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It’s CMA week and that means the big guns will be in and around Middle Tennessee all week for the big awards show on Wednesday. If you work downtown (Nashville, not Brentwood), then keep reading for important traffic info. But first, I’ve got a fun nugget about Brentwood and the CMAs I had to learn about Sunday morning from a friend in Cambridge, Ohio; go figure.
Anyone who has been around a while probably remembers that the Brentwood High band backed up Brad Paisley in a recording – and at the 2007 edition of the annual CMA Awards – on his song “Online.”
But wait, there’s more.
In Sunday’s Parade magazine – the Sunday insert into many newspapers not owned by Tennessean-owner Gannett which publishes USA Weekend – this question was published:
“Q: Brad Paisley’s song “Online” ends with a brass band. My husband thinks they’re professional musicians, but I think Paisley recruited a high school or college band. Who’s right?—Anonymous, Arlington, Va.
"A: You are! Tennessee’s Brentwood High School marching band played on the recording. ‘My producer Frank Rogers had heard of them, and it was his idea to have them on the song,’ says Paisley, 39. ‘It worked so well that I invited them to perform with me live on the CMA Awards in 2007.’”
Those of us lucky enough to have heard the BHS band perform know that the reader’s husband is not far off the mark, either. Under the direction of Randy Box, the band could no doubt make money selling its services if allowed. They ARE that good.
In fact, this year's marching band came home with a state championship in late October earned during a competition at Tennessee Tech. This past Saturday, the band competed at the Super Regionals held in Indianapolis.
"The band's final performance Saturday was probably the best of the year, but the competition in the Indianapolis Super Regional is very stiff -- there were seven former Grand National Champions in the field of competitors," Box emailed Sunday night. In the end, the Bruins finished 16th out of the field of 31 bands from six states and fourth in its Class AA division.
That's OK. I bet none of the other bands competing this weekend was mentioned in Parade on Sunday or descended from a band that appeared on a nationally broadcast music awards show just a few years ago.
Speaking of local schools and the CMAs, back in September I couldn’t help but email Pete Fisher, general manager of the Grand Ole Opry. Pete's the main man behind Ravenwood’s annual Music4Music event which benefits the school’s music department.
On that Tuesday morning, the CMA award nominations had just been announced and The Band Perry, Chris Young and Taylor Swift – all former Music4Music headliners – were among the nominees.
I, of course, secretly hoped Pete would spill the name or names of the 2012 Music4Music headliner.
Unfortunately, Pete replied he couldn’t announce anything until the date is locked in with the school and all the paperwork is signed. But, he did add, “I hope to get some great talent lined up. “It’s been great seeing these artists rise to greatness!”
Indeed it has.
Now, about that CMA traffic. I’m sure Brentwood resident -- and 45th annual CMA Awards co-host Carrie Underwood -- won’t have any trouble getting to and from Bridgestone Arena this week. But for the rest of you who trudge up I-65 each day, the following may be helpful.
On Monday morning, Seventh Avenue South will close from Demonbreun Street to McGavock Street while the eastbound lane of Demonbreun Street will close from Sixth Avenue South to Eighth Avenue South.
At 3p.m. on Wednesday, the Demonbreun Street closure will expand from Fourth Avenue South to Eighth Avenue South; Sixth Avenue South will close in the block between Demonbreun and Broadway; and the westbound lane of Franklin will close in the block between Fourth Avenue South and Fifth Avenue South.
By rush hour Thursday morning, all of the roads except Demonbreun between Fourth and Fifth avenues south should be open.
The show’s on ABC this year, broadcast live beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday. No doubt lots of Brentwood folks will be in the audience or on the stage.
Good luck to any and all nominated. And Carrie, if you’d like to chat about the experience just give me a call…
Susan Leathers is editor of Brentwood Home Page. Click here to read previous columns. Email her at susan@brentwoodhomepage.com |
