TCMA Announces Big Lineup for 2017 Texas Country Music Awards

Preliminary Lineup includes Mark Chesnutt, Brandon Rhyder and Doug Supernaw

February 24, 2017 Carthage – The Texas Country Music Association, Inc. announced that the Texas Country Music Awards Show and Ceremony, to be held September 28, 2017 at the Carthage Civic Center in Carthage, TX will include special appearances by three well known Country Artists.

Mark ChesnuttTCMA Spokesperson, Mark Chesnutt will perform at the awards show, and will also receive the 2017 Trailblazer Award, a special award to honor him for his long-standing impact on the country music industry in Texas and worldwide. TCMA President, Linda Wilson, says, “It’s so awesome to have Mark Chesnutt as our Spokesperson. He’s the most amazing person and really cares about the people, the industry and what’s going on with TCMA. She states that among the awards presented will be the Trailblazer Award, which is unique to the Texas Country Music Association and designed to show the appreciation and respect due to those who have ‘blazed the trail’ for others. “Of course Mark will receive it this year! He’s certainly eared it.” she says. Chesnutt has had 14 number one hits, a few of which are “Too Cold At Home”, “Brother Jukebox” and “Almost Goodbye”, as well as many others. His new album, “Tradition Lives”, is his 15thstudio album and has already received rave reviews.

Carthage, Texas native and popular Texas Country Artist Brandon Rhyder will not only perform but will also Host the 2017 Texas Country Music Awards. “Brandon is the perfect person to Host the Awards Show and we are so honored to have him. He’s a very talented and successful artist with 8 albums released, and he’s excited about being in his hometown to be part of it all,” says Wilson. A few of Brandon’s hits include “Lord, I Hope This Day is Good”, “That’s Just Me”, and “Freeze Frame Time”.

Doug SupernawBrandon Rhyder

Also performing at the Awards Show is Doug Supernaw, who will serve as an award presenter as well. Doug’s string of hits includes the number one “I Don’t Call Him Daddy,” along with the very popular, “Reno” and “Not Enough Hours in the Night.” Doug Supernaw recently recorded a new album, “Doug Supernaw Greatest Hits”, scheduled for release on April 1, 2017. TCMA President Linda Wilson is a long-time friend of Supernaw. She states, “My personal favorite Doug song has always been “Rodeo Rose”. You’ll have to ask him about that one!”

Other performers will be added and announced as schedules are confirmed and voting concludes.

Awards and voting categories include: Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Christian Country Artist of the Year, Christian Single of the Year, Musician of the Year, Radio Station of the Year, Radio DJ of the Year, Live Music Venue of the Year, as well as Songwriter of the Year, which will be determined in the 2017 Songwriter Contest that ends April 30, 2017.

“The nomination ballots will be online by the first week of May, 2017 and will end June10. The nominations will be tallied and the top five nominees in each category will be named. The voting will begin by June 15 and end July 31,” says TCMA Executive VP Nathan Hunnicutt, “There are a lot of loyal fans and tremendous talent in Texas, and we’re excited that the fans and public want to be involved.”

Country music fans do not need to be a member of the TCMA to nominate or vote; however, TCMA Members' votes will be doubled. All membership levels include special voting rights and advance ticket notices for the Texas Country Music Awards and other TCMA sponsored events. Fans have their own membership category and can go join at www.texascountrymusic.org by choosing the Individual Membership level, and there are membership levels for artists, venues, media and businesses. “For all the fans out there, this is yet another opportunity to support and help us promote their favorite Texas artists even more,” says Hunnicutt. There are underwriting/sponsorship opportunities available now. To request information, call 936-332-4777.

The Texas Country Music Association, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose goal is to aid in the success of not only artists and fans but also professionals, venues, media, businesses and individuals who work diligently behind the scenes to make it all happen.

More information is available at http://www.texascountrymusic.org.