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The Milk Carton Kids @ The Ryman
The 2023 London Fashion Week Opening Debuts Country Artist Michael Rix For Jeff Garners Prophetik Clothing Show At Burlington Arcade
Michael Rix will be performing at the Pilgrimage Music Festival this Saturday at noon, kicking things off on the Americana Triangle Stage, with Mike Farris closing the show. Other headlining performers included at the Pilgrimage Festival are The Lumineers, The Black Crowes, Zack Bryan, Better Than Ezra and James Bay. To check out the full line up, visit www.pilgrimagefestival.com.
For more information about Michael Rix, Jeff Garner, Prophetik Clothing and London Fashion Week, please visit:
United Kingdom press links:
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/london-fashion-week-september-2023-b2410628.html
https://www.etonline.com/gallery/must-see-celeb-sightings-september-2023-210709
https://nextjs-dot-london-fashion-week.appspot.com/designers/prophetik
https://www.gonesunwhere.com/2023/09/london-fashion-week-opens-with-ethical.html?m=1
Multi-platinum Artist Bishop Briggs Fall Tour Kicks Off In Nashville
Bishop Briggs chose Nashville as the 1st city to kick off her “Don’t Look Down” Fall tour on Friday Oct. 8th at the Brooklyn Bowl. The show was well attended with a supportive crowd singing along and giving her reciprocated Nashville love. She made mention about possibly making Nashville her new home.
With a full band and elaborate stage production appropriate for the midsized venue, Bishops rebellious schoolgirl persona and soulful, lush vocals were on point, not being hindered by her energetic, rock fueled presence.
In 2022, Bishop captivated the world with fan favorite “superhuman.” Inspiring critical applause, Forbes lauded it as “brilliant” and proclaimed, “Like all great songs though, Briggs makes the tale universal.” Prior, she dropped the emotionally charged one-two punch of “High Water” and “Art of Survival.” She enraptured viewers with a stirring rendition of “High Water” on CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden. Simultaneously, “Revolution” graced the tracklisting of the EA Games NHL 23 Soundtrack and video game, while the MLB chose to use “Revolution” prominently during the playoffs.
She also contributed “Lessons of the Fire” to the NETFLIX original series Devil In Ohio, which dominated the platform at #1 in the US and cracked the Global Top 10 for two weeks at #2.
In 2023, Bishop Briggs now shines brighter than ever on When Everything Went Dark, which has earned widespread acclaim. Atwood Magazine hailed “Baggage” as “an impassioned anthem of empowerment, emotional reckoning, and self-acceptance.” V Magazine touted it on V’s New Music Roundup and proclaimed, “Briggs’s shockingly powerful voice booms atop of a production that blends alternative and techno influences, reflective of the conflict inside of her own inner turmoil.“
Making headlines, Bishop also just emerged as the winner of the latest season of The Masked Singer. She left crowds in awe worldwide with one show stopping performance after another.
Don’t Look Down Tour Dates w/ MisterWives:
- 9/8/23 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
- 9/9/23 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
- 9/10/23 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
- 9/12/23 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
- 9/15/23 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
- 9/16/23 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
- 9/17/23 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner
- 9/19/23 – Toronto, ON – History
- 9/20/23 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
- 9/22/23 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
- 9/23/23 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
- 9/24/23 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
- 9/26/23 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Center
- 9/27/23 – Columbus, OH – Kemba Live!
- 9/29/23 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
- 9/30/23 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders KC
- 10/1/23 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
- 10/4/23 – Houston, TX – House of Blues – Houston
- 10/6/23 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues – Dallas
- 10/9/23 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
- 10/10/23 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
- 10/11/23 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
- 10/13/23 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
- 10/15/23 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
I Sailed On Royal Caribbean’s President’s Cruise, And Here’s Why I Would Do It Again
[BEYOND the 615 – Travel Feature] What’s the President’s Cruise on Royal Caribbean? It’s a special, annual cruise that the President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, plans a fun-filled, week-long cruise onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s modern, innovative ships and travels on along with the Executive Staff to celebrate all things Royal Caribbean with their most loyal cruisers.
Anyone can book this cruise. No invitation is needed to sail on it, but it depends on your tier level with Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, the Crown & Anchor Society, as to what special events onboard for the week you’ll be invited to take part in.
There were plenty of fun activities for everyone onboard, regardless of loyalty tier level, to enjoy every day. Plus, there were more intimate, exclusive events that week planned for the two highest tiers: Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus that included cocktail parties, trivia with the Executive Staff & hosted by Super Mario, Common Ground meeting with the president, sharing memories & memorabilia from past Royal Caribbean cruises with the President and Executive Staff by individuals, and a fun pool party. There were also daily activities reserved for only the highest and most loyal tier of the Crown & Anchor Society, Pinnacle Club, with daily meals shared together and exclusive surprises for them.
Loyalty gains you special privileges, perks, and recognition onboard every Royal Caribbean cruise throughout the year with their loyalty program, Crown & Anchor Society, but during the annual President’s Cruise, your loyalty is uniquely-rewarded in different ways and taken to a heightened level depending on your tier status with them.
Each day I was treated to a fun gift in my cabin or at an event that included a President’s Cruise-themed magnet on my cabin door to greet me on embarkment day along with my themed cowboy hat in the color of my choice at the cruise terminal, a bottle of champagne with a special note thanking me for my loyalty, a President’s Cruise-themed insulated bottle to take home, themed beach bag, a chocolate bar from Royal Day at Costa Maya, and a limited release 25th anniversary baseball hat. It was so much fun to open my cabin door to find special treats left for me. There were also daily drawings for luxe prizes that everyone onboard the cruise was entered in to at the largest events that week.
Watch a short video of highlights HERE.
Now in its 6th year, this year’s President’s Cruise took place on the beautiful Allure of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s oasis class of ships, from July 23-30, 2023 to the Western Caribbean ports of Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya, Mexico and Cozumel, Mexico.
Sailing out of Royal Caribbean’s brand new cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, this President’s Cruise promised to be bigger & bolder than previous President’s Cruises with the much-awarded cruiseline celebrating 25 years of the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program, a new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal, and the most phenomenal comeback of all the cruiselines following the pandemic shut down back in 2020 as their stock prices continue to soar and prepare to launch 2 brand-new ships in 2024 (The highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas in January and Utopia of the Seas in July.)
The oasis class is currently the largest class of ships in the world out of all the cruiselines, featuring: Wonder of the Seas (newest, launched March 2022), Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas. With the final ship in this innovative class to be unveiled in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas.Watch a short video of highlights HERE.
This was my first President’s Cruise to have the pleasure of sailing on, but it definitely won’t be my last if I can help it. I can say without hesitation that this was my very favorite cruise I have ever been on in my 30 years of cruising. Being a long-time fan of Royal Caribbean since my very first cruise ever onboard their then state-of-the-art Sovereign of the Seas back in 1993, I was sailing as a Diamond Plus tier member with their loyalty program, Crown & Anchor Society. I have so many past cruises to compare this one to, so saying it was my favorite is no small feat.
Watch a short video of highlights HERE.
As an added special treat, 10-time GRAMMY Award winner & musical icon, Chaka Khan, was onboard sailing all week with her family and band. She performed an exclusive concert twice while sailing during the 7-night voyage. Only a limited number of guests were able to see her perform in-person in the ship’s Amber Theater, but the concert was livestreamed all across the ship for special viewing parties in various venues onboard for all guests onboard to enjoy. You can watch some clips from her performance onboard HERE.
I had access to most of the special events planned, including seeing Chaka Khan perform live onboard this mammoth vessel, which was one of the highlights of the cruise for me. Hearing her iconic hit songs again and seeing her perform in-person brought back so many great memories for me as a teenager growing up in the 1980’s, which was during the heighth of Chaka Khan’s career. She still has an incredibly-powerful voice after all these years and puts on a great show. I couldn’t help myself as I stood and sang along to “I’m Every Woman”, and I was out of my seat dancing for most of the show, as well. So much fun!
This special cruise included a milestone silver anniversary celebration of 25 years since the creation of the Crown & Anchor Society, which offers the best perks for loyalty out of all the cruiselines, in my opinion. Everyone onboard was able to enjoy this beautiful, silver-themed celebration in the ornate Royal Promanade.
There was the fun day at the port of Costa Maya where Royal Caribbean took over the entire port to celebrate Royal Day with free food, drinks, and entertainment at every turn that all guests onboard got to enjoy. You can see some of the highlights of the celebration HERE.
The Royal Roundup, a country music-themed party held in Studio B, was a big hit among guests as drinks were served and people took to the dance floor for some fun linedancing doning their complimentary President’s Cruise cowboy hats that we all received on embarkment day at the new cruise terminal in Galveston as we prepared to sail away later that day. A great time had by all for some fabulous, boot-scootin’ fun!
Another highlight was the Garden Spritz party I got to enjoy along with other Diamond Plus tier members in the Central Park neighborhood of the ship, which was beautifully-decorated with touches of orange since sponsored by Chandon for this special occasion.
The Central Park neighborhood is always one of my favorite places to visit because it is so beautiful and a wonderful place of tranquility to escape to for a nice dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, a peaceful stroll, listen to some jazz music, or to enjoy a nightcap whenever sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s oasis class ships only.
There is just so much I could write about, but I’m afraid this article would become a long novel if I go on about it much longer. So, I’m going to wrap it up now! I would book this particular themed cruise again and again in a heartbeat. It was a level of amped up fun that only Royal Caribbean International, its President and his Executive Staff knows how to truly bring!
This cruise had everything, even all-you-can-eat lobster tails with a full, fresh seafood spread available for all guests on the first day in the Windjammer Cafe along with specialty procured excursions filled with unique experiences designed for the President’s Cruise only, like the Island Jam with Michael Bayley, held at the beautiful Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort in Roatan, Honduras featuring an all-you-can-eat, mouthwatering spread of local favorites, fresh coconut water served in handcrafted coconuts with the President’s Cruise logo emblazoned on it, local music, dancing, and tasty tropical drinks with little umbrellas served by an attentive staff on sugar white sand beaches overlooking clear, turquoise-colored water. It was a slice of paradise for the day that I never wanted to leave!
If you are looking for an all-inclusive vacation that will appeal to the entire family, you can’t go wrong with a Royal Caribbean cruise onboard one of their 26 ships, but especially on an oasis class ship like Allure of the Seas. From great food, included in the cruise ticket cost per person, full Broadway shows like “Mamma Mia” in the Amber Theater, an aerial, acrobatic, highdiving, water-themed spectacular show in the Aquatheater that is a must-see (on oasis class ships only), an ice skating rink by day turned into an entertaining ice skating show inside Studio B featuring elite level ice skaters from around the world, comedy club featuring rotating featured comedians, highly-organized by staff kids programs for all ages, a surfing simulator, pools, hot tubs, waterside, a zip-line, arcade, movies, shopping, live music in various nightclubs, dance classes, theme parties, parades through the Royal Promanade, trivia, bingo, full-access ship & kitchen tours with brunch, shipboard activities designed for athletes &
foodies, specialty dining, spa, health club, staff-led exercise classes, the adult-only fun of the Solarium featuring a pool & bar area and Casino Royale. (Don’t forget to insert your Seapass into the slot machines as you play or hand to the dealer at table games to become a member of Club Royale to earn points towards perks like free drinks, free cruises, onboard comps, invitations to special casino events, and more.)
There is just SO much to experience and do onboard Royal Caribbean’s innovative fleet of ships that will appeal to all ages and you’ll never be bored. I promise! So, what are you waiting for? Go to their site by clicking HERE to book a cruise now to see how fabulous a vacation at sea can be. Whether you’re a solo traveler, celebrating your honeymoon, a family traveling together, or enjoying retirement in your golden years, there is something onboard for everyone on a Royal Caribbean ship to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Europe, Greece, Asia, Australia, and more.
Want to find out when & where the next Royal Caribbean President’s Cruise is? Just watch the video below to find out!
The Music City Grand Prix: A Nashville Takeover
2023 marks the 3rd year for the Music City Grand Prix to make its presence known in the streets of downtown Nashville. The roar of INDYCAR racers, combined with live music and fans from all over the globe make this sensory overloaded 3 day festival one of the biggest yearly undertakings in downtown Nashville.
INDYCAR’S are single-seat cars that feature the new Aero-screen and a 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 engine. These engines are optimized to run 12,000 RPM with an estimated 500-700 horsepower depending on the turbocharger boost setting.
Nashvilles course is the first of its kind to cross a major body of water, the Cumberland River. For all of the awards and results, you can go to www.musiccitygp.com
Ty Herndon’s Concert For Love & Acceptance
Chrissy Metz, Maddie & Tae, Sam Williams, Brooke Eden, Chapel Hart, Desmond Child, Billy Gilman, Jamie Floyd, Brandon Stansell, Bryan Ruby, Wendy Moten, Shelly Fairchild, Justin Fabus, Auti, Autumn Nicholas, Jada Cato, Jason Catron, and Matt Bloyd.
Betty Who Live @ The Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
The spirit of love was guided, fed and led by the one and only Betty Who at Nashvilles Brooklyn Bowl to an energetic and well attended audience Monday, March 6th.In support of the Nashville show, drag performer Shea Couleé opened the night with a dynamic set of original dance music, adding not only a bit of controversy to the show in the midst of Tennessees current anti-drag bill that was passed last week, but proved the art of drag is inclusive with live music.
BUSH @ The Ryman
The 90’s music revolution could not be documented without mentioning the massive success of the UK band Bush. Formed in1994, Bush found immediate success outside the UK with the release of their debut album, Sixteen Stone, which is certified six times multi-platinum by the RIAA.[3] They went on to become one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the 1990s, selling over ten million records in the United States and 20 million records worldwide, with numerous top ten singles on the Billboard rock charts[5] and one No. 1 album with Razorblade Suitcase in 1996.[6] The band broke up in 2002 but reformed in 2010, and have released five albums since then: The Sea of Memories (2011), Man on the Run (2014), Black and White Rainbows (2017), The Kingdom (2020), and The Art of Survival (2022)
The release of “The Art of Survival” was celebrated in Nashville at The Ryman Auditorium on Monday Feb. 20th with a rock show beyond expectations, playing for an energetically packed iconic venue.
We have not seen the last of Bush, recognizing their skillful musicianship, well crafted songwriting and an unmatched live performance, this band proves longevity and and the influence of the 90’s music movement carries over into today’s modern pop rock creative pool. The Ryman continues to diversify the live music culture in Nashville, showing there is a demand and supportive fanbase that encompasses all generations. The Bush performance proved that, giving hope to future artists and lovers of music, in a city that has made its mark for all genres. Rock and Roll is indeed alive and well in Music City!
A Special Night At The Judds Farewell Concert Taping
I was one of the fortunate ones to be invited to attend The Judds Farewell Concert taping produced by CMT and Sandbox Entertainment. The concert took place Thursday, November 3rd in Murphy Center at MTSU in Murfreesboro, located just 45 minutes outside of Nashville.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkiZr7TOL4Z/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
This was the original location of the farewell concert back in 1991, so it was a re-creation of that night made for CMT. For me, it was extra special since I was a student at MTSU back then. It was a night filled with nostalgia.
Wynonna Judd was joined by several special guests throughout the two hour concert on this beautiful fall night, including: Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini, Martina McBride, and Brandi Carlile.
Understandably, this was an emotional night for Wynonna after the tragic loss of her mother, Naomi Judd, only a few months ago before they were to set out on the final tour together. Thankfully, she has all these incredibly-talented friends in the industry to help her sing the iconic duos’ many well-known hit songs.
The audience held up lit up phones, sang along, danced, and many tears were shed throughout the evening without any prompting like you normally get at tv tapings. You could feel such incredible, uplifting energy throughout the building from the moment Wynonna and her band stepped on stage through to the very end. It was truly a magical night.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkmXn9bs_js/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=
My very favorite part of the concert took place at the very end when Wynonna was joined on stage by all her special guests and a choir joined into the audience to sing, “Love Can Build A Bridge”. It gave me chillbumps as I fought back tears. It was a very moving and powerful moment in a night full of special moments .
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkpDRl3sDN-/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
This special will be airing exclusively on CMT very soon. I will be sure to spread the word when the special is to air. You don’t want to miss it!
“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn” Was A Beautiful Tribute
Last night, CMT and Sandbox Productions, in partnership with Loretta Lynn’s family presented “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn”. It aired live on CMT to 2000 friends and family who gathered to celebrate her life at the Grand Ole Opry, while also allowing 500 people from the general public to attend in-person. It was simulcast on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse: Willie Nelson’s Classic Country (Channel 59).
Two additional CMT commercial-free encore airings on Wed, Nov 2nd at 8p/7c & Sun, Nov 6th at 11a/10c.
Fans started lining up outside at 3am, hoping to get a seat to see some of the country music industry’s biggest names pay tribute through song and telling their personal stories about the iconic Queen of Country Music.
NBC’s “Today Show” co-host and close family friend Jenna Bush Hager hosted the star-studded event, which included emotional messages and moving performances from Alan Jackson, Barbara Mandrell, Brandi Carlile, Darius Rucker, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, George Strait, The Highwomen’s Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby with Brittany Spencer, Hoda Kotb, Jack White, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, Sissy Spacek, Tanya Tucker, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Wynonna feat. Gaither Vocal Band +
Larry Strickland.
On-stage guests who appeared to share heartfelt messages included Barbara Mandrell, Darius Rucker, Faith Hill, Hoda Kotb, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw, plus special messages from Lynn’s closest friends and fans: Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Sissy Spacek and Taylor Swift.
Opening the memorial, Wynonna feat. Gaither Vocal Band + Larry Strickland delivered a chills-inducing performance of the classic hymn, “How Great Thou Art” for the night’s first standing ovation.
Host Jenna Bush Hager recalled the controversy surrounding one of Lynn’s biggest hits – a song that country radio originally refused to play, “The Pill,” sung by a spirited Margo Price.
One of the highlighted performances was from Lukas Nelson, grandson of Willie Nelson, and Emmy Russell, Loretta’s granddaughter. They received a standing ovation for their rendition of “Lay Me Down”.
Jack White’s surprise appearance and powerful live performance of “Van Lear Rose,” the title track of his and Loretta’s Grammy-winning album, was a standout of the night. Introduced by Margo Price, fans were also treated to a rarely seen performance from Third Man Records Vault Package #24 featuring White and Lynn performing “Whispering Sea,” a favorite of White’s and one of the first songs Loretta ever wrote.
The Highwomen’s Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby and Brittney Spencer performed a show-stopping finale of Lynn’s most recognizable hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Earlier in the night, Carlile also performed “She’s Got You” solo.
Throughout the evening, more of Lynn’s closest friends and fans delivered heartfelt speeches and shared personal memories, including Sissy Spacek, who recalled being “thunderstruck” upon first meeting Loretta; Dolly Parton shared that “Loretta was the best friend anybody could ever have.” Taylor Swift praised Lynn for being an example for all songwriters, particularly females with her ‘truthful, fearless honesty’ in her writing.
Loretta Lynn passed away in her sleep on Oct. 4th. She was 90 years old.
Full performance list below:
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ALAN JACKSON – “WHERE HER HEART HAS ALWAYS BEEN”
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BRANDI CARLILE – “SHE’S GOT YOU”
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DARIUS RUCKER – “FIST CITY”
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EMMY RUSSELL + LUKAS NELSON – “LAY ME DOWN”
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GEORGE STRAIT – “DON’T COME HOME -’DRINKIN’ (WITH LOVIN’ ON YOUR MIND)”
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JACK WHITE – “VAN LEAR ROSE”
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KEITH URBAN – “YOU’RE LOOKING AT COUNTRY”
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LITTLE BIG TOWN – “LET HER FLY”
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MARGO PRICE – “THE PILL”
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TANYA TUCKER – “BLUE KENTUCKY GIRL”
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THE HIGHWOMEN’s Carlile, Amanda Shires & Natalie Hemby with Brittany Spencer – “COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER”
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WYNONNA feat. GAITHER VOCAL BAND + LARRY STRICKLAND – “HOW GREAT THOU ART”
In loving memory of the life and legacy of Loretta Lynn, The Loretta Lynn Foundation exists to establish, preserve, and promote public awareness of the historical and cultural contributions of Loretta Lynn and the cultural contributions of country music as a genre and to establish, preserve, and maintain an educational and recreational facility for the general public through which to give to and serve others. For more information and to make a donation, visit foundation.lorettalynn.comor text LORETTA to 53-555.
“COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER: A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE & MUSIC OF LORETTA LYNN” is a co-production from CMT and Sandbox Productions; Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Jason Owen (Sandbox), Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions) and Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media) are Executive Producers.
For more information, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.
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