Scotty McCreery receives Order of The Long Leaf Pine Award from the state of North Carolina at the Grand Ole Opry

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Grand Ole Opry Member and Previous Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award Recipient Charlie Daniels On Hand for Presentation NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Multi-Platinum country music entertainer Scotty McCreery was presented with the esteemed Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from the State of North Carolina last night at the Grand Ole Opry just minutes after receiving a standing ovation for his moving performance of his song “Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina-native received the Award in honor of his charitable service to his home state. On hand for the presentation was Andy Lancaster, Vice President, MWC Advocacy for McGuireWoods Consulting representing former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory; Sally Williams, Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment, and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry; and past Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award recipient and Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels, who also performed at the Opry last night. “Everyone knows how proud I am of being from North Carolina and that I’m always glad to help out when my state needs me,” said McCreery. “It’s a great feeling to know that my state is proud of me and has recognized me with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. Having it presented to me here at the Grand Ole Opry, which is my favorite stage to perform on, is fantastic. Then, receiving it in front of one of my musical heroes and a fellow native North Carolinian, Charlie Daniels, is beyond awesome. This is a memory I will treasure.” “I want to thank Scotty for being such a great ambassador for our state – both on and off stage,” said McCrory, who recommended McCreery for this honor before his term ended earlier this year. “While most people know about his musical talents, Scotty also has a strong commitment to service through his many philanthropic efforts. Scotty truly represents the best of North Carolina.” The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina. It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina. Past recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award in addition to Daniels include Maya Angelou, Shirley Caesar, Phil Donahue, Dale Earnhardt, President Gerald R. Ford, Senator John Glenn, Tipper Gore, Dr. Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, Mia Hamm, Jesse Jackson, George Jones, Coretta Scott King, Ronnie Milsap, Richard Petty, Sidney Poitier, Colin Powell, Kenny Rogers, Earl Scruggs, Randy Travis, Doc Watson, Tennessee Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Tammy Wynette, and many more notable individuals. After winning “American Idol” in 2011, McCreery made history as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 album Continue reading Scotty McCreery receives Order of The Long Leaf Pine Award from the state of North Carolina at the Grand Ole Opry→

Old Dominion Returns to ACMs with Performance on 52nd Award Show

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FROM PLAYING HOUSE PARTIES TO COUNTRY’S BIGGEST STAGE  OLD DOMINION RETURNS WITH A PERFORMANCE ON  THE “52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™”  LIVE FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, APRIL 2 ON CBS It’s been a long road from playing house parties for pocket change to performing on the “52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™”, but Old Dominion, 2016’s ACM New Vocal Group of the Year and a 2017 nominee for Vocal Group of the Year, is ready. On Sunday, April 2, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the five-piece band of songwriters returns with a performance of their new single, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” on this year’s show airing on CBS .  “Last year our performance was 90 seconds,” says Old Dominion lead singer Matthew Ramsey. “It was over in a flash. We walked off stage and I got a little wobbly-kneed as it all sank in,” he adds, recalling their first big break. “Winning the trophy for New Group our first year out was such an honor, but to be nominated for Vocal Group of the Year for a second time and have the opportunity to perform our new song, it really feels like we are on a new level. To be able to deliver the message of this song to an audience of this size means more than we can possibly express. It truly is a career high point.” Proving that they are not your average country band, Old Dominion combines old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit into musical magic, and has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in the format, fusing clever lyrics and an infectious sound resulting in three Top 5 singles, including two No. 1s. They released their first full-length album Meat and Candy, which Entertainment Weekly called a “deceptively smart, occasionally cheeky, stellar debut,” in 2015. Success soon followed and Old Dominion released their Platinum two-week No.1 “Break Up With Him” and RIAA certified Gold hit “Snapback” prior to their third single “Song For Another Time,” which also reached the top chart position. The group released their new single, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” on March 10, giving fans their first taste of new music from the band’s upcoming sophomore album expected for release later this year. After claiming the ACM New Vocal Group prize in 2016, they spent the summer on Kenny Chesney’s Spread The Love Tour and followed that with their headlining Meat and Candy Tour, with 15 of the dates tapped as Stagecoach Spotlight: Old Dominion Meat and Candy Tour; the first-ever tour produced by the award-winning Stagecoach Music Festival and celebrated sold-out attendance on all dates. In addition, they picked up additional nominations in 2016 for CMA New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year as well as Favorite Due or Group – Country for the 2016 American Music Awards. This spring, they joined Miranda Lambert on her Highway Vagabond Tour. Old Dominion consists of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers. Hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, The Continue reading Old Dominion Returns to ACMs with Performance on 52nd Award Show→

DARIUS RUCKER: THE BIG PICTURE VIEW

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Darius Rucker on Country Music News Blog

NBC Today show original segment on 3/31 + “CMT Hometown Heroes” to air 3/31 Rucker to make appearance in Sandy Wexler, an Adam Sandler Netflix Comedy Movie 4/14 Darius Rucker made headlines this week as a proud Charlestonian championing his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks as they advanced to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament; however, sports teams are not all he supports locally. This week, Rucker brings CMT and Today show cameras to his hometown of Charleston, S.C. to present a brand-new, one-hour special, “CMT Hometown Heroes.” Featuring some of country’s most prolific storytellers, including Rucker, Chris Stapleton, and Brett Eldredge, these artists make surprise returns to their hometowns to give back and perform for their very own hometown heroes. During his visit to Charleston, Rucker remodeled the teen room at MUSC Children’s Hospital. Rucker’s mom was a nurse at the hospital, so he grew up visiting the facility, its staff and patients from an early age. The special premieres Friday, March 31 10 p.m. ET/PT and features exclusive performances, in-depth interviews, as well as an intimate look at the people and places that shaped each performer. NBC’s Today show was on-site for the special taping and will air an original segment on Thursday, March 30 9:00 a.m. ET focusing on Rucker’s lasting impact and philanthropic work at the children’s hospital. Rucker is putting the finishing touches on his album expected for release later this year—his first single off his forthcoming fifth studio album, “If I Told You,” is currently Top 20 and climbing—but he is still making time for film and series appearances. On an episode of  “Sun Records” on CMT, Rucker will appear in black-and-white striped prison garb, playing the role of The Prisonaires’ Johnny Bragg, singing “That Chick’s Too Young to Fry” (available on-demand now). Another not-to-be-missed CMT appearance is Rucker’s “CMT Crossroads” with John Mellencamp which premiered exclusively on CMT on March 24. The pair of GRAMMY winners delivered rockin’ performances of “Pink Houses,” and “Cherry Bomb,” as well as “Wagon Wheel” and “If I Told You.” Fans can also see Rucker as he plays himself in the third installment of Adam Sandler’s Sandy Wexler, a Netflix original, beginning April 14. For more appearances, performances and tour dates, stay tuned to DariusRucker.com.

Keith Richards and Sheryl Crow added to all-star lineup to honor Merle Haggard at concert celebration

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MUSIC ICON KEITH RICHARDS AND GRAMMY®-AWARD WINNING SINGER-SONGWRITER SHERYL CROW ADDED TO ALL-STAR LINEUP TO HONOR MERLE HAGGARD AT ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CONCERT CELEBRATION SING ME BACK HOME: THE MUSIC OF MERLE HAGGARD AN ALL-STAR CONCERT CELEBRATION TO BE HELD AT NASHVILLE’S BRIDGESTONE ARENA ON APRIL 6, 2017 NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE AT TICKETMASTER Legendary Rolling Stones’ guitarist/vocalist Keith Richards and GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow have been added to the lineup of Sing Me Back Home: The Music Of Merle Haggard, an all-star concert event taping at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. CT in honor of what would have been Merle’s 80th birthday and the one-year anniversary of his passing. The new additions to the lineup join previously announced performing artists Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, John Mellencamp, Dierks Bentley, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Jr., Toby Keith, The Avett Brothers, Alison Krauss, Ronnie Dunn, Alabama, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lucinda Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Anderson, Bobby Bare, Connie Smith and Ben Haggard. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Merle Haggard racked up an astounding 38 No. 1 country hits and every major award imaginable. Songs like “Mama Tried,” “Okie From Muskogee,” “I’m A Lonesome Fugitive” and “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike. He was an iconoclast who refused to bend to country music convention and helped create the indelible Bakersfield sound. He gave voice to outlaws and outsiders and in a way that few, if any, have ever equaled. A new block of tickets has been released and are now available for the all-star concert event taping at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office. Keith Wortman, Mark Rothbaum and Theresa Haggard are the creators and executive producers of the show. Don Was, Ben Haggard and Buddy Cannon will serve as music directors and preside over a stellar house band backing the performers at this historic concert event taping. The event will be filmed and recorded for multi-platform distribution throughout traditional media (worldwide broadcast, music, and digital). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation. “Stuff happens, but you just have to be your own man, and have something to say,” said Richards. “Sometimes you meet somebody and you know instantly that you’re friends. Merle was one of those kind of cats to me. It’s another goodbye to another good friend.” “I am so very thankful for this tribute to my husband, Merle Haggard.  Please come join me and my family at this fantastic show that Merle would be so proud of,” adds Theresa Haggard. “I am honored to produce a show that celebrates the life and music of Merle Haggard,” says Wortman. “His music and lyrics continue to shape the lives of musicians and millions of fans. I can’t think of any better way to celebrate his 80th birthday than to honor his Continue reading Keith Richards and Sheryl Crow added to all-star lineup to honor Merle Haggard at concert celebration→

RAELYNN UNLEASHES DEBUT ALBUM WILDHORSE IN GRACEFUL, GENEROUS FASHION

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RaeLynn on Country Music News Blog

Rising Star Spends Release Day Making THE RAELYNN DIABETES FUND First Donation At Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston Mayor Proclaims “RAELYNN DAY” Also Making Surprise Appearance At RODEOHOUSTON And Singing Powerful First Single “LOVE TRIANGLE” On ELLEN Spunky free spirit and Texas native RAELYNN is today (3/24) celebrating the release of her years in the making debut album, WILDHORSE, which catapulted to #1 on the iTunes Country Albums chart and #3 All Genre Albums chart upon release. The excitement continues with a trio of high-profile engagements, including the founding of a charitable fund for childhood diabetes patients in her name.   Appearing at the Texas Children’s Hospital this afternoon, RaeLynn will make the first donation to THE RAELYNN DIABETES FUND and will in turn be honored by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who will proclaim March 24, 2017 as “RAELYNN DAY.” Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12, the rising star credits Texas Children’s Hospital with saving her life and is now proud to pay her blessings forward.   “I have been counting down to this day for so long that I can’t even believe it is finally here,” exclaims RaeLynn. “And, to be able to celebrate in my hometown and give back to the hospital that helped make all of my dreams come true makes it that much more special.”   Later in the day, RaeLynn will also perform a pop-up outdoor concert at the massive RodeoHouston festival, and appear on ELLEN to sing her album’s powerful first single, “Love Triangle” – a heart-wrenching divorce ballad told from the point of view of a little girl.   Praised by NPR for its “finely drawn images and subtle shifts in perspective,” “Love Triangle” is currently Top 30 and rising at Country radio. It’s offering the first real taste of an album which bucks convention at every turn to reveal an artist with an untamed soul while gathering millions of online streams to date.   Produced by Jimmy Robbins and Nicolle Galyon, WILDHORSE (Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville) tells the story of RaeLynn’s life following her breakthrough on The Voice – four years that have seen her move to Nashville, release hit songs like “God Made Girls,” and get married. Full of personal touches, RaeLynn co-wrote 11 of the album’s 12 songs, even basing the anthemic “WildHorse” title track on a touching, cross-generational poem written about RaeLynn’s mother by her grandmother. Following WILDHORSE’s release, RaeLynn will begin her first-ever headlining tour. Kicking off on April 20 in Columbus, Ohio, the RaVe TOUR will give country fans a concert experience like they’ve never had before, combining a Radio Disney-curated playlist, full performance from RaeLynn and a glitter-filled dance party with a live DJ after the show. The complete list of RaVe TOUR dates and information on ticket sales can be found at www.raelynn.com.

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Kickoff on April 22-23 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ

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2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series on Country Music News Blog!

The 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Presented by GEICO will rev into high gear with The General Tire ‘Duel In the Desert’ Presented By OPTIMA Batteries, on April 22-23 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ. Early bird tickets are on sale now. Buy tickets and get more information at www.LucasOilOffroad.com. Welcoming motorsport enthusiasts from all over Maricopa County, The General Tire ‘Duel In the Desert’ Presented By OPTIMA Batteries will kick off at 8:00 am with karts and UTV features beginning at 12:00 pm and opening ceremonies at 2:30pm each day, offering attendees a weekend full of high-intensity, family-friendly fun. Guests are invited to walk around the pits, hang out with the racers, and enjoy an entire day of racing on Saturday and Sunday. See schedule below. “We love being out here at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park,” says race legend Brian Deegan. “The excitement is palpable when we come out to this track and we know this weekend is one you will not want to miss.” Racer RJ Anderson says, “We are all so excited to get out on the track and to give off-road racing fans a weekend they won’t forget.” The Lucas Off Road Racing Series Presented by GEICO (the #1 off-road series on the planet) is the evolution of the long standing support of short course racing by Forrest Lucas and Lucas Oil. Steeped in the Midwest tradition of short course off road racing infused with a West Coast influence, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing brings intense four wheel door to door action to challenging, fan friendly tracks. Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series: This is Short Course. The General Tire ‘Duel In the Desert’ Presented By OPTIMA Batteries takes place on April 22-23 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ. Buy tickets and get more information at www.LucasOilOffRoad.com. Early Bird tickets are available now for a limited time, and for the first time ever, reserved seating and VIP packages are also available. What: The General Tire ‘Duel In the Desert’ Presented By OPTIMA Batteries Where: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park 20,000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler, AZ 85226 When: April 22-23, 2017 Cost: $20-$105 Tickets can be purchased at www.LucasOilOffRoad.com. SATURDAY, APRIL 22 8:00 AM Main Gate Open to Public 8:30 AM JR 2 Practice/Qualifying JR 1 Practice/Qualifying Mod Kart Qualifying UTV Qualifying Pro 4 Qualifying Pro Lite Qualifying Pro Buggy Qualifying Pro 2 Qualifying 12:00 PM JR 2 Kart Race JR 2 Kart Race Mod Kart Race UTV Race 2:30 PM Opening Ceremonies Pro 4 Race Pro Lite Race Pro Buggy Race Pro 2 Race SUNDAY, APRIL 23 8:00 AM Main Gate Open to Public 8:30 AM JR 2 Practice/Qualifying JR 1 Practice/Qualifying Mod Kart Qualifying UTV Qualifying Pro 4 Qualifying Pro Lite Qualifying Pro Buggy Qualifying Pro 2 Qualifying 12:00 PM JR 2 Kart Race JR 2 Kart Race Mod Kart Race UTV Race 2:30 PM Opening Ceremonies Pro 4 Race Pro Lite Race Pro Buggy Race Continue reading Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Kickoff on April 22-23 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ→

Your 2017 ACM Awards Kelsea Ballerini Watch Guide!

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Kelsea Ballerini on Country Music News Blog

The 2017 ACM’s are upon us and this year it’s all about Kelsea Ballerini, including a  special encore performance from “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Video of the Year” nominee Kelsea Ballerini airing exclusively on Xfinity right after the ACMs, check out the details below. Before the ACM Awards: Brush Up On This Year’s Nominees: Check out the official list of 2017 nominations at ACMawards.com/nominees to brush up on your country knowledge prior to the ACMs. Behind the Performance: If you have Xfinity TV, you can indulge in your passion for country music by accessing exclusive ACM content, including a behind the scenes look at preparations for Kelsea Ballerini’s encore performance, as well as archival clips from prior ACM Awards shows. You can also check it all out online at Xfinity.com/ACMawards. Watching the ACM Awards – Sunday, April 2nd: Red Carpet Pre-Show: The exclusive red carpet coverage will live stream exclusively on Twitter @ACMawards, beginning at 3pm PT/6pm ET. LIVE Television Broadcast: Tune into CBS on Sunday, April 2nd at 8pm ET/delayed PT to watch the ACM Awards broadcasted live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley returning to co-host. NASCAR on Stage: NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers Darrell Wallace, Jr. and Elliott Sadler will trade in their driving gloves for an official results envelope as they will take the stage to present the Video of the Year Award presented by XFINITY. Fans can follow @XFINITY on Twitter as Sadler and Wallace, Jr. will take over the handle on Sunday afternoon to provide behind the scenes content from their view on the Red Carpet and leading up to the presentation. After the ACM Awards: Exclusive Encore Performance: Immediately following the television broadcast, don’t miss an encore performance by “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Video of the Year” nominee Kelsea Ballerini, available exclusively On Demand for Xfinity TV subscribers. She’ll be performing her new song “High School” off her upcoming album, so don’t miss this preview of Kelsea’s next hit!

Keith Urban Reunites With Fellow ‘American Idol’ Judge On ‘Harry’

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CAPITOL NASHVILLE artist KEITH URBAN made an appearance on the nationally syndicated “HARRY” talk show, hosted by his former fellow FOX-TV “AMERICAN Idol” judge HARRY CONNICK JR, on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22nd. URBAN played a round of “Celebrity Swipes” with CONNICK JR, chatted about life at home with NICOLE KIDMAN and their two daughters, and played a little music together. Check out the “Celebrity Swipes” segment here, conversation clips here and here, and some of URBAN and CONNICK JR’s jam session here and here.

Trisha Yearwood Earns Daytime Emmy Nomination

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Trisha Yearwood on Country Music News Blog

Congratulations to Country artist TRISHA YEARWOOD who has been nominated for a Daytime EMMY Award for her FOOD NETWORK cooking series, “TRISHA’s Southern Kitchen,” in the category of Outstanding Culinary Program. YEARWOOD also serves as Executive Producer of the series in addition to hosting the weekly series. YEARWOOD won a Daytime EMMY Award for Outstanding Culinary Program for “TRISHA’s Southern Kitchen” in 2013.

Restless Heart Announces 2017 North American Tour

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Legendary country music group Restless Heart has announced the first leg of tour dates for its 2017 North American tour.  Entering their 34th year on the tour trail, the men of Restless Heart will again travel the country coast-to-coast with scheduled tour dates in Oregon, Texas, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and more. Get Tickets to see Restless Heart “My favorite part about touring each year is seeing the familiar faces of our incredible fans in every crowd,” says Restless Heart keyboardist/vocalist Dave Innis.  “After all these years, it’s more like family, especially since so many are raising a new generation of Restless Heart fans to keep us ‘rollin’ down the highway!’” “It’s a great feeling going into each touring season knowing that we get to once again hit the stage every night with the original five guys still on top of our game,” adds Restless Heart lead singer Larry Stewart.  “Time to get the show on the road!” Larry Stewart, John Dittrich, Greg Jennings, Paul Gregg and Dave Innis, the men who make up Restless Heart, have enjoyed one of the most successful group careers in country music history. The band has placed over 25 singles on the charts with six consecutive #1 hits, four of their albums have been certified Gold by the RIAA and they have won a wide range of awards from many organizations including the Academy of Country Music‘s “Top Vocal Group.” Get Tickets to see Restless Heart Restless Heart 2017 North American Tour Schedule: 3/24/17 – Florence, OR – Three Rivers Casino & Hotel 3/25/17 – Florence, OR – Three Rivers Casino & Hotel 4/08/17 – DeQuincy, LA – Louisiana Railroad Days Festival 4/09/17 – Lindale, TX – Love and War in Texas 4/15/17 – Amarillo, TX – Amarillo Civic Center 4/21/17 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Palace 4/22/17 – Cartersville, GA – The Grand Theatre 4/28/17 – Lake Charles LA – Golden Nugget Casino 5/20/17 – Giddings, TX – Lee County Fair 5/28/17 – Verdi, NV – Boomtown Hotel & Casino 6/03/17 – Carlsbad, NM – CavernFest 6/23/17 – Chipley, FL – Panhandle Watermelon Festival 7/04/17 – Rogersville, TN – Rogersville 4th Of July Celebration 7/15/17 – Sisseton, SD – Sisseton’s 125th Anniversary-Brewster/Gunderson Field 7/20/17 – Warren, MN – Marshall County Fair 7/21/17 – Twin Lakes, WI – Country Thunder USA 7/22/17 – Lubbock, TX – Lubbock Cattle Baron’s Ball 8/05/17 – Culleoka, TN – The Barn 8/15/17 – Des Moines, IA – Iowa State Fair 8/18/17 – Farmington, NM – San Juan County Fair 8/26/17 – Bonner Springs, KS – Providence Medical Center Amphitheater 9/01/17 – Millersport, OH – Sweet Corn Festival 9/08/17 – Branson, MO – Silver Dollar City 9/16/17 – Hartford, WI – Schauer Arts And Activities Center 9/22/17 – Wendover, NV – Peppermill Concert Hall 10/13/17 – The Woodlands,TX – Dosey Doe For additional information on Restless Heart visit www.restlessheartband.com.