APA-NASHVILLE EMBRACES ROOTS AND DIVERSIFIES ROSTER

As It Approaches Its 20th Anniversary, Nashville Agency Embraces Its Roots While Diversifying Its Future In Music Representation

(NASHVILLE, TN - March 18, 2013) - One of the leading regional music representation firms in the country for nearly 20 years, APA-Nashville currently represents some of the biggest names in country music, including Travis Tritt, Billy Ray Cyrus, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Joe Dee Messina, Tanya Tucker and Sawyer Brown. But they're not just country anymore, as clients like Wick-It The Instigator and The Weeks blaze their own trails alongside classic and influential country rock bands like Nitty Gritty Dirt Band prove they're as relevant as ever.

"We're very excited about the new developments coming out of our Nashville office," commented Steve Lassiter, Partner/SVP/Head of Concerts for APA-Nashville. "We're more diverse than ever, and the acts aren't just Country."


WICK-IT THE INSTIGATOR DEBUTS #5 ON BILLBOARD NEXT BIG SOUND CHART

The phenomenon known as Wick-It the Instigator just debuted at #5 on Billboard's Next Big Sound Chart, making him one of the fastest-moving artists across all major social music sites last week. His most recent CD, Grindhouse Basterds, is a Quentin Tarantino-themed hip hop, mashup, dubstep, electronic extravaganza featuring remixes of Apathy, Celph Titled, Bun B, Yelawolf, Aesop Rock, Murs, Slug, Notorious B.I.G., KRS ONE, RZA, Ghostface and more.


INDIE ROCK BAND THE WEEKS TAPPED TO OPEN KINGS OF LEON EUROPEAN TOUR

Mississippi indie rock band The Weeks has been tapped by Kings of Leon to open their European summer tour. Ranging from 14 to 16 years-old, their cathartic lyrics and melodies stem from a disadvantaged youth, with truth and soul layered in the midst of their thrashing, thoughtful, manic pop thrills. The Weeks issued their much-anticipated "Gutter Gaunt Gangster" on KOL's Serpents & Snakes imprint last September, and a full-length CD is due out this spring. Current concert dates are:

June 12 & 13 - London, UK / O2 Arena
June 19 - Frankfurt, Germany / Festhalle
June 20 - Cologne, Germany / Lanxess Arena
June 24 & 25 - Manchester, UK / Manchester Evening News Arena
June 27 - Berlin, Germany / Waldbuhne
July 9 & 10 - Birmingham, UK / LG Arena
July 12 - Bilbao, Spain / BBK Festival


THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND SET TO HEADLINE AT MERLEFEST

Known as a catalyst for the entire Country Rock and American Roots music movement, the iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band continues their legendary status as they headline MERLEFEST 2013 on Saturday, April 27. A celebration of "traditional plus" music, the festival draws over 80,000 attendees annually from all over the world, hosting over 90 artists during the four-day event. They'll share the stage with Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas, bringing thousands to their feet with their Grammy-award winning "Mr. Bojangles" and Top Ten hits such as "Fishin' In The Dark." Last week, the band issued a deluxe 40th anniversary re-mastered triple vinyl and HDTracks edition of WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN. The Library of Congress-honored album features expanded artwork and new liner notes by John McEuen.

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS HONOR GORDON MOTE WITH 2011 ACM AWARD

(Nashville, Tennessee) - The musical genius of Gordon Mote was honored with the 2011 Academy of Country Music's Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year Award at the recent annual ACM Honors ceremony held at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. Gordon, a seven-time nominee, was also honored with the coveted award in 2009.

Long recognized by the industry as one of Nashville's most talented studio musicians who seemingly knows no limits in effortlessly crossing musical styles and genres, Mote's talents can be heard on the recordings of some of the nation's premier performers, including Bill & Gloria Gaither and the Homecoming Friends, Billy Ray Cyrus, Blake Shelton, Scotty McCreery, Elvis Presley, The Hoppers, Brad Paisley, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, George Jones, The Isaacs, Josh Turner, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Jason Crabb, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts and Alison Krauss, just to name a few.

Since releasing his debut Southern Gospel recording in 2004, the talented singer and musician has enjoyed much success, including numerous Top 40 hits in multiple music genres and numerous Fan Award nominations. Mote's video release, "The Best of Gordon Mote," made its debut at Number 7 on the Billboard Music Video Chart in 2008. Mote's travels on tour are global - include stops in the US, Canada and Europe. He is a featured artist on the stage sharing his vocal and keyboard performances with music legend Bill Gaither and his Grammy Award winning Gaither Vocal Band and the Homecoming Friends.

The 5th Annual ACM HONORS represents an evening of musical tribute performances and special presentations celebrating the special honorees and non-televised category winners from the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, held earlier this year.

Fresh from his success at the ACM's presentation, Gordon had just enough time to place his latest trophy on the mantle before being called to more awards duties - this time to emceeing the Singing News Fan Awards / SGMA Hall of Fame Induction at Dollywood with Co-Host Gerald Wolfe of Greater Vision. Gordon delighted the Pigeon Forge crowd with his quick wit and humor-providing a show stopping moment when he settled down behind the keyboard for an impromptu piano duet with Gerald Wolfe