A Siriusly Busy Day

I wrote my first script for Sirius today. I'd tell you what it was, but I don't think any of my readers have the Dog Star in their cars.

Following that amusing little excercise, I went to Belmont for their internship fair, where I tried to get rid of a ton of Sirius and XM premium items (key chains, koozies, etc.) College kids are picky about their freebies! At least, upscale private college kids, LOL. I did get a lot of great response though, about 15 really strong resumes for spring and summer, including two potential bluegrass candidates! And, I got to meet one of my blog readers in person -- definitely a highlight of my day!

Next I headed to the new studios (I wonder how long we'll be in them before I stop calling them "the new studios" ??) where the Sirius gang was well into their first work day in their new home. We've all blended quite nicely, although I do still do a a double take when I see the little doggie logo around the building.

Mark Wills was in for a ShortCuts taping early afternoon. Love him. I've known him forever, and he's just fun to hang around with. His new cd comes out election day, and will be on ShortCuts the following weekend.

Sarah Buxton was in with Storme on the Music Row Happy Hour for a chat. I love having our studios just ROCKIN' with guests! Bring 'em on!

As if all of that wasn't exciting enough, about 4:30 I learned that the 15k people in the arena today were attending a motivational seminar, that featured Rudy Guilliani, Zig Ziglar and Collin Powell! I love love LOVE Collin Powell, and still hold out hope he'll run for President someday. Not that I could have possibly found time in my day to go, nor could I have afforded the $250 tickets... but gosh... I'd have probably tried to have snuck in had I known.

All of downtown Nashville was BLUE today -- Titans vs. Colts on Monday Night Football. Traffic got mighty crazy late afternoon. The only Titans game I've ever been to was a Monday night game - when they played the Chiefs. We went dressed in red.

I am feeling better -- thanks for all the nice notes. I'm not sure I'm ever going to feel good, but I'm way improved over the sad pathetic lump I was laying in bed with a fever for 6 days straight! I did the walk Saturday morning... turned out it was a 5 Mile, not a 5k. Big difference. A 1.9 mile difference to be exact. But it was good. Need to find another one to do soon. The Opry Saturday night was also great. You guys inspired me to get off my butt and do all of that on Saturday, so thank you. I'd have felt like I was letting y'all down had I not done those two things.

Photos from both events coming.

I am SuperWoman!

Or is that... Crazy Woman?

Tommorrow's Agenda:

7am - Wake Up
- CHECK
7:45 - Leave My House
- CHECK
8:30 - Meet my Walk Team at LP Field
- CHECK
9:00 - 5k Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
- Oops... 5 MILES not 5 KILOMETERS....CHECK
2:00 - Set Up for School Festival Booth
- CHECK
4:00 - 7:00 - Pampered Chef Booth
- CHECK
8:00 - Craig Morgan Opry Induction
9:15 - Craig Morgan Press Conference
- CHECK
9:30 - Craig Morgan PARTY
- CHECK -- It's official. I am SuperWoman!

In between... a lot of coughing and hopefully, a nap.

Still Sick...

I'm laying in bed waiting on my latest ShortCuts to upload to the FTP server, and thought I'd check in to tell you I'm still alive. Barely. I don't think I'm ever going to get better. The only real blessing out of this whole thing is that I got a company laptop a few months ago, so I've been able to keep up on everything at work. I'm still at the office at some point every day, but not for as long as usual. By the time I come home at night, I'm completely spent, and I'm immediately in my PJ's crawling into bed.

Been through all kinds of medicines / home remedies / OTC stuff... I probably need a shot so that something might actually stay in my system. It doesn't do any good if you can't keep it down.

Today I'm on self imposed vocal rest. I had a 20 minute conversation yesterday with one of my NY co-workers yesterday that completely blew out my voice. I'm staying home this morning and not talking to anyone. Except y'all! Just writing and editing!

Off now to write a Blake Shelton show... he's cutting a ShortCuts this afternoon and Tracy Lawrence is on live with Storme at 4:30 ET. Lots going on this time of year, I just wish I could enjoy it!

Sickbed Blogging

Remember back not so long ago... when I said once I got through last week, and then made a trip to the cornfields, that I've have lots of time on my hands to get caught up?

ha. Ha ha. HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAA! hee HEE hee hee HEE ha HA.

Yeah. So that didn't happen.

Much of the reason that didn't happen as I originally thought it would, is a good thing. If you've followed the media reports on my employer this week, I have to tell you, I ain't complaining!

The big main reason though, that I've had no time to blog, is that I've been sick Sick SICK.

OMG, I really wish someone would just shoot me and put me out of my slimy, germy, misery.

Every year in October, I get sick for a couple of weeks. Allergies of some sort. Kind of creeps up on me... then before I know it, I lose my voice and I've spent 2 weeks being miserable.

I guess it's because I was out of the Tennessee Death Bowl last weekend, because when I came back it hit me like a truckload of bricks. I will spare you the details, other than to say that I've been mostly encased in my sickbed, except for the few hours a day I go into the office and inflict my misery on everyone else. My husband has slept downstairs on the couch all week, while I bury myself in 7 or 8 blankets while running a 101.8 degree fever. On the bright side, I've had total control of the remote.

So in the interest of not spreading my sickness to the superstars, I passed on doing a Round Robin with Tim McGraw this week, which I was very disappointed about, as well as attending our ShortCuts taping with Lee Ann Womack.

So I don't really have a lot of scoop to share, other than telling you that Rascal Flatts has been following me. I saw their big ole semi's rolling down the interstate towards Nashville last weekend, and then they were parked outside the arena today. Hope they're not sick, too, they have a big show tonight!

Photos from the Cornfields

Assorted shots taken of the munchkins and the Spoon River Drive.

Maddie loved the pony rides / Delaynie Face Painting /Baby Ryan mugs for the camera / The best fun in town: climing around Uncle Gary's pickup truck / Matching dresses (I'm so excited!) / Wolfpack Road / Indian on Mt. Pisgah (home of the ladybug swarms / View from Mt. Pisgah / Indian Laynie / The Spoon River / Red Sky at Uncle Doug's Farm / Ellisville x 3 / Maddie and Andrew climing around the bleachers at my old High School

Tim McGraw's Apology

Tim McGraw Apologizes to Fans for Label’s Decision To Release Greatest Hits 3

NASHVILLE – (October 14, 2008)- Curb Records released a third hits package on Tim McGraw last week, a CD that was put into record stores without his involvement. McGraw has been working on a new studio album for over a year and debuted three new songs on this year’s “Live Your Voice Tour.” It was his desire to have the new record out this fall but Curb wanted to release a greatest hits CD to extend McGraw’s recording contract term.

“I am saddened and disappointed that my label chose to put out another hits album instead of new music,” said Tim McGraw. “I’ve only had one studio album since my last hits package. It has to be just as confusing to the fans as it is to me. I had no involvement in the creation or presentation of this record. Sure I love the songs and I don’t want to take anything away from all the creative people who were a part of making those records. But the whole concept is an embarrassment to me as an artist. In the spirit of an election year, I would simply say to my fans ‘I’m Tim McGraw and I don’t approve their message.’”

Coming Up For Air!

I can breathe again! Woo hoo! I had an incredibly productive day today, following 2 long days. I've put in about 35 hours in the first 3 days this week.

Backtracking a little... we taped a Billy Currington ShortCuts on Monday... turning it around to air on Friday. Huge kudos, by the way, to my buddy Katie over at Mercury Records. It makes a huge difference when I have music and songwriter credits and artist info before I write a show, and they really have their act together over there. Billy's show turned out great -- I put the finishing touches on it late yesterday, which allowed me to write a Driver's Ed with Eli Young Band while watching the debate last night, and then taped the DE show this morning. Schedule is always online at the Highway 16 web page - I just updated them today with new show info, so check it out!

The big thing consuming my time this week though was copious quantities of Kenny Chesney audio. An hour and a half of interview that got chopped up into 24 hours of programming for two channels, to be precise. I don't normally work much with No Shoes Radio, but Kenny's album comes out next Tuesday, so there's TONS of awesome programming headed your way. I just updated that web page today, so hopefully that will get pushed live tomorrow. I don't care if you like Kenny or not, if you're my friend, you're obligated to listen to 30 minutes of No Shoes Radio on Tuesday! :-P

The other thing of interest is that starting next week the Sirius team will start training and working out of the Sommet Center tower. We're all still playing the waiting game to see who has a job and who doesn't, but in the meantime, I've wrapped up my last objective in the new space, which was getting our plaques and things hung on the walls. My work here is complete. I'll have to shoot some more pictures, the place is looking sharp! The flooring that was ruined in our flood last month is getting worked on this weekend, and then we'll be all polished up for the new tenents. I even cleaned my desk today.

Now that I've got all of THAT taken care of, I must go color my hair... it's my last chance before heading to the cornfields.

Music City Motorcade Madness

I've decided that when I grow up, I want to produce Presidential motorcades. Actually, I just want to sit in on the planning session for one sometime. Or better yet, be listening in on the police radios when the command is given for every cop car within 3 miles to flip on their lights at the exact same moment and stop traffic. It's totally cool.

From where I sit -- having witnessed several Motorcade Moments in the past 2 days - the criminals must be getting away with everything this week, because I can't imagine there's an officer in Davidson County doing anything but what the Secret Service asks them to do. Have y'all ever seen one of these motorcades go by? 20+ local police vehicles, a handful of state police, an ambulance, several passenger vans of the same model and a dozen SUV's in a rainbow of colors. Who's paying for all that?

As a way of making this slightly country music related, Kellie Pickler got stuck in a parking lot on Music Row today when 17th was shut down. I was fortunate enough to miss that one by coming in the back alley to the parking garage of the studio where we were all working.

Another thing to add to my list of things to blog about -- what's up with Jack's Tracks? Interesting developments over there lately.

Just finished a Driver's Ed script, headed to bed. Some long days this week, but it will be worth it if I get munchkin time this weekend!

Tonight's View

Workin' late tonight editing my Billy Currington ShortCuts, and Storme Warren walks in. He asks me if Obama or McCain are doing something downtown, because Broadway is all blocked off. Here's what it looks like. Takes me back to the Al Gore days of traffic getting all crazy.

There were about 2 dozen cop cars in a 2 block stretch... it was a little absurd.

I have a secondary reason for dropping Storme's name in my blog... I shall report back on whether it works out or not. ;-)

Add this to the list

I know I have a backlog of blogging I haven't been able to get to lately... we need to put the Sunday night Opry at the Ryman to the list. This was a special Opry performance in honor of the Presidential debate this Tuesday here in Nashville at Belmont University, and the majority of performers were Belmont alumni.

I'm hoping my favorite Brad Paisley fan is going to share pictures until I can get back to fill in the details. If y'all will just bear with me through this week while I tackle a To Do list, then I'm off to the cornfields for the weekend, then my schedule looks like it will clear up for a while and we'll have lots of stuff to talk about.

For now, I have to go figure out which streets around Music Row are going to be closed so I can know if I'm going to be able to get to work on Tuesday! Kendel -- help? Can I get down 17th around 11am Tuesday morning?

Bluegrass's Biggest Night

The view from the bradcast booth - Stage Bling - The view from the stage
Kyle w/ Grascals Pre-Show - Marty w/ double award winner Michael Cleveland - Grascals performance - Backstage hall at the Ryman
Vince Gill presenting Entertainer of the Year
XM Crew w/ Daily & Vincent and all their trophies

And the Winner Is...

(Video Added At The Bottom)

I'm so excited! Kyle gave a great acceptance speech (as you'd expect the Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year to do) and I got to be there with a front row seat. (Which made for great photos)

I'm off now to go change my email signature and business cards...

Joyce Rizer
Producer to the Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year

Blogging For The Cure

I got a lovely email from a woman named Beka, asking me to let y'all know about yet another awesome thing Garth is doing for Susan G. Komen For the Cure. Seriously, is there no end to his Garthy Greatness? In part she says:

Garth donated an item to our Women Rock For The Cure eBay auction. This item was made specifically for our auction and Garth will personally autograph it to the winning bidder. All proceeds are donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Greater Nashville.

The auction closes tomorrow 10/3. eBay page: http://myworld.ebay.com/womenrockforthecure

Go check it out -- the pictures she sent were cool... but then imagine it inscribed with YOUR name and Garth's signature! (Or... if you insist... you could have him sign it to me. Your choice...)

Last Night at the Ford Theater

Rubbin' Elbows

People I saw in the flesh today:

Taylor Swift
Craig Morgan
All 6 Grascals
Hazel Smith
Jim Lauderdale
Jerry Douglas
Garth Brooks
Trisha Yearwood
John Cowan
Jen

Person who's voice I heard more than any other: Kenny Chesney. I didn't see him in person, but I've spent hours editing audio from him for cool programming around his album release.

When I get done drowning in Chesney and get through IBMA's Thursday night, I'll come back and fill in the blanks - including the story about Taylor reading my blog. :-)

Wall Bling

Kyle has the scoop over on his blog.

It's not a good thing to look out your window and see this...

I joked that I was drowning in Kenny Chesney audio today... perhaps they're coming to rescue me!

Mr. Big Bucks

I've never understood it when artists put out press releases about the gignormous amounts of money they make, having the highest grossing tour, etc. I'm thinkin' the fans that are scrimping together the money to go to the concert (including parking, a tshirt, a drink) don't want to know that you are rolling around in their hard earned dough.

But that's just me... this press release came out today, so I'll share.

TOBY KEITH IS TOP MALE ON FORBES MUSIC EARNINGS LIST
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Singer, songwriter and entertainer Toby Keith has been named one of the world's best-paid music stars by Forbes. Keith ranks No. 3 on the list, behind the Police and Beyonce, with $48 million in earnings between June 1, 2007 and June 1, 2008. Following Keith in the top five are Justin Timberlake and Madonna.

Breaking Sirius XM [Good] News!

I don't know how they got it, but since Country Aircheck told everyone, I'm gonna tell you. We officially got word this morning.

BREAKING NEWS
Anthony Upped At Sirius XM: An employee bulletin from Sirius XM SVP/Music Programming Jon Zellner detailing music programming management for the newly merged satcaster reveals XM Senior Country Programmer Jon Anthony has been named VP/Country. Concurrently, Country Aircheck has learned that Sirius Sr. Country PD Scott Lindy will exit the company Friday (9/26). More changes are likely as Sirius XM consolidates its two Nashville operations.

Yay for Jon!!!!

Hot off the Capitol Nashville Press!

NASHVILLE, TN – September 24, 2008 – Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker’s debut country album, LEARN TO LIVE, has hit #1 on Billboard’s “Top Country Albums” chart, as well as #5 on the publication’s overall sales chart, “The Billboard 200”; Soundscan credits LEARN TO LIVE with 60,414 units sold during its first week of release. This career milestone for Rucker, whose voice is synonymous with one of the top-selling bands of all time, Grammy Award-winning Hootie & The Blowfish, arrives the same week that his debut country single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” hit the top of all three major country industry charts.

Y'all know what this means right? PARTY!

Number ONE!

For a long time, I've been telling you that my favorite song on the radio right now is Darius Rucker - "Don't Think I Don't Think About It." Usually when I love a song, it tanks, LOL. But voila -- Darius is #1 -- the week his album comes out!

Yay for the gang at Capitol - and Hooray for Hootie! Look for him to have big, sales numbers this week. Jessica was #1 Country the week her album came out, but #4 overall. Can Darius beat that?

Stay tuned.

Protecting the Guilty -- Updated

I will be the first to self-deprecatingly joke that I am the Queen of Procrastination. But alas -- I have been dethroned!

We are taping a ShortCuts tomorrow.

I think.

We were told we'd get the interview time to tape a ShortCuts tomorrow. We've made numerous calls and sent emails trying to get a time booked. However, as of 8:09pm (well after the COB) I do not have a bio, talking points, or songwriter credits on the album. Nor do I have a time that this artist is going to be available to come to our studio. So I could very well wake up in the morning and discover we're taping a ShortCuts that I haven't yet written within the hour.

So I shall surrender my crown and my thrown to the record label exec who shall remain nameless. I originally titled this post "Procrastination at a Whole New Level."

But I just renamed it.

Update 10:05 Tuesday Morning... I tracked down someone at the record label to sneak me the bio and songwriter credits... so I've been writing fast and furious... only to be told a few minutes ago that we weren't going to get to cut the show with this artist after all today.

That, my friends, puts us into quite the Programming Pickle.

FINALLY ! ! !

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (Sept. 18, 2008) - Sony BMG recording artist Craig Morgan was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry this evening during a special concert for U.S. troops at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The evening was a homecoming of sorts for the singer, who was stationed at Ft. Bragg from 1990 to 1992 during his ten-year active duty tenure in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Morgan will be formally inducted into the Opry family on Sat., Oct. 25.

Seriously... how overdue is this? I remember when Craig did his 100th performance... years ago. We even cut an episode of ShortCuts with him backstage at the Opry a couple of years back. He's totally committed, and plays there more than most members. I am so excited that he finally got the invitation. That, my friends, is the power of SonyBMG.

Yay for Craig!

Bring on the Catfight!

Amy Paige shared this Carrie Underwood gem with me from GACtv.com:

Plenty of artists name either their first or second album after themselves, but Carrie had an aversion to that approach. In fact, it’s doubtful that she’ll ever have a CD that is — as reviewers like to say — eponymous.

"I don't like self-titling things," she told The Cincinnati Enquirer. "I think that's lazy. I mean, they know whose CD it is — the name's right on it. "

I'd comment on this, but I need to go back to working on our World Premiere of Kellie Pickler's self-titled sophomore CD, which is being released on BNA Records... sister label to Carrie's Arista Records. That should make for a fun post-CMA party!

Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday!

Always better than a Monday, eh? And let me tell ya... my Monday stunk.

TOMORROW however -- you're going to be able to hear my Darius Rucker show -- 3pm ET on Highway 16 -- don't miss it!

SHARON -- I can't find your email address but THANK YOU! Email me please!!!!

No Shoes Radio - Live from Indianapolis!

XM Broadcasts Final Stop On Kenny Chesney's Poets & Pirates Tour
No Shoes Radio Goes LIVE from Indianapolis

Kenny Chesney's XM channel, No Shoes Radio (XM-18), will broadcast live from the final stop on the 2008 "Poets & Pirates Tour" in Indianapolis tomorrow (9/13).

In addition to carrying Chesney's entire live concert set, the channel will also host and broadcast a live acoustic concert by Chesney on the "No Shoes Radio Tailgate Party Stage," just outside Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as "Live From The Vibe" backstage reports all day.

Luke Bryan and Brother Trouble -- winners of Chesney's "Next Big Star" competition -- will also perform on the Tailgate Party Stage.

Jon Anthony anchors live from Indy starting at Noon Eastern - Tomorrow on XM 18!

Front Page News

Things still buzzing in Music City... Rascal Flatts NOT getting a CMA Nomination for Entertainer of the Year was front page news in today's Tennessean.

Does this make me a Blowfish?

I am pretty sure Gary has a couple of Hootie albums around here somewhere... I'm going to have to take a listen and hear what Darius sounds like as a rock star. He sure made a great country record!

Who WASN'T Nominated...

The bigger news out of Nashville this morning really didn't seem to be about who got nominated. It's who DIDN'T.

Tim McGraw and Toby Keith nowhere to be found, despite them both actively touring and having hit records. Alison Krauss gets a Female Vocalist nod, but Reba McEntire doesn't? What has Alison done for COUNTRY music?

The buzz up and down Music Row this morning is Rascal Flatts NOT getting an Entertainer of the Year nomination -- despite actively campaigning for one.

And I really am not crazy about this "New Artist of the Year" category name. Especially when you see artists like Jason Aldean and Rodney Atkins in there. The Horizon Award not only sounds more prestigious, it makes more sense. But then again - no one asked me.

Can't wait to read everyone else's thoughts.

CMA Nominees -- The Big 5

ENTERTAINER
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Sugarland
Keith Urban

MALE VOCALIST
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban

FEMALE VOCALIST
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

GROUP
The Eagles
Emerson Drive
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts

ALBUM
“Carnival Ride” – Carrie Underwood
“Cowboy Town” – Brooks & Dunn
“Good Time” – Alan Jackson
“Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates” – Kenny Chesney
“Troubadour” – George Strait

Hangin' with Hootie

We cut an episode of Driver's Ed with Darius Rucker tonight. I've worked with him a couple of times previously -- once out at the ACM's a year and a half ago, and then in a Round Robin a couple of months ago. I was very impressed with how knowledgeable he was about country music.

So tonight when we sat down to cut Driver's Ed... Jon starts going into what the show was...how the new artists are called "Rookie Driver's"... Darius didn't need any of it. I think he knew more about Highway 16 than I did. Turns out he loves the channel.

We cut the show, and it was real high energy... Darius tells great stories... he's very entertaining. And at the end of "class" (he passed!) he tells us he has listened to all these other episodes of Driver's Ed, and kept wondering when in the world we were going to ask him to be on the show. (We learned a long time ago you gotta wait for the CD to be in stores.) I hope he thought it was worth the wait.

He was adorable, and it made for a very nice ending to a very long day. I started writing at 6:30 in the morning, to finish a ShortCuts before I tackled this show... went into the office around 11 and cut 2 shows, the last of which started at 7pm, and I totally missed all of my husband's birthday because I stayed downtown for a meeting that I didn't wind up being in. So as a consolation prize, I got my picture taken with a rock star. (will post it tomorrow)

The show airs starting next Tuesday... highway16.xmradio.com for show dates and times.

The Best of Both (Satellite) Worlds

Today, the company also announced the content line-up for SIRIUS XM’s new “Best of Both” programming options. As part of “Best of Both” programming, most current XM customers will continue to receive their existing XM service, and be able to obtain select SIRIUS programming. Likewise, most current SIRIUS customers will continue to receive their existing SIRIUS service and be able to obtain select XM programming. In addition to their existing service, SIRIUS and XM subscribers will be able to purchase the following channels:

SIRIUS on XM
Howard 100
Howard 101
Martha Stewart Living Radio
SIRIUS NFL Radio *
SIRIUS NASCAR Radio
Playboy Radio

XM on SIRIUS
NBA*
NHL Home Ice *
Oprah & Friends
The Virus
Public Radio with Bob Edwards
College Sports *
PGA Tour

* Sports offerings will also include channels for play-by-play of NBA, NHL, NFL, and College Sports games.

“Best of Both” programming will be available to satellite radio consumers beginning October 6, 2008 on most existing satellite radios at a monthly [total] cost of $16.99. Also, the company’s full slate of new packages will be available to consumers on Oct. 6, including the opportunity to choose programming on an a la carte basis for the first time ever in subscription media.

Country Music's Next Power Couple?

September 8, 2008 (Nashville, TN) The diehard fans of Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton were eager to hear the whispers, then shouts, through the country halls about a select few shows this summer where the power-duo performed together. An “experiment” at first – for the twosome it meant a guaranteed way to spend time together performing the music they love – much in tradition of Johnny & June and George & Tammy. Fans across the country responded, asked for more, and this October 3, they will deliver as they embark on their first ever co-headlining tour.

"For obvious reasons, Miranda and I have wanted to tour together for a while now. We wanted to do something special that nobody else can pull off,” Blake remarked. “The result is a unique show packed full of music and energy that will leave people wondering what the hell is going to happen next.”

The upcoming concert dates will feature special seamless shows with each artist’s band providing accompaniment. Miranda will take fans from the early days of “Me & Charlie Talking” to the fist pumping “Gunpowder & Lead” while Blake fans can expect the gamut from his number one singles, “Austin,” “The Baby,” “Some Beach,” and “Home” to the rowdy “The More I Drink” and fan favorite “Ol’ Red.” An intimate acoustic set by Blake and Miranda will be nestled in-between and each show will conclude as both artists and their bands reunite on-stage for the show’s energetic finale. Sure to be a highlight of each evening will be a live rendition of Blake’s number one single, “Home,” which features Miranda’s soulful vocals. And don’t think for one second the duo won’t throw in some left-of-center covers, witty stage banter and maybe even a few more curveballs.

"I've always thought that Blake is one of the greatest artists in country music and he brings such a dynamic presence to his performances,” Miranda professed. “Pairing up for these shows will not only be fun for us, but I think it's going to be an amazing show for the fans. Anytime you play with a great artist it makes you strive to be even better...and we will do that every night."

The couple’s tour will support Miranda’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the ACM’s reigning Album of the Year, and Blake’s Pure BS Deluxe album.

Miranda just released her latest single “More Like Her” which is currently at radio across the country and Garden and Gun Magazine made her their Sept/Oct cover girl. For more Miranda be sure to tune in tonight for the CMA Music Festival Special 2008 at 9 p.m. Eastern / 8 p.m Central on ABC.

Blake’s current single, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” is the lead from his upcoming studio album due in early 2009 and is the follow-up to his most recent number one hit, “Home.”


Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert On Tour*

Date City Venue On Sale
October 3 Richmond, VA Virginia State Fair Now
October 10 Cape Girardeau, MO Show Me Center 9/6
October 11 Pikeville, KY Eastern Kentucky Expo Center 9/13
October 17 Phoenix, AZ Arizona State Fair 9/6
October 18 Primm, NV Star of the Valley Resort & Casino 9/23
October 23 Waterloo, IA McElroy Auditorium 9/27
October 24 Lacrosse, WI Lacrosse Center 9/27
November 8 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center 10/4
*more dates to be added soon

Blogging From Grundy County

Well I went down to the Grundy County Auction

Where I saw something I just had to have

Ok, technically I am not still in Grundy County. But I did spend the weekend there. (No time to blog while I was there.) And every time I thought about it, that song went through my head.

My life IS a country song.

What did you do this weekend? Did you listen to the Jessica Simpson ShortCuts?

It's a bird... It's a plane...

It's flying by my window!

And Her Little Dog Too!

Columbia Nashville recording artist Jessica Simpson spent time in the new XM Nashville Headquarters recently to tape the XM World Premiere of her forthcoming country album Do You Know. The exclusive conversation between Simpson and XM’s Jon Anthony will air this weekend on Highway 16 ShortCuts, which features all eleven songs on the CD.

Topics covered during the extensive interview range from what she found to be the hardest thing to deal with when she came to Nashville to write, her charity work, her USO tours, and how Dolly Parton came through for her during a very tough time.

The first airing of Highway 16 ShortCuts is this Friday at 2pm ET on XM’s Highway 16, XM Radio Online and DirecTV Channel 814.

What would you take?

Imagine you turned on the television and your mayor was telling you to "get your butt out" of town. You had a few hours to pack up 2 suitcases worth of stuff and get on a plane. What would you take?

I walked into church this morning and my heart just broke. Our church is one of 3 in Nashville that was a Red Cross shelter for Gustov evacuees - and they sent us 2 more busloads than we had capacity to house. People were laying in the hallways, kids sleeping on suitcases, it was wall to wall people. They'd traveled all night and arrived in the early hours of the morning.

Fortunately the overflow was soon loaded back up and bussed out to MTSU. But there are about 200 people who now call our gymansium "home." They have no idea how long they will be there. They packed 3 or 4 days worth of clothes. And by mid afternoon they were bored silly.

So we went home and gathered up a bunch of board games, old magazines, construction paper and crayons. My daughter and I made a Dollar General run and bought some crossword puzzle books and word searches. We returned to the church and set up a kids area with videos and just listened to people tell their stories.

I'm blessed to be part of an amazing church that just opens their doors and takes care of people. From ESL classes to JFON clinics to housing for traveling youth groups, our congregation truly does live out the United Methodist slogan of "Open Minds. Open Hearts. Open Doors." But no matter how many people we had up there working to feed, clothe, and clean our guests, no one could give them what they really needed. We couldn't tell them where their friends and family were. We didn't know who had gotten out and who had stayed behind. We couldn't give them the comfort that everything and everyone was going to be ok back home.

So we wait. And while we wait we listen, we play, we encourage and we pray.

Mixing Music and Politics

One kid dreams of fame and fortune

One kid helps pay the rent

One could end up going to prison

One just might be president

In response to the Democratic Convention’s use last night of Brooks & Dunn’s song, “Only in America,” the duo’s Kix Brooks offered the following statement:

“Seems ironic that the same song Bush used at The Republican Convention last election would be used by Obama and the Democrats now. Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans.”

Kix Brooks - Brooks & Dunn

My Desk

Protecting The Guilty - Including Me!

I have to tell you about the lunch I was invited to today. But in the interest of Protecting the Guilty, who really was mostly innocent, I'm not going to name names.

First off, I wasn't actually invited. One of my co-workers was, and I thought I was going in their place, but they went too. So really, I had no business being there. Ok. I crashed it. (Does it count as crashing if you call ahead and tell them you're crashing? I have no idea.)

Anyway. So lunch was at a very nice Italian restaurant. I don't usually do italian... but a free lunch is a free lunch when you're broke and awaiting to get downsized. So I'm not complaining. It was a media lunch, for an artist who's been off the radar for a while, and is now back on the scene with an Indy record deal. Lunch, an acoustic performance, and a round robin.

Well this lunch took FOREVER. AND EVER. (AMEN? - And no, it wasn't with Randy Travis.) We were there 40 minutes before we even ordered. And then it took light years to get our first course. Seriously, we got there at noon and didn't get dessert until 1:45. We had one waiter taking care of about 18-20 of us. And apparently, they had to grow the lettuce.

So during all this down time, you would think the artist would be making the most of it... shaking hands, kissing babies, talking to the assembled media. No. They were sitting at a corner table with their back to us, talking to their band members. Why were we there again? Oh yeah. Free lunch.

Now, I really like this particular artist. Which is why I'm not mentioning their name. And the people working with this artist are also very nice people. Just the fact that they thought to provide us lunch, unlike many other folks who schedule Round Robins right over the lunch hour with not even so much as a bottle of water, gives them bonus points. But there were definitely some things that could have been executed better. (Yes, I backseat produce EVERYTHING!) And I would never give this restaurant my business again.

To add insult to injury, the restaurant was nearly dead empty except for us. Can't imagine why. ..

We wound up having to leave before the Round Robin to get back to the studio for another session. So I crashed the event and didn't even get good audio out of it. That will teach me!

Believe it or not, that was not the most interesting part of my day...

Back in the office that afternoon, my cell phone rang. It was someone pitching me an interview with a brand new artist I've never heard of before. We had a lengthy, informative conversation about the process for getting artists booked on Highway 16. And as all conversations do these days, it made its way around to the merger. He was very kind, asking if my job would be ok (don't know), when I'd know (fairly soon), how the channels would be affected (can't speak to that either), and whether the Sirius folks would be moving into our new facilities (yes). As others have, he gave me best wishes, told me I did great work, he's enjoyed calling on me all these years and was sure I'd be fine because the cream always rises to the top. Told me to let him know if I needed anything. It was a lovely conversation, not unlike others I seem to be having about once a day these days. Except for one problem...

I have absolutely no idea who this person is, nor do I have any recollection of having talked to him before in my whole entire life.

Come Walk with Me!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Nashville Walk -- Saturday October 25, 2008

XM on TV!

Did you get a chance to catch the episode of "Country Music Across America" on GAC that Storme shot in our new XM studios?

Well a reporter from NewsChannel 5 - the CBS affiliate here in Nashville - saw it, and filed the information away in his reporter's notebook.

Today he needed a story, so he called Storme, who sent him to me. After jumping through the appropriate corporate hoops, I got to give the news crew a tour of the new digs! For just a minute - I was back in TV news again. LOL.

Come on in!

New Music Alert: HOT Off the Presses!

Reason #795 why XM is cooler than every other radio station in America:

We've got a brand new song that Jack Ingram just recorded. Hasn't even been pressed to a CD yet. I'm not sure if his wife has even heard it yet, it's THAT new.

He sent it over to us and wants to know what THE FANS think. Jon Anthony is going to be playing it during his show today -- which goes live in like 2 minutes. So turn on Highway16 now -- or DirecTV channel 814.

Jack wants "verbatim" feedback -- so give it a listen, then send your HONEST thoughts to Highway16 at xmradio.com

Jack is waiting to hear from you!

Fay, Fay, Go Away!

Just wanted to let my Florida readers know you've been in my thoughts and prayers! Let us know you're ok when you can!

Life

Just catching y'all up on some things in my world lately...

A couple of personal notes first... my brother has been in the hospital for the past several days with meningitis. Not the bad kind (although it certainly hasn't been the good kind either..) That's not been fun. That's when it sucks that I'm 8 hours away and can't take a hospital shift or help watch munchkins.

And it's a week and a half into the school year and I absolutely hate Delaynie's school. We put her into public school this year for the first time, which is a long convoluted story in and of itself. Unless things improve drastically (or I start drinking heavily) she's going to be back in private school by Christmas. Still awaiting the merger fallout before I can commit to that kind of money again.

For the past 2 days I've been immersed in Jessica Simpson. We're cutting a show with her tomorrow that may or may not ever make air. I have to tell you, this album is pretty dang good. She does have a beautiful voice (I never heard her as a pop singer, so it was all new to me.) There's a track on here called "Pray Out Loud" that I really love.

Today we had The Road Hammers in the new studios. Live. On the radio. That alone is always an adventure. Add to the mix that it was the first time Storme had worked in that particular studio. However it turned out, it was guaranteed to be exciting.

All went well, fortunately, and everything worked except the ability to take phone calls. Storme continues to amaze me with his interview skills. He did 30 minutes with nothing but an album cover as prep, and had tons of things to talk to them about. The only thing I needed to contribute was getting their tour dates up online. He's awesome.

Storme and I have some great conversations about music and artists, and we were laughing today because he was telling me about all the people he's interviewed for GAC in the past 2 days. Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson, Darius Rucker and Gretchen Wilson. One of these things is not like the other...

Oh yeah -- one of them started out as a country artist! But we laughed about how the rock folks are putting out some of the best songs on country radio right now. "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" is still my favorite song on the radio.

Don't think I don't wonder 'bout
Could've been, should've been all worked out
I know what I felt, and I know what I said
But don't think I don't think about it

On a related note... I've heard the Kid Rock radio edit on the local country radio stations, and they bleep out "smoking" in the line "smoking funny things." Which led my imagination to think there was something much more offensive than "smoking" going on before I knew what the lyric was. We play the unbleeped version on XM.

Call in and ask Storme about Kid Rock sometime. :-) He's totally a fan.

Should have good stories for you tomorrow night...

For the Bluegrass Fans

Here are pictures from the IBMA Nominations announcements last Thursday. Someone... who shall remain nameless... has not yet posted pictures on KyleCantrell.com... so I'm taking matters into my own hands and hijacking his readers!

By the way, a quirk of our new phone system here in the XM Tower is that sometimes, when you call in to Bluegrass Junction's Request Monday - I answer the phone.

My favorite request of the day came from Frank in Florida who wanted to hear "Sally Ann" before the storm hit.

AJ Party Pics!

I put a couple of pictures in my previous post about Alan Jackson's 50 Million Party. Here are a few more. Where else could you wash down your balogna sandwich with a blue martini?

Be sure to read my buddy Ed's review at CMT.com -- and check out the slide show... there's a familiar face in there!

And the winner of the Overcrowded Street Week is....

Sugarland! LOL But wait -- they didn't release an album last week!

Didn't matter, they still sold more country albums than anyone else. Top 6 looked like this:

Sugarland - 91,429
Heidi Newfield - 34,417
Keith Anderson - 31,936
Taylor Swift - 28,041 (Self titled debut album, now available as a Deluxe Edition)
Taylor Swift - 18,737 (Walmart exclusive edition CD / DVD extravaganza)
Jamey Johnson - 16,924

Melissa Lawson had 32, 628 digital downloads -- #2 in country behind Sugarland.

In other news, I attended a 50 Million Party for Alan Jackson tonight, during which another media person told me she loved my blog. So I am feeling guilty that I've been neglecting it so badly lately. Tomorrow night I'll post lots of photos and scoop from the event, which I have to tell you, featured a full bar of toppings including shrimp, cheese, bacon, chives, jalapenos..

Not for Baked Potatoes.

Not for Salad.

For Grits. No I'm not kidding. I couldn't make that up. Never having had grits before, I could not resist the opportunity to sample some grits out of a martini glass. I mean really. How could you pass that up?

Now I will be always be able to tell everyone that the only time I ever ate grits was at AJ's party.

Before the party, which was held, for reasons never explained, at the Vanderbilt University Student Life Center, AJ did a little press conference. He reflected a lot on his career, and the music. One of the questions he was asked revolved around a quote in this article in today's Tennessean. He called the reporter out - twice - for taking his quote out of context. And she was in the room. He went on to give the full context, I'll get it for you from the tape.

VIP's in the room included Trace and Rhonda Atkins, Jack Greene, Mel Tillis and Charlie Chase. Ed Morris from CMT.com was there -- I made sure to tell him about the Grits bar. So be watching for his article online tomorrow. He's always great with the details.

So pictures coming tomorrow, but for now I must get to bed -- I'm up early tomorrow for the IBMA Awards Nominations -- heard live from the Country Music Hall of Fame on XM 14, Bluegrass Junction. We'll see if I'm 3 for 3 in getting Kyle nominated for Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year.

It will also be my first time working in the CMHOF since January. I should come back with LOTS of good stories to share.

Songs About Bridges

Looking through some photos tonight I found this photo, which reminded me of our earlier conversation about Bridges.

Auckland, NZ - May 2007

So -- let's start a list of songs about Bridges. Because I can't come up with any that talk about being terrified of Bridges, (Or, for that matter, crazy little brothers who Bungee off of them...) so I might need to write one.

Burning Bridges - Brooks & Dunn

We'll Burn That Bridge - Brooks & Dunn Hmm... maybe they have a phobia too?

Which Bridge to Cross, Which Bridge To Burn - Vince Gill

London Bridge -- does that count?

What famous people have I met?

On a message board I visit, they've started a "Brushes with Fame" thread. Obviously, country music artists can't count for me, hee hee hee.

I'm trying to remember who I've met outside of the music world - I know there have been a few. Larry King, James Carville, Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller.

There's gotta be more.

It's Crowded on the Street this Week!

Busy street week here in Nashville. These three albums were released Tuesday -- which one(s) are you buying?

Keith Anderson - C'MON!
Jamey Johnson - That Lonesome Song
Heidi Newfield - What Am I Waiting For

Why Taylor Swift ROCKS

Not that there was ever any doubt in my mind about what an awesome young lady Taylor Swift is, I know I've blogged about this before. But I just have to share how wonderful she was with Delaynie yesterday.

We were working at the Music Row studio we use, and it was completely a zoo. We were there doing a Driver's Ed with Heidi Newfield. Keith Anderson was there doing a radio tour. And Taylor came in to co-host Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton.

Now I had no idea that either Taylor or Keith would be working out of the same place that day. But it just so happened that when Delaynie got dressed that morning, she wore her tiara that I brought home from Taylor Swift's Prom party. For no other reason than - I have a crazy kid that sometimes wears a tiara. I secretly think she tells her friends that Taylor gave it to HER.

So when I learned Taylor was on her way in, I made mention to my buddy JZ at Big Machine that Delaynie was here, and if possible, I'd love for her to just be able to say hello. He tells me that it shouldn't be a problem if we can wait until after she cuts the show.

I'm in the studio with our Heidi session and JZ comes and taps on the glass. He asks if I can have Delaynie out in the common area, that Taylor is just wrapping up.

So she's out there, reading a book. Y'all know by now that I'm not one to force meetings with celebrities, if it happens, it happens. (I may never hear the end of taking Delaynie to Nashville Star and not introducing her to Hannah Montana's dad, even though he was 3 feet away.) We get done with Heidi about the time Taylor gets done and she and Heidi hook up and start doing girl talk. Delaynie's sitting in the hall with her nose in a book, and I'm just waiting for the appropriate moment that I can introduce her to Taylor. Turns out, that wasn't going to be necessary.

I see Taylor come out and kind of scan the room, and she walks past me and Jon and Lon everyone and goes and sits down on the couch next to Delaynie.

"Hi, what's your name?"

She compliments her on the cool name, and then says, "I have decided that we have the exact same curly hair." And they sit there and talk about their wild and crazy hair. And Radio Disney. And Delaynie is just beaming. I wander over and tell her that Delaynie is my daughter and they talk about her tiara and I tell her that she just happened to be wearing it, we had no way of knowing that we'd be seeing Taylor, and she says that that is the coolest thing and tells Delaynie "thanks for representing!"

So then she asks Delaynie if someone has a camera that they could take a picture together. Of course... I do. ;-) So they do a photo, and then Taylor says "Now let's make funny faces."

And then Delaynie spent the rest of the night calling her friends to tell them that she'd met Taylor Swift and they have the exact same hair.

And THAT is why this young lady has sold 3 million albums and kids - and moms - all over America love love love her. Because we want people that treat our daughters like they are the most special person in the universe. Because they are.

I'm sure Taylor's mom knows that.

And the new Nashville Star is....

Melissa Lawson! Very cool. She will join Jon Anthony live tomorrow around 1:45 Eastern on Highway 16.

I think this show turned out the best it can be. The four going on the Nashville Star Tour are going to offer a diverse package of entertainment. This is probably Melissa's best chance, because let's face it... 35 year old mothers of five aren't what the Nashville Record Labels are signing these days, so I'm estatic that she's going to get it. Gabe is going to get signed somewhere because John Rich has been waving his Hispanic Country Flag, and Shawn is going to get valuable experience on this tour and be a star in her own right some day.

You read it here first... I predict John Rich will be hosting next year's Nashville Star. I can see the wheels already spinning in his brain.

Watch this space tomorrow and learn why I **AM** the coolest mom in America. Or Tennessee, anyway. Ok, Nashville. Well... at least the coolest mom that Delaynie has.

Nashville Star FINALE

Hey, I'm headed into Nashville Star. I wanted to remind you that the show has a later start time tonight 10:00 PM Eastern, 9:00 Central and they're going to crown a winner. I'm gonna predict that the winner will be Gabe, however I will tell you I voted for Melissa. I check in after the show and let you know how it went. listen

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Sunday Late Night Ramblings

Howdy -- how's everyone doing? I feel like I haven't talked to you guys in forever.


It's going to be an exciting week at XM. Not like they've been dull lately here in MergerLand... LOL. We've done our few few interviews out of the new studios. Nashville Star Radio was done there this week -- our last episode. I hope you got to hear it, because I know some of you would have been interested in hearing Shawn talk about why she sang "The Dance" or heard what Melissa's favorite song to sing is. If you missed it, one last chance tomorrow (Monday) at Noon Eastern. Tomorrow night we'll know the winner! They'll be coming by XM on Tuesday to deliver their first single. I'm going to the show... not because I have to, but because... I feel like I've gone through the journey this far... I need to cross that finish line.


I think all three have good potential, but I did get to tell one contestant that Delaynie and I had voted for them. Shh! Don't tell the others!


Before we get to Nashville Star fun tomorrow night though, we're taping three - 3 - THREE - trois - tres - THREE shows tomorrow. All in a row. 10am, 11am, 12:30. At 2 different studios. Two ShortCuts, one Driver's Ed. I can't decide if that's incredibly efficient booking brilliance or sheer insanity.


When I was writing them, I was quite certain it was the latter. However, now that they're done and will be in the can ready to edit before my summer intern leaves me, I'm telling myself how brilliant it was.



It was incredibly hot here today, so I tried to stay inside as much as possible. My most productive thing of the day was to get my hubby to hang these new wrought iron pieces I got yesterday. (you'll just have to envision a cool, silver "R" in the middle of the top piece, it's not up yet.) Now if I could just figure out what to do with the windows in this room, I'd be happy.



Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of us moving into this house, following the House Closing from Hades. :-D We are definitely blessed!



I need to do a photo album of my pictures from Gillette Stadium -- I have some pretty cool shots of the concert. Have I blogged about the show? It was amazing. The only other stadium concert I've been to was George Strait a zillion years ago, and it was NOTHING like this. The production on this thing was incredible, I've not seen anything like it. Which is why he IS the four time and reigning consecutive in a row Entertainer of something or another and the 3 time consecutive one right after another winner of something else. ;-)



Big day tomorrow -- must get the munchkin off to bed.

More Rhode Island Pictures

Photos from the site of the Ginormous Bridge in Jamestown, RI, where I turned around before crossing into Newport.

Why did the chicken cross the bridge?
To show Producer J. it could be done!

I completely stumbled onto this picturesque site as I was exploring the twists and turns of Highway 1A. (Not to be confused with A1A)

Open letter to Katie, the Keith Urban fan from New Hampshire

Dear Katie --

I just wanted you to know that last Saturday - you totally made my day. And I want you to remember that as exciting as that all was for you -- KEITH was the lucky one. He's lucky to have a fan like you. He's the type of guy that knows that - but I wanted to make sure that you knew that too.

I hope your pictures turned out ok.

Hugs & Heartpats -
Joyce

They CAN'T be Serious

The company I work for is now called --

SIRIUS XM Radio

The GINORMOUS Bridge

There was NO way. None.

Hello from a very wet...

Hello from a very wet and rainy Providence Airport where I am stuck, I am stuck in Rhode Island. Apparently the flight that was taking me to Philadelphia was delayed to the point of not being able to get me home today/tonight, so I don't think I got stuck in Philadelphia I got stuck in Providence or(?) just because I'm very white(?) strong(?), so I'm headed to the hotel under a distressed passenger rates, I'm not really distressed just a little annoyed, hope you're all having a better night. listen

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Good morning from Gillette...

Good morning from Gillette Stadium where the sun is shining and the stage is setup. I am very excited. They have here and ready to meet all the teenagers(?) in advance. So, I just wanted to call and tell you that all is well. listen

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My Employer

Sitting in a hotel lobby in MA, wearing my XM shirt, I learned --

I now officially work for Sirius Satellite Radio.

State number 4, Massachusetts....

Page number 4, Massachusetts. You know the great thing about my life is that no matter where I go, I couldn't say in the US that literally around the world. It seems like I have a friend there waiting for me. I'm about 10 minutes from my hotel. Paula is on her way there, and I'm driving upon a G6 with Exa. Life is good. I will probably talk to you next from Gillette Stadium tomorrow. Have a good night. listen

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Airport number 3, Providence...

Airport number 3, Providence Rhode Island. The weather is absolutely beautiful here. I am headed to the hotel and then Paula is gonna join me on my quest for awesome Boston(?) camchatter(?). listen

I made a quick detour on this trip to Pawtucket, which was quite lovely. I was looking for a RI visitor's center, but didn't find one. I did however, get some nice pictures.

Airport # 1 / Airport number #2

Airport number 2, Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. I'm not feeling any love for this airport, it is very ugly. And the cheese steak that I did have was not very good. We flew in over all the sports stadiums where the Eagles and the Phillys and everybody play. And I have a nice view of the skyline from where I'm at. I'll take a picture. Talk to you again in Providence! listen

This one from Airport #1 Jott didn't post with audio because of a "low transcription confidence." Oddly enough, they got Tootsie's Orchid Lounge right, but missed Kenny Tesney.

Checking in from airport number one where I have seen Kimberly from Little Big Town and her family traveling. I heard someone covering Kenny Chesney at the little Tootsie's Orchid lounge that they set up out here. And Phil Vassar is on the over head announcement welcoming everybody. They have a Nashville Star store here now too! It's raining - I hope my flight gets of on time because I really want to have time to get lunch in Philadelphia. Of course I'm gonna have a cheese steak. See you there.!

Please Come To Boston...

'cause you're the number one fan of the man from Tennessee...

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

Today should be an interesting day. I'm spending the better part of my waking hours traveling... three airports... four states... OOH -- it's going to be an exciting year end World Tour t-shirt! Haven't had PA, RI or MA on there yet.

While I'm sitting in airports the Merger is probably going to become official... it's unofficially gone through -- the FCC calls it an "agreement in principal." All in all, I'm happy, because my goal was to get to work in our new offices, and I've done that. Whatever happens from here is all good, and there isn't anything I can do one way or the other, so no sense stressing over it.

My cell phone is on, but my laptop is still dead, so I will probably be curing my travel boredom with audio blogs. My trip is not going to be complete until I get some authentic Boston clam chowder. That, is my mission.

Mark Your Calendars!

XM Artist Confidential with LeAnn Rimes, is airing on Monday (July 28). Hosted by XM's George Taylor Morris, this show features an hour of music and conversation with LeAnn. She performs songs from her latest CD "Family" as well as a couple of her previous hits.

LeAnn Rimes Artist Confidential airs Monday night at 8pm ET on Highway 16 AND all day Monday on XMX, channel 2.

Press Release Du Jour

Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio Sets Sail July 26
Boston’s Gillette Stadium Show Marks Launch of XM Kenny Station

Foxboro, MA: Never mind that tickets for Kenny Chesney’s Poets & Pirates Tour sold out in 15 minutes back in December. Forget about the fact that a chunk of his critically acclaimed live, Live Those Songs Again was recorded at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. Don’t even bother considering that this is the fourth straight year the 4-straight Academy of Country Music and 3-time and current Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year has packed the home of the New England Patriots to the bursting for an all day celebration of good times, good friends and good music.

Just when it didn’t seem there was anything the full-tilt performer could add to the intensity, Chesney and his friends at XM Radio will launch the almost all-Kenny No Shoes Radio on July 26 with a live 4 hour kick-off from the ultimate tail-gate experience: the parking lot of Gillette Stadium. Broadcasting from a stage being set up as half broadcast booth/half acoustic performance space, look for Jon Anthony to create the day’s largest boom box for the fans who are coming to get their Kenny on.

“The whole idea behind the station,” Chesney says, “is to take that energy in the parking lot and keep it going. You buzz around in a golf cart before the show, and it sounds like some kind of carnival with all this different music, all these different songs… and No Shoes isn’t just about a buncha my stuff people know, and stuff they may not know as well, but it’s about rare live performances, drop ins and acoustic surprises from my friends and just keeping that vibe alive long after the show has left town.”

In the spirit of spontaneous music and expanding the musical reality of Chesney’s world, not only will the headline be dropping by the stage during the four hour kick-off, but LeAnn Rimes will also drop-in– and there are any number of you-never-know-who-might-show-ups in the wind. As if that sense of musical camaraderie isn’t enough, the good folks at XM are going to be giving away free XM radios – while supplies last – to anyone who signs up for a three month plan.

“We’ve got chunks of our Key West show going up this weekend,” says the man who’s had three multiple week #1s – “Never Wanted Nothing More,” “Don’t Blink” and “Better As A Memory” --from his platinum Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. “Anyone who’s ever wanted to go to a Keg in the Closet show, but couldn’t get there – or get in if they could – they can experience what that’s like. It’s going to be crazy having some of this music, played in some of these settings going out to the world, but in a way, it’s a great chance to bring people all the way into our world.”

I need to read it again... I was sure there would be a line included that went something like.. "Seven year XM veteran Producer J., the senior member of the XM Nashville programming team, will be boarding a Southwest Airlines jet headed for the north east where the Central IL native will be responsible for producing the high-energy fan-packed four hour live broadcast originating from the west side of Gillette stadium and ringing out border to border and coast to coast across North America on the newly created XM channel 18."

Nashville Star Week 7

Blame Nashville Star Radio for my lack of blogging lately.

Mondays I go to the tv show. It's a late night, so I usually go into work late, which knocks down my productivity. Tuesday I write the show and work on soundbites, which usually kills my entire day. Wednesday nights we tape the show (usually at 8:30 but a couple nights it was 10:30) so that's another wacky day. My schedule is completely off kilter. And in the middle of all that we were relocating. And my laptop died. I can't say that I'm going to be sorry to see this show end. Although I have to say, I'm really happy with the way the radio show has turned out. This was a show I got to create from a blank sheet of paper, which has been a lot of fun. And exhausting.

So just catching up on all things Nashville Star, I have to tell you that I'm liking the TV show much better now that they've weeded out some of the riff raff. There were definitely people who didn't deserve to be there. And the crew didn't deserve having to put up with them. I'm totally surprised that Ashlee was sent home. I'd predicted Ashlee, Gabe and Melissa in the final show. Now I've officially given up predicting.

The radio show this week takes a little different turn. We take the contestants in one by one, instead of by mentor groups. They each get a chance to make their case for why THEY should be the next Nashville Star. And they all brought their guitars!

I've gotten a few questions about particular contestants, and given that I've spent many a late night hour (and plenty of Oreos) with them, I thought I'd just share a few thoughts about the Final Four.

Coffey -- Quite possibly the most charming human being I've ever met. He's just a doll. He has an amazing spirit, the kind of person you want to hang around because he makes you feel good. He was also incredibly sweet to Delaynie (as were Ashlee and Shawn) which always adds bonus points. Then this week, he asked me to tell my daughter hello from him and told me how beautiful she was. Wait until you hear what he's doing for his hometown concert, it totally gave me goosebumps. I could go on and on about some of the neat things he does. He inspires me. I don't think he's the best singer on this show, but I do think he's the best entertainer, and I think he could be an amazing ambassador for country music if given the chance.

Shawn Mayer -- I can't wait to go see her sing somewhere. A bar, an amphitheatre, an arena - wherever. I think she's underdelivering on what she's capable of, but it's hard to tell in a minute and a half song. I want to see more from her. She has a great respect for the music, and has worked really hard to get this far. She's also somehow the most "real" to me. Today we had a conversation about tattoos. (One of us has one, one of us doesn't.) She's doing something pretty neat for her hometown visit too. Maybe that's why we get along so well -- she's from a town even tinier than my hometown. You need to tune in to this week's NSRadio just to hear her studio performance. She is also just stunningly beautiful in person. She looks the part of the winner.

Gabe Garcia - He's Mr. Guy Next Door. He's the one always hanging out in the green room talking to the crew. SOO laid back. I think he has a good voice and he looks good, but I'm still hoping he steps up and wows me. The time I liked him best on stage was the opening cast sing of "Life Is A Highway." He HAD to move across the stage, no guitar, wasn't tied down to one spot, and he was a lot of fun. He'll be the first to tell you he wants to be like George Strait and just stand there and sing, but I'll be the first to tell you I'd love to see him run from one end of the stage to another. He also could do a lot to broaden the appeal of country music. He has a manager here in Nashville.

Melissa Lawson -- Melissa has really warmed up to us over the past couple of weeks. In the beginning she was very quiet when they came in for the radio show, I didn't have a lot of interaction with her. Which is probably good, because had I been able to get her attention and get her alone those first couple of weeks, I'd have asked for her hubby's email address so I could just drop him a note and tell him I'd seen her and she was fine. LOL. But I would have loved to have had a conversation mom-to-mom about this crazy business. She's smart about the business, and she's a fighter. If this contest was judged solely on vocal talent, she'd far and away be the winner. Unfortunately, this is all about which fan base can best be mobilized to click, text, or call. I said I wasn't making predictions, but if I was, I'd put my money on an upset.

Now that I've made you read all that. What you really want to know...

Jon asked each contestant the same series of questions for this week's show -- why them, hometown visit, what they'll be performing next week, etc. They each will be doing 2 songs. Melissa named one and then said something real generic like "and another great song..." (She knows how to give those evasive answers already - see that star potential?) However, I know how to spot those evasive answers, so I asked her afterwords about her second choice, and she said they hadn't picked it yet.

So I flat out told her that a few friends and I had been discussing how we were dying to hear her belt out a Trisha Yearwood power ballad. She kind of sighed and said "I know!" She said she'd been trying and trying, but they kept telling her no. SHE brought it up that she wanted to do "Real Live Woman" a couple of weeks ago because it fit her so perfectly but they told her it wasn't a big enough song. So I told her I was going to come see her on the Nashville Star Tour and she'd have to sing it for me.

I can't say at this point that I'd be unhappy if any of these four won. Regardless of what people might say about the show - and first and foremost, this is a TV show - they are four pretty neat people.

The Suicidal Deer

We interrupt your standard country music related programming to bring you this non-musical anecdote.

Yesterday morning I'm in my driveway, loading junk into my car, when I hear this banging. I look up and see what looks like a dog crashing into the garage door of my neighbor's house diagonally across the street.

As I watch it pick itself up and hurl itself at the door 3 or 4 times, I realize it's not a dog. It's a deer.

About the time I realize this the deer gives up on the garage door and turns around and heads across the street. Towards my daughter. So I tell Delaynie to get in the car and as we watch this very young fawn runs across the street and heads between my house and the neighbor's house. She's (he's? Didn't look...) no more than 5 or 6 feet from Delaynie.

Now what I know, and the deer doesn't is that there is a fence blocking her from going into our back yards, and behind that fence are 2 hungry dogs. Fortunately it's a strong fence, and within a minute or so she reappears at the side of the house and crosses the street again.

This time she targets the neighbor directly across the street from us. And we watch her repeatedly throw herself head first into the garage door.

How that deer even stood up after all that beating, I don't know. But after several unsuccessful attempts to knock herself out, she gallops off down the street. She disappears around the corner, and then a couple of minutes later we see her cross the street again and disappear into the woods.

The moral of this story is, that if you thought you had a crappy Monday... just think of the unsuccessful suicidal deer in southern Davidson County.

We now return you to regular programming already in progress. Up next: lots of Nashville Star scoop -- including the reason you haven't heard Melissa Lawson singing the song she (and most of us) really want to hear her sing.

Well THAT is no fun.

I just overheard who's getting eliminated.

That takes ALL the fun out of watching the show.

Off to re-write...

Backstage Blogging at Nashville Star

Hello from the green room of the Acuff Theater, where I'm awaiting episode 7 of Nashville Star Radio. I didn't get a seat in the audience tonight, so I've comandeered someone's laptop and am hanging out in the green room.

So far I've seen Gabe -- looking awesome in a jacket, jeans and boots -- and Coffey -- looking incredibly handsome himself in a very cool blue shirt. I'm afraid I got makeup on Gabe's jacket... if you see a spot on his right shoulder, it's not MY fault.

They just announced 18 minutes until air. Will check in with you later. I've got my show laid out based on my guess for who will be eliminated. If you don't hear from me much you'll know I'm busy re-writing. There's a cool performance happening tonight -- tune in and see!

Next Stop on the Producer J. World Tour Is...

Boston! By way of Providence, RI.

Anyone want to take a wild guess at why I'm headed to the Northeast?

Call Now and talk to Storme!

Hey -- not only is Storme live out of our new studios for the next 3 hours -- he has working phone lines!

Check him out on Highway 16 until 7pm ET.

My Laptop.... R.I.P.

So I have this laptop. A Dell. Have had it for about 4 years now. Within the past 4 months I've bought both a new battery and a new power chord for it. (Which means I probably didn't need the battery.)

I use that laptop for a myriad of things. Although it's a personal machine, (XM wouldn't give me one) I use it for everything. Amongst the things I keep on it:

Editing software - All field audio interviews get loaded onto it, edited, and uploaded to our FTP site. My laptop has been the intern work station over the past few months, while we have been overcrowded awaiting our new studios.

Photos - everything from my trip to New Zealand (which I do have backup copies) to my assorted trips to the cornfields (most of which I don't) to all of our Nashville Star photos (which have been uploaded to an online album.)

Scripts - ShortCuts, Nashville Star, Driver's Ed -- my entire resume of the past 4 years pretty much.

Pampered Chef Software -- all of my parties, receipts, expenses, orders, addresses, from my first 8 shows.

You know where this is going, right?

My harddrive crashed. The computer no longer acknowledges its' existence.

GO BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER! NOW!!!

Move In Day

Today is my official "move in" day to the new studios at the Sommet Center.

It all feels very wierd. Pictures soon.

It's a Girl!

Nicole and Keith Urban are delighted to announce that Nicole Kidman gave birth to a baby girl on Monday morning, July 7, 2008 in Nashville. SUNDAY ROSE KIDMAN URBAN weighed 6 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces. Husband Keith was by Nicole's side and mother and baby are very well.

Back from the Cornfields

Back from another long weekend of driving through the cornfields. Had a very quiet 4th of July playing with munchkins and cuddling the new baby.

What did you do?

No Shoes Radio

Kenny Chesney Sets Sail For XM Radio With His Own Signature Music Channel 'NoShoes Radio'

WASHINGTON, July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Midway through the year's most attended Poets & Pirates Tour, complete with 14 NFL stadium plays, the four-time consecutive and current Academy of Country Music and three-time and reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year has set his sights on XMRadio and his own signature music channel, "No Shoes Radio."

Scheduled to launch July 26, "No Shoes Radio" will feature music fromChesney's audio catalog, including never-before-heard recordings, an uncut, exclusive concert broadcast from the 2008 Poets & Pirates Tour, plus random drop-ins from fans, friends and plenty of music to bring to life the attitude that permeates Kenny Chesney's world.

"There's a lot of hits, but there are also a lot of album tracks, songs fromthe early part of my career, stuff from our Keg in the Closet shows and obscurities that you had to be there to hear," says the Luttrell, Tennessee-born and -raised singer/songwriter with a laugh. "Anyone who knows anything about me knows how passionate I am about music, and this is a way to bring people into everything I love about songs, playing ... music."

"No Shoes Radio" will also include music beyond Chesney's catalog, featuring both those artists who rocked Chesney's world and the kind of music you could easily hear drifting from the backstage "Vibe Room" -- capturing the sonic culture of the Poets & Pirates Tour.

"I think we've become a part of people's lives," admits the high energy performer. "The way a lot of bands were for us, we're what they're listening to when they're hanging out, when they're having fun, when they need to gear up for something. That's what music always did for me ... and it's kind of mind-blowing to think that your songs could be that for someone else. So for all those fans out there, get ready for something pretty cool."

In the spirit of his Corona-sponsored Poets & Pirates Tour, music and other content for "No Shoes Radio" will be captured on the bus, in the halls, around the soundchecks, and even during post-show jams. Beyond that, not only will Chesney's special guests be taking part in the ad hoc merriment, look for tailgating fans from the parking lot to provide drop-ins, shout-outs and the occasional request.

Said Chesney, "This is a way to keep the vibe alive, long after our tour is gone.""No Shoes Radio" will be available on XM channel 18 from July 26 through October 25. The channel will also be on XM Radio Online(https://xmail.xmradio.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://xmro.xmradio.com/), where it will stream for an additional three months. Complete programming information for the channel will be availableonline at https://xmail.xmradio.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.xmradio.com/kennychesney.

The Statler Stalking continues...

If you have been around this blog for a while you may remember my discussion of the Kennedy family. Not the political Kennedys... the musical Kennedys. The Kennedys are connected to the Reids... and without all the talent in those 2 families, I'm quite sure I'd have never been inspired to have made the journey to music city.

I spent time tonight with the Kennedys (Jerry, Gordon, and Bryan) and the Reids (Wil and Layla, Langdon and Alexis, Harold and Brenda).

As if that wasn't awesome enough -- we were at the Bluebird Cafe.

And just when it couldn't get any better... Bryan played "Cowgirl's Saddle" and dedicated it to Harold. Who roared with laughter.

I thank God for Circles....