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Luke Bryan Announces 36-City Headline “Country On Tour”

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Luke Bryan Announces 36-City Headline “Country On Tour”

Luke Bryan announced his 2023 touring plans today with the launch of the 36-city “Country On Tour” kicking off June 15 in Syracuse, New York.  Produced by Live Nation, special guests throughout the tour include many of country music’s up and coming artists- Chayce Beckham, Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Jon Langston, Conner Smith, Alana Springsteen, Hailey Whitters, and DJ Rock. 

New Rascal Flatts Single "Yours If You Want It" Available Now

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Rascal Flatts on Country Music News Blog

Rascal Flatts announced their new single “Yours If You Want It” today, exclusively on USA Today. The track is the lead single taken from the group’s much-awaited forthcoming studio album, and is available everywhere today. Read more here.   You can download the new song from iTunes or Google Play here, or stream the song on your favorite streaming service.

Kiefer Sutherland To Appear On GAC’s Top 20 Countdown This Weekend

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Debut Album DOWN IN A HOLE Continues to Receive Rave Reviews “Designated Survivor” Airs Wednesdays at 10|9c on ABC NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2017) – You’ve seen him in the hit ABC series “Designated Survivor,” but Kiefer Sutherland continues to pursue his musical passion as he opens up on Great American Country’s Top 20 Countdown about his critically-acclaimed debut album DOWN IN A HOLE. Sutherland sits down for an intimate discussion with host Suzanne Alexander about the inspiration behind DOWN IN A HOLE, a passion project chock-full of 11 co-written tracks. GAC Air Dates Jan. 6 6p EST Jan. 7 10am and 12pm EST Jan. 8 9am and 11am EST Click here for local listings Recently, Sutherland performed “Can’t Stay Away” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Calling Out Your Name” on “The View.” Sutherland also graced the cover of Guitar Aficionado, Goldmine Magazine and Collectible Guitar issues. DOWN IN A HOLE was recently featured in People, Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, Guitar Player, The Boot, Vice/Live Nation TV, Closer Weekly, US Weekly, Sounds Like Nashville, Nashville Country Club, Taste of Country, The Pickup, Paste, Bella Magazine, Celebrity Page, Consequence of Sound, Associated Press and more. Sutherland will be back on the road this spring with a North American tour. Dates will be announced soon. Keep up with Sutherland by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with him on social media by following him on Twitter and Facebook. Reviewers are applauding Sutherland’s vocals, guitar licks and songwriting style: “Kiefer Sutherland…slows down and unwinds on his debut album, a collection of 11 rough-edged country songs…The album has an unexpected, unvarnished authenticity that is pleasant, if sometimes familiar.” -Jill Lawless, Associated Press “The perfect soundtrack for your Americana, dive bar road trip, “All She Wrote” starts off with an intro that would sound right at home during the duel scene in a modern western. Sutherland’s gritty vocals overlap electric guitar and crashing drums…” -Kat Harlton, Lithium Magazine DOWN IN A HOLE TRACK LISTING: 1.Can’t Stay Away 2.Truth In Your Eyes 3.I’ll Do Anything 4.Not Enough Whiskey 5.Going Home 6.Calling Out Your Name 7.My Best Friend 8.Shirley Jean 9.All She Wrote 10.Down In A Hole 11.Gonna Die

Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award

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Zac Brown Band on Country Music News Blog

Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award; Peter Smyth To Receive Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award To be presented Feb. 22 during CRS 2017 (Nashville, Tenn. – Jan 5, 2016) – The Country Radio Broadcasters have announced Zac Brown as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award and former Chairman and CEO of Greater Media, Peter Smyth, as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award, to be presented during Country Radio Seminar 2017; following the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, February 22nd, 3:30-4:00 p.m. The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career. Past recipients of the annual award have included Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others. Zac Brown is a strong supporter of multiple philanthropic causes including his own Camp Southern Ground which was inspired by his experiences as a camp counselor. The program at the Georgia-based state-of-the-art facility is an inclusive camp that combines children with neuro-developmental disorders with mainstream children. Its mission is to provide extraordinary experiences for these children to recognize and magnify the unique gifts within themselves and others in order to profoundly impact the world. Additional organizations that Brown is committed to include GRAMMYS on The Hill, GRAMMY U, MusiCares, Robin Hood Foundation and The USO. Three-time GRAMMY winner and multi-platinum artist Zac Brown, of Zac Brown Band, is one of music’s most heralded acts. The latest platinum-certified album ‘JEKYLL + HYDE’ (Southern Ground Artists/John Varvatos Records/Big Machine Label Group/Republic Records) marks the band’s fourth consecutive No.1 debut on the Billboard 200 chart. Zac Brown Band has earned a historic series of fifteen No.1 hit radio singles and is only the second band to top both the country and active rock formats. The Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award is given at the discretion of the Country Radio Broadcasters Board of Directors to recognize an individual in the Country Radio industry who has displayed a magnanimous spirit of caring and generosity in service to their community. This award is named in honor of CRB Board member Tom Rivers, who died in 2004 at age 38 of bronchial asthma. Rivers, known for his work at WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg and WUSN, Chicago, was highly regarded for his public service. An active philanthropist, Smyth currently serves on the Board of Directors of New England Baptist Hospital and the One Hundred Club of Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare and safety of the families of public safety officers and firefighters. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board member of the Home Base Program of Boston, which provides clinical care, education, research and support services for military veterans and their families throughout New England. Smyth is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Emerson College and is a Continue reading Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award→

Little Big Town Start 2017 Music In Our Schools Tour

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Little Big Town on Country Music News Blog

The 2017 Music In Our Schools – Music Inspires Tour will visit six schools chosen to be part of the Tour. These schools will receive a $2,500 grant from Give a Note Foundation, which will be matched by the CMA Foundation. Additionally, Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country will join in celebrating the talented students with select hosted performances. Ramona High School, Riverside, CA Joliet Central High School, Joliet, IL Salina South Middle School, Salina, KS James Otis Elementary School, Boston, MA Tar River Elementary School, Franklinton, NC Wenatchee High School, Wenatchee, WA Five-time Country Music Association (CMA) Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town will kick off the 2017 Tour at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Performance Hall at Walt Disney World Resort. The group of country singers will make a surprise appearance during one of the Disney Performing Arts Workshops, Disney Sings—where students are immersed in a “real world” performance experience and record a portion of a Disney film soundtrack. Little Big Town (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Philip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook) will share their own experiences with music education and the importance of music in the lives of all students. Radio Disney Country Correspondent Savannah Keyes will moderate the session. Little Big Town will be available for interviews following the event. Event Date and Time: Friday, January 13, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Venue for Presentation: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Performance Hall, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

Texas-based Country Mark McKinney Set To Release ‘World In Between’

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Mark’s latest single “Sunshine” just went #1 on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. This marks his fourth number one song. Check out the video: https://youtu.be/j0gWnPrAuN8 Mark McKinney has long been an established Texas Country music artist, and with the upcoming release of his fifth studio album, World In Between, he is set to grab the ear of an entirely new audience nationwide. The album will be McKinney’s first full-length effort since 2013’s Standing My Ground, which included three Number One songs in Texas – the country duet “She Ain’t Leavin’,” featuring Bri Bagwell, the brooding “Lonely Bones,” a song about the bitter end of a significant relationship, and the irresistibly catchy “Stolen Cash.” World In Between was produced by Mark and brother, Eric McKinney, who also produced Standing My Ground, at Wonderland Studios in Austin, Texas. Standing My Ground differed from McKinney’s first three albums in that he expanded his writing, taking it in new directions and improving his skill. “This new album is definitely a continuation of all that,” stated McKinney. “I feel like the production has a very real and natural ‘in the room with us’ feel.” The first radio single from World in Between, the tender ballad “Sunshine,” also made it to the Number One spot on the Texas Music Chart and Texas Regional Radio Report in March of 2016. Accompanied by soothing harmonies and desperately honest and poetic lyrics, the song was derived from McKinney watching his wife battle ill health and taking inspiration from her strength. The second teaser from the record, “Bridge” has just been released to radio and is a haunting ode to moving on from a past relationship. McKinney, who is known for delicately crafted love songs and rowdy country anthems, takes a sharp turn and a darker tone with “Bridge.” “This song is probably the most honest I have ever been as a songwriter,” McKinney proclaims. “I was a slightly nervous to release it, but we started playing it at shows and the fans really seemed to embrace it.” The instruments used on this track seem to pull the listener further into the story. The use of the minor key, banjo and gypsy fiddle combine to create a dark, bluegrass folk tale for the modern day. Another example from the 11-track album is the song “Monday,” McKinney’s tongue-in-cheek recipe for a successful relationship. The track’s limited production leaves plenty of space for the song to concentrate on the lyrics. “Monday” features only acoustic and electric slide guitars, and McKinney’s 13 year-old son, Jagger, on B3 organ, bringing a sparse but clean and tasty sound to the track. Going a totally different direction is the song “Rainy Day Money,” where you can hear classic stylings reminiscent of The Beatles, Led Zepplin and Bob Marley combine to create a coastal anthem strung together with another one of McKinney’s signature infectiously catchy melodies. “We got tremendous support from fans and media on the last album,” McKinney said. “People really seemed to connect to the Continue reading Texas-based Country Mark McKinney Set To Release ‘World In Between’→

Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Unveil Plansfor Ole Red

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Blake Shelton on Country Music News Blog

Shelton-Inspired Brand to be Anchored by Ole Red Nashville, An Entertainment Venue on Lower Broadway Ole Red Tishomingo Planned for Shelton’s Hometown to be Operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Entertainment Segment See Facebook Live coverage here: http://smarturl.it/OleRed_FBlive NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2017) Grand Ole Opry Member Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) today announced plans to transform Shelton’s breakout hit “Ol’ Red” into a new lifestyle brand anchored by a $20 million multi-level entertainment venue in the heart of Music City’s famed Lower Broadway. Designed to embody the spirit of Shelton’s clever, irreverent third chart hit, the Ole Red concept is part of Ryman Hospitality Properties’ strategy to create digital content, retail and entertainment venues that celebrate the country lifestyle and resonate with country music’s rapidly growing consumer base of more than 100 million people across the United States. Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO, said, “The Grand Ole Opry is known for connecting fans to the artists and the music they love and that is what the Ole Red brand is all about. Not only is Blake Shelton one of the most popular entertainers of his generation, his performance style and passion for authentic country music have also made him a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry stage since the early days of his career. Ole Red will immerse fans in all the elements of a great country song—with some unexpected twists from Blake along the way.” With a planned opening in 2018, Ole Red Nashville will be a multi-level 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue, with a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and private VIP booths for small groups. The complex will also include a large, private event space and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Lower Broadway. The performance space at Ole Red Nashville will be equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and acoustics tailor-made for the event programming that will take place there, including intimate concerts, live band karaoke, showcases for up-and-coming talent and more to be announced as the complex nears completion. Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties also announced Ole Red Tishomingo, which is set to open in late 2017 in the Platinum-selling recording artist’s hometown of Tishomingo, Okla. “It’s amazing to me to see a song that’s been such a big part of my career come to life in the plans for Ole Red,” said Blake Shelton. “Nashville and Tishomingo are both places that are important to me, and it’s great that each location is going to have its own personality inspired by one of my favorite songs. It’s always been a dream of mine to create something like this where people know they’re going to have a good time as soon as they walk in the door, and I couldn’t be more excited that my friends at the Opry and Ryman Hospitality Properties are making it happen.” Ole Red Nashville will be located at 300 Broadway in a building Continue reading Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Unveil Plansfor Ole Red→

Dolly Parton’s My People Fund Serves Nearly 900 Families In First Distribution

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Smokey Mountains Rise - Benefiting Dolly Parton's My People Fund

Donations to the fund continue as totals climb to $9.3 million PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (December 22, 2016) – In a little more than two weeks after the wildfires that spread across Dolly Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton and the Dollywood Foundation launched the distribution of assistance from the My People Fund. During the four day cash distribution, 884 families received their initial support payments. “It’s a blessing during this holiday season that we are able to help as many families as we have so far,” Parton said. “We know there are more families out there who need our help and we encourage them to be in contact with us before our January distribution.” The Dollywood Foundation My People Fund provides $1,000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at dollywoodfoundation.org. Millions of people watched Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon on Tuesday, December 13 on Great American Country, AXS-TV, RFD-TV and The Heartland Network and during several rebroadcasts throughout the last week. As a result, donations continued to roll in and thanks to generous people from coast to coast and Parton’s friends, the total amount raised has climbed to $9.3 million. “As, Dolly said, the response has been overwhelming,” David Dotson, Dollywood Foundation President said. “We will distribute all $9.3 million to the families affected. That will insure all of the money raised will go to where Dolly promised it would go.” The next distribution is January 26 and 27, 2017 at the LeConte Events Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. About the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund: More than 1,300 families have been displaced due to the wildfires which spread across Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee in late November. The entertainment icon established the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund to provide $1,000 each month for six months to every family who lost their primary residence. About Smoky Mountains Rise: Smoky Mountains Rise was a three-hour telethon broadcast on Tuesday, Dec. 13 to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund to benefit those affected by the Sevier County, Tennessee wildfires. Smoky Mountains Rise was executive produced by Dolly Parton, Danny Nozell, Kirt Webster, Pete Owens and Scott Durand. Produced by Edie Hoback, Jeremy Westby, Shanna Strassberg, Suzzane Skinner, Nic Dugger and Shantel Klinger. About The Dollywood Company: A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of nearly 30 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 25 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more Continue reading Dolly Parton’s My People Fund Serves Nearly 900 Families In First Distribution→

Rising Country Songstress, Arista Manning, Releases Video for Single “Southern Drawl”

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On the heals of the release of her debut EP, Ride This Night, 22-year-old Kentucky native, Arista Manning, has released the music video for her first single Southern Drawl. The video premiered today on Next Women of Country and is an energetic nod to those who have “an appreciation for all things southern.” As entertaining as it is catchy, Arista brings hard-hitting vocals and an attitude to the track that is hard to resist. The upbeat tune and Arista’s refreshing sound have already impacted radio and grabbed the attention of industry professionals. Al Windsperger of WYRQ said of Southern Drawl, “The music on the track reminds me of Charlie Daniel’s southern style… [Arista has] a nice voice that is easy to listen to,” and Seth Coburn of KLAW noted that “[Arista has] got a great voice, and Southern Drawl is a great mix of classic country with a modern sound.” About Arista Manning The daughter of a local farmer, rising country songstress Arista Manning’s musical career began with the southern roots that now help grow her artistry–inside her hometown church in Kentucky where she played piano and sang in the choir at just eight years old. After taking the stage at local talent shows and events for several years, Arista’s goals broadened beyond her small town, and the teenager began traveling to Music City to record demos and pursue the dreams that have continued to follow her. Arista’s debut EP boasts five songs written by some of Nashville’s most decorated songwriters (Brian White, Ashley Monroe, Brett James and many others). Ride This Night takes listeners on a journey of both nostalgia and adventure. From lyrics about spirituality and trusting God to deliver your dreams (Amen to That), to living in the moment and seeking the unknown (Ride This Night), Arista pays homage to the sound and storytelling of the classics from the genre, while beautifully reflecting her own experience as she begins to carve her path as a new artist, one that will resonate with listeners who have answered the call of their dreams. Full of personality with passion and a voice to match, Arista Manning is poised to make waves in the country music industry—reaching out to listeners of all ages and in every walk of life with meaningful messages, youthful anthems, and a respectful nod to her roots. You can find more information about Arista by visiting her website.

Multiple Grammy Award Winner Miranda Lambert Headlines The 18thAnnual "A Home For The Holidays," on CBS

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Miranda Lambert on Country Music News Blog

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert headlines the 18th annual A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, to be broadcast Friday, Dec. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Miranda Lambert performs “Pushin’ Time” and “Keeper of the Flame” from her recently released and critically acclaimed sixth studio album, The Weight of These Wings, which spent two weeks at Number One on the Billboard Country Album Charts and is currently Number Three. The double album debuted at Number Three on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, which spans all genres. Lambert also performs the heart-warming, “The House That Built Me,” which is the song that earned Miranda her first Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (her second Grammy win was for Best Country Album for Platinum in 2014). A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS features uplifting stories of adoption from foster care and raises awareness of this important social issue. At the emotional conclusion of the program, Miranda greets some of the families featured in these stories while “Jingle Bells” plays in the background. The special is presented in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children’s Action Network. Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, who was adopted, established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992. It is dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of children in North America’s foster care system. The Children’s Action Network was founded in 1990 by leaders in the entertainment industry in order to harness the power of the entertainment media on behalf of children. The special is a part of CAN’s National Adoption Campaign to raise awareness of the joys of adopting and to find homes for the children who are waiting. The 18th annual A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS with Miranda Lambert is produced by Triage Entertainment and Goldsmith Entertainment. Karen Mack, Stu Schreiberg, Stephen Kroopnick and Marilyn Seabury are the executive producers. Kelly Brock is the producer, Kimberly Steer is the supervising producer and Mary Donaldson is the coordinating producer. Mike Simon is directing the special. About Miranda Lambert: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert touts six studio albums to her repertoire; Kerosene (2005), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2007), Revolution (2009), Four The Record (2011) and Platinum (2014), the latter earning Lambert a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album, in addition to her previous GRAMMY win for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2010 for “The House That Built Me.” The Texas native released her sixth album, The Weight Of These Wings, on November 18, 2016. The first song released from The Weight Of These Wings, “Vice,” hit the Country Radio airwaves on July 18th touting a tally of 109 first week monitored reporting stations spinning the new song. Her second single “We Should Be Friends” arrived at radio on December 12, 2016.