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FOCUS on the 615 Nashville's premier entertainment blog including album, song and show reviews and exclusive artist interviews.
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The first-annual WRECKING BALL 2017 was announced today, as trailblazers Tucker Beathard and Ryan Hurd will light up Nashville, TN on June 7, for a high-energy evening of musicianship. An electric collaboration, with Beathard offering his own brand of “hot, smokin’, Southern rockin’, good old-fashioned tuneage” (Vice) and Hurd, garnering acclaim as one of year’s boldest artists to watch (Pandora, Huffington Post, Rolling Stone), bringing his hit-packed performance, the distinct singer/songwriters will co-headline the after-hours party at local haunt 3rd And Lindsley, immediately following the CMT Awards. Tickets will go on-sale on Friday May 5 at 10am CT here.
About Tucker Beathard:
Beathard will continue to prove that his live show “speaks louder than anything else,” (Rolling Stone) when he plays some of the biggest festivals of the summer, kicking off his stint at Stagecoach Festival this past weekend, with OC Register declaring he’s “ready for the big time.” Beathard will follow up with coveted slots at Summerfest, Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival, Lollapalooza 2017 and more. Recently marking over 40 million streams worldwide, as he continues “generally blowing folks’ minds with his catalog of heartbreak-heavy tunes” (Vice). Following a breakout 2016, that saw Beathard further his “meteoric rise,” (MSN) with the success of his debut Top 5 summer anthem “Rock On,” taken from his six-track FIGHT LIKE HELL EP, which showcases his self-taught musicianship, with lead guitar and drum credits throughout the collection. Beathard is turning heads with his homegrown sound with Noisey recognizing “those guitar licks. Listen to the flames wrapping around that guitar and try to get the fire that they light in your brain to stop… This is hot, smokin’, Southern rockin’, good old-fashioned tuneage.” For more information and a full list of dates visit www.tuckerbeathard.com.

About Ryan Hurd:
Labeled a 2017 “One to Watch” by Pandora, Rolling Stone, Huffington Post, CMT and more, emerging singer/songwriter Ryan Hurd continues his groundswell taking his trademark, powerful lyrics & melodies and electric live performance to fans. As one of Nashville’s most multi-dimensional young songwriters, Hurd claims co-pen credits on some of country’s biggest hits (“Lonely Tonight” – Blake Shelton, “You Look Good” – Lady Antebellum, “I Wish I Was” – Maren Morris) and continues his hit-song producing path with the release of his own debut music. Lauded for “generating major buzz” and “making waves online” (Rolling Stone) with his unconventional, fan-focused release of four tracks with corresponding artistry videos over four months, Hurd’s collection of songs, recently released on his debut EP, have garnered over 32 million streams worldwide. Following his breakout streaming success, Hurd’s debut single will hit country airwaves this Summer on RCA Nashville. With his dynamic music debut producing early fans among his country peers, Hurd was tapped by Thomas Rhett for the Home Team Tour, Maren Morris for her HERO Tour and will hit the road this summer with Florida Georgia Line on their Smooth Tour 2017. For more on Ryan Hurd and to catch him on the road, visit RyanHurd.com.

Deacon Claybourne is taking the reins of the loudest night in country music as CMT today announced that “Nashville” star Charles Esten will host the fan-voted “2017 CMT Music Awards,” live from Nashville on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT. The announcement was made by Esten on Instagram. The news comes on the heels of the beloved music drama, which recently shattered ratings and viewership for CMT, returning with new episodes on Thursday, June 1 at 9pm ET/PT and a new season slated to premiere early next year.
Superstars Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett are set to perform with additional artists, presenters and special guests being announced soon.
“Everybody knows that CMT has a special connection with country music and the incredible fans that love it so much,” said Charles Esten. “That connection is why our show, “Nashville,” now has a perfect home on the network. It’s also why there is no other show quite like the “CMT Music Awards.” It’s a show fully dedicated to the fans and an annual chance for them to place their votes for their favorite artists. Besides always being flat-out fun, it’s also always been a stage for magical musical moments – and a place where some of country’s biggest legends have been made. I’m thrilled and honored to get to host this great event.”
Nominations will be announced on Tuesday, May 9. Fan voting begins the same day at CMT.com and continues until Monday, June 5 at 12:01 AM ET.
Known for its ability to break new artists and unparalleled collaborations with music superstars spanning all genres, the “CMT Music Awards” routinely outpaces itself and the competition as the industry’s most evocative fan-fueled trendsetting event. Last year’s “CMT Music Awards” once again earned its title as the hottest night in country music attracting nearly 4 million fans, its biggest to date, across a three network simulcast (CMT, TV Land and Nick@Nite) up +20% from the prior year. The awards also lit up social media with #CMTawards trending worldwide for 5 hours to rank as the #1 Series/Special on Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings for the day.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Charles “Chip” Esten grew up in Alexandria, VA. After starting his acting career in Los Angeles, he was pleased to make his theatrical debut in London, portraying Buddy Holly in the hit West End musical “Buddy.” In that role, he was honored to perform for H.R.M Queen Elizabeth and then, for President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush at The White House. Since then, he has appeared in films and on television, most notably on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and “The Office.” In 2014, 2015 and 2016 he joined his cast-mates in headlining the “Nashville in Concert” tour with sold out shows across the US, the UK and Ireland. In July, 2016, he launched his innovative #EverySingleFriday music campaign. In July 2017, he will become the first artist to release a new song every week for 52 weeks, straight. He is proud to serve as the National Light the Night Walk Honorary Chair for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.
To request press credentials for the 2017 CMT Music Awards, please visit cmtmusicawardspress.com on May 8.
About CMT
CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT, CMT.com and CMT Radio offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and are the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.
Ty Herndon’s 2017 Concert for Love & Acceptance, hosted by Cody Alan, announced its initial artist lineup, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. In addition to Ty Herndon, this year’s talent lineup already includes Billy Gilman, Kree Harrison, Ryan Kinder, Runaway June, Lorrie Morgan, Michael Ray, Street Corner Symphony, and Thompson Square. The event, created to support at-risk youth, will be held on Thursday, June 8th starting at 7 p.m. at Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tenn.
Grammy-nominated and Dove Award winning artist, Ty Herndon created and co-hosted the first Concert for Love & Acceptance alongside GLAAD in 2015, when his 20th anniversary fan club party turned into a coalition of artists gathering in support of Nashville’s at-risk youth. The driving force behind the benefit is Herndon’s desire to foster positive cultural change and encourage Nashville’s youth to live to their fullest potential.
This year’s partners include media partner CMT and nonprofit partner GLAAD, as well as local sponsors Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Wade Weissmann Architecture, and Retief Skin Center.
The first Concert for Love & Acceptance received national attention from Boston Globe, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Tonight, People Magazine and more. A philanthropist at heart, Herndon has also donated his time to organizations such as the Trevor Project, Make A Wish, St. Jude, GLAAD, HRC and Feed the Children.
For more information on Concert for Love & Acceptance or to purchase tickets, please visit www.TyHerndon.com.
“Artist you need to know” (Rolling Stone) Bailey Bryan celebrated the release of her debut release SO FAR yesterday (4/18) at Saint Anejo in Nashville. Bryan’s team and friends gathered for an acoustic set as she performed all five songs from her debut EP, which was released last Friday, April 14.

Top L to R: Tom Lord (Red Light Management), Coran Capshaw (Red Light Management), Peter Strickland (Warner), Dennis Matkosky (Producer), Bailey Bryan, Ronli Tzour (300 Entertainment), Bill Burrs (300 Entertainment), Tom Martens (Warner), Callie Cunningham (Red Light Management) Bottom L to R: Lisa Ray (Warner Music Nashville), Becki DeVries (Kompass), Chelsea Dankner (300 Entertainment), Cris Lacy (Warner), Leslie Roberts (BMI)
Since “next big thing” (Perez Hilton) Bailey Bryan first arrived on the scene with her debut single “Own It,” critics have prepared the world to “fall in love” (People) with the singer/songwriter. Touted by Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly as an “artist you need to know,” Bryan is “ready to show the world her confident side” (Taste Of Country) with her EP SO FAR (300 Entertainment/Warner Music Nashville) that “runs the emotional gamut” (Billboard), available digitally now. Bryan is continuing to introduce her new music to live audiences across the country, currently on tour with Kane Brown after wrapping up a run earlier this year with Dan + Shay. On May 6, Bryan will take to the world-famous Grand Ole Opry stage to make her Opry debut. She has also been added to the MainStage lineup for several festivals this spring and summer, including Stagecoach (4/28) and Watershed (6/28). For additional information and a full list of tour dates, visit www.baileybryan.com.

The T.J. Martell Foundation will once again bring together the most elegant of food and wine with the brightest country music stars as they host the 18th annual Nashville Best Cellars Dinner on Monday, April 24 at the Omni Hotel. The event is presented by Secure Air, a private air charter company in Nashville, with other sponsors including Pandora and Morgan Stanley. Co-Chairmen for the dinner this year include Rob Beckham (Co-Head, WME Nashville) John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville) and Eliza Kraft Olander.
The Best Cellars Dinner pairs music celebrities with wine collectors in the United States for an intimate, extraordinary four course gourmet meal prepared by a guest chef. The Foundation this year will host James Beard Award-Winning chefs John Currence (City Grocery, Bouré, Big Bad Breakfast, Snackbar) and Alon Shaya (Shaya, Domenica, Pizza Domenica) who will come together to prepare a four course menu for the event. Each course will be paired with world class wines offered by wine hosts from around the country.
Wine hosts confirmed for the dinner include Mary Celeste Beall, Melissa and Rob Beckham, Tom Black, Sandi and Scott Borchetta, Pam and Keith Browning, Jim Clendenen, Chantel and John Esposito, Matt Donahoe and Clint Higham, Chris Johnson and Jeff Roberts, Laura and TK Kimbrell, Eliza Kraft Olander, Nataliia Johnson and John Sanzo.
“We are thrilled that, over the past 18 years, the Best Cellars dinner has become such a special and meaningful event,” said Laura Heatherly, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation. “The evening brings together gourmet food, incredible wines and, most importantly, the Nashville music community.”
Celebrities this year include Big Kenny, Ashley and Kim Campbell, Eric Church, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook, Reba McEntire, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Cole Swindell, Chris Young and others.
Tickets for the 2017 Best Cellars Dinner are sold out. For more information, please visit www.tjmartell.org or by call the T.J. Martell Foundation at (615) 256-2002.
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About the T.J. Martell Foundation
The T.J. Martell Foundation is a national organization founded by the music industry, whose mission is to fund innovative leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at flagship hospitals in the United States. To learn more about the T.J. Martell Foundation, please go to tjmartell.org.
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“NASHVILLE, TN – MAY 10: The Peach Pickers’ Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, and Ben Hayslip perform during the 3rd Annual Jameson Irish Whiskey Presents Georgia On My Mind: A Night Of Georgia Music Hosted By The Peach Pickers To Benefit the Georgia Music Foundation at the Ryman Auditorium on May 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Georgia Music Foundation)”
Tickets, which are available now, are $52.50 and $42.50 and will be available via Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, ryman.com or by calling 800-745-3000.
Friends of the Peach Pickers scheduled to perform include current chart-toppers Lauren Alaina, Chris Janson, Kip Moore, and Michael Ray; Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter T. Graham Brown; Georgia Music Hall of Famers Drivin’ N Cryin’ and Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie; and back by popular demand this year, Dexter Redding and Otis Redding III, sons of the legendary soul icon Otis Redding. Additional announcements and surprise guests are expected. The evening also includes a special performance by students from the Georgia Pick and Bow Traditional Music School in Dahlonega, who received a grant from the Georgia Music Foundation in 2016 from concert proceeds.
The lineup is a who’s who of Georgia-bred singers and songwriters and those who wish they were raised in the Peach state. Organizers liken it to a family reunion, assembled and hosted by the Peach Pickers.
“This is as close to a Georgia homecoming as you are going to get in Tennessee,” explained Davidson, who also chairs the Georgia Music Foundation Board of Directors. “The popularity and success of this event is so rewarding because it celebrates our homegrown talent and allows us to give back to deserving music education programs.”
“At Jameson we believe music has the power to make a community a family, and we are excited to celebrate and be part of the Georgia-bred music family for the fourth year with ‘Georgia on My Mind,'” said Sebastien Borda, Director, Jameson, Pernod Ricard USA.
With a reputation for surprise appearances by unannounced guests, the event usually sells out in advance. Over the past three years, friends joining the Peach Pickers on stage have included Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Big Boi of Outkast, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Kevn Kinney, Lee Brice, Craig Campbell, Tyler Farr, Maggie Rose, Daryle Singletary, Brent Cobb, and more.
The Georgia Music Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1994, has distributed more than $150,000 in grants to deserving music education, preservation and outreach programs across the state in the past three years from “Georgia On My Mind” proceeds. Each year during the concert, the Georgia Music Foundation presents its Flamekeeper Award to a Georgia artist who tirelessly preserves and promotes Georgia’s musical roots and traditions. Info on the grant program is available at georgiamusicfoundation.org
The Peach Pickers, all Georgia natives, have accumulated more than 70 No. 1 songs collectively and individually since 2010, and earned numerous awards and accolades. Their respective catalogs include hit songs “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” “All About Tonight,” “Gimmie That Girl,” “Just A Kiss,” “When She Says Baby,” “Boys Round Here,” “It Goes Like This,” “We Owned The Night,” “I Don’t Dance,” “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” “Point At You,” “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Rain Is A Good Thing,” “Small Town Throwdown,” “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “Star of the Show,” and many more.
Jameson® Irish Whiskey:
Jameson Irish Whiskey is a smooth and perfectly balanced triple distilled Irish Whiskey rooted in Irish heritage dating back to 1780 when legendary John Jameson released his first cask. The brand’s success comes down to the skilled distillers that ensure Jameson’s unique taste and the communities who have supported its handcrafted quality for hundreds of years. Reliably timeless and simple, Jameson is best enjoyed during great times with great friends. It has all the quality credentials to allow it be consumed straight, but is versatile and is equally great when mixed. Follow Jameson Irish Whiskey @JamesonWhiskeyUS on Facebook and @Jameson_US on Instagram and Twitter. Please enjoy Jameson responsibly.
Georgia Tourism is proud to announce that Georgia’s live music and music heritage landscape made National Geographic’s prestigious list of 21 “Best of the World” destinations for 2017. To plan your next vacation around Georgia music, visit www.exploregeorgia.org/music or connect with Georgia Tourism on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Wendy Pearl Public Relations, LLC, utilizes Pearl’s passion for music and her experience as a journalist and public relations professional to help artists and brands meet their communication needs with creative, strategic plans that engage, connect music to values, and meet the client’s multi-tiered objectives. Visit www.WendyPearlPR.com. She can be reached at Wendy@WendyPearlPR.com.
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will host its inaugural Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 14, 2017. The Martin Family Circus will headline a morning of lively music and delicious Southern food. Family-style seating will be offered at 9 a.m. and noon, in the museum’s Event Hall.
Playfully dubbed the Martin Family Circus by Country Music Hall of Fame Member Vince Gill, Paul Martin (singer/guitarist of Exile) and Jamie Allen Martin (daughter of Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen) began performing with their four children–March (19), Kell (16), Texas (11), and Tallant (10)—in 2010. Representing four generations of musicians, the vocal-driven family band will fill the room with soulful harmonies and toe-tapping fun. Visitors also will enjoy a brunch buffet prepared by museum executive chef Bobby Hammock.
“The deep connection that music creates in our memories is a universal phenomenon entwined with the people, seasons and special events in our lives,” said Sharon Brawner, senior vp of sales and marketing for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Unforgettable music and exceptional family experiences are always on the menu for the museum’s annual celebrations like Deck the Hall and Easter Brunch, and our new Mother’s Day Brunch is no exception. We are thrilled to welcome the Martin Family Circus to offer a fun, family-friendly musical experience sure to please. Combine that heartwarming music with chef Bobby’s mouthwatering menu, and you’re sure to have a joyous and memorable celebration worthy of mom!”
Brunch tickets include entry into the museum, a complementary family photo and a mimosa for adults. Ticket prices are $65 for adults, $25 for kids 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets for both seatings go on sale Friday, April 21, at 10 a.m. CST. For more information and to purchase tickets visit countrymusichalloffame.org/mom.
Asbury Park, NJ’s first ever country duo continues to build the WHArmy nationally as Gordon Brown and Reagan Richards gear up for a busy summer ahead. No Umbrella, the next single from the duo’s self-titled debut album, has officially been released to country radio today (Tuesday, April 18) and fans can download it on all digital platforms.
Once again, Williams Honor is showing the world that Asbury Park isn’t too far from Nashville. “We’re really excited about the release of this song,” says Richards. “It was a song that seemed to resonate with our fans since day one. We wrote this in Nashville right on Music Row with (Billboard hot country artist) Cyndi Thomson and we knew right away that we stumbled on something special.”
This talented duo is gearing up for exclusive private events in New Jersey for the next few months to promote No Umbrella and will be doing a media tour in Nashville the week of the release with appearances all over town. They just wrapped up their very first music video for their previous release, Send It To Me (#55 on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart). This video showcases their favorite places, streets and venues on the Jersey Shore and Nashville. Shot during last year’s CMA Music Festival by Nashville’s Over The Cumberland production team, the scenes filmed along downtown Broadway showcases prominent venues like The Ryman Auditorium, Tootsie’s, and Bridgestone Arena. While in Asbury Park, the duo shot with Cinecall filmaker George McMorrow along Cookman Ave and at classic Jersey Shore venues like The Saint, McLoones on the Asbury Boardwalk, The Wonderbar, and The Stone Pony. The official video will be released next month and sneak peaks were already shown on the NJNews12 broadcast which was aired April 15th and 16th.
ABOUT WILLIAMS HONOR: Straight from Asbury Park, NJ’s legendary music scene, comes an unstoppable collision of likeminded influence, chemistry and a true love for country music. The duo consists of powerhouse singer and performer Reagan Richards and producer/multi-instrumentalist Gordon Brown. After spending years separately in Nashville and never running into each other, they both were writing, recording and touring for other projects and artists. The two met while doing a benefit for Hurricane Sandy victims in NJ and fueled by the memory of their fathers, who were both lost way too soon, Williams Honor was born the summer of 2014.
This duo wrapped up an extensive national radio tour last year, visiting close to 40 stations and performing shows in many of the cities they traveled to. They had their first live network feature interview and performance on NBC’s Today in Nashville and participated in Nashville’s Country Radio Seminar earlier this year doing endless media interviews, appearances and performances. Their debut album is available wherever digital music is sold, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, etc. and signed physical CD’s are available on their website.
Website: www.williamshonor.com
Facebook: @WilliamsHonor
Instagram: @WilliamsHonor
Twitter: @WilliamsHonorX
About Reagan Richards: Country music artist and vocalist for many national acts including Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, David Gray, Social Distortion, Lisa Loeb, Bobby Bandiera, Cheap Trick, Glen Burtnik, Michael Des Barres among others. Reagan starred as the legendary Patsy Cline at Monmouth University’s production of “Always, Patsy Cline,” where she sang 27 songs from her catalogue to a ten-night sold out run which gained critical acclaim. https://www.facebook.com/reaganrichards
About Gordon Brown: Gordon built his career as the main songwriter and guitarist for Asbury Park national label and touring acts mR.rEALITY, Samhill, and HWY9. He’s been hired to write, produce, tour and help develop careers with emerging artists like Jessie James Decker, Natalie Stovall, Jackson Harris, Corey Wagar, ABC show Rising Star’s Audrey Kate, NBC show The Voice’s Audra McLaughlin and New Jersey’s very own Lo Kloza. Gordon has also continued his role as lead guitarist with Epic recording artist Jessie James Decker as she sells out shows around the nation, performing with some of country music’s biggest names. https://www.facebook.com/gordon1brown

Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman
Songwriters interested in attending the three day intensive seminar can get more details at www.GaryBurr.com. The course includes one-on-one critiques and lectures by Gary and other world-class songwriters, and is designed to help songwriters raise their game, whether they are a novice looking to learn or an established writers looking to revitalize their passion.
Gary Burr has been awarded ‘Songwriter of the Year’ on three separate occasions by three different organizations: Billboard, Nashville Songwriter’s Association International, and ASCAP and has written 14 number one songs. In 2005, Gary was inducted into the NSAI Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors that a songwriter can ever achieve. He has toured with Carole King, Ringo Starr, and is currently in Blue Sky Riders with his wife Georgia Middleman and Kenny Loggins. His songs have been recorded by artists such as: Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Juice Newton, Olivia Newton-John, Tim McGraw, Ringo Starr, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Tanya Tucker and Joe Cocker, just to name a few.
About InDo Nashville:
InDo Nashville is located in the heart of SoBro, one block south of the City Winery and Third Man Records at 632 Fogg Street. InDo, which stands for Inspiration Domain, features three floors, with over 11,000 square feet of space offering an events area, songwriting rooms, coworking, conference rooms and dedicated office suites. www.InDoNashville.com.
For more information on the Songwriting Master Class visit: www.garyburr.com.
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