APA OPENS THE SHOW AT IEBA OCTOBER 2

 

NASHVILLE, TN – (September 8, 2011) – APA once again delivers an amazing lineup to kick off three days of the hottest talent out there! The opening showcase of the IEBA Conference on Sunday, October 2 will include: Lyndsey Highlander, Aaron Parker, Ray Scott, Dread Clampitt, Wanda Jackson and Jim Messina. 

 

“Our attendees can’t wait to see who APA will showcase each year, and they never disappoint.” stated IEBA Executive Director, Tiffany Davis. “They always set the bar high and get everyone pumped for the night!”

 

Over 500 of the live entertainment industry’s top decision makers will converge in Nashville, Tennessee October 2-4 for three days of non-stop networking, education and showcases from the hottest touring acts in all genres of entertainment at the annual conference of the International Entertainment Buyers Association. 

International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) is a non-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals. Founded in 1970, IEBA provides networking, showcasing and educational opportunities to strengthen relationships, foster growth and increase revenue for the live entertainment industry. IEBA showcases the best and brightest talent in all genres of music and all fields of entertainment. IEBA is an intimate organization that makes a huge impact. At IEBA … The Buying Starts Here.  ieba.org

ABOUT LYNDSEY HIGHLANDER
Like a breath of fresh air, 23 year old Lyndsey Highlander arrived in Nashville  from the antebellum town of Providence Forge, VA, near the Chickahominy River.  From an early age, Lyndsey was known for her precocious musical talents; it was just a matter of time before she would share her gifts with the world.  An inspired writer and top-notch performer, Lyndsey is just now hitting her musical stride.  Lyndsey has a style all her own, powered by massive vocal chops, soothing falsettos, and intimate story telling.  As a live performer, Lyndsey has been known to mingle with the audience, firing up the crowd and melting their hearts with verses as impressive as her colossal bridges. 

Alabama native Aaron Parker is quickly becoming one of the most powerful voices in country music. With highly energetic shows and unmatched stage presence, Aaron has captured the undivided attention of the music industry. In short, Aaron Parker is the future of Country Music.

In 2010, Aaron loaded up and headed north to Nashville Tennessee. A self-taught writer and guitarist, he naturally placed his energy on writing great country songs. In a very short time Aaron has had the privilege to write with some of Country Music’s best songwriters such Michael Heeney (God Must Be Busy, Love Your Love The Most, Drink In My Hand), & Jim McCormick (We Rode In Trucks), just to name a few. Most recently Aaron was asked to record 4 tracks that will be included on the soundtrack for the Kix Brooks movie “Thriftstore Cowboy” due out in 2012, one of which he wrote. Aaron also just wrapped up writing and recording the new Theme Song for Open Season TV. Aaron Parker has come on like a storm to the world of Country Music and Country Music is better for it. This star is rising quickly.

It’s his attitude. He does it his way. He says it his way. He knows where country music’s been and he knows that he’s taking it someplace new. His way is the way of the steel guitar. It’s recitation and gospel, with a little blues and rock thrown in for seasoning. But when it simmers to a boil and he serves it up in that deep Carolina drawl, you can’t call it anything but country music. Direct connection to the fans is what catapulted the release of independent albums Crazy Like Me, and Ray’s latest, soon-to-be released project, Rayality. The last few years on the road playing his brand of outlaw country has paid off and the listeners have responded.

 

Blue-eyed soul grass. Hipbilly. Funky bluegrass fusion. These words have been used to describe Dread Clampitt. With clever heartfelt lyrics and blended three part harmonies, Dread combines humor and a realistic outlook of the world with the sounds of bluegrass, rock & roll, blues, jazz and some Louisiana Bayou funk. Hometown shows in Grayton Beach, FL have become the stuff of legend and earned the band a rabid fanbase the making them a favorite with venues and festivals across the country. Along the way, Dread has won the support and endorsement of notable musical collaborators such as Sam Bush, Sara Evans and Sheryl Crow. In 2010 a documentary film about the evolution of Dread Clampitt called “Back From The Dread” was produced by the Editor of Coastal Living Magazine.

Wanda Jackson, who recently joined British songstress Adele on several dates of her North American tour, returns to the road to continue her own headlining tour that will take her to venues and festivals across the United States and Europe through the fall. Jackson’s sets are sure to include songs from her Jack White-produced Third Man / Nonesuch Records debut album, The Party Ain’t Over, along with favorites from throughout her decades-long career as the queen of rockabilly.

ABOUT JIM MESSINA
Few musical artists résumés list membership in a band inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame; fewer still can lay claim to being a founding member of the seminal band credited with creating Country Rock; and only one artist can include all the above in addition to being one half of the most successful duo of the 1970s. When chronicling the current commercial and critical success of artists like Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, and the pairing of Alison Krauss & Robert Plant for 2009’s Album Of The Year Raising Sand, it is not overstating things to say a direct line can be drawn back to Jim Messina’s legacy with Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins & Messina.