Brad Paisley, Charles Esten, Chris Young, Lindsay Ell & More to Headline 2nd Annual ’80s Dance Party to Benefit the Alzheimer’s Association

Brad Paisley, Charles Esten, Chris Young, Lindsay Ell & More to Headline 2nd Annual ’80s Dance Party to Benefit the Alzheimer’s Association

Posted on April 17, 2018

CMA Fest week will get an unofficial kickoff during the second annual ’80s Dance Party to End Alz, which will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, on June 3 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon.

This year’s event will feature Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Charles Esten and Lindsay Ell singing—and dancing to—their favorite ’80s songs. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We were thrilled by the success of last year’s Dance Party to End Alz, where we grooved to hits from the ’70s,” said Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who will once again team with Blair Garner to emcee the event. “We’re excited to make this an annual event and bring the ’80s to Nashville this year. It is so inspiring to see the country music community rally around the Alzheimer’s cause, which is very important to our family and millions across the country. We are more motivated than ever to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research that will ultimately change the course of this disease for so many.”

In addition to raising awareness in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease, last year’s event raised more than $300,000 through its silent auction and concert.

Tickets for the event will be available for pre-sale on April 18 at 11 a.m. CDT. Ticket sales will be open to the general public on April 20 at 11 a.m. CDT.

photo by Jason Simanek

Nominations Revealed for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards: Chris Stapleton & Sam Hunt Lead the Country Pack

Nominations Revealed for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards: Chris Stapleton & Sam Hunt Lead the Country Pack

Posted on April 17, 2018

The nominees for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards have been announced.

Sam Hunt and Chris Stapleton lead the country contingent with five nominations apiece.

Sam earned nominations for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist and Top Country Song, as well as all-genre nominations for Billboard Chart Achievement Award and Top Selling Song (“Body Like a Back Road”).

Chris copped nominations for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist and Top Country Album (From A Room: Vol. 1), as well as all-genre nominators for Top Selling Album (From A Room: Vol. 1) and Top Billboard 200 Artist.

Kane Brown picked up three nominations for Top Country Artist, Top Country Album (Kane Brown) and Top Country Song (“What Ifs”).

Thomas Rhett nabbed three nominations for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist and Top Country Album (Life Changes).

Florida Georgia Line netted three nominations for Top Country Duo/Group, Top Country Tour and Top Country Song (“Meant to Be”).

The Billboard Music Awards will air on May 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Check out all of the country-centric nominations below.

Top Country Artist
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

Top Country Male Artist
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

Top Country Female Artist
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris

Top Country Duo/Group Artist
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band

Top Country Tour
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Top Country Album
Kane Brown, Kane Brown
Luke Combs, This One’s For You
Thomas Rhett, Life Changes
Chris Stapleton, From A Room: Volume 1
Brett Young, Brett Young

Top Country Song
Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs”
Sam Hunt, “Body Like A Back Road”
Dustin Lynch, “Small Town Boy”
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be”
Brett Young, “In Case You Didn’t Know”

Top Selling Album
Chris Stapleton, From A Room: Volume 1
Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.
P!nk, Beautiful Trauma
Ed Sheeran, ÷ (Divide)
Taylor Swift, reputation

Top Selling Song
Sam Hunt “Body Like A Back Road”
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito”
Imagine Dragons “Believer”
Imagine Dragons “Thunder”
Ed Sheeran “Perfect”

Billboard Chart Achievement Award
Sam Hunt
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Drake
Ed Sheeran

Top Billboard 200 Artist
Chris Stapleton
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift

Midland, Kane Brown, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan & More Feel the ACM Awards Sales Boost

Midland, Kane Brown, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan & More Feel the ACM Awards Sales Boost

Posted on April 17, 2018

Many performers, nominees and winners at the 53rd annual ACM Awards on April 15 got a coveted “ACM Sales Boost,” including Kane Brown, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Midland, Luke Bryan and more.

According to Nielsen Music, songs that were nominated enjoyed a 431 percent surge on April 15 compared to a baseline average on April 13 and 14. Songs that were performed during the show surged 446 percent with a total unit lift of 87,667 sales.

Check out some of the “ACM Sales Boost” numbers, courtesy of Nielsen Music.

  • After Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina performed “What Ifs,” the tune surged 813 percent for a massive unit lift of nearly 12,800 sales.
  • Carrie Underwood felt an increase of 7,100 units after performing “Cry Pretty.”
  • Midland’s performance of “Drinkin’ Problem” boosted sales of the track by 1,320 percent, with nearly 7,000 unit sales on Sunday.
  • Sales of Blake Shelton’s performed song, “I Lived It,” soared 6,400 units.
  • Thomas Rhett performed “Marry Me,” leading to an increase of more than 5,800 units on Sunday.
  • Following his performance of “Most People Are Good,” Luke Bryan moved 5,700 units on Sunday.
  • Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road” won the award for Single Record of the Year, causing sales of the track to jump up 5,600 units.
  • Dan + Shay’s performance of their song, “Tequila,” led to a 4,900 unit increase in track sale.
  • Chris Stapleton, who won Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, saw sales of “Broken Halos” rise by 4,400 units.
  • After winning Song of the Year, Miranda Lambert’s “Tin Man” saw a 3,000 unit sales spike.
  • Winning the award for Vocal Event of the Year, Keith Urban’s “The Fighter,” which featured Carrie Underwood, saw track sales surge 2,200 units.

photo by Arroyo-O\’Connor/AFF-USA.com

Jordan Davis Takes “Singles You Up” to No. 1 on the Country Charts

Jordan Davis Takes “Singles You Up” to No. 1 on the Country Charts

Posted on April 17, 2018

After a 43-week run, Jordan Davis’ “Singles You Up” reached No.1 on both Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase chart.

“From the bottom of my heart, I’m so grateful to the fans, country radio and everyone who helped make ‘Singles You Up’ the number one song in the country,” said Jordan via Twitter. “Thank you for making this past year the best year of my life.”

Co-penned by Jordan, Justin Ebach and Steven Dale Jones, the clever tune is a “gentlemanly” take on a situation a lot of guys have found themselves in—pining for a girl who’s dating someone else.

“Justin had just gotten engaged, and we were congratulating him, and we told him he was smart not to ‘single her up,’” says Jordan to NCD. “I remember we all looked around and were like, ‘Is that dumb or should we write it?’ I bet you a lot of great songs have been written after saying that. We had all be in that situation with a girl, but we tried to be respectful when writing ‘Singles You Up.’ We didn’t want the guy to come across as a jerk or the girl to cheat . . . we wanted to be as gentlemanly as we could about it. Every once in a while you have to wait your turn. If you do get a chance, you have to capitalize on it.”

“Singles You Up” is the lead single from Jordan’s new album, Home State, which dropped on March 23. Jordan co-wrote every song on the 12-track offering.

“Making this record has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” says Jordan. “I want to thank everyone who was involved in bringing this to life, especially to my producer Paul Digiovanni and the songwriters that helped me create these songs. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it”

photo by Jason Simanek

UT Student-Athletes Honored at 12th Annual Volscars

UT Student-Athletes Honored at 12th Annual Volscars

Posted on April 16, 2018
UT award winners / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The 12th annual Volscars award show celebrated the athletic achievements, academic accomplishments and community service of University of Tennessee student-athletes Monday night in the Knoxville Convention Center.

The evening saw student-athletes from all sports as well as athletic personnel come together for dinner as many of the achievements garnered by Volunteers were highlighted. During the awards segment of the show, student-athletes introduced the awards and announced the winners. The awards ranged from Comeback of the Year to Male and Female Athlete of the Year. The award results are listed below.

Volunteers do not only embody athletic excellence, but also academic brilliance. 75 student-athletes will be graduating during the 2018 academic year, and for this they took part in the Helen B. Watson sash ceremony. Tennessee has been well represented on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, with 83 making the 2017 SEC Spring Honor Roll, 54 making the 2017 SEC Fall Honor Roll, and 33 making the 2017-18 SEC Winter Honor Roll. 54 Volunteer freshmen made the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.

Tennessee student-athletes continued being active in their community this year. During the show, student-athletes’ contributions to the community were highlighted in the Howard Almon Volunteer Recognition Video. For their outstanding community service, 11 Vols were named to the 2017-18 SEC Community Service Team.

Mr. and Mrs. Tennessee went to Grant Williams from men’s basketball and Meghan Gregg from softball. The pair of Volunteers both captured SEC Player of the Year honors during their respective seasons.

This year’s Inspiration award winner was Zhipeng (Colin) Zeng from the swimming & diving team. Zeng’s journey from China to America as a 15-year-old boy to pursue a future as a swimmer was the very embodiment of inspirational. He has spent the last year

Volscars Award Winners:

Comeback of the Year: Men’s Baketball vs. Georgia (March 3, 2018)
Male “I Will Give My All” Award: Admiral Schofield, Men’s Basketball
Female “I Will Give My All” Award: Kaite Cousins, Soccer
Male Rookie of the Year: Trey Smith, Football
Female Rookie of the Year: Rennia Davis, Women’s Basketball
Male Athlete of the Year: Christian Coleman, Men’s Track & Field
Female Athlete of the Year: Erika Brown, Women’s Swimming & Diving
Mr. Tennessee: Grant Williams, Men’s Basketball
Ms. Tennessee: Meghan Gregg, Softball

-UT Athletics

 

Vol Trio Named to National Football Foundation Hampshire Society

Vol Trio Named to National Football Foundation Hampshire Society

Posted on April 16, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

IRVING, Texas – Tennessee Volunteer football players Parker Henry, Jakob Johnson and Brett Kendrick were announced as members of the 2018 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society last week.

The trio wrapped up their collegiate careers this past fall and join 10 other VFLs who have captured the honor, which started in 2007.

Qualifications to join the NFF Hampshire Honor Society include achieving a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout entire course of undergraduate study, being a starter or significant contributor during the 2017 season and meeting all NCAA-mandated progress towards degree requirements.

Henry appeared in 24 games as Tennessee’s primary holder during the 2016 and 2017 seasons after joining the team as a walk-on in 2015. A finance and political science double major, Henry earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors in 2016 and 2017 and was a three-time selection to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. In addition to holding a 4.0 GPA, Henry became just the sixth Vol football player to be awarded the NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship earlier this year.

Johnson, a tight end from Stuttgart, Germany, appeared in 47 games with five starts. He started his career at linebacker and finished with 24 career tackles before moving to tight end. He made three starts at tight end in 2017 and tallied three receptions during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The versatile 6-3, 250-pounder was a special teams ace during his four-year career.

Kendrick started 28 games and made 41 appearances overall in his career. A Knoxville, Tenn., native, Kendrick was a two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and collected Pro Football Focus College Team of the Week honors for his performance at left tackle in the 2017 season-opening win over Georgia Tech. Kendrick started at right tackle, left tackle and right guard during his career.

This year’s trio ties for the most Vols ever named to the Hampshire Society, joining the 2008 class of Erik Ainge, Jarod Parrish and Casey Woods.

 

UT Athletics

Holly Warlick Shares Her Feelings About The Passing Of Lady Vol Legend Daedra Charles

Posted on April 16, 2018
Holly Warlick – Lady Vols coach / Credit: UT Athletics

Our Lady Vol family is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Tennessee legend Daedra Charles. Head coach Holly Warlick shared her feelings regarding the loss of a remarkable woman many considered a sister and friend. You can find her words in the graphic above and below.

Once we have further information and details about services for Daedra, we’ll have a release available on UTSports.com and will disseminate via news release and social media.

“My heart is broken from the loss of one of the greatest players to play at Tennessee, Daedra “Night Train” Charles (Furlow). An Olympian, a pro player, an ambassador for the Lady Vols, and more importantly a wonderful person/mother.  Dae had a spirit that was so uplifting, and you never thought she had a bad day.  Our memories of Daedra will bring us comfort and smiles.  But it will also bring me tears because she is suddenly gone. Lord wrap your arms around her…I know she has found her peace.”   — Lady Vol Basketball Head Coach Holly Warlick

-UT Athletics

 

Darius Rucker Announces 9th Annual Benefit Concert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Darius Rucker Announces 9th Annual Benefit Concert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Posted on April 16, 2018

Darius Rucker announced that his ninth annual Darius & Friends benefit concert will take place on June 4 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

The concert, which benefits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will lead into Nashville’s CMA Music Festival on June 7–10.

“When you see firsthand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Darius says. “Over the years, we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.”

Darius’ annual concert has raised more than $1 million for St. Jude over the years and has featured a number of high-profile performers, including Luke Bryan, Kenny Rogers, Brooks & Dunn, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and more.

This year’s lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets go on sale on April 20 at 10 a.m. CT, with pre-sale beginning on April 17 at 10 a.m. CT.

photo by Jason Simanek

Jason Isbell Announces Summer Tour

Jason Isbell Announces Summer Tour

Posted on April 16, 2018

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will hit the road this summer for a string of tour dates, including stops in Austin, San Diego, Chicago, Los Angeles and more.

Kicking off on July 5 and running through Sept. 28, Jason’s tour will feature a number of openers, including Hiss Golden Messenger, Brandi Carlile, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Marie Lepanto, John Moreland, Amanda Shires, Aimee Mann and Communist Daughter.

Tour Dates

July 5 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest
July 6 – Minneapolis, MN – Basilica Block Party
July 7 – Sioux City, IA – Saturday In The Park
July 13 – Bonner Springs, KS – Americana Kansas City
July 14 – Birmingham, AL – Sloss Music & Arts Festival
July 15 – Louisville, KY – Forecastle Festival
July 17 – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center @
July 18 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion @
July 20 – Canandaigua, NY – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center /
July 21 – Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point /
July 22 – Gilford, NH – Bank Of New Hampshire Pavilion /
July 24 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap @
July 25 – Cleveland, OH – Jacob’s Pavilion >
July 27 – Newport, RI – Newport Folk Festival
July 28 – Floyd, VA – FloydFest
Aug. 24-25 – Austin, TX – Bass Hall *
Aug. 26 – Austin, TX – Bass Hall $
Aug. 28 – Phoenix, AZ – Symphony Hall ^
Aug.30 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre %
Aug. 31 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre %%
Sept. 1 – San Diego, CA – Jacobs Music Center’s Copley Symphony Hall %
Sept. 4 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater %
Sept. 6 – Redmond, WA – Marymoor Park %
Sept. 7 – Portland, OR – Oregon Zoo Amphitheater %
Sept. 10 – St. Louis, MO – Peabody Opera House #
Sept. 13 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Theater #
Sept.14 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre
Sept. 15 – Indianapolis, IN – Lawn @ White River $
Sept. 23 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sept. 28 – Cary, NC – Koka Booth Amphitheatre

@ – Hiss Golden Messenger
/ – Brandi Carlile
> – Aaron Lee Tasjan
* – Marie Lepanto
$ – John Moreland
^ – Amanda Shires
% – Aimee Mann
# – Communist Daughter

Chris Stapleton, John Prine, Margo Price & More to Play Marty Stuart’s “Late Night Jam” During CMA Fest

Chris Stapleton, John Prine, Margo Price & More to Play Marty Stuart’s “Late Night Jam” During CMA Fest

Posted on April 16, 2018

Marty Stuart’s 17th annual Late Night Jam will once again feature a bevy talented artists this year, including Margo Price, John Prine, Connie Smith, Chris Stapleton, Gary Mule Deer, The Grand Ole Opry Squaredancers and The Wandering Hearts.

The concert, which takes place at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on June 6, has become a staple of CMA Music Fest.

Tickets for Marty’s Late Night Jam will go on sale on April 20 at 10 a.m. CT.

Marty will join Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show Tour on June 16 for a string of more than 30 summer and fall dates.

photo by Jason Simanek

Country News

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner