We had a huge pre-concert party, a real KMLE Carnival, to welcome Carrie Underwood’s Carnival Ride tour.  Karen, Kim, Jimi, and Phillip spent some time visiting with the KMLEnation, and Kimberly reminded us how special Arizona is to her, and the group.  Do you remember why? Take a listen: Little Big Town - November 7, 2008 

Oh, and be sure to check the photo page here. Were you in the picture when we all posed with Little Big Town together?

We spoke to Brad Paisley on Thursday afternoon, November 6, and with a week to go before co-hosting the CMA Awards, he gave us his opinion about an act that should have joined him in the Entertainer of the Year category.  Plus, how happy was he with his wife’s Redbook columns?  Listen here: Brad talks with “Big Shoe Stu”

We had a great time talking with KMLE star Craig Morgan.  After missing our scheduled call a few times, Craig called during his dinner hour - above and beyond duty!  Catch the conversation here.   Craig Morgan interview 11-4-08

There are a lot of serious pranksters in country music.  Brooks and Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Kenny Chesney - they’re all among the greatest.  But, it’s well understood that if you tour with Paisley, you’d better give as well as you take!  Maybe you remember the infamous Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Jack Ingram stunt last year while Brad was singing “Ticks”.

There have been plenty of other great “gotchas” on tour with Paisley.  Check out Chuck Wicks, TARRED AND FEATHERED, getting some less-than-welcome news from Julianne Hough, October 18th in San Antonio:

But oh, loyal Citizens of the KMLEnation, it gets better.  This is the romantic touch that Jewel’s music set has been lacking:

 So, who’s brave enough to take on the rigors of stardom?  Comments anyone?  Catch you on KMLE Country 108, this afternoon! - Stu   ROTFL

Our KMLE weekend ace, Ralph Davis, took a few minutes to talk to Carrie.  Here’s the whole quick conversation.  She had a sad day making the video for “Just A Dream” - find out why! Carrie interview

 Here’s something interesting from CMT.  If you didn’t already know it, Shooter Jennings and his mom, country legend Jessie Colter, are beloved residents of the Valley.

WAYLON FOREVER IN STORES OCTOBER 21ST. The late Waylon Jennings is coming out with a new record this fall. Titled Waylon Forever, the project is a collaborative work with his son Shooter who started the album in 1995. CMT.com reports Shooter recently completed the CD after he went back into the studio to record some music to underscore his father’s voice. The first single is a revised version of “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” and fans can stream it for free now at CMT.com. (Just click on it!) Waylon Forever hits stores October 21st.

This is copied directly from www.garyallan.com:

With great sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Gary’s father, Harley Herzberg, today, September 24, 2008. Gary appreciates your thoughts and prayers for his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to this charity:
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Harley Herzberg Memorial Fund
c/o Gifts Processing
VU Station B #357727
Nashville, TN 37235
Or
Make a contribution to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center online.  Click here.

We heard about this a few days ago, but Gwen Foster just turned me on to the video…here’s the story:

 » Wish Fullfillment: Columbia’s Montgomery Gentry met 10-year-old Chantz from Chandler, AZ through the Make-A-Wish Foundation during a tour stop in Atlanta. After meeting Chantz backstage, the duo then asked him to join them on stage at the end of the set. Adorned with Eddie Montgomery’s hat, Chantz (pictured) sang “My Town” to the crowd before posing for photographs and throwing high-fives.

and now for the video - click here!

…well not really, but he had a too-close encounter with one.  Pat tells us about that, his new CD and video, and what’s going on in his home state after Hurricane Ike.  Here’s the complete interview - enjoy, and listen for “Let Me” on KMLE Country 108!  Thanks Pat! - Stu

Pat Green Interview with Stu

As we headed into the long Labor Day weekend, one of our Class of  ’08 acts stopped by the KMLE to say “hi” and play a few songs.  Here are the boys and your very own “Big Shoe” Stu…  Those guys sure can sing.   And they were SMOOOOOTH at Graham’s  on Friday night!  Don’t miss your next chance to show off your KMLE-flage and get in free to a KMLE concert.