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Musicians Corner Entertains During CMA Music Fest Week

By on June 14, 2012 in Special Events

The Country Music-Themed Week Keeps The CMA Party Going In Centennial Park

Bo Bice at Musicians CornerIn the midst of CMA Music Fest, Musicians Corner continues to thrive. Another beautiful day in Centennial Park led to another packed house (lawn) as Carter’s Chord, Lighter Ray, The Henningsens and Bo Bice graced the stage. To compliment our country line up was Ryan Griffin, Brinley Addington, and Channing Wilson on the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage.

Carter’s Chord are Musicians Corner favorites, having played last year and also at the Music City Unsigned Tin Pan South show. The three sisters never cease to amaze, especially throwing in their World Vision-inspired Love A Little Bigger.

Following Ryan Griffin on the Acoustic Stage was the hot new country duo Lighter Ray. The sisters Lauren Leiter and Chynna Rae (see how they came up with the name?) are full of spunk and energy with dynamic songs and beautiful harmonies.

After Brinley Addington serenaded the crowd on the Acoustic Stage, complete with a summer time anthem about boats, it was time for The Henningsens. This family trio from Illinois has had recent success with cuts by The Band Perry (You Lie, All Your Life), and has recently been recording with producer and Musicians Corner friend Paul Worley. Debuting a couple new songs, they kept the good-spirited crowd singing and clapping along.

Channing Wilson was the final Acoustic Stage act with a Jamie Johnson vibe and gritty southern country swag. He made way for the headliner of the day, Bo Bice. Bo was runner up in season four of American Idol to none other than Carrie Underwood, and he still has the fan base to prove it. Directly in front of the stage is usually reserved for casual dancers, wandering children and Rico, but for Bo, a crowd gathered up close to get a photo op. Showing just why he deserved to be in the Idol finale, Bo performed with all his energy, even covering (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction and Sweet Home Alabama.

This week is a very special Musicians Corner partnering with the American Artisan Festival for a THREE DAY EVENT! That’s right; three days of Musicians Corner: Friday 4-7, and Saturday and Sunday 2-6, all in Centennial Park. Get the complete schedule here: http://musicianscornernashville.com/#/calendar.

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and features great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.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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FOCUS Takes a Country Music Tour in the Chevy Volt

By on June 5, 2012 in Special Events

I’m excited to announce that today I will be partnering with Chevrolet to do a promo for the Chevy Volt! Here’s the deal:

Chevy approached FOCUS with a fun idea. Today they will hand me and my friend Hannah the keys to a Chevy Volt – the nation’s first plug-in electric vehicle with extended range – with the intent to visit all the country music hotspots in Nashville in preparation for CMA Music Fest. The idea is to see how many iconic country music stops we can make before the Volt’s battery runs out of juice.

We’ll be documenting everything, so stay tuned! And we’d love to keep up with you during our trip… any suggestions on where to go, what to see, or any other comments are more than welcome! Just follow @FOCUSonthe615 on twitter and use the hashtag #FOCUSonChevy. Looking forward to this little adventure!

 

Chevy Volt

2012 Chevy Volt

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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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The Epitome of “Nashville’s Weekly Lawn Party” Rocks Centennial Park

By on June 3, 2012 in Special Events

Maggie McCormick, Jill Andrews, Chuck Mead And Jim Lauderdale Entertain Over 1,500 People

Musicians Corner

The crowd getting' down to Chuck Mead

Talk about the perfect day.  Not only did Musicians Corner set a new attendance record, but June 2nd in Centennial Park could not have been more beautiful. On the heels of the Tour de Fat, summertime was in the air as Maggie McCormick, Jill Andrews, Chuck Mead, Jim Lauderdale and others took the stage.

When I say perfect, I really mean it. Musicians Corner has become a hot spot for free music at “Nashville’s weekly lawn parties.” Saturday brought with it children playing everywhere, friendly dogs roaming about, people dancing and of course, great music.

Matthew Perryman Jones kicked off the day with a special guest appearance. A Musicians Corner friend, MPJ is a rising star in the Nashville underground. He put on a great performance in preparation for his Album release show later that night at Exit/Inn.

After Matthew and a shout out to our terrific sponsors by Executive Director John Tumminello, Maggie McCormick continued the festivities. Though used to playing with a full band, the solo performance by the beautiful songstress and killer guitar player was a great treat. She then brought on Jill Andrews who was next up on the main stage. While Jill sang, Maggie played, and together they performed a very smooth acoustic set.

Musicians Corner

Music legends Paul Worley and Chuck Mead backstage

The Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage acts were equally as impressive. First was the Devious Angels, a new country duo who performed in between the Maggie and Jill headlining sets. The second was pianist Jasi Misot.

After Jasi, the party was started. Chuck Mead, a founding member of BR-549 and his band The Grassy Knoll Boys had a large crowd dancing in front of the stage. As producer Paul Worley put it: “This guy has been kick ass for a long time!”

These guys seemed to play for quite a while. Maybe they did, or maybe it just seemed that way because we were having so much fun. But the party didn’t stop there. After an incredibly talented Shelly Colvin rocked the Acoustic Stage, country legend Jim Lauderdale closed out the day.

If this week seemed great, just wait until CMA Music Fest hits town next week! Musicians Corner has a great lineup including Lighter Ray and American Idol’s Bo Bice. Hope to see you there!

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and features great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

Be sure to check out Musicians Corner on:
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The McCrary Sisters, The Kicks Bring the House Down at Musicians Corner

By on May 21, 2012 in In The Press

Marc Scibilia and Umbrella Tree Round Out a Fantastic Lineup on Saturday in Centennial Park

On Saturday, Musicians Corner almost looked like it wouldn’t take place about half an hour before show time. Despite a great weather forecast, the heavens opened at 2:30 and it monsooned on Centennial Park. The power was shut off and volunteers ran for cover. Yet somehow, at 2:50 the skies cleared, the power was turned back on and we were back in business for a great afternoon full of music.

Musicians Corner

To kick off the day was special guest Steve Moakler. He played two acoustic songs, including his “first attempt at a country song,” and got the crowd warmed up for Marc Scibilia. Marc also played acoustically to serenade the crowd with his alternative bluesy style. He brought up the second special guest of the day, music dynamo Tommy Sims.

First up on the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage was MC’s own Kristen Wright singing beautiful songs from her newest album “In the Year of Letting Go.” Following Kristen on the main stage were The McCrary Sisters who absolutely took us to church. The three sisters (there are normally four, but one unfortunately could not make it) had everyone clapping and standing with their powerful gospel music.

The Kicks

After a beautiful Spring Quartet by Benjamin Chakoran Jones on the Acoustic Stage and the coveted Dog of the Day award, Umbrella Tree took the stage. This duo is nothing if not exciting to watch with their unique sound and energetic personalities.

The final Acoustic Stage act of the day was Poly, who played what can only be described as “happy music.” Then to close out the day were rockers The Kicks. The Kicks were actually supposed to play last season at Musicians Corner, but were forced to cancel due to illness. Boy was the crowd happy to have them back! Mixing classic, old school rock style with modern rock sensibilities and three-piece harmonies, these guys are superb. Think Rolling Stones meets Boston with an alternative twist.

Aside from the freak rain storm right beforehand, the day turned out perfect and sunny. Let’s hope it stays that way for next weekend when Andy Davis, Heypenny, Star and Micey, and Us and Our Daughters take the stage.

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and promises more great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

Be sure to check out Musicians Corner on:
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Album Review: Marlee Scott, “Beautiful Maybe”

By on May 17, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Marlee ScottBack during CRS time, we got to interview the lovely Marlee Scott (check that out here.) She’s a lot of fun and we had a great interview. (Thanks Marlee!) So naturally I was excited to hear her music, and she had just released Train Wreck to country radio.

I listened and didn’t like it. (Sorry Marlee!) And I mean, I really didn’t like it. I still don’t; it does nothing for me. What’s worse, I feel like I’m not allowed to dislike it: Sarah Buxton, a very talented singer/songwriter helped pen the song and (get this) Vince Gill is on background vocals!

HOWEVER… one song does not define an album, so when I got the full album, “Beautiful Maybe,” I dove in with an open mind, and I really liked it! (Yes, I just began an album review with “I liked it…” And somewhere, a music critic begins to cry.) Anyway, listen up:

The album is a great introduction to Marlee as an artist with an eclectic mix of songs. It feels like Carrie Underwood meets Shania Twain plus rock guitars, banjos and big melodies, all coming together to create “Marlee Scott.”

She’s got some sassy up-tempos (Train Wreck, I Love Hating You), several story-rich slower songs (Let It Rain, Life Is Not A Movie, Kiss Of Coming Home), and a number of songs that I could see being a hit on the radio (Beautiful Maybe, Jane Doe). She even has a Toby Keith-style talking/rapping song, Crazy For You.

Overall a very talented singer and a very good selection of songs. “Beautiful Maybe” will be released Tuesday, June 19th on Big Ride Entertainment, and is absolutely worth picking up to check out a great new artist.

For more information, visit www.MarleeScott.com.

Beautiful Maybe album track list:
“Beautiful Maybe”
“Jane Doe”
“I Love Hating You”
“I Won’t Love You Anymore”
“I’m Not Your Baby Anymore”
“Let It Rain”
“Planet Of Your Own”
“Rhinestone In The Rough”
“Crazy For You”
“Kiss Of Coming Home”
“Train Wreck”
“Life Is Not A Movie”

 

Train Wreck Official Music Video

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The Music Row Show Finds New Home On Radio & TV

By on May 16, 2012 in In The Press

Music Industry-geared Show Partners with 650 AM WSM and BlueHighways TV

Music Row ShowToday, The Music Row Show announced that on Sunday, June 3, the radio program will make the leap to the legendary 650 AM WSM airwaves, calling the southern powerhouse station its new home.  In addition, BlueHighways TV will begin filming the show in June, with plans to air the program on television starting in July.

“We can’t even express how excited we are to bring The Music Row Show to WSM and BlueHighways TV!  It’s an honor to be even a small part of WSM’s 86 year history and its musical legacy,” says co-host Scott Southworth.

Co-host Heino Moeller adds, “Plus to become a member of the BlueHighways TV family and its commitment to celebrating American music, art and culture is more than Scott and I ever imagined when we started the show.”

Broadcast live from Nashville, Tennessee, The Music Row Show, a weekly two-hour radio program, features hosts Scott Southworth and Heino Moeller, as they offer a welcoming and comfortable forum for their guests to talk about their craft and reveal adventures in the music business.  In 2007, Southworth and Moeller launched The Music Row Show on Nashville’s WLAC airwaves.

“We are so incredibly thankful for the almost five years we spent broadcasting from Nashville’s WLAC,” says Moeller.  “Without WLAC, we wouldn’t be where we are today.  We are forever grateful for all the opportunities they gave us.”

The Music Row Show‘s popularity has soared since its debut, building a solid listenership and attracting an array of guests that includes some of the music industry’s most notable decisionmakers and recording artists.

“Scott and Heino have done an amazing job building such a loyal international fan base for The Music Row Show,” notes Tom English, General Manager 650 AM WSM. “We are very proud to now bring the duo to our legendary airwaves and introduce this video version of the show exclusively on BlueHighways TV.

“Our viewers will love this video version of Scott and Heino’s The Music Row Show,” said Stan Hitchcock, Chairman and CEO of BlueHighways TV.  “Their entertaining delivery and keen knowledge of the music industry will connect with the BlueHighways TV audience. We are also pleased to partner with WSM, as it brings strong credentials to our television version of this popular radio program.”

Catch The Music Row Show on Sunday evenings on 650 AM WSM from 7-9 PM CT starting June 3.

Debut of BlueHighways TV edition of The Music Show Show TBA.  Bluehighways TV can be viewed in over 250 markets thoughout the nation.

About BlueHighways TV
BlueHighways TV is an independent multi-platform network, delivered in both standard and high definition, which grew out of the great interest that audiences have in exploring the folklore, music, traditions, destinations and artistry of America.   Conceived and created by Network Creative Group, LLC, BlueHighways TV captures that welcoming, down-home spirit that Americans are known for, delivered with a fresh and sincere voice.

For more information on BlueHighways TV visit www.BlueHighwaysTV.com.

About WSM Radio
650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925.  The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the airwaves since its inception.  650 AM WSM can be heard in 38 states and worldwide at wsmonline.com.  WSM-AM is owned by Gaylord Entertainment, a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that owns and operates Gaylord Hotels, the Grand Ole Opry, and the historic Ryman Auditorium.  A weekly listing of all 650 AM WSM programming is available at www.wsmonline.com.

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The Secret is Out on Musicians Corner’s 3rd Season!

By on May 7, 2012 in Special Events

Record Crowd Packs Centennial Park for the Spring Season Kickoff

Musicians Corner

A record crowd packs Centennial Park for the free music on Saturday May 5

Maybe it was because of Cinco de Mayo, maybe it was because of the beautiful day, or maybe it was because Musicians Corner is just an awesome weekly event, but one thing was for certain at the first show of the spring season on Saturday… Musicians Corner’s popularity is growing FAST.

Over 1,400 people showed up to the Musicians Corner concert, which will take place each Saturday until the end of June in Centennial Park. And what a concert it was! With new amenities such as a Beer & Wine Garden, this promises to be a season to remember.

The day started off with the group Escondido, a groovy new duo. Following them was the young, talented trio Punchinello on the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage.

That’s when yours truly hopped on stage (pardon me for the shameless plug). It was a special event that I wanted to commemorate and share with 1,400 of my closest friends. It was my mom’s birthday, so I got to wish her a happy birthday from the Musicians Corner stage. My family and some friends made it all the way down from Pennsylvania to spend the weekend with me, and I couldn’t have been happier. Happy birthday agin mom, love you!

Ok, back to the show. To celebrate the Cinco de Mayo festivities, MC next featured Latin Salsa by Afinke. It was hard to keep the crowd seated and still for this band, who was sporting a huge brass section. Representing the acoustic stage after that was Rayvon Owen, with a smooth voice and killer falsetto.

Friends of Musicians Corner Amy Stroup and Trent Dabbs took to the main stage next as their new duo Sugar & the Hi Lows. Each has graced the MC stage as solo artists, yet they are truly a joy to listen to together, even covering the Tina Turner classic Rollin’ on the River. Anderson East was the final Acoustic Stage act of the day and, utilizing nothing but his guitar, swooned the crowd with his unique style.

Mayor Karl Dean and Paul Worley at Musicians Corner

Mayor Karl Dean and Esteemed Record Producer Paul Worley at Musicians Corner on May 5

After the coveted Dog of the Day Award, there was a historic event that took place. No, I don’t mean the return of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, who haven’t performed in Centennial Park in 115 years…. I mean the fact that no less than 4 people introduced them.

John Tumminello, Musicians Corner’s Executive Director took the stage first to introduce Grammy-Award-winning record producer Paul Worley. He then introduced our wonderful Mayor Karl Dean, who introduced the band’s director, who in turn introduced the band itself.

However, we must thank both Mayor Dean and Mr. Worley for their ongoing support of Musicians Corner and for the Nashville music community as a whole. We can’t say enough about these gentlemen!

And although the quadruple-introduction was an unprecedented event, let that not diminish the true history that was made at Musicians Corner. The last time the Fisk Jubilee Singers performed in Centennial Park was for President William McKinnley during the Centennial Exhibition… in 1897! You can read more about this historic event in this wonderful article from The Tennessean.

The singers haven’t changed their style or their music since their formation in 1871. It is still traditional, beautiful choir music. And the Musicians Corner crowd stuck around to hang on their every word.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers at Musicians Corner

The Fisk Jubilee Singers at performed in Centennial Park for the first time since the Centennial Exhibition in 1897

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and promises more great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

Be sure to check out Musicians Corner on:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

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Musicians Corner Returns This Saturday in Centennial Park!

By on May 2, 2012 in Special Events

May 5 Spring Season Kickoff Celebration

Musicians Corner

 

Celebrating Free Music In The Park

The Fisk Jubilee Singers

The Fisk Jubilee Singers with their musical director, Dr. Paul T. Kwami. Photo by Bill Steber and Pat Casey Daley

It’s time to kickoff another season of free music and fun in Centennial Park as Musicians Corner returns on Saturday, May 5 and takes places each Saturday through June 30.

Historic appearance by Fisk Jubilee Singers® 
We have a wonderful line up of local music planned for you on May 5. The hot new duo Escondido will kick things off at 3 PM sharp on the main stage, followed by Latin Salsa band Afinke to help us celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the throwback sounds of Trent Dabbs and Amy Stroup’s duo Sugar & The High Lows and a headline performance by Fisk Jubilee Singers® who are making a historic return to Centennial Park.

Check out this great article by Gail Kerr in Sunday’s Tennessean about the Fisk Jubilee Singers® appearance.

Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage. 
We are introducing the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage this season. Our May 5 artists include Anderson East, Rayvon Owen and Punchinello.

 

Free Parking And Shuttles

Musicians CornerWe’re excited to let you know that we will have lots of additional parking and free shuttles on May 5!

Thanks to our generous neighbors at HCA, there will be free parking on May 5 at all of the HCA building lots along Park Plaza.

From there, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Centennial Park to Musicians Corner or take the free shuttles that will be running throughout the afternoon.

Arrive early to enjoy the 41st Annual Tennessee Craft Fair taking place on the main lawn in Centennial Park from 10 AM – 6 PM.

 

Introducing the Beer & Wine Garden

Musicians Corner Beer & Wine GardenMany of our attendees have requested it and on May 5 we will introduce our Beer & Wine Garden. Accessible to attendees 21 and up, it will showcase local brands Yazoo, Hap and Harry’s and Arrington Vineyards. The Beer & Wine Garden opens at 2 PM each week, one hour before the music starts.

 

Mobile Food Court Lunch from 11am to 3pm

We are also introducing a Mobile Food Court lunch featuring many of Nashville’s popular food trucks. It takes place each week from 11AM – 3PM and features unplugged acoustic music from 1 – 3 PM. The food trucks will be on site until 6 PM for your culinary enjoyment.

 

Free Kidsville Activities

Musicians Corner KidsvilleThanks in part to a generous grant from the Jackson National Life Insurance Company, We have many wonderful activities planned for you at Mix 92.9 Kidsville this season. We will be decorating maracas on May 5 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Bring the little ones each week for arts & crafts, fun & games and more family friendly entertainment in the park.

 

Dog of the Day, Giveaways and More Fun

Musicians Corner Dog of the DayBring your dog for a relaxing day in the park and enter to win our Dog of the Day award!

We will also be giving away tickets to the Nashville Symphony.

Our charity partner, World Vision, will once again be on site with us each week.

 

Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors

Musicians Corner is a program of The Conservancy for The Parthenon and Centennial Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is funded and made possible by the generous support of 40 organizations in the music, media and business community.

Sponsors: World Vision, The Conservancy, Vanderbilt University, City National Bank, Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Metro Parks, R.S. Lipman, Taziki’s, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Happy Family, Baker Donelson and Friendly Arctic.

Music Industry Partners: BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, Brantley Sound Associates, The ASCAP Foundation, Country Music Association, SAE Institute, Paul Worley Productions, EMI, Major Bob Music, Capitol Records Nashville, Warner Music Nashville, Sony Music, Sony/ATV Publishing, We Make Tapes & Discs, Gibson, Asterope, Nashville Symphony, Music City Roots, American Songspace, Corner Music, Noisetrade, Nashville Songwriters Association, Gear For Days and Nashville Muse.

Media Partners: Lightning 100, Nashville Scene, Mix 92.9, NowPlayingNashville.com and Yelp.

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