Hey Nashville fans, here’s a heads up that HAYDEN PANETTIERE will visit “LIVE with Kelly” this Thursday, January 5 to chat about the new season of “Nashville” with Kelly Ripa and guest co-host Chris Hardwick.
Continuing the tradition of presenting the top stories in country music, another all-new episode of the “The Pickup” features a look at Brad Paisley’s new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a special holiday engagement, the new season of “Nashville” debuting on CMT, a new Pickup-and-Coming, a tribute to artists who left us in 2016 and more. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has opened a new exhibit through May 14 taking a glimpse into Brad Paisley’s illustrious career thus far. The exhibit features the “Today” singer’s first guitar, some of his many awards and even a letter to Santa. The holidays are a popular time for engagements and that proved true when Kelsea Ballerini announced hers on Instagram. She posted her engagement photo with Morgan Evans appropriately hash tagging it with ‘#HeCalledDibs.’ According to a Facebook post from daughter Pam Tillis, Mel Tillis is out of the hospital and home in Florida. The good news came after many prayers and well wishes were extended to the songwriting legend from fans and friends in the industry alike. CMT will debut the fifth season of “Nashville” on January 5 promising more music than ever before for the popular series that has shined a national spotlight on Music City. If fans miss the premiere, they can see it on demand in multiple places. The latest edition of the Pickup-and-Coming features country newcomer Nick Brennan and his single “Buck Naked.” To hear the hilarious and thoughtfully written tune and learn more about Brennan, fans can head to NickBrennanMusic.com. A number one party for Keith Urban’s “Wasted Time” hit was held at Nashville’s newest hotel The Westin with the songwriters of the song. Urban said that the song was written by accident when he crashed the writing session that the two co-writers had previously scheduled. The hitmaker helped Nashville ring in the New Year with a performance on New Years Eve downtown, The Pickup will have more on that in the next edition, so stay tuned! In this episode, The Pickup pays tribute to artists who passed away in 2016, but whose music lives on. The memoriam includes Merle Haggard, Glenn Frey (The Eagles), Joey Feek, Sonny James, Guy Clark, Ralph Stanley, Jean Shepard, Holly Dunn and Bonnie Brown (The Browns). Keep on the lookout for the next episode, which will include Jeannie Seely dishing on her new album of originals, “Written In Song.” Check out the latest episode of The Pickup here: http://www.viewbix.com/v/The-Pickup–48/bef58f3c-dfaf-4ee0-8e98-d6cf46b19a6e ABOUT THE PICKUP: Launched in early 2015, The Pickup, a syndicated country video news series produced by The Hot Seat, highlights today’s stars and classic country artists making news today. New episodes are posted on the 1st and 15th of each month. The Pickup, hosted and produced by Adam Wurtzel, can be seen on the websites of broadcasters across the country (Nash Icon, HankFM, Midwest Communications, Zimmer Communications’ 94.3 KAT Country, etc.), online media blogs, the U.K.’s SKY Television, Heartland Network, and Sandy Zimmerman’s Continue reading BRAD PAISLEY, KELSEA BALLERINI, MEL TILLIS, NASHVILLE ON CMT, 2016 IN MEMORIAM AND MORE FEATURED IN THIS EDITION OF ‘THE PICKUP’
Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, and Alabama to Headline Festival CADOTT, Wis. – Country Fest is excited to announce its 2017 daily lineup and single day general admission ticket sales. For the past 30 years Country Fest has brought some of the biggest Country acts to the area and it continues that tradition this year. The iconic lineup will feature performances by award-winning artists Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, and Alabama. Country music superstar, Platinum-selling recording artist, and star of The Voice Blake Shelton is on fire after taking home the trophy for “Favorite Country Male Artist” at the 2016 American Music Awards. The Grammy-nominee isn’t slowing down as his latest album, “If I’m Honest,” debuted #1 on the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart and the Billboard Country Album Chart. “Performing for an audience is what I love most and if you’re coming to see me, you’re coming to hear country music, because that’s what I do,” said Shelton. “So get ready as we’re going to be ‘Doin’ it to Country Songs’ all night long!” Eric Church shocked the country world last November when he became the first country artist to pull off a surprise album drop. Church has become one of country’s most established artists over the past decade and he backed it up with the Country Music Award for his latest album release “Mr. Misunderstood”. This is the second time Church has taken home the coveted Album of the Year trophy. “We surprised everybody with this album on this stage a year ago, and trusted the fans, and gave it to the fans first,” said Church at the Country Music Awards. “And it’s because of the fans that this happened. And I love you, and thank you.” Platinum-selling Thomas Rhett is one of country music’s elite new artists. Rhett burst onto the country scene in 2013 with his debut album “It Goes Like This,” and has reached a higher profile with his sophomore album, “Tangled Up.” Three singles off the album have topped country-music charts during the last year in “Crash and Burn,” “Die a Happy Man” and “T-Shirt,” all while the album has been certified platinum. Alabama accomplished a feat that had never been achieved before by becoming first country group to go triple-platinum. They’ve blazed a trail for artists such as Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan with 21 Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum albums, 43 #1 singles, and over 73 million records sold. Add that to over 150 industry awards including eight country music “Entertainer of the Year” honors, two Grammys, two People’s Choice Awards, and their very own star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame.” The band that “made country music bands popular again” continues to be an inspiration. The lineup also includes Chris Young, one of the most identifiable young male voices in country music, with hit singles such as “The Man I Want to Be,” and “Tomorrow.” In addition, Grammy award-winning artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys and Wynonna Judd with Continue reading Country Fest Announces 2017 Daily Lineup
The Canadian songstress Shania Twain took to twitter to wish fans a happy new year, and along with it, spilled the beans that she is working on new music too! Any new release from the queen of country crossovers would be the first in 6 years. Happy New Year! Thank you for all your continued support. So excited to share new music with you this year. 2017, i’m gonna getcha good 😘 pic.twitter.com/WAAOnIxBvT — Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) January 1, 2017 Her last single, “Today Is Your Day” came out in 2011 to less than phenomenal fanfair compared to her 2009 album “Come On Over” which was a chart-blasting success. In recent years Shania has limited herself to select television appearances and residencies in premium Las Vegas venues. A new album would most likely mean a new tour and all the publicity that surrounds it.
Three-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year and multi-Grammy®-nominated super duo Dailey & Vincent have been invited to become official members of the Grand Ole Opry. The pair returned to the Opry at the Ryman Auditorium tonight to celebrate the kick-off of its 10th year as a duo, which began on the Opry at the Ryman stage in 2007. The night also marked the duo’s 100th Opry appearance. The duo will be formally inducted into the Opry on Saturday, March 11. During a special half-hour Dailey & Vincent set, the two were joined by a series of guests including Opry members Marty Stuart and Connie Smith as well as John Carter Cash and his wife Ana Cristina in addition to Dailey’s father JB Dailey and Vincent’s mother Carolyn Vincent. After a performance with the duo, Stuart gave Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent the surprise of their lives, inviting the duo to officially join the Opry. “Country music needs you. Country music loves you. And the Grand Ole Opry welcomes you,” Stuart said. “This is one of the most special things that has ever happened to us,” a shocked Dailey said after a few seconds of stunned silence. “We’re so thankful.” Before closing out the show along with their guests on the gospel favorite “This Old House,” and equally surprised Vincent shared, “I have no words. I’m so honored. The Lord is so faithful to us.” “Dailey & Vincent have thoroughly entertained thousands of fans on the Opry stage over the past decade,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent embody so much about what fans love about the Opry. They have a tremendous respect for tradition, and they’re also innovators committed to the future of the music they love. We’re excited to welcome them as official members of the family in March.” Crystal Gayle is set to be inducted into the Opry by her sister Loretta Lynn on Saturday, January 21. Other artists scheduled to play the Opry in early 2017 include Brandy Clark, Chris Janson, Ricky Skaggs, and Josh Turner, among many others.
*CountryMusicNewsBlog.com has not received any payment or product for this post. We just really love the ChordBuddy and wanted you to know about it in case someone you love has a shiny new guitar and needs help learning how to play it. Here at CMNB we’re all about bringing MORE music into the world in any way we can get it! ~WC Music plays a significant role in nearly everyone’s life, but for some people it represents much more than an invitation to dance or a soundtrack for the morning commute. Researchers have found that music therapy provides a diversion from negative feelings and helps manage the pain of not only adults, but of children with developmental, physical, behavioral, and neurological disabilities. It also increases range of motion and motor skills, and in some cases is a replacement for medication. In short, its therapeutic uses are many. “Music is invaluable to people with special needs, allowing them to express themselves non-verbally,” says Travis Perry, a music teacher for more than 35 years and inventor of ChordBuddy (www.chordbuddy.com), a device that makes guitar-learning easier for anyone – including those with disabilities. “Veterans can use music to help cope with PTSD as well as other physical injuries. Senior citizens can learn to play the guitar, which helps build hand strength.” One recent study showed that music therapy can even help children cope with routine immunizations, making them less stressed – and their parents less stressed as well. While music therapy is known to be fruitful for the person needing therapy, the results also can be a gratifying for the teacher. Perry says he’s found it especially satisfying to teach the guitar to autistic children, who can be challenging but ultimately rewarding pupils. In fact, a small number of people with autism are musical savants, according to the American Music Therapy Association, but all benefit from music therapy interventions to enhance their social, communicative and motor skills, among other needs. Generally, children with autism aren’t able to make what would be considered a pleasing sound on the guitar without some assistance. Perry uses his invention to help them. Instead of positioning their hand into the correct chord positions – often tricky for even able-bodied learners – they can just press a tab that results in a clear, strong chord sound. Perry, who has appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank, didn’t actually have music therapy or people with special needs in mind when he invented ChordBuddy. He was trying to help his daughter learn to play and her frustration became his inspiration. “When learning an instrument, it’s important to have success right away, and that can be difficult to do with the guitar,” Perry says. “Most people give up within the first couple of months and the guitar ends up in a closet. That’s why I’m so excited when I know I’ve been able to help a special-needs child, a veteran with PTSD or a senior citizen with arthritis make music. “You Continue reading Travis Perry Wants YOU to put that Christmas Guitar to Great Use!
Pinecastle Records has announced December 9, 2016 as the release date for Hanging Tree, the laest project from Blue Mafia, the spirited group that has been called “unabashedly bluegrass.” Hanging Tree is the band’s second release on the North Carolina record label. Pray For Rain was released to wide acclaim in 2015. Blue Mafia’s independently released debut album, My Cold Heart, was released in 2013 and quickly shone a light on the Indiana band, leading to their signing to Pinecastle. Blue Mafia was founded in 2011, the brainchild of husband and wife team, Dara Wray (mando, vocals and rock solid songwriting) and Tony Wray (guitar, vocals). The skilled ensemble is rounded out by Mike Gregory on bass, Kent Todd on fiddle and vocals, with the recent addition of Curtis Bumgarner on banjo. A preview single, “Like A Mining Man,” has already been released to bluegrass radio. Blue Mafia is characterized by Tony’s dynamic guitar playing; three strong vocalists in Dara, Tony and Kent; plus skillful harmonies with consistently tight picking. Dara has proven to be an exciting new songwriting voice in the genre and she contributes three originals to this new album: “The Man You Know,” “You Belong To Me,” and “Life.” Ironically, Dara is reluctant to label herself as a “songwriter,” yet she has demonstrated a brilliant gift for crafting illustrative lyrics and melodies with a familiar feel. Additional songs were culled from various sources, like “With Body And Soul,” which Dara’s father and uncles used to perform. Blue Mafia gives it their touch in homage to those elders. The group chooses songs that truly move them personally, like “Who You Are,” which was written by Kevin Hayes, a fan and friend of the band. The title cut caught the attention of Tony and Dara as they watched the popular movie, ‘The Hunger Games,’ for which the tune was originally composed. TRACK LIST Like A Mining Man Hanging Tree Sweet Mary Of The Mountains The Man You Know With Body And Soul Baby You’re Gone Midnight Rain Loneliness And Desperation Say Won’t You Be Mine You Belong With Me Life Who You Are www.bluemafiaband.com
In her first ever online class, she breaks down one of her greatest hits, “Fancy,” and shares what it takes to create a sustainable career in country music. McEntire’s MasterClass covers storytelling, connecting to an audience, singing, performance, vocal warm up, song selection, brand building and the business side of the industry. Reba McEntire’s MasterClass is available now at www.masterclass.com/reba To learn more about MasterClass go to www.masterclass.com View/Download: Reba McEntire’s official MasterClass trailer: here About MasterClass: Launched by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen in 2015, MasterClass provides online classes from world-renowned instructors, making it possible for anyone to learn from the best. Each class offers a unique learning experience which includes video lessons from the instructor, interactive exercises, course materials, peer interaction, and more. All classes are available online for individual purchase at www.masterclass.com for $90 each. MasterClass’ current roster of courses includes Christina Aguilera (singing), Kevin Spacey (acting), Usher (performance), Serena Williams (tennis), James Patterson (writing), Dustin Hoffman (acting), Werner Herzog (filmmaking), and Aaron Sorkin (screenwriting). Most recently, the company announced pre-enrollment for Deadmau5 (music production) and today announced Hans Zimmer (music composition).
Monday’s Christmas 4 Kids (C4K) benefit concert is sure to kick attendees into the holiday spirit with the addition of Bēm wireless sponsored artist Ty Bates and over two grand in merchandise that will be given away. “I’m beyond honored to return to the Ryman for the Christmas 4 Kids benefit concert,” says Ty Bates. “I got to meet the team behind this charity in 2014 when I first appeared at the bus tour and was excited when Bēm wireless decided to get behind this group as well. C4K spreads such needed joy to kids throughout Middle Tennessee and the money raised from this show ensures that they get to continue their efforts.” “Ty brought the idea of this event to our attention and when I saw the impact this organization has had on children throughout the years, I knew we had to get involved again,” says Bēm wireless Founder Mike Nakamura. “I hope the products we donated will help gain the attention of fans in the region to come out and support these people making an impact right there in their hometown communities. They might even take home a bluetooth speaker or headphones as a thank you from all of us at Bēm wireless for supporting Christmas 4 Kids.” In addition to hearing performances from the legendary lineup of The Marshall Tucker Band, Aaron Tippin, Montgomery Gentry & Ray Stevens, 23 attendees will leave with one of the following products: Range Strum Speaker (Quantity 10) – Retail Price: $69.99 per device Range Freedom Headphones (Quantity 2) – Retail Price: $99.99 per device Speaker Mojo (Quantity 6) – Retail Price: $49.99 Boom Boxes (Quantity 2) – Retail Price: $299.99 EXO- 400 (Quantity 3) – Retail Price $79.99 The only way to guarantee a chance at taking home one of these innovative “tuned for country” units is to secure a ticket for the show. Tickets range from $38.50 to $60 and can be purchased at www.ryman.com. About Christmas for Kids Christmas 4 Kids is a not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 25 years providing many children, each year, with their very own shopping spree. The funds generated by the concert, and the Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet event, are used to give over 400 children from 29 different schools, a day-long shopping excursion. The special day consists of a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus, dinner, and a party hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. To wrap up the day, the tour buses journey to the Hendersonville, Tennessee, Walmart, where the kids receive a brand new winter coat, and $150.00 to spend however they choose. For more information on Christmas 4 Kids, visit www.christmas4kids.org.
HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™ OPENS REGISTRATION FOR 30TH ANNUAL RODEO RUN, PRESENTED BY CONOCOPHILLIPS — NOV. 16, 2016 — HOUSTON — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Entries open today for the 30th annual Rodeo Run, with proceeds from the event benefiting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund. Since the Rodeo Run began in 1988, $4.8 million has been contributed to the Show’s educational programs. The Rodeo Run is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2017, followed by the Downtown Rodeo Parade through the streets of Houston. There are several different ways to participate: 5K walk/run 10K run 5K/10K wheelchair race virtual runner donor All entries in the 5K and 10K, as well as virtual runners, receive the official Rodeo Run T-shirt. Registration Register online now at com/rodeorun. Everyone registering today, Nov. 16, 2016, will be entered to win a pair of United Airlines tickets. Early bird registration is open online now through Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017: 5K walk/run: $30 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) 10K: $30 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) virtual runner: $30 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) Late registration is available online from Friday, Feb. 17, to Friday, March 3, 2017, at noon: 5k walk/run: $35 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) 10k: $35 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) Online registration ends Friday, March 3, 2017, at noon. Participants may register in person at Luke’s Locker, 1953 West Gray, Houston, Texas 77019, from Wednesday, March 1, through Friday, March 3, 2017. PACKET PICKUP There is no packet pickup on the day of the race, Saturday, March 4. If packet mailing is not chosen during registration, participants MUST pick up their race packets at Luke’s Locker (1953 West Gray) on Wednesday, March 1, through Friday, March 3, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. RACE DAY SCHEDULE – Saturday, March 4, 2017 9 a.m. wheelchair race 9:10 a.m. 10K fast wave 9:20 a.m. 10K general wave 9:35 a.m. 5K walk/run ROUTE All events start on the corner of Bagby and Walker streets. The race ends on Allen Parkway, followed by a post-race party at Eleanor Tinsley Park. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show is scheduled March 7 – 26.
