The Crystal Peach

The Crystal Peach is a page dedicated to interviews of industry leaders, major artist, commentaries from the GC staff and more.

"WHAT'S IN STORE FOR 2012? Our predictions!!"

Well, we got through 2011 all right and a great year it was in country music, locally and nationally, especially from our Georgia stars. We came fairly close in last year's predictions on a few things. First, we predicted that a new club would come into the old Cowboys Kennesaw location. We predicted a huge year from Jason Aldean and we saw him winning award after award from the Gammys to the CMAs. On the local scene, again many an act moved on to bigger and better things.

So, now, let's look ahead to 2012 and see what the crystal ball will bring for Georgia country music.

Starting with the local scene. Again, Georgia is THE hotbed for country music and we'll continue to see local singers, bands and songwriters making great strides in their careers. Bands like Brantley, are on the verge of going national so we see them pairing up with national stars for a tour come summer or fall. Other bands have the talent to be noticed by Nashville and we could very well see the same from many more. There still is a large quantity of young acts, in their teens still, that will burst onto the scene. With the popularity of Taylor Swift, Nashville and others will look toward Georgia to maybe find that new great young talent for country music. Georgia will continue to be a major stop in the road for the superstars of country music as we already are seeing many having Atlanta to Savannah booked on their schedule. On the venue and club scene, Electric Cowboy has been an instant hit in Atlanta, same with Big Rax in Albany and Cowboys Hotspot in Rutledge. Sportstime Bar and Grille in Duluth, has gone to country music on Saturday nights. So, this wave should continue as more venues will open or transition to country music in some capacity in 2012. With Electric Cowboy doing well, we could easily see another "like club" open in the Atlanta area. Will it be just dj music as Electric Cowboy does or have live bands? Only time will tell. But we do see other smaller venues getting away from rock and dance music and going to country more.

The national acts like Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Sugarland and Zac Brown Band already have established themselves as superstars in country. We now feel Luke Bryan is on the cusp of joining Jason, Blake, Kenny and Keith as being one of the major male acts. His performance on the CMA awards proved his great stage presence and performance ability to make him one of the top touring acts of 2012. Other Georgia acts that could make bigger strides in 2012 is Josh Kelly, Kip Moore and Eric Lee Beddingfield, which these three all are signed to major contract and will do nothing but grow. So, we see yet another great year in country music in and from Georgia. We all hope you get out and enjoy it this year. Also: A prediction from a local fan: My prediction nationally is that Jason Aldean will continue to be on top of country music charts and locally, I predict JORDAN RAGER will be known throughout the US in 2012. Locally/Nationally, I predict Rachel Farley will be a regular on the radio.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2011 was again another great year for country music in and from Georgia. On the local music scene, many artist and bands made great strides in their careers. Acts such as Rachel Farley, Ross Coppley, Jeremy Graham, Samantha Stroh, Riley and the 2010 Georgia Country Artist of the Year, Deepstep, signed agreements with entertainment entities to further their career. Deepstep made a move in the summer to change their name to "Brantley" after lead singers Scott & David's last name. Ty Bates was hired by the Carolina Opry to join the cast. He later left the Opry and came back to Georgia. The year was a roller coaster ride on the club scene as we saw many changes. Lonestar Bar & Grille opened up in Carrollton but closed only after four months. Country Rock in Athens closed after many years in the area. One of Albany's hottest spots over the years, One Trick Pony closed its doors as well. But other clubs did open. The Electric Cowboy franchise bought the old location of Cowboys. They remodeled the club in less than two months and opened Electric Cowboy Kennesaw in November. The old Cowboys can still be seen in glimpses in the new version of the Footloose movie, as the movie was filmed mostly in Georgia. Revitalization was over in Rutledge as a group bought the old Cowboys in the Country location, opened it under the new name of Cowboys Hotspot. Albany soon had a new club as the old Crow Bar was remodeled and opened as Big Rax. The same was done in Valdosta as the old Vegas club reopened as Neon Cowboy. New clubs onto the scene in the state was Cowboys Bar & Grille in Oak Park, Silverados and Desperados in Savannah. Rumors ran wild around long time club Whiskey River in Macon, as they left country music for a short term in the summer and late in the year, returned to country music with Brantley and coming up, Craig Campbell in concert. A major change took place at Wild Bills in Duluth as long time dj, Dwight Philpott left the club. And legendary music room Eddies Attic was bought out by long time concert promoter, Alex Cooley. After a fire almost destroyed the venue two years ago, the Georgia Theatre re-opened in the summer with rave reviews. The venue hosted an open house party to show the area it's new seating and also a roof top bar and cafe. Also in the local music industry, local vocal coach Jan Smith, entered the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Jan has worked with some of the big names in music and many local acts have turned to her for guidance. Moby of Moby In The Morning was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame and the Country Radio Hall of Fame.

The 2011 Georgia Country Awards were held November 5th at Cowboys in Milledgeville and the big winners were Ty Bates for Overall Artist of the Year, Ricky Gunn for Male Artist of the Year, Lauren Ashley for Female Artist of the Year, Allatoona grabbed Band of the Year and Meagan Kerns won Teen Artist of the Year.

2011 was another great year on the major concert scene as the superstars of country made Georgia a major stop on their tours. Kenny, Toby, Sugarland, Taylor, Rascal Flatts and others all were in Atlanta during the summer. The Day in the Country Festival again was a major hit in Augusta. Luke Bryan reprised his Farm Tour with several stops around Georgia and probably will be a regular fixture on the local concert scene. The national acts from Georgia continued great success in the year. Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum lead the way with major wins at the year's music award shows. Lady Antebellum won big at the Grammys with Album and Song of the Year. Zac Brown and Alan Jackson won for Collaboration. Georgia again turned up big at the ACM Awards in April. Zac and Alan again won for "As She's Walking Away", Lady A won for Album of the Year and Vocal Group. Sugarland won for Duo of the Year. The CMT Awards were in June and Lady A, again came up big for Group Video of the Year. Sugarland won for Duo Vidoe of the Year. The CMA Awards were in November and again, Georgia reigned big. Lady A repeated as Group of the Year, Sugarland for Duo. Jason Aldean grabbed Album of the Year, with the title track written by fellow Georgian, Brantley Gilbert. Brantley had a break out year with his first personal hit with Country Must Be Country Wide. He had already had songwriting hits with Aldean's My Kinda Party and Dirt Road Anthem. Other Georgia acts to break out onto the national scene was Corey Smith, with his hit 21, he appeared on Fox & Friends and other national tv appearances. Josh Kelley, formerly on the pop charts, crossed over with hit Georgia Clay. Josh is the brother of Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley. On the songwriting scene, Rhett Akins, along with fellow "Peach Pickers", Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip, continued to be one of Nashville's hottest songwriting team with hits on the charts such as All Over Me, All About Tonight, Farmers Daughter, Honey Bee, Country Girl Shake It For Me and many more. For that, Rhett and Dallas won BMI Songwriters of the Year in November. Hillary Scott of Sugarland won SESAC Songwriter of the Year for her work on Just A Kiss, Our Kind Of Love, Need You Now and Sara Evans hit A Little Bit Stronger. Not a Georgia act, but former Cowboys singer, Cody Collins, left Lonestar after five year as their former lead singer, Richie McDonald rejoined the band. Alan Jackson was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October. Alan also left his long time home of Arista Records and then later singed with EMI.

Sugarland was involved with a tragic accident in August as a stage collapsed under high winds at a concert in Indiana, right before they went on stage. Several people lost their lives and was injured. Sugarland is still part of a suit from the victims. Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland was married later in the year and also, Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum announced his engagement to his long time girlfriend. Other highlights of the year from locals was Connie Rager remembering her son Jordan opening for Bo Bice. And Stephen Adams, formerly of local band Dallas, remembers opening for Charlie Daniels at Wild Bills and Lee Brice on the road.

So, again, 2011 was a record year for country music in and from Georgia and 2012 should be no different.

Below is our interview with singer Kenny Young. He will be opening for Ricky Lynn Gregg, Friday night, Oct 7th, at the South Georgia Rockin' Country Music Fest

GC: Kenny, tell us about you and your music? How did you get started?

KY: I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN TUCKAHOE ..A SMALL TOWN IN SOUTH JERSEY..I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A PASSION FOR MUSIC..MY MUSIC IS ALL ABOUT REAL THINGS IN LIFE, EVERY SONG ON MY CD HAS A TRUE MEANING BEHIND IT . I'VE BENN PLAYING SINCE I WAS A KID, GROWING UP WATCHING MY FATHER PLAYING GUITAR. I PICKED IT UP AND WENT WITH IT. AFTER I WROTE MY FIRST TUNE I REALIZED THATS WHAT I WANTED TO DO.

GC: There are all types of country music. Describe yours and what kind of performance people would expect from you?

KY: I FIND MY MUSIC TO BE COUNTRY ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK, AMERICANA . THE PERFORMANCE YOU WOULD GET FROM ME IS A LAID BACK GOOD TIME, JUST PICKING AND SINGING.

GC: Who are some of your biggest influences and why?

KY: MY BIGGEST INFLUENCE IS MY FATHER OF COURSE FOR INTRODUCING ME TO MUSIC, BUT I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED COUNTRY SOUTHERN ROCK AND THE CLASSIC ROCK SOUND. THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT BANDS AND MUSICIANS TO NAME THEM ALL WOULD TAKE ALL DAY..BUT I GREW UP LISTENING TO THAT KIND OF MUSIC AND ITS COOL TO SEE HOW STRONG IT STILL IS TODAY.

GC: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

KY: THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY CAREER THUS FAR HAS BEEN SIGNING WITH MY RECORD LABEL TOMMY NAPLES MUSIC AND RELEASING MY NEW CD " SIMPLE THINGS" AND ALSO THIS MONTH STARTS THE THE UPCOMING FALL TOUR . WE ARE ON THE ROAD BETWEEN PA AND FLA IN OCT AND NOV PLAYING CLUBS AND FAIRS AND FESTIVALS THEN WE HEAD TO VEGAS IN DEC TO PLAY THE NATIONAL FINAL RODEO.

GC: You are playing at the upcoming South Georgia Rockin' Country Music Fest. Tell people what they can expect at the event.

KY: " A DANG GOOD TIME" THERES GONG TO BE ALOT OF GREAT BANDS AND OTHER ARTISTS THERE SOME I HAVE PLAYED WITH BEFORE AND SOME I AM EXCITED ABOUT GETTING TO MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME..ITS GOING TO BE A GREAT GATHERING OF PEOPLE THAT CAN SIT BACK AND LISTEN TO SOME GREAT MUSIC..MY TOUR MANAGER AND BOOKING AGENT JIMBO DELANCEY HAS BEEN DOING SHOWS IN SOUTHERN GEORGIA FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AND HAS TOLD ME WHAT GREAT PEOPLE AND GREAT CROWDS COME OUT FOR THE SHOWS DOWN THERE AND THAT THEY ARE VERY KNOWLEDGABLE AND VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT MUSIC..IM REALLY EXCITED TO GET OUT THERE AND MEET THEM ALL AND HOPING AFTER THE SHOW I HAVE MADE SOME NEW FRIENDS AND SOME NEW FANS ... MY BAND AND I ARE ALL LOOKING VERY MUCH FORWARD TO THIS MORE THEN ANY OTHER SHOW ON THE TOUR ...WE'LL SEE YA'LL ON THE 7TH OF OCTOBER AT GABBY MOTOR SPEEDWAY IN ELLAVILLE GA....YA'LL BRING YOUR PARTY ATTITUDES CAUSE THIS SHOW IS GONNA BE ONE BIG PARTY .. IM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YA'LL SOON...GOD BLESS.

"People Dont Go If People Dont Know (editorial by Dan Seals - GC)

Our mission at Georgia-Country.com is the basic job of getting the "word out" about an artist, singer or band. To let the local Georgian scene know more about the artist and to encourage people to come see them live. Promotions have been around almost since mankind started, with the fruit vendor on the streets of Cairo, yelling to the crowd, trying to draw attention to his stand, to the politician, driving around with a speak on top of the van, asking for votes at the upcoming election. If you don't let people know about you, they WONT know about you. Or one saying we have here at GC, "If people don't know, people don't go".

I see almost daily of local artist that have Facebook pages to get the word out about them, but don't properly know how to manage them. We all know how Facebook works now, a comment about last night's tv show to where they are having lunch with friends. And let's not forget about all the apps that constantly bombard anyone's page. If a local act is using Facebook to get the word out about them, they should be constantly monitoring their page or pages. To clean up the "junk" that may come in that overshadows a bullet about their weekend show. This "must" be done. By not keeping your page clean is no different than having a billboard and letting people come by and sticking flyers and signs on top of it. How do you expect your fans to know about your weekend show, if they have to crawl through the garbage on your page? And even more important by monitoring your FB page is catching a fans question about maybe when is your cd coming out, when will you be in their area for a next show, what time are you going on Saturday night, questions that will either keep or kill a fan. Sure, it may be hard to catch and answer every question, but you should do your best to do so. If you don't have time, then find someone that is willing and committing to take the time to monitor your Facebook pages. And this is not just with Facebook. Just this morning, I was looking at a local acts "website" and there was NOTHING on this singer's schedule, YET, their Facebook page was covered with announcements of upcoming shows. Facebook should be looked at as a compliment to your website if you have one. Your website is where MOST of your fans and potential fans should be going. It's the site you mention at your shows and all. If THIS is not always current, then that fan may think you are not performing at all anywhere. Not EVERYONE has access or uses Facebook. But anyone with web access can view your website. Your website should be your very first priority on a weekly and daily basis. Not only listing your upcoming schedule but also add interesting news and tidbits about you that will keep a person's interest. List a bio to give people an idea of what type of person you are, to build that connection. If you are working on a cd, mention that, even though it may not be out soon, at least it keeps the interest. Your website IS your professional "billboard" to all and if you hope to have constant attention, it HAS to be maintained. At all times.

This is not just about artist, but I see the same things with venues, clubs and taverns that have live music. Their websites not updated, no schedule listed, nothing about the bands that are coming soon, to draw interest. Just as with the bands, why have a website if you are not going to maintain it and use it to its fullest reason? (but we'll talk more about venues in a future edition. They have even more at stake in this). Even with the current economy, people do still want to go out and be entertained now and then, so their entertainment dollars are there, but it's up to you as a band to make sure the public know about you and what you are doing at all times. Keep this saying in mind at all times "People Don't Go If People Don't Know".

THE GEORGIA MUSIC HALL OF FAME (editorial by Dan Seals - GC)

There had been talk of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame either closing, scaling back its business or moving to another part of the state to maximize exposure for years. Well, after several attempts to save it, it appears to be on its way to closing in June (for now). If the GMHOF closes for good, it will be a sad part of Georgia music history, especially what has transpired and what Georgia has given to music in the last twenty years. First, look at Country Music. Outside of Texas and Tennessee, Georgia has produced more country artist on the national scene than any other state. And currently, no other state is more hotter than Georgia on developing country music talent. Look at the charts, at any given time you see hits from Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Sugarland, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington and newcomers coming on strong, Josh Kelley, Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford, Craig Campbell, Kip Moore and others. And in the pipes with news this week, new artist signing various deals in Nashville, Rachel Farley, Samantha Stroh and of recent, Deepstep, Jeremy Graham, and many more, so, Georgia right now is the hot bed for country stars. Plus in other genes, many stars have come out of Georgia of recent like Outkast, Monica, Usher and many more. And back to country, look over the last twenty years, the likes of Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Doug Stone, John Berry, Trisha Yearwood and Rhett Aktins have all be stars. Thus, Georgia, indeed has been a breeding ground for musical artist for our nation.

Now, from a business standpoint, the Hall, like any business, has to have customers and visitors in order to survive. Now, while Macon has long has a strong history of creating our best loved artist, such as The Allman Brothers, Ottis Redding, Little Richard and recently Jason Aldean, wouldn't it have made more of a smatter business sense to have the Hall in Atlanta for maximized exposure? Maybe close to the World of Coke and the soon to open College Football Hall of Fame? Atlanta IS the number one tourist destination in Georgia thus having the Hall there, for millions to visit every year, made all the sense in the world. Why couldn't have Georgia done this? Have the Hall's headquarters in Atlanta, showcasing the state and then have off site museums in cities like Macon, Athens, Augusta and Savannah, showcasing the artist from those cities and areas. Each city's chamber of commerce could be involved in their own halls to showcase their talent. Athens, for example, showcasing R.E.M., the B52s.

Macon was originally chosen for several reasons, for the above mentioned history but also logistically, being in the center of the state, but if you were in Athens or Savannah, not that easy to get to, thus why not have your own "min" hall in your own city. Atlanta had an off-site museum at Discover Mills in Duluth.

And one last thing the Hall could have done is showcased the talent in Georgia with a combination of the stars and local talent, with tours around the state, weekend live concerts on the ground, workshops for new talent, etc. They could have reached out to the many other musical organizations around the state for partnership, such as the GMIA for example. Even us, Georgia-Country.com, had contacted the Hall several times about partnering up and having regular events showcasing our strong country music. The people at the Hall basically ignored offers and suggestions on keeping it afloat. So, now, people are going to be out of jobs, a beautiful building in Macon will be closed but even more sad, our rich music history of Georgia will be confined to boxes in a warehouse at UGA if something isn't done soon.

At home with Luke Bryan and his wife Caroline. (courtesy of CountryWeekly.com)

Behind The Scenes At Josh Thompson's "Won't Be Lonely Long" Music Video Shoot

Hi folks!!! Georgia country music artist Misty Loggins here. Georgia-Country.com asked me to write a little bit about my buddy Josh Thompson's brand spanking new video, "Won't Be Lonely Long"... which I happen to have the honor of making a cameo in. We had such a great time shooting the video, and I'm so glad to be able to let you in on some of the behind the scenes fun. Thanks GC, for asking!

First of all, I feel the need to get one thing straight. I might be a little biased when it comes to my friends, but I'm always picky when it comes to my Country Music. So even though Josh is a dear friend of mine, I'm still a huge fan. I've known Josh since we first came to Nashville chasing our dreams. I'm proud to say that he is still the same guy he was when he poured concrete. When it comes to his music, pure and simple, there is no bias there; Josh Thompson is a country legend in the making.

When the music video director Andi Zack called to say that Josh requested for me to be in his "Won't Be Lonely Long" video, I don't have to tell you I was tickled pink. "Won't Be Lonely Long" is Josh's latest single off of his Columbia Records release "Way Out Here" and I have to say, it is one of my favorites on the album. Andi, who is also a hit songwriter in her own right having co-penned Josh's first single, "Beer On The Table," was making her directorial debut with this video. To be honest, to just call her the "director" is a gross understatement. "Director" was just one of the many hats she wore... she produced, filmed and edited the entire video herself...which in the video world is not only amazing to comprehend, it is nearly unheard of. As it turns out, she's incredible at all of it. When I saw the final cut of "Won't Be Lonely Long," I was floored. Andi Zack is one talented woman.

We filmed our segment for the video at the legendary Nashville venue "12th & Porter" before Josh had a show. I had just come from a day of filming in my role as Betty Jo on the CMT project, "The Tail Spinners." That in itself is an honor and privilege, but to go straight from CMT to filming the video with Josh was unbelievable. I can't get over how blessed I am... Still pinching myself. The scenes that I'm in include other close friends of Josh, hit-songwriter Ken Johnson--who co-penned "Beer On The Table" with Josh and Andi --- artist Chris Cavanaugh---who Josh is currently producing an album on--- and the stunning brunette is Natalie Harker, song plugger for Cal IV Entertainment. She and I had to dig down deep and muster up all of our acting skills to pretend to flirt with Josh...Ok, you caught me; it took very little acting skill. I don't have to tell all the ladies out there--- Josh Thompson ain't hard on the eyes! At Andi's direction, the five of us acted out some of the plot of the song, which gave a great counterbalance to the footage of Josh on the road.

The fantastic thing about this video was that it perfectly captures the real Josh Thompson. The fans get a front row seat to what Josh is truly like in real life...cutting up on the bus, chilling out with his friends, and the high energy of his band rocking out on stage. Andi Zack and Ken Johnson went on the road with Josh for several shows to give us that rare and much needed perspective. As much as I have loved Josh's other videos, I have to say, regardless of how much fun I had being in the video, this is by far my favorite. I was there for the filming of Josh's first video, "Beer On The Table." It was a huge production in a warehouse with a full camera crew and all the fixings, and no doubt, it did look amazing. (By the way, here's a little fun fact for you: I got to be a "hand model" in the "Beer On The Table" video. Yep, that's my hand holding the plastic cup filling with beer. I'm now a professional "stunt beer holder." If you've seen my riveting two second performance, you will agree.) But with camera shots that make you feel like you're right there and one Super Director and one stocking capped, water flicking, dancing Josh Thompson, "Won't Be Lonely Long" is my pick of the video litter... Hands down!

Folks, if you haven't seen it yet, I hope you'll go to GAC.com or CMT.com and give it a look. If you're not a fan of Josh's already, you will be. While you are at it, please vote for Josh Thompson's "Won't Be Lonely Long" on the video countdowns and help this future country legend take his rightful place on top.

You can find out more information on Georgia singer and Nashville recording artist, Misty Loggins by going to www.mistyloggins.com

Won't Be Lonely Long (On the Road) - Josh Thompson - Josh Thompson Videos

The story of "Heart of A Champion" - by Corbette Jackson

I was on my way back to Nashville from Carrollton where we had a show the night before when I got a text from one of my high school friends, Lorrie Bell. It was a text asking me to do a benefit for her brother who had just been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. When I replied to her later that I would love to be apart of the benefit for her brother, I had no idea that it would change my life forever. I can't explain the feeling I got when I received this calling to help this local fireman (who is now a forever great friend, and hero to me) from my hometown of Newnan, GA.

I knew from the way people spoke of him, he was a great man, served our community well, and loved God. Lorrie called me a couple nights after, and during our conversation she said to me, "The doctor told him he had the heart of a champion." I couldn't get that out of my head. The next day I went into the office of my manager and bud (Stokes Nielson), and brought up the idea of a song called "Heart of a Champion" for Chris. We grabbed our guitars, sat down on the floor and wrote his song.It was as if God, and Chris were with us every second of writing it. I got to Newnan, and right away wanted to go visit Chris and his family.

When I walked into the Landreau home, it was an indescribable feeling. Chris was so pumped about the benefits for that weekend. He never once stopped smiling, and praised God and his community the whole time. You would've thought he was going through the best times in his life. That's when I realized; wow, this is a true champion and a special human being. When we got to Chic-fil-a (which is where the first benefit for Chris was held in Newnan), and asked Chris to come out to the van to listen to his song for the first time, I didn't know what to expect. He and some of his family came out and we played the song... I will never forget him sitting in the front seat of our van, and after the first chorus a tear fell on the notebook paper he had on a clipboard in his lap. The song moved everyone, but when I saw Chris was emotionally touched, I felt at peace. I didn't have dry eyes my self, and I honestly do not at this moment writing this blog. He pulled his wife, Amanda close and hugged us all. At that moment we became a family. God had brought us together. Stokes and I were the instruments He had sent for Chris, and Chris with his song and story has and will change so many lives. God bless everyone for there help, and support! I'm so proud to call Newnan, Georgia my home.

"WHAT'S IN STORE FOR 2011? Our predictions!!"

Well, 2011 will again prove to be a big year for Georgia in country music, both locally and nationally. On the local scene, we see the Atlanta area having a new country bar open. Either Cowboys will reopen or we'll see a new club all together. More and more smaller venues will transition to country music as they find out that country music fans are the most loyal. Give them a great place to have fun and hear their music, they'll come back often. The Atlanta country music market is still strong and if the ecomomy continues to improve, the market will be itching for more places to go hear their music. We see the Georgia Music Hall of Fame announcing their move to Atlanta, at least a simiilar building to Macon. This will give more exposure to the hall and more revenue. But the Hall needs to give more attention to the country music from Georgia. More new talented bands will arive on the scene. Voices that will open eyes. We see several Georgia bands being more and more noticed by Nashville and the record companies. There will even be a few bands signed to either development deals or a full blown recording contract. With the rise of Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown, that highway from Georgia to Tennesee will continue to be crowded. On the National scene, Lady A and Zac Brown will continue to lead the way. We feel Billy Currington is on the verge of being more recognized as one fo the top males in country music. Jason Aldean is poised now to take Kenny Chesney's place as the top male in country music and will have a monster year and possibly win an Entertainer of the Year award. Luke Bryan too will continue to esculate his career. We even see Luke being asked to join the Grand Ole Opry as he's loved and respected by many. We're not too crazy with the direction that Sugarland is taking. We understand that their current cd is more pop and rock appealing than country and with them no longer the top group or duo, they may concentrate on that market more than country in the coming year. So, 2011 appears to be another great year for country music from Georgia so lets' just set back and enjoy the ride.

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