Amy Grant Makes Small Changes

“Small Changes” encourages families to share the simple changes they make in their lives to better their family’s health and well-being. Amy Grant believes that these little things can add up to make a big difference, whether that involves taking a bike ride after dinner, walking to work instead of driving or going to a concert to enrich the mind, body and soul through music.

The campaign also includes a television program, aptly named “Small Changes,” that showcases Amy Grant and some of the biggest names in country music. “Small Changes” will air on the Great American Country channel starting April 24th at 8:30 p.m. EST and will focus on what these stars are doing to make positive differences in the lives of their families.

For information about Amy Grant's fan club, see the Black Book Guide to Country Music Fan Clubs: The Top 100 at www.blackbookpress.com

Country Music News, Gossip & Commentary: Amy Grant, Big & Rich, Billy Dean

AMY GRANT COLLECTS FOOD FOR AMERICA’S SECOND HARVEST

AMY GRANT helped kick off a one million meal drive for America’s Second Harvest in New York yesterday. The singer has long been associated with program and spreadthesharing.com, which collects stories of sharing. (Photo: Dima Gavrysh, America’s Second Harvest.)

CRUISE WITH BILLY DEAN & JULIE ROBERTS

BILLY DEAN and JULIE ROBERTS are headlining a country music cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Empress of the Seas. The ship leaves from Philadelphia and goes to Bermuda for seven nights on September 29. Make your reservations early. For more information, visit Billy’s website at http://www.billydean.com/


FROM THE AP NEWSWIRE: BIG & RICH CANCEL SHOW

HIGHLAND, Calif. -- Big & Rich left fans disappointed after they backed out of an April 12 concert at the last minute because of a dispute over a young guest.

The country music duo of "Big Kenny" Alphin and former Lonestar singer John Rich had been set to perform at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino.

To accommodate the wishes of an ill 5-year-old girl, a local radio station had arranged for the young fan and her family to meet Big & Rich and see the show. But the casino, which bans anyone under 21, wasn't notified.

"While we are sympathetic to the request from the young fan, we are held accountable to the requirements that prevent anyone under the age of 21 from entering our facility at any time," Steve Lengel, director of casino operations, said in a statement.

Big & Rich then canceled the show.About 1,600 people were allegedly kept waiting in the arena for over an hour before it was announced that Big & Rich wouldn't perform. Refunds were offered.

"This was an unfortunate incident and caused great inconvenience for our guests," Lengel said.

Rich said in a statement that he was concerned about offending fans.

"We did have the opportunity to spend some quality time with the young girl and her family on our bus that evening. I am sorry for the girl, the family and all our fans that did not get to see the show," Rich said.