Star-filled lineup announced for “ACM® PRESENTS: OUR COUNTRY”

Here is a timely update on a strong lineup featured on the upcoming April 5th telecast coming to CBS focusing on contemporary country music hit makers, as well as a tribute to Kenny Rogers (who passed away at the age of 81 earlier this month)...Robert Kinsler

Carrie Underwood will be among the artists performing on April 5, 2020.

STAR-STUDDED LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR
“ACM® PRESENTS: OUR COUNTRY,” A NEW TWO-HOUR SPECIAL AIRING
SUNDAY, APRIL 5 AT 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT ON CBS

Special to feature At-Home Performances by Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley,

Kane Brown & John Legend, Luke Bryan, Brandi Carlile, Eric Church,

Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum,

Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Old Dominion,
Brad Paisley & Darius Rucker, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban

Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley & Darius Rucker to Honor Kenny Rogers

Tim McGraw / Photo Credit: Kelly A. Swift

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 26, 2020) – The Academy of Country Music® and dick clark productions announced today the all-star lineup of performers for ACM® PRESENTS: OUR COUNTRY, a two-hour special featuring intimate conversations and at-home acoustic performances with Country Music’s biggest stars, along with clips from the Academy of Country Music Awards’™ 55-year history. Confirmed performers include Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown & John Legend, Luke Bryan, Brandi Carlile, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley & Darius Rucker, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban. The special will be broadcast Sunday, April 5 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT and 7:00 PM CT) on the CBS Television Network and on CBS All Access.

Miranda Lambert / Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

ACM® PRESENTS: OUR COUNTRY will also honor 10-time ACM Award® winner Kenny Rogers with performances by Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker. As previously announced, artists will appear from their homes to share heartfelt thoughts and perform acoustic versions of Country hits. Additionally, video clips from previous ACM Award broadcasts will highlight favorite ACM moments from the past. It will be a night filled with entertainment, hope and reflection, bringing the healing power of music to Americans at a time when they need it most.

The special will broadcast during the time slot previously scheduled for the 55^th Academy of Country Music Awards, which will now be broadcast Wednesday, Sept. 16 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on CBS All Access. The 55^th ACM Awards, hosted for the first time by reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and 15-time ACM Award winner Keith Urban, honors the biggest names and emerging talent in the Country Music industry.

For more information, visit ACMcountry.com. You can also like Academy of Country Music on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @ACMawards, follow on Instagram at @ACMawards and sign up for the FREE ACM A-List for more immediate updates.

About ACM® PRESENTS: OUR COUNTRY
ACM® PRESENTS: OUR COUNTRY invites fans to join their favorite superstars for a new kind of entertainment special featuring at-home acoustic performances with top Country artists along with clips of their favorite moments from the Academy of Country Music Awards’™ 55-year history. ACM PRESENTS: OUR COUNTRY is produced for television by dick clark productions. R.A. Clark, Barry Adelman, Mark Bracco and Amy Thurlow are executive producers. Damon Whiteside is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music®.

Catching up on 2019 with impressive returns, special sets

The arrival of Christmas means the year is quickly drawing to a close. Here are some standout titles of 2019 that I had somehow missed upon their initial release that are well worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Kiefer Sutherland
Title: Reckless & Me (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Merle Haggard, Michael Ubaldini, Johnny Cash
Tell me more: Although Kiefer Sutherland's outstanding Jude Cole-produced debut Down in a Hole was among my favorite albums of 2016, I somehow missed the release of the famed actor-musician's sophomore album when it was released back in April 2019 (I'll blame it on my Coachella-related duties). Well, I've finally had a chance to listen to Reckless & Me and I'm kicking myself that I didn't wrap my ears around this 10-track LP sooner. All the honest real life tales and authentic traditional country music elements that made Sutherland's debut a thrill are firmly in place this time around as well with the raspy-voiced singer demonstrating even more confidence with his signature vocals. Take "Saskatchewan," whose stirring arc includes an otherworldly musical intro, beautifully-delivered spoken word and sung sections as well as poignant literate verses worthy of the genre's greatest icons. The honky tonk gem "This is How It's Done," Leon Russell-flavored romp "Run to Him," evocative "Song for a Daughter," enthralling "Open Road," genre-busting "Agave" and countrified rock take on the 1993 Patty Loveless hit "Blame It On Your Heart" are as artistically rich as they are unquestionably listenable. One of the year's best. Information: KieferSutherland.net.

Artist: Hootie & the Blowfish
Title: Imperfect Circle (Capitol Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Hootie & the Blowfish, Carbon Leaf, Darius Rucker
Tell me more: It had been nearly 15 years since Hooties & the Blowfish last released a new album when Imperfect Circle was issued at the beginning of November. Fans of the South Carolina-spawned quartet's infectious blend of melodic alt and country-tinged rock will not be disappointed with this long-awaited return. The magic and innate gift the band has for creating instantly-memorable and inviting jangly roots rock is featured across the 13-track disc. The bouncy "New Year's Day," captivating "Wildfire Love" (featuring guest singer Lucie Silvas), reggae-flavored "Turn It Up," reflective "Why" and buoyant heartland rocker "Rollin' " are among the top-tier cuts on the LP. Singer Darius Rucker's rich baritone is as potent as when it was first heard on Hootie & the Blowfish's 1994 debut album Cracked Rear View. The talents of guitarist-backing vocalist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim Sonefeld provide nuanced musicality to the set, making this an essential listen for fans of the group. Information: hootie.com.

Artist: Andy Hill & Renee Safier
Title: Fuse32 (Andy Hill & Renee Safier)
You might like if you enjoy: Fleetwood Mac
Tell me more: Fixtures on the Southern California music scene, Andy Hill  & Renee Safier, have just issued their 16th audio CD title, Fuse32. The talented duo's wide-ranging sonic spirit extends from uptempo classic rock-styled material to affecting ballads. It is the diversity of material, their wonderful voices (whether solo and or when harmonizing together) and their ability to tap into compelling songwriting traditions that make the album such a great listen. The riff rocker "Jack (Get Me Out of the Hole)," electronic-draped "It's Fine," Bob Dylan-worthy "Blood On The Tracks," the country tearjerker "I Fall Apart" (showcasing Safier's lovely soprano), opulent "Great Big Light" and ambitious roots rocker "Fuse32" are among the excellent songs on the album. Information: andyandrenee.com.

Artists: Culture, Gladiators, the Mighty Diamonds, more
Title: Send I a Lion: A Nighthawk Reggae Joint (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Morwells, Wailing Souls, Culture
Tell me more: Reggae lovers will want to fully immerse themselves in the 20-track compilation Send I A Lion: A Nighthawk Reggae Joint. The new title gathers together Nighthawk Records founder/producer Leroy Jodie Pierson's favorite roots reggae tracks from that vital label. The range of material is bound by strong songwriting and strong production bringing out the vocals and musicians. The material is uniformly strong; my favorites on the disc include Culture's hypnotic "Calling Rastafari," Justin Hinds and the Dominoes' tender "Weeping Eyes," the Mighty Diamonds' alluring "4000 Years," celebratory horns-adorned "Bless Our Soul courtesy of the Gladiators, and Morwells' pop-tinted "Young Lover." Of particular interest is a previously-unissued demo where the Mighty Diamonds perform the aforementioned "4000 Years," where Bunny Diamond is providing the rhythm played on the back of a phone book! The retrospective contains detailed liner notes and photos from Pierson's collection adding depth to the wonderful release. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.


Robert Kinsler

Rock 'n' Roll Reads: Open Up These Essential Titles

Gift-minded music volumes focused on Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, The Zombies and Excello Records make their mark on the printed page.  

Title: Queen: Album by Album
Author: Martin Popoff
Publisher: Voyageur Press
Tell me more: With the commercial success of the 2018 motion picture "Bohemian Rhapsody" there has been an explosive interest in the music of the British rock quartet Queen. The release of author Martin Popoff's Queen: Album by Album is an inviting place for both casual and long-time fans of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band to learn more about the enduring work of Freddie Mercury (vocals, keyboards), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass) and Roger Taylor (percussion, vocals).  When readers get the beautiful 224-page Queen: Album by Album they are getting the insight of renowned rock journalist Popoff along with the perspective of a number of knowledgeable music notables including Sir Paul McCartney, Darius Rucker (Hootie & the Blowfish), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Roger Manning, Jr. (Jellyfish, Beck), Derek Shulman (Gentle Giant) and many more who add their impressions and expertise on the band's first 15 albums (this includes all Queen LPs released during Mercury's lifetime and Made In Heaven released four years after his death). In addition to a full examination of each of the Queen albums the fully-illustrated book features live performance and behind-the-scenes photography along with a wealth of Queen ephemera like tickets and posters. Information: amazon.com.

Title: Bruce Springsteen: An Illustrated Biography
Author: Meredith Ochs
Publisher: Becker&Mayer! books
Tell me more: The beautiful hardcover Bruce Springsteen: An Illustrated Biography spans 182 pages and includes a myriad of images of the New Jersey rocker spanning his 50-year career. While the wealth of dynamic color and black & white images and 10 pieces of removable memorabilia (including Bruce Springsteen's draft card that saved him from being shipped off to Vietnam) will catch any fan's eye, author Meredith Ochs' wonderful writing style capturing the depth and range of Springsteen's singular career as recording artist and performer is equally essential. The volume offers all the high marks of Springsteen's distinguished career including and up to his recent "Springsteen on Broadway" series of performances in New York City. Information: QuartoKnows.com.

Title: Dreaming of Dylan: 115 Dreams About Bob
Author: Created, collected & edited by Mary Lee Kortes
Publisher: BMG Books
Tell me more: Isn't it appropriate that one of the most interesting and original music-minded book titles of 2018 is focused on Bob Dylan? Dreaming of Dylan: 115 Dreams About Bob will appeal to not only fans of Robert Allen Zimmerman but of poetry and the burgeoning field of understanding dreams. Brooklyn, New York-based author/musician Mary Lee Kortes has collected and compiled a collection of terrific writings where guests ranging from Patti Smith and Kevin Odegard to Jimbo Mathus (of Squirrel Nut Zippers fame) and everyday fans of Dylan have contributed their slumber time-gathered remembrances alongside more than 100 original illustrations, photographs and colorful images that adorn the 160-page hardcover edition. With dreams anything is possible as evidenced by wonderful nocturnal turns where Dylan is president, can be found fishing alongside a remote lake and even serving as a band mate of one dreamer. A terrific gift for any music fan. Information: IndieBound.org.

Title: Shake Your Hips: The Excello Records Story
Author: Randy Fox
Publisher: BMG Books
Tell me more: Part of BMG Books' newly-launched "RPM Series," Shake Your Hips: The Excello Records Story is artfully-sized at 7"x7" to mimic the classic dimensions of a 45 rpm record. The 200-page title delves into the history and influence of the groundbreaking record label Excello Records and its sister Nashboro label (the other initial volume in the series The Sub Pop Records Story offers a glimpse into the Seattle-based Sub Pop Records). Author Randy Fox, a Nashville-based author and deejay, has researched and lovingly restored the range of behind-the-scenes players and artists whose mix of Southern rock 'n' roll, jump blues, gospel, early R&B and Cajun-flavored swamp styles emerged out of Nashville, Tennessee in the early 1950s. The parade of influential artists celebrated includes Slim Harpo, the Prisonaires, Arthur Gunter, Lightnin' Slim and Lazy Lester. There are  also 16 pages of historic black & white photos included in the wonderful paperback. Information: amazon.com.

Title: The "Odessey": The Zombies in Words and Images
Authors: Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Hugh Grundy, Chris White
Publisher: Reel Art Press/BMG Books
Tell me more: Although The "Odessey": The Zombies in Words and Images was published in 2017, the lavish 152-page hardcover book has received renewed attention in 2018 with the 50th anniversary of The Zombies' 1968 masterwork Odessey and Oracle. With the Zombies once again nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this amazing journey through the seminal '60s-spawned band's career is fully captured via the memories of original members Rod Argent (keyboards, vocals), Colin Blunstone (lead vocals), Hugh Grundy (percussion) and Chris White (bass guitar, vocals). Fully illustrated, the volume features plenty of photographs from throughout the troupe's 50+ year run and the original artwork of artist Terry Quirk (who completed the cover of Odessey and Oracle a half century ago) and Vivienne Boucherat (who created mixed media artwork for each song). If you hurry, you can get a copy of the incredible book signed by original members Argent and Blunstone via the group's official website. Information: TheZombiesMusic.com.



Robert Kinsler

Kris Kristofferson & Willie Nelson Perform "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" at Taste of Country

Anyone who has seen Kris Kristofferson perform in concert or is familiar with his incredible songs will be excited to get details about the exciting tribute "The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson' coming to CMT next month. Get all the details on the TV special, as well as the concert film and audio recordings set to be released as well...

WATCH KRIS KRISTOFFERSON AND WILLIE NELSON PERFORM “SUNDAY MORNIN’ COMIN’ DOWN,” EXCLUSIVELY AT TASTE OF COUNTRY

CMT TO PREMIERE STAR-STUDDED CONCERT FILM AND RECORDING“THE LIFE & SONGS OF KRIS KRISTOFFERSON” OCTOBER 27, 2017 AT 10PM ET/PT

FULL LENGTH CONCERT FILM AND AUDIO RECORDINGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE PRE-ORDER AND WILL BE RELEASED ON OCTOBER 27, 2017 VIA BLACKBIRD PRESENTS RECORDS

THE BROADCAST PREMIERE AND CONCERT FILM INCLUDES PERFORMANCES BY
KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, LADY ANTEBELLUM, DIERKS BENTLEY, RYAN BINGHAM, ROSANNE CASH, ERIC CHURCH, EMMYLOU HARRIS, JAMEY JOHNSON, ALISON KRAUSS, MARTINA MCBRIDE, REBA MCENTIRE, WILLIE NELSON, JENNIFER NETTLES, DARIUS RUCKER, HANK WILLIAMS JR. AND MANY MORE

SEE THE OFFICIAL TRAILER

 http://songsofkristofferson.com/trailer

September 28, 2017, New York, NY — Blackbird Presents Records offers another sneak preview from the upcoming concert film and CD/DVD release, The Life & Songs Of Kris Kristofferson. “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” features Kris Kristofferson joined by longtime friend Willie Nelson. Together they perform the Kristofferson-penned, 1970 No. 1 country hit for their fellow Highwayman, Johnny Cash. Watch it on TASTE OF COUNTRY. Kristofferson also performed the song last week at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s 50th anniversary celebration, honoring each of the 50 Song Of The Year winners in its history.

“Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” was the first of three NSAI Song Of The Year winners Kristofferson penned, and he is one of only two songwriters to ever write as many. The song is currently available to stream and download at most online outlets HERE.

As previously announced, CMT will premiere the 90-minute broadcast on Friday, October 27 at 10 PM ET and Blackbird Presents Records will release the full-length concert film as a CD/DVD combo on the same day. The Life & Songs Of Kris Kristofferson CD/DVD and official concert merchandise is available for immediate preorder via Blackbird Presents at http://songsofkristofferson.com

 

In addition to the CD/DVD release fans can get exclusive merchandise from PledgeMusic (http://pledgemusic.com/projects/songsofkristofferson) including a limited edition framed gig poster from the night of the show, color photo, and an Epiphone Ltd. Ed. 1963 J-45 guitar, all signed by Kris Kristofferson.

The Life & Songs Of Kris Kristofferson features captivating performances, in-depth interviews, and compelling behind-the-scenes footage with Kris Kristofferson, Jessi Alexander, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Ryan Bingham, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Rodney Crowell, Larry Gatlin, Emmylou Harris, Jack Ingram, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, The Travelin' McCourys, Reba McEntire, Buddy Miller, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Jon Randall, Darius Rucker, Hank Williams Jr. and Lee Ann Womack. Performances include a range of Kristofferson classics, such as "Me And Bobby McGee" (performed by Reba McEntire), "Help Me Make It Through The Night" (Performed by Lady Antebellum), "To Beat The Devil" (Performed by Eric Church), a very special performance of "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" (performed by Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson), and an all- star grand finale performance of "Why Me."

Kristofferson, a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, is considered a true poet who helped modernize the genre with songs such as "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," "Help Me Make It Through the Night," "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Lovin' Her Was Easier." These are the songs of heartbreak and despair, of love and loss, of yearning and hope. These are the songs so honest that we adopted them as our own. They are the songs of a life led unlike any other: An All-American athlete, Golden Gloves boxer, Army Ranger, helicopter pilot, singer-songwriter, social activist, humanitarian and movie star.

Keith Wortman is creator and executive producer of the show. GRAMMY® Award-winner Don Was served as music director alongside country music legend Buddy Cannon. An all-star band that included featured artist and GRAMMY® Award-winner Buddy Miller backed the performers at this incomparable concert event taping.

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

http://songsofkristofferson.com

#songsofkristofferson

 

###

About Blackbird Presents

Blackbird Presents is a global media company that produces premium content via a range of strategies including large-scale concert events and festivals, broadcast series and specials, and music releases featuring major music stars across all genres and demographics.

Blackbird's recent concerts, broadcast specials and releases include "Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard," "The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson," "Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert," "Outlaw: Celebrating The Music of Waylon Jennings," "I'll Take You There: Celebrating 75 Years of Mavis Staples," "The Life and Songs of Emmylou Harris," "Lynyrd Skynyrd: One More For The Fans," "The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: Celebrating Mac and His Music," and "All My Friends: Celebrating The Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman," the latter of which earned a 2014 GRAMMY® Award nomination for Gregg Allman and Taj Mahal's awe- inspiring performance of "Statesboro Blues."

Blackbird Presents is also creator and producer behind the Outlaw Music Festival Tour, in partnership with Willie Nelson; the American Roots Music & Arts Festival, in partnership with Eric Church; and The Last Waltz 40 Tour.
Visit us at http://blackbirdpresents.com

About Kris Kristofferson

Kristofferson is a Country Music Hall of Famer who ranks among the most versatile of American talents. He's been a Golden Gloves boxer, a Rhodes scholar, a college football player, an acclaimed actor, a military officer, a helicopter pilot, a GRAMMY® winner, and an icon. It was the singing and the writing that called to him. He wound up penning classics including "Me and Bobby McGee," "Help Me Make It Through the Night," "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" and "For The Good Times," as well as a slew of other empathetic, incisive gems. Kristofferson— along with contemporaries Tom T. Hall, Mickey Newbury, Willie Nelson and John Prine— enhanced the scope of country music songwriting, focusing on layering, nuance, empathy and emotional truth. Once established, he quickly became one of music's most charismatic and intriguing figures. Kristofferson went on to a prolific acting career with roles in "A Star is Born," "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," "Blade" and many more films.

About CMT

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMT Press.

2-CD TRACKLISTING:

1. "Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends" Buddy Miller
2. "Kristofferson" Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall & Larry Gatlin
3. "Here Comes That Rainbow Again" Martina McBride
4. "The Taker" Ryan Bingham
5. "The Captive" Jessi Colter
6. "Nobody Wins" Lee Ann Womack
7. "Jesus Was A Capricorn (Owed to John Prine)" Jack Ingram
8. "Worth Fighting For" Jennifer Nettles
9. "Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)" Rosanne Cash
10. "Chase The Feeling" Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
11. "The Pilgrim: Chapter 33" Emmylou Harris & Kris Kristofferson
12. "From the Bottle to the Bottom" Dierks Bentley & The Travelin' McCourys
13. "Help Me Make It Through The Night" Lady Antebellum
14. "Under The Gun" Darius Rucker
15. "For The Good Times" Jamey Johnson & Alison Krauss
16. "Casey's Last Ride" Alison Krauss
17. "If You Don't Like Hank Williams" Hank Williams Jr.
18. "To Beat The Devil" Eric Church
19. "Me And Bobby McGee" Reba McEntire
20. "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" Willie Nelson & Kris Kristofferson
21. "Why Me" Kris Kristofferson & Full Ensemble

Pre-Order:

http://songsofkristofferson.comhttps://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/songsofkristofferson

Scarred But Smarter: Life N Times Of Drivin' N' Cryin'

The world is full of amazing artists who deserve to be better known. It's nice to see Drivin' N' Cryin' getting some well-deserved attention...

Scarred But Smarter: Life N Times Of Drivin' N' Cryin'

coming to DVD and digital formats on September 23, 2016 courtesy of MVD Entertainment

The strange true story of legendary Southern alternative rock band

Director Eric Von Haessler spent three years looking for reasons why his favorite band, Drivin' N' Cryin', hadn't enjoyed more national success. With the help of fellow fans Peter Buck, Darius Rucker, Jason Isbell, David Lowery, Ed Roland, Ty Pennington, Blackberry Smoke, and others, he uncovers the fascinating, behind-the-scenes story of a band that has spent the last 30 years both creating great music and making questionable career moves. Along the way he finds that Drivin' N' Cryin' is a true rock & roll success.

This documentary film uses album tracks and videos, never before seen performances, interviews from the past and present, along with archival behind the scenes footage to tell the true story of Drivin' N' Cryin'. It's a raw and honest look behind the curtain, warts and all. 

The DVD includes extras with full length live performances, new music videos, and more. "Scarred But Smarter" features interviews and performances from Kevn Kinney, Tim Nielsen, Mac Carter, Dave V. Johnson, Paul Lenz, Jeff Sullivan, Buren Fowler, Sadler Vaden, Peter Buck, Jason Isbell, Darius Rucker, David Lowery, Ed Roland (of Collective Soul fame), Edwin McCain, Blackberry Smoke, Charlie Starr, Ty Pennington, Michelle Malone, T. Hardy Morris, and more!

The DVD can be pre-ordered now at the MVD Shop

Sights and Sounds: Holiday Music Roundups, Austin City Limits, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve

With Christmas set to arrive in just over three weeks, best to catch up with the latest holiday music collections. Indeed, there are exciting new holiday recordings from the celebrated likes of Erasure, Johnnyswim, The Living Sisters, Darius Rucker, Idina Menzel and more!

You can read my roundup of new seasonal sounds in my latest column on the Music News Nashville site here. You can read George A. Paul's fantastic roundup on his Music Minded blog here.


Austin City Limits Announces Complete Season 40 Broadcast TV Schedule

Milestone Season Continues January 3rd With Seven New Episodes Including Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Ryan Adams, Jenny Lewis, Nickel Creek, Spoon and Sam Smith

Austin, TX—December 3, 2014—The landmark television music series Austin City Limits (ACL) unwraps the second half of its milestone Season 40, celebrating a four-decade run with more legendary artists, innovators and highly-anticipated debuts.  Seven brand-new shows begin airing in January 2015 as part of the program's fourteen-episode season. Providing viewers with a front-row seat to the best in music performance for 40 years, ACL returns on Saturday, January 3, 2015 with a double-bill featuring the return of roots rockers The Avett Brothers and Grammy-winning bluegrass trio Nickel Creek. ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings for times) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at http://video.pbs.org/program/austin-city-limits/ immediately following the initial broadcast. The show's official hashtag is #acltv40.

A highlight of the season is powerhouse rock duo The Black Keys, with the six-time Grammy winners making their highly anticipated ACL return, having first appeared in Season 36. ACL favorites Spoon make their fourth appearance, sharing the bill with fellow Austin natives White Denim. Acclaimed singer/songwriter Jenny Lewis returns for her solo ACL debut, originally appearing in Season 31 as part of the indie rock duo Rilo Kiley; in what's sure to be one of ACL's most talked about episodes, Ryan Adams shares the bill in a memorable ACL return. The extended line-up features a number of artists making ACL debuts, among them chart-topping British sensation Sam Smith, synth-pop trio Future Islands and southern rockers J. Roddy Walston & The Business.

Rock superstars Foo Fighters return to the ACL stage with an hourlong, monumental performance. Joined by Austin legends Gary Clark Jr. and Jimmie Vaughan, Foo Fighters’ powerful performance is a high point of the standout season.  The renowned band recently immortalized Austin and ACL's executive producer Terry Lickona in an installment of their HBO series Sonic Highways, even recording a song, “What Did I Do?/God As My Witness”,  in ACL's historic Studio 6A for their companion new release.  

ACL closes out the celebratory season with a special episode featuring performance highlights from the first annual Austin City Limits Hall of Fame presentation.  Performers include music legends Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett,Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy and Double Trouble.  

“We’ve had an amazing 40th anniversary year,” says ACL’s Terry Lickona, “and the second half of the season says as much about the future as our past. As always, we try to showcase the best music being created today, and every one of these shows is exceptional. Then for a grand finale, we’ll tie it all together with a celebration of the artists and individuals who have inspired the longest-running music show on TV.”

Season 40 | 2015 Broadcast Schedule

January 3, 2015      | The Avett Brothers | Nickel Creek
January 10, 2015    | Spoon | White Denim
January 17, 2015    | Sam Smith | Future Islands
January 24, 2015    | Ryan Adams | Jenny Lewis
January 31, 2015    | The Black Keys | J. Roddy Walston & The Business
February 7, 2015    | Foo Fighters
February 14, 2015  | Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Special

Honoring ACL's milestone 40th anniversary, PBS releases the DVD AUSTIN CITY LIMITS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS on December 2, 2015, featuring an all-star lineup of ACL royalty paying tribute to the show's enduring legacy with unforgettable music performances. With guest hosts Jeff Bridges, Sheryl Crow and Matthew McConaughey, the two-hour program features memorable moments from the trailblazing show’s remarkable run, while the brightest stars in the series’ history return to the ACL stage for dream duets and choice collaborations. Artists performing on the special include: Alabama Shakes, Jeff Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Joe Ely, Foo Fighters, Buddy Guy,Emmylou Harris, Robert Earl Keen, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Randolph, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Jimmie Vaughan. DVD bonus material includes additional music performances from artists such as Willie Nelson and Alabama Shakes, as well as two behind the scenes segments.


About Austin City Limits
ACL offers viewers unparalleled access to featured acts in an intimate setting that provides a platform for artists to deliver inspired, memorable, full-length performances. The program is taped live before a concert audience from The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the pilot episode taped in 1974 with Willie Nelson. Since its inception, the groundbreaking music series has become an institution that's helped secure Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in 2012.

ACL is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by Budweiser, the Austin Convention Center Department, Dell and HomeAway. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

Florida Georgia Line, Magic! and Idina Menzel to join Taylor Swift on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve; set to perform for more than one million fans in Times Square

 
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015" Begins Live 
at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC-TV from New York’s Times Square
 
 

Los Angeles, CA (December 3, 2014) – Florida Georgia Line, MAGIC! and Idina Menzel will perform live for over one million fans in Times Square as part of the lineup on “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015.” Menzel will sing the winter wonderland instant classic “Let It Go,” Florida Georgia Line’s medley of songs will include their record-breaking, multi-platinum #1 smash “Cruise,” platinum-certified hit "This Is How We Roll" and current single “Sun Daze,” and MAGIC! will perform their chart topper “Rude” and recent release “Let Your Hair Down.” They will join headliner Taylor Swift for the biggest music celebration of the year as the New Year's Rockin' Eve programming begins at 8:00 pm ET/PT on ABC Television Network.

The bi-coastal celebration will include hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe, and Ryan Seacrest will lead the traditional countdown to midnight from Times Square in New York City as he has for the last 9 years. As previously announced, Jenny McCarthy will report live from Times Square and Fergie hosts the Billboard Hollywood Party with previously announced performers Charli XCX, One Direction and Meghan Trainor.

Florida Georgia Line is continuing the record-breaking momentum with the release of their GOLD-certified sophomore album ANYTHING GOES (Republic Nashville) soaring to a #1 debut on the all-genre Billboard 200 and Billboard Top Country Albums charts. Fueled by their hot new single “Sun Daze” and PLATINUM, #1 smash "Dirt," music critics and fans alike have embraced the superstar duo’s fresh sound. FGL has skyrocketed to stardom becoming the only artist in history to join Brooks & Dunn in achieving four back-to-back, multi-week #1 singles; breaking the record for longest #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and selling nearly 20 million tracks worldwide of their 2X PLATINUM debut HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES. In addition to collaborating across genres with sensations like Nelly and Jason Derulo, FGL has won numerous industry awards and for a second consecutive year were named one of CMT Artists of the Year. In addition to scoring the 2014 Billboard Touring Award for Breakthrough Artist and the American Music Award for Favorite Band Duo or Group, Country, FGL scored their first nomination for the 2015 People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Country Group and fans can vote now at http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/. The talented pair, who was named one of CMT’s Artists of the Year for a second time, has also been tapped to perform on WWE’s “Tribute To The Troops” later this month and to host the first-ever American Country Countdown Awards on December 15. Airing live on FOX, FGL scored six nominations for the new awards show, including the top nod for Artist of the Year. Just off the road as direct support on Jason Aldean's BURN IT DOWN TOUR, FGL will take their signature show worldwide next year on the headline ANYTHING GOES TOUR 2015.

Toronto born, Los Angeles based quartet MAGIC! consists of Nasri (lead singer), Mark Pelli (guitar), Ben Spivak (bass) and Alex Tanas (drums). Their debut album, Don’t Kill The Magic debuted at #6 on the Billboard Top 200 and #2 on the Digital Albums Chart. The album produced the certified platinum single “Rude” which was #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 6 consecutive weeks, the most Shazammed song of the Summer in the US and has sold over 4 million singles worldwide. The music video for “Rude” has over 230 million views. MAGIC! is set to hit the road in 2015 with Maroon 5 in support of Don’t Kill The Magic. Their follow up single, “Let Your Hair Down” is currently rising up the charts.

Tony Award-winning icon Idina Menzel has a diverse career that traverses stage, film, television and music. Menzel’s voice can be heard as Elsa in Disney’s global box office smash Frozen, in which she sings the film’s Oscar-winning song “Let It Go.” After Menzel’s performance of the multi-platinum song at the 86^th annual Academy Awards, she made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting. Menzel earned her first Tony nomination as Maureen in the Pulitzer Prize winner Rent, and won the award for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked. Other notable roles include Rachel Berry’s mother, Shelby Corcoran, on the hit television show Glee as well starring opposite Susan Sarandon and Amy Adams in Disney’s Enchanted. Menzel starred in her own PBS special, Barefoot at the Symphony, with an accompanying live album of the same name, and her highly successful international concert tour recently included a sold-out performance at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to cast albums, Menzel’s prolific recording career includes the solo albums I Stand, Here and Still I Can’t Be Still. Her first-ever Christmas album Holiday Wishes, released October 2014 on Warner Bros. Records, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Holiday Albums chart and is already receiving rave reviews. Menzel can currently be seen on Broadway as Elizabeth in the original production If/Then, for which she earned critical acclaim and her third Tony nomination, and performed “Always Starting Over” from the musical at this year’s Tony Awards.

“Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015” is produced by dick clark productions with Ryan Seacrest, Allen Shapiro and Mike Mahan serving as executive producers, and Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are co-executive producers. Larry Klein is producer.

The complete lineup Wednesday night, December 31 on ABC is:

8:00 - 11:00 p.m. – “Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015”

11:30 - 1:09 a.m. – “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015, Part 1”

1:10 - 2:13 a.m.– “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015, Part 2”
          
Cheat Tweet: 
.@FLAGALine, @ournameisMAGIC & @idinamenzel to perform on #RockinEve. Watch @OfficialNYRE 12/31 at 8pm ET on ABC: http://bit.ly/RockinEvePerformers

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Website:           newyearsrockineve.com

ABOUT DICK CLARK PRODUCTIONS
dick clark productions (dcp) is among the world's largest producers and proprietors of televised live event programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as the "American Music Awards," "Golden Globe Awards," "Academy of Country Music Awards," "Billboard Music Awards," and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest." Weekly television programming, includes "So You Think You Can Dance" from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, and dick clark productions; as well as "Rising Star" and the upcoming “Boom!” from Keshet DCP, the joint venture between Keshet International (KI), the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group, and DC Media, the parent company of dick clark productions (dcp). In 2014, dcp will debut the "American Country Countdown Awards" (FOX), “Hollywood Film Awards (CBS) and "The PEOPLE MAGAZINE Awards" (NBC). dcp also owns one of the world's most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries with more than 55 years of dcp's award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances, and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.