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Radney Foster to Appear in Alliance Theatre’s ‘Troubadour’

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Radney Foster on Country Music News Blog

A WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL BY JANECE SHAFFER WITH ORIGINAL MUSIC BY SUGARLAND’S KRISTIAN BUSH ANNOUNCING THE CAST – ANDREW BENATOR, SLYVIE DAVIDSON, RADNEY FOSTER, ROB LAWHON, BETHANY ANNE LIND, AND ZACH SEABAUGH TROUBADOUR OPENS AT THE ALLIANCE THEATRE IN ATLANTA, JANUARY 18 – FEBRUARY 12, 2017 NASHVILLE, November 18, 2017 -Legendary singer/songwriter Radney Foster has been cast in Atlanta’s Tony Award® winning Alliance Theatre upcoming world premiere musical, Troubadour, by playwright Janece Shaffer (The Geller Girls, Broke) with original music by Grammy Award-winning recording artist Kristian Bush. Set in 1950s Nashville, Troubadour is a romantic comedy about an unlikely group of friends whose unconventional style changes the course of country music.  Radney Foster plays Billy Mason, a 1940’s Country icon on the eve of retirement. His soft-spoken son, Joe (The Voice finalist singer-songwriter Zach Seabaugh) is attempting to break out of his father’s shadow. When he joins forces with an unlikely pair — Inez, a budding singer-songwriter (actor and singer-songwriter Sylvie Davidson) and Izzy, a rodeo tailor on a mission  (actor Andrew Benator Disgraced, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) –a revolution is born and Country music is changed forever. Troubadour is directed by the Alliance’s Jennings Hertz Artistic Director Susan V. Booth (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Geller Girl) and runs on the Alliance Stage from January 18 – February 12, 2017. The cast also includes Atlanta-based actor and singer-songwriter Rob Lawhon (Songs to Grow On, Ghost Brothers of Darkland County); Atlanta-based actor Bethany Anne Lind (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Edward Foote).  The creative team for Troubadour includes Music Director Brandon Bush, Sound Designer Clay Benning, Costume Designer Lex Liang, Tony Award-winning Set Designer Todd Rosenthal, and Lighting Designer Ken Yunker. Troubadour includes original music by singer-songwriter Kristian Bush, known for his chart topping songs as one half of the Country duo Sugarland, as well as his work with duo Billy Pilgram and 2015’s critically-acclaimed Southern Gravity. “Janece created characters who seemed so real to me that it was easy to get inside their heads and write their stories into songs, even as I travelled 60 years back in time to find their authentic sound,” said Bush. “Now that we have this amazing cast to bring the story and the songs to life, I can’t wait to see what this becomes.” “I’m thrilled to be able to bring this character to life, and to work with a cast and creative team of this caliber,” says Foster. “When I first heard Kristian’s songs, I knew this would be something special.” Performances of Troubadour are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., January 18 – February 12, 2017.  Opening Night is January 25, 2017.  There will be no 2:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, January 21. Two special matinee performances for students will take place on Thursday, February 2, and Thursday, February 9, at 10:30 a.m.  For ticket information, contact allianceschoolday@woodruffcenter.org or call 404.733.4661. Continue reading Radney Foster to Appear in Alliance Theatre’s ‘Troubadour’→

COUNTRY MUSIC’S YOUNG ARTISTS RECORD EMPOWERING NEW SONG "THE HUMAN RACE"

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Merry Christmas from Country Music News Blog

Several of country music’s brightest young stars have recorded “The Human Race,” an empowering anthem which premiered yesterday on Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country. Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee and distributed by the Disney Music Group on Buena Vista Records, it will be available for purchase NOVEMBER 18 on iTunes and available for free download on the T-Mobile Tuesdays app while supplies last on November 22.  In conjunction with its release and in celebration of Radio Disney’s ‘Share the Joy‘ campaign, a donation is being made to City of Hope, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Toys for Tots, Feeding America, and Musicians on Call. “The dedication and talent of so many artists and performers on this song manifests heart and humanity, and the positive power of music in our lives,” said Phil Guerini, Vice President, Music Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide and General Manager, Radio Disney Networks. The recording artists include country music stars Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, Locash, Jessie Chris, Mickey Guyton, Lindsay Ell and others who contributed their voices to the track. The single was produced by Guerini, Mike Daly, Executive Director, A&R and Music Publishing, Disney Music Group (Jason Mraz, Lucy Hale), and Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Billy Mann. A sneak peek of “The Human Race” music video will be broadcast during “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” airing on ABC on Thursday, November 24 at 8:00 p.m. EST.  

Ty Herndon’s Powerful New Record, House On Fire, Now Available on iTunes and Amazon

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Ty Herndon’s much anticipated, full-length album House On Fire is now available on iTunes and Amazon. From track to track, Herndon has made the most engaging, meaningful and fulfilling music of his career.  Featuring Herndon’s powerful trademark vocals, the new album is already receiving critical accolades and being hailed as one of his best albums yet. In a recent article, USA Today states, “His expressive vocals, the surging romance of his lyrics — all the things that put him on the map with his No. 1 debut single ‘What Mattered Most’ are evident on each of its 12 tracks.”  Rolling Stone Country claims, “Herndon aims to put forth a newfound vulnerability… It’s a new look, but one that suits him well.” The project has also garnered praise from People, Huffington Post, Rolling Stone Country, Sounds Like Nashville, and many more. In support of the release, Herndon has also released three music videos to songs off the new album.  Videos for “That Kind of Night,” “House On Fire” and “Fighter” are now available, and were directed by Trent Atkinson and edited by Jeff Matthews.  Two other music videos have been shot and will be released in the coming days. House On Fire is a collection of 12 new contemporary songs, which are co-produced by Herndon and Erik Halbig, with Drew Davis joining as co-producer on six of the songs. Herndon recently signed with BFD through Sony/RED Distribution, which marks Herndon’s return to the Sony family, where he made his chart-topping debut in the mid-90s. Herndon is also booked by Nashville-based agency, Buddy Lee Attractions. Herndon’s 20-year career has resulted in an impressive string of hits, which includes four No. 1’s (“What Mattered Most,” “Living in a Moment,” “It Must Be Love,” “Loved Too Much”), as well as numerous top 10 hits, including “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” “A Man Holding On (To a Woman Letting Go),” and “Hands of a Working Man.”  He’s had 20 Billboard charted singles to his credit, numerous industry awards, and more than five million albums sold.  For more information on Ty Herndon, please visit www.TyHerndon.com. Track Listing: 1) That Kind of Night (Erik Halbig, JT Hodges, Rich Redmond) 2)  Sweet Way To Go (Ty Herndon, Erik Halbig, Sammy Ariaga, Jason Massey) 3)  Just Friends (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Erik Halbig, Dakota Bradley) 4)  All Night Tonight (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Erik Halbig) 5)  Blame It On the Mustang (Chase Yaklin, Jason Delkou, Erik Halbig) 6)  House On Fire (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Erik Halbig) 7)  Go (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Erik Halbig) 8)  If You (Walker Hayes, Erik Halbig) 9)  Stick With What I Know (Ty Herndon, Erik Halbig, Jeremy Bussey, John Ritter) 10) Nothing Left to Break (Erik Halbig, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Elisha Hoffman) 11)  World I’m Livin’ In (Ty Herndon, Drew Davis, Kristy Osmunson, Erik Halbig) 12)  Fighter (Ann Marie Boskovich, Danny Myrick, Monica Madrid)  

Nashville country blues artist Charlie Bonnet III returns with "Same Shift, Different Day" single and video

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Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

After finishing a successful summer touring season, country rock troubadour Charlie Bonnet III has released a brand new single and music video for ‘Same Shift, Different Day,’ the blue collar anthem taken from his recent solo album, A Hotel In Valdosta. Inspired by the Merle Haggard classic, ‘Workin’ Man Blues,’ Bonnet set out to create a song tailored to fit the woes of the every day worker.  “I know so many people that have a job they hate, or take any work they can find to keep food on the table.  They want to be productive members of society, even if the work environment and money are not ideal.  Something is better than nothing, especially if they have a family to provide for” he states.  “This song is genuine because I’ve lived it, and to a degree I’m still living it.  Before music payed my bills I had factory gigs, construction jobs, worked for a moving company, answered phones at a desk… you name it” he reflects.  “This song and video are as authentic as you will find.  It’s not some guy up there playing the role of superstar.  I’m in the trenches right with the people listening to it.  The fans know that, and I think that’s why they follow what I do.  I relate to them, and they relate to me.” Closing in on three decades in the music business, Charlie Bonnet III is an underground mainstay, with an ability adapt and survive in the always changing industry.  He first landed on the national radar in the early 90’s as the frontman for the Nashville based rock band, Disarray, releasing five studio albums and embarking on countless van tours.  A series of acoustic solo records followed, as well as a stint as lead guitarist for A&E reality star and Warner Brothers recording artist Big Smo, and a four year run as co-founder and primary songwriter of former Average Joe’s recording act, Moccasin Creek. He is currently preparing for a new solo album, to be released in early 2017.  The video for ‘Same Shift, Different Day’ can be viewed here:  CHARLIE BONNET III – Same Shift Different Day – OFFICIAL VIDEO  

Blake Shelton and Jake Owen To Perform in FSU’s Doak Stadium for First Full-Stadium Show, April 29, 2017

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Jake Owen Confirmed To Join Shelton at his Alma Mater with  More Artists To Be Announced Soon Tickets go on sale November 22 at DoakAfterDark.com  Basis Entertainment has announced country music, and “The Voice,” superstar Blake Shelton to headline Doak After Dark, held in Doak Stadium on the campus of Florida State University on Saturday, April 29, 2017. This will be the first full-stadium concert and will also include FSU alumnus and RCA Recording artist Jake Owen.  Tickets will go on sale to the general public starting November 22 at DoakAfterDark.com. The concert was announced Friday night (11/11) during the FSU-Boston College game in the Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. “We are very excited to host Blake Shelton in Doak Campbell Stadium,” said Florida State Vice President and Director of Athletics Stan Wilcox. “Activating the stadium with national acts like Blake Shelton and Jake Owen is a great addition to the campus experience, and it will also have a significant economic impact on the Tallahassee community.” “All of the team members Basis are excited to bring another first to a top university in the country,” said Gary DeWaard, president and CEO of Basis Entertainment. “We are excited to team up with FSU Athletics department to make this a memorable moment in Tallahassee.” Shelton, the five-time Country Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year from 2010-14, has earned CMA Entertainer of the Year honors in 2012 and CMA Album of the Year in 2013, in addition to numerous other awards and nominations, including the Grammys and Academy of Country Music. He has had 17 consecutive No. 1 singles, with 22 overall atop the charts, during his superlative career. In 2011, Shelton joined NBC’s hit music competition series, “The Voice,” as a coach. He is in his sixth year, and the show’s 11th season, on the popular program. Also slated to join Shelton is former FSU student, Jake Owen. Owen has had six No. 1 singles to date – the 2X PLATINUM anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” PLATINUM-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You” and “The One That Got Away” plus GOLD-certified “American Country Love Song.” The RCA Nashville recording artist recently released his fifth studio album, AMERICAN LOVE, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was produced by award-winning songwriters/producers Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman plus Owen co-produced three tracks, which marks his first time as a co-producer with Lukas Bracewell. The Vero Beach, FL native is well known for his high-energy performances and laid-back style. Pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase for all FSU season ticket holders and Seminole Boosters beginning on Tuesday, November 15-21. Public ticket sales will begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 22 online only at www.DoakAfterDark.com. For more information about the Doak After Dark, go to www.DoakAfterDark.com.  

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS SIGNS WITH ENTOURAGE MANAGEMENT

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SPEARS AND TEAM CELEBRATE BMI AND NSAI  AWARDS FOR SONGSTRESS Nashville, TN — November 10, 2016 — Ontourage Management is proud to announce the signing of new management client Jamie Lynn Spears.  The Louisiana based singer-songwriter added several accolades to her resume in recent weeks, winning two awards for “I Got The Boy” recorded by Jana Kramer; including a BMI Award as well as NSAI’s “Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written.”  She shared the BMI Award and NSAI Award with co-writers Connie Harrington and Tim Nichols. Ontourage Management President Tony Conway said, “Our team at Ontourage is extremely proud to represent Jamie Lynn Spears for management.  Her devotion to songwriting and country music is as real as it gets.  We, as well as her team are already at work on her soon to be announced projects, that are exciting and fresh.” Katie Weaver of Ontourage Management added, “Jamie Lynn Spears is a force to be reckoned with and well on her way to making a major footprint in Country Music. We are thrilled about this partnership and the success her future holds as she continues to accomplish her goals.” Last week, Jamie Lynn was honored to be inducted into the CMT’s Next Women of Country Franchise 2017. In addition to the ceremony, she hosted the AT&T Red Carpet Live for the 50th Annual CMA Awards along with Bobby Bones and Brett Young. She topped the week off on Friday with a performance on The Grand Ole Opry in the Ryman Auditorium. With a week full of visibility and praise for her songwriting, Jamie Lynn Spears and her team are off to a great start.  Spears will continue to focus on her songwriting through the year’s end and will be announcing her new projects as an artist in early 2017. For more information log onto: www.jamielynnspears.com www.conwayent.com/ontourage/jamie-lynn-spears  

Kellie Pickler Headlines Rare Country ‘VIP Pre-Jam’ Nov. 30

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Limited # of Passes Available to the Public via Rare Country’s Facebook and Twitter Pages  Nashville, TN – Kellie Pickler will headline the Rare Country VIP Pre-Jam concert on  Wednesday, November 30th inside Bridgestone Arena’s Rehearsal Hall, from 5 – 6:30 p.m. The Pre-Jam acoustic concert will honor invited veterans and feature performances by Kellie and other special guests.  A limited number of passes to the Pre-Jam will be available on Rare Country’s Facebook and Twitter pages, stay tuned to RareCountry.com for additional information. The Rare Country VIP Pre-Jam serves as a warm-up to “Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam,” which features Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Kid Rock, Larry The Cable Guy, Travis Tritt, 3 Doors Down and Charlie Daniels. Tickets to the Volunteer Jam can be purchased here. Passes to the Rare Country VIP Pre-Jam are not available for purchase and will grant admittance to the Pre-Jam ONLY. Guests will need to have purchased a separate ticket to attend the Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam, which begins at 7 p.m. About Kellie Pickler Kellie Pickler grew up immersed in country music in the small town of Albemarle, North Carolina with the words of Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton shaping her musical footing. At the age of 19, she first gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of “American Idol.” She has gone on to release four critically acclaimed  albums, including her Gold-certified debut Small Town Girl as well as 100 Proof, which Rolling Stone named the Best Country Album of 2011. Among her best known hits are the Gold-certified “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder,” “Best Days of Your Life,” “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind,” “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You,” and “No Cure for Crazy.” In spring of 2013, Pickler partnered with dance coach Derek Hough and won the Mirror Ball Trophy on “Dancing with the Stars.” That same year, she also released her fourth album, The Woman I Am, with Black River Entertainment, which featured three songs co-written by Pickler including the title cut. She voiced the lead character, a sweet potato named Mirabelle, in the Veggie Tales animated movie “Beauty and the Beet” in 2014, and launched her home goods line, “Selma Drye by Kellie Pickler,” in cooperation with the Opry Stores (shop.opry.com) in 2015. Her CMT docu-comedy series “I Love Kellie Pickler,” which co-stars her husban d,  songwriter/producer Kyle Jacobs, debuted in November 2015, propelling the network to its highest premiere with adults since 2012 and women since 2008. The hit television series returned for a second season in August 2016. Pickler is an avid supporter of the U.S. military, having completed nine USO Tours thus far and is preparing for her tenth. For more information, please visit www.kelliepickler.com. About Rare Country Rare Country is an official media sponsor of the “Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam.” A subsidiary of Cox Media Group, Rare Country is one of the fastest growing media brands in country Continue reading Kellie Pickler Headlines Rare Country ‘VIP Pre-Jam’ Nov. 30→

Tune-in Alert! Justin Moore Debuts New Single On NBC’s TODAY (11/14)

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Six-Time Chart-Topping Entertainer to Perform “Somebody Else Will” Show: TODAY Date: Monday, November 14 Time: 10:00am | All time zones Network: NBC | Check local listings PLATINUM-selling singer Justin Moore will debut his new single “Somebody Else Will” on TODAY Monday morning (11/14) at 10:00am on NBC (check local listings). The anticipated follow-up single arrives on the heels of his sixth No. 1 hit “You Look Like I Need a Drink,” from his fourth chart-topping album KINDA DON’T CARE (The Valory Music Co). Moore recently flexed his comedy muscles with an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s CMA Awards post-show special. The talented entertainer introduced his wicked sense of humor to the late night audience as he performed “The Ballad of Claus Jorstad (Devil Stool)” about an unlucky man in Norway who had an unfortunate run-in with an Ikea stool in the shower. Watch it here. Moore will kick off his co-headlining AMERICAN MADE TOUR with Lee Brice at the beginning of 2017 with opening acts William Michael Morgan and Brett Young joining for the 25 dates already on the books. For tickets, tour dates and additional information visit JustinMooreMusic.com.  

Brett Eldredge Glows As His Cubs Dreams Come True

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Cubs’ superfan Brett Eldredge missed the 2016 CMAs to watch history as the Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 years. After participating in the victory parade, he sang “Go Cubs Go” with the players and some of the 5 million fans who came out to celebrate the champs last Friday. Tuesday night, he was back at work in Nashville to perform songs from his first holiday album, “Glow,” for the CMA Country Christmas special (airs 11/28 on ABC). You can also catch him live at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (11/24 on NBC). Eldredge released “Glow” on October 28th to much acclaim. Recorded in the style of his musical hero Frank Sinatra, the album features the original title track along with classic holiday songs including a duet with Meghan Trainor on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” If you’re shopping for the music fan on your gift list, “Glow” is this perfect present choice this holiday season.  

KINGS OF LEON, STEVIE NICKS, GEORGE STRAIT AND MANY MORE TO HONOR TOM PETTY

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Jackson Browne, Gary Clark Jr., Foo Fighters, Don Henley, CHRIS HILLMAN and HERB PEDERSEN, Norah Jones, Elle King, Kings of Leon, Jeff Lynne, Randy Newman, stevie nicks, regina spektor, george strait, THE BANGLES, and lucinda williams TO HONOR Tom PettY AS 2017 MUSICARES® PERSON OF THE YEAR T Bone Burnett Announced As Musical Director Of Star-Studded Tribute Concert To Benefit MusiCares®‘ Emergency Financial Assistance And Addiction Recovery Programs WHO:             Performances by multi-GRAMMY®-winning artists Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Kings Of Leon, Randy Newman, Stevie Nicks, and Lucinda Williams; GRAMMY-winning artists Gary Clark Jr., Jeff Lynne, and George Strait; GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriters Jackson Browne, Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, Elle King, and Regina Spektor; and rock band the Bangles. Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers will close the evening’s performances. Multi-GRAMMY-winning artist and producer T Bone Burnett will serve as musical director. Additional performers will be announced shortly. Attendees will include Neil Portnow, President/CEO of MusiCares® and The Recording Academy®; Alexandra Patsavas, Chair of MusiCares; Bill Silva, Chair Emeritus of MusiCares; and John Branca, Honorary Chair of MusiCares. The event’s Tribute Chairs are Olivia Harrison, MusiCares Board Member; Ringo Starr, multi-GRAMMY-winning artist; and Cameron Strang, chairman/CEO of Warner Bros. Records. Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include: Tony Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Carole King, Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Young. WHAT:           Tom Petty will be honored as the 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year in celebration of his extraordinary creative accomplishments and significant charitable work. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute—now in its 27th year—provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need. GALA:                        The 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will begin with a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences, and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The reception and silent auction will be followed by a gala dinner, a tribute concert featuring renowned musicians and other artists, and the award presentation. This year, for the first time, a limited number of VIP experience tables will be available for $75,000 that include: 10 seats, red carpet entrance, access to artist rehearsal and special backstage area (day before event), private pre-show reception with dedicated staff and personal auction bidding kiosk, front row table placement, enhanced dining experience, and exclusive gift bag with a limited-edition commemorative item. For more information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, or placing ads/messages in the tribute journal, please contact Dana Tomarken at MusiCares, 310.392.3777. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week, which culminates with the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards® at Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. The Continue reading KINGS OF LEON, STEVIE NICKS, GEORGE STRAIT AND MANY MORE TO HONOR TOM PETTY→