Brad Paisley Fans "Feed Our Vets"

It was the second year in a row that award-winning singer/songwriter Paisley invited Feed Our Vets to set up its trailer during his sold-out concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center two weeks ago and the results are now in.

The venue hosted a food collection contest as part of the event, with the winner earning front-row seats to the concert and a meet-and-greet with Paisley. John and Jill Bailey of Albany were the winners, bringing in a hefty 346 pounds of groceries.  The concert netted a total of 900 pounds of food and $400 in donations for Feed Our Vets.

“You can’t get much greater attention than when someone like Brad Paisley puts you in the spotlight,” said Richard Synek, founder and Executive Director of Feed Our Vets. “Brad is a great friend to Feed Our Vets. He cares deeply about helping to ensure that our veterans  have adequate food and shelter for themselves and their families, and we’re grateful to call him a partner in our effort to do that.”

Paisley commended Feed Our Vets for its tireless efforts to help struggling soldiers. “You’re doing wonderful things for our veterans. God bless you,” he told Synek.

Founded specifically to reduce hunger among American heroes, Feed Our Vets operates food pantries in Utica and Watertown, and a mobile pantry that distributes food to veterans in underserved rural communities in upstate New York. The organization also supports veterans nationwide to make sure that they have access to sufficient food for themselves and their families.

Nearly 3 million American soldiers and their families don’t have enough to eat each month. More than 100,000 veterans are homeless and hungry on any given night, and about 1.5 million American heroes are at risk of becoming homeless and hungry. Synek said the food collected at the concert would provide meals to many deserving New York veterans and their families.

Cowboy Capitalist Toby Keith

"Country's $500 Million Man" is what Forbes terms him as they put him on the cover this week and rank TK #43 among all power celebrities (Oprah Winfrey is #1).

"The most vertically integrated performer in the music business" details his rise from oil rigs to the stage, departure from Universal, investment in Big Machine and other successful ventures, often providing dollar figures.

The other country names on Forbes list:  #6 Taylor Swift, #46 Carrie Underwood and #47 Kenny Chesney.

Kip Moore Does "Fox And Friends"

It's a long way from a small Georgia town to New York City and Kip shared the journey on TV last Friday (click to watch it).

More on Kip Moore:  kipmoore.net

Lee Brice On The Many Personal Meanings Of "I Drive Your Truck"

Anytime I'm anywhere singing that song, there's somebody, maybe Military or even have fireman come to me and go "Hey man, we heard this song, and we lost a buddy in a fire - I drive your truck."  I mean it means so many different things to so many different people, and there are times that I actually get choked up - but that's a part of the song."

- as told to The Hot Seat

The Voice Winner Signs Record Deal

Danielle Bradbery from Team Blake was crowned the winner of The Voice and wasted no time in signing a record deal, as she joins the Big Machine family, making the gossip blogs already start chatting about "another Taylor."

Read the full story here and see her post-win interview with Jay Leno here.

 

Luke Bryan Chases A Waterfall

Sometimes when you're out on the road, like Luke Bryan and his crew, you've got to search out some entertainment.

In the latest episode of LBTV, the guys hike to a waterfall to risk life and limb so they can do a little cliff jumping. 

Toby Keith's Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert Tickets On Sale Today

Tickets go on sale TODAY - Friday June 21 at 10am sharp via Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000, or visiting Homeland store locations.  ALL seats are $25 (all taxes and fees included), all seats reserved - eight-ticket purchase limit.

click this LINK to purchase

Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, Ronnie Dunn, Sammy Hagar, Mel Tillis, & John Anderson for just $25?! AND for a good cause? okay!

WHAT:  Toby Keith's Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert
SHOW:  JULY 6th
WHERE:  OU Stadium – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, OK
DOORS:  1:30p
SHOWTIME:  3p
They're a whopping $25 a piece

"17's" New Country Fav's

SEVENTEEN MAGAZINE boasts Country names this MONTH with its list of "The Hottest Country Singers."

Farm Aid Comes To Saratoga Springs September 21

Each year, Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews headline a Farm Aid concert to bring together a wide variety of musicians, farmers and fans for one mission: keeping family farmers on their land.

Farm Aid is the longest running benefit concert series in America, raising more than $43 million to help family farmers thrive all over the country while inspiring millions of people to learn about the Good Food movement.

Taylor Swift Twirls With Mick Jagger

Swift got the chance to perform with the legendary group The Rolling Stones earlier this month and she says, “It just was everything that you would think it would be but better.” 

Taylor admits that the Stones have always been on kind of a heroic pedestal in her mind, so she didn’t know what to expect, but she says, “They’re now at an even higher level of hero status for me. Mostly because of their attitude. Because of their hospitality. Because they hand-write notes, thanking you for being there. Because you get to get pictures with them and hang out with them.” 

One of her favorite moments of her performance was getting to twirl with Mick Jagger. She says it came about because “Mick and I were all rehearsing the song, in a dressing room, with a piano and – we were just kinda goofing around and we started dancing, like waltz – like over-exaggerated ballet moves. And then we started twirling around the room.” 

And she says, “We ended up incorporating a twirl into the performance, I think, in homage to the hilarious musical rehearsal that we had that day.” 

Taylor performed “As Tears Go By” with the band earlier this month in Chicago. You can see their performance here.

Listen to and download the full audio clip.

Kellie Pickler To Host (And Perform!) On ABC-TV's "The View" Tuesday

Fresh off her win of ABC’s "Dancing With The Stars," the starlet will talk about her own hot topics alongside Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd and Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

Additionally, Pickler will perform her new single, “Someone Somewhere Tonight,” for the first time on television. The song will be featured on her upcoming new album, which will be released later this year.

Rolling Stone recently reviewed the single, stating, "With 'Someone Somewhere Tonight,' her winning streak continues...her big, open-throated singing sells the emotion of every last word."

During the summer, Pickler is performing across the nation. For tour schedules and more information, visit www.KelliePickler.com. 

Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/KelliePickler and on Twitter @KelliePickler.

Kristian Bush's 2013 Father's Day gift guide

Jennifer Nettles' Sugarland partner feels "like Father's Day gifts can sometimes be a bit repetitive in our culture, and maybe for good reason. It seems the same socks, tie, craft beer or favorite author are the usual go-to gifts for the dad in your life. It's because he is predictable and constant, the way a dad should be.

"I am here to make a few suggestions that might separate you from the pack, help you rise above the fray, give you a chance to be that gift-giving son or daughter you always knew you could be, and give your dad the ultimate unforgettable gift. The one that says, "I love you, Dad, and because I love you, I tried harder this year."

Let's start with a few general observations of dads. Dads love their space. For some it's their garage; others, a den or home office where they can retreat from the responsibilities of the world. Maybe it's their car, or simply their favorite chair.

Observe your dad in his natural habitat. Identify his retreat, his man cave, his safe place. Pay close attention to what might make it even better. Simply noticing it gets you points that will set you apart for many Father's Days to come, but actually improving it -- that will put you in his favor for years.

I suggest any gift that might help him stay in that space longer:

- A refrigerator so he doesn't have to come inside the house for more beer [via ThinkGeek]
- A stylish tray so he can eat in his chair [via AllModern]
- A chair all his own to watch his favorite team [via NFL Shops]
- A wall decal to finally let him claim his space [via Etsy]

Whatever the perfect fit for your dad, pay attention. You will see the need and just slip right in, like the hero I know you can be.

Second dad gift buying tip: Grooming products.

Your dad may be anywhere on the grooming spectrum from shaved and coiffed to Duck Dynasty. No matter where he falls, a thoughtful -- and it must be thoughtful, not just picked because it was on the end cap at CVS -- grooming product of some sort will be appreciated.

(NOTE: We kind of surf from holiday to holiday on the grooming products you got us at the last one. Father's Day and Christmas are perfectly timed to make it to the end of the Edge shaving cream can or our last pack of razors. If we ration well, we can reuse our razors through September, and then just grow a beard for the winter to make it back to Christmas.)

In an effort to help guide you toward something special, here are some of my grooming product recommendations:

- My shaving cream of choice [via Kiehl's]
- Great razors. I love this company, especially their advertising [via Dollar Shave Club]
- A dopp kit is a must. I like this one because it lets me imagine that Indiana Jones loaned it to me.

Doesn't it look like it has gone on great adventures? [via Bless This Stuff]

Finally, a great dad gift -- and one that is often invoked as the perfect choice -- is some sort of clothing. You can approach this creatively, depending on your dad's style. IMPORTANT: Don't push him past his comfort zone. Try to work with what his man style will allow.

Here are some gift suggestions that might fit anyone:

- Some cool hangers to hold his jeans by the loop (no matter what year he bought them) [via imogene + willie]
- A lanyard to hold his keys to the belt that holds up his jeans (no matter what year he bought them) [via imogene + willie]
- A design-your-own baseball cap that will go with his jeans (no matter what year he bought them) [via Zazzle]
- Or maybe try a vintage baseball cap. I love these. [via Ebbets Field Flannels]

If you still haven't found anything that lights a spark in youy Holy Grail quest for your dad's heart, I have placed some additional suggestions here at the bottom to help inspire something new:

- Turntable and a record [via Crosley]
- Remote control anything [via Hobbytron]
- A way to turn off the noise [via Bose]
- If you are feeling super generous, try this.

These are only suggestions. Innovate. Create. Push yourself to search the globe for dad's perfect gift. I am always partial to the home made paper mache dragon that my daughter gave me years ago. It sits on my desk and breathes fire on all of those who challenge my rule of the Iron Throne when I am looking for peace and quiet.

Sorry. Been watching too much Game of Thrones lately.

Most importantly, wish your dad a Happy Father's Day. Where would we be without them? Share your favorite gift suggestions in the comments, and say hi to your father for me.

Toby Keith Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood & Ronnie Dunn Unite For Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert

The Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium/Norman event is Saturday, July 6 and the star-studded lineup of performers, now being assembled, will include Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, and Ronnie Dunn.

Proceeds will benefit The United Way Of Central Oklahoma May Tornado Relief Fund. Updates on the event and lineup will be posted at www.tobykeith.com.

For Keith, this event and the May storms that led to it are deeply personal. "I grew up in Moore, I live in Norman and I've got lots of family and friends who were directly affected," he says. "I know these folks and they're resilient, but we're going to keep helping them any way we can. I'm proud to get together with some others from around here who are just as committed as I am to supporting these communities."

"Once we got the news that the tornado had hit Toby's hometown, Miss Yearwood and I told Toby we were at his service for whatever he chose to do," Brooks says. "I am amazed at the human spirit the tornado victims have shown. I am humbled by the giving of the volunteers. It is an honor to get to be a part of this healing process." 

Doors open at 1:30pm, show time is 3pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 21 at 10am; all seats are $ 25,  all inclusive, all seats reserved - eight-ticket purchase limit.

Relive June 6-9

If you missed The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience this year or if you're going through CMA Fest withdrawals, take a look at CMA's extensive photo gallery from the 2013 CMA Music Festival with almost 3,000 photos and relive the best four days of the summer.

The live streams of the CMA Close Up stage are also available for playback. Watch as George Jones' wife Nancy, his tour manager Bobby Birkhead, Jamey Johnson, Randy Travis and John Rich share memories about the Possum . See what fans experienced during Lady A Day after the group cut the ribbon to AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X and answered questions from fans before performing a few songs for the crowd.

Other videos include heritage panels from the 70s, 80s and 90s, two interviews and performances with Ronnie Dunn and Wynonna, and a CMA Songwriters Series with Bob DiPiero, Kristian Bush and Brett James.

Check out other media from CMA through Instagram, plus photos from fans using the #CMAfest hashtag at the Live at the Fest page.

Blake Helps Country Take Over "The Voice"

After a whirlwind appearance at CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Blake Shelton jetted back to L.A. for Monday’s (June 10) semifinals round of NBC's The Voice.

Funny thing, reporters asked Blake over the weekend, The Voice—which also has rocker Adam Levine and pop stars Usher and Shakira for coaches—seems to have lots more country music on there lately.

“Well, it sure seems like that, especially with the other coaches last week having all their artists do country songs, it’s kind of turned into the country version of The Voice,” Blake said.

“And I read a few articles about people saying the whole format has kind of shifted country, and my answer to that is, ‘You’re damn right.’”

 -- Country Weekly

Florida Georgia Line Contemplates Fatherhood (Down The Road)

Brian and Tyler are both single guys, and although they’ve been spending time on the road with a lot of guys with families, they say the only babies they’re worried about making these days are great songs and number one hits. 

“I think we both look forward to getting married one day and having kids,” says Brian, “but right now, we’re so focused on FGL and where we wanna get and where we wanna be, that we don’t have any time for that right now.” Tyler agrees that seeing their buddies like Jake Owen and Luke Bryan enjoy successful marriages and careers and families is encouraging and he says, “I’m sure me and BK will both look forward to those days way, way down the road.” 

The reality, Brian says, is “We don’t even have time to have a dog, so to make that commitment to being married and to have a kid, I think it’s a huge responsibility. When the time’s right, it will happen. When God says the time’s right it’ll definitely happen. But we’re just enjoying this time of being young and free, and a little wild in there too.”

CMA Fest Photos

Nashville Country Club has been on the scene, covering the event.

Lady A Cuts The Ribbon: Fan Fair X Opens

The Tennessean reports that thousands gathered in a hallway at the Music City Center, craning for a view of the ribbon-cutting and then entering a massive exhibit hall to view vendor booths and to attend a question-and-answer session and performance by Lady Antebellum.

Lady A’s Hillary Scott:  “(We) just really want to engage with the fans that way and really give them something extra.”

The trio performed an acoustic set on the CMA Close Up Stage and answered audience questions before heading to sign autographs at their booth.

Ronnie Dunn Surprises CMA Music Fest Fans With Rooftop Performance

Dunn performed four songs on the rooftop patio of Rippy’s Bar and Grill on lower Broadway as fans were departing the Bridgestone Arena after watching the CMT Awards. 

Dunn debuted four new songs:  “Country This,” “Kiss You There,” “Cowgirls Rock ‘N’ Roll” and “Peace, Love and Country Music.”  During “Kiss You There,” a flash mob took over Broadway for an impromptu dance to the delight of the crowd.  To view the performance and flashmob, click here.

As Dunn told USA Today, "I'm more excited about where music is today than I ever have been. We no longer have to play by rules because there are no rules. The band and crew snuck in and set-up to ambush the unsuspecting crowd coming out of the CMT Awards.  We don't have a clue what we’re doing, but we're having fun and working overtime to come up with unorthodox ways to get music to people who simply like music. I hope that those of you who rambled into the line of fire had a good time!”

Inside Rippy’s bar, Dunn gave away over 1,000 hangover patches for indulgent CMA Music Festival attendees.

In-between tour dates, Dunn is writing songs and working on a new album expected in stores this fall.

Carrie Underwood Wins Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards

Carrie's Tweets this morning reflect her joy and gratitude.

On GMA, she offered a preview of her new video.

Click for news and reactions of all the CMT video winners.

CMT Music Awards Live Tonight!

CMT Music Awards Rehearsal Photos

Are You Ready for the Main Event?

• Carrie Underwood Plans Emotional CMT Music Awards Performance for Tornado Victims
• Florida Georgia Line's Dreams Come True With CMT Music Awards
• George Strait's Father Dies at Age 91
• Darius Rucker Excited About CMT Music Awards Debut With Lady Antebellum
• CMT Music Awards Add More Star Power

Kenny Chesney Practices With The Seahawks

John Breech (CBSSports.com):  Just when you thought the music industry and the NFL couldn't possibly be in any more headlines together this week, along comes Kenny Chesney.

Click to watch the video

He showed up at the Seahawks' training facilities Friday and practiced with the team.  

Chesney wore a helmet, ran routes and even caught passes from Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, including two bombs you can see in the video above.

Despite being in Seattle for his "No Shoes Nation" tour, Chesney did wear shoes at practice.

George Strait "Rides Away" With 73,086 In San Antonio

In September of 2012, the King of Country Music, George Strait, announced his final two-year U.S. jaunt, The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, with 21 dates in 2013 and a similar schedule expected for 2014.  

Last night, Strait performed his final show of the year to a sold-out capacity crowd at the Alamodome in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas with special guests Martina McBride and Miranda Lambert--breaking his own attendance record previously set in 2010. 

Strait opened revealing, "I've been thinking about this show all month long, and I have to admit, I was a litte nervous...but I'm not anymore!" The King then played for over two hours on a rotating stage in the center of the Alamodome.

Partway through the show (set list below) Strait broke stride after he performed one of his 60 No. 1’s, "River Of Love,” and introduced United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant / E-6 Jose Sanchez to a captivated audience. Sanchez--with his wife Angela--was then recognized as the 339th recipient of the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s (MWSF) “Homes 4 Wounded Heroes” (H4WH) program.  Then, in celebration of the last tour stop of 2013, Strait recognized the Faulkenberry family on stage—U.S. Army SFC John Faulkenberry with wife Sarah—as the final awardees (340th recipient through the overall program; 23rd of the tour) to receive a key directly from Strait. Both families received homes in the San Antonio area.

The 2013 H4WH home presentations were made possible through Strait’s longtime friend, Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco, U.S. Army (Retired) who shares, “Our foundation is thrilled at this opportunity to work with such an incredible patriot as George Strait and with his help we have helped change the lives of 23 heroes and their families by awarding 100% mortgage-free homes on ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ tour.”

The homes made available for the program are donated to MWSF through partnerships and, as unveiled at Strait’s first 2013 show in Lubbock, were awarded to at least one service member at every tour stop on The Cowboy Rides Away Tour.

In addition to the homes, all the families presented homes from Strait and H4WH also received groceries for a year from Walmart, a flat screen television, and Strait's CD collection.

In addition to the charitable contributions through H4WH, Strait also partnered with CID Entertainment to facilitate a charity auction at every 2013 tour stop including front row Troubadour Package tickets, a meet-and-greet with Strait, and more.  After the final 2013 tour stop in San Antonio, the program has raised $239,000 for The Jenifer Strait Foundation.  Additionally, CID Entertainment abetted sales of 7,777 VIP tickets with San Antonio including a travel package with over 250 participating fans.

Clearly fans can't get enough of the King as Strait recently celebrated his 60^th No. 1 single, “Give It All We Got Tonight” from his chart-topping debut, Love Is Everything, making him the first ever artist to notch 60 No. 1 MediaBase singles in any genre.  The New York Times touts that on Love, “he sings with a pulpy richness” and Los Angeles Times proclaims his 40^th studio album is “carefully rendered and unabashed in its optimism, it's as personal as anything Strait has ever recorded.”

For more information on MWSF, please visit www.militarywarriors.org.

Martina McBride San Antonio, Texas June 1, 2013 Set List:

“When God-Fearin’ Women Get The Blues”

“Wild Angels”

“Whatcha Gonna Do”

“I’m Gonna Love You Through It”

“Anyway”

“(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden”

“Today I Started Lovin’ You”

“First Cut Is The Deepest” and “Free Fallin’” medley

“King Of The Road”

“Love’s The Only House”

“This One’s For The Girls”

“Where Would You Be”

“A Broken Wing”

“Independence Day”

Miranda Lambert San Antonio, Texas June 1, 2013 Set List:

“Fastest Girl In Town”

“Just Like You, Only Prettier”

“World Goes Round”

“Heart Like Mine”

“New Strings”

“Baggage Claim”

“Traveling Band”

“Over You”

“Sin For A Sin”

“Mama’s Broken Heart”

“Famous In A Small Town”

“Get Back”

“Kerosene”

“All Kinds Of Kinds”

“House That Built Me”

“White Liar”

“Gunpowder & Lead”

George Strait San Antonio, Texas June 1, 2013 Set List:

“Here For A Good Time”

“Ocean Front Property”

“Check Yes Or No”

“I Saw God Today”

“Drinkin’ Man”

“Love’s Gonna Make It”

“Arkansas Dave”

“They Call Me The Fireman”

“Jackson” and “Ring Of Fire” with Martina McBride

“Blame It On Mexico”

“80 Proof Bottle Of Tear Stopper”

“Honky Tonk Crazy”

“Marina Del Rey”

"King Of Broken Hearts" 

"Where The Sidewalk Ends" 

“The Chair”

“River Of Love”

“Give It Away”

“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls”

“Amarillo By Morning”

“Give It All We Got Tonight”

“I’ll Always Remember You”

“Troubadour”

“Unwound”

Encore:

“Same Kind Of Crazy”

“All My Ex’s Live In Texas”

“Folsom Prison Blues”

“Cowboy Rides Away”

2013 The Cowboy Rides Away tour stops included the following:

Jan 18 | United Spirit Arena | Lubbock, Texas

Jan 19 | Chesapeake Energy Arena | Oklahoma City, Okla.

Jan 25 | EnergySolutions Arena | Salt Lake City, Utah

Jan 26 | Idaho Center | Nampa, Idaho

Jan 31 | Sleep Train Arena | Sacramento, Calif.

Feb 1 | SaveMart Center | Fresno, Calif.

Feb 2 | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, Nev.

Feb 15 | Xcel Energy Center | St. Paul, Minn.

Feb 16 | Alerus Center | Grand Forks, N.D.

Feb 22 | First Niagara Center | Buffalo, N.Y.

Feb 23 | XL Center | Hartford, Conn.

Mar 1 | Thompson-Boling Arena | Knoxville, Tenn.

Mar 2 | Rupp Arena | Lexington, Ky.

Mar 17 | Reliant Stadium | Houston, Texas

Mar 22 | Bi-Lo Center | Greenville, S.C.

Mar 23 | Greensboro Coliseum | Greensboro, N.C.

Apr 5 | The Pit | Albuquerque, N.M.

Apr 6 | Pan American Center | Las Cruces, N.M.

Apr 12 | Verizon Arena | N. Little Rock, Ark.

Apr 13 | New Orleans Arena | New Orleans, La.

Jun 1 | Alamodome | San Antonio, Texas

Media Contacts for George Strait:

Essential Broadcast Media

Ebie McFarland / Leigh Parr

(615) 327-3259

 

MCA Nashville

Taryn Pray

(615) 524-7516