Venues de Force: 5 of the Friendliest Venues in the Country and 15 Must-See Upcoming Concerts

Venues de Force: 5 of the Friendliest Venues in the Country and 15 Must-See Upcoming Concerts

Guys and gals like Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood may have sold out arena shows in 2016, but bigger isn’t always better when it comes to watching your favorite country artists perform live. Sometimes it’s the setting of an iconic venue that makes a concert memorable . . . so memorable, in fact, that you commemorate the experience by framing your tickets or shelling out the extra cash for a playbill on your way out the door.

Forget about packing the binoculars and tissues for a nosebleed arena seat, here’s a cross-country sampling of 5 playbill-worthy venues to put on your to-do list (or bucket list)—and 15 upcoming concerts that will put you in a country state of mind.

From hallowed grounds to national landmarks, the force is strong with these 5 iconic venues.


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photo courtesy Bowery Ballroom Facebook

Bowery Ballroom, New York City

From the main floor to the wraparound balcony, there’s not a bad sightline in the 575-capacity venue that was built in the 1920s, and that includes the view of Delancey Street from the balcony’s stained-glass window. Part speakeasy, part opera house, the Bowery features high ceilings, stellar acoustics and a friendly basement lounge where you can grab a drink at the U-shaped bar or strike up a conversation before the show. But it’s the main floor full of revelers that puts the roar in this Lower East Side locale.

  • Jan. 12: Frankie Ballard
  • Feb. 2: Maren Morris
  • Feb. 8: Corey Smith

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photo courtesy Ryman Auditorium Facebook

Ryman Auditorium, Nashville

In a city that boasts pilgrimage-worthy stops like the Grand Ole Opry House and Bluebird Café, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium is still the holy grail of venues. Constructed in 1891, the red-bricked tabernacle is a beacon in Nashville’s bustling downtown for performers and fans alike. With its stained-glass windows, wooden pews and memorabilia displays, the 2,362-seat Mother Church of Country Music is a revival of sight and sound when artists take to its hallowed stage.

  • Dec. 28: Robert Earl Keen
  • Dec. 31: John Prine, Jason Isbell, Kacey Musgraves
  • Feb. 11: Martina McBride

gruene-hall-exterior-detail-2013-courtesy-gruene-hall-facebook
photo courtesy Gruene Hall Facebook

Gruene Hall, New Braunfels, Texas

Gruene Hall was built in 1878 and is billed as the oldest continually run dancehall in Texas—and you’d better be wearing a six-shooter if you say otherwise, ’cause them there are fightin’ words. With a pitched tin roof and side flaps for open-air dancing, the 6,000-square-foot hall is a Texas throwback to the days of yore, where you can pitch horseshoes out back, drain a cold Shiner at the bar or two-step on the wooden dance floor to a lineup of performers that reads like a historical marker.

  • Dec. 16: Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis
  • Dec. 23: Ray Wylie Hubbard
  • Feb. 11: Ricky Skaggs

cains-ballroom-exterior-detail-2012-courtesy-cains-ballroom-facebook
photo courtesy Cain’s Ballroom Facebook

Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa, Okla.

Arrive early if you want one of the few seats in “The Carnegie Hall of Western Swing,” but seriously, who goes to a ballroom to sit? The legacy of Bob Wills lives on in this 1,200-capacity venue that was constructed in 1924 and was named to the National Register of Historical Places in 2003. The maple floor is mounted on sets of Dodge truck springs that rumble to the beat of your favorite band. Plus, rumor has it that Cain’s is haunted—with the iconic list of performers who have taken the stage, we don’t doubt it.

  • Dec. 30 & 31: Turnpike Troubadours
  • Jan. 1: Cody Canada, Jason Boland, Wade Bowen
  • Feb. 4: Eli Young Band

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photo CC by 2.0

The Fillmore, San Francisco

With museum-quality playbills adorning its walls in the main room and strobe lights a-swirling, the Fillmore still wafts of the psychedelia that made San Francisco a counterculture hot spot in the 1960s. While that era may be over, the music lives on in this classic venue that features rows of grandiose chandeliers and a wooden dance floor that surges and buckles to the music. And in the tradition of Fillmore founder Bill Graham, you always get a free apple . . . and a poster of the evening’s show if it’s sold out.

  • Dec. 7: Brothers Osborne
  • Jan. 20 & 21: Lucinda Williams
  • May 2, 3, 5, 6: Willie Nelson

photo of Gruene Hall via Gruene Hall;

Dolly Parton to Donate $1,000 a Month to Victims of Wildfires in East Tennessee

Dolly Parton to Donate $1,000 a Month to Victims of Wildfires in East Tennessee

Dolly Parton announced on her Facebook page last night (Nov. 30) that she will be helping out the victims of the wildfires that have been blazing across Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tenn., near her hometown.

While the wildfires have come close to Dollywood Theme Park, no structural damage has occurred as of today (Dec. 1). Many buildings, including homes and apartment complexes have burned. Evacuations were ordered at the Dollywood DreamMore Resort along with Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Park Vista and Ski Mountain.

As a show of support, Dolly issued a statement Wednesday (Nov. 30) about the fires.

“I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains and I am heartbroken. I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared.”

Taking it one step further later in the evening, the superstar with a big heart offered to have her Dollywood companies and the Dollywood Foundation help establish My People’s Fund. The foundation will provide $1,000 a month to all the families that have lost their homes in the fires, until they get back on their feet.

Dolly posted a video on Facebook with information on how to join the effort.

“I have always believed that charity begins at home. As a result, the Dollywood Company and the Dollywood Foundation are helping to establish the My People Fund to provide a hand up to those families who have lost everything in the Smoky Mountain fires.” To join these efforts please visit DollywoodFoundation.org #MyPeopleFund #SomePlaceSpecial”

Watch the video for Dolly’s message:

Watch Luke Bryan Lay the Smack Down on an Unruly Fan at Charlie Daniels’ 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam [Exclusive Video]

Watch Luke Bryan Lay the Smack Down on an Unruly Fan at Charlie Daniels’ 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam [Exclusive Video]

UPDATE: Luke Bryan Team Releases Statement Regarding Fan Altercation

Everyone in Nashville was having a great time last night (Nov. 30) at Charlie Daniels’ 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam—except one unruly fan, who decided to flip Luke Bryan the bird while he was singing “Move” during his 20 minute set.

Apparently fed up with the dude’s antics, Luke grabs the guy’s wrist with his left hand before swatting him in the face with his right.

Check out the videos below.

Go Behind the Scenes of Dustin Lynch’s New Video, “Seein’ Red”

Go Behind the Scenes of Dustin Lynch’s New Video, “Seein’ Red”

It’s a beautiful fall day in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on the set of Dustin Lynch’s video shoot for “Seein’ Red.” Between takes, Dustin takes a break on his tour bus as his crew sets up for the performance segment of the video.

“It’s a lot of hurry up and wait, really,” Dustin tells Nash Country Daily as we sit down in the comfort of his bus to talk about the new video. “Hair, makeup. Change this, change that—a lot of changing. It’s like trying on clothes all day. It’s great to have the bus here. We’ll just chill out.”

Don’t be fooled. Dustin has put a lot of hard work into making his video for “Seein’ Red” and is very involved in all aspects of the pre-production and post-production of the project. “I want music videos to take the viewer, including myself, on a trip that we didn’t think about or a visual that’s cool,” says Dustin. “Make somebody want to watch the video more than once, that’s always the goal. I think we’re going to do that with this video.

“From step one, it’s me figuring out which treatment I want to shoot and then with what director,” the Tennessee native adds. “Kind of sitting down with [the director] and hashing out how the performance is going to happen, how I want it to look, what colors I want the video to be in and all this stuff. We had a lot of inspiration. It’s fun to pull elements from other videos that [director Adam Rothlein and I] are fans of. I think I’m going to be really happy with what we end up with.”

Because of its “infectious, out there kind of grove” Dustin was drawn to the song—something that musically is far from what he has released in the past. “I think that combined with a sexy lyric is just magic for me,” adds Dustin.

“Seein’ Red” is about a girl you just can’t get out of your head, which could lend itself to different visual interpretations. But Dustin’s vision took him in a sexy new direction. The video, directed by Adam Rothlein, was filmed—in part—in a spacious warehouse building in Murfreesboro. White walls surrounded Dustin and his band as they ran through performances of the song over and over again.

dustin-lynch-video-bts

“This song really allows me to go for it,” says Dustin. “We could’ve gone super literal with it, but decided to capture just how sexy and, for lack of a better word, badass this song is. Visually it’s going to be pretty intense. It’s going to be hot and steamy, but also it’s going to be a performance piece where me and the band guys, we get to rock out. Really, it’s us performing to my conscience. To my imagination—whether it’s a young lady that I’ve had relations with or maybe somebody I’m dreaming of having a relationship with. We’re inside of my head and me and the band are, in a sense, performing to that visual. Then that visual completely encompasses us as the video continues on.”

Dustin’s career has been red-hot as of late, with three consecutive No. 1 singles—”Where It’s At (Yep,Yep),” “Hell of a Night” and “Mind Reader”—and hoping for a fourth with “Seein’ Red.” It’s no wonder his latest video will be steaming up your televisions screens.

dustin-lynch-bts-video-seein-red“I’m playing lead in the acting role too. In my conscience, it’s me and my leading lady—her name is Yoli. It’s always fun on these sets because we knew each other for about 90 seconds before the director goes, “Ok, sit on his lap and y’all start kissing.” It’s a funny thing because you’re instantly into each other and have 40 people staring at you. Then between takes, that’s when we actually get to know each other. It’s like we actually get to have conversation and ask where each other are from, and all this and that.”

That’s all in a day’s work for Dustin, as he’s had to get intimate with love interests before, on such videos as “Mind Reader” and “Where It’s At.” But “Seein’ Red” takes it one step further and is just the beginning of what’s to come for Dustin as he continues putting the finishing touches on his upcoming third studio album.

“I think ‘Seein’ Red’ really encompasses what this next album is going to be,” says Dustin. “As I go in to finish it up in the next few months, hopefully, I take a step back and it is very relationship heavy. It’s about trying on love, being in love, falling out of love and hating love—the whole cycle of relationships. This album really is going to be a lot more personal as far as my life goes. It’s a very sexy album too—very hot, very steamy. Between that and just trying to hone in on some fun too. I’m having so much fun with life right now, making music and traveling around. Getting to do life with a lot of new people. It’s a bit of all of that. I would say a very fun but sexy and hot and steamy album all at the same time.”

Count us in.

Photos by Glen Sweitzer

He “Ain’t No Patrick Swayze” But Cody Johnson Has the Right Moves in New Video for “With You I Am” [Watch]

He “Ain’t No Patrick Swayze” But Cody Johnson Has the Right Moves in New Video for “With You I Am” [Watch]

For the last decade, singer/songwriter Cody Johnson has been making a name for himself in his native Texas by kicking up dust on the touring trail and selling his indie albums out of the back of his truck at each stop. With a smooth cowboy croon and a penchant for turning it up a notch at his live shows, Cody’s hard work has been paying off. Now more than just Texas is paying attention.

Over the last 18 months, Cody has sold more than 500,000 concert tickets, and his sixth album, Gotta Be Me, which dropped in August, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart. Not bad for any artist, especially one who still doesn’t have a major record label.

Two weeks ago, Cody dropped his current single, “With You I Am,” a smooth ballad about finding the perfect girl, which is currently No. 51 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

Yesterday (Nov. 29) Cody released a new video for tune and enlisted the help of his wife, Brandi, and young daughter, Clara.

Even though Cody sings I ain’t no Patrick Swayze / My old boots never danced on air, he looks more than content in his current surroundings. Check out the sweetly sentimental video below.

Reba, Brooks & Dunn Extend Las Vegas Residency With 12 New Dates in 2017

Reba, Brooks & Dunn Extend Las Vegas Residency With 12 New Dates in 2017

You can never have too much of a good thing . . . especially in Vegas.

On that note, dig this: Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn have extended their Sin City residency—Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas—with 12 new dates at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in 2017.

Since premiering the residency in June 2015, the trio has played more than 30 shows, with new 2017 dates set for June 21, 24, 25 and 28; July 1 and 2; Nov. 29; and Dec. 1, 2, 5, 8 and 9. Previously announced 2017 dates include Feb. 22, 24 and 25 and March 1, 3 and 4.

“We’re having a great time on the Las Vegas residency with Reba,” said Ronnie Dunn to Nash Country Daily. “Kix and I kid all the time that we ran up and down the road on buses for 20 years just to get a chance to do this. It’s as fun and convenient as you can get in this business. We’re having a great time.”

“I love the room,” said Reba to NCD. “It’s 4,200 seats, so it’s not huge. But it’s not a small theater either. It’s just the perfect size. And there s not a bad seat in the house.”

“We might not be coming to your city, but Vegas is a fun place to visit,” said Kix to NCD. “It has great restaurants, shopping, so many things to do. So, we’re hoping that this will give people a chance to get out of town and have a great vacation.“

Tickets for the new dates go on sale Friday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. CT.

 

photo by Russ Harrington/The Greenroom PR

Watch Dolly Parton & Jennifer Nettles Continue the “Circle of Love” With Performance on “The Voice”

Watch Dolly Parton & Jennifer Nettles Continue the “Circle of Love” With Performance on “The Voice”

If you thought Dolly Parton was going to slow down a little bit after turning 70 this year, think again.

The blonde spitfire performed twice on NBC’s The Voice last night (Nov. 29), and the television debut of her new holiday movie, Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, airs tonight (Nov. 30, NBC, 8 p.m. CT). And wouldn’t you know it, Dolly was able to tie both of those things together like the bow on a Christmas present.

After teaming with Miley Cyrus and Pentatonix for a rendition of her 1974 No. 1 hit, “Jolene,” Dolly joined Jennifer Nettles and The Voice’s Top 10 finalists to perform “Circle of Love,” a new tune from her aforementioned holiday movie.

Check it out below.

Grab a Tissue and Watch Kacey Musgraves’ Emotional Performance of “Christmas Makes Me Cry” on “Good Morning America”

Grab a Tissue and Watch Kacey Musgraves’ Emotional Performance of “Christmas Makes Me Cry” on “Good Morning America”

Fresh from her Christmas concert Monday night (Nov. 28) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Kacey Musgraves made her way to New York City on Wednesday morning (Nov. 30) to perform a few songs from her current Christmas album, A Very Kacey Christmas, including “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Christmas Makes Me Cry.”

We dare you not to tear up when listening to this heartfelt performance of “Christmas Makes Me Cry”—an original song written by Kacey and songwriter Shane McAnally about the hard times people deal with during the Christmas season when most of us are celebrating. Get your tissues ready and watch.

It wasn’t all sadness and tears during the visit, Kacey also lifted up spirits with the always-cheery “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer,” inviting a few little friends to join her in singing backup on the important parts, including shouting out ‘like a light bulb’ and all the ‘ho, ho hos.”

Kacey is currently on her Christmas tour in support of her album, A Very Kacey Christmas, which features four original tracks along with classic holiday hits.

Watch Kacey’s “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” performance.

 

Carrie Underwood Caps 2016 Storyteller Tour: 92 Shows, 7 Countries, 1 Million Fans [Watch Video]

Carrie Underwood Caps 2016 Storyteller Tour: 92 Shows, 7 Countries, 1 Million Fans [Watch Video]

Carrie Underwood wrapped her Storyteller Tour last night (Nov. 29) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Since launching the tour in January, Carrie completed 92 shows, visited seven countries and performed for 1 million fans. The tour sold out arenas across the U.S. and Canada, including New York City’s Madison Square Garden and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Carrie also made stops in Sweden, Norway, Scotland, England and Ireland as part of Europe’s biggest country music festival, Country to Country.

A donation of $1 from each ticket sold on the U.S. dates of the tour will be contributed to the C.A.T.S Foundation (Checotah Animal, Town, and School) established by Carrie in 2009 to help aid causes like education and literacy programs in Checotah, Okla.

Carrie will head to New Zealand and Australia in December to join Keith Urban on his Ripcord World Tour 2016.

Check out a video recap of Carrie’s Storyteller Tour below.

Wicked Awesome: Kenny Chesney Adds Second Stadium Show in Boston in 2017

Wicked Awesome: Kenny Chesney Adds Second Stadium Show in Boston in 2017

Last week (Nov. 21) it was announced that Kenny Chesney would only be playing one stadium show in 2017: Aug. 25 at Boston’s Gillette Stadium. It turns out, he’s playing one stadium—two shows.

On Nov. 29, Kenny announced a second show at Gillette Stadium on Aug. 26.

“I can’t believe we’re doing two shows,” says Kenny. “I said I was going to take some time and lay low, but obviously a summer without Boston just isn’t the same. And when they came back asking about another show due to the response and said, ‘You’re already going to have the stage and everything in place,’ what else could I say? So, this will be my only stadium play, but it will be two nights instead of one. And truly, Boston, I can’t wait. I can still hear the roar of our last show in my ears.”

CMA Single of the Year winner Thomas Rhett will open both Boston shows for Kenny.

Tickets for both shows go on sale on Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. EST.

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