Category Archives: Special Events

Oklahoma’s Own Adley Stump Lends Her Vocals to Aid Her Home State

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In response to the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, Oklahoma vocalist, Adley Stump from Season 2 of NBC’s “The Voice” is working with fellow native Oklahomans and Nashville songwriters to bring more attention and support for the recent tornado victims.

Without hesitation, Adley rushed into the studio to record a song that will be released May 24th to iTunes, as well as to many radio and television stations. All proceeds from the song will be donated to the Red Cross to be used to help the Oklahoma tornado victims.

“I immediately tried to figure out how I could help,” Adley says. “I think in this situation everyone just tries to figure out what they have that they can give. What I have is music, and here in Nashville there is nothing we know more than the power of a song. So when a friend from home e-mailed the song asking if I’d sing it, I knew immediately that’s how I could help. The song was perfect; I knew immediately I wanted to get in the studio with it. I hope it brings true comfort and healing for the hearts of those affected.”

Adley also intends to pull together a benefit concert in Oklahoma with other fellow Oklahoman musicians with the proceeds dedicated to the relief effort in Oklahoma. Information on this relief concert is being developed and further details will be released in the near future.

As soon as Adley agreed to sing, the Bennett family of First Oklahoma Bank provided the funds to make the project possible. The song is called “Weather the Storm” and was written by hit songwriters Bernie Nelson, Will Champlin and Adriene Smith Garrison and produced by hit songwriter/producers Philip Douglas and Greg Bieck.

Make sure to keep an eye on iTunes tomorrow so you can download Adley’s new song while helping those in need as a result of the horrific tornadoes that swept through Oklahoma. And stay tuned to Keepin’ It Country (and our social media pages) for further information on the benefit concert being planned by our friend, Adley, in support of her home state.

Q It Up Live Features Headlining Performers Through End of the Year

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Newly-launched artist management firm, XYQ Artist Management, will host Q It Up Live, a star-studded concert series at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in downtown Nashville. Concerts will be held once every other month through the end of the year. The series kicks off this Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. CDT featuring country music headliner, Darryl Worley, and supporting acts Danielle Peck, Sarah Darling, Mo Pitney and Friends of Lola. Adam Wurtzel from WSMV Channel 4 News’ More at Midday will host, and a silent auction and raffle will benefit the American Red Cross and local non-profit for the hearing impaired, Songs For Sound.

The silent auction will give fans the chance to bid on a diverse array of celebrity autographed items and experiences, including a signed guitar from country star Jake Owen, a ride in a two-seater Indy race car during the week of the Indianapolis 500, presented by IndyCar, and merchandise from Jack Daniel’s and Roper. In addition, Herta Racing will present a prize package that includes a meet and greet with driver Alex Tagliani, a personal tour of his race car and garage, and an autographed team hat. Additional items are being added to the auction daily.

General admission tickets for Wednesday night’s Q It Up Live concert series kick-off show can be purchased online in advance at www.qituplive.com or at the door for $10. VIP packages including food, two Jack Daniel’s drinks and an exclusive gift are available for $35.

The Q It Up Live concert series, in partnership with the American Red Cross, Songs For Sound and The Big 98 WSIX “Nashville’s NEW Country,” is sponsored by Jack Daniel’s, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Roper. Additional concert series line-ups will be announced soon.
For more information, visit www.qituplive.com.

Sarah Darling Meets Her Musical Hero

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Country music starlet Sarah Darling attended the premiere of “For the Love of Music…The Story of Nashville” during the Nashville Film Festival and just so happened to run in to one of her most-admired musical heroes, Joy Williams of The Civil Wars.

Darling posed for a photo with the GRAMMY Award-winning artist and then she tweeted “I met Joy from @thecivilwars last night! My favorite singer ever!”

The experience was an “honor,” Darling says, and adds that her big-screen debut in the film, which showcased one of her performances at the historic Grand Ole Opry, certainly was too. “To be featured in the film alongside so many talented artists in this town was truly humbling for me. I’m glad I could play a part in showcasing such an amazing city.”

Darling also commented on the film’s anticipated premiere in Tuesday’s issue of The Tennessean. “I couldn’t be more excited, because the doors are wide open for all kinds of musicians [here in Nashville],” she says. “If you have a passion for music, you should be here.”

Celebrating the success of her latest single, “Home To Me,” which has sold over 100,000 downloads and climbing, Darling is currently out with Scotty McCreery on tour as part of his Weekend Roadtrip Tour.

James Otto to play at Billy Dean’s Birthday Bash

James Otto. photo credit: EB Media

Country music star James Otto will be on hand to celebrate a pretty special birthday for a fellow artist. He’s been asked by Billy Dean to perform at his annual Birthday Bash held on the Dean Acres. The best part? The event is open to fans who purchase tickets in advance! Billy’s Birthday Bash will be held on April 27th at 5 pm just outside Nashville in Liberty, Tennessee.

To celebrate his 51st birthday, Billy will once again open the Dean Acres to country fans. It’s become an annual event since 2011, which has sold-out every year since. Dean Acres recently went under renovations with their 100-year old barn for a stage that can fit up to 200 fans.

Ticket holders will be treated to a special Brunch with the Dean family the morning after the party back on the farm. You can’t get more country than that. Tickets are on-sale now at deanacres.com.

What’s the most unique event you’ve ever been to for a country concert?

Dwight Yoakam Ryman concert to be broadcast on Sirius/XM

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Country fans who couldn’t snag a ticket for either of Dwight Yoakam‘s sold out concerts at the Ryman are in luck! Dwight, who will be returning to the historic Ryman Auditorium stage for the first time since 2005 this Friday. His live concert will be broadcast on Sirius/XM’s Outlaw Country channel starting at 10 pm EST. The concert had sold out in less than 30 minutes, so Dwight added a second date – which also sold out in under 30 minutes.

Fans can tune in to hear some of his classic hits as well as tracks from his brand new album “3 Pears” on Warner Music Nashville. If you miss the broadcast, it will re-air on Thursday, July 4th.

Will you be tuning in, or were you one of the lucky few that managed to score tickets?

 

Couples and Collaborations: A Look at ACM Fashion History

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The 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards are taking place this Sunday, April 7th, in Las Vegas. As we all know, the red carpet and stage fashion choices are some of the most talked about items when it comes to award shows. Back, due to popular demand, is our very own pre-award show fashion reminiscent feature! This time, we take a look at the couples and collaborations of ACMs past … and, boy, have there been some questionably horrific and unquestionably sensational choices in ACM history!

Country Music Hits the Sands of Sunny South Florida

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When you think country music, you typically envision open fields, farms, little green tractors, cowboy boots, and ten-gallon hats. When you think Kenny Chesney, you think all of those things – plus a little blue chair. Now take all of those things and add in the warm, beautiful beaches of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a great cause and you have the incredibly exciting inaugural Tortuga Music Festival!

Kenny Chesney, along with pop, rock, and other country artists (20+ artists, mind you) you will be participating in Rock the Ocean’s first ever beach concert event on April 13-14. The artists will perform on three stages, each of which is directly on the beach. The lineup includes Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, The Avett Brothers, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Gary Allan, Jake Owen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Clark, Jr., Eli Young Band, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Grace Potter, Kip Moore, Gloriana, G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter, Mac McAnally, The Wailers, Sister Hazel, Dangermuffin, Rayland Baxter, and The Bright Light Social Hour.

Kenny Chesney Honors Victims in Newtown

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On the one month anniversary of one of the largest mass killings in United States history, Anderson Cooper will be hosting a special AC360 in Newtown, Connecticut, entitled “United in Newtown”. During the special, Anderson Cooper will visit with families of Newtown and honor those whose lives were lost. As a tribute to those who lost their lives on December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School, country megastar, Kenny Chesney, recorded a special version of “Amazing Grace,” which will premier during AC360. “United in Newtown” will air on CNN tomorrow, January 14th, at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the victims, their families, and the entire Newtown community as they unite to work through this terribly senseless tragedy.

Jerrod Niemann Rocks Arizona State University

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In September, country music singer, Jerrod Niemann, announced his “Rock Your Room” contest to his fans. The contest promised to award one fan with over $700 in SONY electronics, as well as a private performance in the winner’s dorm room or home. After receiving over four thousand submissions, Catherine Willis of Arizona State University was chosen at random. So, staying true to his word, on December 10th, Jerrod flew to Arizona and performed an exclusive concert for Catherine and friends. Congratulations, Catherine! What a unique and exciting experience!

Which country music artist would YOU like to have perform in your dorm room or home?

Miami Has Gone Country

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As many of you know, we are just moments away from kickoff at the BCS National Championship game between Number 1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Number 2 University of Alabama Crimson Tide. As you also know (if you are avid readers of our blog — and we know you are!), the Zac Brown Band will be leading the crowd in the National Anthem just prior to the beginning of this highly-coveted event. However, the boys of the Zac Brown Band aren’t the only country boys helping celebrate the big game! Dierks Bentley lent his talents to last night’s fan experience, along side Flo Rida, while Luke Bryan entertained the game-goers today at SunLife Stadium (home of the Miami Dolphins) at the Bud Light Game Day Fan Zone!

Miami, Florida is buzzing with excitement and some of our favorite country boys are there to enjoy the fun! Don’t forget to tune in to catch the Zac Brown Band … you may catch a glimpse of some other country music spectators as well! The game begins at 8:00 p.m. EST on ESPN. Tune in now! And, have I said “Roll Tide” lately? Oh yeah, I think I have …