Dierks loves hockey! He loves watching it and playing it. When he was here in Bloomington, he played with B104′s JD and Kevin in the Morning. Country Weekly reports that following his concert last night (2/21) in Calgary, Canada; Direks was joined on stage by ex-NHL player Chad Brownlee to “distribute” some free T-shirts to the fans in crowd.

Dierks Bentley on WhoSay

The two brought out hockey sticks and instead of throwing the rolled up shirts out to the fans, they “shot” them out. Dierks posted a photo of the fun (seen above) on Dierks Bentley on WhoSay. He also got on his Twitter account to talk about it: “starting new tradition…shooting t-shirts out into the crowd post show. ex #NHL @chadbrownlee took someone out! http://say.ly/iRU1sJt“.

Fans also Tweeted about it saying things like: @Meggles25 “@DierksBentley shooting t-shirts in the crowd with hockey sticks should totally be considered the Canadian way!! ”, and, @Jordancjoc “@DierksBentley @Chadbrownlee great show in Calgary tonight! Thanks Chad for the shirt 2 the head 2 end it all off! Shooting shirts? Classic!”

What do you think of Dierks Bentley’s new tradition?

Courtesy of Monarch Publicity

Craig Morgan has always enjoyed using his star power to do good deeds for others, so it came as no surprise that the singer made a generous donation to the music department of a local Tennessee school this week.

Tuesday morning (Feb. 21), Morgan delivered 15 new Dean acoustic guitars to Dickson Middle School, which is located an hour west of Nashville. While dropping off the gorgeous instruments, Morgan spent some time talking with Mr. Elston’s 8th grade class about the importance of music and the ways it has shaped his life and career. Morgan also treated the students to an impromptu guitar lesson, and even showed the class how ‘easy’ songwriting can be by hashing out a quick ditty with the students.

“Music has always been such an important part of my life,” says Morgan in a press release. “I’m happy to give back so that others can share in that experience.”

Those who were not included in Morgan’s special musical treat won’t have to wait too much longer for new music from the star, as his new album ‘This Ole Boy’ hits stores next week (Feb. 28). The album’s lead single is the title track, which was penned by Nashville’s hottest writing team, the Peach Pickers — Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

YouTube

Just days before her new single ‘Good Girl’ is scheduled to be officially released, Carrie Underwood has given fans a sample of the until now unheard track from her upcoming fourth studio album. In a video released on her official website on Tuesday, Underwood takes fans inside the studio.

“I thought I’d give you guys a little teaser, cause hey, what are they gonna do to me?” the blonde country superstar asks before swinging the mixing room door open, releasing a flood of uptempo country goodness. The song seems cut from the mold of ‘Before He Cheats’ or ‘Undo It.’ It’s the bad girl Underwood that fans will hear from first.

“I cannot wait for you to hear the whole thing. It will be coming to a radio near you very soon. I hope you like it.” The still-untitled album is due in stores May 1.

Underwood’s website says the song will be released on Feb. 23. In fact, there is a ‘Good Girl’ countdown that is pecking away the seconds to midnight ET. It may be a very late night for the singer’s most loyal fans.

Watch Carrie Underwood’s Sneak Peek of her New Song ‘Good Girl’

Source: TasteofCountry.com

The Tokyo-based company said its so-called space elevator could be ready by 2050. The company said that such a feat has been made possible thanks to the 1991 discovery of carbon nanotubes, which are around 20 times stronger than steel. These would be used to produce the necessary cables for the elevator.

The elevator, containing up to 30 people and traveling at a speed of 125 mph, would be powered using magnetic linear motors. The terminal station, containing laboratories and a living area, would be located 22,400 miles up.

What happens if the elevator gets stuck halfway up?

Digital Trends

Frederick Breedon/Getty Images for Relativity Media

He’s a very accomplished song writer as well as award winning singer. However, Keith Urban admits that he was quite nervous about writing for the ‘Act Of Valor‘ movie soundtrack.

Keith was about to have vocal surgery when he was asked to write a song for the ‘Act Of Valor’ soundtrack. He says: “I’ve never written for a particular thing before, and I was really nervous about it.” He says that he just felt like he couldn’t do it, then, “One of the guys from Relativity [Films] flew down and showed us the film, and I was really moved by the film. And I wanted to write something, [but] I couldn’t think of an angle and a place and so on.”

Keith said that it was somebody very special to him that helped convince him to move past the nerves and write the song. “I have to really thank [my wife] Nic for really saying to me, ‘You should do this. You really should. I think you’ll really be able to do this, if you just commit to it.” he said quoting his wife Nicole Kidman. He added that Nicole “really kind of gently suggested that I do it.”

Keith did get past his nerves and wrote the song ‘For You‘ and recorded it for the “act Of Valor’ movie soundtrack. The album was released yesterday (2/21). The soundtrack also features Lady Antebellum, Trace Adkins, Sugarland, Jake Owen, and many other country stars.

The movie will hit theaters this Friday, February 24th. ‘Act Of Valor‘ stars real active-duty Navy SEALs portraying a story based on real life events in the powerful story of contemporary global anti-terrorism.

If you have already picked up a copy of the ‘Act Of Valor’ soundtrack, what do you think of it?

Frazer Harrison / David Livingston, Getty Images

Here’s a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:

Jeri Ryan
Age: 44
Occupation: Actress
Known For: Playing the liberated (“de-assimilated”) Borg, Seven of Nine, on ‘Star Trek: Voyager,’ roles on other shows like ‘Leverage,’ ‘Boston Public,’ ‘Dark Skies’ and ‘Shark,’ and her current role as Dr. Kate Murphy on the ABC drama ‘Body of Proof’

Drew Barrymore
Age: 37
Occupation: Actress, Producer and Director
Known For: Her star-making childhood role in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,’ two stays in rehab by the time she was 14, rebounding nicely with adult roles in ‘Boys on the Side,’ ‘The Wedding Singer,’ ’50 First Dates’ and the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ film franchise, co-founding the prolific Flower Films production company, her recent engagement to art consultant Will Kopelman, and just being all-around adorable

Kyle MacLachlan
Age: 53
Occupation: Actor
Known For: His roles in the cult films ‘Blue Velvet,’ ‘Showgirls,’ ‘Dune’ and ‘The Doors,’ work on the TV shows ‘Twin Peaks,’ ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Desperate Housewives,’ and a lengthy relationship in the 1990s with supermodel Linda Evangelista

Rachel Dratch
Age: 46
Occupation: Actress and Comedienne
Known For: Being a cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’ from 1999 to 2006, appearing in movies including ‘Down with Love,’ ‘Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star’ and ‘I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,’ and her enviably close friendship with Tina Fey

James Blunt
Age: 38
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter and Musician
Known For: Singles including ‘You’re Beautiful’ and ‘Goodbye My Lover,’ being nominated for five Grammys, selling 18 million albums, and having a long string of model girlfriends

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Last night the blues were celebrated in the east room and instead of the blues getting everybody down they were dancing with President Obama getting in on the action. This is part of the In Performance series, this one is called Red, White and Blues.

It was a two-hour show featuring  B.B. King and “The Thrill Is Gone,” Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy doing Willie Dixon’s “Let Me Love You Baby,” Mick Jagger dancing it up like he was on stage in a stadium doing Otis Redding’s “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” Jagger with Beck on Howlin’ Wolf’s “Commit a Crime,” and the all-star finale of “Sweet Home Chicago,” which, at the urging of Buddy Guy, featured President Obama joining at the end.

If anyone knows about the blues it is the President of the United States.

The show will air starting Monday night on PBS at 8pm CST.

Steve Powell, Getty Images

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:

1819 – By the Adams-Onís Treaty, Spain sells Florida to the United States for $5 million (More info)

1879 – In Utica, New York, Frank Woolworth opens the first of many of five-and-dime Woolworth stores (More info)

1924 – President Calvin Coolidge becomes the first commander-in-chief to deliver a radio broadcast from the White House (More info)

1980 – In what would come to be called the Miracle on Ice, the US men’s hockey team beats the heavily-favored Soviet Union team 4-3 at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York (More info)

2006 – At least six men stage Britain’s largest robbery in history, stealing $92.5 million from a Securitas depot in Kent (More info)

Rick Diamond / Jason Kempin, Getty Images

There are happy days ahead for Joe Nichols. Well, happy and sleepy days ahead for both the singer and his wife. Rascal Flatts also made a big announcement on Monday, and Miranda Lambert was the recipient of more venom from Chris Brown. Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Kix Brooks also make the Taste of Country Daily Roundup today.

Scroll through to read all of the top country music news headlines and a few others from around the web, like why Conan O’Brien appeared on ‘How I Met Your Mother’ in a blink-and-you-miss-it scene last night.

Today on Taste of Country:

Joe Nichols and Wife Expecting First Child
Miranda Lambert Takes a Hit From Chris Brown Via Twitter
Rascal Flatts One Night Only ‘Changed’ Theater Event Planned for April
Keith Urban Says He Won’t Be Harsh on ‘The Voice’
Kix Brooks, ‘New to This Town’ – Song Review
Taylor Swift Squashes Zac Efron Dating Rumors, Shares Top 5 Moments of Her Life on ‘Ellen’
Ronnie Dunn vs. Thompson Square – The Showdown
Sugarland Deny Being at Fault for Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse
Can You Guess the Artist in This Yearbook Photo?
Taylor Swift Gets Cozy With ‘The Lorax’ Co-Stars at Hollywood Premiere
Nicolle Galyon Impresses ‘The Voice’ Coach Adam Levine With Kenny Chesney’s ‘You Save Me’
Bucky Covington Donates Funds for Injured Fire Fighters and Police Officers

Taste of Country Also Recommends:

Whitney Houston Clothing From ‘The Bodyguard’ on the Auction Block
‘Undercover Boss’ Shuts Down His Own Restaurant
New Bruce Springsteen Song ‘Easy Money’ Revealed
Grant Gustin Teases About What Will Happen in ‘On My Way’ Episode of ‘Glee’
Was Conan O’Brien on ‘How I Met Your Mother’?

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Keith Urban is eagerly gearing up for his appearance as a celebrity coach on Australia’s version of the hit show ‘The Voice.’ And while he admits he’s looking for someone to really capture his attention, the ‘You’ll Think of Me’ singer says he’s not about putting people down when they don’t make the cut.

“I did a few of these things when I was younger, and I know what it’s like to just be crucified,” he told the Tennessean. Urban says what he truly loves about ‘The Voice’ is the fact that the show is all about looking for the good in people and not just shooting them down for their inabilities. Appearing as a mentor on the show alongside Seal, Joel Madden of Good Charlotte and Australian artist Delta Goodrem, Urban says he understands that criticism has a place but that it’s all about the delivery.

“My want is to help someone realize that, ‘You nailed these things, and any artist has areas they need help with, and I may have these faults myself and that’s why, maybe I’m pointing them out in you,’” he explains. “I look at this as an opportunity to give back and help somebody.” As he gets ready for the show, which will air later in 2012, Urban says he’s listening for authenticity and he’s going to be genuinely working to help those on his team become as good as they possibly can be.

“It’s working with players and trying to have a vision,” he says. “It’s like, ‘If we tweak this and focus this and maybe sing this down here,’ and really play to their strengths.” In a promotional video for the upcoming show, the artist pointed out that he loves the idea of the blind audition since it’s just the same as when he hears a new artist on the radio and can’t see what they look like, adding, “It’s that pure believability that I feel like this person is speaking to me.”

Source: TasteofCountry.com

(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images for Relativity Media)

DVR Alert! Jake Owen will perform two songs tonight on Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC TV.
Owen will perform his current Top-10 single, “Alone With You,” and his multi-week Number One, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.”  Both hits are from his album “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” that debuted Number One on the Country Album’s Chart.

Jake Owen has been getting lots of attention from the Late Night television hosts, not only will he perform two songs tonight on Jimmy Kimmel Live, but he performed on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Valentines Day and is scheduled to guest on Chelsea Lately on E! March 1^st.

Jake Owen will be the opening act for the “Brothers Of The Sun” tour this summer with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.

Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

Country hitmaker Joe Nichols and his wife, Heather, are about to get a visit from the stork, according to People. Nichols, who released his record ‘It’s All Good’ at the beginning of November, has one 13-year-old daughter, Ashelyn, from a previous relationship, but is extremely excited to be expecting for the first time with his wife of more than four years.

“After trying to have a baby for so long, we are thrilled to announce that I am pregnant,” Heather says. And the excited father-to-be adds, “I have to give all the credit to my wife — she has been a trooper through all of this, and I am so happy.”

The ‘Gimme That Girl’ singer married his wife in September of 2007 with a Georgia wedding, and they have been talking for a couple of years now about taking the next step to become parents together. After quite a bit of trying, they’re finally able to realize that dream and look forward to the arrival of a new little Nichols.

The country singer released a ‘Greatest Hits’ album last January, and this year he’s slated to perform at the WYRK Taste of Country concert June 1 at the Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, N.Y. along with Eric Church and Eli Young Band.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Rascal Flatts fans will want to plan a trip to their local multiplex on Thursday, April 5. That’s when the country power trio, in conjunction with AEG Live and NCM Fathom, will present a special, one-night-only theater event across the nation. The Flatts on the big screen? Does it get any better than that?

‘Rascal Flatts – CHANGED: One Night Exclusive Theater Event’ will take place at 8PM ET (as well as 7PM CT, 6PM MT and 8PM PT, tape delayed). The events that unfold on screen will provide exclusive, never-before-seen access into the lives the men who comprise Rascal Flatts: Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus.

But the band isn’t just pulling back the curtain for a sneak peek. In the film, Rascal Flatts will also include exclusive live performances of their biggest hits and play music from the upcoming album ‘Changed,’ which lands just two days before, on April 3, via Big Machine Records.

It’s a full-on Rascal Flatts event. Tickets will be available to the American public in early March by going here. So bookmark that site, grab a red Sharpie and circle April 5 on your calendars, Flatts fans. You’ll nosh on some popcorn, toss back some Diet Cokes and enjoy both personal and live footage of your favorite country threesome! But remember, it’s one night only, so get your ticket fast!

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Larry Busacca / Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Oh how the plot is thickening between tell-it-like-it-is country gal Miranda Lambert and controversial hip-hop artist Chris Brown. If you haven’t heard, the two have been in a bit of a virtual tiff, with Lambert tweeting her honest feelings for the star who spent time on probation in 2009 for beating then-girlfriend Rihanna. The battle began with Lambert expressing feelings about Brown getting stage time for two Grammy performances this year, and now the male singer is fighting back.

“Using my name to get publicity? I love it! Perform your heart out!” Brown tweeted early Saturday morning (Feb. 18). Though he could have been alluding to any number of people who have called him out for poor behavior, it’s quite likely Brown was referring to Lambert’s blatant mention of him before singing her song ‘Gunpowder & Lead’ at a recent show while holding up a sign that read, “Take note Chris Brown.”

Brown’s intention with the comment became a little clearer a few minutes later when he tweeted, “Go buy @miranda_lambert album! So motivational and ‘PERFECT’!” And the mudslinging continued. Though Brown didn’t call out Lambert by name again, it was clear he was speaking to her, and he did take a minute to give a shout to everyone who isn’t holding him to his past actions: ”Goodnight to all the people who live life and who aren’t stuck in the past! TEAM BREEZY is my family! Positivity and blessings!” he tweeted.

This was all in response to Lambert’s neon concert sign, which she encouraged her fans to shoot photos of, as well as a series of tweets she posted Feb. 13. During her online rant, she said things like “And Chris Brown twice? I don’t get it. He beat on a girl” and “Not cool that we act like that didn’t happen. He needs to listen to Gunpowder and lead and be put back in his place. Not at the Grammys.”

At press time, Lambert had not responded to Brown again using the social media site.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Sugarland have long been embroiled in a lawsuit surrounding the August 13, 2011 stage collapse at their show at the Indiana State Fair. Now, responding to lawsuits coming at them, they’re claiming one last time that the incident, which left seven dead and more than 40 injured, was not their fault.

As Taste of Country previously reported, the stage collapsed after Sara Bareilles’ performance and just before Sugarland was about to take the stage. Since then, Indiana State Fair Commission executive director Cindy Hoye claimed in an affidavit that she sent the show’s promoter twice to the band and was told twice that they wanted to carry on with the show, making them responsible for negligence in the situation.

In response to the negligence claims, the duo are asserting that the fatal accident was just that – “a true accident, or an act of God,” according to CNN. In a court document, the band responded by saying that they “had nothing to do with the construction of the venue” and that the scaffolding collapse was due to a “gust of wind of unprecedented intensity.”

Responding to the civil lawsuit filed by several victims Nov. 22, the band maintained that they had nothing to do with the construction of the venue itself and that the claims were the result of “an open and obvious danger,” and that some of the plaintiff’s injuries “resulted from their own fault.” When all fingers started pointing at them, Sugarland began pointing at others, suggesting that they shouldn’t be the only ones held accountable for the horrific event. They say others played a part as well, including Indiana State Fair officials, Indiana State Police, member of the labor union who constructed the stage and the entire state of Indiana.

Their claim does seem to be backed by some empirical evidence, as a Feb. 8 report by the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration revealed that the stage scaffolding was not constructed properly nor properly inspected after it was erected on the site. With all the finger pointing, Sugarland and their fans are left to wait and see where the lines fall in the end.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

'Ellen'

“We are not a couple.”

That is what Taylor Swift said more than once to Ellen DeGeneres on her namesake show this morning (Feb. 21) while promoting her animated film ‘The Lorax’ with hottie and supposed boyfriend Zac Efron. While they would make quite an attractive couple, Swift repeatedly shot down the rumors, though Ellen kept jokingly referring to them as a couple throughout their interview.

For his part, former ‘High School Musical’ star Efron smile slyly at Ellen’s repeated comments about their status, while Swift did her best to dismiss them. Does the lovely lady doth protest too much? Nah, we believe her. They’re not a couple, okay?

Ellen started out by saying, “You are both are adorable and adorable together, like a cute couple.” They responded in unison, “I knew this was going to happen.”

When speaking about how their diehard fanbases react to them, Swift said that lately, she has been getting a lot of crying fans, who come up to her shedding tears because they relate so much to her and her music. Efron joked, “She brings a tear to my eye,” to which Swift responded, “Aw, thanks.” Ellen pounced there, referencing their supposed coupledom. Again.

Swift put her well-heeled foot down later in the chat, saying, “We are not a couple. He’s awesome, we are not a couple though. You hear people get together when they’re shooting movies, co-stars. But not like animated co-stars. You know what I’m saying. Oh my God, as we were recording out voiceovers on separate coasts, we really connected.”

Swift also shared what she did on Valentine’s Day, which was throw a Pathetic Single Girls Party. “That was actually what it was called,” Swift said, qualifying that she doesn’t think single gals are pathetic. She continued, “I had my single girlfriends over and we had junk food, ate whatever wanted and danced, and made profile cards about why we were single.” Such a gal’s gal, isn’t she?

She also called the standing ovation she received at the 2012 Grammys one of the Top 5 moments of her life. Of course, DeGeneres pressed her about the other four, while joking that dating Zac Efron is one on the list. Swift claimed that “winning ‘Album of the Year’ at the Grammys, playing Gillette Stadium, playing with James Taylor, the standing ovation at the Grammys and buying my kitten” are her Top 5 moments in life.

Ellen also gifted each star with t-shirts sporting phrases about their relationship statuses, which they could change as things progress or devolve. Phrases such as “Lovers,” “Just friends,” “We Only Hooked Up Once” and “We Broke Up” were printed on the conversation tees. Efron joked about how that would really clarify things for the two as they dodge the rumors.

While on set, Efron and Swift laid down a cover of Foster the People’s ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ … though they reformatted the hit to fit their appearance on ‘Ellen.’ Watch below!

Watch Taylor Swift + Zac Efron on ‘Ellen’ Part 1

Watch Taylor Swift + Zac Efron on ‘Ellen’ Part 2

Watch Taylor Swift and Zac Efron Perform on ‘Ellen’

Source: TasteofCountry.com

YouTube

Luke Bryan is turning up the heat in preparation for the release of his new ‘Spring Break 4…Suntan City’ EP. Luke has released the music video for the title track ‘Suntan City’.

In a video announcement about the new EP, Luke said: “Any chance I have to continue to go to spring break, I’m always going to take that opportunity. I feel like we get better and better at it every year, and this certainly feels like the best one yet.”

Now he has increased the heat to help promote the March 6 release of the EP by releasing the video for ‘Suntan City’. The video captures all the fun of Spring Break with live concert footage as well as shots of Luke and spring breakers just having fun in the sun. Luke also gives us a behind the scenes look at him in the recording studio throughout the video.

Watch the new video ‘Suntan City’ from Luke Bryan below.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The 2012 season for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series got under way this past weekend in Daytona. Kyle Busch took the checkered flag in the Budweiser Shootout and Carl Edwards claiming the Pole for the Daytona 500.

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Saturday night (2/18) was first race of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, the Budweiser Shootout. The non-points race had 25 of NASCAR’s top drivers invited to participate in the event. The race ran 25 laps, had a 10 minute pit-stop break to adjust cars, and then ran another 50 laps to the finish. What the drivers, teams and fans learned from the race is that “pack racing” is back at Daytona thanks to new rule and equipment packages mandated by NASCAR for 2012.

The result of the return of “pack racing” was that all but three cars were involved in crashes by the end of the 75 lap Budweiser Shootout. Kyle Busch was involved in two of the multi-car incidents on the track, but managed to save his #18 Toyota before it spun out completely and did major damage to the car. Kyle was there at the end of the race to push Tony Stewart out in front of the pack to take the lead on the last lap. Kyle kept pushing Tony up until the last moment when he moved out for the old fashioned “sling shot” move to pass Tony and win the race by just fractions of a second.

Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR

Sunday (2/19) NASCAR held qualifying for the Pole Position for the first points race of the 2012 Sprint Cup season, the Daytona 500. Carl Edwards will begin the first race of the 2012 season where he started the last race of the 2011 season, from the Pole. Carl is hoping to have a better result in this race however. Last season, had Carl won the race at Homestead, he would have won the championship. He didn’t win the race or the championship as Tony Stewart won both. Greg Biffle ran fast enough in qualifying to claim the second place spot in the front row for the start of the Daytona 500. The rest of the starting grid for the ‘Great American Race’ will be set with the Gatorade Duels on Thursday (2/23) at Daytona.

The first points race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup 2012 season is this Sunday, February 26th at Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona 500 can be heard on our sister station, WJBC FM, 93.7, starting at 11am central time Sunday (2/26/12).