Category Archives: Video
On the set of Thomas Rhett’s music video at Paradise Park~
Yallwire takes you behind the scenes of Thomas Rhett‘s first music video for his song “Something To Do With My Hands.” I caught up with Rhett to see how he prepped for the shoot, what notes he took from his father Rhett Akins, and how acting at the bar wasn’t so difficult for the 22 year old.
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
“Erasing Hate” film documents gang member’s life change
I cover the Nashville Film Festival every year, but it’s rare that I actually get to see a film. This year I was able to catch several, but the one that kept my attention the most was “Erasing Hate.”
The documentary follows the transformation of a violent Neo Nazi skinhead to a working family man, from the outside in. Bryon Widner’s face, neck and hands were covered with racist tattoos. He undergoes two dozen surgeries at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to remove them. The tattoo removal was just the outward sign of an inner transformation. “Erasing Hate” chronicles both, in a film that takes viewers inside the dark world of racist skinheads, yet offers hope in the story of one man’s struggle to escape a life of addiction, bigotry and hatred.”
I caught up with the director, writer and producer Bill Brummel at this years Nashville Film Festival. He told me Bryon continues to receive threats for leaving the gang and has had to move out of Nashville. Brummelis also under a deadline to raise funds to spread this films message. You can click HERE to help fund the campaign.
Keith Urban, LBT & Vince Gill rehearse for All for the Hall benefit
I got to talk with Keith Urban & Vince Gill about Tuesday’s All for the Hall concert at Bridgestone Arena. Keith and Vince were sound checking with Little Big Town for the third annual benefit concert.
Vince says he came up with the idea, which benefits the Country Music Hall of Fame, several years ago.
“I said if we could get every artist to play one night for free, think what could happen,” Gill told Nashville’s News 2 at rehearsal Monday.
He said fellow country singer, Urban took the idea to a new level with the annual concert, giving it the visibility needed.
The Australian native said he picked this year’s theme.
“The idea was to really have duos, groups and bands, because there’s been a lot that have emerged from Lady Antebellum to The Band Perry and Thompson Square and I sort of thought this would be a great year to feature that,” Urban explained.
Tuesday night’s concert was previously scheduled for earlier this year, but had to be rescheduled after Urban underwent vocal surgery.
Urban told Nashville’s News 2 since the surgery, his voice has emerged stronger than ever.
“Notes that were really hard for me to, hit high notes are now so easy to hit. I [got to] just bring it down. It’s like re-learning in certain ways to,” he said.
Urban said he will not only use his voice to support the history of country music, but to continue checking items off of his list of things he hopes to accomplish in life.
“Play ‘Jolene’ with Dolly [Parton], check. Play ‘Kiss an Angel Good Morning’ with Charlie Pride, check and to jam with Vince [Gill] and all these people, it’s a blast for me,” he said.
This year’s lineup includes Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert‘s Pistol Annies, Alabama, Alison Krauss and Union Station, The Band Perry and Thompson Square.
Urban also said at rehearsals he promises a couple of surprise Hall of Fame guests.
The first two All for the Hall benefits raised about $1 million.
This year’s show is sold out.
If you don’t see the video above click HERE!
One on one with Dolly!
I finally got to mark an interview off my bucket list! I had the opportunity to talk with Dolly Parton, the lady I grew up playing with as my Barbie.
Her plate is full for the year, with a list of plans including a theme park for Nashville, as well as writing and joining park ventures.
Nashville’s News 2 spoke with the queen of country music on Tuesday about one of latest projects, a two disc CD and DVD collection entitled “An Evening with Dolly.”
Check out my interview above or click HERE!
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!
“Transparency” video features tribute to radio host & my hula hoop~
Nashville hip hop artist Stix Izza releases a tribute to 101.1 radio host Scooby. Check out Transparency directed by Ray Zate, song produced by Fate Eastwood and featuring yours truly with my hula hoop! Yes, I have a black wig.
