On Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, some of the country's best songwriters will join country music superstar Gretchen Wilson for the Third Annual "MCA's Music at the Mill." Tickets for the event are on sale now - great for Christmas gifts! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 615-444-2678 or online sales are available at http://www.mcclainchristian.org/mca-store/online-tickets.

The star-studded line-up is hosted by Wilson County's own Gretchen Wilson ("I Got Your Country Right Here," "Work Hard, Play Harder," "All Jacked Up," "Here for the Party," and "Redneck Woman"). Performers include some of music's most accomplished and wide-ranging talents.

The venue features two seating opportunities: Section A "VIP" - $125 - includes mix & mingle with artist, dinner, gift bag, preferred parking and upfront seating. Section B - $50 - is table seating with dinner plates available. The event will be held at The Mill, located at 300 North Maple Street in Lebanon, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

"MCA is so fortunate to have talented and fabulous artists join in our MCA's Music at the Mill event line-up," stated Donna Shaffer, Director of Schools for McClain Christian Academy. "We thank these legendary artists who are graciously giving their time to make the school's event a success. We are grateful for their involvement and look forward to an unforgettable evening."

Performances include yesterday's hits and tomorrow's #1 smashes - straight from the tunesmiths who crafted them. The one consistent thread of the evening is its definitely entertaining, always inspiring, funny, and crosses all stylistic borders from many multi-platinum international hits. Tickets are limited, so purchase early, and then get ready for an intimate evening and an up-close and personal experience that is always a crowd pleaser.

Aaron Tippin, a country music legend and a crusader for working men and women across America, will headline an exciting concert set for Nov. 13 at The Mill in Lebanon. Tippin will be joined by local National Guardsman Darby Ledbetter, best known for his song "I Won't Let My Guard Down," and talented newcomer Nathan Young.

Tippin, a proud Middle Tennessee resident, stormed onto the country music scene in 1990 with the mega-hit, "You've Got to Stand For Something." In the years that followed, Tippin quickly became known for his honest lyrics and impassioned vocals, building a large and devoted audience with such singles as "There Ain't Nothing Wrong with the Radio," "My Blue Angel," "For You I Will," "Kiss This" and "Where The Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly." Tippin has seen five of his albums certified as 'Gold' and a sixth, Between the Lines, reach 'Platinum' status.

The upcoming concert will be presented by a newly formed local musical event promotion group called Vision Music, Inc. Founded by John Mires and Caleb Brock, the new company intends to coordinate, promote and execute musical events at both the regional and national levels.

Brock, a graduate of both Mt. Juliet High School and Cumberland University, said he and Mires are ecstatic to hold their first major event in Wilson County and to be able to showcase talents such as those of Tippin, Ledbetter and Young. Brock described Young as "a 17-year-old country newcomer with loads of talent."

"We're excited to team up with The Mill and WANT Real Country FM 98.9 to make this happen," Brock said of the Nov. 13 show.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale on Oct. 1 and may be purchased at www.visionmusicinc.com. The show kicks off at 6:30 p.m., and doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Three Forks Marketplace presents the Second Annual Watertown Art Crawl on Saturday, August 28 from 6 until 9 p.m. Event organizers are promising a fun, eclectic event while raising funds for a very worthy cause - New Leash On Life, a local not-for-profit animal welfare organization. The event is also sponsored by Nashville Lifestyles magazine, Royce Belcher, CPA and Holiday Auto Mart, Inc.

Event attendees will enjoy live music, food and drinks while strolling the historic and charming public square of Watertown. The Art Crawl will offer a vast assortment of art, ranging from paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, quilts and glass, just to name a few. Art demonstrations will also be performed throughout the event, and the evening will be capped off with a special live auction at 8 p.m. with Michael Walker of United Country Realty and Auction presenting several unique pieces to the highest bidders. The 2009 inaugural event drew nearly 500 attendees. Event organizers hope to draw even more attendees this year and raise funds for homeless animals in Middle Tennessee.

Participating galleries and shops displaying art will include: LuLu's Coffee House, Lew's Creation Station, Kake Haus Pastry Shop and Thornton Metal Studio. Food and wine will also be provided by Kake Haus Pastry Shop, LuLu's Coffee House and Mad House Wine Cellars.

Event tickets are $20 in advance or $100 in advance for groups of six and $25 at the door. Admission includes wine, live music, art demonstrations, appetizers and access to the live and silent art auction. Tickets may be purchased online at www.newleashonline.org/artcrawl.

Paricipating artists include: A. St. Philip, Amy Potter, Ann Shapiro, Arthur Kirkby (pictured, above, Kirkby's 'Pinky'), Brittany LeAnn Smith, Christine Corwin, Christy Donoho, Cynthia Johnson, Dave Colella, David Riemens, Donna Delmas, Douglas Lambert, Elia Maria Stewart, Ginny Edwards, Jana Frensley, Jason Dodson, Jeanne Richardson, Joe Bostick, Joni Bishop, Julie Ellison Anderson, Kim McDaniel, LeAnn Blevins, Lisa Albertin, Lucas Antoniak, Maggie Moore, Maribeth Wright, Mary Wright, Michael C. Carpenter, Natalie Andrews, Nina Kuzina-Farr, Paige Easter, Pat Millius, Patricia Bennett, Patrick Jackson, Rachael Ferrill, Ray St. Philip III, Rose Henderson, Sally Ham Govan, Susan Thornton, Susan Demay, Tracy Lynn, Victoria Boone, William Hunter, Lisa Cantrell-Wood, Terissa L. Cantrell and Lew Wallace.

Wilson County's own Charlie Daniels with The Charlie Daniels Band will perform at the 2010 Wilson County Fair on August 16 in the Exposition Center to benefit Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry.

The award-winning 2010 Wilson County Fair will be held August 13-21 and will feature its third country music concert sponsored by Burchett Ford Lincoln Mercury. This year's concert will feature an evening with The Charlie Daniels Band (CDB). The CDB concert will feature some of the band's award-winning music including rock, country, bluegrass, blues and gospel with a great Southern touch. Daniels has always been known for giving back to the Wilson County community and has chosen Joseph's Storehouse as the charity to benefit from the concert.

Lebanon-based Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry distributes food to needy families in Wilson County. It began in 1999, giving food to 22 families. By 2009, 2.3 million pounds of food was distributed to Wilson County residents. For more information on Joseph's Storehouse, please visit www.josephsstorehousetn.com.

Admission to the fair on the date of the concert (August 16) will be increased by $1, with the additional money going to Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry. Canned or non-perishable food will be collected for the organization at all gates to the fair.

Hale Moss, president of the Wilson County Fair, said, "We are so honored to have The Charlie Daniels Band for this year's Wilson County Fair concert, as it will greatly benefit our fair as well as ones in need. Charlie has a big heart, and this exemplifies his strong desire to help the county where he lives. Charlie and his wife, Hazel, are great citizens of our community. We are also very fortunate to have Burchett Ford Lincoln Mercury sponsor this event, as they have done now for three years."

During Daniels' 50-plus-year career, he has scored hits on rock, country, pop and Christian charts and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Jan. 19, 2008 and, in 2009, into the Musicians Hall of Fame. He has received numerous awards from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, the Gospel Music Association and a Grammy. His signature song, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," topped both country and pop charts, bringing him international acclaim. His energy and strong support for our nation is evidenced by his many accolades. His volunteer spirit, support of our troops and down-to-earth philosophy exemplifies him as a true American patriot.

PICTURED (left to right): Hale Moss, President of the Wilson County Fair; Charlie Daniels and Bro. Bob Evans of Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry.

The Sudekum Planetarium inside the Adventure Science Museum is not just for education any more. Running now through September 4, 2010 the planetarium is offering a series of laser light shows sure to entertain the whole family. With music offerings from Michael Jackson, various techno artists, U2, Pink Floyd, and 80's Music there is something for everyone. Who would think that such excitement could be drawn from a little music and a choreographed light show but this is much much more. The show is an event and one not soon to be forgotten.

The Sudekum Planetarium Summer Light Series offers an experience that is unlike anything you have seen before. You enter to a filled auditorium and as you sit back the lights dim. You can feel the excitement building. The announcer encourages everyone to let go and enjoy themselves just as they would at an actual concert. The music starts to applause and the room literally begins to spin as you are looking up at the cosmic ceiling. The light show is something spectacular. It's not just beams of light but vibrant graphics all set to the nights musical theme. It is a night full of family oriented entertainment at an affordable $8 for non-members and $6 for museum members per show. Many enjoy the show so much they catch every new offering. It is always something different and always fun.

The Adventure Science Museum is located at 800 Fort Negley Boulevard  in Nashville. The shows are advertised for ages 9 and up and tickets are available at the door only and opens at 8:00 p.m. For complete information check out the Sudekum website at http://www.sudekumplanetarium.com/schedule/2010lasers.shtml or call (615) 862-5160. As a side note know that this type of show is not appropriate for everyone as strobe lights and special effects in laser light shows may cause seizures in some people.

As the weather heats up, the Nashville Symphony is getting out of the concert hall and heading back to Lebanon for the annual "Symphony on the Lawn" concert on Memorial Lawn at Cumberland University. Thanks to Regions Bank, there is no charge for admission to this great local event this year.

Hosted by the Cumberland University Fine Arts Council (CUFAC) and sponsored by Regions Bank and the Cracker Barrel Foundation, the Tuesday, June 15 event will see Conductor Kelly Corcoran lead the Nashville Symphony through a range of favorite selections.

Gates open at 5 p.m., and guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs for the concert on the lawn. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, or guests may bring their own to enjoy. Pre-concert entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m., and the Nashville Symphony's performance begins at 7 p.m.

Cumberland University and the Bull & Whistle Pub and Eatery in Lebanon will present the first edition of the Cumberland Jam on Thursday, April 1, starting at 7 p.m. The event will feature talents from the Cumberland campus and friends of Cumberland University.

"We are proud to present two terrific bands, Flamingo and Rachel Mullins," said Michael Kosser, director of the Cumberland University Songwriters Institute. "They will be performing a magnificent musical mixture of original material and pop evergreens."

Mullins and Flamingo's Alissa Klein are both students at the Songwriters Institute.

"By rooting ourselves in music from the past and writing new material with an original unique sound, we feel like we can reach out to people from all generations," said Klein of her group's eclectic set. Mullins describes her style as Miranda Lambert meets Sheryl Crow, but with a strong helping of her own original material.

Kosser and Marty Brown, the owner of the Bull & Whistle, say the Cumberland Jam will become a monthly Thursday night event at the establishment, located at 300 North Maple Street, starting in the fall. The shows run from 7 until 9 p.m. and will present a wide variety of music, from folk and acoustical rock to pop.

"I think people will be amazed by the marvelous music coming from students and faculty here at Cumberland," Kosser said.

Cumberland University will offer its second Night School for Songwriters class starting April 13 on the CU campus. Michael Kosser, Director of the Cumberland University Songwriters Institute and a professional songwriter on Nashville's Music Row for 39 years, is the class professor once again.

The six-week cycle of two-hour classes will again focus on the craft of songwriting and the process of breaking into the songwriting business. Kosser's wealth of knowledge in the music industry includes songs recorded by George Jones, Charlie Rich, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, Barbara Mandrell, Ray Price, Marty Robbins, the Kendalls, Josh Gracin, Blake Shelton, Colt Ford and many more. He has also written 17 published books, including 10 about the music industry, most recently his acclaimed and award-winning How Nashville Became Music City, U.S.A.

"We were thrilled by the success of the first Night School for Songwriters class," Kosser said. "Many of the songwriters who took the first course will be returning, and they will be looking forward to meeting new students, who will bring new ideas and styles to the mix."

For further information, please call the Cumberland University School of Music and the Arts and Amanda McReynolds at 615-547-1364.

The entertainment showcased during Music at the Mill, a concert benefit for McClain Christian Academy (MCA), on Saturday night (Feb. 27, 2010) was top-notch, songwriter royalty. Hands down, the line-up of Music City's elite truly exceeded the sold-out crowd's expectations.

Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year, two awards each from the American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards, and a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance is an impressive way to introduce the host of MCA's Music at the Mill. But, for Gretchen Wilson, "great mother" and "Wilson County neighbor" seemed a more fitting description on Saturday evening as she opened the night with her hit "Here For The Party" and left the crowd clamoring to hear more of one of the best voices in the music industry.

Wilson told the audience she was thrilled to be with them and support McClain Christian Academy - the school she chose to meet the high expectations she has set for her daughter's education. She treated the audience to her new single, "Work Hard, Play Harder," the title track from her newly released album, "I Got Your Country Right Here," which was recorded at her Studio 27 recording studio for her recently established Redneck Records label. The state-of-the-art recording studio is located on her 300-plus-acre Lebanon estate. She embraces being part of Wilson County and has graciously given back to the community she is proud to call home.

The line-up of artists, a who's who of singer/songwriters, are no strangers to the top of the Billboard charts. Their pedigrees boast double-digit awards for BMI Songwriter of the Year, Grammy award winners, Artists of the Century award winners and many others. Performers included Even Stevens, Richie McDonald, Leslie Satcher, Paul Overstreet, Scotty Emerick, Alex Harvey, Richard Leigh, Casey Beathard, Michael Loudermilk, Rhean Boyer and Keith Burns - each, without a doubt, offered top-shelf entertainment and delivered a show like no other. Guests were also treated to a special performance by Cherie Oakley, Gretchen's back-up singer, who sang a Leslie Satcher song - accompanied by Wilson and Satcher.

Many of the performers, who are also parents of students at McClain Christian Academy, spoke from the heart about the school and what makes it so special to them and their children.

Donna Shaffer, MCA Director of Schools, said, "On behalf of all the students, staff and board of directors, we humbly thank the artists who donated their time and amazing talents. We also thank the committee members, all MCA staff and parents, for their countless hours dedicated to making this event successful. Of course, the event would not be possible without Gretchen's resources, talent and support, and we whole-heartedly thank her. Also, a special thank you to Even Stevens, who serves as a key component on the Music at the Mill committee and who played a critical role in making this night possible." Stevens, who penned "Suspicions" (Tim McGraw), "I Love A Rainy Night" (Eddie Rabbitt) and "When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman" (Dr. Hook), to name just a few, performed his magic and shared his beautiful talent with the crowd.

"Work Hard, Play Harder Platinum Sponsor" Tab Kirkland, of HTK Wealth Management, spoke briefly to the crowd and asked them to join him in celebrating the life of Isabella Cadena, an MCA first-grader who tragically lost her life in January.

"Isabella's school and the school family played a very important role in her short life," Kirkland remarked. "We welcome the Cadena family and are proud that we can be the Platinum sponsor for the Second Annual MCA Music at the Mill and honor Isabella's life." A moment of silence for Isabella was a very special part of the evening, and live auction items raised monies that will create an MCA scholarship in her memory.

The event could have rivaled anything Nashville or other metropolitan venues across the nation could offer, and the crowd was on their feet more than once applauding some of the once-in-a-lifetime performances. After hearing Alex Harvey's performance of "My Jesus" and participating n the first standing ovation of the evening, one guest said, "We just saw greatness on stage. This is absolutely incredible."

"To say the event exceeded our expectations doesn't even seem to capture the essence of the event. We were all spellbound by the talent and were thrilled to have our community truly embrace the event," Shaffer said. "The intimacy of the venue coupled with the meet-and-greet after the show afforded guests a chance to be up-close and personal with these fine artists. We are so thankful also to our wonderful sponsoring partners, HTK Wealth Management, Wilson Bank & Trust, University Medical Center, Performance Food Group, Cracker Barrel, Wilson Post/Main Street Media, WANT-FM 98.9, Lebanon Democrat, Your Cup Counts Coffee, Lamar Advertising, Dr. Troy Long Dentistry and Lee & Lee Attorneys, who supported us in bringing this singer/songwriter's night to Lebanon. Also, a special thank you to MJ Lucas, of WANT/WCOR, who kept us on track throughout the evening as she served as emcee for the second year in a row."

A "who's who" list of companies that strongly reflect the commitment to our community have come together to bring a night of incredible entertainment to Lebanon. These local organizations are no strangers to supporting the community in local events and are enthusiastic about the event that brings some of Nashville's best songwriters alongside Wilson County's own Gretchen Wilson to Lebanon for "MCA's Music at the Mill."

HTK Wealth Management, Wilson Bank & Trust, University Medical Center, Performance Food Group, Cracker Barrel, Wilson Post/Main Street Media, WANT FM 98.9, Lebanon Democrat, Your Cup Counts Coffee, Lamar Advertising, Dr. Troy Long Dentistry and Lee & Lee Attorneys join together with their neighbors by bringing this singer/songwriter's night to Wilson County.

The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 at The Mill, 300 North Maple Street in Lebanon - doors open at 6:30 p.m. Limited tickets for the event are available by calling 615-444-2678 or by visiting any Wilson Bank & Trust location. Benefit proceeds go to support McClain Christian Academy.

"At HTK Wealth Management, we wanted to take this sponsorship opportunity to celebrate the life of Isabella Cadena, an MCA first-grader who tragically lost her life this January. Isabella's school and the school family played a very important role in her short life, and we find it fitting to support their efforts and are happy we can be the Platinum sponsor for the Second Annual MCA's Music at the Mill," stated Tab Kirkland, Partner, HTK Wealth Management.

The event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser as Wilson County's own Gretchen Wilson, "Work Hard, Play Harder," "All Jacked Up," "Here for the Party," "Redneck Woman," joins an all-star singer/songwriter line-up featuring: Even Stevens: "When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman," "I Love A Rainy Night," "Drivin' My Life Away;" Richie McDonald: "I'm Already There," "Let Them Be Little," "My Front Porch Looking In;" Leslie Satcher: "Troubadour," "When God-Fearin' Women Get the Blues," "For These Times;" five-time BMI Songwriter of the Year Paul Overstreet: "When You Say Nothing At All," Forever and Ever, Amen," "Some Beach;" Scotty Emerick: "I Love This Bar," "I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight," "Beer For My Horses," "Weed With Willie," "Taliban Song;" Alex Harvey: "Delta Dawn," "Rings," "Hell & High Water," "Ruben James;" Richard Leigh: "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," "Greatest Man I Never Knew;" 2004 BMI Songwriter of the Year Casey Beathard: "Don't Blink," "Cleaning His Gun," "Find Out Who Your Friends Are," "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem," "Ready, Set, Don't Go;" Michael Loudermilk: Guitar Wizard (Chet Atkins Cuts); Rhean Boyer (Carolina Rain): "Isn't She," "Get Out of My Way;" and Keith Burns (Trick Pony, Burns & Poe): "Cowboy Stomp," "Whole Lotta Gone," "Pour Me" and many, many more songs that have visited the top of the music charts.

"We are lucky to live close to Music City, USA, where thousands of songs find their birth. At Wilson Bank & Trust, we are proud of the communities we serve and are excited to bring a showcase of extraordinary talent to share with our neighbors for an evening of incredible entertainment," stated John McDearman, Senior Vice-President, Wilson Bank & Trust. "We have always had a strong commitment to our local schools, with our in-school banking programs and sports sponsorships being some of the most recognizable."

Vince Cherry, CEO of University Medical Center emphasized, "At UMC, we too celebrate the arts and support arts for education. Our involvement in this event allows us to expand this unique opportunity to the entire community and give our neighbors an opportunity to enjoy the performances of this all-star singer/songwriter line-up. We are excited about the evening and happy to give back to the community."

The venue features three seating opportunities with ticket prices ranging from $25 (Section C), $45 (Section B) and preferred seating (Section A) at $125 per person. The preferred seating package affords guests the opportunity for a pre-show VIP All-Access meet and greet reception, photos with the singer/songwriters, preferred parking and an intriguing 'tunesmith' souvenir gift package, in addition to front area seating. Donna Shaffer, MCA Director of Schools, added, "We thank all of our generous sponsoring partners for helping present this evening of entertainment. We salute their dedication to community and lifestyle and appreciate their support of McClain Christian Academy."

McClain Christian Academy is committed to academic excellence in a Christian environment. The Wilson County-based 501 (c) (3) organization continually analyzes the curriculum so that the advanced academic courses are providing the students the best possible education. MCA is focused on providing students individualized instruction within the small class size, ensuring that each student excels not only academically but socially as well. MCA educates students in grades Pre K3-12th grade. For more information, please call 615-444-2678.