NEIL HAISLOP'S NASHVILLE IQ: Events leading up to the 39th Annual CMA Awards tomorrow night have already accomplished part of their goal to raise the awareness of country music in this major market area. Every local news cast has given even the preliminary functions on-air time and talked about the upcoming CMA awards. Chatting with local citizens in restaurants and shops, you find they are also aware that country has come to town and, more importantly, they’re glad of it.
A good example of the local interest came from the Nashville songwriter’s performance at the legendary, hip Joe’s Pub, Sunday evening.
The sold out crowed was dominantly locals coming to take the measure of the top Nashville songwriters participating, Brett James, Matraca Berg, Jessie Alexander, Amee Mayo, Chris Lindsey, introduced by Bob DiPiero, plus, special appearances by Jon Randall and Jeff Hanna. All turned in great performances, that were warmly received by the audience of New Yorkers that cheered wildly to hear Jon Randall and Jessie Alexander perform his “Whiskey Lullaby,” and Jeff Hanna, backed up by wife, Matraca Berg on, “Bless the Broken Road.” It was tangibly obvious that the level of Nashville talent in that room was on par with that of a city that is the greatest vortex of creativity in the galaxy.
The Grand Ole Opry came to town as well for a performance TONIGHT at Carnegie Hall. THIS MORNING, THE OPRY will be at the NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, with Gaylord Entertainment Company Chairman & CEO Colin V. Reed, joined by Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell and Grand Ole Opry Member Trisha Yearwood, invited to Ring The Opening Bell at 9:30 AM ET.
The Grand Ole Opry's historic Nov. 14 return to Carnegie Hall (tonight) in celebration of its 80th Anniversary is sold out, but millions of country music fans will have the opportunity to witness that night's performances next year when the show will be broadcast on Great American Country (GAC). The Opry and the cable network have signed an agreement to make GAC the exclusive television broadcaster of "Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall," a special performance occurring in New York City on the eve of the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards which will also be held in New York. The show will air as a two-hour broadcast on GAC in March 2006. 650 WSM-AM, Sirius Satellite Radio, and www.opry.com will broadcast the show live Monday night, the first time an Opry performance has been broadcast or recorded at Carnegie Hall. Some of country music's biggest names are set to appear on the Carnegie Hall stage including Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Bill Anderson, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ricky Skaggs, Charley Pride and Martina McBride.
"This event will no doubt write a great new chapter in Grand Ole Opry history," said Steve Buchanan, senior vice president of media and entertainment for Gaylord Entertainment. "We are very excited that the magical evening created by the combination of this incredible line-up of artists and these two American icons, the Opry and Carnegie Hall, can be enjoyed by country music fans on GAC next spring."
MEANWHILE…CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Keith Urban was surprised during areception today at the Australian Consulate General in New York City,with the Association's International Artist Achievement Award. "Keith has had an outstanding year and is a tremendous ambassador forCountry Music around the globe," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "He is very deserving of this award and it was a pleasure to present it to him in the company of his countrymen at the Australian consulate."
Formerly the International Touring Artist Award, the award recognizes outstanding achievement by an artist who contributes to the awarenessand development of Country Music outside North America. Previous winners include Dolly Parton, Dixie Chicks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain and Trisha Yearwood.
Urban headlined a 10-show sell-out tour in Australia this year before visiting England, Germany and Ireland for a promotional tour andshowcases. He also opened for Bryan Adams on his UK and Ireland tour and recently completed his solo UK tour. He is a Country artist with aninternational focus and is destined to develop a global fan base.
Kenny Chesney talked frankly with People Magazine about marital event this year, expressing how hurtful it has been for both him and Renee Zellweger. And, he says they’re both trying to get beyond the dissolution of their marriage and move on. "What I did in May, I meant. Isn't it great that that kind of love exists? I'm sad, I'm angry, and I'm hurt and confused. This is not what I envisioned my life to be six months ago," he admits. "Renée and I still care about each other," he says, adding that they've gotten together a few times in the past two months to try to sort some things out. "This is not a me-vs.-her scenario. We are trying to figure it out in the classiest way possible." MEANWHILE..Kenny channeled his energy into finishing his THE ROAD AND THE RADIO CD that is expected to sell HUGE when figures are announced today. Plus, he’s getting ready to be the Opening performer for TUESDAY’s CMA Awards.
Tim McGraw will be Hononary Chair at the Tug McGraw Foundation Gala - look for performances from the Warren Brothers, Hot Apple Pie and the Dancehall Doctors. While in NY, Tim will be doing some Flicka related business as well. His camp tells us he’s gearing up for a big year in 2006.
Remember the report, 3 weeks back that Toby Keith had to interrupt his movie shooting because his son Stelen had been injured when he crashed his 4 wheeler? Initial reports stated Stelen had not been seriously injured. But, according to the Tennessean, Toby’s son was badly injured.Stelen, fractured his skull, lacerated his liver, damaged an adrenal gland and broke a tooth. He also experienced short-term memory loss and was in a hospital intensive care unit for a week. Stelen is better now, but it may be another six weeks before his liver is fully healed. Toby had to play a little catch up with his filming schedule and will begin soon to finish the soundtrack album for “Angel From Montgomery,” and a new studio album all due out by year’s end.
Gretchen Wilson will end the year on the road with Big & Rich Dec. 30th in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. She’ll take a couple weeks for a breather, then launch her Redneck Revolution Tour 2006 on January 18th, in Dallas, Texas. Joining her as opening acts will be Van Zant and Blaine Larsen.
Alabama, will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at the CMA Awards tomorrow night. And, in case you don’t have all this historical group’s hit music, RCA/Legacy will release a 3 disc Box Set of Alabama Music on January 31st. The collection is titled “Livin’ Lovin’ Rockin’ Rollin’”.
Contact Neil Haislop: 323 857-0760
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