
More people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park than any other park in the United States. The park receives approximately 9 million visitors a year. Established on June 15, 1934, the park consists of over 500,000 acres.
A rock band is only as good as the connection that they share between one another…
for the boys of The Few (formerly known as Thoroughfare) it was about not only making music but finding
something that they could believe in. With the addition of lead vocalist Lindsey Stamey (formerly of
Vertigo) it seems as if The Few has taken what once was a well-established rock band and has charted a
new territory. With an already energetic fan base and tour dates with some of today’s most well-known
rock bands, I sat down with The Few to focus in on their creative stage presence, their music, and
what’s next for this explosive rock band from Knoxville, TN.
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They live their lives as a passage way, sing songs of love and happiness and have given music
a real reason to be blasted over the radio, but for Knoxville Rock Band The Fine Line it’s about sharing their
lives and giving their fans a live show that will leave them feeling refreshed and replenished. With their ability
to revive a heartbeat and passion for life and a brand new album set to release, HometownSevier.com decided to sit
down with The Fine Line and focus in on their drive, music, and what’s in-store for this creative and passionate
rock band from East Tennessee.
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For anyone who has seen one of his live shows knows that Knoxville’s Joe the Show is
not your typical stage musician. His live shows are filled with surprise after surprise, innovative
meshing of original songs and covers, and is the epitome of a good time at a local pub throughout these
southern hills. Joe the Show is a true performer and is eclectic and entertaining with a stage presence
that is truly inviting and refreshing. With his awe-inspiring stage presence and a brand new website set
to release, HometownSevier.com decided to sit down with Joe the Show and focus in on his innovative stage
presence, his life, and what’s next for this passionate performer from Arkansas.
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Story by
Country Music Association
February 23, 2010
The Country Music Association announced today that Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky, Billy Sherrill, and Don Williams will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.
Due to a tie in the voting, both Dean and Husky will be inducted in the “Veterans Era Artist” category. Williams will be inducted in the “Modern Era Artist” category. Sherrill will be inducted in the “Non-Performer” category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the “Recording and/or Touring Musician” and “Songwriter” categories. Dean, Husky, Sherrill, and Williams will increase membership in the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame from 108 to 112 inductees.
“These four gentlemen broadened Country Music immensely with their talents, exposing millions of fans around the world to our format,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “Their contributions to the genre and to popular culture are immeasurable, and we are proud to award them the... (more...)
Story by
Country Music Association
February 5, 2010
NASHVILLE – A trembling 15-year-old fan was the first to find out: Carrie Underwood will be among the stars performing at this year’s CMA Music Festival Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13 in Nashville.
Underwood took time out of her packed Super Bowl rehearsal schedule, where she is singing the National Anthem on Sunday, to call 15-year-old Riley Ahlstrand with the news. Ahlstrand, an ardent fan of the Festival, was being interviewed by a news crew from the Nashville ABC affiliate (WKRN) when reporter Brad Schmitt’s phone rang and he handed it to the wide-eyed teen.
On the line was Underwood to tell the nearly speechless girl that she would be performing at the Festival this year; and Ahlstrand heard it first.
“I always look forward to the excitement of CMA Music Festival,” said Underwood after the call. “Its fans like Riley that make the week so much fun.”
“This is the best thing that has ever happened, said Ahlstrand, with tears still streaming down her face. “I couldn’t... (more...)
Story by
Country Music Association
February 1, 2010
TORONTO – Canadian radio and television personality Casey Clarke was surprised with the CMA International Broadcaster Award during a CMT Canada party last week in Toronto, Ontario. The Award was presented to him by CMA Board member Ron Sakamoto, President of Gold & Gold Productions.
“First off, I am ever so humbled by this incredibly gracious honor,” said Clarke. “And beyond that I am grateful to CMA and to those who voted for me. I would like to thank Canadian radio for their continual support and CMT Canada for all the years that they’ve let me have a desk, a chair and have allowed this face for radio to grace their airwaves.”
“The Casey Clarke Show” is syndicated on radio stations across Canada, receiving airplay in both major and secondary markets. Clarke just launched a weekly four-hour radio show, “The Casey Clarke Country Countdown” a few weeks ago. In addition, he hosts a variety of artist album specials on national radio and conducts onsite... (more...)
Story by
Country Music Association
January 21, 2010
CMA Worked With Microsoft to Create Cool, Web-Based Applications for CMAfest.com, Official Website of the CMA Music Festival
NASHVILLE – During an event held last night at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer presented CMA Digital Media Director Chris Felder with a guitar signed by artists who participated in the 2009 CMA Music Festival. The presentation honored CMA for its technological leadership in the industry through its relationship with Microsoft Corp. by developing new Web-based applications for CMAfest.com, the official website of CMA Music Festival.
“Microsoft is pleased to work with the County Music Association to create innovative ways of bringing the worlds of music and technology together,” said Ballmer. “We believe that technology is a powerful enabler for music education, and we look forward to ongoing support for important initiatives like Keep the Music Playing.”
The guitar will be... (more...)
Story by
Country Music Association
January 20, 2010
Monthly Online Educational Series Can Be Found On CMA’s Member Web Site, My.CMAworld.com; New Episodes Posted Third Monday Each Month
NASHVILLE – Understanding the performing rights organizations (PROs) is the focus of the latest installment of CMA Industry InSite, an online educational series, posted today.
The ninth episode, “Getting to Know the PROs,” is available now and features interviews with Connie Bradley, Sr. VP, ASCAP; Vincent Candilora, Sr. VP/General Licensing, ASCAP; Pat Collins, President/COO, SESAC; and Jody Williams, VP, Writer-Publisher Relations, BMI.
This latest installment discusses the function of the performing rights organizations. “We provide services to help the young songwriter navigate these very challenging times in the music business,” said Collins.
The series is designed to provide information about each segment of the music industry in a clear, informative, and entertaining way. The series was developed by CMA’s Artist Relations... (more...)
Story by
Country Music Association
January 13, 2010
NASHVILLE –CMA Songwriters Series will return to the venue where it all began, New York City’s Joe’s Pub, on Thursday, March 25 (6:30 and 9:00 PM/ET). This will be the sixth year for the wildly popular series that continues to play to sell-out crowds.
Featuring former CMA Horizon Award winner and Capitol Nashville recording artist Dierks Bentley (“Feel That Fire,” “What Was I Thinkin’,” “Free and Easy [Down the Road I Go],” and “Sideways,” all recorded by Bentley), the CMA Songwriters Series allows music fans insight into the stories behind some of their favorite songs.
“The CMA Songwriter Series is something I’ve wanted to be part of for a long time, but the timing just never worked out until now,” said Bentley. “I love all the small clubs and songwriter venues around the city, the vibe and acoustics at Joe’s Pub are great. It’s fun to break it all back down, get rid of the big stage and the lights and video screens where it’s just you... (more...)