Cooking Channel premiere ‘Carnival Kings’ and ‘Seaside Snacks & Shacks’ in July 2018

June 6, 2018

Cooking Channel logo

The following are excerpts from Cooking Channel press releases:

Fearlessly innovative artist and Michelin-starred chef Richie Farina is hitting the road in search of cutting-edge culinary competition in “Carnival Kings,” looking for adversaries at the biggest “carnival” in the country. Richie has 24 hours to come up with his own take of each fair’s famous dish before a head-to-head cook-off judged by real fairgoers decides whose version is better. Fasten your seatbelts for fierce competition, hilarious smack talk and most of all, a mind-blowing variety of deliciously decadent carnival cuisine.
  • Premiering Thursday, July 12 at 9pmET/6pmPT – “Duck, Duck…Sliders”
Richie Farina hits the road in search of innovative culinary competitions, and he’s found one at the Pima County Fair outside Tucson, Arizona. He takes on Dominic Palmieri’s Duck Sliders with Flaming Hot Cheetos and Caramel Apple Slaw. Richie has just 24 hours to come up with his own version of Dominic’s crazy concoction before a head-to-head cook-off, judged by fairgoers, decides the winner.
  • Premiering Thursday, July 19 at 9pmET/6pmPT – “We All Scream for Ice Cream! And Waffles!”
Richie Farina hits the road in search of cutting-edge culinary competition, and he’s found it at the Great American Foodie Fest in Las Vegas, Nevada. He takes on Adam Terry of Waffle Love and his fluffy, ice cream-covered Dulce de Liege Waffle. Richie has just 24 hours to come up with his version of Adam’s decadent dessert before fairgoers pick a winner in a head-to-head cook-off.
  • Premiering Thursday, July 26 at 9pmET/6pmPT – “It’s Nacho Business, Dude”
Richie Farina hits the road in search of cutting-edge culinary competition, and he finds it at the Pima County Fair outside Tucson, Arizona. He takes on Nate Janousek of Texas Steak Out and his deep-fried carnival twist on nachos supreme. Richie has just 24 hours to come up with his own version of Nate’s insane nachos before a head-to-head cook-off, judged by fairgoers, decides the winner.
Online, watch exclusive videos of crazy carnival food, including duck-fat funnel cake.

In some places people wait all year long to dig into the local dishes served up in beach towns and on waterfronts across the country, and this summer Sabin Lomac is on a mission to find the best bites and seasonal standouts on “Seaside Snacks & Shacks,” premiering on Thursday, July 19 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m/ PT. As a native of the coast of Maine and as a chef and co-owner of one of the most popular lobster roll restaurants in the country, Sabin is an expert on seafood, and now he is diving into some of the most unforgettable dishes along the shores. From crab cake and bacon grilled cheese sandwiches to creamy clam chowder with puffer pork skin, Sabin will sink his teeth into all the delicious dishes making waves.

“As a seafood entrepreneur who made a big splash by taking his local beach food truck national, Sabin Lomac knows how to spot delicious seaside staples and coastal spots doing it right,” said Courtney White, General Manager and Executive Vice President, Programming, Food Network and HGTV. “With his expertise and enthusiastic charm, Sabin is the perfect travel guide to share a taste of summer with viewers.”

Throughout the six half-hour episodes, Sabin hits the coasts of California and the Carolinas, the sands of New England, and south Florida, and the shores of the Gulf Coast and Lake Michigan in search of the most memorable and mouthwatering meals.

On the premiere, Sabin lands at Lulu’s, a high-class dive run by Jimmy Buffet’s sister, Lucy. There, he gets a taste of their Fried Green Tomato Pimento Cheese Burger that melts in your mouth, and a signature southern staple – gumbo. Next, Sabin heads straight for Lucy Bell’s on South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island, famous for a decadent deviled blue crab and a show-stopping southern fried chicken. Next Sabin heads west to Barrio Dogg, a hotdog stand that brings the heat to San Diego, famous for its Chili Con Carne Dog that packs a three-meat punch, and for its five alarm Bombero Dog topped with seven salsas, each one hotter than the next. He saves the most bananas place for last – Sugar and Spice on Balboa Island, California, serving sweet and decadent frozen bananas. After enjoying the original dipped in chocolate and rainbow sprinkles and the famous PB&J frozen banana, Sabin creates his own specialty flavor.

For exclusive videos, a list of seaside snacks and shacks Sabin dives into as well as recipes for sea-inspired bites, visit CookingChannelTV.com/SeasideSnacks. Fans can also share their favorite social media, and vote for their favorite dish using #SeasideSnacks.

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COOKING CHANNEL (www.cookingchanneltv.com) is an entertainment brand dedicated to today’s passionate food lover. For food people, by food people, Cooking Channel is the answer to a growing hunger for more content devoted to food and cooking in every dimension from global cuisines to international travel, history and unconventional how-to’s. Cooking Channel is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Ayesha Curry’s ‘Family Food Fight’ show set to air on ABC

June 6, 2018

Ayesha Curry
Ayesha Curry (Photo by Mark Bourdillion/ABC)

ABC announced today that the network has picked up the culinary competition series “Family Food Fight,” based on Australia’s hit format. Hosted by restaurateur, food maven and NY Times best-selling cookbook author Ayesha Curry, the eight-episode competition series will feature eight families from across the country sharing a common kitchen and a common goal: to claim the title of America’s No. 1 Food Family.

Family teams will pull out their best culinary moves in the kitchen, serving up authentic family dishes and drama. Tapping into each family’s uniquely diverse cultural heritage, along with their countless culinary influences, “Family Food Fight” will take homestyle cooking to a new level as family recipes rich in tradition and shared over generations are put on display. Rather than five-star restaurant cuisine, the show will focus on relatable, yet aspirational, home-cooked meals, inspiring budding home cooks across the nation to don their aprons and get into the kitchen together.

With a mix of fast-paced cooking fun, heaping helpings of good humor and healthy rivalries, everyone will cook their hearts out as they strive to impress a panel of culinary experts including host and judge, Curry. Despite everyone’s delectable dishes, only one family will claim the coveted title of America’s No. 1 Food Family and take home the $100,000 prize. An airdate and additional judges to be announced at a later date.

For information on how you can appear on the show, visit familyfoodfightcasting.com.

Produced by Endemol Shine North America, “Family Food Fight” was created by Endemol Shine Australia with Nine in Australia and was recently renewed for a second season. Curry, Robert Flutie and Shab Azma are serving as executive producers through Yardie Girl Productions; and DJ Nurre, Georgie Hurford-Jones and Faye Stapleton are serving as executive producers for Endemol Shine North America.

2018 CMA Fest: Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini return as hosts of ABC special

June 5, 2018

Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini
Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini at 2017 CMA Fest in Nashville. (Photo by Mark Levine/ABC)

The following is a press release from the Country Music Association and ABC:

The Country Music Association has announced that Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini will return for a second year as hosts of “CMA Fest,” the three-hour special that brings country music’s ultimate fan experience to a national television audience. “CMA Fest” airs WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 (8:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network and is executive produced by Robert Deaton.

“This year’s CMA Fest is our biggest yet with many artists debuting full sets on the Nissan Stadium stage,” said Sarah Trahern, chief executive officer, CMA. “We’re thrilled once again to broadcast ‘CMA Fest’ and bring the festival to millions of country music fans not only here in the U.S. but all around the world.”

“Thomas and Kelsea are the embodiment of the summer fun that is CMA Fest, and we are so excited they’ll be back for year two,” said Rob Mills, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials & Late-Night, ABC Entertainment.

Filmed during Nashville’s annual CMA Fest, Thursday, June 7, through Sunday, June 10, the television special features more than 25 of country music’s biggest names as they hit the stage during the four-day event. 2018 marks the 15th consecutive year of the broadcast, a feat no other U.S. music festival has achieved. Last year’s broadcast of “CMA Fest” achieved three-year ratings highs.

Ballerini will perform at Nissan Stadium Saturday, June 9, in addition to appearing as Artist of the Day at Xfinity Fan Fair X on Sunday, June 10. A limited number of four-day tickets for the nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, which also includes four-day access to Xfinity Fan Fair X, are still available at CMAfest.com/tickets or through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST.

CMA Fest is unlike any other with live music on 11 official stages throughout downtown Nashville; meet and greets and up-close-and-personal experiences for fans at Xfinity Fan Fair X; over 300 acts donating their time in support of music education through the CMA Foundation; and nearly 90,000 country music fans from the all over the U.S. and abroad flocking to Music City each summer. All of CMA Fest’s outdoor daytime stages, as well as nightly shows at the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater, are free and open to the public. Fans can purchase the CMA Fest Nash Pass for $60 plus fees, allowing a limited amount of fans VIP early access at the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage. The Nash Pass also includes a Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum tour, Ryman Auditorium tour and four-day admission to Xfinity Fan Fair X. Tickets for Xfinity Fan Fair X are available for $10 each day or $25 for a four-day pass.

Guided by the generosity of the country music community, proceeds from CMA Fest are used to drive the CMA Foundation’s mission of enriching and sustaining music education programs. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has invested over $21 million in 85 programs across the national public school system, after-school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations.

Don’t miss a beat—download the CMA Fest app, or get connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and sign up for CMA Country Connection emails to receive the latest news as soon as it’s announced.

About CMA Fest

The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience™ began in 1972 as Fan Fair®, which drew 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. Now in its 47th year, the legendary festival has become the city’s signature Country Music event that hosts in excess of 90,000 fans from all 50 states and two dozen foreign countries. In 2017, CMA Fest featured 11 stages with over 350 artists, 1,100 musicians, and 167 hours of music – all to benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $21 million to sustainable music education initiatives across the U.S. thanks to the fans who attend CMA Fest and the artists who perform for free. CMA Fest is filmed for a three-hour ABC Television Network special. 2018 marks the 15th consecutive year of the broadcast.

2018 Tony Awards: Bruce Springsteen to perform; more presenters announced

June 5, 2018

Tony Awards logo

The following is a press release from the American Theatre Wing:

Bruce Springsteen will make a rare television appearance at the 72nd Annual Tony Awards, when he takes the stage to perform live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS on Sunday, June 10th, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.(ET/PT time delay).

Springsteen will also receive a Special Tony Award for his ongoing engagement “Springsteen on Broadway,” a once-in-a-lifetime theater going experience for the Broadway stage.

Hosted by Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban, the evening will feature appearances by: Uzo Aduba, Christine Baranski, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Melissa Benoist, Erich Bergen, Rachel Bloom, Matt Bomer, Rachel Brosnahan, Tituss Burgess, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Robert De Niro, Brandon Victor Dixon, Christopher Jackson, Billy Joel, Patti LuPone, Tatiana Maslany, Katharine McPhee, Matthew Morrison, Leslie Odom, Jr., Kelli O’Hara, Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, Bernadette Peters, Andrew Rannells, Kerry Washington, Ming-Na Wen, Marisa Jaret Winokur; Tony Nominees Tina Fey, John Leguizamo and Amy Schumer as well as Tony Award Lifetime Achievement recipients Andrew Lloyd Webber and Chita Rivera.

The American Theatre Wing’s 72nd Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban, will air live from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS Television Network on Sunday, June 10, 2018 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT). The Tony Awards, which honors theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, has been broadcast on CBS since 1978. The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

Tickets for the 2018 Tony Awards are now available at TonyAwards.com and TicketMaster.com.

For more information on the Tony Awards, visit TonyAwards.com and Facebook.com/TheTonyAwards and follow @TheTonyAwards on Instagram and Twitter.

June 7, 2018 UPDATE: The high-energy evening will feature performances by the casts of the 2018 Tony Award-nominated shows “The Band’s Visit,” “Carousel,” “Frozen,” “Mean Girls,” “My Fair Lady,” “Once on This Island,” “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical” and “SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical.” Also, the show will feature a special performance from the 2017 Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen.”

2018 CMT Music Awards: presenters, world premiere performances announced

June 5, 2018

Backstreet Boys
 Backstreet Boys (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for iHeartRadio via Freeform)

The “2018 CMT Music Awards” announced today the list of presenters featuring everyone from music industry icons to sports legends and Hollywood stars. The A-list roster includes Backstreet Boys, Bobby Bones, Brett Young, Carly Pearce, Chrissy Metz (“This Is Us”), Cody Alan (Radio and TV Personality), Courtney Force (NHRA racing), Dustin Lynch, Garrett Hedlund (“Mudbound,” “Country Strong”), Hoda Kotb (“NBC’s TODAY”), Joel McHale (“The Joel McHale Show”), Johnny Knoxville (“Action Point”), Kaitlin Doubleday (“Nashville”), Katie Cook (TV personality), Lauren Alaina, Leon Bridges, Lennon Stella (“Nashville”), Lindsey Vonn (US Ski Team), Luke Combs, Maisy Stella (“Nashville”), P.K. Subban (Nashville Predators), RaeLynn, Rascal Flatts and Sugarland. The “2018 CMT Music Awards” will premiere LIVE from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 6 at 8:00 pm ET/ PT.

Country music’s loudest night will be hosted by three-time nominees Little Big Town, who willalso join the list of knockout performers including Blake Shelton; Carrie Underwood; Chris Stapleton; Dan + Shay; Darius Rucker featuring Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Charles Kelley; Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne; Florida Georgia Line; Jason Aldean; Kelly Clarkson; Kelsea Ballerini; Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt. Breakthrough artists Carly Pearce, Devin Dawson, LANCO, Lindsay Ell, Russell Dickerson and Walker Hayes will perform on the Ram Trucks Side Stage.

The “2018 CMT Music Awards” nominations announcement made history, as pop sensations Bebe Rexha, with her record-breaking, chart-topping collaboration “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line, and Justin Timberlake, with “Say Something” featuring Chris Stapleton, received first time nods for the highly coveted “Video of the Year.” The additional lineup of country stars vying for the title include Blake Shelton, Brett Young, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood featuring Ludacris, Dan + Shay, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett. Up for four nominations each, Carrie Underwood (who also currently holds the title of most “CMT Music Awards” wins), Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean are tied for most nods.

Fans have until the end of the day today, June 4th, to vote for their favorite artists via CMT.com for categories including “Video of the Year,” “Male Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year,”, “Duo Video of the Year,” “Group Video of the Year,” “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” “Collaborative Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year.”

CMT also revealed that some of music’s biggest stars will perform brand-new songs for the first time ever on television when the “2018 CMT Music Awards” premieres LIVE from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tomorrow, June 6 at 8pm ET/PT. The performances will not only feature the newest songs that will become the soundtrack to the summer, but they will use the CMT stage to introduce their new music to the world.

“CMT music fans have an unquenchable thirst for music discovery. This show features the freshest and most exciting summer songs ever presented on one stage,” said Margaret Comeaux, executive producer, CMT Music Awards.

The line-up of world television premiere performances includes:

  • Darius Rucker featuring Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Charles Kelley – “Straight to Hell”
  • Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne – “Burning Man”
  • Florida Georgia Line – “Simple”
  • Kelly Clarkson – “American Woman”
  • Little Big Town – “Summer Fever”
  • Sam Hunt – “Downtown’s Dead”
  • Backstreet Boys – “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”

The performers join previously announced performers Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Jason Aldean and Kelsea Ballerini to round out the ultimate night of country music in Nashville.

The latest announcement follows renewed ratings growth and critical acclaim for CMT music specials and events due in part to a creative refresh featuring current and genre-bending artist pairings and pro-social elements. In October, “CMT Artists of the Year” notched its highest rating to date and now ranks as one of the fastest growing award shows, while “CMT Crossroads” recently garnered its highest ratings in five years with an episode featuring Backstreet Boys and Florida Georgia Line. The network recently finished its highest-rated quarter since 2014 and notched its fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year ratings growth. April 2018 was CMT’s best April performance in 4 years, extending to 17 the channel’s streak of consecutive months of year-over-year ratings growth among Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49. (L+SD, CMT Total Day)

Follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

Tickets are still available at TICKETMASTER.

About CMT

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

 

2018 CMT Music Awards: Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line and more artists added to lineup

May 31, 2018

CMT Music Awards

The following are excerpts from CMT press releases:

Hosted by country chart-toppers Little Big Town, the “2018 CMT Music Awards” today announced the second round of A-list performers that will take over Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 6th at 8 pm ET/ PT. The newest superstars to join the already-impressive performance lineup include Backstreet BoysCarrie UnderwoodDan + ShayFlorida Georgia LineJason Aldean and hosts Little Big Town. Tickets for the “2018 CMT Music Awards” are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

CMT also revealed today that country music’s loudest night is about to get even louder with two star-studded collaborations; country icon Dierks Bentley featuring “Video of the Year” nominees Brothers Osborne, as well as “CMT Performance of the Year” nominee Darius Rucker featuring Jason Aldean (who is tied for most “CMT Music Awards” nominations), Luke Bryan and Charles Kelley. More performers to be announced in the coming days.

Last week, the first round of “2018 CMT Music Awards” performers were announced including Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt. It was also revealed that pop superstar Kelly Clarkson will premiere her rendition of iconic rock hit, “American Woman,” from the promotional campaign for the upcoming Paramount Network series of the same title debuting the day after the Awards on Thursday, June 7 at 10pm ET/PT. Inspired by the real-life upbringing of Kyle Richards (“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”), “American Woman” follows Bonnie (Alicia Silverstone), an unconventional mother struggling to raise her two daughters after leaving her husband with the help of her two best friends, Kathleen (Mena Suvari) and Diana (Jennifer Bartels) in 1970s Los Angeles.

Fans can vote for their favorite artists now via CMT.com until Monday, June 4th for categories including “Video of the Year,” “Male Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year,”, “Duo Video of the Year,” “Group Video of the Year,” “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” “Collaborative Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year.”

Country music’s hottest breakthrough artists Carly Pearce, Devin Dawson, LANCO, Lindsay Ell, Russell Dickerson and Walker Hayeswill perform on the Ram Trucks Side Stage.

From the group of fresh talent, first-time nominees Carly Pearce, Devin Dawson, LANCO, Russell Dickerson and Walker Hayes will all be vying for the title of “Breakthrough Video of the Year.” Platinum-selling band LANCO will also be up for “Group Video of the Year” and Carly Pearce will battle it out for the coveted title of “Female Video of the Year” with her No. 1 hit “Every Little Thing.”

This announcement follows renewed ratings growth and critical acclaim for CMT music specials and events due in part to a creative refresh featuring current and genre-bending artist pairings and pro-social elements. In October, “CMT Artists of the Year” notched its highest rating to date and now ranks as one of the fastest growing award shows, while “CMT Crossroads” recently garnered its highest ratings in five years with an episode featuring Backstreet Boys and Florida Georgia Line. The network recently finished its highest-rated quarter since 2014 and notched its fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year ratings growth. April 2018 was CMT’s best April performance in 4 years, extending to 17 the channel’s streak of consecutive months of year-over-year ratings growth among Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49. (L+SD, CMT Total Day)

Follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

CMT INVITES FANS TO JOIN THE PARTY BEGINNING JUNE 3
WITH FREE EVENTS THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE TO KICK OFF THE “CMT MUSIC AWARDS”

SUNDAY, JUNE 3

1-5 p.m.         CMT AND THE PEDIGREE BRAND’S FIRST-EVER “PAWS & PLAY” MUSIC FESTIVAL

Location:        Cumberland Park (592 S. 1st Street, Nashville, TN 37213)

CMT and the PEDIGREE brand are teaming up for the first “Paws & Play” Music Festival in Nashville on Sunday, June 3. The free event is the official kickoff to “CMT Music Awards” week and celebrates the role four-legged family members play in making lives better. Dogs (and their humans) can participate in a number of family-friendly events, including performances by country singer/songwriter, The Voice champion and CMT Music Award winner Cassadee Pope, doggie yoga, canine massage, games, photo opps, food trucks, a beer and wine garden and much more. The event is hosted in association with adoption partner, Nashville Humane Association, who will feature adoptable dogs onsite looking for fur-ever homes. No RSVP necessary.

*Performances by CassadeePope are at 2:00 and 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 4

7-10 p.m.       “RAM JAM: ARTISTS TO WATCH” AT THE CMT MUSIC AWARDS

Location:        TopGolf Nashville (500 Cowan Street, Nashville, TN 37207)

RSVP:            http://eepurl.com/dvGZsD

Get up close and personal with Nashville’s hottest rising country stars at this exclusive CMT concert            at the city’s newest hangout, TopGolf. Scheduled to perform are Devin Dawson, Walker Hayes and LANCO. Must RSVP to attend. Event is 18 and up.

TUESDAY, JUNE 5

12-4 p.m.       CMT MUSIC AWARDS AND BAR-S BLOCK PARTY

Location:        Schermerhorn Symphony Center Plaza (1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201)

Bar-S and CMT invite you to kick off the summer with the ultimate downtown block party, featuring live music and free food for the whole family. Festivities include performances and meet-and-greets with artists Bailey Bryan, Kelleigh Bannen and The Sisterhood Band, along with carnival games, prizes and a chance to win tickets to the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night.

Performances are as follows:

  • 12:15 p.m.                 Bailey Bryan
  • 1:45 p.m.                    Kelleigh Bannen
  • 3:15 p.m.                    The  Sisterhood Band

 

8:30 p.m.       CMT CROSSROADS taping with Leon Bridges and Luke Combs

Location:        5th & Broadway (outdoor stage) – fans are encouraged to arrive early. Gates will open at 7:00 p.m., first-come, first-served, standing room only.

CMT’s iconic music franchise takes over the streets of downtown Nashville with a one-of-a-kind pairing featuring Leon Bridges and Luke Combs.

 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6

7-9:30 a.m.    CMT SWEAT WITH BARRY’S BOOTCAMP

Location:        Schermerhorn Symphony Center Plaza (1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201)

RSVP:            https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cmt-sweat-featuring-barrys-bootcamp-tickets-46157271642

Get down before the world gets up! A one-of-a-kind morning workout event, CMT Sweat is the can’t-miss kickoff to the CMT Music Awards, powered by Barry’s Bootcamp. Join some of Barry’s top national trainers for an early-morning workout, and enjoy a performance by singer/songwriter Kalie Shorr, music curated by DJ Ivy, appearance by Danielle Bradbery and other surprise guests as they turn your early morning into the ultimate calorie-shredding exercise session. Must RSVP to attend.

 

12-4 p.m.       CMT MUSIC AWARDS AND BAR-S BLOCK PARTY

Location:        Schermerhorn Symphony Center Plaza (1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201)

Bar-S and CMT invite you to kick off the summer with the ultimate downtown block party, featuring live music and free food for the whole family. Festivities include performances and meet-and-greets with artists Carly Pearce, Morgan Evans, Tyler Rich and Delta Rae, along with carnival games, prizes and a chance to win tickets to the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night.

Performances are as follows:

  • 12:00 p.m.                 Carly Pearce
  • 1:00 p.m.                    Morgan Evans
  • 2:15 p.m.                    Tyler Rich
  • 3:30 p.m.                    Delta Rae

 

1-7 p.m.         HERSHEY’S “CERTIFIED COUNTRY GOLD” AT THE CMT MUSIC AWARDS

Location:        Bridgestone Plaza (501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203)

CMT and Hershey’s are throwing a free karaoke party all day long from the heart of downtown Nashville. Fans are invited to hop on the karaoke RV, grab a mic and belt out Country Gold hits. Enjoy free Hershey’s Gold, a digital photo booth and certified gold prizes, including a chance to attend the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night.
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Events are free and open to the public. Some events require advance registration. RSVP links included above.

 

2018 Tony Awards: first group of presenters announced

May 30, 2018

Tony Awards logo

The following is a press release from the Tony Awards:

Some of the biggest stars from stage and screen will appear at the 72nd  Annual Tony Awards, which will be hosted by Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban will be broadcasted live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on CBS on Sunday, June 10, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT time delay). The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

Broadway’s biggest night will feature appearances by Uzo Aduba, Matt Bomer, Claire Danes, Armie Hammer, Tatiana Maslany, Leslie Odom, Jr., Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto and Andrew Rannells.

The American Theatre Wing’s 72nd Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban, will air live from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS Television Network on Sunday, June 10, 2018 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT). The Tony Awards, which honors theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, has been broadcast on CBS since 1978. The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

For more information on the Tony Awards, visit TonyAwards.com and Facebook.com/TheTonyAwards and follow @TheTonyAwards on Instagram and Twitter.

About the Tony Awards

The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. At The Broadway League, Thomas Schumacher is Chairman and Charlotte St. Martin is President. At the American Theatre Wing, David Henry Hwang is Chair and Heather A. Hitchens is President & CEO. Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment are the Executive Producers of the 2018 Tony Awards. Mr. Weiss will also serve as Director of the 2018 Tony Awards.

Sponsors for the 2018 Tony Awards include: IBM – develops, designs, and hosts the official Tony Awards digital experience anchored by TonyAwards.com; Carnegie Mellon University – the first-ever, exclusive higher education partner; Grant Thornton LLP – official accounting services partner; City National – official bank of the Tony Awards and presenting sponsor of the Creative Arts Awards; Nordstrom – official sponsor of the Red Carpet; Sofitel New York – the official hotel of the Tony Awards; Rainbow Room – official partner of the Tony Nominee Luncheon; United Airlines – the official airline of the Tony Awards for the last 18 years, Entertainment Benefits Group – exclusive VIP package sponsor of the Tony Awards and People/Entertainment Weekly – official magazine partners of the Tony Awards.

ABC cancels ‘Roseanne’ reboot; other networks drop ‘Roseanne’ reruns after Roseanne Barr tweets racist comment

May 29, 2018

by Jim Larson

Roseanne
The cast of the “Roseanne” reboot, with Roseanne Barr pictured front row and center. Also pictured, clockwise from bottom left: Sara Gilbert, Laurie Metcalf, John Goodman, Sarah Chalke, Lecy Goranson and Michael Fishman. (Photo courtesy of ABC)

ABC has abruptly cancelled the reboot of “Roseanne” after the show’s star/creator Roseanne Barr tweeted a racist comment about Valerie Jarrett, a former senior adviser of Barack Obama. Barr has since deleted the tweet and made a public apology, but the damage has been done.

On May 29, 2018, Barr tweeted this comment in a discussion about Valerie Jarrett: “muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj”

Jarrett was born in Iran to African-American parents.

Just hours after Barr tweeted the offensive comment, ABC president of entertainment Channing Dungey released this statement announcing that “Roseanne” had been cancelled: “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show.”

Robert Iger, the chairman/CEO of Disney (ABC’s parent company), added in a tweet: “There was only one thing to do here, and that was the right thing.”

In addition, Hulu, Laff, Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT have all dropped “Roseanne” reruns from their lineups. Laff announced in a statement: “While we believe viewers have always distinguished the personal behavior of the actress Roseanne Barr from the television character Roseanne Conner, we are disgusted by Barr’s comments this week. Therefore, we are removing the original ‘Roseanne’ series from the Laff schedule for the time being, effective immediately.

Barr has also been dropped from the agency ICM Partners. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this email was issued internally at ICM: “We are all greatly distressed by the disgraceful and unacceptable tweet from Roseanne Barr this morning. What she wrote is antithetical to our core values, both as individuals and as an agency. Consequently, we have notified her that we will not represent her. Effective immediately, Roseanne Barr is no longer a client.”

Barr’s apology stated: ““I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans. I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me-my joke was in bad taste. I am now leaving Twitter.”

“Roseanne” co-star/executive producer Sara Gilbert, who is credited with the idea to reboot the show, tweeted this statement after the news broke about the show’s cancellation: “Roseanne’s recent comments about Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show. I am disappointed in her actions to say the least.  This is incredibly sad and difficult for all of us, as we’ve created a show that we believe in, are proud of, and that audiences love— one that is separate and apart from the opinions and words of one cast member.”

ABC’s original incarnation of “Roseanne,”  a comedy show about a working-class American family, was on the air from 1988 to 1997. The reboot, which featured all the original cast members, premiered on March 27, 2018, to 18.44 million U.S. viewers. The show was then renewed for an 11th season three days later.

Although the “Roseanne” reboot was one of the highest-rated comedy shows of the 2017-2018 TV season, the show’s return came with some controversy because of Barr’s right-wing political views (including conspiracy theories) that she openly expressed in interviews and on social media. Barr is a supporter of Donald Trump, as was her Roseanne Conner character on the show. The “Roseanne” reboot addressed how Trump’s presidency affected the Conner family, including Roseanne Conner’s temporary estrangement from her sister Jackie (played by Laurie Metcalf), who supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

Barr is not new to controversy over political or patriotic issues. In 1990, she caused a firestorm of criticism when she grabbed her crotch and spit on the ground after she sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a San Diego Padres game. Many people thought her off-key shrieking of the song was also offensive because she seemed to be disrespecting the values of the National Anthem. In 2009, Barr (who was raised Jewish) posed as Adolf Hitler in a feature article for Heeb, a satirical Jewish magazine.

In 2012, Barr had an unsuccessful campaign to become president of the United States on the Green Party ticket and later on the Peace and Freedom Party ticket. The 2016 documentary film “Roseanne for President!” covered her troubled campaign, which included her vice-presidential running mate Cindy Sheehan quitting the campaign over disagreements with Barr.

ABC cancels ‘The Chew’; viewers react with anger and sadness

May 23, 2018

by Jennifer Dawson

The Chew
Michael Symon, Carla Hall and Clinton Kelly of “The Chew” (Photo courtesy of ABC)

ABC has announced that it is canceling its food-oriented talk show “The Chew” to make way for a third hour of “Good Morning America” at 1 p.m. ET/PT.  “The Chew,” which debuted in 2011, “will cease production at the end of this season but will continue to air as planned until September [2018] with new episodes airing in June,” according to an ABC press release.

“The Chew” began with five hosts: Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, Daphne Oz and Mario Batali. Oz left in August 2017 to pursue other opportunities. Batali was fired in December 2017, after he admitted to and made a public apology for accusations that he sexually harassed female employees and colleagues for several years. Oz and Batali were not replaced on “The Chew.”

In a press release, “The Chew” creator/executive producer Gordon Elliott issued this statement: “Before ‘The Chew,’ no one had attempted a talk/food hybrid. Our hosts Clinton, Carla and Michael and the staff created television history executing the show as well as they did for all these years. I know I speak for all of the people who work on the show when I say it was the best television we have ever had the privilege to produce.”

Apart from Gordon Ramsay’s shows on Fox, “The Chew” was one of the few food-oriented shows on a broadcast (not cable) network.

Symon posted this statement on his Facebook page: “As you may have heard by now we found out today this is our final season of The Chew … I Just want to say thank you to everyone who not only was involved with show but to all those who watched daily and allowed us to entertain you…it has been an amazing run and we are all looking forward to new fun things!…xoxo…MS”

Hall commented on her Twitter account: I am so grateful for all the good times and incredible friends I have made over the past seven years on @thechew. It has truly been an amazing ride. I am looking forward to new adventures! What’s next? Stay tuned! Onward and upward! #adventurefollows.”

Viewers had swift and overwhelming reactions to “The Chew” being cancelled, with most expressing anger or sadness on the Internet about the show’s cancellation. A small minority of people reacting on the Internet expressed happiness that “The Chew” was cancelled, but they are identifying themselves as soap-opera fans who are still bitter that “All My Children” was cancelled and replaced by “The Chew.” Fans of “The Chew” are extremely upset about “The Chew” getting cancelled, and say they won’t be watching the “Good Morning America” segment that will be replacing the show.

Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall and Michael Symon of “The Chew” (Photo by Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC)

Here’s a sampling of comments from the Internet:

On “The Chew’s” official Facebook page:

“So disgusted and disappointed The Chew is being cancelled. I have been watching since the very first episode. I tape it everyday and see absolutely no reason why we need 3 hours of GMA. I love GMA but don’t need 3 hours of it. I hope the Food Network picks this show up.”

“Save the Chew… it’s the only daytime show I watch… I cannot believe it’s being cancelled for more news… I think we see enough negative stories in the morning and at night from the news… this was a great positive uplifting fun show and I learned a lot of new recipes too… I love the interviews w/ celebs cooking along side the chefs…”

“Just read the The Chew has been cancelled, yet The View is still on!! Very disappointing. I do not watch the 2 hours of GMA now so I definitely won’t be tuning in during this time slot.”

“I can not believe The Chew is cancelled. ABC execs have made a huge mistake here. This show has a great following and brings something different to daytime TV that no one else has. I DVR this show and look forward to watching every new episode. I will not be watching a THIRD hour of GMA. Absolutely ridiculous.”

“Shame on you ABC! We don’t need more news through the day, loved watching Clinton, Clara, and Michael. Hopefully, another station will pick them up.”

On Twitter:

“The Chew was a great show! The other 3 host had nothing to do with what Mario did. Who in the world needs another cornball hour of Good Morning America?”

“Boycott ABC. Shame on you for canceling The Chew! Nobody needs a 3rd hour of GMA.”

“I’m a ‘Good Morning America’ watcher, but not happy #TheChew has been canceled (despite strong ratings & sometimes outperforming “The View”) for a new afternoon version of @GMA! Unless #TJHolmes is hosting the 1pm version, this is a BAD idea!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPw7i9yUD34

UPDATE: “The Chew” aired its final episode on June 15, 2018. Here are some statistics that ABC provided about “The Chew”:

Seasons: 7
Episodes: 1,500
Audience members: 201,343
Recipes made: 6,630
Celebrity guests: 1,121
Crafts created: 228
Michael’s “5 in 5s”: 164
Carla’s desserts: 437
Emmys: In 2015, the co-hosts of “The Chew” won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host; and in 2016, “The Chew” won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show.

2018 CMT Music Awards: Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt announced as performers

May 23, 2018

Pictured from left to right, top row: Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Kelly Clarkson. From left to right, bottom row: Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt.

The following is a press release from CMT:

Fresh off announcing that country super-group Little Big Townwill host the “2018 CMT Music Awards,” CMT today revealed that Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Kelly Clarkson, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt will perform at this year’s show, premiering LIVE from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 6 at 8 pm ET/ PT.  Additional performers will be announced soon.

In her “CMT Music Awards” debut, pop superstar Kelly Clarkson will premiere her rendition of iconic rock hit, “American Woman,” from the promotional campaign for the upcoming Paramount Network series of the same title debuting the day after the Awards on Thursday, June 7 at 10pm ET/PT. Inspired by the real-life upbringing of Kyle Richards (“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”), “American Woman” follows Bonnie (Alicia Silverstone), an unconventional mother struggling to raise her two daughters after leaving her husband with the help of her two best friends, Kathleen (Mena Suvari) and Diana (Jennifer Bartels) in 1970s Los Angeles.

The “2018 CMT Music Awards” nominations announcement made history last week, as pop sensations Bebe Rexha, with her record-breaking, chart-topping collaboration “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line, and Justin Timberlake, with “Say Something” featuring Chris Stapleton, received first time nods for the highly coveted “Video of the Year.” The additional lineup of country stars vying for the title include Blake Shelton, Brett Young, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood featuring Ludacris, Dan + Shay, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett. Up for four nominations each, Carrie Underwood (who also currently holds the title of most “CMT Music Awards” wins), Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean are tied for most nods.

Fans can vote for their favorite artists now via CMT.com until Monday, June 4th for categories including “Video of the Year,” “Male Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year,”, “Duo Video of the Year,” “Group Video of the Year,” “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” “Collaborative Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year.”

The latest announcement follows renewed ratings growth and critical acclaim for CMT music specials and events due in part to a creative refresh featuring current and genre-bending artist pairings and pro-social elements. In October, “CMT Artists of the Year” notched its highest rating to date and now ranks as one of the fastest growing award shows, while “CMT Crossroads” recently garnered its highest ratings in five years with an episode featuring Backstreet Boys and Florida Georgia Line. The network recently finished its highest-rated quarter since 2014 and notched its fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year ratings growth. April 2018 was CMT’s best April performance in 4 years, extending to 17 the channel’s streak of consecutive months of year-over-year ratings growth among Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49. (L+SD, CMT Total Day)

Follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

To request press credentials for the 2018 CMT Music Awards, please visit cmtmusicawardspress.com.

About CMT

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

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