Grand Ole Opry Joins Forces with MTV

The Grand Ole Opry and MTV may be at opposite ends of the music spectrum, but they are part of a coalition urging federal regulators to stand up to a frequency grab by Microsoft and Google that could render wireless microphones useless.

In papers filed at the FCC Tuesday, a coalition that includes the Opry, Country Music Television, the Country Music Assn. and MTV Networks contends that allowing millions of wireless devices to use the same frequencies as wireless microphones would be a "catastrophe."

"We know all too well that there is no 'second chance' to redo a live performance," said Opry music director and broadcast producer Steve Gibson. "The white spaces proposals being considered by the FCC could turn 'Music City' into a silent city unless they get it right. As it stands, these proposals will not provide critical protection to the wireless microphone systems that are integral to every show."

While the fight over the use of so-called "white spaces" -- the vacant areas between broadcast channels -- has been raging between broadcasters and the high-technology companies, the live music industry has been quietly concerned over the problem the new unlicensed devices could cause.

Tuesday's filing marks the first time the Opry, CMT, CMA, MTVN, Fitzgerald Hartley (management for Vince Gill and LeAnn Rimes), SGTV (producer for the Dove Awards) and SeisMic Sound (audio engineers for the CMT Video Music Awards and the Dove Awards) have raised their voices in unison to oppose the development.

A coalition of high-tech companies, including Microsoft, Intel, Google and Dell, want to use white spaces as a way to connect such products as digital cameras and music players to the Web.

Proponents of the technology argue that TV-spectrum-based Internet service could be less expensive and more accessible than current phone and fiber-optic lines, forcing other high-speed Web service providers to lower their prices. But broadcasters have argued that the devices being tested that are supposed to seek out the white spaces simply don't work. Their arguments have been backed up by tests at the FCC, though the companies keep trying.

Thanks to Brooks Boliek

2008 Nashville Crawfish Boil

Schedule and Q&A for the 2008 Nashville Crawfish Boil

Stage Schedule:

Friday, May 16th, 2008
4:35 - 5:25 Hurt
5:45 - 6:35 Ashes Divide
6:55 - 7:55 Finger Eleven
8:15 - 9:15 Papa Roach
9:45 - 11:00 3 Doors Down

Saturday, May 17th, 2008
3:30 - 4:10 Conditions
4:30 - 5:15 Five Finger Death Punch
5:35 - 6:35 Presidents of the USA
6:55 - 7:55 New Found Glory
8:15 - 9:15 T-Pain
9:45 - 11:00 Paramore

Q & A

Q - Where is the Merrell Crawfish Boil located and how to I get to there?
A - The Merrell Crawfish Boil takes places at Riverfront Park, 1st Avenue & Broadway, Nashville, TN.

Q - How much does it cost to get into the event? Do I need to order separate tickets for headline shows?
A -Single Day General Admission Tickets are $20 per day in advance, two day tickets are $35. Single Day VIP tickets are $50.00 and $90 for a two-day ticket. There are a Limited number of VIP Weekend Passes available. No separate ticket is needed to see headline acts

Q - Does the admission at the door include crawfish?
A - Crawfish does cost extra. Crawfish are sold per plate which include about 2 lbs. of freshly boiled crawfish, corn and potatoes. VIP Tickets include free crawfish.

Q - I'm not a huge crawfish fan. Will there be other things to eat?
A - In case crawfish isn't your "cup of tea" there will be several food vendors selling other types of food on the festival site.

Q - Are there backstage passes to any of the shows for sale?
A - There are no "back stage passes" for this event; however, listen to your favorite local radio stations for chances to win backstage passes.

Q – Where should I park?
A – Parking is widely available at nearby lots in downtown Nashville.

Q – What is included in the VIP Ticket? How much do they cost and how do I buy them?
A – The VIP Ticket includes FREE crawfish, cash beverage station, private restrooms, private viewing area in Fort Nashborough. VIP tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations.

Q - I am very interested in attending the festival but was curious about the availability of tickets. I'd really rather pay cash the day of the event and wanted to know if this is the type of event with a limited number of tickets or if there will for sure be tickets at the gate.
A – Tickets are sold at a lower price in advance and will be available the day of show at an increased price. Because it is a festival and not a seated event, there are no set capacity limits; however, get there early to secure the closet spot to the stage.

Q - Are we going to allow people to bring in folding chairs to this years event?
A - No chairs are allowed.

Q - Are cameras allowed at the event?
A - Only disposable / non professional cameras will be allowed. No audio or video allowed.

Q - Is there an age limit?
A - There is no age limit and children 6 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

SECURITY POLICY
NO GLASS CONTAINERS
NO FOOD OR DRINK
NO COOLERS
NO UMBRELLAS
NO PETS
NO WEAPONS
NO VIDEO
NO JOKE

Free Concert for Gone Country 2 at the Wildhorse Saloon Tonight!

You are invited to a FREE concert event and red carpet featuring the cast of GONE COUNTRY 2.

The concert, hosted by John Rich, will feature performances by Sebastian Bach, Irene Cara, Mikalah Gordon, Jermaine Jackson, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lorenzo Lamas and Sean Young, who will debut a country song they have been developing for the series, along with the help of influential Nashville songwriters.

SPECIAL ROCKIN’ PERFORMANCE by John Rich of the multi-platinum selling duo Big & Rich.

Wednesday, May 14 (tonight)
Wildhorse Saloon
Doors open at 6:30pm
7:00P Talent Arrivals/Red Carpet
8:00P Final Performances

A Salute to Country in American Songwriter Magazine

American Songwriter Magazine features Alan Jackson on its current May/June cover and includes a compilation CD with the issue. The issue also features Hayes Carll, Sarah Buxton, Rivers Rutherford, Eric Church and Tift Merritt. The CD includes 22 songs from artists such as Willie Nelson, Gary Allan, James Otto, Ashton Shepherd, John Prine, Dale Watson, Lori McKenna, the Avett Brothers, the SteelDrivers and Justin Townes Earle.

Dwight Yoakam to Set "Tonight Show" Record

Dwight Yoakam will make his 24th appearance on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' this week, breaking the record for most musical performances by any artist.

The singer's Los Angeles-based spokeswoman says Yoakam will perform on the NBC late-night program's outdoor concert series Thursday.

Yoakam, 51, is currently tied with Lyle Lovett for the show's most musical performances with 23.

Besides his appearances with Leno, Yoakam also was on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' six times, beginning in 1986.

Tanya Tucker's Former Estate to Become Stillwater Golf Course

Construction got under way at a new golf course development in Williamson County called Stillwater.

The land was formerly the estate of country music star Tanya Tucker.

Eagle Ridge Investments LLC bought the 500-acre tract in Williamson County for $11.5 million on April 27, according to county records. Another 160 acres was purchased for $2 million.

The community will sell 495 lots on a Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril signature public golf course. Stillwater is an 18-hole championship golf course, par 72 with ponds, mature trees and rolling hills.

The development is between Cox and Patton Roads in Arrington about 13 miles east of Franklin.

Tucker's mansion will be converted into a clubhouse. Lots start at $165,000. The course is expected to open in the first quarter 2009.

Video of Carrie Underwood's Induction as an Grand Ole Opry Member by Garth Brooks

20th Annual Music Row Award's Nominees Announced

Nominees for the 20th Annual Music Row Awards were announced by the country music trade publication, and for the first time, readers will vote in the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter, Producer, Breakthrough Artist and Song of The Year.

These awards as well as honors for the Top Ten Album All Stars will be presented at an upcoming ceremony and will be highlighted in the June/July issue of Music Row magazine.

“Honoring Nashville’s creative community is one of the best parts of our job,” said Music Row Publisher David M. Ross. “These are the behind-the-scenes individuals who are responsible for lots of success stories but seldom get acknowledged.”

The Annual Top 10 Album All-Stars recognizes studio musicians who have appeared on the most top 10 albums during the previous year. These musician awards are unique because they are based strictly on album sales numbers, not popularity.

Ballots will be sent May 16 to all Music Row and RowFax subscribers, comprised of members of the music and radio industries, and voting will remain open until May 23.

The Breakthrough Artist category honors an artist who achieved significant career progress for the first time.
Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Ashton Shepherd (MCA Nashville)
James Otto (Warner Bros. Nashville)
Bucky Covington (Lyric Street Records)
Kellie Pickler (BNA Records).

Breakthrough Songwriter honors a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote a Top 10 song for the first time.
Lee Brice “More Than A Memory;” (by Garth Brooks)
Luke Bryan “Good Directions;” co-writer Rachel Thibodeau (by Billy Currington)
“All My Friends Say;” co-writers Lonnie Wilson, Jeff Stevens (by Luke Bryan)
Chuck Wicks "Stealing Cinderella;" co-writers Rivers Rutherford, George Teren; (by Chuck Wicks),
Candy Cameron “What Kind Of Gone;” co-writers Dave Berg, Chip Davis; (by Chris Cagle)
Jonathan Singleton “Watching Airplanes;” (by Gary Allan)

Song of the Year awards honor writers and publishers on the craft of songwriting, not necessarily chart position.
Letter To Me," writer: Brad Paisley, publishers—EMI April Music/New Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP);
"Don’t Blink," writers: Casey Beathard, Chris Wallin, publishers—Lavender Zoo Music, Mama’s Dream Music, Sony/ATV Acuff Rose, WB Music Corp.;
"Lost In This Moment," writers: Keith Anderson, Rodney Clawson, John Rich; publishers—EMI April Music, Inc., Romeo Cowboy Music, WB Music Corp., Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Writer’s Extreme Music;
"Moments," writers: Dave Berg, Annie Tate, Sam Tate; publishers—Gravitron, WB Music Corp.
"If You're Reading This," writers: Tim McGraw, Brad Warren, Brett Warren;
publishers—L’ile Des Auteurs Music/Bucky, Clyde Music.

Producer of the Year
Mark Wright (Gary Allan, Joe Nichols, Phil Vassar)
Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood)
Buddy Cannon (Kenny Chesney, Ashton Shepherd, Willie Nelson)
Frank Rogers (Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Josh Turner)
Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Sugarland, Faith Hill)