New Music Video From Jana Kramer - "Nothing Without You"

That Nashville Sound's Top Country & Americana Songs of 2022

2022 has been another fabulous year of country music. Traditional country, bluegrass, modern country and Americana are all represented well in this modern day and age and this list proves that out- we’ve cast a wide net over that definition of roots-oriented music.  

Later this week, we'll unveil our top albums of 2022, but today, we tackle our favorite songs. Few are radio singles. But you probably knew that already if you read this site.

Here are the rules by which this list was selected. It had to be released off an album that was released in 2022, is an independent release not on any other project, or is an already-released single off a to-be-released album. If the album came out in 2021 or before, it couldn’t be included- even if it wasn't released as a single until 2022. 

Looking back, there's some amazing songs that moved us more than all the others:

2021 - Jason Eady - "French Summer Sun"

2020 - Mickey Guyton - "What Are You Gonna Tell Her?" 

2019 - Erin Enderlin - "Broken"
2018 – Ashley McBryde – “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”
2017 – Sunny Sweeney – “Bottle By My Bed”
2016 - Jack Ingram - "The Sailor and the Sea"
2015-  Chris Stapleton - "Tennessee Whiskey"
2014 - Emily West - "Made for the Radio"
2013 - Kacey Musgraves - "Follow Your Arrow"
2012 - Waylon Jennings - "I Do Believe"
2011 - Ronnie Dunn - "Cost of Livin'"
2010 - Joe Diffie - "Route 5 Box 109"
2009 - Dean Brody - "Cattleman's Gun"
2008 - Jamey Johnson - "In Color"
2007 - Miranda Lambert - "Gunpowder and Lead"
2006 – Johnny Cash – “God’s Gonna Cut You Down”

And without further ado, we count down the songs that moved us the most in 2022. 

1. Lyle Lovett - "12th of June"

It’s really hard to find a sound of your own and have your own space and Lyle does just that on this song and album. It's country, but has influences of jazz and singer-songwriter in it- but it's this standout track about the day he became the father of twins and how it changed his life. It's profound listening if you're a parent. 

2. Hardy and Lainey Wilson - "Wait in the Truck"

The song depicts a man who, upon finding a battered woman on the side of the road, confronts her abuser in his trailer, shooting him when he reaches for his shotgun, killing the abuser. The song ends with the man in prison, 60 months into a sentence. It's gritty. Dark. And the fact that it lit up the radio airwaves despite both of those facts is a testament to how well done the storytelling is. 

3. Julie Williams - "Southern Curls"

There's a magic moment sometimes when you're in the audience listening to a show and a song makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up and gives you goosebumps along your arm. I had that feeling hearing this for the first time earlier this year when Williams was performing in the Golf & Guitars Music Festival in Sacramento. Drawn from a perspective that only she could tell as a person of color making her way through a predominantly white country music industry, it's equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. It's authentic and honest delivery amongst the very best of any songs released on the past year. 

 

4. Jelly Roll - "Son of a Sinner"

The song is about Jelly Roll's personal life as a traveling musician, as well as his personal struggles with "right and wrong" and addiction. Ironically, Jelly Roll told Billboard that he was intoxicated while recording the vocal track to the song. The result is a surprisingly brilliant song filled with depth, powerful vocals and honesty. 

5. Johnny and Heidi - "Good Hands"

Johnny Bulford is perhaps best-known for co-writing such songs as "A Woman Like You" for Lee Brice and "Lonely Eyes" for Chris Young. It's his bride Heidi however that steals the spotlight on this incredibly written and delivered tribute song about the men in her life. It's poetic and her soft vocals give it an intimacy that only enhances the feelings that a daughter would share about a father.  It's brilliant. 

6. Kaylin Roberson - "Die First"

At first, it's the voice. That's what stands out at first listen. Depth for days and a big ole range with that incredible southern natural drawl. But then those lyrics hit you like a ton of bricks. For anyone who's lost a grandparent or a parent... heck anyone who's ever even fallen in love... it's easy to place yourself in the middle of this harsh reality that it's easier being the first one to pass on than live without the love of your life. It's a master class in songwriting for this upcoming shining star of an artist. 

7. Tommy Prine - "Ships in the Harbor"

As the son of the legendary artist and songwriter John Prine, only Tommy could have penned this song. The weight of John Prine’s legacy both weighs it down and lifts it up. It's a tribute to a father and that is what makes it so unique. 

8. Zach Bryan - "Something in the Orange"

Perhaps music's most prolific songwriter in 2022 delivered a single song so powerful it deserved to be on this list. Here, it features Bryan opening himself up vulnerably, willing himself to believe there's a chance of survival for an all-but-doomed relationship. 

9. Mae Estes - "Thinkin' 'Bout Cheatin'"

Unapologetically country right out of the Keith Whitney playbook, this terrific song is everything that jukebox country should be in the modern day. It has heart and soul, uses traditional country messaging in a really strong way and highlights her brilliant delivery and vocals. 

10. Austin Jenckes - "River Jordan"

Austin calls himself "a gnarly, but vulnerable, country-blues singer with the introspective songwriting chops." What he doesn't mention is that he has a vocal delivery that hits like a hurricane and when he pairs it with a song like this that feels like it should be delivered from the pulpit of a Southern Baptist Church... well.. all I can say is, "Amen." 

11. Hannah Blaylock - Burned the Forest"

Hannah might be best known for her work in the trio Eden's Edge, but some of her more recent work has engraved her as one of the most pure vocalists to come out of Nashville in some time. This latest track written with Autumn McEntire highlights just that and a delicious dark narrative along the way. 

12. Jason Michael Carroll - "Tell Me Your Name"

As JMC himself has put it, “because my wife's mother is going through a battle and watching it tear her apart and affect the family as it has, inspired me to write this song with my buddy Johnny Orr.” For anyone who is helplessly sitting by with a loved one who is battling Alzheimer’s or dementia, you’ll quickly understand the impact that music can have on people. If country music is three chords and the truth, sometimes the truth is hard. 

13. Courtney Patton – “Casualty”

The Texas songwriter has delivered some of the most brilliantly written songs out of the Lone Star State (and beyond) over the last decade and this soulful and emotional track adds to that long list of killers. With heart-on-sleeve, this song dives deep before bursting with an emotional crescendo that draws you in and blows your socks off all at once. It's storytelling by poetry 101. 

14. Panhandlers - "Where Cotton Is King"

15. Sunny Sweeney - "Married Alone"

16. Jana Kramer - "The Story"

17. Willie Nelson - "Dusty Bottles"

18.  Ian Noe – “Ballad of a Retired Man”

19. Wade Bowen with Vince Gill – “A Guitar, a Singer, and a Song”

20. Miranda Lambert - "Carousel"

New Music Video From Jana Kramer - "The Story"

New Music Video From Jana Kramer - "Beautiful Lies"

Write You a Song Podcast Episode III - An Interview With Songwriter Tim Nichols

This morning we share another new podcast from host Tom Mailey from Bonneville radio station New Country 105.1 KNCI in Sacramento. Tom is a country radio veteran with over 30 years of experience in Seattle and Sacramento and a key partner in our Golf & Guitars Children's Charity Music Festival, a little event in our twelfth year that has raised well north of a million bucks for kids and individuals with disabilities. It highlights the songwriters in our industry and is entitled Write You a Song.

It's his hope that this podcast will shine a little overdue spotlight on the talented men and women who, mostly behind the scenes, write the songs that become part of our lives. You know their words and music, but maybe not their names: Write You a Song will feature some of country music’s biggest songwriters--like Jeffrey Steele, Brett Warren, Tim Nichols and more.

So you think songwriting sounds like a pretty great gig, eh? It is, but are you up for the challenges? Songwriter Hall of Famer Tim Nichols shares the joys and the challenges of songwriting, and why your previous success does not necessarily guarantee success in the future.

With nearly two dozen smash hits, multiple BMI songwriting awards, a Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as recently being a 2017 Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee, Tim Nichols has earned his place among Nashville's most elite and respected tunesmiths.

In 2004, Nichols co-wrote Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying," which stayed at #1 for ten consecutive weeks. In addition to breaking a 30 year record, "Live Like You Were Dying" won the Grammy award for Best Country Song in 2005. It also won the Song of the Year award from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, BMI Country Awards, ASCAP Country Awards, Billboard and the Nashville Songwriters Association International. It is the only song to have won every major song award that is presented for country music.

Nichols has also written huge hits for the likes of Jo Dee Messina, Dustin Lynch, Chris Young, Jana Kramer and many others.

Jennifer Hanson To Release Holiday Project Under the Tree

Artist: Jennifer Hanson
Album: Under the Tree
Label: Independent
Release date: November 3, 2017

Jennifer Hanson came on the scene to critical acclaim with her self-titled debut album. Her single “Beautiful Goodbye” went on to be a top 15 hit, the highest charting debut single by a new female artist for that year. Solidifying herself as a viable artist in the country music format, recording for both Capitol Records and Universal South, it has been Hanson’s songwriting that has led to her continued success in an ever-changing industry. Hanson’s artistry and songs have garnered ACM, CMT and GRAMMY nominations, as well as numerous BMI, SESAC and NSAI awards. Collectively, her songs have sold millions of albums worldwide. She wrote the #1 song “Leave the Pieces”; the debut single for Michelle Branch & Jessica Harp of The Wreckers, as well as the debut single for American Idol finalist Bucky Covington titled “A Different World”, which went on to become a top 5 hit on the Billboard charts. Hanson celebrated her second #1 single with her self-penned song “Let Me Down Easy” recorded by Billy Currington. Hanson also wrote the title track to the movie “Country Strong” performed by Gwyneth Paltrow and has had songs recorded by artists such as pop sensation Kelly Clarkson, country music superstars Rascal Flatts, The CW’s One Tree Hill actress and singer Jana Kramer, rising country music star Mickey Guyton and country legends Pam Tillis, Vince Gill and Don Williams to name a few.

Says Hanson about the project, "Several months ago, I ran across a cassette tape of my dad and I singing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” when I was 3 ½ years old. As I listened to this spirited little kid blaring out the lyrics to “Rudolph” with such gusto and enthusiasm, I was reminded of the joy and wonder of Christmas and the love and good times it always used to bring around our home that time of year. It was a normal occurrence for my dad to put in a cassette tape and record everything back then, and there was never a minute there wasn’t music playing. Looking back now, I’m so thankful he did. That moment in time he captured is what inspired me to make “Under the Tree”. I’ve always had a love for all things Christmas. It is, by far, one of my most favorite times of the year and nothing makes the holidays more festive than Christmas music. I hope you’ll enjoy listening to this little sampler of new tunes and old as much as I enjoyed making it. Happy Holidays…"

New Acoustic Music Video From Jana Kramer - "I've Done Love"

That Nashville Sound Saturday Newsbytes- New Music Videos & New Releases

We're playing catch-up this weekend with lots and lots of new music videos and a handful of new album introductions. TNS would love to hear from you- what's your favorite off of the list below?

- Union Station member Dan Tyminski has an album coming out just under his surname on October 20 called Southern Gothic. The album will be released by Mercury Nashville.

- In September of 2016, Luck Reunion and Third Man Records took over a mansion in East Nashville creating an analogue studio space with the goal of inspiring collaboration. Artists were invited to perform live and record 2 songs as part of a series called the “Luck Mansion Sessions." The video of the collaboration between Rodney Crowell and John Paul White (The Civil Wars) has just been released.

- Jana Kramer released new music. The new track "I've Done Love" has been released via her own Sophie Dog Records.

- Old Dominion released the new music video for "Not Everything's About You" from their upcoming album Happy Endings- out August 25th.

- The intriguing The Last Bandoleros released the new music video for "River Man."

- Anderson East released his new music video for "All On My Mind." 

- Kip Moore released his new music video for "Blonde." 

- A Dr. Ralph Stanley Forever: A Tribute Concert is set to include performances from Dierks Bentley, Heidi Newfield, Daryl Worley, T. Graham Brown, Ralph Stanley II, T. Bone Burnett and Doug Supernaw along with many others. The concert will be at The Grand Ole Opry House on October 19.

- Hoping to perhaps to repeat the Taylor Swift phenomenon, Warner Music Nashville has signed 13-year-old Tegan Marie to a record deal.

- Lucinda Williams has re-recorded her 1992 album Sweet Old World and plans a September 29 release of the new/old project via Thirty Tigers.

- Former Hot Chelle Rae lead singer Ryan Follese dropped a surprise self-titled album via Big Machine Records yesterday.

- Stephanie Quayle ("Drinking with Dolly" & "Winnebago") will have her new album Love The Way You See Me drop on September 8.

New Music Video From Jana Kramer - "Circles"

New Music Video From Jana Kramer- "Said No One Ever"

New Music Video From Jana Kramer- "I Got the Boy"

New Music Video From Jana Kramer- "Love"

Hear It Here- Jana Kramer's New Single- "Love"

New Music Video From Jana Kramer- "I Hope It Rains"

Get More: I Hope it Rains, Jana Kramer, Jana Kramer Videos

Miranda Lambert & Luke Bryan Are Big Winners At 48th Annual ACM Awards

Winners have been announced for the 48th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, a star-studded ceremony broadcast LIVE tonight on the CBS Television Network from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  Fans named Luke Bryan, Entertainer of the Year, the evening’s biggest honor and his first win in that category. This year marked a record breaking year with 1.1 million fans casting their vote for Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories, combined.

Bryan co-hosted the ACM Awards for the first time ever tonight with Blake Shelton. Prior to the telecast, Bryan won for Vocal Event of the Year with Jason Aldean and Eric Church, for “The Only Way I Know,” a trophy he accepted on the GAC live red carpet pre-show. The Entertainer of the Year Award and Vocal Event of the Year mark his fourth ACM Award wins. He previously won in 2009 for both New Solo Vocalist of the Year and for New Artist of the Year.

Miranda Lambert won for the fourth consecutive year as Female Vocalist of the Year and she also took the prize for Single Record of the Year as artist, and Song of the Year, as artist and composer, for “Over You,” an award she shares with husband and co-composer Blake Shelton.  She is the leading winner of the night, with a total of four trophies in three categories.  She joins Reba and Loretta Lynn as the only other artists to win Female Vocalist of the Year four or more times.

Jason Aldean won Male Vocalist of the Year, his first win in the category.  Aldean also won for Vocal Event of the Year, with Luke Bryan and Eric Church, for “The Only Way I Know.”  This is his second consecutive win in that category; he won last year with Kelly Clarkson for “Don’t You Wanna Stay.”  In 2005, he won for New Male Vocalist of the Year.

Little Big Town won Vocal Group of the Year and, prior to the telecast, they were also awarded the trophy for Video of the Year for “Tornado.” This is their first win in both categories.  In 2006, they won for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year.

Thompson Square won Vocal Duo of the Year, their second consecutive ACM Award win in that category.

Eric Church won Album of the Year for Chief. He also won for Vocal Event of the Year, with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, for “The Only Way I Know.” This is his first win in both categories, and his third ACM Award overall. He won for New Solo Vocalist of the Year in 2010.

Artists Florida Georgia Line received their first time Academy of Country Music Award tonight for New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl’s Department Stores, a fan-voted category.  They previously won in the New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year category, giving them a total of two wins for this year.

Tonight, the Academy of Country Music sold-out two of the largest arenas in Las Vegas, the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards hosted by Blake Shelton andLuke Bryan, and the Orleans Arena for the 3nd Annual ACM Fan Jam, headlined by Brad Paisley.

Following is the list of winners in the 11 categories voted on by the membership (excluding the Entertainer of the Year and New Artist categories, which were voted on by a combination of professional ACM members and fans):

Entertainer of the Year
•Luke Bryan

Male Vocalist of the year
•Jason Aldean

Female Vocalist of the year
•Miranda Lambert

Vocal Duo of the year *(Off Camera Award)
•Thompson Square

Vocal Group OF THE YEAR
•Little Big Town

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY KOHL’S
•Florida Georgia Line

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
•Chief– Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
          Produced by:  Jay Joyce

Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
•Over You – Miranda Lambert (RCA)
          Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf

Song of the Year [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
•Over You – Miranda Lambert
          Composers: Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton
          Publishers:  Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony ATV/Tree Publishing (BMI)

Video of the Year [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)
•Tornado– Little Big Town
          Producer: Iris Baker
          Director: Shane Drake

Vocal Event of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] *(Off Camera Award)
•The Only Way I Know – Jason Aldean With Luke Bryan & Eric Church (Broken Bow)
          Produced by:  Michael Knox

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (previously announced)
•Brantley Gilbert

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (previously announced)
•Jana Kramer

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR(previously announced)
•Florida Georgia Line

New Music Video From Jana Kramer- "Whiskey"

New Music Video From Jana Kramer- "Whiskey"

CD Album Review- Jana Kramer- Jana Kramer

The review-
If one wants to get a true blue glimpse of who Jana Kramer is, I've got a first-hand account. Sure, she's the actress on One Tree Hill who is beloved by all her teenage and twenty-something television fans. But a little sporting event earlier this May showed her true colors. Playing in our Golf & Guitars event in Sacramento, Kramer was paired with some executives who, in their struggles on the first hole, let loose with a couple of expletives each. They all looked at the beautiful brunette, embarrassed and looking sheepish about their dirty mouths. Kramer pretended for a few moments to be shocked and horrified to be playing with such undignified guys, before smiling and saying, "We're going to have a (bleep)ing good time today, I see." Sassy, sweet, tough, funny and with personality to spare. It carries right over into her music.

Right out of the gate on "I Hope It Rains," you get the just the right amount of southern twang to feign perfect polite manners as she's giving a spiteful little kiss-off to an ex getting married. "Why Ya Wanna," her first bonafide hit and "What I Love About Your Love" are at first impression, throw-away songs. But dang-it if both haven't gone viral in my head. They're catchy and you just can't help but hum along with the bouncy choruses. They grow on you over repeated listenings. "Goodbye California" is bouncy and almost reggae like in beat reminiscent of Sugarland's "Stuck Like Glue."

The first truly great track on the album arrives at track five on the album, a ripper called "Whiskey." "I should have just called it like I saw it, should of just called for help and ran like hell that day/ The burn and the sting and the high and the heat and the left me wanting more feeling when he kissed me/ I should have just called him whiskey." On it, Kramer has some serious sensual powerhouse vocals that are packed with emotion with lyrics that can go either pop country or honkytonk.

She continues that vein with a soft tender ballad that showcases her ability to put her breathless voice and actress training to work with emotional lyrics on "Over You By Now." Her ability to be so expressive on her vocals is her strength and on "King of Apology", the claps and the southern twang in another kiss-off almost makes it charming. "Good As You Were Bad" ranks up there with "Whiskey" as one of the album's best. Its sweet steel guitar serenades this great tale of longing of love lost.

The album is fairly traditional country production- think Eden's Edge or The Band Perry- which is pretty novel approach with a young female artist right now on country radio. In Kramer's case, Hollywood brings great storytelling to Nashville. It makes for an outstanding debut, full of promise and emotional delivery.

Standout tracks-
"Whiskey"
"Good As You Were Bad"
"King of Apology"

Sounds Like-
Taylor Swift with a twang.

The verdict-
Three and a half stars out of five

New Music Video From Jana Kramer- "Goodbye California"

Golf & Guitars Children's Charity Concert Recap- Day One

Our guest writer this morning on That Nashville Sound is my lovely bride Jennifer Morton who did a recap of the first day of our big Golf & Guitars Pro-Am Tournament and Children's Charity Concert. 

I will freely admit that Golf and Guitars is my favorite event each year at Haggin Oaks. KNCI does an outstanding job of bringing the best and brightest talent into Sacramento each year and 2012 marks our 5th year hosting this awesome fundraiser.

On Monday, May 21st, I headed out to Haggin Oaks for the Pairings Party Night which also included a new artist showcase concert for the tournament players, their guests and VIP ticket holders. Golf and Guitars is all about raising money for charity and this year's event is expected to raise close to $75000 for the Morton Golf Foundation and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Simply stated: WOW!

The gates opened at 5pm and a scrumptious dinner was served by Chef Blanca from MacKenzie's Sports Bar & Grille at Hagggin Oaks. The dinner was perfect! Fried chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, cole slaw and dinner rolls and a dessert bar that left me speechless! So many choices and so little time! Yum!

6:00pm
At 6pm, the concert opened with Summerlin Road, featuring Chris Roberts and Johnny Bulford. Chris has been at Golf and Guitars all five years that we have held this event. You may know him best from One Flew South and he's back with a great new duo that you're sure to hear on the radio soon! They played "Get Outta My Bed" and "If He Loves Her Like I Do" before introducing the crowd to "I Didn't Count on This". Talk about new music! "I Didn't Count on This" was played for the first time in front of a crowd tonight and I absolutely LOVE this song! Hopefully it is destined to hit the radio waves soon. (Are you listening KNCI?)

"This is a fantastic event. It just gets better year after year!" - Chris Roberts

This talented duo also features Johnny Bulford who blew the crowd away with his rendition of "A Woman Like You." Johnny was the writer for this #1 hit by Lee Bryce and it is easy to see why this song went all the way to number one!

6:30pm
The lovely and talented Jana Kramer took the stage and opened her set with a song called "Whiskey". Mark your calendars, because Jana will be back in town in early July when she opens for Brad Paisley. She calls herself Sassyfrass, because "I don't want to kill any of my ex-boyfriends, I just want them to suffer a little bit." She also belted out "Why Ya Wanna" - I look forward to catching her later this summer during Brad Paisley's tour.

The crowd was fantastic tonight!

During Jana's set, I looked over to see the guys from Summerlin Road doing an impromptu meet and greet with fans while watching the music with the crowd. As the night continued, many of the artists interacted with the guests. It was fun to experience.

Between sets, Kodiak from KNCI 105.1FM named pairings for Tuesday's tournament.

6:45pm
James Wesley was next to take the stage sporting his new Adidas shoes and definite golf gear - I'm guessing James had already put in a round out there on the course today. He started his night on stage with one of the very first songs he found after moving to Nashville. He dedicated "Real" to the members of the military serving our great United States of America.

Before singing "You Should Be Here with Me", James introduced it to the crowd with "If I was a woman, this is the song I'd want someone to sing to me." After listening to the song (and as a woman) - I couldn't agree more! He rounded out his set with "Walking Contradiction".

I glanced outside during James' music to see the guys from Love and Theft doing a meet and greet. They were surrounded by many lovely ladies.

I wandered back stage and was pleasantly surprised to see that Chuck Wicks had stopped by. He wasn't originally expected tonight and it just shows how great these musicians are. I simply had to take my picture with him (for the purpose of this blog... of course!)

I also met a Super Fan who made a scrapbook with all the artists appearing at Golf and Guitars this year. I think she was planning on getting some signatures to fill her book.

6:55pm 
Dustin Lynch took the stage to sing "One More Lap Around This Town". Interesting fact: Dustin grew up not far from the Jack Daniels distillery. Dustin has an amazing voice and I was very impressed when he sang "You're Amazing Just the Way You Are." He ended his set with "Cowboys and Angels" which was inspired by his parents and grandparents who both childhood sweethearts. Great song!

I headed out back to see what was going on behind the scenes with the artists. I caught Frank LaRosa shooting an interview with Jana Kramer.

My own daughter, Heather, and her cousin, Evan, took the stage for tomorrow's concert event and were having a blast dancing and singing.

Frank LaRosa interviews Chuck Wicks.

7:15pm
The Farm takes the stage and blew the crowd away. The Farm features Damien Horne (who started with the Music Mafia - you know - Gretchen Wilson, Big and Rich, etc), Krista Marie (who told the crowd she is "a dirty girl" meaning she is a motorcross champion - you go Girl!) and Nick Hoffman who was the fiddle player for Kenny Chesney for the past 12 years. This group knows how to rock a crowd. They were awesome and certainly brought the house down. They have a new record coming out July 17th and I strongly urge everyone to pick it up as soon as it hits the shelves.

7:35pm
A surprise add-on to the night took place when Chuck Wicks walked on stage and performed several of his classic hits and introduced us to a few new ones coming out soon too! He started with "Old School" and then performed "I Don't Do Lonely Well". Look for this song on Jason Aldean's new album that debuts in September.

The next song, Chuck told us that he'll "sing this to my wife, when and if I do get married" before dedicating it to Jason and Nicole - two random strangers that Chuck was trying to hook up for the night. This is truly where Chuck shines. He has a great sense of humor and knows how to get the crowd behind him. 2012 marks Chuck's fourth year at our Golf and Guitars event, and I sincerely hope he'll be coming back for many years to come.

Chuck sang another new song that he'll be releasing in the near future called, "Whole Damn Thing" (or at least I think that is going to be the title!) It is a sexy song, but what else would you expect from Mr. Wicks? He continued to engage the crowd with his quick wit... "I love you guys... not you guys [addressing the rest of the audience]... just you guys [addressing Jason and Nicole again]."

Chuck played two more hits, "All I Ever Wanted" and "Stealing Cinderella". You can catch Chuck Wicks on Good Day Sacramento early Tuesday morning. (I had to catch this photo of concert organizer, Ken Morton, Jr. with Heather. She is definitely his little Cinderella!)

Frank LaRosa gets a great interview from Love and Theft who admit to having a little trouble in their hotel room last year. Crossing our fingers things don't get out of control for them in 2012.

8:05pm
Brett Eldredge hopped on stage for another unscheduled, yet very welcome performance. He sang "It Ain't Gotta Be Love", "One Mississippi", "Get a Little Thirsty" and "Raymond". He went fishing with Pat and Tom from KNCI 105.1FM earlier this morning and they provided the most entertaining live fishing show in the history of radio!

I met two ladies by the Meet and Greet area who flew in all the way from Pennsylvania to catch the show (specifically Love and Theft) this evening. I snapped their picture with Stephen from Love and Theft.

8:25pm
Steve Holy admits to being "the worst golfer in the NFL" which brought lots of laughter from the crowd. He sang a few of my favorites, including "She Hauled Off & Kissed Me", "Good Morning Beautiful" and "I've Got a Brand New Girlfriend". It was fun to watch The Farm singing along to "I've Got a Brand New Girlfriend" from the sidelines as they were out in the crowd, pulling up a few chairs and having a good time.

As the night continued, the crowd and groups were loosening up more and more as the night was cooling off and the music was heating up!

8:40pm
Canaan Smith came onstage this evening just for tonight's concert. He's driving to Los Angeles tonight for a show there tomorrow and it was a treat that he stopped by to play some music for our crowd. He sang "Put a Little Something in that Coozie" and "We've Got Us".

I shot this photo behind the stage as Canaan put on his show.

9:00pm
Love and Theft took the stage as our final act of the night to a standing ovation. The women here this evening are all big fans of Love and Theft and they played a new song for the crowd before singing their hit "Runaway" and their new single "Angel Eyes".

Stephen and Eric graciously took pictures with the crowd all evening and the fans stayed until the end to support this group that has been here at Golf and Guitars for the past four years. If you come out to the golf course tomorrow, you'll see them there!

Day one is done! I can't wait for the main event tomorrow when Golf and Guitars continues! The stage is set!