All artist's of any genre have to start somewhere. We have all seen them, heard them, liked them, loved them with our support or simply thought; "What the heck was that all about?" It is important to support local talent that you believe in; fans are what help get them on the path to their dreams. We hear of success stories but do we ever truly realize how tough it is and how hard their determination pushes them? I realized it after meeting Georgia native, Ben Dukes. At first you may think; "Oh he is just another guy talking a... Continue reading

In one week country music fans from all over will start to descend on Nashville with eagerness to attend all the events they can or planned on, connect with friends and or meet new ones, see everyone they possibly can; some planned some impromptu, and most of all just have fun and make the best of their experience. The road there starts a year or so in advance for many; others it's just a few months ahead. It can be a frenzied time making all the right arrangements and having everything lined up and confirmed. This is my first year... Continue reading

I may be behind in my things to do; but the work to support and erase hunger never stops. Since the inception in 2012 of the Outnumber Hunger program 6,825,375 meals have been secured, not too far from the goal of up to ten million that has been set. Can they meet and exceed such a large undertaking? I believe they can. In April of this year the first ever Outnumber Hunger LIve concert event took place in Las Vegas on Friday night, during the 2013 Academy of Country Music weekend. The event brought awareness for the Outnumber Hunger Program... Continue reading

Many of us may wish for a Birthday Bash to be this big and full of good old country entertainment. I have a landmark birthday this year; but the party 95.1 KFROG threw on January 17th for their 43rd Birthday was probably as close as I will get to a big blow out. No complaints though; I won't feel slighted; I was just happy to be along for their ride. The Annual event was once again held in The Vibe room at Morongo Casino near Palm Springs, CA. I find myself enjoying these smaller venues more and more; seems more... Continue reading

One can only dream of a Birthday Bash such as this. Well it's not actually my Birthday Bash, but I am getting my dialing fingers ready to win my way into the yearly Bash presented by Southern California's country music radio station 95.1 KFROG. The winning starts Monday, December 31st! Win your way in to K-FROG’s 23rd Birthday Bash, presented by AAA Gold Exchange! See Southern California’s own, Gary Allan, and newcomer Greg Bates live, January 17th at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa! 7:10am Monday is your first chance to win! http://kfrog.cbslocal.com/ Having attended these parties in the past, there... Continue reading

In 2011 Rodeowave Entertainment recording artist Phil Vassar presented his first ever Christmas album, "Noel" which held an impressive list of tradional and not so traditional songs: 1. Doesn't Feel Like Christmas Without You 2. Oh Come All Ye Faithful/ Angels We Have Heard On High 3. I Saved Christmas 4. Merry Christmas Darling 5. Big Ole Texas Christmas With Ray Benson 6. Away In A Manger With Kellys Collins 7. Santa's Gone Hollywood 8. I'll Be Home For Christmas 9. Lets Make A Little Christmas Tonight 10. What Child Is This It wasn't till this year that Phil decided... Continue reading

After all the "sneak peeks" and hype build up to Toby Keith's newest video, "Hope on the Rocks" it finally arrived. I will admit that when I heard the title of this song I was intrigued and thought, "Wow maybe he is finally getting away from the drinking songs of late." Well the title was misleading because that is just the direction he went, but this time I was pleased with how this turned out. There were no "party girls" involved who felt the need to show their "girls" or guys all sloshed up and hoping to get with one... Continue reading

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)... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

As the dust has somewhat settled and I am slowing getting organized since my return from ACM weekend in Vegas I look back on what really goes on, what we see and what we learn. You can say I am still probably a "newbie" since I have only been attending the weekend since 2008, so I am not your "well seasoned veteran". But in these years I have seen many changes, some we did not always agree with, and some that are really well done. Loads of pictures after the jump... I stated that the weekend is NOT just about... Continue reading

The impression this chart topping artist leaves on Country music is very solid and undeniable. Tenacity Records singer-songwriter Darryl Worley is gearing up and excited to have his new song "You Still Got It", co-written by Darryl and Brett Jones, out there and now with the video's debut on CMT it brings it to life. This is Worley's first new release after nearly two years and it will be a hit with the women of all ages as the song showcases how a husband still loves his wife after all their years together and thinks, 'She's still got it.' This... Continue reading

According to the ACM front page at the time of this writing, there are 6 days, 20 hours, & minutes along with seconds that are being counted down at a rapid pace to the 47th Annual ACM Awards on April 1st at the MGM in Las Vegas. This year the show is once again hosted by Reba & Blake...an unlikely duo I thought at first last year; but seemed to pair up rather nicely. The date of the show being April Fool's Day can leave anyone's imagination running wild. (Photo courtesy of ACM) In my view this country award show... Continue reading

There are many things you can say about country artist Toby Keith, but shy is not one of them. He uses the media with great finesse, much like a dance instructor at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. This month allows you to see how well he can "dance". Starting March 15th Toby brings his charm to 'The Ellen' show, where one never knows what will happen, March 16th Toby steps on to the stage to perform on the 'Tonight Show', then the show I am most looking forward to is March 27th where he meets up with the ever entertaining... Continue reading

When you envision a barbershop maybe Floyd's Place from The Andy Griffith show comes to mind, or maybe even scenes from the movie "BarberShop," but as a place to have a concert? Not anything I would have ever thought of, yet this session was recorded in an old-school barbershop in New York City. (Photo Courtesy of Mary Kay Bruzek) Grammy nominated artist David Nail will be the first country act to get "unplugged" at Baeblemusic.com's Baeble Sessions series. Baeblemusic.com is an online destination for live shows, video and commentary from the indie music scene. Founded in 2006, Baeblemusic has a... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on February 7, 1962. He signed with Capitol Records and released his self-titled first album in 1989. Ok that's a start but if you got all your alerts today with other sites wishing him Happy Birthday, read all the biography's on Garth you well know his successful history. I can write what other's have, tell you about all his records, his accomplishments and so forth but that is not what his birthday is for me. When I heard Garth's first self-titled album in 1989 I knew this would be a country "love affair"... Continue reading

The Country Throwdown Tour is gearing up for another run in 2012. Opening day will be held May 18th at Jones Park in Gulfport, MS. There are only a few dates listed at this time but more are guaranteed to be added to the schedule. I attended the inaugural Throwdown in 2010 and the "cast of characters" were off the charts with Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram, Heidi Neufield, Little Big Town, Jamie Johnson & Montgomery Gentry. In 2011 it was dubbed the "Willie Nelson Country Throwdown Tour" with of course Willie and a repeat artist Jamie Johnson. This year... Continue reading

The "New Kid in Town", Scotty McCreery has made his mark on the country music world since his 2011 win on American Idol. His debut album, "Clear As Day" brought us two smash hits. The album’s debut single, “I Love You This Big,” became a Top 15 hit and enjoyed the highest-charting debut for a new artist since at least 1984, while the video for the song hit No. 1 in just a week after its release. He recorded his debut album while starring in the American Idols Live! Tour, which Pollstar ranked as one of the nation’s Top 15... Continue reading

Daily we get a lot of alerts and updates on things for a favorite artist, sports figure, actor or actress etc., so when I stumble on one that totally captures everything I would have loved to have written I want to share it. This well written article is courtesy of Miriam Di Nunzio, Staff writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. (Photo Courtesy of Getty Images) "Skip the glam; it's pure Garth" is spirited, informative and one of the best I have come across in a very long time. I have been a fan of Garth since the beginning, have been honored... Continue reading

Things have somewhat settled down since the Academy of Country Music announced their nominatons for the 2012 Awards show being held April 1st in Las Vegas. There was a lot of "hoopla", happiness, quotes of excitement and thanks from the artist's and on and on. However there was the age old question asked, as it is every year, "Who do you think was "snubbed?" One of the leaders in the answers was Keith Urban. I will admit this, I am not a super fan of Keith's, I do enjoy some of his songs, have never seen him in concert so... Continue reading

Early last week the date was announced for the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards night to be held April 1st in Las Vegas. Now let all the games, along with the pomp & circumstance begin. There is the show itself, The Fan Jam during the show & The All Star Party after the show. Yet to be announced is the activity, if any this year, of FREE concerts on Freemont Street on Friday & Saturday nights. http://www.acmcountry.com/home/index.php But the first thing you are asked to do before all of this is to vote. No not a political vote,... Continue reading

Each year Christmas comes earlier & earlier with stores advertising at Halloween !!! By time it actually gets her I am a bit over it all; the commercialism seems to swallow up the true meaning & Thanksgiving is all but forgotten. But as I venture to look for some true Christmas spirit I am reminded it is out there in different forms. I thought what I found would help wrap things up on what we may be missing. Enjoy these few selections & Merry Christmas. Continue reading

The announcement of this event line-up is almost like waiting for the joys of the upcoming Holidays. For the past five years the Stagecoach Music Festival held in Indio, CA at the Empire Polo Field has hosted some big name acts such as Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Reba, & The Judds to name a few. So after the "BIG" line up news today, either announced on local radio stations or learning of it on the website, the phone lines, internet, (Twitter & Facebook) & of course texting were all jammed with people sharing the news... Continue reading

Montgomery Gentry started out their career with "Hillbilly Shoes" now they are "Rebels on the Run." But they are not actually running from anything, they are continuing to do what they have always done, make music their way with their own distinguishing style. This past year has been one of trials and tribulations. The ever charismatic Eddie Montgomery was diagnosed with cancer which he never allowed to get him down. This is a trial for any one person but the beating it successfully is the tribulation. The guys took on another trial of sorts when their long time recording agreement... Continue reading