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CMT Unveils Cast Of “Music City” From The Creator Of “The Hills” And “Laguna Beach” Premiering Thursday, March 1 At 10pm ET/PT

By on January 17, 2018 in In The Press

CMT today announced the cast of “Music City,” the latest series from famed executive producer Adam DiVello, who has created iconic shows such as “The Hills” and “Laguna Beach,” in association with Lionsgate. The docu-series premieresThursday, March 1 at 10 PM ET/PT.

The highly-anticipated “Music City” follows a group of friends entering the next chapter of their lives while chasing dreams of success, fame and romance in Nashville. Faced with real choices that carry real stakes for their careers, their relationships and their futures, they must navigate the rocky road on the journey of self-discovery.

Meet the cast of “Music City”:

RACHYL – A Colorado native who moved to Nashville with her husband, Kerry, and their two-year-old son, Wolfgang, to support Kerry’s dreams of singing/songwriting. Feeling often like a single parent, Rachyl struggles to balance motherhood with her goals of attending law school. Instagram: @rachyldegman

KERRY – A country singer/songwriter originally from Beaverton, Oregon. Kerry, along with his wife, Rachyl, and their two-year-old son, Wolfgang, moved from California to Nashville so Kerry could pursue his musical dreams. As his career blossoms, Kerry must navigate the temptations of life on the road and learn firsthand the personal sacrifice that comes with following your dreams. Instagram: @kerrydegman

JESSICA – Better known to her friends as JMack, Jessica is an all-American Southern belle originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. She has lived in Nashville for nearly five years and is pursuing her dreams as a singer/songwriter in country music, while also searching for the man of her dreams. Instagram: @jessicamackmusic

JACKSON – A fitness instructor and personal trainer born and bred in Nashville, with Southern charm and looks to kill. When he is not helping his friends and family get into shape, he can be found cooking at home or hanging out downtown with friends. Instagram: @jacks_boyd

ALISA – A Los Angeles native who moved to Nashville to pursue her ambition of singing and writing country music, despite her family’s doubts. With no formal training, she’s trying to get traction in a city where everyone has dreams of making it big. She’s also searching for someone to sweep her off her feet, a task that’s been challenging considering she’s picky to a fault. Instagram: @alisabethfuller

CMT continues its year of record growth notching its 13th consecutive month of year-over-year ratings growth among Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49 in Total Day to earn its best year since 2014. Last quarter, CMT generated the highest year-over-year gainsof any Top 50 ad-supported entertainment cable channel among Women 18-49. (Total Day, L+SD)

“Music City” is produced by Done and Done Productions in association with Lionsgate. Adam DiVello serves as creator and executive producer.

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Kenny Chesney Signs With Warner Bros; New Day For Blue Chair Records

By on January 17, 2018 in In The Press

L to R: President of Morris Higham Management, Clint Higham; Chairman and President Warner Music Nashville, John Esposito; Kenny Chesney; and Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Jess Rosen
Photo Credit: Allister Ann

Warner Music Group and Warner Music Nashville are honored to welcome eight-time ACM winner and CMA Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney to the Warner Music family. As part of WMN, the songwriter/superstar’s music will be released on the Blue Chair Records/Warner Bros. Records label.

Since leaving East Tennessee with a handful of songs and a dream bigger than he understood, Kenny Chesney has developed into the man The Wall Street Journal deemed “The King of the Road” and the Los Angeles Times proclaimed “The People’s Superstar.” With over 30 million albums sold, 30 No. 1s, and countless sold-out stadium tours that sell in excess of a million tickets every time he takes to the road, the 2018 Country Album of the Year GRAMMY nominee is on the verge of yet another creative renaissance.

“It is a big deal to change labels,” said Chesney. “But when you hear Max, Espo, and Cris Lacy talk about music, about what it means and does, when you hear that passion, you can’t help but get fired up. To me, music is only complete when it gets to the fans and becomes part of their lives. The people at Warner understand my commitment to that idea, and they’re just as committed to those ideals as I am.”

“Kenny Chesney embodies the relentless pursuit of artistic freedom and expression,” said WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito. “An unapologetic free spirit, he has built a career on perseverance, drive, innovation, and most especially, great songs. Everything he does is inspired. It is with deep respect and honor that we welcome Kenny to Warner Music Nashville. We couldn’t be more excited to work with him and his team.”

“Kenny’s not only a country music icon, but an American superstar, who’s still hungry to write, record, and perform amazing music that moves millions of people,” said Warner Music Group CEO, Recorded Music Max Lousada. “The fact that he has chosen Warner Music as his new label home is a huge testament to the culture created by Espo and his team, who have made our Nashville operation a magnet for both emerging talent and established artists. I join Espo in welcoming Kenny into the Warner family, and we’re all looking forward to amplifying his success and taking his music to fans across the globe.”

About Kenny Chesney:
Kenny Chesney is an American musical force. With 30 No. 1 hits, including “American Kids,” “When The Sun Goes Down,” “I Go Back,” “Noise,” and “Pirate Flag,” over 30 million albums and 38 million tracks sold, he has created the soundtrack for coming of age in the heartland in the 21st century. His commitment to his fans – known as the No Shoes Nation – has seen Chesney succeed as the only Country artist on Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Acts for the past 25 Years, as well as consistently playing NFL stadiums across the U.S. That commitment to giving his fans songs that hold their lives, and concerts where he consistently breaks records, reflects the passion that fuels the songwriter/superstar.

About Warner Music Nashville
Warner Music Nashville was created in 2009 with the goal of expanding the presence of WMG and its family of labels has had in the Nashville music community for more than 60 years. Under the leadership of Chairman & CEO John Esposito, the division is home to Warner Bros. Nashville, Atlantic Nashville, Elektra Nashville and the LoudMouth comedy label.

About Warner Music Group
With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, Canvasback, East West, Elektra, Erato, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin’, Warner Bros., Warner Classics, and Warner Music Nashville, as well as Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world’s leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide.

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Nashville Ballet Premieres Groundbreaking Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project As Part Of Community-Wide Initiative

By on January 16, 2018 in In The Press

Nashville Ballet will premiere Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project this February, an internationally acclaimed contemporary ballet that journeys through one of history’s darkest hours to ultimately shine a spotlight on the triumph of the human spirit. Presented as part of Nashville Ballet’s annual Attitude series, Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project comes to Music City from Ballet Austin Artistic Director Stephen Mills February 9-11, 2018, at TPAC’s Polk Theater.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=IVzZ6LoufAg

Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project unfolds as Naomi Warren, a real-life Holocaust survivor, reflects on her life. Following one person’s journey through the catastrophic events of the Holocaust, the work aims to spread a message of resiliency, courage and, most importantly, hope. Created and choreographed by Mills, Light has traveled to cities all over the world since its premiere in Austin, Texas, in 2005. The ballet is set to a contemporary score by renowned composers Philip Glass, Evelyn Glennie, Michael Gordon, Arvo Pärt and Steve Reich.

 

“Light is a timely reminder of the fragility of human rights,” Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling said. “What’s unique about art is its ability to spark meaningful conversation, teach important lessons and leave lasting impressions that have the power to lead to change. Light is an especially poignant example of that as we not only reflect on the past, but also consider the present and our personal responsibility when we see acts of injustice today.”

 

Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project is a unique multi-disciplinary community partnership that promotes the protection of human rights against bigotry and hate through arts, education and public dialogue. Through a partnership with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Nashville Ballet will host a series of community conversations and events leading up to Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project to reflect on historical and contemporary issues of social injustice to promote understanding.

 

Nashville Ballet Community Calendar:

 

Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project and its associated events are a part of a city-wide initiative during 2018 to help Nashvillians reflect on their roles and contributions to social justice in our city and world. The community initiative is anchored by the Nashville Symphony’s Violins of Hope, an exhibit of and performance with musical instruments played in concentration camps during the Holocaust.

 

Attitude: Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project is presented by Sea Salt Nashville with additional support from SunTrust and Susan Underwood Physical Therapy and funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or at NashvilleBallet.com. A complete performance schedule and more information can be found at NashvilleBallet.com/Light.

 

About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 70,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through season performances and its Community Engagement programming. Curriculum-based Community Engagement programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet brings world-class dance instruction to students age 2 to 70.

 

Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional and national institutional funders and community partners, as well as hundreds of generous individuals, provide ongoing support of Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.

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St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Recognizes Country Music Superstar Brad Paisley At The 29th Annual Country Cares For St. Jude Kids®

By on January 16, 2018 in In The Press

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® honored GRAMMY Award-winning country music superstar Brad Paisley with the prestigious Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award.

The coveted award – which recognizes individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the hospital through their humanitarian spirit and unique commitment – was given to Paisley Saturday, Jan. 13, at the annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® songwriter’s dinner at The Peabody Memphis.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® honored GRAMMY Award-winning country music superstar Brad Paisley with the prestigious Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award. ALABAMA front man and co-founder of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids®, Randy Owen, presented the award to Paisley. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids songwriter’s dinner at The Peabody Memphis.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® honored GRAMMY Award-winning country music superstar Brad Paisley with the prestigious Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award. ALABAMA front man and co-founder of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids®, Randy Owen, presented the award to Paisley. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids songwriter’s dinner at The Peabody Memphis.

This recognition places Paisley among the ranks of five past recipients, including ALABAMA front man and co-founder of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, Randy Owen for whom the award is named; additional recipients are country music artist John Rich, former ALSAC Chief Operating Officer David McKee(posthumously), St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council member Sharon Eaves(posthumously), and country music artist Darius Rucker.

Paisley is a long-standing supporter of the lifesaving mission of St. Jude. In 2011, he recorded “One of Those Lives,” a song inspired by the courageous patients and families of St. Jude. Paisley donated a family gathering room to St. Jude Target House, St. Jude’s long-term housing facility for families staying more than 90 days. The Brad Paisley Lodge, positioned near the entrance of St. Jude Target House, is a cozy, common area for residents with a pool table, Guitar Hero gaming system, TVs and a fireplace. Thanks to generous donors, families stay at the St. Jude Target House for no cost.

“We are proud to honor Brad Paisley with this recognition. His unwavering passion, service and generosity are truly inspiring, and over the years he has made a significant difference in the lives of patients and families at St. Jude,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

He continued, “This recognition is a testament to Brad Paisley’s strong advocacy for St. Jude, and the ongoing fight for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. And this honor for Brad also reflects the strength of the entire country music industry, who devote their hearts, time and talent each year to further share our mission and raise funds that are critically important in ensuring families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.”

About Country Cares for St. Jude Kids
More than two dozen country artists gathered at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., January 11 – 14 to participate in Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, which connects celebrities with radio stations and other media outlets to help raise funds and awareness for St. Jude. The event, which was created in 1989 by Randy Owen, lead singer of the music group ALABAMA, has raised more than $750 million dollars.

Country artists Randy Owen, Cam, Chase Rice, Devin Dawson, Jerrod Niemann, Drake White, Danielle Bradbery, Russell Dickersonand many more participated in the weekend’s events.

For a recap of the fun, visit stjude.org and thisshirtsaveslives.org, and join the conversation by following #stjude and #thisshirtsaveslives.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude) and following us on Twitter (@stjude).

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Ray Stevens Unveils CabaRay Showroom Amidst A Who’s Who of Nashville’s Music Industry

By on January 15, 2018 in In The Press

Photo credit: Music Row Magazine

Last Wednesday night, January 10, in Nashville, legendary country and comedy music artist Ray Stevens unveiled his two-year labor of love, the Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom.

 

The new 35,000 square foot dinner theatre was packed with artists, music industry execs, media personalities, and politicians who came out to support the man who literally helped to pave the way for Nashville’s music scene.

 

Those in attendance included Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Emery, the Gatlin Brothers, John Berry, Steve Wariner, Bill Anderson, TG Sheppard, Kelly Lang, T. Graham Brown, Jeannie Seely, Sharon White, Don Schlitz, Fred Foster, Bobby Goldsboro, Harold Bradley, Jerry Kennedy, Johnny Lee, Lee Roy Parnell, Williams & Ree, Jeff Bates, Mandy Barnett, Teea Goans, Charlene Tilton, Mark Ford, Bob Clement, Don Sundquist, Charlie Monk, Bill Cody, Larry Black, and more.

 

“I haven’t been nervous on stage since I was a teenager. But boy was I nervous VIP night at CabaRay in front of all my friends,” says Stevens. “It was a big night!”

 

Stevens performed a 90-minute show which included many of his career hits including, “The Streak,” “Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” “Misty,” “Gitarzan,” “It’s Me Again Margaret,” “Shriner’s Convention,” and “Turn Your Radio On.” The music legend received a standing ovation following a performance of his 1970 #1 smash hit, “Everything is Beautiful.”

 

Earlier in the day, Stevens received a proclamation from Nashville Mayor Megan Barry declaring January 10 Ray Stevens Day in Music City, USA.

CabaRay opens to the general public this Thursday, January 18. Stevens will perform live three nights (Thursday-Saturday) weekly. Tickets are on-sale now at raystevenscabaray.com or by calling 615-327-4630. The venue is located at 5724 River Road in West Nashville.

 

About Ray Stevens
Twelve-time nominated and two-time Grammy® Award winner Ray Stevens has spanned the generations with 60 years of comedic musical talent, including songs such as his multi-million selling hit “The Streak” and his classic pop standard “Everything Is Beautiful.” Throughout his career, Stevens has sold more than 40 million albums and continues daily office operations at his home base, Ray Stevens Music, located on Nashville’s historic Music Row. Stevens hosts Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville, a 30-minute weekly music/talk show airing on Public Television. The music legend will soon open his very own Nashville entertainment venue, the CabaRay Showroom, a 35,000 square foot music venue set to make its debut in January of 2018. The Ray Stevens: Everything Is Beautiful display is currently featured at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum where museumgoers can view items from Stevens’ storied career.For more information on Ray Stevens, visit raystevens.com.

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Dierks Bentley Opens Whiskey Row Nashville With Star-Studded Party

By on January 15, 2018 in In The Press

Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Nashville from multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley and Riot Hospitality Group (RHG) is now open in one of the most historic buildings on Lower Broadway. To break in the new restaurant and bar, Bentley with friends and family in tow descended on downtown Nashville last night with a raucous country cover-filled set packed with unscripted surprise performances by Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Bobby Bones, Brothers Osborne, Ryan Hurd, LANCO, Maddie & Tae, Maren Morris, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and more. Mayor Megan Barry and the Nashville Predators were among the list of friends and family who helped celebrate.

“It’s really a full-circle moment for me to be opening Whiskey Row on this street. When I first moved to Nashville, Broadway was my second home…I was the first artist to be hired and fired from The Stage,” Bentley told the elbow room only crowd. “It’s surreal to think that now I can just jump in my truck and run over here anytime, and that it might possibly be a place where new artists could get their start.”

Bentley set the tone for the night, kicking off with his favorite 90’s Country cover songs before calling out artists friends in the crowd to join. Dozens of artists spontaneously took the stage including Thomas Rhett who performed his father Rhett Akins’ “That Ain’t My Truck,” Maren Morris had the crowd singing along as she sang Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” and Brothers Osborne kept the energy high with their rendition of Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee.”  Another highlight saw Bentley collaborate with Lauren Alaina, Bobby Bones and LANCO’s Brandon Lancaster for Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man.” Jon Pardi continued the fun on the second floor, while Bentley surprised fans on the ground level hopping on stage with the house band. Guests danced long into the night as the DJ’s, Diesel and Tilow played hours after the live sets ended.


“We’re thrilled to open the doors at Whiskey Row in Dierks’ beloved Nashville,” says Riot Hospitality Group CEO Ryan Hibbert. “Lower Broadway is one of the country’s top destinations for music and nightlife, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring our brand of first class entertainment to Nashville.”

Formerly the long-time home of Gruhn’s Guitars, the historic building is nestled between the very institutions where Bentley cut his teeth, sharing an alley with the Ryman Auditorium where he often finds himself onstage as a Grand Ole Opry member and across the street from the Bridgestone Arena where Bentley sold out his tour stop just a year ago and where he cheered on the Nashville Predators through the Stanley Cup Finals. The new location includes three floors and a rooftop patio, which is also the highest rooftop bar on Broadway, and that intertwined with Bentley’s love for live music and sports delivers an authentic Nashville experience.

Nashville’s Newest Downtown Destination
Sitting on the corner of Broadway and 4th Ave N, Whiskey Row Nashville features three floors and a rooftop patio, each with its own unique personality and an emphasis on great music of all genres. The first floor will feature live music daily with a stage, full bar and a full dining menu. The second floor will also serve a full dining menu and will progress throughout the evening with a DJ booth, dancefloor and VIP table service late into the night. The rooftop patio will be open all night and day, but will be THE destination for brunch, with its view of Lower Broadway and the historic Ryman Auditorium. Whiskey Row Nashville is the fourth location to open and marks the concept’s debut outside Bentley’s home state of Arizona.

Premium Ingredients Take The Stage 
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row serves American gastropub cuisine made-from-scratch using only premium and local ingredients. The selection of starters, sliders, burgers, sandwiches and larger entrees include the Chicken & Waffles, Steak Salad and menu favorite Alabama Chicken. For brunch, Country Maple French Toast, a Cheddar Bacon Omelet and a Breakfast Burger are among the fresh and filling dishes that diners can anticipate. In addition to the incredible food, Whiskey Row has a craft cocktail program that includes a variety of classics and Whiskey Row originals.

A Musical Legacy Lives On
Constructed in ca. 1878, the historic building at 400 Broadway was one of the earliest properties to be preserved and stabilized by the Metro Development & Housing Agency through their redevelopment efforts more than 30 years ago, earning an ABC Excellence in Development Award. Most recognized as the longtime home of Gruhn’s Guitars, the building’s revered musical history is now continued as Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row.

About Dierks Bentley
For PLATINUM singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley, there was something entirely captivating about performing this past summer at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Surrounded by his musical heroes, deep in the box canyon of the Colorado mountain town, the course was set for the creative process of Bentley’s ninth studio album, THE MOUNTAIN (Capitol Records Nashville), which will be released in early 2018. “He pursues themes of questing and self-actualization across a wide-open terrain of arid deserts and rugged ridgelines, cactus flowers and tumbleweeds” (NPR) as the writing process came together quickly when Bentley returned to Telluride a short time later for a retreat with fellow Nashville songwriters. Guitars, banjos, mandolins, and fiddles are given room to shine, and integrated into modern drum and bass sounds that will fuel the arenas and amphitheaters of Bentley’s 2018 tour. While earning 17 career No. Ones, he has garnered nominations from the ACM, CMA, GRAMMY and Billboard Music Awards while serving as a Grand Ole Opry member for over a decade. For more information, visit www.Dierks.com.

About Riot Hospitality Group
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Riot Hospitality Group is a premier hospitality management company responsible for some of the most successful food and beverage concepts, including: El Hefe, Farm & Craft, Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. Riot Hospitality Group was founded in 2010 by like-minded individuals looking to transform the typical restaurant landscape into memorable cultural experiences by giving local residents an opportunity to feel connected to something special through a superior food and drink experience. Every Riot Hospitality Group concept has its own unique identity, however, each sources only the most sustainable and locally grown products which are elevated through design and experience. Riot Hospitality Group has plans for strategic nationwide restaurant expansion. For more information, visit www.riothg.com.

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“Chris Young Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour” Opening Weekend SOLD OUT!

By on January 15, 2018 in In The Press

Photo credit: Jeff Johnson

Platinum-selling country music star Chris Young kicked off the opening weekend of his “Chris Young Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour,” with three back-to-back SOLD OUT headlining shows in Indianapolis, Kansas City and St. Louis! Chris played a 90-minute, hit-packed set, with the St. Louis Post Dispatch declaring “when it’s 20 degrees outside with a cold wind whipping…the act fans are going to hear needs to deliver…country singer Chris Young did that better than the post office, FedEx and Amazon combined.”

Proclaimed “a headliner…capable of stirring an audience in ways very few in country music can” (Taste of Country) and a performer who “seems so comfortable on stage that fans felt like they could be hanging out with him in a bar or even a living room while he breaks into oh-so-satisfying song” (St. Louis Post Dispatch), the Grammy-nominated singer welcomed his Sony Music Nashville label mates Kane Brown and LANCO as special guests for the first leg of the tour. Go behind the scenes at http://smarturl.it/lswtrecap1. The tour travels to Cincinnati, Grand Rapids and Chicago later this week for another string of sold-out arena shows.

Photo credit Jeff Johnson


Photo credit Jeff Johnson

Tickets and VIP packages for the “Chris Young Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour,” promoted by AEG Presents and Concerts West, can be purchased at ChrisYoungCountry.com.

As the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Young released his highly anticipated seventh studio album, Losing Sleep, late last year. The record became his second consecutive studio album to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart. The title track, currently at #5 Mediabase / #6 Billboard and climbing on the country radio charts, is certified GOLD by the RIAA, marking the 32-year old Grammy nominated singer/songwriter’s 17th Gold/Platinum certification. On March 9, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will unveil the exhibition American Currents: The Music of 2017, including memorabilia from Chris’ noteworthy year.
Photo credit Jeff Johnson
ABOUT CHRIS YOUNG:  Recently inducted as the newest member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry, Chris Young achieved another milestone in 2017 with the release of Losing Sleep, his second consecutive studio album to debut at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart. At the age of 32 the RCA Records artist has seven albums to his credit, including the Platinum-certified Neon and 2015’s Gold-certified I’m Comin’ Over, which earned multiple ACM, BBMA, CMA, CMT, Grammy and RDMA nominations and scored three consecutive chart-topping singles. A prolific creator, Losing Sleep is Chris’s third project in less than two years.

Named “one of his era’s finest traditionalists” by the Associated Press, Chris has quickly become an international ambassador for country music, performing to packed houses around the world including the sold-out C2C Festival in the UK. With a hit-packed set that highlights his nine chart-toppers — including “Gettin’ You Home,” “Voices,” “Tomorrow,” “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Think Of You,” — and seventeen Gold/Platinum certified projects, he’ll headline the Chris Young Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour, with more than 30 arena and amphitheater dates beginning in January.

For a full list of tour dates and more information, visit chrisyoungcountry.com.

 

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Lucas Hoge Partners With Special Olympics Tennessee For 2018 Music City Polar Plunge 

By on January 15, 2018 in In The Press

Lucas Hoge is partnering with Special Olympics Tennessee as their celebrity plunger for their 19th annual Polar Plunge. The Music City Polar Plunge is one of Special Olympics Tennessee’s key fundraisers, and directly funds the programs sponsored by Special Olympics and the athletes who compete in local, state and international competitions.

“The Polar Plunge is an opportunity for Tennesseans to participate in something exhilarating and out of the ordinary while contributing to a great cause,” said Adam Germek, President of Special Olympics Tennessee. “We are excited to have Lucas Hoge as our celebrity plunger this year and look forward to seeing his team Hoge Wild jump into freezing cold water to support our athletes and promote inclusion.”

Hoge has enlisted his friends to join his plunge team, Hoge Wild, including Megan Alexander, Correspondent for Inside Edition, Adam Wurtzel, Correspondent for Nashville Insider, Keesy Timmer, co-writer for No. 1 song “Yeah Boy,” Michelle Timmer, Shaun Chamberlain, Executive Chef at P.F. Chang’s in Cool Springs and Corey Barker, Radio Promotions Manager for Power Source Music Nashville.

Supporters can join Lucas Hoge’s Plunge Team by donating online. The top fundraisers on this team will plunge alongside Hoge and special guests on February 17. You can access the link to join Lucas Hoge’s Plunge team “Hoge Wild” by visiting polarplungetn.com. Whether you jump, run, or tiptoe in, you will be helping to build a bigger, better and COOLER community for Special Olympics athletes. The funds raised at the plunge help Special Olympics Tennessee provide year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health services to more than 16,000 athletes in Tennessee.

Hoge is a tireless humanitarian with a heavy focus on military support. He has visited and performed for troops all over the world at multiple military bases including performing for soldiers deployed overseas. “Lucas has continued to honor our servicemen and women. With the Polar Plunge being supported by our Law Enforcement Torch Run, this is an incredible partnership between those that protect and serve” stated Amy Parker, VP of Marketing and Development. As an avid outdoorsman, he is the brand ambassador for Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. This will surely come in handy as Lucas plunges into the freezing water at the Music City Polar Plunge.

The Nebraska native is set to release the second single off his No. 1 album Dirty South to radio this February. Hoge had a career defining year in 2017, with his album ascending to the No. 1 spot on Billboard Country Album Sales Chart the week of release and making his Grand Ole Opry debut on the Ryman stage. Fans can expect to see more from Hoge as he gears up for an even bigger 2018.

For more information and the latest news on Lucas Hoge, follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and go to LucasHoge.com

LUCAS HOGE ON TOUR:
Jan. 12 The Burl – Lexington, Ky.
Jan. 26 Stoney’s Rockin’ Country – Las Vegas, Nev.
Jan. 27 Tower Theatre – Fresno, Calif.
Feb. 03 MGM Grand Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, Nev.
Feb. 17 Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
Feb. 24 Country Fest | Rodeo Weekend – Tuscon, Ariz.
March 24 Broadbent Arena, Kentucky State Fair & Expo Center – Louisville, Ky.
April 27 Red Cloud Opera House – Red Cloud, Neb.
April 28 Opera House – Minden, Neb.
June 01 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Ball – Kearney, Neb.
July 03 The Golf Club at Black Rock – Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho

ABOUT LUCAS HOGE:
Some people are just born communicators and Lucas Hoge has that gift. Fans know this because Hoge’s new album Dirty South ascended to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart during its debut week. Whether he’s performing for troops overseas, sharing his love for the great outdoors with fellow sportsmen at a Cabela’s gathering or writing another song for a hit TV show, Hoge has that rare ability to find common ground with just about anyone and draw them into his world. A passionate supporter of the U.S. military, Hoge has traveled the globe extensively performing for the troops visited numerous countries throughout the Middle East and beyond for the past nine years as part of the Wrangler National Patriot Tour. Hoge is also the celebrity spokesperson for Guardian Angels For Soldier’s Pet. Combine all of that with his Midwestern charm and a work ethic that won’t slow him down, it looks like the best is yet to come.

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Maren Morris Lands 1st Career #1 Song At Country Radio, Most Heard Female Artist On Country Radio In 2017

By on January 15, 2018 in In The Press

Photo credit: Alex Ferrari

Columbia Nashville GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris scores her first No. 1 song, as both solo performer and songwriter, with her co-penned “I Could Use A Love Song” on the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase Country charts this week.

 

The song that The New York Times touts as “phenomenal” and “a meditative plaint with clear passion” has struck a chord with country radio listeners, carrying the Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz and Morris written song to the top.

 

Morris has much to celebrate. Not only was she the most heard female artist on country radio in 2017, she also finished the year by garnering her fifth career GRAMMY Award-nomination with the newly No. 1 hit “I Could Use A Love Song” being nominated for BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE for the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards to be held later this month.

 

Morris kicked off the release of “I Could Use A Love Song,” her third single from her critically acclaimed label debut album HERO, by announcing the new single from the stage of the New Faces In Country Music showcase at the annual Country Radio Seminar last year in Nashville, TN, where Morris performed in front of a packed house of country radio representatives from all over the globe. It was noted that evening that Morris was the first artist in eight years to perform on the New Faces stage after winning a GRAMMY since Zac Brown Band and Lady Antebellum in 2009.

 

It has almost been two years (January 20, 2016) since Morris made country radio history with her debut single, the GRAMMY Award-winning “My Church,” having 107 first week country radio chart reporting stations playing the new song; making “My Church” the highest charting debut single by a female in Country Aircheck’s Mediabase history.

 

Morris continues to prove that when it comes to her work as a singer/songwriter there may not be a ceiling, time limit, or any other boundary that can contain the art that she has on the horizon.

 

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About Maren Morris

Twenty-seven year old Columbia Nashville singer/songwriter Maren Morris has quickly established herself with vocal styling’s that reflect her country, folk and pop influences. Armed with sheer talent, honest lyrics and a completely magnetic presence, Morris’ label-debut album, the GOLD-certified HERO, released via Columbia Nashville on June 3, 2016. One week after it was available, HERO entered the Billboard Country Albums chart at No. 1 and No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, which spans across all genres. With this, the Arlington, Texas native became the first artist in the history of Columbia Nashville to open at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Charts with a debut album in the Soundscan era. Morris’ debut single from HERO, “My Church,” set a record at Country radio by having the most chart reporting stations to play a debut single by a country artist with 107 stations the week it hit the airwaves in addition to being certified PLATINUM by the RIAA.

 

Later in 2016 Morris tied for the most nominations with FIVE at the 50th Annual CMA Awards, including Album of the Year (HERO), Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year (“My Church”), Song of the Year (“My Church”) and New Artist of the Year which she won, marking her first CMA Award. She was tapped by Billboard Magazine to receive the Billboard ‘BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST’ Award at the 11th annual Billboard Women in Music Gala as well as being awarded the Breakthrough Artist Award by the Music Business Association at Music Biz 2017.

 

Kicking off 2017 Morris took home the GRAMMY for BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE for “My Church” at the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards in addition to having the most nominations for a Country music artist with FOUR to her credit including BEST NEW ARTIST, BEST COUNTRY ALBUM (HERO) and BEST COUNTRY SONG (“My Church”). She received SIX nominations for the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards including Female Vocalist of the Year, New Female Vocalist of the YeaR which she took home the trophy for, Album of the Year (as artist and producer) for HERO, and Single Record of the Year (as artist and producer) for “My Church.” Morris was also named Radio Disney’s BEST NEW COUNTRY ARTIST at the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards. In the fall of 2017 Morris received three nominations for the 51st Annual CMA Awards including nominations for FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR as well as MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR and MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR, both for the No. 1 hit song “Craving You” by Thomas Rhett (featuring Maren Morris). In addition she received her fifth career GRAMMY Award-nomination for BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE (“I Could Use A Love Song”) for the upcoming 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards to be held January 2018.

 

Morris has appeared on Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, CBS Sunday Morning, ELLEN, NBC’s The Voice, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Talk, Chelsea, NCIS: New Orleans, Sprout’s Sunny Side Up, the 50th Annual CMA Awards, CMT Music Awards and the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Morris wrapped 2017 with the conclusion of her first-ever headlining HERO Tour 2017, which also included dates in the U.K. Looking ahead at 2018 Maren will join Niall Horan on the Flicker World Tour 2018 with dates in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA.

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Sister Hazel Announces New EP “Water” Releasing Feb. 9th

By on January 13, 2018 in In The Press

Platinum-selling band, Sister Hazel, will kick off the New Year with a new EP, “Water,” set for release February 9, 2018. The six-track EP is Volume I of a collectible compilation series titled, “Elements,” and includes a bonus seventh track that will continue throughout the series. “Water” was produced by Sister Hazel and includes writer contributions from Billy Montana, Michael Logen, Neil Carpenter, and more. Fans can pre-order the EP through PledgeMusic HERE and get the instant grat track “Roll on Bye.” In addition to the digital download and CD, this release offers exclusive limited-edition bundles including an Instagram takeover from the band and the opportunity to donate to Lyrics for Life.  

The water element is symbolically often viewed as the source of life and reflection. In the powerful track “You Won’t See Me Again,” co-written by Andrew Copeland, singer and guitarist for the band, he addresses heartbreaking emotions and distress about his own brother-in-law’s fight with alcohol addiction. The emotional delivery of the lyrics by lead vocalist Ken Block came easily and honestly as he is in his 15th year of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. The loss of his own younger brother-in-law law earlier this year, after a lifelong struggle with this horrible disease, added to the sense of desperation, urgency, and finally hope that this powerful track holds. 

“Creatively, we are firing on all cylinders right now. I’m 100% sure that people will hear that excitement and energy instantly on this new EP,”
expressed Ken. “We had a blast shaping these songs in the studio and we couldn’t be prouder of the songwriting and the way it all came together! The fact that this is the first in a series of upcoming EP’s that will be released, has us riding a wave of huge momentum and in a really sweet groove musically. We’re pumped about what we’re rolling out on this record. The Hazelnuts asked for it, and we’re responding with more music more frequently. Hold on tight!” 


“Water” Track List:

1. “Roll On Bye”
2. “First Time”
3. “You Won’t See Me Again”
4. “Shelter”
5. “I Stayed For The Girl”
6. “More Than I Want To”
7. “Elements” Part 1 (Abilene)

To celebrate the release of their new EP, Sister Hazel, have announced additional 2018 dates and VIP packages, which include The Rock Boat in January followed by more headlining shows and the Tortuga Music Festival. Please see below for full tour details.

 

Upcoming Tour Dates: 

01.30.18 -02.04.18 – Hosts of The Rock Boat Cruise
02.23.18 -Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts – Bloomington, IL
02.24.18 -The Vogue – Indianapolis, IN
02.25.18 -City Winery – Nashville, TN
03.09.18 -The Country Club – Augusta, GA
04.07.18 -Tortuga Music Festival – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

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