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April 11, 2014

» Stepping Outsider:

The big question about Eric Church's upcoming The Outsiders World Tour is whether stepping into the venue actually makes you an insider. Find out beginning Sept. 11 in Bossier City, LA. More than 31 dates are confirmed thus far, with Dwight Yoakam in support on all dates and alternating openers Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark and Halestorm. On-sale dates will be available at EricChurch.com, and the best seats at each venue will be paperless to avoid scalping. Fans also have the chance to gain access to pre-sale tickets by becoming a member of the Church Choir fan club. Join here.

» See Turtle:

The performances of Brett Eldredge, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Brantley Gilbert and Dierks Bentley at this weekend's (4/12-13) second annual Rock The Ocean's Tortuga Music Festival (CAT 1/28) are among those that will be streamed live here. Fans can also download the official Android app here and iOS app here. Festival tickets and info available here.

» Wedding Insurance:

Jana Kramer is back for another Nationwide Insurance commercial (CAT 6/7). She originally sang the company's "On Your Side" jingle in 2012, which she continues to do. Her singing role soon turned into an acting role, however, as Nationwide's leather-clad anti-thief. The new spot touts the company's Brand New Belongings coverage and can be seen here.

Lee Brice is helping survivors of last year's Boston bombing get married. His "I Don't Dance" was chosen by wedding site TheKnot for use in its 2014 Dream Wedding of Rebekah Gregory and Pete DiMartino April 4. The song fits, of course, as Brice wrote it as a wedding gift to his wife Sara for their own first dance. Grab a tissue and get moved here.

» Ragged Doll:

Actress and budding country singer Lucy Hale will be featured in the Macy's-exclusive clothing line American Rag's "All Access" online campaign, which gives fans direct access to music, videos, contests and private meet-and-greets. Hale's campaign will begin April 21 with an Instagram contest and continue through June with in-store appearances, blog posts about the company's apparel, "Hang w/" app chat sessions and a Lucy Hale issue of Ragged Mag, featuring behind-the-scenes info and photos of Hale in American Rag gear. More here.

» In Case You Missed It: Martina McBride performed "Suspicious Minds" from her classics album Everlasting on NBC-TV's Today Tuesday (4/8). Watch here. She played The Supremes' "Come See About Me" Wednesday on VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live. See it here. She even shared a couple of successful marriage secrets. Check that out here.

Ronnie Dunn treated the ladies of ABC-TV's The View to "Country This" from Peace Love And Country Music. Watch here.

» Life Note:

Healing thoughts to Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay, who was in a car accident Tuesday (4/8). He tweeted, "Spent the day at the @VUMChealth [Vanderbilt Medical Center] Emergency Room after a car accident. Missing my guitar already." He won't miss any shows but will need a fill-in on guitar. Tweet get-well messages here, and don't feel too bad for him ... the duo has this week's No. 1 country album with Where It All Began.

Birthdays

Friday (4/11): Steve Azar, Chalee Tennison, Jim Lauderdale.

Saturday (4/12): Vince Gill, Deryl Dodd, Easton Corbin.

Monday (4/14): Loretta Lynn.

On TV

Friday (4/11): Miranda Lambert, The Ellen DeGeneres Show (syndicated); Martina McBride, The Arsenio Hall Show (syndicated); David Nail, Late Show With David Letterman (CBS repeat).

Saturday (4/12): Steve Wariner, Reno's Old Time Music (RFD).

Monday (4/14): Blake Shelton, The Voice (NBC).

Upcoming Album Releases

April 15 Oak Ridge Boys Boys Night Out

April 15 Ray Price Beauty Is...

April 22 Rachele Lynae Rachele Lynae

May 6 Hunter Hayes Storyline

May 6 Leah Turner Leah Turner EP

May 13 Dolly Parton Blue Smoke

May 13 Radney Foster Everything I Should Have Said

» Parade Best: Toby Keith accepts the Spirit of the USO honor during Monday's ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute To The Troops (4/7). Keith was surprised with the award following his performance and in recognition of his many USO tours. Looking on are (l-r) hosts Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh and the USO's Brig. General (retired) John Pray.

» Going Whole Hag: Merle Haggard (front) hangs out backstage with (l-r) Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick.