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Academy of Country Music Announces Special Award Honorees

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® ANNOUNCES SPECIAL AWARD HONOREES
KELSEA BALLERINI, ERIC CHURCH, TOBY KEITH, BOB KINGSLEY, REBA McENTIRE, “NASHVILLE,” WILLIE NELSON, DOLLY PARTON, SHEL SILVERSTEIN AND GEORGE STRAIT

ACM HONORS™ TV SPECIAL TO TAPE AUGUST 23RD
FOR BROADCAST AT A LATER DATE ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
FOR 2ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

 

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.

About ACM Honors:
ACM Honors™ is an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the Academy of Country Music Awards, including the Special Awards, Studio Recording Awards and Songwriter of the Year Award winners. The 11th Annual ACM Honors takes place Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and will be produced for television by dick clark productions to be broadcast at a later date (date to be announced) on the CBS Television Network. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, R.A. Clark, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are executive producers. Pete Fisher and Tiffany Moon are executive producers for the Academy of Country Music.

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KISS Brings Freedom to Rock to Laughlin Event Center

 

KISS BRINGS FREEDOM TO ROCK TO
LAUGHLIN EVENT CENTER, APRIL 22

 

KISS, known for their face paint, crazy stage outfits and outrageously entertaining concert performances, will bring their Freedom to Rock tour to the Laughlin Event Center. Widely accepted as one of the most influential rock bands of all time, KISS will stop in Laughlin on April 22.

 

Over the course of their 40 years, the band has released numerous chart topping songs, record-breaking global tours, award-winning albums and countless other accolades and unforgettable performances. They have released 44 albums and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. In 2014, KISS was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and received the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ most prestigious Founders Award in 2015.

Tickets for the concert start at $69 and can be purchased at www.laughlineventcenter.com.

 

The Laughlin Event Center is home to top-tier concerts, festivals, bull riding, rodeos and more. The open-air amphitheater, which was completed in February 2014, contains modular sections that can be added or removed to accommodate all forms of entertainment. Notable artists such as Dolly Parton, Reba, Ramon Ayala, Dierks Bentley, Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith have previously taken the stage to wow fans.

 

When:
Saturday, April 22
Concert starts at 8 p.m.

 

Where:
Laughlin Event Center
500 E Bruce Woodbury Dr.
Laughlin, Nev. 89029

About Laughlin
Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is a unique resort destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that welcomes nearly two million visitors annually. This oasis along the Colorado River has grown to include nine resorts with affordable first-class accommodations, live entertainment, fine dining, spa experiences, golf courses, the recreational paradise known as North Reach Trail and a multitude of water activities. Laughlin has also become a leading special-event destination in the Southwest, offering everything from an eight-mile inner tube float on the Colorado River to the largest motorcycle rally in the West. For more information: www.visitlaughlin.com.

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JUST ANNOUNCED: Jamey Johnson at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

STAGECOACH SPOTLIGHT TOUR:
JAMEY JOHNSON
With MARGO PRICE and BRENT COBB

 Friday, April 28

Tickets on sale Friday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. PST

 

 

Alabama native and acclaimed singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson will take the stage at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas in The Linq Promenade on Friday, April 28 at 8:30 p.m. The Nashville-based country superstar makes a Stagecoach Spotlight stop before heading to California to play night two of Stagecoach, California’s Country Music Festival.

 

Johnson funded his early music career by running his own construction company and performing in Nashville nightspots, landing his first recording contract in 2005. Following a well documented period of darkness after losing his record deal and going through a difficult divorce, Johnson found solace in the creative process and, particularly, life on the road.

 

“The road is where it’s at. I love it,” notes Johnson on his website. “That’s where you take country music. You don’t get the message out there by sitting at the house. I go out there and meet the people. When I come back home to make an album, I don’t want you to second-guess me. I’m telling you what is the right thing, because I’m the guy out there shaking their hands every night.”

 

Johnson’s emotions and understanding of the struggles faced by all drive his music to both ends of the spectrum. From “By the Seat of Your Pants” to “That’s How I Don’t Love You,” Johnson’s lyrics take listeners on a familiar journey sure to resonate with everyone in his audience.

 

Johnson has shared the stage with country legends like Hank Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson and has been one of the few country acts invited to play some of the largest pop music festivals in America. He recently performed along with Alabama, Kenny Rogers, Rodney Atkins, Montgomery Gentry, Ricky Skaggs and others at the tribute to the life and career of Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting act Margo Price grew up in Aledo, IL. Through a voice reminiscent of Loretta Lynn mixed with the soul of Janis Joplin, Price uses her album “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” to recant stories of hardship and loss with a tone of elegance and a new understanding. Fans can expect high-energy honesty in the intimate Brooklyn Bowl setting.

 

Opener Brent Cobb’s album “Shine on Rainy Day” was produced by cousin David Cobb and, similar to Price, is reminiscent of his upbringing in Ellaville, GA. “It just is Georgia,” notes Cobb. “It’s just that rural, easy-going way it feels down there on a nice spring evening when the wind’s blowing warm and you smell wisteria, you know?”

 

Doors for Jamey Johnson with Margo Price and Brent Cobb at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas open at 7:30 p.m. This show is for ages 18+. Venue presale tickets are available starting at $35 on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. PT using password “ALABAMA.” General admission tickets start at $45 (plus applicable service fees) and are on sale to the public on Friday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. PST at the Brooklyn Bowl box office, by calling 877.987.6487 or online at http://ticketf.ly/2lczVQy.

 

For more information on Jamey Johnson please visit https://www.jameyjohnson.com/  or Facebook or Twitter. For more information on Margo Price please visit http://margoprice.net/ or Facebook or Twitter. For more information on Brent Cobb please visit http://www.brentcobbmusic.com/ or Facebook or Twitter.

 

 

About Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas boasts three levels spanning over 80,000 square feet and is one of the largest performance venues of its class in America. Early on, People Magazine projected the venue as “on the fast path to being Vegas’ über cool place” and in 2015, Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas cracked the top 20 in Pollstar’s Top 200 Club Venues for Worldwide Ticket Sales. Since, Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas has been voted “Best Music Venue” in the 2016 Las Vegas Weekly “Best of Vegas” issue, “Best Music Booking” by Vegas Seven magazine and “Best Live Music Venue” in Desert Companion’s “Best of the City.”

 

Located on The LINQ Promenade, the open-air district in the center of the Las Vegas Strip, the multi-dimensional space boasts 32 lanes of bowling, six on-site bars and rockin’ comfort food by the world-renowned Bromberg Brothers’ Blue Ribbon Restaurants, including their iconic Fried Chicken celebrated on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” On any given night, more than 2,000 concertgoers can enjoy live music programming from the general admission area, the luxurious bowlers’ lounges adjacent to the lanes, or the private lounge boxes overlooking it all. Since opening in March 2014, Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas has seen notable performances by Bryson Tiller, Jack White, Disclosure, Alabama Shakes, Modest Mouse, Chance the Rapper, Robert Plant, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Roots and Jane’s Addiction.

 

For real-time show announcements and the latest information direct to you, follow Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For the most up-to-date show lineup, or to schedule your next event at Brooklyn Bowl, visit www.brooklynbowl.com/las-vegas/. If you would like to be added to our email list for first information about upcoming shows email LasVegasNewsletter@BrooklynBowl.com.

 

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Alan Jackson to Perform Greatest Hits at Laughlin Event Center

 

 

Alan Jackson to perform greatest hits
at laughlin event center, feb. 25

 

Country singer and songwriter Alan Jackson is revered as one of the best-selling male vocalists of all time, in all genres. The “singer of simple songs” will perform more than 60 singles, including “Livin’ on Love,” “Drive” and “Good Time” at the Laughlin Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 25.

 

Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. His extensive career has resulted in more than 150 music industry awards, consisting of 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, Grammys and many others. The country star has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide, earning his placement as one of the top 10 country artists of all-time. Jackson is also a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as the Grand Ole Opry.

 

Tickets for the concert start at $40 and can be purchased at www.laughlineventcenter.com.

The Laughlin Event Center is home to top-tier concerts, festivals, bull riding, rodeos and more. The open-air amphitheater, which was completed in February 2014, contains modular sections that can be added or removed to accommodate all forms of entertainment. Notable artists such as Dolly Parton, Reba, Ramon Ayala, Dierks Bentley, Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith have previously taken the stage to wow fans.

 


When:
Saturday, Feb. 25
Concert starts at 8 p.m.

 


Where:
Laughlin Event Center
500 E Bruce Woodbury Dr.
Laughlin, Nev. 89029

 

Contact:
Allie Edwards, R&R Partners
702.318.4289
Allie.Edwards@rrpartners.com

 

About Laughlin
Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is a unique resort destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that welcomes nearly two million visitors annually. This oasis along the Colorado River has grown to include nine resorts with affordable first-class accommodations, live entertainment, fine dining, spa experiences, golf courses, the recreational paradise known as North Reach Trail and a multitude of water activities. Laughlin has also become a leading special-event destination in the Southwest, offering everything from an eight-mile inner tube float on the Colorado River to the largest motorcycle rally in the West. For more information: www.visitlaughlin.com.

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Garth Brooks Joins Lineup For February 8 Tribute To Randy Travis

GARTH BROOKS JOINS LINEUP FOR FEBRUARY 8 TRIBUTE TO RANDY TRAVIS

Tickets On Sale Now to 1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time: A Heroes and Friends Tribute to Randy Travis

Joining the star-studded tribute to Randy Travis on February 8, 2017, will be CMA Entertainer of the Year, Garth Brooks. Tickets for the historic night are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena Box Office.

“Mary and I are so blessed to have amazing friends all over this industry. Garth Brooks is an amazing artist who always entertains everyone in the house, I am humbled by his involvement,” said Travis.

The event, titled 1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time: A Heroes and Friends Tribute to Randy Travis, will also feature performances from over 30 artists including Alabama, Rodney Atkins, Kane Brown, Mark Chesnutt, James Dupre, Jeff Foxworthy, Montgomery Gentry, Ben Haggard, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss, Neal McCoy, Scotty McCreery, William Michael Morgan, Joe Nichols, Paul Overstreet, Shane Owens, Michael Ray, Collin Raye, Ricky Skaggs, Kenny Rogers, Daryle Singletary, Michael W. Smith, The Bellamy Brothers, The Randy Travis Band, Ricky Traywick, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner, Phil Vassar, Chuck Wicks, Wynonna, Chris Young with more still to be announced.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Randy Travis Foundation; a 501(c)3 non-profit that raises money for stroke research and rehabilitation.

In October, Randy Travis was officially inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame. The multi-platinum country giant suffered a massive stroke in 2013 and has since made miraculous strides towards recovery. He recently sang “Amazing Grace” at his Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony as well as the tagline to his iconic “Forever and Ever, Amen” at the 2016 CMA Awards in November alongside numerous country legends and stars.

1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time: A Heroes and Friends Tribute to Randy Travis is produced by Mary Travis along with Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group /Ontourage Management , Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts of Tennessee, Inc. who is also the promoter of the event and Kirt Webster of Webster and Associates.

About Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks recently won Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards for a fifth time, a first for any artist. He is also the first artist in history to receive 7 Diamond awards for the now seven albums certified by the RIAA at over 10 million album sales each and remains the #1-selling solo artist in U.S. history certified by the RIAA with over 138 million album sales. He has received every accolade the recording industry can bestow on an artist. Garth has been inducted into the International Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and most recently, the Musicians Hall of Fame.

Garth is currently on the three year Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood. The tour began with 11 sold out shows at the Allstate Arena in Chicago. The tour is smashing records previously held by such acts as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and even Garth Brooks. In two years the tour is approaching 5 MILLION tickets sold, making it the biggest tour in the world.

Garth has also launched Inside Studio G, a weekly Facebook Live series. It airs every Monday on Garth’s Facebook page at 7:00 PM EDT.

 

You can follow him at:
facebook.com/GarthBrooks
twitter.com/garthbrooks
instagram.com/garthbrooks

About Randy Travis
With lifetime sales in excess of 20 million, Randy Travis is one of the biggest country record sellers of all time and the most recent inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. His honors include seven Grammy Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music statuettes, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, seven Music City News awards, eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association and five Country Music Association honors. In addition, three of his performances earned CMA Song of the Year honors, “On the Other Hand” (1986), “Forever and Ever Amen” (1987) and “Three Wooden Crosses” (2003). To date, he has 18 No. 1 singles, 29 top-10 smashes and more than 40 appearances in feature films and television shows to his credit. Ten of his albums are Gold Records. Eight are Platinum. Two have gone Double Platinum. One is Triple Platinum and another is Quintuple Platinum. In 2004, Randy was honored with his own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is honored on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, TN. He has been a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry since 1986. Since his near fatal stroke in 2013, with the help of his wife Mary and vigorous physical therapy, Randy continues to make improvements in his speaking, walking, and yes, singing.

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Amerimonte Records Recording Artist Shane Owens Song “Chicken Truck” Premieres On SiriusXM Outlaw Country Ch. 60

AMERIMONTE RECORDS RECORDING ARTIST SHANE OWENS SONG “CHICKEN TRUCK” PREMIERES ON SIRIUSXM OUTLAW COUNTRY CH. 60

album

Debut Album “Where I’m Comin’ From” Available for Pre-order Now

One of 2016’s fastest rising stars, Shane Owens’ song “Chicken Truck,” featuring country legend John Anderson, premiered on SiriusXM Outlaw Country’s Hillbilly Jim’s Moonshine Matinee. Owens’ highly-anticipated debut album, Where I’m Comin’ From, will be available through digital retailers beginning December 9. Click here to pre-order Where I’m Comin’ From. Each album pre-order on iTunes will instantly receive “Chicken Truck” and the extended version of “Where I’m Comin’ From.”

“Chicken Truck,” originally recorded by John Anderson in 1981, reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. “I have always looked up to John Anderson. When it came time to put the album together I wanted to include “Chicken Truck.” The song is as country as it gets and speaks to me being from Alabama! I am honored that he agreed to join me on the track, I hope everyone loves the song as much as I do” said Owens.

Former WWE superstar Hillbilly Jim and his good-for-nothing cousin Spike have set up a white lightin’ still in Mudlick, Ky. to serve up 200 proof country and southern-fried rock & roll every weekend.

“I’ve been hosting the Moonshine Matinee on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel going on now for over 11 years. Every now and again an artist will come along and grab my attention and Shane Owens is one of those guys. His music and vocal style is very reminiscent of guys like, George Strait, Keith Whitley and George Jones. Shane Owens is the real deal and him covering a John Anderson classic such as Chicken Truck, I mean really, how can you go wrong,” said Jim “Hillbilly Jim” Morris.

To learn more about Shane Owens, visit ShaneOwensCountry.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

shane-owens1

Shane Owens on Tour
Oct. 29 – Hangar 33 – Level Plains, Ala.
Nov. 05 – Greater Gulf State Fair – Mobile, Ala.
Nov. 09 – National Peanut Festival – Dothan, Ala.
Nov. 10 – Cherokee Casino – Roland, Okla.
Nov. 11 – North Florida Fair – Tallahassee, Fla.
Nov. 12 – Bayfest – Freeport, Fla.
Nov. 18 – Sylvia’s Bar – Pelham, Ga.
Nov. 19 – Malone Pecan Festival – Malone, Fla.
Dec. 03 – Doo-Dah’s Bar & Grill – Albany, Ga.
Dec. 09 – Santobe’s – Thomasville, Ga.
Dec. 16 – Holiday Spectacular – Newton, Ala.
Dec. 17 – Byrd’s Nest – Eufaula, Ala.

shane-owens

About Shane Owens
A fan of Country Music long before he became an artist, Shane Owens has been building a strong following in nightclubs across the Southeast for more than a decade. His powerful vocal range combined with the emotional lyrical content of his songs has made him a favorite of fans, critics, and his fellow artists alike. After starting his career by opening shows for dozens of major stars in the mid-2000s, the baritone performer attracted the attention of Nashville music executives, and he soon landed a record deal. However, with all the changes in the music industry at the time, his album was shelved and never released. Just like the ‘Never Give Up’ mantra of his lyrics, Owens picked himself up and moved on, thanks to famed producer James Stroud (Tim McGraw, Aaron Lewis, Clint Black), who produced his new album, Where I’m Comin’ From with Country Music legend Randy Travis and industry executive Steve Popovich, Jr. as executive producers and mixed by Ed Seay (Blake Shelton, Martina McBride, Alabama). For more information about Shane Owens, visit www.ShaneOwensCountry.com.

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Amerimonte Records Recording Artist Shane Owens Releases Debut Album ‘Where I’m Comin’ From’ On December 9

AMERIMONTE RECORDS RECORDING ARTIST SHANE OWENS RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM WHERE I’M COMIN’ FROM ON DECEMBER 9

s_ownes

Owens Receives Help from Country Music Icon Randy Travis on New Project

Critics and fans alike have been raving about Shane Owens’ highly anticipated debut album, Where I’m Comin’ From, citing the traditional-based artist as one – who like George Jones sang about in his classic song – just might be able to fill the shoes of legends such as “The Possum” and Merle Haggard. The Amerimonte Records recording artist received a ringing endorsement along those lines from Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Randy Travis – who lent his production talents to the album.

“Shane’s song, “Country Never Goes Out of Style,” is a simple and perfect description of what country living and country music is all about.” said Travis in reference to Shane’s current single, which is going for adds at radio stations across the country. “In listening to it, I can’t help but reminisce about the best days of my youth and life in simpler times—when technology was a phone with a cord and a party line, transportation was a bicycle, a horse, or a hand-me-down car with manual windows, and taking the initiative to help someone in need was your pleasure and just the way it was. Though much has changed, I think it’s important to keep a focus on our roots—it is a way of life that should never go out of style. Shane has successfully merged yesterday, and today, to remind us that country will always be in style!”

James Stroud, who produced the album, has blazed trails for country superstars such as Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Clint Black, Aaron Lewis, Chris Young and many more during his career. Among Stroud’s credits include having produced over 130 No. 1 singles. The album Where I’m Comin From will be available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon beginning on October 21 and available for purchase on December 9 in select retailers nationwide through Memphis, TN based distributor, Select-O-Hits. Click here to download Shane’s current single, “Country Never Goes Out Of Style.”

shane-owens-cover

“Country music fans have been yearning for an artist like Shane Owens,” said Steve Popovich Jr., President Amerimonte Records. “There’s a perception out there that traditional Country music is dead and I can assure you that’s not the case. This album is going to surprise a lot of people, and I mean that in a good way. Shane Owens is delivering a style of traditional Country music that Country music enthusiasts both here and abroad have been craving for a long time. I think fans of the genre will be pleased to know that style of Country music is alive and well.”

“When I first heard Shane, I knew there was something special there,” said his publicist Kirt Webster. “His vocal stylings bring to mind the music that I – and so many others grew up on. His energy on stage is also a huge plus, but the most important element of the Shane Owens story is that in just being around him, you can tell how much he enjoys what he is doing. He is going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

In the past year, Shane Owens has released two nationally promoted music videos which impacted almost every major DMA in the US and also included significant airplay in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Videos are currently available on CMT.com and are currently being aired on The Country Network (33 million households), AXS-TV (45 million households), Great American Country (63 million households) and The Heartland Network (18 million households).

Where I’m Comin’ From Track Listing
Where I’m Comin’ From
All The Beer In Alabama
Country Boy Can
Blame It On A Woman
Alcohol Of Fame
Country Never Goes Out Of Style
God and The Ground She Walked On
Chicken Truck feat. John Anderson
Nashville You Ain’t Hollywood
19
Where I’m Comin’ From (Extended)

“Wow. What a singer. Somewhere, Keith Whitley is smiling, because this guy has the phrasing of a great, timeless country stylist.”
-Country Music Historian, Robert K. Oermann

To learn more about Shane Owens visit ShaneOwensCountry.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Shane Owens on Tour
Oct. 01 – Jake’s on the Clarion – Dothan, Ala.
Oct. 02 – Bethelehem High School – Bonifay, Fla.
Oct. 06 – Whiskey Bend – Knoxville, Tenn.
Oct. 08 – Runaway Bay – Panama City, Fla.
Oct. 15 – Graceville Harvest Fest – Graceville, Fla.
Oct. 29 – Hangar 33 – Level Plains, Ala.
Nov. 05 – Greater Gulf State Fair – Mobile, Ala.
Nov. 11 – North Florida Fair – Tallahassee, Fla.
Nov. 09 – National Peanut Festival – Dothan, Ala.
Nov. 10 – Cherokee Casino – Roland, Okla.
Nov. 12 – Bayfest – Freeport, Fla.
Nov. 18 – Sylvia’s Bar – Pelham, Ga.
Nov. 19 – Malone Pecan Festival – Malone, Fla.
Dec. 03 – Doo-Dah’s Bar & Grill – Albany, Ga.
Dec. 09 – Santobe’s – Thomasville, Ga.
Dec. 16 – Holiday Spectacular – Newton, Ala.
Dec. 17 – Byrd’s Nest – Eufaula, Ala.

shane-owens1

About Shane Owens
A fan of Country Music long before he became an artist, Shane Owens has been building a strong following in nightclubs across the Southeast for more than a decade. His powerful vocal range combined with the emotional lyrical content of his songs has made him a favorite of fans, critics, and his fellow artists alike. After starting his career by opening shows for dozens of major stars in the mid-2000s, the baritone performer attracted the attention of Nashville music executives, and he soon landed a record deal. However, with all the changes in the music industry at the time, his album was shelved and never released. Just like the ‘Never Give Up’ mantra of his lyrics, Owens picked himself up and moved on, thanks to famed producer James Stroud (Tim McGraw, Aaron Lewis, Clint Black), who produced his new album, Where I’m Comin’ From with Country Music legend Randy Travis and industry executive Steve Popovich, Jr. as executive producers and mixed by Ed Seay (Blake Shelton, Martina McBride, Alabama). For more information about Shane Owens, visit www.ShaneOwensCountry.com.

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Miranda Lambert Brings Little Red Wagon to Laughlin Event Center

Laughlin

 

 

Miranda Lambert Brings Little Red Wagon To Laughlin Event Center
With Special Guest Courtney Cole

 

 Miranda Lambert will bring her history-making hits and Southern charm to the Laughlin Event Center on May 6 at 8 p.m. The singer-songwriter will perform songs from her recent album “Platinum” and fan favorites from her other albums at the only Nevada stop of her Keeper of the Flame tour.

Miranda Lambert

Miranda is the reigning lady of country music with an astounding 23 Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards, the most ever awarded to a solo female. Earlier this month, Miranda was named Female Vocalist of the Year by the ACM’s, an honor awarded to her for seven consecutive years, as well as a Vocal Event of the Year award for her collaboration on “Smokin’ and Drinkin.’” Miranda made history again with the release of her fourth album, which debuted atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, the first artist in the 47-year history of the chart to have each of her first four albums debut at number one. She is also the first woman to win the Album of the Year award twice from the Country Music Association.

 

Special guest Courtney Cole will be joining Miranda on the Laughlin stop of the tour.

 

Tickets start at $43 and can be purchased at www.visitlaughlin.com.

 

Upcoming shows at the Laughlin Event Center include:

  • Kid Rock on May 21
  • Brad Paisley on June 18
  • Hank Williams Jr. on Sept. 24

 

The Laughlin Event Center is home to an array of concerts and other special events throughout the year. This multi-event center offers top-tier concerts, festivals, bull riding, rodeos and more. The open-air amphitheater, which was completed in February 2014, contains modular sections that can be added or removed to accommodate all forms of entertainment. Notable artists such as Reba, Ramon Ayala, Dierks Bentley, Alabama, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith have previously taken the stage to wow fans.

 

When:             Friday, May 6

8 p.m.

 

Where:            Laughlin Event Center

500 E Bruce Woodbury Dr.

Laughlin, NV 89029

 

Contact:         Tamara Rocha, R&R Partners

702.318.4204

Tamara.Rocha@rrpartners.com

 

###

 

 

About Laughlin

Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is a unique resort destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that welcomes nearly 2 million visitors annually. This oasis along the Colorado River has grown to include nine resorts with affordable first-class accommodations, live entertainment, fine dining, spa experiences, golf courses, the recreational paradise known as North Reach Trail and a multitude of water activities. Laughlin has also become a leading special-event destination in the Southwest, offering everything from an eight-mile inner tube float on the Colorado River to the largest motorcycle rally in the West. For more information: www.visitlaughlin.com.

 

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Big and Rich Join Golden Nugget Las Vegas NFR Lineup Dec. 4

golden nugget

Big and Rich Join Golden Nugget Las Vegas NFR Lineup Dec. 4

Tickets on sale now!

 

 

Country music duo Big and Rich join this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo entertainment line-up at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas.

 

12/3: Tanya Tucker

12/4: Big and Rich

12/5: Trace Adkins

 

 12/6: Terri Clark

12/7 – 12/8: Merle Haggard

12/9: LeAnn Rimes

 

 12/10 -12/11: Alabama

 

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Big Kenny and John Rich began their music careers in the late 90’s and released their first album, Horse of a Different Color, in 2004. Their biggest hits include “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” “8th of November,” and “Lost in this Moment.”

 

Big and Rich have been nominated for Country Music Association Awards Vocal Duo of the Year, American Country Music Awards Top Vocal Duo and Country Music Television Music Awards Duo Video of the Year for “That’s Why I Pray.” Big and Rich also received a Ride of Fame in New York City in 2014. The Ride of Fame included several mobile monuments honoring public figures.

 

All concerts will be held in The Grand Event Center following the rodeo at 10 p.m. each night. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.goldennugget.com or by calling 866-946-5336. Select shows start at $19 plus tax and service fees. For room availability, call 800-634-3454 or visit www.goldennugget.com.

 

 

big and rich

ABOUT GOLDEN NUGGET LAS VEGAS

The Golden Nugget Las Vegas is the most luxurious resort on the Fremont Street Experience, and consistently receives critical acclaim for exceeding customer expectations. The Golden Nugget now offers more than 2,400 deluxe guestrooms and suites; a high-energy casino featuring the most popular slot and video poker machines, table games, race and sports book, and poker room; nightly entertainment with master impressionist and comedian Gordie Brown; world-class restaurants such as Grotto Italian Ristorante, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Claim Jumper and Cadillac Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar; a luxury spa and salon; and The Tank, a year-round outdoor swimming pool complete with a 200,000 gallon, live shark aquarium and the new H20 poolside lounge. Since 2005, the Golden Nugget Las Vegas has made more than $300 million in upgrades, renovations and expansions under Landry’s, Inc, introducing first-class accommodations, exquisite dining options and fun-filled entertainment venues. Throughout the upgrades, the Golden Nugget Las Vegas unveiled the Rush Tower in 2009, brought Las Vegas its first Chart House Restaurant and introduced a beautiful new pool, The Hideout, as well as expanded the gaming, entertainment and retail options at the luxury resort.  In 2014, the Golden Nugget invested $15 million in renovating the Gold Tower adding modern designs consistent with the upscale Rush Tower and invested $6.5 million transforming the Conference Center into a modern business space. Hotel reservations and additional information are available by calling 800-634-3454 or by visiting online at www.goldennugget.com.

 

About the Wrangler NFR

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), considered the world’s premier rodeo, features 10 straight days of the best in rodeo competition, with a total of 120 contestants competing every night in seven events. Each December, the top 15 contestants, based on the PRCA World Standings, in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. www.prorodeo.com

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OVER 20 PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 50TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS®

acm 50

50TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS® ANNOUNCES OVER
20 PRESENTERS FOR COUNTRY MUSIC’S PARTY OF THE YEAR®TROY AIKMAN, BETH BEHRS, CLINT BLACK, LEE BRICE, KELLY CLARKSON,
BRETT ELDREDGE, BRANTLEY GILBERT, MICKEY GUYTON, HUNTER HAYES,
MISS AMERICA 2015 KIRA KAZANTSEV, TAYA KYLE, DR. PHIL MCGRAW, JUSTIN MOORE, NANCY O’DELL, JAKE OWEN, THOMAS RHETT, TONY ROMO, DARIUS RUCKER, STEVEN TYLER, KEITH URBAN, SOFIA VERGARA, REESE WITHERSPOON, JASON WITTEN, TRISHA YEARWOOD, DWIGHT YOAKAM, ALABAMA AND BIG & RICH ADDED TO PRESENT

BROADCAST LIVE FROM AT&T STADIUM IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

 

The Academy of Country Music® and dick clark productions announced today that Troy Aikman, Beth Behrs, Clint Black, Lee Brice, Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Brantley Gilbert, Mickey Guyton, Hunter Hayes, Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev, Taya Kyle, Dr. Phil McGraw, Justin Moore, Nancy O’Dell, Jake Owen, Thomas Rhett, Tony Romo, Darius Rucker, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, Sofia Vergara, Reese Witherspoon, Jason Witten, Trisha Yearwood, Dwight Yoakam, Alabama, and Big & Rich have been added as presenters for the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music’s Party of the Year. The ceremony, co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, will be broadcast LIVE from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8:00 PM – 11:30PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Previously announced performers for the star-studded event include Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Reba, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, special duets by Christina Aguilera with surprise artists as well as Nick Jonas with Dan + Shay plus Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell, the nominees for New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl’s.

Tickets for the 50th ACM Awards® are available at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets to the ACM Awards sold out last spring in a record 18 minutes, but as staging changes became final for the telecast, seats to the previously SOLD OUT Awards have been added. For more information on the ACM Awards and all ACM events, visit www.ACMcountry.com, like us on Facebook, Instagram or follow us on Twitter at @ACMawards for more immediate updates.

About the Academy of Country Music Awards
The 50th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry.  The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will broadcast LIVE from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, R.A. Clark, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are executive producers.  Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

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ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP AND SPECIAL COLLABORATIONS

acm superstar duets
ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL
ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP AND SPECIAL COLLABORATIONS FOR
“ACM PRESENTS: SUPERSTAR DUETS”
APRIL 17 – APRIL 18 AT GLOBE LIFE PARK IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS“ACM PRESENTS: SUPERSTAR DUETS” TO AIR FRIDAY, MAY 15
ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Ticket Packages Including ACM Awards on Sale Now at Ticketmaster.com

 

The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions announced the full lineup of country music luminaries and chart-topping artists who will perform together on “ACM Presents: Superstar Duets” and make up the evening portion of the 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival.

Performances at the two-day outdoor music festival celebrating the 50th ACM Awards will begin at 7:30pm on Friday, April 17 and continue Saturday, April 18 on the Main Stage inside of Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX. A two-hour special including performances from the event will air on Friday, May 15 on the CBS Television Network.

Friday’s lineup will include special collaborations by Alabama & Eli Young Band, Brooks & Dunn & Reba, Darius Rucker & Sara Evans, Dierks Bentley & Kip Moore & Ashley Monroe, Dwight Yoakam & Sam Hunt, and Luke Bryan & Ronnie Milsap, along with a special performance by Brantley Gilbert.

Saturday’s lineup will include duet performances by Alan Jackson & Cole Swindell, Clint Black & Joe Nichols, Eric Church & Marty Stuart, Florida Georgia Line & David Lee Murphy, Hunter Hayes & Brett Eldredge, Keith Urban & John Anderson, Lady Antebellum & Brandy Clark, Miranda Lambert & Patty Loveless, and The Band Perry & Deana Carter along with special performances by Kenny Chesney and Jake Owen.

Ticket packages to the ACM Party for a Cause Festival INCLUDING the 50th ACM Awards are available NOW at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets to the 50TH ACM Awards sold out last spring in a record 18 minutes but as staging changes became final for the ACM Awards, seats to the previously SOLD OUT Awards show and festival are now available.

Please see a full lineup of tentatively scheduled performances below for “ACM Presents: Superstar Duets” listed by order of appearance and subject to change. For additional updates please visit www.ACMcountry.com.

Friday, April 17, 2015 (Listed in Order of Appearance)

  • Brantley Gilbert
  • Dwight Yoakam & Sam Hunt
  • Darius Rucker & Sara Evans
  • Alabama & Eli Young Band
  • Brooks & Dunn & Reba
  • Dierks Bentley, Kip Moore & Ashley Monroe
  • Luke Bryan & Ronnie Milsap
Saturday, April 18, 2015 (Listed in Order of Appearance)
  • Clint Black & Joe Nichols
  • The Band Perry & Deana Carter
  • Lady Antebellum & Brandy Clark
  • Hunter Hayes & Brett Eldredge
  • Jake Owen
  • Kenny Chesney
  • Alan Jackson & Cole Swindell
  • Miranda Lambert & Patty Loveless
  • Keith Urban & John Anderson
  • Eric Church & Marty Stuart
  • Florida Georgia Line & David Lee Murphy

The 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival, beginning at 12:00 PM on April 17-18, 2015, will include multiple stages for ongoing LIVE country music performances, interactive experiences, a family-friendly country marketplace with food trucks and vendors from around the country, and much more, all leading up to the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards, which will be broadcast LIVE for the first time ever from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Proceeds from the event will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music and military philanthropies including Folds of Honor Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Navy SEAL Foundation, and Task Force Dagger Foundation.

ACM Presents: Superstar Duets is produced for television by dick clark productions. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan and R.A. Clark are executive producers.  Mark Bracco, Barry Adelman and Tom Forrest are co-executive producers. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

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ADDITIONAL PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR “ACM PRESENTS: SUPERSTAR DUETS”  

acm superstar duets

 

 

ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PERFORMERS FOR “ACM PRESENTS: SUPERSTAR DUETS”

JOHN ANDERSON, DEANA CARTER, ERIC CHURCH, BRANDY CLARK,
BRETT ELDREDGE, SARA EVANS, BRANTLEY GILBERT, HUNTER HAYES,
ALAN JACKSON, ASHLEY MONROE, KIP MOORE, DAVID LEE MURPHY, JOE NICHOLS, JAKE OWEN, REBA, MARTY STUART, COLE SWINDELL, KEITH URBAN, BROOKS & DUNN, LADY ANTEBELLUM & THE BAND PERRY ADDED
TO TWO-DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL LINEUP APRIL 17 – APRIL 18 AT GLOBE LIFE PARK IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

“ACM PRESENTS: SUPERSTAR DUETS” TO AIR FRIDAY, MAY 15
ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Ticket Packages Including ACM Awards on Sale Now at Ticketmaster.com

 

The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions announced that John Anderson, Deana Carter, Eric Church, Brandy Clark, Brett Eldredge, Sara Evans, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Alan Jackson, Ashley Monroe, Kip Moore, David Lee Murphy, Joe Nichols, Jake Owen, Reba, Marty Stuart, Cole Swindell, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry will perform at the 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival. The two-day outdoor music festival celebrating the 50TH ACM Awards will take place on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas and be taped for a two hour special, “ACM Presents: Superstar Duets,” which will air on Friday, May 15 on the CBS Television Network.

These artists join previously announced performers including, Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Ronnie Milsap, Darius Rucker, Dwight Yoakam, Alabama, Eli Young Band, and Florida Georgia Line. Over 50 music acts will participate. A full lineup including additional performers and duet collaborations will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ticket packages to the ACM Party for a Cause Festival INCLUDING the 50th ACM Awards are available NOW at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets to the 50TH ACM Awards sold out last spring in a record 18 minutes but as staging changes became final for the ACM Awards, seats to the previously SOLD OUT Awards show and festival are now available.

The 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival, beginning at 12:00 PM on April 17-18, 2015, will include multiple stages for ongoing LIVE country music performances, interactive experiences, a family-friendly country marketplace with food trucks and vendors from around the country, and much more, all leading up to the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards, which will be broadcast LIVE for the first time ever from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Proceeds from the event will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music and military philanthropies including Folds of Honor Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Navy SEAL Foundation, and Task Force Dagger Foundation.

ACM Presents: Superstar Duets is produced for television by dick clark productions. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan and R.A. Clark are executive producers.  Mark Bracco, Barry Adelman and Tom Forrest are co-executive producers. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

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ACM Party for a Cause Festival Daytime Performers Announced

acm party for a cause

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC ANNOUNCES DAYTIME LINEUP FOR
THE 3RD ANNUAL ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE® FESTIVAL
APRIL 17 – 18, 2015 AT GLOBE LIFE PARK IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

 

PERFORMERS INCLUDE FRANKIE BALLARD, KELSEA BALLERINI, GORD BAMFORD, KRISTIAN BUSH, CHASE BRYANT, CAM, BRETT ELDREDGE, SAM HUNT, TYLER FARR, KENNY FOSTER, KIP MOORE,

ERIC PASLAY, MO PITNEY, MICHAEL RAY, CHASE RICE, DYLAN SCOTT, COLE SWINDELL,

BROTHERS OSBORNE, DAN + SHAY, THE GATLIN BROTHERS, JOSH ABBOTT BAND, MADDIE & TAE, MONTGOMERY GENTRY, NATIVE RUN, OLD DOMINION & A THOUSAND HORSES

 

Ticket Packages Including 50th ACM Awards on Sale Now at Ticketmaster.com

 

WHO/WHAT:  The 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause® Festival is a two-day outdoor music festival celebrating the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards that will take place on Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Globe Life Park in Arlington TX. The festival will feature an unprecedented lineup of country music stars and this year’s ACM Award Nominees performing across multiple stages for ongoing LIVE country music. The daytime performances will take place on the Party Stage and Ram Lone Star Stage located on the North Lawn of Globe Life Park. The event will also feature interactive fan experiences, a family-friendly country marketplace with food trucks and vendors from around the country, and much more.

 

Proceeds from ticket sales for the 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music and military philanthropies including Folds of Honor Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Navy SEAL Foundation, and Task Force Dagger Foundation.

On Friday, April 17, country music sensations Kristian Bush, Eric Paslay, Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay, Josh Abbott Band, Montgomery Gentry, and A Thousand Horses will perform on the Party Stage, and Kelsea Ballerini, Gord Bamford, Cam, Mo Pitney, Michael Ray and Native Run will perform on the Ram Lone Star Stage.

On Saturday, April 18, country superstars Frankie Ballard, Brett Eldredge, Tyler Farr, Sam Hunt, Kip Moore, Chase Rice, The Gatlin Brothers and Maddie & Tae will perform on the Party Stage, and Chase Bryant, Kenny Foster, Dylan Scott, Brothers Osborne and Old Dominion will perform on the Ram Lone Star Stage.

A full daytime schedule and lineup is listed below.

 

WHEN:                 Friday, April 17, 2015

                                12:30pm               A Thousand Horses         Party Stage

                                12:45pm               Gord Bamford                   Ram Lone Star Stage

1:05pm                 Eric Paslay                           Party Stage

1:20pm                 Cam                                       Ram Lone Star Stage

1:40pm                 Day + Shay                          Party Stage

2:05pm                 Mo Pitney                           Ram Lone Star Stage

2:50pm                 Kelsea Ballerini                  Ram Lone Star Stage

3:10pm                 Kristian Bush                      Party Stage

3:55pm                 Cole Swindell                     Party Stage

4:20pm                 Native Run                          Ram Lone Star Stage

4:40pm                 Josh Abbott Band            Party Stage

5:05pm                 Michael Ray                        Ram Lone Star Stage

5:25pm                 Montgomery Gentry      Party Stage

6:30pm                 Doors Open to

Globe Life Park                 Globe Life Park

7:30pm                 ACM Presents:

Superstar Duets               Main Stage / Globe Life Park

 

                                Saturday, April 18, 2015

                                12:45pm               Maddie & Tae                    Party Stage

1:10pm                 Frankie Ballard                  Party Stage

1:35pm                 Sam Hunt                            Party Stage

2:00pm                 Kenny Foster                     Ram Lone Star Stage

2:20pm                 Chase Rice                          Party Stage

2:45pm                 Dylan Scott                         Ram Lone Star Stage

3:05pm                 Tyler Farr                             Party Stage

3:30pm                 Chase Bryant                     Ram Lone Star Stage

3:55pm                 Brett Eldredge                   Party Stage

4:15pm                 Old Dominion                    Ram Lone Star Stage

4:40pm                 Kip Moore                           Party Stage

5:00pm                 Brothers Osborne            Ram Lone Star Stage

5:25pm                 The Gatlin Brothers         Party Stage

6:30pm                 Doors Open to

Globe Life Park                 Globe Life Park

7:30pm                 ACM Presents:

Superstar Duets               Main Stage / Globe Life Park

 

After the daytime performances on the North Lawn conclude, the festival will move inside of Globe Life Park where previously announced country music icons including Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Ronnie Milsap, Darius Rucker, Dwight Yoakam, Alabama, Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line & more will perform on the Main Stage. The evening portion event will also be taped for a two-hour special, “ACM Presents: Superstar Duets,” which will air on Friday, May 15 on the CBS Television Network. Additional performers and lineup details will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

WHERE:               Globe Life Park – 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011

 

TICKETS:   Ticket packages including tickets for the 50TH ACM Awards show on Sunday, April 19 at AT&T Stadium are available on Ticketmaster.com. For more information, please visit ACMcountry.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @ACMawards for more immediate updates.

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Performers Announced for ACM Party for a Cause Festival / ACM Presents: Superstar Duets!

acm party for a cause

ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL TO FEATURE UNPRECEDENTED LINEUP
 

PERFORMERS FOR THE TWO-DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL TO INCLUDE
DIERKS BENTLEY, CLINT BLACK, LUKE BRYAN, KENNY CHESNEY, SAM HUNT,
MIRANDA LAMBERT, PATTY LOVELESS, RONNIE MILSAP, DARIUS RUCKER,
DWIGHT YOAKAM, ALABAMA, ELI YOUNG BAND, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE & MORE
APRIL 17 – APRIL 18 AT GLOBE LIFE PARK IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

 

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENT TO BE TAPED FOR TWO HOUR BROADCAST SPECIAL
“ACM PRESENTS: SUPERSTAR DUETS!”
AIRING FRIDAY MAY 15 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

 
Ticket Packages Including ACM Awards on Sale Now at Ticketmaster.com

 

The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions announced that the ACM Party for a Cause Festival will feature an unprecedented lineup of country music legends and this year’s ACM Award nominees and chart-topping artists including Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Ronnie Milsap, Darius Rucker, Dwight Yoakam, Alabama, Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line and more to be announced in the coming weeks. The two-day outdoor music festival celebrating the 50TH ACM Awards will take place on April 17-18, 2015 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas and be taped for a two hour special, “ACM Presents: Superstar Duets!,” which will air on Friday, May 15 on the CBS Television Network.

 

Ticket packages to the ACM Party for a Cause Festival INCLUDING the 50th ACM Awards are available NOW at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets to the ACM Awards sold out last spring in a record 18 minutes but as staging changes became final for the ACM Awards, seats to the previously SOLD OUT Awards were added and are now part of this package.   Additional festival performers and lineup details will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

“For the Academy’s milestone anniversary, we wanted more fans than ever to join us in our party and we thought it was a perfect fit to combine the ACM Party for A Cause Festival and our annual CBS special into one historic event,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “Fans and viewers can expect a night of surprises from an all-star lineup of performers who have graced our ACM Awards stage throughout the past 50 years.”

 

The 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival, beginning at 12:00 PM on April 17-18, 2015, will include multiple stages for ongoing LIVE country music performances, interactive experiences, a family-friendly country marketplace with food trucks and vendors from around the country, and much more, all leading up to the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards, which will be broadcast LIVE for the first time ever from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Proceeds from ticket sales for the 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival will benefit ACM Lifting Lives®, the charitable arm of the Academy.

 

ACM Presents: Superstar Duets! is produced for television by dick clark productions. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan and R.A. Clark are executive producers.  Mark Bracco, Barry Adelman and Tom Forrest are co-executive producers. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

acm

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MERLE HAGGARD, RONNIE MILSAP,CARRIE UNDERWOOD, RASCAL FLATTS & More Announced as Off-Camera Winners for 49th ACM Awards

acm honors












BOB BECKHAM, STEVE BUCHANAN, JACK CLEMENT, DEAN DILLON, MERLE HAGGARD,
TOBY KEITH, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, RONNIE MILSAP, PAUL MOORE,
BUCK OWENS, CARRIE UNDERWOOD & RASCAL FLATTS
ANNOUNCED AS OFF-CAMERA WINNERS
FOR THE 49th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

* * *

Special Award Recipients, Studio Recording Awards, Industry Awards and
Songwriter of the Year Award Winners Announced

Today, the Academy of Country Music announced the winners of awards that will not be televised during the 49th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, due to time constraints. The ceremony will be telecast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Special Awards, Industry Awards, Studio Recording Awards and Songwriter of the Year honorees will be feted at the 8th Annual ACM Honors event on September 9, 2014 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and specific categories are awarded during years where the Board of Directors feels there are clear and deserving candidates. Industry Awards are voted on by all professional members of the Academy. The Studio Recording Awards (formerly known as the Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist (MBI) Awards) ballot is voted on by professional members of the Academy classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist category, and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager sub-category (contained within the Affiliated category). The Songwriter of the Year ballot is voted on by professional members of the Academy in the following categories: Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist, Composer, Music Publisher/PRO, Record Company, and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager sub-category (contained within the Affiliated category).

SPECIAL AWARDS

Career Achievement Award – Toby Keith and Ronnie Milsap have been chosen to receive the Career Achievement Award, honoring an individual artist, duo, group or multiple artist collaboration that have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year.

Toby Keith has been riding high ever since his 1993 debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” The Oklahoma native took the reins in 1999 by switching record labels and releasing the bold album, How Do You Like Me Now? Since that time, he’s won ACM Awards for Entertainer of the Year (2002, 2003), Male Vocalist of the Year (2000, 2003), Album of the Year (2000, 2003) and Video of the Year (2003, 2011). In addition to his 20 No. 1 country singles, he’s enhanced his unmistakable brand through movie roles (Beer For My Horses) and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill restaurants. Since 2002, Keith has performed on 11 USO tours in 21 countries, including Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

Ronnie Milsap brought a pop and R&B sensibility to country music in the 1970s and 1980s, even as his rich, clear voice rang true as country. Forty years ago, the North Carolina native marched to No. 1 with “Pure Love,” paving the way for a total of 49 Top 10 hits on Billboard’s country chart. He won his first ACM Award as the 1982 Male Vocalist of the Year. Three years later, “Lost in the Fifties (In the Still of the Night)” claimed Song of the Year. Milsap received the 2001 Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award and will release a new album in March.

Past recipients of the Career Achievement Award include John Anderson, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Reba and Kenny Rogers.

Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award – Bob Beckham has been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.

Bob Beckham is remembered as a true music fan who took chances on unknown songwriters. Beckham was hired by Fred Foster at Combine Music in 1964. In time, its catalog grew to include Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” as well as Chris Gantry’s “Dreams of the Everyday Housewife” and Dennis Linde’s “Burning Love.” Beckham also nurtured the talent of Larry Gatlin, Jerry Reed, Ray Stevens and many more. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame recognized him with the inaugural Mentor Award in 2008. Beckham died in 2013.

Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, 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, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.

Crystal Milestone Award – As previously announced, Merle Haggard has been chosen to receive the Crystal Milestone Award, which is given to an artist or industry leader to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement.

Merle Haggard became the ACM’s first Entertainer of the Year when the award was presented for 1970. That win marked the Academy’s first Triple Crown achievement, as Haggard had already accepted the Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year award for 1965 and the first of six Male Vocalist of the Year awards the following year. Two of his most celebrated songs have also collected Single Record and Song of the Year awards from the ACM: “Okie From Muskogee” (1969) and “Are the Good Times Really Over” (1982). A winner of the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award and Poet’s Award, Haggard joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2014, he will celebrate the milestone of 50years in country music.

Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Awardinclude Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles and Taylor Swift.

Gene Weed Special Achievement Award – Carrie Underwood has been chosen to receive the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, which acknowledges unprecedented, unique and outstanding individual achievement in country music.

Carrie Underwood represents country music with class, whether she’s dazzling viewers of NFL Sunday Night Football or starring in a live broadcast of The Sound of Music. Her Blown Away Tour traveled to London’s Royal Albert Hall, followed by extensive dates across the U.S. and Canada. Upon completing the tour, she donated $1 million to the American Red Cross for disaster relief. She continues to support her hometown of Checotah, Okla., through her C.A.T.S. Foundation. Underwood is a rare ACM Triple Crown recipient, following wins as New Female Vocalist of the Year (2005), Female Vocalist of the Year (2006, 2007, 2008) and Entertainer of the Year (2008, 2009).

Past recipients of the Gene Weed Special Achievement Awardinclude Garth Brooks, George Burns, Jeff Foxworthy, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton and George Strait.

Jim Reeves International Award – Steve Buchanan and Rascal Flatts have been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an artist for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.

Steve Buchanan strives to provide a gateway for fans around the globe to discover country music. A Tennessee native, Buchanan is the president of the Opry Entertainment Group. In that role, he has positioned the Grand Ole Opry to be viewed as a vital, world-class tourist destination that embraces contemporary and classic artists. After the Nashville flood of 2010, he led efforts to modernize the venue during its renovation. In addition, his executive producer role for ABC’s Nashville gives insight to the inner workings of Music Row. He is currently working on mounting a Broadway show based on the long-running TV show Hee Haw.

Rascal Flatts carried their high-energy Live & Loud Tour to Europe in July 2013, enjoying sold-out crowds, widespread television exposure and significant digital sales. The group performed a total of seven shows across Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Along with packed houses, the trio appeared on BBC’s Breakfast TV and grabbed the No. 1 spot on the UK iTunes country chart. They will return in March to Dublin and London as part of the all-star Country to Country 2014 event. Rascal Flatts will launch their Rewind Tour this spring, with dates scheduled throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Merv Griffin, Alan Jackson, Charlie Nagatani, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum, among others.

Mae Boren Axton Award – Paul Moore has been chosen as the recipient of the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.

Paul Moore has been an integral part of the William Morris team in Nashville for more than 35 years. He began his career there in 1978 as a secretary to the head of the office. In time, he became part of the management team for William Morris and later William Morris Endeavor. For 23 years, he was co-head of the agency’s Nashville office. He remains involved in booking concert dates for WME clients at major fairs, rodeos, outdoor events and festivals, and oversees tour commitments for numerous country legends. Moore is a longtime board member for the Academy of Country Music and currently serves as Parliamentarian.

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

Poet’s Award – Jack Clement (awarded posthumously), Dean Dillon, Kris Kristofferson, and Buck Owens (awarded posthumously),have been selected to receive the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.

“Cowboy” Jack Clement’scareer stretched back to Sun Records, where the Memphis native mixed 1950s recording sessions by Johnny Cash. Two of Cash’s early hits were written by Clement: “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” and “Guess Things Happen That Way.” A few years later in Texas, George Jones cut Clement’s “A Girl I Used to Know.” In Nashville, Clement opened a publishing company and signed Bob McDill, Allen Reynolds and Don Williams. Clement joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in April 2013, four months before his death.

Tennessee native Dean Dillon hitchhiked to Nashville to pursue a music career as a recording artist, but he found his biggest successes as a prolific songwriter. He penned hits for George Jones (“Tennessee Whiskey”), Keith Whitley (“Miami My Amy”), Toby Keith (“A Little Too Late”) and Kenny Chesney (“A Lot of Things Different”). Dillon truly found his muse in George Strait, who built his legendary career on Dillon’s unique songs, including his debut single “Unwound” followed by “The Chair,” “Nobody in His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her,” “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You,” “Ocean Front Property,” “Marina Del Rey” and “If I Know Me” to name a few. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

Kris Kristofferson emerged as a songwriting force in the 1970s. He used his widely varied experiences—from Rhodes Scholar to Army helicopter pilot to janitor at Nashville’s Columbia Studios—to craft some of the most emotionally compelling story songs ever written. His composition “For the Good Times,” recorded by Ray Price, received 1970 ACM Awards for Single Record and Song of the Year. In addition to solo success with “Why Me,” Kristofferson’s songs have been immortalized by Johnny Cash (“Sunday Morning Coming Down”), Janis Joplin (“Me and Bobbie McGee”), Ronnie Milsap (“Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends”) and Sammi Smith (“Help Me Make It Through the Night”). Born in Texas, Kristofferson joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and received the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2005.

Buck Owens’ boisterous single “Love’s Gonna Live Here” spent an astonishing 16 weeks atop the country airplay chart in 1963. He followed that composition with more original material like “My Heart Skips a Beat,” “Together Again” and “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail,” writing the latter with Harlan Howard. An icon in the Bakersfield, Calif., country scene, Owens received the 1965 ACM Award for Male Vocalist of the Year and his band The Buckaroos won three consecutive ACM trophies. He joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996 and accepted the ACM Pioneer Award in 1988. Owens died in 2006.

Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Guy Clark, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Roger Miller, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker and Hank Williams.

INDUSTRY AWARDS

  • CASINO OF THE YEAR:                   Small Capacity – Mohegan Sun Wolf Den – Uncasville, CT

Medium Capacity – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT

  • NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR:              Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX
  • VENUE OF THE YEAR :                     Small Capacity – Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater – Austin, TX

Medium Capacity – Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, TN

Large Capacity – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN

 
  • DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR: Nicole More – Neste Event Marketing
  • PROMOTER OF THE YEAR:            Brian O’Connell – Live Nation

STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS (FORMERLY THE MBI AWARDS)

  • BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:         Michael Rhodes
  • DRUMMER OF THE YEAR:             Shannon Forrest
  • GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:   Rob McNelley
  • PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Charlie Judge
  • STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Paul Franklin
  • AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR: Justin Niebank
  • PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:             Dann Huff
  • SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryan Sutton

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

  • SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: Shane McAnally

About the Academy of Country Music Awards
The 49th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry.  The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, R.A. Clark and Barry Adelman are executive producers.  Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

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UNLV MEN’S GOLF NEWS: Rebels In Florida To Close Out Fall Season

UNLV

 

UNLV MEN’S GOLF IN FLORIDA TO CLOSE OUT FALL SEASON

Rebels will play at Isleworth Collegiate Invitational, Sunday-Tuesday, Oct. 20-22

 The UNLV men’s golf team will close out its fall season at the Isleworth Collegiate Invitational, which is being held at Isleworth Golf and Country Club (par 72, 7,387 yards) in Windermere, Fla., Sunday-Tuesday, Oct. 20-22.

Hosted by UCF and Texas Tech, the 15-team field also includes Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida State, Georgia Regents-Augusta, Illinois, LSU, New Mexico, North Florida, TCU, Texas, UNLV and Vanderbilt.

The 54-hole stroke-play tournament will consist of three 18-hole rounds played each day with tee times beginning at 8 a.m. ET off No. 1 and 8:25 a.m. ET off No. 10.

Competing for UNLV will be sophomores AJ McInerney and Zane Thomas, juniors Kurt Kitayama and Carl Jonson, and freshman Taylor Montgomery.

California (+4) won by two strokes over New Mexico at last year’s Isleworth Collegiate Invitational, while Cal’s Michael Kim (-4) earned medalist honors by one shot. This will be UNLV’s first appearance in this tournament since 2005.

This will be the fourth and final tournament of the fall for the Rebels. They won the title at the Carmel Cup and finished fourth at the William H. Tucker in September, before finishing ninth at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate earlier this month.

Live scoring of the Isleworth Collegiate Invitational will be available courtesy of Golfstat.com through a link at UNLVRebels.com or by clicking here.

2013-14 UNLV Men’s Golf Statistics

Follow UNLV men’s golf on Twitter – @UNLVGolf

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UNLV MEN’S GOLF NEWS: No. 16 Rebels Back In Action Monday-Tuesday

UNLV

NO. 16 UNLV MEN’S GOLF BACK IN ACTION ON MONDAY-TUESDAY

Rebels in Alabama for the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate, Oct. 7-8

The UNLV men’s golf team, which moved up to No. 16 in the nation in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings on Friday, will be back in action this week on Monday, Oct. 7, and Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate, which will be played at Old Overton Country Club (par 70, 7,204 yards) in Vestavia Hills, Ala.

The 12-team field includes host No. 1 Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Auburn, Mississippi State, North Carolina-Charlotte, Texas, No. 2 Texas A&M, Texas-San Antonio, No. 12 UAB, No. 16 UNLV and No. 17 Vanderbilt. The 54-hole stroke-play tournament will consist of 36 holes (first and second rounds) on Monday and 18 holes (final round) on Tuesday. Mondays’ first round will begin at 7:30 a.m. CT, with round two scheduled for 12:30 p.m. CT.

Competing for UNLV will be junior Kurt Kitayama, sophomore Zane Thomas, junior Carl Jonson, sophomore AJ McInerney and freshman Chris Tuulik.

Alabama has won the JPNI in five of the last seven years, including last season by four shots with a score of 17-over 857. The Crimson Tide’s Justin Thomas won medalist honors at the event last season by one shot at 2-under 208. UNLV finished fourth at last year’s JPNI at 28-over. McInerney was UNLV’s top finisher at the event among the players competing this year for the Rebels as he tied for 11th at 8-over 218. Jonson tied for 31st at 15-over, while Kitayama tied for 49th at 23-over.

Live scoring of the JPNI will be available courtesy of Golfstat.com through a link at UNLVRebels.com or by clicking here.

This will be UNLV’s third tournament of the fall. The Rebels won the stroke- and match-play titles at the Carmel Cup at Pebble Beach in Calif., to open the season, and finished fourth at the William H. Tucker Intercollegiate in Albuquerque, N.M., both in September.

Follow UNLV men’s golf on Twitter – @UNLVGolf

2013-14 UNLV Men’s Golf Statistics 

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Off-Camera Winners Announced for the 48th Annual ACM Awards

acm 48th

JASON ALDEAN, GUY CLARK, BLAKE SHELTON, KEITH WHITLEY,
TOMMY WIGGINS, HANK WILLIAMS, THE JUDDS & LADY ANTEBELLUM
ANNOUNCED AS OFF-CAMERA WINNERS
FOR THE 48th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

* * *

Special Award Recipients, Industry Awards, MBI Awards and
Songwriter of the Year Winners Announced

Today, the Academy of Country Music is announcing the winners of awards that will not be televised during the 48th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, due to time constraints. The ceremony will be telecast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Special Awards, Industry Awards, MBI (Musician, Bandleader, Instrumentalist) and Songwriter of the Year honorees will be feted at the 7th Annual ACM Honors event on September 10, 2013 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are awarded during years where the Board of Directors feels there are clear and deserving candidates. Industry Awards are voted on by professional members of the Academy. The MBI ballot is voted on by professional members of the Academy classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist category, and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager sub-category (contained within the Affiliated category).  The Songwriter of the Year ballot is voted on by professional members of the Academy in the following categories: Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist, Composer, Music Publisher/PRO, Record Company, and the Producer/Engineer/Studio Manager subcategory (contained within the Affiliated category).

SPECIAL AWARDS

Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award – Keith Whitley and The Judds have been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.

Keith Whitley brought a blend of traditional bluegrass, classic country and contemporary songwriting influences to his timeless recordings. Although his catalog is regrettably small, this Kentucky native stands as one of the most respected vocalists of his era, thanks to a rich baritone that effortlessly conveyed the emotion of any song. Whitley first entered the Top 10 in 1986 with “Ten Feet Away,” setting the stage for enduring ballads like “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “When You Say Nothing at All” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain,” all of which reached No. 1 before Whitley died in 1989 at age 33.

 

The Judds gave country music an acoustic boost in the 1980s, ultimately racking up 20 Top 10 hits. They picked up seven consecutive ACM Awards in the Vocal Duet category, as well as a Song of the Year trophy for “Why Not Me.” Their winning streak began in 1984 with “Mama He’s Crazy,” the first of 14 No. 1 hits. Fans also identified with the ups and downs of Naomi and Wynonna’s mother-daughter relationship, adding another dimension to modern classics like the nostalgic “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” and the empowering “Love Can Build a Bridge.”

 

Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, 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, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.

Crystal Milestone Award – Jason Aldean has been chosen to receive the Crystal Milestone Award, which is given to an artist or industry leader to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement.

Jason Aldean soared to stadium headliner status in 2012. He sold out his first stadium show last year, moving more than 27,000 tickets for Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. All tickets were purchased more than two months in advance. Aldean’s arena show tickets went quickly too. He sold 24,000 tickets in two minutes for his Indianapolis show, along with 20,000 seats in just four minutes in St. Louis. Aldean is now swinging for the rafters with his “Night Train Tour.” Stadium shows on the itinerary include Wrigley Field in Chicago, Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA, and Boston’s Fenway Park—which sold out in seven minutes, setting a venue record and making Aldean the first country act to headline the historic ballpark. The Academy is honoring Aldean for this remarkable achievement.

Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Award include Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles and Taylor Swift.

Gene Weed Special Achievement Award – Blake Shelton has been chosen to receive the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, which acknowledges unprecedented, unique and outstanding individual achievement in country music.

Blake Shelton stepped into his role on NBC’s The Voice as a well-known figure in country music circles. Now he’s a household name to millions of viewers who appreciate his lively personality, his honest approach toward aspiring talent and his camaraderie with pop stars like Christine Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine. That broad appeal paved the way for a network special to coincide with his first holiday album, Cheers, It’s Christmas. A three-time ACM Awards co-host, Shelton is climbing the charts with “Sure Be Cool If You Did.” Look for his “Ten Times Crazier Tour” starting in July.

Past recipients of the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award include Garth Brooks, George Burns, Jeff Foxworthy, Willie Nelson and George Strait.

Jim Reeves International Award – Lady Antebellum has been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an artist for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.

Lady Antebellum seized the day with their “Own the Night World Tour,” ultimately performing to more than a million fans in 11 countries and three continents. Along with packing venues in the U.S. and Canada, the trio sold out three shows at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. Band members Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott also accepted the honor of opening for a musical hero, Bruce Springsteen, at London’s Hard Rock Calling. A three-time winner in the ACM Vocal Group category, Lady Antebellum will release its fourth studio album, Golden, in May, likely taking their newest hit “Downtown” around the globe.

Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Merv Griffin, Alan Jackson, Charlie Nagatani, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, among others.

Mae Boren Axton Award – Tommy Wiggins has been chosen as the recipient of the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.

Tommy Wiggins co-founded the organization that is now the Academy of Country Music. While pursuing opportunities performing on radio and on stage, Wiggins lived in Tucson and Nashville before relocating in 1960 to Los Angeles, where he appeared on local television shows. Along with releasing several singles on Stadium Records, Wiggins launched a radio industry publication titled D.J.’s Digest. In 1964, he teamed with songwriter Eddie Miller and club owners Mickey and Chris Christensen to stage a Los Angeles-based awards show and form the Country Western Music Academy–later renamed the Academy of Country Music–to draw attention to country artists based on the West Coast.

Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include John Dorris, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed and David Young.

Poet’s Award – Guy Clark and Hank Williams have been selected to receive the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.

Guy Clark has earned the respect of countless songwriters by crafting his compositions with wit, wisdom and warmth. This native Texan made a lasting impression with his 1975 debut album Old No. 1. His extensive songwriting catalog includes cuts by Johnny Cash (“Texas 1947”), Kenny Chesney (“Hemingway’s Whiskey”), Rodney Crowell (“She’s Crazy for Leaving”) and Ricky Skaggs (“Heartbroke”). Meanwhile, his own recordings of “L.A. Freeway” and “Desperadoes Waiting for a Train” make listeners feel as though they know him personally. The 2011 collection, This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark, received a Grammy nomination for best folk album.

Hank Williams remains one of the most revered songwriters in history. A native of Alabama, Williams’ commercial style found a champion in music publisher Fred Rose in 1946. Despite a brief career, Williams catalog includes “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Hey Good Lookin’” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” His compositions have been recorded by Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffett, Norah Jones, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charley Pride, Linda Ronstadt and Hank Williams Jr., among many others. The legendary figure was found dead on Jan. 1, 1953. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 and received the 1973 ACM Pioneer Award. Hank Williams will be honored posthumously.

Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Roger Miller, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz and Cindy Walker.

INDUSTRY AWARDS

CASINO OF THE YEAR – Red Rock Casino & Resort – Las Vegas, NV

NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR – Joe’s Bar – Chicago, IL

VENUE OF THE YEAR – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR – Jerry Hufford – Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR – Ed Warm – Joe’s Bar

MBI (MUSICIAN, BANDLEADER, INSTRUMENTALIST) AWARDS:

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Jay Joyce

AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR – Chuck Ainlay

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Jimmie Lee Sloas

PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMER OF THE YEAR – Matt Chamberlain

FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Aubrey Haynie

GUITARIST OF THE YEAR – J.T. Corenflos

PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Michael Rojas

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Ilya Toshinsky

STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Mike Johnson

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – Dallas Davidson

About the Academy of Country Music Awards
The 48th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry.  The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.  Allen Shapiro, Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers.  Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.