Ashley Cooper
Global Partying at the 2009 CMA Music Fest
Friday, June 12th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Performers at the 2009 CMA Global Artist Party | Photo by: Bev Moser
For the past five years, CMA Music Fest week has unofficially kicked off in downtown Nashville with a pair of international artist showcases: Monday night’s CMA Global Artist Party at The Stage on Broadway, and the AristoMedia Global Showcase at The Second Fiddle. A total of 17 artists performed at this year’s two events, and there were plenty of memorable moments.
Monday night’s lineup featured artists from Australia (Kirsty Lee Akers, Peter McWhirter, The McClymonts), Ireland (Colm Kirwan), the UK (Lucie Silvas), New Zealand (Ashley Cooper) and Canada (Victoria Banks, George Canyon). Here are a few of my personal highlights from the evening…
The McClymonts | Photo by: Bev Moser
The McClymonts were unquestionably one of the crowd favorites from Monday’s event. The only thing more striking than the sisters themselves were their spot-on harmonies. I didn’t hear one sour note during their performance… you could tell these three young ladies grew up singing together. Over the past month they’ve been recording their second album here in Nashville with Taylor Swift’s producer Nathan Chapman, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear a lot more from the McClymonts in the coming months.
Victoria Banks was a last minute addition to the lineup, but she was certainly a welcome addition! Her first two songs in particular were true powerhouses, “The Wheel” and “I Can’t.” MusicRow magazine may be correct in calling her “One of the best songwriters in the business,” but she’s a fantastic performer as well.
Canada’s George Canyon closed the night to an enthusiastic crowd that clearly remembered him from his Nashville Star days and the stateside success of his One Good Friend album. While the McClymonts were certainly a hit with the fellas, Canyon had the ladies hollering for more throughout his set.
Peter McWhirter | Photo by: Bev Moser
The evening also included a performance from the youthful and entertaining Peter McWhirter, the winner of this year’s Telstra Road to Tamworth contest. Similar to America’s American Idol, the Australian talent competition is one of the biggest music events held each year Down Under. McWhirter amused the crowd with his song “Chasing Girls,” a not-so-subtle look into the mind of a 19-year-old. For what it’s worth, McWhirter was also quick to point out that in Australia, one doesn’t have to be 21 to drink.
Host Jace Everett even treated the crowd to a couple songs, including his awesome True Blood TV show theme song, “Bad Things.”
Tuesday rolled around with another lineup of international talent, this one perhaps a bit more eclectic than the previous night. The AristoMedia Global Showcase kicked off in the afternoon at The Second Fiddle, only two doors down from The Stage. There were Frenchmen singing Dylan, Norwegians channeling Rodney Crowell and Swiss truck drivers covering everything from Leroy Van Dyke to… Josh Turner. Of course, there were plenty of original songs performed, too. All said, there were artists from France (Pierre Lorry), the UK (Brianie, David Bradley), Australia (Dianna Corcoran, Corey Colum), Switzerland (Rolf Fritschi), Canada (Codie Prevost, Greg Hanna) and Norway (Tore Andersen) coming and going throughout the afternoon.
To me, one of the most interesting things about these global showcases is the chance to meet and talk to the artists - not only to hear their general impressions of Nashville, but to see the way they interpret the Country format in their own way. It’s refreshing to witness their enthusiasm at getting a chance to play in Music City during the world’s greatest Country music festival.
Dianna Corcoran | Photo by: Bev Moser
Australia’s Dianna Corcoran was certainly one of Tuesday’s highlights for me, as the sweet-voiced singer treated the crowd to a soaring version of her most recent hit, “Then There’s Me.” There’s a reason this young lady won Female Artist of the Year at last year’s Country Music Awards of Australia! Keep an eye out for her next release, which she’s recording this month here in Nashville.
Corey Colum, the Telstra Road to Tamworth Songwriter’s Award winner was the one brave performer without any kind of backing band on Tuesday. He shared some of the stories behind the songs that brought him the prestigious award, and despite being noticeably nervous at times, his voice came through clear and strong. It was certainly easy to appreciate this Aussie’s genuine demeanor and laid back personality.
David Bradley brought the showmanship for his closing set, working the crowd and the ladies, in particular. Maybe it’s because he’s been living in Nashville for a while, but this pleasant fellow from the UK really came across with confidence on stage - he clearly knew how to deliver an energetic set without seeming too contrived. This is a guy to keep an eye on as well.
Photo by: Bev Moser
Digital Rodeo’s Robert Reynolds hosted Tuesday’s events and did a great job keeping the vibe light-hearted and fun. The former Mavericks bassist has hosted the AristoMedia Global Showcase each year, and we certainly would like to thank him for that. All in all, it was a great two days of music and a unique opportunity for country music fans in town for the festival to perhaps see some of tomorrow’s stars.
Every year it seems these showcases continue to grow, and we’d like to thank our sponsors (Digital Rodeo, NiteTrain Coach, The CMA, The Stage on Broadway and The Second Fiddle) for their support. We’d also like to thank the artists, many of whom travelled halfway across the world to participate in these events.
AristoMedia Global Showcase Performers | Photo by: Bev Moser
Last but not least, we want to thank YOU, the FANS, for continuing to support the international Country music scene here in Nashville and abroad. We hope you had a great week in Music City, USA!
See you next year at the 2010 Global Events!
Ryan