Best in country music for 2014

Every year we ask ourselves "where did the time go?"  This year is no exception.  I've traveled down to Nashville several times this year and have been fortunate to immerse myself in music on those long road trips.  Here are a few of my top picks in country music for 2014:

Top Songs of the Year

Shotgun Rider - Tim McGraw

Living the Dream - Sturgill Simpson

I Hold On - Dierks Bentley

Tonight I'm Playing Possum - Shooter Jennings

High In Heels - Kelsey Waldon

Kiss You Tonight - David Nail

The Way I'm Living - Lee Ann Womack

Bad Girl Phase - Sunny Sweeney

I Walk the Line (Johnny Cash Cover) - Craig Wayne Boyd

Top Albums of the Year

Angaleena Presley - American Middle Class

Sturgill Simpson - Metamodern Sounds of Country Music

Sunny Sweeney - Provoked

Rosanne Cash - The River & The Thread

Marty Stuart – Saturday Night/Sunday Morning

Dierks Bentley - Riser

Kelsey Waldon - The Goldmine

Personal Favorite Concerts of 2014

Hank 3 at Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, KY

Drake White and Maggie Rose at the Froggy Field Party in Frankfort, KY

Whitey Morgan at Willy's Locally Known in Lexington, KY

Fifth on the Floor at Busters in Lexington, KY

Sturgill Simpson at Zanzabar in Louisville, KY

Shooter Jennings & Waymore's Outlaws at the World Chicken Festival in London, KY

Jamey Johnson at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Renfro Valley, KY

Oak Ridge Boys at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Renfro Valley, KY

Loretta Lynn at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Renfro Valley, KY

Lee Ann Womack at Woodsongs Ole Time Radio Hour in Lexington, KY

Probably one of my favorite moments was getting to sit front row of the Ryman Auditorium for a taping of the Grand Ole Opry.  That night, the guests were the Oak Ridge Boys, Lynn Anderson, Larry Gatlin, Chris Janson, and Mary Sarah.  Eddie Stubbs even got up and played the fiddle alongside Chris Janson.

I look forward to seeing what shows, music, and friends that 2015 brings.  Be sure to check out my facebook page over at www.facebook.com/kycountrymusic for Kentucky country music facts and fun!

Reflecting on 2014 in country music and other matters

Hank 3 - By Jessica Blankenship

I honestly cannot believe that it is towards the end of 2014.  It has been a good year to say the least, both professionally and personally.  I have slowed down when it comes to going to concerts (I was use to going to over 40).  I was chair of the Cruisin' On Main car show here in London, Kentucky, my hometown.  That was quite an adventure, but a fun one.  I also ended up with several trips to Nashville this year for various reasons.  I joked and said that I should take up songwriting or something while I'm down there.

Some of my personal highlights of 2014 include:

• Interviewing Marty Stuart over his country music historical collection.  I even joked and asked him how does he maintain such wonderful hair.  Read that interview here.
• Seeing Sturgill Simpson captivate a room of less than 30 people at the Zanzabar in Louisville in April.  Read my recap here. It wouldn't be a month later that he is up on stage at major festivals, garnering attention of critics and music fans who proclaim that he is what country music needs.  There isn't a late night tv show that he hasn't played on (I think - need to check).  It was neat getting to talk to him as I lived in Versailles and we had several mutual friends.
• Sitting on the front row of the Ryman Auditorium during the Grand Ole Opry.  I've sat at the Grand Ole Opry House many times for the Opry.  I have been to the Ryman for other shows, but never for the Opry.  My favorite vocal group, the Oak Ridge Boys, played that night, along with Chris Janson and Lynn Anderson.  What a memorable night.
• Speaking of the Oak Ridge Boys - what a complete honor for them to mention me and my writing during their performance at Renfro Valley.  They also took the time to recognize my pal, John Herndon and his mother who was in attendance.  Go see the Oak Ridge Boys - they are WONDERFUL to see live.
• Bucket List item fulfilled - interview Hank 3.  It was one of those conversations that I had to pinch myself.  We talked over the phone for an hour and then later on, I got to meet him at his concert at Mercury Ballroom in Louisville.  Hands down, the most humble performer in the music industry and one of the nicest.  His 4 hour concert is for the pure music fan that likes country and rock.
• Being invited back to do red carpet coverage of the Unbridled Eve Derby Eve Party
• Meeting Loretta Lynn at the Loretta Lynn Ranch. Read about that here.
• Attending the WSM 89th Birthday Bash at the Grand Ole Opry.
• Seeing my friend Craig Wayne Boyd on The Voice.  He has worked for many years for success and there are a lot of folks behind him no matter what happens.

Sadly, there were several that we lost in the music industry.  One of those was my friend, James Alan Shelton, who passed away from cancer.  He was a sideman for Ralph Stanley, as well as helped manage Ralph's stuff.  I met him over a decade ago as I was a college student doing research on Ralph.  We stayed in touch over the years.  He is definitely missed.

Last week, I posted an article on Examiner about the success of country music from Kentucky.  Be sure to check out that article here. 

It will be interesting to see what 2015 will bring.  I look forward to it. Stay tune for more adventures out on the road.  Many thanks for your support.  Be sure to "like" my page over at Facebook for more Kentucky music history facts and links.

Food Network coming to Zanzabar

Zanzabar - From Get Out Louisville

Back in April, I got to see Sturgill Simpson at Louisville's Zanzabar.  {Check out review here.} Let me tell you a little secret - their tater tots are legendary.  I absolutely love them.  I don't know what they season them with or what the secret to happiness is inside those amazing tater tots, but they are really good alongside a grilled cheese sandwich as you listen to some good tunes.

Someone over at Food Network must have got a hint of the goodness of the cooking of food and tunes that Zanzabar has to offer.  The tv show, "Off Beat Eats," will be on hand, Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 to film a special inside.  

According to Zanzabar's Facebook Page: "Hey guys, the food network is filming a TV show here tomorrow at Zanzabar. The show is called Off Beat Eats, and will air on the cooking channel in late October or early November. If you would like to be a part of it, come for lunch 11am-2pm and/or dinner 4pm-6pm. Tell any regulars or friends you think I may have missed."

So there you have it...if you are in the Louisville area, go see the fine folks over at Zanzabar and perhaps get on tv.  You can also play one of the many pinball machines, including Dolly Parton.