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Lady Vols, UCONN to Renew Rivalry in Benefit Games

Posted on August 14, 2018

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the renewal of the historic series between the Tennessee Lady Volunteers and the UConn Huskies, starting in the 2019-20 season. As a longstanding rivalry, the teams consistently met from 1995-2007 but have not faced each other since. Widely regarded as the two most successful women’s programs in the country, Tennessee and UConn account for 19 National Championships, dozens of impact players in the WNBA and many of the sport’s all-time greats.

“The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate all levels of the game for both men and women,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “When it comes to women’s college hoops, there’s no match-up more highly anticipated than that of UConn versus Tennessee. We’re so proud to unite these teams in a contest benefitting great causes and honoring the late Hall of Famer Pat Summitt.”

As part of the two-year series, UConn will host Tennessee during the 2019-20 season, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In the 2020-21 season, the Lady Vols will host the Huskies in Knoxville, with a portion of the proceeds again benefitting the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

“We are so excited to join UConn for games that will generate incredible interest for women’s basketball and benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame,” Tennessee Head Coach Holly Warlick said.

“Basketball fans will be intrigued to watch these two programs meet on the court again, and I know Lady Vols and Huskies fans will be eager to pack arenas, cheer on their teams and make a difference for some very worthy causes, including one bearing the name of my coach, mentor and friend.”

UConn head Coach Geno Auriemma echoed this by saying, “I am happy to have the Lady Vols back on our schedule and am thrilled that proceeds to our games will benefit such an important endeavor like the Pat Summitt Foundation. I know our fans will be excited to renew the rivalry with Tennessee and expect them to fill the building for some good basketball and a great cause.”

The games will be televised and supported worldwide by the ESPN family of networks.

“It is only fitting that this game returns to ESPN,” said Carol Stiff, ESPN vice president of programming and acquisitions. “‘For the Good of the Game’ was Pat Summitt’s famous quote back in 1994 when accepting the challenge to travel to Connecticut in January 1995. The two teams faced each other twice that season, with UConn going undefeated and ultimately defeating the Lady Vols to win their first national championship. In those moments, one of the richest rivalries in women’s basketball was born. We look forward to showcasing this event during the annual We Back Pat week.”

Game dates, ticket information and any ancillary events will be released at a later date.

Tennessee and UConn have met 22 times previously, with the Huskies holding a 13-9 advantage in the series. The Lady Vols, however, were victorious the past three times these teams played, most recently winning a No. 4 vs. No. 5 road match-up in Hartford, 70-64, on Jan. 6, 2007.

UT legend Candace Parker, now a WNBA All-Star with the Los Angeles Sparks, tallied 30 points, including her sixth career dunk, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked six shots in that nationally-televised victory.

The Lady Vols and Huskies rank one-two in all-time NCAA wins with 1,344 and 1,119, respectively. UConn stands first in NCAA titles (11) and NCAA Final Fours (19), while Tennessee is second with eight NCAA Championships and 18 NCAA Final Fours.

Between them, the schools have sent 80 players to the WNBA, including 47 from UT and 33 from UConn. Each school has produced 14 Olympians, and UConn holds the edge in All-Americans, 22-21.

About Pat Summitt Foundation:
The Pat Summitt Foundation, a fund of East Tennessee Foundation, was established by Pat and Tyler Summitt in November 2011. Its mission is to award grants to non-profit organizations that advance research for treatment and a cure, provide support for patients and caregivers, and educate the public about Alzheimer’s disease. In 2015, The Pat Summitt Foundation formed a strategic partnership with The University of Tennessee Medical Center to create The Pat Summitt Clinic. The clinic, which opened in January 2017, greatly improves access to healthcare services for families and patients facing Alzheimer’s disease in a facility created to advance Alzheimer’s research, detection, treatment and family caregiver support. To learn more, please visit www.patsummitt.org, like the foundation on facebook.com/patsummittfoundation and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @webackpat.

About Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame:
Discover the past, present and future of women’s basketball in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is the world’s only hall of fame dedicated solely to the accomplishments of women’s basketball. To learn more, please visit www.wbhof.com or www.facebook.com/wbhof, and follow on Twitter and Instagram @wbhof.

About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate and high school, for both men and women on the global stage.

UT Athletics

Angaleena Presley Announces Pregnancy: “I’m Ready to Rock Being an Older Mom”

Posted on August 14, 2018

Angaleena Presley shared news of her pregnancy on Aug. 11 with the help of Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe, her Pistol Annies bandmates.

During Miranda’s Bandwagon Tour in Dallas, Ashley and Angaleena joined Miranda onstage, but before they dropped a note, Miranda dropped the news: “Since we’re at a hometown show and both [Ashley and Angaleena] are married to Texans, we wanted to share some big news with you. See, one of us is drinking, one of us is smoking and one of us is not taking our pill! Holler Annie’s having a baby, everybody!”

“When I turned 40, my husband and I decided to put the decision to have a baby in the hands of fate,” said Angaleena. “A year and a half after we ‘stopped being careful,’ we were blessed with two pink lines. To say the least, we were both shocked and overjoyed. As an outspoken female artist, I feel like this is just one more thing that I’m meant to take on in this life. I’m ready to rock being an older mom. I have an 11-year-old son who’s so excited to be a big brother. A long time ago, Lori Mckenna, one of my favorite artist/songwriter moms, told me it would be easier to have another one when my first one was old enough to babysit. I guess I took that to heart.”

This will be Angaleena’s first child with husband Jordan Powell, who she married in 2012. Angaleena has a son, Jed, from a previous relationship.

Angaleena’s baby is due in January.

Congrats to the happy family.

photo by Jason Simanek

Jimmy’s blog: Vols could surprise if these six become stars

Posted on August 14, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

The Tennessee men’s basketball team was picked to finish 13^th in the SEC by a panel of SEC voters.

But the Vols won a share of the SEC championship last season thanks to several players showing significant improvement – like Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield and Lamonte Turner.

The Vols’ football team has been picked to finish sixth in the SEC East in some circles. Oddsmaker Danny Sheridan said the Vols are one of the 15 worst teams among the Power 5. Others have forecast a 5-7 season for the once football power.

Can the UT football team surprise folks like the basketball team?

Not to that extent. But it can win a game or two more than expected.

To do that, I’ve identified six Vols that must have good to great years for Tennessee to record a winning season.

Quarterback. Odds favor Jarrett Guarantano. He has the strongest arm on the team and appears more confident, more poised and quicker to make decisions. Right now, it would be hard to rank Guarantano higher than ninth among SEC quarterbacks. But if he plays his way into being one of the top six signal callers in the league, that could be another win or two for the Vols.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Jennings missed all but one game last year due to a wrist injury and has worked his way back on the team from a November dismissal. He caught 40 passes for 580 yards in 2016 – including the Hail Mary in the Georgia win. A return to form will help an offensive that lacks playmakers.
Left tackle Drew Richmond. Considered by some a five-star coming out of high school, Richmond has played more like a three-star. If he emerges at left tackle and plays to his high school rankings, that would not only solidify the blind side of the quarterback, but free Tennessee to play its best offensive lineman – Trey Smith – at guard or right tackle. And that could only make the line that much better.
Inside linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. Kirkland was a freshman All-American in 2015 but knee injuries have hampered his development and he missed all of last season. He had 66 tackles as a freshman. He had 44 tackles during an injury-plagued 2016. He didn’t play last year. If he returns to form, that will solidify a talented group of linebackers.
Nose tackle Shy Tuttle. In the 3-4 defense, you need a solid inside run stopper. Tuttle fits that bill, if he can stay healthy. If he’s hurt, UT doesn’t really have a backup nose tackle of any note. That’s why Tuttle is so important to this defensive line. In the 4-3 Tuttle can shift to tackle. A big year from him will help a run defense that has been pitiful the last two years.
Outside linebacker Jonathan Kongbo. A five-star junior college defensive end, Kongbo has been a major disappointment. Maybe it wasn’t fair to rank someone so high who hadn’t played much football. But Kongbo has the physical appearance and skill to make you think he should be a stud on the field. If Kongbo becomes a disrupter at outside linebacker, the defense will be that much better.

Bottom line, if UT can stay relatively healthy and if those six emerge and have solid seasons, Tennessee without a doubt will be a bowl-bound team and might even get to seven wins – possibly eight depending on the bowl opponent.

Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all

Forbes’ List of the Highest Paid Country Stars of 2018 Includes Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney & More

Posted on August 14, 2018

Forbes released its list of the 10 Highest-Paid Country Stars of the year—and some recognizable names are once again in the mix.

The 5 Highest-Paid Country Stars of 2018

Luke Bryan, $52 million
Garth Brooks, $45.5 million
Kenny Chesney, $37 million
Zac Brown Band, $31 million
Blake Shelton, $28 million

Luke Bryan dethroned Garth Brooks in the top spot by raking in the majority of his income via his headlining tour—which routinely grossed seven figures nighty—as well as his role as a judge on American Idol and his endorsement deal with Chevy.

Garth netted most of his $45.5 million from his World Tour, while Kenny collected his big bucks from his Trip Around the Sun Tour, endorsements with Corona and his own Blue Chair Rum. Zac Brown Band cashed in with a new album and extensive tour, while Blake Shelton earned his keep through touring, coaching on The Voice and endorsement deals with Smithworks Vodka and Macy’s.

Rounding out the Top 10 are Florida Georgia Line ($27 million), Jason Aldean (23 million), Toby Keith ($22 million), Brad Paisley ($20 million) and Dolly Parton ($19 million).

To formulate the list, Forbes look at touring numbers from Pollstar, Bandsintown and Songkick, as well as record sales data from Nielsen, while performing independent research on outside business ventures and endorsement deals. The estimates represent pretax income from June 1, 2017 through June 1, 2018.

The 5 Highest-Paid Country Stars of 2017

No. 1: Garth Brooks, $60 million
No. 2: Kenny Chesney, $42.5 million
No. 3: Luke Bryan, $42 million
No. 4: Dolly Parton, $37 million
No. 5: Toby Keith, $34.5 million
No. 5: Florida Georgia Line, $34.5 million

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Country Stars and Fans Help “Ty, Kelly & Chuck” Collect More Than 194,000 Diapers for Needy Families

Posted on August 14, 2018

After 2017’s successful initiative to support U.S. Troops by sending them 100,000 Thank You letters, Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford and Chuck Wicks of morning show Ty, Kelly & Chuck used their voices to support another great cause: Rally Around Radley Diaper Drive.

The initial goal of the diaper drive was to collect 58,430 diapers—which was based on the expertise of Ty’s 5-year-old son, Radley, who will soon be a big brother for the first time.

(From left) Ty Bentli, son Radley, wife Corri, and Chuck Wicks

Thanks to an outpouring of support from listeners, fans and country stars—including Locash, Tegan Marie, Thompson Square, Dustin Lynch, Mitchell Tenpenny, Seth Ennis, Clare Dunn, Rachel Wammack and Chris Janson—Radley was able to collect 134,692 diapers. The National Diaper Bank Network & Huggies donated 60,000 diapers, bringing the grand total to 194,692 diapers.

As most parents know, diapers aren’t cheap and babies need a lot of them, but did you know that one in three families in the U.S. have trouble affording diapers, according to a 2017 survey by Huggies in partnership with the National Diaper Bank Network. According to the report, the average cost of diapers for one child is $18 per week ($936 per year).

Thanks to everyone who helped contribute their time, energy and money to the worthwhile initiative, including Doug Adair of the Nashville Diaper Connection, Glenn Johnson (TKC producer), Bryan Webb (TKC digital coordinator) and Mackenzie Cooper (TKC associate producer).

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Brett Young Tops the Charts for the Second Straight Week With “Mercy”

Posted on August 14, 2018

For the second consecutive week, Brett Young’s “Mercy” is No. 1 on both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and Mediabase chart.

The breakup ballad, which was co-penned by Brett and Sean McConnell, features simple piano accompaniment with Brett’s stripped-down vocals that beckon his love interest to end their relationship with “mercy.”

“Thank you to the best fans in the world and country radio for supporting this song,” Brett said. “From the beginning, your response to ‘Mercy’ has been overwhelming in the best way possible.”

“Mercy” follows previous chart-toppers “Sleep Without You,” “In Case You Didn’t Know” and “Like I Loved You” from Brett’s 2017 self-titled debut album.

“Falling in love or falling out of love—those are the easiest songs to write because it’s just straight from personal experience,” says Brett to Nash Country Daily. “I think everybody’s felt both of those. Everybody’s been in love, everybody’s had heartbreak. We noticed that when we put together the 12 songs that would make the [self-titled debut] record, there was not a party song on this record. I’ve written a ton of party songs and not that there’s anything wrong with that. I think, in trying to tell my story and let people get to know me, it seemed like we should talk about things that I’ve lived.”

Brett will release his new single, “Here Tonight,” in September. The tune will be the first taste of his upcoming sophomore album, which is tentatively slated for release in late 2018.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

UT Announces Big Orange Tailgate for Pregame at Belk College Kickoff

Posted on August 13, 2018

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Athletic Department and the University of Tennessee Alumni Affairs Office are partnering with Elevate Lifestyle to host the official Big Orange Tailgate in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday, Sept.1, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET, prior to the Belk College Kickoff Game between the Vols and West Virginia.

The Big Orange Tailgate will be located at Cedar Hill – 624 South Cedar Street – a 5-7 minute walk to Bank of America Stadium. The tailgate will feature live music, tailgate games, food vendors, assorted beverages. A cash bar will open at 11:30 am and stay open up to kick-off at 3:30 pm ET.

Admission is free, and food and beverage items will be available for purchase during the tailgate. Advanced event package options are available for purchase prior to arrival at the event and quantities are limited. The “First Down” and “Touchdown” packages provide fans with a varied assortment of beverages and food options. If interested in pre-purchasing a package, please click HERE.

Fans not interested in pre-purchasing a package are still encouraged to RSVP for free via the link: https://www.freshtix.com/events/tennesseetailgate

Fans will have an opportunity to pick up a 2018 Tennessee Football schedule poster at no charge and visit with members of the Charlotte UT Knoxville Alumni Chapter. Special guest appearances by the Tennessee Spirit Team and other VFLs are also planned for the day.

If planning to drive to the game, you’re advised to purchase parking in advance. The online parking reservation system shows real-time availability and pricing for parking near the stadium. Simply compare parking options, reserve and use your confirmation to access the facility.

Please click here for options: BELK COLLEGE KICKOFF PARKING

Parking options near the tailgate are available via the links below.
1000 W. Morehead St. (2 blocks) http://ht.ly/36C730lbEDe
1025 W. Morehead St. (3 blocks) http://ht.ly/9cos30lbEKc

UT Athletics

Carrie Underwood & Florida Georgia Line Win Teen Choice Awards

Posted on August 13, 2018

The Teen Choice Awards handed out trophies on Aug. 12 at the Forum in Los Angeles for its fan-voted awards.

On the country front, Carrie Underwood bested Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris and Thomas Rhett in the Choice Country Artist category, while Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be” won Choice Country Song over Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes,” Luke Bryan’s “Most People Are Good,” Brett Young’s “Mercy,” Kane Brown’s “Heaven” and Carrie Underwood’s “Cry Pretty.”

Florida Georgia Line, Chris Stapleton, Kane Brown and Maren Morris also picked up nominations in all-genre categories, but were bested by their competitors.

Check out all of the country music-centric winners below.

Choice Country Artist

Blake Shelton
Carrie Underwood WINNER
Kane Brown
Kelsea Ballerini
Maren Morris
Thomas Rhett

Choice Country Song

“Meant to Be” – Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line WINNER
“Life Changes” – Thomas Rhett
“Most People Are Good” – Luke Bryan
“Mercy” – Brett Young
“Heaven” – Kane Brown
“Cry Pretty” – Carrie Underwood

Choice Music Group

5 Seconds of Summer WINNER
Fifth Harmony
Florida Georgia Line
Maroon 5
Migos
Why Don’t We

Choice Song: Male Artist

Charlie Puth – “Attention”
Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
Drake – “God’s Plan”
Ed Sheeran – “Perfect” WINNER
Justin Timberlake (feat. Chris Stapleton) – “Say Something”
Kendrick Lamar (feat. Zacari) – “Love”

Choice Summer Male Artist

Charlie Puth
Kane Brown
Liam Payne
Niall Horan
Shawn Mendes WINNER
Zayn

Choice Collaboration

Bebe Rexha (feat. Florida Georgia Line) – “Meant to Be”
Bruno Mars (feat. Cardi B) – “Finesse (Remix)”
Taylor Swift (feat. Ed Sheeran & Future) – “End Game”
The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar – “Pray for Me” (“Black Panther” soundtrack)
Zac Efron & Zendaya – “Rewrite the Stars” (“The Greatest Showman” soundtrack) WINNER
Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey – “The Middle”

Charlie Daniels Tribute to Air on Aug. 19 Featuring Performances by Chris Young, Travis Tritt, Alabama, Chris Janson, Skynyrd & More

Posted on August 13, 2018

Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute to Charlie Daniels will air on AXS TV on Aug. 19 at 10 p.m. ET.

Since its inception in 1974, Charlie’s Volunteer Jam has brought together some of music’s biggest stars. This year’s Jam, which was recorded on March 7 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, featured performances by Charlie Daniels, Chris Young, Lee Brice, Alabama, Sara Evans, Travis Tritt, Alison Krauss, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, Bobby Bare, Chris Janson, Chuck Leavell, Eddie Montgomery, Jamey Johnson, Justin Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs and more.

AXS TV’s two-hour broadcast will include performances, in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from Charlie’s 20th Volunteer Jam. In addition, a two-CD set of select songs from the Jam will be released on Oct. 12—it is available for pre-order now.

A portion of the night’s proceeds benefited The Journey Home Project, an organization that supports U.S. military veterans.

The album’s track list is below.

photo by Jason Simanek

Martina McBride Reveals New Christmas Album and Tour

Posted on August 13, 2018

Great news for folks who consider Martina McBride’s 1998 holiday album, White Christmas, the yuletide standard.

On Oct. 19, Martina will release a new album, It’s the Holiday Season, which will feature nine classic Christmas songs with accompaniment from more than 40 world-class musicians at the famed Capitol Studio in Los Angeles and Blackbird Studio in Nashville.

“It’s been exactly 20 years since I released White Christmas,” said Martina. “With that album I wanted to make it classic and something that would stand the test of time, which I feel like it has done. I wanted to accomplish the same thing with It’s The Holiday Season, but with a different feel. So I decided to make most of the album with a big-band swing vibe that takes you back to the Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald records. We recorded more of the pop Christmas numbers that lend themselves to that kind of feel rather than the focusing on the hymns like we did with White Christmas. I think they are great companion pieces and my hope is that they will both be enjoyed for years to come.”

In addition, Martina will once again embark on her The Joy of Christmas Tour—this time with a local orchestra at each stop.

The Joy of Christmas Tour

Nov. 23 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage
Nov. 24 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
Nov. 25 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
Nov. 29 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Nov. 30 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Dec. 1 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Dec. 4 – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall
Dec. 6 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
Dec. 7 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
Dec. 8 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre