ZZ Top Comes To Pikeville!

The Eastern Kentucky Expo Center has done it again. They have landed another big time band, ZZ Top. The youngsters may not think so, but to us country/rockers of the early 80's, ZZ Top was the bomb!

Tickets go on sale on Saturday, April 7th . The show is on May 17th.

ZZ Top Comes To Pikeville!

The Eastern Kentucky Expo Center has done it again. They have landed another big time band, ZZ Top. The youngsters may not think so, but to us country/rockers of the early 80's, ZZ Top was the bomb!

Tickets go on sale on Saturday, April 7th . The show is on May 17th.

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.

Big Country Notes for Mar 29

BRAD PAISLEY CHOOSES PERFECT NAME FOR HIS NEW SON—WILLIAM HUCKLEBERRY

When Brad Paisley and his wife Kim were considering names for their new son, the couple knew they wanted to go with William -- for his wife’s side of the family. Brad wanted his middle name to be Warren after his grandfather, but Kim vetoed that. They settled on Huckleberry. Brad says, quote, “We wanted something that signified adventure and sorta free thinking and all those things. It seems like Huckleberry Finn was exactly that.” Huckleberry is special to Brad – one of his favorite books of all-time is “Huckleberry Finn” and one of his favorite writers is Mark Twain. The singer says they call his son Will, but his band has already started calling him Huck.

STRAIT, JACKSON AND BUFFETT CONCERT IN THE WORKS FOR A LONG TIME

When you try to get three legends together for a concert, it’s not an easy thing to do. George Strait, Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett came together on May 29th, 2004 to record “Live At Texas Stadium” concert. According to Strait, the idea of doing a concert had been in the works for a while, but finally took shape while on a fishing trip. The singer says, quote, “Alan and I were touring together, and we took some time off. He likes to fish and I do too. We met up in the Bahamas on one of those islands and I’ll be danged if Jimmy Buffett wasn’t there.” During the trip, the three singers talked about doing a show -- the results can be found on “Live At Texas Stadium” album, in stores Tuesday.

SHERYL CROW HAS HIGH PRAISE FOR VINCE GILL

Sheryl Crow is a guest vocalist on Vince Gill’s latest single “What You Give Away.” She enjoyed her experience singing with Gill, saying, quote, “There is no one more soulful to sing with, no one more fun to work with and no better musician to play with than Vince Gill. Crows adds, quote, “He’s the best of the best.” Vince – who co-wrote the song – says, quote, “I love the lyric. It’s basically saying that you can’t take all this with you. All you really take is what you give away.” The tune appears on his Platinum disc “These Days.” This isn’t the first time the two have sung together on record. Both provided vocals on Brooks & Dunn’s hit “Building Bridges.”

RODNEY ATKINS CELEBRATES NUMBER ONE SINGLE AND BIRTHDAY LAST NIGHT

Rodney Atkins had a lot to celebrate last night. Broadcast Music Inc. threw a party to celebrate his number one single “Watching You” and his Platinum album “If You’re Going Through Hell.” After multiple presentations and congratulations, BMI also brought out a birthday cake and invited everyone to sing “Happy Birthday” to the surprised singer, whose birthday was yesterday. The president of Atkins’ label, Mike Curb, also gave Rodney a special birthday present. The same International Scout has been in both of the singer’s videos and Curb told Atkins to look out the front glass doors of BMI – there sat the green Scout. Curb had someone track down the owner and bought it for Atkins!

DANIELLE PECK BENEFIT FOR SAFE HAVEN A SUCCESS

A number of stars and several surprise guests helped make “An Evening with Danielle Peck and Friends” an overwhelming success Monday night in Nashville. Danielle’s surprise guests included Jo Dee Messina, Bucky Covington and Deana Carter. They joined previously announced singers Keith Anderson, Blue County, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Julie Roberts for a night of entertainment. The evening was a benefit for Safe Haven Family Shelter – whose mission is to empower homeless families to become independent through social, financial and faith-based guidance. Peck was touched by the turnout saying, quote, “It makes me happy to have so many good friends – all of whom are so talented – to help me bring people out in support of this organization. Fans came from so many different places to be there, in the audience, and to support Safe Haven.

WYNONNA JUDD AND EMMYLOU HARRIS AMONG INDUCTEES INTO MUSIC CITY WALK OF FAME

Wynonna Judd, Emmylou Harris, the Crickets and John Hiatt are among the second class of inductees to the Music City Walk of Fame. The honorees will be recognized with the unveiling of commemorative sidewalk markers. The ceremony will take place April 22nd in the Hall of Fame Park in downtown Nashville. Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap and Roy Orbison were among the original inductees.

CATHERINE BRITT EXPERIENCES A “LIFE MOMENT”

Catherine Britt enjoyed a big career highlight this past weekend. While performing a show in San Jose, California, the entire crowd began singing back her current single “What I Did Last Night” to Britt who was overcome with emotion. She even did an encore of the song with the same response. She says, quote, “This was by far one of the Top Ten greatest moments of my life. As a performer you work so hard to get a response from the audience and when you get that kind of response on a song that you wrote…it is an unbelievable feeling.” No doubt she’ll experience another “life moment” when she opens for the Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson tour which kicks off in May. Jake Owen is also on the bill.
5/10


QUICK BITES

Angela Hacker, “Nashville Star” season five winner, will make her debut on the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night. She’s in the studio this week adding her vocals to “Crash ‘N Burn” and “Hick Chick,” two songs from Cowboy Troy’s upcoming disc “Black in the Saddle.”

Rascal Flatts’ video for their current hit “Stand” premieres today on CMT’s “Top 20 Countdown.”

The animated film “Charlotte’s Web” is coming to DVD. The cast includes Reba McEntire --the voice of Betty the cow--Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, John Cleese and more, arrives in stores next Tuesday.

Steve Azar will join Hootie & the Blowfish for their annual “Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf” tournament. The event takes place in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on April 9th.

Big Country Notes for Mar 28

WYNONNA JUDD FILES FOR DIVORCE

Wynonna Judd filed for divorce from her husband, D. R. Roach yesterday morning in Williamson County Chancery Court. “The Tennessean” reports that Wynonna cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the divorce. The complaint for divorce stated that the two are “unable to live together successfully as husband and wife.” Wynonna sent a message to her fans via her website which says, quote, "I am obviously devastated. Our family will pull together, begin the healing process and hopefully - by the Grace of God - become stronger. We will move forward with our faith, family and our friends to find resolution to this difficult situation." Judd’s husband was arrested last Thursday in Buffalo Gap, TX on three counts of aggravated sexual battery against a minor. He is being held in the Taylor County Jail on a 750-thousand dollar bond. Roach was in the Shades of Hope Treatment Center in Buffalo Gap since February 21st. He was being treated for drug and alcohol addiction. Wynonna and Roach were married in November of 2003. They separated on February 18th of this year.

THE STARS COME OUT FOR KENNY CHESNEY

When Kenny Chesney throws a party, the stars come out in force. The singer threw himself a birthday party at the Nashville hotspot Tin Roof Monday night. He took the stage around 6:30 p.m. and played for hours in front of a jammed-pack crowd of hundreds. Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kix Brooks and Big & Rich were among those who attended the bash. Sara Evans performed Chesney’s hit “When the Sun Goes Down,” Montgomery Gentry sang “My Town” and Gretchen Wilson performed “Hurts So Good.”


BRAD PAISLEY SHIFTS INTO GEAR ON NEW CD

Brad Paisley is gearing up for the release of his new album this summer. “5th Gear” – the follow-up to Paisley’s double-Platinum disc “Time Well Wasted” – is due in stores June 19th. “Ticks,” written by Brad, Kelley Lovelace and Tim Owens, is the first single from the new disc. In describing the tunes on “5th Gear,” the singer says, quote, “The songs that I’ve recorded for the next album are outdoorsy…There’s a lot of…of this outdoor country music sentiment.” Brad is hoping to repeat the success of “Time Well Wasted,” which nabbed the CMA and ACM Album of the Year honors. Fans will get a preview of more music from “5th Gear” when his “Bonfires & Amplifiers” tour kicks off April 26th in Chattanooga, TN.

TIM McGRAW WANTS TO EXPAND HIS ACTING HORIZONS

Tim McGraw already has a successful career as a recording artist and entertainer, but he’s working to expand his acting career. McGraw is seeking roles that won’t be a repeat of the rancher he played in the 2006 film “Flicka” which required him to wear a cowboy hat. He tells Nashville’s “The Tennessean,” quote, “Not that I wouldn’t ever do that, because I would love to do a Western some day that’s great, but I think it’s time for me to do something a little different.” The bottom line for Tim is finding a script that moves him. After his film debut in “Friday Night Lights,” the scripts have been rolling in. His next role is in Jamie Foxx’s movie “The Kingdom.”

The film opens September 28th.

KEITH AND NICOLE GOING STRONG

Keith Urban flew into Los Angeles after last week’s promotional tour in Australia for his CD “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing.” “People” reports that Urban took his wife, Nicole Kidman, to the theatre to see the comedy “Distracted” with Rita Wilson. The couple weren’t the only celebrities. Spotted in the audience was Wilson’s husband Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw. Urban and Kidman are enjoying their time together while they can. Urban kicks off his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy” world tour April 19th in Germany while Kidman spends the next six months filming the movie “Australia” with Hugh Jackman. The singer will launch the U.S. leg of his tour on June 8th in Phoenix, AZ.

BILLY RAY CYRUS WILL DANCE AGAIN ON “DANCING WITH THE STARS”

Billy Ray Cyrus and partner Karina Smirnoff made it through the first cut last night on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” They have a choice of dancing the tango or jive next week. Cyrus says, quote, “I have never been exposed to ballroom dancing.” This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to learn.” The judges, who gave Billy Ray a 13 last week, told him he was most improved this week and awarded him a score of 21. This puts the singer tied for last place with a score of 34 with former NBA shooting guard Clyde Drexler and Elena Grinenko. Paulina Porizkova and Alec Mazo were the first couple to be eliminated from the competition.

BRAD PAISLEY CELEBRATES NUMBER ONE SINGLE “SHE’S EVERYTHING” IN NASHVILLE

Brad Paisley celebrated his seventh number one single in a park at the head of Nashville’s Music Row last night. The singer joined songwriter Will Nance for the celebration of “She’s Everything,” which stayed at the top of the country charts for three weeks. Nance told the crowd of industry VIPs that he had started to write the song about his wife. Then he and Brad were in a writing session and they began working on the song together. Nance says, quote, “Brad wanted to include some things in the song about his wife too.” He adds, quote, “He didn’t want to sing about my wife in front of 20-thousand people every night and I didn’t want him to!” Paisley says that having number one records never gets old. He says, quote, “Nothing about this business every gets old. It’s too much hard work to get here.”
In honor of the birth of son Will Huckleberry, Brad was given a four-foot tall stuffed moose sitting in a director’s chair to take home to the youngster. The singer conceded that Will is keeping him up nights, but joked that it’s just getting him ready for his upcoming “Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour, which kicks off April 26th in Chattanooga, TN.

MORE TALENT ADDED TO THE 2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS

More star power has been added to the 2007 CMT Music Awards. LeAnn Rimes, Barbara Mandrell, Jason Aldean, Josh Turner, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift have been tapped as presenters. Previously announced performers include Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Toby Keith, Bon Jovi and a special performance by Keith Urban from Australia. The sixth annual awards show airs April 16th on CMT at 8pm Eastern.

KELLIE PICKLER HOSTS CMT SHOW

Kellie Pickler is set to host the “2007 CMT Music Awards Video of the Year” special. One week before the big awards show, Pickler will give fans a closer look at the eight videos nominated for Video of the Year. They include: Toby Keith’s “A Little Too Late”; Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready To Make Nice”; George Strait’s “The Seashores of Old Mexico”; Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most”; Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”; Keith Urban’s “Once in a Lifetime”; Sugarland’s “Want To”; and Kenny Chesney’s “You Save Me.” Pickler is up for her first CMT Music Award – Breakthrough Video of the Year for “Red High Heels.” The program premieres Monday, April 9th at 10:30 p.m. Eastern/Pacific. The 2007 CMT Music Awards air April 16th from Nashville’s Belmont University 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.

QUICK BITES

Bucky Covington will share his “American Idol” experiences on ABC’s “Good Morning America” this morning.

Rodney Atkins received some great news. Atkins’ CD “If You’re Going Through Hell” has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Henson Cargill died Saturday in Oklahoma City following complications from surgery. He was 66. He was best known for his 1968 hit “Skip A Rope.”

Dolly Parton has received another honor. She was inducted into London’s Wembley Square of Fame on Sunday. A plaque was unveiled honoring her 40-year contribution to the music industry. The Square is modeled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On receiving the honor, Dolly says, quote, "It is wonderful to be performing here at Wembley and an honor to leave my handprints in the Square. never realized just how small my hands are."

Big Country Notes for Mar 27

KENNY CHESNEY CELEBRATES HIS 39TH BIRTHDAY DOING WHAT HE LOVES TO DO

Kenny Chesney didn’t need his friends to throw him a birthday party. Last night Kenny Chesney threw his own party at the famed nightspot Tin Roof in Nashville to celebrate his 39th birthday. Like his “Keg in the Closet” shows, there was no set list and no production – just a lot of cover songs and a few acoustic tunes from “Be As You Are: Songs From an Old Blue Chair.” Chesney says of the impromptu show, quote, “…the idea of stripping it all back and just playing here in my hometown, letting it all hang out and seeing who shows up, well, that’s my kind of birthday – laid-back, chilled-out and ready for whatever happens.”

TIM MCGRAW NEW CD “LET IT GO” IS A FAMLY AFFAIR

Tim McGraw didn’t have to search too far for talent when it came to casting his new album “Let It Go.” The singer tapped his wife Faith Hill to sing on two tracks – “I Need You” and “Shotgun Rider.” Gracie, Maggie and Audrey – Tim and Faith’s three girls – contributed background vocals on his current single “Last Dollar,”
written by Big Kenny of Big & Rich. Additionally, producer Byron Gallimore’s kids – Sophie and Ella Rose – added their vocals. McGraw also recruited his touring band – The Dancehall Doctors – for the project. This is the third time he’s enlisted his band for an album project. When it came time to select songs for his eleventh disc, the singer picked songs he liked and wanted to record. He tells CBS’ “The Early Show,” quote, “…We’ve been doing it for so long now that I feel like I can stretch my wings and do all kinds of styles of music because when I open my mouth and sing, it’s going to come out like me.” McGraw adds, quote, “So it allows us a certain amount of freedom to pick whatever songs we like and not necessarily look for any type of song…” Other highlights of the disc include “Between the River,” a song McGraw co-wrote with the Warren Brothers and “Suspicions,” a cover of the Eddie Rabbitt hit.

Tim continues his media tour for “Let It Go” with more TV appearances. He performs on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” April 3rd. Other appearances include “Ellen” on April 5th and ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” also on April 5th.


DIERKS BENTLEY OPENS UP TO “PEOPLE” ABOUT HIS WEDDING

Dierks Bentley has kept mum on the details of his engagement and wedding to his bride of 15 months—Cassidy –until now. After proposing to Cassidy in Las Vegas during a tour stop in 2005, the next day the singer surprised her with a plan to elope in Mexico. Cassidy tells “People,” quote, “We got married in a little chapel in Mexico, and it was beautiful and private and real.” As for a wedding dress, Dierks had a stylist friend bring the dress, adding, quote “I was nervous. You don’t want to pick out a woman’s wedding dress.” These days they are balancing marriage with life on the road. They live in Nashville’s Hillsboro Village area, but plan to build a new home on 40 acres they purchased south of the city.
· The couple met in eighth grade at Ingleside Middle School in Phoenix. But Dierks didn’t make a good impression, saying, quote, “I was way too immature and into drinking beer and guns and blowing things up.” They dated in high school, but Dierks moved to Music City at 19 and Cassidy moved to San Francisco. Eventually they hooked up in February 2005 when Cassidy saw Dierks’ show in Las Vegas. Before long Cassidy moved in with Dierks and a proposal followed ten months later.
· Dierks performs tonight on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” -- continuing his media tour for his new DVD “Live and Loud at the Fillmore.”


TODAY IS A BIG ONE FOR JACK INGRAM

Jack Ingram has been waiting for this day for some time—five years in fact! Ingram’s first studio album in five years – “This Is It” -- is in stores today. Since the singer’s last studio album “Electric” in 2001, Jack has done a lot of living and those life experiences are reflected on the disc. He says, quote, It’s been a whole life cycle since I put out a studio record. I’ve become a father three times over… My records in the past paralleled my growth and maturity and ‘This Is It’ is a further reflection of that.” Some of the songs are about and inspired by his kids including “Ava Adele.” Ingram says, quote, “This song is for her. I’m just like every dad I know, never knew that I could have so much love for anything or anybody.” One of the highlights of the disc – “Hold On” -- is a duet with last year’s touring partner Sheryl Crow. Ingram penned six of the 12 tracks.

ALABAMA RELEASES SECOND CD OF INSPIRATIONAL SONGS

Alabama -- Country Music Hall of Famers – are set to release “Songs of Inspiration II” today. The disc of inspirational songs and hymns is the follow-up to “Songs of Inspiration” – released last October. There’s a difference in both discs notes lead singer Randy Owen saying, quote, “The second one is more like an Alabama live show.” The new set includes such classics as “Church in the Wildwood,” “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” –featuring the Del McCoury Band—and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This is the first time the band has recorded “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Like the first collection, the new project includes original Alabama music, too. While Owen penned a couple songs on the first CD, this time around band member Teddy Gentry wrote a song called “When It Comes My Time.” Alabama set a record when the first inspirational disc was released. The CD debuted at number one on the country album chart which was the first time an album by the band had done so in more than 15 years. Randy says of the accomplishment, quote, “I couldn’t believe it. I knew fans had said they would like for Alabama to make an album like this, but I had no idea that people would respond like that.”


VINCE GILL, WILLIE NELSON AND MORE SET FOR BENEFIT GUITAR FESTIVAL

Vince Gill and Dan Tyminski are among those taking part once again in the Crossroads Guitar Festival. They're set to support classic rocker Eric Clapton for his second all-star fundraiser for his Crossroads Centre in Antigua. They were also involved in the first such event three years ago. In addition, Willie Nelson is on board this time around, and Tyminski will be joined by his band mates as Alison Krauss and Union Station are also slated to join in. The festival will feature performers from various musical genres including rock, pop, blues, and country teaming up for special live one-time-only collaborations. Others who've signed on include Sheryl Crow; John Mayer; classic rockers Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Jimmie Vaughan, and Derek Trucks; and blues greats Buddy Guy and B.B. King. Clapton says all the participants are musicians he admires and respects, and he calls the event "the realization of a dream." The Crossroads Guitar Festival is set for Chicago's Toyota Park on July 28th. (Metro Source)

TRACE ADKINS IS HONORED TONIGHT WITH USO MERIT AWARD

Trace Adkins will receive the 2007 USA Merit Award tonight at the 25th annual USA-Metro awards dinner. The event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Past recipients of the USO Merit Award include Steven Spielberg, Elizabeth Taylor, Willie Nelson, Craig Morgan and Bob Hope. Adkins is being honored for his support of our troops and their families. He has traveled into war zones as part of a USO tour to entertain service members, as well as lend his support to various other USO functions.

QUICK BITES

Keith Anderson is the latest addition to the Country Music Marathon and Half-Marathon's post-race concert in Nashville. Anderson says, quote, "So many people from all over the world come to our city to participate in this race, and I look forward to playing for them." As previously announced, Sara Evans will headline the concert at the Nashville Arena on April 26th.
Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Trisha Yearwood, Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich are part of the line-up for the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days concert series. The event runs July 20th-29th.
Marty Stuart celebrates the past, present and future of country music with “Compadres: An Anthology of Duets.” The project features collaborations with Merle Haggard, Steve Earle, Travis Tritt, Loretta Lynn, George Jones and Johnny Cash. The disc is in stores June 5th.
Amy Grant and Jon Bon Jovi will be in New York City on June 2nd. They will perform at BookExpo America as part of the annual fundraiser benefiting the Book Industry Foundation.

IN STORES TODAY:

Tim McGraw—“Let It Go”
Jack Ingram—“This Is It”
Alabama—“Songs of Inspiration II”
David Ball—“Heartaches By the Number”

Big Country Notes for Mar 26

RENOWNED GROUP OF TURTLES WRESTLE BOX OFFICE LEAD FROM ANCIENT WARRIORS

The ancient wars of the hit movie "300" have been knocked off their perch by a group of very special turtles. After coming out on top the past two weekends at the box office, "300" came in second this weekend to the new hit flick "TMNT" which is a computer-animated comedy which brings back to the spotlight the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The hard-shelled superstars of the 1980s sold an estimated 25-point-four million dollars worth at the box office during its first three days. The audience was divided pretty even among kids and nostalgic adults. "300" raked in 20 and a half million dollars this weekend, raising its three-week grand total to 162-point-four million dollars. The Mark Wahlberg thriller "Shooter" opened at number three, pulling in 14 and a half million dollars.

RASCAL FLATTS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM IN SEPTEMBER

Rascal Flatts will release the group’s new album in September. The fifth disc is being produced by Dan Huff. Group members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney are staying busy these days. It has been six years since the release of their debut album. Since then they have sold more than 14 million copies. “Me and My Gang” and “Feels Like Today” both have sold quadruple Platinum with more than four million units sold. Their other two albums, “Rascal Flatts” and “Melt” are certified double Platinum. “Me and My Gang” is the group’s fastest selling title to date. Not only are the guys working on the upcoming release, they have been playing to capacity crowds on their “Me and My Gang” tour.

BILLY RAY CYRUS BACK TO “DANCING WITH THE STARS” TONIGHT

Billy Ray Cyrus and partner Karina Smirnoff took the low man position last week from the judges on “Dancing with the Stars.” Smirnoff noted that it was also the lowest score ever given to anyone on the series. In his blog on CMT.com, Billy Ray says, quote,”Its really important and helps so much to have friends like you to lean on. You don't know how much your comments and support have meant to me.” He adds, quote, “I'm listening to your suggestions! If I'm hearing you right, you want me to Smile more, Relax, have some fun…” Cyrus says he hopes things go smoother tonight. He says, quote, “I practiced really hard last week so I can come back out tonight and have another shot at this thing!” “Dancing with the Stars” will air on ABC tonight at 8 p.m. Votes will be cast by the judges and the viewing public. Tomorrow night’s show will reveal who will be the first to leave the series.

SUGARLAND PENNED “ENJOY THE RIDE” IN ALL DIFFERENT PLACES

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush wrote or co-wrote all eleven tracks on their sophomore disc “Enjoy the Ride.” At the time the duo was putting together the project last year they were busy touring and wrote whenever or wherever they found some downtime. Nettles says she and Kristian wrote in all different ways, explaining, quote, “The majority of it was written on the road either on the back of a tour bus or in hotel rooms which was something new. It was a different experience for us to write in those different environments.” Their current song, “Settlin’,” was written by the duo along with their friend Tim Owens.

JOSH TURNER CREATING NEW MUSIC

When Josh Turner is not busy on the road, he’s most likely working on the follow-up to his sophomore disc, “Your Man.” That CD was certified for sales of two-million, garnering the singer a few GRAMMY and Academy of Country Music nominations. Additionally, two of the songs from “Your Man” CD topped the charts—the title track and “Would You Go With Me.” Josh says that the feeling he gets from the success of that project has carried over to the next one. “It definitely gives me a boost going into the next project. Things I learned from the success of the second record and stuff that happened I never dreamed would happen, allows me to go in and further that momentum.” No word on when the new project is expected. His third single from the “Your Man” CD—“Me and God” --is heading up the country charts.

Josh is nominated for 3 ACM Awards including Single Record and Song for “Would You Go With Me” and for Vocal Event for “Me and God,” featuring Dr. Ralph Stanley and Marty Roe, Dana Williams and Gene Johnson of Diamond Rio. The ACM Awards air live May 15th from the MGM Grand on CBS.


TAYLOR SWIFT CREDITS WRITING HER OWN SONGS TO HER SUCCESS

The old adage is write what you know about. And that’s what Taylor Swift did on her self-titled Gold disc. While she’s only seventeen-years-old, she draws inspiration from her everyday life to tackle serious issues like an eating disorder and other mature subjects. Swift feels she’s been successful so far because she’s filling a niche. She says, quote, “Very few country singers sing about things that both young people and older people can relate to…I sing country music with topics that haven’t been previously addressed.” Whether it’s addressing being dumped – the subject of her current single “Tears On My Guitar”-- or evoking memories on her top five hit “Tim McGraw,” Taylor says, quote, “I’m not afraid to let people know details about my life or who I am as a person.” Swift wrote or co-wrote all eleven tracks on her first album.

In other Taylor Swift news, the singer has been invited to extend her run on the second leg of Brad Paisley’s “Bonfires & Amplifiers” tour. The September through November run will also feature Rodney Atkins.


MIRANDA LAMBERT IS PROUD OF HER ACM

Miranda Lambert has been on a rollercoaster since the release of her debut disc, “Kerosene,” over two years ago. Since then she’s received GRAMMY, CMA and ACM nominations and recently received a Platinum certification for “Kerosene.” Now the singer feels as if she’s in the big league since receiving an Academy of Country Music nod in the Top Female category. Lambert says, quote, “I am actually in a category with some big names in music like Faith [Hill], Sara [Evans] and Martina [McBride]. I have been buying those girls’ records since I was 15 and now I am a peer. The singer adds, quote, “WOW! This is huge.” Miranda is also up for Top New Female Vocalist alongside Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift. Miranda’s sophomore project “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” is scheduled to hit stores May lst.

In other news, Lambert says her new puppy Delilah has been to six states and on a video shoot already.

PAT GREEN’S “DIXIE LULLABY” IS THE STORY OF LOVE

Three-time GRAMMY nominee Pat Green took a snapshot from his own life when he penned his new single “Dixie Lullaby.” The singer says, quote, “The song is more than the story of a father and son. It’s really just the story of life…the story of love.” He adds, quote, “You learn how to be in love by watching your parents be in love with each other.” Green credits that kind of loving environment for the successful marriage he has with his wife Kori. “Dixie Lullaby” is the latest hit from Pat’s “Cannonball” CD.



QUICK BITES

The Statler Brothers have been named Virginians of the Year by that state’s press association. One of the most awarded groups in country music, the men in the quartet lived in Virginia throughout their entire career and performed numerous free Fourth of July concerts in Staunton, VA.

Jack Ingram will be in Los Angeles this week taping an installment of “AOL Sessions.” He joins a group of top performers who have been taped the show, among them Tim McGraw, Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond and Tom Petty.

When the Country Music Associatoin presents “The World Tour of the Hit Men” in Nashville it will be a special preview of a songwriter series that is scheduled for Joe’s Pub in New York City later in the week. Bob DePiero, Jeffrey Steele, Craig Wiseman and Tony Mullins will perform at this week’s at 3rd & Lindsley tomorrow night as part of the Tin Pan South activities.