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

Top 10 Country Music Moments in NYC of 2016

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Who doesn’t love a Top 10 List? In honor of the new year, we’re looking back on 2016 & giving you the Top 10 Country Music Moments that happened in New York City in 2016….

10. New York Country Swag Country Brunch. Okay – Shameless plug here, but back in January 2016, we kicked off the new year with the first ever Country Brunch in NYC. And it was LIT. Definitely Top 10 of 2016 worthy. (PS – Don’t Miss our next Brunch – Sunday, January 29th, 2017.)
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9. Cole Swindell performed “You Should Be Here,” on top of Four World Trade Center, in front of the Freedom Tower, in honor of those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. A beautiful tribute, with a beautiful song, originally written in memory of his father.

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8. A short drive from NYC, Taste of Country Music Festival returned to New York for its fourth year. An epic weekend full of camping, drinks, and country music by headliners like Kenny Chesney, Kid Rock, Jake Owen & more. The festival returns this June & tickets are available here.

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7. Country newcomers, LANco, debuted their first music video “Long Live Tonight,” on a Times Square billboard… Doesn’t get more Big City than that!

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6. Garth Brooks played Yankee Stadium, marking his return to New York City for the first time in nearly 20 years. The show also marked the first Country Music show ever at the new Yankee Stadium!

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5. Good Morning America hosted it’s annual Summer Concert Series in Central Park. Country Artists like Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban & Jason Aldean joined the line-up on the early morning shows – bringing a taste of Country Music to the busy NYC park.

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4. Shane McAnally hosted a Songwriter’s Night in the heart of NYC. Talk about “Nashville meets New York”. The mega-hit songwriter, joined the small stage with buddies and famed singer/songwriters Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi & Matt Ramsey (of Old Dominion), Walker Hayes, and Drake White for an intimate and exclusive evening of Country Music.

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3. Circle in the City – A taste of Nashville hits Midtown, Manhattan. Acts like Parmalee, William Michael Morgan, and Jennifer Nettles popped up in Bryant Park throughout the summer for free, intimate sessions hosted by the Grand Ole Opry.3opry

2. ‘No Sleep til Brooklyn’ – Keith Urban’s RIPcord Tour wrapped up in Brooklyn this November. During the show, Urban pulled a fan on stage & autographed her shoulder. The next day, the young fan TATTOOED the Country Superstar’s signature. That’s the difference in NY fans! 😉

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1. Printers Alley, a Nashville inspired bar & restaurant, opened in Times Square. And, well, it’s pretty much everything every Country fan in NYC could ever want. The food, the music, and the service makes you feel right at home. We partnered with Printers Alley for our last “Country Night” of 2016. Take a look at the video below for highlights of the night!

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How many Top 10 NYC Country Moments were you there for? What were your favorite moments? Let us know! 

We’re looking forward to returning to Printers Alley for our next “Country Brunch” with Russell Dickerson on Sunday, January 29! Grab your TIX now and don’t miss what’s sure to be a Top 10 2017 Moment.

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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

Ain’t No Stoppin’ Country Music Maverick, Kane Brown…

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Nearly two years ago; Kane Brown was just a 21-year-old Georgia boy with a love for music. Now? He is one of the most promising new artists in the country music world.

Brown began gaining popularity in early 2014, after posting homemade videos of country music covers like Lee Brice’s, “I Don’t Dance,” and George Strait’s, “Check Yes or No,” on his social media channels. When his videos began going viral, Brown released a teaser of his own single, “Used to Love You Sober.” The original clip was posted in October 2015 and received over 11 million views.

January 2016, Brown signed to Sony Music Nashville & released his debut self-titled album, Kane Brown, December 2, 2016. Brown hit NYC to celebrate and promote the album with an official NYC stop on his first headlining tour, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.”

We caught the show at Irving Plaza on Saturday, December 3. Opening Act, Jordan Rager, another Georgia native, kicked off the night with an energetic set featuring songs from his recently released EP, Southern Boy, including his current single, “Now That I Know Your Name,” and his debut single with Jason Aldean, “Southern Boy.”

Kane took the stage opening with his high-energy hit, “Pull It Off.” Weaving through songs from the new album including crowd-pleaser, “What Ifs” or the tearjerker, “Learning,” – Brown pulls you up and down a roller-coaster range of emotions through his very powerful performance as we get to know this new artist.

 

 

Brown adds to the show covering the popular hit, “Closer” by The Chainsmokers, and classics like, Randy Travis’, “Three Wooden Crosses.”

Ending the show in an encore with “Used to Love You Sober,” Brown leaves everyone wanting more. This promising talent possesses perhaps one of the most unique new voices in country music today and shows true potential for a sky rocketing career.

Take a listen for yourself and let us know what you think. Kane’s album can be downloaded here.

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!

Peace, Love & Country Music,
NYCountry Swag