BLAKE AND MIRANDA ENGAGED

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JASON ALDEAN, LADY ANTEBELLUM, TAYLOR SWIFT AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD LEAD THE NOMINEES FOR THE ‘2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS’

In a race too close to call, hot country newcomers and veteran superstars battle for top votes in the final round of the 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS. Leading the way with three nominations each, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are top contenders according to the list of full nominees which was revealed earlier today on CMT.com and People.com.  Following closely behind are Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band with two nominations each.

Joining the Male Video of the Year category for the first time are Jason Aldean and Billy Currington, while Reba McEntire reappears in the Female category for the first time since 2005, despite multiple recent CMT Awards nominations in other categories, including Video of the Year.  Other highlights include Gloriana's first entrance into the Group category, while Steel Magnolia joins Duo and Breakthrough for the first time.

Hosted by Kid Rock, the 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS will air LIVE from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 9 on CMT and CMT.com. Country music’s biggest stars are slated to perform, including Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, with more to be announced.

Fans can vote online at vote.CMT.com through June 8 to determine the winners. The final nominees for VIDEO OF THE YEAR will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com and via text message throughout the live broadcast (ET/CT only) to determine the night’s big winner.
The final nominees in each of the 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS categories include:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.
·         Jason Aldean – “The Truth”
·         Kenny Chesney – “Out Last Night”
·         Toby Keith – “American Ride”
·         Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now”
·         Miranda Lambert – “White Liar”
·         Brad Paisley – “Welcome to the Future”
·         Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”
·         Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Casanova”
·         Keith Urban – “‘Til Summer Comes Around”
·         Zac Brown Band – “Toes”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
·         Jason Aldean – “The Truth”
·         Billy Currington – “People Are Crazy”
·         Toby Keith – “American Ride”
·         Tim McGraw – “Southern Voice”
·         Keith Urban – “‘Til Summer Comes Around”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
·         Miranda Lambert – “White Liar”
·         Reba McEntire – “Consider Me Gone”
·         Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”
·         Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Casanova”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
·         Gloriana – “How Far Do You Wanna Go?”
·         Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now”
·         Rascal Flatts – “Here Comes Goodbye”
·         Zac Brown Band – “Toes”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
·         Brooks & Dunn – “Indian Summer”
·         Steel Magnolia – “Keep On Lovin’ You”
·         Sugarland – “Keep You”
·         Sugarland – “Nightswimming/Joey”

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist's major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)
·         Luke Bryan – “Do I”
·         Laura Bell Bundy – “Giddy On Up”
·         Easton Corbin – “A Little More Country Than That”
·         Steel Magnolia – “Keep On Lovin’ You”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)
·         Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams – “Heaven” from CMT CROSSROADS: BRYAN ADAMS AND JASON ALDEAN
·         Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews – “I’m Alive”
·         Kellie Pickler featuring Taylor Swift – “Best Days of Your Life”
·         Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins – “Hillbilly Bone”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
·         Lady Antebellum – “Lookin’ For A Good Time” from the 2009 CMT MUSIC AWARDS
·         Reba McEntire – “Consider Me Gone” from INVITATION ONLY: REBA
·         Tim McGraw – “Southern Voice” from INVITATION ONLY: TIM McGRAW
·         Brad Paisley – “Then” from the 2009 CMT MUSIC AWARDS
·         Carrie Underwood – “Temporary Home” from INVITATION ONLY: CARRIE UNDERWOOD

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Best video director of the year; awarded to the director for his or her body of work from the past year
·         Deaton Flanigen (award eligible videos include: Jason Aldean’s “The Truth” and Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home”)
·         Chris Hicky (award eligible videos include: Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar” and Justin Moore’s “Small Town USA”)
·         Shaun Silva (award eligible videos include: Kenny Chesney’s “Out Last Night” and Rascal Flatts’ “Summer Nights”)
·         Roman White (award eligible videos include: Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” and Kellie Pickler’s “Best Days of Your Life”)



SPEAKING OF BLAKE SHELTON...

Blake Shelton will be giving his fans a unique opportunity when he plays a free show in Evansville, IN, at Robert’s Stadium on Wednesday, May 26.  Shelton’s year has been amazing with his first Academy of Country Music Award, his highest charting album debut, a No. 1 single with "Hillbilly Bone," which marks his sixth number one, and now his live concert in front of his fans will be filmed.

Shelton will be playing past hits and unreleased material that will be a part of a LIVE SHOW to be released later this year. Tickets will be available through 99.5 WKDQ in Evansville, IN, and The Country Station, 92.5 WBKR in Owensboro, KY, or you can go to BlakeShelton.com for up-to-date ticket information.

"I have been incredibly blessed this past year and cannot thank my fans enough for all their support. This free concert is one small way I can give back to all of my fans that have given me so much over the last ten years," said Shelton. "If you decide to come out to Evansville, IN, be ready to have a good time -- I want this to be a night none of us will ever forget."

ERIC CHURCH TO PERFORM UNPLUGGED AND UNSENSORED

In the midst of a spring and summer tour that has earned praise from the Tennessean, Village Voice, Philadelphia Inquirer and Washington Post, Eric Church will headline the Outlaw Stage of the Country Throwdown Tour.
For the Country Throwdown dates, which also feature Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, and Little Big Town, among others, Church and his band will perform a very rare, intimate “Unplugged and Uncensored” show of which no two performances will be the same. Church’s special sets will begin at 5:25PM (subject to change) at the Outlaw Stage in the Festival Area of each date and will feature the same energy as the super charged shows for which Church is known. The Country Throwdown Tour will travel through 23 cities from May14 – June 20.

“I wanted to do something special for this tour to add to the outdoor, tailgate-like atmosphere and give the Throwdown fans a unique and intimate experience,” Church says of the unplugged performances. “Who knows, we may even try out some new songs I’m working on for the new record.”

BRADY SEALS & NET MUSIC PROMOTIONS LAUNCH
THE BRADY SEALS “BEEN THERE, DRUNK THAT”
VIDEO TRIVIA CONTEST

Brady Seals’ video for his latest single, “Been There, Drunk That,” has been receiving spins on GAC, CMT Pure and numerous websites including Yahoo!, Roughstock.com, UrbanCountryBlog.com and many others.  He recently teamed with Net Music Promotions to offer fans a chance to win some cool prizes - including Brady Seals merchandise and one grand prize of a Play Station 3 – simply by watching the video and answering trivia questions.  To enter, watch the video on your favorite country music website, then visit The Brady Seals Video Contest Site and answer the questions listed.

Contest begins May 10th with drawings held on May 14 (10 winners), May 28th (10 winners), June 11 (10 winners), June 25th (10 winners), July 9 (10 winners) and July 16 (Grand Prize drawing – 1 winner).  Limit 1 entry per person. Winners will be notified by email.

Questions include:
    • How many musicians are performing on stage?
    • How many cans are left in the six-pack that Brady tosses onto the ground?
    • Which beverage is Brady sharing with the girls in the limousine?

TIM AND FAITH HOST BIG NASHVILLE BENEFIT

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BRAD PAISLEY AND ALAN JACKSON TAKE THE OPRY STAGE

This past weekend, Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson appeared on the Grand Ole Opry during the Opry’s first weekend of shows since being temporarily displaced from the Opry House due to flooding. The shows were held at the Opry’s most famous former home, the historic Ryman Auditorium. Paisley played on Friday evening and Jackson on Saturday-- each along with a full cast of other Opry members and special guests.
“It’s time to rally, and that’s exactly how it feels,” Paisley said.  “I see why tonight, our performance at the Opry is maybe more important than the first time I ever played it.”
The Tuesday Night Opry May 11-- also scheduled for the Ryman-- will include Opry and Hall of Fame member George Jones, Opry member Martina McBride, and many others.

MORE OPRY PERFORMANCES
Opry performances through June 4 will be at the Ryman Auditorium (116 5th Ave. North) unless noted below:
May 14, 15, 18: Two Rivers Baptist Church, 2800 McGavock Pike
May 22: War Memorial Auditorium, 301 6th Ave. North
June 1: Jackson Hall, Tennessee Performing Arts Center,  505 Deaderick Street
Continuous updates on venues for Opry performances until the show returns to the Opry House can be found on opry.com as well as via Opry Facebook and Twitter updates. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year and on Tuesdays through Dec. 14. The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.

KE$HA HELPS OUT NASHVILLE'S ANIMAL  FLOOD VICTIMS

AP reports that Pop star Ke$ha flew into Nashville from New York early last week and saw the damage before her plane touched down.
"I looked outside and I saw lakes, except for in the middle of the lake there would be a roof. I was a little confused," she said in a phone interview.
After her mom picked her up, she heard on the radio about the number of animals in need of help, so they went straight to buy 1,000 pounds of dog and cat food and delivered it to a local animal shelter. Ke$ha feels so strongly about helping Nashville rebuild, she's planning abenefit concert at Limelight on June 16.
"It's my home. I don't know anything else. It's the place I come to help me feel all right and grounded," she said. "This city has helped nurture me as a musician ... I owe a lot to this place, which is why I'm taking it so close to heart and trying to help people realize the magnitude of the situation."

CHRIS YOUNG NOW HAS A STRING OF TWO #1 SONGS

Chris Young makes it two in a row this week as “The Man I Want to Be,” the title track to his latest album, becomes his second consecutive #1 single.  Young continues to be red-hot on the radio, as he finds his name atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart twice in a mere seven months, following the smash success of “Gettin’ You Home” this past October.
 
With the news, Young shared, “I was excited when I got my first #1, but having two back-to-back like this is mind-blowing.  I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it, and I’m so glad that country radio has loved it as much as I do.  It’s just an amazing feeling looking at the top of the chart and seeing my name.”
 

ZAC BROWN  BAND LAUNCHES LETTERS FOR LYRICS

Grammy award winning Zac Brown Band & Ram Truck Brand launched their "Letters for Lyrics" campaign at a RAM dealership near the band's home base in Marietta, GA this past Friday.

The campaign will serve to rally people to write 1 Million letters for servicemembers stationed abroad and in return ZBB/RAM will reward each letter writer with a "Southern Ground Compilation" CD featuring three new ZBB songs.

Photos from the launch: http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=431709&nbc1=1
Zac's interview with the local news:http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/23486762/index.html

JAMEY JOHNSON ADDED TO STAR STUDDED LINE UP FOR 10th ANNUAL
READING, WRITING AND RHYTHM BENEFIT CONCERT JUNE 8

Jamey Johnson has just been added to the star-studded line up for the 10th Annual Reading, Writing and Rhythm benefit concert on June 8 at TPAC’s James Polk Theater in Nashville, TN at 8 PM.  The concert will be raising money to benefit music education programs nationwide.  Other artists confirmed for this CMA Music Festival unofficial kick-off event include Rodney Crowell, Bucky Covington, Justin Moore, Buxton Hughes, Jann Arden, and Reading, Writing & Rhythm's Founder, Chely Wright.  Tickets are on sale now and are available for purchase here.

The evening is guaranteed to be filled with surprise guest appearances; live on-stage auction items and a silent auction all benefitting Reading, Writing and Rhythm, The Chely Wright Foundation.  For more information on Reading, Writing and Rhythm click here.



WYNONNA JUDD ADDS PERSONAL TOUCH TO NEW PRODUCT LINE AT CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE



Wynonna Judd has found a new home for her creative talents: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.   A special collection of retail products, personally selected by Wynonna, will be available at all Cracker Barrel locations starting May 24th.  The products reflect the savvy and successful lifestyle of a woman who is recognized as one of country music’s most accomplished artists.

“I think that Cracker Barrel represents everything that the Judds stood for: family, food and fellowship.  I love the rocking chairs and I feel really good when I go to Cracker Barrel,” said Wynonna. “When we talked about a Wynonna collection of retail products for Cracker Barrel, I wanted items that women would see as useful in their everyday lives. All of our selections are high-quality, too.  It’s like my mother said, ‘do it right, or don’t do it at all’.”

CMA TO DONATE ALL PROCEEDS OF 2010 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL TO FLOOD RELIEF IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE AND MUSIC EDUCATION IN METRO NASHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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OWNER OF SOUNDCHECK NASHVILLE UPDATES STATUS FOR CLIENTS

Statement from Ben Jumper - Owner, SoundCheck Nashville

Over the weekend of May 1-2, 2010, SoundCheck Nashville sustained extensive water damage from unprecedented floodwaters that have never been seen before in Music City. As owner of SoundCheck Nashville for the past six years, I have always regarded the storage and safety of our artists’ and our facility’s equipment as my highest professional priority.  Unfortunately, due to the rains and several days of subsequent flooding, some of that equipment has suffered significant damage.  I am still in the process of reviewing the extent of that damage, and have arranged for artists to begin inspecting and loading out their equipment in the next several days so that our facility can be professionally cleaned and repaired.  In the meantime, our Los Angeles and Austin-based sister company, Center Staging, is working with us to provide our 600+ artists with as many available resources as possible.  I thank everyone for their patience and concern as we begin the arduous task of recovering from this historic disaster.  For more information and blog updates, please visit www.SoundCheckNashville.com.

SOLES 4SOULS TO DONATE SHOES TO HELP NASHVILLE  FLOOD VICTIMS

Soles4Souls Inc., the shoe charity, usually responds to natural disasters around the world. Today, however, the charity is working overtime to provide free shoes, water and other items to people in its hometown of Nashville.  Heavy rains and floodwaters caused 30 deaths and ruined thousands of homes in Middle Tennessee.

Soles4Souls unveiled a three-stage relief plan, beginning with a massive distribution of 85,000 new pairs of shoes at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.  On Monday, May 10, from 3pm - 7pm, staff and volunteers from Soles4Souls will be at the Fairgrounds providing free shoes to anyone in need.  On Tuesday, May 12, the Fairgrounds will be open from 10am - 2pm.  On both days, the distribution will be held under the Show Arena Pavilion and will feature men's, women's and children's shoes.

"This is shaping up to be the worst natural disaster in Nashville's history, and we are committing all available resources and manpower to help our friends and neighbors get back on their feet," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls.  "We need volunteers to join us at the State Fairgrounds and provide free shoes to people coming for help.  We are thankful for the Tennessee State Fairgrounds for allowing us to use their facilities to help Tennesseans in need," he said.

Elsey said the second stage of the relief project would take place at the charity's World Headquarters, at 319 Martingale Drive, Old Hickory TN, 37138 (behind the McDonald's on Old Hickory Boulevard in Old Hickory).  Soles4Souls will be handing out bottled water, Gatorade, and food to residents in need.  The "drive-thru" distribution will be held on Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15.

The third stage of the relief plan will come as Elsey and his team members launch a sustained giving campaign, which will include children’s products, for Middle Tennessee throughout the rest of the year.  "Because of our partnerships with a variety of non-profit agencies around the country, we'll be able to provide a wide range of ongoing support for our neighbors in need," Elsey said.

To learn more about Soles4Souls, or to volunteer with the charity, visit www.giveshoes.org <http://www.giveshoes.org/>  or call 615-391-5723.




GRAND OLE OPRY SUPERSTARS ALAN JACKSON AND BRAD PAISLEY ADDED TO THIS WEEKEND’S OPRY SHOWS

Hall of Fame Opry Member George Jones Scheduled for Tuesday Night Opry

Grand Ole Opry superstars Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley today added to the artist line-ups for this weekend’s Opry shows. Temporarily displaced from the Grand Ole Opry House because of flooding that impacted Nashville and Middle Tennessee, the Opry will play this weekend at its most famous former home, the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville.

“When we said ‘the show must go on’ after this week’s flooding, Brad, Alan, and the Nashville community obviously agreed wholeheartedly,” said Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manager. “We are excited about keeping the Opry tradition alive with some spectacular upcoming shows. As Opry member Marty Stuart said at our first show since the flooding, ‘Our family, our songs, and our spirit live on.’”

Also today, Country Music Hall of Fame member George Jones added his name to the list of those appearing at the Tuesday Night Opry May 11, also at the Ryman Auditorium.

Among others confirmed for upcoming Opry and Opry Country Classics performances are Eric Church, Charlie Daniels Band, Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Charley Pride, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Steve Wariner.

Updates on venues for Opry performances until the show returns to the Opry House can be found on opry.com as well as via Opry Facebook and Twitter updates. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year and on Tuesdays through Dec. 14.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD PLAYS ON CMT ALL WEEKEND WITH THE EXCLUSIVE WORLD PREMIERE OF HER NEW VIDEO “UNDO IT” BEGINNING FRIDAY, MAY 7

Carrie Underwood takes over CMT this weekend for the exclusive world premiere of her brand new video, “Undo It.” The video, which features live performance footage from her “Play On Tour,” is scheduled to debut during a half-hour special CMT PREMIERES: CARRIE UNDERWOOD “UNDO IT” that includes music videos and interviews with Underwood about her recent album Play On, premiering Friday, May 7 at 1:30-2:00 p.m. ET/PT. The half-hour special will repeat throughout the weekend, and “Undo It” will be available on demand at CMT.com Friday morning.
 

CHESNEY FINALLY GETS TO FLOODED HOME

Kenny Chesney was interviewed by Anderson Cooper on CNN yesterday regarding the flood of the century that has devastated  Nashville and surrounding areas. Kenny said it wasn't easy getting to his home near the Cumberland river, "I was curious but wasn't able to go there until today because the road leading to my house was under 5 feet of water. We finally got through there to my  property, I was on this John boat with a little motor and I  couldn't believe it...because I have 40 acres on the river and I didn't know what to think, I was numb to it all...but you know, Anderson, I lost a lot but near as much as a lot of people. I've been effected by this tragedy but there's a lot of people in Nashville that are really hurting. The things I lost I can replace. But, there have been people that have lost their lives and their livelihood,"

Cooper also admitted that the national media, including CNN, was very slow in picking up on the magnitude of the disaster in Tennessee, admitting that the preoccupation with the bombing attempt in New York had diverted their attention. Cooper promised that CNN was heading to Nashville today giving the damage and cleanup story a priority on the network.
Kenny said, "I"m glad you said that you guys are coming to Nashville to let the world know that people are hurting because we need the world's help right now. It's a  really sad thing to see. It's people that we know, people that we love and I feel the people in this town are a really tight community and it's just sad to see it happen."

When Anderson asked what people could do Kenny said, "I'm telling everybody at radio stations and on my radio station that I have, to  give what they can and people have lost everything...people just need the bare essentials here in Nashville..you can give money to the Red Cross because people need tooth brushes and tooth paste. It's amazing the impact this storm has had on the city and there's a lot of musical landmarks that mean a lot to a lot of people in this country. And, it's not only touched the music industry it's touched tourism, it's touched the sports industry and so many things that's been affected and I really appreciate you talking about it and having me on because so many people need to know that the city is hurting in a way that I've never seen it before."

NOTE: KENNY'S HOME LIKELY TO BE CONDEMNED

Kenny Chesney is one of thousands in Nashville sifting through waterlogged memories after floodwaters consumed his home this week.
It's likely his house will be condemned after water rose past the first floor.
Chesney's gym is ruined. He also lost all of his sports memorabilia, including items from when he was in high school as well asprofessional sports items and pictures with friends who are athletes.
Chesney was in another state working on a project when the flooding happened over the weekend. Cleanup is under way and people are working to assess the damage.



MEANWHILE BACK TO BUSINESS, CHESNEY IS EXCITED ABOUT HIS GREATEST HITS II ALBUM THAT INCLUDES "AIN'T BACK YET"

The song featured in the Summer in 3D, “Ain’t Back Yet,” is just one of the many songs on Greatest Hits IIthat echos a moment from Kenny’s life. The superstar ”can look at every song and tell you why I wrote a specific song or why I recorded that specific song.” Now, Kenny is back to making music that means something to him, and to his fans.

“I look at the list of songs on this Greatest Hits II record and I know why they mean something to me. I mean, I can look at every song and tell you why I wrote a specific song or why I recorded that specific song. Each song takes me to a relationship or takes me to a breakup or it takes me to new love, old love. It takes me to a night onstage when people were singing one of these songs back to me so loud that I couldn’t ever have dreamt it, you know?”


CHRIS YOUNG LOVING TOURING WITH HIS IDOL ALAN JACKSON

On the road with Alan Jackson, Jackson fan, Chris Young couldn't be happier. “If I could go back in time and like see myself as a kid, you know, singing along to Alan Jackson records, and be like, ‘Man, you have no idea. You’re gonna open for this guy one day.’ I probably wouldn’t believe myself. Just to be honest. I mean, this really is one of those things that is such a big deal. As an artist when you list, you know, who did you open for, who have you been on tour with, and I can actually list someone that, that is a huge influence on me as an artist, you know, as well as one of my favorites, being able to go, ‘Yea, I’ve been out on tour with Alan Jackson.’ That’s going to be a big thing for me.”

KEITH URBAN ON CNN REGARDING LOSSES AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN NASHVILLE FLOOD

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BECCA WALLS AN EXAMPLE OF RADIO'S COMMITMENT TO HELP OUT

Our colleague, Becca Walls, WKDF Radio, and co-host of The Country Vibe with Chuck and Becca on WTVF-Nashville Newschannel 5+, is an example of how radio has mobilized to help provide information to the public. She sent along this account to us,  "Soundcheck Nashville, the music rehearsal, storage and rental facility located on Cowan St. near the Cumberland River, is flooded. It's just been hectic, as you can imagine.
I had some minor water damage to my place, but nothing compared to what so many other people are going through.  I am very fortunate and very grateful.  But the radio station turned into a hub of information and I have been non-stop from 5am when I get up til 1am when I've been going to bed.  Needless to say, I am exhausted. But so is everybody else."

In addition Clear Channel has pulled out all stops in Music City, Clear Channel Nashville is holding a daylong radiothon today (5/4) to benefit local flood relief efforts. All five stations in the cluster (WSIX, WRVW, WLAC, WNRQ, WUBT) will be simulcasting, with on-air talent from each outlet sharing hosting duties until midnight. Proceeds will go to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's Tennessee Disaster Response Fund.

HOW TO HELP OUT IN NASHVILLE'S FLOOD TRAGEDY

The City Paper is keeping a running list of charitable initiatives to help flood victims. The MusiCares staff wants to remind everyone of their willingness and ability to help those in the music community affected by the recent floods. Call them at 615-327-0050, or toll free at 877-626-2748 or visit www.musicares.com.

OPRY HELD LAST NIGHT

As promised the Grand Ole Opry obeyed the old saw, "The show must go on," and on it went last night at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville.
Marty Stuart kicked off Tuesday night's show, saying,  "That's what we do at the Opry."
The evening was a welcome event after a harrowing three days when floodwaters killed dozens, destroyed thousands of homes and flooded some of Nashville's most well-known attractions.

CMA FESTIVAL TO GO ON IN SPITE OF FLOODING

From Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors

“We have had a lot of inquires about the status of 2010 CMA Music Festival after the devastating flood that hit Nashville over the weekend.  Our first thoughts and prayers are with the people of Middle and West Tennessee who have endured so much tragedy and heartache during these last few days. CMA Music Festival is Nashville’s signature music event, which brings in more than $22 million in direct visitor spending to the City each year and supports music education in Metro Nashville public schools. We have every intention of holding the event as planned June 10-13 in downtown Nashville. We cannot think of a better way to help our local economy at this time of great need than to continue the 39-year tradition of CMA Music Festival.”

KEITH URBAN’S NEW SINGLE “I’M IN” IN  THE HUNT

Keith Urban's new single "I'm In" IS now "in" the hunt for chart success and fan participation.
 

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MIRANDA LAMBERT TO EXTREME MAKEOVER

Miranda Lambert will appear this upcoming weekend she appears on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Add to all that, Miranda and her mom, Bev, are featured in Country Weekly’s Mother’s Day issue — which hit stands today. Miranda and her mom talk about how they are able to work together as a team and the importance of keeping family close.

GRAND OLE OPRY MOVES THIS WEEK’S SHOWS TO OTHER NASHVILLE VENUES DUE TO FLOODING

Due to heavy flooding in Nashville, including the Grand Ole Opry Entertainment Complex, this week’s Grand Ole Opry performances have been moved from the Grand Ole Opry House to other Nashville venues. The Tuesday Night Opry performance scheduled for May 4th will take place at the War Memorial Auditorium, 301 6th Ave. North, Nashville, Tenn.  Weekend performances will move to the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Thursday’s performance of Opry Country Classics will remain at the Ryman as previously scheduled. Show times for all shows remain at 7:00 p.m. Both the War Memorial and the Ryman are former homes of the Opry.

The Opry House suffered damage as a result of the record-breaking rains anod subsequent flooding in Nashville.  The last time the Opry had to relocate was in 1975 to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium, just one year after the opening of the Grand Ole Opry House.  That move was also caused by Cumberland River flooding.
“While we ourselves are shaken by the impact of the flooding of the Opry House and throughout the area, it is important that Nashville’s most treasured tradition continues with this week’s shows,” said Grand Ole Opry Vice President Pete Fisher. “We look forward to coming together both as the Opry family and as a great American city just as we have every week for nearly 85 years. Our hearts go out to all of those affected in the Middle Tennessee area.”
The Opry Call Center is temporarily out of service, and other operations on the Opry Entertainment Complex including Opry backstage tours and the Grand Ole Opry Museum, have been temporarily suspended.  It is too early to determine how long Opry operations will be impacted at this time.
Fans, including those planning to attend this week’s shows, can stay updated on everything happening in response to this week’s flooding at opry.com. Photos and video will also be posted as they become available on Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT THE FLOOD COUNTRY AIRCHECK REPORTS

 "The sheer scale of the devastation and the awesome power of water can be difficult to comprehend, even when seen up close.
The Grand Ole Opry is flooded, as the picture attests. As of late afternoon, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum had 5.5 feet of water in the basement. Water had risen to the third row of seats in the Ford Theater. The Bridgestone Arena’s floor surface is submerged. LP Field looks more like a rectangular, four foot pond than a football field, plus the locker rooms and media areas are completely filled with water.
And, The Schermerhorn Symphony Hall basement is almost filled.
The Opryland Hotel has eight to 10 feet of water inside. The downtown Hilton was being evacuated. Much of the downtown area near the river is underwater and the Cumberland River is expected to crest tonight at 52.5 feet – more than 12 feet above flood stage.



COUNTRY AIRCHECK SAYS COUNTRY RADIO CAN HELP OUT

"Country radio nationwide have asked how they can help. For now, the best options seem to be the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's Flood Relief, the American Red Cross and – for those close enough to physically pitch in – Hands On Nashville. And because folks need some comic relief from the news, we bring you this enormously popular video of WTVF-TV/Nashville meteorologist Charlie Neese diagramming exactly what happened to Music City."

HALLMARK CHANNEL PRESENTS ‘DOLLY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF DOLLYWOOD’

Hallmark Channel will honor a musical icon, Dolly Parton, and celebrate the anniversary of one of the country’s most popular theme parks when it televises the Hallmark Channel Original Special, “Dolly Celebrates 25 Years of Dollywood,” Friday, July 3 (8 p.m./ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT). The one-hour special, presented exclusively on Hallmark Channel, features the 45-time Grammy® nominee (seven wins) and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee in a musical tribute taped at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN, and featuring some of the brightest stars in country music.

For the Hallmark Channel Original Special, Parton’s guests will include Miley Cyrus (“The Last Song,” “Hannah Montana”), Billy Ray Cyrus (“Christmas in Canaan,” Back to Tennessee), and multiple Grammy Award winner Kenny Rogers (the Parton/Rogers hit Islands in the Stream  remains the #1 duet of all-time).  The special also includes tributes for Dolly and Dollywood from friends -- Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, and others.

SAMMY KERSHAW TURNS POLITICIAN

Sammy Kershaw, a Republican from Lafayette, has announced his candidacy for Lt. Governor of the state of Louisiana.  Kershaw, known as one of country music’s greatest talents, has spent almost 25 years promoting the state of Louisiana throughout the world and is now running to provide leadership for the office responsible for a driving force of the Louisiana economy – tourism.
 
“This is the ‘Real People Campaign.’ I am running for the average, hardworking citizens of this state, who are tired of career politicians and political insiders using this seat, and their taxpayer dollars, as a place to bide their time until they can run for some other position.   The primary responsibility of the Lt. Governor is to serve as Louisiana’s Ambassador.  This job is about introducing the unique people, culture and heritage of this state. I have been in the promotion business my entire career and no one is more qualified to do this job than I am.  It’s time the people have someone in this position who not only can do the job, but wants the job,” said Kershaw.