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.

Joe Nichols:Gimmie That Girl

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Joe Nichols celebrates his first mulit-week No.1 with his hit single “Gimmie That Girl.” “I love the fact that this song is connecting with country music fans– at shows, at radio, and with downloads,” Nichols said. “This is a real career milestone for me, and I appreciate not only the fans, but also country radio and everyone on the team who has worked so hard to get me to this place. Hitting a career peak for me by staying at #1 for another week – well, I’ll just say beating every single I’ve had before is not something I can say I saw coming just a few months ago. Thank you to everyone. Truly.” Congratulations Joe, I’m certain there will be many more hit singles in your future!Country Music Photo Gallery

Nashville’s Opryland Hotel Underwater – Moves Shows to Ryman

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Opryland Hotel Flooded: May 03, 2010 The Opryland Hotel‘s Delta, Cascades, and Gardens suffered up to ten feet of water after flooding hit Nashville, Tennessee. This has forced the staff to change venues for the next few events and relocate to the Ryman Auditorium. “While we ourselves are shaken by the impact of the flooding of the Opry House and throughout the area, it is important that Nashville’s most treasured tradition continues with this week’s shows,” said Grand Ole Opry Vice President Pete Fisher. “We look forward to coming together both as the Opry family and as a great American city just as we have every week for nearly 85 years. Our hearts go out to all of those affected in the Middle Tennessee area.” For information on rescheduled shows, visit http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/ [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfL5j9ckcyo] For more comprehensive coverage on how the 2010 Nashville Flood has affected the community, and how you can help, visit http://www.tennessean.com/section/NEWS0101Country Music Photo Gallery

Complete Coverage of the Nashville Flood 2010

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As the Nashville community works on recovering Music Row and the surrounding area from devastating floodwaters, artist and event organizers emphasize that the show MUST go on! Nashville residents and tourists alike are rallying to recover their community as the floodwaters finally recede. Last week’s torrential rains caused the surrounding rivers and creeks to rise to deadly levels, leaving people trapped in their cars and homes. At this time, the floods have claimed the lives of at least 16 people, and left thousands more without clean water or power. Every aspect of this music tourism town has been affected severely, from trailer communities that were absolutely destroyed to the multi-million dollar sound studios where sound equipment and tour gear were deemed a complete loss. For more comprehensive coverage on how the 2010 Nashville Flood has affected the community, and how you can help, visit http://www.tennessean.com/section/NEWS0101Country Music Photo Gallery

Chely Wright Opens Up, I’m Gay

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The country music beauty Chely Wright comes out in the May 5th issue of People Magazine. Chely Wright reveals that she didn’t come out earlier because there was no precedent set in country music. “There had never, ever been a country music artist who had acknowledged his or her homosexuality,” she tells PEOPLE. “I wasn’t going to be the first.” Regarding going on record as an openly gay woman, Chely goes on to say “Nothing in my life has been more magical than the moment I decided to come out”. Chely Wright is best known for her chart topping hit, “Single White Female” and was named the The Academy of Country Music Top New Female Vocalist in 1995. Chely is currently on her media tour for her new album, “Lifted Off the Ground” and for her memoir, “Like Me.”Country Music Photo Gallery

Courtyard Hounds Debut Album

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Martie McGuire and Emily Robison of Dixie Chicks fame have finally released their debut album under The Courtyard Hounds! For those who have been holding their breath for the next tasty tidbit from those Dixie Chicks gals, hold it no longer! Martie and Emily have finally released their new album as The Courtyard Hounds. Expect to see them making the media rounds with appearances on today’s episode of The View,  CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman tomorrow, and Ellen on Wednesday May 12th. As for the sound of this new album sans Natalie, only time will tell. With Martie and Emily’s bluegrass background, I know my interest is piqued! Grab the album and let us know what you think! For more info, visit www.courtyardhounds.com.Country Music Photo Gallery

CMA Music Festival 2010

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Riverfront Stages Line-up announced for the CMA Music Festival 2010, which will run June 10th-13th. Thursday, June 10: The Judds will give the kick off performance, followed (alphabetically) by Keith Anderson, Diamond Rio, Colt Ford, Joey + Rory, Love and Theft, Neal McCoy, Jake Owen, Josh Thompson, and Clay Walker. Friday, June 11: Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Bucky Covington, Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram, Patty Loveless, Craig Morgan, Sawyer Brown, Gretchen Wilson, and Chris Young. Saturday, June 12: Big Kenny, Lee Brice, Mark Chesnutt, Emerson Drive, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Lorrie Morgan, David Lee Murphy, Joe Nichols, and Mel Tillis. Sunday, June 13: The Bellamy Brothers, Sammy Kershaw, Lonestar, Jo Dee Messina, James Otto, Restless Heart, Steel Magnolia, Pam Tillis, Uncle Kracker, and Darryl Worley. Performing the nightly LP Field concerts are Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Danny Gokey, Randy Houser, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Justin Moore, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band. Julianne Hough will also be performing at the nightly concerts at LP Field. Julianne will join the Friday, June 11th line-up.

Joe Nichols lends his… face… to Roper Apparel

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Country star Joe Nichols signs onto a new marketing campaign for Roper Apparel and Footwear Now ladies, get your fans out cause we all need to cool down after this news. Country crooner and “Gimme That Girl” singer Joe Nichols is the new spokesmodel for Roper apparel and footwear. How delicious is that?!?!? For more information on Roper’s latest line, visit www.eroper.comCountry Music Photo Gallery

Blake Shelton Signature Guitar

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A guitar to make Blake Shelton stand out? As if he needs it! Blake Shelton is getting his own brand of electric guitar, a classic ‘cammo’ design that utilizes green, brown and black colors and you can own one for about $699. According to the Michael Kelly Guitar Company press release, “The Blake Shelton Signature Michael Kelly guitar is a solidbody electric with a thick, deeply arched Maple top, Mahogany body and neck, Ebony fingerboard, Grover® Rotomatic™ tuners and two Rockfield humbucking pickups. It produces big, rich tones with excellent sustain and – due to its thick Maple top – an articulate treble response.” Which I have on good authority, an excellent guitar!Country Music Photo Gallery