NashvilleGab - Country music news and Nashville celebrity gossip

Trace Adkins as a Birthday Gift? Well Sort Of....

Well the title must have caught your attention huh? You were wondering if it were actually true?  Ok, before you get all worked up and start planning on how this can happen to you, I will explain.  But I sure love to think this could be true.

The big dream begins; Trace had a show scheduled on June 28th at the Rabobank Theatre & Convention Center in Bakersfield, CA.  I thought, "Wow, the jackpot, he must know it's my birthday on the 27th so that's why he is coming to town, (Ok, I told ya it was a big dream) I really did toss around whether to go or not since it was on a Thursday night and the venue is not real close, "school nights" are tough so not an easy decision to make. But then the dream got bigger; I was awarded a chance to meet up with Trace before the show, got selected through his Fan Club.  So the decision was now set & was to become a reality.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.

Getting there, meeting up with my concert partner in crime Sandy, having dinner, arriving at the venue to await the Birthday Hug was just a build up to what I knew would be a totally wonderful evening,

When the "tall drink of water" strode out onto that stage it was on !!!!  I have always enjoyed every Trace show, but my favorites are when he is in smaller venues such as the Rabobank Theatre and is just being himself and sort of running his own show.  He is witty, a dry wit but I love it, but most of all he gives you his relentless talent. Much to our surprise he started out the evening with songs from his last CD, "Proud To Be Here", songs you never heard on the radio but some you surely thought should have been.  Beginning with "Days Like This" and continuing with most of the rest of the album with, "Proud To Be Here", "That's What You Get", just to name a few. Trace also included a special song to honor the Marine's called, "Semper Fi." I was so happy to see these songs take on a life. 

Trace made the comment that they had learned from doing this "Songs & Stories" Tour in theatres that it's proper to take an intermission, so he did just that.  He came back out swinging with some of his number one favorites; "Hot Mama", "Ladies Love Country Boys", "Chrome" & of course ending with the beloved "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk".  You know there is still one more song coming & Trace rounded out the evening with a great saying, "We get paid to ride on that bus from show to show, what we do here on this stage for you all is what we love to do."  Hence the song "Ride" off the "Dangerous Man" album, a great song that depicts the life on the road.

On this tour Trace has been meeting up with local hometown heroes in every place he has gone. He had no problem finding three of them in Bakersfield. Click on the coverage GAC gave this and it gives a much better insight than what I could give you.  http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2012/07/02/trace-adkins-visits-hometown-heroes-in-bakersfield/

As you can tell my dream was big, full of fun and great memories.  To me it was a Birthday gift no matter how you wrapped it. And I will always hold in my silly mind that he came in town cause he knew it was my day.  We all can live large huh?

(All Photos by Mary Kay)

P.S.  A very special thanks to my gal Rhonda; You rock !!!

Keith Urban adds another Australian tour date in 2013

Listen up Australian fans, Keith Urban's just given you another date to catch him in concert next year. Keith just tweeted:

Australia! We're excited to announce a SECOND show in Melbourne! Get your tickets for the February 3rd show here! http://bit.ly/MhUDHw

Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Monday, June 25th. Monkeyville members will get the first opportunity to buy tickets at 10am on Wednesday, June 20th.

Previously announced dates are:

• Friday 25 & Saturday 26 January Entertainment Centre, Brisbane 
• Wednesday 30 January Allphones Arena, Sydney 
• Saturday 2 February Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Phil Vassar's New Hit, "Don't Miss Your Life" Means Just That !!!

The saying has most often been that country music tells you a story of lovin, leavin, drinking, cheatin and a bunch of Yee Haw's!!  Yet songs come along that in one way or another can touch your life and for whatever reason makes it totally relateable to you.  

Enter the newest single by Rodeowave artist Phil Vassar entitled "Don't Miss Your Life."  Maybe you think this is just another sappy song that puts "A Tear In Your Beer", and it just might be if you allow it to sink in and truly take home a lesson from the meaning.  When I first heard this song I thought of so many things in my life that I could attach to it, but one recent Phil adventure brought a new spin.

Vassar’s career spans more than a decade of hit songs, including three No. 1′s (“Just Another Day In Paradise,” “In A Real Love,” and “Last Day of My Life”), and eight Top 10 hits from six albums. He is an award winning singer who has been honored by CMA, ACM, MusicRow and ASCAP. His songs have been recorded by other stars including Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina and Collin Raye. I have been a fan since the beginning and always eager to promote and bring along new fans to Phil's music and great shows.  I got to do just that.

Phil was scheduled to play at the Temeculah, CA Balloon & Wine Festival last Friday June 1st, and I thought of every way to make this adventure work,  Well it did and I called one of my concert "partner in crime" friends and she was on board.  Now my friend knew Phil's music but never had seen him in concert & figured she would check it out since I just drown her with my fun Phil show adventures. 

It was a joy to me to see her completely drawn in to the show which is Phil Vassar; a show of never ending enthusiasm, songs, strong fan interactions and just plain fun and all from the front row!!  As I witnessed all this it brought to mind Phil's song telling us not to miss our lives, take every opportunity you can to take it all in, enjoy those you love and grab everything and run with it.  Those days don't come back, once they are over and you missed them there is not much of a second chance.

Take some time to truly listen, watch and you will not be able to deny it brings some meaning to you in one way or another.  Will share the real good version then my live version (Okay I will never swear to be a pro & often forget I am recording & say things that get picked up; you're safe..there is nothing dirty Ha Ha)  Then request this song on  your local country station and once again prove what a talent we have in singer song writer Phil Vassar.

 

 

 

Chris Cagle's New Album Is The Perfect Title, He IS "Back In The Saddle"

When you put the words, Balloon & Wine festival along side Country music Artists you think, "Is that a fit?" In most peoples minds Country music, roseos and cold beer are a better match. On the contrary on Friday night, June 1st at the Temeculah, CA 29th Annual Festival. Country fans intertwined with it all and much to the delight of Chris Cagle.

Chris has been an absentee artist for a few years amidst the country scene. He stated, "I left for awhile cause I did not like what the music business had become, but still loved the music." Well he proved it Friday night to a large crowd of fans who will concur that he never missed a beat, as if he never left. Especially one long time "Caglehead" fan, Earika Rickabaugh, who paid a good price for her VIP seat to be right up front. "This is something I would NEVER have missed." The enthusiasm and wild abandon she shared with us was catchy, we were all affected and had no problem joining her, espcially once Chris hit the stage.

"Cagle's professional credits include two gold albums, two No. 1 albums and 12 charted songs. From 2000-2008, Cagle released an almost nonstop catalog of hits that resulted in a scorching hot career. Cagle's musical character and burning ambition never wavered but today, Cagle’s personal perspective has mellowed. 2012's forthcoming album is, in more ways than one, a new lease on life."  http://chriscagle.com/about

There is a new relaxed, yet let's get ready to tear it up attitude in his new music, which will be on his new album "Back In The Saddle" due for a June 26th release. He thrilled the audience with some new songs from the album, "Get My Country On" & "Let There Be Cowgirls" as well as some forever favorites, "Larado,", Chicks Dig It,", "What Kind of Gone," and his first number one smash hit, "I Breathe In, I Breathe Out."

Not quite a "Caglehead", but as a long time fan I am happy to see Chris Cagle back in action. He gained new fans on Friday night and made his stoic fans very happy by bringing back to the stage songs and a show that has truly been missed.

 

K-FROG New Country, Phil Vassar & Rodney Atkins "On Course" for Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital

You truly need a day out of the office, you love to golf, enjoy good music, and you believe in helping out those in need right?  The solution to all this is very simple.  Make plans to be part of the 10th Annual "K-Frog Cares Golf Classic" benefiting Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital on April 16th.  See I told you it was simple.

95.1 FM & 92.9 FM California New Country

The day begins with a round of golf at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon, where participants will enjoy world-class golf along with various contests including putting and “Longest Drive”. The event concludes with dinner, live & silent auctions, and a concert featuring chart topping country artist's, Rodney Atkins and Phil Vassar in The Vibe Night Club at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa.  Entry fee is $200/person or $750/foursome (includes lunch, dinner, & one concert ticket).  You can also do your part if you are not a golfer by just attending the "10th Annual K-Frog Cares After-Golf Concert" (Must be 21yrs of age) for just $20 with NO FEES!!

Curb Records recording artist, Rodney Atkins is no stranger to patience and waiting for just the right hit to come along. Signed with Curb around 1997, Atkins first known hit was, "Honesty (Write Me A List) off his first album release of the same name.  However I think he caught more of our attention with his chart-topper, "If You're Going Through Hell" which was also the title track of this second album release.  He ran along the road to success with such hits as "These Are My People", "Watching You,", "Cleaning This Gun," and "Take A Back Road."

RodeoWave Records Label owner and artist Phil Vassar is in a class all his own; and he is comfortable there.  Often labeled the 'Piano Man of Country Music', he has proven over time just why he has earned that title.  Phil’s known not only for his gift for hit songwriting, writing for artist such as Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina, Collin Raye and Tim McGraw, but also for the mark he has made as one of the most versatille artists in Nashville. His boundless, fun energy on stage at every concert is never tiring.

"With his self-titled artist debut on Arista/Nashville, Phil took his seat as country’s leading piano man with the success of songs like “Carlene,” “Just Another Day in Paradise” and “Six-Pack Summer.” Since then he’s continued to prove his worth time and again with releases like “American Child,” That’s When I love You,” “In A Real Love,” “I’ll Take That as a Yes (The Hot Tub Song),” “Last Day of My Life” and “Love is a Beautiful Thing.” Added to this list is his current single, "Don't Miss Your Life." (http://philvassar.com/about)

Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital, in Loma Linda California, holds a very impressive resume:

Each year more than 134,000 children come here when they are hurt or sick and more than 15,000 stay overnight. We have over 250 special beds just for kids! Our Children's Hospital services a geographical area of 1.2 million children in Southern California. The Children's Hospital is a major pediatric teaching facility for Loma Linda University School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and other health professions. 

"Children have special needs that are different from adults. While they are still growing they need unique medical care made just for them. Hospitals can be frightening places for kids, and the doctors and nurses at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital understand these fears. To make our little patients feel right at home, we have built a hospital that's not so scary with fun furniture, playrooms, and lots of toys."  http://lomalindahealth.org/childrens-hospital/about-us/overview/index.page?

So you are invited to join K-Frog on this day, to not only enjoy yourself, and gain bragging rights on how well you did on the course, but to support Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital in their never ending quest to help and support not only kids but their families as well.  They cannot do it alone.  For all the details on the itinerary, fees etc. check out the website:  http://kfrog.cbslocal.com/2012/04/03/10th- oannual-k-frog-cares-golf-classic-april-16th-2012/ or for any immediate questions you can contact: Leslie Bischoff at (909) 825‐9525

I got to spend Saturday evening with Blake Shelton....ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Photo thanks to Wow 104.3

No, I didn't get to hang out with Blake Shelton and talk boys and braid eachothers hair or anything fun like that, but on Saturday night my son and I did get to spend an absolutely awesome time at the Dia Frampton, Justin Moore, and Blake Shelton concert in Boise. I didn't take a camera because I wanted to give the concert and Jay, my son, my full attention since it was his first grown up concert and Blake is his favorite.  If you'd like to check out a great bunch of pictures from the concert, check out Wow 104.3's gallery here. 

Dia came out first and was a pleasant surprise.  Jay didn't care one bit for her music and told me on at least one occasion that she was weird, but he's 11 so I pretty much have to forgive him. I personally thought she was wonderful and reminded me of a lovely whimsical ballerina who just happened to have a lovely voice. She wore no shoes, twirled a bit, bounced a bit, and sang her heart out.  I'm not sure what sort of music she identifies with, but she's sort of hippy chic and is definitely a talented gal. My only complaint was that her set was extremely loud and it made it hard to understand the words to her songs, but I think they may have been over compensating because her voice is soft. 

KUZZ Presents David Nail in Debut Performance at Buck Owens Crystal Palace

Academy of Country Awards nominee for Radio Station of the Year in the Medium market, and recent NAB Crystal Heritage Award winning KUZZ 107.9 in Bakersfield, CA is proud to present Missouri native David Nail for a SOLD-OUT show at Buck Owens Crystal Palace, February 11, 2012. The show will be the debut performance for David at the renowned home of Buck Owens Crystal Palace.

(Photo Courtesy of Mary Kay Bruzek)

In a recent conversation with KUZZ on-air personality Toni-Marie she stated, "We are thrilled. David's show sold-out in two days and anytime we can put an artist like this in front at Buck's house, everyone wins. David's recent #1 is just a start of more to come for this artist." David is no stranger either in his noted appreciation for all those who have helped along the way in his over 10 year career. Toni-Marie is mentioned on the CD insert of his latest release, "Sound of a Million Dreams" and was blown away by this gesture. "I am a big fan of David's and just feel it is my job to spread the good word. I have never literally heard an angel sing, but in my Heaven the boy angels sound like David Nail."

It seems David did not truly hit his full stride till the release of his debut album, "I'm About To Come Alive" in 2009, which brought us the Top-Ten and ACM nominated hit, "Red Light" and the Grammy nominated song for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, "Turning Home."

As quoted on David's web site, "Imagery is so much a part of what draws me to the songs I record. I pick songs with cities in their lyrics or the names of girls because I want you to know exactly where I'm coming from and what I'll be talking about. I love painting those pictures. I've always felt that an album's title was the most important thing besides the music. It automatically gives someone an idea of what to expect. If you had to tell a story of me to this point in my career, "The Sound of a Million Dreams really sums it up." http://www.davidnail.com/bio.aspx

David's voice is incomparable; it is smooth, full of strong emotions and he is in total control of this vocal instrument knowing when to let it out at full tilt or pulling the reins back in. He has recently earned his first #1 single, "Let It Rain", a song about one of the main-stays in country music; a spouse who seeks forgiveness for "the one night I forgot to wear that ring.". The single made history as the longest rising #1 since the inception of the country radio charts. This long trek truly showed the determination of his fans in "Nail-Nation" who worked tirelessly to keep the song out there. "The Sound of a Million Dreams" will be the next release off his sophmore album of the same name.

“There are so many people to thank, so many people who believed and helped and fought,” Nail said. “There have been so many moments when it felt like it would all fall apart, but people kept in there with us. They didn’t want to give up, either, and that’s maybe the mark of making a difference with a song or an album: when people care enough to not just move on. Right now, I feel like the luckiest man in the world.” (On the day of the ASCAP celebration for the #1 of "Let It Rain") http://www.davidnail.com/news_d.aspx?nid=7366

(Photo Courtesy of David Nail.com)

David played a show in Southern California a few years back, and at that time I told my friends, "You need to watch this guy, he is going to be someone to contend with." I am proud to say now that many friends have said, "You were right", and you know I love saying, "I told you so." The show at Bucks will be the first of many of David's Western swing. He will be with Martina McBride on 2/14at NOKIA Theatre L.A. Live, 2/15 at the historic Troubadour in West Hollywood, 2/16at Club Rodeo in San Jose, 2/17 at The Davis Graduate in Davis, and rounding it off with a show in Las Vegas on 2/18 at Santa Fe Station.

David Nail's music has made me "Come Alive" and aware of what a talented and gifted artist this young man truly is. I am attending three of the shows out West and wishing I could do them all. It will be a true honor to see him on the stage at the Crystal Palace on the 11th; that is a star making step when you have arrived in this house that is a true tribute to Buck Owens. Thanks again to KUZZ in Bakersfield for giving me this opportunity to catch a show of this importance.

Miranda Lambert reschedules shows after death of Blake's dad

 

 

After the heartbreaking death of Blake Shelton's dad on Tuesday, Miranda has made the understandable decision to reschedule a few concert dates.  

Chris Young is currently on tour with Miranda and had this on his Facebook:

NASHVILLE, TN -- Singer-songwriter Miranda Lambert has rescheduled this weekend’s shows of her “On Fire” Tour, due to the death of her father-in-law, Dick Shelton who passed away Tuesday in Oklahoma. Miranda, wife of singer and star of “The Voice,” Blake Shelton, has rescheduled Charlotte, NC (1/19), Lexington, KY (1/20) and Greensboro, NC (1/21). Mr. Shelton, who had been in declining health for the past year, was surrounded by loved ones upon his passing.

Miranda said, “Thank you to the fans for all the support and prayers. This is a really difficult time for our family and the most important thing is being together. Tell your loved ones you love them. See you next week.”

Reschedule Dates are:

• Charlotte, NC – January 25th – 7:30 pm
• Greensboro, NC – February 19th – 7:30 pm
• Lexington, KY - February 26th – 7:30 pm

Tickets for the above-mentioned January dates will be honored at the rescheduled dates. For up-to-date tour information, visit  www.mirandalambert.com.

The “On Fire” Tour, will resume January 25 in Charlotte, NC.

Big 106 KPLM Brought In Phil Vassar to get "LIT" at Fantasy Springs Casino

The title may be misleading, it is not what you may think, but to some not that far off. After seeing the great show the night before in San Bernadino, I knew a good opportunity could not be passed up to catch this show. A comfortable size crowd in attendance saw Phil in an intimate performance at the LIT Lounge at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA on Saturday, October 8th. Put on in partnership with 106.1 FM KPLM, this theater-style show provided a close up and personal setting for fans to see one of country music’s gifted artists.  http://www.thebig106.com/  http://www.fantasyspringsresort.com/prod/index.php

Vassar is comfortable on any stage, large or small.  He may not have the room to move around as much in a small setting but that does not deter him from bringing an upbeat fun time to his crowd.  This was just about like sitting in ones living room without a set plan of what to expect.  The show had no real set list, many requests were taken from the audience, such as favorites, "Carlene", "American Child", "Let's Get Together" and one of my all time concert favorites, "Joe & Rosalita."  Ok so yep, I requested it, but I knew since this was just Phil, the piano & his guitar player Jeff (aka J Dog) it would be a great song that would show case the piano playing art that is Phil Vassar. I asked Phil if it was a challenge playing the song and he stated, "That song is always a challenge but a fun one."

This audience was a mixture of solid long time fans, newer fans and those who really did not know Phil's music.  It does not bother Phil that people sit in the audience not knowing who he is. "That is ok that they don't know me coming in, but they know who I am going out. I love playing for everyone, and it makes me feel good to give them my best and hopefully make them new fans."

Vassar is busy these days since opening up shop, per say, with his own record label, RodeoWave.  "I am very happy with my new label and how things are going.  We are working on bringing in some label mates, be it newcomers or well known artists."  He is not only busy in his career but this Virginia born native is the proud father of two girls, one of which is starting the teen years.  "I have a little control on that teen stuff so far but not sure how long that will last," he laughs.

Phil has a busy tour schedule left for this year, no plan right now of slowing down.  He has a first time new live CD to promote, which was sold at the show, and an upcoming Christmas album that is also a first time venture.  I have learned through the years of Phil shows that there are many new people out there to meet who share the same experiences I do. This night was no exception.  Thanks to Eva (who came in from Virginia), Nancy & Lucinda for sharing the fun..Oh and Kenny too.  And thanks to Phil for bringing us all together.  http://philvassar.com/category/news

I did not get any pictures worth sharing but I hope you enjoy these amateur videos:

 

 

 

 

"Just Another Day in Paradise" For Phil Vassar at California Theatre

Phil Vassar starting out the show on October 7th at the California Theatre in San Bernadino CA with, "Baby Rocks" was not a misleading gesture.  The theme continued for almost two hours while Phil lit up the stage from his entrance to his exit.  He grabbed on to the audience and never let go.  He rocked, he rolled and turned the place upside down, it was "electrifying."

RodeoWave recording artist and label owner Phil Vassar is commonly known as one of the hardest working men in Country music, having written hit songs for Tim McGraw ("My Next 30 Years"), Jo Dee Mesinna ("Bye, Bye") and Alan Jackson ("Right on the Money") before traveling over from song writer to performer.  Vassar has many of his own hits to his credit; "Carlene", "Six-Pack Summer", "Love is a Beautiful Thing" and his latest single, "Let's Get Together" that he brings to his show with such a pace that you are almost as "spent" as he is when the show is over.  I find that as a good thing.

Vassar's style is a combination of traditional country to pop and even a little rock.  His shows are an array of revisiting the hits to asking the audience if they don't mind if he brings out some new songs, and they do not mind at all.  His unwavering energy during his concerts is contagious, it transcends into the audience and it was apparent this night.

Originally built as a 1928 vaudeville and movie palace, the California Theatre, over the years, played host to all of the major stage and screen stars. Will Rogers made his final stage appearance at the California Theatre. Currently the California Theatre serves as the performance home for Theatrical Arts International, producing top quality musicals, plays and host to several touring companies and the San Bernadino Symphony Orchestra, the Sinfonia Mexicana, Worldwide Theatricals and Inland Dance Theatre, Inc.  http://www.californiatheatre.net/Home.html

This was Vassar's first appearance at the venue and he stated, "I really loved that place. It was really cool, had a lot of history and I hope to get back there for another show sometime."   With his first Christmas album coming out later this year and a new first time live CD out and available at his shows, his energy not only is on the stage but in his career as well.  To check out Phil's site and future concert schedule click on this link & "Let's Get Together"   http://philvassar.com/category/news