During the week of the Country Radio Seminar there are tons of different events happening simultaneously. It is a matter of going through and choosing where you will be and what you will experience, and that decision is never easy. One of the events I decided I wanted to see was the Wednesday, February 15 performance at The Stage starting at 9 am. The Stage is a bar in Nashville that like many other bars around the city; sees its share of country stars walk through the doors. This setting was used to hand out some industry awards as well as showcase performances by Todd Fritsch and Jeannie Kendall. Jeannie has long been a favorite of mine and I was looking forward to seeing her onstage.
I arrived about 10 minutes before nine, and the place was starting to fill, but there were still tables available. By 9:00 the place had become standing room only, and within another few minutes it was packed solid. It was like a who’s who in country music when scanning the audience. There was a mix of media personnel, radio personalities and country stars all mingling together and enjoying conversations. Many newcomers to country could be spotted like Michelle René (Colgate Country Showdown winner), Rhonda Towns, John Corbett, Sonny Burgess, Cerrito, and tons more. Label mates Jason Aldean and Craig Morgan were milling in the crowd. Paulette Carlson was wandering around chatting with people. Everywhere you turned you saw someone you recognized.
Around 9:15 or so, Todd Fritsch took the stage for a three song set. He did “As Far As Mexico,” “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” and “Small Town Radio.” Todd has a terrific traditional sound, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing much more from him. They had a short break where some industry awards were handed out. Then Jeannie Kendall took the stage for her set. She opened with the No. 1 hit “Heaven’s Just A Sin Away” and followed with two songs from her new album that is soon to be released, ‘All the Girls I Am.’ She performed “Your Picture, Your Pillow and Me” and “(Somewhere Between) Heaven and Mexico.” Both are great songs and it is so good to hear current Jeannie Kendall music. After her set, the crowd started thinning out as everyone went on to their daily schedule of events. But it was a wonderful start to the day.
