POP UP CULTURE

Country Music Is Heading Home

2010-09-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Grand Ole Opry is heading home with the first show at the Grand Ole Opry House since the Nashville flood. Tonight on GAC Country Comes Home: An Opry Celebration, 8:00 p.m./Central.

Pop Up Culture September 25, 2010

2010-09-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Guest Review by Sue Gearhart

2010-09-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Indiana State Fair August 20, 2010 7:30 pm.

Little Big Town:

Little Big Town opened the show promptly at 7:30 pm. Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman and Phillip Sweet performed past hits and music from their new album – The Reason Why. Their lush harmonies were truly amazing. Favorite moments included A Little More You, Bring it on Home, and I’m With the Band. The closing numbers Little White Church and Boondocks brought the crowd to their feet.

Sugarland:

The moment Sugarland took the stage the crowd stood up and never sat down for the entire show. Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush commanded the stage. The concert included a mix of their hits and songs from their upcoming cd Incredible Machine.

The stage included a large circular monitor on the stage where they projected Sugarland performing their music. The stage had incredible lighting with an “Incredible machine” backdrop. I don’t think I have ever seen any entertainers who enjoy playing their music for their fans more than Sugarland.

The concert included a production number for the song Incredible Machine. I liked the song but production number was too long but most of the crowd seemed to love it.

The concert started at 8:50 and finished at 10:20 with an 80s mix including Staying Alive.

Favorite moments: Stay , Something More, Stand Up, Genevieve, Incredible Machine

Setlist for Sugarland included: Wide Open, It Happens, Settlin', All I want to Do, Want To, The Incredible Machine, Already Gone, Acoustic Baby Girl, Genevieve, Stuck Like Glue, Everyday America, Stay, Find the Beat, Who Says You Can't Go Home, Something More, Stand Up, Staying Alive

Pop Up Culture August 28, 2010

2010-08-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

Pop Up Culture July 31, 2010

2010-07-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Pop Up Culture June 26, 2010

2010-06-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

Free iTunes

2010-06-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

Do you like free music? Go to www.cmafest.com/itunes/promo and download your FREE 10 Song CMA Music Festival Digital Sampler.
Songs include:

Chris Young - Voices
Randy Houser - Whistlin Dixie
Matt Kennon - The Call
Sammy Kershaw - The Snow White Rows Of Arlington
Steve Azar - Sinkin’ or Swimin’ (with you)
Frankie Ballard - Tell Me You Get Lonely
Radney Foster - Angel Flight
David Ball - Houston Again
Randy Montana - Ain't Much Left Of Lovin' You
John Cowan - Carry On

Enjoy!!

Pop Up Culture 05/29/10

2010-05-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

Pop Up Culture 04/24/10

2010-04-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

Jack Down Under

2010-04-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

Before Jack Ingram headed to Australia's tour dates in early March he was interviewed by Steve Forde in downtown Nashville. This was broken into a three part series called Rollin' With Jack Ingram aired on Australia's Country Music Channel prior to his departure. Now we can watch it via Ingram's website — well at least part one. Part two will be available Monday, April 12. Happy watching!

go to: jackingram.net at scroll down to Jack's Video Blog on the left side of his site, click on video to enlarge

Pop Up for April 3, 2010

2010-04-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

Pop Up for March 6, 2010

2010-03-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

Pop Up Culture 02/06/10

2010-02-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

Give a little love with Reba

2010-01-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

Wrap Reba up in a bow for Valentines Day, CMT INVITATION ONLY: REBA on DVD that is. This one hour special will be released on February 9th just in time for that February 14th gift giving holiday. The DVD will include:
1. Strange
2. Why Not Tonight
3. And Still
4. Nothing To Lose
5. 8 Crazy Hours (In the Story of Love)
6. The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia
7. I'm a Survivor
8. I Want A Cowboy
9. Consider Me Gone
10. Why Haven't I Heard From You
All this and extended interviews on Strange and Consider Me Gone along with a casual question and answer session. This DVD was taped with a live studio audience from the Grand Ole Opry's historic Studio A in Nashville.

Double T's

2010-01-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

Trace Adkins is moving from his longtime label, Capitol Nashville to Toby Keith's Show Dog-Universal label. Just think of the fun these two will produce for us all to enjoy!

Cowboy Stomp

2010-01-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

Are you a fan of the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders? Burns & Poe? Cowboy Troy? or if you are plain curious click here to check out a video of Cowboy Stomp. Don't know about the Cowboys but I do love Cowboy Troy :)

Jimmy Wayne Update

2010-01-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Wayne's "Meet Me Halfway" website went live today. You can track his progress on the road along with photo updates and video. Wayne's first live web broadcast from the road will be Monday, January 11th at 9:00 am CT. This walk will take him 1660 miles. If you would like to check out his site click here.

The Band Of Heathens

2010-01-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Looking for a little free music? Yes, I did say "free". Go to:

http://www.bandofheathens.com/cms/index.php?page=send-a-song-2

and try The Band of Heathens out for yourself ...

2010 ACM Awards

2010-01-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

The Academy of Country Music just announced the date for the 2010 ACM Awards, Sunday, April 18th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. One of their sponsors "spilled the beans" on the date so the announcement comes a little early ...

On The Road With Jimmy Wayne

2010-01-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

Keep up with Wayne's trek to Phoenix, Arizona promoting awareness of the homeless children, teens and young adults. He left Nashville January 1 and you can follow his thoughts from your warm, comfy home while he is out in the elements at http://twitter.com/jimmywayne. His goal is getting the word out that everyone can help, no gesture is too small ...

For more information on "Meet Me Halfway" or Wayne himself visit www.jimmywayne.com. To learn more about Homebase, or to make a donation, visit www.hbys.org. Or read my Pop Up for January 2, 2010 below.

Prayer?

2010-01-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

I found a new video that made me smile, thought maybe you would enjoy too. It is Jaron and The Long Road to Love - "Pray for You". Click here and don't forget to let me know what you think :)

Ghost Brothers of Darkland County

2010-01-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

What does John Mellencamp and Stephen King have in common? A new musical, Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, isn't expected out until this September. The country cast will feature Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash and Elvis Costello. Keep watch, I will try and keep you updated ...

Pop Up for Jan 2, 2010 (One week later than usual)

2010-01-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Complete History Of Country Weekly Covers

2009-12-31T11:12:00.000-08:00

Looking for some cheap entertainment? Go to www.countryweekly.com/covers to view the entire history Of Country Weekly covers. This kept me entertained for some time, probably too much time ... but none the less this is worth a peek. It was fun to see how the country stars have changed and who was hot and when ...

Pop Up for Nov 28, 2009

2009-11-28T09:35:00.000-08:00

Pop Up for Oct 31, 2009

2009-10-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Pop Up for Sept 26, 2009

2009-09-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sad, Sad Day

2009-09-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Dirty Dancing is tied with White Christmas as my all-time favorite movie. Who can resist the Swayze good looks and those sexy dance moves? The bad boy with the good heart played out in Dirty Dancing, Road House and Next of Kin, and yes I love them all. It is a sad day as we have lost one of our great actors/dancers.

"It's amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you."
A line he left us from the movie Ghost.

Attention all Tanya Tucker look alikes!

2009-09-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

Do you look resemble Tanya Tucker? or at least you think you do? Saguaro Road Records (Tanya's label) is inviting all Tanya look-alikes to submit their photos. So send your best pic in your favorite TT garb to tanyacontest@gmail.com and don't forget to include you name and contact information. Make sure and send in before September 20, as this is the last date to participate. Three finalist will be selected and fans will vote for the grand prize winner. And what will the winner receive? An autograph from Ms. Tucker, a copy of her new release, My Turn, a Saguaro Road Records flash drive and will also be showcased on www.saguaroroad.com. We have to have a least one TT look alike in our area ... if we have an area finalist I bet I know the right people for a feature in The Bryan Times :) So come on and have some fun, I would try except I look nothing like Tanya and I have the wrong hair color, but other than that ...

Yes, Your Vote Counts ...

2009-09-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

It doesn't seem possible but it is time once again for Country Weekly's "Country's Sexiest Man" contest. So ladies (and gentlemen that choose to do so) go to www.countryweekly.com/vote/surveys/617
and cast away ... remember you can vote daily starting August 31 through September 14. Let the sexiest man win!
(Yes, I voted)

Pop Up for August 29, 2009

2009-08-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm Back!

2009-08-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am back from my sabbatical, enough time off, summer is basically over so keep watch for things that run through my head and interesting things I find to share with you. Along with lots of photos ...
gwen

Pop Up for July 25,09

2009-07-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Heidi Newfield

2009-06-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Neon Armadillo

June 2009

2009-06-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

more Heidi ...

Pop Up for June 27, 2009

2009-06-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Pop Up for May 30, 2009

2009-05-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

New Tunes From Radney Foster

2009-05-09T02:49:00.000-07:00

Remember Foster & Lloyd? I loved their song Fat Lady Sings but they are probably best know for Crazy Over You. Radney Foster will be releasing his new album Revival in September. Dierks Bentley and Darius Rucker will be backing Lloyd with their vocal talents - Bentley in Until It's Gone (likely to be the first single) and Rucker in Angel Flight. Radney Foster will be making an appearrance on GAC's Backstory featuring Darius Rucker. You can catch this May 20th and 21st.

Jason Aldean on CMT Crossroads

2009-05-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

I don't have any particulars but Jason Aldean has been paired with Bryan Adams for an upcoming CMT Crossroads. The first air date is June 26. You know where I will be on the 26th :)

The Princess And The Frog

2009-05-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Christmas Day is the release date for a new Walt Disney movie, The Princess And The Frog. Why am I sharing this? Grammy award winning Terrance Simien's music will be featured in this movie (check out photos on this blog site of Simien preforming at Skip's in Angola, IN). This film will make Louisiana and Zydeco music lovers out of you (watch for the musical fireflies). The Princess And The Frog is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans and will feature Disney's first ever black princess. Also starring as voice talent, Oprah Winfrey, John Goodman and Terence Howard. I can't wait!

One More Time ...

2009-05-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of buzz about whether Ty Murray should or should not have been the one to go last night on Dancing With The Stars. Yes, I agree Lil' Kim is a great dancer and had a good shot at the title. But let us remember this is a show where majority rules, this applies to voting on the presidency, school levies or Dancing With The Stars. Obviously Ty has many followers and rightfully so. I feel he is the one who has stepped the furthest from his comfort zone and has improved the most. Besides, good for me, Ty will be with us at least one more week :)

Dancing With Ty

2009-04-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Last night was my first time voting on Dancing With The Stars. I was getting a little nervous, thinking my favorite might be on the chopping block and was going to need my help. For some reason I have attached myself to Ty Murray and no, it is not the cowboy hat. I did surprise myself as I truly expected to be a big fan of country artist Chuck Wicks partnered with his country sweetheart girlfriend Julianne Hough. I did hate to see Chuck and Julianne go last night, I thought it would be Melissa Rycroft (the jilted bachelorette that was unable to perform this week due to injuries). But somewhere during the first show of the season I caught the Ty bug. He just seems like a "real" person, someone who would be upfront with you, someone you could count on and loads of that boyish charm:) Ty struggled through the first few weeks but now has found his comfort zone and is doing a great job. No, I don't expect him to win but I am very happy that he made it another week, especially after consenting to the spray tan :)

Sure Sign Of Spring ...

2009-04-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

This posting is a little off the tracks ... OK it is not even close to the tracks but it has been on my mind ....
Everyone has different ideas on the welcoming signs of spring, the thing that you see and know ahhhhh YES summer will soon be here. For many the answer would vary from tulips poking through the soil, the buds popping on trees and bushes, the air filled with birds chirping, spring peepers peeping ... these are all sure signs but the one thing that stands out to me and screams YES, SPRING IS FINALLY HERE! is the amount of dead animals on the roadways. This is a rather strange sign of spring, doesn't really fit with all the bright colors and sweet sounds of spring, but it is indeed a part. I really don't understand if these animals are not quite awake from their wintery naps or if they just have spring fever. By the looks of the roadways summer should be here in record time.

Pop Up for April 25, 2009

2009-04-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

KENNY GET A GRIP

2009-04-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

After watching half the ACM Awards (it was late and I knew I was turning into a big poop, so I went to bed) I have changed my mind on what to blog about. As Kenny Chesney performed his hit Got A Little Crazy, I just couldn't help but feel different about him and his music. His comments which recently ran in Playboy and the comments he made on CMT Insider have given me a new opinion of this man. I feel any man who thinks he has to share how many women he slept with is very arrogant and has shown very little respect. Don't get me wrong, I am not against having fun, nor do I think Kenny a saint previously, but bragging about sleeping with 100 plus women is not funny or cute. Kenny shame on you, you have worked very hard to make it to the top. Obviously you have forgotten your interviews telling how your mom felt when men her age seemed to all be looking for much younger women, how bad she felt and how bad you felt for her. Also, you were never going to do that, well Kenny you have done much more than that to degrade women. I don't know if I will ever be able to scoop my Kenny spirit back up. I just don't understand how this is to be considered acceptable behavior by your fans (many women). I am assuming most are working class girls buying tickets which help him afford his lifestyle. I think perhaps being made to relinquish the Entertainer of the Year award may help rattle some sense back into this boy. A little respect for your fans is a must. I feel it is not just the new and upcoming artist' music that sends the established stars packing but also has a lot to do with their attitude. Respect is a two way street, to get it you must give it and live it. It seems some artists after becoming mega popular forget who they really are or where they came from. It's time for Kenny to clean up his act and become the descent man that he once was, or it is time for him to graciously move over and let the new guys/girls with some self pride try their hand. Besides, this arrogance breaks every country music rule.

Delayed viewing of the ACM's

2009-04-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Along with all the Eastery festivities my plans for the weekend include watching (a taped version) of the annual 44th ACM Awards. Anything of any importance I record, as I do have a tendency of letting shows watch me rather than me watching the shows. Remember the days of planning your life around the airing of the Wizard Of Oz? It was only televised once a year so if you wanted to watch it you better clear that evening as it was a one shot deal. Or the excitement we felt as we marked the calendar when Rudolph, The Grinch, Frosty The Snowman or A Charlie Brown Christmas was to be televised (maybe I was the only one that did this). Nope, no video recorders or TiVo ... new technology is turning us into slackers, just tape it and watch it at our convenience. No pre-planning or anticipation ... I will be back on Monday to give my thoughts on the ACM's - as I am more than glad to share my opinions ... it may take all weekend to catch the entire show :)

NOTE: Jamie Johnson at the Neon Armadillo: DATE CHANGE

2009-04-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Jamie Johnson will NOT be at the Neon Armadillo in Fort Wayne April 17th. Jamie will be back on June 18th. You can still head out to the Armadillo as Bucky Covington will be taking Jamie's place this Friday, April 17th.

CMT Cribs Is Going Memphis Style

2009-04-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

CMT Cribs and Trisha Yearwood will be taking us inside the King's home on Saturday, April 11th. You can catch this at 2:30 pm to Elvistise yourself or if you miss the 2:30 viewing it will be on again at 8:30 pm.

SAVE THIS DATE: May 27th

2009-04-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

An All-Star Tribute Concert honoring George Strait as ACM's Artist of the Decade will air on May 27th on CBS. This award will be presented by none other than Garth Brooks who was presented the same award for the 1990's. Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, John Rich, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Lee Ann Womack will all be performing classic Strait songs. Keith Urban will sing a medley of Marty Robbins' hits to honor his 1960 win. Faith Hill will be covering Loretta Lynn's 1970's win with You Ain't Woman Enough. And, what I will be tuning in for ... Montgomery Gentry conquering Mountain Music in recognition of the 1980's winner Alabama. A night you will not want to miss, so pop some corn, pull up your favorite chair and enjoy ... I know I will:)

Zac Brown Band

2009-03-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Zac Brown Band
opening for Little Big Town
Adrian College
Adrian, MI
March 2009

more Zac Brown Band

2009-03-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

more Zac Brown Band

2009-03-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Pop Up for March 28, 2009

2009-03-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Little Big Town

2009-03-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Little Big Town
Adrian College
Adrian, MI March 2009

More Little Big Town

2009-03-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

More ...
Little Big Town
Adrian College
Adrian, MI
March 2009

Eye Catchers for Thursday, 3/19/09

2009-03-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Eye Catchers for Thursday, 3/19/09:

Go to www.VoteACM.com to cast your vote for Entertainer of the Year, Kenny, Brad George Carrie or Keith. Also this year you can vote Top New Artist, Julianne Hough, Jake Owen or the Zac Brown Band. Let me know who you think is deserving ...

Jo Dee Messina is the official Nashville Earth Hour 2009 celebrity spokeswoman and she is encouraging us to turn off the lights. Well, turn off nonessential lights for one hour starting at 8:30 p.m. on March 28, 2009. Messina is doing her part as her website, www.jodeemessina.com will be dark the entire day of Earth Hour. When logging onto her site on March 28th the only thing you will see is a brief sentence about her participating in Earth Hour day, but you will hear her new single "Shine" on continuous play thoughout the day.

Jason Aldean confesses Randy Owen is his biggest influence. Aldean and Owen sit down on One to One, a new one hour special you can find on Great American Country which debuted Wednesday, March 11 at 8:00 p.m./eastern. This episode will be repeated on March 26th at 2:00 a.m., I know this is not the ideal hour so be prepared to set up your "record of choice" and watch it when you have time.

2009-03-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

more Jason Aldean September 2008 Stranahan Theater, Toledo, OH
I couldn't leave this one out as the drummer was too much fun

2009-03-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

more
Jason Aldean September 2008
Stranahan Theater,
Toledo, OH

2009-03-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Jason Aldean, September 2008
Stranahan Theater, Toledo, OH

2009-03-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Eric Durrance, September 2008 (opening for Jason Aldean)
Stranahan Theater,
Toledo, OH

2009-03-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

more Country Fest '08
Headwaters Park, Fort Wayne, IN

2009-03-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

more Country Fest '08,
August 2008 Headwaters Park, Fort Wayne, IN

2009-03-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

Country Fest '08,
August 2008
Headwaters Park, Fort Wayne, IN

2009-03-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

more
Luke Bryan August 2008 Henry County Fair, Napoleon, OH

2009-03-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

more
Luke Bryan, August 2008 Henry County Fair, Napoleon, OH

2009-03-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Luke Bryan August 2008
Henry County Fair, Napoleon, OH

2009-03-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Elvisfest July 2008
Ypsilanti, MI

2009-03-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Terrance Simien July 2008
Skip's Lounge, Angola, IN

2009-03-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

more
Rascal Flatts May 2008
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum,
Fort Wayne, IN

2009-03-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Rascal Flatts May 2008
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN

2009-03-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Kellie Pickler May 2008
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN
(opening for Rascal Flatts)

2009-03-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Kathy Mattea April 2008
The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI

2009-03-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood March 08
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN
(sorry no Carrie photos, I signed a contract for only one publishing)

Pop Up for February 28, 2009

2009-02-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

Pop Up for January 31, 2009

2009-01-31T12:35:00.000-08:00