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.

Word on the Street – Nov. 4

Say it ain’t so!

Once again, Joe’s Bar is raking in the heavy hitters with a little help from their friends.

Just announced on the venue’s blog, country music super-star Keith Urban will return to the north side venue for a special acoustic performance on Sat., Nov. 14. Unfortunately, you can’t buy your way into this event, tickets can only be won by visiting select Chicagoland Verizon Wireless stores. Details and store locations can be found on their Web site, joesbar.com

Just off the release of her new album titled “Play On”, Carrie Underwood is slated for Joe’s on Dec. 3 as part of the US99 Live Concert Series. Tickets are only available through US99. Can’t wait till December to see Carrie, catch her Wed., Nov. 11, as she co-hosts the 43rd Annual CMA Awards on ABC (WLS).

Chicago Bear Greg Olsen has recruited country music’s Keith Anderson and David Nail for a special charity concert on Nov. 13 at Joe’s. The event titled “Shake the Lake Festival” will benefit Olsen’s Receptions for Research foundation which is dedicated to breast cancer research. Olsen’s mother has suffered from breast cancer. Tickets for the benefit are $50, general admission, or $100 V.I.P. and are available through Ticketmaster.com. The event will feature a silent auction including a signed Sugarland Guitar, Carrie Underwood Tickets and Jay Cutler’s pink cleats from Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Eric Church is headed to Joe’s this weekend for a two-night show. Both shows are sold-out. You must be 21+ to attend all shows at Joe’s.

Dierks at Liberty

Country music star Dierks Bentley is headed to the Libertyville Sports Complex this Saturday along with crossover artist Michelle Branch and local band Chasin’ Mason. Once again, tickets are only available through US99.

That’s a Wrap!

While the month of November is filling up quickly, October proved to be one heck of month for the Chicago country music scene. Country music concerts like the Chicago Country Music Festival in Grant Park, Taylor Swift at the Allstate Arena, Gary Allan at the House of Blues, Luke Bryan, Chris Cagle and, of course, Tim McGraw at Joe’s kept us on our feet. It’s amazing how vibrant the local country music scene is even after the summer season ended. Check out photos from select concerts and post your own on our Facebook page.

On a side note, I was able to spend a little bit of time with local artist Julie Kaylin, in a local recording studio, while she is recording and producing her newest album set to release sometime next year. It was absolutely a wonderful experience to watch a live recording session and experience the music making process first-hand. I have to say I have a new appreciation to the recording process.  Check out more in Julie and other local artists in the CMC Local Artist Guide.

Unwrapped:

In October we welcomed new music from Toby Keith (American Ride 10/6), Luke Bryan (Doin’ My Thing 10/6), Sugarland’s first holiday album (Gold and Green 10/13), Tim McGraw (Southern Voice 10/20) and Joe Nichols (Old Things New 10/27). Check out additional album information on the CMC Music Blog.

November doesn’t look quite as busy with album releases as October was but it’s off to a great start. Carrie Underwood released her third studio album, “Play On”, on Tuesday. Big Kenny (Big & Rich) is pushing his solo project “Quiet Times of a Rock and Roll Farm Boy” on Nov. 10.

The Carter Twins released their first, self titled EP on Tuesday. The digital download, available through iTunes, features their hit single, “Heart Like Memphis”. The boys are getting into the holiday spirit with release of the classic, “Let it Show” which will be featured on “A Very Special Christmas Vol. 7” album benefiting the Special Olympics. Look out for the music video of “Let it Snow” which set to hit on Thanksgiving weekend.

Planning Ahead, way ahead.

Mark your calendar, Log Jam Fest 2010 located in Phillips, Wisc, is on the books for July 30 – Aug. 1, 2010. The festival will feature some of the best in country music – Montgomery Gentry, Gretchen Wilson, Jeffrey Steele, Jake Owen, Randy Houser, Cowboy Troy, The Lost Trailers and many more – over three days. Festival packages vary and some include on-site camping in the Northern woods of Wisconsin and nearby lake access. We’re sure this is a vacation to remember. Tickets recently went on sale, make your summer plans now and save. Tickets and prime camping will sell fast. For more details, visit logjamfest.com.

Well that’s the Word on the Street.

Till next time,

Scott Winterroth – scott@countrymusicchicago.com

Stars Still Shined at Country Music Fest

CONCERT REVIEW

CHICAGO – The rain may have down-poured but the stars still shined at the 2009 Chicago Country Music Festival. Country stars that is.

Chicago’s free, two-day country music festival featured a star-studded country music lineup including Miranda Lambert, Jamey Johnson, John Rich and a special appearance by Lee Ann Womack.

While the weather on Saturday may have dampened the spirits of some, the die-hards fans had one heck of a show. Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson headlined the first night of the festival.

Lambert began her set with an appropriate cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen The Rain.” The rest, Lambert rocked the crowd to her array of hits including her most recent single, “White Liar” from her new album “Revolution” and stuck to her guns by closing the night with her biggest hit, “Gunpowder and Lead.”

Johnson seemed a bit livelier this time around as he ran through his typical, yet always inspiration, set. The long-bearded performer put on a smirk and puffed his breath into cold air when he reached the lyrics “…you could almost seem my breath…” during the performance of his hit song “In Color”. The cold Chicago night made for quite the coincidence.

Prior to his performance, Johnson made a special appearance during the CMA Songwriter Series, which made a special stop at the festival during its three-city tour. The series, hosted by songwriter Bob DiPiero, featured some Nashville’s greatest songwriters including Scotty Emerick, Dean Dillon and singer/songwriter Lee Ann Womack. Held on the festival’s Americana Stage, the jam-session style show was not only an awesome addition to the festival lineup but most of the event was covered by a large tent saving the crowed from the rain.

The Chicago Country Music Festival wouldn’t be complete without the lineup of some of Chicagoland’s great local talent and country music’s newest up-and-comers. Suburban bands like Lucky Town and The August and one of Nashville’s newest faces, The Coy Taylor Band, were evenly displaced over three performance stages. The talent this festival boasts is absolutely amazing. The festival even offered a dance tent with line dancing instructions and a Kid’s Corral.

- Scott Winterroth – scott@countrymusicchicago.com

Editor’s Note:

On behalf of the country music fans of Chicago, a special thank you goes out to Mayor Daley, the City of Chicago and the Office of Special Events for hosting such a wonderful, free event in the front yard of our great city.

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

Country Music’s Biggest Night – The CMA Nominees

On Tuesday, the Country Music Association announced the nominees for the 43rd Annual CMA Awards. Country music star Brad Paisley leads this year’s nominations with seven nominations followed by Keith Urban with five. The Zac Brown Band, Jamey Johnson, George Strait, and Taylor Swift Receive four nominations each and newcomers grace nearly every category. Swift is the first female to receive the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award nomination since Faith Hill last held the spot in 2000.

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the reigning Male and Female Vocalists of the Year, will return as hosts of “Country Music’s Biggest Night.” The 43rd Annual CMA Awards will broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Nov.11, at 7 p.m. CST on the ABC Television Network.

A very special congratulation goes out to Chicago’s very own US99.5 (WUSN). The station has been nominated for the CMA Radio Station of the Year Award in the Broadcast category.

For a full list of nominees, visit cmaawards.com.

Get you some of that!

Country music star and Big & Rich counterpart, Cowboy Troy (“I Play Chicken” and “If You Don’t Wanna Love”) has recently teamed up with the Chicago based AStar Promotions. Expect to hear some new music from Cowboy Troy and get ready to rock at an upcoming country music event near you!

astarnow.com

Theater Season

It’s that time of year again when the leaves start to change and the concerts head indoors. While we can’t stop the season change, we can keep the country music going and, this Fall, a country music concert is headed to a theater near you. To begin the season, The Zac Brown Band is headed to the Rosemont Theatre on Oct. 22, country music star Phil Vassar will play Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, on Nov. 20, and Gretchen Wilson is headed to the Star Plaza Theater on Oct. 23 along with Darius Rucker on Dec. 4. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

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