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.

Grand Ole Opry is Back!

The Grand Ole Opry sets a date to re-open and a busy fall calendar to boot! Organizers at The Grand Ole Opry may have been knocked back by this summer’s flood, but they certainly weren’t knocked down! The Opry just announced that they are back in business come September 28th, and that they have a busy fall schedule of events to bring country music back home! Here’s all the details! Grand Ole Opry officials today announced that the show, displaced from its permanent home due to May’s historic Nashville flood, will return to the Grand Ole Opry House with a star-packed show Tues., Sept. 28. Among the artists scheduled for the show are Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels Band, Diamond Rio, Jimmy Dickens, Del McCoury Band, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Mel Tillis, and Josh Turner. The show will air live on GAC: Great American Country. Special events and artist appearances will follow throughout October in celebration of both the show’s return and its 85th Birthday. The announcement came just before the Opry House’s signature element, a six-foot circle of oak wood taken from the historic Ryman Auditorium when the show moved to the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974, was returned this morning to its home center stage at the Opry House. The circle, along with the full Opry stage, had been covered by 46 inches of water during May’s flood. Rescued immediately after waters receded from the Opry House, the circle has been painstakingly refurbished. The country music treasure was placed in its rightful spot with assistance from Dickens and Paisley. The two Opry members then took to the circle behind an Opry microphone stand for an acoustic performance of the country classic “Will the Circle be Unbroken.” It is the best feeling in the world to see our beloved circle back home,” said Grand Ole Opry Group President Steve Buchanan. “We can not wait for the curtain to go up as we launch a new chapter in the Opry’s history on September 28, just in time to celebrate our 85th birthday. There is no doubt the next two months are going to be some of the most memorable and emotional ever for our performers and fans. It is as it should be,” said Brad Paisley. “That circle means the world to all of us who love country music. I’ve always said that the circle still contains the dust from Hank Williams’ cowboy boots. Well now it contains that dust, but also the heart and soul of this town and all the people who have worked to rise above this spring’s floods. I know I speak for all my fellow Opry members when I say, ‘we are so excited to come home!” The Opry has not missed a single show since the flood, broadcasting from several Nashville venues including former Opry homes the Ryman Auditorium and the War Memorial Auditorium. In addition to its Sept. 28 return to the Opry House, plans were announced Continue reading Grand Ole Opry is Back!

Rascal Flatts On Set In Vegas

Rascal Flatts members are cuttin it up on the set of their Vegas video shoot for Why Wait. Rascal Flatts is in fabulous Las Vegas Nevada shooting the video for their new single “Why Wait”, but apparently, the video isn’t all they’re shooting! Since we can’t all be there in Vegas with them, they did the next best thing… they’re sharing their on-set antics with us!  Check out these candid shots from the bands’ trip! Country Music Photo Gallery

New Music From Shania Twain?

Shania Twain signs new management deal with upstart firm – Could new music come next? Shania Twain has kept a pretty modest profile through her divorce and public resurfacing, but with appearances on American Idol and other shows, she’s definitely looking to reclaim some of her former glory. That being said, it’s no wonder she’s updating her management in order to get the best opportunities available in the industry. According to Country Aircheck, Shania has chosen to follow long-time publicist Jason Owen as he leaves UMG next month to start his own management firm, Sandbox Management. Shania and I have been together for over eight years in my role at UMG and to start this new journey with her is a true privilege for me,” Owen told Country Aircheck today. “We have some exciting plans in the works that will expand her worldwide career into new areas of music and entertainment, which will all be revealed very soon. Country Music Photo Gallery

CMAFest 2010 Preview

Take a sneak peek at what to expect from the 2010 CMAFest which airs Sept 1st! CMA Fest is coming Wednesday Sept 1st on ABC but you can get a sneak peek right here at Country Music News Blog! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY5tfIEqMD4] Stay tuned as ABC packs four days and nights of country music into a single 2-hour special! Highlights of the show will feature Taylor Swift’s performance of “Mine”, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood’s hosting finesse, and much more!

Taylor Swift World Premiere – Mine

Follow along LIVE as Taylor Swift premieres her brand new video for the song Mine. Taylor Swift joins CMT hostess Katie Cook to offer a world premiere of her new video for the single “Mine”. The track is from her upcoming album “Speak Now” and has had Taylor Swift fans on the edge of their seats for a few weeks now, ever since her live announcement of the album’s title. You can already download “Mine” on iTunes, and the rest of the album should be made available October 25th. Taylor Swift Teaser: “Mine” Taylor Swift | CMT iPhone App | New Country Songs And here’s the full video! Taylor Swift – Mine – Full Video Taylor Swift   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos Country Music Photo Gallery

Win a Randy Rogers Band Prize Pack!

Country Music News Blog is giving away a Randy Rogers Band Prize Pack! Randy Rogers Band may seem like country newcomers, but these guys have been paying dues for a while now, with over 200 show dates a year and constant efforts to build up their fanbase nationwide. I have a feeling though, that all that is about to change! The new Randy Rogers Band album, “Burning The Day” which includes the single “Too Late For Goodbye” store shelves today,  and we’ve got your chance to win it for free! The winner drawn will receive an autographed copy of “Burning The Day” as well as a limited edition 7″ Vinyl of the same album! To enter, join our Winners List by subscribing today! Can’t wait to win? Pick up “Burning the Day” today on iTunes! *Winners will be selected by a random drawing from our email subscribers on September 7th and notified individually. *Winners will be notified via email and have 48 hours to confirm. *Prize provided by BubbleUp Interactive!Country Music Photo Gallery

Miranda Lambert Live DVD

Miranda Lambert to release Revolution:Live By Candlelight on October 12th. According to Miranda Lambert‘s facebook page, fans are going to get a good fill of her live performances this fall! Miranda is going to release her first performance DVD – Revolution: Live By Candlelight on October 12th. The six-song collection features rare acoustic performances captured in Nashville. Here’s a sneak – peek of the album cover. Stay tuned for info, and don’t forget to watch her on the CMT special Invitation Only that airs tonight! Country Music Photo Gallery

Randy Rogers Band – Interstate – Video

Randy Rogers Band is gearin’ up for some heavy airplay with their new video Interstate! Sample some of Randy Rogers Band‘s finest in this video for “Interstate” from their new album, “Too Late For Goodbye”. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w1YjsI2Ohc] RRB has been a longtime fixture in the Texas music scene, but with tomorrow’s release of “Too Late For Goodbye” you can expect to see and hear a lot more from the group nationwide!

Little Big Town Releases The Reason Why

New music from Little Big Town hits store shelves tomorrow! Little Big Town‘s latest studio album, “The Reason Why” will be available for purchase tomorrow at all online and retail outlets. The album features the already-chart-topping “Little White Church” (video below) as well as some of what the band refers to as their most stellar work. In the three years since their last album, LBT has gone through a lot of changes, from changing record labels to some members becoming parents, and touring long and hard. They’re hoping that fans recognize the growth and experience they’ve had as a group and find it shining through in this album’s sound. For a great rundown of what to expect on this new album, check out The Tennessean’s feature article on Little Big Town. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B077Dw_zDe0] Country Music Photo Gallery

Callin’ out Ashton Shepherd!

Ashton Shepherd, your fans want more! Every once in a while an artist comes along who does far more than offer listeners a catchy tune. They reach out of the radio and grab a place in our hearts or thoughts or dreams and just hold on tight for the ride to come. They put a voice to the pain and love and hope we share with only the most intimate of friends. They inspire us. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTmu_OMlNkI] Ashton Shepherd, you are an absolutely inspiring performer who is able to reach people on a deep and personal level. Your lyrics and voice drive younger performers like the amazingly talented gal in the video shown above out of their shells and out into the world to share their gifts. According to the most recent updates that have come across our desks here at CMNB, you were due to release a single last month, but nothing’s come up yet. What can we, your devoted fans, do to light a fire under the rears of the powers-that-be to get your new music out? Sincerely, ~WC~