the ticket to many of the celebrating the season. seasoned country fans and One could never count the CMAs, new followers alike. Crystal ACMs, Oscars, Grammys and other Gayle’s performance of Don’t awards that were represented, nor the It Make My Brown Eyes Blue artists who participated in the weeklong garnered cheers and applause celebration which also included the as well. Many felt that these Golden Anniversary of Tootsie’s Orchid moments of grounding should Lounge, the Walk of Fame inductions, be included in the televised a film premiere and events all around programme. Music City. The countdown and Most of the artists attended preparation now begins for the 2011 the afterparties, be it the Nashville country music party beginning Blake Shelton in the audience © S Parks Creative CMA party at the Convention with the CMA Music Festival in June and Center where Kenny Loggins running straight through the November and added: ‘Country fans are the most could be found, or the individual awards with hundreds of performances amazing loyal fan base in the world.’ record label parties as well as the lower in between. Sally Parks After losing his instruments, gear, and Broadway honky-tonks and sets in the Nashville flood, his crew was Music Row’s infamous Losers’ able to recreate and pull it all together Bar, where the Zac Brown in only three weeks for his next tour, Band chose to celebrate. which was coincidentally designed Adding to the festivities around and named after water. He on the following day, was humbled by the recognition and the Bridgestone Arena dedicated the award to his crew. welcomed the taping of the One of the most delightful and heart CMA Country Christmas tugging memories of the evening programme for holiday airing. quickly became the videos of previous With partial utilisation of the CMA winners shown to the audience awards set, the holiday scene during commercial breaks. Watching was as magnificent as the Tennessee Ernie Ford, Loretta Lynn performances by country’s with Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, top artists from Reba and Charley Pride and many other legends Kellie Pickler to Rascal as they performed their award-winning Tourist with signed guitar © S Parks Creative Flatts and Martina McBride songs over the decades was well worth
K IT HOLMES R ELEASES THIR D STUDIO ALBUM DRIVING INTO THE BLUE
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ith the release of her brand new album DRIVING INTO THE BLUE , esteemed singer-songwriter Kit Holmes approaches the next step of her music career with enthusiasm. The third studio album following SEEING YOU and CATCH THE ECHO has been an anticipated release for some time and has been announced for a scheduled release early 2011. Recorded at Chairworks Studios in Leeds with the prestigious engineer Simon Humphrey, known for his work with Abba and Culture Club, the album is set to offer everything expected from this inspirational touring artist. Showcasing her trademark sultry vocals alongside virtuoso guitar playing, Kit Holmes has never failed to leave audiences astounded. The album offers the talents of legendary double bass player Danny Thompson, prize winning composer and producer Al Greenwood and drummer extraordinaire Pat Illingworth. Also recently announced, Kit Holmes will be touring the album this spring as a trio featuring guitar, fiddle and bass. The powerful lyricism of this artist alongside her ability to create infectious melodies is among the many reasons that so many flock to see her every year. The eagerly anticipated third album is bound to be a stirring reminder of her success as a female singer-songwriter who firmly believes in touring her material. Laura Bethell
Nashville welcomes CM A festivities
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