Huge Country Event Coming To Fenway Area

From WKLB.com…

Country 102.5 will be shutting down Lansdowne Street for the first annual STREET PARTY on Sunday, July 28th! Tickets will go on-sale Monday, July 17th at 10am through LiveNation.com. This party is so big, we’ve got two stages!

Happening outside on Lansdowne Street during the day, don’t miss Katie Armiger, Brett Eldredge, Parmalee and hometown boy Joel Crouse – and more great artists are coming!

On the Main Stage inside the House Of Blues happening later that night, catch David Nail and Maggie Rose!

Street tickets are just $25 dollars. Buy a combo ticket for the street stage and the House of Blues stage for just $35!

Presented by Bud Light – the official beer sponsor of the Country 102.5 Street Party.

Luke Bryan 6/2

Jon Mael

Courtesy of Schmidt PR

Luke Bryan is country. In some ways he’s almost too country. With lyrics about hunting, partying, working hard, and even about how rain is a good thing, the man is a living, breathing, personification of the southland, and is one of the fastest rising stars in country music. The 2013 ACM Entertainer of the Year has been diligently touring the country over the past few years as an opening act for the likes of Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean, but it became apparent last year that Bryan’s days as a supporting act were coming to a close, and this summer he’s getting his chance to headline. The “Dirt Road Diaries” tour is Bryan’s first chance to close out venues, and he’s taking advantage of it with sellouts across the country, including one on Sunday at the Comcast Center.

Bryan’s meteoric rise really began with the release of his platinum album “Tailgates and Tanlines” in 2011. All four singles from that record reached number one, catapulting Bryan to country super-stardom. He also recently scored a number one hit with his new single “Crash My Party.” It seems like at the present moment, Luke can’t do anything wrong. He certainly didn’t do anything wrong over the course of his long, 17-song headlining set a the Comcast Center. He drew on all three of his studio albums, as well as some of his “Spring Break” EPs. He even brought out some pretty great covers of  “Baby Got Back” and Maroon 5′s hit “One More Night.”

Bryan has a larger then life persona on stage. Think of him as a younger Kenny Chesney. His antics over the course of the evening included lying down on stage to snap photos with fans, drinking from a jug of moonshine that he pulled out of a piano, and throwing a full solo cup around 25 rows deep into the crowd, letting whatever he was drinking (pretty sure it was whiskey) shower the crowd. Bryan’s energy was infectious. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an enthusiastic crowd in my years of doing this. If they knew the words they were belting them out, and if they didn’t they were dancing their asses off. Even before Bryan took the stage, all 20,000 concertgoers went wild and stood up when “My Kinda Party” played over the speakers.

“Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” the first song of the night, was among Bryan’s best and the crowd was going crazy from that point on. After that, he did a masterful job of mixing tender ballads with high octane party tracks. “Country Man,” one of Bryan’s earliest hits, and perhaps his most lyrically “out there” (I can hot wire a tractor and plow up your land) was an early highlight, as was “Muckalee Creek Water” and “If You Ain’t Here to Party.”

Personally, I think that Bryan shines best on his ballads. “Dirt Road Diaries” and “Do I” were two of his best songs of the night. Bryan has a very intense, passionate delivery and you can tell that his lyrics mean a-lot to him; it makes for a very convincing performance.

The end of the main set was very strong with Bryan doing a full version of “The Only Way I Know,” followed up by the mega hit “Drunk On You” (which received the loudest ovation of the show) and a very loud, very fun rendition of “All My Friends Say,” which featured snippets of ACDC’s “Hell’s Bells” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” and tons of smoke.

Definitely the best (and loudest) moment of the show was the last song, “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” While he had success before its release, “Country Girl” was Luke Bryan’s first massive hit, and with its fast pace, driving beat, it’s the perfect track to close out the night. Bryan (wearing a “B Strong” T-shirt) belted out the song with a lot of intensity. When the guitar solo started, smoke shot up all around the stage, drawing the loudest single cheer all night from the ravenous, sellout crowd.

Luke Bryan might be new to this whole headlining thing, but he sure is a pro when it comes to delivering a great performance. With awesome songs, huge hits, and a stage persona that keeps everyone in sold out venues entertained, it’s obvious that Bryan has entered his prime, and the tours will only get bigger from here. Bryan has taken his place as one of country’s elite performers, and if you asked the sold out Comcast Center crowd, I’m sure that they’d agree.

Florida Georgia Line Lights Up Comcast Center

Jon Mael

Courtesy of Sweet Talk PR

You can imagine what it might be like for a second opening act on a big country tour. You spend many nights playing for seated fans who are trickling in from the parking lots, and might only know one or two of your songs. That’s the role that Florida Georgia Line was filling when they embarked on Luke Bryan’s “Dirt Road Diaries” tour, but when Thompson Square had to cancel some appearances due to vocal issues, they were asked to step into the main support role, and they stepped up in a huge way, performing what is, in my opinion, the best opening set I’ve ever seen.

Let’s just take a second to define the role of an opening act. They are supposed to energize the crowd, get them up on their feet, and warm them up for the headliner. Not only did the fast rising vocal duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelly do that, they might have stolen the show from Luke Bryan entirely. All 20,000 fans that were packed into the Comcast Center erupted when they took the stage and they didn’t sit until they walked off some 45 minutes later (which was almost twice as long as they were slated to perform for). The set was extremely energetic, even fiery at times. There were no ballads at all, every song was an electric, upbeat track that was easy to dance to. You get a sense that everyone had spent a long time in the parking lots and was just itching to have a good time, and Florida Georgia Line definitely brought their best stuff to what was possibly the biggest performance of their life.

The set started off with the unique, country rap track “It’z Just What We Do”, which, when they started, possibly received the loudest screams of any song by any artist. I don’t think the crowd stopped screaming until the set was over, but that was definitely the loudest moment. After “Party People”, the duo launched into their best song of the night, “Round Here”, with it’s great chorus and exceptional harmonies, it proves that a song doesn’t have to be slow to be powerful.

“Get Your Shine On”, and “Here’s To The Good Times” were also fantastic, but of course the crowd was going crazy when the duo played their first number one hit, the country staple “Cruise”. It was the first song of the night that everyone knew the words to, so many hours of parking lot anticipation were released when Hubbard said “Baby”. The crowd was exceptional all night, but where at their best during “Cruise”.

I can’t imagine how great it must have felt for those two guys to be playing in front of a captive, 20,000 fan audience. I’ve never said this before about a second opening act, but these guys could headline right now. They’re energy and believability are off the charts, and they certainly know how to work an audience. Look out for these guys in the coming years to be lighting up the amphitheater scene all over America. Sometimes a country act isn’t great live, and sounds better on their recordings, but with Florida Georgia Line, it’s the opposite, the live show takes their music to the next level. These guys undoubtedly just moved up in to the ranks of my favorite artists.

Chris Young, Lee Brice Debut New Singles in Mansfield

While opening for Brad Paisley on Friday night, both Lee Brice and Chris Young debuted brand new singles off of their next albums.

Young brought out a playful, upbeat track called “Aw Naw.” The violin driven song was a play on the common southern version of “oh no”, and it got a generally positive reaction.

Brice closed his set with his new track. Entitled “Drinking Class”, this one is definitely going to be a winner. The message of the lyrics is something that every fan can relate to. It’s about working class pride but while most country songs on that topic are party tracks or somewhat sarcastic, this one is not. Brice was incredibly sincere and he seemed fairly emotional while performing it. With a upbeat tempo and great guitar work, this one should be a huge hit.

Brad Paisley 5/17

Jon Mael

Paisley is one of the best guitarists in the business, courtesy of Schmidt PR

Brad Paisley has a new song out titled “Outstanding In Our Field,” in which he describes southerners as being “nothing special” and “no big deal,” but being experts when it comes to partying in the middle of nowhere. What Paisley forgot to mention is that HE’S definitely an expert at giving a great country show. Last night, Brad returned to the Comcast Center, this time on his “Beat This Summer” tour, and I don’t think that there’s a better artist in the world to kick off the summer.

Paisley delivers a raucous, very fun show that mixes every good element of country music from tender, acoustic performances of ballads like “Waitin’ On A Woman” to solo filled, fast-paced renditions of tracks like “Outstanding In Our Field” and “Time Warp,” as well as a great cover of Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher.” The former CMA Entertainer of the Year once again dazzled the crowd with his excellent guitar work. For some reason, there is a serious drought of great guitar players among the ranks of country singers these days, but Paisley is certainly an exception to the rule. His solos are always impeccable, but his work with the acoustic guitar always takes the cake.

A full band acoustic rendition of “I’m Still A Guy” was fantastic, and was unlike anything else you’ll ever see at a contemporary country show. Only Paisley has the musicianship to take the normally medium-speed party song and transform it into the bluegrass-inspired acoustic version that he performed last night.

That being said, the best song of the night, hands down, was “She’s Everything.” For the third straight year, Paisley brought the venue down with his wrenching, heartfelt performance of his 2005 single. In his extended, live version of the classic love song, Paisley adds to the songs greatness with a long breakdown, and some great guitar filler in between verses, and especially between lines in the chorus. It’s one of the best live country songs out there and it seems to get better every year.

Paisley also brought out some great new tracks off of his new record, “Wheelhouse,” “Southern Comfort Zone,” “The Mona Lisa,” and “Beat This Summer” were fantastic, but “Outstanding in Our Field” was the hands down winner off of the new album. The riff-driven track is perfect for a live show with its easy lyrics and good-times message. While Dierks Bentley couldn’t be there, “Outstanding in Our Field” was still one of the best moments of the night, with Chris Young and Lee Brice taking his parts.

Paisley definitely knows how to end a show on a high note, with an encore of “Ticks” and longtime fan favorite “Alcohol.” The main set wound down with a video of Carrie Underwood joining Brad for their duet, “Remind Me.” The 21-song set was just about all you could ask for from a headliner, with at least two tracks off of each of Paisley’s six studio albums.

The biggest cheers of the night occurred after “When I Get Where I’m Going,” when a “Boston Strong” message with three candles (one for each of the victims) was displayed on the video board. Paisley also held up a Boston Strong t-shirt during “Mud On The Tires,” and said that he’d been “looking forward to this gig ever since the events last month.”

Paisley is one of the biggest stars in country music, but he hasn’t stopped working at his craft. Every time he comes through town, he brings something new to the table, whether it’s great new songs, a new set, or great new renditions of the old favorites. There’s no doubt that Brad is an expert when it comes to delivering a great show that leaves very little out, and every band coming to the Comcast Center this summer will have one hell of a tough act to follow.

Some Random Thoughts

Jon Mael

Jason Aldean’s Fenway show is one of the most anticipated country shows in city history

2013- Best. Summer. Ever.

Is it just me, or is the summer of 2013 shaping up to be the best one ever? It seems like every big name in country music is stopping by Massachusetts on their tours, and that means that there are more great concerts around here than ever before. Brad Paisley is set to kick the summer off at the Comcast Center in just 2 days, and then you’ll be hard pressed to find one weekend without a country show on the calender. Among the most notable are Luke Bryan’s headlining debut (June 2nd at the Comcast Center), Kenny Chesney and Eric Church (Countryfest 2013), and Jason Aldean bringing some of the southland to FENWAY PARK in July. For tickets for every great show coming to town, go to Ticketmaster or check the artist’s websites.

Other notable shows:

May 30- A Concert For Boston (featuring Jason Aldean and Jimmy Buffett) (TD Garden)
June 14th- Rascal Flatts with The Band Perry (Comcast Center)
June 15-16- Dave Matthews Band (Comcast Center)
June 22- Jimmy Buffett (Comcast Center)
June 29- Tim Mcgraw (Comcast Center)
July 10- Kid Rock (Comcast Center)
August 10- Keith Urban (Comcast Center)
August 15- Zac Brown Band (Comcast Center)
September 7- Blake Shelton (Comcast Center)
September 21- Toby Keith (Comcast Center)

“I Feel A Sin Comin’ On”- Track Of The Year?

I think so, the Pistol Annies recently released their sophomore album, “Annie Up”, and while the entire record is very solid, I truly was blown away by the leadoff song, “I Feel A Sin Comin’ On.” The bluesy, throwback track with an a cappella beginning builds up very slowly to an energetic, solo filled end. The three part harmonies are unlike anything else in country music and are a refreshing reminder of the genre’s routs. The Annies are one my all time favorite artists and this track is their best so far.

Brad Paisley Returning to Mansfield

Jon Mael

Brad Paisley, courtesy of Schmidt PR

Brad Paisley is one of the most prolific artists in country music when it comes to touring. This year, he’s hitting the Bay State early with another date at the Comcast Center on May 17th.

The man behind modern hits like “Southern Comfort Zone” and “Remind Me” and recent classics like “Whiskey Lullaby” and “She’s Everything” is no stranger to New England. Paisley headlined Countryfest in 2010 and made sold out stops at the Comcast Center in 2009, 2001, and 2012.

This year around, Paisley will be touring behind his anticipated new record, “Wheelhouse”, which is due out later this year.

Joining Paisley will be Chris Young. One of the brightest up and comers in country music, Young has recently played gigs in Boston for country 102.5, and he was a part of Miranda Lambert’s “On Fire” tour, which stopped in Amherst last February. Young has struck gold lately with hits “Tomorrow” and “Neon”, so this will be a great chance to see him before he goes off on his own.

Paisley has continually shown that he can give the most consistent performances in country music night in and night out and his tours always have the best production, and best set lists in the industry. You can be sure that every tour Paisley gives is different, and there is a new experience to be had each time.

Luke Bryan, Tim Mcgraw Returning in 2013

Jon Mael

The Cover Of Mcgraw’s Latest Album “2 Lanes Of Freedom”

The Comcast Center just got two major boosts this past week when Luke Bryan and Tim Mcgraw booked headlining dates there. These shows will definitley be some of the best this summer.

Luke Bryan will be stopping by on June 2nd as part of his “Dirt Road Diaries” tour, his first as a headliner. Bryan is no stranger to the Comcast Center-he played there with Mcgraw in 2011 and with Jason Aldean last summer. He could have some new studio material by the time the show roles around but he’ll undoubtably play some of classic singles including “We Rode In Trucks”, “Drunk On You”, and “All My Friends Say” among many others. No word yet on supporting acts or on sale dates, but we’ll keep you posted.

 

Tim Mcgraw will be rolling in on June 29th. The touring mainstay has been rock solid as far as ticket sales are concerned over the last few years and this tour (which is yet to be named) should be another string of sell outs. The “Truck Yeah” singer will be playing a mix of new material from “Two Lanes of Freedom” and some old favorites including “Cowboy In Me” and “Just To See You Smile”. His most recent stop in MA were two sold out shows last August at Gillette Stadium as part of Countryfest.

 

Mcgraw and Bryan join Keith Urban (August 10th) as the only country artists slated for the Comcast Center so far. Jason Aldean will be playing at Fenway Park in July and Kenny Chesney and Eric Church will be coming to Countryfest in August.

Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, and Eli Young Band Coming To Foxboro

Need I say more? Countryfest will be on August 24th, 2013, tickets go on sale December 7th, see you there

Boston Goes Country…Finally

Jon Mael

Yep, it’s really happening

It’s been making a steady push on all fronts for years, but finally today, October 18, 2012, country music has arrived in Boston. Gillette Stadium, the Mohegan Sun, Laconia, NH, and many other places around New England have embraced the genre but downtown Boston has given country the cold shoulder up until now. That all changed today when Jason Aldean held a press conference in the shadow of the Green Monster to announce that his first stop on his first career stadium tour will be at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic venues in the nation, on July 13^th.

While over the last ten years Fenway has hosted a multitude of concerts, it has never hosted a country headliner (unless you count Jimmy Buffett). Aldean’s show will easily be the largest country concert in the history of urban Boston, with the potential to draw nearly 40,000 fans to the 100 year old ballpark. The announcement comes on the heels of the release of Aldean’s 5^th studio album, “Night Train”, which is rocketing towards number one on the Billboard 200 chart. “Night Train” is a pretty adequate phrase to describe Aldean’s touring career in New England as well. He co-headlined Countryfest in 2010 with Brad Paisley, and has sold out the Comcast Center each of the past 2 years and played to enthusiastic crowds. Aldean is the perfect man for the job of bringing country downtown because no other Nashville artist has the local following that he has.

Joining Aldean will be Miranda Lambert and Jake Owen, two huge stars and Countryfest veterans in their own right. Lambert came through last year with a sell out show at the Bank Of America Pavillion, and Owen rocked Gillette Stadium last year as a part of Kenny Chesney’s “Brothers Of The Sun” tour.

This show is the next logical step since Countryfest has taken off wildly. It’s obvious that Bostonians have embraced Aldean and the entire country genre so why not put his show in Boston’s most hallowed site?  In essence, Massachusetts is being blessed with two Countryfests this year. All in all this is a slam dunk, and Aldean’s primed to make a little Boston history.

Tickets go on sale October 26th on etix.com

Here’s my review of “Night Train” 
http://newenglandcountry.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/jason-aldeans-night-train-review/