Carrie Underwood Confirms Grammy Performance, Prepares Tour Launch

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Storyteller tour photo

Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt will collaborate during a performance at the upcoming Grammy Awards, Underwood confirmed via social media. Underwood is nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for “Little Toy Guns,” while Hunt is up for the all-genre Best New Artist honor, as well as Best Country Album (for Montevallo),

In addition to the upcoming Grammy performance, Underwood is prepping for The Storyteller Tour-Stories In The Round, which launches Saturday (Jan. 30) in Jacksonville, Florida. The tour will make more than 40 arena stops in the U.S. and Canada, as well as five international shows in March during Country to Country (C2C).

The tour will be extra special for some members of the military and their families, as Underwood is teaming with Operation Homefront and Carnival Cruise Line. Underwood will meet with soldiers and their families throughout the tour. On Nov. 4 in the Port of New York City, Underwood will headline a special concert honoring military members. The event will take place aboard one of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ships, Carnival Vista.

Eric Paslay Previews Sophomore Album At Sold-Out Nashville Show

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Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

EMI Records Nashville artist Eric Paslay is upping his game as he ramps up for his sophomore album release, expected later this year. On Tuesday night (Jan. 26), he showcased his new moves, previewed new titles and toured through hits with a few friends at a sold-out Marathon Music Works show in Nashville.

“It’s so fun getting to play new songs for all the friendly faces I see tonight,” Paslay said from the stage to the crowd, which included previous tour mate Chris Young and duet partner Amy Grant. “Thank y’all for letting us be dreamers,” he continued before playing his song Eli Young Band took to No. 1 (“Even If It Breaks Your Heart”).

Jake Owen was welcomed to the stage for a surprise performance of “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” another No. 1 Paslay wrote. Owen was introduced as the first artist to record a song of Paslay’s.

Jake Owen, Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Jake Owen, Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Later in the evening Paslay performed a new title, “Taking My Heartbeat Higher,” with Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town. His current tour mate and Arista Nashville/RCA Records artist Cam was originally slated to perform before a sickness kept her from surprising the audience.

Karen Fairchild, Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Karen Fairchild, Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Perhaps the most welcoming surprise was Paslay’s charisma. Although artists before him have made a name just standing and singing, the 32-year-old performer took another direction on stage. Certain titles were delivered even without a guitar to hide behind, showcasing his ease on stage, seemingly as natural as his vocals and songwriting chops.

The Nashville venue offered muddy sound quality, which was overlooked by precise lighting to accentuate the set. Paslay’s carefree nature even found him throwing on sunglasses for his latest single “High Class,” covering The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction,” and showcasing his harmonica skills on a new title “Backstage Pass.”

The Grammy-nominated artist (for his appearance on Charles Kelley’s “The Driver”) continued to sample new tunes including “Angels In This Town” who are looking out for love, “All My Lovin,'” a romantic romp, and “Dressed in Black,” a lyrical dance combining Cadillacs, Johnny Cash and wedding dresses.

Paslay will be touring the country through the spring with Brad Paisley and Cam.

Labelmate Mickey Guyton preceded Paslay’s set that evening, welcoming her own guest: American Idol‘s Tristan. The 15-year-old performed Guyton’s “Why Baby Why” during her reality show auditions and joined the set for the Capitol Records Nashville artist, whom she met earlier in the week. Guyton’s four-person band additionally previewed new tunes including “Cool Ya,” “Pretty Little Mustang,” and performed her debut single “Better Than You Left Me.” Guyton ended her vocal prowess with a cover of Beyonce’s “If I Were A Boy.”
Mickey Guyton, Tristan. Photo: @mickeyguyton

Mickey Guyton, Tristan. Photo: @mickeyguyton

Tyler Farr Placed On Vocal Rest Following Surgery

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Tyler Farr

Tyler Farr

Columbia Nashville artist Tyler Farr has been placed on complete vocal rest, following a microlaryngeal surgery to remove a vocal polyp from his vocal cords. Farr was given a good report from the Vanderbilt Voice Clinic post-surgery. In order to maximize healing, Farr has cancelled all concert dates for the next few months.

Farr first noticed vocal issues, which were identified during a severe case of bronchitis, while on tour with Jason Aldean this past summer.

“This is the last thing I would’ve ever expected,” says the operatically-trained Farr. “I sing hard, and I give it everything I have every night, but I really believed I was putting my training to work. After a No. 1 song, an awesome tour with Jason and getting engaged, this is not how I thought I was going to be winding up 2015.”

Farr was set to tour with Curb artist Lee Brice in early 2016 as part of Brice’s Life Off My Years trek. With Farr healing from vocal surgery, Brice has tapped Maddie & Tae, Clare Dunn, and Jerrod Niemann to join the tour.

“I know what it takes to get out there and really deliver,” Farr continues. “I hate cancelling shows, especially the upcoming tour with my buddy Lee Brice, but I never want to give the fans less than everything… And I know the sooner I let my body heal, the sooner I can get back out there – and the fewer problems I will have in the long run. To me, it’s never about the next few days, but doing the right thing overall, and now I’m under doctor’s orders.”

Live Nation Aims To Book Concerts For Nashville Municipal Auditorium

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Nashville Municipal Auditorium

Photo: nashvilleauditorium.com

Live Nation is set to add to its stable of Nashville-area music venues, with a deal in the works to handle music bookings for Nashville Municipal Auditorium, according to The Tennessean.

Live Nation also currently books shows for Ascend Amphitheater, as well as the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel. Last year, Live Nation also purchased a majority stake in Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.

The concert promoter has been granted an “intent to award” notice from Metro, though the deal is still pending due to contract negotiations.

Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium opened in 1962. In 1967, the auditorium was home to the Country Music Association’s first CMA Awards festivities before the ceremonies moved to the Ryman Auditorium the following year. The Municipal Auditorium currently houses the Musicians’ Hall of Fame and Museum.

Ryman Auditorium Adds Moon Taxi, More Shows

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Moon Taxi

Moon Taxi

Nashville rock band Moon Taxi, a collaborative concert with Ry Cooder, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White, and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band are among the latest additions to the Ryman Auditorium’s 2016 calendar.

Moon Taxi will perform on April 1 in support of their newest album, Daybreaker. That’s followed by The Songs For Good People Tour with Cooder, Skaggs and White on April 5. The on-sale date for these shows is Friday (Jan. 29).

In addition, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band will play the Ryman on June 19. Those tickets go on sale on Feb. 12.

Other newly-announced concerts include Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds on July 2, and Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds With Special Guests Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin on Sept. 17. The on-sale date for these two shows is Friday (Jan. 29).

Pilgrimage Music Festival To Return For Second Year

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Pilgrimage Music Festival

Pilgrimage Music Festival

Pilgrimage Music Festival will return for a second year at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, on Sept, 24-25. The lineup of performers, on-sale ticket dates, and vendor list will be announced during the coming months.

At last year’s inaugural Pilgrimage Music Festival in Franklin, Tennessee, attendees witnessed unique musical collaborations including Holly Williams with Sheryl Crow on “Strong Enough,” Ruby Amanfu joining Weezer for “Go Away,” and Willie Nelson welcoming Holly Williams and Ben Jaffe for “I Saw The Light.” Other artists performing last year included Wilco, Chris Stapleton, Steven Tyler, Band of Horses and more.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival back to Franklin for round 2!” says co-producer and Franklin resident Kevin Griffin. “It has been a pleasure working with the community to make this festival unique, memorable and show off the very best Franklin has to offer.”

“We are very excited the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has decided to return again to our beautiful Park at Harlinsdale Farm!” say City of Franklin Mayor Dr. Ken Moore. “The 2015 festival was a huge success from entertainment, to traffic and parking, this family-oriented festival is bringing a lot of attention to America’s best hometown. This is a true top-notch experience and we are anticipating more folks will make the Pilgrimage to Franklin, Tennessee, this year for this one-of-a-kind festival and venue!”

For highlights from the Pilgrimage Music Festival’s debut year, watch below:

Watershed Festival Offers Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Keith Urban On Consecutive Weekends

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Watershed Festival Logo

The Watershed Music and Camping Festival will be the first-ever country music festival to host two consecutive weekends, with Jason Aldean, Eric Church and Keith Urban slated to headline the festival both weekends this summer.

With a history of selling out in just minutes, due to the dedicated fans known as ‘Shedders, the fifth annual festival will take place at The Gorge in George, Washington, on July 29-31 and Aug. 5-7. Passes will go on sale Friday (Jan. 29) at 10 a.m. PT on the festival website.

Other confirmed performers for the festival (though not necessarily on both weekends) include: A Thousand Horses, Brothers Osborne, Brett Eldredge, Tyler Farr, Merle Haggard, Neal McCoy, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, David Nail, Jon Pardi, RaeLynn, Travis Tritt and more.

“The ’Shedders and my team know how special Watershed is to me and I can’t believe we’re coming back in only our fifth year for two weekends,” said Brian O’Connell, President of Live Nation Country Touring. “I’m so excited to see first-timers like Jason, Keith and Eric’s reaction when they arrive at The Gorge, as the view is just out of this world, and all the artists and fans getting to experience the truly unique vibe of this festival. ”

The first to be established in Live Nation’s family of premier country music festivals, Watershed was quickly followed by the launch of four other destination festivals: Faster Horses in Brooklyn, Michigan; Route 91 Harvest in Las Vegas; Windy City LakeShake in Chicago; and FarmBorough in New York City.

Miranda Lambert Announces Keeper of the Flame Tour

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image004

Miranda Lambert is ready to hit the road again in 2016 for her Keeper of the Flame Tour.

Along for the trek are Kip Moore and Brothers Osborne. Among the cities the Keeper of the Flame Tour will visit are Los Angeles, San Antonio, New Orleans, Austin, and Chicago.

In addition to Lambert’s headlining tour, she is joining Kenny Chesney on his Spread the Love Tour performing in stadiums around the country starting in April. And for the first time, Lambert will perform for fans overseas on March 11 in London, March 12 in Dublin, and March 13 in Glasgow, as part of the Country to Country Festival 2016 (C2C).

Miranda Lambert’s Keeper of the Flame Tour cities:

Austin, Texas
Bangor, Maine
Bethel, New York
Bristow, Virginia
Charlotte, North Carolina
Cleveland, Ohio
Chicago, Illinois
Columbia, Maryland
Darien Center, New York
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Hartford, Connecticut
Indianapolis, Indiana
Irvine, Cailfornia
Jacksonville, Florida
Los Angeles, California
New Orleans, Louisiana
Omaha, Nebraska
Orange Beach, Alabama
Raleigh, North Carolina
Rogers, Arkansas
San Antonio, Texas
Saratoga Springs, New York
St. Louis, Missouri
Tampa, Florida
Virginia Beach, Virginia
West Palm Beach, Florida

Fans can purchase tickets beginning Jan. 29 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket at www.Megaticket.com.

 

Florida Georgia Line Set 2016 Tour With Cole Swindell

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Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line have announced the cities for their 2016 Dig Your Roots Tour, which will begin in March. Specific dates have not yet been announced.

Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three and Kane Brown will also appear on the tour, which is sponsored by Budweiser.

“Tyler and I are going to make this year very personal with the Dig Your Roots Tour,” said Brian Kelley. “We want our fans to feel right at home with us as they learn more about our story and we learn about theirs. From Kane Brown, to The Cadillac Three, to Cole Swindell, there is not a dull moment in this show. We are so thankful that we get to bring some of our closest friends on this journey.”

Tyler Hubbard added, “Since day one, BK and I have been all about throwing the biggest party we can. This year is going to be a big one with new music, new tour and new memories. We cannot wait.”

Fans can purchase tickets beginning January 29th for select cities.

2016 Dig Your Roots Tour Confirmed Cities:
Tupelo, Mississippi
Orange Beach, Alabama
Rapid City, South Dakota
Bismarck, North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Daytona Beach, Florida
Cullman, Alabama
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Indianapolis, Indiana
Columbus, Ohio
Bangor, Maine
Gilford, New Hampshire
London, Ontario, Canada
Hartford, Connecticut
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Raleigh, North Carolina
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Bristow, Virginia
Wantagh, New York
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
Monticello, Iowa
Billings, Montana
Salt Lake City, Utah
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Holmdel, New Jersey
Boston, Massachusetts
Pointe-du-Chêne, New Brunswick, Canada
Brownsville, Oregon
Darien Center, New York
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Saratoga Springs, New York
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Syracuse, New York
Lexington, Kentucky
Erie, Pennsylvania
Cleveland, Ohio
Charlotte, North Carolina
Des Moines, Iowa
St. Louis, Missouri
Chicago, Illinois
Denver, Colorado
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Sacramento, California
Mountain View, California
Phoenix, Arizona
Irvine, California
San Diego, California
Nashville, Tennessee
Evansville, Indiana
Kansas City, Missouri
Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Atlanta, Georgia

Las Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest Festival Announces 2016 Lineup

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Route 91 logo

Luke Bryan, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Little Big Town and Chris Young are confirmed for the third annual Route 91 Harvest country music festival in Las Vegas. The three-day, two-stage event is scheduled for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at the Las Vegas Village across from Luxor Hotel and Casino.

The lineup will also include Billy Currington, Lindsay Ell, Tyler Farr, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch, David Nail, Granger Smith feat Earl Dibbles Jr., Travis Tritt and more.

VIP passes will be available for purchase offering fans access to the shaded Neon Lounge with a private cash bar, premium elevated viewing and lounge seating, express festival entrance, air-conditioned restroom facilities, private food vendors, complimentary massage services, a dedicated festival concierge and more. Passes go on sale on Jan. 29.

“Everything in Vegas is larger than life and spectacular so it sets the bar pretty high for us coming back each year,” said Brian O’Connell, Live Nation President of Country Touring. “Route 91 has grown way beyond our expectations in only two years, especially selling out ahead of gates opening last year. I’m thrilled to be able to bring some of country’s brightest stars to party and continue to make an even bigger mark on Sin City!”

Chris Baldizan, senior vice president of entertainment booking and development for MGM Resorts International, said, “The Live Nation team led by Brian O’Connell has put a tremendous lineup together for this year’s Route 91 Harvest. This event is a true testament to how Las Vegas continues to evolve as a premier entertainment destination. Fans worldwide have the opportunity to experience the great festival atmosphere while also enjoying a variety of diverse offerings along The Strip throughout the weekend. This is what our guests have come to expect from the most dynamic city in the world.”