“Songwriters Under the Stars is exactly the kind of experience that visitors crave when coming to Music City, but this intimate peek at the world of songwriters can sometimes be difficult to find,” said Arthur Keith, senior vice president and general manager, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. “We are thrilled to be offering this weekly experience to our guests and know they will enjoy hearing the new songs this summer that may be huge hits later this year, as well as some of the country’s established hits.”
Some of the featured songwriters include:
Arlis Albritton –One of the most promising up-and-coming writers in Nashville with writing credits such as “We All Fall Down” recorded by Diamond Rio; Keith Anderson’s “The Clothes Don’t Make the Man,” and the very personal Jeff Bates cut “One Second Chance.”
Dave Berg – With more than six singles racing up the charts including Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy;” “Don’t Make Me” performed by Blake Shelton; and Emerson Drive’s “Moments,” Dave is one of Nashville’s hottest hit makers.
Steve Dean -Steve has co-written six number-one ranked hits, including “Watching You”by Rodney Atkins; “Round About Way” by George Strait; “Walk On” by Reba McEntire; “Southern Star” by Alabama; “It Takes A Little Rain” by the Oak Ridge Boys; and “Hearts Aren’t Made To Break” by Lee Greenwood. Other hits include “Fast Lanes And Country Roads” by Barbara Mandrell; “Just Enough Rope” by Rick Trevino; “One Bridge Didn’t Burn” by Conway Twitty; and “Cool To Be A Fool” by Joe Nichols. To date, Steve has earned eight BMI awards.
Sam & Annie Tate – One of the few successful husband and wife songwriting teams. Their biggest hit to date is “If You’re Going Through Hell” which was listed as number one for Rodney Atkins for four weeks on the charts. They have been awarded 7 gold records, 4 platinum records, as well as being named SESAC’s 2006 Songwriters of the Year.
Brian White –Winner of two Dove Awards, he has successfully expanded into the country market with songs for Trace Adkins, Neal McCoy and the number-one smash, “Watching You,” performed by Rodney Atkins. White has also written eleven number-one ranked songs for artists including Avalon, Point of Grace, and The Crabb Family.
Songwriters Under the Stars sessions will be held each Friday night during Summerfest from 8-10 p.m. at the Woodlands outdoor performance area, which is just a short walk from the Delta Portico and in the woods down the sidewalk toward Opry Mills Mall.
*Schedule of songwriters’ appearances will be available monthly by going to www.gaylordopryland.com Performances are weather permitting. $5 VIP Seating. Free lawn seating.
SummerFest one-two- or three-night vacation packages start at $107 and include:
Room accommodations
Daily breakfast buffet
Ticket for a ride on a Delta River Flatboat
A variety of entertainment options including performances by DiVine, Aqua - A Celebration of Water fountain show, and HydroponiX - live performers interacting with nature and water in our Cascades atrium
SummerFest gift upon arrival
Gaylord Opryland VIP Coupon Book valued at more than $250
For more details log on to www.gaylordhotels.com or call 1-888-999-OPRY.
*Rate is per person, based on double occupancy for traditional accommodations, plus applicable tax and daily resort fee. Extra nights available at prevailing rates. Premium View, add $65 plus tax per night.
ABOUT GAYLORD OPRYLAND NASHVILLE
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center – the largest non-gaming in-hotel facility in the continental United States – is known for providing superior products and services to the meetings and convention industry. Winner of numerous prestigious awards including the coveted Gold Key Elite Award in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and Gold Platter Elite in 2004, 2005 and 2006, Gaylord Opryland Nashville is the flagship property of the Gaylord Hotels brand owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.gaylordentertainment.com or www.gaylordopryland.com.
Media Contacts:
Ann Dee McClane amcclane@gaylordhotels.com 615.458.2896
Kim Keelor kkeelor@gaylordhotels.com 615.458-2877