Country To Country 2018 Announced Headliners Faith Hill And Tim McGraw

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Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have been announced as the first headliners for Country to Country 2018 bringing their highly acclaimed and record setting Soul2Soul tour to this year’s event. Dates and times for the Soul2Soul tour have not been announced.

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have been dominating the music charts since the early ‘90s. They began touring together in 1996 on McGraw’s Spontaneous Combustion tour. In 2000 they created the Soul2Soul franchise with their record-breaking “Soul2Soul” tour, becoming that year’s top grossing and most successful U.S. tour. Their success continued in 2006-2007 when “Soul2Soul II” returned to the road, which was the most attended tour of the year in any musical genre and remains the highest grossing multi-year North American tour in country music history.

C2C will be held March 9-11 in London, Dublin, and Glasgow. The full line-up for C2C will be announced at the launch event on Friday Oct. 6 at London Bush Hall hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris. For tickets and more information visit c2c-countrytocountry.com.

At Least 50 Dead, 400 Injured At Route 91 Harvest Festival In Las Vegas

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Jason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright

(Updated, Oct. 2, 9:42 a.m. CT)

The number of people injured by the shooting has increased to 400 at this time.

Jon Loba, EVP at BBR Music Group (label home to Route 91 Harvest Festival performer Jason Aldean) released the following statement.

“We are horrified by the events in Las Vegas overnight and relieved to report that all of our artists, their teams, and our staff are safe and uninjured. The country music community is a family and our listeners are a part of that family.  They put food on our tables and allow our artists and staff to live our dreams by going to events like last night. While our artists and staff are safe, our hearts are broken for those listeners in our extended family who just wanted to share a night of great music and the camaraderie that is the hallmark of country music.”

(Original post, Oct. 2, 7:23 a.m. CT)

At least 50 people are dead, and more than 200 injured, after a gunman opened fire on partygoers attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival Sunday night (Oct. 1) in Las Vegas. The event is being described as the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

The shooter, whom NBC identifies as Stephen Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada, opened fire from a room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort shortly after 10 p.m. Headliner Jason Aldean was performing onstage during the time of the shooting.

According to CNN, the shooter is dead.  Off-duty police offers are also among those struck by gunfire, according to police.

Initially, police were searching for 62-year-old Marilou Danley, believed to be a companion of the shooter. However, after making contact with Danley, police no longer consider her a person of interest.

Aldean took to social media shortly after the events occurred to reassure fans that he and his team are safe.

“Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still dont know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that Me and my Crew are safe. My Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken#stopthehate”

Others in the country music community also expressed their shock and heartbreak.

*This is a developing story*

Sara Evans And The All-American Rejects Join Live In The Vineyard Lineup

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Live In The Vineyard has added some artists to its 19th installment of the exclusive music, food and wine festival that takes place amidst the lush scenery of the boutique wineries in Napa on November 3-5.

Additions to the lineup include The All-American Rejects and Sara Evans, who will be joined by HAIM, Julia Michaels, ZZ Ward, Eric Paslay, Lindsay Ell, Jessie James Decker, Dave Barnes, Gregory Darling and previously announced artists LeAnn Rimes, Ocean Park Standoff, David Shaw & Zack Feinberg of The Revivalists, JOSEPH and Magic Giant.

The festival has quickly become one of the most sought-after tickets across the country, giving attendees exclusive access to artists, top tier wine makers, and world-renowned chefs during the unique three-day event. Fans can check out more information and enter for a chance to attend at liveinthevineyard.com.

Live In The Vineyard and the Academy of Country Music will be kicking off a year-long partnership at the festival, which will also include one-of-a-kind events for country music fans throughout 2018.

Gotee Records Signs Aaron Cole

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Gotee Records has added Aaron Cole to the label’s roster. Cole’s debut single, “Right On Time,” features Gotee founder and CCM artist TobyMac.

“Right On Time” debuted Christian Hot AC radio this week at No. 27 on the charts and as the No. 1 most added and the highest spin increase of the week.

“It’s been a long time since Gotee has signed a hip-hop/R&B artist,” shares TobyMac. “Honestly, I’ve just been waiting for the right person. And I’m really excited to say….we’ve finally found that artist in Aaron Cole. He is extremely gifted, dedicated to his craft and truly passionate about God. Aaron is READY, ready to use his gift of music to light it up in a way that only he can, and the timing is perfect.”

Cole’s voice has been featured on songs by Hollyn, Canon, Deraj and DJ Maj. In 2016, Cole was noted by Essence Magazine as one of 16 gospel artists to watch. His 2016 EP If I Can Be Honest debuted top 30 on the iTunes Rap/Hip Hop albums charts.

Dan Fogelberg Tribute Album Available For Pre-Order Today

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Dan Fogelberg fans eagerly awaiting the release of A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg, the tribute project that is set for release November 17, can get a taste of the upcoming album by pre-ordering it digitally on iTunes beginning today. Those pre-ordering will receive tracks from the collection, a download of “Hard to Say,” performed by Boz Scaggs, and “Longer,” performed by Amy Grant and Vince Gill, on October 13. “I always loved Dan’s music and getting the opportunity to sing on the High Country Snows record, over 30 years ago, is still a great memory for me,” said Gill, fondly recalling his first association with Fogelberg.

Produced by Fogelberg’s wife, Jean, Norbert Putnam, his lifelong friend/manager, Irving Azoff, and Chuck Morris, the homage to Fogelberg will be released through BMG.

The collection contains recreations of some of Fogelberg’s biggest hits, including “Longer,” “Hard to Say,” “Leader of the Band,” (performed by Zac Brown), and “Same Old Lang Syne,” (performed by Train.)  A moving rendition of “Part of the Plan,” from 1974’s Souvenirs, performed by the Eagles, is also included on the album.

“A good thing never dies and that ‘good thing’ is Dan’s music,” said Garth Brooks about Fogelberg’s influence. “As for me, my life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man. That man is Dan Fogelberg, and he will live forever in those of us who have let his gift bring so much light to our paths.

A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg track listing:

  1. Phoenix performed by Garth Brooks
  2. Nether Lands performed by Donna Summer
  3. Better Change performed by Michael McDonald
  4. Longer performed by Amy Grant/Vince Gill
  5. Same Old Lang Syne performed by Train
  6. Don’t Lose Heart performed by Dobie Gray
  7. Old Tennessee performed by Fool’s Gold/Denny Henson and Tom Kelly
  8. As the Raven Flies performed by Casey James
  9. Sutters Mill performed by Randy Owens
  10. Run for the Roses performed by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with Richie Furay
  11. Hard to Say performed by Boz Scaggs
  12. Part of the Plan performed by Eagles
  13. There’s a Place in the World for a Gambler performed by Jimmy Buffett
  14. Leader of the Band performed by Zac Brown

Luke Bryan Added As ‘American Idol’ Judge For ABC

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Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Luke Bryan has signed on as judge for American Idol for its first season on ABC along with the recently announced Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. Ryan Seacrest will return to host the series. The panel will make their debut appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday, October 4.

“I’m excited at the chance to help some deserving artists reach their dreams,” said Bryan. “To be in a position in my career to help facilitate this along with the other judges is just a complete honor. It’s gonna be a blast!”

“Luke and Lionel are the perfect additions to round out our panel of judges for American Idol on ABC,” said Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment. “In their respective genres of music, both Luke and Lionel possess insurmountable popularity and award-winning talent that are undeniable, and we are lucky that they will help in paving the way for hopefuls pursuing their dreams on our stage.”

Trish Kinane, president of Entertainment Programming, FremantleMedia North America, executive producer and showrunner of American Idol, said, “We have taken our time to get the right mix of amazing talent for the new Idol judging panel. Our viewers expect musical credibility, passion and a true concern for the contestants; and with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie joining the brilliant Katy Perry, we have two more world-class musical powerhouses eager to get to work and identify the next generation of superstars.”

Peter Hurwitz, CEO and president of 19 Entertainment-parent Core Media Group, said, “This extraordinary panel of judges speaks volumes about the continued power of the American Idol brand. We are thrilled to have Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan join Katy Perry and, ultimately, millions of viewers as we begin this new era on ABC.”

Yesterday, Bryan kicked off his ninth annual Farm Tour performing in six cities through October 7. Since the tour’s inception in 2009, Bryan has awarded 50 scholarships to a local student from a farming family within the communities the tour has played. Bryan will also continue his Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour through October.

When American Idol debuted in the U.S., the series pioneered the reality-competition genre and held an unmatched record for being the highest-rated series for nearly a decade. The series also ushered in second-screen audience participation, being the first to introduce text-based and mobile voting. The Idol format has taken on original versions in 55 countries around the world, and American Idol itself has played to a worldwide audience of over 460 million across 53 countries. At its new home on ABC, American Idol will continue to be a force in the television landscape, reaching every corner of the country in its search for the next great music sensation.

American Idol is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin along with co-executive producer, Megan Wolflick. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.

Superstar Lineup Announced For Country Rising: Nashville Gives For Hurricane Relief

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Update (10/4/17): The on-sales date for Country Rising has been postponed in light of the recent tragic events in Las Vegas on Oct. 1. No new on-sale date has been released.

Original Post:

Country music’s biggest stars have rallied to announce plans on Nov. 12 for Country Rising, a benefit concert to support those in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and additional Caribbean islands who have been impacted by the recent hurricanes.

The Nashville Bridgestone Arena event will include performances by Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, George Strait and Carrie Underwood. Tickets and VIP packages for the event go on sale next Friday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. CT on Ticketmaster.com. Additional artists and more details will be announced over the coming weeks at CountryRising.org.

The Nashville music community has also stepped on board, with AEG and Live Nation teaming up as the official show promoters working alongside organizer Red Light Management, Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators. COUNTRY RISING will benefit The Country Rising Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which was established to support charitable initiatives to help victims of the September 2017 hurricanes — Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria. In the course of rebuilding lives disrupted by these devastating storms, there are immediate needs and there also will be long-term needs. This fund will strategically support both as they emerge.

Maren Morris Announces ‘Renegade Revival Run’ Four-Date Tour

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Maren Morris has added a special run of tour dates for Spring 2018 called the Renegade Revival Run.

Morris will take the four-date tour to three legendary, well known hot spots for country music fans, including Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown, California, Greune Hall in New Braunfels, Texas, and two nights at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California.

Morris will give her fans the option to purchase a Renegade Revival VIP Upgrade Package where all proceeds go to Morris’ The HEROES Fund which benefits fine art programs and music education in public schools.

Tickets for the Renegade Revival Run go on sale Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. local time.

Renegade Revival Run Tour Dates
4/11/2018 Bakersfield, CA Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace
4/12/2018 Bakersfield, CA Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace
4/13/2018 Pioneertown, CA Pappy and Harriet’s
5/4/2018 New Braunfels, TX Greune Hall

 

Big Machine Records Signs Josh Phillips

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Pictured Back (L-R): Dickinson Wright’s Noah McPike, Big Machine Label Group’s Tali Canterbury, Make Wake Artist Management’s Chris Kappy, BMLG’s Andrew Kautz and Malcolm Mimms. Front: Big Machine Records’ Jim Weatherson, Josh Phillips, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta

Big Machine Records has added Josh Phillips to its artist roster. He joins artists including Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Jennifer Nettles, Cheap Trick, Midland, Carly Pearce, The Cadillac Three, Tucker Beathard, Lauren Jenkins and Alex Williams.

Phillips’ debut five-song EP Lee County is available now. The singer-songwriter is managed by Nashville’s Make Wake Artist Management (which also manages Luke Combs). Phillips will join Combs on his Don’t Tempt Me With A Good Time Tour, which launches Oct. 3 in Los Angeles.

BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta says, “Josh is that rare combination of great voice, great storyteller and great performer who exudes Southern culture. He is a great addition to the super-hot Big Machine roster.”

“From the moment I met Scott Borchetta and the team at Big Machine, it felt like home,” says Phillips. “Everybody comes to Nashville with a dream and it’s one that I would think of every time I played a little bar or club just grinding it out. Today, I get to live out that dream for me and my fans. I’m excited to share my music with the world!”

LEE COUNTY EP (THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS) TRACK LIST
1. “Fixer Upper” | Josh Phillips, Marcus Kiser
2. “Midnighters” | Josh Phillips, Randy Montana
3. “Fast Ride” | Josh Phillips, Brian Davis
4. “Long Way Home” | Josh Phillips
5. “Kids That Did” | Josh Phillips, Ray Fulcher, Jonathan Singleton

Earls Of Leicester Named Entertainer Of The Year For Third Straight Year At IBMA Awards

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The Earls of Leicester

The Earls of Leicester, Shawn Camp, and Molly Tuttle were among the big winners last night (Sept. 28) at the 28th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, hosted by Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn.

Held at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, the awards were voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). The Earls of Leicester made it a “three-peat” during the awards, winning the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award for the third year in a row (2015, 2016, 2017). Awards were also presented to many first time recipients, including Tuttle, who is the first female to win Guitar Player of the Year.

The 2017 International Bluegrass Music Awards Recipients:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: The Earls of Leicester

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR: Flatt Lonesome (their second win in this category, previously in 2016)

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (their fourth win in this category, previously in 2008, 2009 and 2010)

SONG OF THE YEAR: “I Am A Drifter” – Volume Five (artist), Donna Ulisse/Marc Rossi (writers)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Mountain Voodoo – Balsam Range (artist), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Records (label)

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF A YEAR (tie): “I Found a Church Today” – The Gibson Brothers (artist), Eric Gibson/Leigh Gibson (writers), In The Ground (album), Eric Gibson, Leigh Gibson, and Mike Barber (producers), Rounder Records (label)
“Sacred Memories” – Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers with Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White Skaggs (artist), Dolly Parton (writer), Sacred Memories (album), Joe Mullins (producer), Rebel Records (label)

INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE: “Fiddler’s Dream” – Michael Cleveland (artist), Arthur Smith (writer), Fiddler’s Dream (album), Jeff White and Michael Cleveland (producers), Compass Records (label)

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Volume Five

RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR: “I’ve Gotta Get a Message To You” – Bobby Osborne with Sierra Hull, Alison Brown, Rob Ickes, Stuart Duncan, Trey Hensley, Todd Phillips, Kenny Malone, Claire Lynch, and Bryan McDowell (artists), Original (album), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Brooke Aldridge (her first win in this category)

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Shawn Camp (his second win in this category, previously in 2015)

BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Noam Pikelny (his second win in this category, previously in 20

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alan Bartram (his first win in this category)

DOBRO PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Josh Swift (his first win in this category)

FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Patrick McAvinue (his first in in this category)

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Molly Tuttle (first woman to win this category)

MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sierra Hull (her second year in this category, previously in 2016)