The Cadillac Three Bring Sold-Out ‘Legacy’ Show To Country Music’s Mother Church

Pictured (L-R): Neil Mason, Jaren Johnson, Kelby Ray. Photo: Jeremy Polzel for Big Machine Records

The Cadillac Three brought their hard-rocking show to their hometown last night (Aug. 31) with a sold-out performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

TC3 opened their first headlining show at the Mother Church with the title track from their last album “Bury Me in My Boots” before launching into other hits including “Party Like You,” “Tennessee Mojo,” “Graffiti” and “Drunk Like You.” The 90-minute set also encompassed new tunes from their current album Legacy—which released Aug. 25 on Big Machine Records—including the lead single “Dang If We Didn’t,” “American Slang” and “Cadillacin.” An encore kept fans on their feet with the emotional “Legacy” and “Take Me to the Bottom,” both of which are penned about lead vocalist Jaren Johnson‘s wife.

“This is by far the best night of these three long haired’s lives,” he said before launching into the last song of the night, “The South.”

TC3 return will return to Europe this fall for their headline Long Hair Don’t Care Tour with Brothers Osborne and Broken Witt Rebels.

Pictured (L-R): Kelby Ray, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Jaren Johnson, Triple 8’s Bruce Kalmick, Neil Mason. Photo: Jeremy Polzel for Big Machine Records

Eric Church Captures Magic Tour Moments On ’61 Days In Church’

Eric Church is letting fans relive the magic moments on his tour through a new live album, 61 Days In Church. Church recorded the project over the course of sixty-one shows in a five-month period, where he played an average of 37 songs per night.

Beginning Friday (Sept. 1), fans will have access to 30 initial live recordings from various stops across North America. The tracks will initially be released only on the Apple Music platform for a two-week period before being made available on all streaming services.

Following Sept. 1, subsequent tracks including some catalogue and cover songs as well as songs inspired by events that happened while he was on the road, will be released chronologically through the end of the year to complete the list. The unique, individual tour posters from each stop will serve as the artwork for each week’s release.

“I had so much fun learning songs that were unique to whatever city we found ourselves in,” Church reflects. “I learned a lot about each place, and it was special to see the crowd react to the songs that were only for them.  I’m glad we recorded it and can relive it forever.”

A double disc collectible boxed set and vinyl version of the project is slated for release via EMI Records Nashville on Record Store Day, April 21 2018.

The Swon Brothers Announce Fall Tour

Zach and Colton, The Swon Brothers, aren’t pulling any punches as they gear up for their About Last Night Tour, which begins on Sept. 1 in Port Lavaca, Texas, with a string of full-out dates pushing through the end of the year.

The brothers, who have been performing professionally since childhood, are excited to unveil a brand new stage set and some rocking new music for their fans.  They will be joined on select dates by singer/songwriter and fellow Voice alum, Caroline Glaser.

“We take our live show very seriously because we always want to give our audiences something special and we are so excited about this tour,” says Colton Swon.

“From the stage design to the set list, we’ve had so much fun planning this and we cannot wait to get out on the road!” says Zach Swon.

“About Last Night” Tour 
Sept. 1 – Port Lavaca, TX
Sept. 7 – Huntsville, AL
Sept. 8 – Morganton, NC
Sept. 9 – Buckhannon, WV *
Sept. 15 – Rockaway Beach, NY *
Sept. 16 – Hershey, PA
Oct. 6 – Aurora, CO
Oct. 8 – Highlands, NC
Oct. 20 – Flint, MI *
Oct. 21 – Wind Lake, WI *
Nov. 11 – Tulsa, OK

*featuring Caroline Glaser

More dates to be announced.

Michael Ray Launches Get To You Tour This Fall

Michael Ray is launching a second headlining tour in the second half of 2017 with the Get To You Tour. Named after the first single from Ray’s forthcoming sophomore album, Get To You, the tour will hit 15 cities through Dec. 9, including San Antonio, Lexington, Charlotte, and Savannah.

Devin Dawson will join him on select dates of the tour.

Tickets for the new dates go on sale beginning Friday, Aug. 25 at MichaelRayMusic.com.

“I had such an amazing time on the Think A Little Less Tour last year as it was really the first opportunity since we started this journey to really get out there and see what our fans wanted to hear and experience,” said Ray. “Since, I’ve been out opening for some incredible acts from Alabama and Sam Hunt to Darius Rucker; I treated every date we played as a chance to learn something – whether it was backstage training or standing sidestage just taking it all in – having those experiences have all led to this tour, and I can’t wait to share it with fans.”

2017 Get To You Tour dates:
10/05/17 – Tuscaloosa, AL -Druid City Music Hall
10/06/17 – Anderson, SC – Wendell’s Dippin Bran
10/12/17 – Nacogdoches, TX – Banita Creek Hall
10/14/17 – San Antonio, TX – Cowboys Dance Hall
10/19/17 – Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall
10/20/17 – Dubuque, IA – Q Casino
10/21/17 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy
10/27/17 – Rochester, NY – Anthology
10/28/17 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
11/24/17 – Holiday, FL – The Stockyard
11/25/17 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues – Orlando
12/01/17 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
12/02/17 – Savannah, GA – Saddlebags*
12/07/17 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall
12/09/17 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille

*Denotes dates Devin Dawson will not appear on.

Martina McBride To Ring In The Holidays With New Tour

Martina McBride is decking the halls already in preparation for her upcoming holiday-themed tour, The Joy of Christmas. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Aug. 25. 

“The Joy Of Christmas is a magical show full of beautiful scenery and classic beloved Christmas music as well as a few hits from my career. It’s a show for the whole family” McBride says. “With this tour we create a sort of Christmas winter wonderland. If this show doesn’t leave you full of the Christmas spirit I’m not sure what will!”

Ticket packages will include three levels of VIP Experiences and packages will include a premium concert ticket, plus an exclusive Christmas card signed by Martina, a meet & greet, and Christmas themed pre-show party with hot cocoa and holiday beverages. For full package details, visit CID Entertainment.

The Joy of Christmas Tour dates: 
11.24.17                Biloxi, MS                             Beau Ridge Theatre
11.25.17                Lake Charles, LA*               L’Auberge Casino
11.26.17                Fort Smith, AR                    First National Bank of Fort Smith Exhibit Hall
11.29.17                Troy, OH                               Hobart Arena
11.30.17                Paducah, KY*                       Carson Center
12.1.17                  Dubuque, IA                         Five Flags Center
12.2.17                  Manhattan, KS                     McCain Auditorium
12.7.17                  Wabash, IN                           Honeywell Center
12.8.17                  Charles Town, WV              Hollywood Casino
12.9.17                  Charles Town, WV              Hollywood Casino
12.14.17                Champaign, IL                     The Virginia Theatre
12.15.17                Harris, MI                             Island Resort and Casino
12.16.17                Harris, MI                             Island Resort and Casino
12.20.17                Norfolk, VA                          Chrysler Hall Theatre
12.21.17                Red Bank, NJ                       Count Basie Theatre
12.22.17                Roanoke, VA                        Berglund Performing Arts Theatre

JRA Fine Arts Rebrands To Ovation Artist Group

Ovation Artist Group staff, pictured (L-R): Marc Whitmore, Meg Ellisor, Tyler Lewis, Melissa Miller, Jeff Roberts, Bill Marquardt, Teddy Pagano.

Known for booking Dailey & Vincent, Sandi Patty and Ramsey Lewis, JRA Fine Arts is rebranding and changing its name to Ovation Artist Group.

JRA Fine Arts previously focused on booking shows in performing arts centers and symphonies. Under its new name, the company will expand its reach to include clubs, festivals, casinos and other concert venues.

Ovation Artist Group also recently expanded its roster to include Kurt Elling, Ramsey Lewis and soul singer Sam Moore. Ovation Artist Group is a division of the Jeff Roberts Corporation, which is also home to Jeff Roberts & Associations, which represents Casting Crowns, for King & Country, Lauren Daigle, Skillet and more.

Company president Jeff Roberts says, “It’s an exciting time for Ovation Artist Group and our artists. We felt a bit limited in the past but with this change, the addition of a few agents and satellite offices in London and Los Angeles, the sky’s the limit for what we can offer our clients.”

KCA Artists Signs Maybe April To Booking Roster

Maybe April

KCA Artists has added country americana trio Maybe April to its booking roster.

The trio is made of Katy Bishop, Kristen Castro, and Alaina Stacey. The trio met in 2012 at a music industry camp in Nashville, and formed the trio in 2013. Since then, they have performed at IBMA’s Wide Open Bluegrass Festival, Pilgrimage Music Festival and more.

KCA Artists’ roster also includes Radney Foster, Dan Tyminski, Farewell Drifters, Fairfield Four and more.

Alan Jackson Signs With WME

Alan Jackson has signed with WME for booking representation, MusicRow has confirmed. The UMG Nashville artist was previously with CAA for booking.

Jackson is currently on the road as part of his Honky Tonk Highway Tour, which runs through the fall and features Lee Ann Womack.

Later this year, Jackson will be inducted as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017.

Eagles To Play Four Cities This Fall With Vince Gill

The Eagles – Don Henley, Joe Walsh & Timothy B. Schmit, with Vince Gill and Deacon Frey – have set a series of “An Evening with the Eagles” concerts for this fall that will kick off Oct. 17 in Greensboro, North Carolina at the Greensboro Coliseum. Additional stops will include Oct. 20 in Atlanta at Philips Arena, Oct. 24 in Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center, and Oct. 27 in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena.

Tickets for the shows go on sale to the general public beginning Saturday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. through LiveNation.com. American Express Card Members will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. through Friday, Aug. 18 at 10 p.m.  A limited number of VIP ticket packages will be also be available, including premium tickets, pre-show VIP lounge, exclusive merchandise and more. Complete ticket information can be found at eagles.com.

Lee Ann Womack To Release ‘The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone’ With ATO Records, October 27

Lee Ann Womack will make her debut for ATO Records on October 27 with the release of The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone. Produced by husband Frank LiddellThe Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone features fourteen tracks, mostly co-written by Womack all mixing her country, soul, gospel and blues influences.

“With this particular record, because of what I wanted to accomplish with the whole country blues vibe, it was important to write, since those songs are not necessarily just laying around everywhere,” Womack told NPR’s Jewly Hight.

NPR first announced the project, with a first listen of “All The Trouble,” co-written with her band mates Adam Wright and Waylon Payne.

The album was mostly recorded at the legendary SugarHill Studios in Houston, TX, excluding some acoustic cuts. Formerly known as Gold Star, the studio is home to early recordings that influenced Womack, including George Jones’ “Take the Devil Out of Me” (1959), which is one of three cover songs on The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone.

“I wanted to get out of Nashville, and tap the deep music and vibe of East Texas,” says Womack. “I wanted to make sure this record had a lot of soul in it, because real country music has soul. I wanted to remind people of that.”

The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone features musicians Glenn Worf (bass), guitarists Wright, Payne and Ethan Ballinger, and Jerry Roe (drums).

“…these guys are reckless players,” Womack continued with Hight. “That’s what Frank wanted, and what I wanted: ‘Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, and we might leave it on there, because that’s what happened in the moment.’ That’s when you’re making music, not when you’re isolating everything, so that you can go back and fix things, go back and perfect and perfect. That’s obviously not what we were after here on this record.

“It was more about capturing a group of musicians who are standing right next to each other, looking in each other’s eyes, going, ‘What are you about to do? Should I lay back here? Should I step up?’ All of that energy and angst is on there, and you can hear that. At least I thought so.”

Womack is on the road with Alan Jackson through November after recently wrapping a seven date tour with Patty Griffin.

The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone Track List:
1. All The Trouble
2. The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone
3. He Called Me Baby
4. Hollywood
5. End of the End of the World
6. Bottom of the Barrel
7. Shine On Rainy Day
8. Mama Lost Her Smile
9. Wicked
10. Long Black Veil
11. Someone Else’s Heartache
12. Sunday
13. Talking Behind Your Back
14. Take The Devil Out Of Me

Lee Ann Womack Upcoming Tour Dates:
Aug. 25 – Ford Center – Evansville, IN*
Aug. 26 – State Farm Center – Champaign, IL*
Aug. 27 – Plaza Theatre – Glasgow, KY
Sept. 8 – The Family Arena – St. Charles, MO*
Sept. 9 – U.S. Cellular Center – Cedar Rapids, IA
Sept. 10 – St. Croix Casino – Turtle Lake, WI
Sept. 14 – AmericanaFest – Nashville, TN
Sept. 22 – Charleston Civic Center – Charleston, WV*
Sept. 23 – Erie Insurance Center – Erie, PA*
Sept. 28 – Trans-Pecos Festival – Marfa, TX
Oct. 7 – Museum of Appalachia – Clinton, TN
Oct. 20 – Music In The Mill – Hickory, NC
Oct. 27 – Resch Center – Green Bay, WI
Oct. 28 – Target Center – Minneapolis, MN*
Oct. 29 – Bridge View Center – Ottumwa, IA
Nov. 3 – Lafayette Cajundome – Lafayette, LA*
Nov. 4 – Bell County Expo – Belton, TX*
Jan. 5 – The MusicFest at Steamboat – Steamboat, CO
Jan. 23 – Kent State Universtiy at Tuscarawas – New Philadelphia, PA
Feb. 4 – Cayamo Cruise – New Orleans, LA
Feb. 16 – Arizona Musicfest – Scottsdale, AZ

* denotes show w. Alan Jackson