Chris Janson will hit the road this fall for his Waitin’ on 5 Tour.
The 19-date headlining tour kicks off on Oct. 12 in Memphis and makes additional stops in Kansas City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and more. Three of the concerts will be acoustic performances.
George Strait will return to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for two shows on Feb. 1 and 2 with special guest Ashley McBryde.
The Super Bowl weekend shows will George’s 21st and 22nd “Strait to Vegas” concerts, which initially started in 2016. George has used a number of supporting acts along the way, including Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett and Cam.
While George only played a handful of shows in 2018, he will close out 2018 with two concerts in Vegas on Dec. 7 and 8.
Before the American Music Awards kicked off in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, many country stars walked the red carpet outside the Microsoft Theater, including Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Florida Georgia Line and more.
Kane Brown was country music’s biggest winner at the 2018 American Music Awards on Oct. 9 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Kane took home three trophies, including Favorite Male Artist – Country, Favorite Album – Country and Favorite Song – Country.
Carrie Underwood copped the award for Favorite Female Artist – Country, while Florida Georgia Line netted the award for Favorite Duo/Group – Country. Outside of the country genre, Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello were the big winners, earning four trophies apiece.
Check out all of the country-centric winners below.
Favorite Male Artist – Country Kane Brown WINNER
Luke Bryan
Thomas Rhett
Favorite Female Artist – Country
Kelsea Ballerini
Maren Morris Carrie Underwood WINNER
Favorite Duo or Group – Country
Dan + Shay Florida Georgia Line WINNER
Lanco
Favorite Album – Country Kane Brown, Kane Brown WINNER
Luke Combs, This One’s for You
Thomas Rhett, Life Changes
Favorite Song – Country Kane Brown, “Heaven” WINNER
Dan + Shay, “Tequila”
Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, “Meant to Be”
Collaboration of the Year
Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, “Meant to Be” Camila Cabello “Havana (feat. Young Thug)” WINNER
Post Malone, “Rock Star (feat. 21 Savage)”
Bruno Mars and Cardi B, “Finesse”
Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey, “The Middle”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With official practice under way and the season fast approaching, the University of Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball teams invite Big Orange fans to Thompson-Boling Arena on Oct. 19 to celebrate the occasion at Rocky Top Tip-Off.
After a highly-successful debut a year ago, the latest edition of Rocky Top Tip-off will take place the night before UT’s home football game with Alabama and offer Tennessee fans a chance to see their 2018-19 Vols and Lady Vols up close. Doors open at 6 p.m., and both admission and parking for the event are free. Fans are encouraged to park in the G-10 garage on the east end of the arena. The G5/S30 lots located north of Phillip Fulmer Way will not be available.
The excitement level for Tennessee basketball is extremely high, with both teams included in the preseason top 10 by several publications. The Vols return all five starters from a team that finished 26-9 and captured the SEC regular season championship, including 2018 SEC Player of the Year Grant Williams and All-SEC performer Admiral Schofield. Head coach Rick Barnes returns for his fourth season on Rocky Top with his most-experienced and talented team yet.
Before Barnes and company defend their conference title, they will take one final curtain call. The Vols will share a special moment with their fans at Rocky Top Tip-Off, as they accept their 2018 SEC Championship rings.
The Lady Vols, meanwhile, return three starters from a squad that went 25-8 overall and 11-5 in the SEC, including senior Meme Jackson and 2018 SEC All-Freshman honorees Rennia Davis and Evina Westbrook. Seventh-year head coach Holly Warlick also welcomes the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation on the heels of last year’s No. 1-rated group to form a young, but talented, roster.
Members of both teams will be available to sign autographs on court level from 6:30 to 7:15, and both Barnes and Warlick will be there as well to meet and pose for photos with fans.
Emcee Trennie Williams and DJ A-Wall will host the festivities and provide music and introductions, while the Tennessee Spirit Squad and Dance Team, the UT Pep Band and Smokey also will play roles in energizing the crowd on what is a fun showcase of Vol and Lady Vol basketball at T-BA.
In addition to autographs and introductions of team members, players will take part in a three-point contest, half-court shot competition and dunk contest. Activities for the entire family include fan contests, a prize wheel, kids’ corner activities and a photo booth with life size cutouts of the players. The UT Spirit Squad, Smokey and members of the teams also will be mingling on the concourse as fans are arriving.
To top it all off, fans will have an opportunity to take part in a handful of on-court promotions as well as get a chance to win season tickets for Vols and Lady Vols games.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
6:00 p.m. – Doors open
6:30-7:15 p.m. – Autographs
7:15-8:30 p.m. – Activities on the court
Luke Bryan’s 5th annual Crash My Playa concerts on January 23–26 in Riviera Maya, Mexico, are taking shape with the announcement of headliner Thomas Rhett and performers Dustin Lynch and Lauren Alaina. TR and Lauren will be making their first appearances at Crash My Playa, while Dustin will return for the fifth time.
“So excited to have Thomas Rhett and Lauren join us for the first time at Playa,” says Luke. “I can’t even imagine doing these shows without Dustin a part of it. This makes five for five.”
During the four-night concert vacation on the beach, Luke will headline two nights, including his Luke & Friends set. Additional artists, details about poolside performances and more event updates will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Grand Ole Opry paid homage to icon Ray Charles on Oct. 8 with a special showcase that was hosted by Darius Rucker and featured performances by Darius, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Ronnie Milsap, Lukas Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, Allen Stone, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson, Leela James, Jessie Key, Chris Young and Boyz II Men.
The night’s performances were filmed for a PBS television special that will air in February 2019. The special will also feature behind-the-scenes footage, a visit to the Ray Charles Library and iconic footage courtesy of the Ray Charles Foundation.
“When you think of musical legends, you think of Ray Charles,” says Darius. “To host this great event celebrating his legacy at the Opry makes it even more special. Being asked to join the Opry six years ago was one of the greatest highlights of my career and it’s an honor any time I get to step onto that stage, especially for a night like this.”
Set List
Boyz II Men and Chris Youg: “Your Love So Doggone Good”
Travis Tritt: “I Am Moving On”
Brett Eldredge: “That Lucky Old Sun”
LeAnn Rimes: “Fever”
Charlie Wilson: “Unchain My Heart”
Darius Rucker: “Don’t Change On Me”
Boyz II Men: “Georgia On My Mind”
Ronnie Milsap and Jessie Key: “You Are my Sunshine”
Leela James and Cam: “Don’t Tell Me Your Troubles”
Lukas Nelson: “Seven Spanish Angels”
Chris Young: “I Can’t Stop Loving You”
Allen Stone and Cam: “Here We Go Again”
Charlie Wilson and LeAnn Rimes:“Crying Time”
Everyone: “America the Beautiful”
photo courtesy of Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images/Schmidt PR
Performers: Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Ciara and Missy Elliott, Dua Lipa, Ella Mai, Benny Blanco with Halsey and Khalid, Camila Cabello, Panic! At The Disco, Post Malone and Ty Dolla $ign, Shawn Mendes with Zedd and Twenty One Pilots
Tribute: Gladys Knight, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans will perform a special tribute to Aretha Franklin
Presenters: Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Normani, Rita Ora, Lauren Daigle, Lenny Kravitz, Chloe x Halle, Macaulay Culkin, Billy Eichner, Sara Gilbert, Kathryn Hahn, Amber Heard, Vanessa Hudgens, Taran Killam and Leighton Meester, Heidi Klum, Liza Koshy, Busy Philipps, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson-Ross, John Stamos, Amandla Stenberg, The Chainsmokers, Constance Wu, and the cast of the upcoming Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, including Rami Malek, Joseph Mazzello and Gwilym Lee
Country-Centric Nominees
Favorite Male Artist – Country
Kane Brown
Luke Bryan
Thomas Rhett
Favorite Female Artist – Country
Kelsea Ballerini
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood
Favorite Duo or Group – Country
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Lanco
Favorite Album – Country
Kane Brown, Kane Brown
Luke Combs, This One’s for You
Thomas Rhett, Life Changes
Favorite Song – Country
Kane Brown, “Heaven”
Dan + Shay, “Tequila”
Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, “Meant to Be”
Collaboration of the Year
Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, “Meant to Be”
Camila Cabello “Havana (feat. Young Thug)”
Post Malone, “Rock Star (feat. 21 Savage)”
Bruno Mars and Cardi B, “Finesse”
Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey, “The Middle”
There’s a “Small Town Southern Man” being painted on the side of the Redneck Gourmet building at 11 North Court Square in downtown Newnan, Ga.
Of course, the “man” is Newnan native and Country Music Hall of Fame member Alan Jackson.
The new 20-foot-by-40-foot mural is being painted by Tim Davis, who also painted the mural of 13 country stars on the side of Nashville’s Legends Corner in 2016.
Tim is the current Newnan artist-in-residence. The mural wall and design were chosen by Alan’s management, fan club and the local artist-in-residence program. Tim began working on the mural on Sept. 29 and expects to finish it this week.
“I feel very privileged to have been asked to paint this mural for Mr. Jackson and the city of Newnan,” says Tim to NCD. “The residents are wonderful people, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Many people here have been following the progress and can attest that it has gone up without a hitch.”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Vol For Life and 14-year NFL veteran Dustin Colquitt averaged a career-high 58.0 yards per punt against Jacksonville on Sunday night to help the Chiefs to their fifth win of the season. His previous career-best average of 57.2 was set on Oct. 31, 2011 in a 23-20 win over San Diego.
Catch up with all of Tennessee’s former players below. Updates will be posted each week on UTSports.com.
Derek Barnett – DE, Philadelphia Eagles 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 4/4, Tackles: 9 UA, 4 A, 13 Total, Other: 2.5 Sacks, 0 Int., 0 FF, 0 FR
The Nashville native started the first four games for the Eagles before suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him for Philadelphia’s Week 5 game vs. the Vikings.
Eric Berry – DB, Kansas City Chiefs 2018 Regular Season: No Stats Recorded
Berry has yet to see action this season for the Chiefs, who are 4-0 after staging a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Denver Broncos on Monday night. The five-time Pro Bowler has been rehabbing an Achilles injury he suffered in last year’s season opener. Berry could make his return this weekend when Kansas City hosts Jacksonville on Sunday afternoon.
Bray played in four preseason games for the Chicago Bears in 2018, completing 60-of-97 passes for 652 yards and one touchdown. The California native was named to the Bears’ practice squad to start the 2018 season.
Coleman earned his first start of the season in a 31-33 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The Georgia native recorded three tackles and defended a pass in the outing.
In the Browns’ second win of the season, Colquitt punted nine times for 452 yards. His longest boot of the night, a 64-yarder, marks a season-long. It’s also his longest punt since he kicked a 67-yard punt at Baltimore in Week 2 of the 2017 season.
Colquitt punted two times in Sunday night’s win over Jacksonville. The 14-year vet averaged a career-high 58.0 yards a punt as the Chiefs improved to 5-0 on the season. His previous career-best average of 57.2 was set on Oct. 31, 2011 in a 23-20 win over San Diego.
Daniel punted three times for 160 yards in Houston’s win against Dallas. The rookie averaged a career-high 53.3 yards per kick and booted a career-long 61-yard punt.
Dobbs serves as the backup quarterback to Ben Roethlisberger. The Georgia native saw his first action in the regular season against Atlanta on Oct. 7. He rushed for a loss of three yards in Pittsburgh’s 41-17 rout of the Falcons. Dobbs played in three preseason games for the Steelers, getting the starting nod against Carolina. He completed 29-of-43 passes for 434 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for an additional 64 yards and a score.
Alex Ellis – TE, Kansas City Chiefs 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 2/0, Rec-Yds: 0-0, 0.0 Avg., 0 TD
Ellis did not play in the Chiefs’ 30-144 win over the Jaguars on Sunday night.
Foster made his 120th career start on the offensive line for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night and paved the way for 381 yards of total offense in a 41-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
James has started all five games for the Dolphins this season at tackle. Miami took its second loss of the year on Sunday at Cincinnati.
Alexander Johnson – LB, Denver Broncos 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 0/0, Tackles: 0 UA, 0 A, 0 Total, Other: 0 Sacks, 0 Int., 0 FF, 0 FR
Johnson played in three preseason games for the Denver Broncos, recording a tackle in each outing. He has not seen action in any of the Broncos’ regular season games.
Kamara continued to produce for the Saints in Monday’s 43-19 win over Washington. The Atlanta native rushed for 24 yards and 15 yards receiving to help New Orleans earn its fourth win of the year.
John Kelly – RB, Los Angeles Rams Preseason: Games/Starts: 3/0, Rushing Att-Yds: 46-197, 4.3 Avg., 40 Lg, 3 TD Rec-Yds: 6-18, 3.0 Avg., 12 Lg, 0 TD
Kelly rushed 46 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns through three preseason games for the Rams. The rookie running back has not seen action in any of Los Angeles’ four regular-season contests.
McCullers recorded one tackle in the Steelers’ 41-17 win against the Falcons on Sunday.
Kahlil McKenzie – G, Kansas City Chiefs Preseason: Games/Starts: 4/0
McKenzie made four appearances in the preseason for the Chiefs and helped pave the way for 397 yards of total offense in the final preseason game against the Packers. McKenzie has not played in any of the Chiefs five regular season games so far this year.
Emmanuel Moseley – DB, San Francisco 49ers (Practice Squad) Preseason: Games/Starts: 4/1, Tackles: 6 UA, 0 A, 6 Total, Other: 0 Sacks, 1 PD, 1-6 Int-Yds, 0 FF, 0 FR
Moseley played in four games for the 49ers in the preseason, making six solo tackles and one interception. The rookie was signed to San Francisco’s practice squad prior to Week 1 of the regular season.
Palardy punted three times against the New York Giants and landed two of his punts inside the 20-yard line on Sunday. The three-year veteran averaged 51.0 yards per punt in the game.
Cordarrelle Patterson – WR, New England Patriots 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 5/1, Rec-Yds: 10-101, 10.1 Avg., 55 Lg, 2 TD
Rushing Att-Yds: 5-29, 5.8 Avg., 11 Lg
KR-Yds: 6-157, 26.2 Avg., 45 Lg
Patterson hauled in two catches for 11 yards and scored his second-career touchdown as a Patriot to help New England to a 38-24 win over Indianapolis on Thursday night.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin – LB, Detroit Lions 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 5/0, Tackles: 5 UA, 2 A, 7 Total
Reeves-Maybin recorded two solo tackles for the Lions in a 31-23 victory vs. the Packers on Sunday.
