A Look Ahead

Around this time every year, country artists are home with there families and are getting some well deserved r&r, so there's not much to talk about for country music news.  Since there's really not much going on, I thought I'd take this slow time to look ahead to what's going on in 2012 as far as CD releases & concerts in our area.  Also want to remind you about WXBM's Christmas Open House with Marty & Lindsey Marie, this Friday the 23rd.  Feel free to stop by the WXBM studio between 6am-10am and grab something to eat & drink.  We'll be cookin' up Thompson Sausage, Brew Hart BBQ, Biscuits from Waffle House in Milton, Maxwell House coffee, Pepsi soft drinks & more!  We'll also have free Christmas ornaments while they last and a big "thank you" to Boyette's for providing the facilities again this year.  Hope to see you at the open house.

Martina McBride will release a Greatest Hits compilation next month called "Hits & More".  It will feature 17 of her past hits and three new ones called "Surrender", "Straight To The Bone" and "Being Myself".  The first two will be included on all pressings of the CD and Being Myself will only be available if you buy the CD at Target for a limited time.  Here's your tracklist for Hits & More:

1. 'My Baby Loves Me'
2. 'Independence Day'
3. 'Wild Angels'
4. 'A Broken Wing'
5. 'Valentine'
6. 'Happy Girl'
7. 'Whatever You Say'
8. 'I Love You'
9. 'Love's the Only House'
10. 'Blessed'
11. 'Where Would You Be'
12. 'Concrete Angel'
13. 'This One's for the Girls'
14. 'In My Daughter's Eyes'
15. 'Anyway'
16. 'Ride'
17. 'Wrong Baby Wrong'
18. 'Surrender'
19. 'Straight to the Bone'
20. 'Being Myself'

More info at http://www.martinamcbride.com/

UPCOMING CD RELEASES

January 17th

Tim McGraw - "Emotional Traffic"

Martina McBride - "Hits & More"

January 24th

Kellie Pickler - "100 Proof"

February 7th

Dierks Bentley - "Home"

April 3rd
Rascal Flatts - TBD

Artists who are in studio working on projects for 2012

Carrie Underwood

Taylor Swift

Alan Jackson

Faith Hill

Jason Aldean

Darius Rucker

UPCOMING CONCERTS

January 7th

David Allan Coe - Vinyl Music Hall in Pensacola

January 13th

Merle Haggard - Beau Rivage Biloxi

Little Big Town - Hard Rock Biloxi

January 28th
Blake Shelton, Justin Moore & Dia Frampton - Pensacola Civic Center

John Michael Montgomery - IP Biloxi

February 3rd

Connie Smith - Farmers Opry in Chumuckla

Rodney Carrington - Beau Rivage Biloxi

February 10th
Willie Nelson - Beau Rivage Biloxi

February 18th
Kellie Pickler - IP Biloxi

February 25th
Ronnie Dunn - Hard Rock Biloxi

March 2nd

Vince Gill - Beau Rivage Biloxi

March 10th

Eric Church & Brantley Gilbert - Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach

John Conlee - Farmers Opry in Chumuckla

Josh Turner - Hard Rock Biloxi

March 16th
Travis Tritt - BeulahFest @ Escmabia County Equestrian Center

March 17th

Rodney Atkins - BeulahFest @ Escambia County Equestrian Center

March 24th

Jeff Foxworthy - Wind Creek Amphitheater in Atmore

Thanks for making 2011 another great year!  God's blessings on your Christmas and we'll see you with more "News & Notes" in 2012.

Red Solo Cup, BeulahFest & more

So I gotta ask, what do you think of Toby's new song "Red Solo Cup"?  Toby himself said it's the dumbest song he's ever hear, but it's fun and it's catchy.  I can't argue with him on any of that.  Even though Toby didn't write this song, it's right up his ally since he has recoded a few light-hearted songs in his day.  So far, I've noticed that people aren't really "on the fence" with this song.  When people call me about it, they'll either say "I LOVE that song, play it again ASAP" or "I HATE that song, never play it again".  I gotta say, it's growing on me.  It's such a simple, goofy song, whenever I hear it I feel like I should be sitting around a bonfire with my buddies drinking beer at 3am.  So what do you think?  Does "Red Solo Cup" fill you up?

Merry Christmas from Tim McGraw!  Tim teamed up with The Boot (http://www.theboot.com/) to give fans a free download of his new Christmas song "Christmas All Over the World".  Download here:  http://serve.castfire.com/audio/813273/tim-mcgraw-christmas_2011-12-06-175613.128.mp3

Did you hear Marty & Lindsey Marie make the official BeulahFest announcement this morning?  BeulahFest 2012 will be March 16th & 17th at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Mobile Hwy featuring Travis Tritt Friday night and Rodney Atkins Saturday!!  That's a great lineup plus there will be a ton of local bands, rides, arts & crafts and FOOD!!  As of today, there's nothing on their official website but you can find them on facebook at:  http://www.facebook.com/beulahfest

Bonfire Jam was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!  Thanks to Joe Lewis and all the crew that put the event on again this year.  I know some folks (myself included) still had to wait in traffic a little, but overall the traffic situation was way better.  If it would have been about 10 degrees warmer, it would have been perfect.  Haven't heard attendance numbers yet, but it was a huge crowd.  Looking forward to Bonfire Jam 3 next year and Joe mentioned something about concerts on Pensacola Beach when he was on stage too, so we'll keep you posted on that when we get some more info on Your Country 102.7 WXBM.

We have another whole week of Christmas Tree shaking to attend to this week!  Listen to WXBM and we'll let you know when to call in and what caller to be to shake the tree and see what prize comes out!  We have given out some great stuff like Eric Church concert tickets, ipod's, gift cards & lots more.  We still have lots of prizes to shake out including the Brad Paisley autographed guitar, so be sure to keep listening for your chance to win from Butler U-Pull It and Your Country 102.7 WXBM!

Tim, Garth & BONFIRE JAM!!!!!

Tim McGraw fans will finally be able to hear some new music from Tim since he won a legal battle with his record label last week.  A judge decided that Tim could release his "Emotional Traffic" CD next month!  Tim and Curb Records have been in at odds for quite a while over whether Tim lived up to the terms & conditions of his contract.  Emotional Traffic will be released January 17th.  In the mean time, Tim will release a Christmas song called "Christmas All Over The World".  Tim & Faith will also be heading out for an Australian Tour in March and then he'll be back in the U.S. for his "Brothers of the Sun" tour with Kenny Chesney which starts June 2nd in Tampa.  More info at http://www.timmcgraw.com/

Hank Jr recently went AWOL during a performance with Jason Aldean.  It happened during the taping of CMT's "Artists of the Year" special.  Jason & Hank were singing "Tattoos On This Town" when Hank walked off the stage!!  In a later press release, Hank said "I've heard people mess up my songs and screw up Daddy's songs.  I was here to honor Jason, a kid I really like. When I walked out there, it didn't feel right, it didn't sound right. I didn't want to disrespect him".  Sounds like Hank was unhappy with his own performance, not Jasons.  So, after Hank took off, they reset and Jason performed the song solo.  You can see Jason with Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Brad Paisley on the Artists of the Year show December 13th on CMT. 

In a recent interview with Robin Leach, Garth Brooks shed some light on his concert series at the Wynn hotel & casino in Las Vegas as well as his future plans.  When Kim & I got married in June, we stayed at Encore which is essentially the same as the Wynn, and we had an opportunity to see Garth's show, but tickets were $225 a piece, so we decided not to go.  It's a great interview if you have a few minutes:  http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-life/2011/dec/02/exclusive-garth-brooks-talks-wynn-residency-empty-/

We have some really fun contests going on this week!  Listen to Marty & Lindsey Marie each day this week between 6-10am and when you hear two Blake Shelton songs played back-to-back, be the 25th caller to win a pair of tickets to see Blake with Justin Moore and Dia Frampton at the Pensacola Civic Center on January 28th!!  We also have a bunch of chances for you to "Shake the WXBM Christmas Tree".  We'll let you know when to call in and which caller to be, and if you get through, we'll shake that tree and let you know what prize falls out for you.  You could win some great stuff like an ipod, gift cards, tickets to see Eric Church 3/10 at the Wharf, an autographed Brad Paisley guitar and much more!! 

Don't forget about Bonfire Jam!!  It's coming up this Saturday after the Chumuckla Redneck Parade with Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson & Lee Brice.  This Thursday, WXBM & Bonfire Jam will be broadcasting live at the Burger King on Hwy 90 in Milton with FREE tickets!  When you purchase a BK value meal between 11a-1p (Thursday only) you will receive a FREE ticket to Bonfire Jam!!  One value meal purchase = one free ticket.  Even though we have quite a few to give away, supplies are limited, so be sure to be there as early as you can for your free ticket!  To purchase tickets & camping packages, visit:  http://www.bonfirejam.com/  The parade is at 1pm & Bonfire Jam gates open at 3pm.  SEE YOU THERE!!!! 

WANTED: COATS FOR KIDS

BURRR!!!!  Looks like we have seen the last of the 70 degree weather for a while.  Since the cold weather is here, this would be a good time to put out a reminder that the United Way of Santa Rosa County, Woodbine Cleaners and WXBM have started the annual "Coats For Kids" coat drive.  We're looking for coats that are in good condition to help families who cannot provide proper coats for their children, and we're looking for all sizes.  If you have on or several coats that you our your kids have out-grown and want to donate it, you can do so at several different locations throughout Santa Rosa County including the WXBM Studio on Quintette Rd.  The coats will be dry-cleaned at Woodbine Cleaners and distributed to children once their cleaned.  For more info, visit:  http://unitedwaysrc.org/Coats_for_Kids.php or call (850) 623-4507.  Thanks for your help from the United Way of Santa Rosa County, Woodbine Cleaners and Your Country 102.7 WXBM.

You have a chance to get your hands on some very unique memorabilia with the Country Music Blooms charity auction on Ebay.   They have a bunch of really cool stuff including:

-A cowboy hat autographed and worn by Kenny Chesney

-Acoustic guitar auto'd by Carrie Underwood

-A pair of cowboy boots worn by and auto'd by Miranda Lambert

-Dresses worn by Sara Evans and Leann Rimes

-A Harley helmet auto'd by Tim McGraw

-Concert tickets & backstage experiences

They have a TON of other items in the auction and you can see them by going here:  http://www.nashvillemusicgarden.com/auction-items.  Auction ends December 5th.

Bonfire Jam is a week from Saturday and WXBM has a chance for you to hang out on Lee Brice's tour bus for a private pre-show performance!!!  Listen to Your Country 102.7 WXBM for a chance to win Lee's CD "Love Like Crazy".  All winners who are at lease 18 years old will be in a drawing to go hang with Lee Brice on his tour bus before Bonfire Jam!!  If you can't get through on the phone, we'll have a chance for you to enter at our website starting tomorrow, November 29th, at http://www.wxbm.com/.  Got a great lineup for Bonfire Jam this year:  Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson & Lee Brice will be performing in Chumuckla after the Redneck Christmas Parade.  Tickets & camping packages are available right now at http://www.bonfirejam.com/.  We will definitely be there...hope you will too!!



Thank you

How can Thanksgiving possibly be this week?  Seems like it was just the first of the year a few days ago.  I can look back at 2011 and find so many things to be thankful for.  My wife, for starters.  We got married in June after dating for....well, quite a while.  I'm thankful that she continues to put up with me.  Also for my job.  I'm very thankful for all the loyal WXBM listeners who tune in every day and allow me and all of us to do what we love to do every day.  As Marty says, if it wasn't for you listening, we'd have to get real jobs.  It sounds kinda light-hearted, but it really is true.  Thank you for listening. 

I'm also thankful that Eric Church will be heading out on the "Blood, Sweat & Beers" tour starting in January, because according to his official website, he'll be making a stop at the Wharf in Orange Beach on Saturday, March 10th!!  I'm a huge Church fan, so I'll be looking forward to this one. 

Eric will be on tour with Brantley Gilbert and several other up & coming artists.  No word on when tickets will be on sale or how much they will be for the Orange Beach show.  We'll let you know as soon as we hear.  For more info on the tour visit:  http://www.ericchurch.com/ 

Martina McBride has a TV special scheduled next month.  The 13th annual "A Home For the Holidays with Martina McBride" will feature performances from Martina, Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Gavin DeGraw and several others to raise awareness about adopting children from foster care.  Look for Martina's special December 21st, on CBS.  The other big country Chrismas TV special is the "CMA Country Christmas".  Look for performances from Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Scotty McCreery and Vince Gill.  The show will be hosted by Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles December 1st on ABC.

Lady Antebellum will be performing on the season finale of Dancing With the Stars tomorrow (11/22) on ABC.  The final three contestants are Rob Kardashian, JR Martinez and Ricki Lake.  I couldn't tell you who is the best dancer, but I like JR because of his attitude and what he has made of his situation.  

The annual Coats For Kids drive is underway now!  The United Way of Santa Rosa County is looking for new or gently used coats of all sizes to help needy families this winter.  There are several spots throughout Santa Rosa County to donate including the WXBM studios.  They will be accepting donations through January 31st, and once they coats are collected, they will be dry cleaned by Woodbine Cleaners and distributed to families in need.  So, if you have a coat or coats that you don't wear or your kids have out-grown, put them to good use.  For more information, visit http://www.unitedwaysrc.org/ or call  (850) 623-4507.

Again, from all of us at WXBM, have a great Thanksgiving and thanks for listening to Your Country 102.7 WXBM.

Brothers of the Sun tour dates and more....

Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw have announced that they will hit the road this summer on the "Brothers of the Sun" tour.  They will play 20 shows between June & August.  No doubt it'll be a great concert, but if

you want live in the Pensacola area, you'll have to road-trip to see it.  Here's the tour schedule:

Sat. June 2 - Tampa, FL - Raymond James Stadium
Sun. June 3 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia Dome
Sat. June 9 - Dallas, TX - Cowboys Stadium
Sun. June 10 - Kansas City, MO - Arrowhead Stadium
Sat. June 16 - Philadelphia, PA - Lincoln Financial Field
Sat. June 23 - Nashville, TN - LP Field
Sun. June 24 - Charlotte, NC - Bank of America Stadium
Sat. June 30 - Pittsburgh, PA - Heinz Field
Sun. July 1 - Cincinnati, OH - Paul Brown Stadium
Sat. July 7 - Chicago, IL - Soldier Field
Sun. July 8 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Field
Sat. July 14 - Anaheim, CA - Angels Stadium
Sat. July 21 - Denver, CO - Sports Authority Field at Mile High
TBA - Indianapolis, IN - Lucas Oil Stadium
TBA - Cleveland, OH - Cleveland Browns Stadium
Sat. August 11 - East Rutherford, NJ - MetLife Stadium
Sun. August 12 - Washington, DC - FedExField
Sat. August 18 - Detroit, MI - Ford Field
Sat. August 25 - Foxboro, MA - Gillette Stadium

Visit http://www.kennychesney.com/ or http://www.timmcgraw.com/ for more ticket info.

Both Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert have TV appearances scheduled tonight (11/14).  Look for Miranda on CMT's Behind the Music at 9pm followed by Blake's one-hour CMT special "Invitation Only" at 10.  Miranda will also be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno at 10:35 tonight on NBC.

A few other quick things:  Faith Hill will be performing on "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" November 30th on NBC.  Dierks Bentley has announced he'll release his new CD "Home" on February7th.  Look for a Christmas CD from Phil Vassar on November 22nd.  Phil said the project will feature 10 songs and will be available at http://www.philvassar.com/ and at digital retailers November 22nd.  American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina will sing the Star Spangled Banner before the Packers/Lions game in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day.

*****DON'T FORGET*****

-The 3rd annual Greater Gulf Coast Radio auction is this Saturday at 8am on 102.7 WXBM.  It's a true auction, which means that bidding will start at $0 on every item.  Each item will be open for bids for 15 minutes and whoever has the highest bid gets the item.  We have everything from a hot tub to silver coins to a car to tools etc etc.  You can see all the auction items and what time you can bid on them at http://www.wxbm.com/

-Bonfire Jam is coming up in a couple weeks!!  Catch Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson & Lee Brice in concert after the Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade!!  Tickets are on sale now at http://www.bonfirejam.com/

-Salvation Army is looking for bell ringers this holiday season.  They are WAY short of volunteers.  If you would like to help out, call: 850-432-1501

-Your Country 102.7 WXBM will be collecting donations for the Communities Caring at Christmas garage sale again this Saturday the 19th and again on the 26th at Sandy Sansing Chevrolet in Car City.  If you have bigger items that need to be picked up, email jlinn@pamal.com for help.  All the donated items will be stored in PODS from Panhandle PODS until the garage sale which will be December 3rd from 8am - noon at Sandy Sansing Chevrolet.

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

Keith Urban, the CMA's and the Blues in the news this week

The biggest night in country music is coming up this Wednesday with the annual CMA Award Show!!  The night before the show, ABC's Robin Roberts will host a series of candid interviews with some of the biggest stars in country music, like Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Faith Hill, Scotty McCreery & Lauren Alaina.  "In The Spotlight With Robin Roberts:  All Access Nashville" will air tomorrow (Nov 8th) at 9pm CT.  Then, the following night, it's the 45th annual CMA Awards, live in Nashville with live performances from Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and many more.  WXBM will also host our annual CMA Award Show Party at Sam's Fun City this Wednesday evening.  It's an invitation only party, so if you won an invitation, be sure to bring it, and get ready for a fun night!  We'll have free food for you & your guests, we'll show the award show on the huge theater screen at Sam's, the park will be open if the kids want to ride the rides and we have some great prizes to give out too.  Marty & Lindsey Marie, Lynn & I will be out there to host the party and give out prizes on the commercial breaks during the show.  If you have any questions, just give us a call in the studio.  The annual CMA Awards Show Party is brought to you by Sam's Fun City, Butler U-Pull It, Dan's Satellites in Pace and Your Country 102.7 WXBM!!

Keith Urban announced that doctors found a polyp on his vocal cords and he will need to have outpatient surgery to take care of it.  I've heard of other singers who have gone through the same procedure, and it doesn't sound like fun at all.  After the surgery, you have to be on total vocal rest for a couple weeks.  That means no talking or whispering.  I think Gary Allan went through that a couple years ago and said he had to carry a dry-erase board with him so he could communicate.  Keith has to scale back some of his shows this year and reschedule some more that were scheduled in early 2012.  He will still be performing at the CMA's Wednesday in Nashville.

Your Country 102.7 WXBM is proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow this Friday & Saturday aboard NAS Pensacola!!  The show will feature the Red Bull Helo, A-10 Warthog, F-18 Super Hornet demo team and of course, the US Navy Blue Angels and Fat Albert.  Both NAS Pensacola gates will be open at 8am.  There is no entry fee or parking fee for the airshow at all.  There is no seating provided, but you can bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on if you wish.  Here's what you CANNOT bring:  PETS, COOLERS, POP-UP TENTS, FOOD, DRINKS and BACKPACKS.  As of right now it looks like the weather will be great, so plan on bringing some sunscreen because it will be a long day....but a fun day....out there.  Gates open at 8am, the show starts at 9:45am and the Blue Angels will fly around 2pm both days.  There is also a Friday night show which starts at 4pm.  If you have any other questions, visit their official website:  http://www.naspairshow.com/  or give us a call in the studio.  Hope to see you there!

One last thing.....we have more FREE MONEY for you this week!!  Listen for your chance to win a $50 Walmart gift card each day this week from Butler U-Pull It and Skyville Records!!!  We will have several chances for you to win each day this week on Your Country 102.7 WXBM! 

Have a great week and thanks for listening to WXBM!!!!

More FREE MONEY, Blake Shelton Tix and Tim & Faith news

It has been a while since we've heard new music from Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.  A while back, Faith said she would be working in the studio, and then I never heard anything else about what she was working on, so I thought maybe the project was on hold, but I guess not since she's going to perform a brand new song called "Come Home" on the CMA's.  I haven't been able to find out anything about the song or any additional info on album Faith has been working on, but since she's performing a new song, it can't be too far down the road.  Maybe the first part of 2012.  As for Tim's new project, it has been done for quite a while but he's in a huge legal battle with his record label, and there's no indication on when that project will be released.  Tim & Faith will headline an Australian tour in March of 2012.  I think this "behind the scenes" video with Tim has been out for a while, but I hadn't seen it until today.  It's worth checking out if you have a few minutes:

Christmas is less than two months down the road, the CMA Country Christmas special is only about one month away!!  First of all, kudos to CMA for not being ultra-politically correct and calling it CMA "Holiday" special or something like that.  Seems like the word "Christmas" is getting phased out, and that's a shame.  Anyway, look for performances by Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill, Scotty McCreery, Darius Rucker, Sugarland and Kellie Pickler.  The show will be filmed in Nashville on November 10th and will air December 1st on ABC.

Big concert news!!  This morning Marty & Lindsey Marie announced that BLAKE SHELTON is coming to the Pensacola Civic Center on January 28th!!!  Starting tomorrow (11/1/11) we'll have a chance for you to win 2nd row seats!!  Check our website http://www.wxbm.com/ for the details on that contest.  Blake is coming to town with Justin Moore and Dia Frampton from NBC's "The Voice".  Tickets will be on sale Friday, November 11th at 10am at ticketmaster.com and all the usual outlets.  WXBM also has your chance to win KID ROCK tickets this week!!  Keep an eye on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/1027wxbm).  We'll let you know when to call in and what caller to be to see Kid's show November 12th at the Wharf on Orange Beach.

Looks like Lonestar will be reunited with former lead singer Richie McDonald in 2012.  Richie left the band in 2007 to pursue a solo career and the remaining members of Lonestar hired Pace native Cody Collins to be the new lead singer.  Richie's first show back with Lonestar will be February 26th in London.  The band also mentioned that they will be working on a brand new CD with McDonald, and they wish Collins the best in his future musical endeavours.   

Need some extra $$$$$?  Sure you do!  We have more BUTLER BUCKS (aka cash money) for you to win coming soon on Your Country 102.7 WXBM!!

CMA Party, New Music & FREE MONEY!

Got a busy couple weeks ahead of us.  CMA party at Sam's Fun City is coming up November 9th, got a bunch more chances to win Butler Bucks from Butler U-Pull-It and it's time to update the CD release date calendar, so here we go....

Let's start with the new music calendar:

October 25th
Toby Keith - "Clancy's Tavern"

Vince Gill - "Guitar Slinger"

November 1st

Miranda Lambert - "Four The Record"

Josh Gracin - "Redemption"

November 8th
Rascal Flatts - "Best of Rascal Flatts:  LIVE"

Joe Nichols - "It's All Good"

November 15th

David Nail - "The Sound of A Million Dreams"

November 22nd

Taylor Swift - "Speak Now World Tour Live" (CD/DVD)

January 24th

Kellie Pickler - "100 Proof"

Just Released

Lady Antebellum - "Own The Night"

Martina McBride - "Eleven"

Steve Holy - "Love Don't Run"

Scotty McCreery - "Clear As Day"

Rodney Atkins - "Take A Backroad"

Lauren Alaina - "Wild Flower"

Hunter Hayes - "Hunter Hayes"

In addition to all that, Dierks Bentley and Alan Jackson are both working on projects that should be out in the first part of 2012.  I'll keep you posted.

The CMA's are coming up November 9th and they had added a bunch of new performers to the show.  New performers include all "New Artist" nominees:  Eric Church, Luke Bryan, The Band Perry, Thompson Square and Chris Young.  Performers already announced are Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Sara Evans, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Zac Brown Band, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum.  The show will be hosted by Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood.  I saw this commercial over the weekend and thought it was pretty funny.....check it out:

Brad & Carrie always do a great job hosting the show, so I'm looking forward to seeing them again this year.  WXBM will be hosting the annual CMA Award Show Party again at Sam's Fun City and the party is INVITATION ONLY!!  Here's what you do if you wanna go.  Email your first & last name and address to bmack@pamal.com asap.  We have a limited number of invitations we can give out, and it's first come, first served.  We'll have chances for you to call in on the request lines and win, but email is definitely the easiest way to go.  We'll treat you & your guests to a free dinner, prize drawings, we'll show the award show on Sam's gigantic theater screen and Sam's will have a discount available on wristbands if your kids want to ride the rides.  Marty & Lindsey Marie will emcee the show during commercial breaks from 7-8, and I'll be there from 8-10pm giving out prizes & having a good time.  If you've never been to one of our parties before, dress is casual.  No dress code at all.....as long as you have something on, you're OK.  We're a pretty casual crew.  Call if you have any questions.  The annual CMA Party is brought to you by Butler U-Pull It, Dan's Satellite's in Pace and Your Country 102.7 WXBM.

Be sure to keep listening this week for your chance to win more BUTLER BUCKS!!  Marty & Lindsey Marie announce the Butler U-Pull It Song of the Day at 7:20am and post it on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/1027wxbm) at 9:20am.  When you hear that song between 10a-2p and 2p-7p, be the 25th caller to win $100 from Butler U-Pull It, Black River Entertainment and Your Country 102.7 WXBM!

That's it for this week.  Have a great week and thanks for listening to Your Country 102.7 WXBM!  I'll post the Community Events Calendar in a couple days.



Rascal Flatts "LIVE" CD & a new Dierks video

Dierks Bentley's new CD had been in the works for a while now.  He had a big hit song with "Am I The Only One", and now Dierks had released an new single called "Home".  Check it out:

Last I heard, Dierks' new CD will be titled "Diamonds" and will be released in early 2012.

Just a few days after becoming card-carrying members of the Grand Ole Opry, Rascal Flatts announced that they will release a Live CD featuring 10 of their biggest hits:

1. 'Bob That Head'

2. 'Bless The Broken Road'

3. 'Still Feels Good'
4. 'Here's To You'
5. Medley: 'I'm Movin' On,' 'Skin (Sarabeth)' and "Feels Like Today"
6. 'Stand'
7. 'These Days'
8. 'What Hurts The Most'
9. 'Life Is A Highway'
10. Encore: 'Foreplay'/'Long Time,' 'Free Ride'

Look for Rascal Flatts on the CMA's next month.  They are nominated and they'll be performing "Easy" with Natasha Bedingfield.  Also, look for a new studio CD in April 2012.

Add two more names to the list of performers for the CMA's next month:  Kenny Chesney & Rascal Flatts.  As I just mentioned, RF will be performing "Easy", and Kenny will be joined by Grace Potter for their song "You & Tequila" the night of the show.  Other performers previously announced are Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, The Band Perry, Miranda Lambert and Faith Hill.  Faith will be performing a brand new song!  The show will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, November 9th on ABC.  We will be hosting our annual CMA Award Show Party at Sam's Fun City.  Keep listening for details and for a chance to win your invitations from Your Country 102.7 WXBM!!

Have a great week!  Be sure to keep listening for your chance to win Butler Bucks from Butler U-Pull It and WXBM.  Marty & Lindsey Marie will announce the Butler U-Pull It song of the day at 7:20am each weekday morning, and then the song will be posted on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/1027wxbm) at 9:20am.  When that song plays between 10-2 and between 2-7, be the 25th caller to win $100 from Butler U-Pull It and Your Country 102.7 WXBM!

***COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR***

October 22nd
-Bras Across the Bridge:  Bras Across the Bridge is a community fundraiser to raise awareness and fund annual mammograms for women who can't afford them in the Gulf Coast Area. All profits raised are donated to the Baptist Hospital Foundation for mammograms.  More info:  jlinn@pamal.com and on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bras-Across-the-Bridge/102779433164034?sk=wall#!/pages/Bras-Across-the-Bridge/102779433164034?sk=wall

-Boo at the Zoo:  Get the kids dressed up & ready for a great time at the Gulf Breeze Zoo!  There will be many different events and things go see & do at Boo at the Zoo which will be October 22nd and 23rd and again from October 28th-30th.  More info:  http://gulfbreezezoo.org/zooboo2011.html

-Panhandle Equine Rescue Yard Sale:  It's the fall yard sale at Panhandle Equine Rescue on the 22nd from 8am - 3pm.  3309 Chipper Rd in Cantonment.  More info:  850-587-2754

October 23rd
-First Methodist Church of Pace Fall Festival:  Fall Festival is scheduled from 5p - 7p at the church in Pace.  More info:   850-994-5608

October 29th

-Thinkin' Pink:  Santa Rosa Clean Community System will host this event to benefit for the American Cancer Society at the Green Up Santa Rosa Nursery in Milton.  More info:  thinkinpinksrcc@aol.com

October 31st
-First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill Fall Festival:  The Fall Festival will go from 6p - 8p and will include hay rides, candy, a bounce house, chili cookoff and much more.  More info:  850-968-2357

-Gulf Shores Church of Christ Fall Festival:  Fall Festival is scheduled from 5p - 7p at the church in Gulf Shores.  More info:  251-968-7769

November 11th

-Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow:  Celebrate 100 years of Naval aviation at NAS Pensacola with Fat Albert and the world famous US Navy Blue Angels!  In addition to the Blues, you'll enjoy the F-18 Super Hornet demo team, shockwave jet truck and much more!  More info:  http://www.naspairshow.com/

***VOLUNTEERS NEEDED***

-Northwest Florida Blood Services - Blood/Platelet donors needed:  850-473-3853 or http://nfbcblood.org/

-Habitat for Humanity - Worksite volunteers needed:  Rebecca Kidd - 850-434-5456

-Panhandle Equine Rescue:  850-587-2754

-Florida Guardian Ad Litem:  595-3732

-Medical Reserve Corps:  850-983-5200 or http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/

-Families First Network at Lakeview Center - Foster parents needed:  (850) 453-7777 or 1-866-517-7766

*****If your non-profit organization has an announcement that you'd like to get on WXBM, email complete info to:  communityannouncement@wxbm.com at least 3 weeks in advance.  Any questions, call us in the studio at 850-310-9102

Happy trails, Hank

Watching the intro to Monday Night Football is going to take some getting used to now that Hank is gone.  By now, I'm sure you have heard the news that Hank Williams Jr has been fired from ESPN after 20+ years over comments he made on Fox & Friends last week:

For me, the real story here is how the media handled this.  I'm the kinda guy who likes a fair fight.  I want to point out that I'm registered as an Independent voter.  I don't see myself as a Republican and I don't see myself as a Democrat.  I have voted for Republicans and I have voted for Democrats, so I'm not a "good 'ol boy" who is standing up for my man.  Did Hank make and EXTREME comparison?  Definitely.  Did he say "Obama is Hitler", like many media outlets and headlines claimed?  No.  The news stories and headlines were pretty misleading when this story broke, and Hank took a beating from the media.  Freedom of speech is the issue.  Hank was speaking his mind, pure & simple.  The flip-side of the coin with freedom of speech is, your employer may not have the same political views as you have, and may not want you speaking for their company.  For example, every once in a while we add a new song that, in my opinion, just flat-out stinks.  But I know that if I go on air and say "Geez, that song is horrible.  How could anyone possibly like that song?", I would probably offend some people and my boss wouldn't be very happy with me.  The point is, you have to know how far you can go with your comments, or, as some would say, you have to have filter between your brain and your mouth.  I don't think Hank has that filter.  Maybe he should have used Nick Saban and Les Miles for his comparison, or the Red Sox and Yankees.  I don't know what happened behind the scenes, but I believe that ESPN should have given Hank a chance to apologize for his comments, and if he refused, then go ahead and fire him.  It was interesting to sit back and watch news reports on this story because Democrats were sooooo offended that Hank said "Obama is Hitler" (which he really didn't say) and equally offended by him saying that Obama, Biden & other Democrats are the "enemy".  C'mon.  You're foolish if you think that Democrats don't look at Republicans and the Tea Party as the enemy.  Where was the outrage when Kanye West went on live TV (a fund raiser for Red Cross after Katrina) and said "George Bush doesn't care about black people"?  If you don't remember that story, it's because it was swept under the rug by the media.  It's on YouTube if you have time to search for it.  Can you imagine what would happen if Hank would have said "Obama doesn't care about white people"?  Where was the outrage when A-list celebrities were crushing President Bush and calling him Hitler?  There was outrage back in 2003 when the Dixie Chicks were on tour in London and Natalie Maines said "Just so you know, we're on the good side with y'all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we're ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas".  There were quite a few media reports that said radio station were boycotting the Dixie Chicks and refusing to play their songs because of that statement.  The truth is, the listeners boycotted the Dixie Chicks, not radio.  For every one person that would call to support the Chicks, we would get 40 people say they never want to hear them played on the radio again.  There was no radio boycott, there was a listener boycott.  Months later, we considered putting the Chicks back in rotation, but when we asked random listeners what they thought of that, their feelings hadn't changed.  They still had no interest in hearing the Chicks, so, to this day, we don't play them because, for the most part, our listeners don't want to hear them.

With all that said, I would like to exercise a little freedom of speech of my own with a message to Hank Jr, Dixie Chicks and every other singer/political analyst wannabe......shut up and sing your songs.  I don't care about your political views.

Rascal Flatts' big day

Last Tuesday, Rascal Flatts popped in to the Grand Ole Opry for a three-song set and ended up getting quite a surprise.  Vince Gill came on stage and invited them to become members of the Grand Ole Opry! 

The guys will be officially inducted this Saturday night, October 8th.  If you get Great American Country (GAC) you can watch the ceremony live at 7pm CT.  Rascal Flatts also revealed that they will be releasing a new CD on April 3rd, 2012.  They only have a few more shows this year and will enjoy some downtime with their families before getting back on the road and in the studio in 2012.

American Idol winner, and baseball fan Scotty McReery will be singing the Star Spangled Banner before the first game of the 2011 World Series.  Scotty said he's excited about the opportunity but does admit that he's a little bummed because he won't be singing at Fenway Park in Boston since his favorite team got bumped out of the playoffs on the last day of the season.  Scotty also announced that he'll be on tour with Brad Paisley in 2012.

After a small role in "The Lincoln Lawyer" (which was really good), Trace Adkins landed a role as a truck driver in the upcoming super-natural thriller "The Healer".  Should be in theaters some time next year.  I'll keep you posted.

Blake Shelton plans on a short tour to start 2012.  Blake, Justin Moore and Dia Frampton from NBC's "The Voice" will play 27 cities between January and March.  More details will be coming soon.

Don't forget to tune in and try to win "Butler Buck"!!  Marty & Lindsey Marie announce the song of the day at 7:20am and then they post it on our facebook page at 9:20am.  When you hear that song on WXBM between 10am - 7pm, be the 25th caller to win $100 from Butler U-Pull-It and Your Country 102.7 WXBM!

***COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR***

October 7th

-Healthy Start Coalition:  The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition will have a silent auction with coffee, desserts and entertainment from 8-10pm to raise money for beds for babies.  More info:  850-474-5333

October 8th

-Victory Junction Gang Camp Poker Run:  The 6th annual poker run will go on rain or shine on the 8th and will benefit Victory Junction Gang Camp for children with terminal and catastrophic illness.  More info:  850-572-0567 or 850-777-9226

-Save a horse, ride a harley:  Lights Out sports bar and Panhandle Equine Rescue will hold their "Save A Horse" poker run starting at 10am with proceeds going to Panhandle Equine Rescue.  More info:  981-8229

-Run for Down Syndrome Awareness:  Registration begins at 9:30am at Harley Davidson of Pensacola and ends at Stokes Victory Polaris.  More info:  494-1224

-Pet Blessing:  First Presbyterian Church of Milton will host the 2nd annual "All God's Creatures" pet blessing as a fund raiser for the church and Santa Rosa Animal Services.  More info:  Nicole - 983-0542

-Community Cookout:  The Pensacola Community Arts & Recreation Association will have their 18th annual "Big Community Cookout" Saturday at the Fricker Recreation Center.  Free food, entertainment & fun events are planned.  More info:  willroy85@aol.com

-Green Thumb Festival:  The Escambia County Extention Office and Master Gardeners will have the annual Green Thumb Festival Saturday.  Great tips on how to keep your garden looking good all year long.  More info:  Barbara - 968-6424

-Fall Festival:  Gonzales Methodist Church will have their Fall Festival from 10am-2pm with a children's area, chili cook-off, apple pie bake-off, live auction and entertainment.  More info:  968-6006

October 14th
-One stroke closer to a cure golf tournament:  Join the Krewe du Ya Ya's for their 8th annual golf tournament at Stonebrook Golf Club.  It's a 4 person scramble with 7:30 tee slots still available.  Lots of prizes, lots of fun for a great cause.  More info:  http://www.kreweduyayas.com/8th_annual_golf_tournament.htm

October 15th

-Doggie Bathe-In:  The Humane Society of Pensacola will have their final bathe-in on the 15th from 9am-2pm.  It's a great way to keep your critters clean and pest-free.  More info:  850-432-4250
or http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL562.html

-Artfest:  The 2011 Artfest will be from 9am - 4pm at the Santa Rosa County Auditorium and is open to all artists and crafters.  More info:  995-9717 or http://santarosaartassociation.com/ 

October 22nd
-Bras Across the Bridge:  Bras Across the Bridge is a community fundraiser to raise awareness and fund annual mammograms for women who can't afford them in the Gulf Coast Area. All profits raised are donated to the Baptist Hospital Foundation for mammograms.  More info:  jlinn@pamal.com and on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bras-Across-the-Bridge/102779433164034?sk=wall#!/pages/Bras-Across-the-Bridge/102779433164034?sk=wall

-Boo at the Zoo:  Get the kids dressed up & ready for a great time at the Gulf Breeze Zoo!  There will be many different events and things go see & do at Boo at the Zoo which will be October 22nd and 23rd and again from October 28th-30th.  More info:  http://gulfbreezezoo.org/zooboo2011.html

October 29th

-Thinkin' Pink:  Santa Rosa Clean Community System will host this event to benefit for the American Cancer Society at the Green Up Santa Rosa Nursery in Milton.  More info:  thinkinpinksrcc@aol.com

November 11th
-Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow:  Celebrate 100 years of Naval aviation at NAS Pensacola with Fat Albert and the world famous US Navy Blue Angels!  In addition to the Blues, you'll enjoy the F-18 Super Hornet demo team, shockwave jet truck and much more!  More info:  http://www.naspairshow.com/

***VOLUNTEERS NEEDED***

-Northwest Florida Blood Services:  850-473-3853 or http://nfbcblood.org/

-Habitat for Humanity:  Rebecca Kidd - 850-434-5456

-Panhandle Equine Rescue:  850-587-2754

-Florida Guardian Ad Litem:  595-3732
Medical Reserve Corps:  850-983-5200 or http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/

*****If your non-profit organization has an announcement that you'd like to get on WXBM, email complete info to:  communityannouncement@wxbm.com at least 3 weeks in advance.  Any questions, call us in the studio at 850-310-9102