Joe Nichols to star in 'Pure Country' on Broadway

Country music’s Joe Nichols is about to add Broadway to his professional resume. Yep, the four-time Grammy nominee is heading to the big stage come next year.

Now promoting his latest country single, “Believers,” which was recently released to country radio by the singer’s Universal South label, Nichols was offered, and accepted, the lead role in the Broadway production of Pure Country.

Texan George Strait made the role famous in the Pure Country movie, and according to the stage production’s producer, the Tony Award-winning Randall L. Wreghitt, the musical is in the process of securing the remainder of its financing and casting, with plans to open in early 2010.

"Pure Country is thrilled to welcome Joe Nichols to the family," Wreghitt said. "Not only does Joe bring his incredible talents to the project, but an understanding and authenticity to the role of 'Rusty' (originally 'Dusty' in the movie) that his fans and fans of the movie are going to love. We are very excited and proud to bring Pure Country and Joe Nichols to Broadway."

• To read the full scoop, click here, won't you?
  

The Red Stick Ramblers merge Cajun & country

The Red Stick Ramblers, a young roots band that both embodies and transcends its influences, will release its fifth CD to date come May 19 when they unveil My Suitcase Is Always Packed.

The upcoming disc, which is the band’s second album for the Sugar Hill label, is an 11-song effort that reflects the lineup’s unique hybrid of Cajun, honky-tonk and Western-swing.

Already called the group’s “most visceral, personal album yet,” the disc is set to contain tunes in both English and Cajun French, including a couple Cajun numbers that masterfully demonstrate The Red Stick Ramblers' undeniable affinity for classic Louisiana music.

To learn more about the band and its upcoming CD on Sugar Hill, as well as its latest tour dates, please click here. (There's also a nifty music video on the same site by the band from the players' first CD for Sugar Hill. Check'em out!)

Carrie Underwood's '09 ACM dress causes a buzz!

Although she looks FANTASTIC no matter what she wears, on the eve of the 44th annual ACM contest, which will be delivered live via CBS-TV from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on April 5, it’s Carrie Underwood’s planned (but still a secret) attire that seems to be taking the spotlight, not so much her Academy of Country Music nods.

Of course, never mind that nobody has yet seen said dress, because, in an AP report, Underwood--a known best-dressed fashionista--described it. OK, well, she kind of described it. Sort of. But not really. Wait, no, she kinda did, but, well. ... Nobody's seen it yet; that's the point, but everyone is all "a Twitter," pun intended, over it.

To view the full write-up on said dress by this blogger, which includes a nifty lil' slideshow (even if I do say so myself) of Underwood's prior dresses in the spotlight, please click here. ... And thanks for taking the time to stop in and ready my ramblings!

Snapshot preview of the 44th ACM Awards April 5

Just a friendly reminder for country music fans that Sunday, April 5, is the day to catch the Academy of Country Music's annual awards show, which will be broadcast live on CBS Television from the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

For the 11th consecutive year, Reba McEntire will serve as host for the annual West Coast-based ACM Awards, which are now in their 44th incarnation.

Some honorees have already been announced by the ACM, including Humanitarian Award-winner LeAnn Rimes, who will receive her prize during the live broadcast, as well as the winner's of the ACM's Radio Awards, the latter of which were handed out Feb. 24.

To help get country fans and viewers readied for the live broadcast, which will begin at 8 p.m. (Eastern/Pacific), I've compiled a few fun, nominee-related ACM-watching facts to keep in mind come viewing time.

To check out the overview of the events contenders, along with said facts, please click here.