Ronnie Dunn Raises Funds For Operation Welcome Home In West Virginia

Dunn has toured around the world over the course of his illustrious career, and in that time he has prided himself on building an allegiance of fans. With their loyalty and support in mind, Dunn decided to say ‘thank you for your support’ and asked his fans to help decide where he and his band would play next. Dunn launched a grassroots-based Facebook campaign for followers to suggest venues for Dunn to “Play For Beer” during his off-days on the road.

 

After receiving an overwhelming number of pleas to play in Morgantown, W.V., Dunn delivered an arena-level concert to a packed, raucous audience at Schmitt’s Saloon on Friday, October 25. All proceeds from the show were donated to Operation Welcome Home, a local organization that provides fellowship and resources for veterans.

 

Dunn explains, “We're calling it ‘Play For Beer,’ but it's really about finding places that we can drop into on a whim, play and in turn do something helpful for a worthy cause.”

 

Watch highlights of the show at Schmitt's Saloon here.

 

For more information and to find out where Ronnie Dunn is playing next, please visit www.ronniedunn.com.

A Real Wedding In New Music Video

Take your front row seat at the wedding of ZBB's Coy Bowles and his beautiful bride, Kylie! See the band, their families and friends be a part of the gypsy fantasy land ceremony. Watch Coy and Kylie say ‘I do,’ then join them all at an amazing reception for Zac Brown Band's latest music video, "Sweet Annie."

"There was a lot of planning that went into this wedding, and a lot of hard work on many people's efforts. The sun and weather could not have been more perfect. Kylie, my wife, really out did herself creatively on the vibe and look of the wedding. " - Coy Bowles. Watch the video and read more from Coy about the big day here.

Luke Bryan Plays To 1.3+ Million On His "Dirt Road"

The ACM Entertainer of the Year wrapped touring for 2013 after closing his headline tour over the weekend. The “Dirt Road Diaries Tour,” which sold-out all dates in advance, along with the fifth annual eight-city “Farm Tour 2013” shows, saw Luke perform for a total of 1.3 million fans this year. Luke’s debut with his first major headline tour made a huge impact with the industry and fans alike with 2 nominations at the upcoming Billboard Touring Awards in the Breakthrough and Eventful Fan Choice categories.

Concert review critics throughout the tour’s run credited Luke for his seasoned ability to entertain a crowd. “Bryan had this electric, youthful crowd in his palm before he started singing. The show, which sold out in a flash, was a testament to one of country’s brightest lights, a performer who’s vocal and musical chops are aligned with his star quality showmanship,” declared the Grand Rapids Press Gazette. Cmt.com claimed, “With this tour, Luke Bryan has clearly gone to the next level. Add this enjoyable concert to the mounting evidence that he does belong on country’s A-list.” “Charisma is definitely a word you could use to describe his bond with an audience,” said billboard.com. “From the opening this was the kind of hit-filled show where the crowd sang along with every lyric,” shared the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Bryan didn’t just sell out Germain Arena, he kept the fist-pumping, booty –shaking crowd in a two-hour frenzy,” said the Naples Daily News. The Orlando News Sentinel wrote in their show review, “performing on stage equipped with spotlights, strobes, fog and video effects, Bryan had no trouble making sparks.” The Tennessean expressed this after two-sold out dates in Nashville, “With an easy, genuine smile, charisma to spare and he understands how to use every tool in his arsenal to keep the audience engaged.”

The “Dirt Road Diaries Tour” was nationally promoted by Live Nation. Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, was a tour sponsor while Citi was the official credit card of tour.

Luke, who hit No. 1 with his latest single "That's My Kind of Night," will launch a new tour in January, “That’s My Kind of Night Tour,” with the first leg kicking off on January 16 in Columbus, Ohio at the Schottenstein Center and will perform eighteen shows through March 8 and will feature Lee Brice and Cole Swindell. Presales for select shows begin today.

School Does Their Own "All Kinds Of Kinds" Video

Miranda Lambert song inspires school project:

"A School Is Made Up Of All Kinds of People
Dare Greatly To Be The Kind Of Person That You Are!"

"All Kinds of Kinds North Park"
 - North Park Jr. High School, Lockport, NY

The Band Perry Loves Halloween

The Band Perry says Halloween is their favorite holiday of the entire year and they love dressing up.  

“Last year we actually did a show on Halloween that we were dressed up on stage,” says Reid.  He was a sheriff and he says, “I drew a moustache on and all that.”  “I was Marie Antoinette,” says Kimberly.  And Neil dressed up as the Mad Hatter, which Kimberly thought was appropriate because “He’s a little nutty.”  This year The Band Perry will be traveling on Halloween but Reid says, “We’ll still probably fly dressing up.  Just to make it so weird.”  

They’re busy promoting their new single, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely,” and they will kick off their We Are Pioneers Tour on November 8^th in Europe.

Bobby Bare, Cowboy Jack Clement, and Kenny Rogers Honored Today

The Country Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony may be closed to the public but you'll be able to follow the red carpet arrivals of the stars by tracking the Museum on Facebook and Twitter, beginning with our red carpet festivities at 3:00 p.m. CST. 

You never know who will be on hand to celebrate the Hall of Fame Class of 2013 – Bobby Bare, Cowboy Jack Clement, and Kenny Rogers.

Let us know what you think throughout the evening and don't forget to use the hashtag #Medallion on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to visit CountryMusicHallofFame.org on Monday for an in-depth look back at this special evening, including photos, video, and more!

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Join A&O&B For The Medallion Red Carpet Fan Experience!

It's not too late to join us outside the Museum today, October 27 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. CST as some of the biggest stars in country music walk the red carpet! As a reminder, the Museum will close at 3:00 p.m. today to prepare for this special evening.

New Johnny Cash Bio!

Robert Hilburn’s vivid new biography,  Johnny Cash: The Life, thoroughly examines all aspects of the performer’s life, from his start in the Arkansas cotton fields to his late-life renaissance working with producer Rick Rubin. But Hilburn is particularly canny when it comes to Cash’s genius for slipping in and out of musical categories.

He was not exactly a country singer, but not really in the rock ‘n’ roll camp either. Nor was he a straightforward folk or gospel singer, although he excelled in those genres.

At every turn, Hilburn ably conveys the impossibility of pigeonholing this unique artist, but two moments, excerpted here, stand out: when Cash wrote and recorded ‘I Walk the Line’ and when he performed for the inmates at San Quentin.

                  - The Daily Beast

Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride and Scotty McCreery Among Winners at ICM Awards

The 19th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards were held last night at The Fellowship at Two Rivers in Nashville to honor artists, songwriters, radio personalities and others in the genres of Christian and Inspirational Country Music.

Winners included Rascal Flatts for “Mainstream Inspirational Country Song” and “Video,” Martina McBride for “Mainstream Country Female Artist” and

Scotty McCreery for “Mainstream Country Male Artist,” along with the top Inspirational Country Music artists: Kali Rose, Tommy Brandt, Mary James, The Roys and many more.

For a complete list of winners, please see below or visit www.FaithFamilyCountry.com.

No, They're NOT. (At Least Not YET)

Life & Style magazine reports that Lambert's actually pregnant! The gossip rag's recent cover issue blares the headline:

"Blake & Miranda: 'Yes, we're having a baby!' Happier and more in love than ever, Blake and Miranda share their pregnancy joy with friends and family."

But here's the catch, according to MStarz... Lambert is not actually preggo. The popular country music couple just WANT to have a baby soon (allegedly).

"Blake and Miranda are trying for a baby... It will happen when it's meant to happen," an insider claims. They're hoping to get pregnant "by the end of the year."

Superstar Collaborations At The 47th CMA Awards

Throughout its history, the CMA Awards has been known for showcasing unique collaborations between some of the biggest superstars in music. In 2013, the tradition continues as Taylor Swift teams up with Vince Gill and Alison Krauss, Zac Brown Band with Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl, and Hunter Hayes with Jason Mraz.



See the full lineup of performers at CMAawards.com, and watch the show live on ABC Wednesday, Nov. 6!

Dolly To Tour Australia

The iconic singer, songwriter, musician, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton announces the Australian tour dates as part of the 'Blue Smoke World Tour' starting in February 2014. Parton returns to Australia after a widely successful 2011 tour. Dolly’s latest studio album of all new material “Blue Smoke” will be released worldwide on Dolly Records with a release date to be announced soon.

“Australia, here I come again. We have a lot of new and exciting things for the show and can’t wait to share it with you. I love my fans in that part of the world. You’ve been so very good to me for so many years and I know that we’re gonna have a wonderful time. It’s a long way f rom home in your part of the world, but I always feel like I’m right at home. So Australia, I’m coming home. Wait up!”

In 2011, Dolly continued to receive accolades for what was her most successful European and Australian tour of her 45-plus year career - The Better Day World Tour! During the 2011 tour, Dolly performed for record-breaking attendances in both Europe and Australia, surpassing her previous attendance records. In 2008, Dolly performed 17 European shows to over 170,000 fans, surpassing her then-best 2007 European tour, where she played 21 shows for over 140,000 people. Each of these treks grossed in the tens of millions of dollars and established Dolly as Europe’s favorite and most successful country artist.

Dolly fans get ready for an opportunity like none other! Dolly Parton is about to announce some very exciting news, and she thinks you'll like what she has in store. New VIP packages are coming out for this upcoming tour that include access to Dolly's personal wardrobe and instruments, a backstage tour, and an opportunity to meet Dolly. Keep your eyes peeled for these packages. You won't want to miss out! For the latest VIP Experience updates, please visit www.dollypartonmusic.net.

Tickets for all Australian shows go on sale at 9am Friday November 1. My Live Nation members can be among the first to access tickets during the exclusive pre- sale commencing 2pm Monday October 28. Sign up at www.livenation.com.au

This News Is On Both Luke Bryan And Lee Brice's Websites

Luke Bryan Announces New Headline Tour To Launch In January: That's My Kind Of Night Tour  -- http://www.leebrice.com/

ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan announced today a new headline tour will launch the first of 2014, “That’s My Kind of Night Tour.”  The tour will kick-off its first leg on January16 in Columbus, Ohio at the Schottenstein Center and will perform eighteen shows through March 8 and will feature Lee Brice and Cole Swindell.  -- http://www.lukebryan.com/ 

Wonder when it's gonna be on http://www.coleswindell.com/ too?

 

Darius Rucker Thanks The Grand Ole Opry For His One Year Anniversay

It has been exactly one year since Darius was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Today, he's thanking everyone for their support (click to watch the video), as well as those who've been inducted after him.

Darius is currently scaling the country charts with his latest single, "Radio."

Can You Change The World?

Click for info and to see the inspiring entries.

Carrie Underwood To Be Honored With CRS Humanitarian Award

The Country Radio Broadcasters’ Board of Directors has announced 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville recording artist Carrie Underwood as the recipient of the 2014 Artist Humanitarian Award during the opening ceremonies of the Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 19, 2014.

The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.

"In a format rich with artists that are generous with their time and talents for a wide variety of worthy causes and needs, Carrie Underwood has distinguished herself with her depth of kindnesses and commitment to making a positive difference,” stated CRS President Charlie Morgan. “We are humbled by the good work she has done and are proud to highlight her efforts by naming her Artist Humanitarian of the Year."

Carrie Underwood has embraced the precious gifts her career has delivered and chooses to give back as a part of life. She established the C.A.T.S. (Checotah Animal, Town, and School) Foundation to focus charitable efforts on her hometown community in Checotah, Oklahoma. She has been part of countless other charitable endeavors which have included work with Pedigree’s Pet Adoption Campaign, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Save The Children, trips to Africa for American Idol's “Idol Gives Back,” a USO Tour in the Middle East, celebrity fundraisers for City of Hope, and much, much more. Her recent international tour, "The Blown Away Tour,” donated one million dollars from tour proceeds to the American and Canadian Red Cross for disaster relief.

Past recipients of the annual award have included Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others.

The Taylor Swift Education Center Opens At The Country Music Hall of Fame

The state-of-the-art Taylor Swift Education Center opened this weekend at the Country Music Hall of Fame, thanks in part to an incredibly generous $4 million donation Taylor made to the Hall of Fame last year to fund the project.  Taylor says, “I really love that the fans have put me in a position where I feel like I can give back more.  They’ve put me in a position to do that and raise awareness for things that need attention: write a song for this or show up for that or donate money for this.”

She’s especially proud of the new Education Center because she says, “That’s a place where so many people from out of town come to visit Nashville, that’s one of the first places they go.  I want it to be beautiful and I want it to be really cool for kids to get to take field trips there and go visit.”  Taylor didn’t know about the Country Music Hall of Fame when she was growing up.  She says, “I learned all about country music through what I saw on TV and the research that I did, I didn’t really know that there was a museum you could go to see all these different outfits from all these legends.  I didn’t know that you could go to a place and see it all in person.  It’s gonna be amazing, I think, for kids to get to have a place where they can go and just learn as much as they possibly can.”

The Taylor Swift Education Center is housed on two floors in the museum and features three classrooms, a learning lab and a children’s exhibit gallery.  Plus Taylor has hinted that she would like to be involved in some of the future programs that will be offered at the center, so you never know when she may stop by.

Tyler Farr’s Country Singing Dream Becomes a Reality

Tyler Farr was headed down Broadway in Nashville when he heard his current single “Redneck Crazy” on the radio for the first time. It was only fitting, being that Farr started out singing cover songs four nights a week at Tootsies Orchid Lounge on that same street only a few years before.

Farr grew up in Garden City, Missouri, a cattle farming community with no stop lights and no more than 1,000 residents. The turning point for him in music was when his mom married Dwayne Phillips, George Jones‘ lead guitar player.

“He asked me to go out for the summer with him on the road and spend a couple weeks out there. It pretty much changed my whole train of thought,” he told Radio.com. “Seeing a legend like George Jones singing the songs he did and singing them the way he sang with passion, and telling the stories the way he did…I remember getting goosebumps and that was it for me.”

-- Radio.comhttp://news.radio.com/2013/10/11/new-music-to-know-tyler-farrs-country-singing-dream-becomes-a-reality-with-redneck-crazy/

Nashville's Who's Who At George Jones Tribute

Today, Nancy Jones revealed additional talent for what would have been George Jones’ final concert appearance in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 22, 2013 but is now a tribute to the country music legend.  In addition, “Playin' Possum! The Final NO Show” has been dubbed the official name of the event.

"The evening of George Jones songs is going to be the best musical tribute Nashville has ever seen,” says Nancy Jones.  “We have many surprises planned, and I just wish George could be here to see what we are doing for him."

The SOLD OUT tribute concert will feature performances by Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Big & Rich, Loretta Lynn, Lee Ann Womack, Craig Morgan, Thompson Square, Ronnie Milsap, Bill Anderson and rockers Megadeth. Previously announced performers include Kid Rock, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner, The Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Sam Moore, and others.

"George Jones had a way of putting his finger right into your wounds and letting you know, 'I understand. I know your pain.' While 'Wild Irish Rose,' may be an unexpected choice with so many great songs to choose from, it is a perfect example of Mr. Jones way of reaching inside every one of us, and making us aware that we all have pain. By far the most pain a man can endure, sadly as so many of our Vietnam Vets know, is to come home and find no one wants him. In the end, as so many do, they end their days inside of a bottle, as "Rose" knows too well," says Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine.

George Jones, often referred to as the "the greatest living country singer" was on his farewell tour titled "The Grand Tour,” when he passed away. The icon’s hits, "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair", "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes", "White Lightning" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today" will surely become standards for honky-tonk cover bands for years to come.

Less Than A Month To The CMA Awards

In addition to celebrating the Country genre by honoring the best in the format with industry voted awards, the CMA Awards are also home to some of the most memorable performances and collaborations in music.

The first round of performers hitting the stage this year include Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.

Taylor Swift RED Tour Nashville Week

What happens when Taylor Swift's crowd is surprised with an appearance by Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Hunter Hayes and Ed Sheeran.


Click here to watch!

Justin Moore, Sawyer Brown, Phil Vassar, and Rodney Atkins join The Charlie Daniels Band For Christmas Benefit Show

Daniels, award-winning, platinum-selling icon, announced today that fellow country artists will join him for the annual Christmas 4 Kids (a division of Christmas For Kids, Inc) benefit concert taking place on November 25th at the Ryman Auditorium.  In addition, Charlie Chase will be on hand to emcee the evening’s festivities.

"Christmas 4 Kids is about helping underprivileged children who might not have much of a Christmas  if it weren't for this organization,” says Charlie Daniels.  “We'll be having fun helping to put smiles on a lot of faces this Christmas.  Thank you  Music City for your support and to our artist friends who come out every year."

Christmas 4 Kids is a not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 25 years providing many children, each year, with their very own shopping spree. The funds generated by the concert, and the Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet event, are used to give over 400 children from 29 different schools, a day-long shopping excursion.  The special day consists of a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer's luxury tour bus, dinner, and a party hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Hendersonville Expo Center. To wrap up the day, the tour buses journey to the Hendersonville, Tennessee, Wal*mart, where the kids receive a brand new winter coat, and $150.00 to spend on anything they want!
 
Ticket Pricing: Tier One tickets: $60.00, Tier Two tickets: $32.50

Starting today, tickets for the concert are available through Christmas 4 Kids online at www.Christmas4kids.org.  No service charges are billed in addition to the ticket price when ordered on the event website.

Starting October 15, all tickets not sold via the Christmas4kids.org website will be available through TicketMaster or the Ryman Auditorium box office, and all applicable service charges will apply.

What is it With Country Performers and Canadian Sports Figures!

First it was Carrie Underwood and Mike Fischer and now The Band Perry's Kimberly Perry, who said yes when her boyfriend and Toronto Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia popped the question.

"In the immortal words of Anne Of Green Gables - this makes up for every unfulfilled dream we ever contemplated," says Perry.

- Canada Country Aircheck

Keith Urban Gives Away His Royalties

Urban donated $300,000 in artist and publishing royalties from his single "For You" to the Navy SEAL Foundation before his show in San Diego.

Funds from the song, written for the Act Of Valor movie soundtrack, help Navy SEALs and their families with support, education, legacy preservation and tragedy assistance.

"I have a deep appreciation for the special bond that all of these families feel towards each other and for the commitment that they have made to all of us," says Urban. "The NSF reminds us to acknowledge the importance and sacrifice that is made each and every day by those serving 'down range,' as well as their loving families."