My gal Heather Byrd and I finally scored a ticket to Sony Music’s annual CRS celebration on The General Jackson, one of the most talked about events every year.

Country star Sara Evans kicked off festivities for a slew of out of town radio broadcasters. By nights end a list of “A-listers” took the stage including; Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert and Bryan Adams.

Kellie Pickler talked about how her grandparents upbringing made her a sucker for classic country before busting into Loretta Lynn’s, You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man).

Miranda was next on the bill. It wasn’t long before she introduced Carrie Underwood, “I have a hot friend that can sing and loves rock ‘n’ roll like me.” The two ladies seemed excited to sing the tune Travelin’ Man.

Carrie stayed on stage for her latest hit, Temporary Home. After her performance, Sony VP of National Promtion, Skip Bishop, presented Carrie with a plaque for 20 million digital transactions. The country cutie made a joke that there should be room for the huge plaque on her ceiling. She was also kind enough to let Skip try on her engagement ring, after pulling up her “self proclaimed hooker boots.”

A portion of the boat ride was spent on a touching dedication to Butch Waugh, who recently retired as Sony Music Nashville Executive Vice President. A montage of Butch’s work, which influenced the careers of countless artists and projects, played on the screens throughout the boat. Waugh was given a trip to Italy for his family as a token of appreciation.

The evening wrapped up with a surprise performance from Bryan Adams. He joined Brooks & Dunn on stage for Summer of 69. Bryan Adams and Brad Paisley coupled up for Cuts Like A Knife and Carrie Underwood joined Adams on stage for Its Only Love.

It was an honor to finally get a seat on the boat. I enjoyed walking back onto land with Bryan Adams by my side and getting a horn toot from Kix Brooks as he sped past us in his fabulous red Lamborghini.

Sadly, no photos were allowed during the performances but I hope to get some trade shots soon. These pics of Miranda being presented a gold plaque for Revolution and Carrie Underwood with a “20 million digital sales” award, were snapped on the boat Thursday night.

Here is a brief Monday morning wrap up of some of the events that happened over the weekend here Music City.

A 1940’s themed soiree was held in honor of Miranda Lambert and Natalie Hemby downtown at Cellar One Friday night. Blake Shelton was of course in attendance looking dapper and Hilary Williams celebrated her birthday there, alongside Kellie Pickler.

Miranda was also among a list of performers that took the stage at a private Sony Music event on the General Jackson Thursday night. Miranda was presented a gold plaque for Revolution and Carrie Underwood (pictured) was honored with a “20 million digital sales” award.

Check back later today for a more detailed post of this weekend’s event & celeb sightings.

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.

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 7th Annual Sweethearts for Scholarship Gala took over the Hutton Hotel Ballroom Friday night, with decadent decor and a whose who of Nashville’s movers and shakers. In the end, the event raised more than $100,000 in scholarships for students at Nashville State Community College.

The event kicked off with cocktail hour featuring a signature cocktail, The Countrypolitan, and fun photo-booth and a silent auction. Just before moving inside for dinner, Jeff Garner of Prophetik clothing made quite an entrance with a film crew in tow. Apparently, they are doing a documentary on Jeff who is now in London for Fashion Week.

The ballroom looked lovely, as it overlooked Nashville’s skyline. Shawn Thomas (pictured) served as the Gala Event Chair, Sheilah Griggs (pictured) made some humorous remarks as the Master of Ceremonies and Monty Powell and Anna Wilson (pictured) provided top notch entertainment as this years Celebrity Sweethearts.

Among the others pictured are; Mayor Karl Dean & pals, Charles Davis with NSCC’s Brent Young & Jason Ritchason, Nanci Filipelli & Jennifer Wayne, Dr. George Van Allen President of NSCC & Tish Kinsey, Rob Wagner & Daniel Oyvetsky having fun with the photo-booth props, Ben Sturgell, David King, Morelia Cuevas with Lynda & David Michael Evjen.

The Black Eyes Peas performed a pretty sweet show Friday night at The Sommet Center. Video screens, a suspended motorcycle, a suspended DJ set, confetti and more provided for some entertaining eye candy at the concert.

Will.i.am gave several shout outs to Nashville during the set. Saying, “This is my first time to Nashville, but this won’t be my last.” He also mentioned his desire to do a country album. “I want to do a country album. I want to do it Big and Rich style… I want to do an album with Kings of Leon.”

There was a short glitch during his DJ set at the show, when the sound and lights went out for a matter of minutes.

After the concert, the group made an appearance at Hard Rock Cafe and then divvied up throughout town. Will.i.am DJd to a sold out crowd at Mai, which including singing there hit, I Gotta Feeling to club goers. apl.de.ap and the guys from LMFAO (the opener) came out to the bar for support. They spent most of their time hanging in the VIP upstairs, but also jumped in the DJ booth and sang their popular song Shots.

Country cutie Kellie Pickler and Hilary Williams were in attendance at the official after party as well. The ladies were in tow with Kellie’s boyfriend and grandfather who will be celebrating his birthday on Valentines day with Kellie at the Elllen DeGeneres Show. Their group had attended the Black Eyed Peas concert and stopped by Tootsies before making their way to Mai.

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.