Canadian Superstars George Canyon And Dean Brody Give Back

Canyon is about to embark on a five-city tour to promote living an active lifestyle with Type 1 diabetes. Canyon was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 14 and will encourage adults and children living with diabetes to live a life without limits.

Canyon will perform at the Park Theatre on May 16 in Winnipeg, where he’ll be joined by “Diabetes Heroes,” who will provide an evening of inspiration and entertainment for those affected by Type 1 diabetes.

Admission to the event is free. Seating is limited and reserved for individuals and families living with Type 1 diabetes, with a maximum of five seats per RSVP.

Before Brody became an award winning Canadian country artist, he made a promise to himself that he would do something good with his fame if he ever became successful.

That promise led him to create The Dean Brody Foundation and focusing his efforts on saving young girls trapped as child prostitutes in Brazil. However, the difficulty of attacking a problem so large was something that the 36-year-old never anticipated.

Learning that many of these young girls' parents and older relatives were involved in arranging encounters with older men was a tough realization that Brody did not expect. It makes getting them out of their current situation that much harder because Brazil doesn't have the social networks Canada does.

 Brody plans on returning to Brazil this June, schedule permitting, to visit the foundation's safe house in the Pedreira favela in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
 
  -- Canadian Country Music Association

The Sound Of A Million of David Nail's Dreams

When Nail headed to the historic Alabama Theatre in Birmingham, he knew that the dreams songs held for people were as vast as the people themselves - and it made his goal of creating a video for the title track to his The Sound of a Million Dreams something that could evoke those meanings without taking away people's most essential truths. Working with award-winning director Chris Hicky, the singer, recently tapped as one of People Country's Hottest Guys, created a tour de force music video that balances the song's elegance with the passion the Kennett, Missourian brings to his music.

 "That was the hardest thing," Nail acknowledges. "Knowing how specific certain songs can be to me - and knowing it's like that for other people, too. I don't wanna drown their version with my memories, but I always wanted to make sure people understood how personal music is to me and how much of my life is tied up in these songs: both the ones that I sing and the ones that I love."

Still, it's hard not to be moved by the video clip of Nail's father introducing his 6-year old son who comes out to the drums at a music recital, or watching the young man come of age. It is in making the personal universal that the video for "Dreams" finds much of its power. Closing with footage of his maternal Grandfather saying "Next time I'll come to Vegas...," you see how deep the blood runs.

Country Road Warriors

– CountryTuneWeekly.comhttp://countrytune.com/  

Watch Martina Fans' ACM Marriage From Behind The Scenes

You saw it on TV.
Now, here's what happened back stage. (click to watch the video)

"It was Martina's idea."

Billboard Music Awards Country Representatives

Lady Antebellum gets a top duo/group nod and Taylor Swift also scores two nominations this week for the Billboard Music Awards, taking place in May from Las Vegas. The show, airing on ABC, will see LA and Taylor vie for Top Touring Act and also Top Country Artist with...

Jason Aldean.

Zac Brown Band


Blake Shelton


No matter who wins, it should put country's best in a very good light!

Nashville's Kevin Sharp Benefit This Week

For 22+ years, Platinum Recording Artist and Speaker Kevin Sharp has been inspiring and changing the lives of others through his music – and his powerful motivational Seminars - throughout the United States.

He has given much of his time to the Make A Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Jason’s Dreams for Kids Foundation, just to name a few. Now it’s OUR turn to give back to a man who has given so much to others.

In January of 2011, Kevin developed an infection in the leg that was affected by cancer when he was 18 years old, and seven hospitalizations and 7 surgeries later, doctors were forced to remove his hip, his femur and his knee and replace them with an artificial hip, a titanium femur, and an artificial knee in one last attempt to save his leg from amputation. Three short days following surgery, Kevin was taking his first steps on his newly “rebuilt” leg. He spent time recovering at home and in October of 2011, resumed performing.

While his surgery was successful – many of the medical treatments that he received were NOT covered by insurance and he’s been left with horrendous medical bills. The goal of “An Evening with the Stars” Benefit is to raise money to help Kevin offset these bills! 100% of the money raised will go directly for this purpose.

There are over 38 songwriters and performers scheduled to appear, including Bryan White, Larry Stewart, John Berry, Blackhawk, Marty Raybon, Jeannie Seely, Leona Williams, Michelle Cupit, Ben Gregg, Lainey Wilson, Jan Howard, Jerry Foster, Jim McBride and Dallas Frazier – and Kevin himself – just to name a few.

"We have a Silent Auction with over 120 items that continues to grow daily from such music greats as Toby Keith, Max Weinberg, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Gene Watson, Martina McBride, George Strait – and lots and lots more. There are numerous Raffle items and even FREE gifts at the door for the first 100 people." -- Sue Veldkamp, Kevin's personal assistant (866.381.9232)

Tickets are $15.00 in advance - $20.00 at the door and they’re going fast. More info is on Facebook.

Joe Nichols And Wife Heather Welcome New Family Member

"Gimme That Girl" indeed!

Congrats to new parents Joe and Heather Nichols who welcomed their daughter Dylan River Nichols on Tuesday April 17th.

"We have been trying to have a baby together for many years, and this gift is not something we take for granted," Joe says. "We are gonna try to be the best parents possible."

People Magazine Has A Photo Of Jake Owen's Engagement Ring

(click to read it all) When country star Jake Owen recently presented now-fiancé Lacey Buchanan with an engagement ring, “I told her, ‘The sparkle is never going to go away in that ring, and I don’t want our sparkle to ever go away either,’” he tells PEOPLE. “‘On your darkest days, I want you to look at it and see that there’s a glimmer of light in it. I want it to always remind you of the possibilities of our relationship.”

Owen, 30, designed the ring with Lizzy Raye Jewelers in Atlanta, and he had a classic look in mind. So the singer selected a 2.5-carat oval-cut diamond set in platinum with a “little bitty halo around it” and small diamonds on the band. “I want that ring to be timeless,” he says. “When my mom saw it, she said, ‘That looks like something Princess Diana would wear.’ I was so excited to give it to her.”

Carrie Underwood Then And Now

The latest Parade Magazine spotlights what a difference American Idol and country superstardom has made in her life.

Before auditioning for American Idol in 2004, Carrie had never been on an airplane!

After Seven Years Apart, The Mavericks Are Back Together

They've recorded a new album and they’re getting ready to head out on a full tour and the fact that it’s all happening around the 20th anniversary of the group is a happy coincidence.

“Me and Robert ... early last year we had had some correspondence about ... getting together and talking about “hey you know, what’s the possibilities of this probably happening?’” explains Eddie Perez. “It had nothing to do with anything other than we missed doing this together. That’s really all it came down to. The fact that it was 20 years since the band … to me that was never ever a thought … the fact that it’s 20 years is almost kind of a serendipitous.” Eddie knows it’s a great angle to think of the band getting back together to celebrate their anniversary, but he says, “What we’ve done in the studio with this record and what we’re planning to do out live has had nothing to do with any of that. It’s not been on anybody’s mind within the band, it’s not been on anybody’s agenda.” But he also believes the timing of it all couldn’t be more perfect. “The reason being is because there’s no band that sounds like this, anywhere. And if they do, they get attached with the label, “oh, they sound like The Mavericks.’”

Look for the first new single from The Mavericks coming soon.

Taylor Teases, But That's All

Country Aircheck: For those of you anxiously waiting for a preview of new Taylor Swift tunes, sorry. The Twitter photo she posted this week will have to do until the album's complete.

"Recording my next album," she tweeted Wednesday (4/11). "So happy." Backstage at last week's ACMs, Swift said she's been working on the follow-up to Speak Now for the last two years. "For me, I'm always looking forward ... ahead at what's next," she said. "I've been intensely writing my next record .. I hope it's good! Keep your fingers crossed. I would love it if it was good."

Jake Owen Proposes To Lacey Buchanan

It was his "home town show" and it came during his "Don't Think I Can't Love You."



She does.

The Opry Requests The Pleasure Of Your Company

Opry member Vince Gill along with fellow members Rascal Flatts, Diamond Rio and Oak Ridge Boys during Urban’s “All For The Hall” benefit at Bridgestone Arena. New Zealand-born and Australian-raised Urban will be the first artist from outside North America to become an Opry member. He will formally be inducted into the Opry on Sat., April 21st live on the premiere of “NOTEWORTHY at the Opry” on GAC at 8 p.m. Central. The 16-episode series will feature musical performances and personal stories from the top acts in country music plus interviews with other celebrities about the artists and music featured in each episode.

Near the end of last night’s show, Gill called Rascal Flatts back out on stage to bring a gift for Urban. As Urban opened a large black duffel bag revealing the Opry’s signature microphone stand, Gill said, “We would like to invite Keith Urban to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry!”

Urban covered his face in surprise as he began, “I don’t know what to say – but first, YES! Thank you very much to everybody at the Grand Ole Opry who made this possible. I’m shocked. How beautiful for this to happen tonight of all nights.”

“I will always remember the first time I played the Opry,” Urban continued, “seeing this stand and standing in the circle was an extraordinarily surreal moment. So this right here is just a whole other stratosphere! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“We are extremely excited that another of today’s most popular country music superstars will be joining our Opry family,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “Keith has become a master at forging a unique musical path and building an incredibly successful career. He generates amazing enthusiasm from fans every time he plays the Opry, and he continuously demonstrates the deep regard he has both for the Opry and the entire country music community.”

Lorrie Morgan’s Son Weds

On March 10, Jesse Keith Whitley, son of Lorrie Morgan and the late Keith Whitley, married Ashlee Hewitt in Lancaster, Minnesota.

The bride is originally from Lancaster and was a contestant on the 6th season of Nashville Star. She comes from a large family and was raised on a horse ranch; a true country girl.

Jesse and Ashlee met when Ashlee was singing harmony for Lorrie Morgan. Jessie had been touring with his mom after the release of his debut album, Kentucky Thunder.

The newlyweds have been living in Minnesota but are looking for a house near Nashville.

- Nashville Music Guide (Photo credit: Megan Sugden)

What Happens When Troy Gentry Gets a Drink Spit In His Face

Montgomery Gentry joined TNA Wrestling’s "Cowboy" James Storm for a cameo appearance in his new video for “Longnecks and Rednecks." Knowing they are huge wrestling fans, Storm invited Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry to watch him wrestle in The Impact Zone in Orlando, FL. While waiting backstage to celebrate with their wrestling buddy, the platinum-selling duo got into a slight altercation with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode during the taping of the top-rated Impact Wrestling on Spike TV.

Millions of wrestling fans witnessed TNA's Bobby Roode's vile act towards country music duo Montgomery Gentry on the Thursday, April 5 airing of TNA Wrestling, which resulted in a fight breaking out in the locker room area (click the link to watch the video). Bobby Roode, Storms' "Lockdown 2012" opponent for the upcoming pay-per-view extravaganza, met Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry face-to-face. Roode's disapproval of the duo's friendship with Storm resulted in an altercation and Roode spitting his water in Gentry’s face. Immediately, a fight broke out with Eddie Montgomery's cowboy hat being ripped-off and thrown.

Ya think the whole thing may be 'part of the act?' Here's a hint: Tune in to Spike this Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 9pm EST, to catch up with Montgomery Gentry and “Cowboy” James Storm when they give their thoughts about Roode’s actions. Roode will defend his title against Storm with Montgomery Gentry ringside at TNA Wrestling's "Lockdown" pay-per-view event this Sunday, April 15, 2012 in live in Nashville, TN.

Eli Young Band Feels The Momentum

The group has begun to truly understand the meaning of, “opening the floodgates.” Prior to scoring their first number one hit with “Crazy Girl,” their career was steadily progressing and slowly growing, but since then, they can definitely feel the momentum picking up and more doors opening, almost like a snowball effect of success.

They just took home the ACM for Song of the Year and Mike says he can absolutely feel things building. “I think we get a lot less sleep these days, which is fine by us. You know we‟ve been working hard for a long time and I think we always felt good about our career and felt good about where we were going but now it‟s like the good things just keep coming and they keep coming…”

By the same token the guys aren‟t naïve enough to think they can rest on their laurels or take their foot off the gas.

“We‟d be really foolish to think that things start snowballing on their own at this point,” says Jon. “This allows us open doors for us to work harder at and more opportunities for us to take advantage of. But we definitely aren‟t fooling ourselves to think that now something‟s on auto pilot.”

Garth Brooks To Play Calgary Stampede

Canadian Country Aircheck reports the Calgary Stampede has friends in low place, high places - and apparently country music royalty. Organizers have announced that they've booked superstar Garth Brooks to perform at the Saddledome July 12 for this year's 100th anniversary event.

Ticket information will be announced Tuesday.

The 50-year-old Brooks is one of the best selling musicians of all time, placing only behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles in overall album sales in the United States, and has won Grammy Awards and numerous country music awards.

The Calgary show will be one of Brooks's few live performances outside of Las Vegas since his return in 2009 from semi-retirement.

Vince Gill Sings for the Rainforest

Vince raised country music’s banner high at the Revlon Concert for the Rainforest Tuesday evening at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium in New York.

In a program titled “Songs of the Silver Screen,” Gill performed his own distinctive renditions of Don Gibson’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” and joined actress/singer Rita Wilson for a duet journey through the Everly Brothers’ “All I Have to Do Is Dream.” (Gill also sings on “Faithless Love” a track on Wilson’s album, AM/FM, due out May 8.)

Nashville’s Musicians Corner Kicks Off Its Third Season

It again takes place on Saturdays from May 5 to June 30 in Centennial Park at 3 PM and runs until 6 PM.

The kick off event will feature musical performances, Kidsville activities, a Dog of the Day award, mobile food trucks, prize giveaways and showcase nonprofit partner World Vision. May 5 performers include The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Sugar & The Hi Lows, Escondido and more to be announced.

"We're planning another wonderful season of free family-friendly entertainment for the Nashville community" said John Tumminello, Musicians Corner Executive Director. "We hope people will spend a relaxing Saturday afternoon with us to enjoy some of the best music Nashville has to offer!"

Last year, Musicians Corner presented a diverse line-up of music by: Emmylou Harris, Gabe Dixon, The Wooten Brothers, Nanci Griffith, Ben Sollee, Trent Dabbs, Melinda Doolittle, Sarah Buxton, The Vespers, Damien Horne, James Otto, The Delta Saints, Pat McLaughlin, Nathan Angelo and over 100 additional performers.

“Musicians Corner is one of the many long-term initiatives that helps to highlight Nashville globally as Music City,” said Mayor Karl Dean. “While Musicians Corner offers our citizens free weekly entertainment at one of our most beautiful urban parks, it also provides a great venue for local musicians and opportunities for visiting artists to share their creative talent with our community.”

The 2012 season will feature more multi-genre musical performances by over 60 artists including: David Mead, Emily West, The McCrary Sisters, k.s. Rhoads, Jim Lauderdale, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Heypenny, Bo Bice, Sugar & The Hi Lows, Chuck Mead, The Kicks, Jill Andrews, Andy Davis, Jason Eskridge, Sarah Siskind, Star and Micey, Blue Mother Tupelo, Umbrella Tree, Marc Scibilia, Christabel and the Jons, The Cumberland Collective and Megan McCormick. You can view the entire confirmed spring season schedule at MusiciansCornerNashville.com. More artists will be announced throughout April.

The spring season of Musicians Corner will take place from 3-6 PM on Saturdays in May and June on Centennial Park’s front lawn (near McDonalds). After a break during Nashville’s “hot” months, Musicians Corner will present its fall season on Saturdays from September 1 to October 27.

Luke Bryan From Downtown Las Vegas

Nashville Country Club has video coverage of ACM weekend.

Nashville's Big Machine Spearheads "Outnumber Hunger"

Label group artists Rascal Flatts, Reba, Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, Sunny Sweeney, Edens Edge, Ella Mae Bowen and Thomas Rhett are banding together to help fight America’s hunger problem.

They have teamed up with General Mills and Feeding America to create the Outnumber Hunger campaign. The Outnumber Hunger initiative officially kicked off on Friday (March 30th) with a press conference in Las Vegas.