Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney

Posted on June 15, 2020

After scrapping his 2020 Chillaxification Tour in May due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenny Chesney has announced 19 rescheduled stadium dates for 2021.

The original lineup of special guests—Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion and Michael Franti & Spearhead—will serve as support.

“There were so many questions, so many unknowns, but I believe music makes a difference in people’s lives, so everyone on my team, the promoter’s team and all of the people we deal with have worked overtime trying to get this sorted out,” says Kenny. “With Here And Now, we have so much great music! The response to the ‘We Do’ video tells me everybody is ready to get back out there to do what we all do best: rock hard, sing loud, enjoy the moment, love our friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Original tickets are automatically valid for the rescheduled show dates. Patrons unable to attend the rescheduled shows have 30 days from June 15 to request a refund at the point of purchase. The 2020 shows set for Houston and San Antonio were unable to be rescheduled for 2021. Patrons in those markets will also receive a refund.

Rescheduled amphitheater show dates will be announced soon.

Kenny Chesney 2021 Chillaxification Tour Stadium Dates
  • May 1 | Raymond James Stadium | Tampa, Fla.
  • May 8 | Miller Park | Milwaukee, Wis.
  • May 15 | Nissan Stadium | Nashville, Tenn.
  • May 22 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, Ga.
  • May 29 | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, Mo.
  • June 5 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Minneapolis, Minn.
  • June 12 | Heinz Field | Pittsburgh, Pa.
  • June 19 | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, Pa.
  • June 26 | Soldier Field | Chicago, Ill.
  • July 3 | Bobcat Stadium | Bozeman, Mont.
  • July 10 | Busch Stadium | St. Louis, Mo.
  • July 17 | CenturyLink Field | Seattle, Wash.
  • July 24 | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, Calif.
  • July 31 | Empower Field at Mile High | Denver, Colo.
  • Aug. 7 | AT&T Stadium | Arlington, Texas
  • Aug. 14 | Ford Field | Detroit, Mich.
  • Aug. 21 | MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, N.J.
  • Aug. 27 | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, Mass.
  • Aug. 28 | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, Mass.

photo by E.M., AFF-USA.com

Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker, The Highwomen & More Earn Multiple Americana Awards Nominations [See Full List]

Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker, The Highwomen & More Earn Multiple Americana Awards Nominations [See Full List]

Posted on June 15, 2020

The nominees for the 2020 Americana Honors & Awards were announced on June 15.

Artists with multiple nominations across the six categories include Tanya Tucker, Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Nathaniel Rateliff, Black Pumas, Brittany Howard and more.

The winners will be announced during the Americana Honors & Awards on Sept. 16 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Ticketing information will be announced as plans unfold. The ceremony is usually the centerpiece of AmericanaFest, which typically features more than 100 artists performing at different venues throughout Nashville, however, this year’s AmericanaFest has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Next year’s AmericanaFest dates have been set for Sept. 21–26, 2021.

See the full list of nominees below.

Album of the Year
“And It’s Still Alright,” Nathaniel Rateliff, Produced by James Barone, Patrick Meese and Nathaniel Rateliff
“Country Squire,” Tyler Childers, Produced by David Ferguson and Sturgill Simpson
“The Highwomen,” The Highwomen, Produced by Dave Cobb
“Jaime,” Brittany Howard, Produced by Brittany Howard
“While I’m Livin’,” Tanya Tucker, Produced by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings

Artist of the Year
Brandi Carlile
Brittany Howard
John Prine
Tanya Tucker
Yola

Duo/Group of the Year
Black Pumas
Drive-By Truckers
The Highwomen
Buddy & Julie Miller
Our Native Daughters

Emerging Act of the Year
Black Pumas
Katie Pruitt
Aubrie Sellers
Billy Strings
Kelsey Waldon

Instrumentalist of the Year
Ellen Angelico
Annie Clements
Brittany Haas
Zachariah Hickman
Rich Hinman

Song of the Year
“And It’s Still Alright,” Nathaniel Rateliff, Written by Nathaniel Rateliff
“Bring My Flowers Now,” Tanya Tucker, Written by Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth and Tanya Tucker
“Crowded Table,” The Highwomen, Written by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Lori McKenna
“My Love Will Not Change,” Aubrie Sellers featuring Steve Earle, Written by Billy Burnette and Shawn Camp
“Stay High,” Brittany Howard, Written by Brittany Howard
“Thoughts and Prayers,” Drive-By Truckers, Written by Patterson Hood

photo by Arroyo/O\’Connor, AFF-USA.com

Listen to John Prine’s Last Recorded Song, “I Remember Everything”

Listen to John Prine’s Last Recorded Song, “I Remember Everything”

Posted on June 15, 2020

John Prine’s last recorded song, “I Remember Everything,” has been released. The legendary troubadour died on April 7 due to COVID-19 complications.

Penned by John and Pat McLaughlin, “I Remember Everything” was recorded in 2019 in John’s living room with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb and engineer Gena Johnson. The touching tune is the first new music from John since the release of his 2018 album, The Tree of Forgiveness, which was nominated for three Grammy Awards.

John was a two-time Grammy winner, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee. John was a recipient of the Recording Academy’s 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award.

John’s catalog includes iconic songs “Sam Stone,” “Angel From Montgomery,” “Paradise,” “Hello In There,” “Illegal Smile,” “That’s The Way The World Goes ‘Round,” “Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness,” “In Spite of Ourselves,” “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” “I Just Want To Dance With You” and more. John’s songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, David Allan Coe and many others.

Listen to “I Remember Everything” below.

photo by Steven Bergman, AFF-USA.com

Clint Black & Darius Rucker to Perform on Opry on June 20

Clint Black & Darius Rucker to Perform on Opry on June 20

Posted on June 15, 2020

The Grand Ole Opry will tally its 4,929th consecutive Saturday night broadcast on June 20 with a showcase featuring Darius Rucker and Clint Black.

The one-hour show will air live on 650 AM WSM and Circle Television, as well as stream live on Circle’s Facebook and YouTube.

The Grand Ole Opry has aired without an audience present since March 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a number of stars have helped keep the Opry’s Saturday night shows rolling along, including Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Vince Gill, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood and more.

The Opry has aired every Saturday for more than 90 years.

photos: Darius Rucker by TCD; Clint Black by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Dixie Chicks Announce New Release Date for Upcoming Album, “Gaslighter”

Dixie Chicks Announce New Release Date for Upcoming Album, “Gaslighter”

Posted on June 15, 2020

Fans of the Dixie Chicks will be excited to hear the trio plans to release its upcoming eighth studio album, Gaslighter, on July 17. The Dixie Chicks made the announcement across social media using a photo-edited image of Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer as young beauty queens with the release date on their sashes.

The album was originally slated to drop on May 1, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Dixie Chicks dropped their first single in 13 years with the release of “Gaslighter” on March 4. In April, the trio also released “Julianna Calm Down,” from the upcoming album.

The Dixie Chicks most recent album was 2006’s Taking the Long Way, which earned the trio three Grammy Awards.

photo by AFF-USA.com

List of UT connections on NFL coaching staffs and front offices including 8 VFLs

List of UT connections on NFL coaching staffs and front offices including 8 VFLs

Posted on June 15, 2020
Jon Gruden and Joshua Dobbs / Credit: UT Athletics

By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports

As you may have seen in the past, I track the VFLs, one-time Vols and Knoxville area players in the NFL.

Well, It’s time to update you on all the VFLs, one-time UT assistant coaches and Gas and Knoxville area individuals in the NFL as coaches, staff members or in front office positions.

The breakdown of the 23 currently in the NFL that are listed below:
8 VFLs
9 Former UT Coaches/Staff
5 Former UT Graduate Assistants
1 From Knoxville area but spent no time at UT

Here’s that current list in my blog, “Vince’s View.”

NY Giants
Kevin Sherrer (ILB coach) Vols AC ILBs/STC/DC 2018-2019
Craig Fitzgerald (Dir. of S&P) Vols Dir. of S&P 2018-2019
Derek Dooley (Sr. Off. Asst) Vols HC 2010-2012

Green Bay
Kevin Koger (Off QC) Vols GA 2015

Minnesota
Dom Capers (Sr. Def. Asst) Vols AC DBs 1980-1981

Atlanta
Phil Emery (Scout) Vols Asst S&C coach 1987-1991

Carolina
Marcus Satterfield (Asst OL coach) Vols GA 2002-2003 (from Greenback)

Tampa Bay
Mike Caldwell (ILB coach) None with Vols (from Oak Ridge)
Kacy Rodgers (DL coach) VFL Vols player LB/DE 1988-1991

Arizona
Derius Swinton (Asst S&P coach) Vols GA 2007-2008

LA Rams
Jacques McClendon (Dir. of Player Engagement) VFL Vols player OL 2006-2009
Brandon Staley (DC) Vols GA 2012

Miami
Reggie McKenzie (Sr. Personnel Executive) VFL Vols player LB (from Knoxville)
Marion Hobby (DL coach) VFL player DL 1986-1989 & Asst S&C coach 2018

New England
Jerod Mayo (ILB coach) VFL Vols player LB 2004-2007

NY Jets
Jim Bob Cooter (RB coach) VFL Vols player QB 2002-2005 & Vols GA 2007-2008
Bo Hardegree (Off Asst) VFL Vols player QB 2004-2007

Houston
Chris Rumph (OLB coach) Vols AC OLBs 2018-2019

Indianapolis
Jason Michael (TE coach) Vols GA 2003-2004 & Vols AC TEs 2008

Jacksonville
Doug Marrone (HC) Vols AC TEs 2001
Tom Myslinski (Dir. of S&P) VFL Vols player OL 1988-1991

Denver
Zach Azzanni (WR coach) Vols AC WR/Pass Game Coord. 2013-2016

Las Vegas
Jon Gruden (HC) Vols GA 1986-1987

Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net.

Maren Morris Shares 2 New Tracks, “Just for Now” & “Takes Two” [Listen]

Maren Morris Shares 2 New Tracks, “Just for Now” & “Takes Two” [Listen]

Posted on June 14, 2020

Maren Morris shared two previously unreleased tracks—“Just for Now” and “Takes Two”—that she recorded during the making of her debut album, Hero (2016), and sophomore album, Girl (2019).

Penned by Maren, Ryan Hurd and the late songwriter busbee, “Just for Now” was recorded during the Hero sessions.

Penned by Maren, Sarah Aarons and Greg Kurstin—the same trio behind No. 1 single, “Girl”—“Takes Two” was recorded during the Girl sessions.

Listen to “Just for Now” and “Takes Two” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Garth Brooks to Stage Concert Event Across Hundreds of Drive-In Theaters on June 27

Garth Brooks to Stage Concert Event Across Hundreds of Drive-In Theaters on June 27

Posted on June 14, 2020

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

Garth will headline a unique concert event on June 27 as he performs across 300 drive-in theaters. The concert will be created exclusively for this event, making it the largest one-night show to play at outdoor theaters across the United States and Canada.

“I am so excited to get to play again,” says Garth. “I have missed it so much and want to get back to it. This drive-in concert allows us all to get back to playing live music without the uncertainty of what would be the result to us as a community. This is old school, new school, and perfect for the time we are in.”

Tickets will go on sale on June 19 at 12 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster. You will also be able to review the drive-in theaters available in your area. Tickets are General Admission and of limited availability. They will cost $100, all inclusive. The event will take place rain or shine and will begin at dusk.

photo by NCD

Luke Bryan Releases Tender New Song & Video, “Build Me a Daddy” [Watch]

Luke Bryan Releases Tender New Song & Video, “Build Me a Daddy” [Watch]

Posted on June 14, 2020

Luke Bryan released a tender new song, “Build Me a Daddy,” and accompanying video on June 12.

Penned by Jake Mitchell, Josh Thompson and Brett Tyler, “Build Me a Daddy” is featured on Luke’s upcoming seventh studio album, Born Here, Live Here, Die Here, which is set to drop on Aug. 7. The new song follows the release of three singles from the album: “Knockin’ Boots,” “What She Wants Tonight” and “One Margarita.”

Luke will perform “Build Me a Daddy” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 18.

The song’s new video, which was directed by Michael Monaco, was filmed south of Nashville earlier this year.

Watch Luke’s new video for “Build Me a Daddy” below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Daughter of Hank Williams Jr. Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash in Tennessee

Daughter of Hank Williams Jr. Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash in Tennessee

Posted on June 14, 2020

Katherine Williams-Dunning, 27, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 79 in Henry Country, Tennessee, on June 13, according to WKRN.com.

Katherine is the daughter of Hank Williams Jr. and his third wife, Mary Jane Thomas. Henry County is approximately 115 miles west of Nashville.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol as reported by WKRN, “Katherine Williams-Dunning was the driver of a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe involved in the single-vehicle crash near Antioch Road. The SUV was towing a boat at 7:44 p.m. southbound on Highway 79 when it crossed the dividing median in the highway and rolled over, crossing northbound lanes and coming to a rest on the shoulder. Williams-Dunning was killed in the crash.”

Katherine’s husband, Tyler Dunning, 29, was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where his condition is currently unknown.

Katherine and Tyler are the parents of two children ages 5 and 2.

photo by NCD

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