Congratulations going out to Stealing Angels’ Tayla Lynn (granddaughter of Loretta Lynn) and her husband, Jon Cody Finger, on the the birth of their son, Tru, in Nashville on August 3rd, 2012!
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Congratulations To Stealing Angels’ Tayla Lynn And Husband, Jon Cody Finger, On Birth Of Baby
Musicians Corner Announces Its Fall Season
Musicians Corner, Nashville’s free weekly lawn party in Centennial Park, will kick off the first of nine fall music events on Saturday, September 1. The Musicians Corner fall season takes place on Saturday afternoons from 3-6 PM in Centennial Park from September 1 to October 27. View the complete fall season schedule here!
“Musicians Corner is one of the best gathering places for the Nashville community and our visitors to spend an afternoon enjoying free music in a beautiful metro park setting,” said Mayor Karl Dean. “Musicians Corner events continue to serve as a fine showcase for why we are Music City.”
HEAR OVER 60 ARTISTS FOR FREE
Matthew Perryman Jones
The fall season of Musicians Corner will feature over 60 free multi-genre musical performances including The Blind Boys of Alabama, Sam Bush, a Nashville Symphony quartet, Karen Elson, Regi Wooten & Friends, Ashley Cleveland, Matthew Perryman Jones, Phil Keaggy, Jeremy Lister, The Farewell Drifters, Shannon Whitworth, Yarn, The SteelDrivers, Shannon Sanders, and The Vespers. Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage performers were selected through an open submission process in partnership with AmericanSongspace.com.
EXPERIENCE A FABULOUS KICK OFF EVENT
Through a grant from South Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts, The Blind Boys of Alabama will headline Musicians Corner’s September 1 Fall Kick Off event, which also features main stage performances by a Nashville Symphony quartet, Karen Elson and Jeremy Lister. The Blind Boys of Alabama will also take part in a symposium titled “The Influence of Music on The Civil Rights Movement” earlier that day, presented in partnership with Fisk University and made possible through South Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.
ENJOY TWO MORE VERY SPECIAL EVENTS
Hoots and Hellmouth
This fall, Musicians Corner will also present several special events in partnership with local music organizations. Saturday, September 15th will feature an Americana Music Festival event with Sam Bush, Hoots and Hellmouth, Charlie Faye, and more.
“We had a very successful partnership with Musicians Corner during last year’s festival and are looking forward to another wonderful afternoon of Americana music in Centennial Park,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association.
On Saturday, September 22, Musicians Corner and Music City Roots will present a Square Dance event featuring Carolyn Martin, folk trio The Stray Birds, and more artists to be announced.
Visit www.musicianscornernashville.com for more information!
Billboard and Pepsi Summer Beats Concert Series – Interview with Gloriana
Check out our interview with Gloriana from Billboard and Pepsi’s Summer Beats Concert Series in Nashville!
We also threw in a behind-the-scenes look at the media area… just so you know what we go through to bring these stories to you!
Read the full article of the event here!
Also, if you missed the event, you can watch Gloriana’s performance at pepsi.com!
Billboard and Pepsi’s Summer Beats Concert Series Gets Country
The Live-Streamed Event Showcases New Music And Rising Stars
Gloriana performing (Kissed You) Goodnight
Photo Credit: Sara Kauss/Getty Images North America
Last night, Billboard and Pepsi’s Summer Beats Concert Series rolled into Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom with a performance from Gloriana streamed live over the interwebs. The night also featured performances from Jana Kramer, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann and Easton Corbin.
Although throughout the night we were under the impression that everyone would be streamed live, Gloriana still put on a great show as only the harmonizing trio can. The performance came on the eve of their sophomore album release, A Thousand Miles Left Behind, available NOW!
The highlight of the show was how the band utilized their social media presence to obtain some on-stage assistance: After asking if any fans were attending the show who were on a first date, one lucky new couple got to accompany the guys on stage during – you guessed it – (Kissed You) Goodnight. Naturally, the first-daters were asked to kiss at the climax of the song… and they did… a lot (left).
Watch it below!
The band was excited to perform some new material, although they had been awake since 3 a.m. EST to do Good Morning America! We had an on-air interview with the band. Watch that here!
We also caught up with Jana, Jerrod and Easton off-camera to discuss the Summer Beats Series and all the artists’ respective new music.
Long-time friend of FOCUS Jana Kramer is currently on tour with superstar Brad Paisley. When asked about the tour she stated:
“It’s going amazing! [Brad] is the most genuine, authentic, real, charismatic entertainer ever. He is an amazing person to learn from, and he’s just super gracious.”
Her single is approaching the top 10 with a bullet, and should get there next week! I asked what her next single is going to be, and although she is apparently sworn to secrecy, she did state that “One Tree Hill fans will be very happy.” (I’m going to SPECULATE it’s What I Love About Your Love… again, that’s unconfirmed, but if it proves true, just say you heard it here first.)
Jerrod Niemann and Randy Houser arrive at Summer Beats
Jerrod Niemann’s highly anticipated sophomore album is dropping October 2nd, on the heels of his well-received new single Shinin’ On Me. Get excited about this album, because Jerrod is reinventing himself while staying true to his country music’s roots:
“We’ve departed from the straight-up digital recording. This is an analog/digital hybrid with a new technology called “clasp” that allows you to actually dump your analog recording into digital real time… the thing you get is that fat analog sound… I wanted to use instruments that cater to that… and I wanted to honor all areas of country music going back to the 20’s, but do our own interpretation.”
Easton Corbin – who was sporting an awesome Pabst Blue Ribbon belt buckle – has a new single out with Lovin’ You Is Fun, and a new album coming out September 18th, and he promises with this record, “the best is yet to come.”
“I think [this new album] shows a little growth as a new artist,” said Easton. “But that being said, it’s still right there doing that country thing…. I’m just really excited about it.”
Every artist expressed the same sentiment with regards to playing the Cannery Ballroom: it’s great to play in the 615!
“It’s just fun to be playing in Nashville!” said Jana. And Easton concurred, stating: “We actually never get to play in Nashville… I’m glad to be home!”
Did you miss the live stream last night? Don’t worry! Gloriana’s entire performance is available at pepsi.com!
Jana Kramer @ ACM Lifting Lives
Here’s a quick interview with one of our favorites on FOCUS on the 615 during the ACM Lifting Lives music camp here in Nashville…the always endearing, Jana Kramer.
Jana Kramer signing for and meeting the campers at ACM Lifting Lives
Check out the video below for more footage from the ACM Lifting Lives music camp and see some clips of Jana interacting with the campers during the BBQ!
About ACM Lifting Lives:
ACM Lifting Lives® is the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. With the help of country music artists, the music industry and other caring supporters, the Academy is able to give back by funding a variety of amazing organizations that are music-focused.
In addition to spontaneous and varied giving throughout the year — such as partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and providing immediate financial assistance through our Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund– ACM Lifting Lives has three official annual giving opportunities. These include the Lifting Lives Grant Cycle, the ACM Awards and the ACM Entertainer of the Year Matching Gift.
For more information, go to: www.acmliftinglives.org
ACM Lifting Lives: A Music Camp With Heart
Starting the week of June 18th, campers from 14 states across the nation came to Nashville to participate in the ACM Lifting Lives music camp for people with developmental disabilities. “The residential camp has the dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities and providing music enrichment through performance and education” according to the ACM Lifting Liveswebsite.
Jana Kramer and ACM Lifting Lives campers at BBQ
Campers participated in a fun-filled week of activities around Music City. They did what many people come to Nashville try to do, they started the week off in a songwriting session with Brett Eldredge and David Lee Murphy where they created the original song “We’re Having A Party”. This was followed by a recording session with Luke Bryan and Paul Worley 2 days later. Then, had a fun evening out at Winners singing karaoke with Lauren Alaina. The next day they were treated to BBQ with Jana Kramer. Finally, they concluded their week with a performance with Big & Rich on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
After a week of covering these different events with the campers, I was touched by their enthusiasm, spirit, and musical talent. It was both an amazing experience for the campers and those of us lucky enough to cover it as media. I know it was for me. It was such a special experience to see these people who have to overcome so much in their lives get to live out what is a life-long dream for many that come to Nashville. To watch the expressions on their faces as they came into contact with the different country stars and see their proud faces as they stepped on the Opry stage to sing their song…it’s a memory that I won’t forget and will always treasure. I cheered for them and even shed a few tears in pride for them as I watched them perform on that legendary stage.
I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to cover the different activities of the week because I was given a small glimpse into the lives of these very special people. It is hard to put into words how special these campers were/are. I had many opportunities to interact with them and came out each time being touched by them in so many different ways. Their enthusiasm is infectious, their sweet spirits touched my heart, and the way they are moved by music along with their musical talented is astounding. It’s truly a great thing that the ACM is doing for these people each year and I hope to take part in it again next year.
For more information about ACM Lifting Lives, go to the website: www.acmliftinglives.org. The week-long camp is a partnership between ACM Lifting Lives and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
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About Williams Syndrome:
What causes Williams syndrome?
Individuals with Williams syndrome usually are missing a small piece of chromosome 7. This rare genetic disorder occurs spontaneously in 1 out of every 7, 500 births. It is not a result of an inherited characteristic from the parents. First recognized in 1961, Williams syndrome affects males and females at equal rates and has been diagnosed in all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.
What are the effects of Williams syndrome?
Lauren Alaina with ACM Lifting Lives campers
While every individual is unique in how they look and act, people with Williams syndrome have some traits in common. They may have some or all of these characteristics, which include:
• Small, delicate bones and features—small teeth spaced far apart
• A white star shape in the iris of the eye • High sensitivity to loud noises • Trouble nursing as a child, slow weight gain, and
colicky behavior as a baby • Anxious or nervous behavior—including “picking”
behavior • Heart, blood vessel, and stomach problems
• High levels of calcium in the blood • Learning or cognitive disabilities • Preferring to spend time with adults instead of peers • Musical talents and/or intense connection with
music—ability to learn though music • Large vocabulary,well spoken • Extremely friendly,caring behavior—cannot
identify bad intentions in other people
Can Williams syndrome be treated?
Individuals with Williams syndrome benefit from early intervention and lifelong physical and psychological therapies. Any medical problems that develop should be monitored closely by doctors experienced in working with individuals with Williams syndrome. To help alleviate maladaptive and social-emotional challenges, try to:
• Keep distractions to a minimum—manage auditory and visual distracters.
• Manage sensitivity to sound—provide comfort and explain loud noises.
• Encourage positive thinking—teach skills for reframing negative thoughts.
• Alleviate anxieties—reassure and aid transition into other activities or topics.
• Monitor sadness—be aware that depression can hide under a cheerful exterior.
• Provide social skills training—practice interaction with others, taking turns, and how to be appropriately cautious of strangers.
Children with Williams syndrome probably will have special needs in their education. The best education programs will be collaborative team approaches, and those that build on and encourage a child’s strengths. Children with Williams syndrome generally respond well—both cognitively and emotionally—to educational programs that use music as a tool. When writing is involved, allow extra time and support and recognize that using computers, calculators, and audiotape recorders may be beneficial.
Video Highlights From CMA Music Festival 2012
Photo credit: Courtney Davidson
A Closer Look @ Thompson Square, CMA Music Festival 2012
Here it is, an interview with Thompson Square from CMA Fest! We caught up with the country music couple at the Muve Music party before they took the stage to perform for Country Music Gives Back. We talked about their work with the organization, their sophomore album and touring with Lady Antebellum on their “Own the Night” Tour. Check it out below!
(Apologies for the noisy background. We had an unexpected shotgun interview without privacy or a proper mic but hey, I think it turned out alright! Also, thanks to Thompson Square publicist Natalie Gilgore for almost breaking her arm holding my recorder!)
Making Nashville Proud
The 24th annual Nashville Pride Festival was held Saturday, June 16, at Riverfront Park from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. The annual event is a chance for the LGBT community and its allies to gather in celebration of advances made for LGBT equality.
For the first year ever, Nashville Pride started the day with an Equality Walk presented by Fifth Third Bank, a one-mile loop that will include participants from more than 20 community groups as a way to increase awareness beyond the festival gates.
This year’s festival was highly attended, and boasted an eclectic entertainment line-up that included Hello Kelly, Jenn Foster, Ian Harvie, Jermiah Clark, Antigone Rising, Kerli and Kristy Lee on the Bridgestone Main Stage. A variety of popular local acts also performed throughout the day on the Local Stage and the Tribe & Play Entertainment Stage featured DJ’s and drag performances.
Hello Kelly
There was music, food vendors, SWAG and people with no agenda other than having a good time. The crowd was as diverse as could be: I saw people ranging in age from 14 to 70-something. I saw families. I saw people from all races and backgrounds. Business people, blue-collar workers, entertainers, stay-at-home-moms… all coming together with a general sense of happiness and fun.
I was only able to attend a couple hours, but it was a great time. I got to see Hello Kelly, a hot new group I will be covering relatively frequently. I also saw the wonderful Jenn Foster, a crowd favorite. Mayor Karl Dean was also on hand to speak in the early afternoon; proudly conveying that Nashville is a diverse and inclusive city.
The purpose of Nashville Pride is to maintain a sense of community and awareness of, about, and for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and culture throughout Middle Tennessee.
For more information, visit www.nashvillepride.org.
Musicians Corner Partners with American Artisan Festival for Three-Day Event
Three straight days of Musicians Corner… what could be better? How about pairing it up with the American Artisan Festival, which took place in Centennial Park last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The structure was slightly different from the typical Saturday: Forgoing the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage, each act played acoustically on the main stage. Some went solo; some opted for accompaniment; all were terrific.
The American Artisan Festival is held each year in Centennial Park on Father’s Day weekend, and features fine arts, crafts and food from around the country. This year marked the first time Musicians Corner partnered with the festival to bring free music to its patrons.
The Cumberland Collective
Day one featured the likes of Jameson Elder, Anthony Snape, Jessica Campbell and Robby Hecht. Musicians Corner friend Holley Maher was set to close the day out; however, a sudden downpour forced her and her accompanying vocalist Merry Ellen Kirk to postpone until Saturday.
With the weather turning gorgeous for Saturday’s event, Musicians Corner saw a substantial number of regulars in addition to the festival goers, making it a large and rambunctious crowd. After Holley and Merry Ellen were able to kick things off, we saw performances by Sarah Siskind, Blue Mother Tupelo, The Cumberland Collective, Liz Longley, and the first ever Musicians Corner writer round featuring Danny Myrick, Kimberly June and Kendal Marvel.
Father’s Day on Sunday was a more relaxing day with Perrin Lamb, Sam Lewis, the Hogslop String Band, Ferrier and David Mead. A great way to end the weekend and a great place to bring dad.
Each artist brought something unique and enjoyable to the table. Standouts for me were the writers round (although I love writers rounds) when we were able to hear songs from the songwriters themselves such as Don’t Think I Can’t Love You cut by Jake Owen and She’s Country, the huge hit for Jason Aldean. I also loved The Cumberland Collective, which is made up of several extremely talented individuals that come together to jam and sing an eclectic mix of songs. They take turns singing their own songs with the accompaniment of everyone else on stage. Refreshingly original and incredible music as well.
You just never know who you'll run into...
We should give a special thanks to the Musicians Corner volunteers who showed up all three days. This sort of thing depends on them, and they are truly incredible. Next week (although those volunteers may not show up out of exhaustion) is another great lineup. The Kopecky Family Band, Halfbrass, The Rebecca West, SHIROCK, Nick Flora, Charity Vance and Michael Castro will all take the stage while Musicians Corner is back to the same place and time.
Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and features great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.
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