Friday, July 29, 2011

Carrie Underwood Gets Hot With Brad Paisley in the Desert (Sort of)



Carrie Underwood makes a guest appearance on Brad Paisley's new album, This Is Country Music. For the video shoot for "Remind Me" Carrie and Brad walk romantically toward each other against a desert backdrop. But Carrie holds off on the "lovey, smushy, gushy" finale out of respect for her and Brad's spouses. However she doesn't hold back on her talents, adding her signature voice and style to the video.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Country Roads: Patsy Cline's Home

Country music isn't always about the songs, sometimes it's about the people and the places they come from. Every now an then I'd like to take the time to spotlight a small town that has special meaning to me and the band. This month, I'd like to talk about Winchester, VA. Its Old Town section is adorable and filled with fun shops and cafes. And for really exceptional dining, walk the extra block to One Block West restaurant. Chef Ed will make your taste buds sing as he works magic with all locally grown foods. There's also two Civil War museums and a "George Washington slept here" type musem. If you like festivals, they've two that stand out: the International Children's Festival in early October, and the Apple Blossom Festival in late April. I recommend the fresh apple butter - get some to go!
But the main reason I'd like to feature little 'ol Winchester is because it is the birth place (and resating place) of Patsy Cline. Before there was Taylor or Carrie, or Reba or Shania, or even Dolly - there was Patsy. She was the first true female country star and her influence is till felt today. Every time you feel your heart strings pulled by a great country ballad, that's the echo of Patsy's "Crazy" coming down through the years. And to honor Patsy Cline the nonprofit, Celebrating Patsy Cline Inc., has purchased and renovated Patsy's home in Winchester. The organization will open Patsy's home (where she lived from 1948-1957) at 608 S. Kent St. for public tours starting Tuesday, August 2nd. No word yet on whether they'll feature Waliking After Midnight tours, but you can call for details at 540-662-5555.
-Cousin Barbie

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Kevin Fowler REALLY Likes Beer!

One of our favorite local Texans is bubbling to the top! Kevin Fowler's new video for his song, Hell Yeah, I Like Beer is the current most played video on CMT. Although this song won't make you think, it might make you do something that rhymes. So after a hard day of work, grab your favorite beverage and have a toast with our friend Kevin Fowler! (I wonder if he happens to like our personal favorite:

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Vince Gill Gets His Due

The Grand Ole Opry is hosting a special concert to honor Vince Gill for 20 years as an Opry member. Or as Vince puts it, he'll be honored for being "part of a really special family for 20 years." As you might guess from my band's name, I'm partial to all things family. And I'm as excited as can be that members of Vince's musical family will be on hand to help honor him. The amazing Emmylou Harris, Martina McBride, John Anderson and The Time Jumpers will all help celebrate Vince at the Opry on Saturday, August 13th at 7pm. In addition, members of his real life family, wife Amy Grant and daughter Jenny Gill will also be on hand to honor the man in their life. For those of you who are new to country (or too young to remember), here's a few highlights from Vince's career:
     22 Top 10 country singles
     over 22 millions records sold worldwide
     20 Grammy Awards (more than any other male country artist)
     18 CMA awards (more than any other artist)
     over 70 total music awards as a singer, musician, and songwriter
But just as impressive to me is the fact that Vince Gill still takes time to work with and encourage today's new country artists. That's what we mean when we talk about country music being one big family. And I hope Vince's family continues to grow!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Let Your VOICE Be Heard!

Hey all you shower singers and car crooners, Here's your big chance for your big break. Auditions for season 2 of The Voice are coming to Nashville! So warm up your pipes and head to Municipal Auditorium this Friday and Saturday, July 29th and 30th to wow the crowd. But first, you MUST register online to receive your pass to gain entry to the auditions. Helpful hint for you lady songbirds - Don't sing anything by Miranda Lambert! Blake Shelton clearly prefers the original.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Song of the Week

Kelly Pickler is still tough. The first time I saw Kelly perform live, it was on an outdoor fairground stage. The weather was horrible and the wind nearly blew poor Kelly offstage. But she kept belting out songs with the same heart and energy as if she were playing the Grand Ole Opry. She proved to me how tough she was then. She's proving it again with the release of her new single, Tough.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Colt Ford Rides to the Rescue

There are two reasons why I love country music. The first one is obviously the music. But second reason is the people. I am constantly amazed by the kindness and generosity of country artists. Colt Ford is the latest example. When he heard that two police officers in his hometown of Athens, GA were gunned down in the line of duty he set out to raise funds for the families of the officers. His benefit concert, which includes Jason Aldean, Edwin McCain and several other musical guests will take place on August 16th at the Georgia Theater. If your in the neighborhood and want to support a very worthy cause, please pick up tickets at the Georgia Theater website.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

USO Homefront Concert

A historic USO Homefront Concert honors America’s National Guard and all US troops worldwide. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, there’s just not enough we can do to honor and support the brave men and women who serve in the US armed forces. Montgomery Gentry, however, will try their best by headlining the first ever USO concert on American soil. The concert is this coming Tuesday, July 26th at 7pm EST. The concert will be held at the KFC YUM! Center in Louisville, KY. It will also be broadcast live via internet on the pentagonchannel.com. You can check out the details at the official USO Homefront Concert Facebook Page. So give a cheer for Montgomery Gentry, and three cheers for the USA!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Nashville Notes


For those of us who just can't get enough of Miranda Lambert (and aren't named Blake,) here's a sneak peak at one of her new songs - snagged by a fan at her recent concert in South Carolina. The song is called, "Baggage Claim" and it's either a final goodbye to some former boyfriend or a serious wake up call to future hubby Blake Shelton.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Nashville Notes

It's a better day in the world of country music now that Dolly Parton is on tour again! For many of us women country singers, the whole reason we sing can be answered with the single word, "Dolly." She is taking her enormous talents (musical and otherwise) on a world wide tour in support of her new album, Better Day. She kicked off the tour this past Sunday in Knoxville, TN. It's appropriate that she begins this tour so close to her musical and spiritual home. It's also appropriate that this tour is world wide to indicate how far she's come since her humble beginnings in the Smokies. We can't wait to see her and bask in the glow of a true living legend!

Song of the Week

It didn't take Ronnie Dunn long to continue his career after bidding goodbye to "Kix" Brooks. And although I'll miss Brooks and Dunn as a team, I look forward to hearing Ronnie's solo efforts. His first single, Cost of Livin' offers a subdued look at today's economy. Not the cheeriest subject, but Ronnie makes you feel the reality behind the headlines with warmth and honesty. That's why "Cost of Livin'" is this week's featured song. Welcome back Ronnie!