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.

Dierks Bentley, Pam Tillis and Jim Lauderdale to host radio show.

Dierks Bentley, Pam Tillis and Jim Lauderdale to host three weekly radio shows on 650 AM WSM. Three award winning artist will host a series of midday shows on the revered country radio icon 650 AM WSM. The three weekly one-hour shows hosted by Dierks Bentley, Pam Tillis and Jim Lauderdale will air Monday – Wednesday at 2 p.m. CT.  The shows can also be heard online at www.wsmonline.com or as podcasts via iTunes. Listeners will enjoy an insider’s view of the artist-hosts’ musical passions and personalities and can expect a mix of Country, Bluegrass and Americana music.  Often, the hosts will welcome in-studio guests for conversation and the occasional impromptu jam session.   CMA award-winner Bentley leads off on Mondays with his show “The Thread” followed on Tuesdays by fellow CMA honoree, Tillis and her “Lettin’ My Roots Show.”  Grammy and Americana Music Association award-winner Lauderdale takes Wednesday duties with “The Jim Lauderdale Show.” A variety of guest artists and WSM favorites will take the mic on Thursdays.  Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor will guest host the first Thursday show March 18, while Diamond Rio’s Dana Williams follows March 25. “650 AM WSM is a country music institution…I can’t believe they are turning the controls over to me for an hour every week…it’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” said Bentley. Jim Lauderdale adds, “I’m so happy to have this show on the mighty WSM…It is a thrill and an honor!” “We look forward to having these diverse artists as part of the station line-up,” WSM Operations Manager Joe Limardi said. “It’ll be exciting to listen to them taking their turn on the other side of the microphone, stepping into the shoes of renowned station DJs that have filled the airwaves for 85 years. WSM continues to be on the cutting edge of programming like no other radio station in the country through digital media and an expanded playlist to encompass ‘all things country.’” Shannon McCombs produces the new shows with WSM’s Robin Roberts as co-producer.  McCombs’ past experience includes working with Kix Brooks on his CMA award-winning syndicated show “America’s Country Countdown.” 650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925.  The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the airwaves since its inception.  WSM can be picked up in 38 states on 650 AM and worldwide on www.wsmonline.com.  650 AM WSM is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE:  GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that owns and operates Gaylord Hotels and the Grand Ole Opry.  For more information, visit www.wsmonline.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.Country Music Photo Gallery

Shooter Jennings and Hierophant: Black Ribbons

Shooter Jennings explores the concept of truth, both figuratively and literally in his very artistic though definitely NOT country album, Black Ribbons. Let’s take a walk with Shooter Jennings for a minute. We’ll stroll past all the preconceived notions of what his sound “should” be. We’ll pass over the bridge of country standby’s and outlaw western stereotypes, and at the end we’ll find an idea. An idea of truth. Truth to yourself as an artist. Truth to those who look to you for your insights. Truth about that which we do not wish to see. Shooter Jennings’ new album “Black Ribbons” takes you on that walk. While it is most certainly NOT a country album, it is definitely a piece of art worth taking notice of. Black Ribbons is a concept album covering the idea of truth, the search for it, and the process of accepting that truth. To help express this concept, Shooter steps far outside the expectations of past fans and brings in some help in the form of a characterized narrator “Will O the Whisp” (played by none other than horror writer Stephen King) and a fictional band simply called “Hierophant”. With the help of these voices, Black Ribbons tells a tale of the last night of free speech on public radio. The mood is melancholy and the music is a distant reminder of late 70’s psychotropic rock. You can hear traces of everything from David Bowie to Beatles and back to Black Oak Arkansas and even Ministry sifting through the politically laced lyrics. I personally found a lot of punk-era influence in it myself. Again, I cite that this album is NOT country, but if you have an open mind to many forms of music, you will find that Shooters endeavors pay off in here in many of the same ways that Maynard James Keenan’s “Puscifer” project or even Rob Zombie’s fictional creation “Banjo & Sullivan”. Each of these true artists took leaps into a genre they are not known for, and landed with outrageous cult-like success. While the first seems a product of boredom and creativity, and the second a creation meant strictly as a movie role, they both have so completely sold the public on the authenticity and talent of their persona’s that they now manage to tour these groups almost as successfully as their main headlining acts, and I believe the same will happen with Jenning’s “Hierophant”. Without further ado, let me give you a taste of what you are in for. Here is the debut video from “Black Ribbons”: Shooter Jennings & Hierophant: Summer of Rage “Tonight I’ve chosen to play the one band the American Fascicrats don’t want me to play. Tonight I’m going off the air with the music of Hierophant. For those of you not familiar, you’ll get a taste of Hierophant’s music tonight – their message, their light.” -Will O’ The Wisp “Summer of Rage” by Shooter Jennings & Hierophant from Shooter Jennings & Hierophant on Vimeo. “Summer Continue reading Shooter Jennings and Hierophant: Black Ribbons

WhiskeyChick: Author Profile

Get to know the whiskey swillin’ smartmouthed gal that heads up CMNB! My name is Shauna, but you probably know me better by “WhiskeyChick”. I was raised in a house of rock & roll in the heart and heat of Phoenix Arizona… FAR from the simple country life of my cohorts. You can find a live concert almost every night of the week, and even more local live bands playing within a stone’s throw from your house. At home we would have friends over playing guitar, trying their drum skillls out, singing, or whatever else struck the mood that day. Above that, we had every convenience possible, all within reach as long as we could afford it, which is a luxury I now know that I took for granted. Life in the city wasn’t always an easy one though. We struggled with money. We were surrounded by drugs and gangs and crime. The last thing you wanted to be seen as is a “country hick” but somehow I got that reputation even though I was a city kid. While all the other kids in the suburbs were riding the hip hop train, I was getting teased for my love of Crystal Gail and Holly Dunn. As I grew up, my love of country music grew as well. I watched the evolution of mainstream Nashville as it went from Conway Twitty, Tanya Tucker and Marty Robbins to today’s pop-country crossover trend artists like Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and the like. But through all these years one thing has become glaringly clear to me: REAL country music will never die. Artists like Reba McEntire, Ashton Shepard, Jamey Johnson, and Bocephus himself prove that there is still, and always will be a place for authentic country music on the radio airwaves! Which brings me to today… today I site my office in Westville, Oklahoma… a long way from everything I ever knew. Recently relocated, I’ve found the transition to true country life to be a little tough, a lotta funny, and most of all… refreshing. I’m closer to all the things I’ve always loved than I ever was before. Closer to my family. Closer to a peaceful life. And yes, even closer to the heart of country music. On a personal note, I want to thank every one of our readers that visit CMNB as it truly is a labor of my love, and a passion in my life. I cannot count the ways that running this site has impacted my life in rewarding and entertaining ways every single day. You can email me at whiskeychick@drunkenhillbilly.com or follow me on Twitter! Country Music Photo Gallery

Your 2010 ACM Nominees are…

The 2010 Academy of Country Music award nominees are in and we’ve got em! The 2010 ACM Awards are just around the corner and this year it seems the Academy is shaking loose all the fluff artists from years gone by and getting back to the heart and soul of country music! My most heartfelt congratulations goes out to ALL of this year’s nominees! As we get closer to the awards expect more in-depth coverage on this year’s nominees, as well as our predictions. 2010 ACM Nominees: Lady Antebellum leads with 7 nominations; Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood each receive 6 nominations; Taylor Swift receives 5 nominations; Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley each receive 4 nominations; Zac Brown Band receives 4 nominations, with Zac Brown receiving 2 additional nods 2010 ACM ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Kenny Chesney Toby Keith Brad Paisley George Strait Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood Keith Urban Zac Brown Band 2010 ACM TOP MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Kenny Chesney Brad Paisley Darius Rucker George Strait Keith Urban 2010 ACM TOP FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Miranda Lambert Reba McEntire Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood Lee Ann Womack 2010 ACM TOP VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR Lady Antebellum Little Big Town Randy Rogers Band Rascal Flatts Zac Brown Band 2010 ACM TOP VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR Brooks & Dunn Joey + Rory Montgomery Gentry Steel Magnolia Sugarland 2010 ACM TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST OF THE YEAR * Luke Bryan Jamey Johnson Chris Young 2010 ACM TOP NEW VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR * Bomshel Joey + Rory Steel Magnolia 2010 ACM TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR * Eli Young Band Gloriana The Lost Trailers 2010 ACM ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)] American Saturday Night – Brad Paisley (Arista Nashville) Produced by: Chris DuBois, Frank Rogers Lady Antebellum – Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville) Produced by: Victoria Shaw, Paul Worley Play On – Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville) Produced by: Mark Bright “Quitter” Produced by Max Martin & Shellback for Maratone Productions and Mark Bright Revolution – Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville) Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke The Foundation – Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic) Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown 2010 ACM SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)] Need You Now – Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville) Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley People Are Crazy – Billy Currington (Mercury) Produced by: Carson Chamberlain, Billy Currington Red Light – David Nail (MCA Nashville) Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke Toes – Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic) Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown White Liar – Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville) Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke 2010 ACM SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)] Cowboy Casanova – Carrie Underwood Composers: Mike Elizondo, Brett James, Carrie Underwood Publishers: Brett James Cornelius Music (ASCAP), Carrie Okie Music (BMI), Rincon Ave Music (ASCAP), Stage Three Songs (ASCAP) Need You Now – Lady Antebellum Composers: Continue reading Your 2010 ACM Nominees are…

Tyler Dickerson joins the ‘Last Rodeo Tour’

Tyler Dickerson joins Brooks and Dunn Last Rodeo Tour Tyler Dickerson has been making the rounds at honkytonks crafting his sound.  Recently signed by Lyric Street, Tyler brings a mixture of southern rock, country, and western swing.  His debut single is expected out in January with a full album later in 2010. The Last Rodeo Tour will be Brooks and Dunn’s final go round. The tour will feature several artist like Gary Allan and Jason Aldean. For concert tour dates go to the link below.Country Music Photo Gallery

Sweet T: Author Profile

Get to know more about the latest addition to our country music news crew! Introducing Sweet T! Hello all, my name is Theresa aka “Sweet T”.   I am a recent graduate from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Ok. I have four beautiful children, three girls and one boy, who are absolutely amazing. They keep me very busy throughout the week and weekends with all the many activities that we do. We would rather spend our days outside camping, swimming, or just playing some basketball than being stuck inside playing video games or watching TV. I am a very outgoing person but in the same retrospect I am somewhat shy. I grew up in the small town of Westville, Oklahoma where about 1500 people reside. Our idea of fun on any given Friday night was circling the Dairy Bar right across the street from our high school. You know you’re in a small town when front page news is Sonic and Subway is coming soon. Due to the influence of having five older brothers growing up I was an athlete in school, and I still enjoying playing an occassional pickup game of basketball. My mother was the single most influential person who brought music to my life. She taught me how to enjoy and respect every type of music from blues, to rock, to southern rock and last but not least country. I could always tell what kind mood she was in when I would walk through the door depending on the artiist she was listening to. Some of my favorite country artist are: Reba McEntire, Travis Tritt, and Keith Whitley. However, I think I would completely faint if I ever got to meet Jason Aldean! You can email Theresa at SweetT@DrunkenHillbilly.com or follow her on Twitter! Comment below to welcome Sweet T to the family! Country Music Photo Gallery

Blake Shelton: Hillbilly Bone Release

Blake Shelton celebrates the release of Hillbilly Bone Blake Shelton is riding high on the amazing success of his upcoming album’s title track, “Hillbilly Bone“, but will the rest of the album fare as well? I think so, and here’s why: Over the last few years Blake has become a more developed and outspoken artist whose music has really started to match his personality. Authentic and unapologetic, Blake Shelton has quickly gained notoriety as a beautiful smartass thanks to his random Twitter outbursts. Ranging from antagonizing the animal rights group PETA, to expressing thoughts that can be found in the drunken mind of most men on a Friday night. With songs on the new album like “Hillbilly Bone” and “You Can Kiss My Country Ass” you can be sure Blake has no reservations about speaking his mind, and we like that! Make sure to head either out to the store or over to www.blakeshelton.com tomorrow morning and grab your copy of Blake Shelton’s Hillbilly Bone!Country Music Photo Gallery

George’s Majestic receives nomination from ACM

George’s Majestic lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas, known as the “King of Dickson Street since 1927,” has been nominated for the ACM’s nightclub of the year.   George’s Majestic Lounge is the oldest and longest-running club and live music venue in Arkansas, and is located at 519 West Dickson Street Fayetteville, Ar. The historic venue hosts national touring acts ranging across all genres almost every night of the week. Besides being a favorite music venue for nearby students of Northern Arkansas University, George’s is now gaining national fame after receiving a nomination for the ACM’s nightclub of the year. The 45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 18th, 2010 at 8:00 PM live ET on the CBS Television Network. Dates for upcoming shows at George’s Majestic lounge: Gary Allan reschedules his May 27th date at the AMP to Friday, August 13th.  Tickets on sale soon. Blue Oyster Cult with The Georgia Satellites on-sale  May 22nd. Cross Canadian Ragweed with Reckless Kelly on-sale soon for September 3rd.Country Music Photo Gallery

Jimmy Buffett Tour 2010

Jimmy Buffett Tour 2010 tickets now on sale! It may not be beach weather yet, but don’t tell Jimmy Buffett! With snow still on the ground you can bet I’m dreamin’ of boat drinks in Margaritaville. Well, it turns out so is Jimmy Buffett! The Jimmy Buffett 2010 tour season is already well underway, with additional tickets and dates being released this week! Find a date near you and get to the show! Jimmy Buffett 2010 Tour Schedule: FEBRUARY 02.25.10 – AMWAY ARENA – Orlando, FL Tickets on Sale January 15th 02.27.10 – BANKATLANTIC CENTER – Ft. Lauderdale, FL Tickets on Sale January 15th APRIL 04.24.10 – Ford Amphitheater – Tampa, FL Tickets on sale Sat 02/20 at 10:00 AM 04.27.10 – AARONS AMPHITHEATRE AT LAKEWOOD – Atlanta, GA Tickets on sale Sat 02/27 at 10:00 AM 04.29.10 – VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER – St. Louis, MO Tickets on sale Monday 02/22 at 10:00 AM MAY 05.01.10 – Sommet Center – Nashville, TN Tickets on sale 02/20 05.15.10 – VERIZON WIRELESS MUSIC CENTER – Noblesville, IN Tickets on sale 02/20 05.17.10 – RIVERBEND MUSIC CENTER – Cincinnati OH Tickets on sale 2/22 at 10:00 AM 05.20.10 – CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION – The Woodlands, TX Tickets on sale 02/20 05.22.10 – Pizza Hut Park – Dallas, TX (Frisco) Tickets on sale 02/22 JUNE 06.17.10 COMCAST CENTER – Mansfield, MA Tickets on sale 02/13 06.19.10 – COMCAST CENTER – Mansfield, MA Tickets on sale 02/13 06.22.10 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI Tickets on sale 02/20 at 10:00 AM 06.26.10 – Alpine Valley Music Theater – East Troy, WI Tickets on sale 02/22 at 10:00 AM AUGUST 08.07.10 – Susquehanna Bank Ctr – Camden, NJ Tickets on sale 02/20 08.10.10 – Susquehanna Bank Ctr – Camden, NJ Tickets on sale 02/20 08.12.10 – FIRST NIAGARA PAVILION – Pittsburgh, PA Tickets on sale 02/19 08.14.10 – TOYOTA PARK – Bridgeview, IL Tickets on sale 02/15 08.31.10 – JONES BEACH THEATER – Wantagh, NY Tickets on sale 02/22 at 10:00 AM SEPTEMBER 09.02.10 – Jiffy Lube Live (formerly Nissan Pavilion) – Bristow, VA Tickets on sale 02/19 09.04.10 – Jiffy Lube Live (formerly Nissan Pavilion) – Bristow, VA Tickets on sale 02/19 09.24.10 – THE OLYMPIA – Paris, France Tickets on sale February 16th. Tickets available at GDP.fr and the OLYMPIA HALL website.Country Music Photo Gallery