Friday, July 30, 2010

Today's Country Tidbits

Rascal Flatts fans, rejoice - there's new music on the way from the band. The new song, "Why Wait," has already been sent to radio stations across America and the new album, "Nothing Like This," drops November 16th. There's a new energy in this project as Rascal Flatts moves from their old label, Lyric Street, to Big Machine, the same label as Taylor Swift. At yesterday's press conference, Jay DeMarcus joked, "I'm just thrilled Taylor let us on the label. What, she's in Europe? Let's get this deal done!"

In more Jay DeMarcus news, he and wife Allison found out they're expecting a baby girl in January.

How big a sports fan is Kenny Chesney? The video for his football-themed song, "The Boys of Fall," will premiere on ESPN's "SportsCenter" just before noon eastern this coming Monday, and re-air at 2pm. Kenny Chesney says of the video, "I have friends in this video ... a lot of my heroes are in this video. It has been one of the highlights of my life." The video uses shots filmed for Kenny's upcoming football documentary, "The Boys of Fall," which features Sean Payton, Joe Namath, John Madden, Bill Parcells and many more football greats from college ball and the pros.

Love Blake Shelton? Then you have a date with him Sunday night, when he does a live chat in downtown Nashville. If you're in - or could be in - Nashville on Sunday, enter to win a ticket to the event so you can be at the chat in person. The chat will stream on Blake's website and also on CMT.com.

Yesterday, I showed you Lady Antebellum's spoof of Lee Brice's "Love Like Crazy." Lee Brice weighs in today on being the target of their sharp wit and pen: "This is really funny, and I am honored that Lady A decided to tackle my song. I understand that mine is the second song they've spoofed and only two songs in, they've perfected the craft. Hey guys, how about a writing session in the next few weeks?”

Jimmy Wayne will wrap up his cross-country walk to spotlight the problem of teen homelessness this weekend in Phoenix, Arizona. He started on January 1st and has walked through all kinds of bad weather. He'll arrive in Mesa, just outside of Phoenix, tomorrow and will give a free concert at Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar and Grill." Sunday morning, he'll finish the walk, ending up at HomeBase Youth Services in Phoenix. At least one marching band will be walking the last mile with him, and many fans and friends are expected to walk with him, too.

Mark your calendar - will be September 16-18 in Savannah, Tennessee. Music, golf and a motorcycle poker run are just parts of the weekend of fun.

Happy birthday to Neal McCoy, who turns 52 today.

The tweet of the day is from James Otto: "My wonderful wife & baby mamma totally spoiled me on my Birthday & bought me an I-pad. Daddy Likey"