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2018 Grammy Recap

Posted on January 28, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

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

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

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

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

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!

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

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

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

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

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

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)

Reba McEntire | Living Legend

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Timeless, familiar and fierce are all things we think of when Reba McEntire comes to mind, and that’s why we’ve chosen her to be the first in our series of living legends. Hi, my name’s Shauna, but a lot of you know me better as “WhiskeyChick“. I’m one of the head writers for country music news blog and country music on tour, and today I want to talk to you about Reba, the queen of country music, and certainly the queen of Oklahoma, which is where we’re based. My first pick for one of our Top 12 2018 Living Legends in Country Music. I can’t remember a time in my life where Reba McEntire wasn’t the motherly voice I heard in the back of my head when struggling with a heartbreak or making a tough decision, or just looking for a little more inner strength. She’s always led her career with a fierceness and a fire that so many of today’s stars seem to think is a given. No matter what project Reba takes on, she does it with a certain amount of relatable sass. One of the things I find most impressive about Reba though, is the fact that she is not afraid to take on sensitive subjects or controversial topics. She finds a way to take a story that is very hard to tell, and make it feel as personal to you as if had happened to you. The ability to convey that level of emotion, and that level of heartache, and that level of anger in a three-minute track is something that so few are blessed with. And that’s why she is one of our top picks for the 2018 Living Legends. If you want to read more about Reba McEntire give us a visit over at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com If you want to catch Reba McEntire live, come check us out at CountryMusicOnTour.com Again, my name’s WhiskeyChick, and thanks for watching!

Country Music Tribute to Route 91 Victims at the 2018 Grammy’s

Posted on January 18, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, and Maren Morris To perform at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards® in a tribute to victims of concert tragedies. Special segment reunites Musicians from ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL in Las Vegas. SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JAN. 18, 2018) — In addition to honoring musical excellence, the Recording Academy® will also take a moment to honor the victims lost to gun violence and terrorism at various live music events over the course of the past year. In a special GRAMMY® tribute performed by three of the artists who participated in the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, current GRAMMY nominees Brothers Osborne, past GRAMMY nominee Eric Church, and GRAMMY winner and current nominee Maren Morris will come together for the touching segment. “Live music events have always provided a safe space for fans to gather in a shared celebration of music. Sadly, that wasn’t always the case this past year,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We believe it’s incredibly important to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in these senseless tragedies and to remind musicians and music lovers alike that live music will continue to be a powerful force that unites us all.” “In many ways, our show encapsulates the year in music,” said Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the GRAMMY Awards. Although that usually means a focus on achievement and excellence, sadly, last year was marred by a number of senseless tragedies that took place at live music events. We didn’t feel like we’d be doing our jobs if we didn’t reflect on these tremendous losses.” 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. Previously announced GRAMMY performers include Alessia Cara, Cardi B, Miley Cyrus, Childish Gambino, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Elton John, Kesha, Khalid, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, Logic, Patti LuPone, Bruno Mars, P!nk, Ben Platt, Sam Smith, SZA, and U2. Performing for the first time on the GRAMMY stage, Brothers Osborne are nominated again this year in Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“It Ain’t My Fault”). GRAMMY Award winner Maren Morris is currently nominated for Best Country Solo Performance (“I Could Use A Love Song”). 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 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 Continue reading Country Music Tribute to Route 91 Victims at the 2018 Grammy’s→

Kenny Chesney Changes Record Labels!

Posted on January 18, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

KENNY CHESNEY SIGNS WITH WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE Blue Chair Records/Warner Bros. Records is Superstar’s New Label Home Warner Music Group and Warner Music Nashville are honored to welcome eight-time ACM winner and CMA Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney to the Warner Music family. As part of WMN, the songwriter/superstar’s music will be released on the Blue Chair Records/Warner Bros. Records label. Since leaving East Tennessee with a handful of songs and a dream bigger than he understood, Kenny Chesney has developed into the man The Wall Street Journal deemed “The King of the Road” and the Los Angeles Times proclaimed “The People’s Superstar.” With over 30 million albums sold, 30 No. 1s, and countless sold-out stadium tours that sell in excess of a million tickets every time he takes to the road, the 2018 Country Album of the Year GRAMMY nominee is on the verge of yet another creative renaissance. “It is a big deal to change labels,” said Chesney. “But when you hear Max, Espo, and Cris Lacy talk about music, about what it means and does, when you hear that passion, you can’t help but get fired up. To me, music is only complete when it gets to the fans and becomes part of their lives. The people at Warner understand my commitment to that idea, and they’re just as committed to those ideals as I am.” “Kenny Chesney embodies the relentless pursuit of artistic freedom and expression,” said WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito. “An unapologetic free spirit, he has built a career on perseverance, drive, innovation, and most especially, great songs. Everything he does is inspired. It is with deep respect and honor that we welcome Kenny to Warner Music Nashville. We couldn’t be more excited to work with him and his team.” “Kenny’s not only a country music icon, but an American superstar, who’s still hungry to write, record, and perform amazing music that moves millions of people,” said Warner Music Group CEO, Recorded Music Max Lousada. “The fact that he has chosen Warner Music as his new label home is a huge testament to the culture created by Espo and his team, who have made our Nashville operation a magnet for both emerging talent and established artists. I join Espo in welcoming Kenny into the Warner family, and we’re all looking forward to amplifying his success and taking his music to fans across the globe.” About Kenny Chesney: Kenny Chesney is an American musical force. With 30 No. 1 hits, including “American Kids,” “When The Sun Goes Down,” “I Go Back,” “Noise,” and “Pirate Flag,” over 30 million albums and 38 million tracks sold, he has created the soundtrack for coming of age in the heartland in the 21st century. His commitment to his fans – known as the No Shoes Nation – has seen Chesney succeed as the only Country artist on Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Acts for the past 25 Years, as well as consistently playing NFL stadiums across the U.S. That commitment to giving his fans songs that hold Continue reading Kenny Chesney Changes Record Labels!→

Brad Paisley Honored With ‘Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award’ At St. Jude Seminar

Posted on January 16, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

ARISTA NASHVILLE’s BRAD PAISLEY was honored with the “RANDY OWEN ANGELS AMONG US AWARD” this past weekend at the COUNTRY CARES FOR ST. JUDE SEMINAR in MEMPHIS. PAISLEY received the honor in recognition of of his “exceptional and lasting contributions” to ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. PAISLEY joins the ranks of last year’s recipient, CAPITOL NASHVILLE’s DARIUS RUCKER, and former recipients ALSAC COO DAVID MCKEE, awarded posthumously; ST. JUDE COUNTRY CARES Advisory Council member SHARON EAVES, awarded posthumously; and the first recipient, JOHN RICH, who was awarded the title in 2012