Get Your NC History Fix!!!

Great new exhibit at the North Carolina Musuem of History....I'm taking my sons there to learn about the history of North Carolina and the wars that have taken place.......War ain't pretty and it's something nobody wants, but sometimes it happens. I thank God above when we come out ahead so we can maintain our freedom to live a life like we want in the greatest country in the world. Take the kids...it's a great summer day trip and best of all it's FREE!!! That's my kind of learning.......

Eleven wars in one exhibit gallery. For the first time, visitors to the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh will see artifacts from the American Revolution to the war in Iraq in one exhibit. On Tuesday, May 8, the museum will open A Call to Arms: North Carolina Military History Gallery, filled with weapons, uniforms, home front items, photographs and other objects from wars that have touched thousands of Tar Heel lives. This long-term exhibit is dedicated to North Carolinians who have answered “a call to arms.” Admission is free.
“This exhibit brings together facts and artifacts about North Carolina’s involvement in every important United States conflict,” says Ken Howard, Director, N.C. Museum of History. “Because of the significance of North Carolina’s military history,A Call to Arms will become a permanent gallery, but will feature changing exhibits about the state’s military history.”
Touch screens, videos and sound sticks will give visitors a chance to hear letters written by soldiers, test their Civil War knowledge, look at a sailor’s World War II scrapbook, and more. The exhibit is presented as part of “History Happens Here,” a yearlong celebration of North Carolina history, initiated by the Department of Cultural Resources.
“A Call to Arms is an opportunity for the museum to display military artifacts acquired both decades and literally weeks ago,” adds Curator of Military History Tom Belton. See selections from the newly acquired collection of items related to the military service of Mocksville native Col. Thomas W. Ferebee, bombardier of the B-29 bomber Enola Gay,which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on Aug. 6, 1945. On view are rare documents such as the 1944 orders transferring Ferebee to Utah for top-secret training with the 509th Composite Group (formed for training to drop the atomic bomb) and the 1945 bombing plan for Hiroshima.
A Call to Arms covers the American Revolution, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and the war in Iraq. A sampling of exhibit artifacts follows:
A cavalry saber found at the Revolutionary War site of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.
The Civil War battle flag of the 26th Regiment N.C. Troops that was captured on Oct. 27, 1864, at Hatcher’s Run, Virginia.
A World War I gas mask with bag and accessories carried by Paul E. Brauer of Warren County. He served in the 81st Infantry Division.
A 302nd Fighter Squadron patch that belonged to Vernon Haywood, a Raleigh native who served as a Tuskegee Airman in the European theater during World War II.
An Army Nurse Corps uniform worn by World War II POW Evelyn Whitlow of Caswell County. Captured in the Philippines in 1942, she spent four years in a Japanese POW camp. Her family’s in-service banner with six stars, representing four sons and two daughters in the military, appears in the exhibit.
A crude Vietcong homemade single-shot pistol made of pipe that was used in the Vietnam War.
The exhibit’s concluding section commemorates the service and sacrifices of the soldiers of the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade of the N.C. National Guard during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the brigade’s tour of duty in Iraq, Guard members secured items such as a gas mask from Saddam Hussein’s army and a bomb-making kit used by Iraqi insurgents to make improvised explosive devices.
On June 5, look for an addition to A Call to Arms: the traveling exhibit North Carolina in the American Revolution,organized by the Society of the Cincinnati in Washington, DC. The exhibit focuses on North Carolina’s contributions to the American Revolution and will run until June 1, 2008.
For more information about the museum, call (919) 807-7900 or access the website. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street. Weekend parking is free.
The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is part of the Division of State

Crashing the Big Time NASCAR Party!

Casey Mears, J.J. Yeley and Kyle Petty!!! WOW, is all I can say! David Poole from the Charlotte Observer said it best, The Coca-Cola 600 was kind of like a nice 75 degree day in December. Not expected, but it sure was nice!! First time the Petty name has been in a post race news conference since 1997. You could see the joy on Patty Petty's face when she hugged Kyle on FOX after the race!
And yes Hendrick wins again!! Mears has kinda been on the outside looking in all year at Hendrick while Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have been racking up wins!! This is great for him and his future at Hendrick. And what about Kyle Petty!! That my friends was simply amazing!!! Those boys hung in there and I'm so happy for the whole gang from Level Cross, NC!!!! Way to go!!!

Country Music Happenings!!

Found out today from my Nashville buddies there's gonna be a great Christian inspirational album out this fall with a country slant. It'll feature Rascal Flatts, Charlie Daniels, Emerson Drive, Ricky Skaggs and more....
Here's the scoop..........................
Time Life is slated to release the 16-song disc in September. It'll be produced by Teddy Gentry of Alabama and Mike Curtis. The disc was recorded in Nashville and Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Charlie Daniels, Diamond Rio, Emerson Drive, Ricky Skaggs, Linda Davis, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Bryan White and Collin Raye are among the artists participating on the disc.
Curtis said the disc has been has been planned for seven years, but recording didn't start until March. "Sometimes it takes awhile for things to pass," Curtis said.
The only previously released tune on the disc will be the Rascal Flatts' song, "He Ain't the Leavin' Kind" from their last studio album. All other songs are newly recorded.
A live concert of the album is slated to be held at the Ryman in Nashville in September. Curtis said most of the people on the disc would participate.

More soon.....
Stay tuned for details on-air of some big stuff happening soon....

Memorial Day Coming Up!!!

Well this week is a BIG one!!! First off, remember to join Vince Daniels on Thursday from 5pm-7pm at the Remington Grille at Cary Crossroads shopping center. Vince will draw for the Grand Prize Winner for the trip for two to Nashville for the CMA Music Festival June 7th-10th. For more details on that, and who you'll get to see if you win go to: www.cmafest.com
Remington Grille has a great menu. Plan to come out and have dinner with Vince on Thursday night and you just might be going to Nashville as well!!!
For a look at their menu go to: www.remingtongrill.com

American Idol Final is tonight. I won't be watching this one. I've given up on my once favorite show. Melinda Doolittle is far more talented than either Blake or Jordin. I like Jordin and Blake and the fact that they're younger probably played into things. Melinda is too shy and didn't have the charisma to pull a big hometown show. On the other hand, Blake is very marketable to a younger demo and will probably sell a lot of records whether he wins or not. Jordin is extremely talented but I think she needs more time to develop. She doesn't yet have a focus. I wouldn't know which genre to put her in.......she'll need to develop a specific style over the next two to five years and I'll think she'll do really well. Blake could give Maroon 5 a run for their money already.
But like last year the best singer will not win the competition. Just ain't right!

Lonestar on the tube this week.........and here's the skinny!

They'll be on the Hannity & Colmes show Thursday night May 24. Lonestar will perform the title track to their latest album Mountains, which was their latest radio hit since announcing Richie McDonald will be leaving the group at the end of 2007. Lonestar will also make an appearance and perform on an upcoming June episode of Emeril Live!

Now some news on my buddy Phil Vassar....

He's got a new Label, new Co-Producer, new Album and new single with something to say. And with "This is My Life," Vassar has topped himself, crafting a once-in-a-lifetime leadoff single that rocks the Country and tells it like it is. Let there be no mistake; this time out musically and lyrically the Virginia-born, piano-pounding singer/songwriter isn't pulling any punches.
"Gas prices are out of control, our schools aren't safe and there are no in-betweens any more," Vassar says. "It's really getting worse every day, and there are a lot of people out there that feel the way I do."
Clearly, this is not "Just Another Day in Paradise." Newly signed to Universal Records South, Vassar headed directly into the studio with a new energy and a new co-producer, label head Mark Wright (Brooks & Dunn, Gretchen Wilson), who adds an in-your-face sonic wallop to Vassar's piano-driven brand of Country.
Kicked off with his signature piano and a dramatic flurry of strings, "This is My Life," which Vassar co-wrote with Tom Douglas ("Little Rock," "Love is the Only House"), laments the current plight of the middle class including both Democrats and Republicans and hits hard with an unrelenting message of unity and determination before exploding into a sing-along chorus that has "hit" written all over it. Of course, having written chart-topping songs for himself and artists from Tim McGraw to Jo Dee Messina to Alan Jackson and beyond, Vassar is no stranger to hits.
"It's time to speak my mind!" Vassar shouts in "This is My Life," and judging from early radio reactions, he's right on the money.
"It's cool, an edgier production and a nice step out for Phil!" Beverlee Brannigan, Operations Manager, Journal Broadcast Group/Wichita "When I played it, many listeners called in and said, 'That's exactly how I feel!'" Tony Thomas, KMPS "We love this one!!" KYGO / Denver, CO, MD: Garret Doll "I dig this one! I think it is a very cool tune." WNCY, APPLETON, WI MD: Stix Franklin ‘‘’This is My Life' is really a song about all of our lives and what's going on this country," Vassar says. "Sometimes you feel you've just had enough and something's got to change."
That's what some fellow radio folks are saying about the tune. I dig it too and hope it does well for Phil!!!
Info on Memorial Day weekend happenings coming before the week is out!!
Join me on the radio weekdays from 3pm-7pm!!!

FREE Trace Adkins Tickets coming Wednesday!!! The ACMS Are Tonight Yipee!

The Academy of Country Music Awards are country music's glitzy show from Vegas and the fun happens tonight at 8pm on WRAL TV 5 in the triangle. The show will be hosted by Reba McEntire and expect Faith Hill to sing a brand new song on the show. In case you miss the festivities, tune in all day tomorrow on 99.9 Genuine Country...and we'll have comments from the winners and more info on the big night.

Join me on Wednesday at high noon at Imagine This Gift Store on Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh for a lunchtime freebie for you......Tickets to the Trace Adkins/SheDaisy/Povertyneck Hillbillies show June 2 at Carolina Crossroads in Roanoke Rapids...we'll hand out pairs of tix while they last. Limit one pair per family or person. Just our way of saying thanks for listening and an opportunity for you to check out a showcase venue in Roanoke Rapids. Here's a link to Imagine This for directions and info on this cool gift shop! www.imaginethisgifts.com

This Saturday night I'd love for you to come out to American Tobacco Historic District in Durham(right beside the DBAP) for the 2nd Annual Triangle Corporate Battle of The Bands. Our Capitol Broadcasting Band "Transmit This" will be the first band to go on.....the fun starts at 7pm. Admission is $25.00 but you will see more entertainment in one evening than an entire year of reality television. Last year was a hoot! Even better, the money is going for a very worthwhile cause. The Durham Communities in Schools program. This is a program designed to help Durham County Schools reduce their dropout rate so more students can get better educated and go on to live productive lives. There'll be food, beverages and of course a rockin' good time. We'd love to have you there. We need more groupies there to scream and cheer for the band and for the good cause!!! For details click on www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com and www.trianglebattle.com

Ticked!!

Hope you're having a great Tuesday!!! Some interesting things going on in the world of country music this week. First up, we're giving away a trip to the CMA Music Festival in Nashville June 7-10, courtesy of our friends at Remington Grille. You can stop by any of the five triangle area Remington Grille's to sign up or listen to 99.9 Genuine Country for your chance to quailfy for this cool trip and a chance to meet all your favorite country stars and win a Sara Evans autographed guitar.

Now on to some news........I just knew this was gonna happen with that prankster Brad Paisley.....

The practical joke war has begun, and Brad Paisley's opening acts -- Jack Ingram, Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler -- better watch their backs. It seems the trio ganged up to pull a fast one on Brad Friday during the performance of his current single, "Ticks," at a stop in Moline, Illinois this past weekend. Taylor (a-k-a "Taylor Tick") and Kellie ("Kellie Tickler") -- dressed in tick costumes -- entered from opposite sides of the stage and made their way directly toward Brad. A couple of minutes later, Jack ("The Exterminator") broke up the "attack," while wearing a "Jack's Pest Control" suit, to save Brad by exterminating both "ticks." One of Brad's band members was overheard saying, "Even Taylor's mama ain't safe now!"

Here's a link to the video of the show and I have to say I love the Red High Heels Kellie "Tick"ler is wearing.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4JFul5Ff50

I love Brad!!!

Don't forget to listen to Vince Daniels this week in the mornings to win some cool Mother's Day gifts for your mom. The big day is coming up Sunday May 13th..

I'll have tickets to see Trace Adkins at Carolina Crossroads.....every afternoon this week. When you hear me play two Trace Adkins songs back-to-back be caller nine at 860-0999 and you'll win a family four pack of tickets for the show on June 2nd, which also features SheDaisy and The Poverty Neck Hillbillies.

The Academy of Country Music Awards is next Tuesday night in Las Vegas and you'll feel like you're there when the show is broadcast on WRAL TV 5 in the triangle. Showtime 8pm and the fun and frivolity will be hosted by Reba McEntire. Listen this week for special blurbs on the nominees here on 99.9 Genuine Country.

Mother's Day Is Sunday May 13

Mother's Day is coming up Sunday May 13th.....
More than anyone else in the world, my mother influenced my life in ways I'll never be able to repay. My mom was a schoolteacher and she instilled in me a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around me. She encouraged me to soar high and I thank her for always believing in me.
The folks at Lifetime Television recently conducted a big survey about motherhood. The results are below:


In a poll of moms (by Lifetime Television), actor Denzel Washington was the guy most women want to tuck them in at night, besting Mario Lopez and Matthew Fox. Singer Tim McGraw out-paced Will Smith and Patrick Dempsey for the role of "Mr. Mom" to clean the house and help take care of the kids.The poll also revealed that:

An overwhelming number (77%) of moms feel raising a child is far more difficult than a generation ago.

27% of moms insist their mothers were horrible at giving advice.

Just 36% of moms wish they were more like their own moms.

Nearly as many, 31%, wished they were less like their mothers, citing neuroses, fashion sense and physique as the traits they are glad they didn't inherit.As for fave Mother's Day presents:

61% of respondents selected hugs and kisses, trailed by a handmade gift/card from a loved one
45% chose spa treatments
39% a romantic dinner

Happy Mother's Day to the hardest workin' folks in the world.
And to my wife Amy, I salute you. Your job is far more difficult than mine!!!