GEORGE STRAIT’S GOLF TOURNAMENT AND AUCTION RAISES RECORD FUNDS

Third annual fundraiser at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort & Spa brings in more than $425,000 for Feherty’s Troops First Foundation NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 12, 2013) – Newly crowned CMA Entertainer of the Year George Strait and Texas businessman Tom Cusick hosted the third annual Vaqueros del Mar Invitational Golf Tournament and Auction at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort & Spa in Boerne, Texas on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3. Strait and Cusick, who are joint owners of the resort and spa, first created the fundraiser in November 2011 to support wounded U.S. servicemen and women. This year’s event benefited Feherty’s Troops First Foundation, an organization that provides meaningful assistance to military members who have been wounded serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. The weekend-long event was filled with non-stop excitement, kicking off with a roping competition at Cusick’s exclusive Texas hill country community Estancia at Thunder Valley, just minutes from the resort. Strait participated in the roping event, and Norma Strait and Silvia Cusick made a grand entrance by riding into the rodeo arena on a pair of Texas Longhorn bulls. Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/georgestrait/550-george-straits-vaqueros-del-mar-invitational-golf-tournament-and-auction-raises-record-funds-for-military-servicemen-and-women-

KELLY CLARKSON HELPS RAISE OVER $106,000 FOR MUSICIANS ON CALL

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On Thursday, Nov. 14, Grammy award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson helped Musicians On Call (MOC) Nashville raise over $106,000, making it the highest-earning single event ever for the branch. In a rare, intimate setting for the superstar, Clarkson performed to a sold-out crowd at Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Nashville for the MOC Nashville sixth anniversary party presented by Citi. “When I first learned about MOC, it appealed to me for so many reasons,” shares Clarkson. “I love how it creates opportunities for musicians to play for kids and bring music to the families who are spending their time, especially during holidays, in the hospitals away from the comfort of their homes.” Clarkson lit up the room with her characteristic charm and to the delight of all concert-goers, she incorporated fan-favorites “Since U Been Gone,” “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “Stronger” and “Behind These Hazel Eyes” in the show, as well as new selections from her latest Christmas album, Wrapped In Red. Wrapped In Red features holiday classics “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” Clarkson’s title track, “Wrapped In Red,” plus more originals. Clarkson brought the holiday spirit alive with her Christmas tracks, and delivered a dynamic set true to her genuine and powerful vocal performance reputation. In addition to generously giving her time and talent, Clarkson donated her 2012 American Music Awards performance dress to Hard Rock Cafe for display in its world-famous memorabilia collection in exchange for a $9,000 contribution to MOC Nashville. Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/moc/553-kelly-clarkson-helps-raise-over-106000-for-musicians-on-call-in-a-record-breaking-sold-out-sixth-anniversary-celebration

The Toby Keith Foundation To Open Doors To Cost-Free Home For Children With Cancer

After years of planning and fundraising, The Toby Keith Foundation will officially open their doors to love and hope at OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home away from home for pediatric cancer patients and their families. “We’ve been working on the Korral for 10 years and we’re finally going to open,” said Toby Keith. The Grand Opening Event is set for Thursday, November 21, 2013, with the official ceremony starting at 11:00am. Find out more directly from Show Dog Universal!

Garth Brooks Covers – Box Set Coming November 19th

That Garth Brooks sure has been making a lot of noise in the press lately! In the latest news from The Music Universe Garth Brooks is is releasing a four-disc box set of the music that shaped him. Brooks revealed the new project at the tail end of a GAC special Saturday. Called Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences, the set will separate those influences into stylistically themed discs titled Country Classics, Classic Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul and Melting Pot, according to The Music Universe. The set will include covers of Jerry Lee Lewis’ Great Balls of Fire and Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Cat Stevens’ Wild World and Simon & Garfunkel’s Mrs. Robinson, along with songs made famous by James Taylor, Gladys Knight. Brooks’ wife, Trisha Yearwood, will appear on the project and duet with him on a remake of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn’s 1971 hit After the Fire Is Gone. The collection will be available exclusively through Walmart beginning Nov. 19, and this news comes right on the heels of the announcement that there officially will be a Garth Brooks Tour in 2014.

Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon Marry!

Country star Rodney Atkins exchanges vows with fellow singer-songwriter Rose Falcon during intimate beachside ceremony NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 11, 2013) – Country star Rodney Atkins tied the knot with fellow singer-songwriter Rose Falcon during an intimate beachside ceremony Sunday, November 10 on Captiva Island, Fla. Twenty guests were in attendance as the couple exchanged vows, including Atkins’ son Elijah, who acted as best man. Officiating was Charles Hutchins, founder of Holston United Methodist Home for Children, where Atkins spent his infancy before being adopted. On Saturday, friends and family were treated to a day of fishing in the beautiful waters surrounding Captiva. Rose crafted many of the wedding decorations herself, including wedding programs made of CD cases and a handmade bracelet for each female guest. Male guests each received a custom hat made to match the baseball cap worn by the groom. Rodney and Rose also took a special moment during the wedding ceremony to recognize the 51st anniversary of Allen and Margaret Atkins, presenting Margaret with a three-carat aquamarine ring (a nod to Rodney’s birthstone). Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/rodney-atkins/549–wedding-bells-ring-for-rodney-atkins-and-rose-falcon

Vince Gill To Be Honored with CRB Career Achievement Award

Vince Gill will be honored with the 2014 Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Career Achievement Award at the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell will perform a tribute to Gill as well as presenting him with the prestigious award during the event. The CRB Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act that, through their creativity, vision, performance or leadership has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio. Previous winners of this award include Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, Merle Haggard and George Strait. “Vince Gill is unquestionably one of the greatest artists in the country genre,” said Bill Mayne, Executive Director of CRS. “His body of amazing work continues to evolve, and his performances inspire us all. He is a remarkable ambassador for Country music with his talents, grace, class, leadership, humility, humanity, style and wicked sense of humor. We are very proud to present Vince with this richly deserved honor.” With more than 17 studio albums recorded and more than 26 million copies sold, Gill has had an incredible career as a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. He has won 20 Grammys and 18 CMA Awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year, Song of the Year and CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. He has already been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony unofficially kicks off Country Radio Seminar each year. CRS 2014 will be held at the downtown Nashville Convention Center February 19-21, 2014. Previously announced, the 2014 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees are Larry Wilson and Mike Brophey as the Radio category inductees and Paul Schadt and Jim Denny as the On-Air category inductees. About Country Radio Hall of Fame: The Country Radio Hall of Fame was founded in 1974 to recognize outstanding indiviuals working in the broadcasting industry who are promoting the Country radio format. The Hall of Fame has two categories: Radio and On-Air Personality. The awards ceremony is held the evening prior to the Country Radio Seminar and has become recognized as the unofficial kick off of the annual radio convention. About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. CRS 2014 will be held Feb. 19-21, 2014, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center. The regular rate of $499 is now in effect. The on site registration rate will be announced closer to the event. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.   Photo Credit: Jim Wright     Read more at AristoPR!

2013 CMA Award Winners!

It was an exciting night in Music City as the nation’s TOP country music talent gathered to celebrate a successful year of recording, touring, and giving fans the music they love so much. Without further ado, here are YOUR 2013 CMA Award winners! Entertainer of the Year: George Strait Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town Album of the Year: Based on a True Story, Blake Shelton, Scott Hendricks (producer) New Artist of the Year: Kacey Musgraves Vocal Duo of the Year: Florida Georgia Line Song of the Year: “I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary Single of the Year: “Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line, Joey Moi (producer) Musical Event: “Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban Music Video: “Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Shane Drake (director) Musician: Mac McAnally

Your Guide to the 2013 CMA Awards!

It’s finally here! Tonight is the 2013 CMA Awards LIVE on ABC at 8/7c, and we’ve got your complete guide to the broadcast! Below you will find ALL of the nominees, performers, and viewing options. We’ll be live-tweeting through the broadcast. so you can follow along here, or tweet @CMNBlog with the hashtag #CMAawards to join in on the celebration! Without further ado, let’s get down to business starting with tonight’s nominees! NEW ARTIST Lee Brice Brett Eldredge Florida Georgia Line Kip Moore Kacey Musgraves MUSIC VIDEO * This award was announced this morning off-camera * Blown Away, Carrie Underwood (directed by Randee St. Nicholas) Boys ‘Round Here, Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies Downtown, Lady Antebellum WINNER Highway Don’t Care, Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban Mama’s Broken Heart, Miranda Lambert Tornado, Little Big Town MUSICIAN Sam Bush (mandolin) Paul Franklin (steel guitar) Dann Huff (guitar) Brent Mason (guitar) Mac McAnally (guitar) MUSICAL EVENT * This award was announced this morning off-camera * Boys ‘Round Here, Blake Shelton (featuring Pistol Annies) Cruise, Florida Georgia Line (with Nelly) Don’t Rush, Kelly Clarkson (featuring Vince Gill) WINNER Highway Don’t Care, Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban The Only Way I Know, Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church VOCAL DUO Big & Rich Florida Georgia Line Love and Theft Sugarland The Civil Wars Thompson Square VOCAL GROUP Eli Young Band Lady Antebellum Little Big Town The Band Perry Zac Brown Band MALE VOCALIST Jason Aldean Luke Bryan Eric Church Blake Shelton Keith Urban FEMALE VOCALIST Kelly Clarkson Miranda Lambert Kacey Musgraves Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood SONG (award goes to songwriters) I Drive Your Truck, Lee Brice (Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary) Mama’s Broken Heart, Miranda Lambert (Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves) Merry Go ‘Round, Kacey Musgraves (Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally) Pontoon, Little Big Town (Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird and Barry Dean) Wagon Wheel, Darius Rucker (Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor) ALBUM Based On a True Story …, Blake Shelton Blown Away, Carrie Underwood Red, Taylor Swift Same Trailer, Different Park, Kacey Musgraves Tornado, Little Big Town SINGLE Cruise, Florida Georgia Line Highway Don’t Care, Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban Mama’s Broken Heart, Miranda Lambert Merry Go ‘Round, Kacey Musgraves Wagon Wheel, Darius Rucker ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Jason Aldean Luke Bryan Blake Shelton George Strait Taylor Swift For fans watching online, there are two developments this year that will thrill you! First, the 2013 CMA Awards Unveils New Digital User Experience: For the first time in Country Music history, “The 47th Annual CMA Awards” will offer an immersive, all-access, second-screen camera experience placed directly in the fans’ hands on CMAawards.com. Dubbed CMA Awards 360, the virtual CMA Awards backstage pass is the first integration of its kind on a Country Music awards show. Before and during the Wednesday, Nov. 6 CMA Awards on ABC, fans will have access to 11 different camera views only on CMAawards.com: Red Continue reading Your Guide to the 2013 CMA Awards!

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE DONATES $10,000 TO MUSICARES®; Multiple CMA, AMA & ACA Nominees Reveal Track List For HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES…THIS IS HOW WE ROLL; Deluxe Version of Platinum Standout Debut Album Available On 11/25

NASHVILLE, TN (October 31, 2013) – Prior to a recent tour stop at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Florida Georgia Line presented MusiCares®, which helps provide medical and financial assistance to music community members in need, with a $10,000 donation to aid in their efforts. “We first learned about the program when we visited the offices of The Recording Academy® in LA and were completely blown away by what the organization does to help support our music community,” shares FGL’s Brian Kelley. “We couldn’t think of a better way to show our support.” FGL’s Tyler Hubbard adds, “this year has been full of amazing blessings for us and we are so thankful to be able to give back and show our gratitude.” Find out more straight from the source! http://www.sweettalkpublicity.com/index.php/news/19-florida-georgia-line/161-florida-georgia-line-donates-10-000-to-musicares-multiple-cma-ama-aca-nominees-reveal-track-list-for-here-s-to-the-good-times-this-is-how-we-roll-deluxe-version-of-platinum-standout-debut-album-available-on-11-25