Swift Reveals RED Tour Pre-Sale Details

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Details are emerging regarding ticketing for Taylor Swift’s 2013 Red Tour as pre-sale tickets become available this Sunday (11/11) for 14 dates. The singer has released information about two VIP Packages for the tour on her official website:

Option 1: One floor ticket in the first 20 rows, an autographed copy of Red, and access to the Pre-show VIP lounge, hosted by a dedicated personality. The official lounge will include complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages, prizes, gift bags, photos, and VIP check-in and event entrances (where available). A customer service hotline is also provided.

Option 2: One lower level ticket and gift bag.

Swift’s North American RED Tour will headline 58 shows in 45 cities with general admission tickets available Nov. 16 for a number of dates. Applications for pre-sale access can be found here.

In other Swift news, Sony Electronics announced the Nov. 20 release of 8 Hours/Taylor Swift, a 60 page photo book available to Sony customers who purchase a Sony Alpha DSLR or NEX camera in an official store. Ten copies signed by photographer Nigel Barker and Swift will be auctioned by Sony on eBay to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Nashville Wins Big At Billboard Touring Awards

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During Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw's final 'Brothers of the Sun' dates (8/24-25) at Foxboro, MA's Gillette Stadium. Photo: Jill Trunnell

Country music took home big honors during Billboard’s 9th Annual Touring Awards last night (11/8), hosted by actress/comedienne Sandra Bernhard at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York.

Billboard’s Breakthrough Award went to Lady Antebellum. The Brothers of the Sun tour brought home Top Package honors for Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and Jake Owen, marking Chesney’s seventh win in the category. Independently, McGraw took home the Concert Marketing & Promotion Award with Pennzoil while Chesney additionally received The Road Warrior Award.

With the exception of a handful of reader-voted honors including Road Warrior Award and the Concert Marketing & Promotion Award, the Touring Awards are based on calculations reported to Billboard Boxscore between Oct. 1, 2011 and Sept. 30, 2012.

The Top Package Award recognizes the top-grossing tour with 3+ artists on the bill, which also included Taylor Swift’s Speak Now Tour with Needtobreathe, Danny Gokey, Frankie Ballard, Hunter Hayes, Randy Montana, Josh Kelly and more; and Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party with Luke Bryan, Lauren Alaina/Rachel Farley and DeeJay Silver.

The Breakthrough Award, which honors artists still in their first decade of headlining, additionally nominated Miranda Lambert and The Black Keys.

Billboard honored its own Ray Waddell with the Legend of Scribe Award to mark his 25 years of tour industry reporting.

Additional awards were bestowed upon the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival; The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas; Live Nation; William Morris Endeavor Entertainment; Roger Waters; Bruce Springsteen, and Lady Gaga. A full list of winners can be found here.

The Awards cap off the Billboard Touring Conference, which took place Nov. 7-8 and included panels with Holly Williams and Irving Azoff.

Initial MerleFest 2013 Lineup Announced

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The late Doc Watson and his musical legacy will figure prominently into MerleFest 2013, scheduled for April 25-28 on the campus of Wilkesboro Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The popular annual roots music festival (or “traditional plus,” in Watson’s words) was founded in honor of Watson’s son Eddy Merle, who passed away in 1985.

“This year’s festival will celebrate the life and music of our dear friend Doc Watson, who passed away on May 29,” says Ted Hagaman, MerleFest director. “For the past 25 years he has been the artistic and spiritual center of this festival, so this year, we will come together as a family to pay special tribute to the man and the musician who meant so much to us all.”

Headliners initially announced for the event include Charlie Daniels Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and a special all-star tribute to the late Watson assembled by mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush. Also scheduled to play are Matraca Berg, The Greencards, Jerry Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Quebe Sisters Band, Bryan Sutton, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, and many more.

“This initial lineup shows that the festival will definitely live up to its ‘traditional plus’ motto, with a strong collection of internationally-known touring artists from many genres, as well as a collection of local North Carolina folk and bluegrass artists,” says Steve Johnson, MerleFest artist relations manager. “And, MerleFest fans know, as the lineup continues to develop in the coming months, it will offer quite a few surprises – let’s just say it’s going to be a big year!”

Tickets go on sale November 13. See the full lineup here.

Chesney Announces Stadiums for 2013 Tour

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Kenny Chesney has announced 17 stadium dates for his 2013 No Shoes Nation Tour, which kicks off March 16 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.

The tour offers a variety of special guests including Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Kacey Musgraves and Zac Brown Band (see dates below). Additional dates will be added in the coming months.

“I believe what we’ve created on the road is something special,” says Chesney, “the fans, myself, the band, the crew. But it’s really the fans who have given us a wonderful, unique life.”

Once again, the tour offers VIP packages from CID Entertainment including hotel and shuttle accommodations, Sandbar or Premium Reserved seating entrances and exits, access to the pre-game tailgate party, and new gift items.

For on-sale information, visit https://tickets.kennychesney.com.

Chesney, who’s played an impressive 85 stadiums over his 20-year career, is a finalist for Billboard’s ‘Top Package’ Award at tonight’s (11/8) Touring Awards, which he has received six-times prior. The recognition marks the year’s top-grossing tour overall for which Chesney’s The Brothers Of the Sun grossed roughly $100 million.

No Shoes Nation Dates:

Mar 16 – Tampa, FL -­ Raymond James Stadium^
May 4 – Columbia, SC – Williams Brice Stadium*
May 11 – Dallas, TX — Dallas Cowboys Stadium^
May 18 – Milwaukee, WI — Miller Park^
May 25 – Landover, MD — FedExField^
Jun 1 -­ Seattle, WA ­ CenturyLink Field^
Jun 8 – Philadelphia, PA — Lincoln Financial Field^
Jun 15 – Kansas City, MO — Arrowhead Stadium^
Jun 22 – Pittsburgh, PA ­- Heinz Field^
Jun 29 – Columbus, OH ­ Crew Stadium^
Jul 12 – Minneapolis, MN — Target Field*
Jul 20 – Denver, CO — Sports Authority Field at Mile High^
Jul 27 – Anaheim, CA — Angels Stadium^
Aug 3 – Atlanta, GA — Georgia Dome*
Aug 10 – East Rutherford, NJ — MetLife Stadium^
Aug 17 – Detroit, MI — Ford Field^
Aug 24 – Foxboro, MA — Gillette Stadium^

* with Zac Brown Band, Eli Young Band, and Kacey Musgraves
^ with Eric Church, Eli Young Band, and Kacey Musgraves

The Civil Wars Abruptly Cancel Tour

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The Civil Wars

As quickly as The Civil Wars swept to national attention, the duo has decided to pull the plug on all further tour dates, according to the band’s official website.

The two were in the middle of a European tour and planning a 2013 Australian/New Zealand tour. No official word has been released regarding the band’s future status together, but the statement makes mention of intentions to release new material in 2013:

We sincerely apologize for the canceling of all of our tour dates. It is something we deeply regret. However, due to internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition we are unable to continue as a touring entity at this time. We thank each and every one of you for your amazing love & support. Our sincere hope is to have new music for you in 2013.

– Joy Williams & John Paul White.

PS – We understand that there are many of you stuck with service charges and travel reservations due to our abrupt cancelations. Please email us at [email protected] if there are costs incurred that you would like to be reimbursed for, include a scan or attachment to your receipt(s) of the costs, and we will do our best to reimburse you for non-refundable charges

For ticket holders who incurred non-refundable charges surrounding the abrupt cancellations, the band is making a rare attempt to reimburse these charges by accepting solicitations by email.

Former Christian artist, Joy Williams, and singer-songwriter John Paul White launched into the national spotlight when their EP title-track, “Poison & Wine,” was featured in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy and gained backing from Taylor Swift’s social media arsenal. The success of the Gold-certified album’s title track “Barton Hollow,” earned the group a spot on Adele’s North American and UK tours and nominations for three CMT Awards, and five CMA Awards, including Musical Event for a collaboration with Swift on “Safe and Sound” from The Hunger Games soundtrack. The group took home two Grammys earlier this year for Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Folk Album.

Together, they have released one studio album, two EPs, three live albums, five singles, and three music videos with Sensibility Music. The duo’s “I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day” was just released last week (10/11) on a compilation titled, Holidays Rule.

Industry Ink Wednesday (11/7/12)

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Warner Music Nashville hosted a cocktail party prior to the BMI Country Music Awards on Oct. 30. Pictured (L-R): Frankie Ballard, Krista Maria, Damien Horne, Nick Hoffman (The Farm), Charlie Worsham, John Esposito (President, Warner Music Nashville), Jana Kramer, Scott Hendricks (SVP of A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Hunter Hayes, Chris Stacey (SVP, Promotion, Warner Music Nashville), Rachel Reinert and Tom Gossin (Gloriana)

• • • •

Luellyn Latocki Hensley is moving her award-winning firm, Latocki Team Creative, to her home at the beginning of 2013. With a decade of experience, she specializes in art direction, graphic design, image alignment and brand management. She can continue to be reached at 615-298-3533 or [email protected].

Maggie Berry, Senior Graphic Designer with Latocki Team Creative, will continue to work with Latocki Hensley on a contract basis and will be accepting additional freelance opportunities. Her diverse design background in digital and print media spans 13 years. She can be reached at [email protected].

In related news, Luellyn and James Hensley welcomed son, Niles “Rocket” Hensley on July 30, 2012, weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces and 21.5 inches long. Little Rocket and his family are doing great.

• • • •

Save the date: The 21st Annual Tin Pan South will be held April 1-6, 2013.

• • • •

Following Sony/ATV’s acquisition of EMI, here are a few updated email addresses:
Tom Luteran – [email protected]
Josh Van Valkenburg – [email protected]
Hannah Post – [email protected]
Mike Scheidman (admin) – [email protected]
Seth Johnson (catalog) – [email protected]

• • • •

Joe Kustelski has been named CEO of Etix. He is co-founder and head of product and technology at Rockhouse Partners, a digitally focused entertainment agency based in Nashville, which was acquired by Etix in January 2011. Kustelski’s Rockhouse co-founder, Tawn Albright, will become Executive Vice President for Etix in addition to continuing to manage and grow Rockhouse’s operations.

• • • •

The second annual Touring Career Workshop at Soundcheck Nashville (Annex) will be held Mon., Nov. 19 from 6-10 p.m. Admission is free. The event was founded by Chris Lisle (Chris Lisle Lighting Design) and Erik Parker (Lighting Director for Billy Currington). There will be a keynote session from Ed Wannebo (Production Manager for Kenny Chesney) and featured panelists include: Troy Von Haefen (Financial Planning), Joy Black (Tax Planning and Accounting), Shane Hamill, Sara Hamill, Patti Lisle (Navigating Relationships on the Road), Eric Elwell (Your Career is a Business), Debbie Carroll and Stephen Navyac (MusiCares® and Stress of the Road), Chris Lisle (Getting Into Touring), and RJ Stillwell (Health Insurance). The event will be followed by a Networking Afterparty at 3Crow Bar. www.touringcareerworkshop.com.

• • • •

Sarah Zimermann and Justin Davis of Striking Matches were invited to become honorary “Friends and Family” members of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Striking Matches recently released a self-titled debut EP, recorded with Grammy winning producer Luke Wooten. The duo will have a song featured on the ABC series "Nashville" in coming weeks. Pictured back row (L-R): Pamela Johnson (Vice President, Development), Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Kyle Young (Museum Director), John Grady (Crush Management and CMHoF Board Member), Cyndi Forman (Universal Music Publishing Group), Andrew Cohen (Crush Management), Marc Rucker (Crush Management), Jay Orr (Vice President, Museum Programs). Seated: Sarah Zimermann and Justin Davis

 

Aldean Announces First Leg of “Night Train Tour”

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Jason Aldean will kick off the first leg of his 2013 Night Train Tour in Bossier City, LA on Feb. 21. The tour will roll through 23 cities from February to May. Special guests Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will also be on board on the train to share the stage with Aldean.

“The thing I’m most excited about for next year is getting to add some new songs off the Night Train album into my show,” said Aldean. “As a musician, it’s great to be able to shake up the set list and think of cool ways to present these new songs in the live show. We’re already working on some cool production ideas, and we’re going to come back from the holidays ready to go. I’m a big fan of both Jake and Thomas Rhett, so it’ll be awesome to have those guys out with us.”

Additionally, the first-announced stadium dates of the 2013 Night Train Tour sold out in minutes. In 2013 Aldean will play to sold out crowds at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA (4/13), with a two-night stand at Boston’s Fenway Park (7/12 and 7/13) before heading to Wrigley Field in Chicago.

For a full list of appearances and more information on Night Train, please visit www.jasonaldean.com.

2013 Night Train Tour stops:
Austin, TX
Biloxi, MS
Bossier City, LA
Charleston, WV
Columbia, MO
Duluth, MN
Evansville, IN
Grand Forks, ND
Greenville, SC
Greensboro, NC
Houston, TX
Knoxville, TN
Lafayette, LA
Las Cruces, NM
Little Rock, AR
Louisville, KY
Lubbock, TX
Madison, WI
N. Charleston, SC
Omaha, NE
Tulsa, OK
Uncasville, CT
Wichita, KS

Aldean Continues Stadium Sell Outs, Releases New Single

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Eric Church, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan.

Jason Aldean’s recently announced 2013 Night Train Tour is quickly becoming one of next year’s most in-demand tickets. After selling out his July 13 date at Boston’s famed Fenway Park, Aldean also sold out his newly-added second show at the stadium on July 12. Additionally, Aldean quickly sold out his April 13 show at the University of Georgia’s Stanford Stadium.

Miranda Lambert, along with special guests Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will perform during both Fenway Shows as part of his 2013 tour.

“The list of guys in country music who sell out stadiums is pretty short, it’s guys like Chesney and Garth…I’m not supposed to be on that list,” said Aldean. “It’s a big testament to the hard work my band and crew put in every night out there and to the loyalty and passion of country music fans. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Aldean also revealed the second single from his fifth studio album, Night Train, last week (11/1) during the opening performance of the CMA Awards. Titled “The Only Way I Know,” the track includes Luke Bryan and Eric Church is available at radio now. Night Train sold 409,000 copies in its first week out.

For a full list of appearances and more information, visit www.jasonaldean.com.

Aaron Lewis Announces Album and Tour

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Aaron Lewis

Blaster Records’ Aaron Lewis will release his first full-length solo album, The Road, in stores November 13. The album will be supported by “The Road Tour,” which begins this weekend and runs through December.

The James Stroud co-produced album features nine-tracks, including the first outside song Lewis has ever recorded titled “Granddaddy’s Gun,” by writers Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Bobby Pinson. The video for Lewis’ latest single, “Forever,” will debut in the coming weeks on CMT and GAC.

The first leg of the tour will include tourmate Randy Montana visiting over 20 cities (full dates below).

“Touring and connecting with the audience has a huge influence on my music,” says Lewis. “This new record was essentially written and recorded while I was out on the road and the songs really reflect all the emotions that come with that.”

Lewis released a seven-song EP, Town Line, in 2010 that featured his gold-selling single “Country Boy,” featuring George Jones and Charlie Daniels.

To purchase tickets visit www.aaronlewismusic.com

Tour Dates: 
*November 2-3 – Mount Pocono, Mount Airy Casino Resort
November 4-  Sayerville, NJ,  Starland Ballroom
November 7- Munhall, PA, Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
November 8- Columbus, OH, Bluestone
November 9- Knoxville, TN, Cotton Eyed Joe
November 10- Winston Salem, NC, Johnny & June’s Ultra Saloon
November 15- Davie, FL, Cowboys Saloon
November 16- Jacksonville, FL, Mavericks
November 17- Orlando, FL, Plaza Theatre
November 18- Clearwater, FL, Ruth Eckerd Hall
November 23- Kansas City, MO, Midland By AMC
November 24- Minneapolis, MN, Mill City Nights
November 25- Des Moines, IA, Val Air Ballroom
November 27- Springfield, MO, Gilloz Theatre
November 28- Scott, LA, Cowboys
November 29- Monroe, LA, The Hookin’ Bull
November 30- Winnie, TX, Nutty Jerry’s
*December 1- Ft Worth, TX, Billy Bob’s
December 7- Indianapolis, IN, Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
December 8- Rootstown, OH , Dusty Armadillo
December 9- Philladelphia, PA, Trocadero Theatre
December 11- Orono, ME, Alfond Arena at the University of ME
December 13- Williamsville, NY, Club Infinity
December 14- New York, NY, Irving Plaza
December 15-  Clifton Park, NY,  Northern Lights/Upstate Concert Hall
*does not include Randy Montana

Little Big Town Spins Up “The Tornado Tour”

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Little Big Town has announced plans for  The Tornado Tour in 2013. The 25 city tour will also feature special guests Kacey Musgraves and David Nail in select cities. The tour kicks off Jan. 31, 2013 in Murray, KY.

“We’ve been looking forward to announcing this tour for so long and can’t wait to hit the road next year,” said Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman. “It’s going to be so much fun to share more music from this record with our fans and we feel very honored to have Kacey and David opening for us. They’re incredible artists. This new album means so much to us and to be able to showcase all of these songs is a dream come true.”

CMT will have an exclusive pre-sale for The Tornado Tour. Visit CMT’s Facebook page for the exclusive presale code to get tickets. Additionally, the network exclusively premiered Little Big Town’s music video for new single “Tornado” earlier today (10/31) and will feature it every hour throughout the day.

For a complete list of The Tornado Tour dates, click here.

Little Big Town, from left, Phillip Sweet, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook and Kimberly Schlapman, stuffs backpacks to support the Feeding America Tampa Bay Food Bank’s Kids Café program on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Little Big Town has teamed up with ConAgra Foods in support of its Child Hunger Ends Here campaign to help raise awareness of the more than one in five children in America who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. (Brian Blanco / AP Images for ConAgra Foods)