Thompson Square to debut new single tonight on “Tonight Show,” playing Thursday at Cain’s Ballroom with ticket sales benefiting tornado relief
Thompson Square (AP file)
Country duo Thompson Square, which consists of Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson and his wife Shawna, will debut its new single, “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About,” tonight on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” The show airs at 10:35 p.m. weekdays on NBC.
In addition, the reigning Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Vocal Duo of the Year will play at 8:15 p.m. Thursday at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main in Tulsa. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Charlie Worsham will open the show.
The historic venue announced via Facebook today that Cain’s Ballroom, Ticketfly and Tulsa’s Dr. James Webb will each donate $1 per ticket sold to The Salvation Army’s Oklahoma Tornado Relief Fund. For tickets and information, go to www.cainsballroom.com.
Thompson Square will perform their new uptempo and light-heartedly clever song tonight on “The Tonight Show.” The New York Times describes “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About” as a “hint of domestic naughtiness.” It was co-written by Keifer Thompson, who celebrated his 14th wedding anniversary with wife and duo partner Shawna on May 15.
Oklahoma-bred Grammy Award winner Brett James and Grammy-nominated songwriter/artist David Lee Murphy also served a co-writers on the new single.
“Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About” is the second single from the duo’s highly-anticipated sophomore album, “Just Feels Good,” which earned the duo its highest first week album sales yet. The lead single from the album – the No. 1 “If I Didn’t Have You” has earned more than 600,000 in sales to-date as well as a 2013 CMT Music Award nomination for Duo Video of the Year.
“Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About” officially impacts country radio on June 10 and is available at iTunes now.
The Stoney Creek Records’ chart-topping duo is no stranger to “The Tonight Show” stage. Thompson Square made its national television debut on the program in 2011, performing its No. 1 smash, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” which has since gone on to sell more than 2 million singles.
On June 4, Thompson Square will release its first fiction novel on Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.). Titled “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” the book was co-written alongside Travis Thrasher. It’s a dramatization inspired by Thompson Square’s chart-topping song.
On Sunday night, Thompson Square dropped by the season finale of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars” in support of fellow country star Trace Adkins as he competed in (and won) the series’ final task. Keifer and Shawna Thompson hand-delivered donations on behalf of themselves as well as Benny Brown and the Broken Bow Music Group, the Academy of Country Music and California Customs in order to support Adkins and his charity, the American Red Cross.
In addition, Thompson Square successfully defended its ACM Vocal Duo of the Year crown when the husband/wife team took home the award for the second consecutive year last month in Las Vegas. The duo’s second ACM win in a row cemented Thompson Square’s status as a force to be reckoned with in the Country music industry.
Country music’s biggest breakout act of the last two years, the duo pounded the pavement for 15 years in the music industry before landing a record deal with Benny Brown’s small independent label Stoney Creek Records (sister label to indie Broken Bow Records and home to Jason Aldean). Since that day, Thompson Square has earned more than 25 awards show nominations – including two Grammy as well as American Music Award and Teen Choice Award nods – and made music history when it was awarded awards from both the ACM and CMA for Vocal Duo of the Year in 2012. Thompson Square was awarded its second consecutive ACM Award for Vocal Duo of the Year in April 2013.
Thompson Square’s breakthrough hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” has surpassed 2 million in sales, was the No. 1 Digital Soundscan Single for five weeks straight, the No. 1 country ringtone for 12 consecutive weeks and was iTunes 2011 Country Song of the Year. Thompson Square’s whirlwind 2011-12 saw them on national tours supporting Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum as well as gracing the stages of “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “CBS This Morning,” “Conan,” “Fox & Friends,” “FOX’s All American Concert Series,” the 45th Annual CMA Awards, CMT’s “Artists of the Year” special, NBC’s “The Better Show” special and the MTV/VH1/CMT “Best of 2012” concert celebration. Thompson Square ended 2011 as Billboard’s No. 1 New Country Artist in terms of digital sales and the No. 6 New Artist across all genres. Follow-up hits include the award winning infectious, “I Got You,” (No. 6) and the critically-lauded power ballad, “Glass” (No. 15). The duo’s latest smash, the No. 1 “If I Didn’t Have You,” marked Thompson Square’s highest first-week sales of its career and has surpassed half a million in sales.
The duo is currently touring with Luke Bryan on his “Dirt Road Diaries Tour” through October 2013. The tour will stop Sept. 14 at Tulsa’s BOK Center. For more information, go to www.bokcenter.com.
-BAM
Eskimo Joe’s hosting Wednesday night acoustic benefit for tornado relief
STILLWATER – Eskimo Joe’s regular Wednesday night acoustic music showcase will be transformed into a tornado relief show.
“We always have acoustic music on Wednesdays and it most commonly features local musicians, Oklahoma artists, and it is predominantly red dirt artists,” said Tim Holland, Eskimo Joe’s general manager.
“The people in this music scene, particularly the red dirt music scene, are just so incredibly gracious about donating their time and talent to things like this that it just made a lot of sense I think for those involved. And it makes a lot of sense for Joe’s because we just have a track record of hosting events like this and we have these relationships with these musicians.”
The free acoustic show is set for 8 p.m. Wednesday at the iconic Stillwater nightspot, 501 W Elm. The confirmed lineup includes previously scheduled performer Ryan Reid, along with the Red Dirt Rangers, Steve Rice of No Justice, Jake Moffat, Clint Osmus, Cale Lester, Jason Savory, Val Joe Gladden and Billy Berkenbile. Holland said he wouldn’t be surprised if more musicians join the lineup.
“Eskimo Joe’s is an iconic Oklahoma brand. We all live here, we volunteer here, we give back to Oklahoma and statewide causes, we operate businesses throughout our state. And we just felt compelled to try to do something,” Holland said.
He said Oklahoma Red Cross representatives will be on hand to collect monetary donations for the tornado relief efforts. Checks to the Red Cross should be earmarked to Oklahoma tornado relief.
Eskimo Joe’s and Eskimo Joe’s Clothes, along with Mexico Joe’s and Joseppi’s Italian Kitchen in Stillwater, are all accepting cash donations for the Red Cross through the end of the month. They will not accept donations of supplies or other items, he said.
Destructive tornadoes ripped through the Shawnee and Carney areas Sunday before an even more deadly and devastating twister tore through Moore Monday afternoon.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” John Cooper, singer/mandolin player for the Red Dirt Rangers, said of the tornado damage.
Cooper, who also is president of the nonprofit Red Dirt Relief Fund’s board of directors, said he has heard of at least two other benefit shows that the state’s red dirt musicians are planning.
“Music is a powerful tool to unite people,” he said. “It’s good for the soul. And this is what we do as musicians. This is how we give back.”
For more information on Wednesday’s show, go to www.eskimojoes.com.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on May 21, 2013: Hear Parker Millsap at The Deli and fill the tip jar for tornado relief
From left, Michael Rose and Parker Millsap (Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman Archives)
Today’s featured event:
NORMAN – Hear red dirt singer/songwriter/musician Parker Millsap play his weekly free show from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Deli, 309 White Street.
Parker posted this message on Facebook last night: “The tip jar will go straight to the Red Cross to help our friends in Moore. Come fill it up.”
For more information, go to www.thedeli.us.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Social media used to send prayers and condolences to Oklahoma in wake of deadly tornadoes
There has been an incredible outpouring of prayers and sympathy from around the world since deadly and devastating tornadoes ripped through Moore and south Oklahoma City this afternoon, less than a day after Shawnee and Carney were among the Oklahoma towns to be ravaged Sunday by twisters.
Here is just a sampling of the condolences, well-wishes and prayers from notable figures in the sports, music, TV and movie spheres, via Twitter and Facebook. On Twitter, #PrayforOklahoma was trending from moments after Moore tornado hit until well into this evening. My excellent colleague Anthony Slater has rounded up more Twitter reactions from the sports world here.
“Growing up in tornado alley, you always know what could happen…it doesn’t change how devastating it is when something does happen. #pray … I’m thinking about and praying for my beautiful home state and the people in it tonight.”
- Checotah native Carrie Underwood @carrieunderwood
“Pray. That’s all we an do. Pray for peace for Oklahoma.”
- Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert @mirandalambert
“All my prayers go out to the folks in Oklahoma dealing with these tornados. Stay safe everyone!!!!”
- Chockie native Reba McEntire @reba
“Hometown got hit for the gazillionth time. Rise again Moore Oklahoma. Godspeed. Prayin – T”
- Norman resident/Moore-bred country superstar Toby Keith @TobyKeithMusic
“The devastation through my home state of Oklahoma is staggering. All of my prayers are w/the victims, especially all those little kids. XOX”
- Oklahoma City-born and bred actress Olivia Munn @oliviamunn
“Thoughts and prayers go out to all our fellow Oklahomans hit by today’s tornados.”
- Tulsa-based band Hanson @hansonmusic
“I think my area of OK is out of the serious danger. Please send prayers thoughts & whatever you can to the hard-hit areas.”
- Tulsa author S.E. Hinton @se4realhinton
“Please everyone, pray for Oklahoma!”
- Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth @KChenoweth
“the loss of life and properly in our little Oklahoma is in fathomable at this time. Get on your knees people there are children missing”
- Shawnee-rooted electro-pop band Shiny Toy Guns @shinytoyguns
“My family and I are safe. Unfortunately, there is a lot of devastation. Please pray for Oklahoma. I’ll let you know how you can help.”
- Oklahoma City Christian recording artist Jami Smith @jamismith
“If you have dollars, give em…. if you have clothes, donate em… if you have heads, bow em…. Looking for bands to help raise some funds for the Moore (and surround areas) tornado disaster. June 9. The Arbuckle Ballroom in Davis, OK has been gracious enough to donate their place. Now just need players and supporters. Please share https://www.facebook.com/bophillipsband/posts/10151471495806824″
- Stillwater-based red dirt band Bo Phillips Band @BoPhillipsBand and Facebook
“Praying for the victims of the Tornadoes in OKC these last few days..Everybody stay safe!”
- Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant @KDTrey5
“Pray for the people and families of the people in OKC. This is a true tragedy.”
- Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook via Facebook
“Again, pray for OKC… Everybody stay safe!”
- Oklahoma City Thunder star @sergeibaka9
“Thoughts and Prayers to all affected by the tornado today.”
- Oklahoma City Thunder star Thabo Sefolosha @ThaboSefolosha
“Thoughts and prayers to my hometown OKC. Luckily my family is safe. I have lived in OK a long time. This one might be the worst!”
- Oklahoma City-born and bred NFL star Wes Welker @WesWelker
“Praying for everyone in Oklahoma City. This is crazy!”
- Former Oklahoma City Thunder player James Harden @JHarden13
“Devastating damage to Moore, Oklahoma due to Tornadoes. Please keep these people in your prayers. Thankfully @MelanieWeeden family is safe.”
- Former Oklahoma State University quarterback and current Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden @bweeden3
“I don’t even know what to say. My thoughts, prayers, concerns, and heartache goes out to my family, friends, and everyone in Oklahoma.”
- OSU Heisman trophy winner and NFL legend Barry Sanders @BarrySanders
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Oklahoma tonight! Follow @RedCross for ways you can help. #TheVoice”
- The Voice @NBCTheVoice official Twitter feed.
“We need and appreciate your votes tonight, but more importantly we need your prayers for our friends and family in Oklahoma. Thanks y’all.”
- Muskogee “The Voice” finalists Zach & Colton Swon @TheSwonBrothers
“If you wish to help those in need in Oklahoma go to: http://www.redcross.org/ok/oklahoma-city … #PrayForOklahoma”
- Actor Cary Elwes @Cary_Elwes
“Shocking images from that Oklahoma tornado. Thoughts with all the people affected. #yikes #prayforoklahoma”
- Actress Elizabeth Banks @ElizabethBanks
“Praying for the Oklahoma families affected by the #tornado…!”
- Actor Levar Burton @levarburton
“#PrayForOklahoma My heart is breaking. So much devastation. Praying for all affected & those still in the wake of this storm be safe!”
- Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott @HillaryScottLA
“Everyone keep OKC and all areas impacted by the tornadoes in your thoughts. #PrayForOklahoma”
- Country singer Tanya Tucker @tanya_tucker
“Please take a moment right now. #PrayForOklahoma”
- Country singer Lee Greenwood @TheLeeGreenwood
“Praying for everyone in Oklahoma tonight.”
- Texas country band Eli Young Band @EliYoungBand
“Sending so much love to all my friends in beautiful Oklahoma. Hoping you and your loved ones are safe.”
- Actress/singer Alicia Witt @aliciawitty
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the devastating tornado in Oklahoma. #prayforoklahoma”
- Talk show host Wendy Williams @WendyWilliams
“Can’t believe what’s happening in Oklahoma. My heart goes out to everyone affected. #prayforOklahoma”
- Actor/model Colton Haynes @ColtonLHaynes
“Keeping OKC and all areas impacted by the tornadoes in my thoughts. #PrayForOklahoma”
- Retired professional boxer Mike Tyson @MikeTyson
“Sending blessings to all the family’s #PrayForOklahoma OKC”
- Hip-hop star/producer Swizz Beatz @THEREALSWIZZZ
- BAM
Video: The Swon Brothers performing tonight on “The Voice” Top 10
The Swon Brothers
“The Voice” live playoffs continue at 7 tonight on NBC, and Muskogee’s The Swon Brothers will be performing, along with the rest of the Top 10.
Oklahomans Zach and Colton Swon are the first duo to make it to “The Voice” live rounds, but their minds won’t just be on the show tonight, considering the destructive and deadly tornadoes that have ripped through the state Sunday and earlier today.
“We need and appreciate your votes tonight, but more importantly we need your prayers for our friends and family in Oklahoma. Thanks y’all,” they posted tonight on Twitter (@TheSwonBrothers).
The devastating tornadoes also are on the mind of the Swon siblings’ celebrity coach, Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton:
“Just landed in LA and hearing about all the tornados in Oklahoma right now… Get somewhere safe!!!” Shelton posted a few hours ago on Twitter (@blakeshelton).
The reality show will not air tonight on KFOR, the local NBC affiliate, due to the ongoing storm coverage. I’m going to follow along tonight on Twitter @NBCTheVoice. NBC is good about making video clips and episodes available online at www.nbc.com/the-voice.
Here is your “The Voice” Season 4 Top 10:
Team Blake: The Swon Brothers, Danielle Bradbury, Holly Tucker.
Team Adam: Judith Hill, Amber Carrington, Sarah Simmons.
Team Shakira: Kris Thomas, Sasha Allen.
Team Usher: Josiah Hawley, Michelle Chamuel.
-BAM
Oklahoma Contemporary offering “Last Look” at “Bryan Adams: Exposed” tonight
Lindsay Lohan, New York, 2007, by Bryan Adams.
The Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center is inviting the public to take a “Last Look” at the exhibit “Bryan Adams: Exposed” beginning at 5:30 p.m. today. The exhibit closes Friday.
Visitors are invited to partake of light refreshments while exploring the exhibition. No RSVP required. Admission is free.
For the past 12 years, Grammy-winning musician Bryan Adams has sharpened his skills as a professional photographer by capturing intimate images of friends and colleagues in the entertainment, fashion and art industries. This beautiful exhibition features select images from his recently released book titled, “Exposed,” a comprehensive retrospective of his photographic work.
“Bryan Adams’ photographs of distinguished personalities from the world of fashion, art and music precisely mirror the major public preoccupations of the 21st century. Exposed comprises of work that is accessible but challenging, offering the audience a creative tension of sorts. It’s my aim to form connections – between art and the individual, between viewing and learning, between the easily understandable and the unfamilar – and this exhibition does it on all levels,” said Mary Ann Prior, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center Executive Director, in the release.
Adams, 53, told me in an email interview that the images in the book and exhibit mostly are taken from photo shoots he’s done for magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire and Interview. He also founded and shoots for the German art fashion publication Zoo Magazine.
Sometimes the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter-turned-shutterbug uses elaborate set pieces, like the roomful of mirrors he arranged for Lana Del Rey after her highly scrutinized “Saturday Night Live” performance last year.
“They all seem to happen quite organically; things happen. I can’t explain it. I usually have a team of people I work with, all kinds of creatives, from hair and makeup to stylists and art directors,” he said of choosing the right sets and props.
“It’s a journey, I love working in the studio and sometimes on location. Candid shots are always being taken, and there is something spontaneous and fun about them … but my preference is the studio.”
To read more of my interview with Adams, click here.
Portraits in the exhibition include a cross-section of international celebrities and emerging stars such as Danny Trejo, Victoria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan, Amy Winehouse, Mickey Rourke, Lana Del Ray, Natalia Vodianova, Mick Jagger, Sean Penn, Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Ben Kingsley and South African rave rapper Yo-Landi Visser.
Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, formerly City Arts Center, is located at State Fair Park, 3000 General Pershing Blvd. For more information, go to www.oklahomacontemporary.org.
-BAM
Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen and more to raise funds for West, Texas, at Texas Thunder
In response to the recent tragedy in West, Texas, Texas Thunder festival organizers have teamed up with red dirt and Texas country musicians to support the West, Texas, community.
The Texas Thunder music festival, running Friday-Sunday in Gardendale, Texas, will feature Oklahoma-bred Stoney LaRue, Texans The Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Casey Donahew Band, Josh Abbott Band and many more and will raise funds for those affected by the recent tragic explosion.
“For 13 years now our band has been traveling I-35 and stopping in West, Texas, along the way to sample the good food,” said Randy Rogers in a news release. “It’s become a staple on our tour. Now it’s time for us to give back.”
“We are disheartened by the tragedy in West, Texas. Texans are passionate about their communities and upon hearing of this tragedy, the Texas music community reached out to lend a helping hand,” says event organizer Brian Andrews in the release. “100 percent of net proceeds from the Texas Thunder music festival will benefit the schools and first-responders of West, Texas.”
Texas Thunder presents an all-star, all-Texas line-up, with both musicians and fans coming together to help bring support to those who need it most. For more information, go to www.texasthunderfest.com.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on May 16, 2013: Hear Parmalee at the Wormy Dog
Today's featured event:
Hear emerging country band Parmalee at 9:30 tonight at the Wormy Dog Saloon, 311 E Sheridan. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The North Carolina outfit has already earned two consecutive Top 40 Country radio hits, including its debut single, “Musta Had A Good Time,” and “Carolina.”
The family band comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/ guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass) and lifelong best friend Josh McSwain (guitar). Influenced by such musical heavyweights as the Allman Brothers, Travis Tritt and Bob Seger, the band’s name is derived from the small town of Parmele, N.C., (population 262), which is home to a gas station, two blinking yellow lights and a small tin-roofed barn dubbed Studio B, where the band practiced on every given evening.
Parmalee was handpicked by Southwest Airlines as the first act to perform for the 2013 season on its Southwest Airlines "Travelin’ Taylor Tour," sponsored by Taylor Guitars. On Monday, the band performed on its Taylor Guitars for passengers at 35,000 feet in midair on a direct flight from Nashville, Tenn., to Houston, Texas.
For more information on the OKC show, go to www.wormydog.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Wednesday Video Spotlight: Driving with Serge Ibaka – The Thunder take on Memphis in Game 5 tonight in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka (9) shoots over Memphis’ Marc Gasol (33) in the first half during Game 4 of the second-round NBA basketball playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Monday, May 13, 2013. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
It’s do-or-die Thunder up time tonight at The ‘Peake!
The Oklahoma City Thunder takes on Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5 of their Western Conference playoffs series. The Grizzlies lead the series 3-1, so our hometown boys in blue must win tonight or end their season.
To help you Thunder up, cruise with power forward Serge Ibaka to Chesapeake Energy Arena. We need Serge in the zone and playing at peak form tonight!
The game tips off at 8:30 tonight at The ‘Peake, 100 W Reno. It will air on TNT.
For extra Thunder pride, check out my excellent colleague Jennifer Palmer’s feature on the making of the complimentary T-shirts the Thunder home crowds have become so famous for during the playoffs by clicking here.
-BAM
Wednesday Video Spotlight: One-time screening of Paul McCartney and Wings concert film “Rockshow” Thursday night at Harkins Bricktown
A special one-time screening of “Rockshow” — a concert film starring Paul McCartney and Wings on their 1975-76 “Wings Over the World” tour — will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at Harkins Bricktown Cinema 16, 150 E Reno Ave.
SpectiCast, in association with Eagle Rock Entertainment, is premiering the film in theaters in the U.K. on Wednesday and worldwide on 
Thursday.
Although filmed on the tour in 1976 at the enormous Kingdome in Seattle, “Rockshow,” originally a cutdown version of the concert, was not premiered until November 1980 in New York and April 1981 in London.
The film will be shown at nearly 1,000 theaters in more than 700 cities worldwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cape Town, South Africa, Sydney, Rome, Warsaw, Poland, and many other cities across the U.S., Mexico, Asia, Europe and South America. These special theatrical presentations will include a bonus 12-minute interview with McCartney, according to a news release.
The demand that greeted Paul McCartney and Wings (Linda McCartney, Joe English, Denny Laine and Jimmy McCulloch) in the spring of 1976 as they embarked on what would become their only North American tour was overwhelming.
Having released four consecutive chart-busting albums including “Red Rose Speedway, “Band on the Run,” “Venus and Mars” and “Wings at the Speed of Sound” — not to mention 1973′s Academy Award-winning James Bond theme “Live and Let Die” — McCartney’s solo career was in full flight, having not performed in the States for 10 years, either solo or with The Beatles.
Tickets for “Rockshow” are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.rockshowonscreen.com.
McCartney will bring his “Out There” Tour to Tulsa for a two-night stand May 29-30 at the BOK Center. For more information, go to www.bokcenter.com.
-BAM
