Gary can look good in anything....but this outfit I am not sure about!!!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Josh of Steel Magnolia goes to Rehab....
A message for the fans from Joshua Scott Jones
To all of our fans and to those whom it may concern,
God has been on my heart to announce and make public that I have entered a rehabilitation and treatment facility to address issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. Hundreds of thousands of people in the world struggle with these battles daily, therefore I am sincerely grateful for all thoughts and prayers at this very poignant juncture in my life and career. I would also like to thank my family, friends, record label and management team for being so supportive and having an active hand in my recovery process.
Thank you and God bless.
--Joshua Scott Jones
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Elton debuts "The Million Dollar Piano" in Vegas
Mike Weatherford | SHOW REVIEW
Elton John's 'Million Dollar Piano' more genuine, sentimental
Tools
MORE COLUMNS
BY MIKE WEATHERFORD
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Posted: Sep. 29, 2011 | 3:13 p.m.
Updated: Sep. 29, 2011 | 4:20 p.m.
Updated: Sep. 29, 2011 | 4:20 p.m.
If Elton John's office didn't get a memo from AEG Live for electrocuting the naked transgender model the last time, he probably won't hear from them about singing "Indian Sunset" now.
The pop-rock legend's new Colosseum at Caesars Palace showcase, "The Million Dollar Piano" is almost the opposite of the last one, "The Red Piano."
That five-year run was something of a mixed blessing for fans. At roughly half the running time for roughly twice the price of his concerts outside Las Vegas, "Red" was a rigid 95 minutes in which the star took a back seat to David LaChapelle's audacious video imagining of his catalog.
The new effort is two full hours, allowing John to perform more as he does on the road and stray from the hits for a couple of deep album cuts. The video has been demoted mostly to graphics that serve the larger stage design, and often seem deliberately generic so he can change up the song list.
The producers seem to have relaxed and agreed to let Elton be Elton, instead of worrying so much about its Colosseum headliners delivering a unique product weighted toward casual-fan tourists.
Fear not, the hits were in abundance on opening night Wednesday. John repeated at least half of the "Red Piano" essentials, from the show-opening "The Bitch is Back" to the audience joining in the obligatory romps through "Crocodile Romp" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting."
And yet, the whole thing feels different. Gone are the campy sexual inflatables and LaChapelle's tarnished-grotesque visions of beauty. This night is more genuine and sentimental, fine for the whole family -- John didn't even cuss on opening night -- and much more about the music.
It turns out "The Million Dollar Piano" is so named (Well, John actually named it "Blossom," for Blossom Dearie) because the piano side facing the audience is one big video panel. It lights up with everything from Versace designs to the old "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" TV duet with Kiki Dee.
The piano's graphics usually blend with the flanking scenery, which has a larger purpose: It's whimsical enough in mashing up the Roman kitsch of Caesars Palace with Eltonian cherubs and keyboards, but really serves to close down the enormous stage for most of the show.
John's five-piece core band has been expanded to include two cellists (Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, who perform as 2Cellos) to punch the string arrangements of early hits, and four female singers that include Rose Stone of Sly & The Family Stone fame.
But the most prominent addition is Ray Cooper, who for decades has occasionally joined the star for odd duets in which he runs amuck at a riser full of tuned percussion.
Their breakdown of the cinematic "Indian Sunset" (from "Madman Across the Water") was the high point of Wednesday's show, partly because it came during an acoustic set in which John switched from shouting to singing.
The 64-year-old star seems to get more barking and tone deaf as his band gets louder, perhaps because he can't hear himself. No biggie for "Bennie and the Jets," but it kind of sapped the nuance from "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer." Perhaps that's more a technical issue, because the singing was better, and the band not so overpumped, after the acoustic middle section.
Longtime fans -- and that's a wide base -- will appreciate that John wandered beyond the edges of essential hits to include "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" as a shout-out to the spirit of New York, "Blue Eyes" as an Elizabeth Taylor tribute and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" for one of the few notable videos, a computer-animated trip down the "road" of his own career.
Most of the song list landed squarely in the 1970s, with only "The Lion King" encore "The Circle of Life" and "Hey Ahab" (from last year's "The Union" with Leon Russell) acknowledging the past couple of decades. No loss, as much of that time was spent being a star without the weight of seriousness that balanced the glitzy silliness in the old days.
This show started with an Elvisy "2001" overture and the star waltzing out in a Liberace cape. But every minute from then on -- and hopefully, for the rest of this Caesars commitment -- seemed a sincere attempt to preserve an amazing legacy.
Not to end on a down note, but a couple of practical details should concern cash-strapped consumers. For those pondering balcony tickets, there were no live-time video close-ups of the star until near the end, when the giant rear screen went Cinerama-sized with him at the piano on "Crocodile Rock."
And after he bounced off his piano bench a few times in the "Bitch" opening, John stayed rooted there for most of the rest of it. Media types were seated in the center section for a straight-on view. But it appeared that in lieu of video close-ups, most people seated on the theater's far left (as you walk in) would be looking at his back nearly the whole time.
Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.
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Fairfax, VA (September 29, 2011) --- 50 years after The Beatles first entered a recording studio, the complete collection of those tracks will be available for the first time in North America when THE BEATLES WITH TONY SHERIDAN: FIRST RECORDINGS: 50th Anniversary Edition, is released to stores November 8th on Time Life. The 2-CD set comes with a specially-designed book that is a historical trove of concert and intimate photos taken by Astrid Kirchherr and others who were with The Beatles during the early days of their career. The book also includes handwritten biographies by each member of the group, signed contracts, original artwork taken from posters and records, and text by Hans Olof Gottfridsson, who has spent years researching this period of the Beatles’ career.DIERKS BENTLEY’S MILES & MUSIC FOR KIDS
SELLS OUT TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE IN CHICAGO
Nashville, TN – (Sept. 29, 2011) – Multi-platinum country music star Dierks Bentley’s Miles & Music for Kids charity motorcycle ride and concert in Chicago, IL on Oct. 9 is sold out. This marks the event’s fastest advance sell out in its six year history. Thousands of fans will join Bentley for the outdoor block party next Sunday to raise money for Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. Artists slated to join Bentley for the jam-style concert include Eli Young Band, Jerrod Niemann, Tyler Reeve, Matt Mason and welcoming station US99’s Lisa Dent as emcee.
"It's further proof that country music fans and bikers have the biggest hearts out there," said Bentley. "It's always fun taking this event into new cities and raising money for the local hospitals. We are looking forward to a big day in Chicago!"
Over the event’s six-year history, it has raised an impressive $1.6 million for children’s hospitals in Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Seattle, Columbus and tickets are still available for the upcoming sixth annual event in Nashville, TN. The event is presented annually by Nationwide Insurance and also sponsor by CMT One Country.
Media interested in being credentialed for this event should contact tyne@thegreenroompr.com.
Paul English’s former tour bus to be auctioned at Classic Car event (10/22/2011)
September 21st, 2011
This bus was used by Paul English, Willie Nelson’s drummer. You can see the picture of his boots and hat on the back of the bus.
1986 Eagle Motorcoach
To be auctioned on Saturday, October 22, 2011
To be auctioned on Saturday, October 22, 2011
Transmission: AutomaticThis 1986 Eagle shell was purchased new from Eagle and manufactured by Florida Coach, Inc. and converted into an Entertainer Sleeper Model. Upon completion the bus was leased to Willie Nelson for touring the US and Canada. They continued to use it until 1989. Features include Front and rear lounge, full bathroom with large shower, six full sleeping bunks with seating for 12, climate controlled interior, onboard diesel generator when not plugged into power supply, 2 TV’s, 2 stereo systems, all new plumbing, professionally restored interior, exterior and engine, and original art murals by Rainmaker.
For more information, and to bid on the bus, visit here.
Willie Nelson & Family Show in Akron, Ohio rescheduled for November 4, 2011.
September 27th, 2011
AKRON — The Akron Civic Theater says the Willie Nelson show scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4.
This change allows Nelson to perform as part of a benefit concert that has been organized to assist those suffering from the devastating fires in and around his hometown of Austin, TX.
Tickets for the Oct. 18th concert will be honored on Nov. 4th.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
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Dierks Bentley celebrated his eighth career No. one “Am I The Only One” yesterday with co-writers Jon Randall and Jim Beavers at Losers in Nashville, TN. In the spirit of the song, Bentley presented personalized bottles of Patron to celebrate the smash hit.
Photo L to R: Jim Beavers, Dierks Bentley and Jon Randall.
Photo Credit: Eric England
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Martina McBride to Perform the National Anthem at NFL
Breast Cancer Awareness Kick-Off Game On October 2nd in Baltimore
Breast Cancer Awareness Kick-Off Game On October 2nd in Baltimore
NASHVILLE, TN (September 28, 2011) - Republic Nashville superstar Martina McBride will perform the National Anthem before the October 2 NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets. The game, including Martina’s performance, will be broadcast nationally on NBC at 8:30 PM EST.
The Oct 2 game is the first of several NFL Breast Cancer Awareness games during the month of October. Beginning October 2 and continuing throughout the month, NFL Breast Cancer Awareness games will feature game balls with pink ribbon decals used for every down, pink equipment worn by the players, pink coins used for the coin toss, pink goal post padding in the end zones and breast cancer awareness track jackets for cheerleaders.
Martina is the perfect artist to perform the National Anthem at the game since her latest single, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” is a heartfelt anthem for breast cancer survivors and their supporters. The single is on Martina’s upcoming album titled ELEVEN which will be released on October 11th.
As previously announced, Martina will become the first artist in history to launch an album by taking an Amtrak train all the way across the country. The journey, entitled “ELEVEN Across America Powered by Amtrak,” begins in Los Angeles and ends in New York City. Martina will make 11 stops along the way to meet with fans and breast cancer survivors and perform three mini concerts in select train stations.
THE BAND PERRY’S HIT SINGLE,
‘IF I DIE YOUNG,’
GOES PLATINUM IN CANADA!
‘IF I DIE YOUNG,’
GOES PLATINUM IN CANADA!
NASHVILLE, TN (September 28, 2011) -- The Band Perry achieved platinum certification in Canada for selling more than 80,000 copies of their hit single “If I Die Young,” from their debut self-titled album on Republic Nashville. While in the midst of their Canadian tour with Keith Urban in Calgary, the sibling trio was honored with a plaque presentation.
"Our company loves The Band Perry and we remain committed to them both short and long term, congrats on this amazing achievement here in Canada!" stated UMG President, Randy Lennox.
On September 11, The Band Perry played “If I Die Young” at the Gala Dinner at the Canadian Country Music Awards in Hamilton, Ontario. This powerful and heartfelt song is also nominated for three CMA’s in the United States, while members of the group earned five total nods. Earlier this year they won the 2011 CMT Music Award USAWEEKEND Breakthrough Video of the Year, were chosen as Country music's best new live act in a category sponsored by Nationwide Insurance and earned ACM Awards for both New Duo or Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Previously they were nominated for GRAMMY, TEEN CHOICE and ACA awards.
Their Nashville-based label is thrilled at the band’s Canadian success. "We would like to thank all of the Country music fans in Canada for their warm welcome to The Band Perry. It's been an exciting year topped off by an incredible tour with Keith Urban and now a platinum single on “If I Die Young.” We look forward to many, many more years of great music and memories together!" said Jimmy Harnen, Republic Nashville President.
Pictured (L-R) Big Machine Label Group’s International Director of Marketing, Brad Turcotte, TBP’s Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry, Universal Music Canada’s Greg Blackmore
RASCAL FLATTS INVITED TO JOIN
GRAND OLE OPRY
Formal Induction to Take Place October 8
During Opry’s 86th Birthday Bash Airing Live on GAC
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (September 27, 2011) – The most awarded country group of the past decade, Rascal Flatts, was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry this evening by Opry member Vince Gill. The vocal group-- Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney-- will be formally inducted into the Opry family during the Opry’s 86th birthday weekend, Sat., Oct. 8. The show will air live at 8 p.m. Central on GAC: Great American Country. Footage of tonight’s invitation can be seen at opry.com.
After the group concluded a performance of the hit “Bless The Broken Road,” Gill surprised them on stage, sharing that the three members of the group owed him $500 from a golf game bet last week. “You would think that after hit record after hit record and millions of records sold, they’d come up with the five hundred bucks, but nooooooo!” Gill laughed.
Taking a more serious tone, Gill continued, “I am here gratefully and gladly to invite you guys to be the next members of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Following a lengthy audience ovation, LeVox said, “You know, we’ve gotten to do a lot of amazing things in our career like going to Iraq and visiting our soldiers, selling out arenas, and doing a lot of magnificent things that … you can’t even dream that big. But all three of us grew up listening to the Opry: Jay with his grandfather, me with my grandmother, and Joe Don with his entire family. You can’t even put into words what this means to us. When we first signed our record deal in 1999, our main goal was to play the Grand Ole Opry and someday be members of the Grand Ole Opry. Thank you so much for being here.”
“My hero is Vince Gill, and for him to come out here… man, what a surprise!” Rooney said. DeMarcus then invited the Opry member to join the group for a spontaneous collaboration. Within seconds, the group and Gill had launched into Gill’s 1994 hit “Whenever You Come Around.”
Following the show, Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher said, “Each and every time Rascal Flatts visits us at the Opry, the band generates an absolutely electric response from the audience. While racking up some of the biggest genre-defining hits of the past decade, Gary, Jay, and Joe Don have also demonstrated the high regard they personally hold for the Opry and its members. We’re excited to officially add the group to our member roster next weekend as we celebrate the Opry’s 86th birthday.”
In addition to the supergroup, the Opry’s Birthday Bash Weekend Oct. 7-8 is set to feature Opry performances by Charley Pride, the solo Opry debut of Ronnie Dunn, Craig Morgan, Crystal Bowersox, Ricky Skaggs, and more. Also on tap for the celebration are a Saturday afternoon birthday concert featuring Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Mel Tillis and a free Opry Plaza Birthday Party sponsored by Kodak® throughout the day Saturday. Fans can make plans for the Birthday Weekend fun by checking out the full weekend schedule at opry.com.
Rascal Flatts debuted their first album on Big Machine Records, NOTHING LIKE THIS, last November at #1 on the country album sales chart and became one of only four country acts to debut six consecutive studio albums at #1. Since their musical debut in 2000, the band has sold over 20 million albums and 25 million digital downloads and delivered 13 singles to the top of the chart. Rascal Flatts is the most awarded country group of the past decade with over 40 trophies from the American Country Awards, Academy of Country Music, American Music Awards, Country Music Association,People’s Choice Awards and more. Since their touring career began, they have sold over six million concert tickets. For additional information on Rascal Flatts visit www.rascalflatts.com.
The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year and on Tuesdays through Dec. 13. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com.
