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Craig Morgan Recovering From Shoulder Surgery

By on May 15, 2014 in In The Press

Craig MorganKnown for his adventurous spirit and daredevil streak, country music star and former soldier CRAIG MORGAN was scheduled for routine shoulder surgery yesterday to repair torn tendons that had accumulated over the years. The minor procedure turned out to be more complex than anticipated, requiring several hours of surgery and six screws to remedy bone fractures. As a result, the singer has been forced to cancel his commitments into next week, including shows in Chattanooga, TN and Twenty-Nine Palms, CA along with his scheduled appearances on “The Talk” (CBS) and The Grand Ole Opry. While he’ll be sporting a sling for the next several weeks, it’s anticipated that Craig will recover fully and be able to return to his usual hectic lifestyle, including concert dates and filming for the new season of his award-winning TV show, “Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors” (Outdoor Channel).

The Black River Entertainment artist’s latest single, “Wake Up Lovin’ You,” from The Journey (Livin’ Hits), is Top 15 and climbing on the charts. Morgan recently returned from Afghanistan and his eleventh overseas tour for our troops.

ABOUT CRAIG MORGAN: One of country music’s best-loved artists, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself with massive radio airplay of his signature hits:  “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “International Harvester” and “This Ole Boy.” He’s recently released his new album The Journey (Livin’ Hits), featuring the soulful single “Wake Up Lovin’ You,” on Black River Entertainment. Craig received one of country music’s highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. Prior to becoming a country music and TV sensation, Craig Morgan spent seventeen years serving our country in the Army and Army Reserves.  He is an avid supporter of America’s military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award. In addition to a prolific country music career, he hosts the award-winning show “Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors,” airing on Outdoor Channel. For more information on Craig Morgan, visit www.craigmorgan.com and engage with him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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JT Hodges Takes Fans Into the Studio in the Video for “Lay It Down”

By on May 15, 2014 in In The Press

JT-Hodges-single-artSinger – songwriter, JT Hodges releases a highly anticipated studio performance of his summer smash, “Lay It Down”!

 

JT takes fans behind the scenes in his latest release, making them feel as if they are a part of the recording process at Destiny Studio in Nashville. The video premiered on SiriusXM The Highway, where the song has been a fan favorite since release.

 

JT shares, “I’m all about making music that makes you wanna move, get your head noddin’ and put you in a mood,” which perfectly sums up his new track, “Lay It Down”. Combining the infectious “uh uh uhh’s” with the sultry melodies, this tune definitely has it all!

 

You can watch the brand new video for “Lay It Down” HERE.

Hodges will be playing this song among others at his upcoming performance at Show Dog Universal’s Fan Appreciation partyon June 5th at The Silver Dollar Saloon as part of CMA Fest. Stay tuned for other performances to be announced shortly!

 

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WEST END UMC’S 4TH STORY THEATER PRESENTS WORLD PREMIERE OF “THE GLEANER’S SONG: A STORY OF RUTH” MAY 16-18, 2014

By on May 14, 2014 in In The Press

The 4th Story Theater and West End United Methodist Church’s Drama Ministry will present the world premiere of “The Gleaner’s Song: A Story of Ruth” a new musical play written by Michael Williams and Harry Robinson on May 16, 2014 at 7 p.m. “The Gleaner’s Song” runs May 16-18 at the 4th Story Theater at West End United Methodist Church (2200 West End Avenue).

“The Gleaner’s Song” is the story of Ruth as found in the Book of Ruth in the Bible. This is a fresh version of the story that is set in the mid 1800’s
in California and Iowa. Naomi, her husband and two sons move to California to “strike it rich” in the gold rush. Her sons marry Native American women, Ruth and Orpah. The father and sons are killed in a mining accident leaving Naomi, Ruth and Orpah alone. Naomi and Ruth move back to Iowa where they face hard times, prejudice, romance and new birth.

“‘Gleaners’ grew out of conversations between Harry Robinson and me about how much we loved the book of Ruth from the Bible. That was almost five years ago. During a renewal leave four and a half years ago, I wrote the first draft of the book and lyrics. Since that time Harry has been hard at work composing the music, and the book has gone through several revisions,” says playwright Michael Williams. “The story as ‘Gleaners’ tells it is set in the era of the California gold rush but addresses topics that are alive and well today such as discrimination based on ethnicity, race, economic status and even religious background. At its heart though, it focuses on the courage and determination that Ruth demonstrates. Ruth refuses to be left behind by Naomi and is willing to glean (an ancient equivalent of the welfare system and a dangerous undertaking) and suffer other indignities in order

to make sure that she and Naomi will survive. This probably sounds like the play is entirely serious, but it’s not. While ‘Gleaners’ is not your typical musical comedy, it does have its humorous moments, and I hope we handle some very serious subjects with a light and graceful spirit.”

Performances will be in the 4th Story Theater at West End United Methodist Church May 16-18 at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children ages 5 and under are free, but do need to reserve a ticket. Seating is limited to 150 per show. Tickets can be bought online at westendumc.org/gleanerssong or by calling the church office at 615.321.8500.

For all media requests, please contact Shelley Kuhlmeyer (615.321.8500 | skuhlmeyer@westendumc.org.)

About The 4th Story Theater

Newly revived, the 4th Story Theater at West End United Methodist Church features a state-of-the-art facility for theater production. Housed on the 4th Floor of the church building, extensive remodeling and work has occurred over the last few years to make the venue one to be sought after. For more on the 4th Story Theater please visit westendumc.org.

About Michael Williams:

Michael Williams is currently serving as Senior Pastor of West End UMC and is an elder in the Tennessee Conference. He became active in
theatrical production in high school and later earned a B.A. in Drama (Vanderbilt) and following his M.Div. a PhD in Religion, Speech and Theatre (Northwestern). His first play to be produced was an adaptation of a short story by Andrew Lytle” Jericho, Jericho Jericho” while he was still and undergraduate, and a few years later he authored the children’s musical “Vision at Caney Fork” for the Model Cities Program in Cookeville, TN. IN 1973 he was part of the first cast of “The Smokey Mountain Passion Play”. He studied improv at The Piven Theatre Workshop with Joyce and Byrne Piven in Chicago and had performed in numerous community and educational productions. Michael is perhaps best known as a storyteller, has been a featured storyteller at The National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee and has taught at the National Institutes of Storytelling.

About Harry Robinson:

After 25 years touring with country artists, Harry settled down as Director of Music and Arts at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin. Back in his youth he graduated from Leland Powers School in Boston with a two year degree in theater. Since then he has appeared in countless plays and TV shows as a musician and actor. He has been a composer for the guitar for nearly fifty years, with two solo albums and several group projects released over that time. His songwriting credits include cuts by Linda Davis, Tommy Overstreet, Doug Stone and others. He has also had songs and instrumental tracks in many motion pictures. His co-writing adventure with master storyteller Michael Williams has been a wonderful ongoing experience.

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CRAIG MORGAN SET FOR BACK-TO-BACK TV APPEARANCES

By on May 14, 2014 in In The Press
Following his return from Afghanistan and his eleventh overseas tour for our troops, country music star and former solider CRAIG MORGAN will make his first appearance on the hit daytime program, THE TALK, on Monday, May 19, airing at 2pm ET/1pm PT/CT on CBS. The Black River Entertainment singer, whose latest single “Wake Up Lovin’ You” from The Journey (Livin’ Hits) is Top 15 and climbing on the charts, will showcase his culinary skills for hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler and Sheryl Underwood. The following evening Craig can be seen presenting with Carrie Underwood as part of ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute To The Troops airing May 20 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on CBS.

 

ABOUT CRAIG MORGAN: One of country music’s best-loved artists, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself with massive radio airplay of his signature hits:  “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “International Harvester” and “This Ole Boy.” He’s recently released his new album The Journey (Livin’ Hits), featuring the soulful single “Wake Up Lovin’ You,” on Black River Entertainment. Craig received one of country music’s highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. Prior to becoming a country music and TV sensation, Craig Morgan spent nearly nineteen years serving our country in the Army and Army Reserves.  He is an avid supporter of America’s military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award. In addition to a prolific country music career, he hosts the award-winning show “Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors,” airing on Outdoor Channel. For more information on Craig Morgan, visit www.craigmorgan.com and engage with him onFacebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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MIRANDA LAMBERT ANNOUNCES CRYSTAL LIGHT PRESENTS PLATINUM TOUR

By on May 14, 2014 in In The Press

Summer 2014 will shine brighter starting July 10 when Miranda Lambert unveils her Crystal Light Presents Platinum Tour in Ft. Loramie, OH. “Platinum represents a lifestyle for me,” said Miranda. “It’s the color of my hair, my wedding ring, my airstream trailer,  so it’s just a natural fit for the name of my new album and it’s why we decided to name the tour Platinum too,” said Miranda. Her upcoming album Platinum, will be released June 3.

The new show will glitter with a platinum theme that includes a new signature stage design. Platinum will include several songs from the new album including the Top 10 hit “Automatic,” the title track and others. It will also feature songs from all four of her previous platinum certified albums. In addition, Miranda has added two new members to her band family including singer songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson.

More heavy metal will be on display with opening acts Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett join the tour on August 8.  ACM New Artist of the Year winner Justin Moore has a mine full of hits songs including 3 #1 singles, “Small Town USA,” “If Heaven Weren’t So Far Away,” and “Til My Last Day,” and several Top 10’s from his Gold certified albums. Thomas Rhett brings more precious metal with his certified platinum hit “It Goes Like This,” and his new #1 single, “Give Me Some of That.”

The 30 city coast-to-coast tour includes two Canadian shows and wraps September 20 in Honolulu, HI. See complete list of dates below:

7/10/14    Fort Loramie, OH
7/11/14    Tuscaloosa, AL
7/12/14    Rogers, AR
7/17/14    Monticello, IA
7/18/14    Cleveland, OH
7/19/14    Cincinnati, OH
7/20/14    Brooklyn, MI
7/25/14    Twin Lakes, WI
7/26/14    Pittsburgh, PA
8/1/14    Sweet Home, OR
8/3/14    Camrose, Alberta
8/8/14    Sacramento, CA**
8/9/14    Mountain View, CA**
8/10/14    Irvine, CA**
8/15/14    Chicago, IL**
8/16/14    Indianapolis, IN**
8/17/14    Bonner Springs, KS**
8/21/14    Raleigh, NC**
8/22/14    Virginia Beach, VA**
8/23/14    Washington, DC**
8/29/14    Darien Lake, NY**
8/30/14    Hartford, CT**
8/31/14    Bethel, NY**
9/4/14    Toronto, ONT**
9/5/14    Philadelphia, PA**
9/6/14    Boston, MA**
9/11/14   Pensacola, FL**
9/12/14   Lafayette, LA**
9/13/14   Corpus Christi, TX**
9/20/14    Honolulu, HI

 

**Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett to perform as support on these dates.

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Dierks Bentley & Funny Or Die Release Hilarious “Drunk” Music Video

By on May 12, 2014 in In The Press
Coming off opening weekend of the 2014 RISER Tour, Dierks Bentley is taking fans on a wild ride in the new music video for “Drunk On A Plane.”  In collaboration with Will Ferrel and Adam McKay’s Funny or Die, the comedy website debuted the mile-high video this morning making it the first time a country music video has appeared on the popular site.
Directed by Wes Edwards and filmed at Air Hollywood in Los Angeles last month, Bentley enlisted a quirky cast of characters that included comedians, actors, band members and friends to help nail his vision.
“We added some of this footage to the screens for tour, and I have a hard time not turning my back to the crowd to watch it myself…so many hilarious moments,” said Bentley.  “There are a few subplots working underneath the main story that totally crack me up…if you watch it a couple times, you start to pick up on more funny details. Wes did an incredible job…again!”
“Drunk On A Plane” is flying up the radio charts just a few weeks after release and follows 11 chart-topping hits for Bentley as a singer and songwriter.   The track is already a fan-favorite on his new 2014 RISER TOUR, which continues on to Virginia Beach, VA; Bristow, VA and Holmdel, NJ this weekend. For more information and for a full list of tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.

 

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Rascal Flatts to Launch New Album REWIND with Massive Media Appearances and Promotions

By on May 12, 2014 in In The Press

Country music supergroup Rascal Flatts will release their ninth studio album REWIND on Big Machine Records tomorrow (5/13) with several national TV and radio performances in addition to exclusive promotional events.

 

The album comes just as the lead single “Rewind” is nearing the top of the Country Radio charts.

 

As the best-selling Country group of the past decade, Flatts have debuted their last seven studio albums at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, a rare feat only achieved by four other artists. They’ve sold more than 22.5 million albums, scored 14 No. 1 singles, sold over 28 million digital downloads and earned more than 40 industry accolades, including six consecutive wins as the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year.

 

Exploring new sonic territory, REWIND chronicles the joys and complexities of life. Spearheaded by bassist Jay DeMarcus, Flatts co-produced more than half of the album with acclaimed producers Howard Benson and Dann Huff contributing to several of the 13 standard and four deluxe tracks.

 

“Music has changed so much in the last few years and in order to stay relevant you have to change with it, but we also had to be true to ourselves,” says DeMarcus.  “REWIND is a combination of staying with what people know and love, the familiar Flatts, but also bridging the musical gap into today’s Country music and pushing the envelope a little bit. There is a delicate balance and I think we’ve done a pretty good job. There are songs on the record where people are going to say, ‘That’s vintage Flatts! That’s what I fell in love with’ and a whole new generation of country music listeners are going to go, ‘Wow! I didn’t expect this from them!’”

 

To promote the release of REWIND, Rascal Flatts will appear on the following:

 

Monday, May 12

iHeart Radio LIVE Q&A and Performance at the iHeart Radio Theater in Los Angeles

(Live Broadcast and Stream at 7PM PT)

 

Tuesday, May 13

In-depth profile on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams

(NBC, 6:30PM Eastern/5:30PM Central)

 

Performance of “Rewind” on The Voice

(NBC, 8PM Eastern/7PM Central)

 

Rascal Flatts Album Release Event  presented by Citi ®

(Tickets available at CitiPrivatePass.com)

 

Friday, May 23

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

(NBC, 11:35 PM Eastern/10:35 PM Central)

 

Friday, May 30

Toyota Concert Series on TODAY

(NBC, 7 AM in all markets)

 

For REWIND TOUR dates and more, visit RascalFlatts.com.

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Trent Tomlinson Premieres New Single “Come Back To Bed” On Sirius XM’S The Highway

By on May 11, 2014 in In The Press

Trent TomlinsonCountry music recording artist, Trent Tomlinson, celebrates his return to the country music spotlight with the world premiere release of his new single, “Come Back To Bed.” **  In an exclusive SiriusXM weekend premiere, the single made The Highway spin list and the corresponding music video made grand first impressions (May 3, 2014/ www.siriusxm.com).  The amorous tune is anticipated to play exclusively on the SiriusXM radio channel over the course of the next few weeks before segueing to major terrestrial radio.

 
An iTunes Country favorite this week, the track (co-written by Tomlinson, Ashe Underwood and Terri Jo Box) is garnering early applause from country music enthusiasts across the board. The singer/songwriter’s duly anticipated return to the airwaves reveals a slight departure from the notorious party anthems, rough and ruckus storylines and “bad boy” image he has been characterized by to subtly introduce a more mature, sensual side.  With descriptive, passionate lyrics, the self-produced tender single is his “sexiest to date.”

 

“To capture the sentiment and appeal from both perspectives, I really wanted insight from a female,” introduced Tomlinson.  “It was important to me that we have a female write with us—or it would have been loaded with male testosterone rather than a romantic gesture. Terri Jo helped us ‘bring it home’.”

 
Making his entry in the country music scene official as a Lyric Street Records recording artist, Tomlinson released his debut album COUNTRY IS MY ROCK in early 2006. This project produced three Top 40 singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts: “Drunker Than Me” at No. 19, “One Wing In The Fire” at No. 11 and “Just Might Have Her Radio On” at No. 21.  While he may have temporarily stepped away from the recording studio, his talents as a sought-after songcrafter were proudly and steadily upheld by fellow award winning entertainers including George Strait (“Why Can’t I Leave Her Alone”), Sara Evans (“Missing Missouri”), Emerson Drive (“Say My Name”/”Evidence”/ ”Light Of Day”) and most recently, Parmalee who recorded “Close Your Eyes”—which is currently positioned to be a hit record.

 
In support of the “Come Back To Bed” single release, the corresponding music video is anticipated to air across all major video outlets and digital and social media platforms.  Directed by Marcel Chagnan, the vignette features Tomlinson’s wistful bedside manner and an unexpected (and dreamy) appearance by the former Mrs. Tomlinson.

 
The single arrives from Tomlinson’s third studio album [from the EP anticipated in late Fall 2014 (Giuseppe Records) under the management direction of the Mike & Joe Show, LLC].  The single is currently available via iTunes and all other major digital outlets.

 
For more information on Trent Tomlinson, visit: trenttomlinson.net.  Fans can follow Trent on Facebook and Twitter at @trenttomlinson.

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Dakota Bradley Gives Fans An Interesting Behind The Scenes View From A SOLD OUT Show

By on May 10, 2014 in In The Press

Dakota BradleyStreamsound recording artist, Dakota Bradley recently opened for Love and Theft and Craig Campbell at the famous Joe’s Bar in Chicago, and got creative with capturing behind the scenes content in the process.

Attaching go-pro cameras to his guitar, Dakota captures unique crowd shots during his performance of his single “Won’t Be Young Forever,” produced by country superstar Tim McGraw and Grammy award-winning producer Byron Gallimore. . The video also includes footage of Dakota performing the country classic “Fishin’ In The Dark” with Love and Theft and Craig Campbell.

Lucky for fans, Dakota compiled all of this and more in a brand new video! We encourage you to check it out, and purchase his single “Won’t Be Young Forever” on iTunes!

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Country Music Star Dierks Bentley And Ole Smoky® Tennessee Moonshine® Align For Brand Partnership

By on May 9, 2014 in In The Press

Dierks BentleyMulti-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley and OLE SMOKY® TENNESSEE MOONSHINE® announced today that they will join forces in a multi-year partnership across tour, media and digital platforms.  First up, for Bentley’s RISER TOUR, which kicks off tonight in Charlotte, NC, the moonshine maker will provide a tailgate party for fans in a throwback 1920’s style saloon with a modern country vibe featuring signature OLE SMOKY® drinks, music and specialty merchandise at participating venues.

“When I first moved to Nashville, I lived down at the Station Inn and really dove head first into the bluegrass community…I used to beg my way into pickin parties with those guys because I was eaten up with that sound and that lifestyle.  And when you surround yourself with banjos and fiddles, there’s bound to be some shine there too,” said Bentley.  “All of that influenced who I am and the music I make today.  Ole Smoky is a great partner for me and my fans out on the RISER tour this year…they’re going to help us get the party started early out in the parking lot and set the tone for a rowdy night.”

 

“We are thrilled to be launching our partnership with Dierks Bentley as he starts the RISER tour,” said Joe Baker, founder of Ole Smoky Moonshine. “Just like Ole Smoky, the tour is about bringing people together who love country music and having fun. We can’t wait to see the fans dancing, laughing and sharing their stories over our moonshine.”

 

Seven albums into one of country music’s most-respected and most-unpredictable careers, award-winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley continues to grow. His latest evolution comes in the form of his critically acclaimed and No. one selling album RISER. Throughout his career, Bentley has mixed elements of modern country, classic country, bluegrass and rock, maintaining an unmistakable identity while constantly reinventing his sound. His six previous studio albums have sold more than five million copies, notched 11 chart-topping singles and earned 11 GRAMMY nominations, countless CMA, ACM and CMT nominations and membership at the Grand Ole Opry. Bentley’s headlining 2014 RISER TOUR with special guests Chris Young, Chase Rice and Jon Pardi continues through the summer. For more information and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.

About Ole Smoky®Tennessee Moonshine®
Currently, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine nationally retails ten flavors of moonshine made using authentic East Tennessee recipes, jarred and shipped directly from the company’s famed Gatlinburg distillery. The Ole Smoky Moonshine™ distillery, known as The Holler™, is America’s most visited distillery and produces the brand’s signature flavors.   Original Moonshine, White Lightnin’™, Moonshine Cherries™, Peach Moonshine, Apple Pie Moonshine™, Blackberry Moonshine, Strawberry Moonshine, Lemon Drop Moonshine™ and Charred Moonshine™ are available selectively in 49 states and Canada. Pineapple Moonshine is available in Tennessee, California and Hawaii only.  Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine can be found at local retailers and is sampled and sold at some of the biggest music and sporting events in the country.  True to its roots, each Ole Smoky Moonshine flavor is born from the hand-crafted recipes of the Tennessee families who have been filling moonshine jars and jugs in the Smoky Mountains for more than a century. For more information about the brand, please visit www.olesmoky.com.

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