Luke Bryan and some of his celebrity friends to put a unique twist on his ACM campaign for “Top New Solo Vocalist.” Bryan has done a fun spoof on the “Don’t Vote” video used during the 2008 presidential campaign with twenty-three of his closest artist friends, comedians, and professional sports buddies AND he wears a leotard and dances to “Single Ladies.” The video, already considered a viral success with over 20,000 views, has created quite a buzz since being posted last Wednesday on Bryan’s official YouTube page.

BUT! There’s also a contest -- support Luke by watching and spreading the word and you could win!!

Here are the rules:
1. The contest runs between March 1, 2010, and March 12, 2010.
2. To enter, use the widget on the site below to send the message to your friends. All you have to do is enter your email address and your friend’s email address.
3. The message will automatically be sent to your friend with a personalized link to the “I’m Voting For Luke Bryan” video. All your friend has to do is view the video.
4. Now here’s the catch . . . the contest isn’t about who sends the most messages, but who gets the most people to watch the video.
5. The person who gets the most friends to view the video will win an autographed Epiphone DR-100 acoustic guitar and an autographed copy of Doin’ My Thing and I’ll Stay Me.
6. Entrants must be 13 or older

http://www.lukebryan.com/voteluke

And just in case you don’t know who all those folks are in the video -- here’s a complete list!

Phillip Sweet (Little Big Town)
Kimberly Schlapman (Little Big Town)
Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum)
Hillary Scott (Lady Antebellum)
Dave Haywood (Lady Antebellum)
Dierks Bentley
Jason Aldean
Haylie Duff
Blake Shelton
Little Jimmy Dickens
Emily West
Kenny Rogers
Jennette McCurdy
Jeff Dunham (w/ Walter)
Too Slim (Riders In The Sky)
Ranger Doug (Riders In The Sky)
Mel Tillis
Jon Lajoie
Chipper Jones
Tony LaRussa
Mark McGwire
Adam Wainwright

By: Megan McNair

Matt Kennon knows a good song and he knows he has a good one in his single, “The Call.”

“Songs need to get people’s attention in country music. You need to make people laugh, make people cry or scare the shit out of them. I think ‘The Call’ does the latter two.”

It certainly does. The heavy song’s vignettes demand the listener’s attention and addresses tough subjects from suicide to abortion. Even despite the emotional material, Kennon had faith in the track. Penned alongside friends Noah Gordon and Jeremy Campbell, “The Call” was a quick write that Matt Kennon knew would be a hit.

“With this song, I just visualized things happening and a nice mix of faith, luck, perseverance, and drive helps.”

Matt’s “The Call’s” subject matter is particularly important because of “the call” – not on the telephone but a call regarding a medical procedure his birth mother’s doctor made. Matt Kennon is very open about the fact that his birth mother made a decision to abort him while pregnant but her doctor informed her she was too far along in her pregnancy. Then, fate and God led Kennon to his adoptive family and he is so thankful for that.

Having such a supportive adoptive family, (“They supported me from day 1”) made his commitment to adoption awareness and advocacy a no-brainer. He’s supported a wealth of foundations and charities and will likely lend his name to the Dave Thomas Foundation in the future.

“The Call” is his official introduction to country radio and the past year has been a intense blur for the thirty-something. Hailing from Georgia, Kennon knew from an early age that music was his passion. Growing up, Kennon participated in sports and music but “music is the only thing I’ve ‘stuck’ with and been consistent with.” He began his music education with the drums and played for more than fourteen years before realizing the role of lead singer was what he was aching to play. Now, he still loves the drums but has not played for five years and has taken up guitar.

In today’s Nashville, a well-rounded artist is desired and Kennon is just that. In addition to his chops as a drummer and stage performer, Kennon is a songwriter. In a town where the number of “hats” one wears is sure to be important, Kennon’s debut album (set for release May 11th – his three song EP is available on digital outlets on March 9^th) features six of his own co-writes. Also, Kennon is especially proud of one of his early cuts, “Turn It Around,” by Randy Travis, a living country legend.

Moving to Nashville, Kennon partnered up with some major industry players and takes special pride in his record label, Bamajam Record, headed by James Stroud. He joins Blackberry Smoke, a Southern group who was the first label signee. He’s also quick to thank who is really responsible for his success – the fans.

“Country fans are the greatest out there – no question. They are the most loyal and not fairweather fans. I was talking to Jake Owen and he agrees that we are all in this together,[this music-making.] And country is really demanding to be noticed. I couldn’t be happier.”

Now Kennon’s crossing the big milestones off his list. He was able to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage last year, recorded his “The Call” video with legendary music video director Trey Fanjoy, and will be releasing his first full-length album, self-titled, on May 11^th.

There’s no doubt country fans nationwide will get used to hearing the name Matt Kennon on the tips of tongues and he’ll take his show to a town near you. Be sure to check him out – his conviction and talent are immeasurable.

For more information on Matt Kennon, visit: http://mattkennon.com/

By: Jessica Baird

Since his debut album Anything Goes was released in late 2008, Randy Houser has performed for one raucous, enraptured crowd after another. Currently putting the finishing touches on his follow-up effort They Call Me Cadillac, due this summer, and on the heels of an Academy of Country Music Award nomination for Video of the Year for his hit song “Boots On,” Houser credits authenticity as the key to his success.

“You can’t fake real,” said the 2009 CMA Best New Artist Nominee.

Born and raised in central Mississippi, Houser’s musical roots and inspirations encompass more than the list of outlaw artists (i.e. Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams, Jr.) typically associated with his blend of storytelling and boot-stomping beats.

Considering his powerful vocal delivery on his debut single, “Anything Goes,” Houser was asked to name performers that always manage to stop him in his tracks and have him turning up the volume.

Old Ray Charles records, Vern Gosdin’s “Chiseled in Stone,” and Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger” were a few Houser mentioned. “I’m a big Ryan Adams fan too. Give me some rootsy rock ‘n roll any day.”

His new single “Whistlin’ Dixie” certainly shows off his love of ‘rootsy rock’ as it thunderously pulses through your radio speakers. This rollicking gem is poised to become a honky tonk staple and crowd favorite.

When asked what fans can expect from his new album, Houser said, “It’s a side of me that’s more country.”

For an artist that has been heralded by fans and critics alike for bringing more traditional country back to the airwaves, an album that is ‘more country’ will undoubtedly be greeted with the same adulation.

Sharing the spotlight for the return of traditional country is Houser’s longtime friend, tour mate, and sometime co-writer, Jamey Johnson. The duo collaborated, along with Dallas Davidson, on Trace Adkins’s 2005 monster-hit single, “Honky-Tonk Badonkadonk.”

The pair headlined CMT on Tour in 2009; traveled to the Persian Gulf and entertained the troops alongside Kellie Pickler as part of the USO Tour; and headlined a sold-out, unforgettable evening at the historic Ryman Auditorium last spring.

“We always have a ball. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather be out with,” Houser said. “When you’re away from home and missing your family, it’s good to have your buddy there with you. It’s like having a piece of home out on the road.”

Along with having a travel buddy and songwriting partner on tour, Houser loves playing to a diverse and devoted crowd night after night.

“We have everyone from little girls with their ‘boots on’ to biker guys. It is a mish-mash of people that come to our shows,” he said.

When asked about the near-tangible enthusiasm that permeated he and Johnson’s performance at the Ryman last year, Houser said, “We were fed by the crowd’s energy. What you felt just being in the audience, we felt a thousand times more on stage.”

Houser brings high energy to all elements of his career such as his enormously successful video for his single, “Boots On.” The lip-synching toddler in the video was already a YouTube hit, but when combined with Houser, the clip became a sensation and was featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, CNN, and the CBS Early Show, just to name a few.

“They always say not to compete with kids or puppies,” Houser said with a laugh.
Considering all that Houser has accomplished thus far in his young career, it is safe to say he will not have to worry about competing for the spotlight anytime soon.
For more information on Randy Houser, visit: http://www.randyhouser.com.

Being named the new host of CMT’s Top 20 Countdown earlier this year added yet another facet to Evan Farmer’s already eclectic resume.

Beginning his career on the stage and small screen, Farmer initially gained a following in 1998 with the MTV-created boy band “2GE+HER.” He went on to host TLC’s home makeover program “While You Were Out” and also appeared in several films and a variety of TV series. While his jobs and interests may have changed a bit over the years, Farmer has always been a country and bluegrass fan.

Although he would jump at the chance to interview long-time favorites like Glen Campbell and Doyle Lawson, Farmer says he is most looking forward to interviewing and introducing up-and-coming artists to CMT viewers.

“Fans like me can relate to the excitement of artists on the cusp,” he said.
Farmer is rooting for new arrivals like Josh Thompson and songwriter-turned-solo act Sarah Buxton, whose talent he is, “Completely in awe of.”

His enthusiasm for working with CMT is evident as he discusses interacting with fans.

“[They] are what generates my reason for being here. They give me perspective,” he said.

Even though he cites Jamey Johnson’s breakthrough smash “In Color” as one of his favorite songs, Farmer said it wasn’t until hearing fans share their stories of what the song meant to them that he gained a full appreciation for the vivid tune.

“Their stories start filling it all in in so many different ways,” he said.
Filling in the blanks is important, according to Farmer, because so many details can be lost in today’s technologically-crazed society.

“Technology gives up the story,” he said, “and if there is ever a place where story is most important, it is in country music.”

Farmer’s respect for the country genre extends beyond artists and songwriters, as he comments on his predecessor Lance Smith, who served as Countdown host for eight years.

“I’ve got big shoes to fill. [Thanks to Lance] the kinks were worked out long before I got here. I totally respect him for taking a leap—it ain’t easy,” Farmer said.

Smith vacated his spot as Countdown host to pursue an acting career. Farmer has high hopes for Smith calling him, “The most grounded guy you’ll ever meet.”

In addition to settling in as Countdown host, Farmer is extremely active in a variety of charities. He has served as the spokesperson for “Tennessee’s Walk for Autism” since its inception in 2008.

After losing his mother to ovarian cancer, and his “2GE+HER” castmate Michael Cuccione to complications from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Farmer became highly involved with cancer research organizations.

“The only way to battle something you have no control over is to join in,” he said.

Farmer has not only ‘joined in’ but has dived headfirst into raising money and awareness for both the Susan G. Komen and Michael Cuccione Foundations.
This month, Farmer will serve as emcee for the inaugural unTEAL a Cure charity walk in Tempe, Arizona. He will also be sharing his talents as a vocalist by performing the national anthem at the event.

Farmer’s long-term charitable goal is to travel and help smaller organizations get off the ground.

With his infectious enthusiasm and genuine interest in people and their varied backgrounds, Farmer will no doubt become a welcome addition to CMT Countdown, and to the homes of viewers everywhere.

For more information on Evan Farmer and “CMT Top 20 Countdown,” visit: http://www.cmt.com.

Clapton introduced his “very good friend, Mr. Vince Gill!” to the stage to play on four songs including the Bessie Smith blues standard “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” as well as his own “Running on Faith” and the 80’s hit, “I’ve Got a Rock and Roll Heart.” Clapton generously gave Gill plenty of solo time on all of these songs, including the 1992 monster hit acoustic version of “Layla,” to Gill, who gracefully stepped up to the task of playing with his guitar hero and laid out perfectly executed leads that pleased both the crowd and his host, who signaled his approval with nods and wide smiles.

Gill returned to the stage at the end of the night for a final, fiery solo statement on the show’s encore, the Robert Johnson/Cream classic, “Crossroads.”

Gill is currently working on his next studio release and will appear with Clapton and nearly 30 other guitarists including Jeff Beck, Sheryl Crow and Buddy Guy at Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival on June 26 at Chicago’s Toyota Park (www.crossroadsgutarfestival.com). Clapton’s current American concert tour continues through March 13.

And of course we were there too…interviewing some of your favorites as well as some up and comers that deserve your attention.

In the next week we’ll be bringing Steel Magnolia, Blackberry Smoke, Evan Farmer (of CMT’s Top 20,) Randy Houser, Matt Kennon, and Adam Fisher features your way.

Music City News is so appreciative of the artists that took the time to chat with us during the busy week and be sure to let us know who you’d like to hear from next!

“I have always wanted to be a recording artist mostly because I really want a tour bus.. I hear those things are a party on wheels,” says Peterman.  “The truth is I love what I do and to get a chance to share my stand-up with fans who haven’t had the opportunity to see me live is very cool. And the great part of having your own comedy CD is I am already done Christmas shopping.  I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the BMR team and am so excited about releasing my first comedy cd on a label with such a great track record.”

“I’m a huge fan of Melissa’s and I’m thrilled that she’s going to join us,” says Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of Big Machine Records.  “From “Fargo’s” ‘Hooker #2’ to Reba’s ‘Barbra Jean’ to the host of CMT’s #1 show ‘Singing Bee’, she’s been cracking up America for years.  Now it’s time to record it!”

The host of CMT’s #1-rated series of 2009, “The Singing Bee,” has also appeared in television shows including “Surviving Suburbia,” “Rita Rocks,” “Just Shoot Me,” “Living With Abandon,” and has hosted CMT’s “Comedy Stage” as well as the Hollywood Bowl’s Sound of Music Sing-A-Long. She appeared in the hit Coen brothers film, Fargo, as Hooker #2, the Method Man film, How High, and most recently starred in the independent comedy Dirty Politics.

In addition, the Minnesota native has performed in a number of stage productions, including the commercially and critically acclaimed, Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding, in which she performed in over 600 performances.

Peterman is currently performing at arenas across America on tour with George Strait, Reba and Lee Ann Womack. 

So, will you be buying Peterman’s album?

Ain’t In It For My Health: A Film About Levon Helm will be making its world premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival!  Directed by Jacob Hatley, Ain’t In It For My Health finds Levon thrust into the musical spotlight for the first time in a quarter century, but a Grammy nomination and ever-growing audiences force him to confront the dark times that have haunted him since The Band’s demise:  Throat cancer, bankruptcy, drug addiction and the tragic loss of bandmates Richard Manuel and Rick Danko.  Win or lose, Levon is an artist who will not go quietly into the night.

Schedule of show times to be announced shortly.  This year’s SXSW Festival runs from March 12th – 21st in Austin, TX.

American musical icon Levon Helm recently won his second consecutive Grammy Award in the category of “Best Americana Album” for Electric Dirt, his second release on Vanguard/Dirt Farmer Music.