Toby Keith Opens Brand New Restaurant Chain!

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Toby Keith on Country Music News Blog!

We already love Toby Keith‘s I Love This Bar & Grill, and it seems he loves the restaurant business so much he’s starting another chain! Big Dog Daddy’s Ice House opened its doors in Norman, Oklahoma recently and fans are already sending in rave reviews. It’s a build-your-own-pizza with other standard American fare like burgers and dogs, and it’s the first location of what he hopes will turn into many. Of course when he’s not slinging plates, he’s still filling seats on his “Shut Up and Hold On” tour, so there’s plenty of ways to get your fix of the Big Dog Daddy!

New Album from Jason Aldean – Old Boots, New Dirt

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Two-time ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Jason Aldean sent country fans buzzing last night when he announced online that his sixth studio album on Broken Bow Records, Old Boots, New Dirt will be released on Oct. 7. Aldean dropped the news exclusively with BuzzFeed, and he is gearing up for another major event with the site tonight at 7:00P CT. “With this new album, it’s definitely the same old me. But, I like to mix things up and try new sounds and go into territory I’ve never explored before, so I do a little bit of that too. That’s why I named the album ‘Old Boots, New Dirt’…I’m almost 10 years into this crazy ride, but in a lot of ways, I feel like I’m just gettin’ started,” said Aldean. “I think my fans have come to expect some surprises from me, and we’ve got another big one comin’ tonight. You’ll have to pay attention or you could miss it in a flash.” Again produced by Michael Knox, the 15-song disc was recorded with members of Aldean’s long time touring band. From start to finish, the new album packs the daring, hard-rocking punch that’s been landing Aldean on the country radio charts since his very first single, 2005’s “Hicktown.” The new album features the smoking lead single, “Burnin’ It Down,” which has held the No. one position on Soundscan’s Country Genre Chart since its release, marking his biggest ever career debut. Old Boots, New Dirt Track List: 1. Just Gettin’ Started (Chris DeStefano, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley) 2. Show You Off (Neil Thrasher, Tony Martin, Brett Beavers) 3. Burnin’ It Down (Rodney Clawson, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Chris Tompkins) 4. Tryin’ To Love Me (Wendell Mobley, Hillary Lindsey, Neil Thrasher) 5. Sweet Little Somethin’ (David Lee Murphy, Ben Hayslip, Marv Green) 6. Laid Back (Michael Tyler Spragg, Jaron Boyer, Adam Shoenfeld) 7. Tonight Looks Good On You (Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley) 8. Too Fast (Chris Stapleton, Lee Thomas Miller) 9. If My Truck Could Talk (Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, Andrew Pates) 10. Old Boots, New Dirt (Lee Thomas Miller, Tom Shapiro, Neil Thrasher) 11. I Took It With Me (David Lee Murphy, Ben Hayslip) 12. Don’t Change Gone (Neil Thrasher, Tony Martin, Michael Dulaney) 13. Miss That Girl (Ross Copperman, David Lee Murphy) 14. Gonna Know We Were Here (Brett Beavers, Brett James) 15. Two Night Town (Tim Nichols, Brett James)

Rascall Flatts and Disney/Pixar Again?

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This weekend the guys in Rascal Flatts took a short break from the Rewind Tour to pop in on friend and Chief Creative Officer of Disney, John Lasseter, for a visit. Could the king of Disney have something in the works for Gary and the guys again, after the success their rendition of “Life Is A Highway” had in the animated film Cars? I hope so. Either way, it’s nice to see the guys out on the road but not running themselves ragged! *Photo courtesy of Rogers & Cowen

Johnny Cash and The Carter Family Exhibit Joins the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona

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The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona is proud to announce the addition of a new exhibit featuring instruments and stage wear from the infamous Johnny Cash and Carter family. These new exhibits join the ranks of other prominent artists with ties to country music already featured in MIM’s Artist Gallery including Elvis Presley, Toby Keith, Roy Orbison, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Taylor Swift. Items on display in the Carter Family and Johnny Cash exhibits have never before been displayed for the public and come to MIM on loan from John Carter Cash, son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, and Dale Jett, grandson of A.P. Carter. The items will be on display through April 2016. “When I first visited MIM, I was excited by its inimitable beauty and scale. It has been a wondrous blessing to work with the staff there and help bring about the Carter Family / Johnny Cash display,” said John Carter Cash. “I feel it is inspired and shows a unique view into the history of country music that cannot be seen anywhere else.”

Dolly Parton Takes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

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Dolly Parton

Kenny Rogers double-dog-dared Dolly and she accepted the challenge! “Kenny, you’ve got to pay extra for the wet t-shirt contest!” – Dolly Nashville, Tenn. (August 28, 2014) – Dolly Parton, who’s usually flooding stadiums with fans around the world, cools off her Summer by taking a dive into the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Dolly was challenged by several people including famous duet partner, Kenny Rogers. His doubted dare sparked her to accept and prove how nothing stands in her way for a good cause. “Kenny said you’ll never do it with your false hair, your false eyelashes, and your false nails,” responds Dolly. “Kenny, you’d be surprised at what all I do with my falses; for a good cause and a good laugh.” Parton drowns down the wigs, nails and lashes with a polar plunge to raise awareness for ALS at her Nashville home while resting after her Blue Smoke World Tour. “Although, I didn’t challenge anyone, I do challenge everybody to make a generous donation like I did!” adds Parton.

DARIUS RUCKER RELEASES NEW SINGLE “HOMEGROWN HONEY”

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Capitol Records Nashville’s Darius Rucker released his new single, “Homegrown Honey,” to Country radio today. “Homegrown Honey” was written by Darius, label mate Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum and Nathan Chapman. This is the first single from Darius’ fourth solo country album to be released in early 2015. “Homegrown Honey” is currently available for purchase at all digital retailers. “This is the first time I’ve gotten to write with my buddy Charles Kelley and their [Lady Antebellum’s] producer Nathan Chapman and I’m sure glad we did!,” shares Darius. Darius is working with producer Frank Rogers who also produced his three previous solo country albums. All three albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart and have produced a total of six No. 1 singles, including “Wagon Wheel,” “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” “Wagon Wheel,” Darius’ most recent No. 1, held the top spot for two weeks and garnered the 2014 Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance.   Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/dariusrucker/700-darius-rucker-releases-new-single-homegrown-honey-from-upcoming-fourth-country-album  

LUKE BRYAN’S CRASH MY PLAYA LINE-UP REVEALED FOR JANUARY 23-27, 2015

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Four-day Musical Event Packages Available Today RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico (August 22, 2014) – Ticket packages for the highly anticipated Luke Bryan Crash My Playa concert, presented by CID Presents, are now available. The exclusive four-day country concert event – including performances from Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Cole Swindell – will take place in Riviera Maya on January 23 – 27, 2015. This intimate country concert experience has limited availability, and full package details and reservations can be found at www.crashmyplaya.com. All packages for Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa include four nights / five days all-inclusive accommodations at one of the unique participating resorts, airport transfer to and from the hotel, admission to each night’s exclusive beach performances, a limited edition Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa event poster, beach bag, and beach towel. Food featuring local flavors, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available inside the venue and are included with all Crash My Playa packages. Optional themed adventures and activities that explore the riches of the Riviera Maya will also be offered – from ATV rides to zip lines through the jungle, snorkeling and SCUBA diving, tours through the ancient Mayan ruins and more! Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/home/139-crash-my-playa/697-luke-bryans-crash-my-playa-line-up-revealed-for-january-23-27-2015-

HUNTER HAYES ANNOUNCES TATTOO (YOUR NAME) TOUR!

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Fall headlining tour to kick off Thursday, October 30 at Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 22, 2014) – Following a sizzling performance on the TODAY Show’s Toyota® Concert Series this morning, four-time GRAMMY nominee Hunter Hayes officially announced his fall headlining tour, the Hunter Hayes Tattoo (Your Name) Tour, set to kick off Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Penn. Warner Music Nashville labelmates Dan + Shay and The Railers will join Hayes as supporting acts for the tour, which will be produced by AEG Live/The Messina Group. During the TODAY Show performance, Hayes entertained the massive crowd gathered in the plaza with his current Top 30-and-climbing single “Tattoo” as well as the No. 1 smash hit “I Want Crazy” and moving fan favorite, “Invisible.” The multi-talented singer-songwriter surprised fans by sporting a fresh henna tattoo sleeve with emblems from each city on the Tattoo (Your Name) Tour, and three henna artists circulated the crowd inking fans with the tour logo. On television, viewers across the nation also got to see the first-ever localized commercial spots for a concert tour that are synced with the popular music identification service, Shazam. “This tour is definitely going to be different than anything we’ve ever done before…and maybe anyone has ever done. It’s a lot of firsts not only for us, but even for the fans who have seen our show before,” said Hayes. “Every tour is all about the fans, but this one proves it. Not only are they going to be part of the show, they are the show…you’ll see what I mean!” In anticipation of the tour announcement, Hayes met up with Dan + Shay and The Railers at Safe House Tattoo Studio in Nashville, Tenn. To see what happened when the three acts got together, go to http://smarturl.it/TattooTourTeaser. Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/hunterhayes/698-unter-hayes-announces-tattoo-your-name-tour-following-performance-on-today-shows-toyotar-concert-series

THE SECRET SISTERS TO APPEAR ON “TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON” ON FRIDAY, AUG. 22

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The Secret Sisters Performance Will Support Their Album PUT YOUR NEEDLE DOWN: DELUXE EDITION, Available Exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® Locations and CrackerBarrel.com Nashville, Tenn. – (Aug. 18, 2014) – Critically-acclaimed musical duo The Secret Sisters will perform on NBC-TV’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Friday, Aug. 22. The duo will perform the song “Iuka” from their current album Put Your Needle Down: Deluxe Edition, which is available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com. While The Secret Sisters have performed on “The Tonight Show” in the past when it starred Jay Leno, this will be their first time appearing on the show since Fallon was named the new host. Rolling Stone Country recently named Put Your Needle Down among “the 26 Albums of 2014 You Probably Didn’t, But Really Should Hear,” including the project alongside recent albums from Carlene Carter, Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Nickel Creek, and other artists. For more information on The Secret Sisters, visit SecretSistersBand.com. Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/crackerbarrel/694-the-secret-sisters-to-appear-on-tonight-show-starring-jimmy-fallon-on-friday-aug-22

Brantley Gilbert Headlining Lakeside Country Bash

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Brantley Gilbert announced as headliner for the annual Lakeside Country Bash fundraising concert in Fort Meyers, FL Saturday December 13th Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 22 for the sixth annual Lakeside Country Bash to benefit Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation. The concert features chart-topping country artist Brantley Gilbert and will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 with gates opening at 2 p.m. at Lakes Regional Park. Gilbert earned the Recording Industry Association of America’s gold certification for his third album “Just As I Am” released by Valory Music Group. The album also debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Country Albums Chart, scoring the third highest album debut of the year with over 212,000 copies sold in the first week. Brantley’s latest project has already produced the platinum-certified, No. 1 lead single “Bottoms Up,” and the music video has earned more than 23 million views. Quickly climbing the Country airplay charts, the Top 20-and-rising follow-up, “Small Town Throwdown,” features label mates Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett. Ticket prices are$29.75, $46, $56, $66.00, and $76, and do not include facility fee or service charges. Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster outlets and at Ticketmaster.com. To order tickets by phone call 800-745-3000. For more information visit www.lakesidecountrybash.com. Tyler Farr recently released “A Guy Walks into a Bar” the next single off of his upcoming Columbia Nashville LP. The song, written by Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton, and Brad Tursi, hit a chord with the Missouri-born singer, who loved the use of a simple act – walking into a bar – to highlight everything from a relationship’s first exciting meeting to heartbreak. Hailed as a breakout new country male vocalist, Columbia Nashville’s broke through the country and all genre charts last year with debut album, “Redneck Crazy”, which landed at No. 2 on the Country Albums chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart and marking the year’s highest entry by a debut male country artist on the all-genre Billboard 200 album sales chart at its debut. Colt Ford is just an unassuming good old country boy from Georgia, a one-time pro golfer turned songwriter and musician who has struck a chord with his growing fan base. On “Thanks for Listening”,his fifth album on his own perfectly named Average Joes Entertainment label, he returns the favor, offering his audience a humble token of his appreciation. With his groundbreaking blend of country music and hip hop rhythms, Ford is a cultural force who is ready to go from cult status to a household name, from the mud trucker events where he started to arena stages, where he’ll next be seen sharing the bill with Toby Keith. Parmalee’s country rock sound has its roots in the bluegrass, traditional country, southern rock and blues covers the guys grew up hearing their families play. Matt and Scott Thomas grew up near Greenville, North Carolina watching their father Jerry front a popular local southern rock blues Continue reading Brantley Gilbert Headlining Lakeside Country Bash→