Andrew Jannakos Announces New EP + Drops “Somebody Loves You”

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Andrew Jannakos revealed a forthcoming new EP, Gone Too Soon, due out June 4th, and dropped a brand new song, “Somebody Loves You”. Available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

After learning about Andrew Jannakos’ story during our exclusive spotlight interview with the singer-songwriter, we became instant fans. The singer is the real deal and has already acquired a dedicated fanbase with his previous releases, viral hit “Gone Too Soon” and sultry song, “Wine Country.” Today, the artist dropped another incredible new song entitled “Somebody Loves You.”

With the new release, Jannakos proves once again that he knows how to write a catchy hook and chorus. The new song is uplifting, fun, and easy to sing along to. From the opening guitar strums, the listener already knows that the song will be a good one. At the heart of the track, it’s a love song, proving once again, that the singer is a lover at his core.

“Somebody wants ya, needs ya // Been looking for you their whole life // Someone to hold ya, keep ya // Treat you just the way you like // Someone that won’t let you go // Somebody close, wants you to know // Somebody loves ya // Somebody loves ya”

Although maybe not the intention, the song also reminds fans to never settle for less than what they deserve. The idea that there is someone out there for everyone is enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat. The song is a type of honesty, integrity, and hope that we can all use more of right now.

“Somebody Loves You” excites us for the recently announced forthcoming EP from the singer-songwriter, Gone Too Soon, due out June 4th.

Andrew Jannako's new song, "Somebody Loves You" is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Andrew Jannako’s new song, “Somebody Loves You” is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Andrew Jannnakos announcements and releases.

To keep up with Andrew Jannnakos, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

James Barker Band Inks Deal with Sony/Villa 40 and Release New Song

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Platinum-selling Canadian group, James Barker Band has inked a deal with Sony Music Nashville/Villa 40 and released a brand new song to celebrate, “Over All Over Again”. Available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

“Over All Over Again” is a song about two people that keep finding themselves back together, in one of those ‘never really over’ relationships. It always starts the same way, talking and flirting over drinks at their spot and one thing leads to the other like it always does to neither of their surprise, like they’re not over all over again. Then when the morning comes, they go back to being over all over again. The cycle comes and goes like clockwork and neither of the two seem to resist the inevitable each time they see it coming. 

“Here we are again who would’ve guessed // In the same old bar, our friends they all left // when the beer switched to whiskey and we couldn’t stop // you leaned in to kiss me, it sure feels a lot // like dejavu, our old song comes on, baby right on queue // it sure don’t feel wrong, all caught up in this moment, don’t care how it ends // feels like we ain’t over all over again”

The track marks the first release with their Sony Music Nashville/Villa 40 team. Although the band, formed in 2015 by Taylor Abram, James Barker, Bobby Martin, and Connor Brock Stephen, have had previous success in Canada with their #1 and platinum-certified hits, “Chills” (2017) and “Keep It Simple” (2019), this new release establishes a brand new chapter for the foursome. As they consistently build their massive fanbase in Canada, James Barker Band introduces themselves in the U.S. with this new music that continues to reflect their unique sound and style. Many of their songs have given a very laid-back vibe paired with upbeat music and effortlessly flawless vocals. “Over All Over Again” is no different, although it speaks to a relatively more serious situation than the happy, upbeat, summer-vibe they’re used to. We look forward to hearing more from the group!

James Barker Band's new song, "Over All Over Again" is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

James Barker Band’s new song, “Over All Over Again” is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming James Barker Band announcements and releases.

To keep up with James Barker Band, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane Team Up for Summer Jam “Tequila On A Boat”

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Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane joined forces on a new summer anthem, “Tequila On A Boat”. Available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

“Tequila On A boat” perfectly captures everything you want from a summer’s day. From the sun and blue skies to the company you’re with and the drinks flowing. We can’t help but picture ourselves on the water and count down the days until summer after listening to this one.

“Tequila on a boat // a boat on a lake // a lake on fire and the tans ain’t fake // a girl with a smile // smiling at me // me with my eyes on her in the heat”

Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane come together on the track just in time for summer. The collaboration arrives just as the two are coming off largely successful years and both with multiple singles currently on the charts. 

Lynch’s latest project, Tullahoma (2020) included hits songs “Riding Roads”, “Thinkin ‘Bout You”(originally recorded with Lauren Alaina on the album, but recently reimagined with MacKenzie Porter and a current single climbing the charts), and “Momma’s House”, also climbing the charts.

“Tequila On A Boat” marks Lane’s fourth song release in just four weeks! Most recently and just in time for Mother’s Day was “That’s What Mama’s Are For”, preceded by “Summer Job Money” and “Fill Them Boots”. At the end of last year, Lane received his third #1 with “Big Big Plans”, following “Fix” and “I Don’t Know About You”.

Nearly halfway through 2021, the year is shaping up to be a good one for Lynch and Lane and we can only hope to see more new music from the two stars.

Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane's new song, "Tequila On A Boat" is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane’s new song, “Tequila On A Boat” is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane announcements and releases.

To keep up with Dustin Lynch, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
To keep up with Chris Lane, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

Alan Jackson: ‘Where Have You Gone’ – Album Review

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After nearly six years, Alan Jackson is back with a full-length collection of new music through his 14th studio album, Where Have You Gone, available now, May 14th on all streaming platforms. Take a look as we discuss maintaining country roots, the beauty of less being more & the grace portrayed by this esteemed country music veteran.

With ample subheaders emerging from the development of country music, it is indeed a breath of fresh air to be shipped back to the roots. The worn-down cowboy boot, wide-legged jean, and slow-dancin’ in your living room to the record type of country. It’s like a long-overdue return back home. Alan Jackon’s 14th studio album, Where Have You Gone is a time capsule that has been unchained at a seemingly stand-still yet fruitful moment in time.

In fact, the title track, which simultaneously acts as the album intro song, lays an intensely beautiful violin arrangement over a pining, wistful-eyed vocal component that speaks truth to the re-emergence of traditional country.

“It’s been way too long since you slipped away // I just can’t forget, I can’t pretend it’s okay // No other one could ever replace you // So I’ll keep on believing and dreaming of you…”

“Merle and George and Hank, A lot of young people liked that music when I was growing up, but it felt like nobody was making it. Somebody had to go to Nashville to make that kind of country,” Jackson explains in a recent press release. “Randy (Travis) did and was great. But real country music is gone. It feels like 1985 again, and somebody has to bring it back.”

Though, Jackson does not solely want to wear dusted off yet incredibly well-suited boots. “I Can Be That Something” suggests, rather subtly hints at, the versatility within this GRAMMY-winning, Entertainer of the Year that holds an outstanding record of thirty-five #1 hits as well as well-maintained classics such as “Remember When”, “Chattahoochee” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” with Jimmy Buffet.

“But I can be that whiskey in your bottle // I can be that smile that takes away your tears // I can be the place you just want to run to // I can be that something to get you through…”

While Where Have You Gone politely yet sternly requests a return to country music origins while widening the scope to incorporate a desirable taste for any occasion, Jackson has stayed true to himself. “I never felt the need to chase anything different than I did,” Jackson confesses. “I just did what I liked and was lucky enough to connect with people who love the same kind of country music I do. My heart was in the real country music, that was what I wanted to do.”

The new album showcases a broad range of “Things That Matter”, a song that teeters on a similar wavelength as his 2003 single “Remember When”, which climbed to the top of the charts and remains a timeless, responsive piece. From the raw sentiment of writing a song for his daughter’s wedding, flirting with an excess of bourbon, a manual on making love last in “The Boot” and a farewell to his mother who passed in 2017, this only scratches the surface of the complete collection of music released by this astounding and unwavering entertainer.

“I know I’ve changed, but I’m still pretty much the same person who came to Nashville all those years ago,” Jackson simplifies. “I still eat beans and cornbread.”

Jackson has indeed brought country “Back” where it belongs with his hat and boots in tow.

Alan Jackson's 'Where Have You Gone' is available now, May 14th

Alan Jackson’s ‘Where Have You Gone’ is available now, May 14th

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Alan Jackson releases.

To keep up with Alan Jackson, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Where Have You Gone 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.

Here Are The CMT Music Awards 2021 Nominations

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The CMT Music Awards Nominations have been revealed!

CMT Music Awards 2021

CMT Music Awards 2021

Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert lead with three nominations each. Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, and Mickey Guyton also racked up multiple nominations. While many rising stars received their first-ever nominations for the special accolades. Check out the full list of nominations below.

Hosted by Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini, the show is set to air on Wednesday, June 9th at 8PM ET / 7PM CT on CMT.  The 2021 CMT Music Awards will be a celebration country music fans will not want to miss. The show will honor country music’s biggest stars bringing next-level energy and one-of-a-kind performances and collaborations.

The annual show is the only entirely fan-voted award show in the country music world honoring the genre’s best and most fan-favorite artists. Fan voting begins today at vote.cmt.com.

Fans can tune in from home on several different networks who will be broadcasting the show including CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, and TV Land.

 

HERE ARE THE 2021 CMT MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS:

 

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration). Top five nominees, from the first round of voting, will be announced on June 1. Top 3 nominees, from the second round of voting, will be announced on June 8. Final voting will be determined via social media and announced as the final category during the live show.

  • Carrie Underwood with John Legend – “Hallelujah”
  • Dierks Bentley – “Gone”
  • Elle King and Miranda Lambert – “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
  • Ingrid Andress – “Lady Like”
  • Kane Brown – “Worldwide Beautiful”
  • Keith Urban with P!nk – “One Too Many”
  • Kelsea Ballerini – “hole in the bottle”
  • Kenny Chesney – “Knowing You”
  • Maren Morris – “Better Than We Found It”
  • Mickey Guyton – “Heaven Down Here”
  • Miranda Lambert – “Settling Down”
  • Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris – “Chasing After You”
  • Sam Hunt – “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s”
  • Willie Jones – “American Dream”

 

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

  • Carly Pearce – “Next Girl”
  • Gabby Barrett – “The Good Ones”
  • Kelsea Ballerini – “hole in the bottle”
  • Maren Morris – “To Hell & Back”
  • Mickey Guyton – “Heaven Down Here”
  • Miranda Lambert – “Settling Down”

 

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

  • Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
  • Darius Rucker – “Beers and Sunshine”
  • Kane Brown – “Worship You”
  • Luke Bryan – “Down To One”
  • Luke Combs – “Lovin’ On You”
  • Thomas Rhett – “What’s Your Country Song”

 

DUO/GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo or group; awarded to the artists

  • Brothers Osborne – “All Night”
  • Lady A – “Like A Lady”
  • Little Big Town – “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
  • Old Dominion – “Never Be Sorry”
  • Parmalee and Blanco Brown – “Just The Way”
  • Runaway June – “We Were Rich”

 

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)

  • Dylan Scott – “Nobody”
  • Hailey Whitters feat. Little Big Town – “Fillin’ My Cup”
  • HARDY – “Give Heaven Some Hell”
  • Lainey Wilson – “Things a Man Oughta Know”
  • Mickey Guyton – “Black Like Me”
  • Niko Moon – “GOOD TIME (Ride Along Video)”

 

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists

  • Carrie Underwood with John Legend – “Hallelujah”
  • Chris Young and Kane Brown – “Famous Friends”
  • Elle King and Miranda Lambert – “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
  • Keith Urban with P!nk – “One Too Many”
  • Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris – “Chasing After You”
  • Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard – “Undivided”

 

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs “1, 2 Many”
  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Dan + Shay “I Should Probably Go To Bed”
  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus “This Is Us”
  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey “The Other Girl”
  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Little Big Town “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
  • From CMT Crossroads – Nathaniel Rateliff and Margo Price “Twinkle Twinkle”

Performers and presenters to be announced at a later date.

 

Don’t forget to cast your votes! Voting is open now at: vote.cmt.com.

Gear up for the big night and set your DVR’s for 8PM ET on June 9th and follow along on Twitter as we live-tweet the show, @NYCountrySwag.

Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming performance announcements in the coming weeks.

To keep up with CMT, follow along here on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Cassadee Pope Releases New Song with Lindsay Ell & Karen Fairchild

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Cassadee Pope is joined by Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Lindsay Ell on brand new song, “What The Stars See”. Available now, May 7th, on all streaming platforms, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new track.

“What the Stars See”, written by Pope along with Jake Rose and Lindsay Rimes, and produced by Nick Wheeler of All-American Rejects and Karen Fairchild, is an explosive track that perfectly expresses the blend of musical style and backgrounds of the different collaborators involved from production to vocals. The song describes the desire to be able to peek into the life of someone who used to be a part of your life but no longer is.

On the story behind the song, Pope shares: “I was inspired to write ‘What The Stars See’ after sitting outside one night looking up at the stars, curious what their perspective might be looking down on us…It made me think back to times in my life when I had just come out of a relationship but still felt so connected to the other person. I imagined having the superpower to be among the stars and observe, from their perspective, an ex moving on with their life (or not).” 

That ‘or not’ aspect demonstrates the tone of the track. While the idea could be interpreted to be sorrowful and having a great sense of missing someone, the way that Pope, Fairchild, and Ell present the song as the powerhouse female vocalists that they are is a much edgier ‘just wondering’ take on the story behind the song. 

“I wanna see what the stars see // Are you good, are you sad, are you missin’ me? // Are you a little bit lonely? // I wanna know what you’re feeling underneath // That midnight, moonlight, heartbreak sky // Wishin I could read your mind // You left me in the dark and wherever you are, I wanna be // Tonight, I wanna see what the stars see”

Cassadee Pope's new song, "What The Sars See" featuring Karen Fairchild and Lindsay Ell is available now, May 7th, on all streaming platforms

Cassadee Pope’s new song, “What The Sars See” featuring Karen Fairchild and Lindsay Ell is available now, May 7th, on all streaming platforms

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Cassadee Pope announcements and releases.

To keep up with Cassadee Pope, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan Announce Las Vegas Residencies

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Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan surprised fans today revealing that each will have their very own Las Vegas Residencies beginning later this year. Get all the details here.

Marking each superstar’s very first residency, the special leg of shows will take place at The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas. The Theatre, a brand new world-class venue that will seat 5,000 fans, is set to open in November 2021 inside of Resorts World Las Vegas, a new 3,500-room luxury destination, which opens June 24th.

Underwood’s residency, REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency, kicks off in December 2021 with six shows set for December 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, and 11.

Bryan’s residency, Luke Bryan: Vegas will kick off in February 2022 with six shows on February 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, and 20.

Additional artists slated to headline their own residencies at The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas will be Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Zedd, and Tiësto.

Tickets for all shows will go on sale to the general public on Monday, May 24th at 1PM ET at AXS.com.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood news.

Chris Lane Sends Thanks to His Mom with “That’s What Mamas Are For”

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Chris Lane released a brand new heartfelt song, serving up as a tribute to his mom with “That’s What Mamas Are For”. Available now, May 7th, on all streaming platforms, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

Chris Lane just released his third song in three weeks. Just in time for Mother’s Day Weekend, following “Summer Job Money” and “Fill Them Boots”, Lane released his latest single, “That’s What Mama’s are For”.

A soon-to-be dad himself, expecting a baby boy with his wife Lauren this any day now, Lane pays tribute to a mother’s calling in his new song. It was inspired by a conversation with his own mom and is a thank you to moms everywhere. “That’s What Mama’s are For” was written by Lane with Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, and Ernest Keith Smith. 

In a recent press release, Lane shares, “As a soon-to-be dad, this Mother’s Day more than ever, I’m just so grateful for my mom and the amazing momma my wife Lauren already is to our baby boy. This song is to celebrate all the mommas out there. We wouldn’t be who we are today without you.”

“That’s What Mama’s are For” is a thank you to moms for all the behind-the-scenes work they do, all the little things, and how they do it all without complaining and with nothing but unconditional love. 

“She’s got a marked-up King James heart of gold // Got too much on her plate, but never lets it show // And she put her blood, sweat, and tears into raisin’ me // and maybe a little more // Thank the Lord, that’s what mamas are for”

Chris Lane's new song, "That's What Mamas Are For" is available now, May 7th, on all streaming platforms

Chris Lane’s new song, “That’s What Mamas Are For” is available now, May 7th, on all streaming platforms

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Chris Lane announcements and releases.

To keep up with Chris Lane, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

Mitchell Tenpenny Teases Brand New Unreleased Breakup Song

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Mitchell Tenpenny took to Instagram and TikTok to share a sneak peek at a brand new unreleased track. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Mitchell Tenpenny proves time and time again how incredible of a songwriter he is. We have believed in him and his talent, since day one, so we always love to see him creating. He finally released the fan-favorite song “To Us It Did,” and now it seems, Tenpenny is scheming up some more new music. The singer-songwriter took to social media to tease an unreleased song earlier this week.

Utilizing TikTok and Instagram, the singer keeps fans entertained, as well as anticipating new music. Just a few days ago, Tenpenny captioned a video of him in the recording booth, singing a new song with “That New New! Should I release?” Almost immediately, fans took to the comments, begging the singer to release the song immediately. Only time will tell to see if Tenpenny will oblige!

“Every word that you’re saying is another stab to my reputation // I can’t take it anymore, but you’ve opened that door // Yeah there’s two sides to every break up // One’s the lie and one’s the truth // One of them went down and one is made up, but in the end we both lose // Why can’t we meet in the middle, call it even, call it a truce // Yeah, if you quit telling lies about me, I won’t tell the truth about you”

The hooky song is all about a messy break-up, where your ex is spreading rumors about you around town. The singer takes a unique approach, sharing the perspective of the person, who is being gossiped about. Check out the teaser above, and let us know what you think.

Mitchell Tenpenny New Music

Photo: Mike Spotz (@illkoncept) for NYCountry Swag

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Mitchell Tenpenny announcements and releases.

To keep up with Mitchell Tenpenny, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

BREAKING: Kip Moore Announces ‘The How High Tour’

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Kip Moore has announced The How High Tour kicking off this Fall 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.

Kip Moore revealed he will officially return to the road this fall, announcing The How High Tour today, slated to kick off in Chicago, IL on 10/14.

Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday, 5/14 at 10am local time at kipmoore.net.

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Kip Moore shows and releases.

Kip Moore’s How High Tour Dates: 

10/14        Chicago, IL
10/15        Newport, KY
10/16        Rochester, NY
10/21        Fort Wayne, IN
10/22        Grand Rapids, MI
10/23        Detroit, MI
11/4          Knoxville, TN
11/5          Chattanooga, TN
11/6          Asheville, NC
11/11        Huntsville, AL
11/12        Charlotte, NC
11/13        Orange Beach, AL
11/19        North Myrtle Beach, SC
11/20        Raleigh, NC
11/21        Silver Spring, MD
12/2          Kansas City, MO
12/3          Kearney, NE
12/4          Dubuque, IA
12/17        Phoenix, AZ
12/18        San Diego, CA