Video: Mary Sarah Singing The National Anthem At The Houston Texans/Carolina Panthers Game

I was first introduced to Mary Sarah when the Oak Ridge Boys invited her onstage to sing Connie Frances’ hit Where The Boys Are at Galveston’s prestigious Opry. I was hooked from that moment on. The girl can flat out sing! If you don’t believe me, check out that performance here.

Well, yesterday, Mary Sarah sang the National Anthem prior to the Houston Texans/Carolina Panthers game. As you’ll see from the video below, she did an amazing job. But, something else happened after her performance yesterday that has not only football fans, but the nation talking. Carolina Panthers’ tight-end Jeremy Shockey commented to reporters after the game that he saw about 10 Texans players who didn’t put their hands over their hearts during the Anthem. According to the Huffington Post, Shockey said, “I was pretty upset in the way they weren’t showing respect to America during the national anthem,” Shockey said. “This is America and you should at least give respect to America.”

The Texans locker room was already closed, so their was no comment from the Texans at that time. Shockey went on to say, “This is America and this is just a game and they should not only be very proud of this country, but very gifted to be living here,” Shockey said. “Maybe they just forgot to do it or something, but I don’t see how you could forget to do that.”

Needless to say, we’re sure it was a day that Mary Sarah will never forget.

Click here to read the complete story about Shockey’s statements from the HuffingtonPost.com, and click here to read an update on the story featuring a response from the Houston Texans’ Demeco Ryans on ESPN.

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Music City’s Sarah Darling Immortalized At World-Renowned Restaurant, The Palm

Palm steaks sketches

“Long-standing Tradition of Caricatures Celebrates Impressive Patron Family”

Nashville, TN (December 19, 2011)  – “Welcome to The Palm family!” said an enthusiastic Rae Krenn, Manager of The Palm Nashville (140 5th Avenue South) as she unveiled the likeness of Sarah Darling, Black River Entertainment recording artist on Friday.  Darling was honored as the most recent addition to the images forever immortalized among the dining room’s panorama of classic cartoons and caricatures of local regulars, business people, politicians and celebrities that comprise the impressive customer base.  This long-standing tradition began at The Palm’s original New York location.  Instead of artists “singing for their supper,” artists paid their tab by painting an original portrait on the wall.  The proximity of New York’s cartoon syndicate offices led to the proliferation of colorful caricatures found at every Palm location.

Sarah Darling The Palm“The Palm is such a staple in Nashville!  I’m truly honored to have my picture in the mix with all the greats on the wall,” exclaimed Darling “I’m truly excited!”

With the addition of Darlings’s image to the dining room of The Palm, it is apparent that this talented newcomer is steadily becoming an integral part of the tapestry of Music City.  Her recently released “O Holy Night,”the first-ever video shot inside the stunning Laura Turner Concert Hall of Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, was promptly adopted as Music City’s “Official Holiday Song” and on the heels of being tapped to perform for the upcoming Music City Bowl on December 30.

ABOUT THE PALM:

The Palm, founded in 1926 by Pio Bozzi and John Ganzi in New York City, is a classic American steakhouse legendary for prime aged steaks, jumbo Nova Scotia lobsters, premium fish and heritage Italian entrees, prepared to perfection, using only the highest quality ingredients and served in generous portions. What makes us truly unique is our genuine old world hospitality and unique atmosphere. Each room is filled with the hearty handshakes and warms smiles from our gregarious staff and familiar guests, and always abuzz with a sea of conversation and laughter celebrating the best of everything.  At The Palm, their philosophy is simple: Treat guests like family, serve great food and always exceed expectations.  These values have led to The Palm’s success and exceptional reputation at over 30 locations throughout the world.  For more information on The Palm, please visit www.ThePalm.com or visit The Palm in Nashville at 140 5th Avenue South or call (615) 742-7256.

ABOUT SARAH DARLING:

Declared by the New York Times as a “sophisticated songwriter” with a “crisp, powerful voice,” Black River Entertainment artist Sarah Darling is confidently making her mark on the country music scene.  She made her Grand Ole Opry debut in February 2011 and quickly followed that up with the #1 music video for her hit “Something To Do With Your Hands” from her sophomore release, Angels & Devils.  The multi-dimensional artist also has a passion for cooking and fashion, and is aligned with such high profile brands as Crock-Pot and Betsey Johnson.  Darling is currently in the studio working on her upcoming album with producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts) to be released in 2012.  For more information on Sarah Darling, please visit sarahdarling.com or Facebook.com/OfficialSarahDarling.

Watch Sarah’s ‘O Holy Night’ video below

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Video: Hank Williams, Jr. Singing Waylon’s ‘Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out Of Hand’

Hank, Jr. hanging out and having some fun with friends singing Waylon’s Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out Of Hand. Enjoy!

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The Roys Sign Production Deal With ValCom Studios 
For A New, Music-Driven Television Variety Show

13 Episodes To Be Taped Early Next Year

The Roys_smNashville, TN (December 19, 2011) — Bluegrass dynamos, The Roys, have signed a production deal with ValCom Studios for a new, weekly music-driven variety show. Lee and Elaine Roy will appear and perform on the 30-minute show titled, Roots And Music With The Roys, with the inaugural 13 episodes to be taped in Nashville early next year. The show has already been picked up by over 120 stations nationwide, landing The Roys a potential 40 million cable and broadcast household viewers. Vince Vellardita, CEO-President of ValCom Studios says, “Elaine and Lee are incredibly talented. There are no shows on the air like this one, and it’s the perfect vehicle to expand The Roys’ career.”

“Our mission has been to spread the ‘joy’ of Bluegrass, and this show will certainly help us bring this iconic American musical style to many new listeners,” says Lee.  The duo has enjoyed enormous success at radio and at retail, and Elaine calls the new show “an incredible opportunity.”

The episodes will be presented in true “variety” format, with each show including a performance by The Roys, humanitarian features, a festival event highlight segment, plus a guest musical artist, interview, and a closing jam session. Roots And Music With The Roys will focus on Bluegrass and Acoustic Roots formats.

The Roys are uniquely qualified to act as ambassadors for their genre; the duo was recently named 2011 Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year at the ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards show, and were previously honored with the ICM’s Duo of the Year Award in 2010 and 2009. Their recent hit, “Coal Minin’ Man” rocketed up the Bluegrass charts, landing at #1 on Power Source’s Bluegrass Top 35 Chart, #1 on HotDiscInternational Top 40 Chart, #3 on Bluegrass Unlimited’s National Bluegrass Survey and #4 on Bluegrass Music Profiles’ Top 30 Singles Chart.

The Roys start 2012 with their first-ever shows in Australia:

01/25/2012      Tamworth, Australia / Tamworth City Council Outdoor Show

01/26/2012      Tamworth, Australia / The Family Inn

01/27/2012      Tamworth, Australia / Tamworth Country Music Festival, Toyota Stage

01/29/2012      Tamworth, Australia / Tamworth City Council Outdoor Show

Following their return from Australia, The Roys will launch a busy U.S. touring season, which includes festivals and fairs and co-hosting duties at the Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament with Tennessee Titans’ Rob Bironas in April.

Fans can learn more about Lee and Elaine at www.theroysonline.com.

ABOUT ValCom, Inc. (Ticker Symbol: VLCO)
Formed in 1983 and based in Clearwater, Florida, ValCom, Inc. is a diversified, fully-integrated, independent entertainment company. Through its operating divisions and subsidiaries, ValCom, Inc. creates and operates full-service facilities that accommodate film, television and commercial productions.  The company’s four divisions comprise television and film production, broadcasting (My Family TV Network), distribution, and live theatre. ValCom’s client list consists of major industry players such as MGM, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, Disney, CBS, Sony, NBC, Phantom of the Opera, HSN and more.

Helmed by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince Vellardita, ValCom, Inc. has acquired property and studios in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs. Vellardita has been instrumental in acquiring over 10,000 titles of Film and Television series, and ownership of television station KVPS (Palm Springs). ValCom, Inc. maintains long-term relationships with Paramount Pictures, CBS television’s “JAG” and “NCIS” series, andWalt Disney’s Sabans “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.”Vellardita began his career as a fast-paced music producer and promoter of over 200 live events and concertswith some of the biggest acts in the world.  He has also produced a  Special White House Presidential Campaign, the Super Bowl 2006 Motown Rap Show, The Beach Boys 40th Anniversary Special, an MGM Grand Special, and the 50th Anniversary of Michel Legrand and Friends show.

Happy Birthday To Little Jimmy Dickens – Born December 19, 1920

Opry legend Little Jimmy Dickens was born on this day back in 1920 in Bolt, West Virginia. The Country Music Hall of Fame member’s biggest hit was his number one hit from 1965 called May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose. Enjoy a look at Little Jimmy performing the song live on The Bobby Lord Show back on October 19, 1965. Enjoy and join us in wishing Little Jimmy a happy birthday!

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