40th Annual GMA Dove Awards

The world's top Christian and gospel music artists are heading to the Grand Ole Opry for the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards on April 23. Desiring to engage fans and artists with the message behind the music, the American Bible Society has teamed up with the Gospel Music Association (GMA) as the official charity of the Awards.

"GMA is excited to partner with the American Bible Society again this year to connect fans and artists with the true meaning behind the music," said John W. Styll, president and CEO of GMA. "While music has the ability to inspire generations, we know ultimate success comes from God's Word transforming lives."

Hundreds of video stories from GMA artists can be found at ShareYourStoryNow.org -- a site where people can post personal stories and see how others are exploring, engaging and experiencing the Bible. The site contains numerous videos of musical artists who have shared their favorite verse or what the Bible means to them. From Feb. 18 - March 23, 2009, fans who posted a story of how the Bible has impacted their life were automatically entered to win tickets to attend the GMA Dove Awards. This year's winner, Angel Higgs, will get the opportunity to interview several gospel artists at the Awards for the Web site.

The American Bible Society's book Scriptures from the Heart (2008) gives another inside look at how the Bible has impacted the music of popular GMA artists. The book's second edition, Scriptures from the Heart: Refuge (available April 18), connects artists' songs to their inspiration: God's Word. The 28-day devotional guides readers through stories by their favorite Christian recording artists including MercyMe, Sara Groves, Matthew West, Casting Crowns, Mandisa and Salvador. Complimentary copies of Scriptures from the Heart: Refuge will be available during GMA Week and at ScripturesFromTheHeart.com while supplies last.

"We are always looking for new ways to engage younger generations with God's Word," said Dr. Joseph Crockett, special assistant to president, American Bible Society. "As the official charity of the GMA Dove Awards we have the opportunity to engage fans in the message of the Bible found in the music they already love."

Playboy Model Search Comes to Nashville

Playboy magazine is headed to Nashville on a multi-city tour, casting for potential models.

The outfit made famous by longtime publisher and now weathered media icon, Hugh Hefner, charges fees from $20 to $60 to be seen.

A $19.95 fee gets models a personal interview and test photo session. Higher fees bring an “I posed for Playboy” t-shirt and up to 25 unretouched photos from the test session.

Website for more info is: www.playboycastingcalls.com.

Sessions are next Tuesday and Wednesday at the Sheraton Music City Hotel, 777 McGavock Drive.

Indie Artist Niko Defines New Music Biz Model - Forgoes Traditional Label Route, Gives Music Away for Free Online

Indie recording artist Niko Papasideris has chosen to forego the traditional music business model, rejecting a major label deal and opting instead to give away his music online for free.

Known simply as "Niko," the Greek artist and Nashville resident has posted 20 of the most popular tracks from his four releases at www.NikoOnline.com for free download.

"My vision has always been to make a positive difference in the world through music," says Niko. "I decided to remove the biggest obstacle that was keeping the world from hearing my songs - money."

The international singer has developed an impressive following, particularly overseas in Europe and Asia. His Myspace page averages nearly 5,000 plays a day, largely as a result of viral marketing and word of mouth exposure. The response to his online initiatives has been so encouraging that he recently rejected a major label record deal from Warner Bros. in Greece.

"We were honored to receive an offer from such a prestigious label, but ultimately we felt that the old music business model doesn't lend itself to a new-millennium artist like Niko," says Niko's manager, John Walker. "So much of his vision revolves around breaking down barriers between artists and fans and working to develop a new paradigm."

The prolific artist is currently recording his fifth album, an as-yet-untitled collection of "Newgrass" remixes of new and previously released Niko material. The project features an array of veteran Nashville musicians: Andy Leftwich and Cody Kilby (Ricky Skaggs), Rob Ickes (Blue Highway, Alison Krauss) and Byron House (Sam Bush), among others. A number of the new tracks are slated for an early summer release, followed by a European tour.

Niko is currently focusing his marketing efforts overseas in countries like France, Greece, the United Kingdom and China, although he has landed a number of songs in local and national television ads. His indie hit "The Sun the Moon the Stars" was featured in the national "Star 129" diamond ad campaign, and local Nashville residents will recognize him from the infectious Rivergate Dental "Joy, Joy, Joy" television ad, which has now expanded to a co-op of sedation dentists.

Great Big Shows Acquired by Co-Creator of Bonnaroo Festival

Bonnaroo Festival co-creator AC Entertainment has acquired Great Big Shows, a Nashville entertainment company

Ashley Capps, president of Knoxville-based AC Entertainment, says the merger will strengthen his company’s presence in Nashville and offer more resources for event creation, management and production nationwide.

"Our business is continuing to grow, and this move positions us for the next phase as we develop new event concepts and grow the management side of our business," Capps says in a release.

Rick Whetsel, owner of Great Big Shows, says he and Capps have collaborated on several projects of all sizes over the last 10 years. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Great Big Shows has produced shows such as Nashville’s Dancin’ in the District and Vanderbilt University’s Rites of Spring. It’s also produced, Atlanta’s On the Bricks and Live on Penn in Washington, D.C.

The first major Nashville event under the new venture is a co-headliner concert featuring the Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic at Riverfront Park Oct. 14. Tickets for the event go on sale Friday.

Consumers Denied Choice to Buy Wine at Grocery Stores in Tennessee

Consumers will have to keep buying their wine in liquor stores, after the sponsor of the bill to allow wine sales in grocery stores withdrew the legislation from consideration today.

Rep. David Shepard, D-Dickson, told a House subcommittee he could not muster the votes to pass the bill this year, but the bill is likely to come up again next year.

The Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association has led the fight to allow wine sales in their stores under the umbrella group Red White and Food, which has gained numerous supporters through online and social media networking.

The group, which has garnered much public support for the measure, says allowing grocery store sales would provide a convenience to consumers and boost wine sales in the state.

However, the support wasn’t deemed strong enough to ensure passage of the bill against its opposition — liquor wholesalers and wine retailers.

2009 LIVE IT UP! Downtown Nashville Home Tour

On Sunday afternoon, April 19, the sixth annual LIVE IT UP! Downtown Home Tour will showcase urban living. This event is hosted by the Nashville Downtown Partnership and the Nashville Civic Design Center.

Downtown is a great home address. Across the country, contemporary urban living is a popular choice for empty-nesters, young professional and others. This event provides an inside look at unique and exciting opportunities for downtown living right here in Nashville. When you see the variety of housing options, the convenience and style, and this diverse, dynamic city neighborhood, you will understand why downtown Nashville is the place to call home!

At the LIVE IT UP! Downtown Home Tour on April 19, experience the exciting urban environment, the unique architecture and the contemporary developments available or on the way. From true lofts to luxurious spaces....panoramic views...floor to ceiling windows...unique floor plans....original historic elements left in the design...you'll see it all downtown!

Ticket Price: $10 (cash or check only-except for advance on-line purchases).

You must show your ticket to enter any of the properties on the tour, and for free shuttle rides or free parking at designated lots.

The event will be held rain or shine. No refunds.

Advance tickets may be purchased (cash or check) at the following two locations (M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) from April 1 through April 17:

Nashville Downtown Partnership
150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite G-150
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone: 743-3090

Nashville Civic Design Center
138 2nd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: 248-4280

Tickets may also be purchased (cash or check only) on the day of the event (Sunday, April 19, beginning at 11:30 a.m.) at the following locations:

MAIN CHECK-IN STATION
Church Street Park
6th & Church Street (across the street from the Main Public Library)

KENNY & COMPANY
303 11th Avenue South
Across from Velocity Information Center in The Gulch

TERRAZZO
700 12th Avenue South

Self-Guided Tour
You may visit the tour sites in any order and at your own pace between 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m.

Click here for the tour route map, hard copies of the map are also available at both the Nashville Downtown Partnership and Nashville Civic Design Center.

A map of the route will also be included in the tour guide booklet, which every participant will receive with his or her ticket purchase.

Tour Stops
1) Bennie Dillon, 700 Church Street
2) Cumberland Penthouses, 555 Church Street
3) Art Avenue Lofts, 231 5th Avenue North
4) The Kress, 239 5th Avenue North
5) Lofts at the Exchange, 309 Church Street
6) Church Street Lofts, 305 Church Street
7) Phoenix Lofts, 207 3rd Avenue North
8) Noel Court Lofts, 214 3rd Avenue North
9) Terrazzo, 700 12th Avenue South
10) ICON, 600 12th Avenue South
11) Velocity, 300 11th Avenue South
12) Encore, 301 Demonbreun Street

Parking and Shuttle Service
Metered parking is free downtown on weekends.

FREE parking in the downtown core will be provided to ticketholders by Premier Parking at 5th and Church - next to McKendree Methodist Church. All downtown tour stops are within easy walking distance of this free parking site.

If the lot is full, additional parking is available at the Library Parking garage (entrances off of 5th and 6th Avenues).

In the Gulch, FREE parking will be provided at the ICON (600 12th Avenue South) and at Terrazzo (700 12th Avenue South).

The Partnership's PARK IT! Express shuttles will loop the tour route. This limited shuttle service is FREE to ticketholders.

Mike Farris Releases SHOUT! LIVE Capturing Soulful Rocker's Inspiring Performances

Soul-stirring rocker Mike Farris releases Mike Farris SHOUT! LIVE, a collection of live recordings from the Sunday Night Shout series at the legendary Station Inn in Nashville. Featuring the McCrary Sisters and the Roseland Rhythm Revue, Mike Farris SHOUT! LIVE captures the energy, power and emotional conviction that has become synonymous with a Mike Farris performance. The album will feature songs from four nights of recording during the fall of 2008 and will be released on both vinyl and CD on April 14th by INO/Columbia records.

The Sunday Night Shout series showcases Farris' passionate blend of soul, gospel, American folk, and rock, and it has become a wide-reaching platform for the testimony he preaches through his vibrant music. In his own words Farris says the mission of the Sunday Night Shout is "...To provide musical manna to the hearts, souls, and minds of the good people of Nashville and beyond...Our wish is for every person to leave us on Sundays to go back into the world feeling excited, delighted, and loved." The Sunday Night Shout has become a must-see event in Nashville and will take up residency once again at the iconic venue in March.

The selections on Mike Farris SHOUT! LIVE range from vulnerable and mournful to joyful and celebratory, full of struggles and ultimately healing. These intimate recordings feature powerhouse vocals and funky, solid grooves that pull you into the soulful environment of friendship and fellowship. As Farris says, "Church is the people, the music, a warm and comfortable place for humans to connect with each other and with God." The Sunday Night Shout series certainly epitomizes this redefined notion of church, which is undoubtedly why people from all walks of life and all religious backgrounds have found themselves caught up in the spirit and emotion of Farris' music and performance.

Like all great artists, Farris transcends boundaries. His career kicked into hyper-drive after a poignant rendition of "Green, Green Grass of Home" at the 2007 Porter Wagoner Tribute during the Americana Music Festival & Conference. In 2008, Farris was named the Americana Music Association's New/Emerging artist of the Year. Music luminaries including Buddy Miller and Marty Stuart are raving about Farris, the former hard rocking frontman for the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, and his music has been embraced by AAA radio, the Gospel Music Channel and the Americana format.

While continuing to blend his rock and folk roots, Farris also found himself drawn to ancient spirituals and sacred songs of old. Driven by his own life experiences, he wanted to capture the strife and struggle for peace that can only be found in what he calls, "Music with dirt on its feet and sweat on its back. Weathered by the elements. Music birthed into this world by the sound of our souls declaring this life for its own!" Combined with his electric stage performances, it is this distinctive and gut-wrenching sound that has turned Mike Farris into an artist with whom so many fans connect.

Farris' rousing and spiritual live shows have won over thousands of fans and his reputation as a force of positive energy continues to grow. Farris has again been invited to appear at the Strawberry Festival in Yellowstone National Park in May, as well as at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June. This summer Farris will also perform at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival for the second year in a row and in August he will be opening for the incomparable Patti LaBelle at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Mike Farris SHOUT! LIVE offers a taste of this unique live experience and gives listeners a chance to be a part of the undeniable energy and spirit that surrounds Mike Farris.

Mike Farris Upcoming Tour Dates

4/14/2009 - Grimey's In-Store - Nashville - TN
4/17/2009 - Imperial Theatre - Augusta - GA
4/19/2009 - Station Inn CD Release Party - Nashville - TN
5/08/2009 - The Roadhouse Concerts at Savannah's - Greensboro - GA
5/09/2009 - The Roadhouse Concerts at Savannah's - Greensboro - GA
5/23/2009 - Strawberry Music Festival / Camp Mather - Yosemite - CA
6/11/2009 - Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival - Manchester - TN
6/19/2009 - Liberty Hall - Lawrence - KS
6/21/2009 - Telluride Bluegrass Festival - Telluride - CO
7/04/2009 - High Sierra Music Festival - Quincy - CA
7/05/2009 - High Sierra Music Festival - Quincy - CA
8/06/2009 - Heritage Place Ampitheater - Conroe - TX
8/07/2009 - Antone's - Austin - TX
8/14/2009 - Snowbird Resort - Salt Lake City - UT
8/15/2009 - Snowbird Resort - Salt Lake City - UT
8/16/2009 - Snowbird Resort - Salt Lake City - UT
8/19/2009 - Hollywood Bowl - Hollywood - CA

The CREATURE COMFORTS CONCERT

The CREATURE COMFORTS CONCERT

Wednesday, May 6
The Belcourt Theatre
Pre-Concert Party: 5:30
Concert: 7:30

The CREATURE COMFORTS CONCERT featuring singer/songwriters Matraca Berg, Gretchen Peters, Suzy Bogguss, Maura O'Connell, Ty Herndon, Hunter Davis and special guests.

The concert will feature two "in the round" sets. First, critically acclaimed award-winners Suzy Bogguss, Gretchen Peters and 2008 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Matraca Berg will perform individual hits and ensemble songs. Their Belcourt appearance will be one of their last stateside, before the trio embarks on their Wine, Women and Song tour throughout the United Kingdom.

The evening's second set features Irish-born folk singer Maura O'Connell, Ty Herndon, Hunter Davis and special guests. Singer Maura O'Connell, a Nashville audience favorite, has performed since she was a child, singing a variety of musical styles from traditional Irish tunes to Nashville country. Ty Herndon has charted a total of 17 singles on Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including three number ones: "What Mattered Most," "Living in a Moment," and "It Must Be Love." Songwriter Hunter Davis, whose songs have been recorded by Kim Carnes, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson and others, wrote "On My Way Here," the current Clay Aiken single. Many of Davis' songs have been featured in films and television.

Proceeds from the concert will go toward the purchase of much-needed new seats for the 1925 Theatre. Belcourt has raised over $37,000 to date towards their $65,000 goal.

Ticket options include:

$200 Seat for a Song Package (includes two concert & pre-concert party tickets)
Purchase this package and get them one seat closer to their goal!

Package includes:
- Two concert tickets
- Two party tickets where you can enjoy food, drinks and fun before the concert
- Concert Poster signed by the artists
- Reserved VIP seating for the concert

$100 Half a Seat for a Song Package (includes one concert & pre-concert party ticket)
Purchase of this package gets them 1/2 a seat closer to their goal!

Package includes:
- One concert ticket
- One party ticket where you can enjoy food, drinks and fun before the concert
- Concert Poster signed by the artists
- Reserved VIP seating for the concert

$33.20 Concert only ticket (one dime for each of their 332 seats to replace!)

Charlie Daniels Receives Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award From MTSU

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) officials presented legendary musician Charlie Daniels with the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award, an honor presented to a businessperson who has demonstrated the best of the spirit of America through significant contributions in government, education, and/or civic and charitable organizations. MTSU's Executives-in-Residence program presented the award at an invitation-only luncheon held on campus Wednesday, April 8, in the Tennessee Room of the school's James Union Building.

"Charlie is a successful businessman with more than 50 years in the music business and a working ranch," MTSU Dean of Business Jim Burton said. "He has dedicated considerable time and talent to entertaining and building the morale of American servicemen and women, and he never fails to honor their service and dedication. He is a most worthy recipient of the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award."

26th Annual International Country Music Conference to be Held May 21-23 at Belmont University

The 26th annual International Country Music Conference will be held May 21-23, 2009 at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

The event features appearances by some of the top historians and scholars in country music and includes presentations of The Belmont University Book Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award and The Charlie Lamb Awards. This year's conference will also include special panels on legends Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, as well as address the topic of how to define country music.

The panel "Defining Country Music: What It Is and Does It Matter" will be hosted by Dr. Don Cusic, author of "Discovering Country Music," Ronnie Pugh, author of "Ernest Tubb: Texas Troubadour," Dr. Jocelyn Neal, author of "The Songs of Jimmie Rodgers," as well as Dr. Erika Brady and Dr. Patrick Huber.

"The leading scholars in country music will be in Nashville for this conference," says ICMC co-chair Don Cusic. "We'll have panels with authors and writers who have written significant books and articles on country music, as well as contributors from Australia and other parts of the world. For those who study and teach country music, this is the place to be."

Special papers on Hank Williams will be presented by Jim Murphy, Tom Wilmeth and Colin Escott. Additionally, Barry Mazor, Dr. Tim Wise, Dr. Anthony Lis, Dr. Jocelyn Neal, Dr. Nolan Porterfield and Dr. Catherine Davies will present papers on Jimmie Rodgers.

The event will be co-chaired by James Akenson and Cusic. Registration is $100 and checks should be sent to James Akenson, Box 5042, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN, 38505.

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