Trace Adkins, Julianne Hough and Blake Shelton attend FOOTLOOSE Nashville screening on October 6, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Paramount)

Last night in Franklin, Tenn. (just outside Nashville), the Franklin Theatre was the place to be! Hitting the red carpet for the premiere of the remake of the ’80s movie Footloose were Blake Shelton (who puts his spin on the movie’s title song) Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina and of course, the star of the movie, Julianne Hough!

Check out our red carpet photo gallery HERE!

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Brad Paisley photo by Jeremy Cowart, courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

The Grand Ole Opry will mark the 1-year anniversary of the flood that devastated Nashville and temporarily displaced the Opry from the Grand Ole Opry House in the only way that’s fitting – with an all-star concert on the Opry stage. The show, Play On, Nashville!, will take place May 3 at the Opry House with Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Charlie Daniels Band, and more scheduled to perform.

“The May 2010 flood devastated homes, businesses and lives, but it also showcased the unsinkable spirit of our city and its citizens in ways we are still learning about a year later,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. “We want to celebrate that the Opry’s hometown is stronger than ever the best way we know how— with a one-of-a-kind night of great music.”

Four feet of water filled the Grand Ole Opry house and the show temporarily moved to several other Nashville venues throughout the summer while the Opry House was repaired. It took six months of restoration and recovery for the Opry to return home. Despite the devastation, both to the Opry and all over Nashville, the show never missed a beat, putting on the Tuesday night show following the weekend floods at War Memorial Auditorium.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the flood,” said Opry member Dierks Bentley. “The city of Nashville, the Opry, and the country music community were so resilient and came together to rebuild so quickly after the devastation. I’ve never been more proud to be an Opry member, and I’m looking forward to celebrating that sense of community again on Tuesday.”

Nashville charitable organizations Hands On Nashville, the American Red Cross, and United Way of Metropolitan Nashville will provide promotion codes to their supporters that will donate $10 from every ticket purchased using the codes to the charity. Proceeds from Play On, Nashville! commemorative prints available exclusively at the Opry House that night will go to Hands On Nashville, the volunteer resource center responsible for connecting over 125,000 volunteers to flood-related projects.

Nashvillians can be a part of the night by submitting photos of their flood relief efforts to be shown in the Opry’s signature barn backdrop during the show. The photos, which will also be used in the commemorative print from the night, should be submitted to oprymail@opry.com no later than Thurs., April 28.

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GAC hosts Suzanne Alexander (r) and Nan Kelley (l) on the red carpet at the 46th Annual ACM Awards. Photo courtesy of GAC Staff.

Around this time two weeks ago, GAC’s Suzanne Alexander was packing her bags to fly to Las Vegas for the 46th Annual ACM Awards. We asked her to share with you what it’s like to be in the thick of things out in Vegas — so here’s Part 1 of her ACM Awards Diary! Don’t forget to watch Suzanne, Nan Kelley, Storme Warren and all your favorite stars in our exclusive GACTV.com ACM backstage video interviews and browse our ACM Awards gallery, packed with hundreds of photos! Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of Suzanne’s diary — and this Friday for Part 3.

Saturday April 2, 2011: The day before the ACMs
I had a feeling that many industry folks would be on the Nashville Southwest Airlines flight to Las Vegas. I was right – every seat was taken! There were heads of labels, stylists, publicists and some band dudes on the flight out. During the landing, I mapped out what I needed to do once we got to the Vegas airport.

You see, staying at the MGM for the ACMs is great because it’s where the actual award show is held – so you can walk everywhere, no cab rides necessary. BUT the problem is, everyone stays at the MGM and checking in can be an ordeal. A little-known secret is that the MGM has a place at the airport to check in for your room, so you don’t have to wait in line once at the hotel. I thought I was the only one who knew it – but no. Turns out a handful of people did, including the former head of Sony BMG Nashville, Joe Galante…and all I could think about was, ‘How did he beat me to the check-in counter?’

While in line for the cab to the MGM I saw J.W. Harris, the 3-time PRCA bull riding champ, who was on his way to the CBR event in Vegas that night. He offered me a ride with his cab but I had a posse with me so I had to pass…

Once at the MGM, it was time to clean up, change and find food. And yep, in that order. Many of our crew were already out there, having arrived in Las Vegas the day or two before, so we were the late comers. I found the head of Country Weekly magazine, Lisa Konicki, and we went to my favorite sushi place, the Grand Wok, located right inside the MGM. From there, we had a little time to mingle before the GAC red carpet production meeting. I headed over to the Wrangler/Justin party and then spent some time with the Randy Rogers Band. They’ll be going on tour with Miranda Lambert and they’ll be in the studio with producer Paul Worley once he wraps up working with Lady Antebellum on their new CD. I also saw Lee Brice and Justin Moore hanging out.

While at the party I noticed the time, after downing two waters. Yes, no alcohol the day before the red carpet. For some reason I started that rule years ago. I guess it helps to have your system clear to look your best. Then it was off to a production meeting to get notes on what to do and where we’ll be standing. On my way out of the meeting I saw Joey and Rory, who were up for Top Vocal Duo. They had just performed an intimate acoustic set for some advertisers backstage. They were off to do more performances somewhere. It’s like a whirlwind – who’s coming and who’s going – but then for me, it was off to bed! Night one in Vegas was over, without any problems. Tomorrow, the carpet and an 8:30 a.m. makeup call. I’m going to bed!

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Taylor Swift photo courtesy of Big Machine Records.

After winning the ACM award for Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift visited The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. She bragged about her hometown of Nashville and said she loves Music City because its natives treat awards shows like the Super Bowl. The day before the show, Taylor said strangers stopped her on the street, in stores and in restaurants to wish her good luck.

“I was really happy that the fans were so nice to me this year,” she told Jay.

Taylor also discussed her hidden talent – cutting hair – and how her lucky number, 13, revealed itself to her the night of the ACMs. Watch the clip below to find out — and then head on over to our ACM Awards section to watch our backstage interview with Taylor!

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Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow on the Sony Nashville Dinner Cruise during CRS 2011.

Every year during the first week of March, radio folks from all over the country come to Nashville for the Country Radio Seminar to attend educational panels, schmooze with each other and hear lots of performances from new country artists as well as established artists. One of the highlights of every convention is the Sony Music Nashville Dinner Cruise, held on the General Jackson showboat. This year’s soiree was hosted by Country Strong star Gwyneth Paltrow, who endeared herself to the audience with her down-to-earth personality and sense of humor. A few GAC staffers attended the dinner — and here are our combined highlights from the evening:

Gwyneth’s surprise duet partner – Tim McGraw, who caused a shower of camera flashes when he joined her onstage for their song from Country Strong, “Me And Tennessee.”

Chris Young performing his No. 1 single, “Voices,” and new single, “Tomorrow,” with a commanding voice that proved beyond a doubt – this guy is on a fast track from “new guy” to “star.”

Carrie Underwood performs on the Sony Nashville Dinner Cruise during CRS 2011.

Carrie Underwood. Carrie – who was fighting a cold and could barely talk above a whisper – still managed to wow the crowd when she sang “How Great Thou Art.” Let me repeat: the woman could barely talk and still was able to hit all the notes with precision and power. VERY impressive!

Brad Paisley welcomes Alabama to the stage on the Sony Nashville Dinner Cruise during CRS 2011.

Brad Paisley name-checked Alabama song titles and lyrics in his new single, “Old Alabama” – and then brought the real Alabama onstage. Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook performed a few of their classics, including “Lady Down On Love.” It was a special moment indeed. Those guys gave us so many country hits!

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Carrie Underwood at the 2009 City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge. Photo by Jason Mease, GACTV.com.

The rosters have been announced for the City of Hope’s 20^th annual Celebrity Softball Challenge on June 7 in Nashville. Rival teams Grand Ole Opry and “After MidNite with Blair Garner” will face off with star-studded lineups featuring country music artists, comedians, and professional athletes.

Playing for the “After MidNite with Blair Garner” team are Keith Anderson, MLB’s Ben Broussard, Chuck Wicks, David Nail, Joe Nichols, Josh Thompson, Luke Bryan, comedienne Melissa Peterman, JP Dumont of the Nashville Predators, Mike Gossin and Rachel Reinart of Gloriana, Randy Montana, Savannah Jack, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ken Amato and Donnie Nickey of the Titans, Vince Gill and Whitney Duncan.

Stepping up to bat for the Grand Ole Opry team will be Carrie Underwood, Cheyenne Kimball and Tom Gossin of Gloriana, Craig Morgan, Colt Ford, Felix Cavaliere, Jaron & the Long Road to Love, Jason Aldean, Wade Belak of the Nashville Predators, Julianne Hough, Justin Moore, Mallary Hope, GAC’s ”Headline Country” host, Storme Warren as emcee, The Band Perry, Titans Courtland Finnegan and Justin Gage, Trailer Choir and Two Foot Fred. Brian Lambert will serve as coach.

This year’s softball game marks two decades of country music coming together to support research, treatment, and education at the City of Hope, a leading cancer center. Fans who are unable to attend the game, but would still like to help can log on to www.auctionsforhope.org immediately after the game to bid on items autographed by the celebrity team members.

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Garth Brooks is all smiles as he announces his new one-man show at the Wynn in Las Vegas, Nev. during a press conference on October 15, 2009. Photo courtesy of garthbrooks.com.

This morning at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Garth Brooks announced the end of his self-imposed retirement. In October 2000, he said he was retiring until the youngest of his three daughters had graduated from high school.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean fans will be getting a new album this year. At the Opry House, Garth said, “If we ever do tour again, if we ever put out new music again, it’s going to be another five years,” he said, reminding the audience that his youngest daughter, Allie, is only 13.

Garth revealed more of his future plans this afternoon at a press conference at the Wynn in Las Vegas. Owner Steve Wynn announced that Garth would do a series of special engagements at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, beginning December 11, 2009. Tickets go on sale October 24 at 8 a.m. sharp PT (9 a.m. MT, 10 a.m. CT and 11 a.m. ET) and are $125, plus a $5 service charge and a $13 tax to equal a total of $143. There is assigned seating but it’s all first-come, first-serve.

“Steve Wynn has done what I thought was impossible,” Garth said in a press release.  ”He has given me a chance to sing again for the people, while at the same time never missing a day with my children. I am naturally nervous, but it feels good to be out from under the low ceiling of ‘retirement’ I put on myself.”

So how did Garth’s family react to the news?

Trisha Yearwood at the Garth Brooks press conference on October 15, 2009, as he announces his new one-man show at the Wynn in Las Vegas, Nev. Photo courtesy of garthbrooks.com.

“When I said, ‘I’m going back to work, the kids immediately said, ‘Thank God!’” Garth said at the Vegas press conference, which included members of the media and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, in the audience.

Garth told the media the show will be unlike his arena concerts.  ”I’m gonna take you through how I got my sound,” he explained.

Garth’s show will be only him with his guitar (except for the occasional special guests he’ll have, which will include Trisha). Much of what he’ll sing includes songs that influenced him — everyone from Merle Haggard to Elton John to George Strait. “It’s a one-man show, so there’s gonna be a lot of disappointment after that first weekend,” he joked.

A big reason Garth is playing this particular theater is the incredible acoustics. “This building … you know, I told [Wynn] this the day I played it. ‘I’m always in buildings that are built for sports. I love sports and I feel lucky to have arenas and stadiums. But I’ve never played in a place built for sound like this. When I hear myself, I go, ‘Who the hell is that?!’” he said.

During the press conference, Garth demonstrated the perfect marriage of the acoustics of the state-of-the-art theater and his voice by singing a portion of the Merle Haggard classic, “Mama Tried.”

“Your voice never gets worn out, never gets blown out, at this pace,” he said of the voice-and-guitar format. He added that the length of each show would depend on the crowd’s reaction.

Confirmed Concert Dates:
December                    11, 12, 13
January                        1, 2, 3 and 22, 23, 24
February                      12, 13, 14 and 26, 27, 28

Concert times:
Friday               8 p.m.
Saturday          8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Sunday             8 p.m.

Tickets may be booked by calling 702.770.7469 or online at www.wynnlasvegas.com/boxoffice. Tickets are not available for purchase in-person at the Wynn Las Vegas box office on October 24. For more information, please visit wynnlasvegas.com and/or garthbrooks.com.

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