Country Radio Seminar 2013 Tunes In to Nashville This Week

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) kicks off at the Nashville Convention Center this week, offering a chance for folks in the radio industry to interact with their peers, as well as superstar artists and country newcomers. It's a chance to network and to hear new music in various settings, from intimate acoustic showcases to full band performances in various venues around town. Attendees also have numerous workshops to choose from throughout the three-day event, or they can just hang out (until all hours!) at any number of Nashville nightspots, where they'll have even more chances to see some of their favorite artists performing live.

The week begins, unofficially, with Tuesday (Feb. 26) night's Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony. Among the 2013 Hall of Fame inductees are radio and TV personalities Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase. George Strait will receive the CRB (Country Radio Broadcasters) Career Achievement Award. The official after-party at the convention center will feature music from Craig Campbell and Katie Armiger.

The official kick-off to the seminar begins Wednesday (Feb. 27) with a performance of the national anthem by Grammy winners Little Big Town. The opening ceremonies include a keynote address and the presentation of the Artist and Radio Humanitarian Awards. Big & Rich will receive this year's Artist Humanitarian honor.

A "Team UMG at the Ryman" luncheon on Wednesday features artists from the Universal Music Group roster, including Billy Currington, Darius Rucker, David Nail, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kelleigh Bannen, Lady Antebellum, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Scotty McCreery, Vince Gill and more.

That night, a special "Grand Ole Opry at CRS" show will feature Opry members Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Vince Gill along with Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Turner and Greg Bates.

Gary Allan headlines the Capitol and MCA Records luncheon on Thursday (Feb. 28), which will also feature an opening performance from Jon Pardi.

On Friday (March 1), Cumulus Radio Medical correspondent and CNN chief correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta will be a featured speaker. He'll address attendees in an effort to help raise awareness about important health issues.

Sarah Darling, Craig Morgan and Kellie Pickler are the entertainment for Friday's luncheon, presented by Black River Entertainment. The week culminates in the highly-anticipated New Faces Show and Awards on Friday night. The New Faces class for 2013 is Easton Corbin, Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Jana Kramer and Kip Moore. The New Faces show is sold out.

On-site registration for CRS will be available for $599 at the Nashville Convention Center, starting Tuesday, Feb. 26. Daily tickets will also be available for $200 and provide access into panels and luncheons.

Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to country radio. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.