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Posted on 1/16/2009 by admin. 
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Nashville, Tennessee 
World's Most Powerful Celebrities
The Forbes Celebrity 100
Country and country-related acts who appear in the Forbes Celebrity 100 include:
• Miley Cyrus, No. 29, $25 million
• Kenny Chesney, No. 31, $65 million
• Rascal Flatts, No. 42, $60 million
• Toby Keith, No. 59, $52 million
• Taylor Swift, No. 69, $18 million
• Carrie Underwood, No. 75, $14 million Brad Paisley to play Central Park for ABC's GMA July 3
Brad will be there July 3 as part of Good Morning America’s summer concert series. The show just moved the series to Central Park for this year. And Brad’ll be the first country artist this year that’s part of the series. Taylor Swift new stuff coming out on June 30.
Taylor has regularly cited Shania Twain as her biggest inspiration, but when she covers a major act on Tuesday, it’ll be a male classic rocker. Taylor and her band, The Agency, have a live version of Tom Petty’s "American Girl" available for sale beginning Tuesday via Rhapsody. Toby Keith Plans First-Ever European Tour
Toby Keith will head overseas in November for his first-ever European tour. The first shows take place Nov. 9 in Glasgow, Scotland, and Nov. 10 in London. The nine-city tour includes stops in Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway before ending on Nov. 22. New song from the Gatlin Brothers
The Gatlin Brothers has just released their newest single, Johnny Cash Is Dead (And His House Burned Down). Call your radio station. Faith's Fragrance In Stores In October
Faith Hill introduces her new fragrance in October, just in time for holiday giving. "Sweet Magnolia" From Her Mississippi Roots. Faith says Coty approached her some time ago about creating a fragrance. Miley Cyrus set a Sept. 14 kick-off date for her next tour
Sponsored by Wal-Mart. In conjunction with the shows, she has a clothing line on tap at the retail chain beginning in August with everything priced below $20. November 25 is set for her Nashville, Tenn. concert. Charlie Daniels To The Musicians HOF
Charlie Daniels has been named one of the inductees for the 2009 Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. The Official Induction Ceremonies will be held October 12th In Nashville.
WYNONNA TO HEADLINE 25th ANNIVERSARY
MUSIC CITY JULY 4th SPECTACULAR. Free concert and fireworks extravaganza scheduled for Riverfront Park downtown Nashville, TN. Kenny Chesney Concert Set for New York's Hard Rock
Kenny Chesney will perform at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York's Times Square on Sept. 15 as part of the restaurant chain's 2009 Ambassadors of Rock tour, a global concert series featuring top artists and bands. Proceeds from Chesney's concert will be donated to PlanItNow, a charity that assists coastal residents in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean in preparing for severe storms and hurricanes. Sugarland TV Special on ABC
Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush have lined up their first network TV special, "Sugarland: Live On The Inside," slated for Aug. 3 on ABC. Julianne Hough Goes Footloose on Film
It’s all but official: After much chatter about Julianne Hough’s movie audition, she’s been offered the co-starring role in next year’s remake of the Kevin Bacon movie Footloose. Stars pick up their awards
Three country artists have picked up gold or platinum awards from the Recording Industry Association of America thus far this month. Carrie Underwood earned a gold single for her cover of Randy Travis’ "I Told You So," Kellie Pickler grabbed her own gold single for "Red High Heels," and George Strait collected a platinum album for Troubadour. Keith Anderson July 9 at the Wildhorse Saloon.
Josh Turner July 22 at Wildhorse. 
"You can come as you are, there ain't no dress code/Just some rural-route rules that you need to know/Don't mess with the bull, he can get real mean/Don't forget to shut the gate, stay out of the beans."
Have a bang up Fourth of July ya'll!
It was summer-time in Northern Michigan And, we were trying different things we were smoking funny things
Making love out by the lake to our favorite song
Sipping whisky out the bottle not thinking bout tomorrow
Singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long
Singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long 
Wagons Ho! It's party time at Lucky's Ranch.
Yippie-yi-o-ki-yay for Cowgirls!
BROKEN ROAD BAND COMING TO TENNESSEE 
BROKEN ROAD BAND
Broken Road Band Appearing Live at Keller's Saloon New Outdoor Tiki Bar in Hartsville, Tennessee on July 11 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Come out and party with Broken Road and $2 Beers at the new Tiki Bar.
Presented by Lucky Cowboy Productions & NIXACOUNTRY.COM Keller's Saloon 325 Hwy 25 W Hartsville, Tenn 37074
Phone 615 374-4719
JAIME FOX APPEARING LIVE AT KELLER'S TIKI BAR 
JAIME FOX
Jaime Fox Appearing Live at Keller's Saloon New Outdoor Tiki Bar in Hartsville, Tennessee on July 18 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Come out and party with Jaime and $2 Beers at the new Tiki Bar. Great food too!
Presented by Lucky Cowboy Productions & NIXACOUNTRY.COM Keller's Saloon 325 Hwy 25 W Hartsville, Tenn 37074
Phone 615 374-4719
Happy 4th of July "Let Freedom Sing" 
4th of July Full Of Country Stars
Pull on your kickers, top your head with a cowboy hat and start practising your best "Yahoo" -- it's time to hop in the saddle for the 4th of July fun. It's time for star-spangled flags and the smell of burnt black powder in the air. It's time for the national anthem, fried chicken picnics and red-white-and-blue popsicles. Put on the hamburgers and dogs, ice down the cold beer, bring on the bikini cowgirls. It's fireworks time ya'll! Just remember one simple rule and you'll be fine:
Light fuse, run like hell! Country Stars Celebrate the 4th Marty Stuart will share a concert with an ex-president, Willie Nelson will share a stage with Bob Dylan, Kid Rock will launch a new beer, Brad Paisley will likely hang out at home, and Jason Michael Carroll will spend the holiday with ... Chuck Wicks’ girlfriend!? Indeed. A bundle of events are slated across the good ol’ U.S.A. on the Fourth of July, and country music is right smack-dab in the heart of it all. Unless he’s got a surprise up his sleeve, however, Brad Paisley might well be experiencing the holiday at home. That’s probably symbolic for a family man enjoying his first American Saturday night since the release of his new album, American Saturday Night. Brad’s heart is certainly at home, and that’s where he spent the Fourth a year ago. "We have two residences, and the main one is in Nashville at a farm," he says. "I had a great Fourth of July last year ‘cause something unexpected happened: We just stayed home. I sat on my porch, and I looked out, and I have this 30-mile view on the front porch of our house. And all you could see were fireworks displays, as far as the eye would see. And where the horizon falls off, you could see them above that from even further than you thought?I bet I could see 15 different fireworks displays goin’ on. They were so far away, you couldn’t even hear them." 
Here’s what many of the other artists will doing on Independence Day: • Marty Stuart and Sawyer Brown will perform at the Crystal Beach Arena in Woodward, Okla., just before the fireworks — and just after a speech by former President George W. Bush. • Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan play Stanley Coveleski Stadium in South Bend, Ind. Willie’s unpredictable, but he certainly ought to dust off "Living In The Promiseland" for the occasion. Meanwhile, his Sirius Satellite Radio channel, Willie’s Place, will broadcast his 2006 4th of July Picnic beginning at 2 p.m. ET. The show also features Ray Price, Leon Russell and "Whiskey River" songwriter Johnny Bush. • Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd appear in Bonner Springs, Kan., but the biggest event for the Kid takes place back in his homestate. The Michigan Brewing Company in Webberville will begin manufacturing his American Badass Beer. It’s expected to make its debut July 17 when he plays Detroit’s Comerica Park. • "Love me some fireworks," Chuck Wicks says, mapping out the perfect Fourth. "Give me some fireworks and a nice little beer and a woman next to me — preferably Julianne [Hough]. Right? Rock & roll." It will not be a perfect Fourth for Chuck. He’s playing in Charleston, Ill. Julianne joins Jason Michael Carroll at Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, N.C. • Toby Keith shows no tour dates on his schedule, but he’s rushing a U.S.-themed song to radio before the fireworks start. He debuted "American Ride" in Tampa last week, according to Country Aircheck, and played it the following two nights in Florida as well. The local stations started begging for a copy they could get on the air. • Lee Greenwood will be singing "God Bless The U.S.A." at Harborfest in Norfolk, Va., according to Pollstar. Rodney Atkins will do "It’s America" in Town Creek, Ala. Jamie O’Neal performs "Soldier Comin’ Home" in Wellston, Ohio. Trace Adkins will no doubt deliver "Arlington" and "‘Til The Last Shot’s Fired" at Fort Stewart in Georgia. Aaron Tippin offers "Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly" during Clinton Riverboat Days in Iowa. • Wynonna headlines Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! concert at Riverfront Park, one of the locations that hosted the CMA Music Festival three weeks ago. Lee Roy Parnell and the Grascals will also appear. • Neal McCoy’s rendition of "Wink" with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee airs on the Fox News Channel’s "Huckabee." Neal’s actually out of the country on the Fourth, playing in Alberta, Canada. • Comedian Larry The Cable Guy releases a Fourth of July special, Tailgate Party, digitally on his website on the holiday. The show becomes available after he completes the performance at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. • The Browns will perform on the Grand Ole Opry, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their biggest hit, "The Three Bells." It was released July 3, 1959. Also on the Opry: John Conlee, Chris Young and Riders In The Sky. • SHeDAISY appears at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, with the Jonas Brothers. Carolina Rain plays in Salt Lake City. • T.G. Sheppard rides the Lance Cunningham Ford Float in the Midnight Parade in Gatlinburg, Tenn. • Jack Ingram, who claims "Barefoot And Crazy" is "tailor-made for the Fourth," will perform the song in New Braunfels, Texas. • Keith Anderson, who calls the U.S. "the greatest country in the world," will appear in Lexington, Ky. • A special version of the national anthem recorded by Alan Jackson will be used to commemorate the day in his hometown of Newnan, Ga. • Jewel appears on the NBC special "Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular."
• Montgomery Gentry lights up the night on the Gulf Coast in Orange Beach, Ala. Jake Owen and Little Texas appear at the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche, S.D. Diamond Rio plugs in at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. James Otto does the Bull Bash in New Hebron, Miss. Craig Morgan visits Hot Springs, Ark. Jo Dee Messina precedes the fireworks in Fort Wayne, Ind. Clay Walker headlines in Houston. And Dierks Bentley plays for soldiers at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. • Lucky Cowboy fires up the grill on the ranch and burns the damn place down! Yee Haw let's go chase cowgirls around the lake and have a rodeo. We're having a marshmellow fry.
Taylor Swift Bomb-Shell in Blue Jeans
 In her latest single, "You Belong With Me," Taylor Swift sings "She wears short skirts/I wear t-shirts," but on the August cover of Glamour magazine, she's dubbed a "Bomb-Shell in Blue Jeans." For the cover, Taylor sports jeans by DSquared2, which can retail for hundreds of dollars. However, it's nothing compared to the high price of fame and the heartache that could come with reading her own press — a practice Taylor now avoids. "I’ve stopped reading the comments below news articles and on gossip blogs because those are the ones that’ll ruin your day in a second," she tells Glamour. But I read my MySpace comments because they’re awesome. You just have to be careful and filter the information you give yourself. Do you want to open the slam book today? Nope." On the subject of body insecurities, Taylor says, "I think the reason a lot of celebrities feel insecure and want to stop eating altogether is because they see so many pictures of themselves on a daily basis. It’s unhealthy how many times you see your own image—it’s just constant. When you see something enough, you’re going to tear it down to the point where some days you feel like you’re not even pretty. I get insecure about my eyes because I once read a blog comment that said, "Her eyes are so small." I thought, Are my eyes small? Oh no—they are!"
Whitney Duncan Bares All for “Skinny Dippin’”
Just in time for the dog days of summer, singer Whitney Duncan offers a video for her newest single, “Skinny Dippin’,” and the male portion of her audience will be happy to learn that it doesn’t deviate far from the song’s lyrics. The Scotts Hill, Tenn., native sings “Weren’t doin’ nothin’ wrong/We were just coolin’ off/July was hot and sticky/And we were skinny dippin’.” Near a secluded and picturesque pond the couple settles down for a picnic. Men, take note: Bring something light for lunch (don’t want to get cramped up), don’t forget the towels (but hide ‘em so it doesn’t seem like you planned this) and never be afraid to be the first one to strip down. WHITNEY DUNCAN WATCH VIDEO: WHITNEY DUNCAN VIDEO
Taylor Swift shares insights as 'Glamour' cover girl
 Glamour magazine made reigning queen of pop-country Taylor Swift their August cover girl, and as usual, the young singer shared some frank feelings about life, love and the like. Among the more fun snippets of info Swift shared with the magazine: On success leading to partying: "I’ve never been fascinated by the party lifestyle," she told Glamour. "Sometimes people look at me like, You’re 19 and don’t want to rebel? For me, rebelling is done with words: I love to write honest songs that name real people, then get up on stage and live out those emotions in front of 15,000 people. Penciling in a night to get wasted is not something I want to do." On the most intense moments in an increasingly intense career: "Definitely performing on Saturday Night Live," she said. "I got to meet Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg, who are some of my favorite people. Playing the Houston Rodeo for 72,000 people. Every one of them had a ticket stub with my name on it. And doing the cover of Rolling Stone. I never expected that would happen in my lifetime, and I definitely didn’t think it would happen when I was 19!" On goals: "I still have lots of goals. I’d love to do a world tour. And at some point, I’d like to move out of my parents’ house! (Laughs.)" The issue is on newsstands now. On Lucky Cowboy: 
WYNONNA TO MEET FANS AND SIGN AUTOGRAPHS
AT COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM THIS SATURDAY
 Fans can meet Wynonna in the ‘Live from the Museum Store, Presented by CMT’ and get a chance to win a Gibson guitar valued at almost $4,000. Nashville, TN – Wynonna will be appearing for two hours at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum to sign autographs from 2-4pm, this Saturday, July 4th. This Live from the Museum Store, Presented by CMT signing will offer fans the chance to enter to win a personalized Gibson Acoustic Songwriter Deluxe Studio guitar, valued at almost $4,000.
Please visit the Museum’s web site for signing details:
SIGNING DETAILS Following the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum appearance, Wynonna will headline Nashville’s 25th anniversary of the “Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing!” celebration at the Riverfront First Stage. Appearing with the Grammy winning Nashville Symphony Orchestra at 7pm, Wynonna will bring a blend of her hit songs and patriotic favorites to Nashville’s downtown festivities.
For $38 Million, It’s Yours! Alan Jackson's Home
 SELLER: Alan Jackson
LOCATION: Moran Road, Franklin, TN
PRICE: $38,000,000
SIZE: 19,000 square feet (approx.), 6 bedrooms,
7 full and 2 half bathrooms
DESCRIPTION: Magnificent offering w/o compare. Bordered by Harpeth River, surrounded by equestrian estates. Amenities include stocked & aerated lake w/boat house & 3 ponds, 20 car garage, gymnasium, 2 bed log cabin overlooking river, barn w/2 bed apt above, pole barn & more. The same day Alan Jackson filled a Nashville club this month with a free concert celebrating his 20th anniversary as a recording artist, a lengthy story in The Nashville Scene indicated he was planning to put his suburban mansion, Sweetbriar, up for sale. Not too many people can afford the hefty $38-million price tag, but a bundle of pictures of the home — both inside and out — can be viewed at VIEW HOME
You can get an idea of what selling 50 million albums can do for your lifestyle. While the Jacksons can afford about whatever they want, it seems, but their lifestyle is no longer suited much for a place he compares to Disney World. "We realized, as our girls got older, that they don't really use the property much," he told The Scene. "Once they get to be teenagers, they're mostly hanging out with their friends and on the iPod and cell phones in their rooms. If I'd had three boys instead of girls, they might be out here fishing and riding four-wheelers or something." Alan plans to build a new home on a smaller lot nearby. In the meantime, he’s contributing to the Fourth of July celebration in his original hometown. The Newnan Times-Herald reports he’s recorded a version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" to be played at the fireworks celebration Saturday in Newnan, Ga.
Reba McEntire Wants A Cowboy!!!
Well, Reba "I'm a cowboy"
Reba McEntire's recent performance at the opening of the billion dollar Dallas Cowboys Stadium featured a new -- and very appropriate song. 'I Want A Cowboy' will be among the tracks on the singer's 'Keep on Loving You' disc, set for release on August 18. The tune was co-written by singer-songwriter Katrina Elam, who included it on her self-titled debut album in 2004. "I'm a huge fan of Katrina Elam," Reba tells AllAboutCountry.com. "I love her singing, and I loved her album she had out a few years back. So I was talking to my producer, Tony Brown, who had co-produced Katrina's album, and asked him if there were any plans to do anything with the song 'I Want A Cowboy.' Tony called Katrina and asked her if she had any plans for the song, and she said, 'No, I don't think so -- why?' He told her I wanted to record it, and she thought that would be great. So we immediately went into the studio and cut it." Considering Reba's string of multi-platinum albums, it's no wonder Katrina thought having her record the song was a great idea. But romance-minded cowboys might also have Reba to thank if the song brings them any luck with the ladies. Beginning next week, a special dance mix of 'I Want a Cowboy' will be heard in hundreds of country dance clubs across the nation.
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Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley Ties the Knot
 Charles Kelley is a married man! The Lady Antebellum singer married Cassie McConnell earlier this week in Nashville. The hush-hush ceremony was "a legal formality," according to Lady A's publicist, who confirms that the couple will have a larger destination wedding ceremony in a few weeks. Charles popped the question to his girlfriend of more than two years last Christmas. Cassie is a Nashville-based publicist who represents several musicians, including Jake Owen and her new brother-in-law, pop singer Josh Kelley.
KID ROCK DATING KELLIE PICKLER?
We thought she was dating Kyle?
Rocker KID ROCK is secretly dating AMERICAN IDOL star KELLIE PICKLER, according to U.S. tabloid reports. The hitmaker showed up at the recent CMT Video Awards in Nashville, Tennessee with ex-girlfriend Sheryl Crow - but he was really at the prize giving to be close to his new love, according to the Globe.
A source tells the publication, "The romance between Kellie and Kid has been the worst-kept secret in Nashville." Insiders claim Pickler was talking about Kid Rock when she recently told a radio interviewer, "I'm seeing someone. I got a man. He's a great, great guy. We've been seeing each other for over a year." Rock, real name Robert Ritchie, has been linked to a string of lovely ladies and was briefly married to Pamela Anderson in 2006.
Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night" Begins Tuesday
 His Newest Single Releases Monday Morning June 29.
Saturday night arrives early next week with Tuesday’s (6/30) release of Brad Paisley's American Saturday Night, his 8th album. Brad’s recent 3-week #1 single, Then, led off the album's releases. The second single, Welcome to the Future will be radio ready for play Monday morning (6/29) with an impact date of July 13th. Brad's website, BRAD PAISLEY.COM relaunches with a complete rebuild featuring enhanced navigation and interactivity.
COUNTRY Stars React To Michael Jackson's Death
 Michael Jackson's influence on this generation's COUNTRY stars has been enormous. Reba McEntire: "Not since Elvis have we had such a talented entertainer with a unique personality. The music world has lost one of the greatest entertainers of our time."
Wynonna says, “I have always felt tenderness for him because of what he has had to endure being so famous so young”
Joe Nichols: "Thriller was the first album I ever bought with my own money. Michael Jackson was truly a pioneer."
Dierks Bentley: "No matter what kind of music you're into, if you grew up in the '80s and especially if you had an older sister, you couldn't help but be influenced and awed by Michael Jackson's music and talent. Dude was one of a kind."
Sarah Buxton says "Growing up, Michael Jackson was my hero. I had a sequined glove and his poster was hanging in my bedroom. Through the years his music has been a constant source of inspiration to me."
Rodney Atkins: "I will remember Michael Jackson as the kid that overcame, as the mesmerizing, moonwalking worldwide artist. He was forced to fill shoes that must have been crippling to walk in, but yet he found a reason and a way to dance in them like no one on earth."
From Miranda Lambert: "He was larger than life. He's an artist that has had an impact on every other artist, consciously or subconsciously."
Jimmy Wayne says, "I used to moon-walk down the hallway in school when I was in the sixth grade ... We have now experienced a day like my mom explained to me the world experienced when Elvis died."
New Tim McGraw Tune Tuesday
First New Music From Tim In 2 1/2 Years!
The long wait is over! Curb Records will be shipping the new Tim McGraw tune, "It's A Business Doing Pleasure With You," first thing Tuesday morning (6/30). Curb VP/Promotion Adrian Michaels describes the song as "Uptempo and Fun...a great summer song." Tim's new album, due out in time for Christmas giving, is rumored to be titled Southern Voice, although nobody in Tim's camp can confirm that.
Nashville Fourth of July event 
"Let Freedom Sing," Nashville's annual Fourth of July celebration, is set for July 4 at Riverfront Park downtown. Live music starts at 2 p.m. The fireworks show is at 9 p.m. Go to MUSIC CITY JULY 4 for more information. If there's one thing Nashville knows how to do, it's throw a party. On Saturday, July 4th head down to Riverfront Park for a day filled with summer fun. Check out the Coca-Cola FREE Family Fun Zone with inflatables and more fun for every member of the family.
The NowPlayingNashville.com First Stage will feature music beginning at 2pm with Frankie Ballard, The Grascals, MTA's "Transit," Lee Roy Parnell and more. The Main Stage concert will kick off at 7pm with the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the Nashville Symphony performing the National Anthem, followed by a special patriotic salute by Mayor Karl Dean, Barry Scott, and the Nashville Symphony. Performances by The Gabe Dixon Band and Wynonna will continue through the night for the city that music calls home. Stay for our grand finale including an incredible fireworks display synchronized with a performance by our very own Nashville Symphony. Additional questions?
Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau @ 800-657-6910 or 615-259-4730
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June 26 Lucky Cowboy Drawing Winner
For WE FEST Country Music Fest Tickets
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Wins Two Three Day Passes to WE FEST Country Music Fest
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Congratulations! Final WE FEST Darwing is July 17 at Noon! Enter to Win! You can still enter Lucky Sweeps To Win WE FEST Tickets!
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See the cowgirls ride the bull. Tons of new photos!
It's the running of the bulls! Looks like Johnny is having fun!
SEE LUCKYS PHOTOS
White House Goes Country!!!
 Washington will get a dose of Nashville next month when President Barack Obama hosts a country show. Earlier this week, trumpet player Wynton Marsalis performed jazz at the White House. And the president also hosted an R&B show with Earth, Wind & Fire. He may not be as big a country fan as his predecessor, but Barack and Michelle Obama still have an appreciation for the genre. "They like all kinds of music," the administration’s social secretary, Desiree Rogers, told The New York Daily News. The country event is slated for July 21, though it’s unclear how many artists might perform. It’s part of Obama’s mission to embrace the whole of American culture. "The President wants the White House to be a stage," Desiree said. "We want Americans feeling they’re part of the house." Country stars have already interacted with the Obama administration on several occasions. Garth Brooks and Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles took part in an inaugural event on the steps of the Lincoln Monument. Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus were among the artists who appeared at other inaugural festivities; Martina McBride performed at the White House during a Stevie Wonder concert that aired on PBS; and Mark Wills joined kids from the Children’s Miracle Network when they met the prez.
Taylor Swift closes out opening night of Country USA in Oshkosh, Wis
The Northwestern • June 25, 2009 
"Every song is your favorite song," Delbecchi said. "Each track that comes on, each song she’s sung, you love every one of them like your favorite at that time." 
Taylor Swift rocks the main stage at the opening day of Country USA Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Oshkosh Northwestern Photo
She has a favorite Taylor Swift expression-the singer’s look of surprise when she wins an award-and treated Wednesday’s Country USA headliner more like a mission than anything. Along with siblings Marina, Marco and Emily and Madison friend Rani Singh, proudly displayed their adoration of Swift with hand-painted pink tank tops finished at 1 a.m. the night before. "Basically, tonight was a night we can remember for our whole lives," Diana Delbecchi said. "As long as Taylor Swift is breathing the same air as us, we’ll be happy." Swift’s down-to-earth personality and strong connection with fans made her closing performance a huge success. The Country USA grounds were nearly full as long lines waited to enter the festival even after 9 p.m. During the festival’s first day, attendees showed up in droves, giving little indication the economy weighed heavy on their minds. 
On Wednesday, at least part of the crowd’s size was attributable to Swift, whose adolescent following ensured a throng of screaming fans packed the grass with camping chairs and blankets. And where there are tweens and teens, adults like Dave Contois and Marianne Adams of Marquette, Mich., are in attendance, too. "My daughter Katie loves Taylor Swift and this was her 17th birthday present," said Contois, who admitted he and Adams were Swift fans, too. "She deserves it. We’re just along for the ride, though we kind of hope Kellie Pickler’s here to sing with her."
Taylor Swift brings young fans;
Country USA music festival opened Wednesday in Oshkosh, Wis The Post Crescent News
June 24, 2009 Appleton, Wisconsin 
Taylor Swift is the headliner Wednesday night at Country USA, WI
A pair of teenage girls sip iced drinks at a booth at a downtown Appleton coffee shop, taking a break from the midday sun. Are they fans of Taylor Swift, the opening night headliner at Country USA? They smile, then blush, then explain why the 19-year-old megastar's appeal transcends that of country music itself. "I enjoy her music," offers Megan Charles, 15, of Appleton. "It's pretty catchy, and the words speak to you." Her songs speak of "life and relationships and going through life as a teenager," Charles said. 
"And she makes you look at things in a different way." That youth appeal is expected to bring a younger-than-usual audience to tonight's Country USA festivities. Swift has been widely applauded in the country music world for introducing country music to a generation of teen and tween fans hooked on the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus. Swift, the star of and biggest winner at last week's CMT Music Awards, has so far managed to maintain the modesty and innocence of stardom — in an age where famous young faces seem prone to outgrow it too soon, often losing much of their star quality along the way. "It doesn't seem like she goes out and parties all the time," Kim Willems, 16, Charles' classmate at Appleton East High School, said, sounding hopeful. Willems owns both of Swift's CDs, but won't be attending her performance at Oshkosh tonight, due primarily to a "lack of money." Willems said she hopes to watch the star another time, preferably soon. "Her lyrics relate a lot to a teenager like me." Swift showed at the CMT awards she can do some rap, and can share the stage, and a new album, with hair-band rockers Def Leppard, confirming her ability to speak to music-lovers possessing neither pickup trucks nor cowboy hats. "She's definitely a great performer," said Katie Woelfel, 21, of Stockbridge. "She knows how to put on a show." Woelfel, who also owns both of Swift's CDs, said she prefers the newer work because it hints at the performer's growing maturity and expanding stylistic range. Woelfel will be with her parents tonight when Swift takes the stage. "She's family-friendly," Woelfel said. "She respects herself." Twelve-year-old Lea Reinholz of Sherwood said she might be going to see Swift, her favorite singer, perform in Oshkosh, but couldn't say for sure Tuesday. "My mom has to OK it," she said. Fortunately, she said, her mom, Amy Reinholz, is a Taylor Swift fan, too. Amy said she grew up listening to country music, but Swift's music gets played on stations around the dial. "I think it's pop (music) and country," the young fan said of Swift's sound. "I think she might win more awards and become even more famous in the future." Swift's swelling base of admirers — including pre-teens and adults, country fans or not — tend to think alike on that point. Taylor heads to Caddott, Wisconsin for Country Fest June 25
Montgomery Gentry Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry
June 24, 2009 — Celebrating 10 years since first appearing on the national charts, Montgomery Gentry joined the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday night with what’s likely the edgiest sound to ever commemorate a membership ceremony in the radio show’s 83 years. Immediately after joining the hallowed cast, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry launched into "Hillbilly Shoes," their initial 1999 hit, with buzzing power chords and a blistering guitar riff, adding second-generation Southern rock to the wide musical net that represents the Opry. Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives bolstered the sound, which included six electric and acoustic guitars as well as a steel, the kind of power more associated with arena rockers such as Lynyrd Skynyrd than with Opry stalwarts such as Jim Ed Brown or Jeannie Seely. Every generation of country folds in outside influences, and Montgomery Gentry has — as overtly as any act in the genre — managed to blend the sound and fury of the duo’s teen years with the classic honky-tonk music that fellow Opry member Alan Jackson continues to ply. The duo was aware of the change it stood for, particularly since Troy spent part of Tuesday afternoon boning up on his Opry history on his laptop. Marty and Little Jimmy Dickens jointly inducted the duo, stamping their approval on Troy and Eddie. Marty — whose music is steeped in country, rock, gospel and the blues — is the ultimate Opry genre-buster. Little Jimmy, at age 88, is the only remaining Opry star whose membership extends to the era in which Hank Williams was a member. "I know these two men here on stage and off stage," Little Jimmy told the Opry House audience. "I find them to be gentlemen in every respect." "Welcome," he told the duo, "to our family of entertainers. We’re delighted to have you."
Kenny Chesney Heats Up Fargodome
June 20, 2009 Fargo, North Dakota
Kenny Chesney is a wedge. And not just because the country star, who played to more than 14,000 people in the Fargodome on Saturday night, has songs with enough Caribbean influence to offend hardline country traditionalists. More so, it’s because the stud who’s never met a sleeveless shirt he hasn’t liked is the dividing line between old-school country purists who won’t listen to anything not endorsed by Nashville and the new-school country fans raised in a world where country and rock music sound like siblings who get along. In Chesney’s world, maintaining a soundtrack that keeps the party alive and the beer flowing is more important than preserving genre party lines. That’s why Saturday night’s concert moved like an energetic iPod playlist melding rock and country without remorse. From playing AC/DC in the PA speakers before his set to opening his show with the arena-rock cliché of “floating” over the crowd, Chesney rolled enough rock attitude and function into his string of country tunes that even ardent country haters had to be raising their beers toward the stage.
Wearing a black cowboy hat pulled down to his ears and a blue shirt sans sleeves, Chesney’s presence was enough to send the room into a scream fest. But unlike some country acts that let the fire die after two upbeat opening tunes, Chesney kept the mood hot and sweaty through a set list of his greatest hits, each accompanied by delighted, screaming fans. “Live Those Songs” opened the set with enough references of classic rock tunes to flood the dome with radio nostalgia. “Living in Fast Forward” had a guitar solo fit for the Doobie Brothers. And even though he didn’t end the show with an encore of rock covers (as he’s been doing at some recent dates), the rock vibe pulsed throughout the night. It started with Miranda Lambert, the second of Chesney’s opening acts, as the Texas firebrand provided a country-rock appetizer with a spirited set starting with her combustible and edgy hit “Kerosene” and covers of Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock N’ Roll” and Rod Stewart’s “Stay With Me,” which she owned. Plus her bassist had his hair in a tall Mohawk. George Jones definitley wouldn’t approve. But the country purists weren’t ignored. “Never Wanted Nothing More” played like an upbeat campfire toe-tapper; “Me and You” coated the Fargodome’s innards with the smooth, sympathetic romantic longing that’s flooded country charts for the past 15 years; and “Back Where I Come From” was a dance with rural pride every country fan loves – even those raised in big cities. The crowd favorite “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” plowed up even deeper country roots before an encore of “Don’t Blink.” If anything was subdued, it was the island influence of Chesney staples like “No Shoes. No Shirt. No Problem” or “Beer in Mexico.” With a crowd that wouldn’t relax, the laid-back nature of those songs was lost in the party energy. But that’s a problem easily forgotten. Because regardless of whether you take your country straight or chase it with a shot of rock flavor, one thing all country fans seem to agree on is that the party shouldn’t stop. Chesney made sure his party didn’t end until he stepped off the stage and said, “Adios Fargo, see you next time.”
Kellie Pickler Named Sextest Vegetarian
 Kellie Pickler was recently named PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian ... No joke, Kellie. "I just found out and I didn't believe it," Kellie says when we asked the blond beauty about her latest accolade. "I googled it to make sure it wasn't a lie!" Kellie admits she sometimes relies on the grapevine to hear news about herself. This news was a welcomed surprise. "It's an honor," she says. "It makes me feel really good ... especially with all the people that were in the category. I wouldn't have picked myself!"
Monday Night Football taping in Nashville
Are You Ready For Some Football? 
ESPN shoots Hank Williams Jr.'s opening video for 2009 Monday Night Football with Gloria Estefan inside the Parthenon at Centennial Park Monday, June 22, 2009, in Nashville, Tenn.
ESPN shoots the opening video for 2009 Monday Night Football with the UT dance team inside the Parthenon Monday, June 22, 2009, in Nashville, Tenn.
The video will be part of all 17 ESPN Monday Night Football telecasts this fall, its 40th season for sports television’s signature series. The video is schedule to debut for regular-season MNF opener on Monday, Sept. 14. For more details, call 615-873-2975.
Lucky Cowboy gets some help from the Hendersonville High Golden Girls. Some of them also appear in Taylor Swift's new video.
See More CMA FEST Photos LUCKY PHOTOS CLICK
DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE WAITIN' ON A WOMAN!
Since CMA Music Fest, it's been kinda quiet downtown.
Brad Paisley Grabs Three Wins at CMT Music Awards
June 16 Nashville, Tenn 
With three wins, Brad Paisley emerged on top at the 2009 CMT Music Awards, although it's likely that Taylor Swift's three performances are what country music fans will be talking about in the days to come. She also won two awards -- including video of the year for "Love Story" -- during Tuesday night's (June 16) show at Nashville's Sommet Center. Aside from a pre-taped opening segment that led into "Thug Story," her humorous, tongue-in-cheek rap video with T-Pain, Swift also provided an inspired performance of "You Belong With Me" and then closed the show with Def Leppard in a collaboration on the British rock band's late '80s hit, "Pour Some Sugar on Me." In addition to Paisley and Swift, other award winners included Dierks Bentley, the Zac Brown Band, Kid Rock, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Keith Urban and director Trey Fanjoy. The show was hosted by actor-comedian Bill Engvall. Paisley's wins included a male video nod for "Waitin' on a Woman," which featured an appearance by actor Andy Griffith. Paisley and Urban also shared the collaborative video prize for "Start a Band." Paisley shared another honor -- the CMT performance of the year award -- with Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, George Strait and Paisley for their performance of "Country Boy" during the TV special, CMT Giants: Alan Jackson. Jackson was joined onstage by Paisley and Bentley to accept the award. "Twenty years ago this week, I signed my record deal here in Nashville," Jackson said. "I've made, I think, about 45 country music videos in that time, and CMT and all the fans have been there with me ever since." Paisley and Urban joked around while picking up their trophies for "Start a Band." Paisley thanked the fans "for taking a song all about playing the guitar and making it something that radio made a No. 1 hit." "And learn guitar, kids," Urban added. "Get the real thing." "Rock Band never got anybody a date," Paisley chimed in. "Never." Of all his wins Thursday night, it was clear that Paisley was especially proud of his work with director Jim Shea on "Waitin' on a Woman," a video that featured veteran actor and comedian Andy Griffith. "Jim and I agree that was the perfect man to pass wisdom," Paisley said. "He has passed wisdom his whole life to all of us. ... He has changed my life in so many ways, and to be on film with him, you can imagine what that would be like." Paisley's concerts are famous for their high-tech special effects, but he made a comical reference to his lack of technical savvy while accepting one of his awards. "My Web site manager has texted -- because I've only Twittered three times ever -- and said, 'You should thank the fans on Twitter,'" Paisley noted. "So I had it ready, just in case. I'm hitting 'send.' So get off my back." Paisley performed his current hit, "Then," during the show. Swift's "Love Story" was also named female video of the year. In her acceptance speech, she mentioned her work with Def Leppard on a CMT Crossroads taping. "I want to thank CMT for letting me live so many of my dreams this year," she said. "I got to sing with my heroes. Def Leppard, I love you guys so much. "I want to say a little shout-out to some of my other heroes. I want to thank Shania Twain for always making such theatrical videos. And I want to thank Garth Brooks for always putting his fans first. I take my cue from you. Also, I want to thank my little brother, Austin, for being my date tonight. And I want to thank the fans for giving me video of the year when my whole family is here watching." She had similar thoughts while accepting the female video award. "Thank you to the fans that come out to my shows and spend such hard work making these amazing scrapbooks and writing me letters," she said. "Reading your letters and reading your MySpace comments, anytime I have a bad day, you make those days good." While perhaps not as drastic as Swift's "Thug Story" video with T-Pain, Sugarland provided a major surprise by performing the B-52's "Love Shack" and then having the Georgia-based party band join them onstage to finish the song. Sugarland's "All I Want to Do" won a CMT award buckle for duo video of the year. Rascal Flatts, who won the group video honor for "Every Day," performed "Summer Nights," a track from their latest album, Unstoppable.
In accepting the Wide Open Country video buckle for "All Summer Long," Kid Rock observed, "I think this was based on creativity ... because what's more creative than a strip pole on a pontoon boat?" The Zac Brown Band took home the USA Weekend breakthrough artist of the year award for their first national hit, "Chicken Fried." Trey Fanjoy, who directed Swift's "Love Story" video, was named video director of the year. Urban performed his current hit, "Sweet Thing," and later joined Jason Aldean to assist on "She's Country." The awards show was also highlighted by performances by Bentley ("Sideways"), Trace Adkins ("You're Gonna Miss This"), Toby Keith ("God Love Her"), Lady Antebellum ("Lookin' for a Good Time"), Kellie Pickler ("Best Days of Your Life") and Darius Rucker ("Alright"). Leading into the commercial breaks for the live telecast, snippets of songs were performed by several newcomers, including Jason Michael Carroll, the Carter Twins, the Eli Young Band, Eric Church, Gloriana and Joey & Rory. See Photos From CMT Awards Show LUCKY PHOTOS CLICK Taylor Swift wins video of the year at CMT awards
NASHVILLE — Taylor Swift opened the Country Music Television awards with a skit about living out her dreams. The 19-year-old country and pop sensation went a long way toward doing just that by winning video of the year and female video of the year for Love Story and by performing with one of her favorite rock bands.
Taylor Swift opened the Country Music Television awards with a skit about living out her dreams. The 19-year-old country and pop sensation went a long way toward doing just that by winning video of the year and female video of the year for Love Story and by performing with one of her favorite rock bands. "I want to thank Shania Twain for always making such theatrical videos, and Garth Brooks for always putting the fans first. I take my cues from you," Swift said Tuesday in accepting video of the year honors at Nashville's Sommet Center. "I thank the fans for giving me video of the year when my whole family is here watching."
Oh No! Martina in a bikini
It's widely known that Multi-platinum vocalist Martina McBride has always been in shape but this month the mother of three appears ON Shape - and is wearing a bikini! Martina joins country singers LeAnn Rimes and Julianne Hough to reveal their simple tips for staying fit, strong and sexy.
Kellie Picker Gets OK! Magazine Spread
"It's A $1-Million Trailer...But It's Still A Trailer!"
OK! Magazine will be doing a spread on Kellie Pickler under the billing "Southern Belle". She's only 22, but Kellie Pickler is already a classic rags-to-riches story: Raised in a North Carolina trailer park, she burst onto the music scene in 2006 as an American Idol finalist. Two albums later (and 30 pounds lighter), the country music queen's crisscrossing the continent with Taylor Swift's Fearless tour – and sleepin on her bus. "My little house on wheels," she says. "Funny. As a child I thought, 'I'm going to be a big country star so I can get out of this damn trailer.' Then I go and get one. I mean it's a $1 million trailer but it's still a trailer." OK! caught up with the "Best Days of Your Life" singer at Nashville's lush Cheekwood Botanical Garden. You're touring with Taylor Swift. Why sleep on the bus? I don't want to sleep on somebody else's mattress, so even five-star hotels are horrid to me. I like sitting on my own toilet that no one else has sat on. I have a huge king-size bed and my little Chihuahua, Moo Moo, sleeps with me. Don't you get lonely, just traveling around America in a bus? No, I don't like people, so I don't get lonely [laughs]. I enjoy my own company. I talk to myself and I have Moo Moo, which is good enough. How are you and Taylor getting along? She's like a little sister to me. It's great having another girl on the road with me. And we don't have many females who can headline at the moment – she's the only girl in the country who can sell out arenas, she's one of the few! Women in the country music scene seem to stick together.
Absolutely! Country music has embraced me and nurtured me. That was a great trade for me: I left my family in North Carolina, but got a new family in Tennessee. A lot of people come here from broken homes and Nashville becomes their family – and that was my case. You have a strained relationship with your mother. Do you have a mom-type figure in your life at the moment? Yeah, I think God has definitely brought certain people into my lifef to fill certain voids. I've found great women to love me and pray for me and support me. Dolly Parton – she is my favorite. She is the reason I fell in love with country music. I love her. She handles herself with a lot of grace. www.okmagazine.com
Alan Jackson Gets His Star
On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Another "COUNTRY Boy" is headed "Uptown" as Alan Jackson gets his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame sometime in 2010. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce made the announcement Monday (6/15). Included with A.J. in the Class of 2010 are musicians Roy Orbison, Ringo Starr, Bryan Adams, ZZ Top and Van Morrison.
CMA MUSIC FEST Ends with big stars! 
Montgomery Gentry performs during the CMA Music Festival at LP Field in Nashville, TN on June 14th 2009.
Sunday night's LP Field show: Taylor puts forth her truth, Chesney puts on a high-energy closer and John Rich puts on a fur coat. Sunday night's LP Field show included a solid set from Taylor Swift, a "surprise" one from Sugarland, a rousing closer from Kenny Chesney and a fur-coated stage show from John Rich. The seasoned performers usually arrive late in the festival evening, but Texas-based singer-songwriter Jack Ingram has likely played more live shows than anyone else who played a stadium show at the CMA Music Festival this weekend. Ingram’s shows have often been of the small club variety, but he’s been banging away for years, and his LP Field set put those years to use. In an age when country music recording contracts are sometimes doled out to people with little or no experience leading a band, Ingram stands out as a true pro and a compelling performer. Saddled with the still-a-little-light-outside slot, Ingram roused a stadium full of fans with a four-song set filled with sing-along moments. He opened with hit “Wherever You Are,” and followed that with the roots-rocking “Barbie Doll,” summer anthem “Barefoot and Crazy” and rousing, PG-13 kiss-off “Love You.” Ingram’s next album comes out on August 25, and it’s a safe bet that many in the LP Field audience will be marking that date down on calendars or Microsoft Outlook programs or wherever it is that people mark things down these days. Heidi Newfield opened her 10-minute set with a harmonica solo that led into “Pour Me,” a song she sang hundreds of times with her former band, Trick Pony. Newfield then launched into “Cry Cry (‘Til The Sun Shines)” and finished with her breakout solo hit, “Johnny and June.” Montgomery Gentry brought a Southern-rock shading to the night, though duo member Troy Gentry’s newly stylized look might not have been immediately accepted in, say, the Marshall Tucker Band. In any case, the duo delivered a crowd-pleasing, up-tempo set highlighted by “Roll With Me,” “One In Every Crowd” and “Gone.” Miranda Lambert, who grew up as a fan of Ingram’s music, more than proved herself as a singular entertainer. Lambert strutted on stage and delivered a 25-minute set that accentuated her skills as a bandleader, singer-songwriter and interpreter. She began with “Kerosene,” moved through a raunchy cover of the Faces’ “Stay With Me,” and included self-penned songs including the set-closing revenge tale “Gunpowder & Lead.”
John Rich arrived on stage wearing a fur coat and singing the Big & Rich song “Loud.” Next, he invited cowboy-hatted rapper Cowboy Troy out for “I Play Chicken With The Train,” and it seemed his performance might be something quite similar to a Big & Rich show, only without the Big. But Rich then asserted himself as a solo act, playing his populist anthem “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” before “The Good Lord And The Man,” a song in which he asserts, “We’d all be speakin’ German, living under the flag of Japan/ If it wasn’t for the good Lord and the man.” Now, it’s hard to imagine a situation in which we’d be speaking German while living under the Japanese flag, but the song drew sustained applause. Rich closed with the Big & Rich party tune “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy),” with MusikMafia members Cowboy Troy and Two Foot Fred contributing. Taylor Swift has yet to write about flags, economics or Detroit, but her autobiographical songs about the trials of a youthful heart have turned her into what CMT’s Lance Smith called “probably the biggest star on the planet.” 
Swift’s catalogue of hooky, country-pop songs were crowd favorites, even though the subject matter seldom drifted into anything applicable to those over the age of 25. Swift writes her truth, which is a suburban, teenage truth, and she marries that truth to a precocious sense of rhythm and melody. There are some who figure her fame is ephemeral, but there's reason not to bet that way. Plenty of 30-year-olds can write movingly and convincingly about being 30; only a few 19-year-olds write movingly and convincingly about being 19, especially in a manner that interests 30-year-olds. Swift is not yet a dominant singer, and she’s still finding her sea legs as a headlining stage performer, but her enthusiastically received LP Field performance was yet another indication that she’s in this for the long haul. Her set began with “Picture To Burn,” and included “Our Song,” “You Belong With Me,” “Fifteen,” “You’re Not Sorry” and the closing number “Love Story.” Sugarland was the sort-of surprise next act, though most in attendance seemed well aware that the CMA duo of the year was going to play. 
Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush began their performance with “Love,” a song that throbs with a U2-inspired rhythm. That wasn’t the only pop-influenced moment, as Sugarland also offered a bit of R.E.M.’s “Nightswimming.” Throughout the performance, Nettles’ voice rang strong, particularly on soulful ballad “Stay.” 
The night, and the festival, ended with country’s top touring artist, Kenny Chesney.
Though his set began at midnight, 20 minutes after the night had been slated to end, the stadium crowd stayed in place to hear the CMA’s four-time entertainer of the year. Chesney brought a high-energy close to the proceedings, concluding the festival’s strongest stadium night with a good-time set that opened with “Beer In Mexico” and went on to include hits “Summertime,” "Young" and new single “We Went Out Last Night.” Chesney’s performance was a fitting end to what's being touted as the most successful CMA Music Festival to date. The record industry frets. The economy falters. Country music thrives. The national economy shudders and shakes, but country music's prime annual attraction is on solid footing. Country Music Association CEO Tammy Genovese said the CMA Music Festival's attendance is up by 7.2 percent. Attendance, Genovese said, is averaging about 56,000 people per day for the entire event, including nighttime shows at LP Field and riverfront performances. See More CMA FEST Photos LUCKY PHOTOS LINK
Alan Jackson performed at Cadillac Ranch Wed. June 10,in Nashville
Grand Marshall Rodney Atkins and son Elijah wave to the fans at the CMA Kickoff Parade down Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, June 10
Gretchen Wilson opens the Riverfront Stage during the 2009 CMA Music Festival at Nashville's Riverfront Park June 11
Taylor appeared on The Today Show Friday, May 29.
Taylor played the Bama Jam in Enterprise, Alabama Thursday night June 4, 2009 and makes front page news in the Dothan Eagle
The Garth Factor Garners Great Interest
Author Patsi Bale Cox
  Photo: Garth with Patsi Bale Cox at the 1990 CMA Awards
The Chronicle Of Garth's Career Is Insight For All Who Lived Through It.
Patsi sold out of her supply of the book at Saturday night's June 6 book-signing in Nashville. The book gives an insider's view of the career behind COUNTRY's meteoric rise in the 1990's. As a former Capitol Records Nashville staff member handling Garth Brooks' publicity, Cox chronicles his career, the boardroom drama and the life of the man, including his first (catastrophic) trip to Nashville. It should be noted that, while Garth did not authorize the book as an biography, he was, as the author put it, extremely open and gave Cox access to the materials she requested.
Taylor Swift Tickets For Sale
Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Sommet Center in Nashville, TN (SOLD OUT SHOW)
TAYLOR SWIFT
2009 FEARLESS TOUR
SEPTEMBER 12 WITH
KELLIE PICKLER AND GLORIANA!
2 TICKETS FOR SALE: $90 Each
CLUB LEVEL - Great View of Stage
Section #214
Row E Seats 6-7 Interested in tickets? Email: Lucky@luckycowboy.com
WIN WE FEST COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS
STARS SHINE IN 2009!
It's the BIGGEST Music Festival around! We FEST 2009! Already Announced: Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, Big & Rich, Sawyer Brown, Trace Adkins, Kellie Pickler, Clint Black, Craig Morgan, Joey & Rory, Jetty Road, Katie Arminger, Silverado, 32 Below, October Road, Boomtown and more! And YOU could be there on Lucky Cowboy. He has FREE tickets to give away. Final WE FEST Darwing is July 17 at Noon! Enter to Win! You can still enter Lucky Sweeps To Win WE FEST Tickets!
More Drawings Coming!
CLICK HERE TO ENTER SWEEPS
And then, the party really got started at Tootsies
First there was the rowdy charity show for the Opry Trust Fund at the Ryman with Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser. But then, when that was over, all the stars and VIPs left the Ryman and took those famous 37 steps down the carpet to the back entrance of Tootsie’s. And then, it sounds like the party really got started. Country rookie Jerrod Niemann kicked things off with a “holler and a swaller” toast (which, by the way, I think I also definitely need to add to my to-do list). Then in one of those surreal, is-this-really-happening moments, Jamey Johnson and the legendary Mel Tillis took to the tiny stage to sing Tillis’ “Detroit City.” Can you imagine that? Anyway, I’ve heard that Jake Owen, Lee Brice and Chris Young were there, too, probably just hanging out, having a few drinks and listening to the music. But then when the band started playing Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition,” they all joined in.
John Rich Was Right! They're “Shuttin Detroit Down”
GM is out of gas!
 
“Shuttin Detroit Down.” In this tough economy it seems we get bad news everyday from jobs getting cut to your family or friends losing their homes. As always in tough times it seems many people turn to music with some of the most famous songs in American history coming from our darkest moments. While “Shuttin Detroit Down” may not end up being a classic it is a good song and John Rich was right. This song is part of his upcoming Son of a Preacher Man album.
CLICK THE LINK FOR NASHVILLE SHOWS & CONCERTS
WHERE THE STARS ARE PLAYING IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
NASHVILLE SHOWS ARTISTS
Steve Martin made his Grand Ole Opry debut
 NASHVILLE, TN - May 30, 2009 Multi-talented Emmy Award-winning actor/comedian/writer Steve Martin made his Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd and was greeted with a standing ovation. He performed songs from his first music album, The Crow - New Songs for the Five-String Banjo. Life-long friend John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), who produced the album and assembled an all-star cast to record with Martin, appeared on the show along with Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Stuart Duncan, Tim O'Brien, and more. After playing the scheduled songs the group was called back out for an encore and Martin lead the group on "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" to the crowds delight. Martin has been playing banjo for over 40 years.
Mindy McCready Headed to Rehab Reality ... ????
Mindy McCready has been cast in the VH-1 reality show, 'Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew.' The show will follow eight celebrities as they go through an intense detoxification program. McCready's known vices are alcohol and prescription drugs. Other troubled stars set to appear this season are basketball great Dennis Rodman, actress MacKenzie Phillips ('One Day at a Time'), former Hollywood Madame Heidi Fleiss, former 'America's Next Top Model' contestant Lisa D'Amato, former Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr, former Miss United States Teen Kari Ann Peniche and former 'Real World Hollywood' star Joey Kovar. McCready, whose best-known hits include 'Ten Thousand Angels' and 'Guys Do it All the Time,' has had a laundry list of troubles with drugs, alcohol and the law. She was arrested in 2004 for fraudulently obtaining prescription pills. In 2005, she was arrested for DUI and was arrested again just two months later on a string of charges, including identity theft and unlawful imprisonment. A subsequent arrest came in July 2007, when McCready allegedly assaulted her own mother and then resisted arrest. That incident resulted in her spending four months in a Tennessee jail. Another jail stint came last year after the singer violated her probation. Also in 2008, she entered rehab twice -- the second time after a failed suicide attempt. McCready also made headlines last year after admitting to an affair with married baseball star Roger Clemens. The two met when the aspiring singer was just 15 years old, singing in a Florida karaoke bar. Clemens was already married with children at the time. Their alleged relationship lasted on and off through 2006. The new season of 'Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew' will premiere in early 2010. Its host, Dr. Drew Pinsky, has helped celebrities ranging from Oscar-nominated actor Gary Busey to pro-wrestler Chyna defeat their addictions.
George Strait: ACM Artist Of The Decade All Star Concert
Gets a special surprise 
George Strait and all his friends at the CBS TV Special May 27
George Strait: ACM Artist Of The Decade All Star Concert aired on CBS Wednesday night, and while the honor itself was no secret to George the night he received it, one of the performances came as a complete surprise. The special was shot in Las Vegas April 6, one day after the Academy of Country Music handed out its annual awards. Lee Ann joined Jamey Johnson for a duet version of "Give It Away," then sang a solo. The song she handled on her own was written specifically for the special and then kept hidden until the big night. "I got a call one afternoon from my agent who said, ‘The guys who are directing and producing this show need you to call them,’" Lee Ann recalls. "So I called them, and they said, ‘We have a surprise for George, and we want to see if you’ll help us with it.’ And I said, ‘Well, what is it? I don’t know how much George likes surprises on national TV.’ And they sent me the song, and I thought, ‘He’s really going to love this.’ And he told a room full of people at a reception afterward that he got really emotional and really choked up, and he thought if there were ever a moment in the night he was going to lose it, it was during that song. It was a song that was written specifically for that event. I know he was very, very grateful to the writers for having done that." On the show: Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Jamie Foxx, Faith HIllk Jack Ingram, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, John Rich, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack. ACM's Artists Of The Decades
2000's - George Strait
1990's - Garth Brooks
1980's - Alabama
1970's - Loretta Lynn
1960's - Marty Robbins Garth Brooks presented the award to George Strait and he was honored.
Montgomery Gentry finally asked to join the Opry
Columbia Nashville duo Montgomery Gentry was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday evening during the Tuesday Night Opry. Montgomery Gentry made their Grand Ole Opry debut nine years ago on March 3, 2000. The duo will be formally inducted into the Opry family on Tues., June 23. Opry member Charlie Daniels surprised Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry by approaching them from the Opry House audience and making his way on stage. “I have been chosen to do something very special,” Daniels said. “I have known you guys for a long time, and I am very proud of all your accomplishments,” he continued before offering, “if you agree to it, on June 23rd you’re gonna be made members of the Grand Ole Opry!” “The Grand Ole Opry, ba-by!” Eddie Montgomery added.
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TAYLOR SWIFT, KELLIE PICKLER AND GLORIANA
EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
Fearless Tour Concert Review Deseret News May 26
14,000 turned out for the sold-out show 
14,000 turned out for Taylor Swift sold-out show in Salt Lake City May 26
Swift gives fans a look at her life More than just a concert, teen music star Taylor Swift gave fans an intimate look into her life Tuesday night during a one-night performance at the EnergySolutions Arena. She sang songs about love, angst and heartache. And the sold-out crowd seemed to love it, cheering nonstop, even when she wasn't singing. Swift appeared to bask in the attention. Even at age 19, she is a confident and mature performer. Swift constantly played to her crowd, stopping to smile, wave and acknowledge her fans. A highlight of the night came when she sang "Hey Stephen" from the top of the arena and then proceeded to walk through an ecstatic crowd and give hugs and handshakes. Young girls took pictures on their camera phones, and one boy started jumping up and down after Swift gave him a hug. "I'm not the only girl that still believes in love stories," said Swift, who thanked her Utah fans for the electric concert experience.
She opened her two-hour set with the high-energy songs "You Belong With Me," "Our Song" and "Tell Me Why." Fan favorites included renditions later in the night of "Love Story" and "Tim McGraw." Throughout the night, there were constant set changes, costume changes, dancing and effects. Swift, who said in an interview prior to the concert she is interested in all aspects of the music business, actually designed the set she used Tuesday when she was 14 years old. It was a fairly multipurpose setup, with stairs and a hydraulic lift for different props. Her first songs showcased the set as a high school setting, with images of lockers displayed on the white backdrop. Later, it became a castle as she sang "Love Story." During the final song of her encore, there was fake rain that poured onto the stage as she sang "Should Have Said No." "This has been one of my favorite places to play since age 16 when I started touring," Swift said about her Utah visit. Her opening band, Gloriana, seemed equally excited about their visit, singing a high-energy but quick five-song set. Highlights included their song "Wild at Heart," which has been nominated for a Country Music Television award. The group has only been singing together since 2007, and while fresh, has been able to utilize its powerful four-part harmonies. Opener Kellie Pickler, who starred on American Idol, did not perform due to sickness.
Jason Aldean Releasing "Big Green Tractor"
Jason Aldean will release a new single, "Big Green Tractor," to country radio on Tuesday (May 26). It's the follow-up to "She's Country," from his latest album, Wide Open. "There's nothing more romantic than a tractor," Aldean says. "If you live in South Georgia, a Saturday night out on the tractor with your girl is probably not that far-fetched of what could be considered a good 'date night.' The song seems to be connecting already, so maybe tractors have always been romantic, and everybody just needed reminding."
The Next Big Thing - The Lovell Sisters 
Why They're the Next Big Thing: Citing Nickel Creek and Alison Krauss as their biggest influences, the Lovell Sisters -- Rebecca, Jessica and Megan -- combine angelic harmonies with impressive guitar, mandolin, fiddle and dobro playing. The sisters are also accomplished songwriters, receiving the grand prize at the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their song, 'Distance.' Their current single and title track to their new album, 'Time to Grow,' was a finalist in the 2008 International Songwriting Competition. There is a word often used when describing rising Americana stars The Lovell Sisters: Passion. It’s what these three young women—Jessica (23), Megan (19) and Rebecca (18)—feel when they step on stage to perform. Passion is the fuel that feeds their writing and arranging, and it colors every note they play and sing on Time To Grow, their forthcoming new album. The Lovell Sisters, who have proven themselves time and again as polished performers, have been praised equally for both their virtuosic playing—Jessica on fiddle, Megan on dobro, Rebecca on guitar and mandolin—and their vibrant vocal harmonizing. They are scheduled to perform this summer at Bonnaroo, MerleFest and Telluride Festival, among others, all leading up to the July 7 release of Time To Grow. With Time To Grow, The Lovell Sisters are coming into their own. While their 2005 debut When Forever Rolls Around and 2007 CD/DVD Live At The Philadelphia Folk Festival showcased their dynamic musical interaction and interpretive gifts, The Lovell Sisters are emerging as songwriters. “Original material is crucial,” stresses Rebecca. “If you want to have your own sound and your own voice, then you have to write your own songs.” Prior to recording Time To Grow, The Lovell Sisters had deal in place with a major record label. When they realized that their original material was not a priority, they decided to opt out and remain independent. CHECK THEM OUT AT: LOVELL SISTERS BAND
TAYLOR SWIFT FEARLESS TOUR CONTINUES
Underaged, Taylor Swift still tuning into Las Vegas
Teen country singer hist the shops and do sight-seeing
Las Vegas Sun
Fri, May 22, 2009
Photo: Taylor in Lakers jersey and Kellie Pickler performed in LA. on Friday May 22, 2009
Nineteen-year-old Taylor Swift might be too young to truly experience Las Vegas but that doesn’t mean country music’s sweet-singing wonder kid will spend the weekend pouting in her hotel room. “I can definitely enjoy it anyway,” said Swift, who plays Saturday at Mandalay Bay Events Center. “There’s just so much going on that you can look at ... The hotels themselves are just so much fun to wonder around and the shopping is amazing.” “I’m kind of restricted from 95 percent of Las Vegas but I love being in Vegas,” she asserted. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter was last here in April, when she appeared at the Academy of Country Music Awards and ACM’s Artist of the Decade George Strait special. She picked up two trophies that weekend, Album of the Year for her current record, “Fearless,” and the Crystal Milestone Award, and performed as part of Strait’s show, too, which is set to air on CBS at 8 p.m. on May 27. A month and a half later, Swift is now set to return to what might as well be called Sinless City: Mindful of the eyes upon her, she appears to have no intentions of misbehaving. “Everything I do is monitored now,” she acknowledged, “(So) I’ve definitely not been gambling or doing anything that usually people talk about doing in Vegas.” The over-achieving former straight-A student knows she’s couldn’t get away with much, even if she wanted to. Swift was photographed while enjoying a night out on the town at on April 4 – but instead of getting caught with a drink in-hand at a star-studded nightclub, the young bombshell was spotted at Tao enjoying dinner in the main dining room. Though her time in the spotlight means she is constantly under the public microscope, Swift has yet to make any Britney Spears-style missteps. She has yet to be busted for anything, other than naming names after having her heart broken. Yet Swift seems genuinely happy to play by the rules, for the time being, at least. This means no underage gambling, clubbing, or trying to use a fake ID to experience more of the things our fair city is famous for. And while she admits being so conspicuous can sometimes be frustrating, Swift says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’ve wanted this my whole life. … I’m not about to be the girl who wants one thing her whole life and then gets it and complains about it,” she said. “That would be pretty lame.” Swift takes nothing for granted. “I’ve never felt entitled; I work really, really hard,” she said. “I know that things are really great right now, but I also know that if I don’t continue to work and plan ahead and think about every move that I make I know that I could just become irrelevant.” While her songs of heartache and heartbreak have crossed the pop-country divide and she has sold millions of records, plays sold-out shows, and is currently headlining her own tour, it would appear that the seemingly wise-beyond-her-years Swift has somehow managed to stay humble. Everywhere she looks, Swift sees reasons to be thankful – even in retrospect, long before the record deals, fame and fortune. “It was really tough going to school not knowing if I was going to have anyone want to talk to me that day,” she recalls, “But in reality, those people that were mean to me and those girls who got up from the lunch table when I went to sit down with them … that is the reason that I am where I am. If I had been happy in Pennsylvania then I wouldn’t’ve moved to Nashville and had I not moved to Nashville I wouldn’t be (here) right now.” “So in a sense, I kind of look back and I thank them.”
Hank Williams Jr. hits Tootsie's on Broadway in Nashville
 Hank Williams Jr. just LOVES the unannounced drop-by to his favorite Nashville honky-tonk, Tootsie’s, on Lower Broadway. He made his last one earlier this week after accompanying his singer-songwriter daughter, Holly Williams, to a stop on the Opry.
Bocephus cranked out Family Tradition and a few others before retreating to his whiskey and light beer.
Jennifer Love Hewitt Recording Country Music?
Everybody wants to sing country 
Is TV's 'Ghost Whisperer' going country? The World Entertainment News Network reports that actress Jennifer Love Hewitt could be trying to scare up some new fans with a country tune she's recorded.
Love, as she's affectionately called by friends, released her first pop album in Japan at age 12. She followed that up with several releases in the U.S., none of which made much of a dent on the pop charts. Still, her boyfriend, comedic actor Jamie Kennedy, is quoted as saying, "I really want to make her a new demo for her music, because I think she should do singing again. She's so good." Love's recent appearance as a presenter at the ACM Awards fueled rumors that a country-music offering may be in the Texas-born beauty's future. But rather than listening to her boyfriend before diving into country music, she might want to get some advice from another Texas-born beauty and recent country convert -- Jessica Simpson. Then again ...
People Mag Names COUNTRY's Hottest Guys
An Even Dozen COUNTRY Hunks COUNTRY's Hottest Guys List has finally been narrowed down to an even dozen. Not only did the Mag get some hot shots of COUNTRY's dazzling dozen, but they got them to talk, too. It's all part of People Magazine's COUNTRY Special hitting check-out lines everywhere May 22.
Here's the list for 2009: Trace Adkins
Dierks Bentley
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Jack Ingram
Tim McGraw
Jake Owen
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Josh Turner
Keith Urban
Chuck Wicks
No. 13 Unlucky Lucky Cowboy
Taylor Swift Accepts BMI President's Award in L.A.
May 21, 2009
Taylor Swift accepted the BMI President's Award on Tuesday night (May 19) in Los Angeles during a gala ceremony honoring the year's top songwriters. According to a press release, the award "honors an exceptional person in the entertainment industry deserving of special recognition." Swift also earned a BMI Pop Award for her crossover hit, "Teardrops on My Guitar." Swift is currently on her first headlining tour. Upcoming dates include shows Friday (May 22) in Los Angeles and Saturday (May 23) in Las Vegas. 13 Is Taylor Swift's Lucky Number
June 13th Taylor Blasts Into Space Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13 and more specifically, Friday the 13th. Taylor Swift is however, not a victim of that particular malady. She says, "I paint this [the number 13] on my hand before every show, because 13 is my lucky number.
"I was born on the 13th. I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. My first album went gold in 13 weeks. My first #1 song had a 13-second intro ... Every time I've won an award, I've been seated in either the 13th seat, the 13th row, the 13th section or row M, which is the 13th letter. Basically whenever a 13 comes up in my life, it's a good thing!" Now, one more: On June 13th, Astronaut Timoth Kopra is taking a copy of Taylor's Fearless CD on board his Space Shuttle flight to the International Space Station. Turns out, his daughter, Jacqueline is a fan of Taylor's. He'll done one more thing: bring back a picture of the Album on board the Space Station. Now that's weird!
Barbara Mandrell, Roy Clark, Charlie McCoy
Join Country Music Hall of Fame
Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, George Jones, Alison Krauss Sing Tributes
May 18, 2009
Barbara Mandrell, Roy Clark and Charlie McCoy attained cultural immortality Sunday night (May 17) as they transcended from mere celebrity to membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame. The induction, an annual event dubbed the "medallion ceremony" because of the beribboned medal presented each member, was held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Ford Theater in Nashville and witnessed by an overflow crowd of family, friends and music industry gentry. Mandrell is 60, Clark 76 and McCoy 68. The three had crossed paths countless times in arriving at this moment. As a studio musician, McCoy had played on many of their albums and served as music director on Hee Haw, Clark's venue of greatest exposure. And Mandrell and Clark had recorded for the same record labels at the same time -- in addition to performing on the same shows. Stars performing for the induction included Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, George Jones, Rodney Crowell, Alison Krauss, Josh Turner, Duane Eddy, Michael McDonald and Louise Mandrell.
Eddie & Troy Joins Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Montgomery Gentry's For Our Heroes Now Available
Exclusively At Cracker Barrel - Benefiting Wounder Warrior Project
LEBANON, TN. – Country music stars Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry know a lot about partnering to make some good sounds, and now they are joining with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and the Wounded Warrior Project on their newest CD, For Our Heroes. This 12-song CD features familiar hits like “Something To Be Proud Of,” and “My Town.” It also includes an exclusive new song, “One Of Those Days,” as well as four songs that have received only limited release previously. The CD will be available only at Cracker Barrel, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each CD will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. “Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry are great artists to work with on this exclusive CD project,” says Cracker Barrel’s Vice President of Marketing Peter Keiser. “They have for a long time demonstrated their support of and appreciation for our country’s service people. That concern is aligned with Cracker Barrel’s multi-year support of the Wounded Warrior Project.” Keiser added that this CD recognizes that many of the popular restaurant concept’s guests are Montgomery Gentry fans who will be excited about this opportunity to enjoy this exclusive music project while supporting the efforts of the Wounded Warrior Project. Eddie and Troy say they were pleased to work on this CD with Cracker Barrel because “we think it’s important to support the soldiers, the men and women who fight for us every day so that we can live in the freedom of this great country, the United States of America.” For Our Heroes will go on sale at all Cracker Barrel locations on May 25th, but you can pre-order your copy, starting May 18th, at crackerbarrel.com. And from May 18th through May 31st, Cracker Barrel will double the donation to Wounded Warrior Project for every CD that is sold. T-shirts featuring the Wounded Warrior Project’s logo of a soldier carrying a wounded compatriot will also be on sale at all Cracker Barrel locations beginning May 25th. A portion of these sales will also be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, helping them to ensure this generation of wounded is the most successful and well-adjusted in our nation’s history. As part of this CD release, you can sign up for the Cracker Barrel sweepstakes to win some great prizes, including the Grand Prize of a trip for two to see Montgomery Gentry on Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival Tour in Indianapolis, IN on September 19th. That prize includes two roundtrip airline tickets, two nights hotel stay and $200 in spending money. The sweepstakes also features three First Prizes of Copley guitars autographed by Montgomery Gentry. Enter the contest at crackerbarrel.com. For Our Heroes is the latest project in an impressive collection of exclusive music available only at Cracker Barrel. It follows March’s release of Dolly Parton’s Collectors’ Edition of Backwoods Barbie and a number of exclusive releases in 2008 - November’s release of Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Hymns, the August release of Kenny Rogers: 50 Years, the July release of Ricky Skaggs’ The High Notes and the April release of Aaron Tippin’s He Believed. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs featuring Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.
TAYLOR - THE NEWS!!!
Why country-pop singer Taylor Swift matters
The Oregonian - Portland Oregon
May 15, 2009
"Taylor Swift?" asked my middle-aged male colleague, a puzzled look on his face as he punched the elevator button. Then his brow cleared. "Oh, the 'American Idol' winner, right?" Uh, no. That would be Taylor Hicks, the 32-year-old gray-haired male champion of the fifth season of "AI." Taylor Swift is a 19-year-old female pop star, the kind of curly haired blonde whose looks are almost always mentioned in the same breathless manner as her sudden success. Both Taylors are carbon-based life forms who warble for a living, but that's about where the similarities end. Taylor Swift might be a multiplatinum-selling, fashion-magazine-cover-gracing, Jonas-Brother-previously-dating country-pop superstar, but she's not yet -- not quite -- got the Britney Spears pop-icon status she's clearly aiming for. She's got two albums under her belt, critical success to go with her commercial success, and veteran tour status, all before she can legally buy a beer. But who is she, and why does she matter? Talent at an early age Swift might sound like a native daughter of the South, but she's from Pennsylvania. Her talent arose early: When she was 11, she sang the national anthem at a Philadelphia 76ers game and soon threw herself into practicing music. Visits to Nashville led to a move to that city's suburbs, a boost to the girl's fledgling career. Plenty of pop-stars-to-be release self-titled albums to launch themselves. Swift did that in 2006, but she also used another name: that of country superstar Tim McGraw, for whom she named her first single. That song turned on young love, a theme she's stuck with in the ensuing years. She was 16 when that album came out, and her success curve has been steep since then. A tour opening for legend George Strait helped introduce her to arena-sized crowds, where her charisma marked her as one to watch. By the time her second album, "Fearless," came out in 2008, she was already well-known among country fans. But she was looking for crossover success like that of Shania Twain and Faith Hill, both of whom have become household names far beyond the country world. Strong reviews, a media blitz and plenty of gossip coverage (a brief romance with Joe Jonas, of the tween heartthrob Jonas Brothers, and their subsequent breakup kept her name in the tabloids) have combined to give her at least some of what she seeks. She acts, too: Taylor Swift (with actor George Eads) appeared this spring on the TV series "CSI." A Bankable blonde And the industry needs someone like her now. At a time of declining CD sales and a tanking economy, Swift is bankable in a way few other stars are. To put it crudely: She makes money. Forbes magazine estimated she'll be the fourth-highest money-making country music artist in 2009, pegging her estimated haul at $18 million. (Ironically, that puts her ahead of Tim McGraw.) Last year, her sophomore album sold 2.1 million copies, enough to place her third on the year-end best-sales list, according to Nielsen SoundScan. She also showed up at No. 6 on the list, thanks to sales of 1.6 million copies of her 2006 album. Once upon a time, selling nearly 4 million records, while significant, wouldn't have matched, say, the 1 million copies 'N Sync sold in one day of their 2000 album "No Strings Attached"; it racked up almost 2.5 million sales by the end of the week. But considering how steeply CD sales have slid for years -- album sales were down 14.4 percent last year -- a million is far more than it used to be. Toss in Swift's side deals, such as clothing and toys; an appearance in the "Hannah Montana" movie; and legions of teen girls wishing for her life -- and you have someone whose name you might soon know, even if you aren't quite sure how or why. Sparkle and skills None of which, of course, is the same as whether her name is worth knowing. That's a trickier proposition. She's not the pop-star puppet that Britney has always seemed, a vessel into which producers and stylists pour their ambitions. Nor is Swift the kind of child prodigy who redefines a genre. Yes, Michael Jackson wound up creepy (so creepy!), but he was once an immensely talented little boy who turned the music industry's collective head. Stevie Wonder, who weathered the fame storm much better, made indelible impressions on popular music and remains one of the country's best-loved artists. Swift is talented, but her talent lies as much in her mediagenic sparkle as her playing. Her albums are good, but they don't have that instant-classic ring that startlingly good albums have. She's poised and articulate, but so many teen pop stars these days have that same scarily adult-seeming demeanor. She has strong songwriting chops, including a number of songs she penned alone, but so did Debbie Gibson. What seems to argue best for Swift's significance is her staying power, both to date and possibly in the future. She's put out two albums, the second building on the success of the first, and has been getting bigger and bigger fonts on concert bills. Further, unlike, say, Miley Cyrus or Hilary Duff, Swift doesn't have that patina of a child star, that association with sugary pap. She's smart enough to make a chunk of her money outside music itself, since that's becoming less of a revenue source for her industry. And inescapably, there is her appearance. The music industry is unforgiving on this point for women, a wretchedly unfair double standard that does more to keep out talent than pull it in. Swift, to her great advantage, is beautiful. All of which at least gives her the potential for a long career. Twain had a solid career for more than a decade; Hill is still one of country's favorite artists. If Swift's rise has been, well, swift, her time at the top could stretch much longer. Get to know her name, because you may be hearing it for a long time.
Country Stars on TV
"CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock" is slated for Aug. 31 on ABC. The annual special draws its material from the CMA festival in June, usually bulking up on live footage from the nightly concerts at Nashville’s LP Field. Among the artists set to play the stadium this year are Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Josh Turner, Martina McBride, John Rich and Jason Aldean.
Keith Urban Hits the Ground Running at Minnesota Concert
Concert Review
Star Tribune
May 15, 2009
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- After gigs at America's biggest Indian casino (Connecticut's Mohegan Sun) and one of its biggest colleges (Penn State), Keith Urban's Escape Together World Tour hit the ground running here Thursday night (May 14) at Xcel Energy Center. He was literally running through the crowd of 15,483. OK, he tried to run, but the path to the tiny stage at the back of the arena was clogged with fans grabbing at his tight plaid short-sleeved western shirt. "Who's got the best seats now?" he asked as he finally faced the fans in the $20 seats at the bowl end of the X. (None of the women on the main floor watching Urban from behind were complaining, either.) It was time to get intimate as he sang "Once in a Lifetime," starting out with just his voice and electric guitar before the drums kicked in from the main stage. Then he switched to an acoustic guitar and a stool, sitting down to play a song "for anybody who's getting married, thinking of getting married, wishing they were getting married or got no intention of getting married." Of course, that song was "Making Memories of Us." After making that memory for the folks in the cheap seats, the man married to Nicole Kidman scurried back to the main stage with a convoy of security men clearing the path. It was time for Defying Gravity, as Urban did three consecutive selections from his recent No. 1 album. "Standing Right in Front of You" was smothered in dreamy doo-wop harmonies. The melancholy, slow-burn "'Til Summer Comes Around" evoked Tom Petty and Don Henley, tied together with a moody Urban guitar solo. "Sweet Thing" was peppy fun, short and to the point with no extended instrumental fireworks. 
But this Gravity mini-set redefined the stage visually. The backdrop had been five vertical panels (with blinding lights in between them) that formed a ginormous HD video screen. For "Summer," the panels were repositioned as sort of a roof over Urban and his band. Then for "Sweet Thing," the panels tilted at an angle so fans could see giant close-ups of the headliner and his three-day beard. Throughout the 125-minute performance, the giant backdrop featured a variety of images: Urban performing live, each of his band mates live on a separate panel at the same time, video clips (shots of St. Paul landmarks, vintage wedding footage, etc.), photos (including each of the band members as babies, children and long-haired young adults) and special effects (rippling water, psychedelic patterns). The stage was set up with various microphone stands so Urban could sing on a platform on either side, on a runway extended from the stage or, of course, front and center. Oh, he jumped into the audience again during the encore, performing without a platform. His 20-song set featured six numbers from Defying Gravity and a full array of his hits. Unlike his previous headline tours, the guitar hero didn't sneak in any riffs from classic rock songs or even do any full covers. He did let four of his band members sing a cappella when they were introduced, so fans got a little taste of Willie Dixon, Bill Withers, Diana Ross and Boston. Throughout the generous evening, the Aussie axe man bolstered his guitar-hero reputation, most notably with his bent blues intro to "You Look Good in My Shirt," his soaring solo at the end of "Raining on Sunday" and a revved-up version of "Stupid Boy." All told, Urban set the bar high for country concerts in 2009, as the judges on American Idol might say. Speaking of which, Urban will perform on Idol next week with finalist Kris Allen. The Zac Brown Band kicked off Thursday's concert with the bearded frontman singing part of the opening to "Different Kind of Fine" without his microphone working. He quickly recovered, though, and the tight, versatile Georgia group set the table for Urban just fine, especially with the closing hors d'oeuvre "Chicken Fried."
Who rules the music universe? Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is among the top-earning country stars. From The Seattle Times
May 15, 2009 Taylor Swift, country megastar, has sold in excess of 4 million albums and on tour is selling out arena after arena, including Seattle's KeyArena on May 15 — yet she's just 19. Jonathan Zwickel ponders the phenomena of Taylor Swift and pop-country music — which just might be the new hip-hop. How did Taylor Swift happen? Swift was the biggest-selling recording artist of 2008 — some 4 million albums. Tickets to her KeyArena show tonight — her first-ever in Seattle — have been sold out for weeks. With TV-hot looks and a purely practical singing ability, she's the first "American Idol" star to not actually appear on "American Idol." This is a mystery. Let's get to the bottom of it. We'll start with a wacky assertion: Country is the new hip-hop. Bear with me. Country in 2009 is following the route of hip-hop in 1989, but in reverse. It's expanding from the burbs into the city as it gains mass legitimacy across socioeconomic divides. Like hip-hop over the past 20 years, in its venture into the mainstream, country has rinsed much of its color and character in favor of a blander musical palette. Like hip-hop, it's becoming pure pop, commercially viable and artistically dubious. Unlike hip-hop, it's wisely maintaining a semblance of its grass-roots upbringing while growing out of it, reaching for new markets without alienating its base. Hip-hop began to fail when it moved from celebrating an everyday lifestyle to celebrating a lifestyle beyond the means of its listeners. Country hasn't gone there, and thanks to the decades-old Music Row orthodoxy — an entrenchment hip-hop didn't have — it probably never will. Country songs still honor the blue-collar and glorify the banal. Notions of upward mobility are spurned; the music is proudly classist. Even as country sales exploded over the last 10 years, its themes have remained the same: strong but sentimental men, sentimental but resilient women, reliable pickup trucks, irksome mortgages, and the solace of family, friends and alcohol. Country songs are songs everyone can relate to, wholeheartedly or begrudgingly. This comparison between two formerly outsider musics is helpful, but you can also look at Taylor Swift from a different angle. Not long ago, pop was the last music-snob taboo. In the early '90s, no self-respecting indie-rock aficionado would cop to, say, Madonna. The gulf between cultures was too great, the accompanying fashions too conflicting, the blow to credibility too detrimental. Nor would you find many Madonna fans at a Sonic Youth concert. Music was as much a cultural signifier as it was a matter of personal pleasure. Records and CDs took up too much shelf space to allot any to guilty pleasures. In the late '90s, alternative rock was the first music to blur the line between underground and mainstream. (Remember, Nirvana sold millions of records.) A couple years later, pop-punk and hip-hop — in the process described above — sealed the deal. Formerly outsider music from urban centers — grunge, rap, punk — was embraced by suburban mass-markets. Ten years later, it all coexists. These days, Pitchfork reviews Beyoncé, Solange, Ciara and Rihanna. Megaselling artists, particularly in R&B and hip-hop, sit alongside indie obscurities in comfortable solidarity. Their music is appreciated sincerely for its construction and ironically for its content (and sometimes vice versa). Internet file sharing allows all this music to exist in thin air. There's literally nothing to hide if your music collection is kept within your laptop. In the age of the innocuous, intangible MP3, there are no more guilty pleasures. So then: Country has become the last music-snob taboo. Music geeks have already earnestly embraced roots artists Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson while eschewing pop country. That won't last. Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, and Kenny Chesney sell zillions of records and concert tickets every year. Soon enough, their records will earn reviews on Pitchfork, alongside Beyoncé and Xtina and a bunch of bands nobody's heard of. The era of Taylor Swift — in all her pristine production, common-woman melodrama and middle-of-the-road talent — has arrived, no "American Idol" necessary. _The Seattle Times
Big Kenny gets a concert
Big Kenny, of Big & Rich, recently held an all-star concert in Nashville to raise money for a poverty-stricken village in Africa. Tuesday, he did some charitable work in his hometown, delivering 20 guitars to students in five Music City schools. The instruments were just a fraction of the total 140 guitars that are being donated to improve music education opportunities for kids. Kenny visited Mount View Elementary School to make the donation, and he was overwhelmed by the reception he got. "I did not expect this at all," he told The Tennessean. "There were about 20 kids set up with electric guitars, and then the other half of the classroom had acoustic guitars and they were all going to play me a song. They did so wonderful. I was sitting in the middle of them. These kids were so excited it was unbelievable. It was better than Christmas." The guitars were manufactured at three-quarters of the standard size to better allow the young students to play them. And they all have the Big & Rich catch phrase — Love Everybody — printed on the back. Big Kenny’s hopeful that some of his fellow artists will take a cue and make more instrumental donations to Nashville schools. "I know that one of the kids is going to come up to me one day, and he’ll end up being the next Jimi Hendrix or something close to it," Kenny said. "I hope this lifts them all up and they end up being the next generation of greatness coming out of Nashville." In the meantime, Big Kenny’s musical partner John Rich continues to represent Music City in unexpected places. Big & Rich has recorded with R&B artist John Legend and John employed actor Mickey Rourke in his "Shuttin’ Detroit Down" video. Now he’s featured in a duet with "American Idol" graduate Ruben Studdard on an album that comes out Tuesday.
Carrie Underwood’s African Adventure Where in the world was Carrie Underwood? While so many stars have been circling the globe for tour dates, Underwood just got back from a mission in Africa (Luanda and Ngangula), where she did her part to help fight malaria and visit orphanages. The orphan girls there sang songs and read poetry for her. Their reward was bed nets and backpacks jammed with school supplies. But you don’t just have to take my word for it. It sounds like there was a camera man with her in Africa, courtesy of American Idol’s “Idol Gives Back” program, and the footage was shown on May 12 broadcast of the popular TV show.
CMA Awards Set For November 11
The 43rd Annual CMA Awards has been set for Wednesday, November 11th live from Nashville's Sommet Center on ABC-TV. "The CMA Awards is Country Music's Biggest Night and is one of the most highly anticipated events for our industry each year," said CMA CEO Tammy Genovese. The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. Winners will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting members of the CMA with balloting officiated by the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche.
Taylor Swift up, up, away into outer space
 Astronaut Timothy Kopra is headed into outer space and when he goes, he’ll be taking Taylor Swift with him. Well, not Taylor herself, but definitely her music. Timothy’s daughter, Jacqueline, is a huge fan of Taylor, and with that in mind, he reached out to Big Machine Records president Scott Borchetta, who got a bunch of her merchandise into Timothy’s hands. Tim, in turn, plans to take Taylor’s CD along with him June 13 when the Expedition 20 space shuttle takes off for the International Space Station. Timothy intends to take a photo of Taylor’s CD on the station, then return it to Earth, where it will be returned to Taylor, whose music can then literally be declared out of this world.
Taylor Swift Sparks Cross-Dressing Craze! 
Call them the "Fearless Fathers." Portland, Oregon radio station KWJJ hosted a contest over the weekend, challenging dads to dress up like Taylor Swift. The winning blond beauty received tickets for his kids to see the country superstar's Fearless concert in Portland.
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks help built
A Habitat For Humanity home in Tulsa
 Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks took part last weekend in a Habitat For Humanity home build in Tulsa, and the couple left its mark — literally. Garth and Trisha signed their names to a window frame they built in the structure during National Women Build Week, Tulsa’s KOTV reported. It’s not the first time either have been involved in home building, though they come at it from different backgrounds. Garth has some history in construction, but Trisha’s literally learned on the job since she first aligned with Habitat. "When I got to the first Habitat site I ever did, I actually really didn’t know anything about building," she told Nashville’s WKRN-TV. "I just thought the toolbelt was cute and that construction can be cute." "After four or five builds, I’ve learned that a nail gun is really a construction diva’s best tool," she added. "So I will not go on a construction site without a nail gun at this point. I’m definitely a nail gun diva." Trisha will continue to observe National Women Build Week, heading to Atlanta on Sunday, The Tulsa World reported, to work on another house.
Jason Aldean celebrates success of 'She's Country'
 When Jason Aldean debuted “She’s Country” on the Country Music Association Awards last November, there was mild concern that the hard-driving, up-tempo song might be a little too rocking for country radio. The overwhelming crowd response the night of the show eased the singer’s concerns, and the fact that “She’s Country” just became his first No. 1 song in three years put those worries completely to rest. “We all try to figure out what’s going to be a hit,” Aldean says. “We have no idea. We put it out there and hope for the best, and luckily we hit a home run with this one. It’s been a while since I had a No. 1. I don’t even know how to celebrate one of these things anymore.” Aldean says he thinks the song’s appeal has to do with its hard-driving sound and lighthearted lyrics. “I think (people like the song) just because it is fun, and it’s not one of those songs that’s really in-depth,” he says. “It makes people want to turn their radio up or listen to it when they’re going out on Friday night. I think it sounds different than anything else on the radio, which always helps. But you never know when a song is going to do well.” “She’s Country” is the lead single off Aldean’s third CD, Wide Open, which the singer says is packed with a variety of songs ranging from rocking to more traditional country. “I think it’s important to make a well-rounded record,” he says. “I love songs like ‘She’s Country,’ but if you put 10 of them on a record it would make ‘She’s Country’ not be as cool because there would be so many of them. We put some really cool ballads and some different things on there. There’s a little bit of everything on there.”
Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grille" Toby will have yet another I Love This Bar & Grille franchise in progress. According to the Associated Press, he’s opening a 650-restaurant at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills, Mich. The menu includes the American Soldier burger, free to service men and women with a valid military ID.
Hough, Swift and Underwood on People's Most Beautiful List
Julianne Hough, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are all included in People magazine's annual Most Beautiful List, now on newsstands. Hough told the publication, "I'm the first to admit it: I like being sexy! I always wear the shorter shorts and my dad's like, 'Cover up!' ... Modesty, that's my biggest downfall." Swift is included in the Under 21 category, while Underwood is featured in the Celebrity Smiles list. Actress Christina Applegate topped the overall list.
Willie Nelson Joins Dylan, Mellencamp at the Ballpark
Five years after they first hit minor-league stadiums, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson will be on the road again this summer for a six-week tour of ballparks across the U.S. John Mellencamp, who’s on the board of Farm Aid with Willie, will also be part of the entourage as the dates kick off July 2 at GCS Ballpark, the home of the Frontier League’s Gateway Grizzlies in Sauget, Ill. The tour covers a total of 22 shows concluding with an Aug. 15 date at Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton, Calif., where the California League’s Ports play ball. Bob and Willie first put together a ballpark tour in 2004, launching it with a show in Cooperstown, N.Y., where the Baseball Hall of Fame is located. The next year they appeared during the second ballpark tour at Nashville’s Greer Stadium to play for an audience that included Emmylou Harris, Billy Joe Shaver and Holly Williams. Tickets for this year’s run are $67.50. The itinerary follows: • July 2 Sauget, Ill. (GCS Ballpark)
• July 4 South Bend, Ind. (Coveleski Stadium)
• July 8 Louisville, Ky. (Louisville Slugger Field)
• July 10 Dayton, Ohio (Fifth Third Field)
• July 11 Eastlake, Ohio (Classic Park)
• July 13 Washington, Pa. (Consol Energy Park)
• July 14 Allentown, Pa. (Coca-Cola Park)
• July 15 New Britain, Conn. (New Britain Stadium)
• July 19 Syracuse, N.Y. (Alliance Bank Stadium)
• July 21 Pawtucket, R.I. (McCoy Stadium)
• July 23 Lakewood, N.J. (FirstEnergy Park)
• July 24 Aberdeen, Md. (Ripken Stadium)
• July 25 Norfolk, Va. (Harbor Park)
• July 28 Durham, N.C. (Durham Bulls Athletic Park)
• July 29 Sevierville, Tenn. (Smokies Park)
• Aug. 4 Round Rock, Texas (The Dell Diamond)
• Aug. 5 Corpus Christi, Texas (Whataburger Field)
• Aug. 7 Grand Prairie, Texas (QuikTrip Park)
• Aug. 11 Glendale, Ariz. (Camelback Ranch)
• Aug. 12 Las Vegas, Nev. (Cashman Field)
• Aug. 14 Fresno, Calif. (Chukchansi Park)
• Aug. 15 Stockton, Calif. (Banner Island Ballpark)
Nashville, Tenn
April 24, 2009
Garth Brooks is coming out of retirement!
But not to sing.
Nashville Gab reports that the country superstar is set to executive produce a movie based on his hit song, 'Unanswered Prayers.' The movie will air on Lifetime Television and is already in pre-production. There's no word yet on the actors who will star in it. This will not be Garth's first time behind a camera. He also served as co-producer of the 2001 made-for-TV movie, 'Call Me Claus,' starring Whoopi Goldberg.
Martina McBride Teams With Winemaker
Martina McBride and Blackbird Vineyards have partnered for an exclusive Napa Valley proprietary red wine as part of the vineyard's signature series. The blend is 56 percent cabernet sauvignon, 38 percent merlot and 6 percent cabernet franc. "I've been able to taste incredible wines while traveling the world on tour," says McBride. "I sampled Blackbird Vineyards' wines while on a trip to Napa Valley and loved them." The wine is available through her Web site and the $60 bottle features her stamped autograph.
SUN CITY CARNIVAL SWEEPSTAKES
WIN A TRIP TO SEE KENNY CHESNEY 
3/30 - 8/15/09
FIVE (5) GRAND PRIZES:
A pair of tickets and trip for each winner! Enter for a chance to win a trip for 2 to see Kenny Chesney in concert September 19 at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis! The trip includes airfare, hotel, concert tickets, passes to a VIP party, and a chance to meet and greet Kenny Chesney live and in person. Sorry California, Tennessee, and Illinois residents cannot enter the Kenny Chesney Corona Sweepstakes. (See Official Rules) Must be at least twenty-one (21) years old at the time of entry. To enter just follow the link below: ENTER KENNY SWEEPS
Garth & Career Partners Honored At August Event
Leadership Music's Dale Franklin Award
The 2009 Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award winners revolve around the career of Garth Brooks and include, Garth, Jim Fogelsong and Allen Reynolds. Garth's career achievements are well-documented. Jim Fogelsong was the Liberty Records (now Capitol Nashville) President of signed Garth and launched his extraordinary recording career. Allen Reynolds his been the producer of literally every song Garth has recorded since his debut song, Much Too Old (To Feel This Damn Old) in 1989. The trio will be honored at a gala event August 23rd at Nashville's Renaissance Hotel.
Darryl Worley Sets 8th Annual Tennessee River Run 
Big Fundraiser For His Hometown & Surrounding Areas
Get ready for his 8th Annual Tennessee River Run in his hometown, Savannah, TN. Concert Sept. 12 at Pickwick Landing State Park.
Darryl Worley and some of today's hottest country artists will take the stage as the sun sets. You don't want to miss this!
It's more tha just a great time...it's a fundraiser for the Darryl Worley Foundation, to help serve the needs of the people of West Tennessee, Northwestern Tennessee, Northwestern Alabama and Northeastern Mississippi. Last year, they raised over $200,000. Tennessee River Run includes a Fish Fry (and writers' night), Gold tournament, Rock Concert, 5K Run, Motorcycle Poker Run, Youth Fishing tournament, Country Concert, Gospel Concert and a Community Sing,.
Visit Darryl Worley site for a complete list of dates and events:
TENNESSEE RIVER RUN
Now this ought to help spread some wealth and joy!
Michigan Company brews up Kid Rock beer,
Creates nearly 400 future jobs
 This one’s for you, Kid Rock! The Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved Tuesday a state tax credit valued at $722,957 so that the Michigan Brewing Company, a Webberville-based brewer of craft beers, can produce a new product line: a craft beer for musician Kid Rock. The company plans to invest $7 million in the project, which is expected to create 394 new Michigan jobs, including 161 directly by the company. The company plans to invest $7 million in the project, which is expected to create 394 new Michigan jobs, including 161 directly by the company. The village of Webberville is considering an abatement to support the project.
 Bobby Mason, the owner-brewer at the Michigan Brewing Co. in Webberville, said he hoped to have the new Kid Rock branded beer on the shelves by mid-springtime. The beer’s name, style, and pricing are yet to be decided. Kid Rock himself is working closely with Mason on the design, naming, and style of the beer, Mason said. “He’s working on designing the beer, he’s giving me direction, he’s tasting the beers,” Mason said. “It’s his idea, it’s his concept. I’m just working with him to make it happen.” Among the issues yet to be decided: Will the new lager be a premium-priced brew or a drink priced for Kid Rock’s working-class fans? Mason said it’s also yet to be decided how many different beers will be part of the new product line. “It’ll be one beer starting out and we’ll just see where it goes from there,” he said. Currently the brewery employs about eight people who produce 100,000 barrels of beer a year. Mason said he hoped to sell 100,000 cases a year of the Kid Rock branded beer and add more than 150 new employees over the next two to five years, including positions in sales, packaging, and production. Lucky Sez: "I'll drink to that, Singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long!"
2009 Wasn't A Bad Year For Star $
Kenny Chesney Earned $90 Million in 2008
Taylor Swift brought in $45,588,730 Kenny Chesney earned $90,823,990 in 2008, according to Billboard. He ranks sixth on the trade publication's "Music Moneymaker List" of all musicians and first among country artists. The list ranks income based on sales from touring, albums, digital tracks and ringtones. Rascal Flatts are in eighth place among all artists with earnings of $63,522,160, and Taylor Swift brought in $45,588,730 to come in at No. 16. Madonna ranked first with an income of $242.2 million, followed by Bon Jovi with $157.2 million and Bruce Springsteen with $156.3 million.
Montgomery Gentry will host “Country On The Beach.”
Country Beach Party Benefits Cancer Research
T.J. Martell Foundation is throwing a gigantic beach party and Montgomery Gentry will host “Country On The Beach.” “We wanted to do something fun to help raise vital dollars for the T.J. Martell Foundation’s mission of funding ground-breaking cancer research,” said Troy Gentry. ”A warm weather event will be great, especially at the end of the year when it’s cold in Nashville.”
The all-inclusive trip will take place Dec. 3-6, 2009 at the Beach Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico. “We will have some special guests joining us for the private performances, celebrity golf classic and the celebrity bartending activities,” said Eddie Montgomery. “This will be the ultimate country music experience all for a great cause.” Packages based on double occupancy (excluding air transportation) are $1,100 per person and include all activities, meals and beverages. The Celebrity Golf Classic is an additional charge of $250 per person. Space is limited and participants should sign up early to get room preferences. To make reservations contact Travelin’ Inc. at COUNTRY BEACH RESERVATIONS or (888) 473-8856. For more information about the T.J. Martell Foundation, log onto T.J. Martell Foundation
BIG TAYLOR SWIFT HEADLINER TOUR 2009
 Taylor Swift First National Tour as Headliner
Kellie Picker Will Open Shows in 60 Cities and 38 States
VISIT: TAYLOR SWIFT Taylor Swift will launch her first nationwide tour as a headliner with an April 23 show in Evansville, Ind. Kellie Pickler, Swift's friend and occasional songwriting partner, will be the support act for the Fearless Tour 2009 which will hit 52 cities in 38 states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada over the span of 6 months. In most markets, ticket prices will start at $20 plus local fees. Gloriana, a new group emphasizing four-part vocal harmonies, will also be performing on all tour dates. Their first single, "Wild at Heart," has just been released to country radio stations. About Gloriana please visit: GLORIANA and on MY SPACE at: GLORIANA MY SPACE "Headlining my own tour is a dream come true," Swift said in a press release announcing the tour on Friday (Jan. 30). "This way, I can play more music every night than I ever have before. 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." 
TAYLOR SWIFT FEARLESS TOUR UPDATED 07/01/09
"The Hottest Tour of the Year" Fearless Tour Resumes:
Jul 08 Pengrowth Saddledome (Calgary, AB)
Jul 09 Commonwealth Stadium Edmonton, Alberta
Jul 10 Craven Country Jamboree (Craven, SK)
Jul 11 MTS Centre (Winnipeg, MB)
Jul 16 Country Thunder Festival (Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
Jul 17 Value City Columbus, Ohio
Jul 18 Charleston Civic Center Charleston, West Virginia
Jul 23 Cheyenne Frontier Days Cheyenne, Wyoming
Jul 24 Rushmore Civic Center Rapid City, South Dakota
Jul 25 Minot, North Dakota
Jul 31 Banknorth Garden w/Keith Urban Boston, Massachusetts
Aug 01 Wachovia Center w/Keith Urban Philadelphia,PA
Aug 02 Rochester, New York w/Keith Urban
Aug 07 WE Fest Country Music Fest Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Aug 08 Sprint Center w/Keith Urban Kansas City, Missouri
Aug 09 Omaha, Nebraska
Aug 27 Madison Square Garden New York, New York
Aug 28 Mohegan Sun Uncasville, Connecticut
Aug 29 University Park, Pennsylvania
Aug 30 Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, Kentucky
Sep 04 Greenville, South Carolina
Sep 05 TWC Arena Charlotte, North Carolina
Sep 09 Cajun Dome Lafayette, Louisiana
Sep 10 Century Tel Center Bossier City, Louisiana
Sep 11 BJCC Birmingham, Alabama
Sep 12 Sommet Center, Nashville, Tennessee
Sep 25 Dallas, Texas
Sep 26 Little Rock, Arkansas
Sep 27 BOK Center Tulsa, OK
Oct 01 Mellon Pittsburgh, PA
Oct 02 Van Andel Arena Grand Rapids, Michigan
Oct 03 Quickens Arena Cleveland, Ohio
Oct 08 Indianapolis, Indiana
Oct 09 Chicago, Illinois
Oct 10 Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Posted on 12/6/2008 by admin. UPDATED JULY 01, 2009
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE SHOW & CONCERT SCHEDULE WHERE THE STARS ARE IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE AREA
LIVE CONCERT-SHOW SCHEDULE Updated 07/01/09. Subject to Change Jul. 04 Wynonna 4th July Celebration Riverfront Park
Jul. 07 Megan Linville Cadillac Ranch 7pm
Jul. 07 Steve Wariner Loveless Barn 7pm
Jul. 11 Broken Road Keller's Saloon Tiki Bar Hartsville, TN 4pm
Jul. 18 Jaime Fox Keller's Saloon Tiki Bar Hartsville, TN 4pm
Jul. 18 Corinne Chapman Band Limelight Club 9pm
Jul. 21 Lisa Torres The Rutledge 8pm
Jul. 28 Rick Monroe 12th & Porter 9pm
Aug. 25 Jonas Brothers Sommet Center
Aug. 26 Stephen Cochran Billy Block Show 7pm
Aug. 29 Keith Urban, Sugarland Sommet Center
Sep. 12 Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Gloriana Sommet Center
Nov. 11 CMA Awards Sommet Center Live on CBS
Nov. 25 Miley Cyrus Concert Sommet Center GRAND OLE OPRY SCHEDULE: 
Schedule: 7/3 Grand Ole Opry House The Grascals
7/4 Grand Ole Opry House * The Infamous Stringdusters
7/14 Grand Ole Opry House Tuesday Night Opry: Del McCoury
7/25 Grand Ole Opry House Carrie Underwood, Hal Ketchum
7/28 Grand Ole Opry House Tuesday Night Opry: Del McCoury
8/15 Grand Ole Opry House * Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Hal Ketchum
9/5 Grand Ole Opry House Legacy Five (9:30 show only)
10/24 Grand Ole Opry House Trace Adkins
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