It's been a great month!

Posted on November 14, 2007 at 11:26 AM

It's been a great last month for me at GAC. We've had the opportunity to have some of the biggest stars in the studio with us. Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Little Big Town- I was able to talk to Toby Keith backstage during his Big Dog Daddy Tour too. I can't complain. Okay you guys, I know you love my job...I do too. HA! The funny thing is I get asked all the time what's so and so like? My answer is always the same. How you would think they would be...is how they are. They really are. Faith is just so normal. A mom who is very passionate about music. It's that simple. Trisha is like your best friend, a lot of fun, witty with a great sense of humor. I've been talking to Trisha over the years and I have to say she's never seemed happier! We also all survived the CMA Awards. Ha! I say survived because it s always crazy during that time - making sure we get all the interviews, catching up with as many artists as we can - the crew spilt up in different locations. But we did it. I think I had the best spot-backstage where all the winners came through. Tracy Lawrence was on cloud 9 having won his first award ever! Kenny was sweet. Okay - I want to dub Kenny "Sweet Music Man"! Ya think it'll stick? He is so that title! Does anyone else have that title? You know how artists have nicknames - I think Kenny's should be that- He really is a sweet guy! Very humble. It's raining today here in Nashville. A little on the cold side - But heck we're already into our second week of November! I can't believe how fast time is moving! Christmas will be here soon - My favorite time of year! I've already bought some more Christmas decorations - A light up, animated Moose! Ha! I love him! He's really for outside but he's staying in with me!! Hee! As for my running - JoDee thanks for the inspiration! I'm thinking of actually during a full marathon - I'm a 1/2 marathoner...but I'm giving some thought to going the distance. I'm entered to run St. Jude Memphis TN 1/2 marathon December 1st! It's always great to run for a cause! And when you think Beale Street in Memphis...you know it's gonna be a party! Gotta get going - We're taping our Host Christmas Show today! Shooting it at Kix Brooks' vineyard he recently opened. Arrington Vineyards. You can check it out online. It's very cool. And even better it's only 10 minutes from my house! HA! I could run back home if we get into the wine! Hee! Kidding! Thanks for watching you guys! Having a blast! And hope you're enjoying the shows!

#1 Parties, American Country Countdown and Farm Aid

Posted on September 7, 2007 at 1:30 PM

Here we are into September and still the temps have not really let up! What gives? Is it the 11th hour like Leonardo DiCaprio says it is? By the way I haven't seen that movie yet - But things are very crazy with the weather.

Despite the hot temps here in Nashville it's business as usual, from number one parties to talk of lots of new album releases. Coming up on GAC it's gonna be a great lineup of artists! All scheduled to appear on the network in the coming month: Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Dwight and Carrie and oh...two guys called Brooks N Dunn. Oh yea, I can now cross off one those "Things I'd love to do" off my list of well...things I'd love to do!

Some of you may know that Kix Brooks is the host of the American Country Countdown - it's a radio show carried on country radio stations across the nation. Prior to Kix , Bob Kingsley was the host and back in NY I used to listen to Bob all the time. Fast forward years later - I will fill in for Kix on the 15th and get to host the ACC! Cool right? So listen in if you can - I pray I don't screw it up too bad!!! Yikes!!

Well the craziness continues...I'm on way to Farm Aid 2007! In NYC on Randalls Island. Willie, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and the a ton of artists. It's such an amazing thing that Willie founded and I'm so psyched to be there. An event that Willie has carried on through 22 yrs!! Amazing! It's all for the American Family Farmer! They are out there! We, as a country, need to be aware of how we can help sustain the farmer in this country because Lord knows we don't want to eat pesticide-laden, genetically altered foods! Shop at your farmers Market and try as much as you can to eat organically grown foods - It's something my doctor told me a long time ago - The Hag! has been doing this for years too and says he feels so much better - The Hag? Merle Haggard!  He'll be there so we'll get the scoop on how he shops and eats!

Well you guys be safe and we'll do the same! Oh - Sean Hannity here we come - We're heading to Sean's Freedom Concert again-this time, NJ, on 9/11. It's a day of remembrance and we'll be there to salute all of our hero's.

Take care guys. Thanks for loggin' on. S-

Bekka Bramlett, Garth Brooks and the Hit Men

Posted on August 20, 2007 at 3:11 PM

It's been a while since I've logged on! My mom came in to visit - she hasn't been here in a while. It was good to spend some time with her. Difficult at times, HA cause she doesn't like to vary from the Red Lobster - but she survived the dinners! Ha! My brother also came in to visit with my mom. He flew up from Florida. My mom doesn't go out at night so when she flew home, my brother and his daughter stayed one extra night. Just so happened the night they were here, Bekka Bramlett was playing the music club, 3rd and Lindsley. She is the greatest singer, no one knows. Well let me rephrase that - no one outside of the industry. She has sung background on sessions and concerts from Faith to Wynonna, Vince Gill to Brooks and Dunn. She is truly amazing and if you ever get a chance to see her...GO! It was a spiritual experience to say the least!

This weekend was a big one in country music. Garth is back. Garth Brooks held a major media and radio weekend announcing his release of The Ultimate Hits Collection - 30 hits plus 3 new songs and a bonus song in addition to a DVD with 33 music videos! The package will be released to all stores in November and get this...ready? All for only around 12 bucks!! That's insane!! He's practically giving it away! The first release of the Ultimate Hits will be a limited edition CD and will have a different photo on the cover. It was exciting!

We had the chance to talk with him about the new music - the first single you'll be hearing at radio is called "More Than A Memory" - he looked amazing! He kept joking that he had to cause Keith Urban is a good looking guy, so he has to look his best! Ha! It truly was great getting to see him and having him back to talk about some new songs. Tour? You ask? Well - no tour. He said he's holding true to his promise of being there for his kids, being at home till his youngest, Allie goes off to college. Which by the way is another 7 years! But he did tease that he will do a show here or there to promote the CD - Soooo that's good news!

Well - back to work. Interviewing two of Nashville's best writers: Jeffrey Steele and Craig Wiseman. Psyched to do it - they're great guys with a lot of stories!!

Mandy Barnett, Lori McKenna and a Little Big Town Baby!

Posted on July 30, 2007 at 4:17 PM

Another one of those overwhelming feelings about music! Happen again this past weekend! Mandy Barnett. Know her? You should. Amazing vocalist. She has a voice comparable to the late Pasty Cline. Maybe the comparison is often made because she played Patsy, years back in a musical. Or maybe she is compared to Patsy because she did play her and kind of adopted her qualities. Whatever the reason, the fact remains this woman can sing! We're talking goose bumps. She took the stage at Nashville's "3rd and Lindsley" and you can tell she has such a love of traditional country- It's so evident when you see her on stage backed by her all male band, a band that is dressed in suits - a tradition that hasn't seemed to carry on to the new generation of country. And well...ironically Mandy is the new generation. She started very young. It's also very clear to the audience that the players backing Mandy up are the real deal and they have respect for the music and for Mandy, who is in definite command of the stage and the audience. She went from classic to classic, Tammy Wynette to Ernest Tubb-Dusty Springfield- Whew...Didn't mean for this to be a review of any kind-it's just that I really think you guys should check her out if you don't know her. She has her music online!

Oh hey - wanted to let you know to tune in to GAC Nights on Tuesday, the 14th. I was able to spend time talking with Lori McKenna. The show was taped at the famous Bluebird Cafe - the venue is celebrating their 25th anniversary. Another must for you guys if you haven't been there. Anyway, Lori is a singer songwriter from the Boston, MA area. She's released several albums independently. But she's recently been introduced to the country crowd thanks to Faith Hill. Lori wrote Faith's song "Stealing Kisses" and "Fireflies". The love of Lori's talents spread through the Hill-McGraw household. Tim McGraw's new cd features a Lori song called "I'm Workin'" and Tim co-produced Lori's first major label cd-title Unglamorous. Another cd worth having! I've had it in my ipod for the last month! And just love it!

Am I overwhelming you guys with music? I just want to let you know about some of the stuff out there. Hey..if you've got something you think we should hear - by all means send it through the comments page and share your music!

Have you guys heard? Kimberly of Little Big Town had a baby girl this past Friday! Little Big Town baby! Daisy Pearl! Congrats to Kimberly - the sweetest ever! And her husband Stephen-who also has to be sweet cause Kimberly is married to him!

Moving Moments

Posted on July 27, 2007 at 7:36 PM

I have my moments of feeling extremely overwhelmed with a love for music. I mean sure I love music...but sometimes it gets more intense. I have friends that are in the business that write, produce and they all can't believe that I have to have music on 24/7, because they say sometimes they need a break. Not me! Ha! Honestly, the only time I'm not listening to music is if I'm watching a tTV show (hooked by the way on the new one with Holly Hunter - "Saving Grace").

Anyway, back on track. This morning when I was out going for a run and LeAnn Rimes came on my ipod. This girl, maybe I should say woman now, but she can just sing her heart out. She's so expressive. She is singing a duet with Reba on Reba's upcoming Duets CD. The song is great. LeAnn kicks it off. As fans, all of us have literally watched her grow up in this music industry! And she just blows me away with her talents and the way she carries herself. At a time when we see some of these "Hollywood" girls going off to jail. We have someone like LeAnn to look to and see how it can be. I talk to a lot of different people, artists, and hands down she is one of my most favorite people to talk with. She is just...well...ust so normal. She has been asked by many artists to record duets and that says a lot about her when you look at the artists who are doing the asking. Like Reba, Vince Gill - she sang with him on his last four CD set, Hal Ketchum just recorded with LeAnn! Again, not everyone can get that kind of endorsement! Anyway I was moved and thought I'd blog about it. Those "moving music moments" happen every so often so I thought I'd share it. Ha! Oh, LeAnn's new single and video - killer!! "Nothin' Better To Do". Can't wait for the new CD!!

Coming Home

Posted on July 21, 2007 at 6:51 PM

On our way home from Country Thunder. It's been a trip!

When we arrived in Milwaukee, we were told that our flight was overbooked and that one of us may not make the flight. You can have a reservation but if you don't have an assigned seat you could be in trouble of getting bumped! I had checked in at the self check-in kiosk - most likely getting the last seat. Eventually, after a little stress, and sweating it out we all made the flight.

Now here we sit in Memphis. Once again the flight was overbooked. Now, let me say- I get why the airlines overbook, but boy, is it frustrating! We've been bumped from our flight this time-debating if we will rent a car to drive home to Nashville or wait out the next flight.

In the meantime I thought I'd let you guys know how the rest of Country Thunder went. The weather in Wisconsin was beautiful. Not an ounce of humidity! Clear, blue skies! Near perfect for an outdoor festival! We spoke with several artists, including Martina who was traveling with her family. She told me that she's had the same band for years so they're like her family too. But her daughters and husband come along for these concert dates as well. Martina is the tiniest little thing! I can't imagine being a mom, doing all that traveling and still managing to stay in shape - but she does!

Oh Little Big Town was there too - Love those guys! Who doesn't it! They killed on stage! They always do! They'll get some downtime this August when Kimberly has her baby- And Philip told me his wife is expecting in January so that's a good time because the "music business" is slow at that time. Things are going great for them and it couldn't happen to a better bunch of people!

Welp...I guess I should see what the call is...should we stay or should we go- And uh oh..my throat is feeling a little sore- no time to get sick! We're back in the studio on Tuesday! Oh...psyched to talk with Lori McKenna! Singer-songwriter out of the Boston area who had several cuts on Faith Hill's last record- Fireflies! Tim McGraw co produced Lori's new cd and I've been listening to it for the last few weeks. Great stuff! Unglamorous is the title. Coming out soon- I'll fill you in on the details this week!!

Bye for now- Thanks again for tuning in...and loggin' on! S-

Country Thunder

Posted on July 20, 2007 at 4:45 PM

My interview with Reba went well. She is always so great! And told us stories about being in the studio with the artists that are featured on her new cd -Duets- The cd will come out on Sept 18th - So look for my interview with Reba to air on GAC Nights sometime around then. And okay I'll be honest, I always think that my time with Reba will end with "so why don't you come on out with us and grab a bite and I'll tell you stories about the early days". No, it didn't happen...but I'm not giving up! Ha!

So we saw Reba here at Country Thunder in Wisconsin - which is where we are now. A five day festival with a great line up of artists. I've spoken with Trace Adkins, who is still reeling from a back injury but was in good spirits. For those of you with back problems you know how frustrating that can be!! Um...oh spoke with the adorable Dierks Bentley. Let me tell you guys how sweet he is. He really is just so sweet! And I mean that in a "sisterly kind of way". He's married to his beautiful longtime girlfriend and I don't want to give the wrong impression. The whole crew just loves him. Really, we love 'em all - Keith Anderson, Sarah Buxton, Luke Bryan.

Today we're gonna catch up with Little Big Town. Can't wait to see the gang...haven't seen them since Vegas when they won their ACM award! Lots to talk about with them! Oh - Look for these shows to air week of August 7th. What I love about covering this event is not only the music and catching up with everyone, but we get to stay in beeeeuuuuuutteeeefull Lake Geneva! It's soo nice here. Definitely vacation worthy. It's small but quaint. A nice little downtown with shops, restaurants, pubs all right on the lake. I've enjoyed my runs in the mornings, checking out the homes and the people. They keep their homes so perfect. The lawns to the front porches! This really, to me, epitomizes small town America!

Well I'm gonna try and hit a store before we head to the festival! I'm the only one out of the crew who hasn't gotten to shop yet! Ha!! Gotta go! Thanks guys, for loggin' on!

Taking a sec

Posted on July 17, 2007 at 2:50 PM

Taking a second in between tapings today to catch up with you guys - The weekend was great! Hope you had a good one where you were!

I was able to catch Ty Herndon perform at the Nashville Palace. I have never been to a show out there - it was a big place! And Ty packed the house. Man, he is just so effortless with his singing! Just a powerhouse vocalist! And I will go down saying that Ty's first release from his new cd-the title of the album "Right About Now" is a smash hit!!! We're talking goosebumps!!

This weekend I also headed to a new vineyard south of Nashville. It's nice because it's several minutes from where I live! Arrington Vineyards. Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn is part owner of the place. It officially opened last week - and I've been hearing about it for a while now. I was anxious to check it out. Glad I did - It's beautiful! Listen, I know TN is not known for their wineries - but I'm glad we have this one - It's very elegant and overlooks the beautiful hills of TN. My friends and I really enjoyed it. I'm hoping I'll get to do a show out there with Kix so this way you can see what it's all about.

This morning I taped several shows in the studio - One with Joe Nichols- It'll air on August 17th. We talked about his new CD "Real Things". A killer album! It'll "street" Aug. 21st- Just a great album- nice collection of songs and Joe is just so...um...I dunno...so Merle Haggard- He's got this emotion that pours from his vocals!

I was suppose to be leaving today to go to Wisconsin to cover the Country Thunder Festival-but my flight is now tomorrow morning-so I can stay here and...ready? ya sure? So I can stay here and interview the one ..the only..Ms. Reba! Hee. I don't know how many times I've interviewed her and I still get butterflies. She is just such a pro! She's doing press to promote her new duets album- Which by the way, is great! I just love it and there's something about her music that makes me grab my hairbrush and sing into my "mic".! Ha! Too much info? Sorry. But it's true- Love it-Just love to play out the stories as I listen to her- The Reba show should air sometime around her release date- which is September 18th.

I better go think of some things to ask..yikes! hee. Thanks for loggin' on! S-

Let Freedom Ring!

Posted on July 12, 2007 at 3:26 PM

Back from our trip to Atlanta GA! And this was a different kind of trip - Not that they aren't all fun but with this one we were able to goof off a little bit more - more than usual - Ha! I was covering the Top 20 this week which was shot at the Hannity Freedom Concert in Duluth - and since the concert wasn't till Tuesday the network had a great idea of sending me in early to shoot some GAC Nights in Atlanta to go with the theme of the summer - "Summer To The Max" - Soooo we took advantage of that and did a show floatin down the Chattahoochee! "Bubba" was our river guide although he didn't really fit the "Bubba" nickname - he was more like a Mike or something, if you know what I mean. But it was a lot fun. Strange to think as you're floating down this river that right on the other side of the trees is the city of Atlanta- I mean the river flows right through the city - It's strange and cool - So that was one show airing tonight (Thursday, July 12th).

Tomorrow night it's Mark Wills teaching me how to play golf. Seriously. I don't play. I would like to. But I just haven't. So I had to learn the basics. Mark was very patient and a great teacher. I actually didn't do that bad for my first time. Okay-I missed the ball a few times but everyone does right? Oops! ;)

Right after the Nights show with Mark is the Top 20 from the Hannity Freedom Concert. It was very emotional. It really caught me off guard. Sean Hannity is holding 5 of these concerts to benefit the Freedom Alliance- which is a charity that sets up scholarships for children of Our Country's Fallen Military Hero's. To see the kids with t-shirts on that read "in loving memory of my daddy"- was just heart wrenching. Sean also set up a surprise for some of the families at the concert. Some soldiers overseas were able to talk to their families at the concert via satellite and we all watched them up on the screen. They seemed happy and waved to their families. One soldier said it best- saying that despite what you think about the war that the men and women of the US Military were doing their jobs and putting their lives on the line and that they need the support of the people of this country and that they need to be recognized when they come back home. I don't know about everyone there but many of us started to swell with tears. My father was an Army Vet and was extremely patriotic. I felt what he must've felt all these years. I got it.

And Sean, who told me he reads my blog, it was good to finally meet you. A nice Irish Catholic boy from Long Island, NY who loves country music!

Montgomery Gentry were on hand for the show. Troy, I don't know if he broke it or just hurt it...but his foot is in a soft cast. He kicked something on stage a while back and thought that it was empty when it was really full! Boy, these boys are accident prone!! Those in the front row of their show - watch out!

Charlie Daniels was there too - We talked a lot about his time spent with the troops. I asked if he ever felt he was in danger and he said he feels extremely safe with our US Military. He knows that they take every precaution. But he did say it's a "war zone" and you definitely know that when you get there. He even said that while in the air there was enemy fire but he would go back there every time if asked! I hope you guys will tune in to catch the interviews.

Oh Larry The Cable Guy did announce at the show that he'll be running for President! He's got my vote!!

Cake decorating

Posted on July 5, 2007 at 4:15 PM

Took a nice run on the morning of the Fourth of July. A friend of mine is gearin' up for a race this Saturday in his hometown of Utica NY- So he wanted to get one last run in before the big day. I told him of this run I like through Franklin. It's my newly adopted hometown. Home now, for the last 7 yrs. I can't believe I've been here for 7 yrs. It doesn't feel that long ago that I made the drive down here. But anyway, the town is so quaint. It reminds me a lot of South Hampton, LI. A tiny main street with small, boutique stores where you can pretty much find just about anything.

And the town is rich with history! I was never one for history, much to my father's disappointment, but living here in Franklin, I'm learning a lot. The town is where the bloodiest battle of the Civil War took place. I have learned much and have enjoyed it! So my run takes us past The Carter House and down to the Carnton Farm where the family there during the battle started a cemetery for the Confederates. I thought it very appropriate to tie in the run with one of our country's most poignant times in history. It was an emotional run- And my friend really loved it- So that was nice.

Oh-the cake decorating. You guys could not imagine big boys, like Eddie and Troy of Montgomery Gentry getting into cake decorating but let me assure you they were serious! Both of them teamed up with their wives who seemed to have more of that "delicate touch" but the guys held their own- It was intense! I've watched Ace of Cakes on the Food Network but to be there and witness what goes into it- Those pastry chefs were very serious and all very cool! They’re all so funny and friendly- They're used to being on tv, all them have been on the Food Network (our sister sites) several times- It was just a cool day overall. Check out the show in August. Shoot! I don’t know the air date. I'll let y'all know!

Next up- Heading to Atlanta for Sean Hannity’s Freedom Concert- He does several of these shows and this one GAC will be at to tape a Top 20 countdown. Nan of course is the host but is on vacation, so they asked me to fill in- Since I host GAC Nights , my producer had the idea of getting into GA earlier to tape some summer shows- one she wants to do on the Chattahoochee River. Listen, I grew up on the ocean. I'm afraid of sharks. I'm definitely a product of the JAWS era! I lived in Florida, so I am deathly afraid of alligators. And even though every rational thought tells me there are no alligators in our rivers here in TN. I still don't go in! I believe that some idiot could easily throw one or two in. Who's to say right? So here I am getting ready for my shoot on the river in Georgia and low and behold an article pops up about an 8 foot gator found in the Chattahoochee. The parks people believe someone dumped it there. And now they are trying to find it and get it out and back to Florida! You see!! You see what I mean! Needless to say- if you should catch the show with me on the river- you’ll know why I am not in the water. Honestly I wasn't going in before I found this story but now, forget it.