The Boot News Roundup: Brett Eldredge to Sing at 2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting + More
Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.
Brett Eldredge will croon a Christmas classic or two as the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit in December. According to Parade, Eldredge is set to join John Legend, Lea Michele and Idina Menzel, among other artists, as a performer during the Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree lighting TV special on Dec. 4. The special airs live on NBC, and Today hosts Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin and Al Roker will be on hand to lead the festivities.
Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Kane Brown and Dustin Lynch will headline Country Thunder Wisconsin 2020. The festival, set for July 16-19 at Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes, Wisc., will also feature performances from Chris Lane, Granger Smith, Tanya Tucker, Parker McCollum, Suzy Bogguss, Tenille Townes, Terri Clark and more country favorites. Tickets for the festival, including weekend passes and single-day admission, are on sale now via the fest's official website.
Laura and Lydia Rogers, better known as country duo the Secret Sisters, have announced plans to release a brand-new album: Titled Saturn Return, it's the duo's fourth full-length album, and the follow-up to 2017's You Don't Own Me Anymore. As with that record, Brandi Carlile has returned as the Rogers' producer for Saturn Return, along with her collaborators Tim and Phil Hanseroth. Saturn Return is set for release on Feb. 28 via New West Records, and fans can pre-order their copies now.
Also in new album news, Montana band the Lil Smokies will release their third full-length album in 2020. Titled Tornillo, the record was recorded at the Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, and was produced by Bill Reynolds, known for his work with Midland and the Avett Brothers. Tornillo is out on Jan. 24, and it's available for pre-order (or pre-saving on digital streaming services) now.