THE BIG INTERVIEW RETURNS TO AXS TV FOR A STAR-STUDDED FIFTH SEASON KICKING OFF TUES., FEB. 14

The 18-Episode Season also Features In-Depth Discussions with Music Icons Billy Gibbons, Crystal Gayle, Sheryl Crow and Kix Brooks, with More to be Announced

THE BIG INTERVIEW returns to AXS TV for a star-studded fifth season, premiering Tuesday, February 14 at 8pE/5pP. Hosted by reporting veteran Dan Rather, the series boasts exclusive, in-depth discussions with some of the biggest names in entertainment, as the celebrated journalist gets his subjects to open up as only he can.

Season five features 18 all-new episodes and kicks off with a candid conversation with Kid Rock, the musician, actor, and activist whose unique blend of country, hip-hop, and rock has earned him five GRAMMY® nominations, over 35 million records sold worldwide, and a legion of fans. The season also includes chart-topping sensation Sheryl Crow; singer Kix Brooks, formerly of Brooks & Dunn—the highest-selling duo in Country music history; influential ZZ Top axeman Billy Gibbons; and groundbreaking Country queen Crystal Gayle, the first female Country artist to have an album go platinum. Complete dates and additional guests will be announced at a later date.

“For over 60 years, Dan Rather has been one of the most respected names in journalism,” said Michele M. Dix, AXS TV’s senior vice president, programming and development. “His unprecedented ability to connect and get his subjects to candidly speak about their lives and careers adds a new depth to his interviews, giving viewers a chance to see a side of their favorite artists that isn’t often made visible to the public.”

CHARLIE DANIELS 80TH BIRTHDAY VOLUNTEER JAM IS THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN

ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL TICKETS ON SALE BY POPULAR DEMAND

"Jam" Tradition to Celebrate Charlie Daniels' 80th Birthday With Guests 3 Doors Down, Chris Stapleton, Kid Rock, Larry the Cable Guy, Luke Bryan and Travis Tritt

Due to popular demand, with over 10,000 tickets sold to date, the producers of Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam have released additional seating at Bridgestone Arena on November 30 so that as many fans and friends as possible can experience this monumental occasion. The jam will feature guests 3 Doors Down, Chris Stapleton, Kid Rock, Larry The Cable Guy, Luke Bryan and Travis Tritt to celebrate with Charlie Daniels.

Tickets for the much anticipated event are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena Box Office. Ticket prices start at $25.00.

After a star-studded 40th Anniversary Volunteer Jam last year, this year’s celebration event will feature The Charlie Daniels Band and a select bunch of their favorite musicians and entertainers on stage for an exhilarating event for the ages. Since 1974, Daniels has commissioned his musical friends and peers to come together on a “volunteer” basis to hang out, “jam” together, and entertain crowds in an unconventional, laid-back fashion unknown to any other concert event -- all while dedicating concert proceeds to worthy causes. This year’s event will feature extra special “jam” sessions with some of Charlie’s most prolific friends who want to celebrate the soon-to-be Country Music Hall of Famer, his birthday, and his many accomplishments.

"I am extremely humbled and excited for this year's Volunteer Jam. I think the fans are going to get a great variety of music from rock to country to southern rock with this stellar lineup, which reminds me so much of some of the early 'Jams' that we held at Municipal Auditorium," says Charlie Daniels. "We are also going to be raising some well-needed money to continue our support of the Veterans through the Journey Home Project."

A portion of the proceeds from the night will go to the The Journey Home Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit co-founded by Daniels and manager, David Corlew, to help Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. For more info on The Journey Home Project, please visit: thejourneyhomeproject.org.

“The Volunteer Jam has been a staple of the Charlie Daniels Band’s career since 1974. We’re thrilled to be able to use the platform we’ve built through the years to give back to the men and women who give so much of themselves for us, our veterans. This is a culmination of wonderful friends, hard work and great music that is shaping up to be one of the best Volunteer Jam’s to date!” said David Corlew, Charlie Daniels’ manager and co-founder of The Journey Home Project.

Charlie Daniels’ 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam is produced by Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts in association with David Corlew & Associates and Webster & Associates.

SINGLE REVIEW: "FIRST KISS" - KID ROCK

SINGLE: "First Kiss"
ARTIST: Kid Rock
REVIEWER: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

Kid Rock takes us on a trip down with memory lane with his newest single “First Kiss.”

Written by Kid Rock and his guitarist Marlon Young, it talks about remembering one’s first crush fondly and all the memories they shared together. She ended up being his first kiss, they ached to grow up and turn 21, doing nothing but driving around listening to “Tom Petty on the radio.” Now that they have and so many things have changed, he's longing to go back to those innocent, easier times. In classic Kid Rock sound there’s rock and roll blended excellently into country, making this a definitive summer anthem and blending in the same vein as previous hits “All Summer Long,” “Born Free,” and “Good To Be Me.”

Kid Rock has always been such a versatile artist, never fearing to venture out into different genres or subgenres but still maintaining his personality and true sense of artistry. He dabbles in rap and rock and roll as well as duets with a great many people before returning to country and spinning it all together until that signature Kid Rock sound is created. In doing this, he’s created a loyal following from every corner of the music world that know no matter what, he will have music for them. From Bawitdaba to Cocky to Picture to New Orleans to Lay It On Me, you know you’re guaranteed a helluva show and that nobody’s going to leave there disappointed or anything but flying high. His duets with Uncle Kracker and Zac Brown Band have produced a mellower sound, his duets with Sheryl Crow have produced something that you can’t possibly stop listening to, Eminem, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Willie Nelson, throughout it all you hear that rough and tumble voice you just can’t get enough of. “First Kiss” does the same thing but with a heavy dose of nostalgia and a new story accompanying it.

McGraw, Underwood, and Alabama Headline New Canadian Festival

Source: www.musicrow.com - Eric Parker

The inaugural three-day Boots and Hearts Music Festival is set for August 10-12, 2012 and expected to be the largest Canadian country music festival to date.

Bowmanville, Ontario’s Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will host the event, which features superstars including Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Alabama, and Kid Rock. Additionally, more than 20 international and Canadian artists will perform on two stages, among them are Big and Rich, Lauren Alaina, Canaan Smith, Paul Brandt, Jason McCoy, Dallas Smith, and High Valley.

The newly refurbished park offers 750 acres of manicured grassland and hills, perfect for camping under the stars and enjoying music. Aside from music, there will be a Boom Town, kids zone and petting zoo, authentic country fare, a local Farmer’s Market, and a mechanical bull.

Three-day passes and camping permits will be available here starting tomorrow (4/4). VIP packages offer exclusive stage front access, premium reserved seating, shaded areas, picnic tables, couches, private restrooms, food and beverage vendors.

“We have three full days of country music on two stages, tailgates, barbeques, and all kinds of activities throughout the day to keep fans entertained,” said Shannon McNevan, partner and executive director, Republic Live (promoter and producer of the festival). “Just when other music festivals call it a night, Boots and Hearts will ramp things up with nightly after-parties.”

BAMAJAM 2012 ...JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT COULDN'T GET ANY BETTER ....

BAMAJAM 2012 ADDS WILLIE NELSON, UNCLE KRACKER AND NEEDTOBREATHE TO ALL-STAR LINE-UP

Specially Priced 3-Day Tickets Available for $119 for Limited Time

Enterprise, AL – Just when you think it can’t get any better, organizers announce the addition of Willie Nelson,Uncle Kracker and NEEDTOBREATHE to the impressive list of performers set to take the stage at BamaJam2012 on Thursday, June 14 through Saturday, June 16 in Enterprise, Alabama.



These performers join previously announced stars Kid Rock, Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson in what promises to be the premier entertainment and lifestyles event of the south. Stay tuned for even more artist announcements and a full festival schedule!

Specially priced 3-day tickets are available for an early-purchase price of $119* online at www.bamajam2012.com, as well as through Ticketfly.com, or charge by phone at (877) 4FLYTIX or (877-435-9849).Be one of a very limited number of people to have special access to stand on stage throughout the festival for only $999. This ticket of a lifetime will allow you to watch all the main stage entertainment from an up-close-and-personal vantage point. Once these tickets are gone, they are gone, so don’t delay! *All ticket purchases should be made now to ensure the best ticket prices available.

Willie Nelson is the creative genius behind historic recordings like"Crazy," "Hello Walls," "Red Headed Stranger" and "Stardust.” In a career spanning an amazing six decades, Nelson’s catalog boasts more than 200 albums. He's earned every conceivable award and honor to be bestowed a person in his profession. He has also amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist.

In many ways, however, the weighty distinction "living legend" does Nelson a disservice, for it discounts the extent to which he is a thriving, relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. As ever, Nelson tours tirelessly, climbing aboard Honeysuckle Rose III (he rode his first two buses into the ground), taking his music and fans on a seemingly endless journey to places that were well worth the ride.



Initially known for his role as DJ in Kid Rock’s legendary Twisted Brown Trucker band, Uncle Kracker made a stunning solo debut with 2001’s Doublewide. Fueled by the #1 smash, “Follow Me,” the album exploded onto the Billboard 200’s top 10 on its way to two-time platinum certification from the RIAA.

Despite his relatively recent breakthrough solo success in Country music,Uncle Kracker is actually no stranger to the audience, scoring a #1 hit with "When the Sun Goes Down," his collaboration with Kenny Chesney. He also co-wrote Kid Rock's multi-format smash "All Summer Long" which peaked at #3 on the Billboard country charts.

With NEEDTOBREATHE’s reputation as a must-see live act built from non-stop touring, the Rinehart brothers, pastor’s sons who hail from the rural South Carolina town of Possum Kingdom, along with drummer Joe Stillwell and bass player Seth Bolt, were determined to create a statement-making album that truly captured the magic behind this genuinely appealing rock band.



Along with USA Today, Rolling Stone,Entertainment Weekly, Relix, VH1, Associated Press and Billboard, The New York Times raves “this gifted band makes anthemic Southern rock that, on its fourth album, The Reckoning, is beginning to reach for the far seats of the arena.” The Salt Lake Tribune simply calls The Reckoning “the best rock album of 2011... full of passionate anthems poised to fill arenas.”

Fans of all music genres will experience non-stop entertainment by today’s most popular acts from dual headline stages set at the pristine 1600-acreBamaJam Farms, “Where God and Country Coincide.” Come for the music, cool down in the new water park (opening spring 2012), explore the ATV trails, tailgate at the camping sites, park the RV with full service amenities or swing a club or two at the par 3 executive golf course onsite. Country star and BamaJam Farms spokesman Darryl Worley will perform and host the opening night of what promises to be one of the grandest outdoor entertainment extravaganzas.

If you would like to be a sponsor or if you have any questions regarding ticketing, please call (615) 340-9500.

BamaJam 2012 is a production of BamaJam Productions, LLC. For more information about BamaJam 2012artists, tickets, camping, directions, parking, sponsors and vendors, please visit www.bamajam2012.com.

TIM MCGRAW, ZAC BROWN BAND AND KID ROCK POISED TO SET THE SOUTH ON FIRE AT BAMAJAM 2012

Festival Spokesman Darryl Worley to Host and Kick-off Festival

Tickets Go on Sale Friday, March 2, 2012 

  

Enterprise, AL – Event organizers announced today that Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and Kid Rock will headline BamaJam 2012, a three-day entertainment music festival to be held in Enterprise, Ala., June 14-16. Fans of all music genres will experience non-stop entertainment by today’s most popular acts from dual headline stages set at BamaJam Farms, a 1600-acre farm which includes such amenities as ATV trails, camping/RV sites and even a waterpark. Country star and BamaJam 2012 spokesman Darryl Worley will perform and host the opening night of what promises to be one of the grandest outdoor entertainment extravaganzas. Tickets will go on sale Friday, March 2, 2012, and will feature a special three-day $99.00 price, available for a very limited time only. For more information or to purchase tickets as they become available, please visit www.bamajam2012.com.

Country superstar and actor Tim McGraw will close out the first day ofBamaJam 2012 on June 14. McGraw’s most recent studio album,Emotional Traffic, was released on January 24 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The first single, “Felt Good on My Lips,” hit #1 and remained there for three consecutive weeks. His recent single, “Better than I Used to Be,” is currently at #20 on theBillboard Country chart and climbing. McGraw’s accolades include threeGRAMMY© awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM), 11 Country Music Association Awards (CMA) and three People’s Choice Awards. He has starred in such blockbuster movies as “Blind Side,” “Country Strong” and “Friday Night Lights.”

The Atlanta-based, award-winning group Zac Brown Band will take the stage to headline Friday’s BamaJam2012 performances. Exploding onto the country music scene in 2008 with the release of their double-platinum project The Foundation, Zac Brown Band has since become one of the most-sought-after groups on the touring market. The CD was the first major-label debut album in 18 years to spawn five #1 singles including “Chicken Fried” and “Free.” The band recently earned four GRAMMY© nominations including "Best Country Album" for their sophomore release, You Get What You Give, and five CMA award nominations including "Entertainer of the Year." Previous awards include the 2010 GRAMMY© award for "Best New Artist," 2010 CMA award for "New Artist of the Year," 2009 ACM win for "Top New Vocal Group" and the 2009 "USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year" award from CMT for their video "Chicken Fried."

Kid Rock, the adopted “Son of the South,” is set to close out the final day of performances at BamaJam 2012. Racking up sales of almost 25 million units from eight studio albums since 1998, Rock is one of the biggest concert draws in the touring industry. Released in 2007, Rock ‘N Roll Jesus was the biggest-selling rock album of 2008 and not only debuted at #1 but stayed on the charts for 100 weeks. In November 2010, Atlantic Records released the platinum-selling Born Free, which was inspired by events taking place in Rock’s hometown of Detroit, Mich. A five-time GRAMMY© nominee, Kid Rock has received numerous awards including American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards,CMT Music Awards (which he also hosted in 2010 and 2011) andPeople’s Choice Awards, among others.

“I’m looking forward to coming to ‘Sweet Home’ and playing with my friends, Zac Brown Band and Tim McGraw,” said Rock. “Turn it up! We’re gonna’ set this place on fire!!”

Darryl Worley will perform and host the opening night of BamaJam 2012. Worley has hit the country charts more than 20 times over the past decade. His chart-toppers include “I Miss My Friend,” “Awful, Beautiful Life” and the iconic “Have You Forgotten.” Darryl’s latest album, One Time Around, will be released in June 2012, and the first single, “You Still Got It,” will begin hitting radio March 19, 2012.

BamaJam 2012 Executive Producer, Rendy Lovelady preparing for the festival says, “This is going to be the biggest festival ever! BamaJam 2012 is expected to bring in fans to the Enterprise, Ala., community from almost every state across the nation and deliver them an uncompromised musical experience.” BamaJam 2012is a production of Bama Jam Entertainment, LLC.

For more information about BamaJam 2012 artists, tickets, camping, directions, parking and vendors, please visit www.bamajam2012.com.

TOOTSIE’S BIRTHDAY BASH DRAWS RECORD CROWD

KID ROCK, THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS, THE McCLYMONTS AND THE ROYS BRING MUSICAL DIVERSITY TO DOWNTOWN BROADWAY

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Music City’s legendary honky-tonk, celebrated their 51st Birthday in downtown Nashville last week with the help from Kid Rock, The Kentucky Headhunters, The McClymonts, and The Roys. The party started at noon on November 23rd, with performances running into 1:30 am on Thanksgiving Day!

“It's cool to be celebrating their birthday party with them; I like parties and seem to excel in that type of atmosphere,” commented Kid Rock on the event. 

Tootsie’s is known to have been used as a “green room” to some of the greatest Opry stars including Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb. “Tootsies is where the stars would come to wet their whistles and pick their guitars,” says Tootsie’s owner Steve Smith.

“Two years ago, we celebrated with Kris Kristofferson, Terri Clark, Randy Houser andMel Tillis. This year, we celebrated with Kid Rock. The Tootsie’s Birthday Bash is becoming an annual event and who knows what we will plan for 2012!," adds Smith.

About Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: 

Today, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is a must-see Music City destination for tourists and is frequented by locals, including some of the biggest names in country music, who often drop in and surprise patrons with impromptu performances. Kenny Chesney with classic rock icon Steve Miller, Kix Brooks, Montgomery Gentry, Kid Rock, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Dierks Bentley and Hank Williams, Jr. are among the artists who have recently performed there.

For additional information, visit www.tootsies.net.

THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS, THE McCLYMONTS AND THE ROYS BRING A VARIETY OF SOUNDS TO TOOTSIE’S BIRTHDAY BASH STREET PARTY ON NOVEMBER 23RD

THE ROYS

The Kentucky Headhunters

The McClymonts

Nashville, TN (November 1, 2011) – Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Music City’s legendary honky-tonk, will celebrate their 51st Birthday in downtown Nashville on November 23rd. Grammy-winning rocking country group The Kentucky Headhunters, award-winning bluegrass duo The Roys, Australia’s top selling, award-winning group The McClymonts and other bands to be announced will be gracing the outdoor stage on Broadway starting at 12:00 pm (noon) just before the Kid Rock concert at the Ryman Auditorium.

“Last year having Kris Kristofferson, Terri Clark, Randy Houser and Mel Tillis was the beginning of what has become an annual event – The Tootsie’s Birthday Bash!," says Tootsie’s owner Steve Smith. “Knowing how Kid Rock has agreed to partner with Tootsie’s and co-brand his Ryman show as part of our Birthday Bash is just proof of what we are creating here.”

“Every time I end up at Tootsie's its a good night, and I don’t expect this night to be any different. It's cool to be celebrating their birthday party with them; I like parties and seem to excel in that type of atmosphere,” commented Kid Rock on the event.

"We are so honored to be performing at Tootsie's 51st Birthday Bash. We are looking forward to playing in front of our adopted hometown audience and rocking out with such a great group of artists! It doesn't get much cooler than this!," adds Sam McClymont of The McClymonts.

Tootsie’s is known to have been used as a “green room” to some of the greatest Opry stars including Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb. “Tootsies is where the stars would come to wet their whistles and pick their guitars,” adds Smith.

Entertainment will be on both stages of Tootsies, the roof-top of Rippy’s and a stage in the street on Broadway. After the Kid Rock show, Tootsie’s will continue the celebration into the night!

Tickets to Kid Rock's show at the Ryman Auditorium are SOLD OUT!

About Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: 

Today, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is a must-see Music City destination for tourists and is frequented by locals, including some of the biggest names in country music, who often drop in and surprise patrons with impromptu performances. Kenny Chesney with classic rock icon Steve Miller, Kix Brooks, Montgomery Gentry, Kid Rock, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Dierks Bentley and Hank Williams, Jr. are among the artists who have recently performed there. For additional information, visit www.tootsies.net.

Tootsie's + Kid Rock = BIGGEST PARTY EVER!

TOOTSIES ORCHID LOUNGE’S 51^ST BIRTHDAY BASH TO “ROCK” THE STREETS OF NASHVILLE ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD

Kid Rock to extend party into the night after show at the Ryman!!

Nashville, TN – Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge owner Steve Smith announced today Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge 51^st Birthday Bash will take place on Wednesday, November 23^rd in association with Kid Rock, who is performing that evening at the Ryman Auditorium as part of his nationwide tour giving money to and raising awareness for people in need.

“We couldn't be happier that Kid Rock is working with us to make the Tootsie’s Birthday Bash a ‘rockin’ good time for everyone in Nashville,” comments Steve Smith. "Kid Rock is a part of Tootsie’s history.  It’s going to be a memorable night.”

"Every time I end up at Tootsie's its a good night, and I don't expect this night to be any different.  It's cool to be celebrating their birthday party with them; I like parties and seem to excel in that type of atmosphere." commented Kid Rock on the event.

Tootsie’s is known to have been used as a “green room” to some of the greatest Opry stars including Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and Ernest Tubb. “Tootsies is where the stars would come to wet their whistles and pick their guitars,” adds Smith.

The Tootsie’s Birthday Bash will begin at noon in the streets on Broadway.  Entertainment will be on both stages of Tootsies, the roof-top of Rippy’s, with a possible stage in the street.  After the Kid Rock show, Tootsie’s will continue the celebration into the night!

Tickets to Kid Rock's show go on sale tomorrow, October 15^th at 10:00 am CST.  Ticket prices range from $45 - $85 and are available at TicketMaster or at the Ryman box office.