Willie Nelson News

Jerry Lee Lewis, one of the original Million Dollar Quartet along with Elvis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, is one of the all-time best singer-songwriters, musicians and pianists. A true American stylist, he is an architect of great genres such as rock n' roll and rockabilly as well as a commander of country music and the blues. "The Killer" holds numerous awards including Grammys and the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award. Don't miss the first great "wildman" of rock as he makes his Sarasota debut on Sunday, January 27 at 7 p.m. - LIVE at the Van Wezel!

Gabrielle Stravelli - the celebrated pop/jazz vocalist and songwriter described as a "lighthouse of emotional integrity" by Downbeat and as a "quadruple threat and force to be reckoned with" by jazz icon Bob Dorough - will preview her upcoming album "Pick Up My Pieces: Gabrielle Stravelli Sings Willie Nelson" with four concerts at Birdland Theater on Tuesday, January 1 and Wednesday, January 2 with shows at 7:00 PM and 9:45 PM. The CD is dedicated to the music and life of the "Red Headed Stranger," and covers the full spectrum of Nelson's catalogue: from early hits like "Three Days" and "Blame It On The Times" to favorites from his blockbuster album of American standards like "Stardust," and eternal classics like "Crazy" and "Nightlife." Stravelli will weave in stories from Nelson's famously colorful personal life and storied 50-plus year career, while honoring and reimagining the music of one of America's greatest songwriters. She will be joined by Joshua Richman on piano, Art Hirahara on organ, Pat O'Leary on bass, Eric Halvorson on drums and Scott Robinson on saxophone and trumpet.

Julio Iglesias, one of the most popular Latin artists in history with over 300 million albums sold worldwide, brings his 50 Year Anniversary tour to the Majestic Theatre (224 E. Houston St.) in San Antonio, TX on February 27, 2019 at 8PM. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, December 19 at 10AM.

Gabrielle Stravelli - the celebrated pop/jazz vocalist and songwriter described as a "lighthouse of emotional integrity" by Downbeat and as a "quadruple threat and force to be reckoned with" by jazz icon Bob Dorough - will preview her upcoming album "Pick Up My Pieces: Gabrielle Stravelli Sings Willie Nelson" with four concerts at Birdland Theater

The Country Music Association has announced its new international artist-focused touring series, aptly titled Introducing Nashville, which launches in March of 2019 in Australia and New Zealand featuring Brandy Clark, Devin Dawson, Lindsay Ell and Tenille Townes (Australia leg only) followed by an industry event in Tokyo, Japan including Frankie Ballard. Tickets for Australia and New Zealand are on sale here. 

Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:

At the annual Wheeling Jamboree Christmas show, headliner Tim Atwood was surprised during his performance with a very special invitation. An invitation to become an official member of The Wheeling Jamboree, one of the last remaining country music shows of its kind, second only to The Grand Ole Opry. This honor came as a total surprise to Tim as Dave Heath, president of the organization, interrupted him between songs and made the formal announcement.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer, Tyler Childers, will continue his extensive headline tour in 2019 with stops at Fort Worth's Billy Bob's, Austin's Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater, Houston's Lawn at White Oak Music Hall, New Orleans' Civic Theatre and Charleston's Charleston Music Hall among many others. Tickets for the newly announced shows go on sale this Friday, December 14 at 10:00am local time. See below for complete details.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer,Anderson East, is nominated for “Best American Roots Performance” for his song “All On My Mind” at the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards. The awards ceremony will be broadcast on CBS live from Los Angeles' Staples Center on Sunday, February 10 at 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT.  

Jaguar Grace has quickly proven herself to be a musical force in 2018. The artist who has recently released her single for 'To All The Girls I've Loved Before' brings elements of Pop and Rock into the mix with electro laced goodness throughout.

Billy Bob's is the home of big-name concerts, bull riding and chicken fried steak with a reputation as gigantic as the state itself. With a new dance floor, Billy Bob's Texas fans will be two-stepping throughout the month of December with top name entertainers from the past, present and future gracing its historic stage.

The McCallum Theatre presents Mariachi Sol de Mexico® and Merri-Achi Christmas on Sunday, December 16, at 7:00pm. The show is a colorful and traditional Mexican holiday celebration full of seasonal songs, dance, and festive merriment performed by one of the nation's premier ensembles, Mariachi Sol de Mexico® de Jose Hernandez. How is Christmas celebrated in the southwest? With traditional carols played by a mariachi, of course! Mariachi Sol de Mexico® brings to life a festive, joyous holiday celebration with the blazing sounds of its 13 piece ensemble.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing has renewed its worldwide deal with Grammy-winning and Golden Globe nominated songwriter, musician and producer Joel Little.

As the 2nd annual “Heal The Music Day” wraps for 2018, more than 170 members of the music community – songwriters, musicians, performers, artist managers, publishers, business managers, record labels, trade organizations and more – pledged a percentage of their single-day revenues to support their fellow musicians and peers in the industry in times of medical crisis. With $300,000 raised in support of Music Health Alliance, every dollar donated equals $30 in life-saving healthcare resources. Music Health Alliance's free services range from access to doctors and hospitals, medicine, health insurance and finding financial assistance during times of illness.

GRAMMY® winners Vince Gill, Don Henley, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, and Mavis Staples; and GRAMMY nominee Linda Perry will join the performance lineup at the 2019 MusiCares® Person of the Year tribute concert honoring Dolly Parton on Feb. 8. Previously announced performers include Leon Bridges, Lauren Daigle, Norah Jones, Shawn Mendes, P!nk, Mark Ronson, and Chris Stapleton. GRAMMY winner Dolly Parton will close the evening's performances. Greg Phillinganes will be the musical director. More guest performers will be announced shortly.

Buck Meek has announced a run of U.S. dates supporting Jeff Tweedy on his solo tour. Beginning in February 2019, the pair will make their way through the Midwest and South; show details are below, more dates to be announced. Meek released his self-titled debut earlier this year on Keeled Scales to the praise of fans and critics alike. The ten-track collection dubbed 'jumpy and electrifying as an ungrounded wire' by NPR solidified Meek's power as a solo performer. He shared his lyrically luminous stories across the country and abroad, playing shows with Margaret Glaspy, Sam Evian and more and filling a coveted slot at Willie Nelson's Luck Reunion.Buck Meek is currently in its second pressing.

It wasn't the Country Music Awards or Grammy Awards at the new Birdland Theater last night but it sure seemed like it. An overflow audience for the Victoria Shaw concert got a surprise as Victoria called up two of her friends who were in the audience……..Desmond Child, and then Kristin Chenoweth each sang a number. Even Jim Caruso who has hosted every famous person on the planet whipped out his cell phone camera for this one.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Booker T. Jones will bring his band to Newton North High School today, November 17, 2018, at 7:30PM.  Proceeds from the "Songs and Stories from the Birth of Soul' concert will support the work of Historic Newton. Tickets and information are available now at newtonma.gov/bookert.

Texas-born, Nashville based newcomer Abi has debuted an exclusive new track, “Little Landmines,” available now via One Country Records. The upbeat, foot stomping track - available on stream-only platforms - serves as a thank you to Abi's fans for their support during her incredible breakout year.  For “Little Landmines,” Abi enlisted the help of famed songwriters Sarah Emily Berrios (Carrie Underwood), Allen Shamblin (Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban), and Marc Beeson (LeAnn Rimes, Marina McBride) to create a track that captures all of the elements that have endeared her to the country music world - a hooky chorus, a heartfelt story, and a sensational voice. “Little Landmines,” is available for streaming HERE.

The TEN Tenors, one of Australia's most famous musical exports, return to the WYO Theater on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30pm to perform repertoire from their hit album Our Christmas Wish.  Opening the evening will be a 15 person local choir directed by Suzie Schatz-Hills.  Selections from the Ten Tenors include traditional standards such as 'Joy to the World' and 'O Holy Night,' as well as John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over),' 'Feliz Navidad' by Jose Feliciano, 'White Christmas' by Irving Berlin, and Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You.'