Category Archives: Artists

Trace Adkins Announces Album Title At CMA Fest

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Trace Adkins Fills Fans In On Upcoming Album Title During CMA Fest Performance. Trace Adkins announced the title of his upcoming album, Proud To Be Here, during his CMA Music Festival performance in Nashville this weekend. The album features his touching and sweet new single “Just Fishin’” about a father and daughter relationship. Proud To Be Here will also feature 9 other tracks, and the deluxe edition will offer fans 4 more songs on top of that including a duet with Blake Shelton title “If I Was A Woman“. Adkins’ family recently suffered a huge loss as their home caught fire on June 4th, and was deemed a total loss. Thankfully, the family including their pets are all safe. Adkins has suggested that the choice of title for this album, though chosen before these events occurred, has taken on a new meaning. “Proud To Be Here was chosen as the album title some weeks ago because it’s how I’ve felt ever since my first album release and during every milestone since…The title song could have been based on my life and it’s about narrow escapes and the grace that guides you through. Obviously, now after the fire, Proud To Be Here takes on an even greater significance. Once again, I’ve been blessed and everyone is safe.” -Trace Adkins In response to the outpouring of concern from fans, Trace has requested they redirect their support through the American Red Cross and CMT One Country. The album is set to release on August 2nd, and pre-sale of the deluxe edition will be available on iTunes July 12th.

Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina at CMA Fest

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Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina Gain Experience and Perspective at CMA Music Festival. Recent American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery and runner-up, Lauren Alaina have hit the ground running with appearances and performances every other day last week during the CMA Music Festival in Nashville. The pair attended the 2011 CMT Music Awards where they had the chance to help bring attention to the devastation created by this Spring’s storms, the relief efforts being made by some country music stars, and specifically introduce Sugarland‘s performance. Additionally, the two had the career starting opportunity Friday during the CMA Music Festival to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Lauren sang LeAnn Rimes’ “Blue” as well as her debut single “Like My Mother Does“, and Scotty performed his debut single, “I Love You This Big” and George Strait’s “Check Yes Or No“. Saturday night during the nightly concerts at LP Field both Scotty and Lauren were able to perform with their own idols. Scotty, of course, performed a duet with Josh Turner on “Your Man” while Lauren sang “Anyway” with Martina McBride. On top of all this, both of these new and rising stars learned just recently that both of their singles are fairing very well on the charts, proving just how much American loves them. So, not only are Scotty and Lauren getting to jump right in, presenting at awards shows, performing with the artists who inspire them, and gracing the iconic Opry stage, they are already proving their worth with success on their first singles. Regardless of these opportunities and successes however, they are aware of the need to establish an identity of their own. Lauren who has sited Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert as influences in addition to Martina McBride, recognizes the need to create original content, and set herself appear as a female country artist. “I got a record deal, at 16. That’s weird. Making this record is going to be the biggest step I’m ever going to have to do. People know who I am because of a TV show, but it’s from singing cover songs…I have to be different from everybody else.” -Lauren Alaina Scotty who garnered much of his attention on Idol because of his vocal similarity to Josh Turner openly acknowledges the similarity, but underscores his responsibility to present something fresh and different, understanding that it will take a lot of hard work. “I might sound like them, kind of, but it’ll be a different career. They’re older, well-established guys. There’s going to be a lot of work for me to get out of this and hit the ground running. I’m trying to put my foot in the door.” -Scotty McCreery With CMA Fest and their whirlwind schedule concluded, hopefully Scotty and Lauren will get a little breather The they can get started on those albums they’ve promised fans! Watch Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina at the 2011 CMT Music Awards Here! More CMT Shows – More CMT Videos

Eli Young Band At The Rib Room

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Eli Young Band At Neumeier’s Rib Room in Fort Smith, AR! This past Thursday (June 9) the Eli Young Band headlined a sold out show at Neumeier’s Rib Room in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Downtown Garrison Avenue was a non-stop party with doors opening at 6:00pm. Guests had a few drinks and ate a few ribs while waiting for the show to begin at 8:00 pm. 2 Steps Back were the openers and did a spectacular job of warming up the crowd. I’m almost sure the beer garden shook with excitement as EYB took the stage. The first song they played was their hit “When It Rains” and the last song they played was another enormously local hit “Oklahoma Girl“. In between was “Jet Black & Jealous“, “Radio Waves“, “So Close Now“, “Enough Is Enough“, “Always The Love Songs“, “Crazy Girl“, “Highways And Broken Hearts“, “Small Town Kid“, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Gimme Three Steps“, Tom Petty’s “American Girl“, along with others. I have seen these boys numerous times at numerous venues, as the opener or headline act, let me tell you I have not been disappointed once! They interact with the crowd and enjoy their time on the stage. They are currently on a jam-packed touring schedule, tonight and tomorrow playing in Texas and Sunday in Nashville at the CMA Music Fest. Their songs are very relatable, in fact I dare you to not relate to one in some way, I promise it’s impossible. If you are into the “red dirt” type music they play then I strongly advise you to take a look at their schedule to find a show near you!

Little Big Town Hosts Ride For A Cure

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Little Big Town Hosts The 5th Annual Ride For A Cure. Sunday, June 12, will be the 5th Annual Ride For A Cure in support of the T.J. Martell Foundation . Lyons Chevrolet is presenting the event and registration begins at 8am at the Roundabout Plaza in downtown Nashville. Bo Bice, Eric Paslay, Kelleigh Bannen, Dean Alexander, and Cali Rodi will be there bright and early for the morning entertainment. The riders will take off at 10:30 am and head to Harley-Davidson, Columbia. Once everyone has arrived Little Big Town will take the stage for the afternoon jam. Jake Owen, David Nail, Laura Bell Bundy, and Jarrod Niemann will also be taking the stage and GAC’s Storme Warren and syndicated radio host Big D will be there to EMCEE. Tickets can be purchased at the event, VIP $300, riders $35, and afternoon jam $20. Gates in Columbia will open at 10:30 am for non-riders. The T.J. Martell Foundation is a national non-profit organization that supports innovative research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS.

Craig Morgan’s New Single

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Craig Morgan’s New Single This Ole Boy Craig Morgan will release his newest single “This Ole Boy” to country radio June 21. The song is his first with Black River Entertainment and has Morgan very excited! “This Ole Boy” is written by Ben Hayslip, Dallas Davidson, and Rhett Atkins and is “the perfect sing-along country love song”. The single will be on Morgan’s sixth studio album that is set to be out early 2012.

CMT Music Award Winners

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Complete List of the 2011 CMT Music Award Winners! Well, the 2011 CMT Music Awards proved to be eventful! With Kid Rock hosting and awesome performances from Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Sugarland and others, it was definitely a memorable night. Check out a complete list of the winners below! Video of the Year Taylor Swift Female Video of the Year Miranda Lambert Male Video of the Year Blake Shelton “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” Performance of the Year Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet “Margaritaville” Duo Video of the Year Sugarland “Stuck Like Glue” Collaborative Video of the Year Rascal Flatts and Justin Bieber “That Should Be Me” USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year The Band Perry “If I Die Young” Group Video of the Year Lady Antebellum “Hello World” Best Web Video of the Year Blake Shelton “Kiss My Country Ass” Best Video Director of the Year Trey Fanjoy (award eligible videos include: Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” and Blake Shelton’s “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking“) Nationwide On Your Side Award The Band Perry

Carrie Underwood in Nashville

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Carrie Underwood Discusses Scotty McCreery at Billboard Country Music Summit, Hosts Fan Party At Opry. It’s CMA Music Fest week in Nashville, and though she won’t be performingCarrie Underwood has still had a busy start! She kicked off the week speaking at this year’s Billboard Country Music Summit where she discussed an array of topics including her personal goals on entering American Idol (back in the day!), recording with Brad Paisley and new American Idol winner and runner-up, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina discussing the difficulty of breaking into the industry. “…now days there aren’t too many avenues of real discovery as far as… if somebody like me who lives in Oklahoma just started playing in bars around Oklahoma, there’s no way I’m going to get discovered…but American Idol is for people like me. It’s for people like Scotty [McCreery] and Lauren [Alaina] who were in small towns and didn’t know how to do it, but had a love for music and a great talent and did their thing.” -Carrie Underwood Additionally, Carrie hosted her annual fan club party at the Grand Ole Opry yesterday, June 7th. The party started with a 45-minute by Underwood and her band followed by a Q&A session, and concluded with a round of “Fan Club Feud” (the Carrie Underwood version of “Family Feud”). That evening Carrie performed at two sold-out shows at The Opry. Unfortunately, Carrie will not be featured in the line-up of performances at this year’s CMA Fest, as she has headed off to Australia for a two-week promotional trip to support her “Play On: Deluxe Edition” CD, which will be released in Australia and New Zealand on Friday, June 10.

CMT Music Awards Adds The Band Perry

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The Band Perry, Martina McBride Announced as Additions to CMT Music Awards Airing Tonight! The fan-voted 2011 CMT Music Awards will air this evening, Wednesday June 8th, at 8pm ET/PT on CMT and cmt.com. There is already a long list of star presenters and performers, both from the country scene and others who are just getting in on all the country fun including Jason Aldean, Shania Twain, American Idol winner and runner-up Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, Justin Beiber, and more! And the list just keep growing! The Band Perry has now been added to the list of performers! Additionally, Martina McBride and Little Big Town will be acting as presenters in this evenings festivities. Celebrity Apprentice contestant Gary Busey, actress Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon will also present awards. Also, Taylor Swift, with the help of Shania Twain and Glee actor Chord Overstreet, has wipped up a humorous reenactment of Thelma & Louise as part of the show’s opener. Clearly, it is going to a fun night! So, be sure to tune in! If you have to miss the fun, just check back in with us, and we will fill you in on all the details! For a complete list of performances, presenters, and award nominees click here.

Osage Creek Amphitheater Cancels Throwdown Tour

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Osage Creek Amphitheater Cancels Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour. It is a sad day as many people are hearing of the recent Osage Creek Amphitheater news. Unfortunately Willie Nelson‘s greatly anticipated Country Throwdown Tour has been cancelled for July 3 in Northwest Arkansas. The weather, not the hardworking men and women who are involved in this event, is to blame. Because of the vast amount of snow, rain, and flooding the sight was at a standstill on many occasions. “We had a barrier of space in there for weather to be a factor, however, the unprecedented rains that we had made it impossible to even get to the site at times.” -Greg Smith Greg Smith, owner of the amphitheater, is determined to have the venue finished before the summer is over and looking forward to the first note to be played on the now unfinished stage. Smith has a positive mindset and is looking to re-schedule Willie Nelson and his friends for a later date this summer (let’s keep our fingers crossed!). For those who want a full refund for their tickets you can call (479)-239-4041, other ticket holders can save their tickets to be used for the hopeful re-booking. For those still interested in seeing the Country Throwdown Tour that same weekend, you are in luck. Saturday, July 2 the boys will make a stop in Eufaula, Ok at the Eufaula Cove Amphitheater and Monday, July 4 they will be in Fort Worth, Tx at Billy Bob’s. Just go to countrythrowdown.com for more information.

Sugarland Performs Stand Up At CMT Music Awards

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Sugarland Set to Perform Popular “Stand Up” At the 2011 CMT Music Awards Tonight. Sugarland is among the long list of performances country fans have to look forward at this evening’s CMT Music Awards. They will be performing their popular song “Stand Up” which they recently transformed into “Stand Up for Tornado Relief” creating a special video in an effort to raise awareness and funds for victims suffering from the devastation of the damage created by this Spring’s rash of tornadoes. Every night of their current Incredible Machine tour, the duo creates and flies a “LOVE” flag at the beginning of the encore while playing the song. This was an integral symbol in their move to show their support for tornado relief efforts and in encouraging their fans to show their support as well. Sugarland will be including this important symbol in their CMT Music Awards performance this evening. In a special video clip, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush discuss the meaning behind the flag. You can check it out here. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtdO0cl-fI4] Be sure to tune in tonight on CMT or cmt.com at 8pm CT/PT to check out Sugarland’s performance!