I Love New York with Russell Dickerson

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Tuesday, June 30, NYCountry Swag launched our ‘I Love New York’ Series which features artists in the country music community taking over our Instagram Story each week to give us the Top 5 Things they love most about New York City.

Kicking off the series was singer-songwriter, Russell Dickerson, who just released the latest song, “Home Sweet” off his upcoming sophomore album. Check out Dickerson’s Top 5 Picks in the personalized videos here on Instagram Highlights plus a rundown below.

 

#5 – Family

Dickerson says, “My favorite part about New York is my family. I’ve got family in Long Island and since I was a kid growing up we would always come to New York for the summers and hang out with them…”

 

#4 – Truffle Gnocchi from Medi Wine Bar

A foodie at heart, Dickerson shouts our New York City’s Medi Wine Bar and his favorite dish, Truffle Gnocchi.

 

#3 – Parker & Quinn

“If we’re in NYC, you know we’re going to be at Parker & Quinn…” Dickerson says of his #3 pick, “The place is absolutely incredible and one of our favorite restaurants in N-Y-C.”

 

#2 – Madison Square Garden

The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, takes Dickerson’s #2 spot. “We sold it out with Thomas Rhett on the Very Hot Summer Tour… absolute best night of my career,” Dickerson says of the fond memories inside the famed venue.

 

#1 – The NYC Subway

Dickerson’s #1 Pick for his Top 5 Things he loves about NYC in our ‘I Love New York’ Series is: Coming up the stairs from the subway right in front of MSG, “That’s just like, AH… You’ve made it to N-Y-C.”

 

For more from our ‘I Love New York’ Series, follow us on Instagram: @NYCOUNTRYSWAG

To keep up with Russell Dickerson follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Home Sweet” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

 

 

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The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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7 Ways To Fill The Void of Missing Live Music

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Missing Concerts

Believe us when we tell you, we feel your pain! We miss live music so much, it hurts. One of the things we love most about NYCountry Swag is getting to connect with our followers at live shows by some of our favorite artists all across New York City and Long Island. It has been tough getting through the last few months without concerts to look forward to. Although nothing can quite cure the ache that will remain until our world is reinstated, here are a few ways to hold you over and fill the void of missing live music.

Reminisce with friends

Chat with your friends about some of your favorite concert memories and look back on some of your old videos and pictures. Remembering some of the good times will feel nostalgic, but also remind you that love (and live music) is worth waiting for! A good concert is all about good energy and a great atmosphere, so create that in the comfort of your own home.

Throw a virtual or social-distancing ‘concert’ with your crew

What better way to cure the concert blues than to have your own concert! Grab a group of friends or head or a plan a virtual get together and have a Karaoke night. It may sound silly at first, but hearing your friends sing their favorite songs by their favorite artists will lighten the mood and brighten your spirits in no time.

Attend a live-stream concert like you would a real live show

One of the best things to come out of this quarantine is virtual concerts. So many artists from newcomers to superstars are performing (for free) online as part of campaigns or just for fun to connect with their fans. We especially love Luke Combs live-stream from last month. This might even give you a chance to see an artist you would not be able to see otherwise!

Create a list of all the musicians you want to see

With so much time to think about our dream concert line-up, it is time to make a list of all the artists you want to see for the first time or for the 100th time. I personally hope to see Eric Church and Ashley McBryde next year! It will make it that much sweeter when you are finally able to snag those concert tickets again.

Watch a concert film or documentary

Get your concert and festival fix by watching some of the many concert films and documentaries available across streaming platforms today. You can even watch one of the specials on TV. Recently, CMT premiered a TV special called ‘CMT Celebrate Our Heroes,’ which featured some of our favorite country music artists.

Make or listen to killer playlists

We know that listening to music cannot take the place of seeing a live performance, but it can help. Listen to new Spotify playlists that fit your mood or even create your own. We encourage you to take a look at our Spotify here. Additionally, you can always create a playlist of live renditions of some of your favorite tunes too.

Support local artists

It is inevitable that dive bars will probably have live performers playing before any arena in the state opens up, so it is the perfect time to support your local acts. I know the second I hear of a live performance (of any caliber) near my town, I will be there!

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Acoustic Country Music Wednesdays All Summer At The Beach House

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Every Wednesday all summer long, enjoy live acoustic country music from the area’s best singer-songwriters at The Beach House, beginning at 6PM.

The Beach House, located in Long Beach, New York is currently open for indoor & outdoor dining (limited capacity), curbside pick up and delivery. Stop by on Wednesday evenings and enjoy a brand new crab and cocktail-inspired menu plus your favorite country tunes. 

This Wednesday, July 1st, Chris Solo, brings an acoustic country night session to The Beach House. Stop by for live music, dinner and drinks.

 

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Lindsay Ell Releases “wAnt me back” and Reveals Album Details

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LIndsay Ell Want Me Back

Lindsay Ell is a Canadian country songstress that has been on the rise since her debut The Project. She celebrated her success with single “Criminal” off that record and her recent hit with “What Happens In A Small Town” with Brantley Gilbert. Earlier this week, the singer announced her second full-length record slated for release later this summer. Just hours after this announcement, Ell dropped her new single “wAnt me back” following heartbreaker realization “I Don’t Love You” a few months prior.

“wAnt me back,” written alongside Kane Brown, Matt McGinn, and Lindsay Rimes is a confident track of Ell’s straight from the heels of a breakup. The track takes place in the anger period of a breakup, and it shows the country singer + songwriter knows what she is worth. She sings: “If I were you, I’d miss my kiss // I’d miss me keeping you up all night // If I were you, I know that losing me // Would make me lose my mind // You ain’t gonna find nobody like me // I’m the best you ever had // and I’m always gonna be // So if I were you if I were you/ I’d want me back too.”

In coordination with her latest single release, Ell also announced her sophomore album, heart theory, sharing in an Instagram post, “it’s been a long time coming working on LE2, but I am so excited to announce that my sophomore album heart theory is available now for pre-order!! Along with pre-ordering the album, you will be able to hear my next single “wAnt me back”. I wrote this song with kanebrown_music, @matthewmcginn, & @lindsayrimes. It’s all about stepping into your own power. Let me know what you think below!! ”

heart theory combats the seven stages of grief: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance. It’s produced by Dan Huff and will be released on August 14th.

To keep up with Lindsay Ell follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“wAnt me back” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our “New Country Music” playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Thomas Rhett Reflects on “Things Dads Do” on IGTV

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Thomas Rhett released an ode to all of the dad’s in an acoustic song entitled “Things Dads Do.” The singer-songwriter took to Instagram and introduced the song by explaining to his fans that “[he] wrote this song with [his] dad, for [his] dad, and for all dad’s out there”. His father is a well-known Nashville singer-songwriter, Rhett Akins, and this song is a testament to the strong bond that the two share that goes beyond a shared passion for music. The lyrics are reflective and written with an extremely personal level of detail. Yet, like most songs by the artist, this song is universally relatable as it encapsulates the relationship between a father and a child.

 

The melody follows a beautiful acoustic picking pattern, reminiscent of a lullaby as Rhett reflects on his childhood. The singer-songwriter details the way his father taught him important values, such as hard work, in both a humorous and light-hearted way. He sings, “He’ll make you mow the grass and do it for free / You think you’re done he’ll say rake the leaves / he’ll say it builds character but it’s 90 degrees”

The relatable lyrics depict a typical father-son dynamic full of teaching lessons the difficult way and unconditional love. Recounting more childhood memories, Rhett sings about his formidable years, when he was trying to ‘fit in at school’, “You’ll get embarrassed when he ruins your cool / when he pulls out his camera on your first day of school / that’s just a few things dads do”.

The anecdotal lyrics bring forward feelings of nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the special relationship between a parent and their children, detailing all that they go through together. The master storyteller brings the song full circle through the cycle of life and sings from his own perspective of becoming a dad to three daughters, Willa Gray, 4, Ada James, 2 and Lennon Love, 4 months.

“He’ll say she looks perfect and he’ll shake your hand and say now you’ll understand / Things dads do / You’ll think it’s crazy until you want two”

Rhett closes the song beautifully, relating back to his own experience as a dad.

“You’re in his shoes and you’re starting to / do more than a few of things dads do.”

The singer admits to taking on more than a few tendencies of his own father, and that is how life goes. This is an emotional song that we hope Rhett records and releases, along with the other “IGTV singles” that he’s released via his Instagram page.

To keep up with Thomas Rhett, follow him on, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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NYCS Swag Spotlight: Jamie Gabrielle

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Jamie Gabrielle

Photo Credit: Ford Fairchild

“I want to be myself on stage. I don’t want to be someone else on stage. I want to share my story.”

Our Swag Spotlight this week is a young, but talented singer-songwriter, Jamie Gabrielle. Fans of the Bachelor franchise may recognize her from her stint on the reality show, ‘Listen to Your Heart,’ but Gabrielle plans to showcase her staying power by making a name for herself in the country music world.

Growing up in North Jersey, the songstress had an interesting path towards country music. Originally, she was drawn to the pop music that she and her friends were listening to, but she recalls listening to a few, female country music artists growing up. Despite that, Gabrielle knew from a young age that she loved music and songwriting, recalls singing with her Grandmother, and writing songs at the tender age of six. “I just was always drawn to music. I loved the way music made me feel” she tells us, “It was a kinda a coping mechanism for me at first with writing, but now I’m fully immersed in it. It’s my passion.”

When Gabrielle was a little older she started to recognize how much she resonated with songwriting. “I’m a complete lyric person,” she exclaims, adding, “I started to discover writers like Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, and that’s what drew me into country music because I Ioved the storytelling.” Of course, McKenna and Hemby are two of the most prolific songwriters in the genre.

Gabrielle continued to pursue her passion, heading to Berklee College of Music to hone her craft, excelling at music theory, and perfecting her songwriting process. Upon graduating, she made the big move to Nashville, Tennessee, where she hit the pavement, playing at writers round and networking within the industry.

Eventually, Gabrielle found herself being chosen to be one of the contestants on the Bachelor Listen to Your Heart, a show that just finished airing a couple of months ago on ABC. Participating in a major network TV show may have provided the songstress with a platform for her music and her talent, but what she took away from the time on the show was much more profound.

With her new found confidence in her passion and fans supporting her, Gabrielle set out to conquer the country music world. Last month, she finally made her debut, releasing her first single entitled “Go To Your Head.” “I was feeling really inspired,” she shared about the writing process for the new song, “…it’s all about loving somebody and wanting to boost their confidence, wanting them to feel good.” She went on to explain that this is exactly how she is in relationships and that she believes in the power of positivity.

Looking ahead, fans can expect more new music from Gabrielle. She plans to introduce herself through her music and hopes that fans can connect to her lyrics. “I will show all facets of my personality and people will see all sides of me,” she promised, “my music is a true reflection of myself.”

Gabrielle truly believes in the power of music, and we are excited to see how fans continue to resonate with her stories and her words.

To keep up with Jamie Gabrielle follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Go To Your Head” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Caylee Hammack and Reba Reveal Fiery Tune, “Redhead”

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Caylee Hammack Reba Redhead

Just as fiery as Caylee Hammack herself, “Redhead” blazes onto the country music scene with another fierce redhead, the queen, Reba McEntire. With this track, Hammack confirms the stereotype of redheads being spitfires, and though she owns every bit of her firecracker personality, she admits that it might have been a little harder to raise a child with this much spunk.

Inspired by an older cousin with flames as locks, “Redhead”, co-written with Natalie Hemby and Trent Dabbs, has that old rock beat, with Hammack’s smooth, deep vocals overtop, and lyrics that roll right off the tongue.

“They got their hands full, trying to tame a pistol / Spitfire, freckles that could run among the dead / Clothesline, tight rope, daredevil, high hopes / They raised a little hell when they raised a little redhead”

McEntire’s addition adds to the grit of the track, bringing an even deeper appreciation for their unique perspective on being a redhead. If this is any insight into Hammack’s new album, If It Wasn’t For You, then a whole lot of unapologetic truth is coming our way later this summer. She tells it like it is, with specific stories of joy, love, heartache, and hope, and even a little bitterness sprinkled in. You won’t forget about these two redheads if they have anything to say about it.

To keep up with Caylee Hammack, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Redhead” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Newcomer Kameron Marlowe Releases Major Label Debut “Burn ‘Em All”

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Kameron Marlowe

NBC’s The Voice has spotlighted so many talented artists over the years, especially in the country genre. Artists who had a stint on the television show like Morgan Wallen, Danielle Bradbery, and Cassadee Pope, all went on to have incredible careers in the industry. Kameron Marlowe is another name you might recall from the show, but you will remember because of his talent. The newcomer and recently signed Columbia Nashville recording artist released his newest track “Burn ‘Em All” on Friday (6/26)

The new song perfectly supports Marlowe’s gritty growl and enticing vocals. The singer pours his heart out in each lyric, reminiscent of artists like Luke Combs and Randy Houser. Although the track is delightfully country, it features heavy guitars and EDM-esque beat drops, making it a fresh, yet familiar sound that you cannot help but love. Furthermore, Marlowe utilizes the phrase “Burn ‘Em All” to signify literal and figurative experiences letting things go for a moment.

“Pour the gas, light the match, set the night on fire / Set the blaze, let the flames get higher / Every cigarette, every dollar, every problem you got on you from a town this small / Tonight we’re gonna burn ‘em all”

Marlowe is sure to follow up this track with another jam that continues to showcase different sides of his personality. He is a real singer and fans are sure to relate to his sound and his story. We are excited to see what is next for the newcomer!

To keep up with Kameron Marlowe follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Burn ‘Em All” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Brett Eldredge Tells Emotional Story with “Sunday Drive”

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Brett Eldredge Sunday Drive

When a song moves you in a way that it feels like it’s telling your story, it’s one of the most special feelings. It’s a reminder of how big the world is, and yet, how small it is — that we feel the same things and share so many similar chapters. Brett Eldredge’s new LP Sunday Drive is out July 10th, and today he shared the title track with fans two weeks early.

“Sunday Drive” is not the typical modern country cut.  Clocking in just shy of 5 minutes, it’s is a gorgeous and evocative piano-and-strings song about looking back on your childhood and learning how to see life from your parent’s point of view. You listen to their favorite music, look at the scenery, and hear their thoughtful conversations. “And we were only young but they were trying hard to reach us/How was I to know that there was something so worth keeping?” The roles reverse as both Eldredge and his parents get older. Eldredge helps them to the backseat and takes his parents on that same drive they went on as a family all those years ago. “And I listened as they reminisced,” he sings on the third verse. “About a world that they had always known/And how it’s changing/Probably never gonna be the same again”.

Eldredge didn’t write the song; it was written by Barry Dean, Don Mescall, and Steve Robson. “Many years ago, I was an intern at universal music publishing where I worked in the basement tape room transferring CDs into MP3s,” Eldredge explained in a press release. “I loved listening to all of the incredible songwriters’ songs and was always blown away by what people could create from their soul. One day I stumbled upon this song called “Sunday Drive,” and I was stopped in my tracks. I couldn’t believe a song could be written by someone else but feel like every word and melody was every part of my life existence. I secretly/selfishly hoped and prayed no one would record it so that one day when the time was right, I could record it and make it something extremely special.”

When you’re a kid growing up, all you can hope for is to be just like your parents. Or maybe it’s the complete opposite; you want to learn so you don’t make their same mistakes. You want to be the best version of yourself and make them proud. Sometimes, it may feel like you don’t need your family as much as you used to. But as Eldredge says, “…that’s where I learned it all, from them/To fight, to love, to laugh again/Man, I thought we were only wasting time/Out on a Sunday drive”.

To keep up with Brett Eldredge, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

‘Sunday Drive’ is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Up Close & Virtual Featuring Tenille Townes

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Tenille Townes

Ahead of her debut album release, we virtually chatted with Tenille Townes to discuss the process behind creating her album, what she has been up to during quarantine and her expectant plans for the remainder of the year.

Watch the full interview above and head to our First Impression of The Lemonade Stand here. 

Keep up with Tenille Townes by following her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Lemonade Stand is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: