Star of Tomorrow

Back a couple of years ago, I got to hear someone who was considered "new" at the time.  Relatively unknown to the world of music for the most part.  The first time I saw Jerrod Niemann play, I knew there was something unique and different about him.  That was in 2009 and over the years I couldn't be more proud of his success.  I should also thank him for introducing me to one of my dear friends at a gig he was playing at the Tin Roof in Lexington, Kentucky.  The photo here is when Jerrod Niemann played at the Ryman Auditorium with Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, and more.  It was a rowdy show, but a good one nevertheless.  I landed front row seats by the luck and grace of God.  This photo actually ended up being used as Jerrod's publicity photos as he was going out on tour and for newspaper articles.  It was indeed an honor to have that photo of mine being used for that.  This Sunday he will be coming to Winchester, Kentucky for the Daniel Boone Festival.  Talk bout coming a long way from just playing to a handful of folks at the Tin Roof and opening shows for Jamey Johnson.  Needless to say, I'm very much happy for his success now and years to come!

Brad Paisley provides country music showmanship at KFC Yum Center

Brad Paisley by Jessica Blankenship

Even with it being winter, the feeling of summer was in the air during Brad Paisley's latest stop in the H2O Frozen Over Tour at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This time, Paisley brought along Darius Rucker and Jerrod Niemann to join in the fun filled night.

Starting things off was country newcomer, Jerrod Niemann, who has seen success with both his album and single, "Lover Lover." Performing that hit single, his energetic set included "What Do You Want," "Forever Clear," and "One More Drinking Song." Niemann also showcased his talent by singing like John Anderson during the ending of "How Can I Be So Thirsty," that he written with Anderson. After the concert, fans were treated with a special private show at Saddle Ridge by Niemann.

Even though his claim to fame was with Hootie and the Blowfish, Darius Rucker has been setting his sights on the field of country music. He would perform his personal hit songs such as "Don't Think I Don't Think About It," "Alright," and "Come Back Song," as well as songs from his pop days, such as "Let Her Cry," and "I Only Want to Be With You." He excelled in pulling emotional heartstrings with "It Won't Be Like This For Long" as photos of his own daughters were displayed on the large screens. By having Nashville based musicians, the hit songs from Rucker's Hootie & the Blowfish days had a refreshing sound. He would surprise fans by singing "Family Tradition" by Hank Williams, Jr. as a sign that even though he's use to singing pop, he's broken that tradition by coming over to the country music world. However, he would turn that notion around by concluding his set with the pop hit, "Purple Rain," by Prince.

Brad Paisley proved that he is rightfully deserving of his Entertainer of the Year award with his performance on Saturday night. Opening with "Water," Paisley emerged behind screens that looked as if he was coming out of a pool of water. As the fans screamed with excitement, he would soon kick the energy up. Following up with "Online," and easing into a setlist that included "Welcome to the Future," "American Saturday Night," "I'm Still a Guy," "Waitin’ On A Woman," "She’s Everything," "Mud On the Tires," and "I'm Going Miss Her (The Fishing Song)." A special photo montage paying tribute to past and present performers in country music was showcased during "This is Country Music."

There were also plenty of highlights that interacted with the fans senses. During "Celebrity," fans were treated with a video montage of a big head mascot of Paisley living the life of a celebrity and the troubles he gets into. A special holographic image of Alison Krauss singing made fans believe she was there in person to sing the haunting "Whiskey Lullaby."

For those in the back of the arena, they received special treatment as Paisley would perform on a special platform mimicking a swimming pool. He would sing, "Letter to Me," and then run back up towards the stage during his next song. At the end of the night, Jerrod Niemann and Darius Rucker, along with the bands, joined in for a rowdy version of "Alcohol."

With plenty of guitar licks and solos, Paisley excelled in showcasing his talents of real showmanship. Country music is in good hands with Brad Paisley.

Men in Country Music to Look For in 2010

Josh Thompson - by Jessica Bray

Nothing is as lonesome as the whippoorwill, a train in the distance, and a male country singer playing a sorrowful tune. Earlier we featured the women of country music to look for in 2010. There are several men who might perhaps fill the shoes of their predecessors in the field of country music. Here are my top picks for those to look out for in 2010.

Josh Thompson

This Wisconsin native has been heating up the charts with his latest hit, "Beer on the Table." That song has become the working man's anthem of 2009 and leading into 2010. For the youngings, there is "Milk on the Table" reindition that also has a cute video. Thompson brings a party to the stage with his songs, including "Blame It On Waylon," which fits perfectly to his style. He has had the opportunity to fill in the opener spot on tours for Dierks Bentley and Jamey Johnson to name a few. His 4 Song EP was released via Itunes and with the success of that, his new album will be released on February 23rd.

Check Out Josh Thompson's:

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Wade Bowen

There is a whole nother world in the land of Texas when it comes to music. Sometimes folks outside of the Texas borders don't know about the great musicians down in the heart where George Strait hangs his hat. Wade Bowen has made quite a scene over the years and has been emerging as one of the great talents coming from the state. In fact, he has recently played on the Grand Ole Opry. Any good honkytonk needs to crank up some Wade Bowen with rustic vocals that has more grit than the dirt roads rolling through the land. It is hard to believe that his first album was from 2002 and has several other albums, including his "If We Ever Make It Home" from 2008 that have been unnoticed from those who listen to the Nashville scene. His latest song & video for "Trouble" is out now. Be on the lookout for his "Live at Billy Bob's".

Check Out Wade Bowen's:

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Chris Young

Who knew that a song as simple as a little black dress would stir up the charts? Chris Young's "Getting You Home (The Black Dress Song) helped his career raise to the top after years of trying to get on the charts. Country music fans might remember seeing and hearing Chris when he performed on Nashville Star a few years back and won. His first album from that series was rushed out the door and provided fans an "instant coffee" product. Some things take time to cultivate, and music is one of them. Young went back in the studio and took his time to write and craft some music for his latest release. His vocals remind you of a young Keith Whitley and his songs remind you of Conway Twitty. Coming off of a hit song, 2010 is looking up for Chris Young. His latest hit, “The Man I Want to Be" is climbing up the single and video charts.

Check Out Chris Young's:

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Jerrod Niemann

Perhaps you might know the name just yet, but you might know of a couple of fellers by the name of Garth Brooks and Chris Ledoux. Thinking back, do you remember Garth Brook's hit song "Good Ride Cowboy," in memory of Chris Ledoux? That song was written by none other than Jerrod Niemann. The Kansas native has made quite a splash into the country music scene for his songwriting. Not only has he written for Garth, but he has cowritten with Randy Houser, Dallas Davidson, and Jamey Johnson on several tunes. He just recently signed to Sea Gayle Music, Brad Paisley's record company. His new song, "One More Drinking Song," is ode to the bartenders and the party crowd to sit back and have a good time. Kentucky fans were fortunate to see him perform several times, opening for Jamey Johnson at Renfro Valley, as well as perform with Lee Brice, Jon Stone, and Lance Miller at the Tin Roof - Lexington. With his charming looks and country vocals, Niemann is one to be on the lookout for.

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