Kev and Mark are actually good buds who ride together a lot.  Kev says Mark actually talked him into continuing to ride following a serious spill at Frogfest last year.  I’m thinking a short term memory may come in handy for bull riders.  Kev says a bet with a friend is how he got started.

Get your advance tickets and save $7 at Price Chopper, Herkimer County Fairgrounds or online. Gates open at 9am, the rodeo begins at noon and local bands will begin taking the stage at 2pm.

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Donna Summer died on Thursday, and though she may be best known as the Queen of Disco, the ‘Last Summer’ singer’s passing and an outpouring of support from country music artists proves the influence of an icon can transcend any genre.

“So sad to hear of Donna Summer passing,” Sara Evans tweeted Thursday after learning of her sudden death. “I absolutely love her music! Had her albums as a child and memorized them! She’ll be missed!” Billy Ray Cyrus also took to his official Twitter page to mourn Summer’s passing. “RIP #Donna Summer LEGEND !!! Your music will live forever,” tweeted the singer.

Even in the wake of what most would consider a tragic loss, Jimmy Wayne chose to keep things positive, focusing on the contributions Summers made in the music world. “Did you know that #DonnaSummer was the producer & conductor on ‘We are the World,’” Wayne posted, referring to the massively successful charity single.

Born LaDonna Gaines in Boston in 1948, Summer first charted with ‘Sally Go ‘Round the Roses’ in 1971 under the name Donna Gaines. The singer soon changed her stage name and overhauled her sound before scoring a No. 2 single on the Hot 100 chart  in 1975 with the overtly sexual, ‘Love to Love You Baby.’ Summer earned an additional 13 Top 10 singles spanning 14 years, including the No. 1 hits ‘MacArthur Park,’ ‘Hot Stuff,’ ‘Bad Girls’ and ‘No More Tears (Enough is Enough),’ a duet with Barbra Streisand.

Summer also had connections to country music — at least as a songwriter. The one-time Nashville resident penned the song ‘Starting Over Again’ with her husband, and the track later became a chart-topped for both Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. According to the Boot, Summer was even a Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum board member.

A statement issued on behalf of her family reads, ”Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy.”

“Words truly can’t express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time,” writes her family.

Donna Summer died at the age of 63 after a battle with lung and breast cancer. She is survived by her husband Bruce Sudano, their daughters Brooklyn and Amanda, as well as her daughter Mimi from her previous marriage.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

courtesy of www.therideformissingchildren.com/

Here are the details, courtesy of our sister station, WIBX:

“Making our children safe, one child at a time. That’s the message behind the 16th annual Ride for Missing Children.

Over 450 bicylists will be taking part in Friday’s ride, which begins at 7:45 at the Oneida YMCA and ends at 6:30 at the New Hartford Rec Center.

Chairman Frank Williams says the riders will be stopping at or passing by 21 schools along the 100-mile route, bringing with them their message of child safety.

The ride also raises funds to help the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the Center for Missing and Exploited Children with poster distribution.

The center has distributed over 7.5 million posters of 7,167 missing children and 5,122 of those children have been recovered.”

For more information, visit wibx950.com

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

When it comes to country music, it’s Taylor Swift‘s world and we’re all just living in it — according to Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list. The 22-year-old music mogul placed No. 11 on the exclusive countdown, making her the highest-ranked country musician.

The list ranked each celebrity based on five factors: money, television/radio, press, web and social rank. Swift’s strongest showing was in social appeal, landing at No. 7. The crossover appeal of her last multi-platinum album, ‘Speak Now,’ also proved helpful, giving the entertainer a No. 14 placement in television/radio. Swift racked in an impressive $57 million in the last year, making her the 22nd richest celebrity on the list.

But the ‘Ours’ isn’t the only powerful star in country music. Toby Keith placed No. 49 overall, earning a cool $55 million from his successful singing career, I Love This Bar and Grill restaurant brand and new line of Wild Shot tequila. Kenny Chesney follows closely at No. 53, earning an impressive $44 million on the strength of his rigorous tour schedule.

Swift’s profile will no doubt rise significantly with the release of her highly-anticipated new studio album, which is expected to be released later this year. No specific details have been released, but British rocker Ed Sheeran is the latest confirmed collaborator on the project. In an interview with the New Yorker this past fall, Swift revealed that the songs she’s penned thus far for her 2012 album are “sad.”

“Being so busy, there’s not a lot of time to stop in the middle of the day and just kind of think about this feeling that you just realized about a relationship you had a year ago,” says Swift. “The ones I love the most end up happening very quickly.”

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-songs/" title="Top 10 Taylor Swift Songs" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

DougDillard.net

Doug Dillard, an accomplished banjo player who gained notoriety with his appearances on the ‘The Andy Griffth Show,’ passed away last night (May 16) after a trip to a Nashville emergency room, according to the Boot. The IBMA’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame member was 75-years-old.

Born in Salem, Mo. in 1937, Dillard began playing guitar by the age of 5. By his teenage years, the young virtuoso was already a seasoned banjo player, crafting his skills performing in bands for both radio and television appearances. Dillard’s most notable career highlights include his partnership with brother, Rodney, to form the Dillards. Their unique bluegrass sound caught the attention of television executives, which lead to recurring appearances on ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’

After parting ways with the Dillards, the banjo player joined folk-rock group the Byrds for their first European tour. Shortly after, Dillard joined forces with the band’s former member Gene Clark, forming Dillard & Clark — a defining duo in the country-rock blend revolution.

As a studio musician, Dillard’s progressive Grammy-winning banjo playing can be heard on albums from Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, the Beach Boys and the Monkees. Actor-turned-bluegrass musician Steve Martin cites Dillard as one of his musical influences. As for Dillard, he found his way into the banjo world at the guidance of the legendary Earl Scruggs, who passed in March.

Details about a funeral for the banjo-playing great have yet to be announced.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/tommy-crain-death-2011/" title="Country Artists We Lost in 2011" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Here’s the original music video of Diamond Rio performing, “Meet In The Middle”.

Enter Diamond Rio as the first artist of today’s “Country Classic Double” in our Rewards Club for a chance to win $100 cash on Fridays.

The Green Room PR

“This event started as an idea we had in the studio last year to crash someone’s prom,” says Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott (quote via the Green Room PR). “We had no idea at the time it would fill such a need. We are amazed by the support we’ve gotten from our fans, sponsors and the press. This is one of the proudest moments of our career!”

The moment Scott is referring to is the private concert held last night (May 15), during which $285,000 was raised to rebuild the community of Henryville, a small town in Indiana that was struck by a devastating tornado earlier this year. The ‘Dancing Away With My Heart’ trio performed a 45-minute set for the juniors and seniors at the KFC YUM! Center as part of the school’s prom night, which was followed by a full-fledged post-party concert that was open to the general public in order to help raise funds for the rebuilding process.

Lipton Tea also pledged their support for the effort in the spirit of their Drink Positive and Live Positive message, a campaign that Lady A already supports.

The band exceeded their donation goal, which was set at $250,000. All proceeds raised from the concert portion of Rebuilding Henryville will remain local through the New Hope/Indiana Bankers Association for the benefit of the disaster relief fund. Fans who are unable to attend Rebuilding Henryville can still get involved by making donations in any amount here.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

According to research by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) in Blacksburg, Virginia, as published by “U.S. News & World Report”, here are the top five riskiest driving distractions:

5. Eating

4. Playing with controls (CD players, etc…)

3. Dealing with your kids

2. Dialing a cell phone

And, the number one riskiest distraction while driving…Texting!

Drive carefully, buckle-up, and observe the laws regarding cell phone use while driving, and have a safe vacation drive.

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

Like we told you earlier this year, rising country trio Gloriana will perform their latest hit, ‘(Kissed You) Good Night’ on the May 21 episode of the hit reality show, ‘The Bachelorette.’ The band is set to serenade the newest Bachelorette Emily Maynard and her love-driven hopefuls during a unique one-on-one date segment.

The trio’s latest television appearance seems a natural fit, considering member Rachel Reinert’s fondness for the popular television show. “I’m a huge fan of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette,” gushes the band’s only female member (quote via Warner Music). “I watched Emily when she was a contestant on the Bachelor and I was an instant fan of hers, so hearing that she is a fan of our band was a wonderful surprise! I’m excited to watch the new season, and I’m even more excited that we got to be a part of it.”

‘(Kissed You) Good Night’ is on the verge of becoming the band’s highest charting single, as it’s currently sitting at No. 17 on the country songs chart. Their debut single, ‘Wild at Heart,’ reached No. 15 in 2009, selling more than 500,000 digital copies. The band’s current radio offering is the second single from Gloriana’s yet-to-be-released ‘A Thousand Miles Left Behind’ and is the band’s first radio single since member Cheyenne Kimball’s departure in 2011.

Click here to view upcoming Gloriana tour dates.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

TSM/Duluth

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.  A Wisconsin woman took all her ex’s belongings and threw them in the front yard with signs that read X-HUSBAND SALE and FREE.  The scene caused quite a stir on the busy road.  People were stopping their cars to take pictures of the mess.  The police even made an appearance.

Thanks to Mix108 in Duluth for sharing the story and the pictures.  You can see more at Mix108.com but be warned, some of the graffiti on the SUV is pretty graphic.  I’m guessing he did something REALLY bad to get her THAT mad.

TSM/Duluth

Today.com

A couple breaks up but both want the pet.  Who should keep it?  We asked the question yesterday in the fight over Knuckles.  He’s a dog one man has spent his life savings of sixty thousand dollars to get back.

The story goes; the ex girlfriend moved to California with the dog and the man wants him back.  He claims he bought the pooch and it should be his.  She claims it was a gift and he’s happy where he is.

87.5% of our listeners sided with the man, while only 12.5% think she should get to keep the dog in our poll yesterday.  Lisa and Wanda had a different take on the custody battle on our Facebook page.

Facebook

americanidol.com

We’re one week away from the American Idol finals.  Which two will make it?  Joshua Ledet, Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips sang three songs for America’s vote.  Joshua did what Joshua does and took us to church.  Jessica was good but didn’t have the moment she needed.  Phillip was the one who stole the show for me.

Joshua Ledet
Joshua was up first with the judges song choice.  He put his soulful spin on Etta James’ ‘I’d Rather Go Blind‘ and had the judges on their feet.  For his song choice, Joshua went with John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ to show his softer side.  But it was music mentor Jimmy Iovine’s choice that gave Joshua his moment of the night.  He left everything he had on the stage with Mary J Blige’s ‘No More Drama.’

Joshua Ledet ‘No More Drama’

Jessica Sanchez
Jessica took on a Mariah Carey song I’d never heard called ‘My All,’ and although she received the judges praises, I wasn’t impressed.  It sounded like it was all over the place to me.  She went with a bold choice for her own song, taking on Aerosmith’s ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.’  Steven Tyler may have liked her version but no one sings that song like Steven Tyler.  Jimmy Iovine choose Jackson 5′s ‘I’ll Be There’ for her last song and although she sounded like Michael Jackson at times, she didn’t do anything with the song.  Jessica needed a moment like she had when she sang Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ and she didn’t have it.

Jessica Sanchez ‘I’ll Be There’

Phillip Phillips
The judges choice for Phillip was Madcon’s ‘Beggin,’ another song I’d never heard.  It was typical Phillip music.  His own choice was a head scratcher.  He choose Matchbox 20′s hit ‘Disease‘ and it was mediocre at best.  Things weren’t looking good for Phillip despite being an early favorite in the competition.  That is, until he closed the show with Bob Seger’s ‘We’ve Got Tonight.’  It was so good I actually rewound the DVR and watched it again.  Good choice Jimmy Iovine.  That performance melted every woman’s heart and should send him into next week’s finals.

Phillip Phillips ‘We’ve Got Tonight’

Who will move into next weeks finals?  The top 2 will be revealed tonight on Fox at 8.  Who do you think will be sent home tonight?

YouTube

Although “Marvels The Avengers” continues to rule the roost at the box office it will face some action picture competition this weekend as “Battleship” makes port at local theaters. Also opening this weekend are the comedies “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” starring Cameron Diaz and J Lo and “The Dictator” with the outrageous Sacha Baron Cohen. Check out the trailers and local show times.

Here are show times at the Marquee in New Hartford, the Rome Cinemas and the Glenwood MoviePlex in Oneida.

YouTube

If you live in or around Herkimer County there is a new app that will be of interest to anyone looking for a local business. YNN reports that the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce is planning to release a new app for the iPhone and Android later this month. This app will not only help consumers looking for particular goods and services but businesses looking to expand their visibility.

“The Herkimer Chamber is definitely pushing this app. They would help anyone along the way so if anybody that is not so informed about this app, they could also notify us and we would be able to help them with this kind of an application,” said Francesca Magro, Herkimer Chamber of Commerce Board Member.

via Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce releasing app – YNN, Your News Now.

According to the Chamber the app should be available around Memorial Day.

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies say a tractor trailer hauling Chobani Yogurt got on the ramp to Interstate 81 too fast. When it rounded a curve, the trailer slid over the embankment and spilled 36,000 pounds of yogurt on the shoulder and down the hillside.

How do you cleanup that much yogurt?  Check out the video for more details on the story.

Jason Merritt, Getty Images/Twitter

If it’s possible to become addicted to adopting animals, Miranda Lambert definitely has an addiction — and she might need rehab for the kind-hearted. According to the sassy songstress’ Twitter feed, she has welcomed yet another stray pup into the Shelton household.

Apparently, the furry black and white pup she rescued from the streets just a month ago wasn’t enough to fill the ‘Over You’ singer’s heart. On Tuesday, the singer shared the photo of this adorable black dog that she found, which she appropriately named after one of country music’s most legendary females.

“New puppy I found last week. Loretta! She will go to a new good home soon I hope. : ) or maybe she is already. Hehe,” Lambert tweeted. Although dozens of her 953,280 Twitter followers replied that they would take the sweet girl off of the country star’s hands, Lambert hasn’t mentioned finding a home (other than her own) for the latest canine addition.

Of course, people are starting to wonder how Lambert ends up with all of these strays. She answered the question that’s been burning up all of our minds when she conversed with Pistol Annies bandmate Ashley Monroe. Apparently, it’s because she’s magnetic — pups just come to her.

“@ashleymonroe said I have “dogdar”. They find me,” Lambert told Monroe. “And I hope I never see the people that dump them. For [their] sake. It won’t be pretty,” she added.

Let that be a lesson to any of you who have been tempted to abandon an animal: If you’re near Miranda Lambert, she’ll probably make the castoff her newest furry friend. And if she finds you, you better watch out!

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/hillary-scott-cute-pets/" title="See the Cutest Pets in Country Music" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Facebook

Thank you to everyone who read the plea, liked it on Facebook and shared it with friends.  Technology now a days can get the word out faster than anything else.

It’s nice to know this story had a happy ending and Amanda is being returned to the safety of her family.