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2009 CMT Music Awards Winners

Taylor Swift was the big winner at the 2009 CMT Music Awards, winning Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year for “Love Story.” The night’s winner’s include Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Zac Brown Band, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Dierks Benltley, Kid Rock, and Director Trey Fanjoy.

“I want to thank the fans for giving me video of the year when my whole family is here watching,’” Swift said as she accepted her CMT Buckle Trophy.  “Thank you to the fans that come out to my shows and spend such hard work making these amazing scrapbooks and writing me letters. Reading your letters and reading your MySpace comments, anytime I have a bad day, you make those days good.”

2009 CMT MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• Taylor Swift - “Love Story” (Director: Trey Fanjoy)

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• Brad Paisley - “Waitin’ On A Woman”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• Taylor Swift - “Love Story”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• Rascal Flatts - “Every Day”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• Sugarland - “All I Want To Do”

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• Zac Brown Band - “Chicken Fried”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• Brad Paisley with Keith Urban - “Start A Band”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR*
• Alan Jackson featuring Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and George Strait - “Country Boy” from CMT GIANTS: ALAN JACKSON

WIDE OPEN COUNTRY VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• Kid Rock - “All Summer Long”

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
• Trey Fanjoy (award eligible videos include: Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” and George Strait’s “Troubador”)

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Watch 2009 CMT Music Awards on ACountry

The 2009 CMT MUSIC AWARDS includes performances by Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and British rockers Def Leppard. Jason Michael Carroll, Carter Twins, Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Gloriana and Joey + Rory will perform on the Nationwide Insurance performance stage. Watch the show now on ACountry!

2009 CMT MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.
• Trace Adkins - “You’re Gonna Miss This” (Director: Peter Zavadil)
• Kenny Chesney featuring The Wailers - “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven” (Director: Shaun Silva)
• Toby Keith - “God Love Her” (Director: Michael Salomon)
• Kid Rock - “All Summer Long” (Director: Deaton Flanigen)
• Lady Antebellum - “Lookin’ For A Good Time” (Director: Chris Hicky)
• Brad Paisley - “Waitin’ On A Woman” (Directors: Jim Shea & Peter Tilden)
• Rascal Flatts - “Every Day” (Director: Deaton Flanigen)
• Sugarland - “All I Want To Do” (Director: Shaun Silva)
• Taylor Swift - “Love Story” (Director: Trey Fanjoy)
• Carrie Underwood - “Just A Dream” (Director: Roman White)

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
• Trace Adkins - “You’re Gonna Miss This”
• Toby Keith - “God Love Her”
• Brad Paisley - “Waitin’ On A Woman”
• Keith Urban - “Sweet Thing”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
• Miranda Lambert - “More Like Her”
• Martina McBride - “Ride”
• Kellie Pickler - “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful”
• Taylor Swift - “Love Story”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
• Lady Antebellum - “Lookin’ For A Good Time”
• Rascal Flatts - “Bob That Head”
• Rascal Flatts - “Every Day”
• Zac Brown Band “Chicken Fried”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
• Brooks & Dunn - “Put A Girl In It”
• Montgomery Gentry - “Roll With Me”
• Sugarland - “All I Want To Do”
• Sugarland - “Already Gone”

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)
• Julianne Hough - “That Song In My Head”
• Jamey Johnson - “In Color”
• Lady Antebellum - “Lookin’ For A Good Time”
• Zac Brown Band - “Chicken Fried”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)
• Brooks & Dunn featuring Reba McEntire - “Cowgirls Don’t Cry”
• Kenny Chesney featuring The Wailers - “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven”
• Brad Paisley with Keith Urban - “Start A Band”
• Sugarland featuring Little Big Town and Jake Owen - “Life In A Northern Town”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR*
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
• Alan Jackson featuring Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and George Strait - “Country Boy” from CMT GIANTS: ALAN JACKSON
• Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)” from CMT CROSSROADS: ROBERT PLANT AND ALISON KRAUSS
• Sugarland featuring Little Big Town and Jake Owen - “Life In A Northern Town” from the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS
• Def Leppard and Taylor Swift - “Photograph” from CMT CROSSROADS: DEF LEPPARD AND TAYLOR SWIFT

WIDE OPEN COUNTRY VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist outside the mainstream of country music; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration)
• Def Leppard and Taylor Swift - “Photograph”
• Kid Rock - “All Summer Long”
• Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - “Please Read The Letter”
• Rehab featuring Hank Williams, Jr. - “Bartender Song”

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Best video director of the year; awarded to the director for his or her body of work from the past year
• Deaton Flanigen (award eligible videos include: Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” and Rascal Flatts’ “Every Day”)
• Trey Fanjoy (award eligible videos include: Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” and George Strait’s “Troubador”)
• Roman White (award eligible videos include: Carrie Underwood’s “Just a Dream” and Reba McEntire’s “Every Other Weekend”)
• Peter Zavadil (award eligible videos include: Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This” and Joey + Rory’s “Cheater Cheater”)

Billy Currington : People Are Crazy Video

Billy Currington’s “People Are Crazy” video is the story of meeting an old man in a bar, then later reading the old man’s obituary in the newspaper and finding that the old man was a millionaire, and “left his fortune to aome guy he barely knew.” The video ends with Currington leaving a six pack of beer on the old’s man’s grave.  “God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy.”

Kenny Chesney : Out Last Night Video

Kenny Chesney’s Out Last Night video was directed by Shaun Silva. The video features Chesney and a party crowd around a campfire. “Out Last Night” reminsces about a party that the night before, including “girls from Argentina and Arkansas, Maine, Alabama and Panama” and caliming he’s “a doctor, a lawyer, a senator’s son, Brad Pitt’s brother and a man on the run.” “Everybody was some kind of star when we went out last night.” Don’t miss Kenny Chesney on tour - Buy Kenny Chesney tickets and share your “Out Last Night” experience with your friends after the show.

Three Girls and Their Buddy featuring Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller

Location: Greek Theatre - 2700 North Vermont, in Griffith Park, Los Angeles California 90027
Start Date: Wed, June 24, 2009
End Date: Wed, June 24, 2009
Buy Three Girls and Their Buddy Tickets

Three Girls and Their Buddy

ACountry presents your chance to win FREE tickets to Three Girls and Their Buddy featuring Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller live June 24, 2009 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.  To enter, post a few comments below about your favorite Emmylou Harris, Patti Griffin, Shawn Colvin, or Buddy Miller song.

The performance of Three Girls and Their Buddy will be a powerful evening of melodies and harmonies by these four accomplished singer-songwriters. The group is certain to present originals from their latest albums: Harris’ All I Intended to Be, Griffin’s Children Running Through, Colvin’s These Four Walls and Miller’s recent offering with his wife, Judy; Written in Chalk mixed with rock, country and folk covers. All performers will share the stage and take turns singing while the others back up on vocals, guitar or hand percussion.

Harris, Griffin, Colvin and Miller have variously played in one another’s bands, sang each other’s songs, guest appeared on or produced each other’s albums or all of the above. This broad interaction with one another will be evident in their undeniable chemistry on stage.

Tickets for Three Girls and Their Buddy are on sale now online, at the Greek Theatre box office, and at all Ticketmaster retail outlets including all Macy’s, The Beverly Center, La Curacao & Ritmo Latino locations.


Listen to Three Girls and Their Buddy concert commercial

The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles’ premiere outdoor theatre, is nestled in the picturesque tree-enclosed setting of Griffith Park. This award-winning theatre is one of Los Angeles’ most historic entertainment venues and has played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment, from pop to classical, reggae to rock. The legendary Greek Theatre offers entertainment to every segment of the population.  This 5,801-seat venue offers an intimate concert setting, with state-of-the-art acoustics combined with excellent site lines. The Greek Theatre offers top quality entertainment under the stars in the heart of Los Angeles.

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David Nail Free Download

David Nail’s “Red Light” is red hot - don’t miss your chance to get a free download of the song, courtesy of AOL.com and MCA Nashville.  The free David Nail single is available while supplies last to the first 10,000 fans.

The Missouri native and son of a high school band director will take the Grand Ole Opry stage Saturday, May 16 for his debut performance, which can be heard live on Nashville’s WSM, Sirius XM and on www.wsmonline.com. Nail will showcase songs from his forthcoming late summer MCA Nashville release titled I’m About To Come Alive. 

Watch David Nail Red Light Acoustic Video

“This came to us after the record was done,” David says us of the song that almost didn’t make his album. “To be honest, I wasn’t real crazy about adding it, because any time you do a record you have to force yourself to close the book on it. Otherwise you’ll just keep going back and wanting to fix and add things. But after I listened to it I said, ‘I get it. Just tell me when and where we’re recording.’ And since we’ve been out on the road with it, introducing it to the world, it’s been great. I think it was something that we were missing on the record, and I’m glad we had the opportunity to add it.”

‘Red Light,’ written by Jonathan Singleton, Melissa Peirce and Dennis Matkosky, is the second single off David’s ‘I’m About to Come Alive’ album, set for release July 14, 2009.

David Nailand Tony LaRussa

David Nail threw out the first pitch on May 5, 2009 as his homestate St. Louis Cardinals took on the Philadelphia Phillies. Nail visited with Cardinal’s manager Tony La Russa before the game during the St. Louis stop of the “Red Light Road Trip” Tour.

People magazine boasts Nail as “One of Nashville’s Hottest New Stars” and American Profile agrees titling him “One To Watch”. He has also been featured in Billboard, Country Weekly and chosen for OK!’s “Man Candy” page.

Nail supports pediatric cancer research thru Dick Vitale’s V Foundation in memory of Payton Wright and the Girls & Boys Club. He has performed at Kenny Chesney’s pre-show tailgating parties and opened for Sugarland.

source: MCA Nashville / The Boot.com

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David Nail

David Nail

David Nail’s new album, I’m About To Come Alive, hits stores July 14, 2009.

Growing up in a small southeastern Missouri town, David Nail might’ve chosen to follow any of the dreams that drifted by like the riverboats on the mighty Mississippi: but in the end, it was music that called his name. “I was definitely more into sports growing up,” says the Midwest native. “I think I was expected to play in college, but as I grew older I became more interested in music. After my senior year I had a few small college offers to play baseball. My coach came to me and said ‘David, you need to decide where you’re going to school,’ and out of the blue I just said, ‘Do you know anybody in Nashville?’”

For singer-songwriter Nail, it was a history-making moment—small town boy decides to chase a big city dream—and a theme that has informed his music ever since. On his first album from MCA Nashville, he neatly bridges the divide, laying claim to his hometown roots while keeping a firm grip on the future, and all the deeply emotional territory in between. 

“I feel like regardless of where you grew up, city, small town, east coast, west coast or whatever, there’s something in this music that you can relate to,” he says. “They might not all be exactly the same, but everyone has those moments; the first time you left home, falling in love, losing love. That’s what moves me, what I can dig into.”

Nail, son of a former high school band director, cut his musical teeth on a record collection that included Stevie Wonder, Elton John and the Beatles. “Elton John was one of the main reasons I started singing, and is still a tremendous influence,” he says. “I think he and the Beatles are probably two of the greatest melody makers of all time.” Then he moved on to country:  “I ‘discovered’ country music in the early 90’s along with everyone else my age,” he says. “But I guess I kind of got more obsessive than everybody else. I found myself looking back as far as the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, exposing myself to some of the biggest stars of that era. It was then that I fell in love with Glen Campbell, who is still one of my all-time favorites.”

Drawn to Music City after high school, Nail took that first step on his long and winding road, following the music. “I had been to Nashville as a small child but I had no memories of what it was like and obviously had no idea what the music business was like,” he says. “I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing.” Overwhelmed, he ended up moving back to Missouri in less than a year.

Returning to Nashville two years later, Nail became frustrated once again in early 2005 with the lack of movement of his music career. David spent the next two summers helping an old college buddy coach the Twitty City Knights, a select group of some of Nashville’s best baseball talent. “I did it just to get away from the reality of what my career had become at that time, and it was being around those kids that recharged my batteries. It reminded me how free and easy life is at 17 and 18 years old and how truly blessed I’d been, both growing up, and now, being able to chase my dream. I will forever look back on that time and those kids for getting me back on track.” Shortly thereafter, mutual friend Brian Wright, who’d recently become V.P., A&R, for both the MCA and Mercury Nashville labels, introduced Nail to producer Frank Liddell, who 10 years earlier had produced one of Nail’s all-time favorite records, Chris Knight’s self-titled Decca debut.

Through the ups and downs of a life in the music business, Nail was persistent – and his dream became a realization with I’m About To Come Alive, a collection of songs that captures the highs and lows and the hometown flavor of his own experiences. “I wanted to take something from the people who’ve inspired me,” he says. “But also put myself in there, and just make something I could be proud of. It’s definitely a moody record. There’s definitely going to be some heartbreak in there, as well as some dark times. But there’s music you listen to when you’re feeling good, and music you listen to when you’re down and out, and I think this is a record that satisfies both needs.”

From the second he started recording, Nail was determined to bridge the gap between traditional country and the soulful stylings of a Lionel Ritchie and Ray Charles. “I’ve got to have a piano player with a lot of fire, a little more recklessness!” he says. Liddell offered up legendary player Chuck Leavell, who brought his inspired piano into the mix with Nail’s smooth, yet soulful vocals to create magic on tracks like “Mississippi”. “It’s a very reflective ballad about a guy from a small town who’s in the city,” Nail says. “It’s very moody Ray Charles-esque, and was actually written for him. Chuck went in there and started playing the intro and suddenly I felt as if I was back in those early days of recording. His playing sent me to another level of singing.”

“Turning Home”, co-written by and for Kenny Chesney, has that same soulful emotion and drew Nail’s attention as a demo. “When I first heard it, it was a lot of what I was feeling at the time. I just kept listening to it over and over. I felt like I had always been searching for a song I could really sing, put some emotion, pain and hurt into, and then here was this song,” he said. The result is a perfect match between singer and song, with that same church-meets-honky-tonk piano on the side, and vocals reminiscent of another one of Nail’s big influences, Vince Gill.

Nail wrote five of the eleven I’m About To Come Alive tracks, including “Missouri”. “I was in the middle of a two-year bout with depression,” said Nail. “It’s without a doubt the most honest and personal song I’ve written. I’d been in a relationship for a year or so and could sense something was wrong with me. It was more or less me crying out, pleading for her to leave me because I didn’t have the courage to do it myself.” Along with Scooter Carusoe (“Anything But Mine”), Nail also wrote “Clouds”, which he explains is about one of his most recent misses at romance. “The best songs I’ve ever written just kind of come to me. You don’t have a choice in the matter, they just more or less pour out. Both ‘Missouri’ and ‘Clouds’ were like that.”

From the first listen, Nail realized an affinity for single “Red Light” and the catchy “Summer Job Days”, co-written by Rascal Flatt’s Gary LeVox, both of which he was drawn to in a way all his own. “’Red Light’ shows a different perspective of a break up,” he says. “It’s not your typical situation since it describes a beautiful day and everything seeming to be perfect, but that’s what makes it unique.”

“The first time I heard ‘Summer Job Days’, I just knew that I had to cut it. Growing up I never went on a lot of vacations. I was actually 21 before I saw the ocean for the first time. There were plenty of times I wanted to go on spring break with friends but didn’t get to. This song expressed what I always imagined it would’ve been like had I got to experience it.”

With all that emotion going into his songs, he admits he’s a guy who’s always looking for the happy ending. “This is a confession – I’m a man of many extremes, whether working or playing,” he says. “I’m a songwriter, so I’m a sensitive guy. I long for the storybook life.”

And it’s produced a lot of good material. “I think the really great singers and writers are able to dig a little deeper and find that other level of emotion,” Nail says. “And I think that’s what makes them better than the rest. I always pride myself on trying to find that place with every song.”

And that he does with good friend and singer Miranda Lambert for “Strangers On A Train”.  “The imagery of this song is so vivid. You can picture what it would look and feel like as a video.”

“There are also songs that help you through life,” Nail admits. Title track “I’m About To Come Alive” carried him thru times where confidence was lacking. “When I first discovered this song it applied to my personal life. The further I got into making this album, it began to apply to my professional life.”

And it’s that moment of raw emotional connection that Nail hopes to pass on to listeners. “I’m more or less just trying to join the fray of good music,” he says. “People ask me all the time how I’d describe my music and I say ‘Well, I hope it’s good.’ Hopefully people will just enjoy it for being good music and take from it whatever it makes them feel.”

Hard knocks and heartache, good times and bad, small towns and big cities – it’s all in his music. “They’re all aspects of life,” he says. “I’m still growing as both a person and artist, and will hopefully continue getting better in regards to both.”

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Jamey Johnson : That Lonesome Song Certified Gold

Jamey Johnson’s That Lonesome Song has been certified gold by the RIAA commemorating 500,000 in sales. The record has spent 20 weeks inside the top ten on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Reaching gold status is a huge accomplishment for a record that was initially only for sale on the internet until Luke Lewis, Chairman of Universal Music Group Nashville, heard the music and signed Johnson to a major label deal.

In 2009, Johnson has performed for sold-out crowds of music fans to whom he says he owes this great achievement. “A gold record is one of the only awards that truly comes from your fans,” says Johnson. “They just made our album relevant to country music.”

That Lonesome Song was released on Mercury Records on August 5, 2008. The music industry, fans, country radio and journalists from all over the country were drawn to the authenticity of Johnson’s music and he immediately garnered rave album reviews. That Lonesome Song made “Best Albums of 2008” lists (all genres) by Rolling Stone, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, Billboard, PASTE and many more. iTunes named Johnson’s That Lonesome Song the Best Country Album of 2008 and his debut single, “In Color,” Best Country Song of 2008.

Members of The Recording Academy validated the impact of Johnson’s album by nominating him for three Grammy’s with one in the prestigious Best Country Album category alongside veteran artists George Strait, Randy Travis, Patty Loveless and Trisha Yearwood.

Recently, Johnson took home the ACM Song of the Year award for his hit single “In Color.” This was Johnson’s second win in the ACM Song of the Year category. He previously won in 2006 for “Give It Away,” which was recorded by George Strait. Johnson will perform that song as a duet with Lee Ann Womack on George Strait’s Artist of the Decade special which will air on May 27 at 8:00PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.

CMT just announced their first round finalists for the “2009 CMT Music Awards” and Johnson received two nominations for “In Color” - one for Male Video of the Year and the other in the USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year category.

Since the launch of Johnson’s album, he has performed live on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, CMT Crossroads, 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Farm Aid and he has toured with the legendary Willie Nelson.

source:  Universal Music Group Nashville

Watch the ACountry interview with Jamey Johnson at the 2008 TJ Martell Ride for A Cure in Nashville


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2009 Academy of Country Music Awards Winners

Academy of Country Music Awards

2009 Academy of Country Music Awards winners were announced live tonight (April 5) at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  Carrie Underwood was named Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift’s Fearless won Album of the Year, Brad Paisley Top Male Vocalist, Carrie Underwood Top Female Vocalist, Rascal Flatts Top Vocal Group, Sugarland Top Vocal Duo, and Jake Owen Top New Male Vocalist.  Top New Female Vocalist Julianne Hough, Top New Vocal Duo or Group Zac Brown Band, Single Record of the Year “You’re Gonna Miss This”, Trace Adkins, Song of the Year “In Color”, Jamey Johnson, Video of the Year “Waitin’ on a Woman”, Brad Paisley, and Vocal Event of the Year “Start a Band”, Brad Paisley with Keith Urban.

44th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS

Entertainer of the Year
Carrie Underwood

Album of the Year
Fearless, Taylor Swift

Top Male Vocalist
Brad Paisley

Top Female Vocalist
Carrie Underwood

Top Vocal Group
Rascal Flatts

Top Vocal Duo
Sugarland

Top New Male Vocalist
Jake Owen

Top New Female Vocalist
Julianne Hough

Top New Vocal Duo or Group
Zac Brown Band

Single Record of the Year
“You’re Gonna Miss This”, Trace Adkins

Song of the Year
“In Color”, Jamey Johnson

Video of the Year
“Waitin’ on a Woman”, Brad Paisley

Vocal Event of the Year
“Start a Band”, Brad Paisley with Keith Urban

More than half a million fans voted in the Entertainer of the Year category, and named Carrie Underwood for the evening’s biggest honor.  Underwood is only the 7th female to take the award in the 39 year history of this category; previous winners include Loretta Lynn in 1975, Dolly Parton in 1977, Barbara Mandrell in 1980, Reba McEntire in 1994, Shania Twain in 1999 and most recently Dixie Chicks in 2000. 2009 was the second year that fans chose the winner of the Entertainer of the Year category. Underwood is now eligible for the Triple Crown Award thanks to her wins for the categories of Entertainer of the Year, Top Female Vocalist and Top New Female Vocalist, which has been won by only one other female artist – Barbara Mandrell in 2004. Underwood also won Top Female Vocalist –
her third win in the category.

Brad Paisley won Top Male Vocalist and Carrie Underwood won Top Female Vocalist, both for the third consecutive year in a row; Sugarland won Top Vocal Duo and Rascal Flatts continues to lead the
category for their win of Top Vocal Group. THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC also honored Jennifer Nettles and Taylor Swift with the Crystal Milestone Award. This award is given to artists or industry leaders to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement.  Jennifer Nettles reached new heights of her own by sweeping the ACM Award, CMA Award and Grammy Award for country songwriting with Sugarland’s hit “Stay.” She is the first woman to solo write the Academy’s Song of the Year since 1972, when Donna Fargo penned “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.” Taylor Swift is a multimedia sensation, selling more than nine million digital downloads in 2008, and surpassed six million in sales for her first two studio albums on Big Machine Records. Swift was the #1 selling artist, in all formats and all genres in 2008, and is the first female to have five top 10 singles off her debut album, Taylor Swift.

Also this evening, Leann Rimes was honored with the 8th annual ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC / The Home Depot Humanitarian Award, which salutes an artist or group in the country
music industry who is committed to serving others, has a generosity of spirit and a dedication to helping build the dreams of those in need.  Rimes was selected by a special blue-ribbon committee comprised of executives in the country music industry as well as local and national philanthropic leaders for her ongoing community service and charitable giving of her time and talent.  As the award’s winner, Rimes will have a community playground built in a city of her choice through the efforts of The Home Depot and KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

source: Academy of Country Music

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Win Free Robert Earl Keen Tickets

2009 marks the 20th Anniversary of Robert Earl Keen's "The Road Goes on Forever." Robert Earl Keen is the subject of a live tribute album released on Jan. 6, 2009. In addition, the new book The Road Goes On Forever The Music Never Ends... will be released in March, 2009.

ACountry presents your chance to win FREE tickets to see Robert Earl Keen live. To enter, click the "Win Tickets" link next to the show you want to see and enter a few comments about your favorite Robert Earl Keen song. Winners will be notified via email. Good luck!

June 20 ..... Bryan, TX .....Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival Win Tickets

July 04 ..... San Antonio, TX .....Wolff Stadium Win Tickets

Check out comments from some of our previous Robert Earl Keen winners:

We had a great time at the show. My girlfriend and I canceled our Valentine's Day plans and went to the show together. It was her first show ever and my first in a while. He played all the old classics and some of his newer stuff that was just as great! A friend of mine who was also there was telling me how he didn't usually like music like this, but Robert Earl Keen Jr was such a good story teller, he couldn't help but love it. He certainly told us some good stories and really made it a special Valentine's Day for both me and my girlfriend. Thank you so much ACountry.com for making this wonderful night possible!
-- Will Gravlee, Atlanta, GA winner


"Hi, first of all I want to THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!! For the chance to see him for the first time live!! He was awesome and in a fantastic jamm'in mood and the band was kick'in ass!!!! I will never ever forget it, it was just so great and it was the happiest time in my life!! I can't thank you and ACountry enough for picking me for free tickets , my brother and I had a FANTASTIC time and the best time we've had together in a super long time! My 13 year old dream finally came true thanks to you!!! I got great super tickets in row L in the ORCHESTRA seats 108 & 107 -- I thought they were the best in the house, right in the middle!!!
ACOUNTRY ROCKS!!! Thanks again and again"

-- Harmony Breese, Santa Fe, NM winner


Robert Earl Keen will be the subject of a live tribute album to be released on Jan. 6, 2009. Undone: A MusicFest Tribute to Robert Earl Keen was recorded live at the annual MusicFest event in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Performers include Bonnie Bishop, Jason Boland, Wade Bowen, Cody Canada, Chris Knight, Cory Morrow, Randy Rogers Band and Reckless Kelly, among many others. Keen contributes the final five songs to the double-disc set, including "The Road Goes On Forever."

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CMT Crossroads : Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson

Jamey Johnson and Shooter Jennings team up for an outlaw episode of CMT CROSSROADS.  CMT CROSSROADS:  SHOOTER JENNINGS AND JAMEY JOHNSON was taped before an invitation only audience in Nashville earlier this month and premieres Monday, March 23 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT.

The episode will feature the duo collaborating on Johnson’s “High Cost of Living,” “Between Jennings and Jones” and his recent Grammy-nominated single, “In Color.” They also perform Jennings’ “God Bless Alabama” and a cover of his father, Waylon Jennings’ song, “Outlaw Bit.”

His father put rock into country and Shooter Jennings injected that same hybrid heritage into modern rock. Born the son of outlaw country legend Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, he gravitated to playing metal-based rock ‘n’ roll at an early age. Shooter moved to LA as a teenager and assembled a high-voltage band, Stargunn, and lit up the local rock scene.  After his father’s death in 2002, Shooter – at his late father’s oft-expressed desire – sang Waylon’s “I’ve Always Been Crazy” at the memorial service, with Stargunn joined by Waylon’s Waymore band. In 2003, he departed Stargunn and assembled the .357s, creating a sound that was a blend of the modern rock and soul he loved with the country sensibility and dynamics. Together, Shooter and the .357s have released 3 studio albums and one live record.  The professional novelist and amateur musician Stephen King wrote that Shooter’s song “Fourth of July” was “maybe the best fusion yet of rock and country.” Last year, Shooter completed his father’s heritage by finishing several songs they had cut together at home when Shooter was 16. He and the .357s cut new tracks behind Waylon’s vocals, giving the songs a future-leaning rock sound that Shooter felt Waylon was striving for. Completing the album Waylon Forever was for Shooter, he said, a liberating process. It had closed a chapter of his father’s life and opened a new one of his one. On March 24, Shooter will release Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings and the .357s, which will feature 13 fan favorites from his last four albums and two tracks never before released on CD.

He could be basking in his songwriting accolades, but Jamey Johnson remains a restlessly creative maverick. Johnson is the co-writer of the CMA and ACM 2007 Song of the Year “Give It Away,” recorded by George Strait. Trace Adkins, George Jones and Joe Nichols have also recorded his songs. “Writing is not enough for me,” says this intense artist. “I did not come here to just be a writer. I live to play….I’m not here to take a stab at it. I am going to DO it.” Following a deep period of isolation and introspection, Jamey Johnson entered the recording studio in April 2007. Within months, Johnson emerged with That Lonesome Song, a collection of extraordinary compositions that is equally noteworthy for its lyrical craftsmanship and its strikingly original sound.  This unique album was embraced by the music industry as well as music fans. That Lonesome Song was one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2008 and appeared on multiple “Best of 2008” lists including Rolling Stone, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, SPIN and PASTE. iTunes hailed That Lonesome Song as the Best Country Album of 2008 and Johnson’s hit song “In Color” as the Best Country Song of 2008.  Johnson recently received what he considers the highest honor from his peers by receiving three Grammy nominations.  Johnson received five ACM nominations, including Album of the Year, Top New Male Artist, Single Record of the Year and as an artist and composer for Song of the Year for “In Color.”

Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson join an elite group of performers who have taped CMT CROSSROADS, which pairs country music stars with popular artists from other genres—pop, rock, R&B—to play together, swap stories, and share their common love of music.  Previous episodes of CROSSROADS have included Lindsey Buckingham and Little Big Town; Bon Jovi and Sugarland; John Fogerty and Keith Urban; Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire; Joss Stone and LeAnn Rimes; Robert Plant and Alison Krauss; and Def Leppard and Taylor Swift.

source: CMT

Watch the ACountry interview with Jamey Johnson at the 2008 TJ Martell Ride for A Cure in Nashville

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Keith Urban : Escape Together Tour

Location: Keith Urban Tour Dates
Start Date: Tue, March 17, 2009
End Date: Thu, August 27, 2009
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Keith Urban  tickets

Keith Urban’s Escape Together Tour will hit the road with an arsenal of special guests, including Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, Glen Campbell, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, and The Zac Brown Band.  “We intend to give people their money’s worth, for sure” said Urban.  “We’re looking forward to seeing fans’ reactions to the new material, and we’re seeing how we can put a few new twists on some older material.  We’ll play for as long as the venues will let us.”

Critics have lauded Keith as “one of the best reasons in the world to attend a live concert” and have been quoted as saying that “fans would be hard-pressed to find a much better country—or rock—show anywhere.”

Keith Urban Escape Together Tour Dates:

Mar 17 ..... Houston, TX ..... Houston Rodeo Buy tickets

May 07 ..... Uncasville, CT ..... Mohegan Sun Buy tickets Keith Urban and Sugarland

May 08 ..... Uncasville, CT ..... Mohegan Sun Buy tickets Keith Urban and Sugarland

May 09 ..... University Park, PA ..... Bryce Jordan Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Sugarland

May 14 ..... St. Paul, MN ..... Xcel Energy Center Buy tickets

May 15 ..... Chicago, IL ..... Allstate Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band

May 28 ..... Charleston, WV ..... Charleston Civic Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band

May 29 ..... Roanoke, VA ..... Roanoke Civic Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Dierks Bentley

May 30 ..... Huntsville, AL ..... Von Braun Civic Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Dierks Bentley

Jun 05 ..... Cincinatti, OH ..... US Bank Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 06 ..... Detroit, MI ..... Palace of Auburn Hills Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 07 ..... Ft. Wayne, IN ..... Allen County Memorial Coliseum Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 11 ..... St. Louis, MO ..... Scottrade Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Sugarland

Jun 13 ..... Atlanta, GA ..... Philips Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 17 ..... Greenville, SC ..... Bi-Lo Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Sugarland

Jun 18 ..... Charlotte, NC ..... Time Warner Cable Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Sugarland

Jun 19 ..... Raleigh, NC ..... RBC Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Sugarland

Jun 27 ..... Des Moines, IA ..... Wells Fargo Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 28 ..... Moline, IL ..... iWireless Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jul 09 ..... Omaha, NE ..... Qwest Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Jason Aldean

Jul 10 ..... Wichita, KS ..... Kansas Coliseum Buy tickets Keith Urban and Jason Aldean

Jul 11 ..... Dallas, TX ..... American Airlines Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Jason Aldean

Jul 15 ..... Denver, CO ..... Pepsi Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Sugarland

Jul 19 ..... Los Angeles, CA ..... Staples Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Sugarland

Jul 25 ..... Phoenix, AX ..... Jobing.com Arena Buy tickets

Jul 31 ..... Boston MA ..... TD Banknorth Garden Buy tickets

Aug 01 ..... Philadelphia, PA ..... Wachovia Center Buy tickets

Aug 08 ..... Kansas City, MO ..... Sprint Center Buy tickets

Aug 13 ..... Pittsburgh, PA ..... Mellon Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Jason Aldlean

Aug 14 ..... Columbus, OH ..... Nationwide Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Jason Aldean

Aug 15 ..... Indianapolis, IN ..... Indianapolis, IN Buy tickets Keith Urban and Jason Aldean

Aug 18 ..... Hershey, PA ..... Giant Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Jason Aldean

Aug 21 ..... Cleveland, OH ..... Quicken Loans Arena Buy tickets

Aug 27 ..... Charlottesville, VA ..... John Paul Jones Arena Buy tickets

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Kenny Chesney : Sun City Carnival Tour

Location: Kenny Chesney Tour Dates
Start Date: Fri, April 17, 2009
End Date: Sat, September 19, 2009
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Kenny Chesney tickets

Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival Tour will hit over 50 stops across the country.  The tour features Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum on all shows and will include Sugarland and Montgomery Gentry on the stadium shows in Dallas, Texas, Columbus, Ohio, Louisville, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Illinois, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, San Francisco, California, Seattle, Washington, Salt Lake City, Utah, Foxboro, Massachusetts, Detroit, Michigan and Indianapolis, Indiana.

‘Some cities - like Boston, where we’ve been four times - really want us to come back in that big way… and you know, I like changing things up, so some markets we’re gonna play smaller venues and come back big… and a couple markets we’re gonna throw the all-day party for the first time. But it’s gonna be a really intense day of music, especially with the acts we’ve got this year! You take Miranda, who did some dates with us last year and really rocked out crowd, and Lady Antebellum and you add in Sugarland and Montgomery Gentry - and you’ve got a full day of some great songs, people who know how to engage a crowd and really have the kind of fun doing it I want to know our fans have when they come out to see us.’ Buy Kenny Chesney tickets and join the Sun City Carnival!

In the spirit of mixing things up, Chesney will also play arenas and amphitheatres this summer, as well as the occasional surprise bar gig or two along the way.

Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival Tour Dates:

Apr 17 ..... Uncasville, CT ..... Mohegan Sun Buy tickets

Apr 18 ..... Uncasville, CT ..... Mohegan Sun Buy tickets

Apr 23 ..... Albuquerque, NM ..... Journal Pavilion Buy tickets

Apr 25 ..... Las Vegas, NV ..... Hard Rock Hotel - The Joint Buy tickets

Apr 26 ..... Indio, CA ..... Stagecoach Festival Buy tickets

May 01 ..... San Antonio, TX ..... AT&T Center Buy tickets

May 02 ..... Frisco, TX ..... Pizza Hut Park Buy tickets

May 03 ..... Houston, TX ..... Woodlands Pavilion Buy tickets

May 07 ..... Des Moines, IA ..... Wells Fargo Arena Buy tickets

May 08 ..... Omaha, NE ..... Qwest Center Buy tickets

May 09 ..... Kansas City, MO ..... Sprint Center Buy tickets

May 14 ..... Pelham, AL ..... Veizon Wireless Music Center Buy tickets

May 15 ..... Bossier City, LA ..... Centurytel Center Buy tickets

May 21 ..... Greenville, SC ..... Bi-Lo Center Buy tickets

May 22 ..... Columbia, MD ..... Merriweather Post Pavilion Buy tickets

May 23 ..... Columbus, OH ..... Columbus Crew Stadium Buy tickets

May 27 ..... Atlanta, GA ..... Verizon Wirless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Buy tickets

May 28 ..... Atlanta, GA ..... Verizon Wirless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Buy tickets

May 30 ..... Louisville, KY ..... Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium Buy tickets

Jun 06 ..... Pittsburgh, PA ..... Heinz Field Buy tickets

Jun 11 ..... Moline, IL ..... i Wireless Center Buy tickets

Jun 13 ..... Chicago, IL ..... Soldier Field Buy tickets

Jun 19 ..... Somerset, WI ..... Floatrite Amphitheatre Buy tickets

Jun 20 ..... Fargo, ND ..... Fargodome Buy tickets

Jun 24 ..... Wantagh, NY ..... Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre Buy tickets

Jun 25 ..... Virginia Beach, VA ..... Verizon Wireless Theatre Buy tickets

Jun 27 ..... Philadelphia, PA ..... Lincoln Financial Field Buy tickets

Jul 02 ..... Fort Wayne, IN ..... Allen County Memorial Coliseum Buy tickets

Jul 14 ..... Boise, ID ..... Taco Bell Arena Buy tickets

Jul 18 ..... San Francisco, CA ..... AT&T Park Buy tickets

Jul 23 ..... Salt Lake City, UT ..... Rio Tinto Stadium Buy tickets

Jul 24 ..... Cheyenne, WY ..... Cheyenne Frontier Days Buy tickets

Jul 25 ..... Cheyenne, WY ..... Cheyenne Frontier Days Buy tickets

Jul 29 ..... Lake Tahoe, NV ..... Harvey’s Outdoor Arena Buy tickets

Aug 06 ..... Orange Beach, AL ..... Wharf Amphitheatre Buy tickets

Aug 07 ..... Jacksonville,FL ..... Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Buy tickets

Aug 08 ..... Tampa, FL ..... Ford Amphitheatre Buy tickets

Aug 13 ..... Hartford, CT ..... New England Dodge Music Center Buy tickets

Aug 15 ..... Foxboro, MA ..... Gillette Stadium Buy tickets

Aug 19 ..... Kanata, ON ..... Scotiabank Place Buy tickets

Aug 20 ..... Toronto, ON ..... Molson Amphitheatre Buy tickets

Aug 22 ..... Detroit, MI ..... Ford Field Buy tickets

Aug 29 ..... Bristow, VA ..... Nissan Pavilion Buy tickets

Aug 30 ..... Raleigh, NC ..... Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek Buy tickets

Sep 19 ..... Indianapolis, IN ..... Lucas Oil Stadium Buy tickets

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Sugarland : Love On The Inside Tour

Location: Sugarland Tour Dates
Start Date: Sat, September 13, 2008
End Date: Thu, September 17, 2009
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Sugarland’s Love On The Inside Tour continues in 2009, including stadium shows on Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival Tour and arena shows with Keith Urban.  Touring in support of their platinum smash album, Love On The Inside, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are sure to electrify fans as Country’s Dynamic Duo takes the nation by storm.

Sugarland Love On The Inside Tour Dates:

Apr 18 ..... Bismark, ND ..... Bismark Civic Center Buy tickets

Apr 23 ..... Regina, SK ..... Brandt Center Buy tickets

May 02 ..... Frisco, TX ..... Pizza Hut Park Buy tickets Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival stadium show

May 07 ..... Uncasville, CT ..... Mohegan Sun Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban Escape Together Tour

May 08 ..... Uncasville, CT ..... Mohegan Sun Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban Escape Together Tour

May 09 ..... University Park, PA ..... Bryce Jordan Center Buy tickets Keith Urban Escape Together Tour

May 21 ..... Charleston, SC ..... Family Circle Magazine Stadium Buy tickets

May 23 ..... Columbus, OH ..... Columbus Crew Stadium Buy tickets Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival stadium show

May 30 ..... Louisville, KY ..... Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium Buy tickets Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival stadium show

Jun 06 ..... Pittsburgh, PA ..... Heinz Field Buy tickets Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival stadium show

Jun 11 ..... St. Louis, MO ..... Scottrade Center Buy tickets Keith Urban Escape Together Tour

Jun 13 ..... Chicago, IL ..... Soldier Field Buy tickets Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival stadium show

Jun 17 ..... Greenville, SC ..... Bi-Lo Center Buy tickets Keith Urban Escape Together Tour

Jun 18 ..... Charlotte, NC ..... Time Warner Cable Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban Escape Together Tour

Jun 19 ..... Raleigh, NC ..... RBC Center Buy tickets Keith Urban Escape Together Tour

Jun 27 ..... Philadelphia, PA ..... Lincoln Financial Field Buy tickets Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival stadium show

Jul 15 ..... Denver, CO ..... Pepsi Center Buy tickets Keith Urban Escape Together Tour

Jul 18 ..... San Francisco, CA ..... AT&T Park Buy tickets Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival stadium show

Jul 19 ..... Los Angeles, CA ..... Staples Center Buy tickets Keith Urban Escape Together Tour

Jul 23 ..... Salt Lake City, UT ..... Rio Tinto Stadium Buy tickets Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival stadium show

Jul 24 ..... Primm, NV ..... Star of the Desert Arena Buy tickets

Aug 14 ..... Gilford, NH ..... Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion Buy tickets

Sep 17 ..... Ames, IA ..... Hilton Colisuem Buy tickets

completed dates
2008
Sat Sep 13 ..... Asheville, NC ..... Asheville Civic Center
Sun Sep 14 ..... Wilmington, NC ..... Trask Coliseum
Fri Sep 19 ..... Mashantucket, CT ..... MGM Foxwoods
Sat Sep 20 ..... Atlantic City, NJ ..... Mark G. Etess Arena
Sun Sep 21 ..... Columbia, MD ..... Merriweather Post Pavilion
Fri Sep 26 ..... Bloomsburg, PA ..... Bloomsburg Fair
Sat Sep 27 ..... W. Springfield, MA ..... Eastern States Exposition
Sun Sep 28 ..... Gilford, NH ..... Meadowbrook
Thu Oct 02 ..... Ames, IA ..... Hilton Coliseum @ IA State Center
Fri Oct 03 ..... Stillwater, OK ..... Oklahoma State University
Fri Oct 10 ..... Columbia, SC ..... South Carolina State Fair
Sat Oct 11 ..... Roanoke Rapids, NC ..... Carolina Crossroads Outdoor Amphitheatre
Sun Oct 12 ..... Perry, GA ..... Reaves Arena
Thu Oct 16 ..... Verona, NY ..... Turning Stone Resort & Casino
Fri Oct 17 ..... Rochester, NY ..... Blue Cross Arena
Sat Oct 18 ..... Erie, PA ..... Erie Civic Center Complex
Thu Oct 23 ..... Tupelo, MS ..... BancorpSouth Arena
Fri Oct 24 ..... Evansville, IN ..... Roberts Stadium
Sat Oct 25 ..... Lexington, KY ..... Rupp Arena
Thu Nov 06 ..... Jacksonville, FL ..... Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
Fri Nov 07 ..... Kissimmee, FL ..... Silver Spurs Arena @ Osceola Heritage Park
Sat Nov 08 ..... Fort Myers, FL ..... Lakes Regional Park
Fri Nov 14 ..... Lafayette, LA ..... Cajundome
Sat Nov 15 ..... Beaumont, TX ..... Ford Arena
Sun Nov 16 ..... Bossier City, LA ..... CenturyTel Center

Sugarland

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush make up country duo Sugarland who exploded onto the music scene in ‘04 with multi-platinum selling album Twice The Speed Of Life, which gave birth to mega hits “Baby Girl” and “Something More”.  Their second album Enjoy the Ride has sold over two million copies and spawned #1 hits with “Want To,” “SettlinҔ and “Stay”. Their third studio album, Love On The Inside will be released July 22nd. Sugarland is credited with co-writing all tracks from all three albums and co-producing the last two with Byron Gallimore. Their debut single from Love On The Inside, “All I Want To Do” is the highest country chart debut of their career. They have received trophies from the American Music Awards for “Breakthrough Favorite New Artist,” the Academy of Country Music for “New Duo/Group of the Year,” Single Record of the Year” (“Stay”), and “Song of the Year” (“Stay”), Country Music Television for “Collaborative Video of the Year” and “Duo Video of the Year,” and the Country Music Association for “Vocal Duo of the Year” and “Duo Video of the Year” (“Stay”). Nettles scored a Grammy in ‘07 for her collaboration with Bon Jovi for their #1 hit “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”. 

source: Mercury Records

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2009 Academy of Country Music Awards New Artist Winners

Academy of Country Music Awards

Julianne Hough, Jake Owen and Zac Brown Band have been named Top New Female Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group for the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards..  The three winners are now considered nominees for the Top New Artist award, which will be given out on the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. 

Julianne Hough, released her self-titled debut album, “Julianne Hough,” in May 2008 which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Album chart. Her Top New Female Vocalist nomination was her first Academy nomination.

Jake Owen’s fourth official single, “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You,” was released in August 2008 and is the first single from his second album entitled “Easy Does It.” He was nominated last year for Top New Male Vocalist and Vocal Event of the Year.

Winner of Top New Vocal Duo or Group, Zac Brown Band, released their fourth album, “The Foundation,” in November 2008. Their single “Chicken Fried” reached #1 on the country charts in November. This is their first nomination and win for an Academy of Country Music Award.

Each winner will perform and receive their trophy on the Sara Evans hosted GAC special, “ACM Top New Artists” premiering March 19 at 10pm ET.

Voting for Top New Artist takes place at www.VoteACM.com beginning March 16 and ends at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday April 5th.

source: Academy of Country Music

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2009 Academy of Country Music Awards Performers

Academy of Country Music Awards

2009 Academy of Country Music Awards performers will include Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Heidi Newfield, and Rascal Flatts.  The 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be held Sunday, April 5, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and broadcast live at 8:00 PM ET on CBS.  Buy Academy of Country Music Awards Tickets and be there for all the excitement.

Sugarland is nominated for Top Vocal Duo and Vocal Event of the Year.  Last year they won Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Stay” and were honored in 2005 with the Top New Vocal Duo or Group Award.

Toby Keith is nominated this year for Top Male Vocalist.  He has won eight Academy of Country Music Awards and took home the Entertainer of the Year honor in both 2002 and 2003.

Miranda Lambert is nominated for two Academy of Country Music Awards, one for Top Female Vocalist and the other for Single Record of the Year for “Gunpower & Lead.” Lambert won Album of the Year in 2007 for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Reba McEntire will return to host the show for the record eleventh time.  McEntire has won 12 Academy of Country Music Awards.  She has taken home the Entertainer of the Year Award and has been named Top Female Vocalist seven times.

Tim McGraw has won 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, including four wins for Top Male Vocalist.  McGraw was also honored with the Career Achievement Award in 2006.

Heidi Newfield is nominated for five Academy of Country Music awards this year, including Top Female Vocalist.  She is also nominated for Single Record of the Year from her debut album What Am I Waiting For and is nominated as an artist and composer for Song of the Year for “Johnny & June,” for which she is also nominated for Video of the Year.

Rascal Flatts has taken home seven Academy of Country Music Awards.  Last year the group was honored for their philanthropic work with The Home Depot Humanitarian Award.

source: Academy of Country Music

Taylor Swift is nominated for four Academy of Country Music awards in three categories including Top Female Vocalist, Album of the Year for Fearless (which she also produced) and Video of the Year for “Love Story.” She won Top New Female Vocalist last year. 

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Jamey Johnson : Downtown Shutdown

Jamey Johnson will be featured at the Downtown Shutdown on Commerce Street in Nashville on March 4, 2009, plus a live webcast at 11:30pm CST at jameyjohnson.com on March 5, 2009.  Johnson has sold-out every show he has headlined this year, playing to standing-room-only crowds who know every word to the songs on his critically acclaimed Mercury debut, That Lonesome Song.  “Getting on stage and connecting with music fans is what I live for,” says Johnson. “It is amazing to see how many people are showing up to see us play. It’s so cool when every person at the gig starts singing the words to these songs I’ve written. Sometimes the crowd is so loud I just let them have the song.”

Downtown Shutdown is free to the public, with the stage will be set up on Commerce Street between 4th and 5th Avenue in downtown Nashville. Universal Music Group will provide free food and drinks while supplies last.

Holly Williams will open the live Webcast at 11:00pm CST. Stemming from one of the most legendary families in country music, Williams will debut her first country record titled Here With Me this summer. Viewers will need to download the latest version of the Microsoft Silverlight player. The free download is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/resources/install.aspx.

In addition, Johnson will be opening shows next week for one of his heroes, the legendary Willie Nelson. “Every show has its own set of challenges,” says Johnson. “However, I’m confident that Willie and I will be able to weed through the difficulties and provide our audience with the best we have to offer each night.”

source:  Universal Music Group Nashville

Watch the ACountry interview with Jamey Johnson at the 2008 TJ Martell Ride for A Cure in Nashville

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George Strait : New Dallas Cowboys Stadium Grand Opening Concert

George Strait will headline the opening of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium on June 6, 2009 with a Texas-sized extravaganza also featuring Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, and Julianne Hough. “George Strait is one of the most successful and prolific country music artists of all time,” said Jerry Jones, Owner of the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.  “We wanted one of the greatest entertainers in the world to open what we believe is going to be one of the greatest sports and entertainment venue in the world.”

“I grew up in South Texas and have always been a Dallas Cowboys fan,” said Strait.  “I have a lot of great memories from playing the many shows we did at Texas Stadium, as well as watching America’s team win their share of Super Bowls.  I am very excited about having the opportunity to do the first concert ever in the magnificent new Cowboys stadium and share this momentous occasion with all the incredible country music fans in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.”

Buy George Strait New Cowboys Stadium tickets and be part of history!

Tickets go on sale Feb. 28, 2009.  On the day of the event parking lots will open at 2 pm, the stadium doors will open at 4 pm with showtime at 5:30 pm.

Earlier this year, Strait’s Troubadour was named “Best Country Album” during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.  On April 6, he will receive the Academy of Country Music’s ‘Artist of the Decade’ award in recognition of his record-breaking career.  He also received four additional ACM nominations this year.  Strait has won 19 ACM Awards including “Entertainer of the Year” in 1990. 

With a career that spans more than 25 years, he holds the record for the most Number One hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.  He has sold more than 67 million records, garnering him 32 different platinum or multi-platinum albums resulting in the most RIAA platinum certification in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. 

Reba McEntire is one of the most successful female recording artists in history, selling over 55 million albums worldwide and boasting 33 #1 hits.  McEntire is the winner of 2 Grammy Awards, 7 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and 15 American Music Awards. She is also an acclaimed film, television and Broadway actress whose primetime comedy, Reba, was a top-rated sitcom for six seasons.  In addition, McEntire is a celebrated author and designer of the REBA brand which includes clothing, footwear, home collections, and other products.

Blake Shelton has released five studio albums, his most recent Startin’ Fires in November 2008.  His current hit single, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” is number three on the country singles charts and climbing, the follow up to his multi-week #1 with “Home.” Shelton’s hits include his six-week #1 debut single, “Austin,” and three additional multi-week #1 singles with “The Baby,” “Some Beach” and “Home.”

Julianne Hough recently topped both the country and Top 200 charts with her self-titled debut album, as well as with the infectious debut single “That Song In My Head.” Her first holiday album, The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection, was a top-selling Christmas release for Target stores.

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2009 Academy of Country Music Awards Nominations

Academy of Country Music Awards

2009 Academy of Country Music Awards nominations were announced at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame(R) and Museum in Nashville by Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes and Jessica Simpson.  Brad Paisley leads with six nominations; Heidi Newfield with five nominations; Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson and George Strait with 4 nominations; Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban with 3 nominations; Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, James Otto, Jake Owen, Taylor Swift and Sugarland each received 2 nominations

The 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be held Sunday, April 5, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and broadcast live at 8:00 PM ET on CBS.  Buy Academy of Country Music Awards Tickets and be there for all the excitement.

For the first time ever, the three newcomer categories for the Annual Academy of Country Music Awards—Top New Female Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group - will be opened up to interactive fan voting on GACTV.com, beginning Friday, February 13. The winners will then move on to compete in a new category, Top New Artist. For the second year, fans will also select the winner of the Academy’s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year. Online voting will be available at www.voteACM.com, and this year fans will also be able to text their votes for Entertainer of the Year during the broadcast. The winners of each category will be announced live during the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Brad Paisley led with six nominations, including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist. In addition, Paisley was nominated for Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year for “Waitin’ on a Woman,” and Vocal Event of the Year for “Start a Band” with Keith Urban. Paisley is the reigning Top Male Vocalist.

Heidi Newfield is nominated for five awards, including Top Female Vocalist. She is also nominated for Single Record of the Year and is nominated as an artist and composer for Song of the Year for “Johnny & June,” for which she is also nominated for Video of the Year.

Kenny Chesney is nominated for four awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist and as an artist and producer for Vocal Event of the Year for “Down the Road” with Mac McAnally. If Chesney wins Entertainer of the Year, it will be his fifth consecutive win, which will tie Alabama for the most consecutive wins in this category.

Jamey Johnson received four nominations, including Top New Male Vocalist, Single Record of the Year and as an artist and composer for Song of the Year for “In Color.” This is the first time Johnson has been nominated as an artist. He previously won an Academy of Country Music Award in 2006 for Song of the Year for “Give It Away,” which was recorded by George Strait.

George Strait received four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist and Song of the Year for “I Saw God Today.” He is also nominated for Video of the Year for “Troubadour.” If Strait wins Entertainer of the Year, it will be his second win in that category, previously winning the award in 1989. Strait has also been named the Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade and will be honored in a television special to air later in the year on CBS.

Carrie Underwood is nominated for three awards, including Entertainer of Year. If Underwood wins Entertainer of the Year, she will be only the 7th female to take the award; previous winners include Loretta Lynn in 1975, Reba McEntire in 1994 and most recently the Dixie Chicks in 2000. Underwood is also nominated for Top Female Vocalist, and her video “Just a Dream” is nominated for Video of the Year. If she wins Top Female Vocalist, it will be the third consecutive year she has won the category.

Keith Urban received three nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist and Vocal Event of the Year for his duet with Brad Paisley for “Start a Band.” Urban is a five-time ACM award winner, including Top Male Vocalist in 2004 and 2005, Album of the Year in 2004 and Top New Male Artist in 2000. If he wins Entertainer of the Year, he will be eligible for the Triple Crown Award, the Academy’s recognition of those who have taken Top New Artist, Top Artist and Entertainer of the Year awards.

Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, James Otto, Jake Owen, Taylor Swift and Sugarland are each nominated for two awards. Adkins is nominated for Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Brooks & Dunn are nominated for Top Vocal Duo and Vocal Event of the Year. If they win Top Vocal Duo, it will be their 16th straight win in the category. Little Big Town received two nominations for Top Vocal Group and Vocal Event of the Year. James Otto—a first-time nominee—is nominated for Top New Male Vocalist and as a producer for Song of the Year for “In Color.” Jake Owen is nominated for Top New Male Vocalist and Vocal Event of the Year, and was previously nominated for Top New Male Vocalist in 2007. Swift is nominated in two categories including Top Female Vocalist, and her video “Love Story” is nominated for Video of the Year. She won Top New Female Vocalist last year. Sugarland is nominated for Top Vocal Duo and Vocal Event of the Year. Last year they won Single Record of the Year for “Stay.”

Members of the Academy of Country Music select the nominees and winners of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, and select the final top five nominees of the Entertainer of the Year category and the top three nominees in newcomer categories, Top New Female Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group. Presenters and performers who will appear at the ceremony will be announced at a later date. As previously announced, Reba McEntire will return for an unprecedented 11th time to host this year’s show.

44th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES

Entertainer of the Year

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

Top Male Vocalist

Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban

Top Female Vocalist

Miranda Lambert
Heidi Newfield
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack

Top Vocal Group

Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Randy Rogers Band
The Lost Trailers

Top Vocal Duo

Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Joey & Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland

Top New Male Vocalist

Jamey Johnson
James Otto
Jake Owen

Top New Female Vocalist

Sarah Buxton
Julianne Hough
Ashton Shepherd

Top New Vocal Duo or Group

Eli Young Band
The Lost Trailers
Zac Brown Band

Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

Gunpowder & Lead - Miranda Lambert, Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke

In Color - Jamey Johnson, Produced by The Ken Hardley Playboys

Johnny & June - Heidi Newfield, Produced by Tony Brown

Waitin’ On A Woman - Brad Paisley, Produced by Frank Rogers

You’re Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins, Produced by Frank Rogers

Song of the Year [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

I Saw God Today - George Strait
Composers:  Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby
Publishers:  Big Red Toe Music (BMI), Blind Mule Music (BMI), Extremely Loud Music (BMI), Steel Wheels Music (BMI)

In Color - Jamey Johnson
Composers:  Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller, James Otto
Publishers: Big Gassed Hitties (BMI), Eldorotto Music Publishing (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lucky Thumb Music (BMI), New Song of Sea Gayle (BMI), Noah’s Little Boat Music (BMI)

Johnny & June - Heidi Newfield
Composers:  Deanna Bryant, Heidi Newfield, Stephony Smith
Publishers:  Amylase Music (ASCAP), Big Hit Makers Music (BMI), Rainy Graham Publishing LLC (BMI), Souljet Music Tell Texas Tune III (ASCAP)

Waitin’ On A Woman - Brad Paisley
Composers:  Don Sampson, Wynn Varble
Publishers:  EMI April Music, Inc. (ASCAP), Sea Gayle Music LLC (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)

You’re Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins
Composers:  Ashley Gorley and Lee Thomas Miller
Publishers:  EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Music of Windswept (ASCAP), Noah’s Little Boat Music (BMI), Song of Combustion (ASCAP), Songs of Sea Gayle (BMI)

Video of the Year [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

Johnny & June - Heidi Newfield
Producer:  Karen Martin
Director:  Eric Welch

Just A Dream - Carrie Underwood
Producer:  Randy Brewer
Director:  Roman White

Love Story - Taylor Swift
Producer:  Trent Hardville
Director:  Trey Fanjoy

Troubadour - George Strait
Producer:  Dominic Cancilla
Director:  Trey Fanjoy

Waitin’ On A Woman - Brad Paisley
Producer:  Mark Kalbfeld, Jim Shea
Director:  Jim Shea, Peter Tilden

Vocal Event of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

Another Try - Josh Turner Featuring Trisha Yearwood
Produced by: Frank Rogers
MCA Nashville

Cowgirls Don’t Cry - Brooks & Dunn Featuring Reba McEntire
Produced by: Kix Brooks, Tony Brown, Ronnie Dunn
Arista Nashville

Down The Road - Kenny Chesney With Mac McAnally
Produced by:  Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Blue Chair/BNA

Life In A Northern Town - Sugarland Featuring Little Big Town & Jake Owen
Produced by: Not listed
Mercury

Start A Band - Brad Paisley Duet With Keith Urban
Produced by: Frank Rogers
Arista Nashville

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - NATIONAL

Blair Garner - After MidNite with Blair Garner
Crook & Chase - Crook and Chase Countdown
Danny Wright - Danny Wright All Night
Lon Helton - Country Countdown USA

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - MAJOR MARKET

KEEY.FM (Minneapolis, MN) - Donna Valentine, Muss and Fish
KSCS.FM (Arlington, TX) - Dorsey Gang
KSON.FM (San Diego, CA) - Cliff & Company: Cliff, Morgan, Tanner and Tori
KYGO.FM (Denver, CO) - Kelly Ford & Mudflap McGrew with Ed Greene
WIL .FM (St. Louis, MO) - The Cornbread Show featuring Cornbread, Pat James, Producer Annie, Captain Mac Douglas & Father Harry Shroeder

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - LARGE MARKET

WFMS.FM (Indianapolis, IN) - JD Cannon
WFMS.FM (Indianapolis, IN) - Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt & Kevin Freeman
WMIL.FM (Milwaukee, WI) - Karen, Scott & Radar ? The Moo Crew
WTQR.FM (Greensboro, NC) - Jeff Roper & Angie Ward
WUBE.FM (Cincinnati, OH) - Chris Carr & Amanda Orlando

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - MEDIUM MARKET

WBBS.FM (Syracuse, NY) - Tom and Becky ? B104.7 Morning Show
WBCT.FM (Grand Rapids, MI) - The Electric Barnyard with Broadway (and Crawl)
KFDI.FM (Wichita, KS) - Brian Pierce & Kellie Michaels
WIVK.FM (Knoxville, TN) - Gunner
WIVK.FM (Knoxville, TN) - Andy Ritchie, Alison West, Jimmy Holt

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - SMALL MARKET

KUAD.FM (Ft. Collins, CO) - Brian Gary and Todd Harding (The Good Morning Guys)
WCTY.FM (Norwich, CT) - Jimmy Lane and Shelly Martinez
WFYR.FM (Peoria, IL) - Rick Stephenson & Lisa Franks
WOKQ.FM (Dover, NH) - Mark & Danielle
WYCT.FM (Pensacola, FL) - Brent Lane and Dana Cervantes

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR - MAJOR MARKET

KMPS.FM (Seattle, WA) - Today’s Country
KYGO.FM (Denver, CO) - Denver’s #1 For New Country
WKLB.FM (Boston, MA) - Country 102.5
WQYK.FM (Tampa, FL) - Tampa Bay’s Country Station
WSOC.FM (Charlotte, NC) - Charlotte’s # 1 Country

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR - LARGE MARKET

WFMS.FM (Indianapolis, IN) - The Country Station
WMIL.FM (Milwaukee, WI) - Continuous Country Favorites of Yesterday and Today
WQDR.FM (Raleigh, NC) - Today’s Best Country
WSIX.FM (Nashville, TN) - The Big 98 WSIX
WUBE.FM (Cincinnati, OH) - Cincinnati’s Country!

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR - MEDIUM MARKET

KFDI.FM (Wichita, KS) - Today’s KFDI
KUZZ AM/FM (Bakersfield, CA) - Bakersfield’s Best Country
WGNA.FM (Albany, NY) - Country 107.7
WIVK.FM (Knoxville, TN) - Today’s Best Music and the All?Time Country Legends
WYRK.FM (Buffalo, NY) - Today’s Country & Your All Time Favorites

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR - SMALL MARKET

WFYR.FM (Peoria, IL) - River Country
WKXC.?FM (Augusta, GA) - Number One for New Country and More Variety
WXCL.FM (Peoria, IL) - Number One For New Country
WXXQ.FM (Rockford, IL) - Rockford’s Country
WYCT.FM (Pensacola, FL) - Cat Country

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Buddy Cannon
Dann Huff
Frank Rogers
Nathan Chapman
Tony Brown

AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

Chuck Ainlay
Greg Droman
John Kelton
Mills Logan
Steve Marcantonio

TOP BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Dave Hungate
Glenn Worf
Jimmie Lee Sloas
Larry Paxton
Mike Brignardello

TOP PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

Chad Cromwell
Eddie Bayers
Greg Morrow
Lonnie Wilson
Paul Leim

TOP FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Aubrey Haynie
Joe Spivey
Jonathan Yudkin
Larry Franklin
Rob Hajacos

TOP GUITARIST OF THE YEAR

Brett Mason
Bryan Sutton
J.T. Corenflos
Kenny Greenberg
Tom Bukovac

TOP PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Gordon Mote
John Hobbs
John Jarvis
Steve Nathan
Tony Harrell

TOP SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Eric Darken
Ilya Toshinsky
Jelly Roll Johnson
Randy Kohrs
Rob Ickes

TOP STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Bruce Bouton
Dan Dugmore
Mike Johnson
Russ Pahl
Steve Hinson

VENUE OF THE YEAR

DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI
Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion - Gilford, NH
The Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek - Raleigh, NC
Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheatre - Virginia Beach, VA

NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace - Bakersfield, CA
Coyote Joe’s - Charlotte, NC
Joe’s Bar - Chicago, IL
The Grizzly Rose - Denver, CO
Wild Bill’s - Duluth, GA

CASINO OF THE YEAR

Casino Rama - Orillia, Ontario
Chumash Casino - Santa Ynez, CA
Mystic Lake - Minneapolis, MN
The Peppermill Resorts at Wendover - West Wendover, NV
Turning Stone Casino - Verona, NY

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR

David Snowden - Triangle Talent
Fran Romeo - Romeo Entertainment
Gary Osier - Gary Osier Presents
Suzanne Wilson - Wilson Events
Todd Boltin - Variety Attractions

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR

Ben Farrell - Varnell Enterprises
Darin Lashinsky - Outback Concerts
Gary Weinberger - Red Mountain Entertainment
Louis Messina - The Messina Group
Steve Moore - AEGLive

The 44th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. 

Artist Pages

Kenny Chesney

Brad Paisley

George Strait

Carrie Underwood

Event Tickets

Buy Academy of Country Music Awards Tickets

Backstage at ARF St Louis Benefit Concert

St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa (left) and Huey Lewis (right) spend a moment backstage with Global Spectrum’s Bob Kehm (center), Assistant General Manager of Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University, following the St. Louis Stars to the Rescue Benefit Concert for LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) on January 18, 2009.  The event also featured Vince Gill & Amy Grant, Lady Antebellum, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin & Dave Amato, Marc Russo, Lewis Black, and Kathleen Madigan.  (photo by Todd Owyoung)

ARF saves the lives of loving dogs and cats that have run out of time at public shelters and gives another chance at life to dogs and cats that otherwise would be killed. ARF provides the care and attention they need, including spay or neuter surgery, until ARF finds them a new home of their own. ARF’s People Connect programs strengthen the human animal bond for the elderly, residents of assisted living centers, teens at juvenile hall, high school students, grade school students and young children through programs that are national models of excellence. ARF programs allow people to experience the unconditional love and acceptance of dogs and cats. People Rescuing Animals...Animals Rescuing People…

To make a difference in the lives of both animals and people, please consider donating online to ARF.

Artist Pages

Vince Gill

Related Event Pages

ARF Stars To The Rescue St. Louis

George Strait : Troubadour Video

George Strait’s Troubadour video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, reflects on his life as a troubadour -"I was a young troubadour when I rode in on a song / I’ll be an old troubadour when I’m gone.”
The video includes performance footage and photos from various points in Strait’s career, including the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.  ACountry salutes George Strait for winning his first Grammy (finally!) as Troubadour won Best Country Album at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on February 7, 2009.  Be sure to catch the Troubadour on tour - Buy George Strait tickets and see for yourself why George Strait is the Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade.

Taylor Swift : White Horse Video

Taylor Swift’s White Horse video focuses on being rejected in a relationship.  The video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, features “Laguna Beach” and “One Tree Hill” star Stephen Colletti as Taylor’s boyfriend. 
The point of the story is summed up in the line “I’m not a princess, this ain’t a fairy tale.”

The video includes flashbacks to her boyfriend attempting to make amends to her over the phone, begging for another chance. As the video progresses, scene flashes show Swift and Colletti in a happy relationship. Later on, Swift is telling her friend how wonderful he is. Her friend tells her that he is notorious for cheating on other girls. The scene changes to Taylor walking down a wet street to her boyfriend’s house to see another girl there. The video shows Swift in tears again and flashes back to the beginning, but she responds, “No,” and hangs up,

Don’t miss your chance to see Taylor Swift live - Buy Taylor Swift Fearless Tour tickets and join the fun! 

Sugarland Love On The Inside CMT Sweepstakes

Get ready for more Love On The Inside with your chance to win a trip to see Sugarland plus a romantic dinner for two.  The Sugarland Love On The Inside Sweepstakes features a trip for two to a Sugarland concert, including roundtrip airfare, two nights hotel stay, two Sugarland concert tickets, 2 Sugarland meet and greet tickets, a romantic dinner for two, and a Sugarland prize pack.  Click to enter.

Get a little love now - watch Sugarland’s new video, Love.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive: (a) a trip for two (2) for the Grand Prize Winner and one (1) guest (the “Guest") to a Sugarland concert scheduled in the city closest to the Grand Prize Winner (as determined by UMG), but subject to change in Sponsors’ sole discretion. If Grand Prize Winner is a resident of a jurisdiction that deems him/her to be a minor, he/she must be accompanied by his/her parent/legal guardian and such person must pay his/her own expenses unless deemed to be the allotted Guest. The trip for two (2) will include: (i) roundtrip coach class air transportation for Grand Prize Winner and Guest which shall originate from an airport of UMG’s choice nearest Grand Prize Winner’s residence (as determined by UMG) to the closest concert city (as determined by UMG). UMG reserves the right to substitute ground transportation for air transportation if the Grand Prize Winner resides within 200 miles of the closest concert city; (ii) two (2) nights standard hotel accommodations at a hotel in the closest concert city (as determined by UMG) for Grand Prize Winner and Guest which shall be one room, based on double occupancy (meals, telephone calls, tips and other incidentals and costs are not included); (iii) two (2) Sugarland concert tickets; (iv) two (2) passes for a meet and greet with Sugarland; (v) one (1) romantic dinner for two (2) at a restaurant in the closest concert city (as determined by MTVN); and (vi) a Sugarland prize package consisting of miscellaneous products, collectively (the “Grand Prize” or “Grand Prizes").

Sugarland Love On The Inside Sweepstakes Official Rules

Artist Pages

Sugarland

Related Event Pages

Sugarland : Love On The Inside Tour

Event Tickets

Buy Sugarland Tickets

Blake Shelton : She Wouldn’t Be Gone Video

Blake Shelton’s “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” video is the first single from Startin’ Fires.  The powerful vocals and hard-driving beat relays the heart wrenching pain of love lost and how it didn’t have to be. The song was written by Jennifer Adan and Cory Batten.

This is one of the coolest songs I’ve ever cut as far as being unique and from a fresh place,” says Shelton.  “I love to sing songs about regret – always have – and mistakes you make along the way.  It’s extremely emotional and has a little different slant on things the guy could have done right along the way.”

She Wouldn’t Be Gone is Blake Shelton’s second consecutive Number One hit, following on the success of “Home.” His other number one hits are “Austin,” “The Baby,” and “Some Beach.”

KILT Raises $503,179 for St. Jude

ACountry salutes Houston’s KILT as their 2009 Big Country Cure for Kids St. Jude Radiothon raised $503,179 on January 29-30, 2009.  Thanks to the generosity of Houston country music fans for once again opening their hears and wallets for this worthy cause.  You can still become a partner in hope by making an online donation.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world.

Thousands of children have benefited from the cutting-edge research and treatment at St. Jude since its opening in 1962. As a Partner in Hope, you will join a select group of committed donors who pay for chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries that St. Jude patients desperately need.  Today, as always, no child admitted to St. Jude is ever turned away because of his or her family’s inability to pay for life-saving medical care.

Watch Big Country Cure for Kids St. Jude Radiothon interview

Country Cares

St. Jude web site

KILT web site

Taylor Swift Fearless Tour

Location: Taylor Swift Tour Dates
Start Date: Tue, February 10, 2009
End Date: Sat, October 10, 2009
Buy Taylor Swift Tickets

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s Fearless Tour will include a theatrical presentation of graphics, sets and visual elements designed by Taylor, including a fairy-tale castle illuminated by more than a million lumens of light.  The tour will hit 52 cities over a six month span, kicking off April 23, 2009 in Evansville, Indiana.  Prior to the tour launch in late April, Taylor will play three US headlining shows, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

“Headlining my own tour is a dream come true! This way I can play more music every night than I ever have before,” says Taylor. “Having written my own songs, they are all stories in my head, and my goal for this tour is to bring those stories to life. My favorite thing when I go to a concert is having lots of changing things to look at, so I’ve been working really hard to make this show as multi-dimensional as possible. I want to be sure that everyone has the opportunity to come see my show, so we have affordable tickets available for every date we do this year.”

The tour will feature Taylor’s good friend, American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler, on all of the dates, plus another special guest, Gloriana.

When her self-titled, sophomore album debuted at number one on Billboard’s Country Album Chart in the fall of 2008, Kellie Pickler became only the sixth country artist in history to have both their first and second albums debut at number one. Pickler’s hits include “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder,” and “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.”

Gloriana consists of four uniquely talented and enthusiastic young musicians with soaring four-part harmonies and an electric stage presence.  Their first single, “Wild At Heart”, is just arriving at Country radio.

Taylor Swift Fearless Tour Dates:

Mar 20 ..... Houston, TX ..... Reliant Stadium Buy tickets

Apr 23 ..... Evansville, IN ..... Roberts Stadium Buy tickets

Apr 24 ..... Jonesboro, AR
Apr 25 ..... St Louis, MO ..... Scottrade Center Buy tickets

Apr 30 ..... Charleston, SC ..... North Charleston Coliseum Buy tickets

May 01 ..... Jacksonville, FL ..... Jacksonville Memorial Veterans Arena Buy tickets

May 02 ..... Biloxi, MS ..... Mississippi Coast Coliseum Buy tickets

May 14 ..... Spokane, WA ..... Spokane Arena Buy tickets

May 15 ..... Seattle, WA ..... Key Arena Buy tickets

May 16 ..... Portland ,OR ..... Rose Garden Arena Buy tickets

May 17 ..... Nampa, ID ..... Idaho Center Buy tickets

May 21 ..... Phoenix, AZ ..... Jobing.com Arena Buy tickets

May 22 ..... Los Angeles, CA ..... Staples Center Buy tickets

May 23 ..... Las Vegas, NV ..... Mandalay Bay Events Center Buy tickets

May 24 ..... San Diego, CA ..... San Diego Sports Arena Buy tickets

May 26 ..... Salt Lake City, UT
Jun 04 ..... Enterprise, AL
Jun 05 ..... Cincinatti, OH ..... US Bank Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 06 ..... Detroit, MI ..... Palace of Auburn Hills Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 07 ..... Ft. Wayne, IN ..... Allen County Memorial Coliseum Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 11 ..... Baltimore, MD..... First Mariner Arena Buy tickets

Jun 12 ..... Greensboro, NC ..... Greensboro Colisuem Buy tickets

Jun 13 ..... Atlanta, GA ..... Philips Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 24 ..... Oshkosh, WI
Jun 25 ..... Caddott, WI ..... North Dakota State Fair Buy tickets

Jun 27 ..... Des Moines, IA ..... Wells Fargo Arena Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jun 28 ..... Moline, IL ..... iWireless Center Buy tickets Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Jul 08 ..... Calgary, Alberta
Jul 10 ..... Craven, Saskatchewan
Jul 11 ..... Winnipeg, Manitoba
Jul 16 ..... Twin Lakes, WI
Jul 17 ..... Columbus, OH
Jul 18 ..... Charleston, WV ..... Charleston Civic Center Buy tickets

Jul 23 ..... Cheyenne, WY ..... Cheyenne Frontier Days Buy tickets

Jul 24 ..... Rapid City, SD ..... Rushmore Plaza Buy tickets

Jul 25 ..... Minot, ND
Aug 07 ..... Detroit Lakes, MN
Aug 09 ..... Omaha, NE ..... Qwest Center Buy tickets

Aug 27 ..... New York, NY ..... Madison Square Garden Buy tickets

Aug 28 ..... Uncasville, CT ..... Mohegan Sun Arena Buy tickets

Aug 29 ..... University Park, PA ..... Bryce Jordan Center Buy tickets

Aug 30 ..... Louisville, KY
Sep 04 ..... Greenville, SC ..... Bi-Lo Center Buy tickets

Sep 05 ..... Charlotte, NC ..... Time Warner Cable Arena Buy tickets

Sep 09 ..... Lafayette, LA ..... Cajundome
Sep 10 ..... Bossier City, LA ..... Centurytel Arena Buy tickets

Sep 11 ..... Birmingham, AL ..... BJCC Arena Buy tickets

Sep 25 ..... Dallas, TX
Sep 26 ..... Little Rock, AR
Sep 27 ..... Tulsa, OK ..... BOK Center Buy tickets

Oct 01 ..... Cleveland, OH ..... Quicken Loans Arena Buy tickets

Oct 02 ..... Grand Rapids, MI
Oct 03 ..... Pittsburgh, PA ..... Mellon Arena Buy tickets

Oct 08 ..... Indianapolis, IN ..... Conseco Fieldhouse Buy tickets

Oct 09 ..... Chicago, IL
Oct 10 ..... Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN ..... Target Center Buy tickets

completed dates
Feb 10 ..... San Antonio, TX ..... AT&T Center
Mar 01 ..... Plant City, FL ..... Florida Strawberry Festival

Event Tickets

Buy Taylor Swift Tickets

Related Stories

Taylor Swift : White Horse Video

Sugarland : Love Video

Sugarland’s Love video is the third single from Love On The Inside.  Jennifer Nettles’ powerhouse pipes take center stage in this ballad. And that strength comes though in the form of questions, about how you can possibly define love. Is it the face of a child? Kindness in the eyes of a stranger? In a hotel room in Washington D.C., when Sugarland was chasing down the theme of the whole album, the topic of love came up. “No way could you ever narrow it down,” Nettles says of their writing time with Tim Owens (“Settlin’). There’’s love lost, love found, new and old loves. So this tune gets right in the middle, and makes some reaches musically. Kristian Bush’’s powerful voice is featured for the second half of this song. “"When we were writing the back half, Jen said ‘I want you to sing these words I wrote just for you,” recalls Bush.” “I will always feel special singing those words.””

Stars Shine For Country Cares

Some of Nashville’s brightest stars traveled west on Music Highway to join representatives from more than 200 country music radio stations at the 2009 Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Seminar in Memphis.  Celebrating its 20th year, the fundraising program brings together all facets of the music industry and has raised more than $345 million to find cures and save children with life-threatening diseases. 

More than 800 participants from across the country attended, including Lee Ann Womack, Richie McDonald, Lady Antebellum, Chris Young, Heidi Newfield, SheDaisy, Point of Grace, Jason Michael Carroll and Randy Owen of the GRAMMY® Award-winning group Alabama.  Owen co-founded Country Cares in 1989 after meeting St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, who asked him to play a part in curing childhood cancer.

“I’m so proud that the music that helped me put bread on my table and have a career is the same music and the same fans, to a certain degree, that have made incredible contributions to Country Cares,” Randy Owen said.  “I look forward to the future.  I absolutely know we’re making a difference in a very positive way.”

Making a surprise appearance, country music star and devoted St. Jude supporter Keith Urban joined Owen and Richie McDonald – also a long-time crusader on behalf of St. Jude – and performed at the highly anticipated Songwriters’ Dinner Saturday evening.  The dinner, which concluded the seminar’s three days of activities, also featured sponsor recognition and honored radio stations and individuals that have championed the fundraising program since its inception.

Twenty five radio stations have partnered with Country Cares since its start 20 years ago including: WQYK of Tampa, Fla.; WKAK of Albany, Ga.; WSTH of Columbus, Ga.; WKKT of Charlotte, N.C.; WKML of Fayetteville, N.C.; WPAP of Panama City, Fla.; WDEN of Macon, Ga.; WAMZ of Louisville, Ken.; WTCR of Huntington, W.Va.; WWMS of Tupelo, Miss.; KHLS of Blytheville, Ark.; KAMS of Thayer, Mo.; WGKX of Memphis; WIL of St. Louis, Mo.; KCLR of Columbia, Mo.; KEZS of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; WUSY of Chattanooga, Tenn.; WSIX of Nashville; WIVK of Knoxville, Tenn.; WFMB of Springfield, Ill.; KXKZ of Ruston, La.; KMDL of Lafayette, La.; KSON of San Diego, Calif.; KMPS of Seattle, Wash., and KDRK of Spokane, Wash.

Eight industry professionals, who first heeded Owen’s call to action, are considered to be the pioneers of Country Cares. Gene Bridges, Greg Fowler, Joe Galante, Lon Helton, Rhubarb Jones, Don Langford, Bill Mayne and Barry Mardit were honored at the Songwriters’ Dinner.  Owen and David L. McKee, chief operating officer and interim CEO of ALSAC, were also presented with awards in recognition of two decades of dedication to Country Cares.

The first Country Cares event was designed as a nationally syndicated radiothon and it raised $1 million for St. Jude.  However, these pioneers knew the country music industry and its fans were eager to do more, and the program has expanded today to local markets across the country.

Although Country Cares radiothons across the country are held year-round, the majority will begin the week of January 26, 2009 and continue through June 2009.  These events typically last two days and feature St. Jude patient stories, story song vignettes and radio station promotions.

Since 1989, hundreds of country artists have given their names and time to the program through recorded appeals, visits to the children at the hospital or call-ins to radiothons.

“When Country Cares began, the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was approaching 73 percent; today, it’s 94 percent,” said Teri Watson, senior director of radio and entertainment marketing for ALSAC/St. Jude, the hospital’s fundraising organization.  “But something else has increased over the course of 20 years, and that’s the hospital’s daily operating cost.  It’s grown from $169,000 in 1989 to nearly $1.4 million in 2009.  Now more than ever we need the support of the listeners of our Country Cares radio station partners so St. Jude can reach its goal of pushing the overall cure rate of all childhood cancer to 90 percent in the next decade.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

Houston Rodeo Concerts

Location: One Reliant Park, Houston, Texas 77054
Start Date: Tue, March 03, 2009
End Date: Sun, March 22, 2009
Buy Houston Rodeo Tickets

Rodeo Houston

The 2009 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo concert lineup features some of music’s brightest stars.  Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and Reba McEntire anchor a star-filled lineup which includes Alan Jackson, Clay Walker, Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum, Toby Keith, Clint Black, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Gary Allan, Pat Green, and Brooks & Dunn.

Tickets for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are on sale now.

2009 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo concert lineup:

Tues Mar 3 ..... Rascal Flatts Buy tickets

Wed Mar 4 ..... Alan Jackson Buy tickets

Thu Mar 5 ..... Clay Walker Buy tickets

Fri Mar 6 ..... Gladys Knight/Solange Buy tickets

Sat Mar 7 ..... Trace Adkins Buy tickets

Sun Mar 8 ..... Jonas Brothers Buy tickets

Mon Mar 9 ..... Lady Antebellum Buy tickets

Tue Mar 10 ..... Toby Keith Buy tickets

Wed Mar 11 ..... Reba McEntire Buy tickets

Thu Mar 12 ..... Brad Paisley Buy tickets

Fri Mar 13 .....Clint Black Buy tickets

Sat Mar 14 ..... Josh Turner Buy tickets

Sun Mar 15 ..... Ramon Ayala / Alacranes Musical Buy tickets

Mon Mar 16 ..... Darius Rucker Buy tickets

Tue Mar 17 ..... Keith Urban Buy tickets

Wed Mar 18 ..... Gary Allan Buy tickets

Thu Mar 19 ..... Pat Green Buy tickets

Fri Mar 20 .....Taylor Swift Buy tickets

Sat Mar 21 ..... Brooks & Dunn Buy tickets

Sun Mar 22 ..... ZZ Top Buy tickets

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a 501 (c)(3) charitable event, committed to benefiting youth and supporting education throughout the state. Since presenting its first scholarship in 1957, the Show has committed more than $220 million in educational support to the youth of Texas.

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2008 Houston Rodeo Concert Lineup

2007 Houston Rodeo Concert Lineup

2006 Houston Rodeo Concert Lineup

2005 Houston Rodeo Concert Lineup

Watch Your Favorite Country Videos

ACountry presents a selection of top country music videos for your enjoyment.  Check out videos from artists like Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn, Sara Evans, and Carrie Underwood.  New videos are added periodically.

2009 Stagecoach Festival Lineup

The 2009 lineup for Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival-Powered by Toyota Tundra, includes Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Reba and Kid Rock. The third annual Stagecoach festival will be held Saturday, April 25, 2009 and Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. 

Additional announced performers include Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Poco (Richie Furay, Jim Messina, Rusty Young, Paul Cotton, Jack Sundrud and George Lawrence), Charlie Daniels Band, Darius Rucker, Earl Scruggs, Chris Cagle, Lady Antebellum, Reverend Horton Heat, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Stanley, Lynn Anderson, Doyle Lawson, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Danielle Peck, Dale Watson, Zac Brown Band, The Duhks, Waddie Mitchell, Randy Houser, Hot Club of Cowtown and James Intveld.

Alongside the wide variety of musical options--the critically acclaimed gathering features artists from the genres of mainstream country, bluegrass, folk, roots rock and alt-country in three performance areas--concert-goers will experience a weekend of fun for the entire family.  Stagecoach also includes a leading BBQ competition and expanded camping area with amenities exclusive to campers.

Last year’s Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) sanctioned Stagecoach Invitational BBQ Championship cook-off featured nearly 50 teams from across America competing for the official KCBS California state championship. By purchasing a five “taste ticket” pack, concert-goers experienced a variety of BBQ choices including chicken, tri tip, ribs and beans.  Each taste ticket includes the ability to cast one vote for their favorite team.

Due to overwhelming demand, the Stagecoach RV camping was also expanded last year to accommodate the number of music fans who chose to stay on site; more than 4000 RVs filled the area.  Some of last year’s camping amenities included:  WiFi access, an internet and re-charge tent, a 21-and-over clubhouse and cantina with Bloody Mary breakfasts, rest rooms with showers, potable water trucks and holding tanks. Festival attendees staying in the RV and camping area were also allowed “in & out” privileges throughout the weekend.

In just two years, Stagecoach has joined the ranks of top U.S. destination festivals.  The Los Angeles Times (5/6/08) noted:  “Stagecoach brought an impressively wide range of performers together across its three stages: young and old, mainstream and fringe, traditional and experimental…The talent lineup also tested the limits of what defines ‘country’ music.” USA Today (5/5/08) said STAGECOACH has “found a national identity…on the same polo field as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.” And the Orange County Register (5/3/08) added, “Stagecoach…should be considered a smashing success. Indeed, years from now this second outing may be viewed as the turning point for the budding Americana monolith…The achievement of this year’s three-day and more rock-embracing Stagecoach, however, is much more significant. It has proven that a refined, downscaled (yet in other ways expanded) version of that concept can become every bit as much an eagerly anticipated cornucopia as its sister festival has been for years.”

Tickets for Stagecoach go on sale Friday, November 14 at 10:00 AM (PT) at all Ticketmaster locations.  Ticket prices start at just $99.00 for two-day passes.  A variety of reserved seating, camping and RV packages are also available; to view a complete breakdown of available ticketing and onsite camping/RV options, please visit www.Stagecoachfestival.com.

source:  MSOPR

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Brad Paisley

Reba McEntire

Kid Rock

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Stagecoach Festival

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Sugarland : Already Gone Video

Sugarland’s Already Gone video is the second single from Love On The Inside.  Written by Jennifer Nettles, Kristian Bush, and Bobby Pinson, the song describes relationships and good moments passing by.  The video was directred by Shaun Silva.

Sugarland’s Love On The Inside Tour kicks off September 13.

ARF Stars To The Rescue St. Louis

Location: Chaifetz Arena : St. Louis, MO
Start Date: Sun, January 18, 2009
End Date: Sun, January 18, 2009
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Stars To The Rescue

Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) presents a great night of entertainment for a great cause at ARF’s Stars to the Rescue St. Louis gala. Please join host Tony La Russa, manager of the 2006 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, MO.  Stars to the Rescue St. Louis features Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Huey Lewis of The News, Kevin Cronin and Dave Amato of REO Speedwagon, Kathleen Madigan, Lewis Black, and Marc Russo. Tickets are priced at $250, $55, $40, and $25 (students with ID only) are on sale now.  Buy tickets online or by calling 314-534-1111.

ARF saves the lives of loving dogs and cats that have run out of time at public shelters and gives another chance at life to dogs and cats that otherwise would be killed. ARF provides the care and attention they need, including spay or neuter surgery, until ARF finds them a new home of their own. ARF’s People Connect programs strengthen the human animal bond for the elderly, residents of assisted living
centers, teens at juvenile hall, high school students, grade school students and young children through programs that are national models of excellence. ARF programs allow people to experience the unconditional love and acceptance of dogs and cats. People Rescuing Animals...Animals Rescuing People…

If you are unable to attend Stars To The Rescue, you can make a difference in the lives of both animals and people by donating online to ARF.

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Backstage at ARF St Louis Benefit Concert

ARF Stars To The Rescue Walnut Creek

Location: Lesher Center for the Arts : Wanut Creek, CA
Start Date: Sat, January 10, 2009
End Date: Sat, January 10, 2009
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Stars To The Rescue

Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) will be “puttin’ on the dog” for ARF’s Stars to the Rescue XVIII gala. Please join host Tony La Russa, manager of the 2006 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek for ARF’s 18th annual fundraiser.  Stars to the Rescue XVIII features Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock of 1970’s Air Supply fame, Tony Orlando, Billy Bob Thornton, and The Boxmasters. Tickets are priced at $300, $100 and $50 and are on sale now.  Buy tickets online or by calling 925-943-SHOW.

ARF saves the lives of loving dogs and cats that have run out of time at public shelters and gives another chance at life to dogs and cats that otherwise would be killed. ARF provides the care and attention they need, including spay or neuter surgery, until ARF finds them a new home of their own. ARF’s People Connect programs strengthen the human animal bond for the elderly, residents of assisted living
centers, teens at juvenile hall, high school students, grade school students and young children through programs that are national models of excellence. ARF programs allow people to experience the unconditional love and acceptance of dogs and cats. People Rescuing Animals...Animals Rescuing People…

If you are unable to attend Stars To The Rescue, you can make a difference in the lives of both animals and people by donating online to ARF.

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Merry Christmas From The Family

Robert Earl Keen : Merry Christmas From The Family

Merry Christmas From The Family is the companion book for Robert Earl Keen's popular Christmas tune of the same name. Using authentic Keen family photos, recipes, and craft instructions, it illustrates all the verses of the song, which you can sing along with on the accompanying CD. Whether you"re one of Robert Earl's legion of fans, or you've just had enough of Perry, Bing, and the other crooners, Merry Christmas from the Family is what you need to keep the holidays in hilariously skewed perspective.

Since it's original release in 2001, the Merry Christmas From The Family book has sold over 50,000 copies. A new edition of the book published by The University of Texas Press was released in September 2005. The book is 76 pages, includes color photos, and a CD of "Merry Christmas From The Family" with lyrics.

As Keen tells it in this wry send-up of all those impossibly sweet, "not like our family" Christmas carols, Mom and Dad got drunk at the Christmas party, sister and brother brought their dubious significant others, the relatives' motor home blew out the Christmas lights, and a convenience store supplied all the goodies.

Robert Earl Keen Merry Christmas From The Family Video



First available on Keen's Gringo Honeymoon CD released in 1994, "Merry Christmas From The Family" is also featured on Montgomery Gentry's recently released greatest hits collection, Something To Be Proud Of: The Best of 1999-2005.

"Coming out of the box, Eddie & I were bad-asses and hell-raisers and definitely not the "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" type," Gentry says. "But this song was one of those fun partying songs that talked about the bad in-laws and the aunt that's a chain-smoker. It seemed to fit the Montgomery Gentry image and really, fits a lot of American families."

Montgomery adds, "I love this song because it represents everybody's family. I don't know any family that isn't just a little bit messed up."

Merry Christmas From The Family lyrics

Mom got drunk and Dad got drunk
At our Christmas party
We were drinkin' champagne punch
And homemade eggnog
Little sister brought her new boyfriend
He was a Mexican
We didn't know what to think of him
Til he sang Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad

Brother Ken brought his kids with him
The three from his first wife Lynn
And the two identical twins

From his second wife Mary Nell
Of course he brought his new wife Kaye
Who talks all about AA
Chain smokin' while the stereo plays
Noel, Noel, The first Noel

Carve the turkey turn the ball game on
Mix Margaritas when the eggnog's gone
Send somebody to the Quik-Pak store
We need some ice and an extension cord
A can of bean dip and some Diet Rite
A box of pampers , some Marlboro Lights
Hallelujah everybody say cheese
Merry Christmas from the family

Fran and Rita drove from Harlingen
I can't remember how I'm kin to them
But when they tried to plug their motor home in
They blew our christmas lights
Cousin David knew just what went wrong
So we all waited on our front lawn
He threw the breaker and the lights came on
And we sang Silent Night
Oh Silent Night o' holy night

Carve the turkey turn the ballgame on
Mix Bloody Marys cause we all want one
Send somebody to the Stop 'n Go
We need some celery and a can of fake snow
A bag of lemons and some Diet Sprite
A box of midol, some Salem Lights
Hallelujah everybody say cheese
Merry Christmas from the family
Feliz Navidad

: : : : :

Buy the Merry Christmas From The Family book now from Amazon

listen to Robert Earl Keen free samples / download from iTunes

Buy Robert Earl Keen now from Amazon

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Sugarland Love On The Inside Night At The Saddle Rack

Country music fans at The Saddle Rack in Fremont, CA experienced a sweet time at Sugarland Love On The Inside Night December 12-13, 2008. 

Fans listened to songs from Sugarland’s Love On The Inside CD throughout the evening and entered to win Sugarland prize packs - including CD’s, stickers, and posters.

The Saddle Rack is located located at 42011 Boscell Road in Fremont, CA.  For more information, call (510)979-0477 or visit http://www.saddlerack.com.

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Sugarland Love On The Inside Night At The Saddle Rack




Sugarland Love On The Inside Night At The Saddle Rack


Sugarland Love On The Inside Night At The Saddle Rack


Sugarland Love On The Inside Night At The Saddle Rack


Sugarland Love On The Inside Night At The Saddle Rack


George Strait Classic Christmas At Little Red Hen

Little Red Hen in Seattle got into the Christmas spirit at George Strait Classic Christmas Night December 14, 2008. 

Fans listened to songs from songs from George Strait Classic Christmas throughout the evening and entered to win George Strait Classic Christmas CD’s, stickers, mouse pad/calendars, and “to/from” holiday gift tag sheets.

Little Red Hen is located at 7115 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle WA 98115.  For more information, call (206) 522-1168 or visit littleredhen.com

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George Strait Classic Christmas Night At Little Red Hen




George Strait Classic Christmas Night At Little Red Hen


George Strait Classic Christmas Night At Little Red Hen


George Strait Classic Christmas Night At Little Red Hen


George Strait Classic Christmas Night At Little Red Hen


George Strait Classic Christmas Night At Little Red Hen


George Strait Classic Christmas Night At Little Red Hen


George Strait Classic Christmas Night At Little Red Hen

George Strait Classic Christmas Track Listing

01. Joy To The World
02. We Three Kings
03. Silent Night
04. Jingle Bells
05. O Come, All Ye Faithful
06. Up On The Housetop
07. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
08. O Christmas Tree
09. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
10. Decks The Halls

Win Free Walking With Dinosaurs Tickets

Dinosaurs return to the earth in Walking With Dinosaurs - The Live Experience, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series. After playing for ten sold-out weeks in five cities in Australia, where it was seen by an audience of over 300,000, Walking With Dinosaurs - The Live Experience is currently on a two-year arena tour across North America.

ACountry presents your chance to win FREE tickets to Walking With Dinosaurs : The Live Experience. To enter, click the "Win Tickets" link below and enter a few comments dinosaurs. Good luck!

Our ticket promotion has ended. Thanks to everyone who entered.

Check out the feedback from some of our previous winners:

"I wanted to thank you so much again for all of the Walking with Dinosaurs tickets! My children LOVED this show. We all did! We couldn't believe how realistic the dinosaurs looked, walked and sounded! It was even funny at times. Needless to say we couldn't take our eyes off of them. Better yet, my kids didn't get bored once! LOL I know that show will be one for the memory books. We truly appreciate your kindness in picking us. Thanks again."
-- Cheri Cooke, Highland Heights, KY winner


"Just got home from the show & as my 3 1/2 year old grandson, Malaki & my brother, Steve said "THE SHOW WAS AWESOME!!" I am so thankful that you chose us as winners for your contest. Not only did Steve & Malaki go but Malaki's mom, myself, & 4 of my nephews went & enjoyed every moment of the show. Three of those nephews have never been to a show of this sort & really thought everything about it was "AWESOME". The dinosaurs are so life like & HUGE!! We all wanted to pet or take a ride on them. Malaki's favorite, of course, was T-Rex & Uncle Steve's was...well all them were his favorite. The nephews were really in to the creativity of the dinosaurs and are going to go home & tomorrow try to make one (good luck). Again thank you so very, very much for allowing my family to experience life through "Walking With the Dinosaurs". We would most definitely recommend the show & would enjoy seeing it again. Thank you & God bless."
-- Donna Allen, Highland Heights, KY winner


"Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! The show was amazing! As a parent of five boys (2 who love dinosaurs), you can imagine how thrilled I was to know that I was not going to have to pay for tickets for them to see the show. Three of my boys (3 yr old, 9 yr old, and 14 yr old) went with me to the show. When I first heard about the show coming to Raleigh, I prayed that we would be able to see it. I immediately began looking for discount tickets or free tickets to the show. That is when I came across A Country's wonderful website. Thank God that I did. I entered my name into the contest and said a prayer and left it at that. The next thing I know, I get an email from you stating that I won tickets. I almost fell out my chair and had to shout, "Praise God!" Once we got to the show, my boys and I were delighted to find out we were in GREAT seats in the lower level near the stage. AWESOME! I thought my 3 yr old would be a little frightened considering the size of the dinosaurs, but he was at the edge of his seat in amazement. He even started yelling at them. I was really surprised to see my 9 yr old covering his face at times. He kept on asking the 3 yr old if he was scared. The dinosaurs were so lifelike; we truly felt like we had went back in time. Their eyes were even blinking! Wow! The vibrant colors of the plants and their size were impressive. The entire stage layout in the different scenes were captivating. The narration was very educational. It wasn't long and boring, but just enough to learn something and remain intrigued. The narrator was comical. The kids especially loved the bit with the Tyrannosaurs Rex. We loved every minute of it! The RBC Center staff were very helpful and courteous. Thank you so very much for a wonderful time going back in time!"
-- -Jannai Johnson, Raleigh, NC winner


"Just wanted to thank you for the tickets! We had a great time! My daughter absolutely loved it and I was able to watch the robotics guys do their thing which was even more amazing. It was so worth it but I would have never been able to afford to do this on my own! Again, thanks so much for a great experience."
-- Amy Middle, Des Moines, IA winner


"We had a wonderful time at the Walking With Dinosaurs Show. The dinosaurs were amazing. I worried that my 2 year old might be scared if the show was too loud. He loved every minute of it. He sat in his seat and couldn't take his eyes off the show. My 6 year old loved it too. The seats you gave us were great. My husband and I really enjoyed the show too. I don't think there was any way to make this show better -- it was really amazing. You really felt like you were back in dinosaur times and that they were real.
Thank you again for a wonderful evening. I never win anything -- I was so excited to get these tickets. It was a wonderful night out for my whole family. smile"
--Tamara Hein, Des Moines, IA winner


"Thank you for the tickets to see Walking With the Dinosaurs. The show was AMAZING and very educational. Our 3 1/2 year old son was thrilled and engaged during the entire show. At the beginning, there were dinosaur eggs hatching and a predator came and ate one of the baby dinosaurs. My son yelled out "Put down that dinosaur! You don't eat that baby dinosaur!" It was so cute! Our son has seen all the Jurassic Park movies about 30-40 times each, so as each dinosaur came out on stage, he knew their names. I think that made him even more excited because it felt familiar to him and exciting at the same time. We were able to also take our 8 year old niece to the show thanks to your station's generosity. We really appreciate the tickets and had an incredible time that we'll remember for years to come."
-- Jill Valero, Fresno, CA winner


"Thank you again for selecting me as a winner for the tickets to the Walking With Dinosaurs show. You enabled me to be a hero to my future stepson who had been begging us to take him to see the dinosaurs. We would have been financially unable to go so the free tickets were a true blessing. Being able to tell him that we were going was almost as exciting as actually attending…but not quite. When the show began he was a little bit scared just because of the loud music (he’s ultra sensitive to noise) and he had to step out with his dad for a bit. But once he decided to come back in and “tough it out” he did great for the rest of the show. He sat wide-eyed at the sights and engaged with what was happening the entire time. He had a great time and couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards. He loved the T-Rex and baby T-Rex and said that was his favorite part. He also really liked the way the flowers and foliage looked around the perimeter of the arena and commented on them several times. The lights and pictures on the screen made the experience very exciting as well. All in all it was a great show and we feel very blessed to have been able to attend and give him and his sister the experience we would otherwise not have been able to afford."
-- Melissa Braun, Fresno, CA winner


"Thank you again for the wonderful tickets! My children and I loved the show. I thought it was done extremely well and my children even want to go again. They thought the dinosaurs were real. My 4 year old daughter's favorite was the Utahraptor and my 3 year old son's favorite was the baby T-Rex. It was an amazing show and I was shocked at how educational it was as well. I was shocked how well the staging was, I didn't expect any of that. It did make you feel like you were back in time, right there with the dinosaurs. I thought the venue was excellent, there was not a bad seat there. The organizers handled everything well, and even parking was a breeze. Thank you again, we are so grateful and will never forget this!
-- Lourdes Rhodes, Bridgeport, CT winner


"I can't thank you enough for the wonderful night my family had last night! It was a blessing to get out together and just completely forget any troubles. This show was truly an experience I'll never forget. My daughter had a permanent grin on her face the whole night. She would announce each dinosaur as they came out and ohhh and awww'd through the entire show. The show was beyond words. Amazing doesn't seem to cover it. It was informative but highly entertaining at the same time. The music and sound effects had been simply incredible. It looked and sounded like you stepped back in time. The detail of the dinosaurs is something we just couldn't believe. The movements so life like. I would tell anyone thinking about going to run out and get tickets. Everyone would love this show. I know my parents enjoyed it just as much as my daughter. My daughter is running around the house right now wearing her dinosaur tail she got at the show. Roaring as she goes! Only one problem do I have now. The dinosaurs looked so real that my daughter now wants a dinosaur for a pet!!!
Thank you again!!!!!!"
-- Sharon White, Bridgeport, CT winner


"Hi! Walking with Dinosaurs was FANTASTIC - so much fun! We each had our favorites - I liked the Torosaurus the best, but the T-Rex was really popular with the crowd. The staging was excellent. The way the "vegetation" came to life around the stage was truly magical. The dinosaurs all looked so real! And the narrator played a great role. From the reactions from the kids around us (and the adults, too!), it was clear that this show is a huge family hit. Thank you again VERY much for the tickets! The seats were good and we totally enjoyed our night out."
-- Linda Ingmanson, Bridgeport, CT winner


"I want to take a moment to tell you how much we appreciated the tickets to Walking with Dinosaurs. My two sons, ages 4 & 6, were mesmerized from start to finish. We were all blown away by the entire show and my boys cannot stop telling everyone they meet about seeing real live dinosaurs! They honestly thought they were real."
-- Lynn Glover, Toronto, Canada winner


"Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience! We loved the show! The dinosaurs were incredibly life-like. I was amazed at how much they moved, and how animated they were. My children were entranced. What I also found impressive was the lighting design, the set design and the sound. First-class production elements greatly enhanced the spectacle. The cast is excellent and the crew superb. We learned a lot and had fun doing it. This is a show that you can take anyone to, from toddlers to seniors. I will tell all my friends about this fabulous production. Thank you once again for giving my young paleontologists a thrill that they will never forget!"
-- Aileen Chandler, Toronto, Canada winner


"The show was absolutely wonderful!! My kids loved it! As an adult, I loved that they included some humor into the narration and dinosaurs. Our seats were amazing. They had the first 3-5 rows blocked off (I'm assuming to accommodate the dinosaurs' tails and such) and we had seats in row 8 on the Lower Level. Again, thank you for offering such a great contest!"
-- Stephanie Copeland, St. Paul, MN winner


"The seats were perfect and the show was amazing! Our whole family really enjoyed getting to experience this. My son has always been in awe of dinosaurs and was completely intent the entire show while my daughter was very inquisitive and interested. Thank-you sooo much for a wonderful family night out and an experience we will cherish forever. The only thing I can even add as a critique would be to make the show longer. It just was so interesting that it went by sooo quick;)"
-- Jennifer Blanchard, Kansas City, MO winner


"I could not wait to tell my son Amadou that he and I, as well as his two cousins, ages 6 and 10, would be able to attend "Walking with Dinosaurs" - The Live Experience. All three of the children were in awe, as was myself, at the lifelike animated dinosaurs as they were introduced. Everything about the show from the narration to the scenery were on point;and our seats were excellent we could see every detail of the performance. As a parent, I also really appreciated the educational component of the show. My son wanted to know more about how and why the earth changed over time as well as all the names of the dinosaurs featured. The program from the show was very helpful in recapping some of the highlights of the show and giving us a birds eye view into the making of the production."
-- Tanika Wilson Kromah, Madison, WI winner


"The dinos were amazing with head, body movements and very authentic looking. Their roars were so loud you could feel the rumble. The show was dark and loud and in my mind geared towards the ages of 8 and up. The little ones were scared to death while those over the age of 8 were fascinated. All in all, the show was superb! Thanks again for giving my family the chance to experience walking with dinosaurs...it is one we won't forget."
-- Cathy Coyle-Kaufman, Madison, WI winner


"I do want to let you know that I took my husband and our 21-yr-old son and our 9 1/2-yr-old daughter (who's autistic). We were so surprised at what great seats we had, mere words cannot describe the awe and amazement we all felt! Having the speaker walk with them added to the incredulous size of these magnificent creatures! Our daughter was mezmerized! She wouldn't even get up at intermission (you have no idea what a major deal that was)! We were in the third row from the floor! She didn't want to leave when it was over, stating that it had been too short. It was such a terrific family outing with all four of us stunned by the show! This was the best "prize" that I think I have ever won! Thank you again for making this an event to remember!"
-- Christine Eaton, Baltimore, MD winner


"I just wanted to say thank you, THANK YOU! May family had a super time at WWDL. The dinosaurs were so life like when they came out from behind the curtain that you forgot that there were people controlling them. The effects like the plants growing and the flowers coming up out of the ground were really cool too. The Stegosaurus got into a fight with the Allosaurus. The plates along his back glowed red, like they say it would in all the books that we have read. The two Torosaurs had a fight and then one of them even pooped, which any little boy would love. Mine laughed of course. There was a flying dinosaur, whose name I can’t spell. The Brachiosaurus was huge!!! Our seats were so awesome that we got to watch all of the dinosaurs come out from behind the curtain. My kids loved it, it was like they stopped right in front of us to let us get a good look. I liked the Utahraptors the best. Of course the boys loved the T-Rex and the baby T-Rex. The baby T-Rex was quite the little comedian. The show was great for all ages. My kids are 3 and 5 and when asked how they like it, my 3 year old summed it up as “cool.” He got up this morning and the first words out of his mouth were, “Did we go tot the dinosaurs last night,” and then I got a run down of the whole show. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to go see it and the seats were superb. It was something our family will never forget. Awesome details and cool special effects. T-Rex shook the house!"
-- Amy Roush, Manchester, NH winner


"Just let me say thank you! thank you! thank you!!!. My son Griffin was absolutely speechless throughout the show as was his mum and dad and grandmother. It was incredible to the point that at the ending of the show when the T-Rex came out, he pulled on his father's shirt and said..."if you don't move he will not see you, so stop moving or you are going to be eaten..." Thank you so much, the seats were spectacular and the show was too."
-- Christine Richards, Manchester, NH winner


"Last night, We went to the walking with the dinosaur show with the tickets I won from you, My 4 year Hunter was in Heaven. The show was Great! I wish you could have watch him during the show, He was so excited when a new dinosaur came out. He couldn't wait till the T-Rex came out. He was a little scared of it but he didn't take his eyes off it. He said it was the Best night of his life and that he would remember it always. He even had to take home a T-Rex. Thank you so much for choosing us."
-- Crystal Wever, Lincoln, NE winner


"My twin girls (4-1/2 years old) absolutely loved it! They have been huge fans of dinosaurs for over a year and a half now, and to be able to see them “in real life” was a special treat!
I really enjoyed the educational aspect of the show as well…it introduced the girls to new vocabulary…they are now talking about the Tyrannosaurus Rex rather than the “Sharp-tooth”! The lighting and set design was also really creative! This is a wonderful show! I really do appreciate the opportunity ACountry has provided for my family! Thank you very much! That was an evening that my family will not soon forget!"
-- John Webster, Jr., Portland, OR winner


"We just got back from tonight's Walking With Dinosaurs performance. I say performance with great enthusiasm because the whole thing exceeded my expectation's. So life- like, must be the most common said comment! My wife and our grandkid's loved it! They are so real, that I really only needed 2 seats. 1 for my wife, and 1 for me and the 2 grandsons, whom where all over me like the dinosaurs could pounce at anytime! Thank you for making great memories for all of us. Grandkids faces will forever be on my memory and photos."
-- Ed Panit, Portland, OR winner


"We had such a great time at the Walking with Dinosaurs show last night - it was especially fun watching my 5 year old grandson, Rayden. We told him we were going shopping, and when those dinosaurs came out.... well, he was just absolutely thrilled. He has had a "love affair" with dinosaurs since he was 2 years old, and this was the icing on the cake. From the bottom of our hearts, his parents and I are so thankful to you for making this possible - Rayden will forever cherish the night he saw his wonderful, magical dinosaurs come to life!"
-- Joanne Oneska, Milwaukee, WI winner


Walking With Dinosaurs - The Live Experience is brought to North America by The Creature Production Company, headed by CEO Carmen Pavlovic. Pavlovic said, "The BBC Series was a brilliant blend of special effects, escapism, excitement and information. Our show has that - and it's live. In this show, fifteen roaring, snarling "live" dinosaurs mesmerize the audience - and are as awe-inspiring as when they first walked on earth."

Pavlovic continued, "This is a show that could only fit in arenas - as the creatures are so absolutely immense in size. Audiences seated in the lower seats are all but overwhelmed by the dinosaurs, while those seated in higher seats can view the entire spectacle and panorama of the production. It is the closest you'll ever get to experiencing what it was like when they walked and ruled the earth."



After years of planning, Walking With Dinosaurs came to life at Sydney's Acer Arena on January 10, 2007. The show has already proved itself such a sensation, that the North American tour was fast-tracked.

Ten species are represented from the entire 200 million year reign of the dinosaurs. The show includes the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the terror of the ancient terrain, as well as the Plateosaurus and Liliensternus from the Triassic period, the Stegosaurus and Allosaurus from the Jurassic period and Torosaurus and Utahraptor from the awesome Cretaceous. The largest of them, the Brachiosaurus is 45 feet tall, and 75 feet from nose to tail. It took a team of 50 - including engineers, fabricators, skin makers, artists and painters, and animatronic experts - a year to build the original production.

Variety said, "The dinosaurs are stunning, life-size and faultlessly nimble. In act one, the beasts parade into the arena gnashing and cavorting as a safari-suited paleontologist describes their attributes ... in the second half, the action cranks up, culminating in a spectacular clash as a T-Rex mom defends her baby from predators. Sonny Tilders' triumphant creature design ensures Walking With Dinosaurs is a truly spectacular spectacular. It is everything a dino-phile could want."

The show depicts the dinosaurs' evolution, complete with the climatic and tectonic changes that took place, which led to the demise of many species. With almost cinematic realism, Walking With Dinosaurs has scenes of the interactions between dinosaurs, and the audience sees how carnivorous dinosaurs evolved to walk on two legs, and how the herbivores fended off their more agile predators.

The history of the world is played out with the splitting of the earth's continents, and the transition from the arid desert of the Triassic period is given over to the lush green prairies and forces of the later Jurassic. Oceans form, volcanoes erupt, a forest catches fire -- all leading to the massive comet, which struck the earth, and forced the extinction of the dinosaurs.


For more widgets please visit www.yourminis.com



Walking With Dinosaurs official website

Billy Currington Little Bit Of Everything Night At Cowgirls Saloon & Tequilaria

Cowgirls Saloon & Tequilaria in Kuna, ID heated things up at Billy Currington Little Bit Of Everything Night November 15, 2008. 

Fans listened to songs from Billy Currington’s new album, Little Bit Of Everything, throughout the evening and entered to win Billy Currington prize packs - including CD’s, stickers, and posters - plus a chance to win a Billy Currington autographed guitar.

Cowgirls Saloon & Tequilaria is located at 353 Avenue E Kuna, Idaho 83634. For more information, call (208) 922-9522 or visit http://www.cowgirlsaloon.com.

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Billy Currington Little Bit Of Everything Night At Cowgirls Kuna




Billy Currington Little Bit Of Everything Night At Cowgirls Kuna


Billy Currington Little Bit Of Everything Night At Cowgirls Kuna


Billy Currington Little Bit Of Everything Night At Cowgirls Kuna


Billy Currington Little Bit Of Everything Night At Cowgirls Kuna


Cowgirls Saloon


2008 CMT Awards Re-Broadcast on CMT

CMT will re-broadcast the 42nd Annual CMA Awards on Saturday, November 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.  Hosted by reigning Male and Female Vocalists of the Year Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwoo, the show included performances by Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, The Eagles, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Paisley, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Underwood and Keith Urban. 

Upon winning his fourth trophy for Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney warmly accepted his award from superstar Shania Twain in yet another surprise appearance.  Special Hollywood guests included Miley Cyrus, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, along with other presenters Billy Ray Cyrus, Vince Gill, Julianne Hough, Heidi Newfield, Jake Owen, John Rich, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Jimmy Wayne and Lee Ann Womack.

2008 CMA Awards Winners:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Brad Paisley

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Carrie Underwood

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Rascal Flatts

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Sugarland

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Troubadour
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“I Saw God Today”
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Stay”
Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles Publishing

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
“Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)”

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Waitin’ On a Woman”
Brad Paisley featuring Andy Griffith
Directed by Jim Shea and Peter Tilden

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Mac McAnally - Guitar

Artist Pages

Kenny Chesney

Sugarland

Sugarland

Carrie Underwood

Related Event Pages

CMA Awards

George Strait Classic Christmas At Bobby Mackey’s Music World

Bobby Mackey’s Music World in Wilder, Kentucky welcomed the holiday season at George Strait Classic Christmas Night November 14, 2008. 

Fans listened to songs from songs from George Strait Classic Christmas throughout the evening and entered to win George Strait Classic Christmas CD’s, stickers, mouse pad/calendars, and “to/from” holiday gift tag sheets.

Bobby Mackey’s Music World is located at 44 Licking Pike, Wilder, KY 4107. For more information, call (859) 431-5588 or visit http://www.bobbymackey.com

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George Strait Classic Christmas At Bobby Mackey's Music World




George Strait Classic Christmas At Bobby Mackey's Music World


George Strait Classic Christmas At Bobby Mackey's Music World


George Strait Classic Christmas At Bobby Mackey's Music World


George Strait Classic Christmas At Bobby Mackey's Music World


George Strait Classic Christmas At Bobby Mackey's Music World


George Strait Classic Christmas At Bobby Mackey's Music World


George Strait Classic Christmas At Bobby Mackey's Music World


Bobby Mackey's Music World

George Strait Classic Christmas Track Listing

01. Joy To The World
02. We Three Kings
03. Silent Night
04. Jingle Bells
05. O Come, All Ye Faithful
06. Up On The Housetop
07. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
08. O Christmas Tree
09. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
10. Decks The Halls

George Strait : Classic Christmas

George Strait Classic Christmas will brighten this year’s holiday season ten traditional holiday songs that are Strait’s personal favorites.  The album includes family favorites such as “We Three Kings,” the playful “Up on the Housetop,” and the enduring classics such as “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing,” “Deck the Halls,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”

“I wanted to put together a collection of my favorite traditional Christmas songs that I grew up listening to,” says Strait. “It was hard to narrow it down to ten of them, but I think I’ve done it.  I hope these songs bring back good memories for my fans like they have for me.”

Don’t miss your chance to listen to some of your holiday favorites and win at George Strait Classic Christmas Night at participating nightclubs across the country.

George Strait has 56 number one songs to his name, more than any other artist including all genres of music. He has sold more than 68 million records, garnering him 32 different platinum or multi-platinum albums. The only recording artists with more RIAA certified platinum albums are The Beatles with 39 and Elvis Presley with 45.

In 2006, Strait was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame, one of the few artists to receive such a distinction while still actively recording and producing music.  His 37th album, Troubadour, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart.

George Strait Classic Christmas Track Listing

01. Joy To The World
02. We Three Kings
03. Silent Night
04. Jingle Bells
05. O Come, All Ye Faithful
06. Up On The Housetop
07. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
08. O Christmas Tree
09. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
10. Decks The Halls

Artist Pages

George Strait

2008 CMA Awards Winners

2008 CMA Awards winners were announced live from the Sommet Center in Nashville on November 12, 2008.  Kenny Chesney was crowned with his fourth Entertainer of The Year Award, and Brad Paisley and Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles each took home two trophies.  George Strait become the most awarded artist in CMA Awards history (22), winning Single of they Year for “I Saw God Today” and Album of the Year for Troubadour.

“I love this album and I really appreciate everyone who bought it,” the humble Strait said after accepting his second Award of the night. “Everyone says they’ve got the greatest fans.  Well, I really got the greatest fans.”

2008 CMA Awards Winners:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Brad Paisley

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Carrie Underwood

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Rascal Flatts

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

Sugarland

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Lady Antebellum

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Troubadour
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“I Saw God Today”
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait

SONG OF THE YEA
R
“Stay”
Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles Publishing

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
“Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)”

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

“Waitin’ On a Woman”
Brad Paisley featuring Andy Griffith
Directed by Jim Shea and Peter Tilden

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Mac McAnally - Guitar

Kenny Chesney’s fourth Entertainer of the Year Award ties Garth Brooks’ record for the most wins in the category.

“As much as tonight is about Awards I really believe that being able to stand up here is more about great songs; it’s more about the fans,” Chesney said. “This is my fourth time standing up here and I am really humbled.”

Earlier in the broadcast, Chesney brought out reggae group The Wailers to perform an island-flavored medley that combined Chesney’s “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and Bob Marley’s classic “Three Little Birds.”

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood co-hosted the gala event live on the ABC Television Network from the Sommet Center in Downtown Nashville. Paisley remarked that he and Underwood “both grew up watching the CMA’s each and every year,” with Underwood joking, “We’re new at this job so they can kick us out at any minute.”

But it turns out that “Country Music’s Biggest Night” was very good to its hosts.

Paisley picked up his second Male Vocalist and fourth Music Video of the Year Award for “Waitin’ on a Woman,” featuring legendary actor Andy Griffith and directed by Jim Shea

and Peter Tilden. “I won’t take long,” Paisley said with his signature sense of humor. “I’ve talked enough.”

Backstage, Paisley expressed excitement about Griffith’s first CMA Awards win. “I can’t wait to talk to him about it. I’m sure he is thrilled.”

Underwood nabbed her third consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year Award. Upon accepting her Award, Underwood thanked those in the music industry who voted for her. “I got through here in an unconventional way and you guys didn’t have to accept me,” she said.

One of the most touching moments of the night was when Leslie Ponder, whose husband was killed in combat in Afghanistan, introduced Underwood’s performance of “Just a Dream.”

First-time Entertainer nominees Sugarland picked up their second consecutive Vocal Duo of the Year Award and lead singer Jennifer Nettles snagged her first Song of the Year Award for writing the duo’s heart-wrenching single “Stay.”

“You never know when you come up here if you are ever going to get to come up here again,” Nettles said about their Vocal Duo win. “So we are very thankful.”

Nettles and partner Kristian Bush later brought the house down with the powerful performance of “Love” from their third consecutive Platinum album Love on the Inside.

With their win for Vocal Group of the Year, Rascal Flatts tied The Statler Brothers for most consecutive wins in the category with six. The Statlers still hold the record for most total wins for Vocal Group with nine. Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney lavished praise repeatedly on the people that got them where they are today. “We thank all of our fans,” LeVox said. “Again all of our fans, again all of our fans, again all of our fans.”

Lady Antebellum picked up the coveted New Artist of the Year Award (formerly Horizon Award) after performing their breakout hit “Love Don’t Live Here.”

“It’s very humbling,” said group member Hillary Scott backstage with partners Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley. “We do not take this lightly at all. We have so much to prove.”

The other performers nominated for New Artist of the Year included Kellie Pickler with the sassy “Best Days of Your Life,” James Otto singing “Just Got Started Loving You,” Jason Aldean with the rocking “She’s Country,” and Rodney Atkins offering a little slice of his backyard in “It’s America.”

In the pre-telecast ceremony, CMA Awards were given to two first-time winners - Mac McAnally for Musician of the Year and Robert Plant, who won the Musical Event of the Year Award with Alison Krauss for “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On).”

Paisley and fellow Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Keith Urban opened the show with their new vocal/guitar duet “Start a Band” from Paisley’s Play album and then broke up later in the broadcast to each go solo. Urban performed “Sweet Thing” while Paisley offered CMA Award-winning song “Waitin’ On a Woman.” Fellow Male Vocalist nominee Alan Jackson brought along a few dozen friends to line dance to his party anthem “Good Time.”

The Female Vocalist of the Year nominees showed why women in Country Music are a force to be reckoned with. Taylor Swift acted out a fairytale complete with Prince Charming in her performance of “Love Story,” Martina McBride belted “Ride,” and Miranda Lambert offered the poignant “More Like Her.”

Vocal Duo of the Year nominees Brooks & Dunn got a little help from Musical Event of the Year nominee Reba McEntire to help perform “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”

Vocal Group of the Year nominees the Eagles made a return trip to the CMA Awards, performing “Busy Being Fabulous” from their wildly successful Country effort Long Road Out of Eden. Two-time nominee Trace Adkins performed his hit “You’re Gonna Miss This.”

Country Music was infused with a little rock - Kid Rock. The Detroit native performed his mega hit “All Summer Long.” Former Hootie and the Blowfish lead singer Darius Rucker showed his Country side performing No. 1 hit “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.”

A little bit of Hollywood came to Nashville in the form of Awards presenters, including the stars of the upcoming film epic “Australia” Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, “Hannah Montana” stars Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus, and Reese Witherspoon, who appears in the forthcoming holiday comedy “Four Christmases.”

Shania Twain made a special appearance, her first on the CMA Awards since 2005, to present the Entertainer of the Year Award and received a standing ovation from the audience.

Other presenters on “Country Music’s Biggest Night” included Vince Gill, Julianne Hough, Heidi Newfield, Jake Owen, John Rich, Josh Turner, Jimmy Wayne, and Lee Ann Womack.

Artist Pages

Kenny Chesney

George Strait

Sugarland

Brad Paisley

Related Event Pages

CMA Awards

George Strait Classic Christmas Nightclub Promotion

George Strait Classic Christmas is sure to put you in the Holiday Spirit.  The songs from this album were personally selected by Strait and include family favorites such as “We Three Kings,” the playful “Up on the Housetop,” and the enduring classics such as “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing,” “Deck the Halls,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Don’t miss your chance to listen to some of your holiday favorites and win at George Strait Classic Christmas Night at participating nightclubs across the country.

Each nightclub will be playing songs from George Strait Classic Christmas throughout the evening and pausing periodically to give away George Strait Classic Christmas CD’s, stickers, mouse pad/calendars, and “to/from” holiday gift tag sheets.

The promotion runs November 28 thru December 14 at the following clubs:

Nashville, TN
Wildhorse Saloon
120 2nd Ave N.
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 256-9453
www.wildhorsesaloon.com

Cincinnati, OH
Bobby Mackey’s Music World Inc.
44 Licking Pike
Wilder, KY 41071
(859) 431-5588
www.bobbymackey.com
View Photos of George Strait Classic Christmas at Bobby Mackey’s Music World

Austin, TX
Dallas Nightclub
7113 Burnett Rd.
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 452-2801
www.dallasnighclub.net

Fort Worth, TX
Billy Bob’s Texas
2520 Rodeo Plaza
Fort Worth, TX 76106
(817) 624-7117
www.billybobstexas.com

San Antonio, TX
Cowboys Dance Hall
3030 Northeast Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78218
(210) 646-9378
www.cowboysdancehall.com

Los Angeles, CA
Oil Can Harry’s
11502 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 760-9749
www.oilcanharrysla.com

Los Angeles, CA
Route 66
1846 E Huntington Dr
Duarte, CA 91010-2672
(626) 357-4210

Los Angeles, CA
In Cahoots
1401 South Lemon Street
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 441-1666

Denver, CO
Grizzly Rose
5450 N. Valley Hwy.
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 295-1330
www.grizzlyrose.com

Tampa, FL
Round Up
13918 W. Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa, FL 33635-9656
(813) 855.1229
www.grizzlyrose.com

Atlanta, GA
Wild Bill’s
2075 Market Street NW
Duluth, GA 30096
(678) 576-024
www.wildbillsatlanta.com

Kansas City, MO
Whiskey Tango
401 SE Outer Belt Road
Grain Valley, MO 64029
(816) 847-5650
www.whiskeytangokc.com

Kansas City, MO
Beaumont Club
4050 Pennsylvania Ave (in Westport)
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 931-2224
www.kcclubs.com

Charlotte, NC
Coyote Joe’s
4621 Wilkinson Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 399-4946
www.coyotejoes.com

Oklahoma City, OK
Rhinestones Cowboy Rock N Country Dance Club
900 SE 59th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73129-5650
(405) 616-0288
www.myspace.com/rhinestonecowboyinokc

Houston, TX
Big Texas Saloon
19959 Holzwarth Road
Spring, TX 77388
(281) 353-8898
www.bigtexassaloon.com

Waco, TX
Bo’s Barn
1621 N. Stagecoach Rd
Salado, TX 76571
(254)947-0708

Seattle, WA
Little Red Hen
7115 Woodlawn Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 522-1168
www.littleredhen.com

George Strait Classic Christmas Track Listing

01. Joy To The World
02. We Three Kings
03. Silent Night
04. Jingle Bells
05. O Come, All Ye Faithful
06. Up On The Housetop
07. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
08. O Christmas Tree
09. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
10. Decks The Halls

Artist Pages

George Strait