Vol Network Classics: 2006 Tennessee-Georgia Airs Saturday at Noon

Vol Network Classics: 2006 Tennessee-Georgia Airs Saturday at Noon

Posted on May 29, 2020
Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Volunteer fans will be treated to the 2006 Tennessee at Georgia football game in this weekend’s installment of Vol Network Classics across the state of Tennessee on participating Vol Radio Network affiliates.

The broadcast begins approximately at 12:20 p.m. ET/11:20 a.m. CT Saturday on WNML in Knoxville (AM 990, FM 99.1), utsports.com, the Tennessee Athletics App and at various times on Saturday on over 25 radio affiliates across the state of Tennessee. Check your local listings.

On a crisp fall night in Athens, Georgia on Oct. 7, 2006, the No. 13 Vols defeated the ninth-ranked Bulldogs, 51-33. Tennessee fell behind 24-7 late in the first half before mounting a miraculous comeback. The Vols scored 37 points after halftime against a Georgia defense that had allowed just 34 points total in its first five games, scoring on seven straight possessions. The Vols pulled away from a back-and-back forth offensive shootout with 27 points in the fourth quarter.

Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge had a huge night going 25-of-38 passing for 268 yards with two touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Future NFL star running back Arian Foster, who returned back for that game after an injury, scored three touchdowns. Receiver Robert Meachem had seven catches for 98 yards. Antonio Wardlow blocked and recovered a Georgia punt for big touchdown in the fourth quarter. Tennessee’s defense rebounded from sluggish first half to force four turnovers and keep the Bulldogs out of the end zone in the second half.

Bob Kesling, Tim Priest and Jeff Francis handle the Vol Radio Network broadcast. Special highlights and features include exclusive audio from the Tennessee locker room postgame. Vol Network Classics is presented by the East Tennessee Chevy Dealers and Hullco.

 

UT Athletics

Listen to Cam’s Dreamy New Single, “Redwood Tree”

Listen to Cam’s Dreamy New Single, “Redwood Tree”

Posted on May 29, 2020

Cam released a new single, “Redwood Tree,” on May 29.

Co-written by Cam, Tyler Johnson and Anders Mouridsen, “Redwood Tree” will be featured on Cam’s upcoming sophomore album, which is slated for release later this year. Cam was inspired to co-pen the song by the majestic trees she encountered as a child growing up in California.

“I grew up with a redwood tree in my backyard as my climbing tree,” says Cam. “I spent so many afternoons up there as a kid looking out and dreaming about the future. It feels like I’ve lived five lifetimes since then—I’ve done more than I can even remember, but still part of me wishes I could’ve stayed put, and to have that time at home. But you can’t be in two places at once and you couldn’t have known then what you know now. It’s a song about time, and whatever way you spend it still feels like just a blink to a redwood tree.”

Cam also released a new stop-motion video for “Redwood Tree” on May 29. Directed by Lior Molcho, the video is based off real stories and adventures from Cam’s life.

Watch Cam’s new video for “Redwood Tree” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Watch Kip Moore’s New Documentary, “7 Days at the Rock,” in Celebration of New Album, “Wild World”

Watch Kip Moore’s New Documentary, “7 Days at the Rock,” in Celebration of New Album, “Wild World”

Posted on May 29, 2020

Kip Moore was the subject of a new mini-documentary, 7 Days at the Rock, which debuted on Outside TV on May 28.

The 26-minute film was released in conjunction with Kip’s fourth studio album, Wild World, which dropped on May 29. The short film follows Kip through some of his experiences in isolation at his remote rock climbing facility, BedRock, in Red River Gorge, Ky., as well as the weeks leading up to the release of Wild World.

The 13-song offering features 12 songs that Kip co-wrote, including lead singe, “She’s Mine,” which is currently No. 28 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 37 weeks. In addition, Kip co-produced the album with David Garcia, Luke Dick and Blair Daly on select tracks.

“I know it’s an unsettling time for a lot of people right now, and so my hope is that this music can bring even just one person some peace,” says Kip. “I try to make music that reaches people in a pure sense—something that’s light and easy to carry with you, but 1,000 pounds of weight at the same time, and I think Wild World is just a depiction of what I see. Life is one crazy, wild ride. But it can be so simple if we look for the right things, and I think that is more important than ever right now.”

Kip’s new project follows his 2018 EP, Room to Spare: The Acoustic Sessions, and his 2017 studio album, Slowheart, which spawned hits “More Girls Like You” and “Last Shot.”

Watch 7 Days at the Rock below

Wild World Track List & Songwriters

1. “Janie Blu” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
2. “Southpaw” (Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
3. “Fire And Flame” (Cary Barlowe, Brett James, Kip Moore, Will Weatherly)
4. “Wild World” (Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
5. “Red White Blue Jean American Dream” (Jimi Bell, Barton Davies, Luke Dick, Philip Lammonds)
6. “She’s Mine” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore, Scott Stepakoff)
7. “Hey Old Lover” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
8. “Grow On You” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
9. “More Than Enough” (David Garcia, Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
10. “Sweet Virginia” (Kip Moore, Manny Medina, Erich Wigdahl)
11. “South” (Adam Browder, Dan Couch, Manny Medina, Kip Moore, Dave Nassie, Erich Wigdahl)
12. “Crazy For You Tonight” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
13. “Payin’ Hard” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)

photo by NCD

Watch Dolly Parton’s Inspiring New Video for “When Life Is Good Again”

Watch Dolly Parton’s Inspiring New Video for “When Life Is Good Again”

Posted on May 28, 2020

Country music icon Dolly Parton released a new quarantine-inspired song, “When Life Is Good Again,” on May 27.

Dolly’s serene voice opens the tune with, “When life is good again, I’ll be a better friend, A bigger person when, Life is good again, More thoughtful than I’ve been, I’ll be so different then, More in the moment when, Life is good again.”

Dolly debuted the song’s new video on May 28 during her interview on the Time 100 Talks. The live virtual event series convenes leaders from different disciplines to spotlight solutions to urgent global problems and encourage cross-disciplinary action.

“Since our world was forever changed by the COVID virus, I have felt a deep respect and appreciation for all of our frontline responders,” says Dolly. “This video is to pay respect to them and to remind all of us that this too shall pass. If we pull together as a community, we can rise above and look forward to more beautiful days on the horizon. I hope you love this song as much as I have loved bringing it to you.”

Watch Dolly’s new video for “When Life Is Good Again.”

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Reba, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Zac Brown & More Join the “CMT Celebrates Our Heroes” TV Special

Reba, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Zac Brown & More Join the “CMT Celebrates Our Heroes” TV Special

Posted on May 28, 2020

CMT announced another round of performers and entertainers for its two-hour TV special, CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists of the Year Special, on June 3 at 7 p.m. CT.

Blake Shelton, Gary Sinise, Jake Owen, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Olivia Munn, Reba McEntire, Scarlett Johansson, Sean Penn, Bobby Bones, Cody Alan and Zac Brown will join previously announce performers Brandi Carlile, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Kane Brown, Kristen Bell, Lauren Daigle, Luke Combs, Sam Hunt, Tim McGraw, Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett.

The special will feature one-of-a-kind tributes and performances as the stars perform from their own homes. The show will highlight stories of unsung heroes who have done exceptional things for their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In words and music, participating artists will recognize the following categories of COVID-19 heroes: Healthcare, Education, Business, Community Leaders, Food Industry, Infrastructure, First Responders, U.S. Military and more.

CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists of the Year Special will air on June 3 at 7 p.m. CT on CMT, Paramount Network, Pop TV and TV Land.

The 2020 CMT Music Awards—originally slated for June 3—will take place on October 14. The fan-voted CMT Awards hand out trophies in a number of categories, including Video of the Year, Collaborative Video of the Year, Breakthrough Video of the Year and more.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Luke Combs Still Hoping to Get Married This Year: “There’s Not Much We Can Do About It But Plan Ahead”

Luke Combs Still Hoping to Get Married This Year: “There’s Not Much We Can Do About It But Plan Ahead”

Posted on May 28, 2020

After getting engaged in November 2018, Luke Combs and Nicole Hocking were planning to get married this year.

Although the couple has never publicly revealed the official wedding date, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made planning the big day a big problem. Variables like location, venue, scheduling, travel and the health of guests are all major concerns for anyone currently planning a wedding.

The “Beautiful Crazy” singer was a virtual guest on Nights With Elaina on May 27, telling host Elaina Smith that he’s still holding out hope that the ceremony takes place in 2020.

“We obviously hope that that happens,” says Luke. “Obviously, things are day to day, and that decision ultimately is not really up to us. I guess it depends on regulations and the way all this stuff shakes out. So I don’t know. We’ll see. Obviously, we would both love to [have the wedding], and hope that that happens sooner rather than later. But also, we want to be safe for our grandparents and different folks like that. There’s not much we can do about it but plan ahead.

“We definitely considered [a very small wedding], but my fiancée has put so much planning into this thing. I think we’re pretty set on what we’re gonna do and whenever that is, I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

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

Lady Vols Set To Play at West Virginia in 2020 SEC/Big 12 Challenge

Lady Vols Set To Play at West Virginia in 2020 SEC/Big 12 Challenge

Posted on May 28, 2020
Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Southeastern and Big 12 Conferences have announced the 2020 match-ups for their Women’s Basketball Challenge, and Tennessee is set to play at West Virginia this season.

The day and time for the contest between the Lady Vols and Mountaineers will be announced at a later date.

UT will take a 6-0 series lead into the meeting at WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, most recently defeating West Virginia, 67-49, on Nov. 21, 2007, at the Civic Center in Charleston. That tilt was a homecoming game for Lady Vol guard Alexis Hornbuckle, who is a graduate of South Charleston High School.

Tennessee had one other trip to Morgantown on Jan. 4, 1986, winning by a 74-58 count, and played a third game in the Mountain State on Nov. 19, 1983, as the Lady Vols defeated WVU, 52-47, in Parkersburg during a homecoming contest for Mary Ostrowski.

This season’s match-up will allow sophomore center Emily Saunders of Mullens, W. Va., to return to her home state. Her Tennessee squad will bring back three starters and eight letterwinners from last season’s 21-10 squad that finished tied for third in the SEC with a 10-6 mark. WVU, meanwhile, will return four starters from a team that went 17-12 overall and 7-11 in league play.

Ten teams from the SEC participate, while every team from the Big 12 takes part in the Challenge each season. The format features five home games on campus sites for each conference per year.

The inaugural challenge was held in 2014 with the first 10-game slate in 2016. The SEC edged the Big 12, 6-4, that year, with the conferences splitting the challenge, 5-5, in 2017 and 2018. The Big 12 took home the trophy last season.

2020 SEC/Big 12 Women’s Basketball Challenge Match-Ups
South Carolina @ Iowa State
Kentucky @ Kansas State
Alabama @ Oklahoma State
Texas A&M @ Texas
Tennessee @ West Virginia
Baylor @ Arkansas
Kansas @ Ole Miss
Oklahoma @ Georgia
TCU @ Missouri
Texas Tech @ Vanderbilt

 

UT Athletics

Blake Shelton’s New Ole Red Orlando Planning Early Summer Opening After Delay

Blake Shelton’s New Ole Red Orlando Planning Early Summer Opening After Delay

Posted on May 28, 2020

Blake Shelton’s new Ole Red restaurant/bar/venue in Orlando, Fla., is now hiring in preparation for “an early summer opening,” according to a press release.

Ole Red Orlando was scheduled to open on April 14. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on the plans for the grand opening.

Located at the ICON Park development, the planned $15-million Ole Red Orlando project will offer 17,000-square-feet over two levels and will seat approximately 500 guests. The venue will feature live music as well as indoor and outdoor private event areas and a view of The Wheel, one of the world’s largest observation wheels.

Blake is once again teaming with Ryman Hospitality Properties for the Orlando project. Blake and Ryman Hospitality have already opened Ole Red locations in Tishomingo, Okla. (September 2017), Nashville (May 2018) and Gatlinburg (March 2019).

“We’ve brought Ole Red to some of my favorite places, and I’m excited to have another spot for country music fans to have fun with their friends and family,” said Blake. “I think it’s impossible to visit Orlando and not have a good time, and that’s why I know Ole Red is going to fit right in.”

Ole Red Orlando is now hiring for select positions.

photo by Jim Casey

Jimmy’s blog: Yoga might help James blossom next season

Jimmy’s blog: Yoga might help James blossom next season

Posted on May 28, 2020

By Jimmy Hyams

After the Tennessee’s men’s basketball season abruptly ended at the SEC Tournament in mid-March, the coaching staff met with players for exit interviews.

“We talked about the perspective of the year,’’ coach Rick Barnes said in a recent interview on Sports Talk, WNML radio. “It’s great to hear them (players) because they’re very honest from their point of view, not only about themselves but teammates.’’

The staff is also honest with the players.

Barnes told each one to work on his weakness.

He had an interesting suggestion for gifted guard Josiah-Jordan James.

Take yoga.

James was beset by injuries as a five-star freshman. He was sidelined by a hip injury in October, then a groin injury during the season.

That’s one reason James didn’t put up the numbers many expected. He averaged only 7.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and shot 37 percent from the field, 36.7 percent on 3s.

“Why don’t you get into yoga?’’ Barnes said to James. “Just try it.’’

James did, and the results, according to Barnes, have been remarkable.

“He has transformed his body in a way you wouldn’t believe in terms of flexibility,’’ Barnes said. “We actually face timed him the other day. We had him doing different poses just to show us how he was doing different things.

“It was really neat, some of the things he was doing that he couldn’t get close to (doing before). He actually said it was life changing for him in terms of how well he feels.

“He said his body feels right now the best it’s ever felt.’’

Barnes has helped many a player in terms of development.

He helped Kevin Punter double his scoring average by changing his shot, Kyle Alexander go from being uncoordinated to an NBA contract, Grant Williams from flabby to a phenom and the two-time SEC player of the year, Yves Pons from an offensive liability to a threat as a 3-point shooter.

But this might be the first time Barnes has turned to yoga to improve a player.

The results will be on display this season.

Barnes was also excited that the SEC voted Friday to allow student-athletes to return to campus June 8.

“I think it’s progress,’’ Barnes said. “I think everybody wants to see us make some kind of move to get going. I think it’s great. Our players are all wanting to get back on campus and get going. I’m sure every athlete is.

“It’s a phased program. We’ve got to start at some point. I really appreciate the way the SEC has handled this thing and also the way our university has handled things. Everything is being done with an air of caution.’’

Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all 

Michael Ray, Carly Pearce, Lee Brice & Steve Wariner to Perform on the Opry on June 6

Michael Ray, Carly Pearce, Lee Brice & Steve Wariner to Perform on the Opry on June 6

Posted on May 28, 2020

The Grand Ole Opry will tally its 4,927th consecutive Saturday night broadcast on June 6 with a showcase featuring Lee Brice, Carly Pearce, Michael Ray and Opry member Steve Wariner.

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. The May 30 lineup features Chris Young, Brett Young and Chris Janson.

photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

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