Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Rodney Crowell & More Earn Songwriting Awards

Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Rodney Crowell & More Earn Songwriting Awards

Posted on September 29, 2017

Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Rodney Crowell and Bob DiPiero will be receiving individual honors for their songwriting prowess in November.

Keith will receive the BMI Champion Award on Nov. 7 at the 65th BMI Country Awards for his work in “supporting the next generation of songwriters and music makers, as well as his tireless commitment to numerous music education programs.”

Kelsea will receive the ASCAP Vanguard Award on Nov. 6 at the 55th ASCAP Country Music Awards. The Vanguard Award “recognizes the impact of outstanding ASCAP members on musical genres that are shaping the future of American music.” Past winners include Chris Stapleton, Walk the Moon, The Civil Wars and more.

Rodney will receive the ASCAP Founders Award on Nov. 6 at the 55th ASCAP Country Music Awards. The Founders Award is one of ASCAP’s highest honors and is presented to “songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators.” Previous recipients include Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and more.

Bob, who has penned more than 1,000 songs recorded by country artists, will receive the BMI Icon Award on Nov. 7 at the 65th BMI Country Awards for his “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers over the past 38 years.” Previous recipients included Mac Davis, Vince Gill, Hank Williams, Jr., Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, Bill Anderson, Kris Kristofferson and more.

Congrats to all of the award winners.

Garth Brooks Teases Something “Crazy” & “Historic” at Upcoming Tour Stop in Indy

Garth Brooks Teases Something “Crazy” & “Historic” at Upcoming Tour Stop in Indy

Posted on September 29, 2017

Garth Brooks’ World Tour has been a seemingly infinite string of dates since launching more than three years ago. But after more than 350 shows, Garth’s tour is winding down—at least for now. There’s always the very real possibility he’ll schedule more dates, as he did this week with the announcement of a stop in Spokane, Wash., on Nov. 11.

As Garth gears up for five shows in Indianapolis on Oct. 5–8, the G-man teased something of “historic” proportions on his recent Inside Studio G series on Facebook.

“It’s great to get back to Indianapolis,” said Garth. “Try to remember, [Indianapolis] was number three on the World Tour in the ’90s! [I] feel very lucky. Something crazy is going to happen in Indianapolis. Historic. We’re excited.”

We’ll have to wait a few days to see if Garth has something epic up his sleeve for Indy or if he was just being overly Garthonian.

If want to see the G-man this fall, you’d better get cracking. There are only 13 remaining World Tour dates in five cities:

  • Indianapolis – Oct. 5–8
  • Atlanta – Oct. 12
  • Lincoln, Neb. – Oct. 21
  • Tacoma, Wash. – Nov. 4
  • Spokane, Wash. – Nov. 11
Football Preview: Tennessee vs. #7/8 Georgia

Football Preview: Tennessee vs. #7/8 Georgia

Posted on September 28, 2017
Vols WR Josh Smith / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee renews one of its most exciting SEC East rivalries this week as the Vols host No. 7/8 Georgia on Saturday in Neyland Stadium. The game will feature a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS.

Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC) is coming off a 17-13 win over UMass on Sept. 23. Junior running back John Kelly ran for 101 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries. Sophomore receiver Brandon Johnson set new career highs with seven receptions for 123 yards. The UT defense logged seven sacks in the win, marking the Vols’ most sacks since recording seve nsacks against Vanderbilt in 2008.

Georgia (4-0, 1-0 SEC) took a 31-3 home win over Mississippi State on Sept. 23. UGA ran for 203 yards and two scores and freshman quarterback Jake Fromm finished 9-for-12 for 201 and two passing touchdowns.

UT is receiving votes in the Week 5 Amway Coaches Poll (seven votes) and AP Top 25 (one vote). Georgia is ranked No. 8 in the Amway Coaches Poll and No. 7 in the AP Top 25.

Tennessee-Georgia Rivalry

The Tennessee-Georgia rivalry has been one of the SEC’s most exciting matchups in each of Butch Jones‘ four previous seasons at the helm on Rocky Top. Each of the last four games have been decided by seven points or less.

The Vols have won their last two games against Georgia. In 2015, UT ended a five-game losing streak in the series with a 38-31 win in which Tennessee rallied back from a 21-point deficit to upset the Bulldogs. Last season, Tennessee took a 34-31 victory at Sanford Stadium when Jauan Jennings caught a 43-yard Hail Mary from Joshua Dobbs with time expiring.

Tennessee leads the all-time series, 23-21-2. The Vols are 12-10-1 against Georgia when the game is played in Knoxville.

UT’s last win against a top-10 team was in 2006 when the No. 13 Vols beat No. 10 Georgia, 51-33, in Athens.

Tennessee last won three-straight against Georgia in the 1997, 1998 and 1999 seasons.

Vols At Home

Tennessee is 462-124-17 (.780) all-time at Neyland Stadium (since 1921) and 13-3 at home since the start of the 2015 season.

The Vols are 2-0 at home so far this season and 21-9 (.700) in Neyland Stadium under Butch Jones.

Ranked Wins Under Jones

UT has recorded six wins over ranked foes since Butch Jones took over as head coach in 2013. Five of those six have come since 2015. The Vols were 1-22 against ranked teams in the five seasons prior to Jones’ arrival.

Two of those wins over ranked teams have come against Georgia. In 2015, the Vols beat No. 19 Georgia, 38-31. In 2016, UT edged No. 25 UGA, 34-31.

SEC Nation at Ayres Hall

The SEC Network’s traveling pregame show, SEC Nation Presented by Pilot Flying J, will be in Knoxville this Saturday.

SEC Nation will broadcast live from the Ayres Hall lawn from 10 a.m. to noon ET. Laura Rutledge hosts the morning show alongside analysts Tim Tebow, Marcus Spears and Paul Finebaum. Lauren Sisler will provide live reports of the sights and sounds of UT’s pregame, on-campus scene.

This will be the Volunteers’ 11th appearance on the show and fifth time hosting the SEC Nation crew in Knoxville.

The Paul Finebaum Show, which airs from 2-3 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and 3-7 p.m. ETon SEC Network, will also broadcast from Ayres Hall on Friday. Fans are invited to catch all five hours of #FinebaumFriday from the Ayres Hall set.

Checker Neyland

For the fourth-straight season, the fan-led initiative of Checker Neyland will take place for this Saturday’s game against Georgia.

Fans are encouraged to wear orange or white, depending on their seat location. To find out if your section is orange or white, go to CHECKERNEYLAND.com and enter your section/row/seat number as it appears on your ticket or CLICK HERE for a seat map. Terrace ticket holders should enter their terrace number (Ter1, Ter2, Ter3, etc.) and do not need to enter a row or seat location. East and West Club ticket holders should enter their club with the respective number (EC1, EC2, WC1, WC2, etc.). UT students can enter their seat as in the section/row/seat number format.

Over the last three seasons, Tennessee fans have created and participated in one of the greatest sights in college football, turning Neyland Stadium into a sea orange and white in UT’s iconic checkerboard pattern.

Peyton Manning To Be Honored

Peyton Manning will be honored at halftime on Saturday by the National Football Foundation. The midfield ceremony will serve as the NFF’s official “on-campus-salute” of Manning’s selection to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Per Manning’s request, some of UT’s living College Football Hall of Famers will join him at the recognition and at the Vol Walk, which will begin at 1:15 p.m. ET at the Torchbearer statue on Volunteer. The VFLs include: Doug Dickey, Frank Emmanuel, Phillip Fulmer, Bob Johnson, Chip Kell, Steve Kiner, Johnny Majors and John Michaels (represented by his daughter).

-UT Athletics

 

Cam: Best Coast Tour

Cam: Best Coast Tour

Posted on September 28, 2017

Cam will launch a new Best Coast Tour on Nov. 28 in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

The “Burning House” singer will visit a total of nine cities on her westernly jaunt before wrapping on Dec. 16 in Portland, Ore. Logan Mize will serve as the opening act.

“I’m coming home to tour the West Coast,” says Cam, “I’ve picked some of the cutest and quirkiest venues, I’ve built a crazy visual set, and I even get to play new music from the upcoming album. Obviously, I’m going all out for the VIP experience too, to take care of the Best Coast that raised me. I’m so proud to come home and show off what I’ve created.”

Tickets go on sale on Sept. 29.

Best Coast Tour

Nov. 28
San Luis Obispo, CA
Madonna Inn

Nov. 29
San Francisco, CA
Bimbo’s 365 Club

Nov. 30
Bakersfield, CA
Buck Owens Crystal Palace

Dec. 1
San Diego, CA
Moonshine Beach

Dec. 5
West Hollywood, CA
The Troubadour

Dec. 7
Pioneertown, CA
Pappy and Harriet’s

Dec. 14
Vancouver, BC
The Commodore Ballroom

Dec. 15
Seattle, WA
The Crocodile

Dec. 16
Portland, OR
Hawthorne Theater

Watch Lauren Alaina’s Emotionally Charged New Video for “Doin’ Fine”

Watch Lauren Alaina’s Emotionally Charged New Video for “Doin’ Fine”

Posted on September 28, 2017

Lauren Alaina followed up her first-ever No. 1 single, “Road Less Traveled,” by releasing “Doin’ Fine,” which is currently No. 49 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

Today (Sept. 28), the Georgia native dropped an emotionally charged new video for the semi-autobiographical tune that she co-penned with Emily Shackleton and busbee.

“‘Doin’ Fine’ is a really special song because it’s uplifting, but really honest at the same time,” said Lauren. “If you don’t know me and you don’t know that that’s actually what I went through, you would almost think, ‘Oh my gosh, she really tried to write a country song,’ but the truth is, I really live a country song.”

Below, watch the new video for “Doin’ Fine,” which was directed by Carlos Ruiz.

Expectant Parent Jason Aldean Explains His Elvis-Influenced Baby Name

Expectant Parent Jason Aldean Explains His Elvis-Influenced Baby Name

Posted on September 28, 2017

Jason Aldean and wife Brittany are expecting the birth of their first son in late November/early December. While Jason and Brittany continue planning for their upcoming bundle of joy, the couple has already taken care of one very important detail: his name, which will be Memphis.

While the Tennessee city might seem like an unconventional moniker for a Georgia native to name his son, Jason revealed to Lon Helton on Westwood One’s Country Countdown USA that Elvis Presley, who moved to Memphis when he was 13 years old, helped inspire the name.

“I’ve kinda been infatuated with Elvis since I was a kid, just always watching documentaries and stuff on him,” said Jason. “It had a little bit to do with that and, honestly, I just wanted him to have something that wasn’t very common. I’m sure he’s gonna meet people with the name Memphis—he won’t be the only one, but, you know, at least I think it’s unique enough where  . . . it won’t be like Michael or John or, you know, Jason. And that was kinda what we were going for.

“His middle name will be Aldine, because that’s my middle name. I want to carry that name on. It was my grandfather’s name. So it’s kind of a family name. So that’s what we’re going with.”

We finally got our lil man's room ready for him. Can't wait to meet you and bring you home to ur new room, Memphis.

A post shared by Jason Aldean (@jasonaldean) on

Watch Highwaymen Willie Nelson & Kris Kristofferson Reunite to Perform “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”

Watch Highwaymen Willie Nelson & Kris Kristofferson Reunite to Perform “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”

Posted on September 28, 2017

In March, an all-star list of country music artists—including Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum and more—came together for a concert event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to celebrate the songs of music icon Kris Kristofferson.

If you weren’t able to attend the once-in-a-lifetime show, you can still experience it in the form of an upcoming 90-minute CD/DVD, The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson: All Star Concert Celebration, which will be available on Oct. 27.

The Life & Songs Of Kris Kristofferson features performances, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage with Kris, Jessi Alexander, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Ryan Bingham, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Rodney Crowell, Larry Gatlin, Emmylou Harris, Jack Ingram, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, The Travelin’ McCourys, Reba McEntire, Buddy Miller, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Jon Randall, Darius Rucker, Hank Williams Jr. and Lee Ann Womack.

Performances include a range of Kris’ classics, such as “Me And Bobby McGee” (performed by Reba McEntire), “Help Me Make It Through The Night” (Performed by Lady Antebellum), “To Beat The Devil” (Performed by Eric Church) and a very special performance of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” which Kris performed with his former Highwaymen cohort Willie Nelson.

Check out the video of Kris and Willie in action.

Craig Morgan Opens New Farm-to-Home Business: The Gallery at Morgan Farms

Craig Morgan Opens New Farm-to-Home Business: The Gallery at Morgan Farms

Posted on September 28, 2017

If you ever get the chance to visit Craig Morgan on his 500-acre farm in Dickson, Tenn., which is about 40 miles west of Nashville, don’t be surprised if he puts you to work. There’s plenty to do, including tending to his beehives, chickens, greenhouse, garden, aquaponics, smokehouse, wine cellar, wood-working area and more.

Fortunately, the country music singer and Army veteran is turning some of those hobbies into a business with the opening of The Gallery at Morgan Farms in Dickson. The family owned business creates organic items and products from reclaimed, repurposed and recycled materials.

“We have art from an unbelievable artist named Kimberly Daniel, and almost everything else is something that has been made by someone in my family,” says Craig to Nash Country Daily. “After my son [Jerry] passed away [in July 2016], I started messing with wood quite a bit—it was a great therapy for me. I started making wooden bowls, spoons and serving trays and all kinds of stuff out of repurposed materials like old barns. My sister makes things out of pallet material and it will blow your mind. My wife has been making quilts. We sell our honey that we raise on the farm and in Georgia. My oldest son makes beard combs out of wood.”

In addition to honey and beeswax products, items made by Craig include hand-carved wooden bowls, spoons, cheese trays, bread boards, serving trays, cutting boards, candle holders and more. Offerings will also include furniture accessories created from pallet materials by Craig and his family. Quilts and other hand-sewn items from Craig’s wife, Karen Greer, his daughter, Alexandra Beaird, and other family members will also be showcased. Craig’s son, Kyle Greer, is producing a line of beard-related grooming products.

The gallery will also feature items created and produced by some of Craig’s fellow musician friends, including Zac Brown, Billy Dean, Eric Paslay and more.

Craig and Karen have also commissioned local Dickson artist Kimberly Daniel to paint various scenes from around Craig’s farm. Prints and reproductions will be available in the store.

“Dickson is growing so much,” says Craig. “I love being home. It’s my hometown. Doing this store, we get to help support the community of Dickson. And we can do things like sell a particular item where the proceeds will go to the Jerry Greer Memorial Scholarship Fund and other charities like the Craig Morgan Dickson County Foundation. It makes sense for us to be in Dickson.”

The Gallery at Morgan Farms is located at 123 N. Main St in downtown Dickson, Tenn., open Tuesday through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Check out some photos below.

main photo by Jason Simanek

Miranda Lambert Announces New 23-City “Livin’ Like Hippies Tour”

Miranda Lambert Announces New 23-City “Livin’ Like Hippies Tour”

Posted on September 28, 2017

Miranda Lambert announced that she will embark on a new Livin’ Like Hippies Tour that will kick off Jan. 18, 2018, in Greenville, S.C.

The new tour hits 23 cities, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Cleveland, San Diego, Kansas City and more.

Jon Pardi will join Miranda on the tour for all dates. In addition, Brent Cobb, Turnpike Troubadours, Lucie Silvas, The Steel Woods, Sunny Sweeney, Ashley McBryde and Charlie Worsham will perform on select dates.

The Livin’ Like Hippies Tour takes its name from lyrics in Miranda’s tune, “Highway Vagabond,” which appears on her 2016 album, The Weight of These Wings.

Tickets for eight of the shows—Greenville, Eugene, Phoenix, Lexington, St. Louis, Kansas City, State College and Winston Salem—go on sale Oct. 6 and can be purchased at Live Nation or Ticketmaster.

Livin’ Like Hippies Tour

Jan. 18
Greenville, SC
Bon Secours Arena
Jon Pardi and Brent Cobb

Jan. 19
Orlando, FL
Amway Center
Jon Pardi and Brent Cobb

Jan. 20
Atlanta, GA
Infinite Energy Center
Jon Pardi and Brent Cobb

Feb. 1
Tacoma, WA
Jon Pardi and Turnpike Troubadours

Feb. 2
Spokane, WA
Jon Pardi and Turnpike Troubadours

Feb. 3
Eugene, OR
Matthew Knight Arena
Jon Pardi and Turnpike Troubadours

Feb. 8
Sacramento, CA
Golden 1 Center
Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas

Feb. 9
Fresno, CA
Save Mart Center
Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas

Feb. 10
Los Angeles, CA
The Forum
Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas

Feb. 15
San Diego, CA
Viejas Arena
Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas

Feb. 17
Phoenix, AZ
Talking Stick Resort Arena
Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas

March 1
Knoxville, TN
Thompson-Boling Arena
Jon Pardi and The Steel Woods

March 2
Lexington, KY
Rupp Arena
Jon Pardi and The Steel Woods

March 3
Cleveland, OH
Wolstein Center
Jon Pardi and The Steel Woods

March 8
Omaha, NE Century
Link Center
Jon Pardi and Sunny Sweeney

March 9
Oklahoma City, OK
Chesapeake Energy Arena
Jon Pardi and Sunny Sweeney

March 10
Little Rock, AR
Verizon Arena
Jon Pardi and Sunny Sweeney

March 15
Des Moines, IA
Wells Fargo Arena
Jon Pardi and Ashley McBryde

March 16
St. Louis, MO
ScotTrade Center
Jon Pardi and Ashley McBryde

March 17
Kansas City, MO
Sprint Center
Jon Pardi and Ashley McBryde

March 22
Newark, NJ Prudential
Center Jon Pardi and Charlie Worsham

March 23
State College, PA
Bryce Jordan Center
Jon Pardi and Charlie Worsham

March 24
Winston Salem, NC
Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Jon Pardi and Charlie Worsham

photo by Daniella Federici

Lady Antebellum Drops New “Heart Break” Video and $200,000 to Support Hurricane Relief

Lady Antebellum Drops New “Heart Break” Video and $200,000 to Support Hurricane Relief

Posted on September 28, 2017

After traveling to Puerto Rico earlier this year to shoot the video for their new single, “Heart Break,” the members of Lady Antebellum—Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood—are digging deep into their pockets to help their compatriots on the Hurricane-devastated island.

Lady A is donating $200,000 from their philanthropic organization, LadyAID, to benefit hurricane relief efforts via MusiCares and United for Puerto Rico. Fans can also take part in the ongoing relief efforts by donating to the organization.

Before Hurricane Maria struck the island on Sept. 20, Lady Antebellum selected Puerto Rico as their destination for the video shoot because of the island’s beauty and vibrant culture.

“We got to meet so many locals and enjoy just everything that Puerto Rico has to offer and so to see all the devastation we are just completely heart broken,” said Hillary. “We want to do everything we can to support this incredible place and these incredible people. We just hope and pray for their safety and that rebuilding happens quickly. We encourage everyone to give whatever they can to help.”

“We have always loved traveling to the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico was one of those places we’ve always wanted to go and it couldn’t have been a better location for this video,” added Charles. “I think one of the coolest things was all of the dancing extras were just people off the street that our director found. They already just exuded that vibrant energy that’s such a part of the people and culture in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean as a whole.”

“We save a portion of every ticket out there on the road to go towards LadyAID,” said Dave. “After spending time in San Juan, Puerto Rico, we fell in love with the area, the culture, the people . . . it was just a beautiful, beautiful place. Our hearts have been completely broken watching the devastation from all of these hurricanes. So, for us a band, we’re now personally connected to helping support those affected by the hurricanes.”

Directed by Shane Drake, the “Heart Break” video follows a woman’s spontaneous journey through San Juan, with an unexpected twist at the end.

Watch the video below.

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