Steve Moakler’s SiriusXM inaugural “Highway Finds Tour” launches  Thursday, March 16

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Breakout country artist who appeared on more than 20 Ones to Watch 2016 lists including CMT, Huffington Post, Nashville Lifestyles, Rolling Stone Country and more, Steve Moakler, will kick off his headlining SiriusXM-backed The Highway Finds Tour today, Thursday, March 16. Just four hours later the “in demand” (Taste of Country) singer/songwriter will release his fourth studio album, Steel Town, available at digital retail and streaming at midnight on Friday, March 17. The 11-track album, produced by GRAMMY Award winning songwriter/producer Luke Laird for CN Records (Creative Nation), is a compilation of songs that serve as reflections on his past, which is rooted in Pittsburgh. “Honestly, they don’t make a lot of steel in Pittsburgh anymore,” said Moakler.  “They made so much at one time though, that I’m convinced that spirit and resilience is still left over in the people.” Moakler continues, “Whether it’s true or not, there are times in life when it’s helpful to believe that maybe you have some steel in you. That’s really the spirit that inspired this album and what drives me to keep pressing on, building my career and making music that I can share with fans. I’m so grateful to have grown up in a place with tenacity in its bones, and that’s why I named this album Steel Town.” Moakler co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks along with the help of critically-acclaimed co-writers Andy Albert, Marshall Altman, Cary Barlowe, Casey Beathard, Dave Berg, Sarah Buxton, Chad Cates, Barry Dean, Luke Laird, Gordie Sampson, Caitlyn Smith and Daniel Tashian, and includes SiriusXM’s “The Highway” hit and Moakler’s first single, “Suitcase” written by Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Thomas Rhett. Moakler’s latest offering and third single “Wheels” is available at SiriusXM’s “The Highway” now and is the follow-up single to fan-favorite, “Love Drunk.” The Highway Finds Tour kicks off today, Thursday, March 16 in Charlotte, N.C. at The Underground and serves as the “perfect” way to celebrate the release of his new album, according to Moakler. “This is will be our fourth headline spring tour in a row and it’s been really gratifying to watch the crowds grow every year,” said Moakler.  “Now, partnering with SiriusXM “The Highway,” Drew Baldridge and Smithfield, I anticipate this being our most exciting show yet.” Moakler first established his foothold as a songwriter with cuts by Ashley Monroe (“If Love Was Fair”), Jake Owen (“Surefire Feeling”), Ben Rector (“Without You”) and Dierks Bentley (“Riser”) and has earned recognition by more than 20 outlets as an “artist to watch,” including CMT, Huffington Post, Nashville Lifestyles, Rolling Stone Country and more. For more information about his upcoming album and tour, visit stevemoakler.com. Steel Town Track Listing: 1. “Steel Town” (Steve Moakler / Casey Beathard) 2. “Suitcase” (Barry Dean / Luke Laird / Thomas Rhett) 3. “Jealous Girl” (Steve Moakler / Daniel Tashian) 4. “Summer Without Her” (Steve Moakler / Sarah Buxton) 5. “Love Drunk” (Steve Moakler / Cary Barlowe / Gordie Sampson) 6. “Hearts Don’t Break That Way” (Steve Moakler / Marshall Altman Continue reading Steve Moakler’s SiriusXM inaugural “Highway Finds Tour” launches  Thursday, March 16→

SWEET DREAMS COME TRUE FOR MUSIC CITY WITH THE OPENING OF THE PATSY CLINE MUSEUM

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Nashville, she’s got you; the Patsy Cline Museum opening on Friday, April 7 will add another attraction to the “must-see” list for the city’s tourists and locals paying homage to the personal and professional life of the icon.   “In her short nine years as a recording artist from ‘55 to ‘63, she forever changed the voice of country music, the role of female artists and influenced performers across all genres,” says Founder Bill Miller. “To this very day, artists still cover her hits and you’ll hear her recordings used in motion pictures and TV series. She deserved her own museum as she continues to transcend generations of fans. We are honored to work with Patsy’s children to preserve her legacy.”   Located at 119 Third Avenue South, the Patsy Cline Museum houses the largest collection of Patsy Cline artifacts in the world featuring personal letters, photographs, costumes, clothing and household furnishings from her Nashville dream house that have been locked away for more than fifty years.   “I am very happy to speak on behalf of my brothers, Randy and Chip, and in honor of the legacy of my mother Patsy Cline,” says Julie Fudge. “Since the passing of our father, this is our first step together in continuing to share Mom’s music, life and story, as we feel Dad would have. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with and experience what Bill will present to old and new fans alike.”   Guests will travel back to her humble beginnings in Winchester, VA and see family photos, possessions and even the very booth she waitressed as a teenager at Gaunt’s Drugstore. Never-before-seen costumes that exhibit her transition from western cowgirl to torch singing headliner will also be on display.  Many of the costumes exhibited are creations designed and sewn by her mother, Hilda. Guests will have the unique opportunity to step inside Patsy’s famed Rec Room, where many entertainers dropped in to jam and party in the dream home Patsy purchased on Nella Drive in Goodlettsville, Tenn. The room contains original furnishings owned and used by Cline and her husband Charlie Dick. A vintage jukebox broadcasts her mega-hit “Crazy,” highlighting its distinction as the most programmed jukebox song of all time. A bio film also documents Patsy’s career and is hosted by noted actress Beverly D’Angelo, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Patsy Cline in the 1980 film “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” “Patsy Cline had the most profound impact on my life of anybody I never met,” says D’Angelo. The Patsy Cline Museum is located on the second level of the building which houses the world renowned Johnny Cash Museum. Guests are educated and entertained via cutting-edge audio and touch screen technology featuring Cline’s numerous audio and video performances. The museum is open daily from 9 AM – 7 PM CT.   Details on the museum are below:   Attraction: Patsy Cline Museum Address: 119 Third Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37202 Hours: Daily 9 AM Continue reading SWEET DREAMS COME TRUE FOR MUSIC CITY WITH THE OPENING OF THE PATSY CLINE MUSEUM→

Yonder Mountain String Band Announces Live Album: Mountain Tracks: Vol. 6

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Yonder Mountain String Band

“Mountain Tracks 6 is a collection of live songs from the first half of our 2016 touring year.  It’s been a long time since we’ve released a hard copy of a live show, but we’ve received a lot of requests over the past couple of years.  We were happy to oblige.  Hope you enjoy it!” – Adam Aijala Turn up the volume and move the coffee table out of the way. Yonder Mountain String Band is thrilled to announce the first Mountain Tracks release since 2008.  Mountain Tracks: Vol. 6 features the best performances from recent shows and is full of some of the band’s favorite jams including Yonder originals, “Black Sheep” and “I’m Lost”, plus covers of “Sister Golden Hair” by America and Blind Melon’s “No Rain,” and more! Enjoy early release copies available in the Yonder online store NOW or stop by the band’s merch table to pick up your copy during Spring Tour.  On iTunes and Spotify April 7th.   Mountain Tracks: Vol. 6 Track Listing   Around You 2. Black Sheep 3. Sister Golden Hair 4. I’m Lost 5.  Pass This Way > E.M.D. > Pass This Way 6. No Rain 7. Drawing A Melody > Summer In The City > Drawing A Melody     YMSB SPRING TOUR 3/15 @ The Depot | Salt Lake City, UT 3/16 @ Pink Garter Theatre | Jackson Hole, WY 3/17 @ The Pub Station | Billings, MT 3/18 @ The Wilma | Missoula, MT 3/19 @ Knitting Factory | Boise, ID 3/22 @ The Hive | Sandpoint, ID 3/23 @ The Showbox | Seattle, WA 3/24 @ Crystal Ballroom | Portland, OR 3/25 @ McDonald Theatre | Eugene, OR 3/26 @ Rogue Theatre | Grants Pass, OR 3/29 @ Miners Foundry Cultural Center | Nevada City, CA 3/30 @ Golden State Theatre | Monterey, CA 3/31-4/1 @ WinterWonderGrass | Squaw Valley, CA 4/1 & 4/2 @ The Independent | San Francisco, CA 4/5 @ Harlow’s | Sacramento, CA 4/6 @ Belly Up Tavern | Solana Beach, CA 4/7 @ Troubadour | West Hollywood, CA 4/8 @ Orpheum Theater | Flagstaff, AZ all dates and news at yondermountain.com

Charles Kelley to Host ACM Lifting Lives® Golf Classic / April 1 – Las Vegas

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ACM Awards on Country Music News Blog

The Academy of Country Music® announced today that for the first time Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum will host the ACM Lifting Lives® Golf Classic at TPC Las Vegas on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need within the music industry. The “scramble” style golf tournament, being held for the sixth consecutive year at TPC Las Vegas, was initially created to meet the need for a charitable event to connect fans, sponsors and donors with industry insiders and artists. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need within the music industry. Established by former Academy of Country Music and ACM Lifting Lives Board Chair Gayle Holcomb, in honor of her mother, the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund responds quickly to unforeseen, immediate financial needs of music related organizations and individuals. Since its inception in 2007, the Fund has distributed more than $500,000. [bctt tweet=”TWEET: .@charleskelleyla announced as host of 2017 ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 1″ username=”CMNBlog”] “I’ve been able to participate in the ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic tournament for the past couple of years, so I’m looking forward to stepping back up onto green again this year,” said Kelley. “Getting together with my buddies to play a round in Vegas is always the perfect way to head into the award show, especially when it’s also for a good cause.” The ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic will take place during the highly-anticipated “The Week Vegas Goes Country®,” including the 5th Annual ACM Party for a Cause® taking place March 30 – April 2, 2017 surrounding the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, which will broadcast LIVE for the first time ever from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. About Charles Kelley With more than 18 million units sold, Charles Kelley is one-third of seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning group Lady Antebellum. Having earned nine No. one hits at Country radio, the trio continues their success currently climbing the Country radio charts with their lead single “You Look Good” off their forthcoming sixth studio album HEART BREAK (Capitol Nashville), available June 9. After taking time to pursue solo projects that earned Kelley a GRAMMY nomination, he, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood simultaneously share plans to return to the road on May 26th with more than 65 shows planned in six countries on their YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR, presented by Nabisco.  In addition to his success as party of Lady A, Kelley has also penned chart-topping hits recorded by Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker. For more information on new music, a full list of upcoming tour dates and more, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.  

Travis Tritt: A Man and His Guitar to Air on PBS Stations Across the Country This Month

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Coming off a 32-city SOLD OUT solo acoustic tour, Tritt gears up for next leg of shows. Preview a clip here Multi-award winning artist and country music hit-maker Travis Tritt continues to check off boxes in his illustrious career. Following the release of his live 2-disc CD and DVD, titled A Man and His Guitar – Live from the Franklin Theatre, the concert event is scheduled to air as special programming on PBS stations across the country (check local listings). Filmed and recorded in an intimate setting at the historic Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee, Travis Tritt: A Man and His Guitar spotlights Tritt’s distinctively soulful voice, his exceptional guitar prowess, and features Tritt at his best, performing a fresh take on some of his biggest hits, including “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” and “Best of Intentions,” in a stripped down, pure form. Previously unreleased renditions of “Come and Go Blues” and “Pickin’ At It” are also included in the program. This presentation of Tritt’s performance features television hosts Nan Kelley and Brian Mansfield along with special in-concert guests Marty Stuart and James Otto. The southern-rock influenced artist is also coming off a 32-city sold out solo acoustic tour, with a second leg of shows already in full swing.  Forthcoming show dates and markets are listed below, with new dates continuously being added to www.TravisTritt.com. The Georgia native hit another milestone in his career when he recently celebrated his 25th anniversary of becoming an Opry member. Tritt performed and received a commemorative plaque presented by John Conlee celebrating his long-lived relationship with the Opry. While standing inside the famous six-foot circle on stage, Tritt expressed his gratitude by telling the crowd that this was the “biggest honor of my life.” More than 27 years after Travis Tritt launched his music career, Tritt continues to sell-out shows and stay true and relevant to country music fans across the globe. His 1990 debut album Country Club and its succession of hits put him in the vanguard of the genre’s early ʼ90s boom, making him one of “The Class of ʼ89,” along with country music superstars Garth Brooks, Clint Black and Alan Jackson, all of whom dominated the charts in the early 1990s.  “Country Club,” “Help Me Hold On,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” and “Drift Off to Dream” peaked at numbers two and three on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, which led Tritt to win the Top New Male Artist award from Billboard and the CMA Horizon Award (now known as the New Artist Award). In 1991, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Country Club as platinum. Two years after his debut, Tritt’s sophomore album, It’s All About to Change, was released. The album shipped three million copies and all four of its singles reached the top five on the country music charts. Along with his first album, this release became triple-platinum certified by the RIAA. The next series of albums, seven of which are certified platinum or higher, Continue reading Travis Tritt: A Man and His Guitar to Air on PBS Stations Across the Country This Month→

Brinn Black premieres “Daddy’s Medicine”

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After a year long hiatus, country songstress Brinn Black is excited to debut her stunning music video for her new single “Daddy’s Medicine,” which made it’s debut yesterday exclusively on OneCountry.com. The Ford Fairchild directed clip exudes the emotion Brinn felt when writing the vulnerable record about her experience growing up with an alcoholic father. “As much as I like to say I wrote this song, it’s more like the song wrote me,” Brinn expressed to One Country in a recent interview. “It is one of those that came out in 30 minutes, like I was just being used as the vessel for it… ‘Daddy’s Medicine’ is the most personal song I’ve ever written. My dad’s addiction has played a part in some of the most painful parts of my life, and this song has helped me heal more than I ever imagined.” “Daddy’s Medicine” is available on iTunes and Spotify. ABOUT BRINN BLACK: It takes no longer than 60 seconds with Brinn Black to be completely captivated by her amazing energy and compassionate personality. Her unbridled spirit delivers the honest truth that comes alive in her music. With a connection to audiences of all ages, Black is one of country music’s most engaging new female acts.   Whether it be on the historic Ryman Auditorium stage, honoring a member of the Grand Ole Opry in song, or playing a round at the Bluebird Cafe, Black delivers a tone of purity and innocence paired with a rasp that drives straight through her listener’s heart. It’s no wonder that some of her biggest influences include Jennifer Nettles, Patsy Cline and Kelly Clarkson.   Based in Nashville, Tenn., where thousands move to daily to pursue the dream of country super-stardom, Black has taken an authentic entrepreneurship approach in pursuing her dreams, allowing the young singer-songwriter to discover more about herself by sharing her journey with the world. She has supported some of country music’s biggest names including Darius Rucker, Justin Moore, Little Big Town, Montgomery Gentry,Gretchen Wilson, LoCash and more!   Off stage she has been an advocate for her community by partnering with programs such as:Christmas4Kids, Hands On Nashville, Columbia Shop-With-A-Cop program, Big Brothers Big Sisters and many more. She recently served as an ambassador for LEAD Southeast, a public school in Nashville committed to prepping young artistic students for a four year college or university program. The Virginia native returned to her home state two years ago to develop a full scale songwriters festival at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia’s most popular lake bringing 50 Nashville songwriters to play music across the 500 miles of shoreline, creating a music scene and creating impact. The festival has raised over $50,000 in proceeds from the three-day festival benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN.   This summer, Black will release her most vulnerable project to date. The first single, “Daddy’s Medicine” is available now.Her new sound is influenced by her personal experiences: heartache, hope and healing. By sharing the incredible journey that has built the woman she is today, Brinn Black is sure to become one of country music’s biggest stars.     Continue reading Brinn Black premieres “Daddy’s Medicine”→

New Music From Trisha Yearwood?

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Trisha Yearwood Talks New Music and Garth Brooks’ #WeShallBeFree Initiative During Weekly T’s Coffee Talk Facebook Live *T’s Coffee Talk is Trisha Yearwood’s Facebook Live lead-in to her weekly Food Network show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen. This weekend, she broadcasted from her Albany, NY where she was on the road with The Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood.* This morning (3/11), Trisha Yearwood and her good friend Mandy aired T’s Coffee Talk live from Albany, NY and tackled the ever-present question of when Trisha will release her next album. Trisha gave an exciting response that she’s back in the studio and working on new music to be expected next year. It’s been three years since the release of Prize Fighter, so Trisha is excited and eager to give fans new music! During the talk, Trisha and Mandy showed off the brand new T’s Coffee Talk hoodies that were hot-off-the-press. Viewers poured in their love of the new hoodie, which will be available in a limited supply at the concert tonight and will also make their debut on next week’s episode of Trisha’s Southern Kitchen.   They also discussed Garth Brooks’ powerful initiative #WeShallBeFree that encourages everyone to come together despite our differences. The newly released video for “We Shall Be Free” features distinguished voices from Al Gore to Whoopi Goldberg and John Travolta expressing their powerful messages of love and unity. Trisha encouraged fans to support the initiative by writing words of inspiration (Love, Peace, Unity and Acceptance) on their hands and use the hashtag #WeShallBeFree (just like she did here). This week’s encore episode of Trisha’s Southern Kitchen “Chop Chop” brings Trisha and her sister Beth together for a cooking competition. The sisters create dishes including a White Wine Spritzer with Watermelon and Basil, Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup, Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry and Bread Pudding with Fruit Sauce. Full episode of T’s Coffee Talk: https://www.facebook.com/TrishaYearwood/ Excerpts with time codes below: 3:30 – Trisha talks singing with Sunny Sweeney on the album Trophy 4:12 – Trisha dishes on the status of her new music 7:14 – Cold weather foods to cook, including Chicken Tortilla Soup 7:45 – Showing off the “hand warmer” clay mugs that can be found at clayinmotion.com 12:10 – What the girls put in their coffee 12:45 – Trisha’s advice on pressure cookers 15:10 – Trisha confesses she has a dog-cam to check up on Emmy   ABOUT: Trisha Yearwood possesses one of the most powerful female voices in Country music. The platinum-selling, multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM winning artist’s twelfth album, PrizeFighter: Hit After Hit, combined both her new and iconic songs from her revered catalogue in 2014. Each Saturday morning, Trisha’s Emmy-Award winning Trisha’s Southern Kitchen on Food Network is kicked off by her Facebook Live “pre-show,” T’s Coffee Talk. Both programs have become a weekly hang with Trisha, her friends, and family in a relaxed environment with great food, conversation, and coffee. As the “CEO with Southern charm” Yearwood has developed her own growing lifestyle empire Continue reading New Music From Trisha Yearwood?→

RAELYNN PERFORMING ON ELLEN MARCH 24 TO CELEBRATE WILDHORSE RELEASE DAY

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Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville rising star RAELYNN has some amazing things in store for the March 24 release of her debut album WILDHORSE, including a performance of her current single “Love Triangle” on the multiple Emmy Award-winning show ELLEN. “I’ve been watching Ellen my whole life, I think she’s one of the funniest people,” she says. “I’ve always thought it be so cool to be on that show and now I AM! It’s a dream come true. I pray she dances with me. Meanwhile, tickets and VIP experiences for RaeLynn’s just-announced RaVe Tour are now available to purchase here. Already featuring a Radio Disney Country-curated playlist, full-band performance and an after-show dance party DJ’d by RaeLynn herself, the RaVe Tour’s VIP experience will also include photo opportunities, a meet and greet with RaeLynn, exclusive tour souvenirs and early venue access (where applicable). RaeLynn has also been honored with a nomination from the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards, earning praise from young fans as “Love Triangle” – a breathtaking divorce ballad told from a child’s perspective – continues to climb the country radio charts and earn millions of digital streams. Chosen for inclusion in THE FRESHEST! – RADIO DISNEY COUNTRY BEST NEW ARTIST category, RaeLynn will compete to become the fan-picked winner when the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards air April 30 at 7 p.m. ET on the Disney Channel. This is RaeLynn’s second Radio Disney nod, after also scoring a Favorite Country Song nomination for her breakout single “God Made Girls” in 2016. Voting is open now at Disney.com/RDMA. Napster’s first “Ones To Watch” country artist is currently on the road with Blake Shelton’s Doing It To Country Songs Tour, charming concert crowds with shows scheduled through March 18 in Omaha, Nebraska. The WILDHORSE singer, whose album is still available for pre-order, has also prepped a special surprise for Spotify users. Fans who follow her on Spotify will unlock exclusive access to a new “WildHorse” live video, filmed during her last round of performances on Shelton’s tour. About RaeLynn: RaeLynn’s current single “Love Triangle” is the powerful first track from her Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville debut WILDHORSE, produced by Jimmy Robbins and Nicolle Galyon and set to release March 24. “Love Triangle” tells her personal story in a way that “is a raw and emotional account of what it’s like to be the child of divorced parents” (People Magazine), which media and fans have immediately gravitated to, evidenced by the single hitting Top 11 sales per spin while the music video has racked up 4.3 million views since release. The remainder of the 12-track album, 11 of which were co-written by RaeLynn herself, is a broader look into her life over the past few years since her breakthrough on NBC’s hit show, The Voice. Nominated for 2016 ACM New Female Vocalist and selected as a 2017 “Country Artist to Watch” by Pandora Radio, Napster and Billboard, RaeLynn has tallied 104 million plus cumulative career streams. She is poised Continue reading RAELYNN PERFORMING ON ELLEN MARCH 24 TO CELEBRATE WILDHORSE RELEASE DAY→

Dolly Parton Makes Kid’s Animation Debut on “Lily’s Driftwood Bay” – 3/13 at 9 AM ET on Sprout

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Dolly Parton on Sprout TV

QUEEN OF COUNTRY DOLLY PARTON GUEST STARS ON ALL NEW EPISODE “LILY’S DRIFTWOOD BAY” AIRING ONLY ON SPROUT, MARCH 13 AT 9AM Eastern Parton Makes Kids’ Animation Debut as Noleen, a Famous Singing Chicken WHAT: Global music legend Dolly Parton guest stars on a special episode of the preschool series LILY’S DRIFTWOOD BAY airing on Sprout, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment’s 24-hour preschool network. Parton plays the role Nolene, a famous country music star, who becomes stranded on Driftwood Bay due to a storm. While she waits for her yacht to be repaired, Nolene tempts sea dog Salty (Peter Mullan) to form a glamourous singing duo with her. With dreams for becoming a big star, Salty nearly accept the amazing offer until he realizes how much he’ll miss his friends. Parton’s episode will air during “Sunny Side Up,” the only LIVE morning show for preschoolers, at 9 AM ET on Monday, March 13. Lily’s Driftwood Bay follows the life of a five-year-old girl named Lily who lives with her Dad in a hut on the beach. Across the way is Driftwood Bay, an island that Lily can see from her window. Each episode, Lily and her best friend Gull, the clever seagull, travel to Driftwood Bay. Lily uses her imagination to create a world of adventure and friendship from all of the different treasures she finds washed up on the beach.

CODY JOHNSON MAKES TRIUMPHANT DEBUT AT RODEOHOUSTON WITH OVER 60,000 FANS SINGING TO HIM IN CHORUS

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Wednesday night touring powerhouse Cody Johnson made his debut as headliner at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™.  Johnson moved over 7,500 hard tickets in less than 48 hours immediately following the announcement that he had been added to the bill.  In front of a crowd of over 60,000, Johnson turned in an electrifying set that whipped the audience into a frenzy and an hour long singalong.  Fans burst into song numerous times during his set that included classics “Me And My Kind,” and his current Billboard single “With You I Am.”   When Johnson sang his breakout hit “Texas Kind Of Way” the deafening and over-the-top response from the crowd literally stopped Johnson in his tracks and brought him to tears. Johnson was truly moved, “I’ve been wanting to play here my whole life.  For a kid who grew up in the shadow of the Astrodome…it’s a dream come true.  It’s pretty surreal to get the call.”  In true cowboy style, and the delight of a smitten crowd, Johnson took a page out of George Strait’s book riding out of the stadium on horseback. Rave reviews have been pouring in online from fans, the media and promoters. “Cody Johnson was incredible at his Rodeo Houston debut! His performance surpasses his reputation!” –  Jason Kane, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Managing Dir. – Entertainment & Concert Production “He has a raspy mumble of a voice that at times echoed George Jones. It adds a layer of sincerity to his songs, including “I Ain’t Going Nowhere Baby,” “Ride With Me” and “The Only One I Know (Cowboy Life).”  The former rodeo rider and prison guard made the most of the opportunity and turned NRG Stadium into the world’s biggest Honky Tonk.” – Houston Chronicle “Center stage at RodeoHouston can be an intimidating prospect for even the most seasoned performers. So to be ready to take that stage for the very first time with less than 48 hours notice is a tall order indeed.  Cody not only stepped up to that challenge, but he displayed an ease and comfort in entertaining 60,000 people that made it look like he’s been on that stage dozens of times before.  Exiting the arena on horseback, he left those in attendance with the kind of concert experience that will be talked about for years to come and those who weren’t wishing they’d been there to see it in person.” – Chris Huff, Assistant Program Dir./Music Dir. 100.3 The Bull About Cody Johnson:  Johnson has been streamed over 160 million times in the last 12 months.  In the last year and a half the singer has sold over 65,000 albums, 300,000 singles and over 500,000 hard tickets to his concerts.  His explosive live shows recently landed Johnson the coveted cover of Pollstar magazine. His latest album Gotta Be Me made its debut at #1 on the iTunes Country album chart and #2 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart.  His music has earned critical acclaim from:  Rolling Stone, People, Billboard, Southern Living, Pollstar  and The New York Times among countless others. Continue reading CODY JOHNSON MAKES TRIUMPHANT DEBUT AT RODEOHOUSTON WITH OVER 60,000 FANS SINGING TO HIM IN CHORUS→