Month: January 2008

Dwight Yoakam, ZZ Top and Kelly Clarkson Lead College Footballs Gridiron Bash Concert

Posted on by

Are you ready for some football? MSL Sports and Entertainment plans to roll out the Gridiron Bash, a two-day event April 18-19 that will use a campus concert to bring attention to the next day’s games, which serve as warm-ups for the coming season. Dwight Yoakam is among the artists who has committed, though his location hasn’t been yet announced. Several other artists have already been pegged to specific Division 1 schools: Pop singer Fergie is scheduled at Penn State, blues-rockers ZZ Top play Texas A&M, Counting Crows hit the field in Colorado, and the Goo Goo Dolls perform at Kansas State. Among the participating colleges that have yet to announce their Bash attractions are Rutgers, the University of Tennessee, Army and a college from Dwight’s home state, the University of Kentucky. Gridiron Bash, the Ultimate Fan Competition, will be the largest single-day sports and entertainment event ever to take place on college campuses. “We’re very excited by the caliber of talent this event is attracting,” says Gary Cioffi, Chief Executive Officer of MSL, the creator and producer of Gridiron Bash(TM). “In many cases, this marks the first time that top artists will be ‘playing the field’ at these campuses, as universities consider their football fields a kind of sacred ground, and, prior to Gridiron Bash, have prohibited even the most sought-after acts from performing on them.” Known Performance Roster: Artist School Dwight Yoakam TBA Fergie Penn State Maroon 5 TBA Counting Crows Colorado Goo Goo Dolls Kansas State ZZ Top Texas A&M Kelly Clarkson TBA TBA Rutgers TBA University of Tennessee TBA Army TBA University of Kentucky MSL Sports and Entertainment is in final discussions with Good Charlotte, OAR, Counting Crows, Fall Out Boy, Taylor Swift, and Montgomery Gentry. Other artists including, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, Journey, Steve Miller Band, Goo Goo Dolls, 3 Doors Down and Alan Jackson also are being pursued. On the university side, MSL is finalizing partnerships with schools, including Penn State, University of Iowa, Arizona State, West Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, Washington, Kentucky, University of Texas at El Paso, BYU, Auburn, Alabama and Boston College. Tickets will be available through university box offices and can also be purchased through http://www.gridironbash.com. On-sale dates for schools, including Texas A&M, Kansas State, University of Tennessee, University of Colorado, Army and Rutgers will be announced shortly. For information on the hottest 2008 country concert tours, dates, artist biographies and event details, please visit our partner site Country Music On TourCountry Music Photo Gallery

Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood 2008 Concert Tour

Posted on by

Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood have announced three more dates for their 2008 concert tour together. The Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Carnival Ride concert tour will hit Hershey, Pa., on Feb. 14, Tallahassee, Fla., on Feb. 29 and Anaheim, Calif., on March 12. Previously-announced stops include the tour opener at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn., on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 and other shows Feb. 16 in Roanoke, Va., March 7 in Omaha, Neb., and March 11 in San Jose, Calif. Be sure to get your Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood Concert Tour Tickets NOW! Simply use the ticket selection menu on the right. Save time, buy online! 2008 Tour Dates: 02/01/08 Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino – Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT 02/02/08 Blue Cross Arena – Rochester, NY 02/13/08 Madison Square Garden – New York, NY 02/14/08 GIANT Center – Hershey, PA 02/15/08 Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall – Atlantic City, NJ 02/16/08 Roanoke Civic Center – Roanoke, VA 02/29/08 Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center – Tallahassee, FL 03/01/08 Mississippi Coast Coliseum – Biloxi, MS 03/05/08 Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO 03/07/08 Qwest Center Omaha – Omaha, NE 03/09/08 Pepsi Center – Denver, CO 03/11/08 HP Pavilion at San Jose – San Jose, CA 03/12/08 Honda Center – Anaheim, CA 03/20/08 East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival – Byron Bay, Ne 03/22/08 Point Nepean Festival – Melbourne, 0 04/12/08 Bryce Jordan Center – State College, PA 04/18/08 Charlotte Bobcats Arena – Charlotte, NC 04/19/08 RBC Center – Raleigh, NC 04/24/08 The Arena at Gwinnett Center – Duluth, GA 04/25/08 The Arena at Gwinnett Center – Duluth, GA 07/26/08 Gillette Stadium / New England Patriots – Foxboro, MA In related news Keith Urban will also share the headlines with Kenny Chesney on his 2008 Poets and Pirates concert tour at Gillette Stadium near Boston, on July 26, according to the tour section of his Web site. Billed as the New England Country Music Festival, Chesney will be joined by Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan and Sammy Hagar. For Carrie Underwood 2008 concert tour dates, tickets, artist biographies and event details, please visit our partner site Country Music On TourCountry Music Photo Gallery

Martina McBride 2008 Concert Tour Dates

Posted on by

Martina McBride is currently on tour promoting her newest album, “Wake Up Laughing“. So far this album has received outstanding reviews from both fans and critics alike, getting names “One of the top country discs of 2007” by the Chicago Tribune. “McBride hasn’t run out of inspiration. This album has her aging gracefully into a more soulful singer/songwriter. With fewer feminist anthems, McBride has time to devote to the bright spots on this effort.” Concert tickets for the Huntsville, Alabama concert go on sale this Saturday at 10AM Central. The fan club pre-sale is today starting at 10AM Central today (Wednesday). Fan club members should log into the fan club web site for the information needed. Otherwise, check the link to our right for ticket pricing and availability. Martina McBride is also in the process of updating her online store to be completely in-house instead of using a outside company so stay tuned for new merchandise and memorabilia! For Martina McBride 2008 concert tour dates, tickets, artist biographies and event details, please visit our partner site Country Music On TourCountry Music Photo Gallery

Faith Hill Premieres “That’s Alright Mamma” Video in Tribute to Elvis

Posted on by

Faith Hill is set to premiere her performance of Elvis Presley’s classic “That’s Alright Mama,” today at 11am EST. After originally recording both “Mama” and “Peace In The Valley” for “Viva Las Vegas,” a 2-hour ABC Network television special honoring the late singer, CMT began airing “Peace In The Valley.” But numerous inquiries were made at FaithHill.com requesting “Mama,” and now the Grammy Award winning singer will give the video its online premiere. “We recorded “Mama” and “Peace In The Valley,” last year in a completely empty arena, in the round and stripped down, said Faith. “It was a blast. We channeled Elvis by setting the stage as if we were back in 1968 (his comeback special). These songs and being a part of the special reminded me of who he was, what he stood for; he defined what it was and is to be an entertainer.” The “Viva Las Vegas” special, produced in cooperation with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc, originally aired on September 18, 2007. The special honored Elvis Presley’s legacy and contribution to contemporary music, and featured some of music’s most influential and talented artists, including Celine Dion, Aerosmith, and Paul McCartney. The complete 2-hour special, which includes Faith’s covers of “That’s All Right Mama” and “Peace in the Valley,” is set for a DVD release in Spring 2008.Country Music Photo Gallery

Gary Allan Joins Kenny Chesney’s 2008 “Poets and Pirates” Concert Tour

Posted on by

Gary Allan is gearing up to join superstar Kenny Chesney on the Corona Extra sponsored 2008 Poets & Pirates concert tour. The tour will hit 14 of the largest stadiums across the country. The all-star lineup for the tour includes Chesney, Allan and LeAnn Rimes. On 10 of the 14 dates Keith Urban (who Allan toured with in the Fall and Winter) will help to anchor the show. On several dates Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, Big & Rich and Luke Bryan will join the tour. When asked about the upcoming summer tour Allan said, “Kenny’s crowds are intense and they come to party. We feed off of that and we can’t wait to get out there. The fact that we’re playing stadiums just sweetens the deal. It’s gonna be a great time.” Included on the tour are stops in Baltimore, Nashville, Cleveland, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Chicago and Foxboro, Mass among others. Gary is still riding the great success of his last single “Stealing Cinderella” and is hoping to top that with his next release “Watching Airplanes”. For 2008 Concert Tour Dates and Tickets, Click HereCountry Music Photo Gallery

Brad Paisley Tops this week’s Billboard Song Charts

Posted on by

Brad Paisley’s latest single “Letter to Me” pushes right to the top of the Billboard country music song charts this week followed by Rascal Flatts’ “Winner at a Losing Game,” Montgomery Gentry’s “What Do Ya Think About That,” Sugarland’s “Stay” and Swift’s mighty “Our Song” rounding out the top 5. The songs making their first appearance on the charts are Jewel’s “Stronger Woman” (No. 50), Sara Evans’ “Some Things Never Change” (No. 54), the Reba McEntire– Kenny Chesney duet, “Every Other Weekend” (No. 58), Clay Walker’s “She Likes It in the Morning” (No. 59) and the Drew Davis Band’s “Back There All the Time” (No. 60). Anne Murray has the highest-debuting album, Duets: Friends & Legends, which bows at No. 8. The other newbies are Trisha Yearwood’s Love Songs (a collection from her MCA days) at No. 35, followed by the multi-artist package, I Will Always Love You: 17 Inspirational Love Songs, at No. 44 and Kenny Rogers’ A Love Song Collection (No. 53). Suppose anyone’s marketing music toward Valentine Day shoppers? The remaining Top 5 albums, in descending order, are Garth Brooks‘ The Ultimate Hits, the Eagles‘ Long Road Out of Eden, Sugarland‘s Enjoy the Ride and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ Raising Sand. There are no returning albums to this week’s chart, but there is one comeback song, the Road Hammers’ “I Don’t Know When to Quit,” popping in at No. 51.Country Music Photo Gallery

John Rich of Big & Rich releasing a solo album

Posted on by

Half of the sensational alt-country duo Big & Rich will try his chops as a solo artist by the end of the year. John Rich has plans to release a solo album in 2008 before going back to the full time powerhouse as a duo. “If anyone knows me, they know I’m always writing music,” said Rich, who also does a lot of producing and songwriting. “When we decided to take this year off so Kenny could focus on rehabilitation for a pre-existing injury, I asked Kenny if he was cool with me recording a solo project. I would only do this with Kenny’s blessing. So, this year you can expect a solo record from me, but Big & Rich will be back in 2009.” Because of his contributions to the songwriting and music industry community, Rich received the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He is the only artist to receive the award three years consecutively. Currently John Rich and Big Kenny Alphin are enjoying the success of their first number one hit, “Lost in this moment with you” off the album “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace“. Their latest single “Loud” is on its way up the charts as well.Country Music Photo Gallery

Hank Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd on Tour in 2008

Posted on by

After a great success on their last tour, Hank Williams Jr and Lynyrd Skynrd are making plans to hit the road together again for the 2008 Rowdy Frynds tour this spring. The tour will kick off in Hershey, PA and finish off in the birthplace of Lynyrd Skynrd in Jacksonville, FL. “Our following of fans fits together perfectly,” says Skynyrd vocalist Johnny Van Zant, also a member with brother Donnie in the country duo Van Zant. “We can’t wait to get back out there and have some fun.” “Last year was incredible,” Hank Jr. adds. “How could we not get together for another round?!” 2008 Rowdy Frynds Tour Dates: April 4 Hershey, Pa. Giant Center April 5 Cincinnati, Ohio US Bank Arena April 11 Cleveland, Ohio Wolstein Center April 12 Columbus, Ohio Nationwide Arena April 18 Chicago, Ill. Sears Centre April 19 Detroit, Mich. The Palace of Auburn Hills April 25 Lafayette, La. Cajundome April 26 Shreveport, La. CenturyTel Center May 2 Atlanta, Ga. The Arena at Gwinnett Center May 3 Biloxi, Miss. Mississippi Coast Coliseum May 9 Greensboro, N.C. Coliseum Complex May 10 Knoxville, Tenn. Thompson-Boling Arena May 16 Charlottesville, Va. John Paul Jones Arena May 17 Pittsburgh, Pa. Mellon Arena May 30 Lexington, Kent. Rupp Arena May 31 Charlotte, N.C. Bobcat Arena June 6 Memphis, Tenn. Fed-Ex Forum June 7 Enterprise, Ala. Bama Jam June 13 Marion, S.C. Marion County Country Music Festival June 14 Jacksonville, Fla. Veterans Memorial ColiseumCountry Music Photo Gallery

Press Release: 2008 Country Radio Seminar Lineup

Posted on by

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. has an exciting talent line-up for the 2008 Country Radio Seminar ® (CRS-39) luncheons. Performers on Wednesday are Ashley Gearing and Rodney Atkins (Curb/Asylum); while on Thursday Keith Anderson and Montgomery Gentry (Sony BMG) take the stage. Closing the series of luncheons are Capitol‘s Lady Antebellum and newcomer Emily West on Friday. Ashley Gearing (Curb) is no stranger to the demands of the music business. At the young age of 12, she made history by entering Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, eclipsing a 46 year-old record previously held by Brenda Lee. Her version of “Can You Hear Me When I Talk to You” gave Ashley immediate national exposure by displaying a talent well beyond her years. She received ASCAP‘s “Uncut Diamond” award as a future Country rising star, has performed numerous times on the famed stage of the Grand Ole Opry, and was voted Best Female Country artist in a New Country Artist poll in 2006. Rodney Atkins (Curb) may have gone through hell, but things are certainly looking up. The 2007 CMA Horizon award nominee has a platinum album, If You’re Going Through Hell, and three consecutive number one singles, “If You’re Going Through Hell,” “Watching You,” and “These Are My People,” under his belt heading into 2008. His latest single “Cleaning This Gun” is climbing the charts and Atkins is currently on the road with Brad Paisley on the “2008 Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour. Columbia Nashville‘s Keith Anderson earned a CMA Song of the Year nomination in 2007, co-writing the Big & Rich #1 single, “Lost in this Moment,” and now, the talented songwriter delivers new music of his own with a January 28 impact date for “I Still Miss You,” from his upcoming album, C’MON!. Keith’s Gold-certified debut disc, Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll, launched a pair of Top 10 singles (“Every Time I Hear Your Name” and “Pickin’ Wildflowers“), making Anderson an immediate fan favorite and Billboard’s top new solo country artist in his first year on the charts. With 11 Top 5 singles to their credit, including current smash, “What Do Ya Think About That,” and recent chart-topper, “Lucky Man,” Montgomery Gentry (Sony Nashville) has proven time and again – rocking the house on disc and on stage – that what they do is about a lot more than luck. Some People Change, their latest Columbia Nashville disc, has delivered three back-to-back hit singles, as the award-winning duo continues to rack up the airplay and the accolades, recently earning a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The trio of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood originally came together in 2006 to create music as songwriters and soon learned that there was chemistry in the room, and decided that whatever they were going to do in the future had to be done together. Thus Lady Antebellum (Capitol) was formed. The trio has been chosen as one of Billboard magazine’s “Faces to Continue reading Press Release: 2008 Country Radio Seminar Lineup→

Martina McBride talks about artistic control over her music

Posted on by

In a world of young stars making concessions to big labels in order to get a contract, Martina McBride will have no part of it! It’s come to be the accepted practice that most country artists will produce albums according to the record company’s specifications as part and parcel to their record deal. The label chooses the songs, picks the singles, and just has “the talent” along for the ride. Martina McBride however, finds it all a strange concept. “I hear stories about record companies telling people what to sing and producers telling people what to sing and all that, and it’s foreign to me, because I’ve always had complete artistic control,” she tells The Grand Rapids Press. “I’ve always been able to record exactly what I wanted to record, and I have a big say in what singles are released, and I’m very involved in the studio.” And when asked about the experience of owning her own studio: “I’ve loved producing and creating,” Martina says. “When I listen to a song on the radio, I’m analyzing the drum sound and what the bass player is doing and how much [echo] is on the vocal.” Look for some of Martina McBride’s hands on work her 2008 “Waking Up Laughing” tour where she teams with opening acts Jack Ingram and Lady Antebellum.Country Music Photo Gallery