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.
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.
### 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.
Check out these fun video clips of performances and appearances during CMA Music Festival from Julie Roberts, Glen Templeton, Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling, Due West, and Jesse Lee!
Finally got to listen to the new single by Kip Moore“Beer Money” and it’s been on repeat on my iPhone all day. This new single is set to release July 9th. Needless to say, I absolutely love this song! I enjoyed his recent hit, too, and was surprised it took a bit to catch on, but luckily it finally did.
This new song is upbeat, fun , and just the kind of song that is perfect for summertime. People will want to roll down their windows, crank this one up, drive somewhere, and forget their worries for a bit. It’s very catchy and you’ll be hooked on it just like me. If “Something ‘Bout A Truck” and “Beer Money” are any indication, I think Kip Moore is destined for many more #1 hits!
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Upon learning one in five children in the U.S. have to worry with the stress of not having enough to eat on a daily basis, country music artist Kellie Pickler was bound and determined to do something about it. Yesterday, she announced her partnership with ConAgra Foods Foundation®’s Hunger-Free Summer program at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. There, she and other local volunteers filled boxes with canned goods and other food items to be delivered to many of the 400,000 children who are in need across Middle Tennessee alone.
The Hunger-Free Summer program invites everyone with access to a computer and a Facebook account to download a free children’s activity book, The Hunger Avengers, at Facebook.com/ConAgraFoods. For every download or “share,” one meal will be donated to a child in need. Pickler, ConAgra Foods® Foundation and Feeding America hope to reach their goal of 500,000 meals provided by the swiftly approaching deadline of September 3, 2012. To participate, go to www.Facebook.com/ConAgraFoods today.
Also touring in support of her new album 100 Proof, fans can catch Pickler out on the road performing new music and talking about how to become a part of ConAgra Foods Foundation®’s Hunger-Free Summer program. For a full list of tour dates and events visit www.KelliePickler.com.
NASHVILLE TN (JUNE 13, 2012) – Little Big Town’s 6th annual Ride For A Cure event took place this past Sunday, June 10th in Franklin and Columbia, TN. The annual motorcycle ride portion of the event was cancelled due to inclement weather but the pre-ride Jam Session at Mickey Roo’s and All-Star Jam Session at the Harley-Davidson Columbia Superstore continued as planned.
In total the highly anticipated event raised over $55,000 for the T.J. Martell Foundation, which specializes in finding cures for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS. This increases the total amount of money Ride For A Cure has raised since inception to over $310,000.
One of the most coveted auction items of the day was an autographed Epiphone Guitar signed by Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts and Edens Edge and was purchased by Mike Wolfe from The History Channel’s successful reality show, American Pickers.
Little Big Town interviewing with Good Morning America
About the T.J. Martell Foundation
The T. J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research was founded in 1975 by music industry executive Tony Martell and his colleagues, in loving memory of his son, T.J., who died of leukemia. The Foundation has provided over $250 million dollars for research at top research hospitals in the United States including the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. For additional information on the T.J. Martell Foundation, visit TJMartellFoundation.org.
About Little Big Town
Critically acclaimed group Little Big Town—consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook—first entered the music scene over 14 years ago with hits such as “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” and “Good As Gone.” The group recently finished recording their fifth studio album with producer Jay Joyce and released the albums first single “Pontoon” to radio in April. Collectively, the group has earned over 25 award show nominations and has taken home the award for ACM Top New Vocal Group. The foursome has played in front of over 4 million people and will be joining Rascal Flatts this summer on their “CHANGED” tour that launches June 15th in Hartford, CT. In early 2011 Little Big Town created an online video series called “Scattered, Smothered & Covered” where they tackle the challenge to make any song country. Presently their videos have had over 2 million views. For more information on Little Big Town and the release of their upcoming fifth studio album please visit www.littlebigtown.com.
Well, another CMA Music Festival has come and gone! Can’t believe the week flew by so fast, but it was a fun one and actually not as hot as it usually is, too. Very thankful for that, let me tell you!
Started off the week of CMA Music Festival with the annual CAA (Creative Artists Agency) BBQ in their brand new, beautiful offices located in the penthouse of the Suntrust building next to the historic Ryman Auditorium. Had the chance to stop by for a little while for some great food, drinks, and enjoyed running into friends while out there. Mixed in with the crowd were Kip Moore, Jesse Lee, Jennifer Wayne of Stealing Angels, Jana Kramer, Hot Chelle Rae, Chase Rice, and sure many more I didn’t see. It was crowded! Thanks to CAA for the invitation to join them and see their new offices!
Thursday
First thing this morning, headed over to Tin Roof on Music Row for the A.M. Jam by our friends at Black River Entertainment! Craig Morgan started out introducing the first artist, Glenn Templeton, followed by Sarah Darling, and long-time friends, Due West. Each gave a short acoustic performance. Great performances by all!
Julie Roberts performing
Next, headed out to the festival to see Julie Roberts perform on the Bud Light Stage in front of Bridgestone Arena. Loved seeing Julie “do her thing” on the stage in front of hundreds of fans. Love the traditional sound that she is known for!
Then, we were off to the “You’ve Been Sentenced” celebrity/charity event at Hard Rock, which featured celebrities like: Buddy Jewell, Julie Roberts, Jeff Bates, LoCash Cowboys, Keith Burns, and many more. I still have NO IDEA how to play that game, what the rules were, not a CLUE! It was a card game and formed sentences. Nope, not a clue what was going on, but everyone seemed to be having a good time! If anyone wants to explain it to me, maybe I will understand now! Ok, probably not…
Heidi Newfield
Caught Neal McCoy’s show at Riverfront stage. That guy is always full of energy, entertaining, and even climbed up the side of the stage to the very top. Fun show!
From there, I headed over to Jana Kramer’s CD release party at aVenue off of 3rd ave. She did an acoustic set of most of the songs from her album. Jana’a always entertaining and charming on stage. Many One Tree Hill fans were present, that was obvious! The place was packed and Jana gave a great performance. She’s another one of our favorites on here, if you couldn’t tell! Be sure to look for her album in stores and you can buy it right now on iTunes, too, if you don’t want to wait! You won’t regret it, it’s a great album
Then, I caught Miss Willie Brown at the Bud Light stage. They were ok. Not really that crazy about their music, but they were energetic on the stage and others seemed to enjoy them.
Friday
This was my favorite day out of all of them because it featured performances by a some of my favorites: THE FARM, Jesse Lee, and Gloriana.
Gloriana performing on Riverfront stage
Caught Gloriana at the Riverfront stage. Loved seeing their full set and their harmonies were flawless, as usual. Great to hear that their new single that was recently featured on The Bachelorette is doing so well for them on the charts. Highest ranking single of their career and almost top 10 right now.
Then, headed over to the Hard Rock to catch another friend, David Bradley, on the acoustic stage. David’s always charming with his British charm and never disappoints with his performances.
Went over to the convention center for a bit to see what was going on over there with the artists signing before heading back over to the Hard Rock to catch another friend and favorite, Jesse Lee, do an acoustic performance. It was short, but sweet! LOVE Jesse who is always fun to watch perform! She’s got lots of personality and the vocals to match. I just want to be able to catch her doing a full band show one of these days soon. I’m sure it’s amazing!
Ended the day with THE FARM. I loved seeing THE FARM do a full set on the Riverfront stage, which is where I mainly stayed during the festival. If you haven’t heard or seen them, check them out if they pass through your town and you can also hear their single “Home Sweet Home” on the country charts right now. It’s broken into the top 20 and still climbing! LOVE these guys! Good people and incredibly talented! Their show is high energy, too, with Damien even doing a backflip on the stage. Loved the whole thing and these guys are going to continue to WOW audiences as people get a chance to see them this summer touring, I’m sure of it!
Krista from THE FARM
Highlight of the day: Seeing THE FARM and Jesse Lee perform!
Saturday
Started out the morning at the Riverfront stage seeing Love and Theft followed by Kip Moore. Enjoyed both of these shows.
Love and Theft are always good to see, plus enjoy their music. Stephen is always entertaining to watch and shows a lot of personality. Just a really fun guy! Eric? Not so much. He always manages to look bored on the stage and like he’d rather be anywhere but there at the moment. Like their music, but would like to see them both be equally as entertaining.
Then, they were followed by Kip Moore. He seems very at ease on the stage and was fun to watch. Love his music and glad that he’s now experiencing some success with his chart-topping single. Hope it continues for him!
Spotted in the front row of the crowd were a whole bunch of girls dressed in red sundresses hoping to capture the attention of Kip. Watched his video a few too many times, I guess!
Wandered off out into the festival a little and then back to see Casey James for the first time. First off, best hair out there and such a cutie! Glad to get THAT off my chest. He was highly entertaining and great musicianship!
Following Casey was Heidi Newfield on the Riverfront. Loved her performance! She’s always high energy! I was afraid she was going to have a wardrobe malfunction in that peacock dress, though! I don’t imagine the guys would have minded that so much! She had on a peacock dress with fishnets. High octane attire for a high octane show, I guess! lol
Finished up the day at the convention center.
Sunday
Started out Sunday at the TJ Martell Ride for a Cure event. It started off with breakfast at Mickey Roo’s in Franklin. I was thinking was going to be able to get some interviews like last year, but with the actual ride being cancelled due to the rain, things were thrown off a bit for everyone. Couldn’t be helped and no one’s fault, just bad weather throwing things off for everyone and making the best of it. The pre-jam was going on in there and I got to LISTEN to an interview by Good Morning America just too busy in there to conduct any myself. So, for me, it was kind of a let down, but the breakfast was nice and it was fun running into Lauren Alaina, Dean Alexander, and Little Big Town out there. I just opted out of the concert since it was raining and would be out in the mud. Just wasn’t quite up for that. I am glad to hear that the event was still a success for the charity raising over $55,000!
Photo credit: Randi Radcliiff/Little Big Town and Lauren Alaina
Back to the Riverfront stage at CMA Music Festival I went (See? I said I spent most of the week there!) and saw Sunny Sweeney do her thing! I just love her Texas attitude and her whole Texas sound. She’s a lot of fun on the stage and just shows a lot of sass!
Then, off to see Jason Michael Carroll perform at the Bud Light Bridgestone stage. I had a hard time keeping up with him on stage with my camera because he moves so much! Love his voice and he puts on a great show!
Followed by Mandy Barnett at the same stage. Mandy’s both an incredible vocalist and a class act all around. Very gracious and down-to-Earth.
Kip Moore
Then I was off to see Jana Kramer perform a full band show at the Riverfront stage. Jana’s both sassy and classy! Such a sweet person and dynamic performer. Only wish great things for her!
Well, that is a wrap for me! I ended up letting Courtney, who you’ll be hearing from on here, use my nightly LP stadium passes. She got some great shots and since she was gracious enough to help us out for the week, thought she’d enjoy them. Me? I was WORN after those long, hot days! So, you’ll be hearing more about those nightly shows and seeing some great shots soon! Plus, I’ll be putting together a little video of highlights from the week for you all to enjoy and post more pictures. Now, I guess I’m still recovering from all the fun of CMA Music Festival! WHEW!
Cricket’s Muve Music® Connects Country Artists and Fans at CMA Music Festival
~ Cricket Sponsors Music City Gives Back Country Showcase with Wrangler and Daily Artist Meet and Greets at the Country Music Association Music Festival ~
NASHVILLE, Tenn., – June 4, 2012 – Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services, is going country and taking its popular Muve Music service to Nashville’s 2012 CMA Music Festival. Muve Music will be kicking off the four day music festival by sponsoring the “Music City Gives Back” event benefitting the American Red Cross. The innovative music service is also inviting fans to connect with country music’s top artists throughout the week with artist meet and greets, special playlists, an interactive booth in “The Buckle” on Broadway in downtown Nashville and more. Muve Music is the first music service designed specifically for a wireless phone with approximately 600,000 customers to date.
Muve Music fans are increasingly consuming country music on the service and are always on the lookout for the new up and coming artists and bands in the genre. As Muve Music’s overall catalog of songs continues to grow, the service is also expanding its library of country music to meet the ever-growing demand. Country music fans are not only listening to popular hits by award-winning country music artists, but also leveraging Muve Music’s unlimited music download platform to discover new country music artists as well.
“Connecting artists and fans is what Muve Music is all about and we’re thrilled to bring that experience to CMA Music Festival this year,” said Geoff Edds, senior manager, label management and artist programs for Muve Music. “We’re also excited to partner with Music City Gives Back to present a great night of Country music for fans while raising money and awareness for a great cause.”
Muve Music’s rapid growth and momentum is due in part to its unique platform that allows artists to directly reach their fan base through exclusive content and promotions. The service has a 90 percent customer satisfaction rate and user engagement has exceeded expectations. In its first year, customers played 1.5 billion songs on Muve Music averaging 260 million songs each month. With approximately 600,000 subscribers, Muve Music is now the second largest digital music subscription service in the U.S., and the first designed for the mobile phone with both the consumer and the artists’ needs in mind.
“Muve Music rocks!” said country artist and upcoming host of the “Music City Gives Back” concert event, Rodney Atkins. “As an artist you want your fans to have easy access to your music and Muve makes it easy.”
Cricket Presents “Music City Gives Back”
Cricket has teamed up with Wrangler, Carl Black Chevrolet, and GAC to sponsor the second annual “Music City Gives Back” showcase benefitting the American Red Cross. The exciting event, hosted by Rodney Atkins in conjunction with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, was created to raise awareness and drive donations to the American Red Cross. As a lead sponsor, Cricket will be donating $50,000 to the cause.
The event is free to the public and will be held on Tuesday, June 5, at 5 p.m. on the outdoor stage on Broadway in downtown Nashville (between Second and Fourth avenues). Atkins will be joined on stage by an all-star lineup of top performing country artists including Clint Black, Thompson Square, Lee Brice, Josh Thompson, Jana Kramer, The Farm, Mallary Hope, and the Willis Clan. Donations to the American Red Cross can be made on-site and online by visiting http://american.redcross.org/musiccity.
Interactive Booth at CMA Music Festival, June 7-10, at The Buckle
Fans can experience Muve Music first hand at Cricket’s interactive booth located in the Buckle on Broadway in downtown Nashville. The booth located just outside the Riverfront stage will host fun giveaways throughout the week, and will be running a CMA Music Festival commemorative photo-op green screen experience where participants will be able to appear and share images of themselves with the likes of country sensations, such as Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton. Cricket will email the images real time so fans can post to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram instantly.
In addition, a professional DJ will be on-site inviting attendees to karaoke their favorite country tunes. With lyrics displayed on a 52’ TV monitor, consumers can either request a song of choice to sing, or play the Cricket “Finish the Song” challenge. The booth will also feature an interactive Cricket Muve Music trailer with a phone demo and festival-goers will also have the ability to purchase their own Muve Music device right from the booth.
Cricket Hosts CMA Music Festival Artist Meet and Greets at The Buckle
Throughout the week, artists will be dropping by the Muve Music tent to meet with fans attending the music festival. During the one hour meet and greets, artists will be onsite to chat directly with fans, answer questions, and to share insights on country music and how it resonates with the digital mobile music industry. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to take photos or bring gear for autograph signings.
· Casey James, Thursday June 7, 1 – 2 p.m.
· Kristen Kelly, Thursday June 7, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
· Jesse James, Friday June 8, 1 – 2 p.m.
· JT Hodges, Sunday June 10, 1 – 2 p.m.
Cricket Connects Country Music Fans through Social Media
Cricket will be keeping music fans up to speed on the latest CMA Music Festival news with a large screen in the booth displaying Twitter activity in real time. Country music fans are encouraged to follow Cricket and Muve Music online on Twitter (@cricketnation) and Facebook for the latest updates from the Music City Gives Back Concert and all the festivities at CMA Fest. Cricket will also share frequent updates on ticket giveaways, performances, artist meet and greets and more. Attendees can join the conversation real-time with hashtag #CMACricket.
Cricket Releases CMA Music Festival Playlists
In addition to providing contract-free, unlimited mobile music with Muve Music, Cricket is connecting current Muve Music subscribers with a Music City Gives Back playlist, featuring songs from all of the evening’s performing artists including Rodney Atkins, Clint Black, Thompson Square, and Lee Brice.
Furthermore, Muve Music subscribers will also be able to tune in to the festival’s top country performers with new and exclusive CMA Music Festival playlists. Each of the four CMA Music Festival playlists, launching daily from June 7 – June 10, will feature some of Muve Music’s most popular country artists, including Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride and more.
The Muve Music Service
In January 2011, Cricket Communications became the first U.S. wireless carrier to offer consumers unlimited music as part of a wireless rate plan. For just $65 a month, Cricket customers across the country can now purchase the no contract wireless service that includes unlimited nationwide talk, text, web and unlimited music (full track downloads, ringtones and ringback tones) for their Cricket android smartphone. This innovative product offering is the first music experience designed specifically for the mobile phone; it provides a superior mobile experience with no download fees or monthly music subscriptions – it’s all included.
The Muve service was built for customers for whom the phone, not the computer, is the center of their digital life. With Muve Music, Cricket has eliminated the complexity found with other digital music services – there are no cables, no drivers and no synching required. Everything happens over Cricket’s nationwide 3G network to deliver a robust music experience to music lovers on the go.
How to get Muve Music
Muve Music is available on the Huawei Mercury, named the best prepaid smartphone in America by PC Magazine, January 3, 2012, as well as on the Huawei Ascend II, Samsung Vitality, ZTE Score and the ZTE Chorus at Cricket company-owned stores, online at www.mycricket.com and through select partner retail outlets. Additional accessories are available for purchase including premium headphones, an audio jack and Bluetooth adapter to connect to home and car stereos, either wired or wirelessly.
With the ever-growing Muve Music song catalog, customers can choose from millions of songs featuring the hottest artists from thousands of record labels, which are distributed through Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music and global rights agency Merlin, as well as independents CD Baby, IODA, INgrooves, The Orchard and TuneCore.
For more information about Muve Music, visit www.muvemusic.com, and for Cricket’s dynamic device lineup, visit www.mycricket.com. To follow Cricket’s latest news and updates online, go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/cricketwireless and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cricketnation.
About Cricket
Cricket is the pioneer and leader in delivering innovative value-rich prepaid wireless services with no long-term contracts serving 6.2 million customers. Cricket offers wireless voice and mobile data services over the latest, high-quality, all-digital 4G (LTE) and 3G CDMA wireless networks. In 2011, Cricket launched its award-winning Muve Music® product, the first music service designed for a wireless phone that now has more than 600,000 customers. Cricket’s innovative products and services are available at Cricket branded retail stores, dealers, national retailers and at www.mycricket.com. For more information about Cricket, please visit www.mycricket.com
Back on Friday, March 23rd, I was invited to capture some behind-the-scenes shots and watch as Tommy Steele created his new video for his newest single “My Side Of The Street” here in Nashville. You can see my slideshow footage from behind-the-scenes by clicking right HERE!
We met late afternoon at The Turnip Truck in the trendy The Gulch area in Nashville to shoot a couple of scenes with Tommy Steele and his co-star, LeLoni Hamilton, who plays his romantic interest in the video.
The song and video are about falling in love with someone with a different social and economic background than you. Wishing you could meet in the middle somehow despite differences. A sad tale since the two can’t seem to make it work and get past their differences. Easy to relate to by most people.
I enjoy Michigan-native, Tommy Steele‘s voice, which is distinctive, and this song. Almost puts me in mind of Bruce Springsteen. Check out the video I’ve included below! Even includes some footage of another friend of mine, David Bradley, as Tommy Steele’s motorcycle riding buddy in the video. David’s a great country artist himself and check out his music, too!
The whole experience was both interesting and fun! I really enjoyed being around Tommy Steele, Martha Moore, and the whole production team that day. Thanks for the invitation and making me feel so welcome!
(Nashville, Tenn. – May 15, 2012) Fans can see Country artist Amber Hayes make her big screen acting debut and hear her music in the upcoming film, “Cowgirls N’ Angels,” opening in theaters May 25.
The movie features three of Hayes’ songs, including her 2010 Top 40 Music Row single, “C’mon,” which can be heard in the “Cowgirls N’ Angels” preview trailer here. Hayes plays a honky tonk singer in the film and performs the song as part of a prominent line dancing scene. Also included is “Always There For Me,” a previously unreleased duet with Lonestar front man Richie McDonald, who has a cameo as Amber’s father in the same scene. “Right As Rain” is the third Hayes track featured in the film. All three songs are included on the official “Cowgirls N’ Angels” soundtrack, available on iTunes or Amazon.com.
“I am so excited for this movie to finally come out!” says Hayes. “I got to film my part last year in Oklahoma, which is where I’m originally from, so it was a big thrill for me to be near my family and friends for a few days. Having never shot a movie before, everything was such a cool experience for me, and getting to work around people like James Cromwell and Bailee Madison was just awesome. It’s a great, heart-warming family film, and I’m so proud to have been a part of it. I can’t wait to see it in the theater!”
Hayes recently finished recording her sophomore album in Nashville, with plans to release the project later this year. Tracks “Somewhere Out West,” “I Built This Wall” and the uplifting “Any Day Is A Good Day” are available to stream at www.AmberHayesMusic.com. An accomplished theater performer, Hayes’ break in Nashville came during her role as Kathy Twitty in the 2008-2009 Conway Twitty production, “Conway Twitty: The Man, The Music, The Legend, The Musical.” Hayes released her debut C’mon EP in 2010, which included her second Music Row Top 40 single, 2011’s “Wait.”
The Timothy Armstrong-directed “Cowgirls N’ Angels” stars Oscar-nominated actor James Cromwell (“Babe,” “L.A. Confidential,” “The Green Mile,” “The Artist”) Bailee Madison (“Bridge To Terabithia,” “Brothers,” “Just Go With It”), Alicia Witt (“Friday Night Lights,” “The Mentalist”) Frankie Faison (“The Silence of the Lambs,” “The Wire”) and Jackson Rathbone (“Twilight” films) among others.
“Cowgirls N’ Angels” follows the adventures of young Ida Clayton (Bailee Madison), who joins a group of female rodeo trick riders in a quest to find her real father. “Cowgirls N’ Angels” world premiered at the Dallas International Film Festival in April 2012 and is distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
“Cowgirls N’ Angels” opens Friday, May 25, in Nashville area theaters at the following locations:
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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.
