Category Archives: Artists

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Opens Registration for 30th Annual Rodeo Run

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RodeoHouston Details on Country Music News Blog

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™ OPENS REGISTRATION FOR 30TH ANNUAL RODEO RUN, PRESENTED BY CONOCOPHILLIPS — NOV. 16, 2016 — HOUSTON — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Entries open today for the 30th annual Rodeo Run, with proceeds from the event benefiting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund. Since the Rodeo Run began in 1988, $4.8 million has been contributed to the Show’s educational programs. The Rodeo Run is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2017, followed by the Downtown Rodeo Parade through the streets of Houston. There are several different ways to participate: 5K walk/run 10K run 5K/10K wheelchair race virtual runner donor All entries in the 5K and 10K, as well as virtual runners, receive the official Rodeo Run T-shirt. Registration Register online now at com/rodeorun. Everyone registering today, Nov. 16, 2016, will be entered to win a pair of United Airlines tickets. Early bird registration is open online now through Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017: 5K walk/run: $30 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) 10K: $30 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) virtual runner: $30 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) Late registration is available online from Friday, Feb. 17, to Friday, March 3, 2017, at noon: 5k walk/run: $35 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) 10k: $35 (plus a convenience and optional mailing fee) Online registration ends Friday, March 3, 2017, at noon. Participants may register in person at Luke’s Locker, 1953 West Gray, Houston, Texas 77019, from Wednesday, March 1, through Friday, March 3, 2017. PACKET PICKUP There is no packet pickup on the day of the race, Saturday, March 4. If packet mailing is not chosen during registration, participants MUST pick up their race packets at Luke’s Locker (1953 West Gray) on Wednesday, March 1, through Friday, March 3, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. RACE DAY SCHEDULE – Saturday, March 4, 2017 9 a.m. wheelchair race 9:10 a.m. 10K fast wave 9:20 a.m. 10K general wave 9:35 a.m. 5K walk/run ROUTE All events start on the corner of Bagby and Walker streets. The race ends on Allen Parkway, followed by a post-race party at Eleanor Tinsley Park. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show is scheduled March 7 – 26.

The Country Network Now Available on Roku

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Streaming TV market adds 10.6M to TCN’s Household Reach Nashville, Tenn., (November 16, 2016)–The innovative television network dedicated to providing today’s country music enthusiasts more choices in televised and digital programming, The Country Network (TCN), is pleased to announce its carriage on the Roku streaming media platform. Country music fans with the device or Roku-enabled Smart TV can now access the latest and best videos from their Country, Americana, Red Dirt and Texas artists, as well as TCN’s original programming—including series such as Live from the Couch, On the Rise, Our Land: The Music Highway, Studio B Sessions, and more! This news comes as TCN expands into nine (9) additional markets throughout the heartland, renewal with Cocola Broadcasting, and the launch of eight original series for its initial fall lineup. It also recently launched its creative, state-of-the-art fan-incentive program, TCN All-Access. The carriage through Roku will add an additional 10.6M potential viewers to TCN’s overall household reach, now estimated at over 50 million DMA households, putting it squarely on pace with its growth strategy to reach 100 million homes within the next three years. For more information on The Country Network, please visit www.tcncountry.com. “The addition of Roku is extremely important to us,” states Tim Eaton, President and CEO of The Country Network. “4 in 10 households currently own an OTT streaming device, and by next year, Streaming Media Players (SMP) penetration will reach 40 percent of all U.S. homes with internet,” he explains. “The number of ways people are receiving TV content is expanding rapidly and we want to be a part of this conversation and be available to fans through a wide variety of sources.” Roku is the leader in SMP market share. There are currently 10.6M active Roku accounts across SMPs and smart TV, reaching 49% of SMP households. These figures are expected to climb steeply based upon reports by IHS Inc. (NYSE: IHS): 56 percent of all North American TV shipments in Q1-2016 were smart TVs; Roku-powered smart TVs earned 12% of all sales for the entire first half of 2016. For more information on The Country Network, upcoming show announcements, and a complete list of broadcast affiliates and channels, please visit www.tcncountry.com.

ELVIS PRESLEY’S GRACELAND TO WELCOME T.G. SHEPPARD FOR NOVEMBER 17 LIGHTING CEREMONY

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TG Sheppard on Country Music News Blog

There Will Be A 100% Chance of Snow Plus A Visit from Santa To Kick off the Holidays in Memphis The event is free and open to the public. WHAT: Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Elvis Presley’s Graceland WHO: T.G. Sheppard and Santa WHEN: November 17 at 6:00 p.m. CST WHERE: Graceland Plaza, Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis MEMPHIS, Tenn. (November 16, 2016) – Elvis Presley’s Graceland® in Memphis, Tenn., will officially begin the holiday season when Country Music Award winner singer-songwriter T.G. Sheppard “flips the switch” on the traditional lights and decorations during the annual lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 17 at 6:00 p.m. CST and lights up Elvis Presley’s iconic home for the season. Santa has guaranteed there will be a 100% chance of snow during the event. The extensive Christmas display at the king’s castle includes hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh, and much more, all originally displayed at Graceland by Elvis and the Presley family. The interiors of Graceland mansion will feature the Presley family’s Christmas décor starting on November 17 for seasonal holiday tours through his birthday celebration in January. Included will be his traditional red velvet drapes as well as Presley family Christmas artifacts on display around several trees throughout the home. Channeling his inner Elvis, Santa will arrive to greet the fans and children and will be available for photos following the lighting ceremony. The lighting event featuring T.G. Sheppard is free and open to the public. While promoting records for RCA, T.G. formed a close personal and professional relationship with Elvis, who appreciated T.G.’s unique style and personality. As a token of their friendship, Elvis gave T.G. his first tour bus in 1976, helping to provide him with the confidence to give up the promotion business and hit the road full time. Following the lighting ceremony, The Guest House at Graceland will offer tours of the new 450-room luxury resort along with complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes. A special holiday package that includes tickets to visit Graceland while decorated for the holidays is available for booking through The Guest House at Graceland. For more detailed information please visit www.graceland.com or call 901-332-3322.

George Strait Takes on Vegas One More Time!

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Strait adds four weekends in 2017 following his sold-out Strait to Vegas exclusive concert series; tickets on sale Friday, Dec. 2 Strait to live-stream from Texas tonight with live concert beginning at 7 p.m. CT via Strait.WranglerNetwork.com Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 available at Walmart and Walmart.com Friday, Nov. 18 SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Just hours prior to a rare album release show live-streamed from his home state of Texas in support of his forthcoming Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 three-disc collection today, “King of Country Music” George Strait announced that he will be returning to Las Vegas for four additional weekends at T-Mobile Arena in 2017. Billed as 2 Nights of Number 1’s, the limited engagement with back-to-back nights of straight No. 1’s will showcase live performances of Strait’s unparalleled 60 No. 1 hits plus fan favorites over each weekend, with GRAMMY-nominated country singer / songwriter Cam joining as support. Tickets for all dates will go on sale Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. PT via www.StraitToVegas.com. The all-new 2017 shows follow Strait’s wildly popular, sold-out Strait to Vegas exclusive concert series at T-Mobile Arena, which is nearing the wrap of its first year of worldwide exclusive engagements with a pair of shows on Friday, Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 3 and previously announced and sold-out 2017 shows Friday, Feb. 17 through Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Ty Herndon’s Powerful New Record, House On Fire, Now Available on iTunes and Amazon

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Ty Herndon’s much anticipated, full-length album House On Fire is now available on iTunes and Amazon. From track to track, Herndon has made the most engaging, meaningful and fulfilling music of his career.  Featuring Herndon’s powerful trademark vocals, the new album is already receiving critical accolades and being hailed as one of his best albums yet. In a recent article, USA Today states, “His expressive vocals, the surging romance of his lyrics — all the things that put him on the map with his No. 1 debut single ‘What Mattered Most’ are evident on each of its 12 tracks.”  Rolling Stone Country claims, “Herndon aims to put forth a newfound vulnerability… It’s a new look, but one that suits him well.” The project has also garnered praise from People, Huffington Post, Rolling Stone Country, Sounds Like Nashville, and many more. In support of the release, Herndon has also released three music videos to songs off the new album.  Videos for “That Kind of Night,” “House On Fire” and “Fighter” are now available, and were directed by Trent Atkinson and edited by Jeff Matthews.  Two other music videos have been shot and will be released in the coming days. House On Fire is a collection of 12 new contemporary songs, which are co-produced by Herndon and Erik Halbig, with Drew Davis joining as co-producer on six of the songs. Herndon recently signed with BFD through Sony/RED Distribution, which marks Herndon’s return to the Sony family, where he made his chart-topping debut in the mid-90s. Herndon is also booked by Nashville-based agency, Buddy Lee Attractions. Herndon’s 20-year career has resulted in an impressive string of hits, which includes four No. 1’s (“What Mattered Most,” “Living in a Moment,” “It Must Be Love,” “Loved Too Much”), as well as numerous top 10 hits, including “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” “A Man Holding On (To a Woman Letting Go),” and “Hands of a Working Man.”  He’s had 20 Billboard charted singles to his credit, numerous industry awards, and more than five million albums sold.  For more information on Ty Herndon, please visit www.TyHerndon.com. Track Listing: 1) That Kind of Night (Erik Halbig, JT Hodges, Rich Redmond) 2)  Sweet Way To Go (Ty Herndon, Erik Halbig, Sammy Ariaga, Jason Massey) 3)  Just Friends (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Erik Halbig, Dakota Bradley) 4)  All Night Tonight (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Erik Halbig) 5)  Blame It On the Mustang (Chase Yaklin, Jason Delkou, Erik Halbig) 6)  House On Fire (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Erik Halbig) 7)  Go (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Erik Halbig) 8)  If You (Walker Hayes, Erik Halbig) 9)  Stick With What I Know (Ty Herndon, Erik Halbig, Jeremy Bussey, John Ritter) 10) Nothing Left to Break (Erik Halbig, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Elisha Hoffman) 11)  World I’m Livin’ In (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Kristy Osmunson, Erik Halbig) 12)  Fighter (Ann Marie Boskovich, Danny Myrick, Monica Madrid)  

Nashville country blues artist Charlie Bonnet III returns with "Same Shift, Different Day" single and video

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After finishing a successful summer touring season, country rock troubadour Charlie Bonnet III has released a brand new single and music video for ‘Same Shift, Different Day,’ the blue collar anthem taken from his recent solo album, A Hotel In Valdosta. Inspired by the Merle Haggard classic, ‘Workin’ Man Blues,’ Bonnet set out to create a song tailored to fit the woes of the every day worker.  “I know so many people that have a job they hate, or take any work they can find to keep food on the table.  They want to be productive members of society, even if the work environment and money are not ideal.  Something is better than nothing, especially if they have a family to provide for” he states.  “This song is genuine because I’ve lived it, and to a degree I’m still living it.  Before music payed my bills I had factory gigs, construction jobs, worked for a moving company, answered phones at a desk… you name it” he reflects.  “This song and video are as authentic as you will find.  It’s not some guy up there playing the role of superstar.  I’m in the trenches right with the people listening to it.  The fans know that, and I think that’s why they follow what I do.  I relate to them, and they relate to me.” Closing in on three decades in the music business, Charlie Bonnet III is an underground mainstay, with an ability adapt and survive in the always changing industry.  He first landed on the national radar in the early 90’s as the frontman for the Nashville based rock band, Disarray, releasing five studio albums and embarking on countless van tours.  A series of acoustic solo records followed, as well as a stint as lead guitarist for A&E reality star and Warner Brothers recording artist Big Smo, and a four year run as co-founder and primary songwriter of former Average Joe’s recording act, Moccasin Creek. He is currently preparing for a new solo album, to be released in early 2017.  The video for ‘Same Shift, Different Day’ can be viewed here:  CHARLIE BONNET III – Same Shift Different Day – OFFICIAL VIDEO  

Blake Shelton and Jake Owen To Perform in FSU’s Doak Stadium for First Full-Stadium Show, April 29, 2017

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Jake Owen Confirmed To Join Shelton at his Alma Mater with  More Artists To Be Announced Soon Tickets go on sale November 22 at DoakAfterDark.com  Basis Entertainment has announced country music, and “The Voice,” superstar Blake Shelton to headline Doak After Dark, held in Doak Stadium on the campus of Florida State University on Saturday, April 29, 2017. This will be the first full-stadium concert and will also include FSU alumnus and RCA Recording artist Jake Owen.  Tickets will go on sale to the general public starting November 22 at DoakAfterDark.com. The concert was announced Friday night (11/11) during the FSU-Boston College game in the Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. “We are very excited to host Blake Shelton in Doak Campbell Stadium,” said Florida State Vice President and Director of Athletics Stan Wilcox. “Activating the stadium with national acts like Blake Shelton and Jake Owen is a great addition to the campus experience, and it will also have a significant economic impact on the Tallahassee community.” “All of the team members Basis are excited to bring another first to a top university in the country,” said Gary DeWaard, president and CEO of Basis Entertainment. “We are excited to team up with FSU Athletics department to make this a memorable moment in Tallahassee.” Shelton, the five-time Country Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year from 2010-14, has earned CMA Entertainer of the Year honors in 2012 and CMA Album of the Year in 2013, in addition to numerous other awards and nominations, including the Grammys and Academy of Country Music. He has had 17 consecutive No. 1 singles, with 22 overall atop the charts, during his superlative career. In 2011, Shelton joined NBC’s hit music competition series, “The Voice,” as a coach. He is in his sixth year, and the show’s 11th season, on the popular program. Also slated to join Shelton is former FSU student, Jake Owen. Owen has had six No. 1 singles to date – the 2X PLATINUM anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” PLATINUM-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You” and “The One That Got Away” plus GOLD-certified “American Country Love Song.” The RCA Nashville recording artist recently released his fifth studio album, AMERICAN LOVE, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was produced by award-winning songwriters/producers Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman plus Owen co-produced three tracks, which marks his first time as a co-producer with Lukas Bracewell. The Vero Beach, FL native is well known for his high-energy performances and laid-back style. Pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase for all FSU season ticket holders and Seminole Boosters beginning on Tuesday, November 15-21. Public ticket sales will begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 22 online only at www.DoakAfterDark.com. For more information about the Doak After Dark, go to www.DoakAfterDark.com.  

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS SIGNS WITH ENTOURAGE MANAGEMENT

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SPEARS AND TEAM CELEBRATE BMI AND NSAI  AWARDS FOR SONGSTRESS Nashville, TN — November 10, 2016 — Ontourage Management is proud to announce the signing of new management client Jamie Lynn Spears.  The Louisiana based singer-songwriter added several accolades to her resume in recent weeks, winning two awards for “I Got The Boy” recorded by Jana Kramer; including a BMI Award as well as NSAI’s “Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written.”  She shared the BMI Award and NSAI Award with co-writers Connie Harrington and Tim Nichols. Ontourage Management President Tony Conway said, “Our team at Ontourage is extremely proud to represent Jamie Lynn Spears for management.  Her devotion to songwriting and country music is as real as it gets.  We, as well as her team are already at work on her soon to be announced projects, that are exciting and fresh.” Katie Weaver of Ontourage Management added, “Jamie Lynn Spears is a force to be reckoned with and well on her way to making a major footprint in Country Music. We are thrilled about this partnership and the success her future holds as she continues to accomplish her goals.” Last week, Jamie Lynn was honored to be inducted into the CMT’s Next Women of Country Franchise 2017. In addition to the ceremony, she hosted the AT&T Red Carpet Live for the 50th Annual CMA Awards along with Bobby Bones and Brett Young. She topped the week off on Friday with a performance on The Grand Ole Opry in the Ryman Auditorium. With a week full of visibility and praise for her songwriting, Jamie Lynn Spears and her team are off to a great start.  Spears will continue to focus on her songwriting through the year’s end and will be announcing her new projects as an artist in early 2017. For more information log onto: www.jamielynnspears.com www.conwayent.com/ontourage/jamie-lynn-spears  

Kellie Pickler Headlines Rare Country ‘VIP Pre-Jam’ Nov. 30

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Limited # of Passes Available to the Public via Rare Country’s Facebook and Twitter Pages  Nashville, TN – Kellie Pickler will headline the Rare Country VIP Pre-Jam concert on  Wednesday, November 30th inside Bridgestone Arena’s Rehearsal Hall, from 5 – 6:30 p.m. The Pre-Jam acoustic concert will honor invited veterans and feature performances by Kellie and other special guests.  A limited number of passes to the Pre-Jam will be available on Rare Country’s Facebook and Twitter pages, stay tuned to RareCountry.com for additional information. The Rare Country VIP Pre-Jam serves as a warm-up to “Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam,” which features Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Kid Rock, Larry The Cable Guy, Travis Tritt, 3 Doors Down and Charlie Daniels. Tickets to the Volunteer Jam can be purchased here. Passes to the Rare Country VIP Pre-Jam are not available for purchase and will grant admittance to the Pre-Jam ONLY. Guests will need to have purchased a separate ticket to attend the Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam, which begins at 7 p.m. About Kellie Pickler Kellie Pickler grew up immersed in country music in the small town of Albemarle, North Carolina with the words of Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton shaping her musical footing. At the age of 19, she first gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of “American Idol.” She has gone on to release four critically acclaimed  albums, including her Gold-certified debut Small Town Girl as well as 100 Proof, which Rolling Stone named the Best Country Album of 2011. Among her best known hits are the Gold-certified “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder,” “Best Days of Your Life,” “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind,” “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You,” and “No Cure for Crazy.” In spring of 2013, Pickler partnered with dance coach Derek Hough and won the Mirror Ball Trophy on “Dancing with the Stars.” That same year, she also released her fourth album, The Woman I Am, with Black River Entertainment, which featured three songs co-written by Pickler including the title cut. She voiced the lead character, a sweet potato named Mirabelle, in the Veggie Tales animated movie “Beauty and the Beet” in 2014, and launched her home goods line, “Selma Drye by Kellie Pickler,” in cooperation with the Opry Stores (shop.opry.com) in 2015. Her CMT docu-comedy series “I Love Kellie Pickler,” which co-stars her husban d,  songwriter/producer Kyle Jacobs, debuted in November 2015, propelling the network to its highest premiere with adults since 2012 and women since 2008. The hit television series returned for a second season in August 2016. Pickler is an avid supporter of the U.S. military, having completed nine USO Tours thus far and is preparing for her tenth. For more information, please visit www.kelliepickler.com. About Rare Country Rare Country is an official media sponsor of the “Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam.” A subsidiary of Cox Media Group, Rare Country is one of the fastest growing media brands in country Continue reading Kellie Pickler Headlines Rare Country ‘VIP Pre-Jam’ Nov. 30→

Tune-in Alert! Justin Moore Debuts New Single On NBC’s TODAY (11/14)

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Six-Time Chart-Topping Entertainer to Perform “Somebody Else Will” Show: TODAY Date: Monday, November 14 Time: 10:00am | All time zones Network: NBC | Check local listings PLATINUM-selling singer Justin Moore will debut his new single “Somebody Else Will” on TODAY Monday morning (11/14) at 10:00am on NBC (check local listings). The anticipated follow-up single arrives on the heels of his sixth No. 1 hit “You Look Like I Need a Drink,” from his fourth chart-topping album KINDA DON’T CARE (The Valory Music Co). Moore recently flexed his comedy muscles with an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s CMA Awards post-show special. The talented entertainer introduced his wicked sense of humor to the late night audience as he performed “The Ballad of Claus Jorstad (Devil Stool)” about an unlucky man in Norway who had an unfortunate run-in with an Ikea stool in the shower. Watch it here. Moore will kick off his co-headlining AMERICAN MADE TOUR with Lee Brice at the beginning of 2017 with opening acts William Michael Morgan and Brett Young joining for the 25 dates already on the books. For tickets, tour dates and additional information visit JustinMooreMusic.com.