Josh Gracin Live Packs a Punch!

Josh Gracin shows fans that no matter the size of the crowd they’re sure to get a hell of a show! Josh Gracin played here at the Cherokee Casino in Siloam Springs saturday night, and I had the pleasure of being in that smaller crowd. Since we haven’t heard much new out of the Gracin camp in a while I wasn’t sure what to expect. Being my first “casino show” I’ll be honest… I really wasn’t expecting much at all. I walk in the casino and head to the bar… not nearly as crowded as I had expected, but definitely more than your average Saturday night. Paul Bogart’s band was just going on break so I settled in thinking “Here’s another cover band with a 2 hour set… what a way to set the mood”.  But when they came back on my mood was set straight right away! The band was fired up and playin hot! Besides a couple covers (we’re talkin good covers… not mustang sally!) their set was mostly original music played with passion and a good spirit of fun as well. By the time Josh Gracin came on stage, the bar had filled to overflowing, the drinks were pouring heavy, and I was ready. Now I can go on and on about the details, but let me just tell you this was NOT what I expected for a “casino show”. The band was lively, the crowd was DEFINITELY into it, and Josh was just making full use of every inch of that stage without missing a note or beat in his songs. Another surprise was his performance of some new material! Rumor has it Josh is working on a new album but details are still pending. I for one, can’t wait! For pictures from the show, you can find us on twitter/twitpic under DHCountryMusic! Thanks to Josh Gracin for a hell of a show, and on another note, kudos to his band for staying after and havin a few rounds with the fans!Country Music Photo Gallery

Josh Turner Live at Soundcheck

Josh Turner is cutting loose and cuttin’ a rug live at Soundcheck! Josh Turner returns to the Soundcheck stage to introduce his new album, ‘Haywire.’ The southern boy shares a set of new songs, including the hit single ‘Why Don’t We Just Dance,’ and talks about success, fans, and his surprising new cover of the Don Williams classic, ‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man.’ Watch for the full Josh Turner Soundcheck Performance at the official SoundCheck site, and in the meantime, enjoy this sneak peek! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrnX8sqKfRw&feature=player_embedded]Country Music Photo Gallery

Gary Allan Will Headline the 2010 PBR Dickies Cowboy Invitational

Gary Allan encourages bullriding fans to Get Off On The Pain, as he kicks off this year’s PBR Cowboy Invitational and showcases tracks from his upcoming release! Gary Allan will be performing exclusive and never before released music from his upcoming album at the 2010 Dickies Iron Cowboy Invitational, Allan’s album, “Get Off On The Pain” will be in stores and online March 9th. The 2010 Dickies Iron Cowboy Invitational presented by WinStar World Casino is considered the biggest one day event in PBR history. In addition to this monumental show in Arlington, Texas, Gary Allan has also signed on to be the sound of this season’s PBR experience leading up to the March 9th album release, including playing music from the new album playing during PBR events and assorted contests (VIP tickets to an upcoming PBR event, Gary Allan VIP prize packs, CD’s, and much more!). PBR and Gary Allan fans will also have the chance to enter to win the trip of a lifetime to the 2010 PBR World Finals in Las Vegas.Country Music Photo Gallery

Lady Antebellum on the 2010 Grammys

Stay tuned to CBS on January 31st 2010 for a fantastic performance by country juggernauts Lady Antebellum Lady Antebellum fans are rejoicing as their favorite group received Grammy nominations for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals and Best Country Song (with Tom Douglas) for “I Run To You.” Watch the Grammy’s live on CBS tomorrow night to catch a performance from Lady A and support them!Country Music Photo Gallery

Toby Keith’s Show Dog Records merges with Universal South

Country’s bad boy Toby Keith aligns with a powerful ally. Show Dog Nashville and Universal South have now merged to become Show Dog Universal. Show Dog Universal will still have the feeling of being an independent label with strong and personal relationships with all our artists,” Toby Keith said. “That is what Show Dog Nashville and Universal South have always been about, but combine the two labels and you have a powerhouse with more staff and better opportunities for our artists. I look forward to working closely with my friend and partner Mark Wright.” “The launch of this new company creates even more value for our combined artists, employees and business partners,” Wright said. “Together, our best-in-class team will create even more opportunities for our artists, while expanding the services we offer. This is truly one-plus-one equaling three. Moreover, I am delighted to be partnering with Toby, with whom I have shared a close friendship for many years. His remarkable achievements as an artist and businessman define creative leadership at its very best. He will be invaluable to taking this company to even greater heights.”Country Music Photo Gallery

Carrie Underwood Engaged

Congratulations to Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher who are officially engaged! Mike Fisher confirmed his engagement to Carrie Underwood in a comment to the Ottowa Citizen, stating: “It’s true,” Fisher said. “We’re both obviously excited and very happy and so, exciting times for sure.” No wedding date has been set yet, but the couple is reported to be extremely excited and very much in love. Fisher proposed at a family Christmas gathering in his home Sunday afternoon, then texted his close friends with the news later that day. Talk about your bragging rights!Country Music Photo Gallery

Carrie Underwood Receives Harmony Award

Carrie Underwood received the 2009 Harmony Award at the Symphony Ball this past Saturday night, December 12, at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.  The Nashville Symphony Ball is Nashville’s premiere winter social event, a white-tie, invitation-only evening benefiting the Nashville Symphony and its music outreach programs. This year marked the event’s 25th anniversary. “The honor is a wonderful compliment and it’s an amazing feeling being part of the Nashville community,” said Underwood. “It was a beautiful evening filled with wonderful music, gorgeous ball gowns and décor, and was definitely an evening to remember.” The Harmony Award is presented annually at Nashville’s Symphony Ball to individuals who have demonstrated continued interest and support of music in Nashville. The recipients exemplify the unique harmony between the many worlds of music that exist in our city and have contributed significantly to the development and appreciation of Nashville’s musical culture. Previous recipients of the Harmony Award include: Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Tony Brown, Mike & Linda Curb, Lyle Lovett, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, The Judds, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Chet Atkins, Rascal Flatts, and Martina McBride, the 2008 recipient.Country Music Photo Gallery

Rascal Flatts – Away in a Manger – Free Download

Rascal Flatts offers fans a free download of their Christmas recording “Away in a Manger” Rascal Flatts has recorded a new Christmas song last week as a present to their fans for their continued support throughout the year. “Away In A Manger” is available via free download at www.rascalflatts.com/gift. This new recording can also be heard on country radio stations across the nation this holiday season. “This song is a celebration to our fans,” says Jay DeMarcus. “From the bottom of our hearts, we are so proud and grateful for all the work you put into promoting Rascal Flatts each and every day.” Can’t get enough of our favorite boys? You can see them live on the second leg of the Rascal Flatts Unstoppable Tour!Country Music Photo Gallery

Celebration of Music and Motorsports with Hank JR!

Tickets on Sale for Celebration of Music and Motorsports with Hank Williams Jr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chris Young, Kyle Petty, and many more! For the fifth consecutive year, the worlds of country music and NASCAR will collide in Music City for Sprint Sound & Speed Presented by SunTrust on Jan. 8-9, 2010.  Since its inception, the event has attracted an estimated 40,000 fans and has raised more than $800,000 for Victory Junction (a year-round camping experience founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty for children, ages 6-16, with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses) and the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.  Some of the greatest names in country music will kick off the two-day event at the Grand Ole Opry when Sprint Sound & Speed Presented by SunTrust hits the stage of the Ryman Auditorium on Friday, Jan. 8.  The special night of music will include two shows, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with Hank Williams Jr. (9:30 p.m. show ), Chris Young, a special performance from NASCAR legend Kyle Petty and his band, and more artists soon to be added. There will also be appearances featuring Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Greg Biffle and Kasey Kahne and others, during the Friday night event. On Saturday, Jan. 9 the event continues at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium, where fans of racing and country music will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with drivers, team owners, and top-name artists for autographs, story-telling, and question-and-answer sessions.  The fan event will feature show car and sponsor displays, as well as a charitable auction with memorabilia from the racing and entertainment industries.  Among the NASCAR stars scheduled to appear are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Michael Waltrip, Clint Bowyer, Reed Sorenson, and David Stremme, along with country music stars Jason Michael Carroll, Josh Turner, members of Diamond Rio, and Chris Young with more drivers and country music artists joining the star-studded line-up in the coming weeks. Tickets for the Opry at the Ryman shows on Friday, Jan. 8 (ranging from $32 to $54) and the festival on Jan. 9 ($20 for adults and $12 for children) are on sale and are available through TicketMaster (ticketmaster.com) and at opry.com.  Combination tickets, good for the Opry and the festival, will go on sale Dec. 2 and range from $55 to $69.  Visit www.soundandspeed.org for more information and updates.Country Music Photo Gallery