GurleyBiz

Win Tickets to See Carlene Carter in Austin

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:49:00 +0000

Be a part of the SXSW convention and Direct

TV Live show………

Carlene Carter and Direct TV are taking Austin by storm and you can be front and center. You can win a pair of tickets for the live taping on Friday March 20 at 9 p.m. CST live from the Lonestar Lounge at the Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX. Simply tell us why you deserve the tickets using song titles from Carlene’s current YepRoc LP. Stronger. The person incorporating the most song titles in the submission wins. Winner will be announced

Enter to Win

Carlene Carter Shares Her Rich Musical History with Santa Barbara

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 23:37:00 +0000

Thursday, February 26, 2009

By Brett Leigh Dicks

Every February, a collective of seasoned music-makers and emerging songwriters converge on Buellton for the annual Durango Songwriters Expo. Now in its 19th year, the event has evolved into one of the leading songwriting forums in the nation. It draws aspiring songwriters from across the country and gives them the opportunity to show off their skills and refine their strategy with the help of leading industry professionals.

One such professional on hand for the 2009 installment is Carlene Carter, whose motivation for attending is a mighty personal one. Despite releasing one of 2008’s seminal albums, Stronger, the heiress to the Carter-Cash legacy (she’s the daughter of June Carter Cash and Carl Smith, and the step-daughter of Johnny) has elected to forgo the trappings of Nashville for her Santa Barbara County home.

“I’ve been coming here for a long time because my producer, John McFee, has lived up here for the last 30 years,” offered Carter from her recently acquired retreat. “So I knew the area pretty well from my friendship with John, and when we were ready to move, we thought we would check out the place. We found 10 acres here up on a little ridge with a beautiful view and room for animals, so we are really happy.”

It seems only fitting that it should be longtime resident McFee who helped to solicit Carter’s relocation to Santa Barbara, as he was also the driving force behind her musical return. Twelve years after her departure from the music world, Stronger launched Carter back on the map, and allowed her to regain her songwriting focus.

“I like to say I was doing a lot of research,” laughed Carter. “Part of it was that I was extremely burned out. I had been on the road pretty much for 10 years. I never wanted to hate what I was doing, but I found myself being on automatic and having no real life. I also had personal problems to take care of, and that took a lot longer than I thought it would. … I just didn’t know if I really wanted to boot up again.”

The time in between projects yielded unprecedented highs and lows for the singer/songwriter. In the same year that she found love again, Carter had to come to terms with the passing of her mother, stepfather, ex-lover, and little sister. But boot up again she did—and in no small way. Her emotional rollercoaster provided the foundation for Stronger, and subsequently inspired what arguably is Carter’s finest record to date.

Having channeled her emotions into song, Carter turned to her stepbrother, John Carter Cash, for assistance. She ventured back to Tennessee, quickly recorded a prerelease, and took the album on the road. While traveling, Carter realized the full potential of her new songs and, upon returning home, sought out McFee to help rework the material. The Santa Barbaran quickly proved he was the right man for the job.

Carter handed over the reins to McFee, who went on to record, produce, mix, and play most of the instrumentation for Stronger. “I just did the album that I really thought was right,” said Carter. “And that was largely due to John, who, apart from the songs, was the most important part of this.”

In listening to the recording, it is difficult to understand how anyone could tell Carlene Carter what to do—especially considering her collective experience and pedigree. Having launched her career as part of the Carter Family when she was only 15, Carter’s journey has been an undeniably unique one. By age 17, she was on the road with The Johnny Cash Show.

“There I got to sing my own stuff,” Carter recalled. “Everyone would sing a song—Rosanna and Rosey and me. John was really cool about that. He wanted us to do that and kind of threw us out there. And that’s really how it started as far as playing. A little after that, I started playing all the little clubs around Nashville. I played by myself as a songwriter, a lot of the time for just dinner or drinks. I just wanted to play. And that started my musical independence.”

Since then, Carter has delivered nine studio albums and three compilations and crossed over into television by way of a series of specials called Carlene Carter: Circle of Song. But before you chalk up Carter as another prodigal child of musical royalty, she’ll tell you that her family ties have always remained strong.

“Whenever I’ve not known what to do, I’ve always gone back to the Carter Family, because there was nothing like singing with my aunts and my mom to my grandma,” she said. “My grandma passed in ’78, and that’s the year I started recording. It’s also the year that my dad retired from his career. So it’s funny how torches get passed on and you feel a responsibility to be connected to the music that they did and try to carry it on in your own way. I went completely around the bend doing other things, but always in my heart and in my soul is that music.”

Live Last Night: Carlene Carter

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:23:00 +0000

From the Washington Post:

Most folks at Carlene Carter's Barns at Wolf Trap show on Saturday surely left feeling lucky they didn't grow up in a show biz family. Well, her family, anyway.

The gifted granddaughter of Maybelle Carter, daughter of June Carter and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash told the audience that "a lot of stuff to write about" has happened to her. She spent much of her pained and fascinating 75-minute set relating those tales with tears in her eyes.

Introducing "The Bitter End," Carter said it was a song she wrote for Johnny Cash about a "15-year old girl who left home because she was dumb and pregnant." After a pause and with a big guffaw, Carter added: "That would be me."

"To Change Your Heart" -- a song whose melody and structure recall "Long Black Veil," a traditional folk gem her stepfather used to sing -- was "about my third divorce." That would be her divorce from Nick Lowe, the U.K. pop genius who steered Carter into a New Wave direction in the late-1970s and for a time backed her with his peerless combo, Rockpile. (For those keeping score, Carter's second divorce was from Jack Routh, a Johnny Cash sideman who then married Carlene's sister, Cindy Cash, who left Routh to marry Marty Stuart, another Johnny Cash sideman. And so on...)

There is also an upside, of course, to fitting into Carter's genes. This country has produced few musical clans as talented as the Carter-Cashes, and the tools of the family trade have clearly been passed down to Carlene. Carter's voice, much like the singer/songwriter herself, seems simultaneously fragile and robust. At 53, despite all her years of wild living, Carter can still go from a growl to a breathtaking alto in mid-lyric. And the melodies she crafts can make even songs with the saddest subject matter sound uplifting.

"Judgement Day" was Carter's sweet ode to her troubled longtime companion, the former Tom Petty bassist Howie Epstein. In 2001, she was arrested for writing bad checks, car theft, and possession of black tar heroin while on a crazy crime cruise with Epstein through the American Southwest. He died a drug-related death a year and a half later.

Though backed for much of the night by an electric guitarist and keyboardist, Carter showed her soft and hard sides once again by ending the night sitting alone at the piano and belting out "Stronger," the title song from her latest record. It's a tribute to her sister, Rosey Nix, who in 2003, months after the deaths of June Carter and Johnny Cash, was found dead lying on the floor of a bus she was living in, surrounded by drug paraphernalia.

Like so much of her material: Horrible story, lovely song. That's show biz for you.

-- Dave McKenna

Kudos from around...

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:07:00 +0000

From the blog of Jim Bessman:

And so I am inspired again. But I neglect maybe the most inspiring Carlene Carter. She and the always-inspiring Graham Parker showcased for APAP two nights earlier at Joe’s Pub, the first time, she said, they were ever billed together. GP remains the most consistently compelling singer-songwriter to emerge from the new wave, and was a huge influence on Carlene (she used his pub-rock band the Rumour on her self-titled 1978 debut album). She gave him props after his typically self-deprecating solo set (he joked about getting confused for Gram Parsons and Richard Thompson and just sucking it up and going with it), then did an autobiographical set backed by piano and guitar that was truly triumphant: Here’s a woman with the greatest heritage in country music (the Carter Family, not to mention her step-father Johnny Cash), who caused a stir with her first rock-influenced country albums, then went through years of abuse and then the rapid-fire deaths of her mother June Carter, Cash, her sister Rosey Carter and ex-boyfriend/producer and former Petty’s Heartbreaker Howie Epstein, to emerge last year with the terrific comeback album “Stronger.”
At Joe’s Pub, she sang with abandon, looking and sounding so much like her adorable mother now instead of the glamorous rebel of her debut. And when she finished with “Stronger,” which was written for her sister (“I wanna crawl in that dark hole and curl up beside her/Wanna cradle her sweet soul and never let go”), mine weren’t the only eyes tearing up.
“Don’t shit on your talent!” bellowed Sandra Bernhard on New Year’s Eve, responding to a reveler who shouted out something about Amy Winehouse. The ever-glamorous Sandy, looking easily 30 years younger than she is, simply could not tolerate Winehouse’s appetite for self-destruction, her talent notwithstanding.
Carlene has now officially not shit on her talent. Go tell it on the mountain! Or take it from this post, three and a-half years in the making.
Sometimes it takes a while to get inspired.

GARY MORRIS TO PERFORM AT THE HEROES RED, WHITE AND BLUE INAUGURAL BALL

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:09:00 +0000

Gary Morris will be performing at the Red, White and Blue Ball for the Inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. The 2009 Heroes Red, White and Blue Inaugural Ball will celebrate America's military heroes and honor injured service members and their families at the Walter Reed Army and National Naval Medical Centers. It will benefit the USO of Metropolitan Washington and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Gary's international career was started when he joined Candidate Jimmy Carter on his whistlestop tour accros the country during his successful campaign. Since then Gary has performed for every US President as well as heads

of state from around the world. Gary's current LP Bring Him Home and Other Prayers features songs from his awad winning performance in Les Miserables as well as traditional inspriational tunes.

Country Music's Royalty

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:57:00 +0000

As posted in the Shoreline Times - January 2, 2009

Carlene Carter Grammy Consideration

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:12:00 +0000

FIELD 8 - COUNTRY

Carlene Carter is back and STRONGER than ever!

STRONGER is her first album of entirely self-penned songs in over a decade.

...and now for your consideration for GRAMMY nominations for 2009 in:

FIELD 8 - COUNTRY

Category 36: Best Female Country Vocal Performance

"Bring Love" by Carlene Carter (code: 006)

Category 41: Best Country Song

"Bring Love" Carlene Carter, songwriter (Carlene Carter) (code: 018)

Category 42: Best Country Album

"Stronger" Carlene Carter (code: 013)

Thank you so much for your support. Please pass on to other Naras friends.

Carlene Carter Takes Mountain Stage

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Bristol, TN-VA- Carlene Carter, standard bearer of the first family of country music, The Carter Family, will hit the airways this week (October 10-17) as she headlines Mountain Stage. The award winning NPR show was recorded live earlier this Fall in Bristol, TN/VA, where her grandmother Maybelle and family honed their craft that would forever change live music performances.

The show features self penned songs from Carlene's current Yeproc LP STRONGER as well as several traditional Carter family tunes. A complete list of stations and times can be found at the Mountain Stage website (http://www.mountainstage.org/mtnstageaffiliates.aspx)

One of the first bohemian country rockers, she has always known how to mix pop, country-rock and traditional sounds, and Stronger is yet another great testament to her musical sensibilities. Carter's abilities as a songwriter have never been stronger, hitting the listener straight in the heart.

"A staggering achievement by one of the great voices and fearless hearts of country rock" Bernie Taupin

"After a lifetime of highs and lows, Carlene Carter finds the key to survival at the core of her family tradition" - USA TODAY

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:47:00 +0000

Halloween Party Celebrates the Second Anniversary of Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts featuring music from Kristi Neumann, Tokyo Sauna and No Good Deed

Nashville, TN - October 9, 2008 - Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (TNVLA) will celebrate the organization's two year anniversary with a Halloween Costume Party on Saturday, October 25th, 2008 at the Limelight (201 Woodland St.). There will be prizes for best costume and music from: East-Nashville singer-songwriter Kristi Neumann; Tokyo Sauna, featuring local attorneys Bob Sullivan (a TNVLA board member), John Griffin and David Cannon; and No Good Deed, a band of Nashville doctors.

Music starts at 8:00p.m. Suggested donation is $10, with all proceeds benefiting TNVLA. Tickets are available online at www.tnvla.org or at the door. Since opening in the Fall of 2006, TNVLA has helped low-income artists and nonprofit arts organizations with over 400 legal matters, generating an estimated $400,000 worth of legal services for the arts. This service is made possible by the volunteer time of over 110 lawyers from 35 local law firms. TNVLA is a nonprofit organization that provides pro bono legal services and education to low income artists of all disciplines and emerging arts organizations in the Nashville area. The first and only organization filling this need in Tennessee, TNVLA is based on the model of similar Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts organizations currently thriving across the country. TNVLA also presents free educational programs on arts-related legal matters which have been attended by over 500 members of the Nashville arts community.For more information on the Halloween Party or TNVLA, please visit www.tnvla.org.

Tyler Bryant Concert

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:08:00 +0000

TREAT YOURSELF TO 30 MINUTES

REMARKABLE MUSIC

TYLER BRYANT

12TH AND PORTER

6 P.M.

WINNEER 2007 GIBSON-ROBEERT JOHNSON NEW GENERATION AWARD

Recently signed with CAA.

Opening for Joe Bohamassa

Although he is barely 18 he has an amazing resume. He just finished music for a film with Jeff Beck and Carlos Santanos. Albert Lee is one of his biggest fans and has worked with him on several projects. Even LeRoy Parnell did a double take when he performed a song with him last summer at a Gibson Show.

They are looking for producer, publishing, songs, etc... but you will just be glad you came.

Newly Discovery Robert Johnson Photo

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:59:00 +0000

In the November issue of Vanity Fair is an article about bluesman Robert Johnson. The legendary musician only recorded 29 songs and has even fewer public photographs.

The article explores this newest photograph of Johnson that appeared on eBay.

Read the Full Story

Spirit of America Celebrates 100th Show with Mandrell and Daniels

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:51:00 +0000

Howie Mandell signs a poster for soldier after performing for the Spirit of America Tour at Fort Huachuca, AZ

LOS ANGELES- Howie Mandell in the West and Charlie Daniels in the East both helped the Spirit of America Tour celebrate seven years of providing stateside entertainment free of charge to military personnel and their families. The Spirit of America Tour, funded by the Robert and Nina Rosenthal Foundation, has sponsored 100 shows since 9-11.

Howie Mandell treated soldiers at Fort Huachuca, Arizona to a well deserved round of laughter on August 23rd. Perennial singer and musician Charlie Daniels headlined the Spirit of America Tour concert September 14^th at the Naval Submarine Base; New London, Ct.

Retired businessman Robert Rosenthal founded his Spirit of America Tour (http://e2ma.net/go/1317025479/1196855/42252666/goto:http:/www.spiritofamericatour.org/ fueled by a desire to offer something back to America after the tragedy and stunning events of 9/11. Robert and his wife Nina sat numb, as did the world. He decided he had to do something to mend our nation's broken spirit. When our brave troops were sent off to fight, the spark was lit. Thus, The Spirit of America Tour was born.

Nina Rosenthal, a native of England, remembered fondly her family hosting US soldiers during WWII. With this in mind, Rosenthal created his own version of hospitality towards our Armed Forces with this vision. Rosenthal's extraordinary, long-term commitment has shown his true, red-white-and-blue colors by personally underwriting stellar state of the art concerts at US military bases across the country. It's his way to honor the outstanding men and women serving our country.

The Spirit of America Tour features major names in music, about 15 times per year, on various US military bases. All shows are completely free to base personnel and their families. He has brought in Clint Black, Jodee Messina, Josh Gracin, Dan Miller, Carrot Top and more to entertain the troops and their families. Most shows are standing room only.

Viewed as the premiere sponsor of entertainment for American stateside military bases, The Spirit of America Tour accepts no government funds or corporate donations. Robert's guidelines are specific; these shows are totally free to military personnel and open to soldiers' and their families ONLY. No civilian tickets are available. These shows are full-blown productions and provide a "time out" for over quarter of a million of our nation's military families including active, reserve and National Guard. Though all artists donate their time to do these shows at America's Military Bases, the Spirit of America Tour pays all their expenses so that these patriotic entertainers are not out of pocket. Robert calls it "businessman's patriotism."

The Spirit of America Tour is one way that major entertainers help boost and maintain the morale of America's Armed Forces and their families. It demonstrates both the humanness and compassion entertainers feel towards our service men and women, and is also a positive display of the patriotism they feel for our country.

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:50:00 +0000

Robert Johnson Birthday Celebration Scheduled for May 9, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:11:00 +0000

CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI - The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation is proud to announce that it's annual Spring Festival honoring the birth of Robert Johnson will take place May 9, 2009 in Crystal Springs at the Chautauqua Park.

The unique event is the only event sanctioned by and benefitting the Robert Johnson Foundaiton, organized and run by the descendants of the legendary musician. An additional highlight of the festival will be the awarding of the 2009 Gibson - Robert Johnson Blues Foundation New Generation Award. This award recognizes the year's most promising young blues musician between the ages of 12-18. Applications are currently being accepted through March 31, 2009 at www.robertjohnsoncrossroads.com For more information about the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation, the Spring Festival, or the New Generation Award Contest, please visit www.robertjohnsoncrossroads.com.

Spirit of America Tour & Charlie Daniels Remember 9/11

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:48:00 +0000

"Charlie has a unique talent of wrapping musical entertainment, religious faith, and morality into one great southern rock package. You find yourself dancing, singing, laughing, crying, and cheering in only a two hour set. When it is all done you wonder where the time went. "

Bruce Wall, Southern Fried Magazine, 2008

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA TOUR REMEBERS 9/11
WITH CHARLIE DANIELS SHOW

NASHVILLE- Perennial singer and musician Charlie Daniels will be the headliner of the Spirit of America Tour concert September 19^th at the Naval Submarine Base; New London, Ct. Recipient of numerous career awards, Daniels is nominated this year for Musician of the Year in The 14^th Annual Inspirational Country Music Award Show. Known for several decades for his iconic song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," Daniels promises to provide stellar entertainment to the men and women stationed in New London. The show marks the organization's centennial event, or 100^th show.

Retired businessman Robert Rosenthal founded His Spirit of America Tour (www.spiritofamericatour.org) fueled by a desire to offer something back to America after the tragedy and stunning events of 9/11 . Robert and his wife Nina sat numb, as did the world. He decided he had to do something to mend our nation's broken spirit. When our brave troops were sent off to fight, the spark was lit. Thus, The Spirit of America Tour was born.

Viewed as the premiere sponsor of entertainment for America Stateside military bases, The Spirit of America Tour accepts no government funds or corporate donations. Robert's guidelines are specific; these shows are totally free to military personnel and open to soldiers' and their families ONLY. No civilian tickets are available. These shows are full-blown productions and provide a "time out" for over quarter of a million of our nation's military families. Though all artists donate their time to do these shows at America's Military Bases, the Spirit of America Tour pays all their expenses so that these patriotic entertainers are not out of pocket. Robert calls it "businessman's patriotism."

Warren Brown Passes on September 15th

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:47:00 +0000

Warren Wayne Brown

1916-2008

Warren Brown, renowned musician and publisher, passed away on September 15, 2008 after a lengthy illness in Carlsbad, CA. His music career encompassed the Big Band era as well as placing many of the century's most familiar tunes with artists like Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Petula Clark.

Warren's life was filled with music, being taught at an early age by his father, then attending New York Military Academy majoring in music. He was a trombonist with his brother's band, Les Brown and the Band of Renown until he went into the Navy in World War II where he served for 3 years. Upon discharge, he entered the business end of music and joined Leeds Music in New York City. Because of his success as a "song plugger" finding hit songs for many artists and overseeing many educational projects for Leeds, he was transferred to California to open and head the Leeds Music office there. The company sold to MCA and Warren served as Vice President of MCA Music, Inc., later to become Universal Music, until his retirement in 1981. During his tenure, he found Strangers In the Night for Frank Sinatra, Girl from Ipanema for Antonio Carlos Jobin, and helped market in the USA the innovative music album Jesus Christ Super Star, Downtown by Petula Clark, and It's Not Unusual by Tom Jones.

Warren was married many years to his late wife, Marjorie, and they had a daughter, Teri, and a son, Bruce. He was born in Tower City, PA in 1916- son of Ray and Hattie Brown.

In 1992, he married Ruth Cooper Stephenson who was at his side when he died.

Survivors are his wife- Ruth, daughter- Teri Brown, son-Bruce Brown, brother- Clyde "Stumpy" Brown and his wife Betty Jo, and his grandchildren... His brother, Les Brown, and Sylvia Thompson, his sister, predeceased him.

Contributions to the Alzheimer's Association are appreciated. Services are private.

Carlene Carter Performs at Country Music Hall of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:46:00 +0000

"....C.C.'s record. It is astounding." Elvis Costello

NASHVILLE- Carlene Carter, standard bearer of the first family of country music, The Carter Family, will perform as part of this year's Americana Music Festival on Friday, September 19 at 4:30 pm. Playing and singing an acoustic set with John McFee, former Doobie Brother, and producer of her latest CD Stronger her appearance is sure to delight fans and concert attendees alike. The performance will be held at the Country Music Hall of Fame store just yards away from the plaques honoring her grandmother Maybelle Carter, her father Carl Smith, her mother June and her step-father, Johnny Cash. This showcase is free and open to the public.

Carter was the ultimate Americana artist long before the genre was created. One of the first bohemian country rockers, she has always known how to mix pop, country-rock and traditional sounds, and Stronger is yet another great testament to her musical sensibilities. Carter's abilities as a songwriter have never been stronger, hitting the listener straight in the heart.

"A staggering achievement by one of the great voices and fearless hearts of country rock" Bernie Taupin

She penned all twelve songs and even offers a bonus track. Her royal country lineage is fully evident on her new CD "Stronger". Slightly retro but with a modern feel, the CD begins with The Bitter End . Why Be Blue is frisky country pop. Carter channels her family's roots in a trio of mellow traditional songs, To Change Your Heart, Spider Lace and It Takes One to Know Me. A poignant mix of grief and reliance, the record reflects on Carter's Job-like loss of her long-time partner, Howie Epstein; her mother, June Carter Cash; her stepfather, Johnny Cash; and her kid sister Rosey. All four of her loved ones died in 2003.That's some powerful grief to endure. However the record also speaks to the power of love and renewal. Carter married actor Joseph Breen in 2006.

"After a lifetime of highs and lows, Carlene Carter finds the key to survival at the core of her family tradition" - USA TODAY

Coming from a musical dynasty that not only includes the Carter Family, but father Carl Smith and step dad Johnny Cash, Carter has lived and learned about life in all its myriad forms and emotions.

Billy Bob Thornton Entertains Troops

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:45:00 +0000

 Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton performs around the world on



the large screen in his acting roles. The sailors and their families at



the Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois receive a red carpet



performance from Billy Bob and his band, the Boxmasters.  The



performance was presented by the Spirit of America Foundation which



underwrites entertainment on all US bases for the military personnel and



their families.  Robert Rosenthal and his wife Nina have been supporting



the troops by bringing top entertainers to military bases stateside



since 9-11. The Spirit of America Tour has produced over 100 concerts for



450,000 troops and their families. The Spirit of America Tour is a



non-profit 501(c)(3),privately funded by the Robert and Nina Rosenthal



Foundation, aimed at bringing headline entertainment to our troops.

12 South Concert

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:43:00 +0000

12 SOUTH CONCERT SERIES FOLLOWS UP WILDLY SUCCESSFUL DEBUT

CONCERT IN SEVIER PARK WITH THE SECOND IN THE SERIES SEPTEMBER 6.

Local residents Shawn Byrne, Scott 76, Kari Kragness and Aron Wright will perform

from 5 to 9pm in the 12 South neighborhood's Sevier Park

By all accounts, the community concert in the park last Saturday, August 23rd

organized by Rumours Wine Bar partners Whitney Ferre and Christy Shuff was a

rollicking success.

Locally based pop rock act Brother Henry headlined a four band bill on a beautiful

evening while neighborhood hipsters and families picnicked and mingled on the slope

near the historic yellow Sevier mansion. Also on the bill were Connor Rand, Pat Walsh

and Anescia Collins.

Concert number two, on Saturday September 6, will feature the Americana folk rock of

neighborhood resident Shawn Byrne. The triple threat Byrne tours the globe as an in

demand lead guitarist, fronts his own group and writes hit songs including last year's

Americana award-winning "Ole Cook Pot" recorded by The Duhks.

Scott 76 is Scott Hylbert's new project that blends vintage 70s country rock with

contemporary pop often drawing comparisons to Wilco, Beck and the Jayhawks. His

band will include his brother Brian from IK BEN and the sibling harmonies featured in

their collective back catalog. Scott 76 appears on the heels of successful record

release parties at The Basement and Bluebird Cafe.

Kari Kragness will perform her sultry rhythm blues pop and Aron Wright, who Duff

McKagan from Guns n Roses says "has the voice of an angel" will add his indie-folk

element in a well-rounded lineup.

The series is supported by major sponsors Emma Email Marketing, Village Real Estate

and Rudy Title.

More information can be found here:

http://www.myspace.com/12southconcerts

Shawn Byrne http://www.myspace.com/shawnbyrne

Scott 76 http://www.myspace.com/eelbear

Kari Kragness http://www.myspace.com/karikragnessmusic

Aron Wright http://www.myspace.com/aronwright

Carlene Carter at Country Music Hall of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:10:00 +0000

Carlene Carter to Perform at Country Music Hall of Fame

"A staggering achievement by one of the great voices and fearless hearts of country rock" Bernie Taupin

"After a lifetime of highs and lows, Carlene Carter finds the key to survival at the core of her family tradition" - USA TODAY

More than a country song, it's Carlene Carter's life

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:11:00 +0000

More than a country song, it's Carlene Carter's life

In control: Carter has overcome drug addiction and the deaths in one year of four people who were close to her. Stefano Paltera / For The Times

Pain and loss were the singer's constant companions. But the daughter of June Carter Cash found the strength to return to songwriting.

By Holly Gleason, Special to The Times

March 9, 2008

NASHVILLE -- WITH her once ash blond hair now auburn, progressive country's crown princess Carlene Carter is the spitting image of her mother June Carter Cash. Heads turn when Maybelle Carter's granddaughter walks into the Sunset Grill, a Music City watering hole frequented by the celebrities, who scarcely earn more than a passing flicker from fellow diners. In part because of her beauty, in part because of her notoriety for living outside the lines, in part because of a pedigree that also includes father Carl Smith, stepfather Johnny Cash and a mother who co-wrote "Ring of Fire," people take notice.

Carlene, a wild child of the '70s L.A. country-rock and U.K. punk scenes, has emerged from a life that scanned far wilder than any country song. But in her own prolonged addiction and the 2003 deaths of paramour Howie Epstein, her mother, stepfather and sister Rosie, she found the strength to return to writing and created "Stronger," a song cycle coming out Tuesday that documents the pain, loss and courage it took to regain control of her life.

"In some ways, [writing] was the hardest part 'cause I lived it," says Carter. Her eyes flash with that spark that marked her irrepressibility three decades ago, when she was a country siren living on the fringe of British punk with then-husband Nick Lowe.

"But, you know, everybody's lost somebody, got their heart broken, wanted to take the snot out of someone, been madly in love. . . . It's part of real life if you're living it."

She lived it all right, and at times those around her wondered whether she'd survive the downward spiral of shady characters, drug abuse and personal tragedy.

"Once I started writing, it all flooded out of me," she says. "I've always been one of those people -- once I start something, I have to get it all out, because it gets me."

In spite of her musical laughter, Carter's been through things that would topple most. Rather than crumbling, she's emerged with a project as shiny and ebullient as her punk-era "Musical Shapes" or her 1990 mainstream country hit "I Fell in Love."

Opening "Stronger" with a revved-up train beat, "The Bitter End" serves as the prologue for a song cycle that moves through the harrowing path she'd been on with Epstein, the former bassist with Tom Petty's Heartbreakers whose own addiction troubles ended with his 2003 overdose.

"I was not having fun when the drama started," she confesses with a startling frankness. "I'd gone on the road with Howie, who was pretty messed up. He was doing heroin and coke -- and I'm trying to stay clean, which was hilarious. He got to where he couldn't keep it together and I was a caretaker for him. . . . He needed me.

"I'd been clean for a long time when I relapsed, and then it was something I'd never done: heroin. The Heartbreakers sent us both to treatment . . . and I knew enough to know: 'We can't go back to the house and kick it.' There were just so many shady characters around the house. It was scary."

Living in L.A., New Mexico and Nashville, their lives were scattered. She took the fall for a 2001 drug bust -- Epstein wasn't charged -- and was sentenced to 18 months probation after pleading no contest to heroin possession. ("I had no idea the repercussions," she says, "and we knew the Heartbreakers would fire him.") That created the impetus to get her life together.

"At one point [following their arrests], my mom hired a limo to drive me from Nashville to New Mexico, because there were warrants popping up and she was so afraid for me to get on a plane," she said. "My mom encouraged me to leave everything: him, my house, my things and just start over. But I'd worked so hard for everything, and when I left, I was so scared I'd never see him again."

A woman raised on country songs, Carter was reluctant to not stand by her man. But her parole officer warned her not to go to their New Mexico home: The DEA was watching, and should there be a raid, it would mean a harsh sentence.

"I saw him in September [of 2002]. . . . We met in a little restaurant and he promised me he'd come to Nashville. I told him about this [rehab] place I'd gone to that had horses and stuff. . . . "

Carter pauses, choked up by the memory. She turns away. There are tears, making it clear how painful this is. Voice trailing off, she offers the only explanation she can find, "When you're on drugs, you make a lot of promises you never get to keep. . . ."

In December, Epstein told her, "I'm gonna do drugs until I die. . . ." And it wasn't the new girl in his life that bothered her as much as the fact that she also "shot up." Two months later, Epstein fulfilled his prediction -- and Carter's spiral of loss began.

After the four deaths in nine months and her own backslide into drugs -- "I felt all alone 'cause it's like my family and the people I was close to were all gone" -- her new album grew out of a song about love and hope. But "Bring Love" is the song that opened the floodgates.

"I wrote it for Joe," she says brightening visibly upon invoking the name of her new love, actor Joe Breen. "I mean, the chariot was actually an Altima with a big dent, but here was this man telling me -- me, the girl who has something to say about everything -- that you're going home. And you know what? I shut up and did just that."

Breen, like Carter, had sworn off love when they met in 2004 through mutual friends. He was a handsome actor and Carter found herself spending time with this gentle man who just seemed to want to take things as slowly as she did. They married two years ago in Jamaica.

"I was going to Nashville to do 'Wildwood Flower' [the play about her fabled kin, the Carter Family] and play Mama, and Joe was like, 'This is where you need to be.' I signed a one-year lease, ended up staying two years." Breen also encouraged her not merely to play a part, but to sing her own song as well, telling her, "You need to write."

Getting 'fired up' again

NEARLY a decade had passed since 1995's "Little Acts of Treason," her most recent studio record, and the 1996 retrospective "Hindsight 20/20," putting her far enough off the career treadmill to write for its own sake.
After all that drama, time lost and career burnout, getting started on "Stronger" proved easier than she'd expected. Beyond the amount of life she'd survived, the woman who co-wrote the Doobie Brothers' "One Step Closer" and Emmylou Harris' "Easy From Now On" found she was inspired by the way life had turned around.

After laying the songs down with half-brother John Carter Cash, she recognized that the tracks needed more power, layers and perhaps fire. She turned to old friend and Doobie Brother John McFee.

"I like things all shined up and rocking with hooky pop choruses," she says cheerfully. "And the weird thing with [McFee] is that as long as I've known him, no matter what's going on with me, he knows what's going on in my head."

Says McFee: "Carlene's heart and soul just come through. . . . She's smart and she's a good writer, so you know it's gonna be good.

"But this is more than just a bunch of songs," he added. "She pulls no punches. She's brave and she has this attitude to face life, to go on. She's been through a lot and she figured out how to pull something from it."

"When John started working on these songs, started sending' em back to me -- taking them from black and white to Technicolor, I found myself getting really inspired," she said. "And then when I started playing 'em live, I was fired up."

Six months later, they were finished. Whether it was the autoharp-driven Carter Family-style "To Change Your Heart" about the dissolution of her decade-plus marriage to Lowe; the spare piano ballad about a last glimpse of Epstein and reckoning with the pain, "Judgment Day"; or the steel-guitar tinged "It Takes One to Know Me," a tribute to the unflagging loyalty of stepfather Cash; hers are songs born from an intensely lived life and a fierce love of the people who've touched her.

Indeed, on the title track, which closes the album, she looks back clear-eyed but without staring. Not quite an elegy for herself and her sister but certainly making peace with what happened and finding the will to go on.

"Wanna crawl in that dark hole; wanna curl up beside her," sings Carter in a mahogany contralto: "Wanna cradle her sweet soul, and never let go. Now there's rest of the weary and there's peace in the night. There's grace in forgiveness for angels in flight."

Exhaling deeply, Carter leans closer and confides, "You know, I didn't know if I had it in me, to start all this back up. . . . " Then she smiles, like she can't believe she ever doubted her drive to create.

McFee understands her excitement. Having gone to an intervention for her years ago in New Mexico and leaving thinking he might never see his friend again, he's not just glad to have her back, he's thrilled with the quality of her writing.

"I gave Elvis Costello a copy of ["Stronger"] when we did the Clover reunion shows for 'My Aim Is True' in November," McFee recalls, "and he sent me a note that started, 'I'm compelled to write . . .' and then got into all these specifics about her songs and the writing. That's praise, coming from one of the best songwriters of the last 50 years."

Costello, who's touring with the Police, may put Carter on some of his solo dates here in the U.S. But just as important, she's found a home on taste-making indie label Yep Roc Records -- alongside Lowe.

"There's this confidence and cockiness that really gets to you," says Yep Roc co-owner Glenn Dicker. "It's invigorating, the way she pulls you in. You have to pay attention to her, to these songs, and I think she's got even better music to come."

Carter hoots when you tell her that. She and McFee have plans for a Carl Smith tribute album, and she's starting up the promo grind. Having walked out of the black hole of losing a lot of folks she loved, drugs and jail, she's ready for the light.

And although she admits "I've developed more of a sense of humor," don't look for her to take the music lightly. With a knowing chuckle, she considers the future, then offers, "You know, looking at all of it, I can only tell you this: My heart is a little older and wiser. I don't really have any ditties left in me anymore."

Spirit of America & Charlie Daniels at Fort Hood

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:26:00 +0000

Charlie Daniels fiddled his way into the hearts of the men, woman and
children of Fort Hood, Texas. The performance was presented by the Spirit of
America Foundation which underwrites entertainment on all US bases for the
military personnel and their families. Robert Rosenthal and his wife Nina have been
supporting the troops by bringing top entertainers to military bases
stateside since 9-11. The Spirit of America Tour has produced over 100concerts for 450,000 troops and their families. The Spirit of America Tour is a non-profit 501(c)(3),

privately funded by the Robert and Nina Rosenthal Foundation, aimed at bringing headline entertainment to our troops.

Carlene Carter - One Sheet

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:15:00 +0000

I couldn't let a day go by without writing a note about C.C.'s record. It is astounding." – Elvis Costello

A staggering achievement by one of the great voices and fearless hearts of country rock." - Bernie Taupin

”First album in more than a decade for the Carter Family scionette and rebel country star, after a succession of travails, so it's great to hear her again.” –USA Today

“A magnificent, and welcome, return.” –Harp

“After a lifetime of highs and lows, Carlene Carter finds the key to survival at the core of her family tradition.” –No Depression

“It may well stand as one of the best albums of this year.” – Country Standard Time

“By fusing catchy choruses with downhome twang and sweet harmonies, Carter deftly straddles the fence between classic country and pop. Welcome her back.” – Toronto Sun

“The emotional centerpiece is the title cut, which recalls her departed sister. Carter's stark, brave vocals are nothing short of stunning.” – The Arizona Republic

“A meatier, juicier, more savory comeback than I Fell in Love was, this isn’t Carter coming back, this is our fair lady roaring back, in touch with the press on spirit that guided her mom and led her granny to invent country music….Betcha this is the comeback story of the year.” – Midwest Record

“Stronger proves she can still write and that her sometimes-throaty, always-seasoned country vocals can still sell a song.” – Fort Worth Weekly

Travel Like a Rock Star Through US Music Rich Meccas

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:25:00 +0000

NASHVILLE-Ever wonder why so much music is rooted in America's southern states? Or why and what inspired countless musicians to develop their art in these states? Or better yet ever wondered what it might be like to climb aboard one of those Rock Star coaches you've seen at the stage door of your favorite venue?

A new package tour operator provides answers to all of the above.

Limited to just ten passengers per tour, A Whistling Dixie Tour takes travelers from Macon, Georgia to Montgomery, Alabama, to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Tupelo, Greenwood and Indianola, Mississippi, then on to Memphis, Jackson and Nashville, Tennessee, with a final stop in Lynchburg Tennessee and a visit to the Jack Daniels Distillery.

Otis Redding, Little Richard, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Sun Records, Stax Records, Gibson Guitars, The Delta Blues Museum, Muscle Shoals Sound and more are all featured on a ten day, nine night tour "Beyond Your Record Collection".

Whistling Dixie Tourists are invited to complete their own "Rock Star Rider" which will provide for all their catering comforts on board the Star Coach, "home" during this comprehensive musical heritage tour.

The cost $6999.00 per person, includes travel aboard a first class Star Coach for ten days starting from Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport. The tour makes a 1200 mile loop, west-bound across the southern states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, north to Memphis and eastward to Nashville and back to Atlanta. Tours are also offered for five, seven and twelve days

First class hotels are provided nightly along with on-board entertainment, admissions to all attractions, even musical instruments and the chance to make your own "demo" recording at a legendary studio.

Full details are on line at www.whistlingdixietours.com along with booking details.

For more information please contact:
Tony Raine Promoter and Tour Coordinator
508 294 2598
615 760 5951

E-mail: tony@raine-man.com

Whistling Dixie Tours 3000 Hillsboro Pike #109, Nashville, TN 37215

DIXIE BROWN TO SERVE AS MEDICINE FOR MUSICIANS SPOKESPERSON

noreply@blogger.com (cathy) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:24:00 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN - Dixie Brown, singer/songwriter, has partnered with Medicine for Musicians, as spokesperson. Medicine for Musicians is an organization that provides outpatient medical services to uninsured singers, songwriters, and musicians in the Nashville, Tennessee area for a minimal fee. With the dollar declining and the cost of living going up, health insurance is not an option for many artists. If an insurance plan is affordable, it usually carries a high deductible and a pre-existing clause attached to it, which can be like having no insurance.

"Most of us are so passionate about the music. We come to town with stars in our eyes, dreams in our pockets, and the only thing that matters is trying to make it in the music industry. Basic healthcare is just not at the forefront economically for millions of people because it is too expensive. While so many things in the world are in turmoil, music turns the pages of time for everyone in some way or another and is needed to sustain our well being spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. We need music just like we need medicine," said Brown.

In late 2007, Brown released her self-penned independent debut single "Do Wrong Look," to radio which was produced by Ilya Toshinsky. The song received positive airplay on several Country radio stations nationally.

Medicine for Musicians treats colds, bronchitis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other internal medicine/primary care issues. Medicine for Musicians DOES NOT treat chronic pain or prescribe pain medication. The only requirement is that you are an uninsured artist and/or musician. Exclusions are outside lab work, pain medication (narcotics), some procedures and x-rays. Cool Springs Medical Associates is located at 740 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite # 120, Franklin, TN 37067. Office hours are Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. To schedule an appointment, call the office and let them know you would like to schedule an "M&M" appointment. No office visit will exceed $35.00.

For more information on Medicine for Musicians please go to www.myspace.com/medicineformusicians. If you are a physician or a physician extender and would like to be a part of Medicine for Musicians, please call 615-550-6200.