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Curb College Alumni Take Over NYC

New York City received a quadruple threat of Belmont alumni musicians this week as four surging acts played shows in the Big Apple. Many of the alumni are graduates of Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.

Moon Taxi, which recently signed a label deal with RCA Records, played a sold out show Tuesday night at Bowery Ballroom. The quintet was founded in 2006 at Belmont, where they had originally practiced together in the residence halls. The members include vocalist/guitarist Trevor Terndrup (’07), bassist Tommy Putnam (’06), lead guitarist Spencer Thomson (’06), percussionist Tyler Ritter (’08) and keyboardist Wes Bailey (’09).

Meanwhile, recent graduate Devin Dawson performed at a showcase Wednesday night for executives for Atlantic Records, a performance that comes just weeks following a special presentation in his honor during the Belmont songwriting program’s 10th anniversary celebration event. In honor of his success, Warner Music Nashville Chief Operating Officer Matt Signore and Senior Vice President A&R Cris Lacy presented an endowed $25,000 scholarship in Dawson’s name, and the university matched the contribution, creating a $50,000 endowed scholarship.

Devin DawsonDawson said, “The Belmont songwriting program has always been at the center of my heart. I don’t know if I would be in Nashville if I hadn’t heard about and been accepted into the degree program, and I certainly wouldn’t be the same artist had it not been for the informative years I spent honing my identity alongside my peers and the remarkable faculty. I was completely caught off guard when my Warner Music Nashville family teamed up with Dr. Fisher to announce a new scholarship in my name. My father was only able to go to college as a result of his academics and the scholarships he was awarded, so to now have a scholarship endowed in my name is a full circle moment for me. My family and I are beside ourselves. Thank you to Warner Music & Belmont University for creating an opportunity for young songwriters to pursue their musical dreams outside the stress of financial burdens. This is an honor that will live on for a long time.”

Judah and the Lion

Also on Wednesday night, Judah & The Lion played a sold out show at Irving Plaza Wednesday night as well. Made up of Belmont alumni, the band released its second studio album, Folk Hop n’ Roll last year and followed it up in early 2017 with a deluxe edition that includes four new tracks. The band’s single “Take It All Back” reached the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s alternative chart, and the members are wrapping up their 2017 U.S. dates this month before heading overseas for 16 European shows.

Wilder full bandFinally, on Saturday night, Atlantic Records’ band and Belmont alums Wilder will be wrapping up its fall tour with Kaleo in a performance at the Hammerstein Ballroom. The band recently recorded its first EP with Grammy-winning producer Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Buddy Guy, James Bay).

All four artists are being booked by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which also employs a number of Belmont alumni.

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