New Year’s Eve Parties

Looking to add a little country flare to your New Year’s Eve? Before it’s too late, we compiled some of our “best bets” for celebrating the New Year country music style.

Cadillac Ranch
1175 West Lake St, Bartlett
cadranch.com

Cadillac Countdown to 2010 – Get wild at the Ranch as they count down to 2010 high tech style. Join DJ Hillbilly for a champagne toast with super cool party favors and of course dancing. The club is open till 4 a.m.

Joe’s Bar
940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
joesbar.com

Well, doesn’t look like Joe’s is goin’ country this New Year’s Eve. Why not support our favorite entertainment venue any way. The Rum Runners will rock the night away with pop hits from U2 to Journey.

Saddle Up Saloon and Dancehall
4440 W. Ogden Ave, Aurora
saddleupsaloon.com

As the newest hot spot on the block, Saddle Up Saloon and Dancehall is quickly becoming a local favorite among the suburban country joints. Located in West suburban Aurora, the Saloon is hosting Decadance “The Dance Party of the Decade” on New Years Eve. Admission includes line dancing lessons, “roadhouse” dance party and a giant cash-ball drop at Midnight.

Sundance Saloon
300 Lakehurst Rd, Waukegan
sundancesaloon.com

Probably one of most known suburban country bars, the Sundance Saloon is open and celebrating the New Year with the local band Easy Louise. All tickets include entertainment, champagne and party favors. Pop for a little extra and they’ll throw in a buffet!

Nashville’s NYE – “Bash on Broadway”
Broadway Ave. between 1st and 3rd, Nashville, TN
visitmusiccity.com/newyearseve/

Pack your bags because Nashville is throwing a street party on New Year’s Eve. Ring in 2010 with country music artist Rodney Atkins and GAC-TV/XM Radio host, Storme Warren, as they headline/emcee the countdown to 2010 with music, fireworks and a guitar drop at Midnight.

Chicago’s Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago
navypier.com

Looking for more of the downtown flare and not country? Navy Pier will be hosting its annual New Year’s Eve celebrations for both kids and adults with fireworks at 8:15 p.m. and Midnight.

Don’t forget to check out the Bank of America Winter WonderFest in Festival Hall. The 170,000 square-foot winter wonderland features North Pole inspired attractions for kids of all ages. Entrance to the Winter WonderFest is free, rides and attractions require an activity wristband. Special tip, if you bring your own ice skates, you can skate in the indoor ice rink for free. winterwonderfest.com

Just looking for dinner?

The Texas Roadhouse
Various Locations (Naperville/Rockford)
texasroadhouse.com

The country music infused Texas Roadhouse is perhaps one of the few places in the Chicagoland area where country music plays while you eat. Known for their steaks and buttered rolls, each Roadhouse is part of a larger, regional chain but each kitchen features its own local flare. While the food is great for any occasion, expect long waits.

Some attractions may require attendees to be over the age of 21 and may require additional entrance fees. Please check with the venue prior to planning your night. Please remember to act responsible when drinking and do not drive.

What are you doing on New Year’s Eve? Did we miss something?

Top 10 Albums of 2009

It’s that time a year again when it seems like all of the major publications start posting their “Year in Reviews” and “Top 10 Best”.  Some are even posting “decade in review” this year.

In the spirit of the season, I started scouring through the last 12 months of new albums to compile my picks for this year’s top 10 country music album releases.

Best Country Music Albums of 2009

1. Brad Paisley “American Saturday Night”

Brad Paisley has had some success in the past, but “American Saturday Night” has really become a power player. From the album’s title track to “Welcome to the Future” and “Water”, Paisley not only created an album, he produced a set of future top 10 singles.  This album still resides in my car’s cd player.

2. Luke Bryan “Doin’ My Thing”

Luke, if this album is just you doing your thing. THEN KEEP DOING IT!

3. Miranda Lambert “Revolution”

With her your true-to-country-music tunes, Lambert has really taken the reigns of female country music over the last year or so.  We’re looking forward to the day when Lambert will really be recognized for this.

4. Rodney Atkins “It’s America”

“It’s America” was a clear-cut hit over the summer and will most likely make its way into “summer classic” status. We hope to see Atkins pick up some nominations for this one.

5. Phil Vassar “Traveling Circus”

Phil Vassar squeaked out this soon-to-be hit just in the nick of time for this list.  Released on Tuesday, “Traveling Circus” will most likely be the last new country music album release of 2009. As they say, “save the best for last”.

6. Dierks Bentley “Feel That Fire”

We’ve seen Mr. Bentley persona progress over the years but the themes of his songs seem to be pretty consistent. A consistency, we seem to like.

7. Jason Aldean “Wide Open”

Jason Aldean’s debut album was great, “Relentless” was awesome and now “Wide Open” is super-awesome! Sorry, no pressure on your next album Jason!

8. George Strait “TWANG”

What can I say, long live the King. While I’m not sure if the whole reason I liked this album was for George Strait or because I feel it supports what some consider true country music. And sometimes “I need a little TWANG!”

9. John Rich “Son of a Preacher Man”

John Rich, stickin’ up for the little man! Rich’s biggest hit from his solo album is “Shuttin’ Detroit Down”. Believe it or not, there are several other good songs on this album too.  Give it a listen.

10. Pat Green “What I’m For”

Whether it’s a live concert or in album form, Pat Green always puts on a good show. “What I’m For” produced some of Green’s most recent success like “Let Me” and “Footsteps of our Fathers”.

Best New Country Music Artist Album Release

• David Nail – “I’m About to Come Alive”

I remember being stuck in traffic this summer on Lake Shore Drive and along side of me was a Ford F-150 pickup truck being handled by a young woman. As I turned down my radio, I noticed she was blasting David Nail’s “Red Light” over her CD player. I started to think that it was kind of funny because it’s not too often you find a pickup truck on Lake Shore Drive but what would be the chance it would be playing David Nail’s music as at the time he was relatively unknown. I started to ponder some more, as I had time being stuck in Chicago traffic, that Nail’s music is kind of like that pickup truck. It’s roots are country but I can sense a slight urban feel to it.

Best Local Country Music Artist Album Release of the Year

• Katie Quick – “Be The Change”

Katie has some real potential. (Label execs pay attention!) Her passion and talent will hopefully prove her well in the years to come. Hopefully, I’ll be adding her to the overall category in the future.

Best Special Album Release

• Sugarland – “Live on the Inside”

What more can I ask for, I love Sugarland and I’m a sucker for live albums. Way to go Jennifer and Kristian.

Top 10 Music Videos:

Posted on the Country Music Chicago Music Blog

Visit Nashville, The Music City

Visiting Nashville can be an experience of a lifetime and for country music fans, it’s almost a rite of passage. Whether it’s your first, or your fiftieth, making the trip can be an awesome experience. The Country Music Chicago team had the opportunity to visit Nashville in late September, our first time since the inception of Country Music Chicago, and we wanted share our “best bets” of the trip. We’re looking forward to returning to Nashville to explore and report on even more.

Article continues below:

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The Grand Ole Opry & Opryland
2802 Opryland Drive, Nashville
opry.com

In relation to country music, the Grand Ole Opry and Nashville are downright synonymous. Rooted deep in Nashville’s, and country music’s, history the Grand Ole Opry has evolved from a radio broadcast program, started in 1925, to the ultimate country music live-entertainment experience that pays tribute to both country music’s past and present. Still broadcasting today on WSM, the Grand Ole Opry program is the longest running radio program in America.

From Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Josh Turner to George Jones, Loretta Lynn and Charlie Daniels the Opry has a long, long list of members who regularly perform.

The Opry has changed homes over the years and it is now located approximately nine miles Northeast of downtown. Visitors will find it snuggled with the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Opry Mills Mall and some other area tourist and dining attractions.

Be sure to catch a show, times and program themes vary so check with the box office for ticket information or visit opry.com for upcoming shows and event information. Don’t forget to swing by the Opry Museum when you visit.

For dining options, John A’s Nashville Palace is located across the street from the Opry. Great food and live entertainment. nashvillepalace.net

WSM-AM wsmonline.com – listen Online!
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Hotel: gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Fifth Ave. S, Nashville
countrymusichalloffame.com

Located in downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has become a 130,000-square-foot interactive tribute to all things country music. From the early beginnings to Elvis and Johnny Cash to Garth Brooks and everything in between, the Museum offers visitors a state-of-the-art learning experience. The exhibit space covers three floors so visitors should allow for plenty of time to explore. We recommend the audio walking tour and don’t forget to check out the Museum’s gift shop located on the 1st floor.

A recent addition to the Museum’s ticket is the Historic RCA Studio B tour. Located on Music Row and accessible by Museum bus, the guided tour covers the actual studio where many of country music’s finest recorded albums over the years, including Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. Tours depart daily from the Hall of Fame and Museum. Make sure you opt for this; it was well worth the extra admission. In addition, it was a great way to get a quick glimpse of Music Row.

The Ryman Auditorium
116 Fifth Avenue North, Nashville
ryman.com

Just north of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is another piece of historic Nashville real estate. The Ryman Auditorium has been the host of some of the biggest names in music over the years and was even the home the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974. Even today, the Ryman still serves as a downtown concert and event venue and often hosts Opry special engagements. Self-guided tours of the facility are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

- Lodging -

Union Station Hotel
1001 Broadway, Nashville
UnionStationHotelNashville.com

Our accommodations were at the Wyndham Union Station Hotel located on upper Broadway, just a few blocks from the downtown entertainment district. As the name suggests, the building, once served as Nashville’s main train station. Today, it’s one of Nashville’s premier hotels and in the rooms, you would never guess the building was over 100 years old.

Like most downtown hotels, visitors should prepare for valet parking but guests typically do not need to leave much because they’re close to the action.

-Downtown Nashville-

Entertainment District & Broadway Ave.
visitmusiccity.com

Along Broadway Ave, visitors will find souvenir, leather goods, music shops and bars down “the strip”. By day, the streets are busy with tourists and shoppers and by night, the co-mingled honky tonks are playin’ it live and loud. While it would be easy to spend several hours walking along the strip, there are a few must-stop shops along the way.

Don’t forget to peek into the Sommet Center, as it is the current home of the annual CMA Awards and the host of many other large events and concerts including the Nashville Predators NHL hockey team. The large spire building attached to the center is a Nashville visitors center, great place to grab some brochures and chat with the welcome hosts. It’s also across the street is the Nashville Convention Center.

Ernest Tubb Record Shop
417 Broadway, Nashville
ernesttubb.com

As most record shops across the U.S. have gone to the wayside, Ernest Tubb’s is still alive and very vibrant. Located on Broadway Ave, this palace of hard-to-find traditional country and bluegrass music quickly became a group favorite. Hours very, check before you visit. They also have a second location in the Opryland area.  Ask for a mail order catalog!

-Nightlife-

The nightlife experience in downtown Nashville is second-to-none. While it can be a bit touristy it’s quite a vibrant scene. From the Wildhorse Saloon to Legends Bar, the spirits, dancing and music flow freely.

Wildhorse Saloon
120 2nd Ave. North, Nashville
wildhorsesaloon.com

Live entertainment venue/restaurant/bar located just off Broadway on 2nd Street. Host of many music acts and boasts a very large dance floor (3,300-square-feet) with regularly scheduled dance lessons. (You could compare this to Chicago’s Joe’s Bar minus the dancing)

Legends Corner
428 Broadway, Nashville
legendscorner.com

For most, Legends is the first bar they’ll see, or hear, as they approach the strip. Known for its live music, this corner bar is located next to the Ryman Auditorium at 5th and Broadway. Just as the name suggests, album covers of some of the biggest names in country music are splashed on the walls and just outside of the bar you’ll frequently find tourists taking pictures with the iconic oversized tribute guitar.

The Stage
412 Broadway, Nashville
thestageonbroadway.com

Just down the way you’ll find The Stage. (excuse the rhyme) As the name suggests, this bar boasts some great live music from some of today’s hottest up-and-coming and named acts. By the way, it’s not uncommon to rub shoulders with your favorite country music star here.

…and many, many more.

There are tons of great entertainment and attractions in Nashville, far more than we could explore in three days. This is just a small sampling of the possibilities. We would love to list them all but the true experience comes from being there.

Have an Nashville experience you want to share? We would love to hear your stories, tips and photos. Please comment, upload a photo or email info@countrymusicchicago.com

Dec ‘09 & Jan ‘10 Concerts

December 2009

The Oak Ridge Boys
Sun. Dec. 13, 2009 – 4PM
Star Plaza Theatre – I-65 At US 30, Merrillville, IN
$39 – $49 | ticketmaster.com

Kellie Pickler
Wed. Dec. 16, 2009 – 6PM
Joe’s Bar* – 940 W. Weed St, Chicago
Tickets through US99.com

The Hoyle Brothers
Fri, Dec. 18, 2009 – 5:30PM
The Empty Bottle* – 1035 N. Western Ave, Chicago
emptybottle.com

Yard Fulla Cars
Fri. Dec. 18, 2009 – 8:30PM
Joe’s Bar* – 940 W. Weed St, Chicago
$10 – joesbar.com

Eli Young Band with the Clayton Anderson Band
Sat, Dec. 19, 2009 – 8:30PM
Joe’s Bar* – 940 W. Weed St, Chicago
$10 – ticketmaster.com

The Oak Ridge Boys
Sat. Dec. 19, 2009 – 8PM
Hemmens – 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
$45 – $75 | hemmens.org

Lucky Town
Sun, Dec. 20, 2009 – 7PM
Blue Chip Casino* – 2 Easy Street, Michigan City, IN
luckytownmusic.com

January 2010

David Allan Coe
Sat, Jan. 9, 2010 – 8PM
Durty Nellies* – 180 N Smith, Palatine
$22 – ticketmaster.com

Phil Vassar
Thurs, Jan. 14, 2010 – 7:30PM
Peoria Civic Center – 201 SW Jefferson St., Peoria, IL
$25.50 – $55.50 – ticketmaster.com

June’s Got the Cash: a Tribute To Johnny Cash & June Carter
Fri, Jan. 15, 2010 – 8:30PM
Abbey Pub* – 3420 W Grace St, Chicago
$10 – ticketmaster.com

Henhouse Prowlers (Bluegrass)
Bluegrass Legends Concert
Sat, Jan. 16, 2010 – 7PM
American Legion Post 42 – 1030 Central St, Evanston
$10 – chicagobluegrass.com

Brad Paisley with Miranda Lambert
Sun, Jan. 24, 2010 – 7:30PM
U.S. Cellular Coliseum – 101 S. Madison Street, Bloomington, IL
$39.75 – $54.75 – ticketmaster.com

Upcoming – Blake Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Joe Nichols, Justin Moore and more.

*This venue may require patrons to be over the age of 21. Please check with venue prior to purchasing tickets.

Word on the Street – Dec. 12

The Grammy nominations are in.

Taylor Swift takes eight overall award nominations for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Swift, second only to Beyoncé who leads this year with 10 nominations, received nods for Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year in the overall categories.

Newcomer, The Zac Brown Band grabbed three nods, including the overall Best New Artist category. The nominations are determined by the voting members of The Academy.

Catch the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 31, 2010 which will broadcast live, on CBS, from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles from 7 – 10:30 p.m. (CDT). For a complete list of nominations, please visit grammy.com. Additional country nominations can be found in Field 8.

Concert Beat:

Country music sweetheart, Kellie Pickler is headed to Joe’s Bar on Dec. 16 for a private performance sponsored by US99. Recently announced, Joe Nichols is headed to Joe’s on March 5 for his first Chicago gig since the release of his newest album, “Old Things New”.

Unwrapped:

Country music’s piano man, A.K.A Phil Vassar, is set to release his sixth album titled “Traveling Circus” on Tuesday. The album’s title must refer to Vassar’s life as the song layout has a remarkably comfortable “Vassar” feel as his unique songwriting and performing talents are quickly noted.

While the album as a whole quickly impressed me, one particular song really stood out. I immediately knew why and as soon as I saw the co-writer. “Everywhere I Go”, a lost-love song, was co-written by Vassar and singer/songwriter Jeffrey Steele. Lost relationship songs seem to be something Steele has a knack for.

Pre-Order “Traveling Circus” on iTunes.

Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

As December 25 quickly comes around the corner, holiday albums and singles are quickly filling up my iPod. Some of the most notable new releases this year include Sugarland’s “Gold & Green” and the iTunes only “Country For Christmas – EP” featuring holiday “traditionals” from Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Trace Adkins and Rodney Carrington.

A Special Holiday EP:

Local country band, The Hoyle Brothers has released a very special “Home for the Holidays – EP” to help support music education among Chicago’s underserved children. Almost all the proceeds received will benefit Rock for Kids, a local non-profit. Please help support this worthy cause by clicking here.

Country Thunder 2010

Grab your tickets now and mark your calendars! Country Thunder 2010 is back and better than ever. This year’s festival is set for July 22 – 25 and headlining this year’s lineup includes country music superstars Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Sugarland. Early bird tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on countrythunder.com

Seen on the Street:

US99’s Lisa Dent was spotted with her son at Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest and the Chicago Bears Brian Urlacher was chillin’ to Carrie Underwood at Joe’s.