Latest Events at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum®

Banjo and Guitar Demonstration: Curtis McPeake and Andy May

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:26:37 -0500

Banjo player Curtis McPeake has performed or recorded with Danny Davis, Lester Flatt, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, and Bill Monroe. Andy May is a guitar and mandolin player as well as a singer, songwriter, and music educator. He has appeared with Merle Haggard, Brownie McGee & Sonny Terry, Nickel Creek, Mike Seeger, and Pete Seeger. Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation. See Program Pass guidelines about admission to this program.

Museum admission or Museum membership required for program admittance. Due to limited seating, a program pass is required for your complimentary seat. Passes will be available for pick-up at the Museum two hours prior to the start of the program, on a first-come, first-served basis. Your pass does not guarantee you a seat after the program begins.

MEMBERS ONLY: Call 615.416.2050 to reserve your program pass in advance. Reservations will be accepted until 48 hours before the program, or until the program is at capacity. Your pass does not guarantee you a seat after the program begins.

The educational programs of the Country Music Hall of Fame^®and Museum are funded in part by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, through an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Film Screening: Highlights from American Idol – Season 4 Finale (2005)

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:28:42 -0500

Just eight years ago, Carrie Underwood was an Oklahoma college student with no plans for a professional music career. She auditioned for Season 4 of the hit television show American Idol and impressed the judges and viewers with her ability to expertly perform a range of musical material. This episode of the series recaps Carrie's performances from the season and features live performances by Underwood, finalist Bo Bice, and Rascal Flatts. The outcome of viewer voting is no surprise today, but it is fascinating to look back at this transformative moment in Underwood's career. Made possible by Iron Mountain Film and Sound Archives. This film is presented in support of the Museum's Carrie Underwood: The Blown Away Tour Exhibition. 65 minutes. Free.

Songwriter Session: Jesse Lee and Tim James

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:17:51 -0500

Jesse Lee wrote and recorded, "It's a Girl Thing" and "Me Again" (a duet with Uncle Kracker), and her songs have been recorded by Lauren Alaina, Bomshel, and Kristy Lee Cook. Tim James wrote "All I Ask for Anymore" (Trace Adkins); "Give It All We Got Tonight" (George Strait); "Love Like Crazy" (Lee Brice); "My List" (Toby Keith); and songs recorded by Rodney Atkins, Darius Rucker, Lee Ann Womack, and Chris Young. See Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

Dobro and Steel Guitar Demonstration: Smith Curry and Bob Grant

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:14:45 -0500

Steel guitarist Smith Curry has performed or recorded with Jason Aldean, Sara Evans, Rascal Flatts, Kid Rock, Randy Travis, and Taylor Swift. Mandolin player and guitarist Bob Grant has played with the Bad Livers and Gail Davies. Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation. See Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

Songwriter Session: Ross Copperman

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:12:46 -0500

Ross Copperman wrote "Glass" (Thompson Square); "One of the Boys" (Jana Kramer); "Pirate Flag" (Kenny Chesney); "Save Water, Drink Beer" (Chris Young); "Tip It on Back" (Dierks Bentley); and his pop singles "All She Wrote," "As I Choke," and "Holding On and Letting Go." See Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:18:21 -0500

Many of country music's most impactful artists, from early musical architects to contemporary superstars, will perform together on the Ford Theater stage this summer-in a manner of speaking: The public premiere of String City: Nashville's Tradition of Music and Puppetry, a colorful telling of the history of country music in Nashville, will use numerous marionettes, hand puppets, rod puppets, shadow puppets, and more.

Pre-Show Reception • 7:00 p.m.

Ford Theater Show • 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are now available for a $30 per person donation online, by calling 888-516-5554, or at the door.

String City was developed by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Nashville Public Library's Wishing Chair Productions, and was made possible by the Nashville Public Library Foundation and Judy and Steve Turner.

All String City proceeds go to the Nashville Public Library Foundation and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

This performance launches the 2013 Nashville International Puppet Festival, which takes place June 21-23 at the main library downtown. Free and open to the public, the festival includes a family-friendly carnival atmosphere with puppet performances, live music, food and a parade. International puppet troupes hailing from France, China, Japan, Argentina and Germany will perform.

The educational programs of the Country Music Hall of Fameand Museum are funded in part by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, through an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Fiddle and Guitar Demonstration: David Coe and Josh Culley

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:10:12 -0500

David Coe plays fiddle for Michael Martin Murphey and Nashville-based Irish band the Rogues. Josh Culley will sit in on guitar. The duo will demonstrate old-time Appalachian and Irish fiddle tunes. Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation. See Program Pass guidelines about admission to this program.

Family Program: Songwriting 101 with Tim Buppert and Jerry Vandiver

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:03:20 -0500

Create a song with veteran songwriters as you learn songwriting fundamentals, including the basics of song form, rhyme scheme, meter, and secrets behind the creative process. Buppert has written songs recorded by Kevin Sharp, Yankee Grey, and Trisha Yearwood. Vandiver has had songs recorded by Lonestar, Tim McGraw, and Phil Vassar. Ages 5-12. Free.

Families are encouraged to tour the Museum at a discounted rate following the program. Visit the box office for more information.

Songwriter Session: Tim Buppert and Jerry Vandiver

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:05:18 -0500

Tim Buppert wrote "Another Nine Minutes" (Yankee Grey), "She's Sure Taking It Well" (Kevin Sharp), and songs recorded by Continental Divide and Trisha Yearwood. Jerry Vandiver wrote "Always in the Band" (Lonestar); "Athens Grease" (Phil Vassar); and "For a Little While" (Tim McGraw). See Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program

Nashville Cats: Bergen White

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:08:07 -0500

Oklahoma-born Bergen White was raised the son of a Baptist minister, traveling from city to city singing in church choirs until his family settled in Nashville when he was fourteen. His musical career began as a vocalist-working as a solo artist, singing harmony vocals with the Marijohn Singers, adding background vocals in the studio on hits like "Lucille" (Kenny Rogers), and as a member of Ronny and the Daytonas. White's horn arrangement on Tony Joe White's "Polk Salad Annie" caught the ear of Elvis Presley, who asked Bergen to work on his records. Other notable songs that feature White's arrangements are "Come Monday" (Jimmy Buffett), "The Grand Tour" (George Jones), "Please Remember Me" (Tim McGraw), and "Smoky Mountain Rain" (Ronnie Milsap). While never giving up singing and recording, his credits as an arranger appear on records from artists as diverse as Chet Atkins, Garth Brooks, England Dan and John Ford Coley, Olivia Newton-John, Dolly Parton, Joe Simon, and George Strait. This interview will be illustrated with vintage photos, film footage, and recordings, and will be streamed live at CountryMusicHallofFame.org. After the program, White will sign Hatch Show Print posters, commemorating the day. See Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

Autograph Signing: Katie Cook

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:46:18 -0500

Katie Cook will sign her books, Little Big Benny: The Boy Who Didn't Know He Was The Universe, Little Big Benny: Double Stick Karma, and Little Big Benny: The Wicked Itch on Sunday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Museum Store. Live from the Museum Store is presented by CMT. Signing passes for this event will be available in advance online with the purchase of one of her books beginning at 10:00 a.m. CST on May 15, 2013.

Autograph Pass Tips and Guidelines

Purchase of at least one of Katie Cook's books,Little Big Benny: The Boy Who Didn't Know He Was The Universe, Little Big Benny: Double Stick Karma, or Little Big Benny: The Wicked Itch, purchased from the Museum Store, is required for signing admittance. She will not sign personal items.
Due to high-demand and time constraints, a signing pass is required for your place in line and will be included with the transaction at the time of purchase.
There is no limit on the number of books she will sign.
A limited number of signing passes will be available with the purchase of her books online starting at 10:00 a.m. CST on May 15, 2013.
Online orders will not be mailed in advance, but must be picked-up from the Museum Store, with proper identification, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on June 3, 2013. You may only collect the items purchased in your order.
You will receive only one (1) signing pass per artist in each transaction. For example, if you purchase two (2) books of one artist and two (2) books of another artist in one (1) transaction, you will only receive two (2) signing passes total, one (1) per artist.
Only one (1) signing pass can be redeemed per person for each of the autograph signing events.
Your signing pass may be forfeited if it is not picked-up before the specified event start time.
Fans may not line up in the Museum Store before their signing pass group has been called.
We will begin calling groups to line up at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 9. We will call one group at a time (group A, group B, and so on).
If a fan is not present when his or her group is called, he or she will be allowed to go in the next group called.
Lean-in, individual photographs will be allowed (no group photos).
All personal belongings will be held by security during the autograph signing.
All guests must maintain reasonable and appropriate behavior at all times. Guests using offensive language or engaging in disorderly conduct may be ejected from the Country Music Hall of Fame^®and Museum and barred from re-entry.
*MEMBERS ONLY* Museum members receive 10% off all Museum Store purchases, including artist's products for signings.

Slap Bass Demonstration: Joe Fick

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:54:58 -0500

"Slick" Joe Fick has performed or recorded with Sonny Burgess, James Burton, D.J. Fontana, Wanda Jackson, the Jordanaires, and Boots Randolph. His rockabilly band, the Dempseys, was named Beale Street Entertainers of the Year in 2009. Fick portrayed the role of Elvis's bass player, Bill Black, in the 2006 Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line. Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation. See Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

Panel Discussion and Performance: Living for a Song

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:01:54 -0500

An accomplished songwriter, Jamey Johnson has written hits for himself ("In Color") and for other artists (George Strait's "Give It Away"). Johnson's most recent album, though, features sixteen classics written by the late songwriting legend Hank Cochran. Guest vocalists on Living for a Song include Alison Krauss ("Make the World Go Away"), Merle Haggard ("I Fall to Pieces"), Emmylou Harris ("Don't Touch Me"), and many others. For this panel discussion about the album, Johnson joins Cochran's widow, Suzi Cochran, and Buddy Cannon and Dale Dodson, Cochran's friends and producers of the album. Johnson will perform briefly, and the program will be illustrated with vintage photos, film footage, and recordings. This program is presented in support of the exhibit Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You, Support provided by Great American Country Television Network. The program will be streamed live at CountryMusicHallofFame.org. See Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

Songwriter Session: Brett James

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:52:57 -0500

One of the most successful writers in contemporary country music, Brett James has written hits including "Blessed" (Martina McBride); "Cowboy Casanova" and "Jesus, Take the Wheel" (Carrie Underwood); "The Man I Want to Be" (Chris Young); "Out Last Night" (Kenny Chesney); "The Truth" (Jason Aldean); "When the Sun Goes Down" (Kenny Chesney); and "Who I Am" (Jessica Andrews). See Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

Performance and Autograph Signing: Craig Campbell

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:43:25 -0500

Craig Campbell will perform on the plaza outside of the Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum on Friday, June 7 at 10:30 a.m. The performance is free to the public. Following the plaza performance, Craig Campbell will sign his CD, Never Regret, at 11:00 a.m. in the Museum Store. Live from the Museum Store is presented by CMT. Signing passes for this event will be available in advance online with the purchase of his CD beginning at 10:00 a.m. CST on May 15, 2013.

Autograph Pass Tips and Guidelines

Craig Campbell's CD,Never Regret, purchased from the Museum Store, is required for signing admittance. He will not sign personal items.
Due to high-demand and time constraints, a signing pass is required for your place in line and will be included with the transaction at the time of purchase.
There is no limit on the number of CDs he will sign.
A limited number of signing passes will be available with the purchase of his CD online starting at 10:00 a.m. CST on May 15, 2013.
Online orders will not be mailed in advance, but must be picked-up from the Museum Store, with proper identification, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on June 3, 2013. You may only collect the items purchased in your order.
You will receive only one (1) signing pass per artist in each transaction. For example, if you purchase two (2) CDs of one artist and two (2) CDs of another artist in one (1) transaction, you will only receive two (2) signing passes total, one (1) per artist.
Only one (1) signing pass can be redeemed per person for each of the autograph signing events.
Your signing pass may be forfeited if it is not picked-up before the specified event start time.
Fans may not line up in the Museum Store before their signing pass group has been called.
We will begin calling groups to line up after the live performance on Friday, June 7. We will call one group at a time (group A, group B, and so on).
If a fan is not present when his or her group is called, he or she will be allowed to go in the next group called.
Lean-in, individual photographs will be allowed (no group photos).
All personal belongings will be held by security during the autograph signing.
All guests must maintain reasonable and appropriate behavior at all times. Guests using offensive language or engaging in disorderly conduct may be ejected from the Country Music Hall of Fame^®and Museum and barred from re-entry.
*MEMBERS ONLY* Museum members receive 10% off all Museum Store purchases, including artist's products for signings.