Country music columnist Scott Sexton stopped by Rudi’s Country Music Café (on Music City Drive next to the Ernest Tubb Record Shop) during his Nashville rounds, and interviewed club owner, Diane Berry. While he was there Scott interviewed 165 different artists in the form of celebrity impressionist and comedian Johnny Counterfit.

*****

Singer Chris Cagle and his lady friend allegedly became intoxicated, fought with each other and ended up arrested by the Nashville Police and charged with assault. Cagle and Jennie Tant were banged up; Cagle with a “raised area on the right side of his head, and Tant with a scrape on her lip and red welt on her left arm. According to filed affidavits, Cagle hit Tant with her purse and Tant hit Cagle with an umbrella (prounounced Um’-brella in the south).

Mr. Cagle is already scheduled to stand trial in September for a misdemeanor assault charge after an incident in Arizona when Cagle allegedly punched Mark Barry.

Chris Cagle and Jennie Tant in

Their booking photos.

*****

The Grand Ole Opry has announced a partnership with the Department of Defense’s America Supports You program. The program will make the Opry available to U.S. armed services around the world on Armed Forces Television.

*****

In the world of big-time, big-earning fans clubs, Lonestar announced what they’re calling “open enrollment” seats for this year’s “Lonestar Network Open Enrollment Party.”  According to Lonestar, current members will have the “opportunity” to attend thrugh a member giveaway while tickets last. The “enrollment party” will take place on Wednesday, Juner 4th at 4 PM at Rocketown in Nashville. Tickets are on sale at www.lonestarnow.com.

*****

Show Dog’s Mica Roberts is on ther road to introduce her debut single, “Things A Mama Don’t Know” Mica stopped in to visit with WSJR Radio (Wilkes Barre / Scraton) program director Mark Lindow.

Mica Roberts and WSJR’s Mark Lindow

*****

comedian/impressionist

****

For the fifth year, Montgomery Gentry will host the Academy of Country Music Charity Motorcycle Ride to be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The event is part of the week’s festivities leading up to the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

“Once again, the Academy is delighted to bring together country music artists and fans for a fun-filled day benefiting a worthy cause,” said Michelle Gobble, Director or Membership & Events at the Academy of Country Music. “We are so honored to have Montgomery Gentry host the event for the fifth consecutive year.”

The Academy of Country Music Charity Motorcycle Ride will kick-off from Las Vegas Harley-Davidson, one of the largest Harley-Davidson dealerships in the nation. Riders will cruise through the Nevada desert and along the mountains and circle back until they reach Fremont Street, where the ride culminates in a live concert—free and open to the public—featuring past and present Academy of Country Music Award nominees and some of country’s best new artists.  The ride is sponsored by Las Vegas Harley-Davidson and Harley-Davidson of Cool Springs. 

"This event keeps getting bigger and bigger every year," said Eddie Montgomery.  "It's one of the highlights of the week in Las Vegas, and we’re raising more and more money for the ACM Charitable Fund as new people continue to join us on the ride. I’m proud to be a part of such a great cause.”

"Bob Romeo asked Eddie and me to host this event five years ago, and we’ve been watching it grow ever since. We started with about 100 bikes, and this year we’re expecting more than 1,500 bikes to ride out," said Troy Gentry.  "It’s an honor to be involved with such an incredible mix of people and artists who are willing to donate their time and money to the Fund.”

To register for this year’s Academy of Country Music Charity Motorcycle Ride please visit http://www.acmcountry.com/ride2008/. Registration fees start for as little as $35, with proceeds benefiting the Academy of Country Music® Charitable Fund.

*****

This information from the FBI: With the Valentine's Day holiday approaching, be on the lookout for spam e-mails spreading the Storm Worm malicious software (malware). The e-mail directs the recipient to click on a link to retrieve the electronic greeting card (e-card). Once the user clicks on the link, malware is downloaded to the Internet-connected device and causes it to become infected and part of the Storm Worm botnet. A botnet is a network of compromised machines under the control of a single user. Botnets are typically set up to facilitate criminal activity such as spam e-mail, identity theft, denial of service attacks, and spreading malware to other machines on the Internet.

The Storm Worm virus has capitalized on various holidays in the last year by sending millions of e-mails advertising an e-card link within the text of the spam e-mail. Valentine's Day has been identified as the next target.

Be wary of any e-mail received from an unknown sender. Do not open any unsolicited e-mail and do not click on any links provided.

If you have received this, or a similar e-mail, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.

*****

A few days ago I received a phone call from Megan Jakes at Webster Public Relations in Nashville asking me to place a story on soul man Sam Moore. Although we concentrate on country, I didn’t think it would hurt to do Megan a favor. I put in the story and sent an e-mail to Megan letting her know the story was “placed.”  Most of my e-mail messages have a return receipt requested. Imagine my surprise when I received a notice that the message was unread and was trashed by the recipient. You’re welcome, Megan.

*****

Trace Adkins will have Jason Michael Carroll open a series of his American Man tour starting this Friday (Feb 15th).  Jason will be pushing his new single I Can Sleep When I’m Dead.  Say, do you remember when country singers had their hair cut like guys?

Jason Michael Carroll

*****

Later this year Tom T. Hall, the Statler Brothers, Emmylou Harris and the late Ernest “Pop” Stoneman will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The announcement was made by Country Music Association CEO Tammy Genovese in Nashville.

Emmylou Harris

*****

Over the years Earl Scruggs has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and by the Country Music Hall of Fame and a heck of a lot of other music organizations.  This weekend he’ll be joined by Burt Bacharach, The Band, Cab Calloway, Doris Day, Itzhak Perlman and Max Roach as they all will be recognized with lifetime achievement Grammy awards. This will be Scrugg’s fifth Grammy award. You can see the Grammy Awards this Sunday at 8 p.m. eastern time on CBS

.

Earl Scruggs

*****

Rounder Record’s Dailey & Vincent chalked up a number 2 position on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart with their self-titled debut release. With Darrin Vincent’s hitting the #2 slot…and sister Rhonda Vincent in the #1 slot, we’re told that it’s the first time siblings fronting two different groups have taken the top two slots in the Bluegrass charts.

*****

Our friend Megan Jakes from Webster PR asked if we would get some information out on Soul Man Sam Moore  at the Ryman Auditorium benefit on March 19th. So I’m puttin’ a little soul into my column.

 The Legendary. “Soul Man” himself, better known as Sam Moore, will be performing at the Lili Claire Foundation’s 1st Annual “Everyone’s A Miracle” Benefit Concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium on March 19, 2008.  Not only was Moore the trade-markable lead voice of the most successful and critically acclaimed duo in Soul Music history, Sam & Dave (1961-1981), but he is also a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame(for “Soul Man”) and a Grammy Award and a multi-Gold and Platinum record award winning recording artist. 

Moore also has achieved a distinguished 25 year career as a solo artist.  He also paired with the late Conway Twitty to record the classic “Rainy Night In Georgia” for the classic Rhythm, Country and Blues Album, appeared as The Reverend Morris in Blues Brothers 2000 playing opposite James Brown’s character, a “Swanky Mode” in Tapeheads and was featured prominently in the documentary “Only The Strong Survive”.  His most recent release, which won him a 2007 Grammy nomination, “Overnight Sensational” was produced by Randy Jackson and included appearances by many artist friends and fans of Sam’s including Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Fantasia, Eric Clapton, Vince Gill, Mariah Carey, Billy Gibbons and nearly 20 other guest stars.

 Moore will be receiving the Music of The Heart Award at the “Everyone’s A Miracle” benefit concert and all Proceeds from this event will support The Lili Claire Family Resource Center in partnership with Meharry Medical College, which will open its doors in 2008.  This Center will offer supportive programs and social services to special needs children and their families in Nashville, TN and its surrounding communities.

 For more information about the Lili Claire Foundation and the “Everyone’s A Miracle” benefit concert starring music legend Sam Moore, please visit: www.liliclairefoundation.org.

*****

This weekend, NBC begins its nationwide search for the next Nashville Star. Open auditions will be held Saturday (February 9th) in Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.

Open calls will be held across the nation through the end of March.  The winner will get a major-label record deal.

*****

The folks at Gaylord Entertainment watched their shares go up after the company turned a fourth quarter profit on a smaller loss from discontinued operations. Gaylord runs the Grand Ole Opry and Gaylord Hotels. They showed a better-than-expecvted earnings and quarterly revenue that was a wee bit below the consensus estimate of analysts.

*****

The man who managed the careers of Ronnie Milsap, T.G. Shepphard, Charlie Pride and other artists died last Thursday. Jack D. Johnson, 79, died of congestive heart failure. Johnson, born in Knoxville, was a graduate of the University of Tennessee.  Johnson came to Nashville in 1961 and founded Jack D. Johnson Talent by the mid 60s. He was honored by the CMA as Producer of the Year in 1975 for his production participation of Ronnie Milsap’s records.

*****

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson will make available on their websites, an exclusive, behind-the-scenes video from their “2 Worlds, 2 Voices” tour. The video allows fans access to all of the behind-the-scenes action, including rehearsals and interviews, in addition to concert footage. Fans also catch a rare glimpse of an interview with both singers, who discuss everything from their favorite songs to the possibility of reuniting for another joint tour.

Reba and Kelly discuss how their performance on last year’s “CMT Crossroads,” a show that pairs country artists with musicians from other genres, led to the formation of “2 Worlds, 2 Voices.” The singers’ admiration for one another is apparent, as is the success of their duet performances, in which their vocalizations “reach out-of-this-world proportions.”

“This tour came about because of CMT’s Crossroads,” said Reba.  “We had a great time doing it.  This tour is just fun.”

“My fans loved Crossroads and on tour we get to sing harmony together,” added Kelly. “I hope that people like that.  It’s kind of a selfish concert for me because I get to sing Reba’s songs.”

The “2 Worlds, 2 Voices” tour has kicked off with three consecutive sold-out performances, and will make its final stop in Kansas City, MO on February 16th. Reba and Kelly perform songs that are included on their respective certified platinum releases, Reba Duets and My December.

*****

Rascal Flatts are heading back to the good old USA after a quickie tour of the UK to promote their new album, Still Feels Good, which will be released “over there” on February 4th.  Before they left for home they appeared on Ireland’s Late, Late Show.

*****

WCIS Radio in Morganton, North Carolina was destroyed by fire. The cause of the early morning blaze is under investigation. The station features Southern Gospel music as well as other Christian programming.

*****

Rascal Flatts left on Monday for their first tour across the “pond” in the UK. Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney will be overseas for the week. They’ll be returning to their Still Feels Good tour on February 7th in Toronto.

If you enjoy Rascal Flatts, you’ll enjoy the interview that's now featured on Country Music Report Radio. . The interview dates back to when the boys were just getting started. The interview was part of my nationally broadcast  Country Music Salute to America for the United States Department of the Interior. This is one of  hundreds of interviews with many wonderful country music artists which are filed in our broadcast studio archives. Salute to America had a successful 14 year run.

*****

Joe Nichols is out of rehab. He reportedly had a tough time of it. We wish him all the best.

                Joe Nichols

*****

Riding high on two major Grammy nominations, The Time Jumpers will make their triumphant return Saturday night (Feb. 2) to Nashville’s historic Midnight Jamboree, the second-oldest continuous live radio program in America.  Earlier that same evening, the 11-member Western-swing revival band will also make its debut on the nation’s longest-running radio show -The Grand Ole Opry.

The Time Jumpers have performed on the Midnight Jamboree before, but for this appearance they’ll both headline and host the hour-long show.  Free and open to the public, the Jamboree is staged at the Texas Troubadour Theatre beside the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Music Valley Village, just across the street from the entrance to the Opryland Hotel.

*****

Bluegrass veteran Jimmy Bowen has seen much interest in his new country album.  Many of us remember the talented Bowen from his days with The Country Gentlemen and Continental Divide.  The Harley-riding Bowen knows how to deliver good music no matter whether it’s bluegrass or solid country. 

Jimmy Bowen

                                                        ************

Neal McCoy heads for the Persian Gulf to entertain U.S. troops. McCoy has been out of the mainstream country-eye recently. I suppose that anyone over the age of 26 is considered too old by some of Music Row's standards.

Neal McCoy

*****

Some of the best-known names in country music gathered last week to tape a video program featuring 70 legends talking, singing, swapping stories and getting moist in the eyes.  It was the shooting of Country Family Reunion, a nine-DVD set produced by

Larry Black.

Some of the greats at the taping were Jim Ed Brown, Little Jimmy Dickens, Stonewall Jackson, Jean Shephard, Leroy Van Dyke, Ray Stevens, Roy Clark, Charlie Pride…and a host of others. The series will be released in the spring.

Don Helms and Charlie Pride at taping of

Country Family Reunion.

According to the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), radio broadcasters had the worst December in ad revenue since 2001. Local ad revenue was down 4% while national revenue declined 12%.

Here in Nashville, one of the local alleged talk stations unabashedly repeats the same pre-recorded programming the day after it ran originally.  It’s no wonder that radio is losing listeners and…revenue.  I’ve found myself listening to streaming stations on the internet such as WTOP News in Washington, D.C., rather than listening to the tired, uninteresting pap broadcast locally.

It won’t surprise me if radio revenue stays flat, or less, during 2008. The tranitional radio folks may have to watch out for the satellite folks.

*****

If you’re planning a trip to Nashville in the future be aware that construction will begin on some mid-priced hotel accommodations in the Music Valley area. This means there will be some less expensive accommodations in the neighborhood close to Gaylord’s Opryland Resort and Convention Center.  Construction is slated to begin on a new 113 room Holiday Inn Express along McGavrock Pike in March.

*****

Singer/songwriter Megan Linville has joined forces with producer John Carter Cash on a new album. The five song disc, recorded at the Cash Cabin Studio, reportedly demonstrates Linville's credibility as an artist.

Megan Linville

Jerry McBee, her grandfather, wrote songs for many legendary singers including Roy Orbison, Billy Walker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Faron Young, Charlie Pride and Brenda Lee. His successes have significantly inspired Linville's ambition to perform throughout her life.

Cash, the only son of  the late Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, was the associate producer for three of his father's albums, American Recordings III, IV and V, and he worked on two of his mother's albums; co-producing Press On and producing Wildwood Flower. He has also produced albums for many others; among them, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and Vince Gill. In 2005 he was the executive producer for the movie "Walk the Line," a biography based on his father's life. Most recently, he wrote a book called "Anchored In Love;" a tribute to his mother that tells about her triumphs, tragedies and successes in life.

*****

Troy Gentry and his wife Angie will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Celebration of Wishes Gala on February 1st at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and begins at 7pm.

Troy and Angie Gentry

Wish Kids will be a part of the evening from beginning to end as several assist in everything from the décor and planning the menu to providing talent. Troy will take to the stage as well to perform an acoustic set with friends Neil Thrasher and Wendell Mobley.

“It is exciting for me to be a part of making a wish come true for one of the courageous kids,” said Troy Gentry. “It’s also a pleasure for me to co-chair this event with my wife.”

“Troy and Angie Gentry have been invaluable volunteers for Make-A-Wish and we are honored to have them serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for this event”, said Executive Director Michelle Rosen.  “This occasion is more than a benefit – it’s an opportunity to showcase our wish kids and their talents alongside the great performing artists like Troy. 

Our Celebration of Wishes Gala embraces all the elements of our mission that we’re proud of—bringing hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening illness.”

Montgomery Gentry are still rising high up the charts with their latest hit, “What Do Ya Think About That” and preparing to attend their first GRAMMY ceremony as nominees.

 For more information on Montgomery Gentry please visit www.montgomerygentry.com.

*****

Charlie Daniels was finally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Marty Stuart and Connie Smith.

Said Opry vice president Pete Fisher, “What a great night for the Opry. For five decades, Charlie Daniels has been sharing the many musical styles he performs so well with the world. We are truly proud to welcome him to the Opry family….”

Charlie Daniels

*****

LeAnne Rimes

LeAnn Rimes will – once again – host the Colgate Country Showdown national final which will take place on Thursday, January 24th at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

The five regional winners will be competing for $100,000 and the title. The contestants are Nash Street, representing WOKK, Meridian, MS, Carrie Joy, representing WTHI, Terre Haute, IN, Christy Suggett, KKBQ, Houston, Trevor Pancxak, representing KMON, Great Falls, MT,  and Eldon Johnson, representing KQLX, Lisbon, ND

*****

Garth Brooks LIVE IN LA!! from Staples Center in LosAngeles will be carried live on CBS from 09:00 – 10:00 p.m. January 25th.  This will be the first of five performances that Garth will play over two days. As far as we know, this is the first time any artist has attempted so many shows, so close together.

Garth will perform at two concerts on Friday (1/15) and three on Saturday, January 26th…and all at the Staples Center.

Another fascinating fact is that 85,000 tickets were sold in less than an hour. Garth is the only performer in Staples Center history to sell out five concerts in less than 60 minutes and perform five concerts in two days.

All proceeds from the five concerts, which was organized by Garth and AEG (the owners of the Staples Center) will be donated to the Southern California 2008 Fire Intervention Relief Effort (F.I.R.E.).  Show sponsors include American Express and the Los Angeles Times.

*****

On the funny side…I had a guest at the office the other afternoon; a guest that brought his guitar and proceeded to serenade everyone. I came out of our radio recording studio to see KittKatt, the feline friend that accompanied me from Washington, D.C., to Nashville. He was comfortably resting  in the performer’s empty guitar case.  The next thing he’ll want is mewsic lessons.

KittKatt

*****

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said he hoped the Commission would complete its review of the proposed satellite merger before the end of March. Martin added that the FCC has not completed its review of the Sirius – XM merger, but had met with representatives of both groups and asked many questions. Martin also indicated that it’s customary that the Department of Justice announce its decision before the FCC makes its announcement, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the Commission will wait.

*****

Faith Hill

Faith Hill is recuperating from knee surgery last week. The 40 year old Hill is keeping busy at home in Nashville.  The operation – according to publicist Paul Freundlich – was the result of an old knee injury suffered while playing softball in high school and wear and tear over the ensuing years.

*****

It does my heart good to hear that a Wheeling, West Virginia non-profit organization hopes to revive the Jamboree USA radio show in that section of West Virginia.  Lawyer Jeff McCamic hopes to bring some excitement to that city’s somewhat dull downtown. McCamic reports that he will bring in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to the WesBanco Arena in April.  The lawyer remembers the days of the Jamboree USA packed ‘em in on Saturday nights.

Many years ago, when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I used to tune in to 50,000 watt WWVA Radio and its Jamboree.  WWVA’s clear-channel, 50 thousand watts attracted listeners as far north as New York and  Newfoundland and everywhere inbetween. The show began its run in Wheeling in 1933 at the great old Capitol Theater…when radio was radio and country music had a bit more country to it.  The nearly 3,000 seat Capitol Theater opened its doors in 1928 and cost $1 million. The theater featured movies and had stage shows. The Jamboree began its run there in 1933. In 1969 WWVA moved its studios into the building and the Jamboree saw stars like Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and Charlie Pride featured on the show.

To read a really well-written history of WWVA’s Jamboree USA,  read Chuck Miller’s website. It’ll bring you back to those “olden times” with performers Hawkshaw Hawkins,  Crazy Elmer and a whole bunch of other great country performers. Chuck’s website can be reached at  http://www.chuckthewriter.com/wwva.

When it went off the air, it was the second oldest radio program of its type after the Grand Ole Opry. The new jamboree will also be aired on 50 kilowatter WWVA.

Last spring the Capitol was slapped with a litany of fire violations after its annual fire inspection.  It was determined that the historic building required some $2 million in renovations and upgrades.  Local business leaders and the Chamber of Commerce is reportedly working to develop a business plan for saving the theater. I hope they’re successful.

*****

Our roving comedian / impressionist Johnny Counterfit was making the rounds in Nashville this weekend and happened to stop at Rudi’s Soda Shop and Restaurant to sit in with the band.  Rudi’s is right next door to the Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Music Valley Drive.

                                                                           PHOTO BY RONALD DEMOOR

Rudi’s is a family oriented venue, and features the Louvin

Brothers’ Museum as an added attraction. Every Saturday

From 2 p.m. until midnight, Rudi’s has a full slate of talent,

Ranging from established stars, to soon-to-be famous artists.

Rudi’s is located at 2416 Music Valley Drive, just off Briley

Parkway, not far from the Opryland Hotel and the airport. The

Telephone number is (615) 902-0290.

*****

One of my favorite country performers – Charlie Daniels – will be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. The “ceremony” will take place on January 19th at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, where the Opry is being held through March 1st. Charlie will be honored during the event by Marty Stuart and Connie Smith. Other stars participating will be Trace Adkins, Del McCoury and Mel Tillis.

Charlie Daniels

*****

American Idol will be begin its 7th season on January 15th. Auditions for the show were held in Miami, Philadelphia, Omaha, Charleston, Dallas, Atlanta and San Diego. FOX-TV will air two shows weekly through the 6th of February. Those programs will present portions from the auditions. On February 13th the 24 finalists will be named.  The 12 male finalists will perform on February 19th and their opposite number will take to the stage on February 20th. On March 11th the top 12 singers will be named…and the winner will be announced in May. It’s too bad that the presidential races couldn’t be done in so little time.

*****

Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson will begin their 15-city 2 Worlds 2 Voices tour in Dayton, Ohio.  Reba says that “we’re both gonna have so much fun singing each other’s songs. They’re great songs. Her songs tell stories and so do mine – they’re heartfelt.”

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly and Reba recorded a duet version of Kelly’s hit, “Because of You” for Reba’s latest album Reba Duets. That song wowed ‘em at Billboard where it rose to Number 2 on the magazine’s Country Singles chart.

*****

If you’re going to be In Nashville on January 12th, The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is offering free museum admission from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Community Appreciation  Day is being partnered with the Ford Motor Company.

*****

The momentum of Nashville’s hottest new artist continues to build exponentially as 2008 Best New Artist Grammy nominee Taylor Swift’s self-titled debut CD returns to the #1 position atop Billboard‘s Country Albums sales chart this week and climbs to #5 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 200 Albums sales chart. This is Taylor’s 9th week at #1 on the country sales chart—Taylor Swift, released on Big Machine Records, has sold in excess of 2 million copies and spent more weeks at the top of the country sales chart last year than any other release.

Also this week, Taylor’s third single, “Our Song,” spends its 5th consecutive week at #1 atop both Billboard’s Country Singles Chart and the Mediabase/Country Aircheck Chart, reaching a weekly audience of more than 31 million listeners. Taylor is now one of just 12 female artists who have spent 5 weeks or more at #1 since Billboard began tracking country singles in 1944. She joins the elite company of such artists as Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline.

Taylor Swift

“Our Song” has distinguished Taylor as the youngest person to single-handedly write and sing a #1 country single entirely on her own. She is also the first female solo artist in country music history to write or co-write every song on a double platinum-selling debut CD. Taylor currently has hit singles on both the country and the pop charts -- her single “Teardrops On My Guitar,” which peaked at #2 on the country chart last year, is currently at #11 and climbing Billboard’s mainstream Top 40 chart.

Next week Taylor will be performing on two national television shows--she will make her second appearance on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on January 15th, at 11 p.m. EST/PST and on the 17th will guest on the top-rated syndicated The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

This weekend Taylor will kick off her 2008 tour with a very special performance at the third annual Sprint Sound & Speed presented by Sun Trust at Nashville’s Sommet Center. During her show at the Saturday evening concert event she will make a special presentation to the NASCAR charity the Victory Junction Gang Camp -- the pink pickup truck she received last month as an 18th birthday present from her record label, Big Machine. The camp, founded by NASCAR legend Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam, will utilize Taylor’s truck to transport children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Taylor’s 2008 tour moves to the West Coast next week for a series of sold-out shows.    

*****

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See available colors and sizes at the Nashville Junction Store.

******

Inmates at Folsom State Prison are upset about the cancellation of the 40th anniversary of Johnny Cash’s 1968 Folsom concert. The concert, scheduled for Sunday, was to be staged in the prison cafeteria; the same place that Cash entertained the inmates.

Prison management called off the show because there was some problems over video rights, access by the media and – of course – security.

Do you remember when going to jail meant that your butt was locked in a cell?  Apparently the whole reenactment was an instrument to make money for promoter Jonathan Holiff…and several non-profit organizations which were going to share in the booty from the concert.  Non profit??????

*****

Jackie Mason; always timely, truthful and very funny

Comedian Jackie Mason appeared at Zanies Nashville on Saturday night where he admittedly was trying out some new routines before bringing them to more hip locales like Broadway, LA or Chicago. Jackie Mason is a very funny man who is always truthful and entertaining at the same time. Portions of his new act were hilarious..and there were a few spots that needed some more work. All-in-all there were ample laughs for everyone.

His description of presidential candidate of Barack Obama's alleged qualifications were on target...and his description of the lack of qualifications of Hillary Clinton really hit the mark. His Arnold Schwarzenegger imitation was classic. And if you're tired of all the political correctness we're being subjected to...you'll really enjoy Jackie's apt description of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

The non-political side of his appearance was also funny and thought-provoking. His description of Americans flocking to see Niagara Falls will make you laugh until your sides ache.

On the right of me at ringside was a foursome of very intelligent folks who also appeared to be Bill Clinton supporters...but also laughed heartily at Mason's description of the former president's diddling with Monica Lewinsky.

On the other side of the coin ...to the left of the stage was a couple that had a blank, expressionless stare during half of the performance...finished their food and drink and disappeared into the night.