Lonestar
Lonestar has reunited with frontman Richie McDonald for the band’s latest single and upcoming 20th anniversary October album release. “The Countdown” will be released to radio July 17 on the band’s 4 Star Records.
The recently reunited quartet — Michael Britt, lead guitar; McDonald, lead vocals & piano; Keech Rainwater, drums; and Dean Sams, keyboards — performed at the CMA Fest’s Riverfront Stage in Nashville in early June. The group debuted the lead single along with another new song, “Pretty Good Day.”
Lonestar began 2012 on a European tour with Reba McEntire and Ricky Skaggs. Yesterday (6/21) the group kicked off its summer tour in Del Mar, CA, with shows booked through October. See dates below.
The Texas-bred band has sold more than 10 million album since 1995, and achieved 10 No. 1s. After McDonald left the band in 2007, Lonestar released its 10th album in 2010, Party Heard Around The World, with vocalist Cody Collins.
Lonestar is also featured on a duet with Amber Hayes titled “Always There For Me,” offered as a free download below. The previously unreleased title was performed by Hayes and McDonald in the 2012 summer movie, Cowgirls N’ Angels.
Lonestar 2012 Tour
6/22 Petaluma, CA
6/23 Pleasanton, CA
6/29 Dickinson, ND
7/1 Gillette, WY
7/3 Coralville, IA
7/6 Rama, ON
7/7 Prospect, PA
7/13 Westbury, NY
7/14 Salamanca, NY
7/16 Cumberland, MD
7/21 Baraboo, WI
7/27 Los Angeles, CA
7/28 Yerington, NV
8/4 Albert Lea, MN
8/5 Binghamton, NY
8/9 North Bend, OR
8/10 Citrus Heights, CA
8/15 Sun Valley, ID
8/18 Berryville, VA
8/22 Fremont, OH
8/23 Rhinebeck, NY
8/26 Columbia, SC
9/1 Bethany, MO
9/6 Santa Ynez, CA
9/7 Roslyn, WA
9/8 Pendleton, OR
9/11 Salt Lake City, UT
9/12 Richfield, UT
9/14 Bellingham, WA
9/16 South Bend, IN
9/20 Lancaster, PA
9/21 Ocean City, MD
10/19 Branson, MO
10/25 Hot Springs, AR
Dr. John to Headline First 2012 Live on the Green
/by FreemanThe Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has been delivering his uniquely New Orleans-rooted psychedelic funk and rock since his first album Gris Gris in 1968. He also performed as a session player on albums by Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, and the Rolling Stones. His 2012 album Locked Down was recorded in Nashville and produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.
“Dr. John has been a part of music history for more than four decades, giving him a unique multi- generational audience,” said Live on the Green Exec. Producer Lester Turner. “His show blends voodoo rhythms, rock, rhythm & blues with his New Orleans roots. He is the ideal artist to kick off a lineup focused on a variety of musical styles, generations and qualities; one which aims to celebrate the best of what’s happening nationally and locally.”
The annual late summer-fall concert series is held every Thursday, September 6 – October 11 at Public Square Park in front of Metro Courthouse. The full lineup for 2012 will be announced Thursday, July 5. More info here.
From the Road (6/25/12)
/by FreemanSomethin’ ‘Bout Thumbs Up
MCA Nashville’s Kip Moore played to a packed house at the KSKS/Fresno Summer Series Show. Moore’s new single “Beer Money” is currently going for adds.
(L-R): MCA's Marlene Augustine, KSKS MD JodyJo Mize, Moore, KSKS PD Mac Daniels
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“T” For Two
Curb Records’ Rachel Holder scored a little swag when she paid a recent visit to KRRV/Alexandria, LA PD Melissa Frost. Rachel’s single “In Your Arms” is currently at No. 18 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.
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Smokin’ Hodges
Show Dog-Universal’s JT Hodges recently rocked Kix 106 WGKX/Memphis’ Smokin’ Summer Showcase.
(L-R): SDU’s Greg Sax, WGKX PD/Mornings Duane Shannon, WGKX Mornings Abby Summers, Hodges, WGKX APD/MD Kay Manley
Photo Friday (6/22/12)
/by Eric T. ParkerJamey Johnson and President Jimmy Carter met in Atlanta, Georgia last weekend at Chastain Park Amphitheater where Johnson and Willie Nelson were appearing. It was the first time the pair had met.
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Warner Music Nashville’s Hunter Hayes gathered an estimated 7,000 person crowd last night (6/21) at the KC Power & Light District’s Hot Country Nights in Kansas City, MO. Authorities for the entertainment district had to stop letting people in as the rafters began to overflow.
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Kenny Chesney performed for the American Express Unstaged music series this Wednesday night (6/20). The 75-minute set was set on the beach of Wildwood, NJ, available live on YouTube as well as on demand.
Ground Zero and Encore Media Announce Merger
/by Caitlin RantalaBoth companies will operate out of the newly expanded Ground Zero facility at 1011 16 Avenue South on Music Row. Ground Zero and In Visible Inc., an animation and design studio are already operating at the same location. The build-out of the expanded studios is targeted for completion by July 31.
Additionally, the new venture will see the expansion of Encore’s growing digital video encoding service.
Ground Zero’s work can be seen on television programs such as CMT’s Crossroads, and on motion pictures such as Jess & Moss, Super Zeroes and Blue Like Jazz. Encore Media’s credits include DVDs and Blu-Rays for the Rolling Stones, Joe Bonamassa, Styx and the motion picture Fortress.
Sidewalk Records Adds Kristina Carlyle
/by Eric T. ParkerCarlyle previously served as Music Director at KRST/Albuquerque for the past three years. Additionally, she co-hosted KRST’s morning show for eight years.
“I have known Kristina for the last several years,” said Larry Hughes, head of promotion for Sidewalk. “Kristina is a self-starter and a hard worker and I believe that radio and our artists will love working with her.”
Carlyle can be reached at (505) 603-9196.
National Folk Festival Taking a Hiatus in 2012
/by FreemanThe NCTA says that while the 73rd National Folk Festival held Labor Day weekend 2011 in Nashville was an artistic success, the free to the public event suffered funding shortfalls. Additionally, poor weather conditions over those three days added to the festival’s problems.
“Because so many people gave so generously of their resources and themselves to help launch the festival in 2011, it has been especially painful for our Board to conclude that we cannot present the Festival in 2012,” said the Council in a statement.
Nashville won the right to host the 2011-2013 National Folk Festivals after a bidding competition with more than 40 other communities. The NCTA has produced the Festival almost continuously since 1934, which has turned into a diverse, inclusive celebration of cultural tradition, heritage and identity.
“We still believe deeply in the promise of the National Folk Festival for Nashville,” the NCTA said, “We continue to seek ways to address the current fiscal challenge, as we turn our attention to 2013, the 80th anniversary of the NCTA’s founding.”
The Council is also currently inviting proposals from communities interested in hosting the 2014-2016 cycle of the National Folk Festival.
Flatts, Edens Edge and EYB Join To Fight Hunger
/by Sherod RobertsonThe Outnumber Hunger bus features BMLG's Rascal Flatts, Edens Edge and Eli Young Band.
Big Machine Label Group artists Rascal Flatts, Edens Edge and Eli Young Band are teaming up with General Mills this summer to help Feeding America secure meals for local food banks through Outnumber Hunger Live. This marks an extension to the Outnumber Hunger initiative, which has already helped Feeding America secure more than 6 million meals for local food banks.
From now through the end of October, at each of the over 35 concert stops on the Farmers Insurance Presents Changed Tour, Outnumber Hunger will make a donation to Feeding America to help secure 5,000 meals for that city’s local food bank. At each tour stop, a donation of $625 will be made to Feeding America—enough to secure 5,000 meals for that local food bank.
“People in every community across America—nearly 49 million individuals—are struggling with hunger,” said Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band. “With ‘Outnumber Hunger Live,’ we hope that we can help these local communities and continue to raise awareness of this issue in our country.”
“The Outnumber Hunger program helps make a difference in the hunger crisis in America,” said Vicki B. Escarra, president and CEO, Feeding America. “We appreciate that General Mills and Big Machine Label Group’s artists continue to lend their voices to this effort.”
Dean Berner, Hannah Blaylock and Cherrill Green of Edens Edge perform an acoustic set for fans during the first stop in Hartford, CT on the "Changed Tour."
“In our home state of Arkansas, nearly 18 percent of the residents struggle with hunger. “That’s more than half a million people,” said Hannah Blaylock of Edens Edge. “That’s why Outnumber Hunger Live is an important part of our tour.”
According to the USDA, approximately one in six Americans (16.1%) struggles with hunger which often affects hardworking families who face tough decisions about whether to pay bills or pay for food. “Outnumber Hunger Live” aims to continue to raise awareness for the issue and help make a difference in the fight against hunger in local communities.
The Outnumber Hunger initiative launched in March with a star-studded roster of Big Machine Label Group artists, including Rascal Flatts, Reba and Martina McBride. The artists appeared on millions of specially marked General Mills products alongside Outnumber Hunger codes. By entering the codes at www.OutnumberHunger.com, people can help Feeding America secure five meals on behalf of their local food banks. General Mills has already donated $700,000 and will donate up to an additional $1,400,000 based on online code entry and other consumer actions. As a thank you, consumers receive a free song download from participating artists after entering their package code.
For more, visit www.OutnumberHunger.com and Facebook.
Yearwood’s Cooking Show Returning For Second Season
/by Caitlin RantalaIn Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, the singer shares her food traditions, updates classic dishes and displays her southern hospitality, cooking family-inspired, down-home recipes with her friends and family. Each themed episode invites viewers into Yearwood’s kitchen for favorite meals and family stories.
“Our viewers loved seeing a different side of Trisha. Her impressive cooking skills and family recipes, coupled with her natural southern charm, really resonated with our audience,” said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Food Network. “We’re thrilled Trisha will be returning for a second season with more delicious dishes and family traditions.”
The series is produced by Ellen Rakieten Entertainment and RelativityREAL.
Lonestar Reunites For New Music and 2012 Tour
/by Eric T. ParkerLonestar
Lonestar has reunited with frontman Richie McDonald for the band’s latest single and upcoming 20th anniversary October album release. “The Countdown” will be released to radio July 17 on the band’s 4 Star Records.
The recently reunited quartet — Michael Britt, lead guitar; McDonald, lead vocals & piano; Keech Rainwater, drums; and Dean Sams, keyboards — performed at the CMA Fest’s Riverfront Stage in Nashville in early June. The group debuted the lead single along with another new song, “Pretty Good Day.”
Lonestar began 2012 on a European tour with Reba McEntire and Ricky Skaggs. Yesterday (6/21) the group kicked off its summer tour in Del Mar, CA, with shows booked through October. See dates below.
The Texas-bred band has sold more than 10 million album since 1995, and achieved 10 No. 1s. After McDonald left the band in 2007, Lonestar released its 10th album in 2010, Party Heard Around The World, with vocalist Cody Collins.
Lonestar is also featured on a duet with Amber Hayes titled “Always There For Me,” offered as a free download below. The previously unreleased title was performed by Hayes and McDonald in the 2012 summer movie, Cowgirls N’ Angels.
Lonestar 2012 Tour
6/22 Petaluma, CA
6/23 Pleasanton, CA
6/29 Dickinson, ND
7/1 Gillette, WY
7/3 Coralville, IA
7/6 Rama, ON
7/7 Prospect, PA
7/13 Westbury, NY
7/14 Salamanca, NY
7/16 Cumberland, MD
7/21 Baraboo, WI
7/27 Los Angeles, CA
7/28 Yerington, NV
8/4 Albert Lea, MN
8/5 Binghamton, NY
8/9 North Bend, OR
8/10 Citrus Heights, CA
8/15 Sun Valley, ID
8/18 Berryville, VA
8/22 Fremont, OH
8/23 Rhinebeck, NY
8/26 Columbia, SC
9/1 Bethany, MO
9/6 Santa Ynez, CA
9/7 Roslyn, WA
9/8 Pendleton, OR
9/11 Salt Lake City, UT
9/12 Richfield, UT
9/14 Bellingham, WA
9/16 South Bend, IN
9/20 Lancaster, PA
9/21 Ocean City, MD
10/19 Branson, MO
10/25 Hot Springs, AR
Photo Spread: Joe Walsh and Friends, Dustin Lynch, Casey James
/by Sarah SkatesCMT Crossroads: Joe Walsh & Friends
Taped recently at the Factory in Franklin, CMT Crossroads: Joe Walsh & Friends premieres Sat., June 23 at 11:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT. A first of its kind, this special features the legendary rocker and guitarist onstage with friends from country music including Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Luke Bryan and Hunter Hayes, as well as Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Among the hits they perform are “Life’s Been Good” and “Life in the Fast Lane.”
Pictured backstage at the taping (L-R): Back Row: John Hamlin, Executive Producer and SVP, Music Events and Talent, CMT; Brian Philips, President, CMT; and Bill Flanagan, Executive Producer and EVP & Editorial Director, MTV. Front Row: Gibbons; Hayes; Joe Walsh; Evans; Bryan and Paisley. Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage
Dustin Lynch Visits CMA
Broken Bow Records artist Dustin Lynch stopped by the CMA offices recently to perform for the staff. He played current Top 20 single, “Cowboys and Angels,” as well as “Last Lap” and “She Cranks My Tractor,” all from his upcoming album set for release Aug. 21.
(L-R): CMA Senior Coordinator of Member Relations and Services, Betsy Walker; President of L3 Entertainment, Peter Hartung; Dustin Lynch; CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Sheri Warnke; President of Dashboard Media, Natalie Kilgore; CMA Senior Manager of Membership and Balloting, Brandi Simms. Photo: Christian Bottorff
Casey James Performs For CRB Board
19/Columbia artist and former American Idol contestant Casey James performed for a gathering of industry executives and Country Radio Broadcasters board members at The Rutledge on Wed., June 20. James appeared in conjunction with the CRB board and CRS agenda committee meetings, held at the downtown Renaissance Hotel to help plan Country Radio Seminar 2013. CRS 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013.
Pictured (L-R): Norbert Nix, Columbia Nashville; Johnny Chiang, KKBQ; Bill Mayne, CRB Executive Director; Becky Brenner, Albright & O'Malley; Casey James; Mike Culotta, CRB President/WQYK; John Shomby, WGH-FM/Max Media of Hampton Roads; Joel Raab, Joel Raab Consulting.