Monday, November 09, 2009

Susan Hickman

Nashville, TN (November 9, 2009) - Texas country rocker Susan Hickman will take her edgy live show global Saturday, November 28 as she streams the show from Houston-area nightspot Rowdy Buck's Saloon beginning at 9:30 p.m. on www.susanhickman.com.
"The internet has given me some amazing opportunities to connect with my fans," says the tech-savvy Hickman. "This is something I've always wanted to do - and I'm excited to be connecting with a larger audience. It's the first chance for my fans outside of Texas to catch my live performance."

The twenty-four-year old, high-energy performer has already shared the stage with Tracy Byrd, Jo Dee Messina, Kevin Fowler, Steve Holy, The Lost Trailers and Phil Vassar, to name a few. And, for reviewers and radio personalities nationwide, Susan is already "connecting" with her brand new single, "Whipping Post."

"It takes a lot of guts to cover a classic Greg Allman tune like "Whipping Post" and Susan Hickman delivers it with guts, grit, and a woman's blues soul!" - TX Rebel Radio Network

"Her fiery new single "Whipping Post" is burn-the-stage-down hot." - Roots Music Report

"'Whipping Post' shows off her sultry, smoky vocals that are reminiscent of sisters Shelby Lynne or Allison Moorer." - Roughstock

Hickman released "Whipping Post" in the wake of six nods in the First-Round 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Nominating Ballot for: Album of the Year (SUSAN HICKMAN), SONG OF THE YEAR (for "Wrapped Up In Me" - goes to writers Clayton, James, Monroe) and BEST NEW ARTIST. Additional first-round nominations include: Best Country Female Vocal Performance, Best Country Song ("Wrapped Up in Me") and Best Country Album (SUSAN HICKMAN, regionally- released in February of this year. National release planned for Q2 in 2010).



FANS can purchase Susan's music at iTunes, CDBaby and www.susanhickman.com.
ROWDY BUCK'S INFO: 6210 Lindstrom Rd. (Crosby) / 281-462.1731/ www.rowdybucks.com. Cover charge for Hickman's show is $ 5.Crosby, TX 77532
MEDIA: For interviews, email somuchmoore@charter.net or call Martha @ 615-746-3994.

(Photo Credit: David Clements)

Lou Reid and Carolina hit #1 on BMP

The new album, “MY OWN SET OF RULES” by Lou Reid and Carolina hit the #1 spot on this month’s Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine (BMP) Top 10 albums and also made its debut at #11 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine (BU) Top 15 album chart. The single, “Amanda Lynn” is #9 on the BMP Top 30 Singles and jumped five spots to reach #20 on the BU Top 30 Singles also this month.




“The bluegrass genre is always one that is interesting for its combination of styles and musicianship and Lou Reid and Carolina have given fans a modern twist on the foundation of bluegrass while keeping the traditions well in tact on My Own Set Of Rules,” said Today’s Country Magazine.





Lou Reid and Carolina will be a guest of SIRIUS-XM Radio Host, Kyle Cantrell on the Bluegrass Junction Track by Track show on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:00 am EST and rebroadcast Thursday, November 19 (9:00 EST) and Sunday, November 22 (11:00 am EST) featuring “My Own Set of Rules.” The album was produced by Lou Reid, and also includes band members, Christy Reid, Shannon Slaughter, Trevor Watson, with special guest Ron Stewart on fiddle.



During last month’s International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass convention, Lou joined fellow Rural Rhythm artists for a VIP Showcase where he performed “Carolina in the Pines” with Michael Martin Murphey and Audie Blaylock. He also took part in a performance of “Graves Mountain Memories” and the announcement of the upcoming Rural Rhythm Records 55 Year Celebration at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music. Lou Reid and Carolina will perform at this live recorded event to be held on June 4, 2010.



Lou Reid tours with Lou Reid and Carolina, The Seldom Scene and Longview. For more information including a complete tour schedule, please visit: www.loureidandcarolina.com

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Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Alan Jackson Meet Fans In Downtown Nashville CMA Week

ALAN JACKSON WILL MEET FANS IN


DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE CMA WEEK



Cracker Barrel constructs a “pop-up” store that will feature the

Alan Jackson Collection; store is dedicated to country music and lifestyle merchandise



LEBANON, Tenn. – Country music fans coming to Nashville during CMA Week will have the opportunity to meet Alan Jackson at a new attraction – a temporary Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® retail shop right in the middle of downtown, at lst & Broadway. This one-week-only attraction, open November 7th – l2th (see hours below), will be dedicated to country music and the lifestyle its fans enjoy, and feature the newly released Alan Jackson Collection. The highlight of the week will be an in-store appearance by superstar Alan Jackson on Tuesday, November l0, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.



Photos of The Alan Jackson Collection:

http://www.dbaronmedia.com/component/option,com_phocagallery/Itemid,100/id,1/view,category/



When guests visit this “pop-up” store, they will enjoy the same Cracker Barrel hospitality they have come to expect from the popular restaurant concept, just without the biscuits. “We wanted to create something special for country music fans right in the heart of downtown Nashville to help celebrate CMA Week,” said Cracker Barrel’s Vice President of Marketing Peter Keiser. “Building a temporary store that features all 40+ items in The Alan Jackson Collection, as well as other Cracker Barrel retail merchandise related to music and our branded food products, is a good way to provide some extra excitement during CMA Week, a very special time for country music fans.” Keiser added, “While we couldn’t build a whole kitchen in this temporary store, we invite fans to also come on over to one of the many other Cracker Barrel restaurants in the Nashville area for some good country cookin’.”



Alan Jackson has an international reputation built up over twenty years of performing and recording, but he rarely makes public appearances like this, preferring to spend his off-stage time privately with his family. He decided to meet up with fans at this special Cracker Barrel location because he believes in the quality of this merchandise collection and because he likes the food at Cracker Barrel himself! “I grew up in the South, so Cracker Barrel has been a part of my family since I was a young man,” says Alan Jackson. “I was really flattered when they came to me with the idea of working together to create a collection for their country store, and I’ve been very impressed with the variety and quality of the items that we have put together. I think my fans and their families will appreciate everything in the collection.”



THE CRACKER BARREL ‘POP UP’ OLD COUNTRY STORE - HOURS

101 Broadway, Nashville, TN

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 / 11:00am-7:00pm

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 / 12:00pm-6:00pm

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 / 11:00am-6:00pm

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 / 6:00am-6:00pm (Alan Jackson 9:00-ll:00am)

(Starting at 6:00 AM, fans who purchase an item from The Alan Jackson Collection will be able to get numbered tickets for a place in the autograph line. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Alan Jackson will meet as many fans as possible during the time period and will autograph merchandise from The Alan Jackson Collection)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 / 11:00am-6:00pm

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER / 11:00am-6:00pm

Nershi-Law and Van Ghost Team UP For The Breakdown Acoustic Tour

NERSHI-LAW AND VAN GHOST TEAM UP FOR THE BREAKDOWN ACOUSTIC TOUR




DATES CONFIRMED FOR INTIMATE VENUES IN THE MIDWEST AND UPSTATE NEW YORK



Chicago, IL – October 23, 2009. String Cheese Incident front man, Bill Nershi, and his acoustic duo Nershi-Law make their inaugural trip to the country's interior with Chicago Americana rockers Van Ghost in support.



Bluegrass with just the slightest twist, Nershi-Law contemporizes the storytelling tradition while paying impressive homage to the genre. Featuring String Cheese Incident founder Bill Nershi and Melvin Seals collaborator Scott Law, Nershi-Law released the album Honkytonk Homeslice in 2005 and continue to have a great time playing together. Bill's tight flat-picking and paradoxically strong, yet vulnerable vocals mesh nicely with Scott’s clear harmonies, contrapuntal rhythms and searing guitar breaks.



Chicago-based Americana outfit Van Ghost is riding a wave of momentum that began with high-profile gigs at Rothbury ’09, Wicker Park Fest and Hoxeyville Music Festival. The band has shared bills with Buddy Guy, Drive-By Truckers and The Derek Trucks Band. Their debut album, Melodies for Lovers, is making waves on college radio and has received strong reviews in the independent press. Van Ghost will appear as a stripped-down, acoustic version of the full band and will feature founding members Michael Harrison Berg and Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) with able support from guitarist/vocalist Chris Gelbuda (Matthew Santos, Todd Carey).

Tommy Cash Undergoes surgery For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

TOMMY CASH UNDERGOES SURGERY FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME




(NASHVILLE)--Guitar playing for more than four decades has taken its toll on traditional country artist TOMMY CASH, who underwent surgery this morning in a Nashville-area hospital for carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist.



Currently touring in support of his brand-new FADE TO BLACK album for InLight Records, Tommy is expected to resume his concert schedule in early December following a doctor-recommended break for adequate recovery time.



Hooah Radio (www.hooahradio.com), in honor of Veteran's Day, will rebroadcast its recent interview with Tommy during the online, troop-supported and veteran-operated station's Nov. 11 day of webcasting.



For more information, please contact Lisa L. Rollins at lisa@rollinsmedia.com

Monday, November 02, 2009

The "King of Country" is back!

Nashville, Tenn. (November 2, 2009) - The “King of Country” is back! 17x CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee George Strait will kick off his arena tour early next year and this time, he’s bringing along one very special lady – Reba McEntire.




The superstar acts performed together for the first time in many years for a sold-out crowd at the Cowboy’s Stadium inaugural event in Dallas. Selling out in less than an hour, fans and critics proclaimed the show one hot ticket! The concert was hailed by the Dallas Morning News as “an extravaganza” that “showcased Strait at the pinnacle of his musical game” and Ft. Worth Star Telegram wrote “Reba McEntire’s performance was a breathtaking master’s class in effortless brilliance.”



With 57 number one hits, 33 multi-platinum albums and countless sold-out shows year after year, Strait who holds the record for the most CMA wins and a record 17 CMA Entertainer of the Year nominations, is known for giving fans exactly what they want and expect. This year will be no exception.



“I can’t wait to get back out there and perform some of my new favorites from Twang along with hits the fans already love,” says Strait. “And with my friend Reba, we will make it a really spectacular night.”





Strait’s recent release TWANG debuted at #1 on The Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart. This is the fourth time in Strait’s career that a new release has debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart. It has become a critically acclaimed album and received rave reviews in USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, People, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, The Boston Globe, Billboard and many more.



Strait co-wrote three songs on TWANG including the debut single, “Living for the Night.” The current single and title track of the album sits at #22 on Billboard and Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart.



At last year’s CMA Awards, George became the artist with the most CMA Awards in history with Album of the Year for Troubadour and Single of the Year for “I Saw God Today.” He adds 4 nominations this year with nods for “Entertainer of the Year,” “Male Vocalist of the Year,” “Video of the Year” for “Troubadour” and “Vocal Event of the Year” for “Everything But Quits” with LeeAnn Womack.



His platinum-selling Troubadour was named “Best Country Album” at the 51st Grammy Awards and in April, Strait was the fifth artist ever to receive the Academy of Country Music's Artist of the Decade honor. Strait has won 19 Academy of Country Music Awards including "Entertainer of the Year."



With a career spanning more than 25 years, Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 To Date). He has sold more than 67 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley.



One of the most successful female recording artists in history, Reba has sold over 55 million albums worldwide, earned 33 #1 singles and was recently recognized as the biggest female hit-maker in country music history by “Billboard,” “Mediabase” and “Country Aircheck.” She is the winner of 15 American Music Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards, 7 Country Music Awards and 2 GRAMMY Awards.



Reba’s new album, Keep On Loving You, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart – her first solo studio album to do so. With 11 #1 albums, Reba holds the record as the female artist with the most #1 albums in the history of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The superstar also recently scored her third consecutive Top 10 single of 2009, as her new song “Consider Me Gone” jumped into the Top 10 this week on both the Billboard Country Singles and the USA Today/ Country Aircheck Chart powered by Mediabase) charts.





In November 2008, McEntire signed with The Valory Music Co. reuniting her with multimedia entertainer and industry leader Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of Big Machine Records and sister label The Valory Music Co.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Martina Mcbride Makes Her 2nd Oprah Appearance in less than 8 days!

Martina McBride Makes Her 2nd Oprah


Appearance in Less than 8 Days!



Nashville, Tenn. (October 30, 2009) – Superstar Martina McBride makes her second appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in barely a week as she follows her performance this past Monday on Oprah’s State Fair of Texas episode with a return visit on November 3rd. Last Monday's show actually taped two weeks prior but the amazing part was that Martina got the call on a Friday and by Monday morning was on the Texas stage singing. This time, the Oprah segment takes Martina to her home state of Kansas with only a couple days notice.



The theme of the November 3rd show is celebrities’ “first jobs,” and who better to be one of the featured guests than Martina who served up ice cream and burgers at her hometown DQ. Oprah’s crew took Martina back to revisit the Hutchinson, Kansas, Dairy Queen which is still owned by the same couple who employed Martina after high school.



“Getting the call to be on Oprah’s show twice in such a short time period was exciting,” admits McBride. “I’ve done Texas and Kansas … maybe Oklahoma is next,” McBride jokes.



McBride also recently taped a segment in Nashville for In The Spotlight With Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville. The ABC special gives viewers an unprecedented, all-access pass into the homes and private lives of country music’s biggest stars, and introduces America to the up-and-coming singer/songwriters working to become Nashville’s next hit sensations. The special will air November 10 on ABC at 10:00/9:00pm central.



McBride’s Shine All Night Tour presented by SunnyD starring Trace Adkins kicks off November 20th and covers 40 cities across the U.S. through the spring of 2010. Both McBride and Adkins will each perform full-length shows. Visit www.shineallnight.com for tour dates, exclusive content and more.



Martina is currently nominated for CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, an award she has won 4 times, tying her with Reba McEntire for the most wins. The 2009 CMA Awards will air November 11th on ABC at 8:00/7:00 central.



# # #

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Lorrie Morgan Releases A moment In Time, her collection of new interpretations of 14 country classics

Nashville, TN - Lorrie Morgan is releases A Moment In Time, her collection of new interpretations of fourteen country classics, on October 26 through Country Crossing Records. The album, produced by Wally Wilson and Chip Voorhis, was recorded live in the studio without overdubs.




A Moment In Time showcases Morgan’s crystalline vocals and features a stellar cast of studio musicians. Included are such timeless treasures as “Leavin’ On Your Mind,” “Cry” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” The album also features duets with Raul Malo (“Easy Lovin’”) and Tracy Lawrence (“After The Fire Is Gone”).



Fans will have numerous opportunities to catch Morgan and learn more about A Moment In Time. She’ll appear on numerous outlets on GAC and CMT throughout October and is set to make appearances on nationally syndicated programs Daytime TV on October 29th and The Daily Buzz on November 2nd.



Morgan will also head to New York this week for appearances on Sirius/XM satellite radio, Fox News’ outlets Huckabee and Hannity as well as HLN’s The Joy Behar Show. She will also tape a segment of the popular Food Network program, Iron Chef, on which she’ll appear as a celebrity guest judge. Check local listings for program schedules.



The album will also be featured prominently in Amazon.com’s digital download store as the “MP3 Daily Deal” on Wednesday, October 28th.



Early next year, Morgan will return to New York to begin rehearsals for the Broadway adaptation of Pure Country, the 1992 film starring George Strait. Morgan will star as “Lula”, in the role originally played in the movie by Lesley Ann Warren. Starring opposite Morgan is fellow country star Joe Nichols in the role of “Dusty”.



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Breaking News: Country Artist Eric Durrance ties the knot in Surprise Oct. 24 wedding!

Breaking News: Country artist ERIC DURRANCE ties the knot in surprise Oct. 24 wedding!




(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.)--Country singer-songwriter ERIC DURRANCE, who's country hits include "Turn It Off" and "Angels Fly Away," wed fiance Jennifer Weeks, a fellow Floridian, in a private ceremony at sunset Saturday, Oct. 24, on the artist's farm near Tallahassee.



Currently writing and recording for his next CD release, Durrance said time off the road afforded him time to take the plunge with Jennifer, a paralegal, and he couldn't be happier. This time last year, Durrance was on tour with Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum, and marriage wasn't on the radar, but my what a difference a year makes, the singer says.



Although the couple didn't announce their planned nuptials in advance, fans might have had an inkling that Durrance had met someone special after he uploaded a new song, "Once In A Lifetome (Jennifer's Song," to his MySpace (www.myspace.com/ericdurrance) recently. Said tune is the same song that Eric sang to Jennifer during their Saturday nuptials, which were performed by the Dove-nominated artist's stepfather.



"All in all, it was a perfect day," Durrance says of Oct. 24, 2009. "I can't wait to see what songs I write now. I've never felt so complete!"



The first wedding for both, Eric and the new Mrs. Durrance will spend their honeymoon in Mexico.



PHOTO: Country singer Eric Durrance and bride Jennifer cut their wedding cake Oct. 24, 2009. Photo credit: Alan Dust.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Chris Brackett,Star of Sportsman Channel's Smash Hit "Arrow Affliction", to Star in Video

Chris Brackett, Star of Sportsman Channel's Smash Hit "Arrow Affliction," to Star in Video

Nashville, TN - With more than six top ten and three number one songs on the country charts, including the smashes, "19 Somethin'," "I Do, Cherish You," and "Don't Laugh At Me," Mark Wills has the option of selecting country's best video directors to develop and produce his music videos. For his next single, "Crazy White Boy," Mark is asking his fans not only to give their input, but to put themselves both behind and in front of the camera.

"'Crazy White Boy' is my theme song and is a favorite of our fans every time we play a concert," Mark explains. "Often, after shows, fans will come up to me not only telling us how much they love the song but how the song is also their personal theme song. They then proceed to tell us these funny and unbelievable stories of the crazy things they and their friends do while listening to our music." It was during one of these meetings that the idea of having a fan make his video came about. "I thought that these stories portrayed the fun and true spirit of the song more than anything we could imagine. So, why not give our fans a chance to show us just how crazy they are? And then give the fans a chance to vote on their favorite video submissions."

To ensure that he reaches the most fans and to encourage ideas from everyone, Mark is taking his contest to the Internet through his official website and social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and of course, YouTube. "These are the perfect channels for reaching the most fans and for getting the best ideas, especially YouTube. I often watch YouTube and believe that I am looking at the video directors of tomorrow. The ideas are so fresh and impact is immediate. What better place to reach the best creative minds of today and tomorrow than YouTube and the social networking sites?" explained Mark.

And the results are sure to be immediate. Mark has created a special web page where fans can not only submit and view the video entries, but also cast their vote on which videos should be the winners. Mark is also excited about the voting process. "Voting is immediate and in real-time. Fans can see which video is in the lead at any time. It's easy for everyone to get their families and friends involved in the voting and picking the winners selected to be included my next video." These winning clips will be included along with footage shot with Mark and Chris Brackett, star of Sportsman Channel's top rated show, "Arrow Affliction."

Fans and future music video makers can visit www.markwills.com for more details, contest rules and a link to the online submission form. Winners will have their video played on Mark's websites and will receive a special Mark Wills prize package and a congratulatory call from Mark.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Lantana Partners with Dallas Cowboys to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Event

LANTANA PARTNERS WITH DALLAS COWBOYS TO KICK OFF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENT

Trio Performs Twice This Sunday At COWBOYS vs FALCONS Game

October 21, 2009-- The rockin' country trio known as LANTANA will perform before an estimated crowd of 100,000 at the COWBOYS Stadium - East Plaza this Sunday, October 25 (Approximate show times: Pre-Game, 2 - 3 p.m. & Post-Game, 6 - 8 p.m. CENTRAL) as the football giants kick off their first BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Month event. "We're all avid Cowboys fans and we are honored and thrilled to be a part of the NFL's commitment to this cause," says LANTANA's founder, Biz Haddock.

The Dallas Cowboys' "GameDay Productions" Team spotted the trio during LANTANA'S recent performance before a crowd of 92,000 at the State Fair of Texas during the University of Texas vs Oklahoma University game. The talent buyers knew immediately that they had found the perfect act for the COWBOYS first home-game in October. "We are very excited to present LANTANA to 100,000 of our closest friends," says Lathy Williams, Executive Producer/Dallas Cowboys Productions.

LANTANA has spent the past year working on songs for a new CD, perfecting their new stage show and building a solid fan base in their home state of Texas. Biz Haddock, Dalene Richelle and Lisa Underwood know how to entertain big crowds - they're edgy and fun; sassy and smart, and their vocal talents are legendary. LANTANA has performed at venues ranging from the Houston Astrodome, Louisiana Superdome, Texas Stadium, Nashville's Wildhorse Saloon to the State Fair of Texas (2006, 2009). The Dallas Morning News named the trio one of the "Top 10 Concerts of '06" and their debut CD, UNBRIDLED, was tagged as one of the publication's "Top 10 CDs of '06."

To experience LANTANA's music right away, log on to www.lantanamusic.com. For interviews, contact somuchmoore@charter.net or call Martha @ 615-746-3994.

LANTANA pictured at the State Fair of Texas last weekend ( L to R): Lisa Underwood, Biz Haddock, Dalene Richelle. Photo Credit: Mark Davis