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.

GLEE Open Casting Calls!

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Love the Fox show Glee? You can be on it! The executive producers of the hit Fox series Glee will begin a nationwide casting search to fill three new roles that will be added to the show’s second season. Auditions will be open to professional and amateur individuals between the ages of 16-26. All hopefuls will be able to submit auditions online. Additional details to be announced soon. You can also sign up at http://bit.ly/9CXPQV to receive an email when details about the Glee casting call become available.Country Music Photo Gallery

Darius Rucker Joins Musicians On Call

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Darius Rucker partners with Musicians on Call for a benefit concert March 3, 2010 Musicians On Call (MOC), a nonprofit dedicated to bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, is thrilled to announce CMA Best New Artist winner Darius Rucker will join their efforts on Wednesday, February 24th when he visits the latest MOC participating facility, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s VA Hospital. In addition, Rucker will host an intimate performance on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at Hard Rock Cafe Nashville kicking off Hard Rock’s month-long March On Stage campaign benefiting MOC. The benfit will begin at 8 p.m. and feature special guest Jypsi. Tickets for the event, priced from $25-$125, can be purchased at TicketAlternative.com. “I think the Musicians On Call initiative is important because it’s one-on-one contact with patients whose health and recovery can directly be affected by one person’s time and attention,” said Rucker. “Hospitals like the VA are so incredible for recognizing this benefit and incorporating it into their treatment to break up the monotony and improve each patient’s quality of life.” An organization whose mission is to lift patients’ spirits through the healing power of music, MOC has had a presence in Music City since 2007 when it opened its first national chapter—the organization is based in New York. MOC’s Executive Director, Dr. Leslie Faerstein, said, “We’re honored to be the recipient of March On Stage and grateful for the longstanding support of Hard Rock International. Nashville has always been a city near and dear to our hearts. With Darius Rucker lending his talent and support, this year’s benefit — in the intimate setting of the newly refurbished Hard Rock Cafe — promises to be a very special evening.” March on Stage, a global live music series featuring high-caliber, iconic and emerging artists, is an annual, month-long philanthropic initiative created by Hard Rock International. Hard Rock will donate a portion of the proceeds from its March on Stage events in North America to MOC. Proceeds from a collectible March on Stage pin, as well as a series of live music events at Hard Rock establishments around the world, will benefit MOC and various charities that focus on healing through music. Visit www.hardrock.com for concert details.Country Music Photo Gallery

The McClymonts: My Life Again

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Australian trio The McClymonts, release a special edition EP titled “My Life Again” at CRS 2010 Award Winning Australian Country Group, The McClymonts, Release “My Life Again: Special Edition EP“. On the heals of their U.S. Country Radio Seminar 2010 debut held in Nashville, multi-award winning CMA Australia vocal group, The McClymonts, release a special digital EP titled, My Life Again: Special Edition EP, available on iTunes now. The special digital EP contains their U.S. debut single “My Life Again, “Ghost Town,” the acoustic version of “My Life Again,” as well as their music video. “My Life Again,” co-written with Adam Anders and hit producer/writer Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift,) has been well-received by American audiences across the country with the video reaching the #2 spot on CMT’s Pure Country Pure 12-Pack Countdown. The McClymonts are among the top viewed new artists featured on Music Choice On-Demand and the debut U.S single is currently a featured download in People Magazine’s Country Edition—on stands now. “Their pop blended country sound is everything that mainstream radio is right now and the kiss off lyric will surely attract many of the female gender. If this single is any indication, then The McClymonts are definitely a band to watch in 2010.” –Jeffrey Curtis, Today’s Country Magazine The McClymonts, made up of three sisters from Grafton, on the New South Whales north coast of Australia, have spent their young lives pursuing their musical dreams. Winning CMA Australia Awards in 2007-2009 for Best Group or Duo (2007, 2008, 2009 winners) and New Talent of The Year (2007 winners,) Brooke, Mollie and Sam McClymont have officially arrived on the U.S country airwaves with plans of their Executive Music Nashville album debut to arrive in Spring 2010. For more information on The McClymonts, visit www.themcclymonts.netCountry Music Photo Gallery

2010 BamaJam LineUp

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BamaJam 2010 has announced its artist lineup. Headliners include Kenny Chesney, Hank Jr, Miranda Lambert and MORE! Concert officials have finally announced the headlining acts for the 2010 Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music and Arts Festival! Catch Kenny Chesney in one of a very few live performances this year. Also tearin’ up the mainstage will be a trio of country ass-kickers: Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, and Bocephus himself! 2010 BamaJam Performers Kenny Chesney Hank Williams Jr. Jake Owen Blackberry Smoke Colt Ford Miranda Lambert LoCash Cowboys Jamey Johnson Dierks Bently Randy Houser The Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music and Arts Festival is a 3-day / 3-night music extravaganza on June 3 – 5, 2010 created to celebrate the human spirit through music and arts and to provide financial support to help serve the needs of the people of Coffee County and the surrounding area. The centerpiece of BamaJam will be Bama Village with booths, displays and activities that include: Bama Food Courts offering great food, some of the best shopping including an assortment of quality arts and crafts from local and regional craftsman and artisans and various vendors as well as official festival and artist merchandise. BamaSlam Saloon where the music never stops and the fun goes on until the wee hours of the morning. BamaJam Sponsors Plaza offering information about our sponsors and their products. BamaJam Camping Park is the on-site camping area for Tent Campers and RVs alike. For more details, visit www.bamajammusicfestival.comCountry Music Photo Gallery

Trace Adkins band in fatal crash in Caddo Parish

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Two men killed after a head-on collision with Trace Adkin’s band bus. Two lives are lost this morning after a pickup truck somehow swerved then collided head on with the tour bus carrying Trace Adkins band members through Caddo Parish, Louisiana. No members of the band suffered serious injuries although one required several stitches. Trace Adkins was not on board the bus at the time of the accident. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of all involved. For more details and to leave your condolences, please visit the KTBS website.Country Music Photo Gallery

Canadian Ragweed and Reckless Kelly Join for Tour

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Cross Canadian Ragweed and Reckless Kelly have long led the Red Dirt Revolution and, after partnering for charitable events and awards shows in years past, the two bands will finally join together for a truly Ragged and Reckless tour beginning March 3 in Nashville, Tennessee. “I’ll probably come back with a couple of good stories from [that run], I imagine,” laughs Willy Braun of Reckless Kelly. “It’s been a while since we’ve done a full-on tour with those guys, so that will be pretty fun.” The decision to tour together arose after both bands returned from the sold-out 2010 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs where they shared the stage with Robert Earl Keen, Lee Ann Womack, Chris Knight, Dean Dillon and more. However, the relationship between the two bands extends to early days when they had similar performance circuits, including Lucy’s in Austin, Texas—where both bands now call home. “We’ve toured with a ton of bands,” remarks Cross Canadian Ragweed’s Cody Canada. “The two that we would tour non-stop with year round is Robert Earl Keen and Reckless Kelly. We first saw Reckless Kelly in 1998 in Dallas and our jaws dropped, and we said that’s who we need to jam with. After a couple of years of chasing those guys we finally got to be friends with them. There’s not a harder working band of brothers than our two bands and we wear that like a badge of honor. We look forward to this run and the rehab that follows.” Country Music Photo Gallery

Joey + Rory New Album News

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Joey+Rory take on double duty, realeasing Album #2 and opening for Zac Brown Band on the Brakeing Southern Ground tour this summer! Husband/Wife duo Joey+Rory have an exciting year planned with a 2010 ACM nomination under their belt already, a U.S. arena tour this spring and the upcoming release of their sophomore album. Set for an early summer release (exact date TBA), the CD is simply titled “Album #2” and is produced by legendary, Grammy award-winning producer Carl Jackson who also produced their debut album. That album titled The Life of a Song debuted #10 on the Billboard Country Album Chart and remained on the charts for 50 weeks selling 200,000 copies. “This is our sophomore album and the title cut is a humorous take on the pressure put on artists when they make their second album,” explains Rory. “Rather than worry about it or avoid it, it’s more our nature to just face it head on, and even find the humor in it.” Known for bringing beautiful harmonies, authenticity and romance back to country music, the Vanguard/Sugar Hill recording artists will hit the road this spring with Grammy award-winner Zac Brown Band for the “Breaking Southern Ground” tour. Joey+Rory will not only perform but will act as emcee for the tour. “We’re beyond excited about going on tour with the Zac Brown Band,” says Joey. “Over the last year, we’ve become good friends. They’re the real deal. They don’t compromise. We love that.” “And although there are differences in our music,” adds Rory. “We’re cut from the same cloth.” “Probably some ol’ worn out jean material that feels good and has been around a while,” laughs Joey. Coming off the heels of their success in 2009, Joey+Rory are nominated for a 2010 Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Vocal Duo. The award is fan-voted and ballots open on February 26th.Country Music Photo Gallery

Miranda Lambert Concert Tour 2010!

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The Miranda Lambert Concert Tour “Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars” Kicks Off March 18th in Beckley, WV Miranda Lambert brings her “Roadside Bars And Pink Guitars” Tour to her fans this Spring. Gearing up on March 18th in Beckley, WV, the tour will make stops in at least 22 cities and more to be announced. This is Lambert’s first official headlining tour. She will be joined by David Nail, James Otto, Randy Houser and Wade Bowen among others. In addition to her own headlining tour, Lambert will take part in the prestigious Lilith Fair Tour and joins an A-list lineup including Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, Dave Matthews Band and Norah Jones, performing at this year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival in June. “In the last 5 years, I have learned so much from all the amazing artists I’ve toured with,” said Lambert. “Now it’s my turn to venture out and do more shows of my own. I’m happy that there are a lot of great new artists who are willing to come out and support my tour.” Fans, critics and peers agree it’s time for the award-winning Texas singer/songwriter to take center stage. Recent performances have garnered such praise as “one of modern country’s most formidable talents” from The Oklahoman and from the Dallas Morning News “She can command a stage as good as any of the genre big boys.” Last week, Lambert, who’s latest single “White Liar” from her album REVOLUTION recently hit #1, taped an episode of ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition, which airs this spring and was a presenter at the Grammy Awards, where she was also nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her self-penned song “Dead Flowers.” While in Los Angeles as part of Brad Paisley’s “American Saturday Night” Tour, she will tape two upcoming shows for the Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (air dates TBA.) The three-time GRAMMY nominee received rare perfect reviews for REVOLUTION from countless publications including 4 stars from Rolling Stone and USA Today, an A from Entertainment Weekly and exuberant praise from SPIN, NY Times, Washington Post and more. Many claimed REVOLUTION the “Best Album of 2009” in any genre including NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Amongst the many accolades, the Nashville Scene Critics Poll voted Miranda Lambert’s REVOLUTION as the year’s best album and her “White Liar” as the year’s best single; they also named her Female Vocalist of the Year and runner-up Artist of the Year. Miranda Lambert’s Concert Tour Stops: Beckley, WV Ft Worth, TX Wichita Falls, TX Kennewick, WA Medford, OR Duluth, GA Orlando, FL Airway Heights, WA Florence, AZ Cincinnati, OH Akron, OH Kalamazoo, MI Amarillo, TX Belton, TX Houston, TX Jonesboro, AR Bossier City, LA Stillwater, OK Spencer, IA Mankato, MN Davenport, IA New Braunfels, TX Country Music Photo Gallery