Pictured (L-R): Chris Wallin, Amanda Weeks-Geveden of Regions Bank, Don Sampson, Lisa Harless of Regions Bank, and Tony Arata at the Wednesday Bluebird Cafe early show.
The talk at most of the shows around town during Tin Pan South last night (Wednesday, April 6) was the passing of country legend Merle Haggard, and The Listening Room early show opened with Joe Denim, Jack Ingram, Ray Scott and Natalie Stovall singing “Are The Good Times Really Over.” Lee Roy Parnell, a friend of Haggard’s, teared up when he opened his Station Inn round with “That’s The Way Love Goes.” Jim Collins performed a touching tribute, and many of the writers relayed stories about The Hag and his influence on their songwriting.
Kelsea Ballerini, who led a sold-out show at The Listening Room Tuesday night, returned last night to sing with Dave Barnes and crew. The ASCAP early show with JT Harding, Tracy Lawrence, Hunter Phelps and Trent Willmon at The Hard Rock Café was standing room only, as were both Douglas Corner shows.
Pictured (L-R): Robert Filhart, ASCAP; JT Harding; Trent Willmon; Tracy Lawrence; Hunter Phelps; Rick Huckaby; Michael Martin, ASCAP.
The Bluebird Café saw two sell-outs with Tony Arata, Larry Cordle, Don Sampson and Chris Wallin at the early show and Mac Davis, Scotty Emerick, Leslie Satcher and Bobby Tomberlin at the BMI late show. The packed out room enjoyed many hits by some of country music’s most prolific writers. BMI writer Even Stevens and ASCAP writer Allen Shamblin were also featured as guest performers, hopping up from the crowd to join the round.
During a shoulder-to-shoulder late show at The Country, a new venue near Centennial Park, the round featured Matraca Berg, Brent Cobb, Andrew Combs and Waylon Payne.
Tin Pan South official airline sponsor Southwest Airlines shocked one patron at The Country’s early show last night when attendee Jennifer Alexander won two roundtrip tickets to the Southwest destination of her choice. In a program dubbed “Surprise and Delight,” the airline is set to bring joy to Tin Pan attendees throughout the week.
Friday Night Note: Sonia Leigh has been to the 3rd & Lindsley early show on Friday (April 8) with Granville Automatic, Travis Meadows and Angaleena Pressley.
Pictured (L-R), Standing: BMI songwriter Scotty Emerick, BMI’s Phil Graham, Jody Williams and Bradley Collins, BMI songwriter Bobby Tomberlin. Seated: BMI songwriters Leslie Satcher and Mac Davis.
Tracy Lawrence performed at The Hard Rock Cafe early show with JT Harding, Hunter Phelps and Trent Willmon Wednesday night.
Michael Ray (center) performed at the Hard Rock Cafe late show Wednesday with Jaron Boyer, Jeffrey East and Michael Tyler.
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Reynolds, Dave Barnes, Jim Collins and Wendell Mobley performed at The Listening Room Cafe late show Wednesday evening.
Heaven got Hag & we cant compete, but we DO have these Angels @andrew_combs @matracaberg @Brent_Cobb @WaylonPayne pic.twitter.com/p3hCO4YpEX
— Razor & Tie Pub (@razorandtiepub) April 7, 2016
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
