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.

The Judds: Reunion Show in Las Vegas!

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The soundtrack to my childhood is now available in the most adult city on the planet! The Judds are reuniting for a limited run of shows at the fabulous Venetian hotel and resort in Las Vegas Nevada this October. [bctt tweet=”#TheJudds are back! The Judds are back! Live in Vegas this October at #TheVenetian”] The short residency titled “Girls Night Out” will feature Mamma Naomi and daughter Wynonna Judd performing a variety of their greatest hits together. I don’t know about you, but I’m more excited than a cat in a mouse den! Tickets are available NOW!

The Band Perry release “Live Forever” Official Video

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One of our favorites here at CMNB, The Band Perry, are back at it again. This time with a brand new video for the hit track “Live Forever”. Known for their rich and robust visuals, this video is no exception. We love it! [bctt tweet=”Watch The Band Perry ‘Live Forever’ Official Video on CMNB! #TBP #LiveForever #TheBandPerry”] The Band Perry “Live Forever” Official Video

Kenny Rogers Announces New Christmas Album and Tour

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Kenny Rogers will release his first new Christmas album in seventeen years on September 25th via Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville. Titled Once Again It’s Christmas, the festive set is Rogers’ first Christmas release since Christmas From The Heart (1998), and his sixth Christmas release overall. Since the release of his first-ever Christmas album, Christmas, in 1981, Rogers has embarked on an annual Christmas & Hits Tour, which continues this winter as the Once Again It’s Christmas Tour featuring Linda Davis. Rogers will perform holiday favorites, selections from his new Christmas album and his No. 1 hits at concerts across the U.S. and Canada. The tour currently includes 29 dates. Special VIP packages will be available for the tour dates that are not already on-sale. For the most up to date information on tour dates, tickets, VIP packages, and pre-order opportunities, visit: www.kennyrogers.com The eleven-song album, Once Again It’s Christmas, features several special guest stars. Jennifer Nettles joins Rogers on “Here It Is Christmas/Baby, It’s Cold Outside”; Alison Krauss is featured on “Some Children See Him”; Home Free collaborates with Rogers on “Children, Go Where I Send Thee”; Jim Brickman guests on “That Silent Night”; and Winfield’s Locket sings with Rogers on “There’s A New Kid In Town.” Rogers also co-wrote a powerful song called “The Light” with long-time bandmate Steve Glassmeyer and former bandmate, Warren Hartman. The song concludes the album. The new project was produced by Kyle Lehning and Hartman, who were joined by Darren Rust as co-producer for the song, “Children, Go Where I Send Thee.” Steve Sundholm and Jim Brickman produced “That Silent Night.” The Once Again It’s Christmas album cover art, unveiled here for the first time, is a photo taken by Rogers that he entitled “Red Tree.” He captured the wintry scene while shooting in Yakima, Washington, in December 2003. Rogers received an Honorary Masters of Photography Degree from Professional Photographers of America (PPA) in 2014 for his contributions to the world of photography. “I can’t tell you how much fun it’s been doing another Christmas album—it’s my favorite time of year. Recording a project like this means I was able to re-live some old memories singing some of the songs I was raised listening to and grew to love as a child. The process also allowed me to make many new memories working with some very talented people. I’m excited about all of the special guests who joined me for this, and hope you enjoy it, too,” Rogers said. The past several years have been some of the most active, creative, and rewarding of Rogers’ entire storied career. Once Again It’s Christmas will be Rogers’ third full studio release of all new recordings since 2011. In 2014, Rogers received his latest GRAMMY® Award nomination with Dolly Parton for “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” and in 2014 and 2015, Rogers’ career was showcased in a year-long exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In 2013, Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Continue reading Kenny Rogers Announces New Christmas Album and Tour→

Carrie Underwood Announces “Storyteller” Album and Tour!

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Carrie Underwood recently took part in an online chat on her official Facebook page, where the seven-time GRAMMY® winner revealed information about her upcoming fifth studio album. Titled Storyteller, and set for release on October 23, the album includes tracks produced by Jay Joyce, Mark Bright, and Zach Crowell. Storyteller will launch with the single “Smoke Break,” which was delivered digitally to country radio today for an official airplay impact date of August 24. Produced by Jay Joyce, “Smoke Break” was written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Chris DeStefano, with whom Underwood wrote her most recent #1 smash, “Little Toy Guns.” About the new single, Underwood says that the title isn’t necessarily meant to be literal, as she shares, “It’s basically an anthem for every hard-working person. We all wear many hats and are spread thin, so we can all relate to being tired and needing a break. This song is about having that moment to be able to escape from whatever it is that’s stressing you out and have some time for yourself.” The digital single for “Smoke Break” will be available beginning 11 PM CT tonight, August 20 (midnight ET).

Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton DIVORCING?!?!

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Miranda Lambert on Country Music News Blog

In a move that quite honestly shocked us here at Country Music News Blog, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert have officially filed for divorce. Today marks the official dissolution of their marriage, although the paperwork was filed some time ago, with Blake as the petitioner. No word on the cause, however it is clear that Blake is keeping the Oklahoma property while Miranda is moving to Nashville along with her menagerie of animals. According to TMZ, he couple says, “This is not the future we envisioned and it is with heavy heart that we move forward separately. We are real people, with real lives, with real family, friends and colleagues. Therefore, we kindly ask for privacy and compassion concerning this very personal matter.” (source) Well, I guess that’s that. Good luck to the splitting couple. Hopefully they’ll find happiness in the next chapter of their lives. I dedicate this one to all those “Mrs Shelton” fans out there.

Rolling Stone Magazine Lists Garth Brooks As Top Earner, Kacey Musgraves as Being in Good Company

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Garth Brooks on Country Music News!

In an article published yesterday by RollingStone.com, country crooner Garth Brooks is listed as Forbes’ sixth-highest earner in the entertainment industry earning just over $90 MILLION from June 2014 through May 2015. Of course country music fans weren’t surprised at all. What did surprise us here at HQ is how the third place spot was taken by Katy Perry. Granted, she puts on a big flashy show and it’s more about visuals than talent, but we had no idea she was raking it in so well. Of course that’s great news for country music’s fastest rising sensation, Kacey Musgraves, who opened for Katy all last summer. It certainly helped her catapult into becoming one of the most talked-about and celebrated young musicians in Nashville. We’re pretty sure she’ll be making that list on her own within a few years. Other notable earners to top the top 100 are: #8 – Taylor Swift at $80 M #14 – The Eagles at $73.5 M #24 – Fleetwood Mac at $59.5 M #27 – Ed Sheeran at $57 M #32 – Toby Kieth at $53 M #47 – Jason Aldean at $43.5 M #48 – Luke Bryan at $42.5 M #49 – Kenny Chesney at $42 M #58 – Tim McGraw at $38 M #61 – Florida Georgia Line at $36.5 M #78 – Zac Brown Band at $32 M #95 – Miranda Lambert at $28.5 M #95 – Blake Shelton at $28.5 M

Kenny Chesney Tune-In Alert!

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Kenny Chesney on Country Music News

“When the Sun Goes Down” We’ll Be Groovin’ to the PREMIERE of Kenny Chesney Live on AXS TV! What’s better than a Sunday lineup full of country superstars? How about one that leads up the the PREMIERE of Kenny Chesney – Summer in 3D at 8 ET | 5 PT! The broadcast will also feature Tim McGraw, Travis Tritt, Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley and more! Check out the full schedule below and be sure to set that DVR now!

Florida Georgia Line to Stream CMT Award Performance LIVE via Meerkat App

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CMT, Mountain Dew and Meerkat are teaming up with Florida Georgia Line for an award show first and providing fans multiple entry points into country music’s loudest night. During Florida Georgia Line’s highly anticipated performance of “Anything Goes” at the 2015 “CMT Music Awards” on June 10 – for the first time in award show history – Meerkat will live stream the entire performance literally from the front row. Meerkat users will be able to watch the performance live (and later on-demand) in a custom designed Mountain Dew skinned player. This marks the latest in a larger partnership between Mountain Dew and Florida Georgia Line. The live awards telecast is CMT’s most-watched night of the year. This activation leverages the reach of all three brands and undeniably one of country music’s biggest acts to engage fans in an innovative social co-viewing experience. The live stream will live within the Meerkat app that will be distributed via CMT’s Twitter and Facebook page and then shared from Mtn Dew’s so both CMT & Dew handles will be broadcasting access to the stream on Meerkat. For those who missed the stream live on Meerkat, Mtn Dew & CMT will be allowing people to see this front row view again and relive the experience via a video link of the performance for 1 week after the awards, thanks to Mountain Dew. The video will be distributed via Mtn Dew’s social handle and promoted from CMT’s social handles post show.

CMT Music Awards 2015 – Viewer Guide

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In the country music heart of Nashville, Tennessee the streets are buzzing with excited fans from all over the world as they take part in the CMT Music Festival (formerly known as FanFare). With live performances from the heavy hitters all week long, this festival is the country music mecca… a pilgrimage for the whole family to share the passion of music row. And topping the list of events this week is none other than the CMT Music Awards, hosted at Bridgestone arena, and broadcast live on CMT! CMT Music Awards 2015 Performer Line-up: CMT kicks off the summer with the 2015 CMT Music Awards live in Nashville on Wednesday, June 10, with Erin Andrews and Brittany Snow hosting. Carrie Underwood, Reba, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jake Owen, Sam Hunt, Zac Brown Band, A Thousand Horses, Chris Janson, Frankie Ballard, Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie and Tae and RaeLynn are scheduled to perform. This will be Carrie Underwood’s first official post-baby performance and one hell of an indicator to how her upcoming tour production will look. She’s also in the lead with the most award nominations this year, so that takes a lot of pressure off Mrs. Shelton and might give her a summer to recoup and rebuild her next big move. Rumor also has it that Kieth Urban is even debuting a brand new song during his moment in that spotlight! CMT Music Awards 2015 Hosting Sneak Peek: Now in an ever-growing trend of non-musicians hosting our award shows, this year we have Dancing With The Stars host Erin Andrews and actress Brittany Snow working the mic. While many complain because we love having just that much more time with our favorite artists on screen, our team would like to note that not all artists are comfortable reading cue cards and stiffly delivering pre-written jokes, so I’ll take the actress and friend over another Trace Adkins year. 2015 CMT Music Awards Nominees: Video of the Year Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water” Darius Rucker, “Homegrown Honey” Dierks Bentley, “Drunk on a Plane” Florida Georgia Line, “Dirt” Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down” Kenny Chesney, “American Kids” Lady Antebellum, “Bartender” Lee Brice, “I Don’t Dance” Luke Bryan, “Play It Again” Maddie & Tae, “Girl in a Country Song” Miranda Lambert with Carrie Underwood, “Somethin’ Bad” Sam Hunt, “Leave the Night On” Male Video of the Year Dierks Bentley, “Drunk on a Plane” Eric Church, “Talladega” Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down” Keith Urban, “Somewhere in My Car” Kenny Chesney, “American Kids” Luke Bryan, “Play It Again” Female Video of the Year Carrie Underwood, “Little Toy Guns” Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water” Lee Ann Womack, “The Way I’m Livin’” Miranda Lambert, “Little Red Wagon” RaeLynn, “God Made Girls” Reba, “Going Out Like That” Group Video of the Year A Thousand Horses, “Smoke” Eli Young Band, “Dust” Lady Antebellum, “Bartender” Little Big Town, “Day Drinking” The Band Perry, “Chainsaw” Zac Brown Band, Continue reading CMT Music Awards 2015 – Viewer Guide→

No Pool? No Problem!

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Never underestimate the power of redneck innovation when it comes to solving a problem! We know sometimes it takes a little more than duct tape and bailing wire to come to the rescue in some dire situations, but when it comes to beating the summer heat, these champions of resourcefulness take the trophy!