Kenny Chesney started No Shoes Radio in 2009, inspired in part by the different sounds he’d hear floating across the parking lots at his shows. Five years later, the freeform station that mingles reggae, album rock, singer/songwriters, alternative and live tracks from the man called “the people’s superstar” by The Los Angeles Times, is one of internet radio’s most buzzed about locations – and its reach gets exponentially bigger this weekend as NoShoesRadio.com is added to iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s all-in-one streaming music and digital radio service. “My fans are a lot like me,” Chesney says. “They don’t care what stuff’s called, just whether they like it. And listening to what drifts in from the parking lot, they like rock, they like reggae, they like bluegrass… and obviously, they like being part of the texture of what we do! Whether it’s live tracks with my friends, demos of songs they know or just giving them a listen to a jam on the bus, No Shoes Radio is the nerve center of the No Shoes Nation in terms of music. “When the people at iHeartRadio said they wanted to help us take it out to even more people,” Chesney continues, “I realized it’s not just my hardcore fans, but a lot of folks who like variety in their music. Things aren’t cut-and-dried. People WANT places they will be surprised – and find music they’ll love. iHeartRadio gets that, so it’s a pleasure to team with them to share what we’ve been doing the past five years.” Ross on Radio’s Sean Ross named No Shoes Radio one the 10 Most Intriguing Stations of 2009. He wrote in the Chicago-based broadcast industry trade Radio-Info.com, “the reggae and all things tropical format allowed country superstar Kenny Chesney’s channel to share as much with Triple-A as with country radio.” To celebrate the launch on iHeartRadio, Chesney and his team will give listeners behind-the-scenes updates from the shores of Perdido Key as the 4-time Country Music Association and 4-consecutive Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year takes the beach for a very special show at the Flora-Bama Lounge. Deemed the Flora-Bama-Jama, the free concert on the beach is a way to play for the No Shoes Nation as he wraps work on The Big Revival, due Sept 23. Fans can tune into No Shoes Radio on iHeartRadio (http://www.iheart.com/live/no-shoes-radio-4960/) to hear exclusive live updates from on the beach and backstage during the event. With “American Kids,” the lead single burning up country radio, pairing with iHeartRadio makes it even easier for people to get their Chesney fix on. Whether you’re making the trip to Orange Beach, Florida or not, tuning into No Shoes Radio is even easier than before. “This is about music,” Chesney says. “Turning people on, firing them up, hitting that place in their lives where it makes a difference. That was a big part of why we started doing this… and it’s nice to see other people recognize what it is we’re trying to do.” iHeartRadio is available on more than 35 devices across web, mobile phones, tablets, automotive partners, smart TVs, gaming devices and more. iHeartRadio is always free for listeners to use, with no capped hours or monthly subscription fees. It reached its first 20 million registered users faster than any digital service in Internet history, delivers everything listeners want in an all-in-one platform: Instant access to more than 1,500 radio stations from across the country, user-created Custom Stations inspired by a favorite artist or song, thousands of curated digital stations “Perfect For” any mood or activity, and the new Shows & Personalities feature giving users access to the best on-demand news, talk and entertainment content available today. To see all available platforms and to download the app, visit iHeartRadio.com/ap

The new album from country music icon, Randy Travis, Influence Vol. 2: The Man I Am is available for download on iTunes. While getting ready for the official release set for next Tuesday, August 19th on Warner Bros. Records, fans can get the collection of covers online a week early and also take a look at a series of concept videoscreated in anticipation of the release. The album had exclusively streamed in its entirety on Rolling Stone Country as well. Throughout his celebrated career, Travis and his music have been a major influence to other country artists, while on Influence Vol. 2: The Man I Am, Travis pays homage to some of the songs and artists that were instrumental in crafting his musical career. “We had such a great time putting together Influence Vol. 1, but there were still so many musical heroes of yesteryear that I learned from and wanted to honor. We had no choice but to release a second volume. The “Influence” that the older, great ones had on me, and the “Influence” that I may, somehow, have on the ones that come along after me, is God’s way of allowing us to pay it forward. It is my prayer answered—and, His will done—it is what makes me, “the man I am.” – Randy Travis RANDY TRAVIS Influence Vol. 2: The Man I Am TRACK LISTING: I’m Moving On Set ‘Em Up Joe Are The Good Times Really Over? Nearly Lose Your Mind There I’ve Said It Again That’s The Way Love Goes Sunday Morning Coming Down Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Mind Your Own Business Only Daddy For The Good Times California Blues Tonight I’m Playing Possum (Solo Version) For more information, please visit www.randytravis.com / Follow: @randytravis

The Shires and Ward Thomas have announced on a joint tour that will see the fast-rising bands take it in turns to headline on a series of dates around the UK. Country music in the UK has been growing steadily with and Britain is producing a new wave of talent who are putting a British spin on the down south sounds of Nashville. Leaders among this new wave are these two bands from the Home Counties who have taken inspiration from the sounds of Nashville legends such as Johnny Cash and Dixie Chicks. Not content to merely copy the US acts though, these bands are flying the flag for a British Country music that reflects the lives of young people living in the UK. This shared vision has led the bands to team up and take their music on the road for the nationwide ‘Home-grown tour’. Both bands have come a long way since they played the pop-up stages of C2C in March 2014, with both acts having an A-Listed track on BBC Radio 2 and The Shires an iTunes UK Country No.1 with their debut single Nashville Grey Skies, while Ward Thomas’s debut album “From Where We Stand” went to No.1 on both the OCC Country Chart and iTunes’ Country Chart. The seeds for this tour were sown when the two bands ran into each other in a road house in Nashville while they were both paying pilgrimage to their spiritual home. The chance to take their shared message out on the road together seemed too good to miss and the ‘Home-grown tour’ was born. Tickets on sale on 9am Friday August 8 Nov 4: Birmingham Glee Club Nov 6: Liverpool Academy 2 Nov 7: Bristol Thekla Nov 9: Oxford Academy 2 Nov 10: London Bush Hall Nov 13: Manchester Band on the Wall Nov 14: Gateshead The Sage Nov 16: Leeds Brudenell Social Club Nov 17: Norwich Waterfront Nov 20: Yorkshire, Pocklington Arts Centre Nov 23: Glasgow King Tuts Nov 24: Middlesbrough the Empire Nov 26: Nottingham The Bodega Social Club Nov 27: Milton Keynes The Stables

From a young age, Mike Barnett has made his mark on the bluegrass world as an extremely talented fiddler. He has toured as a member of Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys, the David Grisman Sextet and the progressive bluegrass quintet, The Deadly Gentleman, which he co-founded. With the release of his debut solo project, ONE SONG ROMANCE, Barnett is poised to establish himself as a solo artist with a broad and engaging musical vision that reaches from bluegrass into acoustic jazz and beyond. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Michael Barnett began studying the fiddle at age 10 and by age 15 was touring with the legendary Mr. Mandolin Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys, playing regular weekend performances on the Grand Ole Opry. That same year, at age 15, he became the youngest instructor ever to teach at the fiddle school at Vanderbilt University. Barnett later relocated to the Northeast where he has built his profile touring and recording with Jonathan Edwards, Tony Trishcka and Gordon Stone. In 2010 Barnett and banjoist Greg Liszt co-founded The Deadly Gentlemen, a progressive bluegrass outfit that allowed Mike the space to push the limits of traditional fiddle playing and incorporate new influences into his constantly evolving style. After four years with the group, Barnett will now focus on exploring his solo career path.

Multi-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow has announced alt-country trio Red Sky July as special guests for her headline show at BluesFest 2014. Formed by Ally Mcerlaine (guitarist in the band Texas) and Shelly Poole (previously one half of Alisha’s Attic) along with Charity Hair (The Alice Band), Red Sky July released their self-titled debut album in 2011 to critical acclaim. This will be something of a homecoming gig for London-based Red Sky July and it presents the perfect opportunity to showcase their new album SHADOWBIRDS (due September 2014). Running across six days from October Sunday – Friday 31 October 2014, this year’s BluesFest will present a diverse programme packed with blues legends, superstar international acts and incredible emerging talent. Hosted exclusively at the Royal Albert Hall, BluesFest 2014 will feature performances taking place throughout the entire venue in the daytime, culminating in headline shows in the main auditorium each evening from Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Van Morrison, Grammy-winning soul sensation Gregory Porter, five-time Grammy-winning guitar legend Robert Cray and the remarkable Californian blues-rocker Beth Hart. An eclectic range of acts have been lined up for the daytime slots including multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers, scintillating soul band The Excitements, inspirational New York singer-songwriter Nell Bryden, and son of the legendary Muddy Waters, Chicago blues singer Mud Morganfield. UK artists will also be strongly represented with the likes of 60s star and Clapton sideman Andy Fairweather Low, gritty R&B outfit Dr Feelgood, the inimitable Georgie Fame, rising-star bluesmen Marcus Bonfanti and Dan Owen, and a string of exceptional female vocalists including Jo Harman and Jess Roberts. The daytime activity will also feature the return of the ‘In Conversation With’ talks, with revered broadcasters Robert Elms and Paul Jones interviewing the likes of Mud Morganfield and Beth Hart. There is also a strong educational thread to proceedings, with workshops and talks taking place throughout the week. Festival Director, Leo Green: “We’re extremely proud to once again be delivering a really diverse BluesFest programme that covers the entire spectrum of the genre, incorporating rock, blues, soul, funk, jazz and more. The festival falls during the school half-term so, as well as being a big draw for serious blues fans, the daytime programme will appeal to families, while providing young people with a unique introduction to the blues. And throughout the daytime events, kids go free.”

It may surprise some people to know of the close ties between the US state of Virginia and Britain. But in fact, the East Coast state was the first British settlement, and it has a rich history, from the first town, named after the King of England, Jamestown, to the story of Pocahontas and John Smith. Virginia will soon be opening the doors to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, following the growth of country music from grass roots, to the multi-million dollar industry it is now. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum tells the history of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings, explores the ways in which sound technology shaped their success and has evolved, and highlights how this rich musical heritage lives on in today’s music. Terry McAuliffe, the Governor of Virginia and former campaign chairman for both Bill and Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaigns, will take part in a live chat at: http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/virginia-is-for-lovers

Dolly Parton will be bringing her Blue Smoke World Tour to a close tonight as she takes the stage in Locarno, Switzerland. The Blue Smoke World Tour kicked off in January with concert performances in the United States before heading to New Zealand and Australia. Additional shows in America preceded Dolly’s European shows, which took her to Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. “Well first of all we’ve had an absolutely wonderful world tour. Everywhere we’ve been, the audiences have been great, and the fact that we are closing out in Switzerland is absolutely great. And they say it’s one of the most beautiful venues that we’ll play – it’s an outdoor show – we’re looking forward to that, and we couldn’t end on a better note. I’m SO looking forward to that. That’s gonna be a great way to end it and a great way to head home and hopefully that’ll be our best show yet”, says Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton’s latest UK album release BLUE SMOKE, continues to be a fan favourite as Dolly moves up to number 3, her all-time highest album chart position, on the UK official chart. Dolly originally debuted on the chart five weeks ago at number 6, which at the time was her highest ever album chart position. BLUE SMOKE: THE BEST OF includes her latest studio album BLUE SMOKE featuring “Home”, “Blue Smoke” and new duet with long- time collaborator and friend Kenny Rogers and even a Bon Jovi cover! Alongside her greatest hits on disc 2 featuring the classics such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5”, “Islands in the Stream”, “Little Sparrow”, “Here You Come Again” and “I Will Always Love You”.

Grammy Award-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Aaron Lewis is joining Brantley Gilbert on the second leg of the Let It Ride Tour. Earlier this week, Brantley Gilbert and his sidekick Sylo revealed dates and opening acts for the second leg of his Let It Ride tour through a special video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcGxouNAkEw&feature=youtu.be The announcement also included footage from the first part of the tour, showing fired-up performances from the multiple sold-out shows last spring. This round is set to kick off on September 19 in Austin, TX. With Aaron Lewis as direct support September 19 until October 25 and Tyler Farr as direct support October 30 until December 6. Chase Bryant will be opening all dates. “I’m very excited to be hitting the road with Brantley Gilbert on the Let It Ride Tour in September,” said Lewis. “This is gonna be a good one!!”

Garth is back! Written by: Chuck Schultz “It’s a day of joy,” Garth Brooks said at the outset of this morning’s press conference. “Not going to be lying to you, it’s also under a cloud right now.” Sony Chairman/CEO Doug Morris introduced Brooks, confirming the label home for new music from Brooks. “It’s because Doug Morris took the time to find me at my convenience,” Brooks said of his signing with Sony. “Everybody loves everybody when you get started. We’ll see in a year. I hope you don’t regret this. I hope I don’t. I think we’ll be alright.” Producer Allen Reynolds’ retirement has Brooks working with Mark Miller, who engineered the Reynolds-produced albums. “I’ve never had more fun in my life making music,” Brooks said, noting that RCA will handle retail and radio, with new music coming sometime around the end of this month. The double album will land at all physical retailers sometime around Black Friday. “I’m getting my ass kicked by the songwriters right now,” he said. “We’re cutting everything but Garth stuff right now. The level of song-writing stunned me.” “We’ve never allowed ourselves to go digital,” Brooks said. “That will begin in next two or three weeks …” exclusively at garthbrooks.com. “That’s the only place you can get Garth Brooks music.” A window will be opened in which fans can buy the entire catalogue. Based on a promise made to a young fan at a show in Las Vegas, Brooks will call Andy from Atlanta to tell him the date and city of the first tour stop on July 14. Official word will follow at an unspecified time. “We hope we give you a show that makes you forget the ones in the ’90s,” he said. “That is our goal.” Brooks is working with Ticketmaster to keep ticket prices reasonable, with an announcement expected in the next few weeks. Speaking to the cloud he referenced in the open, “Ireland? I don’t have a clue,” he said. “I wish I could tell you I saw it coming … We don’t treat people different, so now what do I do with those 160,000 people, and why are they treated different?” Brooks offered to fly to Ireland immediately and “get on my knees and beg” if the Prime Minister would meet with him. Before the presser got underway, a train sounded its horn behind the venue. It was a fitting metaphor for the train that is now underway and on its way through country music. “Scared? Yes,” Brooks said. “Old? Yes. I want to thank God and everybody that has given me the chance to look at the second half of a career. I don’t know how many artists get this chance.”

Garth Brooks sold a record 400,000 tickets, 10% of the population, for the five-night event in Ireland as part of a most eagerly-awaited comeback tour. Now it seems that two of American country singer Garth Brooks five sold-out comeback concerts at Dublin’s Croke Park stadium this month will be cancelled after objections were raised by local residents. Brooks, is one of the biggest names in country but retired from recording new music and touring in 2001. He had choses Dublin for his five-night “comeback special event”, ahead of a wider tour later in 2014. Residents of the densely populated surrounding area of the stadium have objected to the holding of five successive shows and the local council has refused permission for the concerts scheduled for July 28 and July 29. “The cumulative effect on residents and on some businesses would lead to an unacceptable level of disruption to their lives and livelihoods,” Dublin city council said in a statement. Brooks, has sold more than 125m albums and is best known for hits such as ‘The Thunder Rolls’ and ‘Friends in Low Places,’ has played the occasional one-city run of shows and benefit concerts during his retirement but has never toured. No act, including Ireland’s U2, has ever played five shows in a row at Croke Park, the country’s largest venue, and concert promoters had said some 70,000 of the 400,000 tickets sold were bought by people living abroad. Ticket holders are using social media and the national airwaves to voice their disappointment. Garth Brooks has released a statement saying that for him the tour will feature “five shows or not at all” but he still has faith that “Dublin City Council will make the best decision for the people of Ireland” He added: “To choose which shows to do and which shows not to do, would be like asking to choose one child over another. However this plays out, Ireland has my heart and always will.” It remains uncertain as to how many, if any, shows Garth Brooks will play in Ireland, but we will keep our readers updated as soon as more information is available.