Risa Binder shines at The Rutledge; Kristen Brassel starts strong

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Bubbling with a sunny disposition and a powerful voice, Risa Binder dazzled on the stage at Nashville's Rutledge on Thursday (June 26). Vaulting through a slew of her originals, including the title track to her fortchoming Nashville EP (out Aug. 5), the singer demonstrated impressive restraint. When the crowd attempted to anticipate her next vocal run, she threw curve ball after curve ball, pulling back when the melody would typically call for power notes.

Binder launched her set with her current pop-country single "Gotta Have You," a plucky tune that samples Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift. It's a head-bobbin' good time, and her backup singers delivered precisely-crafted harmonies, wrapped neatly in an "ooo" chant. So, it's no real surprise that the infectious jam is already getting spins on Sirius XM, which has become the new gateway to breaking talented acts. Could Binder be next in line?

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Magical words from Joey + Rory’s Rory: ”cancer” is such a little word compared to the word “love”

Joey, Rory, and IndianaPhoto: This Life I Live blog

Earlier this week on a blog post titled "Home of the brave," Joey + Rory's Rory revealed the surprising news that his wife Joey had been diagnosed with and treated for cancer. 

In May, at a routine appointment with her gynecologist, Joey’s doctor discovered something that concerned her.  She said there was a mass on Joey’s cervix and that she wanted do a biopsy, and would let us know the results when she got them back.   A few days later, Joey woke up from a nap with a message from the doctor, asking that we come in and talk with her that afternoon.  When we walked into the her office, the doctor was clearly upset.  Before she could even say the word “cancer”, her eyes welled up with tears and sobbing she said, “I’m so sorry Joey…”.   My wife bravely smiled and said, ” it’s gonna be okay, just tell us”.   And so she did.

Despite the scary diagnosis, it sounds like the family is handling things amazingly well. Rory followed his cancer announcement post with a second that is equally if not more amazing. 

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Continue ReadingMagical words from Joey + Rory’s Rory: ”cancer” is such a little word compared to the word “love”