“We All Come Together!” – WSM News

March 27, 2019 By Nicole Judd In Articles, Events /  

“WE ALL COME TOGETHER”

FOR JOHN BERRY AND MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 26, 2019) — The Country Music community is rallying in support of fellow Grammy winning artist, John Berry, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for throat cancer discovered in January. A concert, silent auction, sponsor opportunities and more will be included as ways to donate.

The concert will be held on April 23rd at City Winery at 7 pm. Tickets on sale now and are available here.

The benefit, “We All Come Together” for John Berry and Music Health Alliance, will raise money to offset the medical expenses not covered by insurance for Berry and a portion of the donations will go towards Music Health Alliance to fund financial assistance to others in the music community.

Flagship artists announced this morning by media partner WSM Radio and live-streamed on The Heartland Network on the Cody, Coffee and Country show include Trace Adkins, Tracy Lawrence and Exile with many more to be announced soon. Over 20 Artists have been confirmed along with special guests and surprises!

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WSM Presents Music City Mentors – WSM News

February 7, 2019 By Nicole Judd In Articles, Events /  

650 AM WSM ANNOUNCES

INAUGURAL MUSIC CITY MENTORS EVENT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — 650 AM WSM will host Music City Mentors on Saturday, March 23. Pairing entertainment professionals with individuals who dream of a career in the music industry, Music City Mentors will take place at the Factory in Franklin. This inaugural event will provide music education and professional development opportunities to aspiring music professionals ages 15 and over. The day will feature 45-minute sessions focusing on songwriting, artist management, tour life, publicity and everything in between. SVP Artists Relations and Grand Ole Opry GM, Sally Williams, will give the keynote address. Attendees will conclude the day of unique professional development with “speed networking” opportunities from best-in-the-business professionals.

“It’s extremely important for us to invest in the next generation of industry professionals,” shared Chris Kulick, General Manager of 650 AM WSM. “We hope this is just the beginning of this chapter and finding new ways to mentor and engage young professionals.”

Tickets for the event are on sale HERE for $20.00 through February 15. After February 15, ticket prices will rise to $40.00. Lunch tickets will be available for purchase when registering.

“WSM has been a staple of the music community here in Franklin and there’s no better organization to connect music professionals with those aspiring to get into business,” said Ellie Westman Chin, President & CEO of Visit Franklin.

650 AM WSM’s Music City Mentors is sponsored by Durango Boots, Zaxby’s, Beacon Capital Management, Les Paul Foundation, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, Lyft, Silent Events, Songwriting University, and Green Iris Records/Still Working Music. Throughout the day participants will also have the opportunity to take part in a job fair featuring local venues, companies, and entertainment employers.

Attendees should plan to dress in business casual attire. Parking is provided at the Factory at Franklin.

About 650 AM WSM:

650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925.  The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the WSM airwaves since its inception, as well as the 24/7 Americana streaming channel, ROUTE 650.  650 AM WSM is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE:  RHP).  A weekly listing of all 650 AM WSM programming and online directory for all streaming channels can be found at wsmradio.com.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Judd | WSM Radio | 615-458-9429 | nicole@wsmradio.com

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WSM Presents Music for Kids – WSM News

October 2, 2018 By Nicole Judd In Articles, Events /  

650 AM WSM TO HOST MUSIC FOR KIDS NOVEMBER 3

Event Will Provide 1000 Free Music Lessons to Children Ages 5-16

NASHVILLE, TN (October 2, 2018) – 650 AM WSM will host its first Music for Kids event on Saturday, November 3, at Studio A in the Grand Ole Opry House from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, Music for Kids is a day-long family event packed with activities designed to make music accessible and fun for youth from all over Nashville. The event centers around providing children ages 5-16 with free, age-appropriate music lessons from local professionals and opportunities to engage, learn, and get inspired in fun new ways.

Music for Kids puts real instruments into kids’ hands, encouraging them to explore and experiment with creativity and sound. Children will choose the instrument they would most like to explore– voice, violin, guitar, bass, piano, drums, mandolin, banjo and more – when they sign up online.  Registration for these free lessons are open now and must be reserved in advance via http://wsmradio.com. Lesson slots are expected to fill up fast, so early registrations are advised. A guardian is required to attend with the child receiving lessons.

Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor will be on hand to read from his new children’s book “Lorraine”, Illustrated by renowned artist and Tennessee resident, Higgins Bond. With this story, Secor has created a sweeping, epic Americana story about the power of music and family, story and song. Secor is a parent and Grand Ole Opry member who cares deeply about education and actively supports many related causes in and around Music City, notably helping to launch the Episcopal School of Nashville in 2016.

650 AM WSM expects 500-600 children and teens to attend the free event sponsored by Zaxby’s, Nashville Parent, Guitar Center, Durango Boots, and songgame.com.  Over the course of the day, the historic radio station is expected to donate 1000 lessons to young budding musicians with an overall value of $25,000.

“Our goal with Music for Kids is to spark the musical creativity in the children of Nashville,” said Chris Kulick, 650 AM WSM general manager. “We can’t wait to get instruments in these kids’ hands and watch them get inspired. Music is such a vital part of our whole community, our local economy, and our culture as a city. Inspiring people to make and appreciate music is part of our mission and our rich history as a station.”

About 650 AM WSM:

650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925.  The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the WSM airwaves since its inception, as well as the 24/7 Americana streaming channel, ROUTE 650.  650 AM WSM is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE:  RHP).  A weekly listing of all 650 AM WSM programming and online directory for all streaming channels can be found at wsmradio.com.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Judd | WSM Radio | 615-458-9429 | nicole@wsmradio.com

Register your child/teen HERE!

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Route 650 Pre-Show Shindig – WSM News

July 12, 2018 By Nicole Judd In Articles, Events /  

A new roots music tradition starts this summer! Americana at the Ryman brings newcomers and veterans to the mother church each Sunday night, from July 15 through August 19, for a musical revival like no other!

Join WSM each week on the Ryman Plaza starting at 4:30pm for a FREE Pre-Show Shindig with Route 650 before Americana at the Ryman. We’ll have live music featured each week, WSM personalities and giveaways, a Hatch Show Print display, a “Good Ole Fashioned Cookout” and specials from Cafe Lula, and a pop up shop. You don’t want to miss out on all the FREE fun and festivities sponsored by Yazoo Brewing Company!

The 2018 Pre-Show Shindig performance schedule features:

July 15 – The Carmonas
July 22 – Hogslop String Band
July 29 – Blue Mother Tupelo
August 5 – Roanoke
August 12 – TBA
August 19 – Don Gallardo & Wild Ponies

The 2018 Americana at the Ryman performance schedule features:

July 15 – Buddy Miller & Friends: Lee Ann Womack, Tony Joe White, McCrary Sisters, Parker Millsap, and Elizabeth Cook
July 22 – Jim Lauderdale with William Fitzsimmons and The Secret Sisters
July 29 – Mark O’Connor Band and Brandy Clark
August 5 – Alejandro Escovedo, Hayes Carll, and Caroline Spence
August 12 – Amanda Shires with Caitlin Rose
August 19 – Justin Townes Earle with Band of Heathens

Individual tickets and series passes are on sale now. Click HERE for tickets and info!

Sponsored by:
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Route 650 presents Americana at the Ryman

May 23, 2018 By Nicole Judd In Articles, Events /  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium is set to host a new annual series this summer. “Americana at the Ryman”  presented by Route 650, will celebrate American roots music with six talent packed shows throughout July and August.

The series kicks off on Sunday, July 15 with multi-award-winning Americana Artist and Instrumentalist of the Year, Buddy Miller along with special guests Lee Ann Womack, Tony Joe White, The McCrary Sisters, Elizabeth Cook and Parker Millsap. Other artists appearing during the series’ run include The Band of Heathens, Brandy Clark, Jim Lauderdale, Mark O’Connor, Caitlin Rose, Amanda Shires, Hayes Carll, The Secret Sisters, Caroline Spence and Justin Townes Earle with more performers to be announced soon.

“Americana at the Ryman” Schedule: 
July 15: Buddy Miller and Friends Lee Ann Womack, Tony Joe White, The McCrary Sisters, Elizabeth Cook and Parker Millsap
July 22: Jim Lauderdale, William Fitzsimmons, and The Secret Sisters
July 29: Mark O’Connor and Brandy Clark
August 5: Hayes Carll and Caroline Spence
August 12: Amanda Shires and Caitlin Rose
August 19: Justin Townes Earle and The Band of Heathens

“The Ryman Americana Series is modeled after our Bluegrass Nights Series which will kick off its 25th season this summer,” said Sally Williams, Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations. “Over the course of six weeks, Americana and roots legends will take the stage for the inaugural Americana Series as will the most exciting new artists. With Bluegrass Nights, we see the same season pass holders come back to the same seats year after year. A lot of deep friendships have been formed by bluegrass fans sitting together in Ryman pews. We look forward to the same happening with the Ryman Americana Series.”

The iconic venue has a long history of showcasing roots music as well as partnership with the Americana Music Association (AMA). In September the AMA’s Americana Honors & Awards Show will return to the Ryman once again. In addition, the storied music hall continues to program multiple night runs with celebrated Americana artists including Jason Isbell, John Prine and Margo Price, all of whom are proud champions of the Mother Church and its historical contribution to music.

“We’re thrilled the Ryman has created a series to show off Nashville’s Americana community to the world. It’s the heart and soul of this town and there is no greater venue in the world to see this talent,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association.

The new series will feature performances each Sunday evening July 15 through August 19, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a pre-show celebration each week beginning at 4:30 p.m. featuring live music on the Ryman plaza and specialty menu items from Ryman Auditorium’s Café Lula.

Similar to the venue’s beloved, two-decade-long running series “Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman,” “Americana at the Ryman” will partner with 650 AM WSM. Route 650, the 24/7 streaming station created by the legendary radio station to showcase Americana, folk and bluegrass music, will be a presenting partner. Before each show, fans can enjoy free live music on the plaza from the latest Americana talent, presented by the station.

Ryman Auditorium’s legacy, both in Nashville and nationwide, is unmatched. The treasured, historic venue continues to showcase talent across all genres of music and entertainment, and recently took home its eighth consecutivePollstar Theatre of the Year award.

Series passes for “Americana at the Ryman” are on sale now. Individual show tickets are available for purchase beginning June 4 at 10 a.m.With purchase of an “Americana at the Ryman” concert ticket, patrons have the option to add on a daytime tour ticket for a discounted rate of $15.00.

For tickets, visit ryman.com/americana.
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WSM Partners w/ AJ’s Good Time Bar – News

January 4, 2018 By Nicole Judd In Articles, Events /  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2018

650 AM WSM AND AJ’S GOOD TIME BAR

PARTNER FOR 2018 WSM ROAD SHOW TALENT COMPETITION

Grand prize winner to open for Alan Jackson at upcoming Grand Ole Opry performance!

NASHVILLE, TN — 650 AM WSM, the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, is pleased to announce the launch of the 2018 WSM Road Show, a live performance talent competition highlighting up and coming country music singer/songwriters. Presented by AJ’s Good Time Bar, which is owned by Grand Ole Opry member Alan Jackson in Nashville, Tennessee, the talent competition will award one grand-prize winner the opportunity to play the Grand Ole Opry in 2018 on the same evening Jackson makes an Opry appearance.

A two-hour matinee competition, the WSM Road Show will broadcast live on 650 AM WSM and wsmradio.com from 1-3 p.m. CT, from the stages of these historic Tennessee theaters:

January 27 | The Palace Theatre | Crossville, TN

February 17 | The Palace Theatre | Gallatin, TN

February 24 | The Roxy Regional Theatre | Clarksville, TN

March 10 | Sugarlands Distilling Co. | Gatlinburg, TN

March 14 | The Capitol Theatre | Lebanon, TN

The final round of the competition will take place on Saturday, March 24 from 1-3 p.m. CT at AJ’s Good Time Bar in Nashville, Tennessee.

“The WSM Road Show takes us back to a day when radio stations would visit outer lying areas and seek up and coming talent,” said Chris Kulick, WSM General Manager. “I am thrilled to give new country artists the opportunity to further their careers, and to be awarded the chance to play the Grand Ole Opry along with a legend like Alan Jackson is career-changing!”

To be considered for the WSM Road Show talent competition, applicants can visit wsmradio.com for submission information. All submissions will be reviewed in advance and selected contestants will be contacted directly with onsite audition information. Contest limitations can be found at wsmradio.com.

About Alan Jackson:

Recently inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alan Jackson’s membership among country music’s all-time greats is the latest in a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, more than 25 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a 2016 Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years. The man from rural Newnan, GA has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide, ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time in all genres. He has released more than 60 singles – registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers). He has earned more than 150 music industry awards – including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards. Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica.

About 650 AM WSM:

650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925.  The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the WSM airwaves since its inception.  650 AM WSM is owned by Ryman Hospitalities (NYSE:  RHP).  A weekly listing of all 650 AM WSM programming is available at wsmradio.com.

About AJ’s Good Time Bar:

Recently named the #1 honky-tonk in Nashville by Billboard and located at 421 Broadway in the heart of downtown Nashville, AJ’s Good Time Bar is named for Jackson’s 2008 chart-topper “Good Time.” Each floor sports a different personality, showcasing Jackson’s varied interests and hobbies. On the first floor, “AJ’s Honky Tonk” prominently features live country music, while the second-floor “GT Bar” offers a sports- and car-themed atmosphere. The “Hullbilly Bar” on the third floor is proving to be one of the venue’s biggest draws — it’s modeled after Jackson’s Merritt Sportfish boat seen in his music videos for “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Long Way to Go.” That level also features karaoke and live music. The rooftop “Star Bar” caps AJ’s Good Time Bar, providing a panoramic view encompassing the historic Ryman Auditorium, Broadway, Nissan Stadium and all of downtown Music City from its vantage point four stories above the stretch of road commonly called the “Honky Tonk Highway,” just like Jackson’s current tour. As sole owner and visionary behind the venue, Jackson is known to make appearances at AJ’s during the week and when not on the road. He’s also a majority owner in ACME Feed & Seed, located just blocks away at 1st Avenue and Broadway.

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Media Contacts:

Nicole Judd | WSM Radio | 615-458-9429 | nicole@wsmradio.com

Jaclyn D. Carter | Shore Fire Media | 615-280-5330 | jcarter@shorefire.com

WSM Road Show Info Found HERE!

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ROUTE 650 Americana – WSM News

September 13, 2017 By Nicole Judd In Articles, Events /  1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 13, 2017

 650 AM WSM LAUNCHES NEW 24/7 AMERICANA MUSIC STREAMING STATION

NASHVILLE, TN – 650 AM WSM, the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, has launched ROUTE 650, a new 24/7 Americana music streaming station available online at wsmradio.com and via the station’s mobile app.

ROUTE 650 will feature music from current Americana artists such as Jason Isbell, Margo Price, and Amanda Shires, plus explore cuts from the founders of Americana including Kris Kristofferson and John Prine. The stream is also the new home for Whiskey Wednesday, a popular Americana-based weekly show hosted by Wild Ponies, an eclectic Americana duo fronted by husband and wife team Doug and Telisha Williams.

“Americana is beyond just a music genre, it’s a community of artists that have come together to create an outlet for great music to be heard,” said Eric Marcum, ROUTE 650 show host. “WSM is honored to have created and launched ROUTE 650 – our 24/7 Americana music streaming station.”

WSM’s terrestrial ROUTE 650 Americana-focused show hosted by Marcum and airing weeknights from 6-7 p.m. CT on 650 AM and wsmradio.com, launched in April 2016. Since its inception, the show has held strong market ratings and featured interviews and performances from the likes of John Paul White, Todd Snider, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Holly Williams, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jim Lauderdale, and more. Most recently, the show celebrated a full on-air take over with the artists of John Prine’s Oh Boy Records programming the entire hour.

“In the process of planning this new digital station, it became clear that what our terrestrial ROUTE 650 show has become is largely the embodiment of what we envision the 24/7 stream to be, while also giving a tip of the hat to its genesis in WSM-AM,” remarked Chris Kulick, WSM General Manager.

As part of the station’s launch week programming, listeners can tune in for special behind-the-scenes interviews, content, and performances from the 18th Annual Americana Music Festival and Conference, a must-attend event for anyone who loves the melting pot of Americana’s influences including roots, folk, country, blues and soul-based music.

About 650 AM WSM:

650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925.  The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the WSM airwaves since its inception.  650 AM WSM is owned by Ryman Hospitalities (NYSE:  RHP).  A weekly listing of all 650 AM WSM programming is available at wsmradio.com.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Judd

615-458-9429

nicole@wsmradio.com

Download the FREE WSM App HERE!

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Sports Night with George Plaster – WSM News

July 26, 2017 By Nicole Judd In Articles, Events /  1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 26, 2017

650 AM WSM LAUNCHES NEW SPORTS TALK SHOW

HOSTED BY GEORGE PLASTER

NASHVILLE, TN – Country radio icon 650 AM WSM today announced the July 30 premiere of Sports Night, a weekly sports talk radio show hosted by industry veteran George Plaster airing on 650 AM WSM, online at wsmradio.com, and via the station’s mobile app.

Sports Night will air Sunday evenings from 5-8 p.m. CT and will provide an appealing and informative look at all things sports. The format of the show will be similar to the No. 1 rated sports talk shows Plaster has hosted on various FM stations in the Nashville market in the past. WSM Program Director Jonathan Shaffer will serve as show co-host.

“No matter the season or year, there’s always great stuff to talk about in sports,” Plaster said. “I’m thrilled Jonathan is going to be part of the show with me, and I’m excited to get back in the studio and talk with the fans. I know I’ve got the station’s complete confidence in what I want to do and I know they’re going to allow me to do this the way I want to do it. That’s the only way I would have agreed to this show.”

“We’re excited to welcome George back to the airwaves of WSM,” Shaffer said. “When you have the chance to add a legendary talent to a legendary signal, you do it.”

Plaster got his start in radio at 650 AM WSM as a reporter for the Waking Crew with host Ralph Emery. More recently, in addition to the role of sports talk show host, Plaster has been a radio and television play-by-play broadcaster for several college teams.

“I always liked WSM because of its strong signal, and the thought that I’ve got a chance to talk to people in 38 states and half of Canada just intrigues the daylights out of me,” Plaster said.

Sports Night joins other one-of-a-kind programming on 650 AM WSM including an array of country music programs hosted by the station’s nationally-recognized broadcast staff and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a member of the Radio Hall of Fame. For more information on WSM or Sports Night, visit www.wsmradio.com or https://www.facebook.com/wsmradio/.

About 650 AM WSM:

650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925.  The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the WSM airwaves since its inception.  650 AM WSM is owned by Ryman Hospitalities (NYSE:  RHP).  A weekly listing of all 650 AM WSM programming is available at wsmradio.com.

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