Tag Archives | Christmas

Elf On The Shelf’s New Theme Song…Not Really (and your new fave)

By on October 25, 2022 in In The Press, Press Releases

Let’s talk about working class fairness – “elf awareness,” if you will. Meet “The Elf Song,” Crowder’s laugh-out-loud ode to the working class of the North Pole – one that is sure to become a festive family favorite, with adults and children, alike, singing along to pay tribute to those who work 24/7 in their pointy shoes, building all the toys for millions of children around the world – with no 401k in sight, just candy cane wages and overtime raises in the form of Christmas cookies.

This is just one of many holiday originals featured on Crowder’s new album, “Milk & Cookies: A Merry Crowder Christmas,” which released last Friday and features one of the most eclectic holiday track-lists to date – with creative collaborations with Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs and NF’s longtime producer/collaborator, Tommee Profitt. Listen to the full album here: https://crowder.lnk.to/MilkAndCookiesPR

P.S. it’s the unofficial theme song… catchy, right?

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A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Live On Stage At TPAC Through December 22nd

By on December 21, 2021 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

Cast of A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Live On Stage playing at TPAC.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Live On Stage that is currently running through December 22nd in downtown Nashville at TPAC.  I thought might be a little too geared for the kids for me to really enjoy and would probably be completely surrounded by kids, too.

Well, I was wrong and I’m so happy that theatrical productions are back after the start of the pandemic.  You will have to wear a mask and provide proof of vaccine or negative COVID-19 test to attend, but these are minor inconveniences done for the safety of all involved and the audience so we can still enjoy these types of live events.

I really enjoyed this musical based on the beloved Christmas classic cartoon that has aired on TV since 1965.  Yes, there were a lot of kids as expected, but it was mostly adults in the theater.   It’s meant for all to enjoy.

The whole show was well done.  Maybe not eye catching and dazzling costumes, but a talented cast performing this family-friendly Christmas treasure.  I really liked the unexpected intro/opening segment.  The scene with Lucy fantasizing about being the Christmas Pagent Queen was fun and the Christmas pagent itself was a really nice treat.  My favorite part of the show was watching all the antics of Snoopy.  He’s always the best part of the cartoon and steals this live show, as well.

Don’t miss this endearing live stage production this holiday season that gets to the heart of what Christmas is really all about.  There is only one day left to see it, so you better act fast by getting your tickets at: www.tpac.org!

 

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A DOLLY FOR CHRISTMAS: The True Story Of A Family’s Christmas Miracle By Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman And illustrated By Morgan Huff

By on October 6, 2020 in In The Press, Press Releases
“A story of hope and faith.” 
 —PEOPLE Magazine
On October 6, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is proud to publish A DOLLY FOR CHRISTMAS: The True Story of a Family’s Christmas Miracle by “Little Big Town’s” Kimberly Schlapman and illustrated by Morgan Huff (Ages 4-8; $19.99). Perfect for holiday gift guides, A DOLLY FOR CHRISTMAS celebrates the season’s themes of hope, love, and family as it explores a family’s adoption process. Inspired by Schlapman’s struggle to conceive her second child and how she and her family decided to adopt, the book delves into how Schlapman’s first daughter wrote letters to Santa Claus about her desire for a sibling until the family was actually surprised by their new baby girl, Dolly, days before Christmas.
In the story, all Daisy wants for Christmas is a little brother or sister. Her parents have tried everything to make her dream come true, but nothing is working. So Daisy takes matters into her own hands, praying every day and writing a letter to Santa Claus about her one and only wish. Daisy’s parents are touched by her strong belief and grateful for her help, but as they explain, sometimes you have to wait. God will give you the perfect gift when the time is right. In this heartwarming holiday tale, Schlapman shares the true story of the Christmas when her family became whole.
Schlapman hopes the story will inspire other families to maintain their faith, especially when facing infertility issues. The book is also a tribute to her daughters’ love for each other. She said in an interview with PEOPLE magazine, “I just want people to be hopeful and to know that if they’re in the middle of a struggle, they are not alone. We walked those same roads, and they are very, very difficult. But, in the end, there is restoration and there are children who are waiting for them.”
Kimberly Schlapman is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning band Little Big Town. She is also the author of Oh Gussie!: Cooking and Visiting in Kimberly’s Southern Kitchen, and hosted the cooking show Kimberly Simply Southern. A Dolly for Christmas is her debut children’s book.
  
Morgan Huff has been creating art ever since she could hold a pencil. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in illustration, and she finds inspiration in nature, animals, and the joy of simple yet beautiful moments. She invites you to find her online at morgansketch.com.
 
A DOLLY FOR CHRISTMAS: The True Story of a Family’s Christmas Miracle
by Kimberly Schlapman and illustrated by Morgan Huff
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | On sale October 6, 2020 | Ages 4-8 | 224 pages
HC ISBN: 9780316542968; $18.99 | Ebook ISBN: 9780316542999; $9.99
Audiobook Downloadable ISBN: 9781549190612; $2.98
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is a division of Hachette Book Group, a leading trade publisher based in New York and a division of Hachette Livre (a Lagardère company), the third-largest trade and educational publisher in the world. HBG is made up of eight publishing groups: Little, Brown and Company; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Grand Central Publishing; Perseus Books; Orbit; Hachette Books; Hachette Nashville; and Hachette Audio. For more information, visit hbgusa.com.
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HBO Max And Carrie Underwood Get Into The Holiday Spirit With A Christmas Special Highlighting First-Ever Christmas Album, MY GIFT

By on September 24, 2020 in In The Press, Press Releases

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 24, 2020 – HBO Max announced today an exclusive holiday special for the platform starring seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner, five-time CMA® Female Vocalist of the Year and the 2020 ACM® Entertainer of the Year, Carrie Underwood, performing songs from her first ever full-length Christmas album, My Gift, which is available on CD and digital September 25th. The streamer will premiere the event this holiday season.

 

Underwood will appear with a live orchestra and choir, performing a combination of beloved traditional favorites celebrating the spiritual nature of the holiday, as well as new original material from the highly-anticipated album, which will also be released on vinyl October 30th.

 

“Carrie Underwood is a multi-faceted talent and we are thrilled to be partnering with her and our friends at Playtone to bring a dose of holiday cheer,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO Max.

 

“The journey of writing and recording this album started last year when I finished my tour and we could have never anticipated the circumstances we would be in this year,” said Carrie Underwood. “Creating this album has been good for my heart, and I’m thrilled to get to share it with the world and to bring it to life with Playtone and HBO Max.”

 

The Max Original special will be executive produced by Gary Goetzman and Tom Hanks for Playtone, along with Underwood and her manager, Ann Edelblute. The holiday event is set to shoot this fall.

 

Carrie Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, film, and now books, as a New York Times bestselling author.  All seven of her albums, including her Greatest Hits album, have been certified platinum or multi-platinum, and she has sold more than 64 million records worldwide.  She has also recorded 27 #1 singles, 14 of which she co-wrote, and continues to sell out arena tours across North America and the UK.  Carrie starred as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s three-hour 2013 holiday blockbuster, the Emmy®-winning The Sound of Music Live!, whose airings attracted 44 million viewers, and she returns this Fall for her eighth season as the voice of primetime television’s #1 program, NBC’s Sunday Night Football. This past November, she hosted the CMA Awards for the 12th consecutive year. Apple Music recently announced Underwood’s own monthly radio show, which she hosts and produces and premiered on the newly launched Apple Music Country. Underwood released her sixth studio album in 2018, Cry Pretty, which has been certified Platinum and marks the first time she has co-produced her own album. She has won over 100 major awards including 7 GRAMMY® Awards, 15 ACM Awards including three for Entertainer of the Year (the first female in history to win twice and, as of 2020, the only female ever to win three times), 20 CMT Awards where she holds the record for the most award wins ever for the show, 7 CMA Awards, and 15 American Music Awards with her 7th win for Favorite Female Artist – Country and 6th win for Favorite Country Album for Cry Pretty, breaking the AMA record for Most Wins in the Favorite Country Album Category. She is a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry and founder/lead designer for her fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood.  In March 2020, HarperCollins/Dey Street books published Carrie’s first book, FIND YOUR PATH: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life, a fitness lifestyle book in which she shares her belief that fitness is a lifelong journey, providing a common-sense approach to staying active, eating well, and looking as beautiful as you feel, 52 weeks a year.  That same month, Carrie also launched her new fitness app, fit52, which is a holistic wellness platform designed to encourage and support users on their personal wellness journey, and is available on the App Store and on Google Play.

 

HBO Max Social
Twitter: @HBOMax
YouTube: youtube.com/hbomax
Instagram: #HBOMax
Facebook: #HBOMax

 

About HBO Max

HBO Max is WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer offering, which debuted May 27, 2020. With 10,000 hours of curated premium content, HBO Max offers powerhouse programming for everyone in the home, bringing together HBO, a robust slate of new original series, key third-party licensed programs and movies, and fan favorites from WarnerMedia’s rich library including motion picture and TV series from Warner Bros., highlights from New Line, and catalog titles from DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, Looney Tunes and more.
Website: HBOMax.com

 

About WarnerMedia

WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content from a diverse array of talented storytellers and journalists to global audiences through its consumer brands including: HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others, as well as Xandr’s suite of advanced advertising solutions designed to help to improve advertising for brands, publishers, and consumers.

 

About Playtone

PLAYTONE is Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman’s film and television production company. Film releases include Greyhound, Where the Wild Things Are, Charlie Wilson’s War, Mamma Mia!, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Castaway, The Polar Express, The Circle, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. Hanks and Goetzman are currently producing News of the World, starring Hanks, directed by Paul Greengrass, and the long-anticipated film adaptions of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Spring Awakening, and American Idiot.

 

Television credits include Emmy-winning HBO movie Game Change, Emmy-winning HBO miniseries’ Olive Kitteridge, The Pacific, John Adams, and Band of Brothers, Anna Deavere Smith’s one-woman show Notes From The Field, the 2012-2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies on HBO, The 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert Special on HBO, and CNN docuseries’ The Movies, The Sixties, The Seventies, The Eighties, The Nineties, The 2000s, and four-part documentary special 1968. Playtone’s television productions have garnered 48 Emmy Awards (126 nominations), 10 Golden Globe Awards (33 nominations), and 5 Peabody Awards.

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Star-Studded “CMA Country Christmas ” Airs Dec. 10 On The ABC Television Network

By on December 4, 2018 in In The Press

Old Dominion performs at the CMA Country Christmas taping at Curb Center in Nashville, TN on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

“CMA Country Christmas” airs Monday, Dec. 10 at 8:00 PM/ET (7:00 PM/CT) on the ABC Television Network. Reba McEntire hosts and performs for the second year during the ninth broadcast of the holiday music special. Other legendary acts and Country favorites taking the stage include Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs and Brett Young.

Watch the performers attempt to gift wrap awkwardly-shaped presents (football, ukulele and more) in Part 1 and Part 2 links now at CMA’s YouTube Channel. Visit CMApress.com to download “CMA Country Christmas” media assets and get into the holiday spirit by enjoying “CMA Country Christmas” playlists on Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify.

CMA partnered with Balsam Hill, the maker of beautifully realistic Christmas trees and décor, to decorate the “CMA Country Christmas” stage again this year. Learn more about Balsam Hill at balsamhill.com.

“CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director and Jon Macks is the writer.

About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958 and celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2018, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. In 1961, CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame to recognize artists and industry professionals with Country Music’s highest honor. More than 7,400 music industry professionals and companies from around the globe are members of CMA. The organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advance the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding achievement in the industry; CMA Fest, which benefits the CMA Foundation and music education and is taped for a three-hour network television special, “CMA Fest”; and “CMA Country Christmas.” All of CMA’s television properties air on the ABC Television Network.

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Country Music Icon Clint Black Releases THE CLINT BLACK CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Today

By on November 30, 2018 in In The Press

Country icon and GRAMMY Award winner Clint Black is ringing in the holiday season with his trademarked Christmas cheer and a very special studio album. The Clint Black Christmas Collection, out today via Clint’s own Blacktop Records, features songs from his 1995 Christmas album Looking for Christmas, along with some new recordings written for his recently premiered holiday musical of the same name. You can listen to The Clint Black Christmas Collection at the link provided HERE. Additionally, the album is available for purchase in various holiday bundles at www.clintblack.com.

 

Clint says, “In writing the first album, Looking for Christmas, I learned where our centuries old traditions came from, and I knew I would have to continue writing songs to help grow the collection. This year, I’m thrilled to share even more new songs, including those from my holiday musical, Looking for Christmas, and those featuring my lovely wife and daughter.”

 

Keeping with the spirit of Christmas, this self-produced release is a family affair for Clint. His wife Lisa Hartman Black joins Clint for a beautiful rendition of his 1995 cut “The Finest Gift.” Lily Pearl Black makes a splash on her recording debut with the gorgeous “Magical Christmas,” one of her dad’s new songs on the album. Also appearing on this collection are classics like “Light the Fire” – written for the animated television series Transformers: Rescue Bots – and “The Kid,” which features a co-writing credit from the late great country music star Merle Haggard.

 

Clint’s new holiday musical, Looking for Christmas, made its debut at The Old Globe theater in San Diego on November 20th, and was recently extended to run until December 31st. Following its run at The Old Globe, Looking for Christmas will embark on a holiday tour in the 2019-20 season.

 

Catch Clint on his “A Clint Black Christmas” tour at the dates below:

 

Dec. 1st* Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino Lake Charles, LA
Dec. 2nd* Bass Performance Hall Fort Worth, TX
Dec. 3rd* Winspear Opera House Dallas, TX
Dec. 7th* The Event Center at Hollywood Casino Charles Town, WV
Dec. 8th* The Event Center at Hollywood Casino Charles Town, WV
Dec. 9th Paramount Center for the Arts Bristol, TN
Dec. 13th The Palace Theatre Greensburg, PA
Dec. 14th Hershey Theatre Hershey, PA
Dec. 15th The Midland Theatre Newark, OH

* w/ Lisa Hartman Black

 

About Clint Black

It is one of the most storied careers in modern music. Clint Black surged to superstardom as part of the fabled Class of ’89, reaching #1 with five consecutive singles from his triple-platinum debut, Killin’ Time. He followed that with the triple-platinum Put Yourself in My Shoes, and then a string of platinum and gold albums throughout the ’90s. Perhaps most impressively, Clint wrote or co-wrote every one of his more than three dozen chart hits, including “A Better Man,” “Where Are You Now,” “When My Ship Comes In,” “A Good Run of Bad Luck,” “Summer’s Comin’,” “Like the Rain” and “Nothin’ But the Taillights,” part of a catalog that produced 22 #1 singles and made him one of the most successful singer/songwriters of the modern era.  Along the way, Clint has sold over 20 million records, earned more than a dozen gold and platinum awards in the U.S. and Canada, landed nearly two dozen major awards and nominations, won a GRAMMY Award, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

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For more information on Clint’s new album, musical, and tour, please visit www.clintblack.com

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New Artist Spotlight | Colleen Orender Releases “Blame It On The Mistletoe” 

By on November 23, 2018 in artist spotlight, Music

With the holiday season now upon us, artists releasing Christmas music is also in full swing.  One of the stand-out original Christmas songs brought to our attention is “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, written and produced by Michael Davey, recorded by Colleen Orender.

Maintaining a classic feel and throw-back approach, “Blame it on the Mistletoe” has the potential to rank high with any of the traditional holiday hits.  Colleen’s vocal performance brilliantly delivers, giving the listener tasty hooks, warm tone and a timeless sound.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6DsKvSg6EonO1fW3SZaxIr?si=uepsEuOcTai2t9H6m97AVg

With this release being a prelude to Orender’s forthcoming studio recording “Don’t Give a Damn About Love”, set for a Nov. 30th drop date, we are told to “expect the unexpected”.   Collaborations on the project includes an A-list group of songwriting partners. 2018 Latin Grammy winner Nikki Williams (Laura Pausini, Demi Lovato, Lauren Alaina), Greg Becker (Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts) and Michael Davey (Martina McBride, Angie Aparo) all prove the diversity these recordings will present.

Focus on the 615 is very excited to follow Colleen Orender’s musical path, one that seems to be paving a way for the many multi-genre songwriters and artists Music City embraces.

www.colleenorender.com

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GetTV’s “The Soul & Spirit of Christmas” Red Carpet & Performance Taping With CeCe Winans, BeBe Winans, Anthony Hamilton & The Hamiltones, Take 6, Koryn Hawthorne & Kyla Jade

By on September 26, 2018 in Music, Special Events

Christmas has never came so early, as FOCUS on the 615 celebrates with some of gospel music’s legends.  getTV, a digital multicast television network owned by the Sony Pictures Television Networks subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television, will premiere “The Soul & Spirit of Christmas” holiday music variety show on November 23rd.

CeCe Winans, a multi Grammy winning and the best selling female gospel artist of all time, is the host of the one hour Christmas special.  With featured performances from BeBe Winans, Anthony Hamilton & The Hamiltones, Take 6, Koryn Hawthorn and Kyla Jade, production takes an intimately live approach with the television show, including an incredible live band and enthusiastic participating audience. FOCUS on the 615 was honored to preview the taping, and although we cannot give too much information away before the show airs, we can say that each guest performance was absolutely flawless.

CeCe Winans

For scheduling and times of “The Soul & Spirit of Christmas”, go to www.get.tv

 

 

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Holiday Gift Ideas & Things To Do: George Dickel Distillery

By on December 6, 2017 in Special Events, The Latest

While we still recommend that you visit the distillery for a tour and tasting anytime because George Dickel’s Cascade Hollow is absolutely beautiful, we do recommend checking out the new online store where George Dickel merchandise is now available for purchase: georgedickelgeneralstore.com  Ease of finding that perfect gift for someone who might enjoy something a little different.  Plus, no fighting holiday shopping mall crowds that are so common this time of year.

My personal favorite is the country-winter embroidered George Dickel knit hat.  I’m eyeing that one real hard for these cold winter months ahead to keep my head warm in fun style.   The signature snap back in blue or camouflage (which is one of the most popular hats amongst country music artists,  Dustin Lynch), the Dickle Eagle Baseball Tee, and the Cocktail Tee. These selections along with a bottle of one of their premium whiskies, George Dickel Barrel Select or George Dickel 17-Year-Old, are sure to please anyone and make it a little more festive.

Tennesseans will surely appreciate all of these with George Dickel being distilled right here in our state and so locally-focused.  They are a big part of our community and we love them for it!

If you do decide to visit the distillery for some holiday shopping: George Dickel’s distillery is located at 1950 Cascade Hollow Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388. For more information go to georgedickel.com or call 931-857-4110. Tours are available Monday-Saturday 9:00am-4:30pm and Sunday 11:30am-5pm. Tours are also available for $10 per person.

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Lee Ann Womack & Willie Nelson Release “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” For The Holidays

By on November 17, 2017 in In The Press

Photo credit: Ebru Yildiz

GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM award-winning vocal powerhouse Lee Ann Womack and country music icon Willie Nelson have just released a version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”.

You can view the full “All Is Bright” playlist here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7OMX8V/ref=dm_dp_pl_rdr

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