We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

KHAZ Country Music News: Kacey Musgraves Gets Literal with Debut Album, “Same Trailer Different Park,” Due Out March 19

khaz Kacey Musgraves20130123Country newcomer Kacey Musgraves is climbing the charts with her straightforward debut single, “Merry Go Round,” and now she’s set to release her full-length album, Same Trailer Different Park, on March 19.  Kacey wrote or co-wrote every song on the project in the same, direct style of “Merry Go Round.”

“That’s my favorite kind of music…simple and sparse,” Kacey tells ABC News Radio.  “I, over the years have learned how to hone in on saying things more simply because, I mean, you just don’t need to get all poetic and complicated and put things over people’s heads.”

While Kacey likes to be as literal as possible in her lyrics, that style of writing isn’t as easy to pull off as it may seem.

She says, “It did take a little while to learn how to do that.  That’s the hardest thing to write.  It’s weird.  You know, it sounds like the most simple thing, but that’s the hardest thing to write.”

Kacey will perform songs from Same Trailer Different Park on the road with Little Big Town and Kenny Chesney in the coming months.  Check out KaceyMusgraves.com to see where she’s performing next.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Gary Allan Is Living Out the Title of His Latest Album, “Set You Free,” Now on Sale

khaz gary allan 20130123Gary Allan‘s first album in nearly three years, Set You Free, is now available in stores and online.  Part of the holdup on the new music came from some internal politics at his record label.  Now that a new president is in charge, Garry feels like he’s living out the title of his new album.

He tells ABC News Radio, “I feel like we’ve just been shackled for a while, and it’s great to be set free.”

The songs on Set You Free are also sequenced to tell the story of a person being set free from pain at the end of a relationship, staring with the first track “Tough Goodbye.”

“It goes through all of the anger and the spin-outs and all the things you would go through during the healing process, and then it wraps up with ‘Good as New,'” Gary explains.  “So, it’s like the whole process of a breakup to recovery.”

The album’s lead single, “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” picks up on that hopeful message, and Gary had his kids involved when he was writing it.

He says, “I kept picturing my kids, like, you want every word that you say to be positive because it insinuates something down.  So, you wanted every word in it to be forward.”

Look for Gary to perform on NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno Wednesday night.  He’s set to sing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on February 11 too.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Brad Paisley Performs at Inaugural Ball

khaz brad paisley 20120719Brad Paisley was one of the performers Monday night at the two official inauguration balls for President Obama at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., including the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball.

Brad played his hit “American Saturday Night” for the crowd, remarking, “Our democracy is the envy of the world, and tonight we celebrate by getting drunk in a convention center.”

The balls also featured Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Stevie Wonder and others.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Reba Spills the Details on Her Weekend Getaway in Las Vegas

khaz reba mcentire 20121203Reba and her husband Narvel Blackstock recently took time out from working on Reba’s sitcom Malibu Country to enjoy aa weekend getaway in Las Vegas.  The trip included seeing Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Soul 2 Soul concert at The Venetian.  Reba and Narvel even spent a few moments with Tim and Faith before the show.

Reba describes the concert as an “hour and a half show packed full of great singing, wonderful heartfelt songs, with a super band and a stage chocked full of eye candy lighting and scenery!!!!”

She adds at Reba.com, “It’s a great show and they are SO cute together!!!”

Reba and Narvel also spent time playing blackjack and the roulette wheel at The Wynn and MGM Grand and eating at the restaurants Cut at the Venetian and a local favorite, Lotus of Siam.

Though she’s not hosting the show this year, Reba plans to return to Las Vegas for the ACM Awards on April 7.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: George Strait Sells 77,000 Tickets in Two Minutes for March 17 Date in Houston

khaz george strait 20121210George Strait sold more than 77,000 tickets in two minutes when tickets went on sale for his March 17 show at Houston’s Reliant Stadium. The concert is part of George’s final trek, The Cowboy Rides Away tour, and also the closing night of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The Rodeo’s vice president, Leroy Shafer, tells Billboard, “I have been involved with marketing rodeo and concerts here since 1973 and this is the hottest show we have put on sale in those 40 years. This is going to shatter all Reliant Stadium attendance records.”

The March 17 show will mark George’s 29th appearance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The Cowboy Rides Away tour continues Friday in Salt Lake City, Utah, with special guest Martina McBride opening all dates.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Brantley Gilbert and Jana Kramer Are Engaged

khaz brantley gilbert jana kramer 20130122Congratulations to newly engaged couple Brantley Gilbert and Jana Kramer.  According to People, Brantley popped the question to Jana Sunday on the stage at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, which he had rented out for the day.  Sunday was also Brantley’s 28th birthday.

The couple says in a statement to People, “We could not be happier.  We are so excited to share this special time with our loved ones and cannot wait to start the rest of our lives together. ”

The couple has been dating about a year, and Jana admits she was surprised by the proposal.

She says, “He asked my mom for permission before he proposed, which meant a lot to me.”

Brantley and Jana have been sharing a home in Nashville.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Jason Aldean Sells Out Madison Square Garden in 10 Minutes

khaz jason aldean 20130121Jason Aldean‘s March 2 show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden sold out in just 10 minutes when tickets went on sale Friday morning. The concert is part of Jason’s Night Train tour, which also includes sold-out stops at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium, a two-night run at Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field.

Jason thinks this sellout at Madison Square Garden proves just how popular country music is in the Big Apple. He says, “I am blown away that my show sold out that quickly…it makes me even more excited to hit rehearsals this month and get the Night Train tour on the road.  I can’t wait to see you, New York!” 

Also, Jason’s single, “Take a Little Ride,” has been certified platinum for one million paid downloads. It was the lead single from his latest platinum album, Night Train. Jason is currently climbing the country chart with “The Only Way I Know,” featuring Luke Bryan and Eric Church.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Dierks Bentley, The Band Perry and More Playing ACM Experience This April in Vegas

khaz ACM Awards Logo 20121203The Academy of Country Music is holding a two-day ticketed music festival in Las Vegas in the days leading up to the ACM Awards in April. The ACM Experience is set for April 5 and 6 at the Orleans Arena with Dierks Bentley, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band and Kix Brooks on the bill. Florida Georgia Line, Justin Moore and Hunter Hayes are also performing, and more stars will be added soon.

Tickets for the ACM Experience are available at OrleansCasino.com. The 48th Annual ACM Awards will be handed out live on CBS Sunday, April 7 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: George Strait Launches Cowboy Rides Away Tour, Presents Serviceman with Free Home

khaz george strait 20121210George Strait launched his The Cowboy Rides Away tour in Lubbock, Texas, Friday with a nearly 100 minute set. The first song performed to kick off his farewell tour was the 2011 hit “Here for a Good Time,” and George kept the party going with hits, including “Ocean Front Property,” “Check Yes or No,” “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” and “Marina Del Rey.”

Halfway through his set, George welcomed U.S. Marine Corps E-3/Lance Corporal Christopher Allen onstage to present him with the key to a one-story home in Bakersfield, California, through the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Home 4 Wounded Heroes program.  George got involved in the program through his friend Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco. George will present 20 more mortgage-free homes to deserving military heroes at his upcoming shows.

Martina McBride also delivered a hits-filled opening set on Friday night, including “Anyway,” “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” “My Baby Loves Me” and “A Broken Wing.” She’s opening all dates on George’s The Cowboy Rides Away tour, which continues Friday in Salt Lake City, UT.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman Launches Program for Children Who’ve Lost a Loved One

khaz kimberly schlapman 20121217Little Big Town‘s Kimberly Schlapman and her husband Stephen have launched The Dogwood Project to honor the memory of Stephen’s late brother, Allen Schlapman. Allen was killed by a drunk driver last Thanksgiving while visiting Kimberly and Stephen in Nashville, leaving behind a wife and children.

The Dogwood Project seeks to help children who have lost a close relative by giving them a dogwood tree or perennial flower arrangement to plant in honor of their loved one. The project will also help the children’s caregiver find a grief counselor.

For more information, go to TheDogwoodProject.org.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Scotty McCreery Launching Weekend Roadtrip Tour February 14

khaz scotty mccreery 20130118Scotty McCreery is heading out on his first headlining tour February 14 in Bethlehem, PA.  It’s called the Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013, and the shows are all happening on the weekend due to Scotty’s college class schedule at North Carolina State University.  Newcomer Sarah Darling will be coming along as the opening act.

“I’ve  been lucky enough to play a lot of great cities over the last year with Brad Paisley and some other great country artists,” Scotty says.  “This time I get to play some new places with a show that’s all my own.  I can’t wait for my fans to see what we’ve lined up for them.”

Scotty has announced 16 dates so far, and more shows will be added in the coming weeks.  Fans attending the show will get to hear a few new songs from Scotty’s sophomore album, due out later this year.

Here are the dates announced so far:

2/14 — Bethlehem, PA, Sands Bethlehem Event Center
2/15 — Niagara Falls, NY, Rapids Theatre
2/16 — Atlantic City, NJ, Golden Nugget
2/21 — Pittsburgh, PA, Stage AE
2/22 — Dover, DE, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino
2/23 — Charleston, WV, Clay Center for the Arts
3/8 — Plant City, FL, Florida Strawberry Festival
3/9 — Kansas City, MO, Uptown Theatre
3/28 — Aurora, IL, Paramount Theatre
4/18 — Albany, NY, The Palace Theatre
4/19 — Wallingford, Ct, Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre
4/20 — Wilkes-Barre, PA, F.M. Kirby Center
4/26 – Robinsville, MS, Horseshoe Casino
5/10 — Lancaster, PA, American Theatre
5/11 — Hampton, NH, Casino Ballroom
5/12 — Morristown, NJ, Mayo Performing Arts Center

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Blake Shelton Launching Ten Times Crazier Tour in July

Blake Shelton (Warner Bros. Records)Blake Shelton will kick off a U.S. headlining tour July 19 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  The Ten Times Crazier Tour is Blake’s second headlining outing, following last year’s Well Lit & Amplified Tour, and will feature special guests Easton Corbin and Jana Kramer.

In a statement, Blake says, “With The Voice schedule, I was not able to go out and perform as much as I wanted last year but I plan to make up for it this year.  This summer is going to be a blast.”

He added, “I want everyone at my shows to leave feeling like they got every penny’s worth of their ticket. I am going to give them every ounce of me on that stage because they deserve it. My fans are die-hard country fans, they love to laugh and have a good time and I’m going to join them in what truly will be the Ten Times Crazier Tour.”

Tickets will go on sale to the general public in March, but pre-sale information will be available soon to members of Blake’s BS’er Fan Club.  In addition, fans who sign up at Megaticket.com can also get a shot at tickets before the general on-sale date.

Here are the tour dates:

7/19 —  Virginia Beach, VA, Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
7/20 —  Bristow, VA, Jiffy Lube Live
7/21 —  Wantagh, NY, Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
7/26 —  St. Louis, MO, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/27 —  Noblesville, IN, Klipsch Music Center
7/28 —  Cincinnati, OH, Riverbend Music Center
8/1 —  Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Blossom Music Center
8/2 —  Burgettstown, PA, First Niagara Pavilion
8/3 — Tinley Park, IL, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/9 — Raleigh, NC, Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
8/10 — Camden, NJ, Susquehanna Bank Center
8/11 — Bethel, NY, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
8/29 — Atlanta, GA, Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
8/30 — Tampa, FL, 1-800-ASK GARY Amphitheatre
8/31 — West Palm Beach, FL, Cruzan Amphitheatre
9/5 — Holmdel, NJ, PNC Bank Arts Center
9/6 —  Hartford, CT, Comcast Theatre
9/7 —  Mansfield, MA, Comcast Center
9/12 — St. Paul, MN, Xcel Energy Center
9/13 — Milwaukee, WI, Bradley Center
9/14  — Auburn Hills, MI,The Palace of Auburn Hills
9/19 —  Charleston, WV, Charleston Civic Center
9/20 —  Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena
9/21 —  Lexington, KY, Rupp Arena
9/26 — Charlottesville, VA, John Paul Jones Arena
9/27 — Knoxville, TN, Thompson-Boling Arena
9/28 — Nashville, TN, Bridgestone Arena
10/3 — Kansas City, MO, Sprint Center
10/4 — Tulsa, OK, BOK Arena
10/5 —  Wichita, KS, INTRUST Bank Arena           

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

KHAZ Country Music News: Kenny Chesney to Release New Studio Album April 30

Kenny Chesney (BNA)Kenny Chesney will release his next, as-yet-untitled studio album April 30. A new single from that project is expected to drop at country radio very soon.

The new album will drop a little over a month into Kenny’s No Shoes Nation tour, kicking off March 16 in Tampa, FL. Kenny says, “It’s gonna be an amazing summer and I’m really excited to bring some new music to No Shoes Nation.”

Kenny’s last album, Welcome to the Fishbowl, was released in June 2012.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File