Along The Highway!!!

Country music of the 21st century!!

Hot New Country - All the latest news!!

JUNE 2010

- BRAD PAISLEY in London june 23 & 24: interview BBC and more infos still to come on Brad Paisley projects on HighwayFM.com.

- CMA MUSIC FEST 2010: "Sold out for the first day, CMA Music Fest 2010 frequentation marks a 10% + compared to 2009. The daily average reached 65 000 fans, and if Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Reba and others super stars have burned the crowd, performances by Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson and Kid Rock contributed to grow the impact of the festival. Even more, CMA Fest began with the Judds, and I was invited at the private press conference given by the legendary duet who has announced a US tour beginning after summer, and a new CD of the Judds. I had also the pleasure to talk backstages with Keith Urban, who stays a very humble and nice guy. A complete coverage of the event will be very soon on HighwayFM.com.

MAY 2010

- MIRANDA LAMBERT answered "Yes" to Blake Shelton on his request for wedding. Both artists live together for five years.

- CMA Music Festival 2010: these are the artists already announced to perform at LP field at Coliseum Stadium: Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Danny Gokey, Julianne Hough, 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 the Zac Brown Band. - and on Riverfront Park: THURSDAY 10: Keith Anderson, Diamond Rio, Colt Ford, Joey + Rory, the Judds, Love & Theft, Neal McCoy, Jake Owen, Josh Thompson, Clay Walker, FRIDAY 11: Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Bucky Covington, Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram, Patty Loveless, Craig Morgan, Sawyer Brown, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Young, SATURDAY 12: Big Kenny, Lee Brice, Mark Chesnutt, Emerson Drive, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Lorrie Morgan, David Lee Murphy, Joe Nichols, Mel Tillis, SUNDAY 13: Bellamy Brothers, Sammy Kershaw, Lonestar, Jo Dee Messina, James Otto, Restless Heart, Steel Magnolia, Pam Tillis, Uncle Kracker and Darryl Worley.

- TAYLOR SWIFT donates 500 000 dollars to help to rebuild Nashville after the flooding disaster.

- NASHVILLE UNDER WATER: In this thursday of may 6, and at only a few days of the meteorologic disaster which reached Nashville and three states around, the city is born again very slowly and its residents say that they have never seen that in 75 years. The terribles rains which touched the region caused around 10 deaths in Nashville for a temporary and dramatic total of 30. The Coliseum stadium is only a little damaged but the Cumberland River has submerged its boards and in particular Riverfront Park, one of the sites used for the biggest and most prestigious country music festival in the world, the CMA Musical Festival.

Many houses under water and roads closed are the terrible and only views that may see the Nashville residents. By the side of the artists, John Rich's grand-mother, and Julie roberts, have been evacuated from their houses by boat. Brad Paisley and LeAnn Rimes lost all their instruments and their bus are not in a better situation, because Brad and LeAnn were at home. A telethon is organised by local medias, and you have to know that in this may 6, the level of the flooding has slowly began to recede.

The mayor of Nashville and CMA have announced that the CMA Music Festival is always scheduled for june 10 to 13, and the unity of the Americans will proove again that miracles are possible. The business quarter, Music Row, is clean, as is the legendary Ryman auditorium, and the Robert's, one of the most known honkytonks on Broadway, has re-opened. The Country Music Hall of Fame is not under water except a room where there are no historical documents. Only the beautifull hotel resort Opryland Usa and huge mall Opry Mills are closed for three months, and all the tourists are re-oriented on other hotels. Alan Jackson said that music is always in Nashville and the city will do all to welcome, and when we know how reactive are the Americans, I have no doubt about the organization of the CMA Music Festival to welcome all the fans. The stage of the Grand Ole Opry is under water and the legendary circle in wood in its center will unfortunately keep the mark of the disaster..

All our thoughts go to the residents and families who have suffered of that terrible weather.

Jean Agostini

APRIL 2010

- ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS 2010 winners:

Entertainer: CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Top Male vocalist: BRAD PAISLEY

Top Female vocalist: MIRANDA LAMBERT

Top Vocal group: LADY ANTEBELLUM

Top Vocal duo: BROOKS & DUNN

Top New Artist: LUKE BRYAN

Album: "Revolution" MIRANDA LAMBERT

Single record: "Need you now" LADY ANTEBELLUM

Song: "Need you now" LADY ANTEBELLUM

Video: "White liar" MIRANDA LAMBERT

Vocal Event: "Hillbilly bone" BLAKE SHELTON & TRACE ADKINS

- KENNY CHESNEY: Summer in 3-D will premiere Saturday (April 17) in Las Vegas during a red carpet gala at the Rave Town Square 18 Cinemas. Chesney will attend the event to present the concert film which also incorporates archival footage, still photos, backstage videos and his own reflections on his career and fans. The premiere will be streamed live at www.KennyChesneyMovie.com or at www.Ustream.tv/kennychesney3d. The film opens nationally Wednesday (April 21). The premiere takes place the night before the Academy of Country Music Awards where Chesney is nominated for entertainer of the year, top male vocalist and vocal event of the year (for his collaboration with Dave Matthews on "I'm Alive").

- The ACM awards will take place on april 18 in Las Vegas.

- SUGARLAND: Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are in the process of completing the sessions for their upcoming album which could be released this fall, according to Billboard. The album, tentatively titled The Incredible Machine, will contain 10 or 11 tracks, written after their 2008 release, Love on the Inside. "I describe it emotionally as bungee jumping and eating chocolate cake," she said. "It's terrifying and gratifying, all at the same time."

MARCH 2010

- ARTISTS already scheduled to perform at the Coliseum Stadium during CMA MUSIC FEST 2010: Trace Adkins, Easton Corbin, Danny Gokey, Randy Houser, Justin Moore, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band.

- JACK INGRAM: Coming off a five-year string of Top 40 hits at mainstream country radio, Jack Ingram has decided that it's time to let his balladeer side show with the Acoustic Motel tour.

- ALAN JACKSON: Alan is in New York City for a series of television appearances coinciding with Tuesday's (March 30) release of his new album, Freight Train. Following a Tuesday performance on Today, he'll appear later on the Late Show With David Letterman. He will also tape an episode of the A&E interview and performance series, Private Sessions With Lynn Hoffman, scheduled on April 11. Alan will travel to Los Angeles for appearances on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (April 14) and The Ellen DeGeneres Show (April 16). The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will unveil Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during ceremonies on April 16. His star will be located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., near similar stars honoring the Doors and John Travolta. Jackson's Freight Train tour with Josh Turner and Chris Young kicks off April 8 in Fort Myers, Fla.

- ROBERT PLANT 2010 US tour: Robert Plant announced a 12 city North American tour. In July, a first round of shows which will be followed by other dates in the fall will preview material from a new album. Plant's new band, called Band of Joy, will include Patty Griffin, vocals, Darrell Scott, multi instrumentalist/vocals, Byron House, Bass/Vocals, Marco Giovino, drums and percussion/vocals, and co-producer Buddy Miller, guitar/vocals. The CD will be on Rounder, late summer/early fall.

- GERALD DE PALMAS on tour:

30.03.2010 Paris (France) Zénith

02.04.2010 Montpellier (France) Zénith

03.04.2010 Toulouse (France) Zénith

06.04.2010 Talence (France) Medoquine

07.04.2010 Clermont-Ferrand (France)

10.04.2010 Limoges (France) Zénith

28.04.2010 Rennes (France) Le Liberté

30.04.2010 Nantes (France) Zénith

04.05.2010 PARIS (France) Grand Rex

05.05.2010 Beauvais (France) Elispace

07.05.2010 Orléans (France) Zénith

14.05.2010 Saint-Etienne (France) Zénith

15.05.2010 Grenoble (France) Summum

- ZZ TOP in Europe in july:

07.02.10 Bergen NORWAY Skanevik Blues Festival 07.03.10 Jarvenpaa FI Lakeside Blues Festival 07.05.10 Monte Carlo FR Monaco Royal Palace Grounds 07.06.10 Toulouse FR Le Zenith 07.08.10 Bayonne FR Les Arenes 07.09.10 Nimes FR Les Arenes, Nimes Festival 07.10.10 Locarno CH Moon And Stars Festival 07.12.10 Rome IT Ippodromo Delle Capannella 07.13.10 Lucca IT Piazza 07.14.10 Villa Contarina, Padova IT Piazza Sul Brenta 07.15.10 Milan IT Arena Civica 07.17.10 Lyon FR Aix Le Bains 07.18.10 Kempton DE Big Box 07.19.10 Strasbourg FR Le Zenith 07.20.10 Tienen BE Suikerrock 07.22.10 Nantes FR Le Zenith 07.24.10 London GB High Voltage Festival No pre-sale

- JO DEE MESSINA

Jo Dee Messina plans to release three EPs in 2010, with the first one scheduled for April 27 on Curb Records. Unmistakable: Love will offer seven new songs as well as live acoustic cuts of "Because You Love Me" and "Stand Beside Me." Unmistakable: Drive and Unmistakable: Inspiration are expected later in the year. Messina's previous album, Delicious Surprise, was released in April 2005. "I think this is a great way to let the fans hear all the recordings made in the last six years," Messina said. "They not only get to experience the finished product, but the complete collection of songs recorded along the way." Messina's next scheduled concert is Friday (March 26) in Maryville, Tenn.

FEBRUARY 2010

- CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL line-up:

BILLY CURRINGTON, ALAN JACKSON, TIM MCGRAW, AND KELLIE PICKLER ADDED TO 2010 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL: McGraw's First Appearance at Festival Since 2001.

NASHVILLE - Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw and Kellie Pickler are the latest additions to the artist lineup for 2010 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13 in Nashville, Tenn.. Previously announced artists include Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band. All of the announced artists will perform during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field.

- The soundtrack from CRAZY HEART motion pictures which will be in theaters in France on march 3:

1. Hold On You Jeff Bridges - 2:53
2. Hello Trouble Buck Owens (Album Only)
3. My Baby's Gone The Louvin Brothers - 2:46 (Album Only)
4. Somebody Else (Instrumental) Stephen Bruton - 1:55
5. Somebody Else Jeff Bridges - 4:38
6. I Don't Know Ryan Bingham - 2:23
7. Wesley's Piano Thomas Canning - 1:23
8. Fallin' & Flyin' Jeff Bridges - 3:02
9. Searching (For Someone Like You) Kitty Wells - 2:37 (Album Only)
10. I Don't Know Jeff Bridges - 2:15
11. Once A Gambler Lightnin' Hopkins - 4:55 (Album Only)
12. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way Waylon Jennings 2:54 (Album Only)
13. I Let The Freight Train Carry Me On The Delmore Brothers 2:35 (Album Only)
14. Color Of The Blues George Jones - 2:51 (Album Only)
15. Joy Lucinda Williams - 4:06 (Album Only)
16. Fallin' & Flyin' Colin Farrell & Jeff Bridges - 2:42
17. Gone, Gone, Gone Colin Farrell - 2:39
18. If I Need You Townes Van Zandt - 3:26 (Album Only)
19. Reflecting Light Sam Phillips - 3:21 (Album Only)
20. Mal Hombre Lydia Mendoza - 3:30 (Album Only)
21. Live Forever Robert Duvall - 0:50
22. Brand New Angel Jeff Bridges - 3:48
23. The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart) Ryan Bingham - 4:18

- CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010

JASON ALDEAN, LADY ANTEBELLUM, MARTINA MCBRIDE, REBA MCENTIRE, BRAD PAISLEY, RASCAL FLATTS, DARIUS RUCKER, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, KEITH URBAN, AND ZAC BROWN BAND ARE FIRST GROUP OF PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2010 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Nashville's Signature Musical Event Raises Millions for Music Education

NASHVILLE - Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band along with the previously announced Carrie Underwood are the first artists of 2010 to join a legendary group of acts who have performed at CMA Music Festival, which began as Fan Fair in 1972.

More than 2,000 Country acts, including the superstars of the format, have lent their time and talent to the event over the decades. It is a legacy that began 39 years ago with legends including Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Tammy Wynette thanking fans at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.

The Festival is an annual touchstone that connects the most ardent, passionate performers in the format with the superstars who came before them on behalf of the fans who support them.

CMA Music Festival is a unique celebration of the relationship between Country Music artists and their fans in the heart of Music City USA. The artists participate for free, and in appreciation, CMA donates half the net proceeds of the Festival to support music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools through the Keep the Music Playing program.

To date, $3,312,053 has been donated to purchase musical instruments and supplies, providing thousands of Metro Nashville Public Schools students with the resources and opportunities they could not have afforded on their own, and giving many of them a strong reason to remain in school.

2010 CMA Music Festival will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13. Nashville's signature music event features concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more. This unparalleled celebration of America's music draws thousands of fans and media from all corners of the globe to Nashville. CMA Music Festival was dubbed the "crown jewel of Country Music festivals" by USA Today and winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association's 2004, 2006, and 2008 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year.

2010 will live up to its lauded reputation with the first list of performers announced for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field:

Jason Aldean, received his first CMA Award nomination in 2007 for the Horizon Award. A year later, the Award was renamed, the New Artist of the Year, and Aldean was nominated in the coveted category once again.
Lady Antebellum, the reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year, who has received a total of three CMA Awards.
Martina McBride, who was named CMA Female Vocalist of the Year four times (1999, 2002-2004) and is tied with McEntire for the most wins in that category. She has a total of five CMA Awards.
Reba McEntire, a former CMA Entertainer of the Year and four-time Female Vocalist of the Year, who has won a total of six CMA Awards.
Brad Paisley, the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year (for three consecutive years, 2007-2009), who has received a total of 13 CMA Awards.
Rascal Flatts, who has won a total of seven CMA Awards, including six consecutive Vocal Group of the Year Awards (2003-2008).
Darius Rucker, the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year.
Carrie Underwood, who was named CMA Female Vocalist of the Year for three consecutive years (2006-2008) and has received a total of five CMA Awards.
Keith Urban, the reigning CMA Musical Event of the Year Award winner (along with Paisley for their duet "Start a Band"). A former Entertainer of the Year (2006), Urban has received a total of six CMA Awards.
Zac Brown Band, who received their first three CMA nominations in 2009, with lead singer Zac Brown receiving an additional nomination as songwriter.

Underwood was previously announced as a performer for this year's Festival on Feb. 5 after she surprised one her biggest fans, fifteen-year old Riley Ahlstrand, with a phone call. Ahlstrand had written CMA asking if Underwood would be performing at the event this year, and the singer called to personally give her the good news.

"This is an amazing collection of superstar artists who perform a broad spectrum of Country Music styles," said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. "Our attendees are going to love the lineup."

CMAfest.com, the official website of CMA Music Festival, has been updated for 2010. In addition to up-to-the-minute information about tickets, schedules, and artist appearances, there are new features to enhance interactivity on the site including CMA's first venture into the blogging world. Fans will be able to comment on blog posts such as event history, tips, and personal staff stories, as well as Top 10 lists to help attendees better plan their Festival experience. Fans will be able to submit their own Festival stories and photos. Accepted submissions may be featured on the CMAfest.com site. Fans can also sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news while on the website. In addition, MySpace users may want to visit www.MySpace.com/cmamusicfestival, while Facebook users can check out http://www.facebook.com/CountryMusicAssociation.

Tickets are available now. Four-day ticket prices range from $110 to $185. To purchase tickets, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE. For information on ADA seating, please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378).

A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The price is $28 for cars; $60 for vans/shuttles; and $120 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.

- CRAZY HEART soundtrack listing:

JANUARY 2010

- GARTH BRROKS News!!: The superstar is on his way to organize his real comeback just after his concerts in Las Vegas. Garth Brooks will embark on a world tour in 2014 based on the kind of shows he loves, with the rock dimension, as he is used to make.

- WINNERS AT THE GRAMMY AWARDS, january 31, 2010:

- Album of the year: "Fearless" Taylor Swift

- Best Female Country Vocal Performance: Taylor Swift

- Best country song: "White horse" Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift "Oh my God, our families are freaking out in their living rooms! My dad and my little brother are losing their minds in the living room right now. This is for my dad. Thank you for all those times you said I could do whatever I wanted in life. And my mom, you're my best friend".

- Best new artist: Zac Brown Band

- Best male vocal performance: "Sweet thing" Keith Urban

- Best country performance by a duo or group: "I run to you" Lady Antebellum

- Best country collaboration: "I told you so" Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood

- Best Americana album: "Electric Dirt" Levon Helm

- Best contemporary folk album: "Townes" Steve Earle

- Best traditional folk album: "High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project" Loudon Wainwright III

- Best country instrumental performance: "Producer's medley" Steve Wariner (from the album, "Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins").

- Best bluegrass album: "The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo" Steve Martin.

- Nomination for Best musical show: Dolly Parton "9 to 5"; The Musical was up for best musical show album but lost to West Side Story.

- Nomination for Best song written for motion picture, television or other visual media: Miley Cyrus' "The Climb", written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe, but lost to "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire.

- Nomination for Best rock instrumental performance: Brad Paisley "Playing With Fire" but lost to Jeff Beck "A Day in the Life".

- Nomination for Best long form music video: winner was "The Beatles' Love -- All Together Now" against Johnny Cash's America and Keith Urban's Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy World Tour Live.

During the night, Taylor Swift performed her new single, "Today Was a Fairytale," from the soundtrack to Valentine's Day, an upcoming film that also features her in a supporting role. Swift also surprised the audience by singing a duet with Stevie Nicks on a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon." Nicks also stayed to sing along with Swift's Grammy-nominated hit, "You Belong With Me."

The Zac Brown band was joined by Leon Russell on a medley of songs, "America the Beautiful" and "Chicken Fried".

Carrie Underwood joined Celine Dion, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson for a Michael Jackson 3-D tribute on "The Earth Song". Then, Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles joined Bon Jovi to play their hit, "Who Says You Can't Go Home," which won a Grammy for best country collaboration with vocals in 2007. Nettles declared that fans had voted online to hear Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer," so they played a few lines of the classic together -- and Nettles was rewarded with a kiss on the lips from Jon Bon Jovi.

- Guitarist-banjoist Emily Robison and her sister, fiddler Martie Maguire, have recorded an album under the name Court Yard Hounds (in reference to the novel City of Thieves). Recorded mostly at Maguire’s home studio in Austin, the pop-folk album features songs inspired by her recent divorce from country act Charlie Robison. “When Natalie’s singing a song it has to strike a chord with her,” Emily Robison says. She is joined by Jakob Dylan (lead singer from Wallflowers) on “See You in the Spring”. The new duo will debut at South by Southwest in march, with an album scheduled for may and a tour to follow.

Robison and Maguire says the Dixie Chicks have not splitted, they rarely see Maines who lives in Los Angeles.

- TAYLOR SWIFT, ROSANNE CASH, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, le ZAC BROWN BAND et WILLIE NELSON entre autre sont nominés au Grammy Awards. Liste des vainqueurs le 31 janvier tard, à l'heure de Los Angeles.

- The team of HighwayFM.com wish you the best for 2010. We wish the better health for all to give you the occasion to realize all your projects. Take care.

- The Grammy Awards presentation takes place Jan. 31 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It will be televised live on CBS.

DECEMBER

- The return of Lillith Fair with Miranda Lambert, Emmylou Harris and Sugarland
Miranda, Emmy et Sugarland are joined by Sheryl Crow among others to appear on the reborn Lillith Fair concert tour this coming summer. Lillith co-founder Sarah McLachlan announced the names of first-round 18 cities for the tour - Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Dallas, Seattle, Portland, Ore., Denver, San Francisco, Montreal, Vancouver, Canada, Calgary, Canada, Washington and London.

Other names for 2010 include A Fine Frenzy, Ann Atomic, Ash Koley, Brandi Carlile, Butterfly Boucher, Chairlift, Chantal Kreviazuk, Colbie Caillat, Corinne Bailey Rae, Donna Delory, Erykah Badu, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Ima, Indigo Girls, Ingrid Michaelson, Janelle Monae, Jennifer Knapp, Jill Hennessy, Jill Scott, Katzenjammer, Ke$ha, Mary J. Blige, Meaghan Smith, Metric, Nneka, Sara Bareilles, Serena Ryder, Susan Justice, Tara MacLean, Tegan and Sara, Vedera, Vita Chambers, The Submarines, The Weepies, Ximena Sarinana and Zee Avi.

Other co-founder Terry McBride says "The original Lilith Fair broke down boundaries, and the new tour promises to do the same, with a mix of contemporary and classic, established and up-and-coming artists from the worlds of pop, rock, urban, country and more."

- Fashion is often associated to music, and we suggest you to take a look at a newly created web site which show you the collection of jewels made by a young fashion creator Anne-Sophie Marcadet-Rosemberg. Her web site is particularely attractive @ http://annesofi-bijoux.marcadet.fr

NOVEMBER

THE WINNERS OF THE 1st FRENCH HIGHWAY AWARDS 2009

- French artist of the year 2009

Texas Sidestep

- Best European artist 2009

The Honky Tonk Farmers (Switzerland)

- Entertainer of the year 2009

Brad Paisley

- Male artist of the year 2009

Dierks Bentley

- Female artist of the year 2009

Taylor Swift

- Single of the year 2009

Brooks & Dunn (with Reba McEntire) « Cowgirls don’t cry »

- Album of the year 2009

Brad Paisley « American Saturday night » (award goes to Brad Paisley, and the producers, Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois)

- Song of the year 2009

George Strait « Living for the night »

- Vocal Group of the year 2009

Lady Antebellum

- Vocal duo of the Year 2009

Sugarland

- Musical Event of the year 2009

Kenny Chesney & Mac McAnally « Down the road »

- Musician of the year 2009

Paul Franklin – steel guitar

- Video of the year 2009

Little Big Town « I’m with the band »

- Fashion Award of the year 2009

Shania Twain

- Best Australian Artist 2009

Kirsty Lee Akers

- International Artist Achievement Award 2009

The Bellamy Brothers

- CMA Awards winners 2009

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Fearless
Taylor Swift
Produced by Nathan Chapman and Taylor Swift
Big Machine Records

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
"I Run To You"
Lady Antebellum
Produced by Victoria Shaw and Paul Worley
Capitol Records Nashville

SONG OF THE YEAR
"In Color"
Jamey Johnson/Lee Thomas Miller/James Otto

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Darius Rucker

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Sugarland

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Brad Paisley

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
"Love Story"
Taylor Swift
Directed by Trey Fanjoy

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
"Start a Band"
Brad Paisley and Keith Urban
Arista Nashville

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Mac McAnally – Guitar

- This is the list of the official nominees at the French Highway Awards 2009, produced by HighwayFM.com.

(the order in the lists has no relations with the number of votes)

Entertainer of the year 2009
Sugarland
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Kenny Chesney
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Dierks Bentley (Country Rendez-Vous 2008)
Alan Jackson

- Male artist of the year 2009
Keith Urban
Alan Jackson
Kenny Chesney
Dierks Bentley
Brad Paisley
Darius Rocker
George Strait

- Female artist of the year 2009
Miranda Lambert
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Lee Ann Womack
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Martina McBride
Kellie Pickler
Reba McEntire

- Album of the year 2009 (the award goes to the album and producer)
Sugarland "Love on the inside"
Dierks Bentley "Feel that fire" (Country Rendez-Vous 2008)
Taylor Swift "Fearless"
Brad Paisley "American saturday night"
Eric Church "Carolina" (Country Rendez-Vous 2009)
Keith Urban "Defying gravity"
Eli Young Band "Jet Black & jealous"
Heidi Newfield "What am I waiting for"
Rock Voisine "Americana 2" (Mirande 2009)
Little Big Town "A place to land"
David Nail "I'm about to come alive"
John Rich "Son of a preacher man"
Peter Myles "The devil's back in town"

- Single of the year 2009 (Meilleur titre)
John Rich "Shuttin' Detroit down"
Brad Paisley "Then"
Rodney Atkins "It's America"
Eric Church "Ain't killed me yet" (Country Rendez-Vous 2009)
Keith Urban "Sweet thing"
Dierks Bentley "Sideways" (Country Rendez-Vous 2008)
Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis "I told you so"
Lady Antebellum "I run to you"
Toby Keith "God love her"
Billy Currington "People are crazy"
Brooks & Dunn (with Reba McEntire) "Cowgirls don't cry"
Little Big Town "Fine line"
The Bellamy Brothers (feat. the Bacon Brothers & Shannen Doherty) "Guilty of the
crime"

- Song of the year 2009 (Meilleure chanson)
George Strait "Living for the night"
Brooks & Dunn with Reba McEntire "Cowgirls don't cry"
Zac Brown Band "Chicken fried"
John Rich "Shuttin' Detroit down"
Billy Currington "People are crazy"
Brad Paisley "Then"
Little Big Town "That's where I'll be"
Miranda Lambert "Famous in a small town"
Eric Church "Ain't killed me yet" (Country Rendez-Vous 2009)
Eli Young Band "Always the love songs"
Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis "I told you so"

- Vocal group of the year 2009
Little Big Town
Zac Brown Band
Lady Antebellum
Randy Rogers Band (Country Rendez-Vous Festival)
Eagles
Eli Young Band
The Lost Trailers
Whiskey Falls (Country Rendez-Vous Festival 2008)
Rascal Flatts

- Musician of the year 2009
Eddie Bayers - Drums
Aubrey Haynie - Fiddle
Dann Huff - Guitar
Paul Franklin - Steel guitar
Mac McAnally - Guitar
Brent Mason - Guitar
Randy Scruggs - Guitar

- Video of the year 2009
Brooks & Dunn with Reba McEntire "Cowgirls don't cry"
Toby Keith "God love her"
Kellie Pickler "Best days of our lives"
Keith Urban "Kiss a girl"
Bellamy Brothers (feat. the Bacon Brothers & Shannen Doherty) "Guilty of the
crime"
Rodney Atkins "It's America"
Taylor Swift "Love story"
Brad Paisley & Keith Urban "Start a band"
Dierks Bentley "Sideways"
John Rich "Shuttin Detroit down"
Billy Currington "People are crazy"
Kenny Chesney "Out last night"
Little Big Town "I'm with the band"

- Musical event of the year 2009
Brad Paisley & Keith Urban "Start a band"
Kenny Chesney & Mac McAnally "Down the road"
Brooks & Dunn with Reba McEntire "Cowgirls don't cry"
Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis "I told you so"
Kenny Chesney & The Wailers "Everybody wants to go to heaven"
Lee Ann Womack & George Strait "Everything but quite"
Jason Aldean & Bryan Adams "CMT Crossroads"

- Fashion award 2009
LeAnn Rimes
Shania Twain
Kellie Pickler
Reba McEntire
Lee Ann Womack
Megan Munroe
Keith Urban
Megan Mullins
Cia Cherryholmes
Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) (Country Rendez-Vous Festival)
Jennifer Nettles

- Best European Artist 2009
Texas Renegade (NL)
Country Cooking (Belgium)
Dixie Aces (NL)
Katie Rhodes (UK)
Rachael Warwick (UK) (Country Rendez-Vous Festival)
Paul Mac Bonvin (Switzerland)
Texas Lightning (Germany)
Monogram (Czechoslovakia)
Toy Heart (UK)
Honky Tonk Farmers (Switzerland)

- French Artist of the year 2009
Kevin Buckley
Mariotti Brothers
Pierre Lorry
Phenix Country Band
Texas Sidestep
Ian Scott
Eddy Ray Cooper
Tahiana
Rose Alleyson
Union Spirit
Laurette Canyon
Vicky Layne
Marie Dazzler
Steve & Heather

- Best Australian Artist 2009
Kirsty Lee Akers
Peter McWhirter
The McClymonts
Diana Corcoran
Wayne Law
Troy Cassar Daley
Jetty Road

The BELLAMY BROTHERS was named on november 3rd as the recipient of the International Artist Achievement Award 2009 by HighwayFM.com, France's internet leader for the promotion of New Country.

NOVEMBER 2009

- GEORGE STRAIT and REBA MCENTIRE will embark for a common tour in 2010. These are the dates:

2010 TOUR DATES
Date City Venue

22-Jan Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner
23-Jan Greensboro, NC Coliseum
29-Jan Knoxville, TN Thompson Boling
30-Jan Charlottesville, VA JPJ Arena
5-Feb Phoenix, AZ US Airways
6-Feb Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand
18-Feb St Louis, MO Scottrade Center
19-Feb Wichita, KS Intrust Bank Arena
20-Feb Tulsa, OK BOK Arena
25-Feb Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
26-Feb Orlando, FL Amway Arena
4-Mar Memphis, TN FedEx Forum
5-Mar New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
6-Mar Little Rock, AR Verizon
26-Mar Portland, OR The Rose Garden
27-Mar Tacoma, WA Tacomadome
8-Apr Omaha, NE Qwest Center
9-Apr Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
10-Apr Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena

OCTOBER 2009

- JO DEE MESSINA will send her new single "That's God" in january, and the album "Unmistakable" is scheduled for spring 2010.

- GARTH BROOKS - IS BACK!!!

Garth Brooks announced 15 concerts at casino Wynn Resorts Ltd at the Encore theater in Las Vegas.

Garth Brooks will perform three nights in a row beginning december 1, then six other dates in january and six in february at Wynn Resorts' hotel & casino which opened late 2008.

Las Vegas has seen many casinos and hotels opening at the same period despite the reduction of the number of visitors of 6% through the seven first months of 2009.

Garth Brooks announced his plans beside the owner of the casino, Steve Wynn. Garth will appear on the list of artistes who did very long series of concerts in Las Vegas, joining Celine Dion, Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn.

SEPTEMBER 2009

- TAYLOR SWIFT won Best Female Video at VMAs, MTV Video Music Awards 2009.

Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for her best female video award at the VMAs Sunday night (Sept. 13) was interrupted by Kanye West's sudden appearance onstage -- from out of the audience. West said before a shocked audience, "Yo, Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I'll let you finish, but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!"

The camera showed an obviously stunned Beyoncé in her seat in the audience. She seemed to be as shocked as did the entire assemblage.

The screen cut back to Swift, who was too surprised to do anything other than to look down and then walk away. West went on his way, to some boos from the audience. Beyoncé was still in her seat.

The next reaction by the audience was to give a standing ovation for Swift. But by the time West handed the microphone back to Swift, her time slot was over and the show went to a video with Tracy Morgan and Eminem.
The next presenter, Justin Bieber, made a point of saying, "Taylor Swift deserved that award."

Later in the show, Beyoncé acknowledged her win for video of the year for "Single Ladies," saying she recalled her nomination for a VMA at age 17 with Destiny's Child. Beyoncé called Swift back to the stage and said, "I'd like Taylor to come out and have her moment."

When Swift walked onstage, she noted, "Maybe we could try this again," and the audience responded with hearty applause.

Swift won for her video "You Belong With Me." Beyoncé was nominated for "Single Ladies."

Swift -- before being interrupted by West -- had said, "I sing country music, so thank you so much for giving me a chance to win a VMA."

When Diddy later read West's name in the show when introducing the best male video nominees, the crowd booed. Diddy asked, "What happened?" -- as if he didn't know. Many in the audience responded by chanting Swift's name. Not too long after the show, Swift did a performance of "You Belong With Me" in a subway station.

Shortly after his rant, West was asked to leave Radio City Music Hall, the New York venue where the awards show took place.

West's remarks recalled his reaction in 2004 when Gretchen Wilson beat him for the best new artist award at the 2004 American Music Awards. He suffered a similar meltdown. (Courtesy from CMT.com)

- CCMA Awards 2009: Singer-songwriter Johnny Reid dominated the 2009 Canadian Country Music Association Awards that took place Sunday (Sept. 13) in Vancouver, British Columbia. Reid claimed five awards, including the male artist and Fan's Choice honors. In addition to an album of the year win for Dance With Me, his "A Woman Like You" was named CMT Canada's video of the year. Reid and Brent Maher shared the songwriter of the year award for "A Woman Like You." Dean Brody won his first CCMA award for the single of the year, "Brothers," and newcomer Tara Oram was named Rising Star. Singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda was named female artist of the year. Group or duo honors went to Doc Walker, and Corb Lund was named roots artist or group of the year. Hosted by actor Jason Priestley, the awards show featured performances by Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and others.

- This is the official and final list of the nominees for the 43rd CMA awards which will take place on november 11th in Nashville at the Sommet Center and broadcasted live on the ABC Television Network.

Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
George Strait
Keith Urban

New Artist
Randy Houser
Jamey Johnson
Jake Owen
Darius Rucker
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Group
Eagles
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Joey & Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland

Single of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer.)
"Chicken Fried"
Zac Brown Band
Producer: Keith Stegall
Atlantic Records

"I Run to You"
Lady Antebellum
Producers: Victoria Shaw and Paul Worley
Capitol Records Nashville

"In Color"
Jamey Johnson
Producers: The Kent Hardly Playboys
Mercury Nashville

"People Are Crazy"
Billy Currington
Producers: Carson Chamberlain and Billy Currington
Mercury Nashville

"Then"
Brad Paisley
Producers: Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois
Arista Nashville

Album of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer.)
American Saturday Night
Brad Paisley
Producers: Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois
Arista Nashville

Defying Gravity
Keith Urban
Producers: Dann Huff and Keith Urban
Capitol Records Nashville

Fearless
Taylor Swift
Producers: Nathan Chapman and Taylor Swift
Big Machine Records

Love on the Inside
Sugarland
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles
Mercury Nashville

That Lonesome Song
Jamey Johnson
Producers: The Kent Hardly Playboys
Mercury Nashville

Song of the Year
(Award goes to songwriters.)
"Chicken Fried"
Songwriters: Zac Brown and Wyatt Durette

"I Told You So"
Songwriter: Randy Travis

"In Color"
Songwriters: Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller and James Otto

"People Are Crazy"
Songwriters: Bobby Braddock and Troy Jones

"Then"
Songwriters: Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois and Ashley Gorley

Musical Event
(Award goes to each artist.)
"Cowgirls Don't Cry"
Brooks & Dunn featuring Reba McEntire
Arista Nashville

"Down the Road"
Kenny Chesney (with Mac McAnally)
Blue Chair Records, BNA Records

"Everything But Quits"
Lee Ann Womack (duet with George Strait)
MCA Records

"I Told You So"
Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis
19 Recordings/Arista

"Old Enough"
The Raconteurs featuring Ricky Skaggs and Ashley Monroe
Third Man Records, Warner Bros. Records

"Start a Band"
Brad Paisley (duet with Keith Urban)
Arista Nashville

Music Video
(Award goes to artist and director.)
"Boots On"
Randy Houser
Director: Eric Welch

"Love Story"
Taylor Swift
Director: Trey Fanjoy

"People Are Crazy"
Billy Currington
Directors: The Brads

"Start a Band"
Brad Paisley (duet with Keith Urban)
Directors: Jim Shea

"Troubadour"
George Strait
Director: Trey Fanjoy

Musician of the Year
Eddie Bayers -- drums
Paul Franklin -- steel guitar
Dann Huff -- guitar
Brent Mason -- guitar
Mac McAnally -- guitar

AOUT 2009

- The list of the artists who may be nominated for the CMA awards 2009 sceduled on november 11th has just been made. Votes comes only from the CMA members.

JULY 2009

- The first French Highways Awards are scheduled for november the 18th. The number of SV "Single visitors" on the internet site HighwayFM.com, which produces the event, has convinced HighwayFM.com to go to a higher level of business in the promotion of the American country music artists, and by the same way, to let fans be involved in the promotion of the artists. "For this first edition, all may vote in the coming days. We work on a business study to launch a more elborate kind of votes for 2010 where all the professionnals will be more involved in the votes. On that subject, we stay discret but there will be great surprises.".

- The rumour was on its way: Brooks & Dunn have decided that 2010 will be their last year of career as as a duet.

JUNE 2009

- "MICHAEL JACKSON was a genius in music and entertainment" said Jean Agostini (Mr), CEO of HighwayFM.com, France's leading web site for country music.

Michael Jackson never appeared on the country chart on his own, though the mass collection of stars known as U.S.A. For Africa did show up in 1985 with the benefit record "We Are The World." It put the Gloved One in the studio with country stars Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers. Michael’s pop hit "She’s Out Of My Life" was also covered with minor success in 1980 by Johnny Duncan & Janie Fricke, who altered the title to "He’s Out Of My Life." And Michael was married during the mid 1990s to Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of Country Music Hall of Famer Elvis Presley.

"I grew up listening to him and in fact I used to moon walk down the hallway in school when I was in the sixth grade," Jimmy Wayne told The Gaston Gazette. "I just can't believe it. We have now experienced a day like my Mom explained to me the world experienced when Elvis died."

- A memorial service for record producer and keyboard player Barry Beckett has been set for July 12 at the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville. Barry produced hits by Lorrie Morgan, Kenny Chesney and Neal McCoy and played on Dolly Parton’s "Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That," Paul Simon’s "Kodachrome" and Rosanne Cash’s "The Way We Make A Broken Heart." cmt.com

- TAYLOR SWIFT and T-Pain sang "Thug story" during CMT awards 2009. A pop-rap version of "True story", with good mood and melodic sound. Taylor Swift has much humour, and you may see our photos of the artist at CMA Fest mid-june.

- Interviews of JODEE MESSINA, ADAM GREGORY, PETER WHIRTHER, MEGAN MUNROE & others still come here.

- All the photos of the CMA Global Artist party on june 8 in Nashville

- Pierre Lorry at Second Fiddle for Aristomedia Showcase on june 9 in Nashville

- CMT Awards: these are the winners:

Video of the year: TAYLOR SWIFT "Love story"

Male Vidéo : BRAD PAISLEY "Waitin' on a woman"

Female vidéo: TAYLOR SWIFT "Love story"

Vidéo by a group: RASCAL FLATTS "Every day"

Vidéo by a duet: SUGARLAND "All I want to do"

Vidéo of a collaboration: BRAD PAISLEY et KEITH URBAN "Start a band"

USA Weekend breakthrough of the year - Vidéo la plus demandée: ZAC BROWN BAND "Chicken fried"

Wide open vidéo: KID ROCK "All summer long"

Vidéo event: ALAN JACKSON, GEORGE STRAIT, BRAD PAISLEY et DIERKS BENTLEY "Country boy"

Best vidéo director: TREY FANJOY (Videos: "Good Time", "Last Call", "Love Story", "Muddy Water", "Picture to Burn", "Real Gone", "Stronger Woman", "Sweet Thing", "This Is Me You're Talking To", "Troubadour", "White Horse", "Like a Woman", "That Song in My Head" and "Trying to Stop Your Leaving".)

MAY 2009

- KENNY CHESNEY released his Greatest Hits II on may 19 on BNA Records. Collection offers his latest single, "Out Last Night," and a collaborations with Dave Matthews "I'm Alive", Mac McAnally "Down the Road" and Uncle Kracker "When the Sun Goes Down". Other songs are "Young", "The Good Stuff", "There Goes My Life", "I Go Back", "Anything but Mine", "Be as You Are", "Living in Fast Forward", "Beer in Mexico", "Summertime" and "Never Wanted Nothing More." His first Greatest Hits were released in 2000.

- SUGARLAND, Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift are at the top of the top finalists for the 2009 CMT Music Awards. Sugarland leads with five nominations, and Paisley and Swift have four each. The final round before the event were announced on may 19 during a CMT special hosted by Kellie Pickler and CMT's Lance Smith. Plus de 2.5 millions de fans ont voté to determine the four finalists nominees in all categories except video of the year. The final nominees for video of the year will be announced at the beginning of the live awards show telecast on june 16. The eight titles currently in competition for video of the year are Sugarland's "All I Want to Do," Paisley's "Waitin' on a Woman" and Swift's "Love Story" along with Trace Adkins' "You're Gonna Miss This," Kenny Chesney's "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven," Toby Keith's "God Love Her," Kid Rock's "All Summer Long," Lady Antebellum's "Lookin' for a Good Time," Rascal Flatts' "Every Day" and Carrie Underwood's "Just a Dream."

Sugarland received two nominations for duo video of the year -- for "All I Want to Do" and "Already Gone." "Life in a Northern Town," the video of the duo's performance with Little Big Town and Jake Owen during last year's CMT Music Awards, is nominated for collaborative video and CMT performance of the year.

In addition to a video of the year nomination, Paisley's "Waitin' on a Woman" also netted him a nod for male video of the year. "Start a Band," his video with Keith Urban, is a finalist in the collaborative video division. Another of Paisley's collaborations -- one with Alan Jackson, George Strait and Dierks Bentley on "Country Boy" -- is nominated for CMT performance of the year.

Fans can now vote online at CMT.com through June 14 to determine the winners. After the video of the year nominees are announced at the beginning of the awards show, fans in the eastern and central time zones only can vote at CMT.com and via text on their Verizon Wireless phones throughout the live telecast to determine the night's big winner.

The 2009 CMT Music Awards will be held at the Sommet Center in downtown Nashville. Performers include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Def Leppard.

- WSM AM will broadcast “This Is My America” Special. 650 WSM AM will celebrate Memorial Day with a This Is My America" Special to celebrate the writers and performers from This Is My America, and the artists who will be in the program are Billy Dean, Jenny Gill, J Fred Knobloch and Sarah Majors. It's also a concept album, This Is My America, in a three-disc set of original material that celebrate the spirit of America.

- TAYLOR SWIFT will appear in a special one-hour edition of Dateline NBC on May 31. Shot over a period of three months, "Dateline: On Tour With Taylor Swift" includes a comprehensive look at the creation and launch of her current Fearless Tour, including concert and backstage footage from the U.S., the U K & Australia. TAYLOR will appear may 29 on NBC during Today's summer concert series in New York at Rockefeller Plaza.

- KENNY CHESNEY's Management Acquired by Front Line. The management firm representing Kenny Chesney, Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson, has been acquired by Irving Azoff's Front Line Management, according to Billboard magazine. Dale Morris & Associates has represented Chesney since 1993 and has been his only management home. Morris was also Alabama's manager until the band retired in 2004. Front Line Management is already established in Nashville with business connections to RPM Management and Spalding Entertainment. The company is a division of Ticketmaster Entertainment.

More info on CMT.com

- Listing of the artists who will play at CMA showcase on june 8 and at Aristomedia on june 9:

CMA Global Artist Party
The Stage on Broadway
June 8th at 6.00pm
Artists to perform:
Kirsty Lee Akers (Australia), Colm Kirwan (Ireland), Lucie Silvas (U.K.), Alex J. Robinson (Canada), Peter McWhirter (Australia), Ashley Cooper (New Zealand), The McClymonts (Australia) and George Canyon (Canada). Host: Jace Everett

Aristomedia Global Showcase
Second Fiddle on Broadway
June 9th at 3pm
Artists to perform:
Corey Colum (Australia), Pierre Lorry (France), Brianie (U.K.), Tore Andersen (Norway), Rolf Fritschi (Switzerland), Dianna Corcoran (Australia), Codie Prevost (Canada), Corey Colum (Australia) and David Bradley (U.K.). Host: Robert Reynolds will host the event

- KEITH URBAN, SUGARLAND and DEF LEPPARD will play together on june 17th at the Sommet Center in Nashville for one song during the televised event, CMT awards 2009.

- The musical "Pure Country" will be played very soon on Broadway in New York. Joe Nichols will take the role of George Strait, the star of the film.

- TAYLOR SWIFT will be the the main event of may 2009 in Londres regarding her couple of shows on the 6 and 7 at Sheperds Bush Empire.

This is the schedule of the concerts on Riverfront Park and at the Stadium during CMA Music Fest 2009. For more infos: CMA Music Fest

- Wendesday, June 11th

o Riverfront Park Daytime Stage
+ 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Performances
The Bellamy Brothers, Diamond Rio, Neal McCoy, Heidi Newfield, James Otto, Randy Rogers Band, Ashton Shepherd, Phil Vassar, and Chuck Wicks.

o VAULT™ Concert Stage at LP Field
+ 7:30 PM
Nightly Concert
Pre-show activities begin at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Julianne Hough, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, and Rascal Flatts.

Exhibit Hall Open
+ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Durango® Acoustic Corner
Jimmy Kish, John Carter, TelluRide, Razzy Bailey, KC Johns, Amanda Marsh
o Downtown Nashville
+ 11:00 PM
CMA Music Festival After Hours™
Late night music and specials at Downtown clubs

* Friday, June 12, 2009
o Riverfront Park Daytime Stage
+ 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Performances
John Anderson, Eric Church, Trent Willmon, Jeff Bates, Mark Wills, Randy Houser, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O'Neal, Clay Walker, Bucky Covington, and Aaron Tippin.
o VAULT™ Concert Stage at LP Field
+ 8:00 PM
Nightly Concert
Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen, and Zac Brown Band.

Exhibit Hall Open
+ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Durango® Acoustic Corner
Dan Evans, BroadBand, Don Campbell, Rachel Williams, Damon Smith, Rhonda Towns, Ben Gregg
o Downtown Nashville
+ 11:00 PM
CMA Music Festival After Hours™
Late night music and specials at Downtown clubs

* Saturday, June 13, 2009
o Riverfront Park Daytime Stage
+ 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Performances
Bill Anderson, Keith Anderson, Tracy Byrd, Jason Michael Carroll, The Lost Trailers, Jo Dee Messina, Lorrie Morgan, and Chris Young.
o VAULT™ Concert Stage at LP Field
+ 8:00 PM
Nightly Concert
Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson, Lee Ann Womack, Martina McBride, and Wynonna.

o Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall
Exhibit Hall Open
+ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Durango® Acoustic Corner
Brian Stace, The Roys, Justin David, Divas of Daytime TV, Billy Gilman, John Arthur Martinez, Will Clements
o Downtown Nashville
+ 11:00 PM
CMA Music Festival After Hours™
Late night music and specials at Downtown clubs

* Sunday, June 14, 2009
o Riverfront Park Daytime Stage
+ 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Performances
Eli Young Band, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Jessica Harp, Joey & Rory, Joe Nichols, Collin Raye, Restless Heart, and Darryl Worley.
o VAULT™ Concert Stage at LP Field
+ 8:00 PM
Nightly Concert
Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, John Rich, Taylor Swift, and Jack Ingram.
o Downtown Nashville
+ 11:00 PM
CMA Music Festival After Hours™
Late night music and specials at Downtown clubs

Schedule subject to change. All times are Central Daylight Time

AVRIL - APRIL 2009

- Caitlin & Will est un nouveau duo américain de country music, Caitlin Lynn et Will Snyder, qui a gagné la première saison de "Can you duet" sur CMT. Un contrat avec Columbia Nashville a suivi, mais le titre préalablement choisi pour sortir en single, "Even Now", a été remplacé par "Address in the Stars" par le label. Le 31 mars 2009, le duo proposait un EP digital de six titres baptisé "Caitlin & Will - EP" avec les deux titres "Even Now" et "Address in the Stars".

- Le CMA MUSIC FEST 2009 is scheduled from june 11 to 14, and this is a resume of the artists already announced at the Coliseum Stadium:

june 11– Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Julianne Hough, Reba McEntire, and Brad Paisley

june 12 – Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen, and Zac Brown Band

june 13 – Trace Adkins, Jack Ingram, Jamey Johnson, Martina McBride, and Lee Ann Womack

june 14 – Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, John Rich, and Taylor Swift.

And a first list of the artiste who will play on Riverfront Park:

• june 11: Bellamy Brothers, Diamond Rio, Neal McCoy, Heidi Newfield, James Otto, Randy Rogers Band, Ashton Shepherd, Phil Vassar and Chuck Wicks.
• june 12: John Anderson, Eric Church, Bucky Covington, Trent Willmon, Jeff Bates, Mark Wills, Randy Houser, Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O'Neal, Aaron Tippin and Clay Walker.
• june 13: Bill Anderson, Keith Anderson, Tracy Byrd, Jason Michael Carroll, Emerson Drive, Lost Trailers, Jo Dee Messina, Lorrie Morgan and Chris Young.
• june 14: Eli Young Band, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Jessica Harp, Joey + Rory, Joe Nichols, Collin Raye/Restless Heart and Darryl Worley.

The CMA and ABC also had the excellent idea to sell tickets of concerts for every night at the stadium. The fans can choose one or several evenings which are convenient for them according to their tastes. And by buying in advance, use of a code, tickets are cheaper.

2009 Single Night Tickets On-Sale Early!
See below for special Pre-Sale Code!
For a limited time only.
NASHVILLE – The Nightly Concerts on the VAULT™ Concert Stage at LP Field during CMA Music Festival feature many of Country Music’s biggest stars and are a fun and economical way for fans to enjoy great performances during Nashville’s signature event. 2009 CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday through Saturday, June 11-14, in Downtown Nashville.

Beginning Saturday, April 18, at 10:00 AM/ET, tickets to the individual Nightly Concerts will go on sale for $40 for reserved seats on the lower and club levels, and $30 for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field (plus applicable handling fees). To order tickets, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit Ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at any Ticketmaster outlet.

“In these tough economic times, the single night ticket prices are really a bargain for music fans,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The caliber of artists performing is unparalleled, and the price is unbeatable. It is a great evening of family entertainment.”

Here are the improvements brought this year to the event, and always connecting the children, the students, the residents, the music and the education.

Leaders of CMA, the Metro Government of Nashville and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau (NCVB) assembled at the historic Metro Courthouse in March to unveil exciting new plans for CMA Music Festival. Among the most important changes revealed at the press conference were the addition of a new stage on the Public Square in front of the Courthouse and free public access for the first time to the concerts at Riverfront Park.

"We have always enjoyed a great relationship with the City, but this takes our partnership to a whole new level," said CMA CEO Tammy Genovese. "We are now able to offer the residents of Nashville and the surrounding communities even more opportunities to access free music, family-friendly activities and more. CMA Music Festival is the best entertainment experience of its kind and now it can be enjoyed by more people than ever before."

"Nashville is Music City and the CMA Music Festival, which draws tens of thousands of music fans from across the world, is an important part of that identity," said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. "With the additions to the Festival this year, this world-class event will be more accessible than ever to our local residents. I look forward to looking out the window at the Courthouse and seeing music fans from Nashville and abroad enjoying two of our city's greatest amenities - the Public Square and Riverfront Park."

"CMA is definitely on the right track and their timing couldn't be better," said Butch Spyridon, NCVB President. "While they are already successful, they are looking for ways to broaden the event, extend the stay of our visitors and reach out to include the local community. More music and more value will do all of those things. Great 'free' music and more money for our schools."

This area at the Public Square, known as the Music City Zone and programmed by the NCVB, will provide residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the breadth and diversity of musical styles found in Music City, free of charge.

"Adding the Music City Zone gives us a chance to showcase even more local stars and gives us an opportunity to broaden the styles of music that are readily available any day in this city," said Spyridon.

CMA has also waived admission charges for the daily concerts at Riverfront Park, which feature many of today's most popular performers on stage with longer sets.

"We feel like this is an undeniable value for everyone who loves great music," said Steve Moore, CMA Board President and Chairman of the CMA Music Festival Steering Committee. "With the state of the economy, families are belt-tightening and going without. We don't want them to go without great, free family entertainment this summer. And this is it."

The Festival is not only fun for the entire family but beneficial to the City of Nashville - in 2008, the NCVB estimated that the event generated $22 million in direct visitor spending.

This year's Festival will also allow residents of Middle Tennessee and visitors to support music education beyond the cost of their Festival ticket purchase. CMA donates half the net proceeds of the Festival to Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) through its Keep the Music Playing (KTMP) program. The Nashville Alliance for Public Education (NAPE) will be collecting new and "gently used" band instruments to be provided to students in need. The instruments can be dropped off during the Festival in the Dr Pepper-McDonald's Family Zone.

"If you have a clarinet in the closet or a trumpet in a trunk, dust it off and bring it to us so we can 'Keep the Music Playing' in Nashville public schools," said Pam Garrett, NAPE Executive Director. "One instrument can have a huge impact on the life and future of a child and your donation of a gently used band instrument can make a difference."

As an incentive, McDonald's is offering a free Extra Value Meal to the first 500 Festival attendees who donate a musical instrument. "We're glad to be able to help CMA with this program," said Ted Bertuca Jr., a local McDonald's owner. "Music is an important part of our public education and we applaud those who donate used instruments for these students."

Lending their talents to the cause is an exceptional lineup of artists, including Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Julianne Hough, Jamey Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, John Rich, Taylor Swift, Lee Ann Womack, Zac Brown Band and more to be announced.

Surprise performances and guest appearances are a hallmark of the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field. The excitement will be filmed for a network television special on ABC - which, in another first, will expand from two hours to three to include even more high-wattage performances. The special, which airs later this summer, is a primetime postcard inviting the nation to experience the music and hospitality Nashville is known for.

As the footprint of the Festival grows, so does CMA's relationships within the business community. The Festival represents the values that attract business to Middle Tennessee, whether entertaining clients or providing tickets as incentives for employees. For example, since 2004, HCA has purchased nearly 5,500 four-day Festival tickets, and nearly 8,000 single-night tickets as staff giveaways.

"CMA Music Festival has given HCA the opportunity to support the arts and education while giving our employees the opportunity to participate in one of Nashville's most loved yearly events," said Jana Davis, VP, HCA Corporate Communications and Marketing.

"This is only the beginning of what can be accomplished when the talents of the music community combine with the limitless enthusiasm and creativity of Nashville's business and arts community," said Moore. "We invite the businesses and organizations interested in partnering with us to grow this event to get involved."

And because the Festival supports music education in MNPS, business leaders appreciate that half the net proceeds go directly to the students who need it most.

- 2009 ACM AWARDS - WINNERS
The 44th ACM Awards took place on april 5 in Las Vegas and live on CBS.

Entertainer of the Year - CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Top Male Vocalist - BRAD PAISLEY

Top Female Vocalist - CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Top Vocal Group - RASCAL FLATTS

Top Vocal Duo - SUGARLAND