It was all about the music at sixth-annual Unbridled Eve Derby Gala

Celebrities from film, television, music, comedy and sports, horse racing industry professionals, and local and national business leaders, gathered last night for the always highly anticipated sixth Annual Unbridled Eve Gala, an Official Kentucky Derby Event. 

Farewell Angelina attends the Unbridled Eve Gala for the 143rd Kentucky Derby at the Galt House Hotel & Suites on May 5, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Unbridled Eve)

From the world-class cocktail reception featuring 19 specialty cocktails to dinner, dancing, live musical performances, and a spectacular silent auction, Unbridled Eve truly offers the best in Southern hospitality, elegance and entertainment.

Kentucky native,JD Shelburne, attends the Unbridled Eve Gala for the 143rd Kentucky Derby at the Galt House Hotel & Suites on May 5, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Unbridled Eve)

American country artist, Grammy-Award nominee, and former contestant on The Voice, Billy Gilman kicked off the musical performances for the evening followed by all-female country group Farewell Angelina, which features four powerhouse vocalists, dynamic songwriters and multi-instrumentalists.

Next to take the stage was former “Kansas” lead singer, John Elefante who sang classic hits such as Point of “No Return,” “Dust in the Wind,” “Cold as Ice,” and “Wayward Son.” Wally Palmar, lead singer of The Romantics followed Elefante’s lead kicking off his set with “Talking in Your Sleep,” “Rock You Up,” and “What I Like About You.” 

Guests packed the dance floor as three-time Billboard Award winner, Taio Cruz performed his hits, “Dynamite” and “Break Your Heart” followed by a set of throwbacks from headliner Morris Day & The Time including the hit “Jungle Love.” 

Shannon Burton attends the Unbridled Eve Gala for the 143rd Kentucky Derby at the Galt House Hotel & Suites on May 5, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Unbridled Eve)

To close the night, Unbridled Eve regulars Robin Meade, Bob Guiney, JD Shelburne, John Elefante, Wally Palmar, and Farewell Angelina took the stage for an all-star jam. 

Since its inception in 2012, the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc. has supported 31 charities with $1,626,108 in both direct proceeds from the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala and additional funding received due to exposure gained in conjunction with the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. The Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc® and Unbridled Eve® were founded by Tonya York Dees and Tammy York Day. 

Hosts and Co-Founders of the Unbridled Eve Gala, Tammy York-Day and Tonya York-Dees attend the Unbridled Eve Gala for the 143rd Kentucky Derby at the Galt House Hotel & Suites on May 5, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Unbridled Eve)

The two primary beneficiaries for tonight’s Unbridled Eve Gala are Blessings in a Backpack and Fund for the Arts, both 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.  Additionally, the Animal Care Society, APRON, Inc., Down Syndrome of Louisville, Jefferson Community and Technical College Student Emergency Fund, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust,Kentucky State Police Trooper Island Camp, Louisville Dental Society Mobile Dental Van, Metro United Way,Miracle League of Louisville, Inc., Operation Homefront, SOS International dba Supplies Over Seas, Super Student Athletes, USA Cares, WESTEC (The Blue House) and Winter HAYven will benefit.                  

Triple Crown Sponsors of the 2017 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala are Delta Dental of Kentucky and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Other sponsors include Cigna, Meijer, Churchill Downs, Inc., Galt House Hotel, Nora Roberts Foundation, Red 7e, Ronaldo Designer Jewelry, Inc., Wayne and Kathy Richards, YPO Dallas, Sun Tan City, Planet Fitness, and Barry Wooley Designs. Media partners include:  The Voice, Today’s Woman, Louisville Magazine, 102.3 The Max, 99.7 WDJX, and Louisville.com.

For more information on Unbridled Eve, be sure to check out www.unbridledeve.com

Unbridled Eve Gala announces exclusive celebrity lineup for 2017 Derby Eve event

Named an Official Kentucky Derby Event, the Sixth-Annual Unbridled Eve Gala is an exclusive star-studded gala which draws local and national business leaders, horse racing industry professionals and celebrities from film, television, music, comedy and sports.  It will be held on Friday, May 5th, 2017, at the Galt House Hotel & Suites in Louisville.

From the world-class cocktail reception to dinner, dancing, live musical performances, and a spectacular silent auction, Unbridled Eve offers the best in Southern hospitality, elegance and entertainment.

Scheduled to perform include: Morris Day and the Time, Taio Cruz, The Crashers, John Elefante (former lead singer of band Kansas), Farewell Angelina, and Wally Palmar (The Romantics).

Celebrities scheduled to attend Unbridled Eve Gala include:

Sharon Stone (actress and producer)

Selma Blair (film and television actress)

Mira Sorvino (Oscar-winning actress)

Paul Sorvino (actor, singer, writer)

Christopher Backus (actor)

Beau Bridges (three-time Emmy, two-time Golden Globe and one-time Grammy Award winning actor and director)

Victor Espinoza (2015 Triple Crown winner)

Jean Cruguet  (1977 Triple Crown winner)

Mario Gutierrez (Two-time Kentucky Derby winner, 2017 Derby Mount: Irap)

Mike Smith (Hall of Fame jockey, 2017 Derby Mount: Girvin)

Julien Leparoux (Eclipse Award-winning jockey, 2017 Derby Mount: Classic Empire)

Bob Guiney (actor, singer, talk show host)

Bonnie-Jill Laughlin (sportscaster and scout for Los Angeles Lakers)

Robin Meade (Anchor, HLN Morning Express)

Warren Moon (Hall of Fame NFL Player)

Alex Reymundo (comedian and actor)

Nora Roberts (best-selling author)

J.D. Shelburne (Country Music Singer)

Bob Van Dillen (meteorologist, HLN Morning Express)

Jennifer Westhoven (reporter, HLN)

Bruce Wilder (photographer)

Luke Hancock (former U of L basketball star, NCAA MVP 2013)

Justin Rose (professional golfer, Olympic gold medalist)

Mario Urrutia (former U of L football star and NFL player)

Teddy Abrams (musical director of the Louisville Orchestra)

Mark “OZ” Geist (Benghazi hero, co-author book, 13 Hours)

Ruby Lewis (Cirque du Soleil Paramour star, Kentucky native)

Jennifer Fowler (winner, Amazing Race)

All of this fun ultimately goes to help numerous great causes, including six-time beneficiary, Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that fights childhood hunger by providing needy elementary school students a backpack of food on the weekends. A portion of proceeds will also go to sixteen other non-profit organizations. The Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc® and Unbridled Eve® were founded by Tonya York Dees and Tammy York Day.

For more information, be sure to check out www.unbridledeve.com.  Be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter for exclusive coverage of the event.

2016 Kentucky Holiday Gift Guide

Each year as we grow older, it seems like we have a hard time with finding that perfect gift for loved ones, coworkers, and friends.  Hopefully with our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide, you will be able to find the perfect gift.  We strive to seek out locally made products from here in Kentucky, with a couple of exceptions.  Please feel free to let us know any stores or items that you would recommend for your loved ones.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL GIFT GUIDE IN PDF FORMAT

Top music stars to perform in Louisville at 145th NRA Annual Meeting

The National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meetings and Exhibits, sponsored by MidwayUSA, will be held May 19 to 22, 2016. Special events will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, KFC Yum! Center Arena, Kentucky International Convention Center and Belvedere at Waterfront Park. The exhibit hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center opens Friday, May 20 at 9:00 a.m. For more information, including event tickets, please visit www.nraam.org.

More than 70,000 attendees and 800-plus exhibitors are expected at this year’s Annual Meetings and Exhibits. Leading firearm manufacturers will display the industry’s latest products. Guides and outfitters, various hunting and shooting accessories, and extensive private firearm collections displayed by NRA-affiliated gun collector clubs will fill more than 10 acres of convention space.

The National NRA Foundation Banquet, sponsored by Kimber, Henry, Universal Coin and Century Arms and co-sponsored by Zeiss and Frontier Tactical, will take place on Thursday, May 19, at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. This event is closed to the press.

The NRA-ILA Leadership Forum presented by Townhall Media and Bearing Arms will take place on Friday, May 20. This year’s confirmed speakers thus far include Presidential candidate Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker Paul Ryan, Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, Sheriff David Clarke of Milwaukee, author Mark “Oz” Geist and conservative journalist Katie Pavlich. This event is open to the press.

NRA Country is pleased to present the NRA Country Jam presented by Colt at the Belvedere at Waterfront Park on Friday, May 20, featuring ACM Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Brett Eldredge, Jana Kramer, Breaking Southwest and Wildwood. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and music starts at 7:00 p.m. This is a free event.

On Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m., the NRA Saturday Night Celebration is proud to present performances by country music superstar Toby Keith with special guest Chris Janson. A limited number of tickets remain starting at $20 and are available now via Ticketmaster.

NRA’s Annual Meetings and Exhibits, sponsored by MidwayUSA, provide a safe and fun atmosphere the whole family can enjoy. The Pyramyd Air® Gun Range is a top attraction – both for participants and observers. The event will also offer a variety of seminars, sponsored by Cabela’s, throughout the three-day convention.

Kentucky Headhunters announce 2015 fall tour schedule

Kentucky Headhunters - photo by Ash Newell

The Kentucky Headhunters have announced 25 new tour dates to wrap up the summer and bring their rowdy, high-energy shows to fans nationwide well into fall. Long considered "Southern Rock Royalty" and credited for creating a hybrid of honky-tonk, blues, and southern rock that appeals to listeners of both rock and country music, The Kentucky Headhunters have tallied hits such as, "Dumas Walker," "Walk Softly On This Heart Of Mine," and "Oh, Lonesome Me.”

The long-haired boys from Edmonton, Kentucky, (Richard Young, Fred Young, Greg Martin and Doug Phelps), hit the road August through December on the tails of their latest album release, Meet Me in Bluesland, which hit stores on June 2 and is a collaborative effort of previously unreleased, original material featuring late, great pianist Johnnie Johnson — a Rock N Roll Hall of Famer and keyboardist for Chuck Berry. Meet Me In Bluesland showcases The Kentucky Headhunters' familiar blues influence on a whole new level, and the album has created a momentum, fueled by its No. 1 Billboard Blues Album debut and top placement on the Billboard Americana Chart, that continues to carry the group into the upcoming dates.

Touting longevity many other acts can only dream of, The Kentucky Headhunters will take their 47 years of experience on the road affording fans the chance to catch what Billboard calls, “The Great American Rock ‘N’ Roll Band,” at the following upcoming stops:

The Kentucky Headhunters – Fall 2015 Tour

8/05 Sturgis, South Dakota | Broken Spoke Campground

8/06 Rapid City, South Dakota | Main Street Square Concert Series

8/07 Sturgis, South Dakota | Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

8/12 Nashville, Tennessee | Charlie Daniels 40th Anniversary Volunteer Jam

8/14 Barnum, Minnesota | Carlton County Fair

8/19 Des Moines, Iowa | Iowa State Fair

8/21 Miles City, Montana | Eastern Montana Fair

8/22 Fort Pierre, South Dakota | Bad River Music Series

8/23 Appleton, Minnesota | Swift County Fair

8/27 Pulaski, Tennessee | Giles County Lions Club Fair

8/29 Hamlin, West Virginia | Heat ‘N the Hills Chilifest

8/30 Charleston, West Virginia | LIVE on Mountain Stage with Larry Groce

9/05 Maryville, Tennessee | The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson

9/06 Chillicothe, Ohio | Ross County Fair

9/12 Arbyrd, Missouri | Arbyrd City Park

9/19 Bardstown, Kentucky | The Kentucky Bourbon Festival

9/25 West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma | Cherokee Casino & Hotel

9/26 Cotter, Arkansas | Bridge Bash 2015

10/04 Louisville, Kentucky | Louder Than Life Music Festival

10/08 Helena, Arkansas | King Biscuit Blues Festival

10/10 Appomattox, Virginia | Appomattox Railroad Festival

10/17 Wyandotte, Oklahoma | Bordertown Casino

10/23 Medina, Minnesota | Medina Entertainment Center

11/07 Ashland, Kentucky | Paramount Arts Center

11/13 Augusta, Georgia | Imperial Theatre

For more information on The Kentucky Headhunters, visitkentuckyheadhunters.net or follow them on Twitter at @kyheadsand Facebook: facebook.com/kentuckyheadhunters.

Phoenix Hill Tavern and Jim Porter's Good Time Emporium officially closed June 1st

Phoenix Hill Tavern and Jim Porter's Good Time Emporium, a well known popular entertainment club in Louisville, announced today that they have officially closed.  The club had been in business for 40 years and has hosted quite a few concerts, from Miley Cyrus to Hank III to Asleep at the Wheel and many more.  According to their website:

June 1, 2015
For immediate release:
Official message from Ben Rogers – Retired Owner and Founder.
“Thank you Louisville. It was a great gig!” 

The Phoenix Hill Tavern and Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium closed permanently today.

Please accept my VERY sincere apologies for the abrupt manner in which the clubs closed; and to anyone the closings will effect in a negative manner. (Especially staff members and entertainers.) Because of some agreed to contractual terms, and concerns about safety and liability issues after a closing warning announcement - while trying to control a cash only business - well…“pulling the plug” was just the safest way to do this. PHT is under contract with a first class real estate developer who I've personally researched and selected. The developer is proposing to work closely with The City to deliver a best of class development that will be very positive for the community. Based upon confidentiality agreements, the developer cannot be disclosed at this time, but they plan to introduce themselves and their plans in the near future.

Jim Porters has been bought out by MSD to make way for the MSD “Project WIN.” I want to emphasize that the earlier than expected closing for Porters was my own personal decision and not at MSD’s insistence. I am sure MSD will move forward and do great things for the health and environment of our community. The contents of Jim Porters will be sold very soon in a series of online auctions at wardlowauc.com.

So… this is my heartfelt goodbye… It has been my great honor and privilege to serve literally generations of Louisvillian’s for the past approximately 40 years. I started Phoenix Hill Tavern in 1976, when I was 21 years old, in one tiny room - on the 2nd floor - of a run down warehouse, that my beloved parents Sonny and Mary Ruth Rogers owned on Baxter Ave. “PHT” / “The Hill” eventually expanded into the entire warehouse and became a sprawling 25K sq. ft. “Live Music Showcase.” It operated continuously for 40 years.

I took over the lease at Jim Porters / “Porters” after the building on Lexington Road, also owned by my parents, sat vacant for 2 or 3 years. I completely remodeled and upgraded it, re-opening it as an 18K sq. ft. “Good Time Emporium” in 1990. It operated continuously for 25 years. 

In my very biased opinion, I believe these were the 2 most successful nightclubs in the history of our city. It wasn’t because of me; it was because of the people who worked for me. The clubs were certainly two of the most enduring. I do know that they were deeply enjoyed and loved by many - especially me. I always thought of the clubs and staff members as family members. For me personally, this will be bittersweet. I have truly loved being in the bar business. I am so grateful for so many things; the people I’ve met, the tremendous staff members I’ve worked with, the experiences I’ve enjoyed, the life and business lessons I’ve learned, the bands I’ve booked and the friends I’ve made; but most of all I am SO grateful and humbled by the loyalty and support of our community over the years. I wish I could stay forever, however after 40 years in the bar business and having just turned 60 years old - with some increasing health related issues - this was just something whose time had finally come. A natural evolution of things, if you will… “It’s finally just time for me to hang up my spurs and turn the page.” I have no plans to continue on in the bar / restaurant business in any capacity.

Finally, I thank God for allowing me to end this incredible 40 year journey on my own terms. 

We intend to settle with our creditors and this will be a successful discontinuance. This will be my only statement. Please, no media interview requests. 

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!

Sturgill Simpson coming to Mercury Ballroom in January

You can consider it a homecoming for Kentucky native Sturgill Simpson.  Today it was announced that Sturgill will be playing at Louisville's Mercury Ballroom on January 30, 2015.  Tickets for the event go on sale this Saturday at 10:00 am.

Sturgill Simpson was born deep in the hills of southeast Kentucky in the town of Jackson.  He would move to Versailles, which is also home of country music legend, John Conlee.  Before a stint out in Utah, he would move to Nashville at the push of his wife who said he could make a living writing songs that the listener could relate to.

Sturgill Simpson's music is described as, "a mesmerizing and bewildering mix of traditional country and contemporary philosophy. His fiery guitar skills back-up his forceful voice and presents a rock-infused country. His music honors a late 70's country flavor and is built around a small versatile band and Simpson's resonant, hackle-raising baritone."

He has been compared to Waylon Jennings vocally on and off stage.  Recently, Sturgill has appeared on late night television shows including Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman, and Conan O'Brien.  Not too bad for a young lad from Kentucky.

His latest album, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, has garnered attention by fans that want that soulful traditional country music with substance.  He goes deeper with mixing in physics and evolution to talk about the real meaning of life.

Be sure to check out Sturgill Simpson at Mercury Ballroom.  Tickets are $17 plus service charges and available online at www.mercuryballroom.com or at the Louisville Palace Box Office.  The show starts at 8PM, doors open at 7pm and it is ALL ages.

Be sure to check out www.sturgillsimpson.com and learn more about this modern day poet in the world of country music.

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.

Oak Ridge Boys honored with Kentucky Colonel recognition

With the Kentucky State Fair, there is a time-honored tradition of fried things on a stick, livestock, music, and more. One of the longest traditions besides the animated Freddy Farm Bureau out front is seeing the Oak Ridge Boys perform. This year was no exception as it made their 37th time performing at the Kentucky State Fair on Sunday night.

During the show, the Oak Ridge Boys received a surprised by becoming Kentucky Colonels. Being named a Kentucky Colonel is truly a high honor bestowed upon by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Governor and Secretary of State present the recognition to those that have noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to the community, state, or nation.

According to the Kentucky Colonel website, they are, "unwavering in devotion to faith, family, fellowman and country. Passionate about being compassionate. Proud, yet humble. Leaders who are not ashamed to follow. Gentle but strong in will and commitment. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, as a Brotherhood, reaches out to care for our children, support those in need and preserve our rich heritage."

For more information on the Kentucky State Fair, be sure to visit www.kystatefair.org. Be sure to follow the Oak Ridge Boys tour schedule by heading over to www.oakridgeboys.com.

Ear X-Tacy Record Store Officially Closed

After a weekend of unknown certainty and rumors, fans of the Louisville, Kentucky music store, ear X-tacy learned of its fate on Monday afternoon. The following is a statement posted on their official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/earxtacyrecords

Dear Louisville, and all who have shopped, supported, and loved ear X-tacy over the years,

It has been a dream come true...actually, a dream exceeded, to be part of your musical lives here in Louisville for the last 26 years. My life was changed forever, and guided by the power of music since I can remember. Music has been the soul, the heart, the passion of my life for my entire 56 years. The re...cord store experience has been the only child in my life. Now, it's time for me to let it fly.

Thank YOU...for allowing me to be part of your musical universe. Louisville, you made me feel like I was truly HOME when I moved here in 1976. It's been a great ride, but as George Harrison knowingly said, "All Things Must Pass." It's with sadness, but also with great pride I say to you now...

ear X-tacy is no more

Long live ear X-tacy!

Please keep the music alive. Support the incredible music scene and independent businesses we have here! Until you leave this great city, you cannot realize what a unique treasure we have here. Embrace it, celebrate it, and promote it. Love it.

Thank you all for making my dreams come true. Thank you for making ear X-tacy the wonderful place that it was. I thank all of the staff that made this store THE hub for music in Louisville for the past 26 years. Please take pride in knowing that YOU have been the heart and soul of what this store became. Thank you for sharing my dream and exceeding all of my expectations! To all of the musicians who have graced our store and stage, I cannot tell you what a thrill it's been. From the local newbies to the incredibly huge national artists...THANK YOU for gracing our store and sharing you incredible musical talents with us all...that's what I like to call: "earX-tacy".

Love, peace, music and ear X-tacy to you all,

John D. Timmons

President, ear X-tacy, Inc.

We would like to personally thank ear X-tacy for their support of the local music scene, but also of the many country music shows they have held in their store. We wish them nothing but the best and we will say that we will miss you.

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.

Kid Rock and Jamey Johnson bring the Honky Tonk Roadhouse to Louisville

Kid Rock and Jamey Johnson - photo by Jessica Blankenship

One word would describe the experience of Kid Rock, Jamey Johnson, and Ty Stone at the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Kentucky - Explosive. From start to finish, fans were in for a real treat of musical proportions.

The show itself provided a balancing act between country and rock, blending the lines across genres. Detroit native, Ty Stone, opened the show with his own blend of rock influenced by Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, and more.

Jamey Johnson provided the deep southern Alabama sound as he sang through his hour long set. Immediately upon the sound of a prison door being shut and the sounds of the guard giving the words to stay out of trouble, the steel guitar of Cowboy Eddie Long brought the crowd to its feet. Johnson and band set up the stage of the perfect honky tonk among thousands of fans in the sold out arena. The set list would include a blend of original tunes, such as "Between Jennings and Jones" and "That Lonesome Song," as well as cover tunes "Set Em Up Joe" and "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way." The immediate reaction to the crowd singing to "In Color" proved that Kentucky loves this outlaw singer and he's treated them well with great performances. At the end, it was fitting that the Montgomery native sings "I Saw the Light" by Hank Williams.

It wasn't long that the crowd would soon learn the History of Rock - specifically Kid Rock. With a video montage of historical facts, photos, and more, fans would get a highlight of the past 40 years in Kid Rock's life, who recently turned 40. Immediately from the start, Kid Rock performed like it would have been the last time performing. From the top of the ceiling to the bottom of the floor, fans were standing up, cheering, and singing along note for note. Highlights of the show included "Cowboy" with a swerve to the country direction by throwing in "Good Ole Boys" by Waylon Jennings. (It would be fitting that Kid Rock was sporting a new guitar strap during the show saying Detroit. It was made by Cody Hixon, premier leather craftsman who's created items for Shooter Jennings, such as a Waylon strap and guitar.)

Bringing out Jamey Johnson and Cowboy Eddie Long, the trio would excel in a moving presentation of "Only God Knows Why." Soon after, Kid Rock would explode with "Bawitdaba" full of flames, pyro, and more. For the encore, he performed "Rock On" and concluded with "Born Free." One thing fans learned is that Kid Rock is a natural born entertainer bringing music to a new level.