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(Watch)Kelsea Ballerini Shares Magical Moment With Carrie Underwood And Keith Urban Backstage Before Grand Ole Opry Induction

By on April 17, 2019 in In The Press, Uncategorized

Photo credit:
Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

Last night (4/16), Black River Entertainment star KELSEA BALLERINI reached another “mountaintop moment” in her history-making career, as she became the newest and youngest current member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Watch Ballerini’s Instagram video as Opry members CARRIE UNDERWOOD and KEITH URBAN join her backstage for a magical impromptu moment, as Underwood and Ballerini rehearse Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit “Walkaway Joe.”

Watch on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2V3pIZ9

“sometimes the most unforgettable moments are the unplanned ones. like this. backstage at the Opry with two of my heroes singing one of my all time favorite songs,” shared Ballerini on Instagram. “What a life.”

For more information, please visit KelseaBallerini.com and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

ABOUT KELSEA BALLERINI:
Two-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini is the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles: PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan,” from a debut album [GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME]. Nominated for Best Country Album at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, her acclaimed sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, includes #1 hit “Legends” as a part of the original 12-track compilation all written or co-written by Ballerini. UNAPOLOGETICALLY (Deluxe Edition) features four fresh tracks including her collaboration with The Chainsmokers, “This Feeling,” which they performed during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With over 90 million streams globally, her current single “Miss Me More” is the award-winning singer-songwriter’s fastest-rising single to date on Country radio. The Black River Entertainment artist just supported Kelly Clarkson’s MEANING OF LIFE TOUR and is now on her first-ever headline arena trek – THE MISS ME MORE TOUR – with Brett Young (plus special guest Brandon Ratcliff) this spring.

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Kelsea Ballerini Becomes Newest Member Of Grand Ole Opry

By on April 17, 2019 in In The Press, Music, Special Events

Kelsea Ballerini becomes newest member of the Grand Ole Opry
l to r: Grand Ole Opry’s Sally Williams, Black River Entertainment’s Kim and Terry Pegula, Kelsea Ballerini, Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr, Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen and Black River Entertainment’s Rick Froio
Photo credit:
Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

Kelsea Ballerini was inducted as the newest and youngest current member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight by Carrie Underwood, an Opry member since 2008.

Surprising the sold-out Opry House crowd after Ballerini had performed a three-song set, Underwood took the stage and said to Ballerini, “You have accomplished so much in your career, and you will undoubtedly accomplish infinite amounts more in your life. Awards, number ones, sales … this is better than all of that. This is the heart and soul of country music.”

Presenting Ballerini with her Opry member award, Underwood cheered, “I am honored to introduce and induct the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Kelsea Ballerini.”

After recounting her first visit to the Opry as a fan, her 2015 Opry debut, and subsequent Opry appearances, Ballerini held her award close and said, “Grand Ole Opry, thanks for seeing something in me and for believing that I’ll always love you like I do because I do, and I will.”

Ballerini and Underwood then teamed up for a duet on 20-year Opry member Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit “Walkaway Joe.”

Earlier in the night, CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban, an Opry member since 2012, also made a surprise appearance to deliver congratulations to Ballerini and to perform his hit “Blue Isn’t Your Color.” Later in the show, Country Music Hall of Famer and 1991 Opry inductee Vince Gill surprised the audience yet again by joining in with his friends the Del McCoury Band during the group’s portion of the show.

Opry group Little Big Town surprised Ballerini last month with an invitation to join the Opry family during an on-stage collaboration on the award-winning song “Girl Crush.”

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Kelsea Ballerini into the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “As evidenced by the enthusiasm of the Opry members here tonight and the fans in the crowd, Kelsea and her music are much loved. She and her fellow members who made tonight so special show that the future of both country music and the Opry are in good hands.”

Among artists scheduled for the Opry in the coming weeks include Trace Adkins, Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels Band, Terri Clark, Del McCoury Band, Lindsay Ell, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Craig Morgan, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carrie Underwood, Mark Wills, Wynonna, Chris Young, and more.

About Kelsea Ballerini:

Two-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini is the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles: PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan,” from a debut album [GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME]. Nominated for Best Country Album at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, her acclaimed sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, includes #1 hit “Legends” as a part of the original 12-track compilation all written or co-written by Ballerini. UNAPOLOGETICALLY (Deluxe Edition) features four fresh tracks including her collaboration with The Chainsmokers, “This Feeling,” which they performed during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With over 90 million streams globally, her current single “Miss Me More” is the award-winning singer-songwriter’s fastest-rising single to date on Country radio. The Black River Entertainment artist just supported Kelly Clarkson’s MEANING OF LIFE TOUR and is now on her first-ever headline arena trek – THE MISS ME MORE TOUR – with Brett Young (plus special guest Brandon Ratcliff).

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 running through December, Wednesday night shows returning this spring, and seasonal Opry Country Classics shows on Thursdays. 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.

PHOTOS CREDIT:

Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

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Vevo And Jake Owen Release Live Performance Of “In It”

By on April 17, 2019 in In The Press, Music, The Latest

Vevo announces the release of Jake Owen’s live performance of “In It” off his new album, Greetings From…Jake. The album is the follow-up to Owen’s American Love, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart. Greetings From…Jake reunitesOwen and producer Joey Moi, who produced some of Owen’s biggest hits to date, including “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Alone with You” and “Beachin’.”

Greetings From…Jake features 14-tracks including Owen’s seventh career #1 and Platinum-selling smash, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane),” plus special collaborations with Kid Rock (“Grass Is Always Greener”) and YouTube sensation Lele Pons (“Señorita”). Billboard exclusively premiered “In It,” calling it a “soaring ballad” while Rolling Stone named “Drink All Day” in their list of Country and Americana Songs You Need To Hear Now.

 

“In It” is streaming now on all platforms, and be sure to keep up with exclusive content from artists all over the world on YouTube.com/Vevo.

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Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Gavin DeGraw, Home Free, Katinas, Wes King, Nicole C. Mullen, Zach Williams & More Join Michael W. Smith Tribute

By on April 17, 2019 in In The Press

They join previously-announced lineup of Amy Grant, Avalon w/ Jay DeMarcus, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, Henry Cho, The Isaacs, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, John Crist, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Mark Hall, Matt Maher, Matthew West, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Nate Bargatze, Newsboys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Phil Keaggy, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Point of Grace, Randy Travis, Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Steven Curtis Chapman, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band, and Wynonna, celebrating 35 #1 Hits and the 35th Anniversary of “Friends” Nashville, Tenn. – Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Gavin DeGraw, Home Free, The Katinas, Wes King, Nicole C. Mullins, Michael Tait, Matthew Ward and Zach Williams have been added to the star-studded lineup to celebrate Michael W. Smith during the once-in-a-lifetime tribute event taking place April 30th at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

‘35 years of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smith’ will also include appearances from Amy Grant, Avalon with Jay DeMarcus, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, Gavin DeGraw, Henry Cho, The Isaacs, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, John Crist, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Matt Maher, Matthew West, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Nate Bargatze, Newsboys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Phil Keaggy, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Point of Grace, Randy Travis, Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Steven Curtis Chapman, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band, and Wynonna.

Promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, music lovers will experience over 40 artists from all genres, performing a set list to include many of Smith’s 35 #1 hit singles. With over 45 Dove awards, three Grammy awards, and an American Music award, Michael W. Smith has forever enshrined his mark in the music history books. Smith garnered yet another Grammy nomination in 2018 for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his worship effort, Surrounded. AWAKEN: The Surrounded Experience is Smith’s latest release (Feb. 22, 2019). [ AWAKEN press assets ]

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office.

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he’s written over 35 #1 songs, been honored with three GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. His most recent USA Today, Yahoo! Music and Billboard-acclaimed studio album A Million Lights and Parade, Good Morning America-featured and GRAMMY nominated live worship album Surrounded have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history. He’s also given back to the global community. Smith has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

About Outback Concerts:
Outback Concerts is an independent, full-service concert and comedy promoter based in Nashville, TN. In addition to producing hundreds of concerts and events each year, ranging from clubs to arenas across the country and Canada, Outback Concerts also produces the Nashville Comedy Festival. Outback Concerts President Mike Smardak was a 2011 inductee of the IEBA Hall of Fame. In November of 2016, Mike Smardak was honored with a distinguished NATD Award alongside Nashville’s most recognized members of the entertainment industry. In March of 2018, Smardak was honored by the T.J. Martell Foundation with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award. Promoter Andrew Farwell was voted IEBA Rookie of the Year in 2014.

About Conway Entertainment Group:
Conway Entertainment Group is a full-service talent agency comprising live events, booking and talent management. CEG is built firmly on the foundation of Tony Conway’s forty years of experience in the industry, climbing the ranks from agent to CEO of Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc., one of the world’s largest agencies. In 2009, Conway sold his interest in BLA and opened Conway Entertainment Group with the desire to use his expertise from years of representing and negotiating some of the biggest tours, sponsorships, licensing deals, and literary, film and TV projects to come out of Music City.

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St. Jude Backstage At Westwood One’s Radio Row For The ACM Awards

By on April 9, 2019 in In The Press, Music, Special Events

Photo credit: Channel Greatness

St. Jude patients Londyn and Addi got an experience they won’t soon forget this weekend while in Las Vegas for the ACM Awards. Artists in town for the awards show including Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Lauren Alaina, Luke Bryan, and Reba McEntire stopped by to say hello and spend time with the St. Jude patients. Londyn taught ACM Entertainer of the year, Keith Urban and ACM Male vocalist of the year, Thomas Rhett how to play her favorite game of rock, paper, scissors. She also talked with the stars asking Jake Owen, “If you could have a superpower, what would it be?” Jake told Londyn that he’d want to make everyone feel really good and healthy all of the time. Londyn is 6 years old and fighting Neuroblastoma at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

ACM new Female Vocalist of the year, Ashley McBryde and 5 year old Addi sang a song together from the “The Little Mermaid” and Kix Brooks from Brooks & Dunn shared his cowboy hat with her during their visit.

The country music community has raised more than $800 million for St. Jude since the Country Cares for St. Jude kids program was founded 30 years ago.  Families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

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You’re Invited To CMT’s Sweetest Summer Celebration Presented By DQ®  

By on March 25, 2019 in In The Press, Special Events

Free Event Features Performances from Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae, Walker Hayes and Josh Turner

In Addition to Free DQ Blizzard® Treats and Fun Experiences

WHAT:   CMT’s Sweetest Summer Celebration presented by DQ® is a *FREE* fun event for the whole family, with special outdoor performances by Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae, Walker Hayes and Josh Turner. In addition to performances, the event will feature a sneak peek of the NEW DQ Summer Blizzard® Menu, including free samples. Plus, there will be interactive games, multiple photo booth experiences, a magical cotton candy-themed ball pit, prizes and more. The event is hosted by CMT’s Marley Sherwood. No RSVP necessary, but attendance is limited to the first 1,500 guests.

WHEN:           Sunday, March 31 from Noon-5pm CT

Performances are as follows:

12:15-12:45pm   Maddie & Tae

1:45-2:15pm       Josh Turner

2:45-3:15pm       Walker Hayes

4:15-4:45pm       Lauren Alaina

 

 

WHERE:  Cumberland Park, 592 S 1st St, Nashville, TN

*Free parking available at Nissan Stadium, Lot R South (adjacent to Cumberland Park)*

 

About IDQ:

International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,000 locations in the United States, Canada and 25 other countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffet, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire. For more information, visit DairyQueen.com.

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Trace Adkins, Dillon Carmichael And The Sisterhood Band Added To Hometown Rising Music Lineup

By on March 12, 2019 in In The Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music icon Trace Adkins, independent rising country music artist Dillon Carmichael, and country rock duo The Sisterhood Band have been added to the incredible music lineup for Hometown Rising, the first-ever Country Music & Bourbon Festival, which debuts Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 at Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hometown Rising combines two of Louisville’s cultural cornerstones—great music and incredible bourbon—and is the newest addition to the Louisville fall festival series from premier independent festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents.

Hometown Rising’s music lineup will be led by country heavyweights including Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan and Keith Urban with additional appearances from Dwight Yoakam, Trace Adkins, Brett Young, Jake Owen, Bret Michaels, Frankie Ballard, and many more. In total, more than 30 artists will play on three stages, including two side-by-side main stages, over the course of the weekend.

The current music lineup for Hometown Rising is as follows (subject to change):

Saturday, September 14:
Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Dwight Yoakam, Trace Adkins, Frankie Ballard, The Cadillac Three, Jimmie Allen, Lindsay Ell, The Steel Woods, Clare Dunn, Noah Guthrie, Kassi Ashton, J.D. Shelburne, The Sisterhood Band, Raelyn Nelson Band, Alice Wallace, Imaj

Sunday, September 15:
Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Brett Young, Jake Owen, Bret Michaels, Lauren Alaina, LOCASH, Drake White and The Big Fire, The Wild Feathers, Mason Ramsey, Gabby Barrett, Dillon Carmichael, Everette, Lauren Jenkins, Jeffrey East, Hannah Ellis, Kendall Shaffer

Festival doors open at 11:00 AM daily.

Hometown Rising exclusive VIP packages, General Admission tickets, camping and hotel packages, as well as special event tickets are on sale now at HometownRising.com.

With three back-to-back festival weekends in Louisville in 2019, Danny Wimmer Presents wants to ensure all fans have the chance to enjoy multiple events with an affordable and convenient ticketing option. New this year, fans can purchase a special “Trifesta” Pass for the discounted rate of only $229.00 plus fees. The pass allows General Admission weekend access to all three DWP fall festivals in Louisville—Hometown Rising (September 14 & 15), Bourbon & Beyond (September 20-22) and Louder Than Life (September 27-29). Check out trifestapass.com for more information.

Hometown Rising sponsors include: Kentucky Department of Tourism, Louisville Tourism, Fxck Cancer / Dyin 2 Live Dreams Program, Jack Daniel’s, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, The Music Experience, Zyn, Take Me Home, and more.

The Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center are located at 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hometown Rising is produced by Los Angeles-based Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination rock music festivals in America. DWP events include Aftershock Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, Chicago Open Air, Epicenter Festival, Hometown Rising, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, and Welcome To Rockville.

For more information on Hometown Rising, please visit:

Website: HometownRising.com
Facebook: @HometownRising
Instagram: @HometownRising
Twitter: @HometownRising
Hashtag: #HometownRising

We believe in quality before quantity. Please drink responsibly.

About Danny Wimmer Presents:
Since 1993, music industry veteran Danny Wimmer has been producing concerts and festivals, both large and small. In 2011, he formed Danny Wimmer Presents, which now produces several of the largest rock and alternative festivals in the U.S. By combining A-list talent with local cuisine and culture, DWP has become recognized within the industry for delivering the highest-quality entertainment experiences to fans, artists, sponsors, partners and host cities. DWP creates memorable and all-encompassing festival experiences, leaving both consumers and partners with lasting and meaningful impressions. DWP will continue to add new music festivals to its already stellar portfolio, which currently includes Aftershock Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, Chicago Open Air, Epicenter Festival, Hometown Rising, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, and Welcome To Rockville. Previous DWP festivals include Rock On The Range, Carolina Rebellion, Northern Invasion and more.
www.DannyWimmerPresents.com

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Ben Folds & Nashville Ballet Reunite In April

By on March 12, 2019 in In The Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – From alt-rock to orchestra, Ben Folds’ musical career is nothing short of impressive making Nashville Ballet pleased to join him back on stage with the triumphant homecoming of Artistic Director Paul Vasterling’s The Ben Folds Project: Concerto at TPAC’s Jackson Hall, April 26-28.

Folds will join Nashville Ballet’s company on stage for three performances in which Vasterling’s masterful choreography is set to a 21-minute, three-movement piano concerto composed by Folds and commissioned by Nashville Ballet. Since premiering in 2014, Nashville Ballet has taken The Ben Folds Project to Washington, D.C. for the company’s Kennedy Center debut in 2017 and to the Chautauqua Institution in 2018; Folds has performed the concerto numerous times with major symphony orchestras across the country. This performance will mark the first time Nashville Ballet and Folds reunite to bring the unique work back to Music City.

Folds joins Nashville Ballet in April as part of the organization’s Modern Masters series highlighting the evolution and scope of ballet. The works selected for this series illustrate the ways in which the artform has transformed in the 20th and 21st centuries by showcasing works from neoclassical and contemporary choreographers that have helped to challenge and expand ballet’s boundaries through big ideas and intriguing collaborations. The Ben Folds Project is accompanied by three additional masterworks – Duo Concertant, The Lottery and Bloom.

In Duo Concertant, George Balanchine celebrates the Stravinsky piece to which the work is set in a surprising way. In the first movement, the dancers join the musicians simply to listen. As the next three movements are played, an animated dance ensues followed by the final movement in which the stage is darkened and the couple dance in individual circles of light resulting in a mesmerizing finale.

Well-received upon its debut during Paul Vasterling’s 20th Anniversary Gala Performance in December, the central pas of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Bloom returns to captivate yet again. The work, set on Ballet Manila, was Lopez Ochoa’s first for an Asian dance company. As a result, Lopez Ochoa uses movements and gestures reflective of Asian culture within the choreography. Inspired by a Balinese ritual, Bloom depicts a floral offering in which the male dancer represents gratitude and the female dancer represents the flower.

Val Caniparoli’s The Lottery makes its Nashville premiere during the program. Based on the short story by Shirley Jackson, Caniparoli’s choreography tells the thrilling tale of a dystopian society on the day of its annual lottery. Unfortunately, this is one lottery no one wants to win – the drawing will determine one townsperson to stone to death as a sacrifice. Captivated audiences wait on edge as the story unfolds leading to an actual lottery live on stage to determine the ballet’s final soloist. This theatrical retelling of a literary great challenges artists and excites viewers in a performance that will never be the same twice.

Tickets to see Ben Folds with Nashville Ballet are on sale now and can be purchased at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or at www.nashvilleballet.com. Susan Underwood Physical Therapy is the presenting sponsor for this production. Hotel Indigo is a supporting sponsor and the Nashville Scene is a media sponsor.

The Lottery is based on Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” and is presented by special arrangement with the children of Shirley Jackson and literary media.

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.

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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Rachel Wammack Kicks Off “Sony Music Nashville Next Gen Series” Tonight At The Listening Room In Nashville

By on March 6, 2019 in In The Press

Photo Credit: Matthew Berinato

Nashville, TN – Tapped by Entertainment Weekly as the only Nashville singer/songwriter to “Break Big in 2019,” Rachel Wammack has been tapped again, this time to kick off the new “Sony Music Nashville Next Gen Series,” tonight at 6:00 PM at The Listening Room in Nashville.

The monthly series, in partnership with The Listening Room, features SMN rising talent in the round with special guests. For the inaugural session, Wammack invited creative collaborators Gordie Sampson and Scooter Carusoe. Each session is a ticketed event and open to the public. Tickets are available for $5. Click HERE for ticket information.

The Muscle Shoals native, has garnered a lot of attention following the release of her autobiographical debut, “Damage,” which was applauded by media tastemakers, including The Bobby Bones Show, which selected Wammack for the “Class of 2019” and touted Wammack for having “country, soul, and pop running through her veins.”

In addition to being the only artist in the genre selected for Entertainment Weekly’s “2019 Artists to Watch” list, Wammack made numerous best-of lists including Amazon, Pandora, Music Row, Pop Culture, and Sounds Like Nashville among others.

A gifted musician with a confident soprano that conveys sincerity and charisma, Wammack was dubbed one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Best County EPs of 2018,” showing off “enormous potential for the young Muscle Shoals native” as well as NPR’s “Best Music of 2018” list.

She made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry in September to a standing ovation and was recently invited back. She is known as one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country,” and was also named one of CMT’s “Listen Up Artists of 2019,” with her new music and videos promoted across all CMT platforms. Expanding on her touring endeavors, Wammack was the opener for Brett Young’s “CMT on Tour: Here Tonight” and has been announced as a featured act at Stagecoach, Tortuga, among other big, summer, country music festivals.

Proving “the rising star is here to stay,” (Radio.com), her wildfire momentum continues to grow as she showcases “an undeniable air of confidence and sincerity when she performs” (Taste of Country). For more information visit www.rachelwammack.com.

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Kelsea Ballerini Invited To Join The Grand Ole Opry

By on March 5, 2019 in In The Press

Kelsea Ballerini surprised at end of performance
of “Girl Crush” with Opry group Little Big Town inviting
her to join the Grand Ole Opry
Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

NASHVILLE,Tenn. – (March 5, 2019) – Kelsea Ballerini was surprised on Tuesday night’s show by Opry group Little Big Town with an invitation to become an official Grand Ole Opry member. After Ballerini performed her segment, Little Big Town took the stage to close out the show, inviting Ballerini back to perform the group’s hit “Girl Crush” with them. As the song concluded, the band changed its final lyrics to “Kelsea Ballerini, do you wanna join the Opry?”

“Yes,” Ballerini exclaimed, “I’m gonna pass out I think!” Collecting her thoughts, Ballerini recalled having visited the Opry at age 13 with her mother and knowing then that she wanted to support the Opry, even if only as a fan. “To be on this stage is the greatest gift in the world,” she said. “This is the home of country music, and I get to be a part of it.”

“For the rest of your life,” Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild added.

Ballerini’s formal Opry induction is set for Tuesday, April 16.

“We are thrilled at the thought of Kelsea Ballerini joining the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “So many of us at the Opry have been fans of her recordings, her songwriting, and her live performances since she played the Opry for the very first time. Having grown to know her personally in the years since, we love and respect her just as much as a person as an artist. We look so forward to her Opry induction in April and to all the years of great music we’ll share.”

About Kelsea Ballerini:
Two-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini is the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles; PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan,” from a debut album [GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME]. Nominated for Best Country Album at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, her acclaimed sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, includes #1 hit “Legends” as a part of the original 12-track compilation all written or co-written by Ballerini. UNAPOLOGETICALLY (Deluxe Edition) includes four new tracks including her collaboration with The Chainsmokers, “This Feeling,” which they performed during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With over 75 million streams globally, her current single “Miss Me More” is the award-winning songwriter-artist’s fastest rising single to date on Country radio. The Black River Entertainment artist is now supporting Kelly Clarkson’s MEANING OF LIFE TOUR, before breaking out on her own for her first-ever headline arena trek – THE MISS ME MORE TOUR – with Brett Young (plus special guest Brandon Ratcliff) this spring. Visit KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 running through December, Wednesday night shows returning this spring, and seasonal Opry Country Classics shows on Thursdays. 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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