Artist Updates: The Band Perry, Wynonna; Sam Hunt, Grammy Amplifier; We Fest; Dallas Smith

Napa Festival Features The Band Perry, Wynonna & The Big Noise

The Band Perry. Photo: PHOCO/Live In The Vineyard

The Band Perry surprised VIP guests at the 16th music/food/wine festival Live In The Vineyard in Napa, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 7 with a performance at Phifer Pavitt Wine where they previewed new music from their upcoming album. In addition, Wynonna & The Big Noise kicked off the festival on Friday, Nov. 6, at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. The band’s self-titled debut is set for release Feb. 12 on Curb Records.

Wynonna performs with The Big Noise. Photo: Steve Jennings

Grammy Amplifier Program Includes Sam Hunt As Curator

Hyundai and The Recording Academy have announced the fourth annual Grammy Amplifier Program is now accepting submissions through Dec. 16 from artists seeking to further their musical careers.

Three 2016 winners will be selected by Amplifier curators: Sam Hunt, Big Sean, and Lzzy Hale. Entrants’ friends, family and fans can listen and “amplify” tracks to generate plays and social media points through on Dec. 16 in hopes of making the 25 most “amplified” artists. Those semifinalists will continue gathering “amplifications” through Jan. 4 when the t0p 10 will be flown to Los Angeles to participate in a Music Business Immersion Day to educate them on social media promotion, copyrights, and publishing, among other topics. The final three winners will be selected by the curators and announced during Grammy Week in February, each to receive one of three prize packages: a studio recording session with a Grammy-winning producer; an opening slot for a noted artist and/or a series of festival shows; or the filming of a music video with a celebrated director.

WE Fest’s Minnesota Festival Adds Lee Brice, More Artists

Lee Brice, Billy Currington, Gary Allan and Montgomery Gentry have been added to the lineup for the 34th Annual WE Fest at Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes, Minn., from Aug. 4-6. Previously announced headliners include Eric Church, Kid Rock and Tim McGraw.

WE Fest 2016 tickets are available with three-day general admission tickets starting at $139; reserve tickets start at $140; and VIP tickets start at $700. Camping options and more info is available at wefest.com, 800-493-3378.

Dallas Smith Debuts Video with Guns N’ Roses Director

Blaster Records/Big Loud Mountain recording artist Dallas Smith premiered his “Kids With Cars” music video yesterday (Nov. 10) with a 24-hour exclusive on CMT. The project was directed by filmmaker Nigel Dick (Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome To The Jungle”; Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time”).

“Kids With Cars” is the title and lead single from Smith’s EP. On the road, Smith will head out for two weeks on the road with dates on his own and with Keith Anderson and Eli Young Band.