TOBY'S GOLF CLASSIC SET FOR JUNE 6-7 TO BENEFIT ALLY'S HOUSE
TOBY KEITH is ready once again ready to help Oklahoma children with cancer by announcing he will be hosting the 5th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic at Belmar Golf Course in Norman, Oklahoma on Saturday, June 7th. The tournament will continue the tradition of supporting Ally's House, an organization that Keith helped establish that assists pediatric cancer patients and their families throughout the state.
"This will be our 5th year with this event and we're always trying to take it to the next level," Keith said.
The two-day affair kicks off Friday night, June 6th at the Riverwind Casino in Norman, where golfers and their guests will revel in good food and live music. Keeping with tradition, Keith will hold court over a live auction, showcasing what past attendees claim to be a nearly unparalleled collection of coveted items up for bid.
"Toby auctions off trips, shows, autographed items from huge celebrities, the list goes on and on," said Hunter Miller, 5-time golfer in the tournament. "He pulls out all the stops."
To date, the Keith and his foundation have raised more than $1.5 million for Ally's House, which is named for Allison Webb, daughter of Keith's friend and original bandmate Scott Webb. Ally died of cancer in August of 2003, one month short of her third birthday.
SUPERSTAR PERFORMANCES ADDED TO CMT AWARDS SHOW McGRAW&HILL, CHESNEY, RIMES, URBAN, KIX&RONNIE
The lineup of stars for the CMT Awards has been enriched by quantum leaps thanks to the edition of Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and Brooks & Dunn to the lineup for the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS. Previously announced performances include Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift and a special performance by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus.
Hosted by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS air live from Nashville’s Curb Event Center at Belmont University on Monday, April 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT* on CMT and CMT.com. The 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS continues to be the genre’s only fan-voted awards. Fans can vote online at CMT.com through Friday, April 11 to determine the night’s winners.
SPEAKING OF KENNY CHESNEY...HE CREATES "SHIFTWORK" SECTION AT SHOWS.
Playing a stadium show in Nashville, Kenny Chesney wanted to do something special for the folks where he now resides. Looking around the area where he lives south of town, he realized he wanted to do something for the working fans rather than Music Row who he knew would be taken care of - and so, the Shiftwork Section was born.
With tickets under $30, anyone who wanted to come when Chesney plays LP Field on July 5, could come. It was the kind of thing that has defined the songwriter’s rise from struggling hard country singer to the people's superstar.
“You look at the people in the Mini Mart, who're driving trucks or working in hospitals, and you realize, the money just doesn't go as far as it did a year ago,” Chesney admits softly. “I've always been about keeping the prices down, everyone knows that 'cause I want anyone who wants to be part of the party to be able and come out, especially here where I live.”
While details are being sorted, look for Chesney's “Shiftwork Sections,” in several markets on his Corona Extra sponsored Poets & Pirates 2008 Tour. With a universal price of $29.50, it's all about giving people a little play in their day, having some fun and hearing some great music from varying line-ups of artists who include Keith Urban, Sammy Hagar, Brooks & Dunn, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan, Luke Bryan and whoever else happens to show up, as is often the case when Kenny hits the road.
JOSH GRACIN BUSY WHILE HE WAITED...ON SOPHOMORE CD
It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years since Josh Gracin first appeared on the charts with back-to-back hits, "I Want to Live," #4, and his first #1 "Nothin' To Lose," and yet he's just now about to release his sophomore album (due out April 1st). But, according to Josh, there are a number of reasons for the delay in getting to the second album, ranging from producer changes to big changes in his personal staff and band. As frustrating as it's been Josh says it allowed him to work on other things, such as songwriting.
"Of course I was disappointed that the album didn't come out last year or the year before, but it was for a good reason. And, I started writing a lot. "I wrote, 'We Weren't Crazy' (title tune of the new album) which ended up being a single. I wrote 'Let Me Fall' a little before that is also on the album. I wrote 'Unbelievable' by myself a month ago which made the album. So, I wouldn't have had any of that if things hadn't held of a bit." Brett James has produced one heck of a half of the album and it's great," Josh enthuses.
RISSIE PALMER TO GAC NIGHTS TOMORROW NIGHT
Rissi Palmer is visible these days. Don't miss GAC Nights this Thursday, March 20 at 10pm ET as host Suzanne Alexander catches up with Rissi in Nashville during Country Radio Seminar Week. ALSO, Hear Rissi on Sirius… On Tuesday, March 25, listen to Rissi as she performs a few songs from her self-titled CD and talks to host Larry Flick of "Out Q in the Morning" on Sirius Channel 109 at 9:05a ET. Later in the week on Saturday, March 29, tune into "Beyond The Buzz," on Sirius Channel 60 (New Country) from 9pm - 11pm ET and hear Rissi as she performs and talks to host, Al Skop. (Repeats: Thursday, April 3 at 12:01am ET). Performance and interviews were both recorded from Sirius studios in New York.
ALSO ON GAC...LADY ANTEBELLUM
Although most people are familiar with ACM Top New Group Nominee Lady Antebellum now, during their GAC series Introducing…Lady Antebellum, which premieres March 20 at 8:30 pm ET, the trio laughs over the confusion the group’s name has caused and continues to cause when they introduce themselves. While some people think the band is named for band member Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley explains how they name originated.
“We needed a name and I think we came up with some horrendous names that I don’t even want to mention. My brother was in town and he was going to take some photos of us and he talks us into going to a costume store and renting some costumes. They were similar to Civil War-era clothes and we were shooting in a place outside of Franklin, Tennessee, which is a historic place outside of Nashville. We were in front of all these old gorgeous white Antebellum homes and we were inspired so that’s kind of where that name came from.”
To learn more about the group, watch the premiere of Introducing…Lady Antebellum on March 20 at 8:30 pm.
CMA COUNTS ON REPEL TO ATTRACT FANS TO CMA FESTIVAL
Repel insect repellent has partnered with the CMA for a CMA Music Festival sweepstakes. In the "Repel CMA Music Festival Sweepstakes", one lucky winner and their guest will win a grand prize paid trip to Nashville, TN with two tickets to the 2008 CMA Music Festival, air travel, hotel accommodations and more. The total grand prize is valued at over $3,000.00.
From March 1 to May 15, music fans and outdoor enthusiasts can register for the "Repel CMA Music Festival Sweepstakes" at www.repelcmagiveaway.com or pick up a registration form at participating Repel® retail stores. Entering is free and no purchase is necessary. All participants must be 18 years or older and residents of the United States. To enter, visit www.repelcmagiveaway.com and complete the entry form or pick up an entry form at participating Repel retailers and mail it in.
DID YOU KNOW... THIS ABOUT GARY ALLAN?
Did you know Gary Allan says that, one of the best things about his job is pretty girls jumping on stage...while one of the worst things is pretty young girls that jump on stage and grab him?
Gary told us, "I remember one night in Corpus (Christi) one girl jumped up and grabbed me and gave me this big kiss and then dove back off into the crowd...that was cool. But, I think it's the worst anybody's actually gotten ahold of me before somebody got to 'em to catch 'em happened that same night. This other girl latched onto me and wouldn't let go! And the bouncers were dragging her and she wouldn't let go of me. She had me, I had the microphone, dragging it with me singing and she's got me by the neck. The bouncer finally got her loose, but the bouncer ended up with bite marks and scratch marks and this girl just was, she just went a little nuts up there. When they get hold of you yeah, it makes you, think Man, we need a little better security than that!" (laughing)
QUESTION OF THE DAY
WHAT YEAR DID THE EAGLES SCORE THEIR FIRST COUNTRY HIT?
It was back in 1975 that The Eagles charted country for the first time with "Lyin' Eyes," that peaked at #8 country.
TALK 'ROUND THE ROW
LUKE BRYAN AND WIFE WELCOME THEIR OWN LITTLE “COUNTRY MAN”
Luke Bryan and his wife Caroline welcomed the birth of their first child this morning. Thomas Boyer “Bo” Bryan was born at 11:34 a.m. on March 18 at a Nashville area hospital.
“Watching my wife bring our son in to this world is a feeling I can’t even put into words,” beamed the proud new father. “It’s definitely one of the greatest moments in my life. Caroline and Bo are doing great.” Bo, as he’ll be called, weighed in at 6 lbs 14 oz and 20 inches long. This is the first child for Luke and Caroline who were married in 2006.
HAMLIN GOOD FOR CMT
FROM CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc. TV Veteran Brings Good News to CMT By Crystal Caviness
What brought John Hamlin, a veteran producer for CBS News' award-winning show, "60 Minutes," to Nashville was dinner.
After hearing that Hamlin had some programming ideas, Bob Kusbit, Head of Development at Country Music Television (CMT), invited him to talk it over at a restaurant meeting. As he listened, Kusbit became more intrigued - not so much with the shows but with the man pitching them. "I thought, 'This would be a guy I'd love to have full-time at CMT,'" he recalled. Not long after that, Hamlin was onboard at the cable music network, as Senior VP of Production and Development.
After "long conversations over the next few weeks," according to Kusbit, the two-time Emmy Award winner stepped away from his position with one of television's most respected news shows, moved with his family from their Florida waterfront home and went to work at his Nashville office by late July 2007.
A background in hard news may seem incongruous in the world of music television, but a closer look at his prospectus of more than 25 years of television experience reveals areas of synchronicity. While working for 15 years at "60 Minutes," Hamlin produced segments on some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson and U2. "John has a deep-rooted interest in music and Country Music," Kusbit explained. "He's had great success in getting artists to do things in new and inventive ways. He has great connections with artists and labels. His connections and interest in music made us go after him and want him for the channel." But it wasn't only Hamlin's music-related work that made him a fit for CMT. "We're always looking for new ways to do television shows that appeal to the CMT audience," Kusbit said. "With John's skill as a television producer, he can find creative ideas and then oversee and execute them correctly.
In Hamlin's view, CMT programming breaks down to three parts: music programming, including "CMT Crossroads," its "Giants" franchise and the network's signature annual event, the "CMT Music Awards;" non-scripted and non-music programming that includes such hit series as "Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team," "Hogan Knows Best," "Trick My Truck" and "Trick My Trucker;" and a third category that, in Hamlin's words, "marries both of these genres by putting Country artists into compelling reality-driven concepts." As examples, he points to three new CMT series. The first is "Gone Country," hosted by John Rich of Big & Rich, who gives seven established performers from different realms of the entertainment and music industries a chance to break out as the next Country superstar. The second is "Can You Duet," a music competition series from the producers of "American Idol," designed to find the best Country Music duo in America. Finally, there's "Invitation Only," which Hamlin described as "a cross between 'Storytellers' and 'Inside the Actors Studio.'" "Invitation Only" debuted on CMT last fall with Keith Urban; the next installment launched in March with Alan Jackson. "It's a music-driven show," Hamlin observed. "And we're letting artists shape the show to fit their particular vision, while providing the audience with an up-close and personal look at their favorite artists." In every concept he's addressing for CMT, Hamlin applies the most important lesson learned through his news and sports background. "Whether you're showing a football game or a reality show, television is storytelling," he explained. "I asked one producer about how he sees one idea we're developing that involves talent from Music Row. He said, 'Well, we'll be following so-and-so around.' And I said, 'Stop right there. Don't just follow a celebrity. Tell me what they're going through. Tell me a story!'" Hamlin and another recent addition at CMT, Jay Frank, Senior VP of Music Strategy, work together to communicate the network's goals to the music community. "CMT is trying to embrace artists, record companies and managers in a collaborative way that we can all work together and do things that are good for all of us," Hamlin said. "Music Row is in the business of selling records and tickets. The more records and tickets they sell, the better for us. If we make the right choices, it only helps the business of CMT. "But," he added, "we want to be careful. We'll never underestimate the intelligence of the CMT audience or any other audience. You don't want to package stuff so that it looks like an infomercial or a strictly promotional piece, because people are more sophisticated than that."
IN THE PIPELINE
GRAND OLE OPRY Friday, March 21, 2008
8:00–8:30 Cracker Barrel John Conlee Connie Smith Sarah Johns
8:30–9:00 U.S. Bank Jean Shepard Jan Howard Jimmy C Newman James Otto
9:00–9:30 Humana Riders In The Sky Charlie Walker George Hamilton IV Josh Gracin
9:30–10:00 How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry Jeannie Seely Jack Greene Cherryholmes
Saturday, March 22, 2008 FIRST SHOW 6:30-7:00 Humana Jimmy Dickens Jimmy C. Newman Jeannie Seely
7:00-7:30 Cracker Barrel John Conlee George Hamilton IV Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys Chonda Pierce
7:30-8:00 U.S. Bank Lorrie Morgan Jack Greene Jim Ed Brown
8:00-8:30 Opry House Tours Steve Wariner Jean Shepard Riders In The Sky Opry Square Dancers
8:30-9:00 Odom’s Tennessee Pride Marty Stuart Connie Smith Loretta Lynn
SECOND SHOW 9:30-10:00 Cracker Barrel Jimmy Dicke John Conlee Loretta Lynn Lorrie Morgan Charlie Louvin Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press\ Chonda Pierce 10:30-11:00 Human Steve Wariner Jean Shepard Jim Ed Brown\ Opry Square Dancers
11:00-11:30 How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry Marty Stuart Riders In The Sky Connie Smith Tuesday, March 25, 2008
7:00 – 7:30 Cracker Barrel John Conlee The Infamous Stringdusters
7:30 – 8:00 U.S.Bank Gene Watson Ricky Skaggs
8:00 – 8:30 Humana Bill Anderson Chuck Wicks
8:30 – 9:00 How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry Jimmy Dickens Joe Nichols
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NASCAR NEWS FROM "THE FINAL LAP WITH KERRY MURPHEY"
THE 2008 NASCAR SEASON IS HERE, GET COVERAGE ON YOUR RADIO STATION FOR THE HOTTEST SPORT IN AMERICA! (http://www.finallapradio.com)
RACE RECAP | BRISTOL 10 Matt Kenseth 9 David Gilliland 8 Aric Almirola 7 Kasey Kahne 6 Denny Hamlin 5 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 4 Greg Biffle 3 Clint Bowyer 2 Kevin Harvick
VICTORY LANE
1 Jeff Burton picks up his first career Cup win at Bristol,20th career win, the first Chevy win of 2008, and completes the first ever Richard Childress Racing 1-2-3 finish.
OTHER STORIES ON THE DAY
-Tony Stewart led the most laps in this one, only to get wrecked by Kevin Harvick with less than 10 laps to go
-Points leader Kyle Busch had power steering issues and damaged his #18 machine, he finished 17th and still hangs onto the lead
-Defending Champion Jimmie Johnson's troubles continue with an 18th place run after getting a flat tire
POINT STANDINGS | CUP SERIES 10 KURT BUSCH 9 CLINT BOWYER 8 RYAN NEWMAN 7 TONY STEWART 6 KASEY KAHNE 5 DALE EARNHARDT JR. 4 JEFF BURTON 3 KEVIN HARVICK 2 GREG BIFFLE 1 KYLE BUSCH IS UP BY 30 POINTS
Noticeably missing from that list are Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson who are 13th and 14th in points.
THE FINAL LAP, NOW HEARD TWICE A DAY, 5 DAYS A WEEK!
DRIVER INTERVIEWS ON EVERY SHOW, ON YOUR STATION!
Listen to recent show demos: http://www.finallapradio.com/demoaudio
To become an affiliate radio station of The Final Lap, visit http:// www.finallapradio.com and call 212.852.6814 or email at…
THIS WEEKEND AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY
OPRY LINEUP Tuesday, March 18, 2008
7:00 – 7:30 Cracker Barrel John Conlee Mandy Barnett
7:30 – 8:00 U.S.Bank The Whites Del McCoury Band
8:00 – 8:30 Humana Jimmy Dickens Restless Heart
8:30 – 9:00 Opry Gospel CD: How Great Thou Art Ricky Skaggs
No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1328 - Release Date: 3/13/2008 11:31 AM
ALBUMS IN PIPELINE
3-11-08
Eddie P. Briley — Briley-fied Zane Lewis — Zane Lewis Van Morrison — Keep It Simple
######################### NASCAR NEWS FROM "THE FINAL LAP WITH KERRY MURPHEY"
THE 2008 NASCAR SEASON IS HERE, GET COVERAGE ON YOUR RADIO STATION FOR THE HOTTEST SPORT IN AMERICA! (http://www.finallapradio.com <http://www.finallapradio.com> )
RACE RECAP | ATLANTA Kyle Busch notches the first Cup Series win for Toyota, and is the youngest driver ever to win in Atlanta. Kyle continues to lead the point standings, and Toyota also made it a 1-2 finish with Tony Stewart's #20 car. Here's how the top 10 stacks up...
1 Kyle Busch wins 2 of 3 races in Atlanta
2 Tony Stewart not a fan of Goodyear
3 Dale Earnhardt Jr. dominated early
4 Greg Biffle does well at 1.5 milers
5 Jeff Gordon not bad for a ill handling 24
6 Clint Bowyer a much needed good run
7 Kevin Harvick typically doesn't do well at Atlanta
8 Matt Kenseth battled back from a lap down
9 Brian Vickers now 9th in points
10 Jeff Burton great run for all RCR cars
OTHER STORIES ON THE DAY
-Carl Edwards led 33 laps until his #99 went up in smoke
-Elliott Sadler's #19 was the cause of three straight cautions
-The #48 of Jimmie Johnson struggled again
-Sam Hornish Jr. was the top finishing rookie in 24th
THE FINAL LAP, NOW HEARD TWICE A DAY, 5 DAYS A WEEK! DRIVER INTERVIEWS ON EVERY SHOW, ON YOUR STATION!
Listen to recent show demos: http://www.finallapradio.com/demoaudio <http://www.finallapradio.com/demoaudio>
To become an affiliate radio station of The Final Lap, visit http:// www.finallapradio.com <http://www.finallapradio.com> and call 212.852.6814 or email at…
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COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM EVENTS THROUGH MARCH 2, 2008
*All events are included with Museum admission (FREE for Museum members), except as noted
Saturday, February 16, 2008 Songwriter Session w/ Thom Schuyler Noon Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Session Players w/ Jerry Kennedy 2:00 p.m. Autograph Signing w/ Jerry Kennedy 3:15 p.m. (FREE)
Sunday, February 17, 2008 Banjo Demonstration w/ Charlie Cushman 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 23, 2008 Songwriter Session w/ Rich Fagan Noon In-Store Performance/Autograph Signing w/ Nash Street 12:30 p.m. (FREE) Family Program: Musical Petting Zoo 1:00 p.m. (FREE) In-Store Performance/Autograph Signing w/ Charlie Louvin 2:00 p.m. (FREE) In-Store Performance/Autograph Signing w/ Jim Lauderdale 3:30 p.m. (FREE)
Sunday, February, 24, 2008 Steel Guitar Demonstration w/ Pete Finney with Jon Byrd 1:00 p.m. Film Screening: Marty Robbins: Super Legend (1986) 2:00 p.m. (FREE)
Thursday, February 28, 2008 Q&A and Book Signing: Random Memories: Don and Harold Reid of the Statler Brothers Noon
Saturday, March 1, 2008 Songwriter Session w/ Jeff Dayton Noon Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters w/ Bob McDill 2:00 p.m. Autograph Signing w/ Bob McDill 3:15 p.m. (FREE)
Sunday, March 2, 2008 Mandolin and Banjo Demonstration w/ Bob Grant and Ned Luberecki 1:00 p.m.
GAC STUFF
GAC Top 20 03-14-08
1. Taylor Swift `I'm Only Me When I'm With You 2. Carrie Underwood `All-American Girl 3. Alan Jackson `Small Town Southern Man 4. Keith Urban `Everybody 5. Chuck Wicks `Stealing Cinderella 6. Sugarland `Stay 7. Gary Allan Watching Airplanes 8. Brad Paisley `Letter To Me 9. Kenny Chesney `Shiftwork 10. Bucky Covington `It's Good To Be Us 11. Lady Antebellum `Love Don't Live Here 12. Carrie Underwood `So Small 13. James Otto Just Got Started Lovin' You 14. Tim McGraw `Suspicions 15. Luke Bryan ``We Rode In Trucks 16. Craig Morgan `International Harvester 17. Jason Aldean `Laughed Until We Cried 18. Bon Jovi ````Til We Ain't Strangers Anymore 19. Brooks & Dunn God Must Be Busy 20. Krauss/Plant ``Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)
ADDS:
Taylor Swift Picture To Burn
Great American Country Playlist 03-17-08
Power Kenny Chesney Shiftwork Power Brooks & Dunn God Must Be Busy Power Carrie Underwood All-American Girl Power Jason Aldean Laughed Until We Cried Power Chuck Wicks Stealing Cinderella Power Taylor Swift I'm Only Me When I'm With You Power Bucky Covington It's Good To Be Us Power Brad Paisley Letter To Me Power Alan Jackson Small Town Southern Man Power Taylor Swift Picture To Burn Power Phil Vassar Love Is A Beautiful Thing Power James Otto Just Got Started Lovin' You Medium Martina McBride For These Times Medium Trisha Yearwood This Is Me You're Talking To Medium Jewel Stronger Woman Medium Bon Jovi/LeAnn RimesTil We Ain't Strangers Any.. Medium Ashton Shepherd Takin' Off This Pain Medium Carrie Underwoo How Great Thou Art Medium The Eagles Busy Being Fabulous Medium Lady Antebellum Love Don't Live Here Medium Joe Nichols It Ain't No Crime Medium Emerson Drive You Still Own Me Medium Taylor Swift I'm Only Me When I'm With.. Medium Mica Roberts Things A Mama Don't Know Light Elizabeth Cook Sunday Morning Light Phil Stacey If You Didn't Love Me Light Lori McKenna Unglamorous Light LeAnn Rimes Good Friend And A Glass Light Alison Krauss/Robert Plant Gone, Gone, Gone (D Light Tracy Lawrence Til I Was A Daddy Too Light Collin Raye Quitters Light Trent Willmon Broken In Light Luke Bryan We Rode In Trucks Light Tim McGraw Suspicions Light Jerry Kilgore What's It Take To Get A Dri Light Willie Nelson You Don't Think I'm Funny Light Katie Armiger Make Me Believe
CMT STUFF
THE ULTIMATE COYOTE UGLY SEARCH 3 (episode 3) PREMIERE! Liliana Lovell, the tough-talking founder of the legendary New York City bar Coyote Ugly, is on the hunt again for the “Ultimate Coyote” in THE ULTIMATE COYOTE UGLY SEARCH 3. The third installment of the popular series features ten talented ladies who are competing for the sixth and final spot in the Coyote Ugly traveling troupe, a group that tours the country singing and dancing on bar tops and impressing crowds – as well as a $50,000 prize. This week eight girls remain, and Lil chooses three of them to sing on the bar in front of customers. But it is the behaviour of one of the other girls that upsets Lil. After a surprising twist of events, another girl is sent home. Premieres Friday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT
COUNTRY FRIED PLANET (episode 3) PREMIERE! With Country Fried Home Videos, Bill Engvall took on America. Now, he's ready to take on the world. COUNTRY FRIED PLANET takes the very best videos the world has to offer and packages them all into one convenient new show. So why would you ever leave America? Shoot, why would you ever leave your living room? On Country Fried Planet, you can see the world right through your TV screen. From fancy-pants England to cowardly snail-eatin’ France, tomato-splattered, boot-shaped Italy to eel-eating, fat-guy-wrestling, weird-game-show-making Japan, it turns out there are rednecks all over this world, and here are the videos to prove it. Premieres Friday, March 21 at 8:30 p.m., ET/PT
TRICK MY TRUCK ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK PREMIERE! Josh Mullen is a 23 year old, up and coming musician, who has doing everything he can to make it in the music business. Josh and his band play gigs all over the Midwest, and a 1993 Ford van is their mode of transport. For Josh, that van is his home away from home, but it has definitely seen better days. Be sure to catch this special edition of TRICK MY TRUCK, as the boys turn Josh’s beat down band van into a bodacious 1950s beach woody that’ll be sure to turn heads at Josh’s upcoming show at Spring Break 2008! Premieres Friday, March 21 at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT
CMT ONE COUNTRY AND YOUTH SERVICE AMERICA RE-UNITE FOR GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY APRIL 25- 27
Diana DeGarmo, of CMT’s GONE COUNTRY, to be Honorary Spokesperson for Global Youth Service Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 10, 2008 – CMT One Country, the pro-social initiative for cable network CMT, and Youth Service America have joined forces for the second year in a row to help motivate youth in America for Global Youth Service Day on April 25- 27, the largest volunteering event in the world. Recording artist Diana DeGarmo of CMT’s GONE COUNTRY, will be the honorary spokesperson for Global Youth Service Day, speaking publicly on behalf of the event on radio, television and print opportunities. Events kick-off Friday, April 25 and run through Sunday, April 27. “On behalf of CMT One Country and Youth Service America, I am delighted to speak to youth about the importance of volunteering, ” says DeGarmo. “I am inspired and honored to be part of a generation that is recognizing more than ever the importance of giving back.” Shooting to fame on "American Idol" in 2004, Diana DeGarmo has thus far enjoyed a fruitful career; releasing an album, touring across the country and the world and even acting on Broadway all before the tender age of 18. After auditioning on “American Idol” at age 16, DeGarmo went through weeks of auditions before making it to the top 32, where she first sang before a national TV audience. After making it to the final two on Idol in 2004, DeGarmo went on tour with the rest of the top 10 and released her single "Dreams," which became the third best selling single of the year. DeGarmo also made her theatrical debut as Maria in the San Jose production of "West Side Story" in November 2005. DeGarmo impressed as Maria with both her singing and natural acting ability. While looking into the movie version of "Hairspray" in 2005, DeGarmo was asked to audition for the Broadway production of "Hairspray". DeGarmo returned to Atlanta after the audition, only to find out that she had indeed been offered the role as Penny Lou Pingleton in the Broadway production. Most recently, DeGarmo appeared in the hit CMT series, GONE COUNTRY, which takes seven established performers from every realm of the entertainment and music industries and immerses them in all things country for a chance at country music stardom. “After a successful partnership in 2007, CMT One Country is proud to once again join forces with Youth Service America for Global Youth Service Day to help reinforce the importance of volunteerism among all age groups,” said Lucia Folk, director of public affairs, CMT. “Diana DeGarmo, a favorite from CMT’s GONE COUNTRY and a talented young artist, is an excellent role model and spokesperson for the youth of America.” “It’s an honor to work with CMT One Country and Diana DeGarmo who is committed to youth serving in their communities. CMT’s leadership increases the scale and visibility of youth service year-round, and helps youth in America play a lead role in learning about community needs, while giving their time, energy, commitment, and idealism,” says Steve Culbertson, president and CEO of Youth Service America. “Millions of young people serving together on Global Youth Service Day performing strategic service sends a powerful message of hope and healing around the globe,” Culbertson adds. Spanning three days, April 25, 26 and 27, 2008, GYSD involves millions of young people across the world, with the help of mentors, parents, and teachers. Young volunteers will address important community needs through service and service-learning projects addressing climate change, literacy, poverty, human rights, and many other issues. Global Youth Service Day is the largest youth service event in the world. GYSD is a year-round effort to expand the impact of the youth service movement. The initiative launches new service organizations, policy changes, and sustainable service programs to create a culture of engaged youth. State Farm Companies Foundation is the presenting sponsor. More than 120 national partners and 75 lead agencies throughout the United States organize campaigns. Overseas, national lead agencies in more than 100 countries participate. Planning Tool Kits, Service-Learning Curriculum Guides, classroom posters, grants, and more are available for youth, parents, teachers and organizations. For the U.S. Map of Service Projects for GYSD 2008: www.YSA.org/map. Visit CMT's press-only web site www.cmtmusicawardspress.com for more information about the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS and media credentialing.
CMT One Country, CMT's pro-social initiative, was launched in the fall of 2005 to promote civic participation and inspire CMT viewers to take action and bring about important change in their communities. CMT One Country partners include America’s Second Harvest, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity, Hands On Network and the USO (United Service Organizations). Led by Advisory Board members President Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou and General Colin Powell, whose combined service to America is legendary, CMTONECOUNTRY.com aims to offer tools to help anyone start making a difference immediately. For more information: www.CMTONECOUNTRY.com.
CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and Heartland entertainment, reaching more than 87 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 150 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Youth Service America seeks to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people, ages 5-25, serving in important roles. Founded in 1986, YSA is an international nonprofit resource center that partners with thousands of organizations in more than 100 countries to expand the impact of the youth service movement with families, communities, schools, corporations, and governments. For more information: www.YSA.org.
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PRESS CONTACTS:
For CMT One Country: Natasha Powell 615.335.8412
For Youth Service America Christina Wessell Batcheler 202-296-2992 x 128
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM EVENTS THROUGH MARCH 30, 2008
*All events are included with Museum admission (FREE for Museum members), except as noted
Saturday, March 15, 2008 Songwriter Session w/ Byron Hill and Jim Weatherly Noon
Sunday, March 16, 2008 Pedal Steel Guitar Demonstration w/ Bob Kramer 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2008 Songwriter Session w/ John Wiggins and Wynn Varble Noon In-Store Performance and Autograph Signing w/ Allen Frizzell 2:00 p.m. (FREE)
Sunday, March 23, 2008 Dobro and Flatpick Guitar Demonstration w/ Al Goll and Tim May 1:00 p.m.
Friday, March 28, 2008 Exhibit Opening: Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Co-Presented by SunTrust and Ford Motor Company All Day Curators Exhibit Tour: Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Co-Presented by SunTrust and Ford Motor Company 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 29, 2008 Interview and Performance: Hank Williams Jr. (Reservations required in advance beginning Tuesday, March 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Maximum of 2 tickets per sale. (615) 416-2001. 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 30, 2008 Harmonica and Accordion Demonstration w/ Buddy Greene and Jeff Taylor 1:00 p.m. Film Screening: In the Hank Williams Tradition (1990) 2:00 p.m. (FREE)
The Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum tells the story of one of the world’s most popular art forms. Here, the music and its makers speak through timeless art, the latest interactive exhibits and live performances. Visitors may also dine at SoBro Grill, located in the conservatory, which offers a wide variety of contemporary southern cuisine. The Museum is located at 222 Fifth Ave. S. in downtown Nashville, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The Museum Store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily and the SoBro Grill is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A snack bar, Sobro2Go, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Admission is $17.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages six to 17, and free for children under six. The Museum offers discounted admission ($16.15) to seniors (55 and older), the military and students (with valid IDs). Group rates are available for tours of 15 or more. There is no charge to visit the Curb Conservatory or the Museum Store.
Songwriter Sessions made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.
Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The Foundation also operates CMF Records, the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive, the CMF Press, historic RCA Studio B, and Hatch Show Print.
More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum is available at www.countrymusichalloffame.com or by calling (615) 416-2001.
COUNTRY ON TOUR
KENNY CHESNEY - Poets & Pirates Tour 2008 April 18-19 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena April 26 Columbia, SC Williams Brice Stadium Brooks & Dunn, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan, Luke Bryan May 1 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center May 2 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center May 3 Dallas, TX Pizza Hut Stadium Brooks & Dunn, LeAnn Rimes May 8 Charleston, WV Civic Center May 10 Baltimore, MD M&T Bank Stadum Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, Big & Rich, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan May 21-22 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena May 24 Cleveland, OH Browns Stadium Keith Urban, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan May 28 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center May 29 San Diego, CA Coors Amphitheatre May 31 Phoenix, AZ Univ. of Phoenix Stadium Keith Urban, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan June 3 Portland, OR Clark County Amphitheatre June 6 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand June 8 San Francisco, CA AT&T Park Brooks & Dunn, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan, Luke Bryan June 19 Moline, IL I-Wireless Arena June 14 Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Field Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan, Luke Bryan June 21 Chicago, IL Soldier Field Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan, Luke Bryan July 5 Nashville, TN LP Field Keith Urban, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan July 13 Atlanta, GA Turner Field Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan July 17 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amph. July 19 Philadelphia, PA Lincoln Financial Field Keith Urban, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan July 24 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts July 26 Foxboro, MA Gillette Stadium Keith Urban, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan SOLD OUT July 31 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Amphitheatre August 2 Detroit, MI Ford Field Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan, Luke Bryan August 14 New Orleans New Orleans Arena August 21 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amph. August 22 Raleigh, NC Alltel Pavilion August 28 West Palm Beach, FL Sound Advice Amphitheatre August 29 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre August 30 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial September 11 St. Louis, MO UMB Bank Amphitheatre September 13 Indianapolis, IN Lucas Oil Field Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan, Luke Bryan Individual On-Sale Dates Announced Locally. More Dates To Come. LeAnn Rimes on ALL Dates.
MORE URBAN/UNDERWOOD DATES 3/11/2008 San Jose, CA 3/13/2008 Anaheim, CA 4/10/2008 Charlottesville, VA 4/12/2008 University Park, PA 4/17/2008 North Charleston, SC 4/18/2008 Charlotte, NC 4/19/2008 Raleigh, NC 4/24/2008 Duluth, GA 4/25/200 Duluth, GA BRAD PAISLEYBonfires and Amplifiers Tour 2008: Feb. 21 Green Bay, WI Feb. 22 Peoria, IL Feb. 23 TBD 2008 TRACE ADKINS American Man Tour will go on sale in select cities on Friday, December 7. Upcoming 2008 Tour Dates include: Jan 31 Lowell, MA (Bucky Covington /on sale 12/14) Feb. 1 Johnstown, PA (Bucky Covington) Feb. 7 Sioux City, IA (Luke Bryan) Feb. 8 Bloomington, IL (Luke Bryan) Feb. 9 Lincoln, NE (Luke Bryan) Feb. 14 Saginaw, MI (Kellie Pickler) Feb. 15 Toledo, OH (Jason Michael Carroll) Feb. 16 La Crosse, WI (Jason Michael Carroll) Feb. 17 Grand Forks, ND (Jason Michael Carroll) Feb 21 Chattanooga, TN (Jason Michael Carroll) Feb. 22 Charleston, SC (Jason Michael Carroll) Feb. 23 Asheville, NC (Jason Michael Carroll) Feb. 24 Aiken, SC (Jason Michael Carroll) Mar. 6 Columbus, GA Mar. 7 Plant City, FL (on sale now) Mar. 8 Pompano, FL Mar. 13 Salisbury, MD (Bill Engvall) Mar. 14 Albany, NY (Bill Engvall / on sale 12/14) Mar. 15 Wheeling, WV (Bill Engvall) Mar. 16 Fairfax, VA (Bill Engvall)
GEORGE STRAIT ON TOUR IN 2008 DATE 03/14 - Montgomery, AL - Centre For The Performing Arts 03/15 - Panama City, FL - Marina Civic Center 03/21 - Niagra Falls, ON CANADA - Fallsview Casino Resort 03/22 - Niagra Falls, ON CANADA - Fallsview Casino Resort 04/12 - Yukon, OK - Yukon Fine Arts Auditorium 05/09 - Holland, MI - Holland Tulip Time Festival 06/20 - Wendover, NV - Peppermill Casino 06/24 - Froamt. CA - Table Mountain Rancheria 06/25 - Plesanton, CA - Alameda Cnty Fairgrounds 06/28 - Sterling, CO - Logan County Stadium 07/26 - Janesville, WI - Rock Country 4H 07/28 - Gillette, WY - Campbell County Fair 08/02 - Robinsonville, MS - Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall 08/16 - Aberdeen, SD - Brown County Fair 08/31 - Thief River Falls, MN - Kick'n Up Kountry Music Festival 09/14 - Albuquerque, NM - New Mexico State Fair 10/25 - Tuscon, AZ - Desert View Performing Arts Theater
JACK INGRAM TOUR DATES Mar. 22 / Helotes, TX – Floores Country Store Apr. 11 / Grain Valley, MO – Whiskey Tango Apr. 12 / Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom Apr. 18 / Estero, FL – Germain Arena (Martina McBride) Apr. 19 / Jacksonville, FL – Veteran’s Memorial Arena (Martina McBride) Apr. 20 / Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Arena (Martina McBride) Apr. 25 / Huntsville, TX – Shenanigan’s Apr. 26 / Davis, OK – Arbuckle Ballroom Apr. 30 / Ft. Worth, TX – Bass Hall May 4 / Indio, CA - Stagecoach Festival May 10 / Austin, TX – Hilton May 17 / Midland, TX – Centennial Plaza May 18 / Richardson, TX – Wildflower Arts & Music Festival June 13 / Crosby, TX – Crosby Fair & Rodeo June 19 / Walker, MN – Moodance Jamin’ Country Fest June 20 / Chicago, IL – Joe’s June 21 / Dundee, MI – May Fly Music Festival June 27 / Farwell, MI – Country Fest 2008 June 28 / Cadott, WI – Country Fest 2008 July 4 / New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall July 6 / Princeton, IN – Gibson County Fair July 7 / Warsaw, IN – Kosciusko County Fair July 24 / Hastings, NE – Adams County Fair Aug. 2 / Portland, IN – Jay County Fair Aug. 12 / Burley, ID – Cassia County Fair Aug. 13 / Eugene, OR – Lane County Fair Aug. 23 / Winterville, NC – Winterville Watermelon Festival Oct. 11 / Angleton, TX – Brazoria County Fair
TOUR DATES 6-11 -- Albuquerque, NM -- Journal Pavilion 6-12 -- Phoenix, AZ -- Cricket Pavilion 6-13 -- San Diego, CA -- Coors Amphitheatre 6-14 -- Irvine, CA -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 6-19 -- Fresno, CA -- Save Mart Center 6-20 -- Mountain View, CA -- Shoreline Amphitheatre 6-21 -- Sacramento, CA -- Sleep Train Amphitheatre 6-26 -- Indianapolis, IN -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 6-28 -- Holmdel, NJ -- PNC Bank Arts Center 7-11 -- Cincinnati, OH -- Riverbend Music Center 7-12 -- Bristow, VA -- Nissan Pavilion 7-17 -- St. Clairsville, OH -- Jamboree in the Hills 7-18 -- Charlotte, NC -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 7-19 -- Raleigh, NC -- Walnut Creek Amphitheatre 7-24 -- Hartford, CT -- New England Dodge Music Center 7-25 -- Scranton, PA -- Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain 7-26 -- Hershey, PA -- Giant Center 8-1 -- Kansas City, MO -- Sprint Center 8-2 -- Dallas, TX -- Superpages.com Center 8-9 -- Detroit Lakes, MN -- WE Fest 8-15 -- St. Louis, MO -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 8-16 -- Louisville, KY -- Kentucky State Fair – Freedom Hall 8-22 -- St. Paul, MN -- Minnesota State Fair Grandstand 8-23 -- Chicago, IL -- First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre 8-29 -- Cleveland, OH -- Blossom Music Center 8-30 -- Philadelphia, PA -- Susquehanna Bank Center 8-31 -- Virginia Beach, VA -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 9-18 -- Atlanta, GA -- Lakewood Amphitheatre 9-19 -- Tampa, FL -- Ford Amphitheatre 9-20 -- West Palm Beach, FL -- Cruzan Amphitheatre 9-25 -- Providence, RI -- Dunkin Donuts Center 9-26 -- Uncasville, CT -- Mohegan Sun Arena 9-27 -- Manchester, NH -- Verizon Wireless Arena 10-2 -- Gainesville, FL -- Stephen C. O’Connell Center 10-3 -- Birmingham, AL -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 10-4 -- Biloxi, MS -- Mississippi Coast Coliseum 10-17 -- Houston, TX -- Woodlands Pavilion 10-18 -- San Antonio, TX -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
CONNECT WITH JEWEL ONLINE AT: www.jeweljk.com or www.myspace.com/jewel
MIRANDA ON TOUR March 2008 13 - Wichita, KS - The Cotillion 14 - Columbia, MO - The Blue Note 15 - West Des Moines, IA - Val Air Ballroom 17 - Houston, TX - Reliant Stadium April 2008 5 - Columbia, SC - Colonial Center 6 - Jacksonville, FL - Veterans Memorial Arena 11 - Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete Street Amphitheatre 12 - Grand Prairie, TX - Lone Star Park May 2008 2 - Reno, NV - Silver Legacy Resort & Casino 3 - Kelseyville, CA - Konocti Harbor Resort 5 - Friant, CA - Table Mountain Casino 7 - Spokane, WA - Spokane Arena 8 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden Arena 9 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome 10 - Vancouver, CA - Pacific Coliseum 16 - Atlanta, GA - Lakewood Amphitheatre 24 - Little Rock, AR - Riverfest June 2008 7 - Enterprise, AL - Bama Jam 20 - Sault Ste Marie, MI - Kewadin Casino 21 - Walker, MN - Moondance Jammin County Fest 26 - Oshkosh, WI - Country USA Music Fest 27 - Cadott, WI - Country Fest 2008 28 - Farwell, MI - Mountain Country Music Fest 29 - Milwaukee, WI - Summer Fest
July 2008 11 - Calgary, Alberta - Calgary Stampede 12 - Regina, Saskatchewan - Craven County Jamboree Grounds 17 - Twin Lakes, WI - Country Thunder USA 18 - Atchinson, KS - Amelia Earhart Festival (Warnock Lake) 19 - Monticello, IA - Jones County Fairgrounds 24 - Cheyenne, WY - Frontier Park 25 - Minot, ND - North Dakota State Fairgrounds 29 - Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues 30 - Clearfield, PA - Clearfield County Fairgrounds 31 - Columbus, OH - Ohio State Fairgrounds
August 2008 2 - Portland, IN - Jay County Fairgrounds 9 - Lewisburg, WV - West Virginia State Fairgrounds 11 - Coffeyville, KS - Inter-State Fair and Rodeo Grounds 14 - Beaver Dam, WI - Dodge County Fair 15 - Aberdeen, SD - Brown County Fairgrounds 16 - Imperial, NE - Chase County Fairgrounds 18 - Rapid City, SD - Central States Fair 22 - Lincoln, NE - Nebraska State Fair Park 25 - St. Paul, MN - Minnesota State Fair 28 - West Palm, FL - (Venue TBA) 29 - Tampa, FL - (Venue TBA) 30 - Jacksonville, FL - (Venue TBA)
CHARLIE DANIELS VOLUNTEER JAM 4-11-08 Harris, MI - Island Resort & Casino 4-12-08 Harris, MI - Island Resort & Casino 4-18-08 West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheatre 4-19-08 Winger Haven, FL - Cypress Gardens 4-24-08 Bartlesville, OK - Million Dollar Elm Casino 4-25-08 Fayetteville, AR - Dickson Street Music Festival 4-26-08 Kinder, LA - Coushatta Casino Resort 5-9-08 Lake Buena Vista, FL - House of Blues 5-10-08 Valdosta, GA - Wild Adventures 5-16-08 N. Myrtle Beach, SC - Hard Rock Park 5-17-08 Tuscumbia, AL - Alabama Music Hall of Fame 5-28-08 Colorado Springs, CO - World Arena 5-29-08 Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Gaming Casino Showroom 5-30-08 Salt Lake City, UT- Usana Amphitheatre 5-31-08 Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Arena 6-1-08 Tucson, AZ - Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre 6-6-08 Indio, CA - Fantasy Springs Casino Event Center 6-7-08 Kelseyville, CA - Konocti Field Amphitheatre 6-8-08 Palmdale, CA - Palmdale Amphitheatre 6-19-08 Westbury, NY - North Fork Theatre 6-20-08 Champion, PA - Seven Springs Mountain Resort 6-21-08 Guilford, NH - Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center 6-28-08 Hoffman Estates, IL - Sears Centre 7-4-08 Blue Ash, OH - Blue Ash Sports Center 7-18-08 Sevierville, TN - Smokies Stadium 7-19-08 Baltimore, MD - Pier Six Concert Pavilion 8-8-08 Sedalia, MO - Missouri State Fair 8-9-08 West Allis, WI - Wisconsin State Fair 8-12-08 Des Moines, IA - Iowa State Fair 8-14-08 Lewisburg, WV - State Fair of West Virgina
NASHVILLE IQ 
TOBY KEITH is ready once again ready to help Oklahoma children with cancer by announcing he will be hosting the 5th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic at Belmar Golf Course in Norman, Oklahoma on Saturday, June 7th. The tournament will continue the tradition of supporting Ally's House, an organization that Keith helped establish that assists
The lineup of stars for the CMT Awards has been enriched by quantum leaps thanks to the edition of Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and Brooks & Dunn to the lineup for the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS. Previously announced performances include Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift and a special performance by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus. 
Playing a stadium show in Nashville, Kenny Chesney wanted to do something special for the folks where he now resides. Looking around the area where he lives south of town, he realized he wanted to do something for the working fans rather than Music Row who he knew would be taken care of - and so, the Shiftwork Section was born.
It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years since Josh Gracin first appeared on the charts with back-to-back hits, "I Want to Live," #4, and his first #1 "Nothin' To Lose," and yet he's just now about to release his sophomore album (due out April 1st). But, according to Josh, there are a number of reasons for the delay in getting to the second album, ranging from producer changes to big changes in his personal staff and band. As frustrating as it's been Josh says it allowed him to work on other things, such as songwriting. 
Rissi Palmer is visible these days. Don't miss GAC Nights this Thursday, March 20 at 10pm ET as host Suzanne Alexander catches up with Rissi in Nashville during Country Radio Seminar Week.
Luke Bryan and his wife Caroline welcomed the birth of their first child this morning. Thomas Boyer “Bo” Bryan was born at 11:34 a.m. on March 18 at a Nashville area hospital.
