The thing that got my attention about this story is that this sort of thing happens at almost every concert.  It doesn’t always happen in the front row right in front of the singer, but it happens further back on the floor and the upper levels.  I have probably been able to attend more concerts than the average music fan because of my job.  Concert tickets are one of the perks of the job.  Anyway, having been to many concerts over the years, there is rarely an event that goes by without some kind of scuffle, and they are almost always alcohol related.  Someone spills a beer on someone else.  Someone is too intoxicated to control themself and they bump into or fall on someone else, and usually a fight follows.  Seen it many times.  The big loser in this is the fan who is simply there to have a good time, or the parent who wants to bring their kid to see their favorite singer.  I have found the best thing to do if you see someone around you cursing, falling or out of control at a concert is to simply find a security guard or police officer and let them know what’s going on.  It’s the easiest way to fix the problem, and you can do it without the person in question even knowing you did it.  You’re not a tattle-tale, and the people around you will probably thank you for it.

What’s the point of this blog?  Concerts are supposed to be fun, so go have fun, but please be respectful to those around you.  Especially if there are kids around.

Lots of concerts & CD’s coming soon.  See previous blog for more info.  Media Race at Five Flags Speedway is August 1st.  Be sure to go cheer for Marty who has won three of the last five races! 

Have a good week!  Thank you military men & women!  God Bless.

Watched Nashville Star last night for the first time.  I missed the premier last Monday (had to work late) so last night was my first look at the contestants.  A couple blogs ago, I made a prediction that we would see our first real star come from that show.  I think it’s too soon to stand behind that statement right now.  At this point, I think I may have spoke too soon.  Don’t get me wrong, there is some good talent on the show this year, but there’s also some really bad talent.  So far, I think they have eliminated the right people, and with any luck, Justin Gaston will be next.  After seeing Justin and “Third Town”, I can’t help but wonder HOW DID THESE PEOPLE MAKE IT ON THE SHOW????  Honestly!!  How bad were the people they were competing against???  Off the top of my head, I can think of four or five people from right here in Escambia/Santa Rosa County that are better than some of the contestants this year.  I do like the Navy guy Tommy Stanley and Gabe Garcia.  I think they will be there for a while.  We’ll see. 

On a totally different subject, I have been meaning to let you know that WXBM and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital are looking for Change Bandits.  We usually ask for Change Bandits in the weeks leading up to our annual RadioThon at the hospital, but we’re making it a year-round thing now.  It’s real easy.  We’ll give you a jar to collect spare change in.  That’s it.  Then at the RadioThon in March, you bring your change to the hospital and donate it to the Children’s Hospital.  It’s a real easy way to help out, and you would be amazed at how fast that change adds up.  Also looking for businesses to participate.  If you are a business owner and want to put a collection jar on the counter next to your cash register for customers to help out, we’d love to have you on board with this.  There are no prizes.  It’s not a contest.  It’s just something you do out of the kindness of your heart.  It involves very little effort, and just like the money raised at the RadioThon, every cent of the money stays here at OUR children’s hospital to help OUR kids.  Just something to think about.  If you ever have any questions, call me personally.  I’ll be happy to tell you more about it.  I’m on air from 2-7 weekdays.  Call 310-9102 or 1-800-626-9926.

Upcoming CD’s

6/24

Mark Chesnutt - “Rollin’ With The Flow“

7/15

Randy Travis - “Around The Bend“

7/22 

SugarLand - “Love On The Inside”

Taylor Swift - “Beautiful Eyes” - Wal-Mart only

7/29

Heidi Newfield - (untitled)

8/5

Keith Anderson - “C’mon“

Jo Dee Messina - (untitled)

8/19

Jimmy Wayne - “Do You Believe Me Now“

9/16

Faith Hill - (untitled Christmas CD)

Carter’s Chord - “Carter’s Chord“

Late Summer/Fall ‘08

Taylor Swift

Eric Church

Keith Urban

Upcoming Concerts

7/4

Lee Greenwood - Wharf in Orange Beach

7/5

Montgomery Gentry & Ashton Shepherd - Wharf in Orange Beach

7/19

Mark Chesnutt - Biloxi Saenger Theatre

7/24

Brooks & Dunn, Rodney Atkins & James Otto - Wharf in Orange Beach

7/26

Willie Nelson & BB King - Wharf in Orange Beach

9/19

Gretchen Wilson - Hard Rock Hotel Biloxi

11/7

Phil Vassar - Hard Rock Hotel Biloxi

11/13

Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson - Biloxi

Pay For Play is still going on.  Visit www.wxbm.com for more details on that and the new scooter we’re giving away.  As always, thanks for listening and making WXBM the #1 radio station on the gulf coast for 17 years!!!  We can’t thank you enough.  Also, thanks to our military men & women and your families.  God Bless.

First thing I wanted to talk about is the new Jessica Simpson single called “Come On Over”.  Gotta be honest.  The first thing I thought when I heard she was making a country record was “what a joke”.  I didn’t have high expectations at all.  With that said, I really like the song!  Of course it will take more than one song to determine if the album will be the real deal, but so far, so good.  I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to my country music.  I think there is definitely room for the “new” country, but I like my country music to sound at least a little like country music….if you know what I mean.  I’m just afraid of fading pop and rock stars just throwing stuff out there and hoping it sticks to the wall so they get a hit song.  I could be wrong.  Maybe they are true country fans who have always dreamed of recording a country record and writing country songs.  I guess what I’m starting to learn is, good music is good music no matter what the artist background.  I just wonder if some of these artists flop on country radio, will they put out a rap album?  Or a heavy metal album?  Time will tell.

Another thing in the news this week is the new Sugarland record.  The first single is called “All I Want To Do”, and you can hear it on WXBM.  They are going to release the album in two phases.  First copy of the CD comes out July 22nd and will have five bonus tracks and a special booklet.  Phase two comes out July 29th, and will NOT have the five bonus tracks or the booklet.  So obviously if you’re a big Sugarland fan, get it on the 22nd!!  By the way, 17 songs on the CD that comes out on the 22nd, and 12 songs on the later release.

 Taylor Swift has been busy.  She’s recording a new cd that should be out before the end of the year, and she’s a big part of CMA’s Music Festival (formerly Fan Fair).  She will be one of the featured performers this year and she’ll be signing autographs non-stop from 10a-4p on June 7th!!  Remember that time Garth signed for something like 28 hours without a break?  I think Taylor’s autograph session will be the longest of any artist this year.  One of the major TV networks will be there to record all the shows and some backstage stuff for a summer/fall special.  Taylor is also performing on the opening night of Nashville Star June 9th on NBC.

Pay For Play is still happening.  Listen to 102.7 WXBM for complete details or visit www.wxbm.com for other contests, concert calendar, pics, listen live etc etc.  Thank you military men & women for your service & dedication to our country.  God Bless.

This year’s winner gets a record deal on the Warner Brothers label, and John Rich of Big & Rich will produce it.  John has written a ton of hit songs for Gretchen Wilson, Faith Hill, Keith Anderson, Jason Aldean and many more.  He knows what he’s doing. 

John Rich will also be a judge this year along with Jeffrey Steele and Jewel.  Got to admit I’m not all that crazy about Jewel being a judge, but we’ll see.  I know she has a country CD on the way (June 3rd “Perfectly Clear”), but I’d rather see someone like Blake Shelton, Randy Owen or Phil Vassar come back.  We’ll see, I could be wrong.  Jeffrey Steele is another guy who knows what he’s doing.  He has written songs for Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw Leann Rimes, Trace Adkins, Steve Holy & many more.  In years past, NS has had Bret Michaels (another artist who tried to go country)  as a juge for a whole season.  Also had WWE ‘rassler John Cena, Scott Weiland from the rock band Stone Temple Pilots and Duff McKeegan from Guns N’ Roses as guest judges.  Hate to be a jerk about it, but who cares what they have to say?  Not me.  For a while it was like they weren’t taking the show as serious as they should. 

A few rule changes this year too.  They have dropped the minimum age from 18 to 16.  Also letting two and three person groups on the show.  One thing that is different about NS vs. American Idol is that the NS contestants must play an insturment and write original music.  AI is more of a big karaoke contest.  I think NS would see better singers if they did away with that rule, but I get where they’re coming from.  They want the total package, not just a good voice.

I’ll be watching!!  Hope it lives up to the hype.  Nashville Star starts June 9th at 8:30pm our time on NBC.  If you miss an episode, CMT will re-run the shows on a weekly basis  starting Saturday, June 14th, and then moving to its regular time-slot, Friday’s at 7pm. 

Couple other quick things.  Pay for Play still going on.  Betty Townsend of Pensacola won $500 cash for counting 50 songs last week!!  Congrats Betty!  We do Pay for Play weekdays on WXBM.  Tune in for details or check our website at www.wxbm.com   New CD release dates & concerts listed on a blog below.  Check that out for details.  Listen to Marty & Linda at 7:35 and 9:35am 5/27-5/30 for the Montgomery Gentry “song of the day”.  When you hear that song, be the 15th caller on the request lines to win two tickets to the Montgomery Gentry & Ashton Shepherd concert 7/5 at the Wharf in Orange Beach.  As always thanks to our military for your service and dedication to this great country. 

Top Male Vocalist - Brad Paisley - I think this was one of the few awards that wasn’t a “no-brainer”.  Any one of the nominees could have taken this one.  I like that Brad won, but if I had a vote it would have been for George Strait. 

Top Female Vocalist - Carrie Underwood - No-brainer on this one.  No disrespect to the other nominees, but Carrie is in a league of her own right now.

Top Vocal Group - Rascal Flatts - No doubt they were going to win this one.  I feel that the Academy should combine the Top Vocal Group and Top Vocal Duo Awards to make things a little more interesting. 

Top Vocal Duo - Brooks & Dunn - I felt like this was the other award that could have gone to several of the other nominees.   I think Sugarland will take over this category next year.

Top New Male Vocalist - Jack Ingram - I really like all three of the nominees & glad Jack won.

Top New Female Vocalist - Taylor Swift - No doubt she was gonna win this one. 

Top New Vocal Group or Duo - Lady Antebellum - Enjoyed them at CountryFest & glad they won.  Was it weird to anyone else that “The Wreckers” were nominated?  They have been on the radio since 2006.  Hardly a “new” duo.

Album Of The Year - “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” by Miranda Lambert - Biggest shocker of the night.  She beat out Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Rodney Atkins.  I don’t think anyone was more surprised than she was though! 

Entertainer Of The Year - Kenny Chesney - This was another toss-up.  Especially since it was decided by the fans this year.  I thought it was interesting that after the show Kenny went on to say how he thought it was bad idea to make the biggest award of the night a “popularity contest”.  I didn’t vote, so I don’t know how the Academy handled voting.  I would agree with letting the fans vote & decide the winner IF they only got to vote one time.  If they get to vote over & over and stuff the ballot box, then it’s not fair.  With that said, I’m glad Kenny won. 

Other awards:  Single & Song Of The Year went to Sugarland for “Stay”.  Vocal Event Of The Year went to Tracy Lawrence, Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw for “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” and Brad Paisley won Video Of The Year for “Online”.

Pay For Play still going on!  Listen to WXBM for details.  Also have  a $500 prize package from the Florida Lottery that we’re giving out once per day between 9a-4p.  Listen for the cash register sound effect and be caller 15 when you hear it to win 100 $5 Floirida Lotto scratch-off tickets.  GOOD LUCK!! 

Thanks for listening to WXBM.  Thanks to our military men & women for doing what you do.  God Bless.

Have you heard of “Pay For Play” yet?  It’s a fun game we just started recently.  Basicly, you just listen to 102.7 WXBM and listen for us to tell you to start counting songs.  We’ll go on the air and say something to the effect of “It’s time to start counting songs right now”.  All you do after that, is count the number of songs we play until we till you to stop.  Not looking for title and artist of the song, just the actual number of songs played. When it’s time to stop we’ll go on the air and tell you to stop counting, and to call in.  If you are the right caller with the correct number of songs, we will pay you $10 per song.  Ask Jason Hays of Pace.  He counted 35 songs Tuesday and won $350.  We play weekdays, and the game could start at any time.  GOOD LUCK!!  We have a bunch of cash we’ll be giving out with this one.

 Couple other things real quick…

UPCOMING CD’S

6/3

Jewel - “Perfectly Clear”

6/10

Montgomery Gentry - “Back When I Knew It All”

7/7

Clint Black - (no title yet)

7/15

Randy Travis - “Around The Bend”

8/5

 Keith Anderson - “C’mon!!”

Late 2008

Taylor Swift

Sugarland

UPCOMING CONCERTS

6/20

Carrie Underwood and Jason Michael Carroll at the Mobile Civic Center

7/4

Lee Greenwood at the Wharf in Orange Beach

7/5

Montgomery Gentry and Ashton Shepherd at the Wharf in Orange Beach - Tix on Sale 5/30 at 10am thru all ticketmaster outlets 

7/24

Brooks & Dunn, Rodney Atkins and James Otto at the Wharf in Orange Beach

7/26

Willie Nelson and BB King at the Wharf in Orange Beach

8/17

SugarLand at the Wharf in Orange Beach

That’s it for now.  Thank you military for what you do every day.  And thanks all for listening to WXBM!  CountryFest pics are up now at www.wxbm.com  See ya next week!

Got in late last night from “CountryFest” at Five Flags Speedway.  We had an awesome time out there yesterday and a real nice crowd considering the weather we were facing.  Our appologies for having to cut Anna Garrott and Brad Caswell’s set short, and unfortunately, the Sawmill band had to cancel because of time and the weather.  We had to stop the show for about two hours because of the threat of lightning & hail.  Finally at about 1:30 Phil Stacey took the stage and we were good to go the rest of the afternoon.  Lady Antebellum was on from 2:30 till just after 3pm, and they sounded great.  While they were on stage, Marty & Linda and I met up with Joe Nichols’ tour manager Tony and spent a few minutes shooting the breeze with Joe back by his bus.  Super nice guy, and very appreciative of the fans who have stuck with him these last couple years.  Joe was on stage from 3:30 till 4:30 and then signed autographs for about an hour at the merchandise tent.  Shortly after Joe left the stage, Marty & Linda went up to say a few words, and to let the crowd know that the Escambia County Board of Commissioners have officially proclaimed May 3rd to be “Marty & Linda” day from now on.  It was 15 years ago yesterday that they did their first show together.  Congratulations to them for staying partially sane over the years.  I’m not sure if Linda was more excited about Marty & Linda Day, or getting to meet Joe Nichols again.  She loves that man.  Finally, Randy Travis took the stage around 5:30 and played until 7.  Our thanks to all WXBM listeners who came out and spent the day with us.  I haven’t heard an exact number on ticket sales, but I know it was in the neighborhood of 3,800.  We hope to be able to do it again next year!  Also want to thank all volunteers who helped out ESPECIALLY our military volunteers.  There is absolutely no way this event would have happened without them.  Literally, it wouldn’t have happened.  So thank you for your help at CountryFest, and more important, thank you for your service to our country.  You and your families do a lot of work that we sometimes take for granted, so again, thank you.

In the future, I will use this blog to answer any questions you may have, and keep you up to date with upcoming concerts, events and CD release dates.  Without spilling too many details, I can tell you we have some more fun concerts and contests on the horizon for this summer & fall.  Stay tuned to WXBM for details, and be sure to check in at www.wxbm.com for CountryFest pictures (hopefully) this week.  Thanks for making WXBM the #1 radio station in Northwest Florida for 15 years running!!!!