NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Press Release October 28, 2015) – After immediately selling out all six of his 2016 “Strait to Vegas” shows, George Strait is already looking to extend his exclusive concert series at the Las Vegas Arena into 2017, announcing today the addition of two shows slated for Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 and Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Tickets for the new dates will go on sale to the public Friday, Nov. 6 at 10:00 a.m. PT, with pre-sales beginning this Friday, Oct. 30 at 10:00 a.m. PT and ending Thursday, Nov. 5 at 10:00 p.m. PT while supplies last.
 
“I’ve missed stepping on stage and playing that first note…hearing the crowd sing in unison…there’s just nothing like it,” said Strait, who announced his return to the stage at a September press event in Las Vegas. “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good to know that the fans have missed me too.”

(Press Release) Soulful southern rockers, The Vegabonds, have released their debut single, "Oh My Lord," from their latest album What We’re Made Of on all digital platforms. This highly anticipated 12-song journey is their fourth project as a group and the first release they have had since 2012. After seven years of touring the world, a few original projects under their belt and an unwavering devotion to their craft, The Vegabonds have completed what might be considered their best work thus far.What We’re Made Of consists of hard-hitting songs that don’t hesitate to touch on real-life situations like growing up, moving on, heartbreak, love, loss and the struggles that accompany it all.

"Oh My Lord" embodies the real-life inner battles of front man Daniel Allen. “It happened really organically,” states Allen. “We were all just jamming in our rehearsal space and the next thing we knew there was a chant in the room that said “Oh my Lord.” From there I wrote some lyrics about the recent loss of my grandfather and whirlwind of changes that were happening in those months. We all knew right away that we wanted that to be our first single.”
The Vegabonds’ seamless harmonies and flawless instrumentation is created by Daniel Allen (lead vocals/guitar), Bryan Harris (drums), Richard Forehand (guitar/vocals/pedal steel/mandolin), Paul Bruens (bass) and Beau Cooper (piano/organ/vocals). This group of skilled musicians incorporates their instruments into every song, making not only the lyrics come alive but awakening listeners’ senses allowing them to feel the emotion in every note. Well versed, two-time Grammy nominated producer and engineer, Tom Tapley (Destiny’s Child, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen), applied his soulful roots background and passion for rock ‘n’ roll to bring The Vegabonds’ vision to fruition. 

The combination of Tapley’s unmistakable chops, the groups impeccable instrumentation and vocals and the raw sound from the analog console creates a genuine style that is exclusively their own. The Vegabonds have discovered what they’re made of and are eager to share their adventure and self-discovery with the masses.

You can find more information on The Vegabonds by visiting their website and on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.

Watch the video for "Oh My Lord" here

ALBUM INSPIRED BY LIFELONG EXPERIENCES VIA CITIES AND TOWNS
ALONG THE SOUTHERN HIGHWAY

Nashville, TN (Press Release) – Three-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams returns on February 5 with The Ghosts of Highway 20 (Highway 20/Thirty Tigers). After 11 highly acclaimed studio albums, Williams is in the most prolific period of her nearly four-decade career, as she continues to challenge herself creatively. The Ghosts of Highway 20 finds Williams exploring new territory personally, sonically and vocally like never before.

The Ghosts of Highway 20 is unlike any other Lucinda Williams album prior. There is a common thread running through the songs, uniting them under one collective theme as the haunting title track illustrates. 12 of the 14 songs were inspired by various periods and experiences throughout Williams’ life that all tie into Highway 20 (aka Interstate 20), which runs in part from Georgia to Texas, the focal region of the album. Whether it is cities she has resided in (Atlanta, GA, Macon, GA), has family ties to (Shreveport, LA, Monroe, LA) or previously written about (Jackson, LA, Vicksburg, MS), Williams’ personal experiences and connections to these areas inform the narratives. However, this is not an album about geographic locations, but songs and stories inspired by people, place and time. 

The Ghosts of Highway 20 features some of the most expansive and experimental arrangements Williams has ever recorded, as heard on the epic “Dust”, the chilling “If My Love Could Kill” and “House of Earth”, a lost Woody Guthrie song Williams wrote the music to. Revered guitarists Bill Frisell and Greg Leisz provide incredible sonic textures and ethereal tones that enhance Williams' brilliant writing and wise and weathered vocals. Williams expands her own vocal timbre with sultry jazz-styled phrasing on “I Know All About It” and the extensive improvisational track “Faith & Grace”.  Williams puts her signature on a new interpretation of Bruce Springsteen’s “Factory”, and melts into the absolutely stunning “Louisiana Story” and “Place In My Heart”. 

The Ghosts of Highway 20 was co-produced by Williams, Leisz and Tom Overby and recorded with Williams’ ace rhythm section of Butch Norton (drums) and David Sutton (bass). Guitarist Val McCallum guests on two tracks. 

At 62, Lucinda Williams' songs are as genuine and soulful as when she began writing. She defines the word artist by never compromising her music and staying true to her muse. On The Ghosts of Highway 20, Williams shows that her creative peak still lies ahead. 

"This tour is extremely unique. In the 60s and 70s, music and politics were closely related, but it seems like that has been waning in the present. Having the Stampede come through AMH is refreshing, and I think many fans will embrace the opportunity to be a part of something bigger. "
--Becky Blumenthal, Marketing Director at The Ardmore Music Hall

ASHEVILLE, NC -- American roots music troubadours, Donna the Buffalo and Peter Rowan, are teaming up with Ben Cohen, Co-Founder of Ben Jerry's, for a unique tour called “The Stampede.” It is a tour to raise awareness to the inappropriate use of corporate money in politics. With the upcoming election season, this is to help raise awareness of the power of each individual while enjoying a great night of entertainment.

The Stampede is led by Ben Cohen, Co-Founder of Ben and Jerry’s. It uses a simple and effective tactic of rubber stamping messages on paper currency as a demonstration of public demand and outrage. "Since 2000, special interest groups have poured over $11 billion into federal elections. The absurd level of money in politics from corporations and billionaires is raping and corrupting our democracy. The Stampede is a demonstration of public outrage and its working," stated Cohen.

By special arrangement Stampede rubber stamps, which normally sell for $10, will be available at the shows for a suggested donation of $5. Every stamped bill gets seen by 875 people once it goes into circulation. If 3000 stampers stamps three bills a day for a year it will create 2.8 BILLION impressions as the bills go into circulation. To sweeten the deal, FREE Ben & Jerry's ice cream coupons will be given away in with the purchase of the first fifty stamps sold per show. The Stampede is a project of People Power Initiatives, a Vermont-based 501c3 non-profit organization.

"It’s totally legal and it’s very satisfying to stamp a stack of bills knowing you're part of a growing grassroots movement putting this message out there," says Puryear. Together, we can create a stampede that Congress can't ignore,” says Ben Cohen the co-founder of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. “Some people say that a constitutional amendment is impossible, but nearly every generation has amended the Constitution to protect and expand our democracy. This is our generation’s fight to win.”

For more information visit: www.DonnatheBuffalo.com | www.Peter-Rowan.com | www.StampStampede.org
And check out the video here

Locally:
When: November 12th
Time: Doors 6pm/Show 8pm
Where: Highline Ballroom NYC
Tickets: $30-60

(Press Release) Having set music industry records in 2015, "Proud Country Traditionalist" (New York Times) Aaron Watson kicks off 2016 with high-profile performances in Europe and the U.K. -- including the first event co-sponsored by Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk.

Watson started 2015 with a bang, becoming the only solo male country artist to loft a self-released and independently distributed/promoted studio album to No. 1 in its first week on the Nielsen-era Billboard Country Albums chart. That album, The Underdog, lofted the Texas favorite into the national spotlight and provided the momentum that lifts him toward new heights abroad.

Watson has already toured Europe five times over the past six years, where he has built a loyal and passionate fan base. In 2016 he steps up his success as headliner at two major music festivals in France and Italy, where he takes the top spot at the request of Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk. Based in Fort Worth, the fabled venue debuts as an overseas festival co-sponsor at the Padova Fiere on Jan. 30.

"The Underdog" will be honored on his European visit with a Gold record to be presented in London for his recording of Merle Haggard's "Working Man Blues" with Universal Belgium recording artist Robby Longo.

A show in the U.S. will springboard Watson into his European trek:

01/21: Boston, MA, USA, at Brighton Music Hall
01/23: ICE Festival, Toulon, France, at Salle Zenith Omega
01/26: Manchester, U.K., at Ruby Lounge
01/27: Birmingham, U.K., at Glee Club
01/28: London, U.K., at Borderline
01/30: Padova Fiere, Padova, Italy - padovacountryfair.com/en

It seems that every time you turn around there is another country festival. Big Barrel in Delaware launched last year and included some artists you would not have expected. This year they thankfully continue along that same track. There are the mainstream draws (Sam, Eric, Brad) as well as those that reside in Americana, alt-country and Red Dirt. The inclusion of Emmylou Harris, Turnpike Troubadours, Lindi Ortega, Lera Lynn, John Moreland, Robery Earl Keen and Parker Milsap (to name a few....or many) makes this one of the more well rounded festivals of the year. Read the press release below and visit their website for more information.

More than 40 of today’s top country artists to perform at The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway June 24 – 26, 2016

OVER, DE (Oct. 26, Press Release) – The second annual Big Barrel Country Music Festival will take place June 24-26, 2016 at The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway. The festival will feature headliners Eric Church, Brad Paisley and Sam Hunt as well as Hank Williams, Jr., Tyler Farr, Eli Young Band, Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Lee Brice and many more.

Returning in 2016 are fan-favorite attractions including Harvest Moon Dance Hall, The BBQ Pit, and The Big Barrel Market. The family-friendly area, The Patch, will also return complete with The Stable, Big Barrel’s on-site petting zoo.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 30 at 10am EST through BigBarrel.com. Three-day general admission passes start at $149 and kids eight and under are free. Camping packages go on sale at that time. Guests can choose from RV packages, tent camping or the Corral Club, which includes a private air-conditioned tent. Payment plans are available. Complete festival information can be found at BigBarrel.com.

Nashville, Tennessee…October 27, 2015 (Press Release) The stars are lining up for country singer/songwriter Josh Dorr as his brand new single “Rocket” is selected for Sirius XM’s Highway Find, spinning on The Highway starting today. “Rocket,” a fearlessly up-tempo track written by Josh along with Blair Daly and Troy Verges, is now available for fans to download at iTunes via red dot, the new artist development program of Dorr's music publisher ole. The lyric video premiered exclusively to The Highway’s more than half-million Facebook fans and can be viewed HERE.
 
"The idea for “Rocket” came from me growing up in Wyoming, and always being outside. In my opinion, you can never go wrong taking a girl on a date in the outdoors,” says Josh. “It's about being adventurous, living in the moment, and that's what I wanted to capture writing the song, really painting a picture so that the fans can take that journey with me every time my band and I take the stage!"
 
Hitting the road with acts like Dwight Yoakam, Carrie Underwood, Lee Brice, and Montgomery Gentry to name a few, check out www.JoshDorr.com for the latest tour dates and information.
 
Engage with Josh Dorr on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Download “Rocket” at iTunes and request the song on Sirius XM’s The Highway.

Nashville, TN (October 26, 2015) - Celebrity-driven Headlines & Global News premieres Country newcomer Callie Twisselman's new music video, "Hung Me On The Line," today, as the young star begins a two week stint as guest host on the popular television show Country Fix through November 8.
 
The video concept centers on a classic Western theme with modern-day twists.  Filmed primarily on the Twisselman family ranch in Cholame, California, additional locations include the Varian Ranch and Parkfield Café (Parkfield, CA), "Hung Me On The Line" features a saloon, horses, grasslands and loose women.  A gunshot echoes at the close of the clip, which fades out with shots of Twisselman, playing the cowgirl, riding away.  "Hung Me On The Line" is Callie's current single, following her recent Top 30 MusicRow CountryBreakout™ Chart hit, "Breathe."    

Producer/Director Sam Schneider (Super Bowl, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Memphis May Fire) assumed acting duties as well.  His appearances in the movies "Soldiers Horse," "David and Goliath" and the upcoming "Aquarius" served him well and his experience made for a powerful love interest-pairing with Twisselman, whose previous acting roles includes the movie, "Almost Salinas."   
  
Acting, singing and songwriting aren't Twisselman's only talents:  the young entertainer recently launched her own clothing line, Sassy Girl, and is wearing one of the label's signature white dresses in the video's opening scenes.  "We're new, and so we're always adding new pieces," explains Callie.  "Fall means wonderful neutral and earth tones - and I love fringe, so it's a real mix of stylish colors with a dash of fun."  Sassy Girl features dresses, casual tank tops, blouses, vests and sweaters as well. 

The busy blonde will enter 100 MILLION households this week via Country Fix; fans can catch Callie on DISH Network, Blue Highways TV, Heartland TV, Angel Two, The Family Channel and AMG.  "There is so much going on right now," Twisselman admits.  "To have my video debut on Headlines & Global News the same day that the Country Fix shows begin airing is just incredible.  Folks are liking my music.  I am thrilled, excited, over-the-moon happy."

Fans can purchase Callie's music at Amazon and iTunes.

Classic country artist Debbie Cochran returns to the country music scene with the release of her newest single, Before We Met The World. This single was released today, Monday, October 26th. Music Programmers can find it on the newest CDX Volume #624.

Before We Met The World was produced by Grammy-nominated Kent Wells (Dolly Parton) and incorporates Debbie’s deep alto singing voice with plain-spoken charm and outspoken honesty.

Cochran, who wrote this song solely, describes the single as, “that moment when you look in the mirror and ask yourself ‘where did all the time go?’ It’s about how we tend to hunger for the way things used to be back in the sweet days of innocence that were filled with promise. The days before we became acquainted with heartbreak and disappointment. The days ‘Before We Met The World.’”

Debbie Cochran is winning the hearts of radio stations and music fans nationwide and is an inspiration to those who still have dreams they want to achieve. This Batesville, AR native has dedicated her Golden years to pursuing her childhood dream of being a singer and performer. With several albums and singles under her belt and more in the works, Cochran has earned the DisCovery Award from critically-acclaimed journalist Robert K. Oermann of Music Row with the release of her debut single, It’s Never Too Late. Cochran’s encouraging lyrics are complimented by soaring melodies and wailing guitars, showcasing her pure traditional sound. She also received an honorable mention from the Singing News as Top New Artist and put the power of music to create awareness as she participated in the National Red Ribbon Week with an exclusive release of Eyewitness.

Throughout this endeavor, her husband, Elmer, is a great supporter for her ambitions and even built her an Opry stage in their hometown.  “I find myself getting lost in the music and I can’t praise my husband enough for his patience,” says Cochran. “I can’t recall all the times that he’s snapped his fingers and asked me, ‘Are you here or in Nashville?’” With influences like Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn and Kitty Wells, Cochran continues to develop a firm foundation for her traditional ‘halo-country.’ She lives her motto everyday and her very first single by saying It’s Never Too Late when she steps into the studio, writes new material or hits the center stage. For more information, visitwww.DebbieCochran.com or www.facebook.com/DebbieCochranMusic.

Listen  "In the Garden" via NPR Music

Andrea DeMarcus had just graduated from Juilliard, and she didn't know what to do. “Juilliard wanted you to have a certain kind of sound... I wasn't interested in playing just for the money or because it would look good on my resume.” She returned from New York to Georgia, and started writing songs on guitar. But the classically trained bassist was critical of her early writing and make­do guitar playing. That's when a disheveled vagabond of a guitar player hopped off a freight train and into her life.

Dave Kirslis had been at a crossroads of his own; the musical projects he was involved in weren't giving him a “big enough palate” for the way that his songwriting was evolving. Feeling directionless, he'd taken to riding freight trains in search of the quintessential American adventure. One day, rumpled and covered in soot, he jumped off a train near the house of a friend, where he met a wide-eyed and skeptical DeMarcus. “I could tell by her eyebrows that... well I wouldn't say it was love at first sight.”

Despite the shaky first impression, the two soon found themselves spending a lot of time together. Kirslis had found someone who could understand and respond to his new song writing, and DeMarcus had found someone who could encourage hers and take the role of guitar player, allowing her to return to her preferred instrument. And secretly, in the back of both of their minds, they thought that maybe they'd found something more. Though their musical backgrounds couldn't be more different ­ Kirslis taught himself roots music, while DeMarcus had mastered music theory and the nuances of counterpoint at Julliard – they shared a sense of what music should be about.