12South Entertainment Launches In Nashville

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Music industry veteran Ruth Gonzalez has announced the opening of 12South Entertainment, which will provide expertise for talent buying, touring, sponsorships, and event solutions.

Gonzalez has more than 15 years experience as a music talent agent, including nine years with CAA in Beverly Hills. While there she worked with Jesse McCartney, Ashlee Simpson, Nikka Costa, Will Hoge, Van Hunt and Phantom Planet among others. Most recently she was VP Operations for MAC Presents, where she oversaw sponsorship activation logistics, IT services, and publicity. Her career also includes time with Atlanta venues the Dark Horse Tavern and The Point, as well as stage management for the city’s Music Midtown Festival.

“I’ve worn many hats over the years in the music industry and at the end of the day, I’m still just a passionate music lover,” says Gonzalez. “The goal of my company is to search for new and additional revenue streams for artists.”

Current 12South Entertainment clients include The CMO Club, MultiplyLive, TEDxNashville, and The Steven Roth Band.

Reach Gonzalez here.

Lady A Owns The Night With Ticket Sales Gold

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Reigning CMA and ACM Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum has already sold more than 500,000 tickets for their Own The Night 2012 World Tour, which kicks off Friday, Jan. 27, in Tulsa, OK. Darius Rucker and special guest Thompson Square will be joining Lady A for the journey.

High demand has caused advance sell-outs at some of the nation’s biggest arenas like the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Allstate Arena in Chicago, American Airlines Center in Dallas and the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

“We have been really involved in the planning of our tour every step of the way…I remember drawing out an idea for our set design on a paper plate, so to now see it come to life is just crazy,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “We are just so invested in every moment and making it a great experience for the fans, and we’re really excited for everything 2012 has in store.”

Fresh off celebrating their No. 1 hits “We Owned The Night” and “Just A Kiss” in Nashville this week, Lady A received five ACM nominations this morning (1/26), including Album Of The Year for Own The Night.

David Nail, Josh Thompson Plot Solo Tours

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Country music tour managers have a busy winter and spring ahead of them, with numerous artists plotting their musical journeys across the country. The latest announcements come from RCA’s Josh Thompson and MCA’s David Nail.

Nail’s series of solo dates begins today (Jan. 25) in Oxford, OH and runs through February 18 in Las Vegas, Nev. Also included is a West Coast run through Arizona then on to Bakersfield, Los Angeles and San Miguel. Nail will join up with Billy Currington’s 2012 tour at the end of March. Scheduled solo dates for Nail are below, and full dates with Currington are here.

Josh Thompson will embark on his Change Is Comin’ tour Feb. 3 from Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte, NC. He currently has 22 club dates scheduled to share new music from his upcoming sophomore album Change. Scheduled dates appear below Nail’s, or here.

David Nail tour dates:
1/25 Oxford, OH — Brick Street Bar
1/26 Chicago, IL — Joe’s Bar
1/27 Bloomington, IN — Bluebird Nightclub
1/28 Columbus, OH — The Bluestone
2/3 Tampa, FL — Dallas Bull
2/4 Everglades City, FL — Everglades City Seafood Fest
2/8 El Paso, TX — Whiskey Dick’s
2/9 Flagstaff, AZ — The Museum Club
2/10 Mesa, AZ — Toby Keith’s
2/11 Bakersfield, CA  — Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace
2/15 Los Angeles, CA — The Troubadour
2/16 San Miguel, CA — The Ranch
2/17 Davis, CA — The Graduate
2/18 Las Vegas, NV — Santa Fe Station Casino

Josh Thompson’s Change Is Comin’ tour dates:
2/3 Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
2/4 Greenville, SC – Blind Horse Saloon
2/8 Foxborough, MA – Showcase Live
2/9 Uncasville, CT – Wolf Den
2/10 Bethleham, PA – Musikfest Café
2/11 Portland, ME – Asylum
2/16 Columbia, SC – Jillian’s
2/17 Milledgeville, GA – Cowboy Bills
2/18 Sebring, FL — Highlands
3/10 West Palm Beach, FL – Cruzan Amphitheatre
3/16 Jacksonville, FL — Landing
3/17 Lakeland, FL – Boots N Buckles Saloon
3/24 Quincy, IL – Morrison Theatre
3/29 Flagstaff, AZ – Museum Club
3/30 Mesa, AZ – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill
3/31 San Miguel, CA – The Ranch

Ty Stone Releases Video, Joins Spring Tour

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Ty Stone

Southern rock newcomer Ty Stone has released the single “Anywhere’s Better” off his forthcoming debut album American Style (Atlantic/Top Dog Records). To promote the release, Stone will set out on a 26-date tour with Uncle Kracker. 

The video for “Anywhere’s Better,” directed by Potsy Ponciroli, debuted recently and reached the No. 1 most viewed position on the CMT homepage. The clip features CMT’s Sweet Home Alabama star Ashley Ann Vickers, Uncle Kracker and the executive producer for the album, Kid Rock.

Originally from Lincoln Park, MI, Stone was discovered by Kid Rock, with whom he recently wrapped up a charity club tour.

Video and Tour Dates below.

2012 Tour Dates

MARCH
1 – Macomb, IL – Forum Live
2 – Minneapolis, MN – Toby Keith’s
3 – Lincoln, NE – Uncle Ron’s
8 – Columbus, OH – Bluestone
9 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds
10 – Rootstown, OH – Dusty Armadillo
14 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
15 – Foxboro, MA – Toby Keith’s
16 – Niagara Falls, NY – Rapids Theatre
17 – Mt. Laurel, NJ – Prospectors
22 – Flint, MI – Machine Shop
23 – Grand Rapids, MI – Intersection
24 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s
25 – Kansas City, MO – Beaumont Club
29 – San Miguel, CA – The Ranch
30 – Reno, NV – Knitting Factory

APRIL
4 – Davis, CA – The Davis Graduate
5 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
6 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theatre
7 – Seattle, WA – Showbox at the Market
12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Westerner
13 – Cheyenne, WY – Outlook Saloon
14 – Denver, CO – Toby Keith’s
17 – Flagstaff, AZ – Museum Club
19 – Mesa, AZ – Toby Keith’s
20 – Bakersfield, CA – Crystal Palace

Garth Brooks and Premiere Launch Las Vegas Sweepstakes

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Garth Brooks and Premiere Radio Networks have joined efforts to create The Garth Brooks Wynn at Las Vegas Sweepstakes, running through Sunday, Jan. 29.

Listeners of Premiere’s country programs such as After MidNite with Blair Garner, The Big D & Bubba Show and The Crook & Chase Countdown can enter the Sweepstakes at any of their respective websites. Contestants will vie for a chance to win a grand-prize round-trip airfare for two to Las Vegas, two-night stay at the Wynn, dinner for two, a private lunch with Brooks and two VIP tickets to see his intimate concert at the Encore Theater.

Garth announced his Wynn residency in Las Vegas in 2009 and continues to perform weekends at the casino.

Currington Announces First Headlining Tour

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Billy Currington is scheduled to kick off his first headlining tour on Mar. 24 in Biloxi, MS. Currington, who recently started work on his fifth studio album, has announced eleven dates in major cities including San Antonio, Knoxville, and Charlotte. UMG Nashville labelmates David Nail and Kip Moore will be joining him on the road.

“I have learned a lot over the years touring with some of the biggest names in country music,” said Currington. “I am excited to put that knowledge to use on this tour by giving fans a great show as a thank you for all of their support. It will also be a great way to test out some new music!”

Fans can go to www.billycurrington.com to get more information about on-sales and an up-to-date tour itinerary.

2012 Billy Currington Tour:

March 24 – Biloxi, MS – Hard Rock Live
April 13 – San Antonio, TX – Cowboy’s Dance Hall
April 20 – Kingston, ON – K-Rock Centre
April 21 – Orillia, ON – Casino Rama
April 27 – Huntington, WV – Big Sandy Arena
April 28 – Knoxville, TN – Civic Auditorium
May 3 – Lowell, MA – Tsongas Arena
May 4– Wallingford, CT – Oakdale Theatre
May 17 – Asheville, NC – NC Civic Center
May 18 – Charlotte, NC – Uptown Amphitheatre
May 19 – Rome, GA – Rome River Jam

Trace Adkins Announces Songs & Stories Tour

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Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins announced his Songs & Stories Tour today (Jan. 23), which will visit U.S. theaters throughout the Spring incorporating performances and stories about Adkins’ roots. Fan club pre-sale tickets for the March dates are  available today. Scheduled dates appear below.

Adkins 10th studio album, Proud To Be Here, was released last summer with a CMT Invitation Only special that inspired the intimate tour.

“I’ve had many narrow escapes and blessings in my life,” said Adkins. “The right song at the right time has been my saving grace and that’s something I have in common with the audience. Sharing meaningful songs, stories and some laughs ‘around the campfire’ is the Country music tradition and I’m looking forward to it.”

Fans will also be able to share personal stories and ask questions about Adkins’ songs that shaped their lives. Tickets for March dates will go on sale to the public Friday, Jan. 27. April and May dates will be available Feb. 3.

Songs & Stories Spring 2012 (more dates expected to be announced):

March 8                       Des Moines IA                         Hoyt Sherman
March 9                       Kansas City MO          Midland Theater
March 10                     Peoria IL                      Civic Theater
March 15                     Milwaukee WI                         Riverside Theater
March 16                     Rochester MN              Mayo Civic Theater
March 17                     Grand Forks ND          Chester Fritz Auditorium
March 22                     Birmingham AL           Alabama Theatre
April 12                       Ashland KY                 Paramount Arts Center
April 14                       Toledo OH                   Stranahan Theater
April 18                       Louisville KY              The Palace Theatre
April 19                       Spartanburg SC            Memorial Hall
April 20                       Charlotte NC                Ovens Auditorium
April 25                       Denver CO                  Paramount Theater
April 27                       Salinas KS                   Stiefel Theater
April 28                       Tulsa OK                     Brady Theater
May 3                          N. Charleston SC         North Charleston Performing Arts Center
May 4                          Savannah GA              Mercer Theater
May 10                        Davenport IA               Adler Theatre
May 11                        South Bend IN             Morris PAC
May 12                        Memphis TN                Orpheum Theatre
May 17                        Atlanta GA                  Cobb Theater

Brad Paisley to Play Wrigley Field

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Brad Paisley is planning a big 2012 on the road with his fans, following the announcement today (Jan. 20) of a special Virtual Reality tour stop at Chicago’s historic Wrigley Field on Saturday, June 9.

Joining Paisley for the date will be special guest Miranda Lambert, as well as Virtual Reality tourmates Chris Young, The Band Perry, and Jerrod Niemann. The tour kicked off Jan. 12 with three-sold out shows in one weekend. More tour dates here.

Wrigley Field has hosted 99 seasons of baseball, and 97 of those with the Chicago Cubs. This event will be only the second time Wrigley has hosted a live country concert.

Updated: Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Reschedule Tour Dates

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Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert have both have individually rescheduled upcoming concert dates due to the recent passing of Blake’s father, Dick Shelton. Mr. Shelton was in declining health over the past year and was surrounded by loved ones upon his passing in Oklahoma.

“I appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and thank you for all your prayers,” said Blake. “Your support means the world to me. I love you guys.”

Miranda said, “Thank you to the fans for all the support and prayers. This is a really difficult time for our family and the most important thing is being together. Tell your loved ones you love them. See you next week.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be mailed to:

Unity Health Foundation
Note: In memory of Mr. Dick Shelton – 1102 W. MacArthur, Shawnee, OK 74804

January tickets for both Blake and Miranda will be honored at the rescheduled dates. Refunds for Blake will be honored by request at the original point of purchase. Blake’s tour will resume as scheduled next week in Columbus, GA (Jan. 26).

Rescheduled dates for Blake’s Well Lit & Amplified Tour:
Bismarck, ND (1/20)— rescheduled for March 20th
Rapid City, SD (1/19)— rescheduled for March 21st
Bozeman, MT(1/22)— rescheduled for March 22nd
Billings, MT(1/21)— rescheduled for March 23rd

Rescheduled Dates for Miranda’s On Fire Tour:
Charlotte, NC – January 25th
Greensboro, NC – February 19th
Lexington, KY – February 26th

Sonia Leigh Joins Church and Kracker Tours

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Southern Ground Artists’ Sonia Leigh has been praised by some of country’s biggest names, and will soon be reaching new audiences in 2012.

In addition to her continued appearances with Zac Brown Band, Leigh will be joining the red hot Blood, Sweat and Beers Tour with Eric Church and Brantley Gilbert for dates in February, as well as Uncle Kracker’s Hometown tour in March and April. Dates below.

Leigh’s debut album 1978 December, produced by Zac Brown, was released in 2011 through Brown’s Southern Ground label. Her new single “Bar” will be impacting radio soon.

Sonia Leigh 2012 Tour Dates:
With Eric Church
Feb 2 – Savannah, GA – Savannah Civic Center
Feb 3 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena
Feb 4 – Norfolk, VA – Constant Convocation Center
Feb 16 – Greenville, SC – BI-LO Center
Feb 17 – Salisbury, MD – Wicomico Civic Center
Feb 18 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
Feb 23 – Battle Creek, MI – Kellogg Arena
Feb 24 – Cleveland, OH – Wolstein Arena
Feb 25 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen Country War Memorial Coliseum

With Uncle Kracker
Mar 2 – St. Louis Park, MN – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill
Mar 3 – Lincoln, NE – Uncle Ron’s
Mar 8 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
Mar 9 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon
Mar 10 – Rootstown, OH – Dusty Armadillo
Mar 14 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
Mar 15 – Foxboro, MA – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill
Mar 16 – Niagara Falls, NY – The Rapids Theatre
Mar 17 – Mt. Laurel, NJ – Prospectors
Mar 22 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
Mar 23 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
Mar 24 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s Bar on Weed Street
Mar 25 – Kansas City, MO – Beaumont Club
Mar 29 – San Miguel, CA – The Ranch
Mar 30 – Reno, NV – Knitting Factory
Apr 4 – Davis, CA – The Davis Graduate
Apr 5 – Boise, ID – Knitting Favtory
Apr 6 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
Apr 7 – Seattle, WA – Showbox at the Market
Apr 12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Westerner Club
Apr 13 – Cheyenne, WY – Outlaw Saloon
Apr 14 – Denver, CO – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill
Apr 17 – Flagstaff, AZ – The Museum Club
Apr 19 – Mesa, AZ – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill
Apr 20 – Bakersfield, CA – Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace