album cover
Big & Rich will be releasing their new album titled “Hillbilly Jedi” on September 18th. They will be announcing details of an online listening party in the near future, and you can pre-order an autographed copy of the album now as part of various merchandise packs available on their website for as low as $14.99!
You can view the video for the debut single off the album, “That’s Why I Pray,” by clicking here.
Don’t forget that Big & Rich will be live in Davie on November 10th!
Jake Owen – Photo by Leslie Paczosa
While we were in Nashville for CMA Fest, Jake Owen shared that he’d been working with a producer to release an iTunes only ‘summer’ EP. Now after nearly two months of waiting, Jake fans finally have a release date: September 25, 2012! Yes, “Endless Summer” will include “Summer Jam!”
photo by Mike Carroll
Congratulations to Colt Ford and his label Average Joe’s for sending Colt’s new album, “Declaration of Independence” to the #1 spot on the country charts! Just as impressive, the album made it up to #4 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 chart. This marks the highest debuting chart position for both Colt Ford and and Average Joe’s as a label.
“I just can’t thank my fans enough for making this record No. 1,” says an emotional Ford. “I believed this was my best album yet, and my fans have just proved I was right. Today is a great day and I am so blessed.”
The debut single from the album, “Back,” features Jake Owen and can be heard by clicking here.
While there’s no doubt that Colt has a loyal fan base that pushed this album to #1, it remains to be seen if country radio will finally embrace what the fans already know…Colt Ford is a pioneer with great music that, and let’s be honest here for a minute, is more “country” than many of the top songs on today’s charts (i.e. Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum just to name a few).
photo by Mike Carroll
The Oak Ridge Boys will be setting sail for a 4-night cruise to the Caribbean from February 28 – March 4, 2013. Highlights of the cruise include two concerts featuring The Oak Ridge Boys, a welcome reception, meet & greet session, 40th anniversary celebration, and more. While not being entertained by the band, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the amenities the cruise ship has to offer, as well as stops at port in Key West and Cozumel, Mexico.
“Sail away with us during the Oaks’ Rally at Sea. Request and hear the songs you want to hear, ask the question you never got to ask, attend the exclusive “fans only” show where you pick the songs and learn things you never knew about the group and each individual member,” says lead singer Duane Allen. “Hear some of the inside secrets on how to make it in the music business from our legendary manager, Jim Halsey. Also, have your photo made with the Oaks on the cruise ship. There’ll even be a very special show featuring the Mighty Oaks Band,” he adds.
Member Joe Bonsall says the voyage will offer fans an experience of a lifetime. “I really believe this cruise will be the coolest thing we have ever done! We are coming up with new ideas every day on how to make this the greatest Oak Ridge Boys experience EVER for those who sail with us and, of course, there IS the Caribbean!”
The cruise sets sail from Miami on the Celebrity Constellation, and “offers impeccable service and amenities, including spa treatments, shops and casinos. It is among the top-rated in the travel industry” according to the press release.
Make your reservation early to ensure that you’re onboard. For more information or to book online, please visit: www.oakridgeboys.com or call: (888) 711-7447.
Oak Ridge Boys Rally at Sea Itinerary
Day 1 – Thursday, February 28th
4:30 p.m. Sail from Miami
4:30-6:00 p.m. “Rally at Sea” Welcome Reception
Day 2 – Friday, March 1st
7:00 a.m. Dock in Key West
1:30 p.m. Sail from Key West
4:00-5:30 p.m. Meet & Greet with The Oak Ridge Boys
Guests will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Oaks.
6:30 p.m. Dinner for all “Rally at Sea” guests
9:00 p.m. A Very Special Concert: By Request Only
There’ll be 90 minutes of entertainment as you’ve never experienced it! Guests will have the opportunity to request songs in advance.
Day 3 – Saturday, March 2nd
11:30 a.m. Dock in Cozumel
8:30 p.m. Sail from Cozumel
10:30 p.m. Late Night Jam with The Mighty Oaks Band in the ship lounge.
Casual fun for everyone over 21!
Day 4 – Sunday, March 3rd
A day at sea!
10:00 a.m.-12:00p.m. 40th Anniversary Celebration
Nostalgic video reels, games and a special presentation by ORB Manager and Impresario Jim Halsey.
1:00-3:00 p.m. ORB University: Q & A Session
Lighthearted fun and storytelling!
3:20-4:00 p.m. Oak Ridge Boys Gospel & Country
A mini-concert of The Oak Ridge Boys’ personal gospel and
country favorites.
5:30-6:30 p.m. “Sail Away” Farewell Reception
Day 5 – Monday, March 4th
7 a.m. Dock in Miami
* All times are approximate and are subject to change without notice.
photo by Mike Carroll
Best wishes to Ashton Shepherd, the sassy songstress who has been dropped from her label, MCA Nashville. This move comes on the heels of Lee Ann Womack also parting ways with the same label a few days ago. We hope to see both of these super-talented ladies get picked up by new labels sooner rather than later!