“BAMA RISING: A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR ALABAMA TORNADO RECOVERY” LAUNCHES ONLINE CHARITY AUCTION, ENCOURAGES FANS TO DONATE VIA TEXT

In an effort to increase fundraising for the Bama Rising tornado relief fund, “BAMA RISING: A Benefit Concert for Alabama Tornado Recovery,” presented by Verizon, will launch an online auction featuring several celebrity experiences, event tickets and exclusive items. VIP packages are still available through Ticketmaster for the June 14th benefit being held at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC).

Beginning June 7, bid on meet-and-greets with top artists such as Martina McBride and Alan Jackson as well as tickets to the 2012 Super Bowl and much more. The online auction, available at leading charity auction site charitybuzz at www.charitybuzz.com/bamarising, will launch at 11 a.m. CST Tuesday, June 7 and run through 11 a.m. CST Thursday, June 16.

In addition, BAMA RISING encourages fans to donate $10 to the Bama Rising Fund by texting “BAMA” to 501501. Text messaging rates will apply, and the $10 donation will be added to the donor’s cell phone bill.

The Bama Rising Fund has been established at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to support long-term recovery statewide in the wake of the April 2011 tornadoes that devastated Alabama. Decisions about how to deploy BAMA RISING concert proceeds and gifts to the Bama Rising Fund will be made by an advisory committee including representatives of the artists, promoters and the Community Foundation.

A limited number of VIP packages are still available to BAMA RISING, with all sales benefitting the Bama Rising Fund. The concert, set for Tuesday, June 14th at the BJCC Arena, will feature performances by ALABAMA, who is spearheading the event, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Sheryl Crow and numerous other artists. See below for a list of performers and special guests who have been confirmed to date. For more information on VIP packages, go to www.bamarising.org.
Bama Rising is presented by Red Mountain Entertainment and AEG Live/The Messina Group.

Confirmed performers (in alphabetical order):
ALABAMA
Rodney Atkins
Dierks Bentley
Bo Bice
Luke Bryan
Sheryl Crow
Sara Evans
Taylor Hicks
Little Big Town
Martina McBride
Montgomery Gentry
David Nail
Jake Owen
Brad Paisley
Kellie Pickler
Darius Rucker
Ashton Shepherd

Country Artist Amber Hayes Lands Role in “Cowgirls N’ Angels” Motion Picture

FUNL Music recording artist Amber Hayes has been cast in her debut movie role in the family-friendly, rodeo-themed motion picture, “Cowgirls N’ Angels,” due out in 2012.  

Hayes, an accomplished former theater performer, plays a supporting role in the film as honky tonk singer Amber Grant.  Hayes’ original songs “C’mon” and “Right as Rain,” from her 2010 EP release C’mon, are featured prominently in the movie and on the Cowgirls N’ Angels soundtrack.  One new unreleased track, a heart-wrenching ballad written specifically for the film by the rising Country star and titled “Always There For Me,” is also included.

“This was such a thrill for me to be cast in ‘Cowgirls N’ Angels,’ says Hayes.  “I’m really grateful to the cast and crew and director Timothy Armstrong for including me and my music in the film, and I had a wonderful time trying my hand at something new.  I’m so excited to see the finished movie next year!”

The film is Hayes’ first motion picture role, though she has starred in several successful theater productions, including her leading role performance as Kathy Twitty in the 2008 critically acclaimed Conway Twitty musical, “It’s Only Make Believe.”

“I couldn’t be more pleased with Amber Hayes,” says director Timothy Armstrong.  “She brought great style and personality to “Cowgirls N’ Angels.”  Her amazing voice and songwriting skills helped create a wonderful honky tonk scene, which is an important part of the movie.  The song that she wrote, “Always There for Me,” is heartbreakingly beautiful and has been chosen to be featured prominently in another scene in the movie.  She is a great talent!”

Hayes’ current single, “Wait,” continues to climb the charts at Country radio, with the song’s music video receiving airplay at The Country Network, GACTV.com and Yallwire.com, where it debuted at No. 1 on the site’s Top 100 chart.  She has been touring with FUNL Music label mate Ty Herndon in recent weeks.

Co-written by Timothy Armstrong and Stephen Blinn, “Cowgirls N’ Angels” is the coming-of-age story of Ida Clayton (played by Bailee Madison), a rebellious young girl in search of her rodeo-riding father.  On her journey, Clayton meets and joins the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, an all-female group of riders organized by former rodeo star Terence Parker (played by James Cromwell).

Led by Madison (“Just Go With It,” “Bridge to Terabithia”) and Cromwell (“Babe,” “L.A. Confidential”), “Cowgirls N’ Angels” also stars Alicia Witt (“Friday Night Lights,” “88 Minutes”), Frankie Faison (“The Silence of the Lambs,” “Meet the Browns”), Jackson Rathbone (“Twilight,” “New Moon”), Madison Burge (“Friday Night Lights,” “Seven Days In Utopia”), Leslie-Anne Huff (“MacKenzie Falls,” “Strawberry Cliff”) and Kathleen Rose Perkins (“The Island”).  Hayes’ father in the film is played by Richie McDonald, former lead singer of chart-topping Country group, Lonestar.

Produced by Ben Feingold, Sweethearts LLC and Sense and Sensibility Ventures LLC, “Cowgirls N’ Angels” is expected to wrap up production this week in Oklahoma.  The film was shot in several cities and communities across the state, including Stillwater, Guthrie, Pawnee and Oklahoma City, which is only 90 miles from Hayes’ hometown of Weleetka, Okla.

Trade Adkins's House After the Fire

WSM at CMA Music Fest 2011!

Have plans to attend CMA Music Fest 2011?  Join 650 AM WSM live on location on the second floor of the Nashville Convention Center June 9 - June 12 as they present the Durango Boots Acoustic Corner Stage.
 
You'll experience over 19 hours of LIVE entertainment from some of the biggest names in country music including:  Lynn Anderson, T. Graham Brown, Mark Wills, Gene Watson and MANY more!  Check WSMOnline.com for a complete lineup of artists and performance times.
 
Don't forget to stop by booth #316 in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall to grab WSM swag and meet some of your favorite country music artists!

Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam

Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam has become recognized as the kick off event of the CMA Music Festival and in 2011, Marty will celebrate the jam session’s 10th year. Marty started the event as way to welcome fans to country music’s biggest festival, but the jam has also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for MusiCares, which provides assistance for music people in times of need.

In the past, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Porter Wagoner, Neko Case, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more have shown up for the jam session.

Wednesday, June 8 at 10:00 PM at the Ryman Auditorium

Free Download of Jackie Arredondo's Debut Single "Insane"

Country music newcomer Jackie Arredondo makes her first CMA Music Fest appearance this year to promote her new single, "Insane," as well as her upcoming EP, Just Call Me Jackie. This Cuban-born vocal powerhouse discovered country music during her stint as a cross-country truck driver. That's right - an 18-wheeler truck drivin' chick. The story-telling lyrics drew her in and captured her heart. Now she's fulfilling her life-long dream of recording her debut country album.

Visit www.jackiearredondo.com and download her new single, "Insane," for FREE.

Jackie grew up in Miami and became one of the most sought-after vocal coaches in Latin music. She's worked with Sean "Puffy" Combs, Tommy Mottola and Emilio Estefan. She's shaped the voices of some of the genres biggest artists: Gloria Estefan, Thalia, Julio Inglesias, Jr., Paulina Rubio and others. She's been the featured vocal coach on nine music reality shows.

Jackie developed a unique, aggressive and quick voice training method called "Singing By Sensation." It's a technique she uses herself in the studio.

Jackie recorded her debut EP, Just Call Me Jackie, in Nashville with #1 hit songwriter Brian White ("Watching You"). She'll record songs in both English and Spanish.

Jackie is the granddaughter of Cuban comedian phenom Enrique Arredondo. He is comparable to Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis. When a questionable comedy routine angered the communist government, they pulled his show from the air, causing a riot in the country and Enrique's show to be reinstated.
Jackie loves the outdoors and seems to be an adventure-seeker. However, she HATES cockroaches and the unfortunate timing of recording her album here in Nashville during our 13-year cicada outbreak.

Jackie enjoys reading motivational books and cites Eat, Pray Love among her favorites. The message she took away: "That one should live life to the fullest without any hesitations or fears of just diving in. Live today like the last...and that you have to be where your heart is."

Jackie is actively involved with the Tourette Syndrome Association.

Steve Holy and Mark Cooke to host a Double Fan Club Party

Country artists Steve Holy and Mark Cooke are together hosting a Double Fan Club Party for CMA Music Festival attendees and fan club members on Friday, June 10 from 4-6 pm at Cotton Valley Records.  Sponsored by Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ and Nati Cakes, CMA Music Festival attendees can expect a fun-filled afternoon complete with free acoustic performances by the two hosts.  Fan club members will enjoy select favorites from Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ and a chance to meet and mingle with Steve Holy and Mark Cooke.  Non fan club members will also have a chance to join on-site.

Who: Country music favorites Steve Holy and Mark Cooke
What: Double Fan Club Party sponsored by Jim & Nicks BBQ and Nati Cakes
When: Friday, June 10 from 4:00-6:00 pm
Where: Cotton Valley Records (CVR), 713 18th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37203

The Bachelor/Bachelorette Casting Call in Nashville

With Season 7 of the popular ABC dating/reality series The Bachelorette having just premiered last week and Season 16 of The Bachelor set to air next year, the show's producers are already busy at work casting future contestants. To kick off casting calls for The Bachelorette, Telepictures Productions, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Television will hold simultaneous casting calls in Seattle, Washington and Nashville, Tennessee this Saturday, June 4.

For Music City hopefuls, the Nashville casting call will be held at Hotel Indigo Music Row, located at 1719 West End Avenue from 3pm to 7pm. Those interested should bring proof of I.D., a headshot or recent photo with contact information. Dress code for the casting call is casual.

This latest casting call is being promoted as a casting call for The Bachelorette, but that doesn't mean they're only looking to cast the primary single woman or her stable of eligible men. Let's not forget, they've got another season of The Bachelor to cast as well. As with all their casting calls, they are looking for both men and women to cast as the primary eligible party as well as their potential mates.

According to the official application, among the rules and regulations for those interested singles are the following: A) applicants must not presently be a candidate for political office, B) must be a US citizen or a resident alien living in the us or foreign citizen who can travel without restrictions to and from the US, C) must be 21 years of age at the time they apply for the show, D) must be single, not in a committed intimate relationship, marital or otherwise and E) those applying to appear on The Bachelorette/The Bachelor must never have been convicted of a felony.

Taste of Music City

The 9th annual Taste of Music City is Nashville's largest food and drink festival. Attendees enjoy food, wine, beer and more from over 50 of the best restaurants on the area. The grand kick-off event will be held on Friday night on the lawn of the Metro Courthouse (Public Square) featuring beer from Nashville breweries and BBQ from Jim 'n Nick's (21 and up event, $25 admission). Saturday is an all-day family-friendly festival along Deaderick Street and in Public Square which includes food, wine and beer. Plus, live music on multiple stages. Food tickets will be available for purchase: 12 tickets for $15.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 - SATURDAY, JUNE 4, FRIDAY 5 PM - 8 PM; SATURDAY 11 AM - 10 PM
LOCATION: PUBLIC SQUARE PARK FRIDAY: $25 (21 & up event): SATURDAY: FREE ADMISSION with food tickets available for purchase

Top 10 Country Summer Tours

Ranked alphabetically, the Top 10 Country Summer Tours of 2011.

Who did we leave off and who is your number 1?

Jason Aldean, Chris Young and Thompson Square
Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker
Toby Keith and Eric Church
Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan and The Band Perry
Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour
Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Jerrod Niemann
Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Justin Moore and Easton Corbin
Sugarland
Taylor Swift and Needtobreathe
Keith Urban and Jake Owen

15% Off Karmaloop code!

Karmaloop.com ¿ 15% OFF on orders over $75 with code: 15GOLD, good until 6/30/2011

Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?: A Rock ’n’ Roll Memoir from Steven Tyler

In this eagerly anticipated memoir, Steven Tyler, the flamboyant frontman of Aerosmith and newest judge on "American Idol" tells what it's like to be a living legend in one of the world's most revered and infamous bands--the debauchery, the money, the notoriety, and more. "Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?" is an all-access backstage pass into this extraordinary showman's life.