Tag Archives | Casey James

Debut Of Country Now And “Live From Blackbird” YouTube Series

Parmalee

Parmalee

Country Now, the first original country music and lifestyle-dedicated YouTube channel, today announced the official launch of a new, intimate, performance driven program that will be recorded live from Nashville’s historic Blackbird Studios.  The performances, combined with artist commentary, are posted weekly at http://bit.ly/1gLeAp3 and have already featured music from Casey James, newcomer Dakota Bradley, Joe Nichols, Love and Theft and Parmalee. Continue Reading →

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Mayor Karl Dean and Country Music Stars Casey James, Sarah Darling, Striking Matches Honor Music Teachers at NAfME’s National In-Service

Left to right: Sarah Zimmermann, Justin Davis, Casey James, and Sarah Darling Credit: Randi Radcliff

Left to right: Sarah Zimmermann, Justin Davis, Casey James, and Sarah Darling
Credit: Randi Radcliff

On Sunday, Oct. 27, country music stars Casey James, Sarah Darling, Striking Matches and the city of Nashville honored music teachers nationwide for all they do to support quality music education in schools during a special concert at the Grand Ole Opry House. The concert kicked off the National Association for Music Education’s (NAfME) 2013 National In-Service Conference, which is being held now through Oct. 30 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean welcomed the packed house of over 3,500 concert attendees saying, “I think it’s pretty clear that a quality arts education and in particular, a quality music education, is a key component to a well-rounded, successful education program. Arts education is not a frill, it is not optional — not if we are going to give our students the tools they need to live rich and rewarding lives.” Continue Reading →

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Rising Recording Artists And NAfME Salute Music Teachers

Casey James

Casey James

On October 27, 2013, some of music’s top new recording artists will come together at the historic Grand Ole Opry House to shine the spotlight on the work of music teachers and show their gratitude for all that educators do to spread the joy of music in our nation’s schools. The special concert will kick-off the 2013 National Association of Music Education’s (NAfME) National In-Service Conference, and admission is FREE to all conference attendees, invited guests and All-National Honor Ensemble students. Continue Reading →

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Interview with Casey James | CRS 2013

We caught up with Casey James over a month ago during his show at Exit/In in Nashville where he promised a full length interview during Country Radio Seminar (CRS).

This is that full length interview!

Casey stops by to talk about his fans, his new single and upcoming tour with one Taylor Swift!

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FOCUS on the 615 at CRS 2013

Country Radio Seminar wrapped up last week to record attendance, bright new stars, and performances by the biggest names in country music. FOCUS on the 615 was there to catch all the action! Here’s a preview of all the happenings at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2013!

Read more about all the great performances with exclusive behind the scenes coverage of CRS 2013 here: http://focusonthe615.com/2013/03/06/country-radio-seminar-2013-celebrities-surprises-and-stars-of-tomorrow/

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Casey James Delivers at Exit/In

FOCUS caught up with Casey James at his show in Nashville – also watch for a full interview coming up at CRS 2013!

Casey James

Watch out country music world: Casey James is ready to take you by storm. We caught up with Casey on his way through Nashville when he was performing at Exit/In, and we are already looking forward to next time!

After Corey Crowder opened the show with some great, high-energy country music, we witnessed the room fill to capacity waiting for the American Idol alum. As soon as he walked out, the room electrified (mainly with screaming girls) as he launched into his first song.

Casey made a name for himself on Idol with his sick guitar picking skills, as he was on the first season of the show to allow self-accompaniment. But you still haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen him live. Much like current superstars Keith Urban and Brad Paisley, he is his own lead guitarist. However, UNLIKE Keith, Brad, and a few others… Casey doesn’t have another band member on stage with lead capabilities. He has a rhythm/slide guitarist, a bass player and a keyboardist. Meaning those rocking riffs you hear in his music are all up to the man himself.

Casey opened the show with the song that also opens his album: “The Good Life,” a fun, up-tempo tune that planted a good foundation for his set. Another song that will probably be a staple to his show for a while – and should become a single – is “Drive,” a high-energy number that features Casey on a funky steel/electric guitar that allows him to really show off.

He also hit several slower songs such as “Love The Way You Miss Me” and of course his two singles, “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” and his recent hit “Cryin’ On A Suitcase.”

With only one album to his name, this guy already has all the makings of a superstar. Not only can he play, he’s got a bluesy, country tone to his voice, perfect for crossover hits and the ability to sing just about anything. And yes… he has great hair.

You will start hearing more and more about Casey James in 2013; and watch for the big breakout to come within the next couple years.

Plus, stay tuned to FOCUS on the 615 for a full interview with Casey James coming up at CRS 2013!

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Country Music Blog Rodeo: 2013 Artists to Watch

Names You Know Will Transform Into Superstars, and Names You May Not Know… You Will in 2013

Blog Rodeo2012 was full of excitement in country music, especially for new and emerging artists. We watched artists such as Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Eric Church emerge as the next wave of superstars. We also saw new artists such as Hunter Hayes, Brantley Gilbert, and Jana Kramer become household names.

So who will it be in 2013? We’ve got some ideas, some very obvious, and some that you really need to pay attention to.

Here we go… the artists to watch in 2013:

Continue Reading →

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CMA Music Festival: Another Perspective

Well, another CMA Music Festival has come and gone! Can’t believe the week flew by so fast, but it was a fun one and actually not as hot as it usually is, too. Very thankful for that, let me tell you!

Started off the week of CMA Music Festival with the annual CAA (Creative Artists Agency) BBQ in their brand new, beautiful offices located in the penthouse of the Suntrust building next to the historic Ryman Auditorium. Had the chance to stop by for a little while for some great food, drinks, and enjoyed running into friends while out there. Mixed in with the crowd were Kip Moore, Jesse Lee, Jennifer Wayne of Stealing Angels, Jana Kramer, Hot Chelle Rae, Chase Rice, and sure many more I didn’t see. It was crowded! Thanks to CAA for the invitation to join them and see their new offices!

Thursday

First thing this morning, headed over to Tin Roof on Music Row for the A.M. Jam by our friends at Black River Entertainment! Craig Morgan started out introducing the first artist, Glenn Templeton, followed by Sarah Darling, and long-time friends, Due West.  Each gave a short acoustic performance.  Great performances by all!

CMA Music Festival

Julie Roberts performing

Next, headed out to the festival to see Julie Roberts perform on the Bud Light Stage in front of Bridgestone Arena.  Loved seeing Julie “do her thing” on the stage in front of hundreds of fans. Love the traditional sound that she is known for!

Then, we were off to the “You’ve Been Sentenced” celebrity/charity event at Hard Rock, which featured celebrities like: Buddy Jewell, Julie Roberts, Jeff Bates, LoCash Cowboys, Keith Burns, and many more.  I still have NO IDEA how to play that game, what the rules were, not a CLUE! It was a card game and formed sentences.  Nope, not a clue what was going on, but everyone seemed to be having a good time! If anyone wants to explain it to me, maybe I will understand now! Ok, probably not…

CMA Music Festival

Heidi Newfield

Caught Neal McCoy’s show at Riverfront stage.  That guy is always full of energy, entertaining, and even climbed up the side of the stage to the very top.  Fun show!

From there, I headed over to Jana Kramer’s CD release party at aVenue off of 3rd ave.  She did an acoustic set of most of the songs from her album.  Jana’a always entertaining and charming on stage.  Many One Tree Hill fans were present, that was obvious! The place was packed and Jana gave a great performance.  She’s another one of our favorites on here, if you couldn’t tell! Be sure to look for her album in stores and you can buy it right now on iTunes, too, if you don’t want to wait! You won’t regret it, it’s a great album

Then, I caught Miss Willie Brown at the Bud Light stage.  They were ok.  Not really that crazy about their music, but they were energetic on the stage and others seemed to enjoy them.

Friday

This was my favorite day out of all of them because it featured performances by a some of my favorites: THE FARM, Jesse Lee, and Gloriana.

CMA Music Festival

Gloriana performing on Riverfront stage

Caught Gloriana at the Riverfront stage.  Loved seeing their full set and their harmonies were flawless, as usual.  Great to hear that their new single that was recently featured on The Bachelorette is doing so well for them on the charts.  Highest ranking single of their career and almost top 10 right now.

Then, headed over to the Hard Rock to catch another friend, David Bradley, on the acoustic stage.  David’s always charming with his British charm and never disappoints with his performances.

Went over to the convention center for a bit to see what was going on over there with the artists signing before heading back over to the Hard Rock to catch another friend and favorite, Jesse Lee, do an acoustic performance.  It was short, but sweet! LOVE Jesse who is always fun to watch perform! She’s got lots of personality and the vocals to match.  I just want to be able to catch her doing a full band show one of these days soon.  I’m sure it’s amazing!

Ended the day with THE FARM.  I loved seeing THE FARM do a full set on the Riverfront stage, which is where I mainly stayed during the festival.  If you haven’t heard or seen them, check them out if they pass through your town and you can also hear their single “Home Sweet Home” on the country charts right now.  It’s broken into the top 20 and still climbing! LOVE these guys! Good people and incredibly talented! Their show is high energy, too, with Damien even doing a backflip on the stage.  Loved the whole thing and these guys are going to continue to WOW audiences as people get a chance to see them this summer touring, I’m sure of it!

CMA Music Festival

Krista from THE FARM

Highlight of the day:  Seeing THE FARM and Jesse Lee perform!

 

Saturday

Started out the morning at the Riverfront stage seeing Love and Theft followed by Kip Moore.  Enjoyed both of these shows.

Love and Theft are always good to see, plus enjoy their music.  Stephen is always entertaining to watch and shows a lot of personality.  Just a really fun guy!  Eric? Not so much.  He always manages to look bored on the stage and like he’d rather be anywhere but there at the moment.  Like their music, but would like to see them both be equally as entertaining.

Then, they were followed by Kip Moore.  He seems very at ease on the stage and was fun to watch.  Love his music and glad that he’s now experiencing some success with his chart-topping single.  Hope it continues for him!

Spotted in the front row of the crowd were a whole bunch of girls dressed in red sundresses hoping to capture the attention of Kip.  Watched his video a few too many times, I guess!

Wandered off out into the festival a little and then back to see Casey James for the first time.  First off, best hair out there and such a cutie! Glad to get THAT off my chest.  He was highly entertaining and great musicianship!

Following Casey was Heidi Newfield on the Riverfront.  Loved her performance! She’s always high energy! I was afraid she was going to have a wardrobe malfunction in that peacock dress, though! I don’t imagine the guys would have minded that so much! She had on a peacock dress with fishnets.  High octane attire for a high octane show, I guess! lol

Finished up the day at the convention center.

 

Sunday

Started out Sunday at the TJ Martell Ride for a Cure event.  It started off with breakfast at Mickey Roo’s in Franklin.  I was thinking was going to be able to get some interviews like last year, but with the actual ride being cancelled due to the rain, things were thrown off a bit for everyone.  Couldn’t be helped and no one’s fault, just bad weather throwing things off for everyone and making the best of it. The pre-jam was going on in there and I got to LISTEN to an interview by Good Morning America just too busy in there to conduct any myself.  So, for me, it was kind of a let down, but the breakfast was nice and it was fun running into Lauren Alaina, Dean Alexander, and Little Big Town out there.  I just opted out of the concert since it was raining and would be out in the mud.  Just wasn’t quite up for that.  I am glad to hear that the event was still a success for the charity raising over $55,000!

CMA Music Festival

Photo credit: Randi Radcliiff/Little Big Town and Lauren Alaina


Back to the Riverfront stage at CMA Music Festival I went (See? I said I spent most of the week there!) and saw Sunny Sweeney do her thing! I just love her Texas attitude and her whole Texas sound.  She’s a lot of fun on the stage and just shows a lot of sass!

Then, off to see Jason Michael Carroll perform at the Bud Light Bridgestone stage.  I had a hard time keeping up with him on stage with my camera because he moves so much! Love his voice and he puts on a great show!

Followed by Mandy Barnett at the same stage.  Mandy’s both an incredible vocalist and a class act all around.  Very gracious and down-to-Earth.

CMA Music Festival

Kip Moore

Then I was off to see Jana Kramer perform a full band show at the Riverfront stage.  Jana’s both sassy and classy! Such a sweet person and dynamic performer.  Only wish great things for her!

Well, that is a wrap for me! I ended up letting Courtney, who you’ll be hearing from on here, use my nightly LP stadium passes.  She got some great shots and since she was gracious enough to help us out for the week, thought she’d enjoy them.  Me? I was WORN after those long, hot days! So, you’ll be hearing more about those nightly shows and seeing some great shots soon! Plus, I’ll be putting together a little video of highlights from the week for you all to enjoy and post more pictures.  Now, I guess I’m still recovering from all the fun of CMA Music Festival! WHEW!

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