Country Music Alive Blog

2009 CMA Awards

2009-11-11T17:34:00.003-05:00

Want to chat just a bit during the show? You can send me a message over on the right side of the blog page under E-mail & Live chat. I'll try to be available as much as I can during the coverage..

I will be using Twitter during the show.. cntryalive is the username to follow, can setup SMS messages if you wont be in front of the computer during the show.

News Channel 5's webcam updates every 5 minutes or so, you can view that to see a little bit of whats going on from the outside.
http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/category.asp?C=101671

WKRN will have live coverage on the red carpet beginning at 7pm EST.
http://www.wkrn.com/global/Category.asp?C=178272

The Country Music Is Love blog is holding a live chat...
http://www.countrymusicislove.com/chat

2009 CMA Awards Coverage

2009-11-10T20:29:00.004-05:00

Country Music Alive will be following the 43rd Annual Country Music Association Awards this year in a few formats...

The live- as it happens comments, winners, and other great information during the award show itself follow me on Twitter! I will begin shortly after 5:00pm EST. If you aren't going to be near a television, follow and add me to your SMS following for updates to your mobile phone. You can find Country Music Alive on Twitter as username: cntryalive

Of course, here on the blog I will have the winners list posted directly after the show, usually within 5 minutes of its conclusion. The performance list (who sang what) will be out shortly after the show or definitely by the next day. Then, in the days after plenty of commentary and such.

In case you don't know...

The CMT Red Carpet Show will air on CMT at 7:00pm EST.
The 43rd Annual CMA Awards will be aired live on ABC at 8pm EST.

Performers for the CMA Awards are: Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and Dave Mathews, Billy Currington, Vince Gill and Daughtry, Kid Rock and Jamey Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band.

Presenters are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Neil Flynn, Patricia Heaton, Julianne Hough, Randy Houser, The Judds, Kid Rock, Kris Kristofferson, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Robin Roberts, and Lee Ann Womack.

CMT will air a re-cap show on Saturday Nov. 14 at 1:30pm EST. CMT will also re-air the entire show later this month.

CMA Predictions From Other Sites..

2009-11-10T18:40:00.002-05:00

Here are few other websites in what they are predicting for tomorrow night!

Prediction roundup...

Tha Good Life Reviews .com

Entertainer Of The Year…. Taylor Swift

Album Of The Year…. Fearless-Taylor Swift

Female Vocalist Of The Year... Reba McEntire

Male Vocalist Of The Year …. Kenny Chesney

Music Video Of The Year…. “Boots On” – Randy Houser

Musical Event Of The Year…. “Start A Band” – Brad Paisley w/ Keith Urban

Best New Artist Of The Year…. Zac Brown Band

Best Single Of The Year …. “Chicken Fried” – Zac Brown Band

Best Song Of The Year …. “Then” – Brad Paisley

Vocal Duo Of The Year…. Brooks & Dunn

Vocal Group Of The Year…. Rascal Flatts

From Country Universe:

Entertainer: Brad Paisley

Female: Carrie Underwood

Male: Brad Paisley

Duo: Sugarland

Group: Lady Antebellum

New Artist: Darius Rucker

Album: Jamey Johnson

Single: "In Color"

Song: "In Color"

Event: "I Told You So"

Video: "Love Story"

Roughstock.com:

Video: "Boots On"

Event: "Down The Road"

Group: Zac Brown

Duo: Brooks & Dunn

New Artist: Darius Rucker

Female: Carrie Underwood

Male: Brad Paisley

Single: "Then"

Song: "In Color"

Urban Country Blog:

Single: "Then" / "Chicken Fried" tie

Song: "In Color"

Album: Fearless

Group: Rascal Flatts

Duo: Sugarland

Musician: Mac McAnally

Video: "Love Story"

Event: "Start A Band"

New Artist: Zac Brown

Female: Carrie Underwood

Male: Keith Urban

Entertainer: Taylor Swift

My Kind of Country:

Entertainer: Brad Paisley

Male: Brad Paisleu

Female: Miranda Lambert

Group: Zac Brown

Duo: Sugarland

New: Jamey Johnson

Musician: Paul Franklin

Album: That Lonesome Song

Single: "In Color"

Song: "In Color"

Event: "Everything But Quits"

Video: "Troubador"

The 9513

Entertainer Of The Year: Brad Paisley
Male Vocalist of The Year: Brad Paisley
Female Vocalist of The Year: Carrie Underwood
Vocal Group of The Year: Zac Brown Band
Vocal Duo of The Year: Sugarland
New Artist of The Year: Jamey Johnson
Musician of The Year: Mac Macanally and Paul Franklin (tie)
Album of The Year: Jamey Johnson – That Lonesome Song
Single of The Year: Jamey Johnson – “In Color”
Song of The Year: Jamey Johnson – “In Color” and Billy Currington – “People Are Crazy” (tie)
Musical Event of The Year: Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood – “I Told You So”
Video of The Year: Taylor Swift – “Love Story”

George Strait and Reba McEntire Tour Together

2009-11-03T18:17:00.002-05:00

Well, first there was the announcement of Trace Adkins and Martina McBride touring together... and now an announcement of another superstar duo hitting the tour schedule in 2010.

George Strait and Reba McEntire will head out on tour together for 2010. Pretty exciting to think of seeing 2 such living legends on the same night and place. Just think all of the hits and record sales they have between them... mind boggling to think about.

2010 TOUR DATES

*Date*	*City*	*Venue*

22-Jan	Baltimore, MD	1st Mariner
23-Jan	Greensboro, NC	Coliseum
29-Jan	Knoxville, TN	Thompson Boling
30-Jan	Charlottesville, VA	JPJ Arena
5-Feb	Phoenix, AZ	US Airways
6-Feb	Las Vegas, NV	MGM
18-Feb	St Louis, MO	Scottrade Center
19-Feb	Wichita, KS	Intrust Bank Arena
20-Feb	Tulsa, OK	BOK Arena
25-Feb	Atlanta, GA	Philips Arena
26-Feb	Orlando, FL	Amway Arena
4-Mar	Memphis, TN	FedEx Forum
5-Mar	New Orleans, LA	New Orleans Arena
6-Mar	Little Rock, AR	Verizon
26-Mar	Portland, OR	The Rose Garden
27-Mar	Tacoma, WA	Tacomadome
8-Apr	Omaha, NE	Qwest Center
9-Apr	Kansas City, MO	Sprint Center
10-Apr	Des Moines, IA	Wells Fargo Arena

You know good and well, there will be more information on Country Music Alive on this tour...

Win Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night" CD

2009-11-01T11:38:00.004-05:00

Thank you all for the best month ever for Country Music Alive! October was just amazing with the number of visitors and comments! Lets make November even better by telling your friends and family about Country Music Alive!

Remember to visit the website: http://www.countrymusicalive.com/
Become a Fan on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/ygxcbxg
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cntryalive
Subscribe to the Blog: (use form at top right)

Now... as a way of saying thanks....

I have 1 copy of Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night" to give to 1 lucky winner! Send your name and city/state to contest@countrymusicalive.com by Friday November 6, 2009 at 12:00pm Eastern.

1 entry per person, per e-mail address. No exceptions. Please, only United States mailing addresses only, due to shipping charges. You will be asked to reply with in 1 day with your mailing address if you are selected as the winner. The information collected will be only used for shipping. Contest entry email addresses will not be used for any reason. You will receive an automated response to confirm entry only. Good luck!

Change In Country Music's Sound?

2009-10-31T13:55:00.003-04:00

You know, I've been thinking this past week or so... there something pretty exciting going on in country music these days. I feel like there has been a shift in the music that we get to listen, it might be slight, as in nothing drastic, but I really do feel like there has been a positive change in the music.

Look at some of the recent singles hitting the charts and radio...

The Lost Trailers "Country Folks (Livin' Loud)"
Chris Young "Getting You Home"
Luke Bryan "Do I"
Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews "I'm Alive"
Tim McGraw's new album
Eric Church

Now these are just a few of the examples I found looking at this point: There is a turn I believe for a more country sound in country radio. Its not a major overhaul, but, its slight. Biggest deal I see is in the lyrics. I feel excited again lately with my country music. I have always and always will love country music, but there are times there is a bigger spark, and that time seems to be right now. This is especially so considering that in the past months or so, I felt more critical about the music I love rather than positive.

Its not just the new artists either, as you can see from the small list of examples above. I mean, Tim McGraw's newest release is amazing. That album is filled with what I look for in a solid country album.

The pop country is just that. It doesn't really get in my soul and power that love of the music far, but real strong lyric writing and a true country sound does. There hundreds of songs out there that don't have the substance that a true country song should. In the last few weeks though, some of the music I am hearing has substance and even carry a country sound.

I sure hope we are seeing a turn and that change of direction will continue. The country music industry takes a long time to move in another direction... this just may be the beginning, but at the same time, I certainly won't get my hopes up.

Do you feel the same way? Are you finding certain songs and artists are grabbing your attention a little more than say 2 months ago? Or do see it worse? Or do you like the pop mainstream sound in country? I'd love to hear from you....

Favorite Song: Country Folks (Livin' Loud)

2009-10-29T20:18:00.002-04:00

Country Folks (Livin' Loud) by The Lost Trailers is one of those songs that just gets in my head and stays... what a great song. If you haven't heard it, you should take a listen, I bet you will add it to your library of songs quick.

Not many songs come around that I just want to listen and sing with all day long if I could. The lyrics are excellent, great sound to the song, a good country beat, and it just doesn't get old.

Enjoy...

Amazon.com Widgets

2009 CMA Award Presenters

2009-10-29T08:50:00.003-04:00

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.; stars of ABC’s “The Middle” Neil Flynn and Patricia Heaton; Julianne Hough; Randy Houser, Jake Owen; Kellie Pickler;LeAnn Rimes; and ABC News’s Robin Roberts, co-anchor of “Good Morning America” and host of the upcoming “Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville” ABC television special (airing Nov. 10) have been announced as presenters at the upcoming CMA Awards.

Performers already announced include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and Dave Mathews, Billy Currington, Vince Gill and Daughtry, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band.

More updates I am sure will becoming out fairly soon, keep checking back!

Garth Brooks in Vegas Sales

2009-10-25T20:21:00.002-04:00

Wow... I knew it would be huge and would sell fast.. here are the facts for the first 20 shows that went on sale this weekend:

Starting at 7 a.m., there were more than 2 million page views to the Garth Brooks ticket area on the Wynn Web site.
more than 40,000 people could be found on the site at any given time.
It took less than five hours to sell out the first 20 Garth Brooks concerts. The lines by phone, online and in person began at 8 a.m., and by 1 p.m., it was a full sellout.
The Wynn’s Web site had 5.4 million hits about tickets, and resort phone lines reached maximum capacity with 141,934 calls before going to a busy signal!

Robin Leach's Vegas Deluxe

Nashville Gab

House Resolution 766... Country Music

2009-10-20T20:25:00.003-04:00

United States House Resolution was passed with all present voting "yay." Something they can agree on huh? What is it? Well... country music. Here is the video of the remarks made by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL.)

H RES 650 (Roll # 766)

Recognizing That Country Music Has Made A Tremendous Contribution To American Life and Culture and Declaring Country Music To Be A Uniquely American Art Form

2009 CMA Award Predictions

2009-10-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

Well, it is voting time for CMA Members, and that means we are getting real close to the 2009 CMA Awards. 23 days in fact.

So, I think its time to go on the record with my predictions for the 43rd Annual Country Music Association Awards.

These are just that predictions. I usually have a 50/50 track record on this game. After you read my predictions, join in on the discussion over on Facebook to share your predictions!

Music Video- Taylor Swift "Love Story"
This category is always heard to call. There always great videos and personally, I don't watch too many videos. I'm going with Taylor Swift on this one.

Musical Event- "Start A Band" Brad Paisley and Keith Urban
Well, this category comes down to two I think. "Cowgirls Don't Cry" and "Start A Band." "I Told You So" was a great nominee, but doesn't have anywhere near the airplay that the other two does. I think talent in instrumentation takes this category, with the guitar work both of these talented artists give to the song. Plus, think about it, how many times have you heard this song in the past year?

New Artist- Zac Brown Band
Wow, I didn't like thinking about this category. Again, Zac Brown Band for their country music exposure, fan base, and attention they have received this year with "Chicken Fried" among other hits or the raw country talent of Jamey Johnson. This is one category I wish the final vote tally would be shared.. it will be close.
Single- "Chicken Fried"
Now remember, this category is more oabout the song itself, and not so much the songwriting aspects. This song has been addictive, massive airplay, made fans for the group, and just a plain fun song.

Song- "Then" Brad Paisley
Powerhouse lyrical ballad. This category focuses on the song lyrics. "In Color" as well could very easily win this award. If the Association follows their history of giving awards, "In Color" will miss the win... even though it may be justified to come out on top.

Album- "Fearless" Taylor Swift
Um, what can I say. One word- Sales. She has been a life line for the industry.

Vocal Duo- Sugarland
Look at the past year for this duo. There is Brooks & Dunn that may be the sentimental favorite.. as many times as they have won this award and announcing the end of the duo.

Vocal Group- Rascal Flatts
Another year for Rascal Flatts. Tour success and pop appeal just may be enough for another year for them.

Female Vocalist- Taylor Swift
Not much to say here... or to compete with. Look at album sales, she wins. Look at tour success, she wins. Look at just about any category and she is on top or close to it.
Male Vocalist- Kenny Cheseny
Well.. can we have a tie? Just give them all the award- 1 for each or cut it up into pieces. No, um, ok.. well, it can come down to a coin flip. I mean really. All 5 nominees live up to this award. Lets go with Kenny Chesney.

Entertainer- Taylor Swift
It's going to amazing to watch. Can you see her excitement already? I have a feeling we will see it live... her year has again been explosive to say the least. Tour, album, singles, character, and any other quality you can think of she has been the best of the best for country music this year. Not much of a close call, for a change. If she doesn't win it, well, that will be shocking.

You can share your thoughts and make your own predictions over on the Fans of Country Music Alive page on Facebook! Go to:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=78642062196

Be sure to watch The 43rd Annual CMA Awards on November 11, 2009 at 8pm EST on ABC. Also, keep checking the Country Music Alive Blog for updates on performers, presenters. Day-of coverage of the CMA Awards will be on Twitter, along with updates before and after the show. (@cntryalive)

Live Chat feature

2009-10-17T17:20:00.002-04:00

Not finding exactly what you are looking for? Have a general country music question? What to let me know what you think of the blog? Want to talk about country music for a few moments?

Well, you can, live.. on the right side of the blog you will see a chat area. If I am online, I can respond instantly, like an instant messenger program. If I'm not, leave your email address and I can respond back to you when I am here.

Hope you find this feature useful and enjoyable. Just one more way to allow me to connect with you, my visitors. I would love to hear from you, especially my daily visitors.

note: If you viewing the blog anywhere else than http://countrymusicalive.blogspot.com/ you will have to come to that website to use this feature. This blog is re-distributed on many other websites, rss feed, and e-mail subscription option as well.

New Gretchen Wilson Video

2009-10-16T17:15:00.002-04:00

Enjoy the new video from Gretchen Wilson. The song is titled "Work Hard, Play Harder."

2009 CMA Performers Round 2

2009-10-16T12:20:00.002-04:00

Tim McGraw, a Vince Gill/Daughtry duet, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and the Zac Brown Band have been added to the list of performers at the 2009 CMA Awards.

Round one of performers announced include Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Sugarland, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker and co-hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley.

The show will be aired live on ABC beginning at 8pm on November 11, 2009.

Taylor Swift To Host SNL

2009-10-16T12:13:00.002-04:00

Look for Taylor Swift to host Saturday Night Live on November 7, 2009. She will hold dual roles as the host and as a performer...

The new Platinum version of Fearless hits stores October 27 and can be pre-ordered right now from Amazon. That way, it will awaiting you on your doorstep on the day or very shortly there after from the release date. No worry that the store will run out. You will also recieve a $1 credit from Amazon for a free song download of your choice...and orders over $25 qualify for free shipping.

Garth Brooks in Las Vegas...

2009-10-15T17:53:00.002-04:00

Well, here we go. Garth Brooks has made his announcement. He will be returning to the stage. No, not a world tour or even a U.S. tour, but in Las Vegas.

Garth will be playing shows on the weekends. 1 show Friday, 2 shows Saturday, and 1 show on Sunday at The Wynn Hotel Las Vegas. This will be a 5-year project, beginning with 16 weeks. The first show will take place December 11, 2009 and then will return to the stage January 1, 2, and 3. Tickets will be $125 for a seat, cheap for Vegas shows, and will be the price no matter what seat. There will be a strict no-scalping policy in effect, that will include providing identification. Tickets go on sale October 24, 2009.

This will be basically a one-man show. Just Garth and his guitar. He may have a special guest or two, including not ruling out that Trisha Yearwood would be apart of the show. Though, he did add that each show will be different and could last about 90 minutes. It could be longer or shorter, you just never know with a Garth Brooks show.

So, those are the facts. Now some of why he is doing it...

We all know, Garth said that he would not tour until his youngest daughter turned 18. Its been 11 years since he has performed a tour type concert. The daughters are now 17, 15, and 13. So.. that's where the 5-year project comes into play. He said he wanted to be there for his kids and family.. and he meant it.. and still does. He still stands by his statement of no touring and also added no new music is planned during the upcoming 5 years.

The Wynn Hotel deal comes with a private jet for him to be able to commute back and forth from his home in Oklahoma. Its a two-hour flight, and factor in the time change... he can leave at 6pm and arrive in Vegas at 6pm. So, he will be able to be home all week and even attend church on Sunday mornings. If there is a special event or important sporting event he doesn't want to miss seeing his children play, well, the show may be delayed an hour or whatever to allow that to happen. The show schedule will be released by the quarter year; giving Garth full control of when he will be performing and when he won't.

Garth talked today at the press conference about the importance of being with his family and how important that is to him. He also expressed how much he does his playing music and entertaining his fans. With a big Garth signature smile of holding back those heart-felt tears of joy expression, Garth said "I'm going to get to play music." That really sums up so much about Garth. Music and his family are the two most important things in his life... and this arrangement makes it possible for him to be there for his family and play music.

It was so awesome hearing Garth Brooks talk today. The passion he has for the music has never died, but today it felt to be re-born again. The well mannered, fun, and spoken from the heart Garth Brooks we all know and love was filled with the fire passion he has always portrayed, but today it felt like a re-birth as well.

This is such a great deal for Garth. It allows him what he loves to.. perform for his fans. Its good for his fans, in some ways. First, fans get to see him again perform. Second, they see a different side of Garth's performing style... lower key and communicating the power of a song Garth, that not always gets to be seen. The only bad part is he is only in one city and a fairly limited schedule and somewhat smaller venue. But hey, that can be a plus as well...

Any thoughts on what you think of Garth's return is of course always welcomed.. leave a comment.

Garth Brooks to Las Vegas?

2009-10-13T19:42:00.006-04:00

It is expected that Garth Brooks will announce Thursday that he will be performing shows at The Encore/Wynn Theater.

A press conference is scheduled for Thursday. garthbrooks.com advises "something exciting" will be announced on Thursday and that it can be watched live.

We will all be waiting and more details to come as I learn them. ..

Edit 10/14/2009:
The press conference will be at 4pm EST Thursday on garthbrooks.com

2009 CMA Awards: Broadcast Award Winners

2009-10-13T19:42:00.002-04:00

Here are this year's CMA Award Broadcast Winners:

Major Market Station Of The Year - KYGO/Denver
Large Market Station Of The Year - WUBE/Cincinnati
Medium Market Station Of The Year - KUZZ/Bakersfield
Small Market Station Of The year - WKSF/Asheville, NC

National Personality - Kix Brooks - American Country Countdown
Major Market Personality - The Cornbread Show on WIL/St Louis (Cornbread, Pat James, Producer Annie, Father Harry, Captain Mac
Large Market Personality - Jim Denny & Friends on WFMS/Indianapolis (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, Kevin Freeman)
Medium Market Personality: WIVK At Night with Jack Ryan on WIVK/Knoxville (Jack Ryan)
Small Market Personality - Gator & The StyckMan on WGSQ/Cookeville, TN (Gator Harrison, Greg "Styckman" Owens)

Tim McGraw "Southern Voice"

2009-10-11T11:25:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, I wrote about an album that came out a year ago.. today I'm talking about an album that isn't out yet. Tim McGraw has a new album on its way October 20, 2009 titled "Southern Voice." Amazon already has clips available to listen to and get a feel for what is coming.

From the short clips, its worth getting excited about... I'm hearing a more traditional country sound from Tim McGraw on these couple second clips. Even feels like a turn-back to a younger McGraw feel... I can't wait to get my hands on this one to give you a full review.

On Monday, October 12, Tim McGraw will perform at 8pm ET a 7 song "Live@Letterman," a live webcast from the set of the Late Show with David Letterman. That night, he will perform on The David Letterman Show and then again Friday October 16.

Tim McGraw's new single "Southern Voice" is currently #23 on the Billboard Country Singles Chart. The new album is out Tuesday October 20.. but it can pre-ordered right now below.

Joey + Rory "The Life of a Song"

2009-10-10T18:31:00.004-04:00

Its sorta fun when an amazingly talented album gets overlooked in picking up and listening to. I've heard their single "Cheater Cheater" and really thought it was a great song and kept meaning to pickup the album. Well, a year has passed by since the release of Joey + Rory "The Life of A Song" and I am giving it a listen.

Let me put it this way... I have been missing out; big time.

I keep searching for the real deal. You know that country music tradition that is missing from today's pop country... I know the talent is out there and even some of the artists that record what is on the charts could do it as well. It is is possible to keep tradition in the music and still record music that carries a contemporary message and tone. "The Life of a Song" proves this point over and over- note by note. Don't believe me? I challenge you to listen to this album. True country music at its finest...just reading their bio's, you know they are as real as they get.

The soul-filled passion from the vocals Joe is more than enjoyable to listen to as Rory fills a perfect harmonized sound in what is a very intimate sound.

As I went through song by song, I was just still in awe of their performances. Lyrically masterful, true country instrumentation, and full of love can be heard note by note of this husband and wife duo.

The first track "Play the Song" just about sums up what I find myself ranting about pretty often, and I feel a post about it coming again pretty soon ... If you put the song on the radio and give some of the real country music a chance you just may be surprised what people truly like. I'll leave it at that for now, and just say the song itself is a perfect beginning to this album and is a great sounding tune.

"Sweet Emmylou" is about just what you think it would be.. the great Emmylou Harris. The lyrics to this song are just incredible. "Sweet Emmylou, what are we gonna do / It's only been a week or two, and he's found someone new / Looks like it's gonna be, another night of you and me
Sweet Emmylou." Enough said- just listen.

Their single "Cheater, Cheater" is yet another gem on this album... and just does prove if you play a song, people just might like it.

The "Heart of the Wood" is the most beautifully crafted songs on the album. Delivered acoustically, first you notice the vocals are just so very simple, yet, amazingly powerful.. wow, beautiful just keeps coming to mind. Its the lyrics though that makes this song quickly becoming one of my favorite songs of all time. Yes, you read that right. Its one of those songs that I want you to hear for yourself and absorb the lyrics. "Heart of the Wood" is that good.

Pick up this album... download it, or however else you can figure out how to purchase this album and enjoy. I'd love to know what you think as well, leave a comment if you wish

Bill Engvall "Aged And Confused"

2009-10-06T04:00:00.000-04:00

Now, I don't do too many comedy reviews, however, when it comes to the cast of The Blue Comedy Tour (original group,) I just have to be sure you all know about it. This time around, its a new album from Bill Engvall. The album is titled "Aged and Confused."

This album is classic Bill Engvall, and its best; this routine talks about true life. Engvall being 52 years old, the album deals with some of those experiences. It talks about married life, vacation trips, and much more... in Engvall style, of course.

Its nice to put the album in and hear the same style of comedy that I remember from his 1996 Platinum debut solo album, "Here's Your Sign."

If you own or heard anything else from Bill Engvall, you will love this album just as you do the rest...

The album was recorded at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, Illinois and is goes on sale today in stores and of course from Amazon.com above, or digitally download below as you can also listen to clips from the album.

Amazon.com Widgets

The Shine All Night Tour: Martina McBride & Trace Adkins

2009-10-05T16:57:00.003-04:00

The 5' 2" tall powerhouse-ballad soprano vocalist Martina McBride and the 6' 6" tall strong baritone vocalist Trace Adkins have teamed up together for the upcoming Sunnyd Presents The Shine All Night Tour. McBride will have the beauty of country music that the ladies love to hear and Adkins will bring on the power for the guys. Wow. I could go on about the contrast and comparisons, but we will stop there (because there a ton.)

I do know this will be one heck of a show.

Both McBride and Adkins will each perform full-length shows. In a few select cities, Blake Shelton and The Lost Trailers will be performing with Martina McBride.

The show is sponsored by SunnyD and GAC. Trace Adkins is sponsored by BC Powder.

For more information, including some pretty cool videos already, visit http://www.shineallnight.com , Twitter: shineallnight

Here is the schedule:

Nov. 20* Moline, IL- I Wireless Center
Nov. 21 St. Paul, MN- Xcel Energy Center
Nov. 22 Milwaukee, WI - Bradley Center
Dec. 3 Colorado Springs, CO- World Arena
Dec. 4 Park City (Wichita), KS- Hartman Arena
Dec. 5 Oklahoma City, OK- Ford Center
Dec. 10* Greensboro, NC- Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Dec. 11* Columbia, SC- Colonial Center
Dec. 12** Duluth, GA- Gwinnett Center
Dec. 13* Birmingham, AL- BJCC Arena
Jan. 22 Little Rock, AR- Verizon Arena
Jan. 23 Independence, MO- Independence Event Center
Jan. 24 Council Bluffs, IA- Mid-America Center
Jan. 29 Reading, PA- Sovereign Center
Jan. 30 Worcester, MA- DCU Center
Jan. 31 Fairfax, VA- Patriot Center
Feb. 11 Dallas, TX- Nokia Theatre
Feb. 12 Beaumont, TX- Ford Park
Feb. 13 Bossier City, LA- CenturyTel Center
Feb. 14 Pensacola, FL- Pensacola Civic Center
Feb. 19 Buffalo, NY - HSBC Arena
Feb. 21 Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena
Feb. 25 Ft. Wayne, IN - Allen County War Memorial
Feb. 26 Cleveland, OH - Wolstein Center
Feb. 27 Pittsburgh, PA - Petersen Events Center
Feb. 28 Highland Heights, KY- The Bank of Kentucky Center
Mar. 5 Champaign, IL- Assembly Hall
Mar. 6 Evansville, IN- Roberts Stadium
Mar. 12 Richmond, VAQ- Richmond Coliseum
Mar. 14 Manchester, NH- Verizon Wireless Arena
Mar. 26 St. Louis, MO- Scottrade Center
Mar. 27 Green Bay, WI- Resch Center
Mar. 28 Dekalb, IL- NIU Convocation Center
Apr. 8 Loveland, CO- Budweiser Events Center
Apr. 9 Rapid City, SD- Don Barnett Arena
Apr. 10 Bismarck, ND- Bismarck Civic Center
*Date with Blake Shelton & The Lost Trailers
**Date with The Lost Trailers

2009 CMA Awards Performers List: Round 1

2009-10-05T16:45:00.003-04:00

Its getting real close to that time of year! The 2009 CMA Awards will air November 11. The nominees have been announced, but now it is time for the announcements of performers and presenters to begin. The first round of performers are out. Big names, but no surprises here. 1st Round of Performers:

Brooks & Dunn
Kenny Chesney
Reba McEntire
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
George Strait
Sugarland
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

The Country Music Alive viewer's guide is posted. It is your quick information source. You can visit that at: http://countrymusicalive.com/features/cma43/index.htm

"The 43rd Annual CMA Awards," hosted by Paisley and Underwood, airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. The official website is http://www.cmaawards.com

Farm Aid 2009 Live On XM, Directv, and Web

2009-10-03T19:30:00.000-04:00

Remember! Farm Aid 2009 will be available in many different places for you to watch/listen live...

XM Radio: Starting at 2pm EST, Willie's Place (Sirius Channel 64 or XM Channel 13)

Directv: Starting at 5pm EST, The 101 Network (Channel 101)

Webcast: Starting at 5pm EST, farmaid.org

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family-farmed food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised nearly $36 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

The Lineup:

Willie Nelson
John Mellencamp
Neil Young
Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds
Wilco
Jason Mraz
Jamey Johnson
Gretchen Wilson
Phosphorescent
Billy Joe Shaver
Will Dailey
Ernie Isley & the Jam Band
Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses
The Blackwood Quartet
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

Taylor Swift Fearless Platinum Edition Pre-Order

2009-10-03T15:49:00.004-04:00

A huge amount of you end up here in searching for the upcoming Taylor Swift Fearless Platinum edition CD. I mean a ton... So here is additional information I have...

Taylor Swift Fearless Deluxe Edition will be released October 27, 2009. It will include a CD and DVD.

This CD is available NOW for Pre-Order! Click above...

CD Track List:
(new tracks notated with **)
1. Jump Then Fall **
2. Untouchable **
3. Forever & Always (Piano Version) **
4. Come In With The Rain **
5. SuperStar **
6. The Other Side Of The Door **
7. Fearless
8. Fifteen
9. Love Story
10. Hey Stephen
11. White Horse
12. You Belong With Me
13. Breathe
14. Tell Me Why
15. You're Not Sorry
16. The Way I Loved You
17. Forever & Always
18. The Best Day
19. Change

DVD Track List:
1. “Change” Video
2. “Love Story” Video
3. “White Horse” Video
4. “The Best Day” Video
5. “You Belong With Me” Video
6. “Love Story” On The Set-Behind The Scenes
7. “White Horse” On The Set-Behind The Scenes
8. “You Belong With Me” On The Set-Behind The Scenes
9. FEARLESS 2009 TOUR Behind The Scenes exclusive photos; Photos courtesy of Austin K. Swift
10. FEARLESS 2009 TOUR Behind The Scenes at the First Show webisode
11. “Thug Story” Video