Top New Country Artist of 2009

Just a few more days left of 2009 and it has been a great year for new country artist! I have made another list and this one is my favorite new country artist of 2009. Some of the artist have been releasing music for longer than a year but they became popular in 2009 so that is why they are on my list. Let me know if I forgot anyone from the list...

#9 Bomshel- Bomshel became popular this year with their two singles "Fight Like a Girl" and "19 and Crazy"

#8 Justin Moore- Justin Moore blew up the charts this year with his single "Small Town USA." Justin Moore is currently on tour with Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert.

#7 Randy Houser- Randy Houser released one of my favorite songs "Anything goes" in 2008 but he gained a lot of popularity this year with "Boots On" and "Whistlin' Dixie." Randy Houser will be performing at the World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center on January 29th and 30th. I got a chance to see Randy Houser live at the Cabooze earlier this year and he is an amazing performer.

#6 Gloriana- Gloriana became one of new favorite bands the moment I heard "Wild at Heart." Gloriana is still touring with Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler.

#5 Zac Brown Band- The Zac Brown Band had an HUGE year in 2009. The Zac Brown Band had a ton of success with "Chicken Fried," "Whatever It Is," "Toes" and "Highway 20 Ride." I saw Zac Brown Band when they opened for Keith Urban and they definitely have a lot of energy and are very talented musicians.

#4 Love And Theft- Love and Theft gained popularity after the release of their first single "Runaway." Love and Theft just released my new favorite song "Dancing in Circles" and I'm sure they have many more great songs to follow up those two.

#3 Steel Magnolia- Steel Magnolia were the winners of CMT's show Can You Duet. I am absolutely in love with their single "Keep On Lovin' You" and I can't wait to hear more of their music.

#2 David Nail- I saw David Nail in concert a few months ago at a really small venue because he wasn't really known then. He was a great performer and has an amazing voice. David Nail has become much more popular since the release of "Red Light." I have a feeling he will becoming even more popular in 2010.

#1 Darius Rucker- There are too many great things I can say about Darius Rucker. He seems like such a nice guy and is so thankful to all of his country fans for excepting him right away. He has such heart filled songs like "Don't Think I Don't Think About it," "Alright," "History in the Making" and "It won't be like this for Long." Darius Rucker will be around for a very long time and that makes me very happy!

"Dancing in Circle"

Well I don't understand why we
Do what we do to each other
According to His word we're
All born sisters and brothers

But we lie and we steal
Fight and we kill
Even though we know the way

Why do we go dancing in circles
When we know it never ends
We come so close to loving each other
And then, we go dancing in circles again

All through the ages we
Try to share this world together
Turning the pages, pretending
We'll live here forever

But we'll have to face
Our maker someday
And reap what we've sown all the way

Why do we go dancing in circles
When we know it never ends
We come so close to loving each other
And then, we go dancing in circles again

And we know how so
Why can't we just get it right?
And I pray someday
We'll overcome all the damage we've done
And we'll fight

Why do we go dancing in circles
When we know it never ends
We come so close to loving each other
And then, we go dancing in circles again

Top country songs of 2009

The year is coming to an end and it has definitely been a long year! My year started out with my house burning down and then many other bad luck things followed. Luckily I have amazing friends and family that got me through this year with a smile on my face for most of 2009 because of them! The other thing that really helped was all the great country songs that were released this year. Anytime something bad happened all I had to do was turn on a country station and sing along with all my favorite country songs to make me happy again. I started a list of my favorite 2009 country songs and it ended up being very long long. After much consideration I narrowed it down to 20 songs and this is what I came up with:

#20 "Cowgirls Don't Cry"-Brooks and Dunn with Reba McEntire
#19 "Eight Second Ride"-Jake Owen
#18 "Then"-Brad Paisley who is coming to the Xcel on January 16th
#17 "Here Comes Goodbye"-Rascal Flatts
#16 "History in the Making"-Darius Rucker
#15 "Why Don't We Just Dance"-Josh Turner
#14 "Dead Flowers"-Miranda Lambert
#13 "Red Light"-David Nail
#12 "I'll Just Hold On"-Blake Shelton
#11 "Strange"-Reba McEntire
#10 "Do I"-Luke Bryan
#9 "Keep On Lovin You"-Steel Magnolia
#8 "White Horses"-Taylor Swift
#7 "Run To You"-Lady Antebellum
#6 "Sweet Thing"-Keith Urban
#5 "Consider Me Gone"-Reba McEntire
#4 "She's Country"-Jason Aldean
#3 "Need You Now"-Lady Antebellum
#2 "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes"-Dierks Bentley
#1 "Big Green Tractor"-Jason Aldean

It has been a crazy year but I am a lucky girl to have so much love in my life and I know great things will be coming in 2010 including more great country music!

Winter 2009 Country Songs

Us Minnesotans have been very lucky this fall/winter with nice weather! Our luck ran out last week when the cold weather finally found us. I don't mean to complain because I am born and raised Minnesotan and love the snow. But, I can never get use to the -20ish wind chills and having to freeze in my car for 10 mins until the heat kicks in! Luckily there has been many great country songs recently released or about to be released that help keep my mind off the bitter cold. Some of the newer country songs I have fallen in love with are: "Till Summer Comes Around"-Keith Urban, "Keep You"-Sugarland, "The Truth"-Jason Aldean, "Keep on Loving You"-Steel Magnolia, "Consider Me Gone"-Reba McEntire, "Need You Now"-Lady Antebellum, "Red Light"-David Nail and "Temporary Home"-Carrie Underwood. If you live in a cold state like I do I would suggest turning on any of these songs and sing along with them as loud as you can and I promise your mind will not be on how cold you are! If you know of any newer country songs I did not mention please let me know because I have a feeling it is going to be a long winter!

"Keep on Loving You"-Steel Manolia
Maybe life has got you run down
I think it's time girl that we slow down
So take a look it's almost sundown

{Chorus}
So why don't you lay right here
Let me just ease your mind
I'm givin' you all my time
And I'm gonna keep on, keep on, lovin' you

Strong and slow
The way that you want me to
Baby my whole life through
I'm gonna keep on, keep on, lovin' you

When that morning sun is dawning
Baby, both of us should call in
We got too much love to fall in

{Chorus}
So why don't you lay right here
Let me just ease your mind
I'm givin' you all my time
And I'm gonna keep on, keep on, lovin' you

Strong and slow
The way that you want me to
Baby my whole life through
I'm gonna keep on, keep on, lovin' you

So why don't you lay right here
Let me just ease your mind
I'm givin' you all my time
And I'm gonna keep on, keep on

Strong and slow
The way that you want me to
Baby my whole life through
I'm gonna keep on, keep on, lovin' you

Strong and slow
The way that you want me to
Baby my whole life through
I'm gonna keep on, keep on, keep on, lovin' you

I'm gonna keep on, keep on, lovin' you

"Temporary Home"-Carrie Underwood
Little boy, six years old
A little too used to being alone
Another new mom and dad, another school
Another house that’ll never be home

When people ask him how he likes this place
He looks up and says with a smile upon his face

This is my temporary home
It’s not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I’m passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where I’m going
I’m not afraid because I know
This is my temporary home

A young mom on her own
She needs a little help, got no where to go
She’s looking for a job, looking for a way out
‘Cause a half-way house will never be a home

At night she whispers to her baby girl
Someday we’ll find our place here in this world

This is our temporary home
It’s not where we belong
Windows and rooms that we’re passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where we’re going
I’m not afraid because I know
This is our temporary home

Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers, “don’t cry for me,
I’ll see you all someday”

He looks up and says,
“I can see God’s face”

This is my temporary home
It’s not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I’m passing through
This was just a stop on the way to where I’m going
I’m not afraid because I know
This was my temporary home

Country Music and Minnesota Vikings Jared Allen

As I have mentioned many times before every morning on my way to work I turn on K102 so I can have a great start to my day. I love hearing my favorite country songs and listening to the funny things the DJ's come up with. One of my favorite things is when the K102 crew have Minnesota Vikings Jared Allen on the show. I love the vikings and I love country music and I love that I get to start some of my mornings out with the combination of them. Jared Allen is a HUGE country fan and is very hilarious when he talks about different country artist. I got the chance to see Jared Allen on stage with Jason Aldean this summer and Jason Aldean was even wearing Jared Allen's #69 jersey during the end of the concert. The K102 spend a few minutes talking to Jared Allen about Viking ticket sales and Viking games and they spend the rest of the show goofing around and talking about everything country. Every Thursday night K102 does a show from Baja Sol in Eden Prairie called Jared Allen Live! Anyone is able to go to Baja Sol and see Jared Allen and Muss put on the show live. I have never been there during the Jared Allen Live show but would like to know what it is like. If anyone has been there please let me know what you thought of it!

Brooks and Dunn The Last Rodeo & Jason Aldean Concert in Minnesota

I completely fell in love with Jason Aldean when I saw him perform at the Minnesota State fair this summer. I check his website every once in a while to see if he is coming back to Minnesota and up until today I have not seen another concert date for Minnesota. But, I was extremely excited when I read today that Jason Aldean will be coming to the Xcel Energy Center on May 14th!!! I was even more excited to find out that Jason Aldean will be at the Xcel because he is opening for Brooks and Dunn's final Tour together. I can already predict that this will be one of the top 3 concerts that I will ever see in my life time! Not only will I get to hear all of my favorite Jason Aldean songs like "Why," "She's Country," "Big Green Tractor," "The Truth," "Hicktown," and "Amarillo Sky" live again but I will also get to hear the legendary Brooks and Dunn songs. Some of my favorite Brooks and Dunn songs are "Cowgirls Don't Cry," "Play Something Country," "Hillbilly Deluxe," "I Believe," "Ain't Nothing About You," "Red Dirt Road," and many others. Brooks and Dunn & Jason Aldean tickets for the Xcel Energy Center have not been released yet but once I hear when they will be going on sale I will let everyone know! Brooks & Dunn tickets are now available to purchase!!!

Larry the Cable Guy Minnesota Tickets

I was so excited to hear today that Larry the Cable Guy will be at the State Theatre in Minnesota on January 15th and 16th. I own many of his DVD's and The Blue Collar Comedy tour DVD and have always wanted to see him live and now I finally get the chance too! Even if you don't know Larry the Cable Guy I'm sure you have heard the line "Get er Done" a few times in your life. One of my favorite things he does during his show is when he makes fun of his family or rednecks and then says "I don't care who ya are, that's funny right there" after every line. I am almost 100% sure that if you are a fan of country music then you would be a huge fan of Larry the Cable Guy. Larry the Cable Guy tickets are selling fast because he doesn't come to Minnesota often and there are many "country at heart" people like me that would love to see him perform live. I'm happy that I "Got er Done" and got my tickets right away.

- This a Song I wrote about my girlfriend. She cheated on me with
another man. It's called "I Can't Get Over You til You Get Out
From Under Him."

- My sister was getting married, and she's a big ol' sum.
Her friends were about as fat as she is and she bought them all
matching brown dresses. They looked like a bunch of UPS trucks
parked in the middle of the parking lot.

- (If NASCAR had sponsorships from feminine products) "How'd you
get tickets to the Tampon 200?" "Well, we pulled some strings."

World's Toughest Rodeo and Randy Houser

Its almost that time of year again when the World's Toughest Rodeo will be back in town!!! The World's Toughest Rodeo will be at The Xcel Energy Center on January 29th and January 30th at 7:30pm. I have been to the World's Toughest Rodeo a couple times and it is so much fun! It is so exciting watching all the cowboys ride cause you never know what is going to happen and all the cowboys are so great at what they do! I also love watching the little monkey ride around on the dog cause it is so cute. To give you an idea of how much fun it is, one year I went I had a temp of 104 the entire time and didn't even realize it until I left cause I was having so much fun cheering on all the cowboys. This is a small slice of heaven for any country boy or girl. It will be even better this year because Randy Houser will be playing after the rodeo. I saw Randy Houser about a year ago at The Cabooze and he is an amazing entertainer. I can't wait to hear his song "Boots On" and "Anything Goes" live again. I also like that you only have to pay one price for both World's Toughest Rodeo tickets and Randy Houser tickets instead of having to pay for them separately. If you love cowboys and country music you definitely don't want to miss out on this red neck event.

Country Drinking Songs

Just in case you didn't know, the day before Thanksgiving is the biggest drinking day of the year! This got me thinking about country songs that I love hearing while drinking with my friends and have come up with a list of great country songs for the drinking festivities tomorrow:
"Love Train"-Big and Rich
"Here for the Party"-Gretchen Wilson
"Chicken Fried"-Zac Brown Band (Zac Brown Band tickets are on sale for the Northrop)
"Hicktown"-Jason Aldean
"Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy"-Big and Rich
"Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off"-Joe Nichols
"I Love This Bar"-Toby Keith
"Red Neck Yacht Club"-Craig Morgan
"Friends in Low Places"-Garth Brooks (#1 drinking song in my opinion!)
"Boondocks"-Little Big Town
"Need You Know"-Lady Antebellum (the new drinking song we listen to all the time)
"Cowboy Casanova"-Carrie Underwood
"It's 5 o'clock somewhere"-Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett
"All My Friends Say"-Luke Bryan

I know there is a ton I have missed so please let me know what great country drinking songs I have forgotten about and I will add them to the list. Thank you to my friends that helped me with this list and all my friends that have had great times with me while listening to these songs!

U2 TCF Stadium tickets

I know some of you might be surprised to hear this but a couple times a year I listen to music that isn't country! One band that isn't country that I really enjoy listening to is U2. That's why I was so excited to hear that U2 will be performing at the new TCF Bank stadium in Minneapolis on June 27, 2010. I have always loved U2 because their music is very original and talks about very powerful subjects. I also like how much U2 does to help change the world and make it better place with their charities and fund raiser concerts. I have a feeling this will be one of the best concerts people will ever get a chance to see. No band/artist has ever had a tour this large. U2 had an architect design the stage they will be performing on and it will cost U2 $750,000 a day just for expenses. I can't wait to hear U2 perform some of my favorite songs like "With or Without You," "Where the streets have no name" and "One." I'm guessing U2 tickets will be very hard to get because they are such a popular band. Luckily I have already found some U2 tickets for when they play at the TCF Bank Stadium!

CMA Awards 2009

I was in my own personal heaven on Wednesday watch the 2009 CMA Awards! First I will start with the performances: The performances this year on the CMAs were amazing and are the reason why this is hands down the best award show on tv. The show was only 3 hours long but they were able to fit in performances by Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Darius Rucker, Vince Gill & Daughtry, Brad Paisley, Brooks and Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Martina Mcbride, Dave Matthews & Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson & Kid Rock and Jason Aldean. I can't even pick out my favorite performances because they were all so great. I did fall in love with Sugarland's new single "Keep You" and Keith Urbans "'Til Summber Comes Around." I was also very excited to see my two newer favorite country songs performed which were Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" and Jason Aldean's "Big Green Tractor." It was also great to see Brooks and Dunn play together for the last time because they have influence the country world so much through out the years and they will be greatly missed. And now for the winners...
Single of the Year- "I Run To You" Lady Antebellum
Song of the Year- "In Color" Jamey Johnson
Vocal Group of the Year- Lady Antebellum
New Artist of the Year- Darius Rucker
Album of the Year- Fearless by Taylor Swift
Vocal Duo of the Year- Sugarland
Male Vocalist of the Year- Brad Paisley
Female Vocalist of the Year- Taylor Swift
Entertainer of the Year- Taylor Swift

One of the things I really love about the CMAs is that you can see that all the country artists are friends and all excited for each other no matter who wins. It is so nice to see positivity like that at a music award show because it isn't always like that with other award shows. I can't wait for 2010 CMAs

Top 5 Country Concerts

My favorite thing in the whole world is to go to country concerts. I have been lucky enough to see many of my favorite country artist perform live. Yesterday I was asked which country artist was my favorite to see in concert/who puts on the best show and I didn't have an answer because I never compared them to each other. I have decided to come up with a top 5 list of who puts on the best concert so I have an answer for the next time I am asked. First I should tell you who I have seen live in concert so everyone knows which bands/artist I am comparing: Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Reba McEntire, Chris Cagle, Gretchen Wilson, Chuck Wicks, Dierks Bentley, Pat Green, Randy Houser, Keith Urban, Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Garth Brooks, Dixie Chicks, Little Big Town and Brad Paisley. This was not an easy list to make but this is what I have come up with...

#5. Garth Brooks: The only reason Garth Brooks isn't number 1 is because I was so young when I went to see him that I don't really remember it that well. But I do remember the night I saw Garth Brooks was the night I fell in love with country!

#4. Dierks Bentley: This concert was so amazing because Dierks Bentley is able to make everyone that is at the concert feel like he is singing to only them. He was very down to earth and had a ton of energy. You leave a Dierks Bentley concert with the feeling that you just watched one of your good friends perform.

#3. Rascal Flatts: I have seen Rascal Flatts twice and the more you see them in concert the more you love them. I am a huge Rascal Flatts fan and know every word to all of their great songs and when you go to one of their concerts you realize every single Rascal Flatts fan is the same. The energy from the crowd and the band doesn't compare to the energy you will feel at any other concert.

#2. Jason Aldean: I have never been to a concert where the fans were on there feet the ENTIRE time of the the concert but that happened at the Jason Aldean concert. I was front row for this concert which made it even better but when I looked behind me you could tell that even the people in the back row were having as much fun as I was. Jason Aldean sang every song as if it was the only song he was going to perform that night and gave it everything he had until he walked off the stage after the last song.

#1.5 Kenny Chesney: Kenny Chesney has won Entertainer of the Year many years in a row and he definitely deserves that award! I have seen Kenny Chesney twice and both times were unforgettable. Kenny Chesney was the first country artist I saw that really knew how to put on a show and he is one of the main reasons I started to love going to concerts. I hope I get the chance to see Kenny Chesney a 3rd, 4th and 5th time because I love all of his songs and his concerts!

#1. Keith Urban: I was speechless after I left the Keith Urban Concert and I still kind of am. Every song he sang I looked over at my friend Jamie and said "That is my favorite song I will never forget him singing that live" and after the next song I would say/think the same exact thing. During the concert I wanted to soak up every moment because I didn't want to forget a thing about this concert. If you ever get the chance to see Keith Urban in concert jump at it because it is a concert you will never forget.

On a side note: I wouldn't have gone to 3/4 of these concerts if it wasn't for my country partner in crime Jamie. I can't imagine anyone else I would have rather gone to these concerts with because no one can party country style like we can :)
And a HUGE thanks to Megan for coming to the Jason Aldean concert with me because that was hands down one of the funnest nights of my life!

David Nail concert in Minnesota at The Rock Nightclub

David Nail is a new country artist but I am already a fan because of his single "Red Light." I was very excited to hear that David Nail will be performing at The Rock Nigh Club in Maplewood, MN on November 12th at 8:30. One of my favorite things to do is go to a small venue to watch an up and coming country artist. I love David Nail's voice and I have a feeling he has a very big country career in his future. Thats why I can't wait to see him at this small venue so I can see David Nail up close before he becomes extremely popular. I have never been to The Rock Nightclub even though it is only a few miles away from my house so I will let you know what I think of it!

David Nail "Red Light"

Verse 1
so this is how it ends
this is where it all goes down
this is what I don't love you feels like

It aint the middle of the night
and it aint even raining outside
It aint exactly what i had in mind.
For goodbye

Chrous 1
at a redlight in the sunshine
on a sunday nothing to say
don't even try

some are coming home
some are leaving town
while my worlds crashing down
on a sunday in the sunshine at a red light

Verse 2
I thought she was going to say
something about that couple kissing
crossing the street
or something about this beautiful day

but she just looked me in the eye
said its over didnt try to lie or pick a fight
I might have seen it
coming that way

Chrous 1 Again

Bridge
theres a mama
calming down a little baby
in the backseat in front of me

theres an old man dressed
in his sunday best
just waiting on green
but i cant see getting past

Chrous 2
this redlight in the sunshine
on a sunday nothing to say
don't even try

some are coming home
some are leaving town
while my worlds crashing down
on a sunday in the sunshine at a red light

Gloriana performing in Minnesota at The Cabooze on December 10

Gloriana has been touring the country with Taylor Swift opening for her sold-out shows. I thought the only chance I would get to see Gloriana live was when they come to the Xcel Energy Center with Taylor Swift on May 7th. I was already excited to see them open for Taylor Swift but I found out this morning that Gloriana will be performing at the Cabooze on December 10th. Gloriana is a new band but they already have one hit single "Wild at Heart." I love the single and video for "Wild at Heart" because it is such a fun upbeat song. Even though they only have one hit single I know it will be fun to see Gloriana at the Cabooze because it is fun to see any artist at the Cabooze. It is a smaller venue and the stage is right on the floor so you can get very close to the artists as they are performing. I suggest buying Gloriana tickets before the show so you don't have to wait in line to get tickets because the lines can get pretty long.

Jason Aldean's New Single "The Truth"

I am in love with Jason Aldean's latest single called "The Truth." I have a feeling that there is a lot of us out there that can completely understand and relate to this song. Who hasn't been in a situation where a relationship ends and you want the other person to think you are doing great even if you might not be doing so well. That is what "The Truth" by Jason Aldean is about. Throughout the song he asks his friends to lie for him saying that he is out having the time of his life but the truth is that he is going crazy without her. Its a little hard to completely explain "The Truth" but if you take a few minutes to listen to the song you will understand it and most likely fall in love with "The Truth" by Jason Aldean like I did!

"The Truth" by Jason Aldean

Tell em all I'm on vacation,
Say I went to visit friends,
That you ain't heard or seen from me in quite a while,
When they ask you where I've been,
Tell em I'm out on the west coast where it don't ever rain,
And that I'm probably doing fine,

(Chorus)
Just don't tell em I've gone crazy,
That I'm still strung out over you,
Tell em anything you want to,
Just don't tell em all the truth,
Yeah don't tell em all the truth,

Tell em all I'm out in Vegas,
Blowin' every dollar I ever made,
Tell em that I must be into something bad for me cause,
I sure lost a lot of weight,
Tell em I'm out on the road with some old rock and roll band,
Living like a gypsy can,

(Chorus)

The truth is that I'm asking you to lie,
And we both know that it ain't right,
But if you ever loved me please,
Have some mercy on me,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,

Tell em anything you want to,
Just don't tell em all the truth,
Yeah don't tell em all the truth,
I still need you,
Yeah that's the truth,
I still love you,
Baby that's the truth.

Brad Paisley coming to the Xcel Energy Center on January 16, 2010

I was so excited to hear that Brad Paisley will be performing in Minnesota at the Xcel Energy Center on January 16, 2010! I saw Brad Paisley two years ago when he was at Wefest but I don't remember much of the concert (if any of you have been to Wefest you know the reason why!) I can't wait to get another chance to see one of his shows because I love him and his music. Some of my favorite Brad Paisley songs are "He Didn't Have to Be," "I'm Gonna Miss Her," "I Wish You'd Stay," "Wrapped Around," "Mud On The Tires," "Whiskey Lullaby," "I'm Still A Guy," "Alcohol" and my favorite Brad Paisley song and the reason my cat is named Paisley "Little Moments." I was even more excited to hear that the opening act is going to be Miranda Lambert! Miranda Lambert has been one of my favorite country artist since I heard her first single "Me and Charlie Talking." Her songs have gotten me through many big moments in my life and I could listen to them all day long. Some of my favorite Miranda Lambert songs are "Kerosene," "Gunpowder & Lead," "More Like Her," "Bring Me Down," "Love Letters," "Love Your Memory," "Greyhound Bound for Nowhere," "Love is Looking for You," "I Can't Be Bothered" and her two newest singles that I am obsessed with "White Liar" and "Dead Flowers." I already know this will be one of the best country concerts to see! Brad Paisley tickets are not on sale yet but when they do go onsale I will let you know. These Xcel Energy Center tickets will go very fast so as soon as I find out what date they will be on-sale I will let everyone know :)....UPDATE: I found Brad Paisley tickets!!! I can't wait till he is at the Xcel Energy Center with Miranda Lambert!

Taylor Swift Xcel Energy Center tickets for sale

I don't have to worry about missing the concert this time cause I got my Taylor Swift tickets! Just in case you haven't heard from me or other people a million times Taylor Swift will be coming back to Minnesota on May 7th to the Xcel Energy Center. I am glad I got Taylor Swift tickets this time around because I like going to concerts at the Xcel Energy Center way more than the Target Center. I am also very excited to see Kellie Pickler and Gloriana who will be opening for her again. I know these Taylor Swift tickets haven't officially gone on sale yet but there are tickets available. I heard on K102 this morning that Taylor Swift tickets have been selling out in less than 3 minutes so I wouldn't suggest waiting around too long to buy tickets if you want to go to this concert!

Taylor Swift Xcel Energy Center Tickets for May 7, 2010

I need some help from the country fans out there. I really really want to get Taylor Swift tickets for May 7 when she comes to the Xcel Energy Center. I can't find anywhere when the Taylor Swift tickets go on-sale for this concert. I was wondering if anyone knows when the tickets go on-sale. Please leave me a comment and let me know. I missed the last Taylor Swift concert when she performed at the Target Center because the concert sold-out in just a few minutes and I don't want to miss it again. Thank you for any new information :)...... thank you for all the help! I did find some Taylor Swift tickets and I am very excited about it. There are still some Taylor Swift tickets available!

Zac Brown Band Northrop Auditorium tickets in Minnesota

I saw the Zac Brown Band when they opened for Keith Urban at the Xcel Energy Center a few months ago. The Zac Brown Band is a very fun country group to watch and since opening for Keith Urban they have released more hit singles. Now the Zac Brown band is headlining there own tour called, The Breaking Southern Ground Tour: Zac Brown Band with Special Guests. Zac Brown Band will be making a stop at the Northrup Auditorium in Minnesota on December 5, 2009. The Zac Brown Band has only been around for a little over a year but they have become very popular. The three singles they have released "Chicken Fried," "Whatever It Is" and "Toes" have all reached at least #2 on the country charts. Before becoming famous the Zac Brown Band played live all around the country so they know how to put on a good show. I can't wait to get my Zac Brown Band tickets to see them again. I have never purchased Northrop Auditorium tickets and have not seen a concert there so I am excited to see what this venue is like!

Martina McBride and Trace Adkins Xcel Energy Center tickets

I never pictured the day that Martina McBride and Trace Adkins would be in the same concert together. But, Martina McBride and Trace Adkins will both be performing at the Xcel Energy Center on November 21st. Martina McBride has sang some of my favorite songs including "Independence Day," "Safe in the Arms of Love," "Wild Angels," "Valentine," "Concrete Angel" and of course "A Broken Wing." Every trip I go on with the girls we play "A Broken Wing" as loud as we can and sing at the top of our lungs. Trace Adkins has also sang many great songs including "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing," "Ladies Love Country Boys," "You're Gonna Miss This," "I Left Something Turned On at Home" and "Hot Mama." I think this will be an amazing concert because Martina McBride and Trace Adkins are both amazing country artist but so different. Every country fan will have fun at this concert no matter what kind of country is your favorite. Martina McBride and Trace Adkins tickets will be hard to get because they are only performing a half venue at the Xcel Energy Center. Only half of the Xcel Energy Center seats will be available so that makes it a lot tougher to get Martina Mcbride and Trace Adkins tickets. Luckily I bought mine today but everyone that wants to see this concert should be able to get tickets if they buy them soon. I will be up close to the stage singing "A Broken Wing" on the top of my lungs!

Taylor Swift is coming back to Minnesota to play at the Xcel Energy Center

Taylor Swift just had a sold out concert at the Target Center in Minnesota but I just found out she is coming back to perform at the Xcel Energy Center! On Taylor Swifts website it says that she will be coming to the Xcel Energy Center on May 7, 2010. I was so excited to hear this news because I did not get Taylor Swift tickets to her last sold out show. Everyone that did get Taylor Swift tickets for the show at the Target Center said that it was one of the best concerts they have ever been too! I don't know when they will be selling Taylor Swift tickets for the May 7th performance but once I find out I will let everyone know!....... Update: I found Taylor Swift tickets!!!!!

My Amazing Minnesota Wild Tickets

I know I have mentioned before that my second true love in life, right behind country music, is sports. I didn't mention that my favorite sport by far is hockey. I played hockey all throughout elementary, middle and high school. A lot of my happiest memories were made while play or watching hockey. Since I can remember the North Stars have been my favorite hockey team even though they were sold to Dallas. But, over the past few years the Minnesota Wild hockey team has become my new favorite hockey team. I have fallen in love with the organization and the players specially Mikko Koivu! Yesterday I decided to treat myself to a Minnesota Wild hockey game since it had been a stressful week. Little did I know that I was going to end up with the BEST Minnesota Wild tickets. My Minnesota Wild hockey tickets were right behind the Minnesota Wild penalty box, where I spent a lot of time when I played hockey, and I was so close to a lot of the Minnesota Wild players. If the stupid glass wasn't in the way I would have been able to touch the Wild players I was so close. The Minnesota Wild ended up winning 4-3 in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks. It was an amazing time being that close to the action and it was such an exciting game to watch! If you are ever stressed or just looking for a fun evening I suggest going to a Minnesota Wild game because it was the perfect thing to cheer me up!.....
These are the pictures I took from my seat

Rascal Flatts new single "Why" off of their Unstoppable CD

As I have mentioned multiple times Rascal Flatts is by far my favorite country band. They have sang songs about love, friendship, good times, many types of heartbreak and even about a girl with cancer. I have absolutely loved every song they have released no matter what it is about until I heard their latest single "Why." If you haven't heard it yet "Why" is a slow song about a 17 year old that committed suicide. The main line in the song is "Oh God only knows what went wrong and why you would leave the stage in the middle of a song." I know a lot of people have been affected by suicide including the members of Rascal Flatts because Jay and Gary's Uncle killed himself and Joe Don had a friend in high school that killed himself. But, there is just something about this song that makes me feel really uncomfortable and its a type of song I never expected to hear from Rascal Flatts. The members of Rascal Flatts have said that they have released this song to help people realize that there is other options besides suicide but I just can't see this as a song that should be playing on K102 or other country stations. I might be completely wrong about this one but let me know what you think.

Why lyrics:

You must have been in a place so dark
You couldn't feel the light
Reaching for you through that stormy cloud
Now here we are gathered in our little home town
This cant be the way you meant to draw a crowd

Oh why, thats what Im asking
Was there anything i could have said or done
Oh I had no clue you were masking a troubled soul
God only knows what went wrong and why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song

Now in my mind i'll keep you frozen as a 17 year old
Rounding third to score the winning run
You always played with passion no matter what the game
When you took the stage you shined just like the sun

Oh why thats what I keep asking
Was there anything I could have said or done
Oh I had no clue you were masking a troubled soul
Oh God only knows what went wrong and why you would leave the stage in the middle of a song

Now the oak trees a swaying in the early autumn breeze
The golden sun is shining on my face
Tangled thoughts i hear the mocking bird sing this old world really aint that bad a place

Oh I theres no comprehending and who am i to try judge or explain
But I do have one burning question
Who told you life wasnt worth the fight
They were wrong
They lied
Now your gone and we cry
Its just not like you to walk away in the middle of a song
Your beautiful song
Your absolutely beautiful song

Luke Bryan Concert in Minnesota

Luke Bryan is coming to Minnesota on October 14th and will be playing at the Fine Line Music Café. Luke Bryan hasn’t been around very long but I still really like the songs he has released so far. Luke Bryan released his first single in 2007 off of his I’ll Stay Me album. The single “All My Friends Say” was by far one of my favorite country songs of 2007 and 2008. Luke Bryan also released “We Rode in Trucks” and “Country Man” off of that same album. I wasn’t a huge fan of “We Rode in Trucks” but “Country Man” was another one of my favorite songs of the year. I would have to say that my favorite Luke Bryan song is “Do I” which was released earlier this year. I am always a sucker for heartbreaking slow country songs and "Do I" is one of the best I have heard in awhile. Luke Bryan has a great voice and fun songs to sing along with and I can’t wait to hear him live at the Fine Line Music Café. I have learned my lesson about waiting to buy country concert tickets (when I found out I couldn't get a Rascal Flatts ticket) so I am definitely not going to wait to buy my Luke Bryan at the Fine Line Music Cafe tickets.

Taylor Swift at the Target Center tickets

Taylor Swift has been everywhere you look lately whether its in the news because of the Kanye West situation, on the American Country Music Awards singing with Brooks and Dunn or on every radio station hearing all of her great songs. Minnesota Taylor Swift fans are extremely lucky because we get the chance to hear her perform live during the height of her fame. Taylor Swift will be coming to the Target Center on October 11th at 7:30 pm. Taylor Swift will be coming with two other great acts Kellie Pickler and Gloriana. Taylor Swift tickets are extremely hard to come by because of her hugely successful albums and because of all the fame she has acquired from both country and pop fans. I have searched the internet and found the best Taylor Swift tickets. It seems that Ticket King has the best Taylor Swift tickets
available. They are pretty expensive but I know there aren't many left and the prices won't be dropping so I am buying tickets right away. All of Taylor Swifts concerts have sold out in less than 5 mins so if you are lucky enough to find tickets I suggest you purchase them right away too.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers football team at the TCF Bank Stadium

My number one true love is and will always be country music! There is nothing else on this earth that can make me happy, sad, excited and many other things with in just a few minutes. But, I figured I could share my second love with everyone which is sports. My dad is a gym teacher and self proclaimed "Minnesota's biggest sports fan" so I grew up watching ESPN every night. I love all of Minnesota's professional teams like the MN Vikings, MN Twins, MN Wild and yes even the MN Thunder. I love watching all those teams but I have always enjoyed watching Minnesota college teams better. With the professional teams you are never quit sure if the players are there because they love the game or because of the money and fame. With college players you can see that they are playing for the love of the game because they give everything they have throughout the whole game. I got a chance to expeirence this live when I went to the Minnesota Gophers vs Air Force football game last weekend. It was the first game the Minnesota Gophers played at the new TCF Bank Stadium and I couldn't imagine a better stadium. The Minnesota Gophers use to play at the Metrodome which is also a nice facility but never seemed like the right venue for a college football team. The TCF Bank stadium has a great college atmosphere. The University of Minnesota Marching band sounded amazing and you could hear them no matter where you sat in the TCF Bank Stadium because every seat is great there. It was also great to finally be able to watch the Minnesota Gopher football team play outside on a beautiful September day. Everything about the TCF Bank stadium is great and I can't wait to go back for another game. The Gophers won thier first game so TCF Bank Stadium tickets will be even harder to get now then they were before. I am planning on purchasing as many Minnesota Gopher football tickets as I can before they are all sold out.

Montgomery Gentry Concert in Minnesota at Treasure Island Casino

Montgomery Gentry has been one of my favorite bands for many years and I will finally get a chance to see them in concert! Montgomery Gentry will be in Minnesota September 18th at the Treasure Island Casino. Montgomery Gentry has come out with many hit singles since they first got together in the early 90's. A few of my favorite Montgomery Gentry songs are "My Town", "Speed", "Hell Yeah", "If You Ever Stop Loving Me", "Gone", "She Don't Tell Me To", "Roll With Me" and their newest singles "One In Every Crowd." I have heard/read nothing but great things about Montgomery Gentry concerts and I can't wait to get the chance to experience one myself. Montgomery Gentry concerts usually sell out pretty fast so I hope I am still able to get Montgomery Gentry tickets since I just found out about the concert!

Rascal Flatts Songs and Rascal Flatts Concert in MN

I was just thinking about how the Rascal Flatts concert is just a few weeks away and it got me thinking about all my favorite Rascal Flatts songs. Of course I love their major hits like "This Everyday Love," "I'm Moving On," "Love You Out Loud," "I Melt," "Feels Like Today," "Skin," "What Hurts the Most," "Me and My Gang," "Take Me There," "Everyday," "Bob That Head" and "Here Comes Goodbye." My favorite Rascal Flatts song is called "She Goes All The Way" which most people have probably never heard. It's another amazing Rascal Flatt ballad that features Jamie Foxx. If you are a huge Rascal Flatts fan I highly suggest you download this song and listen too it. If you are like me you will fall in love with it right away and listen to it over and over again. I don't think they will but I hope Rascal Flatts plays this song in concert. The Rascal Flatts concert is on September 19th at the Xcel Energy Center. There are very few Rascal Flatts tickets left but I know there are still some out there. I can't wait to see them again live in concert and hear all my favorite songs!

Jason Aldean Concert at the Minnesota State Fair

This weekend I went to the Jason Aldean concert at the Minnesota State Fair and it was one of my top 3 favorite concerts I have ever been too. I had the best Jason Aldean tickets in the whole Grandstand. My seats were in the front row and right in front of us was the microphone that Jason Aldean sang in. Jason Aldean did an amazing job at entertaining the whole crowd during the entire show. When I looked behind me every single person in the grandstand was standing and dancing and singing along. Jason Aldean sang a bunch of his amazing songs like "Hicktowns", "Why", "Amarillo Sky", "She's Country" and his #1 single "Big Green Tractor." Jason Aldean had amazing energy and an amazing voice and I would go back and see him any day. During the last song a surprise guest joined Jason Aldean on stage. I didn't even have to buy Minnesota Vikings Tickets to get the chance to see Jared Allen up close because he was the surprise guest. Every moment of the Jason Aldean concert was amazing and I wish I could re-live that night every weekend!

Heidi Newfield in Minnesota at the Cabooze

Heidi Newfield is going to be performing in Minnesota in just a few days! She is coming to The Cabooze in Minneapolis on September 3rd. I know she doesn't have a ton of hit singles yet but she is a new comer as a solo artist. I am going just so I can hear her sing "Johnny and June" and "Cry Cry (til the sun shines)." I have been in love with Heidi Newfields song "Johnny and June" since it was released almost a year ago. I know I have said this before but The Cabooze is really one of my favorite places to watch a concert because there is no other venue where you will be closer to the artist and feel like it is a private show. I can't wait to go back there and hear Heidi Newfield live!

Blake Shelton Country Concert in Minnesota

Blake Shelton is playing to concerts in Minnesota at the Grand Casino Mille Lacks on September 22nd at 7pm and on September 23rd at 5pm. I am so excited to finally get a chance to see Blake Shelton live in concert. I have been a huge fan of Blake Shelton since 2001 when he released his first single “Austin.” Since “Austin” Blake Shelton has released many amazing singles including “Ol’ Red”, “The Baby”, “Playboys of the Southwestern World”, “Some Beach”, “Goodbye Time”, “Nobody but Me”, “Don’t Make Me”, “The More I Drink”, “Home”, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” and my new favorite “I’ll Just Hold On.” Grand Casino Mille Lacks tickets always sell pretty fast so I'm glad I already got mine to see one of the most talented/sexiest country artist.

Rascal Flatts concert in Minnesota at the Xcel Energy Center

Rascal Flatts are coming back to Minnesota and I couldn't be more excited! Rascal Flatts is hands down my favorite country group and I am so excited to get the chance to see them for the third time at the Xcel Energy Center on September 19, 2009. I have been a huge fan of Rascal Flatts since their 1st single "Prayin' For Daylight" was released in 2000. One of the first tattoos I ever got was "God Bless The Broken Road" on the back of my leg because that is such an amazing song sang by an even more amazing band. I can't wait to hear all my favorite songs live again like "While You Loved Me", "I'm Moving On", "Melt", "Feels Like Today", "What Hurts the Most", "Love You Out Loud", "Take Me There", "Every Day", "Bob That Head" and of course their newest hit "Here Comes Goodbye." The first time I saw Rascal Flatts was when I sneaked into the Rascal Flatts concert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand (which I don't recommend) but I just wanted to see them so badly and the Rascal Flatts tickets were sold out. The second time I saw them was at WeFest (I actually paid for these tickets). Both times I saw them they put on the best country concerts I have ever seen. All the members of the band have great energy and make you feel like you are part of the show no matter where you are sitting. I can not wait to see Rascal Flatts again and this time I will make sure to get Xcel Energy Center tickets before they are sold out!

Top 20 Country Songs of the Summer

I can't believe that summer is half way done and we have already passed the 4th of July! Luckily we still have some time to make the best out of the rest of the summer. My perfect summer is going up to cabins, bonfires, playing on the lake, softball and just hanging out with friends in the warm weather. All of these things are made much better by fun summer country songs playing in the background. Great American Country came up with a list of the Top 20 songs of the summer and it included:
1. Carrie Underwood - All-American Girl
2. Blake Shelton - Some Beach
3. Craig Morgan - Redneck Yacht Club
4. Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett - It's Five O'clock Somewhere
5. Sugarland - All I Want To Do
6. Kenny Chesney - Summertime
7. Kenny Chesney - No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems
8. Alan Jackson - Good Time
9. Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried
10. Kenny Chesney - When The Sun Goes Down
11. Brad Paisley - I'm Gonna Miss Her
12. Alan Jackson - Chattahoochee
13. Julianne Hough - That Song In My Head
14. George Strait - The Seashores Of Old Mexico
15. Josh Turner - Firecracker
16. Keith Urban - Days Go By
17. Joe Nichols - Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off
18. Trace Adkins - Swing
19. Brad Paisley - Ticks
20. Little Big Town - Boondocks
I know I have listen to all of these songs this summer while playing in the sun and love them all! Let me know what you think of this list is it right on? Did they miss one of your favorite songs? Is there a song on here you don't think should be? I would love to hear of other great country songs to add to my summer play list!

Country Concerts in MN: Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

I know all of you Minnesota country fans out there are going to be just as excited about the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand lineup as I am! Country artist tickets you are able to purchase this year for the Grandstand are: Jason Aldean tickets for August 28th (the one I am most excited about!), Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd tickets for August 29th, Kelly Clarkson tickets for August 30th (had a hit country single with Reba McEntire), A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor tickets for September 4th, Jackson Browne tickets for August 31 and Randy Travis tickets for September 1. It doesn't matter what type of country fan you are there is a concert for everyone to enjoy. I am definitely most excited to get Jason Aldean tickets for August 28th. I love all of his songs specially "She's Country." Make sure you buy your Minnesota State Fair Grandstand tickets right away because they will be going very fast for every concert.

Country Concert in MN: Pat Green

I was so excited to hear that Pat Green is coming back to Minnesota! I got Pat Green tickets back in February to see him at The Cabooze when he came with Randy Houser. Pat Green put on an amazing show and I would go to his concert just to hear him sing "Let Me" because he does such an awesome job singing that song live. The rest of his songs sound great as well and he has a way of connecting with everyone at the concert which makes the experience even better! I can't wait to purchase my Pat Green tickets for August 18Th. It is hard to find Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater tickets because they sell out so fast but I am hoping to get enough so that I can surprise a few of my friends! :)

Country Music Festivels: Country Splash

Country Splash is almost here and I am so excited! It is June 18-20 on the Apple River in Wisconsin. The artist that will be performing are: Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Travis Tritt, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney, SheDaisy, Clay Walker, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts! I really can't believe that almost all of my favorite country artist will be at one place over 3 days and I get to see them all!