Transfer Uroš Plavšić Signs with Vol Hoops

Transfer Uroš Plavšić Signs with Vol Hoops

Posted on May 21, 2019
Credit: UT Athletics

Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Tuesday that Arizona State transfer Uroš Plavšić (pronounced: Ü-rōsh PLÄV-shich) has signed an institutional aid agreement with UT and plans to enroll for the first session of summer school.

A 7-foot center from Ivanjica, Serbia, Plavšić graduated from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, before redshirting last season at ASU.

He first moved to the United States in October 2017 and averaged 9.6 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading Hamilton Heights to a 28-7 record and the NACA Division I national championship in his lone season there.

“Uroš is a skilled athlete with impact size,” Barnes said. “He’s a strong, physical player who can hold his own in the paint, and his offensive skill set could also allow him to play away from the basket, keeping the floor spaced. His mobility and ability to run make him a great fit in our transition offense and pressure defense schemes. And his comprehension of the game and understanding of the value of being a great teammate are more reasons we’re excited about him joining our program.”

In Serbia, Plavšić played on the Belgrade-based BC Mega Leks junior team that advanced to the quarterfinals of the Euroleague championships. He has also competed against fellow Serbian and NBA All-Star Nikola Jokić, as well as Croatian NBA center Ivica Zubac.

Plavšić was listed in the 247Sports Composite as the nation’s 21st-ranked center in the Class of 2018 and the fifth-ranked prospect in the state of Tennessee. He was rated as high as 102 nationally and was part of a four-man ASU signing class that was ranked 14th in the country.

He joins a crop of Tennessee newcomers that includes guards Josiah-Jordan James and Davonte Gaines and forwards Drew Pember and Olivier Nkamhoua.

 

UT Athletics

Listen to Brett Young’s Catchy New Single, “Catch”

Listen to Brett Young’s Catchy New Single, “Catch”

Posted on May 21, 2019

Brett Young will try to score his sixth consecutive No. 1 single with the release of “Catch” on June 3. The new tune, which was co-penned by Brett, Ashley Gorley and Ross Copperman, will be the second single released from Brett’s 2018 sophomore album, Ticket to L.A.

“‘Catch’ is a song that I wrote with Ashley Gorley and Ross Copperman, and it was a song that kinda was born out of another song,” says Brett. “We were in a write and somebody threw out the word ‘catch’ as an idea, as just a word in a line of the song. Ashley Gorley stood up and said he’d be right back, and he walked outside and he came back and he goes, ‘Okay, we gotta book another write, because I’ve got an idea for a song called “Catch,” where it’s a play on the word “catch” and I think we can go a lot of places with this, I’m very excite.’”

The songwriting trio reconvened a short time later to grind out the catchy new idea.

“We got back together, and just got really excited about, not only the kinda tongue-in-cheek, play-on-word nature of it, but also I think it’s kind of normally the girl that goes out with her girlfriends hoping not to meet a guy or not to be bothered by guys, and we just thought it was kind of a fun twist on it—the guy going out to spend time with his buddies, and ends up seeing a girl and the rest was history. And so it’s a fun one for me and the play on words with ‘catch’, but also, me having spent so much of my life playing baseball.”

“Catch” follows previous chart-toppers “Mercy,” “Sleep Without You,” “In Case You Didn’t Know” and “Like I Loved You” from Brett’s 2017 self-titled debut album, as well as “Here Tonight,” the lead single from his 2018 sophomore album, Ticket to L.A.

Listen to “Catch” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Country Music Hall of Fame Announces Colorful New Kacey Musgraves Exhibit

Country Music Hall of Fame Announces Colorful New Kacey Musgraves Exhibit

Posted on May 21, 2019

Kacey Musgraves will be the subject of a new exhibit at the the Country Music Hall of Fame titled Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors.

Opening on July 2 and running through June 7, 2020, the new exhibit will explore the musical and personal journey of the six-time Grammy winner, from her upbringing in Texas and her diverse musical influences to her innovatinve songwriting and award-winning albums.

“I absolutely adore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum,” says Kacey. “It’s a privilege to have them curate an exhibit that will showcase pieces from moments all the way back to my childhood that are very special to me.”

Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors features stagewear, handwritten lyrics and personal artifacts, including:

  • Tip jar used by Kacey and Alina Tatum when they performed as yodeling duo Texas Two Bits
  • Detention notice received for “continuous classroom disruption” during high school
  • Manuscript for “Fallin’,” a song written by Kacey with Miranda Lambert
  • Manuscript for “Slow Burn,” written by Kacey and the co-producers—Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk—of her recent album, Golden Hour
  • Satin dress embellished with sequins, beads, rhinestones and tasseled fringe, designed by Enrique Urbina. Kacey wore the dress at the 2014 Grammy Awards
  • Western-inspired black Atelier Versace pantsuit ensemble with gold-beaded fringe worn by Kacey at the 2018 CMA Awards

In support of the exhibition’s opening, Kacey will participate in a conversation in the museum’s CMA Theater on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at 2 p.m., sharing personal stories and memories associated with the exhibit. Tickets will be available on May 29.

photo by Arroyo/O\’Connor, AFF-USA.com

Brooks & Dunn to Headline Free “CMT Crossroads” With Luke Combs, Brett Young, Midland, Jon Pardi & More

Brooks & Dunn to Headline Free “CMT Crossroads” With Luke Combs, Brett Young, Midland, Jon Pardi & More

Posted on May 21, 2019

CMT Crossroads is crossing up its playbook for an event in downtown Nashville on June 4 that will feature headliner Brooks & Dunn teaming with a number of country artists.

Instead of collaborating with a cross-genre artist—as is the norm on CMT Crossroads—Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks will join forces with a number of stars featured on their recent Reboot album, including Brett Young, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Midland and Brandon Lancaster from LANCO.

Fans are invited to attend the CMT Crossroads taping on June 4 at the corner of 5th and Broadway in downtown Nashville. The taping begins at 8:30 p.m. CT. Fans should arrive early, as the event is standing-room only and entrance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The hour-long show will will premiere on CMT on June 28 at 10 p.m. ET.

In addition to releasing their new No. 1 album, Brooks & Dunn have kept busy this year with a number of shows in Las Vegas as part of their residency with Reba McEntire. The duo will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the fall.

photo by Arroyo/O\’Connor, AFF-USA.com

Eli Young Band Scores First No. 1 Single in More Than 5 Years With “Love Ain’t”

Eli Young Band Scores First No. 1 Single in More Than 5 Years With “Love Ain’t”

Posted on May 20, 2019

Eli Young Band scored its fourth No. 1 single as “Love Ain’t” ascended to the top of both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and Mediabase chart this week.

The emotionally charged tune, which was penned by Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, and Shane McAnally, is the band’s first No. 1 single since “Drunk Last Night” topped the charts more than five years ago in December 2013.

“Getting back here to the top again is a blessing that both country music fans and country radio have given us,” says EYB’s frontman Mike Eli. “We do not take this for granted. It’s a blessing that carries on to our families and our teams that have been behind us every single step of the way. We humbly thank you all for making this happen for us.”

The video for “Love Ain’t” follows the love story of Taylor Morris—an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the Navy who became a quadruple amputee after an explosion in Afghanistan in 2012—and his girlfriend of more than a decade, Danielle, who remained by Taylor’s side. The inspiring clip, which has more than 6 million views on YouTube, features personal videos of Taylor’s rehab, his 2013 homecoming in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and marriage to Danielle.

photo courtesy of Cal Quinn, BMLG

Jon Pardi Announces New “Heartache Medication” Album, Single & Tour [Listen to New Single]

Jon Pardi Announces New “Heartache Medication” Album, Single & Tour [Listen to New Single]

Posted on May 20, 2019

After scoring four Top 5 singles—including two No. 1 hits—with his 2016 No. 1 album, California Sunrise, Jon Pardi revealed that he will release his third studio album, Heartache Medication, on Sept. 27.

On June 3, Jon will ship the album’s title track to country radio as his lead single. Co-written by Jon, Barry Dean and Natalie Hemby, “Heartache Medication” finds the singer drowning his sorrows at a dive bar.

“The single ‘Heartache Medication’ has an ’80s George Strait ‘Fool Hearted Memory’ feel to it, and is something people can dance to,” says Jon. “That’s something I really wanted for this album. There really are no sad songs on this record—it covers a range of subjects, but is ultimately about moving on, and having a good time.”

Listen to “Heartache Medication” below.

In addition to the album and single, Jon will launch his Heartache Medication Tour with back-to-back shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 2 and 3, followed by additional stops in Milwaukee, Seattle, San Diego, Phoenix and more. Riley Green will serve as direct support.

Ticket pre-sale begins on May 28, with tickets to the general public going on sale on May 31. Every online ticket purchase will come with one Heartache Medication CD.

Heartache Medication Tour Dates

Oct. 01 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium
Oct. 02 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium
Oct. 04 | Minneapolis, MN | The Armory
Oct. 05 | Milwaukee, WI | Eagle’s Ballroom*
Oct. 10 | Oklahoma City, OK | The Criterion
Oct. 11 | Houston, TX | White Oak Music Hall
Oct. 12 | Helotes, TX | Floores Country Store*
Oct. 24 | Seattle, WA | Paramount Theatre
Oct. 25 | Boise, ID | Revolution Concert House and Event Center
Oct. 26 | Salt Lake City, UT | The Depot*
Oct. 31 | Phoenix, AZ | Comerica Theatre*
Nov. 1 | San Diego, CA | Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre*
Nov. 2 | Bakersfield, CA | Rabobank Theater

*Does not include Riley Green; support to be announced soon

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Garth Brooks Performs for 75,000 Fans in Biggest Ticketed Show in Pittsburgh History

Garth Brooks Performs for 75,000 Fans in Biggest Ticketed Show in Pittsburgh History

Posted on May 20, 2019

Garth Brooks continues to achieve feats of Garthonian proportion with his current Stadium Tour.

photo by 8 Ten, Inc

On May 18, Garth performed in front of more than 75,000 fans at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, making it the biggest ticketed show in the history of the Steel City, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The previous record was set during the Pitt vs. Penn State football game in 2016 with 69,983 tickets sold.

The Pittsburgh show follows Garth’s previously sold-out concerts in St. Louis, Glendale, Gainseville and Minneapolis (x2). Upcoming sold-out shows include Denver (June 8), Eugene (June 29) and Boise (July 20).

Garth’s two-plus-hour set in Pittsburgh featured more than 20 of his hits, as well as a few covers, including Bob Seger’s “Night Moves” and George Strait’s “Amarillo, By Morning.”

photo by 8 Ten, Inc

3 Nashville Sites Sweep ACM Awards in “Venue of the Year” Category

3 Nashville Sites Sweep ACM Awards in “Venue of the Year” Category

Posted on May 20, 2019

If the Academy of Country Music’s Industry Awards are any indication, Nashville is living up to its Music City moniker.

The Academy revealed the winners of the ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards on May 20, and Nashville sites swept the three Venue of the Year categories: Ryman Auditorium (small capacity), Ascend Amphitheater (medium capacity) and Bridgestone Arena (large capacity).

The Nashville venues will be recognized during the 13th annual ACM Honors ceremony, an evening dedicated to the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 54th ACM Awards on August 21 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Below is a complete list of the Industry and Studio Recording Award winners for the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards.

Industry Award Winners
Casino of the Year | Small Capacity: Choctaw Casino & Resort | Durant, Ok
Casino of the Year | Large Capacity: Mohegan Sun Arena | Uncasville, Ct
Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year: Nicole More | Wilson Events, Inc.
Festival of the Year: Faster Horses | Brooklyn, Mi
Nightclub of the Year: Joe’s on Weed St | Chicago, Il
Promoter of the Year: Ed Warm | Joe’s Bar
Venue of the Year | Small Capacity: Ryman Auditorium | Nashville, Tn
Venue of the Year | Medium Capacity: Ascend Amphitheater | Nashville, Tn
Venue of the Year | Large Capacity: Bridgestone Arena | Nashville, Tn

Studio Recording Award Winners
Bass Player of the Year | Glenn Worf
Drummer of the Year | Matt Chamberlain
Guitar Player of the Year | Derek Wells
Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year | Dave Cohen
Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year | Ilya Toshinskiy
Steel Guitar Player of the Year | Mike Johnson
Audio Engineer of the Year | F Reid Shippen
Producer of the Year | Jay Joyce

The Academy of Country Music Industry Awards are voted on by all professional members of the Academy. The Studio Recording Awards are voted on by professional members of the Academy classified in the artist-entertainer/musician-bandleader-instrumentalist categories and the producer-engineer-studio manager sub-category.

photo by NCD

photo by NCD

Travis Tritt Uninjured After Tour Bus Sideswiped in Auto Accident That Killed 2 People

Travis Tritt Uninjured After Tour Bus Sideswiped in Auto Accident That Killed 2 People

Posted on May 20, 2019

Travis Tritt was aboard his tour bus on May 18 when it was sideswiped during an auto accident that killed two people on Veterans Highway in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

After Travis performed a Friday evening (May 17) show in North Myrtle Beach, his bus was slightly damaged as it tried to avoid a crash caused by a driver going the wrong way. Two people died during the multi-vehicle crash at 3:30 a.m., while a third person sustained minor injuries.

According to police reports, a Jeep traveling in the wrong direction crashed into a Chevrolet truck head-on, killing the Jeep’s driver, Charles “Cody” Wade, 25, and a passenger in the truck, Tonda Cross, 61.

No one on Travis’ bus reported any injuries.

Travis posted a series of tweets moments after the accident, noting that “God was obviously watching over us tonight” and that he was “incredibly sad for those who lost their lives tonight.”

photo by NCD

Sparta Hosting “Welcome Home” Event for Lady Vol Coach Kellie Harper

Sparta Hosting “Welcome Home” Event for Lady Vol Coach Kellie Harper

Posted on May 20, 2019
Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The City of Sparta, Tenn., and the Sparta Chamber of Commerce are hosting a “Welcome Home” celebration for local native and Lady Vol head basketball coach Kellie (Jolly) Harper on June 6 at the White County High School gymnasium.

The University of Tennessee Athletics Department is excited to be part of the festivities and will add a Big Orange element to the evening by making it one of its stops on the Summer of Smokey tour. Admission is free.

The event will highlight the return of Harper, who hails from Sparta and is a 1995 graduate of WCHS and a 1999 graduate of UT.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the celebration will run until 7 p.m. There will be BBQ, snow cones and ice cream vendors on site.

At 5:30 p.m., fan activities will begin, featuring jersey try-ons, a prize wheel, drawings and appearances by Smokey and the UT spirit team.  The Vol Shop will be on hand with merchandise, there will be UT Athletics posters and season ticket information available, and fans can take selfies with stand-up cut-outs.

The evening’s program begins at 6:15 and includes an introduction of Coach Harper, recognition from the mayor and remarks from Coach Harper via a question and answer session. The program is slated to conclude at 7 p.m.

Harper was a five-time AAU All-American in high school and went on to play point guard for the legendary Pat Summitt at UT from 1995-99, appearing in 132 games and helping the Lady Vols win NCAA National Championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998. She was part of a senior class that helped the Big Orange forge a 131-17 overall record as well as win two SEC regular season titles (1998, 1999) and three SEC Tournament crowns (1996, 1998, 1999).

On April 9, Harper became only the third Lady Vol head coach in the NCAA era of women’s basketball. She took the reins at Tennessee after six years of leading the Missouri State Lady Bears, capped by an impressive march to the 2019 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title and magical run to the NCAA Sweet 16.

 

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