Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground Unveils New Expansion

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Sitting atop a knoll of rolling pastureland, Camp Southern Ground’s Peterson Dining Hall has been described as “an open-armed gesture of welcome to those arriving at camp”. Offering breathtaking views of the campus’s dense greenery, the completion of the Dining Hall marks a major milestone for Camp Southern Ground. With its opening, we can offer a transformational experience not just to our campers, but anyone looking for a unique venue in a beautiful, natural setting. A Note From Zac Brown As a former camp counselor, I know how a positive camp experience can transform a child’s life. My dream is that children of all abilities will have an opportunity to experience the magic of the outdoors. Thank you for helping us create an amazing place for kids to learn and grow. – See more at: http://www.campsouthernground.org/#sthash.F0cFz6c0.dpuf THE VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE A two-story, state-of-the-art design, Zac Brown’s vision for the Peterson Dining Hall was brought to life by world renowned architectural firm Perkins + Will, along with the construction teams at DPR and Structor Group. This one-of-a-kind, 100-year build features materials sourced locally, including a natural zinc exoskeleton with a terraced boulder waterfall feature, as well as an interior ceiling made with sustainably harvested sapele mahogany donated by Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars. Acting as the interior focal point is a 26-foot-high brick fireplace flanked on either side by large windows – allowing for an overabundance of natural light to flood the room. FAMILY-STYLE DINING For our campers, the dining hall offers an additional space to connect with new friends, as they dine family-style on nutritious and gluten-free meals prepared using the produce harvested from our organic garden.  The food will be served from the lower level kitchen utilizing ultra-modern dumbwaiters. The dining hall is an extension of our Programs of Purpose: Nutrition, in which our campers will experience a meal created from start to finish – understand where their food is coming from, as well as the nutritional value behind it – all while dining in an unparalleled space. COOKING UP NEW IDEAS The dining hall will also serve as Camp Southern Ground’s culinary headquarters. Our talented chefs will work in the hi-tech kitchen to grow the camp menu to reflect our gluten-free nutrition plan for entrées, side dishes, and baked goods as well. When camp officially opens, the dining hall will be able to serve up to 300 campers plus 150 counselors, staff and volunteers. PLAYING HOST In 2016, the Peterson Dining Hall hosted two major events at the new venue: The 2016 Cattle Barons Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons Ball The American Cancer Society proudly hosted the very first event in the Peterson Dining Hall on the campus of Camp Southern Ground. On November 5th, more than 360 guests and 40 volunteers donned their favorite western attire to dance the night away at the Cattle Baron’s Ball.  Guests enjoyed live music, dancing, bidding Continue reading Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground Unveils New Expansion→

Australian Country Music Festival, CMC Rocks Queensland, Sells Out 10th Anniversary Event

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CMC Rocks

While celebrating its 10th Anniversary, CMC Rocks Queensland has sold out for its second consecutive year. The Australia-based Country music festival will host more than 15,000 music lovers across three days at Willowbank, with headline performances from Dixie Chicks, Little Big Town, Kip Moore and local stars Lee Kernaghan and Morgan Evans, and will feature MCs Storme Warren and Mike Carr & Grizzly Adams. The festival is set for Friday, March 24, 2017 to Sunday, March 26. With expanded camping areas, an extended camper’s entertainment program, and more of the best food and beverage suppliers, CMC Rocks QLD has increased its capacity by 2,000, up from last year’s 13,000 maximum capacity crowd, and is the only country music festival to ever sell out in Australia. “It is very exciting to see the growth of Country Music around the world, and for us to have an event in Australia that truly reflects this with chart topping artists from USA, UK, Canada, NZ and Australia all performing at this year’s 10th Anniversary CMC Rocks QLD Festival”, said promoter Rob Potts. “Aussie country music fans from each State and Territory will be joined by visiting country fans from around the world; North America, UK, Europe, South East Asia, New Zealand and more, as they all come together to celebrate the best of country music at the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest international country and roots festival. Sold out for the second year in a row, Chuggi and I look forward to presenting and evolving the next ten years of CMC Rocks!” Foxtel Arts & Music Channels Manager, Fraser Stark said, “Foxtel and CMC (Country Music Channel), congratulates Rob Potts Entertainment Edge and Chugg Entertainment in securing an extraordinary line up of local and international country music artists which sees the festival go from strength to strength. We are proud of our strong partnership with CMC Rocks as it heads into its tenth successful year with Foxtel’s 7th Annual CMC Music Awards pre-empting the festival.  It is a relationship with a long standing commitment and tremendous vision to broaden this genre of music in Australia and bring the best of country music to both these live events as well as on Foxtel screens.” Music lovers will turn out in force to watch some of the biggest names in country music hit the stage. With 16 international acts playing alongside a plethora of established and up-and-coming local artists, 2017 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet. Joining Dixie Chicks (USA), Little Big Town (USA), Kip Moore (USA) and Lee Kernaghan (Australia) on 2017’s A-List international roster are Tyler Farr (USA), Craig Campbell (USA), Charles Esten (USA), Michael Ray (USA), Eric Paslay (USA), Granger Smith (USA), Drew Baldridge (USA), The Shires (UK), Ward Thomas (UK), Gord Bamford (Canada), Chris DeStefano (USA) and Brett James (USA). Local legends and rising stars round out the lineup: Morgan Evans, Adam Harvey, The McClymonts, The Wolfe Brothers, Jasmine Rae, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Brothers 3, Christie Lamb, Col Finley, Doug Bruce & Continue reading Australian Country Music Festival, CMC Rocks Queensland, Sells Out 10th Anniversary Event→

Luke Bryan’s Official Video for “Fast”

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ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee and four-time show co-host Luke Bryan released a poignant music video for single “Fast” today. The video features an acoustic performance by Luke on a bare stage as photos of his early childhood, career and family flow through as the music plays. “Fast” was the tenth Luke video directed by Michael Monaco and was written by Luke, Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird and is the sixth single off his Platinum selling KILL THE LIGHTS album. Watch it here: “Nothing makes me happier than knowing my family is safe and content,” says Luke. “Life does go too fast so we have to remind ourselves to stop and take in what is happening around us in our careers and our families lives.” Earlier this week, Luke performed “Fast” for radio programmers in Nashville for Country Radio Seminar, revealed his wax figure at Madame Tussauds in New York City, played a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden and performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. This weekend, Luke continues the final leg of the “Kill The Lights Tour” with shows in Manchester, New Hampshire and Providence, Rhode Island.

Rascal Flatts “Back To Us” Available for Pre-Order

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Rascal Flatts announced today that their new album Back to Us, featuring their hit song, “Yours If You Want It”, will be released on May 19th! “There was a nostalgic feeling between the three of us while in the studio for this record, a feeling that was more reminiscent of our first albums,” said Jay DeMarcus. “The journey we’ve all been on together is unreal and I can honestly say I’m even more excited about what is ahead for us. ‘Back To Us’ is not only a title of a song on the album, but a feeling that has been building around this new music. It just fits in so many ways.” You can also tune in today, Friday, March 3rd to see Rascal Flatts on the Ellen Degeneres Show! Find what time the Ellen show airs in your local area here.

Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Honors Dolly Parton’s Songwriting Career

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Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tenn., Dolly drew much inspiration from her “Tennessee Mountain Home” and wrote about the beautiful scenery and Appalachian culture that surrounded her. To honor her incredible songwriting, her hometown will once again host the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition, now in its 13th year. This year’s competition will feature contestants who are asked to sing a song written by Dolly Parton in the style of his or her own choosing (country, rock, rap, bluegrass, etc.). Contestants may enter in the 13 and up age division or the 12 and under division for this competition. “This competition is truly unique and draws competitors from all corners of the United States,” says Chamber Marketing Director and event organizer Amanda Marr. “Since Dolly Parton is Sevierville’s hometown girl, holding a competition that honors her songwriting ability was a natural fit for us.” As far as event organizers know, this is the only vocal competition in the world that specifically honors the songwriting of Dolly Parton.  Winning competitors take home cash and prizes including a recording session in Nashville, Tennessee. Auditions, sent by mail, will be judged by a panel of entertainment professionals who will identify 30 finalists – 20 in the ages 13+ division and 10 in the ages 12 and under division. The entry deadline for the preliminary round of the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition is Friday April 7, 2017. Those finalists will then perform during the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Finals near the bronze statue of Dolly Parton at Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass on Saturday, May 20, 2017. For a complete list of Dolly’s songs, competitors – and those that are interested – should visit www.dollymania.net. It is not necessary, nor is it encouraged to impersonate Dolly Parton, either physically or vocally. Interested vocalists may obtain an application online at www.BloominBBQ.com or by calling the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce at 1-888-889-7415. Return the application and entry fee along with an audition CD, DVD, or Digital File on Jump Drive / Thumb Drive of the contestant singing a song written by Dolly Parton in the style of his or her own choosing to the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Entries must be postmarked by April 7, 2017. The Mountain Soul Vocal Competition is part of Sevierville’s 13th Annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass event May 19-20, 2017. For more information about the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition or Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass, visit www.BloominBBQ.com.

In Honor of Texas Independence Day, RodeoHouston Headliner Announces Recording of Live CD/DVD of Performance

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THE UNDERDOG AARON WATSON TO RECORD LIVE CD AND DVD OF RODEOHOUSTON PERFORMANCE In celebration of the release of his latest album, Vaquero, The Underdog Aaron Watson announces that he will be recording a live CD/DVD on Tuesday, March 7 during his opening night performance at RodeoHouston. Fans are invited to be a part of this historic night and can purchase tickets here. Vaquero debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Country Albums chart, as well as No. 2 on the iTunes All Genre Albums chart. The album is the follow-up to the history-making album The Underdog, which debuted as No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, making Watson the first-ever independent, male country artist to debut in the coveted top spot. Texas Monthly  shares an in-depth story about the honky-tonk kid’s impressive rise in their March print issue. Event Details: Who: Aaron Watson What: Live CD/DVD Taping at RodeoHouston When: Tuesday, March 7 Where: NRG Park, Houston, TX Tickets: For more information on ticket sales, click here.

Cole Swindell Celebrates His Record-Breaking Sixth No. 1 Single “Middle of a Memory”

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Only Solo Artist in the history of Country Aircheck/Mediabase to top the chart with his first SIX singles! Award-winning songwriters Cole Swindell, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell (each recent CMA Triple Play Award winners) gathered with fans, friends and industry notables Tuesday night at the Warner Music Nashville office to celebrate the No. 1 hit “Middle of a Memory,” from Swindell’s recently certified RIAA Gold album You Should Be Here. “Middle of a Memory” became Swindell’s record-breaking sixth consecutive No. 1 single (breaking his own record) and ninth overall as a songwriter. Swindell, the six-time Platinum-selling No. 1 hit songwriter is the only solo artist in the history of Country Aircheck/Mediabase to top the chart with his first SIX singles. “Middle of a Memory,” recently certified Gold® by the RIAA, is the followup to the Platinum-certified, 1+ Billion-reaching smash single “You Should Be Here.” Each of the six singles and two albums Swindell has released since he signed with Warner Bros. Records three years ago have not only all gone to No. 1 on the country charts but have been certified by the RIAA for reaching Gold (500,000+) and/or Platinum (1,000,000) status. You Should Be Here includes the Platinum-certified, multi-week No. 1, over 1 Billion-reaching smash single “You Should Be Here,” his Gold-certified multi-week No. 1 “Middle of a Memory” and his current single “Flatliner” which features his friend/mentor and current tour mate Dierks Bentley. His Platinum-certified self-titled debut album includes his three No. 1 Platinum-selling singles “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” “Chillin’ It,” and his No. 1 Gold-certified “Let Me See Ya Girl.” Swindell is currently on Dierks Bentley’s “What the Hell World Tour.” Click HERE for Cole Swindell’s Playlist.

“Southern Christmas” Wraps Production in Oklahoma

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Ascension Media, in association with BCF Film Group and the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO), is pleased to announce the completion of principal photography on the feature film “Southern Christmas”. The production was based in Guthrie with additional filming in Stillwater and Edmond, and utilized the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program administered by OF+MO. “Southern Christmas” tells the story of two teenage girls, played by Sierra McCormick (Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm”) and Brighton Sharbino (AMC’s “The Walking Dead”), from different worlds who experience a little Christmas magic and find they have much more in common than they ever imagined. Producer and Director Harvey Lowry happily returned to Oklahoma for yet another film, having previously directed the feature “Monday at 11:01 A.M.”, which also utilized the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program in the fall of 2014. “It was an honor to utilize the rebate program and work with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office. I’m very glad to be back in Oklahoma,” said Lowry. “Guthrie was the perfect backdrop for our family-friendly holiday film, ‘Southern Christmas.’” This film is also being produced by Jasmine Fontes, Rachel Meyer and Kelli Kaye. Meyer notes, “Guthrie is one of the most welcoming towns in which I’ve ever stepped foot. We’re looking forward to showcasing this historic gem on screen.” The film features Oklahoma grown talent Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts), Paula Trickey (“Pacific Blue”), and Christian Kane (“Leverage”). It also welcomes the talented Christopher Rich (“Reba”), Tiffany Fallon (“The Girls Next Door”) and Hollywood legends Bo Derek (“10”) and Shelley Long (“Cheers”). The local talent in Oklahoma is outstanding, and the producers are proud to introduce Tisha Alexander Bradford, Ryan Coffey, Parker Ridings, Thatcher Ridings, Bryson Smith and Gavin Taylor. The producers give special acknowledgement to their phenomenal crew whose tireless efforts and skill made principal photography a terrific success. They also acknowledge the many community members and brands that enhanced “Southern Christmas” in front of and behind the camera: American Airlines, Red Bull, Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, the City of Guthrie, Cadence Equestrian Center, the Stillwater Regional Airport, the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University and their School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, along with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office. “The growth of our state’s film industry comes with the certainty of a stable film incentive program as evidenced in the return of filmmakers like Harvey Lowry to Oklahoma,” said OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky. “More films create more sustained jobs for our hard-working local crew as well as growth for the industry as a whole. We’re proud to be working again with Harvey and his incredible team on his second film in Oklahoma, and we’re thankful to our film-friendly communities for welcoming ‘Southern Christmas’ to the state.” About Oklahoma Film + Music Office Created in 1979, The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) strives to share all that Oklahoma has to offer by welcoming filmmakers and music professionals to the state and by creating a network of support to develop Oklahoma’s Continue reading “Southern Christmas” Wraps Production in Oklahoma→

Luke Bryan and Madame Tassauds Nashville Unveil Wax Figure

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World-renowned wax attraction Madame Tussauds unveiled their Luke Bryan wax figure yesterday afternoon at their Times Square Museum in New York City. Luke was present for the reveal to media getting his first look of the figure as well. Luke’s wax figure will be on display at their newest location in Nashville slated to open on April 14. Madame Tussauds figures involve teams of professional artists and sculptors who spend months on extensive research and take more than 300 measurements to recreate world-famous icons. After the unveiling Luke headed to Madison Square Garden to play a sold-out show and tonight he will perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. ABOUT LUKE BRYAN Country music superstar Luke Bryan is a two-time Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year. He has hosted the ACM Awards for four consecutive years and will return in 2017 to co-host the show on Sunday, April 2. Since the debut of his first album in 2007 he has placed 17 singles at No.1, sold over 10 Million albums, sold more than 40 million tracks with three Billion music streams. His Platinum-selling fifth studio album, Kill The Lights, debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Top 200 (his third to do so) and Top Country Albums charts, and contains five consecutive No 1 hits- so far. Luke’s concert tours have consistently sold out shows across North America including many NFL Stadiums like the Patriot’s Gillette Stadium where he played back-to-back sold out concerts last summer. Luke has also sold out Chicago’s Soldier Field, Cleveland’s First Energy Stadium, the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Denver’s Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Ford Field in Detroit, home of the Vikings at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, and Levi Stadium in San Francisco. In the last three years, Luke has performed to nearly five Million fans on tour.  On May 5 and 6, Luke will launch a brand new tour, “Huntin’ Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day Tour,” kicking off in Music City at Bridgestone Arena. For a one-stop shop for everything Luke Bryan, his community of fans have unparalleled access to his life through Luke Bryan’s official App. Launched in June 2015 in partnership with Disciple Media, the app offers everything from exclusive live streams to updates from the road, competitions to video premieres, exclusive merchandise and more. The App is available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Visit www.LukeBryan.com or follow Luke on Twitter @LukeBryanOnline, Instagram and Facebook About Madame Tussauds Nashville Madame Tussauds Nashville attraction is a new interactive wax experience where guests have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s biggest musical icons. Built to honor Music City and its deep roots into America’s history, Madame Tussauds will host visitors from across the globe as they enjoy a historical walk through America’s musical past and present with vivid scenes supporting the colorful cast of Continue reading Luke Bryan and Madame Tassauds Nashville Unveil Wax Figure→

Tune In Alert: KELSEA BALLERINI TO CO-HOST THE TALK MARCH 6

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Wins BEST NEW COUNTRY ARTIST at 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Vies for BEST NEW ARTIST Overall as “YEAH BOY” Nears Top 10 Kicks Off HOME TEAM TOUR With Thomas Rhett Undeniably one of Country music’s hottest stars, Kelsea Ballerini continues to earn mainstream media attention for her magnetic personality with a co-hosting appearance on daytime TV’s THE TALK. Airing March 6 on CBS at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT/CT), Ballerini will be on hand to swap stories with hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler and Sheryl Underwood, and also celebrate the previous night’s 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Ballerini was already revealed as the BEST NEW COUNTRY ARTIST winner in a pre-show announcement, and will compete for the all-genre BEST NEW ARTIST trophy at the live event, airing March 5 at 8 p.m. ET on TBS, TNT and TruTV. Her appearance on THE TALK adds to Ballerini’s fast-growing list of co-hosting experience after teaming up with Arsenio Hall on ABC’s music-themed Greatest Hits series in the summer of 2016. More award show excitement is on the way, as the Black River Entertainment artist is up for two honors at the 52nd ACM Awards – Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year for her visually stunning “Peter Pan” clip. The 52nd ACM Awards take place in Las Vegas on April 2, airing live at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, and Ballerini prevailed as last year’s ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year. On February 23, Ballerini kicked off Thomas Rhett’s HOME TEAM TOUR as the featured supporting artist, thrilling fans with a weekend of shows in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. She’ll continue on with Rhett until joining Lady Antebellum’s YOU LOOK SO GOOD TOUR on May 26 in Bakersfield, California. Meanwhile, Ballerini’s fun and flirty “Yeah Boy” is nearing Top 10 at Country radio. It’s the fourth single from 2015’s THE FIRST TIME, her GOLD-certified debut album, which introduced the proven star with three-straight #1s – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs” and “Peter Pan” – a record for women in Country music. For more information visit KelseaBallerini.com, and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Kelsea Ballerini: Kelsea Ballerini has launched to stardom after releasing three consecutive #1 smashes from her critically acclaimed, GOLD-certified debut album THE FIRST TIME; the PLATINUM-certified hits “Love Me Like You Mean It” and “Peter Pan,” and GOLD-certified “Dibs,” making her the only female artist in country music history, including female duos and groups, to achieve this accolade. The talented singer/songwriter’s credit is featured on all 12 songs on her debut. Abuzz with high-profile media looks, the Black River Entertainment artist has been named “The Country Sweetheart” in People Magazine’s elite “Ones to Watch” portfolio, touted by Billboard Magazine as “Country’s Next Queen,” praised by Rolling Stone as the “Nashville It Girl,” selected as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, and this past summer co-hosted alongside Arsenio Hall on ABC’s summer replacement series Greatest Continue reading Tune In Alert: KELSEA BALLERINI TO CO-HOST THE TALK MARCH 6→