CMA Songwriters Series Kicks-off New Season of Front and Center on Public Television
NASHVILLE — The critically acclaimed music series “Front and Center” will kick off its new season with four all-new CMA Songwriters Series episodes with Hunter Hayes; Bob DiPiero featuring Brandy Clark; Sara Evans and Martina McBride; and Little Big Town.
The episodes, which will begin airing Saturday on Public Television, collectively feature guest appearances from some of Nashville’s best-known songwriters including Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Gretchen Peters, Liz Rose, Gordie Sampson, The Warren Brothers, and songwriting artist Charlie Worsham. Check local listings for airdates and times in each market and for a sneak peek at the new season click here.
“Kicking off the start of the new season of ‘Front and Center’ with our CMA Songwriter Series episodes is something that we’re especially excited about,” said Don Maggi, “Front and Center” Executive Producer. “Not only were the performances of the artists who participated special, but the respect that they showed the songwriters and the stories that they told, gave us some incredible moments.”
“CMA is proud of our partnership and creative collaborations with ‘Front and Center’,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “These shows shine a national spotlight not only on Country Music and the great artists in these episodes, but also on our amazing songwriting community and the CMA Songwriters Series, which has fans around the world.”
April 4 – Hunter Hayes
CMA Award-winning, multi-instrumentalist Hayes performs with fellow songwriters Barry Dean (“Pontoon,” Little Big Town), Lori McKenna (“I’m Workin’,” Tim McGraw), and Gordie Sampson (“Just A Dream,” Carrie Underwood). The episode features Hayes and his guests performing songs from his chart-topping album Storyline and features the hit “Invisible,” as well songs from his No.1, self-titled, Platinum-selling debut album.
April 11 – Bob DiPiero featuring CMA Award Winner Brandy Clark
Bob DiPiero, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and co-creator of the CMA Songwriters Series, is joined by reigning CMA Award winner for CMA Song of the Year and two-time 2015 Grammy Award-nominee Brandy Clark along with her co-writer on the 2014 CMA Song of the Year, Shane McAnally, and recording artist Charlie Worsham. The foursome takes turns performing songs they helped pen including hits like “Follow Your Arrow” (recorded by Kacey Musgraves), “Blue Clear Sky” (recorded by George Strait), and “Gone” (recorded by Montgomery Gentry).
April 18 – Sara Evans and Martina McBride: Ladies Night Out
Multiple CMA Award winners Sara Evans and Martina McBride join forces for a special “CMA Songwriters Series: Ladies Night Out.” Evans’ recent studio album Slow Me Down debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. She’s had five No. 1 songs, two No. 1 Country albums, sold six million albums, and has been nominated and/or won nearly 10 major music awards. McBride has sold more than 18 million albums, which have included six No.1s, and has earned more than 15 major music awards including four wins for CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. Together Evans and McBride present songwriters Gretchen Peters (“Independence Day,” Martina McBride), Aimee Mayo (“Let’s Make Love,” Faith Hill), and The Warren Brothers (“Red Solo Cup,” Toby Keith). The ladies also perform career hits including Evans’ “Born To Fly” and “Stronger”; and McBride’s “Teenage Daughters” and “Independence Day.”
April 25 – Little Big Town
Grammy Award winners and three-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town bring out long-time songwriting collaborators and friends, Hillary Lindsey (“Jesus Take The Wheel,” Carrie Underwood), Natalie Hemby (“Downtown,” Lady Antebellum), Liz Rose (“Teardrops On My Guitar,” Taylor Swift), and Lori McKenna. The recent Grand Ole Opry inductees perform some of their best-loved hits including “Boondocks” and “Tornado” as well as songs from their latest album Pain Killer.
The new season of “Front and Center” will begin feeding to Public Television as follows:
Hunter Hayes — as of Saturday
Bob DiPiero featuring Brandy Clark — as of April 11
Sara Evans and Martina McBride — as of April 18
Little Big Town — as of April 25
For more information on the “Front and Center” music series please visit frontandcenter.com and check out the YouTube page at youtube.com/frontandcentertv.
For more information on the CMA Songwriters Series visit CMAsongwritersseries.com.
