Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like “Down Home”: Cole Swindell readies fourth EP this fall

Warner Music NashvilleFor Cole Swindell fans, fall typically means there’s a new Down Home Session EP on the way.  But this year, the Georgia-born hitmaker hinted he might skip the tradition he started in 2014, in favor of focusing on his upcoming third studio album. Well, good news: turns out Cole is readying his fourth annual EP for release …

Continue reading

Kelsea Ballerini “Unapologetically” heads out on second headlining tour in February

Black River EntertainmentKelsea Ballerini’s second headlining trek takes its name from her sophomore album, Unapologetically, which comes out this Friday.  Newcomer Walker Hayes will open the dates, with Bailey Bryan joining for the Valentine’s Day show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.  “Great things happens when music surrounds you, I really believe that,” Kelsea says. “One of the coolest things to me …

Continue reading

Margaritas, Motown, and a short dress: Maren Morris unveils her wedding plans

ABC/Mark LevineAfter getting engaged to fellow artist Ryan Hurd in July, Maren Morris is busy planning a spring wedding. Even though the details are top-secret, the “I Could Use a Love Song” hitmaker has settled on a time, a location and the guest list — which she confesses was the hardest part. Maren says the wedding itself won’t be …

Continue reading

Country Music Freaks on tour: Blake Shelton heads out with Brett Eldredge, Trace Adkins & Carly Pearce this winter

Warner Music NashvilleBlake Shelton is taking the Country Music Freaks on tour this winter. The Oklahoma native’s 14-date run will kick off February 15 in Tulsa, with Carly Pearce, Brett Eldredge and Trace Adkins opening the shows.  “The main thing that I look forward to these days, and honestly always have, is my live performances,” Blake says. “And even though I’m …

Continue reading

Thomas Rhett announces Life Changes Tour 2018 with Brett Young, Carly Pearce & more

The Valory Music Co.Thomas Rhett has had to cancel some of his recent Home Team tour dates due to illness, but next year, he’ll be raring to go for his Life Changes 2018 tour. The “Unforgettable” singer has announced that Brett Young will join him for the tour, as well as a rotating group of …

Continue reading

Fatal crash in Hanson County

A 57-year-old man died early Saturday in a one-vehicle crash northeast of Mitchell. The name of the deceased is not being released pending notification of family. He was the driver of the vehicle and the only occupant. A 2003 Dodge Caravan was traveling on 247th Street near the intersection of 414th Avenue when the driver …

Continue reading

“The Lonely, the Lonesome and the Gone”: Lee Ann Womack is proud to say that’s her audience

ATO RecordsLee Ann Womack admits her eighth studio album has a rather ominous title. “I tell people those are the people I sing for,” she laughs, “the lonely, the lonesome and the gone.” On her new record, the 2001 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year takes a back-to-basics approach that highlights the similarities between country and …

Continue reading

Eric Church, Lady A, Darius & Keith to open CMA Awards; Tim and Faith to perform

The 51st annual CMA Awards will get underway with an all-star group performance. The show, airing November 8 on ABC, will feature Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban and Darius Rucker, along with other as-yet-unannounced artists, taking the stage for what’s described as an “unprecedented opening collaboration.” In addition, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have …

Continue reading

“Live in No Shoes Nation”: How an audience in Kansas City set the tone for Kenny Chesney’s new record

Blue Chair Bay/Columbia NashvilleKenny Chesney’s 30-song Live in No Shoes Nation album comes out Friday, showcasing ten years’ worth of the superstar’s performances. Even better?  The “All the Pretty Girls” hitmaker sifted through an arsenal of concert recordings himself to choose the tracks.   “Going through a decade of hard drives was an amazing experience because you …

Continue reading

Blake Shelton brings his BS to the fashion world

Warner Music NashvilleThe business of Blake Shelton is booming, and now the star of The Voice is expanding into fashion. The “I’ll Name the Dogs” hitmaker will launch his new clothing line at Macy’s with an appearance at New York City’s Herald Square location on November 2. The Oklahoma native shared the news on Instagram, along with a photo of …

Continue reading