"Skaggs Family Christmas" - Vol 2 - a review

 This concert on CD and DVD is a real bluegrass ,Christmas treat, recorded live at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. A very relaxed concert featuring The Whites and Ricky Skaggs with Kentucky Thunder.

   What a treat to watch and hear the very talented Cody Kilby playing guitar, I mean (lead bluegrass guitar), missing alot in bluegrass today.

   There is something for everyone if you are a country or bluegrass fan. The traditional Christmas songs are just plain beautiful with the accompaniment of the Nashville Strings.

  A very special combination of original songs and traditional Christmas material is performed.

   "What Songs Were Sung" is a song that one of the Skaggs girls sang. It is just a very sweet, melodic tune. Following that, Luke Skaggs, (son of Ricky) plays lead guitar on a very upbeat song called "Flight To Egypt" which is very progressive. Luke Skaggs is a refreshing young, talented man who looks like he will carry on his Dad's tradition.

    There is a CD which has a lot of the songs which were on the DVD in the set.

   www.Skaggsfamilyrecords.com 

"Rare Bird Alert" - Steve Martin" - A Review

Steve Martin is an actor,comedian,musician and has been a very well known entertainer in the American scene for at least thirty five years. He has been on his own TV shows, and starred in several movies.




This is his second recent banjo playing CD, he did another one similar to this a couple of years ago. That CD, won the Grammy for best Bluegrass Album in 09. Last year, Martin established the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in banjo and bluegrass, an annual award to bring recognition to an individual or group for outstanding accomplishment in the field of banjo or bluegrass music. The first award was presented to Noam Pikelny. Martin must have a ton of energy as he also has time write books. He wrote all of the material on this album.



This album conveys a combination of good traditional bluegrass music with the help of the Steep Canyon Rangers, and also Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks. It is refreshing to hear the Chicks together again singing a bluegrass song reminding me of their CD "Home", with the Martin written song "You". I like this song the best on the album. Paul McCartney sings the vocals on "Best Love". Bluegrass with a cello and a pop feel to it as McCartney sounds different here, I did not recognize his voice right way , had to look at Literature. Martin adds some of his humor to a few songs here, like on "Atheists Don't Have No Songs", a song that makes light of southern gospel singing,and he with his back up group even do some gospel type harmonies. I really don't care for this track, but he says that he likes to perform it live, a staple of their shows.



He was fortunate in discovering his back up group(Steep Canyon Rangers) that tours and records with him, his wife had known them and introduced them to him. Their banjo player Graham Sharp compliments Martin's clawhammer style with some Scruggs type pickin'. The album overall is done very well as it is recorded by Gary Paczosa and mastered by Doug Sax, two of the best at what they do in the music industry. It is well balanced and the sound is not overly bright, as some bluegrass can be. I must say that today's bluegrass music is a booming business and the recordings for the most part are top notch.



"Northern Island" is an up tempo bluegrass jam, the banjos are in the front of most of the recordings, especially instrumentals. He does a bluegrass rendering of his comic King Tut.



In closing, you will find Steve Martin here in both his serious love for bluegrass music, and also Steve Martin; The Comic.



http://www.stevemartin.com/

The Judds To Premiere In Primetime On Own: Oprah Winfrey Network,Sunday, April 10

"THE JUDDS" TO PREMIERE IN PRIMETIME ON


OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK, SUNDAY, APRIL 10

New Docu-Series Follows Legendary

Mother-Daughter Duo On Their Reunion Concert Tour

Los Angeles, CA --- For the first time on television, Judds fans and OWN viewers enter the private and public lives of country music icons, Naomi and Wynonna Judd, on the new docu-series, “The Judds.” The six-episode series follows the award winning mother/daughter duo as they hit the road for their first and final concert tour in ten years. Cameras capture their emotional journey as they work to heal their relationship, reconnect with their fans and share the spotlight once again. “The Judds” premieres April 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.



After decades of struggle and recovery, Naomi and Wynonna are ready to share their celebrated and often complicated lives. The series begins as both mother and daughter prepare for their final reunion tour. Stress is high as both Judds realize that performing together again is a “make or break” deal when it comes to their relationship. They love each other and want more than anything to heal their connection, but the tour, combined with unresolved issues and painful memories from the past, threaten to derail their efforts.



Viewers are fully immersed in Naomi and Wynonna’s hectic and exciting world. They travel city-to-city performing and meeting with their loyal fans (“Juddheads”), head home to their 1000-acre farm, and go behind closed doors for emotional sessions with their longtime life coach, Dr. Ted Klontz. Through it all — the good and challenging times — Naomi and Wynonna share their personal story openly and honestly. Naomi confesses never-before-told painful secrets from her childhood and together they discuss their fears about the tour. In addition, Wynonna speaks candidly about finding new love and the challenges of being a single, working mom.

On the surface, “The Judds” is about a much anticipated reunion tour starring two legendary performers. But just below the surface, the series is a moving exploration of the universal mother-daughter bond. For Naomi and Wynonna, their relationship is firmly grounded in love, but plagued by misunderstanding. In the end, by sharing their experiences, Naomi and Wynonna hope that others will be inspired to strengthen their own personal connections.



“The Judds” is produced for OWN by Gay Rosenthal Productions, Inc. The executive producers are Gay Rosenthal, Bruce Toms, Kerry Hansen, Naomi Judd and Wynonna Judd.



About OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 80 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own  and www.press.discovery.com/us/own .







Media Contact:

Domenic Morea

Director, Publicity

Domenic_Morea@own.tv

(323) 602-5516

The Judds:

The Judds Help Bid Farewell to Longtime Friend Larry King

THE JUDDS HELP BID FAREWELL TO LONGTIME FRIEND LARRY KING


Wynonna & Naomi Judd to make appearance this Tuesday

during final week of Larry King Live

Nashville, TN – Wynonna and Naomi Judd will make a pit-stop from The Judds: The Last Encore tour on Tuesday, December 14th, to spend an hour with longtime friend Larry King during his final week as host of CNN’s Larry King Live.

About Larry King Live:

The hit show has been on the air since 1985 and the man with the suspenders, Larry King, has become one of the most recognizable faces in the news world, mostly for his slicked back hair, his big square glasses and his intriguing interviews with the people of the day. Everyone from former President Ronald Reagan to United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie to former Governor Jesse Ventura have all appeared on the CNN prime time news program “Larry King Live.”



About The Judds:

Kentucky natives, The Judds, are one of the most successful country music duos of all time – amassing fourteen number-one hits and over 60 industry awards including multiple CMA, ACM and GRAMMY awards. After launching their career with Curb/RCA Records in 1984, The Judds sold 20 million albums in just 6 short years. By 1989, The Judds were one of the top-grossing and most popular touring acts in America. But at the height of their career, Naomi Judd announced she would have to retire from the music business due to health complications. To say goodbye to their fans, they launched the 116-city Judds Farewell Tour selling more concert tickets than anyone that year with the exception of The Grateful Dead and The Rolling Stones. Nearly ten years after her health turned around, the pair reunited on Dec. 31, 1999 for a New Year’s gala performance, and a reunion tour in 2000. They came together again at last year’s 2009 CMA Music Festival and captivated the massive audience with their homespun, acoustic harmonies that felt as revelatory as they did when they first shot onto the country music scene 26 years ago. Encouraged by that performance and driven by the fans, the duo decided to tour one last time for 2010’s The Judds: The Last Encore.



The Judds: The Last Encore tour will feature new Judds music while also highlighting 25 years of fan-favorites including some of Wynonna’s most celebrated solo hits. The tour will also feature holiday seasonal favorites, by weaving several classic Christmas songs into The Judds' diverse set list. Judds fans can find all of the latest info, including a complete listing of concert dates, sign up to receive e-mail alerts and the opportunity to connect with other JUDD-heads on the official tour website: www.thejuddstour2010.com







The Judds Media Contact:

Webster & Associates Public Relations / (615) 777-6995 x230

Kirt Webster / kirt@websterpr.com

Wynonna and Naomi Judd announce ON-Sale Dates And The Ultimate VIP FAN Experience

WYNONNA AND NAOMI JUDD ANNOUNCE ON-SALE DATES AND THE ULTIMATE VIP FAN EXPERIENCE FOR “THE JUDDS: THE LAST ENCORE” TOUR
Nashville, TN – (July 7, 2010) Curtains up, Judd Fans. Today, The Judds announce the on-sale dates for their highly anticipated final tour, The Judds: The Last Encore, and unveil unprecedented VIP Fan Experience packages that will give fans never-before access to the iconic country duo.
Wynonna and Naomi are eager to offer Judd-heads an opportunity to enjoy a full service concert experience from the minute they arrive at the venue until the show begins. The Judds “Fan Package” features premium seating in rows 6-10 coupled with preferred parking (where available). Fans will also be granted early access into the venue where they will have the chance to shop in a crowd-free environment. Judd-heads will also spend time relaxing in style at an exclusive pre-show reception with tasty hors d’oeuvres and cold beverages. They will also be given a one-of-a-kind ‘Fan Experience’ t-shirt, not available for purchase!

Created for the fan that wants more than just an ordinary concert experience, The Judds are also offering “The VIP Package.” It is the must-have experience for the ultimate Judd fan. With guaranteed seating in the first five rows, Judd-heads will never miss one note of Wynonna and Naomi up close and personal on stage. And, in addition to the perks of the aforementioned package, fans will have the opportunity to share in an intimate post-show meet and greet with Wynonna and Naomi where they’ll be given an autographed commemorative plaque and receive a free digital photograph to document their Judds encounter.

The Judds: The Last Encore tour will feature new Judds music while also highlighting 25 years of fan-favorites including some of Wynonna’s most celebrated solo hits. The tour will also feature holiday seasonal favorites, by weaving several classic Christmas songs into The Judds' diverse set list.

Fans can find all of the latest info, including a complete listing of concert dates, sign up to receive e-mail alerts and the opportunity to connect with other JUDD-heads on the official tour website: www.thejuddstour2010.com All VIP Ticketing Packages will be sold exclusively on the site.

The Judds: The Last Encore Tour on-sale dates are as follows:

11/26 – Green Bay WI – Resch Center
On sale Saturday, July 17th


11/27 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino
On sale Friday, Sept 3rd


11/28 – Moline, IL – i wireless Center
On sale Friday, Sept 17th


11/30 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino
On sale Saturday, Sept 18th


12/2 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
On sale Monday, Sept 13th


12/3 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
On sale Friday, Sept 13th


12/4 – St. Charles, MO – Family Arena
On sale Friday, July 16th


12/5 – Council Bluffs, IA – Mid-America Center
On sale Friday, July 23rd


12/7 – Colorado Springs, CO – World Arena
On sale Friday, Sept 10th


12/8 – Broomfield, CO – 1STBANK Center
On sale Friday, Sept 17th


12/9 – Salt Lake City, UT – EnergySolutions Arena
On sale Friday, Sept 10th


12/11 – Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena
On sale Sunday, Sept 19th


12/12 – Sacramento, CA – ARCO Arena
On sale Friday, July 16th


12/15 – Los Angeles, CA – Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
On sale Friday, Sept 17th


12/16 – Santa Ynez, CA – Chumash Casino
On sale Tuesday, August 3rd


12/17 – Rancho Mirage, CA – Agua Caliente Casino
On sale Saturday, October 30th


12/18 – Las Vegas, NV – Mandalay Bay Events Center/Arena
On sale Saturday, August 7th


12/19 – Phoenix, AZ – US Airways Center
On sale Saturday, August 28th

About The Judds
Kentucky natives, The Judds, are one of the most successful country music duos of all time – amassing fourteen number-one hits and over 60 industry awards including multiple CMA, ACM and GRAMMY awards. After launching their career with RCA Records in 1984, The Judds sold 20 million albums in just 6 short years. By 1989, The Judds were one of the top-grossing and most popular touring acts in America. But at the height of their career, Naomi Judd announced she would have to retire from the music business due to health complications. To say goodbye to their fans, they launched the 116-city Judds Farewell Tour selling more concert tickets than anyone that year with the exception of The Grateful Dead and The Rolling Stones. Nearly ten years after her health turned around, the pair reunited on Dec. 31, 1999 for a New Year’s gala performance, and a reunion tour in 2000. They came together again at last year’s 2009 CMA Music Festival and captivated the massive audience with their homespun, acoustic harmonies that felt as revelatory as they did when they first shot onto the country music scene 26 years ago. Encouraged by that performance and driven by the fans, the duo decided to tour one last time for 2010’s The Judds: The Last Encore.
For access to photos & press materials, please visit www.TheJuddsTour2010.com/press
Password: JUDDSANNOUNCE

About St. Jude
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. In 2010, St. Jude was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected international polling and research firm. For more information, go to www.stjude.org.

Ricochet signs with Cody Entertainment for Booking

Ricochet Signs With Cody Entertainment For Booking


Nashville, TN (June 29, 2010) – The members of the award winning vocal group Ricochet have signed with Cody Entertainment for exclusive booking. The band’s responsible agent will be the firm’s president, Phil Smallwoood.

In 1995 the members of Ricochet signed with Columbia Records (later Sony Music) and in 1996 vaulted to the top with their sophomore single, “Daddy’s Money”. More albums and hit singles followed until the band parted ways with their label. But the live shows all over the globe continued. Attesting to their popularity as a concert attraction, in 2004 the group released The Live Album, which included another of their signature tunes as a stage act – the Steve Young-penned classic “Seven Bridges Road”, which has also been covered by the Eagles, Dolly Parton, and Alan Jackson, to name just a few.

Then in 2009 the group released Ricochet Reloaded giving their fans new music from the band, and also treating them to technologically advanced - but faithful - re-recordings of the songs that catapulted the group into the record books. Throughout it all Ricochet continues to tour relentlessly, performing shows across the United States and in numerous foreign countries, logging thousands of miles on the road each year.

About Cody Entertainment
Founded 34 years ago in Winchester, VA Cody Entertainment has provided entertainment, full production services and staging for fairs, festivals and events throughout the United States.


####

Contacts For Cody Entertainment
Cody Entertainment
Phil Smallwood
540-772-4625 - office
phil@codyentertainment.com

Contacts For Ricochet
Thompson Entertainment Group
Chuck Thompson
615-742-8004 - office
cthompson@thompsonentertainmentgroup.com

Mark Hybner Management
Mark Hybner
361-772-5678 - office
mhybner@hybnerent.com



1300 Division Street, Ste 105
Nashville, TN 37203
615-742-8004
media@thompsonentertainmentgroup.com
www.thompsonentertainmentgroup.com

Verizon Wireless Bamajam Music and Arts Festival Welcomes New Sponsors

Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music & Arts Festival Welcomes New 2010 Sponsors


Dodge Ram Trucks, Kraft onboard with June 3-5 Event

Entertprise, AL - As the excitement continues to build for the 2010 Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music & Arts Festival, so does the list of today hottest performers and the sponsors who will help to make the June 3-5 event the most thrill-filled festival to date.

Fans from around the globe, who flock to Alabama for the 3-day music extravaganza, will enjoy food, games, activities, prizes, giveaways and oodles of fun, thanks to the generosity of sponsors like Dodge Ram Trucks, and Kraft.

Dodge will display a variety of the all-new, biggest and baddest Ram Trucks, named the 2010 Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

Kraft will feature two tents with artist meet-and-greets and tasty macaroni and cheese for the music-loving masses.

The Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music & Arts Festival has become synonymous with the biggest names in music entertainment. The festival boasts dozens of Grammy award-winning, platinum selling artists; all in one place, all at one jam-packed 3-day event.

Single day and 3 day discounted tickets on sale now. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets, to charge by phone call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.bamajammusicfestival.com
THURSDAY, JUNE
3rd ArtistsFRIDAY, JUNE
4th ArtistsSATURDAY, JUNE
5th Artists
Tyler Bryant
Dierks Bentley
Miss Willie Brown
Citizen Cope
The Cleverly’s
The Defibulators
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Danny Gokey
The Grascals
Chad Hall
Jim Beam Band 1
Jim Beam Band 2
Robert Earl Keen
Miranda Lambert
Led Zeppelin 2
LoCash Cowboys
Wes Lopez
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
Rio Grand
Stuckey & Murray
Chris Young
The Wells
Zac Brown Band



Blackberry Smoke
Alexa Carter
The Cleverly’s
The Defibulators
The Disco Biscuits
Colt Ford
Bill Gentry
Brantley Gilbert
Randy Houser
Chris Hurt
Jim Beam Band 3
Jim Beam Band 4
Jamey Johnson
Lucero
Rick Monroe
Sean Patrick McGraw
Spoonful James
Stuckey & Murray
Train
Travis Tritt
Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights
Universal Songwriters
Wayne Mills Band
Hank Williams Jr.


Gregg Allman & Friends
Rodney Atkins
Chris Carpenter
Kenny Chesney
Louis Copeland
The Defibulators
Larry Frick
Buddy Guy
Beth Hart
Houston County
Jim Beam Band 5
Jim Beam Band 6
Matt Kennon
Stoney LaRue
Rick Monroe
Sean Patrick McGraw
Jake Owen
Shane Owens
Duece Poppi
Joanna Smith
Stealing Angels
Stuckey & Murray
Gretchen Wilson
Edgar Winter

Time Running Out For Discounted Tickets to Verizon Bama Jam Festival

Time is Running Out for Discounted Tickets to Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music & Arts Festival

Newly Expanded Festival Set for June 3-5, 2010

ENTERPRISE, AL– Only a few days remain to purchase 3-day tickets at the discounted rate of $130 for the 3rd annual Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music & Arts Festival, slated for Thursday, June 3 through Saturday, June 5, 2010 in Enterprise. On May 1st the price for 3-day tickets increases to $160.
For the first time, promoters are offering an enclosed seating area called “The Peanut Gallery” with reserved seats up close to Stage A; drink service included. After the festival, fans may take the logo chair home.
Through a relationship with Relix Magazine, fans may enjoy an upgrade to the air conditioned Relix tent near Stage B providing interactive displays and subscriptions to the magazine. Anyone with a 3-day ticket may purchase an upgrade to enter the tent.
The Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music & Arts Festival is the south’s premier outdoor entertainment extravaganza, offering 3 jam-packed days of music and entertainment with performances by today’s’ most popular and compelling acts from Country and Rock to Americana and Alternative. The event will include more than 40 Grammy, CMA, ACM, American Music Award winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members.

Event promoter, Ronnie Gilley, has pulled out all the stops for an even grander fan experience for the 2010 event. It’s over 600 acres of rip-roaring fun and non-stop music with many upgrades from previous years including a broader range of musical acts, more vendors, additional parking and lighting, comedy, contests and more!
Verizon and Ronnie Gilley Entertainment have announced 4-time and current CMA, and 4-consecutive ACM Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney will headline the event. This will be one of the only 2010 concert appearances by Chesney, who’s had 19 #1 songs, including “Out Last Night,” “When The Sun Goes Down,” “Living In Fast Forward,” “Never Wanted Nothing More,” and the ACM Single of the Year, “The Good Stuff.”

The festival boasts dozens of award-winning, platinum-selling artists; all in one place, all at one music-filled 3-day event. In addition to Chesney, performers set to entertain in June include: Hank Williams Jr., whose appearance at the festival marks the artist’s only Alabama performance in 2010; Blackberry Smoke, Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives, The Grascals, Jake Owen, Wayne Mills Band, Lucero, Stoney Larue, Danny Gokey, Rodney Atkins, Buddy Guy, Gretchen Wilson, Citizen Cope, Travis Tritt, Train, Disco Biscuits, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, Gregg Allman, Robert Earl Keen, LoCash Cowboys, Alexa Carter, Chris Carpenter, Tyler Bryant, Chris Young, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Rio Grand, Colt Ford, Houston County, Led Zeppelin 2, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, Edgar Winter, Stuckey & Murray, Tyler Bryant, ASCAP songwriters, Miss Willie Brown, Larry Frick, Bill Gentry, Beth Hart, The Difibulators, Duece Poppi, Lewis Copeland, Chris Hurt, Chad Hall and The Cleverly’s. Also appearing will be the 6 finalists in the Jim Beam Battle of the Bands competition.
For more information, visit www.bamajammusicfestival.com

ABOUT RONNIE GILLEY ENTERTAINMENT
Ronnie Gilley Entertainment, a division of Ronnie Gilley Properties, is a full service entertainment company located in Enterprise, Alabama. RGE is active in all facets of the entertainment industry, including recording/engineering, music publishing and artist management/promotion. RGE’s music interests include Stroudavarious Records, BamaJam Records and Country Crossing Records. The company also produces the annual Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music and Arts Festival. For more information, visit www.ronniegilleyproperties.com





Media Contacts:
For media inquiries, please contact:

Webster & Associates , LLC
Kirt Webster / kirt@websterpr.com
(615) 777-6995 x 230

More News From George Strait

SUPERSTAR ENTERTAINER GEORGE STRAIT
ANNOUNCES BIG NEWS
FOR SAN ANTONIO AND NASHVILLE

Nashville, TN (March 12, 2010) – At the opening festivities of the 28th Annual George Strait Team Roping Classic finals in San Antonio today, George Strait announced to the hometown crowd that he is bringing his superstar tour to the Alamodome. The stadium show is scheduled for May 1st and includes the King of Country Music along with Reba and special guests Lee Ann Womack and the Randy Rogers Band. Tickets go on sale March 27th at 10:00am through Ticketmaster.


Earlier this week, Strait announced plans to perform a full concert in Nashville, for the first time since 2004 when he broke the house record for most attendance. The Music City date is set for April 28th at the Bridgestone Arena and will also include 2010 tour mates Reba and Lee Ann Womack. Tickets for the Nashville show go on sale March 20 at 10:00am at www.ticketmaster.com , charge by phone at 800-745-5300 and at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office.

Tickets can be charged by phone at Ticketmaster Express 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com .


George Strait has sold out and broken numerous attendance records on his tour again this year including Phoenix, AZ, Wichita, KS, Tulsa, OK, New Orleans, LA, Kansas City, MO, Omaha, NE, Orlando, Fl and Des Moines, IA. Among those, he set a house attendance record of 18,000 at the Bank of Oklahoma Center in Tulsa, OK.

Strait, named Artist of the Decade last year, is nominated this year for ACM Entertainer of the Year for the 12th time and Top Male Vocalist for the 20th time, bringing the ACM Artist of the Decade’s all-time record to 81 ACM nominations. The ACMS will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18 at 8:00 PM live EST on CBS.

With a career spanning more than 25 years, George 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.

Strait’s CD 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. The current single, “I Gotta Get To You,” is Number 20 on Billboard and Media Base singles charts.

###

Superstar George Strait Announces Big News For San Antonio and Nashville

SUPERSTAR ENTERTAINER GEORGE STRAIT
ANNOUNCES BIG NEWS
FOR SAN ANTONIO AND NASHVILLE


Nashville, TN (March 12, 2010) – At the opening festivities of the 28th Annual George Strait Team Roping Classic finals in San Antonio today, George Strait announced to the hometown crowd that he is bringing his superstar tour to the Alamodome. The stadium show is scheduled for May 1st and includes the King of Country Music along with Reba and special guests Lee Ann Womack and the Randy Rogers Band. Tickets go on sale March 27th at 10:00am through Ticketmaster.

Earlier this week, Strait announced plans to perform a full concert in Nashville, for the first time since 2004 when he broke the house record for most attendance. The Music City date is set for April 28th at the Bridgestone Arena and will also include 2010 tour mates Reba and Lee Ann Womack. Tickets for the Nashville show go on sale March 20 at 10:00am at www.ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-5300 and at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office.

Tickets can be charged by phone at Ticketmaster Express 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

George Strait has sold out and broken numerous attendance records on his tour again this year including Phoenix, AZ, Wichita, KS, Tulsa, OK, New Orleans, LA, Kansas City, MO, Omaha, NE, Orlando, Fl and Des Moines, IA. Among those, he set a house attendance record of 18,000 at the Bank of Oklahoma Center in Tulsa, OK.

Strait, named Artist of the Decade last year, is nominated this year for ACM Entertainer of the Year for the 12th time and Top Male Vocalist for the 20th time, bringing the ACM Artist of the Decade’s all-time record to 81 ACM nominations. The ACMS will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18 at 8:00 PM live EST on CBS.

With a career spanning more than 25 years, George 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.

Strait’s CD 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. The current single, “I Gotta Get To You,” is Number 20 on Billboard and Media Base singles charts.

Miranda Lambert's "Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars" Tour

Nashville, TN (March 11, 2010) -- With her sharp-tongued, no-holds barred attitude, incendiary stage performances, and gun-toting anthems, platinum recording artist Miranda Lambert is a force to be reckoned with -- a woman most men would think twice about double-crossing. Her recent number one hit “White Liar” along with hits like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Gunpowder & Lead” and “Kerosene” leave no question that the gal can hold her own. But there’s a new breed of rough & rowdy country artists who think they are man enough to keep up with the 6x ACM nominated star.

Miranda embarks on her “Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars” headlining tour next week and for all but a handful of dates, she’s enlisted some of the hottest male talents in country music - James Otto, David Nail, Randy Houser, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Eric Church, Jake Owen, Wade Bowen, Luke Bryan and Chris Young. Each will join Miranda for select dates through out the tour.

“I like pink guitars and puppies so how scary can I be?” laughs Miranda. "Seriously, it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’ve been on tour with some great male headliners so I thought it’s only natural that I invite some talented guys on my first official headlining tour!”

"We're excited to join Miranda for a few dates on her upcoming tour," exlaims Cross Canadian Ragweed's guitarist Grady Cross. "It's been about 5 years since we've performed with her and we're proud to be back. Miranda is a great entertainer and its guaranteed to be a good time!"

“Miranda is one of the most talented singer/songwriters out there,” says Chris Young. “I have always loved her music and her live shows, and I’m very excited about being on the road with her.”

“I can’t wait to get out on the road with Miranda,” says an enthusiastic Jake Owen. “She and her band know how to rock and our show is a perfect fit with that. Her fans are always ready to have a good time and we’re ready to show them a party.”

"Miranda has always been one of the most confident women I've been around. It seems she always has her head in the game and ready for the next step before she even knows what that might be," says fellow Texan Wade Bowen. "Her music is original and unique without sticking herself under the radar and with every album release, I find myself anxious to see what she is going to do next. Not many artists have that effect on people anymore!"

"Miranda and I both have a lot of respect for each other musically," says Eric Church. "I consider her a badass and she considers me one. Put us both together and it should be unsafe at best. Everybody better rest up for this one cause we're gonna blow it up."

Miranda’s newest single “The House that Built Me,” a song that showcases her softer, sentimental side, became the #1 most added song this week at over 100 country radio stations. With six 2010 ACM nominations under her belt, a newly celebrated Gold certification of both her first #1 single, "White Liar," and her critically acclaimed third studio album, Revolution, and her first headlining tour, Miranda Lambert has laid a strong foundation in becoming country music's next big superstar.

ABOUT MIRANDA LAMBERT:
Platinum and three-time Grammy nominated recording artist Miranda Lambert recently scored six Academy of Country Music nominations, including Album of the Year for Revolution, and both Song and Single of the Year nods for her first #1 hit "White Liar." Her critically-acclaimed third album, Revolution, debuted at #1 and joins her previous two releases that debuted at the very top of Billboard’s Country Album Charts, making her one of four artists in country music history whose first three albums landed the #1 spot out of the box. Lambert received rare perfect reviews from countless publications including 4 stars from Rolling Stone and USA Today, an ‘A’ from Entertainment Weekly and exuberant praise from SPIN, NY Times, Washington Post and more. Many have claimed Revolution the “Best Album of the Year” in any genre including Houston Chronicle and NPR’s All Things Considered. She won the coveted ACM Album of the Year in 2008 and ACM Best New Female Award in 2007. Her string of nominations include CMA’s Horizon Award (2005, 2006), ACM’s Top Female Vocalist Award (2008, 2009) and Grammys for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (2006, 2007). With this much artillery under her belt, it’s no surprise the fiery Texas bombshell packs a pretty hard punch - her live shows no exception.

ABOUT DAVID NAIL:
Missouri native David Nail’s debut record I’m About To Come Alive was released on MCA Nashville August ‘09 and became the 3rd highest new artist debut on the country charts for the year. Single “Red Light” peaked at #6 and holds the record for the longest charted single in Mediabase history at 42 weeks. The track also just earned an Academy of Country Music Award nomination for “Single of the Year”. Nail wrote five of the eleven tracks for Alive, which boasts many notable names. Lambert lends her vocals to the moody “Strangers On A Train” and both Rascal Flatts lead Gary LeVox (“Summer Job Days”) and Kenny Chesney (“Turning Home”) appear in the songwriting credits. People magazine boasts Nail as “One of Nashville’s Hottest New Stars” and praises the album saying it’s "a rewarding set that showcases his soulful, nuanced vocals" and awarded it three out of four stars. He has also been featured by Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, Us Weekly, Ladies Home Journal and on iTunes, AOL and ESPN 2. He’s performed at Kenny Chesney’s pre-show tailgating parties, opened for Sugarland and on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Nail’s new single is “Turning Home”. Visit www.davidnail.com to hear it or http://awe.sm/50VWX to purchase it.

ABOUT RANDY HOUSER:
Los Angeles Times wrote that Randy Houser adds “grit to the genre” with his debut album ANYTHING GOES, which has positioned the Mississippi-born, soul-drenched country singer and songwriter to become one of the next big artists to emerge in the genre. Houser, was ranked No. 1 in Country Aircheck's 2009 Airplay Stats list in the New Artist category and was named one of this year's New Faces, receiving a great response from both fans and radio programmers with his first single “Anything Goes,” which catapulted into the Top 20 after an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman. His most recent hit single, “Boots On,” reached Top 5 on Billboard and Mediabase charts, and spent 2 weeks at #1 on Music Row charts. A viral video for the song, featuring a talented toddler rocking out and lip synching with his toy guitar, became a YouTube phenomenon tallying over 1 million views and garnered attention from CNN, The Early Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Fox & Friends: Weekend, and Perez Hilton, among others. Incorporated into the official music video, it has earned Houser Video of the Year nominations for both the 2009 CMA and 2010 ACM Awards. Houser co-headlined his first tour with longtime pal Jamey Johnson on CMT ON TOUR 09 and completed his first USO tour overseas with Johnson and Kellie Pickler in January 2010. His new single, “All About It,” will hit radio airwaves soon and will appear on his forthcoming album, THEY CALL ME CADILLAC, which he is currently recording.

ABOUT CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED:
With one million albums sold to date, Cross Canadian Ragweed has successfully blended the best of what Country and Southern Rock has to offer. Critically acclaimed, they've earned praise in New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Associated Press, People, Country Weekly, Billboard, Pollstar and others. With a massive fanbase, the band of brothers draws nearly 60,000 fans each year at their perennial Red Dirt Round Up and Family Jam Music Festivals. With recent sold out dates up and down the West Coast, an upcoming tour in Japan and a performance at Bonaroo the band will play over 200 dates in 2010.

ABOUT WADE BOWEN:
The path Wade Bowen is following continues to be well decorated with media acclaim, radio airplay, and an ever growing fan base that has attracted a ceaseless tour schedule totaling 200 plus dates a year. The essence of Wade Bowen has been perfectly captured on the Live at Billy Bob’s Texas CD/DVD as he solidifies his brand as a true, authentic artist. Bowen will release the next installment of the Live at Billy Bob’s Texas music series in the spring of 2010. Bowen’s release, If We Ever Make It Home debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top New Artist Chart, #29 on the Top Current Country Albums and #176 in the Top 200 Albums. It was the #3 most downloaded country album on ITunes in its first week. If We Ever Make It Home has produced four number one singles on the Texas Music Chart and Texas Regional Radio Charts. The Texas Music Chart deemed the title track and “Nobody’s Fool,” as two of the Top 30 songs of 2009. Bowen’s current music video, “Trouble” debuted at #1 and is presently aired on CMT’s Pure 12 Pack.

ABOUT CHRIS YOUNG:
RCA Nashville recording artist Chris Young recently scored his first #1 smash with “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” and the Tennessee native is on the charts now with “The Man I Want to Be,” the title track to his acclaimed sophomore album. Young’s talents have earned him a nomination as Top New Solo Vocalist for the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards. Visit Chris online at www.chrisyoungcountry.com .

ABOUT ERIC CHURCH:
Capitol Nashville recording artist, Eric Church recently released his widely praised sophomore effort Carolina. The album debuted at #4 on the country charts and yielded the Top 10 single “Love Your Love the Most” and the current single,“Hell on the Heart,” which is Top 20 and climbing. Rolling Stone praised the album’s “surging guitars bolstering good-ol’-boy narratives,” and The New York Times declared, “His music puts rock muscle behind honky-tonk and turns ballads into intimate close-ups.” Carolina follows the breakthrough success of Church’s critically acclaimed first effort Sinners Like Me, which claimed three Top 20 singles and a #1 video. The album earned Church widespread praise from Associated Press, Rolling Stone, People Magazine and The New York Times.

ABOUT LUKE BRYAN:
Capitol Records Nashville singer/songwriter Luke Bryan’s sophomore album, Doin’ My Thing, landed at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and #6 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 album chart selling over 57,000 albums in its first week of release, more than doubling the first week sales of his debut album I’ll Stay Me in 2007. Bryan recently celebrated his first #1 song “Do I” which he co-wrote with Lady Antebellum members Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood. His current single “Rain Is A Good Thing” has become Bryan’s fastest rising single to date, it’s currently inside the Top 30 on the charts and climbing.

ABOUT JAKE OWEN:
Since releasing his debut album, Startin' With Me, RCA Nashville recording artist Jake Owen has celebrated five consecutive Top 15 singles. In the last two years, Owen made his national TV debut on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and has toured non-stop with the biggest names in Country Music. Jake has received nominations for Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, a GRAMMY Award, and was named “Top New Male Vocalist” at the Academy of Country Music Awards this past April. His sophomore album, Easy Does It, hit stores on February 24, 2009.

ABOUT JAMES OTTO:
Warner Bros. Records and GRAMMY nominated Artist James Otto spawned Billboard’s No. 1 Hot Country Song with “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” the lead single off of his debut album, Sunset Man, in 2008. Sunset Man, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart, scored three singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and remained in the Top 5 Country Albums chart for six weeks after its release in April 2008. Otto won an ACM and CMA Award winner in the Song of the Year category as a co-writer for “In Color” (a track that also earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song). He will release his new single, “Groovy Little Summer Song” to radio on March 8, from his forthcoming new album due from Warner Bros. Records later this year.

3Rd Annual Verizon Bamajam Music and Arts Festival adds Performers

ENTERPRISE, AL – Today, the 3rd Annual Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music & Arts Festival announced additional performers to the ever-growing star-studded lineup. 2010 Grammy award winning Zac Brown Band [pictured], multi-platinum hit-makers Travis Tritt and Train, Nashville Star winner Chris Young, RFD-TV host and Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart & his fabulous Superlatives, ACM award winner Rodney Atkins, and American Idol alum Danny Gokey join the dozens of fellow Grammy award-winning, platinum selling artists in Country, Rock, Bluegrass and Alternative music, all at one one-of-a-kind jam packed 3-day festival taking place, June 3-5 in Enterprise, Alabama.

More than 40 entertainers are set to appear on Verizon BamaJam’s four stages during the 3-day extravaganza. To date, organizers had announced superstars Jake Owen, Miranda Lambert, LoCash Cowboys, Dierks Bentley, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Colt Ford and Blackberry Smoke, along with country newcomers Matt Kennon and Houston County. Multi-award winning entertainer Kenny Chesney will headline the 3rd annual event, offering a rare opportunity to catch Chesney in one of just 10 appearances he’ll make in 2010! The one and only Hank Williams, Jr. will also appear at BamaJam in what will be his only Alabama appearance in 2010! Are you ready for some BamaJam?!

Purchase your tickets now and take advantage of special early bird pricing before it is too late! Purchase 3-day festival tickets now until March 13 for $99. One day flex tickets are available only until March 13 for $49. Note the dates and changes below on pricing:
Beginning March 13 – May 1, 3-day tickets: $130 general admission
Beginning May 1 – June 2, 3-day tickets: $160 general admission
June 3 – 5, gate prices: $179 general admission
Youth (ages 7-15) 3-day tickets: $99 general admission
Children 6 & under: free
Three-day, Premium Preferred seating is being offered for the first time. “We wanted to offer fans an opportunity to purchase a guaranteed seating location,” says festival executive producer Tony Conway. The Premium Preferred purchase will include a logo chair which fans may take home after the event, and a great up close view of the stage. Drink vendors and special parking are also part of the package. The special limited Premium Preferred seating area will be called THE PEANUT GALLERY, as the festival site sits on a former peanut field. Three-day reserved seats are $365.

To order three-day tickets, along with camping packages, and the Peanut Gallery Premium Preferred seats are available for purchase by calling 877-422-6252 or visiting www.bamajamfestival.com

ABOUT RONNIE GILLEY ENTERTAINMENT
Ronnie Gilley Entertainment, a division of Ronnie Gilley Properties, is a full service entertainment company located in Enterprise, Alabama. RGE is active in all facets of the entertainment industry, including recording/engineering, music publishing and artist management/promotion and live events.

RGE’s music interests include Stroudavarious Records, Country Crossing Records and BamaJam Records. The company produces the annual Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music and Arts Festival, and is the developer of the country themed Country Crossing destination resort near Dothan, Alabama.

For more information, visit www.bamajammusicfestival.com

Mud River Lee & The Bluegrass Orchestra

Mud River Lee & The Bluegrassa Orchestra 414-333-3334

Saturday February 20th 8pm- Midnight - Chili Cook-Off Competition-Bluegrass Show !
Wild Breed Saloon - St. Martin's Fair Area in Franklin
11430 West Swiss Street Franklin, WI 53132-2130 - (414) 425-4967

Sunday February 21st 3-7pm - Bluegrass Jamboree
Wild Breed Saloon - St. Martin's Fair Area in Franklin
Free Chicken Dinner For ALL ! Entertainers Welcomed and Encouraged to Join Us !
Come One ! Come All !
11430 West Swiss Street Franklin, WI 53132-2130 - (414) 425-4967

Thank You on Behalf of Mud River Lee & The Bluegrass Orchestra and We Hope to See You at Our Next Show!

Multi-Platinum Country Music Singer Neal McCoy and The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Embark on USO Tour To Europe

Multi-Platinum Country Music Singer Neal McCoy and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Embark on Four-Country USO Tour to Europe

ARLINGTON, Va. – Country music icon Neal McCoy recently departed on a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour to the UK, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany, January 25-31, 2010. Joining McCoy on his 14th USO tour are four of “America’s Sweethearts”- the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC). As part of the week-long USO European trip, McCoy and the DCC will perform for troops and their families, sign autographs and pose for photographs.

The son of an Irish American father who served in the U.S. Army and a Filipino mother, McCoy is a strong supporter of the U.S. military. Having worked with the USO for nearly a decade, he has performed for thousands of troops and their families, and delivered countless words of encouragement to service men and women stationed around the world. Some of the countries McCoy has toured include Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Bosnia and Italy.

“Touring with the USO is something I always look forward to,” said McCoy. “Having the opportunity to perform for the men and women who protect and serve this country is truly an honor and being able to share the stage with the DCC is an added bonus.”

With eleven albums and more than 25 charted hit singles under his belt, the country singer is best known for his live performances and performs on the road 220 days a year, entertaining audiences with No. 1 hits such as, “No Doubt About It” and “Wink.”

A staple USO entertainment ensemble, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have performed for the U.S. military for three decades. Since their first USO tour in 1979, they have visited with wounded soldiers, assembled USO care packages, delivered cards from home and entertained troops during the holidays. Among the first entertainers to travel with the USO to Iraq, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have participated in more USO tours than any other entertainment group in history.

This tour continues the USO’s tradition of sending celebrity entertainers to troops serving far from home. Whether performing, signing autographs, leading clinics or posing for photos, USO celebrity volunteers help service members and their families feel a little closer to home.

To learn more about the USO and to find out how to support the troops, visit www.uso.org.

About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases around the world, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services tailored to meet troop needs. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families, and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency; we rely on the generosity of our donors. In addition to individual donors and other corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation and TriWest Healthcare Alliance, as well as other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). We strive to deliver maximum benefit for troops and their families from every donor dollar. For more information, please visit www.uso.org.

THE "Shine All NIght" Kicks Off for 2010 This Weekend In Little Rock

THE “SHINE ALL NIGHT TOUR” KICKS OFF FOR 2010
THIS WEEKEND IN LITTLE ROCK

Lyric Street’s Sarah Buxton is Added to the Star Line-up


Nashville, Tenn. (January 20, 2010) – The 2010 leg of the SunnyD Presents the Shine All Night Tour starring Martina McBride and Trace Adkins kicks off this weekend and fans are getting even more music than they anticipated. Lyric Street recording artist Sarah Buxton will be joining headliners Martina McBride and Trace Adkins for a fun-filled evening of superstar entertainment.

USA Today has declared Sarah Buxton to have "one of the most immediately arresting voices I've heard in a while." She's appeared on The Today Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live and has also appeared in the pages of People, Redbook and Country Weekly magazines.

The SunnyD Presents Shine All Night Tour Starring Martina McBride & Trace Adkins kicked off before the Thanksgiving holiday and night after night fans and critics praised the unique pairing.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote, “The two musicians brought together opposite ends of popular country music spectrum to create a cohesive package,” “McBride was comfortable straddling the lines between pop star and country girl” and Adkins performance was “a hit-filled set that traveled from rowdy fun to emotionally gripping nostalgia and romance.”

The Oklahoman wrote, “Between McBride's powerful voice and sassy energy and Adkins’ rowdy honky tonk and heartfelt ballads, the pair's Shine All Night tour seemed to thrill the near capacity Ford Center crowd.”

The evening runs the gamut of emotional release combining countless radio hits and award-winning music. Songs flavored with boisterous revelry, sexy romance and honest reflection leave fans no choice but to dance in the aisles, fist wave, chant and hold on tight to loved ones while remembering what matters most.

Enthusiastic crowd reaction and highly animated audience participation has proven McBride has shattered all illusions of a sit-in-your-seat-and-clap-politely evening as the superstar entertainer unveiled surprise after surprise during her impressive 90 minute set of hit country music, costume changes, and elaborate production and staging.

A well-seasoned performer, Adkins delivers a solid, crowd-pleasing show that includes a string of hits the platinum-seller has collected since launching his career in 1996. He balances each show with light-hearted romps like "This Ain't No Thinkin' Thing," "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," "Hot Mama," and "Ladies Love Country Boys," with emotionally charged ballads such as "I'm Tryin,'" "Arlington," "You're Gonna Miss This" and "All I Ask For Anymore." The Grammy-nominated singer instantly energizes his audience the minute he steps on the stage and keeps concertgoers pumped up throughout the entire set.

The Shine All Night Tour, also sponsored in part by GAC, kicked off November 20th and covers 40 cities across the U.S. through the spring of this year. Both McBride and Adkins will each perform full-length shows and Sarah Buxton will be their special guest.

About Martina McBride
One of the most spectacular voices in any genre of music, Martina McBride is a four-time CMA "Female Vocalist of the Year" and GRAMMY winning recording artist with more than 18 million in album sales and 23 Top 10 singles, including six that hit #1.

The breadth of her talents - as recording artist, producer, songwriter, and concert entertainer - has made her an in-demand performer and personality, appearing on such high-profile programs as VH1 Divas (singing with Jordin Sparks), Dancing with the Stars, the Today show's "Today Throws a Wedding," American Idol, The Bachelorette, Private Sessions, a 20/20 special, and much more.

Celebrated for her beauty and sense of fashion, as well as her everywoman perspective in life and music, Martina is a wife and mother of three who has been featured on the covers of publications like Redbook and Shape.

Among her hits are such anthemic and empowering songs as "Independence Day," "This One's for the Girls," "Anyway" and "Ride," all of which have underscored her incredible popularity as one of music's preeminent female vocalists. Her latest album is the chart-topping Shine, which includes her beautiful current single, "I Just Call You Mine."

About Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins is a multi-faceted entertainer who has achieved unprecedented success as a performer, author and actor. Since launching his career in 1997, he has enjoyed a remarkable career and become one of country music’s most identifiable and important artists of his generation.

An esteemed Opry member since 2003, Adkins remains one of country’s top headlining and in-demand artists today, performing for millions of fans worldwide. He has sold more than 10 million albums by recording songs that possess insightful lyrics and cover a wide range of interests --many from his own life experiences. His albums have achieved gold or multi-platinum status and have produced 27 charted singles, with 14 hits breaking into the Top 10.

Adkins’ latest Top 20 single, "All I Ask for Anymore" has received two Grammy nominations in the "Best Male Country Performance" and "Best Country Song" categories.

For the next two years, he will serve as the official face and voice of BC Headache Powder that will be sponsoring his 2010 concert tour dates. Most recently, Adkins has signed with Show Dog-Universal Music, the newly merged record label headed up by country superstar Toby Keith and famed producer, Mark Wright. A new single and album is being planned and will be announced soon. For more information, visit www.traceadkins.com.

About Sarah Buxton
Two-time ACM "New Female Vocalist" nominee Sarah Buxton has been celebrated for her uniquely arresting vocals and song styling in addition to her creative prowess as a undeniable songwriting force, including her co-scribed power ballad "Stupid Boy," which won friend and fellow performer Keith Urban a Grammy for "Best Male Country Vocal
Performance." Buxton is readying for the release of her self-titled debut
album on February 23rd, which features the hits "Outside My Window," "Innocence," "Space" and "That Kind Of Day." To learn more about Sarah Buxton, log on to: www.sarahbuxton.com or follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/sarahbuxton.

About SunnyD
Sunny Delight Beverages Company, based in Cincinnati, OH, is a leading producer of juice-based drinks in North America and Europe. The company is dedicated to helping Moms improve the vitality of their families by creating and marketing delicious, more wholesome beverages. Privately held, the company's brands include SunnyD citrus punch, Elations ® dietary supplement for healthier joints, FruitSimple ® 100% natural fruit smoothies, Fruit2O ® flavored waters, VeryFine ® fruit beverages, and Bossa Nova ® superfruit beverages.

About Great American Country (GAC)
Great American Country is the leader in country music entertainment. GAC delivers to viewers the widest variety of country music, its artists and the lifestyles they influence. GAC broadcasts original country music programming, country music performance specials, live concerts and music videos. GAC is available in more than 58 million households and online at www.GACTV.com. GAC is owned by Scripps Networks, the leading developer of lifestyle-oriented content for television and the Internet, including HGTV (www.hgtv.com), Food Network (www.foodnetwork.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com) and Fine Living Network (www.fineliving.com). Scripps Networks is based in Knoxville, Tenn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta and Nashville, and is a unit of Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE:SNI).

About BC Powder
BC Powder®, which was first introduced in 1906 by Bernard and Commodore Council, offers temporary relief for discomfort associated with headaches, minor body aches and fever. Because BC is a powder, it gets into your bloodstream fast to provide fast, effective relief.
TOUR DATES

* Trace Adkins not on this date.


DATES CITY VENUE
Jan. 22 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena
Jan. 23 Independence, MO Independence Event Center
Jan. 24 Council Bluffs, IA Mid-America Center
Jan. 29 Reading, PA Sovereign Center
Jan. 30 Worcester, MA DCU Center
Jan. 31 Fairfax, VA Patriot Center
Feb. 13 Bossier City, LA CenturyTel Center
Feb. 14 Pensacola, FL Pensacola Civic Center
Feb. 18 Auburn Hills, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
Feb. 19 Buffalo, NY HSBC Arena
Feb. 20 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
Feb. 21 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
Feb. 25 Ft. Wayne, IN Allen County War Memorial
Feb. 26 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center
Feb. 27 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center
Feb. 28 Highland Heights, KY Bank of Kentucky Center
Mar. 4 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
Mar. 5 Champaign, IL Assembly Hall
Mar. 6 Evansville, IN Roberts Stadium
Mar. 12 Richmond, VA Richmond Coliseum
Mar. 13 Uncasville, UT Mohegan Sun Arena
Mar. 14 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena
Mar. 26 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
Mar. 27 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
Mar. 28 Dekalb, IL NIU Convocation Center
Apr. 8 Loveland, CO Budweiser Events Center
Apr. 9 Rapid City, SD Rushmore Theatre
Apr. 10 Bismarck, ND Bismarck Civic Center
Apr. 23 *Trenton, NJ Sun Nation Bank Arena
Apr. 24 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocations Center
Apr. 25 Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center

###

For Press Materials or Media Requests,
Go to www.frontpagepublicity.com or Contact:

Martina McBride
FrontPage Publicity
Kathy Best
615-383-0412
Kathy@frontpagepublicity.com

Trace Adkins
Hot Schatz PR
Schatzi Hageman
615-782-0078
info@hotschatzpr.com

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 .

Aristovideo and Travis Television Productions Announce Downcast Service

AristoVideo and Travis Television Productions Announce DownCast Service

Companies Form Strategic Alliance to Offer Video Content Production and Distribution Service


(Nashville, TN - July 6, 2009) AristoVideo and Travis Television Productions have announced the formation of a strategic alliance that bundles the two companies' specialized video services into one consolidated package, named DownCast.

The arrangement integrates broadcast-quality video content with a distribution network that services an extensive list of radio, television, national and regional video programs, newspapers, trade publications, celebrity and entertainment shows, wire services, closed-circuit partners, global outlets and a full range of online destinations.

"This is a service that has been in development between AristoVideo and Travis Television since the beginning of the year," says AristoVideo Senior Vice President Craig Bann. "We feel like this alliance is a natural marriage between two companies that have a proven history of success in the entertainment industry. From download to broadcast, DownCast will provide clients with top-notch, professional video content that is created and then distributed in a format that is already prepared for streaming and broadcast use."

In addition to its video delivery mechanism, DownCast is designed to provide outlets with easily accessible tour press materials and a variety of content in advance of album releases. Outlets are notified electronically as new assets are uploaded. The system provides on-demand access to video content, digital photos, audio clips and press materials as needed on a secure, password-protected server.

"Thanks to our years of network television experience, we are extremely proud to offer entertaining and informative packages that can tell an artist's story in a matter of minutes," says TTV President Greg Travis. "It's truly amazing that we can reach millions of people with this new service, and it was important to us that we could offer artists the same broadcast-quality video we use for network television shows. DownCast is a great new way to personalize the introduction of a new album or tour, and the artists retain ownership of all the content."

AristoVideo, the veteran video promotion department of The AristoMedia Group, handles the distribution duties in the agreement. Travis Television Productions is responsible for creating and producing the content, which includes electronic and digital press kits, video news releases, video profiles and a diverse variety of Internet streaming material. The two Nashville-based companies have a combined 45 years of experience creating, promoting and distributing professional video content.

The DownCast service operates through a customized distribution application developed and managed by AristoWorks, The AristoMedia Group's new media marketing and development department. The service's extensive database is compiled from resources provided by the various departments within the company, including Aristo PR (publicity), AristoVideo and AristoVision (video promotion), AristoWorks (new media), Marco Promotions (secondary radio promotion) and Marco Club Connection (dance club promotion).

For more information, visit: www.AristoWorks.com/DownCast

About AristoVideo:
A division of The AristoMedia Group, AristoVideo has built a 25-year history of marketing artists through visual mediums, including music videos, EPKs, liners and interview features, which are serviced to television, closed-circuit and Internet outlets across the globe. Visit www.AristoVideoPromo.com for more information.

Cracker Barrel and Montgomery Gentry Suuport Wounded Warrior Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2009


CRACKER BARREL AND MONTGOMERY GENTRY SUPPORT WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT WITH EXCLUSIVE NEW CD PROJECT

For Our Heroes CD will provide funds for
wounded service men and women




LEBANON, TN. – Country music stars Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry know a lot about partnering to make some good sounds, and now they are joining with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and the Wounded Warrior Project on their newest CD, For Our Heroes. This 12-song CD features familiar hits like “Something To Be Proud Of,” and “My Town.” It also includes an exclusive new song, “One Of Those Days,” as well as four songs that have received only limited release previously. The CD will be available only at Cracker Barrel, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each CD will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.


“Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry are great artists to work with on this exclusive CD project,” says Cracker Barrel’s Vice President of Marketing Peter Keiser. “They have for a long time demonstrated their support of and appreciation for our country’s service people. That concern is aligned with Cracker Barrel’s multi-year support of the Wounded Warrior Project.” Keiser added that this CD recognizes that many of the popular restaurant concept’s guests are Montgomery Gentry fans who will be excited about this opportunity to enjoy this exclusive music project while supporting the efforts of the Wounded Warrior Project.


Eddie and Troy say they were pleased to work on this CD with Cracker Barrel because “we think it’s important to support the soldiers, the men and women who fight for us every day so that we can live in the freedom of this great country, the United States of America.”


For Our Heroes will go on sale at all Cracker Barrel locations on May 25th, but you can pre-order your copy, starting May 18th, at crackerbarrel.com. And from May 18th through May 31st, Cracker Barrel will double the donation to Wounded Warrior Project for every CD that is sold. T-shirts featuring the Wounded Warrior Project’s logo of a soldier carrying a wounded compatriot will also be on sale at all Cracker Barrel locations beginning May 25th. A portion of these sales will also be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, helping them to ensure this generation of wounded is the most successful and well-adjusted in our nation’s history.


As part of this CD release, you can sign up for the Cracker Barrel sweepstakes to win some great prizes, including the Grand Prize of a trip for two to see Montgomery Gentry on Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival Tour in Indianapolis, IN on September 19th. That prize includes two roundtrip airline tickets, two nights hotel stay and $200 in spending money. The sweepstakes also features three First Prizes of Copley guitars autographed by Montgomery Gentry. Enter the contest at crackerbarrel.com.


For Our Heroes is the latest project in an impressive collection of exclusive music available only at Cracker Barrel. It follows March’s release of Dolly Parton’s Collectors’ Edition of Backwoods Barbie and a number of exclusive releases in 2008 - November’s release of Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Hymns, the August release of Kenny Rogers: 50 Years, the July release of Ricky Skaggs’ The High Notes and the April release of Aaron Tippin’s He Believed. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs featuring Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.

About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel Old Country Storeâ restaurants provide a friendly home-away-from-home in their old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its signature biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.


Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 588 company-owned locations in 41 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. For more information, visit: crackerbarrel.com.

Win A Trip To 2009 CMA FEST

Winning a trip to the 2009 CMA Fest =
LoCash!



LoCash Cowboys that is!!!

You can win it ..... or buy it. If you buy it and then win it, you get your money back!

This is an opportunity of a lifetime for any country music fan! You could be the lucky winner of a 6 day, 5 night trip to Nashville, Tennessee for the 2009 CMA Music Festival courtesy of LoCash Cowboys and Stroudavarious Records, along with Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 !!

This entertainment filled 6 day, 5 night trip will include;


Coach airfare for two
5 night double occupancy accommodations (Wednesday, June 10 - Monday, June 15, 2009) at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel (CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair tickets to include:

Concerts at LP Field starring Brad Paisley | Brooks and Dunn | Darius Rucker | Dierks Bentley | Julianne Hough | Reba McEntire | Jake Owen | Jason Aldean | Lady Antebellum | Little Big Town | Luke Bryan | Rodney Atkins | Zac Brown Band | Jamey Johnson | Josh Turner | Lee Ann Womack | Martina McBride | Trace Adkins | Wynonna | Jack Ingram | Miranda Lambert | Montgomery Gentry | John Rich | Taylor Swift

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

Daily autograph signings and exhibits at the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall


“New Artist Showcase” featuring new artists chosen by “Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40” to perform a very exclusive acoustic performance to include LoCash Cowboys, hosted by Bob Kingsley.

“Behind The Hits” featuring Jeffrey Steele and friends, hosted by Bob Kingsley.

All you need to do is enter to win at www.ct40.com. The last day to enter is Sunday May 24th.

LoCash hopes YOU are the winner!






About Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40


Every time he gets in front of the microphone, Bob Kingsley adds to his status as the most listened-to radio voice in country music history. The Host and Executive Producer of Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40, far and away the most successful show of its kind, has been the king of the country countdown for three decades now, and to hear him tell it, the process retains every bit of its magic. Bob's love for the genre, its people and its history has always been evident in that warm, rich voice, and the combination has given him both a vast and loyal audience and legendary status within the industry. He has twice been named the CMA's National Broadcast Personality of the Year and his show received Billboard's Network/Syndicated Program of the Year award no fewer than 16 times. Bob also received the ACM’s National Broadcast Personality of the Year Award in 2007 and, perhaps most tellingly, he was inducted in 1998 into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame.

About What A Trip! Entertainment


Since launching in 1998, What A Trip! co-founders Grace Reinbold and Darlene Williams have guided the company to unprecedented success. Today, What A Trip! Entertainment is recognized as the leading purveyor of unique trips and travel planning for record labels as well as radio and television networks. In 2009, packages offering the public an opportunity to experience the extraordinary trips that What A Trip! Entertainment is known for, have been introduced. What A Trip! Entertainment continues to offer the very best in exclusive experiences for everyone from industry leaders to celebrity artists to the fans that make it all possible, treating everyone as a VIP along the way.






Media Contacts


Darlene Williams/Grace Reinbold

What A Trip Entertainment

(615) 269-0039

Darlene@whatatripent.com

Americans like TV better than stereo, why we have hi-def video, but not audio

Recently, I purchased an OPPO Digital universal disc player or DVD player, I wanted to upgrade my CD player, but that is a lot of bucks. This unit ,the 1080, geared towards sound is 169 dollars, makes your regular CDs sound alot better and if you have DVD audio product or SACD CD, they sound incredible. Yes, there is technology to make much better sounding music for not much more money, Company's are not making much in the way of SACD or DVD audio these days, because we did not want it, I remember Best Buys used to have a whole aisle of it. If you do want to listen to something awesome, check out Alison Krauss's "Live DVD" , It is quite remarkable sounding in dolby digital, which the OPPO does too. I guess most people are wired for visual rather than audio. Today's CDs for the most part , don't sound that great, there is not a standard sound. When we had vinyl, it seemed like all records had about the same sound quality, well, unfortunately, not true for CDs. Another enhancement, the OPPO picks up is the HDCD, which is done alot, but if your CD player can not read the HDCD, you can't hear what it does. Alot of true audiophiles have gone back to vinyl completely, a lot of today's CDs are available on vinyl. Rhino records and MusicDirect are two good websites to look for vinyl. A common myth about CDs is that mastering is some kind of digital magic that started with CDS, mastering has been around since vinyl records are mastered too, but in analog. In truth, you cannot hear a digital signal. It has to be converted to analog so you can hear it, so one of the most important things about a CD player is its Digital to Analog converter. My old CD player, which is only about 10 years old had a 1 bit DAC(converter), that is not alot, my OPPO has a 24 bit DAC, which is a big reason that it sounds so much better.
Finally, one last modern thing we have are mp3 players, mp3s are very compressed forms of music, so they do not take up much much space and the average mp3 player that people jog around with has a DAC that costs about 15 cents. Well, enough of that, I'm sure that lots of you knew at least some of this, but I sure wish that there were more SACDs around, in fact, they make a hybrid kind now, that you can play in any CD player, so maybe they will catch on.
Best now
Jim