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.

Jennifer Nettles Welcomes A New Baby Boy

That's a stock photo, but that smile has to be really big right now.

Jennifer and husband Justin Miller are proud to announce the birth of their son, Magnus Hamilton Miller.

Born on December 6th, 2012.  

"We are so thankful for all the prayers and support and are excited to take some time together as a new family."

Country Stars Top Tour List

Taylor Swift has the number-one tour in North America right now. Pollstar says when they run the numbers, it’s the 2011 CMA Entertainer of the Year.

The next country act is Rascal Flatts in sixth, followed by the American Idols Live tour with Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina in seventh.

Jason Aldean and Keith Urban are in eighth and ninth. Pollstar says Tim McGraw’s tour is in 11th and Sugarland are in 13th place.

CMA Week in Nashville with Sugarland

It's CMA week in Nashville with the show coming Wednesday night on ABC-TV.  The first group of presenters has been made public with Billy Currington, Reba, LeAnn Rimes among those making award presentations.

The pre-telecast will be hosted by Laura Bell Bundy.  The "pre-telecast" includes awards like the CMA Broadcast awards, Music Event, Music Video, and Musician of the Year presentations.

Sugarland captured one of the coveted performance spots on the show.  They invited former tour mate and songwriter Matt Nathanson to join them.  The three wrote the song, "Run" which is on Nathanson's latest project, "Modern Love."

Sugarland, Aldean on Grammy Nominations Show

Music's biggest night, the Grammy Awards are set for February 12 in Los Angeles.  There's always the nominations show, and this year Sugarland will be on the nominations program. 

The Grammy Nominations Concert Live airs November 30 on CBS from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. 

Jason Aldean will join Jennifer and Kristian on the show to represent country music.

Eddie's Attic To Host Kristian Bush

Sugarland‘s Kristian Bush returns to Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA for his annual Thanksgiving solo show on Sunday, November 27th. 

The night will feature some very special guests to be announced. Tickets are on sale now, at eddiesattic.com.

Sugarland To Perform At Nobel Ceremonies

Sugarland will head to Oslo, Norway, in December 11th, where they'll take part in the all-star Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

The concert will be held one day after the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony, which will honor three recipients this year: Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni activist Tawakkul Karman.

Jennifer and Kristian join the list of previous country performers for the event: Shania Twain, Lee Ann Womack, Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley and Toby Keith.

Sugarland will final show of the ‘Incredible Machine’ tour in Indianapolis, Indiana October 28th.  The concert which promises a few surprise guests, is a free show that will honor the seven lives tragically lost in the devastating stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair in August.

Sugarland Free Show Tickets Available Saturday

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland will return to Indiana for a free concert at Conseco Fieldhouse on October 28th. 

This full-band show will also serve as the final stop of Sugarland’s 2011 Incredible Machine Tour. Special guests will be announced at a later date.

It is Sugarland’s intention to honor all previous ticketholders for the August 13th Indiana State Fair date at this newly-added show, regardless of refund status.Pre-sale of tickets to those holders of the August 13 show end Friday.

On Saturday, October 15, tickets will be released to the general public.

More information is posted at SugarlandMusic.com.

Sugarland To Super Bowl?

Sugarland fans are trying to get the group to be the halftime entertainment at the Super Bowl this year.

Fans have created a Facebook page called “We Want Sugarland for Super Bowl 2012.”

The petition drive was started by two Indianapolis fans.

Country Stars Subject To "Buffet Tax"

You know, the Buffet tax.  It's the tax proposed in Washington to assure millionaires pay a "fair share" according to the Washington politicians.  Looking at the list of country stars and their incomes, here's a representative list of who would be paying. 

Toby Keith tops Forbes' "Country Music's Highest-Paid Stars" list with $50 million.

Earnings from tour dates (more than $500k at each stop), I Love This Bar & Grill estimates ($8m in 2010), the Wild Shot Mezcal launch and a Ford sponsorship. 

Here are the remaining top 10:

#2 - Taylor Swift ($45million) – Her concerts bring in $750,000 per night in gross ticket sales (Add Merchandise – WOW!).

#3 - Brad Paisley ($40 million) - Nearly doubling last year's earnings thanks to sponsorship deals with Chevy, Sea Ray and others. Sea Gayle Music, the music publishing company Paisley co-founded in 1999 is another revenue generator.

#4 - Tim McGraw ($35 million) - In addition to grossing $575,000 per night on tour, McGraw took in an estimated $3.3 million from films Country Strong and Dirty Girl. His line of cologne is among the best selling celebrity scents.

#5 - Rascal Flatts ($34 million) - rely on touring, merchandise and royalties for the bulk of their earnings.

#6 - Kenny Chesney ($30 million) - Chesney's concerts gross an average of $1.6 million every night. Chesney also raked in an estimated $7.5 million in royalties in 2010.

#7 – George Strait ($24 million) - The oldest singer on the highest-paid list – Touring is the bulk of his earnings in just over thirty shows, spread out over 12 months; each of Strait's concerts pulls in a whopping $1.4 million. 

#8 – Alan Jackson ($22 million) – Making most of his money on touring.

#9 – Carrie Underwood ($20 million) - Branching out in lucrative fashion and she signed a deal to be the first North American spokesmodel for Olay.

#10 – Sugarland ($18 million) – Making most of their money on touring and royalties.

The list reflects earnings between May 2010 and May 2011. 

Forbes consulted agents, managers, publishers, lawyers and others to compute the estimates, which are gross earnings. Taxes and other components (agent and manager fees) are not deducted.

Top Country Tours For 2011

Just as Kenny Chesney wraps up his “Goin’ Coastal” tour, he moves ahead of Taylor Swift on Pollstar’s ranking of the top-20 tours. For weeks, Swift has been number two and Chesney, three. 

The latest ranking puts Kenny Chesney in second and Taylor Swift in third.

Brad Paisley enters the list at number nine.

Rascal Flatts are in 11th place

Jason Aldean in 14th

“American Idols Live” with Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina in 17th

Sugarland in 18th

Keith Urban in 19th place.

Indiana State Fair Tragedy Toll Is Now 7

The death roll has risen to seven. Meagan Toothman, a 24 year old cheerleading coach from Ohio, has become the seventh person to die from injuries sustained from the Indiana State Fair stage collapse. Fox 59 also reported Jenny Haskell, 22, was pronounced dead at 8:15 am Friday. She was reported to be a student at Ball State University.  

“After a long courageous battle, Jenny Haskell died at 8:15 this morning from her injuries sustained from the tragedy at the state fair,” the statement said. “Jenny’s family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time. Continued support and prayers for the remaining victims would be greatly appreciated.”  

The first law suit has apparently been filed. 

Attorney Kenneth J. Allen is seeking damages for his clients Wanatah, Ind. Natives Janeen Beth Urschel, who survived the stage collapse accident, and Tammy VanDam, who died in the catastrophe. 

The attorney says that he feels better calls should have been made to get concertgoers out of the area, ultimately preventing the accident. “This was a terrible tragedy that could and should have been prevented,” Allen said in a statement, according to IndyStar.com. “The responsible parties must be held to account.”  

Multiple companies responsible for putting on the concert, including the company which owns the stage rigging that fell, Mid-America Sound Corp., the show’s booking agent, Live 360 Group, and Live Nation Entertainment, who owns Ticketmaster are named in the law suit.

 

$50 million is sought for VanDam’s estate plus 10 million punitive damages for her partner Urschel. The couple had been together for 10 years, and maintained a civil union from Hawaii — though that was not recognized by the state of Indiana.

Legal experts expect many more lawsuits to follow.

State law limits government's liability to $700,000 per injury or death. But the more important limit in the stage collapse is that all claims from a single incident are capped at $5 million.

Lawyers have 270 days after an incident to give the state notice that they intend to sue.

Sugarland Posts Letter On Indiana Tragedy

Five people died in the accident at the Indiana State Fair over the weekend.  Sugarland and their band narrowly missed being on the stage at the time of the collapse.  

 

The group posted this open letter on their website this morning concerning the tragedy. 

 

 A Letter from Sugarland, August 16.

Posted on 08.16

Dear Fans, Family and Friends,

We have taken a couple of days to try and even begin to emotionally process the magnitude and gravity of the tragedy in Indiana on Saturday. While the path to healing from this type of trauma and loss is long and winding, we wanted to reach out and update you on where we are and how we are.
We are in the process of planning a private memorial in Indiana, to honor those fans who died. We would first like to hold space so that their families can have time to go through their own services and memorials. Until that time we are holding vigil for them. We join them on their mourning benches. And we stand in the gap asking God to offer them peace and healing. For those suffering from injury we hold you up with prayers for complete healing of your own.

We are also addressing our own specific healing. Our road family experienced its traumas together. While we all scattered to our given families for their comfort, the trauma we experienced together binds us in a unique way that we share only with each other, and those who were there. There is healing in our being together. There is healing in our working together. For this reason we are planning to get back on the road this weekend, beginning with our scheduled show in Albuquerque this Thursday, August 18th. The emotions have us yearning to be close to each other immediately. The logistics have us needing to replace all of our instruments and equipment. (The set is a loss that is insignificant in light of the tragedy.)

This Incredible Machine is more than a tour and more than a set. We have always celebrated music as a Healer. While music cannot change the events and losses at the Indiana State Fair, it can hopefully serve as a ritual and a balm to provide comfort and facilitate healing in this time of great sorrow. We hope to see you all soon.

Love,
Sugarland

Investigation continues into the failure of the stage at the Indiana fairgrounds. One other outside concert show had been canceled because of the weather, roughly 30 minutes before the deadly accident at the state fair.

Five Killed At Sugarland Show

A stage collapsed in the wind at the Indiana State Fair Saturday night killing five people.  The scaffolding crashed to the ground and into the crowd just minutes before Sugarland was due to take the stage.  The opening act for the show, Sara Bareillis, had completed her set and left the stage.

Announcements were made concerning the weather issue and what to do in case of severe weather.  Within minutes of the announcement, a blast of wind caught the rigging and pushed the material into the crowd.  Most of the estimated 40 injured appear to have been in the "Sugar Pit," the VIP area for Sugarland fans.

  

Sugarland was not injured in the accident.  The band canceled their show at the Iowa State Fair for Sunday night.

The Day Off Record Club

sugarlandmusic.com 

From the pen of Kristian on the Sugarland Website …


I am starting something that I have been meaning to start for a while: Day off Record Club.
It consists of me scouring through my collection of vinyl and discovering (or rediscovering) music in its complete album form. Scratches, record sleeve, liner notes, album cover front and back, side one, side two… all of it. I want to get lost again in music.


Here’s how Day Off Record Club is going to work:


I will choose a record, any record, from my stash or from the store — something that matters to me. I’ll listen to it, and write a blog post telling you why it matters. At the end of the post, I’ll write some questions or things to think about… and then leave it open to you.


Important rule: During Day Off Record Club, we listen all the way through, no matter what — no skipping allowed — and just let the music play and help teach us, remind us, or show us something new.


Once you’ve listened, use the comments or the Day Off Record Club Twitter feed (@DayOffRecords) to tell me what you liked or didn’t like.


Day Off Record Club will launch its first selection on Sugarlandmusic.com with R.E.M.’s Murmur.

Sugarland Helping Tornado Victims

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland are standing up in support of the victims of last month’s Alabama tornados, as well as the more recent victims in Joplin, Missouri, with a special performance and video clip of “Stand Up” from their Platinum certified The Incredible Machine album.


“Stand Up (For Tornado Relief),” featuring friends and tour mates Little Big Town, premiered May 31st on iTunes. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.


“Stand Up (For Tornado Relief),” featuring Little Big Town, was filmed in Chicago and Minneapolis earlier in May while on their 2011 The Incredible Machine Tour.

Nashville And Sugarland Buzzes For Charity

Jennifer Nettles helped raise over $50,000 for the Attic Community Playground through an online auction she recently hosted on CharityBuzz.


The auction ran from April 18th to May 11th and featured opportunities for fans to bid on items from some of music’s hottest names.


Monies received from contributions donated by Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Kid Rock, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Sugarland totaled over $50,000 and will benefit Atlanta-based charity Attic Community Playground, which helps provide music education opportunities for kids.


“Thank you to all of the wonderful artists who donated tickets and passes for the ACP online auction,” said Nettles. “Also, thank you to all of the fans who bid! Your donations are allowing students an opportunity to explore their excitement and passion for music.”


Funds raised in Nettles’ CharityBuzz auction will in part enable Attic Community Playground to begin accepting applications for a grant program this fall. Grants will be awarded to schools and music programs that need assistance to support their maintenance and growth. Interested applicants should stay tuned to www.atticcommunityplayground.org for updates on this exciting program.

Sugarland Breaking Up?

Jennifer Nettles admits a deep appreciation for all formats of music.


"I love singing all kinds of music and I have a bit of musical ADD," Jennifer confesses to the Star Tribune. "I like to play around with different textures and colors and parts of my instrument. I have a lot of different musical influences. As long as you're being yourself, the fans learn to respect it and trust it."


With all the talk about new collaborations and diverse musical preferences, fans may wonder what the future has in store for Sugarland. Jennifer doesn't rule out the possibility of solo projects but dismisses any immediate plans for them.


"If it happens, it happens. Kristian and I are definitely supportive of each other in our individual explorations and forays," Jennifer explains. "Do I have any specific plans? No. It's a valid question, and I like it because I'm sure there will come a time when both of us will do it."


The two are keeping their musical marriage strong as their Incredible Machine tour continues it's cross-country trek into the summer months.

Little Big Town Follows Sugarland Around

Little Big Town has toured with Sugarland numerous times throughout the past few years, including on Sugarland’s current tour.


So what is it about LBT that Sugarland admires so much?


“We love their voices, and we are friends with them and love them as people,” Jennifer Nettles says. “You want to surround yourself with people with similar work and they are most certainty that.”


“Come on, what’s not fun about getting up there and singing with a whole choir of beautiful voices,” she adds.
Kristian Bush agrees with Nettles. “They are fearless and that’s something that doesn’t happen often in music and I love it.”


Fans can catch Little Big Town with Sugarland on select dates of the 2011 The Incredible Machine Tour.

Little Big Town Sings in the Shower with Sugarland

Credit: sugarland.com and littlebigtown.com

Little Big Town has been touring with Sugarland on The Incredible Machine tour for quite a while now, and the two groups have gotten so close they're even singing in the shower together.

While working up their cover of the Mumford & Sons song "Sigh No More," the members of Sugarland and Little Big Town were having trouble hearing each other singing in their dressing room. Little Big Town's Kimberly Schlappman explains, "Somebody said, 'Let's just go to the shower,' and we did. It sounded killer in there, but it was just a nasty, old venue shower."


Little Big Town and Sugarland have also talked about writing songs together on this leg of their tour. "We love collaborating together, but we love watching each other too, you know, perform," Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild says. "Their show is really exciting. If you haven't seen the Incredible Machine tour, it's incredible." Little Big Town resumes their spot on Sugarland's tour May 13th in Ohio.