Kelsea Ballerini Celebrates Milestone Year, Strong Start To 2022
Two-time Grammy award-nominated vocalist, Kelsea Ballerini, barrels into 2022 with the news that her third studio album, Kelsea, has achieved Gold status. The 2020 release’s certification follows on the heels of quite the impressive year for the multi-Platinum songwriter and producer.
In 2021, Ballerini notched her first two CMA Awards, taking home Musical Event of the Year and Video of the Year for “Half of My Hometown” featuring Kenny Chesney; was crowned CMT’s Artist of the Year; and performed in sold-out arenas and amphitheaters as direct support to the Jonas Brothers on their “Remember This Tour.” She also picked up three RIAA certifications, including her sixth No. 1 “Hole in the Bottle” with Shania Twain going Platinum and “Half of My Hometown” and 2021 single, “I Quit Drinking” with Lany going Gold.
Ballerini also added author to her growing list of titles, making her literary debut with an original book of poetry entitled Feel Your Way Through, which was released in November 2020.
MTSU To Host Tribute Concert For Jazz Drummer Duffy Jackson
Pictured: Drummer Duffy Jackson, right, keeps the beat alongside bassist Jim Ferguson during a performance at Rudy’s Jazz Room in Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of Duffy Jackson
Middle Tennessee State University’s School of Music faculty members, students, and area jazz musicians will pay tribute to the late jazz drummer Duffy Jackson on Thursday, Feb. 3. The performance marks the second event in this season’s three-concert MTSU Jazz Artist Series.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall inside the Wright Music Building, the tribute concert will feature faculty jazz artists Don Aliquo on saxophone, Matt Endahl on piano, Chip Henderson on guitar, David Loucky on trombone, and Jonathan Wires on bass. Chris Brown, one of Nashville’s prominent jazz drummers, will sit in on the drum chair, while trumpeter Mike Barry and trombonist Roger Bissell will lead their respective sections of this special big band.
“The concert will showcase historic arrangements played by guest musicians from Duffy’s Nashville-based band,” shares Jamey Simmons, professor of jazz trumpet and director of MTSU’s Jazz Studies Program. “It will feature legendary music associated with Duffy during his tenure with some of the most swinging jazz musicians in history, as well as his time in Nashville. We will also honor his widow, Marina, and her donation to MTSU of a library of his big band music.”
Duffy Jackson, son of jazz bassist Chubby Jackson, first picked up his sticks at age four. At 20, Jackson was the youngest drummer ever hired by Count Basie, and soon became the anchor for that legendary band along with Lionel Hampton’s and Illinois Jacquet’s groups. He also worked with Lena Horne and was a member of the Monty Alexander Trio. He moved to Nashville in 2008 and influenced the city’s jazz scene until his death at age 67 in March 2021.
Tickets are on sale for $10 each. Admission is free for MTSU students, faculty and staff with a current ID. To reserve tickets, contact Jamey Simmons at 615-898-2724 or james.simmons@mtsu.edu.
Sam Alex Hosts Inaugural Camp Broadcast Acoustic Concert Benefit Show
Pictured (L-R): Jake Hoot, Lanie Gardner, Andrea Boehlke, Sam Alex, and Adam Hambrick. Photo: Mike Kelly
Radio & TV personality Sam Alex hosted his inaugural Camp Broadcast Acoustic Concert this past Sunday (Jan. 16). The event raised money for student scholarships to attend the upcoming Camp Broadcast. The singer-songwriter round featured performances from Adam Hambrick, Jake Hoot, and Lanie Gardner.
“I’m so proud of all the accomplishments from our Camp Broadcast alumni, many of them are now working full-time in the broadcast industry,” Alex shares. “Supporting these students and giving them opportunities to attend camp and interview celebrities & newsmakers for their hosting reel and be mentored by professionals is an opportunity that should be available to all.”
Camp Broadcast is a masterclass for high school and college-aged aspiring journalists and broadcasters. While there, students have the opportunity to interview celebrities and newsmakers for their hosting reel. Previous guests have included Olympic Champion Scott Hamilton; NFL Star Donovan McNabb; musicians Cassadee Pope, Scotty McCreery, Cole Swindell, Granger Smith, Chris Tomlin, and KC and the Sunshine Band; Bravo’s Andra Simmons, actress Siena Agudong, ESPN’s Jordan Bernfield, Entertainment Tonight’s Cassie DiLaura, Inside Edition’s Megan Alexander, University of Georgia Head Basketball Coach Tom Crean and many more.
This year’s session will take place June 13-16 in Chicago. For more information, click here.
PLA Media Adds Outlaw-Inspired Country Singer Waylon Hanel To Roster
Waylon Hanel
PLA Media has added emerging outlaw country artist Waylon Hanel to its growing talent list.
After losing his younger brother in 2021, the self-taught musician found an outlet in music. The Michigan native, named after the legendary Waylon Jennings, hopes to carry on the torch of outlaw country in the genre. His self-titled EP is prepped for release this spring.
“My pal, hit writer Bernie Nelson, called me from Texas raving about doing a writing session with a talented Michigan kid, Waylon Hanel. I was honored to work with Jennings when I was at RCA and, true to his namesake, this 20-year-old is following in his hero’s style of outlaw country,” says CEO and owner of PLA Media Pam Lewis. “This kid’s powerful vocals and commanding delivery bodes well beyond his years. Ole Waylon would be pleased!”
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