Kenny Chesney Adds Intimate Amphitheater Dates to 2018 Trip Around the Sun

Kenny Chesney Tour News | Photo Credit: Allister Ann

Everyone knows: nobody does stadium shows like Kenny Chesney! With an armful of No. 1s, a high-energy band and the energy to throw his songs to the seats at the top of the other end zone, The Wall Street Journal crowned him “The King of the Road.” But for the songwriter/superstar from East Tennessee, there is an intimacy – and an exhale — that comes with amphitheater shows that offer an equally important experience the No Shoes Nation demands. is right in our “Nothing’s like the energy of a stadium show,” Chesney admits. “But there’s also something about the amphitheaters, where the people are all so close. It’s like being with your friends somewhere back home, singing songs and hanging out, and having the best party of the year. For us, it feels like the people are so right there, and the songs are driving the night. It’s an experience we know No Shoes Nation loves and misses when we don’t do it, so this year, we’re going to make sure there are plenty of opportunities to see us under the pavilion or out on the lawn.” While the tour kicks off April 21 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, look for the more intimate amphitheater plays to begin May 10 at Virginia Beach’s Farm Bureau Live, May 11 at Charlotte, NC’s PNC Music Pavilion and May 12 at Raleigh, NC’s Coastal Credit Union Music Park. The 2018 Trip Around the Sun Tour will thread between massive stadium shows and the more streamlined concerts throughout the summer – and see Chesney create two very different kinds of concert experiences. “Part of the fun of mixing the venues is riding the energy, letting the music breathe in different ways and really giving the audience dynamics that are so intense without being the same show across America,” Chesney explains. “The amphitheaters all have their own vibes, their own attitude – and those experiences shift very specifically. Darling’s Waterfront in Bangor, Maine is one thing; Mountain View, California’s Shoreline Amphitheater is something else altogether, just like the folks in Toronto at the Molson or Austin’s Austin360 Amphitheaters.” With Chesney returning to a full touring calendar after creating more seats at Boston’s Gillette Stadium – to break the attendance record with 121,624 people over two nights – Chesney’s passion to play is at a new high. Energized by the response to Cosmic Hallelujah, The Big Revival, and the hits “American Kids,” “Noise,” “Save It for a Rainy Day” and “All the Pretty Girls,” the 8-time Entertainer of the Year is fired up and focused. “I feel like this summer, we’re going to take those songs on Live in No Shoes Nation, and lift them even higher,” Chesney says. “Listening to it over and over, hearing everyone’s voices raised… It’s what makes coming out to see us special! When you get to hear all that heart, all that fun, and life, and love coming towards the stage, it really takes our breath away. So, get ready Continue reading Kenny Chesney Adds Intimate Amphitheater Dates to 2018 Trip Around the Sun

LOCASH HEADING TO SUPER BOWL LII TO PERFORM AT PEPSI GENERATIONS LIVE POP-UP

Locash News on Country Music News BLog

Reviver Records breakout duo LOCASH will deliver a game-changing performance this Friday (2/2) at the Pepsi Generations Live pop-up in Minneapolis, MN as part of Super Bowl LII celebrations. Following a blitz of critical acclaim for their pumped-up anthem “Don’t Get Better Than That,” the pair will take the stage for a private show following the trophy presentation of the 2017 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year. The “spellbinding” (Taste Of Country) lead single from their forthcoming sophomore album landed in Country radio’s Top 5 most added songs of the week, kicking off with 42 stations already on board. Born from a place of positivity, “Don’t Get Better Than That” was co-penned by LOCASH’s Chris Lucas and Preston Brust (alongside Lindsay Rimes and Phil Barton) and follows three consecutive smash singles “I Love This Life,” “I Know Somebody” and “Ring on Every Finger.” After scoring a trifecta of awards show nominations at the CMA, ACM and CMT Awards in 2017, the duo wrapped up a banner year by premiering “Don’t Get Better Than That” on NBC’s Megyn Kelly TODAY. Poised for MVP status in 2018, Lucas and Brust are set to follow their high-profile Super Bowl week performance with an appearance on the NFL Network’s comedic sports countdown show NFL Top 10. Airdates will be announced soon. Widely recognized for their hustle and drive, LOCASH is slated for a jam-packed tour schedule in the year ahead. They will headline upcoming shows in Belvidere, IL (2/7) and Wabash, IN (2/8), before sharing the bill with Eli Young Band in Columbus, OH (2/9) with an exciting tour announcement coming soon. For tour dates and additional information on LOCASH, please visit www.locashmusic.com Reach out to them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

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

Tim Rushlow on Country Music News Blog

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    

2018 Grammy Recap

Grammy Tribute 2018

It was a night of moving tributes and big social movements as the 60th Annual Grammy Awards lit up CBS to honor the year’s most celebrated artists and art. First things first, the winners in country music: Best Country Album From A Room: Volume 1, Chris Stapleton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkCe_fPGlvc   Best Country Solo Performance “Either Way,” Chris Stapleton Best Country Duo/Group Performance “Better Man,” Little Big Town Best Country Song “Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton Songwriters: Mike Henderson and Chris Stapleton Best Americana Album The Nashville Sound, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Best American Roots Song “If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Songwriter: Jason Isbell Best Bluegrass Album (tie) Laws Of Gravity, The Infamous Stringdusters All The Rage – In Concert Volume One [Live], Rhonda Vincent and The Rage Best American Roots Performance “Killer Diller Blues,” Alabama Shakes Best Folk Album Mental Illness, Aimee Mann Best Roots Gospel Album Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope, Reba McEntire Then of course, there’s the 2018 Grammy performances! Kesha – Praying The Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, and Eric Church – Las Vegas / Manchester Shooting Victims Tribute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqfJ9br-S_g   Little Big Town – Better Man Watch Here The Debuts! Maren Morris ft. Zedd – The Middle   If you want to see the whole awards show again, CBS has it streaming in full at CBS.com  

New Music From Mary Chapin Carpenter

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Sometimes Just The Sky” out March 30 Mary Chapin Carpenter’s anticipated new album, Sometimes Just The Sky, will be released March 30 and is now available for pre-order (Lambent Light Records via Thirty Tigers). A celebration of her acclaimed 30-year recording career, the landmark record features new versions of some of Carpenter’s most beloved songs as well as one newly written song, which became the title track. In advance of the album’s release, the lead track “Heroes and Heroines” is premiering today. Listen/share HERE. Of the song, Billboard praises, “…the new rendition features not only different flavors and textures created by the players but also a deeper meaning within the lyrics, which hold up 30 years later.” Produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Paul McCartney, Ray LaMontagne), the 13-track album was recorded entirely live at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios outside Bath, England. Joined by long-time collaborator Duke Levine on guitar and a handpicked band of Johns’ favorite musicians, Carpenter reimagined one song from each of her twelve studio albums along with “Sometimes Just The Sky.” See below for complete track list. On the album title and newest song Carpenter says, “I read a beautiful interview with Patti Smith in which she said that you don’t have to look far or wide, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive or madness in order to find things to soothe you in life, or to be happy about. Sometimes just the sky makes everything fall into perspective.” In celebration of the release, Carpenter will embark on a North American tour later in the year. Tour dates will be announced soon. Over the course of her acclaimed career, Carpenter has sold over 14 million records. With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” she has won five Grammy Awards (with 15 nominations), two CMA awards, two Academy of Country Music awards and is one of only fifteen female members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Most recently, in 2016, Carpenter released The Things That We Are Made Of. Produced by Grammy Award winning producer Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton), the album features eleven new songs and was released to overwhelming critical praise. The Associated Press called it, “…an evocative collection of songs,” while The HuffPost declared, “…Carpenter is now at the height of her musical career, painting a compelling, relevant piece of art tinged with mixed feelings of grief and joy, all without preaching or darkening our minds with sadness.” Previously, in 2014, Carpenter released her acclaimed debut orchestral album, Songs From The Movie. Arranged and co-produced by six-time Grammy winner Vince Mendoza, the record is comprised of ten previously recorded compositions including “Between Here and Gone” and “Come On Come On.” Since it’s release, Carpenter has performed alongside the New York Philharmonic, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the London Concert Orchestra, the L.A. Philharmonic and the National Symphony Orchestra among many others. SOMETIMES JUST THE SKY TRACK LIST: Heroes and Heroines What Does It Mean To Travel Continue reading New Music From Mary Chapin Carpenter

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

Eric Church to Perform, Kelly Clarkson to Present at 60th Annual Grammy’s THIS Sunday Night!

Grammy Award Coverage on Country Music News Blog

An eclectic all-star lineup of artists, musicians, actors, and comedians will take the stage as presenters at the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards®. This year’s presenters include 18-time GRAMMY® winner Tony Bennett, current GRAMMY nominee Dave Chappelle, three-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Kelly Clarkson, professional football player Victor Cruz, GRAMMY winner Eve, current GRAMMY nominee Jim Gaffigan, actress Katie Holmes, previous GRAMMY nominee Nick Jonas, actress Anna Kendrick, 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys, 10-time GRAMMY winner John Legend, actor Shemar Moore, comedian and television host Trevor Noah, current GRAMMY nominee Sarah Silverman, actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld, and GRAMMY nominee Donnie Wahlberg. Previously announced GRAMMY performers include Jon Batiste, Brothers Osborne, Alessia Cara, Cardi B, Childish Gambino, Eric Church, Gary Clark Jr., Miley Cyrus, Daddy Yankee, DJ Khaled, Luis Fonsi, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Kesha, Khalid, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, Logic, Patti LuPone, Bruno Mars, Maren Morris, P!nk, Ben Platt, Rihanna, Zuleyka Rivera, Sam Smith, Chris Stapleton, Sting, SZA, Bryson Tiller, and U2. Live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, and hosted by award-winning television personality and performer James Corden, the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT The 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, Chantel Sausedo is the talent producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers. ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music’s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world’s leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, “like” Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy’s social communities on Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube.  

Academy of Country Music Reveals Schedule & Ticket On-Sale for 6th Annual ACM Party for a Cause

ACM Party For A Cause

The Academy of Country Music® announced exciting details about The Week Vegas Goes Country®, including a schedule of events and on-sale ticket information for the 6th Annual ACM Party for a Cause® to be held Thursday, April 12 – Sunday, April 15, 2018.  This year’s ACM Party for a Cause will consist of fan events across the Las Vegas Strip leading up to and immediately following the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, which will broadcast LIVE from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Portions of all event proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives®, which works to lift lives through the power of music.  Tickets will be available Thursday, January 25 via pre-sale and to the general public on Friday, January 26 for marquee ACM Party for a Cause events, including: ACM Stories, Songs & Stars, an upscale evening modeled after an old-fashioned guitar pull, featuring today’s best songwriters in the round alongside superstar country artists performing songs they composed and the stories of how those collaborations came together. The first-ever ACM Topgolf Tee-Off, an update to the ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic, where fans can watch their favorite country artists compete in a tournament of golf skills – and also take in LIVE performances by hot new acts (to be announced). ACM Awards Official After Party, the biggest party of the night featuring all-star performances following the big show! Each of the announced festivities will feature performances by some of the biggest names and hottest new talent in country music to be announced in the coming weeks. TICKET ON-SALE INFORMATION:  ACM PROFESSIONAL MEMBER AND ACM A-LIST MEMBER TICKET ON-SALE: Both can purchase tickets beginning at 10:00 AM (PT) Thursday, January 25, 2018 by visiting www.PartyForaCause.com. The pre-sale code will be emailed prior to the on-sale.  GENERAL PUBLIC TICKET ON-SALE: Tickets will go on-sale to the general public at 10:00 AM (PT) Friday, January 26, 2018 at www.PartyForaCause.com.  Tickets start at $35. Please note, tickets for ACM Party for a Cause: WME’s Bash at The Beach events will go on sale at a later date, for more information please visit www.PartyForaCause.com.   SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018 7:30 PM               95.5 The Bull’s 10th Annual All-Star Guitar Pull Presented by 95.5 The Bull and benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital                                 Location: The Pearl, Palms Casino Resort 10:00 PM             ACM After Party for a Cause: Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Location: Stoney’s Rockin’ Country FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 12:00 PM             ACM Party for a Cause: Tailgate Party                                 Location: Stoney’s Rockin’ Country 6:00 PM               ACM Party for a Cause                                 Location: Sandbar Pool, Red Rock Casino Resort 7:00 PM               ACM Party for a Cause: WME’s Bash at The Beach Location: The Beach, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino 8:00 PM               ACM Stories, Songs & Stars A Songwriter’s Event Benefitting ACM Lifting Lives Location: The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 10:00 PM             Continue reading Academy of Country Music Reveals Schedule & Ticket On-Sale for 6th Annual ACM Party for a Cause

CMA Touring Awards Winners Announced

Country Music Association

The COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA) presented honors to top touring professionals during the “CMA TOURING AWARDS” at MARATHON MUSIC WORKS in NASHVILLE on MONDAY, JANUARY 22nd. Hosted by CURB NASHVILLE’s JERROD NIEMANN, and featuring presentations from DIERKS BENTLEY, THOMAS RHETT, and CHRIS STAPLETON, the evening recognized winners in fifteen categories as well as the CMA TOURING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, presented to LIVE NATION Pres./Country Music Touring BRIAN O’CONNELL by KIX BROOKS and ROB BECKHAM. The complete list of winners is as follows: Business Manager Of the Year: DUANE CLARK (FLOOD, BUMSTEAD, MCCREADY & MCCARTHY) Coach/Truck Driver Of The Year: DANNY SHELNUT (MONTGOMERY GENTRY) FOH (Front Of House) Engineer Of The Year: ARPAD SAYKO (CHRIS STAPLETON) Lighting Director Of The Year: DAVE BUTZLER (GARTH BROOKS) Manager Of The Year: CLARENCE SPALDING (MAVERICK) Tour Manager Of The Year: LOGAN KORNEGAY (THOMAS RHETT) Monitor Engineer Of The Year: MARC EARP (ERIC CHURCH) Production Manager Of The Year: JOHN GARRIOTT (CHRIS STAPLETON) Publicist Of The Year: JAKE BASDEN (BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP) Talent Agent Of The Year: DARIN MURPHY (CAA) Talent Buyer/Promoter Of The Year: LOUIS MESSINA (MESSINA TOURING GROUP) Tour Caterer Of The Year: CENTER STAGE EVENTS Touring Musician Of The Year: NATHAN BARLOWE (KEITH URBAN) (Keyboard) Venue Of The Year: BRIDGESTONE ARENA (NASHVILLE, TN) Tour Video Director Of The Year: JOHN BRESLIN (GARTH BROOKS)