NATD - Nashville Association of Talent Directors

If knowledge is power, then join us for the ultimate power lunch in Nashville! On the second Tuesday of each month, NATD members gather for an informative lunch time meeting featuring both timely and fascinating topics concerning our industry today. Their is no charge to attend an NATD meeting, an optional buffet lunch is available and your parking is validated. Our past meetings have included the following topics: (see what you have been missing!)

	Month	Program
	October 2007	An outstanding time was had by all at our annual NATD Breakfast in honor of IEBA. We announced the recipients of the coveted "Hubert Long" - Sonny Simmons, "Talent Director of the Year" - Kevin Neal and "ICON Award" - George "Goober" Lindsay.
	September 2007	A number of members requested a song-plugger for an NATD event ... We proudly presented the legendary award- winning Sherrill Blackman, Song-Plugger of the Year three times running... Mr. Blackman is a three-term past president of The Nashville Publishers’ Network and co-founded The Independent Pluggers Association, Nashville’s premier song- pitching group.
	August 2007	John Carter Cash spoke to us about his new book "Anchored In Love - An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash." He is an author, producer, songwriter, fisherman, adventurer, snow skier, gold panner, hiker, outdoorsman, early riser and hunter.... Husband of Laura Cash, Father of Jack Ezra, Anna Maybelle and Joseph John Cash.....Son of Johnny Cash and June Carter... he is the Manager and Owner of Cash Cabin Studios near Nashville.
	July 2007	Shelby Singleton - A talented and dedicated country producer, Shelby Singleton helmed many a classic session, first as an R&B producer with the likes of Clyde McPhatter and later as a country producer with Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom T. Hall, and Charlie Rich. In the mid-'60s he began forming his own imprints to release the artists he was discovering and nurturing. He discovered Jeannie C. Riley, for example, and produced her smash "Harper Valley P.T.A." In 1969 Singleton made a brilliant business move by buying the rights of the Sun catalog from Sam Phillips and left the recording studio for good to focus on the business side of the industry. ~ Steve Kurutz, All Music Guide
	June 2007	Our fifth annual NATD Picnic In The Park was a huge success with the best attended picnic ever. Lunch was compliments of the Iron Chef's of NATD. We all enjoyed good food and good friends under the shelter at Fannie Mae Dees Park.
	May 2007	Newly elected NATD President Rod Harris addresses the crowd with his vision for NATD's future.
	April 2007	NATD Elections
	March 2007	NATD gets a backstage tour of the Musicians Hall of Fame.
	February 2007
	January 2007
	December 2006	It was the season for good cheer as The Nashville Association of Talent Directors cordially hosted our annual holiday party. It was an evening of good food and good friends - did we mention good spirits and music too!
	October 2006
	October 2006	An outstanding time was had by all at our annual NATD Breakfast in honor of IEBA. We announced the recipients of the coveted "Hubert Long", "Talent Director of the Year" and "Outstanding Member of the Year" awards. Our Col. Tom Parker Award was given by Lee Anne Womack.
	September 2006	Carol A. Penterman with the Music City Center Coalition and the Executive Director of the Nashville Opera Association, spoke on the exciting possibilities of the Music City Center
	August 2006	NATD Happy Hour was a great opportunity to network with colleagues and build business relationships.
	June 2006
	June 2006	Our fourth annual NATD Picnic In The Park was a huge success. Lunch was compliments of the Iron Chef's of NATD. (Who said there is no such thing as a free lunch!) We all enjoyed good food and good friends under the shelter at Fannie Mae Dees Park.
	May 2006	Vice Mayor and President of the Nashville City Council - Howard Gentry Jr. - joined us to discuss important issues involving the Nashville music industry.
	April 2006	We were honored to welcome Story Musgrave - one of NASA's most experienced astronauts. With a 30 year career spanning the Apollo era of the 1960s right through to the Space Shuttle program of the 1990s, he is the only astronaut to have flown on all five Space Shuttles. He is also a pilot, surgeon, mechanic, poet and philosopher. Oh yeah, and he fixed the Hubble Space Telescope too...
	March 2006	We welcomed Jim Hill, Promotion and Special Events Director of The Nashville Palace. The Nashville Palace is one of Nashville's most famous country western honky-tonks.
	January 2006	We welcomed Ed Salamon, Executive Director of the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. The CRB is best known for presenting the Country Radio Seminar each spring, which is attended by more than a thousand Country radio professionals and an equal number from the music industry. Ed spoke about the current state of Country radio and new technology, such as HD radio.
	December 2005	It was the season for good cheer as The Nashville Association of Talent Directors cordially hosted our annual holiday party at the Jack Daniels Old #7 Club at the Gaylord Entertainment Center.
	November 2005	We welcomed, straight from the pages of The Tennessean - Mary Hance - aka Ms. Cheap. Her column is now in it's 12th year and focuses on being a smart, frugal consumer.
	October 2005	We hosted our annual NATD breakfast in honor of the International Entertainment Buyers Association iebalive! 2005 conference. Performances by Buddy Jewel, Andy Griggs, Moore & Moore.
	September 2005	We welcomed Kathleen O'Brien - President and Chief Executive Officer of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
	August 2005	We welcomed Dr. Rich Barnet - Professor of Recording Industry at MTSU.
	July 2005	We welcomed Pete Fisher - Opry Vice President and General Manager. The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating it's 80th anniversary with a national tour.
	June 2005	Our third annual NATD Picnic In The Park - sponsored by Crossroads Arena - was a huge success. Lunch was compliments of the Iron Chef's of NATD. (Who said there is no such thing as a free lunch!) We all enjoyed good food, good friends, and good music under the shelter at Fannie Mae Dees Park.
	May 2005	We welcomed our guest speaker - Anastasia Brown. You might have recognized her from Nashville Star, however Anastasia Brown is much more than that...
	April 2005	We welcomed our guest speaker - Howard T. Owens - who serves as Co-Executive Producer for Nashville Star , USA Network's original grassroots talent search series to find the next country music superstar.
	March 2005	We welcomed our guest speaker - a legendary figure in country music - Ralph Emery. Through 40 years at the most powerful broadcast outlets in country music and all of America - Ralph is beloved and respected by Country Music's elite, his fans and his thousands of guests.
	February 2005	We welcomed David Bennett - Executive Director Tennessee Film & Music Commission.
	January 2005	There's an old saying: "If you want someone's attention, whisper." Bill Anderson has been using that philosophy for over forty years to capture the attention of millions of country music fans around the world, en route to becoming a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and one of the most popular, most enduring entertainers of our time.
	December 2004	It was the season for good cheer as The Nashville Association of Talent Directors cordially hosted our annual holiday party. It was an evening of good food and good friends - did we mention good spirits and music too!
	October 2004	We hosted our annual NATD breakfast at the Wildhorse Saloon. The breakfast, in honor of the International Entertainment Buyers Association iebalive! 2004 conference which was wrapping up in town, featured a packed house and included performances by Air Supply, Moore & Moore and surprise guest appearances by Faith Hill, Jamie O’Neal and John Carter Cash....more
	September 2004	We welcomed a legendary figure in country music circles - Jack D. Johnson. This statement "legendary" was not based on media hyperbole, but on a career of concrete accomplishments spanning five decades, the abundant stories about him, and the fact that, in the music business, "he's seen it all and/or done it all."
	August 2004	In August a packed house welcomed the esteemed Tandy Rice as our guest speaker. Rice is President and CEO of Top Billing International, a Nashville-based entertainment organization specializing in booking and management of some of the biggest names in Country Music. Tandy's long career includes being featured on ABC TV's 20/20 and in People, Playboy, Newsweek, The NY Times as well as a host of other publications.
	July 2004	David Ross - Editor/Publisher of Music Row Magazine joined us to give his views on today's music industry and technology. Like no other resource, Music Row Magazine is focused exclusively on Music City's inner workings.
	June 2004	Our annual NATD Picnic In The Park was a huge success. Lunch was compliments of the Iron Chef's of NATD. (Who said there is no such thing as a free lunch!) We all enjoyed good food, good friends, and good music under the shelter at Fannie Mae Dees Park. The picnic was a great way to get to know our fellow Nashville entertainment professionals.
	May 2004	Economist William Wade shared his views at our May NATD meeting. According to Wade, Nashville has lost over 14,500 jobs matched with lost personal income of $1.4 billion due to the decline in sales of Country Music. Wade discussed the fact that the economic health of Nashville and Music Row could be had for a song -- if you could get your song on the radio.
	April 2004	Not too many people can claim to have worked with a range of artists that includes legendary rocker Jerry Lee Lewis, singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt, jazz icon Louis Armstrong, Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride, polka king Frank Yankovic and socially conscious Irish rockers U2. But producer/songwriter/artist and all-round character Jack Clement can and he was our guest at the April NATD meeting.
	March 2004	In March we welcomed the "Mayor of Music Row" - and morning radio personality on 104.5 FM - the effervescent Charlie Monk to our March NATD meeting. Never short for a story - Monk has been involved in numerous areas of the entertainment business including acting, writing, commercials, television, record production, and song writing.
	February 2004	In February, we welcomed Robert Rosenthal, founder of The Spirit of America Tour, as guest speaker. The Spirit of America Tour has one goal, to bring headlining entertainment to our hardworking troops here in the United States. Artists who have participated include comedian Dennis Miller, Roy Clark, Travis Tritt, Tammy Cochran, Charlie Daniels, JoDee Messina, Daryl Singletary, Aaron Tippin, Riders In The Sky, Marty Stuart and Hometown News
	January 2004	Our January NATD meeting featured a road trip to the brand new Curb Events Center on the campus of Belmont University. While there we were greeted by Dr. Fisher in the beautiful Vince Gill Room, and enjoyed lunch and then a tour of this beautiful state of the art facility.
	December 2003	It was the season for good cheer as The Nashville Association of Talent Directors cordially hosted our annual holiday party. It was an evening of good food and good friends - did we mention good spirits and music too!
	November 2003	Julie Haddon - director of consumer promotions for eBay, the world's online marketplace - spoke to our group. She is responsible for overseeing all of eBay's consumer promotional strategies and campaigns, as well as developing programs to leverage the eBay brand offline with promotional partnerships and alliances. A 15-year veteran in the sports and entertainment industry, Haddon also manages and directs the relationship between eBay and its talent agency CAA on all entertainment, film, TV, music and ticket-related projects.
	October 2003	An great time was had by all at our annual NATD Breakfast in honor of IEBA. The Wildhorse Saloon was the place for good food, good friends and good music. Congratulations to the recipients of the coveted "Hubert Long Award" - Joan Saltel of Buddy Lee Attractions and "Talent Director of the Year" - Jeff Hill of CAA. We also enjoyed special performances by Alana Grace, comedian Jeff Allen and The Pajama Party - featuring Deborah Allen, The Kinleys and Michelle Wright.
	September 2003	"The Music Business – Then & Now" - A Lighthearted Look At The Evolution Of Our Industry Panelist Included: Danny Davis - The Nashville Brass Keith Cochran - Artist
	August 2003	July NATD took a road trip to Rocketown where we were treated to a tour of their outstanding facilities complete with lunch! In addition to a wonderful atmosphere they provide - Rocketown features national headlining bands and local high school bands performing youth-oriented music. Thank you Rocketown!
	July 2003	Alan Valentine - Executive Director of The Nashville Symphony spoke in detail about the exciting new world class Schermerhorn Symphony Hall - scheduled for opening in 2006.
	June 2003	Good food, good friends, and good music filled the air as we got out of the office and into the park for a rare mid-day treat - a picnic in the park - complete with all the fixings! This was a great way to break down the barriers and to get to know our fellow entertainment professionals. Special thanks to guest Artists Deborah Allen and Don Ellis for their performances and to the Iron Chefs of NATD for a great meal - complete with Klondike Bars!
	May 2003	NATD members were treated to an industry tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Due to the large number in our group - the Archive section was unavailable. Those wishing to view the archives are asked to contact the Hall.
	April 2003	On April 8th we welcomed the President of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Mike Neal to our meeting. Mike Neal was recently named President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
	March 2003	The Vice Mayor of Nashville - Howard Gentry Jr. discussed important issues involving Music Row and the City of Nashville!
	February 2003	Executive Director Kyle Young came and shared his view of the wonderful new Country Music Hall of Fame. As keep of it's flame - he has been there from it's inception to it's present day museum status.
	January 2003	Artist manager Al Schiltz gave us his light hearted perspective on the management business. Al Schiltz's background spans all facets of the live entertainment industry. He is credited with developing Billy Ray Cyrus' career - including two movies, television guest appearances, and the debut of the hit PAX Television
	December 2002	It was the season for good cheer as The Nashville Association of Talent Directors cordially hosted our annual holiday party. It was an evening of good food and good friends - did we mention good spirits and music too!
	November 2002	The Nashville Association of Talent Directors had a front row seat for a look at satellite radio by XM Radio Producer Joyce Rizer. With over 100 channels of digital sounds - XM Radio is sure to be a hit with it's wide range of music, news and talk stations.
	October 2002	An outstanding time was had by all at our annual NATD Breakfast in honor of IEBA. Lines were out the door for good food, good friends and good music. We announced the recipients of the coveted "Hubert Long" and "Talent Director of the Year" awards with the help of surprise guests Ray Stevens and Clay Walker. Our Col. Tom Parker Award was given by Porter Wagoner. We also enjoyed special performances by David Phelps, Bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent, and the legendary Crystal Gayle.
	September 2002	We met the women of the entertainment business. We all learned a lesson as they told their stories on becoming a success on today's industry playing field. Panelists included: Fran Romeo, TBA Fairs & Festivals Jackie Monaghan, Smallbone Mgmt and Webster PR Sheila Shipley-Biddy, Shipley-Biddy Entertainment Liz Cavanaugh, Curb Records Carrie Moore-Reed, Third Coast Talent
	August 2002	The world has changed since 9/11- and event security is no exception. W.B. (Bart) Butler of Rock Solid Security joined us to discuss the changes and impact to today's concert industry. Rock Solid Security - "polite but firm."
	July 2002	Father Joseph Breen - During his thirty-five years as a priest, he has served the Catholic Church in Memphis, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Murfreesboro. He has been the pastor of St. Edward Church since July 1984. Well spoken, and well known in the entertainment industry, Father Joseph Breen brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to our luncheon series.
	June 2002	NATD's Picnic in the Park was an outstanding success and a real treat for one and all. Good food, good friends, and good music abounded throughout the picnic - a perfect way to enjoy the Fan Fair season.
	May 2002	Always a favorite of the lunch bunch - our NATD Artist lecture series featured a true national treasure. June Carter Cash graced our meeting with her wit and charm - spinning stories of her past, complete with a rare treat - her solo performance of one of her own song writing hits "Ring of Fire."
	April 2002	Conventional Thinking - A panel of corporate and convention entertainment specialists discussed the do's and don'ts of the market. Panelists included Barry Jeffrey, William Morris; Steve Tolman, LogiCom Project Management; Phil Barber, Barber & Associates; Kevin Underwood, TBA.
	March 2002	Stan Byrd - VP of Promotions, Bandit Records - Gave us an up close and personal view of the state of the record industry here in Nashville. His candid views were refreshing and insightful.
	February 2002	Legendary businessman Jim Halsey spoke to a on overflowing room of music executives, giving his comments and wealth of knowledge in the music industry.
	January 2002	Long time newspaper veteran Bob Battle treated us to his rich history of working and writing about the country music industry. Truly a gem - his
	December 2001	Our annual NATD Christmas Party! A Merry Christmas to all - and to all - it was a good night!
	November 2001	"Jesus Rocks" - A fascinating look at the Contemporary Christian Music market with top industry experts Charles Dorris - William Morris Agency, Nick Barre - Sparrow Records, Norman Miller - Proper Management Productions, Jeff Roberts - Jeff Roberts & Associates. For every 10 country music CD's sold - there are 7 CCM CD's being sold. Faith is hip and the market is booming!
	October 2001	Our Annual IEBA Breakfast was sponsored by CMT - in appreciation of our fellow professionals at IEBA - International Entertainment Buyers Association. We announce the recipients of the coveted "Hubert Long" and "Talent Director of the Year" awards.
	September 2001	International Panel - We were joined by a panel of leading international music executives for a discussion on the music business in a global economy. Panelists included Bob Saporiti -Former VP/GM of Warner Brothers Records, Maurits Opsahl -General Manager of Contryfestivalen Vinstra - one of the most popular country music festivals in Scandinavia & Judy Seale - President and CEO of Judy Seale International.
	August 2001	Media - A Very Pressing Issue! - Webster & Associates gave us the scoop. "Perception is reality in our business," said Kirt Webster of Nashville PR firm Webster & Associates. Joined by fellow Webster & Associates team members Jackie Monaghan and Brandee Reed, Webster went on to discuss the importance of media and PR support in an Artist's career in today's market.
	July 2001	William Wade presented his Marketing Strategy for the 21st Century. Wade is a consulting economist with 25 years experience analyzing market data. He recently moved from San Francisco to the Nashville area, where he continues his consulting economic business serving lawyers, agency directors and executives. Wade is also the author of "Murder on Music Row - More Than A Song - An Omen For Country Music Sales" as published in The Tennessean June 15, 2001.
	June 2001	Mark Waldrep, Ph.D - President, AIX Records presented an amazing new music format that will affect our Artists and the way we listen to music! Mark Waldrep, Founder, President and CEO of AIX Records and AIX Media Group, has been a visionary in the application of technology to the entertainment and corporate industries.
	May 2001	We shared an up-close & personal Q&A session with a true legend in the history of music - Brenda Lee. Her long list of credits and awards include: * More double sided hit singles than any other woman in the history of pop music. * She has charted in more categories than any other female Artist in the history of recorded music. * In retrospect of the entire decade of 1960's - Brenda is the top charted female act, and fourth overall charted act, with Elvis, The Beatles and Ray Charles completing the top four.
	April 2001	Sarah Trahern - Manager of Special Events - spoke to a full house at our April NATD meeting about the new direction of the TNN network. TNN is now The National Network. One of Sarah's big priorities at the new TNN will be the upcoming TNN Country Weekly Music Awards to be held on June 13th at the Gaylord Entertainment Center here in Nashville. Joining her at our meeting was Martin Fischer - President of High Five Entertainment - who will be producing the event.
	March 2001	Speaking at our March NATD meeting, the President of TBA - Greg Janese - told the full house of Nashville music executives about TBA Entertainment Corporation's broad range of entertainment and communications services in the U.S. and worldwide. With offices world wide, TBA produces more than 3,000 events annually for corporate clients and entertainers.
	February 2001	Our special guest Paul Hastaba of CMT - Country Music Television - gave us a look at the future of CMT and the direction they are taking in today's market.
	January 2001	Quest Digital Media - Chris Cunningham - Executive VP of Marketing - presented a Power Point presentation featuring Quest's 4 full size studios in Nashville, full web casting capabilities and 3 mobile trucks - Quest Digital Media is on the cutting edge of digital distribution here in Nashville and was chosen to web cast Barbara Streisand's NY concert on AOL. In addition, Quest Digital Media's Nashville location is also a perfect place to host your next media tour!
	December 2000	Our annual NATD Christmas Party! A Merry Christmas to all - and to all - it was a good night!
	November 2000	We were joined by Butch Spyridon, Director of The Nashville Convention & Visitor's Bureau who gave us his optimistic views on the future on Nashville
	October 2000	For over 25 years, Radio & Records (R&R), The Industry's Newspaper has provided the radio and recording industries with the very latest in news, sales, marketing innovations, and the most credible air play data available in the radio industry. R&R also delivers this information via the World Wide Web. Nashville R&R Chief Lon Helton gave us the inside scoop.
	September 2000	We were proud to welcome Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell who gave us his comments on the future of the music industry, Nashville schools and community. His presentation was both fact filled and funny too.
	August 2000	Mark Perrone - Executive Director of Business Development for The Nashville Predators NHL Hockey Team - gave us an enlightening and upbeat presentation on The Nashville Predators and their "goals" for the upcoming season. Mark capped off the meeting by giving away two tickets to an upcoming game!
	July 2000	BMI's Perry Howard gave us an informative presentation on BMI and the performing rights industry.
	June 2000	Our Annual NATD/IEBA Breakfast was sponsored by CMT - in appreciation of our fellow professionals at IEBA - International Entertainment Buyers Association.
	May 2000	Steven Greil - President & CEO of TPAC on the 20th Anniversary of TPAC, gave an excellent presentation on the future construction plans for TPAC and upcoming "FestDeville" in August - complete with a multi-media slide presentation.
	April 2000	Cookie Callahan - VP of Marketing for the Grand Ole Opry Group. Cookie Callahan give us an insight on what the future holds for the diversity of complexes that make up The Grand Ole Opry Group.
	March 2000	Tennessean Celebrity Columnist Brad Schmitt gave us his inside views on the entertainment industry , celebrity gossip and the role of the media.
	February 2000	Tennessee Titans President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Diamond gave us an inside look at the Titans' amazing Super Bowl season, and what the future holds for Nashville.
	January 2000	Is this our future? Founded only two years ago, SFX Entertainment has become the world's leading promoter, producer and presenter of live entertainment. And now, SFX is coming to Nashville. Hear all about it from SFX's Brian O'Connell.
	December 19999	"Stress Management - Tis The Season" - Well known on Music Row as "the stress relief gurus" to people in the music business - The House of Bliss' Corrine Champigny and Angela Whittaker show us how happiness and stress management are truly an inside job!
	November 1999	"All For The Hall" - A fascinating look behind the scenes of the new $37 million dollar Country Music Hall of Fame. Panelists Include: Kyle Young - Executive Director Scott Siman - All For The Hall
	October 1999	Technology - High Definition Television - How This New Technology Will Affect Our Business Panelists Include: Robert Swope - Sunrise Entertainment Christopher Toyne - Sunrise Entertainment
	September 1999	The Policies Of The Grand Ole Opry - How Do You Get In, Get On, Get Around Panelists Include: Pete Fisher - Opryland Productions Steve Buchanon - Opryland Productions
	August 1999	"The Music Business – Then & Now" - A Lighthearted Look At The Evolution Of Our Industry Panelist Included: The Legendary Porter Wagoner Greg Rowles - Star Search Grand Prize Winner
	July 1999	"The Politics Of Music" - With the election just around the corner – come join us for an interesting discussion of Politics and the Music Industry from the candidates themselves. Tandy Rice Adam Dredd Ronnie Steine
	June 1999	Our Annual NATD/IEBA Breakfast - sponsored by CMT - in appreciation of our fellow professionals at IEBA - International Entertainment Buyers Association.
	May 1999	"Sponsorship - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly - What Is The Real Cost?" - Panelists Include: Mark Oswald - TBA Entertainment Liz Cunningham - NEST Event Mkt.
	April 1999	"Entertainment Contract Procedures" Panelists Include: S. Ralph Gordon - Gordon, Martin, Jones & Harris Philip K. Lyon - Jack, Lyon & Jones Alan Phillips - Jack,Lyon & Jones Bob Sullivan - Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
	March 1999	"Radio & Television" Panelist Include: Paul Hastaba, Vice President/GM of CMT (Television) Paul Allen, Country Radio Seminar (Radio)
	February 1999	"Managers: Are You Working With Us Or Against Us?" Panelist Include: Scott Siman - RPM Management, Larry Fitzgerald - Fitzgerald-Hartley Simon Renshaw - Senior Management