1 July 2013

Little Jimmy Dickens, who has been absent from his beloved Opry stage for most of 2013, is set to undergo 3 weeks of short-term radiation treatments for a pre-cancerous condition on his vocal chords beginning next week. The Opry member’s doctors expect him to make a full recovery. “I can’t begin to express my sincere gratitude for the thoughts and prayers that are being sent my way,” Dickens said. “My family and I appreciate the support, and I can’t wait to return home to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in one of my favorite rhinestone suits someday soon.” The country legend most recently surprised Opry audiences with an appearance on April 12. His most recent scheduled Opry appearance came on Dec. 22, 2012. Dickens, 92, became a Grand Ole Opry member in 1948 and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983. Among his enduring classics are Take An Old Cold Tater (And Wait), Country Boy, Out Behind The Barn and May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose. The Opry is inviting Dickens’ friends and fans to send cards and letters wishing the country music legend well. Correspondence should be sent to: Jimmy Dickens c/o Grand Ole Opry House 2804 Opryland Drive Nashville, TN 37214

Mumford and Sons reported on its web site today that ill band member Ted Dwane is recovering from brain surgery. The band also announced new dates in August and September and rescheduled shows cancelled due to Dwane’s illness. “Firstly, we are pleased to report that our beloved Ted is making a steady recovery from his operation and wearing his newly acquired shaven-headed hairstyle with enviable levels of suave. A huge, huge thank you to all for your messages of support; the man himself is rather overwhelmed,” the band said. Dwane suffered a blood clot near his brain, requiring surgery. “Wildcard – we are thrilled to inform you that the, all-be-it-abrupt, ending of the recent run of shows marks the closing of but one chapter in the book of ‘Mumford & Sons North American Tour Travels 2013’. ‘The Full English’ North American tour, featuring Bear’s Den and The Vaccines too, will commence on 26th August in Toronto,” the web site said. Tour dates are: Aug. 26- Molson Canadian Amphitheatre – Toronto, ON Aug. 28 – Forest Hills Stadium – Queens, NY (Gentlemen Of The Road presents) Aug. 29 – First Niagara Pavilion – Burgettstown, PA Sept. 2 – Klipsch Music Center – Noblesville, IN Sept. 3- Marcus Amphitheater – Milwaukee, WI Sept. 4 – Xcel Energy Center – Saint Paul, MN Sept. 9 – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre – Pelham, AL Sept. 10 – Centennial Olympic Park – Atlanta, GA Sept. 11 – Charter Amphitheatre – Simpsonville, SC Rescheduled dates are: Sept. 16 – New Orleans LA @ Mardi Gras World* Sept. 17 – Woodlands TX @ Cynthia Woods Pavilion* Sept. 18 – Dallas TX @ GEXA Energy Pavilion* Sept. 20 – Bonner Springs KS @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre* *supporting acts to be announced To purchase tickets, register for the ‘Invitation Onsale’. Register right now here. “It’s a simple process and the most effective way we’ve found to ensure the real fans get in and the ticket touts stay out,” the band’s web site said. Registration closes on July 3 and invites will be sent out from July 8.

Aaron Tippin, an accomplished pilot as well as country singer/songwriter, will be at the controls of a classic airplane when he flies into the Smyrna (Tenn.) Airport, outside Nashville, July 2. Airman Aaron will fly copilot aboard the Commemorative Air Force’s famous Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, the only remaining flying example of the aircraft in the world. Aaron is a Commemorative Air Force member and also serves as a spokesperson for the organization. The event is open to the public and will allow attendees to get up close with a variety of famous military aircraft. Cockpit tours of the B-29 are also available. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress is best known as the aircraft that helped bring about the end of World War II with its missions over Japan. Aaron is a commercial, instrument-rated pilot and is also qualified to pilot a helicopter. On the musical side, he is currently part of a joint effort with fellow stars Joe Diffie and Sammy Kershaw on the album All in the Same Boat. For more information on his July 2 flight, visit airpowertour.org