Category Archives: Pictures
Kid Rock packs Tootsies 51st birthday~
It may just become a new “family tradition” for Kid Rock and his son Jr. A frequent supporter of Tootsies Orchid Lounge, the rocker joined forces with the legendary honky tonk to celebrate 51 years. After playing a sold out show at the historic Ryman Auditorium, he mingled upstairs at Rippy’s and then jumped on Tootsies’ block party stage with John Stone. His son joined him for his hit “All Summer Long.” Bob gave fatherly lessons to his son, who made his first public stage debut at the party. Kid Rock wrapped up his after party appearance with “Family Tradition,” so appropriate for a Thanksgiving morning.
Marathon Music Works has successful grand opening~
Nashville’s newest music venue, Marathon Music Works held one heck of a grand opening Saturday night. The 14,000 square foot facility was comfortably packed with folks anxious for a taste of the much-needed mid-sized music venue. I love the big deck out back and that there are two bars and two bathrooms, keeping lines short.
Garage rockers The Black Belles kicked off festivities. Mayor Karl Dean praised the venue and compared Rolling Stone Magazine to the bible when mentioning the mags recent claim that Nashville has the best music scene. The Queen of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson headlined the night. The “Fujiyama Mama” put on an awesome show that left the crowd dancing and eager for more. She of course praised Jack White for rejuvenating her career. Jack was hanging most all of the night among the crowd, with drummer Patrick Keeler of The Greenhornes and The Raconteurs. One of my old school favorites, DJ Johny Jackson closed the night out.
The event calender is already filling up! Streetlight Manifesto, Reel Big Fish and OAR are scheduled to perform in the coming months. Congrats to venue owners Chris & Telisha Cobb and Josh Billue!
Gaylord’s 28th Country Christmas lights up the holidays~
Thursday night Gaylord will host it’s 28th Annual A Country Christmas and I’m as excited as ever! The switch will be flipped on the two-million lights and my friends Shrek, Alex the Lion, King Julien, Po the Panda, Puss in Boots and a host of other lovable characters from DreamWorks Animation will be celebrating with us.
After the lighting ceremony I’m off to see the 10th anniversary edition of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the world-famous Rockettes. Friday I will be checking out ICE! featuring Merry Madagascar; the all-new Holly Jolly Town Square; Ginny’s Gingerbread making corner, Shrektacular and more.
A Country Christmas has been hailed as one of the top ten places to spend Christmas in the world. I feel so fortunate to have it in my own backyard! Stay tuned for my video recaps!
MEMPHIS takes on Nashville~
MEMPHIS, the 2010 Tony® Award Winner for Best Musical, opened at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center Tuesday and I had the honor of attending. The play is powerful, emotional and a bit bold as it addresses cultural realities from the 50′s, that some shy away from. Felicia Boswell, who plays the lead female character by her same name steals this show. Not only is she gorgeous, but he voice is so powerful.
MEMPHIS takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50s, where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with everything he shouldn’t: rock ‘n’ roll and an electrifying black singer. MEMPHIS is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves — filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll.
MEMPHIS runs through November 20th at TPAC’s Jackson Hall.
Marathon Music Works Opens
Tuesday night the doors will open to Nashville’s newest music venue, Marathon Music Works. Warren Haynes will be the first show in the event space and concert venue in Marathon Village.
The official grand opening event will be held Saturday at 8 p.m. Mayor Karl Dean will give welcoming remarks and introduce Wanda Jackson (who I love) with special guests The Black Belles and DJ Johny Jackson. Tickets are on sale at www.marathonmusicworks.com.
Streetlight Manifesto, Reel Big Fish and OAR are scheduled to perform in the coming months. I’m excited about this!
Photo: by Chris Cobb
CMA Heavy Hitters Attend BMI Awards~
Tuesday was a big night, before an even bigger night. The BMI Awards were star studded indeed. Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and even Kenny Chesney were among those that came out to pay homage to where the music all starts and that of course is with a song.
Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson share the Songwriter of the Year crown. The close friends and frequent collaborators are part of a songwriting trio known as the “Peach Pickers.” They both contributed five songs to the year’s most-performed, including: “All About Tonight” (Blake Shelton) and “All Over Me” (Josh Turner). “All Over Me” also earned Song of the Year.
Bobby Braddock was saluted as the 2011 BMI songwriting Icon. The man behind George Jones’ hit “He Stopped Loving Her Today” has earned 30 BMI songwriting awards. I caught up with Braddock on the carpet who laughed that if he could get Eminem to perform one of his songs.
Pistol Annies kicked off the tribute with “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”; Blake Shelton delivered “Same Old Song”; John Anderson followed with “Would You Catch a Falling Star”; and LeAnn Rimes was joined by Vince Gill for “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Dozens of fans lined the streets outside BMI headquarters on music row and many of the stars took time to take photos and sign autographs, including Carrie Underwood.
Among those pictured:
Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, Clay Bradley and Jody Williams, Carolyn Bryant, and BMI President & CEO, Carrie Underwood, Bobby Braddock, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Kenny Chesney, Mirnada Lambert, John Anderson performing “Would You Catch a Falling Star” and Brantley Gilbert.
The Judds return home for one last show~
Legendary mother-daughter duo The Judds are wrapping up the final dates of The Last Encore tour. I caught up with the ladies backstage as they performed in their hometown of Williamson County at the historic Franklin Theater. Proceeds benefited the newly renovated movie house on Main Street in the town they’ve called home for more than 30 years. Wynonna talked about coming to the theater as a child and Naomi joked about the pressure of playing in front of her gynecologist. Stay tuned for performance footage and the interview on Yallwire.
With five Grammy Awards and over 60 industry awards, including eight consecutive CMA Awards under their belts, The Judds are one of country music’s most groundbreaking acts. The duo has charted 25 singles on the country charts — 14 of which went to Number One — and has sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
Brad & Carrie are 1st to celebrate a #1 at the Opry~
Tuesday afternoon Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood were the first to celebrate a #1 at The Grand Ole Opry. The party recognized Paisley’s “Old Alabama,” with Alabama, and his duet with Underwood, “Remind Me.”
Later in the night, the two country superstars performed with special guest Alabama at the Opry.
photo by: Joel Dennis
