Kenny Chesney has added a new date to his busy performance schedule: On September 15th he’ll be at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square as part of Hard Rock’s 2009 Ambassadors of Rock Tour, a global concert series.

Now in its fourth year, the program includes performances from different iconic artists at various locations around the world. Other stars being hosted worldwide include O.A.R. in Orlando, and a bunch of performances at Hard Rock Calling in London with Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, The Killers, Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper and Relentless 7, Fleet Foxes and The Gaslight Anthem.

“Music that connects is music that rocks,” Chesney said. “To me, the Hard Rock Ambassadors of Rock Tour is about the experience of music, of coming together, of how blinding it can be when it’s good… whether it’s Bruce Springsteen or Nine Inch Nails, Neil Young, The Killers or us. I’m honored to take part in this because that place where music and people come together to really let go, well, that’s what we’re all about.”

The proceeds from Kenny’s appearance will be donated to PLAN!T NOW, an organization that empowers coastal residents living in hurricane-prone areas alleviate the effects of severe storms by being prepared. The group offers resources and connections for residents the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Kenny is on the group’s board of directors.

[image: zuma press]

We don’t get to see too many pics of Kenny Chesney — he manages to avoid the paparazzi pretty well and even his performances and videos are pretty well guarded! So it’s always a treat when get a few images of him, like this set from his visit to David Letterman last week.

Kenny wears a bright neon orange t-shirt, khakis and a baseball cap as he stops to sign autographs for a throng of waiting fans. MORE PICS after the cut! Read more

Did you catch Kenny Chesney on David Letterman this past week? Don’t worry if you didn’t - he was on at the end of the program, performed his current hit Out Last Night, and really didn’t get to say much after.

David introduced Kenny’s album as “Greatest Hits Eleven,” mistaking the Roman numerals for two (II) as an eleven. I’m sure he’ll get there someday!

Great news for Kenny Chesney fans — he’s added three more dates to his Sun City Carnival tour schedule!

He had originally intended to cut down on his traveling this year, but he announced this morning that he’s adding more dates to his September schedule instead.

The added dates and venues are: September 10 in Biloxi, Mississippi. at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, September 11 in Tallahassee, FL at the Leon County Civic Center and September 12 in North Charleston, S.C. at the North Charleston Coliseum.

About the decision to add dates, Kenny says: “It takes so much work to get the show figured out, physically built, rehearsed. And we start long before the tour we’re doing is over. So you get a little mentally burned out, and you think, ‘Yeah, this year, I’m gonna take it a little lighter.’ But the fact is when you start playing for the people, all that tired goes away. That’s not what wears you out - that’s what feeds you. That’s why we do all the rest of it: to get up on that stage and play.”

[image: bauer-griffin]

Kenny Chesney debuted the video for his newest single, “Out Last Night” on Myspace this weekend. Talk about a catchy tune - I can’t get it out of my head!

About the decision to debut it on Myspace, Kenny says:

“It seems to be that Myspace.com is what FM radio was when it took hold. Back when, it seemed like all the new music, all the stuff you’d want to discover was on FM radio stations where the total music junkies were hanging out - waiting to see what’s next.

“I know a lot of my fans are using social networking as a way to stay connected, to communicate with each other…to check out music and swamp bands,” he said, “and it’s a pretty exciting thing to get out there where you can feel the fans. It’s straight into their hands - and having the greatest fans in the world, this seemed like a way to give them the clip when they want it, where they want it.”

The video was filmed on location in Miami, Florida, and was inspired by a real night-out with co-writer Brett James over Christmas.

[image: INF]

May is a pretty low-yield month for country album releases! There are only three that I was able to dig up, though I’d bet Kenny fans don’t consider his a small deal!

May 5
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - Lonely Street

May 19
Kenny Chesney - Greatest Hits: Vol. 2
Jamie O’Neal - TBD

Kenny’s album track list includes:

1. Out Last Night
2. Living In Fast Forward
3. Young
4. Summertime
5. Down The Road (with Mac McAnally)
6. Beer In Mexico
7. There Goes My Life
8. When The Sun Goes Down (Duet With Uncle Kracker)
9. Anything But Mine
10. Be As You Are
11. I Go Back
12. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems
13. The Good Stuff
14. Never Wanted Nothing More
15. I’m Alive (with Dave Matthews)

[image: amazon]

Don’t forget to set your DVRs — a whole slew of country stars are making an appearance on Oprah today! Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland and Darius Rucker will all by stopping by to talk to Oprah.

Carrie Underwood talks about how she keeps healthy both at home and on the road, song writing, and what country stars have influenced her.

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland talk about their favorite tour stops, Jennifer’s tattoo, and what President Obama said to Jennifer at the Inauguration concert.

Kenny Chesney performs two songs for the audience: “Down the Road” and “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service.” He also talks about his concerts, playing sports, and the advice he got from Bruce Springsteen.

Darius Rucker performs his current hit single, “It Won’t Be Like This for Long,” and talks about his inspiration for the song. He also talks about being one of only three African-Americans to top the country charts, and also shares what’s on his iPod.

Oprah is on daily on ABC - check your local listings for times.

A whole bunch of country stars will be on Oprah next week!

Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland and Darius Rucker will all be making an appearance on the April 14th episode of The Oprah Show. The hour-long episode will have performances and interviews with the artists and will feature nothing but country music.

Check your local listings for times.

[image: MAVRIXONLINE]

Performers for the 44th Annual ACM Awards next month have finally been announced!

This year’s lineup includes Lady Antebellum, Miley Cyrus, Jamey Johnson, host Reba McEntire, John Rich and Lee Ann Womack. They’ll be joining Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Heidi Newfield, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Taylor Swift.

Several performers are also nominees, which can be viewed here. Also, do you think Kenny Chesney should bow out?

The awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 5 at 8:00-11:00 PM ET on CBS.

[image: newscom]

Kenny Chesney gave an interview to Playboy magazine recently for their upcoming March issue which hits newsstands this Friday. In it, he discusses his short-lived marriage to actress Renee Zellweger, the paparazzi, and the long-standing rumor that he’s gay. Read more