Category Archives: Events
Celebrating Chris Young’s #1 “You”
Chris Young celebrated his 5th #1 hit, “You” with a soiree at the CMA offices in Nashville. I caught up with two-time CMA Award nominee to chat about the song, how he plays a gas station hunk in the video and about touring with Miranda Lambert. Songwriter Luke Laird was also on hand to chat about how he and Chris wrote this song the first time they met and what we can expect to hear from him next.
Nashville Film Festival sets another record year!
It’s sad to say that another Nashville Film Festival has come and gone. This year I got to see more movies than ever, attend several parties and even check out a panel. I wish this festival was year round! I know there are nearly 27,000 other people out there that would agree, as another record attendance was reached. There is no way I could go over all of the educational, inspirational, artistic hours that were crammed in this past week so I put together a few of my favorite highlights.
The 2012 festival kicked off with Tennessee in the spotlight. The Nashville rollergirls (Hell or Highwater) skated on to the red carpet keeping things classy in their dresses, I also chatted with Eddie George (He Aint Heavy) and Bill Brummell (Erasing Hate).
Nicole Kidman, Lizzy Caplan, Beth Grant, Carrie Preston, Famke Janssen, Blayne Weaver and Natalie Morales walked the NaFF Red Carpet Saturday. The Evolution of Women Behind the Camera panel saw a sold out crowd as well as the screenings of The Godmother of Rock & Roll, Louder Than Love and Hollywood to Dollywood.
Lee Ann Womack, Mark Chesnutt, Jeannie Seely, Beegee Adair, Mandy Barnett and others came out Wednesday night for Hank Cochran: Livin’ for a Song.
I caught up with my boys Old Crow Medicine Show Thursday night as their film Big Easy Express closed out the week.
The 43rd annual Nashville Film Festival presented by Nissan wrapped with a closing night party at the W.O. Smith School and the announcement that the The Intouchables and Beauty is Embarrassing grabbed the two major Southwest Airlines “Freedom to Choose” Audience Awards.
Check out some of the weeks highlights and interviews in our video above!
Ticket Giveaway: Uncle Kracker
Over the next week, I am going to give away 4 pairs of tickets to Uncle Kracker‘s upcoming show at the Cannery Ballroom. You will have to check back to this post regularly for the questions and your chance to win.
Initially known for his role as DJ in Kid Rock‘s Twisted Brown Trucker band, Uncle Kracker made a solo debut with 2001′s “DOUBLE WIDE.” Fueled by his #1 hit, “Follow Me.” He will perform May 8th at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville with Sonia Leigh and Ty Stone.
I recently interviewed Uncle Kracker at CRS. Check out our interview above and the 7th person to Email me the answer to the following question will win the first pair of tickets.
1. What does he make fun of me for wearing?
Email me by clicking here! or stephnthecity@gmail.com
UPDATE: Gloves is correct. Congrats to Monica for winning. Stay tuned there will be 3 more opportunities this week!
2nd day giveaway! Be the 8th person to email me the correct answer to the following question and win!
2. What was he driving when it snowed and he was pulled over in Nashville?
UPDATE: Yukon is correct! Congrats to Ruby for winning. Stay tuned for 2 more opportunities to win this week!
Thursday: 3rd day giveaway! Be the 5th person to email me the correct answer to the following question and win!
3. Uncle Kracker only came to town for one day, because he had to prep for his tour. I asked what can we expect from it. What was his response? Watch the video above for the answer.
Friday Final Question! Be the 7th person to email me the correct answer to the question below and win a pair of tickets to his show. You can find the answer in the video above!
4. How many days did Uncle Kracker have to prep befor heading out on his tour?
Email me by clicking here! or stephnthecity@gmail.com
Nashville film fest kicks off with Tennessee in the spotlight~
The 43rd annual Nashville Film Festival kicks of Thursday with another packed week of awesomeness. This year, Tennessee films and film makers will shine in the spotlight as the festival hosts “Tennessee First.” Festival organizers say there are more local films showing than ever before. Beauty is Embarrassing, The Story of the Nashville Rollergirls, Music City Underground and Erasing Hate are a few that put the Volunteer State on the cinematic map. Some of the actors and filmmakers will be on Thursday nights red carpet.
Academy-award winning actor Nicole Kidman is among those taking part in a panel discussion Saturday afternoon. Kidman, who produced, in addition to starring in, 2010’s acclaimed “Rabbit Hole,” will join actors-turned-directors Famke Janssen (“Goldeneye,” “X-Men” Trilogy), Carrie Preston (“True Blood,” “Doubt”) and Beth Grant (“Sordid Lives,” “The Artist”), who have all directed films in the festival, for “The Evolution of Women Behind the Camera.” Tickets for the general public are $25 and are available online at nashvillefilmfestival.org.
The red carpet will be rolled out again Saturday night for BRINGING UP BOBBY director Famke Janssen (“Goldeneye,” “X-Men” Trilogy), THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID director Carrie Preston (“True Blood,” “Doubt”) and THE PERFECT FIT director Beth Grant (“No Country for Old Men” “The Artist”); 6 MONTH RULE writer, director and lead actor Blayne Weaver, with cast members Martin Starr (“Party Down”, “Freaks and Geeks”) and Natalie Morales (“Parks and Recreation”, “Wall Street 2″); QUEENS OF COUNTRY’S actress Lizzy Caplan (“Mean Girls,” “The New Girl”) and more.
“BIG EASY EXPRESS” a documentary and concert film featuring Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Old Crow Medicine Show and Mumford & Sons will close out the night with a free showing at Centennial Park.
It’s not too late to buy a week long pass to the festival or you can buy single movie pass tickets. There is also a long list of events going on at some of Nashville’s music venues, visit nashvillefilmfestival.org for more information because there is no way I cold tell you ALL of it!
Keith Urban, Ashley Judd, Brooke Hogan & more seen in the city!
It’s been another exciting week in this little, big town known as Music City. Keith Urban has been a busy bee, but he’s not the only one out and about in Nashville this week.
Things kicked off Monday with soundcheck for We are All for the Hall. I got to chat with Keith & Vince Gill about the 3rd annual event. If you missed my story on WKRN you can see it by clicking here . After our chat I stood beside Charles Kelly of Lady A while Little Big Town sang with Keith & Vince on back up. It was an “only in Nashville” moment indeed.
From there I was off to talk to actress and activist Ashley Judd. Judd looked pretty pink and didn’t shy from reporter questions, despite being bashed earlier by media claiming that her face looked “puffy.” We caught up at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel where she was speaking at the Power of the Purse luncheon. Judd chatted with us about the possibility of another Missing series and how she would have some control over the future content. She also talked about how much she loves fighting in the series and how Yoga helps her with her mean moves. Oh and that her hubby race car drive Dario Franchitti thinks it’s hot!
Tuesday morning, Keith surprised his Monkeyville fan club members at the Country Music Hall of Fame with an acoustic performance. I caught up with some of the fans at the hall. You can watch that story by clicking here!
Tuesday night at the star studded We are All for the Hall benefit, the legendary Merle Haggard and Don Williams made surprise appearances to support the cause. Guests were also surprised when Vince Gill asked Keith to become an official Opry member on stage. You can see highlights of the show by clicking here!
Wednesday night, Bobby Pinson got nearly a dozen of his pals on board to play Lucy’s Country Cafe and raise money for wounded troops. Heidi Newfield, Rhett Akins, Pam Tillis and Jake Owen were among them. Chuck Wicks even made a surprise visit on stage. Stay tuned for my story and performance footage on Yallwire.
Wednesday Keith was at it again, this time celebrating his latest #1 song You Gonna Fly with songwriters Preston Brust, Chris Lucas and Jaren Johnston at Chappy’s on Church. His wife Nicole Kidman also came out for the bash and in true Keith form, he played the song for guests.
Thursday night Hulk Hogan‘s daughter and reality TV star Brooke Hogan was seen hanging with a music row insider. Could this mean there is a country album in the works for Brooke? Hmmmmm… I wouldn’t be surprised. The Hulk himself made an appearance at Direct insurance corporate office in Nashville Friday. Hulk is in town for the Lockdown at Municipal Auditorium Sunday.
Some lucky music fans got to enjoy privately taped shows this week with Kix Brooks and Keith Urban for some upcoming TV shows. Stay tuned!
Thanks to my readers for the skinny. If you see any celebs out and about Email me by clicking HERE!
Dolly, Kenny Chesney & Kris Kristofferson among gala attendees~
From WKRN:
The T.J. Matrell Foundation honored five people during its fourth annual honors gala at the Hutton Hotel Monday night. The event recognized songwriter Kris Kristofferson, music executive Joe Galante, Gaylord Entertainment Company Chairman and CEO Colin Reed, Nashville Predators Co-Owner Tom Cigarran and deputy vice chancellor for health affairs and CEO of Vanderbilt Health system Dr. C. Wright Pinson.
Country Music stars were on hand to help present the awards including, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton and Kenny Chesney. Emmy Lou Harris, Ronnie Dunn and K.T. Oslin performed. Vince Gill hosted the awards.
“I know all these people being honored,” Gill said. “I’ve known them for most of my life and I am here to cheer them on.”
According to a news release, the T.J. Matrell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS.
Specifically the foundation funds novel and early-stage research projects at leading hospitals. The foundation supports research that can be quickly transitioned from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside.
The event also featured a silent and live auction. The sold out affair was attended by more than 400 people and raised more than $400,000 from ticket sales alone.
You can watch the piece from News 2 by clicking HERE!
Heart of Tennessee: A Musical Journey kicks off on General Jackson~
All aboard! If you have never stepped foot on the General Jackson Showboat, know that the view alone is worth the ticket price. I love cruising by our city scape and under our bridges that are staples of our city. Now there is even more of a reason to see what all of the rage is about, the 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat is featuring a new show that is bound to not only entertain, but also educate guests. Journey down the Cumberland River with the new evening show, Heart of Tennessee: A Musical Journey. No doubt this performance takes you on a “journey” down the ‘Musical Highway,’ featuring music born in Tennessee.
With the three stars of the Tennessee State flag on display, a cast of seven singers backed by a full band performs songs from bluegrass to soul, gospel and country music. The journey starts with songs by some of our historic music greats and leads up to those artists that make Nashville known as Music City today. You can catch tunes by Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Hank Williams, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood and many more.
A Tennessee-inspired meal of Braised short ribs and a chocolate chess tart with Jack Daniels spiked seasonal fruit is also included in your three hour cruise.
Heart of Tennessee: A Musical Journey runs through Nov. 11, 2012. Tickets start at $91.42 plus tax for adults and at $62.11 plus tax for children ages 4-11. Children ages three and younger are free. For more information visit generaljackson.com
Fashion takes center stage in Music City~
Nashville Fashion Week, a city-wide celebration of Nashville’s thriving fashion and retail community, kicked off Tuesday. Featuring local, regional and national design talent in fashion events and shows, the five-day event encourages both Nashville residents and visitors alike to explore the city’s diverse fashion and retail spaces with promotions, partnerships and workshops.
“People are coming from all over the country to come to Nashville. We like to say that fashion doesn’t have a zip code and I think Nashville fashion week proves that,” fashion week media relations head Cindy Wall told Nashville’s News 2.
Wall said all of the money raised at the event will go to support the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund, which financially supports local designers to further their career.
“Fashion is not just beautiful clothes. It’s about our industry our local economy and all of the folks who make a living in the fashion industry,” she explained. .
Some of the clothes showcased will be in local stores around the city.
Local designer Amanda Valentine is back for her second year. She came up with a 15 piece collection in three weeks.
“It’s just a showcase for me, I just want to show it off and it’s also a personal creative challenge,” she explained.
Traver Rains is also back for his second year. He made the journey to Music City from Los Angeles.
“I love doing shows outside of New York and L.A. because I like to bring the essence of two different places,” Rains told Nashville’s News 2.
Nearly 30 local boutiques are also hosting daily events and deals to support Fashion Week. A percent of sales at participating stores will go back to support the fund
Nashville Fashion Week runs through Saturday, March 24. Visit NashvilleFashionWeek.com for complete details.
If you don’t see the video above click HERE!
Garth Brooks among 2012 Hall of Fame inductees~
Country superstar Garth Brooks, singer Connie Smith and keyboard player Hargus “Pig” Robbins are the newest class of inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame. I covered the announcement Tuesday morning at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville for WKRN. The three will be honored with a ceremony later this year.
I had the chance to speak with all of the day’s honorees. You can watch my extended interviews by clicking here. I also talked with Kix Brooks, who announced this years noms and Trisha Yearwood who was on hand to support her hubby. Trisha said she and Garth are in talks of touring together in a couple of years.
Congrats to all three on reaching the top honor in Country music!
