Hey, guys. I’m working on a story on love songs for Valentine’s Day. And I’m wondering what gets you all in the mood. Does Barry White get you all hot and bothered? Does Roberta Flack make you swoon? As part of the package, I’m putting together a reader generated Valentine’s iPod mix. So toss out some titles along with your name, town and a line or two about why you like the song and, depending on how many responses we get, we can use you in print.

Organizers just announced that newcomer Jason Michael Carroll has been tapped to headline the annual musical showcase that KMPS-FM (94.1) hosts at the Puyallup Spring Fair.

The up-and-coming country singer, known for debut single "Alyssa Lies," will take the Great American Stage at the Puyallup Fair & Events Center at 7:30 p.m. on April 20. Arista records released his debut album "Waitin’ in the Country" today.

The showcase is often a good barometer for who is going to be hot in the country world a few months later. Among the performers who have played the Puyallup Spring

Read more »

Just got off the phone with Bob’s Java Jive owner Danette Staatz, who tells me “the Pot” may be open as soon as Saturday, thanks to a number of people who have pitched in to help out. But that’s pending approval from city inspectors tomorrow.

“We are trying very desperately … for this weekend,” she said. “I understand the inspector is supposed to be down there at 4 tomorrow. That doesn’t mean we’re out of hot water yet. That only means we can open the doors."

Staatz said the Jive needs extensive repairs – including electric work

Read more »

Their Feb. 20 show at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre is sold out. And House of Blues just announced a second show on Feb. 18. Viva Voce will open. It doesn’t look like the venue has updated its Web site yet, but you’ll presumably find ticket info here or at Ticketmaster’s site between now and Friday’s on sale date.

Just when we wrapped up one big, honkin’ country show, look who else is coming to the Tacoma Dome. I pulled the relevant details from the press release that just landed in my inbox …

RASCAL FLATTS

with special guest

JASON ALDEAN

TACOMA DOME – TACOMA, WA

Sunday, March 4, 2007



On Sale Saturday, February 3 at 10 a.m.



Seattle, WA – Live Nation welcomes Rascal Flatts to the Tacoma Dome on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.



AMA,

Read more »

Tim McGraw may sell truckloads of records, and Kenny Chesney may pack NFL stadiums with screaming fans. But those whippersnappers still can’t hold a candle to George Strait.

With more than 62 million records sold and a quarter century of chart-climbing success, the 54-year-old legend is not only one of the most prolific recording artists of all time and has clearly earned the nickname King of Country.

Just ask the more than 20,000 adoring fans that cheered the man of the hour as he made his way to the stage. The concert was set up in

Read more »

I just got back from the George Strait show at the Tacoma Dome. So here are a couple of set lists to hold you all over until I finish a more detailed write-up.

And bet you can’t guess what famous fans I saw signing autographs between songs? Tune in later to find out.

George Strait’s set:

Honk If You Honky Tonk

Check Yes or No

She’ll Leave You with a Smile

I Just Want to Dance With You

Run

Amarillo by Morning

There Stands the Glass (Webb

Read more »

I caught up with Dar Williams on Wednesday for an interview in advance of next Thursday’s show at the Rialto. We wound up talking a lot of politics, and the singer-songwriter was as thoughtful and engaging as you’d expect from one of the most revered voices in contemporary folk. Here are a few things she had to say about …

… political themes on her last album.

… “Empire,” one of the most talked about songs from her last album.

… her passion for

Read more »

I spent a few minutes on the phone with rising country star Taylor Swift on Monday in anticipation of her opening slot for George Strait Saturday at the Tacoma Dome. And in the course of talking about the life experiences that inspired her to write the songs on her self-titled debut, I learned that there are apparently hordes of dain bramaged guys in Hendersonville, Tenn. who have either cheated on, broken up with or just flat out ignored her when she had the hots for them.

Granted, she’s several years too young for me at 17. And forget

Read more »

Yup, it’s true. Inspectors from the Tacoma Fire Department, Public Works and Tacoma Power shut down our fair city’s finest and kitschiest karaoke venue. In case you missed the headline on the TNT’s main page, click here and get the skinny.

It doesn’t look good for a cherished Tacoma institution, especially since every time I’ve spoken to the owner these past few year’s she’s sounded $10 away from closing. And that’s without being told by the city to fix a bunch of fire hazards.