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NASHVILLE – It was a homecoming weekend filled with firsts for Vere Music singer/songwriter Matt Rogers in Eatonton, GA. He was the first artist to perform three capacity shows on the recently refurbished stage at The Plaza Arts Center. He conducted the first songwriters master class for area music students since TPAC reopened. And he was the first artist to perform for residents of a local nursing home after months of isolation due to COVID-19.
“Honestly, it was a whirlwind, but I wanted to make the most of it,” Rogers said. “It felt great to be home and spend time with the people I care about. Like so many other musicians, I have missed performing for an audience – and there is nothing like a hometown crowd.”
“We could not have scripted a better opening event by hosting Matt’s homecoming,” said Vickie Spivey, Program and Production Director at TPAC. “He was so engaging and captured the hearts of seasoned and first-time patrons here at the Plaza. Matt spoke honestly about his inspiration and the value of being raised here in Eatonton and the impact the people in the audience had on his songwriting.”
AUTHENTIC AS VINYL, SINGER/SONGWRITER MATT ROGERS SIGNS WITH VERE MUSIC
NASHVILLE – Authentic as vinyl, singer/songwriter Matt Rogers chose Carpe Diem classic record store in Franklin, TN, to announce his recent signing with Vere Music Company with distribution through ADA. Pictured (left to right) Vere A&R executive Alyssa Logan, Rogers, and label head Rusty Harmon.
“We are proud of what we are building at Vere Music,” Harmon said. “Matt embodies the spirit of of our mission. He is talented, tenacious, ethical, and has developed an impressive arsenal of brand partners over the years. Our goal is to take all of those qualities to build out his already impressive resume and help Matt realize his full potential.”
The Durango Boot ambassador has reached a growing, global audience with his raw, country-at-heart/blues-in-his-soul style thanks to a weekly residency at Ole Red in Nashville and an extensive tour schedule across the U.S. Known for his energetic stage performance, the Georgia native Is headlining the Georgia Peach Festival on June 12 and will be the first artist to play the revamped theater at The Plaza Arts Center in his hometown of Eatonton, GA on May 6-8.
GEORGE DUCAS LAUNCHES “VALENTIMERS CHALLLENGE” TO HEARTEN ISOLATED SENIORS ON VALENTINE’S DAY
NASHVILLE, TN – Chiseled Country mainstay George Ducas has launched the “Valentimers Challenge” to help hearten seniors who are isolated and separated from family in nursing homes on Valentine’s Day.
Ducas is encouraging people everywhere to create messages of gratitude and encouragement that can be posted to their hometown, senior care facility’s Facebook page or social platforms to be safely shared with residents. He is hoping everyone will encourage their friends and families to do the same by sending a strong, multi-generational message to our elders that they are not forgotten.
Douglas recorded the original versions of these Christmas classics with Jones when they were released in 1991 on cassette tape as It’s Christmas Time Again and he reimagined them for a contemporary, global audience with fresh versions of 11 cuts and two bonus tracks with background vocals provided by the Dolenz siblings, Diltz, Jones’ youngest daughter Annabel Jones, and others.
The “Valentimers Challenge” was inspired by Ducas’ new single “Old Timers,” which is No. 15 and rapidly climbing the Texas Regional Radio Report in his native Texas. The reflective song from his latest album, Yellow Rose Motel, is a well-worn tribute to the people who forged the path we follow today. “Old Timers” honors the “busted-knuckle savior” or a “purple hearted war horse getting older,” teachers and preachers, mothers and fathers who earned every scar, every wrinkle, and every grey hair.
RELIVE THE MONKEES’ HEY-HEY-DAYS WITH PARADE AND THE CREATIVE TEAM BEHIND THE POSTHUMOUS RELEASE OF DAVY JONES’ ACCLAIMED HOLIDAY RECORD, IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME ONCE MORE
NASHVILLE, TN – Relive The Monkees’ Hey-Hey-days with Parade.com and the creative team behind The Monkees and the posthumous release of Davy Jones’ acclaimed holiday record, It’s Christmas Time Once More at 7:30 PM/CT TODAY on the Parade Facebook page. Parade.com is the premiere digital brand of Parade Media, which develops and distributes premium content across digital, mobile, video, and print platforms.
The online event features Monkee Micky Dolenz, studio doyenne Coco Dolenz, noted producer Chip Douglas, and legendary rock photographer Henry Diltz, who were all present for the meteoric rise of The Monkees in the late 1960s, when the TV series won an Emmy and the band charted four No. 1 albums. The creative team reunited for the Nov. 13 release of Jones’ Christmas record, which has been called “wistful and blissed out” by Associated Press. Listen HERE.
Douglas recorded the original versions of these Christmas classics with Jones when they were released in 1991 on cassette tape as It’s Christmas Time Again and he reimagined them for a contemporary, global audience with fresh versions of 11 cuts and two bonus tracks with background vocals provided by the Dolenz siblings, Diltz, Jones’ youngest daughter Annabel Jones, and others.
POP ICON DAVY JONES BRINGS COMFORT AND JOY WITH NEW HOLIDAY RECORD IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME ONCE MORE AVAILABLE TODAY
NASHVILLE, TN – Monkee, pop icon, and consummate entertainer Davy Jones brings comfort and joy to fans around the world with a new holiday record, It’s Christmas Time Once More, available today.
It’s Christmas Time Once More is a Monkees’ creative family reunion with personal ties, rock legends, popular culture, and Laurel Canyon charm.
Jones’ original vocals are enhanced with new arrangements and guest vocals from Jones’ youngest daughter, singer/songwriter Annabel Jones, former Monkees bandmate Micky Dolenz, Dolenz sister and studio doyenne Coco Dolenz, and legendary rock ‘n’ roll photographer Henry Diltz.
MANDY BARNETT PREMIERES MUSIC VIDEO FOR
“I LOVE A RAINY NIGHT” ON WSM’S “COFFEE, COUNTRY & CODY” FEATURING A CAMEO FROM BOOTS, HER POMERANIAN PUPPY
Eddie Rabbitt Smash Celebrates 40th Anniversary on Nov. 8
Barnett Performs on Grand Ole Opry Saturday
NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville Sound chanteuse Mandy Barnett premiered her sweetly nostalgic music video for “I Love A Rainy Night” today on WSM’s “Coffee, Country & Cody.” The video features a cameo from her new Pomeranian puppy, Boots.
“What fun to include my precious baby boy Boots in the video! He’s a natural showoff and loves music, so having him onscreen was a no brainer,” said Barnett. “He was trotting around during the shoot, playing with director Erika Rock while she was filming, so I had to periodically pick him up and sing to him just to get him to leave her alone! Erika captured those moments.”
The song is featured on A Nashville Songbook, Barnett’s debut album for label Melody Place, distributed by BMG. The album, which is a collection of pop and country standards that solidified Music City’s reputation as a creative hub for popular music, is available now.
GLOBAL MUSICAL SENSATION JACKIE EVANCHO SIGNS WITH MELODY PLACE LLC
NASHVILLE, TN – Multi-Platinum vocalist Jackie Evancho has signed a recording agreement with Melody Place, LLC, based in Nashville, TN.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the studio and even more thrilled to be doing it in Nashville,” said Evancho. “I’m very excited for the journey I am about to embark on and to be recording for Melody Place.”
Melody Place was founded by Leigh Shockey and Fred Mollin, notable producer (Jimmy Webb, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Mathis) and President of Melody Place. “To have Jackie on our label is just unbelievably thrilling,” Mollin said. “Since the age of 10, she has held millions of people in the palm of her hand with her exquisite vocals, and Melody Place is so proud to be her new label home. And let’s not forget she’s only 20!”
CONSUMMATE MUSIC INDUSTRY VETERAN NORBERT NIX ASSUMES ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF
TRIPLE TIGERS RECORDS
NASHVILLE – Following the unprecedented success of Nashville-based, independent record label Triple Tigers Records, General Manager and Partner Norbert Nix assumes the role of President. Triple Tigers Records is a Sony Music Entertainment imprint in partnership with Nix, Thirty Tigers, and Triple 8 Management.
An energetic executive, Nix has more than 25 years of experience with major record companies in promotion and artist development, in addition to extensive skill in artist management, booking, publishing, and catalog acquisition. Under his leadership, Triple Tigers Records has signed a boutique roster of critically acclaimed singer/songwriters including Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, Gone West (Colbie Caillat, Justin Young, Nelly Joy, and Jason Reeves), and Cam, who recently joined the label in a first-time partnership with RCA Records New York.
CROSSVILLE NATIVE MANDY BARNETT CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH UNVEILING OF “TENNESSEE MUSIC PATHWAYS” MARKER ON HOMETOWN SQUARE
CROSSVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development honored Crossville native and powerhouse vocalist Mandy Barnett with the unveiling of a “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker at the historic downtown square in her hometown Monday afternoon. Local leaders and Barnett’s family were on hand to mark the special commemoration on Barnett’s birthday. She even blew out the candles on her birthday cake with a handheld fan, followed by an intimate performance at the Palace Theatre. The celebration was an emotional and full-circle journey for Barnett, who started performing at 5-years-old and opened the Cumberland County Fair each year.
“I’m forever grateful to Crossville for the love, cultivation, and support I received all those many years ago and continue to receive,” said Barnett. “I’m a proud Crossvillian and Tennessean. To be honored with a Tennessee Music Pathways marker in my hometown is absolutely thrilling.”
MANDY BARNETT, “A JUDY GARLAND FOR OUR TIME,” RELEASES A NASHVILLE SONGBOOK TODAY ON MELODY PLACE
NASHVILLE, TN – Mandy Barnett, who has been called a “song’s best friend” for her emotional depth and expressive vocal delivery, releases her debut Melody Place album, A Nashville Songbook, today. Available HERE.
Response to Barnett and her thoughtfully curated collection of 13 pop and country standards that helped solidify Nashville’s reputation as a creative hub for popular music, has been overwhelmingly positive including this praise from Hits Nashville Editor and reigning CMA Media Achievement Awards winner Holly Gleason, “She is one of the most amazingly nuanced vocalists…in terms of tone, emotion, interpretation, and technique. A Judy Garland for our time.”
TORCH COUNTRY STYLIST MANDY BARNETT RELEASES NEW MUSIC FROM HER UPCOMING ALBUM, A NASHVILLE SONGBOOK
NASHVILLE, TN – Mandy Barnett has been called a “song’s best friend” for her emotional depth and expressive vocal delivery, and she is in full command of both on her Melody Place debut album A Nashville Songbook, due Aug. 21.
Following the critical acclaim and fan reaction to early album tracks “Help Me Make It Through The Night” and “The End Of The World,” Barnett released “It’s Now Or Never” today.
MORE ARTISTS ADDED TO “GRETSCH PRESENTS GEORGIA ON MY MIND” A ONE-TIME ONLINE CONCERT TUESDAY, MAY 26 BENEFITING THE GEORGIA MUSIC FOUNDATION
NASHVILLE, TN – More artists have been added to the seventh annual “Gretsch Presents Georgia On My Mind” online concert benefiting the Georgia Music Foundation. The streaming fundraiser will be hosted by Georgia-born musicians – artist/songwriter Brent Cobb and Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls – and held Tuesday, May 26 (8:00 PM/ET; 7:00 PM/CT) via facebook.com/georgiamusic and georgiamusic.org.
Joining the lineup are Brandi Carlile, Caylee Hammack, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Kevn Kinney, and Michelle Malone. Artists previously announced include Caroline Aiken, Tony Arata, John Berry, Kristian Bush’s band Dark Water, Amy Grant, Rutha Harris, John Driskell Hopkins, Indigo Girls, Kalen & Aslyn, Chuck Leavell, Kim Michael Polote, Katie Pruitt, The War & Treaty, Jontavious Willis, Channing Wilson, and Adam Wright.
GEORGIA-BRED ARTISTS AND SONGWRITERS UNITE ON MAY 26 FOR “GEORGIA ON MY MIND” A ONE-TIME ONLINE CONCERT CELEBRATING THE PEACH STATE AND BENEFITING THE GEORGIA MUSIC FOUNDATION
NASHVILLE, TN – Traditionally hosted at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, the seventh annual “Gretsch Presents Georgia On My Mind” concert benefiting the Georgia Music Foundation will reach a global audience this year with an online musical event Tuesday, May 26 (8:00 PM/ET; 7:00 PM/CT) hosted by Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls and artist/songwriter Brent Cobb.
Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, and Ben Hayslip, who write hit songs together as the Peach Pickers, initiated and hosted the first “Georgia On My Mind” event seven years ago to support the Georgia Music Foundation, which Davidson chairs. “We never dreamed it would keep going nor that it would eventually send more than $500,000 back home to support music education,” he said. “We’ve had a great run, but Ben, Rhett, and I decided it was the right time to let other Georgia musicians host to keep things fresh and we couldn’t be happier that our friends Brent and Amy graciously agreed to step up to the plate.”
MUSIC INDUSTRY LEADER CLAY MYERS LAUNCHES NASHVILLE MUSIC CONSULTANTS
NASHVILLE, TN – With more than 30 years of experience propelling songs and artists to the top of the charts, music industry leader Clay Myers created Nashville Music Consultants, a boutique consulting agency serving music publishers, artists, songwriters, and production companies.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with virtually every aspect of the industry from publishing and labels to management and touring,” Myers concedes. “And it has never been more important as staffs decrease, and expectations escalate to bring experience and perspective to the table. That’s what I’m ready to provide with NMC.”
TORCH COUNTRY STYLIST MANDY BARNETT RELEASES TENDER, LUSH “HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT
NASHVILLE, TN – Mandy Barnett has been called “a song’s best friend” and she demonstrates why with the release today of the Kris Kristofferson penned “Help Me Make It Through The Night” from her upcoming Melody Place debut album, A Nashville Songbook.
Barnett brings her emotional depth and interpretive skills to “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” which has a deeply personal message that is tender, yearning, and timeless.
“I BELIEVE IN NASHVILLE” CHARITABLE RELIEF TEAM DONATES 24,000 “I BELIEVE IN HOPE” FACE MASKS INCLUDING 4,000 FOR NASHVILLE’S ESSENTIAL WORKERS
NASHVILLE, TN – In the midst of a national scramble to find face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the “I Believe In Nashville” charitable relief team has donated 24,000 “I Believe In Hope” face masks to the cause – including 4,000 for Metro Nashville’s essential work force.
The announcement of the free face masks for Nashville’s essential workers was made today by Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s office. The masks will protect Metro Nashville employees as they work to ensure services and essential systems still run smoothly (the masks will not be used by health care workers or first responders).
“I BELIEVE IN NASHVILLE” CHARITABLE TEAM DONATES 10,000 FREE “I BELIEVE IN HOPE” FACE MASKS
NASHVILLE, TN – With people scrambling to find face masks following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that people wear masks in public spaces, the charitable team at “I Believe In Nashville” donated 10,000 FREE “I Believe In Hope” face masks.
The 10,000 “I Believe In Hope” masks, which were limited to three person, were gone in 90 minutes.
MUSIC INDUSTRY VETERAN WENDY PEARL RELAUNCHES WENDY PEARL PUBLIC RELATIONS, LLC
NASHVILLE – Consummate industry veteran Wendy Pearl relaunches her successful boutique agency Wendy Pearl Public Relations, LLC. With a micro-focus on select clients, her company revolves around helping artists, organizations, and causes develop meaningful narratives and media strategies.
“Being an advocate for the artists and causes I believe has been the foundation of my company,” said Pearl. “A pivotal time for our industry with so many challenges ahead, there are incredible stories that deserve/need to be told. I’m ready to use the experience I’ve gained at major labels, television networks, and CMA to give dimension and context to the creators and music I love.”