Superstar Toby Keith to Perform Merle Haggard Tribute at the "2016 American Country Countdown Awards"

SUPERSTAR TOBY KEITH TO PERFORM MERLE HAGGARD TRIBUTE

AT THE “2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS”

Academy Award^® Winner Matthew McConaughey to Introduce Tribute

2^nd Annual Country Music Awards Show Airs Live Sunday, May 1, On FOX

LOS ANGELES (April 21, 2016) — Superstar singer/songwriter Toby Keith will perform a heartfelt tribute in celebration of his friend and musical hero Merle Haggard at the 2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS airing live from The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, May 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Oscar^®-winning actor Matthew McConaughey will introduce the tribute to the late legendary songwriter who inspired countless musicians and who is one of country music’s greatest icons.

Haggard’s longtime back-up band, The Strangers, will join Keith as part of this memorable performance. In addition, Haggard’s widow, Theresa, will be in attendance along with other members of the Haggard family, including son Ben, who also will perform with The Strangers.

Keith joins previously announced performers Kelsea Ballerini, 2016 NASH Icon Award recipients Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Cam, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Martina McBride, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and Carrie Underwood.

From his first No. 1 smash "Should've Been A Cowboy" to his new album 35 mph Town, Toby Keith has been one of the most consistent self-directed hit makers of his era. His single, "Made In America" (from the album Clancy’s Tavern) topped the charts as one of the fastest rising songs in a long line of his chart burners. The second hit, "Red Solo Cup," has become one of the most commercially successful country singles with a viral video garnering more than 30 million views while having topped the top downloaded country songs charts. The first single from 35 mph Town, "Drunk Americans," debuted at No. 1 Most Added on both the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts.

At the core of Keith's unparalleled success is his songwriting, with an astounding succession of hit songs to the tune of more than 87 million BMI performances on commercial radio stations worldwide. In June 2015, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, and he has been honored by the Nashville Songwriters Association International with its Songwriter/Artist of the Decade distinction. He is a three-time BMI Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year and was named the American Country Awards' Artist of the Decade. His albums have sold more than 40 million copies, ranking him among the top-selling all-genre artists on Billboard's Top 200 Artists of the Decade; he is also Billboard's No. 1 Country Artist of the Decade and No. 1 Country Songwriter of the Decade. His tours have drawn more than one million fans each year for the last decade. This year's tour, Interstates & Tailgates presented by Ford F-Series, kicks off in May with dates scheduled throughout North America. However Keith’s most rewarding experiences come from giving back. Whether it's helping sick children and their families in his native Oklahoma through the Toby Keith Foundation and the cost-free home OK Kids Korral, or supporting US Troops, including 11 USO Tours throughout the world, Keith has never lost touch with the most important things in life.

Matthew McConaughey will next be seen in the June 24^th release of Free State of Jones, an epic action-drama set during the Civil War that tells the story of defiant Southern farmer, Newt Knight, and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy. In 2016 he will also lend his voice to Kubo and the Two Strings and Sing as well as star in Gold, directed by Stephen Gaghan.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show (43 years), “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors country music’s biggest stars, based on album sales and radio airplay. Finalists and winners for all categories are based on radio airplay charts, sales and streaming data from April 1, 2015 to March 28, 2016 provided by BuzzAngle Music. Touring data is from Pollstar “The Concert Hotwire.”

Tickets for the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS at the “Fabulous” Forum are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is produced by dick clark productions.  Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), Mark Bracco (Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, dick clark productions), Kix Brooks, Richard Godfrey and Tom Forrest are executive producers.

About dick clark productions

dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming, with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “American Country Countdown Awards,” “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Hollywood Film Awards” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes “So You Think You Can Dance, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries, with more than 55 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.

About Cumulus Media

A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 454 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports and entertainment, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and Miss America. Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, NASH Country Daily, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

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SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:

Cheat Tweet: .@TobyKeithMusic to perform a @merlehaggard tribute at the @ACCAs. Don't miss it May 1 on @FOXTV: bit.ly/ACCAsTribute

Twitter: @ACCAs

Instagram: @ACCAs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americancountrycountdownawards/

Tumblr: http://theaccawards.tumblr.com/

Snapchat: ACCAwards

Vine: ACCAwards 

Sundy Best Set to Release It's So Good Live! on Friday, April 22

SUNDY BEST SET TO RELEASE IT'S SO GOOD LIVE! ON FRIDAY, APRIL 22

WATCH THE VIDEO STREAM FROM THE LIVE CONCERT LAST FALL ON ALBUM RELEASE DAY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 21, 2016) - To celebrate the release of their new live album It's So Good LIVE, Sundy Best will offer fans the opportunity to watch the video stream from the Louisville, Kentucky, concert where the album was recorded last fall. On Friday, April 22, nearly two hours of concert footage filmed by Americus True Productions will be released online. RSVP to get your invite to watch the stream here: http://bit.ly/1MHbdM8

It’s So Good LIVE features the Kentucky duo during a sold-out show in Louisville, Kentucky offering up crowd favorites such as “These Days,” “I Wanna Go Home,” “Drunk Right” and other songs from their three previously released collections on eOne Music. The 24-song set includes 23 original songs written by the duo’s Kris Bentley and Nick Jamerson and a cover of Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” Pre-orders are available now on iTunes and Amazon.

“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to capture our music in a way that truly represents us,” says Nick. “It was a very special year for us and the live recording is essentially the show we played all year all over the country. We just felt like these were the songs we could play the best, collectively. I'm very proud of the band and our performance as well as the rest of our team for making this record possible.”

“It was tough to decide what tracks to include,” adds Kris. “The crowds on both nights were optimal for a live recording, and we went with what felt most comfortable.”

Since 2013, the unconventional duo has generated a solid following with their three previous releases, Door Without a Screen, Bring Up The Sun and Salvation City. From the first note heard by many tastemakers, the band has garnered significant airplay on Sirius XM, CMT and various other outlets. Aside from being a part of the CMT “Listen Up” program, they have played with the Steve Miller Band at The Ryman, to over 75,000 at various Kentucky Wildcat events, and have received numerous accolades from national media outlets. Sundy Best went from the cajon and acoustic to adding the electric guitar and keyboard on this outing, proving that their music and message is full whether it is stripped down or full blown, as evidenced on It’s So Good LIVE!

Track Listing: 

1. Count on Me
2. Shotgun Lady
3. Lotta Love
4. Smoking Gun
5. It’s So Good
6. Southern Boy
7. NOYA
8. Jimmy Crider
9. Fishin’
10. Rock N Roll Baby
11. Summit City Slowdown
12. Drunk Right
13. Mary Jane’s Last Dance (written by Tom Petty)
14. Uneven Trade
15. Lily
16. Hindman
17. Piece Of Work
18. Swarpin’
19. Until I Met You
20. These Days
21. Four Door
22. Thunder
23. I Wanna Go Home
24. This Country (BONUS TRACK)

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Jules Wortman 

Wortman Works Media & Marketing

jwortman@wortmanworks.com

615.260.9985

The GMA Foundation Announces its 2016-17 Board of Directors

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THE GMA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES ITS 2016-17 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Industry leaders oversee the legacy and educational aspects of Gospel and Christian music

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 11, 2016) –The GMA Foundation is proud to announce its 2016-17 Board of Directors.  The GMA Foundation’s mission is to continue to educate, preserve and invest in the Gospel and Christian music industry. 

GMA Foundation President Jackie Patillo states, “The GMA Foundation serves our community by focusing on our history and legacy as well as investing in education for our future creative leaders. These two pieces are so important to the growth and long-term success of our industry. I'm grateful to have this diverse group of men and women at the helm and leading the charge.  Great things are ahead." 

GMA Foundation Board 2016-17:

Barry Jennings, Gaither Music Group

Brian Mason, The Brian Mason Show

Cedric Dent, Middle TN State University

Charles Dorris (Chairman), Charles Dorris & Associates

Cheryl Moore, Thirty Tigers

Ed Harper, The Harper Agency

Jody Mainello, Lone Oak Entertainment

Loren Mulraine, Bone McAllester Norton PLLC

Mike Atkins, Mike Atkins Entertainment

Susan Riley, Amplify Entertainment

Tina Morris, Jason Crabb Ministries

Walt Leaver, Lipscomb University

About the GMA Foundation:

The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit educational institution (501c3) working in connection with the Gospel Music Association (GMA). The GMAF is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the historical development of gospel music and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience, as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to gospel music.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Jules Wortman

Wortman Works Media & Marketing

jwortman@wortmanworks.com

615.260.9986

“2016 American Country Countdown Awards Adds Kelsea Ballerini, Cam, Dan + Shay, Sam Hunt, Martina McBride, and Cole Swindell to Star-Studded Lineup of Performers

“2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” ADDS

KELSEA BALLERINI, CAM, DAN + SHAY, SAM HUNT, MARTINA MCBRIDE

AND COLE SWINDELL TO STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF PERFORMERS

The 2^nd Annual Country Music Awards Show Airs Live

From Los Angeles, Sunday, May 1 on FOX

Los Angeles, CA (April, 7 2016) – Country’s biggest stars and rising newcomers including Kelsea Ballerini, Cam, Dan + Shay, Sam Hunt, Martina McBride, and Cole Swindell will join previously announced powerhouse performers Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and more on the star-studded “American Country Countdown Awards” airing Sunday, May 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. This year’s host and additional performers will be announced shortly.

Breakout artist Kelsea Ballerini is the latest recipient of the 2016 ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year award with two consecutive No. 1 smashes — the Gold-certified "Love Me Like You Mean It” and the infectious follow-up “Dibs” — from her critically acclaimed debut album “The First Time.” The country sweetheart is the first solo female artist in 15 years to hit No. 1 with her first two country singles and one of only 11 women to have ever hit the top of the charts with a debut. The Black River Entertainment recording artist is a two-time 2016 ACCA finalist for Female Vocalist Of The Year and Breakthrough Female Of The Year.

Shining newcomer Cam is a two-time 2016 ACCA finalist for Female Vocalist of the Year and Breakthrough Female Vocalist of the Year. Her No. 1 smash “Burning House” was certified Platinum by the RIAA and remains the only single by a country female to achieve more than 1 million downloads the past year. When Cam’s debut album “Untamed” was released in December, it earned 2015’s best first-week sales by a debut country artist.

Critically acclaimed duo and current two-time ACCA finalist Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) hit No. 1 on Billboard's Country Albums Chart with their first album “Where It All Began.” Racking up more than 26 million YouTube views, they are the only new country duo in SoundScan recorded history to debut at No. 1. Dan + Shay have been nominated for both the CMA’s and ACM’s Vocal Duo of the Year for two years in a row, and were previously nominated for a CMT Music Video Award.

Standout newcomer Sam Hunt is a current five-time ACCA finalist including coveted categories Artist Of The Year and Album Of The Year. His Grammy-nominated debut album “Montevallo” topped the Billboard Country Albums Chart in its first week and remains the best-selling debut album for a country artist since 2011.

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“2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” PERFORMERS – Page 2

Multiple Grammy® Award nominee and vocal powerhouse Martina McBride has sold over 18 million albums to date, including 20 Top 10 singles and six No. 1 hits. Recently, she released her

new single, Reckless,” the title track from her 13^th studio album due out April 29. She has earned more than 15 major music awards, including four wins for Female Vocalist of the Year from the Country Music Association and three Academy of Country Music Awards for Top Female Vocalist.

Rising singer/songwriter Cole Swindell just hit the top of the country singles charts for a record- breaking fifth consecutive time with the title track “You Should Be Here,” from his forthcoming album, following four No. 1 singles off his Platinum-certified debut. The 2015 ACM New Artist Of The Year and Billboard Top New Artist has earned over 250 million streams and sold over 4 million tracks. Additionally, he has co-written eight of the biggest No. 1 songs in country music for some of the format’s hottest stars, including Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show (43 years), “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors country music’s biggest stars, based on album sales and radio airplay. Finalists and winners for all categories are based on radio airplay charts, sales and streaming data from April 1, 2015 to March 28, 2016 provided by BuzzAngle Music. Touring data is from Pollstar “The Concert Hotwire.” The NASH Icon Award is chosen by The American Country Countdown.

Tickets for the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, CA are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

To apply for press and publicist credentials, please visit: http://www.dickclark.com/shows/american-country-countdown-awards. Deadline to apply is Friday, April 15, 2016, 5:00 PM PT.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is produced by dick clark productions.  Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), Mark Bracco (Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, dick clark productions), Kix Brooks, Richard Godfrey and Tom Forrest are executive producers.

About dick clark productions

dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming, with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS, “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Hollywood Film Awards” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group and dcp; and “World’s Funniest,” from Jukin Media and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries, with more than 55 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com. 

About Cumulus Media 

A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 454 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of

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“2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” PERFORMERS – Page 3

the top 10), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports and entertainment, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and Miss America.

Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, NASH Country Weekly magazine, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

*   *   *

SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:

Cheat Tweet: @KelseaBallerini, @SamHuntMusic, @coleswindell and MORE announced to PERFORM at the @ACCAs: bit.ly/ACCAsPerform

Twitter: @ACCAs

Instagram: @ACCAs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americancountrycountdownawards/

Tumblr: http://theaccawards.tumblr.com/

Snapchat: ACCAwards

Vine: ACCAwards

CONTACTS:

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS

Lisa Chader                                         615-428-7223              lisa@wortmanworks.com

dick clark productions

Liz Morentin                                        310-255-4602              lmorentin@dickclark.com

Lydia Baskharoon                               310-255-0319              lbaskharoon@dickclark.com

FOX

Alyssa McGovern                              310-369-5361                 Alyssa.mcgovern@fox.com

Kelley Kirkpatrick                               310-369-5820                 Kelley.Kirkpatrick@fox.com

Nicole Gonzales                                310-369-0827              nicole.gonzales@fox.com

Finalists Announced For "2016 American Country Countdown Awards" Airing Live From the Forum in Los Angeles Sunday, May 1 on Fox

LUKE BRYAN LEADS WITH SEVEN CATEGORIES; SAM HUNT GARNERS FIVE;

THOMAS RHETT AND ZAC BROWN BAND EACH EARN FOUR; AND

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE RECEIVE THREE

SUPERSTAR AND MULTI-CATEGORY FINALIST CARRIE UNDERWOOD

SET TO PERFORM

Finalists for the 2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS were announced today. Country superstar Luke Bryan dominates the list with seven category nods, followed by newcomer Sam Hunt with five, Thomas Rhett and Zac Brown Band each with four, and Florida Georgia Line with three. Additionally, megastar and multi-category finalist Carrie Underwood has been added as a performer, joining previously announced performers Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett and more. The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS are based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show, “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” which has recognized the best in country radio for more than 40 years. This year’s host and additional performers and presenters will be announced soon.

The 2016 American Country Countdown Awards will air live from the Forum in Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, May 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The two-hour event is the first country music awards show to air live from Los Angeles in more than 10 years. Tickets for the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS at the Forum are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Superstar Carrie Underwood emerged from her 2005 AMERICAN IDOL win to become a true multi-format, multi-media artist, spanning achievements in music, television and film. A seven-time Grammy® Award winner, she has amassed more than 100 major honors, sold 58 million records worldwide and recorded 23 No. 1 singles, 13 of which she co-wrote, with a catalog of songs that has been streamed more than 1.5 billion times worldwide. She is a finalist in two categories for the 2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS: Female Vocalist Of The Year; and Album Of The Year (for “Storyteller”).

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“AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” FINALISTS – Page 2

In addition to Underwood, A Thousand Horses, Blake Shelton, Cam, Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Jana Kramer, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, and Old Dominion each were named finalists in two categories. Brothers Osborne, Chris Janson, Chris Stapleton, Garth Brooks, Karen Fairchild, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Michael Ray, and Miranda Lambert also received nods.

Below are the finalists for the 2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Blake Shelton

Florida Georgia Line

Jason Aldean

Luke Bryan

Sam Hunt

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Blake Shelton

Jason Aldean

Luke Bryan

Sam Hunt

Thomas Rhett

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Cam

Carrie Underwood

Jana Kramer

Kelsea Ballerini

Miranda Lambert

GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

A Thousand Horses

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line

Old Dominion

Zac Brown Band

BREAKTHROUGH MALE OF THE YEAR

Chris Janson

Michael Ray

Sam Hunt

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE OF THE YEAR

Cam

Jana Kramer

Kelsea Ballerini

BREAKTHROUGH GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

A Thousand Horses

Dan + Shay

Old Dominion

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“AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” FINALISTS – Page 3

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Stay A Little Longer” – Brothers Osborne

“Home Alone Tonight” – Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild

“Strip It Down” – Luke Bryan

“Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett

“Homegrown” – Zac Brown Band

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Storyteller” – Carrie Underwood

“Traveller” – Chris Stapleton

“Kick The Dust Up” – Luke Bryan

“Montevallo” – Sam Hunt

“Jekyll + Hyde” – Zac Brown Band

DIGITAL SONG OF THE YEAR

“Girl Crush” – Little Big Town

“Kick The Dust Up” – Luke Bryan

“Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett

DIGITAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Anything Goes” – Florida Georgia Line

“Montevallo” – Sam Hunt

“Tangled Up” – Thomas Rhett

TOURING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Garth Brooks

Kenny Chesney

Luke Bryan

Shania Twain

Zac Brown Band

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS finalists and winners for all categories are based on radio airplay charts, sales and streaming data from April 1, 2015 to March 28, 2016 provided by BuzzAngle Music. Touring data is from Pollstar “The Concert Hotwire.” The NASH Icon Award is chosen by The American Country Countdown.  

To apply for press and publicist credentials, please visit: http://www.dickclark.com/shows/american-country-countdown-awards. Deadline to apply is Friday, April 15, 2016, 5:00 PM PT.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is produced by dick clark productions.  Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), Mark Bracco (Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, dick clark productions), Kix Brooks, Richard Godfrey and Tom Forrest are executive producers.

About AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show (43 years), “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors country music’s biggest stars, based on album sales and radio airplay. Since launching in 1973, the radio show now airs on more than 280 radio stations in 155 markets, covering 90% of the country.

-more-

“AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” FINALISTS – Page 4

About dick clark productions

dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming, with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS, “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Hollywood Film Awards” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group and dcp; and “World’s Funniest,” from Jukin Media and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries, with more than 55 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.

About Cumulus Media 

A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 454 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports and entertainment, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and Miss America. Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, NASH Country Weekly magazine, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.    

SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:

Cheat Tweet: Here are the finalists for the 2016 @ACCAs! Watch the #ACCAs LIVE Sunday, May 1 on @FOXTV. www.theaccawards.com

Twitter: @ACCAs

Instagram: @ACCAs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americancountrycountdownawards/

Tumblr: http://theaccawards.tumblr.com/

Vine: ACCAwards

Snapchat: ACCAwards

CONTACTS:

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS

Lisa Chader 615-428-7223 lisa@wortmanworks.com

dick clark productions

Liz Morentin 310-255-4602 lmorentin@dickclark.com

Lydia Baskharoon 310-255-0319 lbaskharoon@dickclark.com

FOX

Alyssa McGovern 310-369-5361 Alyssa.mcgovern@fox.com

Kelley Kirkpatrick 310-369-5820 Kelley.Kirkpatrick@fox.com

Nicole Gonzales 310-369-0827 nicole.gonzales@fox.com

COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTARS LUKE BRYAN, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE AND THOMAS RHETT TO PERFORM LIVE ON “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” SUNDAY, MAY 1, ON FOX

COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTARS LUKE BRYAN, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE AND THOMAS RHETT TO PERFORM LIVE ON “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” SUNDAY, MAY 1, ON FOX

Live Event Is First Country Music Awards Show to Air from Los Angeles in More Than 10 Years

Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22, at 10:00 AM PT

Country music hitmakers Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett are set to perform on the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS airing Sunday, May 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, live from the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, CA. The two-hour event is the first country music awards show to air live from Los Angeles in more than 10 years. It will honor the year’s best country music with awards, performances, special moments and additional surprises. This year’s host, additional performers and award finalists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS at the Forum go on sale to the general public Tuesday, March 22, at 10:00 AM PT at www.ticketmaster.com.

Luke Bryan, the reigning Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Association (CMA) Entertainer of the Year, debuted his first album in 2007 and has since placed 15 singles at No. 1 and sold eight million albums with 30 million digital tracks from his five studio albums. He is currently headlining his “Kill The Lights Tour” in promotion of his Platinum-selling, No. 1-debuting album, “Kill The Lights,” which became the best-selling country album of 2015 and the 10th biggest selling album on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 year-end list.

Powerhouse duo Florida Georgia Line has skyrocketed to stardom with four back-to-back, multi-week No. 1 singles – a feat only previously accomplished by Brooks & Dunn – breaking the record for the longest No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and selling over 24 million tracks worldwide of their 2X-Platinum debut, “Anything Goes.”

Multi-Platinum selling artist Thomas Rhett continues to establish himself as one of country music’s elite new artists, solidifying five back-to-back No. 1s and two consecutive Platinum chart-toppers off his ACM-nominated Album of the Year, “Tangled Up.” His sophomore effort's record-breaking smash, “Die A Happy Man,” recently spent its 17th frame atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and continues to be a top-selling digital track.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show (43 years), “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors country music’s biggest stars, based on album sales and radio airplay. The 2014 inaugural AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS featured performances by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Hank Williams, Jr.

About dick clark productions

dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming, with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS, “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Hollywood Film Awards” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group and dcp; and “World’s Funniest,” from Jukin Media and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries, with more than 55 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com. 

About Cumulus Media 

A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 454 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports and entertainment, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and Miss America. Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, NASH Country Weekly magazine, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

*   *   *

SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION

Cheat Tweet: First round of performers added for @TheACCAwards on @FOXTV - @LukeBryanOnline, @FLAGALine & @ThomasRhett! #ACCAs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheACCAwards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americancountrycountdownawards/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaccawards/
Tumblr: http://theaccawards.tumblr.com/
Snapchat: ACCAwards
Vine: ACCAwards

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS
Lisa Chader 615-428-7223 lisa@wortmanworks.com

dick clark productions
Liz Morentin 310-255-4602 lmorentin@dickclark.com
Lydia Baskharoon 310-255-0319 lbaskharoon@dickclark.com

FOX
Alyssa McGovern 310-369-5361 Alyssa.mcgovern@fox.com
Kelley Kirkpatrick 310-369-5820 Kelley.Kirkpatrick@fox.com
Nicole Gonzales 310-369-0827 nicole.gonzales@fox.com

Spring Playlist Staffer Spotlight: Jake Wheat

GET BACK INTO SHAPE!  It's all about the BPM's and then some mellow grooves for cooling down.  While most people may go into the mainstream, my playlist for Spring 2016 travels all across the board - mainly in the form of remixes and songs of inspiration and staying focused.

I enjoy me some good tunes, and PINK travels to the top of my list when I need the anti-anthem, in order to rebel against my inner voice that says "you're not good enough," or "you can't do this."  Trust me, PINK has helped me win a large number of battles both in the gym and in life.

Who doesn't love Duran Duran?  I mean, "Hungry Like The Wolf" is a classic... this is the remixed version, which I love.  Well, the extended mix anyway.

I first saw Bastille on Ellen, and fell in love with them.  I love all of their music, but this remix helps me keep the pace when I am doing cardio, plus who doesn't love a good chant?

Violet Days, "Screaming Colors" is a song that transports me - and I don't know if it's the melody or the beats, but I really get into the flow of the song.  When you are doing something like running or lifting, it helps keep me going.  Atmosphere... audio paints the canvas!

"Broken Ones" is a track about loving the lost, and well - we've all experienced that.  It's also motivating, because it says you can stand alone and conquer.  Welcome to 2016, the year of making progress against adversity!

"Good Life," by One Republic is just that - a good life.  Why not?  We take too much for granted!

In this day and age of acting too fast, and being impulsive "We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off," is a cool down song covered by Ella Eyre that I adore!  Don't come at me fast, take it slow, life is a party - enjoy the moment.  When we move too fast, we make mistakes.  Slow down. It's ok.

James Arthur I LOVE!  "Impossible" is my jam!  I've been caught with the windows down driving singing my heart out while people are staring at me.  They can stare, I don't care... I know I'm adorable. ;)

"Shark In The Water," by VV Brown has always been a favorite song of mine.  It's catchy, and let's face it - the world has a ton of sharks, but you can always be on the lookout!  Some sharks are fun to look at, but they bite.  I guess that is what she is saying, I don't know.  Who cares!  Listen to this song and try not to break out singing like you are in a choir!

These are my Spring jams... what are yours?  Comment below and let me know, this is how I discover new music and tune in to remixed classics!

Sincerely, Jake Wheat

SALT LIFE PARTNERS WITH THE SINKING WORLD TO BRING THE WORLD’S ONLY UNDERWATER ART GALLERY TO THE FLORIDA KEYS

Salt Life President Jeff Stillwell and brand team members Luiza Barros, Sarah Jarrett, Cameron Kirkconnell and Jimmy Nelson will participate in dive to attach artwork to Vandenberg artificial reef

Salt Life, one of today’s leading lifestyle brands, is partnering with world-renowned artist Andreas Franke and The Sinking World to bring an underwater art exhibition to the Florida Keys. The “Stavrokinita Visits Vandenberg: Tarpon Season" project, originally on exhibition in Barbados, will be moved to the Vandenberg artificial reef off Key West, Florida where it will be on display for four months. The artwork will be attached to the USNS Vandenberg by a group of divers, including Salt Life President Jeff Stillwell and team members Luiza Barros, Sarah Jarrett, Cameron Kirkconnell and Jimmy Nelson.

Art by Andreas Franke

  “The work of Andreas Franke is stunning and unlike any other art display in the world,” Salt Life President Jeff Stillwell said. “I am excited to take part in this dive, along with members of the Salt Life team, and to bring this exhibit to the U.S. for the first time.”

  The exhibit will celebrate the beginning of tarpon fishing season, which is vital to the local economy. Divers will be able to enjoy the exhibit until late July, when the images will be dried, sealed and put on display at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Eco-Discovery Center.

  Learn more about Andreas Franke and The Sinking World here. Learn more about the elite group of divers, surfers and athletes who make up 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.

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