Garth Brooks’ “Drive-In” Concert Draws More Than 350,000 Fans at Hundreds of Venues

Garth Brooks’ “Drive-In” Concert Draws More Than 350,000 Fans at Hundreds of Venues

Posted on June 29, 2020

Garth Brooks is a seven-time CMA Entertainer of the Year for a very good reason—he loves to entertain.

Garth headlined a unique concert event on June 27 as he performed across hundreds of drive-in theaters. The concert was created exclusively for this event, making it the largest one-night show to play at outdoor theaters across the United States and Canada.

Garth’s pre-recorded concert drew more than 350,000 fans.

“Watching people all night from coast to coast, in Canada and here in the U.S., laughing, dancing and singing, made me smile,” said Garth. “It reminded me how much I miss the crazy, happy and unpredictable life we lead as entertainers. For one night, things seemed . . . right.”

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Lauren Alaina, Brantley Gilbert, Trace Adkins & More to Perform as Part of “A Capitol Fourth” on PBS

Lauren Alaina, Brantley Gilbert, Trace Adkins & More to Perform as Part of “A Capitol Fourth” on PBS

Posted on June 29, 2020

Trace Adkins, Brantley Gilbert, Lauren Alaina and more will celebrate Independence Day by performing during the PBS television special, A Capitol Fourth.

Hosted by John Stamos and Vanessa Williams, the 40th annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth will feature pre-taped performances without a live audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert is usually held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Additional performers include Patti LaBelle, John Fogerty, Renée Fleming, The Temptations, Andy Grammer, Yolanda Adams, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O’Hara, Chrissy Metz, Mandy Gonzalez and members of the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

The 90-minute show will also pay tribute to first responders and essential workers on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis, Black heroes past and present and Wounded Warriors. The fireworks display over our nation’s iconic skyline in D.C. will be covered live during the broadcast.

A Capitol Fourth will air on PBS on July 4 at 8 p.m. ET, as well as stream on Facebook, YouTube and pbs.org.

photos: Lauren Alaina & Trace Adkins by TCD; Brantley Gilbert by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Watch Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Perform “Nobody But You” in New Concert Video

Watch Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Perform “Nobody But You” in New Concert Video

Posted on June 29, 2020

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are getting a lot of video mileage out of their No. 1 hit, “Nobody But You.”

There was a lyric video, official video, behind-the-scenes video, acoustic video, vertical video, and now . . . live video, which you can watch below.

Penned by Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Tommy Lee James, “Nobody But You” is featured on Blake’s recent album, Fully Loaded: God’s Country. The tune spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in April/May 2020. The single is Blake’s 27th No. 1 hit on the country chart, while Gwen notched her first No. 1 on the country chart after more than 25 years as a star—both as a solo artist and fronting No Doubt—on the pop charts.

“I’m honored to know that this song is as important to fans as it is to Gwen and me,” said Blake. “It’s so wild to me every single time one of my songs goes to number one, and I know how special it is to hold that spot for more than one week when there are other incredible and important songs on the chart. I’d like to again thank Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne and Tommy Lee James for writing this song and Gwen for helping me make it come to life.”

Watch Blake and Gwen’s new live video from when people used to go to concerts.

photo by LuMarPhoto/AFF-USA.com
Dan + Shay Scrap 2020 Arena Tour With Plans to Reschedule in 2021

Dan + Shay Scrap 2020 Arena Tour With Plans to Reschedule in 2021

Posted on June 29, 2020

Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay announced via Twitter on June 25 that they are scrapping their 2020 Arena Tour with plans to reschedule it in 2021.

“We have been holding on to the hope that something might shift, something might change, that we might actually be able to make these shows happen,” said Dan, in part, in the video. “But unfortunately, as of now, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be possible out of the respect and safety of our fans, our band, our crew and everyone involved. So, what we’ve decided to do is move the entire tour from 2020 to 2021.”

Dan + Shay kicked off their 2020 Arena Tour with back-to-back shows in Nashville on March 6 and 7, followed by a stop in Columbus, Ohio, on March 8. On March 12, however, the duo was forced to cancel their remaining dates in March and April due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with plans to resume on July 30 through October 31.

Dan reassured fans that they would announce new 2021 dates as soon as they had them locked down. Furthermore, he let fans know they would be able to request a refund within 30 days of the announcement of new dates if they are unable to attend the rescheduled show.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Watch Kane Brown’s Performance of “Worldwide Beautiful” at the Ryman for Virtual BET Awards

Watch Kane Brown’s Performance of “Worldwide Beautiful” at the Ryman for Virtual BET Awards

Posted on June 29, 2020

Kane Brown performed his new song, “Worldwide Beautiful,” at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium during the virtual BET Awards on June 28. Kane became the first Black male solo country artist to perform on the BET Awards, which were created in 2001.

Proceeds from Kane’s new song benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America to advocate for justice and equality for America’s youth.

Kane beckons listeners to open their eyes and hearts as he croons the chorus: “You’re missing every color / If you’re only seeing black and white / Tell me how you’re gonna change your mind if your heart’s unmovable / We ain’t that different from each other / From one to another, I look around / And see worldwide beautiful.”

Watch Kane’s performance below, which also features Jonathan McReynolds performing “People” from the Ryman.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Sam Hunt Releases Acoustic Version of Top 5 Single, “Hard to Forget” [Listen]

Sam Hunt Releases Acoustic Version of Top 5 Single, “Hard to Forget” [Listen]

Posted on June 26, 2020

Sam Hunt released an acoustic rendition of his new single, “Hard to Forget,” on June 26.

The radio version of tune, which is featured on his sophomore album, Southside, is currently No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after 17 weeks.

“Hard to Forget,” which samples Webb Pierce’s 1953 hit, “There Stands the Glass,” was co-penned by Sam, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Ashley Gorley, as well as “There Stands the Glass” songwriters Audrey Grisham, Russ Hull and Mary Jean Shurtz.

Listen to Sam’s acoustic version of “Hard to Forget” below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Caylee Hammack Unleashes Fiery New Song, “Redhead,” Featuring Reba McEntire [Watch New Video]

Caylee Hammack Unleashes Fiery New Song, “Redhead,” Featuring Reba McEntire [Watch New Video]

Posted on June 26, 2020

Caylee Hammack shared a hot new track, “Redhead,” from her upcoming major-label debut album, If It Wasn’t For You, which drops on Aug. 14.

Penned by Caylee, Trent Dabbs and Natalie Hemby, “Redhead” features vocal from country music’s most famous redhead, Reba McEntire.

“This song was inspired by an older cousin of mine with fiery red hair,” says Caylee. “You don’t hear about redheads very much in songs, so I simply wanted to write one for her and all the redheads in my family. Then, Reba came in the studio and transformed this song. She helped me create an anthem for all redheads. Whether you get it naturally or find it in a bottle, this is for the firecrackers!”

Caylee, who was named to CMT’s 2020 Next Women of Country class, co-wrote and co-produced every song on the 13-track album. Caylee is currently nominated for two ACM Awards: New Female Artist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.”

Watch Caylee’s new video for “Redhead,” which was directed by Justin Clough.

photos: Caylee Hammack by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com; Reba McEntire by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Willie Nelson’s “4th of July Picnic” to Feature Virtual Performances by Willie, Sheryl Crow, Robert Earl Keen, Margo Price & More

Willie Nelson’s “4th of July Picnic” to Feature Virtual Performances by Willie, Sheryl Crow, Robert Earl Keen, Margo Price & More

Posted on June 26, 2020

Willie Nelson’s 47th annual Fourth of July Picnic boasts a full slate of performers this year, without its customary crowd due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The online event will feature virtual performance from more than 20 acts, including Willie Nelson & Family, Asleep At The Wheel, Charley Crockett, Devon Gilfillian, John Doe, Johnny Bush, Kinky Friedman, Kurt Vile, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Lyle Lovett, Margo Price, Matthew Houck, The McCrary Sisters, Particle Kid, Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, Shakey Graves, Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, The Peterson Brothers, Vincent Neil Emerson and Ziggy Marley.

The Independence Day event kicks off on July 4 at 3:30 p.m. CT and will be streamed online for fans who purchase tickets.

Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic will start with a Prime Cuts episode with Chef Scott Roberts of Salt Lick BBQ, followed by live-streamed performances from Luck’s Saloon and Chapel stage, concluding with a 90-minute concert film segment.

Tickets for digital admission go on sale on June 29 at 12 p.m. CT for $35 ($45 day-of-show).

photo by AFF-USA.com

Listen to Brett Eldredge’s Soulful New Song, “Sunday Drive”

Listen to Brett Eldredge’s Soulful New Song, “Sunday Drive”

Posted on June 26, 2020

Brett Eldredge released the title track to his upcoming fifth studio album, Sunday Drive, which drops on July 10.

Penned by Barry Dean, Don Mescall and Steve Robson, “Sunday Drive” beams with piano and strings as Brett croons the nostalgic track he discovered while interning at Universal Music Publishing.

“Many years ago, I was an intern at Universal Music Publishing where I worked in the basement tape room transferring CDs into MP3s,” says Brett. “I loved listening to all of the incredible songwriters’ songs and was always blown away by what people could create from their soul. One day I stumbled upon this song called ‘Sunday Drive,’ and I was stopped in my tracks. I couldn’t believe a song could be written by someone else but feel like every word and melody was every part of my life existence. I secretly/selfishly hoped and prayed no one would record it so that one day when the time was right, I could record it and make it something extremely special. That day is today, and it happens to be the title of my album. I cannot wait for you to take this journey with this song, I know it will do something special to your heart and soul.”

Produced by Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, Sunday Drive was recorded at Shirk Studios in Chicago. The new album is available for pre-order now. Sunday Drive will follow Brett’s 2017 self-titled album, which featured Top 5 hits “The Long Way” and “Love Someone.”

Listen to “Sunday Drive” below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Jimmy’s blog: NBA scout thinks Pons should return to Tennessee

Jimmy’s blog: NBA scout thinks Pons should return to Tennessee

Posted on June 26, 2020

By Jimmy Hyams

Tennessee’s Yves Pons has until Aug. 3 to declare whether he is staying in the NBA draft.

One NBA scout has some advice for the talented forward from France: Return to Rocky Top.

“There’s no way he should stay in the draft,’’ the scout said Friday. “There should be no discussion. He should go back to school.’’

The scout was impressed with Pons’ improvement from his sophomore to junior season, but he said the 6-foot-6 athlete needs to work on his offensive game.

“He can’t dribble,’’ the scout said. “He can’t shoot off the move. He’s an undersized center. He needs to improve his overall offensive game.’’

Pons did just that last season, but he is still a ways away from being an NBA player.

Pons went from averaging 2.2 points as a sophomore to 10.8 – an improvement of 8.6 per game. He went from 1.8 rebounds to 5.4, from 28 percent from 3-point range to 34.9, from 40 percent from the free throw line to 63.8.

“He improved his 3-point shooting,’’ the scout said, “but he’s not where he needs to be.’’

Pons also became the first Vol to win SEC Defensive Player of the Year as he blocked a school-record tying 73 blocks – at least one in each game.

“I think he’s a great defender,’’ the scout said. “He’s athletic, long, very strong.’’

Pons had season highs of 24 points against Kansas, 14 rebounds against Alabama and six blocks against Jacksonville State.

And while his scoring took a huge jump, he has to be more of a weapon to become an NBA player, the scout said.

The scout doesn’t agree with some mock drafts that have Pons being selected in the first round.

“The holes in his offensive game make it had to draft him,’’ the scout said.

“There are better odds he won’t get drafted than going in the first round.’’

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