FREE Rascal Flatts tix and new music calendar

The fall & winter months usually bring lots of new music, and this year is no exception!  Here's a look at what's coming in the next few months:

 

 

September 11th
Little Big Town - "Tornado"

September 18th
Dwight Yoakam - "3 Pears"

 

October 2nd
Blake Shelton - "Cheers, It's Christmas"



October 16th
Jason Aldean - "Night Train"
Scotty McCreery - "Christmas With Scotty McCreery"

 

October 22nd
Taylor Swift - "Red"

 

November 13th
Toby Keith - "Hope on the Rocks"

 

Brad Paisley and Keith Urban have both confirmed that they are working on new material, but haven't set a release dates.  Eric Church confirmed that his next project will be a Live CD.  He'll record his shows October 8th & 9th in Chattanooga, TN to use for the CD, and release it early in 2013.  Eric has stated several times that he does not like making records, and that the writing & recording process "nearly kills me" every time.  He'll continue to tour this year including a stop in Biloxi on October 19th.  The CD that I'm really looking forward to is Dwight Yoakam's "3 Pears".  DY is my all time favorite country artist.....there's not even a close second.  I have always loved his songwriting style, but I'm not sure why.  The music is great, but it's a lot of heartache stuff and I'd like to think that I'm a pretty happy-go-lucky person.  I can't relate to "Buenos Noches From A Lonely Room" (hopefully NOBODY can) or "Lonesome Roads", but they are great songs musically and lyrically, as most of his songs are.  I believe Dwight is one of the most underrated songwriters of our generation.  If you only know "Fast As You" and want to get acclimated to some Dwight, grab his CD called "dwightyoakamacoustic.net".  Best CD ever.  Anyway, I'm anxious to hear some DY love songs.  You can also catch him and Zac Brown Band live on Pensacola Beach later this month for DeLuna Fest.  Get tix and info at www.delunafest.com and keep listening to 102.7 WXBM for a chance to win free tickets!

Brad Paisley's wife, Kimberly has signed on to appear in several episodes of the new TV drama "Nashville".  Her role will be the old flame of the main characters husband.  As I said a few weeks ago, I usually don't bother with TV dramas, but this one caught my eye and I'll at least DVR it and see what it's all about.  Nashville debuts October 10th on ABC.

 

Wanna be front row and backstage at the Rascal Flatts concert at the Pensacola Civic Center??  We need to know why you & your significant other are the PERFECT couple!  Go to our facebook page:  www.facebook.com/1027wxbm and you'll see a post asking why you are the perfect couple.  Marty & Lindsey Marie will choose 5 couples to play "Battle of the Sexes" on the morning show.  Women will be asked questions about sports, vehicle jargon etc, and men will be asked questions about fashion and make-up.  The couple with the most points will win a pair of front row seats and backstage passes to the Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town and Eli Young Band from Your Country 102.7 WXBM!!!

 

 

New Aldean & Swift

For months now, Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift fans have been anxiously awaiting new music.  People like myself have been telling you that Jason & Taylor have been in studio working on new material for quite some time, and now we finally have some more info on what to expect from both artists. 

Jason's new CD will be titled "Night Train" and will have 15 new songs.  He said "There are some surprises on there that might raise a few eyebrows, and there's also some more traditional stuff too. I don't like being put in a box, and I think with every record, we've had a lot of variety. Night Train is no different".  All along, there have been rumors that Aldean was working with a hip-hop artist or artists, so that could be what the surprise is all about.  I'm not crazy about the country/rap thing that is going on now, but I can accept it as part of the ever-evolving genre of country music.  I really do like his first single "Take A Little Ride". 

Jason also confirmed that he recorded a song with Eric Church and Luke Bryan called "The Only Way I Know".  Here's a complete track list:

1. "This Nothin' Town"
2. "When She Says Baby"
3. "Feel That Again"
4. "Wheels Rollin'"
5. "Talk"
6. "The Only Way I Know" (with Luke Bryan and Eric Church)
7. "Take a Little Ride"
8. "I Don't Do Lonely Well"
9. "Night Train"
10. "1994"
11. "Staring at the Sun"
12. "Drink One for Me"
13. "Black Tears"
14. "Walking Away"
15. "Water Tower"

Night Train will be released October 16th.

Last Monday Taylor Swift held a live webcast and announced a few details about her new CD.  The project is called "Red" and will feature 16 new songs.  Taylor told her fans that all the songs on the CD were written about the "tumultuous, insane, intense, semi-toxic relationships I’ve experienced in the past two years".  Unlike her last CD, Taylor enlisted the help of other songwriters for Red.  The first single (which isn't about Joe (or whichever) Jonas) is called "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and you can hear that on 102.7 WXBM.  Taylor will release Red on October 22nd.

Thoughts & prayer going out this week to Wynonna's husband Cactus Moser, who was involved in a serious motorcycle wreck in South Dakota.  His injuries aren't life threatening, but doctors did have to amputate his leg above the knee.

Got a bunch of free concert tickets for you to win!  Keep listening this week to score free Lynyrd Skynyrd tix!  Two ways to win....listen to 102.7 WXBM and we'll let you know when to call in.  Also, keep an eye on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/1027wxbm) and we'll post on facebook when it's time to call and which caller to be.  We'll play all week for Skynyrd tickets.  We'll also be giving you chances to see Zac Brown Band and Dwight Yoakam at DeLuna Fest!!  More info to come on that on WXBM and at www.delunafest.com

Have a great week! Thanks for listening to Your Country 102.7 WXBM!!!

Aug/Sept Community Events Calendar

If you're looking for some good ways to serve your neighbor and your community, there are quite a few events coming up in August & September that you may be interested in.  Here's the WXBM Community Events Calendar:

August 15th

Operation Clothe 'Em:  Clean out your closets for a good cause!  Operation Clothe 'Em is looking for donations of clothing to benefit Gulf Coast Kids House, Pace Center for Girls and the Acute Stabilization Unit at Lakeview.  Looking for toddler - teen sizes.  Donate at Florida Blue Center at the corner of 9th & Airport from 10am-2pm this Wednesday, August 15th.  More info: breepittman@yahoo.com

August 18th

Back To School Bash:  Join WXBM next Pea Ridge Elementary School for the annual Back To School Bash!  Bring the kids out for free bags of schools supplies, free food, exhibits, demonstrations, door prizes and much more.  It's a great way to get the kids ready for school.  BTSB is Saturday, August 18th from 10am-1pm next to Pea Ridge Elementary School. 

St Rose of Lima Sale:  It's the annual Antiques & Uncle Junk sale!  Shop for household goods, books, music, clothing, arts, crafts, baked goods & more from 7am-12pm at St Rose of Lima Church.  More info:  995-7056

August 19th
Pensacola Roller Gurlz/pet adoption:  The Pensacola Roller Gurlz next bout is Sunday the 19th at Dreamland Skate Center on Olive Rd at 7pm.  If you show up early you can see some great critters that are up for adoption from the Junior Humane Society and other organizations.  They will hold their adoption event from 5-7pm before the Gurlz event at Dreamland.  Also, at halftime there will be a pet parade! 

August 23rd

Fiesta Forces happy hour:  You can become part of a Pensacola tradition by volunteering at the annual Seafood Festival!  Join Fiesta Forces Happy Hour to sign up for the shift of your choice.  There are new member dues.  More info:  (850) 433-6512

August 30th

Council on Aging meeting:  The Council on Aging will host a Pensacola caregiver support group meeting from 6p-7p on the 30th.  There is no cost and reservations are not required.  More info:  (850) 432-1475

Septmeber 8th

Strike Out Homelessness:  EscaRosa Coalition on the Homeless will hold their "Strike Out" bowling event at DeLuna Lanes on 9 Mile Rd on September 8th.  Cost is $125 for a five-person team.  More info:  Serene (850) 232-9548

September 9th

UCP Wine & Dine:  United Cerebral Palsy's "Wine a little.....dine a lot" event should be a fun one.  They will have a silent auction followed by a 5 course meal!  More info:  (850) 432-1596

September 22nd 

Steps for Autism:  Sponsors, team leaders and volunteers are needed to plan & organize Steps For Autism next month.  More info:  Susan at (850) 450-0656

If you wish to volunteer some time, the Northwest Florida Blood Services is always looking for blood and platelet donors.  You can get more info at www.nfbcblood.org or call (850) 473-3853.  And Habitat for Humanity is also desperate for volunteers.  It's hard work, but it really is rewarding to be part of something like a Habitat build.  No experience is necessary.  If you know ho to use a hammer, you can help out.  More info:  (850) 434-5456.

If your non-profit organization has an event or announcement that you'd like us to air, email all the info to communityannouncement@wxbm.com.  Try to get the info to us at least three weeks before your event.  As always, if you have any questions, give us a buzz in the studio and we'll help you the best we can.

Thanks for listening to Your Country 102.7 WXBM!

Kenny and Tim in NOLA

I took a vacation day last Friday so Kim & I could go over to New Orleans and see the Brothers of the Sun tour with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.  It was an awesome show.  We got there a little late and missed Jake Owen, but got to see all of Tim & Kenny's performance.  Tim came out and sang most of his bigger hit songs and a couple new ones:  "Truck Yeah" and "Mexicoma".  The whole time he was singing Mexicoma it sounded like he was saying "Pensacola".  Good song though.  After Tim got done, they did a quick set change and Kenny started his performance by coming up through a smaller stage back by the soundboard in the back of the floor section.  At the end of the song, a chair that was rigged to a wire came up and he sat on that and rode it to the main stage.  Pretty cool stuff.  I noticed that it was a very up-tempo set by both artists.  Fine with me.  Considering the concert was in New Orleans and Kenny is good friends with several Saints players and coaches, we thought for sure he would bring someone out on stage with him, but it didn't happen, but Kenny did hold up a "FREE SEAN PAYTON" tshirt which the crowd loved.  That was definitely the loudest moment of the evening.  After Kenny's set, he came back out a started the song "Feel Like A Rock Star" and when it came to Tim's part of the song, Tim came up on the smaller stage where Kenny first appeared, but he didn't ride that chair to the stage, he walked through the crowd with some big beefy security guys around him.  They sang that song, Indian Outlaw, She Thinks My Tractors Sexy and Runnin' on Empty to close the show.  Funny moment during their last song, Tim started cracking up and pointing at a couple guys in the crowd and motioned for them to come up on stage.  When they got up and the camera zoomed in for the crowd to to see, the guy Tim brought up first was a dead-ringer for him.  Coulda been his twin brother and his buddy looked just like Kenny.  They goofed around on stage, took some pictures & had a few laughs, and that's how the show ended.  I thought that was pretty interesting considering what happened a couple weeks ago when security booted a guy who looked just like Kenny.  Coincidence?  Probably.  Pretty funny moment though.  This was my 5th time seeing Tim and at least my 5th time seeing Kenny, and both guys were at the top of their game.  I was very impressed.  Tonight (8/6) Tim is taping an episode of the PBS program Austin City Limits.  No word on when that will make it to air, but I'll keep you posted.

Couple weeks ago I mentioned that Blake Shelton was working on a Christmas CD, and now we have a little more info on that.  First of all the title will be "Cheers, It's Christmas".  Blake credits his wife Miranda Lambert with coming up with the title.  Very fitting because Blake has never been accused of turning down an adult beverage.  He didn't release a full track listing, but did say that he recorded a few duets.  One with Reba.  Another with Michael Buble, and a third duet with his mother, Dorothy Strickland.  Blake described the duet with his mother as an emotional song written about the special women in his life.  The last bit of info is the release date, October 2nd.  Blake is also working on the 3rd season of The Voice which starts next month on NBC.

Garth has signed on to appear in a CBS TV special called "Teachers Rock" later this month.  It's a back to school concert special that will also feature Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley and several artists from other genres.  Look for that on Saturday the 18th at 7pm on CBS.

Have a great week and thanks for listening to Your Country 102.7 WXBM!!

Toby on American Idol? Nope. Brad Paisley....maybe

If you are an American Idol fan, you probably know that two of the three judges bailed out this summer.  Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler both left the show, and just a few weeks ago AI announced that Mariah Carey will fill one of the seats and the other is still open.  We could, possibly see a country star fill the open slot.  Toby Keith says he was offered the job but turned it down.  There have been rumors about Brad Paisley getting the call too, but that's just rumor for now.  Also heard Carrie Underwood could be considered.  The problem that most artists like Brad, Carrie & Toby face is that they tour SO much that it would be tough to do both, and the AI schedule is so demanding.  Blake Shelton is in the same boat with The Voice.  He and the other coaches talk frequently about how tough it is to do the show and tour at the same time.  I would look for a decision from the AI folks soon because I believe audition start soon. 

Speaking of Toby, he announced that he's hard at work on his next CD.  He has about 15 demos and said about 10 or 11 will make the final cut.  He didn't talk about a release date.  Jason Aldean has been working on his new project for a while now and expects an October release date.  In the mean time, you can hear the first single from Aldeans upcoming CD "Take A Little Ride" on WXBM.  Brad Paisley is also recording new material, and he's recording his music old-school, meaning there will be no editing done on his new record.  Most music is recorded piece by piece into a computer.  A lot artists use professional studio musicians to record the drums, lead guitar, bass guitar etc on separate tracks and they do quite a few "takes" on each song.  Then they can go back with a computer program and edit the best parts of the song together to make a very polished, final version.  From what I took away from Brad's interview about his recording process, he and his band are recording all the instruments and vocals at the same time to one master track, and there will be no edits.  I'm guessing you probably won't be able to tell when you listen to the CD, but it's definitely something that musicians will appreciate.  As with Toby and Jason, Brad hasn't given us an exact release date for his new project.

I'm not usually one for drama shows on TV (especially during baseball season) but ABC's new show "Nashville" caught my attention.  Here's a quick look at what to expect:

I'll DVR it just to check it out.  Could be interesting.  Producers of the show want everyone to know that the young singers character is NOT based on Taylor Swift, or on any one person.  Apparently there's been a lot of talk about that.  Look for Nashville to premiere October 10th on ABC.

Have a great week!!  Thanks for reading the blog and listening to Your Country 102.7 WXBM!!

Garth on tour.....maybe

Recently, Garth Brooks was asked (again) if he plans on touring in the near future, and he said, "Our youngest is a junior in high school now. Our oldest, we just celebrated her 20th. If God lets us do it and everything goes well, I would love to tour again".  I would love to have the opportunity to see Garth in concert again because his shows really do live up to the hype.  Back in 1998 I was the mid-day DJ at 105.3 WYNG in Evansville, Indiana and we got word that Garth was going to make a stop in our city.  Back then, Garth didn't show up, do a show and leave.  The demand for tickets was unbelievable.  He couldn't just do one show and pack up & leave.  He would often perform several shows in consecutive nights.  When tickets went on sale for the Evansville show, the first show sold out in less than 10 minutes, so they added another, which sold out in the same amount of time so they added another, and another.  A couple days before the concert my Program Director, Jimmy gave me tickets to the third show and told me that Garth was doing a press conference before the concert and asked me if I wanted to go.  Of course I said "yes" but figured I'd just be there so I could say I was in the same room as Garth.  I had no plans on asking any questions until that morning.  I was on the air and around noon I got a call on the request line from a florist in Nashville.  He asked me what the big occasion was, and I had no idea what he was talking about.  He said "some record company just ordered 14 dozen roses to be delivered to a 'Roberts Stadium' tomorrow night.  What's the deal?".  I told him I really couldn't even guess, and we small talked a little before I had to let him go.  A little while later, the wheels started spinning....I remembered reading that Garth would track his ticket sales, and often have a prize or gift for his 1 millionth, 2 millionth 3 millionth etc ticket holders during the show.  Since he was doing quite a few shows, those events happened on a somewhat regular basis, but it hadn't happened in a while, so I thought maybe that's it.  Maybe he's going to surprise his "X-millionth" ticket holder.  (I knew the number at the time.  I believe he was coming up on his 4 millionth ticket holder)  So I went to my PD, Jimmy, and ran my theory and he said "ask him".  I left his office with absolutely no intention of asking Garth anything, because I thought either someone would beat me to my question, or I would be too intimidated to speak up, look Garth in the eye and ask him a question.  Later that night I was in a conference room with a bunch of other radio/TV folks and Garth comes out & starts his conference.  In my head, I thought everyone in there would have 20 questions for him and I wouldn't even find a pause to interject with my question, even if I mustered up the courage to speak up.  To my surprise, there were few questions (and even fewer GOOD questions) so I decided that I was going to "man-up" and ask a legit question.  It took me a few minutes, but I found a spot to jump in and I said "Mr Brooks, I'm Ryan and I work at one of the country stations in town.  When I was on the air today I got a call from a florist in Nashville wondering why a record label ordered 14 dozen roses.  Is your 4 millionth ticket holder in the audience tonight and if so can you tell us what other gifts you have for that person?".  I noticed that as I was speaking he had a somewhat blank expression on his face.  When I finished, he crossed his arms and leaned back in his folding chair and didn't say a word.  He sat there for a good 5 seconds and slowly started to smile and said "you guys are soooooo sneaky.  No comment."  Then he looked over at the guy he walked in the room with and laughed & said "No comment.  I can't believe......no comment".  Apparently I ruined his surprise.  The first thing that went through my mind was "I hope I didn't just get a florist fired".  That portion of the press conference ran on all the news channels that night (of course they didn't credit me or the radio station for cracking the story) and they made a pretty big deal about it, and in fact, Garth's 4 millionth ticket holder was in the audience the following night.  I believe they won a new truck, 7 day vacation and, of course, 14 dozen roses.  I had the opportunity to do a phone interview with Garth in 2006 and was tempted to ask if he remembered the incident, but elected not to press my luck.  I think he was a little ticked at me.  Sorry G.

Get ready for the BLUES!!!

Yall ready to see the Blue Angels fly over Pensacola Beach?  Just a few days until it happens!!  Hope you can join Your Country 102.7 WXBM at Casino Beach this weekend for the fun.  Since there is very little going on in the world of country music again this week, I'll give you a little info on the airshow in case you've never been.

Here's the schedule of events:
Wednesday, July 11th:  Blue Angels will perform circle/aerial maneuvers at 8am over Pensacola Beach

Thursday the 12th:  Blue Angels will practice at 2pm

Friday the 13th:  Full dress rehearsal with the Blue Angels flying at 2pm

Saturday the 14th:  Full air show starting at noon.  Blue Angels fly at 2pm

First of all, let me point out the obvious:  It's Florida, and it's July.  It will be a hot, so plan ahead.  Run to the store this week and get a bunch of sunscreen & water.  We usually throw a couple little dish towels in our cooler and when you get hot, take one of those out of the ice and put it on your head or the back of your neck.  Instant cool-down.  As far as traffic is concerned, Saturday will be the big traffic day.  We live in Cantonment and usually leave around 8am and by the time we get to the 3 Mile Bridge, it's backed up past the hump.  Kim's parents lost their home on Little Sabine in Ivan, but still own the lot, so we always watch the show from their empty lot.  Which is for sale, by the way.  So I would recommend leaving the house early and just plan on being at the beach all day.  The good thing is, unlike the fall show at NAS Pensacola, you can bring a cooler with you, so load it up with water and whatever else you feel like but keep in mind that they do no allow any glass bottles on the beach.  I have seen them enforce that rule too, so bring plastic bottles or cans if possible.  And no pets.  No critters on the beach.  As far as parking goes, the Casino Beach and Quietwater lots will fill up pretty fast.  There is parking available down Ft Pickens Rd and Via DeLuna & the trolleys will be running all day, so you can park & ride.  Also, be very careful where you park.  If you park illegally, you'll be ticketed or towed.  And every year, we see little compact cars park in loose sand on the side of the road and get stuck.  To me it would be worth it to walk a little further than risk it and have to get towed out.  After the show it'll take you a little while to get off the beach, so plan on traffic delays coming & going.  We'll have traffic updates for you all day on 102.7 WXBM.

We have more free Miranda Lambert concert tickets for you to win this week!  Not sure how, or when, but we'll have more for you and we'll let ya know how to win them when the time comes.  She'll be at the Amphitheater at the Wharf in Orange Beach this Thursday with Lee Brice and Thomas Rhett.  Still tix available at Ticketmaster.com if you're not lucky enough to win them.  If you're not going to that show, you can see the Sawmill Band in concert the same night at Evenings in Olde Seville Square!  It's a free show at the corner of Gov't & Alcaniz at 7pm. 

Have a great week!  I'm on vacation this Wednesday - next Tuesday, so have a great week.  Thanks for checking out the blog and for listening to Your Country 102.7 WXBM!