Ronnie Dunn to Headline Sony Music Nashville Luncheon at CRS 2011

Feb 2, 2011 Ronnie Dunn to Headline Sony Music Nashville Luncheon at CRS 2011

Ronnie Dunn to Headline Sony Music Nashville Luncheon at CRS 2011 Joanna Smith also slated to perform (Nashville, TN. – Feb. 2, 2011)  Arista Nashville’s Ronnie Dunn is confirmed to headline the Sony Music Nashville luncheon at CRS 2011.  This year, CRS will be held March 2-4, with the Sony Music Nashville luncheon taking place Thursday, March 3, from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. in the CMA Performance Hall inside the Nashville Convention Center. “We’re so proud to have Ronnie Dunn headlining our CRS luncheon,” remarked Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO, Gary Overton.  “He’s one of the finest writers and vocalists we have in the format, and he’ll be previewing some amazing new music for everyone to hear.” Also performing at the luncheon is Columbia Nashville newcomer Joanna Smith. “Joanna has a voice and a personality that radiate star quality,” Overton continued.  “She’s one of our bright young talents, and we’re thrilled to have her open our show.” A reduced $399 Early Bird registration rate for CRS 2011 remains in effect through Friday, Feb. 18.  The On-Site rate increases to $499 on Feb. 19.  For more information on CRS 2011 events, agenda items and panels, visit www.CRB.org.  CRS 2011 is March 2-4, 2011, in downtown Nashville, Tenn. About Ronnie Dunn: One of the most acclaimed voices in Country music, Ronnie Dunn exploded across the airwaves this week with his stirring new single, “Bleed Red.”  The song shipped to Country radio this past Sunday and immediately emerged as the most-added new single of the week.  “Bleed Red” is the first music from Dunn’s debut solo album, slated for release later this year.  Dunn will make his first televised performance of the song on The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 3rd.  Produced by Dunn, “Bleed Red” marks the beginning of a new chapter in Dunn’s career.  As one half of Brooks & Dunn, the most successful duo in Country music history, Dunn helped define the Country landscape over the past 20 years with 23 #1 singles and more than 30 million albums sold.  The digital single for “Bleed Red” will release February 8.  Keep up with Ronnie and listen to the single online now at www.RonnieDunn.com. About Joanna Smith: Joanna Smith grew up in the small Georgia farm community of Crestview, Unincorporated.  She knew she was destined to sing Country music when at age five she told a judge at a talent contest, “I am already a Country music singer, but I don’t get to get onstage much.”  Smith now gets to take the stage often and honed her live skills with a 5 year stint at the famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge in downtown Nashville. She signed with Columbia Nashville and her single "Georgia Mud" is set to climb the country charts.  She was recently named one of Billboard Magazine’s “Artists To Watch In 2011,” and one of the “New Faces On The Music Scene” by Variety Magazine. About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at (615) 327-4487. 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 2011 will be held March 2-4, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn.  Limited time, $399 registration (excluding a ticket to the recently sold out New Faces Show) is available through Feb. 18 at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at (615) 327-4487.