FOCUS on the 615
Nashville's premier entertainment blog including album, song and show reviews and exclusive artist interviews.
In a business of dreams, Rainey Qualley has had several come true in recent months. She signed her first record deal, heard her first single on the radio for the first time and signed with a major booking agency among them. This week, she had two more come true on the same night – or nights, actually. She opened for one of her heroes, Willie Nelson, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the famed Ryman Auditorium.
Now in its 8th year, the Academy of Country Music recently held ACM Honors here in Nashville on September 9th at the historic Ryman Auditorium aka The Mother Church of country music. A fitting choice to honor both today’s country stars and country legends all in one night. Continue Reading →
Country music entertainer Chris Janson will join the legendary Merle Haggard next week, for two sold-out shows at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Recently named by Rolling Stone Country as one of the “Top 10 Artist You Need To Know,” Janson will light up the stage as the opening act for Haggard during both shows on Monday (8/25) and Tuesday (8/26).
“It’s an incredible honor to play on this show and I’m humbled. It’s hard to even find words to describe…this is a career milestone for me and I’m beyond grateful,” shares Janson. “It’s just a few shorts steps from the back door of Tootsie’s where I had my first gig and a lot of hard work later to make it to the Ryman with Merle. A dream come true!”
Continue Reading →
WHAT: The 8th Annual ACM HONORS, as previously announced, is an evening of musical tribute performances and award presentations celebrating the non-televised special honorees and winners from the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, held earlier this year. Tickets priced at $40.00 are available at Ticketmaster.com and the Ryman box office. Continue Reading →
The Americana Music Association expands its festival and conference in its 15th year by announcing its most ambitious and eclectic lineup to date. Anchored by its 13th Annual Honors & Awards show on Wed. Sept. 17 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, the association also adds three-time Americana Group of the Year, The Avett Brothers, to a headlining slot at Riverfront Park on Saturday Sept. 20. Continue Reading →
Charlie Daniels, award-winning, platinum-selling icon, announced today that fellow country artists Justin Moore, Sawyer Brown, Phil Vassar, and Rodney Atkins will join The Charlie Daniels Band for the annual Christmas 4 Kids (a division of Christmas For Kids, Inc) benefit concert taking place on November 25th at the Ryman Auditorium. In addition, Charlie Chase will be on hand to emcee the evening’s festivities. Continue Reading →
Acclaimed songwriter Craig Wiseman’s ninth annual Stars For Second Harvest event, presented by O’Charley’s, raised a record- making $100,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed the hungry in Middle Tennessee. The June 4 concert at the Ryman Auditorium was headlined by Ronnie Dunn, Florida Georgia Line with a special appearance by Nelly, comedian Ralphie May and more. The event, combined with the live auction and several generous donations, helped to make this the most successful fundraising year.
Wiseman exclaims: “When I got the numbers I couldn’t believe we finally did it! Since we started this show in 2005, it has been a goal of mine to get to $100,000 for Second Harvest. With help from all of the artists, and the continued help of O’Charleys, we finally reached that goal this year. Now I am raising that goal to $250,000!!” Continue Reading →
Highlights from the 9th Annual Stars for Second Harvest Benefit at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Matt Williams interviews host Craig Wiseman, and performers include Florida Georgia Line, Ronnie Dunn, comedian Ralphie May and many more!
The Ryman Auditorium was named Theatre of the Year for the third consecutive year on Thursday (Feb. 7) at the 24th Annual Pollstar Awards, held in Los Angeles.
The 2,363-seat Ryman Auditorium was nominated along with five other theatres: Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater Austin (capacity: 2765), Beacon Theatre in New York City (capacity: 2829), Fox Theatre Atlanta (capacity: 4670), Nokia Theatre L.A. Live Los Angeles (capacity: 7100) and Radio City Music Hall New York City (capacity: 6013).
During the past 15 years, the Ryman Auditorium has won the title five times.
Country star Gary Allan has much to celebrate. Last Friday, Allan put his April 17th show at the historic Ryman Auditorium on sale. In just 10 minutes, the show was sold out. The singer added a second show on April 19, which is now also sold out.
When Allan heard the news he said: “This is going to be a special pair of shows for all of us, the Ryman is magic. My team and I have worked hard to get to this moment. I don’t take it lightly.”
It’s an exciting time for Allan who has turned up the heat with the release of his new album, Set You Free (available now on iTunes), on MCA Nashville. The lead single “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)” rocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and has already been certified gold by the RIAA.
