Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Closed Circuit Viewing Site Added For CRS 2013 New Faces of Country Music Show


Closed Circuit Viewing Site Added For
CRS 2013 New Faces of Country Music Show
 
Convention Center Event Created To Accommodate Overflow Crowd
 
(Nashville, TN - Jan 29th, 2013) Officials at the Country Radio Seminar have announced the addition of a closed circuit viewing site within the Nashville Convention Center to accommodate the overflow crowd resulting from the previously announced sold out New Faces of Country Music® Show.
 
All registrants who do not receive an assigned seat to the New Faces of Country Music® Show will receive a ticket to the viewing event, which will be held in room 204 and 205 of the Convention Center on Friday, March 1st, at 6:30 p.m.
 
As previously announced, the CRS 2013 New Faces performers are Easton CorbinFlorida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Jana Kramer and Kip Moore.
 
According to CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne, “The creation of this viewing event will give every registrant a chance to see the New Faces Show. We have made arrangements for a large video wall, cash bar and seating.”
 
The New Faces Show sold out late last year and accommodations were made for a special after dinner seating section. This too, quickly filled up and necessitated the need for the creation of the closed circuit area.
 
Mayne further adds, “We are thrilled to be able to give everyone a chance to be part of our closing CRS event.”
 
All future registrations will receive a ticket to the viewing area.  The $499 Regular Rate registration expires Feb. 15.  On-Site registration increases to $599 effective Feb. 16. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com to register today.
 
For a full agenda and information on panels, speakers and performers at CRS 2013, visit www.CRB.org or contact 615-327-4487.  


Jeffrey Smulyan To Address CRS 2013 Attendees on Opening Day


Jeffrey Smulyan To Address CRS 2013 Attendees on Opening Day
 
Respected Industry Veteran To Give Insight Into Mobile Opportunities
 
(Nashville, TN - Jan 28th, 2013) Jeffrey H. Smulyan, the Chairman of the Board of Emmis Communications Corporation, has been announced as the keynote speaker for Wednesday, Feb. 27 at CRS 2013. Smulyan will address attendees at 10:15 a.m. in rooms 204-205 of the Nashville Convention Center.
 
The well-respected radio veteran, Smulyan, formed Emmis Communications in 1980 and oversaw its transition into a publicly traded company in 1994.
 
Based in Indianapolis, Emmis comprises of 18 FM and 3 AM stations in the United States and overseas (Slovakia). It also operates six local, regional and national magazine operations.  His full biography can be found herehttp://www.emmis.com/who-we-are/executives/smulyan.aspx
 
Smulyan acted as principal negotiator for the radio industry in the recently announced Sprint agreement, whereby Sprint customers will be able to access FM radio on smartphones through a FM radio chip. During his speech, he will focus on the opportunities and potential for growth of radio in mobile devices.
 
CRS Board member and Senior VP and Marketing Manager for Emmis Indianapolis, Charlie Morgan adds, “Jeff has not just been the radio industry's voice for the importance of making radio available on smartphones without using data, he has literally been the visionary for the way people will consume radio in the future.  To back up his vision, he has invested the resources to insure that the radio experience on a smartphone is state-of-the art visually, in addition to the audio experience.  The entire industry will benefit from his leadership and passion.”
 
The Wednesday keynote address is sponsored by Compassion International. Past opening day keynote speakers have included Bob Pittman, marketing guru Seth Godin and money management expert Dave Ramsey.


Bob Romeo Announced As 2013 CRS President’s Award Recipient



Bob Romeo Announced As 2013 CRS
President’s Award Recipient
 
To Be Honored At Country Radio Hall of Fame Ceremony, February 27
 
(Nashville, TN – Jan 23, 2013)  Country Radio Seminar has announced music industry executive and Academy of Country Music CEO Bob Romeo as the recipient of the 2013 CRS President’s Award.
 
The award will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards ceremony held on Tuesday, February 27, 2013, at 6 p.m. CT in the Nashville Convention Center Ballroom. 
 
The President's Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the marketing, production, growth and development of the Country Radio Seminar and the multiple services that Country Radio Broadcasters provides to the Country radio and music communities. 
 
“Bob Romeo truly represents the spirit of the President’s Award,” said CRS President Mike Culotta.  “As well as having a great deal of passion for the music, he has proven himself to be a great friend to Country radio in general and the Country Radio Seminar in particular.  It’s an honor to announce him as our 2013 President’s Award recipient.”
 
As previously announced, the 2013 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees are Gaylon Christie as the Radio category inductee, and Dr. Don Carpenter, Crook & Chase, Eddie Edwards and Bill “Dex” Poindexter are the On-Air category inductees.  
 
The Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony unofficially kicks off Country Radio Seminar each year.  CRS 2013 is held Feb. 27-March 1, 2013.
 
For information about Hall of Fame Tickets, contact the CRS offices at 615-327-4487.
 
Bob Romeo, CEO - Academy of Country Music:
Over the past 30 years, Bob Romeo has established himself as one of the top talent buyers and promoters in the business while maintaining the genuine values that the Nashville and music community cherishes. As CEO for the Academy of Country Music, a post he has held for nearly 10 years, his television producing credits include the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “ACM Presents: Artist of the Decade, Honoring George Strait,” “ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn - The Last Rodeo,” “ACM Presents: Girls’ Night Out – Superstar Women of Country,” and “ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert.”  Romeo has executive produced and consulted on television projects including “High Country Hits" and the TNN concert series "On-Stage.”  Romeo owns and operates Romeo Entertainment Group, an award-winning full-service talent buying agency through which he has been instrumental in boosting many country music superstars’ careers, including Kenny Chesney, among others.  He’s merited multiple accolades for his achievements in talent buying and booking, including two ACM Awards for Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year and the CMA Talent Buyer/SRO Award. He has more than three decades of experience in buying talent, two decades of serving as an ACM board member and eight years of being the Academy’s Chairman of the Board (prior to becoming CEO).  In every conversation he has and to every room he enters, Romeo brings profound business acumen, sharp intelligence and a keen interest in helping friends and acquaintances alike to grow personally and professionally. His passion for entertainment and good works — along with his wicked sense of humor — is legendary.     
 
About Country Radio Seminar:
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  $499 Regular Rate Registration is now available.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.
 

 
 
 

Bob Romeo
 

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Warren Brothers and Thomas Rhett to Co-Headline CRS 2013’s WCRS Live!


 
The Warren Brothers and Thomas Rhett to Co-Headline CRS 2013’s WCRS Live!
 
CRS songwriter showcase sponsored by BMI and Country Aircheck
 
(Nashville, Tenn. – Jan. 22, 2013) – Country Radio Seminar is proud to announce songwriters The Warren Brothers(Brad and Brett) and Thomas Rhett as co-headliners of CRS 2013’s WCRS Live! songwriter showcase, which will take place Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013.
 
The event, WCRS Live!: “Brad, Brett & Thomas Rhett,” is sponsored by BMI and Country Aircheck, and will take place from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT on the second floor of the Nashville Convention Center during Country Radio Seminar.
 
"Enter this showcase at your own risk.... these three BMI songwriters could possibly tear the house down," commented Jody Williams, Vice President of Writer/Publisher at BMI.  "Thomas Rhett's rocket ship has already taken off.  He's going to be a big part of country radio's future.  And Brad and Brett Warren continue to write groundbreaking music for the format.  BMI is very excited to represent these talented and entertaining hit songwriters.  This year's line-up at WCRS live should be a blast."   
 
Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton adds, "WCRS Live! is a CRS bellwether and always one of the most anticipated sessions of the year. It's an honor and privilege to partner with BMI in presenting Country's finest songwriters and artists in the most intimate of settings."
 
This year’s event will will be held on Wednesday prior to the CRS Artist/Attendee Welcome Reception.  This is different than in previous years when it was scheduled on the Thursday of the seminar.  All CRS attendees can attend.
 
The WCRS Live! showcase is one of the performance highlights each year at Country Radio Seminar, held Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2013, in downtown Nashville.  Last year’s lineup featured Matraca Berg, Natalie Hemby and Lori McKenna.
 
For more information on CRS 2013, visit http://www.countryradioseminar.org.  $499 registration is currently available online at www.countryradioseminar.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at (615) 327-4487.
 
About The Warren Brothers: Since 2003, Brett and Brad Warren have been earning praise for their work as songwriters. From the initial buzz of Tim McGraw’s single, “Who Are They?,” to co-writing with the likes of Lynyrd Skynrd and Toby Keith, the brothers have helped pen a string of hits with Martina McBride and Van Zant, and other popular acts before composing their first #1, “Feel That Fire,” with Dierks Bentley in 2009.  Musicians themselves, the brothers have played arena tours with superstars like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Brooks & Dunn, and though the majority of their work is done behind the scenes, the pair are most recognized for their appearance on the CMT reality series, Barely Famous.
 
About Thomas Rhett: Hailing from Valdosta, GA, music has been a part of twenty-two-year-old Thomas Rhett’s life for as long as he can remember. He grew up in a musical family watching father Rhett Akins work as an artist and a hit songwriter. In high school, Thomas Rhett dabbled in songwriting and playing guitar before forming a band with some friends. In 2010, while still a student at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Thomas Rhett signed his first publishing deal with EMI and shortly thereafter signed a record contract with The Valory Music Co. He worked with famed producer Jay Joyce on his debut album, which is due out this year and features the Top 15 and climbing “Beer With Jesus” and his Top 15 debut single, “Something To Do With My Hands.” As a songwriter, he has penned two Jason Aldean cuts – “I Ain’t Ready To Quit” and “1994.” In February he will join Aldean’s NIGHT TRAIN TOUR, being the first-ever Country concert to play Fenway Park in Boston. Thomas Rhett has previously toured with Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Brantley Gilbert among others.
 
About BMI:
Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music.   BMI represents the public performance rights in more than 7.5 million musical works created and owned by more than 550,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers.  The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI’s repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year. For additional information and the latest BMI news, visitbmi.com, follow us on Twitter @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) Facebook page.
 
About Country Aircheck: Established in 2006, Country Aircheck is the leading trade publication covering Country radio and the music business. Its Mediabase-powered chart is widely considered the "chart of record," and daily, weekly and quarterly editions – electronic and print – are read by thousands of industry decision makers. A CRS partner and sponsor since the company's inception, Country Aircheck produces the seminar's Daily Buzz, smartphone app and the annual CRS/Country Aircheck Awards.
 
About CRS:  The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the Country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.  CRS 2013 will be held February 27- March 1, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn.  $499 registration is currently available through Feb. 15 at www.countryradioseminar.org or by contacting the Country Radio Seminar at (615) 327-4487.

The Warren Brothers
 

Thomas Rhett

Deadline Approaching: $499 Rate For CRS 2013 Ends Feb. 15


 
Deadline Approaching: $499 Rate For CRS 2013
Ends Feb. 15

(Nashville, Tenn. – Jan. 22, 2013) Friday, Feb. 15, is the deadline to purchase $499 registrations for CRS 2013, held Feb. 27-Mar. 1.  The $599 on-site rate will take effect Feb. 16th.
 
This year's event will feature a wide variety of educational events, artist and songwriter showcases, panel discussions and luncheon performances. 
 
For a full agenda and information on panels, speakers and performers at CRS 2013, visit www.CRB.org or contact 615-327-4487.
 
About Country Radio Seminar: 
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Black River Entertainment Announces Line-Up for Friday Luncheon at CRS 2013


Black River Entertainment Announces Line-Up for
Friday Luncheon at CRS 2013
Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler and Sarah Darling Slated To Perform
(Nashville, Tenn. – Jan 16, 2013) The Country Radio Seminar has confirmed the talent for the Black River Entertainment luncheon as Craig MorganKellie Pickler and Sarah Darling.  Hosted by Black River Entertainment’s CEO Gordon Kerr, the luncheon is scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2013.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with CRS in presenting this exciting, fast paced show featuring Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling and Black River Entertainment’s debut of Kellie Pickler,” said Black River’s VP of Promotion, Bill Macky.  “Country Radio will be the first to hear some of this amazing new music.  We’ve also got a few surprises planned too, so do not miss this show.” 
"The talent lineup for CRS 2013 is extraordinary,” said CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “The addition of Black River Entertainment to the Friday Luncheon and this great group of artists will make for another terrific event showcasing music to come in 2013!"
The Black River Entertainment luncheon will be held inside the Performance Hall at the Nashville Convention Center from 12:00 – 1:50 p.m.  CRS 2013 is held Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2013.  Register for the event at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  $499 Registration is now available.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.
About Craig Morgan: One of country music’s best-loved artists, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself with massive radio airplay of his signature hits:  “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “International Harvester” and "This Ole Boy," the title track to his new album on Black River Entertainment. The project boasted a Top 5 album debut on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart when it released earlier this year and delivered Morgan's latest hit, "More Trucks Than Cars." Craig received one of country music’s highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. Prior to becoming a country music and TV sensation, Craig Morgan spent over 10 years of active duty in the Army and an additional nine years in the Army Reserves.  He is an avid supporter of America’s military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award. In addition to a prolific country music career, he hosts the award-winning show “Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors" and co-hosts "Field & Stream's Total Outdoorsman Challenge," both airing on Outdoor Channel. For more information on Craig Morgan, please visit www.craigmorgan.com.
About Kellie Pickler: Kellie Pickler grew up immersed in country music in the small town of Albemarle, North Carolina with the words of Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton shaping her musical footing.   At the age of 19, she gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol where it was evident to all that she was a star.  In 2006, she signed to 19 Recordings/BNA Records to release her debut, Small Town Girl, which has gone on to sell over 800,000 copies worldwide and produce three singles, “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder,” and “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind.”  In 2008, Pickler released her self-titled sophomore record featuring country radio hits “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “Best Days of Your Life” (co-written with Taylor Swift and her first Top 10), and “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You.”  Having established herself as not only a powerful vocalist but also a songwriter, Pickler released her third studio album, 100 Proof, with famed producer Frank Liddell (known for his work with Miranda Lambert) and Luke Wooten.  An avid supporter of the U.S. military, she has performed on six USO Tours, having most recently visited Afghanistan in Dec. 2012. Pickler recently announced her signing with new label home Black River Entertainment in Nashville and will commence work on a new album in 2013. For more information, please visit www.kelliepickler.com.
About Sarah Darling: Touted by the New York Times as a “sophisticated songwriter” with a “crisp, powerful voice,” Sarah Darling took a chance on love when she chose to chase her love of music and move from small town Iowa to Nashville, TN.  Upon arriving in Music City, Sarah worked diligently to hone her performing and songwriting, even appearing in several music videos.  Since then, she has found success with three consecutive #1 videos ("Something To Do With Your Hands," "Blackbird," and her current single, "Home To Me") and as a frequent guest on the Grand Ole Opry.  Set for a digital release on January 29, the "Home to Me EP” includes both the album and an acoustic version of the title track.  In October 2012, Sarah taped a live performance of "Home To Me" for a popular ABC reality series, scheduled to air this season.  In December 2012, Sarah partnered with MoonPie for a yearlong national campaign that includes the "Home To Me Sweepstakes” and features Sarah on hundreds of thousands of MoonPie boxes.  Sarah is currently recording her forthcoming album with producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts) and confidently making her mark on the country music scene as one to watch in 2013.  For more information, visit www.sarahdarling.com
Craig Morgan

Kellie Pickler

Sarah Darling

Monday, January 14, 2013

Media Strategist David Dixon Announced As Thursday’s Featured Speaker At CRS 2013


Media Strategist David Dixon Announced As Thursday’s Featured Speaker At CRS 2013

Dixon To Offer Insight Into Political Campaigns and Country Radio

(Nashville, Tenn. – Jan. 14, 2013) Media communications strategist David Dixon has been announced as Country Radio Seminar’s featured daily speaker for Thursday, February 28, at CRS 2013.

Based in Washington, DC, Dixon is a partner at Dixon/Davis Media Group. DDMG is a strategic communications company and advertising agency that serves campaigns and coalitions, Democratic candidates and a wide range of non-partisan clients.  The company was a member of the Obama media team throughout the 2008 and 2012 elections, where they oversaw winning TV and radio campaigns in the battleground states of Florida, Virginia and North Carolina.

As part of the presentation, Dixon will discuss how radio has played an important role in winning recent political campaigns and how it fit into the overall media mix.  He will also illustrate how radio is working with television and the growing relationship it has with digital and grassroots media.

"Radio continues to be an invaluable tool for the advertising campaigns we develop for candidates and issue groups across the country,” said Dixon.  “I'm looking forward to the opportunity to share some insights and best practices from recent media campaigns at this year's convention."

In a review of recent case studies, the strategist will also show how radio is an underrated medium in many statewide campaigns.  In addition, he will explain the factors that political consultants use when buying radio time and why Country radio has become a target focus for campaigns.

"David brings a very special perspective to CRS 2013,” said CRS Executive Director, Bill Mayne. “He is a premier media strategist on the nation’s political scene.  We have learned many applicable lessons from that world that parallels the usage of radio in building station partisanship. His session will yield many actionable marketing ideas, as we continue to bring outside expertise to the CRS experience."

Dixon will address CRS attendees on Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 9:00-9:50 a.m. CT at the Nashville Convention Center.

For more information about Dixon Davis or Dixon/Davis Media Group, please visit www.dixondavismedia.com

About David Dixon:
Dixon was born in Nashville, grew-up in the Washington, DC area, and graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in History.  He lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife Monica and their ten-year old twins.  David Dixon is a partner in the Dixon/Davis Media Group, LLC.  DDMG is a full-service strategic communications company and advertising agency serving candidates, campaigns and coalitions, and a range of non-partisan clients. DDMG is proud to have served as members of the Obama Media Team in 2008 and 2012.  We are privileged to count eight United States Senators among our clients.  DDMG has elected numerous Governors, Mayors, and over 20 members of the US Congress.  DDMG has recently won high-profile Ballot Initiates in California and Maryland; and has produced issue advertising for the Business Aviation Association, Recording Industry, the National Beer Wholesalers, and numerous public service campaigns across the county.

About Country Radio Seminar:
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  $499 Regular Rate Registration is now available.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.

Contact for CRS:
Jeff Walker – The Aristo Media Group – (615) 269-7071 x123  - jeff@aristomedia.com
Christy Watkins – Aristo P.R. – (615) 269-7071 x124 - christy@aristomedia.com