Nashville's 'Summer NAMM' Praised as Best and Largest in Five Years

           CARLSBAD, Calif., (July) 2013—A new, state-of-the-art venue, more brands and major buying power built to a lively crescendo as the music product industry converged in Nashville for the largest Summer NAMM in five years.

          NAMM members celebrated the move to Nashville’s Music City Center conducting brisk business, but also taking in the many opportunities to learn from peers and industry icons, while networking with the leaders of the global music product world.

           “This year’s Summer NAMM reminded me of some of the past Nashville shows a decade ago when companies were really excited about growth and opportunity,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “We’re grateful to our members who came to exhibit, stock up for the fall and holiday selling season and attend the increased educational and networking sessions that NAMM produced.”

          Held July 11 – 13, NAMM’s Nashville-based event took advantage of the new venue’s room to grow by increasing in exhibit square footage by 25 percent over 2012. In total, there were 422 exhibiting companies, representing more than 1150 brands, which represented a 12 percent increase over the previous year. Part of the new growth can be attributed to the 157 first-time exhibiting companies and many returning brands, some after many years off.

Big buying power met the increase in brands with the number of retail businesses rising more than 26 percent from the previous year. In total, 11,498 people registered for the show, not including "Music Industry Day", a slight increase over 2012. Retailers in the exhibit hall were focused on finding the right products and accessories to fuel the all-important 4th quarter and holiday season.

          "We're here shopping fun, colorful, unique and price point items that will make great holiday gifts, while also thinking about promotions to sell what we are buying, which I wasn't doing last year," said Gayle Beacock, co-owner of Beacock Music Company Inc. in Vancouver, Wash., who was named the 2013 Dealer of the Year during Summer NAMM. "I'm much more focused this year, in part thanks to the opening morning "Retail Summit", which zeroed in on a very specific topic, holiday, and opened my mind to opportunities that I may have missed in past seasons.”

          In addition to holiday planning, retailers tapped into school band and orchestra brands that returned after a hiatus including Cannonball and BG Franck Bichon to stock up for back-to-school. 

          “We're about to open a new store making this the perfect time to build inventory for it, while also buying for back-to-school,” said Scott Summerhays, president of Summerhays Music Center in Utah.

          Both the quality of buyers and the number of retailers that exhibitors hadn’t met before surpassed many exhibitors’ expectations. 

          “The bonus for us was that we got to meet dealers who don’t go to the NAMM Show in Anaheim,” said Sheryl Laukat, CEO of Cannonball Musical Instruments. “They are very important to us, and it was great to sit down, see their faces and really connect. And we may have picked up some new dealers; it’s looking really good.”

Music City Center Jams

          Summer NAMM’s new digs, the Music City Center, proved a natural fit. The refrain repeated by retailers and brands alike played clearly – Music City Center might have been tailor-made for Summer NAMM. Carolina Bridges of Deering Banjos noted MCC’s delightful sound qualities. 

          “The acoustics in here are perfect for people to hear our instruments,” she said. 

          While Scott Thompson, vice president of sales for The Music Link noted the aesthetics, “The best thing about the new Center is the natural light, which makes people happy and makes our guitars and mandolins look just beautiful.”

Educational Opportunities Abound

           Professional development focused in on very specific, easily applicable ideas across the spectrum of educational events such as "Retail Boot Camp", the "Retail Summit" and the "Idea Center" sessions. 

          "The sessions featured useful, practical knowledge that you can put right to work,” said Whitney Brown-Grisaffi, president of Ted Brown Music Co. in Washington.  

          “The education sessions were fantastic. Learning from peers is always the best way to learn,” agreed Scott Summerhays.

NAMM at Night

          NAMM didn’t end at show close each day. A new series of first-class evening events brought the industry together for inspiration, networking and good times. They kicked off with a tribute to Jimi Hendrix’ Nashville years to warm-up the crowd on Wednesday night. 

          “The gatherings that NAMM hosts are a nice touch,” said Ron Partain of Ron’s World of Music in Alabama. “It’s good, as a member, to feel appreciated.”

          ‘Insight,’ hosted by Vince Gill and Tom Bedell on the first night of the show, brought together the music products industry’s most-iconic names for a truly unique free-wheeling evening covering everything from lessons learned from the guests’ fathers to what the leaders would do if they were king for a day and their first concert. 

          "It was really interesting to hear their insights, background stories from the icons of the industry,” said Amy Braswell, co-owner of Capo’s Music Store in Virginia. “The points that they were making about being different, innovating and being unique were inspiring.”

          “The new convention center is incredible and with all the amazing events and sessions, it was truly a can't miss event that people will be talking about for years," said Ron Manus, CEO of Alfred Music. "So many 'You had to see it' moments, like seeing the industry icons on stage together sharing stories at Insight. The show had a great campus feel making the show buzz with energy. We had great meetings with our old friends, made some new friends and opened new accounts. Summer NAMM is BACK!"

           Honoring NAMM’s Top 100 Retailers has become one of the most-anticipated facets of NAMM’s summer show. Beacock Music Co. was honored as the "Dealer of the Year" at a filled-to-capacity awards event July 12.

          With the positive buzz coming from dealers as well as exhibitors, NAMM members are anticipating a viable second half of 2013 and looking toward 2014 with heightened expectations of an industry showing encouraging vibrancy. Many are laying plans for future NAMM shows already. 

          “This is my first show. It’s crazy!” said Ronald Irizarry of ARJ Percussion. “My only regret? I wish I had gotten a bigger booth.”

###

'Independent Music Fest' to Occur in Nashville from Oct. 4-6

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2013) -- More than 200 performing artists and songwriters from around the world will visit Nashville's Music Row from Oct. 4-6 (Friday-Sunday) for the "Independent Music Fest".

            Performers and songwriters will take the stage along Demonbreun and Division streets from noon-midnight Friday-Sunday at entertainment venues such as the Music Row Best Western Lounge. 

            The Best Western also will host music industry information tables, networking areas, and mentoring sessions from noon-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Attendees can receive hands-on advice, critiques and advice on topics such as stage presence, the craft of songwriting, recording techniques, publishing, song plugging, contracts, product development, audio podcast development, video production, management, and publicity. 

            Members of the general public can register separately to attend one-on-one brainstorming sessions and "Speak To A Pro". Artist mentors will be available to answer questions about the business of music.

            The annual "Indie Music Masquerade" will feature costumed dancing from 7 p.m.-midnight on   Oct. 5 (Saturday) in the Music Row Best Western Lounge.  Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

            Songwriters can introduce their new songs by performing at a special "open mic" stage located between Demonbreun and Division streets.

            "The 'Independent Music Fest' is an exciting career-building must for indie artists and songwriters at all levels," said Cornelius "Popcorn" Robertson, founder and coordinator of the festival. "More than 100 music community volunteers will donate their time and resources to make this possible.  Shows are open to the public."

            Musical performers will represent the past, present and future of independent music.

            Festival registration, which includes all activities, is $150 for three days, $110 for two days, and $60 for one day. Members of the general public can enjoy three days of live music for $20. They also can attend one-on-one mentoring sessions with top music industry professionals for $35 per day. To register, volunteer or trade services or for more information about the "Independent Music Fest", visit http://www.independentmusicfest.org, send an email inquiry to popcorn@IndependentMusicFest.org, or call (615) 424-1491.

Indie Connect to Hold First 'IC Virtual Songwriter Showcase' from Sept. 21-22

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Songwriters from around the world will participate in the first "IC Virtual Songwriter Showcase", an online music industry gathering from Sept. 21-22, 2013 (Saturday-Sunday).

            Hosted by Nashville-based Indie Connect, the two-day online event will give emerging, professional and hit tunesmiths the opportunity to pitch original songs to music publishers, film and TV Music supervisors, producers, and artists. Attendees also can receive song evaluations by professionals and view live and taped educational presentations covering a wide range of industry topics. A trade show will feature booths by leading music industry product and service providers.

            "This past February, Indie Connect ushered in a new world of music industry education and networking with our 'IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo'," said Indie Connect CEO/founder Vinny Ribas. "The event was a huge success, receiving praise from attendees, virtual exhibitors and speakers alike."

            Ribas added that he expects more than 1,000 songwriters from around the world to register for the "IC Virtual Songwriter Showcase". It will be similar to Indie Connect's winter conference with dozens of speakers, as well as live showcases, business presentations, and 24/7 networking.

            "Our virtual events are revolutionary because they are completely online," Ribas added. "Everyone can participate from the comfort of their own homes, studios or offices by just logging in. Because the event is online, the cost to participate is far below that of a land-based music or songwriter conference."

            Attendees can network, check out the presentations, and visit the trade show for $47.  Songwriters can showcase their music with a trade show booth and participate in song pitches for $147. Music-related businesses can showcase their products or services for $247.

            To register or for more information about the "IC Virtual Songwriter Showcase", visit http://www.icvsong.com or send an e-mail inquiry to conference@indieconnect.com.           

MCAU Movie Review: '20 Feet From Stardom' Receives Four Parrots

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

     The film documentary "20 Feet From Stardom", screened by the Recording Academy at the Belcourt Theatre, is an inspiration not to be missed by artists of all kinds. The film shines a spotlight on some of the background singers who have helped shape the highly successful careers of superstars ranging from Sting and the Rolling Stones to Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Ike and Tina Turner.

     This down-to-earth mix of soulful rapture and heartbreak reveals the passion, drive, emotional struggles and sheer grit of vocal talents such as Merry Clayton, Lisa Fische, Tata Vega, Darlene Love, Claudia Lennear, and Judith Hill. Most of these amazing women yearned for their own solo careers while creating unmistakable, chart-topping sounds for others. 

     Darlene Love faced the frustration of being locked into a recording contract (more than once) with the difficult, egocentric Phil Spector. Despite having a voice equal or beyond Aretha's, Lisa Fischer's solo efforts went nowhere. The same for Merry Clayton's three solo albums. 

     This film brings their experiences to life with singer reunions, off-the-cuff harmonizing, background footage, and humorous and tearful reflections on hopes and dreams that never came true, yet came true in other wonderful ways. As Sting put it, fame often depends on circumstances and luck more than talent. Some people just sing. It's a higher calling. 

     A clip from Darlene Love's induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame drew tears and cheers. From "20 feet  away", Clayton, Fische, Love, Lennear and others changed  music as we know it. Homage is long overdue... and the crowd applauded. 

(Our verdict: Four Parrots for excellence in filmmaking)

Nashville Watercolor Painting Class to Begin July 17

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2013) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year" in 2012, will teach a watercolor painting class starting this summer in downtown Nashville.

            The watercolor painting class will be offered to intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesdays at Plaza Artist Materials, 633 Middleton St., in downtown Nashville beginning July 17. The class will meet from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 17, 24 and 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28; and Sept. 4. Tuition is $165 for eight, three-and-a-half-hour sessions.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required.  Both check and credit card payments are accepted.  For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (615) 599-5115 or send an e-mail inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.gailmcdanielart.com.

            McDaniel has taught watercolor workshops on three continents and in Central America. She has trained more than 1,100 different artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea. She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

            "My classes provide opportunities for watercolor artists to develop their skills and find success," said McDaniel, a traditional watercolor artist who is best known for her vibrant use of colors when depicting images from nature and real life. "I'll be demonstrating the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that I have developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. I show my students everything I know, holding nothing back. My goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed."

            McDaniel also has helped raise almost $90,000 for the arts in area public schools through the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards". The fund-raising effort earned McDaniel and her husband, Ken, a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009. She recently received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame. The PENCIL Foundation in Nashville named her 2012 "Volunteer of the Year". An eighth-generation Kentuckian, she has been named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            McDaniel, who lives in Williamson County, gained international notoriety in 2001 when she was named an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network in London, England, and invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France.

            A native of Kentucky, she has studied under 37 noted art instructors. The artist’s reputation as a budding artist grew in 1984 when she was commissioned to paint a family landmark by Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn. She has had 52 solo exhibitions during her career. The Brentwood Public Library hosted her first Tennessee solo art exhibition in 1994.  In 1996 and 1997, she was invited to design the theme poster for the Nashville Symphony’s "Italian Street Fair".  In 1998, she was commissioned to paint 18 watercolor paintings for a permanent collection at the newly opened Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Franklin, Tenn.  A year later, she was commissioned to paint 13 pieces for the annual Nashville Scene N-Focus social calendar.

            In 2000, she became a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, teaching weekly art classes. A year later, she was commissioned to paint a promotional streetscape of four homes for Newmark Homes and five other paintings for the Nashville Home Builders Association/SunTrust Bank 2001 "Parade of Homes". In 2003, she traveled to Giverny, France, and painted in Monet’s Garden. She has judged local, regional and statewide art shows, including a statewide competition at the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville.

            In 2005, McDaniel was commissioned to paint the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music", a PENCIL Foundation fund-raiser starring LeAnn Rimes. A local newspaper spotlighted the artist after she created a poster commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009.

            Other upcoming training opportunities with McDaniel include watercolor painting classes for artists of all levels at Brentwood United Methodist Church from July 16-Sept. 3.

Gail McDaniel to Teach Watercolor Painting Classes in Brentwood Starting July 16

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2013) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year" in 2012, will teach a series of watercolor painting classes for artists of all levels this summer in Brentwood, Tenn.

            Two separate watercolor painting classes will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Tuesdays beginning July 16 at the Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road. The classes will meet from 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m. on July 16, 23 and 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27; and Sept. 3. Tuition is $150 for eight, three-hour sessions.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required.  Both check and credit card payments are accepted.  For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (615) 599-5115 or send an e-mail inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.gailmcdanielart.com.

            McDaniel has taught watercolor workshops on three continents and in Central America. She has trained more than 1,100 different artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea. She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

            "My classes provide opportunities for watercolor artists to develop their skills and find success," said McDaniel, a traditional watercolor artist who is best known for her vibrant use of colors when depicting images from nature and real life. "I'll be demonstrating the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that I have developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. I show my students everything I know, holding nothing back. My goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed."

            McDaniel also has helped raise almost $90,000 for the arts in area public schools through the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards". The fund-raising effort earned McDaniel and her husband, Ken, a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009. She recently received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame. The PENCIL Foundation in Nashville named her 2012 "Volunteer of the Year". An eighth-generation Kentuckian, she has been named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            McDaniel, who lives in Williamson County, gained international notoriety in 2001 when she was named an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network in London, England, and invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France.

            A native of Kentucky, she has studied under 37 noted art instructors. The artist’s reputation as a budding artist grew in 1984 when she was commissioned to paint a family landmark by Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn. She has had 52 solo exhibitions during her career. The Brentwood Public Library hosted her first Tennessee solo art exhibition in 1994.  In 1996 and 1997, she was invited to design the theme poster for the Nashville Symphony’s "Italian Street Fair".  In 1998, she was commissioned to paint 18 watercolor paintings for a permanent collection at the newly opened Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Franklin, Tenn.  A year later, she was commissioned to paint 13 pieces for the annual Nashville Scene N-Focus social calendar.

            In 2000, she became a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, teaching weekly art classes. A year later, she was commissioned to paint a promotional streetscape of four homes for Newmark Homes and five other paintings for the Nashville Home Builders Association/SunTrust Bank 2001 "Parade of Homes". In 2003, she traveled to Giverny, France, and painted in Monet’s Garden. She has judged local, regional and statewide art shows, including a statewide competition at the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville.

            In 2005, McDaniel was commissioned to paint the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music", a PENCIL Foundation fund-raiser starring LeAnn Rimes. A local newspaper spotlighted the artist after she created a poster commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009.

            Other upcoming training opportunities with McDaniel include watercolor painting classes for intermediate and advanced artists at Plaza Artist Materials in downtown Nashville from July 17-Sept. 4.

The 50 Things We Loved (or didn't) About the 2013 'CMA Music Festival'

By Chuck Whiting and Wil Comstock

            Every year, Nashville draws thousands of country music fans for the annual "CMA Music Festival". MCAU editor Chuck Whiting and contributing writer Wil Comstock roamed downtown Nashville all four days (June 6-9, 2013) to take in the many country-accented events. Here's our list of the top 50 things we loved (or didn't).

            * All-you-can-eat ice cream at the Blue Bell booth.

            * The creative tattoos on the necks, arms, backs, chests and legs of festival-goers.

            * All-you-can-drink diet Mountain Dew.

            * Sore legs after walking miles and miles (from the newly opened Music City Center to Broadway to LP Field).

            * Beautiful views (and the echoes of live music) from the pedestrian bridge.

            * The roaming black Elvis dressed in a spectacular white (bell-bottomed) outfit.

            * Dolly Parton's creative (eye-opening) array of costumes (in the exhibit area).

            * Trace Adkins' 2006 palace on wheels (tour bus).

            * Charlie Daniel's mega-sized, spotlight-reflecting belt buckle.

            * The loud, girlish screams when Luke Bryan wiggled his hips.

            * The Oak Ridge Boys' moving (harmonious) tribute to the late George Jones.

            * Surprise guests Lenny Kravitz and Jason Aldean rocking out on the LP Field Stage (to somewhat bewildered die-hard country music fans). (But we loved it!)

            * Clydesdale horses and Pedigree dogs.

            *  Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and Taylor Swift singing McGraw's hit, "Highway Don't Care".

            *  Kelly Clarkson expressing concern (several times) about her missing engagement ring.

            * The high-pitched screams, yells and whistles when Gretchen Wilson asked if there were any rednecks in the audience.

            * A stirring rendition of the "National Anthem" by Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan.

            * Keith Urban's passionate ("electrifying") guitar playing.

            * Taylor Swift's red microphone, red guitar, red lipstick... red... red... red.

            * Dierks Bentley's authentic, gracious nature (to an adoring crowd).

            * Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood harmonizing (very quickly) on "Ain't Going Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up)".

            * $4 water... $8 mini-pizza... $8 beer...

            * Sweat (but less than last year).

            * "Duck Dynasty" family antics.

            * The whiskey tasting at Aerial on the roof of Paradise Park Trailer Resort (especially Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey with lemonade).

            * Paying $20 to park (or not!).

            * Not wanting to like the "Wabash Cannonball" sculpture while having a beer at the Bridge Building Event Center (best place on the water in Nashville... other than on a boat!)

            * Seeing Gretchen Wilson on the Riverfront Stage singing “Hot Blooded”.

            * Carrie Underwood’s legs... Carrie Underwood’s legs... Carrie Underwood’s legs!

            * Free spicy sausage from History Cross Country Cookout.

            * Having to use the port-o-john (or sitting next to someone who needed to).

            * Gretchen Wilson "not" singing one of her killer smoldering ballads.

            * Missing Lee Brice’s concert at Carl Black Chevrolet on Tuesday afternoon... and Collin Raye, Bryan White and Mark Wills' performances at the Durango Music Spot on Saturday. (We couldn't be everywhere... but wanted to be.)

            * Taking in the short-shorts, bikini tops and cowboy boots.

            * The rain (and humidity).

            * Free spicy BBQ from the Diet Mountain Dew Pit Stop.

             * The very-friendly (smiling) ushers at LP Field.

            * Blake Shelton tearing up the stadium with “Footloose”.

            * The welcoming crew at the CMA Media area (especially Courtney!).

             * Kicking a plastic cup (with hundreds of other fans) on the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge after the last concert. (We kicked that cup all the way across.)

            * Jo Dee Messina’s dress (?). (She explained it by saying she was wearing shorts underneath.)

             * The talented Hunter Hayes (Who knew?). (We loved his duet with Jason Mraz.)

              * Who knew The Band Perry could rock out like they did?  (They get our vote for "best performance".)

            * That Wil didn’t win a tumbler at the Bic Flamedisk booth (but Chuck "did").

             * Everyone singing “God Bless The USA” with Lee Greenwood.

             * Operation Finally Home presenting free (custom-built) homes to two needy military families. (Wil: I had tears in my eyes... One of those families will be living in Williamson County. Way to go!).

             * Seeing Julie Roberts and remembering just how good her blues-country vocals are!

             * Sheryl Crow dropping in on Little Big Town’s set. (She's 51... Really?)

             * Lorrie Morgan’s dress... Lorrie Morgan’s dress... Lorrie Morgan’s dress!

            * Running into friends on Broadway.

             * Seeing Randy Travis all cleaned up, wearing clothes, and in great voice.

             * Gloriana’s perfect harmonies on the "National Anthem".  (It never sounded better.)

            * Kip Moore. (Wil: I don't stand a chance when he's around.)

             * Carrie Underwood’s performance of “Paradise City”.

             * Seeing Brad Paisley perform “Beat This Summer With You” (this year’s best summer song) while the audience participated using Brad’s colorful phone app.

             * Jake Owen singing “Anywhere With You”. (Wil: We're disappointed that he only got to do one song. Couldn’t he have done one more with an acoustic guitar while they were setting up for Carrie Underwood?).

             * The near-perfect weather.

            * That Alan, Reba and Garth were not there. (Thank goodness Trisha was.)

            * That it didn't rain until well after the closing fireworks (making us wonder if shortening the concert sets on the last night was really necessary).

            * That we didn't win two tickets to next year's "CMA Music Festival". (We're going anyway!).

(Note: As you can see, we couldn't stop at just 50. What are the things you loved (or didn't) about the 2013 "Country Music Festival". Feel free to share them with MCAU here or by writing us info@MusicCityArtsUpdate.com.)

All "CMA Music Festival" Photos copyright 2013 by Chuck Whiting 

(except for the port-o-john pic by Wil Comstock)

This article reprinted/used by permission only

            

Arts Town Travel: Historic Fort Mims to Observe 200th Anniversary

Published in The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register: This article was written by Claudia "2G" Slaughter Campbell, president of the Fort Mims Restoration Association that oversees preservation and restoration of Fort Mims in Baldwin County, Ala., site of the historic Massacre of Fort Mims in 1813. The restoration organization is observing the 200-year anniversary of events of 1813 and accomplishments achieved during those decades. Campbell, of Tensaw, and her family trace their family lineage back to the settlers of Fort Mims, and she shares here her memories of her family’s deeply rooted connections to the fort and the community surrounding it.

When I think back about my earliest recollections of Fort Mims, a smile comes across my face. I can see my brother and sisters running in the freshly plowed dirt in the field near Boatyard Lake playing and throwing dirt clods at each other. It was around 1954 or so.

Mama was there trying to keep up with all of us as we ran behind the tractor that Daddy was driving. He was plowing up the potatoes he had planted several months before. What fun we were having, but not paying that much attention to the job at hand -- what we were picking up was not the beautiful red potatoes that we would have for supper! Instead, the treasure we were finding were beautiful pieces of painted pottery in varying shapes and colors, they were like the pretty flowers on the plates my grandmother had.

There were sharp triangular rocks, too, that I would later learn were arrowheads. We all had jars with lids, and we filled them to the top! Being the youngest of five, I was immediately “hooked:” I wanted to hunt for treasure every day! 

My mother, June Slaughter, began to write a lot of letters back in those days trying to get support for something to be done at Fort Mims. She put a jar out on the counter of the store, put pictures and notices in the newspaper and wrote to the state for help. One of the letters was to the Alabama Department of Parks and Conservation and before too long she received correspondence from Mr. Marks of the Parks Division, State of Alabama! She had stirred interest in Montgomery and the officials were coming to Tensaw to see what they could find. Fort Mims would not be forgotten! I remember that the whole family was happy and we could hardly wait to see what would come next.

Upon arrival to Tensaw a few months later, the officials from the state got my dad, Carl Slaughter, to bring his bulldozer to the site. The area was covered with trees, bushes and lots of undergrowth like the rest of the swamp -- as if nothing had ever happened there. As we were all standing around to see what would be uncovered, Daddy lightly pushed back the top layers of earth, a little at a time. Eventually, we were all able to see the charred remains of the outside walls of the fort. What an exciting time that was -- the site of Fort Mims had been re-discovered!

Because of the way the burned wood was found, the men decided that the fort must have been put up horizontally -- at least in several places. Two posts would have been put into the ground and logs laid between them and built up until the wall of logs was high enough to protect those inhabiting the fort.

Every year in the heat of August, Mama loaded up all five of her children, occasionally several cousins from down the road and any friends who were lucky enough to be around, and we would head down to Fort Mims for a memorial service. We were fairly good for kids during the “service,” swatting at the mosquitoes and bugs, and trying to understand the serious look on Mama’s face. Before long, she had a fence and a gate delivered to the store, “Smith and Slaughter,” so an official improvement could be made to Fort Mims, as specified. That was 10 years after the Till family donated five acres to the state of Alabama.

The site of Fort Mims was cleared and cleaned, a small area at the time, by the archeological excavations done almost every decade. In the ‘60s, many of the local high school Key Club members, including my brother and cousins from Tensaw and others from Bay Minette, worked on the excavation. They were full of fun and energy as many artifacts were found in the wire bins that were filled with dirt and moved to and fro like a sifter. Excitement would sound out when something was discovered. They were looking eagerly to find whatever may have been hiding in the clumps of dirt, things that had been left from the terrible day in August nearly 150 years before.

Articles appeared frequently in the local papers, the Fort Mims Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution placed a monument at the site, and interest in this historic site in north Baldwin County soared throughout the state and Baldwin County. My grandmother wrote a short book during this time, ‘Sunshine and Shadows -- Along the Trails the Tensas Trod,’ with some of the research she had done throughout the years.

A young girl, totally influenced and surrounded by this much history, could hardly go in any other direction. The mold was set: Fort Mims -- high priority! Do your best to bring recognition to this historic site in Tensaw, Alabama, that changed so many lives and affected the course of history for a young nation.

It looks like that is still what I think is of importance as many improvements have been made at Fort Mims by the Fort Mims Restoration Association -- and many more will be completed before Aug. 30, 2013 for the commemoration of the 200th anniversary.

My roots grow deep in the Tensaw Country as my ancestors settled here 200 years ago. Fort Mims was a part of that. Through my grandmother, Claudia Smith Slaughter, my great-great-great-grandfather, Reese Smith, his wife Nancy and their daughter, arrived at Fort Mims on or about, Aug. 29, 1813. Because of the conditions within the fort, they decided to move on, thus surviving the deadly attack on the 30th.

After the massacre at Fort Mims, my ancestors Capt. Joseph Booth and Col. Lee Slaughter rode south with Andrew Jackson to avenge those killed at Fort Mims. They went on to fight the British at the Battle of New Orleans; Jesse Embree and Reese Smith also joined Jackson’s forces during the War of 1812 and the Creek Indian War, all settling in this area.

A portion of Capt. Booth’s plantation remains in the family and his grave, and those of several of his children and grandchildren, are tended by descendants who honor them and the memory of their many contributions during the early days of this country.

Now, I am proud to serve as president of the Fort Mims Restoration Association and we are sponsoring a commemorative event for the 200th Anniversary of Fort Mims on Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2013. Descendants from all over the country plan to attend. Don’t miss this outstanding event! Visit our webpage: fortmims.org (next week after reconstruction is complete). “Like” Fort Mims on Facebook for recent happenings, photos and see what is going on as we near the anniversary date! 

-- By Claudia Slaughter Campbell, President, Fort Mims Restoration Association in Tensaw, Ala.