Author Archives: HaleighT

About HaleighT

HaleighT grew up in rural Sallisaw, Oklahoma, completely immersed in the country music lifestyle. She works with CMNB as our field assignment journalist, gathering concert reviews and exclusive interviews from every artist she can. When she's not out on the road, she's in our web studio filming "Takin' a Break With HaleighT" a short weekly opinion and news segment that launched in 2011.

Corey Smith At George’s Majestic Lounge-Show Review

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Corey Smith Ends A 10-Day Run At George’s. This past Saturday, May 4, Corey Smith played George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. It was the day after dead-day for the University of Arkansas and the last show of Smith’s 10-day run on the road. Of course the crowd wasn’t strictly Razorback co-eds, as George’s pulls fans from all over Northwest Arkansas, the River Valley, Oklahoma and Missouri. But no matter where people came from, they were all there to have a good time and enjoy Smith’s music. Andy Frasco opened the show and definitely had the crowd pumped and ready to go. Smith took the stage a little after 10:30pm and entertained with his hits “If I Could Do It Again,” “Twenty-One,” “Maybe Next Year,” “Drinkin’ Again,” “Party” and more! The best part of seeing one of Smith’s shows, in my opinion, is singing along and dancing with your friends (and usually some complete strangers, or “friends for the night” as I like to call them). Everyone suddenly has a kinship when yelling “and they wonder why folks don’t trust ’em no more.” Before the show, I had a little time to talk with Smith about his upcoming Grand Ole Opry debut. He will perform Saturday, May 18. “I’m excited, it’s a feather in my cap, a milestone,” Smith said. “It was always a dream of mine to play the Opry and my grandparents see it.” Y’all be sure to watch and see which two songs Smith will play with the Opry band in a few, short weeks!

Tate Stevens Power Of A Love Song-Music Video

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Tate Stevens Official Music Video For “The Power Of A Love Song.” Below is the official music video for Tate Stevens single, “Power Of A Love Song.” I think this is such a great song. It’s catchy, but the words are pretty powerful. The title says it all…the power of a love song”… songs can be pretty dang powerful. They can take you back to a moment in time with the sound of the first note, whether it is a sad or a happy moment. The video is sweet, taking us through the life of a couple and how “their song” has been a staple through their lives. Watch “The Power Of A Love Song” below and tell us what you think!

Whiskey Myers Virginia-Music Video

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Whiskey Myers “Virginia” Music Video. Below is the official music video for Whiskey Myers‘ “Virginia.” I really like this song, because of the slow, smooth sound and I just can’t get enough of Cody Cannon’s voice! The video has a pretty cool story line, including a sad twist. Watch it below and tell us what you think.

Stoney LaRue At George’s Majestic Lounge

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Stoney LaRue At George’s Majestic Lounge. Last Thursday Stoney LaRue played George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It was a fun time, with great music and awesome company! LaRue played some of his classics, some songs from Velvet and a few covers. I have been a fan of LaRue for many, many years now, and I believe he has one of the best voices there is. He is one of those that you can see again and again, and still be impressed by his talents. His set list that night included “Texas Moon,” “Look At Me Fly,” “One Chord Song,” “Down In Flames,” “Feet Don’t Touch The Ground,” “Velvet” and more! It’s hard for me to pick a favorite song performance from the night, but he obviously never disappoints with “Oklahoma Breakdown.” But as far as I’m concerned he KILLS it when he does “Te Amo Mas Que La Vida!” I’m not sure if it is his Spanish skills or what, but I always have the best time dancing and singing to it! I definitely recommend everyone catch one of his shows soon. It is sure to be a night full of singing, dancing, laughter and fun! If you’re in or around the Fayetteville area, come out to George’s for Corey Smith this Saturday (5/4)!

Country Artists To Perform At 2013 Billboard Awards

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Taylor Swift Leads In Billboard Music Award Nominations. Country Music will be represented in Las Vegas yet again, as another award show is coming up. Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves and The Band Perry are all scheduled to perform at this year’s Billboard Music Awards. The show will air live Sunday, May 19 on ABC from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Country Nominees: Swift has a pretty good chance of taking at least one award home, seeing how she has 11 nominations for the night. Swift is in the running for Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Female Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Social Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Album, Top Streaming Song (Video) and Top Country Song. Swift is also up for the Milestone Award. Jason Aldean is up for three awards: Top Male Artist, Top Country Artist and Top Country Album. Luke Bryan also has three nominations: Top Country Artist, Top Country Album and Top Country Song. Hunter Hayes is up for Top Country Artist and Top Country Song. Carrie Underwood is nominated for Top Country Artist and Top Country Album. Lionel Richie is nominated for Top Country Album and Eric Church and Florida Georgia Line are also up for Top Country Song.

Texas Musicians Come Together For West

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Texas Artists Come Together To Help The Community Of West, After The Recent Tragedy. After the explosion of a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, the Texas Thunder festival organizers and the musicians scheduled to attend, have decided to support the West community. The Texas Thunder music festival will be May 17-19 in Gardendale, Texas. The Randy Rogers Band, Aaron Watson, Charlie Robison, Wade Bowen, Casey Donahew Band, Josh Abbott Band, Stoney LaRue and many more will perform and raise funds for those affected in the tragic explosion last Wednesday. “For 13 years now our band has been traveling I-35 and stopping in West, TX along the way to sample the good food,” said Randy Rogers. “It’s become a staple on our tour. Now it’s time for us to give back.” Texas Thunder presents an all-star, all-Texas line-up, with both musicians and fans coming together to help bring support to those who need it most. Weekend passes are available for a discounted price of $65 with camping starting at $110. A very limited number of single-day tickets are available for $35. “We are disheartened by the tragedy in West, Texas. Texans are passionate about their communities and upon hearing of this tragedy, the Texas music community reached out to lend a helping hand,” says event organizer Brian Andrews. “100% of net proceeds from the Texas Thunder music festival will benefit the schools and first-responders of West, Texas.” Texas Thunder tickets are now available for purchase at Graham Central Station in Odessa, Rockin’ Rodeo Midland and Arriba Midland. For more information or to purchase tickets and camping, please visit www.texasthunderfest.com or call (855) 362-0535.

Tyler Farr Redneck Crazy-Music Video

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The Official Music Video For Tyler Farr’s “Redneck Crazy.” Below is the official music video for Tyler Farr’s single, “Redneck Crazy.” The song is about a relationship gone wrong and the broken-hearted man dealing with it the best way he can. He copes by singing some Hank, creeping outside his ex-love’s house, drinking some beer and tossing the cans…basically going “redneck crazy.” I’m not sure if I would call this a serious song, but it’s definitely not a happy-go-lucky one…I mean the guy’s heart is broken. The video, on the other hand, is anything but serious. It guest stars some of Farr’s friends…singers Lee Brice and Colt Ford and Duck Commander front-man, Willie Robertson. The guys are basically on a covert mission to screw up the “ex’s” night. This mission includes a huge came flag, a convoy of ATV’s, an automatic toilet paper thrower and just all around redneck-mischief. It is pretty funny, so y’all watch “Redneck Crazy” below and tell us what you think!

Little Big Town At The Amp-Show Review

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Little Big Town Brings The Tornado Tour To Northwest Arkansas. Last Friday The Amp kicked off their concert season with the ACM award winning Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town. The night was a little chilly, but that didn’t keep the fans away! David Nail opened the show and performed “Red Light,” “Let It Rain,” “Turning Home” and more. He even threw a Brooks and Dunn cover in there that really had the crowd going. Probably the most exciting part of Nail’s set was when he played “Whatever She’s Got.” Nail said this was his new single that should be hitting radio in the near future, so y’all be sure to keep your ears open for that one. Little Big Town basically blew me away with their performance. I had never seen a show with theatrics like I did Friday. It wasn’t too much, just on one song, but it was really, really awesome! The song was “Tornado” and they really made it seem like a tornado was brewing on that stage! There was lightening and wind and fake rain and Karen Fairchild looked amazing in her black, fringed jacket, almost like a pretty tornado herself! It was awesome. LBT of course sang “Pontoon” with the help of the crowd. Everyone was singing every word, wishing it was warm enough to be on a boat right that second. They opened with “Pavement Ends” and ended with “Boondocks.” The party never settled down in between, even during the slow songs like “Your Side of the Bed,” “Shut Up Train,” “Self Made,” “Can’t Go Back” and “Bring It on Home.” LBT told the crowd about their online videos they call “Scattered, Smothered & Covered.” They are videos of songs that are NOT country, but LBT puts their own touch on them (along with some upright bass and banjo) to make them country. That night they gave us Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and let me tell you it was pretty freaking cool! They played my favorites “A Little More You” and “I’m With the Band,” then rocked The Amp crowd with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” I’m telling you, these guys are the real deal. I have always liked Little Big Town, but I walked away from this show a true fan. To me, that’s what live shows are all about…bands entertaining the crowd and proving just how talented they are. You can check out our photos from the show on Facebook! Congrats to The Amp for a successful first show! Check in with them for more upcoming concerts, and be on the lookout for more acts to be added to this concert season right here in Northwest Arkansas!

Wade Bowen Classic 2013

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The “Wade Bowen Classic” Celebrity Golf Tournament and Concert Has Been Set For June. Wade Bowen’s 15th Annual Bowen Classic celebrity golf tournament and concert to benefit The Bowen Family Foundation is just around the corner. The benefit is set for June 2 and 3 in Bowen’s hometown of Waco, Texas. Over the past four years, Bowen has raised close to half a million dollars for various charities. “’The Classic’ is something I look forward to putting together all year,” said Bowen. “I’m so proud that my fans and artist friends keep coming out to help raise so much money.” The event kicks off with an all-star concert at 2:30PM on June 2 at Indian Springs Park featuring Bowen and some of his friends, including the Josh Abbott Band and Neal McCoy, with more artists announced soon. The event resumes the next morning at 10AM with a two-man golf scramble at the Cottonwood Creek Golf Course. Tickets to both portions of the event are on sale now at www.wadebowen.com/classic. Tickets to golf in the tournament are $180 and include two concert tickets. Fans interested in just the concert can purchase tickets for $20 in advance or $25 day of show, kids 12 and under get in free. Location Addresses: Indian Springs Park – 100 University Parks Drive between Franklin and Washington Ave. Cottonwood Creek Golf Course – 5201 Bagby, Waco, TX.

Concert Season Is In Full Swing

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HaleighT’s Favorite Time of the Year is Here. Even though the weather has been toying with my emotions, I realized something today…concert season is officially here! No, there isn’t an actual date on everybody’s calendars to confirm this, but trust me it has begun. Attending concerts is definitely in my top three things to do on a regular basis, so I rarely go too long without seeing a live show. So when I say concert season I mean multiple shows, back-to-back, every week (it can be stressful and the most fun you will ever have at the exact same time). Looking back in my concert-going files, I seem to remember this magical season starting a bit earlier in the year. But whatever the case, this year’s season started in April for me and I’m thrilled! I’ve decided to give those of you who aren’t quite seasoned in concert season a few pointers. 1. Know when to say no. Just because there are four shows in one week in your area, doesn’t mean you have to attend them all. Yes, multiple shows in one week are tons of fun. But you need to make sure you don’t get sick of fighting with the crowds too soon, you have a whole season ahead of you. 2. Plan ahead. When you do make it to some shows, give yourself a budget (unless you’re loaded). You don’t want spend all your money the first night on shots and shirts. Decide what night you will go all-out with dinner, a cab, merch and plenty of drinks. The other nights, eat at home, drive yourself, take pictures and stick to the drinks that don’t require any form of identification. 3. Pace yourself and hydrate. If you do feel the need to sip on the sauce a few nights in a row, make sure you don’t over do it. You don’t want to be hungover the next day or you’ll never enjoy the next nights show. Plenty of water is always smart. 4. Go with good company. Make sure you go to shows with a good friend or a good group of them. You’ll be cursing yourself on the inside if the person sitting/standing next to you won’t shut up about their horrible ex that you really don’t give two you-know-whats about. Those are just a few tips that I hope help you out. I’ve got more in this crazy head of mine that I have acquired over the years, so keep your eye out for them. Until then, catch a show and enjoy!