Word on the Street – March 4

History in the Making

Chicagoland truly has an amazing group of local country musicians but since last Friday that group, for a great reason, just shrunk by one. Katie Quick, a former school teacher turned aspiring country music star, truly has an amazing story and as of late last week, the Evergreen Park native began a new chapter in that book called life. After finishing up some last-minute packing and preparation, Quick departed the Windy City for the next big step in her career, taking on Nashville by storm.

With the help of a portable video camera, Quick is posting snippets of her new life in the Music City. Be sure to catch her “vlogging” on her Facebook Fan Page, as she’s really doing amazing job keeping her Chicago crew up-to-date. Good Luck Katie!

Congratulations to the Team US99

While Team USA brought home the gold from the Winter Olympics, Chicago’s own country radio station grabbed a few trophies of their own from an annual radio industry awards program. The 2010 Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Aircheck Award winners are (Chicago Edition)… WUSN Chicago for the prestigious Station of the Year award for a Major Market Station; Lisa Dent, Ramblin’ Ray and crew for the Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray Show and Marci Braun (weeknight host/MD) for Major Market MD. Congratulations to our hometown winners!

A penny for your country!

Penny Road Pub is not your typical country music digs but last Saturday, with the help of some of Chicagoland’s best country music bands, the northwest suburban bar traded the Hoobastank covers for pure Honky Tonk. The country showcase included Chicagoland’s own Lucky Town, the Roadhouse Prophets and the Ragtop Rodeo. Even with the South Barrington pub not normally on the country music scene’s radar, the troops still managed to pack the venue.

Kudos:

Tim McGraw has partnered up with Outback Steakhouse to help support Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that assists military families and wounded veterans. Proceeds from the restaurant’s Red, White and Bloomin’ menu sales during the month of March will go towards the restaurant’s $1 million commitment to the non-profit. Proceeds from McGraw’s “Southern Voice” commemorative t-shirt will also benefit the worthy cause.

Word on the Street – Feb 21

With a chart topping album release, an Oprah Show exclusive and a couple of GRAMMY “wins”, Lady Antebellum’s country music career continues to soar in 2010.

Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott had a remarkable 2009 but for the trio best known as Lady Antebellum, 2010 is rolling out quite nicely. Just after their album release of “Need You Now”, which spent two weeks atop of The Billboard 200 music chart, the trio took home their first GRAMMY Award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for “I Run To You”.

The new hardware they picked up at the Grammys was not the only trophy the trio took home from the televised award show. Their performance of “Need You Now” seemed to have caught the attention much larger audience outside of the country genre. The trio seemed to  impress the Queen of day-time T.V. as Lady A made their way to Chicago to performed live on Friday’s airing of the Oprah Show.

Watch the Oprah Show recap and the premiere of the Lady Antebellum “American Honey” music video on oprah.com.

New Music:

Josh Turner continues spinning with his third studio album, “Haywire” which was released on on February 9. His unmistakable baritone pipes are strategically fitted into this 11 plus track album. Check out the full review on the Chicago Country Music Blog.

Video Stars:

Laura Bell Bundy might not be a household name but with her debut music video this Kentucky-bred singer/songwriter is dancing her way to the top. Her old-west infused music video, “Giddy On Up”, mixes country music with the choreography of a Britney Spears video. Choreographed dancing in country music videos is nothing new but if Bundy starting a trend for 2010, it would be interested to see Alan Jackson or George Strait kickin’ it up like Bundy in their next videos. – Preview/Download “Giddy On Up” on iTunes

On the other side of the spectrum, Sarah Buxton has been trying to edge her way into country music stardom over the last several years. Since her debut duet with Cowboy Troy on “If You Don’t Want To Love Me”, Buxton has been brewing up a full-fledged album ever since. Five years in the making, Buxton is hitting the shelves with her self-titled debut on Feb. 23. Word on the Street is Buxton produced her “Outside My Window” music video with the song’s co-writer for about $80. While the production budget was slim, it’s making waves on CMT and GAC. Watch “Outside My Window” on CMT.com

Concert Watch:

Kix Brooks (Brooks & Dunn) has tapped country music artist Cowboy Troy and local group Cross County Junction for a special “House of Blues” performance coming up on March 15. The event is billed as a special US99/Kix Brooks Announcement Party. More details to come…

MEGA TICKET

The 2010 US99 Country Mega Ticket is here. Grab your seats for six of Chicago biggest summer country music concerts. Headliners include Montgomery Gentry (5/22), Tim McGraw (6/26), Brad Paisley (7/16), Brooks & Dunn (8/8), Rascal Flatts (8/28) and Toby Keith (9/18). All concerts are billed for the South Suburban, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. Ticket packages range from $150 – $600. Live Nation

Mark Your Calendar:

Country music is returning to Brookfield Zoo this summer. Jimmy Wayne, Cowboy Troy, Cross County Junction and a “TBA” will take the stage on August 29 for Zoo Tunes.  Concert is free with paid admission to the Zoo!

Word on the Street – Jan. 19

Phil Vassar helped Chicago kick the year off right.

Even without a full band, Phil Vassar made the first “live country” concert of the year a hit. Accompanied by a zebra striped piano and two members of his band, Vassar pleased the ecstatic crowed with a semi-acoustic mix of his countless hits.

Vassar never left the piano keys through his entire set, which was randomly crafted with help from the crowd. Of course, he shared a few recording from his newest album “Traveling Circus”, which was released in late December. Missed it? Don’t fret, Vassar will return to the North Side venue, for a two-night say in April. Tickets are available through the venue box office and ticketmaster.com.

Katie Quick

Local artist Katie Quick is packing it up and movin’ to Nashville. In a recent announcement through her website, the Chicago native cited that she’s ready for the next step in her country music career and is trading-in the Windy City for the Music City. “I’ve got the city of Chicago behind me so I know this decision to move is the right one,” Quick said. While reassuring me that she’ll do her best keep us all up-to-date with her progress, we’re a little sad to see her go but happy to see her career progress. Good luck Katie, we can’t wait to “hear” your success! Catch Katie at her last Chicago show this Friday at Goose Island in Wrigleyville, 3535 North Clark Street, Chicago.

- Listen to Katie Quick on CMC Radio

Speaking of Radio Talk, country music news has finally started to pick-up now that January is in full swing.

On Wednesday, country music star Trace Adkins made an unanticipated record label switch. Adkins will join Toby Keith’s Show-Dog Nashville Label which recently retooled with Universal South. Adkins, a 15 year resident at Capitol Nashville, cited the move as an irresistible offer.

Alan Jackson hit the airways with his latest single “It’s Just That Way” … The word is that A.J. will have a new album for us in late March.

On Tuesday, Lady Antebellum released their third single, “Ready To Love Again,” in the Countdown to I Run To You series on iTunes. The trio will release one final single, “Our Kind of Love” on Tuesday before the full-album release on Jan. 26.

Trent Tomlinson (“Drunker Than Me”/“Just Might Have Her Radio On”) is startin’ the year off with a new EP available on iTunes. “A Guy Like Me – EP” features his future hits “That’s How It Still Ought To Be” and “Angles Like Her” (with acoustic version and video).

Clay Walker: As a follow-up to his album “Fall”, Clay Walker released “She Won’t Be Lonely Long”, his first single release off his forthcoming album set to hit sometime this spring.

Concert Beat:

The Chicagoland Country Calendar is filling in quite nicely in the new year. Carrie Underwood’s Play On tour is booked for downstate Peoria (4/7) and Rockford (4/10). Craig Morgan and Sons of Silvia will accompany Underwood.

Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson just announced a special performance at the Rosemont Theatre on Feb. 21. A typically rare appearance, the artists will share the stage for this Sunday night performance. Willie Nelson just announced he’ll be bringing the family to the Genesee (Waukegan) on March 21 and the Rialto (Joliet) on March 24.

Tickets for the Haggard/Kristofferson and Nelson shows are available through ticketmaster.com.

Joe’s Bar recently announced the addition of Eric Church, Jack Ingram (acoustic show) and Luke Bryan to their Winter/Spring concert lineup. Tickets are available through the venue’s box office and ticketmaster.com.

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

Word on the Street – September 28

Chicago Country Music Festival

Country music stars Miranda Lambert, Jamey Johnson and John Rich along with a boat load of great, local artists are scheduled for the 16th Annual Chicago Country Music Festival. Returning to Grant Park this weekend, the FREE festival, organized by the City of Chicago, will feature two days of music, dancing, children’s activities and an art fair.  The Chicago Country Music Festival Facebook Page is reporting that Miranda Lambert will be signing autographs from 5:15 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Best Buy Stage.  (subject to change)

For more information and a complete schedule visit chicagocountrymusicfestival.us and stay tuned to CountryMusicChicago.com for complete festival coverage.

Lambert’s Revolution

Speaking of Miranda Lambert, on Tuesday she will release her third studio album titled Revolution, a 15 track album that features her current hit singles, “Dead Flowers” and “White Liar”.

“I think this record is truly the most artistic project I have ever done. I really put my entire being into the making of it,” said Lambert in the album’s press statement. “The inspiration was easy to come by, because it’s a compilation of everything I have ever listened to and fell in love with. It’s not an album where you listen from song to song, it’s a state of mind, a way of life.”

Lambert alone wrote three songs on the album and co-wrote a majority of the balance with a handful of writers including Blake Shelton, Ashley Monroe, Allen Shamblin and Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley.

For more information on “Revolution” or on other new country music releases check out the Country Music Chicago.com Music Blog.

Willie TV

Willie Nelson is performing at the WTTW Studios tonight for a private taping of the hit PBS series Soundstage, the same program Sugarland was tapped for last spring. No word on air dates yet.  Nelson is just off the release of his latest album titled “American Classic”.

Nashville or Bust!

The Country Music Chicago team is headed to Nashville tomorrow for our first Music City trip since the Web site’s inception. Our trip itinerary includes the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ernest Tubb Records and hopefully a few other must-sees along the way. We’ll post our full trip coverage when we return. (Just in time for the Chicago Country Music Festival)

Kudos

Earlier this summer, crossover artist Kid Rock and Red Stag by Jim Beam joined forces to donate 50 cents from every ticket sold to the 2009 Rock N’ Rebels Tour (Saturday, July 12, 2009 at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre) to Operation Homefront® – a non-profit organization that provides assistance to military, their families and wounded warriors. On Saturday, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Kid Rock presented a $177,044.50 check to Operation Homefront.

- Scott Winterroth, scott@countrymusicchicago.com

Word on the Street – May 21

Jason Michael Carroll – Play Ball!

Although Jason Michael Carroll sings about going without sleep, Chicago Cubs fans will need the country music singer to be well-rested and focused for his debut at Wrigley Field. Carroll has been asked to perform the National Anthem and throw out the first pitch of the Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game Tuesday at the friendly confines. He will also lead the crowd in “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch. chicago.cubs.mlb.com

Can’t make the game? Catch Carroll the following night at Joe’s Bar where he will perform for US99’s Eight Shows at Joe’s Series. More info on us99.com.

2009 CMT Awards – The Final Round!

Tuesday marked the beginning of the final round of fan-voting for the 2009 CMT Music Awards. At the top of this year’s nomination list are Sugarland in the lead with five final nominations and Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift tied in a close second with four nominations each. Fans have till June 14 to log-on to CMT.com and cast their vote.

The music video focused awards show will premiere live on Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m. CDT on CMT and CMT.com. This year’s show includes performances by Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and British rockers Def Leppard.

For information on voting or to view the artists nominated, visit CMT.com.

State Fair Lineup Announced

State Fair officials announced the Grandstand entertainment lineup for the 2009 Illinois State Fair. This year’s fair themed “An All American Fair,” boasts a solid lineup including some of today’s hottest country music artists. Josh Turner with Jamey Johnson and Chuck Wicks will take the stage on August 16. Montgomery Gentry with Kellie Pickler and James Otto will follow on August 21. Grandstand entertainment tickets range from $15 – $30 (slightly more day-of) and are available from the Grandstand Ticket Office starting June 6. The annual fair runs from August 14 – 23 and is located at 801 East Sangamon, Springfield. illinoisstatefair.info

Sugarland Soundstage Date Announced

Country Weekly Magazine reported the pre-recorded Sugarland Soundstage performance is set to air on PBS networks, July 2. The “intimate-live concert” style television show was recorded at Chicago’s very own WTTW Studios back in early April. The Soundstage Series kicks-off June 18. countryweekly.com

Going on this Weekend:

Catch the Eli Young Band with Joey & Rory and the Carter Twins on Friday at Joe’s Bar, Chicago. George Strait with Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough on Saturday at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, Tinley Park. Leann Rimes is also in town on Satuday at the Stardust Events Center at BlueChip Casino, Michigan City, Ind. Her performance is soldout.

If you’re not headed to one of the above concerts, head down to Navy Pier for the start of the Summer Beer Garden and Fireworks show. Summer is here! navypier.com

***

Well that’s the word on the street. Don’t forget, Taylor Swift is the subject of a Dateline NBC special set to air on May 31.

Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend. My sincere gratitude to all the brave Men and Woman who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect our great Nation.

Scott

Next Page »