Universal Universal Music Group Nashville Pressroom

Keith Urban talks about his 4th annual ‘We’re All For The Hall’ benefit concert, Rebels and Renegades, the Outlaws are IN! Featuring an AMAZING line up including Keith, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Billy Joe Shaver & Hank Williams Jr.! Join us April 16th in Nashville, Tennessee to support the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum!

Easton Corbin debuted the music video for his latest single, “All Over the Road,” on Friday (February 22nd). In the clip, he’s taken “hostage” after the convenience store he works at is robbed by a devilishly attractive female, who seems to want more than just cash. Watch it below:

Scotty McCreery enlists his Pittsburgh audience to help with the ‘Harlem Shake.’

Tickets on Sale March 1 at 10:00 a.m. CST

 NASHVILLE, Tenn., February 21, 2013 – 2005 CMA Entertainer of the Year and four-time Grammy Award winner Keith Urban and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill will return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, April 16, for We’re All for the Hall, a concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum. Reserved seating tickets, which are priced at $35 and $50 (does not include Ticketmaster surcharge), will go on sale March 1 at 10:00 a.m. CST.  A limited number of VIP ticket packages will also go on sale on March 1 at Ticketmaster.com. (Complete ticket purchase information is below.)

This year’s theme Rebels and Renegades, the Outlaws are IN will feature performances from an all-star line-up including Urban, Gill, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Kid Rock, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver and Hank Williams, Jr.  It promises to be yet another in a line of one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime concert events highlighting great music, friendship and camaraderie. 

“The purity in making music on your own terms – to create art in your own way – for me is at the heart of the outlaw spirit,” said Urban.  “It’s those outlaws that we celebrate this year, who not only made it possible for a guy like me to do what I love, but who play a pivotal role in the strength of country music’s diversity.”

Museum Board President Vince Gill created All for the Hall, an artist-led fundraising initiative for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  Funds raised through these events directly support the museum’s mission and underwrite preservation efforts, exhibitions and educational programs that teach audiences about the enduring beauty and cultural importance of country music.
“The first three We’re All for the Hall concerts raised approximately $1.5 million,” said Museum Director Kyle Young.  “Those dollars go toward our operating expenses, directly funding the care of our collection, exhibitions, programs and more.  We are beyond grateful to Keith Urban and Vince Gill.  They are two of country music’s greatest stewards and ambassadors, and we are honored by what they have done for this institution.  I’m certain that this year’s We’re All for the Hall show will not only be an important source of revenue for the museum, but a ‘once-in-a-lifetime, only-in-Nashville’ concert for everyone lucky enough to attend.”

Reserved Seating Tickets

Tickets ($35 and $50, plus Ticketmaster surcharge) go on sale March 1 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, the Bridgestone Arena box office or by phone at (800) 745-3000.  Phone, internet and outlet orders are subject to a convenience fee.

VIP Packages
VIP packages will go on sale March 1 at Ticketmaster.com.  They include:

“For You” Package

$3,500 for one ticket (A portion of this package is tax deductible to support the preservation of country music)

30 packages available

• Invitation for one to a VIP dinner the evening of April 15, hosted by some of Keith Urban’s close friends and collaborators

• One Premium Floor Concert Seat and Commemorative Ticket

• Meet & greet for one with Keith Urban before the concert on April 16 (timing TBD), which includes an individual photo

• Framed meet & greet picture mailed to your house one week after the concert

• One Keith Urban autographed electric guitar

• One invitation to a post-concert party on April 16 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

• One commemorative Hatch Show Print event poster autographed by Keith Urban and Vince Gill

• One complimentary parking space for the April 16 concert within a one-block vicinity of the concert and post-party venues

• One “Friends & Family” membership to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which includes unlimited free admission for the entire household to the museum and most public programs for one year (valued at $100)

 “Guitar Slinger” Package

$2,500 for one ticket (A portion of this package is tax deductible to support the preservation of country music)

10 packages available

• Invitation for one to a VIP dinner the evening of April 15, hosted by some of Keith Urban’s close friends and collaborators

• Meet & greet for one with Keith Urban before the concert on April 16 (timing TBD), which includes a group photo

• One Premium Floor Concert Seat

• One invitation to a post-concert party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

• One commemorative Hatch Show Print event poster autographed by Keith Urban and Vince Gill

• One complimentary parking space for the April 16 concert within a one-block vicinity of the concert and post-party venues

• One “Friends & Family” membership to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which includes unlimited free admission for the entire household to the museum and most public programs for one year (valued at $100)

 “Highwaymen” Package

$200 for one ticket (A portion of this package is tax deductible to support the preservation of country music)

60 packages available

• One Premium Floor Concert Seat

• One complimentary parking spot for the April 16 concert within a one-block vicinity of the venue

• One commemorative Hatch Show Print event poster

• One “Individual Membership” to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which includes unlimited free admission for one to the museum and most public programs for one year (valued at $40)

AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about the importance of his All for the Hall benefit.

Keith Urban (all for the hall) OC: …we’re doing it. :37
“The history and the weight of what it is that they’re maintaining and bringing forward and presenting to the public is vitally important. I mean, this town has only got tourism because of what’s in that hall ultimately. So, for me, it’s not just bringing money to the hall, it’s bringing awareness that the hall is there and what it’s about. It’s keeping, for me, remembering the center of it all. I came here just to play music and I was inspired by music, and the history of this genre is right there. And as I’ve said before, if we’re going to pull it forward, then we’ve got to know where it came from, and we know what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.”

American Idol is heating up with the competition as more contestants are eliminated this week, counting down to the live episodes, which kick off the week of March 5th. Judge Keith Urban has truly fought for several of the contestants, even when the other judges want to send them home, as such was the case for Shuba Vedula during Wednesday night’s show. So, how does he deliver constructive criticism and still be the nicest guy on the judges’ panel? “Something that’s just straight soul-crushing and not helpful to them, I just don’t see anything worth in it,” says Keith. “I’m trying to give specific direction, if it’s something they can work on. It’s just my opinion, and it’s not to say it’s a fact. They can take it, they can leave it, but I try to deliver it in a way in which I’d like people to deliver it to me.”

Keith’s wife (Nicole Kidman) and daughters (Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret) visited him on the set of American Idol, which having their girls surrounded by creativity is really important to both parents. “Nic and I love them being around that kind of environment – watching people sing, watching them perform and being around the music,” he says. “It’s all they both have ever known is being around that, and being around a movie set since they were born.”

American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm ET.

Keith Urban (AI-delivering judgment) OC: …on the person. :35
“I think every person handles critiquing differently, and I’m trying to sort of get a feel for what the artist is comfortable hearing and what they’re not going to be comfortable in hearing. And something that’s just straight soul-crushing and not helpful to them, I just don’t see anything worth in it. I’m trying to give specific direction, if it’s something they can work on. It’s just my opinion, and it’s not to say it’s a fact. They can take it, they can leave it, but I try to deliver it in a way in which I’d like people to deliver it to me, or again, it’s really based on the person.”

AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about his daughters Sunday and Faith coming to see him on the American Idol set. [NOTE: phone quality]

Keith Urban (AI-daughters) OC: …this season. :22
“They actually came down to the set for a little while. Nic and I love them being around that kind of environment – watching people sing, watching them perform and being around the music. It’s all they both have ever known is being around that, and being around a movie set since they were born. So, they’re certainly music fans. They haven’t watched the show yet, but I have a feeling they will be [watching] this season.”

We are less than two weeks away from the release of Luke Bryan’s Spring Break…Here to Party album. It includes many of the songs released from his previous Spring Break-themed EP’s, as well “Just a Sip” and “Buzzkill” – two original songs he wrote for the album. The Georgia native is proud of how the music on his Spring Break releases has grown over the last few years. ““The toughest hurdle is making sure that you’re looking at the body of the songs and make sure that they’re good enough to be what you wanna represent yourself with, and we’re just proud that we started a little idea and that it’s grown into something,” says Luke. “We just felt that it was time to put a physical CD together that people can go purchase in all kinds of all environments.” Spring Break…Here to Party will be available in stores and online March 5th.

Luke is set to take a break from his Dirt Road Diaries Tour to once again play a pair of shows at Spinnaker’s Beach Club in Panama City, set for March 12th and 13th. Fans can also catch him in Orange Beach (aka Gulf Shores) on March 14th.

AUDIO: Luke Bryan says it was time to put out a full CD of his Spring Break songs.

Luke Bryan (proud Spring Break music has grown) OC: …all environments. :25
“The toughest hurdle is making sure that you’re looking at the body of the songs and make sure that they’re good enough to be what you wanna represent yourself with, and we’re just proud that we started a little idea and that it’s grown into something. And we just felt that it was time to put a physical CD together that people can go purchase in all kinds of all environments.”

NASHVILLE – The CMA Foundation donated $1.2 million to benefit music education programs for Nashville’s 81,000 public school students from 2012 CMA Music Festival through the Keep the Music Playing campaign at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center Tuesday night.

The announcement raises CMA’s Keep the Music Playing support of music education in Metro Schools from $5.3 million to more than $6.5 million. This money has been used to build music labs and purchase instruments and supplies for ALL 144 Metro Nashville Public Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Public Education Foundation.

“Providing instruments for every Metro school is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “When we started this program in 2006, instruments in Metro band programs were more than 30 years old – if they were lucky enough to have them at all. Seeing what this program has accomplished on behalf of our artists is extremely gratifying. Keep the Music Playing is making a difference by helping to make quality music education a reality for our children.”

In 2006, the CMA Artist Relations Committee established the Keep the Music Playing program to give back to the community on behalf of the hundreds of Country artists who perform and make appearances at CMA Music Festival each year for free.

The announcement of the 2012 CMA Music Festival donation was made at a reception prior to the Fourth Annual CMA Keep the Music Playing All Stars Concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The All Stars Concert honors the best elementary, middle, and high school performance groups selected from Metro Schools. 

CMA Award nominee Scotty McCreery hosted the concert and was on hand for the donation announcement, which was attended by band directors and music teachers from Metro Schools, as well as representatives from The CMA Foundation, CMA Board of Directors, Music City Music Council, and Nashville Public Education Foundation.  

Famous for winning American Idol before he graduated high school, McCreery understands firsthand the importance of music education. In addition to hosting the CMA All Stars Concert, McCreery performed “The River” (made famous by Garth Brooks) with students from Sylvan Park Elementary School.

“When I was in high school in North Carolina, I was very involved in the school’s music program which provided the foundation that inspired my music career today,” said McCreery.  “And as a proud performer at the past two CMA Music Festivals, it’s an honor to represent CMA’s Keep the Music Playing, a program that gives back to schools in such a big way. Hosting the All Stars Concert and performing with the students of Sylvan Park Elementary has been an unforgettable experience and I’m glad I was able to share the stage with such talented young people.”

McCreery was American Idol’s youngest male winner in 2011, as well as the show’s first Country male star. His first studio album, Clear As Day, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts, making him the youngest male in history to open at the top of the all-genre chart with a debut release. The project also garnered the highest sales of any Country solo album released in 2011, held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for six weeks and earned Platinum status in just 13 weeks. His hits include “The Trouble With Girls,” “Water Tower Town,” and “I Love You This Big.” His first headlining tour, “Weekend Roadtrip,” kicked off on Feb. 14.

In the midst of a budding career, McCreery is also pursuing an undergraduate degree at N.C. State University. He grew up singing in church in the Raleigh satellite community of Garner, N.C.  He led a praise-and-worship group called Audience of One. He also sang with an advanced high-school chorale group called Die Meistersingers. It required him to sight-read music, perform classical pieces, and compete with similar groups on a national level.

“Putting instruments in the hands of children is one of the most important initiatives undertaken by The CMA Foundation,” said Kitty Moon Emery, Chair of The CMA Foundation Board of Directors. “Supporting music education is an investment in the future of our city and our industry. It is an honor to nurture these young performers and provide them with the resources and opportunities they need and to advance their skills and achieve their dreams.”

CMA created the nonprofit (501C3) CMA Foundation in 2011. The Foundation exists to provide financial support to worthwhile causes that are important to CMA and the Country Music community. The group places special emphasis on serving the needs of CMA’s core constituents and nonprofit organizations with initiatives that preserve the legacy of the format, support music education, and respond to other needs identified by CMA.

In addition to Emery, the Mayor of Nashville, the honorable Karl Dean; Nashville Public Education Foundation Board Chair Michael Carter, Sr.; and Director of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Dr. Jesse Register attended the announcement.

During the program, Michael Weidman, Chevrolet National Promotions Manager, presented a new Chevrolet Traverse, which will be used to pick up and deliver instruments for the Keep the Music Playing-funded instrument repair facility for Metro Schools; which means repaired instruments will get back into the hands of students faster.

“Chevrolet supports America’s youth and understands the value and role music can play in the lives of students,” Weidman said. “We are proud to support such a worthwhile cause and remain committed to our outstanding partnership with the Country Music Association and Keep the Music Playing.”

Studies show students who participate in the arts are more likely to graduate. Metro’s performing arts students have a 96 percent graduation rate compared to 78.4 percent for the general population. Sixty percent of Metro students are involved in music education classes – including 100 percent of elementary school students.

The music programs keep the students engaged in high school, but the musical training also provides access to potential college scholarships so these students can further their education and earn degrees.

All Stars are selected by Metro Nashville Public Schools Coordinator of Performing Arts Dr. Nola Jones and include Antioch High School Wind Ensemble, Croft Middle Design Center Advanced Orchestra, Meigs Academic Magnet Wind Ensemble, the Nashville School of the Arts Festival Choir, Oliver Middle School Wind Ensemble, and Sylvan Park Elementary School.

“In Metro Schools, we’re providing every student with the foundation to excel in higher education, work and life. Music education is an essential part of that,” said Register. “Keep the Music Playing has provided musical instruments to our students who come from 130 nations around the world. With musical instruments in their hands, students share a common language and opportunity to transform their lives.”

With this announcement, the total figure for the Keep the Music Playing program is $7.6 million. This figure includes a $1 million endowment gift for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Words & Music” program, which assists language arts and music teachers with classroom instruction in the basics of songwriting; support of the 2012 W.O. Smith summer camp program; and a recent instrument donation to P.S. 103 in the Bronx, NY.       

Gary Allan’s new single, “Pieces,” is a unique and positive way to look at previous relationships. He co-wrote the song with Sarah Buxton and Odie Blackmon, and it’s about taking things from people you had a relationship with and those “pieces” are what makes you who you are at this moment – the good and the bad; the happy and sad. One of the best “pieces” Gary has taken is “finding good in others.” He says, “It’s that whole no matter how bad or annoying a person is, there’s something good you can take from them. I think that’s the biggest lesson I’ve gotten from people.”

“Pieces” is the follow-up to the California native’s recent number-one single, “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).” Both of the songs are from his new album, Set You Free, which debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.

AUDIO: Gary Allan explains one of the best ‘pieces’ he has taken from previous relationships.

Gary Allan (Pieces) 2 OC: …from people. :12
“I think finding good in others. It’s that whole no matter how bad or annoying a person is, there’s something good you can take from them. I think that’s the biggest lesson I’ve gotten from people.”

Lady Antebellum gave their new single, “Downtown,” an acoustic twist. 
It’s the first single from the band’s new album GOLDEN, which will be available May 7th!