Brad Paisley To Host ‘The 2nd Responders’ Benefit Concert

Brad Paisley on Country Music News Blog

NASHVILLE’s BRAD PAISLEY will host “THE 2ND RESPONDERS,” a benefit concert on SATURDAY, MAY 12th at the SANTA BARBARA BOWL to honor those who were on the front lines and first responders during the recent CALIFORNIA wildfires and mudslides. A local presale is set for FRIDAY, MARCH 23rd from 11a-6p (PT), and tickets go on sale to the public on SATURDAY, MARCH 24th; ticket purchases are restricted by billing zip codes in SANTA BARBARA, VENTURA, and SAN LUIS OBISPO. Proof of residency is required. All proceeds will benefit the community and service workers through local organizations. “KIM and I fell in love with SANTA BARBARA and the MONTECITO area on our honeymoon,” shared PAISLEY. “It feels like small town AMERICA by the sea. With this concert, I hope to raise awareness, spirits, and money for the region that’s recovering from the devastating mudslides and fires. I hope people come out and actually make it an experience with us and visit some of the local shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.”

Naomi Judd and The Scott Brothers Join City of Hope 28th Annual Celebrity Softball Game

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Country music icon Naomi Judd and The Scott Brothers’ Jonathan and Drew Scott are the first celebrities to sign up for the City of Hope 28th Annual Celebrity Softball Game. The event returns to First Tennessee Park on Saturday, June 9. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. Naomi Judd, who participated in the game in the late 80s and early 90s, is dusting off her glove and returning as a play-by-play Guest Announcer. Additional legendary artists will be announced soon. “I may not be on the mound this time around, but I wanted to take a swing at cancer by being part of the game as one of the announcers! City of Hope is an incredible institution, so I’m honored to have a role in the event. I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans!” Naomi Judd said. The Scott Brothers are warming up for some sibling rivalry! “The City of Hope Celebrity Softball game is always great fun and for a really good cause. Can’t wait to play again this year,” says Drew. Jonathan adds, “It’s like a family reunion of the most giving people in the biz. I’m practicing my swing already with sledgehammers on Property Brothers.” Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit cityofhope.org/softball or follow City of Hope on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. ABOUT CITY OF HOPE: City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as one of only 49 comprehensive cancer centers, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the world. City of Hope is located in Duarte, California, just northeast of Los Angeles, with clinical practice sites throughout southern California. It is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit cityofhope.org. ABOUT NAOMI JUDD: Hailing from the Appalachian​ ​foothills​ ​of Ashland, Ky., mother​ ​and​ ​daughter​ duo, The Judds, were first discovered by RCA​ ​label​ ​head​ ​Joe​ ​Galante​ ​in​ ​1983 ​after landing a spot on​ ​WSM-TV’s​ “​The​ ​Ralph​ ​Emery Show.” They​ ​made​ ​their​ ​chart​ ​debut​ ​by​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​year​ ​with​ ​“Had​ ​A​ ​Dream​ ​(For​ ​The​ ​Heart),” and​ ​the​ ​two​ ​were​ ​on​ ​their​ ​way​ ​to​ ​a​ ​history​-making​ ​career. For​ ​the​ ​rest​ ​of​ ​the​ ​1980’s,​ ​each​ ​single​ ​from​ ​The​ ​Judds​ ​released​ ​by​ ​RCA​ ​went​ ​to​ ​the Billboard​ ​Top 10,​ ​with​ ​14 hits ​going​ ​all​ ​the​ ​way​ ​to​ ​number​ ​one.​ ​ The​ ​Judds​ ​embarked​ ​on​ ​their​ ​“Farewell​ ​Tour”​ ​in​ ​1991 ​after​ ​Naomi’s​ ​diagnosis​ ​of​ ​Hepatitis C​ ​forced​ ​her​ ​to​ ​retire​ ​from​ ​the​ ​road.​ Naomi​ ​focused​ ​on​ ​her​ ​health,​ ​beating​ ​the​ ​disease, writing​ ​several​ ​New​ ​York​ ​Times​ ​best-selling​ ​books​ ​and​ ​becoming​ ​a​ ​popular​ ​motivational speaker. This fall, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will explore the lives and careers of the GRAMMY®-winning mother-daughter duo with an exhibit opening Aug. 10, 2018. For more information, follow Naomi Judd on Facebook and Instagram or visit NaomiJudd.com. ABOUT DREW AND JONATHAN SCOTT: Multi-faceted entrepreneurs, authors and twin Continue reading Naomi Judd and The Scott Brothers Join City of Hope 28th Annual Celebrity Softball Game

Congrats To Country Radio For Supporting St. Jude

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Kudos to our friends at Country radio that worked hard during their recent ST. JUDE Radiothons to raise money for ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. FEDERATE MEDIA Country WBYT/SOUTH BEND, IN raised $306,720 this year; HALL COMMUNICATIONS Country WPCV/LAKELAND, FL, raised $204,863, which is a $26,000 increase compared to last year’s radiothon; MIDWEST COMMUNICATIONS Country WDEZ/WAUSAU, WI raised more than $175,000, bringing their 17-year total to more than $2 million; and DICK BROADCASTING Country WRNS/GREENVILLE, NC’s two-day total came to $160,126.

Country Stars Mourn the Passing of Rev. Billy Graham

Ricky Skaggs and Billy Graham

Upon learning the news of the passing of his longtime friend, Reverend Billy Graham, country music legend Ricky Skaggs released the following statement: “I was up early this morning having my prayer time and Bible reading when I heard the news of Dr. Graham’s passing. The first thing I did was to thank God for sending Billy Graham into this world. My youngest daughter Molly gave her life to Jesus watching him on TV during one of his Crusades. It’s a story of millions of people just like Molly that came to Christ listening to Dr. Graham’s simple message of God’s love and forgiveness. There has never been an evangelist in our lifetime that has had the Christian integrity in ministry that Dr. Graham had. It was because he lived his life intentionally to honor Christ. He had righteous Godly men around him all the time, praying for him and praying with him everyday. He set up safeguards for his life as a husband, a father, and his life as a minister of the gospel. His ministry reflected his personal life and his personal life reflected his ministry. What a concept! He was above reproach, and he lived there always, because he never wanted to give anyone the slightest hint of doubt that he wasn’t who he said he was. His desire, first and foremost, was to honor the Lord Jesus Christ with his whole heart. He knew who he was and he knew Whose he was. He knew he was a beloved son, yet calling himself a sinner. Hard to imagine, but humility will do that to you. He believed the words of John the Baptist, when John said of Jesus, ‘He must increase and I must decrease,’ great words to live by. I’m so thankful that I got know Dr. Graham and do some of his Crusades. The first one I did was in Columbus, Ohio at a baseball field. I was up on stage singing some songs and it was pouring down the rain, big sheets of rain. I thought, all these people will go home, no one could sit through this storm, but no one left, some had umbrellas but most of them didn’t. Then all of a sudden, I looked and they were bringing Dr. Graham toward the stage in a covered golf cart, it stopped raining, it completely stopped. I knew then the favor of the Lord was on this man. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made with the Graham family. Franklin is one of my dearest friends. I’m thankful that they allowed me and my family to come visit Dr. Graham and sing some songs, eat a hot dog, and pray with him at his home in Montreat, NC. The scripture says ‘a man’s gift makes way for him, and brings him before great and mighty men.’ From President Truman to President Trump, 13 Presidents, Queen Elizabeth and countless other leaders of many nations, Dr. Graham’s message has never changed. ‘For God so loved Continue reading Country Stars Mourn the Passing of Rev. Billy Graham

Country Music Mourns the Passing of Singer Daryle Singletary

Sources report that country singer Daryle Singletary has dies at the young age of just 46. Finding his biggest successes in the 90’s with hits like “Too Much Fun” and “I Let Her Lie” Daryle was a staple to the country music circuit with a buttery-smooth voice and a gentle and whole-hearted nature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoxIVO0YzUM Daryle passed in his home in Nashville, and the cause of death has not yet been released. His last performances was on Friday February 9th, 2018 in Alabama.  

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

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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

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    

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

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

Fans Pouring Out Support For Loretta Lynn After Hip Injury

Loretta Lynn News

Yesterday the official Twitter account for Loretta Lynn made the announcement that the people’s queen of country was quietly recovering at her home after suffering a broken hip injury from falling. Since then fans and stars alike have been flooding the platform with love and support for the musical icon. Our hearts and prayers as well go out to Loretta for a comfortable and speedy recovery! American music icon, Loretta Lynn is recovering from a fractured hip after a fall while at home. She is doing well and thanks all her fans for their thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/wBSpJGZBob — Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) January 8, 2018 Love you Loretta, 🙏🙏🙏 — Bellamy Brothers (@BellamyBrothers) January 9, 2018 Ms Loretta, I'm joining my birthday wish with @TheCrystalGayle for everyone to send you healing thoughts and prayers. Love you lots and get well soon!!💗🎶😇 — Deb Cornell (@DebCornell3) January 8, 2018 Feel better soon Loretta! We all love you and our hearts are with you! ❤️ — Sheldon Riddle (@SheldonRiddle) January 8, 2018 Get better soon my friend. Not through with you yet Loretta. Take care of yourself and hope you get better real soon. Be careful my friend, you're one of my only few classic one's left. Don't wanna lose you yet. Get plenty of rest and take it easy my friend. — William Stine, Jr. (@stinejrwilliam1) January 8, 2018

January Bluebird Cafe Shows Benefit Alive Hospice

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The 25th Annual Alive at the Bluebird concert series kicks off 2018 with a month of shows benefiting Alive Hospice at The Bluebird Cafe. More than 130 artists and songwriters are scheduled to perform at least 27 shows beginning Tuesday, January 2 and running through February 1, 2018. Presenting sponsors for the event include Bass, Berry & Sims, Cigna, HCA, Hub International, Jackson National and Tennessee Oncology. SouthComm and WSM-AM return as media sponsors. “We are thrilled to mark the 25th anniversary of Alive at the Bluebird with such an amazing roster of talent,” said Anna-Gene O’Neal, Alive Hospice President/CEO. “I am also super-excited to partner with our good friends at the Bluebird in celebration of their 35th year. We are beyond grateful for the incredible support that we get from the songwriting community, our sponsors and the public. Alive at the Bluebird is a truly unique partnership-talk about a Nashville original! The proceeds directly benefit patients and family, but the entire program that runs throughout the month brings much-needed awareness to the important work that our mission supports.” Perennial favorites Amy Grant and Vince Gill are scheduled to perform on January 3, 2018, and such luminaries as Kim Carnes, Phil Vassar, Styx lead guitarist and vocalist Tommy Shaw, John Oates, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Keb’ Mo’, Gordon Kennedy, Dave Barnes, Hunter Hayes, Kathy Mattea, Jon Vezner and Don Henry are already booked to appear. Additional writers and artists will be announced in the coming weeks. “Every year, Alive at The Bluebird gives the month of January a very special energy here at the club,” said Bluebird Cafe General Manager Erika Wollam Nichols. “Our community of songwriters is inspired and moved by the great service that Alive Hospice provides – this inspiration is reflected in the number of people who volunteer their time and talent to raise funds and awareness through the month of performances. We are honored to have partnered with Alive Hospice for 25 years and can’t imagine a January without this amazing performance series that lights up The Bluebird with love and generosity.” The 25th Annual Alive at the Bluebird shows benefitting Alive Hospice will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays at 9:00pm, Fridays at 9:30pm and Saturdays at 6:30 and 9:30pm. Reservations and updated schedules and lineups can be found at www.BluebirdCafe.com. 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 Continue reading January Bluebird Cafe Shows Benefit Alive Hospice