tickets and find out more by clicking HERE to be taken direct to the TicketMaster page or if would prefer, just go to www.ticketmaster.com and search for Scott Hamilton.

Following the success of the inaugural event last year, Sheryl Crow has announced her return to headline the musical stage for An Evening with Scott Hamilton & Friends benefitting the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation.  Co-hosted by special guest and Olympian, Peggy Fleming, this event will feature live music partnered with ice skating from Olympic, World, and National Champions Katia Gordeeva, Meryl Davis, Kurt Browning, Jeremy Abbott, Jeffrey Buttle, Kimmie Meissner, Michael Weiss, Alissa Czisny, Ryan Bradley, Steven Cousins, Sinead Kerr-Marshall & John Kerr, Kiira Korpi, and Kimberly Navarro & Brent Bommentre.

Sheryl Crow, who is a cancer survivor, will be joined on the music stage by GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker, legendary guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper, singer, songwriter and actor Charles Esten (“Nashville”), lead singer of GRAMMY-nominated and American Music Award-wining band MercyMe Bart Millard, 2017 ACM and GRAMMY nominee Cassadee Pope and GRAMMY-nominated artist and Opry inductee Chris Young.

I was lucky enough to speak with Scott Hamilton a 2nd year in a row about his upcoming event. The first thing I notice about Hamilton is his unbreakable, positive spirit.  Even though it was only over the phone both times, I can literally HEAR his smile coming through the receiver.  He speaks with such excitement, optimism, and an overall zest for laugh. It is absolutely contagious as his laugh is even infectious.  He is so inspiring to me in every way and a true hero in my eyes.  Hamilton is a bright light in what can be a dim world.

Not only did he train for years and years in figure skating to win an Olympic gold medal, which is an incredible feat in itself, but he has continued with the sport years later.  He has done everything from touring with other Olympians doing exhibitions around the country and world, being a commentator for U.S. Figure Skating Championships, commentating Winter Olympic games giving commentary for figure skating, training people to figure skate, a philanthropist with his own foundation, and supporting other charity events by the MS Society and more.  He is now living in Nashville.  Several years now, and contributes so much to helping our community.

He is a positive force of nature to be reckoned with, and he is doing all of this as he battles a brain tumor over the course of the past year. This is his 2nd time to face a brain tumor.  You will not hear him complain, though.  He is nothing but positive and uplifting.  He is a very special person.

He spoke of his excitement about this event.  Figure skating is truly his passion and why he gives so much of himself to it.  It is the heart of who he is.  It is that unbreakable spirit in him that will amaze you, though.  He refuses to feel sorry for himself or utter a negative word.

What he does talk about is how precious life is and it should be enjoyed every day at the fullest.  None of us know what the future might bring. You don’t waste your life worrying about petty stuff. You appreciate life in the present. Every single day.

His advice for those facing their own health challenges? Eat right, exercise, and keep a positive attitude.  Do everything you can personally to control from your side what you can and keep pushing through.  Don’t give up and keep your faith.

Come out this Sunday to Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville to support this incredibly-inspiring man and his friends. You are in for something truly special!

Prayers & good thoughts for his healing.  If anyone can beat a brain tumor, he can.  He’s done it before and he can do it again.

 

 

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It’s The Perfect Time Of Year To Order From Edible Arrangements

By on November 13, 2017 in Eat & Drink, Food & Drinks, The Latest

It is the perfect time of year to order an Edible Arrangements’ fruit & chocolate arrangement!

Just take a look at these photos! Fruit, chocolate, AND beautiful!! This will brighten ANYONE’S day this holiday season.  Who DOESN’T like fruit & chocolate?! Our favorite is the Salted Caramel Harvest Bouquet with Orange Swizzle Berries which is $82 & just perfection for the fall.

Order yours TODAY from Edible Arrangements at: www.ediblearrangements.com

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Many Of The Biggest Names In Country Music Came Together For A Good Cause Sunday Night

By on November 13, 2017 in In The Press
Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi, Chris Stapleton, George Strait and Keith Urban played a star-studded, sold-out fundrasing show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (11/12). Proceeds from COUNTRY RISING, presented by Hilton and Dollar General, are going towards the Country Rising Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which was established to support charitable initiatives to help victims of the September 2017 hurricanes — Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria. Additionally, the fund will also envelop victims of the recent shooting in Las Vegas.
Donations are still being accepted and you can support the cause by texting “NASHVILLE” to 41010 to make a $10 donation or by visiting www.CountryRising.org.
PHOTOS for outlets wishing to support and cover the event are available gratis here.

For more information, visit: www.CountryRising.org.

About The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
The Community Foundation exists to promote and facilitate giving in the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee and beyond. It does this by accepting gifts of any size from anyone at any time and by empowering individuals, families, companies, nonprofits, and communities to respond to needs and opportunities that matter. The Community Foundation works with people who have great hearts, whether or not they have great wealth, to craft solutions that reflect their intentions and goals. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.

About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, with a portfolio of 14 world-class brands comprising more than 5,000 properties with more than 825,000 rooms in 103 countries and territories. Hilton is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world’s most hospitable company by delivering exceptional experiences – every hotel, every guest, every time. The company’s portfolio includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose exactly how many Points to combine with money, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Dollar General
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 14,000 stores in 44 states as of August 19, 2017. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted brands such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and PepsiCo. For more information on Dollar General, visit www.dollargeneral.com.

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Big Machine Label Group Celebrates 51st Annual CMA Awards

By on November 9, 2017 in In The Press

Big Machine Label Group’s celebration of the 51st Annual CMA Awards at FGL House in Nashville on November 8, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee.  Photo credit: Getty Images

BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP hosted their annual CMA Awards After Party in Nashville at FGL House to celebrate and treat guests to a special surprise. Alongside label family, friends and industry executives BMLG President/CEO SCOTT BORCHETTA toasted with Big Machine Platinum Filtered Premium Vodka to the independent powerhouse’s star-studded roster and introduced the return of Superstar duo SUGARLAND. JENNIFER NETTLES and KRISTIAN BUSH took the stage to perform some of their smash hits – “Baby Girl” and “Stay.” MAYOR MEGAN BARRY, NASCAR driver JIMMIE JOHNSON and ABC’s The Bachelorette’s LUKE PELL were all on hand to sing along on the Cruise rooftop.

NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 09: Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland perform onstage during the Big Machine Label Group’s celebration of the 51st Annual CMA Awards at FGL House in Nashville on November 8, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BMLG ) *** Local Caption *** Jennifer Nettles;Kristian Bush

BMLG artists kicked off “Country Music’s Biggest Night” with REBA McENTIRE, RONNIE DUNN and THOMAS RHETT singing “Hold My Hand” in the all-star opening performance. McEntire performed “Legends” alongside KELSEA BALLERINI as well as present Entertainer of the Year to close the show. Thomas Rhett serenaded the audience with his latest chart-topping single “Unforgettable” from his Billboard 200 No. 1 album LIFE CHANGES (The Valory Music Co.). Solidifying their highly-anticipated return on the CMA Awards, five-time Duo of the Year winners Sugarland presented the category during ABC’s live broadcast. BRETT YOUNG presented Song of the Year to LITTLE BIG TOWN, who accepted on behalf of his labelmate TAYLOR SWIFT for single-handedly penning the band’s “Better Man.” Swift’s highly-anticipated sixth studio album reputation (Big Machine Records) recently became Target’s biggest music pre-sale ever ahead of tomorrow’s (11/10) official release.

NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 09: (L-R) Carly Pearce, Drake White, Trent Harmon, Danielle Bradbery and Brett Young attend Big Machine Label Group’s celebration of the 51st Annual CMA Awards at FGL House in Nashville on November 8, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BMLG ) *** Local Caption *** Carly Pearce;Drake White;Trent Harmon;Danielle Bradbery;Brett Young

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Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Celebrates The Holidays With Deck The Hall Presented By Balsam Hill

By on November 3, 2017 in In The Press
The holiday season is just around the corner, which means it is time, once again, to Deck the Hall at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Throughout Deck the Hall presented by Balsam Hill, the museum will be packed with seasonal activities that blend music, art, education and even Santa Claus, offering fun for the entire family.
“We are thrilled about our partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. It has been an incredible collaboration to bring to life our shared vision of a spectacular Christmas tree for the tree lighting ceremony,” said Kristen Gasior, CMO for Balsam Hill, retailer of realistic Christmas trees and Christmas décor. “We are so happy to be part of such a nostalgic family event, and we can’t wait to see how our giant Rockefeller tree and its beautiful ornaments will look all lit up for this special event.”

Festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Nov. 24, with a performance of hits and holiday classics by country music star, philanthropist and radio host Tracy Lawrence.. He will then light a new, twenty-five-foot Balsam Hill Christmas tree in the museum’s Mike Curb Conservatory and Lawrence will sign copies of his new album, Good Ole Days, available for purchase in the Museum Store.

Throughout the holiday season, the museum will offer many free activities. Children of all ages can have a free photo taken with Santa Claus on both Saturdays and Sundays during Deck the Hall. Don’t miss Santa on Nov. 25–26, Dec. 2–3, Dec. 9–10 and Dec. 16–17. String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry, a puppet show created by a partnership of the Nashville Public Library’s Wishing Chair Productions and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, returns to the museum for a two-day run, Nov. 24–25.

On Nov. 25 Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels will sign copies of his new memoir, Never Look at the Empty Seats, purchased from the Museum Store.

On Dec. 3, all ages can pull a free Hatch Show Print poster for themselves. Participants will learn about letterpress printing from the staff of one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in the United States. Hatch staff will help participants create their very own letterpress art using carved wood, linoleum and metal block images from the Hatch collection.

Additional hands-on activities in the Taylor Swift Education Center (TSEC) will provide fun for the entire family throughout Deck the Hall, including cookie decorating on Sundays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. Museum admission or membership is required for programs in the TSEC. Cookies, icing and edible decorations will be provided. For a complete list of activities, click here.

“With a long-standing commitment to the Middle Tennessee community, the museum is filled with family programming all year long, including the holidays,” said Ali Tonn, director of education and public programs for the museum. “We always look forward to celebrating the season with our locals by offering special programs to get everyone in the holiday spirit. And it is a perfect time for local families to use our new Community Counts program and come Deck the Hall with us.”

Through Community Counts, youth (ages 18 and under) who live in Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson or Wilson county will receive free walk-up admission outside of school hours, and up to two accompanying adults will receive a 25 percent discount on admission. Click here for more information on Community Counts.

Back by popular demand, the museum will present A Legendary Holiday at Historic RCA Studio B, which will include a tour of the studio and a holiday concert with guitarist Meagan Taylor, great-niece of Chet Atkins, and pianist Jason Coleman, grandson of Floyd Cramer. In the very same studio where Country Music Hall of Fame members Atkins and Cramer popularized the Nashville Sound more than fifty years ago, Taylor and Coleman will perform Christmas classics and timeless songs originally recorded in the RCA studio. The performance will also include special guest appearances from Country Music Hall of Fame member and frequent Studio B session player Charlie McCoy and classic vocalist Mandy Barnett a modern torchbearer of the Nashville Sound. Dates are Dec. 16 and 17. Seating is limited and tickets are $25. Tours depart from the museum at 3 p.m. and return at 5 p.m.

The museum’s retail shops have items for every shopper’s budget this season. Visit the Hatch Show Print Store for a large selection of handmade prints, cards and branded merchandise, or choose a one-of-a-kind framed monoprint from Hatch Show Print’s Haley Gallery. Offerings from Circa and the Museum Store include vinyl LPs and CDs, specialty books, Nashville-made gifts, food and home accessories, men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry and much more.

Access to most holiday programs is free with museum admission and free to museum members. Individual memberships start at $50 and make great holiday gifts. Perks of membership include free admission to the museum and hundreds of programs each year; invitations to exclusive members-only events; and discounts at the Museum Store, Circa, Hatch Show Print Store, 2|22, Red Onion, and Bajo Sexto Taco.

Deck The Hall receives additional support from Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated and Hilton Nashville Downtown. A comprehensive list of all Deck the Hall activities can be found at countrymusichalloffame.org/deckthehall2017.
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Delta Rae: Big Percussion. Big voices. Why You Need To Know Them.

By on November 3, 2017 in A Closer Look @, artist spotlight, Music, The Latest

One of my new favorite groups is signed to Big Machine/Valory Music Company, Delta Rae.

Delta Rae formed in 2009 and are originally from Durham, NC.  The 6-piece band is comprised of Liz Hopkins and Brittany Holljes, who front the group taking lead vocals.  Harmonies by Eric Holljes (vocals, piano) and Ian Holljes (vocals, guitar).  Mike McKee on drums and Grant Emerson on bass.

Their new single just released to country radio is “No Peace in Quiet”, a beautiful ballad written by Eric Holljes during a difficult time in his life following a break-up.  Finding himself very alone in his apartment following the break-up, the song flowed out of him as he struggled to come to terms with a loss he blamed himself for and seeking some solace in music.  It’s a very personal song for him that is even difficult for him to talk about, much less take lead to sing it.  Liz takes the lead singing this song with harmonies from all.  A mesmerizing and heartfelt song.

Ever since I first saw this group perform a few years back, they have stood out to me.  Intriguing and just different from everyone else out there.

Their passion for the music, energy, harmonies, and larger-than-life performances create magic from their stage.  It’s not something that can be defined or explained by simple words.  They must be experienced live, then you’ll understand the special, intriguing qualities that make this group different and ones you need to watch.

Watch the video for their current single; “No Peace In Quiet” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7J446geYJI

 

 

 

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