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.

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

GLEE Open Casting Calls!

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

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