Monday, May 24, 2010

Tim McGraw: Movies Versus Music


With his work in The Blind Side, Friday Night Lights and Four Christmases, Tim McGraw has set himself up nicely as an actor if the music thing should ever fall by the wayside.


The music is, he continues to say, his primary interest. But the acting allows him to channel the same sort of creative energy that informs an album into a completely different medium.

“In an album, you’re actually creating 10 or 12 mini-movies,” he told mdtntoday.com. “You’re asking people to go along with you through these movies, so when you’re in the studio and you’re closing your eyes and you’re singing, you’re trying to find this guy that’s walking through the song and give him a voice. It’s sort of the same thing you do in a movie. Empathy is the main thing you’re looking for, as a singer or as an actor.”

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Zac Brown Band Builds On Its “Foundation”


Now that the Zac Brown Band has won a Grammy for Best New Artist and picked up a double-platinum album for The Foundation, it’s an understatement to say that the next release will earn a lot of attention.


It’s unlikely that fans will have to wait beyond the end of 2010 to hear it.

“I would say 85 percent of the album is already cut,” band member Coy Bowles told Billboard. “Zac’s done his vocals. I think he’s got to go back and do some guitar and things of that nature. I don’t want to put any dates out there, but I think it’s set to come out in the fall.”

ZBB had about 50 songs to pick from as they recorded the project, which will continue to reflect the group’s multi-genre approach to music.

“We still lean toward a Southern rock/country kind of thing, but there’s definitely radio-friendly stuff and still kind of an island, beachy vibe, and then we go off the beaten path and get into a kind of jam-band world,” Coy noted. “So I think it’s going to be really representative of where we are right now.”

The band is tentatively calling the album Get What You Give, and one song that’s expected to be on it, “Colder Weather,” has already found its way into the marketplace. A live version that features Little Big Town is included on Pass The Jar: Live From The Fabulous Fox Theatre In Atlanta.

Ferlin Husky, Billy Sherrill Join the Hall of Fame


Some of music’s finest talents — Ronnie Milsap, Shelby Lynne, Craig Morgan, Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill were among a bevy of significant artists and Music Row executives who witnessed Sunday’s induction of two new members to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Ferlin Husky and songwriter-producer Billy Sherrill.


In a here-today-gone-tomorrow culture, the names might not ring familiar to everyone. A girl in her 20s outside the Hall asked at the end of the night about Sunday’s soiree, then shrugged her shoulders in a “Who?” sort of manner when told the names of the inductees. But both men provided important building blocks to get the genre to the mainstream idiom it is today.

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Bentley Wows Reverent Ryman Crowd

Dierks Bentley’s Up On The Ridge tour closed at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on May 22 after visiting 24 cities in 30 days to build demand for the album’s release on June 8. The final show featured Bentley’s backing band the Travelin’ McCourys and the Punch Brothers with Chris Thile (Nickel Creek) on mandolin and was filmed for a TV special that Bentley told the crowd was for GAC and PBS. Texan Hayes Carll opened the show.


The almost sold out crowd included industry notables such as ASCAP’s Tim DuBois, Bentley manager Ken Levitan and songwriter Matraca Berg. Mike Dungan, head of Bentley’s label was perched attentively in the balcony.

Early in the show the artist dedicated a song to his Mom, apparently not realizing that only moments before the show began she had left the Ryman with her husband, Dierk’s father, who was carried out on a stretcher by emergency medics. He appeared alert and was talking with the medics as he was leaving. MusicRow wishes him a speedy recovery.

Bentley described his show and upcoming album as an “experiment” mixing bluegrass and country music. However, he warned the crowd, “If you don’t like the banjo you might be in the wrong place.” True to his word, the evening’s musical recipe, was heavy on the bluegrass, a joyful tribute to stringed instruments.

Ryman acoustics were superb and the instrumental setting was effective in adding a unique perspective to the singer’s previous hits such as “Feel That Fire,” “Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go),” “Sideways,” “Come A Little Closer” and others.

The video for Bentley’s first single from the new package, “Up On The Ridge” is already in heavy rotation on CMT and No. 22 rising on the MusicRow Breakout chart.

Special guest Jon Randall joined Bentley to perform their co-write “Draw Me A Map,” from the upcoming album. Another of the evening’s high points was when McCoury band leader Del McCoury treated the crowd to his piercing tenor harmonies getting a standing ovation.

Bentley told the crowd, “Bluegrass is all about the three ‘Ts’—tuning, timing and tone.” Judging by the evenings exalted musicianship, this writer will attest to the finely honed tuning and tone that has already seduced national critics from the Washington Post and USA Today. As to the timing, it remains to be seen how strongly Bentley’s fans will embrace this left of center musical experiment. Based upon the Ryman reaction however, the new album will serve as a vehicle to introduce Bluegrass to thousands of fans who have not been exposed to it and give fans added respect for the breadth of Bentley’s daring artistry.

http://www.musicrow.com/2010/05/31321/

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith Earned Most Since June 2009, Says Forbes

Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith earned the most money among country artists since June 2009, according to a report in Forbes magazine. The publication tallied concert tickets, merchandise and album sales, publishing income and endorsement and licensing agreements. The totals project an estimate in gross earnings through June 2010. According to the story, Chesney brought in $50 million, followed by Keith with $48 million. Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts tied for third with $45 million each. The rest of the Top 10 is as follows: Tim McGraw ($30 million), Keith Urban ($28 million), George Strait ($25 million), Brad Paisley ($22 million), Alan Jackson ($15 million) and Carrie Underwood ($13 million).

Dollywood, Dixie Stampede Donating Weekend Profits to Flood Relief Efforts

Dolly Parton will be donating this weekend's net admission proceeds from her Dollywood and Dixie Stampede properties in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., to flood relief efforts in the Nashville area. The Dolly Helps Nashville fundraising event is set for Saturday and Sunday (May 22-23). The money will go to her Dollywood Foundation which will, in turn, distribute it to other nonprofit organizations assisting flood victims who have lost their homes. Online donations are also being accepted at Parton's official website. "I grew up in the Smokies in East Tennessee, which was my first home. I moved to Nashville 46 years ago and that is my home now," Parton said. "I have family and friends in both places, and when one place hurts, I think it is just right for the other to help."

Martina Moments: No. 38


In this week’s episode of Martina Moments, you’ll get a backstage look at the recent GAC benefit concert: Music City Keep On Playin’: A Benefit for Flood Relief. Martina McBride brought down the house with her version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” as well as worked the phone bank like a pro.

SEE EPISODE HERE

Carrie Underwood & ACM Lifting Lives Partner For Flood Relief


Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood and ACM Lifting Lives have committed seed funding to create the new ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund to support relief efforts for families devastated by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee. The Fund takes its name from Underwood’s co-penned hit song “Temporary Home,” in acknowledgement of the immediate needs surrounding those impacted by the floods.


“ACM Lifting Lives received funds from the taping of the Brooks & Dunn special seven days ago, and as a nimble organization, we are eager to immediately give back to the communities in Middle Tennessee that were hit hardest,” said Erin Spahn, Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “In addition, we approached Carrie about how she wanted to use the grants she would receive as our 2009 Entertainer of the Year, and she leapt at the chance to help people in need of shelter. Our goals fit perfectly, and the Temporary Home Fund was created.

READ MORE

Country Throwdown Tour Features Surprise Collaborations


Beth Brinker here, your GAC Road Reports correspondent and your source for all things Country Throwdown! Stay tuned for my on the road adventures and behind the scenes exclusives with the talented artists and singer/songwriters on one of this summer’s hottest tours! I finally get to be a gypsy with a traveling music circus and all my friends and favorites. First stop – Florida!


If the first day of The Country Throwdown tour is any indicator of what lies ahead, I can only expect the unexpected. I knew collaborations were inevitable, but I was surprised to see so many so soon!

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TRACE ADKINS TO HEADLINE MUSIC CITY JULY 4th SPECTACULAR

Annual, free concert and fireworks extravaganza on go for Riverfront Park


Nashville will once again celebrate July 4th like only the Music City can – with great music and the nation’s best fireworks display! Country music star Trace Adkins will headline the “Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing!” celebration in Riverfront Park. The show line-up will also include Julianne Hough, Jaci Velasquez, the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and Nashville actor Barry Scott. Former American Idol contestant and CBS “Early Show” contributor Ayla Brown will perform the national anthem.

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Randy Houser talks Waylon and Cadillac’s on GAC’s “On The Streets,” debuting Tuesday, May 25


“I’m really excited about this new record,” Randy Houser tells GAC’s Suzanne Alexander of his forthcoming September 14th album release, THEY CALL ME CADILLAC. The charming, soul-drenched Mississippi country music singer will join Suzanne this Tuesday, May 25, 1 p.m./Eastern on Great American Country’s “On The Streets.”


There’s a lot to be excited about these days for Randy Houser. In addition to CADILLAC which features his new single, “I’m All About It,” Randy will contribute vocals to one of his favorite songs, “I’m A Ramblin’ Man,” on the upcoming album, THE WAYLON PROJECT, expected to be released later this year.

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Eagles, Dixie Chicks, Keith Urban Cancel Two Stadium Shows


Two stadium concerts featuring the Eagles, Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban have been canceled, according to the Eagles' website. No reason was given for the cancellations and refunds will be available at the place of purchase. The musicians were scheduled to perform at Citizens Bank Ball Park in Philadelphia on June 14 and at Hershey Stadium in Hershey, Pa., on June 15. The Eagles and Dixie Chicks are still scheduled for Toronto on June 8. Urban joins the tour in East Rutherford, N.J., on June 10, as well as Boston on June 12 and Chicago on June 19. The Eagles and the Dixie Chicks are also slated for Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 22 and in St. Louis on June 24.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Carter Twins Team Up With Soles4Soul and are Heading to Haiti


Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity, announced Monday they will be revisiting the devastated country of Haiti and are taking the Carter Twins with them to help. Josh and Zach and will be kicking off their visit with an intimate beach front acoustic set in Fort Lauderdale before their departure.


The event will take place on Sunday, May 23 from 4:00-5:30 pm at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale. Cole Haan will also be hosting an after party reception from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Fort Lauderdale Galleria Mall and will extend a 20% discount off an entire purchase with the donation of a gently worn pair of shoes.

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Country Stars Help Rebuild Music City - Country Weekly

When floodwaters devastated the Nashville area in early May, country stars pitched in to do their part and assist the Music City community. This special cover section details how stars like Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire


and others performed in benefit concerts or gave donations to the flood relief. Reba donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross and told Country Weekly, “The Red Cross knows where the help is needed and how to get it to the people who need it the most.”

Several stars, including Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley and Jo Dee Messina, experienced losses in the flood, while Nashville tourist spots like the Grand Ole Opry House, the Wildhorse Saloon and others also suffered extensive damage and have closed temporarily.

To learn more, pick up the May 31, 2010 issue of Country Weekly, on newsstands now.

You could win a VIP trip to the Coke Zero 400 at the Daytona International Speedway and MEET Darius Rucker!


Enter the "Track & Tunes" sweepstakes here: www.cokezero.com/longhorn. Enter daily to increase your chances of winning!

Dierks Bentley Takes 'Up On The Ridge' to President Obama

Dierks Bentley shared a secret with the sold-out crowd at his May 20 Washington, D.C. concert. He met with President Barack Obama earlier that day.


"Where were we walking again? Down a street called Pittsburgh?," Dierks jokingly remarked to the Travelin' McCourys, who backed him during the show. "No, it was called Pennsylvania ... I went in and dropped off a copy of my latest CD at the Oval Office."

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LADY ANTEBELLUM CONTINUES MILESTONE YEAR WITH THE LAUNCH OF THEIR NEED YOU NOW 2010 TOUR

After selling out headlining concerts in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville, ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum announced today their first-ever headlining tour with special guest MCA recording artist David Nail. The Need You Now 2010 Tour is sponsored by Dr. Pepper and kicks off on Sept. 20 with stops in 35 cities across the country through Nov. Cities and dates will be announced by market in the coming weeks with the first one announcing on Mon., May 24.


“I feel like we were just writing songs for our very first show at this small club in Nashville,” said Hillary Scott. “I can remember being so nervous to perform in front of just a handful of people that night and to think now we’re beginning to headline our very own tour is unbelievable. We have our fans to thank for following us every step of the way!”

“In only a few short years, country trio Lady Antebellum has risen from obscurity to superstardom…the group is attracting the sort of rabid fandom that clearly signals they're no flash in the pan,” raves the Hollywood Reporter.

Lady Antebellum first took country music by storm in 2008 with the release of their self-titled PLATINUM debut album, which generated the hits "Love Don't Live Here," "Lookin' For A Good Time" and their No. one smash "I Run To You." Their DOUBLE PLATINUM sophomore album NEED YOU NOW, debuted at No. one on Billboard’s Top 200 chart and has since maintained the top spot on the Billboard Country chart for an astonishing 14 weeks. The title track and multi-week No. one song “Need You Now” has dominated the Country, Top 40, AC and Hot AC charts breaking records as a country crossover hit. Following on the heels of three consecutive No. one songs in just eight months for a total of eight weeks at the summit, Lady A’s next single is “Our Kind Of Love.”

Dolly Parton on Oprah TODAY!


Dolly Parton is on Oprah today. Dolly is celebrating 50 years in the business. Don't miss it!

Brad Paisley’s H2O World Tour Sets Sail

It’s been one crazy run-up to Brad Paisley’s H2O World Tour, which starts Friday in Virginia Beach. Brad developed an appropriate charitable component for the tour by teaming with Hope Through Healing Hands, an agency dedicated to solving clean-water issues. He put together a Water World Plaza that includes a dunk tank and a fishing simulator. And he built new staging.

Mother Nature, however, got carried away with the water theme. Some of Brad’s set was ruined when Nashville was flooded earlier this month, and he lost many of his guitars, which were in storage. The Bridgestone Arena, where he had intended to rehearse, took in water, and he was forced to wait 10 days to prep for H2O with his band. In the aftermath of it all, Brad was one of the key performers when GAC presented Music City Keep On Playin’ — A Benefit For Flood Relief, and he and Kimberly Williams-Paisley chipped in $100,000 to help kick-start the fund-raising, which currently stands at $1.8 million.

Some of the H2O Tour won’t be quite what Brad had planned — in fact, he even went to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and reclaimed a guitar that was supposed to be on display so he could make it through the tour. Despite the rough sailing, he’s ready to hit the road again.

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Chris Young Looks Backward With Voices EP


In taking an opening slot on Alan Jackson’s current Freight Train Tour, Chris Young has the opportunity to spend a decent amount of time with one of his heroes. He’ll pay homage to three more with a three-song digital release, Voices EP.


The project, set to be released through iTunes on Tuesday, finds him doing acoustic versions of three 1980s classics: John Anderson’s 1983 hit “Swingin’,” Vern Gosdin’s 1989 standard “Chiseled In Stone” and Keith Whitley’s “I’m Over You,” a hit in 1990 that Whitley recorded in the weeks prior to his death in May 1989.

“There’s a song on my current album called ‘Voices’ — it’s my next single — and we decided to name this EP Voices, too,” Chris says. “One of the reasons we did that is because these are really the voices that inspired me musically. If you go through a list of some of my favorite artists, these guys are at the top.”

An interesting choice of words, since Chris is at the top at the moment. “The Man I Want To Be,” the title track of his current album, is at No. 1 for a second straight week on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Chris will certainly do that song, and maybe one or two of the Voices covers, this weekend as he heads back on the road with Alan and Josh Turner. They’re set to play University Park, Pa., on Friday; Charleston, W.Va., on Saturday; and Lexington, Ky., on Sunday.

Emily West Throws Down Her “Freak Flag” on Top 20

Emily West, Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson and Jack Ingram are among the stars on the multi-act Country Throwdown Tour, and GAC’s Suzanne Alexander checks in with the crew from the tour launch in Tampa on this weekend’s Top 20 Country Countdown.


The central theme of the Throwdown is a sort of gritty, edgy, left-of-center brand of country that might seem a little out of character for Emily, who seems a bit sweeter than the Throwdown might imply. But her recent appearance on “The Celebrity Apprentice” might provide a clue about why Emily fits in with the outside-the-box lineup.

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Danny Gokey's Antioch Relief Center opens to help flood victims

Danny Gokey’s charitable foundation Sophia’s Heart recently opened the Antioch Relief Center to help support Middle Tennesseans impacted by the massive flood earlier this month.
The center, which is located at 5320 Hickory Hollow Parkway in the old Best Buy building, is offering food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies and other essentials free of charge to victims of the natural disaster. Technology protection service Asurion will also be giving away 200 free cellular phones with 200 prepaid minutes to qualifying folks (i.e. verified flood victims), starting at 9 a.m. on Friday.

People in need of assistance can drop by and pick up what they need.

Those who want to help can drop off donations of clothing, cleaning supplies, toiletries, blankets, bedding, shoes and bottled water directly to the center

“There are people in need and we have to look past ourselves,” Gokey said. “If there’s one thing I learned growing up as a boy in church, it’s that if you take care of someone else God will take care of you.”

The center is open 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 1–888-519‑6669.

Alan Jackson Steps Up to Help Coal Miners' Families


You would think the general state of coal mining in this country and the situation of the miners themselves would call out for songwriters and singers to address this important social issue -- as has been done many times in the past.


In a TV interview, Ted Turner said he thinks that these coal mining and oil drilling disasters are a signal from God to stop destroying his grand creation. I think Turner may be on to something there.

Mountaintop destruction coal mining and deep sea oil drilling are disasters waiting to happen, and if there are no remedies in place, then what? Just big bonuses for the villains who perpetrated the whole mess. You can bet on that.

The only responses to the latest mine tragedy that I can see thus far coming from any corner of the music world are concerts organized by Alan Jackson and Emmylou Harris. And I salute them for that.

READ MORE HERE

Dave Matthews Joins Nashville Stars in Rallying Against Mountaintop Removal Mining

"Having this show at the Ryman has special meaning," Emmylou Harris said as she summed up the feelings behind the Music Saves Mountains benefit concert held Wednesday night (May 19) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. "If the Ryman is the mother church of country music, then the Appalachian Mountains are its sacred ground. We need your voices, because once they're gone, these mountains will never be back."


Harris, Kathy Mattea, Patty Loveless, Alison Krauss, Patty Griffin, Big Kenny, Dave Matthews and others all gathered to shine a light on a coal mining practice that is devastating communities and forests in the Appalachian region, the area that first gave rise to the traditions of country music.

READ MORE HERE

Martina McBride Signs Deal With Kenny Chesney's Manager, Clint Higham

Martina McBride has signed a management deal with Clint Higham, president of Morris Artist Management. Higham, who is based in Nashville, also manages Kenny Chesney and Jake Owen. He has been with the company for 18 years. "Excited is an understatement when it comes to how I feel about starting this partnership with Clint," says McBride. "He has strong and focused ideas about my career and the opportunities that lie ahead. I have the utmost respect not only for his talent and passion as a manager but also for his integrity both professionally and personally." McBride had been represented by Bruce Allen Talent in Vancouver, Canada, since her early career.

Alan Jackson, George Jones Donate Decorated Guitars for Nashville Flood Relief

Grand Ole Opry members Alan Jackson and George Jones are among the country artists donating decorated guitars to an Opry Trust Fund benefit auction for flood relief in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The event will take place June 11 at 3 p.m. at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium during the CMA Music Festival. Chris Young will perform during the event. Other contributing country artists include Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Danny Gokey, the Judds, Jake Owen, Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker.

Get a Glimpse at Keith Urban's Hectic Week

Aussie gives his time and talent to Nashville and Hong Kong during charity events this week. Check out the CMT Web Buzz video.
http://www.cmt.com/videos/cmt-news/518807/cmt-web-buzzz-52010-keith-urban.jhtml?id=1639714

Video of Whitney Duncan in Iraq


Whit Fans -

Check out this awesome video of Whitney in Iraq! Share it with your friends!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb0B_i7h5ng

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Buy tickets now for the GAC Kickoff Breakfast featuring Love and Theft, Chris Young and more!

GAC Kickoff Breakfast takes place in the Curb Conservatory at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Wednesday, June 9 from 7:00 until 9:30 a.m (doors open at 6:30 a.m.).


*There is a 4 ticket limit per person on these tickets.


GAC breakfast ticket includes:

•A hearty country breakfast.

•Acoustic performances and autograph signings by Chris Young, Love and Theft, and other artists TBD.

•Fans can choose either Group A which includes Chris Young and artists TBD or Group B which includes Love and Theft and artists TBD.

•General Museum Admission.
 
https://store.countrymusichalloffame.com/products.php?product=GAC-Kickoff-Breakfast#

Pre-Order for Jerrod's Album "Judge Jerrod and the Hung Jury" feat. "Lover, Lover" is available now on Amazon.com!

http://www.amazon.com/Judge-Jerrod-Hung-Jury-Niemann/dp/B003CJUIWQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1274389670&sr=8-4

Carrie and ACM Lifting Lives have committed seed funding to create the new ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund to support relief efforts for families devastated by the recent floods in Middle Tennesse!

Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood and ACM Lifting Lives have committed seed funding to create the new ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund to support relief efforts for families devastated by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee. The Fund takes its name from Underwood’s co-penned hit song “Temporary Home,” in acknowledgement of the immediate needs surrounding those impacted by the floods.


“ACM Lifting Lives received funds from the taping of the Brooks & Dunn special seven days ago, and as a nimble organization, we are eager to immediately give back to the communities in Middle Tennessee that were hit hardest,” said Erin Spahn, Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “In addition, we approached Carrie about how she wanted to use the grants she would receive as our 2009 Entertainer of the Year, and she leapt at the chance to help people in need of shelter. Our goals fit perfectly, and the Temporary Home Fund was created.”



“Last year, I partnered with ACM Lifting Lives to help people in my hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma. Now I’m happy that we can help people in my current home of Nashville,” said Carrie Underwood.



A text-to-donate campaign in partnership with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee officially launches today and will be highlighted during this weekend’s ACM PRESENTS: BROOKS & DUNN – THE LAST RODEO all-star concert tribute airing Sunday, May 23rd at 8PM on the CBS Television Network. Ticket proceeds from that taping in Las Vegas went to ACM Lifting Lives, which in turn quickly earmarked funding for those affected by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee. This is the second disbursement from that event’s fundraising efforts.

Underwood’s taped PSA call-to-action will be inserted into ACM PRESENTS: BROOKS & DUNN – THE LAST RODEO and will encourage viewers to text ACM to 501501 to make a one-time $10 donation to the new ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund. These donations will benefit The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and are earmarked specifically for nonprofits serving those displaced from their homes due to floods.

The ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home will be administered in part by MusiCares and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, to help ensure that people in need of temporary housing will have the support of nonprofits able to help.

Donations can be made NOW by texting ACM to 501501 through August 2010. Text donations are confirmed by replying with YES, and can be made up to three times. Donations can also be made online at http://www.acmliftinglives.org/ and at www.CBS.com/give. For information on the funding application process, visit http://www.cfmt.org/.



About the ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund Text-to-Donate Campaign

Text ACM to 501501 to donate $10 to the ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. A one-time $10 donation is charged to your wireless bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Donate up to three times. Message & data rates may apply. Donations collected by the Mobile Giving Foundation. Proceeds benefit The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. For info call 866-810-1203 or go to hmgf.org/t. Text STOP to 501501 to cancel; HELP to 501501 for help.



About ACM Lifting Lives

ACM Lifting Lives™ is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Each year, ACM Lifting Lives provides grants to music therapy and music education programs. Other giving includes serving members of the country music community who face unexpected medical or financial hardship through the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund and partnering with artists to improve lives through music. For more information, please visit http://www.acmliftinglives.org/.

Taylor Swift Wants Stingrays for Her Living Room Pond

Yep, I said it. Taylor Swift wants a few stingrays to put in her pond that is in her new living room.
Taylor recently moved into an apartment in Nashville, and has enjoyed decorating it to her own tastes. She wasn’t happy with just slapping some paint the walls and getting upgraded carpet. Instead she decided a total remodel was in order.


Taylor tells People Magazine:

“There are rooms where there weren’t rooms before, and I have a birdcage in my living room that is people-sized,” she explained. “Then there’s a pond in the living room as well, and I want to get stingrays. I don’t want people to think I’m crazy, but wouldn’t that be cool?”

“My friends and I have been calling it things like ‘The Imaginarium’ because it has all of these crazy whimsical things in it,”

I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see a few pics of the inside of Taylor’s new crib. CMT Cribs….WHERE ARE YOU? Go knock on her door. We wanna see! Oh, and make sure to take along a bucket of squid with you. The stingrays will love it!

http://www.countrymusictattletale.com/2010/05/20/taylor-swift-wants-stingrays-for-her-living-room-pond

Chris is releasing an acoustic 3 song Voices EP exclusively at iTunes beginning Tuesday, May 25! Exclusive preview now at Country Weekly!

Country Weekly is proud to offer fans an exclusive preview of the tracks, beginning today (May 20) with Chris' version of Keith Whitley’s “I’m Over You.” On May 21, fans can listen to Chris’ warm, distinctive baritone take on John Anderson’s “Swingin’” followed by his handling of Vern Gosdin’s Country Music Association Award-winning "Chiseled in Stone" on May 24.

http://www.countryweekly.com/chris_young_preview/news/4720

CMT & Chris want to give you the ultimate look behind the scenes. You could take a backstage tour with Chris on a Rascal Flatts tour date near you!

Chris Young wants to give you the ultimate look behind the scenes. You could take a backstage tour with him on a Rascal Flatts tour date near you and win some autographed prizes.
http://www.cmt.com/community/sweepstakes/chris-young/

Laura Bell Bundy Makes Opry Debut


When Laura Bell Bundy sings on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time on Saturday, the moment will blend a very odd series of events.


For starters, Laura Bell established herself first as a performer on Broadway. Shifting from the Great White Way to Music Row is a career path that’s only happened once or twice before.

Making the evening even more unique, the Tennessee floods have the Kentucky-born singer showing up on the Opry from a location she probably never heard of before moving to Nashville. Since 1974, the Opry’s been housed at the Grand Ole Opry House, but the Cumberland River covered that stage the first week of May, and it’s unclear when the venue will be able to reopen. The Ryman Auditorium was the Opry home for more than 30 years prior to the Opry House, and it still hosts a number of Opry performances over the course of the year.

But during the post-flood renovations, the Opry is skipping around among at least three alternate sites, and Laura Bell’s debut on Saturday takes place at long-forgotten War Memorial Auditorium. Interestingly, that venue comes with its own Opry history. Prior to the Ryman, War Memorial hosted the Opry from 1939-1943. In fact, Ernest Tubb, Minnie Pearl and bluegrass icon Bill Monroe all made their first Opry appearances on that stage.

War Memorial came back into rotation earlier this month when the Opry House was submerged. Chris Young, Marty Stuart, Jeannie Seely and Suzy Bogguss were among the acts who took the stage there on May 4 when the flood forced a quick change of plans. They all united at the close of the show for the Carter Family’s apropos “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”

When Laura Bell joins the circle of performers who have appeared on the Opry, she’ll pay a nod to the Opry’s traditional embrace of multiple entertainment forms, including comedy and dancing. Four of the Opry’s square dancers will be clogging along as she sings her current single, “Giddy On Up.”

Also on the bill at the Opry on Saturday: Charley Pride, John Conlee, Bill Anderson and Kathy Mattea.

Laura Bell has another major event on her calendar this month: She’s singing “Giddy On Up” during the IPL 500 Festival Parade May 29 in Indianapolis. Laura Bell might run into Jewel, who’s set to sing the national anthem at the Indy 500 the next day

'American Idol' auditions come to Nashville

American Idol might find its newest superstar in Music City.


The perennially popular TV singing competition, currently wrapping up its ninth season, has announced that it will be making a stop in Nashville to hold auditions for Season 10.

Host Ryan Seacrest announced the first four audition cities during Wednesday night’s results show. No word on when or specifically where the Nashville auditions will be held — interested parties should keep a close eye on AmericanIdol.com.

A Music City-based competitor would certainly have their share of like-minded neighbors — Idol alums roosting here include Carrie Underwood, Melinda Doolittle, Mandisa, Kellie Pickler, Bo Bice and Chris Sligh, among many others.

http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2010/05/20/american-idol-auditions-come-to-nashville/

Autographed Ashley Ray and Jonathan Singleton & the Grove Giveaway

Here's your chance to win one of three sets of these new EPs autographed by Ashley Ray and Jonathan Singleton! Ashley Ray's EP features five great songs that shows off her unique talent, something that can also be said about Jonathan Singleton & the Grove's EP as well. Both are part of the 2010 Country Throwdown Tour.



This contest is open to folks aged 13 or older in the USA only. Good luck. It will run through May 27, 2010.

http://www.roughstock.com/contests/autographed-ashley-ray-and-jonathin-singleton-the-grove-giveaway

Sea Ray Boats becomes an official sponsor of Brad Paisleys H20 tour

Sea Ray Boats will be a co-sponsor on country music star Brad Paisley's upcoming H2O World Tour for the tour's "Water World Plaza" traveling show.

delivers coffee to your transom

The show is scheduled to start Friday in Virginia Beach, Va., and includes more than 40 stops in the U.S., Canada and other international locations through the end of September.

"One of our goals at Sea Ray is to provide our customers with more than a superior boat; it's also to provide them with a superior lifestyle. That's the motivation behind our annual AquaPalooza event and our sponsorship of Brad Paisley's H2O tour," said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray, in a statement.

"And, of course, the fact that the H2O tour is water-themed makes it a perfect fit for us," he added. "We plan to show concert-goers the exceptional quality, excitement and style they can get by joining our Sea Ray family."

The H2O tour will offer a Water World Plaza that opens at 4 p.m. on the day of each concert. This area is designed to incorporate display boats, a fishing simulator, dunking booth, swimming pools, radio DJs and a separate stage featuring newer country music acts.

"It's all meant to feel like summer and water," Paisley described in a recent tweet. "I want you to be able to hop off your boat or outta your pool and go right to our show."

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/home/504408-sea-ray-to-sponsor-brad-paisley-world-tour

O'Charley's and Stoney River Legendary Steaks Launch Flood Relief Fundraising Program to Aid Nashville Recovery

O'Charley's Inc, headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., announced today that its 234 company-owned and operated O'Charley's restaurants and 11 Stoney River Legendary Steaks restaurants, will donate 10% of online and in-restaurant gift card sales through June 30, 2010 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

"The flood in Middle Tennessee had a devastating effect on our guests, friends, neighbors, and team members," said Jeff Warne, O'Charley's Inc. president and CEO. "At O'Charley's, our corporate philosophy is A Passion to Serve(R) -- to be a good corporate citizen and give back to our communities. Because the clean up and rebuilding of Nashville will take many months and millions of dollars, we wanted to find a way to raise money over an extended period of time, in a wide geographic area, and make it easy for everyone who wants to help to do so." The gift card donation program fits the parameters because it includes a 10% donation for all O'Charley's and Stoney River Legendary Steaks gift card sales whether they are virtual cards purchased online or traditional cards purchased online or in-restaurant. The full value of the card is not affected; O'Charley's or Stoney River, not the buyer of the cards, will donate the 10%.

"Now is the time for Father's Day, graduation, and birthday gift cards, so we have an opportunity to generate a generous donation that will be put to excellent use by two incredible organizations," added Warne. Both Second Harvest and the American Red Cross hit the ground running as soon as the flooding began and have fed, sheltered and provided volunteer resources to help thousands of Middle Tennessee residents.

Because of the volunteer spirit inherent in Tennessee, O'Charley's Inc. anticipates that many gift card purchasers in Middle Tennessee will give them to those who have lost their homes to the flood. Therefore, the company is offering a special edition flood relief design, Sky Falling Nashville Rising, which is available only in O'Charley's and Stoney River Middle Tennessee locations and online. Nashville artist Kate Hall originally designed Sky Falling Nashville Rising as a poster and donated it to Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee to use as they saw fit. When the O'Charley's/Stoney River gift card idea was conceived, she graciously adapted the design to fit the cards. According to Hall, "I was sitting at home, dry and unaffected by the record-breaking rainfall watching a live media report from a devastated Bellevue. Seeing the devastating footage roll, I felt helpless to really make a difference. What could I do in such a tragedy? The original inspiration for my poster came from a report by CNN's anchor Anderson Cooper. He said he was blown away by the way the city of Nashville hadn't missed a beat during the flooding to come together and help one another - Despite being underwater, Nashville was rising."



For more information, visit http://www.ocharleys.com/giftcards or http://www.stoneyriver.com/cards.php.

Emmylou Harris Mines Music for Mountains

Since the beginning of May, Nashville has been digging out from the devastating affects of an unexpected flood. The community has pulled together, and outsiders have been amazed at the extent of humanity and neighborly goodwill Music City has expressed.


The flood was an example of Mother Nature wreaking havoc on humanity. But people have been messing with Mother Nature, Emmylou Harris observes, in a way that is destroying another part of Tennessee. Emmylou wrote a guest editorial in Sunday’s edition of The Tennessean explaining why she and some of her fellow musicians — Kathy Mattea, Big Kenny and Dave Matthews, among them — are performing a Music Saves Mountains concert Wednesday at the Ryman Auditorium.

The concert calls attention to mountaintop removal, a form of mining in which explosives are used to blast the tops off of mountains so that coal companies can access strips of coal, which eventually gets converted into energy for everyone’s households. Mountaintop removal is employed in the hills of Kentucky, West Virginia and east Tennessee. It permanently destroys the landscape, and it pollutes the environment, including the drinking water for the local residents.

“To date more than 500 Appalachian mountains have been dynamited and nearly 2,000 miles of rivers and streams have been choked by this irreverent practice,” Emmylou wrote. “The Appalachians are the only mountain range in the country where this practice is allowed.”

Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Sam Bush, Buddy Miller, Patty Griffin and Brandon Young are among the Ryman guests, as some of country and Americana’s most passionate artists attempt to instill some passion for the environment in the community at large.

“This is not an anti-coal campaign, it is an effort to promote sustainable mining practices that will not destroy our mountain heritage,” Emmylou wrote. “We are at a pivotal moment, and as musicians have done for generations, we intend to use our art form to inspire action on a global scale. Together with our fans we believe music can save mountains.”

Go here to read Emmylou’s complete column. Visit www.iLoveMountains.org to learn about the issue.

Sugarland Gets Some Ink


You need a confidence builder? You might follow Jennifer Nettles’ path and get a permanent crib sheet.


That might well be the motivation for one of the Sugarland singer’s three tattoos. She has the word “believe” inked onto her wrist, a spot that she’s bound to see frequently. She also has a flower embedded on her hip and a winged heart — very similar to the cover art for Love On The Inside — on her right arm.

“People tattoo for different reasons,” she told The Colorado Springs Gazette. “I use a tattoo as a marker of time, to be reminded of a time in my life. It is something special and personal. There’s a lyric in my song ‘Take Me as I Am’: ‘We all live with the scars we choose.’ Some scars are given to us and some we choose.”

Jennifer is taking her scars — both the physical ones and the emotional ones — onstage with her these days as Sugarland rolls through its Incredible Machine Tour. The concert schedule leads into the Incredible Machine album, set for release this fall.

“Kristian [Bush] and I wrote all the material and it’s an evolution; it’s growth artistically,” she said. “I have musical ADD or something, and I get bored doing the same thing over and over. I love different sounds, different influences. We are speaking to the human condition, and I think music is leaning that way. Music is so much more than what you wear and your hair.”

Or your tattoos, for that matter. You can catch Sugarland’s Incredible Machine Tour this weekend in the Northeast. They play Mansfield, Mass., on Friday; Holmdel, N.J., on Saturday; and Hartford on Sunday.

Don’t Miss the ACM’s Brooks & Dunn Tribute on Sunday! | GAC News & Notes

Tune in on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS to watch superstars of country music pay tribute to all-time leading ACM Award winners Brooks & Dunn at ACM PRESENTS: BROOKS & DUNN – THE LAST RODEO, featuring performances by Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban with presenters Dr. Maya Angelou, Miranda Cosgrove & Matthew McConaughey.


Ticket proceeds from the live event went to ACM Lifting Lives, which in turn quickly earmarked funding for those affected by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee.

During the tribute concert special, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn receive the Academy’s Milestone Award in recognition of their astounding 20-year career and are honored for holding the record for the most wins of any artist in the Academy’s history. Brooks & Dunn have 27 ACM Awards in total, including three prior Entertainer of the Year awards and a Top Vocal Duo award that they received during the ACM Awards broadcast in April. They hold the record for most Top Vocal Duo wins, with 16 awards, eight of which are consecutive from 2000-2007.
Brooks & Dunn  have had 23 No. 1 hits, sold more than 30 million records, and won more than 80 major industry awards during their career. In August 2009, they announced they will retire as a duo in late 2010 and embark on a final farewell tour this summer, called “The Last Rodeo.” Browse through our photos from the ACM special!

When you tune in Sunday night you’ll see the following stars performing their favorite Brooks & Dunn songs:

Jason Aldean – “How Long Gone”

Kenny Chesney – “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” (Click here to see this performance now!)

Faith Hill – “The Long Goodbye”

Jennifer Hudson – “Believe”

Lady Antebellum – “If You See Him/If You See Her”

Miranda Lambert – “Hillbilly Deluxe”

Reba McEntire – “Indian Summer”

Tim McGraw – “That Ain’t No Way to Go”

Brad Paisley – “My Next Broken Heart”

Rascal Flatts – “It’s Getting Better All the Time”

Darius Rucker – “Hard Workin’ Man”

George Strait – “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”

Sugarland – “Red Dirt Road”

Taylor Swift – “Ain’t Nothing Bout You”

Carrie Underwood – “Neon Moon”

Keith Urban – “Brand New Man”

FINALE- Brooks & Dunn with cast – “Play Something Country”

Brooks & Dunn Dedicate Habitat for Humanity House on Music Row

Knoxville Habitat for Humanity and the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation are teaming up with America’s talented musical artists to build a ‘Music Row’ in Knoxville. Only this ‘Music Row’ serves to provide local families with simple, decent and affordable housing.


Today, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of country duo Brooks & Dunn participated in the dedication of the ‘Brooks & Dunn’ house, the first of the ‘Music Row’ houses made possible by the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation. The home is located at 1717 LeFlore, formerly Bonny Ave., in Knoxville.

“The work of Habitat for Humanity is extraordinary and inspiring. It is an honor to be part of this project and have our names on one of Knoxville’s new ‘Music Row’ homes,” said Brooks & Dunn.

‘Music Row’ will be a collection of numerous houses built by Knoxville Habitat for Humanity on LeFlore Ave. in the Lonsdale community. The houses, each of which will be built during the next 10 years, are underwritten by the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation from an annual benefit concert featuring a country music act. Brooks & Dunn performed at the first event in 2008 and the first house is built in their honor. Next year, a home will be built in honor of recording artist Martina McBride, who performed at the 2009 benefit.

Even though the homes are underwritten by the foundation, the homes are not given away. In lieu of a down payment, all Knoxville Habitat for Humanity homeowners are required to complete 500 hours of sweat equity, mostly in the form of budgeting and homeowner classes. In addition, the family pays a mortgage on the home that is at zero-percent over 25 to 30 years.

Besides a visit from country duo Brooks & Dunn, the dedication included remarks from Knoxville Habitat for Humanity’s president and CEO, Kelle Shultz and Charlie and Moll Anderson of the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation.

“Today we’re celebrating new homeowner Stephanie Davis, thanks to the generosity of the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation,” said Shultz. “When Brooks & Dunn hand Stephanie the keys to her new house it will unlock her dream of home ownership.”


“Home ownership has an incredible generational impact on families. According to a 2001 Harvard University study, children whose families own a home have better home environments, higher cognitive test scores and fewer behavioral problems than do children of renters,” said Charlie Anderson. “The positive affect that a steady, grounded home environment can have on a child is amazing.”

“We are thrilled to be a part of the ‘Music Row’ here in Knoxville. One of our Foundation’s key philosophies is to provide basic human needs, and shelter fits into that category. Working with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity is a perfect way for us to focus on something that’s so important for all humans – a safe and healthy home,” said Moll Anderson

Order AUTOGRAPHED copies of Chely Wright's NEW CD and Book! Limited time offer.


https://chely.com/store/featured

Jewel - Live Chat Free Download

Free download of "No Good In Goodbye" from Jewel's upcoming album,

SWEET AND WILD - Available June 8th
 
http://www.thevalorymusicco.com/jewelchatfree/

Cross Canadian Ragweed To Take A Break From The Road

SHOW DOG – UNIVERSAL MUSIC group CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED have announced they will be taking a break from life on the road. They have played 220 dates a year for 13 of the last 15 years, and they each agreed that they wanted to spend more time at home with their families.


CCR founder and drummer RANDY RAGSDALE said: “For many years my band has been my top priority. Being in a touring band you have to give it your all, give it 100%. Right now, I need to be at home for my family, particularly my son JC, who has autism. I would understand and support the bands decision to get another drummer and press on. But that’s not what they wanted to do. I was blown away by their decision and their support.”

Lead singer CODY CANADA added: “We’ve always said from the start, we’re RAGWEED as the four of us, or not RAGWEED at all.”

For more details, go to http://www.crosscanadianragweed.com/

CMT : CMA Music Festival 2010 : Fan Social : Tickets, Performers, Concerts, Events, Riverfront Stage

The CMA Fan Social Presented by CMT is the most sought-after show of the Music Festival -- literally. This is a secret show and to learn where it is you have to find clues by following CMT on Facebook, MySpace and @FollowCMT on Twitter. You'll also find clues on the artists' websites and social media pages. The free concert features stars Chris Jansen, Rodney Atkins, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Young, Laura Bell Bundy and Randy Houser
http://www.cmt.com/cma-music-festival/fansocial.jhtml

From Rehab to Rebirth, Joe Nichols Is Back

Country singer Joe Nichols is back on top with his No. 1 hit "Gimme That Girl," off his first album since entering rehab for substance abuse in October 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPiqtrgx5M0

ROCKIE LYNNE ANNOUNCES NEW CD AND NEW WEBSITE

Rockie Lynne will release his newest album, Songs For Soldiers, to coincide with the Memorial Day holiday.


The album is a longer version of the record that he originally compiled to give away to the troops during his overseas tour of U.S. Military bases.

It contains eight original compositions (many that his dedicated fans have never heard before) along with six classics 'standards', including an instrumental track featuring Grammy award winning artist and guitarist, Steve Wariner.

Rockie will be touring and making many media appearances in support of this new release.
http://www.rockielynne.com/

Martina McBride: Car Baby Car Sweepstakes - Enter for a chance to Win at CMT.com

Want to take home a real collector's item? Here's your chance. You could ride away in the 1972 Monte Carlo from Martina McBride's video, "Wrong Baby Wrong."
http://www.cmt.com/community/sweepstakes/martina-mcbride-car/

BamaJam 2010 ARTIST LINEUP ANNOUNCED!! with Times!!

http://www.bamajammusicfestival.com/2010-artist-schedule.html

Country Throwdown Tour Donates Money to Nashville Flood Victims

In light of the recent devastation in Nashville, the Country Throwdown Tour and its artists are lending a hand to the local residents in need.


Country Throwdown artists are coming forward to help in a collective way. As of today, main stage headliners Montgomery Gentry, Jack Ingram, Eric Church, Eli Young Band and Bluebird Café Tent singer-songwriters Sarah Buxton, Heather Morgan, Jedd Hughes, Ashley Ray, Troy Olsen, Brad Tursi, Cory Branan and Dave Pahanish will be donating the net proceeds from the sale of their merchandise at select shows throughout the U.S.

“We’re excited to be a part of the Throwdown Tour and through the course of the tour the artists get to participate in generating a lot of revenue for Nashville,” explains Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry. “Donating in one lump sum at the end of the tour gives us the opportunity to help any folks who may have fallen through the cracks, either through not having insurance or not being eligible for FEMA coverage. We’ll be able to place the money directly with the people who need it the most to rebuild.”

The Country Throwdown Tour will donate $.50 of every ticket to charity, a portion of which will go directly to Hands On Nashville (www.hon.org) to rebuild community infrastructure in Nashville. Meanwhile, at the end of the tour, the merchandise donations from the aforementioned tour artists will also benefit Hands On Nashville.

“After moving part of our company down to Nashville well over a year ago, we’ve all grown deeply connected to this town,” states tour founder Kevin Lyman. “In the wake of this flood, all of us with the Country Throwdown Tour are inspired to help rebuild the Nashville community for many months to come.”

The Country Throwdown Tour kicked off May 14 in Tampa, FL and wraps-up June 20 in Mountain View, CA. The outdoor amphitheater tour mixes top country music artists with up-and-coming singer-songwriters on four stages.

Country Throwdown Tour headliners include: Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town and Jack Ingram. Other mainstage artists include: Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, the Eli Young Band, Heidi Newfield, Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove and Emily West. In addition, nine emerging singer-songwriters are featured in the Bluebird Café Tent: Ashley Ray, Brad Tursi, Cory Branan, Dave Pahanish, Jedd Hughes, Sarah Buxton, Troy Olsen, Heather Morgan and Walker Hayes.

For more information, videos, free songs and tickets, visit the Country Throwdown Tour website.

Tour Dates:
DATE CITY VENUE

Fri 5/14 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre

Sat 5/15 W. Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre

Sun 5/16 Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Park

Thu 5/20 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center

Fri 5/21 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

Sat 5/22 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Sun 5/23 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center

Thu 5/27 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Fri 5/28 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Pavilion

Sat 5/29 Pittsburgh, PA Post Gazette Pavilion

Sun 5/30 Saratoga Springs, NY SPAC Amphitheatre

Mon 5/31 Gilford, NH Meadowbrook US Cellular

Fri 6/4 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Sat 6/5 Philadelphia, PA Susquehanna Amphitheatre

Sun 6/6 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live

Wed 6/9 Houston, TX Sam Houston Racepark

Thu 6/10 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center

Sat 6/12 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre

Sun 6/13 Denver, CO Comfort Dental Amphitheatre

Wed 6/16 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena

Thu 6/17 San Diego, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

Fri 6/18 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Sat 6/19 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Sun 6/20 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre