Education and Music Key Highlights of CRS-38

Combine two major research presentations, one keynote address featuring Jon Bon Jovi, over twenty educational panels, three performance driven luncheons, one Jam featuring superstar Toby Keith (with surprise guests Bobby Bare and Crystal Gayle, among others), five New Faces and many varied sponsored and late night events and you have CRS-38.

Over 2800 radio and music executives attended the Country industry's premier convention February 28 - March 2 at the Nashville Convention Center.

Opportunities for Country music growth were highlighted in the two research projects presented at CRS-38 by Edison Music Research. The Hispanic study identified opportunities for Country radio and labels in that rapidly growing demographic. An in-depth study of Country radio's core listeners (P1 Research) yielded a positive outlook for the Country radio format and confirmed the Internet as an increasingly popular source of new music discovery. The latter project was co-sponsored by the CRB (Country Radio Broadcasters) and CMA (Country Music Association).

The educational content of CRS-38 was lauded by many for its relevance and diversity. Popular panels included: No Holds Barred (sponsored by BMI), Ronnie Milsap Life of A Legend, Embracing New Technologies, Anatomy of a Record Label, Artist Interviews 101 (sponsored by Dakota Sky Records), Theories of Music Scheduling and Don't Get Tangled in the Web. The Bullseye Marketing sponsored Extreme Networking round table concept proved to also be very popular.

The keynote, sponsored by Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, a conversation between Jon Bon Jovi and Gerry House was well received and covered a broad range of topics from songwriting to his decision to avoid political statements as an entertainer.

Talent was abundant with luncheon performances by Lee Brice and Steve Holy (sponsored by Curb), Chris Young and Terri Clark (sponsored by SonyBMG) and Luke Bryan and Trace Adkins (sponsored by Capitol Nashville).

The ASCAP sponsored KCRS Live showcased John Anderson, John Rich, Rivers Rutherford and Gretchen Wilson. It was Gretchen's first time to perform in the "writers in the round" setting.

The BMI and Country Aircheck co-sponsored WCRS Live featured Sarah Buxton, Pat Green, Jeffrey Steele and legend Mac Davis.

This acoustic setting allows the radio participants to see the music from the songwriter's point of view - a perspective they generally never get.

Superstar Toby Keith packed the performance hall at the ACM/United Stations sponsored Music City Jam. Guests for the show included Montgomery Gentry, Flynville Train, Carter's Chord, Lindsey Haun, a very humorous Bobby Bare and Crystal Gayle, who dueted with Toby on her classic 'Just You and I ' among other songs.

The New Faces show, sponsored by R&R and the CMA, was its usual mixture of fun, frivolity and great performances by Eric Church, Trent Tomlinson, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert and Rodney Atkins. ABC Radio Networks' American Country Countdown host Kix Brooks emceed the program after Charlie Monk’s "Let us Pray" monologue.

In summing up the success of CRS-38, CRB Executive Director Ed Salamon stated "From all accounts, this was one of our most successful events. To actually grow attendance to this event by 7% and increase sponsorships, is a measurable indication of the growing support of both country radio and the music community for the Country Radio Seminar. We already have some great plans in development for CRS-39."

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Summary of Awards presented during CRS-38:

Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award - Larry Wilson (presented by Jack Hannah)

Artists Humanitarian Award - Toby Keith

Radio Humanitarian Awards:
Small Market - KTTS Springfield, MO
Medium Market - WIVK Knoxville, TN
Large Market - WQYK Tampa, FL

CRB Career Achievement Award - Kenny Rogers

CRB, Inc. President's Award - Charlie Monk

Radio Hall of Fame Inductees - Larry Daniels, Bob Moody and Les Acree

DJ Hall of Fame Inductees - Joe Ladd and Big John Trimble