Country Muisc News:

Lamitschka:  Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?



Bonner Black I’m a 17-year-old singer/songwriter from a small town who loves to be on stage. My music is straight from my heart and my heart speaks country music with a touch of rock edge.

Lamitschka:  How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?

Bonner Black  The past year has been amazing. It was my senior year of highschool and I have to say the highlight of the year was moving to Nashville on my own. Getting to wake up in Music City every morning and work on my dream has been amazing. I’ve grown and learned so much this past year. I definitely have my parents to thank for trusting me and letting me fly out of the nest a little early!
 
Lamitschka:  Do you write songs yourself?



Bonner Black I realized music was my true passion when I started writing. I was a classical ballerina for about 13 years and I thought that I would be a dancer forever. Even though I loved to sing in my room and play guitar, it was wasn’t until I started writing songs that I figured out what I really wanted to do. There’s something about being able to tell everyone your innermost secrets and have them relate. It makes you feel free.
 
Lamitschka:  What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what's the story behind it?

Bonner Black A song called Struck By Lighting! I wrote it when I was 15 years old in my back yard. I was sitting in my swimming pool and there was a lightning storm in the distance. I thought it was pretty so I just sat there watching it and my mom came running outside yelling „Bonner! Get out of the pool! You’re gonna get struck by lightning!!“. The idea just came to me then. It’s a different way of saying „I love you“.

Lamitschka:  How much creative control do you have over your music?

Bonner Black I will never record a song that I don’t believe in or say something in a song that I wouldn’t say myself. Sometimes I exagerate things, but that’s a part of songwriting. But I also find it wise to listen and take advice from people that have been in the business longer than me. I try to take critic with an open mind.

Lamitschka:  Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?

Bonner Black  One of my fans used my song Forever You and Me to propose to his girlfriend!! Later I found out that they played it at their wedding as well. That made me pretty happy!

Lamitschka:  Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?

Bonner Black  Powerful female artists. I love Ann and Nancy Wilson from heart, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, and Reba Macentire. Those are some girls that can rock.



Lamitschka:  What inspired you to become an artist?

Bonner Black  The desire to be on stage and entertain. It’s just something that God put in me. I’m more comfortable in the spotlight then I am in a crowd. It’s how I’ve always been.

Lamitschka:  What inspired you to become a songwriter?

Bonner Black  Life. I fell in love, got my heart broken, and found some dreams to chase. I had to write about it.

Lamitschka:  When you get time off, how do you like to relax?

Bonner Black  I like to read a lot. I’m a closet poetry geek. I love anything shakespeare. It’s weird to say, but I feel like Edgar Allen Poe has had a little influence on my songwriting. Reading makes you more of an idealist and a dreamer. It’s nice to get lost in someone else’s world sometimes.

Lamitschka:  Many music fans today get their information about artists online. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?

Bonner Black  Fans can find everything from my tour dates, bio, photos, videos, and social media links at www.bonnerblack.com .

Christian Lamitschka ( CountryMusicNewsInternational@googlemail.com )
www.CountryMusicNewsInternational.blogspot.com

Review by Preshias Harris for Country Music News International

PIPESTEM, W.Va. (May 25th, 2013) - Despite back-to-back performances every night of Memorial Day weekend, country recording trio Taylor Made found themselves in Pipestem State Park on Thursday, May 23rd to film an episode of Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming. A special Memorial Day installment, the group was featured performing original tunes West Virginia Wildlife, Reckless, and new single, That's How I Roll, as well as God Bless the USA. Several veterans were in attendance, as well as Washington Redskins' safety Reed Doughty.

"The setting was perfect - Pipestem State Park is beautiful" said Brian Duckworth of Taylor Made. "To be there performing for those that have served our country was an incredible way to start off our Memorial Day weekend."

"We always love working with Curtis," added Greg Duckworth, also of Taylor Made. "He's such a good representation of our great state of West Virginia... We jump at any opportunity to work along side him."

This is Taylor Made's second appearance on the show this year - the first was shot in Nashville in December while the group worked on their new album, Taylor County Line.

That's How I Roll was released to radio this week as Taylor Made prepares to head to Nashville for the CMA Music Festival June 6th-9th.

About Taylor Made:
Born and raised in Taylor County, West Virginia, sibling trio Taylor Made has been performing together since childhood. With a background in church and back porch singing, the trio reformed as I-79 for the Colgate Country Showdown. It was only a matter of time before their sibling harmonies caught the attention of Little General Stores owner Greg Darby, who signed them to his West Virginia-based Little General Records under the new name Taylor Made (after their Taylor County upbringing). In 2011, they released single Good Love off of their EP of the same title, which topped off at #42 on the Billboard Indicator chart and #28 on the MusicRow chart. Their next single, Things You Don't Grow Out Of, took them into the top 40 on Billboard Indicator (#37) and the top 20 on Music Row (#19). For more information on Taylor Made, visit www.taylormadecountry.com.

Country Muisc News:

Christian Lamitschka ( CountryMusicNewsInternational@googlemail.com )
www.CountryMusicNewsInternational.blogspot.com

CARRIE UNDERWOOD DONATES ONE MILLION DOLLARS FROM TOUR PROCEEDS TO RED CROSS

FAN FAIR X: EXCEPTIONAL, EXCITING, EXTRAORDINARY, EXPERIENCE TAKES 2013 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL TO THE EXTREME IN THE NEW MUSIC CITY CENTER!

Performances by Lady Antebellum, Wynonna, and Many More; Panels with Legends of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s; George Jones Tribute; Ronnie Dunn Talks About His Art (Photography not Making Music); Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle Shares Fishing Tips; Wrangler Fashion Show; Four Stages; Country Music Memorabilia; a Silent Auction; and the Keep the Kids Playing Pavilion with Activities and Performances for Children and Families NASHVILLE – X marks the coolest daytime spot for Nashville’s “signature” event in the new AT&T® U-verse® Fan Fair X (FFX) with autograph signings, concerts, lifestyle exhibits, a marketplace, interviews with the stars, demonstrations, and much more in the brand new Music City Center during 2013 CMA Music Festival, June 6-9 in Nashville. Kicking things off is Lady Antebellum with “Lady A Day at FFX.” The CMA-Award-winning group will cut the ribbon when the doors officially open to FFX on Thursday, June 6 (9:45 AM). From the CMA Close Up Stage, Lady A will perform an acoustic set and answer questions before signing autographs in their custom “backstage” booth, nicknamed @ClubLabellum. The trio is also launching their PING PONG & SONGS event to include the thousands of fans in town for the Festival. Fans can also register at FFX for a private meet and greet with the group at LP Field on Friday, June 7. The CMA Close Up Stage is one of FOUR stages in Fan Fair X, where fans can discover new music, learn more about the stars they admire, catch up on the latest fashions, and hear the hits from the writers who created them. FFX is open Thursday through Saturday, June 6-8 from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM on Sunday, June 9. Venue doors open at 9:00 AM all days. CMA Close Up Stage Making her first appearance in FFX since 2010 is Wynonna with “The Wy Xperience,” Friday, June 7 hosted by Lorianne Crook, producer and host of Crook & Chase television and radio. Wynonna will be performing acoustically and answering questions from fans (4:00-5:00 PM) in addition to signing autographs in CMA Central, CMA’s autograph hub (3:00-4:00 PM). Another artist making a return appearance in 2013 is Ronnie Dunn, who will be participating in a Q&A session with Country Weekly Managing Editor Joe Hudak about Dunn’s art – not songwriting or performing, but photography – on Thursday, June 6 (2:30 PM). Dunn is also donating several signed pieces of his collection to be part of the Keep the Music Playing Silent Auction in FFX, which benefits school music education programs. The Heritage Panels from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s are sure to be popular with attendees who have followed the format for many years, or those fans who want to learn more about the artists who contributed to the popularity of Country Music today. All of the participants are former CMA Award nominees or winners. The ‘70’s Heritage panel Thursday, June 6 (3:00-4:00 PM) features Lynn Anderson, Crystal Gayle, Charley Pride, Jeanne Pruett, and Mel Tillis. The ‘80s Heritage panel Friday, June 7 (3:00-4:00 PM) features Larry Gatlin, Lee Greenwood, Ricky Skaggs, and The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban. The ‘90s Heritage panel Saturday, June 8 (3:30-4:30 PM) features Ty Herndon, Collin Raye, Mark Wills, and Bryan White. All of the panels will be hosted by Kevin Richards of WGNA/Albany, a CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year. No look at the history and legacy of Country Music would be complete without including a panel paying tribute to the outstanding career of Country Music icon George Jones, who passed away on April 26. This panel, which will be moderated by Hudak, will include Jones’ longtime spouse Nancy Jones, Randy Travis, as well as members of Jones’ inner circle. The panel takes place Friday, June 7 at Noon. Nashville’s hit tunesmiths will be featured on the CMA Close Up Stage throughout the event including the Music City Hitmakers; and Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member and host of the CMA Songwriters Series Bob DiPiero and Kristian Bush of Sugarland on Saturday, June 8 (2:30 PM). Fashionistas can catch up on what’s hot in Country couture during the Wrangler Fashion Show Saturday, June 8 (1:00 PM) featuring Manuel designs. And if your wardrobe runs more towards camouflage, the outdoors-types will enjoy the Field and Stream presentations on Thursday and Friday, June 6-7 (2:00 PM). AT&T Showcase Stage This marks the second year that AT&T has been title sponsor of the exhibit hall experience; first at the Nashville Convention Center and now FFX inside the Music City Center. Showcasing some of the best up-and-coming BMI songwriters in Nashville, the AT&T Showcase Stage will be the place to discover new talent and some soon-to-be hits. Performing  (in alphabetical order; all artists are subject to change) are Drew Baldridge, Ryan Beaver, Ann Marie Boskovich, Adam Craig, Erik Dylan, Melissa Fuller, Kimberly Kelly, Mallorie Haley, Cheryl LuQuire, Doug McCormick, Chancie Neal, and Jacob Powell. Durango Music Spot A perennial favorite with attendees, the Durango Music Spot will bustle all four days with music from Festival favorites including: Lynn Anderson, David Ball, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Carter’s Chord, Mark Chesnutt, Billy Dean, Jimmy Fortune, Wade Hayes, Con Hunley, Buddy Jewell, Georgette Jones, Marty Raybon, Collin Raye, TG Sheppard, Ray Stevens, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Mark Wills, Bryan White, Billy Yates, and many more.    The Durango Music Spot operates Thursday through Saturday, June 6-8 (11:00 AM-4:00 PM) and Sunday, June 9 (11:00 AM-3:00 PM). The stage is hosted by and broadcast live on 650 AM WSM, WSMOnline.com, and the 650 AM WSM Official Mobile App.  Nashville’s Signature Event Getting a coveted autograph from an admired artist or celebrity is the heart of what CMA Music Festival is all about – the interaction and relationship between Country Music artists and their devoted fans.  Launched in 2012 and back again in 2013 is an improved online autograph drawing so that fans don’t spend time waiting in long lines only to leave empty handed and disappointed. The new procedures for autograph seekers enhance the overall Festival experience, improve safety, and make the process for securing a treasured autograph with the most popular artists equitable for all Festival goers. Of the hundreds of artists appearing in FFX over the four-day event, only a projected 10 percent of signings will require a ticket. All others will be open, non-ticketed signings. A complete list of artists appearing in FFX (including a listing of autograph sessions that require tickets) is posted at CMAfest.com. Some of the artists who will be making appearances at FFX include: Lauren Alaina, Bill Anderson, Kix Brooks, Laura Bell Bundy, Kristian Bush, Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Greenwood, Randy Houser, Lady Antebellum, Tracy Lawrence, Brenda Lee, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Kip Moore, Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, The Oak Ridge Boys, Cassadee Pope, Lisa Marie Presley, Thomas Rhett, Josh Turner, Wynonna, and Chris Young. Country artists aren’t the only celebrities making appearances in FFX. For the first time in 2013, the cast of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” will be in the Music City Center to meet fans and sign autographs including Phil Robertson, Si Robertson, Kay Robertson, Willie Robertson, Korie Robertson, Jase Robertson, Missy Robertson, Jep Robertson, Jessica Robertson, Al Robertson, Lisa Robertson, John Godwin, Justin Martin, Sadie Robertson, and John Luke Robertson. CMA’s longtime partner Chevrolet, the Official Ride of Country Music, will also have artists signing in their FFX booth including Bush Hawg, Craig Campbell, Kristy Lee Cook, Bucky Covington, Sarah Darling, Clinton Gregory, and more. FFX Vault Fan Fair X will be filled with memorabilia from Country’s legends and top stars in the new FFX Vault. Among the featured items: a love note from Garth Brooks to Trisha Yearwood; jewelry worn by Taylor Swift during a Teen Vogue photo shoot; Brad Paisley’s first business card; Carrie Underwood’s yearbooks; and stage and personal clothing items from Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, Little Jimmy Dickens, Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Tammy Wynette, and more. Fans can also check out the vehicles of some of their favorite stars. Keep the Kids Playing Pavilion New in 2013 is a special area in FFX just for children and families called the Keep the Kids Playing Pavilion. Activities in this kid-friendly section of FFX include meet and greets with Veggie Tales characters; the Adventure Science Center with an interactive exhibit on the science behind music; fingerprinting with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office; face painting; Music & Arts instrument petting zoo with mini lessons; a green screen for photos sponsored by Kidde; Notes for Notes with a music studio experience; arts and crafts with the Tennessee Art League; seed packet giveaways from the Tennessee Environmental Council; and a global humanitarian awareness exhibit from World Vision. The Pavilion will also be the home to the Ultimate Air Dogs, the premiere dog jumping organization in the country, and their daily demonstrations of canine flight and splash. Named for CMA’s music education initiative, which provides instruments and supplies to deserving schools, the Keep the Music Playing Stage will feature several performances from groups and artists including Julie Roberts reading stories Sunday, June 9 (1:00 PM). Country singer/painter Steve Wariner will participate in a special session Saturday, June 8 (11:15 AM) on the Keep the Music Playing Stage. Hosted by WSM AM and GAC host and Grand Ole Opry announcer Bill Cody, Wariner will talk about the intersection of being a performer and a visual artist. Members of the Tennessee Art League will also be on hand to help kids express themselves through music and art. Seventeen of Wariner’s paintings in pen and ink, watercolor, encaustic, and acrylic will be on display in the FFX Vault all four days. Entertainment Value FFX is free to all CMA Music Festival four-day ticket holders. If you do not have a four-day Festival ticket, CMA is making available tickets to FFX for $10 a day; or $25 for a four-day pass. CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER ARE FREE. Tickets are available at the Music City Center inside the Registration area during the event and through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or the CMA Music Festival Box Office by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) (price includes handling fees). Visit CMAfest.com for details.   Up-to-the-Minute Information Fans can stay in the loop by visiting CMAfest.com, the official website of CMA Music Festival, where they can sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news. Fans can also connect with CMA at Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Pinterest.com/CMAworld, and Instagram.com/CMA_Country_Music_Association. “If You See Something, Say Something” at CMA Music Festival At CMA Music Festival, the safety is of utmost importance. Therefore, CMA will be utilizing the “If You See Something, Say Something” program from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Everyone attending CMA Music Festival is asked to be vigilant in reporting suspicious behavior and situations (e.g., an unattended backpack in a public place or someone trying to break into a restricted area). Attendees are encouraged to text ALERT (space) and the LOCATION of the suspicious activity to 66937. There will also be a special Festival law enforcement phone number posted throughout the event area for attendees to call to report suspicious activity. Visit CMAfest.com for more information.