Big Country Notes for APR 24

TOBY KEITH TURNS IN TREATMENT FOR HIS MOVIE “BEER FOR MY HORSES”

When Toby Keith wrote the song “Beer for My Horses” he had no idea it would become a full-length feature film. The video, starring Toby and Willie Nelson, turned into a mini-movie and Toby knew he was onto something. Five years later, Toby has written a three-page treatment for the silver screen version of the story. While he says he’s never written a script before, he wanted to outline his ideas before the Hollywood screenwriters put their touch on it. Toby says, quote, “It took me about a year to do it. I couldn’t be happier with it.” He adds, quote, “I talked to Kris [Kristofferson] the other night about being in it. I can’t wait to get it cast.”

CELEBRITIES SUPPORT T. J. MARTELL FOUNDATION BENEFIT IN NASHVILLE

Martina McBride and Brooks & Dunn are among a host of celebrities who will attend the eighth annual Best Cellars Dinner on Monday. Joining them at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel will be Montgomery Gentry, Big & Rich, LeAnn Rimes and Terri Clark. Clint Black and wife Lisa Hartman Black, Cyndi Thomson, Bucky Covington, Blue County, Sara Buxton, Phil Vassar and Billy Currington. Blackberry Farm’s award winning chef John Fleer will prepare the gourmet meal for the evening. The evet is a benefit for the T.J. Martell Foundation that supports leukemia, cancer and AIDS research through the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Best Cellars has raised more than 800-thousand dollars in the past seven years for the foundation.

ACM PRESENTS NEW ARTIST’S PARTY IN MAY

The Academy of Country Music will present its “Top New Artists” nominees at a party on May 14th in Las Vegas. The event will feature performances by the entire roster of New Artists nominees -- Top New Male Vocalists Rodney Atkins, Craig Morgan and Chris Young, Top New Female Vocalist contenders Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift, and Top New Duo or Vocal Group candidates Heartland, Little Big Town and The Wreckers. It’s the first nomination for Miranda, who is also up for “Female Vocalist of the Year.” She says, quote, “It feels good as an artist and person to be nominated. To be able to take home the award would mean all your hard work is paying off.” The event is open to the public and will benefit the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund. There will also be an auction of artist memorabilia and other items of interest to fans. The ACM awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 15th on CBS at 8 p.m. Eastern.

TIM McGRAW HEADLINES BENEFIT AT RYMAN

Tim McGraw has invited a few friends to help support a good cause on May 18th. Proceeds from “Tim McGraw & Friends” will go to the Interfaith Dental Clinic in Nashville. The show features Blue County, Natalie Grant, Lance Miller, Julie Roberts and the Warren Brothers. Melissa Reeves from “Days of our Lives” will host the evening of music at the Ryman Auditorium. The concert is being held in conjunction with the 140th Tennessee Dental Association Annual Session.” The clinic has been providing affordable dental care to low-income working families without dental insurance in the greater Nashville area since 1994.

LITTLE BIG TOWN PROMOTES “RIDE FOR A CURE” IN JUNE

Little Big Town is kicking off this year’s CMA Music Fest in a big way. They will promote “Ride For A Cure” on June 6th. The celebrity motorcycle ride, presented by Harley-Davidson of Cool Springs, will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation. The ride begins with a brunch and meet-and-greet at the motorcycle dealership. Kimberly Roads, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet will then lead the 250 riders from Cool Springs to downtown Nashville. Upon arrival at their destination the cyclists will be treated to a barbecue and live auction. Among the merchandise for the auction will be autographed memorabilia from various celebrities.
The CMA is offering Harley Night at the CMA Music Fest on June 10th at LP Field. General admission tickets located in the upper deck are 25-dollars and may be purchased through 1-800-CMA-FEST or Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com or (615) 255-9600. Ticket buyers must mention Harley when placing the order. The CMA Music Festival will be June 7th – 10th in Nashville.

PORTER WAGONER CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AT GRAND OLE OPRY

As one of Porter Wagoner’s early hits declares, “Company’s coming…” On May 15th, it’s coming to the Grand Ole Opry house to help Porter celebrate 50 years as an Opry member. Joining the Country Music Hall of Famer will be Dolly Parton and Patty Loveless. Parton worked with Porter from 1967 to 1974, including making appearances on the syndicated television series the “Porter Wagoner Show.” Wagoner inducted Loveless as a member of the Opry in June 1988.
Marty Stuart will host the one-hour portion of the Opry. Stuart produced Wagoner’s upcoming album “Wagonmaster,” due in stores June 5th.

CHELY WRIGHT SET FOR USO TOUR IN MAY

Chely Wright’s is a strong supporter of our troops, and the singer will perform on another USO tour May 5th. She’ll visit service men and women stationed in Gulfort, Mississippi for Seabee Days. Chely comes from a military family and began performing at Veterans hospitals and military events as a child. As a professional entertainer she continues that support. She was among the entertainers on the USO’s first tour of Baghdad in June of 2003. She has performed for troops in Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq and Afghanistan. She joins a host of other country entertainers who have recently entertained soldiers including Carrie Underwood, Jo Dee Messina, Darryl Worley and Craig Morgan.

QUICK BITES

Martina McBride tells CMT.com that she has been approached about having her own perfume or clothing line. She says she doesn’t know if she has the time to do it now because, quote, “I am such a perfectionist.” She adds, “Maybe some day in the future. I would like to do a line and donate the profits to help out children's charities.”

Several country artists devoted time to last Sunday’s Earth Day celebrations. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill sang at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., joining Sheryl Crow, Carole King, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others. Rodney Crowell and Lee Roy Parnell headlined a concert in featuring several other performers at Nashville's Centennial Park.

Mayor John Rich? It’s possible. Rich, half of the duo Big & Rich, told the “Tennessean” that he had considered running for mayor of Ashland City, a small town just outside of Nashville. He says he realized it would take more time than he has right not but he doesn’t discount the possibility in a few years.

Reba McEntire will do a benefit to help raise money for the Texoma Health Foundation on May 27th. The event, tagged “Fly Away with Reba,” will include a reception, dinner and show. The show is to help raise funds for the health care of people in Texoma, Texas.

Kris Kristofferson will co-star in the upcoming movie “Disappearances.” Kris portrays a Quebec dreamer and schemer who needs fast cash after a lightening storm destroys his barn. His plan – to steal 20 cases of whiskey from whiskey pirate Carcajou, played by Lothaire Bluteau, and smuggle it back across the Vermont/Canadian border. The film also stars Genevieve Bujold and Charlie McDermott. The movie releases on May 11th to select cities.