Collin Raye’s Upcoming Concert on May 30 to Violate Utah’s State Directive Limiting Gatherings

Collin Raye’s Upcoming Concert on May 30 to Violate Utah’s State Directive Limiting Gatherings

Posted on May 15, 2020

Collin Raye is set to headline a free concert at Barnes Park in Kaysville, Utah, on May 30 that would openly defy the state’s ban on gatherings of more than 50 people due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The concert is being organized by the Utah Business Revival and supported by Kaysville Mayor Katie Witt (Rep.), who is also running for Congress in Utah’s 1st District.

“Hopefully, this concert will inspire similar events in other states around the country as we try to unify and start pushing back against the effects of this pandemic,” said Collin in a statement. “We will be utilizing the recommended sensible safety precautions, and I’m confident it will be a huge success for small businesses, and hopefully, the country at large.”

While much of the state is moving from “orange” (moderate risk) to “yellow” (low risk) per Governor Gary Herbert’s announcement on May 14, gatherings of more than 50 people are still prohibited.

“Come support our local businesses, listen to country music, and be a pioneer and a patriot with us,” said Mayor Witt in a statement.

The outdoor event will also feature booths allowing nonessential businesses to sell their goods and services.

The Utah Business Revival’s press released noted: “Please be respectful to those who social distance at seven feet. Feel free to wear the proper protection.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Lee Brice Releases New Video for Hopeful Song, “Hey World” [Watch]

Lee Brice Releases New Video for Hopeful Song, “Hey World” [Watch]

Posted on May 15, 2020

Lee Brice addresses the current COVID-19 pandemic in a hopeful new song, “Hey World.”

The new tune was penned by Lee, Dallas Davidson and Adam Wood in late March after the guys found themselves inundated with a negative news cycle regarding the pandemic.

“We wrote this song from an introspective, truthful place and probably what most people are actually feeling right now,” says Lee. “With everything that is happening in the world currently and how fast paced we are as a society in general, sometimes you just want everything to stop—just to appreciate what we do have. People are suffering and it can’t be ignored.”

Lee dropped a new video for “Hey World,” which was filmed at his home in Nashville.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Natalie Stovall Announced as New Member of Runaway June

Natalie Stovall Announced as New Member of Runaway June

Posted on May 15, 2020

One day after Hannah Mulholland announced her departure from trio Runaway June on May 14, founding members Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne revealed that Natalie Stovall has joined the group.

Runaway June announced the news via Twitter, saying: “Everyone meet the newest member of Runaway June, Natlie Stovall!! We couldn’t be more excited for the future and we can’t wait to perform again soon. We love you all more than words could ever express and we thank you for the outpouring of kindness, love and support in these wild, crazy times. It has kept us going, kept up positive and motivated to give more, go further, push harder. We are ecstatic to share this new chapter with Natalie and cannot wait for you all to adore her as much as we do. See you all soon as possible and in the meantime please stay home and healthy! We miss and love you!! – Runaway June.”

Fiddle-playing Natalie fronted her own band, Natalie Stovall and the Drive, for more than 10 years. She also appeared on The Voice in 2017 as a member of Team Blake Shelton.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Brothers Osborne Drop Studio Video for Rockin’ New Single, “All Night” [Watch]

Brothers Osborne Drop Studio Video for Rockin’ New Single, “All Night” [Watch]

Posted on May 15, 2020

After releasing their second studio album, Port Saint Joe, in 2018, John and TJ Osborne of Brothers Osborne are back with a rockin’ new single, “All Night.”

Penned by John, TJ and Andrew DeRoberts, “All Night” will impact country radio on May 18. The new tune, which was produced by Jay Joyce, looks to be the lead single from the Brothers’ third studio album, although the project’s details have not yet been announced.

Watch the studio performance of “All Night” below.

photo by NCD

Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler & Steven Curtis Chapman to Perform on Opry’s “Salute the Troops” Memorial Day Weekend Special

Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler & Steven Curtis Chapman to Perform on Opry’s “Salute the Troops” Memorial Day Weekend Special

Posted on May 15, 2020

The Grand Ole Opry will honor U.S. veterans, current military members and essential workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic with a special Salute the Troops show that features performances by Craig Morgan, Steven Curtis Chapman and Kellie Pickler.

The Opry’s annual pre-Memorial Day Salute the Troops performance will take place on May 23 at 7 p.m. CT. The show will be broadcast live on Circle TV, as well as streamed across Facebook and YouTube.

“The days preceding Memorial Day have for years brought with them our annual Salute The Troops show and unforgettable moments as we honor and say thank you to those who serve our country,” said Dan Rogers, Opry vice president and executive producer. “It’s more important than ever in 2020 that through words and songs we connect fans across the country to recognize the sacrifices of members of the U.S. Military. Additionally, this year’s show will offer the opportunity for fans tuned in around the world to honor the troops of essential workers on the frontline of the battles that have changed our world this year, the war on COVID-19.”

photo by NCD

UT Trio Picks Up CoSIDA Academic Honors

UT Trio Picks Up CoSIDA Academic Honors

Posted on May 15, 2020
UT Softball / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee softball trio Cailin Hannon, Chelsea Seggern and Ally Shipman were named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District 3 first team, the organization announced on Thursday.

The 2020 Academic All-District® Softball Team, selected by CoSIDA, recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. Honorees selected first-team Academic All-District® will advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America® ballot. Academic All-America® honorees will be announced from June 8-11.

The Lady Vols’ three honorees are the most of any institution in the district which includes NCAA Division I institutions in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.

The entire list can be found here.

Senior infielder Seggern, a Kinesiology major, was selected after posting a 3.89 GPA to earn her second consecutive honor, while Shipman, a sophomore catcher, and recent graduate Hannon, an outfielder, both earned their first all-district recognition. Shipman, also a Kinesiology major, earned a 3.85 GPA. Hannon, who earned her bachelor’s in Audiology and Speech Pathology, finished with a 3.83 average.

Seggern and Shipman started all 23 games for the UT during the 2020 season, which was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. The duo tied for a team-high .403 batting average, seven doubles and a pair of triples. Seggern, a Thrall, Texas, native led the Lady Vols with 17 RBIs and five dingers. She also tied for 37th nationally with an .863 slugging percentage and ranked 18th in the country with a .560 OBP.

Shipman, who hails from Valencia, Calif., added 25 hits, 13 runs, a pair of homers and 16 RBIs in her first season back from injury.

A Franklin, Tenn., native Hannon made 21 appearances and 18 starts for the Lady Vols in 2020. She tallied 16 hits, including four doubles and a home run.

-UT Athletics

Hannah Mulholland Departs Runaway June: “It Is Bittersweet, But I Am Excited to Continue to Evolve & Grow”

Hannah Mulholland Departs Runaway June: “It Is Bittersweet, But I Am Excited to Continue to Evolve & Grow”

Posted on May 14, 2020

Hannah Mulholland has decided to depart Runaway June—the trio she founded with Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne in 2015.

Hannah shared the news on Runaway June’s official Twitter account on May 14, stating: “It’s with great respect and love that I must announce my departure from Runaway June. We have spent 5 years chasing dreams, climbing mountains, conquering things we never imagined possible, and having lots of fun along the way. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had, and all of the amazing people I have met along the way. Our great team, supportive label, amazing fans, and all of our champions at country radio…You guys have changed my life forever. I’ve dreamt these dreams since I was 5 years old, and I feel so fortunate to have gotten these chances and been a part of this incredible journey. I wish everyone continued success and happiness. I hope you will continue to follow my creative endeavors and share in what the future has to hold. It is bittersweet, but I am excited to continue to evolve and grow, while keeping these memories near and dear to my heart. Thank you. Love you all. – Hannah”

(From left) Hannah Mulholland, Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne. photo by Arroyo/O’Connor, AFF-USA.com

The trio released its debut album, Blue Roses, in June 2019. The 10-song offering, which was produced by Dann Huff and Ross Copperman, features Top 20 single, “Buy My Own Drinks.” Naomi, Hannah and Jennifer co-penned a number of tracks on the new album alongside top songwriters Hillary Lindsey, Josh Kear, Chris DeStefano, Liz Rose, Marcus Hummon and more. In addition, the trio included a cover of Dwight Yokam’s 1993 hit, “Fast as You.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Kenny Chesney, Kelsea Ballerini, Tim McGraw & More to Perform During CMT’s “Feed the Front Line Live” Benefit Concert

Kenny Chesney, Kelsea Ballerini, Tim McGraw & More to Perform During CMT’s “Feed the Front Line Live” Benefit Concert

Posted on May 14, 2020

More than 40 country stars, musicians and celebrities will join forces for CMT’s Feed the Front Line Live benefit concert on May 20.

Feed the Front Line is dedicated to supporting local economies by purchasing meals from struggling restaurants and then donating the meals to frontline workers and other people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The daylong live-stream event will air across CMT’s Facebook and YouTube, with three separate “mealtime” streams: breakfast (9 a.m. CT), lunch (1 p.m. CT) and dinner (7 p.m. CT).

Feed The Front Line Live will feature special at-home performances from Avril Lavigne, Billy Ray Cyrus, Blanco Brown, Brad Paisley, Brett Young, Caitlyn Smith, Carly Pearce, Cassadee Pope, Caylee Hammack, Charlie Worsham, Chase Rice, Dustin Lynch, Faith Hill, Grace Potter, Hailey Whitters, Jimmie Allen, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Kip Moore, Kylie Morgan, Lori McKenna, Rita Wilson, Russell Dickerson, Sam Williams, Scotty McCreery, Sheryl Crow, Tenille Townes, Tim McGraw, Tucker Beathard and more.

Before, during and after each stream, fans will have the opportunity to make donations directly to Feed the Front Line.

Feed The Front Line LIVE Lineup

  • Adam Melchor
  • Avril Lavigne
  • Billy Ray Cyrus
  • Blanco Brown
  • Brad Paisley
  • Brett Young
  • Caitlyn Smith
  • Carly Pearce
  • Cassadee Pope
  • Caylee Hammack
  • Charlie Worsham
  • Chase Rice
  • Dustin Lynch
  • Faith Hill
  • Grace Potter
  • Hailey Whitters
  • Jimmie Allen
  • Jon Pardi
  • Jordan Davis
  • Kelsea Ballerini
  • Kenny Chesney
  • Kip Moore
  • Kylie Morgan
  • Lori McKenna
  • Matt Quinn
  • Peyton Manning (cameo)
  • Rita Wilson
  • Russell Dickerson
  • Ryan Tannehill (cameo)
  • Sam Williams
  • Scotty McCreery
  • Sheryl Crow
  • Shy Carter
  • Sloan Woolly
  • Solomon Thomas (cameo)
  • The Warren Brothers & Lance Miller
  • Tenille Townes
  • Tim McGraw
  • Tucker Beathard

photos: Kenny Chesney by E.M., AFF-USA.com; Kelsea Ballerini by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Lipcius Named to CoSIDA Academic All-District 3 First Team

Lipcius Named to CoSIDA Academic All-District 3 First Team

Posted on May 14, 2020
Vols 1B Luc Lipcius / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee redshirt junior first baseman Luc Lipcius was named to the Academic All-District 3 first team, as announced by CoSIDA on Thursday.

The Academic All-District teams are divided into geographic regions and recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. All first-team all-district selections are eligible to receive Academic All-America honors as well, which will be announced in June.

The complete listing of Academic All-District teams can be found by clicking HERE.

Thursday’s honor marks the first time that Lipcius has been named to the Academic All-District team. He  joins Evan Russell (2019) as current UT players who have earned all-district honors in their careers. Tennessee has now had at least one player named to the Academic All-District team in each of the past five seasons.

If Lipcius is able to attain Academic All-America status, he would be the third Vols’ baseball player in as many years to do so, joining Russell (2019) and Nico Mascia (2018).

During his career on Rocky Top, Lipcius has been a model student-athlete, excelling on the field as well as in the classroom and the community. The Williamsburg, Virginia native boasts a 3.33 GPA while majoring in Aerospace Engineering and is also one of UT’s most active players in the community, totaling 76 community service hours throughout his career.

Lipcius represented Tennessee baseball in the VOLeaders Academy Class of 2018-19. The select group of student-athletes from all of UT’s athletic programs capped off their year-long program with a service trip to Rwanda last summer, providing applied leadership and service opportunities focused on community development and social change through sport.

Lipcius was one of the Vols’ most productive players during their shortened 2020 season, leading the team with 16 walks and a .525 on-base percentage while batting .326 with 13 runs scored and two homers. He also ranked second on the team with seven doubles and 15 runs batted in.

-UT Athletics

George Strait

George Strait

Posted on May 14, 2020

George Strait has announced rescheduled dates for two upcoming concerts.

George’s “Strait to South Bend” concert at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind., which was originally scheduled on Aug. 15, 2020, will now take place on Aug. 7, 2021, with special guests Chris Stapleton and Brothers Osborne.

George’s concert at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., which was originally schedule on Aug. 22, 2020, will now take place on July 31, 2021, with special guests Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town.

Original tickets will be honored for the new dates. Fans unable to attend the rescheduled shows are eligible for a refund at the original point of purchase within the next 30 days.

photo by Kirkland, AFF-USA.com

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