The Zac Brown Band Invites Fans to “Eat and Greets” Before Each Concert
Zac talked about it in a recent interview . . . (with Ohio’s WKXA-FM) . . . saying, quote, “The walls come down when you’re around a meal. It breaks down the barriers, and we wanna be known for doing things differently. When you feed somebody a great meal, they remember it.
“We are one of the people and when we get to sit and eat with people and our fans it solidifies that. It’s just a reminder to them and ourselves that we’re no different than they are, even though we’re up on the stage and they’re out there.
Zac says it’s worth going the extra mile, because, quote, “we plan on doing what we’re doing for decades.”
Dierks Bentley Made His Opening Acts Take the Polar Plunge
You know that Polar Plunge silliness that DIERKS BENTLEY does every year? Well, this time around he made the opening acts on his upcoming Sounds of Summertour join him.
He herded Kip Moore, Canaan Smith, and Maddie & Tae onto his boat last week for a ride on Nashville’s Percy Priest Lake. Dierks tells “People”, quote, “They were all suspicious. They know I do the lake jump every year, but they all went along with it.
“It was Sounds of Summer boot camp and they all know what they’re in for now. I haven’t heard any complaints of pneumonia or anything, so I think we’re good.”
You may think he’s a cruel, heartless bully for doing this, and you may be right . . . but Dierks says everyone benefits: Quote, “A tour can really be depressing if you’re not having fun. So I got some guys and girls that are going to make it really fun.
“I like to tailgate and mess with fans before the show, and after the show play music or drink too much. When there’s fun backstage it translates to the show and the crowd can feel it. If we don’t make the show the best it can be, it’s a waste of time.”
[Dierks Plunge]Vote for Nominees for ACM New Artist of the Year
Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett, Kip Moore, Tyler Farr, Dan + Shay, Sam Hunt, Chase Rice, and Cole Swindell are the eight semifinalists in the FIRST round of nominees for ACM New Artist of the Year. Fans are being asked to cast a vote and help narrow it down to three finalists. Voting begins January 27th. Grab details atACMCountrycom.
[ACM New Artist]Tim McGraw Shotgun Rider Tour Coming To TX
TIM MCGRAW has announced the cities but not the dates of his Shotgun Rider Tour ’15. It’ll kickoff sometime in June, with BILLY CURRINGTON and CHASE BRYANT as the openers. You can check TimMcGraw.com for updates. (good news Dallas, Tx is on the list!)
[Tim Tour]
It’s official: RONNIE DUNN is the third artist to sign with Nash Icon Records . . . joining REBA MCENTIRE andMARTINA MCBRIDE. He says, quote, “This is the best possible scenario I can imagine. I am proud to be included in this innovative venture.” Ronnie plans to release a new single this spring. (Country Weekly)
[Ronnie Icons]
ERIC CHURCH has added 27 dates to his Outsiders World Tour. It’ll pick up March 4th in Austin, Texas, withDrive-By Truckers, JD McPherson, The Cadillac Three, Brothers Osborne, and The Lone Bellow opening select dates. Presales for the March and April dates start today . . . you can get details at EricChurch.com.