Some called the moment patriotic. Others thought it was a social media stunt and a waste of taxpayer money. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Day: March 30, 2026
Some called the moment patriotic. Others thought it was a social media stunt and a waste of taxpayer money. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Five dogs and more than 100 protestors gathered at the Tlingit Park Longhouse on Saturday to participate in the nationwide No Kings Protest. This was the third demonstration, organized by Haines AKtive.
Like other local protests, this one included a silent march – this one from the park to Main and Third.
“We just feel like maybe it makes more of a statement,” said one organizer, Nelle Jurgeleit-Greene.
Burl Sheldon welcomed the crowd and then he and Tom Heywood played a few songs, including Bruce Springsteen’s Streets of Minneapolis.
Other speakers read from the First Amendment and an excerpt of Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl. Debbie Gravel told people about the paperclip resistance movement that launched in Norway during World War II when students at Oslo University began wearing paper clips to demonstrate their resistance to German occupiers.
As the crowd of protesters started their trek to Main Street, Gravel handed out red paper clipsfor protesters to clip onto their jackets or scarves. “Sometimes when you’re resisting times of oppression, solidarity is everything,” Gravel said. Gravel said she keeps coming to rallies because “I realize we can’t affect change from Haines but it’s such a mood booster to feel unity and solidarity with other people of like minds.”
John Norton carried a sign saying “Justice for all.” He said he hoped that “this participation here adds to the many voices across America that are speaking out against the injustices that we see happening, not only in our own country but in other nations around the globe.”
Jurgeleit-Greene said she has attended “five or six” No Kings protests, including some in the Lower 48.
“To come out in this freezing weather shows our resolve to stick to upholding democracy,” Jurgeleit-Greene said. “We want justice for all, no matter who is here we believe in our constitution and we want it upheld.”
The post No Kings protestors in Haines join thousands across Alaska appeared first on Chilkat Valley News.
Craving toasty, nutty notes? We’ve got you covered. This silky, nutrient-dense sauce serves as the perfect marinade for your next batch of grilled chicken.
Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips
Reba McEntire is giving fans an inside look at her 71st birthday celebration in Las Vegas, and by all accounts, it was one for the books.
The country icon spent the weekend celebrating with her fiancé Rex Linn and a close group of friends, taking in multiple Las Vegas shows, including two events at The Sphere.
“I have to put my 71st birthday as the best birthday of my entire life. Leslie, Nic, Rex, and I had a blast celebrating in Las Vegas,” she wrote.
The Oklahoma native went on to share glowing reviews of the shows she attended, highlighting an unforgettable weekend packed with entertainment and special moments.
“The Cirque du Soleil ‘O’ show did not disappoint. I’ve seen it so many times. It is the best!!! Also getting to see the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere was out of this world!!! Absolutely nothing like it,” she gushed.
“But the highlight of this birthday trip was definitely going to see, for the second time, Eagles at the Sphere!! Best show ever,” she declared. “So much fun getting to visit with the great Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, and Vince Gill. It was definitely a night I will never forget!”
She also took time to thank those who made the weekend special, including the hospitality shown throughout the trip, while giving a special nod to Rex for planning the memorable celebration.
“The hospitality shown to us by everyone at the Wynn Las Vegas was so appreciated. You guys are 1st Class all the way!! The food at PISCES Bar & Seafare was absolutely terrific,” she wrote. “Rex knocked it out out of the ballpark this year and is already planning next year’s birthday.”
Reba McEntire was born on March 28, 1955, and raised in Oklahoma. Now, she’s preparing to return home for a very special performance at Reba’s Place in Atoka, Oklahoma.
The one-night-only event will feature the Country Music Hall of Famer in an intimate, stripped-down set at her hometown restaurant. Attendance is limited exclusively to fans who win tickets, making it an especially rare opportunity to see her perform in such a personal setting.
In partnership with the City of Atoka, Reba’s Place will also offer a free public simulcast of the performance on a newly installed high-definition screen at the city’s outdoor stage, located in the park behind the restaurant. The outdoor watch party will be open to the public at no charge, with concessions available for purchase.
The post Reba McEntire Shares Highlights From Epic 71st Birthday Celebration In Las Vegas appeared first on Country Now.
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Culver’s is a very popular fast food chain known for its burgers. One of the items customers love was created by a co-founder of the restaurant.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
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Between Donald Trump’s sabotage of the economy, his war in Iran, and the chilling revelations from the Epstein Files, a number of Trump-supporters are having buyer’s remorse.
But TLC singer Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas is telling a different story.
After her donations to Trump were exposed, she’s quickly insisting to the world that she’s “not MAGA.”
She’s not saying that she once supported him and stopped. Instead, she claims that it was all a mistake.
Her donating about $1,000 is a matter of record
On Saturday, March 28, The Independent reported that FEC records indicated that one Trump donor was named Rozonda Thomas of Stone Mountain, Georgia.
That is a distinctive name. It happens to belong to Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas.
Yes, that one. Of the Atlanta girl group, TLC.
The donations were to the Trump National Committee JFC — that is, joint fundraising committee — and Never Surrender Inc., which is a Trump fundraising group.
In total, her donations amounted to about $1,000.
These donations to America’s mad king came in 2024, by the way.
This means that she financially contributed to the ongoing destruction of America that we’re witnessing every day.
Obviously, people are expressing their horror and their disgust — and many more are simply shocked.
Chilli is not the first star from the ’90s to drive away former fans with abhorrent political takes.
What does she have to say for herself?
Was this somehow just a mistake?
Over the weekend, the TLC singer took to her Instagram page to offer an explanation.
“I WANT TO BE CLEAR: I am not MAGA,” she began her post.
“And,” Chilli continued, “do not support any of the many policies that are causing great harm to the American people.”
She claimed: “I made a mistake too many make: I did not read the fine print.”
According to Chilli: “I thought I was supporting causes against human trafficking and for veterans.” Those are admittedly odd causes to champion if one is going to support Donald Trump.
“Two things I care deeply about,” Chilli emphasized, “as my dad is a veteran and everyone knows I love children.”
She promised: “I have learned a valuable lesson.”
Chilli concluded by making a request: “And ask for grace as I navigate this.”
In a video, she also claimed that an entirely separate scandal — a post spreading a weird transvestigation conspiracy theory about former First Lady Michelle Obama — was simply an accident.
The TLC singer said that she is “not computer savvy” and did not even realize that the post, which most normal people would not even have seen, had been shared.
This is a troubling pattern
“I have the utmost respect and admiration for Michelle Obama, and I would never say or do anything that is disrespectful to her or to any woman,” Chilli claimed.
Memorably, she also said “all lives matter,” an infamous racist slogan, back in 2017. The phrase exists solely to counter the Black Lives Matter movement, which calls attention to the murders of Black Americans, particularly by law enforcement.
That, too, was something that she walked back. But there is an unfortunate pattern.
Chilli and TLC are supposed to join Salt-N-Pepa (which we always say with the Sir Patrick Stewart intonation) and En Vogue this super for the It’s Iconic Tour.
Is she doing damage-control to avoid a drop in ticket sales? Because, judging by the replies to her posts, she’s not doing enough.
TLC Singer Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas Claims Trump Donations Were Accidents: I … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
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Olivia Munn revealed her diagnosis to the world.
Years before she shared this — before she and John Mulaney were an item, let alone parents — she learned that she has fibromyalgia.
The actress, comedian, and occasional guest co-host on The Today Show had to adjust to a new reality.
In fact, she relearned how to live much of her life. Perhaps that helped to prepare her to fight for her life against cancer.
She has received her fibromyalgia diagnosis over 6 years ago
44-year-old actress Olivia Munn opened up to People a while back about how she had felt off for years before her early 2019 fibromyalgia diagnosis.
“I wasn’t really sure what was going on with me,” she admitted.
Munn added: “I was going through a lot of different ailments for years and not knowing what was happening.”
As it turned out, “what was happening” was fibromyalgia. This incurable disorder involves muscle pain, fatigue, and issues with sleep and memory.
‘Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free’
“I had to change my wellness routine pretty significantly,” Munn admitted.
“I had to be super thoughtful about what I put into my body,” she explained.
Munn spelled out: I had to start eating gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free.”
She added: “I had to cut out a lot of things that I was used to having every day and things that I really loved.”
She had no choice but to change everything
“My situation was at a place where it was like, ‘You’re either going to go down a path where you’re going to get multiple autoimmune diseases, or you have to stop now and we can try to get you better,’” Munn said of her lifestyle changes.
“It was like, ‘These are your choices.’ And so I had no choice, I was feeling so bad.”
She acknowledged: “I had to really listen to the doctor’s orders and cut all these things out.”
On the plus side, Munn said that her doctor advised her to enjoy the food that she eats.
Stress can exacerbate fibromyalgia, while happiness can reduce it.
She has also battled with cancer
In March of 2024, Munn revealed her breast cancer diagnosis. In order to combat the extremely aggressive disease, she underwent a double-mastectomy.
She went on to undergo a full hysterectomy.
The actress and comedian has undergone more than her fair share of life-altering illnesses.
But, thankfully, they did not prove to be life-ending.
Olivia Munn Diagnosis: Her Journey With Cancer, Fibromyalgia was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
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Country Next: Taylor Austin Dye
Coming off a milestone year that included signing her first record deal with Red Street Records and releasing a string of standout tracks, Taylor Austin Dye is now gearing up for a headlining tour and celebrating a new wave of releases, including her single, “Man For That.” The country-rock driven track that showcases her bold spirit and independence officially impacts airwaves as her country radio debut today, March 30.
The Kentucky native has spent nearly a decade grinding in Nashville, building her sound and creating a community of loyal listeners which she cleverly calls the “Ride or Dyes.” She is now bringing her confidence-fueled anthem beyond her core fanbase, while making it clear that she doesn’t need a man to get through life. At the same time, the song adds a bit of fun, flirty energy when the songstress states that she would be open to finding someone who can offer her genuine affection, connection, and romance.
Despite being the only musically inclined member of her family, the “Rest in Peace” singer always knew that it was her passion. She began showing a genuine interest in singing and playing an instrument at a very young age and that eventually blossomed into something that took over her entire life. Her days of performing began at just six years old and consisted of her singing, playing an instrument and even clogging.
Dye carried that love for music all the way to Nashville, where she cut her teeth with gigs across the city’s downtown area. Around the same time she started posting on social media, organically growing a listenership and creating genuine connections through her music. Now, as the first female country act signed to Red Street Records, she is ready to build even more momentum.
Keep reading to learn more about Taylor Austin Dye as she opens up about the journey that got her here, the stories behind her music, what’s still ahead.
Growing up in Kentucky, what did music look like around the house? How has that upbringing shaped who you are as an artist today?
Funny story, none of my family are actually musical at all. I was kind of the black sheep in that way. But when I was around, I don’t know, four or five, I started showing some real interest in singing and I wanted to start playing an instrument. And so my mom signed me up for lessons and I got lessons from this guy named Mr. Wilson, and he taught me to play by ear. And he was my music teacher. I started out playing fiddle and then mandolin, and then I picked up the guitar, and he was my teacher for the better part of 10 years and wonderful guy. Then I started playing fairs, festivals, any bar that would let me play, even though I wasn’t 21, they just put the X’s on my hands. And yeah, that was my whole life, was just playing music.
Were you always drawn to country music specifically?
I was. And I’m really heavily rock influenced when you hear my music, but I’m always saying that I can’t escape country music because when you hear me talk, there’s no way around that.
What was your first performance like? Do you remember that moment and what you were feeling as you stepped before a crowd?
I grew up singing church and everything, but I think the standalone performance that I can remember that was one of the big ones, I was probably six, I guess. And I was on this thing called Young Country at Renfro Valley. And Renfro Valley is a big music venue. Still exists today. I played there many times and I would play, clog and sing on stage. And I think the room held about 1500 people, so that was probably my earliest onstage memory. I would play the fiddle, then I’d take a break and I’d sing, and then I’d start clogging.
When you made the leap and moved to Nashville what was that transition like for you initially?
Well, I moved down here because I got a standing gig at Margaritaville, and I always knew I wanted to come to Nashville. It wasn’t a yes or no, it was just when it was going to happen. So when I secured that gig, I was so happy and moved down here and I played Broadway for years. That was my only job. And then COVID hit, and of course I lost all that because the bar shut down. And that’s when I kind of took to TikTok and the social media game and started posting all my original stuff on there. And it kind of blew up. And I got a huge organic, truly grassroots following on social media from that time.
Your fanbase is cleverly called the “Ride or Dyes.” What has it been like having them in your corner through this entire journey?
Oh my gosh. I mean, it’s insane because the people that have been there, I used to do TikTok live twice a week during that time of COVID and everything. And those same people that would be on my lives every night and just chat and hang out, they show up at my shows and now there are people that are new Ride or Dye’rs that are coming and they’re all becoming best friends. They travel together, they come sing me together. It’s just been an amazing community and it’s just an indescribable feeling just to look out and see all these people. And then they add a new person to their group and it’s just ever expanding.
How has been having this team of Red Street Records behind you as well?
They are the best people. Obviously, I’ve been in town a long time. I took a lot of meetings. I’ve met with a lot of labels. And when I met with Red Street, it truly felt like they cared about me and cared about my vision. I’m still in complete creative control, which I’m so thankful for. And they’re so good. I’ve been independent up until this last year. And so this has been just having that extra juice, that little extra umph behind it is so great. And now that we’re taking my song, my new single “Man For That” to radio, it’s just been incredible. Everyone’s just working so hard. And I’m the first female artist that they have signed on the country front of Red Street. So they are all in and I love them for it.
Why was “Man For That” the right song to really kickstart your next chapter on coutry radio?
Well, it’s funny because when we went into production for this song, I said, well, I just got a new car, well, an old car, but new to me, and it was a convertible and it only plays CDs. So on my way to this write, I was listening to the Shania Twain CD and I went in and I was like, “I want this to be like Shania Twain, but also Nickelback with the drums and guitar riffs”. And I feel like we really hit the nail on the head when we went into production for that because that’s truly what it is. And it’s so me because I have this influence of rock and country and I just feel like this really captures who I am as an artist. And also the sassiness, the femininity of it is really cool as well. So I think this is a perfect introduction for me into radio.
You’ve crossed off a lot of other really great goals in the past few years. How does it feel to see everything happening?
Well, yeah, there’s been a lot of behind the scenes and now it’s just kind of all coming to fruition of all the years of work and everything. But no, there’s something new that has not sunk in every day. I’m just like, I cannot believe I get to live this life and do what I love and actually make a living out of it. And I’m so thankful. I know a lot of people don’t get to say that, but no, it’s really not sunk in any of it…Every day I wake up, I’m like, wow, this is crazy. Every time I get a new opportunity or a new venue to play or anything, I’m just like, this is crazy.
Can you share anything about what else you are working on?
Man, I’ve been writing so much over the past year and just really finding my artistry and finding the songs and the lyrics that represent me. And we’ve got so many good songs that are in the chamber and ready to go. So after “Man For That,” you can expect…We got some releases coming up, I’ll tell you that.
What are some of the themes that you’re going to be leaning into this year?
Well, if you know me, if you’ve been to one of my shows, you know I’m all about the high energy. I love a good banger. So it’s a lot of really fun stuff to play live. It’s heavy, it’s good. And then I have some deeper, more personal stuff that’s going to be coming out too. So I think it’s a good mix of both.
Speaking of live shows, you’ve got some headline dates coming up here in the spring. What are you most looking forward to about these shows?
Yeah, we just announced The Damn Good Day Tour and we leave out, I think on 4:20 is our first date. And we’re going to be Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, California, Utah, Colorado, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan. We’re just really- Everywhere. So yeah, I’m so excited. That’s my favorite part of this job is being on the road and actually getting to put a face to all the names that I see online and getting to connect with everybody. It’s my favorite thing ever.
What can fans expect? What will be new this year in your live shows?
We just completely rebuilt our show. It’s a totally new show. If you’ve seen it before, this is totally new. And we’ve got four brand new songs that have not been released or even posted on social media that’s going in the set. But my favorite part of the show is we do this 10-minute medley of, let’s see, it starts with Renegade by Sticks, and then it goes to She’s Country by Jason ALD, then a Joe Walsh song, then ACDC. And then I invite a fan up on stage to shotgun a beer with me…And that’s definitely my favorite moment in the show, just getting somebody up there and they’re excited. I’m excited and chugging a beer. No one has more fun than me in My shows. I guarantee that.
Fans can keep up with Taylor Austin Dye on Instagram.
The post Country Next: Taylor Austin Dye appeared first on Country Now.
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Chase Matthew has proved that he’s built for big stages, even in the most intimate rooms. Fresh off his standout performance at CRS’ New Faces of Country Music Showcase, the rising star brought that same momentum to Joe’s on Weed Street in Chicago, IL, where he delivered a headlining set that completely transformed the iconic venue.
His current headlining run, named after his single “Holdin’ It Down,” is setting the tone for what’s shaping up to be a massive year. With plans to return to the road with Jason Aldean this summer and release a brand-new album, Matthew is clearly just getting started.
When sitting down with Country Now during this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville, Matthew shared updates on everything he’s got in the works. The tour, for one has already been “a lot of fun” for the Tennessee native. It launched in November of 2025 and has continued into the new year, with dates scheduled all the way through June.
He admits that with each stop, him and his band have been seeing a kind of passion and love for his music that’s hard to describe. There was no doubt that was true when he made his way back to his “die hard” fans in Chi-town on March 25. The last time he stepped on the stage of Joe’s on Weed St. was back in 2022, and at the time, Megan Moroney was opening for him.
A lot has happened since then for Chase Matthew and that was reflected through the performance. It brought a level of energy and massive production that pushed far beyond the scale of the venue, living up to his promise at the top of the night to deliver a party like Joe’s has never seen.
“We’re so glad to be back here in Joe’s. We love this place. The people are awesome. Y’all are awesome and we’re going to party tonight,” he told the crowd.
The concert ran for about 90 minutes, but judging by the energy in the room, Chase Matthew could’ve kept going all night and the crowd wouldn’t have missed a beat. He set the tone with “County Line” followed by more sing-along worthy anthems like “Pull Up,” “Drives My Truck” and his latest release, “Bet This Town.”
Although Matthew didn’t have a hand in writing his newest track, he says he wholeheartedly connects with the sentiment behind the idea of missing home, the memories that remain there with his past self.
“I will say spending a lot of time out on the road makes you miss home a lot. And this song really resonated with me…so I recorded it and we just put it out and people are really liking it. I didn’t realize how many people probably feel the same way I do. There’s a lot of people that may have moved away from their hometown or they don’t see it as much as they used to, or maybe they missed back home…We all got memories at home and that’s what the song represents. It’s going back home, tearing it up with your buddies. And I feel like that’s what I do every time I get home.”
Anyone who has been to a Chase Matthew show also knows that the setlist doesn’t just pull from his own catalog. He also makes an effort to pay tribute to the artists and different genres that he was raised on, including 3 Doors Down, AC/DC, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Rage Against The Machine, and his soon to be tourmate, Jason Aldean.
He made it clear that he didn’t expect everyone in the room to know all the songs, he did expect the crowd to have the best time, and between the constant singing and dancing and cheers of excitement with every move, there’s no doubt that he was able to make that happen.
Matthew believes he owes a lot of credit to country radio for helping him reach so many fans and build an incredibly supportive audience along the way. Singles like “Love You Again,” “Darlin’,” and “Holdin’ It Down” have played a major role in that growth, connecting him with listeners and fueling his rise.
“They’ve really took me under their wing and exposed me to their listeners, giving me a platform that is beautiful. And I’m just grateful for it. I’m glad that I can live out my dream and impact so many people. And that’s really what we’re seeing on this tour.”
He also noted how there’s nothing like hearing fans sing a new song back to him during a live performance, and with his next project on the way, there will be plenty more for them to learn and sing along to. The title has yet to be announced, but Matthew hinted that it sums up two things that he experiences a lot of. Plus, he confirmed there will be some “really good” collaborations showing up on the track list.
“It’s a really cool project. We’ve been in the studio a lot here lately, and I just want to make sure that I get it perfect, exactly what I want. I don’t want to have to think twice if I would have done that differently, I want to just make sure it’s exactly what I want. I got my hands in on a lot of the songs, like production wise and writing them. So I’m making sure that this is my baby. This one has to count.”
Following the show, Chase Matthew made his way to LA to attend the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards as a Best New Country Artist nominee. He will pick the tour back up on April 11 when he begins his run across of Australia.
A full list of upcoming tour dates can be found HERE.
The post Chase Matthew Brings High-Energy Tour to Chicago, Previews Big Plans for New Album and Summer Tour appeared first on Country Now.
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