Curb recording duo Bomshel and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute have teamed up to give one lucky CMTAuctions.com bidder a unique piece of country music memorabilia. Bomshel’s custom built Wicked Women of Tequila Rose Chopper will be placed on the CMTAuctions.com block in early March with proceeds to benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute located in Detroit, MI. The winning bid will be announced during a Bomshel concert at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, MI on March 24. In addition to Bomshel, the Wicked Women Of Tequila Rose motorcycle has been signed by many of today’s biggest country music stars including Rodney Atkins, Steve Holy, and Jo Dee Messina.

The Wicked Women Of Tequila Rose Chopper, manufactured by Wicked Women Choppers, boasts a chrome and polished S&S 96 cubic inch engine, Rivera/Primo brute force primary drive, custom shift linkage by Wicked Image, custom bars by Custom Cycle Control Systems, headwinds lighting, LED remote control lighting by WWC, custom paint, Tequila Rose Graphics, and much more. The bike was commissioned by McCormick Distilling’s Tequila Rose brand, which will be hosting Bomshel’s 2007 “Wicked Women Of Tequila Rose” tour.

The motorcycle will be on-hand during next week’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville, TN and will be signed by additional artists before going to auction. The bike will be on display at the Artist Taping Session on Wednesday and in various locations throughout Nashville for the remainder of the week.

“We’re thrilled to be part of such a worthy cause,” says Bomshel’s Buffy Lawson. “The Karmanos Institute does so much for so many and to be part of that is very rewarding.”

The duo’s current single “Bomshel Stomp,” from their forthcoming album, debuted at #73 this week on the Music Row Chart and currently sits at #55 on the R&R Chart. Beginning in March, the girls will be taking their, high energy show across the country on the 2007 “Wicked Women Of Tequila Rose” tour.

For information about Bomshel’s “Wicked Women Of Tequila Rose” motorcycle auction and upcoming tour, visit www.bomshel.com. For more information about the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, visit www.karmanos.org.

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Based in midtown Detroit, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is committed to a future free of cancer. The Institute is one of 39 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,700 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the Karmanos Cancer Institute is among the nation’s best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,200 staff, including nearly 300 faculty members, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, the Institute strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D. is the Institute’s president and CEO.

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McCormick Distilling Co., Weston, MO is celebrated its 150th year of operation in 2006. McCormick produces and markets a full line of quality sprits led by the flagship brand, Tequila Rose around the world. For more information about Tequila Rose and McCormick Distilling, please visit www.tequilarose.com.

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Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes, Dierks Bentley, Trace Adkins, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Rodney Atkins Are Among Artists to Perform

The excitement is building for 2007 CMA Music Festival, Thursday-Sunday, June 7-10 in Downtown Nashville as additional artists are added to the performance lineup. Last year more than 161,000 fans attended CMA Music Festival, winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s 2006 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year. Now in its 36th year, the Festival (formerly known as Fan Fair®) continues to spotlight the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their fans while raising much-needed funds to support music education in Metro Nashville’s public schools through the CMA’s charity campaign “Keep the Music Playing.”

Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, LeAnn Rimes and Gretchen Wilson are among the latest additions to the star-packed performer lineup. Additional artists added as performers include: John Anderson, Jeff Bates, John Berry, Blue County, Lane Brody, Sarah Buxton, Laura Bryna, Donovan Chapman, Earl Thomas Conley, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Crush, Amy Dalley, Dusty Drake, Katrina Elam, Emerson Drive, Jace Everett, Flynnville Train, Todd Fritsch, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Andy Griggs, Ty Herndon, Little Texas, Ashley Monroe, Megan Mullins, Gary Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, Michael Peterson, Povertyneck Hillbillies, Julie Roberts, Ray Scott, Jeffrey Steele, Aaron Tippin, Trent Tomlinson, Trick Pony, Gene Watson, Bryan White, Jett Williams, Trent Willmon, Mark Wills and Darryl Worley.

“The CMA Music Festival artist performer lineup truly reflects the diversity of our format,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. “We have today’s hitmakers, legends and rising stars from the worlds of contemporary and traditional Country, bluegrass and more. If you want to experience the best of Country Music, you’ll find it everywhere you turn during CMA Music Festival.”

Performers already announced include Jason Aldean, Bomshel, Catherine Britt, Luke Bryan, Sonny Burgess, Carolina Rain, Eric Church, Cole Deggs & the Lonesome, 2007 CMA Global Country Artist Award winner Adam Harvey, Heartland, Jypsi, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Blaine Larsen, Little Big Town, The Lost Trailers, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy, Reba McEntire, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O’Neal, Jake Owen, Danielle Peck, Pirates of the Mississippi, Sugarland, Pam Tillis, Carrie Underwood, The Wreckers and Chris Young. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks, and surprise artist performances are also being planned.

All of the artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time and are not compensated for the hours they spend performing, signing autographs and participating in events. In appreciation of their continued support, CMA created “Keep the Music Playing,” a charity program in partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education (NAPE), which donates half the net proceeds from CMA Music Festival to music education for Nashville’s 73,000 public school students. More than $300,000 was donated from the 2006 CMA Music Festival.

Tickets for 2007 CMA Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in Downtown Nashville are available now.

To order tickets for the 2007 CMA Music Festival call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600.

Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning® Riverfront Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair® (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; Crisco® Family Zone; Fun Zone; The Chevy™ Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours™; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news.

Once again in 2007, performances at the CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour, ABC Television Network special that will air later this summer.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy. The Official Ride of Country Music. Additional promotional partners include Borders® Books & Music, Crisco®, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products®, Music Festivals® and Wrangler®.  Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.

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Country music sensation, Trace Adkins has gone #1…again! This week, Adkins scores another chart-topping song with "Ladies Love Country Boys," written by Jamey Johnson, George Teren, and Rivers Rutherford. Additionally, the song's video has dominated the #1 position on GAC for seven weeks and recently hit the #1 spot on CMT's video countdown. "Ladies Love Country Boys" is from Adkins' Dangerous Man CD that also made its debut at #1 on the charts upon its release in August 2006.

"Ladies Love Country Boys" became an instant hit for Adkins when it made its debut among Country's Top 40 songs in early September. It continues his ten-year chart success, marking Adkins' 20th consecutive single to land in the Top 25.

In the past decade, Adkins has built a remarkable career with chart-topping success, numerous awards, national TV appearances and highly successful concert tours. He has carved out a unique place in the country music community, outlasting the competition by reinventing himself from a traditionally influenced singer to a powerhouse country rocker.

Throughout 2006, he continued to break records and amaze the country music industry. PEOPLE magazine named Adkins one of Country's 25 hottest stars, he was one of three superstars to receive a nomination in the all genre "Favorite Male Singer" category at the People's Choice Awards and was the headlining act on three enormously successful tours. Adkins also added to his ongoing back-to-back heavy medal certifications when Dangerous Man was certified Gold just five short weeks of its release, his Greatest Hits Collection; Volume 1 was certified Platinum® and his Songs About Me CD became his first Double-Platinum® CD. Most recently, he earned his first Gold certification for master Ringtone sales in excess of 500,000 for his career-defining hit, "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" – a rare accomplishment in the country music world.

Adkins, one of country music's top headlining performers, is now packing venues across the country on the Dangerous Man Tour, with special guests Craig Morgan and Danielle Peck. For complete tour schedule and latest news, visit: www.traceadkins.com.

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For the fourth time in the Motorcycle Ride’s history, Montgomery Gentry will host the Academy of Country Music Celebrity Motorcycle Ride to be held on Sunday, May 13, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Academy of Country Music Motorcycle Ride will kick-off from one of the largest Harley-Davidson dealerships, Las Vegas Harley-Davidson. The riders will cruise through Nevada’s vast desert oasis and up along snowy mountain tops until they reach their final destination, the world famous Fremont Street. The sun will be begin to set upon a concert extravaganza that will feature past and present Academy of Country Music Award nominees and some of country’s best new artists.

"I love that this is me and Troy's fourth year to host this event," said Eddie Montgomery. "It's something I look forward to every year—watching it grow and attract new people each time and raise more money for the ACM Charitable Fund. The Fund is unbelievable with what all they have been able to do, and I'm happy to be a part of it!"

"We first kicked-off the ride four years ago when Bob Romeo asked Eddie and I to host the event, and it's been incredible to watch it grow from 100 bikes to over 1,500 bikes," said Troy Gentry. "Not to mention it's impressive that these amazing people and fellow artists donate their time and money for such a worthy cause and charity. I'm flattered to say I'm involved."

To register for this year’s Academy of Country Music Celebrity Motorcycle Ride please visit www.acmcountry.com. Registration fees start as little as $30, with proceeds benefiting the Academy of Country Music® Charitable Fund.

With more than 40 years giving to those in need, the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund promotes and supports music education and humanitarian programs that transform the human spirit. Through its charitable donations, the ACMCF achieves two main goals, Learning Through Music and Healing Through Music. For more information on the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund please visit www.acmcf.org.

The 42nd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ceremony honoring country music’s top talent as well as the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, an artist and industry-driven organization, exists to produce a world-class network television awards show, and its associated events, to provide the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of its Charitable Fund. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,500 professional members and more than 40,000 associate members, was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Encino, Calif. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and the Academy of Country Music, please visit www.acmcountry.com.

The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by dick clark productions. The show is executive produced by Allen Shapiro and R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman. The executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo, and the executive in charge is Francis LaMaina.

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Some of Nashville’s most prominent songwriters will descend upon New York City in the coming months to participate in the third consecutive CMA Songwriters Series. Returning to Joe’s Pub for four nights of shows over the next nine months, the singer/songwriters participating in the series will take turns performing their hits and telling the stories behind them.

“CMA is extremely pleased with the success of the Songwriters Series in New York City,” said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. “This series has generated enormous interest in the last two years because of the authenticity and uniqueness of our talented songwriters and Country Music.”

The CMA Songwriters Series will take place over four nights at Joe’s Pub with two shows on March 29, 6:30 and 9:30 PM/ET. New in 2007, each night of the Songwriters Series will feature a unique theme including March 29, “CMA Songwriters Series Salutes The Men of Country Music;” May 31, “CMA Songwriters Series Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Bluebird Café;” Oct. 4, “CMA Songwriters Series Salutes The Women of Country Music;” and Nov. 29, “CMA Songwriters Series Salutes the Groups/Duos of Country Music.”

Songwriters scheduled to appear for “CMA Songwriter Series Salutes The Men of Country Music” on March 29 include Keith Anderson (“Pickin’ Wildflowers” recorded by Anderson; “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?)” recorded by Garth Brooks and George Jones); Bob DiPiero (“Blue Clear Sky” recorded by George Strait; “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” recorded by Brooks & Dunn); Tony Mullins (“Me And My Gang” recorded by Rascal Flatts; “How Forever Feels” recorded by Kenny Chesney); Jeffrey Steele (“What Hurts the Most” recorded by Rascal Flatts; “My Town” recorded by Montgomery Gentry); and Craig Wiseman (“Believe” and  “Live Like You Were Dying,” both recorded by Tim McGraw; “The Good Stuff” recorded by Kenny Chesney). Songwriters for additional shows will be announced in the coming months.

Songwriter and CMA Board of Directors member DiPiero has assisted CMA in identifying and securing songwriters for the series since its start in 2005 and will be back again in 2007.

“The key to the Songwriters Series at Joe’s Pub in NYC has been the performances themselves,” DiPiero said. “Each show is unrehearsed and strictly one of a kind. Stories are shared, musical interplay is of the highest quality and the songs shine like diamonds. The Joe’s Pub audience is getting to see the best songwriters Nashville has to offer, who also happen to be great entertainers, performing at their peak.”

“I’m honored to be a part of this great event that continues to build on what CMA has done over the last two years in bringing a welcome dose of Country Music to New York,” said Anderson. “I think it’s great that Joe’s Pub has shared in this vision also.  I love performing live with my full band, but none of that would be possible without the songs.  This setting gives us the chance to tell the stories behind the songs that people have heard, and it helps the songs take on a whole new meaning for the listeners.  It’s going to be especially fine to be performing with Jeffrey, Bob, Craig, and Tony.  These guys are not only great friends and co-writers of mine, but they’re some of the biggest songwriting legends in Nashville today.”

Tickets for the shows cost $20 each. For information about Joe’s Pub or to order tickets, visit www.joespub.com or call (212) 967-7555 between the hours of 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM/ET. Joe’s Pub is located at 425 Lafayette St. in New York City. Official sponsors for the CMA Songwriters Series include American Airlines, ASCAP, BMI and Country Weekly Magazine. American Airlines is the official airline of the CMA Songwriters Series.

American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve more than 600 destinations in over 135 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, Admirals Club, AAdvantage and We know why you fly are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

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Music World Entertainment has acquired Houston-based roots music record label, Compadre Records. MWE, owned by entertainment industry mogul Mathew Knowles, will now control Compadre's catalog and continue to invest in future projects. Compadre's staff will join the Music World organization to continue label functions as a roots music imprint.

"I have admired Compadre's business accomplishments over the years and see incredible growth potential in the future with our acquisition. They are a company that shares our goals and values and we look forward to their team joining ours." said Mathew Knowles, President & CEO of Music World Entertainment.

"I had been reviewing interest from other potential suitors for a couple of years, but everything seemed like a lateral move," said Compadre Records founder Brad Turcotte. "However, Mr. Knowles and his team not only offer an extreme knowledge of mainstream promotion, but his company has a strong, aggressive grassroots marketing system.  It truly is the best of both worlds. He is committed to help us grow, which was the most important factor in my decision.  And most importantly, we're excited to be a part of his label and management roster's continued success."

Under the new structure, Compadre Records will continue to sign exciting rock, roots, and country artists. All Compadre projects will be distributed in North America through MWE's partnership with Fontana Distribution.

Turcotte, 29, will maintain his role as President of Compadre and will assume a new role as an Executive Vice President of Music World. Logan Rogers, Compadre's Vice President and Director of A&R, will take on the role of Chief Creative Officer for Compadre and will be based in Nashville. Veteran radio promoter Kristie Vogel will join Compadre as Vice President of Promotion. She was most recently the West Coast Regional for V2 Records. She will be based in Los Angeles. Label Coordinator Blythe Leger will continue in the same role.

About Compadre Records:

Started by then law student Brad Turcotte in 2001, Compadre Records is a Houston-based independent record label that specializes in roots music. Compadre's 30+ album catalog includes albums from James McMurtry, Billy Joe Shaver, Suzy Bogguss, Flaco Jimenez, Townes Van Zandt, and Hayes Carll, among others. Compadre has also released a successful series of compilations (Brewed in Texas; Texas Road Trip; Texas Outlaws; Brewed in Texas 2; and Let's Step Outside) and was formerly distributed by Sony BMG/RED.  Turcotte is the former manager for Warner Bros Nashville recording artist Rick Trevino and Compadre artist, Billy Joe Shaver.

About Music World Entertainment:
Music World Entertainment (MWE) is one of the world's leading entertainment and music conglomerates dedicated to bringing quality entertainment to the world. MWE worldwide business includes record labels, artist and producer management, staff producers, artist development, Master catalog series, investment and property holdings, including offices in Houston, Los Angeles, New York and London. MWE is the brainchild of President and CEO Mathew Knowles, the powerhouse management behind the success of Grammy Award-winners Beyonce and global phenomenon Destiny's Child, the most successful "girl group" in the history of pop music. Music World is one of the most successful labels in the world with over 100 million records sold to date including releases by Destiny's Child, Beyonce, Solange Knowles, Michelle Williams, Sunshine Anderson, the "Dreamgirls" soundtrack and "Roll Bounce" soundtrack and the highly anticipated upcoming Music World Master Series releases, which includes Chaka Kahn and O'Jays. 

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