I think I’m starting the Christmas holidays a little early this year, but who cares! This new Christmas album from Julie Roberts ‘Who Needs Mistletoe’ is sure to put anyone in the Christmas spirit, especially those who enjoy traditional country music. Roberts has that distinctive voice and style that sets her apart that few really have and when I listened to this new album, I was reminded of musical legends like Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette. Continue Reading →
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Album Review: Toby Keith ‘Clancy’s Tavern’, Contest
I’ve always enjoyed Toby Keith‘s music. He’s always been able to make great country music that appeals to the masses and never seems to take himself too seriously–two attributes that I like about both music and people alike! He always likes to incorporate a little humor into his music like one of his biggest hits “Let’s Talk About Me” that made me an instant Toby Keith fan from the moment I saw the video.
Forget-Me-Not/Alzheimer’s Benefit
Over 5 years ago in August 2006, I started the Forget-Me-Not benefit music series in memory of my dad who I lost to Alzheimer’s, Charles Majors, who passed away in May of that same year. To date the benefit series has raised $26,202.75 for Alzheimer’s research. All proceeds raised are donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
It has been an amazing experience–one that helped me heal from the loss of my dad and lead me on my own creative path towards photography, videography, graphic design, and starting this music blog. Who would have ever thought? Just shows that out of bad things, good things can also occur.
I’d like to thank all of the artists who participated in the most recent benefit show on October 6th for their support for the cause and sharing their talent: Julie Roberts, Sarah Darling, Amber Hayes, Baillie and the Boys, Jason Deere, Joanna Smith, Lisa Torres, and Bucky Covington. Also, thank you to Billy Block for hosting the night.
It was a great night of music at Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville, TN for a great cause. Couldn’t have asked for a nicer venue and grateful to the kindness of the staff at Hard Rock Cafe, especially Stephen Salyers, for his help.
Last week’s show was actually the last Forget-Me-Not benefit show that I plan on organizing. Something that I had decided a month prior to the show. I wanted to end the series on a high note and I think we did just that! It’s been a wonderful experience and many great memories, but I think it’s time to bring the series to a conclusion.
Thank you to everyone from the beginning through now that have helped support Forget-Me-Not and Alzheimer’s. All the efforts never went unnoticed and truly appreciated.
Check out the video below for some clips from the most recent show or click here if can’t see the video.
Don’t Mix Music And Politics, Hank
You would think by now artists would realize that it’s never a good idea to mix music and politics, especially if you’re saying it on tv or in front of a large audience of concert goers.
Hank Williams Jr sure got himself in some hot water recently comparing Obama to Hitler on “Fox and Friends”. Today on “The View”, he couldn’t have looked more ignorant as he tried to explain his point. Seriously, if you can’t explain your point well and admit on tv that you aren’t that intelligent, you shouldn’t be trying to explain your point at all. Let someone else do the talking for you like a publicist. That’s what they’re paid for.
Album Review: Hunter Hayes Releasing Debut Self-Titled Album October 11th
I had the pleasure of meeting 20-year-old Hunter Hayes and discussing his music back in June of this year. What struck me the most about Hunter is how humble and grounded he is. I foresee and hope for nothing but great things ahead for him. Hunter is a true musical prodigy on the verge of stardom! He was already a skilled musician at the age of only 4 when he made his appearance on stage with Hank Williams Jr. in front of a large audience playing an accordion and singing “Jambalaya“. So, I guess it’s no real surprise that Hunter produced and played every instrument on his debut album. Just extremely impressive! How many people can say all of that? Makes everybody else look like they need to go find a href=’http://www.weldingtraining.org’>day job in welding training.
Song Review: Burns & Poe “I Need A Job”
“I Need A Job” is the new single from Burns & Poe written by Keith Burns and John Ritter. This is a fun, straight-forward, tongue-in-cheek, uptempo song perfect for a little line-dancing if you feel so inclined. It makes you want to get up and dance when you hear it. There’s no real deep meaning behind the lyrics with the exception of being completely relatable by a lot of people in the country who are out of a job and looking for work. It’s not meant to be a downer-type, serious song, just simply a fun one meant to take your worries away and be danced to. I think traditional country lovers and fans of Trick Pony would equally love this song.
“A Closer Look @ SHeDAISY”: Episode 4
I hope you’ve enjoyed this video series with SHeDAISY and giving you a little closer look at this talented trio! This is the last episode in a 4 part video series. We had a lot of fun making this!
Getting To Know The Farm
I recently caught up with newly-signed Elektra artists, The Farm, just prior to their performance at Warner Music’s “Pickin’ on the Patio”. Let me tell you, THIS is a band to watch!
The Farm is comprised of members: Nick Hoffman, Damien Horne, and Krista Marie. They are truly a blend of various musical styles and influences, but at the very heart of it all is a love for country music and together they are creating a sound you are sure to love!
Please check out the video interview in this article to learn more about The Farm right here on Focus on the 615 and check out the video below for an acoustic performance of their single “Home Sweet Home“!
For more information about The Farm, check out their website at: www.thefarmmusic.com.
Ri’chard’s Cafe For Great Cajun Food, Friendly Staff, And Good Music
One of my favorite places to eat and be is Ri’chard’s Cafe located just 10 minutes from downtown Nashville in White’s Creek. It feels like a second home to me!
This local favorite with a warm, homey atmosphere features great Cajun cuisine, a friendly staff, and nightly live music from talented songwriters all around town.
It’s also located over in the historic area of White’s Creek that’s known for where the infamous Jesse James Gang was known to live for all you history buffs! Anyone who loves food, music, and history,
including students,should come to this restaurant.
“A Closer Look @ Jana Kramer”: Final Episode
I hope you’ve enjoyed this video series featuring Warner Music artist, Jana Kramer, right here exclusively at Focus on the 615! This is the 5th , and the final episode, in a series of 5 videos featuring Jana Kramer. Hope you’ve gotten to know her a little better and look for her new music to be released in the coming months! She’s a great, new artist and looking forward to hearing more great music to come from her!
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