CHASE RICE, LOCASH, KIP MOORE And More To Play Night In the Country

The 2016 Night in the Country music festival lineup is complete, with Leaving Austin, DJ DU and Battle for the Full Moon Saloon winner Daniel Bonte & the Bona Fide rounding out the roster of country music stars and new artists.

Hailing from central California, Leaving Austin is moving through the ranks of country music’s young rising stars. The five-man piece has shared the stage with acts such as Randy Houser and Wynonna Judd in addition to opening for Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line.

Leaving Austin’s most recent album release, “That Feel Good,” features seven tracks that carry the band’s established alchemy of pop and country music. Leaving Austin rounds out the Friday night lineup when it takes the stage at 1:30 a.m. July 23

DJ DU will warm up the crowd Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Spinning since he was 13 years old, DJ DU has been featured in Nashville Lifestyle’s “Best of Nashville DJ’s” and has performed for the Grammy Block Party, Country Thunder Festivals and toured with Jason Aldean on his Night Train and Burn it Down tours. DJ DU will take the stage 7 to 8 p.m. July 21 and 3:30 to 4:35 p.m. July 22 and 23. He also will close the Full Moon Saloon stage from 1:30 to 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

Daniel Bonte & the Bona Fide will be in Yerington to kick off Night in the Country after winning the Battle for the Full Moon Saloon in May. Since 2013, Daniel Bonte & the Bona Fide has been entertaining audiences across southern California with its brand of rock country.

The band’s newest EP, “Easy Kind of Livin’,” is due out June 10 and showcases its commitment to creating country music with a heavy rock and roll influence. Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide takes over the Full Moon Saloon stage to close out the Night in the Country kickoff party at 12:45 a.m. July 22.

Credentials and campsites for Night in the Country are on sale. Campsites are available starting at $125. Two-day general admission credentials can be purchased for $95. Night in the Country offers $125 reserved seating, $170 Superfan, $400 VIP and $600 CLUB 149 credentials. Additional fees apply. For more information and to purchase festival credentials and campsites, visit www.nightinthecountry.org.

Night in the Country 2016 Full Lineup:

Thursday, July 21
Full Moon Saloon Stage
7 to 8 p.m.   DJ DU
8 to 9:30 p.m.   Chasin’ Crazy
9:45 to 11 p.m.   Blackjack Billy
11:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.   Josh Abbott Band
12:45 to 2 a.m.   Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide

Friday, July 22
Main Stage
3:30 to 4:35 p.m.   DJ DU
4:45 to 5:45 p.m.   Sara Haze
6 to 7:15 p.m.   Phil Vassar
7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.   Tyler Farr
9:30 to 11 p.m.   Chase Rice
Full Moon Saloon Stage
11 p.m. to 12 a.m.   Chasin’ Crazy
12:15 to 1:15 a.m.   Old Southern Moonshine Revival
1:30 to 2:30 a.m.   Leaving Austin
CLUB 149 Stage
7:15 to 7:45 p.m.   Sara Haze
9 to 9:30 p.m.   Sara Haze

Saturday, July 23
Main Stage
3:30 to 4:35 p.m.   DJ DU
4:45 to 5:45 p.m.   Olivia Lane
6:15 to 7:15 p.m.   LOCASH
7:45 to 9 p.m.   Craig Morgan
9:30 to 11 p.m.   Kip Moore
Full Moon Saloon Stage
11 p.m. to 12 a.m.   David Ray
12:15 to 1:15 a.m.   LOCASH
1:30 to 2:30 a.m.   DJ DU
CLUB 149 Stage
4:15 to 4:45 p.m.   David Ray
7:15 to 7:45 p.m.   Olivia Lane
9 to 9:30 p.m.   Olivia Lane

Two New Stages Added to CMA Music Festival

NASHVILLE – As Nashville grows, so does CMA Music Festival.

Since moving to downtown Nashville in 2001, the Festival has grown with the city – embracing opportunities to present new exciting venues for thousands of fans who travel from around the globe for the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience™.

“Music is the foundation of CMA Music Festival, and we are always exploring new venues and settings for fans to enjoy everything from intimate acoustic performances to our full-tilt stadium shows,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “With 11 stages this year – including our two new stages – we have numerous opportunities for music discovery.” 
New in 2016 are AT&T Skyview Stage and Budweiser Acoustic Stage – both located at Ascend Amphitheater, which opened in 2015.   

“Nashville’s popularity is booming and the city is growing at a tremendous pace, which provides more hotel rooms for our visitors and new options to help keep the Festival fresh for our attendees,” Trahern added. “A great example is our move into the Music City Center in 2013 with Fan Fair X, which has increased in attendance each year.”

To celebrate the new venue, CMA is hosting a free Kick-Off Concert and Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, June 8 (11:00 AM). The Opening Ceremonies will be hosted by Country star Chris Young and feature appearances by the Mayor of Nashville Megan Barry, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and Metro Nashville Public Schools students who have benefited from CMA Foundation funds generated by the Festival.

Immediately following the Opening Ceremonies the party continues with the CMA Music Festival Kick Off Concert featuring SiriusXM Highway Finds, a full afternoon of performances showcasing live performances by artists played on SiriusXM’s The Highway as part of “Highway Finds” – the channel’s ongoing initiative to introduce new Country artists. The lineup includes Frankie Ballard, Clare Dunn, High Valley, Steve Moakler, William Michael Morgan, Old Dominion, Michael Ray, Aubrie Sellers, and Kalie Shorr. Artists and schedule subject to change. 

“I can’t tell you how excited we are to work with CMA again this year and kick off CMA Music Fest with our ‘Highway Finds’ stage! We’ve curated a tremendous artist lineup and are looking forward to another outstanding show!” said J.R. Schumann, SiriusXM Senior Director Country Music Programming.

Highlights from the CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Concert featuring SiriusXM Highway Finds will air on SiriusXM’s The Highway, via satellite on channel 56, and through the SiriusXM App on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com. 
But that’s only the beginning! The newest stage at the Festival, AT&T Skyview Stage at Ascend Amphitheater, will feature back-to-back concerts, including several never-before-seen collaborations, Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12.

Appearing on the AT&T Skyview Stage are Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots and “The Wonderful Women of Country”; Sara Evans; Tracy Lawrence and Friends; Marshall Tucker Band and Friends; Ashley Monroe; Music City Hit-Makers; Shenandoah; Sister Hazel; and The Oak Ridge Boys – “A Salute to America.”

Artists scheduled to appear with Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots during “The Wonderful Women of Country” are Danielle Bradbery, Lindsay Ell, Jana Kramer, Maddie & Tae, Cassadee Pope, Hillary Scott, Lucie Silvas, and Natalie Stovall.
Lawrence will celebrate Country Music and artists from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s, including special appearances from John Berry, T. Graham Brown, John Michael Montgomery, Lorrie Morgan, and T.G. Sheppard. 

Performances will be hosted by WUCZ-Nashville’s Dennis Banka and RJ Mitte from AMC’s hit show “Breaking Bad.”

The Budweiser Acoustic Stage, also at Ascend Amphitheater, will offer intimate performances from Country’s hottest new talent. Artists scheduled to appear include Seth Alley, Carlton Anderson, Chris Bandi, Rylie Bourne, Jeston Cade, Hannah Dasher, Hannah Ellis, Lacy Green, Emily Hackett, Kree Harrison, Jillian Jacqueline, Like Strangers, Hunter Phelps, Post Monroe, Jameson Rodgers, Brent Rupard, Shelley Skidmore, CJ Solar, and Mitchell Tenpenny. The Budweiser Acoustic Stage will be hosted by iHeartRadio personalities. 

Gates for Ascend Amphitheater open 30 minutes early each day for four-day ticketholders. Four-day ticketholders also have access to first-come, first-served VIP seating. Visit CMAfest.com for the latest performance schedules.

Also new to the Festival this year, the Budweiser Country Club is a three-story structure located in Fan Alley that offers elevated views and activities brewed to be enjoyed while drinking America’s No. 1 full-flavored lager. The open-air space features two 20-foot bars with Budweiser Signature Draught towers, along with outdoor games, handcrafted goods produced by local Nashville craftsmen, and surprise guests throughout the weekend.

In addition to performances at the AT&T Skyview Stage, fans can cool off and connect at the AT&T l DIRECTV Lounge inside Fan Fair X. The lounge offers charging stations for fans to use while taking in all the entertainment options DIRECTV can provide. As the home of NFL Sunday Ticket, AT&T is bringing select Tennessee Titans players, as well as Country Music’s rising stars to the lounge during the Festival. The lounge will also feature a GIF photo booth to capture CMA Fest memories and a Chevrolet Connected Car. AT&T will be creating fan experiences throughout the Festival, including with the AT&T CMA Fest photo frames.

To help CMA Fest attendees upload their favorite moments to social media faster than ever before, AT&T has also improved the network services at the event. AT&T is deploying two Cell on Wheels (COWs) at key locations in Nashville and has installed Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) at Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, and the Music City Center. These two COWs and DAS will help provide attendees with increased network capacity to help them snap, tweet, post, and stream as much as they want during CMA Music Fest. 

For upcoming talent announcements and all other info stay connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Instagram.com/CMA, “CMAsnaps” on Snapchat, and sign up for CMA Country Connection, CMA’s e-newsletter. This year’s app, presented by AT&T, is now available in the App store for iPhone and Android and includes features that allow fans to create individual concert schedules and be the first to know which of their favorite stars will be appearing on the free stages throughout the Festival.

BLAKE SHELTON Exhibit to Feature Chair From The Voice

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 26, 2016 –The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will feature the award-winning, country music megastar Blake Shelton in an exhibit opening tomorrow, May 27, 2016. Blake Shelton: Based on a True Story, supported by SunTrust, will feature Shelton’s red-cushioned chair from NBC’s The Voice, among other artifacts.
In this exclusive video, Shelton talks about one other piece of memorabilia that will be featured in the exhibit, and why it has special meaning.
This career-spanning exhibition will chronicle the Oklahoma native’s rise to fame using special memorabilia from his life and career. It will follow his childhood and his move to Nashville as a teen, to his multi-platinum recording breakthrough, to becoming a national celebrity on NBC’s The Voice. A range of artifacts will tell the story of the struggles and triumphs of one of country music’s most popular and multi-dimensional artists.
A few highlights of the exhibition include:  

• Very early Blake Shelton merchandise sold by Blake and his family at his 1994 concert in his hometown, Ada, Oklahoma
• A memo pad with the lyrics to the first song Shelton wrote.
• Shelton’s first royalty check, in the amount of $2.73
• Plaid shirt worn by Blake when he moved to Nashville
• Aria acoustic guitar used by Shelton on his first radio tour, to promote his 2001 single “Austin”
• Elf costume worn by Shelton on NBC-TV’s Blake Shelton’s Not So Family Christmas special in 2012
• Shelton’s 2011 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award
• Shelton’s 2011 ACM Male Vocalist of the Year
• 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards slime suit worn by Shelton

In support of the exhibition, the museum will live stream an interview and performance with Shelton on Monday, June 6, at 3:00 p.m. Hosted by museum editor Michael McCall, Shelton will discuss his career and perform a short acoustic set. The museum will also live stream remarks from Shelton at his private exhibit opening celebration on June 6 at 6:00 p.m. Tune into both programs at www.countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.  

For more information about Shelton’s exhibit, visit www.countrymusichalloffame.org.


Read more: Blake Shelton Exhibit to Feature Chair from NBC's The Voice at the Museum
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LUCAS HOGE Begins Wrangler National Patriot Tour

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 26, 2016) – Country singer Lucas Hoge will spend Memorial Day performing for troops overseas. This will be the eighth Wrangler® Patriot Tour that Hoge has participated in, traveling to undisclosed locations to perform for our servicemen and women.

Previous tours have taken Hoge to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pacific Command and Alaska. Hoge’s patriotic hit “Medal of Honor” is the official Wrangler National Patriot theme song.

“I’m extremely excited to spend my 8th year on the Wrangler National Patriot Tour. I’m so blessed and honored to be able to say “thank you” face to face and bring some love to our service men and women! “Said Hoge.

Prior to Wrangler National Patriot Tour Hoge was visiting radio promoting his current single, “Boom Boom.” Click here to download “Boom Boom.”

Founded in 2009 the Wrangler National Patriot tour is a year-round program developed to help raise funds to support American military veterans and their families and to serve as inspiration for all Americans to rally around each other in patriotism.

Hoge is currently in the Top 25 of Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star contest. To vote for Lucas Hoge fans can visit iHeartRadio.com/RisingStar or tweet using the hastags #RisingStar and #LucasHoge.

For more information on Lucas Hoge visit lucashoge.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Lucas Hoge on Tour
May 24 - June 03 - Wrangler National Patriot Tour
June 10 - Whiskey Bent - Nashville, Tenn.
June 11 - Durango Music Spot - Nashville, Tenn.
July 02 - Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss - Fort Bliss, Texas
July 03 - Greeley Stampede - Greeley, Colo.
June 14 - June 21 - UK Military Tour
  

The CADILLAC THREE Announce August 5 Album Release

NASHVILLE, TN (May 26, 2016) – THE CADILLAC THREE gave their hometown an impromptu show last night at The Basement. Under the guise of a mid-tour pop-up, the Nashville natives took over the intimate local haunt to reveal their long-awaited album BURY ME IN MY BOOTS, slated for August 5 on Big Machine Records.WATCH HERE: http://smarturl.it/TC3AlbumReveal.

“When we confirmed the official release date of BURY ME IN MY BOOTS, we knew our hometown had to be involved in a big way! But, we wanted all of our fans across the world to join in too,” raved frontman Jaren Johnston. “Thank you all for coming out tonight to support us in person and online… and jam along!”

The trio has been teasing the full-length project with a staggered release of new tracks like “Graffiti,” “Soundtrack To A Six Pack” and “Drunk Like You.” Highlighting the fresh material, TC3 also peppered in fan-favorites such as “The South, “White Lightning” and “Peace, Love & Dixie” into the set. The musical comrades performed for the capacity-filled room and gave fans online a taste of the title track through their Facebook Live.

Comprised of Jaren (lead vocals), Neil Mason (percussion) and Kelby Ray (lap steel), TC3 is known for their electric intensity and songwriting proclivity. Jaren, whose sensibilities have garnered ACM and Grammy-nominations, has penned chart-topping hits for Jake Owen (“Beachin’”), Frankie Ballard (“Sunshine & Whiskey”) and Keith Urban featuring Eric Church (“Raise ‘Em Up”), in addition to credits on the majority of TC3’s catalogue and singles for Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley, among other Songs Jaren Wrote: https://open.spotify.com/user/thecadillacthree/playlist/5afsy9KOYGS1FiIeiEAq4i. Neil’s talents are also acknowledged on cuts for Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert, to name a few.

Their raw and gritty sound has long since defined TC3’s rocking vivacity and universal appeal with Chicago Sun-Times surmising, “…the majority of today’s so called country rockers are simply trying to emulate what The Cadillac Three has been from their very beginning.” They are currently bringing their “unrefined live show you won’t want to miss” (PASTE) to Florida Georgia Line’s DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR this summer.

Pals since high school, the bandmates’ musical fusion has transcended global boundaries as they’ve built a loyal following in the UK with multiple sold-out headline dates, 2014 UK Classic Rock Roll of Honour: Best New Band accolade and became the most played new band on Planet Rock in 2015. Rolling Stone boasts, “Like Kings of Leon before them, they’re poised for their first big break in the U.K. — where they’ve sold out every headlining show for nearly two years — before conquering their U.S. home turf.”

DIERKS BENTLEY Has A "Somewhere On A Beach" Bash Set For Memorial Day

Dierks Bentley is throwing a Memorial Day beach bash, and he’s invited several thousand of his closest friends and fans. The Somewhere On A Beach Bash will take place Monday (May 30th) at Panama City Beach’s famed Spinnaker Beach Club and Paradise Grill.

Not only is Dierks going to be there to celebrate the two-week No. 1 single, “Somewhere On A Beach,” but also the release of his new album, Black, on Friday (May 27th).

“The album’s coming out Memorial Day Weekend, and so we’re gonna throw a big party on the beach down in Florida. It’s gonna be crazy. It’s gonna be absolutely crazy.  I’m so excited,” says Dierks. “I can’t imagine this beach party that we’re throwing is not going to be just off the charts. It’s gonna be fun.”

Catch Dierks tomorrow night on NBC’s Tonight Show Featuring Jimmy Fallon and on the Today Show on Friday (May 27th).

BLAKE SHELTON To Headline 12th Annual "Stars For 2nd Harvest" Benefit 6/7

Blake Shelton will be this year’s headliner at the 12th annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit, slated for Tuesday, June 7 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

The event is presented by O’Charley’s and hosted by songwriter Craig Wiseman, also founder of Big Loud Records and Big Loud Shirt. Wiseman and Shelton most recently collaborated on Shelton’s single “Came Here to Forget.” Wiseman also wrote Shelton’s hit singles “Boys 'Round Here ,” “Hillbilly Bone,” “Green” (with George Teren) and “100 Miles” (with Chris Stapleton).

“Blake has always been a true friend and I’m ecstatic that he’s agreed to collaborate on making a difference in the lives of those struggling with hunger in Middle Tennessee by headlining this event and making it a party that our guests will never forget,” says Wiseman.

Shelton will headline after acoustic performances from previously announced special guests Chris Lane, Kane Brown and songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.

Stars For Second Harvest has raised nearly $900,000 in 11 years, providing more than 3.5 million meals to the one in seven Middle Tennesseans at risk of hunger and benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Tickets are on-sale now for $35 and $55 plus applicable service charges and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, Ryman box office, Ryman.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.