THE 8TH ANNUAL T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION NASHVILLE HONORS GALA HAS RECORD YEAR AS HONORESS ARE FETED WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES AND PRESENTATIONS

More than $500,000 raised for innovative leukemia, cancer and AIDS research The event celebrated honorees Aubrey Harwell, Brian Philips, Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph. D., Kenny Rogers and The FedEx Corporation.

Front row L to R: Brian Philips, Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D., Kenny Rogers, Aubrey Harwell, FedEx CEO Frederick W. Smith; Back row L to R: Jackie Wilson, Laura Heatherly, Dave Berryman, Scott Borchetta, Joe Walsh, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Leslie Fram, Chris Young, Charles Esten

The T.J. Martell Foundation raised $500,000 to benefit leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at tonight's Nashville Honors Gala, for a total of nearly $3 million raised since 2009. Honorees were treated to performances by Charles Esten, Don Henley, Ronnie Milsap, Joe Walsh, Jackie Wilson and Chris Young and special presentations by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Hal Moses, Ph.D. and industry executive Scott Borchetta.

This year's honorees were:

Aubrey Harwell, Co-Founding Partner of Neal and Harwell: Spirit of Nashville Award

Brian Philips, President of CMT: Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award

Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D., Director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center: Medical Research Advancement Award

Kenny Rogers, Grammy award-winning superstar: Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award

FedEx Corporation: Outstanding Global Citizenship Award with Frederick W. Smith accepting on behalf of more than 350,000 team members around the world.

The Nashville Honors Gala is one of the T.J. Martell Foundation’s premier events that pays tribute to outstanding community leaders and presents special musical performances with heartwarming presentations that celebrates the evening’s honorees. In addition to the performances, there will be a live and silent auction with proceeds benefitting leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.

About the T.J. Martell Foundation:

The T.J. Martell Foundation is a national organization founded by the music industry, whose mission is to fund innovative leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at flagship hospitals in the United States including the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. To learn more about the T.J. Martell Foundation please visit www.tjmartell.org

UKULELE MASTER JAKE SHIMABUKURO’S LIVE IN JAPAN RELEASED TODAY ON ENTERTAINMENT ONE

UKULELE MASTER JAKE SHIMABUKURO’S LIVE IN JAPAN RELEASED TODAY ON ENTERTAINMENT ONE

The two-CD set was recorded live in Japan during his sold-out 2015 World Tour

Rolling Stone said, “One of the hottest axemen of the past few years doesn’t actually play guitar.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 26, 2016) – Hawaii native Jake Shimabukuro released today his “best of” live collection Live In Japan, his second release on Hitchhike Records/eOne. The album is available for purchase at various retail outlets, as well as on Amazon, iTunes and the website. The two-CD collection features some of Shimabukuro’s favorite songs from his 15-year career including a 10-minute classic reworking of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” which currently has over 14 million views on YouTube. For more information, please visit his website here.

Recorded in Japan during his 2015 world tour, the collection begins with a nine-minute medley including the War classic “Low Rider,” and performances of “Dragon,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Blue Roses Falling,” to name a few. The band set also includes several original selections from his most recent studio album, Travels, which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top World Album Chart in 2015.

2016 is shaping up to be Shimabukuro’s biggest of his career. Beyond the live release, his first in seven years, he is working on a new studio album to be released later this year and will be touring across the United States and around the world.

Live In Japan Track Listing:

CD 1:

1.   Medley – Trapped, Me & Shirley T, Low Rider

2.   Passport

3.   Red Eye

4.   Ichigo Ichie

5.   I’ll Be There

6.   Oama

7.   Travels

8.   Kawika

9.   Hula Girl

10. Blue Roses Falling

CD 2:

1. Bohemian Rhapsody

2. Dragon

3. 3rd Stream

4. Orange World

5. While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Produced by Jake Shimabukuro

Upcoming Tour Dates:

March 10 Boulder, CO

March 11 Colorado Springs, CO

March 12 Albuquerque, NM

March 13 Santa Fe, NM

March 15 Aspen, CO

April 5 Wickenburg, AZ

April 6 Prescott, AZ

April 7 Escondido, CA

April 8 Irvine, CA

April 9 Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA

THE STEELDRIVERS’ 2016 COMMENCES WITH SOLD OUT SHOWS ACROSS THE U.S., A FIRST TIME GRAMMY® WIN FOR “BEST BLUEGRASS ALBUM” FOR THE TOP-CHARTING ROUNDER RECORDS RELEASE THE MUSCLE SHOALS RECORDINGS

Former band member, the incomparable Chris Stapleton invites group for surprise set during his three night sold-out stand at The Ryman to a roar of excitement

Rounder Records’ group, The SteelDrivers is taking 2016 by storm, having already sold out a majority of its shows leading into the spring, winning a first-time GRAMMY® award for the acclaimed #1 album The Muscle Shoals Recordings, and joining former bandmate Chris Stapleton at his sold-out concert at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, please visit The SteelDrivers' website here.

“We could not have scripted this,” says SteelDriver Gary Nichols. “We put our hearts and souls into every show and every recording we do,” he continued. “We have a great team of believers behind us and the SteelHeads are the best in helping spread the word about our music and our shows. Thanks to you all.”

“‘Magic’ is the best word to describe what happened last week,” continues SteelDriver Tammy Rogers King. “Winning the award and being recognized with all of our close friends was such an honor. To all get to celebrate our first Grammy win together is something we will never forget. Another event that cannot be topped was joining our friend Chris Stapleton for a reunion at The Ryman. Man, we are just feeling so blessed right now,” she added.

The band is quickly becoming one of the hottest tickets these days, having sold out over 90% of shows announced to date this year, including Huntsville, Kansas City, Denver, and Asheville. Be sure to check out the award-winning band on the road, or check out their YouTube channel for various performances from Paste Magazine, Relix, Music City Roots, Rolling Stone, Country Weekly, Bluegrass Underground, and many more.

TOUR DATES:

March 10                   Southland Ballroom            Raleigh, NC March 11                   Orange Peel                       Asheville, NC March 12                   Walhalla Civic Audit            Walhalla SC March 18                   The Barns At Wolf Trap      Vienna, VA March 19                   Foothills PAC                      Oneonta, NY April 16                     Miami of Ohio                      Oxford, OH April 22                     Terminal West                     Atlanta, GA April 23                     Chapman Cultural Center   Spartanburg, SC

A complete list of upcoming tour dates is available here. 

Connect with The SteelDrivers

www.thesteeldrivers.com | www.facebook.com/The-SteelDrivers

THE STEELDRIVERS’ THE MUSCLE SHOALS RECORDINGS EARNS A GRAMMY WIN FOR BEST BLUEGRASS ALBUM

Nashville powerhouse group The SteelDrivers received their first GRAMMY win today for Best Bluegrass Album for The Muscle Shoals Recordings. This is the group's fourth career nomination. The critically-acclaimed album, released June 16 on Rounder Records, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart and achieved the highest first-week sales in the band’s history. "It is a great year to be sharing awards with Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton and Alabama Shakes -- it just feels like the right time for all of us!" says fiddle player, vocalist and songwriter Tammy Rogers.

The Muscle Shoals Recordings is the fifth release from The SteelDrivers, made up of Richard Bailey, Mike Fleming, Gary Nichols, Tammy Rogers and Brent Truitt. The Grammy-winning group produce “uneasy listening” music, a unique blend of bluegrass and soul that has inspired praise from critics and audiences for years, and The Muscle Shoals Recordings is no exception.

“The group has rarely sounded more focused or passionate.” Hal Horowitz, American Songwriter “The aptly-named The Muscle Shoals Recordings reflects the same soul and blues ache so evident in the town made famous by Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and the Staples family, among many others.” Suzanne Cadgene, Elmore Magazine

“You can call it power-bluegrass or country soul, but whatever you call it, Nashville's SteelDrivers have bushels of it.” AD Amorosi, Philadelphia Enquirer

RARE.US ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF INAUGURAL 'RARE UNDER 40' AWARDS

RARE.US ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF INAUGURAL'RARE UNDER 40' AWARDS

Awards Celebration to Take Place in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 16

Honorees Represent Inspiring Individuals From the Fields of Entertainment, Politics, Business, the Military, Media, Sports and More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rare.us, one of America’s fastest-growing media sites, has revealed the recipients of its first-ever Rare Under 40 Awards, taking place on Saturday, April 16 in Washington, D.C. The Rare Under 40 Awards were created to celebrate individuals between the ages of 18 and 39 who inspire others through their convictions. The honorees represent a cross-section of America’s passions and accomplishments, while spanning professions, interests, degrees, geographies and nationalities.

Rare Co-Founder Will Alford, states: "We talk a lot about what it means to Be Rare — both as a media startup and as citizens of our generation. We value self-reliance and a generous spirit, individual liberty and our community's greater good, staying true to our beliefs and respecting others' differences. We're earnest but skeptical, and we can't help but laugh at ourselves sometimes. This is what the Rare brand stands for, and we work hard every day to tell the stories of people who live these values. One day we thought, what if we create an event so these brilliant people can meet and engage with one another? We plan to make Rare Under 40 an annual event, and I can't wait to watch what our honorees do each year from here."

The complete list of 24 honorees are listed below:

*Alberto Altamirano: Co-Founder, Cityflag (San Antonio, TX) *Alexandra Curtis: Graduate student, Brown University; Miss Rhode Island 2016 (Providence, R.I.) *Ariel Winter: Actress, "Modern Family" (Los Angeles, CA) *Barbara Pierce Bush: Founder, Global Health Corps (Dallas, TX) *BT Urruela: Purple Heart recipient, Army vet, co-founder VETSports, author, model (Tampa, FL) *Celeste Currie: Founder, Soulscarf (NY) *Chris Mintz: Army veteran, autism advocate (Oregon) *Diana Kim: Photographer, Advocate for the Homeless (Hawaii) *George McGraw: Founder of DIGDEEP Water (Los Angeles, CA) *Guy Benson: Political reporter, author (Washington, D.C.) *Holly Holm: Mixed martial arts champion (Albuquerque, NM) *Justin Amash: Congressman (R-Mich.) *Lucius: Pop duo, philanthropists (NY) *Marah Lidey: DoSomething.org, motivational speaker (NY) *Mary Katharine Ham: FOX News contributor, political commentator, author (NY) *Mason Wartman: Entrepreneur, advocate for the homeless (Philadelphia, PA) *Mohammed Shaker: Army veteran, conservative-libertarian activist (Tampa, FL) *Orlando Watson: Communications Director, Black Media; Republican National Committee (Washington, D.C.) *Phil Klay: Former Marine, author of the award-winning book, Redeployment (NY) *Sadie Robertson: Author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, designer, actress (Monroe, LA) *Seth Jordan: Former Marine, entrepreneur, founder of Dog Tag Brewing (Bozeman, MT) *Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman (D-Hawaii) *Vincent Harris: Founder, president of Harris Media (Austin, TX) *Wesley Lowery: Reporter, Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)

Nominations for the Rare Under 40 Awards were solicited last fall via Rare.us. After reviewing hundreds of entries, the Rare editorial board selected 24 outstanding individuals as its inaugural Rare Under 40 Class of 2016. Profiles of each individual honoree are available at http://rare.us/category/rare-under-40-awards/. Additional content will be posted in the coming weeks.

Rare.us, a media site incubated inside parent company Cox Media Group’s Fans 1st Media division, is one of the fastest-growing media sites in the United States – boasting 40 million monthly visits. Dubbed “America’s News Feed,” Rare leverages social media to cover national news, politics, culture and more, driving conversation by delivering dynamic content Americans like to share. Engage with Rare on Facebook and Twitter.

IVEYCAKE PLANS EXPANSION INTO METRO NASHVILLE

IVEYCAKE PLANS EXPANSION INTO METRO NASHVILLEWITH NEW LOCATION COMING SOON IveyCake’s Flagship Franklin Store to Expand Hours Brentwood Location to Celebrate Last Day on Valentine’s Day Sunday, February 14

IveyCake, the local gourmet cupcake and cake boutique, will expand to the Metro Nashville area later this year with a new location to be announced. IveyCake’s original location in historic downtown Franklin will expand its hours to handle demand for the Brentwood/Franklin area, while the Brentwood location closes with the expiration of its current lease. Located in the Target shopping center on Old Hickory Blvd., IveyCake’s Brentwood storefront will celebrate its last day of business on Sunday, February 14. IveyCake’s founder, Ivey Childers states: “We’ve always known that we wanted to expand the business and with the expiration of our lease in Brentwood, we knew that now was the right time to pursue a location in Metro Nashville. As a longtime resident of the Brentwood area, we love and appreciate our Brentwood neighbors, and we’ll continue to serve them with our Franklin location.” Customers can celebrate Valentine’s Day at both the Brentwood and Franklin locations with IveyCake’s signature Valentine’s Day flavor – “Hopeless Romantic” – a chocolate cupcake with strawberry filling and strawberry buttercream icing topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry. IveyCake offers both mini and regular-sized cupcakes and made-to-order cakes. For details on location hours and more, visit IveyCake online at www.iveycake.com. Ivey Childers, founder of IveyCake, is a self-taught baker who began creating cupcakes and cakes after her graduation from college in her tiny apartment kitchen. Determined to make the best product from the best ingredients, Ivey soon gained a devoted following amongst her friends and family who were wowed by her creations. IveyCake opened its first store in historic downtown Franklin in 2008. Now known as Nashville’s “Baker to the Stars,” Ivey’s confections are fixtures at celebrity parties, Music Row celebrations and multiple charity events. Ivey and IveyCake have been recently featured on Food Network’s Guilty Pleasures, in People Magazine, Country Weekly and on CMT.com.

STYLIST ON CALL, NASHVILLE LAUNCHES TODAY

Custom APP is available for Apple and Android users

www.stylistoncallnashville.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 13, 2016) – Stylist On Call, Nashville launches today in Metro Nashville providing clients professional and affordable hair and makeup services that come straight to the client. Anchored by a team of professional stylists, the “glam on demand” team visits clients at their home, office, hotel, event or wherever needed. To learn more about the service, please visit www.stylistoncallnashville.com or download the free app for convenient bookings.

Owner Jules Wortman has worked in the entertainment industry for many years and understands the need in Nashville for such a service. “Glam isn’t just for the celebrities, it is something we all can use,” states Wortman. “Nashville is one of the hottest cities today. Not only do we have numerous awards shows, galas, weddings and many other opportunities to get glamorous, we have a record number of wedding parties coming to town for bachelorette parties, as well as executives needing services for that big presentation or for a romantic anniversary dinner. As of today, Nashville can offer this mobile beauty service to everyone,” she continues.

Stylist on Call, Nashville is proud to have an elite group of stylists ready to provide their services, including celebrity stylist Debbie Dover Hall, who will serve as the company's exclusive style director. Stylist On Call, Nashville offers services in Nashville and the surrounding communities, including Bellevue, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Hermitage, Mount Juliet, and more.

Similar business models are thriving in other cities, and we are proud to be the first to bring on-demand beauty services to Nashville. To book an appointment, visit the website or download the free app, available for Apple and Android users. The booking process is simple; clients select their preferred appointment date, time and location and make a secure online payment. A stylist will then contact the client to confirm the appointment. Same-day appointments are accepted, making this the perfect option for every occasion from date nights to bachelorette parties. The website and app include all information regarding booking, as well as a style gallery and images of our stylists’ previous work.

For further information, please contact Wortman Works Media & Marketing at 615.431.5059 or visit www.stylistoncallnashville.com.

Lisa Chader Named Principal, Wortman Works Media & Marketing

Public relations and media veteran Lisa Chader joins colleague Jules Wortman in the role of Principal at Wortman Works Media & Marketing, it was announced today by Wortman, president of Wortman Works. Effective immediately, Chader is charged with client branding, communications and business development for new and existing Wortman Works clients, including country music/lifestyle brand, Rare Country.   President Jules Wortman states, “Lisa Chader is one of the sharpest and most respected public relations strategists I have had the pleasure to work with throughout my career. We are thrilled to bring her insights and energy into the firm at this very pivotal time in the industry.”

  Chader joins Wortman after an almost two year stint as Executive Vice President at PR agency, NPG. While at NPG, Chader worked with a wide variety of entertainment and hospitality clients including AT&T, BMI, City Winery, CMT, dick clark productions, NCAA Women’s Final Four, Wild West Comedy Festival and more.

  Prior to joining NPG, Chader served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for CMT in Nashville. During her nine-year tenure, she was responsible for creating and executing all network and program publicity strategies for original series, live music events, benefit concerts, specials and corporate strategy across all CMT brands. She spearheaded publicity for the CMT Music Awards and all CMT concerts.

  Chader joins the existing Wortman Works team led by Wortman, and including Elyse Wiser, Account Executive; and Jake Wheat, Social Media Coordinator. Wortman Works is currently engaged on a variety of projects including management on such clients as Grammy-nominated bluegrass band, The SteelDrivers, Deana Carter, and Taylor Brashears; as well as PR and marketing for Salt Life, the Dove Awards, eOne Entertainment Nashville, Redneck Riveria and more.

  Lisa Chader has over 20 years of publicity experience, having worked for TBS in Atlanta; Comedy Central and MTV Networks in Los Angeles; and CMT in Nashville. Chader is a native of Atlanta and a graduate of Florida State University. She is a graduate of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute via Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT) and is a past member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Southern Foodways Alliance, the Academy of Country Music, and the Americana Music Association. She is currently a member of the Country Music Association and an alumnus of Leadership Music’s Class of 2009.

Industry Veteran, Dennis Disney, Named Vice President at Maxximum Artist Group

Aaron Benward Joins Company as Director of National Promotions in L.A.Additional Moves Announced

Long-time industry veteran, Dennis Disney, has joined Maxximum Artist Group as Vice President. The announcement was made by Mitchell Solarek, President of the Nashville-based artist management and development company. In this newly-created position, Disney will oversee daily operations for the firm that manages award-winning artists and producers, including Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Bernie Herms, Donald Lawrence, and others.

“Dennis and I have known each other for over 18 years, having first met and worked together when he was head of marketing at Benson Music for Natalie Grant’s debut album,” states Solarek. “We reconnected this fall when he worked with us on the launch of Natalie’s new album.” Grant’s Be One project (Curb Records) released November 13, 2015 and debuted No. 1 on Billboard Magazine’s Top Christian Albums chart.

  “We have ambitious plans to grow the impact of our artists and expand the footprint of our business,” Solarek continues. “Over these past few months, it became clear that Dennis was suited to take an executive role with our firm. With his three decades of experience as an artist manager, record label executive, publishing executive, business owner, and university adjunct instructor, he brings an abundance of insight and expertise uniquely qualifying him to lead the operations of Maxximum.”

  First beginning in marketing at Word Records in 1985, moving into the manager role for Steven Curtis Chapman (1987-1990), and then back to the corporate side of the business, Disney has held leadership and executive positions at major companies in addition to operating his own agency. Notably, as Vice President of Marketing at Benson Music (Provident/Sony), he oversaw the faith-based team for Bob Carlisle’s Double-Platinum Butterfly Kisses (2.5 million units sold), Fred Hammond’s Platinum-selling double-album Pages of Life, and 4HIM’s Gold album, The Basics of Life. Most recently at Worthy Publishing, as Vice President of Marketing he led the book publisher’s marketing team on John Hagee’s ECPA Gold Medal book, Four Blood Moons (over 700,000+ in print), and The Jeremiah Study Bible (over 250,000+ in print), the top-selling Study Bible in 2014. Since 2009, Disney has been an adjunct instructor at Belmont University in Nashville, teaching a course on “Entertainment Distribution and Promotion.”

  Says Disney, “I’m thrilled to formally reconnect with Mitchell and to join the talented team at Maxximum Artist Group as we passionately serve the artists, writers, and producers who work hard to create life-affirming content.” In other Maxximum moves:

  Aaron Benward is joining the company as Director of National Promotions and Development and will helm a Los Angeles office for Maxximum. Benward is a former solo artist, founding member of Curb Records’ three-time ACM-nominated “Duo of the Year ,“Blue Country,” and creator of the Las Vegas-based live show, “Nashville Unplugged: The Story Behind the Song.” He will facilitate national promotion across broadcast, streaming, and event platforms on behalf of Maxximum artists.

  MarQuis Hardin has been hired as Management Assistant/Social Media Coordinator. A former intern at Maxximum, Hardin recently graduated from Belmont University’s Music Business program.

  Rounding out the Maxximum staff are artist managers Kristi Brazell (who oversees the day-to-day management for Natalie Grant), Penny Railey (responsible manager for Danny Gokey), and project coordinator, Ben Pogue. “I’m thankful to have such wonderful talent on our team,” Solarek says. “Each brings a level of creativity, expertise, and network that strengthens our ability to fulfill our mission to influence those who influence hearts and minds.” About Maxximum Artist Management:

  Maximum Artist Management is a Nashville-based artist management and devel-opment firm founded in 1998 by Mitchell Solarek. Currently, the firm’s roster includes four-time Gospel Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year and Grammy® nominee, Natalie Grant; Grammy® nominated producer Bernie Herms (Josh Groban; Barbra Streisand; Natalie Grant); Grammy® and Stellar® award-winning artist/producer Donald Lawrence; American Idol alumnus, Danny Gokey; singer/songwriter Kolby Koloff; new artist 3for3; and Koryn Hawthorne.

UKULELE MASTER JAKE SHIMABUKURO OFFERS UP 2 CD SET LIVE IN JAPAN

Recorded live in Japan during his sold-out 2015 World Tour“JAKE IS TAKING THE INSTRUMENT TO A PLACE I CAN’T SEE ANYBODY ELSE CATCHING UP WITH!” EDDIE VEDDER

Hawaii native Jake Shimabukuro is set to release his “best of” live collection Live In Japan, his second release on Hitchhike Records/eOne, Friday, February 26, 2016. Pre-orders are available today on Amazon, iTunes and the website. The 2 CD collection features some of Shimabukuro’s favorite songs from his 15-year career including a 10-minute classic reworking of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” which currently has over 14 million views on YouTube.

The collection of uniquely crafted tunes was recorded during his fall 2015 dates in Japan on his 2015 world tour which begins with a 9-minute medley including the War classic “Low Rider,” and performances of “Dragon, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Blue Roses Falling,” to name a few. The band set also includes several original selections from his most recent studio album, Travels, which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top World Album Chart in 2015.

  2016 is shaping up to be Shimabukuro’s biggest of his career. Beyond the live release, his first in seven years, he will be working on a collaborative new studio album as well as launching a tour starting on January 23rd in Napa, California, that will take him across the United States and around the world.

  TRACK LISTING:

  CD 1: 1. Medley – Trapped, Me & Shirley T, Low Rider 2. Passport 3. Red Eye 4. Ichigo Ichie 5. I’ll Be There 6. Oama 7. Travels 8. Kawika 9. Hula Girl 10. Blue Roses Falling

  CD 2: 1. Bohemian Rhapsody 2. Dragon 3. 3rd Stream 4. Orange World 5. While My Guitar Gently Weeps Produced by Jake Shimabukuro

2016 Tour Dates: 1/23 Napa, CA 1/29 Cincinnati, Ohio 1/30 Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1/31 Cleveland, Ohio 2/1 Chicago, IL 2/2 Chicago, IL 2/3 Vancouver, CN 2/5 Fairbanks, Alaska 2/6 Anchorage, Alaska 2/7 Kodiak, Alaska

SALT LIFE INTRODUCING FALL 2016 PRODUCT LINE AT UPCOMING TRADE SHOWS IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AND ORLANDO, FLORIDA SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY COLIN MCPHILLIPS, JIMMY NELSON, SARAH JARRETT, LUIZA BARROS, DON DINGMAN AND MORE

Leading lifestyle brand Salt Life will introduce the Fall 2016 product line at upcoming trade shows in California and Florida with special appearances by Salt Life ambassadors, a team of athletes who represent the best in surfing, fishing, diving and more.

The Agenda trade show will be held January 7-8 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. The Salt Life team will be in Booth H3, along with special guest, surfer Colin McPhillips. For more information, see the Agenda website and download the app.

Surf Expo will be held January 14-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Salt Life will be in Booth 2434. In addition to viewing the Fall 2016 product line, attendees will get the chance to meet Salt Life ambassadors Jimmy Nelson, Sarah Jarrett, Luiza Barros, Don Dingman and more. For more information on Surf Expo, visit the website and download the app. Check out this video of Salt Life's "Top Five Moments of 2015," and learn more about Team Salt Life here.

About Salt Life:

Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the “Salt Life”. Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, the Salt Life brand says, “I live the Salt Life”. From its first merchandise offerings in 2006, Salt Life has grown to more than $30 million in annual sales, with distribution in surf shops, specialty stores, department stores and sporting goods retailers.

Salt Life, LLC is operated as an operating subsidiary of Delta Apparel, Inc., where it has been managed since 2011. The flagship Salt Life retail store, which opened in Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 2012, serves as a vision for retail customers to see product placements they can utilize in their stores and across multiple platforms. Salt Life's corporate office is located in Columbus, GA and their distribution center was recently relocated to Fayetteville, NC. Numerous professional athletes and sportsmen have an alliance with the brand in cross-marketing partnerships. (http://www.saltlife.com/athletes/)

About Delta Apparel, Inc.

Delta Apparel, Inc., along with its operating subsidiaries, M. J. Soffe, LLC, Junkfood Clothing Company and Art Gun, LLC, is an international design, marketing, manufacturing and sourcing company that features a diverse portfolio of lifestyle basic and branded activewear apparel and headwear. The Company specializes in selling casual and athletic products across distribution tiers, including specialty stores, boutiques, department stores, mid-tier and mass chains, college bookstores and the U.S. military. The Company’s products are made available direct-to-consumer on its websites at Soffe, Junk Food Clothing, Salt Life and Delta Apparel. The Company's operations are located throughout the United States, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico, and it employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide. Additional information about the Company is available here.

NASHVILLE-BASED NON-PROFIT MOTHER TO MOTHER, INC. SERVES OVER 43,000 CHILDREN IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE

NASHVILLE NON-PROFIT LEADER JANIE BUSBEE ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL OUTREACH WITH MOTHER TO MOTHER, INC. AS THEY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE TENNESSEE FAMILIES ESSENTIALS FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN

Mother To Mother, Inc. has 6 supply centers in Middle Tennessee with the newest opening in Clarksville this month that service over 43,000 children across the Middle Tennessee

Visit Mother To Mother, Inc.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 23, 2015) -- Mother To Mother, Inc., Middle Tennessee’s non-profit organization dedicated to providing Tennessee families in need with essential equipment, clothing and products for their infants and young children, founded by Janie Busbee, is expanding its supply center chain into Clarksville this month. Currently, the non-profit has six supply centers in Middle Tennessee. To date, Mother To Mother has served over 43,000 children. Over 2.1 million items have been distributed since the organizations inception. To make a charitable donation, please log in here: Mother To Mother Donations here. Busbee founded the organization in 2004.

Founder Janie Busbee says, “As a mother, I truly understand the taxing monetary needs that need to be met in raising children. I started Mother To Mother to help provide those in our community that could use a little extra help. Reading the paper and seeing the stories, I knew I needed to help generate a means to an end for these families.

  “Today, we are pleased to have many partners such as Nashville General Hospital at Meharry, Mercy Ministries, Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Catholic Charities of Nashville and many others that we work with on a daily bases,” she continues.

  Tennessee is ranked 45th in the nation for infant mortality. Additionally, none of the government’s “safety net” programs provide diapers, therefore leaving those in need with little to no resources to secure these essentials. Busbee’s mission is to deliver and collect these essentials on a daily basis. Organizations and individuals can do their part by holding “diaper drives,” baby showers, becoming a sponsor and by monetary donations.

  By the numbers, Mother To Mother, Inc, has: provided:

  * Over 1.2 million diapers * 1,255 cribs/Pack N Plays * Over 1400 car seats * Over 342,000 pieces of clothing

  2016 is shaping up to be banner year for the non-profit as it continues its growth throughout the state. Without the help of the partners and corporations providing goods and services, along with regular donations of clothes and other items from children, churches, other organizations and more, none of this would be possible. For those interested in making monetary or physical goods donations, please visit the website, www.mothertomotherinc.org.

THE STEELDRIVERS’ THE MUSCLE SHOALS RECORDINGS EARNS A GRAMMY NOMINATION FOR BEST BLUEGRASS ALBUM

Nashville powerhouse group The SteelDrivers received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Bluegrass Album for The Muscle Shoals Recordings, marking four career nods for the group. The critically-acclaimed album, released June 16 on Rounder Records, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Chart and achieved the highest first-week sales in the band’s history. “What a great early Christmas present. We are honored and thrilled to say the least for this recognition. TMSR represents our desire to continue to push ourselves as a group and bring a fresh perspective. We are a scrappy bunch of players that love what we do and send a hearty congrats to all the nominees,” says fiddle player, vocalist and songwriter Tammy Rogers.

  The Muscle Shoals Recordings is the fifth release from The SteelDrivers, made up of Richard Bailey, Mike Fleming, Gary Nichols, Tammy Rogers and Brent Truitt. The four-time GRAMMY nominees produce “uneasy listening” music, a unique blend of bluegrass and soul that has inspired praise from critics and audiences for years, and The Muscle Shoals Recordings is no exception.

  “The group has rarely sounded more focused or passionate.” Hal Horowitz, American Songwriter

  “The aptly-named The Muscle Shoals Recordings reflects the same soul and blues ache so evident in the town made famous by Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and the Staples family, among many others.” Suzanne Cadgene, Elmore Magazine

“You can call it power-bluegrass or country soul, but whatever you call it, Nashville's SteelDrivers have bushels of it.” AD Amorosi, Philadelphia Enquirer

  The winners will be announced on February 15, 2016 at the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

The Education of Public Relations (You say you want in?)

“PR is a great occupation,” says Jules Wortman. “It’s a fundamental and very important part of a team, whether you’re working in a hospital, an auto dealer or on Music Row, Hollywood or the White House. It’s a key component to the success or failure of any company.” In a field as popular as PR, she says the easiest way to stand out in the pack is to want it for the right reasons. “Everyone thinks they can do this,” she says. “And so many of them want to be the star. That’s the whole point: We’re not the star.”

Often, those who want to be in PR have a misconception about the industry. After years of watching glamorous publicists stroll through parties in their Louboutins onscreen, they assume the life of a PR professional is a cushy one.

The reality is that starting PR salaries do not buy Louboutins. “It takes a long time to make money. The nature of the industry is that you’re not going to make a lot starting out, you have to work your way up. It stinks in a way, but it can weed out the people who really want it and who love it from the people who are doing it for the wrong reasons.”

And those who want it need to be ready to work for it. “It’s a great, great career choice—if you like long hours, you like to be creative and you know how to write. You have to know how to do the things a PR person is required to do. A lot of people want to be in PR because of the glitz and the glam, but no one thinks about sending the photos after an event, or making edits to a press release…all the stuff that goes into being Samantha on Sex and the City.”

Wortman is quick to remind PR newbies of the industry’s grittier aspects. “One of the first things I tell young PR people: You can wear high heels to the first event, but you’ll never wear them again,” she says. “We’ve all been there—going home with numb toes after an event, tripping and falling on the red carpet. I always say carry flats or flip flops even if you wear heels.” This is just one of the rules you learn quickly, but is an anology to the entire scope of being a PR professional.

She also advises up-and-comers to brush up on their skills. “You should have a book of etiquette and an AP Style book as part of your library. Those two things are essential,” she says. “I’ve had lessons with my clients; how to order, which fork to use. There’s all kinds of things PR does behind the scenes that people don’t have any clue about. The phone call at 2 in the morning, ‘Hey I’m in jail.’ or ‘I just cancelled a concert because I’m mad at the promoter.’ You have to keep yourself calm and not look like you’re freaking out in front of your client, devise a plan and get back to them. To handle these things requires a gift that either you innately have or you acquire.”

Wortman says gaining experience in different PR environments can help aspiring PR professionals find their path.

“It’s important that college students intern at different types of PR firms,” she says. “Don’t do just one internship in one particular field because there are different approaches to each area of PR. Corporate communications is different than working for an independent PR firm. Where you might wear a suit or a nice outfit to one, you can wear a t-shirt and flip flops to another. You need to experience different cultures to see what works for you.”

She says that great PR professionals are the ones who thrive on the unpredictability of the field. “Every day is different. Every day is exciting. Every day is a new challenge,” she says. “It’s not a 9 to 5 job, and if you thought it would be then someone told you wrong. It’s challenging, and the challenges are great. It’s a unique and exciting job with a lot of hard work and a lot of juggling. I love it.”

ROUNDER RECORDS’ AWARD WINNING GROUP THE STEELDRIVERS HIT NASHVILLE ALL WEEKEND LONG

ROUNDER RECORDS’ AWARD WINNING GROUPTHE STEELDRIVERS HIT NASHVILLE ALL WEEKEND LONG

GRAND OLE OPRY AT THE RYMAN NOV. 13 3rd AND LINDSLEY ON NOV. 14 & 15

Nashville, Tenn. (November 3, 2015) – Grammy-nominated band, The SteelDrivers, will perform at the historic Grand Ole Opry at The Ryman on November 13 and will have full show experiences at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville on November 14 & 15. Show times are 8 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit The SteelDrivers website.

  Only Nashville could give birth to a band like The SteelDrivers: a talented group of seasoned musicians – each distinguished in his or her own right. The group’s bluegrass roots combine with country and soul influences to create a refreshing, decidedly contemporary sound. This is new music with the old feeling. The SteelDrivers fan Vince Gill describes the band’s fusion as simply "an incredible combination."

  The innovative, soulful bluegrass band the SteelDrivers – Tammy Rogers, Gary Nichols, Mike Fleming, Brent Truitt, and Richard Bailey -- are celebrating the release of their acclaimed new album, The Muscle Shoals Recordings, released on June 16, 2015. The album reached #1 on the Bluegrass Chart. The band has now released four albums on Rounder Records.

  The band’s recent tour dates have wowed critics, who praise the band’s “gutsy, gritty bluegrass songs” (Juli Thanki, The Tennessean). Writing in the Philadelphia Inquirer, AD Amorosi declared “You can call it power-bluegrass or country soul, but whatever you call it, Nashville's SteelDrivers have bushels of it.”

  Early reviews of the album are equally effusive. Country Standard Time’s Donald Teplyske writes “the group has embraced his uniqueness: The SteelDrivers have established soulgrass as their own little niche,” and goes on to say “The Muscle Shoals Recordings continues the band's string of superior bluegrass recordings.” Jeff Simon of the Buffalo News says “it’s not all that long a way from Nashville to Muscle Shoals – not geographically or musically either. The trip was worth making.” All Music’s Mark Deming calls it “music played with soul, heart, honesty, and skill…the music speaks for itself, and what it says is eloquent and deeply pleasing.”

UKULELE VIRTUOSO JAKE SHIMABUKURO’S NEW ALBUM TRAVELS REACHES #2 ON WORLD CHART

UKULELE VIRTUOSO JAKE SHIMABUKURO’S NEW ALBUM TRAVELS REACHES #2 ON WORLD CHARTTRAVELS RECEIVES GLOWING REVIEWS FROM CRITICS AND AUDIENCES AS JAKE CONTINUES HIS U.S. TOUR

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 21, 2015) – Travels, the latest album from ukulele sensation Jake Shimabukuro, climbed to #2 on the world chart shortly after its October 9 release on eOne Music. Jake continues to tour, performing sold-out shows at venues across the country.

Jake’s undeniable artistry and musicianship is confirmed by numerous positive reviews for Travels by media and audiences alike.

“Shimabukuro’s new album, Travels, showcases why many consider him the finest ukulele player of his generation.” Singer-songwriter Bhi Bhiman

“He has been playing the ukulele since he was 4 years…but after watching him Sunday night at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, I would say he started in another life, honed his skills there and then dragged them into this incarnation. He's that good, scary good.” Twin Cities Pioneer Press

“Jake is taking the instrument to a place that I can’t see anybody else catching up with.” Eddie Vedder

“Buoyant musicianship and brisk proficiency." The New York Times

“Leading a ukulele renaissance.” PBS “NEWSHOUR”

“He has transformed the instrument.” Pollstar

Upcoming Tour Dates: October 23 Seattle, WA October 24 Bellingham, WA October 25 Portland, OR October 26 Medford, OR October 27 Arcata, CA October 28 Red Bluff, CA October 29 Malibu, CA October 31 San Diego, CA November 5 Tarrytown, NY November 6 Albany, NY November 7, 8 Buffalo, NY November 9 Hanover, NH November 10 New York, NY

For the complete list of tour dates, visit http://www.jakeshimabukuro.com/home/tour/.

About Jake Shimabukuro: He has elevated the ukulele from a beloved Hawaiian folk instrument to a world-class vehicle, fearlessly traversing boundaries and putting his inspired touch on everything from island standards, to popular tunes and, most recently, classical symphonic concertos.

No wonder Rolling Stone called him “one of the hottest axemen of the past few years (who) doesn’t actually play guitar.” Even Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder has voiced his admiration saying, “Jake is taking the instrument to a place that I can’t see anybody else catching up with.”

Viewed by his peers as a musician’s musician, Jake’s discography includes collaborations with a wide range of artists, from Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson and Cyndi Lauper to Ziggy Marley, Dave Koz, Lyle Lovett and Bette Midler – with whom he performed for the Queen of England in 2009.

In recent years, Jake’s sizzling live performances have made him a hot commodity on national TV, guesting on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Good Morning America and the Today show. He’s wowed audiences at SXSW, Bonnaroo, the Playboy Jazz Festival and the cutting-edge TED conference.

In 2012, he was the subject of an acclaimed documentary, Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings.

46TH ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS HONORED TOP CHRISTIAN AND GOSPEL ARTISTS

PRODUCER/SONGWRITER SETH MOSLEY LEADS WINS WITH FOUR DOVE AWARDS WHILE LAUREN DAIGLE, LECRAE AND MATT MAHER TAKE HOME THREE AT THE 46TH ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS TONIGHT

LECRAE TAKES HOME “ARTIST OF THE YEAR,” “RAP/HIP-HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR” AND “RAP/HIP-HOP SONG OF THE YEAR” WITH MATT MAHER TAKING HONORS AS “SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR/ARTIST” AND WRITER/PERFORMER FOR “PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR” AT THIS YEAR’S CEREMONY CO-HOSTED BY ERICA CAMPBELL AND SADIE ROBERTSON

LAUREN DAIGLE IS NAMED “NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR” AND TOOK HOME “POP/CONTEMPORARY SONG OF THE YEAR” AND “SONG OF THE YEAR” HONORS

DEBUT PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS CAPPED AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT IN CELEBRATING THE YEAR IN CHRISTIAN AND GOSPEL MUSIC

Award Show To Air On The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) On Sunday, October 18th @ 9:00PM CST

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 13, 2015) – Tonight, the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out in 41 categories, as well as 4 special awards. Co-hosted by Erica Campbell and Sadie Robertson, the night drew a record attendance at the Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University. The entire show will broadcast exclusively on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on Sunday, October 18th at 9:00PM CST. For a full list of winners, please click: 46th Annual DOVE AWARD WINNERS

List of televised award winners: Song of the Year: “How Can It Be,” - Lauren Daigle (writers) Jason Ingram, Jeff Johnson, Paul Mabury

Artist of the Year: Lecrae

New Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle

Southern Gospel Album of Year: Pray Now - Karen Peck & New River (producer) Wayne Haun

Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year: “I Luh God (ft. Big Shizz)” – Erica Campbell (writers) Warren Campbell, Erica Campbell, Lashawn Daniels

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: Anomaly – Lecrae (producers) Dirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny, Street Symphony, S1, J. Rhodes, 808XEIite, GAWVI, Nate Robinson, Mashell, Derke Minor, Vohnbeatz, Lasanna, “Ace” Harris, Alex Medina, Jaquebeatz

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: RUN WILD, LIVE FREE, LOVE STRONG – for King & Country (producers) Seth Mosley, Tedd T. Matte Hales, Ben Glover

Gospel Artist of the Year: Tasha Cobbs

Praise and Worship Song of the Year: “Because He Lives (Amen)” – Matt Maher (writers) Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Bill Gaither

Inspirational Film: Mom’s Night Out (directors) The Erwin Brothers (producers) Affirm Films, FourBoys Ent

Provident Films, Pure Flix Ent. And TriStar Pictures Special recognition honors also presented this evening include:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Bobby Jones Gospel and John Rivers 20 The Countdown Magazine GMA IMPACT AWARD – YouTube

The Outstanding Mainstream Contribution to Gospel Music Award – Mark Burnett and Roma Downey Radio Impact Award - CCM - The Joy FM, Southern Gospel – enlighten, Gospel – WPRS – FM 104.1

“We as a body, we as Christians have a legacy to lead about love. We want to allow it to permeate and leave God’s legacy behind.” – Lauren Daigle

“I think receiving an award is sometimes a challenge for us. Thank you so much for believing in us. We’re better together!” – King and Country

“The great thing about a song is God takes your life and I’m so grateful for the church. We live in a tie where music is in a weird place. I just want to thank Jesus for the church.” – Matt Maher

“The theme better together, I’m so excited about this. Revival is going on. I see it in the theater. I’m so excited to stand shoulder to shoulder with my brothers, to see massive change. I’m excited to be up next with Woodlawn, a story about Revival. A story in 1974 to see what God did in the Jesus movement. God did it once with the Jesus movement. We need it again.” – Andrew Erwin

“What we have here is three pastors, one microphone, and an enthusiastic audience. You know what that can mean…..” – Phillips Craig and Dean

“My prayer is that I don’t want anything to upstage me. I want my flesh to die and him to rise so he always shines!” – Erica Campbell

“My prayer is that God keeps me at his feet. He keeps me humble at his feet.” - Tasha Cobbs Official images provided by John Shearer and Terry Wyatt of Getty Images for the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards:

46th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Arrivals http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr303953686

46th Annual GMA Dove Awards – Pre-Telecast 
http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr303953886

46th Annual GMA Dove Awards – Show http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr303953961

Joseph Habedank and Kirk Whalum were the co-hosts of the preshow ceremony where over 30 of the awards were received and outstanding performances were made by many of today's top artists. Both the preshow and the Dove Cares Red Carpet were streamed on www.hearitfirst.com/live.

Tonight’s 41 award presentations represent a wide-array of musical styles ranging from Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Rap/Hip-Hop, Urban, Country, Worship, Contemporary and Traditional Gospel, Rock, Pop, Bluegrass, Spanish Language and Inspirational categories.

Special thanks to this year’s partners: TBN, Lipscomb University, Salem Broadcasting, CCM Magazine, Country Outfitters, Billboard Magazine, LifeWay, CCLI, Sound Exchange, Compassion International, Birdsong Creative, De Lux Productions, The OverFlow, Mad Marketplace, National Museum of African American Music, YesLord Radio!, 760AM, Simple Grace and BMI.

The memberships of the GMA (Gospel Music Association) determine the winners in each category. Kraft CPA is the official accounting firm for the GMA.

About GMA: Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community includes agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.

About the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks: With 28 networks and growing worldwide, the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks is the world’s largest faith-and-family television group, airing a broad range of church and ministry programming, Christian music, family friendly movies, children’s programming, and shows for teens and young adults 24 hours a day to every inhabited continent via 87 satellites and 20,000 television and cable affiliates. In addition, TBN’s most popular global networks are available on computers, smart phones, and other mobile devices, and over 24,000 hours of entertaining and inspiring On-Demand programming is accessible via TBN’s innovative online network, iTBN.org. To find out more about the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks, log on to www.tbn.org.

46TH ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS TO BE HELD AT LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY'S ALLEN ARENA ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

46TH ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS TO BE HELD AT LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY'S ALLEN ARENA ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

WHO: Hosts: Erica Campbell and Sadie Robertson Performers: Casting Crowns, Crowder, Lauren Daigle, Danny Gokey, MercyMe and more Presenters: Jason Crabb, Natalie Grant, Kari Jobe, Newsboys’ Michael Tait and Duncan Phillips, Michael W. Smith and more.

For full list of nominees, click here.

WHAT: The 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards will feature artists from every style of Gospel/Christian music coming together to celebrate the collective impact of the genre. Over 1,500 professional members determine the Dove Award nominees with the winners voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500. The awards are produced by the GMA.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena 1 University Park Drive Nashville, TN 37204

The show is sold out and will air on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on Sunday, October 18, 2015.

About GMA:

Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community includes agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE and GMA Honors. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376.

Maintaining The Message In The Evolution of Communications

With 25 years of PR experience, she has seen the industry grow and change firsthand. From her early days on Music Row to the launch of Wortman Works, she has had a front row seat for the evolution of the industry. “The art of PR has shifted. It’s always been an art to what we do, but the art has become a lot more colorful than it was.” Literally. “My employees found some old notebooks of mine that were black and white photos Xeroxed onto a page and a list of all the outlets I sent the photos to. That was how we did it,” she says. “It would take two days to get pictures from the photographer, then you would fold the paper over them with the cut line. Then you’d send it out to the outlets and write each down, then write down who you followed up with. Whereas those pictures might not show up for two weeks 25 years ago, they’re showing up in five minutes today.”

She says that immediacy is one of the biggest changes in the field of public relations, and that sometimes it can cause PR professionals to lose sight of the bigger picture.

“I see a lot of people that don’t have any strategy and just shoot from this hip,” she says. “Strategy is key. Of course you’re going to have things come up at the last minute—there might be a flood and you decide to do a flood relief concert, whatever the case may be—but an overall PR strategy is the best way to be prepared.”

A big part of the shift in PR is due to the domination of social media. “Usually news isn’t broken in long lead publications because it’s too late,” she explains. “Every celebrity is posting on social media, and sometimes, if you’re not holding the client’s hand, you might get the news when the public does—just because they’re so excited about something and they’re not thinking ahead and you’re not there to reign it in. That’s the worst case scenario in the PR world because you want to be the one in charge of controlling the message, but in today’s world the consumer has gotten so close to the client. Celebrities, CEOs of major corporations; everyone wants to be interfacing directly with their consumer. That’s where strategy sometimes goes out the window, but you have to realize strategy really is a key component to building your brand overall.

“Leaks need to be planned leaks because you’re building a tease to a bigger reveal. But when the leak gets out incorrectly, your team is either scrambling to massage the message that might have been disrupted or figure out the next steps to save the strategy.”

Another change: PR has become more than just public relations. “PR is shifting. It’s becoming more marketing/branding platforms. I named my company Wortman Works Media and Marketing because I do more than PR, but my background is PR. I majored in PR. I’ve run major PR departments. But the way my company works, I’m a big picture overarching PR strategist, and I don’t just do publicity to get ink. I’m trying to build brands. A lot of companies are dropping PR from their names, they’re merging with marketing departments and social media. They’re retooling their faculties. They’re renaming it. There’s crisis communications, there’s strategy, there’s movie campaigns and album campaigns, but it all boils down to a focused message. If you don’t have that, no one is going to pay attention.