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Superstar Carrie Underwood Launches “THE CRY PRETTY TOUR 360” With Sold-Out Show In Greensboro, NC

Photo credit: Jeff Johnson

Greensboro, NC – (May 2, 2019) – Seven-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Carrie Underwood, launched her new arena tour, THE CRY PRETTY TOUR 360, on May 1, 2019, with a sold-out show at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC. Sponsored by CALIA, the new tour will play 55+ arenas across the U.S. and Canada and is promoted by AEG Presents.

 

Underwood, a strong supporter of rising female artists, is joined on THE CRY PRETTY TOUR 360 by special guests Maddie & Tae and Runaway June. In addition to their own sets, both groups joined Underwood onstage for a tribute to some of the iconic country females that have paved the way for today’s artists.

 

Underwood’s two-hour set featured songs from her critically-acclaimed album, Cry Pretty, including the title track, her recent hit single, Love Wins, and the just-released Southbound, which had its broadcast debut on the recent ACM Awards and is the most-added single at country radio this week. She covers numerous hits spanning her spectacular 14-year career, including new arrangements and special mash-ups created for the tour. Another highlight of the show featured the winner of an ongoing contest wherein fans submit stories about what Underwood’s hit anthem, The Champion, means to them for the chance to join her on stage and perform the rap originated by Ludacris on the platinum track.

 

Last night, Underwood also won the 2019 Billboard Music Award for Top Country Female Artist.

 

For more information regarding THE CRY PRETTY TOUR 360, go to http://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com.

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Vevo And Jordan Davis Release Live Performance Of “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot”  

Vevo announces the release of Jordan Davis’ live performance of “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot.” Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Jordan has made a strong impression on critics and audiences alike with his classic lyric-writing melded with tech-tinged production. After graduating from LSU in 2012 with a degree in Resource Conservation, Jordan moved to Nashville and honed his songwriting craft influenced by his love of lyrically-driven songwriters and genre-defying musicality.

“Slow Dance In a Parking Lot” holds special meaning for the singer/songwriter as it’s the first song Jordan wrote for his new publishing deal in 2015 following years of bartending on the side to pursue his music ambitions. “‘Slow Dance In a Parking Lot’ is about a couple who doesn’t want their first date to end so they decide to use the opportunity to spend more time together, even if it’s in a Walmart parking lot,” saysJordan. “It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”

 

“Slow Dance In A Parking Lot” is now streaming on all platforms, and be sure to keep up with exclusive content from artists all over the world on YouTube.com/Vevo.

 

ABOUT VEVO

Vevo is the world’s largest all-premium music video provider, offering artists a global platform with enormous scale through its distribution partners. Vevo connects artists with their audience globally via music videos and original content, working directly with them to find unique ways to bring their music to life visually. Vevo also works with emerging artists, providing them with a platform of global scale and reach, to find and grow their audience. Reaching 26 billion monthly views globally, Vevo has over 350,000 music videos in its catalogue.

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Chris Young Names USAA An Official Sponsor Of 2019 Headline Tour

Country music star Chris Young, left, and NFL legend Joe Thomas, right, pose at USAA’s NFL Draft Salute to Service event on April 25, 2019 with Michael Dones and Joe Zettlemoyer at The Steps at WME in Nashville, Tennessee. USAA is an Official Sponsor of Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” and Official NFL Salute to Service Partner. (Wade Payne/Invision for USAA/AP Images)

Nashville, TN – Thursday, April 25, 2019 – Multi-platinum entertainer Chris Young today announced USAA as an Official Sponsor of the “Raised On Country Tour 2019.” USAA, a leading provider of insurance, banking and other financial services to members of the U.S. military and their families, will team with Chris Young to create memorable experiences for military, veterans and their families throughout the coast-to-coast headlining tour. Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” kicks off May 16 in Alpharetta, Georgia with over 25 shows through September.

Country music star Chris Young performs for military service members during USAA’s NFL Draft Salute to Service event on April 25, 2019 at The Steps at WME in Nashville, Tennessee. USAA is an Official Sponsor of Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” and Official NFL Salute to Service Partner. (Wade Payne/Invision for USAA/AP Images)

With the 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville, USAA, Official NFL Salute to Service Partner, kicked-off celebrations by hosting a special NFL Draft USAA Salute to Service event for invited military members stationed at Fort Campbell. The event, which took place earlier today at The Steps at WME, featured an acoustic performance by Chris Young and a Q&A session featuring NFL Legend Joe Thomas. Following the on-stage portions of the event, both Chris Young and Joe Thomas met with military members, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Country music star Chris Young, right, signs autographs at USAA’s NFL Draft Salute to Service event for military service members from Fort Campbell on April 25, 2019 at The Steps at WME in Nashville, Tennessee. USAA is an Official Sponsor of Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” and Official NFL Salute to Service Partner. (Wade Payne/Invision for USAA/AP Images)

“From performing for our service members at military installations around the world to my sister and brother-in-law’s own service in the U.S. Marines, I’ve seen firsthand the many sacrifices our military and their families make every day in service to our country,” said Chris Young. “I’m excited to have USAA on board for my 2019 tour and I’m looking forward to meeting our service members at all the shows.”

Country music star Chris Young, behind left, and NFL legend Joe Thomas, right, sign autographs at USAA’s NFL Draft Salute to Service event for military service members from Fort Campbell on April 25, 2019 at The Steps at WME in Nashville, Tennessee. USAA is an Official Sponsor of Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” and Official NFL Salute to Service Partner. (Wade Payne/Invision for USAA/AP Images)

“Creating unique and memorable experiences for today’s service members is one way USAA shows our appreciation. We are excited to bring together Chris Young, a noted military supporter, and the NFL for a once-in-a-lifetime event at the start of a special year honoring and appreciating our true heroes,” said Army veteran and USAA Bank President Chad Borton. “Whether a memorable summer on tour with Chris Young, or personal interactions with NFL players and legends, or simply being there when our members need us, USAA continues its mission of serving our military, veterans and their families.”

Memorable experiences that USAA will work with Chris Young to create for military at all 2019 tour dates include access to premium tickets, meet & greets, and other VIP experiences to be announced.

For more information on how USAA honors and appreciates our military all NFL season long, please visit SaluteToService.com. For a complete list of tour dates, including additional Chris Young concert stops for 2019, VIP package details and to purchase tickets, please visit chrisyoungcountry.com.
Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019”*

Date City Venue
May 16^^ Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
May 17^ Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
May 18^ Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
May 24^ Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Amphitheater
May 25^ Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
May 26^ Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
June 13^ Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
June 14^ Boston, MA Xfinity Center
June 15^ Hartford, CT XFINITY Theatre
June 21^ Scranton, PA The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
June 22^ Philadelphia, PA BB&T Pavilion
July 11+ St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
July 13+ Indianapolis, IN Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
July 18# Southaven, MS BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
July 19~ Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
July 20~ Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
August 8~ Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
August 9~ San Diego, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 10~ Irvine, CA FivePoint Amphitheatre
August 15+ Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
August 16+ Phoenix, AZ Ak-Chin Pavilion
August 17++ Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
August 22~ Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
August 23~ Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park
August 24~ Burgettstown, PA KeyBank Pavilion
September 12+ Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
September 13+ Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
September 14+ West Palm Beach, FL Coral Sky Amphitheatre

*Dates subject to change, please check chrisyoungcountry.com for the latest information
^^with special guest Dylan Scott
^with special guests Chris Janson and Dylan Scott
+with special guests Chris Janson and LOCASH
++with special guest LOCASH
#with special guest Chris Janson
~with special guests Chris Janson and Jimmie Allen

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Live Nation Celebrates National Concert Week By Making Over 2 Million Tickets Available To the Hottest Summer Shows For Only $20

Today Live Nation revealed their fifth annual National Concert Week will take place from May 1st through May 7th and give fans the exclusive opportunity to purchases tickets for just $20 (all-in including fees). Kicking off an epic summer concert season, the offer will include over two million tickets to 2,800+ in-demand shows from Live Nation’s upcoming roster of tours across North America. The tickets will cross multiple genres for every type of live event fan, including Country, Hip-Hop, Latin, Metal, Rock, Pop, and Comedy.

 

For one week only, fans can get their hands on these $20 all-in tickets beginning with an 24-hour exclusive T-Mobile presale through T-Mobile Tuesdays on Tuesday, April 30th at 5am EST until Wednesday, May 1st at 4:59am EST. The general on-sale will start Wednesday, May 1st at 9am PT and run through Tuesday, May 7 at 11:59pm PT at NCW.LiveNation.com.

 

There are over 600 artists participating in Live Nation’s $20 all-in ticket offer including:

 

311 & Dirty Heads

Alabama

Alice Cooper & Halestorm

Anjelah Johnson

Backstreet Boys

Brad Paisley

Brantley Gilbert

Breaking Benjamin

Brian Regan

Bring Me The Horizon

Bryan Adams

Bush & +LIVE+

Beck & Cage the Elephant

Celeste Barber

Chris Young

Clint Black & Trace Adkins

Coheed and Cambria & Mastodon

Countess Luann

Dane Cook

Derek Hough

Dierks Bentley

Disrupt: The Used, Thrice, & Circa Survive

Disturbed

Elvis Costello & the Imposters and Blondie

Enanitos Verdes

Eros Ramazzotti

Flatbush Zombies & Joey BadA$$

Florence + the Machine

Florida Georgia Line

FRANK. The Man. The Music. Starring Bob Anderson

Ghost

Gloria Trevi

GRiZ

Heart

Hootie & The Blowfish

Iliza Shlesinger

IMOMSOHARD

Impractical Jokers

Jason Aldean

JB Smoove

Jennifer Lopez

Joe Budden

Jon Bellion

Justin Willman

KIDZBOP

KISS

Kodak Black

KORN & Alice In Chains

LANY

Lil Pump & Lil Skies

Luis Miguel

Lukas Graham

Luke Bryan

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Marco Antonio Solis

Mary J. Blige & Nas

Miranda Lambert

moe. & Blues Traveler

Neil Degrasse Tyson

Nelly / TLC / Flo Rida

New Kids On The Block

Norm Macdonald

Papa Roach

Patton Oswalt

Pentatonix

Peter Frampton

Preacher Lawson

The Clintons

PRETTYMUCH

Rascal Flatts

Rob Thomas

Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson

Santana

Sara Bareilles

Shinedown

Slipknot

The 1975

The Black Keys

The Chainsmokers

The Smashing Pumpkins & Noel Gallagher

The Head and the Heart

The Who

Third Eye Blind & Jimmy Eat World

Thomas Rhett

Train & Goo Goo Dolls

Vampire Weekend

Vic Dibetto

Wanda Sykes

Willie Nelson & Family and Alison Krauss

Wisin Y Yandel

Wiz Khalifa

Zac Brown Band

 

 

To see a complete list of Live Nation’s summer tours and festivals, please visit livenation.com.

 

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to Live Nation venues this summer to enjoy new food offerings including: Questlove’s innovative spin on the classic cheesesteak made with Impossible meat, actor Danny Trejos’ famous Los Angeles tacos, Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama’s favorite fried chicken from celebrity chef Art Smith, Italian favorites from Top Chef’s Fabio Viviani, hand-crafted gourmet hotdogs and sausages from Dog Haus, and new signature Live Nation cocktails curated by world-class mixologist Sean Kenyon.

 

Live Nation is also celebrating National Concert Week around the world in: Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, UK, and Latin America.

 

About Live Nation Entertainment:

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.⁸

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TPAC’s 2019-20 Season To feature Nashville Premieres Of HAMILTON And DEAR EVAN HANSEN

New blockbuster season also includes the hottest Broadway titles, including ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, MY FAIR LADY, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL and Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Plus, four special Broadway presentations, including CATS, BLUE MAN GROUP, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and
THE COLOR PURPLE.

Celebrating the hottest shows on Broadway today, the nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s 2019-20 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC season features exceptional storytelling and fresh, new, contemporary hits alongside revivals of beloved titles and returns of popular audience favorites.

Featuring the Music City premiere of Broadway musical HAMILTON, TPAC’s 2019-20 Broadway season also includes five new productions making their Nashville debut, including the six-time 2017 Tony® and 2018 Grammy® Award-winning Best Musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN; THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, the critically acclaimed, award-winning new musical adapted from the beloved Nickelodeon series, with the music of a legendary roster of Grammy® Award-winning songwriters; ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, the musical comedy featuring your most-loved classics from legendary songwriter Jimmy Buffett; SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL, a moving musical tribute to the voice of a generation and Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination.

The 2019-20 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC season also introduces two Broadway revivals to Nashville with the sweeping, universal tale of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, the winner of the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, and the Lincoln Center Theater production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY.

“This year, TPAC’s Broadway season is bigger than ever, full of blockbuster titles that are in high demand in Nashville,” says Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC’s president and chief executive officer. “We know what our Broadway fans want, and we have answered the call with a thrilling season blending hot, new titles and classic revivals. Alongside the much-anticipated Nashville premiere of HAMILTON, we’ve created a season that includes fabulous fun, family entertainment, high drama, and spectacular performances.”

TPAC also will present four Broadway special engagements in addition to its season package. A mesmerizing new production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will tour in celebration of the show’s 50th Anniversary, and CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber, will continue to captivate audiences on its ninth life in Music City. THE COLOR PURPLE, with a soul-raising, Grammy®-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues, gives an exhilarating new spirit to the Pulitzer Prize-winning story, and global smash hit BLUE MAN GROUP, a euphoric celebration of human connection through art, music, comedy, and non-verbal communication will return in early 2020.
Season tickets are available now for renewing season ticket holders.  New season ticket packages will be available in May. An eight-show season package for the 2019-20 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series starts at $374. Season ticket holders get the best seats at the best price compared to purchasing shows individually, and monthly payment options are available.

Season ticket holders receive exclusive benefits and services, including ticket exchange privileges, lower ticket processing fees, additional pre-sale offers to other TPAC-presented shows, and flexible payment plans.

Packages that include HAMILTON will be limited. To make sure you are the first to know when new packages are available, sign up for StageLinks, TPAC’s weekly email newsletter.

For more information on the 2019-20 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC season, visit TPAC.org/Broadway, where season tickets may be purchased, or call TPAC Patron Services at 615-782-6560, or 800-410-4216 if you live outside Nashville. You also may visit the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St. Our group sales department is taking reservations now at 615-782-4060.

Single tickets for individual shows will go on sale approximately eight to 10 weeks prior to the performance.

Full show descriptions of the eight-show season package and special presentations are included below from text provided by the producers of each show.
2019-20 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC

DEAR EVAN HANSEN – September 10-15, 2019
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND – October 15-20, 2019
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL – November 5-10, 2019
HAMILTON – December 31, 2019 – January 19, 2020
(Subscriber Week – December 31, 2019 – January 5, 2020)
Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY – February 4-9, 2020
ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE – May 5-10, 2020
SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL – May 26-31, 2020
Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – June 9-14, 2020

NOTE: Season ticket holders and groups receive priority seating for the Broadway Special shows we will announce on April 16, including:

2019-20 Broadway Special Add Ons

CATS – November 19-24, 2019
BLUE MAN GROUP – February 11-16, 2020
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – March 3-8, 2020
THE COLOR PURPLE – March 27-29, 2020

 

 

DEAR EVAN HANSEN
September 10-15, 2019
dearevanhansen.com

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. DEAR EVAN HANSEN has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post who says DEAR EVAN HANSEN is “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.” The New York Times calls it “a gut-punching, breathtaking knockout of a musical.” And NBC Nightly News declares the musical “an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.” DEAR EVAN HANSEN features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
October 15-20, 2019
onceonthisisland.com

“What a delight it is to enter the world of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND!” raves The New York Times. Winner of the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is the sweeping, universal tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world, and ready to risk it all for love. Guided by the mighty island gods, Ti Moune sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart. The groundbreaking vision of two-time Tony Award nominated director Michael Arden (Spring Awakening revival) and acclaimed choreographer Camille A. Brown (NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live) conjures up “a place where magic is possible and beauty is apparent for all to see!” (The Huffington Post). With a score that bursts with life from Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the Tony Award-winning songwriters of Anastasia and Ragtime, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is a timeless testament to theater’s unlimited possibilities.

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
November 5-10, 2019
spongebobbroadway.com

A legendary roster of Grammy® Award winners. A visionary director and a Tony Award®-winning design team. One of the world’s most beloved characters. Turn them loose on stage and what do you get? The bold, original musical The New York Times declares, “Brilliant!” “Wonders pour from the stage in a ravishing stream of color and invention” (Time Out New York) as Broadway’s best creative minds reimagine and bring to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart and pure theatricality in a neon-sparkly “party for the eyes and ears” (Daily Beast). Be there when SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face catastrophe – until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage. This “creative explosion” (Broadway.com) is “nothing short of genius” says Theatermania, so bring the entire family to celebrate friendship and cooperation and learn the power of unity and inclusion. Get ready to enjoy the “Broadway Extravaganza” (The New Yorker) that New York Magazine calls “effervescent candy-for-the-spirit.” Explore the depths of theatrical innovation in NICKELODEON’S THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, 2018 Best Musical winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, where the power of optimism really can save the world.

HAMILTON
December 31, 2019 – January 19, 2020
www.hamiltonmusical.com

HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton’s creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award ® Winning Best Musical In the Heights. HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, and casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA. The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater. The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide.  The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY
February 4-9, 2020
https://www.myfairladyontour.com/

From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you The King & I and South Pacific, comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. Director Bartlett Sher’s glowing production is “thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was” (New York Times). “Every so often a revival comes along that reminds you how indispensable great theater can be” (NY1). Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” MY FAIR LADY tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.”  But who is really being transformed?

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
May 5-10, 2020
escapetomargaritavillemusical.com

Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all—and stay to find something they never expected. With a book by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl, Raising Hope) and Emmy Award® nominee Mike O’Malley (Survivors Remorse, Shameless) ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and many more. USA Today calls it “A little slice of paradise!” and Entertainment Weekly raves, “It will knock your flip-flops off!” So, don’t let the party start without you.

SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL
May 26-31, 2020
thedonnasummermusical.com

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.  With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
June 9 – June 14, 2020
charlieonbroadway.com

Roald Dahl’s amazing tale is now Nashville’s golden ticket! It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of Hairspray. Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory…to a lucky few. That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to burst with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before – get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper.
2019-20 Broadway Special Presentations

CATS
November 19-24, 2019
catsthemusical.com

CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater – “Memory”. Winner of seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom) and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation!

BLUE MAN GROUP
February 11 – February 16, 2020
blueman.com

At BLUE MAN GROUP, you’ll rock, laugh and party. As three bald and blue men explore our world, together we’ll discover music, comedy and surprises at every turn. By the end of this spectacular journey, you’ll be saying “I don’t know what just happened but I loved it!.” Thirty-five million people of all ages and cultures know what BLUE MAN GROUP is really about. Now it’s your turn! BLUE MAN GROUP performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. Since debuting at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, the live show has expanded to additional domestic residencies in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas and Orlando, an international residency in Berlin, and multiple North American and World tours, reaching more than 35 million people worldwide. BLUE MAN GROUP is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds, and continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
March 3 – March 8, 2020
jesuschristsuperstar.com

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring. With music and lyrics by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

THE COLOR PURPLE
March 27 – March 29, 2020
colorpurple.com

THE COLOR PURPLE is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival! Hailed as “a direct hit to the heart” (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic has conquered Broadway in an all-new “ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold” (The New York Times). With a soul-raising, Grammy®-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story. Don’t miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. Experience the exhilarating power of this Tony-winning triumph that New York Magazine calls “one of the greatest revivals ever.”

Performance schedule, prices, and cast are subject to change without notice. The Broadway season is supported by the HCA Foundation on behalf of HCA and the TriStar Family of Hospitals, and NewsChannel 5 is the media sponsor. Institutional sponsors for TPAC include Nissan North America and Coca-Cola. TPAC is funded in part by support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission. TPAC reminds ticket buyers that the only official place to buy tickets online is TPAC.org.

# # #

For more information on the 2019-20 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC season, visit TPAC.org/Broadway.

Since 1980, the nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center has welcomed more than 12 million audience members and served more than 1.8 million children and adults with performances at TPAC, teacher resources, professional development opportunities, classroom residencies, and enrichment programs. Each year, TPAC serves several hundred thousand audience members with the HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series, a variety of special engagements, and the productions of three resident artistic companies – Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and Nashville Repertory Theatre. TPAC’s mission is to lead with excellence in the performing arts and arts education, creating meaningful and relevant experiences to enrich lives, strengthen communities, and support economic vitality. For more information, visit TPAC.org.

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Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing and supporting the presentation of the performing arts. TPAC.org is the official online source for buying tickets to TPAC events. Artists, schedules and show titles are subject to change.

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(Watch)Kelsea Ballerini Shares Magical Moment With Carrie Underwood And Keith Urban Backstage Before Grand Ole Opry Induction

Photo credit:
Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

Last night (4/16), Black River Entertainment star KELSEA BALLERINI reached another “mountaintop moment” in her history-making career, as she became the newest and youngest current member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Watch Ballerini’s Instagram video as Opry members CARRIE UNDERWOOD and KEITH URBAN join her backstage for a magical impromptu moment, as Underwood and Ballerini rehearse Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit “Walkaway Joe.”

Watch on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2V3pIZ9

“sometimes the most unforgettable moments are the unplanned ones. like this. backstage at the Opry with two of my heroes singing one of my all time favorite songs,” shared Ballerini on Instagram. “What a life.”

For more information, please visit KelseaBallerini.com and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

ABOUT KELSEA BALLERINI:
Two-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini is the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles: PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan,” from a debut album [GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME]. Nominated for Best Country Album at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, her acclaimed sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, includes #1 hit “Legends” as a part of the original 12-track compilation all written or co-written by Ballerini. UNAPOLOGETICALLY (Deluxe Edition) features four fresh tracks including her collaboration with The Chainsmokers, “This Feeling,” which they performed during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With over 90 million streams globally, her current single “Miss Me More” is the award-winning singer-songwriter’s fastest-rising single to date on Country radio. The Black River Entertainment artist just supported Kelly Clarkson’s MEANING OF LIFE TOUR and is now on her first-ever headline arena trek – THE MISS ME MORE TOUR – with Brett Young (plus special guest Brandon Ratcliff) this spring.

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Kelsea Ballerini Becomes Newest Member Of Grand Ole Opry

Kelsea Ballerini becomes newest member of the Grand Ole Opry
l to r: Grand Ole Opry’s Sally Williams, Black River Entertainment’s Kim and Terry Pegula, Kelsea Ballerini, Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr, Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen and Black River Entertainment’s Rick Froio
Photo credit:
Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

Kelsea Ballerini was inducted as the newest and youngest current member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight by Carrie Underwood, an Opry member since 2008.

Surprising the sold-out Opry House crowd after Ballerini had performed a three-song set, Underwood took the stage and said to Ballerini, “You have accomplished so much in your career, and you will undoubtedly accomplish infinite amounts more in your life. Awards, number ones, sales … this is better than all of that. This is the heart and soul of country music.”

Presenting Ballerini with her Opry member award, Underwood cheered, “I am honored to introduce and induct the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Kelsea Ballerini.”

After recounting her first visit to the Opry as a fan, her 2015 Opry debut, and subsequent Opry appearances, Ballerini held her award close and said, “Grand Ole Opry, thanks for seeing something in me and for believing that I’ll always love you like I do because I do, and I will.”

Ballerini and Underwood then teamed up for a duet on 20-year Opry member Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit “Walkaway Joe.”

Earlier in the night, CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban, an Opry member since 2012, also made a surprise appearance to deliver congratulations to Ballerini and to perform his hit “Blue Isn’t Your Color.” Later in the show, Country Music Hall of Famer and 1991 Opry inductee Vince Gill surprised the audience yet again by joining in with his friends the Del McCoury Band during the group’s portion of the show.

Opry group Little Big Town surprised Ballerini last month with an invitation to join the Opry family during an on-stage collaboration on the award-winning song “Girl Crush.”

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Kelsea Ballerini into the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “As evidenced by the enthusiasm of the Opry members here tonight and the fans in the crowd, Kelsea and her music are much loved. She and her fellow members who made tonight so special show that the future of both country music and the Opry are in good hands.”

Among artists scheduled for the Opry in the coming weeks include Trace Adkins, Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels Band, Terri Clark, Del McCoury Band, Lindsay Ell, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Craig Morgan, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carrie Underwood, Mark Wills, Wynonna, Chris Young, and more.

About Kelsea Ballerini:

Two-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini is the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles: PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan,” from a debut album [GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME]. Nominated for Best Country Album at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, her acclaimed sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, includes #1 hit “Legends” as a part of the original 12-track compilation all written or co-written by Ballerini. UNAPOLOGETICALLY (Deluxe Edition) features four fresh tracks including her collaboration with The Chainsmokers, “This Feeling,” which they performed during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With over 90 million streams globally, her current single “Miss Me More” is the award-winning singer-songwriter’s fastest-rising single to date on Country radio. The Black River Entertainment artist just supported Kelly Clarkson’s MEANING OF LIFE TOUR and is now on her first-ever headline arena trek – THE MISS ME MORE TOUR – with Brett Young (plus special guest Brandon Ratcliff).

About The Grand Ole Opry:

The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows running through December, Wednesday night shows returning this spring, and seasonal Opry Country Classics shows on Thursdays. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com.

PHOTOS CREDIT:

Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

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Vevo And Jake Owen Release Live Performance Of “In It”

Vevo announces the release of Jake Owen’s live performance of “In It” off his new album, Greetings From…Jake. The album is the follow-up to Owen’s American Love, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart. Greetings From…Jake reunitesOwen and producer Joey Moi, who produced some of Owen’s biggest hits to date, including “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Alone with You” and “Beachin’.”

Greetings From…Jake features 14-tracks including Owen’s seventh career #1 and Platinum-selling smash, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane),” plus special collaborations with Kid Rock (“Grass Is Always Greener”) and YouTube sensation Lele Pons (“Señorita”). Billboard exclusively premiered “In It,” calling it a “soaring ballad” while Rolling Stone named “Drink All Day” in their list of Country and Americana Songs You Need To Hear Now.

 

“In It” is streaming now on all platforms, and be sure to keep up with exclusive content from artists all over the world on YouTube.com/Vevo.

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Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Gavin DeGraw, Home Free, Katinas, Wes King, Nicole C. Mullen, Zach Williams & More Join Michael W. Smith Tribute

They join previously-announced lineup of Amy Grant, Avalon w/ Jay DeMarcus, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, Henry Cho, The Isaacs, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, John Crist, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Mark Hall, Matt Maher, Matthew West, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Nate Bargatze, Newsboys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Phil Keaggy, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Point of Grace, Randy Travis, Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Steven Curtis Chapman, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band, and Wynonna, celebrating 35 #1 Hits and the 35th Anniversary of “Friends” Nashville, Tenn. – Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Gavin DeGraw, Home Free, The Katinas, Wes King, Nicole C. Mullins, Michael Tait, Matthew Ward and Zach Williams have been added to the star-studded lineup to celebrate Michael W. Smith during the once-in-a-lifetime tribute event taking place April 30th at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

‘35 years of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smith’ will also include appearances from Amy Grant, Avalon with Jay DeMarcus, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, Gavin DeGraw, Henry Cho, The Isaacs, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, John Crist, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Matt Maher, Matthew West, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Nate Bargatze, Newsboys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Phil Keaggy, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Point of Grace, Randy Travis, Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Steven Curtis Chapman, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band, and Wynonna.

Promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, music lovers will experience over 40 artists from all genres, performing a set list to include many of Smith’s 35 #1 hit singles. With over 45 Dove awards, three Grammy awards, and an American Music award, Michael W. Smith has forever enshrined his mark in the music history books. Smith garnered yet another Grammy nomination in 2018 for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his worship effort, Surrounded. AWAKEN: The Surrounded Experience is Smith’s latest release (Feb. 22, 2019). [ AWAKEN press assets ]

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office.

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he’s written over 35 #1 songs, been honored with three GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. His most recent USA Today, Yahoo! Music and Billboard-acclaimed studio album A Million Lights and Parade, Good Morning America-featured and GRAMMY nominated live worship album Surrounded have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history. He’s also given back to the global community. Smith has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

About Outback Concerts:
Outback Concerts is an independent, full-service concert and comedy promoter based in Nashville, TN. In addition to producing hundreds of concerts and events each year, ranging from clubs to arenas across the country and Canada, Outback Concerts also produces the Nashville Comedy Festival. Outback Concerts President Mike Smardak was a 2011 inductee of the IEBA Hall of Fame. In November of 2016, Mike Smardak was honored with a distinguished NATD Award alongside Nashville’s most recognized members of the entertainment industry. In March of 2018, Smardak was honored by the T.J. Martell Foundation with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award. Promoter Andrew Farwell was voted IEBA Rookie of the Year in 2014.

About Conway Entertainment Group:
Conway Entertainment Group is a full-service talent agency comprising live events, booking and talent management. CEG is built firmly on the foundation of Tony Conway’s forty years of experience in the industry, climbing the ranks from agent to CEO of Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc., one of the world’s largest agencies. In 2009, Conway sold his interest in BLA and opened Conway Entertainment Group with the desire to use his expertise from years of representing and negotiating some of the biggest tours, sponsorships, licensing deals, and literary, film and TV projects to come out of Music City.

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St. Jude Backstage At Westwood One’s Radio Row For The ACM Awards

Photo credit: Channel Greatness

St. Jude patients Londyn and Addi got an experience they won’t soon forget this weekend while in Las Vegas for the ACM Awards. Artists in town for the awards show including Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Lauren Alaina, Luke Bryan, and Reba McEntire stopped by to say hello and spend time with the St. Jude patients. Londyn taught ACM Entertainer of the year, Keith Urban and ACM Male vocalist of the year, Thomas Rhett how to play her favorite game of rock, paper, scissors. She also talked with the stars asking Jake Owen, “If you could have a superpower, what would it be?” Jake told Londyn that he’d want to make everyone feel really good and healthy all of the time. Londyn is 6 years old and fighting Neuroblastoma at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

ACM new Female Vocalist of the year, Ashley McBryde and 5 year old Addi sang a song together from the “The Little Mermaid” and Kix Brooks from Brooks & Dunn shared his cowboy hat with her during their visit.

The country music community has raised more than $800 million for St. Jude since the Country Cares for St. Jude kids program was founded 30 years ago.  Families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

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