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Huge Success for Nashville’s Premier Charity Event Annual Waiting for Wishes

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Halfway to Hazard

Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and Kevin Carter Held their Annual Celebrity Waiters Dinner and Official After-Party “Jammin’ with Jay DeMarcus & Friends” on Tuesday night. Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and co-host, NFL veteran and Super Bowl Champion, Kevin Carter held their 17th Annual Waiting for Wishes Celebrity Waiters Dinner at The Palm Restaurant on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. The sold-out event raised an estimated $150,000 for The Kevin Carter Foundation andMake-A-Wish® Middle Tennessee. The event has become Nashville’s premier celebrity event, making national news, raising more than $2.2 million for charity since its inception in 2002. Kevin Carter, Make-A-Wish Ambassador Kayden, Jay DeMarcus The sold-out celebrity event was an exclusive, VIP evening where Carter and DeMarcus invited an eclectic mix of celebrities from all over the country to take over The Palm as servers before they headed over toWhiskey Row for the Official After-Party – Jammin’ with Jay DeMarcus & Friends.   The event, presented by The Campbell Family Foundation and HCA, continues to be one of the most unique celebrity events in the country and is considered a “must attend” event for patrons and participants alike. Nearly fifty celebrities joined in to wait tables, sign autographs and perform at the after-party. This year’s cast of unexpected celebrities included Fox News Channel’s Dana Perino and Jesse Watters, the Chrisley Family from USA Network Chrisley Knows Best as well as sports icons like U.S. Olympians Matt Hamilton (Curlers), Kendall Coyne and Lee Stecklein (Women’s Hockey) and Lloyd Eisler (Ice Skating), NFL stars Jared Allen, Cris Collinsworth and Marcus Mariota, UFC/MMA Champions Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz as well as music stars like Hunter Hayes just to name a few. In 2012 “Waiting for Wishes” expanded to include an Official After-Party – “Jammin’ with Jay DeMarcus & Friends.” The informal jam session is an opportunity to create incredible “Only in Nashville” type moments on stage with SiriusXM’s Storme Warren serving as emcee.  This year was no different as a unique group of musicians jumped on stage with Jay DeMarcus to include band member Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts), Tommy Thayer (KISS), Jason Scheff (Chicago), Jason Fitz (formerly with The Band Perry) and country artists Halfway to Hazard and Jillian Cardarelli. Jason Fitz, Yankton, Jason Scheff and Jay DeMarcus  “I am again so grateful to be able to continue to host this event in Nashville,” said Kevin Carter. “I’m thankful to my co-host Jay DeMarcus and the unbelievable celebrities that show up to wait tables for our patrons each year. I am humbled when I think about how many wishes we’ve been able to grant for children with life-threatening illnesses through our fundraising efforts and this event for the past sixteen years and now adding more funds to continue to provide hope.” The event is sponsored by The Campbell Family Foundation, HCA, The Band Foundation, Aon, PAR, Tennessee Titans, The Hilton Downtown Nashville, Empire Distributors, DET Distributing, Donatos Pizza, Trattoria IL Mulino, Nashville Lifestyles, RJ Young, The Palm, Matchless Transportation, Whiskey Row, Ego Design, Lipman, Jewelbox and Continue reading Huge Success for Nashville’s Premier Charity Event Annual Waiting for Wishes→

Brantley Gilbert Honors “Waffle House Hero” James Shaw Jr.

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Symphony Rehearsal for May 4 Ascend Concert Date Turns into Announcement for Waffle House Shooting Benefit T-Shirt James Shaw Jr. & Brennan McMurray Join Gilbert Dashboard Confessional Also Selling I Believe in Heroism T-Shirts at May 11 Ryman Show For Brantley Gilbert, playing with a symphony orchestra is unusual enough. But when the CMA Awards Song of the Year nominee heard about the shooting at a Nashville Waffle House, he knew he wanted to do something to honor James Shaw Jr. — the 29-year-old man who disarmed the shooter and has already started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the victims’ families. “When you see someone like James, who just jumped up and did what he did – and you think about the lives he saved, you realize what a special kind of guy he is,” Gilbert says. “I called my manager, Rich Egan, who heads up the I Believe In Nashville coalition, and asked if there was any way we could do something that would shine a light and remind everyone that heroes can be real life people. We came up with the idea of creating ‘I Believe in Heroism’ t-shirts that we will sell at our May 4th Nashville show and give the proceeds to James.” Joining Gilbert at the impromptu press conference was Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba, who will also be selling the shirts at his May 11 appearance at the Ryman Auditorium. The acclaimed singer/songwriter told the assembled media, “If you can’t get to a show, visit www.IBelieveInNashville.com and you can get the shirt, or donate to the GoFundMe pages set up for James and the families of the victims.” Gilbert spoke of wanting to give back, to recognize these men as a way to inspire others to see their own inner hero. For the hardcore rock country star from South Georgia, it is the inspiration that will help us all make the world a much a better place. “Bad people do bad things,” he offers. “But good people can do great things. Talking to James before we got up here, he said he’s not a superhero, he’s just a regular person. But I think there has to be some hero inside, that’s where that kind of bravery comes from.” Brantley Gilbert established himself as a voice of the hardcore, hardworking American from his debut single, the No. 1 “Country Must Be Country Wide.” With a strong commitment to rocking hard, reaching deep and pushing Nashville’s boundaries, the man lauded by Entertainment Weekly for “swaggering guitars, catchy hooks, and a DGAF attitude” and Rolling Stone.com as “a brooding, hip-hop influenced rocker” continues working to honor and support the people who dig in and make our world better. “When it’s not about me, that’s when I’m happiest.” Gilbert says. “More than that, when it’s about somebody who was brave, and we can honor them a little, that’s when it’s really good. To me, I can’t wait to play with the Symphony, but I’m really stoked to be here today with someone like James.”

Watch Now: Cole Swindell – Somebody’s Been Drinkin

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Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

Cole Swindell is back with a brand new track and it’s all about those long lonely nights with “Somebody’s Been Drinkin”. Take a listen and a look at the video below and let us know what you think. Cole’s latest single “Break Up In The End” is out now! Get it here: http://wmna.sh/cs_buite Download or stream all of Cole’s music: iTunes: https://wmna.sh/coleswindell_itunes Spotify: https://wmna.sh/coleswindell_sp Follow Cole on social media: Website: https://wmna.sh/coleswindell Facebook: https://wmna.sh/coleswindell_fb Twitter: https://wmna.sh/coleswindell_tw Instagram: https://wmna.sh/coleswindell_ig

Debate: Country Stars and Politics – Should Shania Twain Be Getting Flamed?

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Shania Twain on Country Music News Blog

Now normally we like to stay OUT of the political realm, but after seeing a handful of artists careers permanently damaged over single comments made (:cough: Dixie Chicks :cough cough:) we’re left to wonder how our readers really feel. Recently Shania Twain gave an interview to The Guardian in which she revealed that she would have voted for Donald Trump if she were an American Citizen, and the amount of hateful backlash from the internet had her backpaddling faster than a Niagara Falls barrel rider with second thoughts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHpDyCt3nSw Our question to you: How SHOULD celebrities handle political questions in interviews? Should they “shut up and sing” or should their opinion still be considered with the weight of one, just like any other person? “If she could have her time over again, I ask, would she choose what she has now? “I would never choose for my son’s family to be broken,” she says instantly. “I would be one of those people who would keep my marriage together for my child … I tried to keep Mutt.” She says it goes back to her own childhood. “Look at my situation. My parents could have killed each other. Maybe we would have been better off in foster homes, but I decided not to turn my family in, many times. There is something in me that says a family should stay together.”   It is not the only way in which she expresses her conservatism. If she had been able to vote in the US election, she would have plumped for Donald Trump, she says. “I would have voted for him because, even though he was offensive, he seemed honest. Do you want straight or polite? Not that you shouldn’t be able to have both. If I were voting, I just don’t want bullshit. I would have voted for a feeling that it was transparent. And politics has a reputation of not being that, right?”   She sips on her hot water and honey. That is more than enough talking for one day.” – The Guardian

Terra Bella Announces New Album There’s A Country Song with Release Party on 5/2

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Terra Bella News

The husband-and-wife country duo, Terra Bella, has announced that their highly-anticipated new album There’s A Country Song will be released to all digital platforms on May 1st with a celebration to take place at Dawg House Saloon (1522 Demonbreun St.) in Nashville on May 2ndfrom 7-8:30 p.m. The album is currently available for pre-order including the previously released single “Before You” and “Wild One” as immediate downloads.   Listed as “One To Watch” by Billboard earlier this year, the authenticity of Terra Bella’s Central California roots, communicative storytelling and beautiful harmonies are more prevalent than ever on their first full-length project. Attendees of the release party are to witness this first-hand as the pair will exclusively perform the album from start to finish alongside the studio musicians heard on the recording. The entire project was self-recorded by Terra Bella’s male counterpart, Joe Costa, from the comfort of their home studio. Costa also shares production credit with lead guitarist Johnny Garcia (Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood). Terra Bella plans to complete a radio tour in support of focal track “Wild One” as well as a number of regular dates across the country including Fort Campbell’s Annual 4th of July Celebration in Kentucky. There’s A Country Song Track Listing: 1. Middle Of Nowhere USA (Joe Costa, Dustin Huff) 2. Wild One (Joe Costa, Lisa Daye) 3. Get Lost (Joe Costa, Martina Costa, Tyler King) 4. Before You (Joe Costa, Rob Williford) 5. There’s A Country Song (Joe Costa, Lisa Daye, Dustin Huff) 6. Love Thing (Joe Costa, Martina Costa, Marv Green) 7. Honky Tonk Saturday Night ( Joe Costa, Lisa Daye) 8. Good News (Joe Costa, Lisa Daye, Curt Collins, David Reuter) 9. Get Back to Me (Joe Costa) Words of Praise: “Terra Bella is an unparalleled soul. This record reminds me that sensational music can still be made.” — Johnny Garcia, Producer/Publisher/Guitarist “There’s a definite throwback vibe that is reminiscent of a lot of what made the ’80s so unforgettable on country radio. She has the heartfelt quality of a Patty Loveless, while he borrows from the Haggard/Jones school.” — Chuck Dauphin, Billboard “If you love Country music, you need this album. Terra Bella is a dynamic husband-and-wife duo with beautiful harmonies and an unrivaled passion that shines through in every song. On top of it all, they are damn good people. Get this album, you won’t regret it!” — Kevin Blue, Country Rebel “Terra Bella’s new album is so refreshing. They take me back to growing up in the early ’90s sitting on my grandmother’s front porch, listening to great storytelling songs… pure, raw, emotion. An excellent album from top to bottom; you’ll never have to hit the ‘next’ button.” — Chris Ladd, Home Page Media Group “A force to be reckoned with. This is what modern Country music is supposed to be.”​ — Pepper Daniels, KKJG San Luis Obispo, CA About Terra Bella: Ranchers. Musicians. Married. Joseph (“Joe”) and Martina Costa are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo from California’s San Joaquin Continue reading Terra Bella Announces New Album There’s A Country Song with Release Party on 5/2→

Help St. Jude and Win Dream Home, Luke Bryan & Sam Hunt Tickets and More!

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Tulsa St Jude Dream Home

Construction is nearly complete on a gorgeous 4,000+ square foot dream home valued at over $600,000 near Tulsa, Oklahoma and it could be yours for the cost of a single $100 raffle ticket! Get your ticket by April 27 to be eligible to win a trip to see Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt in concert (Courtesy of K95.5) Proceeds from ticket sales for the 2018 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway will help children battling cancer and other deadly diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for anything. St. Jude covers the cost of transportation, food, treatment and lodging. And, for every child treated at the hospital, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. This year’s sponsors include: Epic Custom Homes, FOX23, Stone Canyon, Mix 96.5, Tulsa World, TulsaPeople, FFO Home, Route 66 Chevrolet, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, and national Sponsors, Brizo, Shaw Floors, Trane and Bosch. The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is a 26-year tradition that is now one of the largest singleevent fundraisers for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital nationwide. To date, more than 420 houses have been awarded and the program has raised over $350 million for St. Jude. The daily operating cost for the research hospital is $2 million, which is primarily covered by public contributions. For more information visit dreamhome.org

Blair Garner, Kimberly Williams-Paisley To Host Second Annual ‘Dance Party To End Alz’

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Brad Paisley on Country Music News Blog

“THE BLAIR GARNER SHOW” host BLAIR GARNER and actress/author KIMBERLY WILLIAMS-PAISLEY will team up to host the second annual “DANCE PARTY TO END ALZ” on SUNDAY, JUNE 3rd at NASHVILLE’s WILDHORSE SALOON to benefit the ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION. This year’s event will include performances of 80s hits by BRAD PAISLEY, CHRIS YOUNG, LINDSAY ELL, CHARLES ESTEN, and more to be announced. Pre-sale tickets will be available on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18th at 11a (CT), and tickets go on sale to the general public this FRIDAY, APRIL 20th at 11a (CT) here. “We were thrilled by the success of last year’s ‘DANCE PARYT TO END ALZ,’ where we grooved to hits from the 70s. We’re excited to make this an annual event and bring the 80s to NASHVILLE this year,” said WILLIAMS-PAISLEY. “It is so inspiring to see the Country music community rally around the Alzheimer’s cause, which is very important to our family and millions across the country. We are more motivated than ever to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research that will ultimately change the course of this disease for so many.”

Carrie Underwood to Release “Cry Pretty” Album September 14th

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Carrie Underwood Cry Pretty

Lead Single and Title Track is No.1 Most Added Single at Country Radio and Has Already Topped iTunes Top Songs Charts in 12 Countries Multi-platinum global superstar Carrie Underwood will release Cry Pretty, her first studio album on Capitol Records Nashville on September 14.  The title track and lead single was released worldwide on April 11 and is the most added song at Country radio this week.  “Cry Pretty” has already topped the iTunes Top Songs charts in 12 countries and quickly racked up over 1.3 million streams in the U.S. with only two days of reporting. In addition to co-writing the single with Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, and Liz Rose (aka The Love Junkies), Carrie is co-producing her album with fellow writer/producer David Garcia. Underwood says, “At this point in my career, I feel stronger and more creative than ever.  I think you can hear that in this new album.  It’s emotional, it’s soulful, it’s real, and we also have some fun on there too.  I hope everyone loves it as much as I have loved making it.” On Sunday night at the 53rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards™, Underwood took home her 14th career ACM Award for Vocal Event of the Year for “The Fighter,” her collaboration with Keith Urban, after bringing the audience to their feet with her emotional performance of “Cry Pretty.”  Billboard ranked the “vocal dynamo” performance as the best of the night, touting “this is how you do an award show performance” while Rolling Stone noted that Underwood “channeled her inner country-soul diva” during the “knockout rendition.” Underwood, who is a seven-time Grammy Award winner, gives fans an intimate look inside her recording and co-producing process for Cry Pretty in this exclusive album trailer.

Brothers Osborne share lyric video for ‘Weed, Whiskey And Willie’

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Brothers Osborne - Weed, Whiskey, & Willie

Brothers Osborne have shared a new lyric video for ‘Weed, Whiskey And Willie’, a track from their upcoming album Port Saint Joe, out this Friday. The Brothers had bigsuccess at this year’s ACM Awards, winning Vocal Duo Of The Year and Music Video Of The Year for ‘It Ain’t My Fault’ – watch it here. ‘Weed, Whiskey And Willie’ is a touching ode to love and the healing power of its subject matters. The track is an instant grat with each online purchase of the new album. You can watch the lyric video here. The Brothers recently contributed to the star-studded compilation album, Restoration: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, which also features Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton and the muse of their latest track, Willie Nelson. They recorded their version of ‘Take Me To The Pilot’, of which vocalist and guitarist TJOsborne says: “We thought, man, this is something we probably would’ve wanted to cover and record anyway, regardless of it being on the ‘Restoration’ project, and so we did. I’m pretty proud with how it turned out.” You can hear the track here. Brothers Osborne’s second studio album, Port Saint Joe, is released this Friday. The first two singles, ‘Shoot Me Straight’ and ‘Drank Like Hank’, have had a huge reception, with both being added to the A list at Planet Rock. ‘Drank Like Hank’ was written with Kendell Marvell, the singer / guitarist / award-winning songwriter from Illinois who has been announced as the Special Guest on theBrother’s upcoming UK headline tour. His debut album, ‘Lowdown & Lonesome’, is released on May 18th via Snakefarm Records. “Port Saint Joe’ is a sonic representation of who we’ve become, not only as a band but as people,” says guitarist John Osborne. “Every show we’ve ever played together is on this record. Every song we’ve ever written and every mile we’ve ever ridden has led to the making of this record. Imperfections and all.” BROTHERS OSBORNE HEADLINE TOUR UK / IRELAND 2018 May 4th – Dublin, Academy May 5th – Belfast, The Limelight May 7th – Bristol, O2 Academy May 8th – Brighton, Concorde 2 **SOLD OUT** May 9th – Birmingham, O2 Academy 2 **SOLD OUT** May 11th – London, Koko **SOLD OUT** May 12th – Manchester, O2 Ritz **SOLD OUT** May 13th – Glasgow, O2 ABC (upgraded from the Garage) ** SOLD OUT** ‘The Family’ fan club members can apply for meet & greets at brothersosborne.com www.brothersosborne.com twitter.com/brothersosborne instagram.com/brothersosborne