Today's Country Tidbits

Kenny Chesney's sure going to be on stage a lot for someone who's not touring this year. He'll play the Houston Rodeo on March 4th - it's the first time in five years he's played that event. Other country acts performing include Alan Jackson (March 2), Dierks Bentley (March 3), Jason Aldean (March 6), Tim McGraw (March 8), Darius Rucker (March 9), Rascal Flatts (March 10), Brad Paisley (March 11), Toby Keith (March 12), Blake Shelton (March 13), Lady Antebellum (March 15), Keith Urban (March 16), Gary Allan (March 17), the Eli Young Band (March 19) and Brooks & Dunn (March 20). Meanwhile, Kenny Chesney is in the studio, working on a new crop of hits, and is in the final editing stages of his concert film, "Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D."

With a plot that sounds a bit like a soap opera, Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow are hard at work, filming "Love Don't Let Me Down" in Nashville. Tim's got a more intense and complicated role in this movie, where he plays the husband-manager of a washed-up country singer, played by Gwyneth. Another love interest crops up for her, and another beautiful young woman becomes entangled in the mess. The movie should be out sometime this fall. By the way, Tim is sporting a full beard for the part, and he says that the facial hair is driving him crazy.

Darius Rucker is about to hit the road with Rascal Flatts for the final leg of the American Living Unstoppable Tour. Watch for his cd sales to rise as a result - his show is hot!

Vince Gill is giving a big assist to Cupid this Valentine's Day, with the release of his "Love Songs" cd on January 26th.

Singer/songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter has a new album ready for release. "The Age of Miracles" is due out on April 27th, with a tour to follow.

Gloriana will be on the Ellen DeGeneres Show today, performing, chatting and probably laughing a lot.