Thomas Rhett and Keith Urban Join Season 15 of “The Voice” as Advisors

Thomas Rhett and Keith Urban Join Season 15 of “The Voice” as Advisors

Posted on August 7, 2018

Thomas Rhett and Keith Urban will be coming to a TV screen near you this fall.

News came down the pike on Aug. 6 that TR and Keith will serve as advisors on Season 15 of The Voice, which premieres on Sept. 24 on NBC.

TR will join coach Kelly Clarkson’s team, while Keith will handle advisor duties for coach Blake Shelton. Advisors typically assist the contestants with song arrangement and stage presence, among other variables, during the battle rounds. Coaches Jennifer Hudson and Adam Levine selected Halsey and CeeLo Green, respectively, as their advisors.

Thomas Rhett photo by Jason Simanek; Keith Urban photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Brett Young Finds the Top of the Country Charts for the 4th Time as “Mercy” Hits No. 1

Brett Young Finds the Top of the Country Charts for the 4th Time as “Mercy” Hits No. 1

Posted on August 7, 2018

Brett Young scored the fourth No. 1 single of his career as “Mercy” ascended to the top of 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.”

“We knew pretty early that ‘Mercy’ had to be a single because of the way the fans respond when I played it live,” said Brett. “I wrote this song from a really vulnerable and honest place, so to see it go number one is really special.”

“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.”

photo by Jason Simanek

Dolly Parton’s $37-Million Expansion at Dollywood Will Feature New Roller Coaster, Climbing Structure, Restaurant & More

Dolly Parton’s $37-Million Expansion at Dollywood Will Feature New Roller Coaster, Climbing Structure, Restaurant & More

Posted on August 6, 2018

At a media event on Aug. 3, Dolly Parton revealed plans for a $37-million expansion dubbed Wildwood Grove at her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Wildwood Grove, which is slated to open in 2019, represents the largest capital investment in Dollywood’s 32-year history. Wildwood Grove will feature 11 new experiences for guests, including a new restaurant, climbing structure and roller coaster called the Dragonflier.

“This area is going to give families a place to explore, play and imagine together—but more importantly—it’s a place where they can spend more time together,” Dolly said. “I believe everyone has a song in their heart that needs to be set free. Wildwood Grove will be a place where families can learn together about what their heart song truly is.”

Wildwood Grove’s Featured Attractions:

  • Wildwood Tree: A 55-foot tree that grows from a cluster of natural rocks and boulders, which will serve as the area’s focal point and feature a nighttime show and concerts. Its canopy will be adorned with thousands of butterflies.
  • The Dragonflier: A suspended 453-meter roller coaster that lets guests soar like a dragonfly.
  • Black Bear Trail: A ride where kids can hop on the backs of mechanical bears for a trek around the area.
  • Sycamore Swing: A leaf boat swing which will swing guests back and forth.
  • Treetop Tower: A ride that sends guests 40 feet into the air in giant acorns and spins them around to see the Smoky Mountains.
  • Mad Mockingbird: A ride that spins guests in circles, and they can control their experience by moving a sail.
  • Frogs & Fireflies: A ride where guests can hop on frogs and ride them as they race each other around a lily pad.
  • Hidden Hollow: A 4,000-foot indoor, climate controlled climb structure with slides and games.
  • Wildwood Creek: An oasis with pop jets and splashing pools.
  • Four new costumed characters and entertainment including Flit and Flutter, butterfly ambassadors for the Wildwood Tree, and Benjamin Bear.
  • Till & Harvest: A restaurant featuring fresh Southwest items including burritos, salads, pulled pork, slaw, a topping bar with salsas and a walk-up window with churros and ice cream.

Take a look at some photos from Dolly’s Wildwood Grove media day on Aug. 3, courtesy of Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com.

photos by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Kacey Musgraves, John Prine, Anderson East & More to Be Featured on Upcoming Season of “Austin City Limits”

Kacey Musgraves, John Prine, Anderson East & More to Be Featured on Upcoming Season of “Austin City Limits”

Posted on August 6, 2018

Kacey Musgraves, John Prine, Anderson East and more will be featured on the the 44th season of Austin City Limits this fall.

The upcoming season of ACL, which is the longest-running music program in television history, premieres on Oct. 6 on PBS with St. Vincent, before John Prine (Oct. 13), Anderson East (Oct. 20) and Kacey Musgraves (Nov. 10) take the stage.

The complete line-up for the full 14-week season, including eight new episodes to air beginning on Dec. 31, will be announced at a later date.

ACL Season 44 Fall Schedule

Oct. 6 – St. Vincent
Oct. 13 – John Prine
Oct. 20 – Sam Smith / Anderson East
Oct. 27 – Brandi Carlile
Nov. 3  – Miguel / Alessia Cara
Nov. 10 – Kacey Musgraves / Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real

photo by Carissa Riccardi/NCD

Brothers Osborne Expand Headlining World Tour With Stops in the U.S., Canada & U.K

Brothers Osborne Expand Headlining World Tour With Stops in the U.S., Canada & U.K

Posted on August 6, 2018

Brothers Osborne will hit the road for a string of headlining dates in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. beginning on Aug. 26.

The reigning CMA and ACM Vocal Duo of the Year will make more than 25 stops, including dates in Louisville, Toronto, London and more. The Wild Feathers and Luci Silvas will serve as support on various dates.

Brothers Osborne is currently on the road as part of Dierks Bentley’s Mountain High Tour.

Brothers Osborne World Tour

Aug. 26 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theatre
Aug. 31 – Laramie, WY – University of Wyoming Arena Auditorium
Sept. 5 – Bethlehem, PA – Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
Oct. 7 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Oct. 17 -Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory Concert House*^
Oct. 18 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre*
Oct. 19 – Penticton, BC – South Okanagan Events Centre*
Oct. 20 – Calgary, AB – MacEwan Hall*
Oct. 21 – Edmonton, AB – Shaw Conference Centre*
Oct. 24 – Saskatoon, SK – O’Brian’s Event Centre
Oct. 25 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct. 26 – St Paul, MN – Palace Theatre^
Oct. 27 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee^
Oct. 28 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live^
Nov. 1 – Toronto, ON – Rebel Complex*
Nov. 2 – Kitchener, ON – Elements*
Nov. 3 – London, ON – London Music Hall*
Nov. 8 – Asheville, NC – Thomas Wolfe Civic Center Auditorium^
Nov. 9 – Louisville, KY – Palace Theatre~
Nov. 10 – Fort Wayne, IN – Clyde Theatre^
Nov. 25 – Glasgow, Scotland – O2 Academy Glasgow+
Nov. 27 – Newcastle, England – O2 Academy Newcastle+
Nov. 28 – Manchester, England – Academy Manchester+
Nov. 30 – Nottingham, England – Rock City+
Dec. 1 – Porthcawl, Wales – Planet Rock Festival
Dec. 2 – London, England – O2 Kentish Town Forum+

* Support from The Wild Feathers
+ Support from Lucie Silvas
^ Pre-sale Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. local time, general on-sale Aug. 10
~ Pre-sale Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. local time, general on-sale Aug. 17

photo by Jason Simanek

Jimmy’s blog: Tyson Helton will get play-calling input from Pruitt

Jimmy’s blog: Tyson Helton will get play-calling input from Pruitt

Posted on August 6, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

Tennessee offensive coordinator Tyson Helton shared play-calling duties last season at USC with former Vols quarterback Tee Martin.

The former Houston quarterback called plays at Western Kentucky (2014-15) under the guidance of head coach Jeff Brohm.

As UT’s signal caller, he will get input from several members of the offensive staff – and perhaps a bit from another source: Jeremy Pruitt.

“Everybody talks about Coach Pruitt being a great defensive coach,’’ Helton said. “He’s a great all-around coach.

“Just over the eight months that we’ve had a chance to sit down and talk football, about what’s important about offensive football, what we need to do, how we need to attack people, he brings a lot to the table in that area.’’

You might think, as a defensive coach, Pruitt would have a conservative approach to playing offense. Not necessarily, said Helton.

“He’s a guy that says, `Hey, you have to be aggressive. You have to be able to attack people,’’’ Helton said.

Pruitt will also say “you have to understand the situations that you’re in,’’ Helton said.

“There’s times you say, `Hey, we gotta run the cock. We gotta bleed the clock. We gotta pound the football.’ So he understands all those situations.

“I think sometimes people say, `Well, a defensive coach wants you to go run the football and win the game 10-3.’ That’s not his style. His style is do what’s best to put the team in situations to go win games and that’s what he’s brought to the table for us.’’

So when it comes to picking a starting quarterback, will that be Helton’s decision or Pruitt’s call?

“At the end of the day, that’s coach’s decision,’’ Helton said. “That’s why he’s the head football coach. But we’ll sit down as a staff. He’ll ask everybody’s opinions.

“I think he does a great job of that, of taking information from everybody, of different perspectives. He and I will sit down at some point in time and he’ll say, `Alright Tyson, what do you think?

“At the end of the day, he’ll make that decision and we’ll be on board with it and we’ll go from there.’’

As a play caller, Helton can draw from his experience of playing at Houston for his dad, Kim. From working at USC with older brother Clay. From coaching at Western Kentucky with Brohm. From coaching at Hawaii with June Jones.

“I think you take all of those experiences and apply it here,’’ Helton said.

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

Booyah! Watch Scotty McCreery & Wife Gabi Play “Fast Money” to Benefit St. Jude Hospital on “Celebrity Family Feud”

Booyah! Watch Scotty McCreery & Wife Gabi Play “Fast Money” to Benefit St. Jude Hospital on “Celebrity Family Feud”

Posted on August 6, 2018

Scotty McCreery took his “survey says” talents to Celebrity Family Feud on Aug. 5 in an effort to raise $25,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Scotty and his family—wife Gabi Dugal, father-in-law Merrick Dugal III, father Mike McCreery and grandmother Paquita McCreery—were pitted against the family of SNL alumni Chris Kattan.

After winning the preliminary round against Chris Kattan’s family, Scotty’s family earned a spot in the Fast Money round and the chance to win $25,000 for St. Jude.

“My family and I were honored to play Celebrity Family Feud on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Scotty. “St. Jude provides innovative medical treatments for kids with catastrophic diseases, and they do it for free. I’ve visited the hospital and met some of the patients. It is truly a place of healing.”

Watch Gabi and Scotty team up to play Fast Money below.

photo courtesy of ABC Entertainment

Kenny Chesney’s “Songs for the Saints” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Country Chart: “It’s an Album About Hope”

Kenny Chesney’s “Songs for the Saints” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Country Chart: “It’s an Album About Hope”

Posted on August 6, 2018

Kenny Chesney’s new album, Songs for the Saints, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, selling 77,300 equivalent album units, according to Nielsen Music.

The catalyst for the new 11-song offering was Hurricane Irma, which devastated a number of Caribbean islands in September 2017, including Kenny’s home on St. John. Proceeds from the album benefit Kenny’s Love for Love City Foundation, which funds relief efforts in St. John and the Virgin Islands.

“It is an album about healing,” says Kenny. “It’s an album about hope, it’s an album about moving forward, it’s an album about community, and it is full of my life experiences and my love for this island and a lot of the islands surrounding it that didn’t necessarily get a whole lot of attention after the storms.”

The album, which also debuted at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, has already spawned the No. 1 hit, “Get Along.” Kenny wrote or co-wrote five songs on the album, which he co-produced with Buddy Cannon.

Kenny shares exactly what his new album is about in the video below.

photo by AFF-USA.com

Jake Owen Announces Fall Leg of “Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour” With Morgan Wallen & David Lee Murphy

Jake Owen Announces Fall Leg of “Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour” With Morgan Wallen & David Lee Murphy

Posted on August 6, 2018

Jake Owen announced the second leg of his Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour, which kicked off in May with support from Chris Janson and Jordan Davis.

Jake added 13 dates to the current tour, including stops in Indianapolis, St. Louis, Atlanta and more. For the new dates, David Lee Murphy and Morgan Wallen will serve as support. Tyler Farr will also join the tour for one night on Oct. 11.

“I really do believe that life’s whatcha make it,” says Jake. “That’s actually a line from my new single ‘Down to the Honkytonk.’ I’m so pumped to announce that the second leg of the Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour will be starting this fall. I’m equally as excited about who is coming out on the road with us. David Lee Murphy is such a great guy and a writer on one of my biggest hits, ‘Anywhere with You,’ and Morgan Wallen is my label mate who just had a huge hit with FGL. It’s going to be an awesome way to wrap up such a great year.”

Tickets will go on sale on Aug. 10 at 10 a.m local time.

Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour 2018

10/4 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun
10/5 – Norfolk, VA – Constant Convocation Center
10/6 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum
10/11 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center*^
10/12 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center*
10/18 – Indianapolis, IN – Indiana Farmers Coliseum
10/19 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena**
10/20 – Springfield, MO – JQH Arena
10/25 – Hoffman Estates, IL – Sears Centre Arena
10/26 – Huntington, WV – The Big Sandy Superstore Arena
10/27 – Atlanta, GA – Verizon Amphitheatre
11/1 – Estero, FL – Germain Arena
11/3 – Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Bay Center

* Doesn’t include David Lee Murphy
** Doesn’t include Morgan Wallen
^ Includes Tyler Farr

photo by AFF-USA.com

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