Ben McKee
So This Is Happening
Tonight is the Night!!! The ACM Awards!
Reba Hosts... Tons of Performers and Presenters... Jason Aldean will pay tribute to Toby Keith.
Entertainer of The Year Nominees: Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton & Jelly Roll.
Female Artist of The Year Nominees: Ashley McBryde, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney & Kelsea Ballerini.
Male Artist of The Year Nominees: Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson & Jelly Roll.
Good luck to all these Nominees and all the other categories.
Some of those Nominees above and other artists have been dropping music....
It's been a flood of new music daily...
Post Malone and Morgan Wallen - I Had Some Help
Miranda - Wranglers
Lainey Wilson - Hang Tight Honey
Thomas Rhett - Beautiful As You
Luke Combs - Ain't No Love In Oklahoma
Tonight it's hardy's turn...
Things are really heating up!!!!!
What We Know...
The Browns Schedule is released tonight. We know that the Browns are opening in Kansas City Sunday Sept. 8th for Tom Brady's debut on Fox...
Heard rumors of a Thanksgiving Week Steelers Match-Up? Not sure if this is true.
We do know that the International Schedule does not include the Browns.
The Browns do have one if not the toughest schedule in the NFL this coming season.
The entire NFL schedule will be revealed tonight at 8 p.m.
The 2024 International Schedule is set! ??️@NFLBrasil | @NFLUKIRE | @NFLDeutschland
— NFL (@NFL) May 15, 2024
?: NFL Schedule Release — Tonight 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN2
?: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/HMwi7SLZ8h
Can't Spell Randy Travis with out AI.
So after such a great Monday Night of live music with Corey Kent and HunterGirl at The WQMX Think Pink Party at Knight Stage in Akron. I find myself at a crossroads. Recently Randy Travis, "got his voice back". It is an AI Generated Vocal based off of another person singing under the AI like Randy. The new song is called, "Where That Came From". CBS did a morning special a few weekends ago.
Now trust me, I love Randy Travis. My grandma wore out a couple of his records while I listened and sang along with both of them. After Randy's stroke, I do not want to take away his livelihood and happiness in any shape, form or fashion. I just don't want to open up the AI Door. (I realize it is out there.)
After watching all these artists playing live, putting their heart and soul into a song/album or writing and performing. I think this crop of artists are really trying to return to more traditonal sound. Most are trying to protect their art from AI, protecting their paychecks, the lifestyle they love and their Voice-Image and likeness.
The Country Fest Artist - Lainey Wilson addressed Congress about the AI topic. Here is the article.
As I said, it was an amazing night with Corey Kent and HunterGirl at the WQMX Think Pink Party Monday Night... Corey at one point to HunterGirl after her song "Ain't About You"... Corey Kent said "In 2024, it is amazing that a song draws out emotion that is believable... I believed every word you just sang... that is a great song." That line stuck with me.
To me, the world is imperfect, it has flaws and charm. Music is the ultimate proof that there can be perfect imperfections. I love live music, i love country music. The artist(s) presentation and the fan's interpretation are the only things that count. And it could all be different everytime it is performed. There is a time and place for AI Generated Material... JUST NOT IN MY MUSIC!!!
Bank For Hank Til 6pm
Bank For Hank Blood Drive til 6pm tonight at 501 West Market Street in Akron at American Red Cross HQ..
Everyone who presents to donate will be entered for Neon Nights Passes!
This is Cool...
When you are talking starting a career path in a Unique and In-Demand Field... HVACR at Stark State College could be a great fit for you!
See what I am learning in the Unique and In-Demand Job Series.
Fun Weekend!
Busy weekend...
Started with Free Comic Book Day and went to Carol & Johns Comics in Kamm's in Cleveland. They had all the superhero's from Spiderman, Wonderwoman, lots of Star Wars Characters and Ghostbusters... The line was long but everyone was having fun. Hopefully you stopped at a spot...
Then hit up National Design Mart's 26th Anniversary One Day Sale... again the line was long but moved quickly and plenty of savings all thru the store!
Caught most of WWE Backlash... and hit up a friends Quatro De Mayo Party!
Sunday was my son's soccer match...
It was busy but fun. Hopefully you enjoyed your weekend.
This week will be fun... WQMX Bank For Hank from The Klaben Auto Stores is Wednesday, May 9th from noon - 6pm...
And Next Monday, May 13th is the Sold Out Think Pink Party from Klaben Auto Stores at the Akron Civic with Corey Kent and HunterGirl!
Big Weekend
There is a lot of stuff to do this weekend!
Sarah Kay will be at The Dusty Armadillo Friday Night from 9-11
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is back starting Friday Morning at 10am.
Cavs look to close out their series with the Magic Friday Night in Orlando... or if needed Game 7 Sunday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
I have been talking about this all week! National Design Mart's Anniversary Sale!! (5/4)
The Rubberducks have 2 Fireworks Nights at Canal Park this weekend...
Guardians start a series with the Angels at Progressive Field.
Kentucky Derby is Saturday at 7pm. Get your hats and Mint Julips ready.
Saturday is May The 4th Be With You! Star Wars Day...
And Free Comic Book Day! Some of the stores you can enjoy the festivities Saturday....Rubber City Comics & Kenmore Komics in Akron, Magic City Comics in Barberton, JC Comics and Cards in Cuyahoga Falls, Johnny Scott Comics & Games in Kent, Comics, Cards and Collectibles also Bill's Books & More in Canton, North Canton will be Hazel's Heroes Comics & More, Sweets & Geeks in Medina, Canal Fulton look to The Toys Time Forgot.
WWE Backlash is at 1pm on Saturday from Lyon, France.
Plus Randy Travis is releasing new music!
Luke Combs is teasing a new one!
Another new one for y’all… pic.twitter.com/P10wol4oCu
— Luke Combs ? (@lukecombs) May 1, 2024
Wrasslin' Wednesday
This Saturday from Lyon, France WWE Backlash will take center stage at 1pm EST.
I am not really a fan of the early starts but oh well...
The fall out from Wrestlemania and the WWE Draft are set to kick in Monday... Remember SummerSlam is coming to Browns Stadium August 3rd as well... Tickets go onsale Friday at 10am thru Ticketmaster.
Backlash Card:
Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles - I think Cody Rhodes will carry the gold until SummerSlam for sure... AJ Styles is phenomenal but I think Cody gets the win Saturday....
Damian Priest vs. Jey Uso - This one seems too early for Priest to drop the strap. Jey Uso will pick up the World Heavyweight Belt.
Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton - I think Tiffy is a rising star... It's Tiffy Time all the time for me, except with Bayley and Naomi being friends it maybe an uphill battle for her. I say Bayley continues her reign as WWE Women's Champion...
Asuka and Kairi Sane (The Kabuki Warriors) vs. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill - Look for Bianca and Jade to pick up the belts. Even with help I think the Belair and Cargill Team will win WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.
Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga) - I hope the Team RKO-KO win but there seems to be a push to make The Bloodline relavent without Roman Reigns. Even though they the 1's and smell like 2's.. I think somehow The Bloodline pulls this one out..
Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan - Becky is the next stop on Liv's Revenge Tour... This one is a toss up for me. I will say Becky but could see it going either way.
Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable - Gable is looking to make his way out of jobber status and become a champion... He is a great wrestler and deserves a belt at some point. I just don't think he will be getting the Intercontinental Championship on Saturday. If he does WWE Universe will be happy for him but can't see it happening... unless he drops it on Raw Monday Night.
Remember these are just my thoughts and guesses... there is no science or knowledge that goes into these just what I think will or might happen.
Don't Go With a P-Lainey Card!
Have a special day coming up... or a just because? Don't go with a P-Lainey Card... Make a great impression with a Lainey Wilson one. Not only will she be bringing Bell Bottom Country to The Country Fest in June. But Lainey is coming to an envelope and a card for your next special event as well.
Click Here to see how you can get the Lainey Wilson - American Greetings CreataCards Smash-Ups!
Drew Parker Stopped By
Drew Parker stopped by before his show Friday Night at Thirsty Cowboy! Such a down to earth, genuine guy! He talks about music new and old, his come up, Luke Combs and more... Check it out.