Author Archive: Sarah Skates
Sarah Skates has worked in the music business for more than a decade and is a longtime contributor to MusicRow.
Festival Fundraiser Memorializes Steele’s Son
The Alex LeVasseur Memorial Skate and Music Festival—the third annual event hosted by songwriter Jeffrey Steele and his family—is set for Sunday, June 28 at Jim Warren Park in Franklin, Tenn. Proceeds will benefit the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund of The Community Foundation, and its scholarship program to motivate kids. The free festival opens at […]
Category: Featured
Strait Adds To Platinum Tally
George Strait’s latest, Troubadour, has been certified Platinum by the RIAA, bringing his career total to 33 different Platinum or multi-Platinum albums—more than any other Country artist. Strait ranks third in all genres, behind only The Beatles and Elvis Presley. More good news for Strait came this morning when SoundScan reported a more than 300% […]
Grammy Changes Reflect Growth of Americana Music
In what Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly calls a “huge shift in the musical landscape,” The Recording Academy announced today that it has changed the name of the Grammy Awards “Folk Field” to the “American Roots Music Field.” The newly renamed Field will now include the Best Traditional Blues Album, Best Contemporary Blues […]
Category: Featured, Organizations
Competition Heats Up on CMT and at Puckett’s
Ten final groups have been selected to compete in CMT’s Can You Duet. They will perform weekly at the Wildhorse Saloon, in front of host Lance Smith and expert judge/mentors Naomi Judd, Big Kenny, and Big Machine Records Pres. and CEO Scott Borchetta, vying for a recording contract with Big Machine. The show premieres Sat., […]
Good First Week For Montgomery Gentry
Montgomery Gentry‘s new Cracker Barrel exclusive album sold over 25,900 copies since its release last week. For Our Heroes set the restaurant chain’s record for first week CD sales, nudging out the previous record holder, Alison Krauss’ 2005 release, Home On The Highways. In addition to being one of the top ten country albums for […]
Big Loud Party
On May 28 the staff of Big Loud Shirt Industries hosted their annual carnival-themed “parking lot” party. Complete with hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and ring pops, most people flocked to the balloon-hat makers for their own unique party favor. More than 300 Music Row friends showed up to party with celebrated songwriter and Big […]
Category: Featured, Publishing
Dierks and CMT Partner For Charity Events
Dierks Bentley’s annual “Miles & Music For Kids” fundraiser is expanding beyond Nashville with the help of CMT One Country. The motorcycle ride and concert featuring Bentley and friends will grow to include six markets in 2009 and 2010, with proceeds benefiting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. As part of CMT’s involvement, “Miles & Music For […]
Paisley Starts American Saturday Night Tour
Brad Paisley will kick off his American Saturday Night Tour this Friday in Charlotte, NC. Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne are special guests on the outing which has more than 40 dates scheduled through the end of October. The run consists mainly of amphitheaters and arenas as well as a stop at New York’s Madison […]
Category: Featured
Free Events Mark Music Festival Opening
The CMA Music Festival will open with a free Kick-Off Parade and Block Party beginning at 2 PM on Wed., June 10. Hosted by Grand Marshal Rodney Atkins, “The Fifth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” will feature artists riding in Chevy vehicles, including Deborah Allen, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Mandy Barnett, Bo Bice, Bomshel, […]
Jackson To Give Free 20th Anniversary Concert
Alan Jackson will thrill fans next week with a free concert marking his 20 years in country music. The performance and party is set for Wed., June 10 at Nashville’s Cadillac Ranch, following that afternoon’s parade kicking off the CMA Music Festival. Industry guests are welcome as well. Doors will open at 6:30 PM. Show […]
Flatts Make Most of Sponsorships
The Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour opens this weekend with shows in St. Louis, Missouri and Indianapolis, Indiana. The band garnered sponsorship from JCPenney which is promoting its affordable, clothing brand called American Living. An associate sponsorship from Hersheys was also negotiated. Also on the tour are Darius Rucker and Cledus T Judd. In […]
