Jewel Sets Nationwide Tour

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Valory Music Co. artist Jewel will embark on a cross-country tour this summer, presented by Country Financial. The Star Light Café Tour will find the three-time Grammy nominee performing acoustically in support of her sophomore country album, set to hit retailers June 8.

“I am so excited to hit the road as part of the Country Financial Road Trips and Guitar Picks concert series,” said Jewel. “It gives me a great opportunity to spend some time with the fans. I’ve spent the better part of my year writing and recording this new album. There is nothing more rewarding for me than getting the chance to perform some of my new songs along with the hits I’ve had over the course of my career. These shows really become a sneak peek into my songwriting and my life.”

Jewel’s first country album, Perfectly Clear, was released in June 2008 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country charts. The new album, titled Sweet and Wild, maintains her country roots.

“There is no one better than Jewel at bringing the feel of an intimate living room setting to the theatre,” said Valory Music Co. President Scott Borchetta. “With nothing more than her acoustic guitar, witty storytelling and unmatched vocal ability, she brings you into the moment and keeps you there until the lights go up.”

For the 20-city Star Light Café Tour, Country Financial is teaming up with Jewel to provide her fans with unique concert and online offerings as part of its Road Trips and Guitar Picks concert series. Fans are invited to visit www.tripsandpicks.com to register for prizes, play games and get free downloads. Opening for Jewel on the tour, beginning on the June 11 date in Atlanta, will be singer-songwriter Radney Foster. Jewel’s June 21t, Boise, ID show at the Botanical Gardens will be a co-headlining show with Brandi Carlile. 

Tickets for the Star Light Café Tour will go on sale starting April 23 and will be available here.

Jewel Star Light Café Tour Dates
6/1        Fargo, ND                      Fargo Theatre; Presented by Country Financial
6/2        St. Paul, MN                 O’Shaughnessy; Presented by Country Financial
6/3        Milwaukee, WI            The Pabst Theater; Presented by Country Financial
6/4        Chicago, IL                   VIC Theatre; Presented by Country Financial
6/5        Florence, IN                  Belterra Resort & Casino
6/6        St. Louis, MO                Sheldon Concert Hall; Presented by Country Financial
6/11      Atlanta, GA                    Cobb Energy Ctr; Presented by Cotton States Insurance
6/12      Robinsonville, MS        Horseshoe Tunica
6/13      Huntsville, AL               Von Braun Ctr; Presented by Cotton States Insurance
6/15      Oklahoma City, OK       Rose State Perf. Arts Ctr.; Presented by Country Financial
6/16      Kansas City, KS             Midland Theater
6/17      Salina, KS                       Stiefel Theatre
6/18      Denver, CO                    Arvada Center; Presented by Country Financial
6/19      Colorado Spring, CO    Pikes Peak Center
6/21      Boise, ID                         Idaho Botanical Gardens
6/22      Missoula, MT                The Wilma Theater
6/24      Spokane, WA                Knitting Factory; Presented by Country Financial
6/25      Portland, OR                 Oregon Zoo; Presented by Country Financial
6/26      Jacksonville, OR           Britt Pavilion
6/27      Seattle, WA                   Woodland Park Zoo Amphitheater

Judds Invite Fans to “Name That Tour”

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In preparation for their highly anticipated 2010 final tour, superstar duo The Judds are inviting fans to become part of Judds “herstory” by naming their upcoming tour with The Judds Name That Tour Contest.

“We have shared so many memorable moments with our fans over the last 26 years and we know that we would not be here without their love and support,” said the Judds in a statement. “They are our family of choice and this tour is truly a family affair. So, it just felt right to ask them to help us name the tour. After all, they are the reason we are embarking on this journey together one last time.”

The prize winner, to be judged by Wynonna and Naomi, will receive a prize package that includes a mention in the 2010 Commemorative Judds Tour Book, a personal “thank you” video message from The Judds and $500 in tour merchandise

Entries should be “authentic,” and will be judged on originality, creativity, and the ability to capture the scope of the event. To enter, visit www.wynonnna.com, complete the entry form and submit a single tour name for the tour. All Entries must be received by April 23 at 11:59 PM CT. Limit one entry per person. The winning entry will be announced in June.

Tour News: Swift’s Millionth Ticket; Reba’s Surprise Guests

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(L to R): Robert Allen (13 Management), Mike Dugan (AEG-TMG), Andrea Swift (13 Management), Taylor Swift, Rachel (1 Millionth fan), Louis Messina (AEG-TMG), Scott Neal (INTRUST Bank Arena).

Taylor Swift and Reba excited fans with big surprises at their respective tour stops last week.

Swift welcomed the 1 millionth fan to her Fearless Tour Thursday (4/1) at the Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. College student Rachel was attending her third Swift show when she was surprised at her seat and notified she was the 1 millionth ticket holder. She received a backstage meet and greet, and upgraded front row tickets.

Since Swift launched the outing almost one year ago, every show has sold out. With The Messina Group/AEG Live handling North American dates, the 2010 run will continue through this summer. In total, the Fearless Tour will visit 87 cities.

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Reba backstage following her set with Kix Brooks, Lee Ann Womack, Kelly Clarkson, Ronnie Dunn and comedienne Melissa Peterman.

Reba surprised fans at Knoxville’s Thompson-Boling Arena Friday night (4/2) as part of her co-headlining tour with George Strait and special guest Lee Ann Womack. Among the surprise guests joining her onstage to perform were Brooks & Dunn, Kelly Clarkson, and tourmates Womack and Melissa Peterman. The show hits Nashville on April 28.

Reba is also set to perform two hits on tomorrow night’s (4/6) Dancing with the Stars The Results Show on ABC.

Currington Gold, Lonestar Live and More

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Currington’s Sophomore CD Goes Gold
Billy Currington’s Little Bit Of Everything CD, produced by Currington and Carson Chamberlain, was awarded RIAA Gold Certification yesterday, marking sales exceeding 500k units. Amongst his peers gathered at ASCAP and BMI, Currington also received honors for single “That’s How Country Boys Roll”, which climbed to No. 1 earlier this month and became his third consecutive chart-topper and fifth overall. Co-writers Dallas Davidson and Brett Jones were recognized alongside Currington, who was celebrating his first No. 1 co-write.

Lonestar Goes Live on QVC
Lonestar performed an exclusive live concert during the QVC Presents Q Sessions Live broadcast on March 31. The special live performance included several of the group’s greatest hits such as “Amazed” and “I’m Already There” as well as selections from Lonestar’s forthcoming album, Party Heard Around The World, due out April 27 on Saguaro Road Records.

Mark Chesnutt To Perform for Troops
Lofton Creek’s Mark Chesnutt is heading to South Korea to bring some US troops a taste of home. the singer will take his neo-traditional country to the Pacific, playing several shows at U.S. Air Force bases in the region.

Chesnutt will perform at Camp Casey April 8, Camp Humphreys April 9, and Kunsan Air Base April 10. While in Korea, Chesnutt will also tour the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), that separates North and South Korea.

Veronica Ballestrini’s Networking Success
Rising country artist Veronica Ballestrini made a different kind of guest appearance at this week’s Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. As part of NSAI Spring Training’s “Here’s How I Did It” panel, the singer/songwriter talked about her successes with new media and establishing a fan base via her independent grassroots campaign. The panel, scheduled in conjunction with Tin Pan South activities, explored non-traditional avenues artists and songwriters have utilized to launch their careers.

Ballestrini currently has more than 140,000 Facebook friends and her songs have streamed more than 12 million times. She joined songwriters Tom Douglas, Elizabeth Eckert and Bud Tower on the panel.

Ballestrini will soon join her fans on a summer cruise to the Bahamas.  Departing from Miami on August 27, the 3-day excursion will make stops in CocoCay and Nassau—including a visit to the location where Ballestrini shot her forthcoming music video “Don’t Say.”

Gary Morris Joins New Frontier Touring

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Award-winning artist Gary Morris has signed for booking with New Frontier Touring Agency. In making the announcement, New Frontier President Paul Lohr said, “Not only is Gary Morris one of the great voices of our time, he is a wonderful person that makes you happy to be in his presence! We are honored to be working with this brilliant artist.”

Morris has recently completed two recording projects. The first is a recording of traditional hymns he sang as a boy in the Baptist Choir. The other project, Shine, is a contemporary mosaic of songs written and co-written by Morris and his son, Matt Morris, who is already a formidable force in pop music. Matt’s debut release, When Everything Breaks Open, recorded under the tutelage of his fellow former Mouseketeer, Justin Timberlake, is  currently garnering critical acclaim.

The elder Morris’ new show will include his stirring rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserable, in addition to new music.

Responsible agent at New Frontier Touring will be Logan Bosemer. She can be reached at [email protected] or 615-321-6152.

“Country Boys” Donate a Blessing

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The Donate a Blessing Foundation and Florence, South Carolina’s Eagle 92.9 are joining forces to present The Country Boys Disaster Relief Benefit Concert Tour. Kicking off on April 2, 2010 at the Florence Civic Center, the concert commences an 18-month, 40-city concert tour. Proceeds from the concert benefit those who were devastated by the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.

“We are proud to host the kick-off of this concert series,” says Kendall Wall, General Manager of the Florence Civic Center. The generosity of these country artists donating their time and talent for such a worthy cause is inspirational. We are looking forward to a great night of country music.”

The Country Boys include John Michael Montgomery, Bucky Covington, Flynnville Train, Dustin Wilkes and additional artists at various cities.

“We are encouraging other recording artists to join in our effort,” says Thomas Hammond Sr., founder of The Donate a Blessing Foundation. “We feel passionate about raising as much money for this relief effort as possible and have an electric concert series, too.”

People can support the cause by attending the live shows or by texting BLESS to 85944 to give a $5 donation which is automatically billed to the cell phone bill.

Martina’s Fan Base Gets Involved

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With social networking fostering a whole new level of listener involvement, multi-platinum artist Martina McBride is finding myriad ways to engage her sizable and dedicated fan base. While the singer is the first to admit that the life of a superstar isn’t always glamorous, that hasn’t stopped her from taking her fans “into the action,” whether it be to a monthly marketing meeting, a behind-the-scenes look at  her latest video shoot, or  backstage access on the Shine All Night tour. McBride makes of point of encouraging fans to get involved, whether it be via Twitter, MySpace or other online outlets.

Myspace.com and McBride recently teamed up to give fans the chance to karaoke for the singer. The competition allows fans to belt out songs from Shine, including her current Top 20 single, “Wrong, Baby, Wrong,” as well as familiar classics, including “This One’s For The Girls.”  Myspace.com will narrow down the entries to 20 and McBride will pick the winner, who gets travel and accommodations to check out the Shine All Night tour stop in Altanta, GA on May 1. Fans can log on to http://ksolo.myspace.com/music/Martina-McBride to give it their best shot.

Non-singing fans can follow the singer on Twitter for more ticket giveaways. McBride gives fans the chance to win tickets for each show via a Twitter scavenger hunt. She personally hides the tickets with a hand-written note on the day of the show and the hunt begins. McBride tweets clues for the location of the tickets until they are found. Winners are encouraged to tweet a photo of themselves with the tickets.

“The Twitter ticket hunt is a really fun way to connect with the fans in each city and we have a blast doing it,” says McBride. “I tweet the clues myself so it’s really cool to see the winners in the front row. Sometimes they even bring the envelope and wave and say thanks!”

“Martina Moments” have been taking fans “behind the curtain” since May 2009 and the fun continues this week as fans get a backstage look at how McBride prepares for her show with the “Dance Party” episode. It becomes available today (3/25) at www.MartinaMcBride.com. Other moments, including a visit to McBride’s hometown, McBride onstage with Kid Rock and behind the scenes at the video shoot for “Wrong, Baby, Wrong” can be found on her site as well, with new moments being added weekly.

Kix, Gretchen At Lipscomb; Bluebird Hosts Tour Preview

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Kix Brooks

Kix Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Amy Grant, Gretchen Wilson and emcee Larry Gatlin will perform tonight (3/23) at 7 PM at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena to raise awareness and funds for the college’s Yellow Ribbon Program which offers military veterans and their family members free or reduced tuition rates. David Corlew is acting as the show’s producer. A limited number of tickets for the evening event are on sale for $10 at the Lipscomb University box office and through Ticketmaster.

Prior to this evening’s concert, a daylong symposium will feature General Tommy Franks (Ret.), Major General Bob Dees (Ret.), General B.B. Bell (Ret.) and WebMD founder Jeff Arnold.

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The Bluebird Café will be a part of this summer’s Country Throwdown Tour, with a namesake tent featuring songwriter/artist performances. On March 24 and April 21, Nashvillians will get a tour preview at the legendary cafe. Ashley Ray, Brad Tursi, Dave Pahanish, Jedd Hughes, Sarah Buxton, Walker Hayes, Troy Olsen and Heather Morgan are scheduled for both dates.

Then they kick-off the Country Throwdown Tour on May 14, with daytime sets on the Bluebird stage and nightly sets during the main stage set changes.

Urban Adds Summer Dates

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Keith Urban has announced a slew of summer tour dates. The run includes numerous music festivals, arenas, and stadiums, as well as a few previously announced shows alongside The Eagles and The Dixie Chicks.

The outing opens April 16 at the Country Thunder festival in Florence, Arizona. Dates are scheduled through Sept. 4 in Essex Junction, Vermont. More stops are expected to be added in the coming weeks.

Urban is stopping in many cities where his 2009 Escape Together World Tour did not appear, and in some markets for the very first time. The 2009 world tour played before sold-out crowds in the United States, Canada and Australia, in support of his latest album Defying Gravity.

Last year was a big year for Urban, who won his first American Music Award, and his first People’s Choice Award. He followed that in February with his third Grammy, winning Best Male Country Vocal Performance for “Sweet Thing.” He is nominated for Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year at the upcoming ACM Awards.

For tour dates and details go to www.keithurban.net.

Highs And Lows From The Road: Underwood; Eli Young Band

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Onstage at the Houston Rodeo. Photo L-R: James Young (guitar) and Mike Eli (lead singer). Photo credit: Isaac Deitz.

While one rising band experienced a touring pinnacle over the weekend, a superstar’s tour is grieving an unexpected loss.

Republic Nashville / Universal Republic’s Eli Young Band made its headlining debut at the Houston Rodeo on Friday night (3/19) in front of 57,208 fans, one of the highest attendance counts so far this year.

It was a career milestone for the band and a lifelong dream fulfilled for lead singer Mike Eli. He said from the stage, “When I was a kid, we used to go to the Houston Rodeo. I dreamed about this day my whole life. And here we are living it!”

The performance was a follow-up to the band’s recent sold-out performance at the San Antonio Rodeo, and the sold out Gary Allan tour. Starting in May, EYB will join Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, Eric Church and others on the Country Throwdown Tour. The band’s new single “Guinevere” goes for ads this week.

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A truck driver on Carrie Underwood’s Play On Tour lost his life on Saturday (3/20) when his rig wrecked in Connecticut.

“This accident has brought much sadness to everyone on the road,” shared tour manager Geoff Donkin, on behalf of Underwood, the band, and crew. “We’ve lost one of us and we are all truly thinking of his family. No one ever expects anything like this to happen on tour.”

Underwood performed as scheduled Saturday night at the Foxwoods Casino MGM Grand in Connecticut, where she dedicated “Temporary Home” to the driver and his family. His name has not been released.