Vince Gill

Country music fans have two chances to hear top artists Vince Gill and Garth Brooks in live radio performances this week.First up, Mr. Gill's new greatest hits collection album, "Souvenirs," gets a hearing -- the day before its national release -- on WXCY-FM (103.7), a country station based in Havre de Grace.The broadcast is from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow, and is a simulcast of "Vince Gill's Souvenirs," a program on cable television's Nashville Network.And on Tuesday, "Garth Brooks: 'Fresh Horses' " can be heard from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both WXCY and Baltimore's big country station, WPOC-FM (93.1)

Just announced All Hope Is Gone Tour with Slipknot, Coheed & Cambria, and Trivium 1st Mariner Arena on Feb. 13. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.com. Il Divo Patriot Center, George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., on May 8. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday. 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.com. Johnny Winter Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, Jan. 16-17. 410-268-4545 or ramsheadtavern.com. Drive-by Truckers Recher Theatre in Towson on Jan. 23. 410-337-7210, 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.

Forget what you may have heard about the laid-back country lifestyle. If last night's broadcast of the 28th Country Music Association Awards show was any indication, life in Nashville is every bit as frenzied as it is in New York or Los Angeles.Packing more stars into three hours than any awards show in memory, the CMA Awards show had so much talent on display that they actually had people singing from their seats in the audience -- no time for set changes, apparently. As such, it was a great deal for those who just can't get enough of country music on TV.Or even on the radio, since WPOC's Laurie DeYoung was named Large Market Radio Personality of the Year.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.-- --When I saw the first sign on Interstate 40 that told me Nashville was fast approaching, I spun the iPod wheel to a country playlist. I wasn't raised on this music, but it's something you can learn about later in life. Kind of like heartache, one of the genre's indispensable muses, I suppose. As I pull into town, I think I've identified the only original country song that's yet to be written. It's a sad tune with a whining guitar and forlorn vocals, and it's all about the Belmont Bruins.

WHEN LOVE FINDS YOUVince Gill (MCA 11047)Anyone surprised by the outpouring of enthusiasm over the Eagles reunion obviously hasn't been listening to country music lately. Nashville today sounds increasingly like the Southern California of the '70s, and few singers capture that reborn country-rock vibe as easily as Vince Gill. Cue up a copy of his current album, "When Love Finds You," and by the time Trisha Yearwood's harmonies kick in on the chorus to "Whenever Love Comes Around," you'll swear you're listening to some half-forgotten J.D. Souther ballad.

It must be sweet to wake up in the morning and be Vince Gill. Think on it. You'd be 6-foot-3 and movie-star handsome. You'd have the easy tenor voice most crooners only dream of. You'd quicken hearts with your swashbuckling guitar solos. You might, if you felt like it, write a new tune by lunchtime - possibly your fifth Country Music Association song of the year. Maybe you'd ponder the 22 million records you've sold or your 15 Grammys. Maybe you'd drop in on your buddies, Dolly Parton or Bonnie Raitt.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.-- --When I saw the first sign on Interstate 40 that told me Nashville was fast approaching, I spun the iPod wheel to a country playlist. I wasn't raised on this music, but it's something you can learn about later in life. Kind of like heartache, one of the genre's indispensable muses, I suppose. As I pull into town, I think I've identified the only original country song that's yet to be written. It's a sad tune with a whining guitar and forlorn vocals, and it's all about the Belmont Bruins.

In yesterday's coverage of the CMA awards, an incorrect title was listed for a song performed by George Strait. The CMA's Male Vocalist of the Year sang "Blue Clear Sky."The Sun regrets the error.For the last couple of years, it seemed like the biggest reason Vince Gill was host of the annual CMA Awards show was to save time. After all, since he won most of the awards, why not have him up there on stage for most of the show?Last night, though, Gill had to relinquish much of the limelight to George Strait, as the laconic Texan stole Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year and Album of the Year from Gill.

Eagles / MCI Center The Eagles are the biggest-selling band in pop history. Their tunes -- "Hotel California," "I Can't Tell You Why" and others -- are bona fide classics. They play this weekend, Friday and Saturday nights, at MCI Center in Washington. Both shows start at 8, and tickets are $45-$175. Call 410-481-SEAT or visit www.ticketmaster.com for tickets. Vince Gill / Wolf Trap With his good looks, warm charm and emotive vocals, Vince Gill is one of country's most alluring singing sensations.

Clint Black certainly knew the score at the 27th Annual Country Music Association Awards show last night. Mere minutes into the broadcast, Black teased co-host Vince Gill about hogging all the nominations."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Even if they had never played another lick, the Cherry Bombs would have left quite a legacy. More than 20 years ago, a young Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill and a group of their buddies played clubs up and down the California coast, catching the attention of such pop stars as Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey and cutting now-classic alt-country records. The group had spun off from Emmylou Harris' Hot Band as a vehicle for Crowell's solo work. In the studio it backed Crowell, his then-wife Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Bobby Bare and others.

David Bowie and Macy Gray / Patriot Center One is a legend whose chameleonic sound has embodied glam-rock, funk and edgy pop for more than 30 years. The other is on her way to legendary status with a tough, funk-fused sound all her own. David Bowie and Macy Gray play the Patriot Center Sunday night at 7:30. Tickets are $43-$58.50 and available through Ticketmaster by calling 410-481-SEAT or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Ryan Adams / 9:30 Club Country garage rocker Ryan Adams plays the 9:30 Club Sunday night at 7:30.

It must be sweet to wake up in the morning and be Vince Gill. Think on it. You'd be 6-foot-3 and movie-star handsome. You'd have the easy tenor voice most crooners only dream of. You'd quicken hearts with your swashbuckling guitar solos. You might, if you felt like it, write a new tune by lunchtime - possibly your fifth Country Music Association song of the year. Maybe you'd ponder the 22 million records you've sold or your 15 Grammys. Maybe you'd drop in on your buddies, Dolly Parton or Bonnie Raitt.

Taneytown festivalStep back in time through living history Saturday in Taneytown. Listen to Abraham Lincoln (Jim Getty) give his Gettysburg Address; visit a Civil War encampment; watch demonstrations of 19th-century arts and crafts; and browse through Sutlers Row. Also enjoy a puppet theater, children's activities and plenty of food. Because of the danger of fire during the drought, hot-air balloon rides and the battle re-enactment are canceled. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Park, West Baltimore Street at Routes 140 and 194. Admission is free.

It may be something of an exaggeration to describe Vince Gill as "a right jolly old elf," but there's no denying that he's a happy fellow.He's supposed to be talking about his Christmas tour (which plays the MCI Center on Sunday) and brand-new holiday album, "Breath of Heaven," but somehow, he can't stop laughing. It isn't that he's being silly or has been sniffing laughing gas; he just happens to be in an incredibly good mood.But who can blame him? He's about to spend the month of December doing Christmas shows.

As with any TV show, the annual CMA Awards broadcast aims to attract the broadest audience possible.And, as Ed Benson, executive director of the Country Music Association, admits, sometimes the CMA would try to lure more viewers by adding a few pop stars to the mix."Some of the things we've done on the show over the years involving artists from other genres have been done with the idea that it will help extend interest and draw additional viewers," he says. "Like that performance with Sting and Toby Keith last year on the show."

Is there any star in Nashville more affable than Vince Gill? After years of watching him show off his relentless cheer and low-key humor as host of the Country Music Awards, it's tempting to think of him as the genre's Bing Crosby, a performer whose easygoing personality is as well-loved as his music.Still, expect plenty of music when Gill takes the stage at Wolf Trap this weekend, touring in support of his neo-traditional new album, "The Key."Gill and opening act Chely Wright perform at the Wolf Trap Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, in Vienna, Va., on Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. $18 lawn seating only.

Is there any star in Nashville more affable than Vince Gill? After years of watching him show off his relentless cheer and low-key humor as host of the Country Music Awards, it's tempting to think of him as the genre's Bing Crosby, a performer whose easygoing personality is as well-loved as his music.Still, expect plenty of music when Gill takes the stage at Wolf Trap this weekend, touring in support of his neo-traditional new album, "The Key."Gill and opening act Chely Wright perform at the Wolf Trap Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, in Vienna, Va., on Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. $18 lawn seating only.