Two New Jersey Music Industry Moguls Meet Up in Music City

Two long-time activists on the New Jersey music scene met up in Nashville on May 30, 2016 to reconnect and kick back for a few in Music City. Music publishing legend Gary Wien (pictured left) was in town along with his wife Sherry Lynn Tucker Wien to attend a conference in the region and to check out the growing music scene in Mid-Tennessee. Wien, a published author, is widely known for his work in publishing state-wide arts and entertainment newspapers and for his unending commitment to emerging artists through reviews and airplay on the online radio stations he has founded. More recently Gary is breaking down barriers and embracing modern technology with the distribution of his much-acclaimed monthly digital magazine. Learn more at:

GARY WIEN LINKS:
• NewJerseyStage.com
• NJ Arts Mag - Digital Magazine
• AsburyMusic.com - Radio Station
• Gary on Facebook

Rockin' Rich Lynch (pictured right) along with his wife Laura Turner Lynch spent an eternity living in the Garden State before finally picking up stakes and moving south in 2015. Together the two have founded several online music magazines including SoundPress.net and MusicCityNashville.net. Rich has also been involved in radio for over 20 years and regularly interviews his musical idols for a global audience. In addition to promoting the rock music scene in Nashville Lynch is putting his stamp on the market with his heavily "Jersey-influenced" artistry. Laura writes for and administrates the sites and she has also published the self-help manual Positive Power Secrets from A to Z.

RICH & LAURA LYNCH LINKS:
• SoundPress.net
• MusicCityNashville.net
• Rockin' Rich Lynch on the Radio
• Rich Lynch Band
• Postive Power Secrets

The foursome spent a few hours together on a pleasant Memorial Day evening dining on some tasty local fare consisting of Hot Chicken at The Stillery before heading over to the rooftop bar at the George Jones Museum for some refreshing nightcaps. The two couples, already complete in the knowledge that New Jersey rocks, confirmed on this evening that Nashville does, too!

FOOD & DRINK LINKS:
• The Stillery
• George Jones Museum

- Blog post by MusicCityNashville.net

Nashvillian Spotlight - Tommy Shaw of Styx

Oh, man! We love Tommy Shaw. When we started our online reporting in the early 2000's Styx was the first arena concert we ever covered. When our article was done, we sent it in, and heard back from their publicist who let us know that Tommy liked our write-up, saying - "We get it!" That was incredible early validation from one of our true rock star heroes.

Three years later I had the opportunity to interview Tommy for my radio show and he then directed his fanbase to tune in to hear the "real conversation" we had. More evidence from the Stygian that we were on the right path because I never wanted to be a real shock jock/morning zoo interviewer. I endeavored to treat these musicians like real people that I'd known all my life. In a way that was true and this approach also helped ease my nerves when the tape was rolling.

I'm not coming late to the party, either. Tommy's "Renegade" was the first real rock song that spoke to me as a pre-teen and I've remained a rock and roll renegade ever since. So, we thank Mr. Shaw for providing more tangible proof in our lives. When we decided to move to Nashville in 2015 we were a little uncertain to leave New York and the Northeast in the rearview. It was all we'd ever known. But, at a May 2016 Styx concert in Nashville we learned that Tommy recently picked up his stakes and moved to Music City, too. So, one more reason to feel less alone here in Tennessee!

So, Tommy, we'd like to invite you and a guest out to dinner here in town. You're choice -- it's the least we can do to say "thanks" for all the encouragement you've brought to into our lives. But, go easy on us. You're a world famous rock star and I'm just a "Blue Collar Man". Reach out and we'll save the date - Rich Lynch - soundpress@yahoo.com

Article Links: Check out these links to learn more about Nashvillian Tommy Shaw! - Tommy Shaw's Site | Tommy Shaw Feature in Nashville Lifestyles | Styx with the Nashville Symphony - 2016 | Tommy with Don Felder in Nashville - 2016 | Our Styx Report from 2003 when Tommy said "We Get It!"

- Blog post by MusicCityNashville.net

The Great Tennessee Airshow Is Set to Take Flight in Smyrna

The Great Tennessee Air Show has announced its complete powerhouse lineup for the 2016 show happening Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 at Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport. The beloved family outing for aviation enthusiasts will consist of a schedule of top air show talent featuring fan favorites such as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and Breitling Jet Team.

The Great Tennessee Air Show was rebranded in 2005 and prior events in Smyrna were known as Tennessee Aviation Days going all the way back to 1970. So, there is a long tradition of high-flying fun in the region and this year promises to be the best yet. Additional world-renowned performers include: Team Oracle legendary aerobatic pilot Sean D. Tucker; the GEICO Skytypers airshow team of six vintage WWII aircraft performing precision flight maneuvers; Jim Tobul and the "Korean War Hero" F4U-4 Corsair; Scooter Yoak in his "Quick Silver" P-51D Mustang; Michael Kennedy in the historic Vultee BT-13 Valiant; Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team; Dan Buchanan in his unpowered hang glider; and U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. Wayne Boggs, of the international reality television show, Air Boss, will serve as air boss. Award-winning broadcast journalist Rick Peterson brings his breadth of aviation knowledge and witty personality as this year's air show announcer.

"With this year's lineup, aviation fans are in for an extra spectacular Great Tennessee Air Show," said John Black, executive director of Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority. "We have assembled elite aviation performers to present what will surely be one of the nation's most talked-about air shows of the season."

Of course, there is always an element of danger at these gatherings of man and machine. It was only last September that Jay Gordon, a Louisville, Kentucky pilot perished while flying a high-performance Russian jet at an air show near Knoxville, Tennessee.

But, a spokesperson for the Smyrna event eased concerns by saying, "The Great Tennessee Air Show team's motto is - Safety First. No Surprises. Have Fun!".

And, fans should anticipate nothing but fun at the multi-day event as The 2016 Great Tennessee Air Show will also feature multiple static displays, concessions and numerous activities for children. Named one of the "Top 10 Best Air Shows Around the World" by USA Today. The purpose of the air show is for the local community, aviation enthusiasts and newbies alike to get up close and personal with aviation.

Advance priced tickets are available at www.greattennesseeairshow.com. Advance general admission prices are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Advance box seats are $45 with Flight Line Club Advance tickets priced at $135 for adults and $75 for children (ages 4-12). Ticket buyers can make a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee when purchasing tickets online.

Article Links: Get your tickets and get set to take flight by visiting this page http://www.greattennesseeairshow.com today!

Nashville Boogie 2016 Is a Nostalgic Nod to the Past

The Nashville Boogie is a celebration of mid-century America that took place May 12-15, 2016. The event featured 4 stages hosting over 50 live performers including Reverend Horton Heat, The Blasters and headliner Chris Isack (special separate show). In addition there was a vintage fashion show, an indoor car show, a pin-up pageant and vendors galore.

Many of the vendors were selling classic clothes such as the Greaser Gals Garage whose motto is “apparel, accessories & attitude”. The Duchess who is also an actress and model was marketing her groove biscuits a wholesome vegan treat. The Red House featured beard oil and pomade. There were a number of artists on hand too including Olivia Frankenstein and The Wreckerd Mill who crafted accessories and jewelry from recycled records.

The Nashville Boogie took place at the Nashville Palace, Opryland Hotel and the Grand Ole Opry House. It was four days to embrace boogie, country, hillbilly, rockabilly and western swing from the 40’s and 50’s. Sounds that shaped the music that came out of Nashville during those influential decades. The event appealed to all ages. We saw youngsters with their families along with folks dancing to the music they grew up with. Plenty of people were in period or western ware adding to energy of the Boogie.

If you missed this four day celebration have no fear as the 2017 Nashville Boogie Vintage Weekender is already scheduled for May 18-22, 2017. It will include an expanded car show, lots of music along with a stage at the prestigious Tennessee Ballroom.

Article Links: Get your tickets and be prepared to boogie down in Nashville with your weekend pass at http://www.nashvilleboogie.com today!

- Blog post by MusicCityNashville.net

Nashville Gets Set to Boogie All Weekend Long with Vintage Music Fest

Muddy Roots Music will present a Grand Finale to their Nashville Boogie Weekender at the Grand Ole Opry House featuring classic crooner Chris Isaak in concert on May 15, 2016. The Nashville Boogie Vintage Weekender celebrates the sounds and styles of Mid-Century America with an impressive collection of authentic country, roots rock and rockabily artists such as Slim Jim Phantom and The Blasters leading the way.

Also on the extremely packed agenda is an indoor car show to show off those beautiful wheels from way back when. The captivating Bernie Dexter will be hosting a pin-up pageant that's sure to be chock full of lovely ladies. And Nashville's very own retro fashionista, Riley Reed, will present a period fashion show. All topped off by a vintage record convention on Sunday before giving way to the main event - Chris Isaak!

Article Links: Get ready to boogie down in Nashville and get your tickets and weekend pass at http://www.nashvilleboogie.com today!

- Blog post by MusicCityNashville.net

Tennessee Renaissance Festival Is One For the Ages in Arrington

The month of May has arrived here in Middle Tennessee which means its time to travel back to 16th Century England at the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival at 2124 New Castle Road, Arrington, TN. The Village of Covington Glen comes alive each weekend in May with artisans, merrymakers, musicians along with specialty drink/food vendors all echoing of an age gone by.

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival is a family friendly event where participants are encouraged to attend in their most colorful garb. The Festival has multiple entertainment stages and a tournament field that features Birds of Prey, Human Chess and best of all Royal Jousting. Games of Skill and Man Powered Rides are all part of this magical realm as are activities geared towards children. The Market Place features over 60 artisans selling, gems, silks, swords and more. Each weekend the Festival will revolve around a theme. The 2nd weekend will focus on arts & crafts, the third a pirate invasion and the fourth will have a Celtic flair.

From 11:00am until 3:00pm each day revelers can tour Castle Gwen where the RoseDan-Freeman Collection of Weaponry will be on display, along with the Needlework and Tapestry Collection of Imogene Stone-the Festival's Royal Tapestry Designer. The 7-story 4900 square foot Castle Gwen was featured in Taylor Swift’s Love Story video.

Festival dates are May 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, plus Memorial Day May 30th, 2016 from 10am to 6:00 pm. Parking at the Festival is FREE as is admission for children 5 and under. For more information about this fun Festival please visit The Tennessee Renaissance Festival - your finest entertainment venue just outside of Nashville.

Article Links: Get ready to don some garb and head back in time by visiting the www.tnrenfest.com today!

- Blog post by MusicCityNashville.net

Nashville Art Crawl Snakes Its Way Through the Downtown in Music City

Nashville, Tennessee is a city teeming with talent and not just the musical type. Nashville is home to many gifted visual artists. On the first Saturday of each month, Downtown Nashville hosts an Art Crawl. Participating galleries have receptions often with free refreshments to showcase the broad range of works available. On May 07, 2016 the Art Crawl took place mostly along 5th Avenue culminating at The Arcade where there is a whole second floor level of galleries. One might also hear music as they crawl.

On the way to The Arcade we encountered other works of arts. The Parnassus On Wheels bus was packed with books another worthy art form. It was also a nostalgic memory for people who recall book mobiles coming to their schools on an annual basis. Another point of interest along 5th Avenue North was the Downtown Presbyterian Church. Their building is a national landmark because of the unique Egyptian Revival motif that runs from the floors to the ceiling in the church. Their pipe organ is also a sight to behold. Buds & Bunches on Church Street featured art and fresh flowers. Also on Church, James R. Threalkill paid tribute to jazz legends with his dramatic paintings.

In our travels we discovered an artist on her own path in Printers Alley. A display of bold bright colors caught our eyes as did the fashionable artist Timmery. She had an innovative selection of albums turned into art, canvases, jewelry, party pump shoes, prints and more. Timmery is a vivid visual artist who is also into fashion, music and writing. Timmery is one of many talented people from out of state who call Nashville home as she continues to grow her brilliant brand here in Music City.

We are already looking forward to next month's Nashville Art Crawl.

Article Links: Check out more of Timmery's work at this site. To learn about the Downtown Presbyterian Church visit this page and get more info on the Nashville Art Crawl here!

- Blog post by MusicCityNashville.net

Nashville Hot - Bob Teague Is Cool, Calm and Collected on Strings of Serenity

Nashville, Tennessee is known for its great guitar players and a running joke is that one in three residents are masters on the instrument. Bob Teague is known in town as one of those very talented players whose skill shines through early and often on Strings of Serenity: From Hands of Romance his new 16-track collection of his own favorite instrumental compositions.

This is a perfect set of soothing songs filled with engaging soundscapes and mystical intrigue. "The Star of Soheil" will transport you far, far away while "Spring Sing" is plucked in pretty progressions with a little help from some familiar sounds of the season. "In Old New Mexico" the mood changes with a tip of the sombrero and somber foray into the Southwest of days gone by. "Waterfalls and Waterflows" is a steady stream of clean and rapid notes with an interesting musical meandering that flows directly into the Spanish-influenced "Tengo Tango".

Strings of Serenity: From Hands of Romance is a satisfying instrumental adventure that will have you journeying stress-free through space and time.

Article Links: Check out more from Bob Teague at this page today!

- Blog post by MusicCityNashville.net