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.

Weekend Shuttle Package Thursday Shuttle Package Friday Shuttle Package Saturday Shuttle Package Sunday Shuttle Package *Pricing above includes all fees*

$475.00 $112.50 $174.50 $174.50 $174.50

To Bonnaroo Thursday: 1:30pm, 6pm Friday: 11am, 3pm Saturday: 11am, 3pm Sunday: 12pm, 3pm

To Nashville: Thursday: 12:30am, 3am Friday: 12:30am, 3am Saturday: 12:00am, 3am Sunday: 12am

For a complete lineup and schedule of Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, visit bonnaroo.com.

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?

JL Stiles:  I’m basically a ragtime finger picker and country picker who who writes in his own style, creates new rhythms and melodies using those universal and fundamental techniques. I like to think listening to me is similar to going home.
Lamitschka:  How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?

JL Stiles:  The highlight was the show where I released my CD here in San Francisco, a little club called Cafe du Nord. We really did the new album justice playing it live and the crowd reaction was amazing.

Lamitschka:  What is your latest CD and how's it doing?

JL Stiles: My latest is JL Stiles Presents House of Murmurs

Lamitschka:  How did you choose the title for the CD?  Is there a story behind the name?

JL Stiles:  There is no big story behind the name other than it reflected the kind of eerie psychedelic nature of the record

Lamitschka:  Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?

JL Stiles: I write all my material

Lamitschka:  Please tell us about the songs on your album (influences, etc).

JL Stiles: There is a heavy influence of Maybelle Carter’s guitar style on this album though you might not peg it as such because there are no country songs on there and my rhythmic approach is much more varied.. I strum with the forefinger and pick with the thumb on many of the tracks. I also employ my Piedmont Blues style on here a la Mississippi John Hurt but again vary the rhythmic approach quite a lot so you may not recognize it. The Blind Blake thumbroll is employed on Song Beside My Grave to create the rambling rhythm yet I accent a different beat than he would have done. Basically I hear melodies and rhythms and these folkways styles provide me the tools to bring ‚em out on the guitar and sing ‚em.

Lamitschka:  What is the difference between your last CD and your current one?

JL Stiles: This CD was really played entirely live by me in studio with the drummer so it has an authentic groove over which we laid other stuff. I also had a producer named Etienne de Rocher on this who brought a consistency to the sound and he added some beautiful piano parts.
Lamitschka:  Your current single is being played by radio. What do you feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it?

JL Stiles:  All in a Day is probably the single on this record but it seems DJ’s are playing quite a variety off the record. The song has an old soul but is very catchy with a straight bouncy rhythm and live feel. I also think the bridge on it is surprising yet natural, which I like.

Lamitschka:  What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what's the story behind it?

JL Stiles:  My favorite is probably Song Beside My Grave because it is the song I want people to play as a remembrance of me and there are few if any on earth who can play that style yet it is fundamental.

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

JL Stiles:  Some have said they listened to me over and over when healing from life-threatending illness and claim my music really helped them recover. There is no higher honor than that as a musician.

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

JL Stiles: Blind Blake is my biggest inspiration but he’s dead. Seeing a great performer live is always an inspiration. For instance, seeing Richard Thompson solo acoustic is an inspiration.

Lamitschka:  What do you think about today's music scene versus its post and where do you see it going in the future?

JL Stiles:  I have my local buddies here is SF who are awesome and no ones knows, such as Chris Jones and there is plenty of talent as there always will be. San Francisco is full of brilliant artists who are making no money. In the past it wasn’t any different, it seems. We have more outlets to get our music out there but there are too many artists right now. I basically ignore it all to remain sane and have some silence.



Lamitschka:  What do you think about today's music industry?

JL Stiles: I don’t think about it much at all. I am only interested in getting my music to people who want to hear it or find something new. Licensing music is bigger than ever which brings in money but again, the scene is overcrowded and few make any substantial income. Today is perhaps the worst time ever to be an artist. People are struggling under an international financial tyranny and we have little money to devote to supporting arts.

Lamitschka:  If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

JL Stiles:  I would destroy the use of money as an instrument and only use money to facilitate the exchange of goods and services. Essentially I would destroy all central banks.

Lamitschka:  Are you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you happy where it is?

JL Stiles:  I am always looking to expand. I am planning an unlikely collaboration at present with a rock drummer star but I won’t say who it is as it will ruin the surprise. My next album will have lots of vocal harmonies and employ more innovation guitar techniques, via the remarkable Blind Blake thumbroll.

Lamitschka:  What inspired you to become an artist?

JL Stiles:  I am a seeker of the fundamental, the hidden nuggets of the universe and music is very much a part of that. I want to feel connected, ultimately, and ironically, in this age, such demands basically disconnecting with much of society as it is mostly distraction and slavery in disguise.

Lamitschka:  What inspired you to become a songwriter?

JL Stiles:  I guess it was Zeppelin II, the album, perhaps listening to Chuck Berry as a little kid. I always loved music and imagined it on my own.

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