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

Tuesday, November 03, 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”.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Oak Ridge Boys to be on Early Show and Fox News Channel

The Oak Ridge Boys are set to perform on CBS’ The Early Show and Fox News Channel’s Huckabee this Saturday, October 17th. On each show, The Oaks’ will be performing a Jamey Johnson-penned, soon-to-be-classic called ‘Mama’s Table’, their 2nd single released on The Boys Are Back (Spring Hill Music, May 2009). Following will be a brief interview and a performance of; you guessed it, the eternally hip hit that everybody knows, ‘Elvira.’ The Oak Ridge Boys appearance on CBS’ The Early Show is slated to air on Saturday morning, October 17th. Their appearance on Fox News Channel’s Huckabee will air multiple times October 17th and 18th. Governor Huckabee will join The Oak Ridge Boys on bass. Check your local listings.

In October 2009, Spring Hill Music released the Oaks’ second single from The Boys Are Back. Mama’s Table was written by Jamey Johnson and George G. Teren and celebrates the best of family memories. A music video is now in pre-production. Check www.oakridgeboys.com for updates.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Media Contacts:


For media inquiries, please contact:
Webster & Associates Public Relations
Kirt Webster / kirt@websterpr.com
(615) 777-6995 x30
Mary Michael / mary@websterpr.com
(615) 777-6995 x 23
Victoria Varela / victoria@websterpr.com
(917) 250-2110

Traditional Country Artist Tommy Cash lands Two Honors

JUST CALL HIM ‘COLONEL CASH’: TRADITIONAL COUNTRY ARTIST TOMMY CASH LANDS TWO HONORS


(NASHVILLE)—After 40-plus years as a country performer, he’s scored a string of chart-topping hits, recorded with everyone from George Jones to Marty Stuart—not to mention his iconic brother—and served proudly and honorably in the United States Army.


But thanks to the powers that be, the living legend known as TOMMY CASH has managed to accomplish a career first by being recognized by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen as an honorary colonel.


Currently touring in support of his newly released Fade To Black CD on the InLight label, Tommy was taken by surprise recently when he was presented with the “Colonel Aide de Camp,” an honorary commission in the State of Tennessee that has been awarded to individuals for meritorious service since 1943.


According to information from the governor’s office, only elected officials may request Colonel Aide de Camp certificates. In turn, the Arkansas-born hit-maker was nominated for the honor by Sen. Jim D. Tracy for his many contributions to and on behalf of the Volunteer State, especially his esteemed history of traveling worldwide to promote Tennessee through his musical talents, as well as his dedication to aiding the music industry through service.


In addition to touring more than 120 shows annually in both the United States and Europe, Cash is “known for (his) music and willingness to serve on boards to help promote the music industry,” according to the senator’s nomination, which lists Cash’s longtime membership and service to the Reunion of Professional Entertainers, also known as ROPE, where he currently serves on its board of directors.


--more--



COLCASH

Add 1


And speaking of ROPE, the Nashville-area entity, like the governor's office, touted its appreciation for Cash and his service to the music industry earlier this month at its 22nd Annual Golden ROPE Banquet & Awards Show, where Tommy was presented with its 2009 Business Award.


"I am honored to have received the Business Award for the year from ROPE," shared Cash, who did time as Hank Jr.'s guitarist back in the day. "I was thrilled to be nominated, but winning was a great surprise!"


As for his honorary Colonel Aide de Camp recognition, which was coincidentally bestowed on Cash during the ROPE event, "Making country music and supporting it comes naturally to me; there is no prize or trophy I see for doing what I think I was born to do," he says. "However, I am humbled and most grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the Tennessee Colonel honor that was signed by our governor. I am so blessed to have such dear friends who would support me in this way."




About the honorary title of Colonel


The honorary title of Colonel is conferred by some states in the United States of America and certain units of the Canadian Forces. The origins of the titular colonelcy can be traced back to colonial and antebellum times when men of the landed gentry were given the title for financing the local militia without actual expectations of command.

Reportedly, the practice originated during the English Renaissance, when a colonelcy was purchased by a lord or prominent gentleman, but the actual command would fall to a lieutenant colonel, who would deputize for the proprietor.




—30—

Sunday, October 11, 2009

21st Gstaad Festival, Switzerland

21st Gstaad Festival, Switzerland

Kenny Rogers and Lady Antebellum were the latest addition to the amazing line-ups of legendary and future superstars presented by the Gstaad Festival, Switzerland (Sept. 11-12) these past 21 years. Rogers wowed the crowds with his string of hits that had everyone singing along and Lady Antebellum had the audience on their feet hollering for more.

Rogers is known for his talent as a photographer. Therefore, while in Gstaad, promoter Marcel Bach rented a helicopter so Rogers could soar above the Alps and take breathtaking photos. Rogers also visited a castle, a special waterfall and other wonderous sights. These photos will be included in his next coffee-table book, coming out in the near future.

Of the Gstaad festival and their first overseas performances, Lady Antebellum says: "We had such a great time in Switzerland and seeing country music fans from all over Europe come together. It was an honor to open for Kenny Rogers, who is such an international music icon!"

National Swiss television will air a one-hour "Gstaad special" this month and the radio special was broadcast throughout Switzerland on Sunday, 13th September.For more information, log on to www.countrynight-gstaad.ch .


Unique B&B "Suite Blair - Your hideaway in the heart of Nashville

Music industry vets Trisha Walker-Cunningham and husband Rusty Cunningham are opening "Suite Blair" early November. Located upstairs on the first floor of their historic 1918 cottage in Hillsboro Village, they will offer made-to-order breakfasts from an extensive menu with room service only. "Suite Blair" is spacious with wood walls and floor, totally fenced in and surrounded by trees. A high-end grocery store and pharmacy is 114 footsteps away, yet the suite offers total seclusion and and privacy (even from the hosts and when breakfasts are delivered.) Guests have their own private fenced-in entrance and patio, barbe Q grill, chairs and table for entertaining, parking for two cars outside keyed gate, one and half acre private field at the rear and is pet friendly. Inside comprises: Comfortable sitting room with remote-control electric fireplace, HDTV with full digital cable, CD/DVD player, Internet service, dining area, separated bedroom with queen size bed, walk-in wall to wall closet, single bed in another area for child or third person, bathroom with mirrors, make-up lights and a beautiful skylight, kitchen area with full-size fridge, microwave and coffee pot. Numerous shelves are located throughout the suite. Air conditioning for summer or warm days is in a separate area.

13 minutes from the airport and 2 minutes from interstate I-440, 2 minutes from Music Row and 5 minutes from downtown Nashville, the hosts say "We want our guests to feel totally at home and yet be close to everything. Working in the music industry, we understand the needs for total seclusion and privacy (even from us.) "Suite Blair" will also offer many other items on request or by special arrangement."

Trisha Walker-Cunningham remains the Talent Buyer/Producer of "Country Night Gstaad" in Switzerland and the "Festival de Craponne" in France. Rusty Cunningham will continue to work with Brantley Sound Associates.

For more information, contact: 615 269 0856 or e-mail TWINASHVIL@aol.com .

Friday, October 09, 2009

George Jones to Appear On CBS Sunday Morning This Sunday!

TUNE-IN RELEASE
GEORGE JONES TO APPEAR ON CBS SUNDAY MORNING THIS SUNDAY!

NASHVILLE, TN - Country music legend George Jones will appear on CBS Sunday Morning this Sunday October 11, 2009. Host and interviewer Bob Schieffer visited George’s Nashville home and also stopped by Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium late this summer to talk about life, love and a lot of musical history, as well as all that George is up to today.

Jones is travelling throughout Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan Canada this week on the northern most leg of his sellout 2009 North American tour.

CBS Sunday Morning:
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/sunday/main3445.shtml

For local times and an affiliate list, please visit:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/04/17/sunday/main1502683.shtml

ABOUT GEORGE JONES
George Jones – a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame – is a country music icon, frequently referred to as "the greatest living country singer". A native of Beaumont, Texas, Jones began his career as a radio host and has successfully scored over 150 hits during his fifty-plus year career. In 2008, Jones received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor. Now in 2009, Jones continues to tour extensively in North America and overseas promoting his latest album, A Collection of My Best Recollection, exclusively through Cracker Barrel Music.

For more information on George Jones, please visit www.georgejones.com

For more information on Cracker Barrel, please visit www.crackerbarrel.com



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media Contacts:
For media inquiries, please contact:
Webster & Associates Public Relations
Kirt Webster / kirt@websterpr.com
(615) 777-6995 x 30

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Lynyrd Skynyrd on Huckabee this Weekend

LYNYRD SKYNYRD TO APPEAR ON THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON AND HUCKABEE THIS WEEKEND!

New York, NY – American rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd are set to appear on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Friday, October 2nd performing their new single, “Simple Life” from their album God & Guns; released this past Tuesday (9/29) on Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records. Lynyrd Skynyrd will also be appearing on Fox News Channel’s Huckabee, which airs Saturday, September 26th & Sunday, September 27th. Lynyrd Skynyrd will be performing “Simple Life” and also one of their classic hits with Governor Huckabee on bass. Tune in this weekend to see which signature Skynyrd hit the Governor picks!

God & Guns is the band’s first full length studio album since 2003’s Vicious Cycle, and their first release on Loud & Proud/Roadrunner.

Gibson.com calls attention to, “catchy choruses and the kinds of themes that drive modern country hits — plainly advertised in the titles, ‘Simple Life,’ ‘God & Guns,’ and ‘That Ain’t My America.’” Ted Drozdowski of Gibson.com continues,proclaiming God & Guns as a “Mission accomplished….boasting all the guitar signatures of classic Skynyrd — melody-ripe solos, crunchy chords that swell like shockwaves, and Rossington’s unmistakable slide playing — but with a little extra beef thanks to an exacting writing, recording, and mixing process that took two years…”concluding, “Lynyrd Skynyrd may indeed be heading to the charts for the first time since their reformation in 1987.”

The first rock single, “Still Unbroken,” reflects the true spirit of a band with a unique ability to power through tragedy and end up stronger than ever. The video for “Still Unbroken” has been added to VH-1 Classic, and the track continues to make impressive headway at rock radio. It is top 20 at Mainstream Rock and #1 at Classic Rock, already with spins on KDKB, KSAN, KSHE, KZRQ, WAXQ, WBSX, WDHA, WHJY, WLUP, WRAT, WRTT. The band has also shipped their first ever single to country radio with “Simple Life.” The video made its CMT and GAC premiere this week.

2009 marks a key point in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s storied career. The band has enjoyed continued success and visibility in the past few years including a recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Their American rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” has passed the 2 million mark in downloaded ringtones. Their last single, “Red White & Blue” reached #1 on the Rock Charts. This summer, the band co-headlined one of the most successful tours of the year on their second run with Kid Rock. High profile appearances, including the show closer at last year’s VH1 Fashion Rocks helped to expose the band to a younger audience. With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million, Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a major cultural icon that appeals to all generations

Lynyrd Skynyrd recently appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien in support of their new album. Watch Oct. 8th for a SPECIAL announcement on Fox News Channel's HANNITY show.

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Bellamy Brothers and Bacon Brothers make first Public Apperance on Grand Ole Opry

Bellamy Brothers and Bacon Brothers Make First Public Appearance Together on Grand Ole Opry



(Nashville, TN - Sept. 2, 2009) Legendary country duo The Bellamy Brothers appeared with special guests The Bacon Brothers on the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday, Sept. 1. The Bellamys performed "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me)," then invited the Bacons on stage for their current single and collaboration, "Guilty of the Crime." The two pairs of brothers closed out the set with a rocking version of "Let Your Love Flow." The appearance marked the first public appearance for the Bacons and the Bellamys together.

Photo credit: Chris Hollo
2009 Copyright Grand Ole Opry



Pictured (l to r): The Bellamy Brothers (Howard and David) and The Bacon Brothers (Kevin and Michael) perform on the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009.




Pictured (l to r): Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher, Howard Bellamy, Kevin Bacon, Michael Bacon, David Bellamy and Grand Ole Opry Group President Steve Buchanan.








Aristo P.R. | The AristoMedia Group | P.O. Box 22765 | Nashville, TN 37202
Phone: 615-269-7071 | Fax: 615-269-0131 | publicity@aristomedia.com

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Becky Schlegal has a great new Country song!!

Just click here and have a good free listen

http://airplaydirect.com/music/beckyschlegel


Enjoy
Jim
or, click on page title

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Hank Williams Jr joins Carrie Underwood,Jake Owen, and John Rich to Support The Troops

HANK WILLIAMS JR. JOINS CARRIE UNDERWOOD, JAKE OWEN, AND JOHN RICH TO SUPPORT THE TROOPS


Nashville, TN – Hank Williams Jr. has been added to the lineup for Budweiser's Salute to the Troops! concertat the Division Parade Fieldtaking place in Ft. Campbell, KY on Friday, August 14th as part of the 2009 Week Of The Eagles. The event-filled biannual celebration this year runs from August 14-20 and pays tribute to the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division who will be returning from their service in the Middle East.

Williams joins already announced artists Carrie Underwood, Jake Owen, and John Rich as part of two nights of multi-artist concerts taking place during the Week of the Eagles, presented by Fort Campbell’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) in partnership with Cumulus Broadcasting.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fortcampbellmwr.com, and click on the Week of the Eagles button on the homepage. While honoring veterans, troops and their families, the Week of the Eagles is also free and open to the public. In observance of post protocol, all visitors will be required to present valid photo ID and will need to show current registration and proof of insurance for any vehicle admitted.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Update on Alana Levandoski's new CD

One of Canada’s leading progressive roots artists Alana Levandoski will perform this weekend at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (Aug. 6-9) in Edmonton, Alberta.

Her new album “Lions & Werewolves,” recorded in a 100-year-old church in rural Manitoba, and at the upscale Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, was released in Canada July 21 (2009) on Blue Lily Records, distributed by EMI Music Canada.

Levandoski's performance at the 2009 Winnipeg Folk Festival aired nationally on CBC Radio 2’s “Canada Live on Aug. 4. The show was recorded July 9th at Birds Hill Park near Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The show has also been posted as a "Concert on Demand" on the CBC Radio website http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20090709alana

Levandoski gained the respect, and endorsement of much of the international roots music world with her outstanding debut album "Unsettled Down" released by Rounder Records in 2006.

Reviews of "Unsettled Down" were plentiful and enthusiastic. Levandoski was profiled in numerous UK publications, including Maverick and The London Times, and in such national Canadian magazines as Maclean's, Chart and Penguin Eggs.

“Levandoski created waves with her debut, “Unsettled Down,” and her second album, partly recorded in a church in rural Manitoba has some stunning songs,” wrote Robin Eggar recently in The Sunday Times.

Levandoski's name evokes thundering tributes that go far beyond the customary comments made about hot new artists.

"Alana Levandoski is as refreshing as an ice cold drink on a hot summer night,” says iconic Canadian singer/songwriter Jann Arden. “And I mean that. She has an old soul and it shows up in every single line she writes. She sings as though she has circled the globe a half a dozen times, and yet remains optimistically innocent. Her voice is delicate and fragile and terribly wonderfully unique. Her music is about simple sentiment. LIving. Losing. Finding. Her voice is surrounded with organic sounds that could have stepped off the front porch somewhere in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. Hear her music once and become a fan for life."

Adds fellow Canadian singer Serena Ryder, "Alana has a palpable honesty in her writing and in her voice that makes you feel like you're having a conversation with a friend who knows you inside out."

“Lions & Werewolves” was produced by ace British producer Ken Nelson, renowned for his work with Gomez and Coldplay. He has also worked with Badly Drawn Boy, Snow Patrol, Polly Paulusma and Paolo Nutini.

"I had always wanted Ken to record this album,” Levandoski says. “I wanted someone outside of the roots world who is a fan of popular music. Somebody who could come from somewhere that, to me, was fresh. Unlike me, Ken didn't grow up listening to Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. But I had no idea how I was going to go about getting him.”

One of Levandoski’s writing partners provided a link.

"I was writing with (Canadian songwriter) Simon Wilcox, and she mentioned that she knew Ken from working at his studio," recalls Levandoski. "I got in touch with Ken and heard my songs. I also played a gig in Liverpool. He agreed to work with me. I think he was intrigued by me, and he thought I was a good songwriter.”

Indeed, Nelson was intrigued enough to hop on an airplane across the pond to record Levandoski in her rural hometown, the small village of Kelwood, Manitoba with a population of 300. "Ken came to Kelwood to record in the middle of winter," Levandoski says, laughing. "Him, his son Mike and his engineer Mark Phythian flew in and my dad picked them up at the airport in Winnipeg."

“Lions & Werewolves” was primarily recorded at the St. John Divine Anglican Church in Kelwood.

“Before we started recording, Ken would walk a mile or two every morning,” recalls Levandoski. “My dad would pick him up on the road. He and the musicians were always all trying to find cell phone (signals) to connect. You’d see them walking around holding up their cell phones. They all had loved ones at home and wanted to stay in touch.”

While “Unsettled Down” was a coming-of-age album, “Lions & Werewolves” is a poised and mature work that stands with the works of the best of ‘60s story-tellers.

“With my first album, I felt that I had told a lot of the (prairie) stories that I didn’t need to retell them again,” says Levandoski. “As you grow and meet different people, life goes on. You have to acknowledge that this (being a performer) is your real life and it’s not fake. (For me) those stories started bubbling underneath the surface and then came out.”

Levandoski is proud of how the album turned out.

“It's very true. It’s not a contrived piece of work. Some people might be surprised that it evolved as much as it did. But I had over two years of touring in eight countries. And Ken is a very soft, subtle person who kind of goes through the room with a broom and cleans it up. I remember the musicians (bassist Milos Angelov, keyboardist David [Soul Fingaz] Williams, guitarist Murray Pulver and drummer Eric Paul) talking about how they felt naked when we were recording.”

"The last night that all the musicians were there we threw a listening party in the church just to hear the bed (tracks). We just blasted them out in the church and then we moved from there to the Canadian Legion Hall, because that's the only pub in town. Then someone came in and yelled, 'Northern lights!' Ken, Mike, and Mark had never seen northern lights before so we all went out to watch. It was a great way to end the sessions before I went to Liverpool to record final vocal tracks."

Levandoski was raised in Kelwood but she was born in nearby McCreary. Kelwood is where both her parents attended school and where her mother's family have received their mail for 50 years. Her father grew up on a farm 10 miles south and attended school in the village of Riding Mountain.

Alana's childhood came as rural Western Canada was undergoing a significant makeover, from a pastoral setting into corporate farm Canada. Kelwood was no longer a bustling farming community. The railway, along with the grain elevators, had been removed and the main highway had been rebuilt a mile to the west. So most businesses had closed.

After attending kindergarten in Kelwood, Levandoski was educated at home with her older sister Nadia, and younger brother Matthew.

Levandoski’s first involvement with music began at 9 until 13 performing in the gospel-styled band Family & Friends in her parents living room each week. She picked up a guitar when she was 12. She also took piano lessons for many years.

At 15, Levandoski began entering and winning local talent contests, performing mostly her own songs. Her first fully realized song was "Sailing From Holland" about being a sailor. "It's a good song but I was still developing my sound," she says.

At 17, Levandoski played off-and-on with 600 Bones, a Brandon, Manitoba group that performed jazz, folk and world beat. By 2001, after living briefly in Turkey, she was residing in Winnipeg and performing with Jamoeba, a 6-piece 'jam' band.

“People are always asking me to describe my music,” Levandoski laughs. “If you have to throw me into a genre say progressive roots, but I love the old country songwriters. I love Emmylou Harris. But I also grew up being a fan of British bands like U2, Radiohead, and Coldplay. All of these bands. There is something about them that is just fantastic. And I love AC/DC.”

Following "Unsettled Down” Levandoski toured the U.K. and Europe four times. She first performed in the UK and Europe in early 2006 with Dar Williams, Lynn Miles and Caroline Herring as well with Jess Klein. She returned to the UK in 2006 opening for the Elana James Trio, and fellow Canadians Blue Rodeo, and playing Canada Day 2006 in Trafalgar Square. She did a tour of Ireland and England in 2007 with fellow Canadian Lynn Miles

In Canada, she toured nationally with the Corb Lund Band and did dates with Stephen Fearing, the Arrogant Worms, and Tanya Tucker.

Over the years, Levandoski has co-written with such leading American songwriters as Quinn Loggins, Sam Ashworth, James LeBlanc, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Rachel Thibodeau, and Gary Nichols. She has also co-written with Canadians Sylvia Tyson, Colin Cripps, and Simon Wilcox.

“I totally love being with other songwriters, especially with those people who consider themselves to be story tellers. I feel like I am understood without having to talk about it.”

In 2007, Levandoski was featured on “Borrowed Tunes Two,” a two-CD musical tribute to Neil Young. It features Canadian artists including Barenaked Ladies, Ron Sexsmith, Dave Gunning, Finger 11 and Chantal Kreviazuk performing their favorite Neil Young song. Alana sings “Don’t be Denied.”

The same year, Levandoski was featured on the U.K. compilation "Bob Harris Presents" along with Alison Krauss, Cindy Bullens, John Prine, Billy Joel Shaver and Kathleen Edwards.

"I really believe in Alana,” says the legendary BBC Radio 2 announcer Bob Harris. “She is part of an emerging generation of new artists who are reflecting the range of influences that make Canadian music so exciting, from the brilliant free-form collective Broken Social Scene, to the authentic Country twang of Corb Lund. Her songs are intelligent, warm and strong. She's a fine artist, and a trouper."

--30--

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Rural Rhythm Records Announces #1 Albums and Singles

Rural Rhythm Records Announces #1 Albums and Singles



Los Angeles, CA (7.8.09) Rural Rhythm Records is pleased to announce numerous #1 Albums and #1 Singles on various July 2009 charts. First up is the Lonesome River Band’s “NO TURNING BACK” remaining the #1 Album for the third consecutive month on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s (BU) Top 15 Albums. The album also made a huge jump to #4 on Cashbox Magazine’s Top 25 Albums and appears at #7 on the Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine Top 10 Album charts this month. Their single, “Them Blues” holds two #1 spots on both the BU Top 30 Singles and the BMP Top 30 Singles charts. Yet another song, “Like a Train Needs a Track,” is also charting as well, climbing to #19 on the BU Top 30 and at #13 on the BMP Top 30 charts.

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out also have a #1 Album to celebrate as it DEBUTED at #1 on this month on the BMP Top 10 Bluegrass Albums and climbed to #5 on Cashbox Magazine’s Top 25 Album chart for their new self-titled release. The band’s current single, “Hard Rock Prison (Til I Die)” debuted at #7 on BMP’s Top 30. This is the 15th career album for this award-winning band.


Audie Blaylock & Redline have not only been wowing audiences at their live shows, but their self-titled new album is having great chart success as well. This month the album climbed to #2 on the BMP Top 10, #8 spot on the BU Top 15, and #12 on Cashbox Magazine’s Top 25 album charts. The band's current single, “Whispering Waters” holds the #3 spot on the BMP Top 30 Singles and made an impressive jump to #16 on the BU Top 30 Single charts.

Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain reached #1 on May’s BU Top 30 Singles for “I Can Go Back Anytime,” and the song is still going strong appearing at #7 on the BU Top 30 and #17 on the BMP Top 30 single charts. The album, “CHHR2” is also having great chart success as well appearing at #11 on the BU Top 15 Albums and #13 on Cashbox Magazine’s Top 25 Rockygrass Album Chart. Two other singles are currently making waves including the bluegrass song, “Faith & Hope” at #7 on Powersource Magazine’s Top 10 Bluegrass Songs Chart and the gospel song, “Amazing Grace” at #12 on WBTX Radio’s Top 20 song chart for July.

Tommy Webb’s new Rural Rhythm album, “HEARTLAND” is also gaining a lot of attention with two chart singles this month: the title track, “Heartland” climbing to #8 on Powersource Magazine’s Top 10 Bluegrass Songs and “Teardrop Inn” climbing to #12 on the BMP Top 30 Singles.

Melonie Cannon’s current album, “And The Wheels Turn” includes the first bluegrass single release, “I Call It Gone” now appearing at #11 on the BU Top 30, #28 on the BMP Top 30 and recently reaching #1 on the SIRIUS Radio’s Top 40 Songs. This incredible album was produced by Buddy Cannon and Ronnie Bowman with tracks appealing to such a wide range of music genres including: the second Bluegrass radio release, “Dark Shadows;” the Country radio release, “Back to Earth” that includes the VIDEO with Willie Nelson and Melonie, still in running for CMT’s Pure 12 Pack Countdown; plus, the emotionally charged, “Cactus in the Coffee Can” that is set for an Americana radio release later this month.

Mountain Heart also celebrates a #1 song this month for “Road That Never Ends” on the Powersource Magazine Top 10 Bluegrass Song chart. Click here to watch the "Road That Never Ends" VIDEO. Mountain Heart has been busy headlining concerts and also performing with other artists such as Tony Rice and also Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Cincinnati's own Tim Hensley wrote “What a Sight to Behold” that appears on his debut album "LONG MONDAY." He invited special guests Vince Gill and Sonya Isaacs to join him on the song which climbed this month to #5 on Powersource Magazine's Top 10 Bluegrass Song chart. Tim is currently on tour providing guitar and vocals for Kenny Chesney.


Last but most certainly not least are The Crowe Brothers at #25 on Cashbox Magazine’s Top 25 Bluegrass Album Chart for their album, "Brothers-N-Harmony."

For more information on these artists and their music, please visit www.ruralrhythm.com. To book any of the artists at your next event, please see individual band sites for contact information.

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