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First Annual “WRECKING BALL 2017” Set To Strike Nashville On June 7th Following CMT Music Awards

By on May 3, 2017 in In The Press

The first-annual WRECKING BALL 2017 was announced today, as trailblazers Tucker Beathard and Ryan Hurd will light up Nashville, TN on June 7, for a high-energy evening of musicianship. An electric collaboration, with Beathard offering his own brand of “hot, smokin’, Southern rockin’, good old-fashioned tuneage” (Vice)  and Hurd, garnering acclaim as one of year’s boldest artists to watch (Pandora, Huffington Post, Rolling Stone), bringing his hit-packed performance, the distinct singer/songwriters will co-headline the after-hours party at local haunt 3rd And Lindsley, immediately following the CMT Awards. Tickets will go on-sale on Friday May 5 at 10am CT here. 
About Tucker Beathard:

Beathard will continue to prove that his live show “speaks louder than anything else,” (Rolling Stone) when he plays some of the biggest festivals of the summer, kicking off his stint at Stagecoach  Festival this past weekend, with  OC Register  declaring he’s “ready for the big time.” Beathard will follow up with coveted slots at Summerfest,  Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival, Lollapalooza 2017 and more. Recently marking over 40 million streams worldwide, as he continues “generally blowing  folks’ minds with his catalog of heartbreak-heavy tunes” (Vice).  Following a breakout 2016, that saw Beathard further his “meteoric rise,” (MSN) with the success of his debut Top 5 summer  anthem “Rock On,” taken from his six-track FIGHT LIKE HELL EP, which showcases his self-taught musicianship, with lead guitar and drum credits throughout the collection. Beathard is turning heads with his homegrown sound with Noisey  recognizing “those guitar licks.  Listen to the flames wrapping around that guitar and try to get the fire that they light in your brain to stop… This is hot, smokin’, Southern rockin’, good old-fashioned tuneage.” For more information and a full list of dates visit  www.tuckerbeathard.com.

About Ryan Hurd:

Labeled a 2017 “One to Watch” by Pandora, Rolling Stone, Huffington Post, CMT and more, emerging singer/songwriter Ryan Hurd continues his groundswell taking his trademark, powerful lyrics & melodies and electric live performance to fans.  As one of Nashville’s most multi-dimensional young songwriters, Hurd claims co-pen credits on some of country’s biggest hits (“Lonely Tonight” – Blake Shelton, “You Look Good” – Lady Antebellum, “I Wish I Was” – Maren Morris) and continues his hit-song producing path with the release of his own debut music. Lauded for “generating major buzz” and “making waves online” (Rolling Stone) with his unconventional, fan-focused release of four tracks with corresponding artistry videos over four months, Hurd’s collection of songs, recently released on his debut EP, have garnered over 32 million streams worldwide. Following his breakout streaming success, Hurd’s debut single will hit country airwaves this Summer on RCA Nashville. With his dynamic music debut producing early fans among his country peers, Hurd was tapped by Thomas Rhett for the Home Team Tour, Maren Morris for her HERO Tour and will hit the road this summer with Florida Georgia Line on their Smooth Tour 2017. For more on Ryan Hurd and to catch him on the road, visit RyanHurd.com.

 

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Lee Brice And Justin Moore Bring Successful Tour To A Close

By on May 2, 2017 in In The Press

Photo credit: Amy Fischer

31 shows. 120,000+ fans. Multiple sold-out dates. Lee Brice and Justin Moore closed out their co-headline AMERICAN MADE TOUR on Friday, April 28 wrapping up a four-month trek alongside buzz-worthy opening acts William Michael Morgan and Brett Young.

 

Kicking off January 13 in LaCrosse, WI, the AMERICAN MADE TOUR cut a wide path across the Midwest and South, drawing capacity crowds in multiple cities including Chicago, Columbia, and Atlanta. The acclaimed shows were packed with more than three hours of the superstars’ number one hits including Moore’s “You Look Like I Need a Drink,” “Lettin’ the Night Roll,” and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” and Brice’s “A Woman Like You,” “Hard To Love,” “I Drive Your Truck,” and “I Don’t Dance.”

 

Positive reviews poured in with critics and fans praising the artists’ sets:

 

“The Lee Brice, Justin Moore AMERICAN MADE TOUR was one of the better shows we have seen this year,” says Allan Vella, President and CEO of Atlanta’s Fox Theater. “It was high energy and bursting at the seams with talented musicians. I have been telling my friends and colleagues, ‘You have to get this show into your market and your building.’”

 

“This is my third time seeing Justin, and man, does he kill it every time,” said WKDQ’s Travis Sams. “For those people who say that country music isn’t ‘country’ anymore, they must not have seen a Justin Moore show! Great crowd interaction. You can see how humbled he is by the success he has attained when the crowd sings every word to his songs.”

 

Continuing his rave about Brice’s signature “evocative” vocals (New York Times), Sams adds, “You can hear the conviction in his voice with every song he sings. Lee is hands down one of the best songwriters in the business, but not only that, he’s clearly a family man.”

 

Brice’s family even surprised him onstage during the Evansville, IN tour stop, making an unannounced appearance to celebrate Brice’s wedding anniversary. Brice was halfway through a solo performance of his yet-to-be-released single, “Boy,” when his two sons ran onstage, announcing that their mother was waiting in the wings. It was an emotional, electrifying moment, one of many highlights delivered throughout a tour featuring one of “country music’s heavy hitters,” (Rolling Stone Country).

 

This is a continuing theme of family on the road as Moore and wife Kate announced earlier this year that they are expecting their fourth child. The gender will be a surprise for the couple who already have three daughters. “To have the opportunity to become parents again, is such a blessing and one we are so thankful to God for. We pray for a healthy baby boy or girl.”

 

Opening act William Michael Morgan rounded out the bill for two months with the ACM-nominated Brett Young joining in March.  Together, the songwriters spent two final months “representing the best in country music,” (Mel Raines, SVP of Pacers Sports & Entertainment), bringing the AMERICAN MADE TOUR.

 

For additional tour dates and information, please visit: LeeBrice.com and JustinMooreMusic.com.

 

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Jon Pardi “Heartache On The Dance Floor” Most-Added At Country Radio  

By on May 2, 2017 in In The Press

Photo credit: Erik Voake

Capitol Records Nashville’s Jon Pardi releases “Heartache on the Dance Floor” and the new single is the most-added at country radio with 65 first-week stations. Pardi’s latest tune, the third from his No. 1-debuting sophomore album California Sunrise, follows his back-to-back smash singles, the Platinum-selling No. 1 “Head Over Boots” and his most recent three-week No. 1 “Dirt On My Boots.” Written with Brice Long and producer Bart Butler, Pardi’s “Heartache on the Dance Floor” is poised to be the ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year’s next big hit.

 

“Jon has posted his third big one in a row with ‘Heartache On The Dance Floor.’ Look for him to fill up arenas soon with the track record he’s racking up!” predicts Kerry Wolfe, WMIL Sr. VP of Programming. While iHeartCountry Brand Coordinator and Sr. VP of Programming Nashville Gator Harrison attests, “Jon Pardi is Country Music’s SECRET Weapon, STRONG enough for a Man, but Made for a Woman. This is another EASY one!”

Photo credit: Jim Wright

Pardi, who brought thousands to their feet this weekend to sing and stomp along to his roaring set on the Stagecoach Mane Stage, also joined his tour mate and the night’s headliner, Dierks Bentley, for a spirited rendition of George Strait’s “Fireman.” Pardi is currently on the What the Hell World Tour with Bentley with upcoming dates in Wichita, Kan.; Columbia, Md. and Cincinnati, Ohio. The young country star also joins Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Soul 2 Soul next weekend with shows in Tulsa, Okla.; Lincoln, Neb. and Oklahoma City, Okla.

 

Fans can listen to “Heartache on the Dance Floor” HERE and find additional information, music and tour dates by visiting www.JonPardi.com.

 

 

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Country Music Superstar Billy Ray Cyrus Celebrates 25th Anniversary Of “Achy Breaky Heart” With A Reissue Available Now

By on May 2, 2017 in In The Press

It started out as a simple two-chord song with one verse and chorus, and ended up becoming a worldwide phenomenon that topped charts around the globe and made a superstar out of a boy from Flatwoods, Kentucky. “Achy Breaky Heart,” the multi-million selling country single that pretty much launched the 90’s line dance craze, is undoubtedly one of the most history-making songs in all of country music history. The song created a sensation upon its release 25 years ago, and now the artist who made it a smash, Billy Ray Cyrus, is releasing a brand new version of the song with a host of different versions and guest artist appearances, including Ronnie Milsap on keyboard, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the release of the original.  The new cut, which is available now,  was recorded in Muscle Shoals and co-produced by Cyrus and Don Von Tress, the writer of the quintessential hit.

 

Cyrus sees plenty of parallels in the world at that time and now, and felt like it would be a good time to go back in and re-record the feel-good smash that had everybody’s hips shaking and feet moving to its groove.

 

“When the song was released in the spring of ‘92 the world, believe it or not, felt much like it does right now,” said Cyrus. “There were wars and rumors of wars. Famine and darkness was revealing itself much around the globe. People were divided. And politically it felt as crazy across America as it does now. Basically, it felt like a good time for a happy song. Something simple that everyone could sing and yes, even dance to. Take your mind off all the heavy stuff for 3 minutes and 27 seconds!”

 

The new version of “Achy Breaky” is actually a little closer to writer Don Von Tress’ original vision and sound for the song that he penned over a quarter decade ago. “We went back to my original demo which was a little more back in the pocket, and Billy really loved the demo all those years ago and he said ‘Yeah, let’s try to emulate this thing,” recalls Von Tress of recording the new version. “So we kind of did that, but with some new twists. The song is so simple…it’s two chords and some nursery rhyme verses really, so we created something again we both just really love, and it’s just fun to have the opportunity to put this song out again for people to really enjoy again. I really hope they love it as much as the first time!”

 

For Cyrus, revisiting the hit that made him a worldwide superstar and laying down the track provided a real full circle moment in a career that has no doubt had plenty of memorable highlights.

 

“For me personally it completed the body of work known as Some Gave All and a decade of persistence, dedication, failure, successes and a will to strive for purpose through the music,” said Cyrus. “A journey which led to a moment in time that just fit. Not to mention a friendship and musical soul mate that would last a lifetime. For you see, I had written “Some Gave All” about a Vietnam Veteran I met in 1989. Don Von Tress, himself a Vietnam Vet, walks into my life with what will become the cornerstone and launch pad for an album that represents a singer/songwriter from the Appalachian foothills of Eastern KY who had a dream and vision of touching peoples’ lives through music. Nothing more…nothing less. Full circle if you will.”

 

 

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Brad Paisley Scores 9th Consecutive #1 Studio Album Debut With LOVE AND WAR

By on May 2, 2017 in In The Press

LOVE AND WAR, the newest album from country music superstar Brad Paisley, debuts at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, marking Paisley’s 9th consecutive studio album entry at the chart’s top position!

 

Luke Wooten and Paisley co-produced 13 tracks on LOVE AND WAR, with Timbaland and Luke Wooten producing “Grey Goose Chase” and “Solar Power Girl” and John Carter Cash and Luke Wooten producing “Gold All Over the Ground.”  Kendal Marcy was executive producer for the studio album.

 

Download and stream the studio album LOVE AND WAR HERE and HERE.

 

Available for the first time on April 28th, Brad Paisley’s visual album LOVE AND WAR can be streamed for a limited time exclusively on Apple Music HERE.

 

Prior to the visual album release, Paisley hosted premieres at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and also at Regal LA Live in Los Angeles last week. Paisley viewed the 62 minute film with the audiences of fans and friends and then took questions afterwards.  The Los Angeles crowd was treated with an acoustic performance by Paisley and legendary Rock and Roll superstar John Fogerty.  They played the title track of the album “Love and War,” which they co-wrote, as well as a few classics.

 

Directors involved with the LOVE AND WAR visual album were Paisley, Dave Brown, Derek Cressman, Frank Agnone, Jeff Venable, Jim Shea and Todd Cassetty.  Producers included Ben Skipworth, Frank Agnone, Jim Shea, Kendal Marcy, Mark Kalbfeld and Todd Cassetty, and executive producer was Kendal Marcy.

 

“Last Time For Everything,” Brad Paisley’s current single from LOVE AND WAR, was last week’s most-added song at country radio. Co-written by Paisley, Smith Ahnquist, Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois and Mike Ryan, “Last Time For Everything” was preceded by the smash hit “Today” which was the superstar’s 24th #1 single.

 

Brad Paisley is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer whose talents have earned him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), among many others. He has been a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001. Paisley has written 21 of his 24 #1 hits including his most recent smash, “Today.” The song has resonated with fans around the globe with the music video garnering over 42 million views, so far. “Last Time For Everything” is his current single and his 11th studio album, LOVE AND WAR, was released April 21. On April 28, LOVE AND WAR was released as country music’s first ever visual album for a limited time exclusively on Apple Music. Paisley has partnered with Boot Barn® and developed an exclusive line of jeans, hats, T-shirts, jewelry, belts and woven shirts called Moonshine Spirit by Brad Paisley. Connect with Brad at www.BradPaisley.com, www.Facebook.com/BradPaisley, on Twitter @BradPaisley, on Instagram @Brad Paisley, and YouTube at YouTube.com/BradPaisley.

 

 

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Lifehouse Signs With Webster Public Relations

By on May 1, 2017 in In The Press

Webster Public Relations announces the signing of Rock band Lifehouse to its’ roster for publicity representation. “In their almost two decades together, Lifehouse has set the bar high with a successful catalog of music that has kept fans entertained for years,” said Kirt Webster. “I’m excited for what lies ahead in the future and to be a part of the Lifehouse story.”

 

The band is comprised of Jason Wade (lead vocals, guitar), Bryce Soderberg (bass, vocals) and Rick Woolstenhulme, Jr. (drums, percussion). Wade formed the group as Blyss in the late 90s in Los Angeles, releasing a 1999 EP entitled Diff’s Lucky Day. The next year, the band changed their moniker to Lifehouse, releasing the debut full-length album No Name Face. Thanks to the instantaneous success of the lead single “Hanging By A Moment” was the Billboard number one song of the year on the Hot 100 chart in 2001, also becoming a worldwide hit in places such as Brazil and New Zealand. No Name Face was certified Double Platinum in the United States, and featured the follow-up hit “Breathing.”

 

In 2002, the band released their follow-up, Stanley Climbfall, which featured the hits “Spin” and “Take Me Away.” In 2005, Lifehouse achieved another massive worldwide hit single with “You And Me,” which was certified Gold, as was their self-titled album from which the single was pulled. Later hit singles for the band include “First Time,” “Whatever It Takes,” and “Halfway Gone.” Their music has also been featured on the soundtrack albums for Bratz, Wicker Park, and The Live. Lifehouse’s most recent album project was 2015’s Out Of The Wasteland.

 

Always a crowd favorite, the band will be embarking on a multi-city “Looking For Summer” tour with fellow rockers Switchfoot. For an updated schedule and all things Lifehouse, visit www.LifehouseMusic.com

 

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Host And First Performers Announced For CMT Music Awards On June 7th

By on May 1, 2017 in In The Press

Deacon Claybourne is taking the reins of the loudest night in country music as CMT today announced that “Nashville” star Charles Esten will host the fan-voted “2017 CMT Music Awards,” live from Nashville on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT. The announcement was made by Esten on Instagram. The news comes on the heels of the beloved music drama, which recently shattered ratings and viewership for CMT, returning with new episodes on Thursday, June 1 at 9pm ET/PT and a new season slated to premiere early next year.

 

Superstars Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett are set to perform with additional artists, presenters and special guests being announced soon.

 

“Everybody knows that CMT has a special connection with country music and the incredible fans that love it so much,” said Charles Esten. “That connection is why our show, “Nashville,” now has a perfect home on the network. It’s also why there is no other show quite like the “CMT Music Awards.” It’s a show fully dedicated to the fans and an annual chance for them to place their votes for their favorite artists. Besides always being flat-out fun, it’s also always been a stage for magical musical moments – and a place where some of country’s biggest legends have been made. I’m thrilled and honored to get to host this great event.”

 

 

Nominations will be announced on Tuesday, May 9. Fan voting begins the same day at CMT.com and continues until Monday, June 5 at 12:01 AM ET.

 

Known for its ability to break new artists and unparalleled collaborations with music superstars spanning all genres, the “CMT Music Awards” routinely outpaces itself and the competition as the industry’s most evocative fan-fueled trendsetting event. Last year’s “CMT Music Awards” once again earned its title as the hottest night in country music attracting nearly 4 million fans, its biggest to date, across a three network simulcast (CMT, TV Land and Nick@Nite) up +20% from the prior year. The awards also lit up social media with #CMTawards trending worldwide for 5 hours to rank as the #1 Series/Special on Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings for the day.

 

 

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Charles “Chip” Esten grew up in Alexandria, VA. After starting his acting career in Los Angeles, he was pleased to make his theatrical debut in London, portraying Buddy Holly in the hit West End musical “Buddy.” In that role, he was honored to perform for H.R.M Queen Elizabeth and then, for President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush at The White House. Since then, he has appeared in films and on television, most notably on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and “The Office.” In 2014, 2015 and 2016 he joined his cast-mates in headlining the “Nashville in Concert” tour with sold out shows across the US, the UK and Ireland. In July, 2016, he launched his innovative #EverySingleFriday music campaign. In July 2017, he will become the first artist to release a new song every week for 52 weeks, straight. He is proud to serve as the National Light the Night Walk Honorary Chair for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

 

Follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

 

To request press credentials for the 2017 CMT Music Awards, please visit cmtmusicawardspress.com on May 8.

 

About CMT

 

CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT, CMT.com and CMT Radio offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and are the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.

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Maddie & Tae Performing At George Dickel Distillery On May 13th

By on April 28, 2017 in Special Events

George Dickel, the Tennessee whisky brand, is excited to announce the debut of Porch Sessions at Cascade Hollow, a country music series hosted at the distillery throughout the summer. Music fans have the opportunity to enjoy some tunes, beautiful country scenery and award-winning Tennessee whisky.

The debut of the series starts Saturday, May 13th 4pm-7pm with Maddie & Tae.  Tickets only $15 available through: www.dickelporchsessions.com.

Hurry before sell out! The start of some summer fun! Must be 21 or older to attend.

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A Country Music First, Brad Paisley Releases LOVE AND WAR Visual Album Available To Stream For A Limited Time Exclusively On Apple Music  

By on April 27, 2017 in In The Press

On the heels of the release of his 11th studio album LOVE AND WAR last week, superstar Brad Paisley announces the release of the visual version of the same album exclusively on Apple Music on Friday, April 28.  Paisley is the first country artist to release a visual album.

 

 

 

Available to stream for a limited time exclusively on Apple Music, the LOVE AND WAR visual album represents all 16 songs from the album and flows seamlessly as a movie to tell the complete story. Locations of the video shoots ranged from a concert in a Sleep Number store in a mall, a party at Brad’s parent’s house to the USS Midway in San Diego, CA.  Brad Paisley, Dave Brown, Derek Cressman, Frank Agnone, Jeff Venable, Jim Shea and Todd Cassetty were the directors involved.  Producers included Ben Skipworth, Frank Agnone, Jim Shea, Kendal Marcy, Mark Kalbfeld and Todd Cassetty, and executive producer was Kendal Marcy.

 

 

 

“I feel like country music is so relatable to people,” remarked Brad Paisley, “and it can take so many forms, so why be pigeonholed with the simplicity of audio when you can pair it with something creative?” Paisley continued to remark about the first country music visual album, “I hope you’ll laugh, I know you’ll cry. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.”

 

 

 

Fans may start a three month free trial now on Apple Music HERE.

 

 

 

Below is a complete list of video credits for the LOVE AND WAR visual album.

 

 

 

1. “Heaven South” – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois

 

 

 

2. “Last Time for Everything” – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Smith Ahnquist/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois/Mike Ryan

 

 

 

3. “One Beer Can” – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois

 

 

 

4. “Go to Bed Early” – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Hannah Dasher/Chris DuBois

 

 

 

5. “Drive of Shame” (Featuring Mick Jagger) – Director: Brad Paisley, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Mick Jagger/Matt Clifford

 

 

 

6. “Contact High” – Director: Jim Shea, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace/Lee Thomas Miller

 

 

 

7. “Love and War” (Featuring John Fogerty) – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/John Fogerty

 

 

 

8. “Today” –  Director: Brad Paisley and Jim Shea, Producer: Jim Shea, Mark Kalbfeld and Kendal Marcy

 

Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Ashley Gorley

 

 

 

9. “selfie#theinternetisforever” – Director: Brad Paisley, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Jim Beavers/Chris DuBois

 

 

 

10. “Grey Goose Chase” (Featuring Timbaland) – Director: Todd Cassetty, Producer: Todd Cassetty

 

Brad Paisley/Jared Gutstadt/Lee Thomas Miller/Timothy Mosley

 

 

 

11. “Gold All Over the Ground” – Director: Jim Shea, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/John R. Cash

 

 

 

12. “Dying to See Her” (Featuring Bill Anderson) – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Bill Anderson

 

 

 

13. “Solar Power Girl” (Featuring Timbaland) – Director: Dave Brown and Frank Agnone, Producer: Frank Agnone

 

Brad Paisley/Jared Gutstadt/Timothy Mosley

 

 

 

14. “The Devil Is Alive and Well” – Director: Jim Shea, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Robert Arthur/Kenny Lewis

 

 

 

15. “Meaning Again” – Director: Derek Cressman, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace/Lee Thomas Miller

 

 

 

16. “Heaven South” (Reprise) – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth

 

Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois

 

 

 

 

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Thomas Rhett And Kelsea Ballerini To Host CMA Music Festival Airing On ABC Later This Summer

By on April 20, 2017 in In The Press

Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini to host “CMA Fest,” airing this summer on the ABC Television Network.

CMA Music Festival is not only the ultimate Country Music festival experience for fans from all over the world to attend, it’s also the only music festival with its own annual network television special. This year that special will be hosted by two of Country Music’s hottest stars: Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett. The pair will team up to host “CMA Fest 2017,” the three-hour special that brings Country Music’s most storied Festival to a national television audience this summer on the ABC Television Network, executive-produced by Robert Deaton.

 

The announcement that Ballerini and Thomas Rhett would serve as hosts this year was made Thursday morning on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

 

“I’ve grown up going to CMA Fest as a fan and last year getting to perform on the big stage is one of the most epic memories I’ll ever have. And now, being able to host with my current tour mate, Thomas Rhett, is going to be another crazy thing off the bucket list,” said Ballerini. “I can’t wait to test out my hosting skills and perform again this year!”

 

“I always look forward to CMA Music Fest,” added Thomas Rhett. “Ever since I was there as a fan sitting in the nosebleeds to hosting this year with Kelsea, it’s always been one of the biggest weeks in Country Music that is all about the fans. I’m pumped.”

 

Ballerini has launched to stardom after releasing three consecutive No. 1 smashes from her critically acclaimed debut album The First Time, the Platinum-certified “Love Me Like You Mean It” and “Peter Pan,” and Gold-certified “Dibs,” making her the only female artist in Country Music history, including female duos and groups, to achieve this accolade. The singer-songwriter wrote or co-wrote all 12 songs on her debut. Top 5 and climbing with “Yeah Boy,” Ballerini is currently in the studio working on her second album — as Entertainment Weekly named her among “The 35 Most Anticipated Albums of 2017.” The Black River Entertainment artist was featured as one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” class of 2017. She’s been named “The Country Sweetheart” in People Magazine’s elite “Ones to Watch” portfolio, praised by Rolling Stone as the “Nashville It Girl,” touted by Billboard Magazine as “Country’s Next Queen,” and selected as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country. After her 2016 headline THE FIRST TIME TOUR — which visited dozens of cities across the U.S. and included sold-out shows in her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee; Minneapolis, Minnesota; New York City; Los Angeles; and more — she joined Thomas Rhett for his HOME TEAM TOUR, to be directly followed by a fall run with Lady Antebellum’s YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR. For more information visit KelseaBallerini.com, and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

With “a sky-rocketing Country career” (“TODAY”), Thomas Rhett is preparing for the highly-anticipated 2017 release of his third studio album, kicking things off with the “driving, sexy” (Rolling Stone) lead track “Craving You” featuring Maren Morris. New music follows seven trips to the No. 1 position on the Country radio charts and his Platinum-certified release Tangled Up Deluxe (The Valory Music Co.), which includes the Double Platinum, Grammy-nominated, six-week chart-topping smash “Die A Happy Man.” The record-breaking track is the reigning CMA Single of the Year and garnered major trophies from the “Billboard Music Awards” and “CMT Music Awards.” Thomas Rhett is exciting fans as he performs new music on his headlining 2017 HOME TEAM TOUR, one of Rolling Stone’s most anticipated tours of this year. After drawing capacity crowds overseas last year, he returns as a “force to be reckoned with” (Daily Star) with plans to return to Europe while also making his debut headlining run in Canada in addition to US dates. For more information and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit thomasrhett.com.

 

Filmed during CMA Music Festival June 8-11 in Nashville, the special features many of today’s most exciting Country Music stars as they hit the stage during the four-day celebration of America’s music. The annual event is unlike any other, with meet-and-greets in Fan Fair X, live music on 11 stages, hundreds of artists and celebrities, and a guest list of 88,500 avid singing-and-dancing-till-dawn fans.

 

A limited number of tickets for the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium are still available at CMAfest.com or through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST. Outdoor daytime stages including the Chevrolet Riverfront and Park Stages, Budweiser “Forever Country” Park Stage, Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe, and the Music City Stage inside the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena are free and open to the public.

 

Funds generated through CMA Music Festival ticket sales for the Nightly Concerts and Fan Fair X benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $17.5 million to support quality, sustainable music education initiatives across the country on behalf of the artists who participate in the event for free, impacting the lives of one million children through the power of music.

 

For upcoming talent announcements and all other info, stay connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Instagram.com/CMA, “CMAsnaps” on Snapchat, and sign up for CMA Country Connection, CMA’s e-newsletter. This year’s app is now available in the App store for iPhone and Android and includes features that allow fans to create individual concert schedules and be the first to know which of their favorite stars will be appearing on the free stages throughout the Festival.

 

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of WSM, Incorporated and is used by permission.

 

 

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