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MTN DEW Servin’ Up Home-State Pride With “The Tennessee Original Outpost”

By on October 9, 2019 in Press Releases

Tennessee-born beverage transforming Nashville’s Ole Red into green “The Tennessee Original Outpost” celebrating fans, makers and artists from across the state; Musical line-up led by Tennessee-based country duo LOCASH and more

Oct. 8, 2019 – In 1940 MTN DEW was born out of an act of refreshment rebellion and since then, has kept the rebel charge alive for fans across the country. Nearly 80 years later, MTN DEW is going back to its roots to celebrate with the DEW Nation, and the dynamic, trail-blazin’ makers and artists that call Tennessee home.  MTN DEW will turn Nashville destination Ole Red, DEW-green and feature epic DEW X “Tennessee Original” experiences and live performances.  In the days leading up to the Oct. 22 event, MTN DEW will hit the road, popping up at select Food City locations across the state, where fans who locate LOCASH-autographed DEW cans throughout the store, will win an all-expenses paid trip to “The Tennessee Original Outpost.”

“MTN DEW has such a rich history in Tennessee and we are excited to not only celebrate that heritage but also give DEW Nation fans living there, a day dedicated to their great home state,” Chauncey Hamlett, Vice President of Marketing South Division, Mountain Dew said. “We have so much fun evolving and introducing new DEW options but at the end of the day, we wouldn’t be here without our Tennessee original and we cannot wait to celebrate with the fans.”

“The Tennessee Original Outpost” will be live on October 22 from 11a.m. – 9p.m. CT.  Throughout the celebration, fans can get their hands on specialty items like DEW-branded leather goods, mural painting with East Side Murals and enjoy a line-up of TN-born or bred live musical acts, including country duo LOCASH, Matt Rogers, Garrett Speer and Casee Allen.  Fans will also get to try out specialty DEW cocktails. 

Starting on October 12, three fans at each Food City stop across Tennessee will win a trip to MTN DEW’s “The Tennessee Original Outpost” by locating LOCASH-autographed DEW cans throughout the respective stores.  At each pop-up celebration, fans will also get a chance to sample the latest offerings from MTN DEW and win cool prizes.

MTN DEW “Tennessee Original” X Food City Stops:

Fans should look out for special “The Tennessee Original” promotions at major retailers across the state.  Fans can also join the MTN Dew “Tennessee Original” conversation across social on Twitter (@mountaindew) and Facebook using #DEWOutpost. 

About Mountain Dew MOUNTAIN DEW®, a product of PepsiCo North America Beverages, is the No. 1 flavored carbonated soft drink in the U.S. With its one-of-a-kind citrus taste, MOUNTAIN DEW exhilarates and quenches with every sip. In addition to the original MOUNTAIN DEW and DIET MOUNTAIN DEW®, the permanent DEW® product line includes MTN DEW ICE™, MTN DEW® KICKSTART™, MOUNTAIN DEW CODE RED®, MOUNTAIN DEW PITCH BLACK®, MOUNTAIN DEW VOLTAGE®, MOUNTAIN DEW WHITE OUT® and MTN DEW® Label Series. For more information, check out www.mountaindew.com, www.facebook.com/mountaindew or follow on Instagram and Twitter @mountaindew.  

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $64 billion in net revenue in 2018, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. 

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. “Winning with Purpose” reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of the business. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.  

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Celebration of The Band’s Farewell Concert” At Bridgestone Arena On November 23rd

By on October 9, 2019 in Press Releases

DARIUS RUCKER, MICHAEL McDONALD, EMMYLOU HARRIS, VINCE GILL, NATHANIEL RATELIFF, WARREN HAYNES, JAMEY JOHNSON, LUKAS NELSON, MARGO PRICE, DON WAS, JOHN MEDESKI, CYRIL NEVILLE AND MORE TO HEADLINE THE INAUGURAL

THE LAST WALTZ NASHVILLE
AN ALL-STAR CELEBRATION OF THE BAND’S HISTORIC FAREWELL CONCERT

WITH A VERY SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY ROBBIE ROBERTSON

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2019
BRIDGESTONE ARENA, NASHVILLE, TN

TICKETS ON SALE THIS SATURDAY
VISIT HTTP://LASTWALTZNASHVILLE.COM FOR TICKETS & MORE INFO

Nashville, TN – Robbie Robertson, Keith Wortman, Sebastian Robertson and Blackbird Presents are thrilled to announce The Last Waltz Nashville: An All-Star Celebration of the Band’s Historic Farewell Concert to be held on Saturday, November 23 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.

This inaugural holiday event captures the excitement of The Band’s historic 1976 Thanksgiving concert with some of music’s biggest stars including Darius Rucker, Michael McDonald, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Nathaniel Rateliff, Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson, Margo Price, Don Was, John Medeski, Cyril Neville, Dave Malone, Bob Margolin, Terence Higgins and Mark Mullins & The Levee Horns.      

This once in a lifetime concert event includes a rare, very special appearance by music icon Robbie Robertson of The Band.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 10 AM CT at http://ticketmaster.com. Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning today, Tuesday, October 8 at 10 AM CT through Citi’s Private Pass program and will be available until Friday, October 11 at 10 PM CT.  VIP packages, including great seats and exclusive event merchandise, will be available. The Last Waltz Nashville: An All-Star Celebration of The Band’s Historic Farewell Concert will cap off the November run of 2019’s Last Waltz Tour, currently on sale now at http://thelastwaltz.com. 

Blackbird Presents continues its tradition of supporting important charities, particularly during the holiday season. Thus we are excited to announce that a portion of proceeds will go directly to Farm Aid (http://farmaid.org), whose mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America, and Thistle Farms (http://thistlefarms.org), a nonprofit social enterprise, based in Nashville, TN, dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from trafficking, prostitution and addiction. In addition to supporting these organizations, Blackbird Presents will organize a donation drive to help support Second Harvest (http://secondharvestmidtn.org), whose mission is to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in Middle Tennessee.

Over forty years ago, The Band performed their final concert to a sold-out crowd with a who’s who of Rock ‘n’ Roll royalty in attendance. “As far as farewells go, this one was major,” stated Rolling Stone Magazine in a 2016 expose about the famed concert. The evening culminated with “Don’t Do It,” The Band’s cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Baby Don’t You Do It.” After the last note, Robbie Robertson, The Bands’ lead guitarist, songwriter and a founding member said, “Goodnight. Goodbye.” walking off stage, forever immortalizing this epic event.

“It is such an honor that the musical celebration of The Last Waltz and The Band carries on today. Blackbird Presents and this extraordinary lineup of talent makes me proud to be a part of this ongoing and wonderful tradition,” says Robbie Robertson.

“These songs are so deeply entrenched in our hearts that they have become a part of who we are as humans,” said Keith Wortman, Founder of Blackbird Presents. “I am honored to present this show, with these artists, in our beloved Nashville and I’m especially proud to support Farm Aid, Thistle Farms and Second Harvest during this holiday season.”

The Last Waltz Tour: An All-Star Celebration of The Band’s Historic Farewell Concert is an extension of Blackbird Present’s November 2019 Last Waltz Tour and the acclaimed 2016 two-night, sold-out concert event The Last Waltz New Orleans and 2017’s The Last Waltz 40th Anniversary Tour which was praised by audiences and critics across the country. “You soon knew that The Band’s legacy would be well feted. Earplugs were required — for the crowd, not the band,” wrote the Huffington Post in its review of the show at the Orpheum in Boston, Massachusetts. “The last 30 minutes of The Last Waltz @SaengerNOLA was the best thing I’ve heard @jazzfest,” said Keith Spera, music critic, The New Orleans Advocate.

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT THE OFFICIAL TOUR WEBSITE:
http://LastWaltzNashville.com
#thelastwaltz

About Blackbird Presents
Blackbird Presents is the worldwide leader in the production of large-scale concert events, broadcast specials, TV series, music festivals and tours.

Recent concerts, broadcast specials and releases include “Willie: Life & Songs Of An American Outlaw,” “All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers’ Farewell Concert Celebration,” “Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard,” “The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson,” “Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert,” “Outlaw: Celebrating The Music of Waylon Jennings,” “I’ll Take You There: Celebrating 75 Years of Mavis Staples,” “The Life and Songs of Emmylou Harris,” “Lynyrd Skynyrd: One More For The Fans,” “The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: Celebrating Mac and His Music” and “All My Friends: Celebrating The Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman,” the last of which earned a 2014 GRAMMY® Award nomination for Gregg Allman and Taj Mahal’s awe-inspiring performance of “Statesboro Blues.”

Blackbird Presents is also the creator and producer of The Outlaw Music Festival Tour, in partnership with Willie Nelson; The American Roots Music & Arts Festival, in partnership with Eric Church; and The Last Waltz 40 Tour.

Learn more at www.blackbirdpresents.com.

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Sam Hunt Introduces New Song – “Kinfolks”

By on October 9, 2019 in Press Releases

World Premiere Thursday, Oct. 10 at 4pm CT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 9, 2019) – Multi-Platinum-selling, award-winning hitmaker Sam Hunt introduces fans to his brand-new song, “Kinfolks,” written by Hunt with longtime collaborators Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers and Josh Osborne. The world premiere of “Kinfolks,” including its release on all digital and streaming platforms, takes place tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. CT with the song officially impacting country radio on Oct. 14.

“When I think of ‘kinfolks,’ when I think of that phrase,” says Hunt, “I think of my family, but also I think of my people back home – beyond family. It’s my buddies who’ve been a part of my story from the beginning. I’ve made a lot of new friends and met a lot of new people who are important to me since I’ve moved away, but that core group is still my core group. It’s like that old saying, ‘you can’t make old friends.’” Hunt leans on that sentiment, exemplifying the importance of bringing a new relationship into the mix and comfortability of home.

Hunt has been dropping hints for “Kinfolks” all week with images and lyrics on his socials teeing up the highly-anticipated new release. Currently in the studio finishing up the project expected in the new year, Hunt gave a taste of new music to a packed Bud Light House Party event in Calgary last month, performing the reflective “Sinning With You” with an ecstatic crowd.

Fans have eagerly awaited new music from the record-breaking star since last year’s “Downtown’s Dead,” the follow-up to Hunt’s 6x Platinum “Body Like A Back Road,” and his GRAMMY-nominated, Triple-Platinum-selling debut album, Montevallo.

About Sam Hunt:

Sam Hunt’s GRAMMY-nominated, Triple-Platinum-selling debut album, Montevallo (MCA Nashville),topped the Billboard Country Albums Chart in its first week and remains the best-selling debut album for a country artist since 2011. Called “stylistically provocative” by The New York Times and “deceptively phenomenal” by The Washington Post, Hunt has received accolades from Associated Press, Billboard, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, SPIN Magazine, Village Voice, The New York Times, The Washington Post and more. Since the Montevallo’s 2014 release, Hunt has accumulated over 6.85 billion global streams and has earned 22 million RIAA certified units. The album produced four No. 1 singles and five Platinum and Multi-Platinum-selling hits including “Leave the Night On,” “House Party,” “Take Your Time,” “Break Up In A Small Town” and “Make You Miss Me.” Hunt’s three-week No. 1, 6x Platinum-selling, GRAMMY-nominated smash, “Body Like A Back Road” shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart where it remained for an unprecedented 27 consecutive weeks, shattering the record for most weeks atop the nearly 59-year-oldchart. Written by Hunt, Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, “Body Like A Back Road” was the No. 1 most-streamed and No. 1 most-downloaded country song of 2017, and the No. 4 most-downloaded and Top 10 most-streamed all genre song of 2017.

For information on Sam Hunt, visit www.SamHunt.com.

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Dan + Shay Add Three Shows To 2020 The (Arena) Tour Due To High Demand

By on October 7, 2019 in Press Releases

GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING DUO ADDS SECOND NASHVILLE DATE + NEW DATES IN NEWARK & COLUMBUS


MARCH 7 – NASHVILLE, TN (BRIDGESTONE ARENA)
MARCH 8 – COLUMBUS, OH (NATIONWIDE ARENA)
OCTOBER 8 – NEWARK, NJ (PRUDENTIAL CENTER)


(October 7, 2019) – Just hours after announcing their first ever headlining arena tour, GRAMMY-winning duo Dan + Shay have added three dates to the Dan + Shay The (Arena) Tour due to high demand. After kicking off the tour in Nashville, TN on March 6, the duo will return for a second show at Music City’s Bridgestone Arena on March 7, followed by a new date in Columbus, OH on March 8 at Nationwide Arena. On October 8, the tour will return to the New York City area after a September 25 date at Madison Square Garden with a show at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets for the new dates before the general public beginning tomorrow, October 8 at 12 p.m. ET through Thursday, October 10 at 10 p.m. local. Tickets for the tour, presented by AEG Presents, go on sale to the general public starting this Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m. local time. A limited number of VIP Packages will be available to purchase. These exclusive offers include an incredible selection of tickets and limited-edition merchandise created exclusively for VIPs. For complete presale details and ticket information, please visit http://www.danandshay.com. An updated, complete tour itinerary can be found below.

Dan + Shay are seeing the biggest single debut of their career with the massive worldwide launch of “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber (LISTEN HERE). Written by the duo’s Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney with Bieber alongside Jessie Jo Dillon, Jordan Reynolds and Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, “10,000 Hours” is the most added new song at country radio today and is poised to be their biggest first-week track consumption to date already totaling 50 million streams globally since Friday’s release. The “sentimental and romantic” (E! News) track was also produced by Smyers and is ranked at No. 5 on Spotify’s Global Chart, reaching No. 2 on their U.S. Chart. The song can be found on 45 Spotify charts globally and 39 New Music Friday playlists worldwide, where it’s highlighted as the cover image in 11 territories. The track is No. 2 on Apple Music’s Global Chart and lands within their Top 100 in 64 territories across the globe. It has been the No. 1 song and video on iTunes since release and is the first country song to ever take the top spot on YouTube’s all-genre Video Hotlist, reaching No. 3 on their all-genre Trending Chart as well. (WATCH HERE).

Dan + Shay The (Arena) Tour follows their sold-out Dan + Shay The Tour earlier this year. The duo just wrapped their time on Florida Georgia Line’s Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour and will join superstar Shawn Mendes later this month on his self-titled tour in Australia.
Website // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram
Dan + Shay The (Arena) Tour 2020
*not an AEG Presents date

DateCityVenue
March 6, 2020Nashville, TNBridgestone Arena
March 7, 2020Nashville, TNBridgestone Arena **NEWLY ADDED SHOW
March 8, 2020Columbus, OHNationwide Arena **NEWLY ADDED SHOW
March 12, 2020Philadelphia, PAWells Fargo Center
March 13, 2020Charlottesville, VAJohn Paul Jones Arena
March 14, 2020Greenville, SCBon Secours Wellness Arena
March 19, 2020San Antonio, TXAT&T Center
March 20, 2020Tulsa, OKBOK Center
March 21, 2020Dallas, TXAmerican Airlines Center
March 26, 2020Grand Rapids, MIVan Andel Arena
March 27, 2020Louisville, KYKFC Yum! Center
March 28, 2020Greensboro, NCGreensboro Coliseum
April 9, 2020Kansas City, MOSprint Center
April 10, 2020Minneapolis, MNTarget Center
April 11, 2020Milwaukee, WIFiserv Forum
April 16, 2020Indianapolis, INBankers Life Fieldhouse
April 17, 2020Chicago, ILUnited Center
April 18, 2020Omaha, NECHI Health Center
September 17, 2020North Little Rock, ARSimmons Bank Arena f.k.a. Verizon Arena
September 18, 2020St. Louis, MOEnterprise Center
September 19, 2020Detroit, MILittle Caesars Arena
September 24, 2020Washington, DCCapital One Arena
September 25, 2020New York, NYMadison Square Garden
September 26, 2020Pittsburgh, PAPPG Paints Arena
October 1, 2020Orlando, FLAmway Center
October 2, 2020Atlanta, GAState Farm Arena
October 3, 2020New Orleans, LASmoothie King Center
October 8, 2020Newark, NJPrudential Center **NEWLY ADDED SHOW
October 9, 2020Boston, MATD Garden
October 10, 2020*Uncasville, CTMohegan Sun Arena
October 11, 2020Hershey, PAGiant Center
October 15, 2020Denver, COPepsi Center
October 16, 2020Salt Lake City, UTVivint Smart Home Arena
October 17, 2020Las Vegas, NVT-Mobile Arena
October 21, 2020Glendale, AZGila River Arena
October 23, 2020San Francisco, CAChase Center
October 24, 2020Sacramento, CAGolden 1 Center
October 29, 2020Boise, IDExtraMile Arena
October 30, 2020Portland, ORModa Center
October 31, 2020Tacoma, WATacoma Dome

ABOUT DAN + SHAY
Dan + Shay continue their rapid rise and are taking the music world by storm.  The last twelve months have seen GRAMMY, Billboard, ACM, CMT, and Teen Choice Award wins – most recently snagging several CMA Awards nominations, the accumulation of over two billion on-demand career streams, several mega-hit, chart-topping songs, and more.  The pair have already sold out headlining US & UK tours in 2019, where they performed from their ever-expanding array of hits, including their most recent chart-topper, “All To Myself,” their 2x-Platinum, multi-week No. 1 single “Speechless”, and the most-streamed song released in 2018, multi-Platinum, multi-week No.1 global smash, “Tequila.”  All three are featured on Dan + Shay, which has sold more than one million album equivalents and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart the same week “Tequila” reached No.1 on the Country Airplay chart, marking the first time since 2009 that a duo or group has topped both charts simultaneously.  Dan + Shay made SoundScan recorded history as the first new country duo to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart with their Gold-certified first album, Where It All Began.  Their catalogue comprises three albums, including Where It All Began, Obsessed, and Dan + Shay, six Platinum singles, including the duo’s debut “19 You + Me,” and their six No. 1 hits: “Tequila,” “Speechless,” “All To Myself,” “Nothin’ Like You,” “From The Ground Up” and “How Not To.”

About AEG Presents
Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries.  Operating across three continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community.  Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, and Firefly — continue to set the gold standard for the live music experience.  AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, BTS, Kenny Chesney, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, Panic! At The Disco, Luke Combs, Maggie Rogers, and Dan + Shay, and in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as Goldenvoice, Messina Touring Group, Concerts West, The Bowery Presents, PromoWest Productions, Marshall Arts, Madison House Presents, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an infrastructure for artist development and audience reach that is unmatched by any company in the world.  AEG Presents is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEG.  More information can be found at www.aegpresents.com.

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CRS 2020 Featured Speaker Revealed: Rascal Flatts To Appear At ‘Rascal Flatts: 20 Years of Country Radio Success’

By on October 7, 2019 in Press Releases
Rascal Flatts
Photo Credit: Robby Klein

(Nashville, Tenn. – Oct. 2, 2019) Superstar vocal group Rascal Flatts has been added to the growing list of high-profile speakers confirmed to appear during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2020.  Rascal Flatts: 20 Years Of Country Radio Success, is set for 4:00pm (CT) on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Nashville’s Omni Hotel, and is sponsored by the Country Music Association (CMA) as its annual featured session at CRS. Sarah Trahern, Chief Executive Officer for CMA, will conduct this in-depth Q&A with the trio. Together, they will share insight into the trio’s monumental 20-year journey, as Rascal Flatts broke down boundaries as true trailblazers in the genre while maintaining a longevity and relevance that continues to propel them to the top of the country radio charts.  Prior to the 60-min discussion, Rascal Flatts will also appear at the Opening Ceremonies to reveal the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

CRB/CRS President of the Board, Kurt Johnson, commented, “Rascal Flatts’ indelible mark on Country music for the past two decades makes this a must-see event for CRS2020. Gary, Jay and Joe Don are among the greatest legends of our genre, and their stories will be riveting.”

With seventeen No. One hits, over 23.4 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads and 2.2 billion streams worldwide, time and success have only put Rascal Flatts closer to their core with expert musicianship, razor-sharp vocals and songs that have shaped lives, loves and the genre of country music itself. The trio’s Top 20 single “Back To Life” follows back-to-back chart-topping singles “Yours If You Want It” as well as “I Like The Sound Of That.” The group has also earned over 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People’s Choice and more, also making them the most awarded country group of the past decade. Known as one of the hottest-selling touring acts in any genre, Rascal Flatts has sold over 11 million concert tickets to date. 

“2020 is going to be our 20th Anniversary as a band and is a huge milestone for us,” shared Gary LeVox. “Country radio has been such an important part of our story and so we’re looking forward to reflecting on where it all began and where country radio continues to take us today.” 


About the Country Music Association:  Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. In 1961, CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame to recognize artists and industry professionals with Country Music’s highest honor. More than 7,600 music industry professionals and companies from around the globe are members of CMA. The organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advance the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding achievement in the industry; CMA Fest, which benefits the CMA Foundation and music education and is taped for a network television special, “CMA Fest”; and “CMA Country Christmas.” All of CMA’s television properties air on the ABC Television Network in the U.S.    About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. Country Radio Seminar 2020 is set for Feb. 19-21 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, and will be held at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Registration for Country Radio Seminar is currently $599 per person and is available for purchase at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.  Additionally, CRS host hotel, Omni Nashville, is accepting reservations. For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487

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Nashville Ballet To Premiere Critically Acclaimed Story Of A Streetcar Named Desire

By on October 7, 2019 in Press Releases

First-ever U.S. company performs iconic work from Tennessee Williams Nov. 1-3

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 25, 2019) – Nashville Ballet is excited to bring world-renowned Choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and London-based Director Nancy Meckler’s beguiling performance of A Streetcar Named Desire to the heart of the South in November 2019.

For the first time ever, Tennessee Williams’ legendary tale will be performed by a United States-based ballet company on one of the South’s premier stages. Considered Williams’ greatest work, A Streetcar Named Desire dramatizes the life of Blanche DuBois, an aging Southern belle who is forced to leave her aristocratic life and flee to a dilapidated New Orleans tenement after facing a series of tragic losses.

“This ballet represents the perseverance of women who have felt unheard,” said Meckler. “People often assume that female-led performances are fairytales; however, A Streetcar Named Desire is a fictional representation of the challenging reality female artists face in making their voices heard. I hope it will show aspiring artists, particularly choreographers, that women have the right to come out of the shadows and find success – even in what used to be a male-dominated industry.”

For the second time this year, Nashville Ballet will bring yet another boundary-pushing performance to Polk Theater. This adaptation is unique as the story will unfold through the singular perspective of Blanche DuBois. With Lopez Ochoa’s masterful choreography, audiences can expect a new interpretation of Williams’ work; one that humanizes the timeless tragedies of societal expectation and victimization, both of which still ring true for women today.

“Transforming this work into a ballet takes Williams’ story to places it has never been before,” said Lopez Ochoa. “By choreographing the narrative, we were able to tell a story of debauchery, heartbreak and strength from an entirely new perspective – a perspective that finally brings Blanche DuBois’ character into the light.” 

Similar to Lucy Negro Redux – Artistic Director Paul Vasterling’s time-bending performance of William Shakespeare’s love life – A Streetcar Named Desire brings topics of social justice to the forefront of the ballet world. Returning to Williams’ Southern roots, the story remains one of his most performed plays and has inspired many adaptations in other forms, including a critically acclaimed film that was released in 1951.

Nashville Ballet Company Artist Julia Eisen will take on the title role of Blanche DuBois. A veteran of the company, Eisen has spent the past nine years working under Vasterling’s direction.

“It is a privilege for our company to perform this work as it exemplifies the unwavering strength of female performers,” said Vasterling. “Once again, I am honored to work with a team of such powerful women, and I have no doubt that the caliber of Annabelle’s choreography will inspire Julia to give a performance that deeply resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.”    

A Streetcar Named Desire will premiere in Nashville at TPAC’s Polk Theater Friday, Nov. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 3. For more information on tickets and scheduling, please visit nashvilleballet.com/streetcar.

About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through season performances and its Community Engagement programming. Curriculum-based Community Engagement programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet brings world-class dance instruction to students age 2 to 70. To learn more about the Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com.

Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metro Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional and national institutional funders and community partners, as well as hundreds of generous individuals, provide ongoing support of Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.

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Grand Ole Opry Announces Artist Lineup And Events For DOLLY WEEK 2019

By on October 6, 2019 in Music

NASHVILLE, TN – In celebration of Dolly Parton’s 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member, the Grand Ole Opry is hosting Dolly Week 2019-a week long series of events and special Opry shows to honor arguably country music’s greatest global ambassador and an artist who has taken the Opry with her wherever she goes.

Dolly Week 2019 includes five consecutive nights of Dolly-themed Opry shows that include performances by many of Dolly’s friends and artists she has influenced including Bill Anderson, Dierks Bentley, Barry Gibb, Emmylou Harris, Chris Janson, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Margo Price, Don Schlitz, Jeannie Seely, Hank Williams, Jr. and more. Artists plan to perform a mix of their own hits as well as songs written, popularized, or inspired by the 50-year Opry icon.

Parton will be performing on both sold-out shows Sat., Oct. 12, capping the week-long celebration of Parton’s impact on music and the Opry.

                                                  DOLLY WEEK 2019 LINEUP
                                             (artists and schedule subject to change)TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019:
Tuesday Night Opry | GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE

Lineup includes:
Dustin Lynch
Suzy Bogguss
The Isaacs
Stephanie Quayle
and more

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019:
Wednesday Night Opry | GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE

Lineup includes:
Sara Evans
Del McCoury Band
Don Schlitz
Sam Williams (Opry debut)
Stephanie Urbina Jones
and more

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019: (Sold Out)
 Opry Country Classics hosted by Larry Gatlin | RYMAN AUDITORIUM | Featuring performances of #1 Dolly hits

Lineup includes:
The Gatlin Brothers
Dale Ann Bradley
Emily West
Shawn Camp & Lauren Mascitti
Sierra Hull
Hannah Dasher
and more

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019 (Two Shows: 7 p.m. (Sold Out) and 9:30 p.m. (Tickets Available)
Friday Night Opry | GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE  

Lineup Includes (TWO Shows | 7:00 & 9:30 PM):
Bill Anderson
Barry Gibb
Dierks Bentley (1st show only)
Margo Price
Emmylou Harris
Chris Janson 
and more

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 (Two Sold-Out Shows, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.): 
GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE | Dolly Parton’s 50th Grand Ole Opry Anniversary Celebration featuring Dolly Parton and many more

Lineup Includes (TWO Shows | 7:00 & 9:30 PM):
Dolly Parton
Lady Antebellum
Jeannie Seely
Toby Keith
Margo Price
Barry Gibb
Hank Williams, Jr. (1st show only)
Candi Carpenter
and more

DOLLY WEEK 2019 Special Events and Programming Also Includes:

DOLLY: MY OPRY MEMORIES – Limited Time Only Exhibit

In celebration of Dolly Parton’s 50thanniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member, the Opry House will host “Dolly: My Opry Memories”- an exclusive exhibit featuring 24 wardrobe pieces the internationally-known country music icon has worn on the Opry stage and at events held at the Ryman Auditorium over the last 50 years.  The exhibit will run through October 31.

Among Parton’s fashions featured: 

  • Dress worn on the evening of her Opry induction (1969)
  • Gown worn for a duet with fellow Opry member Vince Gill on her monster smash “I Will Always Love You” (1995)
  • Ensemble worn during a surprise Opry appearance to celebrate the 40thanniversary of Reba McEntire’s Opry debut (2017)

Also included in the exhibit in the Opry House’s historic Studio A are exclusive videos of Parton recounting some of her favorite Opry memories along with rarely seen performance clips spanning her five decades of Opry membership. The limited-time-only exhibit was curated and designed to celebrate Parton’s milestone anniversary and tells the storied career of one of the Opry’s greatest global ambassadors.

Tickets for the “Dolly: My Opry Memories”  exhibit are $12 when guests add it on to the purchase of an Opry backstage tour. Exhibit-only tickets are $17. Packages and tickets are on sale now at www.opry.com.Please check opry.com for available tour times. 

DOLLY RADIO on 650 WSM

As part of Parton’s 50th Opry anniversary celebration, flagship station WSM flipped its Opry Nashville streaming channel to “Dolly Radio” to coincide with the exhibit. The 24/7 “all things Dolly stream” will feature the music legend’s many hits from her catalog of over 3000 songs, past Opry performances, archived interviews, special features from fellow artists, and much more. Fans will be able to access “Dolly Radio” 24/7 via WSMonline.com and the station’s free mobile app.

THE OPRY SHOP – located at the Opry House

In celebration of Parton’s 50th Anniversary as an Opry member, The Opry Shop—also located at the Opry House– will feature a unique collection of eleven custom-designed items for women, men and children celebrating the milestone anniversary. A special Dolly Parton Queen of Country 50th Anniversary graphic was created by Opry Entertainment Product Development Manager Molly Brooks, who was inspired by a Parton photograph captured by longtime Opry photographer Les Leverett.  
BACKSTAGE TOURS

In June, the Opry premiered a new immersive film experience featuring video hosts Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood and showcasing more than 100 Opry artists, Parton included. The film shown in the Opry House’s new Circle Room opens the Opry’s daytime backstage tour.

About Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is the most honored and revered female country singer-songwriter of all time. Achieving 25 RIAA certified Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum awards, she has had 26 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard country charts, a record for a female artist. Parton recently became the first Country artist honored as Grammy MusiCares Person of the Year given out by NARAS. She has 41 career Top 10 country albums, a record for any artist, and she has 110 career-charted singles over the past 40 years. In 2014 the RIAA recognized her impact on recorded music with a plaque commemorating more than 100 million units sold worldwide – and in 2016 her No. 1 album Pure & Simple, which topped the Billboard Top Country Albums and Americana/Folk Albums charts and debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia, added to that massive tally. She has garnered eight Grammy Awards, including a 2017 win with Pentatonix for their collaboration on her iconic 1974 hit “Jolene”; 10 Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year; five Academy of Country Music Awards, also including a nod for Entertainer of the Year; four People’s Choice Awards; and three American Music Awards. In 1999, Parton was inducted as a member of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame. 

In 2008 Parton launched her return to touring on a global scale with Backwoods Barbie World Tour, the first of many sold-out arena tours, returning her to Billboard Boxscore’s Top 10 Country Tours of the Year. Her 2016 movie “Christmas Of Many Colors: Circle Of Love,” was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie. In 2017, Parton released her first children’s album, I Believe In You, on Dolly Records through her partnership with Sony Music Nashville; the project’s proceeds benefit The Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, a non-profit that in August 2019 gave away over 1.4M books, and has given away a total of over 125M books to date to children from birth to five years of age in the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK. In 2018, Parton received her first two Emmy Awards as the organization recognized her lifetime of giving with the Governor’s Award and the award for Best Community Service Program lauding her 2016 telethon “Smoky Mountains Rise,” which raised more than $13 million for her My People fund, which provided financial assistance to victims of massive wildfires in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Parton recently collaborated with producer Linda Perry on the soundtrack for the Golden Globe nominated film Dumplin’ starring Jennifer Aniston and Danielle MacDonald. In addition, Netflix will be releasing an eight part anthology film series called Heartstrings thru her Sandollar Productions in association with Magnolia Hill Productions, with each individual film based on one of Dolly’s masterful songs. This will be released on Netflix in the fall of 2019. 

Up next, Dolly has partnered with IMG on an exclusive marketing/branding deal for 2020. Next year will also mark the 33rd anniversary season for Dollywood, her theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., which since 1986 has hosted more than 2 million visitors annually.

About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows through December 11 plus seasonal Wednesday and Thursday Opry Country Classics performances. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com.

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“CMT Crossroads” Celebrates Its 70th Episode With Superstar Pairing Of Halsey And Kelsea Ballerini In One Of Its Largest Outdoor Tapings Ever On Friday, October 11 In Nashville

By on October 4, 2019 in Press Releases

Pair to Perform Together for the First Time Live at Ascend Amphitheater in Downtown Nashville

“CMT Crossroads: Halsey & Kelsea Ballerini” to Premiere Early 2020 

NASHVILLE – October 3, 2019 – CMT has announced the 70th episode taping of its critically-acclaimed music series “CMT Crossroads,” featuring global superstars Halsey & Kelsea Ballerini. The two will take the stage together for the first time ever during a special, open-to-the-public taping of “CMT Crossroads” at the Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville on Friday, October 11. The episode will premiere on CMT in early 2020.

“I feel so fortunate to have a friend like Kelsea. She is a spectacular talent and an even better human being. It’s been an honor to watch from the sidelines as she has trailblazed country music the past few years. Her songs make me laugh and cry and put every single window down in the car,” said Halsey. “The first stage Kelsea and I ever shared together was a 3 foot karaoke dance floor right in Nashville. We’ve sang together in my living room, in her kitchen, in the back seat of cars in drive through lines late at night. And this time we get to get on a real stage, one of the most iconic stages in history, and do the thing we love the most in front of a city that is so dear to both of us.”

“From hearing ‘Colors’ for the first time years ago to her playing the first cut of ‘Without Me’ in my living room last year, I’ve always been a superfan of Halsey. Her songwriting has a way of painting the most beautiful pictures and telling the most emotional of stories, and after becoming fast friends over wine and karaoke nights, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share the CMT Crossroads stage with. We’re going to bring a little pop, a little country, a big love of songwriting, and no doubt some sass to Nashville next week,” shared Ballerini. 

The all-ages show will be general admission; ticketing details to be released in the days prior. For more information, visit Crossroads.CMT.com.

The success of “Without Me” has made Halsey the first and only female artist to have at least three songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100 for 50 weeks each. Rounding out the trio of songs are the 2x Platinum “Eastside,” her collaboration with Benny Blanco and Khalid, and The Chainsmokers’ 10x Platinum “Closer,” which she featured on. “Without Me” spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in early 2019, marking her first solo single to reach the top spot. It now ranks as the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit by a female artist of this century. She is the first artist to rank at Nos. 1 and 2 simultaneously on Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Songs radio airplay chart. In March 2019, Halsey became the first artist in history to replace herself at No. 1 twice on the U.S. Pop Songs Airplay chart when “Without Me” returned to No. 1, bumping “Eastside” from the top spot. “Without Me” is the most-played song of 2019 at U.S. radio.

Since 2015, Halsey has amassed over 23 billion streams worldwide and sold more than nine million adjusted albums globally. She has played sold out dates on five continents (including New York City’s Madison Square Garden), been nominated for a GRAMMY and appeared on a wide variety of magazine covers, including Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, NYLON, Forbes, Playboy and Billboard. Her 2015 debut album, BADLANDS, was certified Platinum by the RIAA within one year of its release. Halsey claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 with 2017’s Platinum-certified hopeless fountain kingdom, which contained such hits as the 2x Platinum “Now or Never” and the 4x Platinum “Bad at Love.” She featured on BTS’ Platinum hit, “Boy With Luv” and, most recently, alongside Future on “Die for Me,” a track from Post Malone’s new album. She recently won the Hal David Starlight Award, presented by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, plus a VMA and two Teen Choice Awards. Her new single, “Graveyard,” amassed more than 50 million combined global streams in its first two weeks of release. The song was #1 Most Added at Top 40 radio and topped Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits playlist. Halsey celebrated her birthday by sharing a new song, “clementine,” and the accompanying music video. The track is from her new album, Manic, which will be released on January 17, 2020 on Capitol Records.

Halsey continues to push creative boundaries, expanding her influence and impact beyond music. After making her film debut in the animated 2018 summer movie Teen Titans GO! as the voice of Wonder Woman, she was seen in A Star is Born, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. She continues to use her voice to speak up for causes she passionately believes in, including disenfranchised youth, women’s rights, mental health and the LGBTQ community. GLAAD honored her in 2018 as “Outstanding Music Artist.”

As an undeniable vocalist, songwriter, and performer, Kelsea Ballerini elevates country for a new era with emotional songcraft, poignant honesty, and classic grace. Her new single “homecoming queen?” is climbing the charts at Country radio and has already earned more than 18 million streams and 2.8 million music video views. Since her gold-certified 2015 full-length debut The First Time, she has consistently made history. By 2019, she became the only female country artist to achieve three consecutive #1 songs from a debut album, notched a total of five number ones with the platinum “Miss Me More,” and the Grand Ole Opry welcomed her as their youngest current member. Not to mention, she garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations, won two ACM Awards, and took home the iHeartRadio Music Awards honor for “Best New Artist.” 2017’s Unapologetically marked her second Top 5 debut on the Billboard Top 200. With multiple platinum singles, her total streams exceed two billion to date. In addition to touring alongside everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Keith Urban, she ascended to an arena headliner on The Miss Me More Tour. Everything paved the way for her third full-length, which promises to be her most personal yet, expected in 2020 on Black River Entertainment.

“CMT Crossroads” shows the far-reaching roots of country music by pairing country artists with musicians from other genres. Each episode features a different set of stars playing together, swapping stories and sharing their common love of music. The series debuted January 13, 2002 with Elvis Costello and Lucinda Williams and since has showcased dream musical partnerships including Ray Charles and Travis Tritt; Bon Jovi and Sugarland; Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire; Def Leppard and Taylor Swift; Sting and Vince Gill; John Mayer and Keith Urban; Steven Tylerand Carrie Underwood; Stevie Nicks and Lady Antebellum; Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves; Alicia Keys and Maren Morris to name a few.

“CMT Crossroads” is produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin. For more information, visit CMT.com, check out CMT Crossroads on Facebook, on YouTube at YouTube.com/CMTcrossroads and use the hashtag #CMTcrossroads.

About CMT:

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMT Press at cmtpress.com.

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Tennessee Tourism Debuts New “Ken Burns Country Music Pathway”

By on September 25, 2019 in In The Press, Press Releases

NASHVILLE – Sept. 25, 2019 – Trace the origins of the genre that inspired Ken Burns’ “Country Music” documentary via a newly-released Tennessee Music Pathways’ route. From Bristol to Memphis and everywhere in-between, visitors can uncover the history that changed the course of American music and walk in the footsteps of legends as seen in Burns’ latest masterpiece.

Airing now on PBS, the debut of “Country Music” coincides with the first anniversary of Tennessee Music Pathways, a program created to showcase the state’s rich musical legacy across all 95 counties with hundreds of landmarks and attractions.

Tennessee is home to seven genres of music: blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll. Tennessee Music Pathways connects fans to music and inspires travel using a travel-planning website at www.TNmusicpathways.com.

See the places that inspired the music on the “Ken Burns Country Music Pathway”(full list available at www.TNmusicpathways.com):

  • The Birthplace of Country Music Museum (Bristol) and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Nashville) offer almost a century of musical storytelling. The 1927 Bristol Sessions – known as the “big bang of country music” – are celebrated at the Smithsonian-affiliated Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the world’s largest music museum, featuring galleries, archival storage, theaters, education centers and retail space, as well as RCA’s Historic Studio B and Hatch Show Print.
  • Stand Where Legends Were Born in Memphis. Self-taught producer Sam Phillips created a new sound at the iconic Sun Studio,where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and many more recorded. Visitors can still see where Lewis stubbed his cigar on the piano keys during the legendary “Million Dollar Quartet” sessions. Beale Street is the “Home of the Blues,” where musicians like B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf and Louis Armstrong honed their music for a different kind of sound that has influenced artists for generations. Take a short drive and visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland where you can tour the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s beloved home, Graceland Mansion, or take in more than 10 exhibits that explore his passions and career at Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
  • Experience Music in Hallowed Venues. Country’s most famous stage began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925. Now, nearly a century later, the Grand Ole Opry reigns as an entertainment phenomenon. In the heart of downtown Nashville, Ryman Auditorium is hallowed ground where country music’s biggest stars performed, and today’s stars still revere the beloved hall. Today, the music lives on through nightly shows and daytime tours.
  • Celebrate the Women of Country Music at Sites Honoring Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Minnie Pearl and Dolly Parton. The Patsy Cline Museum in downtown Nashville celebrates the life of the legendary songstress and features hundreds of never-before-seen artifacts, personal belongings and videos. An engraved boulder marks the site in Camden, Tennessee where a small plane carrying Cline, two of her co-stars and her manager crashed in 1963. Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, better known by her stage name Minnie Pearl, was a pioneering female comedian on the Opry stage. A statue made of chicken wire in her hometown of Centerville stands in her honor today. Loretta Lynn’s Ranch & Campgrounds in Hurricane Mills includes her plantation home and the famous Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum. Sevierville erected a statue in honor of their beloved hometown songstress Dolly Parton,best-selling female country music artist of all time.Sevier County is also home to her nearby award-winning attraction, Dollywood, which contributes thousands of jobs in her home community.
  • Walk the Line in Johnny Cash’s Footsteps. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Johnny Cash Museum is dedicated to the life and music career of the late “Man in Black.” Cash also needed a hideaway, and he found one in the form of an abandoned 1800s general store and farm in tiny Bon Aqua. In 2015, a pair of entrepreneurial brothers purchased the general store and farm, converting it into a Johnny Cash museum called the Storytellers Museum & Hideaway Farm.
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CMT To Honor Five Superstar Artists As “2019 CMT Artists Of The Year”:  Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Luke Combs And Thomas Rhett

By on September 17, 2019 in In The Press, Press Releases

10th Annual Celebration Premieres Live Wednesday, October 16 at 8pm ET/PT

NASHVILLE – September 17, 2019 –CMT today revealed it will honor superstar acts Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett as the top country artists of 2019 to be celebrated at this year’s 10th Annual “CMT Artists of the Year” special, broadcasting LIVE from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Wednesday, October 16 at 8pm ET/PT. 

The 90-minute special will highlight the five “Artists of the Year” who have collectively ruled the last 12 months in country music, leading across all CMT’s platforms, scoring chart-topping albums and singles while simultaneously selling out arenas across the country. The event will feature surprise musical pairings and guests as in past years, and will also feature a live-streamed remote performance by Carrie Underwood from her “Cry Pretty Tour 360” tour stop in Cleveland, Ohio. Additional performers and presenters will be announced at a later date.

“These five, stand-out honorees have dominated country music this year and we look forward to paying tribute to each of them at the 10th year anniversary CMT Artists of the Year event,” said Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music Strategy & Talent, CMT. “From first-time honorees Dan + Shay, Kane Brown and Luke Combs to two-time honoree Thomas Rhett and now five-time honoree Carrie Underwood, this incredible collection of talent coming together at what marks a pivotal time in each of their careers promises to be a night of incredible performances and reflection.”

This year marks a significant milestone for the “CMT Artists of the Year” special as it celebrates the decade-long anniversary of the live music franchise. Through the years, the show has become a highly anticipated celebration of both country music’s breakthrough talent, as well as seasoned musicians who’ve become icons in the country music industry. 

While the awards special has always been exciting to watch with its unexpected performances and heartfelt moments from musicians, it has also been an advocate for supporting important causes. In years past, the show has raised both awareness and contributions for those impacted by such natural disasters as Hurricane Harvey and the tragic events at Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas. Last year, the “2018 CMT Artists of the Year” special was dedicated to the women of country music and demonstrated CMT’s commitment to female artists. 

Previous “CMT Artists of the Year” performances and surprise acts have included Adele and Darius Rucker performing Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis paying tribute to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” and Maroon 5 covering Taylor Swift’s “Mine.” The show has featured appearances by Ellen DeGeneres, Matthew McConaughey, Selena Gomez, Billy Bob Thornton, Roger Clemens, Morgan Freeman, the cast of Nashville and more. Performers and presenters for “2019 CMT Artists of the Year” to be announced. 

For more updates go to CMTAOTY.CMT.com. Follow @CMT on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and use #CMTAOTY to join the conversation.

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ABOUT CMT
CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMTPress.com.

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