Maren Morris Sells Out Back-to-back NYC Shows…

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It’s one thing for a newcomer to sell out a NYC venue on their debut tour; it’s another to sell it out TWICE in the same night. That was the case for CMA New Artist of the Year, Maren Morris, who kicked off her first headlining tour with back-to-back sold out shows at the Bowery Ballroom on Thursday, February 2.

Opening the night was Morris’ boyfriend and singer-songwriter, Ryan Hurd. The Michigan native has already made a name for himself as a songwriter, earning cuts by artists like Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Randy Houser, just to name a few. Plus, let’s not forget he’s got a #1 and Grammy and CMA-nominated track, “Lonely Tonight,” recorded by Blake Shelton & Ashley Monroe, under his belt. Now, Hurd is approaching the music world from a different perspective, putting his own voice to the songs he’s penned.

Hitting the stage in jeans and a white tee, the longhaired, budding country star put on a powerful performance. Singing songs from his EP, plus his own version of Lonely Tonight, Hurd brings a new and exciting raw energy to the country music scene. Hurd, named one of our “2017 Artists to Watch,” is on a one-way road straight to the top and the journey is sure to be one you will want to follow.

During the quick set change, we ran into model/actor, Colton Haynes amongst the sold out crowd. Best known for his roles on Arrow and Teen Wolf, Haynes claimed to be a huge Country music fan and was surprised by friends with tickets for the show, while in town for Men’s Fashion Week.

Next up, the flawless, Maren Morris, hit the stage for the first set on her first headlining tour. Often with new artists playing a NYC show, we see that sense of nervousness as they take the stage, but not Morris. With a fan blowing her hair back, the 5-foot-tall country hit-maker made her presence known.

Effortlessly belting out songs from her debut album, Hero, Morris proved why she is the CMA New Artist of the Year. Her eclectic sound and powerhouse ballads had the sold-out room singing and dancing along to every beat. Ending the show with her breakout single, “My Church,” Morris left the crowd chanting for more, before she returned to the stage with boyfriend, Ryan Hurd, for a cover of Tim McGraw’s, “Last Turn Home.” The song is a special one for the two as they had written the song together long before they had began dating.

Morris hits the road this summer on Sam Hunt’s 15 in a 30 Tour. The show hits the area on Sunday, June 25th at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. Grab your tickets here.

 

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

Russell Dickerson Returns to NYCountry Brunch…

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Sunday, January 29th, Russell Dickerson returned to New York Country Brunch at Printers Alley, the new Nashville inspired restaurant and bar, in Times Square.

Although it was the first-ever brunch at Printers Alley, it was not Russell Dickerson’s first brunch with New York Country Swag. The “Country Music & Mimosas” themed event created by New York Country Swag first hit NYC last January with ticket holders getting a taste of live acoustic country music by Dickerson while brunching hard at Libation NYC.

“I wanted something fun and unique, while still bringing my favorite things together…” said Stephanie Wagner, founder of New York CountrySwag.com. When thinking about things both NYC residents and country music fans loved to do, Wagner came up with the idea of a Country themed Brunch. “Who doesn’t love Brunch?” Wagner joked.

After returning from the Florida Georgia Line Cruise last November, Wagner had a new found love for rising star, Russell Dickerson. “When I first saw him perform on the cruise, I had only heard of the song “Yours,” yet I remember watching his set and being completely entranced by his passion and energy. My friends and I had dubbed his set as one of the best from the entire trip, so when searching for a new artist to play at our first brunch, I did not have to look very far.”

That first set at New York Country Swag’s Brunch was only the beginning for the relationship between Wagner, Dickerson & co. “We had so much fun with Russell and his wife, Kailey, during that first event, we couldn’t wait to get them back.” Since then Russell has returned for a total of four New York Country Swag events throughout the past year. What was special about this Brunch in particular? This time, Russell had returned as a recording artist, after recently signing to Triple Tigers Records.

“It’s awesome getting to work with Russell and his crew. With each event that we do together it’s like a mini reunion for us. We get excited to show them some new swag and things we’ve been working on and they get to show us some things they’ve added to the show. It’s a cool feeling to see each other’s progress and cheer each other on,” Wagner said.

Dickerson hits the road this February on Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour along with Kelsea Ballerini and Ryan Hurd. You can listen to his EP here, while we wait for the highly anticipated new music with the release of his debut studio album.

Russell, who we also named on our list of “Top Artists to Watch in 2017,” is set to make a big splash in the Country music world… Be sure to catch him on a show near you, before he is headlining the stadiums!

Check Out pictures from our last New York Country Brunch with Russell Dickerson and Dalton & The Sheriffs, here. Plus – don’t miss this video from our Summer Country Bash with RD!

Interested in attending a New York Country Swag Brunch? Make sure to subscribe to The Weekly Round-Up for upcoming events!

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

NYCountry Swag Presents: A Suite Experience at Eric Church…

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Eric Church made headlines when he announced last August that he’d be “Holdin’ His Own” Tour in the New Year. The tour was said to consist of two full sets by Church, himself and no opener. That show hit the New York City area on Friday, January 27th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

If Church was planning on giving us his all, we were planning on giving ours right back. – SO we did what we do best, we went ALL OUT and booked a VIP suite, bringing 36 New York Country Swag fans to the show for an unforgettable concert experience.

 

38 songs in his 3-hour set, a tribute to Merle Haggard, several shots of Jack and a few Springsteen covers… To put it simply, Church did not disappoint. Singing to the sold out crowd of over 18,000 Fans, Church held his own from beginning to end, proving he is one of the best in this industry.

 

 

Leading up to the show, we ran a few giveaways for some of our lucky followers. Congrats to Courtney of NYC who won a pair of pit tickets to the show. Congrats to Ashley & Johnny of Queens, NY who each won a pair of Suite tickets and Congrats to Cassie of East Meadow, NY who won a Jack Daniels guitar autographed by Eric Church at our New York Country Brunch following the show.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Weekly Round-Up for Upcoming Events, Ticket Giveaways and more!

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Fllow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

NYCountry Swag’s Guide to Brunching Like a Pro

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This Sunday, January 29th, New York Country Brunch is Back! Join us at Printer’s Alley in NYC for a Brunch Party you do not want to miss.

There are plenty of Tips & Tricks to brunching like a pro at New York Country Swag’s Country Brunch. Here we’ve picked our top 10 for you:

 

1 – The Pregame Before The Pregame –

You’re going to want to be mentally, physically & emotionally prepared for this, so come Saturday Night – skip that extra drink, go home, get some rest & prepare your liver. A good nights sleep is the first step in brunching like a pro.

 

2 – Squad Up –

Assemble the squad. It’s the most important part of any adventure, because who doesn’t want to be surrounded by their favorite Country Loving Friends anyway?

 

3 – Charge Those Devices –

Is there anything worse than the moment that screen goes dark the second you were about to send that epic snap? No, there’s not. So come prepared… Charge the phones, bring the mofi’s. This is going to be good. And you’re going to want pictures & videos for those friends who missed it. (#suckstosuck)

 

4 – If The Shoe Fits –

Leave the stilettos at home, Country Music is all about those cowboy boots. Get a comfortable pair, because you’ll be stomping those bad boys to the beat of the music, ALL. DAY. LONG.

 

5 – Flannels, Camouflage & American Flags… Any Questions?

Incorporate this into your outfit and you’re golden.

 

6 – Know Your Venue – 

2 Floors of Country Music, a DJ, 2 Live Performances, Pool, Flip Cup, Beer Pong, Raffles, Photobooth & a whole lot more… You do not want to miss a square inch of this place, so don’t be afraid to explore. There will be surprises around every corner.

 

7 – Eat Like It’s Sunday Morning…

Because, well, it is. & it’s Brunch. So take advantage. Printer’s Alley will be whipping up some of their best brunch options just for you, so grab a menu & have a bite!

 

8 – Drink Like it’s Saturday Night –

Face it, you weren’t making it to that 6PM Dinner Reservation any way, so go on & take that shot of Jack at 1PM. Nobody is judging you. Nobody.

 

9 – Be Respectful –

Love the people, love the staff, love the music. This day is all about the cold beer, the good music & the positive vibes, don’t ruin that.

 

10 – & Finally: Know Your Performer –

RUSSELL DICKERSON. Listen & Love. Download his EP “Yours,” here. Learn those lyrics, because you’re going to want to be singing them back to RD & prove to him that the BEST Country fans are right here in NYC!

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Follow this guide and you’re sure to be the star of the show. Don’t have your tickets yet? What are you waiting for!? Grab em’ here.

 

NYCountry SWAGGER of the Week: Kelly Ford

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SWAGGER OF THE WEEK – 
KELLY FORD

Our favorite morning show, “Ty, Kelly & Chuck,” of Nash FM, took a creative route in predicting last weeks People’s Choice Awards Winners.

Check Out this fun & hilarious video of the team in action.
Thanks to Kelly Ford for rockin’ your New York Country Swag ball cap in the video!

Grab yours at: www.countryswag.com/store

 

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

Luke Combs Takes NYC By Storm…

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Emerging country star, Luke Combs, brought not only a little rain, but a lot of southern heat to our big city last week. Combs declared the show his first NYC performance, however a high school vocal group career shouldn’t go unnoticed as a young Combs was once chosen to perform a solo in the world-renowned Carnegie Hall! Nonetheless, we couldn’t be more grateful to have experienced Luke Combs this time around – as he is sure to take off in the country music scene.

The 26-year-old musician started the night off with one of his original songs, “Can I Get An Outlaw.” Fans were instantly buzzed off of the bands upbeat vibe and completely captivated by Luke’s incredible vocal skills.

An ironic addition to the rainy weather we had that evening, Luke then blew us away with his unreleased song “When It Rains It Pours,” which puts a new twist on a classic break up and we just can’t get it out of our heads. He sure knows how to put the good in good-bye!

Luke went on to treat us to some of his best material including crowd favorites, “Honky Tonk Highway” and “She Got The Best of Me.”

After flawlessly covering tunes by John Mellencamp, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, Combs enlightened us on a more aggressive hobby of his; Drinking Whiskey. Something perhaps we can all relate to… If there were any doubting fans left in the room, Luke sure won them over with his version of Chris Stapleton’s, “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Ending the show with his breakthrough single, “Hurricane,” Combs left every person in that room hooked, leaving the crowd chanting, “One More Song!” as he left the stage. A few minutes later, Combs returned for an encore with, “Out There.”

We’re proud to have named Luke as one of our 2017 Artists to Watch. You can look forward to new music coming soon, but in the meantime, grab his album here and let us know what you think! If you have the opportunity to see this guy some time soon, do not miss it! He’s sure to be a headlining act in the future!

 

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

5 Country Shows to Hit in NYC This Winter…

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The city that never sleeps, doesn’t sleep on country music entertainment either.

There are some great acts coming to town this winter and we’re highlighting the Top 5 you can not miss —

#1. ERIC CHURCH – “Holdin’ My Own Tour”
Barclays Center, Brooklyn – Friday, January 27th. (Pss – Sit With Us! – tickets)

#2. RUSSELL DICKERSON – New York Country Brunch by New York Country Swag
Printers Alley, NYC – Sunday, January 29th. (tickets)

#3. Maren Morris – “The Hero Tour” w/ Ryan Hurd
Bowery Ballroom, NYC – Thursday, February 2nd. (tickets)

#4 The Cadillac Three – “The Black Roses Tour” w/ Aubrie Sellers
Irving Plaza, NYC – Friday, February 17th. (tickets)

#5. Luke Bryan – “Kill The Lights Tour” w/ Brett Young & Brett Eldredge
Madison Square Garden, NYC – Wednesday, March 1st (tickets)

BONUS! – These guys are playing just outside the city, so it’s only right to include this must see show —
Florida Georgia Line – “Dig Your Roots Tour” w/ Dustin Lynch & Chris Lane
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ – Saturday, March 18th (tickets)

What Will Country music shows will you be hitting up this winter? Let us know & don’t forget to grab your New York Country Swag gear in our Shop & Rock it at the show!

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Follow Us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

Frankie Ballard Kicks Off 2017 Tour in NYC…

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On the evening of Thursday, January 12th, eager country music fans of all ages piled into New York City’s Bowery Ballroom for a promising night of entertainment from talented singer-songwriter, Frankie Ballard. The show marked the first stop of his 2017 tour, following the release of his third studio album, El Rio.

Ballard’s powerful and energetic performance covered songs from his previous albums, including his three #1 hit singles – “Helluva Life,” “Sunshine & Whiskey,” and “Young & Crazy.” As well as new tunes you can find on his latest album, El Rio, including Ballard’s latest single, “Cigarette.”

In addition, Ballard kept the crowd on their toes with flawless covers, like Elvis Presley’s, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog.” Nobody covers the King quite like Frankie Ballard and the audience seemed to agree.

Arguably one of the best guitarists in Country music today, it may come as a shock to learn that Ballard did not pick up his first guitar until the age of 18. In fact, before music, Ballard’s days were spent on the field. Growing up in Michigan, a young Frankie Ballard was heading towards a career in Baseball until music ultimately stole his heart.

Between his image, unique vocals and impressive guitar shreds – Frankie Ballard is set to be one of the best Country Music artists in the industry. Download his latest album here and let us know what you think!

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

NYCountry Swag’s 2017 Artists To Watch

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2017 looks like a very promising year for emerging country artists. There’s a ton of new blood in the mix and although it is becoming increasingly hard to define the country music genre as a whole, there’s a few standout artists who are adding their own unique flare to the game, setting them apart from the rest. With that, here’s our 2017 personal faves —

 

  1. Seth Ennis – Not only did he co-write his debut single, “Woke Up In Nashville”, but Ennis also plays ALL of the instruments on the record. This mega talented singer-songwriter is an incredible addition to the country music world.

Listen: Woke Up In Nashville
Stay Connected: @Seth_Ennis

 

  1. Trent Harmon – Holding the reigning title as American Idol, the Season 15 winner brings a unique, soulful sound to country music. With the recent release of his debut single, “There’s A Girl”, climbing the charts, Harmon is set to make a big splash in the airwaves this year.

Listen: There’s A Girl
Stay Connected: @OfficialTrentHarmon

 

  1. High Valley – This Canadian Country Duo made up of brothers, Brad & Curtis Rempel, have already made an impression on the charts with their debut single, “Make You Mine”. If you have the chance, make sure to catch them now before they become the headlining act!

Listen: Make You Mine
Stay Connected: @HighValleyOfficial

 

  1. Runaway June – There’s no stopping Runaway June, the #GirlGang of Country Music. This beautiful and talented trio are making an impact with their debut single, “Lipstick” and paving new routes for Women in Country Music.

Listen: Lipstick
Stay Connected: @RunawayJuneOfficial

 

  1. Brett Young – Although an injury prevented Young from playing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, this athlete-turned-musician soon found a new outlet to put him in the spotlight. The singer-songwriter hit a homerun in the country music world, scoring instant success with his debut Single, “Sleep Without You”.

Listen: Sleep Without You
Stay Connected: @BrettYoungMusic

 

  1. Ryan Hurd – This super talented singer-songwriter has not only written songs for Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line and more, but he already grabbed his first #1 as a co-writer on “Lonely Tonight”, recorded by Blake Shelton & Ashley Monroe. Now, putting his own voice to the songs he has penned, Hurd is paving his way to what’s sure to be some chart-topping music.

Listen: City Girl
Stay Connected: @RyanHurd

 

  1. Russell Dickerson – This Triple Tigers Records flagship artist and Nashville native is set to take off in 2017. His contagious energy and stellar performances gains him instant fans in any room he walks in. After his lead single, “Yours” was named one of The Knot’s “Best Wedding Songs of the Year” and won the hearts of all hopeless romantics everywhere; Dickerson is setting himself up for an epic 2017. (Before he hits the road with Thomas Rhett, Catch him at our Country Brunch in NYC on Sunday, 1/29! – Tickets Here)

Listen: Yours
Stay Connected: @Russelled

 

  1. Walker Hayes – Singer-songwriter, Walker Hayes has managed to create perhaps one of the most unique forms of country music to hit airwaves. Blending rap and country together, this fresh new sound is one only Walker Hayes can pull off.

Listen: Your Girlfriend Does
Stay Connected: @WalkerHayes

 

  1. Luke Combs – Taking the country music world by storm, literally. The newcomer’s debut single, “Hurricane”, leaves a prominent new mark on country music today. This rising star brings a new level of talent and vocal skills to the table making him a promising new artist to watch in 2017.

Listen: Hurricane
Stay Connected: @LukeCombsMusic

 

  1. Drake White – Drake White has a voice that is set to conquer 2017. His recent single, “Makin’ Me Look Good Again”, showcases his raw talent with its graceful riffs and powerful chorus. The best is yet to come for Drake White.

Listen: Makin’ Me Look Good Again
Stay Connected: @DrakeWhiteStomp

 

There you have it, our Top 10 Picks for 2017. We are looking forward to hearing more from all of the amazing artists and new music coming to 2017.

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

– Team NYCountry Swag

Russell Dickerson, Love & Theft and Tyler Farr Celebrate My Country 96.1’s 6th Birthday

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Thursday Night, January 5th, marked My Country 96.1’s 6th Birthday. 96.1, Long Island’s premier country music radio station, celebrated with a birthday party at The Emporium in Patchogue, featuring performances by Russell Dickerson, Love & Theft, and Tyler Farr. With a line-up like that, the decision to hop on the LIRR and trek from NYC to the Long Island venue was an easy one!

Singer-Songwriter, Russell Dickerson kicked off the night with a high-energy set. Singing songs from his EP, Yours, as well as a few new songs we can look forward to hearing on his debut album after recently signing with Triple Tigers Records, a new imprint by Thirty Tigers, Triple 8 Management & Sony Music. NYC Country Music fans – you’re in luck. We’re bringing Russell Dickerson back to the big city for our next Country Brunch on Sunday, 1/29 at Printer’s Alley – NY. Grab your tickets here.

Following RD, Love & Theft took the stage. The emerging country duo, best known for their #1 Single, “Angel Eyes,” and recent hit, “Whiskey On My Breath,” kept the crowd singing and dancing along to every beat of the show. The group is set to release their forthcoming studio album in 2017. In the meantime, you can download their first single from the album, “Candyland”, here.

To end the show, next up to the stage was Tyler Farr. Farr, who was recently forced to take a break from touring after his micro-laryngeal surgery last January, came back with a powerful performance like he never left the spotlight. Knocking each song out of the park, Farr had the crowd’s undivided attention from beginning to end. Farr’s set included some of his most popular hits like “Whiskey in My Water”, “Better in Boots” and “Redneck Crazy” as well as his new single, “Our Town,” one of our personal favorites! Farr ended the show in an encore with his #1 Hit single, “A Guy Walks Into a Bar.” Tyler Farr returns to New York this summer for the Taste of Country Music Festival. Tickets are on sale here.

 

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag