This Just In from Billy Block ….

A Time For Thanks
Every November when Fall is in full swing and we prepare for Thanksgiving it’s important to take stock of all that is going on around us and reflect on our many blessings. Especially this year with the election, the economy, the war, hurricanes and our own personal trials and challenges we should all try and make a little time to be quiet. Time to be alone with our thoughts for reflection on who we are and how each of us can make a positive contribution to our world. As I walked our dog Lucky through the park this morning I was thinking, “Does is really matter who is president if I am doing the best I can to make the world a better place? Am I being the most loving and lovable person I can be? Is my work and attitude helping others and having an impact for good? Will my efforts to live a more peaceful live affect those around me?” I can only hope so. Regardless of our politics, prejudices, likes and dislikes we are all in this together and we all have a light within us that we can shine on everyone one meet. As Mother Teresa said, “Peace begins with a smile.” As I love to say, “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!” The Block Family wishes you a happy and joyous Thanksgiving with many blessings throughout the holiday season.

“Moore” from Music Row” Investing in the Future of Music City
As Music Row executives, artists, musicians, producers, publishers, songwriters, journalists, directors, engineers, office support staff and production crews drive to work each day, they pass the homes and the school of students who could benefit from their expertise in music and technology. J.T. Moore is a Metro Nashville Public Middle School that serves the Music Row/Edgehill 5-8th graders and children living in 12 South District, Green Hills and Forest Hills. J.T. Moore is a diversified school with a principal who is a staunch supporter of Music, Film and Creative Arts.


“Moore” from Music Row is a campaign launched by the PTO of J.T. Moore students to help fund the school’s new Technology Studio. Music, Film and Television production is the primary focus of the studio. Students will have an opportunity to create music, write songs, produce and edit music and well as create, produce and edit works of film and television. There will be opportunities for students to enter music and film contests, and hopefully, travel internationally to perform and show their work. All J.T. Moore students will take this course in Technology each year of their studies.


There are two ways to contribute: Financially and through donations of new or used equipment. Any individual or company that makes a donation of $500 or more will be recognized as a “Pencil Partner” (MNPS sponsor) of the Studio. Mentoring opportunities abound in production, editing, and writing as well. To see the “Wish List” or for more information go to: www.jtmoorems.mnps.org, email jillblock@comcast.net, call (615) 400-3223.

Minnie Pearl Foundation Benefit
As many of you know, I am a two-time cancer survivor. That’s a blessing in itself and the reason I look at everyday as a beautiful gift. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers on Monday, Nov. 10, as I will be going in for my check-up at Vanderbilt to make sure all is well and I’m fit as a fiddle. I will be hosting a benefit on Friday, November 7th at 3rd & Lindsley that is being produced by my friend Corrie Peck in memory of her grand-dad, for the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation. The show starts at 5:30pm and there is a $10 cover to get in. Jaida Dreyer, Nicole Witt, Carolina Rain, Chris Cline, Jared Johnson, Ruth Collins & The Two Timers are just a few of the performers. Of course, all proceeds go to the Minnie Pearl Foundation. It will be a fantastic event for a cause near and dear to me. Hope you will support it!

Best Buy MI Grand Opening and Best of Locals Only CD Release
The first weekend of Grand Opening festivities at Best Buy Music Instrument stores in Cools Springs and Rivergate was filled with memorable performances that delighted music lovers and fans. Many of the artists who appear on The Best of Locals Only Vol. 1 including Grand Prize Winner Stacy Donahue, Ryan Reynolds, Laurie Killian Starr, FARCRY, Whiskey Run, Beth Cayhall, The Two Timers and KingBilly appeared with Jana Seantelle, The Mulch Brothers, Five Star Iris on the opening weekend of Nov. 1 & 2. The second weekend in November the 7th 8th and 9th brings The Broussards, Amanda Martin, Joey & Rory, Wendy Newcomer and The Block Family Band (Rivergate-Saturday, Nov. 8 at 3pm!!) and many more to both Rivergate and Billy Block Presents will be producing the music for all Best Buy In-Store concerts every Friday evening, Saturday evening and Praise and Worship music every Sunday afternoon. If you’d like to participate contact me or my assistant, Erica Montgomery at 615.665.8772.

New T-Shirts
Thanks to Terry Murp and everyone at Logoz Inc. for the new orthopedic Billy Block Show t-shirts. You are probably wondering what an orthopedic t-shirt is. Well, when you put it on, it feels really good. You really need to buy one and find out just how good it feels! Need Murch call Murph! (see logoz inc ad in magazine)

Locals Only on 103 WKDF Thrives at Tootsies Orchid Lounge
The Back Room at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has proven to be ideal for the Locals Only LIVE broadcast every Sunday night on 103WKDF from 6 to 8pm. Join us on the back patio as we chat with artists like Rodney Crowell, Trailer Choir, Stephanie Chapman, The Two Timers, hit songwriter Stan Webb, up and comers like Britt Hoffman and Kinsey Rose who also perform live on the air with us. At 8pm we take over the stage at Tootsie’s Back-Room with full band and acoustic performances from 5 of your favorite Locals Only stars. Interested in becoming a part of the Locals Only family and getting your music heard on 103WKDF? Simply come by Tootsie’s on Sunday night or Cadillac Ranch on Tuesday night and “Give Me The Nashville Handshake!” We’ll listen to your stuff and if it rocks our world you’ll hear it on Sunday night on 103WKDF. You can also go to www.billyblock.com and send it to our PO Box.

Locals Only Productions
Have talent but no good recordings? We can help you here too. My partner, Thomm Jutz and I can produce your three song, radio ready demo, for less than anyone in Nashville and make it sound great for Locals Only! Just take a listen to The Two Timers, Kinsey Rose, James Sharp, Matt Helms and The Block Family Band at www.myspace.com/thebillyblockshow. You won’t believe your ears or the price!

Love to all,
Billy, Jill, Rocky, Grady & Lucky Block


 
 

Take Me To The River

Billy Block joined The Buddy Miller on drums to perform on A&E’s 4th of July Spectacular featuring Al Green, Lee Ann Womack, Brian Wilson and the Nashville Symphony. Pictured are Billy, Byron House, The Rev. Al Green, Buddy Miller and Phil Madeira. “I thank Buddy Miller for affording me one of the greatest musical experiences of my life. To play with this great band behind the legendary Al Green is Heaven on Earth,” Block exudes.
 
ASCAP, BMI and SESAC join in support of The Billy Block Concert Series

ASCAP BMI SESAC

The Billy Block Show has the unique distinction of being the only showcase in America co-sponsored by all three major Performing Rights Organizations. The support of these organizations allows us to showcase up and coming talent with the most prominent artists in Americana music. We are very proud of our association with these three outstanding organizations.