FOUNDING MEMBER PARTING WAYS WITH MULTI-PLATINUM ROCK ACT, 3 DOORS DOWN

GUITARIST MATT ROBERTS (pictured far left) LEAVING BAND TO FOCUS ON HIS HEALTH

After nearly two decades and a run of success that has included more than 20 million albums sold worldwide and a slew of accolades from Grammys to American Music Awards, one of the three founding members of 3 Doors Down, Matt Roberts, has decided to leave the band. 

Roberts, a seasoned guitarist and back-up vocalist for the group, grew up with lead singer Brad Arnold and bassist Todd Harrell in Escatawpa, Mississippi, where they formed 3 Doors Down in 1996.

The group, which now consists of Arnold, Harrell, Chris Henderson on guitar and Greg Upchurch on drums considers themselves as family and this split is an amicable one. Over the past few years, Roberts has unfortunately, dealt with health and circulation problems and those issues have only been exacerbated by performing nearly 300 dates each year with the band.

“3 Doors Down will always have a special place in my heart and it saddens me to take this time off,” said Roberts in his official statement. “But my health has to be my first priority.” 

“Matt is our brother and he will always be a part of this band and he will always be welcomed back with open arms,” added lead singer and founding member Brad Arnold. 

Thankfully, and with a blessing from Roberts, Universal Republic recording artists 3 Doors Down’s current tour and schedule will remain in tact. They are currently performing dates across the United States on the ‘Gang of Outlaws Tour’ with legendary rockers ZZ Top and country artist Gretchen Wilson. 

See below for a full list of dates.

MAY 25 - Manchester, NH - Verizon Wireless Arena

MAY 26 - Atlantic City, NJ - Trump Taj Mahal Hotel & Casino - Etess Arena

MAY 27 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods

JUN 1 - Winston Salem, NC - Joel Coliseum Theatre

JUN 2 - Fayetteville, NC - Fort Bragg

JUN 3 - Fredericksburg, VA - Celebrate Virginia Central Park

JUN 5 - Glen Allen, VA - Innsbrook Pavilion

JUN 6 - Simpsonville, SC - Charter Amphitheatre at Heritage Park

JUN 8 - St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine Amphitheatre

JUN 9 - Atmore, AL - Wind Creek Hotel & Casino Amphitheater

JUN 10 - Alpharetta, GA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

JUN 12 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

JUN 15 - Estero, FL - Germain Arena

JUN 16 - Orlando, FL - Universal Orlando Resort - Music Plaza Stage

JUN 17 - St. Petersburg, FL - Tropicana Field

JUN 19 - Southaven, MS - Snowden Grove Park & Amphitheater

JUN 20 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena

JUN 22 - Baton Rouge, LA - Baton Rouge River Center

**JUN 23 - Houston, Texas — The Bayou Music Center - **3 Doors Down only**

JUN 24 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion

JUN 26 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena

JUN 27 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

JUN 29 - Hinckley, MN - Grand Casino Amphitheatre

This is one of the best photos I have ever seen of Ke$ha…

“Born in the U$A”, featured in V77

Ke$ha, musician

Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, photographers

(Source: thedjf)

Last Friday I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly with the world-renowned Blue Angels, who are easily some of the most skilled pilots on the planet. It was a thrilling experience to say the least and I’d like to thank Jim Havey PR for giving me the opportunity to do so. I wasn’t the only gal in town with a Byrd’s Eye View. The adorable Kellie Pickler got in on the action and you can see a few shots from her flight above. 

American Songwriter has some great shots of last night’s show with Jack White and the Alabama Shakes at the Ryman Auditorium. They are also featuring a story on my gal Sara Jean Kelley. Take a look here. 

Skrillex is headed to #Bonnaroo this June. You can check out the official schedule here, which was just released today. And while you’re at it, take a look at this adorable video of kids reviewing Skrillex’s work. 

SAVOR NASHVILLE RETURNS!

Celebrity chefs and food challenges spice up a weekend of events

The stars of our country’s hottest kitchens are headed to Nashville for the return of “Savor,” an exciting culinary event presented by Nashville Lifestyles Magazine and Maserati, Bentley and Rolls Royce of Nashville. And with hosts like those, it’s sure to be an event you won’t want to miss. 

The event kicks off on Saturday, May 19th with a very special dinner at The Hutton Hotel featuring a menu created by celebrity chefs Bruce Moffett, a 2009 James Beard Best Chef Southeast Award Nominee from Charlotte, NC and James Boyce, a 20-year industry veteran who helped to launch Le Cirque in NYC, amongst many other jewels on his resume. 

Guests will also be treated to a private performance from Grammy Award winning songwriters Tim Nichols and Marv Green as well as a silent auction packed with fabulous goodies. 

The celebration will continue on Sunday afternoon when Nashville’s finest chefs will compete in a cook-off at the Union Station Hotel utilizing one of three ingredients made right here in Music City - Goo Goo Clusters, Benton’s Bacon or Jack Daniels Honey. I, for one, can’t wait to see what they come up with. 

Learn more about this fantastic event and score your own tickets right here. 

Here’s a list of the competing chefs:

Jeremy Barlow from tayst, Sloco and Local Kitchen Catering
Thomas Cook from Prime 108
Brandon Frohne from Rutland Place Catering, Nashville Urban Gardeners
Giovannia Giosa from Porta Via
Matthew Lackey from Flyte World Dining
Deb Paquette from Etch
Kevin Ramquist from F. Scott’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar
Jarvan Springer from West End Cafe
Robert Spinelli from perl Catering
Keith West from Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant
Toby Willis from Nashville City Club
Robbie Wilson from Kayne Prime, Tavern, Whiskey Kitchen and Virago
And more to be added daily!

Great shot of Tim Gunn taken by Adrian Morales of Snappy Lifestyle during Lexus Nashville Fashion Week. 

(Source: snappylifestyle)