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2017 ACM Honors: Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, George Strait among the honorees

May 30, 2017

The following is a press release from the Academy of Country Music:

The Academy of Country Music® announced today the winners of the Special Awards for the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards.  Honorees will be celebrated during the 11th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards.  The event will take place Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN and will be broadcast at a later date on the CBS Television Network.

Additional off-camera categories to be feted at ACM HONORS include to-be-announced Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards, along with previously announced Songwriter of the Year Award winner, Lori McKenna.  McKenna is the first female to win in the ACM Songwriter of the Year category.

The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors for specific achievements. Please note that titles of select Special Awards have been updated, as noted within each category listed below. Recipients of Special Awards for the 11th Annual ACM Honors  include:

Cliffie Stone Icon Award – George Strait has been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Icon Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who throughout their career has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.

With 61 No. 1 singles under his belt, George Strait has captivated the charts for longer than any other artist in any genre. Winning his first ACM Award for 1984’s Male Vocalist of the Year, “King George” went on to build his country kingdom one great song at a time. Now-classic hits like “Amarillo by Morning,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” “The Fireman,” “The Chair” and “Give It Away” established Strait’s smooth voice and no-nonsense style, making his live show a must-see event. Strait is one of the best-selling artists of all time with 100 million albums sold worldwide. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and was named the Academy’s Dick Clark Artist of the Decade in 2009.  Though he officially retired from the road after his Cowboy Rides Away tour wrapped in 2014, Strait continues to pack houses at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with his “2 Nights of Number 1s” show featuring all his number one hits performed live.

The Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award has been renamed the Cliffie Stone Icon Award.

Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Bob Beckham, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, The Judds,  Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, The Statler Brothers, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.

Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award – Dolly Parton has been chosen to receive the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others, voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.

Dolly Parton has held many titles over her storied 50-year career—singer, songwriter, actress, legend—but philanthropist is one that is close to her heart. Since her earliest days of stardom, Dolly has used her celebrity to support the causes she loves most. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library has to date provided 100 million books to preschool children in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. In 2016, Parton stepped up to raise money for victims of the massive wildfires in her native East Tennessee. Hosting Smoky Mountains Rise, a three-hour telethon, Dolly helped raise more than $10 million for the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund, which provided money for temporary housing for families that lost their homes in the fires.

The Humanitarian Award has been renamed/incorporated into the existing Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award.

Past recipients of the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award and Humanitarian Award include Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood.

Gene Weed Milestone Award – Kelsea Ballerini has been chosen as the recipient of the Gene Weed Milestone Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year.

Kelsea Ballerini went straight to the top of the charts with her first single, 2014’s “Love Me Like You Mean It.” Her self-penned debut was just the beginning of her winning streak. Her next two singles, 2015’s “Dibs” and 2016’s “Peter Pan,” also went to No. 1, making Ballerini the first female solo artist to have three consecutive No. 1 singles from a debut album since Wynonna Judd in 1992.  Ballerini was named the ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year for 2015, was nominated for Best New Artist at the 59th Grammy Awards and came in at No. 2 on the Forbes “30 Under 30 – Music” list. Having wrapped up her first headlining tour, aptly titled “The First Time Tour,” Ballerini is currently working on a new album and is hitting the road with Thomas Rhett on his 2017 Home Team Tour.

The Crystal Milestone Award and Gene Weed Special Achievement Awards have been combined and renamed the Gene Weed Milestone Award.

Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Award and the Gene Weed Milestone Award include Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, George Burns, Kenny Chesney, Jeff Foxworthy, Merle Haggard, Gayle Holcomb, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.

Mae Boren Axton Service Award – Bob Kingsley and Reba McEntire have been chosen as the recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Service Award. This award is presented to an outstanding country music artist, duo/group or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.

One of the most recognizable radio voices in the world, Bob Kingsley has been a friend to both country fans and country artists for generations. As host and executive producer of Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, the Texas resident has been inducted into both the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame. Early in his career as a young disc jockey at KFOX in Los Angeles, Kingsley became involved with the fledgling Academy of Country and Western Music, which would eventually be called the Academy of Country Music. He won the Academy’s On-Air Personality of the Year award for 1966 and 1967. He was first elected to the Academy’s board of directors in 1967. He has since won a third ACM trophy for National On-Air Personality of the Year (2006) and continues to serve on the board today, making Kingsley the Academy’s longest-serving board member.

For more than 30 years Reba McEntire has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Academy of Country Music. Hosting her first ACM Awards in 1986 at Knott’s Berry Farm, McEntire has returned to the ACM stage as a host for a record 14 times—eight of those solo. A 14-time ACM Award winner (including 7 as ACM Female Vocalist of the Year), Reba has also been an avid supporter of the Academy’s charitable efforts, donating her time and talents to numerous ACM specials and other events supporting ACM Lifting Lives. In 2017, Reba partnered with the Academy and Omaze to offer a fan a chance to meet her backstage in Vegas, with proceeds from the auction going to ACM Lifting Lives.

The Mae Boren Axton Award has been renamed the Mae Boren Axton Service Award.

Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include Barry Adelman, John Dorris, Tim DuBois, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Paul Moore, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Keith Urban, Gene Weed, Tommy Wiggins and David Young.

Merle Haggard Spirit Award – Eric Church has been chosen to receive the Merle Haggard Spirit Award. This award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country legend and 20-time ACM Award Winner Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.

Over 12 years and five studio albums, Eric Church has established himself as an artist who stays true to an uncompromising path. As an intense performer and songwriter, he has brought to life the eternal themes of life, love and heartbreak in his own hellraising way through songs like “Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Springsteen,” “Give Me Back My Hometown” and “Record Year.” He has also bucked convention in the way his recorded and live music is delivered. He surprised fans—and the media—with his 2015 album, Mr. Misunderstood, which landed in the mailboxes of his fan club members without any promotion first before going out to the general public and the media the next day. For the 2017 60-city “Holdin’ My Own Tour,” Church went out solo without a support act and played two sets himself. Church holds five ACM awards, including Album of the Year, Vocal Event of the Year, Video of the Year, New Solo Vocalist of the Year and the ACM Jim Reeves International Award.

Past recipients of the Merle Haggard Spirit Award include Miranda Lambert.

Poet’s Award – Toby Keith, Willie Nelson and Shel Silverstein (awarded posthumously) have been chosen to receive the Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.

Toby Keith has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and is routinely cited as one of country’s top businessmen with bars, restaurants, race horses and golf courses to his name, but it’s his accolades as a songwriter than mean the most to the Oklahoma native. Keith began writing as a teenager and charted his first self-penned No. 1 with his debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Since then, he has pretty much ignored the Nashville tradition of cutting Music Row writers’ songs and personally written or co-written just about every song he’s ever recorded. Among the highlights of his two-decade hit-making career are blue-collar anthems “How Do You Like Me Now,” “Beer for My Horses,” “I Love This Bar” and “American Soldier.” A 12-time ACM Award winner, Keith was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.

Willie Nelson is an American treasure, and the songs he has written will stand the test of time. Writing since the age of six, the Texas native has penned tunes that are part of the very foundation of country music. His credits as a songwriter include classics for other artists including “Crazy” (Patsy Cline), “Funny How Time Slips Away” (Ray Price) and “Hello Walls” (Faron Young). He co-wrote the outlaw anthem “Good-Hearted Woman” with his friend Waylon Jennings. Nelson’s signature song, “On the Road Again,” won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1980. Willie was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001.

The late Shel Silverstein (awarded posthumously) is known the world over as the offbeat poet and cartoonist behind beloved children’s books Where the Sidewalk Ends and The Giving Tree, but he was also an accomplished songwriter. Silverstein penned inventive songs about unusual characters for a variety of artists, including “One’s On the Way” for Loretta Lynn, “Marie Laveau” for Bobby Bare and the classic rock anthem “Cover of the Rolling Stone” for Dr. Hook. He brought his madcap imagination to the song, “A Boy Named Sue,” which became a No. 1 hit for Johnny Cash. The song won the 1969 Grammy for Best Country Song. Silverstein died of a heart attack in 1999 at the age of 68. He was posthumously inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, Guy Clark, Jack Clement, Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Kris Kristofferson, Bob McDill, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt (awarded posthumously), Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker, Jimmy Webb and Hank Williams.

Tex Ritter Film Award – “Nashville” has been chosen as the recipient of the Tex Ritter Film Award. This award recognizes an outstanding television movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music.

Now in its fifth season, “Nashville” continues to tell Music Row’s stories to a world-wide audience. Airing domestically on CMT and Hulu, the hour-long drama is seen in 225 territories around the globe. Main characters Deacon Clayborne, Will Lexington, Avery Barkley, Gunnar Scott and Scarlett O’Connor have made real-life music stars out of actors Charles Esten, Chris Carmack, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio and Claire Bowen. The cast has released 17 soundtrack albums on Big Machine Records and has toured regularly, playing to sold-out crowds in both the United States and abroad. The show has been credited as part of the recent tourism boom in the city of Nashville, which has seen an amazing increase in visitors over the past five years.

Past recipients of the Tex Ritter Film Award include Beer For My Horses, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Country Strong, Crazy Heart, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, O Brother, Where Art Thou, Sweet Dreams and Walk the Line, among others.

Songwriter of the Year Award – Previously announced winner Lori McKenna—the first female to win this category—has been chosen as the recipient of the Songwriter of the Year Award. This award is presented to an individual known predominately as a songwriter, selected by a Professional Panel of judges composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization representatives.

Lori McKenna has never lived in Nashville, yet she’s gradually become one of the most sought-after co-writers in Music City. At her kitchen table in Stoughton, Massachusetts, she wrote a heartfelt message to her five kids in the form of “Humble and Kind.” Tim McGraw carried the song to No. 1, and it also led to McKenna winning her second consecutive Grammy for Country Song of the Year. The first one was for Little Big Town’s triple-platinum single, “Girl Crush.” One of McKenna’s earliest champions was Faith Hill, who recorded “Stealing Kisses” for 2005’s Fireflies. McKenna continued recording her own albums as more stars cut her songs, including Hunter Hayes (“I Want Crazy”) and Keith Urban (“The Luxury of Knowing”). She released a new album, The Bird & The Rifle, in 2016. The project received a Grammy nod for Best Americana Album, while “Wreck You” was up for Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song. She is a co-writer on Little Big Town’s new single, “Happy People.”

Past recipients of the Songwriter of the Year Award include Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally and Roger Miller.

 

Ariana Grande’s One Love Manchester benefit concert announces all-star lineup

May 30, 2017

Ariana Grande will be among the star performers at her One Love Manchester concert, set to take place June 4 2017 at  Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester, England. Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Phatrell Williams, Niall Horan of One Direction , Miley Cyrus and Take That. Proceeds from the show will go to the Red Cross’ Manchester fund, to benefit victims and their families of the suicide bombing that killed 22 people and injured about 59 people after Grande’s Manchester Arena concert on May 22, 2017. Tickets go on sale on June 1, 2017 via Ticketmaster. Those who were at Grande’s May 22 concert will be given free admission. TV viewers in the U.S. can watch the show on Freeform at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. ABC will show highlights of the concert  at midnight Eastern Time. BBC will have a live telecast of the concert in the U.K.

Grande posted this statement on  her official Internet accounts: “My heart, prayers and condolences are with the victims of the Manchester attack and their loved ones. There is nothing I or anyone can do to take away the pain you are feeling or to make this better. However, I extend my hand and heart and everything I possibly can give to you and yours, should you want or need my help in any way.

“We will not quit or operate in fear. We won’t let this divide us. We won’t let hate win … Our response to this violence must be to come closer together, to help each other, to love more, to sing louder and to live more kindly and generously than we did before.”

Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old resident of Manchester, is reported to have been the suicide bomber. Several of his associates have been arrested in relation to the mass murder.

The remaining dates of Grande’s tour have been postponed or cancelled until further notice.

May 31, 2017 UPDATE: Black Eyed Peas have been added to the concert lineup. In order to accommodate the One Love Manchester concert, British TV network ITV has moved two TV shows on its schedule: the season finale of “Britain’s Got Talent” will now be held June 3, 2017, while the British Soap Opera Awards has moved from June 3 to on June 6, 2017.

Gregg Allman dead at 69; award-winning musician co-founded influential Allman Brothers Band

May 27, 2017

Gregg Allman, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and was the band’s lead singer for several years, died at his home in Savannah, Georgia, on May 27, 2017, according to the Associated Press. He was 69. The cause of death is pending an autopsy, but Allman had been ill health for several years prior to his death. In 2016, he cancelled several concert dates. And in March 2017, he cancelled his remaining concert dates.

Allman formed the Allman Brothers Band in 1969 with his older brother Duane Alllman, who died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 24 in 1971. The band’s original bass player Berry Oakley died in 1972, also from a motorcycle accident at the age of 24, just a few blocks from where Duane Allman died. Before and after these tragedies, the Alllman Brothers Band became one of the most influential groups to pioneer the “Southern rock” sound, which mixed blues and rock. The band’s best-known songs included “Midnight Rider,” “Ramblin’ Man,” “Whipping Post” and “Melissa.” The Allman Brothers Band broke up and reunited several times before the final breakup in 2014.

Gregg Allman wasn’t the only original member of the Allman Brothers Band to die this year. Longtime drummer Butch Trucks committed suicide on January 24, 2017. He was also 69.

Gregg Allman had been married seven times and fathered at least five children. He married his seventh and last wife, Shannon, in 2013. His most famous marriage was to Cher, from 1975 to 1979. Their son, Elijah Blue Allman, is also a musician.

In 2012, Gregg Allman’s memoir, “My Cross to Bear,” was released in which he discussed his often turbulent personal life, including his long battle with drug addiction and alcoholism. The book had been optioned for a film called “Midnight Rider,” starring William Hurt as the older Gregg Allman and All-American Rejects singer Tyson Ritter as a young Gregg Allman. The film was cancelled after a crew member was hit by a train on the movie’s set in 2014.

Little Big Town launches wine brand 4 Cellars

May 24, 2017

Little Big Town (Photo courtesy of 4 Cellars)
Little Big Town (Photo courtesy of 4 Cellars)

The following is a press release from 4 Cellars:

For Grammy Award-winning Little Big Town, life is about the journey and the people they meet along the way. Today, the four members of the band – Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman and Jimi Westbrook – are launching their own wine, 4 Cellars, as a tribute to family, friends and fans with Washington state’s Browne Family Vineyards and its Proprietor Andrew Browne. This wine will be available exclusively online and served in select Tennessee restaurants beginning June 1.

4 Cellars is available by signing up as an exclusive wine club member online at www.fourcellars.com. In each of the quarterly shipments, 4 Cellars Club and VIP members will receive bottles of 4 Cellars wine and exclusive merchandise curated by the band. Memberships range between $100-200 per quarterly shipment.

The first club shipment includes the debut of the band’s first two wines, 4 Cellars 2015 Chardonnay and 4 Cellars 2014 Red Blend, both of which come from Washington state’s famed Columbia Valley. It will also include a 4 Cellars 24K Gold corkscrew and a vinyl copy of the album of The Breaker. For 4 Cellars VIP Club Members, the vinyl copy of the The Breaker will be signed by the members of Little Big Town.

The band’s members and Browne were introduced through mutual friends during their travels through Washington’s wine country. While visiting the historic town of Walla Walla, they tasted Browne Family Vineyards’ wines and were impressed by their quality, history of critical acclaim and Browne’s family story. As a country music lover, Browne was thrilled to meet Little Big Town and they clicked immediately, sharing their passion for quality, hand-crafted wines with family and friends.

“The beauty of this collaboration is that like music, this project is another extension of our creativity. This is the first collaboration outside of the band that the four of us have worked on together, and it’s a natural extension of what we hold dear – relaxing and celebrating with good friends, coming together and breaking bread, and fellowship,” said Karen Fairchild.

After meeting Browne, the members of Little Big Town decided to collaborate on creating the perfect companion to music: wines to share with family, friends and their fans.

“Washington’s Walla Walla Valley is an acclaimed wine region, and at Browne Family Vineyards, we pride ourselves in creating great wines that tell a story from each vintage and providing wine drinkers the opportunity to experience them,” Browne said. “After sharing our common love for the story wines tell, I was humbled to work with Karen, Phillip, Kimberly and Jimi to bring 4 Cellars to life. It is exciting to create something entirely new – something that draws from their experiences and life’s work, which they can share together and with the people that mean most to them.”

“Much like music, wine takes you to a place and a time,” singer and guitarist Phillip Sweet said. “It evokes emotion and both elicits and creates memory with those you are sharing it with.”

Debut wines from 4 Cellars:

  • 4 Cellars 2015 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley – Ripe pear and vanilla aromas lifted with sweet oak lead into lush Asian pear and Golden Delicious apple flavors highlighted by toasted marshmallow. The wine is viscous with plenty of acid to balance and finishes with bright fruit flavors of tree-ripened apricot and white peach. Value: $25
  • 4 Cellars 2014 Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley – This wine is elegant and approachable with violet aromas mixed with raspberry preserves. Fantastic mouth-watering acidity balances out the creamy texture, while gripping tannins keep the flavors of black cherry and toasted almond lingering in an integrated finish. Value: $25

4 Cellars – Life is about the journey and the people that you meet along the way. 4 Cellars is a new wine collaboration between the members of Grammy Award-winning group, Little Big Town, and Walla Walla-based winery, Browne Family Vineyards. For Little Big Town, wine has always been a part of their story. Whether it is in the studio or on the road, shared with family or friends, the story unfolds much like that of a great wine. Visit www.fourcellars.com or follow us @fourcellars.

Little Big Town – Grammy Award-winning group, Little Big Town – consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman and Jimi Westbrook – first entered the music scene more than 18 years ago with hits such as “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and the Grammy-nominated single “Little White Church.” With albums Tornado and Pain Killer, they have seen massive success with #1 singles “Pontoon,” “Tornado,” “Day Drinking,” and most recently the history-making, best-selling country single of 2015, “Girl Crush,” and the recent two-week #1 single, “Better Man.” Little Big Town has earned almost 40 award show nominations and in the past five years has taken home nearly 20 awards, including multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM awards, and an Emmy award. They are the reigning ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year and at the 2016 Grammy Awards won “Best Country Group/Duo Performance,” and “Girl Crush” as well as “Best Country Song.” Released February 24, 2017, Little Big Town’s seventh studio album, The Breaker debuted #1 on the Billboard Country Charts and Top 10 (No.4) on the Billboard 200, marking the group’s fourth Top 10 debut on the Billboard 200 chart. Their single, “Happy People,” is currently at country radio. Little Big Town recently launched its history-making year-long artist residency at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville – marking the venue’s first-ever year-long residency in its 125-year history. For tickets and more information on “Little Big Town At The Mother Church,” visit LittleBigTown.com or follow them @littlebigtown. 

Browne Family Vineyards – Is a family-inspired dream to make outstanding wine, realized through Washington’s heritage vineyards. Inspired by the greatness of one man – owner, Andrew Browne’s Grandfather, William Bitner Browne – integrity and excellence are the standards upon which Browne wines are created. Browne Family is premium Washington wine, 15 years in the making before its first vintage debuted, made with the utmost quality and enjoyment in mind. Vineyards, winemakers and cellar masters committed to world-class wine production were carefully and deliberately selected to represent the best of the Columbia Valley AVA. The Browne Family team takes a careful commitment for uncompromised quality, assuring cellar-worthy vintages that stand the test of time. Visit www.brownefamilyvineyards.com or follow on them on Facebook and Instagram @brownefamilyvineyards.

Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England experiences explosion attack; at least 20 people killed and dozens injured

May 22, 2017

Ariana Grande at An Evening of Music, Art, Mischief and Performance to benefit Raising Malawi at Faena Forum in Miami Beach on December 2, 2016. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Bulgari)

A concert by pop singer Ariana Grande ended in tragedy in Manchester, England, on May 22, 2017, when at least 20 people were pronounced dead and dozens more injured after an apparent explosion outside the Manchester Arena, where the concert took place.

According to an Associated Press report: “Police advised the public to avoid the area around the Manchester Arena, and the train station near the arena, Victoria Station, was evacuated and all trains canceled.  Joseph Carozza, a representative from Grande’s U.S. record label, said the singer is OK and they are investigating what happened.”

There is  no word if any of Grande’s upcoming tour dates have been cancelled as a result of this tragedy.

May 23, 2017 UPDATE: One of the people killed in the bombing was the suicide bomber, who has been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. He was of Libyan descent and had a British passport, according to reports. Authorities are calling the crime a terrorist attack. Grande has cancelled the remaining dates on her 2017 tour.

2017 CMA Music Festival: free concerts at Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage

May 22, 2017

CMA Music Festival

The following is  a press release from CMA:

CMA Music Festival announces free nightly concerts at the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage located in downtown Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater Thursday, June 8 through Saturday, June 10, beginning at 7:00 PM/CT each evening.

Big and Rich “Bring the Party” will kick off the 2017 festivities Thursday with special guests DJ Sinister & the Country Fried Mix and Cowboy Troy. Additional performers include Deana Carter, Billy Ray Cyrus and Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys, presented by Nash Icon.

Sara Evans will headline Ladies of Country Friday. Also performing are songstresses 3 Girls Rock into a Bar featuring Kelleigh Bannen, Ruthie Collins, and Natalie Stovall; Danielle Bradbery; Kellie Pickler; and Aubrie Sellers, hosted by media partner WKRN-TV, ABC’s Channel 2 Nashville.

SiriusXM The Highway presents Saturday with Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes, High Valley and RaeLynn, with additional performances by newcomers Cale Dodds, Ryan Kinder and Bailey Bryan, all powered by Warner Sound.

“With tens of thousands of Country Music fans pouring in from all over the U.S. and over two dozen countries, CMA’s partnership with Cracker Barrel to present free nightly concerts at Ascend offers non-four-day ticket holders access to additional nighttime options and the chance to see even more of their favorite artists,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

“Music and entertainment are an important part of the Cracker Barrel brand experience because the platform provides an invaluable and resounding connection with our guests, which is why we’ve committed to this partnership for the next three years,” said Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Senior Vice President of Marketing Don Hoffman.

During the Festival, Cracker Barrel will also launch “Rock-A-Thon,” a rocking chair experience to raise money for the CMA Foundation, Thursday through Saturday evening. The brand will bring a little piece of home to downtown Nashville by displaying 644 rocking chairs, a symbol of its nationwide store count. If Festival-goers collectively rock at least 150,000 times in a rocker, Cracker Barrel will donate $15,000 to the CMA Foundation. Fans can follow along online and on smart phones to track the progress at www.CBRockathon.com. For more information on Cracker Barrel activations at CMA Music Fest, follow along on social media using hashtag #CBMusic.

Funds generated through CMA Music Festival benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $17.5 million to support quality, sustainable music education initiatives across the country on behalf of the artists who participate in the event for free, impacting the lives of one million children through the power of music.

Joining the star-packed lineup of the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium to sing the National Anthem each evening will be Phil Vassar on Thursday alongside the United States Customs and Border Protection color guard, Brooke Eden on Friday, the Knoxville, Tennessee Central High School Bobcat Company choral group, led by Choral Director Matt Parks Saturday, and Restless Heart Sunday.

The HGTV Lodge returns to the 2017 CMA Music Festival with Country Music’s hottest stars taking the stage in the network’s popular and unique venue. The 3,500-square-foot HGTV Lodge, located at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Broadway, will offer Festival-goers the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience™, including live musical performances by popular artists Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban, as well as special appearances by HGTV stars Mina Starsiak and Karen E Laine (“Good Bones”), Ben and Erin Napier (“Home Town”), Jonathan and Drew Scott (“Property Brothers”) and Dave and Kortney Wilson (“Masters of Flip”).

The HGTV Lodge, which celebrates its sixth consecutive year at CMA Fest, also will host performances and autograph signings with many more Country Music stars, including Lauren Alaina, Bobby Bones, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Russell Dickerson, Tyler Farr, Chris Janson, Eric Paslay, RaeLynn, Michael Ray, Josh Turner and Brett Young. Great American Country’s Suzanne Alexander will serve as the HGTV Lodge emcee during the four-day event.

Social discovery app Bumble is teaming up with Grammy and seven-time CMA Award-winning trio Lady Antebellum to bring the “You Look Good” Beetique to CMA Fest on Saturday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM/CT at The Bell Tower. The Beetique will feature a beautiful indoor aesthetic and create a space that complements both Bumble’s mission of empowering women and the meaning behind the group’s new single — the lighthearted spirit of feeling good. Bumble users are invited to attend and experience a beauty bar powered by Sephora and styling studio from The Dry House, as well as a BFF Lounge, photo booths, a custom menu of bites and refreshments provided by Brancott Estate Wines, all curated by Cassie Kelley of Womanista.

The event will also feature artist appearances throughout the day from Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Bannen, Bradbery, Cam, Sara Evans, Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, Megan & Liz, Kacey Musgraves, Post Monroe and influencers Caroline Hobby and Brooke Webb of KBStyled. Select attendees of the Beetique will have the chance to attend the evening’s exclusive private event “Hottest Date Night Ever” with special performances by Walker Hayes, Lady Antebellum and Young. Fans can follow the event and join the conversation using hashtags #BumbleBeetique and #YouLookGood, and see highlights at @Bumble on Instagram or blog.bumble.com.

“CMA identified a unique opportunity in partnering with Bumble for this digital activation so that fans can interact with some of their favorite artists in an engaging, and more accessible way,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Chief Marketing Officer.

A limited number of tickets for the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium are still available through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST. Nightly Concert tickets also include four-day access to Xfinity Fan Fair X. Outdoor daytime stages including the Chevrolet Riverfront and Park Stages, Budweiser “Forever Country” Park Stage, Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe and the Music City Stage inside the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena are free and open to the public.

CMA is offering a special CMA Fest Nash Pass for $50 plus tax which includes a four-day Xfinity Fan Fair X ticket, a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium (that must be used during the Festival), admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and VIP entry and seating at Ascend Amphitheater’s nightly concerts. Nash Pass VIP entry will be accessible from 5:00 PM/CT to 7:00 PM/CT. Gates open to the general public at 6:00 PM/CT.

Updates to the Official 2017 CMA Fest App, including information on more stages, real-time alerts for secret shows, schedule customizations and share options, and connecting with friends, are all now available. Fans can also register for CMA Fest Fan Access within the app for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to the 2018 CMA Fest, airfare, hotel accommodations, and front row tickets to the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium. Fans who sign up can enter the Ultimate Fan Experiences Drawing starting Tuesday, May 30 at 10:00 AM/CT for chances to win meet & greets with artists and special performances in the HGTV Lodge, plus register their QR code at scan stations throughout the Festival for chances to win instant prizes.
The app is available for iOS in the Apple App Store and Android in the Google Play Store. For more details, visit CMAfest.com/app.

Stay connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Instagram.com/CMA, “CMAsnaps” on Snapchat, and sign up for CMA Country Connection, CMA’s e-newsletter.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of WSM, Incorporated and is used by permission.

2017 Billboard Music Awards: Drake wins a record 13 prizes

May 21, 2017

Billboard Music Awards 2017

 

Drake at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards
Drake at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 21, 2017. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images via ABC)

With 13 prizes (including Top Artist), hip-hop artist Drake was the top winner at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, which took place May 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. ABC had the U.S. telecast at 8 p.m. Eastern Time/5 p.m. Pacific Time. Drake now holds the record for the most Billboard Music Awards won in a single year. (Adele was the previous record holder, with 12 Billboard Music Awards.) Drake and the Chainsmokers went into the ceremony with 22 nominations each. The Chainsmokers ended up winning four Billboard Music Awards. Other multiple winners included Twenty-One Pilots and Beyoncé, whowon five awards each. Wizkid and Kyla received three awards each. Desiigner,  Juan Gabriel and Kenny Chesney won two awards each.

According to a press release, the Billboard Music Awards nominees are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital songs sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement. These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of March 18, 2016 through March 16, 2017. The Billboard Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions.

Rapper/actorLudacris and actress/singer Vanessa Hudgens hosted the show. Presenters included Kate Beckinsale, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mark Cuban, Noah Cyrus, Alexandra Daddario, DJ Khaled, Josh Duhamel, Ansel Elgort, Sara Foster, G-Eazy, Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Prince Michael Jackson, Rachel Lindsay, Lea Michele, Olivia Munn, Rita Ora, Logan Paul, Rachel Platten, Bebe Rexha, Nicole Scherzinger, Miss America 2017 Savvy Shields, Jussie Smollett, Hailee Steinfeld, Lindsey Stirling, and Ashley Tisdale.

Performers included Camila Cabello, the Chainsmokers, Miley Cyrus, jason Derulo, Celine Dion, Drake, Florida Georgia Line, David Guetta Halsey, Sam Hunt, Imagine Dragons, John Legend, lil Wayne, Lorde, Bruno Mars, Julia Michaels, Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran and 2017 Billboard Music Awards ICON Award recipient Cher.

During her acceptance speech, Cher thanked several people. particularly her mother: “When I was young, my mom said, ‘You’re not going to be the smartest, you’re not going to be the prettiest, you’re not going to be the most talent, but you’re going to be special.”

Here is an excerpt from a Billboard Music Awards press release:

The show was filled with iconic moments, with performances and celebrations for every generation. Fresh artists like Julia Michaels and Camila Cabello won over fans with performances of their new singles, as did the legends. Giving her first award show performance in 15 years, Cher had the audience on their feet, delivering electrifying renditions of her classic hits “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.”  She graciously accepted the ICON Award, presented to her by Gwen Stefani, and gave a powerful speech about her unparalleled career and how she has been able to live out her childhood dream for the past fifty-three years. Cher told the audience, “I have wanted to do what I do since I was 4 years old, and I’ve been doing this for 53 years.” Last year’s ICON Award recipient, Celine Dion, sparkled beneath an elaborate chandelier, belting out her hit single “My Heart Will Go On,” in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Titanic.

Making a very special appearance, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Biggie’s son, Christopher Wallace, on what would have been the 45th birthday of Notorious B.I.G., introduced a clip of the 1997 Billboard Music Awards when Diddy presented Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, with the “Best R&B Album” trophy won by her late son. Following the clip, Diddy unveiled a never-before-seen trailer for his new Apple Music documentary “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story.”

Nicki Minaj, having recently just broken Aretha Franklin’s record for female artist with the most Billboard Hot 100 Hits, opened the show with an explosive 10-minute performance and was joined on stage by Lil Wayne, David Guetta, and Jason Derulo as she performed a medley of “No Frauds,” “Light My Body Up,” Swalla,” and “Regret In Your Tears.”  Later in the evening, against a peaceful ocean background, Miley Cyrus performed her popular new single “Malibu” for the first time to a worldwide television audience.

Perhaps the most unique performance came from the evening’s biggest winner, Drake, who performed live from the middle of the Bellagio fountains, surrounded by the world-famous water displays and equally powerful pyrotechnics.  Audiences in the arena, and on the Vegas strip, were mesmerized as he navigated the scene while rapping “Gyalchester” off his new album “More Life.”

Lorde’s intimate rendition of “Green Light” had the crowd dancing and singing along, while Halsey’s “Now or Never” performance was filled with both flower and fire power.  Ed Sheeran delivered a heartfelt rendition of his new song “Castle on the Hill” from a sold-out performance in Santiago, Chile.

Imagine Dragons delivered touching remarks in memory of the late Soundgarden and Audioslave Frontman Chris Cornell, before giving a powerful performance of their new song, “Believer.”  Fellow rock artists, and multi-nominees, The Chainsmokers also took to the stage to perform their hit “Young.”

Country music was also well represented throughout the evening, with Sam Hunt giving a stunning performance of “Body Like a Back Road” and Florida Georgia Line being joined by John Legend for a unique melding of their songs “Surefire” and “H.O.L.Y.”

The final performance of the evening came from Bruno Mars, who gave a sultry delivery of his single “Versace on the Floor” from the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam.

Here is the complete list of nominees and winners of the 2017 Billboard Music Awards:

Top Artist:
Adele
Beyoncé
Justin Bieber
The Chainsmokers
Drake***
Ariana Grande
Shawn Mendes
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots
The Weeknd

Top New Artist:
Alessia Cara
Desiigner
Lil Uzi Vert
Lukas Graham
Zayn***

Billboard Chart Achievement Award Presented by Xfinity (Fan Voted Category):
Luke Bryan
The Chainsmokers
Nicki Minaj
Twenty One Pilots***
The Weeknd

Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake***
Future
Shawn Mendes
The Weeknd

Top Female Artist:
Adele
Beyoncé***
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Sia

Top Duo/Group:
The Chainsmokers
Coldplay
Florida Georgia Line
Guns N’ Roses
Twenty One Pilots***

Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Beyoncé
Drake***
Prince
Twenty One Pilots
The Weeknd

Top Hot 100 Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Drake***
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots
The Weeknd

Top Song Sales Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Drake***
Prince
Justin Timberlake
Twenty One Pilots

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
The Chainsmokers
Drake
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots***

Top Streaming Songs Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Desiigner
Drake***
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots

Top Social Artist (Fan Voted Category):
Justin Bieber
BTS***
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Shawn Mendes

Top Touring Artist:
Justin Bieber
Beyoncé***
Coldplay
Guns N’ Roses
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Top R&B Artist:
Beyoncé***
Bruno Mars
Frank Ocean
Rihanna
The Weeknd

Top R&B Tour:
Beyoncé***
Lionel Richie
Rihanna

Top Rap Artist:
J. Cole
Desiigner
Drake***
Future
Rae Sremmurd

Top Rap Tour:
Drake***
Future
Kanye West

Top Country Artist:
Florida Georgia Line
Blake Shelton***
Keith Urban
Chris Stapleton
Jason Aldean

Top Country Tour:
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney***
Dixie Chicks

Top Rock Artist:
Coldplay
The Lumineers
Metallica
Twenty One Pilots***
X Ambassadors

Top Rock Tour:
Coldplay***
Guns N’ Roses
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Top Latin Artist:
J Balvin
Juan Gabriel***
Los Plebes Del Rancho De Ariel Camacho
Maluma
Nicky Jam

Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
The Chainsmokers***
Calvin Harris
Major Lazer
DJ Snake
Lindsey Stirling

Top Christian Artist:
Lauren Daigle***
Hillsong Worship
Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
Skillet
Chris Tomlin

Top Gospel Artist:
Jekalyn Carr
Kirk Franklin***
Travis Greene
Tamela Mann
Hezekiah Walker

ALBUM AWARDS

Top Billboard 200 Album:
Beyoncé “Lemonade”
Drake “Views”***
Rihanna “Anti”
Twenty One Pilots “Blurryface”
The Weeknd “Starboy”

Top Soundtrack/Cast Album:
“Hamilton: An American Musical”***
“Moana”
“Purple Rain”
“Suicide Squad: The Album”
“Trolls”

Top R&B Album:
Beyoncé “Lemonade”***
Bruno Mars “24K Magic”
Frank Ocean “Blonde”
Rihanna “Anti”
The Weeknd “Starboy”

Top Rap Album:
J. Cole “4 Your Eyez Only”
Drake “Views”***
Kevin Gates “Islah”
DJ Khaled “Major Key”
A Tribe Called Quest “We Got It From Here…Thank You 4 Your Service”

Top Country Album:
Jason Aldean “They Don’t Know”
Florida Georgia Line “Dig Your Roots”
Blake Shelton “If I’m Honest”
Chris Stapleton “Traveller”***
Keith Urban “Ripcord”

Top Rock Album:
The Lumineers “Cleopatra”
Metallica “Hardwired…To Self-Destruct”***
Radiohead “A Moon Shaped Pool”
Red Hot Chili Peppers “The Getaway”
Twenty One Pilots “Blurryface”

Top Latin Album:
J Balvin “Energia”
CNCO “Primera Cita”
Juan Gabriel “Los Dúo 2”***
Juan Gabriel “Vestido De Etiqueta: Por Eduardo Magallanes”
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho “Recuerden Mi Estilo”

Top Dance/Electronic Album:
The Chainsmokers “Bouquet (EP)”
The Chainsmokers “Collage (EP)”
Flume “Skin”
Kygo “Cloud Nine”
Lindsey Stirling “Brave Enough”***

Top Christian Album:
Casting Crowns “The Very Next Thing”
Lauren Daigle “How Can It Be”***
Joey + Rory “Hymns”
Hillary Scott & The Scott Family “Love Remains”
Skillet “Unleashed”

Top Gospel Album:
Tamela Mann “One Way”***
Kirk Franklin “Losing My Religion”
Travis Greene “The Hill”
Tasha Cobbs “One Place: Live”
Hezekiah Walker “Better: Azusa – The Next Generation 2”

SONG AWARDS

Top Hot 100 Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey “Closer”***
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring Wizkid & Kyla “One Dance”
Justin Timberlake “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”
Twenty One Pilots “Heathens”

Top Selling Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey “Closer”
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring Wizkid & Kyla “One Dance”
Justin Timberlake “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”***
Twenty One Pilots “Heathens”

Top Radio Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey “Closer”
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring Wizkid & Kyla “One Dance”
Sia Featuring Sean Paul “Cheap Thrills”
Justin Timberlake “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”***

Top Streaming Song (Audio):
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey “Closer”
Drake Featuring Wizkid & Kyla “One Dance”***
D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty “Broccoli”
Rihanna “Needed Me”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk “Starboy”

Top Streaming Song (Video):
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey “Closer”
Desiigner “Panda”***
Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall “JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem)”
Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane “Black Beatles”
Twenty One Pilots “Heathens”

Top Collaboration:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey “Closer”***
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring Wizkid & Kyla “One Dance”
Sia Featuring Sean Paul “Cheap Thrills”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk “Starboy”

Top R&B Song:
Drake Featuring Wizkid & Kyla “One Dance”***
Bruno Mars “24K Magic”
Rihanna “Needed Me”
Rihanna Featuring Drake “Work”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk “Starboy”

Top R&B Collaboration:
Drake Featuring Wizkid & Kyla “One Dance”***
PARTYNEXTDOOR Featuring Drake “Come And See Me”
Rihanna Featuring Drake “Work”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk “I Feel It Coming”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk “Starboy”

Top Rap Song:
Desiigner “Panda”***
Drake “Fake Love”
D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty “Broccoli”
Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert “Bad And Boujee”
Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane “Black Beatles”

Top Rap Collaboration:
D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty “Broccoli”
Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall “JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem)”
Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello “Bad Things”
Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert “Bad and Boujee”
Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane “Black Beatles”***

Top Country Song:
Kenny Chesney Featuring P!NK “Setting The World On Fire”
Florida Georgia Line “H.O.L.Y.”***
Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw “May We All”
Little Big Town “Better Man”
Keith Urban “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

Top Country Collaboration:
Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King “Different For Girls”
Kenny Chesney Featuring P!NK “Setting The World On Fire”**
Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens “Kill A Word”
Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw “May We All”
Chris Young Featuring Vince Gill “Sober Saturday Night”

Top Rock Song:
Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons with Logic & Ty Dolla $ign Feat. X Ambassadors “Sucker For Pain”
Twenty One Pilots “Heathens”***
Twenty One Pilots “Ride”
Twenty One Pilots “Stressed Out”
X Ambassadors “Unsteady”

Top Latin Song:
Daddy Yankee “Shaky Shaky”
Enrique Iglesias Featuring Wisin “Duele El Corazon”
Nicky Jam “Hasta El Amanecer”***
Shakira Featuring Maluma “Chantaje”
Carlos Vives & Shakira “La Bicicleta”

Top Dance/Electronic Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey “Closer”***
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya “Don’t Let Me Down”
Calvin Harris Featuring Rihanna “This Is What You Came For”
Major Lazer Featuring Justin Bieber & MØ “Cold Water”
DJ Snake Featuring Justin Bieber “Let Me Love You”

Top Christian Song:
Lauren Daigle “Trust In You”
Hillary Scott & The Scott Family “Thy Will”***
Skillet “Feel Invincible”
Ryan Stevenson Featuring GabeReal “Eye Of The Storm”
Zach Williams “Chain Breaker”

Top Gospel Song:
Jekalyn Carr “You’re Bigger”
Tasha Cobbs Featuring Kierra Sheard “Put A Praise On It”
Kirk Franklin “Wanna Be Happy?”
Travis Greene “Made A Way”***
Hezekiah Walker “Better”

2017 Billboard Music Awards Photo Highlights

Vanessa Hudgens Fashion at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards

Co-host Vanessa Hudgens changed her outfits several times during the show. Here’s a roundup of her different looks.

2017 Monster Energy Rock Allegiance: lineup and ticket info announced

May 19, 2017

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance

The following is a press release from Monster Energy Rock Allegiance:

The music lineup, along with food and beverage highlights have been announced for the third annual Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the festival’s new location at BB&T Pavilion and Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden, NJ.

The Northeast’s biggest rock experience will feature over 20 bands on three stages, along with mouth-watering, Philly-centric food offerings, regional and national craft beer, band meet-and-greets, autograph signings, and more for fans from around the country to immerse themselves in rock and roll culture.

The current music lineup for Monster Energy Rock Allegiance is as follows: ‪Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Marilyn Manson, Halestorm, Mastodon, Gojira, In This Moment, Steel Panther, August Burns Red, Beartooth, Starset, Radkey, Bleeker, Badflower, DED, While She Sleeps, Black Map, Greta Van Fleet, He Is Legend, Biters, Them Evils, and more to be announced.

Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch said, “Rock Allegiance has become a staple on the U.S. festival circuit. It’s one of the coolest festivals out there for fans to discover new music and see their favorite bands live. We are excited to return this year to see our friends and fans in Philly. Don’t miss it! It will be another great one this year.”

Lzzy Hale of Halestorm commented, “We are so excited about being a part of Rock Allegiance 2017! We’ve been busy writing new music for our next record and have been missing the stage. We cannot wait to see all of you and give a loud offering to the Rock N Roll gods!!”

Tickets for Monster Energy Rock Allegiance will go on sale Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at Noon ET at www.RockAllegiance.com and www.LiveNation.com. See below for ticket purchase options.

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance is proud to support beer entrepreneurship with a celebration of local breweries and specialty drafts hailing from throughout the nation. The initial lineup of regional and national craft beers at Monster Energy Rock Allegiance is as follows: 21st Amendment (San Francisco, CA), Dogfish Head (Milton, DE), Founders (Grand Rapids, MI), Neshaminy Creek (Croydon, PA), Oskar Blues (Longmont, CO), Spellbound (Mount Holly, NJ), Tröegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, PA), Unibroue (Chambly, QC), and Victory Brewing Company (Downington, PA).

The initial food lineup for the festival includes: Baby Blues BBQ, Chickies & Pete’s, Nico’s Pizza and More!, Sum Pig Food Truck, The Cow and The Curd, Trent’s Treats, with many more to be announced.

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents in association with Live Nation.

“We are honored to be working with DWP again as we welcome Rock Allegiance back to the area for its third year,” said Geoff Gordon, Live Nation Philadelphia Regional President. “And we couldn’t be happier that they chose BB&T Pavilion and the Delaware River Waterfront as the festival’s new home.”

General Admission and VIP tickets will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at Noon ET, starting at the following prices:

VIP: $135.00

Reserved: $49.50

General Admission Lawn: $44.50

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance VIP tickets include:

  • Great seats in the 100 level of the Main Stage / Pavilion for the headlining four band performances
  • Commemorative Rock Allegiance 2017 VIP laminate
  • VIP entrance to the festival
  • VIP hang areas on the Battleship New Jersey, Blackbox and BB&T Pavilion lounge (space limited at each area)
  • Exclusive VIP restrooms, special food and beverage offerings (for additional purchase), and exclusive VIP Afterparty on the Battleship New Jersey (space limited).

During the first portion of the festival, all seating will be general admission. For the headlining four bands, the Main Stage/Pavilion will be assigned seating based on the ticket purchased.

Discounted online hotel rates are also available through Curadora. Visit www.RockAllegiance.com for details.

The festival is fueled by Monster Energy. Additional sponsors include FYE, Roadrunner Records, Razor & Tie, Century Media and Another Century, with more to be announced soon.

2017 CMA Music Festival: Fan Fair lineup announced

May 18, 2017

CMA Music Festival logo

The following is a press release from the CMA Music Festival:

CMA Fest 2017 is the hottest ticket in Country Music with more than 353K square feet of air-conditioned fun and entertainment Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11 (9:30 AM-5:00 PM) at Music City Center in downtown Nashville. As CMA Fest’s premiere attraction, Xfinity Fan Fair X is the cornerstone of the fan/artist bonding experience where fans meet rising stars and icons, enjoy concerts, see interactive celebrity panels, and more.

“For 46 years, our guests have traveled to Nashville from near and far to meet their favorite artists,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “What happens inside Fan Fair X is one of a kind and we thank our partners like Xfinity, Radio Disney Country, and Durango for helping us create meaningful moments fans will never forget.”

“Fan Fair X has become a CMA Fest staple, bringing people closer to the Country Music and artists they love,” said Matt Lederer, Executive Director, Partnership Marketing, for Comcast. “It’s also a great opportunity to introduce Country Music fans to all the ways our Xfinity X1 platform seamlessly blends TV, movies, and music into one, easy-to-use experience.”

Xtra Special Xperiences
Xfinity Fan Fair X is bigger than ever, showcasing more than 130 exhibitor booths:

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation will offer dog adoptions daily from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM/CT and features a photo booth and “Puppy Corral.”

  • Snap a photo with the “One Piece At A Time” car – the pieced-together Cadillac inspired by Johnny Cash’s hit song of the same name.
  • Fans age 21 and up can taste Darius Rucker’s Backstage Southern Whiskey and sample a new ONEHOPE Signature Series Wine created with a soon-to-be-revealed CMA Award-winning artist. Every purchase of the new wine will help fund music education programs through the CMA Foundation.
  • Style a fashion-forward Festival outfit with signature pieces from “Fairchild,” a new line of clothing from Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town.

Radio Disney Country Stage

A returning fan favorite inside Xfinity Fan Fair X is the Radio Disney Country Stage, where fans will see some of today’s hottest artists, and discover the brightest up-and-coming stars. Radio Disney Country personality Betsy Spina, Kalie Shorr and Savannah Keyes will emcee the stage, for acoustic performances, artist meet-and-greets, and prize giveaways for fans throughout the four days.  Scheduled appearances include: Bailey Bryan, Lacy Cavalier, CB30, Jessie Chris, Luke Combs, Jacob Davis, Seth Ennis, Farewell Angelina, Hunter Hayes, Walker Hayes, High Valley, Honey County, Keyes, LANCO, Olivia Lane, Levon, LOCASH, Tegan Marie, Mary Sarah, Scotty McCreery, Hayley Orrantia, Carly Pearce, RaeLynn, Savvy & Mandy, Shorr, Alana Springsteen, Lena Stone, Temecula Road, and Michael Tyler.

Martina McBride (Photo courtesy of ABC/Image Group LA)

One of the biggest draws inside Xfinity Fan Fair X is the Artist of the Day, which spotlights Country superstars sharing a glimpse into their careers. Confirmed Artists of the Day include five-time CMA Award winner and Country icon Martina McBride sharing a retrospective of her thriving career over the last 25 years and 14-time CMA Award winner Brad Paisley reflecting on the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards and his nine year consecutive stint as co-host with Executive Producer Robert Deaton.

Hey Bidder, Bidder

Want to take home your favorite Country artist’s coveted piece of stagewear? Or a CMA Awards program book signed by over 20 artists, including Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, and more? Then get ready to place your bet(s) in the CMA Celebrity Auction with 100% of proceeds benefitting the CMA Foundation. High bidders get to take home a piece of Country Music history, as not only a cherished memento, but as an advocate for sustainable music education programs.

Supporting Music Education

CMA Music Festival has always been focused on the relationship between artists and their fans, but the true beneficiaries are the more than 1 million students who now have access to music education programs across the U.S. thanks to the fans who attend CMA Music Festival and the artists who appear for free. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $17.5 million to support music education initiatives from New York City to Los Angeles,
$11 million of which was distributed in Nashville.

CMA Close Up Stage

The most highly anticipated experience inside Fan Fair X is the CMA Close Up Stage where fans get up close and personal with their favorite artists. Highlights include:

  • Listen to Glen Campbell’s farewell album “Adios” and revisit his career-spanning records with the Glen Campbell Studio Experience
  • Deana Carter: Yes, I did shave my legs for this! 20 years of “Strawberry Wine” and personal stories from the road, hosted by Lon Helton
  • CMA Fest Family Feud: Country Stars vs. Reality Stars, including Craig Campbell, Parmalee, Jeannie Seely, Ray Stevens, and Darryl Worley, plus Jessica “Figgy” Figueroa (“Survivor”), Nicole Franzel (“Big Brother”), James Fuertes (“The Bachelorette”), Sheila Kennedy (Big Brother”), and Caleb Reynolds (“Big Brother” and “Survivor”)
  • The making of a mashup: A close up look at CMA’s “Forever Country” starring 30 CMA Award-winning artists, with CMA Award-winning producer Shane McAnally and two-time CMA Award nominee Josh Osborne.
  • Song Suffragettes featuring Jessie James Decker
  • PURE COUNTRY: PURE HEART Pure Music – A look at the music in the new film from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment featuring Kaitlyn Bausch, Mandi Collier, Ronnie Cox, Amanda Detmer, Damon Santostefano, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, and more, moderated by Frankie Pine
  • Kristian Bush and friends, featuring Ryan Kinder and Brandon Ray
  • Eric Paslay: The Songs, The Writers, The Artist
  • “62 years in the making…and still counting” with Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers featuring a Q&A and acoustic performance
  • “Music City Knockout: Where Country Music and Cowboy Culture Intersect” – Professional Bull Riders panel with Bonner Bolton (“Dancing With the Stars”), Cooper Davis, and PBR CEO Sean Gleason, interviewed by Matt West
  • Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride discusses 50 years of music and performs songs from his new album
  • A look into the ‘90s with Danny Shirley of Confederate Railroad, Terry McBride, and Mark Wills
  • A lifetime of music: Ricky Skaggs performance and interview with Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Editor Peter Cooper
  • SESAC songwriters including Restless Road, Stranger Friends, Jake Scherer, and Matthew Szlachetka

Ultimate Fan Experiences Drawing and CMA Fest Fan Access

Fans from around the world gather in Nashville for the chance to meet-and-greet with their favorite artist. Those fan/artist interactions are the highlight of the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience. CMA Music Festival offers that rare perk through a special drawing known as the Ultimate Fan Experiences Drawing.

Of the numerous artists appearing in Fan Fair X over the four-day event, most of the meet-and-greets do not require tickets. In these instances, fans may freely join the line formations for non-ticketed signings.

For chances to win meet-and-greets inside Fan Fair X or access to exclusive performances inside HGTV Lodge, fans must register for CMA Fest Fan Access and then enter the Ultimate Fan Experiences Drawing between Tuesday, May 30 (10:00 AM/CT) and Tuesday, June 1 (10:00 AM/CT).

Fans will be prompted to create an account and complete the online entry form by selecting the artist(s) they would like to meet from the list of ticketed meet-and-greet sessions. Please note: only one account per person is permitted and fans can only be selected once.

Once the form is complete, fans are automatically entered into the random ticket drawing for each artist selected. If drawn, the fan will receive two tickets to that session. Winners will be notified by email and text on Friday, June 2 after 10:00 AM/CT.

CMA Fest Fan Access, presented by Budweiser, unlocks all sorts of perks for Festival-goers, including the chance to win a VIP trip to the 2018 CMA Music Festival and instant prizes from CMA and other participating sponsors.

More than 80 artists are scheduled for meet-and-greets in the CMA Booth including: Lauren Alaina, Kristian Bush, Brandy Clark, Chris Janson, Jana Kramer, Maddie & Tae, McCreery, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Kellie Pickler, Thompson Square, and more.

Durango Music Spot

Another stage packed with boot-stomping fun is the Durango Music Spot, which showcases Festival favorites all four days including: Rex Allen, Jr., Baillie & the Boys, Moe Bandy, Bobby Bare, T. Graham Brown, Johnny Carver, Tommy Cash, Daily & Vincent, Barbara Fairchild, Jimmy Fortune, David Frizzell, Mickey Gilley, Wade Hayes, Hits & Grins, Georgette Jones, Kelly Lang, Ronnie McDowell, Stella Parton, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Johnny Rodriguez, Jeannie Seely, T.G. Sheppard, Sons of the Palomino, and Sylvia.

New this year, the Durango Music Spot will also feature legendary songwriters including Aaron Barker, Rob Crosby, Even Stevens, Jim Lauderdale, Marc Beeson & Andy Albert, Shane Minor, and Tim Nichols.

The Durango Music Spot operates 11:15 AM-4:20 PM/CT and is broadcast live on 650 AM WSM, WSMonline.com, and the 650 AM WSM Official Mobile App. WSM personalities Bill Cody, Eric Marcum, Charlie Mattos, Devon O’Day, Eddie Stubbs, and Mike Terry will emcee. 

Marketplace

The Fan Fair X Marketplace offers a unique shopping experience featuring more than 50 shops and artisans showcasing jewelry, clothing, boots, totes, and many local and regional vendors – the perfect spot for fans to find mementoes for themselves and gifts for a special someone.

Brand Forward
CMA and Nashville-based A3 Merchandise will showcase an expanded product line of unique and trendy Festival apparel and accessories. Items are available for pre-order at http://countrymu.sc/sh17pr for delivery to fans. The shipping cutoff for ordering before CMA Fest is Wednesday, May 31.

Onsite, fans can purchase Festival attire on Level 3 of Music City Center. Official CMA Music Festival merchandise stations are available in locations across the Festival footprint, giving fans quick and easy access to the souvenirs they want.

Entertainment Value: Xfinity Fan Fair X is free to all CMA Music Festival Nightly Concert ticketholders.

Fans who do not have a four-day Festival ticket may purchase a ticket to Fan Fair X at CMAfest.com. Fan Fair X tickets are $10 per day or $25 for a four-day pass. Tickets may also be purchased on-site inside the Music City Center.

New in 2017 is the CMA Fest Nash Pass. Fans can take a tour of Music City with this exciting Nashville bundle including a four-day pass to Xfinity Fan Fair X, admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, plus VIP seating at CMA Fest nightly concerts at Ascend Amphitheater. The Nash Pass is $50 and is available at opry.com/nashpass.

Stay Connected

For upcoming talent announcements and all other info stay connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Instagram.com/CMA, and sign up for CMA Country Connection, CMA’s email newsletter. Fans can also download the 2017 CMA Music Festival mobile app for iPhone or Android to always stay in the know about the latest artist lineups, news, schedule changes, and to plan their Festival experience.

**All artists and schedules are subject to change. Visit CMAfest.com or the CMA Fest app for the latest schedule.**

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of WSM, Incorporated and is used by permission.

XFINITY is Comcast’s residential service brand and is one of the nation’s largest video and high-speed Internet providers, serving customers in 39 states and Washington, D.C. The company provides a full range of products including the Emmy-award winning Xfinity X1 platform, which has changed the way people experience television.

Chris Cornell dead at 52; Soundgarden singer reportedly committed suicide

May 18, 2017

by Carla Hay

Chris Cornell, who was best known as the lead singer/chief songwriter for the rock band Soundgarden, has died at the age of 52. According to an Associated Press report, Cornell apparently hanged himself on May 17, 2017, at the MGM Grand Detroit hotel, where he was found with a band around his neck by a family friend after Cornell’s wife asked the friend to check on Cornell. Soundgarden had performed at the Fox Theatre earlier that night.

The Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office said it completed the preliminary autopsy on Cornell, but that “a full autopsy report has not yet been completed,” according to the Associated Press.

Cornell formed Soundgarden in 1984. The band’s best-known lineup consisted of guitarist Kim Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron and bass player Ben Shepherd. Cameron would go on to become Pearl Jam’s permanent drummer in 1998. Soundgarden, Pearl Jam Nirvana and Alice in Chains would become the four biggest bands to emerge from the Seattle rock music scene in the 1990s, and were considered the leaders of the “grunge rock” movement that was the antithesis of the glam “hair band” movement of the 1980s.

In 1990, Cornell, Cameron, and Pearl Jam members Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament formed the band Temple of the Dog, and released a 1991 self-titled album, a one-off tribute to singer Andrew Wood, the late singer of Mother Love Bone, another Seattle band. In 2016, Temple of the Dog did a short but well-received North American tour, performing songs from the album.

Soundgarden had a string of hits in the 1990s and won two Grammys: one for the song “Spoonman” and the other for “Black Hole Sun,” both from the 1994 album “Superunknown.” Soundgarden disbanded in 1997.

Chris Cornell and wife Vicky Karayiannis the Los Angeles premiere of “The Promise” at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 12, 2017. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Open Road Films/AP Images)

From 2001 to 2007, Cornell was the lead singer of the “supergroup” Audioslave, whose other band members were the former guitarist, drummer and bass player of Rage Against the Machine. In addition to releasing several albums with his bands, Cornell had five solo albums before his death.

Soundgarden reunited in 2010. The band was on a 2017 U.S. tour that was supposed to end on May 27 at Rocklahoma in Pryor, Oklahoma.

In addition to his accomplishments in the music industry, Cornell also made his mark in the film industry. Cornell co-wrote and performed “You Know My Name,” the theme song for the 2006 James Bond film “Casino Royale. He received a Golden Globe nomination for the “The Keeper,” which was in the 2011 film “Machine Gun Preacher.” His last solo release prior to his death was the charity single “The Promise,” from the World War I-era drama “The Promise” that arrived in cinemas in April 2017.

In his personal life, Cornell was open about being a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. Cornell was married twice: his first marriage to  Susan Silver, who used to be the manager of Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, ended in divorce 2004. The former couple had a daughter named Lillian Jean, born in June 2000. With his  second wife, publicist Vicky Karayiannis, Cornell had two children: daughter Toni (born in September 2004), and son Christopher Nicholas (born in December 2005).

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