Artist Updates: BCM Awards, Randy Houser, Hunter Hayes

Winners for the 8th Annual British Country Music Awards were announced during the BCM Awards, held Nov. 23 at The Concorde Suite at Heathrow in London. The awards show included the 16 British Awards and four International Awards.

International award winners included Chris Young (International Act of the Year), Eric Church‘s Outsiders (International Album), Brad Paisley‘s “Mona Lisa” (International Song), and Jeff Walker, CEO of The AristoMedia Group (International Services). Walker was presented with his award in advance during a special CMA International Event held during the recent CMA Awards week in Nashville. For a full list of award winners, visit bcmawards.co.uk.

Pictured (L-R): Steve Wariner, Cold River Records’ Katie Armiger and BCMA President, Lee Williams.

 • • •

Randy Houser recently partnered with Eckrich to honor a military family with an evening of surprises on Nov. 22, during Houser’s appearance in Baltimore, Md. as part of Dierks Bentley’s Riser Tour. The event began with Air Force Staff Sergeant Christopher Solso and his wife Clare meeting Houser backstage. Other gifts included a year of free groceries on behalf of Ekrich, as well as an all-expenses paid getaway to Tucson, Ariz., to enjoy a VIP experience at a Randy Houser concert.

Air Force Staff Sergeant Christopher Solso and his wife, Clare, are presented free groceries for a year and a VIP trip to Tucson, Arizona on behalf of Eckrich.

 • • •

Hunter Hayes. Photo: Kristin Barlowe

The CMA Foundation and VH1 Save the Music Foundation recently joined forces to support music education in Roanoke City Public Schools.

Hunter Hayes was the special guest at a ticketed concert showcasing 450 student musicians representing elementary, middle, and high school instrumental music programs in the district. Hayes spoke on the impact of music in his life and the importance of having music education in the schools.

“The CMA Foundation is very proud to be part of this important initiative,” said Sarah Trahern, CEO of the CMA. “We are excited to partner with VH1 to help bring music education programs to students in Roanoke, and hopefully create in these students a life-long appreciation of music.”

The CMA Foundation offered a $100,000 grant. With 17 grantee schools and $510,000 worth of musical instruments donated to date, they have completed restoration of Roanoke’s music programs.