Author Archives: Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

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.

New Album “Hanging Tree” Due Dec 9th from Bluegrass Group Blue Mafia

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Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

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

Reba McEntire’s Country Music Class Launches Today on MasterClass

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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).

THE LIGHTS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON ARE SURE TO Bēm AT THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM ON MONDAY AT CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS BENEFIT CONCERT

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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

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RodeoHouston Details on Country Music News Blog

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.

The Country Network Now Available on Roku

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Streaming TV market adds 10.6M to TCN’s Household Reach Nashville, Tenn., (November 16, 2016)–The innovative television network dedicated to providing today’s country music enthusiasts more choices in televised and digital programming, The Country Network (TCN), is pleased to announce its carriage on the Roku streaming media platform. Country music fans with the device or Roku-enabled Smart TV can now access the latest and best videos from their Country, Americana, Red Dirt and Texas artists, as well as TCN’s original programming—including series such as Live from the Couch, On the Rise, Our Land: The Music Highway, Studio B Sessions, and more! This news comes as TCN expands into nine (9) additional markets throughout the heartland, renewal with Cocola Broadcasting, and the launch of eight original series for its initial fall lineup. It also recently launched its creative, state-of-the-art fan-incentive program, TCN All-Access. The carriage through Roku will add an additional 10.6M potential viewers to TCN’s overall household reach, now estimated at over 50 million DMA households, putting it squarely on pace with its growth strategy to reach 100 million homes within the next three years. For more information on The Country Network, please visit www.tcncountry.com. “The addition of Roku is extremely important to us,” states Tim Eaton, President and CEO of The Country Network. “4 in 10 households currently own an OTT streaming device, and by next year, Streaming Media Players (SMP) penetration will reach 40 percent of all U.S. homes with internet,” he explains. “The number of ways people are receiving TV content is expanding rapidly and we want to be a part of this conversation and be available to fans through a wide variety of sources.” Roku is the leader in SMP market share. There are currently 10.6M active Roku accounts across SMPs and smart TV, reaching 49% of SMP households. These figures are expected to climb steeply based upon reports by IHS Inc. (NYSE: IHS): 56 percent of all North American TV shipments in Q1-2016 were smart TVs; Roku-powered smart TVs earned 12% of all sales for the entire first half of 2016. For more information on The Country Network, upcoming show announcements, and a complete list of broadcast affiliates and channels, please visit www.tcncountry.com.

ELVIS PRESLEY’S GRACELAND TO WELCOME T.G. SHEPPARD FOR NOVEMBER 17 LIGHTING CEREMONY

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TG Sheppard on Country Music News Blog

There Will Be A 100% Chance of Snow Plus A Visit from Santa To Kick off the Holidays in Memphis The event is free and open to the public. WHAT: Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Elvis Presley’s Graceland WHO: T.G. Sheppard and Santa WHEN: November 17 at 6:00 p.m. CST WHERE: Graceland Plaza, Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis MEMPHIS, Tenn. (November 16, 2016) – Elvis Presley’s Graceland® in Memphis, Tenn., will officially begin the holiday season when Country Music Award winner singer-songwriter T.G. Sheppard “flips the switch” on the traditional lights and decorations during the annual lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 17 at 6:00 p.m. CST and lights up Elvis Presley’s iconic home for the season. Santa has guaranteed there will be a 100% chance of snow during the event. The extensive Christmas display at the king’s castle includes hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh, and much more, all originally displayed at Graceland by Elvis and the Presley family. The interiors of Graceland mansion will feature the Presley family’s Christmas décor starting on November 17 for seasonal holiday tours through his birthday celebration in January. Included will be his traditional red velvet drapes as well as Presley family Christmas artifacts on display around several trees throughout the home. Channeling his inner Elvis, Santa will arrive to greet the fans and children and will be available for photos following the lighting ceremony. The lighting event featuring T.G. Sheppard is free and open to the public. While promoting records for RCA, T.G. formed a close personal and professional relationship with Elvis, who appreciated T.G.’s unique style and personality. As a token of their friendship, Elvis gave T.G. his first tour bus in 1976, helping to provide him with the confidence to give up the promotion business and hit the road full time. Following the lighting ceremony, The Guest House at Graceland will offer tours of the new 450-room luxury resort along with complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes. A special holiday package that includes tickets to visit Graceland while decorated for the holidays is available for booking through The Guest House at Graceland. For more detailed information please visit www.graceland.com or call 901-332-3322.

George Strait Takes on Vegas One More Time!

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Strait adds four weekends in 2017 following his sold-out Strait to Vegas exclusive concert series; tickets on sale Friday, Dec. 2 Strait to live-stream from Texas tonight with live concert beginning at 7 p.m. CT via Strait.WranglerNetwork.com Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 available at Walmart and Walmart.com Friday, Nov. 18 SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Just hours prior to a rare album release show live-streamed from his home state of Texas in support of his forthcoming Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 three-disc collection today, “King of Country Music” George Strait announced that he will be returning to Las Vegas for four additional weekends at T-Mobile Arena in 2017. Billed as 2 Nights of Number 1’s, the limited engagement with back-to-back nights of straight No. 1’s will showcase live performances of Strait’s unparalleled 60 No. 1 hits plus fan favorites over each weekend, with GRAMMY-nominated country singer / songwriter Cam joining as support. Tickets for all dates will go on sale Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. PT via www.StraitToVegas.com. The all-new 2017 shows follow Strait’s wildly popular, sold-out Strait to Vegas exclusive concert series at T-Mobile Arena, which is nearing the wrap of its first year of worldwide exclusive engagements with a pair of shows on Friday, Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 3 and previously announced and sold-out 2017 shows Friday, Feb. 17 through Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Country Music By The Numbers From Neilsen

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Dialed up CMA insight by Neilsen

With the CMA’s today, Nielsen Entertainment has released a new report providing key insights around Country Music and its fans. The report discusses consumption channels and formats, as well as the stars of the industry and their endorsement and marketing potential. Take a look below and you’ll see that Nielsen’s report has some unique insights, from the crossover appeal of the industry’s talent, to the fans themselves.  

CMT Artist of the Year 2016 Details

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Follow along on Twitter and Instagram as CountryMusicNewsBlog.com celebrates the 2016 CMT Artists of the Year under hashtag #CMTAOTY Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett have been selected by CMT as the premiere country artists of 2016 and will be celebrated at the seventh annual CMT Artists of the Year special, it was announced Tuesday (Sept. 13). Additionally, Kelsea Ballerini is set to receive the second-annual Breakout Artist of the Year honor. The 2016 CMT Artists of the Year special premieres from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Oct. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Each artist will be honored with never-before-seen performances alongside lighthearted and emotional moments fueled by plenty of champagne during the 90-minute special on CMT. Following last year’s nod as breakthrough artist, Chris Stapleton joins first-time recipient Thomas Rhett and veteran CMT Artists of the Year Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012, 2016), Florida Georgia Line (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) and Luke Bryan, who now ties with Jason Aldean as the artists with most wins with five consecutive years (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016). This year’s five honorees collectively dominated the last 12 months in country music, ruling CMT’s platforms and country radio, scoring chart-topping album and singles and selling out concerts across the nation. On the heels of her mega-hit debut album, The First Time, and before her first-ever headlining tour, CMT’s Next Women of Country member Kelsea Ballerini has taken the country world by storm. With her third No. 1 hit “Peter Pan,” she is the only female artist in country music history, including female duos and groups, to reach No. 1 with her first three consecutive singles from a debut album. Rick Diamond/Getty Images Additional awards, performers and special guests will be announced at a later date. Former CMT Artists of the Year honorees include Jason Aldean (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Eric Church (2012), Hunter Hayes (2013), Toby Keith (2012), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Little Big Town (2015), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Tim McGraw (2013), Brad Paisley (2011), Blake Shelton (2015), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Keith Urban (2014), Sam Hunt (2015) and the Zac Brown Band (2010). Previous CMT Artists of the Year performances have included Adele and Darius Rucker performing Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis paying tribute to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” and Maroon 5 covering Taylor Swift’s “Mine.” Tweet about it: [bctt tweet=”@carrieunderwood @ChrisStapleton @FLAGALine @LukeBryanOnline and @ThomasRhett are @CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR! Watch Oct. 20 at 9pm ET. #CMTAOTY”]

AARON TIPPIN WINS TELLY AWARD FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY DOCUMENTARY

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Country star Aaron Tippin is taking home the gold thanks to a recent video documentary about the singer’s career in music.  The film, Aaron Tippin – 25 Years, recently won a Telly Award at the 37th Annual Telly Awards.  With over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, the win is a big accolade for Tippin and the film’s director, Glenn Sweitzer of Nashville-based film company Fresh Films. “I have had the honor of working with Aaron for the past 10 years, and helping tell his story was a true honor,” says Sweitzer.  “There’s never a boring moment in the life of Aaron and Thea Tippin.” Tippin adds, “I was so honored to find out we’d won a Telly Award for our documentary. It’s always great to work with Glenn Sweitzer. He’s such a talent.” The documentary gives viewers an in-depth look at the country singer’s rise from humble beginnings to international stardom.  The documentary features interviews with Tippin as well as the music pros who helped make him a household name including recording industry icons Joe Galante and Randy Goodman, 650 AM WSM‘s Bill Cody, singer-songwriter Mark Collie, publisher and media personality Charlie Monk and more. The Telly Awards honors the very best film and video productions, groundbreaking online video content, and outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs.  For more information, visit TellyAwards.com. Watch the full documentary HERE.