Thursday, March 31, 2011

Just Announced- Stay Tuned for More Info!
KID ROCK
Born Free Tour

Very Special Guest:
SHERYL CROW

SATURDAY, JULY 16

     

Tickets on sale Friday, April 15 at 10am
 
*GET NO SERVICE CHARGE AT THE BOX OFFICE FIRST WEEK OF SALES!
 
TICKETS FOR KID ROCK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT LIVENATION.COM, BOX OFFICE
TICKETMASTER AND CHARGE BY PHONE 1-800-745-3000.

All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.
*Offer ends Saturday, April 23 at end of business
Produced by Live Nation

KID ROCK AND SHERYL CROW COMING

KID ROCK ANNOUNCES SECOND LEG OF HIS “BORN FREE” TOUR AS
ALBUM SHOOTS TOWARDS PLATINUM AND FIRST LEG SELLS OUT
VERY SPECIAL GUEST SHERYL CROW TO APPEAR ON ALL SHOWS AS
THEIR NEW DUET “COLLIDE” IMPACTS AT RADIO AND VIDEO.
Detroit, MI – Kid Rock announces today second leg of his “BORN FREE” tour
that comes in support of his most recent release, “BORN FREE.” The second
leg of the tour, featuring Sheryl Crow, will kick off July 2nd in Cincinnati and cross
the country hitting amphitheaters over the span of 30 shows. More dates are
expected to be announced as well. The dates come on the heels of Kid Rock’s
new single “Collide”, which features Sheryl Crow, impacting radio and video
outlets. The companion video immediately hit the Top 20 countdown on both
VH1 and CMT.
The second leg of this tour follows the hugely successful launch of Kid Rock’s
album “Born Free” and the first set of SRO arena dates that featured special
guest Jamey Johnson. The tour was launched at a huge celebration of Kid
Rock’s 40th Birthday, which took place at Ford Field in Detroit featuring a 3 hour
show by Kid Rock for 60,000 of his closest friends. “Born Free” has been selling
at a quick clip since it’s release, having been featured across multiple radio
formats, video channels, and promotions include a highly successful partnership
with TBS during the Major League Baseball Playoffs. Kid Rock recently
performed on the “All Together Now” special, featuring all four living US
Presidents, which aired on NBC on March 28th and on the most recent
installment of the Kennedy Center Honors.
As usual, Kid Rock will be backed by his own excellent Twisted Brown Trucker
Band, his constant companions for many years on the road. The tour also
features a close friend and very special guest Sheryl Crow. Free-spirited,
fearless and fierce, Sheryl Crow has garnered nine Grammys, performed duets
with musical luminaries such as Sting and Mick Jagger, released seven studio
albums which sold more than 35 million records worldwide, saw the launch of her
very own clothing line Bootheel Trading Co., is a cancer survivor and passionate
humanitarian and has performed for President Obama. From humble beginnings
as a jingle and back-up singer, Crow has reached the pinnacle of professional
solo success.
Kid Rock’s previous album “Rock ‘N Roll Jesus,” released in 2007, debuted at #1
and stayed in the charts for 100 weeks, becoming the biggest selling Rock album
of 2008. His hit single “All Summer Long” hit #1 in 8 countries and provided Kid
Rock the opportunity to expand his huge touring base outside of America. Kid
Rock has a unique ability to genre-hop, marking his territory everywhere. He
hosted last years CMT Awards (whose ratings rose 19% over the previous year)
and performed at events ranging from the Grammy’s to the VMA’s, EMA’s and
CMA’s to the Hip Hop Honors. He has performed for and visited troops overseas
numerous times, and remains one of entertainments most vocal supporters of
our soldiers abroad. In the past year he has entered into a unique partnership
with Jim Beam, while at the same time expanding his philanthropic efforts
through his own Kid Rock Foundation.
KID ROCK’S “BORN FREE TOUR” 2011
w/ Very Special Guest Sheryl Crow
7/2/11 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/9 at 10am)
7/3/11 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/9 at Noon)
7/6/11 Pittsburgh, PA First Niagara Pavilion W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/9 at 10am)
7/7/11 Hartford, CT The Comcast Theatre W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/8 at 10am)
7/9/11 Boston, MA Comcast Center W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/9 at 10am)
7/10/11 Hershey, PA Hershey Park Pavilion W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/16 at 10am)
7/12/11 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/8 at 10am)
7/13/11 Buffalo, NY Darien Lake PAC W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/16 at 10am)
7/15/11 Cadott, WI Chippewa Valley Music Festival
7/16/11 St. Louis, MI Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/15 at 10am)
7/22/11 Cheyenne, WY Cheyenne Frontier Days W/ Sheryl Crow
7/23/11 Minot, ND North Dakota State Fair W/ Sheryl Crow
7/26/11 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/8 at 10am)
7/27/11 Paso Robles, CA California Mid-State Fair (On sale now)
7/29/11 San Jose, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/8 at 10am)
7/30/11 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/16 at 10 am)
8/2/11 San Diego, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/16 at 10am)
8/5/11 Phoenix, AZ Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/15 at
10am)
8/6/11 Albuquerque, NM Hard Rock Casino Presents: The Pavilion W/ Sheryl Crow (On sale 4/8
at 10am)
8/16/11 Cleveland, OH Blossom Amphitheatre W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/9 at 10am)
8/19/11 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/9 at 10am)
8/20/11 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/9 at noon)
8/22/11 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/22 at 10am)
8/23/11 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/9 at 10am)
8/25/11 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Pavilion W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/9 at 10am)
8/27/11 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/9 at 10am)
8/28/11 Atlanta, GA Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/9 at 10am)
9/2/11 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/22 at 10am)
9/3/11 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion W/ Sheryl Crow (on sale 4/9 at 10 am)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

For Immediate Release
 
Thompson Square Hits #1 Across The Board with 
"Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" 

The Smash Single is the 
#1 Country Song,  #1 Country Digital Single, and #1 Country Ringtone
 
Nashville, TN (March 28, 2011)--Stoney Creek Records' Thompson Square have topped ALL of the national country charts with their smash hit, "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not." This is the first No. 1 for the husband-and-wife duo off their recently released self-titled debut album.

"We have dreamed of this moment for many years," says Keifer Thompson. "We are so thankful to country radio and our fans for their support.  We have an amazing team behind us at Stoney Creek Records and their hard work has made a dream come true.  It's a pretty awesome feeling."

Shawna Thompson adds, "This is really surreal for Keifer and I.  We are so thankful Benny Brown believed in us and gave us a record deal. We will forever relish this memory."

Penned by David Lee Murphy and Jim Collins, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” is currently #1 on bothMediaBase and Billboard charts this week, as well as #1 on Country Aircheck ActivatorBillboard Country Indicator and has been #1 for three weeks on the Music Row chart. The R.I.A.A. Certified Goldsingle has sold over 750k digital singles holding the #1 position for two weeks on the Digital Soundscanchart, as well as #1 on the iTunes Top Country charts. Equally impressive, "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" has been the #1 selling country ringtone on the RingScan chart for eight weeks.

GM of Stoney Creek Records April Rider comments, "I am so proud of the Stoney Creek Promotion staff and Keifer and Shawna. This has been an amazing ride that we only dreamed about. Country radio's reception of Thompson Square has been incredible and we look forward to many great years together."
TUNE IN TO SEE LEE BRICE ON A SPECIAL ACM EDITION OF
THE PRICE IS RIGHT 

Nashville, TN (March 29, 2011) – Three-time ACM nominee Lee Brice stopped by The Price is Rightto tape a special episode dedicated to the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  The show will feature an appearance and performance by Brice, who is competing in both “Song of the Year” and “Single of the Year” categories for his record-breaking hit, “Love Like Crazy.”

Brice will present a prize that includes an acoustic guitar and lessons, plus a showcase that includes a home stereo system, a new Dodge Ram truck and a trip to Baton Rouge to attend Bayou Country Superfest, a 2-day country music festival featuring Lee Brice.   The showcase winners will also receive tickets to attend the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards live in Las Vegas.

The episode will air Thursday, March 31 at 11:00am ET/ 10:00am PT on CBS Television Network.  

For a sneak peak of the episode, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOxqvETqvfs&feature=relmfu.

Be sure to tune in to the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

*Photo courtesy of Cliff Lipson/CBS.

About Lee Brice
Three-time ACM nominee Lee Brice released his debut album on Curb Records entitled Love Like Crazy in June of 2010.  The title track off of the album, "Love Like Crazy," reached the top five on the charts and was named Billboard’s #1 country song of 2010.  It currently holds the record for the longest charting song in the history of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.  The video for “Love Like Crazy” was named one of CMT’s Top 20 Videos of 2010.  Brice is also known for his songwriting, penning hits for many great artists including Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw.  His current single, "Beautiful Every Time," was recently released to radio and is quickly making its way up the charts.  You can find out more about Lee Brice at www.LeeBrice.com.

About the Price is Right
The Price is Right, the longest-running game show in television history, is hosted by Drew Carey.  Produced by FremantleMedia North America, THE PRICE IS RIGHT is broadcast weekdays on the CBS Television Network.  For more information, visit http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_price_is_right/.
RANDY TRAVIS CELEBRATES 25-YEAR CAREER WITH RELEASE OF
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON JUNE 7TH

Zac Brown Band, Kristin Chenoweth, Kenny Chesney, Don Henley, Alan Jackson,
Jamey Johnson, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson,
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood Join Travis On CD

NASHVILLE, TN—(March 29, 2011)—Legendary country icon Randy Travis celebrates his 25-year career with the help of some of music’s hottest stars and friends when Warner Bros. Records releases his Anniversary Celebration duets CD on June  7.  Zac Brown Band, Kristin Chenoweth, Kenny Chesney, Don Henley, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are among the acclaimed artists that join Travis on Anniversary Celebration. The album includes new songs in addition to re-makes of many of Travis’ megahits.

“Randy Travis changed the landscape of country music when he arrived on the scene 25 years ago,” said John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville President & CEO. “It is a testament to Randy’s impact in country music that his friends have joined him to celebrate his legacy and his future onAnniversary Celebration. We are incredibly proud that Warner Bros. Records has been his home since the beginning of his career.”

Randy Travis is one of the most recognizable voices in music, with sales in excess of 20 million records. His impressive career successes include 18 No. 1 singles, seven GRAMMY® Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, eight Dove Awards, five Country Music Association Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.  Travis is also a member of the prestigious Grand Ole Opry.  Among his 18 No. 1 hits are “I Told You So,” “Forever and Ever Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.”

Fans can experience the 25 year history of Travis’ rise to stardom from the very beginning by visiting his website, www.RandyTravis.com, which includes videos, photos, media clips and more.

Track Listing for Anniversary Celebration:
1.       Everything and All featuring Brad Paisley
2.       A Few Ole Country Boys featuring Jamey Johnson
3.       Forever and Ever, Amen featuring Zac Brown Band
4.       He Walked On Water featuring Kenny Chesney
5.       T.I.M.E. featuring Josh Turner
6.       Love Looks Good On You featuring Kristin Chenoweth
7.       Better Class of Losers/She’s Got The Rhythm (And I Got The Blues) medley feat. Alan Jackson
8.       More Life featuring Don Henley
9.       Can’t Hurt A Man featuring Tim McGraw
10.   Promises featuring Shelby Lynne
11.   Is it Still Over? featuring Carrie Underwood
12.   Road To Surrender featuring Kris Kristofferson & Willie Nelson
13.   Diggin’ Up Bones featuring John Anderson
14.   Someone You Never Knew featuring Eamonn McCrystal
15.   Too Much featuring James Otto
16.   Didn’t We Shine featuring George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, Ray Price, Connie Smith, Joe Stampley & Gene Watson

MARTINA MCBRIDES’ MANY REASONS TO CELEBRATE
“TEENAGE DAUGHTERS”
 
New Single Available On iTunes & Daughter Becomes A Teenager Today!
 
Nashville, Tennessee (March 29, 2011) – March 29 marks two special occasions this year for Country Superstar – and Super Mom – Martina McBride. Her Republic Nashville lead single, “Teenage Daughters,” is available now on iTunes
itunes.apple.com/us/album/teenage-daughters-single/id427264595) and, ironically on the same day, her daughter Emma officially becomes a teenager. Both are cause for celebration – the latter a little more by the teenager than by the mom!
 
“I couldn’t believe it when I noticed the single release date was the same day Emma turns 13!” exclaimed McBride. “How fitting that I have another teenager in the house on the very day the song is released!”
 
“Teenage Daughters” was the Hot Shot debut at #40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and is already climbing the iTunes Top Country Songs Chart. 
 
As the mother of teenage daughters – Delaney (16) and Emma (13) – and 5-year-old Ava, McBride drew inspiration from her reality while writing “Teenage Daughters” with The Warren Brothers. The song candidly approaches the sometimes challenging dynamic between parents and children, as they each grow up.
 
“John and I are really proud of the open relationships we have with our girls, but let’s get real, it’s not always easy when they’re seeking independence and you are wanting to keep them in that innocent stage,” McBride admits.
 
The three-time Female Vocalist of the Year will perform as part of the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 at 8:00pm live EST/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. She will also be honored during "Girls' Night Out: Superstar Women of Country," which will feature an A-list lineup of performers paying respect to today’s most incredible country music female artists and air April 22 on CBS at 8:00pm EST. Martina will be recognized by ACM Lifting Lives for her dedication to raising social consciousness of domestic violence and encourage female empowerment through her songs.
 
About Martina McBride   
One of the most spectacular voices in any genre of music, Martina McBride is a four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, three-time ACM Female Vocalist of the Year and GRAMMY winning recording artist with more than 18 million in album sales and 24 Top 10 singles, including six that hit #1. The breadth of her talents – as a recording artist, producer, songwriter and concert entertainer – has made her an in-demand performer and personality, appearing on countless national TV shows, prime-time specials, award shows and prestigious events across the country. The superstar’s fiery, passionate vocals have created such signature hits as "Independence Day," "Wild Angels," "A Broken Wing," "Blessed" and "This One's for the Girls." These songs along with hits such as "Concrete Angel," "Love's The Only House,” "God's Will" and “Anyway” not only underscored her incredible popularity as one of music's preeminent fema le vocalists but have become memorable musical statements and resounding social commentaries as well. McBride has lent her name, her music and her time to many domestic violence and child abuse organizations including ChildHelp USA, Prevent Child Abuse America, YWCA of Middle Tennessee, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline.
 
Celebrated for her dedication to these causes, along with her talent, beauty, sense of fashion and her “everywoman” perspective in life and music, Martina has graced the covers of numerous national publications including Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, Reader’s Digest, People Magazine, Shape andCountry Weekly. Martina recently signed with Big Machine Label Group’s Republic Nashville imprint and is in the studio currently completing her 2011 release. McBride has co-written seven more tracks for her new album, including the lead single, “Teenage Daughters.”
 
ABOUT REPUBLIC NASHVILLE 
 Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of the Big Machine Records Label Group and Monte Lipman, President and CEO of Universal Republic, announced the formation of its new label partnership – Republic Nashville – in May 2009. Former Capitol Records Promotion executive Jimmy Harnen serves as President with Borchetta serving as CEO. The imprint is headquartered on Music Row and utilizes the combined resources of Big Machine Records and Universal Republic Records. Big Machine and Universal Republic first joined forces in 2007 to propel country Superstar Taylor Swift to Top 40 radio and beyond, with Taylor becoming the best-selling all-genre artist in 2008. Republic Nashville's artist roster includes Grammy-winning, multi-platinum superstar Martina McBride; Grammy-nominated, Platinum sensations The Band Perry; Eli Young Band and Sunny Sweeney.
 
JASON MICHAEL CARROLL'S NUMBERS ADDED TO
CRACKER BARREL’S LIST


Exclusive All-Country Album Due in July with 11 New Songs and One Previous Hit

Cracker BarrelLEBANON, Tenn. – (March 28, 2011) – Jason Michael Carroll got his start singing in public while he worked as a server at the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® location in Henderson, N.C. So it’s downright fitting that the company has chosen Numbers, his first studio album since 2009, to be the newest addition to its exclusive music program when the CD is released this summer.  Cracker Barrel and Carroll are partnering with the Quarterback Records radio team, GrassRoots, and country radio nationwide to debut the album’s title song “Numbers” as a single today.

’Numbers’is a song that got my attention the first time I heard it,” said Carroll.  “It was written by Patrick Davis and Rodney Clausen and it’s about the way certain numbers, like dates and times, can represent some of life’s most significant moments.  Moments like your first date, meeting the love of your life and the day your child is born.  Those dates and times have real meaning in our lives.  I think everyone can identify with that concept.”

“The date that Jason Michael Carroll started working for Cracker Barrel is one of those significant numbers,” said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel.  “We had no idea when he became one of our new-hire Rising Stars that his music career was about to make him a star in the music industry, too. Adding his album to our music program is like welcoming family back home.”

The single “Numbers” will be available on iTunes® April 5. The CD Numbers will be available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations July 25, with 12 songs on it, including “Numbers”and “Alyssa Lies” from Jason Michael Carroll’s 2007 album Waitin’ in the Country. Alyssa Lies” topped at #5 on the Billboard Country Chart and was Carroll’s debut single and the runaway hit that put him on the map.

Jason Michael Carroll’s Numbers will be the latest in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program, which features numerous projects.  In March of this year, Cracker Barrel released Kenny Rogers’ The Love of God which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart and at #31 on the overall Billboard 200.  In January 2011, Cracker Barrel released The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin which debuted at #1 on Billboard magazine’s Bluegrass Albums chart and at #26 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. In November of 2010, Cracker Barrel released Smokey Robinson’s Now & Then which debuted at #19 on Billboard magazine’s R&B chart and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. September saw the release of the self-titled Rodney Atkins, which includes four #1 hits, and also the release of Mandy Barnett’s Winter Wonderland, which offers up all the authentic sounds of holiday traditions. In July, the company released Craig Morgan’s That’s Why-Collector’s Edition, and in May the release of Wynonna’s Love Heals debuted at #7 on the Billboard Magazine Top Country Albums chart. February’s release of Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart, where it spent nine weeks in the top position and 18 weeks overall in one of the three top positions. One of its songs was nominated for a Grammy award® Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs with Alan Jackson, the Zac Brown Band, George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, Dolly Parton, Bill Gaither, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.

Tracks on Numbers:
1.     Meet me in the Barn
2.     Numbers
3.     Can I get an Amen
4.     Hell or Hallelujah
5.     Last Word
6.     Stray
7.     Don't know Why
8.     Ray of Hope
9.     Let Me
10.  This is for the Lonely
11.  My Favorite
12.  Alyssa Lies (from the album Waitin’ in the Country, Arista Records, 2007)

About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants.  Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its signature biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 600 company-owned locations in 42 states.  Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.  For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.



NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Winfield’s Locket

By Bob Doerschuk
© 2011 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.
Start with sibling synchronicity. Add plenty of talent, parceled out individually to both Brooke and Leslie Martin. For final sweetening, place them in Denham Springs, La., where they could grow up in a musically diverse milieu of old-school gospel, swampy blues, Southern rock, straight-ahead Country and whatever else wafted in their direction from nearby New Orleans.
What do you get? The answer lies in the self-titled debut of Winfield’s Locket, the nom de tune embraced by the Martin sisters in the studio and onstage. Co-produced by the Martins, Jason Henke and Ilya Toshinskiy, formerly of the band Bering Strait, and released by This Side Up Records, these 12 tracks were all co-written by Leslie, with Brooke’s credit on 11.
Their history as collaborators stretches back to when they were both around 4 years old, and you can hear it in their sure-handed craftsmanship. The diversity in their taste is evident too, from the deep-fried slide guitar on “Worth the Drive,” written by Brooke, Leslie and Alan Bennett, to the urgent blend of prickly banjo and electric guitar power chords on their first single, “Save Yourself.”
That track, written by both sisters and Paul Sikes, fits the pattern established throughout Winfield’s Locket of alternating solo and harmonized vocals with equal ease in every setting. They draw unexpectedly from Celtic ballad tradition on “In a Letter,” written by the Martins with their mother Barbara Martin, Henke and Jessica June Rose, saunter through the R&B feel and a cappella vocal hook of “Is This Ever Gonna End,” written by Leslie and Barbara Martin and Tim Johnson, and push more assertively on the ones that slam harder. Where both elements coexist, as in the intimate verses and punchier triplet beats on the chorus of “No Place to Hide,” penned by the team that gave us “In a Letter,” they tie it all together with little apparent effort but plenty of soul.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS Q&A
MUSICAL HEROESLESLIE: “Mom and dad. My sisters and I were surrounded by music since we were born. Dad's singing and keyboard playing and mom's love for writing were very inspiring.”
SONG YOU SING IN THE SHOWERLESLIE: “Usually something jammin' and soulful. Love the acoustics in there.”
BROOKE: “Everything under the sun!”
SONG YOU WISH YOU’D WRITTENLESLIE: "’I Can't Make You Love Me’ by Bonnie Raitt.”
BROOKE: "’I Don't Want To Miss A Thing’ by Aerosmith.”
SONG YOU’D SECRETLY LOVE TO COVER BOTH: “‘Give Me Up Again,’ by Jonny Lang.”
PHRASE YOU SAY OVER AND OVER BROOKE: “Are you serious?”
LESLIE: “Thank God.”
ACTRESS TO PORTRAY YOU IN A BIOPIC
LESLIE: “Reese Witherspoon.”
GREATEST PERFORMANCE
BROOKE: “Singing for my Aunt Billie in Paducah, Ky., just a few months before she went to meet Jesus.”
SOMETHING WE’D NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU
BROOKE: “I love to fish. To me, there’s not a whole lot better than that.”
LESLIE: “I graduated from LSU with a degree in biological sciences."
Lee Ann Womack Takes Initiative in Join My Village Campaign
 
By Brad Schmitt
© 2011 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.
The program couldn’t be simpler: Go to www.JoinMyVillage.com, watch a short video and two major and generous corporations will donate funds to help poor women and children in Africa, up to $900,000 by Dec. 31. “When something is that easy to help women halfway around the world, you should do it,” reasoned Lee Ann Womack.
But the CMA Awards winner didn’t stop there. Womack joined with General Mills and CARE, along with new partner Merck, to promote the Join My Village campaign by recording public service announcements and using social media to encourage fans to visit the Web site and click on the two-minute video. She is also carrying information about the project for fans on her tour with Reba and George Strait.
“Because this focuses on women and girls, that’s what sucked me in,” said Womack. “Change comes about when women are empowered. They’re the ones who raise the children most of the time. I always thought it would take people helping people, more than anything. That’s true of your neighbor next door or somebody on the other side of the world.”
General Mills appreciated that Womack reached out to them. “We’d love to have more celebrities involved in JMV, as we recognize the great influencing and convening power celebrities have,” said Ellen Goldberg Luger, VP, General Mills. “But we love the way our relationship with Lee Ann developed. We didn’t go out and ‘get’ her in the way a lot of marketing campaigns or causes do. Instead, she heard about JMV and, because it made a connection to her, she raised her hand to help out.”
In its first year, Join My Village provided 155 scholarships for girls to attend secondary school. It also built nine houses for female teachers, provided reference materials to 15 primary schools and taught 1,800 Africans, most of them women, how to save money. With photos, videos and stories www.JoinMyVillage.com brings to life the success of these programs in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa, with only a 65 percent literacy rate for women.
“Join My Village really shows the power of online communities at their best,” said Helene Gayle, President/CEO, CARE USA. “The ‘click to commit’ model is really fun and interesting and gives consumers a great opportunity to learn about ways they can help people in a village thousands of miles away lift themselves out of poverty.”
General Mills and CARE also benefited from the access Womack gave them into the Country Music world. “While tapping into Country Music’s loyal and large fan base is of obvious benefit to spreading the message and mission of Join My Village,” Luger said, “the ease by which Country Music fans can make the difference they already want to make in the world is of tremendous benefit to them.”
Members of the Chikondi Village Savings and Loan Association in Tembwe, Malawi in Africa show products from businesses started with assistance from CARE. photo: Jo Tough

On the Web: www.CARE.org; www.GeneralMills.com; www.JoinMyVillage.com; www.LeeAnnWomack.com; www.Merck.com
Gretchen Wilson and Dollar General Stand Up for Education
By Bob Doerschuk
© 2011 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.
With all that Gretchen Wilson has accomplished, why would this former high-school dropout bother to earn a GED? “I wanted to do it for myself but also for my daughter Grace,” the CMA Awards winner and multi-Platinum artist explained. “I didn’t want her to think, ‘Look at everything my mom accomplished without having an education.’ I wanted her to understand that an education is worth more than it ever has been.”
Wilson’s commitment grew to include the public at large after she finished her General Education Development studies. She even joined Bernadine Nelson, who had helped her get started on her GED, on a trip to Washington, D.C., where they lobbied Tennessee legislators to fund adult education in Tennessee. Wilson joined Dollar General Corporation, one of the best-known corporate advocates of adult literacy, in testifying before the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education.
“Dollar General has a long legacy of supporting literacy. Our co-founder, J. L. Turner, was functionally illiterate when he started the company,” said Denine Torr, Director of Community Initiatives, Dollar General. “We understand there are many circumstances that may prevent a person from learning to read or earning a high school diploma. Regardless of the circumstances, our goal is to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to realize their dreams.”
Both sides recognized the other as an ideal partner in pursuing their goal. “We all get to a point where we put our faces and names behind something,” Wilson said. “Do we put it behind Reebok for the check, or do we put it behind something that means something and might make a difference? My fans, my friends and my family all shop at Dollar General, and working together we could reach a lot of people.”
Wilson partnered with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the Advertising Council to launch a national public service advertising campaign to provide high school dropouts with access to information that could get them started on the road to a GED diploma. They issued television, radio, print, outdoor and online ads. To spread the message even further, Wilson screened the PSA at her concerts, and, in selected markets, joined with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to give free concert tickets to nonprofit literacy providers and graduating GED students. Additionally, Dollar General partnered with Lysol and Airwick brands to feature Wilson in their “Literacy Rocks” promotion in more than 9,000 DG stores. The promotion raised $250,000 for the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
“That was our way of bringing them into the store and getting them excited,” Wilson explained. “That’s how we got them to see the banners about literacy, take literature home with them, drive them to the Web site and get them talking about it.”
“Gretchen is very real, down-to-earth and approachable,” said Torr. “You can tell somebody what they should do, or you can tell somebody what you’ve done and how they can do it too. Gretchen has been in their shoes, so you can feel the truth in her message.”

On the Web: www.GretchenWilson.com; www.DollarGeneral.com; www.YourGED.org

Blind Boys of Alabama in movie

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA MAKE ON-SCREEN APPEARANCE IN UNIVERSAL PICTURES FILM “HOP” - IN THEATERS APRIL 1

April 1 Also Marks the Day Blind Boys Will Begin To Deliver
Daily Inspirational Tweet - “BB Wisdom” - Via Twitter

New Album, Take The High Road, Due May 3


 
(March 29, 2011) --- Legendary gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama will make an on-screen appearance in the new Universal Pictures film “Hop,” in theaters April 1.  “Hop,” starring James Marsden and Russell Brand, is a new comedy from the makers of ‘Despicable Me’ that blends state-of-the-art CG animation with live action.  The film tells the story of E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny.

The Blind Boys’ cameo appearance revolves around E.B. stumbling upon the band in the studio while they are recording the song ‘Higher Ground” for the video game “Extreme Blues Master.”  E.B. sneaks into the session and plays drums with the iconic gospel group.  Says director Tim Hill,  “The Blind Boys are rooted in gospel and blues, which is very basic to American music.  For the story, it helped that they couldn’t see that E.B. was a rabbit and he was “filling in” while their drummer was on a break.”  Jokes Ricky McKinnie, the band’s drummer on being “replaced” by a rabbit: “If you can get a kick out of seeing a blind guy like me play drums, then I know you can enjoy seeing a rabbit play drums.”

The band will also launch a series of inspirational tweet of the day messages, “BB Wisdom,” via their Twitter account beginning April 1st.  Drawing from their vast history of gospel music and lyrics as well as their faith and life experience, members of the group will post personal and spiritual messages that have inspired them throughout their careers and lives at http://twitter.com/blindboys. The band will also use Twitter to keep in touch with fans about tour dates, promotional appearances and their new album, Take The High Road, which will be released on May 3rd(Saguaro Road Records).

Take The High Road marks the first time The Blind Boys have recorded a country gospel album in their remarkable 70+ year career.  Original member Jimmy Carter had long been a fan of the genre, but the timing never quite felt right until they met critically acclaimed country music star Jamey Johnson.  Johnson stepped in to co-produce the album, which includes guest performances by Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack, The Oak Ridge Boys and Jamey himself.

The Blind Boys of Alabama continue to tour the world, performing over 150 concerts each year.  Honored by both the Grammys and The National Endowment for the Arts with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of five Grammy® Awards, The Blind Boys have attained the highest levels of recognition in a career that spans over 70 years and shows no signs of diminishing. Longevity and major awards aside, The Blind Boys have earned praise for their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material, and now country, by acclaimed songwriters such as Curtis Mayfield, Prince and Tom Waits. Their performances have been experienced by millions on “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” the Grammy® Awards telecast, “60 Minutes II,” and on their own holiday PBS Special. The Blind Boys' live shows are roof- raising musical events that appeal to audiences of all cultures, as evidenced by an international itinerary that has taken them to almost every continent. In 2007, they released the Grammy winning album, Down in New Orleans, their first for Saguaro Road Records, which was followed in 2008 by a companion DVD, Live in New Orleans. In 2009, they released Duets, a collection of songs recorded with artists including Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper and Randy Travis.

CARDINALS OPENING DAY THURSDAY

A pre-game ceremony that showcases “Cardinal Nation,” honors the team’s Hall of Famers, pays tribute to Stan Musial on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom and includes a first pitch by Cardinals retired center fielder Jim Edmonds will punctuate a day of activities celebrating the annual return of baseball to St. Louis on Thursday, March 31st. The Cardinals will take on the San Diego Padres in a 3:15 p.m. game. Following is a schedule of official activities, some fun franchise facts and information to help baseballs’ best fans enjoy what has become an unofficial holiday for Cardinal Nation.
We Are Cardinal Nation…and this is Our Opening Day
We Are Cardinal Nation - It is the theme of the 2011 season and the focus of the home opener this year. No one day better captures the sheer joy, eternal hope and unity that come from being part of Cardinal Nation than Opening Day. Opening Day 2011 is dedicated the unique connection between fan and team that few other professional franchises can claim.
Cardinal Nation is not defined by traditional geographical boundaries – it is a community whose traditions are passed down from generation to generation. Its representatives are the likes of Hornsby, Stan the Man, Gibby and Albert. It is the 3 million in the stands and millions at home. It is 43 Hall of Famers, 10 World Championships and counting. It is the first team this side of the Mississippi – the best fans this side of anywhere. We are all part of Cardinal Nation and this is our Opening Day.
Schedule
11:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cardinals Official Opening Day Pre-Game Pep Rally, sponsored by Hardee’s: The Cardinals will host a pre-game pep rally located in the Ballpark Village Lot, located directly across from Busch Stadium, at the corner of Clark Street and South Broadway. Local 80s cover band Trixie Delight will perform from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Cardinals Alumni, Danny Cox and John Mabry, will be signing autographs and Fredbird and Team Fredbird will be on hand to give away Opening Day tickets, autographed items and other Cardinals prizes. Fans can stop by the Hardee’s Photo Booth, where they can get their Opening Day picture taken for free and visit the Hardee’s Mobile Diner where, with the purchase of a Combo Meal, the will receive a complimentary Opening Day t-shirt. Other sponsors include O’Charleys, Papa John’s, Scotts, Bad Boy Mowers, Krispy Kreme, The Muny, the Tan Co., Fritz’s Frozen Custard, Pure Power, Vatterott, the Qdoba Street Team and Dunkin’ Donuts. For more information, visit cardinals.com/peprally
1:15 p.m. Gates open
Busch Magnet Schedule Day: All fans ages 21 and over will receive a magnet with the 2011 Cardinals schedule, compliments of Busch Beer.
2:30 p.m. Pre-game ceremonies begin with an appearance by the famed Budweiser Clydesdales. Nine-year-old Alex will fulfill a wish thanks to Cardinals Care and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri by riding with the Budweiser team throughout the festivities.
Introduce Missouri Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay
Cardinals Hall-of-Famers and the 2011 Cardinals will be introduced via a Ford Motorcade around the warning track.
Introduce former Cardinals Players Andy Benes, Scott Cooper, Tom Henke, TJ Mathews, Kerry Robinson, Ted Savage and Mike Shannon.
American Bald Eagle flight, courtesy of the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis
Color Guard – The U.S. Army St. Louis Recruiting Company
A moment of silence for the victims of the earthquake in Japan and Pacific tsunami.
A moment of silence to former Cardinals hitting coach Mitchell Page, former Cardinals shortstop Marty Marion and former Cardinals owner Andrew Baur.
Nikko Smith, singer-songwriter and star of American Idol, will sing the Star-Spangled Banner.
U.S. Marine Corps Flyover – C-130 Transports
Ceremonial First Pitch – Jim Edmonds
3:15 p.m. Game Time
Watching on TV
Fans can watch the game and pre-game ceremony in High Definition on FS-Midwest.
Radio Coverage
Fans can tune into KMOX (1120 AM) or one of the 117 stations in the Cardinals Radio Network to hear Mike Shannon & John Rooney call the game. The expanded pre-game show starts at 1:30pm on opening day. Shannon is celebrating his 40th season and John Rooney is celebrating his 6th season behind the microphone for the Cardinals.
MoDOT will not have any lane closures on state highways inside the Interstate 270 loop and the Mississippi River on Opening Day. The 11th Street Ramp on eastbound I-64 will be open for Opening Day. Rehabilitation work will resume on April 1. The ramp will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays Monday - Friday and it will open for the weekday morning and evening rush-hour times. As of now, this schedule will continue throughout 2011. If there are any changes, MoDOT will immediately inform motorists. There will be various lanes closed on eastbound I-64 between 21st Street and 8th Street for earthquake seismic retrofitting work throughout the 2011 season. MoDOT will only close one lane on the interstate during Cardinals' games, so motorists can easily get to the game on time.
Alternative Transportation Reminder
Metro Link is a convenient alternative to driving, allowing fans to avoid the cost of parking and game day traffic.
Ballpark Improvements
As the Cardinals begin their sixth season of play in the new Busch Stadium, several improvements have been made during the off-season.

The Redbird Club has been extensively renovated to improve the fan experience. Utilizing fan surveys as a guide, the team added more indoor seating for dining, more TVs, improved the view from inside the club by removing the back row of seats outside and added ceiling fans to improve air circulation in the outdoor seating areas. The redesigned club will now feature almost double the number of seating locations for dining, a more open layout, and improved concession facilities with digital menu boards and refreshed gourmet options. Additional improvements include an updated and more vibrant décor, new flooring, brick wainscoting, and forty new High-Definition televisions, including a nine-screen video wall and another six-screen wall. The renovation includes the installation of a special outdoor patio area on the third base side of the club.
A new Quality Ford Dealers sign in centerfield features a 2011 Ford Super Duty Truck with an impressive 271 square foot, three dimensional chrome grill. The Ford Super Duty Truck promises to be a real fan favorite as its lights will flash and its horn will sound following all Cardinals home runs.

The Cardinals have added approximately 100 new field box seats in sections 141 and 142 by reconfiguring and relocating a television camera position.

While it may not be as noticeable as other improvements, Busch Stadium continues to become more energy efficient as part of the team’s 4 A Greener Game initiative. Through participation in Ameren Missouri’s Business Energy Efficiency Program, the team will be able to reduce its energy usage this year by another 2,000,000 KWH (Kilo-watt-hours) or 12%. This comes on top of a 15% reduction in energy usage since the ballpark debuted in 2006.
New for the 2011 Season

The Cardinals are implementing a new value-based ticket pricing system that allows the team to more accurately price single-game tickets on a day-to-day basis. When single-game tickets went on sale to the public last month, more than a quarter of the games had tickets available at a starting price of $5. Among the goals of dynamic pricing is broadening the ticket-buying fan base, rewarding fans for buying earlier in the season, and protecting season ticket holder value.

The Cardinals are providing each Cardinals Hall of Famer with his own custom made two-button red jacket. The matching Brooks Brothers blazers have been fashioned from 100% wool yarn in a sturdy weave that will perform well all year long in St. Louis weather. Each jacket features the classic Cardinals bird on the bat logo on the outside breast pocket, as well as an interior label bearing the Hall of Fame member’s name, number and year of induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Fans will want to stop by the Cardinals Authentics store in Ford Plaza, the only place to get official, game-used, limited edition and autographed Cardinals memorabilia directly from the team. New this year are two collectibles commemorating Stan Musial receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a special collectible commemorating Matt Holliday’s 2010 Silver Slugger award that includes a piece of a game-used bat, as well as a variety of items to fit every budget.

In the Cardinals Team Store and in other retail outlets throughout the ballpark, fans will find more souvenir items priced $12 and under, including the pin of the month, mini-bats, koozies, magnets, baseball cards, jewelry, posters, postcards, foam fingers, foam claws, key chains, lanyards, pennants, player plaques and sunglasses.

The Cardinals concessionaire Sportservice has added Busch Stadium’s first Farmers’ Market-style stand located near Gate 1 in Section 137. The new Farmers’ Market stand offerings were developed specifically with gluten-free dietary needs in mind, including garden and chef salads, yogurt and fruit. The stand also features fresh turkey and Italian sub sandwiches, veggie wraps and a variety of beverages, including regular and gluten-free beer, water and soda.

Sportservice will debut a new Food Network portable cart in Section 144, which will feature two steak sandwiches: the Food Network Signature Red, White and Blue Steak Sandwich is topped with blue cheese and a sweet and spicy pepper mayonnaise; while the St. Louis Food Network Sandwich includes St. Louis-style barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese.

The Cardinals concessionaire Sportservice has also developed a new menu in the Luxury Suites in collaboration with the Food Network. The new menu includes buffalo chicken mac ‘n’ cheese, crunchy Asian shrimp lettuce cups, and a slow roasted drunken pork sandwich with celery root slaw.

The Redbird Club’s menu has been upgraded as well, with new Artisan Salads and New York Pizza by the Slice joining the familiar favorites such as Build Your Own Nachos, homemade cupcakes, and the Barbeque Bacon Dog. The Artisan Salads in the Redbird Club include chicken Caesar, Athenian, Cobb and Chef salads, as well as made-to-order salads hand-tossed by chefs from a variety of fresh ingredients chosen by fans.

At Gate 1, fans will be encouraged to take advantage of pulled pork that is smoked daily at Busch Stadium. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase Pig Skins (Pulled Pork Potato Skins), which can be topped with fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, sour cream and more. Fans can also take advantage of the Build Your Own Nachos stand, creating their own signature topping with pulled pork, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, jalapenos, green onions, pico de gallo, and three types of hot sauce to satisfy mild or spicy cravings.

There are no increases in concession pricing for 2011 season and family values continue to be the name of the game in the U.S. Cellular Family Pavilion (section 507) as fans can purchase a kids’ meal with a hot dog, chips, cookie and juice or milk for $8.75.
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BUSCH STADIUM – POLICY REMINDERS
Bag Inspections Policy
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The standard game-day bag inspection policies for Busch Stadium will be in effect. Bags will be allowed that meet Major League Baseball’s standard size restriction (16”x16”x8”), and all bags will be inspected prior to entry.
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Fans will be permitted to bring small personal cameras and will be subject to inspection. No professional-sized photography equipment will be allowed except for members of the media with proper MLB credentials.
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Non-alcoholic beverages such as water & soda in open cups or in clear plastic bottles no larger than 2 liters are allowed.
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Alcohol, bottles, cans, thermoses, hard-sided coolers; hard plastic cups/mugs are not permitted.
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Small banners and signs are allowed. Banners may be displayed as long as they do not hinder or interfere with a ball in play or distract or interfere with the view of another guest. Banners may not be displayed in fair territory, be obscene or in poor taste, attract abuse or cause a disturbance among other guests. They should be baseball-oriented and not commercial in nature.
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Please minimize items you bring into the stadium to speed up the inspection process.
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Expect long lines upon entry and allow yourself plenty of time to go through the inspection process.
Exit/Re-entry Policy
Standard Exit/Re-entry Policies are in effect. Guests wishing to leave the stadium, but planning to return during the same game must have their hand stamped at Gates 1, 2 or 4 as they exit the stadium. Guests must show ticket upon re-entry. Inspection policy will also be enforced.
No Smoking Policy
Standard Busch Stadium Smoking Policy is in effect. Busch Stadium is a smoke-free facility. Exit/Re-Entry turnstiles will be set up at Gates 1, 2 and 4 to allow fans access in and out of the stadium if they wish to smoke. Fans will get their hand stamped as they exit the stadium. Guests must show ticket upon re-entry. Inspection policy will also be enforced.

Non-televised ACM winners announced.

Today the Academy of Country Music is announcing the winners of awards that will not be televised during the live telecast of the 46th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. The ceremony, which honors country music's top talent as well as the industry's hottest emerging artists, is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.  
The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are awarded during years where the Board of Directors feels there are clear and deserving candidates. Industry Awards are voted on by professional members of the Academy. The MBI ballot is voted on by professional members of the Academy classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist category, and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager sub-category (contained within the Affiliated category). Special Awards, Industry Awards and MBI Awards are presented to recipients at ACM Honors, a special event held annually in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Career Achievement Award
Reba has been chosen to receive the Career Achievement Award, which is presented to an individual artist, duo, group or multiple artist collaboration who have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year.
Reba is still going strong in the third decade of a magnificent career and continues to thrive in country music with her winning formula of expressive singing, well-chosen songs and approachable charm. A previous winner in the Entertainer of the Year category, she has won the ACM Female Vocalist award seven times, the most of any artist. In addition, this is her 13th year to host the ACM Awards. Along with actively pursuing opportunities on Broadway, television, film and fashion, Reba remains one of the best-selling country artists in history, with record sales approaching 57 million.
Past recipients of the Career Achievement Award include John Anderson , Faith Hill , Tim McGraw , Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins and Kenny Rogers .
Jim Reeves International Award
Taylor Swift has been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.
Taylor Swift has encouraged fans around the world to discover country music. In addition to multiple gold and platinum awards from dozens of countries, Swift has already performed numerous dates in Europe and Asia this year. She is the top-certified artist for digital singles in the last decade. Her multi-platinum certifications include "Love Story," "You Belong With Me," "Teardrops on My Guitar" and "Our Song." Swift will embark on an extensive North American tour in May. Her latest album, Speak Now has sold more than three million copies since its release late last year.
Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks , Dick Clark , Roy Clark , Merv Griffin , Charlie Nagatani , Buck Owens , Dolly Parton and Keith Urban , among others.
Tex Ritter Award
Country Strong has been chosen as the recipient of the Tex Ritter Award, which is given to a movie released and/or receiving major exposure during the preceding calendar year, featuring or utilizing country music.
Country Strong (Produced by Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Entertainment.) is a drama film starring Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow as a country superstar staging a comeback, while two-time ACM male vocalist winner Tim McGraw played her husband and manager. Meanwhile, rising stars Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester portrayed the challenges and rewards of building a career as a performing songwriter. The accompanying soundtrack featured strong performances by the film's four leading characters, along with country stars like Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Ronnie Dunn, Patty Loveless, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack and Chris Young.
Past recipients of the Tex Ritter Award include Beer For My Horses , The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas , Crazy Heart , O Brother, Where Art Thou , Sweet Dreams and Walk the Line , among others.
Mae Boren Axton Award
John Dorris has been chosen as the recipient of the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.
John Dorris launched Hallmark Direction Company in 1983 with Don Williams as his first client. Since then, Dorris has worked with numerous country artists, including ACM winners Montgomery Gentry and Blake Shelton. Prior to that enterprise, he established himself at one of Nashville's most successful independent record labels and publishing companies, Monument Records and Combine Music Publishing, aiding the careers of artists like Roy Orbison, Kris Kristofferson, Larry Gatlin, Billy Joe Shaver, Billy Swan and others. A champion of songwriters as well as an expert in tax accounting, he currently serves on the ACM Board of Directors as Treasurer.
Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include Rod Essig , Jack Lameier , Marge Meoli , Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed and David Young.
Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
Garth Brooks and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers have been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.
Garth Brooks combined an electrifying stage presence with exceptional catalog of songs to become a true country music superstar. Twenty years ago, Brooks conquered the ACM Awards with trophies for Album (No Fences), Single, Song and Video ("The Dance"), Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the year. A six-time winner in that top category, the Oklahoma native was named the ACM's Artist of the Decade for the 1990s, while his ambitious concerts raised the bar for live shows across all genres. With 128 million albums sold, Brooks has earned 19 No. 1 hits, including the iconic "Friends in Low Places."
The close family harmonies of Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers gave this trio a signature sound that led to country classics like "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)." They won a GRAMMY® for their 1976 breakthrough hit, "Broken Lady," and reached No. 1 with "I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love" two years later. Along with five career nominations for the ACM Vocal Group, the Gatlin Brothers picked up three 1979 trophies – Single ("All the Gold in California"), Album (Straight Ahead) and Male Vocalist for Larry Gatlin, also a talented songwriter who composed all of their singles.
Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama , Johnny Cash , Charlie Daniels , Merle Haggard , George Jones , Brenda Lee , Loretta Lynn , Willie Nelson , The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton , Charley Pride , Jerry Reed , Tex Ritter , Marty Robbins , Kenny Rogers , Mel Tillis , Randy Travis , Conway Twitty , Porter Wagoner , Hank Williams, Sr ., Hank Williams Jr . and Bob Wills , among others.
Poet's Award
Tom T. Hall and Hank Cochran have been selected to receive the Poet's Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.
Tom T. Hall With a keen eye on ordinary people, Tom T. Hall has created an extraordinary body of music. His detailed, yet plainspoken, songs have earned him his nickname of "The Storyteller." With a background in local radio and a stint in the Army, the Kentucky native moved to Nashville in 1964. His substantial catalog includes Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley P.T.A." and Alan Jackson's "Little Bitty," as well as 21 of his own Top 10 hits, such as "I Love" and "Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine." He and his wife, Dixie, continue to write for numerous bluegrass artists.
Hank Cochran (1935-2010) A beloved Nashville songwriter for 50 years, Hank Cochran landed memorable cuts with countless classic country artists. The Mississippi native established himself in the 1960s with hits for Eddy Arnold ("Make the World Go Away") and Cline ("She's Got You," "I Fall to Pieces"), among many others. Merle Haggard landed a No. 1 single with "It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)" while Strait scored instant classics with "The Chair" and "Ocean Front Property." Other favorites from his catalog include Vern Gosdin's "Set 'Em Up Joe" and Keith Whitley's "Miami, My Amy." Cochran died on July 15, 2010.
Previous recipients of the Poet's Award include Bill Anderson , Merle Haggard , Harlan Howard and Fred Rose , Don Schlitz and Cindy Walker .
INDUSTRY AWARDS
CASINO OF THE YEAR - Mohegan Sun Casino - Uncasville, CT
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR - Steve "Bogie" Bogdanovich - Romeo Entertainment Group
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR - Joe's Bar - Chicago, IL
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR - Sally Williams - Ryman Auditorium
VENUE OF THE YEAR - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
MBI (MUSICIANS, BAND, INSTRUMENTAL) AWARDS:
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR - Paul Worley
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR  - Chuck Ainlay
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR  - Glenn Worf
PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMER OF THE YEAR - Eddie Bayers
GUITARIST OF THE YEAR - Tom Bukovac
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Aubrey Haynie
PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Gordon Mote
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Bryan Sutton
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Dan Dugmore
About the Academy of Country Music Awards
The 46th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry.  The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.  Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers.  Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.  For more information, please visit www.acmcountry.com.
SOURCE Academy of Country Music

Fox concerts announces Selena Gomez

ON SALE SATURDAY, APRIL 2 AT 10 AM!
K-Mart presents
SELENA GOMEZ & THE SCENE

August 29 at 7 pm
Live at The Fox Theatre!
$45, $40 & $35
A limited number of Gold Circle seats are also available.
Limit of 8 tickets per customer.
On-Sale Information:
Tickets on sale Saturday, April 2 at 10 am!
Purchase tickets at the Fox Box Office or by calling 314/534-1111.
Order tickets online at www.metrotix.com.
Platinum-selling artist Selena Gomez & The Scene are bringing their summer tour to the Fabulous Fox
Theatre on August 29th at 7:00 p.m. Opening act will be Hollywood Records’ label mates, Allstar
Weekend.
Selena said, “I am so excited to see my incredible fans on tour. We’re working a great production, and
set lists including some surprise covers. I want to make sure everyone has a fun time.”
In addition to her summer tour, Selena is on tap to release her third album, and will star in Fox’s feature
film “Monte Carlo” which will be in theaters July 1. The announcement comes on the heels of the
impressive debut of Selena’s new single, “Who Says,” which catapulted to #10 and sold over 115,000
units in its first week. “Who Says” was also the #1 most added single at Top 40 radio overtaking new
singles by Bruno Mars and Britney Spears. The video for “Who Says” has nearly 5 million views on
Vevo since its March 11 premiere. “Who Says” will be featured on Selena Gomez & The Scene’s third
upcoming summer album. Selena and her band already have a platinum single, two #1 Billboard Dance
Singles, and two gold-selling, top-ten debuting albums to date.
Selena Gomez & The Scene recently performed at the Houston Rodeo to a crowd of over 72,000. Selena
is currently in production of her hit Disney Channel original series “Wizards of Waverly Place.” As an
ambassador to UNICEF, Selena recently rolled out their Celebrity Tap Water campaign. In the world of
social media, Selena is a dominant force as well, with over 15.5 million Facebook friends and over 4
million Twitter followers.

Queensryche to release new material foranniversary

     QUEENSRŸCHE  TO CELEBRATE THEIR 30th ANNIVERSARY IN ROCK BY RELEASING NEW ALBUM DEDICATED TO CHAOS THIS SUMMER
           
             BAND TO TOUR THIS SUMMER IN SUPPORT OF NEW ALBUM


New York, NY: Queensrÿche announced today that their new album will be called Dedicated to Chaos and it will be released this summer. It’s the band’s first effort for its new label, Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud.  The band – featuring Geoff Tate, Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren -- is currently planning a tour in support of the new opus, which was recorded in its native Seattle. Tour dates and information will be released when available.

“Modern life moves fast,” commented frontman Geoff Tate about the album. “Plug into the rhythm of the now with our 12th studio album, Dedicated to Chaos. It’s a clash and slash of musical experimentation anchored by the pulse of digital code.” He did issue one suggestion to listeners as well, saying: “Enjoy – headphones are a must.”

Queensrÿche’s 1988-issued album Operation: Mindcrime is universally respected as a classic concept release about rock, revenge and redemption, which is ultimately regarded as one of the most important and essential hard rock records in the genre’s expansive canon. 1990’s follow-up, Empire, yielded a #1 single, the Grammy-nominated ballad “Silent Lucidity,” which the band performed at the 1992 Grammy Awards accompanied by a supporting orchestra.

In 2006, the band released Operation: Mindcrime II, a scorching sequel to their original. The band then hit the road performing both albums Operation: Mindcrime and Operation: Mindcrime II back-to-back in their entirety in an incredible theatrical presentation throughout the year. The final performance was recorded at The Moore Theatre in Seattle that October and the Mindcrime at the Moore double CD/DVD release debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Music DVD Chart and eventually reached Gold status.

The band is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and Dedicated to Chaos marks a new and riveting chapter in Queensrÿche’s already impressive history that fans will not want to miss.

And the chaos has just begun.

Visit http://www.queensryche.com/ for more information.

CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

VANS WARPED TOUR
Teggart Stage (MAIN)
ALTEC LANSING
AP/ADVENT STAGE
AUGUST BURNS RED
BLACK VEIL BRIDES
BIG D AND THE KIDS TABLE
ASKING ALEXANDRIA
OF MICE AND MEN
THE EXPENDABLES
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
ABANDON ALL SHIPS
LESS THAN JAKE
A DAY TO REMEMBER
WINDS OF PLAGUE
THE READY SET
ATTACK ATTACK!
THE WORD ALIVE
LUCERO
AGAINST ME!
ENTER SHIKARI
THE AGGROLITES
GYM CLASS HEROES
MISS MAY I
PEPPER
D.R.U.G.S.
WE CAME AS ROMANS

JACK'S MANNEQUIN
THE ACACIA STRAIN


SET YOUR GOALS




GLAMOUR KILLS STAGE
SKULLCANDY STAGE
ERNIE BALL STAGE
GO RADIO
BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR
TERRIBLE THINGS
THE WONDER YEARS
BIG CHOCOLATE
THERE FOR TOMORROW
I SET MY FRIENDS ON FIRE
PASSAFIRE
COLD FORTY THREE
MOVING MOUNTAINS
BAD RABBITS
WOE, IS ME
THE DANGEROUS SUMMER
MC LARS WITH WEERD SCIENCE
A SKYLIT DRIVE
EVERY AVENUE
GRIEVES WITH BUDO
MACHREE
DANCE GAVIN DANCE
ILLSCARLETT

FAMILY FORCE 5
STEPHEN JERZAK

RELIENT K
YELAWOLF


MIDDLE CLASS RUT

KEVIN SAYS STAGE
LIONIZE

THE DANCE PARTY


DEMERIT


SHARKS


THE EXPOSED


VEARA


NEO GEO


THE MENZINGERS


MOJO MORGAN


BLACK SQUARE


LARRY AND HIS FLASK


THE NARRATIVE


SHUT UP AND DEAL






AUGUST 3
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre


Tickets on Sale This Friday at 10am!
All GA Tickets*: $33.50 (Parking Included)
Please Note: Ticket price will increase to $40 day of show
TICKETS FOR WARPED TOUR WILL BE AVAILABLE AT LIVENATION.COM, BOX OFFICE,
TICKETMASTER AND CHARGE BY PHONE 1-800-745-3000.
**GET NO SERVICE CHARGE AT THE BOX OFFICE FIRST WEEK OF SALES!