Industry Ink: Allison DeMarcus, Chris Stacy, Stacey Blades, WiMN

Allison DeMarcus Named As Monroe Carell Jr. Children Hospital’s Board Chair

Allison DeMarcus

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has named Allison DeMarcus as its incoming Children’s Hospital board chair. She will serve a two-year term, beginning July 1. DeMarcus will succeed Steve Hostetter, CEO of Tri Star Energy, who is completing his term as board chair.

DeMarcus has been a member of the Children’s Hospital board since 2012. She is an active supporter of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Friends of Children’s Hospital through her role as co-executive director of the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant. In addition to her work with Children’s Hospital, DeMarcus is on the board of directors for Cheekwood and the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant. She volunteers for the Nashville Symphony League, Nashville’s Sexual Assault Center, The Women’s Fund, Nashville Humane Association, Make-A-Wish of Middle Tennessee, Second Harvest Food Bank, Nashville Alliance, Chi Omega Fraternity and the Oasis Center of Nashville.

She is the host of two shows on CMT—CMT Southbound and Reel Eats—and works as a correspondent for CMT’s Hot 20.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Allison assume this important role for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Her energy, talent, commitment and presence in the community are enormous assets as we continue to grow the hospital’s mission to serve all children with the highly specialized care that only Vanderbilt can provide,” said Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor for Health Affairs and dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Chris Stacy, Stacey Blades Form Songwriting Duo

Pictured (L-R): Stacey Blades, Chris Stacy

Stacey Blades and Chris Stacy have announced a new songwriting partnership focused on the country and Americana music market. BLADES/STACY, based in Las Vegas, are currently shopping their catalogue of songs in Nashville and Los Angeles.

Blades’ 10 years with L.A. Guns earned him top-shelf guitar player status, while the band’s final album Hollywood Forever, earned him critical acclaim for his fretwork. Stacy is a former Curb recording artist and Sony Tree songwriter who has opened for Dierks Bentley, Dr. Hook, and Rascal Flatts.

“I am really excited to show a different side of my artistic writing with these new songs,” says Blades.

Adds Stacy, “These are songs that will make guys in cowboy hats and girls in cowboy boots want to pull their lighters out and flame them up just like in the arena rock days.”

WiMN To Return With She Rocks NAMM Showcase

Bryce Hitchcock performs during WiMN’s 2015 Summer NAMM Showcase at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville.

The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) will host its third annual She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase onThursday, June 23 at 8:30 p.m. at the Listening Room Cafe. Submissions are now open for women in music of all genres, until May 3. Performers will be announced May 13.

“We’re excited to come back to Nashville for the third year in a row. One of my favorite aspects of our Showcases is to go through the submissions we receive. There are so many talented women out there, and I’m proud to provide them with an opportunity to perform in front of industry pros and fans,” said WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore.

The She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase is sponsored by 108 Rock Star Guitars. An optional $5 pre-sale or $7 door donation is requested. This showcase is open to all ages.