Artist Updates (3/10/14)

Blake Shelton has sold out his shows at Madison Square Garden in New York and Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. This marks Shelton’s first time headlining both venues.
“I’m in L.A. to film The Voice and I drive by the Hollywood Bowl on my way to the set. It is such an iconic venue and I have wanted to perform there for a long time,” said Shelton. “Then there is Madison Square Garden. Hands down, there is not one artist who doesn’t dream about playing Madison Square Garden—it’s mind blowing to think I’m performing at Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl let alone selling them out. I’m incredibly thankful for my fans selling out both these shows so fast. I promise the band and I will bring you a show you won’t forget. I love you guys!”
The 20+ date Ten Times Crazier Tour 2014, promoted by LiveNation, with sponsors including Pepsi, kicks off in June and will visit cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.

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Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis is recovering in Nashville following heart surgery. Tillis’ daughter Pam Tillis released the following statement on the health status of the music legend:

Vince Gill is gearing up for several concerts this year at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The singer-songwriter-guitarist will headline the 16th annual Jammin’ To Beat The Blues at the historic Ryman Auditorium on April 1. The concert will benefit the Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.
In December, Gill and wife Amy Grant will headline six shows at the Ryman Auditorium for Christmas at the Ryman.

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Ben Folds will unveil a new piano concerto for area high school students at Nashville Symphony Young People’s Concert, slated for Friday, March 14 at 11:45 a.m. The event will take place at Laura Turner Concert Hall at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The event is free and open to public, private and home schools.

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On Saturday, April 26, 2014, the 15th annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan, will feature actors Charles “Chip” Esten and Clare Bowen, who play “Deacon Claybourn” and “Scarlett O’Connor” on ABC’s hit television show Nashville. They will take the stage for the post-race concert at the Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. Rising star Chase Rice will open the show.
The musically themed road race attracts more than 30,000 runners, walkers and 6,000 junior racers through KiDS ROCK Nashville, who will take on the 26.2 and 13.1-mile courses while passing many of Nashville’s best live bands along the route.
The concert is open to the public and tickets are now on sale for $35. Tickets can be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, TicketMaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.