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MUSICROW MAGAZINE: Second DRX Monthly Showcase Highlights Indie Artists


• September 25, 2014 • 
 
Pictured (L to R): Chad Pfeifer, J. Michael Harter, John Pyne (Digital Rodeo), Maddie Deneault (center), Bryan White, Stephanie Quayle and Craig Morrison
Pictured (L-R): Chad Pfeifer, J. Michael Harter, John Pyne (Digital Rodeo), Maddie Deneault (center), Bryan White, Stephanie Quayle and Craig Morrison (Photo Credit: Bev Moser / Moments By Moser)


Online social network and country lifestyle portal Digital Rodeo held their second successful installment of the DRX Monthly Showcase Series on Sept. 23 at 3rd and Lindsley. The DRX monthly showcases highlight some of the platform’s most promising Country artists and help to promote some of the website’s featured unsigned acts. The showcase featured Chad Pfeifer, J. Michael Harter, Maddie Deneault, Stephanie Quayle, Craig Morrison, and was hosted by Bryan White.
Each act performed two songs, fronted by Digital Rodeo’s house band, which includes members Tim Horsley (drums), Robbie Emerson (bass, vocals), Erik Halbig (guitar), Mike Webb (keys), and Scotty Huff (guitar, vocals, music director). Each DRX monthly showcase is held at 3rd and Lindsley and is free and open to the public.

AristoMedia: SECOND DRX MONTHLY SHOWCASE FEATURED LEADING DIGITAL RODEO ARTISTS

Online social network and country lifestyle portal Digital Rodeo held their second successful installment of the DRX Monthly Showcase Series on Sept. 23 at 3rd and Lindsley, with live streaming numbers and industry representative attendance tripling since last month’s event.
The DRX monthly showcases highlight some of the platform’s most promising Country artists and help to promote some of the website’s featured unsigned acts. The September DRX showcase featured acts Chad PfeiferJ. Michael HarterMaddie DeneaultStephanie Quayle, and Craig Morrison, and was hosted by Bryan White. To learn more about the artists, please visit their artist profiles on www.DigitalRodeo.com.   
Each act performed two songs, fronted by Digital Rodeo’s house band, which includes members Tim Horsley (drums), Robbie Emerson (bass, vocals),Erik Halbig (guitar), Mike Webb (keys), and Scotty Huff (guitar, vocals, music director). Each DRX monthly showcase is held at 3rd and Lindsley and is free and open to the public. 
DRX Artist Showcases are streamed live and can be viewed on the DRX Live! Channel here.
Pictured below L to R: Chad PfeiferJ. Michael HarterJohn Pyne (Digital Rodeo), Maddie Deneault (center), Bryan WhiteStephanie Quayle and Craig MorrisonHi-res
2nd DRX Showcase

About DigitalRodeo.com: DigitalRodeo.com is the premier country news, music and lifestyle site for country music fans everywhere. DRX membership is free until Dec. 31, 2014 and offers fans and artists added perks and benefits above and beyond a basic Digital Rodeo membership. Basic DR memberships are always free and provide the opportunity for country fans and artists to connect with each other, upload and download audio and video, watch exclusive content and stay updated on what’s happening in the world of country music. Since the very beginning, Digital Rodeo has been committed to helping promote independent artists and remain a trusted partner in this business,” said Digital Rodeo President, John Pyne.  For more information, visit www.DigitalRodeo.com.

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MUSICROW MAGAZINE: Artist Pics: Ray Scott, Rascal Flatts

• September 24, 2014 • 
 
Ray Scott and his team hosted an album release party at Mix Dream Studios Tuesday evening (Sept. 23) in Nashville, to celebrate his self-titled album, due Oct. 7 on deciBel Records. Among the attendees were producer Dave Brainard and co-writer Brandy Clark.
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Ray Scott addresses attendees during his album release party. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Ray Scott  9.23.14   2  L. Kent for Moments By Moser11
Attendees are given copies of Scott’s self-titled album, due for release Oct. 7. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
• • •
Rascal Flatts performed to a sold-out audience this past Sunday at DTE Energy Music Theater, marking the trio’s fourth consecutive sold-out performance at the venue. Rascal Flatts’ Rewind Tour continues with tour dates this week in Allentown, Pa. (Sept. 26) and Richmond, Va. (Sept. 27). The show also featured Sheryl Crow and Gloriana.
Rascal Flatts with Sheryl Crow and Gloriana. Photo: Zach Henderson
Rascal Flatts with Sheryl Crow and Gloriana. Photo: Zach Henderson

MUSICROW MAGAZINE: Industry Pics: Americana Music Fest Week


• September 22, 2014 • 
 
SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country was live from the Nashville studios on Thursday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 19, as a part of the Americana Music Festival. Live performances included Carlene Carter & Marc Wiseman, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Boogie Down Piano Party and “Americana’s Most Wanted Guitar-Pull.”
Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives. Photo: Parker Young
Carlene Carter. Photo Credit: Parker Young
• • •
The progressive, tradition-based artists responsible for the resurgence of Downtown Nashville’s Lower Broad reunited in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater for a one-of-a-kind show, playing the songs that inspired Music City’s “new scene” in the mid-90’s. Featuring performances by BR5-49, Paul Burch, and Greg Garing, R.B. Morris, and more, the show also included the musicians’ behind-the-scenes stories of the Lower Broad revival.
Photo: Rick Diamond
BR5-49. Photo: Rick Diamond
• • •
Roots music champion Ry Cooder sat down with Barry Mazor on Friday, September 19 for an exclusive, rare interview about his impact on the American music landscape over the past fifty years. Cooder discussed his distinct legacy that covers his groundbreaking solo albums of the 1970s, his recordings with the Rolling Stones and Rodney Crowell, and soundtracks for such films as The Long Riders and Paris, Texas.
Pictured (L-R): Music journalist and author Barry Mazor, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Kyle Young, Ry Cooder, the Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly and Mark Moffatt backstage. Photo: Rick Diamond
Pictured (L-R): Music journalist and author Barry Mazor, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Kyle Young, Ry Cooder, the Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly and Mark Moffatt backstage. Photo: Rick Diamond
• • •
SoundExchange President, Michael Huppe hosted a gathering at Soulshine Pizza in Nashville in association with the Americana Music Festival and Conference on Friday, Sept. 19. Linda Bloss-Baum, who was recently appointed Sr. Director of Industry Relations, was also mingling. Jim Lauderdale entertained the crowd with an acoustic set while pizza, salad, wings and hummus were served with drinks on the upstairs patio.
Photo: Bev Moser
Photo: Bev Moser
Photo: Bev Moser
Photo: Bev Moser

MUSICROW MAGAZINE: Garth Brooks Confirms Album Release Date


• September 19, 2014 • 
 
Garth Brooks. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser.
Garth Brooks. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser.

Garth Brooks confirmed today (September 19) at a tour press conference in Atlanta, GA that his highly-anticipated new album will be available on November 11. The yet-to-be-titled album will be released on Pearl/RCA Nashville and will feature his current Country radio single, “People Loving People.”

Fans can pre-order the album at garthbrooks.com and ghosttunes.com. In addition to the album, fans can order an additional mega bundle including all eight studio albums digitally updated, the new double live 25th Anniversary Edition featuring 30 songs along with 30 videos, an instant download of “People Loving People” and the bonus track, “Send ‘Em On Down The Road.”
Brooks, who in 2000, was certified by the RIAA as the No. 1-selling solo artist in U. S. history and has sold 134 million albums to date, virtually receiving every music award possible, is currently on his world tour.

MUSICROW MAGAZINE: Industry Pics: Jerrod Niemann, Jim Lauderdale, Hannah Dasher


• September 18, 2014 • 
 
Friday (Sept. 12), Jerrod Niemann was presented with a plaque for the RIAA Platinum certification of his chart-topping hit “Drink To That All Night.” He received the plaque backstage at his first headlining show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Pictured (L-R): Bill Simmons (Fitzgerald Hartley), Gary Overton (Sony Music Nashville), Jerrod Niemann, Steve Emley (Fitzgerald Hartley). Photo: Ivor Karabatkovic
Pictured (L-R): Bill Simmons (Fitzgerald Hartley), Gary Overton (Sony Music Nashville), Jerrod Niemann, Steve Emley (Fitzgerald Hartley). Photo: Ivor Karabatkovic
• • •
SESAC recently hosted a gathering of industry executives to celebrate the release of The King of Broken Hearts, a documentary of the life and career of singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale. The feature was produced and directed by Jeremy Dylan. The King of Broken Hearts, which was released Sept. 15, is available at jimlauderdale.com.
Pictured (L-R): Producer/director Jeremy Dylan, Lauderdale and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Bev Moser
Pictured (L-R): Producer/director Jeremy Dylan, Lauderdale and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Bev Moser
• • •
ASCAP singer-songwriter Hannah Dasher recently hosted a performance at historic RCA Studio B. The invitation-only event was attended by label execs, Grand Ole Opry’s Pete Fisher and other industry members. The performance included a short set by Dasher, followed by an after-party in the BMG Chrysalis parking lot.
 Pictured (L-R): Terry Lee Palmer (Guitar); Lee Francis (Bass); Howie Adams (Drums); producer Jeff Stevens; Hannah Dasher; Kos Weaver, Executive Vice President, BMG Chrysalis; Daniel Lee, Senior Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis; LeAnn Phelan, Co-head of Nashville Membership, ASCAP; Michael Martin, Co-head of Nashville Membership, ASCAP; Eddy Dunlap (Steel) About ASCAP
Pictured (L-R): Terry Lee Palmer (Guitar); Lee Francis (Bass); Howie Adams (Drums); producer Jeff Stevens; Hannah Dasher; Kos Weaver, Executive Vice President, BMG Chrysalis; Daniel Lee, Senior Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis; LeAnn Phelan, Co-head of Nashville Membership, ASCAP; Michael Martin, Co-head of Nashville Membership, ASCAP; Eddy Dunlap (Steel)

MUSICROW MAGAZINE: NMPA Holds Annual Songwriters Showcase in Nashville


• September 16, 2014 • 
The National Music Publishers’ Association recently held its annual Songwriters Showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. Troy Verges, Caitlyn Smith, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins and others took part in the event, where the writers were also honored with RIAA Gold & Platinum awards.


Rhett Akins receives 10 NMPA Gold & Platinum Awards at NMPA’s annual Songwriter Showcase at the Bluebird Café. Pictures: (L-R:) Mike Whelan (Sony/ATV), Rhett Akins, Tom Luteran (Sony/ATV), Terry Wakefield (Sony/ATV), David Israelite. Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser.

Caitlyn Smith and Rhett Akins perform during last night’s NMPA Songwriter Showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser.
Caitlyn Smith and Rhett Akins perform during last night’s NMPA Songwriter Showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser.


Ben Hayslip and Troy Verges perform during last night’s NMPA Songwriter Showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser.

MusicRow Magazine: Bobby Karl Works The ACM Honors

Bobby Karl Works The ACM Honors


• September 10, 2014 • 
 
Everyone’s a winner at the ACM Honors.
There’s no tension among nominees and no bated-breath announcements. We already know who the winners are, so we’re free to just relax and enjoy the music.
And the music is definitely in the spotlight. The segments of Tuesday’s Academy of Country Music show at The Ryman Auditorium (9/9) devoted to the Poet’s Award winners were particularly memorable for their performances.
Kacey Musgraves, Hillary Scott, and Kelly Clarkson perform at the ACM Honors.
Kacey Musgraves, Hillary Scott, and Kelly Clarkson honor Shane McAnally at the ACM Honors. Photo: Instagram

The late Jack Clement was honored by Shawn Camp delivering a delightfully rhythmic “I Guess Things Happen That Way” and by Billy Burnette’s rockabilly romp through “Ballad of a Teenage Queen.” Daughter Alison Clement accepted the honor. “I figured since he was getting a Poet’s Award, a poem might be in order,” she said before reciting verses penned in praise of her pop.
Poet’s Award winner Dean Dillon received equally moving performances. Rodney Clawson sang that most sublime of Country compositions, “The Chair.” Lee Ann Womack was searingly soulful on “An Empty Glass.” “When I think of Country music, I think of Dean Dillon,” she said.
“This award isn’t about me, but about all the people who helped me along the way,” said Dean in accepting. He took pains to single out the late Hank Cochran as a mentor. “I want to thank my mama for having me, God for saving me and country music for loving me.”
The late Buck Owens was saluted by Dierks Bentley with “Love’s Gonna Live Here.” Dwight Yoakam delighted the Ryman crowd with a Buck medley. Buck’s son Buddy Alan accepted on behalf of the family, thanking the Academy of Country Music: “For about 60 years they have supported Buck Owens music and we are so grateful.”

Songwriter of the Year, Shane McAnally. Photo: Bev Moser.
Jack Ingram took the Kris Kristofferson classic “Sunday Morning Coming Down” into new realms of loneliness. Then Will Hoge made “Me and Bobby McGee” come alive all over again. In presenting the Poet’s Award to Kris, Jack called him, “one of our finest living American songwriters…of all time.”
“This is a religious experience for me,” responded Kris. “This is the place [the Ryman] where I first came – I was still in [Army] uniform – when I came to Nashville…..I feel like I am in church, and I can’t thank you enough.” The Poet winners weren’t the only ones saluted in song. Songwriter of the Year awardee Shane McAnally was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trio of Kelly Clarkson, Hillary Scott and Kacey Musgraves singing his tunes together. Superstar Kenny Chesney presented the award. “You taught a lot of people about songwriting,” praised Kenny, whose version of “Somewhere With You” was Shane’s first No. 1 hit.
“These songs are who we are,” said Shane on behalf of his fellow songwriters. “I put a lot of myself into these songs. It’s a huge deal to get up here and represent [the songwriting community].”

Jim Reeves International Award recipients, Rascal Flatts. Photo: Bev Moser.
The late Bob Beckham won the Pioneer Award. Tony Joe White performed a hypnotic, psychedelic-blues treatment of “Polk Salad Annie” in his honor.
Living legend Brenda Lee presented the award to Bob’s widow and daughters. “Bob was one of the most influential music men in Nashville,” said Brenda. “Beckham has had so much to do with who and what I am,” she added. “He was my friend, like he was to so many here tonight.” Bob Beckham was her opening act when she was a teen pop superstar. He provided her with Kris’s “Nobody Wins,” which paved the way to her second career as a country headliner. He produced “Big Four Poster Bed,” her sophomore country smash.
The music for Mae Boren Axton Award winner Paul Moore was provided by The Oak Ridge Boys. They drew a standing ovation for their spirited performance of “Elvira.”
Carrie Underwood won the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award. For her, The Swon Brothers (who were once in school alongside her), did a medley of “Til I See You Again” and “Wasted.”
“You’ve always been so good to me,” stammered Carrie to the crowd. “I had all kinds of stuff to say to you guys tonight, and it’s all gone.” She became weepy, then added, “I am so honored, and I am so thankful, and I am so blessed.”

Host Jake Owen and wife, Lacey. Photo: Bev Moser.
Nashville TV show stars Clare Bowen & Sam Palladio (who both hail from overseas) did a splendid rendition of “If I Didn’t Know Better” to salute both of the Jim Reeves International Award recipients, Rascal Flatts and Steve Buchanan. ESPN commentator and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow presented the honor to Rascal Flatts. “You guys have spread inspiration and hope and love,” said Tim.
“The first award we ever won in our career was an ACM Award,” said the group’s Gary LeVox. “It’s been a wonderful, wonderful ride,” said Jay DeMarcus. “It’s been 15 years, but we’re not done yet,” added Joe Don Rooney.
Steve Buchanan’s Jim Reeves International Award was presented by the Opry’s Pete Fisher. He noted that the Buchanan-produced Nashville is now seen in nearly 100 nations around the world, which brings new tourists to the city every week. “The very best that Nashville and Country music have to offer have Steve’s name attached to them,” said Pete. Steve is presently working on a musical about Hee Haw with songwriters McAnally and Brandy Clark, among others. In accepting, he couldn’t resist plugging this year’s season premiere of Nashville, which is September 24.
In closing, he thanked his wife, publisher Ree Guyer Buchanan. “She truly is what makes this world a very special place for me.”
Brian O’Connell (c) with family, presented his sixth Promoter of the Year statuette. Photo: Bev Moser.
Brian O’Connell (c) with family, received his sixth Promoter of the Year statuette. Photo: Bev Moser.
The Academy’s Career Achievement Awards went to Toby Keith, who accepted via video, and to one of this year’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Ronnie Milsap. The event’s host was Jake Owen, who opened the evening with Milsap’s “Back On My Mind Again.” The second Milsap musical tribute came from Hunter Hayes, who delivered “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For the World,” with an injection of “Smoky Mountain Rain.” Jake led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday,” in honor of Hunter’s 23rd birthday.
“Hunter, you sounded so good,” said Ronnie. “Jake, you sounded so good….I appreciate this award so much. I’ve got a place for it at home, all ready.”
Host Owen set the tone for the evening: “This is about putting down our phones, our texts and our Instagrams and taking a moment to celebrate the people who made Country music,” he said.
Things started slowly with ACM New Artist honoree Justin Moore presenting the Industry Awards. Billy Bob’s Texas won its eighth Nightclub of the Year honor. The Moody Theater, home of TV’s Austin City Limits, won its first Small Capacity Venue of the Year award. Medium Capacity Venue went to the Grand Ole Opry House, also for the first time. Bridgestone Arena won its third ACM award as Large Capacity Venue of the Year.
Nicole Moore won her first ACM award as Talent Buyer of the Year. Two Mohegan Sun Wolf venues were not present to get their Casino of the Year awards. But Brian O’Connell was fully present to get his sixth Promoter of the Year statuette.
The Swon Brothers perform at the ACM Honors. Photo by Bev Moser.
The Swon Brothers perform at the ACM Honors. Photo: Bev Moser.
“I want to put this on Instagram, Facebook and everything to remember this night,” he said as he snapped a “selfie” of the Ryman audience. “I’ll never forget it.”
Thomas Rhett presented the Studio Recording Awards. Michael Rhodes (bass), Charlie Judge (keyboards), Paul Franklin (steel), Justin Niebank (engineer) and Dann Huff (producer) were present. Shannon Forrest (drums) and Bryan Sutton (special instrument) were not.
First-time guitar winner Rob McNelley stole this section of the show. “There’s still a lot of artists I haven’t recorded with yet,” he noted. “And to you, I say, ‘615-260-8007.’”
Speaking of musicians, the house band was Jerry Roe (drums), Glen Duncan (fiddle), Brent Mason (lead guitar), Jedd Hughes (guitar/utility), John Jarvis (keyboards), Wyatt Beard & Liana Manis (background vocals), Glenn Worf (bandleader/bass) and the aforementioned Paul Franklin (steel). The musical director was Frank Liddell.
Steve Buchanan
Steve Buchanan (c) received the Jim Reeves International Award. Pictured with ‘Nashville’ stars. Photo: Bev Moser.
Mingling in the audience were Butch Baker, Butch Waugh, Mike Fisher, Mike Kraski, Tim Fink, Tim DuBois, Eric T. Parker, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Joey Hemphill, Joe Galante, Second Harvest’s Jaynee Day, John Briggs, Justin Levinson, Gary Overton, Dave Pomeroy, T. K. Kimbrell, Randy Goodman, Luke Lewis, Leslie Fram, Charlie Monk, Celia Froehlig, this year’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Mentor honoree Pat Higdon, Shatzi Hageman, Teresa George, Clarence Spalding, Bill Mayne, Sherod Robertson, Bob Romeo, Rod Essig, Diane Pearson, Chaley Rose, Karen Clark, Blake Chancey, Tom Baldrica and Tony Brown.
This was the eighth annual ACM Honors event.
“I want to tell you on my behalf how much it means to me to be on this stage and rubbing shoulders with these people,” said Jake Owen in summation.

MUSICROW MAGAZINE: Garth Brooks Stages First Comeback Show in Chicago

• September 5, 2014 • 
Pictured (L-R):  The RCA Nashville promo team’s Larry Santiago, David Berry, Elizabeth Sledge, and Keith Gale; Brooks; RCA’s Josh Easler; Yearwood; Overton; and RCA’s Dan Nelson, Matt Galvin, and Parker Fowler. Photo courtesy of RCA Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): The RCA Nashville promo team’s Larry Santiago, David Berry, Elizabeth Sledge, and Keith Gale; Brooks; RCA’s Josh Easler; Yearwood; Overton; and RCA’s Dan Nelson, Matt Galvin, and Parker Fowler. Photo courtesy of RCA Nashville.
Garth Brooks launched a triumphant musical comeback during the first show of his world tour last night (Sept. 4). Brooks performed to a packed house of nearly 20,000 fans at Rosemont, Ill.’s Allstate Arena (near Chicago). He offered a mix that relied heavily on his lengthy list of signature ’90s hits including “The Dance,” “Friends In Low Places,” “The River,” “Ain’t Going Down ‘Til The Sun Comes Up,” “Calling Baton Rouge,” as well as a few newer songs, including “Man Against Machine,” and his current single, “People Loving People.”
Also on the bill was Brooks’ wife and superb vocalist Trisha Yearwood, who emerged halfway through the show for a duet of “In Another’s Eyes,” followed by “XXXs and OOOs (An American Girl),” “How Do I Live,” “Wrong Side of Memphis,” and her latest single, “PrizeFighter.”
Singer-songwriter Karyn Rochelle opened the show. Rochelle penned songs including Kellie Pickler‘s “I Wonder,” “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “Red High Heels” and Yearwood’s “Georgia Rain” (from 2005′s Jasper County), as well as “Let The Wind Chase You,” “This Is Me You’re Talking To,” and “Cowboys Are My Weakness,” (all from 2007′s Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love). Rochelle’s self-titled album released Sept. 2 on iTunes.

All photos courtesy of Bev Moser/Moments By Moser.





CHICAGO DAILY HERALD: 'It takes a team,' Garth Brooks tells kids at Elk Grove High School

Many of the young Teammate ProCamp basketball players weren't even born when country music superstar Garth Brooks quit performing more than a decade ago. But they cheered, posed for photographs and gave high-fives to the affable Brooks during a celebrity appearance Saturday at the camp in the gym at Elk Grove High School.

  • Courtesy of Moments by Moser
  •  Country music superstar Garth Brooks, in his black hat, and his old college buddy, University of Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self, share a moment with a young camper Saturday at the ProCamps baskebaball camp at Elk Grove High School.
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Country music superstar Garth Brooks, in his black hat, and his old college buddy, University of Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self, share a moment with a young camper Saturday at the ProCamps baskebaball camp at Elk Grove High School.
Photograph Courtesy of Moments by Moser

"Be on a team," Brooks told the 150 children, explaining how he couldn't have returned to the concert circuit or formed his Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation without lots of good teammates.
Brooks told the 150 kids from the local Boys & Girls Club, the Salvation Army and the Oasis Trailer Park that even though they might look different or come from different backgrounds, they are all on the same team.
"Love one another. Have fun. Play your sport," Brooks said.
Kicking off his Garth Brook World Tour on Thursday with his first of 11 concerts in Rosemont, Brooks said one of the benefits of his tour schedule is that the travel provides him and his charity more opportunities to meet with kids across the nation.
"Now that we're back on tour, the parties are back in every city," Brooks said of the camps, which are free. "I love these kids."
He didn't offer any basketball tips. "You can look at me and see that I don't play," Brooks, 52, said with a laugh as he patted his belly. But Brooks did bring along a teammate who could pick up that slack for him -- his longtime friend Bill Self, the head basketball coach for the Kansas Jayhawks.
 Buddies from their college days together, country music superstar Garth Brooks, in his trademark black hat, and University of Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self sit for a photo with kids at the ProCamp basketball camp Saturday at Elk Grove High School. The event was sponsored by Brooks' Teammates for Kids Foundation.

Buddies from their college days together, country music superstar Garth Brooks, in his trademark black hat, and University of Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self sit for a photo with kids at the ProCamp basketball camp Saturday at Elk Grove High School. The event was sponsored by Brooks' Teammates for Kids Foundation.
Photograph Courtesy of Moments by Moser

"We played together on the same softball team for seven years," says Self, who met Brooks when they both were students at Oklahoma State University in the 1980s.
Self, who left his coaching post at the University of Illinois for Kansas, where he won an NCAA championship, clearly could offer kids plenty of basketball tips. But he yielded the gym floor to Brooks, who removed his trademark black cowboy hat as he shook hands with his young fans and their coaches.
"This is his show, not mine," Self said of Brooks, praising the singer for being so personally involved in charity work. "Sometimes it's good not to be the quarterback, and be a good teammate. That's what I'm doing right now, being a good teammate."
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