Hey everybody Gary Hayes Here. I tell you what it has been a GREAT YEAR already for me and my crew, and I cannot be omnipresent. So every once in awhile I “rent out” my website to others I deem will embellish their respective music scenes with THEIR OWN articles.

I reached out to my good friend Mr. Scott Mithun host of Hellbilly And Outlaw Radio based out of Appleton Minnesota. PLEASE GO over and give all of these pages and bands I’m about to link a like or props. AND PLEASE BUY SOME STUFF!

Friday morning I started out to Fort Collins, Co from Appleton, Mn and after about 14 hours I made it. Friday Night was the Choice City Stomp Pre Party at the The Forge publick House In Fort Collins with Grant Sabin.Great Show!

Choice City Stomp started at 2 PM Saturday June 2nd in Laporte, Co. with Joey Henry’s Dirty Sunshine Club. Joey was good as usual, and It was a great night of Music, I’d say meeting and Listening to Dusty rust was the Highlight.

Sunday June 3rd Choice City Stomp Started off with Brian Johanson who I really Liked, and Wonky Tonk was another one that blew my mind. Choice City was a great experience. I also went over to Cloverlick Banjo Shop Sunday in Fort Collins as Singer/Songwriters took turns on stage.

Jimmy Richter does a great job with Choice City as Does his staff and everyone involved. I took Monday off and went up to Denver, Co on Tuesday to see Larry And His Flask and Acousta Noir at Globe Hall. Never seen either of these bands I was really impressed. I woke up early Wednesday and headed for Pondstock in Trenton, Ne it was about a 4 hour trip.

After getting the camper set up I headed another 2 hours to Kearney, Ne to a place called Gillie’swhere jimmy Swope, Jaw Knee Vee and Alex culbreth were playing. Always great seeing Jimmy! It was a great show and I finally got to meet Jared Olson who does shows out of his shop called J-Rod’s Rock Shop In Kearney. J-Rod also is in a few bands (J-Rod’s String Band) is one of them.

After the show I got back to Trenton to find out a Heavy Rain came through as I tried to get into Pondstock I about got stuck, so I went back to Trenton and slept in my Van in the Parking Lot that night. The Next Day Thursday June 7th I waited til it dried up a little and was able to make it in. Thursday started off at 7:30 with a Local band consisting of Vic Giron on Stand Up called Country Rebels which is always good.

I missed the last two sets of Thursday as Alcohol was a factor. Friday June 8th started at 4:20 with Randall Conrad Orlinger and ended with WhiskeyDick. It was a great day of music. Whiskeydick is one of my Favorite Bands!

Diakaiju was a very interesting band especially when they start shit on fire, even the top of their tour van. Saturday June 9th Pondstock started at Noon with Mr. Smith and ended with Grown Ass Man Band. Saturday was also a great day even though it got a little hot. the breeze helped a little though. Vic Giron does a great job as Usual, his  staff is always great, the Hedke’s are the best of people, Big Joe does a great Job with the Mowing and grounds.

Mark Lemons took great Photos and I met a lot of Facebook friends for the first time (Michelle Tschetter, Jared Mcpherson, Matt Wells, Mark Lemons, Big Joe, the Hedke’s, Matthew James, Alex Delor and Jimmy Richter).

I also got to see a lot of familar faces like Elaine Homes, Derek Weaver, Brooke Blanche and a bunch I’m probably forgetting. I got to hang out and make friends with a lot of band Members which was fun. My hat goes off to Choice City Stomp and Pondstock. From the festivals themselves to what it takes behind the scene the year before to make it Happen, If yo see Vic Giron, Jimmy Richter, Elaine Homes or Jared Olson (J-Rod) giive them a pat on the back for what they do! You gave me Memories that will last a Lifetime!
Thanks to All, Scott Mithun

By Joshua Wallace

Friday at Tumbleweed 2018 began the first full official day of the festival.  I want to start this off by addressing camping. The actual camping area was a very nice wooded campground with plenty of shade for everyone.  Camping was divided up into various fan groups so you could camp near people with similar interests. There was also a quiet camping area. I will now address the hill.  You might have heard it called Stumbleweed Mountain or Buzzkill Hill. The “hill” that the campgrounds were located on is no joke. I wish I had got pictures of the hill but pictures do not do it justice.  After you climb this hill a few times, you will begin to question the life choices which lead to you camping on such a hill. I kid you not, it is no joke. Prepare for this hill in 2019.

View of Main Stage

After finding my way down the hill for the day’s festivities I finally got  a good overview of the entire venue. The main stage is huge and it’s in a field that is perfect to hold around a few thousand or so crazy country music fans.  The second stage which served as the main stage Thursday night was located towards the back of this field and under a tent. There was also a usual assortment of food vendors and merch tents.  This layout did provide some challenges which I will touch on later, but overall it was a good layout for the festival.

Chad Vaughn

First up on the main stage Friday afternoon was the Tumbleweed 2018 Fan Poll winner Chad Vaughn.  His set started a bit later than scheduled due to some production issues on the main stage, but once that was taken care of everything was good to go.  I’m not as familiar with Chad Vaughn’s music but you could feel his excitement to be on the main stage of Tumbleweed. There were plenty of Chad Vaughn’s fans in the crowd which I hope is a good sign for him to appear at future festivals.

Chad Vaughn

Justin Wells

Justin Wells

Next, I made my way over to the second stage to hear Justin Wells.  I am very familiar with Justin Wells and his music, but I have never seen his solo act with a full band.  It will be very familiar to fans of his “Dawn In The Distance” album or even fans of his previous band Fifth On The Floor.  While it is not heavy southern rock like Fifth On The Floor, the influence is certainly there with many of the songs having longer guitar solos.  I would call it a lighter version of the familiar Fifth On The Floor sound. Justin Wells did many favorites from the Dawn In The Distance album alongside some newer tunes.  Justin even brought Porter Union on stage for a surprise appearance during “Three Quarters Gone” which was a nice addition to his set. Justin is preparing a new solo record to be released soon.  Gary Hayes Country will have all of the details on that record as they become available.

Justin Wells w/ Porter Union

Dale Watson

Dale Watson & The Lone Stars

After Justin Wells I moved over to the main stage to check out Dale Watson.  I would never grow tired of hearing Dale live even if I could hear him play once a week.  Dale’s set featured all of the hits you’ve come to know and love such as “I Lie When I Drink”, “My Baby Makes Me Gravy” and “Exit 109”.  Dale had Celine Lee out for a few songs as well. She did a track off her new record titled “Sayonara Sucka” and also performed some duet tracks with Dale.  I particularly loved the duet “Like Johnny Missed June”. Dale also played new tracks which will be featured on his album which is due out this summer.

Dale Watson looking out over the crowd

Tyler Childers with the largest crowd yet at Tumbleweed

Tyler Childers was up next on the main stage.  His band was on fire as always. Tyler brought his “A” game even though he was staring down the setting sun at one of the hottest parts of the day.  He started out with “Bus Route” and quickly moved through fan favorites from Purgatory and his unrecorded catalog of tracks. My favorites of this set were “Feathered Indians”, “I Got Stoned and I Missed It” and “Whitehouse Road”.  Tyler Childers is an act that seems to get better every time you see him whether you’re seeing him in person or on Youtube. His voice is truly like no other out there today.

Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps

Tyler Childers

Alex Williams

After Tyler Childers I went over and checked out Alex Williams on the second stage.  I have been looking forward to seeing Alex Williams live since his debut album came out last year and he does not disappoint.  His set featured his debut record heavily with fan favorites like “Freak Flag” and “Little Too Stoned”. He also played some newer tracks off his next record such as the track “Dust and Bones”.  I was blown away by this one and it should be a lead single for his next album. It is that good. I look forward to being able to catch Alex Williams with a full set in the near future.

Alex Williams

Bryan James

Bryan James with Al Enzian on dobro

Following Alex Williams, I split my time between Bryan James on the second stage and Marty Stuart on the main stage.  Bryan James featured a full 5 piece band which featured Al Enzian on dobro. The set had a mix of covers and tunes off his Between The Devil and The Angel and This New Way’s Getting Old LPs.  This was the first time I noticed the second stage being drowned out a bit by the sound coming from the main stage but you wouldn’t know it from Bryan James’s performance. His band brought it and had their own crowd going wild the entire set.

Bryan James Band

Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives

Harry Stinson of The Fabulous Superlatives sings a song

Over on the main stage, Marty Stuart put on a clinic of honky tonk and hillbilly music.  Along with his band The Fabulous Superlatives, Marty put on one hell of a 90 minute set for the Tumbleweed crowd.  He played many of his fan favorites across his long career and did not leave anyone wanting. I always love hearing his version of “Orange Blossom Special” and it is a highlight of every time I get to see Marty play.  Marty even gave the spotlight to Harry Stinson for a few songs including a Woody Guthrie cover.

I ended my night with Marty Stuart’s set on the main stage.  I wanted to stick around for Jericho Woods on the second stage, but I was done by then.  I can say that I was able to hear a bit of Cody Johnson on the way through the festival grounds to my campsite.  I got to hear my favorite track of his “Chain Drinking” and a couple of cover medleys. It is worth noting that if you do plan on retiring to your campsite early during this festival, the music from the main stage is so loud you can tell which song the artist on the main stage is playing from your campsite.  That being said, I had no trouble passing out once I got to my tent. My report of the final day of Tumbleweed 2018 will be coming up on Monday featuring the likes of The Steel Woods, Ward Davis, Shooter Jennings and more. 

The Birthplace Of Country Music Museum in Bristol Virginia, is a hallowed ground for someone like me. Someone who just absolutely thrives and salivates over the oldest of old time traditions. In my opinion for music and life in general it is the elderly that are it’s greatest asset. I’m going to include their mission in this article as well as information on a terrific presentation I think would benefit all of you to see.

Mountain music was commonplace in America for decades longer than one can imagine, and it shaped Bluegrass and then modern Country Music before Superstar Legends such as Uncle Dave Macon and Hank Williams ever thought of performing. Many will tell you that the Carter Family was the first family of Country Music, but I digress and argue that the Stoneman Family was in my opinion.

Whomever YOU DEEM as correct I bet there were many mountain families already coming down from hills and hollers performing Ozark and Appalachia laced ballads of murder and moonshine. I can tell you from experience and seeing it for myself that is the case.

Black culture in the mountain music world was WIDELY overlooked, but this presentation embraces it fully and gives it the credit it deserves. I wonder how many wonderful performers were undiscovered and unknown in the 20’s and 30’s besides DeFord Bailey? I think NOW we shall soon see here in this movie.

WHAT COMPRISES the Birthplace of Country Music

The Birthplace of Country Music is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to perpetuate, promote, and celebrate Bristol’s rich musical heritage; to educate and engage audiences worldwide regarding the history, impact and legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions from which we derive our name; and to create recognition, opportunities, and economic benefit for our local and regional communities.

BCM accomplishes this mission through its three primary branches (Museum, Festival, and Radio), special projects and events, and a multitude of community and educational outreach programs. A brief description of the three primary entities follows:

Birthplace of Country Music Museum – The Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, opened on August 1, 2014. The Museum is 24,000 sq. ft. on two levels. In addition to core exhibits the Museum also houses a large space for special exhibits, a performance theater, the radio station, a learning center and The Museum Store. The Core Exhibits are highly interactive and feature a number of video experiences as well as various artifacts relating to the 1927 Bristol Sessions and other aspects of Bristol’s musical legacy. The Museum has received numerous awards including the highest awards in its state organizations, and has been recognized for Leadership in History by the American Association of State and Local History.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion – The annual music Festival began in 2001 and has been a part of BCM since December, 2012. A 2015 Economic Impact Study showed that visitors to the Festival from outside the region had a $16.1 million impact on the region. The Festival generally hosts over 130 bands on 20 stages in downtown Bristol during the third weekend in September. Attendance has grown to approximately 45,000. Among its many accolades the Festival has been named as one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 20 Tours and Festivals”, and has won a Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association.

Radio Bristol – The station went live broadcasting from the Museum on August 27, 2015. Radio Bristol features a low power FM channel, three channels streaming different but related genres of music, and one channel streaming video. Streaming stations can be accessed online or using the Radio Bristol App on mobile devices. Radio Bristol is garnering attention from radio, cultural, and business organizations for its unique and innovative approach to history, music, and media. The station has listeners throughout the United States and in more than 140 countries.

Independently, each of these branches strives for excellence in bringing the arts to wide audiences. Together, the entities interact synergistically through collaboration, mutual support, and the ability to bring innovative thinking to important arts programming. The result is fulfillment of the BCM Mission and progress toward its Vision.

Our Mission

The Birthplace of Country Music seeks to perpetuate, promote, and celebrate Bristol’s rich musical heritage; to educate and engage audiences worldwide regarding the history, impact and legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions from which we derive our name; and to create recognition, opportunities, and economic benefit for our local and regional communities.

Our Vision

The Museum, Festival and Radio entities that comprise the Birthplace of Country Music organization are all successful, respected, popular, and acclaimed, and are having a significantly positive impact on Bristol and its surrounding region – both economically and in creating recognition of Bristol’s place in the history of music.

Our Legacy

In the summer of 1927, just two months after Charles Lindbergh made the first flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis, and during the season that Babe Ruth was blasting out 60 home runs for the Yankees, record producer Ralph Peer of the Victor Talking Machine Company was making music history in Bristol TN/VA.  Between July 25 and August 5 of that year, Peer conducted recording sessions using the new Western Electric electronic microphone during which 19 performers (or groups of performers) recorded 76 songs.  Those sessions – the now famous “Bristol Sessions” – are known as the “Big Bang” of modern country music, and were called by Johnny Cash “The most important event in the history of country music.”

The 1927 Bristol Sessions featured the first recordings of both Jimmie Rodgers, and the Carter Family.  Jimmy Rodgers is now referred to as the “Father of Country Music” and was the first person inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  The Carter Family, featuring A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter, is now known as “The First Family of Country Music” and are also in the Hall of Fame.  The 1927 Bristol Sessions not only initiated the careers of these superstar performers, but initiated the broad commercialization of country music.  Many of the songs and stylings of those sessions still resonate and influence the music of today.  For these reasons, in 1998 the United States Congress officially designated Bristol TN/VA as the “Birthplace of Country Music.”

A Great American Tapestry

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum presents a film screening and Q&A session with director David Weintraub of A Great American Tapestry: The Many Strands of Mountain Music.

Date: Saturday, June 30, 2018

Time: 7:00 p.m. (Film run time :70 minutes)

Location: Performance Theater at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Tickets: $5

BUY TICKETS

The Center for Cultural Preservation presents a film by David Weintraub: A Great American Tapestry: The Many Strands of Mountain Music.

A Great American Tapestry tells the story of the Southern mountains’ musical birth and evolution through the strands of the Scots-Irish legacy, oft-overlooked African-American tradition, and through the longest lived music in the Americas—the indigenous tradition.

The film features Grammy award-winners Rhiannon Giddens and Dom Flemons (The Carolina Chocolate Drops), singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah, folk performer and lecturer Sheila Kay Adams, David Holt (O Brother, Where Art Thou?), and folk balladeer and storyteller Joe Penland.

So I gotta tell you a little story here of misfortune, misery and life on the road. See folks I travel and run almost as hard as the bands do. I been all over the United States and had all sorts of mishaps. Funny thing was this past weekend I was broke down on I 57 in Illinois on my way to Wisconsin for a different festival, and I was not far from this one here in Effingham Illinois called The Moccasin Creek Music Festival and this year it’s a good one! I’m going to just leave this portion of their website here for you to read, before I give you the how, when and who’s of this one!

Thursday June 21

Time Stage: Artists:

6:00pm The Shady Stage Reverend Robert

7:00pm The Shady Stage Sarah Beatty

8:00pm The Shady Stage Wildflower Conspiracy

9:00pm The Mighty Pines The Mighty Pines

 

Friday June 22

 

Time. Stage: Artists:

1:00pm The Shady Stage Steve Clark

2:00pm The Shady Stage Dana Michael Anderson

3:00pm The Shady Stage Paper Moon shiners

4:00pm The Shady Stage Brock Zeman

5:00pm The Shady Stage Rod Picott

•• Dinner Break••

6:00pm The Big Stage CATL

7:00pm The Big Stage David Olney

8:00pm The Big Stage The Steel Wheels

9:00pm The Big Stage The Bottle Rockets

 

Saturday June 23

 

Time Stage Artists

11:00am The Shady Stage Mr. Pancake

Noon The Shady Stage Heather And Marty

1:00pm The Shady Stage Charlie Roth

2:00pm The Shady Stage The Tillers

3:00pm The Shady Stage Taylor Steele And The Love Preachers

4:00pm The Shady Stage Old Salt Union

5:30pm The Big Stage Bill Poss

6:00pm The Big Stage Chain Station

7:15pm The Big Stage Amanda Anne Platt And The Honeycuters

8:30pm The Big Stage Chicago Farmer

9:30pm The Big Stage Billy Strings

10:45pm The Big Stage Greg Klyma Band

 

Sunday June 24

 

Time Stage Artist

 

11:00am The Shady Stage The Greyhounds

Noon The Shady Stage LP And The Honeybee

1:00pm The Shady Stage Chuck hawthorne

2:00pm The Shady Stage Chain Station

3:00pm The Shady Stage Matt poss

4:00pm The Shady Stage Billy Strings

Yes, you read the schedule correctly. You can see Billy play twice.

Now let’s post some more videos I found from this event! There are two stages here the Main Stage, and the Shady Stage. This venue looks to be a very beautiful place, and it’s on my radar for SURE!

Country Inn & Suites in Effingham, our premier sponsor hotel, will be offering a 10% discount to Moccasin Creek Festival attendees on the weekend of the event. Call them and reserve your room today!

(217) 540-5555

Country Inn & Suites will also serve as the hub of the free shuttle service to and from the event. See details below!

LAKE SARA CAMPGROUND website facebook

Directly adjacent to the festival grounds and able to accommodate all your camping needs – tents, campers, as well as fully equipped RV & Coach camp sites complete with water, electric, sewer & cable hook-ups! Click on the links above to view their website and their Facebook page.

ANTHONY ACRES RESORT website

Within walking distance of the festival, Anthony Acres Resort provides fully equipped efficiency units on the shore of the lake. Guests will enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Sara as well as easy access to the waterfront. Each unit will provide it’s guests with a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. For contact info, click on the icon above to view the Anthony Acres Resort website.

OTHER HOTEL LODGING IN THE EFFINGHAM AREA website

For a complete listing of all hotels in the greater Effingham area, click on the website link above.

LARSON’S LANDING (the festival venue) website facebook

There’s more to the Moccasin Creek Festival venue than just a stage. For example:

Pinky’s Restaurant – just a short walk away from the festival stages, Pinky’s features bar & grill type food, such as burgers, wraps, BBQ, chicken strips and the like. They’ve got a huge deck looking out over the lake too – a great place to enjoy some food and drink!

Boat rentals. Tube rentals. Boat slip rentals on short or long term basis. Outdoor boat storage. A bait house that sells gas to the boaters, stocked with all sorts of beverages and snacks. Do you need a stage to host your own event? Rent yourself some fun. Hours: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend; Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 8pm. (holiday hours may vary) Visit their Facebook page by clicking on the link above!

LEARN MORE ABOUT EFFINGHAM

website facebook twitter pinterest instagram

Located in Central Illinois where Interstate 57 meets Interstate 70, the City of Effingham has a little something for everyone. With 18 hotels and over 60 restaurants, Effingham provides the very best in service and hospitality and welcomes visitors to come spend a few days exploring what our vibrant city and surrounding communities have to offer.

EFFINGHAM TAXI website (217) 342-3119

If you need a ride, talk to Effingham’s premiere Taxi service!

SHUTTLE SERVICE

A shuttle service will be making hourly runs at the top of each hour between the Country Inn & Suites and LaQuinta Inn & Suites and the Moccasin Creek Festival beginning at 2:00PM on Friday and 11:00AM on Saturday, with the last run taking place at midnight on both nights. There will be no shuttle on Sunday.

This service is being provided by FISH, a local Human Services Organization. They’re providing it FREE of charge, but will be accepting donations. Please DONATE! Make it worth their time and effort!

So many of us have enjoyed the success this year of the Legend himself John Prine, including this man who is another songwriting legend Mr. Rodney Crowell. He began writing in Nashville in 1972, and in 1975 Emmylou Harris recorded his song “Bluebird Wine” on her album called “Pieces Of The Sky”.

In 1977 he was playing with Harris band and began his side band The Cherry Bombs. In late 1978 he released his debut album “Ain’t Living Long Like This”, the very song that Waylon Jennings released as well. one of his first albums also had one of my favorite songs he did that Lee Ann Womack re made called “Ashes By Now”.

In the 1980’s he gathered huge commercial success from his song ‘Till I Gain Control Again”, which was recorded by many artists. That song was her first number one Country single, and also Miss Emmylou Harris recorded it in 1975.  In 2003 he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame, and in 2007 was inducted into the Music City Walk Of Fame.

By Joshua Wallace

Outlaw country singer Jesse Dayton is back with a new album and the follow up to 2016’s The Revealer.  This new album is called The Outsider and picks up right where that one left off. This is still the Jesse Dayton we all know and love with his crass lyrics and outlaw country sound.  The Outsider brings in some quieter acoustic moments throughout the album to give some diversity, but it is still 100% badass.

I really dig the track “Changin’ My Ways”.  It’s a nice ballad about trying to change your ways for love and the troubles that comes with that.  I love the guitar solo on this track, and it really is a highlight. One of the preview tracks for the album was “Hurtin’ Behind The Pine Curtain”.  This one is a country rocker. It has a bit of a rockabilly twang to it’s edgy sound and I dig it.

Another favorite is the protest track “Charlottesville”.  I’m not always a fan of these political tracks, but this one is well done and has a punk rock acoustic string band sound that is awesome.  “Belly Of The Beast” takes you back to the roaring 70’s and the sound of outlaw country stars like Waylon Jennings. It pairs nicely with “Charlottesville” as it is also a bit of a political track.  Finally, I really like “Killer On The Lamb”. This is another more acoustic country number that has an outlaw country heart. I especially love the banjo work on this track.

This new album from Jesse Dayton brings in some new sounds, but overall it sounds like a continuation of The Revealer which is a good thing.  Jesse Dayton may get ignored by traditional mainstream outlets but he doesn’t really need it cranking out records like this. The Outsider is out everywhere today.

Favorite Tracks : Changin’ My Ways, Hurtin’ Behind The Pine Curtain, Tried To Quit (But I Just Quit Tryin’), Charlottesville,  Belly Of The Beast, Killer On The Lamb

Jesse Dayton – The Outsider

1. May Have To Do It (Don’t Have To Like It)
2. Jailhouse Religion
3. Changin’ My Ways
4. Hurtin’ Behind The Pine Curtain
5. We Lost It
6. Tried To Quit (But I Just Quit Tryin’)
7. Charlottesville
8. Belly Of The Beast
9. Burnin’
10. Killer On The Lamb

They were birthed in Fort Payne Alabama in 1969, and were called “Wild Country”. They released two albums under that name that are highly sought after by vinyl collectors alike, and many consider them holy grail finds if found for under 100.00. In 1977 they officially changed their name to Alabama or AKA The Alabama Band, and heavily used the confederate flag and trucks/truckers on their covers.

Mr. Randy Owen and his cousin Mr. Teddy Gentry began the original lineup from day one, soon to be joined by another cousin Mr. Jeff Cook. Their zenith was lived in the 1980’s where they amassed 27 number one hits, released 7 multi platinum albums, and garnered every award possible. They ARE THE most successful country music BAND in existence from a commercial standpoint.

A little known tidbit here, earlier on the band had to use studio musicians for various reasons and the steel guitarist Mr. Fred Newell, who currently plays with Waymore’s Outlaws and Shooter Jennings played many of the lead guitar duties on their first few albums. Another fun tidbit is their 4 song album which was distributed at McDonalds is another holy grail CD if found intact.

One unique thing about the band is the fact all three front line members share vocal duties at times, kind of like the Eagles, whom influenced them heavily. Their style and vast arrangement of material often ended up placing them with rock festivals and acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Georgia Satellites, although the next day they could wind up being paired with Charlie Daniels Band or Waylon Jennings on a bill.

It was that style of marketing that soon catapulted this band into Legendary status in the length of many decades of hits and multi platinum albums. Overall in every genre Alabama is one of the world’s best selling bands of all time, having sold over 75 million albums. Their two greatest hits albums from 1986 and 1998 are combined two of the highest grossing greatest hits albums in history amassing over 5 million in sales.

They enjoyed a ton of commercial success maintained through the nineties until their health forced them to decline more shows. In 2010 Mr. Randy was diagnosed with prostate cancer and fought hard, he was eventually granted a clean bill of health and remains stable. In 2013 the band announced their reunion tour and in 2015 they released “Southern Drawl” their first new album in 14 years.

The band remains heavily on tour and often appears on the Opry, but in april of last year Mr. Jeff Cook announced his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease to which he stated he will be reducing the number of shows he performs. Mr. Doug has informed my staff that THIS PERFORMANCE WILL BE HEALTH PENDING for all three members of the band, so PLEASE I ASK YOU to be courteous of Tumbleweed AND THE BAND in the event of any cancellation due to health issues. IT HAPPENS…..THEY ARE HUMANS TOO. As much as we love them, they hurt and get sick like we ALL DO.

Tickets on sale FOR 2019 ON June 14th at 10am. Today at 10am they go on sale for the Alabama Fan Club Members. You will be able to purchase tickets starting at 79.00 HERE.

STILL WANT TO GO NEXT WEEK, YOU CAN FIND FULL INFO HERE
To come out to tumbleweed 2018 please click the above link,as always we have FULL INFO including hotels and maps of the entire grounds. Band links, videos and MORE!

By Joshua Wallace

Bettin’ Away My Life is the debut EP from independent Nashville recording artist Austin Lee.  I first heard of Austin due to his name being on the lineup for Tumbleweed 2018. When I went to create the playlist for that festival, there was nothing available from him for me to put on it.  Well, now there is. This six record is long for an EP clocking in at 23 minutes. It’s got some amazing production and big names behind it for a debut release. Robby Turner who you all know has worked with the likes of Waylon Jennings, Chris Stapleton and Colter Wall does pedal steel on the album and it was recorded in Nashville, TN at Dogfox Studio.

The EP opens up with a hot track called “Reckless”.  This is a more rocking track with a lot of twang. This is a good opener and lets you know what you’re in for with the rest of the album.  Another favorite is “Too Damn Long” which leans heavily on Robby Turner’s pedal steel for a great sound. If by this point you get the idea that Bettin’ Away My Life is all about relationships and breakups, then you wouldn’t be far from right.

The title track takes a break from relationship troubles to turn to the troubles of a young country singer in Nashville who is betting away his life in a town where dreams come to die.  I love that line and it’s a true depiction of how hard it is to “make it” in Nashville. Finally, another favorite is “You And Jack”. This is another song that pairs women and whiskey. This time the hurt comes from both.  It’s a nice ballad that doubles as a good drinking song too.

I really like what I’m hearing in this debut EP from Austin Lee.  He has a good sound and good songwriting skills that show he can go places.  I look forward to what is to come for Austin and hope to get a full length album soon.  In the meantime, I will be seeing Austin Lee at this year’s Tumbleweed Country Music Festival.  I will have more to say on this young artist then. Be sure to check out Austin Lee’s Bettin’ Away My Life where ever you get digital music and pick up a CD from Austin at shows.      

Favorite Tracks : Reckless, Too Damn Long,  Bettin’ Away My Life, You And Jack

Austin Lee – Bettin’ Away My Life (2018)

1. Reckless
2. Let Go
3. Too Damn Long
4. Bettin’ Away My Life
5. You And Jack
6. Drive

Next week on June 12th THREE powerhouse Country Music acts are teaming up for the first time eve, and between the three of them have amassed 49 Grammy Awards and recorded more than 100 albums. Steve Earle recently released the album “So You Wanna Be An Outlaw” and has been playing great live shows. Also he is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the song Copperhead Road.

Lucinda Williams helped my friend Colter Wall play the Ryman his first time, recently released a STELLAR album in the ‘Ghost Of Highway 20″ and also re issued a classic album of her past “Sweet Old World”. She has been recording and keeping the trails hot since 1980.

Dwight Yoakam is creating a BUZZ on my page here with his forthcoming album and tour. He has also launched his own Sirus XM station and will be heavily involved in this tour.

This will be the very first time these three powerhouse acts have ever teamed up to play together, and will wind down in August before festival season begins to calm down.

See LSD tour dates here:

June 12 — Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion

June 13 — New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre

June 15 — Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

June 16 — Gilford, NH @ Bank of NH Pavilion

June 17 — National Harbor, MD @ MGM National Harbor

June 19 — Baltimore, MD @ Pier Six Pavilion

June 20 — Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center

June 21 — Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre

Aug. 1 — San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic

Aug. 3 — San Diego, CA @ Open Air Theatre

Aug. 4 — Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre

Aug. 10 — Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater

Aug. 11 — Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre

Aug. 12 — Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheater

Aug. 14 — Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Aug. 16 — Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre

Aug. 17 — Rochester, MI @ Meadow Brook Amphitheatre

Aug. 18 — Indianapolis, IN @ Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn

This Thursday June 14th Red Dirt scene member Mr. Dalton Domino will be visiting Nashville at the Exit Inn playing new music from a forthcoming album called “Songs From The Exile”, which he has completed all the writing for.

The new video series he started in April upon which he releases an acoustic video each week, like the one entitled “Love Is Dangerous” Mr. Dalton is allowing his fans to hear the entire album acoustic before he releases it. Every week he takes the train from San Marcos to Dallas, and he has 42 new songs under his belt.

Every week on thursday at noon central he has been releasing a new video of a new song like this one called “Shadowlands”. He has been writing all of these songs at the end of a bad breakup and relationship. As the breakup went through different stages he made new songs, to reflect his feelings.

He stated on a video interview I watched that the album shall be recorded and released this year or next whenever he feels he has said all he needs to say, and this new album will have lots of steel and fiddle. I will be keeping an eye on this man and his music, and sadly I’ll not be able to make his show. If YOU GO you will be able to hear this new music and much more, I myself feel that he is growing as an artist and a performer. His live sets are becoming more and more exciting by the year!