Kip Moore Releases Powerful “Running For You” Music Video

Hailed as a “career song” by Billboard, Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore premiered the emotion-driven music video for “Running For You” on VEVO today.  Moore is cast as the male lead in the passionate and fiery video that follows him and his leading lady as they face the individual challenges of their respective career paths, culminating in a dramatic Hollywood-style ending.  Moore tapped his longtime friend PJ Brown to direct the video, though he had never been in the director’s chair before.

“I’ve been friends with PJ for years, he was the main one pushing me to chase my passion and move to Nashville,” said Moore. “He’s been able to document some of my concerts here and there, but we haven’t worked together on this level before.  This song is unlike other songs I’ve released before and so I wanted the video to be really different from any of my other videos.  PJ was able to bring our vision to life and I’m glad that the label let me take a chance on him.”

Moore continues to make an impression overseas as demand in Europe has led to bigger venues being scheduled in Birmingham, UK and Dublin, IE following venue capacity increases in Manchester, UK and Glasgow, UK almost immediately following on-sales, ahead of his stint in April. This fervent fan-following was established during Moore’s first visit across the pond last year when he “led the 20,000-capacity through a singalong” (Rolling Stone) at the O2 Arena in London. Moore continues his headlining WILD ONES TOUR this weekend with stops in Denver, CO (2/12) and Salt Lake City, UT (2/13) followed by a string of dates in Canada.

For a full list of dates and more information visit www.kipmoore.net.

Toby Keith To Perform At THE PLAYERS Championship Military Appreciation Day Concert

Continuing a PGA TOUR tradition of honoring men and women in uniform, THE PLAYERS Championship unveiled a full slate of military appreciation activities and programs for the 2016 event, including a special performance by music legend Toby Keith on Tuesday, May 10, during Military Appreciation Day.

New in 2016, the Military Appreciation Day Ceremony (6 p.m.) and Concert (6:30 p.m.) will be held on the 17th hole – instead of the traditional location on the back of the clubhouse lawn – when the tournament returns to THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, May 10-15.

Keith’s performance will cap off the Military Appreciation Day Ceremony, which will include pageantry by military personnel, a flyover by the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, and a National Anthem performance by Byron Rowe (United States Navy-Retired). Speakers at the Military Appreciation ceremony will be General Mark Welsh, Chief of Staff, United States Air Force and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem; and a TOUR player TBD.

The Military Appreciation Day Ceremony and Concert is free to any Tuesday ticket holder; a Tuesday Stadium Pass starts at just $20.

“I’m extremely excited to honor the men and women who serve our county by performing at THE PLAYERS Championship,” said Keith, who has performed more than 200 USO shows and entertained more than 250,000 men and women in uniform and their families. In April 2014, Toby Keith was honored with the Spirit of the USO Award.  “I have always been a proud supporter of the U.S. Military and can’t wait to rock the stage for our troops and their fans.”

“We’re thrilled to have Toby Keith kick off tournament week at the most famous hole in golf,” said Michele McManamon, THE PLAYERS 2016 Volunteer Chairman and co-founder of Tuesday’s Charity of the Day, Operation New Uniform.  “The Military Appreciation Day Concert is always a fan favorite, and the new location for 2016 allows us to entertain an even bigger crowd in the incredible, wrap-around atmosphere of 16 and 17.  Fans will also have access to the great amenities available in that area – including the Food Court and upgraded restrooms – ensuring a true concert-like experience.  With a superstar like Toby Keith on stage, we know the Stadium is going to be rocking.”

In addition to the celebrating them during Military Appreciation Day, THE PLAYERS provides all career military (active duty, Reserve, military retirees and dependents) with complimentary admission to the tournament all week and discounted admission for veterans (to obtain vouchers, go to PGATOUR.COM/THEPLAYERS and click on the Tickets & Parking link).  Throughout tournament week, all active duty and Reserve military members, military retirees, veterans and their dependents will have access to the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost, a hospitality tent reserved exclusively for the military which offers complimentary food, beverages and activities.  Located near the tee at No. 16, the Patriots’ Outpost is financially supported by THE PLAYERS and Jacksonville-area companies and individuals.  New in 2016, THE PLAYERS volunteer leadership – the Red Coats are the lead sponsor of the Birdies for the Brave® Patriots’ Outpost.     In 2015, THE PLAYERS issued more than 23,000 complimentary military tickets and more than 18,000 military members and their families were hosted in the Patriots’ Outpost.

Prior to tournament week, THE PLAYERS will welcome active duty, Reserve, retired military, veterans, and military spouses to TPC Sawgrass on Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Birdies for the Brave® Patriots’ Outpost, to participate in its fourth-annual Military Job Fair, in partnership with the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition.  The Military Job Fair is free and open to military personnel, veterans and military spouses who are seeking employment.  There will be approximately 40 companies on hand, all with open hiring opportunities.  Free career counseling and resume-writing assistance will be provided, as well as, information on local educational institutions with veterans’ programs. Previous PLAYERS Military Veterans Job Fairs have seen attendance of more than 500 military job seekers and 40 companies participating.

On Sunday, May 8, THE PLAYERS and Birdies for the Brave® will again partner with Operation Shower to host a group baby shower for 40 military moms-to-be whose spouses are deployed members of the U.S. Navy.  Scheduled to be held from 12-2 p.m. in the Patriots’ Outpost, the event will be hosted by Jim and Tabitha Furyk and will feature Operation Shower’s signature Shower-In-A-Box, gifts of high-quality products for the moms and babies that have been provided by sponsors and donors.

More information about THE PLAYERS is available at PGATOUR.COM/THEPLAYERS.

Brett Young Releases Debut Self-Titled EP

After making a huge splash at his first Country Radio Seminar (CRS), Brett Young today releases his debut, self-titled EP. Available now at digital retailers, the six-song BRETT YOUNG EP was produced by two-time ACM Producer of the Year Dann Huff (Taylor Swift, Reba, Steven Tyler) and features his lead single “Sleep Without You.” He previewed the upbeat love song, which goes for adds at radio on April 11, to well-received crowds this week, performing at a handful of events around town, including the Republic Nashville Happy Hour alongside label mate Cassadee Pope.

“This week has been beyond what I ever imagined,” expressed Young. “I am so thankful that Country radio has been so receptive to my music, and I look forward to getting on the road to play for more of you very soon.”

Young, who has a publishing deal with Big Machine Music, co-wrote all of the tracks. He has gathered quite a cult following in “Caliville” – the world between Young’s SoCal roots and his Music City coming-of-age. His songwriting credits – and inspirations – are extensive with his insightful music appearing on shows like Chrisley Knows Best (USA), Real World (MTV) and Kourtney and Kim Take New York (E!).

BRETT YOUNG EP Track Listing:
“Sleep Without You”(Brett Young, Kelly Archer, Justin Ebach)
“You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me”(Brett Young, Matt Alderman, Tiffany Goss)
“Left Side of Leavin’” (Brett Young, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
“In Case You Didn’t Know”(Brett Young, Tyler Reeve, Kyle Schilenger, Trent Tomlinson)
“Like I Loved You”(Brett Young, Jesse Lee)
“Beautiful Believer”(Brett Young, Jason Adamo, Annie Wildgen)

For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit BrettYoungMusic.com.

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation Celebrates 3rd Year of “Mutts Across America”

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation had a great fundraising year in 2015 and with your help is able to continue their Mutts Across America: 50 States/50 Shelters initiative.  A total of $175,000 was distributed to shelters in each of the 50 states in January this year, with the minimum donation to an individual shelter being $3,000.

Miranda Lambert said, “When an animal finds a forever home, it’s not just life-changing for the animal, but for the family that gets to receive the unconditional love that animals give.  It means so much to me to be a part of that process.”

The MuttNation Foundation board worked diligently to find the most deserving shelters in each of the 50 states. The surprised recipients acknowledged the donations across MuttNation’s social platforms.  The Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue, responded to the donation, “To say I was shocked to receive your amazingly generous and kind donation would be an understatement!”  The Bella Vista Animal Shelter told MuttNation Foundation, “As the recipient for the state of Arkansas we are deeply humbled and enormously grateful for your support!  Our ‘cold noses and warm hearts’ give the MuttNation Foundation their sincere thanks.” And Animal Rescue Rhode Island thanked MNF for recognizing their, “exemplary work in the fight to end animals’ suffering and accelerate shelter pet adoptions.”

A lot of different criteria play a role in the decision to support these selected shelters, such as high adoption per intake rate, volunteerism, fiscal responsibility, advocating spay and neuter programs and a solid presence in their community.

MNF co-founder Bev Lambert added, “We feel so privileged to be able to continue supporting these shelters that truly stand out.  We salute all of the individuals who follow their passion to help animals and defend those who cannot defend themselves.”

MNF continues to support their partners in animal rescue at The American Humane Association and Northshore Animal League as well as Miranda’s home town shelter, Pet Fur People in East Texas.  A complete list of the shelters that received donations is available at MuttNationFoundation.  MNF does not solicit grant applications.

Charles Kelley and Wife Cassie Welcome The Arrival of Their Son

Congratulations to Charles Kelley and wife Cassie as they welcomed their first child into the world this morning. Their son, Ward Charles Kelley, made his debut in Nashville at 9:20 this morning, February 11, 2106.

Cassie Kelley Baby - CountryMusicRocks.net“We can’t stop staring at him and he hasn’t stopped chitchatting with us since he arrived,” the parents announced on Womanista. “He’s got momma’s nose and daddy’s eyes and vocal chords and a head full of blond hair.”

Best Wishes and Congratulations to the Kelley’s!!!