Blackberry Smoke Confirms Spirit Of The South Tour: A Celebration Of Southern Rock N’ Roll

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Blackberry Smoke. Photo: Joe Lopez

Blackberry Smoke is set to embark on their extensive Spirit of the South Tour: A Celebration of Southern Rock N’ Roll tour this summer with special guests The Allman Betts Band, The Wild Feathers and founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, Jaimoe.

Kicking off July 30 at Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Hartford Healthcare Amphitheatre, the tour will include stops at New York’s Pier 17, Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, Dallas’ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Alpharetta’s Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Boston’s Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion and Morrison’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, among many others.

Created to honor the various influences within southern music, each show will conclude with a collaborative finale including Blackberry Smoke, The Allman Betts Band, The Wild Feathers and Jaimoe as well as additional surprise guests. The Allman Brothers Band Museum At The Big House will also have a new mobile set up on-site at each show, featuring never-before-seen archival items including original hand-written lyrics, family photographs, iconic clothing and jewelry, one-of-a-kind instruments played by the band and more. All ticket holders will be granted free access to the museum with $1 of each ticket donated to The Allman Brothers Museum at the Big House to help preserve its history and heritage.

Tickets for the newly confirmed dates go on sale this Friday, May 21 at 10 a.m. local time, and details can be found at blackberrysmoke.com/tour.

The Spirit of the South Tour adds to a landmark year for Blackberry Smoke, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year with the release of their new album, You Hear Georgia, out May 28 via Thirty Tigers. Ahead of the release, the band has released four album tracks: “All Rise Again” featuring Warren Haynes, “Ain’t The Same,” “Hey Delilah” and “You Hear Georgia.”

The Cadillac Three Celebrates Their Decade-Long Career With Anniversary Tour

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The Cadillac Three. Photo: Dylan Rucker

Celebrating a decade as The Cadillac Three, the trio is returning to the stage for their 10th Anniversary Tour running through the US, the UK, and Ireland with special guest Brent Cobb.

The Anniversary Tour will begin on June 11 in Iowa and will wrap up overseas in Belfast on Dec. 13. Tickets are on sale now.

As the pandemic halted touring in March 2020, the ACM Awards Group of the Year nominees wasted no time, releasing two albums – February’s Country Fuzz and October’s surprise Tabasco & Sweet Tea.

Throughout 2020, the band was able to provide 78,000 meals for families in need through a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee while highlighting local venues and other artists as Country Fuzz Presents took up a livestream residence at their hometown haunt, The Basement. Since then, The Cadillac Three has also joined forces with Red Bull and Music Venue Alliance Nashville to transform esteemed venue Exit/In into a private pop-up skate park for a series of socially distanced skate sessions as the band filmed a unique video “Bridges” to support independent music venues.

Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Jason Isbell, More On New ‘Ice Road’ Soundtrack

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The soundtrack for The Ice Road, a new Netflix action thriller starring Liam Neeson debuting on June 25, is being released by Big Machine Records.

Written and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, The Ice Road tells the story of a big-rig ice road driver (Neeson), who leads a rescue mission over a frozen ocean to save trapped miners after a remote diamond mine collapses in far northern Canada. Benjamin Walker, Amber Midthunder, Marcus Thomas and Laurence Fishburne are also a part of the cast.

Jason Isbell kicks off the dozen-song soundtrack with the Johnny Cash truckers’ anthem “All I Do Is Drive.” The project also features Tim McGraw (covering the Cars’ “Drive”), The Cadillac Three (on Dave Dudley’s 1963 No. 1 “Six Days On The Road”) and Mark Collie and Allison Moorer (“All Coming Down.”)

Miranda Lambert appears on Hank Snow’s “I’m Movin’ On” and Carly Pearce reprises the classic “Eighteen Wheels and A Dozen Roses,” Kathy Mattea’s No. 1 and 1989’s ACM/CMA Single of the Year. John Carter Cash teams with the Assassinzs for the heavy rock “Heart Made Of Steel,” while Brantley Gilbert and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard pair for “Rubber Meets The Road” and Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox offers up “We Got Fight.”

Jackson Dean also marks his debut with “Don’t Come Lookin’” on the collection, while the L.A. Rats, comprised of Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE) and friends Rob Zombie, guitarist John 5 and drummer Tommy Clufetos, forge a pounding reprise of Hank Snow’s 22-week No. 1, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” (most notably re-recorded by Johnny Cash on his Rick Rubin-produced Unchained.)

“That hard-charging sense of the road is a real common ground between rock, country and Americana,” Big Machine Label Group founder and chairman Scott Borchetta says. “Musicians live the road life. They know the freedom, the speed, the gone and the get there—and every single artist on this soundtrack understands exactly why these songs have such enduring appeal.”

The Ice Road Track List:
1. All I Do Is Drive – Jason Isbell
2. Rubber Meets The Road – Brantley Gilbert, Tyler Hubbard
3. Eighteen Wheels and A Dozen Roses – Carly Pearce
4. I’ve Been Everywhere – L.A. Rats                          
5. We Got Fight – Gary LeVox                                            
6. I’m Movin’ On – Miranda Lambert                                   
7. Six Days On The Road – The Cadillac Three                         
8. Don’t Come Lookin’ – Jackson Dean                                 
9. Hurricane – Luke Combs
10. Heart Made Of Steel – The Assassinzs feat. John Carter Cash, Robin Zander
11. All Coming Down – Mark Collie, Allison Moorer                        
12. Drive – Tim McGraw

Houston Rodeo Announces 2022 Dates, George Strait Performance

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George Strait. Photo: David McClister

After being canceled in 2021, the next Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will take place Feb. 28, 2022 through March 20, 2022. The 21-day event will celebrate the Rodeo’s 90th anniversary.

Country music icon George Strait will perform on the final night, marking his 31st performance at the Rodeo. To date, Strait has entertained more than 1.7 million RODEOHOUSTON fans.

“What better way to celebrate the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s 90th anniversary than with a special, concert-only performance by the ‘King of Country’ music himself,” says Rodeo president and CEO Chris Boleman. “After a couple of particularly challenging years, our thousands of dedicated volunteers simply can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Rodeo grounds for a Texas-sized celebration of Western heritage that will be well worth the wait.”

Individual tickets for Strait’s concert-only performance go on sale to the public Thursday, June 24. A limit of four tickets per person will be permitted. The remaining 2022 RODEOHOUSTON entertainer lineup will be announced at a later date.

Spotify Announces Virtual Concert Series With The Black Keys, Leon Bridges, More

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The Black Keys

Spotify has just announced their virtual concert experience with the hope of continuing to connect fans to artists and vice versa.

Throughout the next month, Spotify will give fans access to five intimate, ticketed performances in partnership with producer Driift. These five pre-recorded livestreams will include performances by The Black Keys on May 27, Rag’n’Bone Man on June 3, Bleachers on June 10, Leon Bridges on June 17, and June 24’s show with Girl In Red.

“We have always been a band that loves to play live in venues of all shapes and sizes,” says The Black Keys. “The past year has been tough for musicians and fans alike, so we wanted to find a way to share this live performance of songs from our new project, Delta Kream, from a place we love, the Blue Front Café, the oldest active juke joint in America. We’re excited to be a part of this new initiative with Spotify that will give fans a great way to connect with their favorite artists.”

With concerts and other in-person events beginning to ramp up, these shows will allow fans who are still uncomfortable or hesitant to experience and support their favorite artists while immersing themselves in a performance-style experience they crave.

Tickets to these 40-75-minute concerts are available to purchase for $15 (plus tax) now.

Lady A To Launch What A Song Can Do Tour In July

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Lady A have revealed details about their upcoming Lady A: What A Song Can Do Tour, which launches July 29 in Uncasville, Connecticut with special guests Carly Pearce, Niko Moon and Tenille Arts.

The trio announced the tour during their appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show today (May 19) and surprised audience members with tickets to the amphitheater run. The 34-city trek crosses the country with stops in Albuquerque, Phoenix, Syracuse, Salt Lake City, Boston, Jacksonville, and more through Oct. 10.

“This tour is really going to be about letting our fans know how much they mean to us and what music has done for all of us over the last year… which is the essence of the tour name. We started writing a song called ‘What A Song Can Do’ and it turned into a love-letter to our fans,” Lady A’s Charles Kelley says. “We are gonna soak up these moments on stage more than we ever have before. It’s gonna be hard to wipe the smiles off our faces and I’m sure the tears off Hillary’s. We were lucky enough to still release new music this past year but there are songs like ‘Champagne Night’ and ‘What If I Never Get Over You’ that we haven’t been able to play live much so we know those will make for some really special moments.”

A portion of the ticket sales will go towards LadyAID, the group’s fund which supports initiatives around the world ranging from helping vulnerable children, societal and cultural issues, as well as natural disaster aid and recovery.

Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, May 25 at 12 p.m. local time. Tickets go on sale to the public beginning Friday, May 28 at 10 a.m. local time at ladyamusic.com.

Lady A: What a Song Can Do Tour Dates:
07/29/21  Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun
07/30/21  Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
07/31/21  Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
08/06/21  Bonner Springs, KS – Azura Amphitheater
08/07/21  Rogers, AR – Walmart Amp
08/08/21  St Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
08/13/21  Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
08/14/21  Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheatre at Lakeview
08/15/21  Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion
08/19/21   Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheatre
08/20/21  Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
08/21/21  West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
08/28/21  Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre***
08/29/21  Evansville, IN – Ford Center
09/02/21  Newport, KY – Ovation Concert Venue
09/03/21  Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival**
09/04/21  Columbus, OH – Express Live! Amp*
09/05/21  Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE*
09/09/21  Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheatre
09/10/21  Norman, OK – Lloyd Noble Center
09/11/21  New Braunfels, TX – Whitewater Amphitheatre
09/16/21  Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
09/17/21   Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre
09/18/21  Mountain View, CA  – Shoreline Amphitheatre
09/23/21  Englewood CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
09/24/21  Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
09/25/21  Las Vegas, NV – The Theatre at Virgin Hotels
09/30/21  Wilmington, NC – Riverfront Park Amphitheatre
10/01/21  Simpsonville, SC – CCNB at Heritage Park Amphitheatre
10/02/21  Alpharetta, GA – AmerisBank Amphitheatre
10/08/21  Erie, PA – Erie Insurance Arena
10/09/21  Albany, NY – Times Union Center
10/10/21  Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

* Carly Pearce Only
** Niko Moon Only
*** Carly Pearce and Niko Moon Only

Ronnie Bowman Extends Publishing Deal With Eclipse Music Group

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Eclipse General Manager of Publishing, Penny Gattis; Ronnie Bowman

Ronnie Bowman has renewed his global publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group.

Bowman has penned No. 1 hits for Brooks & Dunn and Kenny Chesney, and his songs have been recorded by Don Williams, Lee Ann Womack, Jake Owen, and, most recently, he had four songs on Marcus King’s Grammy-nominated record El Dorado. He also has three tracks on Chris Stapleton’s multi-Platinum album Traveller, including the ACM Song of the Year single “Nobody to Blame.”

A bluegrass household name, Bowman has been awarded International Bluegrass Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year three times, and has twice earned the IBMA Album of the Year (Carrying The Tradition and Cold Virginia Night.) He received the Gospel Performance of the Year award for “Three Rusty Nails” and, twice, IBMA Song of the Year for “Three Rusty Nails” and “Cold Virginia Night.”

“We are thrilled to continue our journey with Ronnie at Eclipse,” says Eclipse General Manager of Publishing, Penny Gattis. “Ronnie channels a special place when he makes music, refusing to write inside any box. He’s a quadruple threat with his vocals, world class musicianship, songwriting and performing and brings contagious excitement to every session.”

“I’m really thankful to be a part of the Eclipse Music family,” Ronnie added. “It’s been nothing but wonderful since I’ve been at Eclipse.  It’s great to be a part of a team that is so genuine and authentic.”

Weekly Register: Gabby Barrett Takes No. 1 Country Song Spot For Third Consecutive Week

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Gabby Barrett. Photo: Robby Klein

This week, Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett cements her No. 1 position on the country song chart for the third week straight with “The Good Ones” at 7.8 million streams and a whopping 201 million RTD, according to Nielsen.

Luke Combs stays strong in second with “Forever After All” at 7.7 million, as well as Eric Church who keeps his No. 3 spot with “Hell Of A View” at 6.7 million. Rounding out the top five are Thomas Rhett‘s “What’s Your Country Song” and Sam Hunt‘s “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” both racking up 5.8 million.

Meanwhile, Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album also maintains his spot at the top of the country album charts for the third consecutive week with 52K streams, according to Nielsen. Combs bumps up to No. 2 and No. 4 with What You See Is What You Get at 27K and This One’s For You at 18K, respectively. Taylor Swift creeps her way back up to the third spot with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) receiving 20K streams, while Rhett’s Country Again (Side A) falls to fifth with 14K.

Blake Shelton To Hit The Road In August On New Friends And Heroes Tour

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Blake Shelton has announced he’s heading back out on the road this August on the Friends and Heroes 2021 tour. The trek will feature special guest Lindsay Ell, along with appearances by Martina McBride, Tracy Byrd and Trace Adkins.

“A little over a year ago when the world shut down and we had to postpone the tour, I was already in Omaha getting ready for the show that night,” Shelton says. “I told you we would be back, and I’m thrilled to say we are kicking off the Friends and Heroes 2021 Tour in Omaha. I’m giving everybody in every city plenty of notice – you might as well tell your boss you’re gonna be late to work the next day and pay that babysitter overtime, because we are going to play some country music for y’all until they turn on the lights. And that might not stop us! I’m excited to welcome Martina McBride, Tracy Byrd, Trace Adkins and my very special guest Lindsay Ell to the Friends and Heroes 2021 Tour… see you there!”

Shelton will visit 16 cities on the new tour, including a stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and a two-night residency in Washington D.C. as well as shows in Denver, Tulsa, Philadelphia, St. Louis and more through Oct. 2. Rescheduled dates from the 2020 run will honor previously purchased tickets, and additional tickets are currently on sale. All new dates will go on sale Thursday, June 10 at 10 a.m. local time.

The tour announcement comes as Shelton prepares to release his latest album, Body Language, on May 21. The 12-track studio album includes his 28th career No.1 smash “Happy Anywhere” featuring Gwen Stefani and current Top 15 and climbing single “Minimum Wage.”

 

Blake Shelton’s Friends And Heroes 2021 Dates:

August 18: Omaha, NE / CHI Health Center*
August 20: Denver, CO / Ball Arena*
September 2: Philadelphia, PA / Wells Fargo Center
September 3-4: Washington, D.C. / The Anthem
September 9: Nashville, TN / Bridgestone Arena
September 10: Evansville, IN / Ford Center
September 11: Rosemont, IL / Allstate Arena*
September 16: North Charleston, SC / North Charleston Coliseum
September 17: Greenville, SC / Bon Secours Wellness Arena
September 18: Duluth, GA / Infinite Energy Center
September 23: St. Louis, MO / Enterprise Center
September 24: Tulsa, OK / BOK Center
September 25: Fort Worth, TX /Dickies Arena
September 30: Grand Rapids, MI / Van Andel Arena
October 1: Detroit, MI / Little Caesars Arena*
October 2: Milwaukee, WI / Fiserv Forum*
*Rescheduled date. If you previously purchased tickets for one of these shows and are no longer able to attend, you may request a refund within 30 days.

Jim Lauderdale To Release 34th Album ‘Hope’ In July

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Two-time Grammy Award-winning icon Jim Lauderdale will release Hope via Yep Roc Records on July 30. “The Opportunity To Help Somebody Through It,” the first single from the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s 34th album, is out now.

The 13-track album features songs about hope, courage, and perseverance with arrangements reminiscent of ’70s California folk-rock. From the encouraging and optimistic opening track “The Opportunity To Help Somebody Through It” to the frontline workers tribute of “Brave One” to “Breathe Real Slow,” a song inspired by Lauderdale’s devotion to tai chi and qigong, the album speaks to these times everyone experienced in the last 15 months.

“I wanted to get a musical message out there during this time of what we’ve all been going through, about the hope for better days ahead,” Lauderdale says. “If we can find any glimmers of hope, that really helps get you through another day.”

Hope was co-produced by Lauderdale and his longtime collaborator Jay Weaver and recorded at the fabled Blackbird Studios in Nashville with many of the tracks engineered by Blackbird Academy students. “That was a learning experience for me, too,” says Lauderdale. “I love the energy of working with such talented people just at the start of their careers. These kids are the future of our business.”

Hope Track List:
1, The Opportunity to Help Somebody Through It
2. Sister Horizon
3. The Brighter Side of Lonely
4. Mushrooms Are Growing After the Rain
5. Memory
6. Breathe Real Slow
7. Brave One
8. Don’t You Dream Anymore?
9. We Fade in We Fade Out
10. It’s Almost More Than All the Joy
11. Here’s to Hoping
12. When Searching for Answers
13. Joyful Noise