Kiefer Sutherland To Appear On GAC’s Top 20 Countdown This Weekend

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Debut Album DOWN IN A HOLE Continues to Receive Rave Reviews “Designated Survivor” Airs Wednesdays at 10|9c on ABC NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2017) – You’ve seen him in the hit ABC series “Designated Survivor,” but Kiefer Sutherland continues to pursue his musical passion as he opens up on Great American Country’s Top 20 Countdown about his critically-acclaimed debut album DOWN IN A HOLE. Sutherland sits down for an intimate discussion with host Suzanne Alexander about the inspiration behind DOWN IN A HOLE, a passion project chock-full of 11 co-written tracks. GAC Air Dates Jan. 6 6p EST Jan. 7 10am and 12pm EST Jan. 8 9am and 11am EST Click here for local listings Recently, Sutherland performed “Can’t Stay Away” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Calling Out Your Name” on “The View.” Sutherland also graced the cover of Guitar Aficionado, Goldmine Magazine and Collectible Guitar issues. DOWN IN A HOLE was recently featured in People, Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, Guitar Player, The Boot, Vice/Live Nation TV, Closer Weekly, US Weekly, Sounds Like Nashville, Nashville Country Club, Taste of Country, The Pickup, Paste, Bella Magazine, Celebrity Page, Consequence of Sound, Associated Press and more. Sutherland will be back on the road this spring with a North American tour. Dates will be announced soon. Keep up with Sutherland by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with him on social media by following him on Twitter and Facebook. Reviewers are applauding Sutherland’s vocals, guitar licks and songwriting style: “Kiefer Sutherland…slows down and unwinds on his debut album, a collection of 11 rough-edged country songs…The album has an unexpected, unvarnished authenticity that is pleasant, if sometimes familiar.” -Jill Lawless, Associated Press “The perfect soundtrack for your Americana, dive bar road trip, “All She Wrote” starts off with an intro that would sound right at home during the duel scene in a modern western. Sutherland’s gritty vocals overlap electric guitar and crashing drums…” -Kat Harlton, Lithium Magazine DOWN IN A HOLE TRACK LISTING: 1.Can’t Stay Away 2.Truth In Your Eyes 3.I’ll Do Anything 4.Not Enough Whiskey 5.Going Home 6.Calling Out Your Name 7.My Best Friend 8.Shirley Jean 9.All She Wrote 10.Down In A Hole 11.Gonna Die

Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award

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Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award; Peter Smyth To Receive Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award To be presented Feb. 22 during CRS 2017 (Nashville, Tenn. – Jan 5, 2016) – The Country Radio Broadcasters have announced Zac Brown as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award and former Chairman and CEO of Greater Media, Peter Smyth, as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award, to be presented during Country Radio Seminar 2017; following the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, February 22nd, 3:30-4:00 p.m. The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career. Past recipients of the annual award have included Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others. Zac Brown is a strong supporter of multiple philanthropic causes including his own Camp Southern Ground which was inspired by his experiences as a camp counselor. The program at the Georgia-based state-of-the-art facility is an inclusive camp that combines children with neuro-developmental disorders with mainstream children. Its mission is to provide extraordinary experiences for these children to recognize and magnify the unique gifts within themselves and others in order to profoundly impact the world. Additional organizations that Brown is committed to include GRAMMYS on The Hill, GRAMMY U, MusiCares, Robin Hood Foundation and The USO. Three-time GRAMMY winner and multi-platinum artist Zac Brown, of Zac Brown Band, is one of music’s most heralded acts. The latest platinum-certified album ‘JEKYLL + HYDE’ (Southern Ground Artists/John Varvatos Records/Big Machine Label Group/Republic Records) marks the band’s fourth consecutive No.1 debut on the Billboard 200 chart. Zac Brown Band has earned a historic series of fifteen No.1 hit radio singles and is only the second band to top both the country and active rock formats. The Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award is given at the discretion of the Country Radio Broadcasters Board of Directors to recognize an individual in the Country Radio industry who has displayed a magnanimous spirit of caring and generosity in service to their community. This award is named in honor of CRB Board member Tom Rivers, who died in 2004 at age 38 of bronchial asthma. Rivers, known for his work at WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg and WUSN, Chicago, was highly regarded for his public service. An active philanthropist, Smyth currently serves on the Board of Directors of New England Baptist Hospital and the One Hundred Club of Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare and safety of the families of public safety officers and firefighters. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board member of the Home Base Program of Boston, which provides clinical care, education, research and support services for military veterans and their families throughout New England. Smyth is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Emerson College and is a Continue reading Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award→

Little Big Town Start 2017 Music In Our Schools Tour

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The 2017 Music In Our Schools – Music Inspires Tour will visit six schools chosen to be part of the Tour. These schools will receive a $2,500 grant from Give a Note Foundation, which will be matched by the CMA Foundation. Additionally, Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country will join in celebrating the talented students with select hosted performances. Ramona High School, Riverside, CA Joliet Central High School, Joliet, IL Salina South Middle School, Salina, KS James Otis Elementary School, Boston, MA Tar River Elementary School, Franklinton, NC Wenatchee High School, Wenatchee, WA Five-time Country Music Association (CMA) Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town will kick off the 2017 Tour at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Performance Hall at Walt Disney World Resort. The group of country singers will make a surprise appearance during one of the Disney Performing Arts Workshops, Disney Sings—where students are immersed in a “real world” performance experience and record a portion of a Disney film soundtrack. Little Big Town (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Philip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook) will share their own experiences with music education and the importance of music in the lives of all students. Radio Disney Country Correspondent Savannah Keyes will moderate the session. Little Big Town will be available for interviews following the event. Event Date and Time: Friday, January 13, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Venue for Presentation: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Performance Hall, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

Texas-based Country Mark McKinney Set To Release ‘World In Between’

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Mark’s latest single “Sunshine” just went #1 on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. This marks his fourth number one song. Check out the video: https://youtu.be/j0gWnPrAuN8 Mark McKinney has long been an established Texas Country music artist, and with the upcoming release of his fifth studio album, World In Between, he is set to grab the ear of an entirely new audience nationwide. The album will be McKinney’s first full-length effort since 2013’s Standing My Ground, which included three Number One songs in Texas – the country duet “She Ain’t Leavin’,” featuring Bri Bagwell, the brooding “Lonely Bones,” a song about the bitter end of a significant relationship, and the irresistibly catchy “Stolen Cash.” World In Between was produced by Mark and brother, Eric McKinney, who also produced Standing My Ground, at Wonderland Studios in Austin, Texas. Standing My Ground differed from McKinney’s first three albums in that he expanded his writing, taking it in new directions and improving his skill. “This new album is definitely a continuation of all that,” stated McKinney. “I feel like the production has a very real and natural ‘in the room with us’ feel.” The first radio single from World in Between, the tender ballad “Sunshine,” also made it to the Number One spot on the Texas Music Chart and Texas Regional Radio Report in March of 2016. Accompanied by soothing harmonies and desperately honest and poetic lyrics, the song was derived from McKinney watching his wife battle ill health and taking inspiration from her strength. The second teaser from the record, “Bridge” has just been released to radio and is a haunting ode to moving on from a past relationship. McKinney, who is known for delicately crafted love songs and rowdy country anthems, takes a sharp turn and a darker tone with “Bridge.” “This song is probably the most honest I have ever been as a songwriter,” McKinney proclaims. “I was a slightly nervous to release it, but we started playing it at shows and the fans really seemed to embrace it.” The instruments used on this track seem to pull the listener further into the story. The use of the minor key, banjo and gypsy fiddle combine to create a dark, bluegrass folk tale for the modern day. Another example from the 11-track album is the song “Monday,” McKinney’s tongue-in-cheek recipe for a successful relationship. The track’s limited production leaves plenty of space for the song to concentrate on the lyrics. “Monday” features only acoustic and electric slide guitars, and McKinney’s 13 year-old son, Jagger, on B3 organ, bringing a sparse but clean and tasty sound to the track. Going a totally different direction is the song “Rainy Day Money,” where you can hear classic stylings reminiscent of The Beatles, Led Zepplin and Bob Marley combine to create a coastal anthem strung together with another one of McKinney’s signature infectiously catchy melodies. “We got tremendous support from fans and media on the last album,” McKinney said. “People really seemed to connect to the Continue reading Texas-based Country Mark McKinney Set To Release ‘World In Between’→

Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Unveil Plansfor Ole Red

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Shelton-Inspired Brand to be Anchored by Ole Red Nashville, An Entertainment Venue on Lower Broadway Ole Red Tishomingo Planned for Shelton’s Hometown to be Operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Entertainment Segment See Facebook Live coverage here: http://smarturl.it/OleRed_FBlive NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2017) Grand Ole Opry Member Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) today announced plans to transform Shelton’s breakout hit “Ol’ Red” into a new lifestyle brand anchored by a $20 million multi-level entertainment venue in the heart of Music City’s famed Lower Broadway. Designed to embody the spirit of Shelton’s clever, irreverent third chart hit, the Ole Red concept is part of Ryman Hospitality Properties’ strategy to create digital content, retail and entertainment venues that celebrate the country lifestyle and resonate with country music’s rapidly growing consumer base of more than 100 million people across the United States. Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO, said, “The Grand Ole Opry is known for connecting fans to the artists and the music they love and that is what the Ole Red brand is all about. Not only is Blake Shelton one of the most popular entertainers of his generation, his performance style and passion for authentic country music have also made him a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry stage since the early days of his career. Ole Red will immerse fans in all the elements of a great country song—with some unexpected twists from Blake along the way.” With a planned opening in 2018, Ole Red Nashville will be a multi-level 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue, with a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and private VIP booths for small groups. The complex will also include a large, private event space and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Lower Broadway. The performance space at Ole Red Nashville will be equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and acoustics tailor-made for the event programming that will take place there, including intimate concerts, live band karaoke, showcases for up-and-coming talent and more to be announced as the complex nears completion. Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties also announced Ole Red Tishomingo, which is set to open in late 2017 in the Platinum-selling recording artist’s hometown of Tishomingo, Okla. “It’s amazing to me to see a song that’s been such a big part of my career come to life in the plans for Ole Red,” said Blake Shelton. “Nashville and Tishomingo are both places that are important to me, and it’s great that each location is going to have its own personality inspired by one of my favorite songs. It’s always been a dream of mine to create something like this where people know they’re going to have a good time as soon as they walk in the door, and I couldn’t be more excited that my friends at the Opry and Ryman Hospitality Properties are making it happen.” Ole Red Nashville will be located at 300 Broadway in a building Continue reading Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Unveil Plansfor Ole Red→

2017 RODEOHOUSTON® ENTERTAINER LINEUP TO BE RELEASED MONDAY JANUARY 9th

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RodeoHouston Details on Country Music News Blog

Monday, 12:05 a.m., the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ will release the 2017 RODEOHOUSTON entertainer lineup. The lineup will be posted here and on rodeohouston.com, the mobile app, and the official RODEOHOUSTON Facebook and Twitter accounts, and sent via email and text alerts. A full press release will be emailed and distributed from the Show offices. GET RODEO HOUSTON TICKETS HERE New this year, we will broadcast the announcement live on Facebook via the following link: https://www.facebook.com/RODEOHOUSTON/videos/10154901666704464/ Tickets will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m., through AXS Ticketing via rodeohouston.com. The online Waiting Room opens at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, and fans can register in advance at axs.com/rodeohouston_registration.

BRAD PAISLEY, KELSEA BALLERINI, MEL TILLIS, NASHVILLE ON CMT, 2016 IN MEMORIAM AND MORE FEATURED IN THIS EDITION OF ‘THE PICKUP’

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Continuing the tradition of presenting the top stories in country music, another all-new episode of the “The Pickup” features a look at Brad Paisley’s new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a special holiday engagement, the new season of “Nashville” debuting on CMT, a new Pickup-and-Coming, a tribute to artists who left us in 2016 and more. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has opened a new exhibit through May 14 taking a glimpse into Brad Paisley’s illustrious career thus far. The exhibit features the “Today” singer’s first guitar, some of his many awards and even a letter to Santa. The holidays are a popular time for engagements and that proved true when Kelsea Ballerini announced hers on Instagram. She posted her engagement photo with Morgan Evans appropriately hash tagging it with ‘#HeCalledDibs.’ According to a Facebook post from daughter Pam Tillis, Mel Tillis is out of the hospital and home in Florida. The good news came after many prayers and well wishes were extended to the songwriting legend from fans and friends in the industry alike. CMT will debut the fifth season of “Nashville” on January 5 promising more music than ever before for the popular series that has shined a national spotlight on Music City. If fans miss the premiere, they can see it on demand in multiple places. The latest edition of the Pickup-and-Coming features country newcomer Nick Brennan and his single “Buck Naked.” To hear the hilarious and thoughtfully written tune and learn more about Brennan, fans can head to NickBrennanMusic.com. A number one party for Keith Urban’s “Wasted Time” hit was held at Nashville’s newest hotel The Westin with the songwriters of the song. Urban said that the song was written by accident when he crashed the writing session that the two co-writers had previously scheduled. The hitmaker helped Nashville ring in the New Year with a performance on New Years Eve downtown, The Pickup will have more on that in the next edition, so stay tuned! In this episode, The Pickup pays tribute to artists who passed away in 2016, but whose music lives on. The memoriam includes Merle Haggard, Glenn Frey (The Eagles), Joey Feek, Sonny James, Guy Clark, Ralph Stanley, Jean Shepard, Holly Dunn and Bonnie Brown (The Browns). Keep on the lookout for the next episode, which will include Jeannie Seely dishing on her new album of originals, “Written In Song.” Check out the latest episode of The Pickup here: http://www.viewbix.com/v/The-Pickup–48/bef58f3c-dfaf-4ee0-8e98-d6cf46b19a6e ABOUT THE PICKUP: Launched in early 2015, The Pickup, a syndicated country video news series produced by The Hot Seat, highlights today’s stars and classic country artists making news today. New episodes are posted on the 1st and 15th of each month. The Pickup, hosted and produced by Adam Wurtzel, can be seen on the websites of broadcasters across the country (Nash Icon, HankFM, Midwest Communications, Zimmer Communications’ 94.3 KAT Country, etc.), online media blogs, the U.K.’s SKY Television, Heartland Network, and Sandy Zimmerman’s Continue reading BRAD PAISLEY, KELSEA BALLERINI, MEL TILLIS, NASHVILLE ON CMT, 2016 IN MEMORIAM AND MORE FEATURED IN THIS EDITION OF ‘THE PICKUP’→

Country Fest Announces 2017 Daily Lineup

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Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, and Alabama to Headline Festival CADOTT, Wis. – Country Fest is excited to announce its 2017 daily lineup and single day general admission ticket sales. For the past 30 years Country Fest has brought some of the biggest Country acts to the area and it continues that tradition this year. The iconic lineup will feature performances by award-winning artists Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, and Alabama. Country music superstar, Platinum-selling recording artist, and star of The Voice Blake Shelton is on fire after taking home the trophy for “Favorite Country Male Artist” at the 2016 American Music Awards. The Grammy-nominee isn’t slowing down as his latest album, “If I’m Honest,” debuted #1 on the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart and the Billboard Country Album Chart. “Performing for an audience is what I love most and if you’re coming to see me, you’re coming to hear country music, because that’s what I do,” said Shelton. “So get ready as we’re going to be ‘Doin’ it to Country Songs’ all night long!” Eric Church shocked the country world last November when he became the first country artist to pull off a surprise album drop. Church has become one of country’s most established artists over the past decade and he backed it up with the Country Music Award for his latest album release “Mr. Misunderstood”. This is the second time Church has taken home the coveted Album of the Year trophy. “We surprised everybody with this album on this stage a year ago, and trusted the fans, and gave it to the fans first,” said Church at the Country Music Awards. “And it’s because of the fans that this happened. And I love you, and thank you.” Platinum-selling Thomas Rhett is one of country music’s elite new artists. Rhett burst onto the country scene in 2013 with his debut album “It Goes Like This,” and has reached a higher profile with his sophomore album, “Tangled Up.” Three singles off the album have topped country-music charts during the last year in “Crash and Burn,” “Die a Happy Man” and “T-Shirt,” all while the album has been certified platinum. Alabama accomplished a feat that had never been achieved before by becoming first country group to go triple-platinum. They’ve blazed a trail for artists such as Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan with 21 Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum albums, 43 #1 singles, and over 73 million records sold. Add that to over 150 industry awards including eight country music “Entertainer of the Year” honors, two Grammys, two People’s Choice Awards, and their very own star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame.” The band that “made country music bands popular again” continues to be an inspiration. The lineup also includes Chris Young, one of the most identifiable young male voices in country music, with hit singles such as “The Man I Want to Be,” and “Tomorrow.” In addition, Grammy award-winning artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys and Wynonna Judd with Continue reading Country Fest Announces 2017 Daily Lineup→

New Music From Shania Twain

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Shania Twain on Country Music News Blog

The Canadian songstress Shania Twain took to twitter to wish fans a happy new year, and along with it, spilled the beans that she is working on new music too!  Any new release from the queen of country crossovers would be the first in 6 years. Happy New Year! Thank you for all your continued support. So excited to share new music with you this year. 2017, i’m gonna getcha good 😘 pic.twitter.com/WAAOnIxBvT — Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) January 1, 2017 Her last single, “Today Is Your Day” came out in 2011 to less than phenomenal fanfair compared to her 2009 album “Come On Over” which was a chart-blasting success. In recent years Shania has limited herself to select television appearances and residencies in premium Las Vegas venues. A new album would most likely mean a new tour and all the publicity that surrounds it.