Almost Time To Own The Night

Lady Antebellum will kick off the 2011 leg of their Own the Night Tour this Friday night in Knoxville, Tennessee. The trio are looking forward to the run, especially since they’ll be joined by member Charles Kelley’s brother Josh Kelley as an opener. Charles said, “He’s just a great energy. He’s such a positive person to have around, so everybody loves him, everybody knows him, ya know, on our crew, very well. It will be a fun, fun tour. We’re looking forward to it.” The trek also includes Randy Montana and Edens Edge, who will switch off dates. The El Paso show will feature Randy Montana, next Wednesday, November 16th.

Ever wonder what a day in the life of Luke Bryan is like? Luke shares his life on and off the road in the November 21st issue of Country Weekly. Luke practices his bow hunting skills, and gives a sneak peek into family time with his wife, Caroline, and their sons Bo and Tate. Luke is currently on the CMT on Tour: Luke Bryan Tailgates and Tanlines. Also look for Luke serving as the CMA Awards red carpet correspondent for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, interviewing Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Lionel Richie, Darius Rucker and Reba McEntie.

Dierks Turns Down Trump

After winning this past season of Celebrity Apprentice, John Rich suggested that armchair apprentice Dierks Bentley would be a good candidate for the next season. But, with a new tour and kids at home, Dierks admits that he had to send his regrets to The Donald, “I did get the call, which I was totally flattered to get. It’s just for me, at this time, where I am, I’m really happy. I have the road and the show and the fans and the music and the songwriting and the making records. That stuff brings you so much joy and happiness…a family and everything that comes with that. I’m good. I don’t need anything more right now.” Dierks will head out on the Country & Cold Cans tour, beginning October 6th in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Luke Bryan’s new CD, Tailgates & Tanlines, soared to the top of the Billboard Country Albums chart this week and landed at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. The album sold over 145,000 copies in its first week, edging out Eric Church’s Chief to become the second highest debut for a country album this year behind Brad Paisley’s This Is Country Music.

Kenny Chesney set a new record for country music concerts in the NY-NJ area this past Saturday. With an estimated attendance of 55,000 fans at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the concert broke the former record, set by a 1983 festival featuring Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Linda Ronstadt at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands.

Next February 26th would have been Johnny Cash’s 80th birthday and to mark the occasion, Legacy Recordings has been releasing a ton of material from the Man in Black. The latest set will be called Johnny Cash: Bootleg Vol. 3 – Live Around the World. It features 50 of Johnny’s live performances from 1956 to 1979 – 39 of which have never been released. Among them are concert stops at the White House, in Vietnam and elsewhere. Get them all by picking up the double-disc album when it hits shelves on October 11th. The release coincides with the October 18th publication of John Carter Cash’s book, House of Cash: The Life, Legacy and Archives of The Man in Black.

CMA Music Fest On TV This Weekend

Lady Antebellum will star as a musical guest on the upcoming season of Saturday Night Live! The trio will perform on the second episode of the show’s 37th season, which begins September 24th. Actress Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, Mike & Molly) will be the host on Lady A’s episode. Don't miss Lady A this weekend, as they answer fan questions on CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, airing Sunday on ABC.

Taylor Swift has announced she will extend her Speak Now World Tour into Australia and New Zealand in March 2012. Currently, Taylor is headlining sold-out stadiums and arenas across North America. The music video for her latest single, “Sparks Fly” was just released this week and features footage from the tour.

Luke Bryan had to get stitches in his forehead after falling off a skateboard he had just purchased in New York City. Luke bought the skateboard a few hours after appearing on NBC’s Today show. He posted a photo of his stitches on Twitter, calling the accident his “latest screw up.” Luke wraps up his journey on Tim McGraw’s Emotional Traffic tour this weekend. He'll headline this year's CMT on Tour with guests Lee Brice, Josh Thompson and CMT's Next Superstar winner Matt Mason.

The World of Country on Wednesday

The track listing has been released for the upcoming album, Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn. Some of the match-ups are pretty appropriate; others will be very interesting to hear when the album is released on November 9th to celebrate Loretta’s 50 years of making music. The tracks include:

“Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” — Gretchen Wilson
“I’m A Honky Tonk Girl” — Lee Ann Womack
“Rated X” — The White Stripes
“You’re Lookin’ At Country” — Carrie Underwood
“Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” — Alan Jackson and Martina McBride
“You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)” — Paramore
“Love Is The Foundation” — Faith Hill
“After The Fire Is Gone” — Steve Earle and Allison Moorer
“If You’re Not Gone Too Long” — Reba
“I Know How” — Kid Rock
“Somebody Somewhere (Don’t Know What He’s Missin’ Tonight)” — Lucinda Williams
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” — Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert

News From Around The Country
NRACountry, a division of The National Rifle Association, has partnered with Luke Bryan for his 4-date 2010 Farm Tour across Georgia. Luke is proud to have the sponsorship because of all the work that the organization does for kids in his home state. … Taylor Swift’s upcoming album Speak Now will be available in an exclusive store-specific deluxe version. The alternate album will include three bonus tracks, three remixes, and a 30-minute DVD. The cover of the album is even different – instead of the purple dress, she is wearing a dress in the retailer’s signature color of red. …. LeAnn Rimes graces the cover of the latest issue of Shape magazine. This is her third time as the face of the magazine. … And finally, if you want an exclusive sneak-peek at another track from Kenny Chesney’s upcoming album, Hemingway’s Whiskey, you can click here to hear “You and Tequila” and see his interview with Grace Potter.

The Future and Past of Country Music

The stars are aligning for Zac Brown Band to take over Brooks & Dunn’s reign in the future. The groups fourth single “Free,” off their debut album, has reached the number one spot on the Billboard Country Songs Chart this week. The only other group to release four number one hits off a debut album was Brooks & Dunn back in 1991! The Zac Brown Band’s highly anticipated sophomore album, You Get What You Give, will be released September 21st.

To honor past legends of country music, Loretta Lynn is next in line to be the subject of a tribute album. Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn is scheduled to be released on November 9th. The names of the contributing artists so far have been kept secret. The album will follow the 50th anniversary of Loretta’s first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage. In October, The Recording Academy will host a Grammy Salute in Nashville where Loretta will receive The Recording Academy’s President’s Merit Award for her contributions to country music.

Last weekend, Craig Morgan held his annual hometown Charity Ride event and raised over $35,000. Four-hundred fans participated to raise money for Billy’s Place – a place being built in the future for children who are in transition through foster care. The two-day event featured a motocross exhibition with guest professional riders Cowboy Kenny Bartrum, Kevin Windham, Fred Andrews, Barry Hawk and others, as well as musical friends Montgomery Gentry and Aaron Tippin.

And finally, yesterday we talked about Luke Bryan and his wife, Caroline, welcoming their second son, Tatum Christopher. Today we find out where his name comes from. His middle name pays respect to Luke’s brother, Chris, who passed away in a car accident, and the boy’s first name was borrowed from a long time friend of the family. This is how Luke tells it, “My mother said his name around the supper table out at the ACM’s, and me and Caroline kinda looked at each other, and it kinda stuck, so there you go.” Tatum joins big brother Thomas Boyer "Bo" Bryan.

The Nursery Is Open

The country music nursery is open for business, and the stork is expected to stay busy in the coming months. Luke Bryan and his wife, Caroline, are the first in the coming crop of artists welcomed new babies to the family. The Bryan’s 2nd son, Tatum Christopher, was born yesterday morning in Nashville. The baby weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Their other son, Thomas Boyer "Bo" Bryan, was born on March 18, 2008. "All I ever hoped for was one boy, and to have two, it's going to be fun. I've already got new fishing spots picked out for us," Luke said. Luke and Caroline Bryan were married on Dec. 6, 2006.

Taylor Swift has made more musical history. She is only the second female artist in the history of Billboard’s Hot 100 list to have multiple tracks debut in the top five during a calendar year. Her song “Mine” will make its chart debut at number three when the final ranking is released today. Her highest song debut was “Today Was a Fairytale” which landed in the number two spot on the list February 6th. The only other female artist to accomplish multiple song debuts in the top during one calendar year is Mariah Carey. She opened at number one with both “Fantasy” and “One Sweet Day,” with Boyz II Men, in 1995.

And while we’re talking about Taylor, do you remember the poll a short time ago to vote her into the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame? If you cast a vote, you’ll be happy to know that she won the 2010 celebrity induction slot. Taylor beat out eight other celebrities, including her pal Justin Bieber. This is the first year the organization allowed fans to choose the celebrity, and nearly 1.3 million votes were cast online. The museum which is based in Arlington, Virginia will feature Taylor’s photo and a plaque later this summer.

And finally, coming up on Sunday, Brooks & Dunn will be featured on the A & E channel’s Private Sessions series. The duo will sit down for an in-depth interview about their successful career and perform some of their biggest hits including, “Red Dirt Road,” “Believe,” “My Maria,” and “Honky Tonk Stomp.” Private Sessions will also host Toby Keith and Keith Urban in future episodes.

Is It Award Season Already?

Fox is going to be launching a new country music award show, American Country Music Awards. The fan-voted show will air live from Las Vegas on December 6th. Bob Main, who also directs the Teen Choice Awards for the network, will be in charge of the show. Fox anticipates the following categories for artists: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Touring Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, and Music Video by a Breakthrough Artist.

Meanwhile, the Inspirational Country Music Award nominees have been announced:
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
“My Best Days” – Danny Gokey
“Muddy Water “– Trace Adkins
“Love Like Crazy “– Lee Brice
“That’s A Man” – Jack Ingram
“That’s God” – Jo Dee Messina
“The House That Built Me” - Miranda Lambert
“The Man I Want To Be” – Chris Young
“There Is A God” – Lee Ann Womack
“This Ain’t Nothing” – Craig Morgan
“Temporary Home” – Carrie Underwood

Mainstream Country Artist
Carrie Underwood; Chris Young; Craig Morgan; Danny Gokey; Jeff Bates; Josh Turner; Martina McBride; Oak Ridge Boys; Ricky Skaggs; Rodney Atkins

Inspirational Video
“All I Ask For Anymore” –Trace Adkins
“American Honey” – Lady Antebellum
“Dancing In Circles” -Love and Theft
“Love Like Crazy” – Lee Brice
“Outside My Window” – Sarah Buxton
“Temporary Home” – Carrie Underwood
“The House That Build Me” – Miranda Lambert
“The Man I Want To Be” – Chris Young
“This Ain’t Nothing” – Craig Morgan
“Unstoppable” – Rascal Flatts

News From Around The Country
Luke Bryan will perform “Rain Is A Good Thing” on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Monday, August 9th. ….. The Charlie Daniels Band is set to release a 15-track collection of patriotic songs on August 10th. Land That I Love will include newly recorded studio versions of “What This World Needs Is A Few More Rednecks 2010” and “Iraq Blues,” a song written during a previous tour in Iraq. ….. And finally, what’s good enough for Gwyneth Paltrow is good enough for Russell Crowe. Russell will star as a country singer in a new film adaptation of the novel, Dirt Music, which centers on a depressed country singer who has lost the ability to write or play music. Crowe has written his own music for the films soundtrack, and the songs vary from country to folk. The film is yet to have a release date.

Thursday Briefing

Blake Shelton is making a special pre-order offer to fans who are looking forward to picking up his next Six Pak album All About Tonight. From now until the album’s release on August 10th, fans can purchase the album with one of two option packages. This first option includes the CD, a bottle opener guitar key chain, and a poster. The second package offers the same items except you also receive an exclusive Blake t-shirt. All the details are on Blake’s website.

So what do you think of Tim McGraw in a beard? He grew the additional facial hair for his upcoming role in Love Don’t Let Me Down with Gwyneth Paltrow. They filmed in Nashville earlier this year. Tim says getting into character for a film is a lot like getting into character for a song, “I think that when you’re in a studio, and you’re in a dark room like this, and you’ve got the lights off, and you’ve got the headphones on singing this song, ...it’s your voice and you’re singing it, and you’re being emotional about it and stuff… but you’re singing about a character that’s sort of walking through a scene, and so you sort of find a way to get into that and see through that guy’s eyes and walk through that scene with that guy.” As for the beard he has in the film, Tim did not like growing it out. He said that it itched a lot and he couldn’t wait to shave it off.

And finally, Luke Bryan is celebrating his second number one song, “Rain Is A Good Thing.” The hit comes just in time for his nominations in the upcoming Teen Choice Awards. Luke will be taking his two teenage nieces as his dates to the awards. Since the neices are big supporters of his career, Luke had them in a video urging fans to vote for the Top Country Album and Top Country Male Artist categories. Tune into the Teen Choice Awards Monday, August 9th to see if Luke takes home a surfboard.

Dancing With The Country Stars

With only five couple left on Dancing With The Stars, the competition for the finals is getting tighter. Nicole & Derek have been front-runners all season, but last week Evan & Anna nipped at their heels by grabbing the first perfect 30 of the season by way of the first 10 from Len. Chad & Cheryl have been stepping up their game the past couple of weeks, as have Niecy & Louie. Perhaps Niecy has been holding back to prepare for a sprint to the end with her jiggly parts? And then there’s Erin & Maks’ shocking drop to the bottom two last week, despite the season’s favorably judged dancing.

After last night’s double-dances, anything can happen with tonight’s results, as often does on this popularly rated TV show. As an example of how just anything can happen, it’s fun to read that two-time champion Julianne Hough will return to the show this fall for Season 11. She’s taken the last couple of seasons off to pursue movies and music, and she says that she’s not giving up either. As a matter of fact, Julianne just wrapped up her sophomore album saying, “I’m so excited we just finished it. It’s in the mixing and mastering stages right now. I’m so so proud of it. I co-wrote a lot of the songs so to me, this is like the real coming out party for Julianne. This is what I’ve wanted to do since the beginning.”

No release date has been announced for the album, but sometime during the period when she’s in front of one of the largest TV audiences each week would probably be a safe guess. Perhaps we’ll see another country hunk dancing with Julianne next season? You’re right. Too predictable. Julianne should be put with any one of next season’s yet-to-be-announced celebrities. But they should still bring on a country hunk and place him with one of the other female professionals in order to make for some interesting competition! Any suggestions who you’d like to see?

Oh, and one other TV Note. Luke Bryan will be making his first appearance on The Tonight Show tonight to sing "Rain Is A Good Thing." "I have watched The Tonight Show since I was a kid growing up in Leesburg, Ga.," Luke said. "I can't believe I have been invited to perform on one of television's most iconic shows."

Movie / Music / TV Notes

Today’s the big day that Kenny Chesney fans have been waiting for. The much-anticipated film Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D hits theatres tonight in limited release - for two weeks only. Seriously, two weeks! Locally, the film plays only select dates and times from tonight through Sunday, May 2nd. Perhaps the film will be so successful, fans will force it into a lengthier release. Kenny says that he was involved with the project from start to finish, “I was incredibly involved in this film. Not only am I in the film, I made the film. I was editing the film. I was in the marketing meetings. I was in the art direction meetings. You name it, I was there. So that has consumed my life since I got off tour last year. So I really haven’t had a mental break yet, but I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created. I’m incredibly proud of what the film says. I’m incredibly proud that we documented this part of our life and it will be there forever.”


In the music department, LeAnn Rimes is in the finishing stages of her new album Lady and Gentlemen, produced by Vince Gill and featuring covers of her favorite love tunes originally recorded by men. The album features everything from “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” to “Good Hearted Women.” ….. Meanwhile, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson have released new albums of their own. Merle's I Am What I Am was recorded with his band, the Strangers. Willie revisited an array of classic songs on his aptly-titled Country Music, his first project with producer T Bone Burnett.

And finally, if you enjoyed the bit with Luke Bryan and Emily West on the Celebrity Appentice, don’t look for Luke back on reality TV anytime soon. Of the experience, Luke says, “It was interesting. I’ve never met Donald but I met his son which is essentially Donald in a younger better-haired version. Yeah I think I’m good on the whole reality thing. You won’t ever see Home with the Bryan’s on anything.” The Nashville themed episode challenged the teams to makeover Luke and Emily West and prepare them for a show and interview. Luke’s performance of “Rain Is A Good Thing” and Emily’s performance of “Blue Sky” are available for 30 days exclusively on iTunes. All proceeds from the sale of these two live performances will benefit Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund.

Post-ACM Gossip

So what happens after the ACM Awards? Answer: a tribute to Brooks & Dunn. Multiple artists took the stage last night in Las Vegas to tape ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn --- The Last Rodeo. The special will air May 23rd with performances by Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

Speaking of Brooks & Dunn, the dynamic duo recently shared some career memories with USAToday.com. The fully detailed article is on their website, but here are the highlights of Kix and Ronnie’s Top 10 lists:

Kix Brooks
1. When he realized at a Sacramento concert, "This is it."
2. First two Academy of Country Music Awards with a #1 song on the charts.
3. His 4-year old son’s question, "Is he spending the night here tonight?"
4. His father watching him win ACM's Entertainer of the Year.
5. A $10,000-a-hole charity golf game he had no shot of winning.
6. Brooks & Dunn play at George W. Bush's inauguration.
7. Going to Iraq with songwriter Bob DiPiero to play for U.S. troops.
8. Playing Radio City Music Hall.
9. The Country Music Association Awards' hotly contested move to New York in 2005.
10. Hosting the syndicated radio show American Country Countdown.

Ronnie Dunn
1. An American Airlines pilot announcing on the plane’s PA that “Brand New Man” was a #1 song
2. Two awards at the 1991 Academy of Country Music Awards show.
3. Winning both ACM and CMA Song of the Year in 2006 for “Believe.”
4. Merle Haggard playing for one of our No. 1 parties in 1994.
5. Opening for the Rolling Stones in 2005.
6. Being asked to open for the Rolling Stones again.
7. Playing the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
8. Playing for a presidential inauguration.
9. Hearing “Only in America” play after Barack Obama's acceptance speech for his Democratic presidential nomination.
10. The Last Rodeo

Also in Vegas, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton were ribbed by some of their good friends about tying the knot while they were in Sin City. Miranda befuddled the whole idea, saying, “I was like, ‘No, I’m not going to let him off the hook that easy. He’s got to do the ring and the whole deal.’ But no, we’re not because my family would kill me. My mom would be so mad.” Miranda and Blake celebrated their ACM awards with their family and close friends who were in town for the award rather than hitting up the industry parties.

And finally, Luke Bryan started off his Sunday morning working up a sweat in the steam room with his good friend David Nail. Laura Bell Bundy tipped the guys off about the benefit of the steam room because of the dry air in Vegas that causes performers to lose their voice. Luke joked that he had a video camera in the steam room and will be posting the video later. But in all actuality, Luke was giving David marriage advice.

Wacky Wednesday

Luke Bryan, Gloriana and Joey & Rory have won their respective 2010 ACM Awards. Luke was fan-voted the top new solo vocalist, Gloriana picked as top new vocal group, and Joey & Rory were given the top new vocal duo. The three artists will now compete for the Best New Artist award, which will also be fan-voted and then awarded at the ACM Awards in Las Vegas on April 18th.

How’s this for a concert bill? The Eagles … the Dixie Chicks …. and Keith Urban! The three acts have scheduled a mini-tour of five dates; The Eagles and Chicks will continue for an additional three dates. All dates are in major cities, with nothing around our area, it’s just fun that those particular three acts would perform together and that the Chicks are performing together at all, considering Martie and Emily have stepped off on their own as the Court Yard Hounds. Well, they did say that the original trio band was not officially broken up…….

New Music Releases

Just when we thought there wasn’t going to be a country music connection to Celebrity Apprentice this year, appearances by Emily West and Luke Bryan have been announced. Emily and Luke will appear in an episode of the show where contestants will be challenged to see if they have what it takes to be a country music star. This season features some rockers like Bret Michaels, Cyndi Lauper and Sharon Osbourne, but will they have what it takes to be a country artist? The new season kicks off this Sunday.

It’s a big year for Jamey Johnson. He will be inducted into The Alabama Music Hall of Fame on March 25th, and he will be putting out two albums. The Guitar Song, full of upbeat material, is scheduled for July, and the second album, still untitled, should be out in the fall. It will focus on songs about economically tough times. Jamey says the reason for the two albums is mainly because he’s been on a creative streak. He’s got all this material recorded, so why not release it?

In other new releases, Dolly Parton’s gospel recordings from the early 1970’s will be reissued on both CD and digital formats on May 4th. The 16-track album, Letter to Heaven: Songs of Faith and Inspiration, features music from her early career with producer Bob Ferguson. The collection’s first 10 songs are from her 1971 album, The Golden Streets of Glory. A previously unreleased track, “Would You Know Him,” is also included. ….. Also coming to the digital world, fourteen of Johnny Cash’s later albums for Columbia Records will be released digitally in March and April by Legacy Recordings. Hello, I'm Johnny Cash, The Johnny Cash Show, Man in Black, A Thing Called Love, Johnny Cash and His Woman. The series will also include Rainbow, his final album for the label. Specific release dates will be determined by the digital service providers.

Tuesday Newsday

News From Around The Country
Lady Antebellum will perform tomorrow morning on The Today Show. …. The results of the Taylor Swift guitar auction are in. The Taylor brand 12-string acoustic, embellished with Taylor's lucky number, "13," brought a little over 16-thousand dollars in the charity auction to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. ….. Sara Evans has secured a temporary restraining order against her ex-husband, Craig Schelske, to prevent him from making derogatory statements to the media about her and the circumstances that led to their divorce in 2007. ….. Today we find several examples of the wheel of music distribution continuing to be reinvented. Luke Bryan is releasing his mini-album Spring Break 2… Hangover Edition on iTunes today. It includes three never-before released, self-penned tracks “Wild Weekend,” “Cold Beer Drinker” and “I’m Hungover.” ….. Today is the release date for Blake Shelton’s first Six Pack album, Hillbilly Bone. The idea behind the 6-song album is to give fans fewer songs in an affordable package, but release packages more often so there’s always new music coming out. … And finally, Bucky Covington is taking to the internet to release his newest song “A Father’s Love.” Debuted last week at CRS, the new tune was made available to listen to online the same day it was released to radio. Save yourself the trouble of click-click-clicking, and listen to it on The Country Station. It's destined to be thee Father's Day song of 2010.

CRS - Can Remember Stuff

Good Monday morning. Now that country radio folk, including yours truly, have had the weekend to get home and recover from the whirlwind that is CRS, let’s see if we CAN Remember Stuff! So many things are going on, often times simultaneously, that it’s good to look back and review some of the highlights or announcements that may have been missed.

With Kenny Chesney off the road this summer, it looks like Brad Paisley is picking up the slack on the festival-style concert experience. To open the H20 summer tour, Brad’s pulled the A-list of new talent together, including Darius Rucker, Josh Thompson, Miranda Lambert, Steel Magnolia, Easton Corbin, and Justin Moore. The tour kicks off in May. ….. Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Kellie Pickler took home award plaques as souvenirs from CRS. Carrie’s award was for 20 million “Digital Transactions;” Miranda got a gold plaque for her album Revolution, and Kellie took home a platinum decoration for one million digital downloads of “Best Days of My Life.” ….. Bryan Adams showed up as the surprise guest at one of the many industry parties that go during CRS Week. He sang “Summer of ’69,” and “Run To You,” after which Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood jumped up to sing their respective Bryan Adams covers. ..... Rupert showed up. A name not often associated with country music, Rupert Boneham from Survivor Hereos vs. Villians was spotted mingling among the radio and record folk. ….. A little bit of baby talk was also heard in the hallways, and no, it wasn’t from radio people who were spending a little bit too much free time away from microphones. Luke Bryan spilled the news that he and his wife, Carolyn, are expecting their second child in August. Their first son, Bo, will be turning two in March. James Otto was also pretty giddy about the news that he and his wife, Amy, will be welcoming their first child, also in August. … There was also talk in the hallways on Friday of what would have been Johnny Cash’s 78th birthday. How fun is this? By pure coincidence, the 10 billionth song was downloaded on iTunes on Friday, and it was Johnny Cash’s “Guess Things Happen That Way.” iTunes checked the account records, and it was a 71-year-old man, Louie Sulcer of Georgia, who downloaded the tune, and to his surprise, he received calls from both Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Johnny Cash’s daughter Rosanne Cash. Apple also threw in a $10,000 iTunes credit for the lucky downloader.

Mid Week

Today’s Half Off Wednesday offer gives you a chance to stock up on your certificates for The Game Sports Bar and Grill. Celebrate your 1st place Aggies with a great meal. And don’t forget to take advantage of the Time Crunch Lunch – any lunch menu item will be on your table within 15 minutes of placing your order, or it’s free. Visit the main page to find Half Off Wednesday deals.

News From Around The Country
Prior to playing a sold-out show in Brisbane, Australia, Taylor Swift was presented a plaque for sales of her Fearless album reaching quadruple Platinum status in the land down under. ….. Josh Turner’s performance for The Late Show with David Letterman has been rescheduled to today. Josh was originally scheduled to play Monday night, but due to unforeseen circumstances the taping ran overtime and Josh's performance had to be cut. ….. David Nail will appear on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Monday. ….. Luke Bryan celebrated earning his first number one song, “Do I,” yesterday in Nashville with his friends and co-writers Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum.

Half Off Taxes

Got your attention! Ok, so no one can get you half off your taxes, but The Country Station can help you with your tax prep fees. It’s Half Off Wednesday with Pro Tax Service! You want to talk about a deal? How about a $100 certificate to put toward your tax preparation for only $25! That’s 75% off, and it’s cheaper than buying one of those software programs and dealing with the calculations yourself. The professionals at Pro Tax Service can take care of all the paperwork and new schedules for you. And if you have simple taxes, say for example, students, Pro Tax Service guarantees that the $100 certificate will cover all your costs – and you only paid $25 for it. So log on now, and get your Half Off Wednesday certificates while supplies last.

News From Around The Country
The production of Tim McGraw’s new film Love Don’t Let Me Down started filming in Nashville this week. The plot pertains to a country singer/songwriter who falls in love with fallen country singer, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Tim plays the role of Paltrow's husband and manager. The movie also stars Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester. …. Jewel, and her husband Ty Murray, will appear on Extreme Home Makeover January 31st. The two paid a visit to the Creasley family of North Carolina. ….. Luke Bryan will perform his new hit single “Do I,” on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson this Friday. Beginning next week, Luke will be headlining his own tour, as well guest appearing on Jason Aldean’s Wide Open Tour.

Half Off Concert Tickets!

It’s Half Off Wednesday! This week, you can save half on a family four-pack of tickets to the Southern NM State Fair and Rodeo! That’s an excellent bargain any day, but even more valuable when you consider that you could choose to use your tickets for admission the day that Josh Grider or the Eli Young Band plays live! Check here for all the details.

No Kenny in '10. Kenny Chesney is taking a break next year, and will not do the major stadium tour that has become nearly an annual event in some markets. Kenny insists that he is not quitting, he is only scaling back to recharge his batteries, reconnect with family and friends, and work on some new music.

Gretchen Wilson will be presented today with the National Coalition for Literacy's Literacy Leadership Award during a reception at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The event is sponsored by the NCL and the Center for the Book. Gretchen has taken a high-profile role in promoting literacy after earning her GED last year. The award honors those who have made extraordinary contributions to improving literacy and raising awareness of adult literacy in the U.S.

News From Around The Country
Wynonna will be the special guest on the 2009 Santa Train going through Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia to deliver toys to children this Christmas. … Joe Nichols has been invited to perform his single "Believers" at a ceremony honoring His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Missing Peace Music and Art Program, the Dalai Lama's Foundation. … Toby Keith will receive the Nashville Songwriters Association International Songwriter/Artist of the Decade (2000-2009) award on October 18th. … And finally, Luke Bryan has announced his first 17-date headlining tour this fall to kick off his sophomore album, Doin’ My Thing, which drops October 6th.

Thursday's Entertainment Wrap Up

She was a multi-instrumentalist by the time she was 10, now she’s the first woman to be inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. Barbara Mandrell received the honor this past weekend at the International Steel Guitar Convention in St. Louis, MO . Nicknamed "Sweetheart of the Steel," Barbara was on tour with The Johnny Cash Show by age 13 and had her first Billboard chart record at age 21. Her NBC variety show, "Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters" drew nearly 40 million viewers weekly and introduced a nation to Country music. Earlier this year, Mandrell was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and has now accepted the honor of joining the ranks of elite masters of the steel guitar.

News From Around The Country
How’s this for a cute family portrait? A spread on the Paisley family, Brad, Kimberly, Huck, and baby Jasper, is in the latest issue of People magazine. … Lee Ann Womack has officially launched her free fan club called the Lee Ann Womack Country Music Appreciation Society & Social Club. She is also up and tweeting at twitter.com/lawsocialclub … In case you want to make plans, the 28th Annual George Strait Team Roping Classic is scheduled for Friday and Saturday March 12th & 13th 2010 at the San Antonio Rose Palace in San Antonio, Texas. … LeAnn Rimes was seen adopting a Chihuahua from the Wilshire Animal Clinic in Santa Monica , California on Tuesday. …. Zac Brown Band will perform a benefit concert on October 30th in their hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. All proceeds from the show will go toward the rebuilding of the historic Georgia Theatre in Athens, which was destroyed in a fire earlier this year. … Luke Bryan has announced his inaugural Farm Tour, starting October 5th in Statesboro, Georgia. These shows are a way for Luke to give back to charity organizations in local farming communities. .... And finally, how about Taylor Swift’s reaction to the CMA Award nominations? Here’s a peek at Taylor at home:

Monday Greetings

Happy Monday! Is it summertime yet? It sure feels like it’s time for a vacation! So how about we prepare for summer this week with a daily summertime-fun video? We’ll start with Kenny Chesney, “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems.” Be sure to check back for tomorrow’s featured video!

News From Around The Country
With his new album Doin' My Thing due out this October, Luke Bryan is planning a special album release show. The thing is, Luke doesn’t even know where he’s going to be doing the show – until the fans tell him. This time, Luke is letting his fans choose where the show will be by voting for their city. Click here to cast your vote before July 10.
And did you catch this adorable picture of proud-papa Keith Urban with his daughter, Sunday Rose. There’s just something about a tattoo peeking out from underneath the strap of a diaper bag!