You gave no doubt heard of the term “Day Trip” before. Well, let me tell you, that term applies this wonder of a musical group. The 44’s have my written permission to take me back in time any day of the week!

This Los Angeles-based band has a load of musical talent. You can hear proof of that on the opening cut, “Hanging Tree.” They also have a knack for being able to recreate different musical sounds.

Take “Dixie” and “You’ll Be Mine,” for example. Both of these cuts sound like something Sam Phillips himself would have engineered for Sun Records way back when. They both have that new and fresh feel that Phillips was working hard to promote in the mid 1950s. Speaking of the “Bluff City,” the track sounds like something you might hear coming out of Beale Street during that same time period.

They know when to turn that personality-filled swagger loose, as well. “Cocaine” and “She’s Poison” both have an arresting groove, which the band performs admirably. Then there’s the stunner “Slip Slidin’ Thang,” which could very well be a dictionary entry for what a Blues guitar song should sound like! An impressive collection

For more information, log on to http://www.the44sband.com/

All proceeds from the event will go towards Musicians On Call (MOC) Nashville’s ongoing efforts to bring the healing power of music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities in Middle Tennessee. Tickets are available now on the MOC website and begin at $15 for General Admission and go up to $350 for a VIP table for four including meet & greet passes.

Doors open at 8:00PM with music beginning at 9:00PM.  The night promises to bring great country music and rowdy good times.  For more information on the event, ticket options, and auction items, please visit www.musiciansoncall.org/cwkickoff.

Special thanks to sponsors Durango and Roper for their continued support.

The performance is in celebration of the release of the RONNIE DUNN: SPECIAL EDITION album available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations on May 21.  The performance will be recorded for a radio special to be aired on Sirius XM radio.

Let the cowboys (and cowgirls) rock!!

The Stage
412 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
9:00 PM  Ronnie Dunn

Joining Kristofferson in donating their respective performances are: Los Lobos, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Divas, Nydia Rojas with Trio Ellas, and Los Tex-Maniacs featuring Mingo Saldivar.

Concert Series tickets are on sale now through each venue’s box office. A select number of VIP Artist’s Circle seats will be available. The Artist’s Circle seats include premium seating within the first eight rows, a limited edition commemorative concert poster, and a meet and greet opportunity with Kris Kristofferson & Friends after the show.

The Concert Series is produced by LatinPointe and Road Work Entertainment and is sponsored by Southwest Airlines.  The California Concert Series artist line-up and scheduled concert stops include:

Friday, June 15 – San Diego, CA – Spreckels Theatre, 8:00 pm
Kris Kristofferson &  Mariachi Divas

Saturday, June 16 – Fresno, CA – Warnors Center for the Performing Arts, 8:00 pm
Kris Kristofferson & Nydia Rojas with Trio Ellas

Monday, June 18 – Stockton, CA – The Bob Hope Theatre, 7:30 pm
Kris Kristofferson & TBD

Tuesday, June 19 – Bakersfield, CA – The Fox Theater, 8:00 pm
Kris Kristofferson & Los Lobos

Thursday, June 21 – Oxnard, CA – Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 7:30 pm
Kris Kristofferson & Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano

Friday, June 22 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic, 8:00 pm
Kris Kristofferson & Los Tex-Maniacs featuring Mingo Saldivar

Kristofferson achieved remarkable success as a country songwriter at the start of the 1970s. His songs “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “For the Good Times,” all chart-topping hits, helped redefine country songwriting. By 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson’s compositions.

His renown as a songwriter triggered Kristofferson’s successful career as a performer and that, in turn, brought him to the attention of Hollywood, leading to his flourishing career as a film actor. Kristofferson has acted in more than 70 films.  In 1977 He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in “A Star Is Born.”  He’s appeared in cult favorites including the “Blade” trilogy, “Lone Star,” “A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Blume In Love,” “Cisco Pike,” and “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.” Recent films include “Fast Food Nation,”  “Dreamer: Inspired By A True Story,” “The Jacket,” “Silver City,” “He’s Just Not That In To You,” and “Dolphin Tale.”

Heralded as an artist’s artist, the three-time GRAMMY winner has recorded 27 albums, including three with pals Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as part of the Highwaymen. Kristofferson has spent three decades performing concerts all over the world, in most recent years in a solo acoustic setting.

Kristofferson is an outspoken political and social activism.  “It’s an honor for me to share my talent with an organization such as the UFW and its cause of advancing the lives of thousands of workers that put food on all of our tables,” said Kristofferson.  “Joining forces with renowned Latino performers through these special performances offer fans great music with a great cause.”

The UFW is the oldest Latino organization to come out of the 1960’s civil rights movement and the largest farm worker organization in America.  The group continues to be at the forefront of protecting America’s farm workers, ensuring a safe and just food supply and a safe working environment, free from intimidation and threats to achieve a higher standard of living for them and their families.

Other scheduled UFW 50th Anniversary events include the UFW Awards (May 17th) and the UFW 50th Anniversary convention (May 18-20).  Both events will be held in Bakersfield, CA.  A distinguished group of entertainers, public officials, dignitaries and Hispanic national leaders lead by Helen Chavez, wife of founder Cesar Chavez, is co-chairing the 50th Anniversary celebration.

WINGS ON FIRE – the follow-up to 2010 Grammy nominated Whispering Pines recorded by Professor Louie & The Crowmatix – is their latest effort. The new release features 13 songs, 10 of which are originals… Americana with a twist.

Professor Louie’s rockin’ piano kicks off the album on “Down At The County” penned by Crowmatix collaborator Kevin Doherty, Ireland’s finest songwriter. The album also rocks with “Uncommon Love” and “Open Hand, Open Heart” by Prof. Louie & Miss Marie. There are sultry ballads such as “Book Faded Brown,” first produced by Prof. Louie for Hall Of Fame group The Band, and a spirited tune called “High Tech Wreck” co-written by Ed Sanders (The Fugs).

Original songs such as “Time Moves On” combine with Crowmatix covers of the George Jones hit “Color Of the Blues” and the classic Van Morrison / Band collaboration, “4% Pantomime” were recorded in honor of guest guitarist John Platania’s long stand with Van, and Louie’s years with The Band.

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix first started touring and recording their own music in 2001. Now, they play 150 shows annually throughout the world (2012 dates below). They have seven studio albums and two live recordings on The Woodstock Records label.

In 2010, Woodstock Records released Professor Louie & The Crowmatix CD Whispering Pines which was nominated in the first round of voting for five Grammy’s. In the Spring of 2011, Professor Louie was inducted into the South Canadian Blues Society Hall Of Fame with a special event and concert in Canada. On May 20th 2012, they will are being inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame.

Professor Louie & the Crowmatix have the distinct honor of being the only artists to have a live concert recording released by The New York State Museum entitled The Spirit Of Woodstock. Their Blues CD Century Of The Blues averaged # 20 for six months on the Radio Roots charts. Their music has consistently stayed on these charts for the past ten years.

Link to Order: http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=WR0036

TOUR DATES
5/12 – Pawling, NY – Towne Crier Cafe – 8pm
5/17 – New York, NY – Rodeo Bar – 10pm
5/19 – Thomson, GA – Blind Willie McTell Festival
5/20 – New York, NY – Kenny’s Castaways – 3pm
5/26 – Warwick, NY – Dylan Festival at Warick Valley Winery – Noon
5/27 – East Meredith, NY – West Kortright Centre – 8pm
6/10 – Warwick, NY – Winslow Rocks at Warick Valley Winery – Noon
6/11 – Rockland, ME – Time Out Blues Pub – 7pm
6/16 – Croton-on-Hudson, NY – Clearwater Festival in Croton Point Park
7/2 thru 16 – Professor Louie teaching piano, singing & accordion classes at McDaniel College
7/5 – Westminster, MD – McDaniel College Blues night – 8pm
7/7 – Westminster, MD – Roots Music and Arts Festival at Carroll County Farm Museum
7/11 – Sharon, MA – Memorial Park – 7pm
7/19 – Marlboro, NY – The Falcon – 7pm
7/22 – Greenwood Lake, NY – Johnny Ciao Blues Buffet Benefit at Murphys Tavern – 3pm
8/3 – Simcoe, Canada – The Friendship Festival
8/11 – Hudson, NY – Hudson Blues Festival
8/25 – Morrisville, PA – All Day Festival at Snipes Farm
8/26 – Old Saybrook, CT – Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center – 8pm
9/7 – Plattsburgh, NY – Battle Of Plattsburgh Commemoration Concert at City Hall – 7pm
9/8 – Norwich, NY – Colorscape Festival – 3pm
9/15 – Kincardine, ON – Kincardine Center for the Arts
9/29 – Shirley, MA – Bull Run Concert Series – 8pm
10/13 – Wellsville, NY – Wellsville Creative Arts Center – 8pm
10/14 – Buffalo, NY – Sportmen’s Tavern – 8pm
10/20 – Saratoga, NY – Caffe Lena – 8pm
11/3 – Teaneck, NJ – Stone House Music Club at Mexacali Live – 8pm
11/10 – Portsmouth, VA – New Colony Theatre – 9pm
11/11 – Portsmouth, VA – New Colony Theatre (performing with The Virginia Youth Orchestra) – 8pm
11/17 – Hudson Falls, NY – Hudson river Music Hall – 8pm
12/8 – Marlboro, NY – The Falcon – 7pm
12/11 – Rhincliff, NY – WKZE Christmas Party at the Rhinecliff Hotel – 7pm

With 10 songs among the year’s most-performed, Universal Music Publishing Group claimed the prestigious BMI Pop Publisher of the Year crystal.

Congratulations to all of our award-winning songwriters. A special congratulations to Ester Dean on her Songwriter of the Year achievement – we are honored to be your new publisher.

UMPG AWARD-WINNING SONGS

“ROLLING IN THE DEEP” – Adele
(UMPG publishing interest via Adele)

“SEPTEMBER” – Daughtry
(UMPG publishing interest via Chris Daughtry/Josh Steely)

“FOR THE FIRST TIME” – The Script
(UMPG publishing interest via
Danny O’Donoghue/Mark Sheehan)

“NOTHIN’ ON YOU” – B.o.B feat. Bruno Mars
(UMPG publishing interest via B.o.B)

“TONIGHT (I’M LOVIN’ YOU)” – Enrique Iglesias
(UMPG publishing interest via Lauren Christy)

“SUPER BASS” – Nicki Minaj
(UMPG publishing interest via Nicki Minaj)

“NEVER GONNA LEAVE THIS BED” – Maroon 5
(UMPG publishing interest via
Adam Levine/Jesse Carmichael/Mickey Madden)

“HEY BABY (DROP IT TO THE FLOOR)” – Pitbull
(UMPG publishing interest via T-Pain)

“YEAH 3X” – Chris Brown
(UMPG publishing interest via Chris Brown/Kevin McCall)

“WAITING FOR THE END” – Linkin Park
(UMPG publishing interest via
Chester Bennington/Rob Bourdon/Brad Delson/
Mike Shinoda/Dave Farrell/Joe Hahn)

“We can’t even express how excited we are to bring The Music Row Show to WSM and BlueHighways TV!  It’s an honor to be even a small part of WSM’s 86 year history and its musical legacy,” says co-host Scott Southworth.

Co-host Heino Moeller adds, “Plus to become a member of the BlueHighways TV family and its commitment to celebrating American music, art and culture is more than Scott and I ever imagined when we started the show.”

Broadcast live from Nashville, Tennessee, The Music Row Show, a weekly two-hour radio program, features hosts Scott Southworth and Heino Moeller, as they offer a welcoming and comfortable forum for their guests to talk about their craft and reveal adventures in the music business.  In 2007, Southworth and Moeller launched The Music Row Show on Nashville’s WLAC airwaves.

“We are so incredibly thankful for the almost five years we spent broadcasting from Nashville’s WLAC,” says Moeller.  “Without WLAC, we wouldn’t be where we are today.  We are forever grateful for all the opportunities they gave us.”

The Music Row Show’s popularity has soared since its debut, building a solid listenership and attracting an array of guests that includes some of the music industry’s most notable decisionmakers and recording artists.

“Scott and Heino have done an amazing job building such a loyal international fan base for The Music Row Show,” notes Tom English, General Manager 650 AM WSM. “We are very proud to now bring the duo to our legendary airwaves and introduce this video version of the show exclusively on BlueHighways TV.”

“Our viewers will love this video version of Scott and Heino’s The Music Row Show,” said Stan Hitchcock, Chairman and CEO of BlueHighways TV.  “Their entertaining delivery and keen knowledge of the music industry will connect with the BlueHighways TV audience. We are also pleased to partner with WSM, as it brings strong credentials to our television version of this popular radio program.”

Catch The Music Row Show on Sunday evenings on 650 AM WSM from 7-9 PM CT starting June 3.

Debut of BlueHighways TV edition of The Music Show Show TBA.  Bluehighways TV can be viewed in over 250 markets thoughout the nation.

June is a busy month for Miranda. She’s nominated for two CMT Music Awards for her Number 1 single, “Over You,” including “Video of the Year” and “Female Video of the Year. Her “On Fire” Tour continues throughout the month and she’ll make a stop in Beaumont, TX on June 22, to headline the 5th Annual Cause for the Paws concert benefitting her own MuttNation Foundation.  The concert takes place at Ford Park where she’ll be joined by special guests Wade Bowen and The Josh Abbott Band.  Tickets are available at the Ford Park Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com

Now, LOUIS PRIMA JR. (www.louisprimajr.com) is stretching the boundaries between the swing and rock eras, turning up the fire and adding blistering energy to a batch of Prima classics on Return of the Wildest!, his debut album on Warrior Records/Universal Music Distribution.

Prima Jr.’s debut album draws from his legendary father’s catalog, while revving up and dynamically re-imagining the songs for the current generation with eclectic, ever-evolving tastes. With fifty years of Prima music to choose from, the entertainer had a wealth of material to work with and ultimately chose songs that fit in best with the strengths of his band. The set list on Return of the Wildest!, as in his live shows, includes a mix of familiar classics (“Jump, Jive, An’ Wail,” “Just A Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody”) and award-winning gems not immediately associated with Prima (“Oh Babe,” “Sunday Kind Of Love”).

Recording Return Of The Wildest! at The Tone Factory in Las Vegas (owned by longtime friend Vinnie Castaldo, who co-produced the album with Prima), Prima Jr. went old school, recording mostly live, as his father did, to maintain the energy and flow of the music. He recorded the rhythm section live in three days, then the horns in two and vocals in one. To ensure that the live energy translated to the final product, he bucked conventional modern wisdom, and while doing a bit of editing, didn’t do any major Pro Tools fixes.

Louis Prima Jr. has traveled a long road to carry on his father’s amazing legacy— starting with the drums at age five, piano at seven, guitar at eleven, and eventually the trumpet through his high school years. His professional journey began in the ’80s, fronting rock bands until he finally settled into his father’s style and music. Since 1995, Prima Jr. has juggled a part-time music career while raising his two children and working as a food and beverage manager.

While he had been dabbling with the current concept since the mid-2000s and performed off and on in the intervening years, Prima Jr. finally felt right about committing full-time to recording and performing again when he found band mates who were as dedicated as he was to making it happen.

These past few years, working with a powerhouse eight-piece, brass infused band called The Witnesses—the same name Louis Sr. called his trusty backing cats—46-year-old Prima Jr. has been touring the world, celebrating his dad’s legacy with what he calls, “an updated sound, what my father would be doing now if he were still with us. He always evolved with the times. In the ’70s, he had a preeminent Hammond B-3 player and rock guitarist playing with him. If he had amps and today’s technology available, he would sound like us.”

“My goal was to create a show in my father’s style but with a contemporary vibe and rock twist that would be like no other,” he says. “It was important for me to find a group of musicians who, like me, believed in creating something unique. I didn’t just want part-time chart readers, but musicians with whom I could create a cohesive sound, guys who live and breathe music. The four-piece rhythm section has hundreds of years of combined playing experience, and all are, like me, seasoned rock musicians who believe in the power of performance. My three-piece horn line has some young California cats that grew up listening to and studying my father’s music and know how to entertain.”

Joining Prima Jr.’s band of seasoned rock musicians is renowned singer, actress and musical theater performer Sarah Spiegel.

While many large ensembles have members rotating in and out based on availability, this “family” of Witnesses has more of a rock mentality, in which the band that plays together, stays together—and plays together as friends after the shows are done.

Anyone who comes to hear a mere “tribute show” should be prepared to have their socks knocked off – or stay away. Prima Jr. isn’t keen on nostalgia – he comes to rock!

Bringing a new energy and current attitude to the music, Prima Jr. and his band are less concerned about reliving the past than about creating a future for it. More than a tribute show, like the kind you might see in a supper club, he has created a bona fide rock act that pays tribute in a concert atmosphere.

Since their recent breakout performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (aka Jazz Fest) in Prima Sr.’s hometown, the ensemble has performed everywhere from Seattle to Palermo, from small clubs, performing arts centers and major casino showrooms to some of the largest music festivals in the world.

One of the highlights of this musical odyssey, and a proud moment in Jr.’s life, was on July 25, 2010, the year Louis Sr. would have turned 100. Prima Jr., Spiegel and The Witnesses were present when the legend received his long overdue posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Prima Jr. accepted the star on his father’s behalf, and then Prima Jr. and his band performed a rousing homage to his father, that had the thousands of spectators and paparazzi dancing in the street, turning Hollywood and Vine into Mardi Gras.

One of the keys to the success of Prima Jr.’s live show (and, for those who haven’t yet had the experience, the recording) is that, despite his dad’s iconic designation as the “King of Swing,” the band doesn’t lean solely on that form. Interestingly, Prima Jr. has always believed that Prima Sr.’s vibe was more rooted in New Orleans street music and Southern Dixieland than in swing. “The brilliance of it is that it’s accessible to any genre,” he says, “and it’s not swing; it’s Prima!”

“We’re not reinventing the wheel musically,” Prima Jr. adds. “This is more about reintroducing entertainment to the entertainment business. We have a set list, but our concerts are not completely pre-planned. We breathe a lot of new energy into this music, by virtue of the pool of life and musical experiences everyone draws on. On everything from ‘Just A Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody’ to ‘Las Vegas Woman’ to ‘Night Train,’ we’re about being louder, brasher and faster, bringing happy music and a good time back to the masses. Since the dawn of time, music has been about escape and celebration. I’m not sure what’s happened in recent years, where music is about glorifying all that’s wrong. Our show is about escaping, forgetting the world exists for an hour, tapping your toes and sweating a little.”

Prima Jr. infuses that live rock and roll feel into the ten tracks on Return of the Wildest!—whose title is a sly wink back at Prima Sr.’s 1956 Grammy Hall of Fame album The Wildest!, which captured that generation of listeners with its innovative mix of rock and roll, jump blues, jazz and eccentric humor.

“As in the live show,” Prima Jr. says, “I chose songs that showed off my band. Creating arrangements was kind of frightening, though. I mean, how do you change a brilliant piece of material, yet stay true to its roots? My biggest compliment came from my mother, Gia Prima, who performed with my father from ’62 till his passing. She loved the arrangements. I had the benefit of following around a genius for the first part of my life, listening to and studying his music. I also had a brilliant band director in school who taught me about classical and jazz theory… and then there are those rock and roll influences.”

“So, in a way, it’s very easy to do,” he adds. “Yet it only happens because I have the privilege of playing off of the strengths of my versatile band. I’m not trying to be my father, but it’s exciting to take his music to this place where so many generations of fans can enjoy it. I’m doing this to the best of my ability, and, judging by the fans’ reactions, so far I think I’m doing a pretty good job!”

Since the 2010 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Prima Jr. has performed hundreds of shows for fans of all ages around the world.

34 years after Prima Sr. passed away, and 76 years after the iconic bandleader penned the defining Big Band classic “Sing Sing Sing,” one thing is clear: the world still has a voracious appetite to laugh, be happy, dance and “Jump Jive An’ Wail.”

For more, visit www.louisprimajr.com

Goodbye Normal Street has been very well-received by the press, with coverage ranging from The Wall Street Journal to MTV Hive to MSN Music to The San Antonio Express News. The Aquarian Weekly said of the album, “The whole disc takes the listener through a rollercoaster of emotions… The passion on this record is palpable.”  Blurt said, “… the Turnpike Troubadours have evolved from the hard-bitten road warriors their handle implies into a band of musical journeymen of a distinctly blue-collar variety.” AOL The Boot  stated, “When a band puts on a killer live show, the intricacies of their music don’t always translate to a recorded album. Not so with the Turnpike Troubadours.”

The 11-songs on Goodbye Normal Street feature an intricate blend of roots rock, folk, raw country and bluegrass, sprinkled with pop sensibilities. However, the Troubadours’ strengths are in the quality of their songwriting and their incredible live shows, which is why their fan base has grown steadily since their inception. Their 2009 release, Diamonds & Gasoline sold over 30,000 copies independently and the band has been selling out shows, playing to over 1000 people on many nights.

For Turnpike Troubadours tour dates, go to http://turnpiketroubadours.com/pg/tour-dates

Presented by Kroger and sponsored in part by Nashville Smiles, Pinnacle Financial Partners and Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, the day will also feature live performances on two stages, including performances by The Randolphs, Runaway Home, Platinum Rose featuring Charlie Wayne Morrill, as well as demonstrations by Shin’s Martial Arts (which has participated in the event since 1978), dance and musical groups, theYMCA and more. The event also boasts food from local restaurateurs, concessions, rides and attractions for kids.  Best of all, admittance to the event and its shows are FREE. The Bellevue Community Picnic is the longest constantly running event in Middle Tennessee, having been held since 1978. For more information on the event, please visit www.thebellevuechamber.com or call 662-2737.

In just over two short years, “Larry’s Country Diner” has become a favorite “eatery” of country fans everywhere. Airing Thursday night at 7 P.M. CST/8 P.M EST, Friday morning at 9 A.M. CST/10 A.M. EST, or Saturday evening at 10 P.M. CST/11 P.M. EST on RFD-TV (check local listings for exact airtimes),the nostalgic down-home variety show serves up a generous portion of country music from its menu which features the stars of yesterday and today. Taped bi-monthly in front of a live studio/diner audience at NorthStar Studios (3201 Dickerson Pike, Nashville),the Diner is so popular that reservations for a seat to view a live taping of the show extend well into 2013.

“We can’t wait to bring a sampling of our show to the community,” says Larry Black, host and creator of “Larry’s Country Diner.”  “We are also looking forward to making our big announcement, which will be exciting for everyone,” Black baits with a smile.

For more information, visit www.cfrvideos.com

That’s exactly what happened when Ruby Jane hit town, though. She wound up touring with both Nelson and Benson’s Asleep at the Wheel, and sharing stages regularly with Gibbons and other stars. Now 17, Ruby Jane — who was 10 when she became the youngest artist ever invited to play the Grand Ole Opry — is releasing her debut album, CELEBRITY (EMPIRE OF EMPTINESS), June 19 on her own Vinyl Records label.

She’s already performed with her own band at Lollapalooza and the Austin City Limits Festival (for which the Austin Chronicle named her festival MVP in 2011), showcased multiple times at South By Southwest and racked up other accolades like most high-school kids rack up soccer or chess club scores. When she graduates in June from her online high school, she’ll be delivering the Salutatorian speech as the No. 2-ranked student. It’s a safe bet she’s seen a bit more of the world than her classmates and will be able to offer more wisdom than most kids her age. And this summer, she’ll add to her travels with tour stops in Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Finland.

“No two shows are ever alike,” says Ruby Jane, who likens performing to an out-of-body experience. “They are organic, in-the-moment, improvisational variations. The shows compliment the CD, not repeat it.”

Clearly, the stage is her natural habitat. That’s no surprise, considering that she picked up a fiddle at age 2. Now she’s an accomplished guitarist as well, and features both — as well as her spectral vocals — on CELEBRITY, which she co-produced with Bradley Hartman. She’s coming along as a songwriter, too, as she exhibits in this collection of folk-pop originals (and one notable cover: Wilco’s “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart”).

“The songs I’m writing now are my future,” Ruby Jane says. For a 17-year-old to know what she wants to do with that future is impressive enough. But if she ever needs advice, she’s got a really impressive list of people to ask.

For hi-res album art, images, links and more, visit www.mcguckinpr.com

The article, published in the Boot, stated, “Among [Merle Haggard's] favorite newbies are Hunter Hayes, Jamey Johnson and fellow icon Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson.” The stamp-of-approval from one of the genre’s greats comes on the heels of the release of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s second full-length album, Wasted, which has been racking up rave reviews from coast the coast.

The latest praise comes from the Aquarian Weekly, which writes, “Wasted by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real proved to be a phenomenal album. With its irrefutable energy and emotionally relatable lyrics, the CD is heartwarming and enjoyable. It contains universal ideas, such as the struggle of unrequited love, friendship, and having pride in where you come from.”

The Austin Chronicle loves the band too: “There’s an identifiable vibe, not unlike the one the Band had,” while the Arizona Reporter states, “The largely female, enthusiastic crowd kept their eyes open, because Nelson’s energetic stage presence is a treat.”

And now they have yet another musical offering from Nelson to write home about. The 23-year-old singer/songwriter/guitarist teamed up with his father, Willie Nelson, to contribute to several tracks on Willie’s new record, Heroes, which released May 15 on Legacy Records.

Lukas appears on 10 of the 14 tracks of the album, including such songs as Lukas’ own “Sound Of Your Memory”, “No Place To Fly” and “Every Time He Drinks He Thinks Of Her,” as well as Eddie Vedder’s “Just Breathe” and “Come On Up to the House” with Sheryl Crow (written by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan), among others.

“It’s so great to get this chance to work with my father,” says Lukas. “I love when I get a chance to duet and sing harmony with my dad. We do sing a lot together. And, I really liked the Eddie Vedder song we did. I ran into Eddie and he said he heard it and he gave me big love and hugged me.”

Lukas and Willie have also been promoting the new record with a string of radio and television appearances, starting with an exclusive album premiere special on SiriusXM Radio on Willie’s Roadhouse channel that debuted on May 14. Check out video of the performance of “Just Breathe,” here: http://youtu.be/bausG809hv0. Spin.com notes “Lukas’ solo at the 3:14 mark is particularly nice.”

The stop at SiriusXM was followed by a live performance of Willie and Lukas, backed by Promise of the Real and Willie’s band, on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon where they performed “Just Breathe” (see video of episode here: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/monday-may-14-2012/1401740/#.T7K_mcn3rzY.email) and a web exclusive of “It’s Flooding Down In Texas” (see video clip here:  http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/willie-nelson-its-flooding-down-in-texas-51412/1401608#.T7KrVVbb7QA.email ). And a New York Times feature with Willie and Lukas also ran on May 13, go here to read: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/13/arts/music/willie-nelsons-new-album-heroes-features-his-son-lukas.html

Meanwhile, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real are wrapping up for the first leg of their heavy touring schedule in support of their new record WASTED. Tour in support of The first leg runs through June 16 and then the band will turn to the festival circuit for shows in early July, another headline tour in Aug, and then to Canada touring with John Fogerty as a part of his17 show cross Canadian tour.

The Wasted Tour dates (more dates to be announced):

5/2/12, Atlanta, GA         The Center Stage – Vinyl
5/3/12, Huntsville, AL     AM Booth’s Lumberyard
5/4/12, Columbus, MS    Market Street Festival
5/5/12, Hot Springs, NC  French Broad River Festival
5/7/12, Birmingham, AL  Workplay Theater
5/8/12, Nashville, TN      12th & Porter
5/10/12, Wilmington, NC   The Whiskey
5/11/12, Nags Head, NC   Kelly’s
5/12/12, Charlotte, NC     Visulite Theatre
5/13/12, Charleston, SC   The Pour House
5/15/12, Richmond, VA   Canal Club
5/17/12, Baltimore, MD   Baltimore Soundstage
5/18/12, Philadelphia, PAThe Blockley
5/19/12, Adren, DE         Arden Gild Hall
5/21/12, Vienna, VA        Jammin Java
5/23/12, Burlington, VT  Nectar’s
5/24/12, Portland, ME     Empire Dine and Dance
5/25/12, Hartford, CT      Arch Street Tavern
5/30/12, Cambridge, MA  Middle East – Upstairs
5/31/12, New York, NY   Highline Ballroom
6/2/12, Hunter, NY          Mountain Jam Festival
6/3/12, Pittsburgh, PA     Hard Rock Café
6/5/12, Columbus, OH     Woodlands Tavern
6/7/12, Grass Valley, CA  The Center for the Arts
6/8/12, Piercy, CA          Riverview Ranch
6/9/12, Santa Rosa, CA    Last Day Saloon
6/12/12, St. Louis, MO    Old Rock House
6/13/12, Kansas City, MO    Knuckleheads
6/14/12, Benton, AR       Denton’s Back Porch
6/16/12, Dallas, TX         Cambridge Room
7/6/12, Cavendish, PEI    Cavendish, Festival
7/7/12, Cavendish, PEI    Cavendish Festival
7/8/12, Ottawa, ON         Ottawa Blues Festival
7/9/12, Calgary, AB        Calgary Stampede
7/12/12, Lansing, MI       Common Ground Festival
7/20/12, Selma, OR         Gathering of the Tribes Festival
7/25/12, Seal Beach, CA  Eisenhower Park
7/26/12, Fresno, CA        Fulton 55
7/28/12, Los Angeles, CA    Roxy Theatre
8/1/12, Big Sky, MT       Town Center
8/3/12, Bond, CA            Yarmony Grass Festival
8/4/12, Park City, UT      Canyons Resort
8/12/12, Darrington, WA  Summer Meltdown Festival

For more information visit www.promiseofthereal.com

The BMI Tailgate Party is free and open to the public. A limited amount of parking will be available at LP Field each night for $15 cash-only on a first come, first serve basis.

Brent Cobb, Florida Georgia Line, Hogslop String Band, Kristen Kelly, Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll Boys, Chancie Neal, the Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson), Mo Pitney, Trent Summar and the New Row Mob, Kenny Vaughan, and the World Famous Headliners (Big Al Anderson, Shawn Camp, and Pat McLaughlin) will all perform on the BMI Tailgate Party stage.

For fans who want to attend the Nightly Concerts at LP Field after the BMI Tailgate Party, tickets are still available. Fans are advised to purchase tickets in advance, as LP Field has sold out the last two years. Tickets to the individual Nightly Concerts are $40 (plus applicable handling fees) for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field. Fans can purchase their tickets through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000. They can also purchase them through CMAfest.com or by calling 1 (800) CMA-FEST (262-3378). A complete list of talent for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field can be found at CMAfest.com.

THE BMI TAILGATE PARTY AT 2012 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL LINEUP

Thursday, June 7: Brent Cobb, Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson)

Friday, June 8: Kristen Kelly, Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll Boys, Trent Summar and the New Row Mob

Saturday, June 9: Florida Georgia Line, Chancie Neal, Mo Pitney

Sunday, June 10: Hogslop String Band, Kenny Vaughan, World Famous Headliners (Big Al Anderson, Shawn Camp, and Pat McLaughlin)

The BMI Tailgate Party at the CMA Music Festival exemplifies both organizations’ continued dedication to supporting songwriters at all levels. BMI’s layered approach to songwriter development comprises educational, creative, and promotional opportunities, including the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre, Jason Blume Songwriters, and Jazz Composers Workshops; 8 off 8th, Pick of the Month, and Acoustic Lounge showcase series; and stages at other premier festivals including Lollapalooza, South By Southwest, the Key West Songwriters Festival, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival. BMI has also been a strong supporter of the CMA Songwriters Series, now in its eighth year, which has performed shows in Belfast, Boston, Chicago, Dublin, London, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, and Washington D.C.

For more information, visit CMAfest.com. Connect with CMA online at CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA and Twitter.com/CountryMusic.