Archive | In The Press RSS feed for this section

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.
Comments { 0 }

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.

#          #          #

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.

Comments { 0 }

More High-Powered Performances Added To History-Making ‘2019 CMT Music Awards’ Lineup

By on May 29, 2019 in In The Press

Today, CMT announced the latest round of performers for the “2019 CMT Music Awards,” featuring all-star acts and award nominees Keith Urban(nominated for “Video of the Year” and “Collaborative Video of the Year”); hosts Little Big Town (“Group Video of the Year”); Luke Combs (nominated for “Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”); and Zac Brown Band (nominated for “Video of the Year,” “Group Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”).

Additionally, Nashville’s biggest party will include dynamic collaborations by Brandi Carlile (nominated for “Female Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”) + Tanya Tucker;Brett Young + Boyz II Men (nominated for “CMT Performance of the Year” for their memorable performance from CMT Crossroads); and Thomas Rhett (nominated for “Male Video of the Year”) + Little Big Town (“Group Video of the Year”) + Trombone Shorty. GRAMMY award-winning artist Sheryl Crow will perform with previously announced three-time nominee and performer Maren Morris (“Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”).

The show will air LIVE from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 5 at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT.

This year’s program marks a record-breaking number of performances at the annual awards show. Previously announced performers include Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, and Luke Bryan.

Fans can vote now for their favorite artists via vote.cmt.com, up until 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, June 4 for all categories, including “Video of the Year,” “Male Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year,” “Duo Video of the Year,” “Group Video of the Year,” “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” “Collaborative Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year.” Tickets to the “2019 CMT Music Awards” are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

For more information, follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

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.

Comments { 0 }

Wes Cook Band Releases Debut EP, HOW FREEDOM FEELS

By on May 25, 2019 in In The Press

NASCAR Driver Ryan Ellis Unites with Country Band in Patriotism with the #99 “I Stand For The Flag” Car

The Wes Cook band is thrilled to present their debut EP, How Freedom Feels, featuring the viral hit song, “I Stand For the Flag.” Wes, Trevor and Nathan first made international headlines last July 4, 2018 when the music video for their song, “I Stand for the Flag,” was censored in promotion by Facebook. The resulting viral story opened many doors for the independent Nashville based country band, and now they are doubling down on their love for America with a provocative EP intended to not only continue to discussion of patriotism with the lead single “I Stand for the Flag,” but at the same time challenge the accepted norms with a sound best described as “90’s meets now.” Wes describes the EP as “a journey through Americana that is both rockin and reflective.” Never the ones to shy away from controversy, the band is most comfortable blurring the lines between music, politics, and social conversation. “I Stand for The Flag” co-writer Nathan Stoops says “We’re the down-home band you can hang with around a campfire, but who are also a strong national voice for all the men and women who love their country and aren’t ashamed to stand for our great Flag.” Trevor Layne adds “How Freedom Feels is a very personal record to me…it’s just full of all the good feels.”

The band has growing partnerships with several NASCAR and Veteran companies. This Sunday, the Wes Cook Band will join Enlisted Nine Fight Company on the #53 Chevy driven by BJ Mcleod in the Coca-Cola 600 Cup race in Charlotte NC.

The band also recently announced a partnership with NASCAR driver Ryan Ellis to run the Wes Cook Band #99 “I Stand for the Flag” car in two Xfinity races this season. They will be joined on that car by Nine Line Apparel and Enlisted Nine Fight Company, two Veteran owned and operated companies. Wes says, “We’re so excited to have the support of these great men and women of our military. They put their life on the line to protect our country and we honor their service with this car.” The #99 car will run June 16 at the Iowa Speedway, and also August 24 at the Wisconsin International Raceway. Driver Ryan Ellis says he can’t wait to get the Flag themed car on the track…“Where some athletes may choose to kneel, we choose to stand.”

The Wes Cook Band is: Wes Cook, Nathan Stoops and Trevor Layne.

For more information, visit www.WesCookBand.com.

Comments { 0 }

Grand Ole Opry Adds Opry Plaza Party On Tues., June 4 To CMA FEST Week Schedule

By on May 23, 2019 in In The Press

The Grand Ole Opry will showcase its Opry NextStage Class of 2019 during a free Opry NextStage Plaza Party to kick off CMA Fest week on Tuesday, June 4. NextStage artists Riley Green, Tegan Marie, Tenille Townes and Travis Denning are set to perform beginning at 4:45 p.m. Each artist will also return to the Opry stage during CMA Fest Week; check opry.com for schedule updates.

Opry Plaza Party Performance Schedule:

4:45-5:15p        Tegan Marie

5:30-6:00p        Travis Denning

6:15-6:45p        Tenille Townes

8:50-9:20p        Riley Green

“We’re excited to have the Opry NextStage 2019 class together to kick off one of our most exciting weeks of the year,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “Since tapping Riley, Tegan, Tenille, and Travis as artists on the rise last fall, we’ve continued to be wowed by each of them and the music they are delivering. It’ll be great to see them performing for Opry fans from around the world both on the Plaza and Opry stages.”

Opry members Carrie Underwood, Chris Janson, Travis Tritt, and Josh Turner will perform during two Opry shows that evening at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Other Opry performances scheduled for CMA Fest Week include shows on Thurs., June 6, Fri., June 7, and Sat., June 8. Among those on Opry shows later in the week are Charles Esten, Home Free, Joe Nichols, Oak Ridge Boys, Carly Pearce, Charley Pride, Kiefer Sutherland, Aaron Watson, and Chris Young. A Saturday matinee performance of Opry Country Classics features Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Pride, Don Schlitz, and more at the Ryman Auditorium.

 

Tickets are available at 800-SEE-OPRY and opry.com.

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 Opry shows running through December 10 plus seasonal Wednesday shows 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.

Comments { 0 }

Redneck Riviera Celebrates One Year Anniversary June 7 With John Rich Appearing Everyday During CMA Music Fest

By on May 23, 2019 in In The Press

John Rich and friends to perform everyday during CMA Music Fest 

Friends include Deana Carter, Daryl Worley, Heidi Newfield, Jason Michael Carroll, Mo Pitney, Natalie Stovall, Cowboy Troy, Lonestar, Honeysuckle Rose, Glen Templeton, Dillon Carmichael and many more

Country music star John Rich who lives by his “work hard, play hard” motto will be raising a glass at this years CMA Music Fest in celebration of Redneck Riviera’s one year anniversary on Friday, June 7.  Fans can meet and see a performance of the singer/songwriter and entrepreneur each day at Redneck Riviera, along with his famous “friends” during CMA’s Country Music Fest.

To see the full list and show times of performances, visit www.redneckriviera.com.


There is no place like this on Broadway – John at times will sit in a specific corner of the bar with street access through a window and talk to fans as they pass by. He’s also been known to jump up on stage and sit in with the scheduled band for a song or two. There are two ‘live’ stages, a DJ on the rooftop deck with sweeping views of Music City and a bar on every floor. Redneck Riviera offers two “heroes” bars that offer special buy-one-get-one free prices to first responders, veterans and active duty military personnel. John shares, “The Heroes Bar is the most significant and soulful part of Redneck Riviera. This is where we not only get to say, ‘Thank you for your service,’ but we back that up by offering our military vets, active duty and all first responders their first round of a 2-for-1 on all domestic beers. These folks are the backbone of our nation and we love them!” The Heroes bars’ backdrop is an American flag made of beer cans.  Take a virtual tour of the bar HERE.Unlike most of the bars on Lower Broadway where artists names on the marquee via licensing agreements, Rich owns Redneck Riviera. The singer designed the space and his brother Isaac Rich personally cut every piece of wood in the building — along with the three wooden bars and the wood covered walls. He also credits his brother with building the light fixtures, refurbishing the Airstream trailer on the second floor and installing all of the taxidermy that decorates the walls.

Redneck Riviera is located at 208 Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

-30-

About Redneck Riviera
Redneck Riviera, John Rich’s privately held lifestyle brand, celebrates America’s hard-working men and women. Built for people who live to turn up the music and have fun with friends and family, Redneck Riviera is America’s ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’ brand that offers something for everyone who likes to rock the red, white and blue all year long. Launched in 2014, the brand brings these values to life through footwear, apparel, hospitality, food, spirits and licensed products in a variety of categories. Redneck Riviera expanded its reach last year with the opening of Redneck Riviera bar on Lower Broad in Nashville, TN.  More information can be found here.
Comments { 0 }

Enjoy Free CMT Events In Downtown Nashville

By on May 23, 2019 in In The Press

FREE EVENTS THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE KICK OFF
THE “2019 CMT MUSIC AWARDS”

MONDAY, JUNE 3
7:30-10:30 p.m.       “RAM JAM: ARTISTS TO WATCH” – PERFORMERS TBA
Location:                   TopGolf Nashville (500 Cowan Street)
RSVP:                       TBA

Join Nashville’s hottest rising country stars at this exclusive CMT concert at one of the city’s hottest hangouts, TopGolf. Performers TBA. Must RSVP to attend; registration information provided closer to date. Event is ages 18 and up.

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 4
12-4 p.m.      CMT BLOCK PARTY PRESENTED BY WENDY’S
Location:       Schermerhorn Symphony Center Plaza

Free Frosties FOR EVERYONE! Wendy’s and CMT invite you to kick off the summer with the ultimate downtown block party, featuring live music and free food for the whole family. Festivities include performances and meet-and-greets with artists along with games, prizes and a chance to win tickets to the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night. Performers TBA.

8:30 p.m.      CMT CROSSROADS taping with BROOKS & DUNN AND FRIENDS
Location:       5th & Broadway (outdoor stage) – fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Be a part of this iconic CMT music franchise as it tapes its next episode with Brooks & Dunn, featuring special guests Brett Young, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Brandon Lancaster of LANCO, Luke Combs, Midland and more. Each artist will perform tracks from Brooks & Dunn’s No, One REBOOT album. 

Gates will open at 7:00 p.m., first-come, first-served, standing room only.

 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
6-9:30 a.m.     CMT SWEAT WITH BARRY’S BOOTCAMP IN THE GULCH
Get down before the world gets up! A one-of-a-kind morning workout event, CMT Sweat is the can’t-miss kickoff to the CMT Music Awards, powered by Barry’s Bootcamp. Join Barry’s trainers for an early-morning workout, and enjoy music mixed live by DJ Anthony Batista, swag giveaways, and a free healthy breakfast as they turn your early morning into the ultimate calorie-shredding exercise session. 
Classes are at 6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., and 8:30 a.m. Must RSVP to attend, link provided soon.

12-4 p.m.        CMT BLOCK PARTY PRESENTED BY WENDY’S
Location:         Schermerhorn Symphony Center Plaza

Another glorious day of FREE Wendy’s Frosties and grub! Wendy’s and CMT invite you to kick off the summer with the ultimate downtown block party, featuring live music and free food for the whole family. Festivities include performances and meet-and-greets with artists along with games, prizes and a chance to win tickets to the CMT Music Awards on that night! Performers TBA.

Events are free and open to the public. Some events require advance registration.

Comments { 0 }

Spotify House Brings Together The Hottest Lineup At Nashville’s CMA Fest 2019

By on May 22, 2019 in In The Press

The Country Music Association’s CMA Fest in Nashville, TN is country music’s biggest annual gathering. This year, Spotify is back at the fest with a stellar lineup to satisfy every country music fan’s cravings.

From Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9, Spotify will return to Blake Shelton’s and Opry Entertainment Group’s restaurant and music venue, Ole Red, to host ‘Spotify House’ complete with an exceptional lineup of emerging artists, established stars, country music icons and special surprise guests throughout the weekend. The curated set is a collaboration between Spotify, The Grand Ole Opry, and Ole Red.

The Spotify House daytime schedule will run from 11:30am to 7:00pm. Nightly headlining shows and late-night jam sessions will be scheduled from 7:30pm to 2:00am. All shows will be open to the public and space will be limited to first-come, first-served.

Spotify House will bring together a remarkable group of artists to celebrate everything country, from the sound to the ability to connect the past, present, and future of the country music community. Spotify continues to offer fans and artists truly unique experiences and showcases a deep commitment to country music and its dedicated fans, through both live performances of established country stars, or helping fans discover new and unexpected talent.

Spotify House 2019 lineup highlights will include:

Breakout music star Lil Nas X, who took the music world by storm with his country chart-topping hit “Old Town Road,” will perform during CMA Fest at the new Spotify House nighttime rooftop series.Returning headliners, rollicking country trio Midland, who will perform songs from their hit debut album On the Rocks (Big Machine Records), alongside new material from their upcoming second album, including the new single “Mr. Lonely.”Country music legend and ten-time Grammy nominee Tanya Tucker, who will thrill fans with an headlining appearance.ACM Award winners and CMA Award nominees Old Dominion, who will bring their trademark blend of old-fashioned country music and rock n’ roll grit.Talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, five-time Grammy nominee, and CMA Award winner Hunter Hayes returning as a headliner for the second year in a row.American Idol runner-up and CMA Award nominee Lauren Alaina as a headliner.2019 CMT Music Award-nominated country music duo Maddie & Tae, who are currently on tour opening for Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty Tour 360.

Other standouts acts including Morgan Evans, Tenille Townes, Emily Ann Roberts, Mitchell Tenpenny, Filmore, James Barker Band,Cassadee Pope, and many more.

For full schedule and lineup updates at Ole Red visit https://olered.com/nashville/spotify/.

Get ready for CMA Fest with the Ole Red playlist:

Comments { 0 }

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: Julie Roberts’ Breathtaking New Single, “I Couldn’t Make You Love Me,” Available NOW

By on May 17, 2019 in In The Press

Country music songstress, Julie Roberts, launches new music today with the release of her brand-new single, “ I Couldn’t Make You Love Me,” an empowering song to inspire and encourage listeners to keep pressing onwards and upwards.  “I’ve been spending the last year digging more into my spiritual life and I am so connected to the words I sing in this song,” says Roberts.  “I know they came to me exactly when I was supposed to hear them and they will land exactly on the ears God intends to hear them.”  The new track can be streamed and downloaded HERE.

Co-penned by Rudy Perez, Mark Portmann, and the great John Bettis, the track’s emotive lyric connected with Roberts instantly and is what prompted her to make this song her first release in three years.  Roberts gave her fans a sneak peek of her recording process on Facebook Live yesterday, (May 16).

With the release of “I Couldn’t Make You Love Me,” Roberts has more underway with new music to be unveiled next month.  Follow Julie Roberts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest information.

Comments { 0 }

Music City Food + Wine Festival Announces Line-up, Schedule & Program; On Sale TODAY

By on May 16, 2019 in In The Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 16, 2019 – Music City Food + Wine Festival, is pleased to announce the line-up of chefs, restaurants, wine & spirits and musicians scheduled to participate in the seventh annual event, September 20-22, 2019. Tickets go on sale today, May 16, 2019, 10:00 a.m. CT, at http://www.musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com/tickets

 

Music City Food + Wine Festival brings together the stars of Nashville’s culinary scene with acclaimed chefs and beverage experts from around the South and across the country at-large.  Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Festival programming includes the return of the Friday Night Throwdown, featuring celebrity sous chefs from the Nashville Predators and the Tennessee Titans; the star-studded Harvest Night; intimate tastings with renowned wine experts and sommeliers Helen Johannesen of Los Angeles’ Helen’s and Jon & Vinny’s and author, speaker and showman Mark Oldman; Sunday’s Gospel Brunch; engaging cooking demonstrations; tastes from local chefs and restaurants; dynamic wine, beer & cocktail tastings; live music; book signings; and more.

 

“Participating in MCFW gives us the opportunity to get out of the restaurant and spend time with our fellow restaurant professionals, see our customers in a different environment, and to make connections with the community,” says chef Margot McCormack. “We enjoy showcasing what we do here at Margot Café & Bar, as well as celebrating the diverse and thriving food scene we have in Nashville to locals and visitors alike.”

 

“Music lovers tend to be wine lovers, and vice versa,” says wine expert Mark Oldman. “They both appreciate subtlety and resonance and stimuli that is short-lived for sense. It is therefore a natural fit to celebrate wine in the music capital of the world. You might say I take a Nashville-like approach to presenting wine. I focus on the best and do it with great passion. I strive to give audiences a performance that they won’t soon forget – but never take myself too seriously in the process.”

 

Friday Night Throwdown

Back by popular demand, the Friday Night Throwdown returns to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on September 20. Join chefs Carla Hall (chef, author, TV personality) and Tim Love (Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Woodshed Smokehouse, Queenie’s Steakhouse, Love Shack, White Elephant Saloon, Gemelle) for the ultimate culinary throwdown as they go head-to-head in a spirited cooking demo, captaining teams featuring celebrity sous chefs from the Nashville Predators and Tennessee Titans. Each team will be challenged to create a meal from a surprise ingredient box, with a celebrity panel of judges determining the winning pair.

Eat + Drink

The Festival, held at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on Friday, September 20, from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m., and Saturday, September 21, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., will offer immersive cooking demonstrations, a dynamic roster of chefs and artisans serving signature dishes and drinks at Chef Showcase, intimate Meet the Maker and Tasting Sessions, Book Signings and activations that will be announced summer 2019.

Throughout the weekend, attendees will have the opportunity to get up close and personal as chefs lead interactive and fun Cooking Demonstrations, includingJames Beard Foundation Award winner Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, Leña Brava, Cruz Blanca, Frontera Cocina, Bar Sótano); Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio); Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto Restaurants, Morimoto Asia Restaurants; Momosan Ramen & Sake); and Aarón Sánchez (Johnny Sánchez).

“Being from Texas, I have a strong affinity for all things Southern and country,” says chef Sarah Grueneberg. “I’m super excited to be attending this year’s festival as it lets me combine my love for cooking and country music in one of my favorite cities – Nashville!”

Featuring a dynamic roster of chefs and restaurants on Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21, the Chef Showcase will enable festivalgoers to meet some of the region’s top chefs, while sampling dishes from a diverse line-up of restaurants.  The chef restaurant showcase is scheduled to feature some of Nashville’s most beloved personalities and destinations, including: Lokelani Alabanza (Hattie Jane’s); Hrant Arakelian (Lyra); Carey Bringle (Peg Leg Porker); Derek Brooks (Capitol Grille);Casey Carstens (Americano); Gerard Craft (Pastaria); Crystal De Luna-Bogan (The Grilled Cheeserie Melt Shop + Food Trucks);Luke Fabian (Lonesome Dove Western Bistro Knoxville); Matt Farley (TomKats Hospitality); Tony Fraske (Makeready Libations & Liberation @ The Noelle); Daniel Gorman (Henley); Mike Haggerty (Sea Salt); Hal M. Holden-Bache (Lockeland Table); Vui Hunt (Vui’s Kitchen); Michael Kopfman (Stateside Kitchen @ Dream Nashville); Kevin Korman (Whitebird @ The Edwin, Chattanooga); Daniel Lindley (5th & Taylor, Alleia); Bron Lindsey (Adele’s); Michael Lishchynsky (Bourbon Steak); B.J. Lofback (Funk Seoul Brother); Mike Morales (Sunda); Deb Paquette & Jess Lambert (Etch); Nick Pellegrino (Mangia Nashville); Giovanni Pinato (Giovanni Ristorante); Jess Rice (My Poor Tired Liver); David Rule (Church & Charles, Knoxville); Shawney Severns (Pemrose); Joshua Simpson (Proper Bagel); Nina Singto (Thai Esane); John Stephenson & Joey Molteni (Hathorne); Trevor Stockton (RT Lodge, Maryville); David Tieman (Five Points Pizza); Murphy Vaughn & Chris Bowater (SILO); Eric Zizka (Saltine); and more to be announced.

Learn from a star-studded collection of sommeliers, wine, beer & spirits experts during a series of intimate Tasting Sessions and Meet the Makers experiences, including Helen Johannesen (partner, Helen’s and Jon & Vinny’s) and Mark Oldman (wine expert, author and speaker).

Harvest Night

On Saturday, September 21, Walk of Fame Park will be home to Harvest Night, with an all-star line-up of chefs and live music under the Nashville skyline.  Chefs will serve signature dishes with a live musical performance by Chicago Plays The Stones, two generations of Chicago Blues stars paying homage to The Rolling Stones, whose own sound was inspired by the great bluesmen of all time.

“Nashville is a city that’s full of music and history; it’s electrifying,” says chef JJ Johnson. “I can’t wait to add some JJ flavor to the Nashville experience.”

Harvest Night chefs include: Rick Bayless; Jessica Benefield & Trey Burnette (Two Ten Jack, The Green Pheasant); Matt Bolus (The 404 Kitchen); pastry chef and James Beard Foundation Award-winning writer Lisa Donovan; James Beard Foundation Award winner Sarah Grueneberg; Carla Hall; Matt Hyland (EMILY, EMMY Squared, VIOLET); James Beard Foundation Award winner JJ Johnson (Fieldtrip, Henry at Life Hotel, NYC); Cheetie Kumar (Garland, Raleigh-Durham, NC); Tim Love; Margot McCormack (Margot Café & Bar, Marche); Rob Newton (Gray & Dudley); Deb Paquette (Etch, etc); Aarón Sánchez; James Beard Foundation Award winner Jonathan Waxman (Barbuto, Adele’s, Jams, Brezza Cucina); and James Beard Foundation Award winner Tandy Wilson (City House).

Sunday Gospel Brunch

On Sunday, September 22, join an acclaimed group of chefs and restaurants as they serve brunch favorites set to a spirited live gospel performance at Music City Food + Wine’s Gospel Brunch at Walk of Fame Park.  Experience brunch staples some of Tennessee’s most beloved chefs served alongside eye-opening cocktails, wines and coffee, including: Katie Coss (Husk); Pat Martin (Hugh Baby’s); Claire Meneely (Dozen Bakery); Rob Newton; Donna Piatko (The Old School Nashville); Jonathan Searle (Proof on Main, Louisville); and more chefs and restaurants to be announced.

Tickets & More Information

Music City Food + Wine Festival ticket options include an All-In Ticket, as well as Friday Evening Ticket, Saturday Ticket, Harvest Night Ticket, and Gospel Brunch Ticket. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.  Ticket prices are inclusive of all food and drink.

The All-In Ticket ($525 per person) enables guests to experience the full weekend of Music City Food + Wine Festival programming, including Friday and Saturday festival access; the Friday Night Throwdown; interactive cooking demos & book signings; hands-on beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions; tastes from Nashville’s best chefs & restaurants; access to Saturday’s Harvest Night and Sunday’s Gospel Brunch.

The Friday Evening Ticket ($165 per person) includes single-day access to Friday, September 20 Festival programming at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, including interactive cooking demos & book signings; Friday Night Throwdown; hands-on beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions; tastes from over Nashville’s best chefs & restaurants; and more.

The Saturday Ticket ($165 per person) includes single-day access to Saturday, September 21 festival programming at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, including interactive cooking demos & book signings; hands-on beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions; tastes from Nashville’s best chefs & restaurants; and more.

Harvest Night Ticket ($275 per person) is available as a stand-alone ticket option for Saturday evening, September 21.  Harvest Night brings together signature dishes from world-renowned chefs from Nashville and across the country with a live musical performance.

Gospel Brunch ($85 per person) is available as a stand-alone ticket for Sunday, September 22, at Walk of Fame Park. Gospel Brunch features a dynamic roster of restaurants and chefs serving creative brunch favorites. Get a jump-start on the day with eye-opening cocktails, wine, coffee, and a spirited live gospel brunch performance.

For more information, please visit http://www.musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/musiccityfw) and Facebook (facebook.com/musiccityfw) #MCFW.

Music City Food + Wine is generously sponsored by: Nashville Convention + Visitors Bureau, Toyota and FOOD & WINE.

About Music City Food + Wine Festival:

Music City Food + Wine Festival is produced by founding partners Vector Management, GRAMMY-award winning artists Kings of Leon, world-renowned chef Jonathan Waxman and Austin-based C3 Presents – producer of Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park, and Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin’s Zilker Park.

About FOOD & WINE:

FOOD & WINE is the ultimate authority on the best of what’s new in food, drink, travel, design and entertaining. FOOD & WINE has an extensive social media following on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and Snapchat. FOOD & WINE includes a monthly magazine in print and digital; a website, foodandwine.com; a books division; plus newsletters, clubs, events, dinnerware and cookware. FOOD & WINE is a registered trademark of TI Inc. Affluent Media Group, a subsidiary of Meredith Corporation.

Comments { 0 }
Verified by MonsterInsights