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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Wimberley Texas artist Robert Bartosh releases "California Shaky Ground"

FTHOI Music Presents


The New Country Single by
Robert Bartosh

"California Shaky Ground"

Radio Stations Click Here to download
the new single (CD Quality) from the
"Out Of The Sock Drawer" album.

Album Presented to Radio by Radio Submit.



Wednesday, July 30, 2008

CCMA's for Anya Wilson's clients

Anya Wilson Promotion & Publicity is proud to announce the nominations of their clients for this year's CCMA's (Canadian Country Music Awards.) All artists will be present at Country Music Week in Winnipeg 5th – 8th September, including a performance by Fans' Choice Nominee George Canyon.

GEORGE CANYON (http://www.georgecanyon.com/)

Fans' Choice Award.

CMT Video of the Year for "Ring of Fire"

Male Artist of the Year

Record Producer/s of the Year. G.Canyon/Rick Mizzoni – Ride (Jo Hikk)

Country Music Program or Special of the Year – George Canyon: Hometown Helper

Top Selling Canadian Album - Classics

George is currently co-writing a new album with Nickelback's Chad Kroeger and US singer/songwriter Richard Marx. George has just returned from a memorable Canada Day visit to the troops in Afghanistan where a missile attack took place in the midst of the very first number of his performance. George was proudly invested on February 21st as an honorary Colonel for Greenwood Wing in his home province of Nova Scotia.

DERIC RUTTAN (www.dericruttan.net)

Album of the Year "First Time In A Long Time"

Male Artist of the Year

Songwriter /s of the Year "First Time In A Long Time" D.Ruttan/Jimmy Rankin

Record Producer/s of the Year. D.Ruttan/Brett Beavers – First Time In A Long Time.

Deric's new album, "First Time In A Long Time, released on April 1st, this year, (OnRamp label/EMI) features two top 10 Canadian country singles: "Good Time", the duet with American star Dierks Bentley and the title track, co-written with Cape Breton's Jimmy Rankin.

Deric is originally from Bracebridge, Ontario and now makes his home in Nashville. He has co-written hits for Canadian country artists, Doc Walker and Aaron Pritchett's "Hold My Beer"(co-written with Mitch Merrett) which won the SOCAN's Songwriting Award at last years CCMA's.

Deric continues to perform throughout Canada and will do so until the end of the year, including such upcoming dates at the Rhinestone Festival in Toronto on August 2; The Jubilee Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on August 3; and the Annapolis Valley Exhibition in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia on August 16. (I will send a hi-res pic in another email).

Lisa Brokop. (www.lisabrokop.com)

Female Artist of the Year.

Lisa is one of Canada's leading country vocalists (with a powerful voice). She has been performing in the country field since she was a young teenager. Originally from BC, she has lived in Nashville for over 10 years. Her new album "Beautiful Tragedy" is slated for release on August 19, 2008. The first single entitled, "Break It" is currently rapidly climbing the Mediabase country chart. The album marks a breakthrough for Lisa, it is the first album she both wrote and produced herself. Lisa is the honorary chair for the CCMA's in Vancouver next year.

Jo Hikk. (www.johikk.com)

Top New Talent of the Year – Group or Duo.

If you check Jo Hikk's MySpace, you'll discover that this Calgary band including the Sitter brothers, Kelly (vocals) and Kenny (guitar)--has so many fans. Their new album "Ride" (MCC/ Fusion III) produced by George Canyon, was released in March. The current single is a fine re-make of The Stampeders classic pop hit, "Sweet City Woman"

Hey Romeo. (www.heyromeo.com)

Top New Talent of the Year – Group or Duo

Hey Romeo, based in Edmonton, consists of Rob Shapiro (keys), Darren Gusnowsky (guitar) and Stacie Roper (vocals). They were previously a cover band named Udder Maddness until they began to perform their own material a few years ago. their first album, "Hey Romeo" was released last year.(Icon/Fontana North), which included their version of Fleetwood Mac's "Second Hand News" for which they received a nomination for a 2008 CMW radio airplay award.

Desert Heat. (http://www.desertheatsongs.com/)

Top New Talent of the Year – Group or Duo

Desert Heat is a multi-talented Montreal country group featuring brothers Trevor Brunton (lead vocals) and Tim Brunton (guitars/ vocals), Jarrod P. Tetreault (guitars/ vocals), Robin Wilkinson (bass /vocals), Scott Mookie Foster (drums/ vocals), and Terry Joe Rodrigues (banjo/mandolin/guitar/harmonica/vocals);

The band released its debut album Forever Road in 2005 which led to it being nominated for Independent Group Of The Year at the 2006 Canadian Country Music Awards;

According to Canadian Country Music News, 'Desert Heat's live show has become one of the most talked about and raved about shows that has come on the Canadian scene in some time.'

Desert Heat's upcoming album is entitled "Tail Lights and Love."

JAMES OTTO JOINS ALAN JACKSON AND TRACE ADKINS AS SPECIAL GUEST ON THE GOOD TIME TOUR

JAMES OTTO JOINS ALAN JACKSON AND TRACE ADKINS AS SPECIAL GUEST ON THE GOOD TIME TOUR

NASHVILLE – July 30, 2008 – Warner Bros. Records’ James Otto unites with two of country music’s most exciting and accomplished artists when he joins Alan Jackson’s Good Time tour featuring Trace Adkins, as a special guest this Fall. The tour will kick-off Oct. 2, 2008 at Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC and make 17 stops through the Midwest, Northeast, Canada and the West Coast.

One of the fastest rising stars of country music today, Otto’s debut album on Warner Bros. Records, Sunset Man, was released on April 8, 2008 and debuted at No. 3 on the Top 200 Billboard Chart. The album continued to stay in the Top 5 on Billboard’s Country Albums charts for six weeks after its release. The first single off the album, “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” spent two weeks in the No. 1 position on the Billboard, Mediabase and R&R top country singles charts, and is Country Radio’s most played song of 2008 to date, according to mediabase. Otto’s second single, “For You,” is currently climbing the charts.

Three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and most nominated artist in CMA Awards history Alan Jackson is “one of country music’s true masters” writing songs that ‘make life’s mundanities carry emotional heft and make it look easy.” (USA Today) He has sold more than 49 million albums and topped the album and country album chart this year with GOOD TIME, which produced two #1 singles, “Small Town Southern Man” and “Good Time”, bringing Jackson’s career total of #1s to 33, 23 of which were written by the Grammy-winning songwriter.

Since releasing his platinum debut album in 1996, the Louisiana-born performer, musician, author and actor Trace Adkins has recorded seven studio albums, which netted him 24 singles on the Billboard chart. His latest chart-topping CD, American Man: Greatest Hits Vol. II includes the multi-week #l single "You're Gonna Miss This”. After his strong showing on NBC’s hit reality series, “The Celebrity Apprentice,” Adkins is turning to the big screen. He’ll soon appear in the feature film American Carol, an irreverent comedy directed by David Zucker. He is set to release his next studio album this fall.

www.myspace.com/jamesotto

http://www.jamesotto.net/

http://www.wbrnashville.com/

http://jamesotto.imeem.com/

# # #

Dwight Yoakam Presented with Gold Record by Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


DWIGHT YOAKAM SURPRISED WITH GOLD RECORD PRESENTATION BY VINCE VAUGHN AND JON FAVREAU AT THE GREEK THEATRE

CITY OF LOS ANGELES ALSO PRESENTS YOAKAM WITH A PROCLAMATION IN HIS HONOR

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 30, 2008 -- Dwight Yoakam was surprised with a presentation of his gold record for “The Very Best of Dwight Yoakam” Sunday night by Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau during his performance at Go Country 105’s “Summer Under The Stars” held at The Greek Theatre. Councilman Dennis Zine from the City of Los Angeles also presented Yoakam with a special proclamation.

Preparing to return to the stage to perform his encore, after a crowd pleasing set that lasted over an hour and a half, Yoakam was surprised by a special presentation that started off with Councilman Dennis Zine presenting with a proclamation making July 27, 2008 Dwight Yoakam Day in the City of Los Angeles. Vaughn and Favreau then joined Yoakam on stage presenting him with the gold record for “The Very Best of Dwight Yoakam,” released by Warner Bros./Rhino Records.

Since the release of his debut album, Dwight Yoakam has gone on to sell more than 25 million albums worldwide, has been nominated for a staggering 21 Grammys, winning two Grammy Awards and was bestowed the honor of “International Artist Achievement Award” by the Country Music Association in 2007.

Dwight is also concentrating on his successful acting career. He has completed the broad comedy role of Pastor Phil for the forthcoming Lionsgate release “Four Christmases” in which he co-stars with Vince Vaughan and Reese Witherspoon. This will be major holiday release in November. Dwight will be reprieving his role as Doc Miles in the forthcoming sequel to Crank called “Crank: High Voltage” in which he co-stars with Jason Statham and Amy Smart.

Yoakam recently re-launched his website (www.dwightyoakam.com) with the debut of The Route 23 Club (www.route23club.com), a new fan club site offering exclusive access to Yoakam content – including news, pictures, video, audio, desktop wallpapers, buddy icons and special "behind the scenes" footage. The site’s "Interact" section includes a members-only discussion board, where fans can communicate with each other, members of Yoakam's management team, and even Yoakam himself. Additionally, the club features exclusive monthly contests with prizes including signed merchandise, tour meet & greets with Yoakam and concert tickets. Yoakam has also launched a new MySpace page (www.myspace.com/dwightyoakam) and Facebook page.

For more information on Dwight Yoakam, including message boards, tour dates and more, please visit www.dwightyoakam.com.

Fan Fest 2008 to Feature Top Bluegrass Acts Plus Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea & Michael Martin Murphey


Fan Fest 2008 to Feature Top Bluegrass Acts Plus Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea & Michael Martin Murphey; Proceeds Fund Bluegrass Trust & IBMA Projects

Nashville, TN…Bluegrass music’s premier indoor festival is just around the corner! Industry reps and bluegrass fans alike will want to reserve their tickets as soon as possible for IBMA’s Bluegrass Fan Fest, scheduled for October 3-5, 2008, at the Nashville Convention Center. The star-studded event that wraps up World of Bluegrass Week (Sept. 28-Oct. 5) will present the talents of more than 60 acts on four stages, including the Main Stage, the Roots & Branches Stage, the Masters Workshop Stage and the Grand Master Fiddler Championship.

In addition to the fabulous music and exciting opportunities to interact with artists face-to-face after they perform, attendees will enjoy visiting a bluegrass music-themed Exhibit Hall with more than 100 booths, and jam sessions for musicians of all ages and levels of expertise will be going on everywhere!

Multi-award winning Vince Gill has hosted the International Bluegrass Music Awards before, but October 4 will mark his first appearance at Fan Fest. With a name synonymous with excellence in singing, songwriting and playing, Gill has won over legions of fans since his early career days on the bluegrass circuit. His platinum-selling, multi-format boxed set, These Days, earned him his 19th Grammy® Award for Best Country Album this year. In August he will embark on a concert tour billed as "A Special Acoustic Evening with Vince Gill."

Grammy-winning Kathy Mattea, singer of such classics as “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses” and “Where’ve You Been,” will appear at Fan Fest for the second time, this year. Her critically acclaimed release, Coal, produced by Marty Stuart and released earlier this year on her own Captain Potato Records, marks Mattea's return to her West Virginia roots. Mattea, whose parents grew up in coal camps and whose grandfathers were both miners, has a pure and authentic voice that soars through the collection of songs which explores the pride and pain of the coal miner in America.

Michael Martin Murphey, known for hits like “Wildfire,” “Carolina in the Pines,” and “What’s Forever For,” is one of the foremost proponents of western music and is a member of the Western Music Hall of Fame. He received the Cowboy Keeper Award from the National Day of the Cowboy in May of this year. He has received six gold records, including one for Cowboy Songs, which became the first western album declared gold by the RIAA since Marty Robbins’ Gunfighter. He has also earned numerous awards from BMI, the Academy of Country Music, The Academy of Western Artists and Performers and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, among others.

Proceeds from Fan Fest ticket sales benefit the Bluegrass Trust Fund, established to help bluegrass professionals during times of emergency need, as well as IBMA’s marketing and educational events during the year. All artists appearing at the event donate their time and talents for the cause.

“As far as I’m concerned, bluegrass music owns the deepest talent pool in any genre of music today,” comments Fan Fest producer, Carl Jackson. “To have so many wonderful artists step up to the plate and donate their time and effort for the IBMA Trust Fund speaks volumes about the music and the entire bluegrass community.”

In addition to Gill, Mattea and Murphey, performing artists confirmed at press time include The Grascals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Bradley Walker, Dale Ann Bradley, The Dan Tyminski Band, Tony Trischka, Cherryholmes, Jesse McReynolds Family & Friends, J.D. Crowe, Blue Highway, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, David Parmley & Continental Divide, Paul Williams & Victory Trio, Special Consensus, Dailey & Vincent, Don Rigsby & Midnight Call, The Larry Stephenson Band…and more!

National sponsors for Bluegrass Fan Fest 2008 are Martha White Foods, Martin Guitars and Knee Deep in Bluegrass.

Tickets for all World of Bluegrass events are available at http://www.ibma.org/ or by calling 888-GET-IBMA (615) 256-3222. For discount rates on accommodations, call the event housing bureau at 1-877-259-4716.

_____________________________________________________________________________

BLUEGRASS FAN FEST 2008

October 3, 4, 5 - Nashville Convention Center – Nashville, Tenn.

Sponsored in part by Martha White Foods, Martin Guitars & Knee Deep in Bluegrass

FEATURED ARTISTS:

The Grascals

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Vince Gill

Bradley Walker

Dale Ann Bradley

The Dan Tyminski Band

Kathy Mattea

Tony Trischka

Cherryholmes

Jesse McReynolds Family & Friends

J.D. Crowe

Blue Highway

Michael Martin Murphey

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

David Parmley & Continental Divide

Paul Williams & Victory Trio

Special Consensus

Dailey & Vincent

Don Rigsby & Midnight Call

The Larry Stephenson Band

Audie Blaylock & Redline

Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group

The Chapmans

Ralph Stanley II

Alecia Nugent

Grasstowne

Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain

The Greencards

Keith Sewell

NewFound Road

Blue Moon Rising

Circuit Riders

Balsam Range

The Freight Hoppers

The April Verch Band

Ramona Jones Family & Friends

G2 Bluegrass

Mike Seeger

The Maybelles

The Red Desert Ramblers

The Tina and Buddy Wright Group

The Songcatchers

Dennis Cash & Friends

Kids On Bluegrass 2008 - Featuring: Aimee Anderson, Daisy Anderson, Ethan Anderson, Paige Anderson, Lindsey Batts, Danielle Bishop, Courtney Burroughs, Houston Caldwell, Casey Campbell, Kendra Coomes, Emily Dean, Stephanie Dilling, Ben Doerfel, Eddie Doerfel, Joey Doerfel, Kurt Doerfel, Tommy Doerfel, Ethan Haithcox, Jacob Joins, Nick Keen, Aissa Lee, Daniel Perry, Sydni Perry, Seth Taylor, Brandon Toney, Molly Tuttle, Tyler Walker, Tyler White, Austin Wilder and Grace Wilson

For specific set and date times, check http://www.ibma.org/ later this month.

-END-


SNEAK PEEK Inside Fashion Rocks 2008: 5th Anniversary-Entertainment Guide to the Hottest Names Fashion & Music

For Fashion Rocks™ 5th anniversary, the editors of this year’s supplement have pulled out all the stops. Edited by Jonathan Van Meter, with Vogue’s Anna Wintour serving as Editorial Director, this star-studded issue is packed with the hottest names in music and fashion: Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Usher, Mark Ronson, Andre 3000, Pharrell, the Black Eyed Peas and many more…

Below are some of our top quotes and picks of entertainment and music included within the pages of Fashion Rocks:

JUSTIN TIME!

“I don’t want to be Mr. Sexy Back forever,” says Justin Timberlake in this 4-page spread where he talks about his own fashion sensibility and how he thinks it’s funny that Ashton Kutcher claims responsibility for the trucker cap trend. “I’ve heard him make that statement before,” he says. “Trace and I were wearing them when we were 17.” But when describing his own style, Justin admits, “I don’t walk out of the house thinking, ‘Man, I hope somebody thinks this looks cool.’ There’s some stuff I wear that people think is not cool.” Wearing William Rast from head to toe, Justin describes his new collection with Johan Lindeberg as “Southern heritage meets forward European innovation.”

HIT MAN

“Every week, Amy would get bored after ten minutes, walk to the tattoo parlor across the street, and get another tattoo. Then she’d come back all blood-loss woozy and droop into a seat,” says Marc Ronson on working with Amy Winehouse. In this feature article, Ronson talks about growing up in the music industry and the groundbreaking albums that earned him 3 Grammys and Brit award for best male solo artist. “I had this tacky ‘celebrity deejay’ title, so no one took me seriously as a producer,” says Ronson. “They thought I washed Puffy’s champagne glasses.

ARTIST PORTFOLIO

Photographed by the worlds leading photographers including Steven Meisel, Jean-Baptiste Mondino, Craig McDean, Martin Schoeller and Norman Jean Roy, this year’s performance portfolio features today’s hottest musical talent who will come together on stage for the Fashion Rocks™ CBS television special on Friday, September 5, 2008, and will air Tuesday, September 9, 2008 (9:00-11:00, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Featured here are Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Usher, Chris Brown, Rihanna and the Black Eyed Peas. most highly anticipated star-studded concerts of the season at New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall.

I AM LEGEND

Fashion Rocks EXCLUSIVE: An excerpt from Nirvana manager Danny Goldberg’s new book Bumping into Geniuses: My Life Inside The Rock and Roll Business. Goldberg recounts the rise and fall of Kurt Cobain, and how while he may have succeeded as his manager, he failed him as a friend. He calls the smart, quirky, sympathetic rock artist he came to know as a “true genius” who never lost touch with his initial fans while simultaneously appealing to the masses. When Wal-Mart didn’t want to carry Nirvana’s In Utero album because of risky cover art, Kurt had no problem creating a new cover just for Wal-Mart shoppers, although the record label urged him not to. “Of course I want our records in Wal-Mart,” said Cobain, “When I was a kid, the only place near where we lived to buy records was a Wal-Mart. One of the reasons I make records is for kids like me.”

HOLLYWOOD ROCKS

Fashion Rocks editors feature their favorite music-centric films soon to be released:

  • Guy Ritchie’s Rocknrolla stars Jeremy Piven, Ludacris & Toby Kebbell: “The dedication I put into starving myself really helped me play the part,” say Toby Kebbell. “Whatever Johnny does, he’s fully committed, whether it’s acting like a completely violent pig or trying to be a decent person—and that’s what makes him a genuine rock-n-roller.”
  • Michael Cera romances Kat Dennings in Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist: “In the film, whenever I talked about Where’s Fluffy?—who are supposed to be the best band ever in the universe—the band I would substitute for them in my mind was Hanson. I still listen to them all the time—I’m not ashamed.”
  • Zooey Deschanel’s leading her sexy girl group in Yes Man. (Also starring some guy you may have heard of named Jim Carrey)
  • Hamlet 2, Steve Coogan puts his spin on the classic tragedy and knows how to walk the fine line between pathetic and cool. “The secret is to commit,” he says. “If you commit yourself 100 percent to acting like the biggest asshole that ever lived, you somehow come through that and you end up being the coolest guy in the room.”

JUST PRESS PLAY

From rock to hip-hop, Robert Levine gives a list of this fall’s most downloadable tunes and artists to watch, including new albums from old favorites like U2, The Cure and Echo & The Bunnymen and debuts from Lykke Li, Jennifer Hudson, Ray Lamontagne, A Camp (Cardigans singer Nina Persson’s band) and Terrance Howard. The list also highlights favorite acts like Gym Class Heroes, Ciara, Jem, Dashboard Confessional, The Teenagers, Juliana Hatfield, Bens Fold, Robin Thicke and The Academy Is…

HOME BOY

From his candyland perched high above Miami, superstar producer Pharrell Williams has been designing everything from sounds to sunglasses—and quietly amassing an impressive collection of contemporary art. “This isn’t a party pad, even if it looks like one,” he says. “Usually I’m just here watching the Discovery Channel.”

MUST READS

Be sure to check out Fashion Rocks features including:

  • “We only ever wanted to become important, not famous,” states Jamie Hince. The Kills discuss their acclaimed new album—and the love of a certain supermodel (Kate Moss!). Upon meeting Moss for the first time at a party, he simply said to her, “Sorry, what’s your name again?” and she was hooked there and then.
  • Joan Jett’s first hand recount of her encounters with hard-edged looks and sounds that shaped her unique style. “I was experiencing success after years of being told I should lose the guitar and put on a dress.”
  • Harvard Ivy league grads, Chester French, who are making waves in the industry. Marching across the quad in feathered and winged Thom Browne suits, they why their demos piqued the hop-hop megastars’ interest. “Kanye and Pharrell have broad interests and make a lot of different kinds of music,” says Maxwell Drummey. “People who are into a lot of different things seem to like us.”

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

BLAKE SHELTON APPEARING ON THE TODAY SHOW AND CBS EARLY SHOW

WATCH

BLAKE SHELTON

ON THE TODAY SHOW

Friday, August 1 on NBC 10:00 AM EST

AND …

CATCH BLAKE ON

THE EARLY SHOW

PERFORMING HIS MULTI-WEEK NO. 1 HIT “HOME”

Monday, August 18 on CBS 8:00 AM EST

Monday, July 28, 2008

MEDIA ALERT: Montage Music Group’s Andy Griggs Joins WSM’s Eddie Stubbs for “Intimate Evening” Series

Montage Music Group’s Andy Griggs Joins WSM’s Eddie Stubbs for “Intimate Evening” Series

Montage Music Group’s Andy Griggs will be the special guest tonight during “An Intimate Evening with Eddie Stubbs” at the Country Music Hall of Fame to talk about his new release on Montage Music Group called THE GOOD LIFE and also about beating poker pros at their own game on ESPN TV and about life in general.

Host, Eddie Stubbs is a big Griggs fan and friend so you can be certain that some very interesting stories will be sparked among the two. “I am so very excited to have Andy on our program. He is such a multi-talented artist and he puts his whole heart and soul into everything he does,” comments Eddie Stubbs, Host of WSM-AM’s “An Intimate Evening with Eddie Stubbs” and announcer for the legendary Grand Ole Opry.

Don’t miss “An Intimate Evening with Eddie Stubbs and Andy Griggs” tonight from 7-9pm at the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum Store or tune in and hear the live broadcast on 650 WSM-AM , www.wsmonline.com or will later broadcasts on XM Satellite Radio’s America Channel #10 at 12:00AM Eastern Time on Wednesday July 30th.

# # # #

www.andygriggs.com

www.myspace.com/andygriggs

Country Music Recording Artist Laura Bryna Flies the Skies Above Country Thunder Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Country Music Recording Artist Laura Bryna

Flies the Skies Above Country Thunder Festival

New Voice of Air Guard Campaign Gets Up Close on Refueling Mission at 30,000 Feet

NASHVILLE,TN (July 23, 2008) – Equity Music Group recording artist Laura Bryna got an ‘up close and personal’ look at an F-16 fighter jet this past week…at 30,000 feet and 400 miles per hour. A passenger on an Air Guard KC-135R Stratotanker, Bryna watched as Air Guard pilots refueled six jets during an early morning mission over the site of the annual Country Thunder music festival at Twin Lakes in Randall, WI.

Bryna later hit the stage to perform songs from her debut CD, including the new ‘Hometown Heroes’, which she co-wrote. The song, which honors Air Guard men and women who answer the call to serve country and community, will be the official theme song for the Air Guard’s yearlong national ad campaign on radio and television.

As spokesperson for the Air Guard’s campaign, Bryna has been busy helping to spread the word, most recently at Air Guard-sponsored stops at Country Thunder and at Cheyenne’s Frontier Days this week in Wyoming.

During Bryna’s spirited performance at Country Thunder, she invited Air Guard members onstage and introduced them to the crowd. She also made an appearance at the Air Guard booth during the festival, where a specially-designed Copley guitar was given away to one lucky festival attendee.

On the heels of her Wisconsin performance, Bryna traveled to Wyoming early this week for a Guard-sponsored concert at the Static Air Show in Cheyenne.

Bryna recently filmed a video for “Hometown Heroes” which will be part of the national ad campaign for the Air Guard. Additionally, she’ll perform at a number of concerts around the country, including a special engagement over Labor Day Weekend to raise awareness and funds for the Folds of Honor Foundation, a legacy foundation designed to provide educational scholarships for dependents and spouses of service members who are either killed or disabled while serving in the U.S. military. The organization was founded by Captain Dan Rooney, an F-16 pilot with the Air Guard and a teaching golf professional with the PGA.

Her affiliation with the Air Guard is a natural one for Bryna, a longtime supporter of the men and women in uniform. “Being a part of the mission to lift the spirits of our service men and women is an honor for me,” she said. “What an awesome organization and what an awesome experience. I am truly humbled by it.”

The Air Guard has unique dual mission. When natural disasters or civil disturbances hit a state, the Governor, or other appropriate authority, calls out the Air Guard for a state mission. In response, the Air Guard is there to help save lives, rescue neighbors and deliver critical supplies to stricken communities. The other role is the federal mission. It's an answer to the President's call for overseas humanitarian aid, or support of our nation's Homeland Defense efforts. There are currently over 140 Air Guard units in the United States and its territories.

Laura Bryna’s current radio single, “Life Is Good,” is currently climbing the country radio charts. Her full length debut CD, TRYING TO BE ME is in stores now. You can learn more about Nashville’s newest singing sensation by visiting www.laurabryna.com or www.myspace.com/laurabryna.

###

Happy Hour Starts Early With Stephen Cochran on His New Video Game Website

,
Happy Hour Starts Early With Stephen Cochran on His New Video Game Website

(Nashville, TN)- Aria Records recording artist Stephen Cochran is launching his new video game. The virtual bar allows fans to challenge Stephen in a drinking contest to promote his new single "Thinkin I'm Drinkin". Upload a personal picture at the prompt and get started drinking. As a fan, you can actually see yourself sitting right next to Stephen at the bar drinking beer after beer and shot after shot. Beware because the interactive Stephen will let you know if you are drinking too slowly!

The game was produced by Grassroots Promotion, a Nashville radio promotions and music marketing company. GrassRoots previously produced a successful online game for the BamaJam Music Festival in Enterprise, AL. The "Thinkin' I'm Drinkin'" game interface allows the user to upload a photo and become a "virtual drinking buddy" with Cochran.

"Thinkin' I'm Drinkin'" is such a fun song and the game allows Stephen to connect with his fans in an unexpected way, while building word-of-mouth awareness that will take his music to a bigger audience. We are always looking for ways to effectively bring digital promotions into the marketing mix. "Creating innovative branded content and casual games is a new service we are excited to offer our clients," says Jim Alderdice, Director of Marketing, GrassRoots Promotion.

For more information on Stephen Cochran please visit www.stephencochran.com, or his myspace at www.myspace.com/stephencochran.

To play the interactive video game Thinkin' I'm Drinkin' visit www.thinkinimdrinkin.com.

CHESNUTT BUS IN CRASH!



MARK CHESNUTT'S BUS IN CRASH!


Mark Chesnutt's bus was rear-ended on
Sunday morning, July 27
.

The bus departed Saturday night after Mark's performance at Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth, TX; the band was heading back to Nashville. At approx. 3:30AM Sunday morning, the bus was rear-ended by a vehicle traveling 100 miles an hour.

The majority of Mark's band was aboard the bus (Kenny Thurman, Delaney Jackson, Cary Stone Lee Kelley, Steve Ledford, Bob Gulley, Don Bradley and driver Dave Simon). Fortunately no one was injured in the crash. The young driver's car, however, was totaled.

Two police cars arrived at the scene (with one of the squad cars being delayed by a flat tire). Kenny Thurman (Mark's road manager) changed the tire for the officer while reports were taken. The young male driver reportedly had been drinking and was driving without a license.

"I'm really, really glad all the boys are alright. Thank God."
Mark said. "...in as much as I was in the air, I'd still rather drive than fly! I love the bus!" Chesnutt was in route traveling to his home in Beaumont.



Zachary Hunter Featured in Country Weekly - on Stands Now

For Immediate Release:

Zachary Hunter is Featured Artist in Country Weekly's "Listen Up!" - on Stands Now

Title Track to Colorado Artist's Current CD is Available as Free Download for Two Weeks

NASHVILLE, TN (July 28, 2008) – Zachary Hunter and the title track to his latest CD, In Your Dreams, are featured in the August 11 edition of Country Weekly magazine – on stands now.

Hunter is profiled in the "Listen Up!" section of the magazine and his song, "In Your Dreams," is available as a free download at CountryWeekly.com for the next two weeks.

Hunter is included in "Listen Up!" with rising country music artists Katie Armiger, Mikel Knight, Rhonda Towns, River Country and Jason Allen.

Hunter, a resident of Durango, Colorado, is currently off to a strong start at radio with his latest single, "Those Aren't Tears (In My Eyes)." He and producer Ed Stasium are busy working on tracks from the artist's as-yet-untitled forthcoming CD.

For more information about Zachary Hunter go to: http://www.ZacharyHunter.com

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New Randy Travis CD, Kitty Wells Autograph Signing, Signed Trisha Yearwood Cookbook and more!

Store Specials & Product Updates
, Check out our new product and up coming in-store signing with Kitty Wells.
New CD Release
In-Store Signing
Signed Cookbook
This CD is Randy Travis' first country release since 1999 and features 11 brand new tracks and is also available in a deluxe edition that comes with a DVD of his CMT unplugged performance.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Kitty Wells will sign autographs in the Museum Store celebrating the opening of the new exhibit: Kitty Wells: Queen of Country Music, Presented by Great American Country Television Network.
This breathtaking cookbook features a wonderful collection of favorite family recipes and warm memories that your family is sure to enjoy. Autographed copies are very limited, so buy now!

Jeff Griffith Reels in Another 'Big One' - Fishin' Forever Impacts Radio Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jeff Griffith Reels In Another ‘Big One’ – “Fishin’ Forever” Impacts Country Radio Today

"Fishin' Forever is a toe-tapping hillbilly ditty that will make ya smile. Country with a capital 'C.'" - Robert K. Oermann, Music Row

Nashville, TN (July 28, 2008) – Jeff Griffith reels in another winner with his new single, “Fishin’ Forever,” which hits radio programmers’ desks nationwide today (CDX Vol. 453, track 8).

This fun up-tempo, written by hitmakers Tony Stampley and Larry Shaw, is the perfect antidote for the dog days of summer – and the summertime blues. “Workin’ men and women really identify with the lyrics,” says the laid back Griffith. “With the high price of gasoline, and the economy hurting in general, a lot of folks are really feelin’ the pinch and optin’ to make their good times happen a little closer to home.”

"I was just wishin' I could go fishin' forever,
Grab my old cane pole, head down to the hole on the river
Leave my worries behind, grab a little piece of mind, things would be a whole lot better.
I was wishin' I could go fishin' forever" - T. Stampley/ L. Shaw

The single, the fifth released from Jeff’s debut CD, IF IT AIN’T ONE THING IT’S ANOTHER (Arrowhead Records), follows a string of Top 40 hits that include: “I’m Your Radio,” “Drinkin’ Thing,” “Holed Up In Some Honky Tonk” and the disc’s title track.

Jeff won’t have much leisure time the rest of this summer – he’ll be headlining across Texas and Louisiana, as well as sharing select dates with Joe Stampley, Jeff Bates and others.

Fans can access Griffith’s tour schedule, audio clips and more at www.jeffgriffith.net or www.myspace.com/jeffgriffith .

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Country Weekly Fast Facts 8.11.08

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FAST FACTS

The following items are from the August 11 issue of COUNTRY WEEKLY, on sale July 28. We invite you to use any of them, but we ask that you please credit COUNTRY WEEKLY for each item used.

COVER STORY: TOBY KEITH––A ROCK SOLID LOVE
A Country Weekly exclusive––Toby Keith takes you to his Oklahoma ranch where he and his family share the good times. Toby reveals that the ranch offers an escape from the pressures of the music business. “It’s the perfect balance,” he tells Country Weekly. “When I cross through those gates after being out on the road, I know this is where I’m supposed to be.” The story also features up-close photos of Toby and his beautiful 160-acre spread. Plus, Toby talks about his new movie, Beer for My Horses, which hits theaters Aug. 8. “I wanted this to be a character-driven movie,” Toby says. “I wanted every person in it to matter.”

COUNTRY FOLKS CAN SURVIVE
Some of your favorite country stars know how to stretch a dollar in tough economic times––they’ve all been there before. Check out some timely money-saving tips from Craig Morgan, Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney, Heidi Newfield and more in this special section. “We minimize trips when we can, only go out when we have to,” says Craig. Josh Gracin declares that he’ll be eating out less often. “You can lose track just going through McDonald’s or Starbucks,” he says. “Take a look at your debit card receipts to see where your money’s going.”

PLUS!
Josh Turner answers questions on music, marriage and more . . . Lady Antebellum steps back in time for their new video . . . Trisha Yearwood sings the praises of milk in a new ad campaign . . . and Joe Nichols recalls fond memories of his hometown of Rogers, Ark.

Friday, July 25, 2008

RUSTIE BLUE’s Fourth Album Is Stronger Than Steel!

RUSTIE BLUE’s Fourth Album Is Stronger Than Steel!

Lancaster, OH (July 25, 2008) – RUSTIE BLUE’s highly anticipated fourth album, Stronger Than Steel, has been set for release on August 26, 2008! This is the follow-up album to her critically acclaimed Chip, Chip. Early feedback suggests that this should become another successful release for Rustie!

Larry Holden, Country Weekly Senior Editor: "An artist should always take a new project "up a notch" from the previous album. Rustie has done that Big Time. This is a well-crafted, well-produced CD. Rustie has definitely hit her stride."

Stuart Cameron, Radio Borders, Up Country magazine, Rush Released (formerly HotDisc): "It's been a four year wait for the new Rustie Blue album and it's been well worth the wait.

In that four years Rustie has matured into a performer who is at the very top of her tree on the independent scene, and the only problem was being able to choose the right singles to promote the album. There are so many potential singles on this album - each track offering something different and refreshing. I cannot recommend the album enough; a tremendous effort all round!"

Mark Trail, Mark Trail Music: "Rustie’s new album, Stronger Than Steel, is chock-full of great music and well penned songs! ‘One Hot Summer Ago,’ is a fantastic country song that is a well sung and produced! Congrats on a job well done!"

"One Hot Summer Ago" – the first single to be released from the album – is going for Adds at New Music Weekly this week! New Music Weekly is also making the single available for download at Airplay Access. Program Directors, Music Directors, Syndicate Radio, and Internet Radio are invited to download the single to spin on their stations

In conjunction with Rustie’s forthcoming album release, "One Hot Summer Ago" has been included on a couple compilation albums. It is a Premier Cut in the July 2008 edition of the Hot Disc Rush Released album. Stuart Cameron placed the single as the first song on an album that also includes Sylvia, Cowboy Crush, and The Bellamy Brothers. Rustie is also being featured in this month’s Up Country publication. "One Hot Summer Ago" entered the HotDisc Top 40 Chart at #17 and has climbed up to #9 this week! Disc jockeys who do not currently receive the Rush Released CD may download "One Hot Summer Ago" and other tracks from the current compilation album directly from the HotDisc website at www.hotdisc.net. Disc jockeys are asked to apply by submitting their station details, after which they will be provided with a password to the download page for that month.

"One Hot Summer Ago" is also included on Mark Trail's M-T-M #30 compilation album, which have been mailed to nearly 700 US and international radio stations.

###

About Rustie Blue:

Four years after the release of her last album comes Stronger Than Steel, and true to its title, the album showcases some of Rustie’s best work to date! She recorded all twelve songs in Nashville backed by some of Music City’s top studio musicians including Lonnie Wilson (percussion) and Larry Franklin (fiddle). Stronger Than Steel features two songs that Rustie co-write – the title track and "Cowgirls Do It Better." There are also three duets featured on the album. Rustie pairs with the album’s producer, Willie Mack, on "Stronger Than Steel" and "It Hurts Like Love." The third is her hit duet with Bill Anderson, "Chip, Chip," which is included as the bonus track. Another highlight is "Fall In the First Place," the Terri Clark co-penned tuned. Rustie says that she has hit her stride with Stronger Than Steel. "I feel as though I finally have found myself and voice in this album."

In the early 90s, Rustie began making several trips to Nashville in search of a record deal. Initially disappointed that the early trips produced no promising leads, she realizes in hind sight, that she still had yet to discover her own musical style. Back home, she began working on developing her voice and improving her stage presence. In 2000, Rustie released her debut album That Oughta Do It with "I’m Dropping Tears" being the kickoff single to impact overseas markets. After her sophomore album, Enter At Your Own Risk, was released two years later, Rustie headed overseas on a promotional tour, bringing her music to Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and The Netherlands. In 2003, Rustie partook in another tour across Australia (where she had the honor of performing at the 17th Annual Telstra Mildura Festival) and also New Zealand.

Momentum gained from Rustie’s critically acclaimed album, Chip, Chip, made 2004 another winning for her. Chip, Chip featured the title track hit duet with Bill Anderson, and the single received rave reviews. The song won Vocal Collaboration Of The Year in 2005 and staked out at the top of the European Country Music Association Chart for seven weeks! The following year, she stepped onto the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage to accept an award for her duet with Bill. "Cloud of Dust" and "Don’t Come Cryin’" (from her Chip, Chip album) were both "picked" on the After Midnite With Blair Garner syndicated radio show. More success followed in 2007, when Rustie entered the fan-voted Famecast competition. During five voting periods, her fans advanced her first into the Top 50, then Top 25, to Top 10, and finally the Top 5. Famecast flew all five artists to Austin, TX to compete for the title of Famecast Country Fenom; Rustie placed 2nd by just two votes.

VISIT RUSTIE BLUE AT:

http://www.rustieblue.com

http://www.myspace.com/rustieblue

Christmas In July at TracyLawrence.com - receive 10% off!

Tracy Lawrence

Dear �Tracy Lawrence Fan,

Break out the Christmas carols and string up some lights... it's Christmas In July at TracyLawrence.com! Because we know who our friends are, we're here to share a great deal on Tracy Lawrence Merchandise with YOU!

For ONE WEEK ONLY you can receive 10% off the following merchandise items! Head over to the Online Store to take advantage of this special offer. Once you're at Checkout, use the PROMO CODE: XMASINJULY to receive your discount! You can chase away the heat with these cool merch items and show your Tracy Lawrence love! Promo code expires Aug. 2.


*Be sure to click "Apply Code" at checkout to see your discount before authorizing payment.

2008 Tour Tee

Price $25.00

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2008 8x10
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Find Out Who Your Friends Are White Tee
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WATCH TRACY ON THE 43RD JERRY LEWIS MDA TELETHON

Be sure to tune in August 31-September 1 for the 43rd annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon live from Las Vegas. Tracy will be among many special guests supporting the fight against muscular dystrophy. Check your local listings for air times and station.

GET MORE INFO HERE >>

Thanks for being a fan!
TracyLawrence.com
July 25, 2008

Little Big Town Releases New Video for "Fine Line"


LATEST LITTLE BIG TOWN SINGLE OFERS FANS
EYE-CATCHING NEW VIDEO!

(Nashville, TN - July 25, 2008) Little Big Town fans can feast their eyes on the foursome's visually stunning new video for "Fine Line" next week on CMT and GAC. The video was shot in Los Angeles, CA by renowned director Charles Mehling. Polished and vibrant, the video will enter GAC's TURBOTRACK rotation and CMT's HEAVY rotation early next week. While the single climbs the charts, the band will be touring all summer and joining Carrie Underwood's "Carnival Ride Tour" this fall. A Place to Land will be re-released with new tracks on Capitol Records Nashville October 14. For other news and updates on Little Big Town visit www.littlebigtown.com.

MEDIA ALERT: Emerson Drive Nominated for CCMA Fans' Choice Award, Voting Begins Today!

Emerson Drive Nominated for CCMA Fans’ Choice Award, Voting Begins Today!

Emerson Drive was announced today among the nominees for the 2008 CCMA Fans’ Choice Award. With a total of six CCMA awards under their belt to date, the band is both thrilled and honored to be nominated for an award voted on by the fans, whom they consider the cornerstone of their 12 year career.

Voting for the award begins Friday, July 25th and runs through September 7th at 11:59 pm EST. To cast their vote, fans need to visit www.CMT.ca.

Emerson Drive are also on the list of performers for the 2008 CCMA Awards show, which will air live on CBC TV at 8:00 pm Central on September 8th from the CTS Centre in Winnipeg, MB. The show will re-air on CMT Canada.

# # # #

www.emersondrive.com

www.myspace.com/emersondrive

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Locash Cowboys Go for the Gold with Olympic Men�s Basketball Halftime Show

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Locash Cowboys Go for the Gold with Olympic Men�s Basketball Halftime Show

(Las Vegas, NV) The high-powered duo Locash Cowboys are scheduled to perform live in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday, July 25 at 5pm PT for the 2008 State Farm USA Basketball Challenge at Thomas & Mack Arena.

Chris Lucas and Preston Brust of Locash Cowboys are performing their original song titled "Boom-Boom" during the half-time performance of the game. Locash has added a little Vegas flare with 8 Wrangler outfitted Locash cowgirls to perform beside them during the performance.

"I'm ecstatic that Locash is going to do the half-time show for us," said MaryAnn Beaman, Director of events programming at Las Vegas Events. "We were looking for high-energy entertainment and these guys fit the bill."

The USA National Team and the Canadian National Team will face off for the only Olympic exhibition game on U.S. soil. The game is the only domestic game played by the USA team and will give fans the chance to see an exclusive preview of the best USA players before they head off to face the world. The game will be aired on ESPN and the NBA channel as well as syndicated television world wide.

"It's a rare honor for Locash to be the country music representatives performing at half-time for the USA NBA Olympic Team exhibition against Canada at the sold out Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas," said Tony Conway, President of Buddy Lee Attractions. "We can't think of a better way for Locash to show their support for all Olympic athletes, and, at the same time perform their original song "Boom-Boom" for the country music fans."

The band plays over 200 shows a year and Chris and Preston are skilled choreographers and dancers. They know how to put on a show and are excellent at entertaining a crowd. With their honed-craft, the only direction to go is up.

"The USA basketball Olympic Team, Locash Cowboys and Las Vegas Events are a great combination," states MaryAnn Beaman.

For more information on Locash Cowboys, please visit their website www.locashcowboys.com.

For more information on the Men's Basketball Senior National Team, please visit www.usabasketball.com.

For more information on the Canadian National Team, please visit www.basketball.ca.

For tickets and game information, please call 866-388-FANS or go to www.vegassummerhoops.com.

The Grascals' New Album Debuts #1 On Billboard / LP Release Set for August 19

The Grascals' New Album Debuts #1 On Billboard

Keep On Walkin' LP Release Set for August 19

"Keep On Walkin' deepens the Grascals' trademark blend of bluegrass roots and hard-country themes...shows how strong this tight-knit combo sounds when building a repertoire of their own."
- Associated Press

Nashville, TN - The Grascals are on top of the world with the recent release of their 3rd album Keep On Walkin' (Rounder Records). The album debuted this week at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart and debuted at #24 on Billboard's Top New Artists Chart. As reigning IBMA Entertainers of the Year two years running, these guys are taking every new accomplishment and accolade and infusing those feelings into their music.

"What an honor," said new daddy Jamie Johnson, lead vocalist and guitarist for the band. "We are humbled by the fans' constant support!!"

The band released Keep On Walkin' on July 15, 2008, and will be releasing their LP on August 19, 2008. With all of this great music, don't miss your chance to see these Billboard champions' upcoming appearances on Fox & Friends and WGN News at Noon.

These guys are truly amazing artists with driving solo vocals, tight soaring trios and instrumental prowess. As their two previous Grammy-nominated releases prove, these guys are in it for the long haul.

With a recent appearance on the CBS Early Show, the band is definitely feeling the love from fans and music industry professionals alike. Check out what critics are saying:

"This group knows how to get the most out of the tunes, throwing down lively banjo, fiddle, mandolin and unabashedly down-home harmonies." - Dallas Morning News

"The Grascals' harmonies are based in the complex Osborne Brothers' tradition, but it's clear that singers Terry Eldredge and Jamie Johnson are well-grounded in classic, hardcore country."
- The Tennessean

[PR] CHRIS CAGLE INNOCENT IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE



CHRIS CAGLE--
INNOCENT IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE


After a court hearing and trial held this morning in Davidson County, Nashville, TN, the following statement was issued today by Chris Cagle's Attorney, Bill Ramsey: "It's a shame these charges were ever brought. PERIOD! Chris was not, and never was, guilty of domestic violence, abuse or assault and the Judge properly found him 'Not Guilty.' Chris is relieved the accuracy of the matter has been revealed and the ordeal is over."



ATTENTION! Candy's Back, Southwest Missouri! Ozark Empire Fair 7/29!

ATTENTION CANDY FANS!
National recording artist Candy Coburn is coming back to Southwest Missouri--after touring throughout 15 states and recording sessions in Nashville--when she performs at the Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield for a free grandstand show on July 29, 2008 at 9pm!
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Listen to your local radio stations for interviews with Candy along with lots of other great support for this BIG SHOW, including a Coyote Nation Candy Bus!
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Make plans to be there, because
Candy's Even Better LIVE!
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More to come, so JOIN the Mailing List (click HERE) and check
and
Every day so you don't miss a thing!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

RANDY TRAVIS HAS HIS HIGHEST CHART DEBUT EVER WITH FIRST NEW COUNTRY ALBUM IN EIGHT YEARS

RANDY TRAVIS HAS HIS HIGHEST CHART DEBUT EVER WITH FIRST NEW COUNTRY ALBUM IN EIGHT YEARS AROUND THE BEND RELEASED BY WARNER BROS. RECORDS

Los Angeles, California, July 23, 2008 Randy Travis storms the country charts at No. 3, making the album release his highest selling first week ever and his first top five release in his career, since Nielsen soundscan started reporting. Travis’ first country album in eight years, Around the Bend, was released by Warner Bros. Records on July 15, 2008. Randy was in New York City, last week, in support of his new release and appeared on several national television shows including: “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Good Morning America,” “Regis & Kelly,” “The Today Show” and “Entertainment Tonight.” With over 23 years on the charts, Randy Travis is one of the top ten selling solo country artists of all time. Having sold over 21 million albums, he has 22 #1 hits, six GRAMMY® Awards, five Country Music Association Awards, nine Academy of Country Music Awards and ten American Music Awards to his name.

The following are some examples of the critical acclaim Around the Bend has garnered:

“More than 20 years after Randy Travis’ shiver-inducing baritone upended country music, he’s singing as well as he ever has.”

Brian Mansfield, USA Today, July 15, 2008

“The good news for country fans is that one of modern country's most effective translators of hurting songs once again tackles themes of heartache and loss.”

Michael McCall, Associated Press, July 15, 2008

“His oaky baritone remains a rich sonic force, but now he’s figured out how to bring spontaneous emotion through lively swoops and dives as he negotiates melodies, adding a few twists and turns to what the writers gave him to work with.”

Randy Lewis, The Los Angeles Times, July 15, 2008

“The album is quintessential Travis, with a hard-core country feel that’s coupled with a fresh musical approach. It’s the antithesis of formulaic; it’s the basics at their best. The album sounds great and feels good, like slipping on your favorite pair of jeans.”

Beverly Keel, The Tennessean, July 15, 2008

“Fans of Josh Turner and Chris Young, both so affected by Mr. Travis' artistry, should rediscover the master. He hasn't lost his greatness.”

Mario Tarradell, Dallas Morning News, July 15, 2008

On an album that is one of his career’s best, Travis rambles through tales of crumbling marriages, true love, old-time religion, cheatin’, drinkin’ and fried chicken. It’s hardcore country …”

Performing Songwriter, July/August 2008

“He guides all of it with the surest of hands, a gentle vocal authority that is pure, pretension-free country and a worthy centerpiece for classically tasteful arrangements that should never go out of style.”

Thomas Kintner, Hartford Courant, July 15, 2008

“The songs explore commitment, trust, risk, addiction, hope, imperfection, determination and – in a couple of lines – the meaning of life. He's frisky when appropriate, solemn when required, and ultimately effective in capturing a range of life's emotions.”

Tom Roland, OC Register, June 20, 2008

Travis also launched his new fan club, Randy’s Ranch, on July 15, 2008. Membership to the fan club includes; a $20 gift certificate to Randy’s online store, fan club member only merchandise, the chance to participate in exclusive contests, and access to exclusive videos, photos, downloads and more on www.randytravis.com.

Released on DVD, on May 13, 2008, by Genius Products, LLC, The Wager stars Travis as Michael Steele, a blockbuster actor who has reached the height of Hollywood success when his faith is tested. Based on the best-selling book by Bill Myers, The Wager is a powerful parable examining how to live out faith in today’s world, challenging people to see that faith is found when it is tested.

Since making his debut with 1986’s multi-platinum Storm’s of Life, Travis has gone on to release many memorable albums including Always & Forever, Old 8x10, High Lonesome, This Is Me, Full Circle and Rise and Shine. His many hits include, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Three Wooden Crosses,” “1982,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” “He Walked on Water,” “Look Heart, No Hands” and “Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart” among many others. In addition to his extraordinary recording career, Travis has appeared in many films, TV movies, and episodes of dramatic series. His movies include Fire Down Below, Black Dog, Frank and Jess, The Rainmaker, and Texas Rangers. He also appeared in seven episodes of Touched By An Angel and has guest starred on shows such as Matlock, Blues Clues, Hey Arnold and King of the Hill.

For more information on Randy Travis, including message boards, tour dates, and more, please visit http://www.randytravis.com/.

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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

iPod Winners Announced- did YOU win? Find out here!

Deluxe Membership

$35.00

One year membership, plus exclusive fan club member card, light up necklace, keychain and your choice of t-shirt or totebag!

JOIN NOW >>



ED Online Fan Club Membership

$20.00

Gain access exclusive content, a chance to be the fan of the week, meet & greet opportunities and more!

JOIN NOW >>


KC ROYALS CONCERT

Watch ED rock a post-game concert on July 26 with the Kansas City Royals!

GET TICKETS >>

Hey Emerson Drive Fan!

We know that you've been hard at work showing your support for Emerson Drive! So many of you signed up to help out by spreading banners around your online communities and we can't thank you enough.

We have just announced the WINNERS of the iPod Nano Contest and those two lucky fans will receive brand new iPod Nanos from EmersonDrive.com. Dean from WI was our random winner and Loralie from MN got the iPod for the BEST BANNER PLACEMENT! She had some tough competition, but her placements paid off. Congrats guys!

READ MORE HERE >>

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SCAVENGER HUNT WINNERS

We have also announced the WINNERS of the Emerson Drive Scavenger Hunt. These winners will receive a special Emerson Drive Prize Pack!

WINNERS:
leojlh
tdp1117
SaraBeth09
MsTwitch
snowfoot

Congratulations to all of the winners and be looking for more ways to win great prizes from Emerson Drive in the future.

SEE ALL CONTEST WINNERS HERE>>

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EMERSON DRIVE SINGS FOR ROYALS AGAIN

You can now buy tickets to see Emerson Drive rock out with the Kansas City Royals when they perform a post-game concert on July 26th.

If you'll remember, the guys performed during Opening Day Festivities in April... and they're back! Royals fans will enjoy TWO great All-American pastimes, a baseball game and access to the concert afterwards. Get your tickets NOW!

GET MORE INFO >>

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PERFORMANCE AT THE CCMA AWARDS

The guys have just been confirmed as performers during this year's Canadian Country Music Association Awards in Winnipeg on September 8th. Final awards nominations will be released July 30th. Congrats to the guys and here's to a great performance!

READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE >>

Thanks for being a fan!

EmersonDrive.com

July 22, 2008

Dailey & Vincent Top "Bluegrass Unlimited" Album Chart for 3rd Consecutive Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DAILEY & VINCENT TOP BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED ALBUM CHART FOR 3RD CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH SELF-TITLED DEBUT

DUO ALSO NOMINATED FOR INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD

NASHVILLE, TENN. (July 22, 2008)—Dailey & Vincent are at the top of the Bluegrass Unlimited National Record Survey albums chart for August, marking the third consecutive month they have been at #1 with their self-titled debut. On Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart, the disc is at #5 for the Soundscan week ending July 13, and it has been in the top 5 for 16 of the 24 weeks since its release.

At the same time, the duo tops the XM Bluegrass Junction Top 40 Albums chart for July, as well as the Top 30 Tracks chart with “Sweet Carrie.”

Dailey & Vincent are also nominated for Inspirational Bluegrass Artist at the 14th Annual Inspirational Country Music Award Show to be held on October 16.

For additional information and tour updates on Dailey & Vincent, please visit http://www.daileyvincent.com/ and www.myspace.com/thedaileyvincentband.

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Charlie Allen Releases New Single 'Why Ask Why' This Week

For Immediate Release:

Charlie Allen Releases "Why Ask Why" This Week

New Summer Single from Critically Acclaimed Artist Set to Rock the Charts

NASHVILLE, TN (July 22, 2008) – Charlie Allen is set to release his latest single, "Why Ask Why," this week on River Run/Spinville Records. The song goes for adds at Music Row radio on 8/21 and R&R on 8/25.

Allen and "Why Ask Why" were recently featured in the "Listen Up!" section of the June 30 edition of Country Weekly.

Written by Allen, Brian G. White and Steve Dean, "Why Ask Why" is a high-energy country rocker from Allen's newly minted and critically-acclaimed CD, That Was Then, This Is Now. Since its release in June, the album has received rave reviews. Scott Sexton of Country Music Report.com gave the CD a rating of "Outstanding." George Peden of Country Stars Online extolled, "Allen is exciting and authentic. In essence - he is his own brand." David Pierce of Today's Country Magazine gave high praise stating, "One of the best albums I have had the pleasure of hearing come out of my speakers this year - a must have!" Matt Bjorke of Roughstock goes even further in his endorsement, "Artists like Charlie Allen and labels like River Run Records can level the playing field and compete with the majors. The one thing that's required to compete is an artist of Charlie Allen's caliber."

Allen has been a staple on Music Row radio for awhile (he was one of the "Most-played" artists from that chart in 2007). With "Why Ask Why" he is reaching out to make his footprint on the major U.S. and international markets. Allen has recently swept radio with tours of Texas, the West Coast, and the UK - all focused on setting up the single.

Allen's industry visibility has been on the rise of late, with recent high-profile concerts at this year's CMA Music Festival in Nashville and mega-festival, Bonnaroo, in Manchester, Tn.

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CHRIS CAGLE LENDS HAND TO GIVE KIDS THE WORLD



CHRIS CAGLE LENDS HAND TO GIVE KIDS THE WORLD

NASHVILLE, TN (July 22, 2008)-Chris Cagle (Capitol Records-Nashville) is slated to headline the Give Kids The World Second Annual Benefit Concert Series--a three-day musical event to be held August 12, 13 & 14 at various locations in the Golden State (Sacramento/Fresno/Riverside).

The private concert series is being held for the benefit of Give Kids The World Village (GKTW), a Kissimmee, Florida-based children's charity. GKTW is a 70-acre non-profit resort that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. With the help of many generous individuals such as Chris Cagle, a variety of corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World provides a cost-free fantasy vacation to children in need offering week-long accommodations at its whimsical resort, attractions tickets, meals and more to ensure that no child is ever denied the opportunity to live their special dream.

In its 22nd year, Give Kids The World is among the top 20 highest rated non-profits overall nationwide. The Four-Star rated organization has welcomed more than 88,000 families from all 50 states and over 65 countries. [www.gktw.org - (800) 995-KIDS or (229) 227-7691]

This is the first time Chris Cagle's tour schedule has enabled him to participate in this satellite concert event. The Give Kids The World Third Annual Benefit Concert is a progressive event that will be held at three different California locations. On Tuesday, August 12, Chris will perform at the Crest Theater in Sacramento; on Wednesday, August 13, he will take the stage at the Fresno Convention Center. He will close the charity function at the finale scheduled for Thursday, August 14 at the Landis Auditorium in Riverside. (The concert series is not open to the public.)

"I truly enjoy the opportunity to give something back," Cagle said. "But, what's even more important to me, is to be able to offer these children the opportunity to make a wish come true and live their dream, because that's what life is all about--creating a bright and hopeful future for our children to make it a better tomorrow. I'm honored and humbled to be part of this event."

During his career, Cagle has graced the country singles charts with numerous hits--including five Top Tens. The gold recording artist's earlier career chart-toppers include "I Breathe In, I Breathe Out," "Laredo," "Miss Me Baby," "Country By The Grace of God," "What A Beautiful Day," and "Chicks Dig It."

In February, Cagle celebrated the release of his fourth album entitled MY LIFE'S BEEN A COUNTRY SONG. The CD debuted at No. 1 at the top of Billboard's Country Chart and the first single from the project ("What Kind Of Gone") made it to the Top 10. He's slated to release a third single, entitled "Never Ever Gone," in late August.

For more information on Chris Cagle visit www.chriscagle.com.

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Monday, July 21, 2008

Billy Dean Update 7/21/08

Billy Dean Update 7/21/08

Hello all!

Some exciting news to share....

For those of you in the Nashville area, here's another chance to see Billy! He will be performing with Clara Oman and Brent Rader for another Billy Dean Music Group (BDMG) show at 3rd and Lindsey Bar and Grill in Nashville. The show is Thursday, July 24th, and begins at 6pm. For more information, please visit the 3rd and Lindsey website.

Click here to view photos from the first BDMG night at 3rd and Lindsey!

Billy and his team of songwriters have put full length cuts of their latest material on the Billy Dean Music Group (BDMG) website. You can listen to Billy's "I Pray", "Honky Tonk", and "100 Years from Now." Click here to go to the BDMG lounge and listen to the tunes! Be sure to check out the other artist songs as well.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Billy and his music!

Shannon Murphy
webmaster, BillyDean.com
email: shannon@billydean.com

James McMurtry featured in the Los Angeles Times


James McMurtry melds literature and lyrics

CHARACTER-DRIVEN: Singer-songwriter James McMurtry now embraces those who describe his music as literary. The son of novelist Larry McMurtry, he once scoffed at the label, but says, "I've always written my songs around characters."


By Geoffrey Himes, Special to The Times
July 21, 2008

For a long time, James McMurtry was skeptical of the whole notion that songs could be described as literary. He figured it was just a label that journalists stuck on him because his father was the novelist Larry McMurtry, author of "Lonesome Dove" and "The Last Picture Show." But when the younger McMurtry heard his fellow Texan Steve Earle describe songs as "literature you can digest while driving," it made sense. It also allowed him to think of his own writing as a job not unlike his dad's.

When James McMurtry comes to the Troubadour Tuesday, he will be emphasizing material from his new album, "Just Us Kids" (Lightning Rod), which could justifiably be described as the best collection of literary songs in several years. But it's not someone warbling earnest confessions over the lilting strum of an acoustic guitar. It's someone deadpanning unvarnished stories over the crackling boogie of an electric-guitar trio.

When McMurtry, dark corkscrews of hair spilling out of his black fedora, performed at Austin's South by Southwest Music Conference in March, he sounded a lot more like Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Blasters than Paul Simon or John Darnielle.

"I won't pay to see a show that doesn't have a groove to it, so why would I put one out there?" he asked as he nursed a Guinness. "For a long time, when I was touring solo, I got put in that box, that solo-folk-singer-songwriter box. And when you get put in that box, it's hard to get out, even when you form a band. But I needed to get out -- not just to reach a wider audience but also because it's just more fun playing with a band."

The new album's literary qualities -- visual description, sharp dialogue and character detail -- are obvious on the title track. A 15-year-old kid sits in a park " 'neath the vapor light," telling his pals that he's going to drop out of school, take the money from his swimming pool job and head for California. But it takes only a stanza for his friends to point out to this would-be rebel that he doesn't have a car and is no more likely to impress the girls in California than those at home.

These are neither the heroic teenagers nor the hapless victims of rock mythology; these are just a bunch of kids "not even bothering anyone."

"I've always written my songs around characters," McMurtry added, "because if you're only writing from your own point of view, you're not going to have a lot to write about unless you're a serious egomaniac. And if the characters don't have flaws, people won't be interested in them. I wouldn't be. We're all flawed. I certainly am."

During his years of solo touring, McMurtry developed unusual guitar tunings with open strings to bolster his sound. In his current trio, which includes bassist Ronnie Johnson and drummer Daren Hess, he uses those tunings to create vamps that resolve in the bass but not the guitar, keeping the listener eager for the next stanza that might possibly bring the delayed resolution. This musical suspense allows the songwriter to add verse after verse until the characters are fully fleshed out.

"The whole notion that pop songs can only be three or four minutes long comes from radio, where everyone thinks in 30-second segments," he said. "But a long song can be as effective as a short one. Look at 'Like a Rolling Stone,' which is like a week long."

McMurtry got a lot of attention when his scathing indictment of the Bush administration, the seven-minute "We Can't Make It Here," was voted the Americana Music Assn.'s song of the year in 2006. "Childish Things," the 2005 CD that contained the song, was voted album of the year.

"Cheney's Toy," the first single from "Just Us Kids," is a similar musical attack on the president, but the new disc's key song is the 6 1/2 -minute "Ruby and Carlos." It's named after two of the songwriter's most memorable characters, a Wyoming female veterinarian and a Gulf War veteran playing drums in a touring country band. Pulled apart by jobs, war trauma, age and geography, the ex-lovers think of each other when they can't sleep at night -- which is all too often.

The song was sparked by an incident when McMurtry's trio realized that the Waffle House waitresses in the North could understand their central Texas accents but the ones in the South couldn't. Tim Holt, the band's soundman, made a crack about crossing "that Mason-Dumb-Ass Line," and McMurtry knew the comment would make a perfect lyric.

"I needed somebody to say that line who didn't like the South to someone who was going there," McMurtry said. "So I made Carlos a drummer who wants to go to Nashville and Ruby a horse woman in the Tetons who wants to stay there. All my songs start with a couple of lines and a melody, and you have to figure out what caused the characters to say that. You figure it out one line at a time.

"For a long time, I thought Carlos was just a drummer, but then I figured out he'd been in the war," McMurtry continued. "It allowed me to write about the first Gulf War, the forgotten war, the Korean War of our times. When a song has all these moving pieces, it starts getting interesting."


UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

7/22 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour

7/24 - Santa Cruz, CA - Catalyst

7/25 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's

7/26 - Sacramento, CA - The Palms

7/28 - Boise, ID - Grizzly Rose

7/29 - Salt Lake City, UT - Bar Deluxe

7/31 - Ten Sleep, WY - Big Horn Mtn. Stage

8/1 - Lander, WY - Lander Bar

8/2 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up

8/3 - Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater

8/22 - Portsmouth, VA - Bayside Harley Davidson

9/12 - Bossier City, LA - CMT Crossroads Bar

9/13 - New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks

9/15 - Birmingham, AL - Zydeco

9/16 - Chattanooga, TN - Rhythm and Brews

9/17 - Athens, GA - Georgia Theatre

9/20 - Harrodsburg, KY - Terrapin Hill Harvest Festival

9/26 - Austin, TX - Threadgill's


James McMurtry's MySpace page: http://e2ma.net/go/1213697505/1104054/40347014/goto:http://www.myspace.com/jamesmcmurtry

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Nashville...Get Ready To ROCK!! Monday!!

Candy's Even Better LIVE!

*Here is Your Next Chance to

BE THERE!*

*Candy's in NASHVILLE at 12th and Porter July 21, 6pm!*

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Country Weekly Fast Facts 7.28.08

,
FAST FACTS

The following items are from the July 28 issue of COUNTRY WEEKLY, on sale now. We invite you to use any of them, but we ask that you please credit COUNTRY WEEKLY for each item used.

SCHOOL DAYS
What were your favorite stars like in high school? Who were the glamour queens, the top students? Stars like Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and more look back on their school days in this special section. “Growing up in the country,” says Carrie, “I enjoyed things like playing on dirt roads, climbing trees and, of course, singing.” Kenny notes that he learned his work ethic at his alma mater, Gibbs High School in Corryton, Tenn., while Brad remembers, “My favorite subject was English and I always did well in any class that had creative writing.” The feature also includes vintage high school photos of Garth Brooks, Kellie Pickler, Alan Jackson and many others.

A LETTER TO ME
A new book, What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self, features contributions by Lee Ann Womack and Trisha Yearwood, who give advice to their 20-something selves. Lee Ann advises on recording her first album, writing, “Enjoy the moment, not the end result.” Trisha urges her younger self not to jump into marriage. “Don’t be so worried about what everybody else thinks of you. Follow your instincts,” she writes.

PLUS!
Trace Adkins, Miranda Lambert and more stars rock the first-ever BamaJam Music & Arts Festival . . . Aaron Tippin pays tribute to his dad on his new CD . . . and get the story behind the Carrie Underwood smash, “Last Name.”

Friday, July 18, 2008

Hank Cochran, Legend of Song, Undergoes Cancer Surgery

Hank Cochran, Legend Of Song, Undergoes Cancer Surgery In Nashville

Nashville, TN (July 18, 2008) -- Songwriting legend Hank Cochran is recovering at a Nashville hospital following surgery performed to remove cancerous tumors from his pancreas and lymph node. "I feel so blessed," says Hank. "The diagnosis was made very early, and the doctors expect me to make a full recovery."

Cochran, a "go-to" man for performers like George Strait, Brad Paisley, Ray Price, Mark Chesnutt, and a favorite writer of the late Eddy Arnold and Patsy Cline, is the writer of timeless classics like "I Fall To Pieces," "Make The World Go Away," "Ocean Front Property" and "The Chair." He is expected to remain in the hospital for several weeks.

Fans and friends can send their regards to Hank at www.myspace.com/songwritersingerhankcochran .

Pre-Sale Tickets, Country Weekly, and the Libby's Jingle!

Perfect Women's Jersey Tee
Show the world just how perfect you are with Sara's brand new jersey!
Price $25.00
Member Price: $22.50

2008 Black Portrait Tour Tee

A new spin on an old favorite. Keep up with all of Sara's tour dates for the year and stay in style!

Price $25.00

Member Price: $22.50

BUY NOW >>


2008 It's Perfect Tee

Everything is perfect when you're wearing this hot new design.

Price $25.00

Member Price: $22.50

BUY NOW >>


Hey Country Interviews Online!

HOT PRE-SALE TICKETS AVAILABLE!

There are still a few prime seats available for the pre-sale shows listed below. Check 'em out and grab your tickets NOW!

  • 8.16.08 - Norman, OK - Riverwind Casino
  • 9.26.08 - Green Bay, WI - Weidner Center
  • 9.27.08 - Owenton, KY - Elk Creek Winery

FC Members, LOGIN to enter the presale!

Not a member? JOIN NOW and get access to these presales, plus take advantage of the best member packages we've ever offered! Get the official Sara Evans Fan Club tee, a mousepad, necklace, and member card - only available through SaraEvans.com!

LEARN MORE >>

* Pre-Sale Tickets are available to active Sara Evans Fan Club Members. Pre-Sales run for a limited time. For the latest pre-sale information visit www.SaraEvans.com.



SARA'S HGTV DESIGN STAR ROOMS IN COUNTRY WEEKLY!

Pick up a copy of the 7/28 issue of Country Weekly to see pics of Sara and HGTV Design Star host Clive Pearse as they tour the 2 rooms designed at the Gaylord Opryland hotel with Sara as the inspiration.

CHECK IT OUT HERE>>


WHEN IT SAYS LIBBY'S, LIBBY'S, LIBBY'S...

Sara has partnered with Libby's Vegetables to re-record the iconic version of the Libby's Jingle. Starting September 1, 2008 Libby's is sponsoring a nationwide contest for one lucky family a chance to have dinner with Sara backstage at one of her concerts! Visit GetBacktotheTable.com to listen to Sara's version of the jingle and to read more about the Libby's campaign.

READ WHAT SARA HAS TO SAY HERE>>



Thanks for being a fan!

July 17, 2008

SaraEvans.com

MySpace.com/SaraEvansMusic

YouTube.com/SaraEvans

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Blake Shelton Follows #1 Smash Hit "Home" With "She Wouldn't Be Gone"

BLAKE SHELTON FOLLOWS #1 SMASH HIT HOME
WITH “She Wouldn’t Be Gone”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 17, 2008) Multi-platinum Blake Shelton’s #1 single “Home” is at its second week in the top spot on the R&R Country Singles chart. His follow up single, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” from his forthcoming album will premiere on CMT.com on Monday, July 21. The single is written by Cory Batten and Jennifer Adan and produced by Scott Hendricks.

“As a country music artist I'm always looking for "that song". Something unique, something special, something that matters. This song has all of the above. What a melody!,” says Shelton.

“She Wouldn’t Be Gone” will also be digitally delivered to country radio on Monday, July 21 and will be available for sale at all digital retailers on July 29. Ringtone will be available at all carriers on August 3.

# # #

LISTEN UP: Conman Radio Show Shines Spotlight On RUSTIE BLUE!

LISTEN UP: Conman Radio Show Shines Spotlight On RUSTIE BLUE!

Englewood, CO (July 17, 2008) – RUSTIE BLUE will be on The Conman Radio Show TOMORROW evening! She is the featured artist in the "Bar Bands & Basement Tapes" segment, which is scheduled to air at 8:15 PM, Mountain time zone (9:15 PM Central / 10:15PM Eastern time). The show's host, Chris Conn, will highlight several songs from Rustie's forthcoming album, Stronger Than Steel! Fans are invited to tune in to the show via the stations who carry the show or online at http://www.ConmanRadio.com.

Chris' inspiration for implementing "Bar Bands & Basement Tapes" into his show sprung forth from a simple concept. "Years ago, I started a feature on my radio show called 'Bar Bands & Basement Tapes.' It was designed to give Independent country talent 15 minutes of fame in front of a national audience. Since it's conception, I have featured hundreds of up and coming talents. Some have gone on to sign major recording contracts (Danielle Peck, Ashley Gearing, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Amanda Wilson) and some simply fade away."

He is excited to be featuring Rustie on tomorrow's show! "This Friday, I will be featuring a great singer/songwriter by the name of Rustie Blue. I have known Rustie for years and continue to watch her star rise! She recently sent me a copy of her new CD, Stronger Than Steel, and I was blown away by her level of talent and maturity of the album. This is exactly why I started 'Bar Bands & Basement Tapes'! I want the rest of the nation to know that there is more to country music than just the top 40 songs you hear on most radio stations!"

Stronger Than Steel is the follow-up to Rustie's critically acclaimed album, Chip, Chip, and is set for a August 26, 2008 release. Rustie co-wrote the title track and "Cowgirls Do It Better" on the new album. Other writers on the album include Terri Clark on "Fall In the First Place" (written with Gilles Godard and Bobby Tomberlane) and Deborah Allen on "It Hurts Like Love" (written with Chuck Jones). Rustie also recorded "Where I Used to Be," co-written by Country Weekly magazine's Senior Editor, Larry Holden, (written with fellow CW colleague, Jerry Holthouse and also Sergei Olkovsky). Willie Mack produced the album and is also a featured guest vocalist on "Stronger Than Steel" and "It Hurts Like Love."

The first single from the new album is "One Hot Summer Ago" which has already been shipped to radio.

###

About The Conman Radio Show:

Chris Conn was hired by Jones Radio Network in 1995 to fill the evening slot on its country format, CD Country. That year, CD Country had 24 national affiliates. After the addition of "The Conman Radio Show," it grew to over 130. In 1997, The Conman Radio Show was officially launched in to syndication. To this day, Chris continues to host "The Conman Radio Show for Dial-Global/Triton Radio Networks. His nightly radio show is broadcast in over 100 markets across the country and heard by nearly 3 million listeners an hour. The show is also streamed online at http://www.ConmanRadio.com.

Thanks so much!

Center Stage Productions
Robert D. Keister

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

MELISSA JONES KICKS-OFF TOUR OF MILITARY BASES: Releases Exclusive CD To Benefit Military Families

MELISSA JONES KICKS-OFF TOUR OF MILITARY BASES

Country Singer Releases Exclusive CD To Benefit Military Families

Nashville, TN Melissa Jones dreamed of pursuing a career in country music since a very young age. The Northern Utah native’s performances at local nightclubs in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho lead to opening for artists Keith Urban, Terri Clark, Collin Raye, Chris Cagle, The Oak Ridge Boys, Andy Griggs and The Marshall Tucker Band. Finally, Melissa made the trip to Nashville and recorded a song which found its way to noted producer Nelson Larkin.

Melissa’s self-titled debut album, produced by Nelson Larkin and Steve Kondor, will be released in the Fall. The album includes Melissa’s singles The Perfect Man and Who Do You Think I Am which have already received national airplay at country radio. While working on Melissa’s album, Steve Kondor heard an unforgettable demo of a heart wrenching song titled, Red, White & Blue Night in Georgia. He contacted the songwriter who put it him in touch with Roxanne Reed, an active duty military spouse, and a founding member of the Marketing to Military Group (MMG). Melissa recorded Red, White & Blue Night in Georgia for her album and her rich voice and genuine emotion make the poignant song unforgettable. MMG, which specializes in introducing products and services to the military market, instantly fell in love with the project.

"We believe this song is the first to reflect on the ‘soul’ of the military spouse and family member,” said Roxanne. Red, White and Blue Night in Georgia is a testament to the love, pride and devotion we all share for our men and women serving our country." “It’s such a great song,” says Melissa. “I have a very strong emotional connection to the story -- my younger brother Jake was seriously injured in Iraq by a roadside bomb at the same time I was being pitched this song. He is home now, recovering, but he and his family have been changed forever. My heart goes out to anyone who has a loved one serving any where in the world.”

They joined forces to put together a tour of military bases across the United States. A special “military only” CD titled Red, White And Blue Night In Georgia, which contains ten songs from Melissa’s upcoming debut album, several videos and other special features, has been released exclusively through AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Services). Dedicating the proceeds from the CD to the charity, Hope for the Warriors, brought the project full circle. "MMG is honored to be able to help their military community any way possible,” says Roxanne, “and what better way than through song and donation support."

Melissa Jones Military Base Tour Schedule

7/09 - Bethesda Naval Base (Bethesda, MD)

7/10 - Navy Exchange Oceana Mall (Virginia Beach, VA)

7/11 - Fort Balvoir (Washington, DC)

7/12 - Fort Bragg, Womack Hospital (Fort Bragg, NC)

7/13 - Ft. Campbell PX (Clarksville, TN)

7/17 - Fort Hood main PX (Waco, TX)

7/18 - AAFES Office (Dallas, TX)

7/19 - Lackland AFB (San Antonio, TX)

7/20 - Fort Bliss (El Paso, TX)

7/23 - Luke AFB (Tucson, AZ)

7/24 - San Diego Naval Exchange (San Diego, CA)

7/25 - Nellis AFB (Las Vegas, NV)

7/26 - Fort Lewis PX (Seattle, WA)

7/27 - Fort Carson (Denver, CO)

7/31 - Naval Construction Battalion (Gulfport, MS)

8/01 - Aviation Plaza - Pensacola, FL)

8/02 - MacDill AFB (Tampa, FL)

8/03 - Naval Exchange main store (Jacksonville, FL)

http://www.melissajones.com/

www.myspace.com/melissajones

www.hopeforthewarriors.org

Taylor Made For NAMM: Jonalee White Invited To Winter NAMM After Performance In Taylor Guitar Display Room

Taylor Made For NAMM

Jonalee White Invited To Winter NAMM After Performance In Taylor Guitar Display Room

Nashville, TNTaylor Guitars invited country singer/songwriter Jonalee White to perform in their display room at the recent Summer NAMM trade show at the Nashville Convention Center. Jonalee, who has been endorsed by Taylor Guitars since 2006, initially caught the eye of the company as a finalist on NBC’s Star Tomorrow and CMT’s Music City Madness. Jonalee, along with band members Kay Harris (guitar) and Molly Pauken (bass), performed an energetic acoustic set before posing for pictures and signing photos at an informal meet-and-greet. They must have made quite an impression because Jonalee and her bandmates have also been invited to perform at Winter NAMM in California…compliments of Taylor Guitar.

Jonalee’s bass player, Molly Pauken, even had the privilege of jamming with Sterling Ball of Ernie Ball Music. After the jam session, which attracted a crowd that included numerous industry professionals and artists such as Vince Gill, Sterling gave Molly a new Ernie Ball bass prototype.

Wake Me, Jonalee White’s debut album, was released on March 25, 2008 on Lick Records. Touring non-stop, Jonalee has acquired a significant fan base and performed with artists such as Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker and Taylor Swift. Yallwire.com chose Jonalee as the first artist to star in their new internet show, The Long Road to Nashville. Over the course of 20 episodes, the series follows Jonalee as she pursues her career as a singer/songwriter at country music events across North America, giving viewers an inside look at the music industry and what it really takes to make it. Jonalee’s current single, the albums’ title track Wake Me, is currently being played on country radio stations nationwide.

www.jonaleewhite.com

www.myspace.com/jonaleewhite

www.taylorguitars.com

Rick Huckaby Rocks Country Weekly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


(Pictured L to R): Huckaby, Country Weekly's Larry Holden and Andy Huckaby, HeadCoach Records
Photo provided courtesy of Kaleidoscope Media

RICK HUCKABY ROCKS COUNTRY WEEKLY
Look For "Huck" in Two Upcoming Issues

Nashville, TN.--July 16, 2008--Recording artist, Rick Huckaby dropped by Country Weekly last week to introduce himself and his music to the staff at the magazine. He was warmly received following an acoustic performance of the songs from his debut album, Call Me Huck. Impressed by his flawless blend of soulful Memphis R&B and country music, the blue-eyed, sandy-haired, heartthrob will be featured in the August 25 issue of Country Weekly's "Who's New" (on stands 8/11). Country Weekly's new section, "Listen Up!" will offer subscribers a free exclusive download of Huck's upcoming single, "Ain't Enough Blacktop," in the September 8 issue (on stands 8/25). "Blacktop" was winner of the 2008 World Billboard Song Contest in the country category (placing 2nd overall). For more information on Rick Huckaby, log on to www.rickhuckaby.com.

# # #

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Sugarland Pre-Sale Available - Verona, NY


Sugarland Official Update

Hello Laurie!

We are happy to announce a special pre-sale ticket opportunity for SugarlandFan.com Fan Club members!

Beginning Wednesday, July 16 at 10:00 AM (local time of venue) while supplies last, Ticketmaster will be offering a pre-sale for SugarlandFan.com Fan Club members for the following show:

10/16/08 - Verona, NY
Turning Stone Resort & Casino

SugarlandFan.com Pre-Sale 7/16
10:00 AM (local time of venue)

PLEASE NOTE: All current members of the Sugarland Fan Club have been issued a NEW personal Ticketmaster Pre-Sale code. This code can be found once logged in on the Fan Club page, and in bright yellow at the top righthand side of your screen.


Pre-sale tickets are available to all Fan Club members. If you are a member, log in to get your Ticketmaster code. You will use this code on Sugarland's Ticketmaster Page during the designated pre-sale time to purchase tickets. If you're not already a Member, join today to take advantage of this and all the other great benefits of the club!

* Please note that each member has the opportunity to purchase up to four tickets per show. Tickets are subject to availabilty and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.

Visit the Tour page of SugarlandFan.com get more information!

Cameron
SugarlandFan.com

Copyright 2007 SugarlandFan.com

MERCYME FRONTMAN BART MILLARD TO RELEASE ³ Hymned Again=?ISO-8859-1?B?siA=?=Hits August 19th and Features Duet with Country Superstar Vince Gill

MERCYME FRONTMAN BART MILLARD TO RELEASE SECOND HYMNS PROJECT

“Hymned Again” Hits August 19th and Features Duet with Country Superstar Vince Gill

“I Stand Amazed” Goes to Radio July 4th


NASHVILLE, TN....June 17, 2008.....In follow up to HYMNED, MercyMe frontman Bart Millard’s 2005 solo project, named one of Billboard and ChristianMusicToday.com’s Top Ten albums of 2005, comes his second effort, HYMNED AGAIN, which will hit nationwide on August 19th. The first single to be serviced to AC and Inspo radio formats will be “I Stand Amazed,” on July 4th, which features guest vocals by Christy Nockels.

Taking the production helm once again is Brown Bannister, who along with Millard’s passionate vocals and a famed line up of studio musicians, has created an impressive and diversified musical landscape on HYMNED AGAIN. Raised in East Texas relatively close to where many musical styles originated, Millard wanted to create an authentic sound with these old hymns, most of which date back to the 1800s and talk about sharing one’s faith during this era when evangelism was on the rise. Therefore, HYMNED AGAIN runs the stylistic gamut from New Orleans style horn-driven jazz to Texas blues-rock guitar, and country/bluegrass to banjo-featuring Dixieland, '70s soul/gospel flavor, and one song centered on nothing more than a ukulele.

To top it off, the sole original track on the CD, written by Millard and Thad Cockrell, “Jesus Cares for Me,” features a duet with country superstar Vince Gill. "The one thing I've been looking to do is sing with Bart and check that off my Bucket List.” laughed Gill, who had some fun with Millard in the recording studio with his ‘Bucket List,’ video from which is featured on MercyMe’s blog page at http://www.mercyme/org/blog. All kidding aside, the duet is surely a dream come true for Millard, who states, “I never imagined I would sing a duet with Vince Gill, and especially that it would be on one of my records. It was truly an incredible ‘pinch myself’ moment.”

While HYMNED was inspired by Millard’s grandmother, and the hymns she used to sing, HYMNED AGAIN was inspired moreso by his three kids. "My three kids know every word of the first hymns record I did,” he says. “These are songs that were a huge part of my upbringing, and now they are a part of my kids’ as well, so I had to do another one! And, true to form, they already have the new album memorized too."

Millard is currently touring a full summer schedule with MercyMe supporting their latest hit project, ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME. The band will be touring this fall as well, dates for which are available on http://www.mercyme.org. Millard also just taped a special HYMNED AGAIN episode of the Gospel Music Channel’s Kitchen Sink program which is scheduled to air on September 27th.

###

Bonnie Bishop Joins Montage Music Group Publishing

Songsmith Bonnie Bishop Joins Montage Music Group Publishing

Nashville, TN – Montage Music Group Head of Publishing, Bobby Rymer, is excited to announce that Texas songwriter

Bonnie Bishop has joined Montage Music Publishing as a staff writer.

“Bonnie is not only a wonderful singer and artist, but her potential as a writer is unlimited. I truly believe she is going to make Nashville stand up and take notice!” says Rymer.

A well known fixture on the Texas touring scene, Bishop spent years performing in her home state before making the move to Nashville. Her wide range of influences from classic rock to Motown made her a fast favorite across Texas and nationwide, and she was soon sharing bills with artists like Jack Ingram, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Randy Rogers. In 2004, her singles "Send Me A Cowboy," and "Sweet On The Down Low" remained on the Texas Music Chart's Top 30 throughout the year. Bishop honed her writing chops collaborating with writers like Walt Wilkins, Jim Lauderdale, and Richard Leigh, and impressively picked up a guitar for the first time in 2005 and taught herself to play in a matter of months in order to become a better writer and performer. In 2007, her talent caught the attention of Robert Earl Keen, who tapped her to open shows for him across Texas and the East Coast. Soon after she decided to move to Music City, and within two months of moving to town, Montage signed the talented young Texan to a publishing deal.

For more information on Montage Music Group artists and songwriters please visit http://www.montagemusicgroup.com/

WARNER BROS. RECORDS' WHITNEY DUNCAN TO PREMIERE DEBUT VIDEO ON AOL TODAY

WARNER BROS. RECORDS’ WHITNEY DUNCAN TO PREMIERE

DEBUT VIDEO ON AOL TODAY

Video Premieres July 16 On GAC

Up-Close And Personal Look At Whitney With “Right Road Now” Series

NASHVILLE – July 15, 2008 – Warner Bros. Records Debut Artist Whitney Duncan will premiere the video for her debut single, “When I Said I Would,” exclusively on AOL Music today. Tomorrow, GAC viewers and country music fans will get a treat when the video will also premiere for the first time on the cable network “When I Said I Would” will be released to radio on August 25 and is the first release off of Duncan’s forthcoming Warner Bros. Records debut album, Right Road Now.

To give country music fans an introduction to this amazing debut artist, Warner Bros. Records has created a series of interviews, appropriately titled “Right Road Now.” Duncan discusses the “road” to creating her debut album. Two of the three interviews, are now posted on Duncan’s web site. The third installment will be posted soon. Visit www.whitneyduncan.com to get your first look at the next amazing talent in country music.

http://music.aol.com/artist/genre/country

www.whitneyduncan.com

http://www.myspace.com/whitneyduncanmusic

# # #

Murrah Music Group Signs Singer/Songwriter Matt Dame


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MURRAH MUSIC GROUP SIGNS SINGER/SONGWRITER MATT DAME

NASHVILLE, TENN. (July 15, 2008)—Murrah Music Group has signed singer/songwriter Matt Dame to an exclusive songwriter agreement.

“It’s always exciting to find a singer/songwriter like Matt with such unique talent,” said Murrah Music Chairman Roger Murrah, “and even more exciting to bring him into the fold. We know he’ll be a tremendous addition to our creative team.”

A native of Batesville, Arkansas, a small town on the banks of the White River, Matt began singing, writing songs and learning to play the guitar at an early age. After high school, he attended Arkansas State University and Harding University. He began a career in law enforcement in 1997 in Searcy, Arkansas, and later worked in Little Rock for the Drug Unit at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Matt moved to Music City in March 2005 to pursue his dream of writing and singing country music. After making several contacts in town, he landed a development deal with RCA Records. He signed his first publishing deal with Famous Music in 2006. As one of the most in-demand demo singers in town these days, he has had the opportunity to work in studios all over Nashville with Music City’s most legendary producers and songwriters. Matt resides in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife, Jessica, and son, Drew.

###

Photo by: Drew Maynard

Pictured (left to right): Murrah Music Chairman Roger Murrah, Dame's attorney Karl Braun, Dame, Murrah Music Sr. Vice President Paul Compton and President Doug Colton.

Joshua Rush Finds Himself Among Great Company at Nashvilles Newest Label, Adroit Records

Pla Media

July 15, 2008

Joshua Rush Finds Himself Among Great Company at Nashville’s Newest Label, Adroit Records

Adroit Records, Music City’s ground-breaking new label, is pleased to announce the signing of Joshua Rush to their roster of Nashville’s best kept secret singer-songwriters.

Rush’s song, “I Found Myself Dancing,” portrays how one can use words to dance around the truth. This song will be featured on Adroit’s first compilation which will consist of ten songs and artists from Nashville-based songwriters. “I’m looking forward to being part of a team that genuinely loves music as much as I do,” says Rush. “I’m a real fan of the artists on Adroit’s roster and feel blessed to be counted alongside them.” Other artists already signed include Vince Melamed, Craig Monday, Karleen Watt, Mason Douglas, Lucas Hoge and Brendan McKinney.

Jim Tract, President of Adroit Records, said, “Signing Joshua is another benefit of attending the Durango Songwriters Expo where I had the pleasure of meeting Warren Sellers who is a co-writer on this song and who turned me on to Joshua. It’s an extremely poignant song and heart felt story. When Joshua sang it for me with just his acoustic guitar, I immediately knew that he was a perfect fit for Adroit. He is an extremely talented singer and songwriter, and as an extra bonus, he shares my passion for baseball!”

Rush, who grew up in a musical family, found his roots in the country genre despite his influences in gospel and rock. “My sister and I used to sing in church all the time. Gospel music and hymns were a big part of my up-bringing. I also listened to Hank Williams Sr., Merle Haggard and Buck Owens,” said Rush.

To stay updated on the music being compiled for Adroit’s debut compilation, please visit http://e2ma.net/go/1201264916/1091893/39954890/goto:http://www.adroitrecords.com/.

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Monday, July 14, 2008

Candy Is Even Better LIVE!--Southern Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri...Don't Miss These!

Candy's Even Better LIVE!

*Here are Your UpComing Chances to

BE THERE!*

Get Out Your Calendar and Make Plans to Go to These Great Candy Shows Coming Up! (Click on any flyer for more info!)

************

*Candy's at Horseshoe Southern Indiana July 18-19*

Candy will be at Horseshoe Southern Indiana July 18-19!

*Candy's in NASHVILLE at 12th and Porter July 21, 6pm!*

*Candy's at Dog Days in Lake of the Ozarks, MO July 24!*

Candy will be at Dog Days July 24 in Osage Beach!

*Candy's On the Grandstand at the Ozark Empire Fair July 29!*

Candy Will Be on the Grandstand at the Ozark Empire Fair July 29!

Andy Griggs First Country Artist Ever to Play in World Series of Poker- Outlasts the Pros!

Andy Griggs Knows When To Hold ‘Em

Outlasts All But One Doyle’s Room Pro in 2008 World Series of Poker

Nashville, TN -- Montage Music Group’s Andy Griggs made his sponsor DoylesRoom.net proud as the first-ever country artist to participate in the 2008 World Series of Poker, held in Las Vegas last week. Griggs began the tournament with $20,000 in chips and was advised by his trainers that he would be doing well if he ended the first day with $10,000-$15,000. By the end of the day, he had more than doubled his money, with $51,050 in chips!

By the third day of play, Griggs was the only celebrity left in the tournament, and lasted three rounds until he went all in with a pair of 5’s and the other player bested him with a pair of 6’s on the flop. Impressively, he finished in the top 12 percent of players in the world renowned tournament.

Griggs received a tremendous amount of media coverage during the event, and fans can check out the tournament on ESPN as it airs every Tuesday beginning July 22nd. He kicked off Day Two of the tournament with a performance of the National Anthem, and also performed a track, the fitting, “It’s All About The Money,” from his new Montage Music Group album THE GOOD LIFE, on July 5th.

Fans can find out more about Griggs’ experience playing with the pros at http://www.andygriggs.com/.

# # # #

Crime Victim's Advocacy Organization, You Have The Power, Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary With Rock the Power 70s Style Event

Pla Media

Crime Victim's Advocacy Organization, You Have The Power, Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary with “Rock the Power 70’s Style” Event

"Rock the Power, 70's Style" Anniversary Event

You Have The Power kicks off its 15th anniversary celebration at the historic War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville on Thursday, October 16th at 7:00 PM. The “Rock the Power, 70’s Style” event will host a concert lineup of multi-platinum recording artists including Orleans (Still the One), Jimi Jamison of Survivor (Eye of the Tiger), David Pack of Ambrosia (You're the Only Woman), and Joe Lynn Turner of Deep Purple (Smoke on the Water). A silent auction will take place, as well as recognition of Andrea Conte for receiving a National Award for Service to crime victims.

You Have The Power, founded in 1993 by Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte, is a not-for-profit agency dedicated to raising community awareness about crime and justice issues. Since its inception, the agency has provided free educational programs statewide to the community on various topics such as crime prevention, healing and understanding.

The “Rock the Power, 70’s Style” anniversary celebration will start the ball rolling at War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville on Thursday, October 16th at 7:00 PM. Save the date and join You Have The Power to celebrate fifteen years of crime awareness and prevention efforts with a fun evening of hits from the 70’s. To find out how to become a sponsor for the event, donate auction items, or purchase tickets, contact Joanne KoKot-Hoppen at (615) 292-7027. Tickets are $37.00 for upper level and $77.00 for lower level. VIP tickets are $250.00, which includes a pre-concert party and much more. For more information, visit www.yhtp.org.

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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Country Weekly Fast Facts 7.28.07

,
FAST FACTS

The following items are from the July 28 issue of COUNTRY WEEKLY, on sale July 14. We invite you to use any of them, but we ask that you please credit COUNTRY WEEKLY for each item used.

COVER STORY: GIRLS ROCK
Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler and more young female stars are shaking up the country music charts in a big way. This cover story examines the new phenomenon and the friendships these young stars have made with each other. “Carrie, Taylor and I relate a lot because we each understand what the others are going through,” says Kellie. “It’s real good to have close girlfriends in the industry.” Carrie modestly notes, “I’m not really sure about my impact on things. I do think maybe there have been a few of us that have opened the door and shown people what they were missing.” Also featured are Miranda Lambert, Jewel and Julianne Hough.

SARA EVANS BY DESIGN
Sara Evans helped a group of designers craft the perfect hotel room on a recent episode of HGTV’s Design Star. “The whole focus was, ‘What would you want in a hotel room?’ I always travel with my kids, so they were considered in the design,” Sara tells Country Weekly. Check out Sara’s design ideas plus some fabulous photos of Sara and show host Clive Pearse.

PLUS!
Tim McGraw has a run-in with a rowdy fan . . . Billy Ray Cyrus talks about daughter Miley and his new “Real Gone” video . . . and Jake Owen hits the lake for a wakeboarding adventure.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Be One of the First to Hear Faith's Unreleased Christmas Album!


Hey Country Interviews Online,

It may be the dog days of summer, but Faith has the perfect opportunity to cool you off!

Join Faith's Mobile Club for FREE to be one of the first to hear tracks off of her upcoming, highly anticipated Christmas album, "Joy To The World"!

Starting TODAY, fans will be able to preview one new Joy track per week, culminating with the album’s official release on September 16th. “Joy to the World” is the first track that will be available exclusively to Mobile Club members.

Fans can join the club by calling Faith at 615-823-5605 and sign up to receive phone calls from Faith!

So give Faith a call, and celebrate Christmas in July!

Thanks,
FaithHill.com
echoCrew

*Standard texting charges from your Mobile carrier apply.

More about the new album:
5 time Grammy winner Faith Hill will release Joy to the World on September 16th. The 11 track CD boasts some of the season’s most recognizable and beloved classics, performed by one of America’s most accomplished vocalists.

The recording features The Nashville String Machine as well as the London-based choirs Metro Voices and The London Oratory School Boys Choir. Grammy Award winner David Campbell (Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Beyonce) provides a newly composed full orchestration for Joy, which gives such classics as “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Holly Jolly Christmas” a fresh, unique and, at times, big band groove.

Joy to the World is co-produced by Dan Huff, Byron Gallimore and Faith. It was engineered by Allen Sides.

The Bittersweets - free mp3

Hi Country Interviews Online,

Compass is giving away a FREE download of the song "Wreck" from The Bittersweets' upcoming release, Goodnight, San Francisco at http://www.compassrecords.com/.

Their new album, Goodnight San Francisco, streets September 9, 2008 and was produced by Lex Price, Mindy Smith's producer and sideman.

http://www.thebittersweets.com/

Thanks!

Forrest

Thursday, July 10, 2008

RANDY TRAVIS' FIRST NEW COUNTRY ALBUM IN EIGHT YEARS AROUND THE BEND - IN STORES JULY 15

RANDY TRAVIS’ FIRST NEW COUNTRY ALBUM IN EIGHT YEARS AROUND THE BEND RELEASED BY WARNER BROS. RECORDS ON JULY 15; TRAVIS’ DVD FILM THE WAGER RELEASED IN MAY

Travis Will Be In New York CD Release Week To Appear on The Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America, Regis & Kelly and The Today Show

Los Angeles, California - July 10, 2008
With one of the most recognizable voices in country music, Randy Travis returns to his roots with his first new country album in eight years, Around the Bend, which will be released by Warner Bros. Records on July 15, 2008. Randy will be in New York City in support of his new release and will be appearing on several national television shows including: “The Late Show with David Letterman” (7/15,) “Good Morning America” (7/16), “Regis & Kelly” (7/17) and “The Today Show” (7/18.) He will be performing the current single off of the album, “Dig Two Graves” and big hits such as “Forever And Ever Amen.” With over 23 years on the charts, Randy Travis is one of the top ten selling solo country artists of all time. Having sold over 21 million albums, he has 22 #1 hits, six GRAMMY® Awards, five Country Music Association Awards, nine Academy of Country Music Awards and ten American Music Awards to his name.

Travis will be launching his new fan club, to coincide with the release of Around The Bend on July 15, 2008. Membership to the fan club includes; a $20 gift certificate to Randy’s online store, fan club member only merchandise, the chance to participate in exclusive contests, and access to exclusive videos, photos, downloads and more on http://www.randytravis.com/.

Released on DVD on May 13, 2008, by Genius Products, LLC, The Wager stars Travis as Michael Steele, a blockbuster actor who has reached the height of Hollywood success when his faith is tested. Based on the best-selling book by Bill Myers, The Wager is a powerful parable examining how to live out faith in today’s world, challenging people to see that faith is found when it is tested.

Since making his debut with 1986’s multi-platinum Storm’s of Life, Travis has gone on to release many memorable albums including Always & Forever, Old 8x10, High Lonesome, This Is Me, Full Circle and Rise and Shine. His many hits include, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Three Wooden Crosses,” “1982,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” “He Walked on Water,” “Look Heart, No Hands” and “Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart” among many others. In addition to his extraordinary recording career, Travis has appeared in many films, TV movies, and episodes of dramatic series. His movies include Fire Down Below, Black Dog, Frank and Jess, The Rainmaker, and Texas Rangers. He also appeared in seven episodes of Touched By An Angel and has guest starred on shows such as Matlock, Blues Clues, Hey Arnold and King of the Hill.

For more information on Randy Travis, including message boards, tour dates, and more, please visit http://www.randytravis.com/.

# # #

Get Pre-Sale Tickets for Sara's OK and KY shows!

Perfect Women's Jersey Tee
Show the world just how perfect you are with Sara's brand new jersey!
Price $25.00
Member Price: $22.50

2008 Black Portrait Tour Tee

A new spin on an old favorite. Keep up with all of Sara's tour dates for the year and stay in style!

Price $25.00

Member Price: $22.50

BUY NOW >>


2008 It's Perfect Tee

Everything is perfect when you're wearing this hot new design.

Price $25.00

Member Price: $22.50

BUY NOW >>


Hey Country Interviews Online!

NEW PRE-SALE TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Pre-Sales are up and active! Keep up with the Sara Evans tour and score tickets before they go on sale to the public! These tickets won't last, so be sure to check out the following presales and grab your tickets for the following shows NOW!

  • 8.16.08 - Norman, OK - Riverwind Casino
  • 9.27.08 - Owenton, KY - Elk Creek Winery

FC Members, LOGIN to enter the presale!

Not a member? JOIN NOW and get access to these presales, plus take advantage of the best member packages we've ever offered! Get the official Sara Evans Fan Club tee, a mousepad, necklace, and member card - only available through SaraEvans.com!

LEARN MORE >>

* Pre-Sale Tickets are available to active Sara Evans Fan Club Members. Pre-Sales run for a limited time. For the latest pre-sale information visit www.SaraEvans.com.



KEEP IN TOUCH WITH SARA!

Want to be just a text away from knowing all about Sara's TV appearances, Tour Dates, and more? Want to send Sara a shout out about last night's awesome concert?


Head over to the Sara Evans Mobile Page to learn how you can sign up for FREE SE mobile updates and get plugged in! Or grab your phone and text '@semusic your message' to 66937.

SIGN UP FOR FREE HERE >>


CHECK OUT THE NEW MERCH!

We've featured some of the brand new merch items along the side so you can check out all of the new designs. Be sure to visit the Sara Evans Online Store to get stocked up on all of the official SE Gear. Fan Club members receive exclusive discounts on merchandise, so if you're not a member yet, JOIN NOW!

HIT THE ONLINE STORE >>



Thanks for being a fan!

July 10, 2008

SaraEvans.com

MySpace.com/SaraEvansMusic

YouTube.com/SaraEvans

What A Trip! Entertainment Announces "Win A Trip"

,
"Win A Trip"
What A Trip! Entertainment announces that
"Win A Trip", seen and heard at www.watexcitingtrips.com
is written and recorded by an exciting mystery man.

"Win A Trip" to Ireland for your favorite charity!

What A Trip! Entertainment announces that "Win A Trip", seen and heard at www.watexcitingtrips.com, is written and recorded by an exciting mystery man.

Grace Reinbold and Darlene Williams, owners of What A Trip!, invite those who think they know who this Mystery Man is, to submit one guess only to winatrip@whatatripi1.com. Both industry veterans say, "the song in its entirety is for entertainment purposes only and is not competing in any way for airplay anywhere." Williams and Reinbold admit, however, that the song is likely to be heard on YouTube and other internet sites.

One grand prize winner will be drawn from all the correct entries. Since the Mystery Man must remain a mystery until after his performance for trip winners some time between November 10 and November 12, the grand prize winner will be drawn at random and announced on Thursday, November 13, 2008 on What A Trip’s website for radio stations, www.watexcitingtrips.com.

The grand prize winner receives a trip for two for a "Bed & Breakfast Weekend in Ireland" for their favorite charity. Trip includes roundtrip coach class airfare and two nights double occupancy accommodations. (Some blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.)

Radio stations are invited to download a 30 second audio clip of the song for use in contesting promotions. The audio clip is located at www.watexcitingtrips.com.

What A Trip! Entertainment is the world’s leading purveyor of trip promotions for radio and television.

Georgette Jones to Appear on Sordid Lives: The Series as the Ghost of Her Mother Tammy Wynette

Georgette Jones to Appear on Sordid Lives: The Series as the Ghost of Her Mother Tammy Wynette

World Premiere and Red Carpet Performance in NYC July 15

Nashville, TN - Georgette Jones, daughter of Hall of Fame country artists George Jones and Tammy Wynette, will guest-star as the conjured ghost of her late mother Tammy Wynette in the upcoming television series, produced for Viacom, entitled Sordid Lives. The series will premiere on Logo July 23, 2008 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

The World Premiere and Red Carpet for the series will be held July 15, 2008 at New World Stages in New York City. There will be a special performance from Jones who will be paying tribute to her mother by singing Tammy Wynette classics from the series. Screening of episodes 1 and 2 are scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM.

Sordid Lives: The Series, which, like the play and film, is created, written and directed by Del Shores, stars Bonnie Bedelia (Die Hard, The Division), Beth Grant (No Country for Old Men, Little Miss Sunshine), Emmy Award winner Rue McClanahan (The Golden Girls), Olivia Newton-John (Grease) and Caroline Rhea (Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, The Caroline Rhea Show). Throughout the series, there will be several guest star appearances, including Margaret Cho, Candis Cayne, Carson Kressley and Georgette Jones.

Creator and director Del Shores, thought Jones did an excellent job portraying her mother Tammy Wynette. "It was such a thrill to work with Georgette in my series," stated Shores. "If you know my work, you know my intense love for Tammy Wynette. Georgette not only played her mother in the series to perfection, but she sang all of the Tammy songs that we used and just soared."

Music has been a life-long passion and Georgette hopes to soon have a CD of her own to add to her family legacy. She most recently is featured in a duet with her father George Jones entitled "You And Me And Time", which Georgette co-wrote with Don Pfrimmer and Mark McGuinn. The song is the first single off her dad's new album BURN YOUR PLAYHOUSE DOWN: the unreleased duets soon to be released on Bandit Records.

In her career, Georgette has performed all over the world, but she considers singing at the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry her most special and memorable moments. "I hope country music embraces this very talented woman and she becomes the star that she deserves to be," said Shores. "Besides all that talent, Georgette is just good people. Her mama would be so proud of her. I know I am."

For more information on Georgette Jones, please visit her website at www.georgettejones.com.

Sordid Lives: The Series has been in development for two years and was produced by Stanley M. Brooks, Del Shores and Damian Ganczewski for Once Upon A Time Films, producers of the Emmy Award-winning Broken Trail. Also producing are Scout Productions with IMG World Media distributing internationally.

ABOUT LOGO

Logo is the ad-supported network targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) viewers, launched by MTV Networks. The network launched June 30, 2005, with more than one thousand hours of content and has approximately 30 million subscribers across the United States. Logo provides LGBT audiences with a place where they can see themselves through a mix of original and acquired entertainment programming that is authentic, smart and inclusive. Logo joins Viacom's roster of popular and highly targeted cable networks which include MTV, Comedy Central, BET and Spike TV.

ABOUT MTV NETWORKS

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 120 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL, and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, with all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 100 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless, and interactive television services can be seen worldwide.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

#37 On the Chart and Still Climbing! Hear It LIVE in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee Areas!

Visit CandyCoburn.com--Where there's always something NEW!

#37 On the Chart and Still Climbing! Hear It LIVE in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee Areas--Coming Up!

"BIG DREAM IN A LITTLE TOWN" has climbed again this week--to NUMBER 37!--on the Texas Chart thanks to all of Candy's Awesome Fans and those GREAT radio stations that are open to playing our favorite new Rising Star--CANDY!

Keep REQUESTING "Big Dream In A Little Town"! It's fans like you that are helping to make this happen!

(Still looking for these great radio stations and online stations to make your requests? Check out the Discussion Boards in Candy's COMMUNITY area on CandyCoburn.com to find them!)


********************
Are you ready to hear it
*LIVE*?
********************
LOTS of great SHOWS Coming Up!
Make plans to catch Candy LIVE next week!


Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19

Get ready to ROCK!!
Candy's going to be at Legends in Horseshoe Southern Indiana (near the Louisville, Kentucky border) beginning at 9pm each night!

*Hint: Do you want a really great night full of country music with ATTITUDE?
Check out the Gretchen Wilson show on the Outdoor Stage at Horseshoe Southern Indiana
on
Saturday, July 19...
THEN plan to head inside for
CANDY'S SHOW at 9pm! Click HERE for more info!

Candy will ROCK at 12th and Porter in Nashville, TN at 6pm! Nashville sees a lot of shows every day...but there is no one out there like CANDY!
For more info on these shows and more coming up, click HERE to find Candy's Tour page at CandyCoburn.com!
****************************
NO ONE should have to live without Great Music and Awesome Shows! BE KIND to your friends....Share your Candy news with them!
For more great Candy shows, news, and info, EXPLORE
and
***************************
*Check it out! They made a Candy table at the Texas Roadhouse in Wichita Falls, Texas! Next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and ask for Candy's table!

Lots of new pictures and other fun stuff on Candy's new website, so go in, EXPLORE, and check it all out!

Patty Loveless Joins Saguaro Road Records to Release 19th CD

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING SINGER
PATTY LOVELESS
JOINS SAGUARO ROAD RECORDS TO RELEASE 19TH CD

Sleepless Nights "The Traditional Country Soul of Patty Loveless" debuts September 9
Nashville, Tenn. (July 9, 2008) - For those aching to hear the pure, lonesome tenor from the Appalachian siren of modern country, the wait is over. With her first release in three years, Patty Loveless is back with her 19th CD on a new label, Saguaro Road Records, formed in June 2008 by Direct Holdings Americas Inc. Direct Holdings also markets and sells audio and video entertainment products under the Time Life brand, which it uses under license from Time Warner Inc.

Produced with her husband and musical soul mate, Emory Gordy Jr., and backed by a Who's Who of Nashville A-list session players, including Harold Bradley, John Hobbs, Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Harry Stinson, Steve Gibson and Biff Watson, with background vocals by Vince Gill, Sleepless Nights features 14 titles that the pair culled from a pool of nearly 500 songs. This album of classics celebrates the many facets of heartache that make country music the diary of the common man.

"Emory and I were talking over dinner about recapturing some of these moments from my youth," Loveless explains, "because I want to inspire and remind people of what country is made of. It takes me back especially to my brother, Roger, and my sister, Dottie, and the music they loved.
"It's a little bit of a history lesson, but I think once you hear the songs, the stories ... you're going to be drawn to it," continues Loveless. "People lived a little differently then, but at the same time, there's a lot more in common [with today] than people would think." Hailed by People magazine as "equal parts Linda Ronstadt and Patsy Cline" when her two-million-selling Only What I Feel was released, Loveless has always believed in honoring her upbringing. Born in rural eastern Kentucky to a coal mining father who loved bluegrass, Patty followed her roots all the way to the Opry stage after first catching the ear of Porter Wagoner when she was only 13. She released her self-titled debut in 1987 and has never looked back.

A CMA Female Vocalist and Album of the Year winner, Loveless has consistently set a standard for what country music should be with platinum CDs and chart-topping songs like "You Don't Even Know Who I Am" and "How Can I Help You Say Goodbye."

As Time magazine once noted, "Her songs catalog every sin a man can commit, every pain a woman can bear. If you turn on the radio and hear a strong heart breaking, chances are it's the one in that plangent Loveless voice ..."

"These are great Country songs", says Direct Holdings Senior Vice President, Retail, Mike Jason, but in many ways they transcend their Country roots by telling universal stories of love, passion and heartbreak." "Patty's beautifully plaintive voice and this album will speak to the Country music purist, the newest fan and everyone in between."
On Sleepless Nights, Loveless draws on her vocal strength and traditional sensibilities to bring her own versions of these timeless standards to life. The title track is itself a bridge between the heart-wrenching Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris duet and the original, more obscure yet hopeful Everly Brothers' version.

That is the beauty of what Loveless has always achieved: a seamless synthesis of what was, what is and what matters.

Whether it's Webb Pierce's cautionary "There Stands the Glass," George Jones regret-steeped "Color of the Blues" or Hank Williams' "Cold, Cold Heart," these songs are imbued with a fire that consumes the listener.

And they are classics for a reason. Not just for what they say, or who wrote or recorded them, but also because of the emotional charge they carry. "I felt like I could dip into my own soul," Loveless says of "Color of the Blues" by her dear friend George Jones. "It grabs a hold of you and won't let go ... and when you're feeling down and out, that may be all you have to hold onto.

"That's what makes country music stand out. 'Don't Let Me Cross Over' is a cheatin' line ... and it was written by a woman, Penny Jay Moyer."

In a world growing more complex, and at the same time more superficial, it takes some digging to find what's real. It's not always neat and tidy, but it is profound. For Loveless, that's the essence of her role as a country music singer.

***

Sleepless Nights SONG LIST
1. WHY BABY WHY
2. THE PAIN OF LOVING YOU
3. HE THINKS I STILL CARE
4. SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
5. CRAZY ARMS
6. THERE STANDS THE GLASS
7. THAT'S ALL IT TOOK
8. COLOR OF THE BLUES
9. I FORGOT MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW
10. NEXT IN LINE
11. DON'T LET ME CROSS OVER
12. PLEASE HELP ME I'M FALLING
13. THERE GOES MY EVERYTHING
14. COLD COLD HEART

THE INAUGURAL �CLAY WALKER CHARITY CLASSIC� PROVES TO BE A HOLE-IN-ONE!

,
THE INAUGURAL �CLAY WALKER CHARITY CLASSIC� PROVES TO BE A HOLE-IN-ONE!

Gala Auction At Walker�s Charity Golf Tournament Raises over $72,000 for Band Against MS

(Nashville, TN) – Multi-platinum country music artist Clay Walker and his inaugural “Clay Walker Charity Classic” managed to raise over $72,000 on behalf of his non-profit charity Band Against MS (BAMS). The event was made possible with the help of Pebble Beach Resorts and by corporate grants to BAMS by companies like Teva Neuroscience.

“Our first BAMS Charity golf event was more successful than we could have hoped for! Not only did we raise over $72,000 for BAMS, but we all got to spend three days in the California sunshine on the greatest golf courses in the world – we are thrilled to announce that our inaugural tournament was a huge success,” said Walker.

The tournament, which took place June 30th through July 2nd at famed Pebble Beach Resorts in Pebble Beach, California, featured three competitive rounds of golf, an awards ceremony, a very special performance by Walker and his band and a live auction which included autographed instruments and items from Miley Cyrus, Kevin Costner, Hank Williams Jr., Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels and The Eagles.

Recognized around the globe, Pebble Beach has played host to four U.S. Open Championships, the Annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AM and is consistently rated as one of the world’s top golf destinations. Its courses include Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Throughout the tournament, Walker and his guests made the trek across each beautiful course, enjoying not only the game of golf but also the great cause the event stands for.

In 1996, Walker was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Determined to combat the disease and improve the lives of those living with it, Walker established Band Against MS in 2003. BAMS ultimate goals are to fund important research programs and provide educational information for those living with the debilitating disease. Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that affects the central nervous system, plagues 2.5 million people.

Band Against MS is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing education material for those living with MS as well as funding research that may one day lead to a cure. For more information visit www.bandagainstms.org.

About Pebble Beach Company:
Pebble Beach Company, headquartered in Pebble Beach, Calif., owns and operates the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts, including The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay and Casa Palmero. The company also operates four renowned golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay and Del Monte Golf Course. Its other famed properties include the scenic 17-Mile Drive and The Spa at Pebble Beach, and it annually hosts premier events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational and the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. Site of the 2010 U.S. Open, Pebble Beach Golf Links has hosted four U.S. Opens, four U.S. Amateurs, one PGA Championship, and numerous other tournaments.

Terri Clark Challenge - Send Us Your Photos!


TerriClark.com Official Update

Hey Laurie!

Terri is challenging everyone at TerriClark.com to send in their BEST live photos from the past year!

From TC:
"While perusing the Live photo's lately, I noticed mostly old, outdated pictures. I know you guys take a ton of really great pictures, many of which I comment on when I see you in meet and greets.

I would love if we could post more from the touring we did in 2007-and this year, and we need your help to find them.

I will give a signature Terri Clark Fender guitar to the person who submits the best live photo by the end of the year, and some other giveaways like hats, boots, and meet and greets...even if you already got one this year...ha ha ... so let's get it started..."

Send in your best photos to FanPhotos@TerriClark.com for the chance to not only have your photo featured on the site, but also the opportunity to win a great prize!

This contest will run through the end of the year, so if you've got plans to see Terri in concert in the coming months, be sure to take your best shot and send it in!

Good luck!

TerriClark.com
echoCrew

Greatest Hits CD
$15.00 - Buy
Fan Club Membership
$24.95 - Buy
Guitar Pick Pack
$5.00 - Buy

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Meet: The John Henrys

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2008

Meet: The John Henrys

The Ottawa group has the cosmic country-rock sounds of Gram Parsons-era Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers down to a science. Sweet little bits of heartache underneath pedal steel and raucous barroom sing-alongsÉ whatÕs not to love?Ó - iTunes

"Sweet as the Grain is a rootsy masterpiece" - Ottawa Sun

The John Henrys arenÕt your conventional Americana / alt-country act. That is, of course, because they are Canadian. But that detail doesnÕt discredit the band—remember: Neil Young and Hank Snow are two of the most notable names in country music, and both hail from Canada.

On Sweet As Grain, The John Henrys dispel any notion that Canadian roots do anything to damage the integrity of country music. The album became #1 on iTunes Canada Roots Music the week of release, and #1 on the Exclaim/Earshot National Campus and Community Radio Folk Roots chart. Now, the albumÕs US release is expected to generate similar results and deliver the much-talked-about band to the forefront of the Americana / Country / Roots scene in the US.

The John Henrys On Tour:

07/08 Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa Blues Fest

10/04 Greenwood, AL One Music Festival
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Who's in our AMERICAN MuseBox ?
Uncut * The High Dials * Edison Glass * VHS or BETA * Jukebox The Ghost * Apples In stereo * Beach House * Syme * Kakkmaddafakka * Beautiful Noise * Lettuce * Rustic Overtones * Heavenly States * Juno Reactor * Pride Tiger * Brian Scary & The Shredding Tears * MSI * Black Box Revelation * Echo and The Bunnymen * Tokyo Police Club * IAMX * Chris and Thomas * Morgans Hotel Group * Barefoot Wines * The Great Bloomers * Cut Copy * The Presets

Who's in our CANADIAN MuseBox ?
Tom Fun Orchestra * Beach House * The 8485 * The Paper Cranes * The Clips * Brasstronaut * Snail House * Beautiful Noise * The I Spies * The Carps * Candy Coated Killahz * The Presets * Cut Copy * The Two Koreas * Marco Solo * Dr. Dog * Paper Lions

Monday, July 7, 2008

Blake Shelton Takes "Home" To Top Of The Charts

BLAKE SHELTON TAKES "HOME" TO TOP OF THE CHARTS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 7, 2008) Warner Bros. recording artist Blake Shelton has reached the top of the charts, R&R Singles Chart and MediaBase Singles Chart, with his woeful - soulful rendition of "Home," written by Michael Bublé, Amy Foster-Gillies and Alan Chang and originally recorded by Bublé. This is the fourth career No. 1 for Shelton including "Austin," "The Baby" and "Some Beach," which collectively held the No.1 spot for thirteen weeks.

"I loved "Home" the first time I heard it and I really love it now," jokes Shelton. "I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought it was a country song. I've had the honor of performing "Home" with Michael Bublé on a couple of occasions and can honestly say he is a really great guy and I think as a writer he's probably pretty excited that it's reached No. 1, too."

# # #

GEORGE JONES UNIVERSITY SETS FALL SEMINAR � SEPT 25 - 27

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GEORGE JONES UNIVERSITY SETS
FALL SEMINAR � SEPT 25 - 27

Nashville, TN - George Jones University (GJU) is a no-nonsense, straight-forward clinic dedicated to teaching students the basics of how the music industry works. Some of the industry's most successful entrepreneurs will lend their knowledge and expertise on breaking into the business, sharing the advice they were forced to learn the hard way. The "University" will assemble twice yearly, each session being a two-and-a-half day instruction session (Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon.)

"This marvelous institute of learning could not exist without the strong support and endorsement of Nancy and George Jones. It should have been done 50 years ago! Its about the BUSINESS of the Music Business and focuses on enlightening and empowering people who want to enter the industry. Its fun and glorious. Full of hugs, back pats and Atta boys. The two days spent in these seminar sessions are life changing and uplifting. Everything runs exactly on time. No alcohol. No tobacco. This is a straight-ahead, in -your- face explosion of information and excitement. No tests. No pass or fail. Everybody I know, with no exceptions, would enjoy and exult in the GJU experience," says Tandy Rice, GJU Dean.

Topics to be covered include artist management, booking, record labels, song publishing, life on the road, and the role of each major industry association (CMA, BMI, etc.). After each lecture, the floor will be opened to vigorous question and answer sessions. Also, each morning will begin with a brief lecture pertaining to the history of country music, and the role that Nashville has played.

GJU will teach the basic "ABCs of the Music Industry" and will be available to aspiring entertainers and the public for a fee of $400 per session. Please note that GJU does not provide housing or transportation.

For further information or to register visit: www.georgejonesuniversity.com

Country Weekly Fast Facts 7.14.08

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FAST FACTS

The following items are from the July 14 issue of COUNTRY WEEKLY, on sale now. We invite you to use any of them, but we ask that you please credit COUNTRY WEEKLY for each item used.

KENNY CHESNEY: THE PRICE OF LOVE
Kenny Chesney has apparently reignited a romance with an old flame––but is he really ready to tie the knot? Kenny has quieted the marriage rumors but says that settling down is definitely on his mind. “I work all the time,” he told the Arizona Daily Star. “I know I’m sacrificing relationships and I’m sacrificing being really close to my family.” Kenny is making plans for a new album as he continues his massive Poets & Pirates stadium tour.

EDDIE MONTGOMERY LOOKS BACK
As Montgomery Gentry releases its latest album, Back When I Knew It All, the duo’s Eddie Montgomery recalls his rough-and-tumble childhood in Kentucky and his “back when I knew it all” moments. Eddie reveals that, “My life was totally different from about 99 percent of the people that I know.” His father Harold was a local musician who played honky tonk gigs for very little money, and the family often suffered financially. Eddie recalls those tough times and talks about joining his dad’s band before he had reached his teens. “I can honestly say that I didn’t grow up with people my own age––they were all a lot older,” Eddie tells Country Weekly. He now says that he wouldn’t trade his childhood for anything. “I think it helped make me what I am today,” Eddie says.

PLUS!
Mark Wills cooks up something tasty during CMA Music Festival . . . Get exclusive free music downloads at countryweekly.com . . . and Andy Griggs talks about his new album, The Good Life.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th of July from Sara Evans & SaraEvans.com!


Have a perfect holiday!

Dear Country Interviews Online,

Just wishing you and yours a Happy 4th of July!


Thanks for being a fan!
SaraEvans.com
July 4, 2008