Ronnie Dunn Single

Though Brooks & Dunn may have come to an end, Ronnie Dunn is now making his own name for himself on the country music airwaves. His first single from his upcoming solo debut album, “Bleed Red,” is currently on the radio, with the music video and song currently available for purchase.

The full track listing and cover art has been revealed for the self-titled debut album, “Ronnie Dunn,” which is set to drop on June 7. The anticipation only began to rise when the music video for Dunn’s “Bleed Red” premiered Friday on CMT, CMT.com and CMT Pure as a part of the network’s Big New Music Weekend. This video was one of the six world premiere videos airing that are part of the only videos featured on CMT throughout the April 22-24 weekend music hours.

Fans can currently pre-order Dunn’s upcoming album online at Amazon.com. The complete album track listing is below:

1. Singer in a Cowboy Band
(Ronnie Dunn/Craig Wiseman)

2. I Don’t Dance
(Ronnie Dunn/David Lee Murphy/Craig Wiseman)

3. Your Kind of Love
(Maile Misajon/Jeremy Stover)

4. How Far to Waco
(Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride)

5. Once
(Jamie Floyd/Philip LaRue/Peter Sallis)

6. Cost of Livin’
(Phillip Coleman/Ronnie Dunn)

7. Bleed Red
(Andrew Dorff/Tommy Lee James)

8. Last Love I'm Tryin’
(Ronnie Dunn)

9. Let the Cowboy Rock
(Ronnie Dunn/Dallas Davidson)

10. I Can’t Help Myself
(Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride)

11. I Just Get Lonely
(Ronnie Dunn)

12. Love Owes Me One
(Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride/Bobby Pinson)

For more information about Dunn visit RonnieDunn.com.

Steel Magnolia raises cell phones

With the help of Chevrolet and CBS Radio, as well as a little work from the hand of God, Steel Magnolia has aided in the effort to gather over 800 cell phones for Chevrolet’s “Cell Phones for Soldiers” campaign. Along with this initiative, they have also raised funds to purchase pre-paid calling cards to send soldiers who are serving abroad.

Those students at collected the most phones from Ft. Pierce, FL’s John Carroll High School and Tampa, FL’s Braden River High School, thus winning acoustic performances from the southern duo who are composed of Meghan Lindsey and Joshua Scott Jones.

“We really love this campaign. We know what it’s like to be away from home. Being able to connect our soldiers with their loved ones back home and play for these students who worked so hard for this cause is a win-win all the way around,” Lindsey said.

The winning high school beat out eight over schools in the West Palm Beach area, which collected more than 500 cell phones that will be used to buy international calling cards for the servicemen and women across the world. Steel Magnolia, then, awarded both schools – over 1,000 students – a free concert, which included performances of their Top 10 hit “Keep On Lovin’ You,” and their newest single, “Last Night Again.”

“This was a terrific way for our Chevrolet dealers to partner with local high schools for the benefit of our men and women serving overseas. ‘Cell Phone For Soldiers’ is a great organization and we appreciate Steel Magnolia’s partnership with this event,” said Tom Gilbert, Chevrolet Southeast Regional Marketing Manager.

Girls' Night Out!

The best-of-the-best female country artists will be coming together to perform for one night on Friday April 22 on the CBS Television Network at 9 p.m. in “Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country – The Concert of the Year.” This show is meant to honor Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba, The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Jennifer Nettles and Carrie Underwood.

The women are all being recognized for different achievements. Lambert, for example, is being honored for being the only female artist in the Academy’s history to ever win Album of the year – twice (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” in ’07 and “Revolution” in ’09).

McBride is being recognized by ACM Lifting Lives for her dedication to raising social consciousness of domestic violence, while encouraging female empowerment.

Reba is being acknowledged for winning Female Vocalist more times than any other artist in the Academy’s history, which is an astonishing seven times.

The Judds are being recognized for being the ACM’s most award-winning female duo, having won Vocal Duo of the Year seven years in a row (1981-1990), as well as Song of the Year in 1984 for “Why Not Me.”

Loretta Lynn is being honored for her spectacular 50-year career as a leading female artist in country music, including being the only female artist to win Artist of the Decade, Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.

Jennifer Nettles is being acknowledged for being one of the only two female artist in history of the ACM to ever perform and solo write the winning Song of the Year, which was “Stay” in 2007.

Carrie Underwood is being honored for being the only female artist in the Academy’s history to win Entertainer of the Year – twice (2008, 2009) – and Female Vocalist three times, and winning a total of ten ACM Awards in all.

The special tribute performances will feature Jason Aldean, Ronnie Dunn, John Fogerty, The JaneDear girls, Little Big Town, Pistol Annies (also featuring Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley), Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, and – of course – the honored female artists, as well.

Tickets from the live event benefited ACM Lifting Lives. For more information visit acmcountry.com or liftinglives.org.

MerleFest 2011

It’s that time of year again – the rain is falling, the flowers are blooming and MerleFlest 2011 will be kicking off Thursday April 28 and run through Sunday May 1, all of which will happen on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

The list of performers fits the “traditional plus” definition that is hoped to be offered by the festival’s host, Doc Watson, as he does every year. The term was coined by Watson to describe the unique mix of music that is found at MerleFest, which ranges from traditional, to roots-oriented Appalachian sounds, as well as Americana, country, bluegrass, and “whatever other styles we were in the mood to play,” Doc said.

“MerleFest provides a true value to its customers and an affordable weekend getaway,” said festival director Ted Hagaman. “When you consider that you can see over 90 artists on 14 stages, the admission prices are extremely reasonable. Also, there are no hidden charges. We provide free parking, a free shuttle that will deliver you to the entrance, a free program guide as you enter, and all children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. In addition, our Little Pickers Area for children offers each child the opportunity to make crafts and participate in several interactive exhibits- all free of charge.”

Collectively, the award-winning lineup has earned47 Grammy Awards, over 50 International Bluegrass Music Awards, four Americana Music Association Awards, and many, many others. Doc Watson was even awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998, as well as received the National Medal of the Arts from President Bill Clinton in 1997, and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences at the 2004 Grammy Awards ceremony.

Those in attendance at MerleFest are promised to receive many unexpected and special surprises throughout the festival, as well as spontaneous jam sessions and one-of-a-kind musical collaborations. For the complete lineup and stage schedules, as well as more information about MerleFest, visit merelfest.org.

MerleFest 2011 tickets can be purchased at merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857, or at the gate. The gates open on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. and on Friday-Sunday at 9 a.m.

Gary Allan kicks-off CMA Daily Concerts

The CMA Music Festival will be celebrating its 40th birthday this summer, which kicks off Thursday, June 9 in downtown Nashville, and will a slew of shows through Sunday, June 12. The line-up for the numerous shows, such as the Daily Concerst on the Shevrolet Riverfront Stage, includes artists from the past and present, as well as up and coming acts.

The Daily Concerts series will kick-off June 9 at 10 a.m. with what is promised to be high energy and high entertainment from multi-Platinum recording artist Gary Allan. This will mark Allan’s first performance at the CMA Music Festival since 2006. The Daily Concerts on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage are free and open to the public.

"Gary Allan will provide a dynamic start to 2011 CMA Music Festival at the Daily Concerts on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage," said CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore. "This stage is packed with great hit-makers from the '70s through today, spotlighting all the decades of CMA Music Festival's existence. And it's free! We invite everyone to come and enjoy the great music on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage."

The Daily Concerts will come to an end on Friday June 10 with Darryl Worley, It will close on Saturday June 11 with Billy Ray Cyrus, and Terri Clark will close the show on Sunday June 12.

The artist lineups that are currently announced are listed below in alphabetical order:

Thursday, June 9: Gary Allan, Emerson Drive, Colt Ford, Jack Ingram, Sammy Kershaw, Craig Morgan, James Otto, Jake Owen, Randy Rogers Band, and Steel Magnolia.

Friday, June 10: Frankie Ballard, Bucky Covington, Brett Eldredge, Jo Dee Messina, Randy Montana, Heidi Newfield, Sawyer Brown, Phil Vassar, James Wesley, and Darryl Worley.

Saturday, June 11: Crystal Bowersox, Jason Michael Carroll, Billy Ray Cyrus, Steve Holy, Lonestar, David Nail, Corey Smith, Mel Tillis, and Chuck Wicks.

Sunday, June 12: The Bellamy Brothers, Terri Clark, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Josh Kelley, LoCash Cowboys, Jerrod Niemann, Troy Olsen, and Sunny Sweeney.

The entire performance order will be available on CMAFest.com, which is the offical website of the CMA Music Festival. More information, along with additional artists and up-to-date information, will be revealed closer to the event date.

John Rich, Gary Busey showdown on Celebrity Apprentice

Country rocker, and celebrity apprentice contestant, John Rich may now be realizing just what fellow country star and former celebrity apprentice contestant Trace Adkins meant when he said the show was an “exercise in restraint.” This became a bit too clear for Rich when it came to his teammate Gary Busey.

Last week’s episode, which aired on April 10, showed the precursor of tension that was yet to appear on the episode aired April 17. This episode showed the eccentric actor returning from the boardroom victoriously. This left Busey’s Backbone team groaning in unison. They were all hoping that Donald Trump would have kept musician Mark McGrath and “fired” Bussey. Rich even mentioned to the actor that he was creating conflict within the group. “You’re either cray or a saboteur,” Rich said. “And I don’t think you’re crazy.”

For the episode, when Busey was named project manager of the weeks challenge, the men’s team ensured enough room to let him fall. The group was to write, produce and star in a live cooking demonstration that featured Omaha Steak products, all the while creating special meals and variety packs with the product. Busey was found to be unorganized and ineffective, which left him frustrated by his team – especially when he, ironically, assigned the task of cooking to Meat Loaf, who had admitted he did not know how to cook. He also failed to give any responsibilities to the other two members of the group, Rich and Li’l Jon.

Rich, then, tried to create the menu for the dish Meat Loaf was cooking. Busey, then, continuously intruded on the singer, which caused to leave the menus to be a matter for the actor. Then, when the menus were printed incorrectly, Busey pointed to finger to Rich, who claimed the mistake to be that of Busey’s lack of proofreading.

“We have been locked in a room with a mad man,” Rich said. Reportedly, more feathers were ruffled when Busey denied referring to Rich as “boy” off-camera the previous day, but he did, however, admit to calling him “K-boy,” as an abbreviated version of “cowboy.” This, however, did not seem very plausible to, well, anyone.

When it was time to leave the kitchen, with no time to prepare or rehearse, the men were forced to go into the presentation cold turkey. However, Meat Load was able to impress the Omaha Steak executives, who said that he could become a spokesperson for the company due to the amazing success he had. Then, it was Busey’s turn to step up and describe the occasions surrounding each meal. Busey went on to share time-consuming and rather bizarre, absurd stories – including one about a family flying a kite after a Father’s Day dinner, which all left the audience scratching their heads.

Then, it was time for the boardroom. In there, the women’s team, A.S.A.P, was declared to be the winner. The guys were able to let out their frustration with Busey. Here is where Rich described Busey’s skills as project manager as a “catastrophic collapse of time management.” Li’l Jon then chimed in, saying the actor was “orbiting in outer space,” the entire time of the challenge. When Busey finally had what was coming to him from the Chairman of the Board – fired – the others waited in the room until Busey entered the elevator to avoid any awkward confrontations and accusations.

To find out what happens next on Celebrity Apprentice, watch on Sundays on NBC at 9 p.m. Next Sunday, both teams are given the challenge to take on the task of creating an ad campaign for the Trump Hotel Collection.

As for country superstar Rich, he agreed to appear on Celebrity Apprentice in order to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The singer-songwriter-producer also wrote and recorded “For the Kids,” [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/for-the-kids-single/id426540944] with all the proceeds of the song’s download from iTunes to benefit the hospital.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/18/john-rich-gary-busey-celebrity-apprentice/

Urban takes a breather

Keith Urban kicked off a tour in his homeland of Australia this month, as a part of his Get Closer world tour. This has left many eager crows, with high-level energy, anticipation, and excitement anxiously awaiting and participating throughout every moment of Urban’s shows. However, when Urban finds audience members sitting idly, maybe tapping their feet, and minding their own business, Urban knows something is a bit off.

“It’s the prison warden security,” Urban said to AdelaideNow. "God forbid that everyone can have a good time. A concert is supposed to be two hours of unbridled freedom, to be in the moment, to have the best night. You should be allowed to do that."

Being back home, Urban took advantage of his own freedom, and took his band and labelmates Lady Antebellum, who is also touring with Urban, down to the Sutton Forest farm owned by Urban and his wife Nicole Kidman. Here, the group reportedly spent their time riding motorcycles and dirt-biking. The Adelaide paper also reports that later on, during a show, Urban ribbed Antebellum’s Charles Kelley onstage during their show, joking how silly the long-legged singer looked riding a short bike.

While all the traveling can leave Urban feeling a bit jetlagged every now and then, and with the newest addition to his family – baby Faith Margaret – schedules have been adjusted and arranged to accommodate the little one, and the family. “You know the meaning of minority rules when a baby is in the house,” Urban said.

While Urban and his family are in a constant struggle to keep what is private, private, there is also so much that can be revealed without revealing too much. Recently, Urban let fans in one some of his family’s intimate moments through the video for his most recent single, “Without You.” He told AdelaideNow that the director shot footage of Urban with daughter Sunday Rose on set that day, which stirred up quite a bit of emotion in the southern singer.

"I had Sunny with me on set and sat her down and just wanted to shoot a bit of her to keep for ourselves for our home movies,” Urban said. “And watching her was the part that really moved me. I wanted all the images to fly by in a very dream-like way and not be so blatant. This song is obviously so personal, and we're obviously very private people, so it was a question of how to balance that and honor the authenticity of the song."

While the Australian portion of Urban’s tour has come to an end, fans can view footage from several of the shows at keithurban.net. Up next for Urban is an appearance on “CMT Crossroads” with partner John Mayer on April 30 in Las Vegas. This is in correlation as part of the 2011 Tiger Jam at Mandalay Bay, a night of music and festivities to benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/18/keith-urban-australia-tour-2011/

Save The Music Songwriter's Series to feature The Band Perry

On June 2, the New York based non-profit organization The VH1 Save the Music Foundation will be hosting a fundraising concert in Nashville, featuring The Band Perry at the Hard Rock Café. Tickets to the Songwriters Music Series are $100.

The Save the Music Foundation will also be hosting other events throughout the coming months to raise money and awareness. Such as on May 10 at the Hard Rock Café in New York City, Glee star Matthew Morrison will be performing. In September, a similar concert to those in New York and Nashville will be taking place in Los Angeles.

The VH1 Save the Music Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to restoring musical instruments and educational programs in public schools throughout the United States. While doing this, they are also dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of music as a part of each child’s complete education.

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1662084/the-band-perry-will-play-vh1-save-the-music-concert-in-nashville.jhtml?rsspartner=rssFeedfetcherGoogle

Keith Urban Admires Eric Church

Just because a person may have ‘made it big’ in the country music industry doesn’t mean that person is not fans of other musicians. For example, country musician Eric Church recently found out that fellow country music star Keith Urban is a big fan of his music.

“That’s huge praise,” Church told CMT on April 13, once finding out. “I’ve said this before, but I’m a straight-up music snob. There are not a lot of things I like, and I love with Keith does. I always have.”

Church and Urban have both found their ways into their own niches of the music industry, but this does not mean that their fans, and their admiration of each other, does not overlap. "You know,” Church said, “he's always been a guy that has a lot of respect because he's a musician, he's a writer, he makes great records, he tours. He's the real deal. ... So to have someone like that pay attention and care what you're doing means a lot.

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/cmt-offstage/1662057/offstage-eric-church-loves-keith-urbans-love-the-most.jhtml?rsspartner=rssFeedfetcherGoogle

Taylor Swift Won't Bare It All

Despite her high rising career, Taylor Swift won’t be proving her adulthood as most celebrities her age are, which is by shedding their clothing. The 21-year-old songstress assures that she will not become as provocative as her peers anytime soon, or ever for that matter.

"I wouldn't wear tiny amounts of clothing in my real life, so I don't think it's necessary to wear that stuff in photo shoots," Swift said to US magazine.

However, the one place where Swift does bare it all is in her music, which seems to be working to her benefit. Swift received her first ACM Entertainer of the Year award earlier this year, as well as awards for celebrating 20 million album sales, as well as 35 million songs sold worldwide.

Currently, Swift is on tour for her nearly sold-out Speak Now World Tour 2011.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/13/taylor-swift-clothing/

Julie Roberts multiple sclerosis

It’s been about 5 years since we last heard new music from Julie Roberts, which has left many fans in speculation about her hiatus. Julie Roberts recently took to her blog to inform fans one of the main reasons for her absence.

"A circumstance that I was dealing with when recording my second album was I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis," Julie said. "It all started when I was on the road touring for my first album. I'd be in the middle of a show and couldn't hold my microphone anymore. I'd have to switch the microphone between my hands, back and forth to get through a song."

The blonde bombshell admitted that her health troubles took some of her confidence, as well as casted a negative shadow on the process of recording for her second album. Roberts admits to not listening to her sophomore album in over a year.

"I believe I haven't listened to the 'Men and Mascara' album in over a year because I thought I didn't do a good job with it," Roberts said. "As I was recording that record, my mind was on my record, then it would switch to my health, then back to my record," therefore, not giving it her full attention and dedication.

Along with her health concerns, Roberts was faced with more hardships when she lost her home and personal belongings in the Middle Tennessee 2010 Flood, which took many of the residences homes in the area.

However, her personal setbacks have not held her back completely from her music. She has since learned to love her second album, and now offers fans hope for new music in the close future.

"My tentative plan is to have my record ready by Memorial Day weekend to sell at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and on iTunes, of course," says Julie. "If that changes, I will update you, but plan that for now! I am excited and anxious to tell you all the details of the recording of every song."

The entire blog post can be read here: http://julierobertsjourney.blogspot.com/

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/13/julie-roberts-multiple-sclerosis/

Soul Surfer Box Office Hit

Carrie Underwood is not only a multi-award winning, and extremely talented, country crooner, but now she is also an actress in a box office hit. Soul Surfer, which features Underwood’s first film role, erned $11.1 million over its opening weekend.

The film earned $5,014 per theater, which the Wall Street Journal says is the best of any wide release.

The film tells the inspirational story of Bethany Hamilton. Hamilton is a surfer who lost an arm due to a shark attack several years ago. Underwood plays Hamilton’s youth minister. Hamilton is played in the movie by Anna Sophia Robb, who appeared at the ACM Awards previously this month.

Soul Surfer received an A-plus rating from CinemaScore. This polling website asks viewers to assign a letter grade to new movies, which intends to project the projects’ earnings.

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1661739/soul-surfer-earns-111-million-in-opening-weekend.jhtml?rsspartner=rssFeedfetcherGoogle

CMA Music Festival Nightly Concert Tickets

The 2011 CMA Music Festival will be taking place in downtown Nashville June 9-12. This event will be celebrating its 40th birthday, as well. It will also be, once again, filmed for an ABC television special, which is to air later in the summer.

The Nightly Concerts at LP Field during CMA Music Festival are, undoubtedly, the best way to enjoy and receive the full CMA Music Festival experience, and at an unbeatable price. On Saturday, April 16 at 11 a.m. ET, tickets for these Nightly Concerts will go on sale to the public for $35 (plus handling fees) for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field. Fans are able to purchase these tickets through Ticketmaster or at Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. They can also be purchased through CMAfest.com or 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378).

"You simply cannot beat the value of a CMA Music Festival single ticket to the Nightly Concerts," CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore said. "Thirty-five dollars to enjoy a night filled with performances from today's superstars and rising talents is an unbelievable price. With such a low cost, we anticipate that these tickets well sell quickly, so fans interested should consider purchasing now."

The artists shceudled to appear at LP Field are as follows:

Thursday, June 9: Jason Aldean, Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, and Zac Brown Band.

Friday, June 10: Sheryl Crow, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Ashton Shepherd, Keith Urban, and more to be announced soon.

Saturday, June 11: Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Josh Turner, and Chris Young.

Sunday, June 12: The Band Perry, the JaneDear girls, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, and more to be announced.


Artists are scheduled and subject to change, and additional artists will be announced in the near future.

Those in attendance of the CMA Music Festival can also know that they are providing needed instruments and musical education supplies to Nashville students. CMA Music Festival is a charity event which benefits music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education.

More than $4.9 million has been donated to date. These proceeds to go purchase musical instruments and supplies. This also includes an annual endowment gift for the Country Music Fall of Fame and Museum’s Words & Music program. The program, which is titled “Keep the Music Played,” was founded in 2005 for the CMA Music Festival and its participating artists, so that they are all able to give back to the community.

For more information about CMA Festival, visit CMAfest.com.

Need You Now Most Downloaded Country Single

The Grammy award-winning hit “Need You Now” has now accomplished another amazing feat. This week, it became the No. 1 most downloaded country song of all time, surpassing Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” which previously held the top spot.

This track, from Lady Antebellum’s Triple Platinum “Need You Now” sophomore album, recently earned Grammy’s for “Song of the Year,” Record of the Year,” as well as “Country Song of the Year.”

On Last Sunday’s 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, the band received awards for Album of the Year: Need You Now, as well as their second consecutive Vocal Group of the Year award.

As for now, the country music trio is making the trip to Austrailia for the first time, to partner with Keith Urban’s Get Closer 2011 World Tour. The tour kicked off April 8 in Adelaide. For more information and a full list of upcoming appearances, visit ladyantebellum.com.

Lady A's Hillary Scott Not Engaged

It seems to be yet another case of the I-Told-You-So’s! Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott donned a shimmering diamond ring – on her left ring finger – at last Sunday’s Academy of Country Music Awards. The presence of this band on her finger generated many whispers and speculations about whether or not the counter singer is engaged.

Backstage, however, Scott was adamant in saying she was, in fact, not engaged. All the way, band mate Charles Kelley resoundingly excalimted, “I told her not to wear that! I told her it was going to start rumors!”

“"First of all, I'm not engaged! On the record," Scott said to The Boot. "Whenever you wear fancy jewelry like this, you just put it on the finger that fits, and this is the finger it fit on. I'm not engaged yet."

Although, an engagement for Scott is not too far fetched of a concept. Scott has been dating drummer Chris Tyrrell since last year. The two rang in the New York together in Florida, and Scott has raved about him being a romantic. Over Christmas, the two were in Saratoga, NY, where Tyrrell planned a day and event full of events for them – including a horse-drawn carriage.

However, in the mean time, Lady Antebellum is hitting the road with Keith Urban’s Get Closer 2011 world tour. When they return to the states, they will continue to work on their third follow-up album to the multi-platinum, “Need You Now.”

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/08/lady-antebellum-hillary-scott-not-engaged/

Zac Brown Band Number 1

The Zac Brown Band can add another notch to their belt, given that they have just recently earned their seventh consecutive #1 hit with their latest song, “Colder Weather,” on Mediabase this week.

The song was co-written by Brown, as well as longtime collaborator Wyatt Durrette, band member Coy Bowles and Levi Lowrey from Brown’s label, Southern Ground Artists. “Colder Weather” is particularly special for Bowles, due to the fact that it marks his first #1 hit as a songwriter. "It's a very personal song for all of us," Bowles said. "It's something that really resonates because of where it came from. I think it's some of the best music we have ever made."

This is the second single from “You Get What You Give,” which also tops the Billboard Hot Country chart, simply days after the band’s performance on the Academy of Country Music Awards. They performed “Colder Weather” in a duet with James Taylor, which Brown recalls as the “best musical moment of my whole career.”

“Colder Weather” is the follow-up single from Zac Brown Band’s #1 hit, “As She’s Walking Away,” which features Alan Jackson. The song was awarded Vocal Collaboration of the Year during the Sunday ceremony of the ACM Awards.

The Judds Are Back

Country music’s most loved mother-daughter duo, The Judds, are back with the release of a new album, “I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection.” The newest compilation of The Judds will feature twelve classics, as well as two new songs, “I Will Stand By You and “Back Home,” which features Alison Krauss. The Essential Collection is in stores now.

These new recordings mark the first time the two have recorded together since 2004, the last time being when Naomi and Wynonna recorded “Flies On The Butter,” which is also in the new album. Other tracks on the album include fan favorites such as, “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days),” “Turn It Loose,” and their anthem, “Love can Build A Bridge.”

Recently, The Judds were recognized as the most award-winning female duo in ACM history. They also joined the ranks of Miranda Lambert, Jennifer Nettles, Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride and Reba for the ACM Girls Night Out: Superstar Women of Country, which will air on CBS April 22.

The Judds will also be appearing in their own television documentary entitled “The Judds.” This show will appear on the new Oprah Winfrey network (OWN). The show will capture Wynonna and Naomi’s moments together as they experience and perform on their first tour in 10 years. The 2-hour premiere of “The Judds” starts Sunday April 9 at 9 p.m. EST on OWN.

Alan Jackson pops in new label

Alan Jackson recently found a new label to call home under Capitol/EMI Records. Recently, he decided to show his thanks and appreciation during a normal Friday-at-work surprise visit.

Jackson showed up unannounced at the offices and visited with every staff member. He made his way starting at the reception desk, going to very office, meeting and every person between. He took time to shake hands and speak with everyone from CEO Mike Dungan to those who sweep and clean the restrooms.

To make the sweet surprise even sweeter, he sent everyone lunch from Jim-n-Nick’s barbecue restaurant, with all the fixin’s. This included chocolate cake with banana and chocolate pies. And no, it doesn’t stop there, he also sent a large cooler of assorted iced beer. I bet the staff members who decided to take that Friday as a sick day are not too pleased!

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/hot-dish/1661167/hot-dish-alan-jackson-makes-strong-first-impression-at-his-new-label-home.jhtml

Honey to the Bee races to #1

Blake Shelton recently co-hosted the ACM Awards in Las Vegas. The night was also extra memorable for Shelton, given the fact that he performed and debuted his new single, “Honey Bee.” This single, which was written by Rhett Atkins and Ben Hayslip, is from is upcoming album.

That night, after the live telecast, “Honey Bee” was made available for download. It then immediately rose to the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Country Singles Chart. For a listen to the newest hit single, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwJ9RJgsmOQ.

However, this was not Shelton’s only performance of the night. He opened the ACM Awards with his sweet southern ballad, “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking,” in a candle-lit room that was made as a shrine (including pictures of her around the room) to his bride-to-be, and fellow country star, Miranda Lambert. He was serenading who, appeared to be, his beloved fiancé wearing a silk-robe. Turns out, the silk-robed woman was actually Shelton’s co-host for the night, Reba, wearing a blond wig.

To learn more about Shelton’s upcoming album and tour dates, visit blakeshelton.com.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/04/blake-shelton-honey-bee/

Kenny Chesney's Tour Beings with Bang

Kenny Chesney’s 2011 “Goin’ Coastal” Tour launched but a mere seven-shows ago, and he is already receiving some of the highest accolades he has in his career. The tour, in all, will visit nearly 60 stadiums, amphitheater and arenas across the nation.

His March 25 sol-out performance in St. Paul, MN, left the St. Paul Pioneer Press saying, “"the Tennessee native delivered the same high-energy, fan-friendly show that made him the second-biggest selling live act of the past decade" and the Minneapolis Star Tribune continued with praise for Chesney saying he, "started in fourth gear the moment he took the stage."

The shows thus far have featured Chesney singing songs from his 2010 #1 album, “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” with songs like “The Boys of Fall,” “Somewhere With You,” and his current single “Live a Little.” He has also been showcasing and sprucing-up many of his 21 #1 hits.

The Des Moines Register said, “the star had the crowd on its feet nonstop, eating up his every word and move,” of Chesney’s March 24 performance in Des Moines, IA. This comes to no surprise, given that is act also includes his opening acts and crew members joining the fun, as well as a mixed up set list from show-to-show. Chesney has also thrown a little bit of surprises in the mix, such as his own rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun,” as well as U2’s “With or Without You” during his almost three-hour performance.

For a full list of Chesney’s tour dates, visit tickets.kennychesney.com.

Dierks Bentley pre-ACM Bash

In order to prepare for the night of festivities at the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, Dierks Bentley threw a beach party on Mandalay Bay Beach in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The event began with a VIP party at 8 p.m., which showcased Bentley’s tour openers: Miss Willie Brown and Josh Thompson. Then it continued with a set by ACM Album of the Year (“Up on the Ridge”) nominee Bentley himself, featuring “Feel That Fire,” “Every Mile a Memory,” “Free and Easy,” and his latest single “Am I The Only One.”

The night was undoubtedly fun for all those in attendance. The crowd rocked along with Bentley, with their drinks raised high in the air, and wading into the water in front of the stage. At one point, Bentley was even handed a beer by a fan, took a drink, and then gave it right back.

Bentley even noted, “I hope that helps somebody get luck tonight,” as he sang his southern ballad, “I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes,” and couples swayed. He also played “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do,” “What Was I Thinkin’,” “Sideways,” and “Settle for a Slow Down.” He also covered some of his favorites, such as “Ocean Front Property” by George Strait and Waylon Jennings’ “All My Eyes.” He also managed a bluegrass influenced version of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell,” as well as the theme from “Dukes of Hazzard:” “Good Ole Boys.”

Bentley will release his sixth studio album later this year, as well as performed on last night’s ACM Awards live broadcast. The next stop on his Jagermeister Country Tour is Houston, Texas on April 6.

John Rich sets Donald Trump straight

The New York City based reality show, “Celebrity Apprentice,” has had several country music kings in its ranks. Trace Adkins appeared on the show in the past, and since then, Donald Trump has liked to take responsibility for Adkins stardom. However, on of this season’s contestants – John Rich – decided to set him straight.

For the record, before Adkins even met Trump he had a number of No. 1 hits under his Texas-sized belt buckle. And John Rich made sure that Trump knew of that. “And I said, 'Well, uh, actually he was multi-platinum before he came on your show," Rich said in a recent radio interview. "He [Trump] goes, 'No, no. Trace Adkins, he was basically no one.' And I look at him and I said, 'You know what? You're right. ... He basically was no one before your show. Thank you so much for putting him on here 'cause now we all get to hear his great voice.' And I just totally played along with it, like Donald Trump really thinks Trace Adkins was nobody before that show."

It just goes to show that the men of country music truly are southern bred gentleman – they will always have each other’s backs, even in the big city.

New Dolly Parton album

Dolly Parton is gearing up to make her return to country music. Miss Parton will be making her mark, yet again, this summer with her new highly anticipated album, which will feature all-new studio material. “Better Day,” is set to be released under Dolly Records, and will follow with a world tour will bring her throughout the U.S., U.K. Europe and Australia.

The album’s first single, “Together You & I” will be revealed with a live performance May 26 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” while the song simultaneously arrives at radio. Shortly after, the video of the single will also debut.

“I wanted to do an album that would be very uplifting and positive, as well as inspirational,” Parton said. “Times are hard all-over. I think people need to feel better, and I thought “Better Day” was a perfect title because it says, ‘hope.’”

“Better Day” is the follow-up album from Parton’s critically acclaimed and successful “Backwoods Barbie” album that was released in 2008. The world tour will launch July 17 in Parton’s home state of Tennessee in Knoxville, and will be highlighted by two shows on July 22 and 23 and the historic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Then, the tour will be making a hop across the pond in August, to perform at the O2 Arena in London on Sept. 7 and 8. This is also the venue where Parton recorded and filmed her widely praised 2009 two-disc DVD/CD set.

The full track listing of “Better Day” is as follows:
In The Meantime
Just Leaving
Missing You
Together You & I
Country Is
Holding Everything
The Sacrifice
I Just Might
Better Day
Shine Like The Sun
Get Out
Let Love Grow


The full tour date list is as follows:

Jul 17 – Knoxville, TN – University of Tennessee, Tompson Boling Arena
Jul 19 – Dallas, TX – Verizon Theatre Grand Prairie
Jul 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Casino
Jul 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Jul 23 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Jul 24 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion
Jul 27 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino
Jul 28 – Chicago, IL – Rosemont Theater
Jul 30 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre
Jul 31 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
Aug 2 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
Aug 3 – Alpharetta, GA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater @ Encore Park
Aug 20 – Glasgow – Glasgow SECC
Aug 21 – Glasgow – Glasgow SECC
Aug 22 – Nottingham – Nottingham Arena
Aug 25 – Copenhagen – Copenhagen Forum
Aug 27 – Stockholm – Globe Arena
Aug 28 - Göteborg, Sweden – Gothenburg Scandinavium
Aug 31 – Liverpool – Echo Arena
Sept 2 – Birmingham – LG Arena
Sept 3 – Cardiff – CIA Arena
Sept 4 – Cardiff – CIA Arena
Sept 6 – Bournemouth – Bournemouth BIC
Sept 7 – London – O2 Arena
Sept 8 – London – O2 Arena
Sept 10 – Newcastle – Metro Radio Arena
Sept 11 – Manchester – Evening News Arena
Sept 12 – Seffield – Motorpoint Arena
Sept 14 – Dublin – 02 Arena
Sept 15 – Belfast – Odyssey Arena

The Country Network expands again

The Country Network (TCN) has continued to aggressively expand its broadcast reach. Recently, the announcment was made that it will reach within five new television markets that are being added as affiliates under the terms of a newly signed pact with Kansas City, Missouri based Newport Television.

The new markets added to the TCN broadcast are:
Salt Lake City
Fresno
Little Rock
Wichita
Tulsa

The newly acquired affiliates will being airing TCN in April. This will bring the total number of stations carrying The Country Network, in association with Newport Television, to 42.

As for the president of TCN, Chris Buterick, he could not be more pleased. In the announcement of the new affiliates, he said, “The new alliance with a broadcast partner of the caliber of Newport Television adds even more conviction to our belief that the format of country music is providing potential affiliates and advertisers with a proven vehicle that is solidly connecting with the viewership.

The Country Network began in October 2010 on Music Row in Nashville. The network embraces the concept of “All Country Music, All The Time,” in its programming, with – you guessed it – exclusive music video format. Since then, TCN has become one of the nation’s fastest growing new broadcast networks, with content available over the air and on the majority of cable systems within its markets.

Dierks Bentley new CD

Dierks Bentley will be releasing his sixth studio project with Capitol Nashville, which is to be entitled, “Am I The Only One.” Fans will be able to stream the song this week, which has already shipped to radio, through this week on Bentley’s social networks. It will the be available for purchase on iTunes starting March 29.

“We just kicked off the Jager Tour this past weekend, and the song is already killing it out there,” Bentley said. “The fans are singing the second and third choruses with fists in the air. I decided to stage dive Sat. night and by Sun. night in Pittsburgh the fans were crowd surfing before I even hit the stage. They haven’t been shy about letting me know that I’m not the ‘only one!’ We recorded a lot of fun, up-tempo songs for the new record, so we’re going to be rocking the whole year.”

The song, which was written by Bentley, Jim Beavers and Jon Randall, was recorded at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, NC, where Bentley and other musicians lived and recorded 15 songs for the new project over the course of a mere five days. Over the course of a 24 hour web cam, over 35,000 fans tuned in and streamed the recording process made available via Bentley.

“Am I The Only One” will debut on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 29. The new single will also be performed the following day on CBS’ The Talk, as well as the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards live from Las Vegas on April 3, where Bentley is also nominated for “Album of the Year.”

For the video about the making of “Am I The Only One” visit: http://www.thegreenroompr.com/dierksbentley_video.html

The Singing Bee Returns

Once again, “you don’t have to sing it well, you just have to sing it right.” CMT’s popular series, The Singing Bee, will be returning this spring for a third season with all-new episodes starting April 8 at 8 to 9 p.m. ET/PT. The show will be posted by Working Class star Melissa Peterman, and will promise more laughs than before with new music selections, fierce competitors, and special guests.

The premise of The Singing Bee is to test contestants’ knowledge of lyrics of well-known songs. Those who fail to retain the lyrical information are eliminated from the competition. The Singing Bee ranks as the networks’ highest-rated series of 2010 and has over 88,000 Facebook friends. It is also known as the perfect family entertainment.

There will be two new themed episodes this season, including a “Boy Band” episode featuring famous former boy band members Bobby Brown from New Eidition, Joey Fatone of N’SYNC, Drew Lachey from 98 Degrees and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men in a competition for the charity of their choice. This season will also feature a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders episode, with popular favorites from the CMT series, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team. The premiere dates of the themed episodes will be announced at a later date.

ACM Fan-Jam performers

The first-ever Academy of Country Music Fan Jam and After Jam Party is featuring Sugarland, but it was announced recently by the ACM and dick clark productions that additional performers will be joining the southern duo. Those announced include New Solo Vocalist winner Eric Church, New Duo or Group winner The Band Perry, as well as Randy Houser, Steel Magnolia and Little Big Town. Others who are a bit new to country music, such as Sarah Darling, Casey James, Laura Bell Bundy and Bradley Gaskins will be featured as well.

The ACM Fan Jam is the fans-only live concert event in Las Vegas during, as well as after, the 46th Annual ACM Awards on Sunday April 3 at 8 p.m on CBS. The event is to be hosted by Bill Cody, who is known for being the host of Great American Country and is celebrating his 40th anniversary in the broadcasting industry, as well as his 17th year as the morning show host on 650AM WSM/Nashville.

The ACM Fan Jam will include multiple live remotes to the ACM Awards telecast, as well as a slew of entertainment, performances, prizes, and giveaways only for those in attendance. The prizes will include things such as autographed guitars, trip packages to music events, merchandise, and more.

Rascal Flatts "Flatts Fest"

Good news for Rascal Flatts fans – the group recently announced they will be going on summer this tour, so endearingly entitled, “Flatts Fest.” The tour will kick off in Bristow, Virginia on June 18 with opening acts Sara Evans, Justin Moore and Easton Corbin. The leg of the tour will consist of approximately 24 shows and come to an end in September.

The tour will include a new stage production and set list design, complete with a high-energy stage show experience, promised from the boys themselves. Flatts Fest will also include an interactive pre-show atmosphere with the whole festival experience, including tailgating and activities throughout the plaza and parking areas for fans who wish to make an afternoon and/or evening of the show. Some of the evens planned include the likes of a mobile karaoke vehicle, photo boots, carnival games, food vendors, putt-putt golfing, as well as contests. More details will be unveiled as the start of the tour approaches.

The complete 2011 “Flatts Fest” dates are as follows. For more information on Rascal Flatts and/or their upcoming tour visit rascalflatts.com or livenation.com.

6-18 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
6-19 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
6-24 Oshkosh, WI** Country Festival USA
6-25 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
6-26 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7-8 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
7-9 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
7-17 Craven, SK** Craven Country Jamboree
7-22 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
7-23 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center
7-24 Twin Lakes, WI** Country Thunder Festival
7-28 Atlanta, GA Lakewood
7-29 Charlotte,NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7-30 Raleigh, NC TWC Music Pavilion
8-4 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
8-6 Detroit Lakes, MN** WE Fest
8-11 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre
8-12 Darien Lake, MN Darien Lakes PAC
8-13 Ottawa, ONT** Rideau Carelton Raceway-OLG Slots Casino
8-19 Tampa, FL 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre
8-20 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre
8-27 Oro Station, ONT** Burls Creek Family Event Park
9-9 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
9-10 Denver, CO Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
9-11 Albuquerque, NM Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents The Pavilion
9-15 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
9-16 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
9-17 San Bernardino, CA San Manuel Amphitheatre
9-18 San Diego, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

**Not a “Flatts Fest” date

Reba remembers fallen band mates

March 16, 1991 was a tragic day for Reba McEntire, as well as several others. It marks the day in history that a plane crashed and took the lives of seven of her band members, her road manager, as well as the plane’s pilot and co-pilot. This year, she marked the 20th anniversary by posting a special memoriam tribute on her website.

The lives lost that day were those of guitarist Chris Austin, 27, backup singer Paula Kaye Evans, 33, bassist Terry Jackson, 28, guitarist Michael Thomas, 34, bandleader Kirk Cappello, keyboardist Joey Cigainero, 27, drummer Tony Saputo, 34, and road manager Jim Hammond. The plan crashed into Otay Mountain, close to the San Diego area.

“By far this is my darkest hour, the most awful thing that ever happened in my life,” Reba said to People magazine, only days after the accident. “When you have eight people that you absolutely love and their lives are just wiped out – it’s devastating.”

Four hours prior to the accent, Reba and her band mates performed a 75-minute set at a IBM convention at San Diego’s Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel. One of the last songs the band performed was “Sweet Dreams,” by Patsy Cline, which Reba has sworn to never perform again. The next night, they were scheduled for a show in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Reba chose to skip the flight due to the fact that her husband and manager, Narvel Blackstock, urged her to stay and get a good night’s sleep because she was recovering from bronchitis. Other band members, Joe McGlohon and Pete Finney, took off from the same airfield, only in a different plane, simply minutes behind the other jet. At 2:30 a.m., the phone rang in Reba and Narvel’s room. Their pilot asked Narvel to go to his room, where he was then told the plane had crashed. Reba and Narvel were then faced with the difficult task of calling loved ones and spreading the news.

“The hardest hours was listening to Narvel having to make the phone calls. That was the worst part,” Reba said to American Country Countdown With Kix Brooks. “I was so numb, I would follow Narvel from room to room, and he finally looked around at me, and said ‘You’ve got to stop following me!’ He said ‘I’ve got to hold it together to tell these people what happened.’ He said ‘You can’t follow me crying like this.’ I needed him to, but he couldn’t. He had to console and to tell these other people.”

At that point, Reba decided to make her phone calls. She went on to call her parents, as well as friend Barbara Mandrell to share the recent event. “About all I could do, I called momma and daddy to let ‘em know… and then I called Barbara Mandrell because Kirk Cappello had worked for her before me, and I wanted her to hear it from me, because Narvel was calling everybody else. That by far was the hardest night of my life, and the rest to come with the memorial service and then after that, realizing that they weren’t going to be there when I turned around onstage.”

Reba then went on to cancel all appearances through April, except for her performance at the Academy Awards, nine days after the crash. She had wanted to cancel everything through July, but Debbie Hammon, wife of Jim, would not allow it. At the Oscars that year, Reba performed the Oscar-nominated song, “I’m Checkin’ Out,” the song Meryl Streep Sang at the end of “Postcards from the Edge.’

“I know in my heart they did go to a better place, and they told me at my vanity… one morning – I was supposed to do the Oscars, and I was supposed to sing “Heartbreak Hotel,” Postcards From the Edge, “I’m Checking Out (of this Heartbreak Hotel) “ – and I sat at my vanity, and I had to give an answer that afternoon,” Reba said. “And it just came to me, and there was Jim and all the guys and Paula Kaye saying ‘Go do it for us – I’m checking out of this Heartbreak Hotel.”

Her next album, “For My Broken Heart” was dedicated to her lost loved ones, which was a collection of songs about heartbreak and loneliness.

CMT Original Movies

CMT will soon not only be known for the music they play, but their made-for-television movies as well, as it is adding more to its development and programming slate. The new array of movies comes with the creation of the CMT Original Movies franchise, which was announced recently by Mary Beth Cunin, SVP, Programming, CMT. This new division will feature movies for the network focusing mostly on romantic comedies and music-based films.

"We’ve had great ratings success programming with acquired theatrical romantic comedies", Cunin said. "So it is only natural for us to create original stories that are tailor made for the CMT audience."

The first two movies will be rolling out later this summer. These movies will include “To The Mat,” which is the working title, featuring Ricky Schroder (“24,” “NYPD Blue”) as well as Laura Bell Bundy (“Leagally Blond: The Musical,” “How I Met Your Mother,” Universal Nashville Recording artist). The second of the two is the movie “Reel Love,” with Grammy Award-winning country artist and actress LeAnn Rimes. Both of these films are to be produced by Entertainment One Television.

“To The Mat,” was written by C. Jay Cox, who is also known for “Sweet Home Alabama,” depicts the tale of a laid-back ex-wrestler (Schroder) who is attempting to keep his family’s down-and-out southern wrestling school out of the danger zone. Then, his mother hires an uptight Wall Street consultant from New York (Bell Bundy) to keep the books in order, and these two are forced to find a way to get along and save the family business. The premiere date is set to be in August.
“Reel Love” is about a city girl from a small town who returns home after a family emergency. Rimes’ character, in turn, embarks on a soulful and comedic journey to reconnect with her family and friends, as well as finding romance along the way. The script was written by Sharon Weil Aaron and directed by Brian K. Roberts, who is known for “Everyone Loves Raymond.” The production for this film is set to begin in late April, while premiering in September.

Zac Brown Band Festival

Zac Brown and his band have always been about country music and southern food. Now, the Zac Brown Band is combining their two favorite things, and making a festival out of it – the first ever Southern Ground Music and Food Festival. This festival will be held at Clemson University’s Littlejohn Coliseum Festival Lawn in Clemson, South Carolina on April 8-10. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets starting March 4 10 a.m. ET, or fan club members can purchase tickets through a pre-sale. Visit http://bit.ly/ticketmaster-ZBBClemson for more information.

The festival will bring the entire Zac Brown Band experience alive for all those in attendance throughout the weekend. The two-time Grammy winners and 2010 CMA-nominated “Entertainer of the Year” will be showcasing and showing-off their authentic southern stamp from the food to the music.

The first two nights ofthe three-night festival will be headlined by the Zac Brown Band. The final night of the festival will be headlined by Amos Lee. Each night will also feature other artists that are signed on Brown’s Label, Southern Ground Artists, Inc. Several of the artists include Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan, The Wood Brothers, Levi Lowrey, The Wheeler Boys and Blackberry Smoke. Secret Sisters will be the opener on Sunday. To add to the excitement, the concessions at the festival will be southern specialties created by Zac personally, along with the band’s personal – and trusted – chef, Rusty Hamlin. The food will also be prepared with Brown’s famous Southern Ground Grub GA Clay Spice Rub and Zac’s Brown Sauce.

Gates will open Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at noon ET. Campus Life and Tiger Paw Productions will produce the event in collaboration with Clemson Recreation.

For more information on Zac Brown Band or the 2011 tour, visit zacbrownband.com/shows.html.

ACM Entertainer of the Year Nominees to perform

The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards are right around the corner. With that approaching, this also means the highly coveted Entertainer of The Year award is up for grabs yet-again. The nominees for the honor this year are Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and Keith Urban. These selected artists are also scheduled to perform during the award ceremony.

The ACM Awards will take place April 3, at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. For those unable to attend the show, it will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network, where all can witness the announcement of the new Entertainer of the Year.

For the third consecutive year, fans will be the ones deciding on who wins the accolade and who does not. Starting March 11, fans everywhere can vote for their favorite artist – the one who most deserves Entertainer of the Year – by visiting voteACM.com. The voting will close during the third hour of the broadcast on April 3.

Sara Evans dishes Dancing

Sara Evans knows a thing or two about country music – but she also knows a thing or two about ABC’s reality show, “Dancing With the Stars,” due to the fact that she was a contestant in 2006. During a recent radio interview, however, she vocalized one complaint about the show.

“It's so unfair on Dancing With the Stars because when the men celebrities are competing, all you look at is the female,” Evans said. “So nobody really watches them. And then when you see the women stars competing, you're expecting them to look like the females, and they just can't."

The new season of Dancing will premiere March 21, with a wide variety of past and present celebrities. The contestants on this season will include Sugar Ray Leonard, Ralph Macchio, Kendra Wilkinson and Kristie Alley.

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/cmt-offstage/1659059/offstage-sara-evans-says-dwts-gives-men-an-unfair-advantage.jhtml?rsspartner=rssFeedfetcherGoogle#fbid=aA3m7JqF8fy

Happy Birthday Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean now has another reason to celebrate during his birthday, with his own ‘kinda party.’ “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” his emotional and soulful duet with Kelly Clarkson reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart Feb. 28.

“It’s a pretty killer birthday present, that’s for sure! My family and friends are going to have to work VERY VERY hard to beat what country radio and the fans have already given me today,” Aldean joked. “On a serious note, I am really proud of this song. Anybody who says they wouldn’t be nervous to try and go note for note with a vocalist like Kelly Clarkson is straight up lying to you! So, I do feel a huge sense of accomplishment to have pulled it off in the studio and on live tv with her, and then for everyone else to have responded to it the way they did...it’s just incredible, and you never take those things for granted.”

This marks the ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee’s sixth No. 1 throughout his career. To top it off, Aldean’s platinum album, “My Kinda Party,” continues to hold the No. 1 position on the iTunes’ Top 10 Country Songs.

As for the “My Kinda Party Tour,” it is sold out again in Charlottesville, Va., Lexington, Ky. And Toledo, Ohio this weekend. For more information and tour dates visit jasonaldean.com.

Sara Evans cuts Rod Stewarts song

Sara Evans recently released an album entitled, “Stronger.” This album includes one of her favorite songs by Rod Stewart, “My Heart Can’t Tell You No.” Little did she know, the song was intended for another leading lady of country music.

"I am a huge Rod Stewart fan, but that particular song I've loved since I was 18 years old," Evans said in an interview with The Boot. "I was working in a grocery store and I heard it playing in the store, and I was wondering, 'What is this song?' It was a big hit, and I kept hearing it alll the time. And I said, 'That is the best, most well-written, saddest song I have ever heard.' I have always loved it, and I always had it in the back of my mind to someday record.

"Then I found out Dennis Morgan wrote it, who wrote like every Barbara Mandrell hit," she continues. "He wrote 'Smoky Mountain Rain' for Ronnie Milsap. So, I met him at the BMI Awards, and he said, 'I hear a rumor that you're thinking about cutting my song.' And he told me that he intended that to be for Barbara and that Rod Stewart got a hold of it.”

However, the song almost didn’t make it on Evans’ album. "I did a guitar-vocal [demo] to see if it would even work with me," Evans said. "I played it for [producer] Tony Brown, and he said, 'Well, if you don't cut it, I'm going to cut it on Reba! That's the best idea. I've never thought about that song.' And so, we went in [to the studio], and recorded our own take on it."

"The opening line: 'I don't want you to come 'round here no more / I beg you for mercy.' I mean, haven't you had that person where you're just like, 'I can't be around you. I'm in love with you,' but they don't love you back?," Sara added. "'When the one you love's in love with someone else / Don't you know it's torture / It's a living hell.' I love songs like that where I can play the victim and really play that character."

This recent album release marks Evans’ first studio album in six years, which also includes an acoustic version of her No. 1 “Born to Fly,” along with her current radio smash, “A Little Bit Stronger.” The album will be available everywhere March 8.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/02/28/sara-evans-my-heart-cant-tell-you-no/

Miranda Lambert cancels Australian tour

Her year started out with a bang, but now it’s time for some rest, relaxation, and whatever else the doctor prescribes. Miranda Lambert was forced to cancel her Australian tour with Alan Jackson due to a respiratory infection.

This message was relayed from a post on her website. Lambert was scheduled to begin the tour March 4 in Melbourne, with the opening act slot to be filled by Jasmine Rae, McAlister Kemp and John Williamson throughout various dates.

"I was very much looking forward to Australia with Alan Jackson and performing for all the music lovers Down Under," Lambert said.

The next date Lambert is scheduled for is in the U.S. at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 16.

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1658882/miranda-lambert-cancels-australian-tour.jhtml?rsspartner=rssFeedfetcherGoogle

Tuesday Night Opry

Tuesday Night Opry is back! The 2011 season will begin March 1. Those scheduled to appear for the night of entertainment are the Randy Rogers Band, Bill Anderson, Little Big Down, Dailey & Vincent and Jimmy Dickens.

The month of March promises a whole other slew of artists to perform at the Opry. Those scheduled to perform for March 4 include Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Rodney Atkins. March 6 will be Edens Edge debut, along with Shelton, The Band Perry and Terri Clark. Josh Turner, Ralph Stanley and Ricky Skaggs will be featured March 11, along with Jason Michael Carrol, Lee Greenwood and Thompson Square on March 15. March 18 will be Craig Campbell and Eric Church, with the Charlie Daniels Band and Steve Wariner on March 19.

Source: http://www.countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem2.asp?xid=5131

Carrie Underwood makes a Change

From the release of the single entitled by the same name, and from taking action, Carrie Underwood is all about “Change” since the release of her ‘Play On’ album.

Last September, Underwood announced she would be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for the fall leg of her wildly popular and successful Play On tour. The money generated would all go toward the Save the Children’s U.S. programs.

The idea was derived from the ’36 cents’ lyric from the track, “Change,” from her ‘Play On’ album. The song is built around the fact that every penny adds up, and each little bit can leave a huge impact, making a different to help ‘change’ the world.

On Feb. 23, Underwood presented March Shriver, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Programs for Save the Children, with a giant check – literally and figuratively. This check was worth $140,125.68, collected from Underwood’s tickets sold from September to December 2010.

Underwood played 108 different shows during the 2010 Play On tour, for over 1 million fans throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/02/25/carrie-underwood-save-the-children/

Eric Church & Band Perry ACM Newcomers

It was announced Feb. 25 that Eric Church was named Top New Solo Vocalist and The Band Perry was named Top New Vocal Duo or Group by the Academy of Country Music and Great American Country (GAC). This means that now Church and The Band Perry will both be considered nominees for the Top New Artist award, given out at the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. This show will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Area April 3 from Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET/delayed PT on CBS.

Church and The Band Perry will be presented their awards by the reigning Top New Artist from 2010, Luke Bryan, on March 2. The awards will be presented at the country radio’s ACM-sponsored CRS Music City Jam in Nashville, which is open to Country Radio Seminar registrants at the Nashville Convention Center.

Fans can watch the winners receive their ACM awards and trophies, as well as their acceptance speeches, on GAC’s “ACM Top New Artists” special, premiering March 14 ad 9 p.m. ET.

Voting for the Top New Artist is will begin March 11 at noon PT at VoteACM.com. The voting will last until 5 p.m. PT April 3.

Pickler's wedding video

Kellie Pickler has never been one much for ‘traditional.’ She broke on to the scene being an American Idol hopeful, who won over the hearts of many, but walked away from the show before the finale. Later, she became a country music superstar. Now, she’s making headlines for her recent marriage to songwriter Kyle Jacobs on New Year’s Day. Did I mention they eloped?

Opting out of the traditional ceremony, Pickler and Jacobs decided to elope in Antigua on New Year’s Day with a sunset wedding. “We didn’t have anything but us and God and our minister,” Kellie told People magazine, “and I can’t think of a word that can quite describe how perfect it was.”

And for those who weren’t in attendance, there is now a wedding video to capture the moment and how blissful it truly was. iTunes is now selling this special video + song, as tweeted by Pickler herself. “On 1.1.11 I married my best friend. We’d love to share our special day with you. Watch “Say I Do”-Kyle Jacobs on itunes.”

The song is a sweet love ballad featuring the couple walking along the beach. Though the lyrics are truly from the heart, and bleed nothing but love, the true colors show while watching Pickler and Jacobs interact with one another. They can be seen sharing a sweet kiss in the ocean together, with the classic foot-pop from Pickler and all.

Those memories and their love can be yours for only $1.99 via iTunes. There is also a preview available before purchase. Congrats, Kellie and Kyle!

http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2011/02/23/watch-kellie-picklers-wedding-video/

Lady A's recent succes & PETA

Lady Antebellum may be riding on the coat tails of their five-Grammy win a few Sunday’s ago, but with this next level of success comes a new level of responsibilities. However, that doesn’t make their return to the No. 1 position on Billboard’s top Country Albums chart any less sweet.

The trio has received over a 200 percent increase in sales over the last week for their now triple-platinum selling album ‘Need you Now,’ which sold about 85,000 copies during a seven day period (according to Nielsen Soundscan data). They also soared from No. 17 to No. 4 on the multi-genre Billboard 200.

The wins at the Grammy’s included Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Country Song of the Year, Country Performance by Vocal Duo/Group and Country Album of the Year. However, Lady A lost a Grammy in the category of Best New Artist to the singer Adele, but their success is linked. Adele released a cover of Lady A’s “Need you Now” with Darius Rucker, which was recorded live at CMT’s Artists of the Year Awards in November. The track is available in Target stores-exclusive version of Adele’s album, ’21.’

With their skyrocketed success comes more attention from fans and others alike, including the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Yes, PETA contacted the country music trio after news of their upcoming performance at the KFC franchisees’ meeting in San Diego on March 3 circulated. In a letter by PETA representatives, Lady A is asked to urge KFC to “heed its own advisory panel's recommendations to adopt less cruel slaughter practices," adding that "birds killed for KFC are routinely scalded to death in defeathering tanks."

PETA and their supporters are asking and hoping for Lady A to use their unique high-profile position to appeal to the company, and are in hopes that KFC will not “turn a deaf ear” due to their public status.

The letter ended with, “"Would you consider asking KFC executives to make a few changes to end the worst abuses of chickens? Let's talk more," and then provided contact information. The full letter can be read HERE [http://www.peta.org/mediacenter/news-releases/Chrissie-Hynde-Asks-Lady-Antebellum-to-Stick-Up-for-Chickens.aspx]

So far, no word has come from Lady A about their stance on the position and what will be done come March 3. Until then, all we can do is wait and see, while enjoying their sweet southern sounds.


Sources: http://www.theboot.com/2011/02/23/lady-antebellum-need-you-now-album-country-charts/

http://www.theboot.com/2011/02/23/lady-antebellum-chrissie-hynde-kfc-peta/

Learn to drive a celebrity coach

With the job market just starting to rise once again, the opportunity for a unique and exciting job experience is now available! The Celebrity Bus Drivers Academy is opening opportunities for drivers to learn how to drive the motorcoaches of high-rolling entertainers and crew members.

This training, found last summer by Chip Huffman and Tandy Rice, teaches the expertise via hands-on training. Prevost, the leading manufacturer of entertainer coaches since 1978, is a large supporter of the Academy.

The Celebrity Bus Drivers Academy will conduct a spring, as well as fall, class in 2011. The next class is scheduled in Nashville, Tenn. on April 20-22 at the Prevost’s Service Center. Instruction will be provided by Prevost training technicians, technicians from the coach conversion industry, as well as professionals from the entertainer coach leasing business, veteran drivers, leasing agents and owners. In order to help students become familiar with the vehicles they may be driving some day, a coach conversion shell and a converted Prevost entertainer coach will be on hand.

After the completion of this class, drivers will be able to enlist in the Top Billing Driver Placement Service. From the inaugural class last year, as well as a second class in the fall, 15 students are currently available for placement during this summer’s touring season. Placements can be full-time or temporary, but all are within the entertainment industry. Fifteen more students are expected to be available for the summer season from the April class.

“The reaction of students has been overwhelmingly positive. ‘Rave reviews,’ as they say in show business.,” Chip Huffman, CEO of the Celebrity Bus Drivers Academy, said. “The only ‘complaint’ was that we overloaded them with valuable information! I always point out to potential students that they need to get plenty of rest and be prepared to take notes, because we are going to have an INTENSIVE three days of training!”

Huffman is the former owner and founder of Nitetrain Coach, he recalls, “constantly fielding calls from drivers who hoped to ‘drive for the stars.’ There’s an overwhelming interest in this market, and a huge need for training. The Academy intends to answer that need, and we’re pleased to have the support of Prevost to help prepare drivers for this vibrant industry.”

For more information, scheduling and registration for the 2011 classes, visit huffman-rice.com.

Miranda Lambert sells out Texan venue

Miranda Lambert has won a Grammy, received seven ACM nominations, and much praise over the span of her career. Now, she has another notch to add to her belt. Lambert began her “The Revolution Continues” tour with two sold out shows at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas in Ft. Worth. Lambert is the first artist in the venue’s history to ever sell out back-to-back shows.

"We at Billy Bob's Texas couldn't be happier with Miranda Lambert,” Robert Gallagher, Billy Bob's Entertainment Director, said. “She was the only female artist to sell out our venue in 2010 and nearly 6000 fans per night came out last Friday and Saturday to give us the first back-to-back sellouts in our 30 year history."

The show was emotionally driven for many reasons, both happy and sad. During Friday night’s show, Lambert expressively dedicated “The House That Built Me” to her grandmother, who passed away less than a week before the show.

“Lambert is still right there, on the cusp of tremendous things,” Preston Jones, of the Star Telegram, said. “Friday night demonstrated she can wrestle with her personal and professional lives simultaneously, one feeding the other, resulting in a superstar who’s eminently relatable. Too few of Nashville’s elite can say the same.”

CMA Fest Photo Contest

Past attendees of the CMA Music Festival will be able to submit their event photographs online as part of a contest for the 40th anniversary of the festival. Photos can be submitted online in order to create an on-going photo archive that is to document the fan/artist connection, which is the heart and soul of the festivities.

Photos that are submitted will be considered for use on the CMA website, publications, displays, exhibits and much more for the 2011 CMA Music Festival, which will be in Downtown Nashville June 9-12. Six of the submitted photos will be used as the artwork on the official event tickets. The contest is running through March 7.

"Everyone that has attended CMA Music Festival in the past has taken hundreds of photos that captured their experience," Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said. "An event ticket containing one of these photos is a great way to celebrate our 40th anniversary while also providing a permanent souvenir to every ticketholder.”

Prizes will be given to the fans submitting photos, included a commemorative framed 40th anniversary CMA Music Festival plaque with a ticket containing their photograph displayed for the top three photos; merchandise prize packs; and much more. The Grand Prize winner will receive two Gold Circle four-day tickets to the 2012 CMA Music Festival.

"It would be amazing if each photo chosen to be on the event ticket showcased a different aspect of the Festival at a different point in its history," Wendy Pearl, CMA Vice President of Corporate Communications and Executive Editor of CMA Close Up, said. "We are hoping this new Festival photo archive will be as complete as possible, showcasing the entire breadth of the event from 1972 onward, so that we can fully document this amazing and iconic event for all to see. CMA appreciates the fans and past attendees searching through their scrapbooks for photos to submit."

For the complete list of rules and to submit photos, visit CMAFest.com.

Justin Moore's bus catches fire

Justin Moore just can’t seem to catch a break when in Michigan. Last time he made the stop in March 2010 at the Royal Oaks Theatre, a fan stole his prized Gibson J-45 guitar. This week, his tour bus caught fire.

The bus’s engine became a ball of flames around the time of 4 a.m. Feb. 16. During this time, Moore, his band, crew, and Valory’s Vice Present of Field Promotion George Briner were sleeping on the bus – en route to the Royal Oaks Theatre.

The cause for the fire was one of the batteries connected to the bus’ generator. A smoke alarm began to sound as the bus started to be filled with smoke, which lead to everyone immediately evacuating the bus. Moore’s bus driver extinguished the fire, which lasted about 10 minutes, then and assessed the situation.

“Well...we really love coming to the Detroit area. I just hope in the future it gets a little more simple, as far as our trips go!” Moore said, laughing. “In all seriousness, we're thankful that we're all safe, and feel blessed. It could've been a lot worse than it was.”

Fortunately, there was no damage to the engine and everyone was able to enter the bus after a half hour in the cold, and they were able to continue driving to the hotel for the night. No one was injured and the bus only received minor smoke damage. A replacement tour bus was sent to Moore and his tour mates, so they could finish their club tour.

Country Thunder adds more to line-up

Country Thunder has added more talent to their already impressive line-up, which includes Toby Keith, Clay Walker, Rodney Atkins, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, Sawyer Brown and many more. The kick-off of the festival only has about two months to go, launching April 7 in Florence, Arizona.

The newest addition to Thursday’s line-up is Georgia-native, Craig Campbell. His debut single “Family Man,” from his self-titled debut album, is currently rising up the Billboard charts. As for Saturday, the new talent to the line-up are the stars known as Little Big Town. This country quartet has received three Grammy nominations, as well as several ACM and CMA nominations.

Sunday, the last day of the festival, welcomes Eden’s Edge – who were named one of Billboard’s “Artists to Watch in 2011,” and Sara Evans. Evans has received many number one hits, as well as an ACM award for “Top Female Vocalist,” and a CMA award for “Video of the Year.”

The festival will take place April 7-10 at Canyon Moon Ranch, with camping available at an additional fee. A full 4-day general admission pass is currently available through March 5 for the price of $140. Starting March 6, the price will be raised to $160. Day tickets are also currently on sale, as well as VIP and sponsorship packages, with added perks including hospitality tents, preferred parking and premium concert seating.

For tickets and additional information, visit countrythunder.com. The full announced line-up is as follows:
Thursday, April 7th Kick-off Party
Music begins at 5:00 pm
Craig Campbell
Jason Jones
Steel Magnolia
Sawyer Brown

Friday, April 8th
Music begins at 2:30 pm
JaneDear Girls
Brantley Gilbert
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Eric Church
Jason Aldean

Saturday, April 9th
Music begins at 1:00 pm
Neal McCoy
The Bellamy Brothers
Rodney Atkins
Little Big Town
Martina McBride

Sunday, April 10th
Music begins at 1:00 pm
Eden's Edge
Troy Olsen
Gloriana
Sara Evans
Clay Walker
Toby Keith

ACM Radio Winners

The Academy of Country Music Awards presents the annual awards for radio awards, which are announced during a pre-televised ceremony. The full list of radio award winners was recently released. The ACM National On-Air Personality of the Year Award went to Blair Garner, for ‘After MidNite with Blair Garner,’ for the third time.

Garner previously won the award in 2003 and 2005. Her show brings in listeners during the late hours to the wee morning light, with over 260 affiliates. She brings a force to be reckoned with, being recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Listened to DJs in America.

Winners of the radio categories are invited to receive their awards at a private reception in Las Vegas on April 2, the day before the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

The full list of winners is as follows:
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
NATIONAL - Blair Garner – After MidNight With Blair Garner
MAJOR MARKET - Cliff and Brooks (Cliff, Brooks and Tori) – KSON-FM – San Diego, CA
LARGE MARKET - Chris Carr, Jason Statt and Maverick – WUBE-FM – Cincinnati, OH
MEDIUM MARKET - Andy Ritchie, Alison Mencer and Jimmy Holt – WIVK-FM – Knoxville, TN
SMALL MARKET - Dex and Mo – WUSY-FM – Chattanooga, TN

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR WINNERS: (NOTE TIE IN MAJOR)
MAJOR MARKET - KEEY-FM – St. Louis Park, MN (tie)
MAJOR MARKET - KNIX-FM – Phoenix, AZ (tie)
LARGE MARKET - WGH-FM – Virginia Beach, VA
MEDIUM MARKET - WIVK-FM – Knoxville, TN
SMALL MARKET - WYCT-FM – Pensacola, FL

The Band Perry Goes Gold

Good news for The Band Perry! Their self-titled debut album, released on Republic Nashville, achieved Gold certification from RIAA for sales reaching over 500,000. The album was released in October 2010 and has been holding the #7 spot on the Billboard Country Album Chart, as well as #37 on the Billboard Top 200.

“Having a Gold record is a tremendous accomplishment and to achieve that status in just under four months is even more amazing,” Nashville Republic President, Jimmy Harnen, said. “This award is yet another wonderful accolade in a spectacular year for The Band Perry.”

The country trio has now released their third single, “You Lie,” and is their fastest climber on the charts so far. It’s already landed on the Top 25 on the Billboard Hot Country songs Chart, and the new video is set to premiere at the end of February.

The two previous singles, “Hip To My Heart,” and “If I Die Young,” charted a Top 20 and landed them a #1 hit. The rising stars have received a Grammy nomination, four ACM nods, as well as a CMA nomination and three ACA nominations as well. In September, they will be joining Tim McGraw’s Emotional Traffic Tour.

Americana Wins at Grammys

Mavis Staples walked away from the 53rd Grammy Awards with a new trophy in hand. That trophy was the coveted Best Americana Album for her 2010 album, “You Are Not Alone.” This, however, was not Staples’ first award of her career, as she won the “Spirit of Americana” Free Speech in Music Award in 2007.

Staples competition for the night included the artists Los Lobos (Tin Can Trust), Rosanne Cash (The List), Willie Nelson (Country Music) and Robert Plant (Band of Joy). The announcement of the award was made during a pre-televised ceremony in LA. Later in the evening, during the telecast, Mumford & Sons, the Avett Brothers and the legendary Bob Dylan performed a celebration of Americana’s emergence on the national and international music scene.

Carrie Underwood to host Opry Special

Country starlit Carrie Underwood will be co-hosting the “America’s Opry Wekeend New Faces of Country Special” on the weekend of March 5. About six years ago, Underwood won the 4th season of “American Idol,” and then two weeks later she made her debut on the Grad Ole Opry. Now, she is a multi-platinum and multi-award-winning member of the Opry.

The night’s performers include the likes of The Band Perry, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, Easton Corbin, as well as Underwood herself.

The Grand Ole Opry runs live weekly from Nashville, playing nothing but the best in country music. It has been providing such entertainment for 85 years. Every week, “America’s Opry Weekend” is hosted by Mike Terry, who presents top artists’ performances live from the Opry stage, studio hits, as well as interviews and behind the scenes reports from backstage.

Luke Bryan Third No. 1

Luke Bryan is currently the reigning ACM Top New Artist and Top New Solo Vocalist, and his track record just goes to prove it. The Capitol Records Nashville star is celebrating his third No. 1 spot on the charts. Bryan’s current single, “Someone Else Calling You Baby,” reached No. 1 on the country singles chart. This marks that all three of his singles released from his Gold certified album “Doin’ My Thing” have reached the top spot.

On March 1, Bryan will be releasing “Spring Break 3… It’s A Shore Thing.” However, he is currently on the “Nothing Like This Tour” with Rascal Flatts, and will be hitting the road again this summer with Tim McGraw for the “Emotional Traffic Tour.”

For more information on Luke Bryan, visit lukebryan.com.

Sara Evans on QVC

To celebrate the release of her first studio album in six years, Sara Evans will appear on QVC Feb. 16 at 7 a.m. ET. During this special live appearance, Evans will perform songs from her new CD, as well as offer fans the chance to order the album entitled “Stronger,” which will be specially-packaged for QVC shoppers, including an autographed copy of her new novel, “Softly and Tenderly,” more than two weeks before being released.

“Stronger” will be Evans’ sixth studio release, and is already being acclaimed as one of country music’s most-anticipated albums. The first single from the album, “A Little Bit Stronger,” is already making its way up the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and is one of the fastest selling singles. Other tracks include the ballad “Alone,” as well as a bluegrass version of Evans’ previously recorded and chart topping, “Born to Fly.”

To purchase “Stronger” (QVC Item #F09338), tune into QVC Feb. 16 or visit QVC.com.

Americana Showcase SXSW

South by Southwest Music is one of the largest music festivals in the nation, and it is held annually in Austin, TX in March. The lineup for this years showcase, which is scheduled on March 17, will feature Americana musicians the Old 97’s, Abigail Washburn, Emmylou Harris, Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison and the Band of Heathens.

The Americana Showcase during SXSW has become a tradition at the festival, as well as one of the prime and acclaimed events. The 2011 showcase is sponsored by The Utne Reader, SESAC and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. Past performers have included the ranks of Jimmy Vaughan, Raul Malo, Joe Ely, Jim Lauderdale with Patty Griffin, Hank Williams III, Ray Wylie Hubbard, as well as Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Ryan Bingham, Mike Farris, Hayes Carl and many, many.

Priority admission to the event will be given to SXSW bade and wristband holders. For more information about SXSW Festival and Conference Registrations visit sxsw.com.

Mary Stuart Late Night

Country music legend and GRAMMY nominee, Mary Stuart, will be celebrating 10 years of his annual LATE NIGHT JAM June 8 at 10 p.m. at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. The event was started by Stuart with sponsorship from CMA as a way to welcome fans to country music’s biggest week, the CMA Music Fest. It has also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for MuicCares over the past 10 years.

““The Late Night Jam has evolved into the centerpiece concert event for me on my yearly calendar,” Stuart said. “It’s hard to believe that this is the 10th anniversary of the show. Looking back, the guest list has been staggering. Fans come from all over the world to support us and the relationship with NARAS and MusiCares is precious to me. The Late Night Jam has raised a considerable amount of money over the last decade with the mission of helping people in need”

The last 10 years have featured artists such as Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Porter Wagoner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, and many more. In the next few weeks, the 2011 lineup will be announced, but tickets will go on sale Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. CST via Ticketmaster.

For more information, visit martystuart.net and ryman.com.

Jason Aldean pulls ahead

There’s a reason Jason Aldean is nominated for ACM Entertainer of the Year, and this week he proved why. Aldean’s platinum certified ‘My Kinda Party’ held the No. 2 spot on the charts for 14 weeks, just behind Taylor Swift. But, this week, he managed to pull ahead and claim the top spot on the all genre Top 200 chart. The album took off like a race horse out of the gate, selling more its first week than any other male country artist in over three years.

“The last two weeks have been filled with early morning phone calls I never thought I’d get...first the ACM nominations for Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year, and then this morning to wake up hearing that we’re at No. one on the Billboard chart...it’s just incredible. Yeah, those are definitely the kinda early morning phone calls I don’t mind getting!”

Not only did his solo single climb the charts, but Aldean’s gold certified duet with crooner Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” also took the top spot on the Country Digital Singles and iTunes Country Songs chart this week, with over 57,000 downloads.

CMT Country Superstar

Watch out America – another talent television series is about to hit the airwaves! Nigel Lythgoe , the executive producer of “American Idol” and co-creator of “So You Think You Can Dance” is partnering with his song, Simon Lythgoe, to launch a new singing competition called “CMT’s Next Superstar.” The new series is scheduled to begin on CMT in April.

“This isn't just a singing competition, the contestants will also be judged on their song writing, radio interviews and music videos,” said executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe. “We're looking for more than just a singer, we want the complete creative, talented package - performer, personality and writer. We want the next Country superstar.”

In the ten episode series, each lasting an hour, CMT will look across America to find the next country star, while opening doors for the undiscovered singer/songwriters who think they have what it takes to make it big. This show will open the world’s eyes to what goes into becoming a successful musician in Nashville each week, through the good, the bad, and the ugly, while the contestants compete and live together.

"One of the reasons this show stands out from the rest is that it’s the only show where the contestants take an active role in deciding who's in the band,” noted executive producer, Simon Lythgoe. “Whereas contestants must sing in different genres on other shows, this is all about Country music. Our contestants will turn some world renowned songs from other genres like Pop or Motown, pour their soul into it and make it Country.”

Chris Young breaks records, tops charts

Chris Young is starting February with a bang. His single, “Voices,” off his sophomore album reached No. 1 single, marking the third consecutively. It was charted at the peak position on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Aircheck charts.

The mark of this success also marks the making of a new record – one that was previously held for 25-years by Randy Travis. Young broke the record for the modern era of the Billboard country chart in that an artist released a song to only moderate char success, then re-released the same song and it took No. 1. “Voices” is the first re-release to reach the top of the charts since 1986, when Travis’ “On The Other Hand” initially peaked at No. 67.

“Voices” was first released in the summer of 2008, when it originally peaked on Billboard’s Hot Country songs at No. 37. “Getting’ You Home” as well as “The Man I Want To Be” reached back-to-back No. 1 hits, just before “Voices,” off of Young’s most recent album “The Man I Want To Be.”

To make the day extra special, the day it reached No. 1, and broke the 25-year record, Young also released his newest single – “Tomorrow.” This single, however, is the first from his upcoming album, which will be released in the summer. As far as continued success, Young is nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance (“Getting You Home,” and is currently touring with Rascal Flats on their ‘Nothing Like This,” tour.

Source: http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2011/02/07/chris-youngs-voices-breaks-a-record/

2011 Country Stampede Lineup

The 2011 Country Stamped, which is presented by Verizon Wireless, recently announced their lineup for their annual country music festival. The highlights of this 30+ act music and camping festival will include the likes of CMA Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley, CMA Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum as well as CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton.

The line-up for the festival features Wade Bowen opening for the ACM Top New Solo Vocalist of the Year nominee Erich Church on Thursday night. Friday’s line-up will include Jason Jones, The Jared Daniels Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Brett Eldredge, Joe Nichols, as well as Lady Antebellum. On Saturday, The Big 94.5 Country Road to Stampede Winner, Glen Templeton, Jerrod Niemann, Troy Olson, and Blake Shelton will take to the stage. Finally, and featured, that night will be CMA Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley. Sunday, the festival will go out with a bang, with Mary James, Greg Hanna, and Joey + Rory closing the festival.

The 2011 Country Stampede will be held June 23, 24, 25 and 26. Four-day general admission tickets are, currently, only $95, but will go up soon. Country Stampede also as the EZ-Pay option, which splits the cost of the tickets and camping over five months. For updates and more information, visit countrystampede.com or call 800-795-8091.

Country singer David Nail is grabbing the bull by the horns when it comes to his music and continued success. He’s currently on the coat tails of being a new Grammy nominee honors for Best Male Vocal Country Performance for his single “Turning Home,” but he’s now releasing a new single: “Let It Rain,” from an upcoming album. The song was written by Nail, as well as Jonathan Singleton and produced by Frank Liddell and Chick Ainlay.

“Jonathan came in with the groove, and the words just came rather effortlessly,” Nail said. “As the track came together in the studio, it just became more and more evident that this particular song was unique.”

The song will be released today, with sampling at davidnail.com. Tomorrow, Feb. 8, the song will be available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon.com.

ACM Honors Nominations

While the nominations for the 46th Academy of Country Music are rolling out, as are the off-camera nominations. Those awards that are not televised are for Musician/Bandleader/Instrumentalist (MBI) and Industry Awards category, due to time slotting difficulties. These awards, however, are presented at the annual ACM Honors ceremony in Nashville in the fall. Those nominated for the prestigious MBI Awards are as follows:

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Nathan Chapman
Frank Liddell
Frank Rogers
Paul Worley
Mike Wrucke
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Chuck Ainlay
Jeff Balding
Drew Bollman
Steve Marcantonio
Clarke Schleicher
TOP BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mike Brignardello
Kevin "Swine" Grantt
Larry Paxton
Jimmy Lee Sloas
Glenn Worf
TOP PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMMER OF THE YEAR
Eddie Bayers
Chad Cromwell
Paul Leim
Chris McHugh
Greg Morrow

TOP GUITARIST OF THE YEAR
Tom Bukovac
Pat Buchannan
J.T. Corenflos
Kenny Greenberg
Dann Huff

TOP FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Glen Duncan
Larry Franklin
Rob Hajacos
Aubrey Haynie
Joe Spivey

TOP PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jim "Moose" Brown
Tony Harrell
John Hobbs
Gordon Mote
Steve Nathan

TOP SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Eric Darken
Mickey Raphael
Bryan Sutton
Ilya Toshinsky
Biff Watson

TOP STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bruce Bouton
Dan Dugmore
Mike Johnson
"Cowboy" Eddie Long
Russ Pahl

INDUSTRY AWARDS:

CASINO OF THE YEAR
Agua Caliente Casino - Rancho Mirage, CA
Island Resort Casino - Harris, MI
Mohegan Sun Casino - Uncasville, CT
Peppermill Casino - Wendover, NV
WinStar World Casino - Thackerville, OK

NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace - Bakersfield, CA
Coyote Joe's - Charlotte, NC
Joe's Bar - Chicago, IL
Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill - Mesa, AZ
Wild Bill's - Duluth, GA

VENUE OF THE YEAR
BOK Center - Tulsa, OK
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL
Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion - Gilford, NH
Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
Sprint Center - Kansas City, MO

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR
Steve “Bogie” Bogdanovich - Romeo Entertainment Group
Billy Brill - Billy Alan Productions
Jimmy Jay - Jayson Promotions, Inc.
Gary Osier - Gary Osier Presents
David Snowden - Triangle Talent, Inc.

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Ben Ferrell - Varnell Enterprises, Inc.
Ali Harnell - AEG Live/The Messina Group
Louis Messina - The Messina Group
Ed Warm - Joe’s Bar
Sally Williams - Ryman Auditorium

The ACM Country Music Awards will be broadcast LIVE April 3 at 8 p.m. from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on CBS.

ACM Follow-Up

It’s that time of year again folks – award season. That means nominations are being announced left and right, and just recently, the nominations for the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced. Miranda Lambert is in the lead with 7 nominations, while Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band received 5 a piece, whereas Zac Brown received 4 nominations independently. The Band Perry and Taylor Swift follow with 4 nods, and Lady Antebellum, Lee Brice, Easton Corbin, Keith Urban and Alan Jackson each received 3.

Easton Corbin has received nominations from his debut, No. 1, album “A Little More Country Than That,” for Top New Solo Vocalist and Single and Song of the Year. “This is a dream come true,” Corbin said. “This is something I’ve wanted all my life. To be able to do this for a living and have people like it, I couldn’t ask for any better. I am so blessed.”

Another nominee with three nods is the Randy Rogers Band, with it being their third consecutive nod for Top Vocal Group. Jamey Johnson is in the running for two ACM Awards for Album of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year. Johnson is already a two-time winner of the Song of the Year category from 2009 and 2007.

Little Big Town is also celebrating their nomination for Top Vocal Group of the Year, as well as their fourth Grammy nomination. "I hold my breath hoping for a nomination every year. It was nice to wake up this morning and hear the great news," said LBT-member Kimberly Schlapman in response to the nomination. In 2006, the group received the Top New Vocal Duo or Group ACM Award.

Another country artist with reason to celebrate is George Strait, with his 82nd ACM nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year – which he has won six times previously, and received nominations for 18 other times. “I never get tired of hearing my name in these announcements,” says Strait. “I’m thankful to the fans and the ACM.”