"Next Nashville" Web series kicks off Oct. 11

Beginning in October, audiences from across the globe can enjoy the Nashville artist showcases that Music City, Tennessee is famous for via the World-wide Web. “Next New Nashville” (presented by Porter Gentry Productions, Black River Music Group and Bose Factory Store at Opry Mills) is scheduled to debut on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 2:30pm. Spanning from talented young artists in the beginning stages of their careers to emerging artists well on their way, “Next New Nashville” will introduce the next rising stars of the music industry.

The first two webisodes of “Next New Nashville” will be recorded in front of a live audience in the rotunda of Opry Mills, located on Briley Parkway, Nashville, TN, a stone’s throw away from the Grand Ole Opry. Music industry veteran, Bernard Porter (Porter-Gentry Productions) and Lea Little (national TV personality) are slated to co-host the shows; special guest Teddy Gentry (founding member of Alabama, producer and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame) will share his expertise with the young hopefuls and Mike Harris will be acting emcee.

About The Hosts:

Lea Little is no stranger to television audiences; she has more than 7,400 hours on-air experience and has appeared in more than 60 million homes via the Shop At Home, HGTV and PBS networks. Her warm personality and Southern charm have made Lea a Nashville favorite. A professional in all mediums, Little has also produced and created programs with a musical focus throughout her career. She resides in Nashville with music producer/husband Anthony Little.

Bernard Porter, who has had a 20-plus year tenure in the music and entertainment industry, was a partner in The Consortium (one of Music City’s premiere management & marketing firms—2002-2005). In affiliation with Broken Bow Records, the firm created an imprint label named BBR/C4 (Sony Red Distribution). As acting director of A&R for the independent label, Porter was instrumental in signing Jason Aldean and Megan Mullins. In 2005, Porter formed Porter Consulting Group, Inc.; he has served as consultant for a number of successful independent artists as well as consulting large corporations. Porter is currently partnered with Teddy Gentry (Alabama) in Porter Gentry Productions as Chief Operating Officer for their many ventures.

“Next New Nashville” October Series:

The “Next New Nashville” two-part concert series (to be held at Opry Mills-Nashville) will launch on Sunday, October 11 beginning at 2:30pm with the second show to be filmed on October 25.

The October 11 concert will highlight performances by singer/songwriter and recording artist Sarah Darling (who is signed with Black River Music Group and released her CD entitled EVERY MONDAY MORNING in July), recording artist Matt Gary (of 17 Music Entertainment whose self-titled CD will be released in Spring 2010) along with burgeoning acts, Samantha Landrum and Jordan Humphrey. The live shows (both of which are free and open to the public) will feature a mix of performances and interviews offering the audience an up-close and personal introduction to each and every artist.

The virtual format will expand and reinforce Nashville’s unique musical offering to music enthusiasts globally. The series will place concentration on “making it” as an artist in a high stakes industry platform, offer constructive direction and feedback while demonstrating and overcoming true-to-life obstacles.

“We want to bring the heritage and talents of Music City right to the audience’s front door. At the touch of a button, viewers can be part of a traditional Nashville experience,” said show co-host Bernard Porter. “While the webisodes will connect viewers to the program enabling them to see the full show as recorded in Nashville, the overall concept behind ‘Next New Nashville’ is to revive artist in-store appearances. These modern-day in-stores will open the door for a number of newcomers to garner exposure. The Nashville series is the model of things to come. ‘Next New Nashville’ has the potential to become a national on-the-road show offering artists a showcase opportunity that is virtually international.”

Featuring special guest appearances by veteran artists who will share the stories behind their personal journey and lend their advice, “Next New Nashville” is cued up to provide an intimate inside look at the various stages of some of Nashville’s most talented new artists.

“Next New Nashville” will be broadcast on the official web site (www.nextnewnashville.com ) and can also be seen on YouTube.

For more information on “Next New Nashville” visit: www.nextnewnashville.com.