Toby Keith, Alabama & Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top added to all-star Merle Haggard Tribute lineup 

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SING ME BACK HOME: THE MUSIC OF MERLE HAGGARD AN ALL-STAR CONCERT CELEBRATION  TO BE HELD AT NASHVILLE’S BRIDGESTONE ARENA ON APRIL 6, 2017 LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT TICKETMASTER Music stars Toby Keith, Alabama & Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top have been added to the all-star lineup at Sing Me Back Home: The Music Of Merle Haggard, previously reported by The Tennessean. The event is an all-star concert event taping at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. CT in honor of what would have been Merle’s 80th birthday and the one-year anniversary of his passing. This onenight-only concert event taping will bring together fans, friends and music icons to honor the life and songs of music legend Merle Haggard. The new additions to the lineup join previously announced performing artists Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, John Mellencamp, Dierks Bentley, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Jr., The Avett Brothers, Alison Krauss, Ronnie Dunn, Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lucinda Williams, Ben Haggard, John Anderson, Connie Smith and Bobby Bare. Additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Merle Haggard racked up an astounding 38 No. 1 country hits and every major award imaginable. Songs like “Mama Tried,” “Okie From Muskogee,” “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive” and “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike, and as we approach what would have been a major milestone, the time has come to celebrate his truly remarkable career. He was an iconoclast who refused to bend to country music convention and helped create the indelible Bakersfield sound. He gave voice to outlaws and outsiders and in a way that few, if any, have ever equaled. A limited number of tickets for this all-star concert event are currently available at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office. Keith Wortman, Mark Rothbaum and Theresa Haggard are the creators and executive producers of the show. Don Was, Ben Haggard and Buddy Cannon will serve as music directors and preside over a stellar house band backing the performers at this historic concert event taping. The event will be filmed and recorded for multi-platform distribution throughout traditional media (worldwide broadcast, music, and digital). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation. “I am so very thankful for this tribute to my husband, Merle Haggard.  Please come join me and my family at this fantastic show that Merle would be so proud of,” said Theresa Haggard. “I am honored to produce a show that celebrates the life and music of Merle Haggard,” says Wortman. “His music and lyrics continue to shape the lives of musicians and millions of fans. I can’t think of any better way to celebrate his 80th birthday than to honor his legacy with this extraordinary event. It’s going to be an unforgettable evening.” FOR COMPLETE SHOW Continue reading Toby Keith, Alabama & Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top added to all-star Merle Haggard Tribute lineup 

Trace Adkins Celebrates Release of “Watered Down” on “Today”

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ICONIC HITMAKER TRACE ADKINS CELEBRATES THE RELEASE OF NEW MUSIC WITH A PERFORMANCE OF “WATERED DOWN” MARCH 31 ON “TODAY” Throughout his decades-long career, Trace Adkins has told his truth and lived with the consequences, so it comes as no surprise that he delivers one of the most raw and honest observations on life on the “other side of 40” in “Watered Down” the first single from his BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records LP, Something’s Going On March 31 on “Today.” Scroll Down For Trace Adkins Tour Dates! In the slow-burning rumination on achieving insight with age, Adkins is fully aware of the adjustments and boundaries, but still maintains his edge, grit and power as an artist. It is the cut Adkins points to as the truest reflection of his career and life to date. trace “That’s one of those songs where I smacked myself on the forehead and went, ‘Wow, I should’ve written that!’” Adkins says of hearing the song for the first time. “It is all autobiographical. It really is. I’ve never done a record and finished it and said, ‘OK, this is my favorite cut off this album.’ But this time, there’s no bones about it. This is my favorite cut. It just is. It speaks to my soul.” With lyrics as emotionally clutching as, “We still fly like gypsies/Just a little closer to the ground” fans will hear Adkins’ conviction for themselves on March 31when Adkins premieres “Watered Down” on “Today” (9:00 AM-hour). The new single “Watered Down” debuted immediately on the Billboard Country Single Chart this week and was the fourth most-added song on the Mediabase Country Airplay Chart. It is a milestone song and album worth celebrating. Adkins has sold more than 11 million albums, received three GRAMMY nominations and collected dozens of major motion pictures and television credits. His latest music, the much-anticipated Something’s Going On – his 12th studio album – marks Adkins’ first album release on his new label, BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records. Fans can view the lyric video HERE, featuring Adkins enjoying a simpler life and slower pace on his Nashville farm. It’s been four years since Adkins’ last studio album Love Will… released in 2013, which debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, and fans have eagerly awaited this follow up ever since. Some of Nashville’s favorite and most respected songwriters contributed to the range and inspiration of Something’s Going On, boasting credits such as Tyler Farr, Craig Campbell and Shane McAnally to name a few. Something’s Going On was produced by Mickey Jack Cones. Adkins is in the midst of his 2017 tour where he is on track to play more than 75 dates this year. VIP packages are available for select tour dates. As a gift to his fans, Adkins is offering a physical copy of Something’s Going On with each ticket order. Visit www.traceadkins.com for full details. Trace Adkins 2017 Tour Dates: Event Venue Date/Time Grand Ole Opry: Trace Adkins, Chris Janson, Kristian Bush, Luke Combs & Ricky Skaggs Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN Tuesday 3/21/2017 7:00 PM Continue reading Trace Adkins Celebrates Release of “Watered Down” on “Today”

Steve Moakler’s SiriusXM inaugural “Highway Finds Tour” launches  Thursday, March 16

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Breakout country artist who appeared on more than 20 Ones to Watch 2016 lists including CMT, Huffington Post, Nashville Lifestyles, Rolling Stone Country and more, Steve Moakler, will kick off his headlining SiriusXM-backed The Highway Finds Tour today, Thursday, March 16. Just four hours later the “in demand” (Taste of Country) singer/songwriter will release his fourth studio album, Steel Town, available at digital retail and streaming at midnight on Friday, March 17. The 11-track album, produced by GRAMMY Award winning songwriter/producer Luke Laird for CN Records (Creative Nation), is a compilation of songs that serve as reflections on his past, which is rooted in Pittsburgh. “Honestly, they don’t make a lot of steel in Pittsburgh anymore,” said Moakler.  “They made so much at one time though, that I’m convinced that spirit and resilience is still left over in the people.” Moakler continues, “Whether it’s true or not, there are times in life when it’s helpful to believe that maybe you have some steel in you. That’s really the spirit that inspired this album and what drives me to keep pressing on, building my career and making music that I can share with fans. I’m so grateful to have grown up in a place with tenacity in its bones, and that’s why I named this album Steel Town.” Moakler co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks along with the help of critically-acclaimed co-writers Andy Albert, Marshall Altman, Cary Barlowe, Casey Beathard, Dave Berg, Sarah Buxton, Chad Cates, Barry Dean, Luke Laird, Gordie Sampson, Caitlyn Smith and Daniel Tashian, and includes SiriusXM’s “The Highway” hit and Moakler’s first single, “Suitcase” written by Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Thomas Rhett. Moakler’s latest offering and third single “Wheels” is available at SiriusXM’s “The Highway” now and is the follow-up single to fan-favorite, “Love Drunk.” The Highway Finds Tour kicks off today, Thursday, March 16 in Charlotte, N.C. at The Underground and serves as the “perfect” way to celebrate the release of his new album, according to Moakler. “This is will be our fourth headline spring tour in a row and it’s been really gratifying to watch the crowds grow every year,” said Moakler.  “Now, partnering with SiriusXM “The Highway,” Drew Baldridge and Smithfield, I anticipate this being our most exciting show yet.” Moakler first established his foothold as a songwriter with cuts by Ashley Monroe (“If Love Was Fair”), Jake Owen (“Surefire Feeling”), Ben Rector (“Without You”) and Dierks Bentley (“Riser”) and has earned recognition by more than 20 outlets as an “artist to watch,” including CMT, Huffington Post, Nashville Lifestyles, Rolling Stone Country and more. For more information about his upcoming album and tour, visit stevemoakler.com. Steel Town Track Listing: 1. “Steel Town” (Steve Moakler / Casey Beathard) 2. “Suitcase” (Barry Dean / Luke Laird / Thomas Rhett) 3. “Jealous Girl” (Steve Moakler / Daniel Tashian) 4. “Summer Without Her” (Steve Moakler / Sarah Buxton) 5. “Love Drunk” (Steve Moakler / Cary Barlowe / Gordie Sampson) 6. “Hearts Don’t Break That Way” (Steve Moakler / Marshall Altman Continue reading Steve Moakler’s SiriusXM inaugural “Highway Finds Tour” launches  Thursday, March 16

Yonder Mountain String Band Announces Live Album: Mountain Tracks: Vol. 6

Yonder Mountain String Band

“Mountain Tracks 6 is a collection of live songs from the first half of our 2016 touring year.  It’s been a long time since we’ve released a hard copy of a live show, but we’ve received a lot of requests over the past couple of years.  We were happy to oblige.  Hope you enjoy it!” – Adam Aijala Turn up the volume and move the coffee table out of the way. Yonder Mountain String Band is thrilled to announce the first Mountain Tracks release since 2008.  Mountain Tracks: Vol. 6 features the best performances from recent shows and is full of some of the band’s favorite jams including Yonder originals, “Black Sheep” and “I’m Lost”, plus covers of “Sister Golden Hair” by America and Blind Melon’s “No Rain,” and more! Enjoy early release copies available in the Yonder online store NOW or stop by the band’s merch table to pick up your copy during Spring Tour.  On iTunes and Spotify April 7th.   Mountain Tracks: Vol. 6 Track Listing   Around You 2. Black Sheep 3. Sister Golden Hair 4. I’m Lost 5.  Pass This Way > E.M.D. > Pass This Way 6. No Rain 7. Drawing A Melody > Summer In The City > Drawing A Melody     YMSB SPRING TOUR 3/15 @ The Depot | Salt Lake City, UT 3/16 @ Pink Garter Theatre | Jackson Hole, WY 3/17 @ The Pub Station | Billings, MT 3/18 @ The Wilma | Missoula, MT 3/19 @ Knitting Factory | Boise, ID 3/22 @ The Hive | Sandpoint, ID 3/23 @ The Showbox | Seattle, WA 3/24 @ Crystal Ballroom | Portland, OR 3/25 @ McDonald Theatre | Eugene, OR 3/26 @ Rogue Theatre | Grants Pass, OR 3/29 @ Miners Foundry Cultural Center | Nevada City, CA 3/30 @ Golden State Theatre | Monterey, CA 3/31-4/1 @ WinterWonderGrass | Squaw Valley, CA 4/1 & 4/2 @ The Independent | San Francisco, CA 4/5 @ Harlow’s | Sacramento, CA 4/6 @ Belly Up Tavern | Solana Beach, CA 4/7 @ Troubadour | West Hollywood, CA 4/8 @ Orpheum Theater | Flagstaff, AZ all dates and news at yondermountain.com

Charles Kelley to Host ACM Lifting Lives® Golf Classic / April 1 – Las Vegas

ACM Awards on Country Music News Blog

The Academy of Country Music® announced today that for the first time Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum will host the ACM Lifting Lives® Golf Classic at TPC Las Vegas on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need within the music industry. The “scramble” style golf tournament, being held for the sixth consecutive year at TPC Las Vegas, was initially created to meet the need for a charitable event to connect fans, sponsors and donors with industry insiders and artists. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need within the music industry. Established by former Academy of Country Music and ACM Lifting Lives Board Chair Gayle Holcomb, in honor of her mother, the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund responds quickly to unforeseen, immediate financial needs of music related organizations and individuals. Since its inception in 2007, the Fund has distributed more than $500,000. [bctt tweet=”TWEET: .@charleskelleyla announced as host of 2017 ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 1″ username=”CMNBlog”] “I’ve been able to participate in the ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic tournament for the past couple of years, so I’m looking forward to stepping back up onto green again this year,” said Kelley. “Getting together with my buddies to play a round in Vegas is always the perfect way to head into the award show, especially when it’s also for a good cause.” The ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic will take place during the highly-anticipated “The Week Vegas Goes Country®,” including the 5th Annual ACM Party for a Cause® taking place March 30 – April 2, 2017 surrounding the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, which will broadcast LIVE for the first time ever from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. About Charles Kelley With more than 18 million units sold, Charles Kelley is one-third of seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning group Lady Antebellum. Having earned nine No. one hits at Country radio, the trio continues their success currently climbing the Country radio charts with their lead single “You Look Good” off their forthcoming sixth studio album HEART BREAK (Capitol Nashville), available June 9. After taking time to pursue solo projects that earned Kelley a GRAMMY nomination, he, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood simultaneously share plans to return to the road on May 26th with more than 65 shows planned in six countries on their YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR, presented by Nabisco.  In addition to his success as party of Lady A, Kelley has also penned chart-topping hits recorded by Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker. For more information on new music, a full list of upcoming tour dates and more, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.  

CODY JOHNSON MAKES TRIUMPHANT DEBUT AT RODEOHOUSTON WITH OVER 60,000 FANS SINGING TO HIM IN CHORUS

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Wednesday night touring powerhouse Cody Johnson made his debut as headliner at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™.  Johnson moved over 7,500 hard tickets in less than 48 hours immediately following the announcement that he had been added to the bill.  In front of a crowd of over 60,000, Johnson turned in an electrifying set that whipped the audience into a frenzy and an hour long singalong.  Fans burst into song numerous times during his set that included classics “Me And My Kind,” and his current Billboard single “With You I Am.”   When Johnson sang his breakout hit “Texas Kind Of Way” the deafening and over-the-top response from the crowd literally stopped Johnson in his tracks and brought him to tears. Johnson was truly moved, “I’ve been wanting to play here my whole life.  For a kid who grew up in the shadow of the Astrodome…it’s a dream come true.  It’s pretty surreal to get the call.”  In true cowboy style, and the delight of a smitten crowd, Johnson took a page out of George Strait’s book riding out of the stadium on horseback. Rave reviews have been pouring in online from fans, the media and promoters. “Cody Johnson was incredible at his Rodeo Houston debut! His performance surpasses his reputation!” –  Jason Kane, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Managing Dir. – Entertainment & Concert Production “He has a raspy mumble of a voice that at times echoed George Jones. It adds a layer of sincerity to his songs, including “I Ain’t Going Nowhere Baby,” “Ride With Me” and “The Only One I Know (Cowboy Life).”  The former rodeo rider and prison guard made the most of the opportunity and turned NRG Stadium into the world’s biggest Honky Tonk.” – Houston Chronicle “Center stage at RodeoHouston can be an intimidating prospect for even the most seasoned performers. So to be ready to take that stage for the very first time with less than 48 hours notice is a tall order indeed.  Cody not only stepped up to that challenge, but he displayed an ease and comfort in entertaining 60,000 people that made it look like he’s been on that stage dozens of times before.  Exiting the arena on horseback, he left those in attendance with the kind of concert experience that will be talked about for years to come and those who weren’t wishing they’d been there to see it in person.” – Chris Huff, Assistant Program Dir./Music Dir. 100.3 The Bull About Cody Johnson:  Johnson has been streamed over 160 million times in the last 12 months.  In the last year and a half the singer has sold over 65,000 albums, 300,000 singles and over 500,000 hard tickets to his concerts.  His explosive live shows recently landed Johnson the coveted cover of Pollstar magazine. His latest album Gotta Be Me made its debut at #1 on the iTunes Country album chart and #2 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart.  His music has earned critical acclaim from:  Rolling Stone, People, Billboard, Southern Living, Pollstar  and The New York Times among countless others. Continue reading CODY JOHNSON MAKES TRIUMPHANT DEBUT AT RODEOHOUSTON WITH OVER 60,000 FANS SINGING TO HIM IN CHORUS

Todd Albright EP Detroit Twelve String Blues & Rags

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Third Man Records is proud to announce the official release of Todd Albright‘s EP: DETROIT TWELVE STRING BLUES & RAGS. Available today for purchase on ThirdManStore.com, in your local record store, and on streaming services, Todd Albright’s new album is sure to delight! If you’re in the Detroit area, stop by Third Man Records Cass Corridor and pick up a Limited Edition vinyl today! Recorded by Kenny Tudrick at The Black River House in Croswell, MI., Todd Albright’s EP brings back to life the old-school Delta Blues, 12-string style of guitar playing once heard by the masters, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Sylvester Weaver, and Skip James. Featuring tunes by Blind Willie McTell, George Carter, and Leadbelly, Todd’s ability to recreate a tale told decades ago is worth every minute of your time. Check out “Kill It Kid” off his new album HERE. [bctt tweet=”Stay tuned on socials @ThirdManRecords and @ToddAlbrightMusic for updates on Todd’s spring and summer touring schedule.” username=”CMNBlog”] Upcoming Dates: 3/16 @ Luck Reunion via Third Man Records’ Rolling Record Store PA 3/18 Austin, TX @ Third Man Records Showcase at The Yeti HQ (SXSW) 4/27 – 4/30 Wilkesboro, NC @ MerleFest   ThirdManRecords.com

George Strait to Make History with Next Chapter, Beginning April 7

30 No. 1’s Friday, April 7 and 30 No. 1’s Saturday, April 8 + fan-favorite hits including “Amarillo By Morning” and “Troubadour” for one weekend only at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With a North American record-setting final tour stop sell-out at AT&T Stadium on his The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, 104,793 fans helped multiple ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year George Strait bring one chapter of his inimitable touring career to a close, but the book is far from over for the iconic artist who continues to rank among country music’s most-streamed artists, logging more than four billion audio streams and counting as of this week. In 2015, Strait revealed he would perform a series of exclusive worldwide engagements at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas that commenced last April and continue through 2017, including his most recent sold-out dates with Kacey Musgraves. The two Texans closed the Strait To Vegas shows by playing for a capacity crowd of more than 33,000 people between Feb. 17 and 18. During the closing weekend, Musgraves sat down with Strait to ask him fan-submitted questions via Facebook Live, where he shared things like his bucket list item of fishing in Cuba and his first memory of playing in Las Vegas. But the primary question on every fan’s mind was: “What is the future of his live concerts?” Strait answered their question: the reputable country star revealed that his exclusive performances in Las Vegas will continue — with a twist. Strait has announced that he will shake things up with an unprecedented two nights of No. 1’s beginning with his April 7-8 shows. With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts during the span of his career and more than 283,000 fans streaming Strait’s “60 #1 Hits” playlist on Spotify every month, the King of Country wanted to share these radio hits plus several fan-favorites such as “Amarillo By Morning” and “Troubadour” that, surprisingly to many, never reached No. 1. During Strait’s upcoming 2 Nights of Number 1’s, he will play 30 No. 1 hits Friday, April 7 and 30 No. 1 hits Saturday, April 8, in addition to those “can’t miss” classics. “I think some fans would throw something at me if I didn’t play those,” Strait noted with his signature grin. “We’re going to try this out in April and change it up for those shows, then see how it goes. It’s important to me to hear what the fans think and take it from there.” Strait elaborated,”We’re going to be rehearsing, I would say 25 songs that we haven’t played in years, so this should be fun!” Speaking of hits, his Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 is available now. The impressive three-disc, 56-track collection features 36 hit singles – including 26 No. 1’s – plus two new songs co-written by Strait, along with 18 choice album cuts. Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 spans 20 years of Strait’s career from 1996 to 2016 and follows the highly successful, 8x Platinum-selling 1995 release, Strait Out of the Box. Ticketing information is available at StraitToVegas.com.

TIN PAN SOUTH 2017 PERFORMERS & SCHEDULE RELEASED

25th Anniversary Features Over 400 Writers #TINPANSOUTH25 Organizers of The 25th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Presented by Regions Bank pulled out all stops for the Silver Anniversary, and the 100 shows and more than 400 writers have been announced and are now available at TinPanSouth.com. Set for March 28-April 1, 2017, writers representing virtually every genre will perform at 10 of Nashville’s top music venues. CMA Vocal Duo of the Year winners Brothers Osborne will entertain at 3rd & Lindsley, and “Nashville” television show stars Charles Esten, Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen will appear at the Hard Rock Cafe and The Listening Room Cafe, respectively. Grammy Award-winner Keb’ Mo’ will bring his unique Blues style to The Country, and Rock legend Jim Peterik returns to perform at Whiskey Rhythm. Country hitmakers Jake Owen, Craig Campbell, Maddie & Tae, Danielle Bradbery, Mo Pitney, Kristian Bush, Love and Theft, Mickey Guyton, Luke Combs and others will hit various stages, and legends like Larry Gatlin, Lee Roy Parnell and Mac Davis will tell fascinating stories behind their biggest hits. After a two-year absence, BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year, producer, music publisher, author, Broadway performer and TV personality Kara DioGuardi is set to perform. Dove and Emmy Award winner Brandon Heath will delight with his story telling, and former Sixpence leader Leigh Nash returns to Tin Pan. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on April 1, 1967, the museum is offering Fast Access Pass holders free admission on Saturday, April 1. 2017. The Tin Pan South Fast Access Passes permit patrons to bypass the cover charge at the door and allow advance entrance, space permitting. Most venues offer cash admission for individual shows not already at the posted capacity, and single show tickets will be available at the door and range from $­10 – 20. The free Tin Pan South Festival App is now available for IOS and Android devices and features: The ability to add individual events to a personal schedule; News and social media feeds to stay informed of festival happenings; Real-time notifications on the status of show changes; Festival map and venue information; Explore Music City with a list of landmark recommendations. Tin Pan South is set to run March 28-April 1, 2017 at 10 of Nashville’s top music venues.Produced by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Regions Bank returns for the tenth year as the presenting partner of the Festival. For up-to-date lineups, tickets, venues, schedules and other festival information, download the Festival App or visit tinpansouth.com. Updates can also be found on the Tin Pan South Facebookpage, Twitterand Instagram. The Tin Pan South program will be published in the March 22, 2017 issue of the “Nashville Scene.” Organizers of the 25th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival would like to thank the following Platinum and Gold Corporate Partners: Regions Bank – Presenting Partner Southwest Airlines – Official Airline Partner News Channel 5 – Official Broadcast Partner Vident Continue reading TIN PAN SOUTH 2017 PERFORMERS & SCHEDULE RELEASED

Australian Country Music Festival, CMC Rocks Queensland, Sells Out 10th Anniversary Event

CMC Rocks

While celebrating its 10th Anniversary, CMC Rocks Queensland has sold out for its second consecutive year. The Australia-based Country music festival will host more than 15,000 music lovers across three days at Willowbank, with headline performances from Dixie Chicks, Little Big Town, Kip Moore and local stars Lee Kernaghan and Morgan Evans, and will feature MCs Storme Warren and Mike Carr & Grizzly Adams. The festival is set for Friday, March 24, 2017 to Sunday, March 26. With expanded camping areas, an extended camper’s entertainment program, and more of the best food and beverage suppliers, CMC Rocks QLD has increased its capacity by 2,000, up from last year’s 13,000 maximum capacity crowd, and is the only country music festival to ever sell out in Australia. “It is very exciting to see the growth of Country Music around the world, and for us to have an event in Australia that truly reflects this with chart topping artists from USA, UK, Canada, NZ and Australia all performing at this year’s 10th Anniversary CMC Rocks QLD Festival”, said promoter Rob Potts. “Aussie country music fans from each State and Territory will be joined by visiting country fans from around the world; North America, UK, Europe, South East Asia, New Zealand and more, as they all come together to celebrate the best of country music at the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest international country and roots festival. Sold out for the second year in a row, Chuggi and I look forward to presenting and evolving the next ten years of CMC Rocks!” Foxtel Arts & Music Channels Manager, Fraser Stark said, “Foxtel and CMC (Country Music Channel), congratulates Rob Potts Entertainment Edge and Chugg Entertainment in securing an extraordinary line up of local and international country music artists which sees the festival go from strength to strength. We are proud of our strong partnership with CMC Rocks as it heads into its tenth successful year with Foxtel’s 7th Annual CMC Music Awards pre-empting the festival.  It is a relationship with a long standing commitment and tremendous vision to broaden this genre of music in Australia and bring the best of country music to both these live events as well as on Foxtel screens.” Music lovers will turn out in force to watch some of the biggest names in country music hit the stage. With 16 international acts playing alongside a plethora of established and up-and-coming local artists, 2017 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet. Joining Dixie Chicks (USA), Little Big Town (USA), Kip Moore (USA) and Lee Kernaghan (Australia) on 2017’s A-List international roster are Tyler Farr (USA), Craig Campbell (USA), Charles Esten (USA), Michael Ray (USA), Eric Paslay (USA), Granger Smith (USA), Drew Baldridge (USA), The Shires (UK), Ward Thomas (UK), Gord Bamford (Canada), Chris DeStefano (USA) and Brett James (USA). Local legends and rising stars round out the lineup: Morgan Evans, Adam Harvey, The McClymonts, The Wolfe Brothers, Jasmine Rae, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Brothers 3, Christie Lamb, Col Finley, Doug Bruce & Continue reading Australian Country Music Festival, CMC Rocks Queensland, Sells Out 10th Anniversary Event