Mathis Entertainment Signs Management Agreement With Adam Gregory

(Nashville, Tennessee - February 21st, 2008) Lawrence Mathis of Mathis Entertainment has signed an exclusive management agreement with Adam Gregory. Adam Gregory is a well-known Canadian artist who came to Nashville in 2007 to expand his recording and performing career to the US market. He is currently in the studio recording his first US release. After signing his first record contract with Sony Music Canada at 13 years of age, Adam recorded 3 albums and toured extensively supporting headlining artists including Keith Urban and LeAnn Rimes. He has won numerous awards in his native Canada, including Best New Country Artist at the Canadian Radio Music Awards and Outstanding Country Music Recording at the Prairie Music Awards. His debut album, Workin' On It was certified Gold in Canada. In 2005, Adam was nominated for the Country Music Association's Global Country Artist Award.

In making the announcement, Mathis, best known for launching the career of Jason Aldean, said, "I knew I wanted to work with Adam because everyone that knew him lit up when they talked about him. As I've learned, you can't help but like him both as an artist and as a person."

For more information on Adam Gregory, visit http://www.adamgregory.com/.

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

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Ashley Gearing Named Youth Ambassador For Child Welfare League of America

(NASHVILLE, TN - February 22, 2008) Curb recording artist Ashley Gearing has been named 2008 Youth Ambassador for the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA).

The CWLA is a non-profit society that works within communities to promote the safety and well being of children. The CWLA's advocacy efforts cover many areas including adoption, child protection, housing and homelessness, mental health, positive youth development, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and a range of community services that strengthen and support parents and families.

"I have led a very fortunate life," says Ashley regarding her involvement with CWLA. "It is so wonderful to play a part in these children's lives by introducing them to some of the great things in life in which I have come to know."

Ashley will perform in Washington, DC at the league's National Conference Children 2008: A Call for Action - Leading the Nation for Children and Families next Monday, February 25, 2008.

On the recording front, Ashley has been in the studio working with noted producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill) on her much anticipated Curb Records release. At age 12, Ashley made history as the youngest female artist to enter Billboard's Hot Country Singles Chart with "Can You Hear Me When I Talk To You?" Now 16, she has received many accolades including the Uncut Diamond Award as a rising star from ASCAP and Best Female Country Artist in a New Country Artist poll in 2006. Her new single, "Out The Window" is scheduled for release in early spring. She will also be appearing at the CRS-39 Curb luncheon with label mate Rodney Atkins.

For more information on Ashley Gearing, visit http://www.ashleygearing.com/.

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

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Randy's Thompson's OL'97 Video Resonates With Family Ties & Railroad History

Debut Video Includes Vintage B/W Train Footage (Scroll down to see the video)

Nashville, TN - Randy Thompson's debut video, "Ol' 97," resonates with family ties and railroad history, and includes vintage black and white train footage. Currently airing on Blip TV and YouTube, the piece was produced by Bill Hurley, and shot in and around Clifton, Virginia. It opens with a shot of a roaring steam engine and rolls on from there at a breakneck pace. Fiddler Rickie Simpkins steals the second scene with a lightning-fast bow and an undeniable presence. A quick transition to a performance shot rich with rural ambience showcases Thompson's passionate vocal, powerful guitar work, and a compelling lyric. The tale of the Southern Railway train that crashed September 27, 1903 is driven by bassist Garrick Alden and drummer Dwane Nitz, who laid the groundwork for the phenomenal lead licks of Randy's guitar-gunning 16 year-old son, Colin.

Randy grew up with the story of "Ol' 97." His grandfather, Littlebury Randolph "Ran" Thompson was 10 years old in 1903, and lived in the small "train town" of Lynch Station. Ran grew up by the tracks, and he knew when every train was due. It became his habit to dash out to wave at the engineers as they passed his house. On the day she derailed at the Stillhouse Trestle near Danville, Ran didn't know he was waving goodbye. He never forgot Ol' 97; it was a story he told throughout his life and one that Randy has never forgotten.

"It always struck a chord in me," Thompson says of the tale. "I've been singing the original version of the song for years. I just rearranged the lyrics, wrote a new melody, and cranked it up a notch."

"Ol' 97" is from Thompson's latest Jackpot Records CD, FURTHER ON. The disc is drawing rave reviews, and tons of national and international airplay. Multiple tracks from the project are currently airing on XM Satellite's XCountry (CH 12). Look for upcoming national features/reviews on Randy from INSIDE MUSIC ROW TV Show, CyberCountry, No Depression, StarCountry, CountryStarsOnline, Associated Press, Buddy, Gone Country, Country Music Facts & News, MUSICIAN and many more.

Randy news, reviews and more at http://www.randythompson.net/.

Press release submitted by: Martha Moore / so much MOORE media
somuchmoore@charter.net

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CRB, Inc. Announces Songwriters Participating in 2008 ASCAP KCRS Live!

(Nashville, TN - February 18, 2008) - Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. announces the performers of the ASCAP KCRS Live! Showcase for this year's Country Radio Seminar (CRS-39).

The program will feature acoustic performances by Dave Berg, Tony Mullins, LeAnn Rimes, Neil Thrasher, and Phil Vassar. ASCAP KCRS Live! will take place Wednesday, March 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. Connie Bradley, ASCAP Senior Vice President stated, "We at ASCAP feel very honored to play a part in Country Radio Seminar once again. Our relationship with the Country Radio Broadcasters and country radio is very important to us and we are excited to present such talented writers as Dave Berg, Tony Mullins, LeAnn Rimes, Neil Thrasher, and Phil Vassar at this year's event." A brief introduction to each of the featured performers is below. Dave Berg
**Songwriter of the 2007 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, "If You're Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)."
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Berg has an impressive list of nominations and awards. He is the newest recipient of the Country Music Association's coveted Triple Play Award (for achieving three number one singles in twelve months), has been named Billboard's #1 Hot Country Songwriter and is NSAI's Songwriter of the Year. With hits like "If You're Going Through Hell" and "These are My People" by Rodney Atkins, "Stupid Boy" by Keith Urban and "Moments" by Emerson Drive, it is clear that the praise is well deserved.

Tony Mullins
**Songwriter of the 2000 ASCAP Country Song of the year, "How Forever Feels."
Mullins moved to Nashville from the small town of Pound, Virginia in 1992. Since then, artists such as Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Clay Walker, Aaron Tippin, John Michael Montgomery, and Lonestar have recorded his songs. Most recently Mullins has written hits for Rascal Flatts ("Me and My Gang"), Van Zant ("Nobody Gonna Tell Me What To Do"), LeAnn Rimes ("Something's Gotta Give") and Craig Morgan ("Little Bit of Life").

LeAnn Rimes
The 2007 release of her album Family marked a milestone for this well-known Curb recording artist; every track on the new album was written or co-written by Rimes. Well known for her powerful vocal style, Rimes is embracing the opportunity to express an even more personal part of herself as a writer. The success of the first single, "Nothing Better to Do" is a testament to the multi-talented singer and songwriter.

Neil Thrasher
**2004 ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year
A talented vocalist in his own right, Thrasher was half of the Asylum Records duo Thrasher Shiver in the 90's. The duo was twice nominated for the CMA Duo of the Year before deciding to pursue other interests. Thrasher decided to explore a career as a songwriter. Artists from Rascal Flatts ("I Melt," "Take Me There," "Fast Cars and Freedom") to Kenny Chesney ("There Goes My Life," "I Lost It") to Montgomery Gentry ("Some People Change") are very glad that he did.

Phil Vassar
**1999 ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year, Songwriter of the 1999 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, "Bye, Bye" and 2001 ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year.
Prayer Of A Common Man is Vassar's fourth studio album and first for Universal Records South. The Virginia-born singer, songwriter and musician may be known as country's leading piano man, but his writing has grown steadily introspective and personal. Along with his own hits like "Carlene," "Rose Bouquet," "That's When I Love You," "Just Another Day In Paradise" and "Six-Pack Summer," Vassar has scored hits with Alan Jackson ("Right On The Money"), Tim McGraw ("For A Little While") and Jo Dee Messina ("Bye Bye," "I'm Alright").

CRS-39 will take place from March 5th to 7th at the Nashville Convention Center. All agenda and registration details are available at www.crb.org. For additional information contact the CRB office at 615-327-4487.

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

ON THE ROAD WITH IOWA PERFORMERS, BOB & SHEILA EVERHART IN NEW ZEALAND

Christchurch, New Zealand.....The drive from the North Island of New Zealand is quite beautiful, with a three-hour ferry boat ride connecting the two. Early in line is the best advice for boarding the ferry boat, you get on board sooner, get a good window seat, and can enjoy the luxry of a good coffee or even a light breakfast. Very crowded during the high season, it is always advisable to get advance tickets.

Bob & Sheila Everhart are just starting their 3-week tour of the South Island. They drove south from Picton (where the ferry boat landed) to a campground in Kaikoura, well known for it's whale and dolphin watching expeditions. They didn't see either, they were late getting in, but enjoyed the new hot water spa and swimming pool at the campground.

"We always stop along the way," says Sheila, who is the navigator, "to visit book stores and out of the way places. In the town of Blenheim for instance, we had lunch at a Turkish Restaurant, and just across the street was a store that deals with all things Dutch, and of course that included some fine Dutch cheese which we got. We also stop at a super market for our evening meal, which we cook at the campground when we get there."

The Everharts, on tour in New Zealand for three months, travel with their 11 year old daughter Bobbie Lhea. "I like to stop along the way too, just to watch the seals. There are huge colonies of seals along the roadside, and they are fun to watch."

On their way to Christchurch for two concerts, the Everharts stopped along Pegasus Bay for lunch at one of the more distinguished wine producing companies called Pegasus Bay. "We got to taste some delightful wine here, and also had a vey nice lunch. While we were eating, a helicopter landed right outside the window we were seated at. A gentleman and his wife hopped out, entered the restaurant and had lunch. We were amazed. They didn't have a lot to eat, and finished before we did. They hopped in their helicopter and flew off. I asked the waiter who that was, and they just tossed it aside, saying it was someone who lived on an island off shore, and came in about once a week for lunch." an amazed Sheila related.

The first performance for Bob & Sheila was at the Harbor Light Theater in Lyttleton, just outside Christchurch at the waterfront. The Harbor Light was actually an old movie theater, but now renovated into a rather large performance center. The concert was arranged by some old friends that attended their festival (Aug 25-31, 2008 in LeMars, Iowa) last year, Johnny Possum's Good Time Hootin' Band. "This groups plays a lot of bluegrass music," Bob is quick to relate, "but they also play some excellent string band music, and were quite popular at our festival last year. Wow, are they popular in New Zealand. The Harbor Light is quite large, but they had to turn away people at the door. It was also the CD release party of their new CD "Twister," so that accounted for the large crowd. We had a blast playing our old-time country music there."

Annette Mehrtens is the lady responsible for setting up the Everhart tour. She also does a weekly radio show on a large FM station in Christchurch. Bob Everhart was invited to appear on it just before the Lyttleton show. "It went quite well, Annette plays some very good old-time music artists for part of her show, and plays excellent Irish-country style artists too, quite a nice radio program. We had a nice time chatting about our festival in LeMars, as well as our second concert which would be at the Working Man's Club in Kaiapoi, just north of Christchurch.

"That was a stunning show," said Sheila, "it was all acoustic, had Johnny Possum's group on, as well as the Queen of the Banjo, Jenny Blackadder, who is a flawless 4-string banjo player. She plays in the style of Eddie Peabody, and the end result of a long conversation wiith her is that she'd like to nominate Mr. Peabody (now deceased) for our Hall of Fame. We are now looking for some relatives of Mr. Peabody who might be able to attend the festival and receive the honors."

Next program for the Everharts is across the Swiss Alps to the west coast of the South Island to the port city of Westport for an 8pm show at the Buller Club Feb 19. They will visit the Country Music Museum in Hector, and go on to Greymouth for another concert at the Regent Theater at 8pm on Feb 20.
"The Everhart's are doing well," Ms. Mehrtens says, "they play some very nice traditional country music, and with the addition of Warrick Sinclair (from Christchurch) playing some lead guitar behind them, we have a winner."

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/

Jeff Griffith's "Holed Up In Some Honky Tonk" - New Single Hits Radio Programmers' Desks Today

Single Proves WHY He's Made CMA's "WHO To Watch In 2008" List

Nashville, TN - Jeff Griffith's roundhouse good-time, good-bye "Holed Up In Some Honky Tonk" hits radio programmers' desks today. A "stutter" guitar lick and a cut-loose fiddle set the tone for this romp that tells the story of man who's been shown the door - and who's on his way to the nearest honky tonk - and on to someone new.

"I'LL BE HOLED UP IN SOME HONKY TONK
HOLDIN' SOMEONE NEW
GETTIN' TIGHT WITH SOMEONE ELSE
THE MINUTE YOU TURN LOOSE
IF YOU'RE GIVIN' UP ON ALL WE HAVE
I'LL JUST GIVE UP TOO
I'LL BE HOLED UP IN SOME HONKY TONK
HOLDIN' SOMEONE NEW" Dycus/Mevis/Dillon

The track has been released as a single by two other artists: Dean Dillon (1991) and Joe Sun (1982). Griffith hopes "the third time's the charm" for what he calls, "one of the world's greatest honky tonk songs." "The fans LOVE this tune," Jeff says. "It really gets 'em out on the dance floor and havin' a good time"

"Holed Up In Some Honky Tonk" is the fourth single from Griffith's Arrowhead Records' debut CD, IF IT AIN'T ONE THING IT'S ANOTHER," which is available at Best Buy, Hastings and your favorite e-tailers.

Learn more about Jeff at: www.MySpace.com/jeffgriffith and http://www.jeffgriffith.net/.

Press Release Subitted By: Martha E. Moore / so much MOORE media somuchmoore@charter.net 615-746-3994

National Recording Artist Zane Lewis Tapped For 22nd Annual "Wild West Charity Night" Benefit On March 8

Day Includes Acoustic Performance For Troops At Fort Hood

"Wild West has always been a lot of fun, but this year, with the addition of Zane Lewis, I think it will be the best Charity Night we've ever seen." - WW2008 Chairperson Kelly Lesperance

Nashville, TN (February 8, 2008) - National recording artist Zane Lewis has been tapped to headline the 22nd annual Wild West Charity Night benefit hosted by the Fort Hood Officers' Wives Club on March 8. The event, held at the Shilo Inn (Killeen, TX), includes gaming, a live auction, Can Can Dancers, cash bar and more. Zane and his band kick off the first of two sets at 7 p.m.; tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The benefit is open to the public, and more information can be found at http://www.forthoodowc.org/WildWest2008.htm. Proceeds are disbursed by the OWC's Welfare Fund and charities in and around Fort Hood benefitting from Wild West Night Charity include the Red Cross, Armed Services YMCA, Humane Society and Santa's Workshop.

Lewis' evening performances follow a day spent at the legendary Fort Hood Army Base where he'll entertain troops with a 1:30 p.m. show at the base PX. Zane kicks off this CD "Pre-Release" event with an acoustic set for military personnel, including members of the 1st Cavalry Division who have recently returned from their second tour of duty in Iraq. "It's an honor for me," says Lewis. "While I've never served in the military, my great-uncle was with the 947th Platoon (US Marine Corps.) when they landed on Iwo Jima; in fact he escorted photographer Joe Rosenthal to the top of Mt. Suribachi where his famous 'raising of the flag' photo was taken." Other members of the Lewis/Stout family tree have served in the Navy, Army and Marines, and Zane's brother-in-law was a UMC Captain during the Vietnam War. "There's no greater honor than serving your country," Lewis says. "If I can bring some joy to these great-hearted soldiers and their families through my music that will be a fantastic feeling for me."

Zane's recently-released single, "Come With Me," is getting great response at country radio nationwide, and songs like `"Bad Ass Country Band" and "Southland" are lighting up the honky-tonk circuit across Texas. You'll find these tracks and more on Zane's upcoming CD, ZANE LEWIS, on Slant Records due in stores March 25.

With three previous hit singles ("I Hate To See Her Go," "This Town," "Beer Drinkin' Women") under his belt, Lewis' brand of "fuel-injected" country is a proven crowd-pleaser.

WILD WEST CHARITY NIGHT'S entertainment is sponsored by AUTOMAX of Killeen.

Log on to: www.MySpace.com/zanelewis or http://www.zanelewismusic.com/ for additional info on Zane. For more information on Fort Hood, go to: http://pao.hood.army.mil/.

Press Release Subitted By: Martha E. Moore / so much MOORE media somuchmoore@charter.net 615-746-3994

Doug Stone Lends His Support At Jack Hanna Gala Fundraiser

(Nashville, Tennessee -- February 4th, 2008) TNT/Progression Music Group recording artist, Doug Stone recently appeared at Jack Hanna's gala fundraiser benefitting the Georgia Rehabilitation of Wildlife (GROW) Hospital and Clinical Research Center in Atlanta, Georgia. At the event, Hanna purchased Stone's autographed guitar, which he donated for the event's silent auction. Stone just released his 11th album, My Turn in September 2007. The album features his current single "She Always Gets What She Wants."

Press release submitted by AristoMedia
Jeff Walker - AristoMedia - jwalker@aristomedia.com - 615-269-7071 ext. 123
Christy Watkins - AristoMedia - christy@aristomedia.com - 615-269-7071 ext. 124

THE CELEBRATION BENEFIT SET FOR APRIL IN MUSIC CITY

Two Day Event Features Celebrity Golf Tournament, All-Star Jam Session

Mark April 7 - 8 on your calendars for The Celebration, Nashville's star-studded two day golf and music event benefiting Feed The Children and The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation. Celebrities from the music industry and sports world will be in attendance including host Richie McDonald, Jim McMahon, Billie Joe Tolliver, Wesley Walls, Steve Azar, Steve Cropper, John Daly and many more.

Festivities will kick off on Monday, April 7, with a Feed The Children downtown Nashville food distribution expected to feed 2000 people. A VIP Golf Pairings Party will follow in the evening at the Sheraton Music City, hosted by Richie McDonald, former lead singer of Lonestar. While McDonald was a member of the award-winning band, Lonestar scored 27 singles on Billboard Magazine's country charts. In 2002, McDonald was named BMI's Songwriter of the Year for "I'm Already There." McDonald is also known for penning such hits as "Front Porch Looking In" and "Let Them Be Little".

"I'm honored to be hosting The Celebration this year! It's a great opportunity for the leaders of our community to come together for several great causes," said McDonald. "The first is to pay homage to this wonderful and vibrant city where we work and play. The second is to raise awareness and money for two wonderful organizations, Feed The Children and the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation. The one thing that I have learned about this community over the years, is when it comes to helping those who are in need, Nashvillians have always opened up their hands and hearts."

The Celebration's golf tournament takes place on Tuesday, April 8, at The Hermitage, a Golf Digest four-star rated course, the highest rating awarded in Tennessee. Four person teams will be paired with a celebrity for this once-in-a-lifetime scramble-formatted event. Later Tuesday evening, an all-star jam session is planned at The Cadillac Ranch on Nashville's famous Broadway strip. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and will feature several of Music City's favorite artists and very special guests. A donation at the door for Feed The Children and The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation is required for admittance to an unforgettable party and jam session.

The Mantria Foundation is the presenting sponsor of The Celebration, a Baker Gillis Film and TV/High Life Events production.

About Feed The Children

Founded in 1979 by Larry and Frances Jones, Feed The Children is consistently ranked as one of the 10 largest international charities in the U.S., based on private, non-government support. Feed The Children is a Christian, international, nonprofit relief organization with headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disasters. In FY 2006, Feed The Children distributed more than 129 million pounds of food and other essentials to children and their families in all 50 states and internationally, supplementing more than 730,000 meals each day. Since its founding, the organization has reached out to help those in need in 118 countries around the globe. For more information, please visit http://www.feedthechildren.org/.

About The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation

The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to funding programs that provide the greatest benefit to cancer patients and their families. Guided by the working theme "hope through research, support, and education", The Foundation offers free comprehensive services to patients of all forms of cancer and their families. Contributing to cancer research through the work of medical oncologists in Middle Tennessee and throughout the country since 2002, The Foundation's work allows patients to stay closer to home and receive the latest treatment, enhancing the quality of their care as well as the rate at which researchers make new scientific discoveries in the fight against cancer. By supporting new programs in cancer research, education, and patient and family services, The Foundation honors the memory of Sarah Cannon, a cancer patient herself, who created the beloved character "Minnie Pearl." For more information, please visit http://www.minniepearl.org/.

Press Release Submitted By:

Wildfire Publicity and Publicity House

publicityhouse@comcast.net