Lebanon, TN – Teddy Gentry has long been celebrated as a member of the country supergroup Alabama, and he is also the force and inspiration behind multiple other music successes in Nashville. Now, Gentry, and Porter-Gentry Productions, are lending a guiding hand to a very special CD that provides country music fans with an inspired assortment of new music, among which many a new favorite might be found. The CD, Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville, produced by Gentry, includes 12 new songs performed by 12 new artists and will be available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, starting May 16th.

Garrett Steele

Gentry also knows about talent, and he regularly works with what he considers to be the best of the new artists to help them learn the ins and outs of the Nashville scene. He says this is his way of giving back because he knows from his own early experiences how hard it is to make it in this very tough business. And Gentry believes that making his new CD, Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville, available through Cracker Barrel, provides some fresh new sounds and some quality tunes for Cracker Barrel’s guests. He worked with some of Nashville’s top engineers, studios, and songwriters to ensure the quality of the CD.

“Cracker Barrel is pleased to work with Teddy Gentry on this special project to provide a showcase for some very talented artists from whom we might well be hearing more in the future,” said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “These are artists who have worked hard and have honed their skills, and with this CD they are stepping up onto a larger stage,” he added.

Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville will be the latest in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program. In March of this year, Cracker Barrel released Kenny Rogers’ The Love of God which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart. In January 2011, Cracker Barrel released The Grascals & Friends – Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin which debuted at #1 on Billboard magazine’s Bluegrass Albums chart and at #26 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. In November of 2010, Cracker Barrel released Smokey Robinson’s Now & Then which debuted at #19 on Billboard magazine’s R&B chart and was nominated for an NAACP IMAGE AWARD. September saw the release of the self-titled Rodney Atkins, which includes four #1 hits, and also the release of Mandy Barnett’s Winter Wonderland, which offers up all the authentic sounds of holiday traditions. In July, the company released Craig Morgan’s That’s Why-Collector’s Edition, and in May the release of Wynonna’s Love Heals debuted at #7 on the Billboard Magazine Top Country Albums chart. February’s release of Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart, where it spent nine weeks in the top position and 18 weeks overall in one of the three top positions. One of its songs was nominated for a Grammy award®. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs with Alan Jackson, the Zac Brown Band, George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, Dolly Parton, Bill Gaither, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.

Tracks on Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville:

1. Every Mile I’m Missing You – Jimmy Stewart
2. I’m Gonna Cry – Chanel Campbell
3. That’s The Kind Of Love I Need – Garrett Steele
4. A Good Place To Turn Around – 3 Lanes Crossing
5. A Better Woman – Laura Fedor
6. In His Hands – Chip Davis
7. I’ll Find You – Samantha Landrum
8. Chip Away – Dillon Dixon
9. My So Called Life – Southwind
10. Long Lost Smile – Brad Long
11. Run Baby Run – Adrianna Freeman
12. Are You Ever Gonna Love Me – Amber Shalene

About Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its made from scratch biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee and operates 601 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6:00am – 10:00pm, and Friday and Saturday, 6:00am – 11:00pm. For more information, visit www.crackerbarrel.com.

About Best New Nashville

An industry executive, Bernard Porter, and an industry legend, Teddy Gentry, had a vision that started with mentoring up and coming talent from all ages and genres. The two joined forces and created Best New Nashville, a division of Porter-Gentry Productions, LLC. (PG Productions, LLC). For more information, visit www.bestnewnashville.com.

About Garrett Steele

Garrett Steele, a native of Midland, Texas, has been labeled “the real deal” by radio. Though he now resides in Nashville, Garrett considers himself a Tennessee Texan. Since first taking the stage in second grade, he’s been connecting with audiences through his passionate delivery, leading listeners on a moving and emotional journey. This balladeer shows his versatility when he sings this groovin’, “driving with the window down” country song.

Garrett has shared the stage with Teddy Gentry, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Wariner and Wynonna. Recently, he’s shared the mic with Dolly Parton, Lee Greenwood, Bill Anderson, Andy Grigg, Burns & Poe, Larry Gatlin, Rio Grand, Wayne Newton, and others on MJ2’s track for Juvenile Diabetes Research. Radio has embraced his single, “Right Here”, labeling it “Love Song of the Year.” Garrett is excited for his future and is grateful for the incredible team of supportive people around him.

The Texas Tenors perform Friday Night on the Public Square Stage

While the weather overnight is likely to be stormy it should clear up before the events kick off in the morning. The National Weather Service is calling for Saturday to be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the morning…then partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs are expected to be in the mid 60′s.

Charlie Daniels will be giving a free concert at the Public Square stage Saturday evening at 9:00 pm. You should plan to arrive early to secure a good vantage point, because the areas nearest the stage will quickly become densely packed.

Photo Gallery

View more images from Day 2 of the 2010 Rivers and Spires Festival in our Photo Gallery at:

http://www.discoverclarksville.com/photogallery/events/2010/riversandspires/day2/

The festival this year promises to be bigger and better than ever! With many new events, big name performers, and three days of non-stop fun, there is something for everyone!

In 2009, more than 35,000 people filled the streets of Clarksville for the free 3-day event.

Some of the many events going on during this year’s festival include Artz Galore, Children’s Parade, Clarksville’s Got Talent, Corvettes of the Cumberland, Dino & Vino, Doughboy Campaign, Eagleoke from Eagle 94.3, Foods of the Festival, Get DOWNtown, Green Zone, International Area, the International House of Brews, Jazz N Wine, the Kidz Zone, Last Band Standing, Rivers and Spires Marketplace, Mascot Mania, Memory Lane Cruisers, Patchwork Premiere, Quilts of the Cumberland, Road Rider’s Underground Zone, Songwriter’s Showcase, Teen Area, The Next Great Songwriters Showcase, the Urban Quest contest, US Bank’s Art Exhibition, and the Youth Talent Show.

Limited seating is available around the event. Festival-goers are urged to bring their own folding or camping chairs. It is also recommended that attendees buy their food and drink tickets early to avoid long lines. Tickets for food and beverages will go on sale at eight different booths throughout downtown when the festival opens, food vendors will not accept cash. Recycle bins will also be placed throughout the festival.

The festival will take place rain or shine. Festival hours are:

• Thursday, April 15th from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Friday, April 16th from 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Saturday, April 17th from 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

Road Closures

Road closures for this week have been announced for the 8th Annual Rivers & Spires Festival in downtown Clarksville. The following streets will be closed:

Wednesday, April 14th

• Public Square in front of F&M Bank

Thursday, April 15th

• Strawberry Alley
• Franklin Street from First Street to Public Square
• Hiter Street from Madison to Commerce
• Commerce Street from Hiter to Third
• First Street from Franklin Street to Main Street

Friday, April 16th

• All of Hiter Street
• All of Legion Street/Strawberry Alley
• Franklin Street from First Street to Sixth Street
• Commerce Street from Second Street to Fifth Street
• First Street from Commerce to Main
• Second Street from Commerce to Main
• Third Street from Madison to Main

The streets will be closed until Sunday morning, April 18th, at 7:00 am.

Handicapped parking is available in the parking garage off Commerce Street in front of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department on the first level. It is accessible from Riverside Drive.

Big names headlining this year’s entertainment

Thursday, April 15th

Randy Nations

The Public Square Stage will feature John Flanagan and Randy Nations during prime time on Thursday, April 15th. John Flanagan is a Boston-born, Nashville-based 22-year-old performer who has spent the majority of his career perfecting the thrill of his dynamic stage presence. Flanagan moved to Nashville in 2005 and immediately began playing to audiences of 1200 as lead vocalist of rock outfit, The Gilly. Flanagan left The Gilly in pursuit of corporate gigs, and has played venues from Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma to Seaside, Oregon. Currently in production, his 6-song EP is due for release in 2010.

Randy Nations is a Nashville singer, guitar-player and songwriter who headlines regularly at popular Music City honky-tonk The Stage. A veteran rock-n-roller, he leads an excellent band of some of Nashville’s most amazing musicians through a smoking set of classic rock-n-roll songs. Randy has performed with several top singers including Toby Keith, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mark Collie and Mark Chestnut.

Friday, April 16th

The Texas Tenors

Singing sensation The Texas Tenors will be performing Friday night at the festival. The Texas trio was among the top 40 acts on Season 4 of “America’s Got Talent.” The acappella group made it to the quarterfinals of the NBC talent competition series in September. Doug Barber, Rivers & Spires Festival Director, says he saw the group perform on television and knew their mix of country and classical music was a perfect fit for festival.

Top Christian acts Chris & Conrad and Big Daddy Weave also be taking the stage that evening. Chris and Conrad is a contemporary Christian music duo from Lakeland, Florida, consisting of Chris Kuti and Conrad Johnson. Their debut single “Lead Me to the Cross” reached #3 on Billboard magazine’s top Christian Songs chart. It was their first #1 song on the Christian Radio Weekly Inspirational Chart, as well as the #1 song on the Billboard Soft AC/Inspirational Chart in 2009. Influenced by Jars of Clay, David Crowder and Lifehouse, Chris and Conrad also pull from the ranks of yesterday’s mainstream hit makers such as Chicago, The Police and U2.

Big Daddy Weave

Saturday, April 17th

The Charlie Daniels Band will be the featured headliner at the 2010 Rivers and Spires Festival. Daniels and his band will take the stage as the main event on Saturday night, April 17th. The concert is free and open to the public.

Daniels is known for his eclectic mix of country and southern rock. The singer, guitarist and fiddler was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 and was recently inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. The band is well known for their support of American troops and has performed for soldiers at more than 300 shows domestic and abroad.

The Charlie Daniels Band - Front Row: Bruce Brown, Charlie Daniels, Chris Wormer Back Row: Taz DiGregorio, Charlie Hayward, Pat McDonald

Jimmy Hall

Jimmy Hall and the Prisoners of Love will also be performing on Saturday night. Jimmy Hall, former lead vocalist and harmonica player for Wet Willie, has a long and varied background as a performer, working with Capricorn Records from its early days in the 1970s. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Hall co-founded Wet Willie in 1970. Over the next ten years, Hall and the group toured with Areosmith, the Allman Brothers Band, Grand Funk Railroad and the Grateful Dead. Hall was later nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocalist for Jeff Beck’s 1985 Flash album. After Wet Willie’s breakup, Hall moved to Nashville, finding a healthy blues scene in a city known for country music. Hall worked as bandleader, vocalist, saxophonist and harmonica player for Hank Williams, Jr. He has numerous television performances under his belt including American Bandstand, Solid Gold, CMT special Crossroads, CMA Music Fest and The Jeff Foxworthy Show.

The Virtual Army Experience (VAE) will be in the Kids Zone this year

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be an Army soldier, fight in a combat mission or cross into enemy territory, then you need to check out the Virtual Army Experience (VAE) coming to the 2010 Rivers & Spires Festival. The VAE is like the America’s Army computer game, and provides participants with a virtual test drive of the United States Army, with state-of-the-art Army training simulation technology to create a life-size virtual world.

The VAE highlights key Soldiers occupations, Army technologies, operating environments and missions, within a fast-paced, action-packed, information-rich experience. Participants employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership and high-tech equipment as they take part in a virtual U.S. Army mission. After a ‘briefing,’ participants enter the mission simulator where they cross into enemy territory and execute an operation. The experience takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Visitors enter crew stations in one of six HMMWV simulators, similar to vehicles employed by Army Special Forces, and one of two full-size replicas of UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters. Each HMMWV and Black Hawk simulator is surrounded by large screens providing a 180-degree battlefield upon which the virtual mission is displayed. HMMWV participants use replica M4 Rifles or M249 SAW’s (Squad Automatic Weapons) that are wired to laser engagement systems similar to existing computerized marksmanship trainers. Other participants enter UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters where they use light arms and provide air coverage against enemy forces.

Holding the Guinness World Record for “Largest Traveling Game Simulator,” the VAE is 9,750 square feet and is covered by an inflatable dome that weighs over 2,700 pounds. It houses more than 35 flat screens, more than 2.5 miles of data cable, and requires more than 35 computers to run. The massive game has the equivalent computing power of an Army Stryker Battalion.

“We’re very excited to have the VAE at Rivers & Spires,” said festival director Doug Barber. “It’s hard to describe the enormity of the game. It will be one of the largest mobile units that we have placed on our streets and will definitely add an element of pizzazz that we haven’t seen before.”

Colonel Casey Wardynski is the originator of the Army Game Project. He said he “envisioned using computer game technology to provide the public a virtual soldier experience that was engaging, informative and entertaining.” In response to criticism about the authenticity of the experience, Col. Wardynski compares the VAE to other Army branding efforts, “There is only so much the Virtual Army Experience can do to depict Army life, and it does a better job than a 30-second commercial.”

The Virtual Army Experience will be located on the corner of Hiter and Commerce Streets across from the Kidz Zone.

International House of Brews

The International House of Brews is pouring into downtown Clarksville this week with the Rivers & Spires Festival. The new event will feature twenty beers from across the world. Participants can pay $10 for twelve samples of beer. Multiple tickets can be purchased for samples, and full glasses will also be available for purchase. Any age may enter the beer area, but participants must be 21 or older, have a ticket and current photo ID to sample.

Sponsored by the House of Brews and Coors Light, the beer event will be located at Third and Main in the International Area. Featured beers include Heineken, Dos Equis, New Castle, Beck’s, Stella Artois, Bass, Sam Adams, Sam Adams Summer Ale, Twisted Tea, Guinness, Harp, Red Stripe, Blue Moon, Molson, Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, Abita Purple Haze, Sierra Nevada, Yazoo Dos Perros, and Paulaner Hefeweizen.

“We’re thrilled to have the new international beer event at this year’s festival,” said Doug Barber, Festival Director. “Our Jazz n’ Wine area has been immensely popular over the years, and now we’re able to offer two great events for people with different tastes.”

River Queen and Teen Pageant Winners

Rivers & Spires Queen Kyndal Hayes & Teen Katie Kennedy

This year’s pageant was held Saturday, March 27th, 2010 in Clement Auditorium on the campus of Austin Peay State University.

Kyndal Hayes of Germantown has been named Miss River Queen 2010, while Clarksville’s Katie Kennedy will reign as the new Miss River Teen.

The pair will reign over the Rivers & Spires Festival in downtown Clarksville, making numerous appearances, signing autographs and participating in festival events. In October, they will also advance to the Miss Tennessee USA or Teen USA pageants, which are part of The Miss Universe Organization.

Contestants competed in three phases: swimsuit, evening gown and private interview. In the Miss River Teen pageant, Sarah Gross was named first runner-up, and Brittney Burress received second runner-up. For Miss River Queen, first runner-up was Brittany McGinnis, and Giselle Fontenot was second runner-up. The contestants voted Katie Neely Miss Congeniality. Taylor Oliver and Brittany McGinnis were awarded Most Photogenic. Also competing were Jessica Borunda, Brittney Clark, Samantha Maselli, Taylor Oliver, Harley Rose, Carlee Smith, Madison Snipes and Amanda Tivoli.

They will be escorted during the festival by the winners of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Paegent held at Fort Campbell.

B.O.S.S is a program that supports the overall quality of life for single Soldiers. BOSS identifies well-being issues and concerns by recommending improvements through the chain of command. BOSS encourages and assists single Soldiers in identifying and planning for recreational and leisure activities. Additionally, BOSS provides single Soldiers the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their respective communities. Motivated single Soldiers with strong senior Military and MWR guidance are the backbone of the BOSS Program.

New Event for Seniors

The Rivers & Spires Festival is launching a new event this year tailored especially for senior adults. “Patchwork Premiere,” sponsored by Planters Bank, will be held April 15th from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the intersection of Hiter and Commerce Streets.

In addition to the “Quilts on the Cumberland” exhibit at the Madison Street United Methodist Church, the evening will include refreshments at the bank from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm, staged entertainment, dancing with a big band, make-and-take crafts, and a quilt giveaway, along with various other booths and games.

Country music variety band South Paw will kick off the staged entertainment at 4:00 pm. Next up is Memories of Patsy Cline featuring vocalist Lori Stegner. The show incorporates many of Cline’s greatest hits into the story of her life. At 6:30 pm, the Cumberland Winds Big Band will take the stage. These 20 local musicians combine their exceptional talents to perform timeless classics from Count Basic, Duke Ellington, Glen Miller and more.

Local quilter Susan Schaaf has pieced a “Goose in the Pond” quilt that the bank will give away that evening. It will be displayed at the Planters Bank Commerce Street office between April 8th-15th.

Rivers and Spires is Going Green

Clarksville’s Rivers & Spires Festival is going green this year. The festival will be encouraging attendees to recycle their plastic, aluminum, glass and cardboard. There will be two recycling bins for every one trash can. “We’re excited to bring this new environmental initiative to Rivers & Spires. With over 35,000 people attending the event last year, such an effort can divert huge amounts of waste from ending up in landfills,” said Doug Barber, festival director. Waste Management and Bi-County Solid Waste Management are partnering in the recycling effort, and local Boy Scout troops are also assisting.

The Green Zone was created at last year’s festival and will be back in 2010. Booths in the Green Zone will offer information on sustainable living, renewable resources and green products. Activities are centered around families and children, and how everyday life can be changed to make greener choices. Last year, participants made a bird feeder with a stale bagel. Interest in the Green Zone has increased dramatically and current participants include Mission Clarksville, Habitat ReStore, TVA, CDE, Austin Peay State University Green Campus Committee, C&L Recycling, Montgomery County Stormwater, Red River Watershed Association, The Harvest Network, and Recycle Clarksville.

The Green Zone is hosted by Creation Care, a community group of Madison Street United Methodist Church.

Schedule

Click here to view the complete schedule for the 2010 Rivers and Spires Festival

So as you can see, this is an event not to be missed! We hope to see you there!

Daniels is known for his eclectic mix of country and southern rock. The singer, guitarist and fiddler was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 and was recently inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. The band is well known for their support of American troops and has performed for soldiers at more than 300 shows domestic and abroad.

The Charlie Daniels Band (Front Row: Bruce Brown, Charlie Daniels, Chris Wormer, Back Row: Taz DiGregorio, Charlie Hayward, Pat McDonald)

Singing sensation The Texas Tenors will be performing Friday night at the festival. The Texas trio was among the top 40 acts on Season 4 of “America’s Got Talent.” The a cappella group made it to the quarterfinals of the NBC talent competition series in September. Doug Barber, Rivers & Spires Festival Director, says he saw the group perform on television and knew their mix of country and classical music was a perfect fit for festival.

This year’s festival will have a new look courtesy of local artist Brandt Hardin. Hardin had the winning design in the first ever Rivers and Spires Poster Contest. His work, a unique design which brings together all aspects of the local event, will be seen in festival publications throughout the year and is featured on the website. The poster contest was a huge success and will be held as a regular event in upcoming years.

The Rivers & Spires Festival will be held April 15-17, 2010 in downtown Clarksville. A list of activities and entertainment is available on the festival website www.riversandspires.com. Some of the returning events include Jazz n’ Wine, International Streetfest, Quilts of the Cumberland, Kidz Zone, Teen Area and Green Zone. More announcements will be made soon as new events and entertainment are finalized. Applications are available online now for bands, artists, businesses, vendors or those who wish to participate in festival events.

In 2009, more than 35,000 people filled the streets of Clarksville for the free 3-day event.

At the International Festivals and Events Association annual conference, Rivers and Spires Festival won top awards over 1,500 other organizations from around the world. The festival received top accolades in the “Overall Best Event” category and first place in the “Best New Event Within an Event” category for Quilts of the Cumberland.

Booths are still available for the 2010 event, as well as sponsorships. All corporate sponsors from 2009 have pledged their continued support, along with the City and County Government who graciously offer their ongoing support and provide invaluable resources. To participate in the festival as a vendor or sponsor, contact festival director Doug Barber at (931) 245-4344 or .us. More information can also be found at www.riversandspires.com or www.clarksvillecvb.com.

Photo Gallery

You can view a gallery of images from the 2009 Rivers and Spires Festival.