Start Planning for Floydfest

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Our favorite music festival, Floydfest, has announced its official lineup and along with the inherent beauty of the Blue Ridge parkway, pulls us in again. This year the festival runs July 26-29th and features some incredible headliners: Drive-By Truckers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Galactic, Leftover Salmon, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Jackson Browne, Toubab Krewe. Add in some of our favorites such as Yarn, Sam Bush, Big Daddy Love, Darrell Scott, Steep Canyon Rangers, Anders Osborne, SOJA, Hoots & Hellmouth, Punch Brothers, Brandi Carlile, American Aquarium, Gary Clark Jr., David Wax Museum, Ha Ha Tonka, Dawes, Sara Watkins, and many, many more. You get the idea. And then there's the Under the Radar lineup with Justin Jones, Farm Vegas, Amber Rubarth, Bryan Elijah Smith & The Wild Hearts, Megan Jean & the KFB, Spirit Family Reunion among many other.

Tickets are extremely reasonable $60 for Sunday, $125 for Sat\Sun, $150 for Fri->Sun, and $175 for the entire four days. There's also two Beer Gardens, which includes Sierra Nevada Brewing Company this year, along with local wineries: Chateau Morrisette & Villa Appalaccia Winery. Floydfest is a party - even for families. My son still talks about his participation a few years ago.

MyJoogTV Artists Descend on Ocracoke Island

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On June 2nd, four acts which we recorded through MyJoogTV will be performing at the 2012 Ocrafolk Festival, held in our favorite Outer Banks island - Ocracoke. Our very first MyJoogTV video featured Ocracoke natives Martin Garrish and Lou Castro of Molasses Creek live in concert here. Our friends at
The Steel Wheels have played the festival a couple times and here is the band discussing the festival and their signature brews. Finally, this year marks the first appearance by the Holy Ghost Tent Revival - and in our 2nd episode here, the band discusses touring while drinking some Flying Dog beer.  Here is the schedule for June 2nd. And below are the videos we've mentioned.

Bernie Petteway Trio 9:30 AM	Lizzy Ross Band 11:00 AM
Jacob Johnson 11:30 AM	Beleza Brasil 1:00 PM
Shana Tucker 1:30 PM	Holy Ghost Tent Revival 2:00 PM
Carolina Lightnin' 2:30 PM	The Steel Wheels 3:00 PM
Molasses Creek 5:00 PM	Aaron Caswell Band 9:00 PM
Martin Garrish 10:00 PM

Martin Garrish & Lou Castro in Ocracoke, NC


Episode 2: Holy Ghost Tent Revival at Flying Dog Brewery from MyJoogTV on Vimeo.


Episode 11: The Steel Wheels with Blue Mountain Brewery

Spirit Family Reunion Comes to Vienna

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Last night the Spirit Family Reunion brought their old time music and gospel show to Jammin Java in support of their new CD, "No Separation".  It always amazes me when city folk, in this case Brooklyn, can accurately reflect the country porch setting. SFR succeeds brilliantly in this endeavor playing old time instruments, a cappella gospel, or foot stomping bluegrass. This is a fun band to watch. And for those on the East Coast, see if you can catch a show during this tour. We hope to see the band again soon at Floydfest.

Update: Here's the mp3 Spirit Family Reunion's "I Am Following The Sound".

Songwriters and Poets converge on the Black Squirrel

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Starting last night and throughout June, the Black Squirrel (2427 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, US, 20009) will be hosting a stream of local musicians through the inaugural Songwriters and Poets series.The series includes several popular local artists: Justin Trawick, Ilyaimy, Ken Wenzel, Tiffany Thompson and more...Hope to see you there.

The Concept
Songwriters and Poets intention is to become an annual six week series event to showcase the talents of independent musical and spoken word artists from our region. Much like the highly vaunted SXSW in Austin Texas, it is the goal of this program to develop and expand into a multi-venue event that will attract an audience not only of listeners and tastemakers, but also industry professionals scouting for emerging talent. Each of the artists has demonstrated a dedication to their art that transcends the ordinary and represents diversity in genres from Americana to Folk, Blues, Jazz, Pop, Experimental and Voice. Each headline performer has achieved a level of personal accomplishment defined by their sacrifices, shaped by their performances and established by the support of their audiences. Each supporting artist has demonstrated the dedication to follow in their footsteps.

The Venue
The Black Squirrel has become known as a leader in Craft Beer through its extensive and ever-changing fresh seasonal menu representing artisanal brewers from every corner of the country and world. Two steps below street level in its row home splendor lies a tap room intentionally decorated in street art graffiti with an underutilized sound stage that presents an ideal guerrilla showcase for our first ever event series.

The Schedule
Multi-artist performances will occur on Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Wednesdays during the six week program. Each evening will open at 7pm with two to three supporting artists followed by the headline artist(s) from 9pm to 10:30pm then all artists will once again take the stage together to close out the evening program. All support sets and the final set are free to the public and all headline sets carry a modest $5 advance reserve and $10 at the door entry fee. All audience entry fees inure to the benefit of the artists.

Calendar
Tuesday, May 22
7pm - Emmet Williams No Cover
8pm - Dan Wolff No Cover
9pm – Harris Face $5 Advance $10 Door
10pm - The Parlor Soldiers

Thursday, May 24– Co-Bill
7pm – Bobby Waters No Cover
8pm – Jacqueline Stem $5Advance $10 Door
9pm - Christopher Mac Vittie

Tuesday, May 29 - Co-Bill
7pm – Steve Tibbets No Cover
8pm – Symphonic Refrain $5Advance $10 Door
9pm – Jeremiah “REV” Headen

Thursday, May 31 – Co-Bill
7pm – Mike Burgess No Cover
7:30pm – Paddy Kilrain No Cover
8:30pm – Justin Trawick $5Advance $10 Door
9:30pm – Ilyaimy

Tuesday June 5, 2012
7pm – Damian Anderson No Cover
7:30pm – Steve Rayment No Cover
8:30pm – Misty Boyce $5Advance $10 Door
9:30pm - Nick Africano

Thursday June7, 2012
7pm –  Special Guest  No Cover
8pm – Nikki Smith No Cover
9pm – Silky Dave $5Advance $10 Door

Tuesday, June 12
7pm – Juels Bland No Cover
8pm – Mark G. Meadows w/Stephen Synk No Cover
9pm – Christylez Bacon $5Advance $10 Door

Thursday, June 14
7pm – Tom Dews No Cover
8pm - Gina DeSimone & Pat Quinn No Cover
9pm – Laura Baron $5Advance $10 Door

Tuesday, June 19
7pm – Adrian Krygowski No Cover
7:30pm – Joe Conley No Cover
8pm – Tiffany Thompson $5Advance $10 Door
9pm – Ken Wenzel

Wednesday, June 20
7:30pm – House of Burgess No Cover
8:30pm – Steve Guyger $5Advance $10 Door
                     With Richard Ray Farrell

Thursday, June 21
7pm – Daniella Risman No Cover
7:30pm – Jim Shirey No Cover
8:30pm – Ansel Matthews $5Advance $10 Door
9:30pm – Luke Mitchem “Save Joplin”

Tuesday, June 26
6:45pm – Sarah Kinas No Cover
7:15pm - Benjamin Hofer No Cover
7:45pm – Heather Mae No Cover
8:30pm – Susan Enan $10Advance $15 Door
9:30pm – Andy Zipf

Thursday, June 28
7pm – Jean Bayou No Cover
8pm – The Harley String Band No Cover
9pm – Becky Warren and the Great Unknowns $5Advance $10 Door

Jim Hanft and Samantha Yonack Harmonize in "Run My Love"

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Last night we were invited to the IOTA Club  to see Jim Hanft and partner Samantha Yonack open for Hoots & Hellmouth. Hanft is touring in support of his new CD, Weddings or Funerals which we discussed previously here.  This evening, the duo performed several songs from this release which showcases their vocal harmonies. This is what I believe differentiates Hanft from the cadre of other singer songwriters. There are many like him who can write interesting songs and handle the harp\guitar combo - but few supplement with beautiful harmonies - particularly those from Ms. Yonack. Just check out the video below of "Run My Love" to see what I mean. More videos are available at the MyJoogTV YouTube channel. 

New Music Releases

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New music is steaming up on radio, it's going to be a long hot summer of songs.  Rascal Flatts have announced their new single "Come Wake Me Up", while Jake Owen has released a follow up single from his multi platinum album Barefoot Blue Jean Night "The One That Got Away". Dierks Bentley is calling the digits on "5-1-5-0" from his critically acclaimed album  Home. New music from Little Big Town sounds so sweet for LBT fans, it's well long over due, the single "Pontoon", Pontoon is currently on the Nashville Country Club's new music poll. David Nail's "The Sound of A Million Dreams" stands out amongst the list of new releases, hear the song on radio now, it will have you tuned in. Lee Brice keeps on giving, it does show on his sophomore album, his labor of love. "A Woman Like You" has charted success and now with it's new release "Hard 2 Love" Brice is easy to love.
Kenny Chesney announces his new single "Come Over" which is now available for rating at rate the music. There's a sea of more new music to come from your favorite artist. 

Stay tune for the latest in country music here at Country Music City Promotions.

Jesse Harris & Gypsy Sparrow Concert Recap - Lawrence 3/16/12

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Last night at the Granada, KC Limits had a free show featuring Jesse Harris & the Gypsy Sparrows.  They had the basketball games on right before so it was kind of a late night.  Still fun though.

One of the opening acts was Down in Flames.  They sounded really good but it was so hard to judge them since I had never seen them and did not know one of their songs.


After the game and all the opening acts, Jesse Harris and the Gypsy Sparrows came on pretty late.  We were very excited about them.  Every time we go, we try to get one more friend to come.



They play a mix of covers and original songs.  Even with covers, they make them there own...a perfect example.


Heck, maybe I don't even know if a song is an original or cover.  I am not sure it matters...if the songs sound good I don't really care.  This song was really awesome, "Hell's Kitchen"...


We were trying to figure what kind of music they play.  It is kind of country but not really...I like the fact that it is not crazy loud guitars in your face but it still has energy behind it.

Another song I really like hearing is "Cocaine"....it seems like they have fun playing this one.


A good sign is when you are leaving a concert and you are trying to figure out when they are playing again...it would be nice to see them start a little earlier next time but what can you do?  We will try to make the next show and bring some more new people with us...

Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan Concert Recap - Kansas City 3/17/12

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Last night at the Sprint Center was Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan.  This concert is why I call these recaps and not reviews...I knew going on I was going to love it and nothing probably would change my view.  I don't really have a ton to write about...but let's just say when I do my Best of 2012...this will probably be #1.

Laura Alaina was supposed to be the opening act but she was sick.  So instead, we got Luke Bryan to kick off the show.


Luke played one of my favorite songs almost right off..."Country Man"


I think Luke has opened in KC for a while at the Sprint Center...I think next time he might be the headliner...he was that well received.


Luke has been on a roll lately...here is going to be his new summer anthem and next #1 hit...Drunk on You...



He also likes to do some covers out of left field...here he is doing Adele's "Someone Like You"...


And the latest #1 song..."I Don't Want this Night to End"....


Luke does love to dance around a ton...and a ton of the girls love that too...


And here is one of his biggest songs now....Country Girl (Shake it for Me)....


Next up was Jason Aldean....
To say he is red hot would be an understatement....he had the biggest crowd ever at the Sprint Center beating out George Strait...
One of the reasons for that is songs like "Johnny Cash"...

He may not win Entertainer of the Year....but he certainly deserves it...he did not have one song he played that was not a hit...it just kept going and going...

His newest single is "Fly Over States"...obviously going to be huge in Kansas City...



During that song, he came to the back and played some songs with Luke Bryan...

Most of the time back there, they played cover songs...like "Much too Young (To Feel this Damn Old)"...



A little George Strait combo...

They are both from Georgia so they played a little "Time Marches on"...

Then finally, one of my favorite Luke Bryan songs..."We Rode in Trucks"...

After that, Jason went back to the main stage and played one of my favorite songs..."Relentless"...

And of course, since it was the "My Kinda Party" tour...I had to get the song...

And for the encore and last song, he played "Hicktown"...

Again, it was such a great concert.  Both of them put on such good performances...what a night!

Josh Thompson/Eden's Edge Concert Recap - Kansas City, MO 3/23/12

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Last night, Q104 did their birthday bash at Whiskey Tango.  It was a full line-up and a night full of up and coming artists.

First off was Jason Cassidy.  I feel like a couple years from now I will be telling people that I saw Jason Cassidy kick off Birthday Bash before people really knew who he was.


He has a very typical Texas sound with the fiddle added.  I am not sure if he considers himself Texas Country or not but it sure sounds like it...he even did a cover of Randy Rogers Band.



I had not heard many of his songs but I think he is going to be really successful.  He has a great voice and really looks to be on his way.



And here is his first single...."What If"...



Next up was Jon Pardi....I really didn't know anything about him except that he is opening for Eric Church here in May...


He sounded great too...it seemed like his set went by really fast.  It always is difficult when you don't know any of the songs...I am not even sure if he has a single yet...



I think he said this was his single, I am not 100% sure...



Next up was Eden's Edge....this was the fourth time I have seen them.  It has been fun to watch them opening for Kellie Pickler this summer when no one has a clue who they were to being the second to last act with everyone singing their songs...


I think they have such a great sound....they have great harmonies...



I have said in the past they are are like Lady A except two girls and a guy...



I have said on here plenty of times how much I love them....they have such sweet songs and seem to be having so much fun with their success.



And here is their next single, "Too Good To Be True"...I think their next hit!



Next up was Josh Thompson....I am not sure how many times I have seen him but it is around 15 I think...so I know pretty much all the songs...heck I have even heard most of the new ones!


Here he is doing a little medley...



Josh Thompson has such good common man songs...you can tell he is really influenced by Waylon...and "Way Out Here" is one of the best songs in the last 5 years.


And here is his current single..."Comin' Around"...



He also did some fun covers...here is one of them "Travelin' Band"...


I will see Josh Thompson anytime he is around here close...I also already got tickets to his Fan Club Party at CMA Fest in Nashville....can't wait!

Eric Church/Lee Brice Concert Recap - Topeka, KS 5/18/12

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Last night in Topeka, the Eric Church's Blood, Sweat & Beers tour rolled in with special guest Lee Brice.

I got the VIP package which included food, a shirt, poster and a two song concert by Eric.  It was for sure worth it since everything was top notch.


The first song was one that I always love to hear, "Before She Does"...


And the other song was "Like Jesus Does"...another cool one!


After that, it was time to make our way to the main stage area.  We missed Jon Pardi which is kind of a shame because I like him, but you can't trade that for Eric.

Lee Brice was on stage when we came in singing "Hard 2 Love" which is one of his best songs...


I have to admit I didn't really love Lee Brice before this current album.  I am not sure if I didn't give him a chance or what, but I really like his new music.  It is more relatable to me or something...


Here is one of those new songs...  "Beer"...


The fans seem to really be embracing Lee too and he seems to know that.  I saw more personality out of him than I did in previous performances...


And one of my favorite love songs out there...it is what a guy might actually say not some of that crap in other songs...


I also think this song is really fun....and I did see people out tailgating before the show.  Here is "Parking Lot Party"...


Finally it was time for some Eric Church.  If he is not my favorite artist, then he is so close to my favorite there really isn't a difference.


He kicked off the show with "Country Music Jesus" which was just awesome...


I have seen him so many times so the biggest difference was pyro and other effects he had on stage.  He obviously tries to make it more of a rock show which is cool with me!


One of his classic songs...."Pledge Allegiance to the Hag"...


Eric does such a good job of making you feel like he is having fun and your city is his favorite city...he brings so much energy to every performance.  He works very hard for that money!


Here is one of the newer songs...."Hungover and Hardup..."



It is crazy to think of some of the small places I have seen Eric and how far he has come.  I heard people saying they didn't like all the new fans but most of these people were wondering why he wasn't more popular back then.  I think there is room for all of the fans and it will just lead to bigger and bigger shows for Eric.


The parking situation at the Topeka Expo Center so I got this last video from the back..."Springsteen" might be his career defining song....it is that good.  When it started, it was obvious that is what the crowd came to hear...


Overall, it was such a great night.  Eric Church has been kicking ass for years but it seems like a bunch of people are finally noticing.

Shy Blakeman The Winner of Billy Bob's Texas Recording Contest 2012

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 Country Music City Promotions is proudly to announce the winner of the Wrangler Retro Live at Billy Bob's Texas Recording Contest 2012
 
AND THE WINNER IS !!!! 
SHY BLAKEMAN
Shy was nominated by KHKX in Midland, TX

Live at Billy Bob's Texas contest winner Shy Blakeman will recorda full length live CD/ DVDSee the show live July 6,2012


Country Music City Promotions wants to thank all the fans who made this possible. Congratulations Shy!

Watch the video for " Don't It Make You Wanna Dance"  Courtesy of YouTube
 
 
 

Jesse Harris & the Gypsy Sparrows Concert Recap - Kansas City 5/03/12

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Last night at Knucklehead's was Jesse Harris and the Gypsy Sparrows.  This was my fourth time seeing them.  Twice when they were the headliner, and two when they were opening.


I have been seeing them enough that I finally got to meet Jesse.  He seemed like a cool dude, he said "You are much taller than I thought you would be,"  I get that all the time.


When I was talking to Jesse, I should have asked him how he describes his sound...maybe next time.  It some sort of bluegrass swing with country mixed in.  I love it because it rocks but is not just loud to be loud.


The play a mix of covers and originals....here is one of the originals, "June"...


Jesse mentioned they were working on the new album due out in August.  He said he had a cool guest star he couldn't mention yet....I can't wait to hear who it is and the new music.



Another one of the originals, "Waylon Jennings Blues"...


I would highly recommend checking them out for anyone that likes this type of music.  They are so fun and sound great.  And they always seem to play cool venues or open for other good artists.  I can't wait to see them again and to get more and more friends to come with me.

Miranda Lambert "On Fire" Tour Recap - Kansas City 5/11/12

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Last night was Miranda Lambert, Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann at the Sprint Center in Kansas City.


First up was Jerrod Niemann.  I am not sure how many times I have seen Jerrod, but when you have lost count you know he is someone I really like. 


I was very excited to hear some new songs too.  Not that I don't like the old ones but it seems like they have been around forever.

Here is one of the new one "Get on Up"...


It sounds like his new songs are influenced by New Orleans and Key West.  Lots of island sounds and a jazzy horn section.  It is different than most stuff you hear on the radio now so it sounds cool to me...


I am going to his fan club party with Lee Brice in a few weeks so I hope to hear some new cuts then...until then here is his current single, "Shinin' on Me"...


Next up was Chris Young...


He played one of his biggest hits right at the start, "Getting You Home"...a real crowd favorite.


Chris was working really hard to keep the crowd involved all night.  He has plenty of songs that are faster but none of them are really singles yet..makes it hard to have lots of energy when your most popular songs are downers.


I got one of his more unknown songs, "Who's Gonna Take Me Home?" which was a pretty fun one...


Next up was Miranda Lambert and boy did she look beautiful...


At the moment of this concert, she has the #1 song in the country with "Over You" which is one of the best songs of her career..


During the middle of the show, she brought out the Pistol Annies....I really love them!


One of the songs I have never heard them do live was "Bad Example"...here it is...


Once the Pistol Annies killed it with a short set, it was time for Miranda to finish up the show...she came back looking ready to rock our faces off...


One of my favorite songs is "Famous in a Small Town"...it is so true...


She almost played one of my favorite songs off the new album, "Mother's Broken Heart"...it is so fun and seems like an autobiographic song...


Overall, it was such a great night.  Miranda Lambert is one of the few women who can headline the Sprint Center and it will be exciting to see what she comes up with next...