Even though rain might have dampened Mitch Rossell's set two weeks ago at Riverbend, the former Chattanoogan continues to have a great year. Having already co-written a No. 1 hit for Garth Brooks in "Ask Me How I Know," Rossell is given co-writing credits for "Dive Bar," a new duet featuring Brooks with Blake Shelton.
It will be released on June 18 at 6 a.m. Rossell wrote it with Bryan Kennedy and Brooks. The song is contained on Brooks' new studio album "Fun."
* Speaking of good things happening to good and talented people, Roland Carter was one of three people honored at the Robert Sims and Friends Celebrate Masters of the Spiritual on June 2 at the Lincoln Center. The event was presented by Canti Classics in association with The Living Heritage Foundation and Opera Noire.
Carter is professor emeritus at UTC and is the founder and CEO of MAR-VEL, a publisher that specializes in the music of African-American composers and traditions.
The other two honorees were Lena McLin and Jacqueline Hairston. The evening included performances by George Shirley, Marquita Lister, Cynthia Clarey, Chauncey Packer and many others.
* Bonnaroo starts Thursday and, as I do every year, I plan to regularly post pictures and text updates on Facebook at facebook.com/barrycourter and on Twitter @Barryjc. I'll also have photos and stories in the paper each day.
That's the plan anyway. It always depends on having good internet access, and reports are that the event is nearing a sell-out, which means nearly 80,000 people will also be accessing their phones and computers.
* Since I'm into self-promotion this week, I've posted another podcast on peoplewithbarry.com. I spent an hour or so with Max Poppel and Dan Rose talking about their business ventures with The Crash Pad and the Flying Squirrel.
We talked about everything from the importance of staff, especially as it relates to keeping everyone on point about what the mission is, to why they decided to build instead of renovate. Both buildings are beautiful and unique and both businesses helped revitalize the Southside.
Both Poppel and Rose are quick to point out they were not the first, nor do they claim to have been pioneers who had a plan or a vision. In fact, neither knew anything about running a business, much less a hostel or a restaurant, when they started.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.