Entertainment Extra

On the Cover 2 TV ENCORE New drama pulls back the curtain on Music City There's a lot to love about the By Andrew Warren TV Media south — there's that leg- endary hospitality and, of course, it's home to some good ol' country music. And there's one city that's synonymous with that great genre of music. ABC's "Nashville," an exciting new drama that is airing on Wednesday nights, promises to pull back the curtains on Music City's best known and most iconic industry. "Nashville" tells a tale that's probably as old as the music industry itself. One reigning queen's star is fading while another, younger singer's is ris- ing, and the rivalry that's sparked between them is mir- rored by other events in their lives. But that's not the only story this drama's telling. Nashville has earned the name Music City for a reason, and "Nashville" deals with all of the power struggles that come about when there's fame and fortune on the line. It may be an old tale, but that doesn't mean that this story is stale. Far from it. In fact, "Nashville" was named one of five honorees to earn a spot in the "Most Exciting New Series" category at the "Critics Choice Television Awards." So clearly some of the Nashville magic that's rubbed off on so many Music City stars has worked its way into the show, too. Leading the cast is Connie Britton as country music legend Rayna Jaymes. Jaymes is a country music superstar. This Queen of Country's spent two decades dominating the top of the charts, and her songs have been played and sung all across America. Lately, though, trou- ble's been brewing. Her latest album and tour have both struggled — and, well, her hus- band is a bit of a dead beat. The character Jaymes is influ- enced by country music legends Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Kitty Wells, all legends in coun- try music. Britton's no slouch herself: the stunning actress has been nominated for three Emmy awards (twice for "Friday Night Lights," once for "American Horror Story") and also played roles in such critically acclaimed shows as "24," "The West Wing" and "Spin City." Unfortunately for the aging songstress, nature abhors a vac- uum. Starring next to Britton is Hayden Panettiere as the up- and-coming Juliette Barnes. Barnes has only been in Nashville for three years, but in that short time she's already had two sold-out tours and seen more than 20 million downloads of her hit tracks. The ambitious young star wants more, though, and Jaymes is sit- ting right in her crosshairs. Panettiere began acting in commercials when she was only 11 months old, so she's certain- ly no newcomer to the TV screen. She's starred in "Guiding Light," "One Life to Live" and, of course, NBC's "Heroes," but she hasn't stopped at the small screen. Her film credits are extensive, among them starring roles in "Remember the Titans" (2000), "Joe Somebody" (2001) and "The Dust Factory" (2004). Alongside these two leading ladies is an incredibly strong supporting cast. At Jaymes' side is her songwriter, bandleader and onetime lover Deacon Claybourne. In the role is Charles "Chip" Esten, whose face is probably most recogniz- able as a frequent guest on the improv comedy show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" But to assume that that's all he's known for would be to ignore his vast body of work. Esten's had recurring roles on "ER" and "The Office," but perhaps his biggest accomplishment was when he performed for Queen Elizabeth and, later, President George H.W. Bush while por- traying Buddy Holly in the hit musical "Buddy." Also in Jaymes' life are her ambitious but down-on-his-luck husband Teddy Conrad (Eric Close) and industrialist father Lamar Wyatt (Powers Boothe). Conrad's had mixed success in business and has pretty much earned himself a reputation as Mr. Rayna Jaymes, but with the urging of his powerful, control- ling father-in-law, he's ready to take a gamble and hit the reset button. Powers Boothe stars as Lamar Wyatt in "Nashville" Close is notable for his long- time roles in "Without a Trace" and "Now and Again," while Boothe is probably best known for his role as the president on "24" and his Emmy-winning performance in "Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones." And Jaymes and Barnes aren't the only acts in town. The drama also follows young hope- fuls Scarlett O'Connor (Clare Bowen, 2010's "The Clinic"), Gunnar Scott (Sam Palladio, Showtime's "Episodes") and Avery Barkley (Jonathan Jackson, "General Hospital"). Robert Wisdom (HBO's "The Wire") rounds out the cast as conflicted metro councilor Coleman Carlisle. When music, money, politics and power come together, it's a volatile mix that makes for some explosive drama. The debut season of "Nashville" is already underway on ABC and Wednesday nights have gotten a lot more country. NOW PART OF THE LARGEST BUYING GROUP IN INDIANA That means for our customers INDIANA s Burnett's Vodka (20 Flavors) $7.99 750 ML. Hamm's 30 pack (warm) 3 Convenient locations for all your party needs! $10.99 GREATER SELECTION!! ! D&J Liquors LOWER PRICES AND EAST - 3800 E. Market | WEST - U.S. 24 West | DOWNTOWN - 509 North St. Everyday! Prices Sale

• Cover