CMA

Urban renewal, thanks to country

Urban renewal, thanks to country | Toronto Star Keith Urban’s prowess and that of his crack band coaxed fresh depth out of his songs at the Air Canada Centre. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Sun Sep 11 2011 Many have talked the talk when it comes to promising something innovative in a country music concert format, but at the Air Canada Centre over the weekend, Keith Urban…


Sara Evans, stronger than ever?

Sara Evans, stronger than ever? | Toronto Star Country singer glad to carry momentum into CMT festival.   Sara Evans, now an Alabama resident, comes north to Oro, Ont., near Barrie, for the first CMT Music Festival this weekend. Special to the Star Nick Krewen Published on Wed Aug 24 2011 You won’t find a more relevant country music album title at the moment than Sara Evans’ Stronger. Ever since the…


Carrie Underwood at the ACC: She sings, she scores

Entertainment / Music Carrie Underwood didn’t need the fancy props she brought to her concert. This performer is magnificent.    Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Nov 03 2010 Like her hockey-playing husband, Carrie Underwood knows a few things about scoring. Twenty-four hours after centre Mike Fisher spearheaded an Ottawa Senators victory in a squeaker over our beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, Mrs. Fisher, a.k.a Underwood, returned to the scene…


The Return Of Redneck Country

THE RETURN OF REDNECK COUNTRY Nick Krewen GRAMMY.com August 2004   Country music is getting rowdy again. As newcomers Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich suddenly race up the charts with attitude-brandishing anthems like “Redneck Woman” and “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” and outspoken veterans Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry watch their fan base increase by leaps and bounds, country audiences have returned to embracing the genre’s ornery streak….


Farewell Fan Fair

Fan Fair Nick Krewen GRAMMY.COM   Farewell Fan Fair. When it wound down June 8 with a rare reunion of The Judds, the door closed on a 32-year tradition. Upon its return in 2004, the annual Nashville country music festival – which encourages fans to mingle with its stars – will be sporting a different name: the CMA (Country Music Association) Music Festival. More troubling to hardcore country music fans,…