FRIENDSGIVING: LIVE AT THE RYMAN CONCERT EVENT
by Cindi Sutter, Founder & Editor Spirited Table®
TODAY’S BIGGEST RISING COUNTRY STARS JOIN FORCES FOR SPECIAL FRIENDSGIVING: LIVE AT THE RYMAN CONCERT EVENT ON NOVEMBER 18TH AT 7:30 PM CST
PERFORMANCE COMING LIVE FROM THE LEGENDARY RYMAN AUDITORIUM IN NASHVILLE, TN STREAMING IN MAJOR HD ON DREAMSTAGE AND TO LIMITED SOCIALLY DISTANCED AUDIENCE IN-PERSON
TICKETS ON SALE TO PUBLIC FRIDAY OCTOBER 30TH; SPECIAL LIMITED TIME EARLY BIRD PRICE FOR LIVE STREAM TIX AVAILABLE AT DISCOUNT
FOR MORE INFO VISIT DREAMSTAGE.LIVE & RYMAN.COM
NASHVILLE, TN – October 28, 2020 – Today, DREAMSTAGE and RYMAN AUDITORIUM announce Friendsgiving: Live At The Ryman featuring some of today’s biggest rising stars in country music, who will perform live at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on November 18 to a limited live socially distanced audience. The lineup includes Riley Green, Matt Stell, Laine Hardy, Laci Kaye Booth, Dillon James, and Grace Leer.
Tickets for the in-person event will be available at Ticketmaster.com. The event will be streamed live in HD one-time-only around the world via DREAM STAGE. Tickets for the Livestream are available at DREAMSTAGE.LIVE and for a limited time, those tickets will be available at a discounted ‘Early Bird’ price tomorrow only from 10 am to 10 pm CDT. Full price Livestream and in-person tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 are CDT on Friday, October 30.
Friendsgiving: Live At The Ryman invites music lovers to join the community of rising country artists in the heartland of Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium, and via the DREAM STAGE Livestream, as a way to reunite with friends and family this holiday season for one incredible night of performances.
Ryman Auditorium strictly complies with safety regulations that include socially distanced seating, mandatory masks for all guests and staff, and enhanced cleaning practices.
“We are thrilled to present another unique live music experience with Friendsgiving and all of the talented artists involved,” said Gary Levy, Ryman Auditorium General Manager “We look forward to continue providing fans from across the country and around the world a way to experience live music from home while also safely and responsibly welcoming back a limited number of guests to the world-famous Ryman Auditorium.”
Audiences worldwide will be able to attend “Friendsgiving” in live streaming HD via DREAMSTAGE, the dynamic new premium Livestream platform. DREAMSTAGE is the vision of three industry leaders, Thomas Hesse, CEO; Jan Vogler, Artistic Director; and Scott Chasin, Chief Technology Officer, who wanted to create a quality produced, high-definition experience unlike any other. DREAMSTAGE has been home to a slew of major concerts since inception, including shows with renowned classical artists Hélène Grimaud and Gil Shaham, as well as the recent fire performance from Polo G and Chief Keef, two of today’s hottest rappers, just last week!
“DREAMSTAGE is very excited to host 'Friendsgiving', a wonderful celebration of music and friendship. Live from one of the most inspiring venues in the country!” says DREAMSTAGE founder Jan Vogler.
Friendsgiving: Live At The Ryman is sure to be a night that friends and families will remember for years to come. Be sure to get tickets in advance and for those based in Nashville, TN, grab a seat at the most iconic music venue in America for the first time in ages. It will be a celebration of country, community, and most importantly, music!
For more information and tickets, visit https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B00595996D20D0E and https://dreamstage.live/
ABOUT RYMAN AUDITORIUM:
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892. Ryman Auditorium is a 12-time winner of the prestigious Pollstar Theatre of the Year award. The historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman has been featured in numerous film and television projects including Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Johnny Cash Show, American Idol, Nashville, and more. While offering a diverse lineup and thriving concert schedule (with over 200 shows per year), the venue is also open for daytime tours year-round. A coveted under-play for many, her iconic stage has seen the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Mumford and Sons, and Tom Petty in recent years. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, 650 AM WSM, and Ole Red. For more information, visit www.ryman.com.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Riley Green
Born in Jacksonville, Alabama, Riley Green was raised on the sounds of traditional Country, Bluegrass, and Southern Gospel music. He learned the spirit of songwriting and performing at a young age while spending time with his grandfather, Bufford Green, who ran the Golden Saw Music Hall. Riley shared the stage with him and other men of his generation, laying a foundation for the songs he’d craft in the years to come. His full-length debut album DIFFERENT ‘ROUND HERE was released in 2019 via BMLG Records and has produced GOLD-certified No. 1 hit “There Was This Girl” and PLATINUM-certified single “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” – a song People praised “might take him to a whole new stratosphere,” and one he shares co-writing credits posthumously alongside his two grandfathers. Highlighting his Southern roots and relatability, he co-wrote each track offering a perspective Rolling Stone describes as "Drinks-in-the-air Nineties country at an Alabama vs. Auburn tailgate." Named ACM’s New Artist of the Year Green just released his latest EP IF IT WASN’T FOR TRUCKS with Billboardnoting the “accessible, winning songs” and American Songwriter proclaiming his “storytelling talents shine bright.” Nominated for CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year he was also voted as one of CRS’ 2020 New Faces and named MusicRow’s Breakout Artist of the Year at their Country Breakout Awards. Green was also selected as a CMT “Listen Up Artist” and one of MusicRow’s 2019 “Next Big Things.” After 2019 on Brad Paisley’s 2019 WORLD TOUR, his own GET THAT MAN A BEER TOUR and Jon Pardi’s HEARTACHE MEDICATION TOUR he kicked off 2020 on Jason Aldean’s WE BACK TOUR through the Spring. Now, as touring is on pause, he started a bi-weekly YouTube Golden Saw Series, presented by Busch. Watch the performances and stories behind the music here: https://RileyGreen.lnk.to/GoldenSawSeriesPR. For more information visit RileyGreenMusic.com.
Matt Stell
With over 340 million cumulative streams across his catalog to date and current single “Everywhere But On,” rising into the Top 5, Platinum artist Matt Stell is having a banner 2020. Stell kicked off the year with a performance on “Good Morning America,” leading into his first headlining tour. His new EP, Better Than That, was released on October 16th. Co-produced by Stell with Ash Bowers, the EP features 8 tracks, 5 of which he wrote, including his multi-week No.1 “Prayed For You,” one of NSAI’s 10 Songs We Wish We Had Written for 2020, and the Top 5 and rising single, “Everywhere But On.” The EP also includes the recently released “If I Was A Bar,” and its innovative music video filmed during quarantine, where Matt played all 13 characters. In 2019, Matt’s multi-week No. 1 Platinum-certified hit, “Prayed For You” made him the ONLY debut artist single to top the Billboard Country Airplay chart that year (for two consecutive weeks), also notching the top spot in Country Aircheck/Mediabase. The 6’7” Arkansas native has come a long way from playing college basketball for Drury University and making the choice to head to Nashville instead of Cambridge, MA where he was accepted into Harvard University’s Extension School Pre-Med program. Following his dream of writing and performing, the self-taught vocalist and guitar-player made the move to Music City in 2014, landing a publishing and management deal with Wide Open Music and a record deal with music industry powerhouse Barry Weiss’ RECORDS Nashville/Arista Nashville. Stell has received “Ones To Watch” shout-outs from multiple partners, including Vevo DSCVR, MusicRow’s Next Big Thing, CMT Discovery Artist, YouTube Music Artist on the Rise, and more. Learn more at mattstell.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube @MattStellMusic.
Laine Hardy
A native of Livingston, Louisiana (pop. 2,000) Laine Hardy was six when he picked up his first guitar and later joined his brother playing in local clubs and bars for upwards of six hours a night, inspired by artists ranging from Morgan Wallen to Luke Combs and Elvis Presley to Mark Broussard. After winning American Idol in 2019, Laine focused on songwriting and touring, headlining shows in Denver, Indianapolis, Sacramento, Minneapolis, Lexington, and more. Laine’s 2020 “Ground I Grew Up On”virtual tour, has made over 15 online stops to date, with views at 2 Million and counting. Laine will continue the tour through the fall. While Louisiana is home, Nashville is where he is destined to be. There he met producer Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett) and the pair went to work on several new sides releasing in 2020. His latest, “Tiny Town” (Michael Tyler) was released on July 10, and tracks “Ground I Grew Up On” (Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson, Brett Beavers) and “Let There Be Country” (Jason Afable, Steve Moakler, Tim Nichols) were released April 10 on Buena Vista Records / Industrial Media’s 19 Recordings — tell the stories of Laine’s childhood on the bayou where on an average day you’ll find him fishing, riding his four-wheeler, spending time with his family, dogs, and feasting on jambalaya or his Korean grandmother’s homemade kimchi. Laine released his take on the Christmas classic, “Please Come Home For Christmas” on September 18, as well as the brand-new track “Other LA” on Oct 9. The song is written by Laine with Andy Sheridan, Erik Dylan, and Dan Isbell. For more information about Laine Hardy, visit LaineHardyMusic.com and join his journey @TheLaineHardy.
Laci Kaye Booth
Laci Kaye Booth, with her sweet southern drawl, is a true child of Texas. Laci has drawn inspiration from artists like Merle Haggard to Kacey Musgraves, often invoking the word “dreamy” when it comes to the type of music she makes. Her biggest influence is Stevie Nicks and the music of Fleetwood Mac. Listening to those melodies and lyrics, Laci knew she wanted to write her own stories and her own songs. She has immersed herself in the Nashville writing community, winning the praise and admiration of established writers like Nathan Chapman, Corey Crowder, Logan Wall, and Kelly Archer. Her commitment and talent have led her to the opportunity to play on the Spotlight Stage at Stagecoach 2020- the largest and most prestigious country music festival on the West Coast. Laci is currently working on an upcoming EP. Check out lacikayebooth.com for all updates, news, and tour dates.
Dillon James
Hailing from Bakersfield, California, Dillon James’ aquiline and soulful vocals accompanied by his beloved Taylor K22CE guitar, embody the simple yet powerful sound made famous by such local legends such as Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. James has been dubbed “the Post Malone of Country,” a nod to his love of tattoos. Throughout the season, Dillon has performed mostly rock songs in his unique country style rooted in redemption. James has been very open in sharing his story, in hopes of helping others overcome their struggles. Now two years sober, Dillon battled issues with mental health, alcohol, drugs, and, at one point, homelessness. In a shining emotional moment, James performed Amos Lee’s “Hang On, Hang On” bringing American Idol judge Katy Perry to tears. In his finale moment, performing “The Times They Are A-Changin’” (Bob Dylan) perfectly symbolizes James’ redemption.
Grace Leer
“She literally came out here and made everyone else look like they were on a talent show.” This reaction from Katy Perry on Grace Leer’s performance of “Natural Woman” during American Idol’s Top 40 Showcase, Season 18 quickly made headlines. Grace won fans over and not only sailed into the Top 20 but then onto Top 10 with live performances from her own backyard in California. Due to the COVID-19 “stay at home” order, Grace took on the challenge of performing to millions through an iPhone. Grace proved that her talent, whether live or uploaded by phone, could entertain and wholly captivate her audience. Grace's second love in life is Soccer as she earned a scholarship to play Division 1 soccer at the University of California-Berkeley where she not only was voted Captain of the team her senior year but led the Bears to numerous victories with her skills and strong work ethic. After graduating from Berkeley, Grace headed to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her dream of becoming a country music artist. Grace collaborated with songwriter, Kyle Clouse, to create a 90’s throw- backcountry sound and successfully released three singles. Their music was influenced and inspired by older country music, especially 90’s female powerhouses such as Shania Twain, The Chicks, LeAnn Rimes, and Martina McBride. And, it is this style of country music, that Grace is determined to bring back into the spotlight with her strong and colorful vocals. Whatever the venue, in her backyard performing for 10 million American Idol viewers, in a bar or a professional sports stadium singing the National Anthem, Grace brings authenticity and genuine emotion to the songs she sings. Grace truly is a role model and inspiration to others, which can be seen by her massive “Team Grace” following on social media. She possesses a positive outlook and determination to do whatever it takes to fulfill her musical dreams. There is no doubt that Grace is well on her way to creating memorable country music and ultimately selling out stadiums and arenas around the world