CMA Best New Artist award-winner Darius Rucker performed at Hard Rock Cafe Nashville Wednesday night, as part of Hard Rock’s two-day, multi-city March On Stage launch. The event kicked off Hard Rock’s March On Stage live music event series benefiting Musicians on Call, an organization founded with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.

After playing their Crossroads taping to a standing room only crowd at the Ryman Auditorium Tuesday night, Kenny Chesney and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Miller had an impromptu jam at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.

The two took the path down the ally between the Ryman and the honky tonk, snuck in the back door and made their way to the front stage and straight into Miller’s classic “Fly Like An Eagle.” A slew of Miller classics followed like “Take The Money & Run,” “Abracadabra,” “The Joker” and “Rock’n Me.” The pair also indulged in an improv freestyle blues that leaned into the “Red House” chord progressions, a romping take on Hank Williams Sr’s “Mind Your Own Business,” Chesney’s “Livin’ In Fast Forward” and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Love Struck Baby.”

The guys took the small stage just before 11 and played until the wee hours of the morning.
Gotta love Music City! If you see any celebs out and about let me know by clicking by clicking HERE!!!

Pictured: Steve Miller live at Ravinia Festival in 2009

On day two of CRS I interviewed more than a dozen artists. Coincidently, many were family members including; Carter’s Chord, Coldwater Jane & The Harters. Trailer Choir was the funnest interview of the day and the most awkward interview was with Burns and Poe. I can’t give to many details, you will have to wait and see the videos on yallwire.com.

The highlight of the day was Sony Music’s luncheon in the CMA Performance Hall. American Idol’s Danny Gokey and country superstar Alan Jackson were among those that performed.

Country duo Brooks & Dunn took the stage to announce that the last show of The Last Rodeo tour will be in Nashville, August 10th and will benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tickets are only $25! The duo is pictured here with Museum Director Kyle Young. After the announcement, the top selling duo sat down for a little Q & A with the radio broadcasters and shared funny stories of their years on the road together.

Alan Jackson entertained the crowd for quite some time after the announcement. He dedicated his first song, Good Time to Brooks & Dunn and joked about the Hall of Fame gesture being a “nice tax break.” He also teased about playing the luncheon for free and ragged on Keith Urban, who acted as a guitar player in his Mercury Blues video. He was a hoot! Check out Keith’s long hair in the video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHEzBdtbQ6k

Later Thursday night, Sony hosted a party on the General Jackson. Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Bryan Adams performed on the 3 hour dinner cruise. Good times! Be sure and check back, I’ll have more details in my next post.

Taylor Swift headlined CRS’s 6th Annual Music City Jam at the convention center Tuesday night. Taylor played for a surprisingly small crowd (a couple hundred) in the Entrance Center Hall. In the past, this event has been wall to wall with attendees. However, I didn’t mind the small crowd it made for a better view as she entertained the crowd.

At one point during the show, Taylor popped up on a small stage in the middle of concertgoers. As she walked back to the stage, Taylor showed her appreciation to Country Radio by giving several hugs and offering thanks to those in the crowd.

The top selling artist took multiple opportunities to share her love for country radio. “No matter what size stage you play, don’t forget those who brought you to the dance,” Taylor said with sincere appreciation.

The show was interrupted for a moment as Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta surprised Taylor with an enormous plaque which acknowledged her for selling 10 million albums, having the #1 selling album of the year and for being the biggest selling digital artist in history.

Other highlights from Taylor’s performance included a cover of Justin Timberlake’s What Goes Around Comes Around, while dancing seductively on the piano bench. Before Should’ve Said No, Taylor explained that it was written after a boy cheated on her. Near the end of the song she and another female band mate passionately beat the heck out of a Stomp style drum set.

Julianne Hough (pictured) was one of the guests for the evening. The Dancing With the Stars star was introduced as one of Taylor’s best friends, before taking the mic for two songs.

I thought Taylor put on a good show, with true passion and gratitude toward CRS attendees. I’m still trying to figure out why there wasn’t a strong turnout… thoughts?

The 41st annual CRS is in full swing in downtown Nashville. Today I interviewed more than a dozen artists including; Laura Bell Bundy, Joey & Rory, Josh Gracin and Colt Ford. Laura Bell Bundy was by far the most entertaining of the day, boy does that gal have some energy (and she has given up Red Bull for the past two days). She did a slew of hilarious impersonations for our camera. You’ll have to wait and see the out-takes on yallwire.com.

I also made it over to the UMG luncheon. Gary Allen, Billy Currington, Vince Gill, Julianne Hough, Jamey Johnson, Randy Rogers Band, Sugarland, Josh Turner and Lee Ann Womack were among those that played (pictured). Jamey Johnson got a standing ovation for That’s Why I write Songs. Vince Gill was given a standing O as well and Josh Turner had the crowd laughing when he commented, “I’ve never had this many people open for me!”

I’m off now to catch The Music City Jam featuring Taylor Swift and friends.

Bonnaroo officials are slowly leaking this years line-up of artists through social media networks.

A few of the biggies so far include; Dave Matthews, Regina Spektor, Weezer, The Flaming Lips, Black Keys, Cross Canadian Ragweed, The Avett Brothers, John Fogerty and Jeff Beck.

I’ll try to keep you updated as the artists get confirmed. The festival will be held June 10-13th on the 700-acre site in Manchester, TN.

UPDATE: Dropkick Murphys, John Prine, Thievery Corporation, Jay Z, Dave Rawlings Machine and it keeps getting bigger!

More: Kings of Leon, The Dead Weather, Clutch Whoo hoo!

Kings of Leon’s Jared Followill was seen stopping by Whisky Kitchen Friday night, after catching The Features show at Exit/In.

Gwyneth Paltrow is still in town shooting her latest film, Love Don’t Let Me Down. Film crews spent several days last week shooting scenes at Municipal auditorium. After shooting on Wednesday, Gwyneth was spotted enjoying Music City Roots at the Loveless Barn. Maybe the actress was getting some Americana flavored inspiration for her current role?

Actor Kevin Kostner was seen hanging out late Friday night at Cabana.

Country artist Jamey Johnson was spotted enjoying a casual dinner with friends on Thursday the 21st at the Loveless Cafe.

Country music star Pam Tillis started her new year off at the Loveless on January 2nd.

Danielle Peck, who is currently recording her third record for release this fall, took a break to enjoy some Loveless vittles last month.

Country singer Heidi Newfield (formerly of the group Trick Pony) stopped by legendary honky tonk, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, on lower Broadway in Nashville last Wednesday night. Heidi held an impromptu performance with regular Tootsie’s performer, John Stone.

Upcoming in The Scene in the City:
Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee, Marty Stuart and Tanya Tucker will present a special panel discussion The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on Saturday, February 20th. The panel, The Kid’s Got Talent: Child Stardom in the Music Business, will begin at 1:30 in The Ford Theater in conjunction with the exhibition Brenda Lee: Dynamite.

Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Father of the Bride, According to Jim), will serve as host of the first two episodes of Nashville Public Television’s new documentary series, NPT REPORTS: CHILDREN’S HEALTH CRISIS.

The first episode of the seven-part series, produced by Mary Makley (The Carter Family) and premiering on NPT-Channel 8 on Thursday, February 25 at 8:00 p.m., will provide an overview of the challenges that children in Tennessee face in leading healthy lives.

Photo Credit:
Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Center) with NPT producers Mary Makley (left) and Will Pedigo on the set
courtesy: Joe Pagetta/NPT

Heidi on stage at Tootsie’s, courtesy of Tootsie’s

The 57th annual Nashville Christmas Parade took over downtown Nashville Friday night, with merriment, music and a tree Lighting ceremony. Country singer John Rich served as the grand marshal.

The Fray, lyaz, Boys Like Girls and Ke$ha (Tik Tok) were among those that performed Saturday night at War Memorial for 107.5 The River Acoustic Christmas.

Early January, Gwyneth Paltrow and country star Tim McGraw will be fimiing Love Don’t Let Me Down in Music City. Gwyneth will play a country singer in the movie, and Tim will be her hubby/manager. Local agents have been casting local talent for additional rolls in the film.

Nashville agents have also been casting parts for “Tough Trade,” the first original series pilot for EPIX. In which country star Trace Adkins will portray the character named “Scared,” a friend and bodyguard to Linwood Tucker (Sam Shepard).

According to a press release: superstar duo Brooks & Dunn said they weren’t about to call it a day as a recording duo without one more chance to party with their fans, and Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn are ready to do it in style with the announcement of dates for their final tour, The Last Rodeo. A celebration of their 20 great years together, the tour will launch on April 23 of next year, with 47 shows running through August 8. A Nashville date isn’t yet on the calendar, but officials say there will be a special Nashville date to be announced at a later time.

Picture © Eamonn McCormack, WireImage.com.

Little Richard has been released from a Nashville hospital after hip surgery. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, who’ll be 77 Saturday, is recovering at his home near Nashville. He says he plans to work hard to complete his recovery so he “can get back on the road as soon as possible.”

Hundreds gathered on the green as Amy Grant hosted the annual outdoor Christmas concert at Lipscomb University Tuesday night. The Lighting of the Green is always one of my fav holiday events.

Keith Urban flew in town to celebrate yet another #1, with music industry folks at BMI Tuesday.

Guy Fieri, season two winner of The Next Food Network Star, and host of three Food Network Shows, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” “Guy Off the Hook, “ and “Guys Big Bite” recently took time to pop in to Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on lower Broadway in Nashville. He came in a little after midnight with some of his production crew and stayed until closing time. Tootsie’s regular performer, Leslie Craig, invited him on stage to sing for a couple songs before they sat in the legendary front VIP booth for a few drinks. He is pictured with pals and Sinister from the reality show Daisy of Love.

Bucky Covington, Sawyer Brown and Love And Theft (pictured) all joined together to bring a little extra pre-holiday cheer to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital recently with a surprise guitar pull. Their performance included a mix of favorite Christmas carols and country hits. Many of the children jumped in and played toy drums, tambourines and maracas along to the music. After the show, all of the performers visited with the children, their families and hospital employees.

Crew trucks and lights took over the village area last week until the wee hours of the morning while Mat Kearney shot a video at one of my favorite dive bars, The Villager.

Thanks to my readers for all the tips. If you have a celeb sighting feel free to email me by clicking HERE!!!

The 43rd Annual CMA Awards took over downtown Nashville Wednesday night and Taylor Swift took home most of the honors. Taylor adds four CMA Awards to her collection, winning Entertainer, Female Vocalist, Album and Music Video of the Year at the awards show held at The Sommet center. By winning Entertainer of the Year, 19-year-old Swift is the youngest performer to ever win the honor and the first female to win since Shania Twain in 1999. “I’ll never forget this moment,” an emotional Swift said, “because at this moment everything that I have ever wanted just happened to me.” Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood hosted this years show, which boasted a list of performances by artists like; Kid Rock, Dave Matthews and George Straight. Among those pictured on the red carpet- Big Kenny & Christiev Alphin, Martina McBride with hubby John and Tim McGraw with his lovely wife Faith Hill.

After the Awards celebs, music insiders and such scurried off to various parties around town. Most of the music labels held private functions at their offices, which many of the stars headed to. I checked out the official CMA After Party at the convention center. The decorations, food, drinks, etc. were all top of the line. The dance floor and general admission area was packed. However, the VIP was nearly empty except for a few industry insiders. Julianne Hough, the Carter Twins, Trent Tomlinson and 2-Foot Fred were among those spotted at the official CMA After Party. Whitney Duncan, Jessie James and Sarah Buxton are just a few of the artists that took the mic on the large stage at the after party. CAA’s Jim Butler & Maribeth Abels, Shaun Bertrand, Chris Borchetta & Ashtyn Wallace and Hugh Lombardi, Brock Jones & Susan Clark of The Sommet Center are among those pictured from the event.

Next I headed over to The Spot, where John Rich was celebrating with a full house and band. Wynonna Judd hung on the couches chatting with folks for hours and Kid Rock made an appearance later in the night, early morning. Cowboy Troy, 2-Foot Fred, Manuel, Sinister from Daisy of Love (who recently moved to Nashville) and Bobby Pinson were also among those mingling in the room.

Upstairs from the Spot, The Zac Brown Band was having their own party. Big Kenny and Kid Rock were among the celebs I spotted there.

If you made it to any of the after parties feel free to share your celeb sightings with me by clicking HERE!!!