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DOLLY PARTON HONORED WITH MOVIEGUIDE® MOST INSPIRING TV PROGRAM OF 2015 FOR "DOLLY PARTON'S COAT OF MANY COLORS"
 

Movieguide® Awards Air February 22 7/6c on REELZChannel
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 7, 2016) – The Movieguide® Awards honored international entertainment icon Dolly Parton with the Epiphany Prize for the Most Inspiring TV Program of 2015 for her NBC TV movie “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors.”
 
“I really wanted to celebrate the people, my whole family, who made me who and what I am today. I'm so blessed and thankful for a great cast, producers, director, and for everyone who watched and I’m extremely thankful to the Movieguide® Awards for this honor,” Parton said.
 
The presentation of the Epiphany Prizes for the Most Inspiring Movie and TV Program of 2015 is the highlight of the Awards, which also will be telecast Monday, Feb. 22, and Wednesday, Feb. 24 on the REELZChannel. The Epiphany Prizes are supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation (www.templeton.org). They are given every year to the “best, most inspiring movie and television program that resulted in a great increase in man’s love or understanding of God.”
 
Dolly Parton’s heartwarming film about following your dreams, having faith and keeping love alive despite tough times attracted 13 million viewers and was the most watched movie on broadcast TV in more than 3 years when it aired Dec. 10 on NBC.
 
The film is set in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains in 1955. It is neither a biopic nor musical about Parton’s whole life and performing career, but rather a family-oriented faith-based story about the incidents in her and her family’s life around the time she was 9 years old.
 
“Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” is the first in a planned series of TV movies inspired by the country music icon’s songs.
 

GRAMMY-WINNING RECORDING ARTIST KRISTIAN BUSH SIGNS PUBLISHING, PRODUCTION AND LABEL DEAL WITH BBR MUSIC GROUP


Nashville, TN (February 5, 2016) – The BBR Music Group is proud to announce the signing of GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Kristian Bush to a multifaceted publishing, production and label deal. One of country music’s most decorated and celebrated creators, Bush is already in the studio working on the follow-up to his critically-acclaimed debut solo album, SOUTHERN GRAVITY, to be released via BBR imprint Wheelhouse Records. He also continues his work as a BMI Award-winning songwriter, joining the roster at Magic Mustang Music.

"As both a recording artist and a songwriter, I am honored to be a part of the BBR Music Group/Magic Mustang family. I'm in love with making music, and I’m humbled every day that I get to do this job,” shares Bush. “My train runs on believers, and I found some incredible supporters in this building. There’s no telling what can happen when like-minded people get together, so to be surrounded by this team and given this opportunity makes me feel like a rocket sitting on a launchpad. I can’t wait to take off."

Bush made an impressive solo debut with the 2015 release of SOUTHERN GRAVITY. The album hit the Top 10 of Rolling Stone Country’s Best of 2015 list and won international raves for its feel-good commercial country sound. Its first single, the irresistible “Trailer Hitch,” reached the Top 20 -- making Bush only the fifth artist in the past three decades to hit that mark after first finding success as part of a duo. Bush, who produced the album alongside longtime engineer Tom Tapley, also co-wrote all 12 tracks, including buzzy sophomore single “Light Me Up.” The new partnership with BBR/Wheelhouse reunites Bush with VP of Promotion Teddi Bonadies, who spearheaded his solo radio success thus far, and launches the newest chapter in Bush’s storied career as a once-in-a generation talent who never gives up.

“The world knows that Kristian Bush is an amazing songwriter BUT what many folks may not yet know is that he’s also a multi-talented producer. When we heard his demos we decided to sign him to a full-fledged publishing, production and artist deal. It just made sense. We’re so excited to welcome Kristian, his talent and his incredible spirit to both the Magic Mustang and BBR Music Group family,” says Benny Brown, President & CEO of BBR Music Group.

Fans can catch Bush at a number of A-list festivals through the summer, including Country 500, Stagecoach and Tortuga Music Festival.

Kristian Bush is managed by Red Light Management, booked by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and represented by publicity agency Sweet Talk Publicity. He is a BMI affiliated songwriter. 

ABOUT KRISTIAN BUSH:
GRAMMY-winning recording artist Kristian Bush has been leaving his mark on music for more than two decades. The singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist started his career with folk-rock duo Billy Pilgrim in the early ‘90s; in 2004, he exploded onto the country music scene with Sugarland, surpassing sales of over 22 million albums worldwide, achieving five No. 1 singles and winning numerous awards, including GRAMMYs, AMAs, ACMs, CMT Music Awards and CMAs.  Bush is serving as a celebrity ambassador for Goodwill Industries International, with “Trailer Hitch” featured as the centerpiece of their #GiveItAway campaign. Bush is also the focus of NASH TV Films’ first-ever documentary WALK TALL: The Journey Of Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, which aired in 80 markets nationwide. As announced earlier today (2/5), the prolific songwriter wrote and performs the brand new theme song for the TLC’s iconic series Say Yes To The Dress.

For more information, visit www.kristianbush.com.

ABOUT THE BBR MUSIC GROUP:
Founded by President/ CEO Benny Brown in 1997, the BBR Music Group has grown from a fledgling independent label into one of the largest independent Country label groups in the United States whose umbrella now includes Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, RED BOW Records, Wheelhouse Records, BBR Management and publishing company Magic Mustang Music.

Broken Bow Records is BBR Music Group’s original imprint that possesses a roster of talented artists including the RIAA’s #1 digital selling male Country artist of all time Jason Aldean, #1 chart-topper Dustin Lynch, Kristy Lee Cook and newcomers Jackie Lee and Jordan Rager. Stoney Creek Records, founded in March 2009, boasts a roster which includes 2x ACM and 2012 CMA “Vocal Duo of the Year” and GRAMMY nominees Thompson Square; #1 chart-toppers Randy Houser and Parmalee, as well as newcomer David Fanning and one of CMT’s Next Women of Country Lindsay Ell. RED BOW Records, in partnership with the country’s largest independent distributor RED Distribution, a Division of SONY, was founded in October 2012 and boasts an artist roster of 4x GRAMMY nominee Joe Nichols, hit-maker Craig Campbell and hot Country newcomers Chase Bryant and Brooke Eden. Wheelhouse Records is the BBR Music Group’s newest imprint, anchored by multi-media superstar Trace Adkins and fast-rising star Granger Smith.

BBR Management is home to multi-platinum selling duo Thompson Square and chart-toppers Parmalee while Magic Mustang Music has grown to a roster of 21 talented songwriters and has achieved five #1 singles (including Michael Ray’s "Kiss You In The Morning," Lee Brice's "I Don't Dance," "Randy Houser's "Goodnight Kiss”). Magic Mustang Music has been named SESAC’s “Publisher of the Year” for the last three consecutive years – becoming the only independent music publisher to achieve this feat. In 2015, the publishing company earned five radio airplay awards. Magic Mustang Music is administered by Warner/Chappell and is headquartered in Nashville, TN.

The BBR Music Group is headquartered in Nashville, TN and is distributed by Sony RED. For information, visit: www.BBRmusicgroup.com.

Lee Ann Womack Goes To The West Coast--
 2nd Wave of GRAMMY Nominations, Tour Kicks Off in LA 2/17


(Nashville, TN) — February 5, 2016 — With The Way I’m Livin’ receiving a second wave of GRAMMY nominations – 2015’s Best Country Album nod is followed by 2016’s Best Solo Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song for Hayes Carll’s “Chances Are” – Lee Ann Womack embarks on a West Coast tour, starting February 17th at the Roxy on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip.

“We have had such a good year, and such an amazing time with this album,” says the woman “who sounds as if she’s making up for lost time,” according to The Wall Street Journal. “We’ve gone places I’ve never been – MerleFest, the Emmylou Harris Tribute Show in D.C. singing ‘Pancho & Lefty’ with Steve Earle, PBS specials with the Fairfield Four and McCrary Sisters. It proves this kind of music does have a place. And before I start working on another record, I wanted one more chance to play these songs for people. As long as I’m going to the GRAMMYs, I figured what better time to play some dates to real music lovers.”

Kicking off GRAMMY week, Womack will be part of the Americana Music Association’s annual show at the Troubadour on Feb 13, and will attend the GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 15. After the Feb. 17 Roxy show, Womack will hit the road, with stops at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA Feb 18-19, the Chandler Center for the Performing Arts in Chandler, AZ Feb 21, the Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA Feb 22, Great American Music Hall in San Francisco Feb 25, the Win River Casino in Redding, CA Feb 26 and the Coyote Valley Casino in Redwood Valley, CA on Feb. 27.

“We have Luke Bulla in the band this year, and the guys have really taken this music to a whole other place,” the 6-time CMA and GRAMMY Award-winner marvels. “This is a show for people who truly love music, and love the way great players can explore a song right there before your eyes. Every night, to me, is a miracle, and I love that I get to be a part of it – and watch these songs unfold.”
For Lee Ann Womack’s The Way I’m Livin’, an album seven years in the coming, it was a work of love, courage and putting the music first. With a Country Album of the Year nomination in 2015, the little record that could has brought the progressive hard country chanteuse two more 2016 Grammy nominations: Womack for Best Country Solo Performance and Hayes Carll for Best Country Song, both for “Chances Are.”

The Way I’m Livin’ also scored Womack a 2015 Americana Music Association Album of the Year nomination, as well as her first Artist of the Year nod. In addition she received what many considered a surprise 2015 Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year nomination and a pair of CMT Video Music Awards nods for Female Video for “The Way I’m Livin’” and Performance for “Crossroads” with John Legend.

Following her heart turned out to be a good thing.  USA Today gave The Way I'm Livin' a rare five star (out of five) review, while Rolling Stone offered Livin’ “feels like something Merle Haggard or Waylon Jennings would have crafted back in the Seventies,” SPIN called it “the best of her career” and Garden & Gun proclaimed, “Nashville is filled with artists making ‘the record they were born to make.’ With Livin’, Womack is one of the few who actually deliver.”
Lee Ann Womack
The Way I’m Livin’ West Coast Tour

Feb. 13                                 The Troubadour*                             Los Angeles, CA
Feb. 17                                 The Roxy                                         Los Angeles, CA
Feb. 19                                 The Coach House                            San Juan Capistrano, CA
Feb. 21                                 Chandler Performing Arts                Chandler, AZ
Feb. 22                                 The Belly Up                                   Solana Beach, CA
Feb. 25                                 Great American Music Hall              San Francisco, CA
Feb. 26                                 Win River Casino                             Redding, CA
Feb. 27                                 Coyote Valley Casino                       Redwood Valley, CA

 * part of the Americana Music Association Pre-GRAMMY Salute

CHARLES KELLEY DRAWS CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR  “POLISHED YET IMMENSELY SUPPLE" (NPR) FIRST SOLO ALBUM "THE DRIVER" - OUT TODAY


GRAMMY Nominee To Perform on
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Tonight

NASHVILLE, TN – Feb. 05, 2016 – Dubbed by Entertainment Weekly as “one of the best voices in Music City” and landing on their “Must List,” today Charles Kelley releases his first-ever solo album THE DRIVER (Capitol Records Nashville). Fans can tune-in for a special performance of the album’s GRAMMY nominated lead/title track on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert tonight (2/5 on CBS at 10:35P CT).

"Kelley's soulful tone and incredible range shines on the album" (Huffington Post) with the nine-track disc already garnering attention from critics.

"It's polished yet immensely supple, a collection with room for his rousing mythologies of music's pull, patient seduction and autobiographical confessions." - NPR

"He relies on his strength, love songs in the key of blue-eyed soul: the elegantly aching 'I Wish You Were Here' (with Miranda Lambert singing lovely harmony) and 'Lonely Girl,' which shuffles with a kind of prim swagger." - New York Times

"A theme album in an age of singles, 'The Driver' is another fine example that country music is poised to shift away stifling trends and strive toward a more individually expressive era.” - Associated Press

"Kelley can be the captain of his own ship, steering 'The Driver' into territory not often explored…it's intimate, introspective stuff." - Rolling Stone

"Charles Kelley is taking a risk — and it’s paying off...It’s nice to see that Kelley has many facets when it comes to music. One of the best is that he continues to stay true to himself — all while telling stories. This is an artist who knows which lane he wants to be in, pushes forward and remains 'The Driver.'” - Albuquerque Journal

“Charles Kelley is going out on his own with his excellent first solo album…when you hear the Kelley solo album you will want more of the man on his own. His strong voice, plus producer Paul Worley's excellent contributions should have this just-released album climbing to the top of the charts. What a debut this is.” - The Virginian-Pilot

"Strong vocals shine on each cut." - St. Louis Dispatch

Additionally, Kelley will hit the road on for THE DRIVER TOUR picked up by Enterprise this spring with special guest Josh Kelley launching April 9 in Washington, D.C. at The Fillmore. Each ticket transaction will include a download of the new album. 

Stepping outside of Lady Antebellum, one of the world’s most popular groups, Kelley’s THE DRIVER was produced by Paul Worley and features appearances from Miranda Lambert, Stevie Nicks, Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay. For the album, Kelley explores new territory with a raw sound that pushes his vocals into a lower, grittier key. In addition to his success as part of seven-time GRAMMY award-winning trio Lady Antebellum, Kelley has also penned No. one hits recorded by Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker. For more information on new music and the upcoming tour, visit www.charleskelley.com

March 3, 2015 • 11:33 AM
C2C Country to Country CD available at #C2C2015!

COUNTRY TO COUNTRY CD with 20 of the acts that have helped to make Country to Country Festival

There has always been a groundswell of support for country music in the UK and across Europe, this support has never been successfully built upon. For years country music fans this side of the Atlantic have been deprived of the music that they love.

Country to Country has helped to overcome this, with not just the first appearances of such major stars as Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean in the UK, but also follow-up tours by Little Big Town, Darius Rucker and Chris Young following their successful C2C appearances.

The appearance of current country music superstars such as Lady Antebellum,, the Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and the Zac Brown Band has ignited these younger fans, whilst the slightly older performers such as Vince Gill and Martina McBride has led to a balanced presentation of modern country music.

With the popular Pop-Up stages, Brooklyn Bowl and Saloon venues Country to Country has also embraced British and European country acts like Ward Thomas, The Shires, Alan West and Raintown alongside American country acts.

This special celebratory compilation brings together 20 of the acts that have helped to make Country to Country such a resounding success over the past three years with a varied and diverse mix of musical sounds and styles that all loosely fall into the wide spectrum of country music.

The CD will be available to purchase at C2C Festival on 7th & 8th March.

Tracklisting:

Luke Bryan
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Darius Rucker
Dierks Bentley
Kip Moore
Doug Seegers
Shires
Vince Gill
Ward Thomas
Lee Ann Womack
Chris Young
Carrie Underwood
rain town
Brad Paisley
Alan West
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Florida Georgia Line
Martina McBride

57th GRAMMY Awards - Country Music - 2015

Best Country Album
Miranda Lambert - Platinum
Best Country Solo Performance
Carrie Underwood - "Something In The Water"
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
The Band Perry - "Gentle On My Mind"
Best Country Song
"I'm Not Gonna Miss You"
Glen Campbell & Julian Raymond, songwriters (Glen Campbell)
Best Bluegrass Album
The Earls Of Leicester - The Earls Of Leicester
Best American Roots Performance
Rosanne Cash - "A Feather's Not A Bird"
Best American Roots Song
Rosanne Cash - "A Feather's Not A Bird"
Best Americana Album
Rosanne Cash - The River & The Thread
Best Folk Album
Old Crow Medicine Show - Remedy

THE SET LIST OF "The life and songs of EMMYLOU HARRIS" TRIBUTE CONCERT IN WASHINGTON, D.C., ON JANUARY, SATURDAY THE 10TH.

That was a + 3hours show which will aired on TV and available in DVD. This is the setlist:

"One of These Days" — Buddy Miller
"Will the Circle Be Unbroken" — Mavis Staples
"Darkest Hour is Just Before the Dawn" — Sara Watkins
"Red Dirt Girl" — Shawn Colvin
"Michaelangelo"— The Milk Carton Kids
"Wheels" — Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen
"Orphan Girl" — Holly Williams and Chris Coleman
"Sin City" — Steve Earle
"Bluebird Wine" — Trampled by Turtles
"Hickory Wind" — Lucinda Williams
"You're Still on my Mind" — Rodney Crowell
"Born to Run" — Lee Ann Womack
"When We're Gone, Long Gone" — Emmylou Harris with John Starling
"Blackhawk" — Emmylou Harris and Daniel Lanois
"Wrecking Ball" — Iron & Wine with Daniel Lanois
"Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight" — Shovels & Rope
"All the Roadrunning" — Mary Chapin Carpenter with Vince Gil
"The Pearl" — Conor Oberst with Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin
"When I Stop Dreaming" — Martina McBride
"Prayer in Open D" — Patty Griffin with Buddy Miller
"Pancho and Lefty" — Steve Earle and Lee Ann Womack
"Together Again" — Vince Gil
"Two More Bottles of Wine" — Sheryl Crow
"Ooh, Las Vegas" — Sheryl Crow with Vince Gil
"Chase the Feeling" — Kris Kristofferson and Rodney Crowell
"Loving Her Was Easier" — Kris Kristofferson
"'Till I Gain Control Again" — Alison Krauss
"Cash on the Barrelhead" — Alison Krauss
"Boulder to Birmingham" — Emmylou Harris & Friends

STOCKHOLM OSLO

THE ARTISTS CELEBRATES EMMYLOU HARRIS IN WASHINGTON, D.C., ON JANUARY, SATURDAY THE 10TH.

The concert was filmed and a DVD is already in the plans.

CMA Awards 2014: THE WINNERS.

Entertainer of the Year:
Luke Bryan -- WINNER
Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert -- WINNER
Kacey Musgraves
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Martina McBride

Male Vocalist of the Year
Blake Shelton -- WINNER
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Bryan
Keith Urban

Vocal Group of the Year
Little Big Town -- WINNER
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

Album of the Year
Miranda Lambert: Platinum -- WINNER
Luke Bryan: Crash My Party
Keith Urban: Fuse
Dierks Bentley: Riser
Eric Church: The Outsiders

Vocal Duo of the Year
Florida Georgia Line -- WINNER
Dan + Shay
Love and Theft
The Swon Brothers
Thompson Square

New Artist of the Year
Brett Eldredge -- WINNER
Brandy Clark
Kip Moore
Thomas Rhett
Cole Swindell

Song of the Year
"Follow Your Arrow," Kacey Musgraves -- WINNER
"Automatic," Miranda Lambert
"Give Me Back My Hometown," Eric Church
"I Don't Dance," Lee Brice
"I Hold On," Dierks Bentley

Single of the Year
"Automatic," Miranda Lambert -- WINNER
"Drunk on a Plane," Dierks Bentley
"Give Me Back My Hometown," Eric Church
"Meanwhile Back at Mama's," Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
"Mine Would be You," Blake Shelton

Music Video of the Year
"Drunk on a Plane," Dierks Bentley -- WINNER
"Automatic," Miranda Lambert
"Bartender," Lady Antebellum
"Follow Your Arrow," Kacey Musgraves
"Something Bad," Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood

Musical Event of the Year
"We Were Us," Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert -- WINNER
"Bakersfield," Vince Gill & Paul Franklin
"Meanwhile Back at Mama's," Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
"Something Bad" Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood
"You Can't Make Old Friends," Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton

Musician of the Year
Mac McAnally, Guitar -- WINNER
Sam Bush, Mandolin
Jerry Douglas, Dobro
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Dann Huff, Guitar

GARTH BROOKS "MAN AGAINST MACHINE" TRACK LISTING & INFORMATIONS

(Pearl/RCA Nashville)

GARTH BROOKS "Man against machine" in stores tuesday, november 11, and also available in digital on Ghosttunes.com:

Track listing
1. "Man Against Machine" written by LARRY BASTIAN, JENNY YATES and GARTH BROOKS

2. "She's Tired of Boys" written by AMANDA WILLIAMS and GARTH BROOKS

3. "Cold Like That" written by STEVEN LEE OLSEN, MELISSA PEIRCE and CHRIS WALLIN

4. "All-American Kid" written by CRAIG CAMPBELL, BRICE LONG and TERRY McBRIDE

5. "Mom" written by DON SAMPSON and WYNN VARBLE

6. "Wrong About You" written by ADAM WRIGHT

7. "Rodeo and Juliet" written by BRYAN KENNEDY and GARTH BROOKS

8. "Midnight Train" written by MELISSA PEIRCE and MATTHEW A. ROSSI

9. "Cowboys Forever" written by WYNN VARBLE, JOHN MARTIN and DEAN DILLON

10. "People Loving People" written by LEE MILLER, CHRIS WALLIN and BUSBEE

11. "Send 'Em On Down the Road" written by MARC BEESON and ALLEN SHAMBLIN

12. "Fish" written by CHRIS WALLIN and WYNN VARBLE

13. "You Wreck Me" written by STEPHANIE BENTLEY, KEVIN KADISH and DAN MUCKALA

14. "Tacoma" written by CAITLYN SMITH and BOB DiPIERO

"Man against machine" was planned to be a double-album. So, new songs will hit country radio in the fall of 2015, and the next album is scheduled for 2016.

KIX BROOKS HITS THE ROAD FOR “STEAK OUT” SPECIAL AIRING ON COOKING CHANNEL THIS SUNDAY

Multi-faceted entertainer Kix Brooks is gearing up for his new Cooking Channel special, “Steak Out with Kix Brooks,” premiering this Sunday, Nov. 2 at 7:00P CT. Brooks is hitting the road on his tour bus to discover some of the country’s best restaurants in Chicago, Louisville and Nashville. This wildly entertaining culinary road trip promises to deliver on big steaks, big laughs and a prime cut of Americana.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in the country, steakhouses are in every small town to big city,” said Brooks. “I really think that
local steakhouses say a lot about the personality of their community, so this show was a great way to get to know a few towns
and their people better over a great steak dinner and a glass of wine."

As one-half of country music’s most successful duo of all time, Kix Brooks continues his career as a solo touring/recording artist while simultaneously exploring new paths. Brooks, whom Rolling Stone calls “one of the most versatile guys in country music,” recently added lead acting credits and film producer to his already impressive resume that also includes three CMA
National Broadcast Personality of The Year winner for American Country Countdown, hosting Kickin It with Kix radio show fiv
nights and regular columnist for Country Weekly.

Press Release CMA

ALL THE NOMINEES AT THE 48th CMA Awards:

Entertainer of the Year:

LUKE BRYAN
MIRANDA LAMBERT
BLAKE SHELTON
GEORGE STRAIT
KEITH URBAN

Male Vocalist of the Year

DIERKS BENTLEY
ERIC CHURCH
LUKE BRYAN
BLAKE SHELTON
KEITH URBAN

Female Vocalist Of The Year

MIRANDA LAMBERT
KACEY MUSGRAVES
TAYLOR SWIFT
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
MARTINA MCBRIDE

Album of the Year

LUKE BRYAN: "Crash My Party"
KEITH URBAN: "Fuse"
MIRANDA LAMBERT: "Platinum"
DIERKS BENTLEY: "Riser"
ERIC CHURCH: "The Outsiders"

Single Of The Year:

“Automatic” – MIRANDA LAMBERT
“Drunk On A Plane” – DIERKS BENTLEY
“Give Me Back My Hometown” – ERIC CHURCH
“Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” – TIM MCGRAW
“Mine Would Be You” – BLAKE SHELTON

Song Of The Year:

“Automatic” - MIRANDA LAMBERT
“Follow Your Arrow” – KACEY MUSGRAVES
“Give Me Back My Hometown” – ERIC CHURCH
“I Don’t Dance” – LEE BRICE
“I Hold On” – DIERKS BENTLEY

Musical Event Of The Year

“Bakersfield” – VINCE GILL, PAUL FRANKLIN
“Meanwhile Back At Mamas” – TIM MCGRAW, FAITH HILL
“Something Bad” – MIRANDA LAMBERT, CARRIE UNDERWOOD
“We Were Us” – KEITH URBAN, MIRANDA LAMBERT
“You Can’t Make Old Friends” – KENNY ROGERS, DOLLY PARTON

Vocal Duo Of The Year:

DAN + SHAY
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE
LOVE AND THEFT
THE SWON BROTHERS
THOMPSON SQUARE

Vocal Group of the Year:

ELI YOUNG BAND
LADY ANTEBELLUM
LITTLE BIG TOWN
THE BAND PERRY
ZAC BROWN BAND

New Artist Award

BRANDY CLARK
BRETT ELDREDGE
KIP MOORE
THOMAS RHETT
COLE SWINDELL

Video Of The Year:

"Automatic" – MIRANDA LAMBERT
"Bartender" – LADY ANTEBELLUM
"Drunk On A Plane" – DIERKS BENTLEY
"Follow Your Arrow" – KACEY MUSGRAVES
"Something Bad" – MIRANDA LAMBERT And CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Musician of The Year

SAM BUSH
JERRY DOUGLAS
PAUL FRANKLIN
DANN HUFF
MAC MCANALLY

Little Big Town Return to CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock August 5 on ABC

CMA May 28, 2014

NASHVILLE – Reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town return for the second year to host the summer’s hottest television music event when the ABC Television Network airs “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” on Tuesday, Aug. 5 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET). “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” will be executive-produced by Robert Deaton.

“We could not be more excited to be coming back as hosts for CMA Music Fest,” exclaimed Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet. “Last year was incredible and we can’t wait to be back in LP Field surrounded by 50,000 screaming fans!”

Bandmate Karen Fairchild added: “Country Music truly has the most dedicated fans in the world and we’re looking forward to spending another four days with them.”

“It is great to have Little Big Town back to host ‘Country’s Night to Rock’,” said Deaton. “They have impeccable timing, a terrific sense of humor, the respect of the artistic community, and the admiration of the fans. They are the perfect ensemble cast to host this special.”

Critically acclaimed Country group Little Big Town – consisting of members Fairchild,Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook – first entered the music scene more than 14 years ago with hits such as “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone,” and the Grammy-nominated single “Little White Church.” The quartet’s fifth studio album Tornado was released on Sept. 11, 2012 and debuted at the top of the Billboard Country Chart where it stayed in the No. 1 position for five consecutive weeks. The album has been certified Platinum with sales of more than 1 million copies.

Tornado, produced by Jay Joyce, includes 2x Platinum-selling No. 1 single “Pontoon” and follow-up single and title-track “Tornado,” which also peaked in the No. 1 position. The Grammy-nominated track, “Your Side of the Bed” and fan-favorite “Sober” are also featured on the album.

Collectively, the group has earned more than 25 award nominations, including 15 CMA Awards nods. They have taken home CMA Awards trophies for CMA Single of the Year (2012, “Pontoon”) and CMA Vocal Group of the Year (2012, 2013). They have also won a Grammy Award for Best Country Group/Duo Performance (“Pontoon”) and an Emmy (Outstanding Original Song, “Good Afternoon”). Last year, the foursome completed their sold-out headlining tour, “The Tornado Tour,”which visited more than 25 theaters in the U.S. and Canada and also recently wrapped a tour with Keith Urban performing in more than 50 cities in North America.

Little Big Town recently completed their sixth studio album working again with producer Joyce. The first single off of the new album entitled “Day Drinking” will be available at iTunes June 2 and will officially hit Country radio June 10. The album is set for release later this year. For more information on Little Big Town visit littlebigtown.com.

Filmed during CMA Music Festival Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, the special features many of today’s most exciting Country Music stars as they hit the stage during the four-day party and celebration of America’s music. The annual event is unlike any other, with autograph signings in the AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X, live music on 11 stages, more than 430 artists and celebrities, and a guest list of 80,000 avid singing-and-dancing-till-dawn fans.

The special first aired in 2004. This is the 11th time ABC will broadcast the special – which invites the whole country to America’s largest Country Music celebration. Artists appearing in the television special have not yet been announced. The special will air on ABC through 2021.

The Aug. 12, 2013 airing of “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” (8.3 million and 2.0/6) dominated its three-hour time period, beating CBS (6.1 million and 1.5/4) by wide margins in viewers (+36 percent) and young adults (+33 percent). “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” spiked over 2012’s telecast (5.7 million and 1.5/4 on 9/17/12) by 46 percent in viewers and by 33 percent in Adults 18-49. In fact, the 2013 special drew the biggest-ever audience on ABC and equaled a seven-year high in Adults 18-49 (since 2006). ABC began airing the annual program in 2005.

Artists performing as part of the sold-out Nightly Concerts at LP Field during 2014 CMA Music Festival include Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Keith Urban, Chris Young,and Zac Brown Band. Several legacy acts are performing too, including Charlie Daniels Band, Sara Evans, Travis Tritt, and a special guest performance. Performing the national anthem at LP Field will be Danielle Bradbery, Home Free, and young musicians from the W.O. Smith Nashville Community Music School, which is a beneficiary of The CMA Foundation’s Keep the Music Playing music education charitable campaign.

The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience began in 1972 as Fan Fair®, bringing 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. More than 40 years later, the now legendary Festival has become the city’s signature music event. In 2014, CMA Music Festival will host visitors from every state and 22 foreign countries.

For all the latest info on CMA Music Festival visit CMAfest.com. To stay connected with CMA visit Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, and Instagram.com/CMA or text FESTIVAL to 66937.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA. Chevrolet™ is the Official Ride of Country Music. Bud Light is the Official Beer of the CMA Music Festival. Pepsi is the Official Soft Drink of the CMA Music Festival. Bad Boy Buggies are the Official UTV of the CMA Music Festival.

28/03/2014

ACM's Salute to Troops Adds Eight Artists

Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice and Luke Bryan are among the artists joining the lineup for ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute to the Troops. Hunter Hayes, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Kellie Pickler and Keith Urban have also been added to the concert, which will take place in Las Vegas on April 7, one day after the ACM Awards.

LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnell will co-host the show, scheduled to air as a two-hour special on CBS on May 20.

Florida Georgia Line, Merle Haggard, Lady Antebellum, George Strait, The Band Perry and Carrie Underwood were announced as performers in February.

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the organization's charitable program. Tickets for ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute to the Troops are priced at $105, $155 and $205.

28/03/2014

Kacey Musgraves Gears Up for Key West Songwriters Festival

Technically, it might not be a vacation for Kacey Musgraves, although she surely deserves one. Nonetheless, the 19th annual Key West Songwriters Festival is a trip few of us would turn down. It's a chance to party, play and possibly write another smash with some of the best songwriters on the planet.

Musgraves and Sara Evans are among the artists set to hit the sand and surf during the festival taking place May 7-11 in Key West, Fla. Others performers include 2013 BMI Icon recipient Dean Dillon, American Idol runner-up Kree Harrison, Robert Earl Keen, Rhett Akins, Sundy Best, Love and Theft, Matraca Berg, Jon Randall, Anders Osborne and the legendary Tony Joe White, to name a few.

A few of the names on the extensive list may not be familiar to you -- and that's OK. I can't help it, though. I've always been fascinated with songwriters. I just don't think they get enough love from the greater world.

Each day, we turn on our radios, pop a CD into our stereos or slap some vinyl down on our turntables and groove, cry or sing along to our favorite songs. We're moved by the music and made happy, made sad and made to believe in their power. Those places the songs take us are purely magical.

But while we're in those magical places, how many of us stop and think, "Man, I wonder who wrote that song?"

Nowadays, if you want to solve that mystery, your best bet is to dig into some liner notes. That, of course, requires an actual album purchase. And, let's face it, so many of us rely on digital downloads and streaming these days to enjoy our music, accessing the finer details of an album track is more difficult than ever.

But Musgraves is one of many artists who is helping turn all that around. While the chart-topping, Grammy and CMA-winning beauty is a great singer and a breath of fresh air for country music, she's first and foremost a songwriter. She talks openly about her passion for the poetics of it all. She gushes about her fellow co-writers, giving them their share of the credit for her success.

Musgraves knows what it's like to be in that world where, to a vast majority of listeners, your words and thoughts as a songwriter "belong" to the artist singing the song. A perfect example is "Mama's Broken Heart," Miranda Lambert's No. 1 single which Musgraves co-wrote with Brandy Clark and ACM songwriter of the year Shane McAnally.

How many folks do you think hear that song title and say, "Oh, yeah! That song Kacey Musgraves co-wrote that Miranda Lambert made a huge hit?" Not many. And Lambert can identify, too. She herself is a brilliant songwriter likely sitting on mounds of great songs no one will ever know she wrote.

The truth be told, a little anonymity in the music world is just what many songwriters desire. Some are completely content to quietly fulfill their creative needs in studios and Music Row writing rooms without any pomp or circumstance. And there's nothing wrong with that, either.

But the Key West Songwriters Festival isn't going to allow for much anonymity for those creative types. It's the place where the writers are celebrated, showered with love and toasted with the finest margaritas and piña coladas. There will be no hiding in the palm trees.

Other notable performances during the May festival will include Natalie Hemby (Lambert's "White Liar"), Gary Chapman, Kristen Kelly, Shawn Camp (Garth Brooks' "Two Piña Coladas"), Wendell Mobley (Rascal Flatts' "Fast Cars and Freedom"), Jessi Alexander (Lee Brice's "I Drive Your Truck") and so many more incredible hitmakers.

26/03/2014

Big Machine Label Group is bringing country music to the UK!

Big Machine was recently positioned as a leader in country music’s growing presence in the UK by The Guardian, the world’s most read newspaper website! Scott Borchetta as well as Taylor Swift, The Cadillac Three, and Tim McGraw were all mentioned, and you can read it here! In addition, Paul Sexton’s new audio documentary NASHVILLE UK on BBC Radio 2 is also available for listening. It features interviews with Scott Borchetta, The Band Perry, & Brantley Gilbert & music from ABC’s Nashville and Thomas Rhett. It is a great listen, go check it out here!

24/03/2014

Carrie Underwood Earns ACM Special Achievement Award

Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith and Ronnie Milsap are among the country artists recognized with special off-camera ACM Awards for their remarkable achievements. The awards will be presented at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Sept. 9.

Underwood has been chosen for the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award. In 2013, she gained widespread exposure through NFL Sunday Night Football and the live NBC broadcast of The Sound of Music. Her Blown Away tour traveled to London's Royal Albert Hall, followed by extensive dates across the U.S. and Canada. Upon completing the tour, she donated $1 million to the American Red Cross for disaster relief. She continues to support her hometown of Checotah, Okla., through her C.A.T.S. Foundation.

Keith and Milsap will receive the Career Achievement Award for their accomplishments in country music and beyond. Steve Buchanan, the president of the Opry Entertainment Group, has also been selected for the honor.

In addition, Rascal Flatts are being honored with the Jim Reeves International Award. Last year, the group performed a total of seven shows across Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

In addition, the late music publisher Bob Beckham has been named the recipient of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. Paul Moore of the William Morris team in Nashville will receive the Mae Boren Axton Award for dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.

Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon and the late Jack Clement and Buck Owens have been selected to receive the Poet's Award which honors songwriters. As previously announced, Merle Haggard is being honored with the ACM Crystal Milestone Award to signify his 50th year in country music.

Additional off-camera awards are as follows:

Bass player: Michael Rhodes
Drummer: Shannon Forrest
Guitar player: Rob McNelley
Piano/keyboards Player: Charlie Judge
Steel guitar layer: Paul Franklin
Audio engineer: Justin Niebank
Producer: Dann Huff
Specialty instruments player: Bryan Sutton
Songwriter: Shane McAnally

Casino, small capacity: Mohegan Sun Wolf Den (Uncasville, Conn.)
Casino, medium capacity: Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.)
Nightclub: Billy Bob's Texas (Fort Worth, Texas)
Venue, small capacity: Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater (Austin)
Venue, medium capacity: Grand Ole Opry House (Nashville)
Venue, large capacity: Bridgestone Arena (Nashville)
Don Romeo Talent Buyer: Nicole More (Neste Event Marketing)
Promoter: Brian O'Connell (Live Nation)

20/03/2014

CMA Music Fest 2014 Performers Announced

Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Miranda Lambert are among the 20 stars confirmed for the 2014 CMA Music Festival's nightly stadium concerts at LP Field.

Held June 5-8 in downtown Nashville, tickets to the massive shows sold out in record time -- 15 weeks before the festival kicks off.

The full list of performers taking the main stage is as follows, listed in alphabetical order:

Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett , Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Keith Urban, Chris Young and Zac Brown Band.

Rhett ("Get Me Some of That") is making his first appearance on the festival's main stage.

The schedule of performances has not yet been announced.

While tickets to the nightly concerts at LP Field are sold out, there are many other music stages, special events and country music activities taking place throughout the city during the festival. This includes the return of Fan Fair X, where fans can catch performances, autograph signings and question-and-answer sessions with country stars in the Music City Center. Tickets for Fan Fair X are $10 per day or $25 for four days, and children under 8 are free.

The nightly stadium concerts will once again be filmed for a national television special on ABC called CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock. This is the 11th consecutive year the event has been filmed for TV. The special will debut next fall.


18/03/2014

LONDON THE O2: EARLY BIRD TICKETS FOR C2C 2015 TO GO ON SALE FRIDAY 21ST MARCH AT 9AM

C2C Country to Country 2014 has come to a triumphant end for 50,000 country fans who packed out The O2 In London and Dublin over the weekend. The 2015 festival will take place on the weekend of 7th and 8th of March. After the phenomenal of Country To Country Ireland, Dublin will also play host to the festival the same dates in 2015. Announcement of full talent bill will be later in the year along with more exciting announcements about the development of Country to Country. Eager London gig-goers can get their hands on early bird tickets for next year’s festival - on from 9am on Friday 21st March. More information on tickets for Dublin will be released in due course C2C 2014 saw megastars Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Chris Young, The Band Perry, Zac Brown Band, Dixie Chicks, Dierks Bentley and Country Queen Martina McBride (London only) performing. For London C2C Country to Country 2015 tickets will be available on Friday at 9am from the following: www.axs.com/c2c / 08448 24 48 24 and www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051. For further information and artist news: Website www.c2c-countrytocountry.com Facebook www.facebook.com/Country2Country Twitter https://twitter.com/C2Cofficial.

WINNERS OF THE 5TH FRENCH HIGHWAYS AWARDS

NOV 13, PARIS FRANCE

The list of the winners of the 5th French Highways Awards

U.S.A

Entertainer of the year: GEORGE STRAIT
Male Artist of the year: LUKE BRYAN
Female Artist of the year: MIRANDA LAMBERT
Album of the year: "Tornado" LITTLE BIG TOWN
Single of the year: "Tip a can" FLYNNVILLE TRAIN
Song of the year: "Highway don't care" TIM McGRAW, TAYLOR SWIFT & KEITH URBAN
Vocal group of the year: ZAC BROWN BAND
Vocal duo of the year: FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE
New artist of the year: KACEY MUSGRAVES
Musician of the year: BRENT MASON (guitar)
Video of the year: "Better Dig Two" The BAND PERRY
Musical event of the year: TIM McGRAW with TAYLOR SWIFT et KEITH URBAN "Highway don't care".

France

Meilleure chanteuse française: ASTRID ESPINOSA
Meilleur chanteur français: DAVID FRUMIN
Meilleur groupe français: TEXAS SIDESTEP
Meilleur parolier français: ERIK SITBON

International

Best International Artist: The BAND PERRY
Best Australian Artist: CRAIG MORRISON
International Artist Achievement Award: VINCE GILL

2013 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL SETS NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD WITH 80,000 FANS
Surprise Guest Performers Included Jason Aldean, Sheryl Crow, Charlie Daniels, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, Tim McGraw, Jason Mraz, Kenny Rogers, Trisha Yearwood, and More!

NASHVILLE – CMA Music Festival set a new attendance record in 2013 with daily attendance topping 80,000 fans, a near 13 percent increase over the 71,000 in attendance in 2012 and a sellout of LP Field tickets six weeks before the event.

The increase was attributed to expanding the event into the new Music City Center, which was dubbed the AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X. The new venue nearly tripled the size of the former space in the Nashville Convention Center creating room for new exhibits, additional stages, and attractions for families in the Keep the Kids Playing Pavilion.

“This event has a global reputation as the destination for any Country Music fan,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The support we receive from our industry and the dedication of our fans is unduplicated. Each year we strive to improve and enhance the event for our attendees and the artists – and this is undeniably our best CMA Music Festival ever!”

Attendance figures for 2013 include four-day ticket packages and promotional tickets, as well as attendance in Fan Fair X, and free areas downtown. In all, more than 450 artists and celebrities participated in more than 200 hours of concerts on a record 11 different stages.

Week-long mild temperatures in Nashville resulted in increased attendance in the numerous free areas including The Buckle, Fan Alley, public events, and concert venues. In fact, there was record attendance on opening day at Chevrolet Riverfront Stage with more than 44,000 fans passing through the gates for the free concerts on the sloping bank of the Cumberland River. Crowds for the new Transitions Performance Park were strong and attendance at the Bud Light Stage on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza increased over 2012. The BMI Tailgate Party stage at LP Field, which debuted in 2012, was bustling each evening as crowds entered the stadium for the Nightly Concerts.

Corporate brand partnerships are a key element to the marketing, fan experience, and financial support of the Festival. Nearly 40 different brands participated in the CMA Music Festival generating a combined activation and consumer engagements of more than 1.8 million. These various engagement elements included product sampling, dedicated registrations, and brand impressions.

“In 2013, we built on the strength of our established Festival partnership development program by working with partners who were excited about engaging our attendees in new and entertaining ways,” said Sheri Warnke, CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The growing popularity of our Festival is due in no small part to the commitment of our corporate partners in creating and delivering a great fan experience.”

“We were thrilled with our experience at this year's CMA Fest,” said Michael Weidman, National Promotions Manager for Chevrolet. “We had a record number of people engage with our products. We are already starting to think about how we can up our game for next year.”

"The 2013 CMA Music Fest was the best ever, providing the ideal platform for HGTV to connect with passionate Country Music fans,” said Denise Conroy, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Creative, HGTV & DIY Network. “From the top-notch concert lineups to the overall rich experiential environment, CMA Music Fest was the perfect setting for the HGTV Lodge."

“As first-year partners, the 2013 CMA Music Fest has exceeded our expectations,” said Tim Skiba, Director of Media for Gander Mtn. “The Festival has proven to be an excellent avenue for us to reach and engage with avid outdoors enthusiasts and Country Music fans. We can't wait for 2014!”

CMA Music Festival supports music education in Music City. The artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time. They are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing. In appreciation of their exhaustive efforts, The CMA Foundation donates proceeds from the event to music education on the artists’ behalf through CMA’s Keep the Music Playing program. Since 2006, CMA has donated more than $7.6 million to the cause.

CMA’s fans are contributing to this worthy and important initiative, too. For the first time during the Festival, fans were able to bid on signed items and one-of-a-kind experiences during the CMA Silent Auction benefiting Keep the Music Playing, which was held in Fan Fair X.

The auction raised more than $80,000 and included items such as a Jack Daniel’s Commemorative Whiskey Barrel autographed by the Master Distiller and branded with the CMA Music Festival logo; a Chevrolet Camaro Convertible hood, signed by artists on the 2011 CMA Awards Red Carpet; and a 2012 CMA Awards commemorative guitar, autographed by hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley.

CMA Music Festival, which started as Fan Fair® in 1972, is about the fans and their relationship with the artists and the music.

The theme is universal and in 2013, Festival attendees came from all 50 states and two dozen countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Holland, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and the U.K.

Tickets for 2014 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, are on sale now and selling 52 percent ahead of this time last year.

“The pace of the advance ticket sales speaks to the strength of the event, the popularity of our music, and the experience that our fans had at this year’s CMA Music Fest,” said Moore.  

Fans can order tickets by calling the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. To purchase tickets online, visit Ticketmaster.com.

The Winners in country music of The 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on ABC.

- Country music favorite album: Carrie Underwood - "Blown Away"

- Country music favorite band, duo or group: Lady Antebellum

- Country music favorite male artist: Luke Bryan

- Country music favorite female artist: Taylor Swift

The Winners of “The 46th Annual CMA Awards” are:

Entertainer of the Year
Blake Shelton

Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert

Male Vocalist of the Year
Blake Shelton

New Artist of the Year
Hunter Hayes

Vocal Group of the Year
Little Big Town

Vocal Duo of the Year
Thompson Square

Album of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
Chief
Eric Church
Produced by Jay Joyce
EMI Records Nashville

Single of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s)) 
“Pontoon”
Little Big Town
Produced by Jay Joyce
Capitol Records Nashville

Song of the Year
(Award goes to Songwriter(s))
“Over You”
Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton

Musical Event of the Year
(Award goes to each Artist)
“Feel Like a Rock Star”
Kenny Chesney
(duet with Tim McGraw)
Blue Chair Records/Columbia Nashville

Music Video of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Director) 
"Red Solo Cup”
Toby Keith
Directed by Michael Salomon

Musician of the Year
Mac McAnally – Guitar

Willie Nelson - Lifetime Achievement Award

- KENNY CHESNEY and other artists playing for the 4TH OF JULY

Kenny Chesney Heads to New York for Fourth of July Concert
Brad Paisley, Willie Nelson, Toby Keith Also Plan Holiday Shows

Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley are just two of the country stars performing at high-profile events on the Fourth of July. Of course, July 4 also signals Willie Nelson's annual picnic, and this year's event in Fort Worth, Texas, is shaping up to be another stellar event.

Chesney and Katy Perry are the musical performers in New York City for Macy's Fourth of July Spectacular, a TV special airing at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. Chesney will perform "Summertime" and his current single, "Come Over," during the special hosted by Regis Philbin.

As previously reported, Paisley will be in Washington, D.C., to perform a salute to the military during a USO-sponsored concert on the South Lawn of the White House. The one-hour concert, which also features the U.S. Marine Band, will be streamed lived on the White House website at 8:10 p.m. ET.

Nelson's legendary Fourth of July Picnic takes place at Billy Bob's Texas with a lineup that includes fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson, along with Jamey Johnson, Billy Joe Shaver, Ray Wylie Hubbard, the Randy Rogers Band, Asleep at the Wheel, Johnny Bush, Lukas Nelson, Corey Smith, Stoney LaRue, Wade Bowen and others.

Toby Keith and Lionel Richie will appear during a concert at the Greenbrier Classic golf tournament in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

In Nashville, the Mavericks, Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling and the Nashville Symphony will be performing a free concert at Riverfront Park prior to the annual fireworks display near the Cumberland River.

- CMA SONGWRITERS SERIES RETURNS TO BOSTON WITH COUNTRY SUPERSTAR CARRIE UNDERWOOD
Underwood Joined by Brett James, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, and Host Bob DiPiero

NASHVILLE – Country superstar Carrie Underwood will appear for the first time in the perennially popular CMA Songwriters Series, which will return to Boston Tuesday, July 31 (7:00 PM/ET) at Royale, a concert venue in downtown Boston’s Theater District.

“We first brought the CMA Songwriters Series to Boston last year and it was a huge success,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We are so excited to have Carrie participating in this event. New England’s Country Music fans are in for an unforgettable night.”

"I'm so excited to be a part of the CMA Songwriter Series with Hillary, Luke, Brett, and Bob! Not only are they some of the most respected songwriters in Nashville, but I'm very lucky to call them my friends. It's going to be a great night!" said Underwood.

Since her debut in 2005, Underwood has sold more than 14 million albums and amassed 15 No. 1 singles, seven of which she co-wrote , “So Small,” “All American Girl,” “Last Name,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “Temporary Home,” “Undo It,” and her most recent No. 1 song “Good Girl”  from her new album Blown Away. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s all-genre 200 chart as well as Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, where it remained for five consecutive weeks. Underwood, who has co-hosted the CMA Awards with Brad Paisley the past four years, has won five CMA trophies including three consecutive CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Awards.

Joining Underwood will be Brett James (“Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Cowboy Casanova,” both recorded by Underwood, “The Truth” recorded by Jason Aldean, and “Out Last Night” recorded by Kenny Chesney); Luke Laird (“So Small,” “Last Name,” “Undo It,” “Mama’s Song,” and “Temporary Home” all recorded by Underwood, “Baggage Claim” recorded by Miranda Lambert, and “Drink In My Hand” recorded by Eric Church); Hillary Lindsey (“Just a Dream,” “So Small,” “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” “Wasted,” and “Last Name,” all recorded by Underwood, “American Honey” recorded by Lady Antebellum, and “A Little Bit Stronger,” recorded by Sara Evans); and the evening’s host and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Bob DiPiero (“Southern Voice” recorded by Tim McGraw, “Blue Clear Sky” recorded by George Strait, and “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” recorded by Brooks & Dunn).

Tickets to the July 31 show are $50 for VIP seating, $39 for reserved seating and $25 for General Admission and will go on sale Friday, June 29 at noon ET. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by phone at (800) 745-3000. Fans can avoid service fees by purchasing tickets at the Royale box office (279 Tremont Street) on Fridays between noon and 6:00 PM/ET. Tickets are non-transferable and will be available at the box office will call only. Purchasers must present a photo ID in order to retrieve their tickets.

- HANK WILLIAMS JR.’s NEW VIDEO “THAT AIN’T GOOD”
MAKES WORLD PREMIERE DEBUT ON CMT MONDAY, JUNE 25

LANDING AT #1 ON CMT.COM

BEHIND THE SCENES STORY TO FOLLOW ON FOX 17 TONIGHT


(PHOTO BY THOMAS NEWTON)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – June 25, 2012 -- Hank Williams, Jr. world premiered his new video, “That Ain’t Good,” on CMT, Monday, June 25. Fans can tune in to see the video currently playing on the network, as well as during “CMT Top 20 Countdown” on Friday, June 29 at 11 am ET/PT. The video was also posted on CMT.com where it is currently #1.

In addition, FOX 17 will run a special behind-the-scenes story of the making of “That Ain’t Good,” which was partially shot on location at the station tonight (Monday, June 25) during “FOX 17 News at 9:00.”

Filmed on location in Nashville, “That Ain’t Good” provides a sultry, rhythmic look at a man at the end of his rope, propelled by a sterling Hank Jr. performance that gets completely inside the character.

“I’ve had that song for several years,” says Hank Jr. of the single. “I took my dobro to a completely different type of tuning, and it’s one of those that just has that kind of flow to it. And it’s got that really serious aspect to it, too, about people blowing themselves up, and your kids ask, ‘why do people do that?’ How do you answer that? That ain’t good. To me, that song is me. ‘I used to like to go fishin’, sold my boat and motor, something aint’ right about this.’ That ain’t good.”

Old School, New Rules is Williams’ first album on his new imprint, Bocephus Records. The twelve-song package includes Hank, Jr.’s new single, “That Ain’t Good”, a duet with Brad Paisley on “I’m Gonna Get Drunk And Play Hank Williams” as well as a new duet version of Merle Haggard’s classic “I Think I’ll Just Sit Here and Drink” with the Hall of Famer himself. Trace Adkins also lends his vocal talent to a line on a separate track. Bocephus Records is licensed to Blaster Entertainment and distributed by Warner Music Nashville.

Old School, New Rules is set for release on July 10, 2012. The 12-song package is available for pre-sale now at www.hankjr.com.

With more than 70 albums to his credit, sales of 55 million records, countless awards including five Entertainer of the Year awards (ACM & CMA), BMI Icon Award, a Grammy, and most recently in 2009 the Academy of Country Music “Pioneer Award,” Williams is a living legend.

- Country Thunder, to be held July 19-22 in Twin Lakes, Wis

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY SINGLE-DAY PASSES
STILL AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME

Country Thunder Wisconsin 4-Day Passes and Camping SOLD OUT

Twin Lakes, WI (June 25, 2012) – Country Thunder, to be held July 19-22 in Twin Lakes, Wis., is delighted to announce Single-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday are still available but 4-day weekend passes are now SOLD OUT. Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, Steve Holy, Easton Corbin, Hunter Hayes, Wade Bowen and more will be taking the stage to help Country Thunder Wisconsin celebrate the big 2-0 with this being the 20th anniversary. Visit www.countrythunder.com or call (866) 802-6418 to purchase your single-day tickets today.

Country Thunder is also excited to have Lake Geneva Hotels and The Brat Stop in Kenosha, Wis., on board. They will be providing patrons with a shuttle service to and from festival grounds. Shuttle service from the Lake Geneva Hotels is available only through a hotel stay combo package. The Brat Stop in Kenosha will be offering a shuttle service twice a day for $20 round trip. For scheduling and purchasing information as well as a list of nearby hotels, visit wisconsin.countrythunder.com and go to the information tab.

Campers can load in starting Wednesday, July 18th at 9am and gates will close promptly at 10pm .Front gate hours are Thursday-Sunday 9am-10pm CST.

Add a Port-O-Potty to your campsite for only $115. The last day to reserve your P.O.P. is July 13th at 11:50pm CT. Also, if you wish to park a second motorized vehicle on your campsite you are required to purchase an Extra Vehicle Pass. This pass is only available over the phone. To purchase you must be the owner of the campsite and call our office at (866) 802-6418 to order. The last day to order your EVP is July 13th at 5pm CT. Additionally, Pat's Services Inc. will be providing water and pumping for $30 per service. Call them at (262) 537-4988 or visit their website at www.patsservices.com to schedule their services.

Visit www.countrythunder.com or like us at www.fb.com/countrythunderusa to stay up-to-date on one of the nation’s premier outdoor camping, music and entertainment festivals!

Currently Announced Line-Up
Thursday
July 19 5:30 - 6:30 PM Sara Jean Kelley
7:00 - 8:30 PM THE FARM
9:00 - 10:30 PM Big & Rich w/special guest Cowboy Troy + Bradley Gaskin

Friday
July 20 1:00 - 2:00 PM The Roys
2:30 - 3:30 PM The McClymonts
4:00 - 5:00 PM Wade Bowen
5:30 - 6:30 PM Steve Holy
7:00 - 8:30 PM Luke Bryan
9:00 - 10:30 PM Jason Aldean

Saturday
July 21 1:00 - 2:00 PM tba
2:30 - 3:30 PM Casey James
4:00 - 5:00 PM Aaron Lewis
5:30 - 6:30 PM Easton Corbin
7:00 - 8:30 PM Dwight Yoakam
9:00 - 10:30 PM Blake Shelton

Sunday
July 22 1:00 - 2:00 PM Thomas Rhett
2:30 - 3:30 PM tba
4:00 - 5:00 PM Hunter Hayes
5:30 - 6:30 PM Neal McCoy
7:00 - 8:00 PM Brantley Gilbert
8:30 - 10:00 PM Toby Keith

- FIRST AID KIT European Tour + opening act for JACK WHITE from june 21 to july 5.

Thu june 21 London, United Kingdom O2 Academy Brixton

Fri june 22 London, United Kingdom HMV Hammersmith Apollo

Mon june 25 Amsterdam, Netherlands Heineken Music Hall

Tue june 26 Berlin, Germany Tempodrom

Wed june 27 Cologne, Germany E-Werk

Mon july 02 Paris, France Olympia

Tue july 03 Paris, France Olympia

Thu july 05 Hamburg, Germany Docks Konzerte Disco

Sat july 07 Roskilde, Denmark Roskilde Festival Grounds

Fri july 13 Suffolk, United Kingdom Henham Park

Fri july 27 Newport, RI Jane Pickens Theater

Sat july 28 Newport, RI Fort Adams State Park

Thu aug 09 Goteborg, Sweden Slottskogen

Sat aug 11 Oslo, Norway Middelalderparken

Thu aug 23 Tromso, Norway Valhall

Sun aug 26 Zurich, Switzerland Zurich Open Air Festival Grounds

Fri aug 31 Salisbury, United Kingdom Larmer Tree Gardens

Fri sept 07 Isle Of Wight, United Kingdom Robin Hill Country Park

Sat sept 08 Berlin, Germany Templehof Airport

Nov : Tue 20 London, United Kingdom O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

Thu 22 Manchester, United Kingdom The Ritz

Sat 24 Glasgow, United Kingdom Queen Margaret Union

Tue 27 Bristol, United Kingdom, O2 Academy Bristo

- JACK WHITE World Tour 2012, Europe, Australia, Japan, in support of his debut solo album

Thu june 21 London, United Kingdom O2 Academy Brixton

Fri june 22 London, United Kingdom HMV Hammersmith Apollo

Sat june 23 London, United Kingdom Hackney Marshes

Mon june 25 Amsterdam, Netherlands Heineken Music Hall

Tue june 26 Berlin, Germany Tempodrom

Wed june 27 Cologne, Germany E-Werk

Fri june 29 Werchter, Belgium Festivalpark

Sun july 01 Belfort, France Eurockeennes Festival Grounds

Mon july 02 Paris, France Olympia

Tue july 03 Paris, France Olympia

Thu july 05 Hamburg, Germany Docks Konzerte Disco

Fri july 06 Roskilde, Denmark Roskilde Festival Grounds

Wed july 25 West Melbourne, Australia Festival Hall

Thu july 26 Moore Park, Australia Hordern Pavilion

Fri july 27 Byron Bay, Australia Belongil Fields

Sun july 29 Niigata, Japan Naeba Ski Resort

Sun august 05 Chicago, IL Grant Park

Mon aug 06 Omaha, NE Omaha Civic Music Hall

Wed aug 08 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Fri aug 10 Los Angeles, CA Shrine Auditorium & Expo Center

Sat aug 11 San Francisco, CA Golden Gate Park

Sun aug 12 San Francisco, CA Golden Gate Park

Tue aug 14 Seattle, WA WaMu Theater

Wed aug 15 Portland, OR Rose Quarter

Sat sep 08 London, United Kingdom Roundhouse iTunes Festival

- THE 41th CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL WILL AIR ON ABC on SEPTEMBER 17 8/7c

- THE 46th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” TO BE BROADCAST LIVE NOVEMBER 1 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

“CMA Country Christmas” Tapes Nov. 3 at the Bridgestone Arena

NASHVILLE – The Country Music Association and ABC Television Network have announced that “The 46th Annual CMA Awards” will air Thursday, Nov. 1 (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) on ABC live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

“The CMA Awards recognizes the best in the format – that’s what makes this ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The CMA Awards is one of the most highly anticipated events for our industry each year. It’s a night to honor our finest performers, songwriters, record producers, musicians, and music video directors.”

The 2011 CMA Awards was the No. 1 entertainment show for the week among the key advertising Adults 18-49 sales demographic. The special beat its nearest competition by 5.6 million viewers and by 26 percent in Adults 18-49, according to Nielsen.

- 2012 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL SETS NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD WITH 71,000 FANS

Hundreds of Artists, New Stages, and More Music Attract Thousands of Visitors to Nashville

NASHVILLE – CMA Music Festival set a new attendance record in 2012 with daily attendance topping 71,000 fans, a 9.2 percent increase over the 65,000 in attendance in 2011 and a sell out for the third consecutive year at LP Field. Tickets for 2013 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday June 6-9, are on sale now.

The increase was attributed to expanded seating at LP Field for the nightly concerts and mild temperatures that drove increased attendance in the free event and concert areas downtown.

“Third time’s the charm and to achieve a sell out for a third straight year and increase attendance says a lot about the strength of this event, the dedication of our fans, the support of our industry and local community, and the popularity of our music and artists,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

Attendance figures for 2012 include four-day ticket packages, promotional and single night tickets, as well as attendance in non-ticketed free areas and events. In all, more than 450 artists performed more than 200 hours of concerts.

- BRAD PAISLEY SURPRISED WITH CMA INTERNATIONAL ARTIST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD BACKSTAGE AT 2012 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

NASHVILLE – While participating in a press conference backstage at LP Field on Thursday, June 7 before his performance at 2012 CMA Music Festival, Brad Paisley was surprised when CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore presented him with the CMA International Artist Achievement Award.

“Brad is an outstanding ambassador for Country Music around the globe,” said Moore. “CMA is proud to present him with our International Artist Achievement Award.”

The CMA International Artist Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who contributes to the awareness and development of Country Music outside the United States.

(Credit: Martha E. Moore)

Hot Country Duo Meets Hot Bluegrass Duo on Lower Broad in Nashville

Not only was the weather warm, but hot UK-based Country duo Travellin Rose and reigning ICM “Bluegrass Artist of the Year” The Roys finally meet in Nashville during CMA Music Festival at the Aristo Global Show at The Second Fiddle on lower Broadway.
 
Pictured in front of The Second Fiddle are The Roys (Elaine and Lee Roy)   and Travellin Rose (Talia Smith and Kelly Smith)

- 12 New releases for early summer, beginning may 29 in stores:

May 29, Chris Cagle, Back in the Saddle
June 19, Kenny Chesney, Welcome to the Fishbowl
June 12, Edens Edge, Edens Edge
July 17, The Farm, The Farm
June 5, Alan Jackson, Thirty Miles West
June 5, Jana Kramer, Jana Kramer
June 26, Aaron Lewis, The Road
July 24, Love and Theft, Love and Theft
Willie Nelson, Heroes
June 12, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, The Lion the Beast the Beat
June 12, Josh Turner, Punching Bag
July 10, Zac Brown Band, Uncaged

- LADY ANTEBELLUM will open for Bruce Springsteen on July 14 for a sold out concert at Hyde Park as part of this year's Hard Rock Calling festival in London.

"It's Springsteen...there is no entertainer we look up to more than him," said Lady A's Charles Kelley. "I'm going to be like a little kid at Christmas watching his show. It's the biggest honor for us to be invited to play this festival...the entire lineup is awesome."

High demand overseas of previously announced Own the Night 2012 World Tour dates has also prompted Lady A to make arrangements to accommodate more fans. The July 13 date in Glasgow, Scotland moved to a bigger venue, the Clyde Auditorium, and the group recently added a second night in Dublin, Ireland at the Olympia Theatre.

Lady A's current single Dancin' Away With My Heart is currently climbing the Top 10 on country radio charts. The trio continues their streak of sold out tour dates tomorrow in Seattle at Key Arena as they return from the Canadian leg of their tour.

- 25th COUNTRY-RENDEZ-VOUS FESTIVAL

F 27 july: ERIK SITBON & THE GHOST BAND (F), CROOKS & STRAIGHTS (CR), TWO TONS OF STEEL (USA), THE TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS.

Sa 28 july: HILLBILLY ROCKERS (F), MODERN EARL (USA), AMBER DIGBY & MIDNIGHT FLYER (USA), ? TBD (USA), WHISKEY MYERS.

Su 29 july: HOWLIN’ FOX (F), JOHN SLAUGHTER (USA), RONNIE BOWMAN (USA), ? TBD (USA), BAYOU ROUX (USA)

- International Festival of Country Music - U.K., Northern Irland, Germany, Switzerland.

Su 26 feb, London, United Kingdom, Wembley Arena
Reba McEntire
Charley Pride
Asleep at the Wheel
Lonestar
Ricky Skaggs
Narvel Felts
Jo-El Sonnier
George Ducas
George Hamilton IV & Sandy Kelly
Will Banister
Raymond Froggatt
John McNicholl
Tim McKay

Hosted by: Steve Cherelle & David Allan

W 29 feb, Belfast, United Kingdom Odyssey Arena

Reba McEntire
Asleep at the Wheel
Lonestar
Ricky Skaggs
George Hamilton IV
Sandy Kelly
John McNicholl

Hosted by Hugo Duncan

F 02 march, Zurich, Switzerland Hallenstadion Zurich
Su 04 march, Mannheim, Germany SAP ARENA

- LADY ANTEBELLUM were in Europe this october for a promo tour of medias in the UK, Germany and France in the goal of a concert tour in 2012. Jean Agostini meet Lady Antebellum and the band said they work seriously on the schedule for a concert in France en 2012. To be continued...

- Dates of the first quarter of BRAD PAISLEY 2012 World tour 2012:

2012 First Quarter Tour Dates:
January 12 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
January 13 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
January 14 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
January 19 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
January 20 Wichita, KS Intrust Bank Arena
January 21 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
January 26 Boise, ID Idaho Center
January 27 Salt Lake City, UT Maverik Center
January 28 Las Vegas,NV Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
February 9 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena
February 10 Eugene, OR Matthew Knight Arena
February 11 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
February 16 Lubbock, TX United Spirit Arena
February 17 Las Cruces, NM Pan AmericaCenter
February 23 Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center
February 24 Moline, IL iWireless Center
February 25 Springfield, MO JQH Arena
March 1 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
March 2 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena
March 3 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena

- JONI HARMS will play at Billy Bob's - EuroDisney from december 8 to 11, as mentioned on her web site.

- These are the four covers which will appears on TOBY KEITH new CD, on the deluxe version, scheduled for oct 24: Waylon Jennings ["High Time (You Quit Your Low Down Ways)"], Buck Owens ["Truck Drivin' Man"], Three Dog Night ["Shambala"] and Chuck Berry ["Memphis").

- CMA Music Festival is a two-hour TV special on ABC on august 14.

- For her first concert in France, TANYA TUCKER will play at the Country Rendez-Vous Festival.

- TRACE ADKINS is the headliner of the Country Night in Gstaad in septembre.

- The CMA Music Festival 2011 will be a two hours show on august 14 on ABC TV.

- The 24th Country Rendez-Vous Festival is scheduled for july 29, 30 & 31 in Craponne sur Arzon (43).

- BRAD PAISLEY new album "This is country music" offers an impressive list of guests: Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Don Henley, Clint Eastwood, Blake Shelton, Marty Stuart, Sheryl Crow and Carl Jackson.

- The CMA Music Festival 2011 was from june 9 to 12 in Nashville was sold out and has reached a new record of sales.

- BLAKE SHELTON, ERIC CHURCH and TERRICLARK will release new albums. Terri Clark is no longer on a major, and has launched her own label.

- Kid Rock will be again the host of the CMT Music Awards, June 8 in Nashville. First time for him was in 2010. "Hosting the CMT awards was a wonderful bridge to a great after party," he told Us Weekly. "I'm looking forward to crossing that bridge again this year.". Kid Rock is also nominated with Sheryl Crow in the collaborative video of the year category for "Collide." Tickets to the 2011 CMT Music Awards will be on sale Saturday (May 21) at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Bridgestone Arena box office in downtown Nashville. As previously reported, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts and Sugarland will perform at the event.

- Blake Shelton's new album will be titled Red River Blue, and the project will be released on July 12, including his latest single, "Honey Bee." In 2010, Shelton released two Six Pak albums (with six tracks each) and a greatest hits compilation, Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton. Blake Shelton is currently featured as a judge and mentor on NBC's The Voice.

- The winners of the Academy of Country Music Awards 2011: ENTERTAINER Taylor Swift - MALE Brad Paisley - FEMALE Miranda Lambert - VOCAL DUO Sugarland - VOCAL GROUP Lady Antebellum - NEW SOLO VOCALIST Eric Church - NEW VOCAL DUO or GROUP The Band Perry - NEW ARTIST The Band Perry - ALBUM Need You Now - Lady Antebellum - SINGLE, SONG & VIDEO "The House That Built Me" Miranda Lambert - VOCAL EVENT "As She's Walking Away" Zac Brown Band/Alan Jackson!!!!

- 53rd GRAMMY Awards on 13, february 2011:

Record of the year: LADY ANTEBELLUM: Need you now.

Song of the year: LADY ANTEBELLUM: Need you now

Best Female Country Vocal performance: MIRANDA LAMBERT: The house that built me

Best Male Country Vocal performance: KEITH URBAN: 'Til summer comes around.

Best Country Performance by a duo or group with vocals: LADY ANTEBELLUM: Need you now

Best Country collaboration with vocals: ZAC BROWN BAND & ALAN JACKSON "As she's walking away"

Best Country Instrumental Performance: MARTY STUART: Hummingbyrd ("Ghost train" CD on Sugar Hill)

Best Country Song: LADY ANTEBELLUM: Need you now

Best Country Album: LADY ANTEBELLUM: Need you now

Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album: DIAMOND RIO "The reason" Word

Best Compilation Soundtrack Album: CRAZY HEART

Best Song written for Motion Picture: RYAN BINGHAM & T-BONE BURNETT "The weary kind"

2011

- Alan Jackson has parted ways with his longtime record label, Arista Nashville. He has sold more than 50 million albums during his 22-year tenure at the label. In late November, Jackson said that his 34 Number Ones was the final step of his contractual obligations to Arista Nashville, and that he was exploring all options for his recording career. The greatest hits compilation was released on Nov. 22. Jackson begins his 2011 tour on Feb. 1 in Sudbury, Ontario, and come in march for his first tour of Australia, and he's currently writing songs for a forthcoming album.

- Dierks Bentley is nominated at the Grammy Awards 2011 for best country album and two best country vocal collaborations. The Grammy winners will be announced Feb. 13 on a CBS-TV special broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

- KEITH URBAN at Super Bowl 2011: Keith Urban will play at the pregame celebration at Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6. Material from the album, Get Closer, will be on the list. And the Black Eyed Peas will perform during the Super Bowl halftime show. Urban performed at Cowboys Stadium on Thanksgiving Day during the halftime show at the New Orleans Saints/Dallas Cowboys game. The Super Bowl pregame show airs at 2 p.m. ET on the Fox network. More than 153 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year's game to make it the most-watched television program in history.

- LIONEL RICHIE country duets album: Producer Tony Brown says he's almost completed recording Lionel Richie's album of duets with country artists. So far done are "Stuck on You" (with Darius Rucker), "Sail On" (Tim McGraw), "Lady" (Kenny Rogers), "Easy" (Willie Nelson), "Deep River Woman" (Little Big Town), "You Are" (Blake Shelton) and "All Night Long" (Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band). Still to do are recordings with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland and the Zac Brown Band. "We're having a blast," Brown tells CMT.com. "Lionel is the coolest fun guy, and he's blown away by the musicians here." Brown estimates the album will be out this summer.

- A member of Rascal Flatts is invited on Justin Bieber's new album.

DECEMBER 2010

- Winners of the 1st ever American Country Awards 2010.

The American Country Awards debuted live from Las Vegas on Dec. 6, and if nothing else, the inaugural awards program made for an interesting two hours of television. Hosted by Trace Adkins, the show offered diverse nomination categories, more performance opportunities for the format’s newer acts and custom-made Fender guitars for its award recipients. The big winners: Carrie Underwood with six awards, including Artist of the Year and Lady Antebellum with four awards, including Single of the Year. Brad Paisley won Male Artist of the Year and Easton Corbin won Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Alan Jackson received the Greatest Hits Award and Rascal Flatts took the Decade Award.

Winner Artist of the Year (Overall)
Carrie Underwood

Winner Male Artist of the Year
Brad Paisley

Winner Female Artist of the Year
Carrie Underwood

Winner New/Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Easton Corbin

Duo/Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum

Album of the Year
"Play On," Carrie Underwood

Single of the Year
"Need You Now," Lady Antebellum

Single by a Male Artist
"Why Don’t We Just Dance," Josh Turner

Single by a Female Artist
"Cowboy Casanova," Carrie Underwood

Single by a Duo/Group
"Need You Now," Lady Antebellum

Single by New/Breakthrough
"Little More Country Than That," Easton Corbin

Winner Music Video of The Year
"Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins

Winner Music Video by a Male Artist
"Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins

Winner Music Video by a Female Artist
"Cowboy Casanova," Carrie Underwood

Winner Music Video by a Duo/Group/Collaboration
"Need You Now," Lady Antebellum

Winner Music Video by a New/Breakthrough Artist
"A Little More Country Than That," Easton Corbin

Winner Touring Artist of the Year
Carrie Underwood

NOVEMBER 2010

- Voici les vainqueurs des 44èmes CMA awards, diffusés le 10 novembre 2010 en direct sur ABC.

Entertainer of the Year - Brad Paisley

Female Vocalist of the Year - Miranda Lambert

Male Vocalist of the Year - Blake Shelton

New Artist of the Year - Zac Brown Band

Vocal Group of the Year - Lady Antebellum

Vocal Duo of the Year - Sugarland

Album of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
Revolution - Miranda Lambert
Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke
Columbia Nashville

Single of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
"Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum
Produced by Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum
Capitol Records Nashville

Song of the Year
(Award goes to Songwriter(s))
"The House That Built Me" - Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin

Musical Event of the Year
(Award goes to each Artist)
"Hillbilly Bone" - Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
Reprise Records

Music Video of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
"The House That Built Me", Miranda Lambert - Directed by Trey Fanjoy

Musician of the Year - Mac McAnally - Guitar

SEPTEMBER 2010

- Taylor Swift will sing on october 25 in New York at the United Nations for the promotion of her new album "Speak now". MTV Networks will broadcast the performance in each country where the network has an affiliate.

- Brad Pitt will be Jerry Lee Lewis in a future movie.

- These are the nominees for the CMA Awards 2010:

Entertainer of the Year
Lady Antebellum
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban
Zac Brown Band

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

Male Vocalist
Dierks Bentley
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Keith Urban

Album of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer.)
Need You Now
Lady Antebellum
Producers: Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum

Play On
Carrie Underwood
Producers: Mark Bright and Max Martin

Revolution
Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke

Twang
George Strait
Producers: Tony Brown and George Strait

Up on the Ridge
Dierks Bentley
Producer: Jon Randall Stewart

Musical Event
(Award goes to each artist.)
"Bad Angel"
Dierks Bentley featuring Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson

"Can't You See"
Zac Brown Band featuring Kid Rock

"Hillbilly Bone"
Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins

"I'm Alive"
Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews

"Till the End"
Alan Jackson with Lee Ann Womack

The following is a list of nominees announced Tuesday in Nashville:

New Artist
Luke Bryan
Easton Corbin
Jerrod Niemann
Chris Young
Zac Brown Band

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

Vocal Duo
Brooks & Dunn
Joey & Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland

Single of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer.)
"A Little More Country Than That"
Easton Corbin
Producer: Carson Chamberlain

"Hillbilly Bone"
Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
Producer: Scott Hendricks

"Need You Now"
Lady Antebellum
Producers: Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum

"The House That Built Me"
Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke

"White Liar"
Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke

Song of the Year
(Award goes to songwriter.)
"A Little More Country Than That"
Songwriters: Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress and Wynn Varble

"Need You Now"
Songwriters: Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Josh Kear

"The House That Built Me"
Songwriters: Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin

"Toes"
Songwriters: Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, John Driskell Hopkins and Shawn Mullins

"White Liar"
Songwriters: Miranda Lambert and Natalie Hemby

Music Video
(Award goes to artist and director.)
"Hillbilly Bone"
Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
Director: Roman White

"Need You Now"
Lady Antebellum
Director: David McClister

"The House That Built Me"
Miranda Lambert
Director: Trey Fanjoy

"Water"
Brad Paisley
Director: Jim Shea

"White Liar"
Miranda Lambert
Director: Chris Hickey

Musician
Paul Franklin -- Steel Guitar
Dann Huff -- Guitar
Brent Mason -- Guitar
Mac McAnally -- Guitar
Randy Scruggs -- Guitar

AUGUST 2010

- LADY ANTEBELLUM RELEASES: EXCLUSIVE iTUNES SESSION TODAY.

Grammy award winning trio Lady Antebellum releases a seven song EP of their biggest hits and fan-favorite cuts as part of an iTunes Session.  The band also recorded a cover song, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' "Learning To Fly." The intimate performance was recorded at a studio in Nashville earlier this Spring.

“Sessions” Track Listing:
 1. I Run To You
 2. Need You Now
 3. Learning To Fly
 4. Our Kind Of Love
 5. Love This Pain
 6. American Honey
 7. Hello World

Fans can catch the group on the road this Fall for their first ever headlining tour -  the NEED YOU NOW TOUR 2010. For a full list of tour dates and media appearances, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.

- CMA MUSIC FEST 2011 on june 9-12. Tickets on sale from august 23 on CMAfest.com and ticketmaster.com. That will be the 40th anniversary and many surprises are already scheduled.

- FOX COUNTRY AWARDS: Fox will announce the launch of a new fan-voted country music awards show. The American Country Awards will air Dec. 6 live from Las Vegas. The two-hour telecast is being executive produced by Bob Bain, who handles Fox’s hit Teen Choice Awards. Categories will include Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Touring Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Music Video by a Breakthrough Artist, among others. Including the new show on Fox, their will be four major televised country music awards ceremonies. Fans also vote for the CMT Music Awards; and the ACM Awards (CBS) have added more fan-voted categories in recent years. The CMA Awards air on ABC.

JULY 2010

- The performance of DIERKS BENTLEY on may 22 at the Ryman Auditorium were taped for a broadcast on PBS very soon. Take a look at PBS schedule.

- DIERKS BENTLEY new CD "Up on the ridge" is in stores internationally on july 19. There is a duet with Miranda Lambert on "Bad angel" and a cover of U2's "Pride in the name of love".

- THE JUDDS 2010 Tour: Tickets for the Judds' Last Encore tour go on sale on July 16. Premium ticket packages will be offered on the duo's website. The "fan package" includes seating in rows six through 10, early access into the concert venue, a pre-show reception with hors d'oeuvres and an exclusive T-shirt. The packages will be sold for $150-$350, depending on the market. The VIP offer includes all elements of the fan package plus seating in the first five rows and a post show meet-and-greet with Wynonna and Naomi Judd. The tour begins Nov. 26 in Green Bay, Wis., and concludes Dec. 19 in Phoenix. Tickets to some of the concerts will not go on sale until as late as October.

- 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 Solo vocalist: LUKE BRYAN

Top New Vocal duo: JOEY & RORY

Top New Vocal group: GLORIANA

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:

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

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