http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/ Comments on the country music scene by Jessica Phillips Copyright 2009, Country Standard Time Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:13:08 GMT Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:13:08 GMT 120 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=539 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=539 Isn't it interesting how rumors get started? In the liner notes of her latest album, Play On , Carrie Underwood gave a lovey-dovey shout out to boyfriend and hockey player Mike Fisher. Now, rumors abound that the pair are moving in together. Underwood went to her website to set the record straight. "I read something recently that a certain someone and I were moving in together. This is beyond not true...just another example of people making stuff up out of thin air!"... Country Music Blog Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:11:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=538 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=538 Many high school graduates would jump at the chance to be a full-time musician instead of going to college. Indeed, teen singers like Leann Rimes, Taylor Swift, and others declined going to college right after high school in order to focus on their careers. With a debut album already released, a performance slot on "Prarie Home Companion," and performances with many bluegrass greats under her belt, Sarah Jarosz chose instead to enroll in the New England Conservatory of Music.... Country Music Blog Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:53:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=537 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=537 Joe Nichols' latest release is a fine country album and I'm glad to see that he is back with new music. One of the best songs on the album is Nichols' autobiographical "Old Friend of Mine," a musical declaration of Nichols' newfound sobriety. Nichols told The Tennessean that the song helps to keep him... Country Music Blog Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:33:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=536 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=536 Backstage at the CMA Awards last week, Taylor Swift said she was already thinking about her next big challenge after becoming the youngest artist ever to win the Entertainer of the Year Award. Will she do Broadway and a TV show like Reba? Dabble in movies like Randy Travis and Toby Keith (she is slated to star in a movie in February 2010)? It seems Taylor has decided to stick to her writing roots.... Country Music Blog Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:11:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=534 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=534 Keith Urban, along with partners KC Masterpiece and Kingsford, won Billboard's Concert Marketing and Promotion Award, for his "Escape Together World Tour." The partners created some unique experiences for Keith's fans on his tour, including the "Keith Urban Backstage BBQ Experience," a VIP pre-show event where fans have been able to eat BBQ and get a special pre-show concert from Keith. World champion pitmaster Chris Lilly created special recipes especially for the BBQ experience.... Country Music Blog Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:58:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=533 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=533 What were YOUR favorite performances from last night's CMA Awards? I thought I would share some of mine. Martina McBride and "King" George Strait performed a solid duet of "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool," as part of a tribute to Hall of Fame inductee Barbara Mandrell. Kid Rock and Jamey Johnson brought some old-school southern rock and country to the mix. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood's charming duet. ... Country Music Blog Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:13:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=532 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=532 One of my favorite things about the Red Carpet at the CMAs is that it lets our country stars have a chance to really shine. Oh sure, they look nice for usual concerts, or they try funky dresses or accessories for other awards shows, or even outrageous clothing for music videos. Yet the CMA Award red carpet lets them show their classy side, and... Country Music Blog Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:22:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=531 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=531 Taylor Swift swept the Country Music Awards last night, becoming the youngest person to ever win the prestigious Entertainer Of The Year trophy. She also won for Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year (Fearless), and Music Video of the Year. THe CMA also surprised Swift with the CMA International Artist Achievement Award while backstage... Country Music Blog Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:14:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=530 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=530 If Drake Dixon, the guitar-wielding tot who rocked out in Randy Houser's "Boots On" video, keeps it up he just might reach the guitar hero status of 8-year-old Matthew Pinkham. At a recent Keith Urban concert, the Aussie guitar god invited Pinkham to join him onstage for a duet midway through Urban's hit, "Kiss A Girl." Pinkham, who hails from... Country Music Blog Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:32:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=529 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=529 It's not quite the full-scale sequel to Pure Country that so many George Strait fans would love, but Strait is slated to have a small role in an upcoming film, A Pure Country Gift. The same director for Pure Country will direct this movie. Details on the movie are somewhat slim at this point, but for those of you who will be at the CMA Awards Wednesday night, here is a great opportunity.... Country Music Blog Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:21:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=528 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=528 The CMA Awards will air live on Wednesday night, and stars, production crews, TV networks and media are already getting everything in place at the Sommet Center in Nashville. Yesterday several stars, including Reba, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, and Billy Currington were on hand to start rehearsals for the show.... Country Music Blog Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:57:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=527 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=527 Be sure to watch The Late Show tonight to see Ralph Stanley perform "Room At The Top Of The Stairs." Letterman will also mention Stanley's book, Man of Constant Sorrow: My Life and Times . Stanley's performance rounds out The Late Show's Country Music Week, with performances by Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Brad... Country Music Blog Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:32:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=526 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=526 American Idol contestant Danny Gokey is gearing up for the release of his first country single. The single, written by Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley. Let me know what you think! Comments?... Country Music Blog Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:21:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=525 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=525 Kellie Pickler seems to have shed her cutesy blond tresses in favor of reddish-brown. In the video above, she is seen congratulating Laurie DeYoung on her introduction into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame. Of people who resent the change, Pickler says, "It's just hair! Some people don't even have hair. So, while I have my hair, I'm going to... Country Music Blog Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:11:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=524 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=524 Like many country singers, Dolly Parton has relived heavily on songs of faith throughout her career, from the stripped down "Seeker," to the soaring "He's Alive," to her version of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Now Dolly Parton will join former Prime Minister Tony Blair, actress Sheila Hancock, and Desmund Tutu on the BBC's new flagship religious program to discuss how she has managed to balance faith with a career in entertainment.... Country Music Blog Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:42:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=522 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=522 It's no secret that one of Hollywood's leading men is a country fan, and Matthew McConaughey invited Jamey Johnson to perform at his 40th Birthday Bash. "There were some epic stories told, lot of laughs and definitely some roasting," the actor wrote on his Myspace page. "Somehow, no blood or glass broken." ... Country Music Blog Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:01:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=521 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=521 No matter what style of music a band performs, it is rare for a band to stay together for 15 years. In certain tight-knit music communities, such as Christian and bluegrass, where everyone seems to have played in everyone else's band at one time or another, this feat is even more exceptional. Celebrating 15 years together this year, Blue Highway further defies the odds by keeping all the same members with which they started .... Country Music Blog Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:30:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=520 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=520 Banjo.com will host a banjo workshop their retail store in Marietta, GA on Thursday, November 19th. Banjo player Jessie Baker will host the workshop, while Flamekeeper will perform a concert and 30-minute meet and greet afterwards. Flamekeeper won five IBMA Awards this year. Schedule: 5:00pm-5:40pm: Banjo Workshop with Jessie Baker 5:40pm-6:00pm: Mini-concert with Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper 6:00pm-6:30pm: Meet & Greet with the band and sell CDs ... Country Music Blog Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:52:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=519 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=519 Kellie Pickler will perform on an upcoming episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition this week. Pickler visited with the Terpenning family in Beavercreek, Ohio to assist in the build, and to perform her new single. James Terpenning was crippled by polio during infancy and abandoned by his American G.I. father in Vietnam. While growing up, James competed in wheelchair sports and later represented the U.S. at the Paralympics, where he earned both gold and silver medals. ... Country Music Blog Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:35:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=518 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=518 Though Carrie Underwood can handle a range of different song styles, from the sweet and inspirational "Jesus Take the Wheel," to the tear-jerker "Just a Dream," to the tough chick anthem "Before He Cheats," Underwood seems to be enjoying those uptempo rockers a bit more these days. "I love sass," Underwood says. "And this is what I think is... Country Music Blog Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:27:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=517 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=517 Now that country queen Carrie Underwood's new album has released, the usually reserved Underwood is using the liner notes to give a lovey-dovey shoutout to boyfriend and Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Fisher. "Thank you #12," she writes (#12 refers to Fisher's jersey number). "You are the most amazing addition to my life! You are such a... Country Music Blog Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:04:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=516 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=516 Are you an ace musician and bluegrass devotee? Think you've got the chops to perform alongside bluegrass royalty? Tensel and Sally Sandker, daughters of bluegrass diva Rhonda Vincent are looking for members to complete a bluegrass ensemble. The sisters are both enrolled in the bluegrass program at East Tennessee State University, and perform as the group Next Big Thing. The group is expected to be in the studio soon, and has booked some shows with Rhonda herself.... Country Music Blog Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:30:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=515 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=515 It's not hard to spot country stars here in Nashville. You see them shopping at Target or in line at the movies. You see them hanging with their families at local restaurants. Rarely do they bring attention to themselves when they are out and about-until now. The Middle Tennesse area is gearing up for several in-store appearances from a few of country and bluegrass' hottest stars.... Country Music Blog Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:30:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=514 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=514 Montgomery Gentry may have made their way into the comic strip Nancy , but Trace Adkins has taken it to a new level. On November 11, 12 Gauge Comics will release the first of a four-part comic series, Luke McBain . The series' publisher used Adkins' look and attitude as the basis for the comic's stick-carrying, cowboy-hatted hero.... Country Music Blog Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:31:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=511 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=511 Mountain Heart brought some magical harmonies to the Martinsville Speedway on October 25th. It is especially touching that 24-year-old Mountain Heart lead singer Josh Shilling is from the area. There is always something beautiful about hearing the Anthem performed (particularly when it is performed well ). I love hearing the cheering of... Country Music Blog Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:56:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=510 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=510 Taylor Swift may look like a free-spirited party-girl in the pics from her YOU Magazine photo shoot (above and below), but Swift insists that she's not fond of clubbing, drinking, and other wild child antics like so many young starlets. Swift says,"I've been given the freedom to do whatever I want. I'm 19 - if I want to storm out of the... Country Music Blog Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:40:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=509 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=509 Since first attending an album release event for bluegrass group The SteelDrivers, I loved their bluesy, soulful version of bluegrass music. I've been lucky enough to see them at places like the Ryman Auditorium and Station Inn. Lead singer Chris Stapleton could sing the paint off a house, and they have some beautifully dramatic and somber tunes to match.... Country Music Blog Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:23:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=508 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=508 Garth Brooks says a move to the Big Apple might be a possibility...in about 5 years. It seems that after Garth's youngest daughter goes to college, Trisha Yearwood has her sights set on a move to New York to pursue some time on Broadway. "Ms. Yearwood has put aside her dreams of doing Broadway so we can raise our daughters in Oklahoma ," Garth said. "I think it's entirely possible that we will live in New York for a year or more so she can pursue what she wants to do."... Country Music Blog Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:32:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=507 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=507 Before being honored for writing ten years worth of hit songs at the Nashville Songwriters Associational International's Hall of Fame Dinner on Sunday evening, Toby Keith recalled that although he was recognized as a talented writer in grade school, he almost didn't become a writer. Keith relates, "My sixth grade teacher called my mom and said... Country Music Blog Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:33:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=506 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=506 Just before being named Songwriter-Artist of the Year during a Nashville Songwriters Association International ceremony held in Nashville, Taylor Swift spoke of the people and things that inspire her popular hits like "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me." "Artists like TLC, Britney Spears, Shania Twain and Faith Hill and the Dixie Chicks, those... Country Music Blog Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:26:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=505 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=505 Rhonda Vincent still seems honored to have been named the "New Queen of Bluegrass" by the Wall Street Journal back in 2000. "It's a great honor ... and it has kind of stuck," Vincent said. "It's wonderful to be thought of like that and know that you are representing bluegrass music. I'm so thrilled."... Country Music Blog Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:20:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=504 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=504 Joe Nichols' song "An Old Friend of Mine," which addresses his own well-publicized bout with alcohol addiction, has inspired a new website aimed at reaching people who are going through various kinds of addictions. Nichols has partnered with The Hopeline to create a community for those who are in need.... Country Music Blog Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:29:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=503 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=503 I could learn a thing or two about time managment from Brad Paisley. He has a rigorous touring schedule, two young boys at home, and he still finds time to perform at the White House, sing at the "All For The Hall" charity event, and host the CMA Awards. On top of all this, he has now signed on to co-produce a televison drama series,... Country Music Blog Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:03:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=502 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=502 Vince Gill knows no boundaries with his music. He plays country, bluegrass, jazz, and rock. He has performed with everyone from The Grascals to Reba McEntire to Barbara Streisand. He will team up with American Idol rocker Daughtry during the CMA Awards this year to perform "Tennessee Line" from Daughtry's current album. To hear the song, watch the video below.... Country Music Blog Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:40:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=501 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=501 Garth Brooks announced that he is coming out of retirement during a press conference this morning at the Grand Ole Opry house. No specific performance or venue plans were mentioned during the roughly half-hour press conference. He did say that he will not be touring or making an album for at least another five years, as his youngest daughter is 13. It is rumored that he will do a series of shows in Las Vegas. A larger press conference will take place later today in Las Vegas.... Country Music Blog Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:29:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=500 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=500 Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook shared the news that they are expecting their first child. "Yep, it's true...excited to finally tell the news...Jimi and I are having a little one." Fairchild shared via Twitter yesterday during rehearsals for the All For The Hall event in Nashville.... Country Music Blog Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:47:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=499 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=499 By now, most Keith Urban fans know that he tries everything he can to make sure everyone who comes to an arena show has a good time. He performs an acoustic set on a stage in the back for those in the nosebleed section, walks around the arena playing his guitar for those on the floor, and even walks into the stands to sing a song or two and show off his axe.... Country Music Blog Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:42:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=498 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=498 For those who could not get tickets for tonight's "All For The Hall" event featuring Keith Urban, take note: you can still have some of the best seats in the house--kind of. The show will stream live at the [www.countrymusichalloffame.com Country Music Hall of Fame] and [www.keithurban.net Keith Urban] websites, beginning at 7:30 CDT tonight.... Country Music Blog Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:39:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=497 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=497 Tim McGraw's southern drawl will be all over the television this month as he promotes his new album, Southern Voice . You can listen to the title track above. He performed a "Live on Letterman" webcast in New York City last night, and is scheduled to do an interview and performance on The Late Show with David Letterman on Friday... Country Music Blog Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:26:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=496 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=496 Rumors are swirling about the possibility of Garth Brooks coming out of retirement to perform several shows in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Weekly claims that Garth is set to headline shows at the Encore/ Casino and Resort. We will find out for certain when Garth Brooks himself makes the announcement in a press conference in Nashville on Thursday of this week.... Country Music Blog Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:01:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=495 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=495 Alison Krauss & Union Station performed last night at the Grand Ole Opry as part of the Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Celebration. A highlight of the evening was when Alison, surrounded at one mic by Jerry Douglas, Dan Tyminski, Ron Block, and Barry Bales, sang "A Living Prayer." The performance was reverant, intimate, passionate, and even worshipful.... Country Music Blog Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:35:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=493 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=493 Lady Antebellum and Kenny Rogers both had some interesting firsts while they performed at the 21st Gstaad festival in Switzerland. Having celebrated the release of their latest single, "Need You Now," here in the States, Lady Antebellum were overjoyed to hear the single being played while in Switzerland. Check out Lady A's reaction here.... Country Music Blog Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:44:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=491 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=491 Could Taylor Swift be following in Julianne Hough's (choreographed) footsteps? It is uncertain whether Swift has the dancing chops to keep up with Dancing With The Star's current contestants (although she could probably turn out a fine slow dance from her "Love Story" video). Not to worry, though. She's not dancing on the show, but... Country Music Blog Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:41:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=490 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=490 The girls get dramatic, while the guys take it live in this array of new music videos from country music's most famous faces. I'M ALIVE ---For fans who will miss Kenny Chesney while he takes time off in 2010, Chesney gives them another look at some of his live shows over the past year. ... Country Music Blog Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:46:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=488 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=488 Kellie Pickler, Gloriana, and Carrie Underwood will join pop stars Colbie Caillat, Sean Kingston, Charice, Vanessa Hudgens, and more on the upcoming November 24th CD release of A Very Special Christmas: Volume 7 . Kellie Pickler will sing "Santa Baby," while Gloriana will contribute "Silent Night." Carrie Underwood will sing "The First Noel." Proceeds from the CD are going to help the Special Olympics.... Country Music Blog Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:05:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=487 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=487 Kellie Pickler, Gloriana, and Carrie Underwood will join pop stars Colbie Caillat, Sean Kingston, Charice, Vanessa Hudgens, and more on the upcoming November 24th CD release of A Very Special Christmas: Volume 7 . Kellie Pickler will sing "Santa Baby," while Gloriana will contribute "Silent Night." Carrie Underwood will sing "The First Noel." Proceeds from the CD are going to help the [www.specialolympics.org Special Olympics.]... Country Music Blog Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:02:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=486 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=486 Rock acts go country, and country acts go...bluegrass? Country music seems to have become a pasture for artists who are no longer making big hit songs in the pop/rock charts (for example, Jessica Simpson, Jon Bon Jovi, and Darius Rucker). Of course, some artists (like Rucker) have had more credibility and success than others. So where do country music artists that are no longer making big hits on the country charts turn for more radio and sales success? Bluegrass music.... Country Music Blog Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:22:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=485 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=485 IBMA Week is heaven for bluegrass performers. Pickers can attend over 100 bluegrass showcases over the course of this week, attend sessions to help them hone their musical skills and stage presence, learn the craft of bluegrass songwriting, and even attend a seminar on how to keep in shape on the road. Of course, let's not forget the popular after-hours jam sessions. The conference also has something for people who don't make their living playing music.... Country Music Blog Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:02:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=484 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=484 The Grascals unveiled a new set of wheels and a new sponsorship during a media event as part of IBMA's World of Bluegrass Week in Nashville, TN. A nominee for Entertainer of the Year during Thursday night's IBMA Awards, The Grascals excitedly announced that they will be sponsored by Mobil Delvac over the next year. Delvac has supplied a new tour bus for the band, which will be fueled with 1300 Super 15w-40, a high-performance brand of diesel fuel.... Country Music Blog Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:59:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=483 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=483 Well, maybe you won't get a face-to-face private guitar lesson, but you can watch Lady Antebellum's guitarist Dave Haywood teach you how to play the group's latest single, "Need You Now." Just you, Dave, a couple of guitars, and the magic of Youtube. What if you love the song, but are not a guitar aficionado? Check out this behind-the-scenes... Country Music Blog Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:58:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=482 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=482 Reigning IBMA Entertainer of the Year, duo Dailey & Vincent, have some of the finest, tightest harmonies in bluegrass music. They also have two of the biggest hearts for helping people out. Dailey & Vincent will release a collection of a cappella songs, Singing From the Heart , on October 20th. Proceeds from the album will benefit ... Country Music Blog Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:44:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=481 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=481 It is amazing how much change a year brings. It was this time last year that Dierks Bentley announced the birth of his daughter, Evalyn Day, just hours prior to his Miles & Music for Kids concert in Nashville. The charity event was in its third year, with singers like Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, Jamey Johnson, and... Country Music Blog Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:56:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=480 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=480 In his song "Love Your Love The Most," Eric Church sings about his love for all things country, including spending time at the racetrack. It comes as no surprise that Church jumped at the chance to perform during the pre-race festivities for the NASCAR Banking 500 race from Bank of America in Concord, North Carolina on October 17.... Country Music Blog Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:04:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=479 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=479 Sweet Carrie Underwood seems to be following in the footsteps of other pop-country acts like Faith Hill and Leann Rimes. Remember the fresh-faced and down-home country girl on American Idol ? She switched from casual All-American Girl tees and jeans to polished and dramatic dresses (think her appearances on the ACMs and Oprah). Now she's stepping into the spotlight with a new glam-rock style, judging from these pics from her upcoming Play On album.... Country Music Blog Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:57:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=478 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=478 (examiner.com) Carrie Underwood and James Otto were on hand to pay tribute to Randy Travis during last night's ACM Honors. Otto performed a polished version of "Deeper Than the Holler," giving it a cool laid-back groove. "What an honor to be here tonight to honor one of my heroes--the great Randy Travis." Otto said.... Country Music Blog Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:21:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=477 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=477 During the ACM Honors event last night, country music legends Randy Travis, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Merle Haggard were saluted for their long-standing careers in the country music industry. As each artist was honored, performance clips from throughout the years were rolled across a screen. There was Randy Travis as a 20-something... Country Music Blog Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:56:00 GMT http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=476 http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/thefrontporch/entry.asp?xid=476 Carrie Underwood, Joe Nichols, Kellie Pickler, The Grascals, and more lit up the red carpet inside Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center last night to pay tribute to the evening's ACM Honors recipients. Merle Haggard, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Dolly Parton,Hank Williams, Jr., and more were awarded for their contributions to country music.... Country Music Blog Wed, 23 Sep 2009 06:59:00 GMT