Artist Pics: Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Matt Nathanson, Craig Morgan, Kelsea Ballerini, Clint Black

NSAI Honors Cole Swindell With Songwriter/Artist Of The Year Award

The NSAI Board of Directors presents the NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year award for 2016 to Cole Swindell at Nov. 14’s board meeting. Cole was unable to accept in person in October.

Jon Pardi, Matt Nathanson Aid Musicians On Call

Capitol Records Nashville artist Jon Pardi and artist Matt Nathanson recently aided Musicians On Call, a nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, as the organization celebrated Veterans Day by performing for veterans and their families and caregivers in 14 VA facilities nationwide.

In Atlanta, MOC hosted Pardi, who took a break from his national Me and My Kind Tour with Kip Moore to brighten the day of Veterans by performing his hit, “Head Over Boots.”

“It was an honor to spend time today with the Veterans who have given so much of their lives and time serving this country,” said Pardi.

Matt Nathanson performs at San Francisco VA Medical Center.

Craig Morgan Honors US Military Veterans During American Stories Concert

Pictured (L-R): Mac Powell, Jodi Cornelison (Record Rack), Tricia English (Folds of Honor), Craig Morgan. Photo: Jerry Hines

Country entertainer, TV host and former soldier Craig Morgan honored United States military veterans over the weekend during his “American Stories” concert experience tour stops in Washington, D.C. and Roanoke, Virginia. Morgan was joined by his daughter Alexandra, Third Day front man Mac Powell, best-selling author (American Wife) and Veterans’ family activist Taya Kyle, and songwriter/producer Phil O’Donnell (“Give It All We Got Tonight,” “Back When I Knew It All”).

Nearly 200 members of the Armed Services and their families were given complimentary tickets to attend the show at Washington D.C.’s Warner Theater courtesy of the USO. The following night at Berglund Center in Roanoke, Virginia, Morgan presented a $20,000 donation to Folds of Honor on behalf of Record Rack® and Tarter. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.

Kelsea Ballerini Wraps First Weekend Of Headlining Tour

Photo: David O’Donohue

Kelsea Ballerini launched her first headlining tour with three sold-out shows over the weekend (Nov. 10 – Nov. 12), performing for fans at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.; the Tennessee Theatre in her hometown of Knoxville; and the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.

Photo: David O’Donohue

 

Don Henley Presents Clint Black With Stephen Bruton Award

Pictured (L-R): Clint Black, Jane Seymour, Don Henley

Clint Black was named the recipient of the Stephen Bruton Award in Fort Worth, Texas, and was presented the award by Don Henley on Nov. 10 at the 10th annual Lone Star Film Festival in Sundance Square.

The award is presented annually to celebrate exceptional artists whose careers include artistic expression in film or television. Previous recipients include Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver, Lyle Lovett, Ray Benson, and Betty Buckley.

“It is incredibly humbling to be recognized for my life’s work, even though it’s still a work-in-progress,” said Black. “Adding to the great honor, the award’s namesake is one of our best loved and most talented musicians and songwriters, Stephen Bruton. I’m so grateful for all of the support that has led to this moment, especially from my fans who have been there for every album and acting gig along the way. And in receiving this honor, I’m especially grateful to Don (Henley) for taking time out of his schedule to be there. His work has had a huge impact on me and it adds some mighty fine icing to an already great moment in my career.”