Country Thunder USA 2010

Phoenix, AZ’s Country Thunder USA has moved away from NASCAR weekend to allow more fans the opportunity to attend! NEW dates for Country Thunder in Arizona now Wednesday April 14 – Saturday April 17, 2010 You don’t have to choose between Country Thunder and NASCAR! Country music fans who are also NASCAR fans will get to enjoy both passions in 2010. Country Thunder Arizona is moving to April 14-17 to avoid a head-on collision with Phoenix’s NASCAR race weekend. Our date might be changing, but our festival’s talent will be hotter and better than ever. So buckle up, brace yourselves and cowboy up Arizona country music fans, because our lineup announcement is coming soon! In the meantime, don’t miss your chance to see some of the biggest stars in Country Music for mere pennies! Right now, you can purchase a weekend pass for only $99. But there are only 2010 of these passes available, so don’t wait. Stay tuned to GAC nationally, or our sponsor stations KNIX 102.5, KIIM 92.5 or KMLE Country 108 in the coming weeks for that spectacular lineup announcement. But plan to get your tickets today – there are only 25,000 weekend passes available for 2010. Don’t get left standing at the gate – be there for the best country music festival in Arizona.Country Music Photo Gallery

Big Valley Jamboree To Return In 2010 After This Year’s Tragedy

Big Valley Jamboree will be back 2010 despite this year’s tragic loss. The annual Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, Canada will indeed return for its 18th year in 2010. This follows much debate about its return after one person was killed at this year’s event on AUGUST 1st. Strong winds from a severe storm caused the stage to collapse in the middle of Billy Currington‘s set, injuring him and several fans. Big Valley Jamboree Producer Larry Werner said: “We believe that hosting Big Valley next summer will play a vital part in the healing process for our fans, volunteers and organizers, and the entire country music community. Big Valley Jamboree is much more than a Country music festival. It is an important event for artists, the community and for country music fans. Thousands of friendships have been created over the past 17 years as Big Valley Jamboree supporters from across Canada have made the festival the highlight of their summer.” Artists confirmed for the 2010 event from JULY 29th-AUGUST 1st include Kevin Costner & Modern West and Doc Walker. For more on this story, click here.Country Music Photo Gallery

Miranda, Wynonna, and Lady Antebellum from the 2009 CMA Music Festival!

More interviews from Miranda Lambert, Wynonna, and Lady Antebellum from the 2009 CMA Music Festival! Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, and Lady Antebellum answer questions in the press room during the 2009 CMA Music Festival. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xSSJYDb1Kg] [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkqcohFgsTk] [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tnhc5LK3QO4] Be sure to watch “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” Monday, August 31st (8/7c) on ABC!

Live Interviews from the CMA Music Festival

Taylor Swift, Darius Rucker, Reba, and Dierks Bentley all join us from the CMA Music Festival press room! The 2009 CMA Music Festival certainly is ggoing to live up to the slogan “Country’s night to rock!” as artists like Julianne Hough, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, and more get fans pumped up for the show. Take an inside peek at the festivities as you join ABC in the press room! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPUAhpEgVb8] [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKljcIzdKME] [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNa3BAcs7XE] [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVaWvNosRNg] Be sure to watch “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” Monday, August 31st (8/7c) on ABC!Country Music Photo Gallery

Noise!

The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation’s prestigious one-of-a-kind music camp, NOISE! is happening right now in Music City. High school students from all across the United States were selected specifically based on merit and talent to attend NOISE! The students, ranging in age from 15-18, have high hopes of a career in the music industry and this camp is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn about the biz. At NOISE! students learn from a wide range of role models including artist managers, record label producers, music critics, audio architects and other industry insiders. They have the opportunity to create career plans, take field trips and show off their talent. Music industry professionals in Music City are volunteering their time this week to mentor the attendees and give presentations on their expertise in the industry. Professionals participating include: Rod Essig (Creative Artist Agency), Michael Knox (Producer/Jason Aldean, among others), Peter Zavadil (Award winning music video director), Mark Mason (Sr. Dir., Writer Publisher Relations, BMI), Jim Zumwalt (Entertainment Attorney), Alan Mayor (Celebrity/Music Industry Photographer), Hal Hassell (Digital Technology), Rob Blackledge (One Revolution Entertainment), Richard Orga (Black Ink Music Publishing), Chris Wallen(Multi – Hit Songwriter), Teena Camp (TSC Marketing) and Vanessa Parker-Davis (Splash! PR). “I had a blast visiting with the kids attending NOISE! Their excitement about the industry was very inspiring to me. I wish there had been an opportunity like this for me when I was their age,” said Michael Knox, Producer for country hit maker Jason Aldean and others. NOISE! student attendees are also visiting music industry businesses including; CMT, Capitol Records, Ocean Way Studios, BMI, Clear Channel Studios, Belmont University, Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, The Wildhorse Saloon, among others. At the end of their experience with NOISE! student attendees will have an opportunity to show off what they’ve learned on the last day of the music camp where they will make presentations in their particular field of interest. There will also be a special VIP reception for attendees and industry volunteers for an opportunity for the students to further connect with their mentors. Sponsors for NOISE! 2009 in Music City USA include: Best Buy Musical Instruments Store, Matchless Transportation Services, South Central Sound, BB&T, © 2008 Taylor Guitars, The Loveless Café, Loews Vanderbilt Plaza and Sambuca restaurant in Nashville, TN. The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation was established as a 501(c )3 non-profit public charity organization in 1998 by Muzak LLC. The Foundation’s mission is to redefine and expand the scope of music education. The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation helps students turn their passion for music into real world opportunities – by providing teens with new and exciting programs focused on all aspects of the music business. To learn more visit us online at www.Heart.Muzak.com or call us at 803.396.3512. Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation can be found on Facebook under the “causes” app. Facebook members can also request to join the Noise! 2009 group on the social networking site. Additionally, a MySpace Continue reading Noise!

Townes Van Zandt Documentary – Be Here To Love Me

Watch the stunning and award winning Townes Van Zandt documentary courtesy of Snagfilms.com “Be Here to Love Me,” chronicles the fascinating and often turbulent life of Townes Van Zandt with a simple unpredictability that mimics the way the artist lived his short life. The documentary features family and acquaintances such as Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle and Guy Clark with rare footage of Van Zandt at home and on the stage. SnagFilms is a different kind of movie website where you can watch full-length indie films and documentaries for free, and even embed the films into your own blogs and websites. Each film is paired with a non-profit charity, often of the directors choice, so every movie you share helps not only spread the documentary’s message, but also supports a relevant cause! Become a filmanthropist and visit SnagFilms today!Country Music Photo Gallery

Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival Tour Review

Kenny Chesney played to a sold out arena Saturday night at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. The audience was mostly ladies, several decked out in cut off jean shorts and cowboy boots. Also noticeable were quite a few men who could easily be categorized as “Parrot Heads” aka Jimmy Buffett fans, who wore button down tropical shirts. The crowd was explosive as Kenny made his entrance on a flying chair of sorts during the first song, “She Thinks My Tractor is Sexy.” He swung in just barely out of reach of the audience. After taking his place on the stage, the songs seemed to fly by. Kenny didn’t spend a much time between songs interacting with the audience which was a slight letdown. The energy of the show was great though and lasted throughout his entire performance, which ran a little less than two hours. Highlights of the show included “Don’t Happen Twice,” “Beer in Mexico,” and “Back Where I Come From,” in which the large screen behind the stage featured several photographs of Missouri, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals. Backing Kenny was a large band which included a four-piece horn section. The music was a great mix of classic rock, country, and pop music. Kenny included quite a few covers in his set, ending the show with “Jack and Diane” prior to the encore. For the encore, Kenny sang “Don’t Blink” and then the band played “Carry on My Wayward Son” by Kansas while he signed autographs before exiting the stage. Kenny Chesney Setlist: She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy Live Those Songs Summertime Beer in Mexico Keg in the Closet Out Last Night Big Star No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems I Go Back Anything But Mine Down The Road Me and You There Goes My Life Living In Fast Forward Young Never Wanted Nothing More Back Where I Come From Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven When The Sun Goes Down Don’t Happen Twice Jack and Diane Encore: Don’t Blink Erin Coleman is an independent guest writer for CMNB. We look forward to many more interviews and reviews!Country Music Photo Gallery

Summerfest, Beale ST, and CMA Music Festival!

Summer’s comin’ and that means more outdoor music festivals than you can shake a stick at! Summerfest: Milwaukee, WI holds the World’s Largest Music Festival: 11 days, 11 stages, Over 700 bands. Headliners include Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, The OffSpring, Talib Kweli, Keith Urban, Barenaked Ladies, Sara Evans, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Bon Jovi, George Strait, Lupe Fiasco, Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Buddy Guy, Bob Dylan, Asher Roth STS9, Jason Aldean, No Doubt feat Paramore, Matisyahu, Guster, The Roots, Gavin DeGraw, The Fray, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kevin Rudolph. Beale St. Music Festival: To the world, Memphis, TN means great music. Music lovers from around the globe gather at the Beale Street Music Festival to celebrate this vital heritage, this deep river of sound. Three magical days. Four big stages. More than sixty top acts. One outrageous weekend on thirty-three acres overlooking the Mighty Mississippi, right on the heels of historic Beale Street. CMA Music Festival 2009: CMA Music Festival is unique among music festivals. It is a four-day celebration of America’s music that features artist/fan interaction, autograph signings, photo opportunities, more than 100 hours of concerts, family activities and much more.Country Music Photo Gallery

Sticks Country Music Festival 2009 – Discount Tickets

The organizers at Sticks Country Music Festival know times are hard, and want to help you stretch your dollar the furthest! Sticks Country Music Festival is now offering single-day passes for those who can’t afford the cost or the time off work for the whole weekend.  The festival runs April 17th and 18th, and includes acts like Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, Rodney Atkins, Ashton Shepherd, Julianne Hough, Gretchen Wilson, Craig Morgan, Jason Michael Carroll,and many more! $35 Friday only (5 acts + Festival Stge w/local bands) $55 Saturday only (10 acts + Festival Stage w/local bands) $79 Two day pass (With Discount Code CMNB09)! See it all AND get free camping (optional) Country Music Photo Gallery