NashvilleHype!

It was all Cathryn’s fault!  See, I didn’t intend to go to “CMA Fest” - ever.  It’s not that I didn’t sometimes want to go - but I was raised here, and mostly in the industry - I’m not really a ‘fan’ if that makes sense.

We were actually just going to go hang out with friends Lady Antebellum who were going to do a mini-set before heading over to perform on the Opry.

So we go over and say hi and take a picture together - we all go downstairs so they can play, they play a couple of songs and we were going to say goodbye… but then Trent Tomlinson must’ve walked by - or Cathryn saw him going upstairs and she wanted a picture — so…

Trent’s still really cool - and he told me he’s working on his new album now - which is good because I told him, I was getting a little worried since I hadn’t heard anything from him - and hadn’t talked to him in a long time.  A quote: “I’m not losing my record deal!”.  Good to know - he’s a stand out artist right now.  Very definable by his voice and his songs.

Then Cathrn told me that Glenn Sweitzer was there doing some video work in the convention center …

And of course I wanted to go over and say hi - but, I didn’t want to spend the $22.00 just to say hi.  So Cathryn pulled out the trump card.  Jessica Urick  - ugh! Cathryn!!!

And of course, I LOVE Jessica!  I’ve known her for years and years - she’s a real sweetheart, a down to earth person, great performer (very funny on stage) and I’ve had her on site before (the old NashvilleHype! before the loss).  So, I broke down and paid the $22.00 for the ticket.  First time in YEARS I’ve been to fan fair … and the first time I ever paid.

But then something happened.  I started running into people I’ve known for years - and hadn’t seen in longer.  Like Robert Reynolds (pictured on the far right - John from DigitalRodeo in the center), who used to be in the Mavericks, produced my friend Jenna Von Oy, and who I lost contact with nearly 15 years ago or so.

And Miko Marks, who I’ve always loved!  Shes fantastic and a real sweetheart.  Her music as I’ve told you before is more traditional - and does she ever carry the torch.  Just love her.

In the booth right next to Miko was another friend of mine - Austin Cody.  Austin is about the second nicest guy in Nashville - and he really is the nicest artist in Nashville.  Talk about a live show?!  Austin is a rocking performer - definately high energy.

It was like a NashvilleHype! fest instead (next year, NashvilleHype! should have a full booth with the works!).  Bunch of friends.  But no Jessica!  Dang.  So, we end up leaving.

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.

So after my in depth talk with Rachel a girl I’ve known for well over a year shows up to perform - holy smokes!  It’s Brynn Marie from Pennsylvania!  She’s HOT!

And I finally crack a smile… Yeah, so maybe Fan Fair isn’t a bad thing after all. Thanks Cathryn!

For more pics, visit Cathryn’s Myspace.