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CLOSINGS/DELAYS

CHASE RICE

Critics slam country artists for playing for unmasked crowds

Musicians and fans alike are criticizing country artists like Janson and Rice who performed at outdoor concerts this weekend where social media pictures showed large crowds without masks. Rice performed in front of a large crowd in Tennessee and Janson performed at an outdoor festival in Idaho. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. Fellow musicians and fans alike are criticizing country artists who performed at outdoor concerts this weekend where social media pictures showed large, tight crowds without masks, even as COVID-19 cases resurge in the United States. Country star Kelsea Ballerini called Rice selfish for risking people's health by playing in front of a large crowd. But the owner of the venue where Rice played said the concert was approved by both city and county officials.

Chase Rice faces backlash for crowded concert ahead of Salem show

SALEM, Va. A country star thats coming to Salem, Chase Rice, is facing major backlash after holding a concert in Tennessee this past weekend with fans standing side-by-side without wearing face coverings. Rice posted a video of the concert on his Instagram story, which has since been deleted. However, it was recorded and shared by another woman on twitter. In response, Wendy Delano, Director of Civic Facilities for the City of Salem told 10 News in a statement:Rice is set to perform at the Salem Memorial Ballpark at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 14.

Country music reckons with racial stereotypes and its future

This combination of photos shows country singer Rissi Palmer, from left, Chuck Harmony, left, and Claude Kelly of Louis York and country rapper Breland. Black artists say the country music industry still needs to do the hard work of addressing the systematic racial barriers that have been entrenched in country music for decades. The genre has historically been marketed to white audiences and reinforced white male artist stereotypes. (Chris Charles via AP, left, Jeremy Ryan via AP, center and Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP)

Country music reckons with racial stereotypes and its future

Black artists say the country music industry still needs to do the hard work of addressing the systematic racial barriers that have been entrenched in country music for decades. I was called colored, like, ‘I didn’t know colored people like country music,’” said Palmer, who had three singles reach the Hot Country Songs Chart. Both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association started diversity task forces more than a year ago when country music was being criticized for a lack of female voices and women were being left out of major categories like entertainer of the year. But just as country artists outwardly reflect a predominantly white image, there are few Black country music executives working behind the scenes. “There’s a dismantling of culture that needs to happen.”Palmer, who is recording a podcast that focuses on the experiences of women of color in country music, said she feels optimistic that the current discussions about race and country music can lead to progress, if real changes are implemented.

Chase Rice to perform at Salem Memorial Ballpark in August

SALEM, Va. After days of ominous clues posted to Facebook, the Salem Civic Center has announced that Chase Rice will be playing at the Salem Memorial Ballpark in August. The country singer and former reality TV star will be performing on Aug. 14, and tickets are set to go on sale this Friday on the Ticketmaster website. Rice is known for co-writing the song Cruise by Florida Georgia Line and for his single Ready Set Roll. His first number one hit, Eyes on You, has accounted for nearly 350 million streams and almost 34 million YouTube views. He first came into the spotlight when he was the runner up on Survivor: Nicaragua in 2010. He was also a linebacker at University of North Carolina and NASCAR pit crew member for Hendrick Motorsports.