Big Country Notes Friday

DIXIE CHICKS LEAD COUNTRY GRAMMY NOMINATIONS WITH FIVE

The Dixie Chicks landed five GRAMMY nominations Thursday – two in country categories and three in other ones. In country, the Chicks received nods for Best Country Vocal Performance/Duo or Group, for "Not Ready to Make Nice" and Best Country Album for "Taking the Long Way." They were also nominated for Record and Album of the Year for "Taking the Long Way." In the former category they are up against Mary J. Blige, James Blunt, Gnarls Barkley and Corinne Bailey Rae and in the latter Gnarls Barkley, John Mayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Justin Timberlake. "Not Ready To Make Nice" received a Song of the Year nod for Chicks members Natalie Maines, Emily Robison and Martie Maguire, who wrote the tune with Dan Wilson. Also in this category is Carrie Underwood’s song, "Jesus, Take The Wheel," which was co-written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson. Underwood was also nominated for Best New Artist, bringing her total GRAMMY nominations to three. "Jesus, Take The Wheel" was also nominated for Best Country Song, with the award going to its previously mentioned writers. Josh Turner, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley and Gretchen Wilson received two nominations each. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will be aired live on February 11th from Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA, AT 8:00 p.m. EST on CBS.


COUNTRY ARTISTS RESPOND TO GRAMMY ANNOUNCEMENTS

As artists were told about their GRAMMY nominations they began to respond to the honor. Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, who was nominated for Best Duo/Group, says, quote, "What a wonderful way to cap off an incredible year. We are so honored." Dierks Bentley, who received nods for Best Country Song and Best Country Male Performance, says he is honored to be included in the latter category with George Strait. He says, quote, "Being such a country music fan, the Grammys never really crossed my mind as a possibility. It's really flattering to be recognized by an organization that represents all genres of music."

Carrie Underwood is up for her first GRAMMY for Best Country Song, Best Song, Best New Artist and Best Female Country Performance. She says, quote, "In my wildest dreams I could have never imagined this incredible year. I am so thankful to the country music community … and my fans. Today, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world."

Kenny Rogers, nominated for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for his song "Calling Me" with Eagles member Don Henley, says, quote, "It’s been overwhelming for me how well I’ve been treated over the years by the Recording Academy. I couldn’t be more grateful to be nominated again this year, especially for my song with Don Henley."

John Rich of Big & Rich, whose video is nominated for, says, quote, "We are absolutely elated." His duo partner Big Kenny adds, quote, "It was important for us to record this song. This is one of our proudest moments."

COUNTRY MUSIC WELL REPRESENTED IN OTHER GRAMMY CATEGORIES

In addition to the country music categories, country artists and their recordings are scattered throughout the rest of the GRAMMY nominations.
Alan Jackson’s "Precious Memories" and Randy Travis’ "Glory Train" are up for Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album.

Under Best Traditional Folk Album, Bluegrass great Ralph Stanley, who is on Josh Turner’s new single "Me and God," is nominated for his album "A Distant Land To Roam." Linda Ronstadt has a nomination with Ann Savoy for "Adieu False Heart."

In Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album nominees include Rosanne Cash for "Black Cadillac" and Guy Clark for "Workbench Songs." Emmylou Harris is nominated with Mark Knopfler for "All the Roadrunning."

In the Best Comedy Album category, CMT show host Jeff Foxworthy is nominated with his pals Ron White, Larry the Cable Guy and Bill Engvall for "Blue Collar Comedy Tour – One For The Road." White has an individual nod for "You Can’t Fix Stupid."

In the category of Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media country music is well represented on three albums. Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Linda Ronstadt are on the "Brokeback Mountain" album. Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts and Hank Williams Sr. are on the "Cars" soundtrack and Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon sing the songs of Johnny Cash and June Carter on the "Walk the Line" disc. Shooter Jennings also contributes on the latter along with several other artists.

Dolly Parton’s song "Travelin’ Thru" from the movie "Transamerica" is nominated for Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media.

Johnny Cash’s "Personal File" is nominated for Best Recording Package. Art work is by Nashville-based graphics artist Randall Martin.

"Like Red on a Rose," Alan Jackson’s latest disc, received a nod in the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical category.

Three of Rick Rubin’s country albums drew Producer of the Year, Non-Classical nods for him – Johnny Cash’s "Americana V: A Hundred Highways" and "God’s Gonna Cut You Down," and The Dixie Chicks’ "Taking the Long Way Home."

Big & Rich’s "8th of November" is up for Best Short Form Video.

TIM McGRAW TAPPED TO PLAY POLICE CHIEF IN NEW MOVIE

Tim McGraw goes from the role of a loving dad in his recent movie, "Flicka," to portraying a police chief in "In the Valley of Elah." According to "The Hollywood Reporter," the movie is shooting in New Mexico. It co-stars Tommy Lee Jones as a war veteran in search of his son, who has gone AWOL after returning from Iraq. Other cast members include Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon and James Franco. Before "Elah" hits the big screen, fans can see McGraw in a darker role in "The Kingdom," starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner. The thriller is about a deadly bombing attack against Americans working in the Middle East. Tim told "AOL Music News Blog," quote, ""I play a husband whose wife is killed in a suicide bomber attack. I only had a couple scenes because I was working so hard, I had to fit it in. But it was pretty intense... I like heavier [roles]. I can't see me doing a romantic comedy."

KIMBERLY ROADS OF LITTLE BIG TOWN MARRIES

Kimberly Roads and longtime friend Stephen Schlapman were married on November 28th. The couple was married on an island in the Caribbean. In attendance were family and band members Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet. Kimberly says, quote, "When I least expected it, love came back to me, and I am so grateful to God for His blessings and for our family and friends who were able to join us in the celebration." The couple took time for a short honeymoon before returning to Nashville. Then Kimberly went back out to finish up Little Big Town’s 2006 tour.

In other marriage news, Jimi and Karen say they are finally going to get to go on a honeymoon. The couple married earlier this year and only recently announced their nuptials. While Jimi confesses that all the boxes haven’t been unpacked in their new home, Karen is adamant that the couple will take a vacation somewhere on a sunny island around Christmas time.

Big Country Notes - Wednesday December 6

RASCAL FLATTS TO HELP RING IN NEW YEAR WITH DICK CLARK

Rascal Flatts will perform on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2007” along with pop singer Christina Aguilera and the Broadway cast of “Jersey Boys.” This is the first year for the special to host three live performances from the show’s stage on Military Island in Times Square. Estimates are that nearly a million people will be in Times Square and tens of millions of viewers will see the appearances from home. Among those performing from the Hollywood party are rocker Meat Loaf and Latin music’s RBD. The special airs on ABC at 10 p.m. EST on December 31st.

TIM McGRAW SAYS NEW ALBUM READY FOR 2007 RELEASE

Tim McGraw told “CMT Country Countdown” that his new album is finished. McGraw said, quote, “It's actually done. We're looking at releasing it in March or April [2007].” He says he recorded it with his band the Dance Hall Doctors in a studio in Nashville. McGraw says the name of the album will be “Let It Go.” He adds that a single, “Last Dollar,” will be released in early in 2007. McGraw had a banner year in 2006 – he and wife Faith Hill’s “Soul2Soul II” tour was one of country music’s biggest and his movie, “Flicka,” was released to rave reviews in the fall. He also announced the formation of a new record company and it’s first release, the soundtrack to “Flicka.”

CARRIE UNDERWOOD HAS SPECTACULAR TWO DAYS

Carrie Underwood went from singing with Kenny Rogers at the Kennedy Center to winning five Billboard Music Awards in a 48-hour time period. The singer and Rogers performed “Islands in the Stream” Sunday night in tribute to Dolly Parton, who was receiving a Kennedy Center honor for her contribution to performing arts. Then Carrie attended the Billboard awards Monday night, where she took home five awards. Underwood was named Female Country Artist and New Country Artist. Plus she was given nods for Album and Country Album for “Some Hearts” as well as Female Billboard 200 Artist of the Year.
Carrie took her mom, Carole, with her to the Kennedy Center concert and to their delight, Vince Gill escorted them around the pre-show reception. Then actor Tom Hanks came over to introduce himself and his wife to Carrie and her mother. The Kennedy Center Honors concert will be broadcast December 26th on CBS.
In other country news at the Billboard Music Awards, Kenny Chesney took home the award for Country Songs Artist of the Year.

PERFORMERS FOR NEW FACES AT CRS-38 ANNOUNCED

Rodney Atkins, Eric Church, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift will perform at the CRS-38 New Faces show in Nashville on March 2nd. The show will be hosted by Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn. Little Big Town, who was on the show last year, made the announcement at a press conference yesterday in Nashville. In other seminar news, Kenny Rogers will receive the career achievement award from Country Radio Broadcasters in February during Country Radio Seminar. It will be presented at the Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame Dinner on February 27th. Ronnie Milsap will be the focus of CRS-38’s “Life of a Legend” panel on March 1st. Jon Bon Jovi will give the keynote address for the seminar earlier that day. Sarah Buxton, Pat Green, Mac Davis and songwriter Jeffery Steele will perform at one of the more popular events of CRS-38, the acoustic WCRS Live! Show. Other talent announced for the event are Trace Adkins and Luke Bryan, who will perform at the Friday luncheon.

LITTLE BIG TOWN SAYS WILL BE HARD TO TOP 2006

Members of Little Big Town agree that 2006 was a great year for the group. Their second album, “The Road to Here,” was certified Gold with over 500-thousand discs sold. The first single, “Boondocks,” saw digital sales of over 100-thousand. The group toured with and was asked to sing on John Mellencamp’s single “Our Country” off his upcoming album “Freedom’s Road.” Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town says, quote, “We were very honored to collaborate with John and sing some old school harmonies with him.” If working with Mellencamp wasn’t enough, the group then was asked to perform with Lindsey Buckingham for a “CMT Crossraods.” The group’s Philip Sweet says taping “Crossroads” with the Fleetwood Mac singer was one of the most amazing experiences. He adds, quote, “We couldn’t believe that we got to do it.” Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook says, quote, “The crown was so excited to see him play those songs again – what a magical night to be a part of.” Karen agreed with Jimi, saying, quote, “It was absolutely a dream come true. I can’t imagine anything beating those two opportunities this year.”

KELLIE PICKLER A BIG DOLLY PARTON FAN

Kellie Pickler is thrilled that Dolly Parton received the Kennedy Center Honor for performing arts last weekend. Pickler says, quote, “She’s got the best personality and is so bubbly and down-to-earth … just a real person.” Pickler says Parton is also inspirational to her in that she has overcome many hardships yet she persevered to become the celebrity and person she is today. Pickler says, quote, “Just to see her come out on the top and shine and just walk out with a smile on her face you’d never know she had a hardship in her life if she didn’t talk about it.”

WILLIE NELSON INVESTING IN NEW “AUSTIN CITY LIMITS” STUDIO

One of Austin's musical icons will play a big part in upcoming development in downtown Austin, TX. Willie Nelson has bought a stake in the new Austin City Limits Studio that will get built in the block immediately north of Austin City Hall. The Block 21 project will also have a new luxury hotel and high-priced condos. This will be part of the emerging Second Street retail district. Nelson will become studio co-owner. Another big part of the block will be an expanded Austin Children's Museum.

QUICK BITES

Wynonna co-hosts a segment of “Backyard Habitat” on Animal Planet Monday at 8 p.m. EST. The segment is a feature about the show coming to Nashville this fall and designing and installing a healing garden at The Monroe Carell Jr. Children¹s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The garden is for hospital patients and their families to enjoy.

Darryl Worley performs his single "I Just Came Back (From a War)," tonight on Fox’s "Hannity & Colmes."

“The Tennessean” reports that some of Kid Rock’s country music friends are helping him get over his recently announced divorce from wife Pamela Anderson. Rock was seen partying with Kenny Chesney, Shooter Jennings and Uncle Kracker in Las Vegas last Friday night. Sunday night he ran into Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy at the Light Nightclub.

“Cowboy U” returns to CMT on January 12th with eight new wanna-be cowboys signed up for the duration of the show. It airs at 8 p.m. EST. Professional cowboys Rocco Wachman and Judd Leffew have the thankless task of shaping up the newcomers to be real cowboys during the series.

Taylor Swift performed to nearly 20-thousand rodeo fans last weekend at National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas

Big Country Note for Tuesday, December 5, 2006

KEITH URBAN STRIVES FOR DIVERSITY IN THE STUDIO

Keith Urban says he tries to keep the listener from being able to predict the songs they’ll hear on his albums. He does this by being diverse in subject matter and by combining slow sensuous ballads with up-tempo rocking numbers. Although he writes a lot of his own material, he isn’t opposed to looking for songs elsewhere to make the album better. Urban says, quote, “Usually the songs I record that were written by other people are songs I wish I’d written.” Fans often sing along with Urban at his concerts and the singer says that is a great feeling. Keith says, quote, “It’s really humbling to be playing to people you’ve never met and hear so many of them singing along to the words of the songs that you have written and recorded. Sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming.”

ALAN JACKSON LOOKS BACK AT BANNER YEAR WHILE MOVING FORWARD

Alan Jackson’s new single, “A Woman’s Love,” will be the first product released by his record label in 2007. The song is from his self-produced album “Like Red on a Rose.” While he’s releasing new product the first week of 2007, Jackson will surely look back at an incredible 2006, when the singer found success in both gospel and country music. Fans showed their support for him within both genres, with the gospel project selling more than a million discs. Jackson initially recorded that album for his mother, who says she always knew there would be a huge fan base for her son if he ever did a Christian recording. Jackson’s most recent project debuted at number one and number three on the “Billboard” Country and Top 200 all-genre album charts, respectively.

TRACE ADKINS ANNOUNCES TOUR WITH CRAIG MORGAN AND DANIELLE PECK

Trace Adkins has invited Craig Morgan and Danielle Peck to join him on his “Dangerous Man” tour, which kicks off February 2nd in Fairfax, VA and runs through March 10th in St. Joseph, MO. Adkins, who is celebrating his tenth year in music, has a high-energy show that includes his hits along with some of his fans’ favorite album cuts. As would be expected, the crowd roars when he goes into his hit, “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” and they stand and wave lit cigarette lighters when he talks about the single “Arlington.” The tour will also include hits from his “Dangerous Man” album such as the singles “Swing” and “Ladies Love Country Boys.” Morgan loves performing, averaging about 200 shows a year. He will include his single “Little Bit of Life” along with hits “That’s What I Like About Sunday” and “Redneck Yacht Club” in his concert appearances with Adkins. Peck has been fronting her own band since she was 16. She has opened for Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, and Big & Rich.

“Dangerous Man” tour dates:
February
2 Fairfax, VA
3 Salisbury, MD 8 Cincinnati, OH (*Rodney Atkins replaces Morgan on this date)
9 Moline, IL
10 Port Huron, MI
17 Reading, PA
23 Pikeville, KY
24 Canton, OH
March
8 Columbus, OH
9 Bloomington, IL
10 St. Joseph, MO

GARY ALLAN WINDING DOWN TOURING UNTIL 2007

Gary Allan played before one million fans while touring with the Rascal Flatts “Me and My Gang” tour this year. With that tour over, he and friend Jack Ingram are doing a series of headlining shows in California. Tonight the two are in Palm Desert and tomorrow they are in Ventura. They round out their tour on Saturday in Kelseyville. Allan slows down mid-month but plays a New Year’s Eve gig in Lexington, KY. His 2007 tour starts up again January 30th in Pryor Lake, MN. Allan says he enjoys the break but he’s usually ready for to be back on the road after his break.

SHERYL CROW SAYS SHE IS RECORDING OLD-STYLE COUNTRY ALBUM

Sheryl Crow says recent events in her personal life have been an incentive for her to focus on a new album. The singer told soundgenerator.com that the album will be a country project. Crow says, quote, "I'm going to produce myself again and I'm working on an old-school country record in the style of The Carter Family.” She points out that many of her songs, such as “If It makes You Happy,” are country songs. She adds that the Carter Family’s traditional tunes have inspired her and says, quote, “I'm in that world of trying to strip it down and make something that feels honest and steeped in American influence. I had a lot of things happen to me in the last five years that I feel compelled to write about." Crow lives in Nashville and has already found friends in the country music community. She and Vince Gill recently recorded with Brooks & Dunn on the duo’s “Building Bridges,” and has been nominated in Vocal Event categories for both the CMA Awards and the ACM Awards.

QUICK BITES

LeAnn Rimes will host the 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown National Final on January 25th, 2007 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Reba McEntire, Josh Gracin, Trisha Yearwood and Little Big Town are all on the soundtrack to the Disney DVD “The Fox And The Hound 2.” The DVD will be released next Tuesday.

The Dixie Chicks' “Accidents & Accusations” tour is winding down. After a stop in Nashville Friday, the tour ends tonight in Dallas.

Andy Griggs has been recording his new album but he’s taking a break December 14th through 18th to travel the high seas for a Christmas cruise. While Griggs will enjoy the cruise, he’ll make it more enjoyable for fans by performing a concert one evening. Stops include Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas. For more information call 888-600-5774.

Collin Raye, the Bellamy Brothers, Mel Tillis and Suzy Boggus will participate in a country music cruise February 25th through March 4th, leaving from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Stops include San Juan, Puerto Rico and Casa de Camp, Dominican Republic. For more information contact info@countrycruise2007.com.

Trent Tomlinson makes his fourth visit to the Grand Ole Opry tonight. He’ll perform three songs including his hit single "One Wing In The Fire."

Sarah Buxton made her Grand Ole Opry debut over the weekend and says in her blog, quote, "What a cool weekend. My folks came in for my first performance on the Grand Ole Opry.” She adds, quote, “I performed right before Mel McDaniel in both performances...and he was awesome! The band was killer and they played magically.”

SHeDAISY is featured on the homepage of WomenOfCountry.com. The girls talk about their favorite songs never released as singles, the pranks they've played on youngest sister Karli, and their plans for 2007, which includes recording a new album.

Jimmy Wayne has been in New York City for the first time on a promotional tour. While it was a business trip, Jimmy managed to squeeze in a trip to Rockefeller Center and the World Trade Center site. He says, quote, “As a songwriter, it was really inspiring to go there.”

John Conlee will be on hand in Washington, D.C. Thursday for the 83rd lighting of the national Christmas Tree. Conlee will perform prior to President Bush pulling the switch that turns on the lights of the tree.

Marlow's Annual Christmas Party

Marlow Tackett's annual Christmas Party for the Needy will be held in the old Food City location in Town & Country Shopping Center in Pikeville. The party will be held on December 17, 2006 at 12 noon.

If you have toys, clothing or nonperishable foods you would like to donate, drop them by the old Food City locaton.

Listen to 93.1 WDHR on Wednesday, December 6th from 7-9 pm for our annual radiothon to help raise funds for the event.

Big Country Notes for December 4, 2006

PARTON HONORED AT WHITE HOUSE FOR KENNEDY CENTER DISTINCTION

Dolly Parton was honored yesterday at a White House reception as one of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honorees. Parton attended the event with fellow honorees movie director Stephen Spielberg, soul man Smokey Robinson, Broadway composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and conductor Zubin Mehta. Cbc.ca reports that Dolly declared, quote, “This is like hillbillies in the city.” The men and women were being honored by the Kennedy Center for their contribution to American culture and a lifetime of achievement in the performing arts. The honorees later attended a concert at the Kennedy Center where they were saluted by their peers in song and speeches. CBS will broadcast the concert on December 26th. Among those attenuating the festivities were Shania Twain, Vince Gill, Kenny Rogers and other celebrities from the world of music, stage and screen.

SARA EVANS MAKES IT TO FRIDAY NIGHT SHOW DESPITE WEATHER

For a moment it looked like Jerry Springer was going to be filling in for Sara Evans instead of being her special guest last Friday night. Evans and her crew were delayed by the snowstorm that swept across the Midwest Friday and found themselves in a line of traffic just outside of Chicago three hours prior to showtime. To make matters worse, a semi-truck had jackknifed ahead of them. Evans says, quote, “I was trapped on a bus for 12 hours but I hate to cancel shows. I told my crew I was about doing whatever it took to make the show happen.” While they were waiting for traffic to start moving again, Sara and her three children and their puppy got out of the bus to play in the snow. They befriended an elderly couple from Ontario, Canada, offering them water, coffee and snacks from the bus while they waited. After eight hours, traffic started moving and Sara arrived in Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre in time to go on stage around 10 p.m. Both Springer and Evans breathed a sigh of relief when the bus made it through the storm. Evans returned to Nashville in time to perform the National Anthem at the Tennessee Titan’s game yesterday.

GARY ALLAN SAYS WRITING IS EASIER NOW

Master songwriter Harland Howard once told Gary Allan he was so young he couldn’t possibly have anything to say in a song. Today Gary is a few years older and has a lot more life experiences behind him so, quote. “Now I feel like I have so much to say.” Allan admits when he first started writing songs it was hard to write about his own life and easier to write about someone else’s joy and heartache. He says, quote, “I’ve been through a lot more of life’s experience and I feel like now I can do it so much easier now.” Allan also says when he looks back he can see how he and his music has changed over the years. He explains, quote, “For a long time I refused to believe I was changing but you can’t help but improve because everybody’s tugging at you to go so many ways.” He adds, quote, “I think each of my albums reflects what I was going through or wherever my mind was at the time.”

MONTGOMERY GENTRY CALL PERFORMING FOR MILITARY UNBELIEVABLE

Montgomery Gentry may be winding down their fall tour but they’re already talking about another series of concerts they’d like to do. The duo’s Troy Gentry and Eddie Montgomery say they have been discussing when they might be able to get back out to perform for the men and women in the military. Troy says, quote, “Eddie and I are trying to see what would work for the best not only for the troops but for our schedule as well.” The singer says it’s hard to explain what it’s like when they are performing for the troops. Gentry says, quote, “It’s humbling and at the same time it hits you right in the heart you know.” Troy says when he was a kid it seemed that soldiers were older men and women but today, quote, ”You don’t realize how young our soldiers are today and they’re putting their lives out on the line to try to free Iraq and give them the same freedom that we have over here and at the same time protect us from the terrorist threats. It kind of humbles you and makes you think about all the freedom that you.”

WRECKERS SAY COUNTRY MUSIC A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE

The Wrecker’s Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp are thrilled with the reception they’ve received from country fans and the industry. Michelle says, quote, “Everyone understood where we were coming from and have just been so supportive. I think the biggest difference that I’ve noticed is…everyone is just so genuine and they’re really music lovers.” Jessica says it was also refreshing to see that there is a community among the artists who work within country music. The duo has been chosen by “MSN Music Magazine” as one of nine artists to watch for 2007.

LINDSEY HAUN BUSY WITH APPEARANCES DURING DECEMBER

Lindsey Haun is set to make her debut at the Grand Ole Opry Saturday at the Ryman Auditorium. She’ll be accompanied by Randy Scruggs, son of Country Music Hall of Famer and legendary banjo player Earl Scruggs. Randy produced Lindsey’s single “Broken” from the soundtrack of the Toby Keith movie “Broken Bridges.” In the coming weeks Haun will be on several CMT shows including “Top 20 Countdown” and a special pet-theme edition of “CMT Insider.” The singer is winding down her year, having just completed performing with Keith on the first leg of his “Hookin’ Up & Hangin' Out” tour. Lindsey is co-writing tunes with a number of songwriters, preparing to begin recording her debut album for Keith’s Show Dog Nashville Records.

QUICK BITES

Gretchen Wilson performs Sunday as part of the annual “Christmas in Washington” celebration in the nation’s capital. The event will broadcast as a TNT concert special on December 13th.

Keith Anderson will celebrate his album “Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll” going Gold at a party in Nashville on Wednesday.

Darryl Worley, Keni Thomas and Mark Wills are scheduled to leave soon on a USO tour to the Persian Gulf region. During the tour, Worley and other celebrities will perform, visit with troops and sign autographs at a number of locations in the region.

Alan Jackson, Merle Haggard, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn and Wynonna helped raise more than 75-thousand dollars for Music4TNKids. These artists and others signed guitar tops painted by area artists and auctioned to help raise money for the organization, which helps keep music and the arts in the schools.

Rodney Atkins kicks off December with a trip to Charlotte, N.C. Thursday to tape a performance on the second-annual Southern Sports Awards, which will air nationally on Saturday.

PENGUINS PERSIST IN BOX OFFICE

James Bond has to settle for second place again behind a swarm of dancing penguins. The latest box office numbers are out, and "Happy Feet" is still two-stepping at the top of the charts. The film took in an estimated 17-million-dollars this weekend. "Casino Royale" held on to second place with just over 15-million-dollars. Denzel Washington's "Deja Vu" has the funny feeling it has been in third place before with a take of eleven-million-dollars. "The Nativity Story" debuted in fourth place with eight-million-dollars in tickets sold, and "Deck the Halls" rounds out the top five with a take of almost seven-million-dollars this weekend. (Metro Source)
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. (final figures will be released today):
1. "Happy Feet," $17 million.
2. "Casino Royale," $15.1 million.
3. "Deja Vu," $11 million.
4. "The Nativity Story," $8 million.
5. "Deck the Halls," $6.6 million.
6. "The Santa Clause 3: The Escaped Clause," $5 million.
7. "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," $4.8 million.
8. "Turistas," $3.5 million.
9. “Stranger Than Fiction,” $3.4 million.
10. "National Lampoon's Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj," $2.3 million.