Monday, February 28, 2011

Jason Aldean taking number one on ITunes

SUPERSTAR JASON ALDEAN’S
“DON’T YOU WANNA STAY”
TAKES BILLBOARD’S NO. ONE SPOT TODAY 

The Monster Hit Also Holds Steady at No. One on iTunes
 
Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 28, 2011 – Country music superstar Jason Aldean’s powerful duet with Kelly Clarkson “Don’t You Wanna Stay” reached the top spot on the Billboard Country Singles chart today becoming the ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee’s sixth career No. one.  The second release off his PLATINUM album MY KINDA PARTY also continues to hold strong in the No. one position on iTunes’ Top 10 Country Songs.

“It’s a pretty killer birthday present, that’s for sure!  My family and friends are going to have to work VERY VERY hard to beat what country radio and the fans have already given me today,” laughed Aldean.  “On a serious note, I am really proud of this song.  Anybody who says they wouldn’t be nervous to try and go note for note with a vocalist like Kelly Clarkson is straight up lying to you!  So, I do feel a huge sense of accomplishment to have pulled it off in the studio and on live tv with her, and then for everyone else to have responded to it the way they did...it’s just incredible, and you never take those things for granted.”

Aldean’s MY KINDA PARTY TOUR is sold out again this weekend in Charlottesville, Va., Lexington, Ky. and Toledo, Ohio. For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit www.jasonaldean.com.

Josh Groban making St. Louis a stop on tour

FOR IMMEDIATE ANNOUNCEMENT



His First Tour in over 4 Years…

JOSH GROBAN





Friday, May 27 at the Scottrade Center, St. Louis


Tickets on Sale this Saturday, March 5 at 10am!



TICKETS FOR JOSH GROBAN WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE, LIVENATION.COM,

TICKETMASTER AND CHARGE BY PHONE 1-800-745-3000.



NO SERVICE CHARGE AT THE BOX OFFICE!              



All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

*Tickets may be subject to fees

Produced by Live Nation


See Josh Groban’s Latest Hit Video – “Hidden Away”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnPICiigM5Q

For the latest news about Josh Groban, visit: www.joshgroban.com



About the tour: The “Straight To You” Tour will bring the feel of a theater experience to an arena setting though stage design, lighting, and projection,

as well as through the spontaneity and interactivity Josh delighted his fans with during last year’s “Before We Begin” shows, in which he solicited feedback from the audience on which songs should be included in the set-list. As a result, for the “Straight To You” shows, Groban will continue to interac with audiences and perform favorites from his best-selling albums, including his self-titled debut, Closer, and Awake, as well as songs from Illuminations.
Watch the promo video for the tour here: http://www.joshgroban.com/splash/

Arcade Fire ticket prices announced

UPDATE – TICKET PRICES ANNOUNCED!



 ARCADE FIRE



Grammy Award Winner for Album of the Year!



 

APRIL 21


The Concert Club at Scottrade Center


TICKETS ON SALE THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 5 AT 11AM!

Floor GA*: $39

Reserved Seats*: $39



TICKETS FOR ARCADE FIRE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE, LIVENATION.COM,

TICKETMASTER AND CHARGE BY PHONE 1-800-745-3000.



NO SERVICE CHARGE AT THE BOX OFFICE!



All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Ticket prices are subject to service fees when not purchased at the box office.

Produced by Live Nation

Def Leppard ticket prices announced

Ticket Prices Announced!

All Lawn Tickets $19 First Week of Sales*!




Special Guests:
HEART


AUGUST 10
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre


     

Tickets on Sale This Saturday, March 5 at 10am!
Reserved Tickets*: $35, $45, $55, $65, $95 and $105
Lawn Tickets*: $19 First Week of Sales

TICKETS FOR DEF LEPPARD WILL BE AVAILABLE AT LIVENATION.COM,
TICKETMASTER AND CHARGE BY PHONE 1-800-745-3000. 
 
*GET NO SERVICE CHARGE AT THE BOX OFFICE FIRST WEEK OF SALES!

All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.
*All first week offers end Saturday, March 12 at end of business and price does not include possible
service fees when not purchased at the box office.
Produced by Live Nation.

Hall of Famers Steely Dan coming to Fox


 Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Steely Dan dazzled the public and critics alike in 2009 with their classic-albums-in-full Rent Party tour. Now the band is responding to overwhelming popular demand and returning to the road to give fans more Steely Dan action.  Greatest hits and deep cuts alike will be showcased at Fox Theatre on August 24 at 8 p.m.  Acclaimed jazz artist Sam Yahel is on board as the tour’s main support act.



For the show, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are back with their awesome group of players including Keith Carlock (drums); Jon Herington (guitar); Freddie Washington (bass); Jim Beard (keys); Michael Leonhart, Walt Weiskopf, Roger Rosenberg and Jim Pugh (horns); plus background singers Carolyn Leonhart, Cindy Mizelle, and Catherine Russell.



Tickets go on sale to the public beginning Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $75, $55, and $35 with a limited number of Gold Circle seats also available. Purchase tickets at the Fox Box Office, MetroTix outlets or by calling (314) 534-1111. Order tickets online at www.metrotix.com.



Steely Dan has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and helped define the soundtrack of the '70s with hits including “Do It Again,” “Reelin’ in the Years,” “Bodhisattva,” “Rikki Don't Lose That Number,” “F.M.,” “Peg,” “Deacon Blues,” “Hey Nineteen” and “Babylon Sisters.” They reunited in the early '90s and have toured throughout the decade and beyond, releasing multi-Grammy winner Two Against Nature in 2000 and its acclaimed follow-up Everything Must Go in 2003. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.



Critics raved about the performances on the Rent Party 2009 tour, with the New York Times stating that Fagen “was deep in the music… a cross between Count Basie and Ray Charles.” The Chicago Sun-Times proclaimed: “This was different. This was live. This was vibrant. This was a cascade of color carried along by Fagen, Becker, eight brilliant supporting musicians and three superb backing vocalists.” The Los Angeles Times raved: “Everyone gathered Friday evening was a believer – and they were treated to something close to rapture.”



Visit www.steelydan.com for updates, details, and further developments.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Miranda Rocks St. Louis



All photos by Scott Kiefer, Belleville News-Democrat



Reigning country queen Miranda Lambert opened her tour in St. Louis last night to a sold-out audience at the Chaifetz arena. Lambert thrilled the crowd with her hits from the beginning of her career in 2005, through her current single “Heart Like Mine,” which is already in the top twenty.
Lambert, who is well know for her raucous style of “girl country” music, also proved that she has the chops to routinely carry the weight of ballads such as “Dead Flowers,” and the smash “The House That Buillt Me.”
When not focusing on showing her power house vocal talents, Lambert showed that audience she knows how to party when on stage and entertain the crowd. Hardly a few seconds went by when she wasn’t engaging with the audience, dancing, and running from one side of the stage to the other. One could tell that she was having fun on the St. Louis stage, even blowing her boot out two minutes into the show.
“Guess you could say I blew my boot in St. Louie,” Lambert said. “Now that sounds pretty cool. Nothing some duct tape won’t fix.”
Lambert definitely needs and deserves “Entertainer of the Year” nomination.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Mother's Day concert to feature, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, En Vogue and more

ChARLIE wILSON headlines special mother’s day edition of St. louis music festival on friday, may 6

tickets go on-sale TUESDAY, MARCH 1 at 10 a.m. at metrotix.com

(St. Louis – February 25, 2011) R&B superstar Charlie Wilson headlines a star-studded line-up of the St. Louis Music Festival – Mother’s Day Edition at Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University on Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.  Fantasia, En Vogue and Eric Benet are also scheduled to perform.

Advance tickets are $37, $51 and $61 and go on-sale on Tuesday, March 1 at 10 a.m. at MetroTix.com, the Chaifetz Arena Box Office, MetroTix outlets at select Schnucks stores and charge by phone at 314-534-1111.  There is a $3 increase on price on the day of the show.

As one of the most distinguished voices in R&B music, Charlie Wilson needs no introduction.  The former lead singer of the funkadelic trio, the Gap Band, “Uncle Charlie” sang on four No. 1 R&B hits including “Burn Rubber,” “Early in the Morning,” “Outstanding,” and “Addicted to Your Love.”  Since launching a solo career, Wilson has yielded four Grammy nominations, including one for Best R&B Album for Uncle Charlie and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “There Goes My Baby” in 2010.

“American Idol” Season 3 winner Fantasia was the first recording artist in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts with a debut single for “I Believe.”  The R&B vocalist has already amassed eight Grammy nominations in her short career including a win for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance with the song “Bittersweet.”  All three of Fantasia’s albums have peaked within the top three of Billboard’s R&B albums chart with Back to Me reaching the top position in 2010.

R&B quartet En Vogue is one of most successful female groups of all-time and was ranked the 18th most successful act of the 1990s by Billboard.  Their seven MTV Video Music Awards is more than any other female group in history.  En Vogue dominated the Billboard R&B charts throughout the ‘90s with the anthems “Don’t Let Go (Love),” “Whatta Man,” “Free Your Mind,” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Going to Get It),” and “Hold On.”

Three-time Grammy Award nominee Eric Benet made his solo debut with 1996’s True to MyselfThree years later came A Day In The Life, which contained the single "Spend My Life with You."  The song went to No. 1on the R&B charts, was certified gold and nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group, along with a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album.  His latest album Love and Life garnered two Grammy nominations including one for Best R&B Album.

Def Leppard bring tour, special guest Heart


ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR BANDS IN ROCK HISTORY…



Special Guests:
HEART

AUGUST 10
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
St. Louis

     

Tickets on Sale Saturday, March 5 at 10am!
Ticket Prices Coming Soon – Stay Tuned!
 
**NATIONAL TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT ATTACHED**

TICKETS FOR DEF LEPPARD WILL BE AVAILABLE AT LIVENATION.COM,
TICKETMASTER AND CHARGE BY PHONE 1-800-745-3000. 
 
GET NO SERVICE CHARGE AT THE BOX OFFICE FIRST WEEK OF SALES!

All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.
Produced by Live Nation

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Arcade Fire coming to Scottrade

FOR IMMEDIATE ANNOUNCEMENT


Grammy Award Winner for Album of the Year…
ARCADE FIRE
With Very Special Guests: The National


The Scottrade Center 
Concert Club

APRIL 21
TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 5 AT 11AM!
Ticket Prices TBA – Stay Tuned!
 
TICKETS FOR ARCADE FIRE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE, LIVENATION.COM,
TICKETMASTER AND CHARGE BY PHONE 1-800-745-3000.
 
NO SERVICE CHARGE AT THE BOX OFFICE!
 
All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.
Produced by Live Nation

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Kenny Chesney promotes Everglades

KENNY CHESNEY RAISES AWARENESS FOR EVERGLADES FOUNDATION


NASHVILLETN – Singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney is known for his high-energy live shows and his love for the outdoors. Last night, they came together in Palm BeachFla. where Chesney performed for the Everglades Foundation benefit. Chesney’s friend and Foundation Board member Jimmy Buffet joined Chesney on stage for Chesney’s “Back Where I Come From” and one of Buffett’s signature songs, “Come Monday.” Mac McAnally joined Chesney on “Down The Road.”

On performing at the benefit Chesney said, “I was honored that Jimmy (Buffett) asked me to be a part of the Everglades Foundation Benefit.  Restoring and protecting future damage to the Everglades is very important to me. Hopefully this helped bring some attention to a very important cause.” The Everglades Foundation is dedicated to protecting and restoring one of the world’s unique natural ecosystems, providing economic, recreational and life- sustaining benefits to the millions of people who depend on its future health.  Chesney joins a diverse line up of artists who have performed at previous benefits including Sting, Gloria Estefan, Diana Ross and John Mellencamp.

Chesney now turns his full attention to his Corona Presents Kenny Chesney’s “Goin Coastal” Tour which has already sold more than 500,000 tickets and more than 30 shows have not even gone on sale yet! With 11 stadiums and more than 40 arena and amphitheater shows, Corona Presents Kenny Chesney’s “Goin Coastal” Tour finds him back in the Palm Beach County area for the kick-off on March 17 and then onto Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay on March 19.

About Florida’s Relationship with the Everglades:

More than seven million people live in the Everglades watershed and depend on its natural systems for their livelihood, food and drinking water. Florida’s agricultural, boating, tourism, real estate, recreational and commercial fishing industries all depend on a healthyEverglades ecosystem, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and contributing billions to our economy. Its waters flow through theEverglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ten Thousand Islands, National Wildlife Refuge, Biscayne National Park andJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Together, these parks draw several million visitors each year contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to Florida’s tourism economy.

About the Everglades Foundation Mission:
The Everglades Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to protecting and restoring one of the world’s unique natural ecosystems that provides economic, recreational and life-sustaining benefits to the millions of people who depend on its future health. Since 1993, the Everglades Foundation has played a leadership role in advancing Everglades restoration through the advancement of scientifically sound and achievable solutions. The Foundation seeks to reverse the damage inflicted on the ecosystem and provides policymakers and the public with honest and credible resource to help guide decision-making on complex restoration issues. For more information, visit www.evergladesfoundation.org.

For a full list of Corona Presents Kenny Chesney's 'Goin' Coastal' Tour dates, go to:
https://tickets.kennychesney.com/

About Crown Imports LLC:
Corona Extra and Corona Light are imported by Crown Imports LLC, a joint venture that imports, distributes and markets the Modelo portfolio and other fine beer brands across the entire U.S.

mirand sets record in Texas

GRAMMY WINNER MIRANDA LAMBERT MAKES HISTORY
AT FAMED TEXAS VENUE
 
February 21, 2011 – Nashville, TN – Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert kicked offThe Revolution Continues tour this week by performing two sold out shows at the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas in Ft. Worth.  Lambert is the first artist to ever sell out back-to-back shows in the history of the venue.

"We at Billy Bob's Texas couldn't be happier with Miranda Lambert.  She was the only female artist to sell out our venue in 2010 and nearly 6000 fans per night came out last Friday and Saturday to give us the first back-to-back sellouts in our 30 year history," said Robert Gallagher, Billy Bob's Entertainment Director.

Gallagher acknowledged both shows sold out in a record breaking 30 minutes this past December and all those in attendance were not disappointed.
 
"Glowing reviews are coming in from all Fort Worth and Dallas media outlets praising her energetic, passionate and heartfelt performances," said Gallagher.  "Thanks to Miranda, band and staff for giving us these wonderful milestones, especially in our 30th anniversary year."

During Friday night’s performance, Lambert emotionally dedicated “The House That Built Me” to her grandmother who had passed away less than a week before.

“Lambert is still right there, on the cusp of tremendous things,” praised Preston Jones of the Star Telegram.  “Friday night demonstrated she can wrestle with her personal and professional lives simultaneously, one feeding the other, resulting in a superstar who’s eminently relatable.  Too few of Nashville’s elite can say the same.”

Platinum-selling recording artist and Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert recently added seven ACM nominations to her ever-expanding list of accolades, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Female Vocalist of the Year, Single Record of the Year for “The House That Built Me,” Song of the Year for “The House That Built Me,” Video of the Year for “The House That Built Me,” and “Only Prettier,” Vocal Event of the Year for “Coal Miner’s Daughter” with Sheryl Crow and Loretta Lynn.  In February, she scored her first Grammy award for “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” for “The House That Built Me” and performed the #1 hit on the show.

In 2010, she was nominated for a record-setting nine CMA awards and took home the trophies for three of those, including Album of the Year (Revolution), Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year for “The House That Built Me.”  She received her first AMA nomination for Favorite Female Country Artist and won her first ever fan-voted CMT Award, for Female Video of the Year.  Earlier in the year, she scored  ACM wins for Album of the Year (Revolution), Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year (White Liar).  Her second single from Revolution, "The House That Built Me," held the Number 1 position for 4 straight weeks.  It followed “White Liar” which was Miranda’s first career No.1 single.  Miranda newest single is “Heart Like Mine.”

Miranda is currently headlining “The Revolution Continues” tour.  For more information, visitwww.MirandaLambert.com

Dolly puts her boots on

DOLLY PARTON TRADES IN HER HIGH HEELS FOR COMBAT BOOTS
TO SUPPORT THE BOOT CAMPAIGN

 
Dolly PartonNashville, TN – Dolly Parton, one of country music’s greatest superstar icons throughout the world, is taking off her high heels to pose in authentic combat boots for the Boot Campaign…proving that combat boots make a great fashion statement especially when paired with sequin camouflage pants!

“So many people, regular folks and celebrities, send out love and sincere thanks to you for keeping us safe and fighting for our freedom.  Let me add to that loving list.  Thank you from the bottom of my country heart.  I will always love you,” Dolly Parton

The Boot Campaign is a grassroots initiative started by five Texas women now known as the Boot Girls, who decided to take action after reading retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell’s book Lone Survivor. It all started back in 2009 when the Boot Girls asked celebrities at the Country for Our Country benefit concert to pose in army combat boots for an online photo gallery used to rally support for returning troops. Shortly after a host of celebrities, politicians and sports figures teamed up with the Boot Girls to put their boots on for the Boot Campaign. The campaign encourages Americans to purchase a pair of army combat boots to wear in support of our troops. Proceeds from the boot sales are donated to partner charities, including the Lone Survivor Foundation.

About the Boot Campaign
The “Boot Girls,” Ginger, Leigh Ann, Sherri, Heather and Mariae from Tyler, Texas started the Boot Campaign after reading Marcus Luttrell’s book Lone Survivor. The Boot Campaign is a way for citizens to show their gratitude and appreciation for the American military. The Boot Girls ask Americans to put their boots on during their day-to-day routine to symbolically walk in the shoes of our military men and women to remember their service and sacrifice. Proceeds from the campaign’s signature boots go towards military charities supporting the needs of Veterans.

For more information about The Boot Campaign, please visit: www.bootcampaign.com

Dolly Parton

THE VALORY MUSIC CO. SIGNS BRANTLEY GILBERT

NASHVILLE, TN --  The Valory Music Co. is thrilled to announce the signing of country rocker Brantley Gilbert to its label roster.


At the young age of 25, Gilbert already has a list of impressive industry accolades notched on his belt.  The rising star’s second album – the independently-released Halfway to Heaven --  reached  #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart and #2 on the iTunes Country chart. 

In addition, Halfway to Heaven, has spent 48 consecutive weeks to-date in the Top 20 of the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart.   Gilbert’s first album, A Modern Day Prodigal Son, has also spent 32 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart.  

The Jefferson County, GA, native has built a powerful fan base by performing his unique brand of southern country rock in roadhouses and clubs – and is currently selling out 2,000+ capacity venues throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

Also a celebrated songwriter, Gilbert most recently penned, “My Kinda Party,” the hit title track to superstar Jason Aldean’s latest album.

“It's so rare when an artist is able to truly build a substantial rabid fan base without any mainstream media but Brantley has done just that,” says Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of the Big Machine Label Group.  “His live shows are a movement and his songwriting is nothing short of game-changing.  Look no further than newly minted superstar Jason Aldean as Jason has covered multiple Brantley-penned songs including the anthemic #1 single ‘My Kind Of Party.’ ”  

Continues Borchetta, “I am thrilled that Brantley has chosen to join our family. Let me be the messenger - that rumble that you hear thundering down the road and the bright red flare that you see is lighting up the sky... Get ready... Here comes Brantley Gilbert.  You have been warned."

“Words can't express how excited everyone in my organization is to become part of the Valory Music Co. family.  Scott Borchetta and his team have the most reputable work ethic in the business. We will finally get to experience what it is we've prayed for, dreamed about and worked for for so long,” says Gilbert.  “I sincerely feel like countless prayers are being answered, and countless blessings are in store.  I take great pride in the fact that the people who have stuck with me through thick and thin---my brothers and my TRUE friends---are here with me now as we embark on this journey.  We've got the muscle, we've got the Big Machine, and we're all on a mission. It’s goin' down baby!”
Gilbert’s first single will impact Country radio in April 2011 with his first The Valory Music Co. album to be released later this year.  In addition, Gilbert will headline the second stage of Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown tour this summer. 

About the Valory Music Co. The Valory Music Co., the sister label to Big Machine Records, was established in November 2007 with an initial artist roster that included multi-platinum recording artist Jewel as well as Country Soul singer Jimmy Wayne and newcomer Southern Country stylist Justin Moore.  The Valory Music Co. celebrated its first #1 album with Jewel’s Perfectly Clear, only 7 months after opening its doors.  The label celebrated its first #1 single 3 months later when Jimmy Wayne’s “Do You Believe Me Now,” spent 3 weeks atop the Country singles charts. Newcomer Justin Moore’s poignant anthem, “Small Town USA,” reached #1 a few months later.  In November 2008, The Valory Music Co. signed multimedia superstar Reba McEntire who saw her first album on the label debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and spend two consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. Since then Reba enjoyed the two biggest chart hits of her illustrious 30+ year career when “Consider Me Gone,” spent a historic 4 weeks at #1 and “Turn on the Radio” followed, allowing Reba to both begin and end 2010 at #1.  The Valory Music Co. possesses an exclusive, in-house promotion branding team while utilizing existing Big Machine Records backroom service and is distributed by UMGD.

Sara Evans added to Rascal Flatts St. Louis show

SARA EVANS ADDED TO SPECIAL GUEST LINEUP!

The Bandana’s Bar-B-Q Country Megaticket, this summer’s hottest country music season ticket, is still available for limited time!
Both reserved and lawn tickets are available at the box office and megaticket.com while supplies last!


RASCAL FLATTS
Special Guests:
Sara Evans, Easton Corbin & Justin Moore


SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Seven-Time GRAMMY® Award Winner Kirk Franklin Releases 12th CD

Hello Fear in Stores March 22, 2011

Franklin Joins Steve Harvey on the Gospel Comedy Tour

PR Newswire
NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Multiple GRAMMY®, Stellar and Dove Award winner Kirk Franklin releases his 12th CD, Hello Fear, on March 22, 2011.
Hello Fear is an innovative musical offering that showcases Franklin's growth and maturation both creatively and personally, while still boasting his creative genius of combining various styles and genres of music into his own unique, definitively gospel sound.   He has teamed again with five of the most sought after vocalists in the music industry—Isaac Carree, Anaysha Figueroa, Nikki Ross, Charmaine Swimpson and Eric Moore—to create the inimitable harmonies for which his music is known. The result is a Kirk Franklin masterpiece. Hello Fear is produced by Franklin and co-produced by Shaun "Harold" Martin and executive produced by Kirk Franklin, Jazzy Jordan, Jessie Hurst and Carla Williams.  
Two singles from Hello Fear have been released simultaneously to gospel and urban adult contemporary radio. "'I Smile' is a fun, urban upbeat melody I wrote," said Franklin. "It is a declarative statement that I'm not going to live my life based on how I feel.  I will live my life based on God's Word. "'I Am' is about exchanging all of my weaknesses for God's strength," Franklin noted. "This song is also about declaring what God says about me and not my situation."
Hello Fear also includes the infectious "Give Me," featuring dynamic newcomer Mali Music; "The Altar," a powerful traditional song, featuring Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford; and "Something About The Name Jesus (part 2),"  featuring Rance Allen, John P. Kee and Marvin Winans.  This 13 track tour de force will again raise the standard of 21st century contemporary gospel music.
"I titled this album Hello Fear because—with everything going on in the world—it is the word and the feeling, that paralyzes all of us on some level right now," said Franklin. "In my own life, fear has been a shadow that has followed me since I was a child.  But the season of running from it is over. I am turning around and speaking directly to it."
"Over the years, I've had the unique opportunity of watching Kirk produce some of his albums," said Jazzy Jordan, Executive Vice President/General Manager of Verity Gospel Music Group. "I am always amazed at the finished product. Kirk's music gets better and better. He is masterful, and always delivers a project full of hit songs. Hello Fear is both timely and timeless. It's an honor to work with him. He's a brilliant producer and artist. His fans will love this album."
On March 19, Franklin joins Steve Harvey at the Philips Arena Theater in Atlanta for the first stop on the "Steve Harvey and Kirk Franklin Gospel Comedy Tour" (see tour dates below).
For additional information on Hello Fear and Kirk Franklin, please visit, www.kirkfranklin.com.
Steve Harvey and Kirk Franklin Gospel Com edy Tour



Date
City/State
Venue



Saturday, March 19
Atlanta, GA
Philips Arena Theater
Saturday, March 26
Tampa, FL
St. Pete Times Forum
Saturday, April 2
Memphis, TN
Desoto Civic Center
Saturday, April 9
Nashville, TN
Bridgestone Arena
Saturday, April 30
Charleston, SC
North Charleston Coliseum
Saturday, May 7
Bossier City, LA
Century Tel Center
Saturday, May 21
Jacksonville, FL
Veterans Memorial

Songwriters Hall of Fame Announces 2011 Inductees

John Bettis, Garth Brooks, Leon Russell, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly and Allen Toussaint to be Inducted June 16 in NYC

PR Newswire
NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Musical titans John Bettis, Garth Brooks, Leon Russell, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly and Allen Toussaint will become the newest members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization's 42nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner. The star-studded event is slated for Thursday, June 16th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City . Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.
"We are inspired by the striking caliber and range of the 2011 Songwriters Hall of Fame class," says SHOF Chairman, legendary songwriter, and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Webb . "John, Garth, Leon, Billy, Tom and Allen each represent a unique breed of artist, warmly respected by their peers and revered by all lovers of song. As songwriters, their work has forever enriched our world's music."
Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) serves as a vital bridge between music's past and future. In the museum, musical pioneers are enshrined and celebrated, while the organization's music community outreach grooms the next generation of troubadours. In entering the Hall, John Bettis, Garth Brooks, Leon Russell, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly and Allen Toussaint join an elite family that includes Kris Kristofferson, Carole King, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Dolly Parton, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Sir Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Loretta Lynn, Leonard Cohen, James Brown, and more.
John Bettis:
John Bettis has written songs that have sold more than 250 million records worldwide and have been sung by some of the most loved artists of all time including, Michael Jackson, George Strait, Celine Dion, Madonna, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Karen Carpenter and many more.  His songs include: "Human Nature," "Heartland," "Top Of The World," "Yesterday Once More," "Good-Bye To Love," "Only Yesterday," "Can You Stop The Rain?," "One Moment In Time," "Crazy For You," and "Slow Hand." Bettis has been nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, three Grammys® and three Emmys.  In 1988 he received an Emmy for "One Moment In Time," the theme song for the 1988 Olympics. He also received an Emmy for "Where Is The Hope" in 2003. His song "Human Nature" was included in the historic album of the year Thriller.  His film work includes Twilight Zone: The Movie, Vision Quest, Pure Country, Cocktail, Star Trek V and The Godfather III among others.  His TV themes include Growing Pains, Murphy Brown and Nurses. 
Garth Brooks:
Certified by the RIAA as the #1 selling solo artist in U.S. history, Garth Brooks has sold more than 128 million albums and is the only solo artist in RIAA history to have six albums top the 10 million mark. His most recent release The Ultimate Hits has been certified 5x platinum. His body of work includes groundbreaking albums No Fences, Ropin' The Wind, The Hits and Double Live – all of which helped propel country music as a genre to the front pages of newspapers and magazines worldwide. Since breaking onto the charts in 1989, Brooks has brought a variety of styles including working class blues, honky tonk, bluegrass and arena rock. As a songwriter his credits include "If Tomorrow Never Comes," "The Thunder Rolls," "Unanswered Prayers" and "We Shall Be Free" to name a few. Brooks has received every accolade the recording industry can bestow on an artist, including  two Grammys®, 17 American Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, five World Music Awards, 12 People's Choice Awards, and 36 Billboard Music Awards. He was named Artist of the '90s at the 1997 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, received the Artist Achievement Award at the 1997 Billboard Music Awards, was named Artist of the Decade at the American Music Awards in 2000 and the Academy of Country Music Awards in 1999. In 2001, in the midst of one of the most successful careers in music history, Brooks retired and moved back to Oklahoma to raise his children. In 2008, Brooks headlined President Obama's Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. In 2009, Brooks emerged out of retirement and entered a five-year performing relationship with Las Vegas resort developer, Steve Wynn. He recently finished an astonishing nine concerts to raise $5 million for the flood relief efforts in Nashville, Tennessee.
Leon Russell:
Leon Russell is a legendary songwriter whose credits include "A Song For You," "This Masquerade," " Delta Lady," " Tight Rope," "Bluebird," " Back To The Island," and "Hummingbird." Joe Cocker had a hit with "Delta Lady," B.B. King with "Hummingbird," and The Carpenters with "Superstar," which Leon co-wrote with Bonnie Bramlett.  George Benson's recording of "This Masquerade" won the Grammy® Award for Best Record of The Year in 1977 and was the only song with vocals on his triple Platinum album, Breezin. Russell had his own chart success with "Tight Rope" at #11 in 1972 and "Bluebird" at #14 in 1975. Russell's song, "If It Wasn't for Bad," from his 2010 duet album The Union, with Elton John, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Russell was well known as a session musician in Los Angeles during the 1960's, and played on hit records by The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass, Gary Lewis and The Playboys, and many others. Russell will be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the first recipient of the Award for Musical Excellence in March 2011.
Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly:
Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly are among the most successful songwriters of the past 25 years, co-writing five #1 singles on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, including Madonna's "Like A Virgin," Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors," Whitney Houston's "So Emotional," The Bangles' "Eternal Flame," and Heart's "Alone."  They began working together in 1981 and recorded an album as I-10 on Epic Records in 1983, which featured "Alone" and marked the beginning of a longtime writing partnership that resulted in some of the most memorable hits of the 80s and 90s. Steinberg & Kelly have written for artists such as Tina Turner, Roy Orbison, Pat Benatar, Belinda Carlisle, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood and The Divinyls with "I Touch Myself" among others. Many of Steinberg & Kelly's songs have become enduring classics and continue to receive attention from many of today's top artists. "Like A Virgin" was honored by Rolling Stone & MTV as the #4 song on its list of the 100 Greatest Pop Songs. "True Colors" was recorded by Phil Collins for his Greatest Hits album and became a major worldwide hit. "True Colors" was also featured in Kodak's prominent television-based advertisement campaign for several years. Celine Dion scored hits with covers of "I Drove All Night" and "Alone." These songs have also been staples for singers on American Idol.  In 1993, Steinberg & Kelly began another high-profile collaboration, writing numerous songs with Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders. The trio wrote six songs for the group's Last of the Independents album in 1994, which included the Top 10 hit, "I'll Stand By You," and the single, "Night In My Veins."
Allen Toussaint:
Allen Toussaint; musician, songwriter and record producer, is one of the most influential figures in New Orleans R&B. He has produced, written for, arranged, had his songs covered by and performed with music giants The Judds, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Patti LaBelle, Mac "Dr. John" Rebannac, Aaron and Art Neville, Joe Cocker, The (original) Meters, Glen Campbell, The Band, Little Feat, The Rolling Stones, Devo, Ernie K-Doe, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Ramsey Lewis, Eric Gale and countless others.  His songs and productions have been featured in numerous films, and as a result of his stint as musical director for the off Broadway play Staggerlee, the production garnered the prestigious Outer Circle Critics Award.  Toussaint got his shot as a solo artist with a record for RCA and two of his earliest tunes, "Java," which became a mega-hit for trumpeter Al Hirt, and "Whipped Cream," the Herb Alpert hit, became instrumental standards. Toussaint then went onto team up with Lee Dorsey turning out a string of hits that included "Working In The Coalmine," "Holy Cow", "Ride Your Pony" and many others. "Working in the Coalmine" was then recorded by co-writer Lee Dorsey, "Yes We Can" became a smash hit by The Pointer Sisters and "Sneaking Sally Thru The Alley" was recorded by both Robert Palmer and Ringo Starr; he also contributed to the music business with his arrangements on LaBelle's hit, "Lady Marmalade." After establishing himself as one of the greatest songwriters, accredited to him by BMI Music, Toussaint was honored with a Grammy® nomination for 1977's Song of the Year, "Southern Night," performed by Glen Campbell.  In 1998, Toussaint was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 2009, was a Grammy® Trustees honoree.
About The Songwriters Hall of Fame:
The Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates songwriters, educates the public with regard to their achievements, and produces a spectrum of professional programs devoted to the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases and scholarships. There are fewer than 400 inductees who make up the impressive roster enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The list includes Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland, Albert Hammond, Desmond Child, Paul Williams, Hal David and Burt Bacharach, John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, Isaac Hayes and David Porter, Richard and Robert Sherman, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Sir Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, James Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Curtis Mayfield, Jim Croce, Phil Collins, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Webb, Van Morrison, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Diane Warren and Leonard Cohen among many others.
Full biographies and a complete list of inductees are available at the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Virtual Museum at http://songwritershalloffame.org.
Join us! Our mission is to remember and honor our great songwriters while building our musical future through workshops, showcases and scholarships, along with the opportunity to vote for the next slate of inductees. Joining online is quick and easy: http://songhall.org/join
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the Songwriters Hall of Fame event begin at $1000 each, and are available through Buckley Hall Events, (212) 573-6933. Net proceeds from the event will go towards the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.
SOURCE Songwriters Hall of Fame

New Randy Houser single available now!

RANDY HOUSER’S COMPELLING NEW BALLAD “IN GOD’S TIME” NOW AVAILABLE ON  RANDYHOUSER.COM
 
 
Nashville, Tenn. (Tuesday, February 22, 2011) – Modern music industry pros say the success of an artist lies in their ability to make a meaningful connection with fans. If that’s truly the case, country artist Randy Houser has nailed it. After a fervent outpouring of comments from fans via Facebook and Twitter commending his first live performance of self-penned ballad, “In God’s Time,” at the Ryman Auditorium in January, the 2011 ACM Top New Solo Vocalist Nominee witnessed how one song — and one compelling message — can make an unforgettable impact.
 
After incessant demand from fans for a high-quality, shareable version of the song, Randy went into the studio and filmed a new solo acoustic in-studio video capturing his performance of it. Fans can watch and share their comments about it now on his website,  RandyHouser.com.
 
On Friday, AOL’s The Boot hosted the world premiere of the new video, which later was featured on AOL Music’s homepage; and today, Houser’s label Show Dog-Universal Music announced they will release “In God’s Time” as Randy’s next single on country radio in coming months.
 
In response to the staggering affirmative feedback, Houser remains humbly hopeful the song will make a positive impact on people, if nothing else.
 
“This song was really a testament to what I’ve been going through last year-- from wondering what was going on in my life, to asking when things would work out and I’d be happy. Even though I was having success as an artist, it still didn’t make me completely happy. Then it hit me. I realized God gave me the gift to do what I do for a living, and in order to be truly fulfilled, I needed to start using my gift to try and make some sort of positive impact,” Houser shared.
 
While going through that tumultuous time last year, he teamed up with co-writers Shane Minor and David Lee Murphy to bring those feelings to life lyrically.
 
“On that particular day Shane and I wrote another song in about two hours. We were just sitting there talking and I said, ‘So I have this idea,’ and I played the first chord and sang, ‘…In God’s Time.’ Then I said, ‘I think I’m supposed to write this song…do ya’ll want to stay?’ We all just looked at each other. David, who had been packing up his guitar to leave, unpacked it and the next thing we knew, the song just wrote itself,” he recalled.
 
Indifferent to whether or not the song makes its way up to the top of the country music charts, Houser simply hopes the song will inspire those who hear it.
 
“I hope ‘In God’s Time’ will touch people for different reasons-- whether it’s spiritually or just personally. Nonetheless, I think people will understand what I was going through at the time I wrote it. I think everyone has little ‘miracles’ in their life that happen when they least expect them — and sometimes they’re what need to happen versus what we really want to happen,” he said.
 
“The song’s about helping myself and others to realize that things happen for a reason.”
 
For more information on Randy Houser, visit RandyHouser.com

Randy Houser is part of Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour, coming to Sparta at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex on June 11. For show and ticket information, visit www.extremetix.com, and www.countrythrowdown.com

NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: The Band Perry



By Bob Doerschuk
© 2011 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.
The Band Perry released its self-titled debut album in October, with Nathan Chapman and Paul Worley each producing five cuts and Matt Serletic piloting one. But they’re not a new act by any means. They’ve been working together since Kimberly Perry, then 15, hired her brothers Reid and Neil, 10 and 8 respectively, as her roadies. Eventually the guys started opening for her at local venues around their hometown of Mobile, Ala.
More important, the Perry siblings sang, wrote and played music at home, working up a distinctive style that combined elements of pop, punchy rock and plenty of raw Country.
Inevitably, they pooled their talents. And after spending the summer of 2008 writing in Nashville for their first demo, the results compelled Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen to sign them. Their investment paid off quickly, as The Band Perry debuted at No. 2 on the Country chart and No. 4 on the Billboard all-genre Top 200 with 52,000 copies sold — the highest album debut from any new Country music group since 2006.
From Kimberly’s whimsical romance on “All Your Life,” written by Brian Henningsen and Clara Henningsen, to the feathery but poignant unison and harmony vocals on her solo write “If I Die Young,” their first No. 1 and Platinum-selling single, and the exhilarating call-and-answer riffs of the trio’s co-write “Quittin’ You,” the album spotlights their singing. But their instrumental talents frame the vocals tastefully, with Neil’s mandolin enhancing an atmosphere that’s immediate yet grounded in tradition.
Strong writing completes the package. One or more Perry is credited on nine of the album’s 11 tracks; between them, they can sting with wicked humor on “Miss You Being Gone,” which all three penned with Brian, Clara and Aaron Henningsen, or playfully tease on their first single “Hip to My Heart,” by the Perrys with Brett Beavers. The Band Perry flashes past like a merry-go-round that’s ready to ride all night.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS Q&A
MUSICAL HEROES
“The Rolling Stones and Loretta Lynn.”
SONG YOU’D LIKE TO COVER“’Southern Girl’ by Amos Lee.”
SONG YOU WISH YOU’D WRITTEN
“‘Let It Be,’ by The Beatles.”
CD IN YOUR STEREOCarolina by Eric Church.”
DREAM DUET PARTNER“We would love to do a crossroads with Keith Richards and Loretta Lynn.”
FAVORITE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
“We heart bus life!”
FIRST GIG
“In our living room. Our grandmother Betty Lou loved it.”
BOOKS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND Reid – “Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.”
Neil – “Lord Of The Flies by William Golding.”
Kimberly – “A Good Man Is Hard To Find by Flannery O'Connor.”
TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
We’re The Band Perry and We Play Country Music.”
(ANSWERS GIVEN COLLECTIVELY BY THE BAND PERRY.)
The Band Perry will performe with Tim McGraw on May 21 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at St. Louis. For show and ticket information, log on to www.livenation.com

Tony Bennett announced for show at Fox

ON SALE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28 AT 10 AM!
Fox Concerts presents
TONY BENNETT
LIVE IN CONCERT

Saturday, May 7 at 8 pm
Live at The Fox Theatre!
$86, $76, $66, & $56
A limited number of Platinum and
Gold Circle seats are also available.
On-Sale Information:
Tickets on sale Monday, February 28 at 10 am!
Purchase tickets at the Fox Box Office,
MetroTix outlets or by calling 314/534-1111.
Order tickets online at www.metrotix.com.
With worldwide record sales in the millions, and dozens of platinum and gold albums to his
credit, TONY BENNETT is a musician who touches the hearts and souls of audiences with his
charming vocals and humble stage presence. His long list of achievements, spanning over 60
years, includes fifteen Grammy Awards, as well as the prestigious Grammy Lifetime
Achievement Award, making this artist a true international treasure. His signature tunes, such
as "Steppin' Out With My Baby" and "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" form part of the fabric of
American music culture. Often billed as the world's most boyish octogenarian, TONY BENNETT
is a vital musical artist at the peak of his powers.
# # #

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Single tickets for Billy Elliot on sale

2009 TONY AWARD-WINNING
BEST MUSICAL
TIME MAGAZINE’S “BEST MUSICAL OF THE DECADE”
ELECTRIFIES ST. LOUIS FROM NOVEMBER 1-13!
TICKETS ON SALE FEBRUARY 26 AT 10AM!

St. Louis, MO / February 18, 2011 — Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old
Vic Productions bring the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical to St. Louis’
Fabulous Fox Theatre from November 1-13. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring
music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by
Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim on Broadway including 10 Tony
Awards.
Tickets will go on sale February 26 at 10am for the St. Louis premiere engagement of Billy Elliot the
Musical. Tickets will be available at the Fox Theatre box office, online at metrotix.com, by phone at
314-534-1111 and MetroTix outlets. Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more by calling
314-535-2900.
Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set
in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class,
discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life
forever.
In addition to the Tony Award for Best Musical, Billy Elliot the Musical received the award for Best
Direction of a Musical (Stephen Daldry); Best Book of a Musical (Lee Hall); Best Choreography (Peter
Darling); Best Orchestrations (Martin Koch); Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Ian MacNeil); Best
Lighting Design of a Musical (Rick Fisher); Best Sound Design of a Musical (Paul Arditti); Best
Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish); Best
Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Gregory Jbara).
The production has been awarded 73 national and international awards including ten Tony Awards, Best
Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle.
Ben Brantley of the New York Times says that Billy Elliot “Sends audiences into a mass swoon!” Time
Out says it’s “The most electric and passionate show in years.” The Daily News calls Billy “So
exhilarating that you feel like leaping!” Liz Smith calls the show “Absolutely awesome,” The New York
Observer raves that Billy is “The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while,” and WOR’s Dave
Richardson cheers, “All I can say is WOW!”

Billy Elliot the Musical is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Sally Greene. Angela Morrison
and David Furnish are Executive Producers. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the
associate director is Julian Webber, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick
Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.
Nina Lannan and Devin Keudell of Nina Lannan Associates are the general managers for the North
American productions.
Additional information about Billy Elliot the Musical is available at www.billyelliottour.com.
Billy Elliot the Musical takes the stage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre November 1-13. Performance times
are Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 8pm; Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2pm and Sunday, November 6 at
7:30pm. There is also a weekday matinee on Thursday, November 10 at 1pm. Ticket prices start at $33
and are subject to change; please refer to fabulousfox.com for current pricing. Tickets go on sale
Saturday, February 26 at 10am and will be available at the Fox Theatre box office, online at
metrotix.com, by phone at 314-534-1111 and MetroTix outlets. Group discounts are available by calling
314-535-2900. The Fabulous Fox Theatre is located in Grand Center at 527 N. Grand Blvd. Billy Elliot
the Musical is part of both the U.S. Bank Broadway Series and Dance St. Louis 2010-2011 subscription
seasons and is sponsored locally by American Airlines.
# # #
UNIVERSAL PICTURES STAGE PRODUCTIONS is the theatrical production unit of the worldfamous
motion picture studio. Universal’s stage credits include the acclaimed worldwide productions of
Wicked and Billy Elliot the Musical and licensed productions including Cry-Baby and Xanadu.
Universal’s upcoming films include Fast Five, the fifth chapter of the Fast and the Furious series;
Cowboys & Aliens, starring Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford; and Tower Heist, a comedy caper with an
all-star cast led by Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy.
WORKING TITLE FILMS co-chaired by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, is a producer of Billy Elliot the
Musical worldwide, has produced more than 95 feature films, won six Academy Awards and has grossed
more than $4.5 billion. Films include, Green Zone; State of Play; Billy Elliot; Atonement; The
Interpreter; Notting Hill; Fargo; High Fidelity; Four Weddings and a Funeral; Bridget Jones’s Diary
and Love Actually. Upcoming features include Paul, Senna, Johnny English Reborn, Everybody Loves
Whales and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Working Title recently announced the creation of a new television
production company, WTTV, a joint venture between NBC Universal International, Bevan and Fellner.
OLD VIC PRODUCTIONS is a producer of Billy Elliot the Musical worldwide. Created by Sally
Greene, and run by Sally and executive producer Joseph Smith, OVP has co-produced or partnered in
more than 100 productions in the West End and on Broadway, winning numerous awards. These include
Cyrano de Bergerac, The Reduced Shakespeare Company, The Vagina Monologues (London), The Weir,
Dolly West’s Kitchen, The Car Man, Medea, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Hamlet, Swimming with
Sharks, Three Days of Rain, and the multi-award winning Jerusalem. OVP is a major partner in the Old
Vic Theatre Company led by Artistic Director Kevin Spacey. Recent co-productions include Speed-the-
Plow, The Norman Conquests, Inherit the Wind, The Real Thing and The Prisoner of Second Avenue.
Sally is the chief executive of The Criterion Theatre and Greene Light Films and the proprietor of the
renowned Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and three restaurants, The Cheyne Walk Brasserie, The Waterloo
Brasserie and The Phene in Chelsea.

Scenes from the Daytona 500