CMA songwriters head to Big Apple

Friday, April 5, 2013 – The CMA Songwriters Series returns to Joe's Pub in New York City for a two-night event on May 7 and 8 with Phil Vassar, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and host Bob DiPiero.

Tickets go on sale today and show times for both nights will be 6:30 and 9 p.m. eastern.

"Nashville's songwriters are the best in the world, and CMA is excited to showcase them again in New York City at the famed Joe's Pub," said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "It's great to see how this series has grown since it began in 2005. What started at Joe's Pub in New York has expanded to other cities over the years. We have even taken the series overseas with shows in the U.K., Ireland, and Paris."

Vassar will headline a night of Country Music favorites and the stories behind the hit songs. As a singer/songwriter, Vassar has hit the Top 5 seven times with songs like Carlene, Last Day of My Life and American Child and topped the charts with In a Real Love and Just Another Day in Paradise.

As a songwriter Vassar's has enjoyd number ones with My Next Thirty Years recorded by Tim McGraw, Right On The Money by Alan Jackson and Jo Dee Messina's Bye, Bye and I'm Alright. David Nail had a hit with Vassar's The Sound of a Million Dreams.

"Songs should evoke something, whether it makes you happy and puts you in a good mood, or makes you cry and feel desperation...you know, whether you're going through a marriage, or a divorce, or you're in love, or you hate somebody, or whatever it is...songs should evoke something," said Vassar."

Joining Vassar will be McAnally (Last Call recorded by Lee Ann Womack and Come Over recorded by Kenny Chesney) who recently produced artist Kacey Musgraves' debut album and co-wrote 9 of the album's 12 tracks including the first two singles, Merry Go Round and Blowin' Smoke. Clark penned Better Dig Two recorded by The Band Perry, The Day She Got Divorced recorded by Reba McEntire, and Mama's Broken Heart, recorded by Miranda Lambert), and DiPiero (Southern Voice recorded by Tim McGraw, Blue Clear Sky recorded by George Strait, and Lovin' You Is Fun recorded by Easton Corbin).

Tickets are $40 and $35 each. For information about Joe's Pub or to order tickets, visit joespub.com or call (212) 967-7555 between 10 a.m.-9 a.m. eastern. Joe's Pub is located at 425 Lafayette St. in New York City.

The CMA Songwriters Series will also play in Boston, Chicago, Austin and Nashville with details to be announced at a later date.