Big Country Notes for Mar 30

ALLEGED MICHELLE BRANCH STALKER ARRESTED AT CONCERT

An alleged stalker of singer Michelle Branch has been arrested and released. According to TMZ.com, Branch took the stage a concert in Sheboygan, WI Monday, when she spotted a man who she claims has "been stalking" her. The 23-year-old singer is said to have frozen, then begged security to arrest 32-year-old Dominick Giordano. Although he apparently tried to run, he was caught, arrested by local police and sited for disorderly conduct. He was released after posting a 150-dollar bond. According to a police report, Giordano has been following Branch to her concerts around the country since 2003 and has frequently sent her letters and videos. He has also allegedly found ways to "lie his way backstage" and is accused of once lunging at Branch during an autograph signing event. (Metro Source)

DUE TO TIX DEMAND, MORE DATES ARE ADDED FOR TIM AND FAITH’S “SOUL2SOUL TOUR 2007”

It’s no surprise that the demand for tickets to Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s “Soul2Soul Tour 2007” has resulted in more dates added. A second show in Omaha, NE has been added so the trek. It will now be the kick off show on June 5th in Omaha instead of June 6th. Sell-outs in Canada, where Tim and Faith haven’t performed together since 2000, are no surprise either. To satisfy the demand for tickets, a second show in Vancouver has been added on June 17th after the first performance on June 16th sold out. Also a second date in Toronto was added for June 26th after a sell out the previous night. A second concert has been added for July 6th in Boston, in order to meet ticket demand. Tickets go on sale this weekend for Vancouver, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Portland, Oregon, Tacoma, Washington, D.C., Grand Rapids, Biloxi, Lafayette and Las Vegas. The tour is scheduled to end on August 10th in Anaheim, California

MARTINA McBRIDE’S NEW ALBUM IS A REFLECTION OF WHO SHE IS

If you want to know Martina McBride better, listen to her new album. The disc “Waking Up Laughing” gives some glimpses of who she is and what she’s all about. Martina says that wasn’t her intent when making the album. McBride says, quote, “I’m drawn to certain types of songs…I’m drawn to certain stories…I’m drawn to certain lyrics. And it’s because of who I am.” She adds, quote, “You’re drawn to certain things based on your own personal specific background, values and morals and the way you see the world…so it’s going to be a reflection of who I am.” The “Waking Up Laughing” CD is in stores Tuesday. To support the new disc, the singer has scheduled several media appearances. She will perform on “The Today Show” and “Conan O’Brien” Tuesday. She’ll visit CNN’s “Showbiz” Wednesday and will sit with the ladies of “The View” on April 10th.


JO DEE MESSINA IS SET TO PARTICIPATE AT NATIONAL DISABLED VETS WINTER SPORTS CLINIC

Jo Dee Messina is getting to do two things she loves – singing and skiing – while helping disabled veterans. The singer will participate in the 21st National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, CO next week. Messina says, quote, “During my USO tour in Italy a base commander told me about this clinic and I knew instantly that I wanted to help out any way that I could. I think it’s amazing that these soldiers do not allow their injuries to slow them down but instead continue to display courage and face challenges by participating in this clinic.” The week long event will feature Jo Dee in concert Thursday at the Snowmass Convention Center.
· The clinic focuses on teaching adaptive skiing on the Rocky Mountains to approximately 400 disabled veterans. The participants will have the opportunity to participate in various activities including snowmobiling, sled hockey and scuba diving.

CLAY WALKER STEPS UP TO PLATE FOR HOUSTON ASTROS OPENING DAY

Clay Walker is looking forward to the Houston Astros opening day Monday. In the home opener, the singer will perform a special acoustic set during the game. In addition, he’ll sing the National Anthem and perform “God Bless America” during the seventh inning stretch. Walker is ecstatic to be participating saying, quote, “I love Houston. It’s home and I’m proud to be an Astros fan. This is my ‘first’ opening day…” The Astros will play the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday night. April 17th is another big date on Clay’s calendar. That’s the day his new album “Fall” will be in stores.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY GET “LUCKY” WITH “LUCKY MAN”

The duo of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry knew that their latest hit, “Lucky Man,” was a good fit for them as soon as they heard it. The words perfectly describe the two singers and the lives they lead – “having a family, raising a family, always trying to do our best to do the best for our family.” Eddie and Troy also knew it was a fit because the song’s message applies to a lot of people. Gentry explains, quote, “There’s a lot of men out there that can listen to this song and raise their fist in the air and go, ‘Yeah, man! That song’s about me!’” “Lucky Man” is from their “Some People Change” disc.


QUICK BITES

Sugarland will perform at MyCokeFest at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta Sunday. This free music event is being held in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Final Four. Others participating include Ryan Seacrest, rockers Maroon 5, rapper LL Cool J, alternative rockers Chevelle and pop band Hellogoodbye.

Carolyn Dawn Johnson will participate in Musicians On Call 3rd annual benefit concert tonight. She will perform along with GRAMMY winning band, Maroon 5 at Sotheby’s Auction House in New York City. Proceeds from the event will be used to bring live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. For tickets, log on to www.musiciansoncall.org.

LeAnn Rimes will make an appearance tomorrow at the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality dinner. The event supports the gay community. CMT is sponsoring the dinner’s silent auction.

Martina McBride, Joe Nichols, Little Big Town, Terri Clark and Angela Hacker are among the singers performing on the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.

Darryl Worley is set to perform on the syndicated show “The Daily Buzz” today. On Monday, he’ll stop by the studios of “Daytime,” NBC’s new syndicated midday talk show.