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Lee Greenwood to Release GREATEST HITS: LIVE Later This Year

By on June 13, 2013 in In The Press

Lee Greenwood

Fans invited to help choose the songs and submit photos for album cover artwork

Not many times can an artist experience a “first” when they’ve had an expansive career such as Lee Greenwood. But, that is exactly what the Grammy award winning singer/songwriter will be working on the latter part of this year – his first LIVE album.

Greenwood will release a GREATEST HITS: LIVE CD later this year. This project will be recorded between July 3rd and July 6th during his summer touring schedule. Said Greenwood of the upcoming project, “This is 100% about the fans. We will let the fans choose the songs that will be included on the recording and we will let the fans submit their very own concert photos to be included in the cover artwork. This is completely for them all the way!” Fans are encouraged to submit song selections and photography to liverecording@leegreenwood.com or through any of Lee’s social media properties.

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Randy Travis Debuts Moving Tribute in Honor of George Jones

By on June 13, 2013 in In The Press

“Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum” Now Featured on iTunes

Randy Travis Randy Travis has delivered a hit with the surprise debut of the George Jones tribute song, “Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum.” The heartfelt single is now available on iTunes.  “Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum” was recently recorded by the country icon and singer Joe Nichols. This is the first song from Randy’s new album that’s set to be released this fall.

“It was an honor when I received a request to record this tribute to George Jones, and after I heard how well Keith Gattis had written “Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum,” I was excited to record it.  Thanks to Joe Nichols for coming in and helping on this project,” says Randy Travis.

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Florida Georgia Line Prove All-Stars of CMA Fest

By on June 12, 2013 in A Closer Look @, Special Events

Florida Georgia Line

From awards, to packed stadiums, to number one songs, the hot new duo came from virtual ambiguity just one year ago.

Forget the fact that last year at this time Florida Georgia Line wasn’t signed to a label. Forget the fact that last year at this time the song “Cruise” was just beginning to be a subconscious thought in the minds of radio stations. Forget the fact that last year the duo played the BMI Tailgate Stage outside of LP Field to roughly 150 people during CMA Fest week.

On second thought… forget none of that. Remember it well, because this is a true success story. This story proves that raw talent and hard work (and yes, a whole lot of luck) pay off. Because this year during CMA Fest, Florida Georgia Line may have been the hottest act in town.

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Stars For Second Harvest Highlights and Interview With Host Craig Wiseman

By on June 11, 2013 in A Closer Look @, Community, Special Events

Highlights from the 9th Annual Stars for Second Harvest Benefit at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Matt Williams interviews host Craig Wiseman, and performers include Florida Georgia Line, Ronnie Dunn, comedian Ralphie May and many more!

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Interview With Florida Georgia Line

By on June 11, 2013 in A Closer Look @, Special Events

FOCUS Catches Up With Hot Duo Before Stars For Second Harvest Benefit at The Ryman Auditorium

Matt Williams catches up with hot duo Florida Georgia Line during the Stars for Second Harvest benefit at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The group talks about their massive success since being INTRODUCED at this very event last year, their collaboration with Nelly, and much more!

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PLA Media Announces Addition Chart Topping Country Singer/Songwriter Ashton Shepherd

By on June 11, 2013 in In The Press

Ashton Sheperd

Award-winning public relations and marketing firm PLA Media is pleased to announce the addition of chart topping country singer/songwriter Ashton Shepherd, to its roster. She is joined alongside PLA’s many accomplished clients including Grammy, ACM and CMA award winner Lynn Anderson, the Johnny Cash Museum, The Oak Ridge Boys bearded baritone and celebrated painter William Lee Golden, Grammy award-winning country music singer/songwriter Bryan White, and twelve time Grammy-award winning country/folk icon Emmylou Harris’ Woofstock at Fontanel.

Most recently, Ashton was in Nashville last week participating in the CMA Music Festival activities including the Kick-Off Parade. “Thank you CMA for havin’ me in the parade,” says Ashton. “And a special thank you to the fans coming out. I’m glad to be back!” She also participated in the Celebrity Go-Go Challenge, which raised money for Hear The Music Live. Fans were able to play mini-golf with celebrity country artists including Ashton as well as Bo Bice, Bryan White, Bucky Covington, among others.

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CMT Music Awards: Recap and Winners

By on June 6, 2013 in Special Events

CMT Awards

Hosted by Jason Aldean and Kristen Bell, the CMT Music Awards rocked Bridgestone arena last week. Florida Georgia Line continued their week of success with two buckles, even though this was their first official time at the awards. Bonified superstar Miranda Lambert also walked away with two, but it was Carrie Underwood who came away with the top prize of the night.

And since awards themselves have taken a backseat to performances during these broadcasts, CMT made sure they didn’t disappoint in that area either. Aldean opened the show with rockstar Lenny Kravitz, Keith Urban joined Little Big Town for a fantastic version of “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, and Florida Georgia Line closed the show with their smash “Cruise” complete with an appearance from Nelly. Other performances included Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Hunter Hayes, Kacey Musgraves, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan and Taylor Swift. Additionally, Ashley Monroe, The Voice winner Cassadee Pope, Dustin Lynch, American Idol runner-up Kree Harrison, Love and Theft and Randy Houser appeared on the Nationwide Insurance stage.

Yes, technical issues were a little pervasive, and yes, some people have trouble making reading teleprompers sound even remotely authentic (Jason Aldean), but it’s tough to argue with a party like this one. Below is the full list of nominees and winners:

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2013 CMA Music Festival Filled With Free Live Music

By on June 3, 2013 in In The Press, Special Events

CMA Fest Lineup

Weeklong CMA Social Network Giveaways Provide Fans Chance to Win Tickets in Rows 1-5 to Sold-Out LP Field Nightly Concerts

The 2013 CMA Music Festival will take over downtown Nashville Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, with six free stages in the outdoor footprint and countless activities.

Tickets for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field sold out a record-setting six weeks in advance of the 2013 Festival, but fans will still have innumerable opportunities to watch Country Music’s best and brightest perform at CMA Music Festival. Performance lineups for the previously announced Chevrolet Riverfront Stage and Bud Light Stage at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza are available for fans to view at CMAfest.com, but those schedules merely scratch the surface of what fans can experience throughout the four-day Festival.

Downtown Nashville will be full of unique fan experiences, including free outdoor areas offering everything from autograph signings, meet-and-greets, cell phone charging stations, product demonstrations, auctions, giveaways, and more. All outdoor spaces are free and open to the public. These areas include:

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Country Music Stars Step Up To The Plate Against Cancer At The City Of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge

By on May 31, 2013 in In The Press, Special Events

One in three women and one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. During the 2013 CMA Music Festival, a star-studded roster of Country Music’s hottest performers and personalities will join forces to help strike out the disease. Stars including Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Florida Georgia Line, Craig Campbell, Greg Bates, Chuck Wicks and Olympic figure skating champion Scott Hamilton will join cancer survivors to participate in City of Hope’s 23rd annual Celebrity Softball Challenge presented by Staples. Emceed by Storme Warren, host of GAC’s “Headline Country,” the event will pit longtime rival teams Grand Ole Opry and “After MidNite with Blair Garner” against each other on Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. at Greer Stadium. Tickets are now available at www.ticketmaster.com.

“It’s always good to go out there and get a big win for Country Music in the fight against cancer,” said Pete Fisher, vice president and general manager, Grand Ole Opry. “We’re thankful to City of Hope for its incredible work in cancer research, and know we will live up to the challenge this year. Hey, Team Opry: Spring training starts 10 minutes before game time. Don’t forget the needed gear – uniforms, softballs and Sharpies!”

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Country Stars Join Darius Rucker For Sold-Out Concert Benefiting St. Jude’s On June 3

By on May 31, 2013 in Community, In The Press

Darius and Friends

Fourth Annual “Darius And Friends” Concert Monday, Jun 3 at Wildhorse Saloon

Luke Bryan, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Radney Foster, Randy Houser, Dustin Lynch and Justin Moore will join Platinum-selling Capitol Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker for his sold-out, fourth annual “Darius And Friends” benefit concert on Monday, June 3 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tenn. Proceeds from the event go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I always look forward to this event each year, and I’m so happy to have Luke, Sam, John, Randy, Dustin, Justin, and of course my hero, Radney, join me to help raise funds for St. Jude,” said Rucker. “A few years ago I visited the St. Jude campus in Memphis and instantly became a ‘true believer’ in everyone there and the work they do to help treat kids and cure disease. I am happy to help raise funds for such a worthwhile cause and thrilled that some of my friends can join me.”

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