Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain set to perform at Tennessee Valley Theatre

Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain

Could this be another high attendance record at the Tennessee Valley Theatre?  The last time CARRIE HASSLER AND HARD RAIN performed at the venue, they broke the venue’s high attendance record and at their second visit, broke the record again.  The group will perform at the theatre located in Spring City, TN on Saturday, November 21^st at 7:30 PM ET.  Tickets are $10 per person and reservations can be made by calling 423-365-PLAY. 

Not only is the band still receiving chart success from their current Rural Rhythm Records album, “CHHR2,” but Carrie also has two new single releases:  a digital single of “Amazing Grace,” and a brand new single release of “Wildfire,” a duet with Michael Martin Murphey.  The pair recently debuted “Wildfire” before a huge audience at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fan Fest held during the World of Bluegrass Convention last month in Nashville.

Melonie Cannon Opens Up About Addiction

Melonie Cannon

One of Nashville’s most beloved female vocalists, Melonie Cannon, has announced her recent battle with an addiction to prescription medications. Melonie describes the experience by revealing, “I was in a dark hole and I didn’t even know it.  I became isolated from family and friends. In just a couple of years, I went from being on prescribed medications to being addicted to prescription medications.  It felt like there was no way out because no one would understand what I was going through. Prescription drug addiction has become a huge problem in this country, and I’m not ashamed to talk about it.”

“But with the help of my Daddy, Mom and husband, I gathered the courage to check into a residential rehab facility,” she continued.  “I’ll never forget how alone I had been feeling for such a long time.  But to my complete surprise, I had 14 visitors on my first Sunday in treatment! Just when I thought I didn’t have anybody, I had EVERYBODY and they were all still pulling for me and loved me no matter what!”

Melonie Cannon "And The Wheels Turn"

Melonie was headed to the lowest point in her struggle around October 2008 – the same time as the release of her brand new Rural Rhythm Records album, “AND THE WHEELS TURN.”  The first single, “I Call It Gone” was already having huge success on bluegrass radio, along with rave album and single reviews.  In January of this year, the label continued on track with the country radio release of “Back to Earth,” a duet with country legend Willie Nelson, plus the release of a beautiful music video filmed on Nelson’s Texas ranch.

Both songs were extremely successful, with “I Call It Gone” hitting #1 in the Sirius-XM Top 40 bluegrass song chart and spending 9 months on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 30 Singles Chart.  “Back to Earth” garnered significant adds on Country Radio stations in the U.S. and Europe, with the video appearing on CMT’s Pure 12-Pack Countdown TV program.  The “Back to Earth” video is still on the program’s voting list at CMT.com.

“I realize I will always struggle with an addictive personality,” Melonie stated.  “Since I grew up the child of an addict/alcoholic, chaos was the only thing I knew! But instead of trying to point my finger at my Dad, he has now become my inspiration to live right each day.  He tried to help me for so long, but one day, he just stopped looking at me.  That was the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with.  But today I am working closely with him again and we are talking about our next record.  I was so scared we would never work together again! But God stepped in and I stepped up!”

With the announcement of her recent struggles, Melonie was thrilled that Rural Rhythm Records will issue a special free download of  “Send A Little Love,” another moving song from the album produced by Ronnie Bowman and her Dad, Buddy Cannon.  Bowman and John Scott Scherrill, two of her best friends in the music business, composed this heartfelt tune.  “I feel like singing those lyrics to everyone…..’and let it shine, just like the sun.  Let it pour on down on everyone.’ That is how I feel – like the sun is shining down again!  I love life and I’m so happy to be a part of each and every day,” said Melonie.

Rural Rhythm Records recently released a single, “Dark Shadows” to bluegrass radio via their Fresh Cuts and Key Tracks #5 radio sampler CD. Melonie is thrilled to be back focusing on her career – “I am looking forward to getting back to touring next year and supporting this album that is so dear to my heart.”

Rural Rhythm Records
Contact: Sammy Passamano, III
Email

MEDIA CONTACT
Hope River Entertainment
Penni McDaniel 678.377.3298
Email

MANAGEMENT CONTACT:
Key Artist Management
Dottie Moore
Email

Michael Martin Murphey Signs Multi-Album Deal

Michael Martin Murphey Signs Multi-Album Recording Contract
Two New Singles Now Released: “Wildfire” and “Running Gun“

Sam Passamano (Rural Rhythm) and Michael Martin Murphey

Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce Michael Martin Murphey has a signed a multi-album recording contract with the label.  Due to the success of Murphey’s  Rural Rhythm albums, “Buckaroo Blue Grass” (released Feb 09) and “Cowboy Classics – Old West Cowboy Collection” (released June 2009), the label will release “BUCKAROO BLUE GRASS 2” on February 9, 2010.  The project will feature two singles that were released last week during the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass held in Nashville, Tennessee.

Michael Martin Murphey and Carrie Hassler recording Wildfire

On Wednesday, September 30 during the IBMA convention, Rural Rhythm Records hosted a Private Showcase that included music industry VIPs who were treated to incredible performances and surprise announcements.  This special event included an extremely moving performance by Michael Martin Murphey and Bluegrass #1 hit artist, Carrie Hassler singing “Wildfire.”  Murphey and Hassler recorded the new version of this mega hit song just two weeks prior to the IBMA convention.  Last Thursday, Murphey appeared on WSM Radio with Bill Cody where the song was played during the show.  Due to the overwhelming listener response after “Wildfire’s” airplay on the show, and in anticipation of Murphey and Hassler performing the song October 17th at SMU vs. Navy game during the half-time show, the song will be available for digital download in the next few weeks.

Michael Martin Murphey and Audie Blaylock

Also during the VIP Showcase, Murphey performed another new single, “Running Gun” with bluegrass veteran, Audie Blaylock & Redline much to the delight of the audience.  The song will also be available on “BUCKAROO BLUE GRASS 2.”

“BUCKAROO BLUE GRASS 2” includes a host of other outstanding talent including: Sam Bush, Charlie Cushman, Troy Engle, Pat Flynn, Andy Hall, Rob Ickes, Andy Leftwich, Ryan Murphey, Craig Nelson,  and Matt Pierson.  The album was produced by Ryan Murphey and Engineered by Keith Compton.

 
Rural Rhythm Records
Radio Request, please contact: Sammy Passamano, III
Email

MEDIA REQUEST for the artists and label:
Hope River Entertainment
678.377.3298 Email

 

Upcoming Graves Mountain Live Album & Event

Rural Rhythm Records and Graves Mountain Festival of Music Announce Upcoming Commemorative Live Recording Album

Rural Rhythm Records and Graves Mountain Festival of Music are proud to announce next year’s “Rural Rhythm’s 55 Year Celebration at Graves Mountain” commemorative Live Recording taking place Friday, June 4, 2010 during the festival’s three day event (June 3-5, 2010) in Syria, Virginia.   The upcoming live album will be released on Rural Rhythm Records in October 2010.

Kyle Cantrell of Sirius-XM Radio’s popular “Bluegrass Junction” will serve as Master of Ceremonies for this all-star recorded event held on June 4, 2010 with performances by:  The Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Audie Blaylock & Redline, Lou Reid and Carolina, and The Crowe Brothers.  Mark Newton is producing the event with Gene Daniel Sound overseeing the sound.  Highlights will be broadcast on Sirius-XM “Bluegrass Junction” soon after the festival.

Lou Reid, Russell Moore, Audie Blaylock, Carl Jackson, Carrie Hassler, Mark Newton, Sammy Shelor, Mike Hartgrove

Last week during the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass, Rural Rhythm Records hosted a VIP Showcase that included a special preview of the ucoming Graves Mountain event. Carl Jackson, Mark Newton, Russell Moore, Lou Reid, Audie Blaylock, Carrie Hassler, Wayne Benson, Sammy Shelor, Mike Anglin, and Mike Hartgrove performed Carl Jackson’s original song, “Graves Mountain Memories.”  The group will perform the song during the Rural Rhythm recorded event next June along with these other special shows:

• Crowe Brothers with Russell Moore, and Sammy Shelor
• Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain with Brandon Rickman
• Audie Blaylock & Redline with Carrie Hassler, Russell Moore, and Lou Reid
• Graves Mountain Jam: Lou Reid and Carolina, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Lonesome River Band, Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Audie Blaylock & Redline, and The Crowe Brothers.
• “My Home’s Across the Blue Ridge Mountains” – Brandon Rickman, Crowe Brothers, Audie Blaylock, Mike Hartgrove, Wayne Benson, Steve Dilling, Edgar Loudermilk

Tickets and information on the three day Graves Mountain of Music Festival can be found at www.gravesmountain.com.  For more information on Rural Rhythm Records and their artists, please visit RuralRhythm.com

Michael Martin Murphey’s new “Wildfire”

Carrie Hassler & Michael Martin Murphey

This week (9/30), Rural Rhythm Records held a VIP Showcase during the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass in Nashville, TN.  Attendees were treated to many surprises during the evening including one of the biggest events  - Michael Martin Murphey and Carrie Hassler performing his mega-hit “Wildfire.”  The following day, Murphey was a guest on WSM Radio where host, Bill Cody gave the song a spin much to the delight of their listeners who immediately called in.   On Friday (10/2), Murphey made a surprise guest appearance as he joined Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain on stage at the popular IBMA FanFest.

It was only a few weeks aga Murphey and Hassler re-recorded this mega chart topping song, but Rural Rhythm Records quickly had it ready for radio distribution during the convention.

On October 17th, Murphey and Hassler will take the stage again performing “Wildfire” at the SMU vs. Navy game football game in Texas.  The song will be featured on Murphey’s next album due in February on Rural Rhythm Records.

For Radio and Media requests, please contact Rural Rhythm Records or Hope River Entertainment. 

Booking for Michael Martin Murphey provided by Class Act Entertainment.  Booking for Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain provided by Hope River Entertainment.

Sammy Shelor to be inducted into Virginia Music Hall of Fame

 

Sammy Shelor

Sammy Shelor, member of the bluegrass group, LONESOME RIVER BAND will be inducted into the Virginia Music Hall of Fame during the Association’s 10th Annual Jumpin’ Bluegrass Festival held September 17-20, 2009 at the Chesterfield, Virginia County Fairgrounds.  Shelor joins a long list of previous Hall of Famers including: Roy Clark, Mother Mabelle, Mac Wiseman, Statler Brothers, Patsy Cline, Tony Rice, Bill Yates, Larry Stephenson and many other talented artists. “I’m honored to be recognized by the Virginia Music Hall of Fame and my home State of Virginia,” said Shelor.

Shelor will receive his Hall of Fame Honor on Friday, September 18th, plus take the stage with the Lonesome River Band for what is surely to be a memorable performance.  The band is celebrating a highly successful #1 album, “No Turning Back” (Rural Rhythm Records) that includes numerous current chart singles.  Also appearing on Friday are: Code Blue, Church Sisters, GCH-Wings of Love, Copper Ridge, plus the Special Recognition Award presented to Ray Pollard, Founder of Gospel Chicken House.

Other performers during the 4-day event include:  one of Virginia’s most beloved female vocalists and bands, Michelle & Nixon & Drive with special guest Nick Nixon, The James King Band, Borrowed Time, Thunder Creek, and many more.  On Saturday, the Heritage Music Youth Scholarships will be presented to three 13-year olds: Matt Henderson, TJ Honaker and Gaven Largent.  The Bluegrass Championship Contest will be held on Sunday, September 20th, emceed by Henry Fulcher with a $1,000 award presented to the 1st place band.  It will also include a performance by the 2008 Band Champion – Grit City Grass.

More information on SAMMY SHELOR and LONESOME RIVER BAND
Sammy Shelor is also receiving another special recognition as a nominee for the 2009 International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Banjo Performer of the Year award.  The Lonesome River Band is nominated in two categories including the IBMA Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year (“Struttin to Ferrum”) and the Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year (“Darkness Wept”), tracks from “NO TURNING BACK.” Winners will be announced during the IBMA Awards Show on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Ryman Auditorium. Please visit the band’s website for more info.

More information on the JUMPIN’ BLUEGRASS 09
Ticket prices for The Jumpin’ Bluegrass 09 are only $5 per day (4 day with parking pass $25); day parking $5 car; Full camping $25/day; Electric $10/day; Tent Camping $5/day.  For more information on the festival or the Virginia Folk Music Association, please visit: www.vafolkmusic.org or view Festival flyer in pdf.  For questions, please contact: Sigrid Williams, President of the VFMA at 804-347-2925 or via email

Media Contact for Sammy Shelor and The Lonesome River Band:
Hope River Entertainment – email

Booking Contact for Lonesome River Band:
Roe Entertainment - email

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Hope River Entertainment Announces After Hours Showcase Line-Up

Hope River Entertainment is proud to announce the line-up for our After Hours Showcase held during the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass.  The concert will take place at the Renaissance Hotel, 2nd floor, Fisk Rooms 1 & 2 on Tuesday, September 29th from 11:15 PM – 2:00 AM. This late night concert includes performances by Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Brandon Rickman (Lonesome River Band), Audie Blaylock & Redline, Donna Hughes Band, Brand New Strings, Tim Hensley, and Jett’s Creek.

Jett's Creek

Starting off this late night at 11:15 PM – Jett’s Creek, an Ohio based national touring act.  The band will debut songs from their upcoming album, including their new song, Please.  Jett’s Creek band members include: Adam McIntosh, Angie Young, Jon McIntosh, Johnny Wax, Wayne Haddix and Jeff Bird. Jett’s Creek made their IBMA debut last year during our After Hours and we are proud to welcome them back.

Brand New Strings

Brand New Strings will take the stage at 11:35 pm with members: Mike Ramsey (Mandolin), Randall Massengill (Guitar), Tim Tipton (Bass), Stuart Wyrick (Banjo), Matt Leadbetter (Dobro) and special guest, Preston Schmidt (Fiddle.) Massengill and Ramsey each contribute original material to the group and you don’t want to miss this show! “Combine great songs with strong vocals and some hard driving bluegrass and you’ve got Brand New Strings,” said Mike Kelly (WDVX). The group just completed their upcoming new album with producer, Steve Gulley.

 

Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain

Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain will welcome the midnight hour with their high-energy performance that will keep you going all night! Hard Rain includes: Keith McKinnon, Kevin McKinnon, Jamie Harper, Travis Anderson and Zach Gilmer. The group is celebrating their highly successful chart album, CHHR2 on Rural Rhythm Records. Their hit single, “‘I Can Go Back Anytime” reached #1 on the May 2009 Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 single chart. Check out their latest single, “Faith & Hope” along with Carrie’s latest gospel single release, “Amazing Grace.” CHHR will also be performing at this year’s IBMA FanFest, Friday, October 3, at 2:15 pm.

Audie Blaylock

At 12:25 AM, we welcome 2009 IBMA Showcase artist, Audie Blaylock & Redline. The band is nominated for the 2009 IBMA Gospel Recorded Event of the Year award for “Who’ll Sing For Me?” from their current self-titled new album on Rural Rhythm Records. You can catch the band at their booth in the Exhibit Hall during the convention; plus their performances at the IBMA Showcase Brunch on Wednesday, September 30 and IBMA FanFest on Friday, October 2, at 2:45 pm. Audie has been packing our After Hours Showcases since the World of Bluegrass was held in Louisville, KY, and we are glad to have them back!

At 12:50 AM, we are proud to have another official IBMA Showcase Artist, the Donna Hughes Band. Don’t miss their official showcase performance on Wednesday, September 30, at 8:30 pm and at the IBMA FanFest on the Master’s Workshop Stage on Friday, October 2, at 4:40 pm. Donna just finished recording her upcoming new Rounder Records album produced by bluegrass legend, JD Crowe. Convention attendees will get to take home the first cut, “Dr. Jekyl,” as it will appear on the 2009 IBMA Showcase compilation CD!

Tim Hensley

Hitting the stage at 1:10 AM, is Tim Hensley who is finishing up a mega tour as gutarist and vocalist with Kenny Chesney. Tim and guests will perform songs from his current Rural Rhythm/Blue Chair Records bluegrass album, Long Monday. The CD was produced by Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon. One of the tracks from the album, “Shady Grove” appears this week at #21 on Sirius-XM Radio’s Top 40 Song chart.

During this time slot, we’ll also have a special surprise for someone, so you don’t want to miss it!

Brandon Rickman

From 1:40 am, we welcome Brandon Rickman with special guests to celebrate his critically acclaimed debut solo album, “YOUNG MAN, OLD SOUL“ on Rural Rhythm Records. The album appears this month at #5 on Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 10 Albums and TWO SINGLES on their Top 30: “Here Comes That Feeling” at #20 and “Always Have, Always Will” at #28. Brandon is, of course guitarist and lead singer for the ever-popular Lonesome Rver Band. The band is celebrating a #1 album, “No Turning Back” (3 months in a row this year) and a #1 single, “Them Blues.”  We also invite you to their IBMA FanFest performance Friday, October 3, at 9:30 pm. The Lonesome River Band is nominated for two 2009 IBMA Awards including Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year for their song, “Struttin’ to Ferrum” and for the Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year for “Darkness Wept.” The Lonesome River Band will perform at the IBMA Awards Show on Thursday, Oct 1 at the Ryman Auditorium.

So please join us, mark your calendar and we’ll see you there!

Schedule:
11:15  pm – Jett’s Creek
11:35 pm – Brand New Strings
12:00 midnight – Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain
12:25 am – Audie Blaylock & Redline
12:50 am – Donna Hughes Band
1:10 am – Tim Hensley
1:40 am – Brandon Rickman

For Interview Requests, please contact Hope River Entertainment at 678.377.3298 or via email.

 

Photos courtesy of:
Tim Hensley: Photo by Glen Rose Photography
Brandon Rickman – Photo by Anthony Ladd of Kneelin Design
Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain – Photo by Anthony Ladd of Kneelin Design
Brand New Strings – Photo by: Dean Hoffmeyer
Jett’s Creek – Photo by: Only You Photography

 

New single release, “Sister” by GOLD HEART

Gold Heart's new album "My Sisters and Me"

Rural Rhythm Records has released the single, “Sister” by the award-winning bluegrass band, GOLD HEART. The song is from the band’s upcoming August 25, 2009 album release, “MY SISTERS AND ME,” produced by Justin Carbone.

Songwriter, Nora Jane Struthers’ tune fits perfectly with the stunning harmony provided by the Gold sisters that creates their unmistakable sound. Band members include: Analise, Jocelyn and Shelby, along with their Dad, Trent Gold and Russ Carson.

GOLD HEART has been chosen by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) as an official 2009 IBMA Showcase Artist at this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass that takes place September 28 – October 4, 2009.  The group will perform on September 25 at 8:30 pm in the Renaissance Hotel Grand Ballroom in Nashville, Tennessee during the Business Conference portion of the week.

The group is currently on tour, including this weekend’s performance in Henderson, Kentucky at the Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival.  For a complete tour schedule and more information on “MY SISTERS AND ME,”, please visit www.goldheartbluegrass.com

Donna Hughes Receives Multiple Honors from Various Organizations

Donna Hughes

Acclaimed songwriter and national touring artist, DONNA HUGHES has just received numerous honors and nominations by a variety of organizations in recent weeks including being nominated by The Carolina Music Awards for the Country Female Vocalist of the Year. Winners will be announced at the 2nd Annual Carolina Music Awards Show on August 15, 2009 at the Progress Energy Center in Downtown, Raleigh, NC.  Fans can still cast their vote at the organization’s website at: CarolinaMusicAwards.com

Hughes’ current CD, GAINING WISDOM (Rounder Records), has also garnered 4 nominations by the Just Plain Folks Music Organization for Bluegrass Album of the Year, Country Song of the Year (“Hold On“), and Bluegrass Song of the Year (“Bottom of a Glass” and “What I’m Looking For.”) Just Plain Folks is a community of over 51,500 songwriters, recording artists and music industry professionals and host to the world’s largest independent music awards.  The Awards Show will be held Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN.

The International Bluegrass Music Association has chosen Donna Hughes as a 2009 IBMA Showcase Artist where she will perform with her band at this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass held at the Nashville Convention Center in September.

Hughes has recently been in the studio recording a new bluegrass album with producer and bluegrass legend, J. D. Crowe.  This will be her second Rounder Records release and comes on the heels of her acclaimed “Gaining Wisdom” album produced by legendary guitarist, Tony Rice.  The CD featured many of Hughes’ original songs complimented with guest vocals by Alison Krauss, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rhonda Vincent and more. 

For more information on Donna Hughes, please visit www.donnahughes.com