Big Country Notes for Mar 20

KENNY CHESNEY STAYS AT NUMBER ONE WITH “BEER IN MEXICO”

Kenny Chesney has a lot to be happy about. The chart-topper “Beer in Mexico” stays at number one on the “Country Aircheck” chart. Plus, it’s the first number one tune he’s written by himself. The single is Kenny’s third number one from his triple-Platinum disc “The Road & The Radio.” The singer is busy rehearsing for the kick-off of his “Flip Flop Summer” tour on April 12th in Omaha, NE. Joining him on the trek are Sugarland and Pat Green.

DIERKS BENTLEY FULFILLING DREAM WITH RELEASE OF LIVE CONCERT DVD

You might think taping a live performance DVD is a piece of cake, but don’t tell Dierks Bentley. The singer put in an extraordinary amount of time and effort to make sure his new DVD “Live and Loud at the Fillmore” met his high standards. Dierks says one of the first things you need to do is get used to hearing yourself [sing] to get better at it. Bentley adds, quote, “We videotape shows to get comfortable seeing that and being able to watch so you aren’t judging yourself.” The singer chose London-based filmmaker Russell Thomas to shoot the DVD because he liked Russell’s work with Coldplay. Dierks admits, quote, “Making a live DVD has been a dream of mine for a couple years now...This is the ultimate accomplishment for me, the band and our fans.”
· The DVD also contains bonus behind-the-scenes footage of Dierks on tour, the music video of “Every Mile A Memory” and an exclusive live photo slideshow.
· The singer continues his mini-tour to promote his concert DVD “Live and Loud at the Fillmore” with a stop in Chicago today. Tomorrow he’s in Philadelphia.
· Bentley’s first-ever DVD “Loud and Live at the Fillmore” is in stores today.

Here’s the set list from the DVD:
· Lot of Leavin' Left to Do
· Cab of My Truck
· How Am I Doin'
· Domestic, Light and Cold
· Forget About You
· Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)
· Settle for a Slowdown
· Every Mile a Memory
· Wish It Would Break
· Can't Live It Down
· Good Man Like Me
· My Last Name
· Long Trip Alone
· My Love Will Follow You
· So So Long
· Come a Little Closer
· What Was I Thinkin'

Encore:
· Ain't Livin Long Like This
· Where the Wind Don't Blow
· Folsom Prison Blues


CRAIG MORGAN TO TOAST TROOPS TODAY

Craig Morgan is well-known for his tireless efforts on behalf of the U.S. troops and their families. Today he continues his support by joining military spouses in the San Diego area, volunteers from the Jack Daniel Distillery and the USO for a “Toast to the Troops Stuffing Party.” The purpose of the party is to assemble 10-thousand USA Care packages for the troops serving abroad. The event is being held at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego Bay. After the party, volunteers will be treated to a barbecue and a special celebration concert by Morgan. This is the singer’s fourth “Toast to the Troops” event. Before embarking on a recording career, Morgan served eleven years in the Army.
· The care packages contain disposable cameras, prepaid calling cards, toiletries, sunscreen and other items requested by the servicemen and women.

BON JOVI READIES NEW ALBUM

It’s no surprise that Bon Jovi’s next album “Lost Highway” will be more country than rock. Jon’s collaboration with Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles on the number one country hit “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” introduced the group to new audiences in the country music genre. The group’s next album, “Lost Highway,” is already stirring things up, as their single “(You Want To) Make A Memory” hits radio today. The band has signed on to perform the track at the “CMT Awards” April 16th, as well as on “American Idol” May 2nd and NBC’s “Today Show” June 19th. Fans with a keen ear might have also heard the title track from the album in promos for the box office hit “Wild Hogs”, while their “We Got It Going” cut with Big & Rich is serving as a theme for ESPN’s coverage of Arena League Football. Bon Jovi’s “Lost Highway” is in stores June 19th.
· Jennifer and Jon received a country GRAMMY this year for their collaboration on “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” from Bon Jovi’s multi-Platinum disc “Have A Nice Day.” Last year the duo received a CMT Award for Collaborative Video of the Year.


HANK WILLIAMS JR.’S FANS OFFERED EXCLUSIVE FRONT ROW EXCESS FOR SPRING TOUR

Hank Williams Jr.’s fans are in for a real treat when he launches his spring tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd in April. The “Rowdy Frynds” tour is offering first row seats via an exclusive auction and up to 100 premium tickets in the first ten rows for show dates. A portion of the proceeds from the tickets sold will benefit charity. Auctions for front row seats have an opening bid of one-hundred-dollars per ticket. Tickets located in the first ten rows will be sold at a fixed price. Visit stubHub.com for more info. Below are the dates for the “Rowdy Frynds” tour:
· April 11th—Huntsville, AL/VBCC Arena
· April 13th—Tampa, FL/St. Petersburg Times Forum
· April 20th—Indianapolis, IN/Conseco Fieldhouse
· April 21st—Peoria, IL/Peoria Civic Center
· April 27th—Baltimore, MD/First Mariner Arena
· April 28th—Raleigh, NC/RBC Center
· May 4th—Nashville, TN/Gaylord Entertainment Center
· May 5th—Charleston, WV/Charleston Civic Center
· May 11th—Dayton, OH/Nutter Center
· May 12th—Auburn Hills, MI/The Palace of Auburn Hills
· May 18th—Sioux City, IA/Tyson Events Center Gateway Arena
· May 19th—Minneapolis, MN/Target Center
· May 25th—New Orleans, LA/New Orleans Arena
· May 26th—Orange Beach, AL/Wharf Amphitheater
· June 1st—Atlanta, GA/Phillips Arena
· June 2nd—Greenville, SC/Bi-Lo Center
· June 8th—University Park, PA/Bryce Jordan Center
· June 9th—Albany, NY/Times Union Center
· June 15th—Louisville, KY—Freedom Hall
· June 16th—St. Charles, MO—Family Arena


QUICK BITES

Jason Aldean’s video for his hit song “Johnny Cash” will have its world premiere on CMT Thursday. The tune is the lead track off his upcoming sophomore disc “Relentless.” The CD will be in stores May 29th.

Angela Hacker’s debut album “The Winner Is…Angela Hacker: Nashville Star Season 5” will be released next month. She recently finished recording four original songs. Plus, six highlights from “Nashville Star” including “Strawberry Wine” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me” will be on the CD. Hacker’s debut disc will be in stores April 3rd.

The first 56 official rides on Dollywood’s new multi-million Mystery Mine roller coaster will be up for auction on eBay beginning today. Winning bidders will ride Mystery Mine during the ride’s grand opening festivities on April 13th. Dolly Parton is scheduled to attend the event. Proceeds from the auction will go to Parton’s Imagination Library, a not-for-profit organization that provides a book a month to preschool-age children.

IN STORES TODAY:
Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price—“Last of the Breed”
Dierks Bentley—“Live and Loud at the Fillmore” DVD