October 2020 - Page 3 of 3 - STAGING Maverick

Country in the Afternoon to return on November 14

Country in the Afternoon has confirmed it will be returning on November 14 for a socially distanced, table service event at The Half Moon in Putney. Tickets are available here. With a reduced capacity, the event has been given the sign off, with the venue having a track and trace system in place, along with fully trained, COVID-aware staff. There will also be hand sanitiser stations and an app based contactless ordering and payment system. Taking to the stage for the event will be Ruthie Collins, thus becoming one of the first Nashville based artists to venture over the Atlantic to perform since the lockdown, three-time Grammy winner Sandy McClelland, Scottish singer/songwriter Chris Mossop and 18-year-old Liverpool based prodigy Megan Louise, who continues to make rapid progress in the UK country scene. Prior to lockdown, Country in the Afternoon – which is organised by Cumbrae Promotions, who also do Millport Country Music Festival – was gearing up for its third event in May, with the first two events proving to be rousing successes. That was meant to be a two-day event, with Blake O’Connor, Gasoline & Matches, John Gurney and Jeremy McComb on the bill alongside Collins, McClelland, Mossop and Megan Louise, but they have managed to retain half the initial line-up in order to get the show on the road.

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Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker to host the 54th CMA Awards

Exclusives, News / Editor

The hosts of the 54th CMA Awards have been chosen, with Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker being chosen to present the iconic event, set to take place from Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Reba was also a co-host for the 53rd (2019) Awards, taking to the stage with Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood, making this her fifth time hosting the Awards. By contrast, this is Rucker’s debut. Speaking about the announcement, both Reba and Rucker expressed their pride and joy to be hosting the event and while it won’t be the same as normal, they’re excited to see how it goes. “I’m thrilled to be back hosting the CMA Awards and even more thrilled that I get to share the stage with Darius Rucker,” McEntire said. “We’re looking forward to a night of celebrating great Country Music and hope you’ll tune in and watch.” “I look forward to the CMA Awards every year because of the incredible performances and the opportunity to celebrate the year in Country Music,” Rucker added. “To be invited to host this year’s awards alongside Reba — are you kidding me?! — it is an absolute honour. Even though this year will look a little different than normal, I know that we’re all eager for a night of musical celebration and this year’s show definitely won’t disappoint!” There are more details to come from how the CMA Awards will go on the night, but there have been a number of live performances from huge stars promised.

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Ingrid Andress releases deluxe version of debut album 'Lady Like'

Exclusives, News / Editor

Ingrid Andress has released a deluxe version of her debut album ‘Lady Like’, which features five new additions and a completely different tracklist to the original. You can listen to the new version here. Andress has included a re-imagined version of The Stranger, her solo take on the Charli XCX hit Boys (which Andress wrote), Feeling Things, Waste of Lime and a collaboration with Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberley Schlapman in More Hearts Than Mine. Speaking about the decision to shake things up and release a deluxe edition, Andress explained how the new tracklisting is designed to take listeners on her path that consists of pushing pain away, trying to love again and falling over again, all while including new songs. “My love life and emotions are always all over the place,” explains Andress. “And with the new songs as a part of the deluxe, I felt like this special tracklisting was a perfect way to let fans inside my head a little bit more.” Since the release of the initial version of ‘Lady Like’ – and well before then, too – Ingrid Andress has seen her profile rise significantly, to the point where she has been nominated at the upcoming CMA Awards for New Artist of the Year.

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Megan O'Neill shares new song 'Head Under Water'

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Megan O’Neill has released a new song in the shape of Head Under Water, which will also be featuring on her upcoming, as of yet untitled, album. You can listen to the song here. The song was written by O’Neill while she was working on her next project in the UK along with The Dunwells and follows in the footsteps of Fire With Fire, which was released in July. The album itself will be the second full-length release from the Irish star, with her debut record ‘Ghost of You’ being released back in June 2018. Speaking about the song, O’Neill said that it was a track that was very easy to write and while initially she didn’t plan on it being a song that would make the album, she was convinced to change her mind. “Sometimes songs just need to be written and they pour out of you,” O’Neill said. “Head Under Water was one of those songs for me. Although I didn’t actually plan on putting it on the album, I just needed to get it out on that particular day. “But when I played it in the studio, Joe and Dave [Dunwell] loved it and so here we are!” Megan O’Neill will also be venturing around the UK and Ireland in a touring capacity in 2021, with some dates pencilled in already. There are as follows: April 22 – Whelan’s, Dublin, Republic of Ireland April 23 – Voodoo, Belfast, Northern Ireland April 27 – The Lexington, London, England Tickets are available here.

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Black Deer Festival add more exciting artists to 2021 line-up

Exclusives, Live events, News / Editor

Independent Americana and Country Music festival Black Deer announce some exciting new additions to the 2021 line-up, including Lucinda Williams, Drive-By Truckers and Colter Wall, and reveal the 2021 day splits. The stars of the Live Fire BBQ showcase, featuring Sam Evans & Shauna Guinn of Hang Fire Kitchen, BBC Food regular Genevieve Taylor, Ready Steady Cook’s Romy Gill and Countrywoodsmoke’s Marcus Bawdon plus many more have also been announced. The three-day festival takes place on 18th-20th June 2021, returning to the historic Eridge Park, Kent featuring major artists including Wilco, The Waterboys, Robert Plant and The Dead South. Full weekend tickets and day tickets are on sale here. Black Deer is looking forward to welcoming Americana living legend and three-time Grammy Award winning singer songwriter Lucinda Williams to Eridge Park in 2021, along with Southern roots rocking heroes Drive-By Truckers and their politically charged alt-country, and Canadian cowboy Colter Wall who is set to provide country fans with his popular brand of western swing and waltzes. They’ll be joined by Midlands-via-Senegal modern soul singing sensation Jordan Mackampa, Philadelphia/L.A. vintage folk rockers Mt. Joy and critically acclaimed two-time Native American Music Award winner Samantha Crain. The corner of Black Deer that is home to The Roadhouse is where you’ll feel the growl of the Americana counter-culture. Desertscene bring the best of underground psych and blues to the deer park and for 2021 ticketholders can expect more loud and heavy jams thanks to returning primal blues-rock duo The Picturebooks, Swedish rock’n’rollers Siena Root, the dark and hypnotic Indian Queens, the volume splitting riffs of Israeli three piece The Great Machine and psych rock exploration courtesy of Cheshire’s 1968. Alongside the musical program, Black Deer Festival are once again cooking up a storm in their Live Fire Arena. Promising even more mouth-watering delights than were served up in 2019, Jon Finch and Ben Merrington – founders of Grillstock, the largest authentic BBQ festival outside of the US – are back curating the area, pioneering the Americana barbecue scene in the UK’s festival fields once again. Set to transport Black Deer attendees to America’s deep south, Live Fire will see the very best chefs, pitmasters, butchers and woodsmen appear in their own fiery performance of cooking demonstrations and masterclasses that’ll both educate and inspire. For 2021, Live Fire chefs include Caravan’s Group Executive Chef Matt Burgess, former River Cottage chef, author and TV authority Tim Maddams, CountryWoodSmoke’s Marcus Bawdon, Hunter Gatherer Cook’s Nick Weston, founder of DeliVita wood-fired ovens Joe Formisano, Hang Fire Southern Kitchen’s Sam Evans & Shuana Guinn, owner of Bristol Fire School, chef and acclaimed best-selling author Genevieve Taylor, charcoal guru Whittle & Flame’s Matt Williams, chef, food writer and latest Ready Steady Cook star Romy Gill MBE, world class BBQ competition team Bunch Of Swines, Game and Flames’ hunt specialist and chef Cai ap Bryn, and Weber BBQ’s Head Grill Masters Dan Cooper and Gyles Foster. And there’s even more to celebrate about Black Deer 2021: Jackson Social – New for 2021, Black Deer will be launching Jackson Social – an adult only members bar. For an additional fee, festival goers can enjoy an outside covered seating area, cocktail bar, lounge seating, all day food options, phone charging, fancy toilets, fire pit, and DJs plus exclusive acoustic performances. There will be limited tickets available. Thursday Opening – Also new for 2021, Eridge Park is set to offer early entry to ticketholders from 4PM Thursday 17th June for an additional fee, whilst kids are able to go for free. This will offer access to the General Campsite with amenities, food and beverages available. Committed to giving 1500 tickets to NHS Key Workers – With some members of the Black Deer team having been personally affected by the pandemic and having seen first-hand the incredible work and sacrifices made by so many, they have decided to show their gratitude and thanks by inviting 1,500 NHS and key workers as guests to Black Deer Festival 2021. Black Deer Mercantile – Black Deer are creating a dedicated shop including Black Deer merchandise and collaborative designs to launch online on the 8th October with new merchandise being dropped throughout the year right through to the festival launch. ABOUT BLACK DEER Serving as Europe’s ultimate destination for Americana and Country fans, the multi award-winning Black Deer Festival will return to the stunning Eridge Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent in June 2021. Showcasing roots inspired music across multiple stages, exquisite live fire cooking, layers of custom motorcycle culture, a curated marketplace of artisans and makers, Black Deer is a family destination festival with a community spirit. JUST ANNOUNCED Lucinda Williams Drive-By Truckers Colter Wall Jordan Mackampa Mt. Joy The Picturebooks Samantha Crain Siena Root Indian QueensThe Great Machine 1968 DAY SPLITS FRIDAY Wilco Lucinda Williams Imelda May The Felice Brothers Shooter Jennings Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly Wade Bowen The Picturebooks Irish Mythen The East Pointers Caroline Spence Indian Queens Midnight Skyracer Steve Smyth The Great Machine Prosperina Alexander McKay Black Deer Songwriter Session SATURDAY The Waterboys Drive By Truckers Jade Bird The Milk Carton Kids Courtney Marie Andrews The Secret Sisters Mt. Joy Samantha Crain Jack Broadbent Madison Violet Irish Mythen Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra Amy Montgomery Josh Okeefe The Goat Roper Rodeo band 1968 Benjamin Dakota Rogers Isabella Coulstock Lead Desert Blues Black Deer Songwriter Session SUNDAY Saving Grace Feat RP The Dead South Colter Wall Jordan Mackampa Police Dog Hogan William Prince The Lost Bothers ASG Irish Mythen Native Harrow Black Rainbows Siena Root True Strays Gorilla Black Orchids The Gospel Brunch feat. Powerhouse Gospel Choir David Migden & The Twisted Roots Black Deer Songwriter Session Visit the Black Deer website here. Listen to the Black Deer Festival 2021 Official Playlist on Spotify. For more country music news, click here. Follow us on Twitter!

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Lee Brice scores eighth Number One hit with 'One of Them Girls'

Exclusives, News / Editor

Lee Brice has secured his eighth career Number One – and his third in a row – with One of Them Girls, with the song taking top spot on both the US Billboard and Mediabase country airplay charts. You can watch the video below. [wpdevart_youtube]CpkZfkxdj2c[/wpdevart_youtube] The song, which is his fastest rising single to date, will feature on Brice’s upcoming album ‘Hey World’ along with his previous release – a collaboration with Carly Pearce – I Hope You’re Happy Now , which also went to Number One. Speaking about the news, Brice said that he felt he was onto a winner early doors and as soon as he saw the song get taken in with open arms by both the media and the fans, he knew it would have a chance of flying. “This song was embraced by both fans and radio from the get-go… it has flown,” Brice said. “We felt there was something special about it on the night we wrote it and to see how it has resonated is such a blessing and humbling. We are over the moon!” Next year, Lee Brice will be venturing over to the UK to complete his rescheduled summer 2020 tour. Brice will be playing four dates in the UK, before venturing off to Germany. The UK dates are as follows: June 22 – Old Fruit Market, Glasgow, Scotland June 24 – O2 Ritz, Manchester, England June 25 – O2 Institute, Birmingham, England June 26 – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, England

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