Puckett's Gro. & Restaurant July 2009 Live Music Calendar

Franklin- Tuesday, June 30–Puckett’s Rising Star #3 with special guest judge Sarah Majors
Come and help us choose our next Rising Star! Audience members can cast their vote for their favorite songwriter, and a small panel of industry judges will also select their favorite songwriter. The semi-final round will be held Tuesday, July 14 from 7:00-9:00 PM featuring the top 14 singer-songwriters. At the final event, the Top 4 singer-songwriters will perform in the round on Tuesday July 21, 2008 from 7:00-9:00 PM. The winning singer-songwriter will perform their songs in the round with other well known singer-songwriters as part of their prize. The winning singer songwriter will also receive $500.00 cash. As a special bonus at the end of each event, a well known singer-songwriter will perform several of their hit songs while votes are being tabulated! Tonight's special guest judge Sarah Majors... Sarah Majors has been a professional songwriter since 1994. She has enjoyed having songs recorded in country, pop, bluegrass, contemporary folk and gospel genres. After the success of her first cut, "Love Lessons" by TRACY BYRD, which was the title track, a top 5 hit single, and won her a BMI Millionaire award, her place among the Nashville songwriting community was firmly established. After a brief stint as a recording artist for Giant Records and later, Dreamworks, she realized that her passion was writing; in particular, developing new artists and helping them find their lyrical voices. Some of the artists that have recorded her songs include TRISHA YEARWOOD (Standing Out In Crowd), TRACE ADKINS (That Night He Can't Remember), VINCE GILL/JENNY GILL (Little Orphan Girl), THE KINLEY'S (You're Still Here, Contradiction, et al), MICHELLE WRIGHT (Love Me Anyway), just to name a few... Sarah's songs have also been featured on the hit ABC show, EXTREME MAKEOVER (Standing Out In A Crowd), the horror film (and soundtrack) "TRAILER PARK OF TERROR" (Hell's Kitchen), and two songs (Little Orphan Girl, Canary) on the cd/documentary project "THIS IS MY AMERICA", and the television drama SAVING GRACE (I'm Not Of This World). 7pm show, $5 cover charge and entry fee. For more information, contact Keith Mohr at, mohr.keith@gmail.com or 615-594-0426.

Wednesday, July 1–“Kids on Stage” Showcase
Join us tonight as some of the best stars of the Kids On Stage program show us why we'll all be able to say we "knew them back before" they were selling out stadiums!
7pm show, $5 cover charge, reservations 615-794-5527.

Friday, July 3–Thom Sheppard, Lisa Shaffer and Wil Nance
Thom Sheppard is one of Nashville’s most talented writers, and one our favorites of Puckett’s. Thom’s talent with songs like “Red Neck Yacht Club,” “Riding With Private Malone,” and more! He’s performed with Keith Urban, Pam Tillis, John Michael Montgomery, and more. After going through his own bout with cancer, Thom has been nominated as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year Award...Lisa Shaffer has come a long way from living in a camper in the Two Rivers neighborhood. She has written with some of this town’s most amazing songwriters like Paul Overstreet, Don Schlitz, Deborah Allen, Charlie Daniels, Bill Anderson, Don Rollins, Ron Harbin, Don Pfrimmer, Richard Leigh, and so many more. Most recently she has inked a deal with Lyric Street Records (home of the supergroup Rascal Flatts) and her new single "Just One" is getting rave reviews. She's headed down the road to superstardom for sure! Wil Nance wrote the Brad Paisley smash "She's Everything", which stayed at #1 for three weeks. He also wrote "Hard To Say Hello", for Paisley. He received a BMI Award for "Round About Way," by George Strait, and a BMI Award for "Cool To Be A Fool.” He also wrote: "You Are” by John Michael Montgomery; "Everything's a Thing" by Joe Nichols and many more... 9pm show w/ $10 cover charge, reservations 615-794-5527.

Saturday, July 4–Zig Zag
Some of the most memorable songs ever came from the artists and writers of the sixties and seventies. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Cream, Who, Byrds, and Led Zeppelin are just some of the groups whose music still resonates with the young and young at heart today. Zig Zag recreates these songs with the respect and enthusiasm they deserve... and with a beat you can dance to. 9pm show w/ $10 cover charge, reservations 615-794-5527.

Tuesday, July 7–Puckett’s Rising Star Songwriter Contest with special guest judge Jason Kuhn
Come and help us choose our next Rising Star! Audience members can cast their vote for their favorite songwriter, and a small panel of industry judges will also select their favorite songwriter. The semi-final round will be held Tuesday, July 14 from 7:00-9:00 PM featuring the top 14 singer-songwriters. At the final event, the Top 4 singer-songwriters will perform in the round on Tuesday July 21, 2008 from 7:00-9:00 PM. The winning singer-songwriter will perform their songs in the round with other well known singer-songwriters as part of their prize. The winning singer songwriter will also receive $500.00 cash. As a special bonus at the end of each event, a well known singer-songwriter will perform several of their hit songs while votes are being tabulated! Tonight's special guest judge is our very first Rising Star, Jason Kuhn. An accomplished singer/songwriter, Jason Kuhn started with music at a young age, drumming by the age of 8 and performing in school bands, quickly escalating to more contemporary shows through his natural affinity for music and performance. His songwriting endeavors earned him immediate success, and he wrote and sold his own material to local radio stations who aired his work for commercial jingles. His significant break in his songwriting efforts came through producer Bob Brooks of Little Mountain Sound Studio in Vancouver, BC , who purchased and produced many of the songs that Jason had written, and whom he still has an ongoing relationship with, writing music, performing studio recordings, and singing background vocals for other music artists. His accomplishments with songwriting have earned him his ASCAP status, a noteworthy achievement for the blossoming artist and songwriter. 7pm show, $5 cover charge and entry fee. For more information, contact Keith Mohr at, mohr.keith@gmail.com or 615-594-0426.

Wednesday, July 8–John Foster
John Foster must have worn out a few radios in his early years. From his intimate familiarity with so many diverse styles of music, he couldn't have let the dial rest for long on any one station. This is not to slight his authenticity in any one genre; it's more a measure of his sincere fascination with all the great music of the last five decades. Some artists claim to have been influenced by a broad band of benchmark artists, past to present, but every time john picks up a guitar or opens his mouth to sing, the proof comes out. His talent has attracted the attention of many: country singer Sammy Kershaw, who saw him performing on stage and soon invited him to join the band; the legendary Beach Boys, who on the recommendation of a mutual friend, had him sing a few number over the phone and were sufficiently impressed to send him a plane ticket in order to have take over the high falsetto vocals written and originally performed by Brian Wilson; and the great Charlie Daniels, who not only appreciates John's performing talents, but signed him as a writer in 2000, a time when other publishers were shrinking their staff numbers. His composition "I'm Not Breakin",co-written with Marc Christian, was recently a top-30 single for Curb recording artist Steve Holy. 7pm show, no cover charge, tips appreciated, reservations 615-794-5527.

Thursday, July 9–Volunteer String Band
Back for a repeat performance! 7pm show, no cover charge, tips appreciated, reservations 615-794-5527.

Friday, July 10– Tony Haselden ,Craig Carothers and Gene Nelson
We are proud to host the legendary Tony Haselden- just a few of his hits are “Mama Knows”, “You Know Me Better Than That”, “Please”, “Call It Love”, That’s My Story” and ”Take it Like a Man,” He also had much success with the group “LaRoux”... Craig Carothers has performed with over 100 acts- from Boz Scaggs to Jethro Tull. He's had songs recorded by everyone from t Yearwood to Lorrie Morgan... Gene Nelson-who has written for Kathy Mattea "18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses" and "Burning Old Memories", Don Williams "Old Coyote Town", Doug Stone -"A Jukebox with a Country Song" and Diamond Rio "Bubba Hyde.” 9pm show w/ $10 cover charge, reservations 615-794-5527.

Saturday, July 11–Boomerang
If you want to go back and relive those Classic Songs of the 60’s and 70’s, than you owe it to yourself to come out and sing along with “Boomerang”! Its not often you get to hear songs like, Whiter Shade of Pale, Brown Eyed Girl, Eight Days A Week, and Stop In The Name of Love and classics from Fleetwood Mac, The Animals and Martha and the Vandella’s. Boomerang is a high energy 7 member band that strives to "play it like the original record." When was the last time you heard "Sea Cruise" or "Happy Together" or "Go Your Own Way" performed live these days. So make plans to see "Boomerang" and remember, it’s all about good times!!! 9pm show w/ $10 cover charge, reservations 615-794-5527.

Tuesday, July 14–Puckett’s Rising Star Songwriter Contest - Semi Finals with special guest judge Corrine Chapman and Jerry Salley
14 semi finalist compete for $500 cash prize! Tonight's special guest judges will be Corinne Chapman and Jerry Salley. Corinne Chapman's voice is clear, layered and insightful—echoes the reverence, tenderness, and power of a woman whose rich experiences and core beliefs permeate thoughtful lyrics. This unique voice is vital to her collection of diverse and inventive songs. Her co-write ‘Just Drive’ was cut by Jo Dee Messina for her upcoming 2008 release. She also co-wrote “Wonderin’” which Shanna Lynn released as a single in Canada in May 2008. She recently participated in a television pilot for the “Secrets of the Heart - Songwriters in the Round” series. Corinne has written (or co-written) over 45 songs recorded with producer Russ Zavitson (Billy Ray Cyrus, The Wilkinsons, The Kinleys, Michelle Wright) over the past couple of years... Award winning songwriter, Jerry Salley has been writing and singing in Nashville since 1982. To date, he has had 300 songs recorded in his career, including; "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain" - Reba McEntire, "Breaking New Ground" - Wild Rose/Universal Records, "I Fell in the Water" - John Anderson/BNA Records, "How Do You Sleep at Night" - Wade Hayes/DCK/Columbia Records, and ten (10) top twenty gospel songs... 7 pm show, $5 cover charge and entry fee. For more information, contact Keith Mohr at mohr.keith@gmail.com or 615-594-0426.

Franklin- Wednesday, July 15–Walker Hayes acoustic show
If you’ve not seen Walker yet you need too, in his own words he’s “freaken’ awesome”. Born and raised in Mobile AL, Walker's passion and talent for music was passed down and nurtured by his father, a retired Baptist Music Minister. In 1998, Walker headed to Birmingham where he earned a degree in music (with an emphasis in piano) from Birmingham-Southern College. He returned to Mobile long enough to marry his high school sweetheart and break the news to friends and family that they were moving to Music City. Four years is hardly a week in "music business" years but Walker's talent & work ethic have carried him much further than most expect to have come in such a short time. "I can't decide when my 'big break' is going to happen, but I can always write myself one song closer. I always have the opportunity to hone my craft." Walker is currently in his third year as a staff writer for TMG (The Music Group, Int.), formerly Killen Music Group.
Watch out, Walker is signing with a major label, you’re seeing a real up and coming star! 7pm show, no cover charge, tips appreciated, reservations 615-794-5527.

Thursday, July 16–Ron Rigsby & Co.
Join us for Bluegrass, BBQ and Whiskey tastings with Ron Rigsby & Co. Ron is an award winning banjo picker, Grammy® nominated producer, and a multi-talented singer/songwriter. There's no tellin' who might just show up for these shows, but one thing's for sure this will be one night that you won’t want to miss! 7pm show, no cover charge, tips appreciated, reservations 615-794-5527.

Friday, July 17–Private Event

Tuesday, July 21–Puckett’s Rising Star #3 Finals with special guest judge Austin Cunningham
The 4 finalist compete tonight for the $500 cash prize! Tonight's special guest judge is Austin Cunningham. Early on in his career, Austin carved out a place for himself on Music Row as a songwriter. He left his hometown of Garland, Texas in 1986 and made the move to Nashville to follow his passion for music. As a songwriter, Austin has had songs recordedby artists such as Hank Williams, Jr., Martina McBride, Dolly Parton, Wynonna, Chris Knight, Del McCoury, and the list goes on. He has songs on feature film soundtracks including Ashley Judd’s Where the Heart Is, and the Richard Gere/Winona Ryder film, Autumn in New York. Austin has performed at the Sundance Film Festival for the Bluebird Café On the Road series, and a few years back, was awarded the coveted Johnny Mercer Award for “Emerging American Songwriters”. Although writing is Austin’s first passion, he is no slouch at performing, blazing a trail with live shows across the U.S. and is a favorite on the Texas Music Scene. With a strong voice and some of the best guitar playing you’ll ever hear, he always manages to captivate his audience. Whether performing an acoustic solo, or rocking the house with a strat and a full band, it is entertainment at it’s best. This is just good, roots music mixed with great stories, and is getting play on XM Radio’s X Country, as well as many Texas Stations... 7 pm show, $5 cover charge and entry fee. For more information, contact Keith Mohr at, mohr.keith@gmail.com or 615-594-0426.

Wednesday, July 22–Ross Copperman, Heather Morgan, Phil Barton and Cynthia Anderson
Ross Copperman is known for his sweeping melodies and spacious choruses, but his emotive, scuffed-up voice bestows an intimacy that makes each song feel as if it were written for the listener alone... Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Heather Morgan quickly took to songwriting at a very young age of 5 years old. Her live shows are not to be missed as she exhibits a disarming humor and innocent charm while telling stories about her songs. Her songs have been cut by recording artists Sara Evans, Ashley Ray, The Randy Rogers' Band, Jesse Lee, Universal South Recording Artist Bailey Brown, American Idol Finalist, Kristy Lee Cook and most recently, Terri Clark... Phil Barton based in Sydney Australia, Phil has a huge collection of songs, Pop, Country and Children’s songs. He has had several Australian Record Industry Award (ARIA) nominations for his work and an APRA song nomination in 2000 for best children’s song. He now Has a Production / Writing room in Level 7 Studios (Old 301), where he obsessively writes songs for Nashville... Along for the evening will be Cynthia Anderson. 7pm show, no cover charge, tips appreciated, reservations 615-794-5527.

Thursday, July 23–Volunteer String Band
These guys are local and very cool- come check them out for yourself and see what everyone has been talking about. 7pm show, no cover charge, tips appreciated, reservations 615-794-5527.

Friday, July 24–Austin Cunningham
Early on in his career, Austin carved out a place for himself on Music Row as a songwriter. He left his hometown of Garland, Texas in 1986 and made the move to Nashville to follow his passion for music. As a songwriter, Austin has had songs recorded by artists such as Hank Williams, Jr., Martina McBride, Dolly Parton, Wynonna, Chris Knight, Del McCoury, and the list goes on. He has songs on feature film soundtracks including Ashley Judd’s Where the Heart Is, and the Richard Gere/Winona Ryder film, Autumn in New York. Austin has performed at the Sundance Film Festival for the Bluebird Café On the Road series, and a few years back, was awarded the coveted Johnny Mercer Award for “Emerging American Songwriters”. Although writing is Austin’s first passion, he is no slouch at performing, blazing a trail with live shows across the U.S. and is a favorite on the Texas Music Scene. With a strong voice and some of the best guitar playing you’ll ever hear, he always manages to captivate his audience. Whether performing an acoustic solo, or rocking the house with a strat and a full band, it is entertainment at it’s best. This is just good, roots music mixed with great stories, and is getting play on XM Radio’s X Country, as well as many Texas Stations. 9pm show w/ $10 cover charge, reservations 615-794-5527.

Saturday, July 25–Private Event

Tuesday, July 28–Calico
Discovered at our Rising Star Contest, these ladies present beautiful harmonies! Natives from Texas, Toronto, and Tennessee, the women of Calico met when each settled in Brentwood, Tn. Their harmony flowed immediately and they have been singing at a variety of restaurants and events in the Nashville area for three years. Their acoustic song selections include songs from the 60’s to present, folk to rock, blues to gospel, and originals. Sit in with Calico and hear 3 voices become one. You will find yourself singing along! 7pm show, no cover charge, tips appreciated, reservations 615-794-5527.