NashvilleHype!

What a night!  Together with Rachel Farley and her mom Larissa, I went to see the actual Nashville Star show.   Rachel is in town to write with our friend Rissi Palmer, and Friday she’ll be traveling to Florida to open for our other friend Aaron Tippin.  In an ironic twist, I’ll be visiting my sister in Florida for the 4th and so, I’ll get to see them share the same stage once again (both Rachel and Aaron performed at our Supercell Benefit along with Ashlee).

This was a great week for Ashlee Hewitt.  Her whole family came in for a visit.  From her dad Jim, who was allowed to come home from Iraq where he’s serving this country in a fight against terrorism, to her mom Kelli who’s been holding down the fort in Minnesota, to her sister from California, and all the other brothers and sisters (Ashlee has 12).  It was great seeing them all together and meeting many of them for the first time.

The bad news is, we missed seeing Ashlee perform!  Yep.  We weren’t let in on time, and Ashlee was the first performer of the night.  We heard Ashlee and watched her on TV monitors, and as usual, she was awesome. She has such a unique voice that when we first entered the building I said, “we’re missing her!” — and we were. I knew whose voice it was without even seeing her. Something I preach on site all the time - you’ve got to have a unique voice — which Ashlee definately has (and Rachel, and Jaida, and Kelsey, and CloudChase, and, and, and). That’s the reason the artist on NashvilleHype! are having so much success — that and their work eithic can’t be beat. The judges seemed to be liking Ashlee as usual - and giving a lot of praise to her - but we couldn’t hear what was being said by them - we could only judge by the audience clapping at something they said. 

I’m going to have to go to the YouTube to see the performance, once someone posts it - and watch it, this time without the distraction of “go here, stand there” the producers tell you. Then I’ll be able to tell more.

From what I did see and hear, Ashlee is going to be so tough to beat this season - seriously, it’s going to come down to her and Gabe — which one will actually win depends on the rest of America, but we definately are hoping it’s Ashlee.  She completely rocks! Even if we are completely biased.

There’s no other act on the show we would take to a label at the moment.

VOTE FOR ASHLEE!!! 1-866-978-2706

P.S. It makes sense to me to have Ashlee go first - I mean, what a better first impression to a show? Beautiful and talented Ashlee Hewitt the first artist you see and hear when you turn on… are you going to change channels? Or see who might be coming up next? Yeah, Ashlee rocks - and she’s the real star of the show.

One of the people I got to see again by going to see Jaida perform on the “Get Rich” show (she won btw) was my friend Shelby Horner.

I’ve known Shelby for a while now and I’ve wanted to have Shelby on NashvilleHype! since he attended the Supercell Benefit for the Red Cross with one of our partners in the event - Nixa Country.

Shelby wasn’t on the show, but he should’ve been - he would’ve rocked! 

Shelby told me the other night that he was set to play Cadillac Ranch, and only a few people were in the place — and then he started playing, and it filled up.  When he left the stage, the crowd left the bar (sadly for the following act).  That’s pretty cool!  And his new single, “Baby I Bet” is fast climbing the charts - receiving over 200 spins throughout the nation - it’s charting now and higher than some of the ‘name’ stars you hear about all the time on other sites - and for a true indie, that’s impressive.

Shelby is just a hard working artist, doing everything he can to further his career the indie way. 

One more thing, and I hope to have a little more information about this event soon - Shelby and his people are putting together a benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity with the proceeds going to help those that lost so much during the recent floods up north.  Shelby is one of the most caring artist I’ve met here in Nashville… seriously, he doesn’t just talk the talk - at the Supercell he walked up to the stage and handed me a substantial amount of money for the victims of the tornadoes.  Now he’s helping organize this.  I love artists when ‘their career’ isn’t all about themselves and they still care about others.  Shelby is one of those artist.

Nashville, TN (June 13, 2008) – SHELBY HORNER is winding down after a jam-packed CMA Music Festival week, during which he met fans, signed countless autographs, and performed shows at FUEL and Cadillac Ranch! He also interviewed with prominent country music media including Country Stars Online and BBC Radio in Lancashire! Shelby thoroughly enjoyed himself during the week, stating, “My 2008 CMA Music Festival experience was a great one, indeed! I had lots of fun and met tons of new people that I didn’t even know loved my songs and me as an individual.”

Shelby interviews with Joe Fish, of BBC Radio, Lancashire (Photo Credit: Carrie Horner)

Throughout the exciting week, fans met Shelby at the Greased Lightning, Mr. Coffee, Select Comfort, and VAULT booths. Friday found Shelby and his Next Exit band bringing in the crowds at FUEL during his segment of the World’s Largest Fan Club Party event. The following evening, Shelby entertained fans at Cadillac Ranch with “I’m No Pushover Now, ” “Anything,” “Two Souls, ” “Can We Dance,” “Hellbent On Havin’ Fun,” “Baby I Bet, “  and “Northern Born, Southern Bred. “ The live performances were Shelby’s favorite part of the week. “The most fun at the Festival was being on stage and seeing people filter in and packing the venue to hear my music!”
 
 
 
Shelby meeting fans at the VAULT booth (Photo Credit: Carrie Horner)

Shelby expresses gratitude to all who helped make his first CMA Music Fest a successful event! “I want to thank each and every one of my fans, my managers, and my PR team for helping make all this happen! You Guys and Gals…..ROCK!!!!!”

In other exciting news, Shelby picked up an investor after his show at FUEL, and will soon be heading into the studio to complete his second album. In the meantime, he will continue to promote his current single, “Baby, I Bet.”

About Shelby Horner:
 
Shelby was born with country in his blood. Born in Illinois, Shelby and his family moved to Colorado in his early teens, and it was there that he realized that singing is what he wanted in life. His country influences include George Strait, Randy Travis, and Garth Brooks. Mix in a little Styx and a dab of The Bob’s (an a cappella group), and you have yourself a well-rounded singer! Yes, Shelby loves all types of music, but his heart remains deeply rooted in Country.
 
His love for country music eventually prompted him to make his move to Nashville, Tennessee. Shelby has played live venues all over Tennessee, Colorado, Ohio, and Nebraska. His songs “No Pushover Now” and “Still” has earned airplay on several stations. Also a songwriter, Shelby wrote several songs on his album, The Rest of the Dream. Shelby is currently working on his second album. Since the passing of his father, Denny, Shelby’s drive to achieve a future in his music has grown even stronger. His father was a constant and true encouragement of his son’s music.
 
###
–
-Shelby Horner
Management - Marcus Bostic 615-589-7397
www.shelbyhornermusic.com
www.myspace.com/shelbyhorner
E Press Kit:
www.sonicbids.com/shelbyhorner
Endorsements:
www.madisonamps.com
My Music is Availible at:
www.cdbaby.com
www.itunes.com
www.amazon.com
www.nashvilleim.com
www.sounclick.com
www.digitalrodeo.com
www.musicmatch.com  

This is a video of Rachel Farley doing Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead”.  This video was shot during CMA Week at the Cadillac Ranch in downtown Nashville.  The night before, at midnight, she had went down to play with this band. She’d never played with them before (or a true band from what I know), but she was invited, so she went - played a few songs and learned a little of what it means to improvise on stage - even if you aren’t sure what’s going on or what to do next.  The band invited her back, so the next day, she went again.  The place was packed out, and this was Rachel’s first song with the band. Seriously, her FIRST song.

I say this reluctantly but I want to make a point - Rachel is 13.  Admit it, Rachel Farley is AWESOME! Can you even imagine when she starts recording with Keith Thomas??  Forget about it - she’s taking over the world.

Here’s what I wrote about it June 10th, 2008:

Walk around Nashville a little while, look around, and make our way over to the Cadillac Ranch to see Rachel Farley perform

and she COMPLETELY took everyone in the audience by surprize -

cause people, just listen to me please! - Rachel is a STAR!  She absolutely ROCKS!  You wonder why she wins so many awards?  Why she’s working with Grammy winning mega-producers?  Why major record label Presidents show up to a Benefit Concert?  It’s not cause it’s a good cause!  Wonder why I had her on NashvilleHype! before anyone knew a Rachel Farley existed?  Because she KILLS from the stage!  Especially with a band.  I’ve not seen her perform with a band before and oh my… just unbelievable.  She has really grown in stage presence since I first saw her perform.  And her future is only going to get brighter.

After Rachel performed, I got a chance to dispel some good old fashion wisdom in her direction

and she’s a sponge.  Look at those eyes.  I wish every artists would listen to me as intently as Rachel does - things might be better for them.  ahh, cest la vie.

Here’s a bonus video, just to show you what kind of songs she’s writing RIGHT NOW — this is an Original song written solely by Rachel - “Empty Bottle and an Empty Heart”

I went down to John Rich’s “Get Rich” competition tonight in downtown Nashville to see my awesome friend Jaida Dreyer perform:

Jaida just signed a publishing deal with mega-producer/publisher Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, everyone else) - which is awesome.  Despite being relatively unknown thoughout the country, it seems her talent has helped her become well known here in Nashville - and the hits I receive of people visiting from a Google search on her is really impressive.  She is SO close to being a household name, and though I couldn’t stay tonight to watch her perform, in the coming days I’m going to have some live photos from tonights performance.

So I had just walked in, said hello to a half dozen people and took a picture or two with Jaida when I decide to go into the main room.  I look upstairs and see Ashlee Hewitt!!  I ask the lady at the ‘rope’ if I can go say hi, but also inform her I don’t want to hurt Ashlee or the integrity of the show - and so, I can’t.  Bummer.

But soon after, Ashlee and the rest of the girl cast of Nashville Star come walking down.  The rope lady tells me ”she’s in ‘public’ now, you can go talk to her” - and so, I go over, kneel down beside Ashlee and say “hello ladies!”.

Let me first say how great all the girls look.  They are all as beautiful and sweet in person as they come across on TV.

After hugs and hello’s and OMgoodnesses, I asked Ashlee how she was doing (really good!), if since she’s been ‘locked away’ she was able to talk to anyone like friends and family (she said she wasn’t), and if things were going well for her (they are).  I DON’T talk about the show, or the songs, or the voters, or anything else - in fact, we never said one word about the show.  Believe me, there’s a lot I wanted to tell her - but as always in life, there’s a time and a place.  I told her that I talk to her mom as much as I can and everyone else as well and we are all SO proud of her.  I told the other girls that they are all doing great and say goodbye…

But then I think, “wonder if a picture would be ok” … so, I went back over and asked Ashlee, “can we all take a picture together or is that against some rules” … here’s the answer:

Bottom line, Ashlee is doing great! - still the same sweetheart she’s always been.

As I walked away the second time, I told all the girls goodluck and wished them all the best.  Alyson, Shawn, and Melissa are all real sweethearts as well - it was my pleasure to meet them all and seriously, I wish them all the best - long and successful careers.

As for Ashlee, I just want the world for her.

About the only way Ashlee Hewitt is going to leave Nashville Star and NOT be the winner, is if America, the voters, decide they would rather see a male winner - because the girls just don’t hold a candle to her “IT” power - and that of her spot on performances. 

That’s not to say that the other girls don’t sing well, there are a couple that sing very well - but I believe most of America would agree - if it were simply a competition between the rest of the girls and Ashlee, Ashlee would win hands down.  And I know for a fact she would if she were actually sitting in the labels A&R office.  Because in Nashville, as I’ve said many times, Ashlee is the complete, total package.  I even said so in the NashvilleHype! newsletter - using her and her sister as examples of what it takes to make it in Nashville.

Tonight, Ashlee performed a Britney Spears song, of all things - another bold choice given all the controversy surrounding Britney’s life.  “(You Drive Me) Crazy” was the song - country was the style.  And Ashlee pulled it off.

The judges love her.  You can see them in the background talking and smiling and being completely animated when she’s on stage — as opposed to just sitting there bored to death that they have to listen to someone else.  It’s almost as if they can’t wait for her to get on stage and have her actually put on a show rather than just another boring rendition of a song no one really wants to hear.

And, I’m pretty sure America is waiting for Ashlee to perform too.  If the ratings are in a slide, the only thing that’s really keeping them afloat is Ashlee - and America waiting for her to sing.

To beat a dead horse for the third week in a row - Ashlee is a Star.  A complete star in everyway.

And to beat another dead horse, she’s a real sweetheart - and when YOU all get to know her, and I know you’re going to get a chance, you’re going to love who she is too.

After the show call 1-866-978-2704 !!! TO VOTE FOR ASHLEE!!!

This is the newest, latest, and greatest video from Nashville favorites JagStar - shot and directed by our friend Glenn Sweitzer

JagStar - pressure

Glenn was going down the MySpace rabbit trail and happened across them while they were still living and playing in Knoxville.  He liked their sound so he placed them on his player, which is where I first heard them and fell in love with their sound.  It wasn’t long after they moved to Nashville and picked up where they left off - having their music all over MTV and getting critics everywhere to love their style as well.  The producer behind the scenes is Travis Wyrick (P.O.D, Pillar, 10 Years, Disciple) who obviously knows the right touches - because this is an excellent sounding recording - and a great song that’s fun to listen to.

post sponsored by:

Special Performances From Songwriters and Artists Amy Grant, Ed Bruce, Marcus Hummon, Thompson himself and more….
 
What:   Terry and Carmen Thompson Benefit
When:  Tuesday, June 24
Where: The Factory at Franklin, Liberty Hall, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN www.factoryatfranklin.com
Time:   5:30 pm: Silent Auction begins; Meet, Greet, and Mingle with performers and guests
            7:00 pm: Concert
Admission: $75, 2 or more tickets $50 ea.
NOTE:  A love offering at the door (as able to pay) will be accepted in lieu of ticket purchase
Tickets:  To charge by phone call Charlotte Reeves, 481-1910; or purchase online
Website: www.terryandcarmen.com
Contact: Michelle Prentice, 615-596-7279 (cell), mitchprentice@yahoo.com
 
Folks attending the Terry and Carmen Thompson Benefit at The Factory at Franklin on Tuesday, June 24 will enjoy some of Nashville’s best musical talent, including Amy Grant, Ed Bruce (”Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”) and Marcus Hummon (“Bless the Broken Road”), they’ll also have a chance to bid on an impressive array of donated items, such as breakfast with Dierks Bentley, a football autographed by Vince Young, paintings, gift certificates and more.
 
Proceeds from this concert and silent auction will be used to help provide Terry and Carmen Thompson of Nashville with wheelchair-accessible housing and transportation, and financial assistance with medical bills. Carmen Thompson is recovering from a life-altering injury she sustained in 2007.
 
During the silent auction beginning at 5:30 pm, attendees may make their bids and enjoy refreshments with performers and guests. The concert begins at 7:00 pm and will showcase a variety of Nashville artists. Other scheduled performers include vocalist Michelle Nicolo Prentice, Reverend Joe Rice (of the Fairfield Four, heard on the “O Brother” soundtrack), CC Miller (of the Soul Searchers of Nashville), J. David Sloan and Terry Thompson.
 
Michelle Prentice, one of the event organizers, said, “the performers have all been personally moved by Terry and Carmen’s journey, and will bring their gifts with love. Everyone will be lifted up by this amazing event!”
 
For more information, see www.terryandcarmen.com or call Michelle Prentice at 615-596-7279.
 
Those unable to attend may still make tax-deductible donations at any time through Clearview Baptist Church.  They may donate online via a link on the event website or contact Terry Welborne at 615-794-5488.
 
CARMEN’S STORY:
Carmen was injured during a visit to the Louisiana farm owned by Terry’s family. While she was mowing part of a field left in disarray by Hurricane Katrina, a two-ton A-frame hoist, the type used to lift heavy objects such as car engine blocks, was pulled down onto Carmen from behind. Her injuries were severe and initially life threatening. Her spine and vertebrae were severed. Most, if not all of her ribs were broken, some severely fractured. Her diaphragm was torn and there was bruising of her spleen and liver.
 
At the time of the accident, Carmen was uninsured. Having experienced melanoma, she had been dropped by her insurance carrier and was in a waiting period to be able to receive coverage.
 
Carmen spent five weeks at University Hospital in New Orleans, LA, where she had multiple surgeries for her injuries and resulting complications. She then spent seven weeks in a rehab program at the Frazier Institute in Louisville, KY.
 
The Thompsons returned home to Nashville in September 2007 and set about rebuilding their lives with the help and support of their family, church and many friends. Some modifications have been made to their home to make it more wheelchair-accessible, but the Thompsons continue to look for a home that is suitable to their needs, or possibly an appropriate plot of land on which Terry can build one.  Carmen has also battled numerous infections and bouts of pain and nausea. Local spine specialists have indicated that the hardware inserted into her back is much too large for her small frame, thus causing continued issues with pain. Another major surgery in the near future seems likely.
 
The couple faces a staggering amount of medical bills. Terry has been acting as Carmen’s primary caretaker and along with help from family and friends has kept the household running. Needless to say, it has been extremely difficult for both of them.
 
Prentice said, “Yet, in spite of their loss, and throughout the continued grieving process, Terry and Carmen remain committed to each other and their faith in God. They believe wholeheartedly that God has a plan for them and wants to see Him glorified through this tragedy. Carmen has recently led a women’s retreat for a local church. She is also continuing to work her image consulting business part time. Terry is a general contractor and is looking to build the perfect home for his lovely wife.”

SCHEDULED TO PERFORM
 
Ed Bruce
www.edbrucemusic.com
With a string of hits both as an artist and a writer, Ed Bruce has maintained a successful career for more than four decades. “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys,” “After All,” “Girls, Women and Ladies,” “When You Fall In Love Everything’s A Waltz,” “My First Taste of Texas,” “Ever, Never Loving You,” “The Last Cowboy Song,” and the “Theme from Bret Maverick” are just a few of the self-penned hit songs from this great artist. Bruce’s career now spans both sides of the Atlantic and he has gained an enormous following in Europe. But Bruce says his heart is “to lead people to the Cross of Cavalry” wherever he has the opportunity to sing.  
 
Marcus Hummon
www.marcushummon.com
Marcus Hummon has a diverse career as a writer of theatrical works, as a recording artist, and as an award-winning songwriter. To date, he has created five musical productions that have been staged at the repertory theatre in Nashville and beyond. The Nashville Opera premiered his sixth and latest work, the opera “Surrender Road,” in November 2007. Alongside his theatrical work, he has received Grammy, Tony, Academy of Country Music, and Country Music Association nominations for hits including Wynonna’s “Only Love,” Alabama’s “The Cheap Seats,” Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly,” Tim McGraw’s “One of These Days,” and the Dixie Chicks’ “Ready to Run” and “Cowboy Take Me Away.” His most recent smash, Rascal Flatt’s “Bless the Broken Road,” enjoyed 6 weeks at #1 and was named the Nashville Songwriter Association International’s “Song of the Year” and won a Grammy for “Country Song of the Year.” He has released six solo CDs on Velvet Armadillo Records and a CD with his Celtic band, The Raphaels.
 
Michelle Nicolo Prentice
A singer of phenomenal range and talent, Michelle Nicolo Prentice began singing at age four and had her first professional engagements at age eight. Her extensive professional resume includes recording work with Bebe Winans, Dennis DeYoung, Wynonna Judd, Lari White, Russ Taff, and Mike Reid, and starring roles in the original cast productions of hit songwriter/playwright Marcus Hummon’s “Francis Of Guernica” and “Warrior.” The latter moved Evans Donnell of the Nashville Tennessean to write, “Michelle Nicolo Prentice provides some of the most exquisite singing moments you’ll find on any stage.” Michelle delivered a stirring performance of “Somewhere” on a recording of the original score of “West Side Story” with Kenneth Schermerhorn and the Nashville Symphony. She is a featured artist, along with Enrico Caruso and Leontyne Price, on the NEA’s Great American Voices CD.
 
Reverend Joseph Rice
Reverend Joseph Rice is a multi-Grammy winning singer, having joined the venerable Fairfeld Four at age 23. Although still a young man, Reverend Rice has recorded and performed with Elvis Costello, John Fogerty, Charlie Daniels, Lee Roy Parnell, Steve Earle, the “O Brother Where Art Thou?” soundtrack and many others. Awards include: Nashville Music Award Lifetime Achievement Award, 1995, James Cleveland Stellar Award, 1996, Grammy Award, Best Traditional Gospel Recording, for “I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray,” 1997, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, inducted 1999. Reverend Rice is founder and pastor of the Higher Ground Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville.
 
CC Miller
CC Miller is the consummate entertainer. His potent and powerful career spans nearly four decades, paying his dues with 35 years on the road, 250-300 days a year. CC has recorded five albums and was on Warner Brothers Records, both as a solo artist and with the World Famous Dynatones. Miller has performed with Big Joe Turner, James Brown, Steve Cropper, B.B. King, Albert Collins, Temptations, Four Tops, Spinners, Junior Walker, Billy Preston, Carla Thomas, Etta James, Mary Wells, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Bruce Springsteen, Hall and Oates, Thunderbirds, and the Tower of Power. For the past seven years he has been the lead singer and “dancin’ fool” with the Soul Searchers, a Nashville-based soul revue.
 
J. David Sloan
Considered the “godfather” of the Phoenix country music scene, J. David Sloan has entertained hundreds of thousands of fans over his 40-year career.  He was instrumental in launching the careers of Lyle Lovett and Ray Herndon (McBride and the Ride) and has mentored and inspired three generations of musicians. A 2007 inductee into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame, Sloan’s energy and spirit drive every performance.
 
Terry Thompson
www.terrythompson.net
Terry Thompson is both a beneficiary of the event and a featured performer. Thompson is a versatile singer, actor and entertainer. He has had several songs published and recorded. Thompson has toured extensively across the United States, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Ukraine, Okinawa, Australia and Guam with such groups as America, Three Dog Night, and Charly McClain. He has also opened for the Everly Brothers, John Prine, Ray Price, the Kentucky Headhunters and Skip Ewing.