Nashville, TN (March 16, 2015) - Country legend and Grand Ole Opry®star JIM ED BROWN joins longtime friend and celebrated on-air personality Charlie Monk on SiriusXM's Willie's Roadhouse (Channel 59)tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17 at 9 a.m. ET for an in-depth personal interview which repeats Thursday, March 19 at 11 a.m. ET.  

The two industry icons covered a range of topics during the course of last week's taping, among them: Brown's Arkansas childhood, his recent battle with cancer and its remission, his memories of singing with his sisters Maxine and Bonnie (as The Browns), his duet partnership with Helen Cornelius, new music and more.

"Charlie and I go so far back that it was more like a chat between old friends than an actual interview," notes Brown with a chuckle.  "If my fans really want to know what my life's been like, then this is the show for them."

Brown's fans will have the chance to hear many of their favorite songs, as well as two tunes from Jim Ed's new CD, IN STYLE AGAIN: the title track, and his current single, "When The Sun Says Hello To The Mountain" (featuring The Browns).  The disc, Brown's first in 30 years, is generating more than the typical amount of attention that surrounds an album release.  In addition to increased tour dates, a flurry of high-profile interviews and features, a significant industry-wide "buzz" has followed the disc's January issue.  Brian Mansfield, of USA Today, writes, "Jim Ed sounds as smooth, as charming as ever," while Billboard's Chuck Dauphin observed, "Some things never change, nor should they. The vocal style of Jim Ed Brown is one of those things."

For Brown, one thing that hasn't changed is his loyalty to the Grand Ole Opry.  The star joined the Opry in 1963, and chose its stage for his return following a four-month medical leave of absence.  "It was hard sitting on the sidelines while I underwent chemotherapy," the Country gentleman admits.  "But it was a miraculous feeling to step out onto that stage again, I can tell you that!"  In addition to resuming his regular Opry performances, Brown has also graced stages in Florida and Texas as a member of Lee Roy Van Dyke's Country Gold Tour; additional dates will be announced shortly.

Diana Upton-Hill exits the theater circuit and joins the ranks of country’s rising ladies with her debut Third Floor Records project Do Love Well that premiered March 10th on iTunes and online retailers. The motivation behind this Grammy-award winning Bryan White produced album developed when Diana, like many listeners, noticed the decline in women’s voices at country radio.

“As a woman, I understand many of the day-to-day triumphs and struggles we experience in life,” says Diana. “If we focus on what's going wrong, that is all we see. But if we step back and look at all our blessings, all our beautiful perfections (and imperfections), we realize that our stories are an important asset to the country music community.  Reba, Carrie, Miranda, Kasey and Brandy are our current leaders, but I hope there’s room for a Diana.” 

With over 61 radio stations playing the title track, outlets are already reviewing the project.
 
“Do Love Well is an album that is, well...done well. The record is a varied, yet a cohesive unit and Upton- Hill's voice, clear and rich, is one that was meant for radio (or the stage),” said The Daily Country.
 
Recording with Grammy-award winning producer and artist Bryan White, this Iowa reared passionate entertainer defined why she is ready for the spotlight with her vibrant country style crossing the lyrical strength of Jewel with the fiery spirit of Pat Benatar. "Working with Diana was a joy,” says Bryan. “It's so nice when you're working with an artist you feel like you're on the same page with. She's a phenomenal vocalist and a good soul with great instincts.”
 
Diana recently wrapped her first appearance at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville where she enjoyed introducing her music to program and music directors and connecting with fellow artists.

What: Chart-topping Country star and CMT Music Awards Nominee Randy Houser will be making a special appearance at the first-ever NASH BASH Country concert at Cushman & Wakefield Theater at Barclays Center on Tuesday, March 24, joining an all-star lineup that includes headliner Cole Swindell with additional performances by Country favorites Gloriana, Michael Ray and Jana Kramer. Houser joins the NASH BASH at Barclays Center lineup after celebrating the launch of New York's NASH FM 94.7 in 2013 at the inaugural NASH BASH concert at the historic Roseland Ballroom. 
The March 24 NASH BASH is the first in the live content partnership between Cumulus and Barclays Center that will bring at least two concerts annually to the Brooklyn venue. NASH FM 94.7 is the flagship station for Cumulus’s NASH lifestyle and entertainment brand.  The NASH brand has original programming that lives on more than 100 Country radio stations around the country.  NASH also owns NASH Country Weekly Magazine and NASH TV.

In September 2014, Barclays Center launched its Country in Brooklyn platform by hosting Billboard's reigning 'Top Country Artist” Luke Bryan for the arena's first Country show, which sold out.

"We are looking forward to launching the NASH BASH series and initiating our partnership with NASH FM 94.7," said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. "This relationship will help us tap into the burgeoning Country music fanbase in the New York City area and grow our Country in Brooklyn platform."

"We are thrilled to bring NASH into Brooklyn and onto the stage at Barclays Center," said John Dickey, Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus. "This NASH BASH will be a must-see for New York's Country music fans, including the over one million NASH FM 94.7 weekly listeners."

Where: Cushman & Wakefield Theater at Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217)

When: Tuesday, March 24 at 7PM ET

Ticketing: Tickets are available online at www.nashfm947.com, www.barclayscenter.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center; prices range from $39 to $90

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Wednesday, March 11, 2015) – For the sixth year in a row, Platinum-selling country artist Darius Rucker will host his annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert in Nashville, Tenn. on Monday, June 8 at the Wildhorse Saloon, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  The event has received an overwhelming response in past years, with consistent sellouts and over $439,000 raised in total, and fans have come to look forward to kicking off CMA Fest with Rucker and his friends. Friends performing with Darius in past years have included Luke Bryan, Radney Foster, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum), Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Jerrod Niemann and Kenny Rogers, among others. The lineup for this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks.      

An exclusive pre-sale for Darius Rucker Fan Club members will begin Wednesday, March 11 at 11 a.m. CDT with general on sale opening at 11 a.m. CDT on Friday, March 13.  A sixth consecutive sell-out is inevitable, so fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early.  Prices start at $35 for General Admission and go up to $100 for VIP table options.  Tickets will be available through the Wildhorse Saloon box office (615-902-8200 x1), www.WildhorseSaloon.com, andwww.DariusRucker.com.       

The Darius and Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament will take place June 9. Last year, the charity concert, auction and celebrity golf tournament raised over $120,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, shattering previous years’ records. Rucker hopes to top past year’s totals to further benefit the pediatric treatment and research facility. 
Darius and Friends Annual Tee-Off benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is sponsored by State Water Heaters. 

For more information on “Darius and Friends,” please visit www.DariusRucker.com.  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 11, 2015)--Music City indie label deciBel-Nashville is pleased to present the latest single release from its flagship artist, Ray Scott.  Scott will introduce “Ain’t Always Thirsty”*—his sophomore release from his self-titled album RAY SCOTT (produced by Grammy-nominated Dave Brainard)—to country radio and its listeners on March 23, 2015. The track met with early welcoming applause from country music lovers across the globe during its debut on SiriusXM “The Highway” the weekend of February 21, 2015.

Co-written with Mark Stephen Jones, the signature Ray Scott tune is a realistic telltale chapter in his history book—both personally and professionally. The storyline was born as a result of an emotional and painful divorce and self-reflection, and is comfortably paired with the country music fiber that the modern day traditionalist cut his teeth.

“’…Thirsty’ made me take a hard look at the mistakes I’ve made in my life; writing it was therapeutic,” said Ray Scott.  “I think it’s one of the best songs I’ve ever written. I drew from real pain [it doesn’t paint a pretty picture, but it paints a picture that’s real] and the music and melodies that I grew up on—the music that I am drawn to as a fan and as a recording artist.”

In the vein of Waylon, Willie and Kristofferson, the simplistic lyrics are pensive and sobering, and showcase a deeper, more vulnerable side of the indie performer and recording artist.

I ain’t a bad guy or a loser, but lately, it’s feelin’ that way
Last night, I passed out with my boots on  
Oh, it’s a cold lonely bed that I’ve made
Cause I ain’t always in love when I make love
Sometimes I don’t feel a thing
I ain’t often hurtin’ when I medicate
and I ain’t always thirsty when I drink

As an appropriate introduction to the foundation and cloth “Ain’t Always Thirsty” was created, Ray filmed four live acoustic performances to set the stage and anticipation for his new single release.  He released music video cover recordings of “Good Ole Boys Like Me” (Don Williams), “Put Another Log On The Fire” (“Tompall” Glaser), “Live Forever” (Billy Joe Shaver) and “That’s The Way Love Goes” by Merle Haggard.  The flicks premiered exclusively on Rolling Stone Country.

“These are the songs I grew up on. Serious or not, each of these songs made a lasting impression on me yesterday and this is the kind of country music that I want to make today,” Scott added. 

This second release from RAY SCOTT follows suit to the success of his debut single “Drinkin’ Beer” (co-written with Tony Mullins). The track enjoyed extensive airplay on Sirius XM—“The Highway” over the entire 2014 summer season and garnered both national and international acclaim; it was ranked at No. 18 on Rolling Stone Country’s 2014 Top 25 Songs of the Year and was named “Song of the Year” by HotDisc (UK). Ray Scott has made more than 40 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, has performed on a number of historic honky-tonk stages across the country, and at national and international fairs and festivals (including the Interlackin Festival in Switzerland, Country Thunder, Country Jam, Charlie-palooza festival and CMA Fest).

The single (“Ain’t Always Thirsty”) and the album (RAY SCOTT) are available via all major digital outlets (iTunes/Rhapsody/Amazon). For more on Ray Scott, please visit: www.rayscott.com.

Reckless Kelly's Celebrity Softball Jam, which supports youth sport programs in Texas, will be held this year on May 31. The event, now in its seventh year, is a day long fun family event that includes a star studded softball game and concert. 

The event, hosted by Willy and Cody Braun features more than 20 artists performing on two stages. So far those announced include Charlie Robison, Shinyribs, Kelly Mickwee, Midnight River Choir, George Devore, Kyle Park, Cody Canada and The Departed and the Peterson Brothers with more to come. Athletes participating include Brooks Kieschnick, Norm, Charlton, Glenn Wilson Sr., Glenn Wilson Jr., Randy Wells and Cat Osterman. Media Personalities include Chris Mosser (KVET), Erin Hogan (The Horn), Andy Langer (KGSR), Eric Raines (KOKE-FM), B-Doe and Kirsten Winquist (KLBJ), Kevin Connor (Sun Radio), and Charlie Hodge.

Since 2009, the Jam has raised over $300,000 for youth sports programs, including $150,000 for major renovations to Dell Diamond in Austin.

Tickets for the 2015 Celebrity Softball Jam are currently on sale and can be purchased here. 

Nashville, TN -- March 10, 2015 – ACM and AMA winning duo MONTGOMERY GENTRY are remaining true to their roots with their relatable new single and working class anthem, “FOLKS LIKE US.” Kentucky natives Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry sing of living life on the simple, chasing dreams and fearing God in “Folks Like Us,” available for digital download now at iTunes at http://smarturl.it/mgfolks.
 
Montgomery Gentry’s “Folks Like Us” is earning early praise from fans and critics alike:
 
“…a strong single from the band…a hit (for) people to grab a hold of” – Roughstock
 
“a refreshing song…Montgomery Gentry sit comfortably in their signature sound” – One Stop Country
 
“Montgomery Gentry return to their trademark sound…a blue collar anthem that the everyday country fan can really connect with” – The Music Intro
 
“...fans of Montgomery Gentry that have loved their past blue-collar anthems will be sure to love this one…" – Lovin’ Lyrics
 
“Folks Like Us” is impacting country radio now. The new Montgomery Gentry tune is written by Ash Bowers, Adam Craig and Neal Coty, and produced by Michael Knox.
 
Montgomery Gentry will be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame on April 10and will release their eighth studio album later this year. The pair recently celebrated their fifth anniversary as Grand Ole Opry members.

For more about Montgomery Gentry, visit www.montgomerygentry.com, engage with Troy and Eddie on Facebook, @mgunderground on twitter, and check out their YouTube channel.

(Los Angeles) - Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real are slated to perform at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas, which is held March 17-22 this year. In addition to being included on this year's official SXSW list, performing at Maggie Mae's Rooftop on that Thursday, the high-energy and visceral band will be reprising their slot at the 4th Annual Heartbreaker Banquet hosted at Willie Nelson's private, "Luck, Texas" ranch. Stay tuned for even more performances during the festival to be revealed.

            Austin holds a special place in Lukas' heart, as it's the artist's hometown. (He currently resides in California.) Aside from the great clubs and bands, nature-loving Lukas told Paste magazine what else he loves about the city. "Austin is a great city for wildlife. There are some great trails and hikes nearby and most folks are friendly enough to show you around. I would encourage everyone to go experience some nature during the day and then experience the city and bands as the day gets later," Lukas told the magazine.

            The upcoming Austin appearances follow performances at major events from the latter part of 2014 including Farm Aid, the Harvest the Hope benefit, and The Bridge School Benefit Concert. At Harvest the Hope, the band, along with brother Micah Nelson, were honored to perform five songs as the backing band for one of their musical hero, Neil Young. And now, Young told Rolling Stone at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January, "I'm working on another album now that I'm going to do be doing with Willie Nelson's sons."

            After their run at the March music festival, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real are set to embark on a fresh leg of touring which includes dates through out California and a handful of shows - mostly in Canada - opening for Los Lonely Boys. See schedule below.

            The band has been making waves since their debut EP, "Brando's Paradise," in 2010, which sent them on a trajectory of non-stop touring and recording. The band has released six CDs in five years, including 2010's debut full-length, "Promise of the Real," 2012's "Wasted," a live album "Live Endings," also in 2012, and a free collection of demos, "I Ain't Mad Anymore," in 2013. They've also headlined their own tours and performed at such notable events as Farm Aid, Bridge School Benefit, SXSW, Lollapalooza, Stagecoach, Gathering of the Vibes Festival, Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown tour, Kid Rock's Chilin' The Most Cruise, iTunes Festival, Harvest The Hope benefit, and much more.  The band has also accomplished something no other self-released indie band has done - landed every major late night show, including "Late Show with David Letterman," "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Conan," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," and "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Along the way, the press has been ever so kind. No Depression magazine once noted, "With a unique voice and gift for penning timely socially conscious lyrics stretched over muscular guitar riffs, Lukas Nelson is earning not only fans but, heaps of critical praise as well."

            In 2014, they released three new songs, "Lil Girl," which is featured in the new movie, Dumb and Dumber To, "Living it Up," and "Find Yourself," all from the band's 2013 Love Yourself recording sessions in Topanga Canyon, California. They also scored their first film, Satellite Beach. A short, directed brothers Luke Wilson (Old School, The Royal Tenenbaums, Idiocracy) and Andrew Wilson (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Hall Pass), which won the coveted Bruce Corwin Award at the 29th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real tour dates:

March 16, Seattle, WA, Tractor
March 17, Portland, OR, MS Studios
March 18, Austin, TX, TBA
March 19, Luck, TX, 4th Annual Heartbreaker Banquet
March 19, Austin, TX, Maggie Mae's Rooftop SXSW Showcase
Marcy 20, Sun Valley, ID, Sun Valley Ski Resort
March 21, Ketchem, ID, Whiskey Jacquest
March 22, Jackson Hole, WY, Rendevous Fest
April 10, Folsum, CA, Harris Center
May 2, Fresno, CA, Fulton 55
May 3, Napa, CA Uptown (opening for Los Lonely Boys)
May 5, San Francisco, CA, Fillmore
May 9, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Hard Rock (opening for Los Lonely Boys)
May 10, Kelowna, BC, Canada, Kelowna Theatre (opening for Los Lonely Boys)
May 12, Enoch, ALB, Canada, River Cree Casino (opening for Los Lonely Boys)
May 14, Medicine Hat, ALB, Canada, Esplanade (opening for Los Lonely Boys)
May 15, Saskatoon, SAS, Canada, O'Briens (opening for Los Lonely Boys)
May 16, Regina, SAS, Canada, Casino (opening for Los Lonely Boys)
May 17, Winnipeg, MAN, Canada, Burton Cummings Theatre (opening for Los Lonely Boys)
May 19, Deadwood, SD, Deadwood Mountain Grand (opening for Los Lonely Boys)
June 26-27, Laytonville, CA, Kate Wolfe Fest
July 3-4, Quincy, CA, High Sierra
July 17, Alta, WY, Targhee
Aug. 8, Bend, OR, Bigstock
Sept. 6, Huntsville, UT, Keeping it Real Fest

Nashville, TN (March 9, 2015) – Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Will Hoge is announcing his SMALL TOWN DREAMS headline tour for 2015. Gearing up for the release of his 10th studio album SMALL TOWN DREAMS, Hoge will bring his engaging live show, raw vocals and rock-country anthems to venues around the country with the first leg of the tour kicking off in Tallahassee, FL on April 10.

 “SMALL TOWN DREAMS is a reflection of where I am in my life and about my upbringing and I’m really excited to share the new songs and stories with fans out on the road,” says Hoge.

An incredible storyteller, Hoge has become a vital force in fan's lives who have followed him across the country and seen countless shows – his songs speak to the reality of all our experiences, delivered in a way that is honest, true and ever changing. There's no musical formula here or predictability to seeing Hoge live – whether opening for the likes of Eli Young Band or Dierks Bentley, or playing his own sold-out dates, he can stir up somber, acoustic moments in one turn and then spring a hard-rocking, plugged-in number the next. 

"The magic happens in the unsafe moments," he says.

SMALL TOWN DREAMS TOUR 2015

4/10 - Tallahassee, FL
4/11 - Fort Lauderdale, FL
4/21 - Birmingham, AL
4/22 - Charlotte, NC
4/23 - Asheville, NC
5/1 - Milwaukee, WI
5/2 - St. Louis, MO
5/7 - Little Rock, AR
5/8 - Dallas, TX
5/9 - New Braunfels, TX
5/16 - St. George Island, FL
5/29 - Louisville, KY
5/30 - Salem, VA
6/5 - Buffalo, NY
6/6 - New York, NY
6/7 - Uncasville, CT

Hoge catapulted into the national spotlight with the release of his top-selling single “Strong.” Providing the musical backdrop for General Motor’s 2014 Chevy Silverado ad campaign, “Strong” has sold more than 200,000 copies and was the featured bonus track on Hoge’s last album NEVER GIVE IN. 

Breaking into mainstream country, the Nashville native has penned Lady Antebellum’s “Better Off Now (That You’re Gone)” and the Platinum-selling No. 1 smash “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” recorded by the Eli Young Band. “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” earned Hoge nominations for the 2013 GRAMMY Country Song of the Year, 2013 ACM Song of the Year and 2012 CMA Song of the Year.

For tour dates and more information, visit www.WillHoge.com.

Nothing unlucky about next Friday--13th--in NYC. There won't be any negativity, anything to fear or anything else associated with that unlucky date, but there will be great music courtesy of Jason Boland and the Stragglers and Cody Canada and the Departed when they make a stop in the Big Apple at The Cutting Room.

The Departed's January's release HIPPIELOVEPUNK is a straightforward rock album that finds Canada as the band's sole vocalist and showcases their always great instrumentation on well written tracks both rockin' (current single" Inbetweener") and solemn ("All Nighter").

In contrast, Dark and Dirty Mile, the Stragglers 2013 release, has a rootsy, truly traditional sound. The songs are straightforward, honest and substantive and keep your toes tappin'.

Where: The Cutting Room NYC
When: Fri, March 13, 2015
Time: 10:00 pm
$20 Advanced - $25 Day of Show