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.

Shania Twain Today Is Your Day

Shania Twain Releases Her New Video: Today Is Your Day Shania Twain‘s new video “Today Is Your Day” premiered on VEVO today (that’s a lot of days)! The video shows clips from her show “Why Not?” that was aired on OWN. I know a lot of people out there are ready for her country music comeback, is this song going to be the kick start she needs to be on top again? Take a look, see what you think!

Justin Moore Outlaws Like Me

Justin Moore’s Outlaws Like Me In Stores! Justin Moore has released his sophomore album, “Outlaws Like Me”. The CD has 12 songs including his latest single “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” and the title track “Outlaws Like Me“. Moore had a hand in writing all but two of the songs and the Arkansas native makes sure to tell us just what he’s all about in his lyrics. “There have been thousands of miles, countless incredible shows, hundreds of Resistol cowboy hats, more than a few pair of Luchaese cowboy boots, and many new and familiar faces along the way. Those faces across the country are the reason I’m able to do this for a second time.” says Justin to his fans in his liner notes I really enjoyed “Til My Last Day“, “Beer Time“, and “Run Out Of Honky Tonks“, along with the others, the album as a whole is worth the purchase! Moore is a talented singer, as well as (in my opinion), hilarious! I definitely recommend picking up both his albums and catching him if he’s playing somewhere near you, actually see him even if you have to travel a bit!

Billy Bob’s Recording Contest

Live At Billy Bob’s Texas Recording Contest! Today is the last day to get your vote in for the Live At Billy Bob’s Texas Recording Contest! This is a fantastic opportunity for some bands to get their chance to have a live album from the famous honky tonk. Voting is simple, just head over to liveatbillybobstexas.com take a listen to the songs the bands have provided and then vote for your favorite, the only thing they ask of you is a valid email. The top ten bands will be invited to play in the finals at Billy Bob’s on June 20th, then fans will be able to see the videos of the performances on the internet and again be asked to vote for their favorite. Finals voting ends July 14th, the winner will be announced July 15th, and the band that comes out on top will record Live at Billy Bob’s on July 29, 2011! There are 41 bands competing for your votes and all have been nominated by a radio station that thinks they deserve it. Wrangler Retro, Justin Boots Bent Rail, Resistol Hats & Apparel, Willie Nelson’s Picnic, and Cavender’s are all sponsoring the event. Tickets are already available for the big night (July 29th) and all bands are ready to give you one hell of a show! So head on over, listen, and vote! Remember voting ends TONIGHT and all of the bands will appreciate it! Bands participating in the contest are Matt Stell & The Crashers, Left Foot Sally, Cody Johnson Band, Paul Nunn Band, Fred Andrews & Honey Browne, Austin Allsup, Cody Riley Band, Josh Grider Trio, Brian Keane, Midnight River Choir, 2 Steps Back, Scotty Thurman & Perfect Trouble, Run Home Jack, Ryan Beaver, Charlie Montague, Taylor Hodak Band, Jody Booth, Casey Berry, Donnie Evetts, Red Eye Gravy, Jason Nutt & Highway 70, Charla Corn, Hogg Maulies, John David Kent, Brandon Jenkins, John Evans Band, Raizin Kane Band, David Oakleaf, Jr Castillo, Jason Cassidy, Mark Powell and Lariat, Jeremy Steding, James Lann, Jamie Richards, Kevin Seale Band, Shawn Fussel, Luke Wade and No Civilians, Phil Hamilton, Jubal Lee Young, Southern Scarred, and Dean Seltzer.

Country Thunder Twin Lakes

Country Thunder 2011 Twin Lakes, Wisconsin! Country Thunder USA is a unique country music festival in that they have two locations and two separate event dates. The party in Florence, Arizona has already passed for the year but July 21-24 the fun will be in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin! The lineup is jam packed with Stealing Angels, Sawyer Brown, Lady Antebellum, Jason Jones, Steel Magnolia, The Charlie Daniels Band, Zac Brown Band, Neal McCoy, Lorrie Morgan, Craig Morgan, Darius Rucker, Martina McBride, Eden’s Edge, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sara Evans, Easton Corbin, Josh Turner, and Rascal Flatts. Tickets are on sale now, there are RSVD or general admission still available. TODAY is the last day to purchase general admission 4-day passes at $140, starting tomorrow the price will go up to $160. Children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Single day passes are also available, but do not allow you access to the campgrounds. For more information on tickets and to purchase yours click here. The people in charge have thought of everything! There will be medical services, first aid, an information tent, shower facilities, garbage collection, a general store, ATMs, water services, plenty of parking, plenty of seating, artist merchandise, festival merchandise, food vendors, retail vendors, and happy workers at every corner! Although I think camping is the way to go, there are some hotels close to the site of the festival and this information can be found at wisconsin.countrythunder.com. You have over a month till the big shindig takes place, so if you haven’t yet, get to planning! This is a great opportunity for the whole family to see some great, live, country music!

Two Cent Revival The Devil’s In This Whiskey EP

Two Cent Revival Releases The Devil’s In This Whiskey EP! Two Cent Revival now has his debut EP “The Devil’s In This Whiskey” out for the world to hear! Also known as Matt Jones, the singer/songwriter has released 5 tracks that can be heard on AOL Music at this time. “Rear View Mirror“, “The Devil’s In This Whiskey“, “Give Me More Time“, “Save Our Souls”, and “Back In The Day” all show off his deep baritone voice. His songs tell his story, even the ones that aren’t happy and upbeat. “Matt Jones is a singer/songwriter with a lot going for him: his stage presence, his interesting, original sound, and especially his phrasing. He is a great story teller.” -Jimmy Norman, co-writer of “Time On My Side” “Back In The Day” is a catchy tune that describes a love that didn’t survive, but was well worth it. Reminiscing of the times that still replay in his mind and seeing his mistakes… I can dig it!

Country USA Oshkosh Wisconsin

Country USA Music Festival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin! Country USA music festival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is the nation’s premier country music and camping festival! It is five days of country music entertainment, food, and shopping. It’s said that they have a million dollar line-up just waiting to get the party started! The festival will be June 21-25 (Tuesday-Saturday), camper check-in at 6:00 am Tuesday, and gates open at 3:00 pm. Tuesday will have Lukyn Skywyrd, Bella Cain, Pure Grain, Eric Church, and Miranda Lambert. Wednesday will have Power Play, Rocket Club, The Band Perry, Sawyer Brown, and Trace Adkins. Thursday gates will open at 2:00 pm and have Grand Union, Gloriana, Justin Moore, Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley. Friday gates open at 12:00 pm and will have Broadband, Southband, Southern Gypsy, Diamond Rio, Easton Corbin, and Rascal Flatts. Saturday, the final day, gates will again open at 12:00 pm and will have KatieBeth, The Volunteers, Blackhawk, Ashton Shepherd, Josh Turner, and Lady Antebellum. Tickets are available by calling (local) 920-882-4949 or (toll free) 800-326-SHOW. For more information on ticket pricing and options go to countryusaoshkosh.com This sounds like a great way to spend a week! Festivals, especially country music festivals, are always a good time. Meeting new people, camping, eating the food, listening to live music, walking around, just having a good time and making memories is the best way to spend a summer vacation. The folks of Country USA want you have the time of your life while being safe, they will have security all over the grounds to ensure this. There is a list of rules and camping regulations on the site if you have any questions on what might or might not be allowed. The artist line-up sounds amazing and since Country USA has been doing this for 16 years, they have got to have some serious positive feedback and returning guests! If for some reason you don’t think you will be able to make it this year, then for sure keep it in mind for summer 2012!

Happy Birthday Waylon Jennings

Happy Birthday To The Late Waylon Jennings! Today, June 15, is the late Waylon Jennings’ birthday! It is hard to believe that it has been 9 years since the country outlaw left this earth after battling diabetes. He had an amazing career with many albums and collaborations. The Dukes Of Hazzard would not have been what it was, in my opinion, without him. His work with friends Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash in the Highwaymen Tour was a monumental occasion that solidified the impact the men had on America. Throughout his career he gave us “Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line“, “Good Hearted Woman“, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys“, “I’m A Ramblin’ Man“, “Drinkin’ and Dreamin’“, “Luckenbach Texas (Basics Of Love)”, along with many others. He was a hero to many artists today, including Eric Church and Josh Thompson who both have songs that were inspired by him, “Lotta Boot Left To Fill” and “Blame It On Waylon“. His son, Shooter Jennings, followed in his father’s musical footsteps and has made a name for himself as well. Jennings left behind tons of loved ones and a legacy that will never be forgotten! Here is the late Johnny Cash sharing with us the reason behind “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”…

George Strait Releases Here For A Good Time

George Strait Released His Latest Single: Here For A Good Time! George Strait has released his 89th single to country radio! “Here For A Good Time” was written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon and will be on his new album due out later this fall. The single has been named his second highest debut in his career, landing at 29 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. With 80 adds, it is the most added song to country radio this week! “I think this is the longest time, during my recording career, without anything new on the radio,” said Strait. “It’s good to be back and I want to thank country radio for their continued support. Have a great summer!” “King George” has been at it for over 30 years and has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis! He never lets his fans down, staying true to his “Pure Country” sound. A Texas man, he makes everyone fall in love with his gentleman tendencies and likeable personality. He has no flash, his shows consist of him, a guitar, some wranglers, and his band, standing there keeping rhythm and singing to his devout fans. As always, we are happy to see him continue with his career and wish him a great summer as well!

Alan Jackson’s New Single

Alan Jackson Releases New Single: Long Way To Go! Alan Jackson has released his new single, “Long Way To Go”, to country radio! It is a fun song just in time for summer, just exactly what we like to hear from AJ. “Seems like every time you turn around lately, there’s just something heavy going on in the world, so I felt like singing something that was kind of light and fun,” Jackson said. “I hope some people like it.” He expects to release the album later this fall. Until then we have his classics (and some of my favorites) “Chattahoochee”, “Gone Country”, “Country Boy”, “Www.memory”, “Midnight In Montgomery”, “Pop A Top”, and “She’s Got The Rhythm” to keep us occupied!

Blake Shelton Releases Red River Blue Tracks

Blake Shelton Releases Tracks For Latest Album Red River Blue. Blake Shelton has released the tracks that will be on his anticipated album Red River Blue! The album won’t be on sale until July 12, but here is just a sneak peak of what you will be hearing. 1. Honey Bee 2. Ready To Roll 3. God Gave Me You 4. Get Some 5. Drink On It 6. Good Ol’ Boys 7. I’m Sorry 8. Sunny In Seattle 9. Over 10. Hey 11. Red River Blue I know I am very excited to give it a listen! Be sure to watch Blake tonight on NBC’s The Voice, where two members of his team will be eliminated at 9/8c. Watch to see who he saves and who the fans save!