CMT Offices Remain Closed
CMT’s offices in Downtown Nashville remain closed today (5/6) due to flood-related power outages and other damage. CMT spokesperson Lisa Chater tells MusicRow that, although the offices are closed and several of CMT’s TV Trucks were affected, employees are working remotely. CMT promises that television viewers will see no change, with the exception of the frequent flood-related PSAs the network is airing for the Red Cross.
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CMA Escapes Flood Damage
Although some buildings in the area were flooded, Country Music Association’s Music Row offices sustained little or no damage, according to Dan Bowen, CMA’s Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Communications. “I was a bit nervous when I arrived Monday morning that the parking garage might be flooded,” Bowen said. “But we were very lucky. CMA was closed on Monday but reopened on Tuesday. The only damage to the building was a small roof leak in the ceiling in the men’s room. Overall we were very blessed.”
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Country Music Hall of Fame To Re-Open This Weekend
The Country Music Hall of Fame officials have announced that the museum is will re-open to the public this weekend. Due to flooding in Downtown Nashville and the subsequent loss of power, the museum has been closed since Monday (4/3). “We expect power to be restored by Saturday, May 8, at the latest,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “As soon as the lights come back on, our staff stands ready to welcome visitors back to the Museum.”
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Grammy Block Party is a Go
NARAS has announced that the Grammy Block Party is still on for this Tuesday (5/11) and will officially kick off fundraising efforts for MusiCares® Nashville Flood Relief. Emergency assistance already has begun, and 100% of every dollar raised will be immediately distributed to help those in our music community that are victims of the flood. Please visit the MusiCares table at the Block Party or www.musicares.com to donate to MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief. This year’s Block Party will feature musical performances by Darius Rucker, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Steel Magnolia, Plumb and Daily & Vincent. The event will be held at Owen Bradley Park with gates opening at 4:30.
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Reba McEntire has donated $100k to the Nashville Area Red Cross Chapter and is asking everyone to text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the flooding. Many other Nashville artists have asked fans to text and donate as well….
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Lady Antebellum’s current webisode is dedicated to “everyone affected by the recent flooding in Nashville and mid-Tennessee.
Fresh Aire Solutions Offers Free Flood Consultation
Fire and water disaster restoration service FreshAire Solutions is offering free consultation services to businesses and victims of the recent flooding disaster in Nashville. Consultation service will include objective analysis of damage, repair estimates and restoration options, including musical instruments, which can often be salvaged rather than discarded. Fresh Aire owner Ed Ciofani will be in Nashville the week of May 10. Contact him at 239.633.2080 or email him at eciofani@freshairesolutions.net to set an appointment. There is no obligation to hire FreshAire Solutions for any services. Ciofani is donating his time and expertise for those in need. “Country music has always been a big part of my life and my family’s life, too,” says Ciofani. “It’s nice to be able to give back to the Nashville community without any expectations in return. In a crisis like this, my only motivation is to make sure people are educated about their options and to make sure they aren’t being taken advantage of, because I’ve seen it happen so many times before.”
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Britain’s Smart Choice Music Offers International Help
Nashville-based artist manager John Lomax III passed along the following message that Britain’s mail-order music retailer Smart Choice Music sent out to its customers: “Everyone will by now be aware of the devastating floods that have hit Nashville and the surrounding areas. As country music fans with many friends and extended family in Music City our thoughts are with everyone affected. Living several thousand miles away we are left feeling helpless in being not able to offer any practical help. So, the best we can do at this point is try to raise awareness and help with fundraising. We have set up some charity auctions on eBay of a few rare items, and all of the proceeds of these sales will go to the relief fund. Please take a look at our auctions here, and give generously to help the community that is suffering so badly. Alternatively, you can donate to the flood relief directly by visiting the Community Foundation website here.
