Little Big Town At The Amp-Show Review

Little Big Town Brings The Tornado Tour To Northwest Arkansas. Last Friday The Amp kicked off their concert season with the ACM award winning Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town. The night was a little chilly, but that didn’t keep the fans away! David Nail opened the show and performed “Red Light,” “Let It Rain,” “Turning Home” and more. He even threw a Brooks and Dunn cover in there that really had the crowd going. Probably the most exciting part of Nail’s set was when he played “Whatever She’s Got.” Nail said this was his new single that should be hitting radio in the near future, so y’all be sure to keep your ears open for that one. Little Big Town basically blew me away with their performance. I had never seen a show with theatrics like I did Friday. It wasn’t too much, just on one song, but it was really, really awesome! The song was “Tornado” and they really made it seem like a tornado was brewing on that stage! There was lightening and wind and fake rain and Karen Fairchild looked amazing in her black, fringed jacket, almost like a pretty tornado herself! It was awesome. LBT of course sang “Pontoon” with the help of the crowd. Everyone was singing every word, wishing it was warm enough to be on a boat right that second. They opened with “Pavement Ends” and ended with “Boondocks.” The party never settled down in between, even during the slow songs like “Your Side of the Bed,” “Shut Up Train,” “Self Made,” “Can’t Go Back” and “Bring It on Home.” LBT told the crowd about their online videos they call “Scattered, Smothered & Covered.” They are videos of songs that are NOT country, but LBT puts their own touch on them (along with some upright bass and banjo) to make them country. That night they gave us Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and let me tell you it was pretty freaking cool! They played my favorites “A Little More You” and “I’m With the Band,” then rocked The Amp crowd with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” I’m telling you, these guys are the real deal. I have always liked Little Big Town, but I walked away from this show a true fan. To me, that’s what live shows are all about…bands entertaining the crowd and proving just how talented they are. You can check out our photos from the show on Facebook! Congrats to The Amp for a successful first show! Check in with them for more upcoming concerts, and be on the lookout for more acts to be added to this concert season right here in Northwest Arkansas!

Wade Bowen Classic 2013

The “Wade Bowen Classic” Celebrity Golf Tournament and Concert Has Been Set For June. Wade Bowen’s 15th Annual Bowen Classic celebrity golf tournament and concert to benefit The Bowen Family Foundation is just around the corner. The benefit is set for June 2 and 3 in Bowen’s hometown of Waco, Texas. Over the past four years, Bowen has raised close to half a million dollars for various charities. “’The Classic’ is something I look forward to putting together all year,” said Bowen. “I’m so proud that my fans and artist friends keep coming out to help raise so much money.” The event kicks off with an all-star concert at 2:30PM on June 2 at Indian Springs Park featuring Bowen and some of his friends, including the Josh Abbott Band and Neal McCoy, with more artists announced soon. The event resumes the next morning at 10AM with a two-man golf scramble at the Cottonwood Creek Golf Course. Tickets to both portions of the event are on sale now at www.wadebowen.com/classic. Tickets to golf in the tournament are $180 and include two concert tickets. Fans interested in just the concert can purchase tickets for $20 in advance or $25 day of show, kids 12 and under get in free. Location Addresses: Indian Springs Park – 100 University Parks Drive between Franklin and Washington Ave. Cottonwood Creek Golf Course – 5201 Bagby, Waco, TX.

Giveaway: Jessta James Song Outlaw Heaven

Giveaway: Get New Music from New Country Artist Jessta James! There’s a new country music artist in town, and he’s bringing a fresh, genre bending sound with him! Montana born and raised Jessta James‘ personal brand of country travels a road a little different from either the traditional or current mainstream pop-leaning country most fans are used to. Featuring a heaping of hip hop and a little more than a dash of rock, Jessta skillfully blends these genres together, and the result is authentic and organic, coming straight from the heart. On his upcoming release, Time To Get Right, listeners will find stories and themes in the song’s lyrics that are every day and rooted in personal experience. They will find a collection of tracks that showcase a range from high energy party anthems like “If That Ain’t Country” and “Back In The Day” to slower paced more touching tunes like “Better Man” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” They will find, laid out in one record, an artist’s life journey and lessons learned (to this point). While Jessta’s sound is probably a little different than what you’re used to, I highly encourage you to give him a listen! CMNB is even going to make that just a little bit easier for you by giving you a free download of “Outlaw Heaven” from the upcoming release! Get some great new music from Jessta James by entering below! Jessta James, Time To Get Right Complete Track Listing. 1. If That Ain’t Country 2. Outlaw Heaven 3. Cowgirl Boots 4. Ride One 5. Rock N Roll Angel 6. Better Man 7. Made In The USA 8. Bow Chicka 9. Back In The Day 10. Time To Get Right 11. Let’s Ride 12. I Can’t Stop Loving You 13. Run, Sinner, Run (Matthew 7: 13-14)

Thunder On The Mountain Presents: Live Google + Hangout with JT Hodges

Thunder On The Mountain and CMNB Bring You a LIVE Google + Interview with JT Hodges! This week, in conjunction with upcoming country music festival Thunder On The Mountain, we kicked off our very special interview series, “Thunder On The Mountain Presents…“, with Rose Falcon, and we’re keeping things going with our second installment welcoming the talented and swoon worthy JT Hodges! This fest is sure to rock the Ozarks June 6-8, and event organizers have put together a really amazing line-up! Our interview series will be featuring some of these talented artists (including JT and Rose!)  over the next few weeks. So, be sure to catch Hodges when he joins us for a chat via Google + Hangout on Wednesday, May 1st at 3:45pm central! You’ll be able to watch the video below, but you can also find it live, in the moment, on our Google + page. You can also RSVP via Facebook to keep track of updates. We’ll have more folks like Colt Ford, JJ Lawhorn, Easton Corbin and others on the schedule soon! Have a burning question you really want us to ask JT? Then make sure you let us know before next Wednesday! Be sure you’re following us (@CMNBlog) and (@THUNDERontheMTN) on Twitter, and tweet us your questions with the #Thunder2013 and tagging us! If you aren’t a big Twitter fan, you can just leave your Qs in the comment section below. Watch Now: For event info, ticket details, lodging information and more be sure to stop by the official Thunder On The Mountain website!

Daryl Wayne Dasher Brings Old School Sound with New Album

Daryl Wayne Dasher Brings An Old School Country Sound with New Album, Great Big Sky. Independent country/folk/Americana artist, Daryl Wayne Dasher released his sophmore album, Great Big Sky, today (Tuesday, April 23rd), and the new record is currently available via iTunes. The new project is the follow-up to his 2009 solo debut, Long Road Now. “Making this album took more out of me than anything I’ve ever done before. There were many steep emotional ups and downs during the writing process, recording, and especially the mixing of ‘great big sky.’ I liken it to going on a really long hike on the Appalachian Trail. There are many seemingly pointless ups and down, moments of vision and joy, moments of being totally drained both emotionally and physically, times when you ask “why am I doing this?” and times of perfect clarity.” -Daryl Wayne Dasher Dasher pulls together a more traditional country, folk and Americana sound with lyrics and themes pulled from daily living and experience. With this listeners will find eleven genuine and original tracks that boast a very real quality and talent that provides a refreshing reprieve from the usual suspects being marketed out of the Nashville scene. Be sure to follow the iTunes link above to give Great Big Sky a shot, and find more from Dayrl on his own site and of course, Twitter (@dwdmusic)

Josh Charles Hits Country Scene with Wasted On Love

Josh Charles Breaks Onto Country Music Scene, Offers Up Single “Wasted On Love.” Josh Charles is one of those folks who is not only talented, but also a down to earth person, trying to find a way to pursue his passions. Luckily for us, his passion is country music, and he is offering up a traditional country sound with relatable and genuine lyrics. These qualities are right at the forefront of his current single “Wasted On Love,” and it’s one of those easy going tunes that you’ll listen to once or twice and then catch yourself humming along to later when you’re cleaning the kitchen or getting ready for bed. It’s just the kind of song that sticks with you. After listening to the single more than a few times myself, I had the chance to “meet” (via phone) the man behind the music! He let me know that really, he just tries to be himself, and that kind of honesty goes a long way when your profession is centered on country music. He may just be getting his start with “Wasted On Love” and previous single “Life Ain’t Fair,” but having performed gigs opening for the likes of Blake Shelton and working on new music, including a full album hopefully soon, Josh is in the early stages of really making a name for himself. This is one on the rise artists that I sincerely think is worth a few minutes of your time! So, take a break from your busy day and enjoy his music below. Then be sure to find him on Twitter (@JoshCharles) to let him know what you think. Listen: “Wasted On Love.”

Willie Nelson Concert Proceeds to Benefit West, Texas

Willie Nelson’s Previously Scheduled Show In Austin Now to Benefit West, Texas. Following the tragic and deadly fire and subsequent explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas that has impacted the entire community in the area, Willie Nelson has reworked his already scheduled April 28th Austin, TX show into a benefit concert. All proceeds will go to help West Volunteer Fire Department now dealing with the aftermath of this week’s events. The announcement was originally made via Twitter, and then later posted on Nelson’s website along with an interview featured on Texas Monthly. The previously scheduled concert on 4/28 at @thenewbackyard will now benefit West VFD Details to come soon — Willie Nelson (@willienelson) April 18, 2013 Willie, a Texas native, actually grew up very close to the West community, and tweeted his condolences after the news broke. West has been in my backyard all my life.My heart is praying for thecommunity that we call home. #westtx — Willie Nelson (@willienelson) April 18, 2013 It never ceases to amaze me how some folks are so ready to provide aid when it is needed, and Nelson has yet again earned my respect by practicing what he preaches! Amidst a week full of pain and loss, our hearts are with everyone in West, TX.

George Jones Hospitalized In Nashville with Fever

George Jones Suffering from Fever and Irregular Blood Pressure In Nashville Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with country icon George Jones, as he has been hospitalized in Nashville, TN due to a fever and irregular blood pressure, both discovered after a routine check up. Jones has been working towards a final concert in Music City in November of this year as part of an extended “good-bye” tour. Unfortunately, he has had to cancel more than one show over the past year or so because of health related issues. The 82 year old artist is still considered one of the most important country music artists in the industry, having influenced generations of aspiring artists and fans alike. After over 50 years in the music biz though, he has called it quits on recording, and is currently working on a final project along with Dolly Parton. We sincerely wish him the best, and hope for a speedy recovery.

Thunder On The Mountain Presents: LIVE Google+ Interview with Rose Falcon

Thunder On The Mountain and CMNB Bring You a LIVE Google + Interview with Rose Falcon! The inaugural Thunder On The Mountain festival is coming to the Ozarks June 6th – 8th, and we’ve teamed up with them to bring you exclusive, LIVE interviews with some of the awesome folks on their amazing line-up! Between now and June, we will be featuring these interviews via Google +, and will be asking not only our questions, but your questions too! The series kicks off on Monday, April 22nd, and we will be chatting with the talented and lovely Rose Falcon who recently released an EP titled 19th Avenue, Vol. 2! The hangout will start at 2pm central, so don’t be late! You can watch the chat below, and don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook! Thunder On The Mountain presents…Rose Falcon!

Thunder On The Mountain 2013 Ticket Giveaway

Your Chance to Win Tickets to the 2013 Thunder On The Mountain Festival in Ozark, AR! The first ever Thunder On The Mountain country music festival is very quickly approaching (taking place June 6th-8th), and we can hardly contain our excitement! We are so excited, in fact, that we are giving away a pair of three day passes to one very lucky reader! This new fest boasts a fantastic line-up including headliners Toby Keith and Luke Bryan along with Gretchen Wilson, JT Hodges, Big & Rich, Thompson Square, Shooter Jennings and many, many more. Added bonus, the concert event is taking place on Mulberry Mountain nestled in the beautiful Ozarks! So, don’t miss this chance for a great weekend of live music, fun events, and gorgeous surroundings…for free! Just follow the directions below. Giveaway Guidelines: Step 1: (If you aren’t already!) Follow us @CMNBlog and @THUNDERontheMTN on Twitter! Step 2: Send out the following tweet: “I entered to win tix to @THUNDERontheMTN ft @TobyKeithMusic and @LukeBryanOnline from @CMNBlog and you can too: http://ow.ly/kd0oe” Step 3: When we receive your tweet, you’re entered to win! Important Info: Winners will be randomly selected and notified individually via Twitter. Prizes provided by Thunder On The Mountain. Tweets must be received by 12:00pm Tuesday, April 30th. Winners will not be eligible for another prize drawing until 90days after this one.