Our hearts and support go out to the people of Moore, Oklahoma and the surrounding area. We are so thankful to have amazing relief organizations to help make this tragedy a bit easier to recover from.
Credit: Kellie Pickler Facebook
Courtesy Derek Hough Twitter
Kellie Pickler, the adorable southern belle, and arguably one of America’s favorite sweethearts is getting ready to dance her last round. The two night finale of Dancing with the Stars begins tonight at 8/7c and wraps up tomorrow at 9/8 pm central standard time. Kellie and her partner Derek Hough have been very vocal about their growing friendship and the pair has done extremely well throughout the competition. Dereck announced his partnership with Kellie as working with “one of the coolest and funniest women around.” And this week Kellie posted on her Facebook that she had gained a new older brother in Derek and a group of “forever friends” in the cast. “Like [American] Idol” Kellie wrote, Dancing with the Stars, “
has also changed my life. Being on DWTS has helped me discover so much about myself and I feel like it’s helped me grow as a person.” And we have loved watching her grow every week as her infectious smile represents the Country Music Community with grace and infinite Southern Charm.
This is Derek’s chance to win a record breaking fourth mirror ball trophy. Hough was also the first to win three seasons in the ABC Franchise of the show. Kellie and Derek will be competing against Olympic gold medalist and captain of the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team: Alexandra Raisman and dancer Mark Ballas, NFL star of Super Bowl champs the Baltimore Ravens: Jacoby Jones and partner Karina Smirnoff and Disney channel star singer/actress: Zendaya and partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy. We love you Kellie and wish you all the luck in the world this week! Bring that mirror ball back to Nashville!
Sugarland star Jennifer Nettles is stepping out on her own! After little “sugarbaby” Magnus Hamilton Miller arrived in December, Jennifer has discussed many changes in her life and how her perspective has changed with the birth of her beautiful son with husband Justin Miller. And among those changes is a new solo record due out this fall. “I am absolutely thrilled and wholly proud to be working with Rick Rubin on my new solo album!” she tweeted. Country Weekly interviewed her about working with Rick Rubin. Jennifer and Rubin spent a month together recording in Malibu. “I have had a huge milestone . . . reminding me of the beauty of my roots. . . This album is a celebration of those roots. Nettles told CW and we at The Ranch are all just as excited as she to see what is to come from the Southern songbird.
Other Country Debuts:
Natalie Maines also released a solo album entitled “Mother” that dropped May 7th 2013. Produced with folk artist Ben Harper the sassy Dixie Chick we all know has recorded a new record somewhere between folk and rock, which she admits was always a first love. Maines album includes a cover of the Eddy Veddar tune “Without You” and Pink Floyd’s track “Mother,” which entitled the album.
Also lead singer of Christian band Third Day, Mac Powell has gone Country. His debut album was true to the Alabama native’s roots. The album is self titled and in stores now.
Ram Country Toyota’s BBQ Cook- Del Rio, TX – May 24-25, 2013
Ram Country Toyota is hosting their 3rd Annual Ram Country Toyota BBQ Cook-off, powered by TUNDRA. The event is May 24 and 25 in Del Rio (next to wWalmart on HWY 90) and will offer the nation’s largest payout. The cook-off is sanctioned by the IBCA (International Barbecue Cooker’s Association) and provides the highest grand prize payout for IBCA in the country at $10,000. Events are to be held from 6:30pm – 11:00pm on Friday and from 10:00am – 10:00pm on Saturday.
Sixty-eight teams competed for bragging rights to the best barbecue in Texas in 2012, and that is expected to double this year with the long weekend. A $250 entry fee allows teams to compete in five areas: fajitas, beans, half chicken, spare pork ribs and brisket. Cash awards totaling $25,000 will be distributed, with the top ten winners in each category receiving payouts. The top team of the event walks away with $10,000.
Music, festivities, and educational opportunities will pack the event, including four live bands spanning the two day event, a petting zoo with llamas, donkeys, pigs, and longhorns, and a castle bounce, obstacle course and slide. SHUMLA (Studying Human Use of Materials, Land, and Art), an Archaeological Research and Education Center, will highlight the rich archaeological history of Val Verde County by providing an atlatl throwing station, allowing visitors to experience ancient hunting methods from over four thousand years ago. Food vendors will offer everything from ice cream to funnel cakes, and of course, barbecue!
Judges are a critical part of the competition, and will be chosen from the attending crowd. Those lucky enough to be selected will have their names entered into a drawing for prizes that will continue throughout the day.
For more information visit the Ram Country website at http://www.ramcountry.com/
May 24 – The Cailloux Theater is set to feature country music singer Jolie Holliday in concert for one night only, Friday, May 24, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
The Dallas native has received a number of awards around the world, her debut album “A Real Good Day” even entered at #1 on the European charts. Jolie has been awarded Female vocalist of the year and Album of the Year at the CMA Indie Awards.
Her follow up album “Lucky Enough” is a soulful record of country ballads and up-tempo honky-tonk tunes that is true to Texas Country roots. Jolie Holliday is known for her broad vocal range as well as her high-energy, yet intimate, shows that keep her in close contact with fans. With hand clapping, foot stomping, get-up-out-of-your-seat and dance shows that include a medley of her own hits, as well as timeless country favorites, Jolie’s electrifying concerts remain a top priority for this truly gifted performer.
Her single “No Thanks,” reached #1 on the Indie World Country Chart, while “I’m Coming Home to You” was a top 25 on the Texas Music Charts. Since her debut, Jolie has opened for music legends like Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Lee Ann Womack, and the recently reunited band Lonestar. Jolie performed at the 2011 Official Super Bowl Pre-Game in Dallas, TX, the 2009 & 2010 CMA Music Fest and the half-time show at the 2009 Thanksgiving Dallas Cowboy game. Jolie can also be seen in concert regularly at Chevrolet and multiple NASCAR sponsored events.
The Concert is also set to include Kerrville’s own Local singers The Wolf Sisters. The twin sisters, Sarah and Becca have been singing since a very young age and have been performing professionally since 2007. Sarah and Becca, 25, both sing vocals while Sarah also plays guitar with the band. The girls have written over 16 songs and released the EP, “Have a Good Time” available for purchase.
Tickets range from $10 – $25 and are on sale now at Cailloux website www.caillouxtheater.com
