CMA songwriters head south

Monday, August 12, 2013 – The CMA Songwriters Series makes its debut in Texas on Sept. 11 at Antone's in Austin. Celebrating its ninth year, the CMA Songwriters Series will feature special guests Lee Brice, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann and host Bob DiPiero.

Houser, a two-time CMA Awards nominee, has charted two number one songs, the title track from his 2013 release "How Country Feels" and his current single Runnin' Outta Moonlight. Houser has also written songs for Trace Adkins, Justin Moore and Chris Young.

"Lee, Jerrod, and I have been writing together for a long time - way before any of us had hits," said Houser. "So it's really cool to be able to come together and each have a number one to play and share the stories behind a lot of the songs, too."

Niemann, a 2010 CMA New Artist of the Year nominee, has penned songs for Garth Brooks (Good Ride Cowboy and Jamey Johnson (My Saving Grace). Niemann has also recorded the hits Shinin' On Me What Do You Want and his Platinum chart topper Lover, Lover.

"I'm in the process of writing and recording for a new album, so to have the opportunity to play an event as intimate as the CMA Songwriters Series is special," said Niemann. "Randy, Lee and I cut our teeth in this industry together and Bob is one of our heroes, so we're all excited to come together for this night to celebrate the music."

Brice made history when Brooks recorded his song More Than a Memory, which became the first song to debut at number one on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. The title track off of his own album, "Love Like Crazy," was named Billboard's most played country song of 2010. He also has gone number one with A Woman Like You, Hard To Love and I Drive Your Truck. Other artists that have recorded his songs include Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Blake Shelton.

CMA Songwriters Series host and member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame DiPiero (Southern Voice, recorded by Tim McGraw, Blue Clear Sky, recorded by George Strait, and Lovin' You Is Fun,recorded by Easton Corbin) will also perform. He has 15 number one hits.

Tickets for the Sept. 11 CMA Songwriters Series at Antone's are on sale tomorrow and are $20 in advance and $25 day of show. VIP tickets are available for $150. To order tickets visit CMASongwritersSeries.com or ticketfly.com.