Big Country Notes for Jan 12

KENNY CHESNEY ANNOUNCED SIX STADIUM DATES FOR 2007

Kenny Chesney is ready for some football – football stadiums, that is! Chesney kicks off his “Flip Flop Summer 2007” stadium dates in Pittsburgh, PA on June 9th in Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Joining Chesney this year will be Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland, Sara Evans and Pat Green. When asked about playing stadiums, Chesney says, quote, “There is a whole other kind of energy, other kind of dynamic. It's a pretty intense line-up, in what we've found to be a very exciting place to do concerts!” The other stadium dates are Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, home to the Eagles on June 23rd; Seattle's Qwest Field, home of the Seahawks on July 7th; Cleveland, Ohio's Browns Stadium on July 14th; Foxboro's Gillette Stadium, home to the Patriots, on July 28; and Detroit's Ford Field, home of the Lions, on August 18th. Kenny says, quote, “You know, getting all those people together for a little party… they start tail-gating, cooking out early, and then we rock straight through the night. Anyone who's ever been knows it's a helluva good time.”
Tickets go on sale February 10th for Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Foxboro. Ducats for Philadelphia and Seattle go on sale March 10th.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR A KEITH URBAN WORLD TOUR ARE UNDERWAY

While Keith Urban was in Australia with his wife, Nicole Kidman, during the Christmas holidays, he was busy planning upcoming concert dates. A spokesperson confirmed to WKRN-TV in Nashville that Urban, who has been in rehab for alcohol addiction, will do a worldwide tour which will include dates in his native country. Urban says preparing for a tour is an evolving process. The singer says, quote, “It’s really fun structuring each show and you think you have the best … and invariably over the course of the first couple weeks or even months you make a few changes here and there.” Urban returned to the Betty Ford Clinic in Los Angeles for the final phase of his rehab after the holidays. In the meantime, Nicole was in Hollywood, FL, Monday night. She attended the premiere of a documentary, “God Grew Tired of Us.” Kidman narrates the movie about three African men, which opens in theatres today.

DIERKS BENTLEY SHOW CANCELLED; RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY

Dierks Bentley has jokingly called his Canadian jaunt the “Snowplow” tour, but Wednesday night even a snowplow wouldn’t have made a difference during Canada’s worst snowstorm in 100 years. When Dierks heard that one of his production trucks and opening act Doc Walker’s bus couldn’t make it from Vancouver to Red Deer, he immediately postponed the show. The concert is rescheduled for Monday at Red Deer’s Enmax Centrium. Fans holding tickets for Wednesday night’s event will be able to use them for the re-scheduled show. It's the first time that Bentley has ever had to cancel or postpone a concert. Two years ago he was touring with George Strait in Canada, performing in some of the same venues that he's playing on this tour.

NASHVILLE WELCOMES NASCAR AND COUNTRY MUSIC THIS WEEKEND

Martina McBride and Lonestar kick off Sprint Sound & Speed tonight at the WIldhorse Saloon. The event, which brings together NASCAR drivers and country music, will be held at the Gaylord Entertainment Center (GEC) today and tomorrow. It culminates in a country music concert at the GEC tomorrow night featuring Jo Dee Messina, Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins and John Anderson. Tonight’s activities include dinner, an auction and the concert with McBride and Lonestar. Richie McDonald, lead singer for the group, says, quote, “We are huge NASCAR fans so we are really excited to be a part of the event this year. I have no doubt it will be a great time. How could it not be when you combine the great traditions of country music and NASCAR?” Messina is equally excited about her part in the concert tomorrow night. She says, quote, “I am really excited to take part in Sound & Speed again this year. Last year’s event was truly amazing and I have faith that this year will be even better because nothing beats country music and NASCAR, whose fans are usually one in the same.”
Other activities throughout the weekend include race car displays, question and answer sessions with Ray Stevens, Brenda Lee, Mel Tillis, Bill Anderson and several race car drivers at the Ryman, plus opportunities for autographs and photographs. All proceeds from Sprint Sound & Speed benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum charities and the Victory Junction Gang Camp for children with serious illnesses.

COUNTRY STARS PUT ON THINKING CAPS FOR “WHEEL OF FORTUNE” TAPING

Country singers will be spinning wheels, not records, tomorrow when they tape a week’s worth of episodes for “The Wheel of Fortune’s country music week. Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry, Richie McDonald, Keech Rainwater and Dean Sams of Lonestar, Lorrie Morgan, Wynonna and Trisha Yearwood are among those who will take part in the tapings. Gentry says, quote, "Eddie and I are both excited about spinning the wheel for our charities. I will be playing for 'Keep the Music Playing,' CMA's music and schools program, and I can't think of a more deserving charity. I hope I can make the kids proud!"
Others participating in the taping for “Wheel of Fortune” include Steve Azar, Terri Clark, Josh Gracin, Michael Britt, Julie Roberts, Trent Tomlinson and Mark Wills. Each artist will be matched with a fan and will play for their favorite charity. When Gracin spins the wheel he'll be playing for the National Guard Youth Challenge. He became a National Guard Youth Challenge Program national spokesperson two years ago and has been an active participant through visiting programs, filming public service announcements and appearing at Foundation events. Tomlinson will play for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Troy says, quote, “I made my first visit to St. Jude in 2006 and I was totally blown away by how strong these kids are. It’s just overwhelming.”

GRAMMY HALL OF FAME INDUCTS 11 COUNTRY RECORDINGS

Eleven of the 44 recordings going into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame are country. Among those being inducted are Dolly Parton’s single “I Will Always Love You” and George Jones’ single “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” The only country album on the list is “Wanted: The Outlaws” featuring Waylon Jennings, Tompall Glaser, Willie Nelson and Jessi Colter. Other singles include Patsy Montana’s “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and The Delmore Brothers’ “Blues Stay away from Me.” Jimmie Rodgers has two songs going into the Hall of Fame – “Blue Yodel #9 (Standing on the Corner)” and “In the Jailhouse Now.” Uncle Dave Macon’s “Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy,” Emmett Miller & His Georgia Crackers’ “Lovesick Blues” and DeFord Bailey’s “Pan American Blues” round out the country selections. The Grammy Hall of Fame honors recordings of lasting quality or historical significance that are at least 25 years old. The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air Sunday, February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

QUICK BITES

LeAnn Rimes will be featured in the February issue of “In-Style” magazine.

John Rich of Big & Rich plans to build a house in Nashville but his neighbors don’t like it. Seems folks in surrounding homes think Villa Rich, which is going to stand more than 73-feet tall and occupy 11-hundred square feet, will take away from the traditional feel of the neighborhood. John says he wants to be a good neighbor, so he's taking another look at the design of his new home.

A new Johnny Cash gospel album is in the works. According to countrynation.com, the disc will be titled “Here Was A Man: The Ultimate Gospel Collection.” It will include “I See men As Trees Waling,” “My Ship Will Sail” and “Daddy Sang Bass.”

Kathie Baillie, formerly of Baillie and the Boys, is releasing her first solo project, “Love’s Funny That Way.” It's being produced by her husband who was also in the group.

Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby will tape a show for “CMT Crossroads.”

On the Grand Ole Opry this weekend: Marty Stuart, Mel Tillis, Diamond Rio, Buddy Jewell and more.