Kraft Entertainment, the producers behind the successful festival has announced that the festival will once again be held at the Gillette Stadium located in Boston. Tickets, priced at $82.50, $52.50, and $29.50 have already gone on sale since Jan. 30. Here’s a look at the top three artists lined up for the festival.

Brad Paisley (http://bradpaisley.musiccitynetworks.com/)
With the successful release of his eighth studio album, “American Saturday Night,” he has successfully cemented his spot as one of the top male artists in the genre today, producing a string of hit country music songs. “Then,” the album’s first single just became the 14th No. 1 song of his career. His other hit songs include “Whiskey Lullaby,” “Time Well Wasted,” “When I Get Where I’m Going,” “Waitin’ on a Woman,”‘Online,” and “Start a Band.” Paisley has also received numerous awards including three Grammys (Best Country Instrumental Performance for 2008 and 2009, Best Male Country Vocal Performance for 2009); a host of ACMs (Album of the Year for 2005 and Top Male Vocalist of the Year for 2007, 2008 and 2009, to name a few); and major awards from the CMAs (Album of the Year for 2006 and Male Vocalist of the Year for 2007, 2008, and 2009), among many many others. Paisley is still in the thick of his “Paisley Party Tour,” dishing out new country songs for his fans.

Darius Rucker (http://www.dariusrucker.com/)
Former front man for defunct band “Hootie and the Blowfish,” Rucker has successfully crossed over to country music to critical and commercial acclaim. His debut album helped made him a bona fide country star through hits such as “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “It Won’t Be Like This for Long,” and “Alright,” all of which reached No. 1 on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart. In 2009, Rucker was nominated for three awards—Male Vocalist of the Year, Favorite Male Artist, and New Artist of the Year—at the 2009 Country Music Awards. Winning New Artist of the Year helped solidify his status as the first African-American country music artist to have won in nearly 30 years. Currently, Rucker is busy recording his second album containing new country songs, and is on tour with Rascal Flatts for the last leg of the “American Living Unstoppable Tour.”

Jason Aldean (http://www.jasonaldean.com/)
Aldean, known for his no-nonsense country music songs, has had three albums released through Broken Bow Records: Jason Aldean, Relentless, and Wide Open. Together, all three albums have produced nine hit singles which graced the Billboard country singles charts, most of whom went straight to No.1: “Why,” “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” and “The Truth.” Aldean is currently headlining the “Wide Open Tour.”

Twelve-time host, Reba McEntire, herself a recipient of no less that twelve ACM awards, will again grace the awards ceremony, a night typically filled with performances of the previous year’s top country songs. According to Orly Adelson, President of Dick Clark Productions and the Executive Producer of the ACM Awards, McEntire was a logical choice because, “no one does it better than Reba McEntire. She always brings spunk and personality to the show and we are honored to have the queen of country music back to host the Awards for the 12th time.”

Since its inception in 1964, the ACM Awards has honored the country music industry’s best musical talents for almost half a century. Previous winners include the music industry’s best and brightest stars- a who’s who of the country music scene for the past years. Its most prestigious award, The Artist of the Decade, has been given to country music heavyweights such as Marty Robbins (1960s), Loretta Lynn (1970s), Alabama (1980s), Garth Brooks (1990s), and George Strait (2000s). Another major award, Entertainer of the Year, have been given to the likes of Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrel, Garth Brooks, and Brooks and Dunn, as well as newer artists such as Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, and Carrie Underwood.

As reported in a country music blog, this year, fans also get to vote for the artists who will win in the three Top New Artist Categories. The nominees for this year’s new artist categories are Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson, and Chris Young for Top New Solo Vocalist; Bomshel, Joey + Rory, and Steel Magnolia for Top New Vocal Duo; and Eli Young Band, Gloriana, and The Lost Trailers for Top New Vocal Group.

Some of the artists that have already signed on to perform their hit country songs in what is expected to be a star-studded event include McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Rascal Flatts. Another special event which has been announced as part of the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards celebration this year is the all-star concert special, “ACM Presents” brooks and Dunn- The Lat Rodeo,” which will be taped the following night at the same venue. This show will later be aired over on CBS. This comes as a special tribute for Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, who together, became the best-selling duo in the history of country music. They will also be feted with the Milestone Award in recognition of their career achievements.

In a statement, Bob Romeo, Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music, explained why they chose to do the special. “Brooks & Dunn have defined country music for 20 years.” He added, “With this all-star concert tribute, the Academy is honored to recognize Kix and Ronnie for their contributions to the country music industry, fans and to all the artists they have helped get a break in this business.”

A native of Maynardville, TN, Smith was known for his special brand of country music love songs such as “You Are The One,” “This Orchard Means Goodbye,” “(When You Feel Like You’re in Love) Don’t Just Stand There,” as well as hits such as “Hey Joe!,” “Let’s Live a Little,” “Cut Across Shorty,” “Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way,” and “Loose Talk.” According to a country music blog, upon his retirement in the latter part of the 1970’s, Smith was officially inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2003.

Smith’s long career first began in 1944 when he served in the military during World War II at the WROL radio station in Knoxville, Tennessee. He then performed alongside bands and artists such as Skeets Williamson, Molly O’Day, and Archie Campbell. Around that time, Smith was also writing songs and producing demos, one of which reached Troy Martin, who at that time, was an executive for Peer-Southern. Martin, in turn, brought the demo to Jack Stapp, a WSM Nashville executive, and Don Law, producer for Columbia. On the strength of his demo, Smith was signed to the label, and the rest is history.

In 1950, he appeared on the Grand Ole Opry as the guest of Hank Williams who also performed that same day; he eventually became a regular until 1956. His first hit with Columbia, “Let’s Live a Little,” came the following year and peaked at the No. 2 spot in the charts. Within a year, he had more hits including the classic country music love songs “If Teardrops Were Pennies” and his first No. 1, “Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way.” This same year also marked his marriage to June Carter, whom he would later divorce. His daughter with Carter, Carlene Carter, later became a country singer just like her famous parents. In 1957, Smith married another singer, Goldie Hill, who passed away in 2005.

As mentioned in another country music blog, aside from his hit songs, Smith was also known as one of the first group of young country stars to cross over to television and movies. Smith appeared on the “Main Street Music Hall,” and other shows such as “Stars Of Country Music.” In 1961, he also made a guest appearance on “Four Star Jubilee,” a country television series which aired over at ABC. Smith would eventually go on to host his own show, “Carl Smith’s Country Music Hall” for US and Canadian audiences.

As a successful singer, Smith stayed with Columbia Records until 1975, and then transferred to ABC/Hickory. It is with this label that he eventually decided to announce his retirement in the latter part of the 1970’s.

Known for his unique brand of country music love songs, Mr. Country will surely be missed by his fans and by the entire Nashville community.

In the 1990’s, artists such as Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Lee Ann Womack first opened the doors with their brand of country music doused with sex appeal and tremendous commercial and crossover potential. Today, artists such as Miranda Lambert, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland continue in this tradition, giving audiences a different and, dare we say, bolder image of modern day country singers. Let’s take a look at their career highlights.

Miranda Lambert (http://www.mirandalambert.com/)
Twenty-six year old Miranda Leigh Lambert first broke into the scene through her participation in the 2003 season of Nashville Star, a reality TV program aired over at NBC. Her third place finish did not prevent her from eventually achieving superstardom. She later signed with Epic Records, through which she released her debut album, “Kerosene.” All four singles from the album- “Bring Me Down,” “Kerosene,” “Me and Charlie Talking,” and “New Strings”—were certified Top 40 hits. In 2007, she transferred to Columbia Records Nashville and recorded her sophomore album, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” which produced her first Top 10 hit (“Gunpowder & Lead”). All of her three albums debuted at the No. 1 Spot on the Billboard Country Music Album Charts. She has been nominated for Grammys, CMAs and ACM awards in which she won a Top New Female Vocalist award in 2007.

Hillary Scott (http://ladyantebellum.blogspot.com/)
Scott is, of course, one-third of the fast rising group Lady Antebellum (known for their harmony-driven country love songs), which recently grabbed the Award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group for “I Run To You” at the recent Grammy Awards, successfully establishing their hold of the category over veterans such as Rascal Flatts and Brooks & Dunn. After graduating from high school, Scott, a country singer by heart, worked with singer-songwriter Victoria Shaw, through which she met her future band mates. Scott, a native of Nashville, TN, is not just a pretty face with a big voice, she is also an award-winning songwriter recognized for her contributions to “Love Don’t Live Here” and “Lookin’ for a Good Time,” two of Lady Antebellum’s hit songs.

Jennifer Nettles (http://www.sugarlandmusic.com/)
The sexy, on-stage presence of Nettles helped propel Sugarland as one of the fast-rising musical acts of today. Together with Kristian Bush, Nettles successfully translated their electrifying stage performance into hit singles and multi-platinum record sales. Prior to joining Sugarland, Nettles had already been an established singer working the Atlanta, Georgia music circuit through her previous bands, Soul Miner’s Daughter and the Jennifer Nettles Band. Like Scott, Nettles is also an established singer and songwriter, co-writing songs with Cory Jones for two Soul Miner’s Daughter albums, “The Sacred and Profane” (1996) and “Hallelujah” (1998).

Founded in 2003, Sugarland was originally a duo consisting of Bush and Kristen Hall. It later became a trio when Nettles came on board as the lead singer. Amidst controversies, Hall left the band in 2005, restoring Sugarland into its original format. Although all three members became part of Sugarland just a few years ago, they all respectively enjoyed successful solo careers. Bush, a native of Knoxville, TN, was the other half of the rock duo Billy Pilgrim dishing out together with Andrew Hyra. Hall had already been a folk singer-songwriter and a roadie for the Indigo Girls. Nettles, on the other hand, used to be the front woman dishing out country music songs for Atlanta-bands called Soul Miner’s Daughter and the Jennifer Nettles Band.

Collectively, all three artists have been responsible for the great success of Sugarland’s debut album, “Twice the Speed of Life,” which was released in 2004. Four tracks from the album all had Top 20 spots at the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts including “Baby Girl” (No. 2), “Something More” (No. 2), “Just Might (Make Me Believe)” (No. 7), and “Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good)” (No. 17) all contributing to outstanding record sales of two million copies. This album also earned them a Grammy nomination for the Best New Artist Award. The success of their debut album was followed by their equally successful sophomore album entitled, “Enjoy the Ride,” twoTop 10 hit songs- “Want To” and “Settlin’.”

In Sugarland’s short lifetime, the duo has already released three albums, all of which have been certified hits. Their third album, “Love on the Inside,” featuring new country songs such as “All I Want to Do,” and “Already Gone,” as well as a cover of the old hit “Life in a Northern Town,” among others. This was followed by their Love on the Inside Tour, which was later released into a DVD containing the duo’s performances while on the road. At present, the duo can boast of a harvest of awards from the major award winning bodies such as the Grammys, the CMAs, the CMT Music Awards, and the ACM awards. The highlights include Vocal Duo of the Year (CMT, 2007 and 2009), (CMA, 2008); Song of the Year (ACM, 2008); and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals ( Grammy, 2007): to name a few.

At present, the duo is set to headline “The Incredible Machine” tour and will be releasing their fourth studio album containing new country songs this year. Get more Sugarland news and updates at: http://www.sugarlandmusic.com/.

This year, reigning country music queen Loretta Lynn, has been given a special citation during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony, which recognizes lifetime achievements in music. Although Lynn could not attend, her twin daughters Patsy and Peggy Lynn were on hand to receive the award for their mother, widely recognized as one of the best singer/songwriters of all time. “Peggy and I always said she didn’t open doors, she kicked them off the hinges,” said Patsy Lynn. This is her 50th year in country music, and it couldn’t have gotten started any better.”

Lynn, famous for her unique country music love songs and others that have a social and political message, has enjoyed a career spanning half a century of hit songs and albums, awards, and acclaim from both critics and fans alike. According to an established country music blog, her movie was even made into a movie, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones. Born in a poor mining village in Butcher Hollow, KY, Lynn has had a less-privileged upbringing but that did not stop her from achieving greatness later in life.

When she was 13 years old, Lynn dropped out of the sixth grade to marry Oliver Doolittle Lynn, who was instrumental in introducing her to singing and songwriting. After hearing her sing lullabies to their children at night, Doolittle bought her a $17 guitar and encouraged her to sing, since he felt that Lynn was a better singer than the ones heard over the radio at that time. The rest, as we say it, is history. Today, Lynn is one of the most awarded artists and remains to be a gifted singer and songwriter to this day.

Like most artists her age, Lynn has had her share of ups and downs, and some of her experiences could be gleaned from songs that she wrote throughout her career. Her brand of country music love songs—and even those that are not—are admired for their authenticity, especially since Lynn is fond of singing in a traditional style. In 2004, as if to prove her staying power, she released her most critically acclaimed album to date, “Van Lear Rose,” which was the product of an unlikely collaboration with White Stripes front man Jack White. This album was nominated for five categories (Best Country Song for “Portland, Oregon” and “Miss Being Mrs.,” Best Female Country Vocal Performance “Miss Being Mrs.,” Best Country Album and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Portland, Oregon”). Of these, she won two awards for Best Country Album and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.

According to another country music blog, last year, Lynn went on tour simply because she thought it was “better than sitting on the couch and watching TV.” Clearly, Lynn has not lost her sense of humor and childlike enthusiasm; we can thus expect even better albums and some special country music love songs from this great artist in the coming days.

This year, reigning country music queen Loretta Lynn, has been given a special citation during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony, which recognizes lifetime achievements in music. Although Lynn could not attend, her twin daughters Patsy and Peggy Lynn were on hand to receive the award for their mother, widely recognized as one of the best singer/songwriters of all time. “Peggy and I always said she didn’t open doors, she kicked them off the hinges,” said Patsy Lynn. This is her 50th year in country music, and it couldn’t have gotten started any better.”

Lynn, famous for her unique country music love songs and others that have a social and political message, has enjoyed a career spanning half a century of hit songs and albums, awards, and acclaim from both critics and fans alike. According to an established country music blog, her movie was even made into a movie, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones. Born in a poor mining village in Butcher Hollow, KY, Lynn has had a less-privileged upbringing but that did not stop her from achieving greatness later in life.

When she was 13 years old, Lynn dropped out of the sixth grade to marry Oliver Doolittle Lynn, who was instrumental in introducing her to singing and songwriting. After hearing her sing lullabies to their children at night, Doolittle bought her a $17 guitar and encouraged her to sing, since he felt that Lynn was a better singer than the ones heard over the radio at that time. The rest, as we say it, is history. Today, Lynn is one of the most awarded artists and remains to be a gifted singer and songwriter to this day.

Like most artists her age, Lynn has had her share of ups and downs, and some of her experiences could be gleaned from songs that she wrote throughout her career. Her brand of country music love songs—and even those that are not—are admired for their authenticity, especially since Lynn is fond of singing in a traditional style. In 2004, as if to prove her staying power, she released her most critically acclaimed album to date, “Van Lear Rose,” which was the product of an unlikely collaboration with White Stripes front man Jack White. This album was nominated for five categories (Best Country Song for “Portland, Oregon” and “Miss Being Mrs.,” Best Female Country Vocal Performance “Miss Being Mrs.,” Best Country Album and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Portland, Oregon”). Of these, she won two awards for Best Country Album and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.

According to another country music blog, last year, Lynn went on tour simply because she thought it was “better than sitting on the couch and watching TV.” Clearly, Lynn has not lost her sense of humor and childlike enthusiasm; we can thus expect even better albums and some special country music love songs from this great artist in the coming days.

First to take the stage was fast-rising band Lady Antebellum, known for their well written country love songs, who earlier won the award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, establishing their hold on the group category by wresting the award from fan favorites Brooks & Dunn and Rascal Flatts. Their rendition of their latest single “Need You Now,” from their latest album of the same title, wowed the audience because of their great vocal harmonies—one trademark country music is known for.

Next to perform were The Zac Brown Band who also won the Best New Artist Award over peers from other genres. It was such a great moment for the band especially since their win was announced by country singers Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert who were both heavyweights in the industry. In their performance, a mix of country, blues, rock and even reggae, the band announced their surprise guest, and out came Russell in front of the piano singing “Dixie Lullaby”, a collaboration he did with the band. The band also performed parts of their hit songs “America The Beautiful” and ended with “Chicken Fried.”

Underwood later took to the stage as part of the ensemble of singers who joined the 3D tribute to Michael Jackson. Another highlight of the awards show was when Sugarland’s Nettles came out on stage to do a duet with Jon Bon Jovi with the song “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” Of course, the night would not have been complete if America’s reigning country sweetheart did not perform her latest country love songs. Swift also took to the stage and did her songs “Today Was A Fairytale,” “You Belong With Me,” and was later joined by Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks for a duet of the band’s “Rhiannon.” Although Swift’s off-key singing was widely panned by critics the next day, her haul of four Grammy awards (Album Of The Year, Best Female Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Song, and Best Country Album) still validated this young country singer’s undeniable talent and panache.

Apart from the performers, other country singers also graced the event. Underwood and country great Randy Travis’ duet of Travis’ hit song “I Told You So” won an award as the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. In addition, bluegrass veteran Alison Krauss also made history by winning her 27th Grammy for her participation in the album “Yo Yo Ma & Friends: Songs of Joy & Peace.”

All in all, Nashville’s legends, superstars, and upcoming talents did the music community proud proving that country music is a genre to reckon with in next year’s Grammy Awards.

According to the official statement released, “Bands, Brew, and BBQ” represents “four weekends of sizzling live performances from award-winning country and classic rock artists, the smokin’ hot flavor of blazing barbeque, ice-cold beer and all of SeaWorld’s and Busch Gardens’ thrilling attractions, rides and shows. This year, the series of events held in Seaworld in Orlando and at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida promises “four weekends of mouth-watering food, fun and music.” This unique concert series offers music, food and a whole lot of fun for fans who will participate in the shows lined up in both events.

After each musical performance, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat BBQ buffets, and relax with friends and loved ones with ice-cold Budweiser while listening to the best country music songs performed by the musical guests. At Seaworld, guests will not only be able to enjoy new country songs from their favorite artists, they can also enjoy a mouthwatering picnic through the All-You-Care-To-Eat Picnic pass that can be availed at the Seaworld Pavilions Area from 11:30 am to 4 pm. The menu consists of backyard barbecue classics such as hamburgers, hotdogs, and corn on the cob, as well as house favorites such as Seaworld’s BBQ Spare Ribs, Budweiser BBQ Chicken, Budweiser Baked Beans, BBQ Pulled Pork and Smoked Barbecue Salmon, among others, all washed down with a cold bottle of Bud.

Last February 6, fresh from their Grammy Award win, The Zac Brown Band opened the show at Seaworld, giving their fans a rousing set of new country songs from their debut album. Scheduled performances from other artists have also been announced for subsequent dates: Montgomery Gentry (February 13), John Rich of Big & Rich (February 20), and Yes (February 27). Meanwhile, over at Busch Gardens, artists slated to perform include Willie Nelson (February 14), Huey Lewis and the News (February 21), Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (February 28 ).

For the concerts that will be held at Busch Gardens, VIP tickets are available at $27.95, which guarantees reserved seating at the Center/Front stage area of Gwazi Park. The VIP ticket also comes with a meal pass that could be redeemed at any Busch Gardens restaurant. For the Seaworld patrons, the VIP ticket has a $49.95 price tag and comes with a reserved seating option at the Bayside Stadium during the concert. It also comes with an All You can eat BBQ Buffet meal at the Sea Harbor Pavilions, as well as various Quick Queue front-of-the-line privileges.

For more details and booking information, you can visit: http://www.bandsbrewandbbq.com/

The self-titled debut album from which the track has been lifted is a huge success. It holds the distinction of being the first album by a new duo or group to debut at the top spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums charts. Thus far, it has produced hit singles including “Love Don’t Live Here,” which reached the No .3 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, “Lookin’ for a Good Time” (No. 11), “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (No. 3), and the award-winning single, “I Run to You,” which is also the band’s first number one single.

Just a few days before winning their first Grammy Award, country music blog posts were filled with speculations regarding Lady Antebellum’s second album entitled, “Need You Now.” Admittedly, the band members were not as confident, while recording simply because they thought they could suffer from the sophomore jinx. In an interview with Billboard.com, Kelley shared, “I think we definitely put a lot of pressure on ourselves with the success of the first record that we wanted to make one that surpassed it.” He added, “We definitely don’t want to get into…the sophomore slump. We want to be doing this for a long time and also live up to the expectations of some of the awards we’ve been lucky to get, the CMAs and stuff.”

It seems that their worries are unfounded because already, the album’s title track has spent five weeks as the No. 1 song on Billboard’s Country Songs chart. It has also peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100 Singles chart and has been certified platinum. Currently, the album’ second single, “American Honey,” is also climbing the top 20 on the Country Songs chart. When asked about the continuous success they have been receiving in the form of awards and hit singles, Kelley says, “It feels like a lot of people in the music industry and Nashville in particular are backing us and basically giving their stamp of approval, and we want to make them proud. We feel a lot of support. It’s just nice to know there’s a lot of people rallying around us.”

When asked about plans for the future, Kelly added that they are “gonna try to up our production a little bit. We feel like there’s obviously a lot more people aware of who we are, so they’re probably going to expect a little more out of us now. We do, too, so it’ll be a nice next step up for us.”

The whole community of fans, musicians, artists, and country music blog writers will surely be waiting for more hit songs from this band for many years to come.