About Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena is a freelance writer for both Country Music News and Country Music On Tour. Want to collab on some content? Email me. Want my rates for commercial promo work? Get them right here.

Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar Premier

Travis Tritt on Country Music News Blog

Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar Premieres Thursday, January 19, at 8 p.m. on NPT Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar, a performance recorded at the historic Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn., premieres Thursday, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m. on Nashville Public Television. NPT is the presenting station for the program and the Jan. 19 broadcast will be a live taping in the NPT studio featuring Tritt, television host Nan Kelley and Brian Mansfield, for a version that will premiere on PBS stations nationwide in March 2017. A Man and His Guitar spotlights multi-award-winning artist and country music hitmaker Travis Tritt’s distinctively soulful voice and his exceptional guitar prowess. The concert features Tritt at his best, performing a fresh take on some of his biggest hits, including “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” and “Best of Intentions,” in a stripped down, pure form. Previously unreleased renditions of “Come And Go Blues” and “Pickin’ At It” are also included in the program. Tritt’s discovery that an audience loved to hear him perform songs accompanied only by his guitar served as the inspiration behind the project. In this performance, Tritt acknowledges and pays tribute to artists he grew up admiring and those who were influential to him with personal stories and anecdotes from his long career. Select acoustic numbers and humorous moments between Tritt and his guests Marty Stuart and James Otto are also highlighted. More than 27 years after Travis Tritt launched his music career, the Southern rock-influenced artist continues to sell-out shows and stay true and relevant to country music fans across the globe. His 1990 debut album Country Club and its succession of hits put him in the vanguard of the genre’s early ʼ90s boom, making him one of “The Class of ʼ89,” along with country music superstars Garth Brooks, Clint Black and Alan Jackson, all of whom dominated the charts in the early 1990s. “Country Club,” “Help Me Hold On,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” and “Drift Off to Dream” peaked at numbers two and three on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, which led Tritt to win the Top New Male Artist award from Billboard and the CMA Horizon Award (now known as the New Artist Award). In 1991, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Country Club as platinum. Two years after his debut, Tritt’s sophomore album, It’s All About to Change, was released. The album shipped three million copies and all four of its singles reached the top five on the country music charts. Along with his first album, this release became triple-platinum certified by the RIAA. The next series of albums, seven of which are certified platinum or higher, scored Tritt more hit singles and led him to amass more than 25 million in career album sales, two Grammys, three CMA Awards and a devoted fan base. In 2012, he formed his own label, Post Oak Recordings, and shortly after released The Calm After…. In 2015, Tritt topped the SoundScan Top 200 Continue reading Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar Premier→

The Chainsmokers, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton and More Announced to Perform at the 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo details on Country Music News Blog

In anticipation of one of the world’s largest live entertainment and livestock exhibitions, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ took to Facebook Live at midnight on Monday, January 9 to announce their 2017 entertainer lineup. Surprise guest and opening night entertainer Aaron Watson made the official announcement in front of a select group of media and 60 lucky fans. The lineup features some of the biggest names in today’s music including The Chainsmokers, Willie Nelson, Sam Hunt, Fifth Harmony, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, and more. For a full list of performers, see the lineup calendar below. More than half of the star-studded entertainer lineup scheduled to perform at RODEOHOUSTON® will take the rotating stage for the first time in 2017. “With a number of RODEOHOUSTON® veterans and entertainers who are new to the rotating stage, the March entertainment schedule is set,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. “Houstonians can see a diverse offering of incredibly talented artists at truly affordable prices.” Tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 14 at 10:00 am. Visit rodeohouston.com for more information. In addition to the rotating main stage entertainment, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ will also present live performances at the Show’s very own honky tonk, The Hideout, as well as the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest’s Miller Lite Stage at The Garden. Artists include Bri Bagwell, Cameran Nelson, Josh Ward, Rich O’Toole, Cory Morrow, and more. For a full lineup of each event, see below. WCBBQ Entertainment: Thursday, March 2: DJ DU, No Dry County, Rich O’Toole Friday, March 3: DJ DU, Bri Bagwell, Mike and the Moonpies, Cory Morrow Saturday, March 4: DJ DU, Flatland Calvary, Zane Williams, Jessie James Decker, Marine Band, Roger Creager, Shooter Jennings & Waymore’s Outlaws   About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™: 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 for March 7–26.

THE RECORDING ACADEMY® AND ATLANTIC RECORDS REVEAL 2017 GRAMMY® NOMINEES ALBUM TRACK LISTING

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Latest Installment Of The Best-Selling Series Features 21 Hits From The World’s Biggest Superstars And Emerging Talent 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Hits Stores And Digital Retailers Jan. 20 Album Pre-Order Available Now; Gives Fans The Chance To Attend Music’s Biggest Night® Pre-order The 2017 GRAMMY NOMINEES Album Here: 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs The Recording Academy®’s GRAMMY Recordings® and Atlantic Records have revealed the track listing for the 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees album. Set for release on Jan. 20 in stores and via digital retailers, the latest installment of the best-selling series — now in its 23rd year — features a collection of GRAMMY-nominated music for the upcoming 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®. A portion of album proceeds benefit the year-round work of the GRAMMY Museum Foundation™ and MusiCares Foundation® — The Recording Academy-affiliated charitable organizations focused on music education programs and critical assistance for music people in need. The 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album is highlighted by 21 hits from the world’s biggest superstars and hottest emerging talent, including Album Of The Year nominees Adele, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Drake, and Sturgill Simpson and Best New Artist nominees Kelsea Ballerini, The Chainsmokers, Maren Morris, and Anderson .Paak among others. “The 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album provides a unique playlist, and showcases some of the greatest songs and talented artists that make up this year’s incredible nominees,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “We are pleased to collaborate with Atlantic Records on this project, which provides support for the invaluable programs and initiatives our charities produce throughout the year.” “It has been a fantastic year for music, and we’re very happy to partner with the Recording Academy once again to release a tremendous collection of GRAMMY-nominated artists and songs,” said Julie Greenwald, Chairman & COO of Atlantic Records. “It’s great to have all these amazing and diverse performances together on one album, especially when it supports the wonderful work done by the Recording Academy’s charities.” Music fans can log on to 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs through Jan. 19 to pre-order the 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album, and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live on CBS at 8p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). *No purchase necessary to enter or win. Visit 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs for details and eligibility requirements 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Track Listing BEYONCÉ “Don’t Hurt Yourself” Feat. Jack White Album Of The Year TWENTY ONE PILOTS “Stressed Out” Record Of The Year Best Pop Duo/Group Performance SIA “Cheap Thrills” Feat. Sean Paul Best Pop Duo/Group Performance DRAKE “Hotline Bling” Album Of The Year ADELE “Hello” Record Of The Year Album Of The Year Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Vocal Album JUSTIN BIEBER “Love Yourself” Album Of The Year Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Vocal Album THE CHAINSMOKERS “Closer” Feat. Halsey Best New Artist Best Pop Duo/Group Performance KELSEA BALLERINI “Peter Pan” Best Continue reading THE RECORDING ACADEMY® AND ATLANTIC RECORDS REVEAL 2017 GRAMMY® NOMINEES ALBUM TRACK LISTING→

2017 RODEOHOUSTON® ENTERTAINER LINEUP TO BE RELEASED MONDAY JANUARY 9th

RodeoHouston Details on Country Music News Blog

Monday, 12:05 a.m., the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ will release the 2017 RODEOHOUSTON entertainer lineup. The lineup will be posted here and on rodeohouston.com, the mobile app, and the official RODEOHOUSTON Facebook and Twitter accounts, and sent via email and text alerts. A full press release will be emailed and distributed from the Show offices. <>GET RODEO HOUSTON TICKETS HERE<>New this year, we will broadcast the announcement live on Facebook via the following link: https://www.facebook.com/RODEOHOUSTON/videos/10154901666704464/ Tickets will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m., through AXS Ticketing via rodeohouston.com. The online Waiting Room opens at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, and fans can register in advance at axs.com/rodeohouston_registration.

BRAD PAISLEY, KELSEA BALLERINI, MEL TILLIS, NASHVILLE ON CMT, 2016 IN MEMORIAM AND MORE FEATURED IN THIS EDITION OF ‘THE PICKUP’

Brad Paisley on Country Music News Blog

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’→

Country Fest Announces 2017 Daily Lineup

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→

New Music From Shania Twain

Shania Twain on Country Music News Blog

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.

DAILEY & VINCENT INVITED TO JOIN GRAND OLE OPRY

The Grand Ole Opry News on Country Music News Blog

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.

Travis Perry Wants YOU to put that Christmas Guitar to Great Use!

Chord Buddy on Country Music News Blog

*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!→