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.

2013 CMA Award Winners!

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It was an exciting night in Music City as the nation’s TOP country music talent gathered to celebrate a successful year of recording, touring, and giving fans the music they love so much. Without further ado, here are YOUR 2013 CMA Award winners! Entertainer of the Year: George Strait Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town Album of the Year: Based on a True Story, Blake Shelton, Scott Hendricks (producer) New Artist of the Year: Kacey Musgraves Vocal Duo of the Year: Florida Georgia Line Song of the Year: “I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary Single of the Year: “Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line, Joey Moi (producer) Musical Event: “Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban Music Video: “Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Shane Drake (director) Musician: Mac McAnally

Your Guide to the 2013 CMA Awards!

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It’s finally here! Tonight is the 2013 CMA Awards LIVE on ABC at 8/7c, and we’ve got your complete guide to the broadcast! Below you will find ALL of the nominees, performers, and viewing options. We’ll be live-tweeting through the broadcast. so you can follow along here, or tweet @CMNBlog with the hashtag #CMAawards to join in on the celebration! Without further ado, let’s get down to business starting with tonight’s nominees! NEW ARTIST Lee Brice Brett Eldredge Florida Georgia Line Kip Moore Kacey Musgraves MUSIC VIDEO * This award was announced this morning off-camera * Blown Away, Carrie Underwood (directed by Randee St. Nicholas) Boys ‘Round Here, Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies Downtown, Lady Antebellum WINNER Highway Don’t Care, Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban Mama’s Broken Heart, Miranda Lambert Tornado, Little Big Town MUSICIAN Sam Bush (mandolin) Paul Franklin (steel guitar) Dann Huff (guitar) Brent Mason (guitar) Mac McAnally (guitar) MUSICAL EVENT * This award was announced this morning off-camera * Boys ‘Round Here, Blake Shelton (featuring Pistol Annies) Cruise, Florida Georgia Line (with Nelly) Don’t Rush, Kelly Clarkson (featuring Vince Gill) WINNER Highway Don’t Care, Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban The Only Way I Know, Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church VOCAL DUO Big & Rich Florida Georgia Line Love and Theft Sugarland The Civil Wars Thompson Square VOCAL GROUP Eli Young Band Lady Antebellum Little Big Town The Band Perry Zac Brown Band MALE VOCALIST Jason Aldean Luke Bryan Eric Church Blake Shelton Keith Urban FEMALE VOCALIST Kelly Clarkson Miranda Lambert Kacey Musgraves Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood SONG (award goes to songwriters) I Drive Your Truck, Lee Brice (Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary) Mama’s Broken Heart, Miranda Lambert (Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves) Merry Go ‘Round, Kacey Musgraves (Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally) Pontoon, Little Big Town (Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird and Barry Dean) Wagon Wheel, Darius Rucker (Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor) ALBUM Based On a True Story …, Blake Shelton Blown Away, Carrie Underwood Red, Taylor Swift Same Trailer, Different Park, Kacey Musgraves Tornado, Little Big Town SINGLE Cruise, Florida Georgia Line Highway Don’t Care, Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban Mama’s Broken Heart, Miranda Lambert Merry Go ‘Round, Kacey Musgraves Wagon Wheel, Darius Rucker ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Jason Aldean Luke Bryan Blake Shelton George Strait Taylor Swift For fans watching online, there are two developments this year that will thrill you! First, the 2013 CMA Awards Unveils New Digital User Experience: For the first time in Country Music history, “The 47th Annual CMA Awards” will offer an immersive, all-access, second-screen camera experience placed directly in the fans’ hands on CMAawards.com. Dubbed CMA Awards 360, the virtual CMA Awards backstage pass is the first integration of its kind on a Country Music awards show. Before and during the Wednesday, Nov. 6 CMA Awards on ABC, fans will have access to 11 different camera views only on CMAawards.com: Red Continue reading Your Guide to the 2013 CMA Awards!→

Alan Jackson Tune-In Alerts!

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Country superstar, Alan Jackson, takes the stage at New York’s world famous Carnegie Hall tonight, October 28. The special night of music will feature songs from The Bluegrass Album; Jackson will be joined by the noted bluegrass musicians that are featured on the album. Following his Carnegie Hall concert, Jackson will appear Tuesday, October 29, on CBS’ Late Show With David Letterman (11:35pm ET/PT), performing “Blacktop” from The Bluegrass Album. Next week, Jackson will be featured on ABC’s telecast of The 47th Annual CMA Awards as he and George Strait, the two top nominees in CMA Awards history, perform together in a tribute to legendary Country Music Hall of Fame member George Jones. The Wall Street Journal dubs The Bluegrass Album “one of this year’s strongest country albums of any sort”…while Rolling Stone notes “The Bluegrass Album is a labor of love, not a vanity project…” and the Chicago Tribune states, “For those who want deep roots, it’s a record that fills the bill.” People gives The Bluegrass Album “3½ stars (out of 4),” the Los Angeles Times calls it “…earthy, lonesome music-making….” and USA Today says, “Country’s dirt road anthems leave your mouth dusty? Jackson paves ’em over on The Bluegrass Album.” Beginning Wednesday, Jackson will be featured on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction as The Bluegrass Album is the focus of this week’s Track by Track program (a complete programming schedule can be found at www.siriusxm.com/bluegrassjunction).

Florida Georgia Line and One Direction to Perform on 2013 AMA’s

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Florida Georgia Line and One Direction will each make their debut performance on the “2013 American Music Awards,” which will broadcast live from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24th (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on ABC. They join previously announced performers Miley Cyrus and Imagine Dragons. Additional acts and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. “Florida Georgia Line and One Direction have made an incredible impact over the past three years,” said Larry Klein, longtime producer of the American Music Awards. “We are thrilled to have them make their AMA debut performances this year.” The “2013 American Music Awards” is produced by dick clark productions. Allen Shapiro is Executive Producer and Larry Klein is Producer. Florida Georgia Line is nominated for four American Music Awards this year including New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohls, and One Direction is nominated for two American Music Awards including Favorite Album and Favorite Band Duo or Group in the Pop/Rock category.

Wynonna On CBS’s THE TALK Monday, October 28

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WYNONNA will appear on CBS’s “The Talk” this Monday, October 28 (2-3pm ET; 1-2pm PT/CT) to reveal details on her new women’s shoe line Got Soul, plans for her “A Simpler Christmas” tour kicking off December 3, as well as help celebrate host Sheryl Underwood’s 50th birthday. The five-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, musician and New York Times best-selling author can now add shoe designer to her resume. Her new women’s shoe line, Got Soul, features a collection of bedazzled sneakers, wedges and flats, and will be available at Fred Segal LA and other boutiques across America just in time for the holiday gift-giving season. WYNONNA will also discuss her upcoming holiday tour with her band THE BIG NOISE, “A Simpler Christmas.” The intimate and joyous performances will showcase her legendary voice in a set of inspirational Christmas favorites, plus some of her greatest hits. Wynonna & The Big Noise kick off their “A Simpler Christmas” tour December 3 in Bakersfield, CA with dates running through December 22 in York, PA. Full itinerary here: http://www.wynonna.com/the-road.html.

George Jones Final Concert Tribute Details

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What would have been George Jones’ final concert appearance in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 22, 2013 is now a star-studded tribute to the country music legend. In addition, “Playin’ Possum! The Final NO Show” has been dubbed the official name of the event. “The evening of George Jones songs is going to be the best musical tribute Nashville has ever seen,” says Nancy Jones. “We have many surprises planned, and I just wish George could be here to see what we are doing for him.” The SOLD OUT tribute concert will feature performances by Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Big & Rich, Loretta Lynn, Lee Ann Womack, Craig Morgan, Thompson Square, Ronnie Milsap, Bill Anderson and rockers Megadeth. Previously announced performers include Kid Rock, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner, The Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Sam Moore, and others. “George Jones had a way of putting his finger right into your wounds and letting you know, ‘I understand. I know your pain.’ While ‘Wild Irish Rose,’ may be an unexpected choice with so many great songs to choose from, it is a perfect example of Mr. Jones way of reaching inside every one of us, and making us aware that we all have pain. By far the most pain a man can endure, sadly as so many of our Vietnam Vets know, is to come home and find no one wants him. In the end, as so many do, they end their days inside of a bottle, as “Rose” knows too well,” says Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine. George Jones, often referred to as the “the greatest living country singer” was on his farewell tour titled “The Grand Tour,” when he passed away. The icon’s hits, “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair”, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”, “White Lightning” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today” will surely become standards for honky-tonk cover bands for years to come.

Garth Brooks Confirms 2014 Tour, Album, and Television Special

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According to fellow country bloggers Country Music Tattletale, Garth Brooks has confirmed that he will indeed be turning 2014 into a powerhouse year. Among his plans are a new album, a full 2014 world tour, and a television special directed by the world-famous Martin Scorsese. Of course this backs the rumors that wifeTrisha Yearwood planted along her most recent cookbook press tour, and comes right behind the announcement that Garth Brooks has agreed to extend his residency at the Wynn in Las Vegas for eight more shows this fall. With so much activity coming out of Camp Brooks, you can be sure that when the official tour details are announced it will be HUGE!

Gloriana, Bucky Covington and more Perform for Autism Sings!

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Tuesday night artists from all over Nashville gathered to celebrate and help raise funds for the fight against Autism at the benefit concert Autism Speaks™ Presents Autism Sings! The night included performances by Gloriana, Billy Dean, Bucky Covington, Jaci Velasquez, Tyler Barham, Logan Blade, Katie Chance, and Austin Webb. The show was emceed by celebrity host Evan Farmer. About Autism Speaks: Over the past five years, Autism Speaks has given back more than $2 million to the state of Tennessee. Funds are used to support local research, science grants, community grants, AutismCares grants, Baker Camp Scholarships and various toolkits that are available for free, including the 100-Day Kit, developed to provide much needed support to families during the initial diagnosis period.

Old Crow Medicine Show Inducted to The Grand Ole Opry

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Old Crow Medicine Show was formally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry this evening by Opry members Dierks Bentley and Marty Stuart. Among the award-winning group’s first performances in Nashville were on the sidewalks outside the Opry House in Summer 2000, playing for fans entering and exiting Opry performances. The band graduated to the Opry stage for its official Opry debut on Jan. 13, 2001, quickly became a fan favorite during dozens of Opry performances since, and was invited by Stuart to join the Opry on Aug. 16 in Cleveland, Ohio. Just before show time, the band reprised its Opry Plaza performances from more than a dozen years ago, walking outside the Opry House and playing tunes including “Brave Boys” and “Hesitation Blues” for surprised fans waiting outside for the evening’s Opry show. On stage later in the night, Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher and Opry members Dierks Bentley and Stuart took the stage alongside Old Crow Medicine Show, presenting the group with its Opry member award. “Congratulations, Old Crow, on being a part of the coolest club there is,” Bentley said. Addressing the band, Stuart added, “You offer a whole new energy and love for country music in the 21st century.” Speaking on behalf of the group, Ketch Secor related that years ago members of the band asked themselves if they’d ever make it big in TV. Secor recalled having said, “I don’t know about TV, but we might make something of ourselves on radio.” Fast forwarding to tonight’s show, Secor concluded, “We’re standing out here on the most beloved broadcast anywhere on earth. I think we made it big on radio! … We the Old Crows are just so proud to be entrusted to carry on the traditions of the Grand Ole Opry’s good-natured riot.” After tearing into the band’s signature “Wagon Wheel,” the group invited fellow Opry members Bentley, Stuart, Connie Smith, and the Del McCoury Band to join them on the standards “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” and “I Saw The Light.” “Old Crow has over the years become a favorite of Opry audiences and everyone backstage, as well,” said Fisher. “It’s fun for so many of us that in many ways Old Crow looks and sounds a lot like some of the great early Opry bands like Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys—bands which helped propel the Opry to national prominence. Tonight represents a great full circle, and as the great Jimmy Dickens says, ‘The circle can’t be broken.’” After the induction, the group added a plaque bearing its name to the Opry Member Gallery backstage at the Opry House. Old Crow Medicine Show is scheduled to perform concerts on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets will go on sale Sept. 27 at 10:00 a.m.

Rachel Potter Wows Judges on Fox’s X Factor

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Last week on FOX’s “The X Factor,” Rachel Potter, a 29 year old bartender from Nashville auditioned for the show’s judges and was put through to the next round. Already a success on Broadway with roles in “Evita” and “The Addams Family,” Rachel’s true love has always been country music so she left New York for Tennessee. Auditioning for “X Factor” was a personal choice for her as a way to show people that while she may not be a 15 year old, she’s still relevant and a can be a music force. You can check out her country version of Queen’s “Somebody To Love” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq0h_0PwnGE, which she performed during her first round audition.