Country Music Fans Can Enjoy Free Music Galore at 2014 Country Music Festival

             NASHVILLE – Free music and entertainment are hallmarks of CMA Music Festival, and the 2014 Fest is shaping up to present a lineup that is destined to please fans and create numerous opportunities for music discovery during the festival, happening from June 5-8 (Thursday through Sunday) in downtown Nashville.

            “The fans tell us they want music and we have plenty of options for them this year with multiple free stages, and a full lineup of artists from industry hitmakers to singers on the verge of making it big,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer.

            Tickets for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field sold out a record-setting 15 weeks in advance of the 2014 festival, but fans will still have innumerable opportunities to watch country music’s best and brightest perform at CMA Music Festival. The performance lineup for the previously announced Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is available at CMAfest.com, but that schedule merely scratches the surface of what fans can experience throughout the four-day event.

            Downtown Nashville will be full of unique fan experiences, including free outdoor areas offering everything from product demonstrations to giveaways and more. All outdoor spaces are free and open to the public.

Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza:

            With more than 40 artists confirmed, the Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza will be rockin’ with an eclectic mix of back-to-back free concerts from 10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. each day (artists and schedule subject to change).

             “The location of the Bud Light Stage is perfectly situated to provide a place to discover new talent and reconnect with well-known stars,” said Trahern. “This stage was one of the Festival’s most popular destinations in 2013, and I’m expecting the same level of enthusiasm and attendance again this year.”

            Artists performing on the Bud Light Stage at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza include Lauren Alaina, Keith Anderson, Katie Armiger, Kelleigh Bannen, Jeff Bates, Big Smo, Blackhawk, Brothers Osborne, Mark Collie, Bucky Covington, Joel Crouse, Sarah Darling, Clare Dunn, Morgan Frazier, JT Hodges, Will Hoge, Home Free, Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Joshua Scott Jones, Krystal Keith, Meghan Linsey, Robin Meade, Granger Smith, Jamie Lynn Spears, Chris Stapleton, Striking Matches, Sundy Best, The Henningsens, Leah Turner, Trick Pony, Aaron Watson, Austin Webb, Drake White, Chuck Wicks, and Holly Williams.

Big Smo

             With numerous stages and many free lifestyle exhibits to explore throughout the festival footprint in Nashville, CMA Music Festival is a great, family-friendly entertainment value. The concerts at the Bud Light Stage are fun in the sun and within easy walking distance of all the festival event sites, including the AT&T® U-verse® Fan Fair X with autograph signings, concerts, lifestyle exhibits, marketplace, live broadcasts, demonstrations, and more in the state-of-the-art Music City Center.

Walk of Fame Park featuring the Samsung Galaxy Stage:

            New in 2014, Samsung Galaxy presents the Samsung Galaxy Stage in Walk of Fame Park, where fans can experience great music and activities.

            Artists participating in the daily concerts include (alphabetical order; artists and schedule subject to change) Robby Armstrong, Rob Baird, Ty Bates, Laura Bell Bundy, Dakota Bradley, David Bradley, Cam, Brandon Chase, Cowboy Troy and DJ Sinister, Heath Haynes & the High Dollars, Sam Hollyman, Joey Hyde, John Karl, Ryan Kinder, John King, Jukebox Mafia, Jenny Leigh, Cheryl LuQuire, Rachele Lynae, Brian Milson, Danielle Peck, Pierce Avenue, Stephanie Quayle, Raven Cliff, Julie Roberts, Gwen Sebastian, Canaan Smith, Phoenix Stone, The Brothers Road, The Nelsons, The Railers, The Stickers, Chad Warrix, Ryan Weaver, Jesse Keith Whitley, and Zane Williams.

Jesse Keith Whitley

            Walk of Fame Park is located on Demonbreun between Fourth and Fifth avenues. The park is free and open to the public from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Buckle:

            Covering three bustling blocks of Broadway, legions of dedicated fans know that The Buckle is where the excitement and thrills of CMA Music Festival come together. The Buckle Stage will host a variety of free performances and activities beginning with concerts presented by ASCAP on Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

            ASCAP songwriter artists include (alphabetical order; artists and schedule subject to change) Carlton Anderson, Kelsea Ballerini, Bonner Black, Misty Rae Carson, Karli Chayne, Steven Clawson, Courtney Cole, Hannah Dasher, Jacob Davis, GirlBilly, Ryan Griffin, Curtis Grimes, Adam Hambrick, Brett Kissell, Ryan Lafferty, Brandon Lay, Josh London, Daisy Mallory, Michaelis, Oklahoma, Carly Pearce, David Ray, Jameson Rodgers, Smithfield, Walker County, and Hailey Whitters.

Courtney Cole

            On Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., the ABC Television Network returns to the CMA Music Festival with the ABC Summer Block Party with special appearances by ABC fan favorites, musical performances, games, photos, free giveaways, and much more!

             The Buckle is located on Broadway from First to Fourth avenues. The area is open to the public from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.

Fan Alley:

            If CMA Music Festival is the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience, then Fan Alley is where that experience gets cranked up to the maximum level!

             Tucked into the area in front of the magical Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Fan Alley welcomes its namesake (the fans!) into a warm community where memories will be shared and friendships made.

             The Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage in Fan Alley features concerts with Country Music’s best rising talent from Noon–3 p.m. each day.

            Performers (alphabetical order; artists and schedule subject to change) include Ballie and the Boys, Brinn Black, Cast of “Crazy Hearts Nashville,” Cerrito, Jaida Dreyer, Jordan Grassi, Marty Haggard, Lyndsey Highlander, Rachel Holder, Levi Hummon, Angie Johnson, Stevens Layne, Matt Mason, Walker McGuire, Randy Montana, Music City Doughboys, Aaron Parker, Jacob Powell, Brent Rupard, Lizzie Sider, The Danberrys, Keni Thomas, and Whiskey Rose.

Aaron Parker

            Fan Alley is located in front of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Fourth Avenue South. The area is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.

 BMI Tailgate Party:

            Returning to the CMA Music Festival for the third time is the BMI Tailgate Party. Located right off the Cumberland River outside LP Field, the stage will feature a strong selection of BMI’s songwriters and artists warming up the audience before they enter LP Field for the Nightly Concerts beginning at 4:30 p.m.

             Performers (alphabetical order; artists and schedule subject to change) include A Thousand Horses, Blackjack Billy, Chase Bryant, Adam Craig, DJ Du, Brett Eldredge, David Fanning, Sara Haze, Chris Lane, Natalie Stovall and The Drive, Michael Ray, Josh Thompson, and Whiskey Jam.

Brett Eldredge

Natalie Stovall and The Drive

          The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience began in 1972 as Fan Fair®, bringing 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. More than 40 years later, the now legendary Festival has become the city’s signature music event. In 2014, CMA Music Festival will hose visitors from every state and 21 foreign countries.

            For all the latest info on CMA Music Festival, visit www.CMAfest.com. To stay connected with CMA visit www.Facebook.com/CMA, www.Twitter.com/CountryMusic, and www.Instagram.com/CMA or text FESTIVAL to 66937.

            CMA Music Festival will once again be filmed for a national television special to air on the ABC Television Network. This is the 11th consecutive year that the event has been filmed for a network television special, a feat no other music festival has achieved. "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" will be executive-produced by Robert Deaton.

            CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA. Chevrolet™ is the Official Ride of Country Music. Bud Light is the Official Beer of the CMA Music Festival. Pepsi is the Official Soft Drink of the CMA Music Festival. Bad Boy Buggies are the Official UTV of the CMA Music Festival. 

Photos: CMA Music Festival Mixer at CMA Headquarters in Nashville

      NASHVILLE -- Staffers for Music City Arts Update stopped by CMA's headquarters in Music City on May 30 for a pre-CMA Music Festival mixer. Music industry pros converged on the parking lot for a mini-festival of their own with food, beverages, games and music. MCAU Editor Chuck Whiting snapped some photos from the event.

LA Film/TV composer Stephen Endelman to Lead Seminar at Score-Com in Nashville

            NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Composers Association and Film-Com are joining forces to present the two-day seminar “Understanding Film Music – Succeeding Under Pressure” with LA-based Film and TV composer, Stephen Endelman.

            The annual seminar known as Score-Com will occur at Ocean Way Studios on Music Row from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (June 14 and 15), with a special networking event on Saturday night. Attendees of “Understanding Film Music – Succeeding Under Pressure” will learn about how to use effective compositional techniques in film and TV applications, including analyses of movie scenes to determine what works well and why. Endelman will also discuss how to set yourself up in business as a composer. The agenda and topics that will be covered in the symposium include

            * Overview of film and TV scoring from Endelman's perspective using scenes from his movies to explore different musical genres and emotions and techniques. For example: The use of ostinatos in action cues or long lyrical lines or three-note phrases.

            * Discussion and debate about technology, traditional instrumentation, EDM, synth-based compositions, and orchestra.

            * How one sets himself/herself up in business as a composer and what one needs to know.

            * Deconstruction of five scenes from five of Edelman's movies to see what works and doesn’t.

            Endelman will come to Nashville with three 2-minute scenes for which each participant will each choose a scene. Attendees will discuss the scenes and talk about how they should be scored. The scenes to be scored will be made available just a few days before the Symposium. Participation in the scoring exercise is completely optional, but it will provide professional, invaluable and positive feedback for one's music. On the second day of the symposium, attendees will listen to each composition and discuss the results. Individuals who are interested in participating in the scoring critique can check back or more info.

            All symposium attendees are invited to a Film-Com networking event on Saturday. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, demos, and other promotional materials.

            All paid attendees will also receive all-access laminates to attend Film-Com ("Filmolution") film and television business events. Highlights of Film-Com include

            * A Film-Com Kick-Off Reception at Zeitgeist Gallery from 7-9 p.m. June 14.

            * Business panels at the Ford Theatre, Country Music Hall of Fame, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17-20.

            * The New Project Expo at Titans Stadium from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on (Friday and Saturday) June 18-19.

            Score-Com attendees must register by May 31 to receive an all-access Film-Com laminate. Please click this link to register: http://nashvillecomposers.org/events/registration/.  Seating is limited.  Regular enrollment fee is $85; NCA members may register for $55.

            Grammy-nominated composer, arranger and producer Stephen Endelman has successfully demonstrated his ability to write music and collaborate in a variety of genres. His scores range from lush, classical orchestrations, to contemporary, pop-driven tapestries. In the contemporary music world, Endelman has worked with music icons including Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Robbie Williams, Alanis Morissette, Natalie Cole and soprano Renee Fleming. As a film composer, Endelman has collaborated with Oscar-lauded filmmakers including David O. Russell ("Flirting With Disaster"), Martin Scorsese ("Kicked in the Head"), Irwin Winkler ("Home of the Brave"), David Mamet ("Redbelt"), Bruce Beresford ("Evelyn") and Robert Deniro ("A Bronx Tale"). Endelman’s wide-ranging works have spanned the rich orchestral score for "The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill, but Came Down a Mountain", to his minimalist, modern score for the hit comedy "Flirting with Disaster".

            Endelman has scored nearly 100 film and television projects as well as produced numerous recording artists. He has received numerous accolades including Grammy nominations and several ASCAP Film & TV Music Awards for scoring excellence. He was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Foundation Award as Resident Composer at the Metropolitan Opera Guild where he was a resident artist for several years. Endelman currently resides in Los Angeles.

'For The Love of Music' Tells Nashville's Story With 'Authentic' Hits and Misses

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

          During the 2013 Nashville Film Festival, Nashville CVB head Butch Spyridon exclaimed: "This is the coolest damn city in the world." 

          Just about all of us would agree. But when it comes to telling Nashville's story, the CVB's documentary "For The Love of Music"  has "authentic" hits and misses. It moves us... kinda.

          The hits: "For the Love Of Music" features an impeccable cast of artists, including The Black Keys, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Kings of Leon, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, and a barefooted Vince Gill. All do an excellent job raving about Nashville's emergence as an "authentic, multi-genre city".

Kris Kristofferson

          
          The movie is likely to make musical and tourist waves in certain places when it airs on CMT. But it doesn't tell the whole story. Missing are a number of key ingredients: The Symphony's impact on the collaborative wonder of Nashville's musical landscape... the appreciation of CCM/gospel greats like Amy Grant (although Michael W. Smith was quoted briefly in the film)... the multitude of struggling songwriters who take nightclub stages every night (not just at the Bluebird) with the dream of landing a label or publishing deal. 

          The movie's focus is on the musicians and songwriters who've already made it. While this is probably the best direction to promote the city overall, it leaves a few "emotional" gaps in Nashville's story for me and some of the writers/musicians I work with. That opens the door for a sequel.

'Tunesmithing' to Spotlight Five Songwriting Acts in Nashville on May 20

          The monthly "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will spotlight five professional songwriting acts from 7:30-10 p.m. May 20 (Tuesday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (at West End and 18th). 

          Taking the stage for the "Professional Songwriters Segment" at 7:30 p.m. will be Everette Brown (songs recorded by The Blackwood Brothers), East Side Story (a café-Bohemian band from East Nashville), Linda McRae ("Rough Edges and Ragged Hearts"/nominated for Album of the Year at 2013 Canadian Folk Music Awards), Angel Pontier (songs recorded by artists at Word, Horizon and New Haven Records), and Drobac & Shaw (country-pop songwriting trio).

Linda McRae

          Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicists Chuck Whiting and Scott Johnson will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Records and Books. "Tunesmithing" was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for tunesmiths at all levels. 

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Tennessee Filmmakers Honored at Nashville Film Festival

            NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Film Festival honored the winners of the Ground Zero Tennessee Spirit Awards and the Tennessee Horizon Audience Awards at NaFF Cinema at Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville on Wendesday. 

            The Ground Zero Tennessee Spirit Awards were presented by Bob Jackson, owner of Ground Zero.  The Tennessee Horizon Awards were presented in partnership with the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, Native Magazine and NaFF. 

            "Nashville Film Festival offers both seasoned and first time filmmakers the opportunity to have their films shown on the big screen," said NaFF Artistic Director Brian Owens. “We are thrilled to have been able to create another way to partner with the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission by offering these awards."

Ground Zero Tennessee Spirit Awards:

            * Best Feature Film: Jace Freeman & Sean Clark, "The Ballad of Shovels and Rope"

            * Honorable Mention Best Feature: Paul Harrill, "Something, Anything" 

            * Best Narrative Short: Steven Wesley Miller, "Shadowland"

            * Best Documentary Short: Eric Byford, "Straight Up: Tennessee Whiskey"

TN Horizon Audience Awards:

            * First Place: Drew Langer, "Lower Broads"

            * Second Place: Riley Hooper, "Elvis Loses His Excess…"

            * Third Place: Motke Dapp, "Sorry About Tomorrow"

            * Fourth Place: Chad McClarnon, "Bear With Me"

            To learn more about the Nashville Film Festival, visit www.NashvilleFilmFestival.org.

Actors Learn the Auditioning Ropes at Nashville Film Festival

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            Some of Nashville's most successful actors provided invaluable insights to fellow actors during a special interactive session ("The Art of Auditioning") during the Nashville Film Festival. Leading the panel were moderator Susannah Devereaux, JesseJames Locorriere, Christopher Close, J.Karen Thomas, Jason Marsden, and Robin Dougherty. Following is an overview of what we learned (in their own words):

* Before the Audition:

            "Don't over-rehearse." -- JesseJames Locorriere

            "If you are preparing for a period piece, they might ask you to use a foreign accent. Conduct research to know what the scene is about. IMDb is an excellent online resource for information and trailers." -- Christopher Close

            "Take it seriously, and be prepared (but find a back story so you can be playful). When I rehearse, I read the script five to 10 times. It's important to understand the relationship between the character you're portraying and the other characters in the story. Know who's going to be there, learn more about them, and understand the style of the movie or show. That helps you build relationships." -- J.Karen Thomas

            "Don't obsess." -- Jason Marsden

            "Your agent's reputation is on the line, so be accountable. Do your research. You don't want to be seen in a bad light. Don't share audition news on Facebook. What if you don't land the part?" -- Robin Dougherty

* When You Audition:

            "Sometimes casting directors have pet peeves. Some hate things like flip-flops and smoking." -- Susannah Devereaux

            "Know why you're being seen for this role. They want to see who you are. You aren't competing. The stakes are higher when you're auditioning live in front of a casting director. Always go 'live' if you can. When you're nervous, you often do better. Taping can make you lazy. Show them your easy-to-work-with side." -- JesseJames Locorriere

            "If they say do it bigger, then go bigger. Otherwise, don't. Be natural. Sometimes the casting director knows if you're right for the part the moment you speak. Don't shake hands when you come into an audition (unless they extend theirs). Use your nerves to make your audition better." -- Christopher Close

            "In the movie 'The Identical', I portray a poor, uneducated black Southerner in 1936. It's important to allow the muse or emotion to flow through you. During rehearsal, I spoke her line with a crack in my voice. The crack came naturally. I used it again during the audition and landed the part. Don't change the words. Stick with the text. But be prepared if you're instructed to ad lib." -- J.Karen Thomas

            "Nashville auditions are warmer than LA, which can be brutal. The only thing you should pay for is gas (and occasionally a meal). Never review your audition." -- Jason Marsden

            "Listen to what they tell you to do. Always follow directions (don't do it your way). Don't go to the audition in character. An agent once had an actor go to an audition with cow udders, and it was a disaster." -- Robin Dougherty

How to Handle Rejection:

            "When I get a part, it means others have been rejected, too." -- JesseJames Locorriere

            "Sometimes you know (if you got the part) right away, but most of the time you don't. Don't stew if you don't land it. It's a one-in-a-hundred kind of thing. Most of the time, you're not going to get it. When I don't, I just tell myself they had poor judgment in not casting me. Don't take it personally. Go canoeing. Then get back to your job. You can't get it right every time." -- Christopher Close

            "I take the Zin point of view: Do your best, and let it go. Remember that you've made an investment. Something even better will come along. Enjoy the process." -- J.Karen Thomas

            "Sometimes you think you did everything right, but you still don't get the part. You have to move on." -- Jason Marsden

On Self-Taping:

            "You will need a 6-foot tripod. You can buy them at Consumer Depot for only $13." -- JesseJames Locorriere

            "If you have to shoot with poor quality (when you're on the road), then do it. Performance is the most important thing." -- Christopher Close

            "Don't worry about outdoor scenes (most of the time). They like an even playing field, so taping in a room is fine. The set is not as important. They are looking at the acting." -- J.Karen Thomas

            "Have a good agent, and be able to self-tape. Don't use an iPhone (if it's unsteady). You will need decent lights and clamps to hold them. You can find painters' lights at low prices at area hardware stores. You will need a good camera with quality sound. Dollar Tree sells smaller tripods. Wax paper can be used to tone down the lights. Shoot 'tits up' (not the whole body)." -- Robin Dougherty

Other Tips:

            "The Internet is huge. It's important to have a great site." -- JesseJames Locorriere

            "I have agents in both Nashville and Atlanta." -- J.Karen Thomas

            "It's a good time to be an actor with an affectation (like a stutter). Embrace it. Be endearing with it." -- Jason Marsden

           

            For more information about the Nashville Film Festival, visit www.NashvilleFilmFestival.org.

Amy Allen's Single 'Josie Rae' Climbs Music Row Country Breakout Chart

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

           NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 2014) – Country-blues-Americana artist Amy Allen's new single, "Josie Rae", continues to climb the Music Row Country Breakout Chart, hitting number 101 on April 17.

            Allen also learned that the single is climbing other charts, reaching number 12 on Roots Music Report's Top 50 Pop Country Song Chart (just below Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, and The Band Perry) and number 44 on RMR's Top 50 Country Chart. "Josie Rae" is airing on hundreds of terrestrial and online radio stations around the world.

            "Josie Rae", a mid-tempo country/pop song about motherhood, is being promoted to radio stations across the United States by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions. The song is the second single from her "Someday Is Today" CD.

            "Response to 'Josie Rae' and other songs from the CD has been wonderful," said Allen, who will launch her "Blue Ridge Mountains" tour later this year. "My new single expresses a mother's love for a daughter. The song prompts tearful reactions from mothers of all ages everywhere I perform. It's a reflection of what I've experienced raising my children."

            The "Someday Is Today" CD features 11 original songs inspired by real-life experiences. The artist describes her sound as a versatile mix of blues-accented country, pop and Americana with hints of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Elton John, and Patsy Cline. The online retailer iTunes named the album "New and Noteworthy" shortly after it was released. "Josie Rae" and other selections from the album can be heard at http://www.TheAmyAllen.com and purchased from iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/someday-is-today/id710800873?ign-mpt=uo%3D4.

            In the song "Josie Rae", the singer-songwriter writes: "You make my world such a wonderful place to stay... Thanks for making everyday for me Mother's Day." Allen penned the song for her daughter, drawing inspiration from the unforgettable, life-changing experiences mothers have while raising children.

           

          According to a reviewer for Skope Magazine, the artist has an "irresistible, bubbly personality backed by powerful vocals that evoke real emotion. She sings loud and proud in the song "Josie Rae" about her daughter. When she is describing her [daughter's] smile, you can't help but grin ear-to-ear yourself."

            Produced and recorded in Nashville by Denny Martin Productions, "Someday Is Today" offers heartfelt ballads, mid-tempo crowd pleasers, and rock-accented dance numbers. Allen is joined by an all-star cast of Nashville session musicians, including guitarist Scott Neubert, background vocalists Jaimee Paul and Vickie Carrico, electric guitarist Jason Roller, and keyboardist Steve Peffer. The album, which retails for $15 (USD) and $9.99 (USD) for digital sales at iTunes, is distributed by Wormwood Records.

            "I produce a lot of artists in my studio, and Amy is truly an original," said Denny Martin, who co-wrote her bluesy ballad, "Cryin' Time". "Her natural-given voice is stunning in its clarity and expressiveness. Her sense of humor and joyful personality come through in her writing and her singing. I consider myself extremely fortunate to know her, to write with her, and to produce her. The world is about to hear what I've been hearing for more than two years."

            Allen recently performed to full houses at the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado, Ark., and the Co-Creators Coffeehouse and The Row in Nashville. Upcoming performances include the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, Tenn., on Sept. 19 and the Songwriters Showcase in Fredericksburg, Va., on Sept. 26. The artist is available to perform at concert venues, arts centers, nightclubs, art galleries, hotels, casinos, festivals, assisted living centers, and churches.

            The "Someday Is Today" CD is available through major online retailers such as Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby. The singles "Someday Is Today", "Josie Rae", and "Cryin' Time" are available for download at iTunes. A portion of the proceeds from album and concert ticket sales will benefit local non-profit charities that provide the support and resources people need to discover their dreams.

            "Every note I sing or every note or chord I strum is given with all of the love I have for the song I am performing," the former Warner Music Nashville studio singer said. "My voice is the voice of someone who has been down many different roads, including motherhood."

            Allen is represented in the United States by Bill Wence Promotions, Whiting Publicity and Promotions, and Music City Artist Management, and in Europe by Hemifran.

            For more information about the CD or booking Allen for an upcoming event, call (870) 918-4403, send an email message to info@TheAmyAllen.com, or mail correspondence to Wormwood Records, 736 Bodenhamer Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730. To learn more about the artist, visit www.TheAmyAllen.com. Media and management-related inquiries may be directed to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com or by calling (615) 423-9857.

Nashville Film Festival Announces Winners of 2014 Short Film Division

            NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Film Festival has announced the winners of the Short Film Division for 2014. 

            The top six short films by Tennessee filmmakers were also announced. Winners will be announced at at 6 p.m. April 23 (Wednesday) at the TN Horizon Awards at NaFF’s downtown location at Walk of Fame Park.

            “We had more short films entered in our festival this year, than ever before," said NaFF Artistic Director, Brian Owens.  “Word has gotten around to filmmakers that NaFF is the festival to enter because winners in the short documentary, narrative and animation competitions are automatically given Academy Award consideration."

            As an Academy Award Qualifying festival, several NaFF films have gone on to earn nominations, including Academy Award-winner Shawn Christensen for "Curfew", Sean Durkin for "Mary Last Seen", Jamie Travis for "The Armoire", and Denis Villeneuve for "Next Floor". Recent NaFF selections that went on to Oscar nominations include "Buzkashi Boys", "Kavi", "Miracle Fish", "The Pig", "Instead of Abracadbra", and "West Bank Story".

Narrative Shorts:

Grand Jury Prize: "Rhino Full Throttle" – Erik Schmitt

Honorable Mention: "Afronauts" – Frances Bodomo

Honorable Mention: "I’m a Mitzvah" – Ben Berman

Documentary Shorts:

Grand Jury Prize: "The Last Days of Peter Bergmann" – Ciaran Cassidy

Honorable Mention: "Love. Love. Love." – Sandhya Daisy Sundaram

Animation Shorts:

Grand Jury Prize: "Rabbit and Deer" – Peter Vacz

Honorable Mention: "Yearbook" – Bernardo Britto

Special Jury Prize for Acting:

Ed Oxenbould: "The Amber Amulet & All God’s Creatures"

Women In Film & TV:

"Helpless" – Christene Hurley

Student Shorts:

Grand Jury Prize: "Pink Helmet Posse" – Kristelle Laroche, Benjamin Mullincosson

Honorable Mention: "Into the Silent Sea" – Andrej Landin

Young Filmmaker:

"Overflow" – Ruby Drake

The TN Shorts Finalists are:

"Bear With Me" – Chad McClarnon

"Elvis Loses His Excess…" - Riley Hooper

"Lower Broads" – Drew Langer

"Shadowland" – Steven Wesley Miller

"Sorry About Tomorrow" – Motke Dapp

"Straight Up: Tennessee Whiskey" – Eric Byford

            The Nashville Film Festival will continue through April 26. To learn more, visit www.nashvillefilmfestival.org.

Environmental Songstress Earth Mama Releases 'A Sense of Place'

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            INDEPENDENCE, Va. (April 2014) – Singer/songwriter/eco-activist Joyce Rouse (AKA Earth Mama) has spent the past three years recording a new CD of original folk-Americana songs she hopes will give listeners "a better understanding of our home, the natural world."

            "A Sense of Place" reflects the spirit of Southern Appalachia with songs of kindness, hope, love, Mother Earth, good neighbors, family and life. Some of the songs encourage listeners to celebrate home by protecting the ecosystems, native species, and natural water systems that face destruction in the wake of industrialization, coal mining, and climate change. Others cherish the camaraderie of family members and neighbors who share homegrown crops and help each other out when times are tough. Listeners can experience the region by taking an imaginary flight on an oriole's wings or exploring the winding Blue Ridge Parkway.

            "I had written and recorded some songs centering around the Southern Appalachian Mountains where I have lived for many years," said Rouse, who has delighted audiences with toe-tapping music and green-living tips since 1994. "These songs seemed to be the anchor for this project. 'A Sense of Place' branches out to include a reggae song about local economy and local foods, as well as a pastiche of other genres and topics."

            The album begins with "Detour Road", a spirited, up-tempo "rocking chair" tune that encourages listeners to choose love and peace (rather than hate) when they reach the "wishbone in life's highway". The song captures the flavor of front porch sing-a-longs with gospel-esque vocal harmonies, bluesy harmonica, playful kazoo, and fast-paced percussion.

            "I got to sing 'Detour Road' in a set at the beautiful historic Liberty Theatre in Eunice, La.," the artist noted. "The crowd got really involved with the refrain, and some rhythm instruments were passed around. The song is one of my favorites on the CD because of the 'feel-good' sing-a-long energy, and even more special with my husband's contribution of harmonica to the track."

            Rouse switches gears with "To An Oriole", a soaring and drifting ballad that uses the words from Edgar Fawcett's famous poem. Here, the listener experiences the "splendor" of a black and orange-flected bird flying toward Heaven. The gentle production features Rouse's rich soprano vocals with gossamer piano track and stringed instruments.

            "Birder, naturalist and organic farmer Bruce Allen sent me that poem," Rouse continued. "Like many songwriters, I get these requests, and the poems don't always resonate with me. This one spoke right to my heart."

            The song "Heaven Down Below" reveals how bank takeovers, mindless development, mining, and mountaintop removal are wiping out whole towns, families and communities. An Appalachian farmer faces heartbreak when he loses his home on Whitetop Mountain. The singer promises to teach his children to "love the land and let it show." The song aches with imagery-filled lyrics, down-to-earth vocals, country fiddle, and a bedrock steady guitar foundation by Bryan Sutton.

            "Not far from where I live are mountains that are being blown to smithereens to extract the coal that is shipped all over the world to fuel electric power plants," the artist said. "Mountaintop removal is wiping out farms and homes that have been in families for more than a century. Mudslides and coal ash spills have killed people, but we get our electricity without interruption."

            Rouse celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway with "Ribbon of Stone", a mountain folk song that celebrates 469 miles of a region and culture "unlike any other on Earth". As the driver winds her way through breathtaking forests, hills and valleys, she hears the sounds of whistling warblers, looks out over mist-shrouded mountains, and touches the stitched fabrics of heirloom quilts.

            She honors the memory of the late Keith Palmer with the ballad "Only One", a song that was recorded as a demo back in 1992. As Rouse was finishing up the CD, the song kept "nagging" for attention. Rouse weaved vocal accents with new lines through Palmer's smooth tenor vocals to make the song a good fit for "A Sense Of Place".

            "Much of our sense of place in the natural world comes out of our childhood experiences of playing outside, wading in creeks, and exploring the wooded areas," the artist added. "After shows, people have shared their stories of loss at discovering the ecosystems of their childhood destroyed by development, pollution or industrial agriculture. That sorrow underscores how vital natural places are to children."

            The mountain reggae tune "If You Need A Chair" encourages individuals to build community and better ecology by trading or buying homemade goods (chairs, bread, fruits, vegetables, clothes, brooms, songs, cakes, and animals) from their neighbors. Rouse, who lives on a mountain just outside of Independence, Va., supports her community by buying locally grown foods. She is putting the finishing touches on a book based on the song.

            "A Sense Of Place" was recorded in Nashville, with Rouse serving as lead vocalist, songwriter and producer. Some of the selections feature stirring accompaniments by fiddler/banjoist/dobroist Wanda Burchfield, keyboardist Catherine Marx, and percussionist Paul Scholten. The project was mixed by sound engineer Rob Matson.

            "I love to hear instrumental breathing spaces in music to deeply absorb the lyrics," Earth Mama reflected. "Listeners need time to absorb the depth and nuance of some lyrics, so I make an effort to leave spaces for the heart and soul of the work to blossom."

            The project and album-related performances have received positive reviews.

            "The concept of place runs through all the songs," raves fan Mary Lou Dolan. "'If You Need a Chair' is the perfect local economy song. I'm taking it to our group's next meeting as 'local' is what we are all about."

            "'A Sense of Place' is a wonderful, 10-song ride that will make you smile, make you move, and make you ponder, reflect and feel enriched by the musical messages," writes Birdsong recording artist Lindy Gravelle. "The songs are so well written, masterfully produced, and performed by Earth Mama. The Nashville musicians, singers and engineer she assembled all play their parts with just the right sounds to support her stylish vocals. She’s on a mission to raise our consciousness about life on Earth, and she does it with heart and humor, captivating and entertaining you the whole ride through."

            Earth Mama performs regularly at a wide variety of venues across the nation, including libraries, grade schools, universities, church groups, retreat centers, conferences, museums and festivals. She recently took on an artist-in-residence role in a small Louisiana town. The artist weaves threads of science, spirit and art into each concert and continues to write inspiring music in many styles with one goal in mind: “Helping Heal the Planet One Song at a Time.”

  

            A 15-year voting member of the Grammy Awards, Rouse's songs have been recorded and/or performed by artists such as Maureen McGovern, Marie Osmond, and the McCarter Sisters. She has written theme and event songs for environmental and peace organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, UNESCO, and the International Earth Charter. She recently recorded an environmental public service announcement for La Leche League. Her music has been used by choral societies, children's choirs, and international choirs, as well as community-building events. In 1995, her song, "Standing on the Shoulders", was chosen as the theme song for a national event in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 75th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

            In 2008, she recorded “Virginia Beauty, A Love Song for the Commonwealth”, an anthem that has been widely circulated as a possible new state song. The Highland Camerata featured the song in its Minds Wide Open program honoring Virginia women in the arts. In 2011, the Virginia Choral Society of Newport News, Va., debuted a new eight-part choral arrangement for larger choirs arranged by artistic director James Powers. Rouse earned a bachelor's degree in home economics from Iowa State University and a master's degree in earth literacy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana. Rouse and her husband, Richard, live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia.

            "The recent passing of Pete Seeger and review of his life and body of work is a potent reminder of the power of the right song at the right time to influence a movement, or to create space in people's hearts to look at old patterns of behavior and steer a course for better actions," Rouse said. "I am standing on his shoulders, as well as others like Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez, Malvina Reynolds, and Marvin Gaye. I am proud to follow in their tradition and grateful that 'A Sense of Place' is gaining interest locally and beyond!"

            "A Sense of Place", which retails for $15, is available at www.EarthMama.org, www.cdbaby.com, and www.Amazon.com. Digital downloads are available at www.iTunes.com and other online retailers. For more information about the CD or the artist, call (276) 773-8529 or send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org. To listen to selections from the album, visit http://www.earthmama.org/hearasenseofplace.php.