Complete Coverage of the Nashville Flood 2010

As the Nashville community works on recovering Music Row and the surrounding area from devastating floodwaters, artist and event organizers emphasize that the show MUST go on! Nashville residents and tourists alike are rallying to recover their community as the floodwaters finally recede. Last week’s torrential rains caused the surrounding rivers and creeks to rise to deadly levels, leaving people trapped in their cars and homes. At this time, the floods have claimed the lives of at least 16 people, and left thousands more without clean water or power. Every aspect of this music tourism town has been affected severely, from trailer communities that were absolutely destroyed to the multi-million dollar sound studios where sound equipment and tour gear were deemed a complete loss. For more comprehensive coverage on how the 2010 Nashville Flood has affected the community, and how you can help, visit http://www.tennessean.com/section/NEWS0101Country Music Photo Gallery

Chely Wright Opens Up, I’m Gay

The country music beauty Chely Wright comes out in the May 5th issue of People Magazine. Chely Wright reveals that she didn’t come out earlier because there was no precedent set in country music. “There had never, ever been a country music artist who had acknowledged his or her homosexuality,” she tells PEOPLE. “I wasn’t going to be the first.” Regarding going on record as an openly gay woman, Chely goes on to say “Nothing in my life has been more magical than the moment I decided to come out”. Chely Wright is best known for her chart topping hit, “Single White Female” and was named the The Academy of Country Music Top New Female Vocalist in 1995. Chely is currently on her media tour for her new album, “Lifted Off the Ground” and for her memoir, “Like Me.”Country Music Photo Gallery

Courtyard Hounds Debut Album

Martie McGuire and Emily Robison of Dixie Chicks fame have finally released their debut album under The Courtyard Hounds! For those who have been holding their breath for the next tasty tidbit from those Dixie Chicks gals, hold it no longer! Martie and Emily have finally released their new album as The Courtyard Hounds. Expect to see them making the media rounds with appearances on today’s episode of The View,  CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman tomorrow, and Ellen on Wednesday May 12th. As for the sound of this new album sans Natalie, only time will tell. With Martie and Emily’s bluegrass background, I know my interest is piqued! Grab the album and let us know what you think! For more info, visit www.courtyardhounds.com.Country Music Photo Gallery

CMA Music Festival 2010

Riverfront Stages Line-up announced for the CMA Music Festival 2010, which will run June 10th-13th. Thursday, June 10: The Judds will give the kick off performance, followed (alphabetically) by Keith Anderson, Diamond Rio, Colt Ford, Joey + Rory, Love and Theft, Neal McCoy, Jake Owen, Josh Thompson, and Clay Walker. Friday, June 11: Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Bucky Covington, Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram, Patty Loveless, Craig Morgan, Sawyer Brown, Gretchen Wilson, and Chris Young. Saturday, June 12: Big Kenny, Lee Brice, Mark Chesnutt, Emerson Drive, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Lorrie Morgan, David Lee Murphy, Joe Nichols, and Mel Tillis. Sunday, June 13: The Bellamy Brothers, Sammy Kershaw, Lonestar, Jo Dee Messina, James Otto, Restless Heart, Steel Magnolia, Pam Tillis, Uncle Kracker, and Darryl Worley. Performing the nightly LP Field concerts are Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Danny Gokey, Randy Houser, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Justin Moore, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band. Julianne Hough will also be performing at the nightly concerts at LP Field. Julianne will join the Friday, June 11th line-up.

Joe Nichols lends his… face… to Roper Apparel

Country star Joe Nichols signs onto a new marketing campaign for Roper Apparel and Footwear Now ladies, get your fans out cause we all need to cool down after this news. Country crooner and “Gimme That Girl” singer Joe Nichols is the new spokesmodel for Roper apparel and footwear. How delicious is that?!?!? For more information on Roper’s latest line, visit www.eroper.comCountry Music Photo Gallery

Blake Shelton Signature Guitar

A guitar to make Blake Shelton stand out? As if he needs it! Blake Shelton is getting his own brand of electric guitar, a classic ‘cammo’ design that utilizes green, brown and black colors and you can own one for about $699. According to the Michael Kelly Guitar Company press release, “The Blake Shelton Signature Michael Kelly guitar is a solidbody electric with a thick, deeply arched Maple top, Mahogany body and neck, Ebony fingerboard, Grover® Rotomatic™ tuners and two Rockfield humbucking pickups. It produces big, rich tones with excellent sustain and – due to its thick Maple top – an articulate treble response.” Which I have on good authority, an excellent guitar!Country Music Photo Gallery

Jonas Brothers and Demi Lavato 2010 World Concert Tour

Jonas Brothers, the multi-platinum-selling recording artists just announced summer concert tour with special guest Demi Lovato. Jonas Brothers tour kicks off Tuesday, July 27 in Dallas, Texas, and will continue throughout North America, Latin America and Europe throughout the Summer and Fall. This 2010 World Tour is produced by Live Nation and sponsored by OfficeMax. Fans of both Jonas Brothers and Demi Lavato are sure to enjoy performances of both artists’ hits as well as music from the Disney Channel Original Movie, “Camp Rock.” Current tour dates are listed below: July 27 Dallas, TX July 29 San Antonio, TX July 31 Houston, TX August 2 Tulsa, OK August 3 Wichita, KS August 5 Indianapolis, IN August 6 St. Louis, MO August 7 Tinley Park, IL August 10 Cincinnati, OH August 11 Pittsburgh, PA August 12 Bristow, VA August 13 Hartford, CT August 14 Hershey, PA August 16 Holmdel, NJ August 21 Wantagh, NY August 25 Boston, MA August 27 Camden, NJ August 29 Virginia Beach, VA August 31 Cleveland, OH September 1 Detroit, MI September 2 Toronto, ON September 4 Montreal, QC September 7 Milwaukee, WI September 8 Minneapolis, MN September 9 Omaha, NE September 11 Denver, CO September 14 Seattle, WA September 15 Vancouver, BC September 17 Wheatland, CA September 18 San Jose, CA September 19 Concord, CA September 21 Fresno, CA September 23 Irvine, CA September 25 Chula Vista, CA September 26 Phoenix, AZ September 29 Oklahoma City, OK September 30 Little Rock, AR October 6 New Orleans, LA October 8 Tampa, FL October 9 Ft. Lauderdale, FL October 12 Orlando, FL October 14 Atlanta, GA October 15 Nashville, TN October 16 Charlotte, NC October 17 Raleigh, NC Dates To Be Announced Mexico Guatemala Costa Rica Peru Argentina Brazil England Scotland Ireland Germany Belgium France Switzerland Italy SpainCountry Music Photo Gallery