Category Archives: Artists

LOCASH HEADING TO SUPER BOWL LII TO PERFORM AT PEPSI GENERATIONS LIVE POP-UP

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Locash News on Country Music News BLog

Reviver Records breakout duo LOCASH will deliver a game-changing performance this Friday (2/2) at the Pepsi Generations Live pop-up in Minneapolis, MN as part of Super Bowl LII celebrations. Following a blitz of critical acclaim for their pumped-up anthem “Don’t Get Better Than That,” the pair will take the stage for a private show following the trophy presentation of the 2017 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year. The “spellbinding” (Taste Of Country) lead single from their forthcoming sophomore album landed in Country radio’s Top 5 most added songs of the week, kicking off with 42 stations already on board. Born from a place of positivity, “Don’t Get Better Than That” was co-penned by LOCASH’s Chris Lucas and Preston Brust (alongside Lindsay Rimes and Phil Barton) and follows three consecutive smash singles “I Love This Life,” “I Know Somebody” and “Ring on Every Finger.” After scoring a trifecta of awards show nominations at the CMA, ACM and CMT Awards in 2017, the duo wrapped up a banner year by premiering “Don’t Get Better Than That” on NBC’s Megyn Kelly TODAY. Poised for MVP status in 2018, Lucas and Brust are set to follow their high-profile Super Bowl week performance with an appearance on the NFL Network’s comedic sports countdown show NFL Top 10. Airdates will be announced soon. Widely recognized for their hustle and drive, LOCASH is slated for a jam-packed tour schedule in the year ahead. They will headline upcoming shows in Belvidere, IL (2/7) and Wabash, IN (2/8), before sharing the bill with Eli Young Band in Columbus, OH (2/9) with an exciting tour announcement coming soon. For tour dates and additional information on LOCASH, please visit www.locashmusic.com Reach out to them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

TIM RUSHLOW SHINES DURING PERFORMANCE AT MAKE-A-WISH® MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S SIXTH ANNUAL STARS FOR WISHES

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Tim Rushlow on Country Music News Blog

Country star, Tim Rushlow, along with fellow entertainers, Lee Greenwood and Maggie Rose, shined bright while performing Saturday, January 27 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and entertaining over 400 VIP Guests for Make-A-Wish®. Attendees enjoyed a three-course meal created by renowned Chef Greg Biggers of Nashville’s Fort Louise and Chicago’s Café des Architectes at the Sofitel Hotel while celebrating Middle Tennessee’s Stars for Wishes presented by Red Light Management. The sixth annual event raised $314,000. “I cannot think of a better charity to give my time to than one that bridges hope with a wish! Make-A-Wish® is just that.” affirmed Tim Rushlow. “I am honored I am able to be a part of such an amazing organization that just blesses these kids with such heartfelt wishes when it’s needed most!” “It was an honor to have Tim Rushlow perform at Stars for Wishes,” said Beth Torres, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish® Middle Tennessee.” “Make-A-Wish® is fortunate to have the support of the country music industry, and Tim is a great example of that generosity. We appreciate Tim, Maggie Rose, Lee Greenwood and everyone who helped make this year’s event the most successful yet. We’re another step closer to creating life-changing wishes to the more than 200 kids who are waiting for their wishes.”

Watch Now: 2018 Grammy Tribute to Route 91 / Manchester Shooting Victims

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Grammy Tribute 2018

Last night country stars who were linked by tragedy at the terrible shooting that occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, NV this summer joined each other on stage at the 2018 Grammy Awards to pay tribute to the lives lost both in Vegas and in Manchester to this senseless violence. The Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, and Eric Church provided the audience with words of comfort and healing before performing a very stripped down version of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqfJ9br-S_g    

2018 Grammy Recap

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Grammy Tribute 2018

It was a night of moving tributes and big social movements as the 60th Annual Grammy Awards lit up CBS to honor the year’s most celebrated artists and art. First things first, the winners in country music: Best Country Album From A Room: Volume 1, Chris Stapleton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkCe_fPGlvc   Best Country Solo Performance “Either Way,” Chris Stapleton Best Country Duo/Group Performance “Better Man,” Little Big Town Best Country Song “Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton Songwriters: Mike Henderson and Chris Stapleton Best Americana Album The Nashville Sound, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Best American Roots Song “If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Songwriter: Jason Isbell Best Bluegrass Album (tie) Laws Of Gravity, The Infamous Stringdusters All The Rage – In Concert Volume One [Live], Rhonda Vincent and The Rage Best American Roots Performance “Killer Diller Blues,” Alabama Shakes Best Folk Album Mental Illness, Aimee Mann Best Roots Gospel Album Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope, Reba McEntire Then of course, there’s the 2018 Grammy performances! Kesha – Praying The Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, and Eric Church – Las Vegas / Manchester Shooting Victims Tribute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqfJ9br-S_g   Little Big Town – Better Man Watch Here The Debuts! Maren Morris ft. Zedd – The Middle   If you want to see the whole awards show again, CBS has it streaming in full at CBS.com  

New Music From Mary Chapin Carpenter

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Mary Chapin Carpenter

Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Sometimes Just The Sky” out March 30 Mary Chapin Carpenter’s anticipated new album, Sometimes Just The Sky, will be released March 30 and is now available for pre-order (Lambent Light Records via Thirty Tigers). A celebration of her acclaimed 30-year recording career, the landmark record features new versions of some of Carpenter’s most beloved songs as well as one newly written song, which became the title track. In advance of the album’s release, the lead track “Heroes and Heroines” is premiering today. Listen/share HERE. Of the song, Billboard praises, “…the new rendition features not only different flavors and textures created by the players but also a deeper meaning within the lyrics, which hold up 30 years later.” Produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Paul McCartney, Ray LaMontagne), the 13-track album was recorded entirely live at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios outside Bath, England. Joined by long-time collaborator Duke Levine on guitar and a handpicked band of Johns’ favorite musicians, Carpenter reimagined one song from each of her twelve studio albums along with “Sometimes Just The Sky.” See below for complete track list. On the album title and newest song Carpenter says, “I read a beautiful interview with Patti Smith in which she said that you don’t have to look far or wide, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive or madness in order to find things to soothe you in life, or to be happy about. Sometimes just the sky makes everything fall into perspective.” In celebration of the release, Carpenter will embark on a North American tour later in the year. Tour dates will be announced soon. Over the course of her acclaimed career, Carpenter has sold over 14 million records. With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” she has won five Grammy Awards (with 15 nominations), two CMA awards, two Academy of Country Music awards and is one of only fifteen female members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Most recently, in 2016, Carpenter released The Things That We Are Made Of. Produced by Grammy Award winning producer Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton), the album features eleven new songs and was released to overwhelming critical praise. The Associated Press called it, “…an evocative collection of songs,” while The HuffPost declared, “…Carpenter is now at the height of her musical career, painting a compelling, relevant piece of art tinged with mixed feelings of grief and joy, all without preaching or darkening our minds with sadness.” Previously, in 2014, Carpenter released her acclaimed debut orchestral album, Songs From The Movie. Arranged and co-produced by six-time Grammy winner Vince Mendoza, the record is comprised of ten previously recorded compositions including “Between Here and Gone” and “Come On Come On.” Since it’s release, Carpenter has performed alongside the New York Philharmonic, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the London Concert Orchestra, the L.A. Philharmonic and the National Symphony Orchestra among many others. SOMETIMES JUST THE SKY TRACK LIST: Heroes and Heroines What Does It Mean To Travel Continue reading New Music From Mary Chapin Carpenter→

KATHY MATTEA TO PERFORM 35TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW AT ALIVE AT THE BLUEBIRD SERIES

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Kathy Mattea Alive at the Bluebird

Kathy Mattea first performed at the Bluebird Cafe on January 25, 1983, and her performance tomorrow as part of the 25th Annual Alive at the Bluebird concert series benefiting Alive Hospice will mark 35 years to the day when she first set foot in the famed club. She and her GRAMMY Award-winning husband, songwriter Jon Vezner, appeared on WSM-AM’s “Coffee, Country & Cody” to chat about her history with the Bluebird Cafe and their performances this week as part of Alive at the Bluebird. Pictured following the WSM-AM appearance are: (l. to r.)- WSM-AM Coffee, Country & Cody host Bill Cody; Anna-Gene O’Neal, Alive Hospice President/CEO; Kathy Mattea; Jon Vezner; Charlie Mattos, Coffee, Country & Cody producer. An Evening with Kathy Mattea Celebrating 35 Years is scheduled TODAY, Thursday, January 25 at 9:30 p.m., and Jon will be joined by Pat Alger, Don Henry and Tom Paxton on Friday, the 26th at 9:30 p.m. Both shows are currently sold out, but there is a possibility of seats becoming available at the door due to no shows or last-minute cancellations. Admission for most Alive at the Bluebird shows follows the standard Bluebird Cafe reservation policy. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday shows are available at 8:00 a.m. one week prior to the posted show, and weekend shows may be reserved on the preceding Monday beginning at 8:00 a.m. at www.BluebirdCafe.com. Please refer to the same website for admission pricing. Presenting sponsors for Alive at the Bluebird include Bass, Berry & Sims, Cigna, HCA, Hub International, Jackson National and Tennessee Oncology. SouthComm and WSM-AM return as media sponsors. Two special items have been donated to Alive Hospice to be auctioned during the 25th Annual Alive at the Bluebird concert series. A beautiful original “Wings to Fly” oil painting donated by acclaimed artist Deann Hebert and an Epiphone FT-100 acoustic guitar donated by Earl E. Owens, a prominent Nashville manager, producer, promoter and public relations executive who was cared for by Alive Hospice last year. The guitar will be autographed by all artists and writers performing during the Alive at the Bluebird series, and both items will be available for bidding online at www.bluebirdcafe.com and in person on the final night of the series. The Bluebird Cafe opened in June of 1982 and has been celebrating its 35th anniversary with special shows and events. Bluebird: The Movie, an in-depth documentary about the influence the tiny 90-seat venue has had on singers, songwriters and popular music in general, is currently in production. About Alive Hospice: Alive Hospice is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit that provides compassionate care and support for terminally ill patients and their families, grief support for adults and children, and education about the end of life. Alive Hospice was founded in 1975, making it the first hospice program in Tennessee and the Southeast, and the first in the nation to provide hospice care in private homes. Alive Hospice is accredited by the Joint Commission and is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, call 615-327-1085 or visit www.AliveHospice.org. Alive Hospice’s Mission: Continue reading KATHY MATTEA TO PERFORM 35TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW AT ALIVE AT THE BLUEBIRD SERIES→

Eric Church to Perform, Kelly Clarkson to Present at 60th Annual Grammy’s THIS Sunday Night!

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Grammy Award Coverage on Country Music News Blog

An eclectic all-star lineup of artists, musicians, actors, and comedians will take the stage as presenters at the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards®. This year’s presenters include 18-time GRAMMY® winner Tony Bennett, current GRAMMY nominee Dave Chappelle, three-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Kelly Clarkson, professional football player Victor Cruz, GRAMMY winner Eve, current GRAMMY nominee Jim Gaffigan, actress Katie Holmes, previous GRAMMY nominee Nick Jonas, actress Anna Kendrick, 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys, 10-time GRAMMY winner John Legend, actor Shemar Moore, comedian and television host Trevor Noah, current GRAMMY nominee Sarah Silverman, actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld, and GRAMMY nominee Donnie Wahlberg. Previously announced GRAMMY performers include Jon Batiste, Brothers Osborne, Alessia Cara, Cardi B, Childish Gambino, Eric Church, Gary Clark Jr., Miley Cyrus, Daddy Yankee, DJ Khaled, Luis Fonsi, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Kesha, Khalid, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, Logic, Patti LuPone, Bruno Mars, Maren Morris, P!nk, Ben Platt, Rihanna, Zuleyka Rivera, Sam Smith, Chris Stapleton, Sting, SZA, Bryson Tiller, and U2. Live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, and hosted by award-winning television personality and performer James Corden, the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT The 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, Chantel Sausedo is the talent producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers. ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music’s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world’s leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, “like” Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy’s social communities on Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube.  

CMA Touring Awards Winners Announced

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Country Music Association

The COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA) presented honors to top touring professionals during the “CMA TOURING AWARDS” at MARATHON MUSIC WORKS in NASHVILLE on MONDAY, JANUARY 22nd. Hosted by CURB NASHVILLE’s JERROD NIEMANN, and featuring presentations from DIERKS BENTLEY, THOMAS RHETT, and CHRIS STAPLETON, the evening recognized winners in fifteen categories as well as the CMA TOURING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, presented to LIVE NATION Pres./Country Music Touring BRIAN O’CONNELL by KIX BROOKS and ROB BECKHAM. The complete list of winners is as follows: Business Manager Of the Year: DUANE CLARK (FLOOD, BUMSTEAD, MCCREADY & MCCARTHY) Coach/Truck Driver Of The Year: DANNY SHELNUT (MONTGOMERY GENTRY) FOH (Front Of House) Engineer Of The Year: ARPAD SAYKO (CHRIS STAPLETON) Lighting Director Of The Year: DAVE BUTZLER (GARTH BROOKS) Manager Of The Year: CLARENCE SPALDING (MAVERICK) Tour Manager Of The Year: LOGAN KORNEGAY (THOMAS RHETT) Monitor Engineer Of The Year: MARC EARP (ERIC CHURCH) Production Manager Of The Year: JOHN GARRIOTT (CHRIS STAPLETON) Publicist Of The Year: JAKE BASDEN (BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP) Talent Agent Of The Year: DARIN MURPHY (CAA) Talent Buyer/Promoter Of The Year: LOUIS MESSINA (MESSINA TOURING GROUP) Tour Caterer Of The Year: CENTER STAGE EVENTS Touring Musician Of The Year: NATHAN BARLOWE (KEITH URBAN) (Keyboard) Venue Of The Year: BRIDGESTONE ARENA (NASHVILLE, TN) Tour Video Director Of The Year: JOHN BRESLIN (GARTH BROOKS)

Reba McEntire | Living Legend

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Reba McEntire | Living Legend | Country Music News

Timeless, familiar and fierce are all things we think of when Reba McEntire comes to mind, and that’s why we’ve chosen her to be the first in our series of living legends.   Hi, my name’s Shauna, but a lot of you know me better as “WhiskeyChick“. I’m one of the head writers for country music news blog and country music on tour, and today I want to talk to you about Reba, the queen of country music, and certainly the queen of Oklahoma, which is where we’re based. My first pick for one of our Top 12 2018 Living Legends in Country Music. I can’t remember a time in my life where Reba McEntire wasn’t the motherly voice I heard in the back of my head when struggling with a heartbreak or making a tough decision, or just looking for a little more inner strength. She’s always led her career with a fierceness and a fire that so many of today’s stars seem to think is a given. No matter what project Reba takes on, she does it with a certain amount of relatable sass. One of the things I find most impressive about Reba though, is the fact that she is not afraid to take on sensitive subjects or controversial topics. She finds a way to take a story that is very hard to tell, and make it feel as personal to you as if had happened to you. The ability to convey that level of emotion, and that level of heartache, and that level of anger in a three-minute track is something that so few are blessed with. And that’s why she is one of our top picks for the 2018 Living Legends. If you want to read more about Reba McEntire give us a visit over at  CountryMusicNewsBlog.com If you want to catch Reba McEntire live, come check us out at CountryMusicOnTour.com Again, my name’s WhiskeyChick, and thanks for watching!

Country Music Tribute to Route 91 Victims at the 2018 Grammy’s

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Grammy Award Coverage on Country Music News Blog

Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, and Maren Morris To perform at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards® in a tribute to victims of concert tragedies. Special segment reunites Musicians from ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL in Las Vegas. SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JAN. 18, 2018) — In addition to honoring musical excellence, the Recording Academy® will also take a moment to honor the victims lost to gun violence and terrorism at various live music events over the course of the past year. In a special GRAMMY® tribute performed by three of the artists who participated in the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, current GRAMMY nominees Brothers Osborne, past GRAMMY nominee Eric Church, and GRAMMY winner and current nominee Maren Morris will come together for the touching segment. “Live music events have always provided a safe space for fans to gather in a shared celebration of music. Sadly, that wasn’t always the case this past year,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We believe it’s incredibly important to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in these senseless tragedies and to remind musicians and music lovers alike that live music will continue to be a powerful force that unites us all.” “In many ways, our show encapsulates the year in music,” said Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the GRAMMY Awards. Although that usually means a focus on achievement and excellence, sadly, last year was marred by a number of senseless tragedies that took place at live music events. We didn’t feel like we’d be doing our jobs if we didn’t reflect on these tremendous losses.” Live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, and hosted by award-winning television personality and performer James Corden, the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Previously announced GRAMMY performers include Alessia Cara, Cardi B, Miley Cyrus, Childish Gambino, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Elton John, Kesha, Khalid, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, Logic, Patti LuPone, Bruno Mars, P!nk, Ben Platt, Sam Smith, SZA, and U2. Performing for the first time on the GRAMMY stage, Brothers Osborne are nominated again this year in Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“It Ain’t My Fault”). GRAMMY Award winner Maren Morris is currently nominated for Best Country Solo Performance (“I Could Use A Love Song”). The 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, Chantel Sausedo is the Talent Producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers. ABOUT RECORDING ACADEMY The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in Continue reading Country Music Tribute to Route 91 Victims at the 2018 Grammy’s→