The Nashville Predators and Patrón kicked off their new partnership with a pre-game ribbon-cutting ceremony and spirits tasting held in the Patrón Platinum Club prior to Thursday night’s game vs. the Los Angeles Kings. Patrón has taken over what many know as The Jack Daniels bar at the arena.

We stopped by the Patrón Platinum Club for dinner, before the game, and I was impressed with the spread. The all you can eat “Contemporary American” menu covered all the basis from salads and appetizers to main dishes and delicious desserts like chocolate bread pudding. The cooks claim to “infuse cooking techniques from cultures throughout the world prepared with an American interpretation.”

Upstairs from the restaurant is the Ultimat Martini Lounge, which offers an exciting selection of wines, microbrews and mixed drinks highlighting several ultra-premium Patrón products. Check out the Patrón Platinum Club for yourself, before attending your favorite sporting event or concert.

After eating, I had the honor of sitting “on the glass” for the game. If you’ve never sat that close during a hockey game, I highly suggest it. The action you experience makes the ticket worth every penny! It even scored us a shot on the jumboTron! One of the most fun nights I’ve had this year, without a doubt!

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.

Gwyneth Paltrow sightings are still coming in as her latest movie Love Don’t Let Me Down continues being shot in Nashville. The Stage, TPAC and The Masonic Grand Lodge building are a few of the latest movie locations. Steph spies report seeing Gwyneth with hubby Chris Martin (Coldplay) along with Caleb Followill (Kings of Leon) and his girlfriend Lily Aldridge having dinner at City House Friday night. The following night, they were all spotted at the Station Inn catching Jim Lauderdale’s performance. Jim plays a member of Gwyneth’s band in the movie. Toby McGuire, who is producing the movie, was spotted on set with his wife and children Valentines day.

Also on Valentines night, Robert Plant was seen catching a flick at the Green Hills theaters. Earlier in the week, Robert was also spotted at Loveless Cafe for the weekly wednesday concert series Music City Roots.

Wynonna Judd (pictured) made an appearance at the night club Mai late last Saturday night. Wy broke it down on the dance floor until it was officially Valentines Day!

Speaking of Mai, the hot spot celebrated it’s first successful year of business this past Friday. Some 800 folks came out to celebrate at the anniversary party which featured; free cover, 6 DJ’s and a fun photo-booth. Club owner, Doug Green and DJ Keno are pictured giving their best 1-year-old impersonations. Photo credit- Generation Domination.

Nominees for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards were announced at a press conference Thursday, at Belmont University’s Curb Café. Jars of Clay, Skillet, Matt Maher and Jason Crabb lead the honors with six nods each. The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House

PK Pictures (an all-in-one production house and more pictured) held an open house party for media and industry insiders last Tuesday. The 17,500 SF studio space, NuMynd Studios is equipped with all of the amenities of a recording studio including producers, viewing rooms, artist green rooms, makeup facilities, kitchens, etc. It has several standing sets including a kitchen, bar, club, coffee shop. In addition, they have two in-house sound stages, one of which houses the only “green” green screen in the southeast. Guests nibbled on hors d’oeuvres, while checking out the state of the art facility decorated with unique modern furniture and filled with Emmys.

Have pictures from an event that I missed or did you see a celeb out and about? Feel free to email me by clicking HERE!!!

Nashville wouldn’t let a celebration like Mardi Gras pass by without partying. Several events were hosted across town in honor of Fat Tuesday.

Lime hosted its 2nd annual Carnaval Party to a packed house. Samba dancers, a stilt walker and live percussion kept the atmosphere festive, while the crowd sang and danced all night. A live broadcast of Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro even played on the big screen.

Meantime, down the street at Miro colorful beads splashed the crowd, Big Easy jazz music played and a delicious looking french quarter cajun menu was served alongside Bourbon Street drink specials.

The Mansion at Fontanel recently opened its doors for a VIP party to showcase the latest in local venue rentals. Nestled in Whites Creek Tennessee, the former home of country music star, Barbara Mandrell, was once the largest log home in the United States. Dale Morris and Marc Oswald who have worked with the likes of Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson now own the property.

The Fontanel has seen its share of celebrity parties, weddings, (including Wynona Judds) TV shows, and more recently Gwyneth Paltrow & Tim McGraw’s movie Love Don’t Let me Down was filmed there, but now the Mansion at Fontanel is available for private rental.

The 27,000 square-foot home, built in 1988, boasts large logs that create beautiful lines in each room. A soda shop, an indoor poor and even a shooting range are among the many rooms you can stumble across in all its splendor. The Fontanel is definitely something to be seen.

In spring of 2010, the Fontanel Mansion property will be open daily for museum tours. Additional plans to expand the property include; a 2,500 capacity outdoor music venue, a
restaurant, hiking trails and an Artisan Distillery showcasing moonshine.

Among those pictured; Joseph Conner of Kaleidiscope Media, Jesse Goldstein of TOMKATS (who manages The Fontanel) Lauren Hudgens & Dustin Lane, Tom Morales of TOMKATS with Stephanie Langston & John Hardin, Colleen Phelan of the Loveless Café with her mom Cathy, Jim Lawrence & his son Nick and Heather Byrd and Stephanie Foster.

Fun fact: Fontanel is the soft spot of a babies head.

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

While country cutie Taylor Swift was racking in trophy after trophy at the Grammy Awards Sunday night and Kings of Leon was snagging Nashville’s first rock best record win, there was an interesting celeb group hanging at The Bound’ry. Steph spies report that William Shatner, Brad paisley and Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton had a meeting of the minds at the restaurant. Hmmmm… wonder what those guys could be concocting?

Also Sunday night, Comedian Tom Green visited Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, on lower Broadway in Nashville. Braving the snow, he performed at Zanies Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. After his run, he hung upstairs at Tootsies with some friends, while Leslie Craig performed.

Kings of Leon’s Nathan Followill and his new bride Jessie Baylin were also spotted goofing around in the photobooth at The Cannery for Happy Valley last Friday night. Photocredit: Generation Domination

If you have a celeb sighting feel free to email me by clicking HERE!!!

A Children’s Choir of More than 250 Elementary School Students, including 14 from Haiti, joined artists Wynonna, Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mandisa, Lee Greenwood and more Wednesday at Belmont University’s Ocean Way Studios to record “Come Together Now.” The song was written to remind people of the need to help those in Haiti. The song will be made available for sale soon, with all proceeds going to benefit relief efforts to Haiti. (Photo credit: Aaron Crisler/The Judy Nelon Group)

On Friday night 7 Day Binge, a rock band featuring Todd Harrell of 3 Doors Down on bass, Jon Nicholson of the Muzik Mafia on guitar and vocals, Kenny Olson of Kid Rock’s band on lead guitar and Shannon Boone on drums will hold a record release party at The Hard Rock Cafes’ new Reverb Room. Campaign 1984 and Beitthemeans will open the show.

Loretta Lynn will celebrate the 50th anniversary of her debut single with an all-star tribute album set for release this fall. The project will feature artists from various music genres. With additional details yet to be announced, the collection coincides with multiple milestones, including the special invitation-only ceremony this weekend at which Lynn will be honored as a recipient of the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award. Also coming in 2010 will be the reissue of Lynn’s 1976 bestselling autobiography, Coal Miner’s Daughter, as well as the 30-year anniversary of the classic film of the same name.

I have new details on Taylor Swift & John Mayer. As I reported earlier this week, the two musicians were spotted at Cabana in Nashville. While they were with a large group of friends sitting in the front booth near the bar area, Taylor was seen showing affection towards John by rubbing on his back. The pop country princess was also overheard in the bathroom talking to one of her pals about hanging out with him later. Steph spies say the 20-year old cutie was also seen leaving with the 32-year-old rocker.

Are John Mayer and Taylor Swift dating? That’s all the buzz around Nashville this week. The two singers were spotted together at Cabana in Hillsboro Village Sunday night. Steph spies say they looked to be having a romantic dinner and apparently, Taylor was over heard in the bathroom talking about dating John.

Tuesday night, Taylor was spotted with John yet again. This time at the CMT Crossroads taping.
John taped the special with Keith Urban at the Factory in Franklin.

Reba celebrated her latest Number One, Consider Me Gone at Starstruck Entertainment on Monday.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw continue to shoot Love Don’t Let Me Down all over Music City. The Fontanel Mansion (Barbara Mandrell’s former home) was transformed into a rehab center for the movie. Steph spies say Gwyneth and Tim both signed the posts in the great room. Paltrow plays a country singer and McGraw her manager in the film. You can get in on some of the action as an audience member, when they film Feb. 2nd at Municipal Auditorium downtown. Gwyneth, Tim, Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester, Garrett Hedlund are all expected to be there. You will even get to hear Gwyneth sing. If you’re over 18 head on down to Municipal on the 2nd, doors open at 4 p.m. They are looking for a couple of thousand extras and it’s first come first serve.

Dierks Bentley, Bela Fleck and Cary Barlowe were among the many artists at the Grammy Award Nominee Party at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.
Cary was also seen celebrating his brother, Nathan Barlowe’s, birthday at Mai Tuesday night. Cary wowed the crowd by singing Happy Birthday Elvis style.

Later Thursday night, Pauly D from MTV’s Jersey Shore came out to McFadden’s for a special appearance. Reality star “Sinister” from Daisy of Love was also in attendance.

If you see any celebs out and about email me by clicking HERE!!!

I recently got to sit down with Nashville Entertainment Director and pianist, Geoff Smith, to see what makes The Big Bang in downtown Nashville so popular. Check out the video!