Category Archives: Artists

Little Big Town At The Amp-Show Review

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Little Big Town Brings The Tornado Tour To Northwest Arkansas. Last Friday The Amp kicked off their concert season with the ACM award winning Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town. The night was a little chilly, but that didn’t keep the fans away! David Nail opened the show and performed “Red Light,” “Let It Rain,” “Turning Home” and more. He even threw a Brooks and Dunn cover in there that really had the crowd going. Probably the most exciting part of Nail’s set was when he played “Whatever She’s Got.” Nail said this was his new single that should be hitting radio in the near future, so y’all be sure to keep your ears open for that one. Little Big Town basically blew me away with their performance. I had never seen a show with theatrics like I did Friday. It wasn’t too much, just on one song, but it was really, really awesome! The song was “Tornado” and they really made it seem like a tornado was brewing on that stage! There was lightening and wind and fake rain and Karen Fairchild looked amazing in her black, fringed jacket, almost like a pretty tornado herself! It was awesome. LBT of course sang “Pontoon” with the help of the crowd. Everyone was singing every word, wishing it was warm enough to be on a boat right that second. They opened with “Pavement Ends” and ended with “Boondocks.” The party never settled down in between, even during the slow songs like “Your Side of the Bed,” “Shut Up Train,” “Self Made,” “Can’t Go Back” and “Bring It on Home.” LBT told the crowd about their online videos they call “Scattered, Smothered & Covered.” They are videos of songs that are NOT country, but LBT puts their own touch on them (along with some upright bass and banjo) to make them country. That night they gave us Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and let me tell you it was pretty freaking cool! They played my favorites “A Little More You” and “I’m With the Band,” then rocked The Amp crowd with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” I’m telling you, these guys are the real deal. I have always liked Little Big Town, but I walked away from this show a true fan. To me, that’s what live shows are all about…bands entertaining the crowd and proving just how talented they are. You can check out our photos from the show on Facebook! Congrats to The Amp for a successful first show! Check in with them for more upcoming concerts, and be on the lookout for more acts to be added to this concert season right here in Northwest Arkansas!

Wade Bowen Classic 2013

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The “Wade Bowen Classic” Celebrity Golf Tournament and Concert Has Been Set For June. Wade Bowen’s 15th Annual Bowen Classic celebrity golf tournament and concert to benefit The Bowen Family Foundation is just around the corner. The benefit is set for June 2 and 3 in Bowen’s hometown of Waco, Texas. Over the past four years, Bowen has raised close to half a million dollars for various charities. “’The Classic’ is something I look forward to putting together all year,” said Bowen. “I’m so proud that my fans and artist friends keep coming out to help raise so much money.” The event kicks off with an all-star concert at 2:30PM on June 2 at Indian Springs Park featuring Bowen and some of his friends, including the Josh Abbott Band and Neal McCoy, with more artists announced soon. The event resumes the next morning at 10AM with a two-man golf scramble at the Cottonwood Creek Golf Course. Tickets to both portions of the event are on sale now at www.wadebowen.com/classic. Tickets to golf in the tournament are $180 and include two concert tickets. Fans interested in just the concert can purchase tickets for $20 in advance or $25 day of show, kids 12 and under get in free. Location Addresses: Indian Springs Park – 100 University Parks Drive between Franklin and Washington Ave. Cottonwood Creek Golf Course – 5201 Bagby, Waco, TX.

Giveaway: Jessta James Song Outlaw Heaven

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Giveaway: Get New Music from New Country Artist Jessta James! There’s a new country music artist in town, and he’s bringing a fresh, genre bending sound with him! Montana born and raised Jessta James‘ personal brand of country travels a road a little different from either the traditional or current mainstream pop-leaning country most fans are used to. Featuring a heaping of hip hop and a little more than a dash of rock, Jessta skillfully blends these genres together, and the result is authentic and organic, coming straight from the heart. On his upcoming release, Time To Get Right, listeners will find stories and themes in the song’s lyrics that are every day and rooted in personal experience. They will find a collection of tracks that showcase a range from high energy party anthems like “If That Ain’t Country” and “Back In The Day” to slower paced more touching tunes like “Better Man” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” They will find, laid out in one record, an artist’s life journey and lessons learned (to this point). While Jessta’s sound is probably a little different than what you’re used to, I highly encourage you to give him a listen! CMNB is even going to make that just a little bit easier for you by giving you a free download of “Outlaw Heaven” from the upcoming release! Get some great new music from Jessta James by entering below! Jessta James, Time To Get Right Complete Track Listing. 1. If That Ain’t Country 2. Outlaw Heaven 3. Cowgirl Boots 4. Ride One 5. Rock N Roll Angel 6. Better Man 7. Made In The USA 8. Bow Chicka 9. Back In The Day 10. Time To Get Right 11. Let’s Ride 12. I Can’t Stop Loving You 13. Run, Sinner, Run (Matthew 7: 13-14)

Thunder On The Mountain Presents: Live Google + Hangout with JT Hodges

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Thunder On The Mountain and CMNB Bring You a LIVE Google + Interview with JT Hodges! This week, in conjunction with upcoming country music festival Thunder On The Mountain, we kicked off our very special interview series, “Thunder On The Mountain Presents…“, with Rose Falcon, and we’re keeping things going with our second installment welcoming the talented and swoon worthy JT Hodges! This fest is sure to rock the Ozarks June 6-8, and event organizers have put together a really amazing line-up! Our interview series will be featuring some of these talented artists (including JT and Rose!)  over the next few weeks. So, be sure to catch Hodges when he joins us for a chat via Google + Hangout on Wednesday, May 1st at 3:45pm central! You’ll be able to watch the video below, but you can also find it live, in the moment, on our Google + page. You can also RSVP via Facebook to keep track of updates. We’ll have more folks like Colt Ford, JJ Lawhorn, Easton Corbin and others on the schedule soon! Have a burning question you really want us to ask JT? Then make sure you let us know before next Wednesday! Be sure you’re following us (@CMNBlog) and (@THUNDERontheMTN) on Twitter, and tweet us your questions with the #Thunder2013 and tagging us! If you aren’t a big Twitter fan, you can just leave your Qs in the comment section below. Watch Now: For event info, ticket details, lodging information and more be sure to stop by the official Thunder On The Mountain website!

Willie Nelson Concert Proceeds to Benefit West, Texas

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Willie Nelson’s Previously Scheduled Show In Austin Now to Benefit West, Texas. Following the tragic and deadly fire and subsequent explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas that has impacted the entire community in the area, Willie Nelson has reworked his already scheduled April 28th Austin, TX show into a benefit concert. All proceeds will go to help West Volunteer Fire Department now dealing with the aftermath of this week’s events. The announcement was originally made via Twitter, and then later posted on Nelson’s website along with an interview featured on Texas Monthly. The previously scheduled concert on 4/28 at @thenewbackyard will now benefit West VFD Details to come soon — Willie Nelson (@willienelson) April 18, 2013 Willie, a Texas native, actually grew up very close to the West community, and tweeted his condolences after the news broke. West has been in my backyard all my life.My heart is praying for thecommunity that we call home. #westtx — Willie Nelson (@willienelson) April 18, 2013 It never ceases to amaze me how some folks are so ready to provide aid when it is needed, and Nelson has yet again earned my respect by practicing what he preaches! Amidst a week full of pain and loss, our hearts are with everyone in West, TX.

George Jones Hospitalized In Nashville with Fever

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George Jones Suffering from Fever and Irregular Blood Pressure In Nashville Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with country icon George Jones, as he has been hospitalized in Nashville, TN due to a fever and irregular blood pressure, both discovered after a routine check up. Jones has been working towards a final concert in Music City in November of this year as part of an extended “good-bye” tour. Unfortunately, he has had to cancel more than one show over the past year or so because of health related issues. The 82 year old artist is still considered one of the most important country music artists in the industry, having influenced generations of aspiring artists and fans alike. After over 50 years in the music biz though, he has called it quits on recording, and is currently working on a final project along with Dolly Parton. We sincerely wish him the best, and hope for a speedy recovery.

Thunder On The Mountain Presents: LIVE Google+ Interview with Rose Falcon

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Thunder On The Mountain and CMNB Bring You a LIVE Google + Interview with Rose Falcon! The inaugural Thunder On The Mountain festival is coming to the Ozarks June 6th – 8th, and we’ve teamed up with them to bring you exclusive, LIVE interviews with some of the awesome folks on their amazing line-up! Between now and June, we will be featuring these interviews via Google +, and will be asking not only our questions, but your questions too! The series kicks off on Monday, April 22nd, and we will be chatting with the talented and lovely Rose Falcon who recently released an EP titled 19th Avenue, Vol. 2! The hangout will start at 2pm central, so don’t be late! You can watch the chat below, and don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook! Thunder On The Mountain presents…Rose Falcon!

Casey Donahew Band Stand Off-New Album

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The Casey Donahew Band Released Their New Album, Stand Off. The Casey Donahew Band has released their new album, Stand Off. The album has 11 tracks, including their current single “Whiskey Baby.” The guys have a pretty busy week of shows, but Saturday they will be in my part of the woods where they will play at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. Be sure and check tour dates to catch them play some of your CDB favorites, plus songs from the new album! Also keep your eyes open for the official music video for “Whiskey Baby” coming soon! Stand Off Track Listing: 1. Lovin Out of Control 2. Whiskey Baby 3. Pretending She’s You 4. Not Ready to Say Goodnight 5. Small Town Love 6. Sorry 7. Homecoming Queen 8. Missing You 9. Loser 10. Put the Bottle Down 11. Go to Hell

The Lone Bellow In Memphis, TN: Show Review

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The Lone Bellow: Cry, Dance, Smile and Shout…Live From Memphis, TN! I’ve been listening to The Lone Bellow for quite a few months now. “You Never Need Nobody” is one of those songs I sing in my car on every commute home. A unique blend of country, folk and gospel, the trio’s heartfelt melodies pull you in and simply won’t leave you alone. If I had to describe this band in one word, it would be “emotional.” It’s rare to come across music that triggers such a wide range of feelings. Every song on their self-titled, debut album makes you want to cry as hard as you can, dance as much as you can, smile as big as you can and shout as loud as you can – all at the same time. I was blessed with the opportunity to see trio, made up of lead singer Zach Williams, guitarist Brian Elmquist and mandolin player Kanene Pipkin, in an intimate setting at 1884 Lounge in Memphis, Tennessee. Elmquist and Pipkin, also vocalists, harmonize with Williams in a way that makes you wonder how three people who are so musically compatible managed to find one another. My favorite concerts have always been the kind where you can literally reach out and touch the artist. This was one of those concerts. There were moments when I closed my eyes and forgot where I was. There were moments of dancing and there were moments of tears. I guess you could say I was all kinds of emotional, and I wasn’t the only one. Aside from their stunning execution, my favorite thing about The Lone Bellow’s performance was that you could feel the raw emotion radiating from their vocal chords and fingertips. What’s more, after the show, the band was much obliged to chat with their fans, sign autographs and take photos. They were approachable and relatable. It’s quite apparent that they love what they do and appreciate those who feel the same way. If you haven’t heard The Lone Bellow, please do yourself a favor and do so – right now. I guarantee you will be crying, dancing, smiling and shouting before you know it. Brittany is a guest contributor! Find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/beedab or Twitter, @BrittanyBigfish.

George Strait Gives It All He’s Got

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George Strait Wows HaleighT With His Final Tour. In January, I got to witness the opening weekend of George Strait’s Cowboy Rides Away Tour. It was an over-the-top weekend that will forever be burned into my memory. For starters, It was my birthday weekend. Who wouldn’t love to see King George for their birthday? I don’t know of a single soul who would pass that opportunity up! I went with some of my best friends and we loved every second of it. The fact that we were in the nose bleed section didn’t bother us at all. They’ve got a great sound system at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Martina McBride was the opening act and boy did she entertain. Yes, we were anything but close to the stage, but thankfully our ears work just fine. That woman is talented! She gave me goosebumps. I know that isn’t a shock, she’s amazingly talented. But hearing “Broken Wing” live…that damn near changed my life! George took the stage and you would have thought there were 1 million people in the arena. Everyone went nuts, obviously. It was basically like when Dusty took the stage in Pure Country, only 10 times more intense. Now I’ve been to a George Strait concert before, so I recognized the differences in his normal show and his Cowboy Rides Away show. This time George did a whole lot more talking. He told stories, almost before every song he would tell the audience who wrote it and why. He performed his hits in chronological order, almost as if going back in time. It was amazing. Even though the show was almost three months ago, it seems like it was yesterday. What blows my mind even more is the fact that this Friday, April 12, I will be seeing George again! Yes, you read that right. In a few days I will be sitting in the Verizon Arena in Little Rock (better seats this time) watching history…for the second time. What makes it that more special is that I’ll be sitting next to my Mama! The woman who helped mold my obsession, will be singing along with me as George gives it all he’s got.