Artist Pics: Alan Jackson, RaeLynn, Frankie Ballard, Chris Janson, Rachel Holder

Alan Jackson stepped on to the stage of the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum Wednesday night (Oct. 22) to play his last of two sold-out Artist-In-Residence performances. Jackson’s residency coincides with the new exhibition Alan Jackson: 25 Years of Keepin’ It Country, running through March 2015, making him the first simultaneous artist-in-residence and major museum exhibit subject.
Jackson humbly referred to the residency honor, saying, “The Hall of Fame was so nice to do this exhibit and to make me an artist-in-residence. It’s a great honor. This place has all that history in there, and all those great artists.”

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RaeLynn attended the 51st Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony Monday (Oct. 20) to honor President John F. Kennedy and the men and women of the Special Forces at Arlington National Cemetery. Later that night, the talented singer/songwriter performed the national anthem, marking the first time a civilian has been invited to perform at the special ceremony’s reception.
The event became even more personal when RaeLynn’s older brother, who is currently deployed, surprised the “God Made Girls” crooner, further displaying the importance of the Special Forces’ community both past and present. Watch as the siblings reunite for the first time in 14 months.
“I was blown away by the rich history and loyalty displayed during the wreath ceremony,” said RaeLynn. “Being invited to celebrate the families of those who serve is such a special honor. I still can’t believe that they gave me such an amazing gift…my brother. I’m so grateful.”

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Warner Bros. Records’ Frankie Ballard kicked off his energetic Light ‘Em Up Tour on Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, Minn.. As part of the exclusive Live Nation Ones To Watch tour with Skype, the run serves as the “Sunshine & Whiskey” singer’s first headlining trek, with stops in 19 cities between now and December.

Known for his energetic live shows, Ballard will amp it up even further on the Florida Georgia Line 2015 Anything Goes tour. He has also landed coveted opening slots for Jake Owen, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and longtime idol Bob Seger.

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Country music entertainer and BMI songwriter Chris Janson charmed attendees with his musical performance at the fall conference of the International IdeaBank Conference in French Lick, Ind. on Oct. 14. While closing the night banquet at French Lick Resort, Janson performed many of his hits including, “Better I Don’t,” and Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah.”

Since his Grand Ole Opry debut last year, Janson has been asked to perform on the coveted stage over 65 times.

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Chattanoogan and Curb Recording Artist Rachel Holder was selected as Miss Dogwood Festival 2015 on Saturday evening in Winchester.  Holder, who is with Miss Tennessee 2014 and pageant emcee Hayley Lewis, will compete at next June’s state pageant.