Big Country Notes for Mar 21

KEITH URBAN IS “DOWN UNDER” THIS WEEK

Keith Urban is in Australia on a promotional tour in support of his current CD “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing” this week. According to the “Melbourne Herald Sun,” his wife Nicole Kidman didn’t join him. She’s busy with her own work – preparing for the release of three films. Keith and Nicole plan to put some roots down outside the U.S. He told Sydney radio station Nova 969, quote, “This year is the start of us spending a lot more time here. It’s great that we both have family here and are getting to the point where we have more ability to come back more often.” Urban’s “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing” world tour kicks off in Munich, Germany April 19th. The trek ends May 22nd in Perth, Australia and then he embarks on his U.S. dates June 8th in Phoenix, AZ.

REBA AND JUSTIN MAKE MAGIC IN THE STUDIO

When Justin Timberlake joined Reba McEntire in the Starstruck Studios in Nashville last week, they made magic. Producer Tony Brown told Nashville’s “Tennessean” newspaper, quote, “I think everybody will be surprised by the song we did. I know Reba and I was surprised when he pitched us the song in Los Angeles.” Timberlake co-wrote the tune “The Only Promise That Remains” with singer/songwriter/actor Gary Morris’ son Matt. Brown describes the duet as “a Celtic love song.” Justin had lots of praise for Reba. Brown says, quote, “He was totally blown away by her. Every time she would do one of her Reba stylistic licks, he would go crazy.”

Reba spent a lot of time in the studio last week. Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson and Rascal Flatts recorded with her for her upcoming duets album project.

JASON ALDEAN’S “JOHNNY CASH” VIDEO DEBUTS ON CMT TODAY

Jason Aldean’s new video “Johnny Cash” will premiere today on CMT’s “Top Twenty Countdown.” The clip was shot in Las Vegas last month. Aldean says shooting the video was a “pretty interesting experience.” The weather didn’t exactly cooperate. He says, quote, “We even shot through snow flurries one night, and it was about as cold as I’ve ever been.” To be sure the attitude of the song was captured correctly, Aldean and his band spent two and a half days filming. Upon seeing the final cut, the singer says, quote, “I think it’s cool.” “Johnny Cash” is actually not about the icon – it’s about hitting life’s highway with the top down and “Folsom Prison Blues” or “Big River” blaring on the stereo.

TOBY, KEITH AND BON JOVI ADDED TO “2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS”

Toby Keith, Keith Urban and Bon Jovi have been added to the list of performers for the “CMT Music Awards.” Urban will perform from Australia where he’ll be on his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing” world tour. Previously announced singers include Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley. The “CMT Music Awards” will air live from Nashville’s Belmont University April 16th at 8 p.m. EASTERN.

JOE NICHOLS THRILLED TO BE PERFORMING WITH GEORGE JONES AT RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Joe Nichols has experienced two big career highlights within a few weeks. When Nichols showed up at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Sunday night, he had no idea that his idol George Jones would ask him to sing on two songs. Joe says, quote, “I got to perform a few weeks ago with George at the Opry, and I can honestly say it was one of the coolest, most exciting moments of my life. That is until last [Sunday] night when I got to sing with him again.” Jones introduced Nichols as “the future of traditional country music” before the singer performed the Merle Haggard classic “Workin’ Man Blues.” George and Joe performed “Yesterday’s Wine” and “Rockin’ Chair” together. Joe says of George, quote, “George Jones is to country music what oxygen is to life—one simply cannot exist without the other, and I am honored beyond words that I have been given the gift of performing with this man.”

BILLY CURRINGTON WILL SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AT FOOD CITY 500

Billy Currington is scheduled to sing the national anthem prior to the Food City 500 in Bristol, TN on Sunday. Currington is looking forward to the NASCAR event, saying, quote, “I have played in front of thousands of people before, but this is a very different experience that I am looking forward to.” Billy will sing to the sold-out crowd of 160-thousand fans. Food City 500 will take place at the Bristol Motor Speedway.



QUICK BITES

Martina McBride will be on the promotional trail next month as she supports the release of her new album “Waking Up Laughing.” The singer performs on “The Today Show” April 3rd, the day the disc arrives in stores. She’s on “CNN Showbiz” April 4th and ABC’s “The View” April 10th. McBride will make an appearance on “CBS Saturday Morning” May 19th. Look for her also on the Food Network show “Emeril” – on a later date.

Billy Ray Cyrus--in partnership with CMT.com-- has launched a blog – DancingWithBillyRay.com. The site will detail Cyrus’ personal experiences on the hit show with partner Karina Smirnoff. On Monday’s night debut of “Dancing with the Stars,” Billy Ray came in last with 13 out of 30 points. The singer will have another chance Monday night to redeem himself.

Blake Shelton, Aaron Tippin, Lorrie Morgan and Trent Willmon are among the singers that will take part in “Country Goes Huntin’.” Proceeds from Rhett Akins’ annual event will help the tornado victims that passed through Alabama earlier this month. It’s set for April 3rd at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan, AL.

The Wreckers have been tapped to perform after the Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadians game Thursday in Boston.

Dierks Bentley, John Rich, Cowboy Troy, Gretchen Wilson and Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus
will join former Titan Kevin Carter for his sixth annual Waiting for Wishes celebrity waiter’s dinner.

The event – on April 17th at Nashville’s Palm -- benefits his foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee. To reserve tickets, call 615-742-3193.

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

Big Country Notes for Mar 19

BRAD PAISLEY CLOSES CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert and Billy Currington are the latest performers added to the lineup for this year’s CMA Music Festival. This gig will be Paisley’s only Nashville concert appearance this year. He has been chosen to close the four-day festival with a show on June 10th. He’ll perform his current single “Ticks” and other new music from his upcoming disc due out this summer as well as his other hits. Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Vince Gill, Josh Gracin, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson and the Wreckers are among the performers previously announced. The 2007 CMA Music Festival will be held in downtown Nashville Thursday-Sunday, June 7th-10th.

RICHIE McDONALD LEAVING LONESTAR

Richie McDonald of Lonestar told WYNK Radio in Baton Rouge, LA that he was leaving the band. After a ten-year run with the group, he plans to launch a solo career. He told WYNK, “I love the guys of Lonestar. It’s nothing personal. I just feel I have reached a point in my career where I need to take the next stop. McDonald will continue to tour with Lonestar through November. The band recently parted ways with their BNA record label.

DIERKS BENTLEY ON THE ROAD TO PROMOTE NEW DVD

Dierks Bentley embarked on a whirlwind tour to promote his new DVD, “Live and Loud at the Fillmore,” last Friday. First stop was in Houston while he performed at the famed Houston Livestock and Rodeo. Through Wednesday Bentley will log more than 45-hundred miles while visiting seven other cities from coast-to-coast including Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Philadelphia and Providence. The singer will do surprise autograph signings and meet and greet sessions in five of those cities. The live 90-minute DVD was filmed last June at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver before a sold-out audience of five-thousand screaming fans. Dierks chose the famed club to shoot “Live and Loud” because the stage is in close proximity to the fans. He says, quote, “The Fillmore is the ultimate rock venue.” “Live and Loud at the Fillmore” is available in stores tomorrow.

GRETCHEN WILSON IS RAISING MONEY BY DOING WHAT SHE DOES BEST

Gretchen Wilson has returned from the West Coast run of her “Back to the Bars” tour. She performed for intimate groups as well as large, unruly crowds from San Diego, CA to Seattle, WA. In between she has helped raise some big bucks. In San Diego the singer performed for 50 radio station listeners who had pledged to be St. Jude Partners in Hope. Listeners shelled out a whopping 320 dollars per ticket to be part of the audience. Seattle was another stop on the trek for another St. Jude event. In Portland, OR Wilson helped raise over 23-thousand dollars for the Dornbecker Children’s Hospital in that city. Gretchen is getting ready to put out a CD of new music. Her third disc “One of the Boys” will be in stores May 15th and features her current single “Come To Bed.”

BILLY RAY CYRUS PUTS ON HIS DANCING SHOES

Billy Ray Cyrus will be among the contestants on season four of the ABC hit series “Dancing with the Stars” tonight. You’d think that the singer/actor can dance since his hit song “Achy Breaky Heart” inspired millions to learn the line dance to the song. But he tells “TV Guide,” quote, “I’ve never done the dance or much other public dancing, for that matter.” He adds, quote, “I didn’t go to my senior prom. I didn’t go to hardly any dances in high school because I didn’t want to get out on the dance floor.” So why did he sign on? He’s doing it for his daughter Noah. She told her first-grade teacher that daddy was scared to compete. Cyrus says, quote, “The teacher told my little girl to go home and tell me ‘Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Billy Ray’s competition includes Heather Mills, ‘N Sync’s Joey Fatone, Olympian medalist Apolo Anton Ohno, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila, actor John Ratzenberger, TV host Leeza Gibbons and more.
The fourth season of “Dancing With the Stars” kicks off tonight at 8pm ET/PT on ABC.

JASON ALDEAN AND MIRANDA LAMBERT DUET TOGETHER ON ALDEAN’S NEW DISC

One of the highlights of Jason Aldean’s upcoming sophomore disc is his duet with Miranda Lambert. The pair are old friends. They have co-headlined together and both are touring with Dierks Bentley on select dates. When Aldean heard the demo of “Grown Woman,” he thought the song could be a duet. The singer says, quote, “It just sounded like a song that her [Miranda’s] voice would just sound great on so I kinda talked to her about it.” Time went by and Jason didn’t hear from her. He later received the good news from his booking agent that she had agreed to do it. Jason says of Miranda, quote, “I’m just a big fan of hers. She’s a great singer.” “Grown Woman” along with Aldean’s current hit single “Johnny Cash” will be on the singer’s upcoming disc “Relentless.” The new CD will be in stores May 29th. In the meantime, their next date together on Dierks’ “Loud and Live” tour is Saturday night in Fairfax, VA.

HANK WILLIAMS SONGBOOK CASE THROWN OUT

A judge has dismissed theft charges against a collector who claims he bought a notebook that once belonged to country music legend Hank Williams. The notebook contained 17 songs that Williams wrote, but never recorded. The collector says he bought the notebook from a janitor who found it in a box of trash at Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The songbook is now valued at up to 250-thousand-dollars. The box included other items from such people as Roy Orbison, Conway Twitty and Buck Owens. The case now shifts to a Sumner County, TN court where the notebook is being kept until a judge rules in a separate lawsuit over who owns the find. (Metro Source)


QUICK BITES

LeAnn Rimes and Craig Morgan will be among those performing at the Luis Palau Nashville CityFest May 19th-20th. The free event is being held from 2-10 p.m. both days.

According to the “Tennessean,” Justin Timberlake was in a Nashville studio Friday recording with Reba McEntire. The results should end up on Reba’s duet album.

Jack Ingram has been voted the Country Artist of the Year by “Esquire” magazine.

Dierks Bentley and his wife Cassidy are featured in the current issue of “People.” This is the first time both Dierks and Cassidy have been featured as a couple.

Luke Bryan has two big events coming up. First, he makes his Grand Ole Opry debut April 6th and the next night he opens for Brooks & Dunn in Valdosta, GA. This is the second time Bryan has opened for the duo.

Jamie O’Neal will shoot the video for her new single “God Don’t Make Mistakes” the first week of April.

John Michael Montgomery is scheduled to headline Nashville’s Stand Up For America celebration on June 30th. The event takes place at the Nashville City Park Amphitheater.


“300” REMAINS BOX OFFICE KING

The epic gladiator movie "300" continues to slay box office competition. For the second straight week, the warrior film was the top money maker, raking-in more than 31-million-dollars. The comedy "Wild Hogs," which stars John Travolta and Martin Lawrence, brought in nearly 19-million to finish in second place. Sandra Bullock's "Premonition" came in third place with about 18-million-dollars. Rounding out the top five were "Dead Silence" and "I Think I Love My Wife," which stars Chris Rock. (Metro Source)

Girls Sweet 16!

I'm sure you may have noticed the absence of blog entries last week. It's because I had the honor of making the trip to Bowling Green for the girls Sweet Sixteen. Being a Mullins High School old timer, I am thrilled the girl's basketball program at Pike Central has evolved into the program that contends for a regional title every year.

My daughters and I made the trip in 2004. Central lost in the first round that year, but is was still a trip to the state. For many teams, that is the goal and had PCC lost in the first round again this year, I don't think anyone would have thought less of them.

I told everyone that playing against the 16th region was a good thing and we could actually win a game this year. After that, I wasn't so sure. I did pack enough clothes to make it to Saturday just in case and told Shelby to do the same. The trip was a real thrill for her as she spent the season practicing with the JV team.

The Lady Hawks had great support from the fans. Fan busses ran from the school for every game. Our crowd was as large as any there except for Barren County which is one county over from Bowling Green.

Playing on Saturday morning is something that won't be forgotten for quite sometime. And to thing, Pike Central could have beaten the eventual state champ. It would have only taken a few more rebounds and fewer turnovers and that game was ours.

I can't wait to see the State Semifinalist banner hanging in the Hawks Nest!