Country Entertainment USA

Transcription

Nashville Edition
Trace Adkins from Country Superstar to Bike Gang Leader
In The Lincoln Lawyer
Page 7
Starring Matthew McConaughey
Rising Country Star
Photo Credit: Saeed Adyani
Nicole Johnson
Star Studded
Harlow Salon
The National Festival of the West Turns 21!
Publicizing Entertainers & Entertaining Our Readers
LeGarde Twins 48 Year Old Dream Comes True
The LeGarde Twins from Habana Queensland, the youngest
of nine children raised in a two room shack dirt floor a wood
stove two kerosine lights, no running water, no phones, no
electricity but a dream in their hearts. They left school at 13
years old to work the sugar cane farm left home at fifteen to
work on the Rocky Ponds cattle station up near Homehill for
two years where they learned how to become real Stockman
riding, roping, mustering, dipping cattle, droving through the
heat and dust and living on bully beef and damper like you
see in the Man From Snowy River. They were Buckjump
Riders on the Rodeo circuit for two years then travelled with
Wild West Shows, Circuses all over Australia. They learned
to play the guitar singing country songs knife throwing,
sharp shooting whip cracking and holding on to that dream.
They went to Hollywood for five years returned to Australia
in 1963 to fulfill their dream of having their own TV Show
and that‟s when they were signed by ATN7 to star in a TV
series called "Country Style" filmed at Artransa Studios in
Sydney.
After filming 14 Episodes they were signed to star in another
TV show called Studio A which made headline news as the
"TV SHOCK OF THE YEAR" and "Country Style” was put on hold and it was never shown until now. 48
years later "Country Style" will have its World Television Premiere on January 2, 2011 on the Country Music
Channel Network (CMC) in Australia. When the Twins were told that their "Country Style Show" was finally
going to be seen, they let out a COO-EE CALL that would have echoed through the Snowy Mountains and
made the comment, (how beautiful it is to be alive and never cease to dream). The Twins are still performing
and are at present living in Nashville Tennessee and will be going to Australia next year.
For more show information you can go to www.countrymusicchannel.com.au/CMC/showpage.aspx?id=220
For more on the LeGarde Twins you can go to www.legardetwins.com
Place Your Music Business, Label or Artist Ad Today
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Call (615) 474-0162
or E-mail
[email protected]
PG 2
STAFF
Editor:
Cindy Gordon
Associate Editor:
Holly Marie Tong
Managing Editor, Sales, Marketing
& Distribution Manager:
Roy Skropits
Writer:
Doug Dyer
CD Reviews:
Brenda L. Madden
GENERAL INFORMATION:
[email protected]
ADVERTISING & RATES:
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PRESS RELEASES:
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CONTENTS
2 LeGarde Twins
48 Year Old Dream
Comes True
4 News Bits
8 Up Close with
Star Studded
Harlow Salon
10 CD Reviews
11 Best Lessons
Doug Dyer
12 Rising Country Star
Nicole Johnson
14 Up Close & Personal with
The Least of Your Worries
15 Singer & Actress
Lisa Dotolo
17 Museums, Theatres
and Music Venues
By Mail
P.O. Box 100985
Nashville, TN. 37224
Office (615) 977-1734
Cell (615) 474-0162
PG 3
DISCLAIMER:
Country Entertainment USA is not liable for any inaccuracies submitted by freelance writers, advertisers or publicists.
Opinions and claims made by advertisers and writers are
their own, and do not represent Country Entertainment USA
Magazine or Publisher.
The National Festival of the West Turns 21!
The National Festival of the West is coming of age
in the spring! This long-running western event will
celebrate its twenty-first Anniversary at beautiful
WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona March 17-20,
2011.
The festival is now under new management and
new ownership. Former owner and Trail Boss
Mary Brown is handing over the reins to Country
Music entertainer, Rollie Stevens of Phoenix and
his business partner Gene Butts of the New Pioneers, a traditional Western singing group of Sugar
Land, Texas. As festival performers, the new owners will strive to keep the Cowboy Spirit alive and
carry on the Old West traditions that have been so
carefully demonstrated by the previous owner
throughout the years.
(Rollie Stevens, Mary Brown and Gene Butts)
Voted “America‟s Best Western Festival” five years in a row by True West Magazine, the annual event brings
nearly 10 million dollars into the local economy. Thousands of visitors from all 50 states and multiple foreign
countries travel to Arizona each spring to be a part of America‟s Western culture.
Over 200 exhibitors will market authentic Western merchandise during the four-day shopping expo, one of the
largest trade shows of its kind in the nation. Exhibits are juried for quality and appropriateness. Other festival
activities include several stages of continuous Western entertainment, Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Chuck Wagon
Cook-off Contests, Historic Mountain Man Rendezvous, Arizona Gunfighters Reenactments, Old West Costume
Contests, Cowboy Spirit Award and the ever-popular Western Film Festival, where attendees have a chance to
meet and visit with famous TV and film star celebrities.
The National Festival of the West focuses heavily on family activities. The newly-expanded children and teen
areas at WestWorld will include Western educational events, Old West storytellers, little buckaroo games, cowboy singing, Karaoke contests and many more activities for the young people. The main tent will feature nightly
concerts, dances and top Nashville entertainment.
For ticket information, festival hours and special discount days, check
The National Festival of the West website: www.festivalofthewest.com
For event schedules, contact Rollie Stevens: [email protected]
For vendor applications, contact: Kathy Meek at 602-996-4387
PG 4
Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter Amanda Williams
Develops A New Model for Publishing Companies with Hillbilly Culture
“Anyone, anyone can learn the craft of songwriting,” this is the motto of Hillbilly Culture, the latest brainchild of Berklee honors graduate and songstress
Amanda Williams. Hillbilly Culture adds new services to the traditional publishing company umbrella by creating educational opportunities and tool honing programs to aid in excelling any songwriter. “Hillbilly Culture is more
than just a music publishing company,” says Amanda. “It‟s a celebration of
the traditional forms of entertainment and education - songs & story telling.
We provide aspiring songwriters with tools to develop their ideas and teach
writers how to use the craft beyond its commercial appeal. Songwriting is one
of the best forms of creative expression; it‟s my firm belief that if everyone
was a songwriter, we‟d have a happier and healthier society.”
Hillbilly Culture currently oversees the catalogs of Amanda Williams and her
father, renowned tunesmith, Kim Williams, ASCAP, ACM, CMA, CCMA,
Dove and NSAI award winner. His string of sixteen #1 hits has included the
following:
If The Devil Danced in Empty Pockets - Joe Diffie
Ain‟t Goin‟ Down Till the Sun Comes Up - Garth Brooks
Papa Loved Mama - Garth Brooks
It‟s Midnight Cinderella - Garth Brooks
Who Needs Ya Baby - Clay Walker
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - Reba McEntire
After years of research and development, Amanda has crafted a unique set of programs for writers who sign up
as Hillbilly Culture Club members. “So many new songwriters come to town with stars in their eyes and become quickly discouraged because they don‟t know what to do next. Hillbilly Culture Club offers songwriters
the tools and structure to build upon for future success.”
Amanda feels lucky that she was able to learn songwriting by “sitting at the feet of the masters,” watching her
dad, Kim pen hit after hit with his co-writers. She developed Hillbilly Culture Club to offer that same opportunity to aspiring songwriters everywhere.
“We interview hit songwriters, like Dad, record company executives, publicists, radio DJs, and other industry
professionals & compile their advice into short video clips in our Video Vault.”
www.hillbillyculture.com
PG 5
JAMEY JOHNSON’S 25-SONG DOUBLE ALBUM THE GUITAR SONG CERTIFIED GOLD
Critically Acclaimed Project Earns Two Grammy Nominations
Jamey Johnson‟s critically acclaimed 25-song double album, The Guitar Song, which received two Grammy
nominations including the prestigious Country Album of the Year, has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
“My dream already came true,” he says. “All I ever wanted was just to get to ride around and sing country music. It‟s cool when things like that happen along the way. Because those are the things I never thought I could
achieve. Whether or not it‟s gold or platinum or hell, diamond for that matter, it wouldn‟t surprise me anymore.
I‟ll just keep doing what I do. I wake up every day and go play some more country music and have another
drink.”
The project also received a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Male Country Vocal Performance for
the song “Macon.” He received a third Grammy nomination in Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Bad
Angels” with Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert.
“As an album, The Guitar Song is the collection of this journey,” Johnson says. “It‟s one that goes all the way
around. It starts off in a deep, dismal, dark place and ends up in a far better place. That‟s what has happened to
me over the past several years. Something that started in a dark corner has ended up getting to be all over the
country. I‟ve seen some of the most beautiful places I‟ve ever seen in my life the past several years and I wouldn‟t trade that for anything.”
December has been a month of tremendous honors for Johnson. In addition to his Grammy nominations, his album has been prominently featured on numerous 2010 best-of lists and he was invited to pay musical tribute to
one of his idols, Merle Haggard, at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C.
The Guitar Song was ranked No. 5 on Rolling Stone‟s Best Albums of 2010 and “Macon” was ranked No. 23 on
Rolling Stone‟s Best Singles of 2010.
“What does Jamey Johnson keep under all of that hair? Songs,” says Rolling Stone. “Nashville‟s gruffest and
grittiest star turns out to be its most reliable traditionalist, a Music Row pro who can write a song for every emotional season. Johnson pulled out a whole slew of them 25, clocking in north of 105 minutes for his double-disc
fourth album: acoustic confessions and rugged boogie blues, big weepers and grim reapers, cover tunes and novelty ditties, not to mention „California Riots‟ and „Playing the Part,‟ a pair of fiercely funny, unrepentantly redneck swipes at the frou-frou blue states.”
In early 2011, Johnson will join Kid Rock on his national “Born Free” tour, which begins in front of a crowd of
60,000 on Jan. 15 at Detroit‟s Ford Field.
While Johnson remains appreciative of his honors and accolades, they remain secondary to the fact that he‟s able
to live his dream of writing and performing country music.
“The underlying current is that when I sit down to play music, I play music from my heart,” says Johnson. “As
long as I can keep a grasp on that in some way through my career, hopefully I‟ll be all right.”
www.jameyjohnson.com or www.umgnashville.com
PG 6
Rising Young Pianist/Vocalist Randell K
Nominated in the "Jazz Artist Of the Year" category for 2011
Randell K., rising young pianist-vocalist in the Los Angeles music scene, has been
nominated in the "Jazz Artist Of the Year" category for the 2011 (21st Annual) Los
Angeles Music Awards, it was announced by LAMA Executive Producer, Al Bowman. The 21st Annual LA Music Awards are again expected to take place at Paramount Theater on the Paramount Studios Lot, with date TBD.
Randell K's talents were acknowledged early on when he was one of the youngest
artists ever to perform live at the storied Catalina Bar & Grill, as well as the Vine
Street Bar & Grill, both in Hollywood, Calif., sharing the stage with the likes of
Manhattan Transfer and other A-List acts. Randell K's self-titled debut disc, released
this past year, was produced by Keg Johnson and William Zimmerman, whose past
credits include Will Smith, Levert, LL Cool J and The Spinners, to name a few.
The young musician was a recent guest and performed live on Actors E Chat, a popular Hollywood-based TV
and variety program.
www.randellkwakefield.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coming March 18, 2011
THE LINCOLN LAWYER, based on the best-selling novel by Michael Connelly
SYNOPSIS:
Mickey Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who operates out of the
back of his Lincoln sedan. Haller has spent most of his career defending garden-variety criminals, until he lands
the case of his career: defending Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), a Beverly Hills playboy accused of rape and attempted murder. But the seemingly straightforward case suddenly develops into a deadly game of survival for
Haller.
CAST:
Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller, Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei as Maggie McPherson, Ryan
Phillippe as Louis Roulet, Academy Award nominee William H. Macy as Frank Levin, John Leguizamo, Josh
Lucas, Michael Peña, and Emmy winner Bryan Cranston and Country Superstar Trace Adkins as bike gang
leader Eddie Vogel.
www.thelincolnlawyermovie.com
Photos by Saeed Adyani
PG 7
Up close With the Star Studded Harlow Salon
(Interview With Stylist Shana Dyer)
by Holly Marie Tong
“I always wanted to make people feel good about themselves,
whether that meant clapping
the loudest after they perform
their song or giving them a hair
style that would make them
feel beautiful,” recalls stylist
Shana Dyer. Shana, who co-owns Harlow Salon with
Eva Clarke indeed always knew she wanted to be a
stylist…but not just any stylist. Shana wanted to be a
stylist for the stars…a dream that she, Eva and the rest
of the Harlow Salon staff have most certainly met and
exceeded and continue to live as they operate one of
the most successful well noted salons in all of Nashville.
You may be wondering what sets Harlow apart from
other salons? While I could simply say “everything,”
I believe it all comes down to the fact that they are as
individually personable with their clients as they are
equally, extensively and actively involved in the
Nashville community. If Shana isn‟t doing hair or
makeup, she is probably assisting an aspiring talent
with anything from image consulting to helping promote their work or just doing something for someone
out of the good of her heart. Harlow continually
hosts benefits, holds charities, participates in fashion
shows (one of which was a “virtual fashion show to
raise money for the March of Dimes), raises money
for good causes, is involved with the Music City
Marathon, sponsors events and
writer‟s nights, and has parties
of appreciation for their clients
and truly goes above and beyond any salon I have ever personally known. With all this
said, everything from the lighting, to the music, to the vintage
atmosphere truly makes Harlow
a unique experience.
Shana and Eva clearly shared a
vision, but where did the journey
begin? Shana explained that she
and Eva met in 1999 at a huge salon and day spa where they were
both working. Interestingly, their
stations were placed right next to
each other. Not surprisingly, this
lead to extensive conversation and
the two getting to know each other
Whether you are an artist,
and their future goals. They bemom, lawyer or management
came best friends and would talk
company, Harlow is always
about owning their own salon and how Photo by Dove Photography there to offer advice. They have
they would be unique. Their philosophy was to start
worked closely with several artists in helping them
small and grow slow as slow and steady wins the race.
develop their image. They advise on hair, makeup
Their thinking proved to be correct as they continued
and even in some cases clothing (especially in prepato expand and would find themselves outgrowing their
ration for a photo shoot). As aforementioned, Shana
current space and moving locations. Today they are
has always wanted to make people feel good about
located right on music row in the midst of all the muthem and helping clients find their image is of course
sic they love to support. While Harlow had a large
a confidence booster and an important component of
selection of possibilities for a salon location, they
their career as they pursue their passion. While it
wanted a location that would be the perfect represenwould be impossible to list everyone in the entertaintation of who they are. Now that Harlow is located on
ment industry that calls Harlow their Salon or has
Music Row, they are able to be right in the center of
graced their doors, some of Shana‟s main clients inthe industry that they want to work with. As a result,
clude Diana Degarmo (1st Runner up American Idol),
they have been inspired to be avidly involved with
Adam Craig, Shawn Mayer (Nashville Star Finalist),
their community and network to the fullest.
Erica Jo (Nashville Star Winner), hit songwriters, the
PG 08
Nashville Predators and Ice Girls and numerous other
artists and talents from shows such as Can You Duet,
America‟s Got Talent, American Idol and Nashville
Star. They also work hard each year
for important events such as the CMA
awards (this year was certainly no exception).
As for the guys she said that chunks of color are
popular, along with full fauxhawks and the lighter,
shaggier look is still in as well.
Today alongside Shana and Eva
Harlow consists of 5 other stylists
each bringing something different
to the table. While each stylist is
Maybe you‟re not in the entertainment
undoubtedly multi-talented, they
industry at all, but you‟re a future
each come with individuality and a
bride and you‟re already stressing
special talent that sets each of them
about your wedding. One of Shana
apart. Shana is not only a great
and Eva‟s biggest goals was and still is
stylist who you can go to for color,
to make an extra big deal out of each
haircuts, updos, makeup and more,
bride‟s wedding day, while taking a
but she is also exceptional with
big load off of what is already a stressmarketing and promotion. Eva is
ful day. Harlow offers a princess
an extension specialist and an inpackage in which the bride and her
credible stylist for the high fashion
party not only gets the obvious hair
hair and make-up look. She is great
Photo
by
Art
of
Life
Photography
and makeup treatment, but is served a
at creating the “pin-up” hair style or
delicious lunch, drinks, and are offered a photograthe retro/vintage and rockabilly look. As a result, she
pher to catch each special moment. Shana and Eva
is an excellent go to person for photo shoots. Carrie
wanted to create a salon in which brides could just sit
Kulas is the unique Brazillian Blowout specialist.
back and relax, while taking a big load off of what is
Heather Day is the talented color specialist. Chris
often already a stressful day. Along these lines, HarPegram is a world renowned color educator and has
low salon is a place of encouragement as they tend to
been doing hair for 25 years. John Sherlock is an
promote and represent strong, powerful women. Even
educator for the “Sexy Hair” product line and teaches
the bathroom walls contain inspirational words and
classes on stage. Talented Katie McGuire is the salon
quotes. They wanted their salon to be an experience
manager.
in which clients could leave not only feeling good on
“Slow and steady” has certainly won the race as
the outside but on the inside as well.
Shana Dyer and Eva Clarke are certainly living their
When I asked Shana about what styles/looks tend to
dream as stars continually grace the doors of Harlow
be in for the fall, she replied that “red” seems to be the
and their exceptionally strong ambition seems to only
hair color trend of the season. She also said hair acincrease each day. It is safe to say the possibilities
cessories are huge right now as many girls have been
are endless…
placing flowers to add extra flair to their hair. She
Harlow Salon is located at:
went on to say that glitter is very popular right now
1516 Demonbreun St #A Nashville, TN 37203
and they are doing a lot of glitter eyeliner for makeup.
PG 09
Mail CD's for Reviews To:
P.O. Box 100985
by Brenda L. Madden
Up To 5 Star Rating
Matt Bailie / Matt Bailie
KMDB True Vibe Entertainment / EMC Nashville
www.mattbailiemusic.com
Matt Bailie‟s CD opens with his debut single, “Man Behind These Eyes,” which he
co-wrote with Donnie VanZant and Aaron Scherz. It is a heartfelt, well-written song,
which Matt delivers with expertise. He also co-wrote five other songs on the CD.
Legendary artists, Donnie VanZant and Johnny VanZant show up as Music Director
while some of Nashville‟s finest musicians back Matt. Although recorded at several
studios with several producers, there is no inconsistency here. Other favorite tracks
on the CD are “This‟ll Be A Memory” and the haunting “Only God Knows Why.”
This project is country to the core and reminiscent of an early Garth Brooks. I am
looking forward to watching Matt Bailie‟s career grow!
Natasha James / Tequila Time
Highway One Records
www.natashajames.com
California artist, Natasha James offers up a new CD, Tequila Time. Aptly titled, the
project includes some good drinkin‟ songs like “Tequila Time,” “Boy Do We Drink,”
and “Straight To Hell.” Overall it is a honky-tonk sound mixed with a little blues,
rock and some bluegrass - making for a unique sound - although it feels more California than Nashville. Writing twelve of the fifteen cuts, Natasha delivers her songs
with a smoky, barroom vocal. Although a somewhat basic CD, Natasha has fun with
the songs like “Stuck In Atlanta,” which in turn makes the listener‟s toes start tappin‟.
Eileen Carey / Movin On
www.eileencarey.com
Although a successful actress with roles in Batman, Hoffa and Basic Instinct, Eileen
Carey, still had music in her heart, so she started singing again and has since released
several albums. Her latest CD, Movin On is a collection of mostly self-penned
songs, which has country roots, but is infused with a pop and blues flavor - giving it
an Americana feel. Her writing lends itself well to the female market, especially with
these fun anthems, “Out With The Girls” and “He‟s No Mr. Right, He‟s Mr. Right
Now.” There is believability in her vocals and encouragement in her words. Eileen
Carey is an artist dedicated to using her gift to bless others and is donating a portion
of the proceeds from this album to children‟s charities.
PG 10
Best Lessons
by Doug Dyer
Sometimes the best lessons come
from the most unexpected places.
If you talk to people from the sports world, everything
in life relates to sports somehow. Truth is, they‟re not
very far off. Just ask Kenny Chesney, one of the biggest country music stars in the genre‟s history, how
much he has learned about life as it relates to the
game he loves the most: football. In his recent documentary “Boys of Fall,” he brings to us football at its
purest form; getting down in the dirt, having fun and
learning about the importance of teamwork. All are
themes we could apply to improve our own lives. The
fact the movie revolves around football is important,
but its message certainly is not a new concept. Since
the days of leather helmets, football has taught
young men about working together and relying
on your fellow man to get
the job done. But in this
21st Century, some of the
principles that make football (and sports in general) important in a
young person‟s growth
have been overshadowed
by other themes: money,
deceit, fame and an overemphasis on winning.
Take the turmoil surrounding the Auburn University
football program and its Heisman Trophy-winning
quarterback, Cameron Newton, for example. Overshadowing the Tigers‟ 12-0 regular season and march
to the BCS National Championship Game are the alle-
We Want To Hear From You
P.O. Box 100985
PG 11
gations surrounding Newton‟s father, Cecil, and possible recruiting violations during the past year. Cam
Newton and his teammates have worked together to
have one of the best seasons in Auburn history, and
most people only will remember the controversy of
whether he should be declared ineligible because of
his father‟s alleged transgressions. It‟s a far cry from
the days of pee wee football, where youngsters toddle
around in oversized pads and helmets trying to learn
all about the game. So kudos go out to Chesney for
his look back at what makes football great: fun, fellowship and life lessons. He talks to legends of the
game such as John Madden and Bobby Bowden,
while stopping off for a little barbecue with future
NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre and even
checking in with some of those pee wee footballers
from around the Nashville area. But he‟s not the only
superstar, music or otherwise, to go back to their
roots and pay tribute to the things that helped them
succeed. Chesney always has had a connection with
football, whether it‟s making friends with NFL players and coaches like the ones he showcases in the
movie, or coming back to his hometown of Knoxville
to support his University of Tennessee Volunteers.
His movie and the single of the same name from his
new album “Hemingway‟s Whiskey” evoke memories of those times when football was much simpler.
Entertainment icons and professional sports figures
both reach out through various charities and philanthropic projects to help keep that fire of sports at its
purest level alive. Whether it‟s Cal Ripken‟s work
with youth baseball or the RBI Baseball program
(Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) that reaches out to
a new generation of young people who did not grow
up playing the game, the goal of keeping sports more
about learning those life lessons is being met. So
amongst all the turmoil that can surround the sports
world, it‟s refreshing to see someone like Chesney
reach into the past and pull out all the good memories
of times when athletes were concerned with things
other than the almighty dollar.
We value our readers‟ opinions, so if you have an idea for an article
or story, suggestions or comments, compliments or complaints, don't
hesitate to tell us.
Let‟s Make 2011 a Great Year to Remember
Hanging out With Rising Country Star
Nicole Johnson
by Holly Marie Tong
As the music business competition seems to be on the increase,
so does the need to be a wellrounded, musician with individual characteristics. Sixteen year
old Nicole Johnson may be
young in years, but her understanding of the music business and strong work ethic
positively places her as a frontrunner for a prosperous
career of longevity. Aside from the fact that it takes a
special talent to excel in Nashville, personality and
ability to connect with listeners plays an equally important role. Always sporting a smile, she maintains a
genuine candid youthful image while possessing the
maturity and insight necessary for her endeavors. As
beautiful as she is talented, once you‟ve met her, you
will not forget her.
in Louisiana. Music has always been a part of
Nicole‟s life and singing is what she has always
wanted to do. She can recall getting her first guitar
and writing her first song at just age 7. In October
2008, doors of opportunity began to open as Nicole
got a call from a Baton Rouge disc jockey who had
heard her singing at a studio. He was wondering if
she would be interested in singing a Christmas song
that he had written with local songwriters. Nicole
went for it, and the song “If Jesus Came Back” became a regional radio hit being played in 22 different
states. She was also making a splash on You Tube,
and Myspace receiving messages and requests. An
understandably significant moment for Nicole was
her first big crowd when she was the opening act for
country band Lonestar.
Beginning in January of
While she of course has to work to2009, she began making
wards her goals every day like every
continuous trips to Nashother aspiring artist, I found someville. In just a year and a
thing rather unusual in Nicole‟s jourhalf, she had experienced the
ney. We so often hear the terms
tiring 8 ½ hour drive 40
“chasing your dreams” and “looking
times. She began meeting
to gain new fans.” However, upon
with music business execuhearing her story I couldn‟t help but
tives, producers and started
think that she couldn‟t run from her
recording. By that spring,
dreams if she tried, because her
she was already co-writing
dreams actually appear to be chasing
with some of Nashville‟s top
her and the fans appear to be finding
songwriters including Keith
Photo
by
Glenn
Sweitzer
her. What I mean by this is that while she
Follese, Victoria Shaw, Richard Fagan
officially made the big move to Nashville, the doors
and others. Young Nicole has unusually written with
of opportunity continually seem to opening and any
at least twelve #1 writers to date. Although, she acoutside observer can see how well things are falling
knowledges Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood
into place for her career. Nashville music listeners
as some of her biggest influences, Nicole would deand professionals have taken quick notice of her and
scribe her music as her own. She is country yet conshe has earned an impressive following and support
temporary, writes about her life, always finding it imnetwork in a short amount of time. Whenever this
portant to write music that people can relate to. It is
type of situation is taking place, it is certain that this is
very important that her songwriting speaks to people
a special artist and something just feels meant to be
and she loves to see the crowd reactions. As a high
about this particular scenario.
school student who maintains a balance of school
during the day and writing music, going to events or
Nicole‟s unusually fast rising career began back home
the studio by night, you can expect Nicole to write
PG 12
about anything from guys/relationships or maybe even
girls she used to be friends with.
Nicole‟s utmost respect and support for the songwriting community is one of the many qualities that sets
her apart. It is certain that she has not only has powerhouse vocals and the very characteristics of a successful entertainer, but she is also an avid member and
supporter of this crucial community that is needed in
order for great songs to continue to be delivered to
music listeners everywhere. I also admire the fact that
Nicole has such a strong passion for performing for
benefits whether big or small and she truly has a heart
for good causes. She and her family undoubtedly find
it important to give back and get involved.
Recently, Nicole completed her first EP project. She
is currently working on an acoustic one that her fans
have been greatly anticipating and are anxious to hear.
On the horizon for 2011 are continued goals in which
she plans to play out more, do more shows and work
on her tour schedule.
Get to know the name Nicole Johnson…if for some
reason you haven‟t heard of her yet, you soon will.
Twitter by going to: twitter.com/MusicByNicole
Join her Facebook by going to:
www.facebook.com/nicolejohnsonofficial
You can also find her on You Tube by going to:
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PG 13
Up Close and Personal with
The Least of Your Worries
by Holly Marie Tong
In Music City USA, becoming
a mainstream musician is far
from being an uncommon endeavor. After all, every day
more and more polished talents
make the big move to Nashville
in pursuit of their music
dreams. Unfortunately based on my observations, so
many of these talents seem to try to mimic/mirror the
image and sound of their fellow musicians. Even
more unfortunately, this cookie cutter approach seldom works. Don‟t get me wrong…whether similar to
one another or not, we have a town of incredibly
gifted entertainers and I would never ever want to undermine that. In a perfect world, every one of them
would have a record deal and radio play. However, I
must also admit I simply do not get excited about every act I see because I am
such an advocate for musical diversity.
The music business certainly doesn‟t
come with guarantees and I am definitely not a record executive….but I can
honestly say I have a bit of a track record in singling out a song before it becomes a hit or spotting talent before
they “make it big.”
This time I have found a young band that I would feel
confident to place my bets on….under two simple
conditions: They stay together never waivering in
their focus and they never change who they are. The
band? The Least Of Your Worries consisting of Sam
Hunter (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard), Forest Miller
(Vocals/Bass/Violin) & Austin Valentine (Vocals/
Drums). The origin of the name? The trio was trying
to think of a name for their band before their second
gig together, when Joe Hunter (Father of Sam) replied, “A band name is the least of your worries.” I
would agree with Mr. Hunter wholeheartedly, as talent level or the essence appeal of this band would be
the least of my worries. Why? Because they have
“it.” All it takes to see what I see is to simply see
them perform a song together. With tight harmonies,
catchy tunes and a young heartthrob image, the spotPG 14
light is theirs for the taking and looks to be theirs for
the long term keeping.
Let me quickly explain though, I‟m by no means simply introducing you to a young talented “boy band”
that would simply make teenage girls scream. While
it‟s true that the teenage girls will scream, there is
much more to the equation. I am introducing you to a
group of exceptionally talented young men that have
a truly unique priceless respect and gift for music that
is way beyond their years. With the musical maturity
of experienced veterans, this high school group successfully covers all bases and undoubtedly can reach
all ages and all audiences. They would describe
themselves as having an English/classic rock, pop
kind of sound. Upon hearing them sing, you can hear
a combination of their influences ranging
from the Beatles to the Eagles to general
R & B. They have recently just released
a self-titled LP “The Least Of Your Worries.” When listening to this CD, I felt
like I was not only getting to take a trip
back in time to the music of those who
paved the way, but I also feel that I am
listening to the future of what our music
world can become. Their LP is contains
a wide variety of tunes showcasing their
range and appreciation for musical diversity. I
equally enjoy listening to these guys whether I‟m
driving down the interstate, in the mood to jam, in the
midst of doing my laundry or simply wanting to kick
back. Due to my own personal taste, this does not
happen often. With all this said, I truly believe we
could be looking at the "Next Big Thing" here.
I‟m a huge supporter of this rising group and see an
immeasurable amount of potential. Now you may be
wondering where can you catch them? Well, they‟ve
been booking monthly spots at the Red Rooster and
playing in various locations around town. On January 4th, they will be playing the Rutledge for the
Billy Block show at 7:00.
www.facebook.com/TheLeastOfYourWorries
Getting to know singer and actress Lisa Dotolo
by Holly Marie Tong
The first time I seen Lisa Dotolo
hit the stage, it would have been
easy for me to assume that she
would simply sing some strong
country tunes…you know, the
talented “Nashville sound” that
we all know and love. I mean
the typical, pleasant, expected sound that can at times
be a dime a dozen. Having never met Lisa, I assumed
she would be great…but what I didn‟t expect was the
richly, unique one of a kind voice that positively remains in a league of her own. With very clear, angelic-like vocals that take on a Celtic kind of sound,
Lisa‟s vocal versatility and adaptability is a very rare
find. She can possibly be described as Emmy Lou
Harris meets Jewel with a bit of Bonnie Raitt in the
mixture. With a background in musical theatre and
acting, it is safe to say that Lisa Dotolo has a strong
gift for the arts and is one of our most multi-faceted
entertainers in Music City. It is also safe to say that
she is her own person, never seeking to duplicate or
be like someone else. Instead she brings a refreshing
sound while incorporating her whole heart and soul in
her songwriting with a refusal to compromise who she
is.
Lisa who moved to Nashville from Rochester New
York originally hails from Westerly, Rhode Island.
She started her music career at just age 3 in the church
with her mother Sandra, cantoring the Catholic mass
as well as singing in the local church folk group.
(Today, she is a cantor at the Cathedral of the Incarnation of West End Ave in Nashville). As a young girl
she began to write songs finding inspiration from her
own life and those around here. If you simply listen
to just one of Lisa‟s original songs, you will see that
she is not only an incredible musician and vocalist,
but she has the unique gift of understanding every day
people and making her music relative for all audiences. Alongside her recording endeavors, she hopes
to one day pursue her love for theatre on Broadway.
She also hopes to one day expand and launch artists
on her label (Bella Mere).
PG 15
To date, she has released two CD‟s and is continuing
to write and record as she is working towards her
dream of having an international music career. Her
new CD entitled “Doing It All My Way” is a unique
blend of pop, country, Americana and rock. This album can be described as a “bare bones record” as it is
acoustic and Lisa‟s vocals are emphasized and showcased. Lisa humbly explained that her album is a collection of work tapes which I found to be amazing
because her vocals prove to be absolutely incredible
without any fancy production. However, I wasn‟t
entirely surprised by her this because Lisa Dotolo can
be described as “genuine” and “real.”
Just from having a short
conversation with her you
will learn that she does
music for her love of the
arts, her understanding of
people, and her desire to
be a role model. It remains of the utmost importance to her that God
gets all the glory. It is
clear that Lisa is definitely not following her
chosen path for self centered fame or fortune
or glitz and glamour but
simply because she truly
loves what she does and she wants to make a positive
difference. Lisa honestly wants to reach people and
change lives always being respectable and admirable
in what she is doing.
When asking Lisa about her songwriting inspiration,
she says that she writes about experiences, looking
back at things and real life situations. She gets inspired through observation, speaking to people and
staying involved in what is going on around her. She
explained that she believes the best songs are written
not by feeling forced or rushed but when inspiration
truly strikes. She went on to say, “You cannot
put a time clock on art and you cannot effectively
write when forced..your heart and soul is best through
inspiration. It is more artistic that way. Soak in what
is going on around you and truly live life every day.”
I believe this to be a priceless piece of advice for myself and all other aspiring songwriters in town. This
advice is just a small example of the inspirational
thought, insight and encouragement that Lisa Dotolo
brings people whether in simple conversation or in
song.
Currently performing in a broad array of venues, you
can find Lisa in a wide variety of locations both locally and nationally. Excitingly Lisa has been a part
of the “A Scattered, Smothered and Covered Christmas” starring Joyce DeWitt who you most likely
know from the popular hit series “Three‟s Company.”
In this popular play that has been going on since
Thanksgiving time, you can see Lisa playing the role
of a country music singer in the second act. It is safe
to say that she feels right at home on stage! Her music is a breath of fresh air and her standout charisma
will undoubtedly take her far.
Place
Your Ad
Here Today
Call (615) 474-0162
or E-mail
[email protected]
or Mail To:
P.O. Box 100985
www.lisadotolo.com
PG 16
Museums
Country Music Hall of Fame Museum
(615) 416-2001
222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN. 37203
www.countrymusichalloffame.com
Tennessee State Museum • (615) 741-2692
505 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN. 37243
www.tnmuseum.org
Adventure Science Center • (615) 862-5160
800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville, TN. 37203
www.adventuresci.com
Theatres
The Belcourt Theatre • (615) 383-9140
2102 Belcourt Ave., Nashville TN. 37212
www.belcourt.org
Tennessee Repertory Theatre
(615) 244-4878
161 Rains Ave., Nashville, TN. 37203
www.tennesseerep.org
Music Venues
B B Kings Blues Club • (615) 256-2727
152 2nd Ave, N., Nashville, TN. 37201
Bluebird Cafe • (615) 383-1461
4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN. 37215
Bourbon Street Blues Bar • (615) 242-5837
220 Printers Alley Nashville, TN. 37201
John A's • (615) 885-1540
2421 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN. 37214
Legends Corner • (615) 248-6334
428 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Music City Bar • (615) 883-2367
2416 Music Valley Dr., Nashville, TN 37214
Nashville Center Stage • (615) 915-2043
514 8th Ave. S., Nashville, TN. 37203
Nashville Nightlife • (615) 885-4747
2620 Music Valley Dr., Nashville, TN. 37214
Nashville Palace • (615) 884-3004
2611 McGavock Pk., Nashville, TN. 37214
Robert's • (615) 244-9552
416 Broadway, Nashville, TN. 37203
Ryman Auditorium • (615) 458-8700
116 Fifth Ave. N., Nashville, TN. 37219
Second Fiddle • (615) 248-4818
Smeraldo's • (615) 865-6533
701 Gallatin Pike N., Madison, TN. 37115
Stage • (615) 726-0504
Wildhorse • (615) 902-8200
120 2nd Ave, Nashville, TN. 37201
Tootsie's • (615) 726-0463
Cadillac Ranch • (615) 742-9078
305 Broadway, Nashville, TN. 37201-2005
Coyote Ugly • (615) 254-8459
154 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN. 37201
Dan McGuinness • (615) 252-1991
1538 Demonbreun St., Nashville, TN. 37203
Fiddle and Steel Guitar Bar • (615) 251-9002
210 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN. 37201
PG 17

Country Entertainment USA

Transcription

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