Tag Archives: Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus Welcomes Baby

Rascal Flatts. Photo credit: Randee St Nicholas

Rascal Flatts‘ Friday night Detroit show was a little bit of a whirlwind, reports radio station 99.5 WYCD. Jay DeMarcus made the show with minutes to spare, in scrubs and a hospital bracelet, after wife Alison had their second child. Jay and Alison welcomed their second baby, their first son, at around 4 pm. The band hit the stage at 9:30 pm. Band members Joe Don Rooney and Gary leVox joked around with the station in their interview, saying:

”Jay got pregnant. He got up this morning, jumped on our airplane, flew home, and had the baby. Now he is flying back for the show. he woke up in a panic, you know, when his water broke.”

 

Jay arrived by helicopter to the concert at DTE Energy Center. Congratulations to the DeMarcus family on their second baby!

Review: Duets – Episode 7: And Then There Were Three

duets-winner

Although I was sad to miss and recap last week’s episode, I was frolicking around Disney World and was constantly haunted by this show. Promotional posters are on Disney buses and in Hollywood Studios, and I may or may not have been photographed with one. I also rocked some awesome 3D glasses and took in “MuppetVision 3D,” which only served to prove that yes, John Legend and Fozzie Bear are one-in-the-same, except the Muppet has more personality.

Based on the recap at the beginning of tonight’s episode, it seems I didn’t miss much last week except for Olivia (finally) getting the boot and Kelly Clarkson wearing a boot. Apparently the amateurs took on standards, or songs no one wants to hear anywhere but an elevator. I yawn just thinking about it.

We’re kicking off this week’s show with a performance from our superstars, singing “Get Ready” by the Temptations. I had no idea that lyrics of this song included “So twiddle dee-dee, twiddle dee-dum.” I guess you learn something new every day. Fozzie is dressed like Fonzie and Jennifer Nettles is rocking quite the large fedora. Robin Thicke‘s hair looks even more ebullient than normal. Must be all that Porsche-crashing he’s been doing lately. Speaking of crashing, Kelly took quite the tumble in concert and is now being carried around by some hot male backup dancers due to a broken foot. Tough life.

The 3 J’s (John, Jason, J.Rome) and Bridget hit the stage to find out their fates. Having taken no lessons from Ryan Seacrest, our host Quesadilla spews out the results like the possessed girl from the Exorcist in that infamous pea-soup-vomit scene. John and Bridget are the bottom 2, and Bridget is eliminated. Apparently, she sang “Unforgettable” last week. Too bad she didn’t make it through this week to sing “Ironic.” Ultimately, to win this show, your name must start with a J.

J. Rome and Carmen San Diego are up first with “Breakeven” by The Script. Although it’s a decent performance, it’s far from J.Rome’s best. Considering that his musical wheelhouse seems to be soul and R&B, this pop-rock track makes little sense. Equally nonsensical: the metallic fringe on his vest. All of the judges praise J. Rome and blahblahblah, it’s obvious who the show’s producers wants to win.

Jason Farol and Kelly Clarkson are up next, taking on Jason’s choice “Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul, which saved Jason from elimination in a sing off a few weeks prior. They sound great together, but it’s hard to tell if it’s because of Jason or Kelly or the weird sparkly pendant she is wearing around her neck. Unfortunately, they choose to sit on stools while performing. Sue me, but I was hoping for some dance moves a la “the Sprain,” made famous by Screech and Lisa Turtle at The Max. Jennifer loved it, John didn’t and Robin wished it was naughtier. No surprises there.

The Jennifer Nettles show continues with John Glosson. They tackle “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, and thankfully, Jennifer has lost the fedora. Instead, she has become a country singer, singing Italian Opera. I suddenly feel like I’m in the backwoods of Alabama and my fourth-removed second cousin’s third wife is ordering Manicotti, yet pronouncing it “Monnagutt,” like a Sopranos cast member. Overall, they still sound great together, and I can imagine a CD from John being chock-full of these kinds of ballads that make old ladies (see: Claymates) swoon. When he extends himself into the up tempos, he comes off too cheesy a la Derrick on Full House singing “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

Although this show is all about the duets, it’s time for some solo performances and J. Rome is up first with Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” It’s slick and polished and cruise-shippy and everything you’d expect from him. He’s confident without coming off conceited, but it’s pretty clear that J. Rome thinks he’s got this competition signed, sealed and delivered. We shall see.

John Glosson continues his quest for domination of Adult and Christian Contemporary radio with “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. He may look like Graham Elliott from MasterChef, but he certainly pulls off a convincing Gary LeVox. In fact, he out rascals the Flatts with this performance, causing Jennifer to throw up her arms and proclaim that she “feels like a stage mom!”

Up last is Jason Farol with “Runaway Baby,” by Bruno Mars, and it’s nice to see him tackle a contemporary song. Although he is sometimes drowned out by the music, his swagger and stage presence have grown in leaps and bounds since this show began. He performs the song much like a runaway baby, jumping up on the audience and jogging around the judges.

We go to the superstars for some last comments. Robin was blown away by Jason, John loved Jason’s energy, but would choose to sign J. Rome to a record deal. Jennifer and Kelly both love everyone and are just.so.happy.tonight. I’ll have whatever those two had before this show, and I’m also demanding that they duet next week.

It’s hard to believe that there’s only one week left, and although the prize for winning this show is even blurrier than the Lost Boys’ food during the food fight scene in “Hook,” someone is going to win something! J. Rome is the safe bet, but I’m putting my money on Jason Farol to take the (multicolored and randomly appearing) cake. He’s got the charm and appeal, the underdog story and Kelly Clarkson on his side. Although KC’s endorsement didn’t quite work for Ron Paul, I have a feeling Jason Farol may fare better with the American voters. Only time will tell!

Kix Brooks Releasing Solo Debut Album

kixbrooks

Kix Brooks, one half of the legendary country music duo Brooks & Dunn, will finally be releasing his debut solo album on Arista Nashville. “New To This Town,” which was co-produced by Jay Demarcus of Rascal Flatts and Kix himself, will be available online and in stores on September 11th. See the full track listing below.

“I made an album that really is close to my heart, and it’s a whole lot of fun,” shares Kix. “For the most part, the music’s just…it’s kind of fun and games and hangin’ it out there and thinkin’ about gettin’ back in a lot of those clubs and festivals and gettin’ to play again. It’s like, you know, people come to enjoy themselves, and I think this album in a lot of ways is about that.”

 

Check out the full track listing for “New To This Town” below:

Charges Made At A Rascal Flatts Show

rascal-flatts-1

This is one interesting story you might not come across that often: over fifty fans were charged at the band’s show last Saturday night (06/30) in Darien Lake, N.Y.

Fifty-nine fans left the show with charges of underage possession of alcohol and intent to consume alcohol during the concert. Two fans were busted for trespassing after allegedly re-entering the venue after being kicked out, while another fan was charged due to possession of marijuana.

Strangely enough, a fan was charged for slashing another fan in the face just last year when the boys of Rascal Flatts made a stop in Darien Lake. In addition, Brad Paisley‘s visit to the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center last summer saw the arrest of over fifty fans during the show.

The same venue will be home to upcoming performances by both Toby Keith and Brantley Gilbert on July 29th.

 

 

Charity Auction Chock Full ‘O Country Prizes!

logo

Kreative Kids Foundation, founded by former Broadway sensation and current country star Laura Bell Bundy, is holding an auction that is geared directly toward all of you country fans out there. The proceeds of the auction will go to Kreative Kids Foundation, an organization which helps artistic youth strive toward a career in the arts, despite limited financial means.

Included in this auction are: two tickets and a meet and greet to any Lady Antebellum concert; two tickets and a meet and greet to any Miranda Lambert & Pistol Annies concert; two tickets and a meet and greet to any Blake Shelton concert; two tickets and a meet and greet to any Rascal Flatts concert; two tickets and a meet and greet to any Dierks Bentley concert; two tickets and a meet and greet to any Luke Bryan concert; two tickets to attend the 2013 Country Music Television Awards in Nashville; two tickets to attend the 2013 Country Music Association Awards; and two tickets to attend the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

Start placing your bids now by clicking here! Bidding on all of these incredible opportunities ends tomorrow, Thursday, June 21, 2012. Don’t miss out on your chance to support a great cause and walk away with a once in a lifetime experience! And, if you win one of these exciting auctions, please let us know what you won and if you heard about the auction by visiting Keepin’ It Country! Good luck to all who participate!

Rascal Flatts Invites Fan Club Members to Soundcheck Performance at CMA Music Festival

rascal_flatts320

On Sunday, June 10th, approximately a hundred of Rascal Flatts’ fan club members were treated to an All Access viewing of their soundcheck for their LP Field performance that night. After the soundcheck, the guys met with every single fan and posed for a picture. Each fan also received an autograph picture afterwards. In addition to fan club members, children from the Make-A-Wish foundation were also treated to the soundcheck.

Below are some pictures that were taken during the soundcheck. Enjoy!

Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts during soundcheck - June 10, 2012

Photo Credit: Alisha Parramoure

Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts during their soundcheck before their LP Field performance.
Photo Credit: Alisha Parramoure

Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts during their soundcheck for their LP Field performance.
Photo Credit: Alisha Parramoure

Review: Duets – Episode 4: Since U Been Terrible

Duets-Promo-Pic-425x425

It’s week 4 of “Duets” and even though we’re sending someone home tonight, everyone’s got their party pants on. I’m anxiously awaiting the opening number and wondering which combination of judges we’ll receive. It’s a total let down when there’s no performance from the judges sans amateurs. I had my fingers crossed for an epic pop-countrified duet from Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Nettles, but am sorely disappointed. Dear Duets Gods, please make that happen. Amen.

We launch right into a brief recap and Quasimodo tells us that the chart is “fresh” this week. Does that mean that the last three weeks were combined together into a cumulative score to make up the leaderboard? That would make sense, but then what happened to Johnny Gray’s (who?!) score? Is Quddus just making up the rules as we go along? I still don’t get it.

The teenybopper in me squeals for Jason, who is opening with The Rolling Stones classic, “Satisfaction.” Kelly attempts to give Jason dancing lessons, and I’m sorry Miss Clarkson, I am fo’ real…Anyway, I love you and all, but I am one of the five people who has seen From Justin to Kelly. Dance ain’t your strong suit. Once they hit the stage, I’m wondering why Jason always rolls up the sleeves of his jackets. Why bother to even wear a jacket if you’re just going to roll up the sleeves? Anyways, this is far and away Jason’s best performance and he works the stage pretty well. When we go to the judges, we learn that, once again John Legend forgot to take his happy pills.

Big Machine and Clear Channel Announce Groundbreaking Agreement

2208459-2207259-Big-Machine-Clear-Channel

The Big Machine Label Group is home to such artists as Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and Eden’s Edge on Big Machine Records, as well as Reba McEntire, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, The Mavericks and Thomas Rhett on Valory Music Co. The group announced today that they are partnering with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment to align their business interests and accelerate growth and innovation in digital radio to the benefit of music fans and radio listeners everywhere.

Through this agreement, Big Machine (and its artists) will become the first record company to directly participate in Clear Channel’s terrestrial broadcast radio revenues.  For Big Machine Label President and CEO Scott Borchetta, it was a no brainer. Borchetta said, “In Clear Channel, I found partners who shared my big-picture view of how we could structure an agreement to benefit all involved. Not only does this partnership enable Big Machine to participate in terrestrial broadcast revenues, but we are also helping to grow digital radio – a great opportunity for all of us and a breakthrough opportunity for Big Machine artists.” 
 
“Scott Borchetta has reinvented the music business in many important ways over the years, from distribution and artist development to promotion and advertising,” said Bob Pittman, Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel. “Focusing that same creativity on how best to grow the music business, Scott has developed this new model with us to let his labels and artists participate in the revenue of broadcast radio immediately and in digital radio as it builds. This is a big step, but we think this investment is an opportunity worth taking to align our interests in all of our revenue streams and grow digital listening to its full potential with record labels and their artists as our partners. This landmark agreement creates a structure that makes sense for both our companies – but most of all for music fans.”
 
“Today, 98 percent of our listening is terrestrial broadcast and 2 percent digital – with record labels and artists only paid for the 2 percent,” said John Hogan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “This new agreement expands label and artist participation from just digital to terrestrial broadcast radio revenues in one comprehensive framework that will give all of us a great incentive to drive the growth of the digital radio industry and allow everyone to participate financially in its growth. This market-based solution helps bring the best in music to radio listeners wherever they want to hear it.”

CMT Music Awards Presenters Announced

280x210

With only two days remaining until the 2012 CMT Music Awards, Nashville is brimming with excitement in anticipation of the big night.

Today, a list of presenters were announced for Wednesday’s show. The list includes: Jason Aldean, Sara Evans, Ronnie Dunn, Alan Jackson, Jake Owen, and Kellie Pickler. Previously-announced performers The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan will also be on hand to present awards.

Several other presenters comprise the list, such as American Idol finalists Colton Dixon and Skylar Laine, CMT hosts Tom Arnold and Steve Austin, 2012 Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti, Twilight star Ashley Greene, Tony Hawk, Denise Richards, Dax Shepard and Jordin Sparks.

The show will feature performances from some of the best in country music: Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Pistol Annies, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Hank Williams Jr. and Zac Brown Band.

The show, hosted by Toby Keith and actress Kristen Bell, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena June 6th at 8PM EST on CMT and CMT.com.

We will be at the show, so be sure to check back with us as Keepin’ It Country will be up-to-date on everything related to the Awards and CMA Fest!

CMT Announces Additional Performers

cmtawards

CMT have announced additional performers for their June 6th award show, and it’s sure to stand out from other line-ups this year. Performing on the telecast will be The Band Perry, Pistol Annies, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Willie Nelson, and Hank Williams Jr.

This year’s award show will air live on CMT and CMT.com on June 6th live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, hosted by Toby Keith and Kristen Bell. We’ll be there so stay tuned to Keepin’ it Country.