Little Big Town will be embarking on a 13-day tour that starts in Youngstown, OH and wraps up in Rockford, IL. Special guests on the tour will be Brett Eldredge and Brothers Osborne.

Presale Tickets, Exclusive Meet & Greets & VIP Packages will be available for all dates. Presale will begin on Tuesday, September 2nd at 10am* (local venue time). VIP Packages will be also be available at that time. 

All presales will require the code: PAINKILLER (not case sensitive).

*Presale starts - 9/2
+Presale starts - 9/9
^Presale starts - 9/16

PAIN KILLER TOUR: 
11/8 - Youngstown, OH - Covelli Centre*
11/9 - Highland Heights, KY - Bank of Kentucky Center+
11/13 - Salem, VA - Salem Civic Center*
11/14 - Knoxville, TN - Knoxville Civic Coliseum*
11/15 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre*
11/20 - Denver, CO - 1st Bank Center+
11/21 - Park City, KS - Hartman Arena*
11/22 - Dallas, TX - Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie+
12/4 - Detroit, MI - Masonic Temple Theatre^
12/5 - Chicago, IL - Rosemont Theatre
12/6 - Mt Pleasant, MI - Soaring Eagle^
12/12 - Rochester, MN - Mayo Civic Center Auditorium*
12/13 - Rockford, IL - BMO Harris Bank Center*

For more information visit their official website

This may be the best Ice Bucket Challenge yet. All three of the bands on the Livers Of Steel Tour 2014 (Micky and The Motorcars, Reckless Kelly, Cody Canada and The Departed) just did the #icebucketchallenge-dedicated to #petefrates-to raise awareness for ALS. They also donated 20% of their merch sales at last night's show for the cause. 

They then called out lots of their friends on the Texas music scene including Tito's Handmade Vodka, The Turnpike Troubadours, Josh Beckett, Wade Bowen, Stormy Cooper Media, Jack Ingram, Uncle Lucius,American Aquarium, Stoney LaRue, Sal Perez, Adam Odor, Joseph Deeb, Chris Farrow, CTK Entertainment, The Dirty River Boys, Aaron Einhouse, Robert Earl Keen, George Devore, and Judy Dickerson. 

Watch their video below!

Country music entertainer Chris Janson will join the legendary Merle Haggard next week, for two sold-out shows at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Recently named by Rolling Stone Country as one of the “Top 10 Artist You Need To Know,” Janson will light up the stage as the opening act for Haggard during both shows on Monday (8/25) and Tuesday (8/26).
 
"It's an incredible honor to play on this show and I'm humbled. It's hard to even find words to describe...this is a career milestone for me and I'm beyond grateful," shares Janson. "It's just a few shorts steps from the back door of Tootsie's where I had my first gig and a lot of hard work later to make it to the Ryman with Merle. A dream come true!"
 
Janson has garnered national attention for his energetic live performances, as he was noted byBillboard Magazine as “The New Wave of Country Music,” “Artist Worth Your Attention,” by The Boston Globe and “Best Live Show” by Rolling Stone Country. While playing more than 100 shows this past year, the singer has reached capacity crowds at multiple tour stops. This summer, he made his mark at major festivals such as Country Thunder, We Fest, Creekfest, as well as Deer Assic Classic, and has opened for some of the biggest names in music including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Florida Georgia Line, Hank Williams Jr. and Haggard. Since his Grand Ole Opry debut last year, Janson has been asked to perform on the coveted stage over 50 times.
 
The talented songwriter began writing at 18-years-old, and has scored cuts with notable artists such as Tim McGraw (“Truck Yeah”), Justin Moore (“Off The Beaten Path”) and Parmalee (“Back In The Day. The Perryville, Missouri, native first broke onto the Nashville music scene when he landed a year long, four show a day gig at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Nashville’s Lower Broadway.

For more information on Chris Janson and tour dates, visit chrisjanson.com.
 
Get a taste of Janson’s life on the road here.  

One of country music’s freshest faces, Joel Crouse is excited to announce the release of his debut studio album, EVEN THE RIVER RUNS. EVEN THE RIVER RUNS highlights Crouse’s talent and craft for storytelling and is available for purchase on iTunes,Google Play and Amazon.
 
Produced by Jamie Houston, the Show Dog - Universal Music project includes lead single, “Don’t Tell Me,” which hit SiriusXM’s The Highway and was recently featured in the CW’s smash TV show Hart of Dixie.
 
EVEN THE RIVER RUNS is the story of Crouse’s personal journey – his joy, his struggles, his romances (for better or for worse).
 
“My songs will always be about honest experience,” said Crouse, who co-wrote each one of the ten tracks on the album. “I always want to be the one telling my story.”
 
Crouse collaborated with some of Nashville’s sought after tunesmiths to bring his story to life, including Craig Wiseman, James Dean Hicks, Luke Laird, and many others.
 
The new project spans the gamut of Crouse's musical lexicon, from thumping, honky-tonk barn-burners like "Don't Tell Me,” to the Top 35 breakout bluesy-twang romper, "If You Want Some" or Crouse's personal favorite, "Ruby Puts Her Red Dress On." Others, like the mid-tempo groove of "You Could Break A Heart Like That" showcase his own vulnerable side – and his vocal range, which can go from sultry lows to a stunning falsetto in one fell swoop.
 
Fan-favorite "Why God Made Love Songs," is the perfect grooving, clapping ode to summertime love, and on moments like the title track, "Even The River Runs," all of his sides – vintage rock, modern country and dusty blues – come together in one perfect, rollicking ride that puts his guitar chops on full display.
 
Crouse will be celebrating the release of his new album with a live performance and autograph signing at the Grand Ole Opry tonight. Fans can join Crouse backstage at the Opry with a live YouTube chat kicking off at 8p.m.CT. To join in on the live chat, click HERE. 
 
The 22-year old Massachusetts native has come a long way from playing Nashville's Lower Broadway - the street corners, to be exact, to making his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage. He has opened for some of country music’s biggest stars, including 16 dates on Taylor Swift’s RED Tour, The Band Perry, Toby Keith, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans, and even the Goo Goo Dolls.
 
Watch for more to come from Joel, who will be joining Love And Theft on the Night That You’ll Never Forget Tour, which kicks off in October.
 
For tour dates and more information, visit www.joelcrouse.com.

Country icon George Strait is offering fans a 20-track live album recorded at his momentous The Cowboy Rides Away Tour finale at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium commemorates a night of celebration for one of the most influential figures in country music. Due in stores September 16th, the MCA Nashville release contains hits from throughout Strait’s 30+ year career, features special guests Jason Aldean, Ray Benson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert and Martina McBride, and introduces George “Bubba” Strait, Jr. 

  The undisputed “King of Country Music” and reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year performed for over 1 million fans during his two-year, record-breaking, final U.S. tour. The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium epitomizes the energy and shared emotion largely thanks to a Texas-sized crowd of nearly 105,000.  Equally prevalent on the album is Strait’s sentimentality and immense gratitude for his legion of fans.

As previously announced, Strait fans have an opportunity to relive the June 7, 2014 The Cowboy Rides Away Tour Dallas date with a two-hour “George Strait: The Cowboy Rides Away” concert special airing Aug. 29 exclusively on CMT (check local listings).

 The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium Track Listing:

1.  Check Yes Or No
2.  The Love Bug (with Vince Gill)
3.  Fool Hearted Memory (with Jason Aldean)
4.  Arkansas Dave (with Bubba Strait)
5.  Cowboys Like Us (with Eric Church)
6.  That’s What Breaking Hearts Do
7.  Marina Del Rey
8.  Here For A Good Time (with Sheryl Crow)
9.  I Can Still Make Cheyenne
10. Jackson (with Martina McBride)
11. A Showman’s Life (with Faith Hill)
12. Murder On Music Row (with Alan Jackson)
13. The Chair
14. Give It All We Got Tonight
15. Run (with Miranda Lambert)
16. I'll Always Remember You
17. Ocean Front Property (with Kenny Chesney)
18. Troubadour
19. All My Ex’s Live In Texas (with Jason Aldean, Ray Benson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow,
Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride)
20. The Cowboy Rides Away 

Country artists have been participating in the ALS Ice Bucket challenge, sharing different ways of soaking themselves for a good cause!

Arista Nashville recording artist Ben Rue has taken the challenge to a whole other level! During his day off in Oregon, he took a trip to Silver Falls, where inspiration struck! Standing under a massive, ice cold, waterfall (pictured at left), Ben showed his support for the cause and called to challenge three of his friends! 

Watch Ben Rue's ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, HERE. 

benruemusic.com
Ben on Twitter
Ben on Facebook

Canadian country superstar and Sony Music Canada recording artist Gord Bamford generated an official record-setting $503,000 at the 7th Annual Gord Bamford Charity Golf Classic in Alberta, Canada, August 13 and 14, 2014.

The Gala took place at the Red Deer Sheraton Exhibition Hall near Bamford’s hometown of Lacombe, Alberta, and featured Canadian rock icons Trooper, Warner Music Nashville artist Cowboy Troy, and Nashville songwriters Byron Hill, Phil O’Donnell, and Buddy Owens. Canadian country music artists Beverley Mahood, Jason Blaine and Aaron Pritchett each sang their current single, along with their favourite rock song.

“August is one of my favorite times of year. We’ll be able to do so much more giving as a result of this record-setting event. I’m grateful for those friends and artists who came out to support the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation, and I can’t wait to start giving back,” said Bamford.

Canadian women’s hockey team 2014 Gold medalists and current “Amazing Race Canada” participants Natalie Spooner & Meagan Mikkelson joined their gold medal winning teammates Shannon Szabados and Rebecca Johnston, at the annual event. Canadian Women’s Curling team gold medalists Kaitlyn Lawes and Jill Officer attended the event with NHL Hockey players Curtis Glencross and Matt Fraser, NHL alumni Theoren Fleury and Gilbert Dionne. Past Canadian and World Champion Rodeo Cowboys Davey Shields Jr. and brothers Rod & Denny Hay also attended.

The 750 people attending the sold-out event had their choice of nearly 70 auction items that included a signed Keith Urban Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, a Takamine acoustic signed by Blake Shelton, a Buddy Owens original painting of Robert Duvall and a Gord Bamford Private House Concert.

The celebrities, as well as Canadian Olympian gold medalists and NHL hockey players were auctioned to golf with guests and sponsors of the 7th annual event.

The event generates monies for the The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation. The 16-time Canadian Country Music Award-winning country music artist started the Foundation in 2008, and now to date has generated nearly $2 million, giving to charities such as children’s hospitals all across Canada, The Make a Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. His most recent donation was made during the JUNO Awards in March 2014, when his latest release, ‘Country Junkie’, was up for Best Country Album of the Year. At that time he committed another $100,000 to the MusiCounts Canada program which funds music programs in Canadian schools.

Bamford attributes much of the event’s success is due to the strong community-based support. Alberta-based businesses JEDCO Energy Services and Waschuk Pipeline Construction served as the event’s title sponsors, and Dow Chemical Canada as the venue sponsor.

“It’s overwhelming to think of what kind of difference The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation will be able to make because of our success, and I know our sponsors all feel the same way. I’m truly humbled,” says Bamford.

More information is available at www.gordbamford.com, www.gordbamfordfoundation.com or follow Bamford on Twitter @gordbamford.

We're only just past the midway mark of the year, but Girls Guns and Glory's latest release, Good Luck, is already making it onto the Top 10 lists for the best album of 2014.

Alternate Root has released the beginning of their Top 50 list for 2014 with the Boston-based band's fifth album, Good Luck, coming in on top at No. 1. "The band has spent many years fine-tuning their music and re-fining their show. They put Eric 'Roscoe' Ambel behind the boards for Good Luck and put one over the Big Green Monster in the bands native Boston, Mass with the recording," writes the Alternate Root. The band is also currently featured on Alternate Root's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/AlternateRoot1

            Good Luck has also made it onto Twangville writer Mayer Danzig's list, "Mayer's Picks: The Best of 2014, So Far (The Albums). He writes, "While they remain true to their love of Hank Williams and vintage country, Girls Guns and Glory let their rock and roll colors fly on Good Luck. It makes for one rollicking good time." Likewise, the album has also landed on St. Louis DJ Curt's Top 10 list for KDHX's  "Midyear 2014: KDHX DJ Top 10 Albums."
         
            Meanwhile, Girls Guns and Glory singer Ward Hayden has teamed with Lonesome Day Records label mate and regular touring partner, Sarah Borges, for a special 7-inch vinyl single titled "Mixed Messages." The single comes with "Get As Gone Can Get," which they've been performing live at recent shows, and a cover of the Sonny & Cher classic, "Baby Don't Go." The tracks were produced by David Minehan (The Replacements, The Neighborhoods, Girls Guns and Glory) at Woolly Mammoth Studios in Waltham, Massachusetts.

            It's been a banner year for the band, which also includes Paul Dilley (bass, piano), Josh Kiggans (drums/percussion), and Chris Hersch (guitar). Earlier this year, the group won two Boston Music Awards for Americana Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year for Ward Hayden; and they've have had an impressive tour run, which included many sold-out dates U.S. dates and a standout run during South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

            Major press outlets have taken notice as well, with Country Weekly writing, "With literally thousands of bands performing at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin this past March, it can be near impossible for a group to stand out. Girls Guns and Glory didn't have that problem. The Boston four-piece...quickly became a must-see, with its primal Chuck Berry-like rock 'n' roll mixed with high lonesome country."

            CMT Edge raved about GGG's SXSW shows as well. "The Boston country combo Girls Guns and Glory was tearing it up inside. Like countless other bands, they didn't have an official showcase, yet they managed to scrounge up eight shows to get their music out there," wrote writer Craig Shelburne. The Washington Post is also a fan of the band's incendiary live shows, writing, "A dynamic and dynamite night of alt-country...You won't want to miss."

            The album itself has equally fared well with the critics as well. "There's a lot of buzz about these guys - and with some good reasons. Sometimes, the critics actually do know what they are talking about, like this group - and this album!" writes Music News Nashville. AXS writes, "The album's title, Good Luck, seems more like what you say to somebody just about to take on an impossible task, rather than describing Girls Guns and Glory's fortunes. These are hard luck fellows, for the most part, and these songs are filled with half-hopes, at best. Although woebegone, though, it makes for some wonderful country music. Bad luck, but good, good music."

         Good Luck, which was produced and mixed by Ambel and recorded by Mario Viele at Cowboy Technical Services Recording Rig in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for Lonesome Day Records, mixes the band's love of '50s rock with the roots music of today. "This style of music was in the house I grew up in," explains Hayden of the album's inspirations, which includes  '50s rock 'n' roll icons such as Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, and Buddy Holly, as well as country greats like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. "Our sound has been evolving from country to where we are now," he continues. "I label what we do now as American music."

Girls Guns and Glory Tour Dates (more to be announced):

Aug 16 - Marshfield, MA - Marshfield Fair
Aug 21 - Arlington, VA - Iota Club
Aug 22 - Norfolk, VA - Norfolk Taphouse
Aug 23 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Taphouse
Aug 24 - Annapolis, MD - The Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge
Aug 28 - Jim Thorpe, PA - Mauch Chunk Opera House
Aug 29 - Bellefonte, PA - Gamble Mill
Aug 30 - Taunton, MA - Portuguese American Civic Club
Sept 12 - Hull, MA - The C Note
Sept 13 - The Monaplex (House Concert) - Andover, MA
Sept 17 - Northampton, MA - The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds
- Hank Williams' Birthday/Tribute To Hank Williams
Sept 21 - Lake George, NY - Festival For The Lake
Sept 24 - Ashland, VA - Ashland Coffee & Tea
Sept 25 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Taphouse
Sept 26 - Hillsboro, NC - Last Fridays Concert Series
Sept 27 - Charlotte, NC - The Evening Muse
Oct 3 - Westerly, RI - The Knickerbocker Cafe
Oct 4 - Middleboro, MA - Studio 84 House Concert
Oct 5 - Foxboro, MA - Gillette Stadium Pre-Game Concert (Patriots vs Bengals)
Oct 11 - Gettysburg, PA - Garryowen Irish Pub
Oct 14-Nov 10 - European Tour
Nov 14 - Brighton, MA - Brighton Music Hall
Nov 15 - Titusville, NJ - Concerts at the Crossing
Nov 18 - Columbus, OH - Natalie's 
Nov 19 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway
Nov 20 - Kalamazoo, MI - Bell's Brewery
Nov 21 - Goshen, IN - Ignition
Nov 22 - Newport, KY - Southgate House Revival
Dec 26 - Brownfield, ME - Stone Mountain Arts Center
Dec 28 - Collinsville, CT - Bridge Street Live - Tribute To Hank Williams
Dec 31 - Cambridge, MA - The Lizard Lounge - Tribute To Hank Williams
Jan 1 - Cambridge, MA - The Lizard Lounge - Tribute To Hank Williams
Jan 2 - Hudson, NY - Helsinki Hudson - Tribute To Hank Williams
Jan 3 - Fall River, MA - Narrows Center for the Arts - Tribute To Hank Williams

Ohio native Mark Leach recently released his new EP, “Let’s Get Lost."  The EP features the previous released single, “I Come From Ohio”, and new single, “Fireball.”  Debuting on the iTunes Country Charts at #22, the EP shows a more diverse side of Mark and is packed with songs that fit all situations.  Whether it’s rolling down the windows on an evening country drive, or turning up the music, “Let’s Get Lost” may have just what you’re looking for.

For more information:
http://markleachmusic.com
https://twitter.com/markleachmusic
https://www.facebook.com/MarkLeachMusic

Surprised myself by how much I enjoy this song. 

Gwen Sebastian recently shot a music video for her new single “Small Town Soul” on her family’s farm which has been in the family for over 105 years.  “I’ve always wanted to film a video back home in North Dakota. ‘Small Town Soul’ was the perfect song to show my roots and the beautiful place where I grew up. I am grateful to everyone who put their heart and soul into telling this story,” Sebastian said.

Included in the video are home movies of Gwen growing up, dancing with her grandmother, graduation from high school, and other personal glimpses into her upbringing. The backdrop is her lush, sprawling family farm where she was raised.

“Small Town Soul” is spinning on Sirius XM The Highway's platform-wide music-discovery initiative "Fresh Female Voices," as well as  "On The Horizon."

To view the video click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrhYpJmInaU
For more information visit here: www.gwensebastian.com