Courtesy: YesWeekly.com

By: DJ Hargrave, Event & Branding Manager for the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds & Annex

The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds is a venue that hosts over 100 events a year and is well known for the Dixie Classic Fair, but a show in June landed as a bright spot for the City of Winston-Salem. On June 21, the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex Theatre welcomed a sold-out crowd of 2,200 guests for a captivating performance by Crowder, a contemporary Christian artist who provides an inspiring and engaging experience to his listeners. The Grammy-nominated, Billboard chart-climbing star was on tour following the release of his latest album, I Know A Ghost, which is now available everywhere. Following that Saturday night was a performance by Grammy Award-winning country group, Lonestar, with local phenoms, Jukebox Rehab (or JBR as the crowd chanted repetitively that night).  One thousand five hundred fans rolled in the Annex for the second show of the Fairgrounds’ Classic Country Concert Series partnered with WBRF Radio. How often do you go to a concert where the audience is on their feet for the opener and headliner the entire show? Crowder was one of those nights. The show began with a high-energy performance by the Rhett Walker Band, followed by Crowder shortly after. The show was made possible thanks to the Fairgrounds’ relationship with Winston-Salem based contemporary Music Station WBFJ. This was the first time since 2017 that the Fairgrounds have sold out the Annex Theatre since Travis Tritt rolled into town. It takes a certain type of artist to put thousands of people in the same room and create a spiritually uplifting experience for them. It also takes a special venue to create an environment that is welcoming, intimate and provides everyone in attendance with the best seat in the house. The Annex Theatre is one of the few venues where attendees in the “nosebleeds” are standing, singing and dancing during the full length of the concert as if their seats were front row.

“The Annex Theatre can hold up to 2,200 fans; we feel like we have a good place in the market for live music and will continue to grow our events and treat the citizens of Winston-Salem and surrounding areas. It’s a great pleasure when our staff hears statements such as, ‘Wow, I wasn’t expecting this,’ or ‘Where’s the ice?’ The positive commentary of the event is regular treatment for our awesome working staff to take in,” said Robert Mulhearn, Winston-Salem Fairgrounds booking and venue manager. The intimate environment of the Annex Theater makes it a candidate for an array of concert genres. This summer, they are welcoming Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan and Gatlin Brothers as a part of their Classic Country Concert Series, along with The War & Treaty on July 30, in partnership with the National Black Theatre Festival. To stay updated on upcoming concerts at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, visit wsfairgrounds.com

Courtesy: MyrtleBeachOnline.com

Country music band Lonestar will take the stage for a one-night only performance next weekend in Myrtle Beach.

Lonestar, who first hit the music scene in 1995 with its self-titled debut album, will make a special appearance at The Carolina Opry Theater in Myrtle Beach on June 23 at 7 p.m. as the venue continues its Myrtle Beach Performing Arts Series.

The veteran band, comprised of lead vocalist Richie McDonald, Dean Sams on keyboard, guitarist Michael Britt, and Keech Rainwater on drums, will make you swoon as they perform an array of songs ranging their more than 20-year career, including their top-charting hits “Amazed,” “I’m Already There” and “No News.”

The Carolina Opry Theater is located at 8901 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. Tickets are on sale now starting at $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 800-843-6779 or visit www.TheCarolinaOpry.com.

Hey Lonestar Nation!

We are pleased to announce that the 2019 Lonestar Fan Club party will be held on Wednesday, June 5th at 11:00AM at The Listening Room in Nashville. 

The event includes an acoustic performance, surprise souvenir, meet and greet opportunities and lots of great memories! We hope you’ll make plans to join us for all the fun.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 6th @ 10:00AM Central Time and are $40 (plus fees). Tickets are seated in the order they are purchased and will be held at Will Call to pick up the day of the show. 

Click here to purchase.

We hope you’ll make plans to join us for all the fun. 

The stars are shining bright this holiday season as country music hitmakers Phil Vassar and Lonestar support The Salvation Army with their “Not So Silent Night” single and “The Not So Silent Night Tour.” 100 percent of the proceeds from the single will benefit The Salvation Army, which assists more than 4.5 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods. The Salvation Army red kettle bells, a 127-year-old Christmas tradition, will be present at venues throughout "The Not So Silent Night Tour." To purchase “Not Silent Night,” click HERE. For tour dates and tickets, visit PhilVassar.com and LonestarNow.com.

Parade.com exclusively announced “The Not So Silent Night Tour,” which kicks off in Biloxi, Miss. on Nov. 30 (full list of dates available below). Throughout each stop on the multi-city tour, audiences will have the chance to hear Christmas standards, non-traditional holiday tunes as well as the artists' hits. The Salvation Army will be selecting one person from their volunteer community to join the men on stage for a special Christmas collaboration (details to follow). Fans can also purchase a VIP experience add-on that includes a meet and greet with Vassar and Lonestar, signed poster and special keepsake.

Taste of Country exclusively premiered a first listen to “Not So Silent Night,” which "finds the musicians getting their retro groove on with a swinging jazz vibe, with Vassar and Lonestar singer Richie McDonald trading vocals to describe a fun holiday party" (Sterling Whitaker). Fans can look forward to the forthcoming music video starring Vassar and Lonestar.

“After years of being friends with Phil and being a fan of his talent as well, we are truly excited to go on this Christmas tour and share the stage with him," expressed Lonestar. "Fans should get ready for a lot of laughs, great music and of course a 'Not So Silent Night!'"

Lonestar, comprised of Richie McDonald, Michael Britt, Keech Rainwater and Dean Sams, released their first Christmas album, This Christmas Time, in 2000. The ACM and CMA award-winning group recorded 11 songs for the Dan Huff produced project, which featured new material such as the title track co-written by Sams and the touching “Reason For The Season” co-written by McDonald.

"I've known these guys forever, and we're going to have a blast on the road performing for our fans. It's even more meaningful that we're getting into the Christmas spirit and giving back to The Salvation Army - that's what it's all about," shared Vassar.

Vassar, who has headlined Christmas tours since 2009, released his first Christmas album, Noel, in 2011. The ten-track collection, co-produced by Vassar and Dane Bryan, showcases four of the ACM award-winning and ASCAP Songwriter of the Year’s original songs, including the humorous “Santa’s Gone Hollywood” and “Big Ol’ Texas Christmas,” a duet with Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson. Last Christmas season, he and Kellie Pickler headlined a sold-out holiday tour.

"THE NOT SO SILENT NIGHT TOUR" DATES:

Nov. 30 IP Casino - Biloxi, MS

Dec. 2 Wildhorse Saloon - Nashville, TN

Dec. 5 Potowatomi - Milwaukee, WI

Dec. 6 Potowatomi - Milwaukee, WI

Dec. 7 The Englert Theatre - Iowa City, IA

Dec. 8 Grand Falls Casino Resort - Larchwood, IA

Dec. 14 Memorial Hall - Plymouth, MA

Dec. 15 Memorial Auditorium - Lowell, MA

Dec. 16 Santander PAC - Reading, PA

Dec. 19 Peoples Bank Theatre - Marietta, OH

Dec. 21 Palace Theatre - Canton, OH

Dec. 22 Weinberg Center - Frederick, MD

The stars are shining bright this holiday season as country music hitmakers Phil Vassar and Lonestar announce "The Not So Silent Night Tour." To celebrate, Vassar and Lonestar are releasing their Christmas single, “Not So Silent Night,” on Nov. 2 with a music video to follow. In true holiday spirit, the fan-favorite acts will support The Salvation Army with their tour and single release. For dates and tickets, visit PhilVassar.com and LonestarNow.com.

All proceeds from the single will benefit The Salvation Army, which assists more than 4.5 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods. The Salvation Army red kettle bells, a 127-year-old Christmas tradition, will be present at venues throughout "The Not So Silent Night Tour."

The 10-plus city tour kicks off in Biloxi, Miss. on Nov. 30 (full list of dates available below). Throughout each show, audiences will have the chance to hear Christmas standards, non-traditional holiday tunes as well as the artists' hits. One lucky fan in each city will be chosen to join the men onstage for a special Christmas collaboration (details to follow). Fans can also purchase a VIP experience add-on that includes a meet and greet with Vassar and Lonestar, signed poster and special keepsake.

“After years of being friends with Phil and being a fan of his talent as well, we are truly excited to go on this Christmas tour and share the stage with him," expressed Lonestar. "Fans should get ready for a lot of laughs, great music and of course a 'Not So Silent Night!'"

Lonestar, comprised of Richie McDonald, Michael Britt, Keech Rainwater and Dean Sams, released their first Christmas album, This Christmas Time, in 2000. The ACM and CMA award-winning group recorded 11 songs for the Dan Huff produced project, which featured new material such as the title track co-written by Sams and the touching “Reason For The Season” co-written by McDonald.

“I can’t think of a better way to spend the Christmas season than sharing the stage with Lonestar swapping songs and stories on 'The Not So Silent Night Tour!' They’re some of my best friends, not to mention some of the very best in the business,” shared Vassar.

Vassar, who has headlined Christmas tours since 2009, released his first Christmas album, Noel, in 2011. The ten-track collection, co-produced by Vassar and Dane Bryan, showcases four of the ACM award-winning and ASCAP Songwriter of the Year’s original songs, including the humorous “Santa’s Gone Hollywood” and “Big Ol’ Texas Christmas,” a duet with Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson. Last Christmas season, he and Kellie Pickler headlined a sold-out holiday tour.

"THE NOT SO SILENT NIGHT TOUR" DATES:

Nov. 30 IP Casino - Biloxi, MS 

Dec. 2 Wildhorse Saloon - Nashville, TN

Dec. 6 Potowatomi - Milwaukee, WI

Dec. 8 Grand Falls Casino Resort - Larchwood, IA

Dec. 14 Memorial Hall - Plymouth, MA

Dec. 15 Memorial Auditorium - Lowell, MA

Dec. 16 Santander PAC - Reading, PA

Dec. 20 Westbury Theater - Westbury, NY

Dec. 21 Palace Theatre - Canton, OH

Dec. 22 Weinberg Center - Frederick, MD