Dwight Yoakam Announces 9-Date Las Vegas Residency

Dwight Yoakam Announces 9-Date Las Vegas Residency

Posted on August 20, 2019

Dwight Yoakam will bring his distinctive croon and swiveling hips to the Wynn’s Encore Theater in Las Vegas for nine dates this winter.

The nine-date residency, billed as An Evening with Dwight Yoakam & the Bakersfield Beat, is scheduled to take place on Dec. 4, 6, 7, 10, 12 and 14, as well as March 4, 6 and 7.

Beginning with the Dust Bowl era, Dwight will take the audience on a musical excursion exploring the history of the sounds associated with Bakersfield, Calif., through songs and storytelling. The showcase will reflect the concepts that created his self-curated SiriusXM channel, Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat.

Tickets ($59.50–$175 plus fees) go on sale on Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. PDT.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Michael Ray to Headline “CMT on Tour” With Jimmie Allen & Walker County

Michael Ray to Headline “CMT on Tour” With Jimmie Allen & Walker County

Posted on August 20, 2019

Michael Ray will headline the 19th annual CMT on Tour.

The tour will kick off on Oct. 17 in Greensboro, N.C., making additional stops in Birmingham, Fort Wayne, New York and more.

Jimmie Allen and Walker County will provide support. Tickets go on sale on Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. CT.

“I’m so honored to be headlining CMT on Tour with Jimmie and Walker County,” says Michael Ray. “I think CMT has a great way of putting a package together that really sets up artists for the next chapter.”

CMT on Tour

Oct. 17 | Greensboro, NC | Cone Denim Entertainment Center
Oct. 18 | Birmingham, AL | Iron City
Nov.1 | Grand Rapids, MI | 20 Monroe Live
Nov. 2 | Fort Wayne, IN | The Clyde Theatre
Nov. 22 | Lexington, KY | Tipsy Cow Bar
Nov. 23 | Macon, GA | The Crazy Bull
Dec. 5 | New York, NY | The Gramercy Theatre
Dec. 6 | Sayreville, NJ | Starland Ballroom
Dec. 7 | Clifton Park, NY | Upstate Concert

Additional cities to be announced at a later date.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Grand Ole Opry to Feature New Dolly Parton Exhibit

Grand Ole Opry to Feature New Dolly Parton Exhibit

Posted on August 20, 2019

Dolly Parton is celebrating her golden anniversary—that’s 50 years—as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2019.

In honor of the anniversary, the Opry is hosting a new exhibit, Dolly: My Opry Memories, which features 24 wardrobe pieces Dolly has worn on the Opry stage over the last 50 years.

Garments featured in the exhibit include:

  • Dress worn on the evening of her Opry induction (1969)
  • Gown worn for a duet with fellow Opry member Vince Gill while singing “I Will Always Love You” (1995)
  • Ensemble worn during a surprise Opry appearance to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Reba McEntire’s Opry debut (2017)

Also included in the exhibit in the Opry House’s historic Studio A are exclusive videos of Dolly recounting some of her favorite Opry memories, along with rarely seen performance clips spanning her five decades of Opry membership.

Tickets for the exhibit, which runs from Sept. 3 to Oct. 31, are $17.

“It was always my dream to be on the Opry,” says Dolly. “I actually got to sing on the Grand Ole Opry when I was about 10 years old. I officially became a member back in 1969 and I cannot believe [I’m celebrating] 50 proud years of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry! They call it the ‘Mother Church’ because the old Ryman was a church, but it’s sacred to me, wherever it goes—the church of my heart. For me, the Opry is like the song ‘New York, New York’—if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. I am excited to be coming back home to celebrate 50 years of membership.”

The Opry will celebrate Dolly Week in October with a number of performances on Oct. 10, 11 and 12.

  • Oct. 10 | Opry Country Classics featuring performances of Dolly’s No. 1 hits
  • Oct. 11 | Dolly’s Mountain Soul: Bluegrass, Americana & Roots Music honors Dolly
  • Oct. 12 | Dolly Parton’s 50th Grand Ole Opry Anniversary Celebration featuring Dolly Parton and many more (two shows)

Over the course of her career, Dolly has earned eight Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards and three American Music Awards. In 1999, Dolly was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. She has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—both as a solo artist and as a member of Trio. She became a member of the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001. Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) honored her with their Icon Award in 2003, and in 2004 the U.S. Library of Congress presented her with their Living Legend Award. In 2005, she was presented the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government, the National Medal of Arts. Dolly will be honored as MusiCares Person of the Year during Grammy Week in February.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Luke Bryan Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of Sophomore Album, “Doin’ My Thing,” With Vinyl Release

Luke Bryan Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of Sophomore Album, “Doin’ My Thing,” With Vinyl Release

Posted on August 20, 2019

Luke Bryan will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the release of his sophomore album, Doin’ My Thing, by releasing the album on vinyl for the first time on Oct. 4.

Initially released on Oct. 6, 2009, Doin’ My Thing spawned Luke’s first No. 1 single, “Rain Is a Good Thing,” as well as the follow-up No. 1 hit, “Someone Else Calling You Baby.”

The 13-track deluxe vinyl record features two bonus tracks, “Ya’ll Can Have This Town” and “Favorite Flowers.” The deluxe edition will also be released digitally on Oct. 4.

Doin’ My Thing Track List
Side A:
1. Rain Is A Good Thing
2. Doin’ My Thing
3. Do I
4. What Country Is
5. Someone Else Calling You Baby
6. Welcome To The Farm
7. Apologize
Side B:
8. Every Time I See You
9. Chuggin’ Along
10. I Did It Again
11. Drinkin’ Beer And Wastin’ Bullets
12. Ya’ll Can Have This Town (Bonus Track)
13. Favorite Flowers (Bonus Track)

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard & Wife Hayley Welcome Baby Boy

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard & Wife Hayley Welcome Baby Boy

Posted on August 20, 2019

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and wife Hayley welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Luca Reed Hubbard, on Aug. 19.

“Words can’t describe the overwhelming emotions that I experienced last night as we witnessed the miracle of life,” said Tyler, in part, via Instagram. “I couldn’t be more proud of my amazing wife @hayley_hubbard through this whole journey. She’s an absolute angel and meant to be a mother. I thank God for answering our prayers and bringing Luca into the world peacefully and smoothly. I didn’t think life could get any better but it just did.”

According to People, Luca Reed weighed in at 8 lbs., 11 oz., and measured 20.5 inches long.

Tyler and Hayley’s new addition with join 20-month-old big sister, Olivia, in the Hubbard household.

Congrats to the family.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Guarantano Named to Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List

Guarantano Named to Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List

Posted on August 19, 2019
Credit: UT Athletics

BALTIMORE, Md. – Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano added another notch to his preseason awards list after being named to the 2019 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List presented by A.O. Smith Corporation on Monday.

Named after Unitas, the eventer of football’s two-minute drill, the award is presented annually to college football’s top senior or fourth-year junior quarterback set to graduate with their class by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation.

Guarantano is one of 49 FBS quarterbacks recognized and one of just four signal callers from the SEC on the docket. The redshirt junior passed for 1,907 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018 while throwing only three interceptions, the fewest of any FBS quarterback who started 12 or more games.

Last season, the Lodi, N.J., native shattered the UT record for consecutive pass attempts without an interception by tossing 166 straight passes without a pick, breaking the old mark of 143 set by Casey Clausen in 2003.

The announcement comes after Guarantano was featured on the 2019 Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List, awarded to college football’s best all-around player.
To see the complete 2019 Golden Arm Award Watch List, click HERE.

The Vols open their 2019 season on Aug. 31 when they welcome Georgia State to Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Fans can purchase season and single-game tickets as well as the new Tennessee football Vol Pass by visiting AllVols.com.

Tennessee 2019 Preseason Watch List Selections 
Darrell Taylor – Chuck Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Jarrett Guarantano – Maxwell Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Ty Chandler – Doak Walker Award
Dominick Wood-Anderson – John Mackey Award
Brandon Kennedy – Rimington Trophy
Ryan Johnson – Wuerffel Trophy
Trey Smith – Wuerffel Trophy
Riley Lovingood – Patrick Mannelly Award

 

UT Athletics

Dan + Shay Score 6th No. 1 Single With “All to Myself”

Dan + Shay Score 6th No. 1 Single With “All to Myself”

Posted on August 19, 2019

Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay scored their sixth No. 1 single as “All to Myself” ascended to the top spot on both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and Mediabase chart this week.

Penned by Dan, Shay, Jordan Reynolds and Nicolle Galyon, “All to Myself” is the third single from the duo’s 2018 self-titled album, following No. 1 singles “Tequila” and “Speechless.”

“Thank you to our fans for believing in this song since day one, and fighting for it be a single,” said the duo, in part, via Instagram. “Please help us say thanks by tagging your local country radio station. It feels extra special.”

View this post on Instagram

all to myself is officially #1, and it feels extra special.  at the beginning of push week, the deficit seemed nearly impossible to overcome, but our team fought tirelessly (seriously, NONSTOP effort), and our country radio family stepped up for us in a way that reminded us how lucky we truly are to be a part of such a wonderful community.  thank you to every program director, music director, and anyone at any radio station who threw us a few extra spins this week.  every single one of you made a difference, and we’ll forever be grateful.  thank you to our fans for believing in this song since day one, and fighting for it to be a single.  we always trust you, because you’ve always got our backs.  if you’ve made it this far in this novel of a caption, please help us say thanks by tagging your local country radio station in the comments of this post.  and if you so happen to know the individual handles of our @wmnashville promo team, please shower them with love too.  we’re just so unbelievably happy right now. 🌙

A post shared by Dan + Shay (@danandshay) on

The duo is on the road with Florida Georgia Line as part of their Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour. They will join Shawn Mendes in the fall on his self-titled tour in Australia.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

ACM Honors Ceremony Announces Final Performer & Presenter Lineup

ACM Honors Ceremony Announces Final Performer & Presenter Lineup

Posted on August 19, 2019

The Academy of Country Music announced its final performer and presenter lineup for the 13th annual ACM Honors ceremony.

Performers: Lauren Alaina, Caylee Hammack, Chris Janson, Miranda Lambert, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Midland, Billy Joe Shaver, Tenille Townes, Keith Urban, Chris Young.

Presenters: Lauren Alaina, Bobby Bones, Chris Janson, Barbara Mandrell, Shane McAnally, Midland, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young.

The ACM Honors, which will take place on August 21 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, will recognize the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 54th ACM Awards, including Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Rodney Crowell, Kye Fleming, Billy Joe Shaver, Gayle Holcomb and A Star Is Born.

Tickets for the ACM Honors are on sale now.

Check out the list of awardees, awards and past winners below.

Brooks & Dunn and Martina McBride

Cliffie Stone Icon Award: This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who throughout their career has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.
Past Winners: Alabama, Bob Beckham, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, George Strait, The Judds, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, The Statler Brothers, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills, Dwight Yoakam and Alan Jackson.

Gayle Holcomb

Gary Harber Lifting Lives Award: This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others, voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.
Past Winners: Brooks & Dunn, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker.

Miranda Lambert

Gene Weed Milestone Award: This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year.
Past Winners: Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, George Burns, Kenny Chesney, Jeff Foxworthy, Merle Haggard, Gayle Holcomb, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt.

Kacey Musgraves

Jim Reeves International Award: This award recognizes an artist or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.
Past Winners: Joe Allison, Bill Boyd, Garth Brooks, Steve Buchanan, Joe Cates, Eric Church, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Al Gallico, Merv Griffin, Jim Halsey, Alan Jackson, Ken Kragen, Lady Antebellum, Sam Louvello, Thurston Moore, Charlie Nagatani, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, Roy Rogers, Bob Saporiti, Louise Scruggs, Dinah Shore, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Jeff Walker, Jo Walker-Meador, Bill Ward and Rob Potts.

Rodney Crowell, Kye Fleming and Billy Joe Shaver

Poet’s Award: This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.
Past Winners: Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Shel Silverstein, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, Guy Clark, Jack Clement, Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Kris Kristofferson, Bob McDill, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker, Jimmy Webb, Hank Williams, Matraca Berg and Norro Wilson.

Shane McAnally

Songwriter of the Year Award: This award is presented to an individual known predominately as a songwriter, selected by a Professional Panel of judges composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization representatives.
Past Winners: Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Roger Miller and Rhett Akins.

A Star Is Born

Tex Ritter Film Award: This award recognizes an outstanding television movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music.
Past Winners: Beer For My Horses, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Country Strong, Crazy Heart, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, Nashville, O Brother, Where Art Thou, Sweet Dreams and Walk the Line, among others.

photos: Miranda Lambert & Keith Urban by Curtis Hilbun; Chris Young & Lauren Alaina by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Tyler Childers Announces 4-Night Residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium

Tyler Childers Announces 4-Night Residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium

Posted on August 19, 2019

Fresh off of debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart last week with Country Squire, Tyler Childers has announced a four-night residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

The shows will take place on Feb. 6 (special guest TBA), Feb. 7 (special guest TBA), Feb. 15 (special guest Larry Cordle) and Feb. 16 (special guest Daughter of Swords). Ticket pre-sale begins on Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. CT, with public on-sale beginning on Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. CT.

Produced by Sturgill Simpson and Dave Ferguson, Country Squire moved 32,000 equivalent album units in its first week, according to Nielsen Music. The nine-song offering marks the Kentucky native’s first No. 1 album. Tyler’s sophomore album, Purgatory, peaked at No. 17 on the chart in 2017.

Tyler will embark on his extensive Country Squire Run headlining tour this fall, including stops in Seattle, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Boston and more.

photo by Beard Barnes

Jason Aldean Returns to Las Vegas for Three Shows in December

Jason Aldean Returns to Las Vegas for Three Shows in December

Posted on August 19, 2019

Jason Aldean will return to Las Vegas for three shows in December as part of the Jason Aldean: Ride All Night Vegas mini-residency.

The concerts will take place on Dec. 6, 7 and 8 at the 5,200-seat Park Theater in Park MGM.

Jason was onstage at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, 2017, when a lone gunman opened fire on the crowd from an elevated position, killing 58 people and wounding more than 400. Jason performed in Las Vegas at a music festival in 2018, however, Ride All Night Vegas marks Jason’s first headlining gig in Vegas since the shooting.

“I’ve wanted to bring our show back to Vegas for a while now, and the timing feels right,” said Jason. “We’re going to pack up the show, set it up for a couple days and hang out with our Vegas family. I’m looking forward to being back.”

Dee Jay Silver will provide support.

Tickets for fan club members go on sale on Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. PT, while general tickets go on sale on Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. PT.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

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