Billy Dukes

The most popular country music festivals -- like Taste of Country's own -- last up to five days and include dozens of artists. It's a big commitment to try to take it all in, and you'll want to do so in a way that allows you to be presentable at work on Monday morning. By following this list of 10 Country Music Festival Survival Ti

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The magic of many of the songs on Kacey Musgraves' debut album -- including her new single 'Blowin' Smoke' -- is in the little details. 'Merry Go 'Round' thrived in efficient specificity. The follow-up is equally effective in its portrayal of a life waiting tables.

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Kacey Musgraves' Mercury Records debut album is everything a new artist dreams her first record will be. 'Same Trailer Different Park' is well-written, edgy (yet familiar) and coated in "cool." Musgraves is an original who at age 24 is surprisingly wise and adept at using her voice to share her experiences. 

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Two country superstars clashed at the top of the Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown this week, with fans of Toby Keith and Carrie Underwood going vote for vote for new videos 'Hope on the Rocks' and 'Two Black Cadillacs.' Did Underwood hang on to repeat at No. 1? 

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It takes a few listens to absorb the new sound Wynonna reveals on her new single 'Something You Can't Live Without.' The singer and 'Dancing With the Stars' competitor hasn't had a hit song in a decade, but comparing this to music from the 'What the World Needs Now Is Love' album would be like comparing Kelly Clarkson now to her 2003 self, but flip-flopped.

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Eight country bands remain in the month-long tournament to find country music's best band of all time. March Bandness began with 16 country groups, and after Round 1, only the biggest names of the past 30 years remain. It's a mix of legendary hitmakers and current superstars that are relying on fans to push them into the final four. 

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Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry are returning home to Greeneville, Tenn. later this month to play songs from their new album 'Pioneer' for friends, family and fans. The Band Perry's free show on March 30 comes just three days before the release of the album on April 2. The show will also have a charitable purpose.

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Maggie Rose is set to release her debut album 'Cut to Impress' next Tuesday (March 26), but you don't have to wait that long to listen. Taste of Country has teamed up with Rose and RPM Entertainment to stream all 10 songs for your listening pleasure until it's made available for download on iTunes.

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Thompson Square were going to give it one more shot and then move on to something else. The married duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson say they had one more showcase as a duo lined up, and if that didn't work out, well ... fans would never know hit songs like 'Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not' or 'If I Didn't Have You.' Fortunately that performance led to a deal with Stoney Creek Records.

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Carrie Underwood took the top spot in last week's ToC Top 10 Video Countdown, but not by much. A number of high-profile videos gave 'Two Black Cadillacs' a run for No. 1, as did a few clips from country newcomers like the Henningsens. A new battle to determine the hottest video in country music begins right now. 

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Tim McGraw concert tickets and an autographed Florida Georgia Line poster are amongst items country fans may be interested in when the Music for Newtown auction begins on March 25. Additionally, the Avett Brothers and Thomas Rhett have donated items to benefit the families of victims and first responders from the December tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

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Country music's hottest new music and camping festival just got even better. Four new artists have been added to an already star-studded lineup at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival. Craig Campbell, Parmalee, Rachel Farley and LoCash Cowboys will join headliners Willie Nelson and Lady Antebellum from June 13-15 at Hunter Mountain, N.Y.

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