Tag Archives | Nashville

The Hottest Hotel Openings of 2020

By on October 11, 2019 in Press Releases

As 2019 comes to a close and we look forward to the year ahead, jetsetters have plenty to be excited about when it comes to new hotels. Many of these properties, all by world-renowned design firm HKS, are destinations themselves: some may introduce you to a new neighborhood in one of your favorite cities, while others will bring you to far-flung locales waiting to be explored.

Here are 7 of the most anticipated hotel openings of next year:

— The Otis Hotel

Austin, Texas

2019 brings the unveiling the brand new, HKS-designed, Autograph Collection and AC: dual-branded luxury and lifestyle hotels that capture the spirit of Austin. As a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the new hotel will encourage guests to roam from the beaten path for an experience that is boldly independent and wholly luxurious. Highlights include a 4,000 square-foot rooftop deck — complete with outdoor pool, bar and terrace — that will deliver spectacular views of the University of Texas campus. AC will also add to the University of Texas area by providing a premium hotel experience that the community craves. It will serve business and leisure travelers alike with a lobby-level bar and lounge, multi-function space with light dining and coffee.

The hotel will provide a combined 347 rooms, 6,500 square feet of meeting space, and a full-service restaurant with outdoor seating and casual walk-up options.

Opening February 2020. 

St. Louis Live! By Loews

St. Louis, Missouri

“OH! What a lovely shade of Cardinal” red thread that runs through the new Live! by Loews Hotel in the midst of Cardinal Nation, St Louis, Missouri. Like the red that runs through the veins of “the best fans in baseball”, the Hotel will have a deep line of Cardinal running throughout as the narrative that underlines the history of the place as well as the spirit of the people. We cannot underestimate the impact of a team that has injected the lives of fans almost every decade for 125 years with world series wins, firmly establishing the Cardinal’s Nation in the heart of Midwest and Southern United States.

The hotel by HKS takes inspiration from the “Gateway City” to the West, where Bootleggers, Speakeasy’s and Beer Gardens fed the culture of a gritty gang of ballplayers. These stories inform the vision for a unique location for loyal lifelong members as well as new initiates to the red bird nation. “Traces of the past” form a foundation of the new Live! by Loews as the hotel sits literally atop the foundation of the old ballpark.

Opening February 2020.

Austin Marriott Downtown

Austin, Texas

Serving the Local Community and Guests Alike, the Marriott is uniquely situated between Lady Bird Johnson Lake and downtown Austin, promoting an authentic and varied body of experiences for guests. This expression of diversity and eclecticism is represented in both the hotel experience and in the architectural language, which balances its urbanity with its connection to nature. Designed to be a shared experience for Austin’s diverse population, the hotel promotes a place where the public can come together to celebrate and immerse in the exceptional urban landscape of the city. As a natural connection between the city’s convention center and downtown, the Marriott is designed to promote and engage the public realm. The hotel is designed by HKS.

Opening Summer 2020.

Fairmont TaghazoutMorocco

Agadir, Morocco 

Situated on a swathe of pristine beachfront along the Atlantic coast, the Fairmont Taghazout Morocco will be part of the 1,500-acre master planned seaside resort, 16km north of Agadir. Demonstrating a contemporary architectural expression new to this region of Morocco, the HKS-designed resort is opening Spring 2019. Its design tells a story about the transient nature of the site, from the time-honored farming and weaving communities of the Imazighen, also known as Berbers, who were the first known inhabitants of northwest Africa, to the modern-day ‘Agadirens’ seeking leisure and relaxation. The semi-nomadic Imazighen, which translates as ‘free people’, would seek shelter and water amongst the rugged natural surrounds according to the change in seasons, whereas today, holiday makers desire the solitude and thrill of surfing the waves year-round. The property will feature 150 spacious guest-rooms and suites with sea-facing views in addition to 52 Fairmont-branded luxury waterfront villas. 

Opening Summer 2020. 

Grand Hyatt Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee

A Premier Downtown Hotel, Inspired by Music City’s History, the Grand Hyatt Nashville Hotel serves as an elegant gateway to downtown Music City, welcoming visitors from the main interstate highway. Located on the corner of 10th Avenue and Broadway, the property is the second-largest conference hotel in the city. So that it fits seamlessly among the existing historical references, such as Union Station and the Frist Art Museum, the HKS team implemented an architectural design that is elegant and timeless – using stone based and glass light materials. The interactive design of both public areas and event spaces sets it apart from other downtown hotels. The Grand Hyatt is the first parcel of Nashville Yards, a multi-phase, 15-acre mixed-use development aimed at pumping new life into an underutilized downtown area.

Opening Fall 2020.

Moxy Austin

Austin, Texas

Moxy Austin is a 158-Key, limited service hotel in Austin, Texas on the western edge of the University of Texas campus. Sited prominently on an abandon corner lot along Guadalupe Street, referred to as “The Drag” by locals, the project is an important part of the area’s revitalization. The massing takes its cues from the external arrival sequence – both vehicular and pedestrian – and echoes the efficient internal programming. Materials are selected based on the local Hill Country vernacular with a base of masonry and reclaimed wood at the ground floor dress the public zones, while metal panels of weathering steel wrap the guest room levels above. The masonry and wood provide a tactile experience down low, resist the abrasion and abuse expected with heavy traffic, and are representative of the community uses at the ground level. The metal panels above provide a natural, ever-evolving quality. The weathering steel changes over time, symbolic of the travelers who come and go at the hotel, evolving in how they experience the building from start of stay until the end. The hotel is designed by HKS.

Opening Fall 2020.

W Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee

A New Stage for People to Play, the W Nashville takes center stage at the heart of the city’s historic Gulch District, a revitalized, upscale live-work-play neighborhood. Through iconic design, the hotel serves visitors and locals alike as a place to connect and socialize in a casual yet upscale environment, with a modern twist of Southern hospitality. The project optimizes social connectivity and interaction, not only at the street level, but at an elevated amenity level, inspired by Nashville’s love for the outdoors. The new hotel designed by HKS offers the city a unique destination where guests and locals can explore and experience Nashville’s social and music scene in a new and unexpected ways.

Opening December 2020.

Comments { 0 }

CMT Voter Registration Mural At Tonight’s Crossroads Taping

By on October 11, 2019 in Press Releases
Completed Mural Encourages Fans to Check Their Voter Registration and Register to Vote.
NASHVILLE – October 11, 2019 – CMT will unveil its completed Voter Registration mural at tonight‘s “CMT Crossroads” taping featuring Halsey & Kelsea Ballerini at Ascend Amphitheater. The 12′ x 8′ ft. structure will be displayed outside the front gates of Ascend on 2nd Avenue in downtown Nashville where fans are encouraged to take photos and scan the accompanying QR code that will connect them to CMT’s voter registration site, cmt.turbovote.org. There, they can check their current voter registration, register and sign up to receive election alerts, so they stay up to date with local and national elections. 

Rachael Wall, Director of Public Affairs, CMT says, “We’re excited to engage this audience in a fun and important way, encouraging them to check their voter registration status. With only 63% of Tennesseans registered to vote, we plan to support this important initiative at all of our upcoming events, including next week’s ‘CMT Artists of the Year.'” 

Local artist Valentina Harper began publicly drawing and painting the mural as part of CMT’s kick off of National Voter Registration Day on September 24. Now completed, the mural will be unveiled outside of Ascend Amphitheater on Friday, October 11 as fans begin lining up for the “CMT Crossroads” taping. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show begins at 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, but audience members must register in advance to be placed on the guest list. Visit CMT.com for ticket information. 
Comments { 0 }

Dwight Yoakam To Be Honored At 2019 BMI Country Awards

By on October 10, 2019 in Press Releases

October 10, 2019 – Nashville, TN – Broadcast Music, Inc.®, (BMI®), will celebrate the extraordinary career of Dwight Yoakam by presenting him with the BMI President’s Award at the company’s 67th annual BMI Country Awards, to be held at BMI’s Nashville office on November 12, 2019. BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill will host the ceremony with Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville.

The BMI President’s Award is presented to songwriters who have distinctly and profoundly influenced the entertainment industry. In receiving the award, Yoakam will join an impressive list of past honorees that includes Kenny Chesney, P!nk, Harlan Howard, Brooks & Dunn, Pitbull, Adam Levine, Billy Sherrill, and Toni Braxton.

“To this day, no other artist has captured country music’s past and catapulted it into the future quite like Dwight Yoakam,” said Jody Williams, VP, Creative, Nashville. “Standing on the shoulders of Bakersfield legends, Dwight’s self-penned songs have made indelible marks on America’s musical culture. His career includes roles in most every facet of the entertainment business and we are thrilled to celebrate him with BMI’s Presidents Award.”

Yoakam has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, with five reaching the #1 spot on Billboard. He is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner, who has 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum albums. He is also the recipient of the Artist of the Year award from the Americana Music Association. He has collaborated with everyone from Beck to Kid Rock, ZZ Top, Hunter S. Thompson and Jack White and has toured with the likes of Buck Owens, Johnny Cash and Hüsker Dü. In 1977, Yoakam left Kentucky for Nashville to embark on a music career but found that Music City was moving away from traditional country roots to more pop-country. So, he found himself better suited to the post-Bakersfield movement and became one of the founding fathers of the “L.A. Cowpunk Scene” influenced by second-wave rockabilly and punk alongside X, Los Lobos, The Knitters, Rank & File and The Blasters.

In 2018, Yoakam launched his very own SiriusXM channel, Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat, featuring music from the icon’s extensive career and celebrating the Bakersfield sound and California Country. Yoakam will be exploring this theme further at his Wynn Las Vegas debut this December with a six-night residency entitled An Evening with Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat, performing a variety of music that influenced and created the Bakersfield and California Country Rock genres.

In addition to Yoakam’s award, this year, BMI will introduce a new honor, the Legacy Award. The inaugural award will go to the timeless “Rocky Top,” penned by legendary BMI writers Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. The Legacy Award will honor indelible classics that not only found commercial success, but have also found a life of their own in the consciousness of the public.

BMI will also crown the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year, as well as salute the writers and publishers of the past year’s 50 most-performed songs from BMI’s country catalog at the invitation-only event. This year’s awards dinner is sponsored by Crown Royal and Daou Vineyards & Winery.

                                                                            ###

ABOUT BMI:

Celebrating over 79 years of service to songwriters, composers, music publishers and businesses, Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI®) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in over 15 million musical works created and owned by more than one million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI’s repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites, span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year. For additional information and the latest BMI news, visit bmi.com, follow us on Twitter @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music, Inc.‘s Facebook page. Sign up for BMI’s The Weekly™ and receive our e-newsletter every week to stay up to date on all things music.

Comments { 0 }

Thomas Rhett’s Double #1 + RIAA Certification Party

By on October 10, 2019 in Press Releases
Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI.

Nashville, TN – October 10, 2019 – Current multi-CMA Award nominee, People’s Choice Award nominee and CMT Artist of the Year honoree Thomas Rhett celebrated his 12th and 13th No. One singles for “Sixteen” and “Look What God Gave Her” (The Valory Music Co.) yesterday alongside friends, family and teammates, hosted by BMI. The newly certified GOLD “Sixteen” was written by Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas and Joe London and is the fifth consecutive No. One hit from the PLATINUM-selling LIFE CHANGES album. Additionally, the newly minted PLATINUM “Look What God Gave Her,” is the lead single from Thomas Rhett’s history-making fourth studio album CENTER POINT ROAD and was written by Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, John Ryan, Julian Bunetta, Ammar Malik and Jacob Kasher.

NASHVILLE, TN – At BMI on October 9, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI)
Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI
Comments { 0 }

Star-Studded List Of Performers & Presenters Revealed For “2019 CMT Artists Of The Year”

By on October 10, 2019 in Press Releases

Bobby Bones, Chrissy Metz, Johnny Galacki, Lady Antebellum, Lauren Akins, Lonnie Chavis, Maddie & Tae, Sam Hunt, Vince Gill & More Added to Lineup for 10th Annual Special Premiering LIVE from Nashville on Wednesday, October 16 at 8pm ET/PT on CMT

NASHVILLE – October 10, 2019 –CMT today revealed its star-studded lineup of performers and presenters for the “2019 CMT Artists of the Year” special, airing LIVE from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Wednesday, October 16 at 8pm ET/PT on CMT. The growing list includes some of the biggest stars from music, television and entertainment including Bobby Bones, Chrissy Metz, Johnny Galecki, Lady Antebellum, Lauren Akins, Lonnie Chavis, Maddie & Tae, Sam Hunt, Vince Gill and more.

The 90-minute special will feature LIVE performances from “2019 CMT Artists of the Year” honorees Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett and “Breakout Artist of the Year” awardee, Ashley McBryde. “This Is Us” actress Chrissy Metz will debut a special performance in honor of first-time “CMT Artists of the Year” honoree, Luke Combs.

Two-time “CMT Artists of the Year” recipient Lady Antebellum will take the stage, as will country powerhouse Sam Hunt,to recognize previously announced “Artist of a Lifetime” recipient Reba McEntire, to celebrate her legendary success. Her award will be bestowed by fellow country music icon Vince Gill, who joins a growing list of presenters, including multi-media personality Bobby Bones, Johnny Galecki (“The Big Bang Theory”), philanthropist and wife of honoree Thomas Rhett, Lauren Akins, Lonnie Chavis (“This Is Us”), country duo Maddie & Tae and more for the 10th annual celebration. 

“CMT Artists of the Year” is executive produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin; the Executives in Charge of Production are Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino. 

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

Comments { 0 }

Jon Pardi Kicks Off Headlining Heartache Medication Tour At The Ryman Auditorium With Two Sold Out Shows

By on October 10, 2019 in Press Releases

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 1, 2019) – ACM/CMA award-winning artist Jon Pardi kicks off his Heartache Medication tour with two career-first, sold-out headlining shows at the historic Ryman Auditorium tonight (10/1) and tomorrow night (10/2). Featuring Riley Green as direct support, the Ryman Auditorium shows mark the official launch of Pardi’s headlining tour, coming to cities nationwide this fall. In a recent interview with ET, Pardi shared, “For me, it’s a stamp of history. You can always play the Ryman, but your first time is something you never forget.” View the full list of tour dates below. 

Jon Pardi Performance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! Outdoor Stage


Pardi’s eagerly-awaited album Heartache Medication arrived on Friday to overwhelming critical-acclaim lauding him as an artist with an impressive ability to carve out his own path and one that “…could very well be a long-lasting mark on the genre…” (Music Row). 

Featured by NPR, the Associated Press, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Billboard’s Most Anticipated Albums of Fall 2019, ET, People, and Rolling Stone, critics continue to praise the standout collection of songs, hailing;  “…an emboldened work…” – NPR First Listen

“Pardi’s music is strong stuff” – Associated Press
“split the difference between Alan Jackson and Bob Seger” with California Sunrise and “Heartache Medication continues that direction with honky-tonkin’, boot-stompin’ tracks about whiskey, women and song.” – The New York Times

“Pardi’s evolved approach to country’s heritage sets him apart at a moment when Nashville seems to want to divide itself into the trailblazers and the preservationists.” – Los Angeles Times

“Name-checking his country-music heroes like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard, the California native places himself in the same lineage — both as preservationist and rule-breaker.” – Rolling Stone Country

“Jon Pardi cut a path through modern country’s embrace of pop, hip-hop and EDM…” – TheNew York Times

“The influence of legends like Alan Jackson and George Strait permeate Heartache Medication, filled with clever lyrical twists and dancehall ready romps…” – Music Row

“Instead of borrowing a moniker from one of his heroes, he’s paving his way with his own brand of two-stepping, steel-guitar-laden traditional country music.” – The Tennessean

Pictured (L to R): Jimmy Kimmel and Jon Pardi

Pardi just performed on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! outdoor stage last night.In addition, he capped off release week with a celebratory, headlining album release show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, and made several appearances and performances including Pandora’s Live Concert series, stops at YouTube’s New York headquarters, iHeart, People and AOL Build. Heartache Medication is the followup to his co-produced, platinum-selling breakthrough #1 album California Sunrise and multi-platinum, chart-topping hits “Dirt On My Boots,” “Head Over Boots,” “Heartache On The Dance Floor” and “Night Shift.” Heartache Medication is available here:http://strm.to/HeartacheMedicationPR. For tickets and for a full list of tour dates, visit http://www.jonpardi.com.

HEARTACHE MEDICATION TOUR DATES 2019

10/01/19: Nashville, TN, Ryman Auditorium – SOLD OUT 10/02/19: Nashville, TN, Ryman Auditorium – SOLD OUT 10/04/19: Minneapolis, MN, The Armory – SOLD OUT 10/05/19: Milwaukee, WI, Eagle’s Ballroom* 10/10/19: Oklahoma City, OK, The Criterion 10/11/19: Houston, TX, White Oak Music Hall 10/12/19: Helotes, TX, Floores Country Store* – SOLD OUT 10/13/19: Helotes, TX, Floores Country Store* – SOLD OUT 10/24/19: Seattle, WA, Paramount Theatre – SOLD OUT 10/25/19: Boise, ID, Revolution Concert House and Event Center – SOLD OUT 10/26/19: Salt Lake City, UT, The Depot – SOLD OUT 10/31/19: Phoenix, AZ, Comerica Theatre 11/01/1: San Diego, CA, Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre 11/02/19: Bakersfield, CA, Rabobank Theater – SOLD OUT 11/03/19: Bakersfield, CA, Rabobank Theater
*Does not include Riley Green

Comments { 0 }

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

By on October 9, 2019 in Press Releases

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

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

WITH A VERY SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY ROBBIE ROBERTSON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more at www.blackbirdpresents.com.

Comments { 0 }

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Comments { 0 }

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

By on October 7, 2019 in Press Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments { 0 }

Album Review: Home Free | DIVE BAR SAINTS

By on September 12, 2019 in Music

Home Free, the country acapella vocal group who got their start together on NBC’s THE SING OFF, just released their newest full length album, DIVE BAR SAINTS, this week. Available everywhere that music is sold.

Favorites off the album for me are: “Remember This”, “Dive Bar Saints”, “Lonely Girl’s World”, and “Dreamer”. Additionally, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” brought tears to my eyes and sent chills up my spine. Well done, fellas!

This group of 5 men blend their vocals together so masterfully, making it seem effortless, when it really is far from easy. To hear their recorded voices, as great as they are, pales in comparison to seeing them perform live. Between their energy, fun personalities, their stage presence as they deliver near perfection in vocal harmonies, they are a force to be reckoned with and a treat to see. All they need are their voices along with beatboxing. No backing band is required. Nothing is pre-recorded. It is all pretty awe-inspiring to see live, which is why I highly-recommend you catch them out on the tour by the same name of the album coming to a city near you.

Home Free rehearsing for upcoming tour at SoundStage in Nashville.

The 12-track release by this incredibly-talented vocal group is sure to be another success for the group, and strongly-appeal to their legions of devoted fans who are very dedicate to the vocal group. One listen to Home Free in a live setting, and you’ll understand why.

I highly-recommend buying this album AND seeing them on their new tour, DIVE BAR SAINTS, for the full experience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Comments { 0 }
Verified by MonsterInsights