Friday, March 28, 2008

SouthComm Acquires Music Row



SouthComm Acquires Music Row
Ross Retains Publisher Role
(NASHVILLE, TN -- March 27th, 2008) Now in its 26th year, Music Row has been acquired by SouthComm Communications, Inc., a media company dedicated to local and niche news and information. Music Row joins publications such as Nashville Post, SouthComm Publishing and others that are part of SouthComm's growing list of local and regional properties.
"The SouthComm collaboration is a great fit," says Ross who in addition to his Music Row Publisher/CEO title will become a SouthComm VP and gain a seat on the company's Board of Directors. "Joining a larger organization means Music Row will benefit with added resources, efficiencies of scale and cross marketing opportunities. SouthComm also provides added conduits for music industry news to reach a wider network of Nashville business leaders and bolster the process of uniting Nashville's music and business communities."
"Music Row began transitioning its business model online in 2000," says Chris Ferrell, SouthComm CEO. "Today its entrepreneurial mix of print and digital is truly revolutionary. We're very excited about the SouthComm mission of creating a 21st Century information utility and confident that Music Row and its founder, David M. Ross, will greatly assist us in meeting those goals."
"Critical to this new agreement was SouthComm's insistence that the Music Row staff remain intact," Ross continues. "In addition to our dedicated staff, there are so many industry leaders whose support has been crucial to our ongoing success. My wife and partner Susana and I especially want to note the contribution of friend and colleague Robert K. Oermann whose byline has appeared in Music Row for over 25 years. Nashville is a great place to live and work. We're looking forward to the next 25 years of covering Nashville's Music Industry as it continues to grow and evolve."
____________________________
About SouthComm Communications, Inc.: Headed by former Nashville Scene publisher Chris Ferrell, SouthComm Communications was founded in 2007 and includes NashvillePost.com, an online source of business and political news; SouthComm Publishing, a custom publishing company focused mainly on chamber and economic development publications; plus Music Row. The company is based in Nashville
Pictured below: David Ross, Music Row Publisher/CEO

Pictured below (L to R): News Editor, Sarah Skates; Music Row Publisher/CEO, David Ross; Chart Director, Jon Freeman; Art Director, Christie King; and RowFax Manager, Michelle Ross.

_________________________________

Country Music Planet

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

ZANE LEWIS CD In Stores Across North America Today

Nashville, TN - Texas-bred country rocker Zane Lewis' self-titled CD drops across North America today. The disc's first single, "Come With Me," debuts this week at #46 on the Texas Music chart, and continues to move up the national Music Row chart, sitting at the #63 spot.

Lewis continues to blitz the Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas honk tonk circuit, and he kicks off the first leg of a three-state, 70-plus radio station promo tour this month. Current and upcoming features include: DALLAS MORNING NEWS; the nationally-syndicated TV show, Inside Music Row; Voice of Country; CMR Nashville; HONKY TONK magazine; Blue Highways TV; Cybercountry;YouTubeand lots more.

EARLY REVIEWS ARE IN:
  • "If you take a pint of Waylon, mix it with a gallon or two of Charlie Daniels, then pour a hefty amount of U2 into the mix, chances are you would probably come out with a musical recipe resembling Zane Lewis." - Cybercountry

  • "Zane Lewis is a guilty pleasure. The new CD is pure unadulterated country music fun." - Texas Music Times

  • "A southern rock sound has been a recent force on country radio, but Lewis proves he's more versatile than that on his self-titled, 12-track CD - his voice is enough to carry the music." - Country Standard Time

  • "We've heard the disc, and it definitely has its moments. Southland sounds like it could be a breakout hit for the hometown country act." - Dallas Observer

  • "This is a perfect and complete album from start to finish. A must have." - Gone Country

For more news, reviews and complete itinerary, log on to www.MySpace.com/zanelewis.

Press release submitted by: Marrtha E.Moore / 615-746-3994 / somuchmoore@charter.net / http://www.somuchmoore.com/

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Monday, March 24, 2008

FIRST OF THE SEASON, OLD TIMERS AND OLD-TIMEY MUSIC AT SPRINGFEST IN ANITA, IOWA - April 18-19-20

Anita, Iowa.....It's the first mini-fest of the year for the Pioneer Music Museum in Anita, Iowa. Just off Interstate-80 at Exit 70, this down-home rural village is gearing up for their first music event at the Oak Tree Opry, located on Main Street, down-town Anita. APRIL 18-19-20 brings four great shows to the performance center, starting at 7pm on Friday, APR 18; a matinee at 2pm and an evening show at 7pm on Sat, APR 19; and a morning gospel show starting at 10am on Sun APR 20.

"There may even be a Saturday morning show," says Sheila Everhart, booking agent for the Oak Tree Opry. "Especially if we have the interest for it. As it is, we have a full program with different shows all four times, with some incredible new acts coming from Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and even New Zealand, plus all of our regulars who help out with this first fund-raiser which helps us keep the theater in good repair. It's always a fun time for us, we're a down-home kind of show featuring the very best in traditional country music, and we will also be treated to some bluegrass, rag-time, ballads, some folk songs, cowboy songs, and some great gospel music. Bob, Bobbie Lhea, and I just returned from a 3-month tour of New Zealand, so we have some new songs to do, new stories to tell, and some great new cd's to give away during intermission."

The Pioneer Music Museum, just across the street from the Oak Tree Opry, home of America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame, will be open all weekend, free of charge, according to Bob Everhart, the curator. "We like to do this SpringFest early in the year, and it will be fun especially after a hard winter in Iowa. We can't wait to get started, the old time music is so different from today's country music, and we have some of the best elder statesmen in the business performing on our spring festival. It's really a kind of house-concert, and very intimate. The Oak Tree is not all that large, the stage door opens directly to our apartment kitchen. The entertainers gather in our living room before they go on stage, which gives them an opportunity to visit and catch up on the music business before they perform. It's probably one of the most unique venues in the entire state of Iowa, and everybody is invited to attend. It's especially attractive to anyone over the age of 50, who might not have heard the old songs for awhile. It's an incredibly pleasant trip down memory lane"

Headlining the weekend of great country music is New Zealand country music star Patricia Hannah who is on a whirlwind tour across mid-America to some performances in Ohio. She will probably perform on the Saturday afternoon mantinee show, depending on when she arrives. Jackie Shewey, the incredible vocalist who works with Terry Smith will be the featured performer on Friday night. Jackie has a full summer of performances with dedication to Patsy Cline one of her most redeeming stage performances. On the Saturday night show a great family string band, Family Affair from Minnesota will be featured. The regulars and a few special guests will be on all weekend, featuring Nebraska's Daughter, Pat Boilesen throughout the weekend. Other performers over the weekend will include Bob & Sheila Everhart, just returned from a 3-month tour of New Zealand, where they did a performance with the internationally reknown guitarist, Peter Posa. Danny & Donna Dee from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, will head up several of the shows, as will Francis Hahn, just back from the Rio Grande Valley, and host, producer, and performer on the big Mercedes Country Music Festival there. Expect to see Rick & Harriette Andersen, Wild Iowa Rose, and a few surprises, including an appearance by England banjo player Johnny Butten.

The Lake Anita State Park Campground will be open for anyone wishing to bring an RV to the event, the park being less than a mile from the theater. The Weathervane Cafe, just across the street from the Oak Tree will be open for lunch, and the Redwood Steakhouse will be open in the evening for some of the best corn-fed beef-steak dinners available in Iowa. The snack bar in the Oak Tree will also be open with hot-dogs, polish sausages, popcorn, soft drinks, and candy. There are motel rooms available in Anita, Adair, and Atlantic, all within easy driving distance to Anita.

"We'll be giving special tours of the Pioneer Music Museum, free of charge," says Bob Everhart, "with a lot of new items added in just the last year. We need to build a special stanchion for the inductees from New Zealand, and hopefully that will be up by SpringFest time. I'd like to personally guide some of the tours, because the music that we work so hard to save is an incredible cultural statement of our homesteaders, settlers, and rural folks, that made it possible for all the rest of us to live in this great state, and to enjoy our own rural music.

We wish we could get a little more understanding and assistance from the various arts councils because of this cultural importance, but our efforts in getting help there has been pretty dismal, yet hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent in the state capitol for classical music every year. Our own rural music seems to be shuttled aside. Still, we do what we can, and invite anyone interested in a pleasant weekend listening to some of the country classics of our past, in an acoustic format (not too loud), we certainly invite everyone to attend. Admission is $7 per person per show, or all four shows for $20. Reserved seats can be made by calling 712-762-4363.

More information at our website at http://www.oldtimemusic.bigstep.com/

From: National Traditional Country Music Association, Inc. (501-c-3) Non-profit Corp.
P O Box 492, Anita, Iowa, 50020
Telephone: 712-762-4363
E-Mail: bobeverhart@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.oldtimemusic.bigstep.com/

Press release prepared by Bob Phillips, Public Relations, NTCMA

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Monday, March 17, 2008

The Country Radio Broadcasters Release "Are You Smarter Than A..." Videos

(Nashville, Tennessee -- March 17th, 2008) The Country Radio Broadcasters have released the "Are You Smarter Than A..." videos showcased at the New Faces of Country Music Show ® during Country Radio Seminar-39. The video series includes four seven-minute clips of Sirius Satellite Radio's Sr. Director of Country Programming Scott Lindy roaming around the Nashville Convention Center during the 2008 Country Radio Seminar challenging program directors, label executives, radio consultants, and "This Guy" on the country radio industry. Bonus footage from the "Are You Smarter Than A..." series is also posted along with the CRS Intro videos. The videos were compiled by Todd Cassetty of Hi-Fi Fusion and are posted on the CRB's website, www.crb.org.

For more information, please contact AristoMedia at 615-269-7071.

Press release submitted by: The AristoMedia Group / P.O. Box 22765 Nashville, TN 37202 / Phone: 615-269-7071 Fax: 615-269-0131 Email: publicity@aristomedia.com

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Ashley Gearing Stops By GAC Nights

(Nashville, Tennessee - March 17th, 2008) Curb recording artist Ashley Gearing visited with Suzanne Alexander during a recent interview on GAC Nights. During the interview, Ashley spoke about her upcoming single, "Out The Window;" her experience of being the youngest female to ever enter the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart; and co-writing with some of Nashville's most notable writers. Ashley is currently in the studio completing her upcoming album with acclaimed producer Byron Gallimore.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Christy Walker-Watkins - AristoMedia - 615-269-7071 - christy@aristomedia.com / Liz Cavanaugh - Curb Records - 615-321-5080 - lcavanaugh@curb.com

Press release submitted by: The AristoMedia Group / P.O. Box 22765 Nashville, TN 37202 / Phone: 615-269-7071 Fax: 615-269-0131 Email: publicity@aristomedia.com

Friday, March 14, 2008

Charlie Daniels To Appear On Ralph Emery "Live."


On Monday, March 17th, 2008 at 6:00 PM CST, Charlie Daniels will join legendary broadcast personality, Ralph Emery on Ralph Emery "Live."

Among the many things Charlie will discuss are his recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry, his Career Achievement Award presented by the Country Radio Broadcasters, 50 Years in the Music Industry, the 2008 Volunteer Jam and his recent Blue Hat/Koch Records CD release, Deuces, which is his first duets album and features guest artists Travis Tritt; Bonnie Bramlett; Gretchen Wilson; Vince Gill; Earl, Gary & Randy Scruggs; Dolly Parton; Darius Rucker; The Del McCoury Band; Brenda Lee; Brooks & Dunn; Marty Stuart; Montgomery Gentry; and Brad Paisley.

The show will air on RFD-TV, which is carried by DISH Network, DIRECTV, Mediacom, Charter, NRTC, Bresnan and NCTC cable systems and select broadcast outlets nationwide.

Press release submitted by: The AristoMedia GroupP.O. Box 22765 Nashville, TN 37202 - Phone: 615-269-7071 Fax: 615-269-0131 Email: publicity@aristomedia.com

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Tracy Stefans Will Be Appearing On Milwaukee's The Morning Blend

Tracy Stefans will be appearing on Milwaukee's The Morning Blend on WTMJ, the local NBC station, on Wednesday, March 19, at 9am. Tracy will be promoting his debut cd, Country Rock Star which is a true Nashville cd: it was produced by Blackhawk's Henry Paul, includes cuts from top songwriters such as Sherrie Austin, and includes musicians like Cowboy Crush's Renae Truex.

Tracy Stefans Link
MySpace

Press release submitted by: Wildfire Publicity - http://www.wildfirepublicity.net/

Friday, March 7, 2008

CAMERON MCGILL RELEASES NEW ALBUM, NEW TOUR, AND EXCLUSIVE FREE DOWNLOADS

Chicago, IL – Cameron McGill will release his latest album, Warm Songs for Cold Shoulders, later this Spring. Starting tomorrow, listeners who visit www.myspace.com/cameronmcgill will be able to download one new track from the album each day for the next 6 days. A series of videos will accompany the release of the new album. The first,“Minor Suite”, directed by Ben Batemen and Brian May, is available now at www.myspace.com/cameronmcgill. Those attending SXSW will have several opportunities to see McGill, including the HotFreaks Blog Party (w/ Jens Lekman, Jason Collett, Peter Moren, and more) at Mohawk on Friday March 14th at 2:30pm. Heading to and from Austin, McGill will be playing the following dates:3/8 Hideout– Chicago IL3/10 Off Broadway – St. Louis, MO3/11 The Continental – Tulsa, OK3/12 The Chat Room Pub – Ft. Worth, TX3/13 Nuno’s – Austin, TX3/14 Mohawk, Hot Freaks! SXSW Party – Austin, TX3/16 Notsuoh –Houston, TX3/17 Circle Bar – New Orleans, LA3/19 Radio Radio – Indianapolis, IN3/20 High Dive – Champaign, IL3/21 Beat Kitchen – Chicago, IL3/22 Halfass – Ann Arbor, MIAbout Cameron McGillA veteran performer, McGill has spent years delivering his dark and sophisticated folk songs, in the vein of Nick Cave, Warren Zevon, and Neil Young. A prolific songwriter, McGill has independently released three albums: “Stories of The Knife and The Back”(2004), “Street Ballads & Murderesques”(2006), and “Hold On Beauty” (2008). Through consistent touring and profile festivals (Lollapalooza, Monolith, CMJ, SXSW), McGill has built a fervent collective of fans. More information at http://www.cameronmcgill.com/ or www.myspace.com/cameronmcgill.

For more information contact Josh Baker at 317.331.6644 or email at jb@monolithfestival.com

Hank Cochran Honored By The North American Country Music Associations International On Sunday, March 16

New Hall of Fame Inductee Will Perform At Awards Show In Pigeon Forge, TN

Nashville, TN (March 4, 2008) - Legendary singer/songwriter Hank Cochran will be inducted into the North American Country Music Associations International's Hall of Fame on Sunday, March 16. The awards show, held at the Country Tonite Theater (129 Showplace Blvd., Pigeon Forge), includes an acoustic performance by Hank as well.

The purpose of NACMAI is to nurture and perpetuate the history of country music, and their mission makes Cochran an obvious choice for this award. "It's truly an honor for me," Cochran says. "I'm very thankful they believe I am worthy."

Cochran epitomizes the goals of the organization; he is one of the true legends of country music, and he continues to work tirelessly at his craft. His songs have ruled the country (and pop) charts since the 1960s - beginning with recordings by artists like Patsy Cline, Ray Price, George Jones and Willie Nelson through to the present, with cuts by George Strait, Lee Ann Womack and Reba McEntire. Songs like "Make The World Go Away," "Ocean Front Property," "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me" and "The Chair" have emerged from his pen to fill a vast catalog - and his even bigger heart.

This isn't the first honor for this living legend. In 1974, Cochran was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame - and remains the only inductee ever to receive a unanimous vote during the nomination process. He has received over 21 B.M.I. Million-Air awards, including one for over two million plays of Patsy Cline's classic take on "I Fall To Pieces." His own recordings have endured throughout the years, and he is a faithful supporter not only of other recording artists, but of other writers, songwriter festivals and workshops around the globe.

Visit Hank online at http://www.hankcochran.com/.

Press release submitted to The Country Music Planet by somuchMOORE media
Contact: Martha E. Moore 615-746-3994 somuchmoore@charter.net

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Thursday, March 6, 2008

Clay Walker Recognized By CRB, Inc. As This Year's Artist Humanitarian

(Nashville, Tennessee -- March, 5th, 2008) Every year, the Country Radio Broadcasters recognize one of the many deserving artists with the Artist Humanitarian Award. This year, the award was presented to Clay Walker during the opening ceremonies of the 39th Annual Country Radio Seminar. Charlie Daniels, the 1993 recipient of the award, and CRB President, Becky Brenner presented this year's award.

The CRB instituted the Artist HumanĂ¥itarian Award in 1990, which was first presented during the 21st Country Radio Seminar. Past honorees include Brad Paisley, Brooks and Dunn, Garth Brooks, and Kenny Rogers.

In 1999, Walker was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young people in the world. He is currently in remission. In 2003, he formed the Band Against MS Foundation, a non-profit charity organization dedicated to funding research and providing education for others battling the disease. Band Against MS has made many sizable donations to support MS research at The University of Texas Medical School in Houston, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and the Vanderbilt Medical Center among others. He has been named Ambassador by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which is the organization's highest honor. He has been a financial contributor to many nationally recognized charities including The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, American Heart Association, the Tim McGraw Foundation, The Make A Wish Foundation, The American Cancer Society among many others.

According to CRB Executive Director Ed Salamon, "The CRB Board is continuously impressed by the generosity of country music artists as a whole. Clay Walker is a positive example for the industry and a well deserving recipient of this award."

Press release submitted to The Country Music Planet by The AristoMedia Group - P.O. Box 22765 - Nashville, TN 37202 - Phone: 615-269-7071 - Fax: 615-269-0131 - Email: publicity@aristomedia.com

IOWAN'S BOB & SHEILA EVERHART ON TOUR IN NEW ZEALAND - SOME SHOWS BIG, SOME SHOWS LITTLE

Balclutha, New Zealand....."We've had a simply wonderful time performing old time traditional country and bluegrass music in New Zealand," says Sheila Everhart, the upright double bass player from Anita, Iowa. "We really never expected to be very busy while we were here, we're actually on vacation, but our trip to the South Island, has not only provided us with a ton of gigs, we are actually making money. We just finished a country music show in Balclutha, far south in the South Island, and though we didn't get paid very much, we sold a ton of CD's, which is very helpful to us."

The Everharts have been on tour since January 6th, when they did a concert with the world famous New Zealand guitarist, Peter Posa. "We're hoping to do one more show with Mr. Posa when we get back to the North Island," said Sheila, "we just never expected to be able to perform with him in the first place, so this is an incredible and exciting adventure for us. Peter had a huge hit with "White Rabbit" but he doesn't seem to care to play that hit anymore, he'd rather play the "Wabash Cannonball." We are so looking forward to seeing him again in middle-March."

After a small performance in Balclutha, the Everharts were astonished at their next two shows. "We did a Leap Year Show in Dunedin with the Partridge Family who were at our festival in Missouri Valley, Iowa, last year (dates are Aug 25-31, 2008, in LeMars, Iowa), and it just blew us away that the club was completely sold out." Bob Everhart adds to Sheilas obeservations. "It is not only fun to play to a large crowd, but it makes for an incredible evening of entertainment. The next night we were in Waimate, not far up the road, and there we were in the huge RegentTtheater that seats right at 1,000, and the place was nearly full. They cancelled the regular showing of a film "Last of the Spartans" to put our hillbilly show on the stage. It was actually a fund raiser for two musuems in Waimate, and the mayor showed up to not only show his support, but also to announce the city would be providing some funding for the museums. Sure wish that was the case in Anita, Iowa, where our Pioneer Music Museum will have it's first fund-raiser during SpringFest, April 18-19-20. It too, raises money for the museum and the Hall of Fame located there."

"We met several young artists that we have invited to our festival in LeMars this year, simply because they are such good traditional country music artists," said Sheila. We have also invited quite a large number of talent buyers looking for artists for the upcoming 'summer season' which begins in December."

With a few days off before their big send-off at Christchurch, the Everharts stopped to see a statue of Pharlap, a famous race horse that was born on a paddock near Fairlie, New Zealand. "I read about Pharlap when I was around six years old," said Sheila, "and his story was incredible. I was really glad to be able to walk where he once ran as a foal."

Tonight the Everharts are staying in Rakaia, not to play, but to play around. Both Bob and Bobbie Lhea (their 11-year old daughter) are avid fisherman, and they hope to snag a nice big salmon in the local river. It's known as New Zealands 'best' salmon river, so their hopes are high. Their going-away concert is March 9 on the Heart Of Country Farewell Show in Kaiapoi at 2pm, just outside Christchurch. From there they cross the Cook Channel back to the North Island and hopefully another concert with Peter Posa, one of their favorite guitar pickers of all time.

Don't forget our big 33rd annual Old-Time Music Festival moving to the Plymouth County Fairgrounds in LeMars, Iowa, August 25-31, 2008. Over 600 performers on eight "sound" stages, including celebrities. AND, our brand new festival October 5-6-7, 2007 at the Christensen Field House in Fremont, Nebraska. Visit our website: http://www.oldtimemusic.bigstep.com

Jerry Mac & Friends Top 40 Chart

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Charlie Daniels Performs During Christening Ceremonies for the USS New York

(Nashville, Tennessee - March 3, 2008) Blue Hat Records recording artist Charlie Daniels performed during the christening ceremonies for the USS New York at Northrop Grumman shipyard in Avondale, LA., Saturday, March 1, 2008. Approximately 7.5 tons of steel recovered from the World Trade Center are cast in the bow stem of the ship. The bow stem is the foremost section of the ship's hull on the water line. The New York will be officially commissioned in New York City in the fall of 2009.

Press release submitted to The Country Music Planet by:
Christy Walker-Watkins - AristoMedia - 615-269-7071 ext. 124 - christy@aristomedia.com

Paula Szeigis - Management - Charlie Daniels Band - 615-443-2112 ext. 123 - paulacdb@aol.com


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AMERICA'S REAL BLUEGRASS & COUNTRY MUSIC IS ALIVE AND WELL IN THE CORNFIELDS OF IOWA

LeMars, Iowa.....Rural 'American' music is still alive, though Hee Haw is not around any more to make fun of it. Some of America's rural music is the only genuine country music left in the USA. And, some of it is still rural, rustic, acoustic, and fun, just as bluegrass music is.

Honoring this great American music tradition, is the National Traditional Country & Bluegrass Music Assn., made up of about 3,000 members from all across the United States and foreign countries, who are concerned about America's musical heritage, especially it's rural music.

"Rural music," according to Bob Everhart, President of the National Traditional Country & Bluegrass Music Assn., and "Ambassador of American Folk Music," a title bestowed upon him by foreign journalists writing on the subject from the U.S. State Department, "is the music of our settling pioneers. It has been handed down from covered wagons and fur trading expeditions through the generations, and is still prevelant, much like it once was, among the rural America we know today, especially among those who still practice the music genre, and play it in varying degrees of ability. Iowa is a very fertile State for 'genuine' country and bluegrass music, and it's not just corn that we grow here. We also grow some incredibly gifted performers and musicians that practice 'genuine' country and bluegrass music, or as we prefer to call it, 'rural' music."

Celebrities turn out to make sure this very American musical art form survives. Jim Ed Brown of the Grand Ole Opry, has been nominated for induction into America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. "I've been in country music a long time, and as a young boy used to eat what we called mule corn. Bob Everhart has promised to trade some mule corn for some of my figs when I get to Iowa." Mule-corn, according to Everhart is just plain field corn, very edible when it is just making kernels. Everhart also said Whispering Bill Anderson, of the Grand Ole Opry, who will be at the festival, is also interested in Iowa's corn, but perhaps from a different angle. According to Mr. Anderson, "Tennessee has been making mash whiskey for many many years. Now Iowa is doing it, and calling it Ethanol. There's no doubt that this is the future for removing our dependence on foreign oil, and I'm glad to be able to be part of not only that endeavor, but also to be part of an event that is so concerned about the future of America's rural music. I grew up singing among rural people, and one of my biggest hit "Po Folks," is our very own style of 'rural' music, so I hope Iowa keeps right on keepin' on when it comes to saving a musical genre."

Other guests with similar attitudes about being on the festival, especially helping keep authentic rural music alive include Jay Ungar and Molly Mason from New York. Ungar is the violinist who created "Ashokan Farewell" as the theme music for the popular Public Television series "Civil War." Jim Glaser of the Glaser Brothers who grew up in Spaulding, Nebraska, said, "I have a committment to 'real' country music too, just like the Glaser Brothers did. It will be my pleasure to accept the Glaser Brothers Hall of Fame induction this year in LeMars, Iowa. The Stanley Brothers, Carter and Ralph, are also nominated. Carter Stanley's daughter is the spearhead behind getting Uncle Ralph to the festival this year. "The Stanley Brothers were among the first to have their rural music recognized by commercial interests, and Uncle Ralph is still doing the music much as it was when he and my dad started. I sincerely hope the bluegrass community will be there to give Uncle Ralph and my dad the standing ovation of appreciation they so deserve."

By the time the festival is off and running more than 25 celebrities will be on hand for the lift off. The festival takes place at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds in LeMars, Iowa, just 19 miles northeast of Sioux City. The seven day event goes from August 25 through August 31.. A day pass is $15 per person, and includes all entertainment on all ten stages from 9am to midnight everyday, including celebrities. A senior citizen discount has tickets available at $11 per day, and those under age 16 are admitted free. A weekly pass is $55.

Everhart suggest people bring their own lawn chairs, although there is some seating available. There are five motels in LeMars, and more in Sioux City, and RV camping is permitted at the fairgrounds at a low fee.

According to Sheila Everhart, Bob Everhart's wife, and Director at the Festival, "We are very fortunate to have so many performers keeping America's rural music alive. Perhaps the most unusual aspect of this is the participation we get from foreign artists. Greta Elkin, for instance, from North Ireland, has lived many years in a land shaken by violence. She comes to us for the serenity of our rural area, and being known as the "Queen of Ireland's Yodelers," she has made many friends doing what rural music does best. It's the same with a performer like "Lucky Susan," Crowe of New Zealand. Susan was married to Dr. Charles Crowe (father of several children, Russell among them), who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth. That makes her a "Lady" in the hierarchy of kings and queens, and she's a traditional country singer. "I simply love the 'realness' of traditional music stryles," Susan said, "it's the simplicity of it, the true heartfelt and genuine sincerity in it, and the fact that it's open to everyone, that impresses me so much with this event that Bob & Sheila Everhart do."

The ten sound stages include room for many different genres of music that fall under the umbrella of 'traditional country music' according to Everhart. "This music didn't just simply evolve from nowhere, it came from the very strong need of our settlers to all parts of the United States, to have some kind of entertainment in their midst. Once the homesteads and settlements were established, the simple fiddle or harmonica gave way to small bands and entertainments of all kinds. Ragtime, blues, bluegrass, mountain music, cowboy music, gospel music, polkas (we even have a polka party in the dance hall), great plains music, and a lot of the traditional music from the homelands of the immigrants who came to the upper midwest. It's all available at the festival, now in it's 33rd year, in LeMars, Iowa."

Sheila Everhart, who helps schedule over 600 performers and groups is also quick to add, "We've got a tremendous number of things to see and do at this event. There are showcases for groups wanting to reach talent buyers, and we've been very fortunate over the years to have buyers come from Branson's Silver Dollar City, Wal-Mart, the Crackerbarrel Restaurants, Waffle House, and every year we send out well over 50 free invitations to other festival producers and venue promoters. Now, we have talent buyers coming from foreign countrys. Bob & I have been touring New Zealand for the past two years, and we've already managed to bring together several promoters and talent for our festival. It's the same with our friends who come from Europe, Canada, even China and Japan. This is the oasis. This is where 'traditional' music makes it stand."

Also on the fairgrounds will be a tipi village, started by Kathy "Bullhead" Grinstead. A large rendezvous-style village with absolute authentic costume, music, and tipis. It sits in the middle of a small pioneer village on the fairgrounds. The porchs of the village will become the focal point of the "International Busker's Championships" as anyone and everyone can participate, by simply performing on one of the small porchs. There's a small Ag Expo to keep us up to date on the doings of agricultural history, and pioneer arts and crafts are everywhere.

"Jamming" is one of the key interests of many participants. It's everywhere and very spontaneous. However there are three organized jamming areas. This is an opportunity for anyone wishing to play, wishing to learn how to play, wishing just to be part of the incredible music that surrounds them to enjoy the music and the fantastic brotherhood that surrounds the music and the players of it. Workshops are held in all areas of interest all seven days, by professional teachers and performers.

"It's the music!" Bob Everhart says to the question of why he has been involved for so many years. "The music is paramount. Sometimes egos and money take a toll, but the music still prevails, and we intend to keep it going as long as we can for whoever likes it no matter where they come from."

More information about how you can be a part of saving America's rural music or attending the festival, or performing on it, is available at the NTCMA website http://www.oldtimemusic.bigstep.com or writing the NTCMA P O Box 492, Anita, Iowa, 50020, or at 712-762-4363, or by e-mail bobeverhart@yahoo.com

Monday, March 3, 2008

So Much Moore Media Adds Staffers

Nashville, TN (March 3, 2008) - Martha E. Moore, president of so much MOORE media announces the first staff expansion in the company's 20-year history. Joining Moore are IT guru Christopher Young, who will manage all online information and solutions, and Micki Foster-Koenig, who'll be handling all writing for the firm, as well as offering an additional presence at special events such as Country Radio Seminar and CMA MusicFest.

so much MOORE media currently represents: Hank Cochran, Ansel Brown, Kassie DePaiva, Jeff Griffith, Lantana, Zane Lewis & Randy Thompson

To learn more about the company, log on to www.somuchmoore.com

Country Music & Country Music Songs At Country Music Planet!

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Liz Talley

Liz Talley & Her Music Presented By The Country Music Planet - Listen to a radio show Liz did with Jerry Mac. You can get to Liz's official home site from there, or go straight to it at www.liztalleymusic.com