Merle Haggard Surprises Audience at Grand Ole Opry

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Merle Haggard steals the Opry spotlight and surprises the audience with a few of his classic hits. Country music legend Merle Haggard gave Grand Ole Opry attendees a treat last night when he took the stage and performed some of his most-loved hits including “Big City,” Silver Wings,” “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink,” and “The Fightin’ Side Of Me.” Haggard, a Grammy®-winner and Kennedy Center honoree, had a night off as he rolled through Nashville and wanted to honor the Opry’s 90th Anniversary celebration with a performance on the storied stage. [bctt tweet=”@MerleHaggard Warms up for tour by stealing the @Opry spotlight! #CountryMusic”] The Country Music Hall of Fame member will begin his much anticipated joint tour with fellow music legend Willie Nelson tomorrow (Oct 19) in Roanoke, VA and continues on to Detroit (Oct 20), Bloomington, IL (Oct 21), Pikeville, KY (Oct 23), Milwaukee, WI (Oct 24) and Green Bay, WI (Oct 25). The tour is in support of their new album, Django and Jimmie. Haggard and Nelson are nominated for this year’s CMA Musical Event of the Year award. The Opry is in the midst of its 90th Anniversary celebration, which is set to continue throughout 2015. Among those coming soon to the Opry stage are Rascal Flatts, Loretta Lynn, Alison Krauss, David Nail, Old Crow Medicine Show, Radney Foster, Montgomery Gentry, Easton Corbin, Kacey Musgraves, Lauren Alaina, Del McCoury Band, Lorrie Morgan, and more. Additional information is available at 800-SEE-OPRY and opry.com.

Spotlight on Songbyrd Music House: Washington DC

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The late afternoon sun drifts lazily through the large open windows of the Songbyrd Music House on 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan. Bartenders and chefs are preparing for the evening’s business, and owner Joe Lapan and publicist Peter Lillis sit at a high top table drinking coffee from the adjacent Record Café. [bctt tweet=”Read about #WashingtonDC’s newest #record café, restaurant & bar, and #musicvenue, @SongByrdDC “] This weekend marks the opening of the third piece of the Songbyrd Music House and Record Café—the performance space—and with a capacity to support around 200 people, it brings a new venue to Adams Morgan. Though Songbyrd first opened in April of this year, it did so merely as a place to buy some records, snack on a sandwich, and, uh, record your own vinyl track on a 1947 Voice-O-Graph machine. “We thought Adams Morgan deserves a decently sized music venue beyond what it currently has,” Lapan says. “You have your venues where you’re going to get live music that are similar size to ours, but not necessarily in this geography.” But Songbyrd is much more than just a larger venue for Adams Morgan, and all three aspects—record café, restaurant and bar, and music venue—work together as a complete home for music lovers. “Think about your house,” Lapan says, “it has these separate spaces that all function differently, but they’re all where you live.” Lapan’s metaphor is an apt one. The bar and café are comfortable and feel more akin to someone’s living room than commercial establishments, with cushioned seats, dim lighting, and exposed brick. Records are everywhere. This aesthetic carries even further into the music venue, where deep reds and dark woods have the look and feel of a ’70s basement. Coupled with the comfortable aesthetic is the emphasis that Lapan and co-owner Alisha Edmonson have placed on sound quality. The desire to provide high fidelity audio across a variety of genres and media led Lapan and Edmonson to have a sound system installed by ITI Audio, the folks responsible for the sound at U Street Music Hall. This sound system allows for everything from DIY punk bands to DJs spinning R&B and Soul to really elevate their sound and performance… Read more at WashingtonCityPaper.com

Hunter Hayes to release The 21 Project November 6th 2015

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Hunter Hayes has been exploring different ways to share new music with fans throughout the summer, and on Friday, Nov. 6 the Atlantic / Warner Music Nashville artist will offer up his latest creation with the release of The 21 Project. Featuring three discs – one acoustic, one studio and one live – the special collection will showcase the life of seven songs through each variation. Tracks will include Hayes’ current Top 25-and-climbing single, “21,” as well as a brand new song, “I Mean You.” [bctt tweet=”So excited for @HunterHayes #the21project! How about you? #CountryMusic”] “This project has been a lot of fun for me, because it really brings the focus back to the music and shows how a song grows from its original form into something we play on stage,” said Hayes, who co-produced The 21 Project with Dann Huff. “We’re making our fall tour all about the music and connecting with fans in a closer setting, and just enjoying music together.” The 21 Project is available for pre-order now at http://smarturl.it/HH21ProjectPR with a track listing as follows: 1.“21” (Dallas Davidson, Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Hayes) 2.“Young And In Love” (Hunter Hayes, Dan Omelio, Dave Barnes) 3.“Saint Or A Sinner” (Hunter Hayes, Lori McKenna, Barry Dean) 4.“Where It All Begins (feat. Lady Antebellum)” (Hunter Hayes, Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott) 5.“Suitcase” (Hunter Hayes, Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman) 6.“The Trouble With Love” (Lori McKenna, Hunter Hayes) 7.“I Mean You” (Hunter Hayes, Jimmy Robbins, Ashley Gorley) Hayes will embark on his 21 Tour on October 22, playing a limited run of dates. The always-innovative entertainer collaborated with Spotify to help route his upcoming tour, targeting college markets with high densities of fans who stream Hayes’ music. Current dates for the 21 Tour include: Thursday, Oct. 22 – Western Carolina University – Cullowhee, N.C. Friday, Oct. 23 – Kent State University – Kent, Ohio Saturday, Oct. 24 – West Point Eisenhower Hall Theater – Highland Falls, N.Y. Thursday, Oct. 29 – Purdue University – West Lafayette, Ind. Friday, Oct. 30 – Aebersold Recreation Center at Slippery Rock University – Slippery Rock, Pa. Thursday, Nov. 5 – Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green, Ky. Friday, Nov. 6 – Notre Dame University – Notre Dame, Ind. Saturday, Nov. 7 – Illinois State University – Normal, Ill. Saturday, Nov. 14 – University of Oklahoma – Norman, Okla.

Hot New Music from Country Music News Blog!

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It’s a great time in country music with many artists pushing out brand new albums before the 2015 CMA’s kick off! We’ve compiled a list of the hottest new albums that are already out, out today, and coming soon to help you find what you love! Of course, these are Amazon links so if you purchase from one of our links you will help support our operating expenses here at CMNB, but hey… something’s gotta keep the lights on! Cheers! ~WC~

Blake Shelton Dishes on the Single Life

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People Magazine seems to be just as interested in how the newly single Blake Shelton is doing these days as his fans are. In the next issue Blake makes the cover while a “close friend” of his dishes about how he’s doing now that he and Miranda Lambert are over. “Clearly he was upset during the breakup, but he’s not someone to sit around and lick his wounds,” says a close friend of the country singer. “He’s about moving forward and not looking in the rearview mirror.” [bctt tweet=”Find out how single life has been treating #BlakeShelton #CountryMusic”] Leaning on his Voice crew and costars and spending quality time with his male pals (the star recently returned from an annual hunting trip), Shelton – who announced his divorce from Lambert, 31, in July – “has bounced back very quickly,” says the friend. “He experiences all the same ups and downs as anyone else, but he is doing so well and is always the life of the party.” On set in Los Angeles, “Everyone wants to hang out with him,” says the friend. “He’s been upbeat and enjoying his time with the coaches. They are a tight-knit group.” “This is the most loving combination [of coaches],” Shelton – whose compilation album Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits comes out Oct. 23 – told PEOPLE earlier this summer. “We spend time together a lot mostly just talking [and ] having life discussions. That’s my favorite part of being on this show is those friendships that I’ve made. We love each other.” Shelton, 39, is also working on new music (“This is the most excited he’s been about an album,” says another source) and has lost at least 20 lbs. in the last several months. “There’s been a silver lining for Blake,” says the pal. “He has the time to take care of himself and he’s taken positive steps in his life to spend time with friends and family.” “I’m in a good place,” he told CMT recently. “I wasn’t, but I am now. It’s amazing how quickly life can turn around for you. I’ve had some pretty cool things in recent times that have happened, and I’m loving it.” Rumors of a new album, and of course his success as the most boisterous of the Voice coaches are also keeping Blake busy these days. You can find out more in the newest issue of People that hits the stands this Friday.

OLIVIA LANE RELEASES OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO FOR BRAND NEW SONG “YOU PART 2”

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NASHVILLE, TN (March 31, 2015) – After popular demand by fans, Big Spark Music Group powerhouse vocalist-songstress Olivia Lane has released the official lyric video for her brand new song, “You Part 2”. Lane takes the reigns in the sassy video for the carefree track that was written by the singer, along with Ilya Toshinskiy and Danny Myrick. [bctt tweet=”Catch @OliviaLaneMusic’s brand new #LyricVideo for ‘YouPart2’ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD0iZN6Bcss&feature=youtu.be”] In correlation with the release of the official lyric video for “You Part 2,” fans are highly encouraged to vote for Lane as part of the prestigious Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star national campaign. Voting begins today (3/31) for the prominent newcomer who was one of only five emerging Country music acts to be chosen for this nationwide platform. She will be exposed to hundreds of radio stations across the country, including exposure on all of iHeartMedia’s platforms. Fans can vote up to 50 times per day at iHeartRadio.com/RisingStar by logging in with an email address, Facebook account or Twitter – using #RisingStar #OliviaLane. The lyric video for “You Part 2” will be featured on the official website for the Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star national campaign, along with official rules and guidelines for the fan-favorite competition. Find out more straight from the source! http://www.sweettalkpublicity.com/index.php/news/328-olivia-lane-releases-official-lyric-video-for-brand-new-song-you-part-2-prominent-newcomer-one-of-top-25-acts-chosen-for-macy-s-iheartradio-rising-star-national-campaign

American Trio, The Cains, Welcomed By UK Music Fans While On Multi-City European Tour

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The Cains perform at Culpepper Club in Basildon on Sept. 11, 2015. Photo credit: Get Flex’d (Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 30, 2015) – Country music trio, The Cains, return to the U.S. after spending two exciting weeks on the I Stand Alone U.K. Tour. The group opened for U.K. artist, Sasha McVeigh, on select dates in various clubs that took them to London, Glasgow, Oxford, Manchester and more. [bctt tweet=”See how @TheCainsMusic faired with fans overseas! #CountryMusic #TheCains”] Sibling member, Logan Cain commented about the tour, “From start to finish, the U.K. has done for us what we want to do for others¾ feel loved. Each and every person we encountered went out of his or her way to make us feel welcome. We have an extremely busy 2016 planned and to have this opportunity as one of our first touring experiences will impact the course of our career forever.” In March of 2015, hot off the heels of a successful radio debut and packed performances at Country Radio Seminar 2015, The Cains broke onto the U.K. Country music scene with their first international appearance at London’s Country-to-Country (C2C) festival, Europe’s largest and most well attended Country music event of the year. After their wildly successful C2C performances, the group landed a cover feature and four-page spread on the U.K.’s leading Country music magazine, Up! Country Magazine. The group has also recently inked a booking agreement with Nashville’s The Kinkead Entertainment Agency. The Cains perform at The Ruby Lounge in Manchester on Sept. 18, 2015. Photo credit: Get Flex’d For more information on The Cains, visit www.TheCainsOfficial.com and follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Read more at AristoPR!

Garth Brooks Announces San Jose Tour Stop!

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In the latest of tour announcements from the most entertaining man in country music, Garth Brooks has let it be known that his next stop will be San Jose, California! [bctt tweet=”I Can’t WAIT to see #GARTHinSANJOSE! #GarthBrooks”] Garth Brooks San Jose Shows will run November 13th and 14th. Details on tickets and showtimes can be found at the links below!

Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour 2015 and Bad Boy® To Give Away Recoil® 4×4!

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Luke Bryan on Country Music News Blog!

AUGUSTA, GA — Fans of kick-up-your-heels country music and four-wheeled outdoor adventure, take note! Bad Boy is giving away a Recoil® 4×4 utility vehicle and tickets to country-music superstar Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour 2015! [bctt tweet=”Find out how to win a Bad Boy Recoil® 4×4 utility vehicle courtesy of @LukeBryan’s #FarmTour! “] Enter to win by visiting Bad Boy’s booth at each stop of the tour, or by visiting Bad Boy’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/badboybuggies/app_143103275748075. After the tour’s conclusion Oct. 10, a grand-prize winner will be drawn at random from among all entrants to receive a Bad Boy Recoil 4×4 utility vehicle. In addition, before each of the tour’s eight stops, Bad Boy will draw an entry at random for a winner to receive two tickets to the next show on the tour. Bad Boy vehicles will be on display at each of the Farm Tour’s eight stops, including the Recoil and new Recoil iS Crew, a fully electric 4×4 side-by-side with forward-facing seating for up to four passengers. No purchase or obligation is necessary to enter or to claim any prize for the Bad Boy® Farm Tour 2015 Giveaway (“Sweepstakes”). A purchase does not increase chances of winning. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter for the grand prize. To view the giveaway’s official rules, please visit Bad Boy’s Facebook page. Dates for the Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015 are: • Sept. 30: Fort Wayne, Ind. • Oct. 1: Lexington, Ky. • Oct. 2: Knoxville, Tenn. • Oct. 3: Columbia, SC • Oct. 7: Starkville, Miss. • Oct. 8: Tuscaloosa, Ala. • Oct. 9: Macon, Ga. • Oct. 10: Valdosta, Ga. Since the debut of his first album in 2007, Luke Bryan has placed 13 singles at No. 1 and sold nearly 8 million albums with 30 million digital tracks from his five studio albums. He has been named Entertainer of the Year by both the Academy of Country Music (twice) and the Country Music Association. Luke recently debuted his KILL THE LIGHTS album at #1 on both the Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts. This is Luke’s third consecutive album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200. KILL THE LIGHTS also becomes the third-largest album debut in 2015, next to r&b/hip hop releases from Drake and Kendrick Lamar. KILL THE LIGHTS is the highest country album debut in the last two years as well, since Luke’s own CRASH MY PARTY release debuted at #1 in August 2013. Luke is taking his “Kick The Dust Up Tour” across North America in 2015 and to date has sold out eight stadium shows. This fall he will embark on his seventh annual “Bayer Presents Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015” performing in eight cities across the south, granting local college scholarships to students from a farming family within the communities the tour plays. Earlier this year, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum launched a new exhibit, “Luke Bryan: Dirt Road Diary.” The Continue reading Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour 2015 and Bad Boy® To Give Away Recoil® 4×4!→

SOUNDS AUSTRALIA and Tamworth Wrap Up Another Amazing Year at Americana Music Festival

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(Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 29, 2015) – The 2015 Americana Music Festival and Conference brought an incredible range of talent during its weeklong festivities in Nashville, Tenn. This was the seventh year of involvement for SOUNDS AUSTRALIA and Tamworth Music Festival, bringing us events such as Australiana Americana, THE AUSSIE BBQ and The Sister City Jam. One of the most raved about events was Tamworth’s “Australiana Americana” – an annual showcase of Australian talent held at the legendary Bluebird Café, featuring artists: Allan Caswell, Amber Lawrence, Bill Jackson & Pete Fidler, Dan Parsons, Daniel Champagne, Geoff Achison, Imogen Clark, Kirsty Akers, Kristy Cox, Liz Stringer, Loren Kate, Matt Ellis, One Up Two Down, Teischa Jones and Tracy McNeil. The event was hosted by Dobe Newton, who introduced us to some top-notch musicians, some of which were Nashville veterans, as well as a few fresh faces. One of SOUNDS AUSTRALIA’s biggest events this year – as well as every other year – was THE AUSSIE BBQ held on Saturday, Sept. 19 at The 5 Spot. This event has become internationally famous for introducing the world to hundreds of new Australian artists, as well as being a great networking event for industry professionals and fans alike. This year, THE AUSSIE BBQ featured 10 of Australia’s most exciting acts within the Americana and singer-songwriter scenes: Henry Wagons, Halfway, Josh Rennie-Hynes, Liam Gerner, Liz Stringer, Oh Pep!, Raised By Eagles, Roller One, Ruby Boots and Steve Grady. These eclectic artists packed The 5 Spot on the fifth day of the festival, bringing some Aussie flair to the Nashville Americana scene. Since its start in 2003, THE AUSSIE BBQ has grown exponentially into a circuit of shows that includes Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Brighton, Liverpool, London, Singapore, Mumbai, Pune, Nashville and Austin. Tamworth’s “Australiana Americana” Front: Allan Caswell, Teischa Jones, Amber Lawrence, Dobe Newton, Bill Jackson, Kirsty Lee Ackers, Tracy McNeil, One Up Two Down. Back: Loren Kate, Pete Fiddler, Matt Ellis. SOUNDS AUSTRALIA’s “A Taste of Australia” Henry Wagons with fans at “A Taste Of Australia” lunch at Soulshine Pizza. SOUNDS AUSTRALIA’s “THE AUSSIE BBQ” Dobe Newton, Jed Hilly (AMA Executive Director), Glenn Dickie (SOUNDS AUSTRALIA). Part of the Australian contingent at Americana Fest gather outside The 5 Spot for “THE AUSSIE BBQ.” About SOUNDS AUSTRALIA: SOUNDS AUSTRALIA is Australia’s export music market development initiative, established to provide a cohesive and strategic platform to assist the Australian music industry access international business opportunities. SOUNDS AUSTRALIA is a joint initiative of the Australia Council and APRA|AMCOS, supported by the Federal Government together with State Government Agencies and Peak Industry Associations. As a globally recognized brand, SOUNDS AUSTRALIA has now become synonymous with producing stellar showcasing events around the globe, featuring all Australian line ups, with some of world’s most influential bookers, buyers, agents and promoters in attendance alongside the tastemakers of tomorrow. SOUNDS AUSTRALIA’s aim is to provide the best possible environment for Australian artists at international events, offering additional exposure to industry and fans. Continue reading SOUNDS AUSTRALIA and Tamworth Wrap Up Another Amazing Year at Americana Music Festival→