Universal Universal Music Group Nashville Pressroom

Eric Church was unable to perform his scheduled concert in Buffalo, N.Y. on Friday night due to severe weather. The ‘Springsteen’ hitmaker was slated to appear at WYRK’s Taste of Country 2012 concert, where Joe Nichols, Eli Young Band, Casey James and Dustin Lynch performed before him. Unfortunately, the weather became too severe for Church to take the stage come showtime. 

In light of last summer’s fatal stage collapse involving the Sugarland duo, country acts playing festival stages are likely more attentive than ever about playing one-night constructed concert events, such as tonight’s. Following the first four acts, the show was called off due to high wind and rain, but Church was willing to issue a statement to unhappy fans who were sad to miss him this time around. 

“I’m very bummed the show got canceled tonight. I’ve learned in doing this, that some things are out of your hands and this is one of those things,” the singer told the radio station following the event. “I owe the city of Buffalo one, and I intend to make good on that. To everyone out there, thanks for coming and standing in the rain and wind, and we intend to bring it when the time comes.” 

He added, “Again, sorry it happened, and I hope to see you again in the future.” Earlier in the day, Church expressed to Taste of Country that he was eager to take the stage that night. Sometimes, weather doesn’t allow that, and we hope that everyone who attended had a fun time nonetheless.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – He’s sold out over 25 dates on his inaugural arena headlining tour, but Eric Church‘s  The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour isn’t over yet. Announced today, the fall leg of the tour will include stops from Amherst, MA to Los Angeles, CA to Sunrise, FL. Special guests Justin Moore and Kip Moore will join Church for this portion of the tour. Tickets will go on sale June 8 for the first dates, with additional on-sales to be announced in the coming weeks. To purchase, visit www.EricChurch.com.

In April, Eric Church: The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour was named No. 11 on Pollstar’s 2012 Worldwide Ticket Sales Chart for the first quarter, confirming the tour was one of the highest-attended across all genres of music from January through March.

Not only has The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour received huge response from fans, but it has also been met with praise by many outlets including The Boston Globe who wrote, “With his vivid songs, frenetic performances, and outsider allure, Church is a refreshing figure on the country scene.” The Reading Eagle added, “It’s been said a transcendent concert can resemble a religious experience, but this took it to a new level… the 34-year-old frequently exploded from the mic stand, arms pounding his chest, screaming at the crowd to boost an energy level that pyrotechnics and explosions had already elevated… the energy roared.”

Moreover, Church has tied The Blood Sweat & Beers Tour to a cause that will help those in need. Teaming up with Tickets-For-Charity.com, he is giving fans the opportunity to donate part of their purchase price to their favorite charity, and his partnering cause, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and its mission to find a cure for diabetes. For more information, visit www.TicketsForCharity.com.

Full list of newly-announced dates:

9/13/2012 | Amherst, MA | Mullins Center

9/14/2012 | Wilkes-Barre, PA | Mohegan Sun Arena

9/15/2012 | Pittsburgh, PA | CONSOL Energy Center

9/20/2012 | Frisco, TX | Dr. Pepper Arena

9/21/2012 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center

9/22/2012 | Cedar Park, TX | Cedar Park Center

9/27/2012 | Mankato, MN | Verizon Wireless Center

9/28/2012 | Sioux City, IA | Tyson Events Center

9/29/2012 | Kansas City, MO | Sprint Center

10/4/2012 | Detroit, MI | Joe Louis Arena

10/5/2012 | Moline, IL | iWireless Center

10/6/2012 | Cincinnati, OH | US Bank Arena

10/11/2012 | Green Bay, WI | Resch Center

10/12/2012 | Milwaukee, WI | Bradley Center

10/13/2012 | Indianapolis, IN | Bankers Life Fieldhouse

10/14/2012 | Louisville, KY | KFC Yum! Center

10/18/2012 | Lafayette, LA | Cajun Dome

10/19/2012 | Biloxi, MS | Mississippi Coast Coliseum

10/20/2012 | Birmingham, AL | BJCC Arena

10/21/2012 | Murray, KY | CFSB Center

10/25/2012 | Roanoke, VA | Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum

10/26/2012 | Fairfax, VA | Patriot Center

10/27/2012 | Charlottesville, VA | John Paul Jones Arena

11/2/2012 | Glendale, AZ | Jobing.com Arena

11/3/2012 | Las Vegas, NV | Mandalay Bay Events Center

11/4/2012 | Los Angeles, CA | Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE

11/6/2012 | Bakersfield, CA | Rabobank Arena

11/8/2012 | Anaheim, CA | Honda Center

11/9/2012 | San Jose, CA | HP Pavilion at San Jose

11/10/2012 | Sacramento, CA | Power Balance Pavilion

11/11/2012 | Reno, NV | Reno Events Center

11/13/2012 | Everett, WA | Comcast Arena at Everett

11/15/2012 | Portland, OR | Rose Garden Arena

11/16/2012 | Boise, ID | Taco Bell Arena

11/17/2012 | West Valley City, UT | Maverik Center

11/28/2012 | Charlotte, NC | Time Warner Cable Arena

11/29/2012 | Duluth, GA | The Arena at Gwinnett Center

11/30/2012 | Columbia, SC | Colonial Life Arena

12/1/2012 | Huntington, WV | Big Sandy Superstore Arena

12/6/2012 | North Little Rock, AR | Verizon Arena

12/7/2012 | Tulsa, OK | BOK Center

12/8/2012 | Wichita, KS | Intrust Bank Arena

12/13/2012 | Tampa, FL | USF Sun Dome

12/14/2012 | Jacksonville, FL | Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena

12/15/2012 | Sunrise, FL | Bank Atlantic Center

For more information on Eric Church and to stay updated on additional shows and on-sale dates, please visit www.EricChurch.com.

About Eric Church

EMI Records Nashville’s Eric Church catapulted into national success with the release of his debut country album, Sinners Like Me, which produced radio hits “How ‘Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines,” and “Guys Like Me.”  His follow-up, Carolina, went on to sell over 500,000 copies (certified Gold) and spawned top hits “Love Your Love The Most,” “Hell On The Heart,” and “Smoke A Little Smoke.”  Awarded the ACM New Solo Vocalist of the Year Award, Church celebrated the chart-topping release of his third studio album, CHIEF, in July 2011 with sales exceeding 145,000 in the first week largely due to Top 15 radio hit, “Homeboy.”  The album received RIAA-Gold certification merely 10 weeks after its release and received a spike of over 60% in sales following his performance of his first-ever No. 1 single, “Drink In My Hand,” on the CMA Awards. Moreover, it topped numerous “Best of 2011” lists including those compiled by Rolling Stone, iTunes, Amazon, NPR, SPIN and more. In November, the announcement was made he was nominated for his first GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, followed by a recent ACM nominations for Album of The Year for CHIEF and Video of the Year for Top 10 “Homeboy.” On Jan. 19, 2012, Church kicked off his first-ever headlining arena tour in Fort Smith, AR. The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour includes over 90 stops nationwide. Eric’s hot new radio single, “Springsteen,” is Top 5 at radio now and is his fastest-rising single to-date. For a full list of tour dates and latest career happenings, visit www.EricChurch.com.

About Justin Moore

Justin Moore’s star has grown significantly since he was named Billboard‘s Top New Country Artist of 2009. This southern country stylist has sold over 3 million digital downloads to date and his sophomore album OUTLAWS LIKE ME hit the #1 spot the week it was released. OUTLAWS LIKE ME includes the fastest-rising single of Moore’s career, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” which ascended to the No. 1 spot. His debut album scored three consecutive smash singles (the No. 1 “Small Town USA” as well as the hits “Backwoods” and “How I Got To Be This Way”). He has been profiled by publications from The Washington Post, People Country and Billboard to USA Today. Additionally, his debut was recognized by the New York Times as one of the best albums of 2009. National TV appearances have included The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, NPR, WGN Midday News, FOX, Associated Press and Better TV while his music has been featured on Hannity & Colmes and NFL Rewind. Just last year, he hit the road with Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. For music and more, visit www.MooreJustinMusic.com.

About Kip Moore

With his grit, passion and uncanny ability to powerfully capture universal themes of love, loss and coming of age on his MCA Nashville debut album, Up All Night, Georgia native Kip Moore is emerging as the hottest new country artist of 2012. The album’s first single, “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” has been certified Gold and spent two consecutive weeks at No. 1. He is nominated for Breakthrough Artist and Breakthrough Songwriter at the 24th annual MusicRow Awards. Music critics are praising his compelling lyrics of honesty delivered in a raw and rustic voice. For more information, visit www.KipMoore.net.

AUDIO: Eric Church enjoys when fans come to his shows and are able to let loose and forget about their problems for a period of time.

Eric Church (performing live for him) OC: …your music. :15

“When you write songs and you’re a songwriter, and you see the way those songs affect people’s lives…and some of those times it’s not a life changing event. It’s just them being able to drink beer and party and throw their fists in the air and forget about whatever problems they have. It’s pretty cool when it’s all relatable to your music.” 

Little Big Town is on a mission to make sure people drink responsibly — not only the fact to NOT drink and drive (or drink and drive a boat, as the case may be with their hit summer single, “Pontoon”); but to make sure you keep your beverage cool and “sweat-free” with a fashionable koozie. “The condensation on your drink can make it slip out of your hand, I mean there’s all kinds of reasons,” Phillip Sweet tells The CountryVibe.com. Bandmember Jimi Westbrook agrees, “You get a little too drunk and your grip gets bad so you need something a little more to hold onto. [laughs]”

Jimi and Karen Fairchild‘s son, Elijah, is even getting in on the act. “Elijah’s…asked me to put his ‘Pontoon’ koozie on his bottle,” Karen tells TheCountryVibe.com. “And he’s walkin’ around, but it does keep the milk cold and it looks cute. But it’s so redneck and it’s like he’s got his orange bottle (Jimi – “he’s got his diaper”) and his diaper [laughing], and then he’s got a koozie that says ‘Pontoon’ on it.” 

Catch Little Big Town next Wednesday (June 4th) performing “Pontoon” on the CMT Music Awards airing live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at 8pm ET on CMT.

AUDIO: Little Big Town discuss the importance of using koozies and they share a funny story about Karen and Jimi’s son Elijah and his koozie.  (must credit TheCountryVibe.com)

LBT (Elijah koozie) OC: …motorboa’in. [laughs] :48  

Phillip – “The condensation on your drink can make it slip out of your hand, I mean there’s all kinds of reasons.” Jimi – “I know. You get a little too drunk and your grip gets bad so you need something a little more to hold onto.” [laughs] Kimberly – “Plus it’s a statement.  No matter whatever your koozie says, says something about you.” Jimi – “It’s a creative outlet.” [laughs] Karen – “Yeah, Elijah’s been puttin’ his … he did it again … he asked me to put his ‘Pontoon’ koozie on his bottle.” Kimberly – “Oh dear!  Wow!  That’s funny.” Karen – “And he’s walkin’ around, but it does keep the milk cold and it looks cute.  But it’s so redneck and it’s like he’s got his orange bottle (Jimi – “he’s got his diaper”) and his diaper (laughing), and then he’s got a koozie that says ‘Pontoon’ on it.” Kimberly – “That’s funny.  That is a redneck picture.” Phillip – “And he’s goin’ ‘mmmm motorboatin’.’” Karen – “And he does. He says ‘Mmmm motoboa-in’” [laughs]

Lipton has released, along with the all new Tea & Honey commercials, a series of behind the scenes trivia episodes with Lady A and the Drink Positive Challenge. Hillary, Charles, and Dave each have their own episode and who ever wins throughout the series makes a donation to the charity of their choice!

One episode will air on the same day each week starting Tuesday, May 29^th with Hillary’s episode. And one random viewer who leaves a comment on the YouTube video will be chosen to win a Lady A prize from the online store. But right now you can watch the preview below of all the trivia, and shenanigans that are to come!

How well does Lady A know each other? And do you think you have what it takes to take on the trivia challenge? Tune in each Tuesday for the next three weeks to find out!

This past fall, Lady A did an acoustic show at Joe’s Bar in Chicago. Watch the performance of Wanted You More in the latest episode of Webisode Wednesday!

Nashville, Tenn. (Thursday, May 31, 2012) –Third Annual “Darius and Friends” concert and golf tournament has been announced for Monday, June 4th, and Darius Rucker is pleased to announce friends Rodney Atkins, Clint Black, Sunny Sweeney, Chuck Wicks and special surprise guests will join him at the concert event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  The Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville is once again hosting the evening with doors opening at 6:00 pm CT and the concert beginning at 7:30 pm.   

“We’ve had so much fun the last two years with friends jamming on stage for a great cause,” says Rucker.  “I’m excited to continue that tradition with this year’s event.” 

Rucker is currently in the studio with producer Frank Rogers working on his follow-up to his 2010 release Charleston, SC 1966 and his now-platinum debut, Learn To Live (2008). 

Event posters and t-shirts will be available on-site with all sales, along with all ticket sales from the night, going directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support their continued success and mission to find cures and save children struggling against deadly diseases.  A limited number of tickets remain and may be purchased at the Wildhorse Saloon (615.902.8200) and on www.ticketmaster.com. 

For additional information, please visit www.dariusrucker.com.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute.  Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

When Vince Vaughn stopped by the Ellen DeGeneres Show this week, he revealed his daughter is a huge fan of Eric Church‘s current single, “Springsteen.”  “She has about seven words. She’s like a pull-out doll. She says those seven words in rotation and sometimes she’ll bend the words. She can make hi sound a lot of different ways. I played this Eric Church song, ‘Springsteen.’ Vince tells Ellen. “When I wake up, she wants me to put it on. She’ll go, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.’ That’s the bridge in the song. Eric does a much better job than  Ido. That’s her big thing. She likes me to put that song on for her on the laptop.”

He also got props from fellow country superstar, Kenny Chesney, in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, according to ABC News Radio.

When asked who he likes among the current crop of rising country stars, Kenny applauds Eric’s approach to building his fan base through constant touring and staying true to himself as an artist. “There’s a difference between having a few songs on the radio and having a career,” Kenny tells Entertainment Weekly, “and the one who stands out the most to me is Eric Church. He’s a real artist. He didn’t come up on some karaoke contest.”

Kenny adds that he likes the way Eric is handling his business right now. He says, “It isn’t the only way, but it might be the most honest way, and the way that usually works out the best.” Kenny is quick to point to the success of Carrie Underwood as an example of someone who got it right after starting their career on a TV show.

Eric is currently poised to hit the top of the country charts with his hit single, “Springsteen,” from his nearly platinum-certified album, Chief.