(Nashville, TN – Sept. 7, 2010)  FUNL Music recording artist Amber Hayes celebrated the Aug. 31 release of her debut EP, C’mon, with a pair of interviews and performances for Nashville’s legendary radio station 650AM WSM.

On Tuesday, Aug. 31, Hayes stopped in at the historic WSM tower and station in Brentwood for a live performance and interview with famed morning personality, Bill Cody.  Hayes performed a pair of acoustic songs from her new release and discussed the musical journey that took her from the tiny town of Weleetka, Okla., (pop. 1,000) to a leading role of Kathy Twitty in the Conway Twitty musical, to the release of her debut EP, C’mon.

Hayes was the featured guest on WSM’s Station Inn Sessions on Thursday, Sept. 2.  After an interview segment with Mike Terry, Hayes performed two energetic sets that broadcast live on-air, including “C’mon,” her debut single that is currently climbing the Music Row Chart.  In addition to other album cuts like “Wait,” “Right as Rain” and “Home,” Hayes also entertained the crowd with covers of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” and Barbara Mandrell’s “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed.”

Visit www.AmberHayesMusic.com for more information.

Pictured l to r: WSM producer, Charlie Mattos, Amber Hayes, WSM “Coffee, Country and Cody” host Bill Cody and Hayes’ guitarist and co-writer, Bill DiLuigi after Hayes’ interview and performance at WSM’s historic tower and temporary offices in Brentwood.

Pictured l to r: Amber Hayes, WSM afternoon show and Station Inn Sessions host, Mike Terry and daughter of Conway Twitty, Kathy Twitty, pose from the stage of the Station Inn after Hayes’ performance on Thursday, Sept. 2.

New album to be co-produced by No. 1 hit songwriter Jonathan Singleton; Reeve to make first ever Nashville appearance Sept. 21

(Nashville, TN – Sept. 2, 2010) Following his buzz-worthy debut on the inaugural Country Throwdown tour, Country and Roots artist Tyler Reeve is preparing to record his sophomore release with producer and chart-topping songwriter, Jonathan Singleton.

The lone independent act on Country Throwdown’s Outlaw Stage this summer, Reeve quickly made fans of fellow tour mates Emily West and Singleton, with the raspy-voiced singer also frequently receiving invitations from headliners Jamey Johnson and Montgomery Gentry to join them on the main stage.  Following the tour’s conclusion in June, hit songwriter Singleton (“Don’t,” “Watching Airplanes,” “Red Light,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance”) agreed to co-produce Reeve’s upcoming album, the follow-up to his debut effort, Whiskey Down.  The pair has been writing new material together in Nashville in recent weeks, with the first recording sessions scheduled to begin next month.

“I’m really excited about this project,” says Singleton. “Honestly, the Tyler Reeve band is a group of the hardest-working, nicest guys you’ll ever meet – and a great band to boot.  Look out, Nashville, Tyler Reeve has arrived!”

With nearly 250 shows performed in 2009, Reeve’s schedule continues to gain steam in 2010.  He is currently on tour with popular indie Country artist Corey Smith through October, and Reeve has shows booked in the coming months with Singleton, as well as good friend Jake Owen.  Notable dates include a Sept. 17 show at iconic Chicago venue, Joe’s Bar; a sold-out, 2,100+ capacity show Oct. 15 at the Classic Center in Athens, Ga.; a co-bill with Singleton Oct. 16 at Atlanta’s Peachtree Tavern and Jake Owen’s annual charity event in December.  Reeve makes his first ever Nashville appearance Sept. 21 at the Mercy Lounge for an industry showcase performance.

Country Throwdown co-founder Sarah Baer recognized Reeve’s experience as a serious touring act, praising the band’s work ethic as the traveling Throwdown tour worked its way across the country.

“We lucked out by having Tyler Reeve on Throwdown,” said Baer.  “There wasn’t a band who hustled more on the second stage, and their numbers showed that.  Tyler surprised us with the amount of merchandise and catalogue he sold daily.  He knows how to tour and how to make the most out of a day on the road.  We would be lucky to have him back on the tour again down the road.”

Another byproduct of Reeve’s increased visibility from the Throwdown tour is his recent artist relationship with Gibson Guitars.  As part of his agreement, Reeve will receive a vintage J-45 Gibson acoustic guitar to play on tour.

The follow-up to 2008’s Whiskey Down is expected to offer up more of Reeve’s honest and often gritty insights on life, while maintaining his raucous, tongue-in-cheek wit.  The new album is scheduled for release in early 2011.

For more information about Tyler Reeve and to view his tour schedule, visit his newly redesigned official website, www.TylerReeve.com.

TUESDAY 7th
6 – 8pm, The Bluebird Café, 4104 Hillsboro Pike
A Taste of Australia

Before the ‘madness’ of Americana, take a pre-festival opportunity to sample some great Aussie roots music at Nashville’s iconic venue.

Sounds Australia, APRA and Maton invite you to join Dobe Newton, Greg Arnold, 8 Ball Aitken, Tracey Bunn, young-gun Telstra Road To Tamworth winners Luke Webb and Tenielle Muslin and special guests Sara Storer and Troy Cassar-Daley.
We’ve come a long way to sing and play for you – and it’s FREE!
See y’all there.

THURSDAY 9th
Noon – 2pm, The Second Fiddle, 405 Broadway
Aussie Lunch
Presented by Sounds Australia , APRA & Maton
Featuring performances by: Tommy Emmanuel, Sara Storer, Troy Cassar-Daley, Luke Webb, and Tenielle Muslin.

Aussies love playing music, and they love bars – perfect!  Join us for lunch – it’s our shout, as some of our finest roots writers and artists are joined by the next generation of ‘stars’.  Too early for a drink?  Up to you, but remember it’s ‘beer oclock’ somewhere in Australia.  Raise a glass as we honour Tommy Emmanuel’s Order Of Australia Medal.  All that AND quiz prizes!  Wear your Sounds Australia pass.

THURSDAY 9th
11pm, The Rutledge, 410 4th Avenue South
Tommy Emmanuel Showcase Performance

FRIDAY 10th
8pm, Station Inn, 402 12th Avenue South
Sara Storer Showcase Performance

SATURDAY 11th
8pm, The Rutledge, 410 4th Avenue South
Troy Cassar-Daley Showcase Performance

Now available at iTunes

(Nashville, Tenn. – Aug. 31, 2010)  Curb Records recording artist Ashley Gearing has released her new single, “What You Think About Us,” to Country radio, debuting this week on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Co-written by Gearing with Brian Davis and Ben Glover, “What You Think About Us” is the first single off the young singer’s much-anticipated debut for Curb Records.  Gearing has been working on the upcoming album with renowned music producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina) since signing with the label.  The as-yet-untitled album is scheduled for release in the coming months.

Respected Nashville music critic Robert K. Oermann praised Gearing’s “What You Think About Us” in Music Row, saying, “This rumbling rocker has enough ‘bottom’ to kick you right out of your seat and send you twirling around the room.  It’s a big, big sound, but [Gearing] manages to ride atop the whole thing with plenty of vocal authority.  Sing it, sister.”

Since July, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter has been on a multi-leg radio tour in support of the single, visiting nearly 40 stations from coast to coast in just over a month. Gearing has continued to play festivals and concerts during the tour, including an Aug. 20 performance of the national anthem at Boston Red Sox game.

“To say that Chuck and I both were very impressed with this young lady would certainly be an understatement for sure,” said Linda Lee, of Detroit’s 99.5 WYCD duo, Edwards & Lee.  “Nineteen-year-old singer/songwriter Ashley Gearing visited us in studio to chat and blew us away with her vocal stylings!  We both think she has definite ‘Star Quality,’ and think you will agree!”

At 12 years old, Ashley Gearing became the youngest Country artist ever to appear on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart after releasing “Can You Hear Me When I Talk to You.”  Since then, Gearing has received ASCAP’s Uncut Diamond Award and has performed numerous times on the Grand Ole Opry.  For more information, and to hear the new single, “What You Think About Us,” visit her newly redesigned official website at www.AshleyGearing.com.

Photo Credit: Caleb Kuhl

(Nashville, Tenn. – Aug. 30, 2010)   Evergreen Records recording artist DJ Miller recently spent several days in Nashville, laying down tracks for his debut album at Sound Shop Recording Studios.  The 20-year-old Indiana native is currently on a radio tour in support of the project’s first single, “A Little Naughty Is Nice.”  Miller’s album is scheduled for release by the end of 2010.
Pictured below:  Evergreen Records CEO Don Bedell, Miller, Evergreen Records President Johnny Morris, legendary drummer Eddie Bayers and recording engineer Billy Sherrill at Nashville’s Sound Shop Recording Studios.  Photo credit: AristoMedia

Showcases by Troy Cassar-Daley, Tommy Emmanuel, Sara Storer, plus Aussie luncheon and conference panel gives Australian acts chance to shine during AMA week

(Nashville, TN – Aug. 26, 2010)  Australia has always shared a close musical connection to America’s Roots music, which is why the Americana Music Association is welcoming some of Australia’s premier artists to the 2010 Americana Music Festival and Conference.

For the first time ever, acclaimed international performers Troy Cassar-Daley, Tommy Emmanuel and Sara Storer are representing Australia with a series of showcases during Americana week, to be held Wednesday, Sept. 8 – Saturday, Sept. 11.  Australian music industry organization Sounds Australia coordinated the trip through its newly formed strategic partnership with the Americana Music Association.

World-renowned acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel’s showcase kicks off the Aussie performances on Thursday, Sept. 9, at 11 p.m. at The Rutledge.  Sara Storer’s showcase is Friday at 8 p.m. at The Station Inn and 20-time Golden Guitar winner Troy Cassar-Daley performs Saturday, Sept. 11, at The Rutledge at 8 p.m.

“The Americana genre honors and derives from American Roots music, but its universal appeal is a result of so many different cultures, languages and traditions melding together over time,” says AMA Executive Director Jed Hilly.  “There are amazing artists making Roots music all over the world, and Australia is certainly a significant source of that talent.  We are thrilled to welcome Tommy Emmanuel, Troy Cassar-Daley, Sara Storer and many more of Australia’s finest performers to this year’s Americana conference.”

In a nod to the continued emergence of Australian acts in the Roots and Americana music scene, an Aussie-themed “What’s Up Down Under?” panel is being held on Thursday, Sept. 9, at 9:30 a.m. in the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel.  The panel features a cross-section of international artists and Roots music industry veterans, including multiple CCMA Award-winning Canadian artist Corb Lund, artist manager for Tommy Emmanuel, Gina Mendello, Grammy-nominated producer Mark Moffatt, Sounds Australia executive and Bushwackers founder Dobe Newton and Telstra Road To Tamworth judge and A&R pro for Australia’s Mushroom Music Publishing, Bill Page.  AristoMedia President and Australia native Jeff Walker will moderate the panel.

“Music City has long been a ‘home away from home’ for Aussies pursuing their musical dream.  Being able to establish a relationship with one of Nashville’s major events will obviously help them make a mark in this major marketplace,” says Sounds Australia Americana Manager Dobe Newton.  “I’m proud to be involved with the Americana Music Association to introduce Australia’s first visiting showcase performers.  I know that Nashville’s music community will respond to Sara Storer and Troy Cassar-Daley just as they’ve already done with Tommy Emmanuel.”

A free “Aussie Musical Lunch” is to be held at The Second Fiddle on Thursday, Sept. 9, from noon – 2 p.m.  The event features performances from Troy Cassar-Daley, Tommy Emmanuel, Sara Storer and the 2010 Telstra Road to Tamworth winners, Tenielle Muslin and Luke Webb.

As part of this year’s conference, a unique “musical ambassador” exchange program has been created between the Americana Music Association and Australia’s Telstra Road To Tamworth competition.  As the 2010 Tamworth winners, Muslin and Webb are traveling to Nashville for Americana week, and the AMA will send an emerging Roots artist to the Tamworth Music Festival.

Americana conference attendees can also download a free sampler of Australian Country and Roots acts with the Sounds Australia laminate provided in their registration bags.  Artists included in the sampler download include 8 Ball Aitken, Tracey Bunn, The Bushwackers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Tommy Emmanuel, Tenielle Muslin, Dobe Newton, Sara Storer, Felicity Urquhart and Luke Webb.

Americana Music Festival and Conference wristbands, good for all four days of AMA-sanctioned showcases, are available for $50 and can be purchased online at www.AmericanaMusic.org.  For press credentials, contact Jayne Rogovin at jrogovin@mac.com or (615) 403-2393.

About the Americana Music Association:
The Americana Music Association is a professional trade organization whose mission is to provide a forum for the advocacy of Americana music and to promote public awareness of the genre to support the creative and economic viability of professionals in this field. Dedicated to building and promoting the Americana genre and the individuals who participate in that industry, the Americana Music Association works closely with artists, labels, radio stations, retailers, print media, festivals, agents, publishers and more to help organize and build the infrastructure necessary for the Americana genre to achieve success both creatively and financially.  Visit www.AmericanaMusic.org for more information.

About Troy Cassar-Daley:  Since releasing his ninth album, I Love This Place, in April 2009, Troy Cassar-Daley has toured heavily throughout Australia and the U.S.  He collected six Golden Guitar trophies at the 2010 Country Music Awards of Australia (bringing his total to 20), a 2009 ARIA award for Best Country Album, (bringing his total to four) and APRA’s Country Song of the Year for “Big Big Love.”  He recently completed a U.S. tour with legendary Australian guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel.  Visit www.troycassardaley.com.au for more information.

About Tommy Emmanuel:  Twice named “Best Acoustic Guitarist” by Guitar Player Magazine, Tommy Emmanuel is regarded as one of Australia’s most respected musicians and one of the best guitar players on the planet.  His career spans five decades and includes two Grammy nominations, one of which was for the album, The Day the Finger Pickers Took Over the World, recorded with his mentor, the legendary Chet Atkins.  He was honored with the title of C.G.P. (Certified Guitar Picker) by Atkins in Nashville in 1999.  Visit www.TommyEmmanuel.com for more information.

About Sara Storer:  Australia’s Sara Storer holds the impressive record of winning the most Golden Guitar trophies ever at a single awards show (Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2004).  Her debut album, Chasing Buffalo, produced three No. 1 singles in 2000, and since then, she has continued to collect awards and release albums, including her first greatest hits album, 2010’s Calling Me Home – The Best of Sara Storer.  Visit www.sarastorer.com.au for more information.

Additional Australian Sponsors:
APRA/AMCOS  |  Australian Music Office  |  Maton  |  Tamworth Council
Telstra Road to Tamworth  |  Victoria Rocks

(Nashville, TN – Aug. 24, 2010)  FUNL Music recording artist Amber Hayes  helped the staff at Thunder 102 in Liberty, N.Y., celebrate the station’s five-year anniversary last week during a quick run of radio visits in the Northeast.  Hayes’ single, “C’mon,” jumped seven spots this week as she prepares for the release of her debut EP (C’mon) on Aug. 31.  Hayes has been visiting stations on her current radio tour since mid-June.

Pictured below (l to r): Thunder 102 Marketing Manager Regina Hensley, Ciliberto & Friends morning co-host Michelle Semerano, afternoon host Mike Sakell, Hayes, Ciliberto & Friends morning host Paul Ciliberto.

Five all-star Country radio industry veterans to helm CRS panels, marking yet another first for Country Radio Seminar

(Nashville, TN – Aug. 23, 2010)  In an unprecedented move for Country Radio Seminar, a team of five Country Radio industry veterans has been selected to moderate all CRS 2011 panels, CRB, Inc.® announced today.

The five individuals chosen by the CRB Board of Directors as the inaugural class of CRS moderators are Charlie Cook (McVay Media), Erica Farber (The Farber Connection, LLC), Dan Halyburton (McVay Media), Lon Helton (Country Aircheck) and Charlie Morgan (Emmis Broadcasting).

“In making this unprecedented change in our seminar, the vision of Country Radio Broadcasters was to implement a team of moderators who possess the specialized skills to draw the best from our panelists and audience participants,” says CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “We feel that this is the best way to encourage open dialogue and useful ‘take away’ information from each session.  Our goal is to provide each participant with the necessary tools to increase revenue, increase ratings and advance their career.”

The five Country Radio Seminar moderators will share the responsibility of overseeing and directing 17 different educational panels over three days at CRS 2011, to be held March 2-4, 2011, at the Nashville Convention Center.  CRB plans to recruit a pool of at least 20 individuals to choose from to assemble each year’s class of moderators.

In the past two years, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. has implemented a number of new events and seminar modifications designed to enhance the overall CRS experience for attendees.  These changes include a digital liners program, the CRS 1 on 1 mentoring sessions, a $99 Unemployment registration rate, a completely redesigned official CRB.org website, lower rates at all registration tiers and a streamlined agenda that ensures participants can attend more panels and events during the seminar.

For more information about Country Radio Broadcasters or Country Radio Seminar 2011, visit the official CRB website at www.CRB.org.

About CRB:
The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at (615) 327-4487.

About CRS:
The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the Country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.  CRS 2011 will be held March 2-4, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn.  Limited time, $399 registration is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at (615) 327-4487.

“Puddle-Palooza” to feature performances by Rodney Crowell, Emily West, Lane Brody, John Anderson, Robin Meade, more

WHAT:  The 2010 Walden’s Puddle “Puddle-Palooza” benefit concert and festival.  The event raises funds for Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center.  In addition to the concert, other family-friendly activities offered include swimming, hiking, mini-golf, hayrides, volleyball, appearances by Jellystone’s Yogi Bear™ and more.  Food vendors provide options ranging from hot dogs and hamburgers to Mexican and barbecue.

WHO:  Artists scheduled to perform include John Anderson, Lane Brody, Cerrito, Rodney Crowell and the Notorious Cherry Bombs, Jypsi, HLN news anchor Robin Meade, Victoria Shaw, Army Ranger and Country artist Keni Thomas, Emily West and additional special guests.  GAC’s Nan Kelley will serve as MC.  Event hosted by the Music Valley Merchants Association.

WHEN:  Saturday, Aug. 21 – Festival gates open at noon, live concert kicks off at 3 p.m.

WHERE:  Nashville’s Yogi Bear™ Jellystone Park (2572 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, TN, 37214 (615) 889-4225))

TICKETS: Tickets are $20 (tax-deductible) and available online at www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/puddlepalooza.  Hard tickets can be purchased at Jellystone Park (2572 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, TN, 37214 (615) 889-4225) or at the Willie Nelson and Friends General Store and Museum in Music Valley (2613 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN, 37214 (615) 885-1515).  Children under 12 and accompanied by an adult get in to the event for free. Visit www.NashvilleJellystone.com for more information.

(Nashville, TN – Aug. 18, 2010) Detroit-based Country act Annabelle Road performed for an enthusiastic crowd at 12th  & Porter Tuesday evening for the band’s first Nashville industry showcase.  The band’s current single, “Love at First Sight,” has received significant airplay from Detroit and Michigan Country radio stations.  Annabelle Road is currently in the middle of an extended tour that has the up-and-coming band playing more than 70 dates this summer, including shows with Dierks Bentley, John Rich and James Otto.

Pictured below (l to r): Pulse Entertainment Group’s Mike Riccobono, Annabelle Road’s Larry Craft, CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne, AR’s Mackenzie Lerchen and Jeremy Temple, CO5 Nashville’s David Newmark, AR’s Amanda Bailey, AR manager Joe Bellanca and AR’s Donovan Tarjeft.