Category Archives: Shows
Music City studio helps Super Bowl halftime show become reality
NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The Super Bowl halftime show is talked about just as much as the game itself and this Sunday, some of what viewers will see was created in Music City.
LMG Design Studio in Nashville has spent the last eight months working to make Madonna‘s performance dreams a reality.
Industry veteran Ken Gay heads up the local studio.
“Super Bowl, for me, is about eight months of my life played out in 12 minutes,” he said.
Gay has worked with artists like Cee Lo Green, Drake and Dolly Parton in the past year alone.
The studio on Broadway is designed to provide a hands-on environment for clients to brainstorm and discuss creative ideas with the latest live entertainment technology.
If you don’t see the video above click HERE
Ryman Auditorium stage to host final bow this week~
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It’s time for a new stage at Ryman Auditorium, a significant moment in the history of a building known for its significant moments.
Scuffed by the heels of “The King,” ”The Queen of Soul” and thousands of singers in cowboy boots, scarred by an uncountable stream of road cases and worn by six decades of music history, the Ryman’s oak floorboards have reached the end of a very long, very successful run.
“It’s an exciting time, I love it. I mean this place deserves the best of everything,” Ryman General Manager Sara Williams told Nashville’s News 2.
The current stage is just the second in the 120-year history of the “Mother Church” after the original was installed in 1901 for a performance of the Metropolitan Opera. It was laid down in 1951 and has lasted far longer than expected.
“We really do our best to preserve the integrity of this building for folks now and for folks down the road,” Williams explained.
The Ryman is still the building most associated with The Grand Ole Opry, though it moved to the Opry House in 1974, and has hosted a number of significant moments in American culture.
Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash stood together on those boards and changed music. Cultures clashed there too when the boo birds took on country rockers The Byrds. Today the Ryman is a much sought-after destination point for musicians of all genres and many shows take on a unique aura.
Keith Urban who is making his return from vocal surgery, will be among the last performers on the stage when the Opry plays its final winter date Friday at The Ryman.
Dierks Bentley will play the last standalone concert Thursday.
Ryman officials said they will retain an 18-inch lip of the blonde oak at the front of the stage, similar to the way the Ryman stage was commemorated in a circle of wood at the new Opry House.
The rest of the stage will be stored and replaced with a medium brown Brazilian teak that will be far more durable and camera friendly.
Work will begin February 4 and continue seven days a week through February 20, when The Band Perry will make its Ryman debut with a sold-out show.
Tours will continue throughout the work at a discounted rate, allowing members of the public to watch.
*The Associated Press contributed to this report.
If you can’t see the video above click here HERE!
Keith Urban & Richard Marx perform at #1 party, Keith’s 1st since vocal surgery
Keith Urban and Richard Marx finally celebrated the success of their number one song, Long Hot Summer Tuesday night at Cabana in Nashville.
Keith recently underwent vocal surgery and had to keep silent for 3 weeks. He talked to the media about how hard it was to keep his silence, especially around his daughter. The country star even toted around a white marker board to write on throughout his recovery.
Keith & Richard performed “Long Hot Summer” for the small crowd, with the help of two fans he found on Youtube.
Keith will make his official come back February 3rd the Grand Ole Opry.
Keith and Richard shared that this song was extra special regarding a rekindling of their friendship. Marx expressed his love for both the song and Keith. He jokingly said, “Keith’s not a bad kiss, for a guy.”
I will have more from the party on Yallwire. Stay tuned!
Yelawolf talks country in Music City~
I caught up with Yelawolf at his show in Nashville for Blastro.com. The southern rapper, who once lived in Antioch, talks about how much he loves Music City. We chat about working with Eminem on his album Radioactive, as well as his passion for country music. Who would he like to collaborate with next? Well Kris Kristofferson of course! That would be interesting.
Vince & Amy conclude Twelve Days Of Christmas tour in Music City~
Amy Grant & Vince Gill wrapped up The Twelve Days Of Christmas tour with two shows in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium.
“Christmas audiences are special,” explains Grant. “They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.” “These holiday tours have become our favorites,” Gill agrees.
Santa traded in his reindeer for a shiny Macy’s tour bus and joined Vince and Amy at The Ryman, with a special visit from the children of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Charlie Daniels unveils Santa identity!
I knew he was Santa! I caught up with Charlie Daniels as he hosted his 10th annual Christmas for Kids concert at The Ryman and he confessed his secret. I also chatted with Colt Ford (AKA Santa Colt) who says he is working on an album with Charlie and Phil Vassar who talks about his Christmas album being one of the most difficult challenges he has faced as a songwriter. Check out my video for Yallwire above!
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!
