Taylor Swift Postpones More Shows

Recent Illness Causes Taylor Swift to Delay Performances. Taylor Swift is suffering from a bout a bronchitis, and unfortunately has had to postpone three more concerts as a result. In addition to one previously rescheduled performance in Louisville, KY, Swift, under doctor’s orders, has had to delay three additional shows in Charlotte, N.C. and Atlanta, G.A. Taylor has made the scheduling changes with a heavy heart. “I would never cancel if I thought I was physically able to perform these shows. I am so sorry to the fans, but I look forward to seeing you when we come back through your towns, which we will do.” -Taylor Swift Fans will have the opportunity to attend the concerts at a later date. The Louisville performance originally set for July 2 will be moved to October 11th. The Charlotte, N.C. concert will be moved from July 8th to November 16th. The Atlanta, G.A. concerts on July 9th and 10th will be reschedule for October 1st and 2nd. Taylor will resume her original tour schedule of July 14th in Montreal.

Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum Engaged

Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott Engaged to Drummer! Congrats are in order for Lady Antebellum‘s Hillary Scott who has announced her engagement to drummer Chris Tyrell. The couple met while touring with Tim McGraw in 2010. Tyrell proposed to Scott over the 4th of July weekend in East Tennessee while the two were enjoying a much needed break with family. This relationship milestone marks yet another success for Scott who has had a roller coaster of year of award nominations, wins and hugely positive reception from fans and the country music industry. Congratulations to Hillary and Chris!

Dolly Parton Together You and I Video

Dolly Parton Releases New Video for Together You and I. Dolly Parton has debuted the video for the single “Together You and I” which is featured on her recently released album, A better Day. Parton has acknowledged that her new album is definitely different than her earlier work channeling a more modern vibe. The video for “Together You and I” also reflects this sentiment. The theme of this song and the imagery reflected in the video is definitely not the full on country fans are used, but it is a hybrid between country music and something else. It is almost a throwback to the hippie era of peace, love and happiness from the 60’s. The video features individuals clasping hands in a chain that begins in Nashville and continues all throughout the world from Washington D.C. to India. The individuals range from sick people to healthy people, from black to white, from young to old. The message is clear: together and with love anything is possible. Let me say, I really do like this song, and I am a huge Dolly Parton fan. However, there is something going on in country music right now that is different. Dolly is not the first country artist of late to present a song with such a message. Ronnie Dunn‘s “Bleed Red” has a similar globally minded, we-are-all-the-same theme. Newcomer Jennette McCurdy‘s “Generation Love” also encourages a positive world view focused on the power of love. These are good songs with admirable messages, but something about them does not sit right. The messages in these songs and their videos are recycling an older way of thinking from a time in American history where there was a wave of hope for change. Dolly and Ronnie lived during the 60’s, and it makes sense that they would revisit these themes. It seems though, the release of these songs are ill-timed. They simply do not take into account the past forty to fifty years of American history and all that encompasses. Country music is all about the hard times, getting the job done, dealing with life as it hits you. While Dolly’s (and Ronnie’s and Jennette’s) song is hopeful and lovely, I am not sure it is necessarily relateable for country fans. Yet, I might just be approaching Dolly’s new single and video from a too cynical angle. What do you think? You can check out the video here. Together You and I – Dolly Parton – Dolly Parton Videos

Jake Owen Barefoot Blue Jean Night Video

Jake Owen’s Barefoot Blue Jean Night Music Video Is Here! Jake Owen‘s music video for “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” premiered last week. The song has become a summer anthem, playing through speakers all over the country side! The video looks like one huge party I would love to join! Spend all day on the water and all night listening to the guitar at the campsite? Yes please! “Never gonna grow up, never slow down!” [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRh-vBOS-dU]

Willie Nelson Country Throwdown Eufaula Oklahoma

Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour Hits Eufaula Oklahoma For A Party At The Cove! If anyone knows how to throw a party it is Willie Nelson and his friends! This summer that rowdy bunch was Willie, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Lukas Nelson (Willie’s son) & Promise of the Real, Drake White, Caitlyn Smith, Erin Enderlin, Adam Hood, Dani Flowers, Brent Cobb, Tyler Reeve, and Austin Lucas. The 2nd Annual Country Throwdown Tour was little over a month, starting May 28 in Philadelphia and ending tonight, July 4, in Fort Worth. I was lucky enough to get my country fix in Eufaula, Ok on July 2 after an awesome day at the lake! I regret to say I missed a couple performers, I’m very sad about it and have made it my mission to catch them the next chance I get. My only excuse is I was trying to find Willie on the lake! I spent the 4th of July weekend with a lifelong friend and her family on the water. As we were leaving the marina around noon, we got word that Willie was just there, the same dock as us! I tried and I tried to see those braids catching some sun on a boat all afternoon but unfortunately was unsuccessful. Once we made it to the amphitheater I realized we had missed Lee Brice, heartbroken I held my chin up in excitement for the artists I was soon to see. My group caught the tail end of Brantley Gilbert’s show on the side stage as we were walking in and was pleasantly surprised in the very small window of time (I’m talking minutes) until the next performer, Randy Houser, took the main stage. He started off with his hit “Boots On” and never dropped his energy until after his last song “Whistlin’ Dixie“! In between “stage” performer was a group of songwriters from the “Bluebird Cafe Stage“. They were an awesome addition to the day, keeping live music flowing at all times. I really enjoyed Caitlyn Smith’s “Hank Drank” and the good-timing-party-having attitudes of Brent Cobb, Tyler Reeve, and Adam Hood! Jack Ingram, who only toured June 30 through July 3, seemed to have a different look, but the same voice! He had the crowd going with songs like “Love You“, “Barbie Doll“, and “Barefoot And Crazy“. Jamey Johnson was the last performer before Willie and he put on one hell of a show! He was joined on stage a couple different times, once with Lucas Nelson, once with Dani Flowers, and once with three little girls to sing his song “In Color“. Another treat he had for the Oklahoma crowd was his cover of Don Williams’ “Tulsa Time“! Once the legend took the stage all bets were off! Nelson had the cove roaring with excitement as he famously opened with his classic “Whiskey River“. It seemed like he never took a breath, flowing from one song to another, “Mammas Continue reading Willie Nelson Country Throwdown Eufaula Oklahoma

The Voice Summer Tour

The Voice Top 8 Finalists Go On Tour! As we all have heard, The Voice top 8 finalists will be hitting the road for a summer tour! The platoon of performers will include Beverly McClellan, Vicci Martinez, Dia Frampton, Javier Colon, Xenia, Frenchie Davis, Casey Weston, and Nakia. Sadly, the four amazing coaches of the show, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, and Cee Lo Green, will not be roadtrpping with their pro’te’ge. Many sources said that the four had declined over compensation, but had they not the tour, more than likely, would have been larger and longer. The Sprint-sponsored Live Nation tour is hitting some pretty popular venues and I’m sure this has the talent excited! Tour Dates: July 27th – Gibson Amphitheater (Los Angeles, CA) July 30th – MGM Grand Garden Arena (Las Vegas, NV) August 2nd – Rosemont Theatre (Chicago, IL) August 4th – Bank of America Pavilion (Boston, MA) August 5th – Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre (Wallingford, CT) August 6th – Beacon Theatre (New York, NY)

Aaron Lewis 4th Of July Country Boy

Aaron Lewis Releases A Special 4th Of July Version Of His Hit “Country Boy”. Aaron Lewis has released a special patriotic version of his “Country Boy” video to CMT. The video shows clips of his visits to U.S. military posts and performances he has put on for crowds of our heroes. It is good to see the busy artists still have pride in their country and aren’t afraid to show it! To get right to the video click here! Along with his busy schedule of touring, Lewis is also developing a new hunting show that has him taking adventures with military veterans, “Huntin’ With Heroes” and working on his non-profit charity It Takes A Community.

Jo Dee Messina Plays DC for 4th

Jo Dee Messina Set to Perform in DC for the 4th of July. Washington D.C. is going to be alive and happening with all sorts of events and celebrations for July 4th weekend! Country stars are performing in special concerts all over the nation, and Jo Dee Messina will be featured in a performance right in the heart of the capital! Messina will be performing near the Washington Monument on the WAMO Stage between Madison, Ave & Jefferson, Drive. She is scheduled to be on stage at 8:00pm. For those who will be there earlier, the U.S. Navy Band performs at 6:00 p.m. on the Southwest corner of the grounds of the Washington Monument. No word on whether or not these festivities will be broadcast on television or the web at some point, but maybe you will be able to catch them live! If not, there are sure to be celebrations closer to home country fans can participate in to honor our country’s independence.

The Voice Season 1 Winner

Javier Colon Wins Season 1 Of The Voice! All four of the finalists did an AMAZING job tonight! Voting was complete earlier today so the pressure was off and it was time to have a good time! As they all had their duets with some of their idols you could see pure happiness on all of their faces. It was actually quite touching to see them giving it their all on stage, not for votes, but for themselves. Dia Frampton, Beverly McClellon, Vicci Martinez, and Javier Colon should all be extremely proud of themselves, along with their coaches, families, and friends! Based on iTunes alone, it is evident they will all have huge fan followings! So congratulations to all of you! The biggest congrats goes to Javier Colon for being the first-ever winner of The Voice! I have to say my favorite part of the night was after a spectacular performance by Miranda Lambert and Dia (his two favorite girls), Blake Shelton got deep. He said this girl that he has known for a short while is now family in his book and that he can honestly say he loves her! Really?! You got to love this man! He is a humble, down to earth, family guy who I (along with the rest of the world) can’t get enough of! Again congratulations to everyone! I’m already looking forward to season two!