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Joe Brown, one of the headline acts scheduled to appear at this year’s Village Pump Folk Festival, has had to withdraw from the bill owing to medical reasons. Speaking this week, Festival Director, John Alderslade, said: “Everyone is disappointed that he won’t be able to play at this year’s Festival but Joe hopes this will be only a postponement and we are all looking forward to seeing him in 2015. He’s a hard performer to replace, so we have gone for a completely different kind of act and we’re delighted to have Peatbog Faeries – one of the top Scottish bands – headlining on the Village Pump Stage on the Friday night. They are great favourites on the Festival circuit and should bring the first night of our festival to a rousing climax.” Peatbog Faeries were nominated as Best Live Act in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2012 and have twice won Best Live Act in the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. With a line-up of fiddle, keyboards, pipes, drums, bass and guitar they combine traditional – sounding Scottish tunes with a hard rock edge, making them the perfect party band so Pump fans should be rocking and reeling the night away. Be a Steward at the Festival For anyone who’d like to get in free and become involved with the Festival, there are still some opportunities to be a steward over the weekend. In return for a few hours’ work each day, you can earn a free weekend ticket, worth £120. Details are on the web-site as below. The Village Pump Folk Festival takes place at the White Horse Country Park, Westbury from July 25 -27.

The 2014 CMA Music Festival has announced the performers for the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage. The lineup for the free daily concerts is packed with more than 50 artists, from country music legends to the brightest up-and-coming stars. CMA Award nominees Big & Rich will officially kick off the Festival when they take the stage on Thursday, June 5. This will mark the first time the duo will hit the Riverfront stage together, setting the pace for the music-filled days to follow. “Big & Rich will bring a great energy to the official start of the Festival, and I know our fans will not want to miss their performance,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. Performers scheduled to hit the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage include Frankie Ballard, Big & Rich, Danielle Bradbery, Kristian Bush, Craig Campbell, Jason Michael Carroll, Terri Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dan + Shay, Tyler Farr, Colt Ford, Gloriana, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis, David Nail, Jon Pardi, Parmalee, Eric Paslay, Kellie Pickler, Cassadee Pope, Collin Raye, Chase Rice, Maggie Rose, Corey Smith, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three, The Swon Brothers, Uncle Kracker, Clay Walker, Darryl Worley, Charlie Worsham, and Wynonna. The official lineup was announced via CMA social networks with a video directed by Ben Boutwell showing Chevrolet vehicles taking Country Music fans to historic locations in downtown Nashville for the reveal. Fans can follow the conversation and share their thoughts on the lineup with #ChevyCMA 2014’s lineup includes six CMA Award winners and 15 CMA Award nominees. 12 artists will be making their Riverfront debut, including four Festival newcomers, making the daily shows a must-see for attendees during the four-day event, happening Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in downtown Nashville. “This outstanding lineup, paired with the artists performing at the Nightly Concerts at LP Field, represent the best in Country Music from past to present to future,” said Trahern. “The Riverfront shows are always a highlight of CMA Music Festival, and with the caliber of talent, this year is sure to be no exception.”

Fans of Americana music may debate on various topics, but are undoubtedly in agreement regarding one point: The only thing better than a single great musician, is two great musicians. That’s certainly the case with hey Harley, a brand-new collaboration between acclaimed singer-songwriters Lizanne Knott and Bill Reveles whose respective strengths are poised to shine in their configuration as a new powerhouse on the Americana scene. Knott is best known for her award-winning songwriting and infectious, smoky vocals, championed overseas by London’s famed Bob Harris who has been a staunch supporter since first hearing her debut release in early 2002. Reveles has received four songwriting and artist awards, including Best Male Artist at the Southern California Music Awards and Best Adult Contemporary Artist from the prestigious Los Angeles Music Awards. He has over 50 placements in both TV and film including hit series such as ‘Beverly Hills 90210,’ ‘Melrose Place,’ ‘Party Of Five,’ and Paramount Films’ ‘Nobody’s Fool’ starring Paul Newman, Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith, and the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Both artists have multiple solo albums under their belts (Knott’s latest, STANDING IN THE ENGLISH RAIN, earned a spot on the 2013 Top Folk Albums list); and have graced some of the U.K. and U.S.’s most famed stages and festivals; sharing the stage with notable names including Shawn Colvin, Joan Osborne, Jimmy Webb, JD Souther and many others. The newly formed duo plans to release its label (Proper Music Group) debut record at the top of 2015. Radio singles will be available by August before they embark on a fall tour in the U.K. The strength of hey Harley by reputation alone impressed Taylor Guitars enough to offer a coveted artist partnership to the duo for their upcoming treks on the road. The two musicians are planning to relocate from their home bases of Philadelphia (Knott) and Los Angeles (Reveles) to live and work in Nashville’s vibrant artist community, before heading overseas for a six-week run to include England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. That tour will be followed up by appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe; and will include radio and TV appearances with Bob Harris, BBC2 and more.

Several years ago, Stella Parton, envisioned an event that would empower women from all walks of life – with the theme ‘Renew – Restore – Revive’. That dream became reality this month at the DoubleTree Hotel in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The inaugural Stella Parton’s Red Tent Women’s Conference was comprised of a Friday night concert, Saturday speakers and a Sunday brunch. On Friday evening, famed announcer and television host, Keith Bilbrey brought the dazzling and radiant Red Tent Founder/CEO, Stella Parton to the stage where the attendees welcomed her with enthusiasm and appreciation. She proceeded to rock the excited audience with her anthem, “Tell It Sister, Tell It,” which is also the title of her inspirational memoir. Following her dynamic performance, Stella brought to the stage an all-star female band featuring Robin Ruddy (steel guitar/utility), Anita Cochran (guitar/vocals), Nancy Gardner (drums), Michelle Poe (bass/vocals), Catherine Marx (keys), Jonelle Mosser (vocals), and Odessa Settles (vocals). From there, country torch singer, Mandy Barnett charmed the crowd; after which, Stella welcomed her sister and keynote speaker, Dolly Parton, to the stage. After Dolly’s rousing performance and keynote address, Stella rejoined Dolly on stage along with their sisters, Rachel and Laura as well as niece, Hannah to perform a song co-penned by Stella and Dolly entitled “More Power To Ya.” That was only the beginning with Saturday featuring renowned speakers Patricia R. Miller (Vera Bradley), Genie James, Sherry Deutschmann (LetterLogic), Kate O’Neill, Julee Jones, Marcela Gomez, Lisa Quigley, Shayna Humphrey, Pat Shea, Gretchen Peters, and Chef Margot McCormack. These illustrious and successful women shared their personal experiences with messages geared toward inspiring other women. A diverse group, the lecturers covered a range of topics from business, politics, and finance to entertainment and spirituality. The celebration ended with a beautiful and delicious Easter Sunday brunch. Stella addressed the audience with sincerity and appreciation – inviting all back for the next Red Tent Women’s Conference, for which plans have already begun. “The weekend was magical,” Stella comments. “This event was a dream come true for me and to see and hear how this conference impacted women makes all the struggles to get here worthwhile. Plus having the support of my family means the world to me. It truly was a weekend to Renew – Restore – Revive!”

Act now and save up to $200 off walk up prices at. Americanafest 2014. Early bird rates are available now! Register now for the Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, presented by Nissan. Each year, the Americana Music Festival & Conference features over 100 artists, bringing together legends and the next generation of rising stars for four days of music and education. Artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, The Avett Brothers, Amos Lee, The Civil Wars and more have graced the Americana Festival stages, making it both the critics’ darling and the place where artists want to be. The event brings together thousands of fans and music business professionals from all over the world in Nashville, TN. Nearly 50 panels and daytime events feature some of the industries brightest minds in one of the nation’s most comprehensive and diverse music conferences. With planning already underway, the 2014 Americana Music Festival & Conference promises to once again be the must-attend event for anyone with a passion for music. Registration includes access to all daytime conference activities, all evening festival showcases and one ticket to the critically acclaimed Americana Honours & Awards Show at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Please note – Awards show tickets are available to conference registrants only.

Country music star Josh Turner, who has sold more than five million albums and entertained fans with sold-out shows across the nation, will release his first book, ‘Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family, and Fatherhood’, April 29, 2014. The book is centered on his Christian faith, with Turner telling stories and revealing lessons learned throughout his life as a father, husband, son, brother, and friend. ‘Man Stuff’, featuring a forward written by “Duck Dynasty” star Jase Robertson, is published by Thomas Nelson, an imprint of Harper Collins Christian Publishing. MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner is one of country music’s most successful artists. With a rich, deep voice and unique style, Turner is a double-platinum-selling singer/songwriter and a disciple of traditional country music, a mentor to up-and-coming artists —and one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry. From his 2003 Platinum-selling debut Long Black Train to his most recent 2012 Billboard No. 1 release Punching Bag, Turner has received six Inspirational Country Music Awards and garnered multiple GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM nominations. Turner’s hits include ‘Time Is Love,’ ‘Why Don’t We Just Dance,’ ‘Firecracker’ and ‘Would You Go with Me’. This year Turner added author to his list of accomplishments. His first book, Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family and Fatherhood comes out April 29, 2014 and his sixth studio album is expected to follow later this year. The Hannah, S.C. native has been songwriting and performing since he was a young child, and in support of music education, created The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund to assist students interested in pursuing a future in arts and music.

With driving artistic instinct, a trademark husky voice made for storytelling, polished showmanship and effortless charisma, Kenny Rogers conquered radio, television and film en route to becoming a beloved American icon. The Country Music Hall of Fame®and Museum will pay tribute to Rogers with the cameo exhibition Kenny Rogers: Through the Years, which opens in the museum’s East Gallery on August 15, 2014, and runs through June 14, 2015. “Kenny Rogers redefined and elevated country music superstardom in every sense,” said Museum Director, Kyle Young. “He blurred traditional genre lines and substantially expanded the core demographics of country music’s audience, all by being true to his unique artistic vision. His versatility is astounding. We could not be more thrilled to share this detailed presentation of his story.” Rogers has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. What’s more, he has charted a single in each of the last seven decades—including 21 Billboard#1 country hits. According to the RIAA, he has one diamond album, 19 platinum albums, and 31 gold albums. He has earned three Grammys, six Country Music Association awards (including a 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award), eight Academy of Country Music awards—including Entertainer of the Year in 1978—and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. From the enduring wisdom of ‘The Gambler’ and the forlorn tales of ‘Lucille’ and ‘Ruby (Don’t Take Your Love to Town),’ to the success of his collaborations with Dottie West, Dolly Parton and others, Rogers took hallmarks of classic country music, such as rich storytelling and iconic duets, and made them larger than life—and very much his own. That’s just skimming the surface of his musical contributions alone. In the 1980s, he starred in the five-part ‘Gamblers’ series that attracted more than 100 million television viewers. In addition to his achievements as vocalist and actor, his accomplishments as musician, photographer, author, Off-Broadway star, entrepreneur, and humanitarian round out his résumé. Rogers was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and received the CMA Lifetime Achievement Award the same year, but he shows no signs of slowing down. In 2013, he released his latest album, YOU CAN’T MAKE OLD FRIENDS, and the title cut, a duet with Parton, earned the pair their third Grammy nomination. Rogers is currently performing on his Through the Years World Tour, which has included performances at such popular festivals as Bonnaroo, Stagecoach and Britain’s Glastonbury Festival. Kenny Rogers: Through the Years will be accompanied by an ongoing series of programs throughout the exhibit’s duration.

Australia’s undisputed queen of Americana, Kasey Chambers, ‘Spirit of Americana’ recipient Steve Earle and the Mastersons (Chris Masterson and Eleanor Whitmore) took time to meet with Americana Advisory Group members Brian Taranto and Jeremy Dylan at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney. The Australia Americana Advisory Group was formed earlier this month to create awareness of the genre in and foster two-way street opportunities for artists from Australia and North America. The group is comprised of Brian Taranto (Love Police), Marty Jones (Rhythm Magazine), Jeremy Dylan (Seven Shells Media), Dan Biddle (TCO Artists) and Dobe Newton (Bushwhackers, CMAA President). Nashville based Australian producer and AMA Board President Mark Moffatt will chair the group. “We are honoured for the support that Kasey and Steve have given our organisation over the years,” says Moffatt, “and thrilled they are willing to wave the flag of Americana on their current tour.” Since 2011, Australian participation at the Americana Music Associations annual Festival and Conference has steadily increased. Nationally funded programs, like Sounds Australia, have produced events at the annual Americanafst fete ranging from a kickoff ‘Aussies In The Round’ event at the Bluebird Café, annual Bar B Q and has paved the way for relationships, like the Nashville / Tamworth Sister City initiative. Americanafest 2014 will take place September 17-21 in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information visit americanamusic.org

Tickets for Americana’s Cross-County Lines are on sale now! Don’t miss this great day of music with Patty Griffin, John Hiatt, Parker Millsap, Brandy Clark, Joe Pug, Ashley Monroe and Luther Dickinson. We hope to see you on May 31 at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Â Tickets can be purchased by clicking here, phoning Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or visiting the Franklin Theatre Box Office. There are two ticket options: General Admission for $35 and VIP for $150. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Los Angeles film and production companies, SkipStone Pictures and Risen Media, celebrate the presentation of its newest independent film entitled ‘Like A Country Song’–featuring the multi Grammy-nominated, American country and rock musician, songwriter and actor, Billy Ray Cyrus. The official motion picture premiere is scheduled to take place during “country music’s biggest week” (CMA Fest-2014) on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at the Regal Cinema (3815 Green Hills Village Dr.) in Nashville, TN. The evening will commence with a cast/celebrity red carpet event at 6:00 PM; the film is scheduled to screen at 7:30PM. Produced and directed by Johnny Remo, alongside Daniel Backman (co-producer) and Tammy Hyler (co-producer/music supervisor) and executive producers Megan and Allan Camaisa (CEO of Risen Media and Risen Magazine), ‘Like A Country Song’ explores “life happens” experiences of a talented and emerging country singer and reveals the personal character flaws, hurdles and unexpected challenges hindering the momentum of a hopeful career. “The story premise alone makes for a solid country song and we filmed in Nashville, so we thought it most appropriate to celebrate the release in Music City as part of our multi-city premiere schedule,” says Johnny Remo, Director and Producer, SkipStone Pictures. “The film was shot at some of Nashville’s “must-see” entertainment venues (such as The Listening Room Cafe and The Station Inn) and at the Music Row sound/production studio The Tater Shack, while the soundtrack features a collection of songs from a select group of Music Row publishing companies. We are pleased to introduce the piece before our friends in the country music entertainment sector and its fans.” Billy Ray Cyrus is poised to make a special appearance at Nashville’s world premiere event, joined by the starring cast and music and film executives, to walk to the red carpet before media, fans and film enthusiasts. In company with Cyrus, the film boasts a decorated cast featuring Joel Smallbone [lead singer of the Christian Rock duo For King & Country (named Billboard Magazine’s 2012 ‘New Artists To Watch’ the reigning Dove Awards ‘New Artist Of The Year’ and Australia’s TRAA “Artist Of The Year”) and co-producer/star of the movie Taken] and Booboo Stewart of the critically acclaimed series ‘Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Breaking Dawn Part I and Part II and the upcoming major motion picture ‘X-Men: Days Of Future Past’ (set for a May 2014 release). The ‘Like A Country Song’ leading actors and other cast members will be available for red carpet interviews and media opportunities prior to the movie premiere event. The ‘Like A Country Song’ premiere is scheduled to debut in Nashville on Thursday, June 5, 2014 and will be featured in select theaters in Music City and around the nation beginning Friday, June 6, as official. The film will be available in Walmart, via Redbox, Netflix and On Demand following the theater schedule. Billy Ray Cyrus will cap off the momentous ‘Like A Country Song’ celebration with a live performance at the Hard Rock Café outdoor stage in downtown Nashville (100 Broadway) on Friday, June 6 at 5:30PM during CMA Fest week.