Scene and Heard

Robert Plant, Buddy Miller and Justin Townes Earle Win Big at 10th Annual Americana Honors and Awards Show

Posted in Entertainment by sceneandheardblog on October 20, 2011
NASHVILLE, October 13, 2011 – Robert Plant’s Band of Joypicked up album of the year honors, and Buddy Miller earned an Artist of the Year nod, during the Americana Music Association’s 10th Annual Honors and Awards tonight at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
The event celebrated a year of the best in roots music. It opened with a moving tribute to the late John Hartford,represented by an unaccompanied banjo and bolo hat side stage,  followed by Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas and Don Was performing “I’ll Fly Away” in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the O’ Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack.  
Jim Lauderdale served again as master of ceremonies, his ninth in-a-row, while Miller led an all-star house band comprised of famed record producer Don Was on bass, Cody and Luther Dickinson on drums, guitars and various other instruments, Greg Leisz on steel guitar and John Deaderick on keys. Adding harmonies were The McCrary Sisters: Ann, Regina and Alfreda.
It was a big night for Miller, winning not only the Artist of the Year Award, but adding another Instrumentalist of the Year Award to his treasure chest of Americana trophies, now totaling twelve.  Raul Malo and Carrie Rodriguez handed him the award. Keb Mo and Marshall Chapmann presented him with the Artist of the Year.
The 2009 New/Emerging Artist Justin Townes Earle cemented his place as one of Americana Music’s heirs apparent by picking up Song of the Year for “Harlem River Blues.”  John Oates and Mindy Smith presented.
The Avett Brothers walked away with another Duo/Group of the Year win, their third after winning in 2007 and 2010 and fourth overall,  while Mumford and Sons were crownedNew/Emerging Artist of the Year. Mark Olsen and Gary Louris of The Jayhawks presented the Duo/Group  Award; The Greencards, winners in 2006, presented New/Emerging Artist.
Other award highlights of the night included a tearful Lucinda Williams accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting from record executive Luke Lewis, who last year earned the Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive. She followed it with a haunting performance of “Blessed.”
Joining Williams in the Lifetime Achievement categories,  the legendary Gregg Allman received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Performance. Allman is one of the architects of Southern Rock and member of the Allman Brothers Band.  Keb Mo handled the presenting honors.
Alison Krauss gave the Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist to Jerry Douglas, equally revered for his solo work, session playing, and as a longtime member of Krauss’ Union Station.
R&B Legend Candi Staton presented the Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement for Executive to Rick Hall, whose groundbreaking production work at FAME Studios created the Muscle Shoals sound, a unique style that crossed musical formats.  Afterward, she took to the Ryman stage to sing her hit “Heart On A String.”
Bob Harris crossed the pond to accept his Trailblazer Awardfrom Emmylou Harris. The celebrated radio host and journalist works as a tireless advocate for exceptional artistry, playing a pivotal role in exposing listeners to rising talent, no matter the genre.
The annual Americana Award Show was peppered with standout performances, from Amos Lee (“Cup of Sorrow”),Elizabeth Cook (“El Camino”), Earle (“Harlem River Blues”),Jessica Lea Mayfield (“For Today”), Hayes Carll (“KMAG YOYO”), The Secret Sisters (“Why Don’t You Love Me?”),Miller (“Gasoline and Matches”), The Civil Wars (“Barton Hollow”), The Avett Brothers (“The Once and Future Carpenter”) and Plant (“Monkey”).
The evening ended as sentimentally as it began, with Allman performing “Sweet Melissa,” and then, joined by a majority of the night’s guests, a rousing rendition of “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” to a standing audience.
The event was broadcast live throughout Middle Tennessee on Nashville Public Television (NPT).  An abridged version will be broadcast on PBS stations nationwide on November 19th (check local listings) as a special episode of  Austin City Limits Presents.
♦♦♦♦♦
2011 Americana Honors and Awards recipients
 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Band Of Joy, ROBERT PLANT
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: BUDDY MILLER
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:  BUDDY MILLER
NEW / EMERGING ARTIST: MUMFORD AND SONS
SONG OF THE YEAR: “Harlem River Blues” by JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
DUO / GROUP OF THE YEAR: THE AVETT BROTHERS
 

Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriter:
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance:  GREGG ALLMAN  

Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist:  JERRY DOUGLAS
Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive:RICK HALL
Trailblazer Award: BOB HARRIS
♦♦♦♦♦
 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.
www.americanamusic.org

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GRAMMY WINNING TRIO LADY ANTEBELLUM ANNOUNCES THE 2ND LEG OF OWN THE NIGHT 2012 WORLD TOUR

Posted in Entertainment by sceneandheardblog on October 20, 2011
Nashville, TN – Oct. 17, 2011 – Reigning CMA and ACM Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum announced today the second leg of their OWN THE NIGHT 2012 WORLD TOUR. The arena tour kicks off Jan. 27 in Tulsa, OK with Darius Rucker and special guest Thompson Square and runs through June. Fans can purchase tickets to the first dates on sale beginning Oct. 28. For more ticket information visit www.ladyantebellum.com.
“This is the tour we’ve always dreamed of putting together,” says Charles Kelley. “We got to help design the stage and really collaborate on new production ideas, and now we’re just really trying to hone in on the perfect set list to give the fans a cool mix of hits and some of their favorite songs from the new record.  Plus, we’ve been working on some really intimate moments for our show, where we can really break things down and be close to the crowd.  I can’t wait for the next nine months!”

OWN THE NIGHT 2012 WORLD TOUR DATES

1/27         Tulsa, OK
1/28         Des Moines, IA
1/29         Bloomington, IL
2/3           Huntington, WV
2/4           State College, PA
2/14         Salt Lake City, UT
2/15         Denver, CO
2/18         Dallas, TX
2/22         Nashville, TN
2/25         Detroit, MI
2/26         Evansville, IN
3/2           Bossier City, LA
3/3           Lafayette, LA
3/9           Chicago, IL
3/10         Omaha, NE
3/11         Minneapolis, MN
3/14         Saskatoon, SK
3/16         Calgary, AB
3/17         Edmonton, AB
3/19         Vancouver, BC
3/20         Seattle, WA
3/21         Eugene, OR
3/23         San Jose, CA
3/24         San Diego, CA
3/27         Los Angeles, CA
3/28         Fresno, CA
3/29         Sacramento, CA
4/5           Moline, IL
4/6           Kansas City, MO
4/7           Norman, OK
5/3           New York, NY
5/5           Worcester, MA
5/6           Hershey, PA
5/9           Birmingham, AL
5/10         Jacksonville, FL
5/11         Tampa, FL
5/12         West Palm Beach, FL
5/18         Hartford, CT
5/19         Philadelphia, PA
5/20         Columbia, MD
5/22         Augusta, GA
5/31         Cleveland, OH
6/1           Pittsburgh, PA
6/2           Bethel, NY
6/3           Rochester, NY
6/8           Raleigh, NC
6/9           Charlotte, NC
6/10         Virginia Beach, VA
6/14         Montreal, QC
6/15         Ottawa, ON
6/16         Toronto, ON
6/21         St. Louis, MO
6/22         Atlanta, GA
6/24         Cincinnati, OH
6/27         Little Rock, AR
6/28         Memphis, TN
6/29         Indianapolis, IN

Lady A’s record breaking third disc OWN THE NIGHT debuted at the No. one position on Billboard’s Top 200 chart last month, becoming the biggest first week debut by a country artist this year. Its current hit “We Owned The Night” is the album’s second single and follows their fifth career No. one hit “Just A Kiss.” The trio’s previous two albums have sold over five million copies across the globe, spawned four No. one hits, scored six GRAMMYs and over a dozen other award show trophies. The group is currently nominated for Vocal Group of the Year for the 45th Annual CMA Awards, Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group for the 2011 American Music Awards and will be honored as one CMT’s five Artists of the Year in December. They will kick off the first leg of their OWN THE NIGHT 2011 TOUR on Nov. 11 in Knoxville, TN.

Darius Rucker has again topped the charts with the release of his sophomore country album, Charleston, SC 1966, on Capitol Records Nashville. Since it’s October 2010 debut, Charleston, SC 1966 has garnered two No. one hits with “Come Back Song” and “This.” The third single, “I Got Nothin’,” is on country radio now and working its way up the charts. His chart-topping 2008 debut release, Learn To Live produced three consecutive No. one singles and Top Five smash, “History In The Making.” In addition to country music, Darius offers much of his time to charitable efforts benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Hootie & The Blowfish Foundation, and many others.

One of Country music’s biggest breakout acts of 2011, Stoney Creek Records’ Thompson Square, has earned 12 major awards show nominations in 2011. The husband-and-wife’s infectious hit single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” reached the coveted No. one spot on both Country radio charts and has sold 1.5 million downloads to-date. The single is also the most played song of the year on Country radio (Mediabase). Thompson Square’s current single, “I Got You,” is cresting Top 10 on both the Billboard and Mediabase Country radio charts and is a No. one hit on the Music Row chart.

For a full list of tour dates and ticket info, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.

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DIERKS BENTLEY’S “HOME” NAMED OFFICIAL SONG OF THE ARIZONA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION

Posted in Entertainment by sceneandheardblog on October 20, 2011

Dierks Bentley at HullabaLOU

 Award winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley’s anthemic new single “Home” has been hand-picked by the Arizona Centennial Commission to serve as its official song for the state’s 100 year celebration. The Arizona native will also return to his home state next Feb. to join the festivities as the Honorary Chairman of the Arizona Centennial Motorcycle Ride.

Bentley was a featured guest on NPR’s All Things Considered yesterday, where he discussed writing “Home” and both his inspiration during the writing process, along with the challenges that come with taking on such a big subject.

To listen to Bentley’s NPR interview, visit: http://www.npr.org/2011/10/18/141468103/dierks-bentley-a-tough-song-to-finish-the-right-way

“Home” is the latest single off Bentley’s sixth Capitol Nashville studio project that is scheduled for release in early 2012.  Fans can catch Bentley’s “Country & Cold Cans” Tour this weekend at Irving Plaza in New York, NY (10/20 and 10/21) and Uncasville, CT (10/22). For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.

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THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY BRIDGE SCHOOL CONCERT TO BE WEBCAST LIVE ON YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER THIS SATURDAY, OCT 22ND

Posted in Entertainment by sceneandheardblog on October 20, 2011
For Immediate Release:

 

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY BRIDGE SCHOOL CONCERT TO BE WEBCAST LIVE ON

YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER THIS SATURDAY, OCT 22ND
October 20, 2011 – (Burbank, CA.) – The 2011 BRIDGE SCHOOL CONCERTS will beheld this weekend Oct 22nd and 23rd, at The Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA, marking the 25th anniversary of this incredible and historic series. For the past quarter of a century, the biggest and brightest names in music have been drawn to these concerts to pledge their support of The Bridge School, a non-profit, innovative organization educating children with severe speech and physical impairments through the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems and assistive technology.

 

For the first-time ever, The Bridge School Concert will be webcast live from The Shoreline Amphitheatre this Saturday only, Oct 22nd and will stream in its entirety on Facebook and YouTube. Click here to view the trailer now!

The artists set to appear are: Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Arcade Fire, Eddie Vedder, Los Invisibles (featuring Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana & guests), Beck, Mumford & Sons, Devendra Banhart and Norah Jones with The Little Willies.

 

For this event, Facebook and HYFN havedesigned a custom-made Facebook App that providesa landing page forthe worldwide online community to watch and interact with one another. The online audience can share photos and Bridge School concert memories on Facebook while watching the concert as it happens. Fans attending the actual show can upload their photos and send messages about their concert experience during the show. Together, participants both online on Facebook and at The Shoreline will create a unique shared interactive concert community experience.

 

Here are the links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SupportBridgeSchool

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/bridgebenefitconcert

Twitter: *artists performing over the weekend will be tweeting from the show and sharing their Bridge School weekend experience, from the performer’s point of view.

Follow us on Twitter:  @bridgeconcert

This is the hashtag being used – #supportbridgeschool

Alternate hashtag – #supportbridgeschool  #bridgeschool

Text2Give: *Thru the help of MobileCause, those watching the webcast and the audience at Shoreline will all be able to support the Bridge School in their fund raising efforts. Text bridge to 80888 and reply YES to donate $10 to the Bridge School

 

As previously announced, The Bridge School Benefit Concerts – 25th Anniversary Edition, offered in a 3-DVD set and 2-CD package will be released by Reprise Records on Oct 24th.

View the trailer here.

 

The 3-DVD set includes two performance discs featuring Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Pearl Jam, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, The Who, Tom Petty, Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Young, and much more. A documentary DVD includes “The Bridge School Story,” which gives a special look into this wonderful school and the truly phenomenal services they provide children with advanced physical and communication challenges. Another documentary on the DVD, “Backstage At The Bridge School Benefit Concert,” offers a bird’s-eye view of the event itself, along with special features including heartfelt interviews with the students and the artists themselves.

 

The 2-CD set features exclusive performances from Sheryl Crow, Thom Yorke,Norah Jones, No Doubt, Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, Sonic Youth, and more.

 

The Bridge School Benefit Concerts – 25th Anniversary Edition will entertain, enlighten, and inform you on how to become a member of The Bridge School family. For more about The Bridge School, visit www.bridgeschool.org

 

Click here to find out more information on the release and how to donate directly to The Bridge School. Click here to pre-order the 3-DVD package. Click here to pre-order the 2-CD package.

 

The Bridge School Concerts 25th Anniversary Edition DVD:
Disc 1:
Bruce Springsteen                                 “Born In The USA”
Patti Smith                                           “People Have The Power”
Pearl Jam                                             “Better Man”
David Bowie                                          “Heroes”
Ben Harper                                           “There Will Be A Light”
Bob Dylan                                            “Girl From The North Country”
R.E.M.                                                 “Country Feedback”
Emmylou Harris & Buddy Miller                  “Love Hurts”
Fleet Foxes                                          “Blue Ridge Mountains”
Devendra Banhart                                 “At The Hop”
Bonnie Raitt                                         “The Road Is My Middle Name”
Billy Idol                                              “Rebel Yell”

Disc 2:
Brian Wilson                                          “Surfin’ USA”
Gillian Welch                                          “The Way It Will Be”
The Pretenders                                     “Sense Of Purpose”
James Taylor                                        “Fire and Rain”
Simon and Garfunkel                               “America”
Tom Petty                                            “Shadow Of A Doubt”
Dave Matthews                                     “Too Much”
Neil Young                                            “Crime In The City”
Tom Waits                                            “16 Shells From A Thirty-Ought Six”
Elton John & Leon Russell                         “A Dream Come True”
Paul McCartney                                     “Get Back”
Metallica                                               “Disposable Heroes”
The Who                                               “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
Disc 3:
Bridge School Documentaries:
* “Backstage At The Bridge School Benefit Concert”
* “The Bridge School Story”
* Special Feature – Student/Artist Interviews

The Bridge School Concerts 25th Anniversary Edition CD
CD 1:
Bruce Springsteen                                  “Born In The USA”
Dave Matthews                                     “Too Much”
No Doubt                                              “Magic’s In The Makeup”
Jack Johnson                                         “Gone”
Fleet Foxes                                            “Blue Ridge Mountains”
Neil Young & Crazy Horse                          “Love And Only Love”
Sonic Youth                                           “Rain On Tin”
Pearl Jam                                               “Better Man”
Gillian Welch                                            “The Way It Will Be”
R.E.M. & Neil Young                                “Country Feedback”
Willie Nelson                                          “The Great Divide”
Nils Lofgren                                            “Cry Just A Little”

 
CD 2:
Sarah McLachlan                                    “Elsewhere”
Paul McCartney                                      “Get Back”
Elton John & Leon Russell                         “A Dream Come True”
Band Of Horses                                      “Marry Song”
Metallica                                               “Disposable Heroes”
Thom Yorke                                           “After The Gold Rush”
Sheryl Crow                                           “The Difficult Kind”
Tony Bennett                                         “Maybe This Time”
CSNY                                                   “Déjà Vu”
Norah Jones                                           “Jesus, Etc”
Jonathan Richman                                    “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar”
Brian Wilson                                            “Surfin’ USA”
The Who                                                “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

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