Tag Archive for: Martina McBride

Brett Eldredge Kicks Off Annual Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

/in /by
2018 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting

2018 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, Photo Credit: @rockcenternyc via Instagram

Last night, NBC kicked off the most wonderful time of the year with the annual lighting of New York City’s famous tree on the “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” holiday special. Every year, thousands of people travel from all over to watch this one of a kind occasion that takes over New York City. This year was no different with the thousands of spectators in Rockefeller Center, enjoying the night watching some of music’s biggest stars perform, while waiting in anticipation for the tree to be lit.

Before the primetime telecast started, there was a one-hour pre-show special to warm up the crowd for the holiday ceremony to come. Country stars Kellie Pickler, Brett Eldredge, and Martina McBride all appeared singing holiday favorites, getting everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Kellie Pickler Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Photo Credit: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

Kicking off the pre-show was singer-songwriter, Kellie Pickler, taking the stage in a stunning red dress and black overcoat performing “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” giving the song a country twist. When it came time for the two-hour primetime special, she sang the classic song, “Santa Baby.” Once the tree was lit, she came back on stage with a choir singing “Joy to the World,” as seen and heard in this year’s Hallmark Channel original movie “Christmas at Graceland,” in which Pickler made her acting debut.

Once again platinum-selling artist and country music’s King of Christmas, Brett Eldredge took the stage for the second year in a row to spread the holiday spirit at this year’s 86th annual holiday special. He came back to perform a couple of songs off his deluxe edition of ‘Glow’. First appearing on the pre-show looking dashing in a velvet suit jacket, singing a holiday favorite, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Throughout the night he performed alongside an orchestra, showing off his smooth vocals with his rendition of  “Sleigh Bells”, and his original holiday track, “Glow”.

Brett Eldredge Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Photo Credit: Eric Liebowitz/NBC

Last, but not least was 4-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Martina McBride. She’s back again to celebrate another holiday with us New Yorkers, after recently performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade last week. McBride is currently on her “The Joy of Christmas Tour”, but made a special New York stop to perform her renditions from her latest release, ‘It’s The Holiday Season’. She first took the stage during the pre-show appearing in an elegant maroon dress with a black overcoat performing the holiday classic, “Most Wonderful Time of The Year.” As the night went on she continued to sing her renditions of holiday favorites, “Winter Wonderland” and “Happy Holiday/It’s The Holiday” beautifully.

Martina McBride Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Photo Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC

When it comes to the holidays, there’s no one that celebrates them quite like Eldredge. Luckily for New Yorkers, we can catch Brett Eldredge on the Glow Live tour at the historic Beacon Theatre on December 11th. Be sure to follow @NYCountrySwag on Instagram for snaps from the show. For your tickets and more information, visit bretteldredge.com.

 

—————————-

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:

Country Music Well Represented in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

/in /by

The show must go on; despite the freezing cold weather that took over New York City during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The cold winds and record-breaking low temperatures did not stop the crowds from coming out to watch the time-honored American tradition.

The annual parade features some of the biggest stars in music today and luckily for country fans, country music was well represented in this year’s lineup. Leading the trek, from the west side of Central Park to Macy’s flagship store on 34th street was none-other than the Turkey itself, making way for all the performers and balloons to follow.

Photo via @sugarland on Instagram

Photo via @sugarland on Instagram

The first country act to make their way down were Grammy Award winners, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, of Sugarland. The duo was on the Ocean Spray float, performing their hit single, “Babe,” featuring vocals from singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift. Nettles and Bush performed the song effortlessly with big smiles on their faces the entire time.

Shortly after, rising country star, Carly Pearce took over the Green Giant float, performing her brand new single, “Closer To You.” She was smiling from ear to ear while dancing in place singing her fresh upbeat tune. Performing in the parade gave Pearce one more item to check off her bucket list as she shared later that day on Instagram.

Photo via @carlypearce on Instagram

Photo via @carlypearce on Instagram

Following Pearce, was country’s youngest newcomer, Tegan Marie on the Girl Scouts of the USA’s “Building A Better World” float.  Celebrating girls who build a better world through STEM, Tegan Marie was chosen for the honor for embodying the G.I.R.L (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ spirit. The Warner Music Nashville recording artist performed her bright and positive single “Keep It Lit,” which was the perfect song to inspire young girls everywhere to raise their voices, have an impact, and make the most of every moment.

Photo Credit: Steve Remich for Girl Scouts of the USA

Photo Credit: Steve Remich for Girl Scouts of the USA

Next up was multi-platinum selling artist, Kane Brown, performing “Good As You,” off his sophomore album Experiment. He took over South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore’s American Pride float, showcasing his rich vocals while dancing to his uptempo tune.

The final country performer of the parade was 4-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Martina McBride, performing on the Balsam Hill float. She was joined by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, performing her rendition of “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”. The beautiful tune is also featured on her latest release, It’s The Holiday Season. McBride brought the holiday spirit to the parade, surrounding herself with a talented group of kids.

Photo via @martinamcbride on Instagram

Photo via @martinamcbride on Instagram

Closing out the celebration was Santa Claus, making it officially the Christmas season. The freezing cold temperatures may have left the performers frozen on their floats, but that didn’t stop them from giving their all and performing for the thousands of people braving the cold with them. Once again, making the country community proud and thankful for all they do!

 

—————————-

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:

New Music Friday – The Playlist 10/19

/in , /by

It’s the best day of the week… New Music Friday! A few holiday tunes released today, Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as well as a complete holiday album from Martina McBride. Check our First Impression of the record here. In addition, we see new music from Kip Moore, Kane Brown, Delta Rae, Pistol Annies and more. Check out our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:

—————————-

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:

NYCS First Impression: Martina McBride ‘It’s The Holiday Season’

/in , /by

Martina McBride It's The Holiday Season

 

There are few distinct voices in country music that feel like home. Martina McBride’s is one of those such voices, nowhere more so evident than on her festive new album, It’s the Holiday Season. On the cheery collection, released today, the country superstar adds a surprisingly jazzy touch to some of the most classic Christmas songs, and frankly, the only thing missing on this album to make it all the more quintessential Christmas is a duet with Michael Buble.

The album opens with spirited takes on the classics, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” While it’s hard to offer a fresh take on tunes that have seemingly been recorded 19,000 times, McBride’s voice pairs perfectly with the music throughout the album, neither outshining the other. For McBride fans, the album definitely shows a different side of the singer, focusing heavily on the LP’s orchestration, rather than just her golden voice.

One of the highlights of the album is McBride’s take on “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” The track could’ve easily veered off into being cheesy, but McBride offers a fresh take that’s hard not to tap your toes to. Other highlights include “Happy Holidays/ It’s the Holiday Season,” and “Home for the Holidays.” The show tune staple, “My Favorite Things” closes the album perfectly, McBride’s voice covering each and every note like a warm blanket on a cold evening.

Despite the fact that It’s the Holiday Season does not include any originals, it’s a fun take on many of the most classic Christmas songs. Interestingly, it’s an album that could’ve been recorded in the 1950’s or the 2050’s and not sounded out of place. It’s poised to be a future classic, and we can only advise you to add this one to your Christmas mix; you definitely won’t regret it.

In addition to the release of her holiday album today, McBride will be releasing her cookbook, Martina McBride’s Kitchen Mix on October 30, with the premiere of her cooking show, Martina’s Table, premiering on the Food Network on November 18th.

Additionally, McBride will be taking her holiday cheer on the road, performing with a full symphony on The Joy of Christmas Tour. Full dates are as follows:

November 23: Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage
November 24: Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
November 25: Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
November 29: Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
November 30: Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
December 1: Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
December 4: Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall
December 6: Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
December 7: Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
December 8: Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre

It’s the Holiday Season 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.

For future tour information, upcoming news and announcements from Martina McBride, visit martinamcbride.com, and follow the rising star on his journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

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: