Nashville, Tennessee – (May 27, 2015) – The Grand Ole Opry and iHeart Radio are readying their rosters as they prepare to strike out cancer at the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game. More than 25 music and sports stars will step up to the plate for this 25^thanniversary event, taking place June 13 from the new First Tennessee Park during CMA Music Festival. Tickets are available now at http://bit.ly/csg15pr.

Country standouts Angie Johnson, Bret Michaels, Bucky Covington, Deana Carter, JT Hodges, Phil Vassar and The Bobby Bones Show, along with Titans cornerback Perrish Cox and current and former Nashville Predators players Seth Jones and Stu Grimson, will play alongside previously announced participants Aaron Watson, Charles Esten, Chuck Wicks, Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Little Big Town, Love and Theft, and Vince Gill to strike out cancer with City of Hope. Winning StageIt performers SaraBethand Doug McCormick will also take to the field for the anniversary event. CMT After Midnite’s Cody Alan and The Crook and Chase Countdown’s Lorianne Crook will emcee and offer play-by-plays for the thousands of fans in attendance.

Team Opry: Aaron Watson, Bucky Covington, Charles Esten, Chuck Wicks, Deana Carter, Eric Gunderson (Love And Theft), JT Hodges, Jimi Westbrook (Little Big Town), Kimberly Schlapman (Little Big Town), Phil Vassar, SaraBeth, Stu Grimson and Vince Gill.

Team iHeart Radio: Angie Johnson, Bret Michaels, Doug McCormick, Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town), Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Perrish Cox, Phillip Sweet (Little Big Town), Seth Jones, Stephen Barker Liles (Love And Theft) plus The Bobby Bones Show’s Bobby Bones, Eddie and Lunchbox.

Joining the lineup is Music City native Stephen Bess, who received lifesaving treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia more than two years ago at City of Hope. He and his genetically matched stem cell donor, who reside nine time zones apart, will meet for the very first time in a special ceremony before taking the field for the 25th Annual Celebrity Softball Game.

A pioneer in the treatment of bone and blood marrow diseases, City of Hope has performed more than 12,000 lifesaving bone marrow transplants. It also is a leading biomedical research institute for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. The City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game, presented by Staples and sponsored by PEOPLE Country, raises funds for that research.

Each year, the Celebrity Softball Game regularly features some of Country Music’s biggest and hottest stars. Over the years, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Scotty McCreery, Vince Gill and many more have taken to the field in support of City of Hope’s lifesaving mission.

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research institution and comprehensive cancer center where scientists and physicians quickly transform scientific discoveries into better treatments and prevention strategies for people around the world. Support from the Nashville community and its country music artists directly benefit City of Hope’s mission to find cures for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Tickets for the game can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Get more information on the game and the line-up of celebrities at www.cityofhope.org/softball. Those not able to attend the game can still support the cause. A variety of unique merchandise and experiences, including meet-and-greets with the hottest artists, will be available for bid at charitybuzz.com. The proceeds will benefit City of Hope’s mission to eradicate cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Learn more about the game HERE. To request media credentials for the 25^th Annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game, apply HERE.

Suggested Tweet: Teams @iHeartRadio vs @opry are readying rosters to #strikeoutcancer @cityofhope Celeb Softball Game 6/13 @firsttnpark get tixhttp://bit.ly/csg15pr

About City of Hope
City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope’s main hospital is located in Duarte, California, just northeast of Los Angeles. It is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics.

George Strait contributed the original song, “Take Me To Texas” – written by Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark, to the soundtrack of The History Channel’s mini-series, Texas Rising, which premiered Monday night (May 25th).

George says he was happy to contribute to the soundtrack, especially considering his love of the Lonestar State.

“I’ve always said Texas is the greatest state, you know, bar none…I was born here and raised in Texas, and the only other time I ever lived anywhere else was when I was in the Army, and so I wouldn’t think of calling anyplace else home. This is my home,” says the Country Music Hall of Famer. “When they asked me if I would think about doing this song for the soundtrack or wherever it’s gonna be in the Texas Rising — it’s a film for the History Channel, it’s a series, and it’s really cool…It’s about The Alamo and the history of how Texas came about and all of that, so…and the song is great. I love it. So, it didn’t take me long to decide, ‘Yeah, I want to do it.’”

Kris Kristofferson, who plays Andrew Jackson in the mini-series event, also appears on the soundtrack, having recorded a remake of the Tom Petty classic, “I Won’t Back Down.”

Bill Paxton, Ray Liotta, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Oliver Martinez, Brendan Fraser and Thomas Jane star in the action-packed mini-series about the history of Texas.

George has hit the airwaves with his latest single, “Let It Go,” which is the first release from his forthcoming studio album.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 26, 2015) Country superstar Alan Jackson just wrapped the spring run of his 25th Anniversary KEEPIN’ IT COUNTRY TOUR to a capacity crowd at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver (Morrison), CO. Sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, the tour made stops to massive critically-acclaimed reviews and sold out crowds in Los Angeles, Nashville, Kansas City, Green Bay, the tour’s kickoff in Fort Myers, FL and the famed Houston Rodeo among others. Capitol Records Nashville’s Jon Pardi and Grammy/CMA/ACM nominated hit singer/songwriter Brandy Clark joined Jackson on this first leg of the tour.

Throughout the tour, Jackson received rave reviews from fans and critics alike:

“The enduring quality of the 56-year-old Georgia native’s work — ‘Don’t Rock the Jukebox’ and ‘Chattahoochee,’ or ‘I Don’t Even Know Your Name’ and ‘Here in the Real World’ — allows it sound as relevant in 2015 as it did in 1989 or 1992.” – Ft. Worth Star Telegram

“With a few chords and a deft phrase or two, Jackson can do in three minutes what some artists never accomplish in entire careers.” – Ft. Worth Star Telegram

“From the high-pitched screams coming from the crowd, you would have thought Justin Bieber was playing at Valley View Casino Center Friday night.” – San Diego Union Tribune

“Jackson’s tour, which stopped Friday night for a sold-out concert at the Nokia Theatre, might be an assurance that he won’t be next to disappear.” – Los Angeles Times

“From the moment he sauntered onto the stage and began singing “Gone Country,” the audience was his to command.” – San Diego Union Tribune

“An artist who knows how to get you with a hook (‘Livin’ on Love,’ ‘Drive’), Jackson’s music is unapologetically grounded in honky tonk. Pure country in its purest form …” – Green Bay Press Gazette

“Jackson already has, as he admitted onstage, more hits than can fit in a two-hour concert, but if country music is lucky enough to get another 25 years of music from the singer, to quote one of his own songs, ‘that’d be all right.’” – Tennessean

Jackson’s KEEPIN’ IT COUNTRY TOUR takes a break before heading out again early this summer in advance of the July 17 release of his first studio album of new music in three years, Angels and Alcohol.  Jackson will headline shows at the Rock The South music festival in Cullman, AL (June 20), Calgary, AB (July 7), the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, CA (July 28), Minnesota State Fair (Aug 30), Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL (Aug 31) and Chasin’ The Sun music festival in Panama City (Sept 26). Tickets and information for all KEEPIN’ IT COUNTRY TOUR dates will be available via local outlets and by visiting www.alanjackson.com, where you can find information about Alan, his tour schedule, music and more.

Jackson will release Angels and Alcohol, his 15th studio album, on July 17. The album was produced by Jackson’s long-time collaborator and friend Keith Stegall who has produced every one of Jackson’s 23 albums over the past 25 years with the exception of one album – Like Red On A Rose (Alison Krauss).

Angels and Alcohol is available for preorder by clicking HERE

Alan Jackson’s 25th Anniversary KEEPIN’ IT COUNTRY TOUR has been a memorable celebration for his longtime fans as well as the legions of new fans who have been discovering his music throughout this 25th Anniversary celebration. His songs have withstood the test of time and influenced many new artists of today like the tour’s special guests Jon Pardi and Brandy Clark. Fans have heard the songs they have loved over the past 25 years from the man who wrote them and made them famous – from his massive debut hit, “Here In The Real World” to “Chattahoochee,” “Drive,” “Gone Country,” the summertime party-anthems “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Good Time,” and many, many more.

Jackson’s tour has been an extension of the year-long 25th anniversary celebration which kicked off last summer with the opening of his exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, Alan Jackson: 25 Years of Keepin’ It Country, which will run through June 21, 2015. The multi-platinum selling Grammy winner played two record-breaking sold out shows last October at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater making him the first simultaneous artist-in-residence and major museum exhibit subject.

About Alan Jackson
In his 25-year career, Jackson has been steadfast in his love for traditional music while enjoying major chart success.  Since signing his record deal in June 1989, he has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide and ranks as one of the 10 best-selling vocalists of all-time in all genres. He has released more than 60 singles—registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26Billboard #1s).  He has earned more than 150 music industry awards—including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards. Jackson received the first-ever ASCAP Heritage Award in 2014 having earned the title of most performed country music songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years.  He is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.

Alan Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music.  He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts.  Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica.

Lady Antebellum are in the midst of their Wheels Up 2015 Tour. Check out how it’s put all together below.

Lady Antebellum are currently making their way up the country charts with their latest single, “Long Stretch of Love,” from their album, 747.

Billy Currington climbs to the top of both the Country Aircheck and Billboard country charts this week with his single, “Don’t It,” his 10th No. 1 single. The song, written by Jaren Johnston, Ashley Gorley and Ross Copperman, is the first single from his forthcoming album, Summer Forever, available next week (June 2nd).

“‘Don’t It’ – it’s just one of those songs when you first hear it, you’re like, ‘That’s it! That song sounds like a smash, and I’m so thankful that the songwriters sent it to me,’” says the Georgia native.

Billy is getting ready to head out on the Shotgun Rider Tour with Tim McGraw on June 5th in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Mickey Guyton is set to release her self-titled EP on Tuesday (May 26^th), which includes her Top 30 single, “Better Than You Left Me,” which she co-wrote with Jennifer Hanson, Jenn Schott and Nathan Chapman. Nathan was also at the helm of the EP, along with producers Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington) and Luke Laird (Kacey Musgraves).

Mickey has pretty much known she wanted to be a professional singer when she was eight-years-old and saw LeAnn Rimes sing the National Anthem at a baseball game.

“I grew up singing in the church, and my church drove to Arlington [Texas] from Waco to go see a Texas Rangers baseball game,” says the Texas native. “We were all the way up in the nosebleed section, and the announcer says, ‘Please rise as 10-year-old LeAnn Rimes sings the National Anthem,’ and that was before ‘Blue’ came out. I was already stuck on her, and then when ‘Blue’ came out, I was just like done.”

The Texas native kept her dreams of becoming a singer a little bit of a secret. “It wasn’t until I was older when I finally admitted it. When you say something like that, it’s pretty crazy. What are we normally supposed to be? We’re supposed to be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, go to school and for me to even say that was just kind of crazy,” says Mickey. “So, I took an interest in singing. I started doing solos in the church choir or the school had a talent show. I’d bring my boom box, and I’d sing ‘I Will Always Love You.’ I was just mesmerized by big-voiced women, so from LeAnn, I started listening to Dolly and Patsy Cline and Patty Loveless and Reba McEntire and Faith Hill and Martina McBride, all those people.”

Mickey is on the road with Brad Paisley on his Crushin’ It Tour. The next stop is June 4th in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mickey Guyton EP Track Listing:

1. “Why Baby Why” – Victoria Banks, Emily Shackelton, Phil Barton (produced by Nathan Chapman)
2. “Somebody Else Will” – Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey (produced by Luke Laird)
3. “Pretty Little Mustang” – Mickey Guyton, Hillary Lindsey, Jeremy Spillman (produced by Nathan Chapman)
4. “Better Than You Left Me” – Mickey Guyton, Jennifer Hanson, Jenn Schott, Nathan Chapman (produced by Nathan Chapman and Dann Huff)

Luke Bryan is certainly ‘kickin’ the dust up’ on the country charts, as his new single – “Kick the Dust Up” – was released earlier this week. The song, penned by “That’s My Kind of Night” writers Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley and Chris DeStefano, is the first single from his forthcoming album, Kill the Lights, set for release August 7th.

Luke, who’s on the road with his Kick the Dust Up Tour, says it’s perfect timing for the song’s release.

“We’re going into summer, and…we have a lot of big ole summer amphitheater shows, stadium shows, and it just seems like a big live fun, kick your shoes off and dance and have a good time song,” says Luke. “It’s something that we feel like is real, real catchy, and it’s right in line with what my music is all about, just getting out there kickin’ up the dust.”

The next stop on Luke’s tour is June 4th in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Luke Bryan’s Dirt Road Diary exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame opens on Friday (May 22nd), and the Georgia native recalls going to Hall of Fame as a fan.

“I remember coming to town and taking my dad through, and I think Garth [Brooks] was in there doing a real neat audio/visual piece where he describes stuff, and me and my dad were sitting there watching,” says Luke. “It’s pretty cool to be in here and knowing that people will be moving to town and taking their families, and showing them my exhibit is pretty crazy.”

The exhibit, which includes his Little League baseball uniform and glove, his first guitar and second-grade school backpack, runs through November 8th.

Luke just released his new single, “Kick the Dust Up,” which is from his forthcoming album, Kill the Lights.

School is letting out for a few months; dads are firing up the bar-be-cues; pools, lakes and beaches will be packed with families celebrating warm days together. It’s the unofficial kick-off to summer…and it’s Memorial Day Weekend.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. However, by the turn of the 20th century, Memorial Day celebrated Americans who have sacrificed their lives in all wars. The holiday also typically marks the start of the summer vacation season.

Some of your favorite country artists talk about their favorite summertime activities – besides traveling around and performing for fans – as well as what it means to be free because of the brave men and women willing to fight and sacrifice for our freedom.

Eric Church (Memorial Day) OC: …those freedoms.
It’s about, especially the soldiers I come in contact with on the road. And not only that, to be able to make the music that I’m able to make, to say what I want to say, and that freedom to be able to do those things and to be in a country where we’re able to do that and to be in a country where we’re able to play that stuff on the radio. I don’t think you’re going to have any America argue that America isn’t the best place to live, and I’m certainly one of them. I’m very proud to be from here and very proud that we have the soldiers. I know there are a lot of other countries out there in the world that don’t want to live the way we do, and that’s fine, they can keep living the way they are, but I’m very proud of it. I think that’s a time to celebrate being proud to be an American and celebrate those freedoms…and celebrate the people that are over fighting for those freedoms.”

LINCOLN, Nebraska (May 21, 2015) — With a simple yet propitious promise that no two nights will ever be the same, Eric Church has fans repeatedly coming back for more. Last night’s The Outsiders World Tour stop at Lincoln, Nebraska’s Pinnacle Bank Arena further proved why the man Stereogum called “our greatest working rock star” has notched his fourth North America venue attendance record of 2015 with 15,823 present–a record previously held by Sir Elton John (November 23, 2014; attendance 14,368).

With his fervent band backing him the majority of the night, Church performed over two hours of original music with hits “Give Me Back My Hometown” and “Smoke A Little Smoke” interspersed by deeper album cuts like “Longer Gone” and “Livin’ Part of Life” emerging from his vast arsenal.

“I’m humbled by the success this tour has had,” Church adds. “The records it has set, by some of my muses and heroes, it’s [all] very surreal. As an avid music fan, I’m not sure it’s deserving in comparison to those I adore musically.  I can only say this happened because, in my opinion, our fans are second to none.”

The Outsiders World Tour topped Billboard’s Hot Tours last month after Church set a new attendance record at Chicago’s Allstate Arena on March 20 with over 18,626 present. Church also shattered Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena attendance on January 10 with an unprecedented 18,411 fans assembled for what has now become the first of three sold out shows in 2015 in Music City (Church is opening Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater with two back-to-back sold out shows July 30 & 31). On April 7, he also broke the attendance record in North Dakota’s Ralph Engelstad Arena, which was previously set by Sir Elton John’s 2012 show. Since launching his tour in September of 2014, Church has performed to over 800,000 fans in more than 65 cities with nearly 20 stops continuing through September 2015.

The CMA and four-time ACM Award winner finished 2014 as country music’s top-selling artist, with the year’s highest debut and sales of any release in the format as the critical and commercial success The Outsiders reached Platinum status, marking more than one million albums sold. Debuting at No. 1 on both the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and Top Country Albums chart, The Outsiders garnered GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM Top Album nominations and features his No.1 hits “Give Me Back My Hometown” and “Talladega” as well as his current single “Like A Wrecking Ball.” The Outsiders is the follow-up to Church’s Platinum-certified Chief, (named the 2012 Album of the Year by both CMA and ACM, and GRAMMY-nominated for Best Country Album) which featured five Top 20 singles: “Homeboy” (certified Platinum for sales in excess of one million singles); the Top 10 “Like Jesus Does” and the Top 5 “Creepin’” (both certified Gold for sales in excess of 500,000 singles each); and two No. 1 hits “Drink in My Hand” (certified Platinum) and “Springsteen” (certified Double Platinum for sales in excess of two million singles). Church’s 2006 debut album, Sinners Like Me (2006) and his sophomore album Carolina (2009) are both RIAA Gold-certified. Carolina had three hit singles: the Top 10 “Hell on the Heart” as well as Top 20 hit “Smoke A Little Smoke” and Top 10 smash “Love Your Love The Most,” which were both certified Gold. Sinners Like Me spawned three Top 20 singles: “How ‘Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines,” and “Guys Like Me.”

For more information on Church, visit www.EricChurch.com.