Sunday news: Raisin' the Bar, live buzz, Coshocton bound and more...

Bucky Covington breaks into a funky dance move during the WGAR Country Jam in Cleveland; photo by the very talented Trish. Thanks so much for capturing this one, Trish! Bucky Covington's debut CD is in stores now, and his music video is available for online viewing at CMT.com and Yahoo Music. You can buy Bucky's album at Amazon, Best Buy , iTunes, WalMart Music and Target, hear the full version of his single "A Different World" at CMT and GAC, or enjoy samples of songs from the CD at Bucky's official MySpace. A copy of Bucky Covington can be ordered at his official site or via his official fan club.

Bucky's live buzz is growing--this summer's tour has created new fans in big cities and small towns alike, and the fall and winter Raisin' the Bar stops with Jason Michael Carroll and Cole Deggs and the Lonesome are sure to make that buzz even louder. From short and sweet reviews like this post about last night's show on a MySpace blog, to long and affectionate recaps like Buckwild08's joyous look at the Myrtle Beach House of Blues rave-up, it's clear that Bucky's become a must-see live draw this year. And naturally, we want to make it easy as possible for you to part of the fun! Check out the links in our Tour Info section at left for detailed concert listings with venue links and ticket info, and look for updates on Raisin' the Bar ticket availability right here on the front page. With three very hot rising acts on the bill, this tour is going to be insanely popular--plan ahead now and get ready to rock this fall!

This morning's Coschoton Tribune features a story about the upcoming Coshocton Country Fair, where Bucky's performing on October 1st--sounds like they're excited to see him, too:

The music lineup this year is something the fair board is proud to present.

Fair entertainment hasn't generated so much early interest since Garth Brooks and Alabama were headliners, said Jim McClure, fair board treasurer.

"Bucky Covington just came off a single that hit number six on the charts and was a finalist on American Idol," he said. "He's on his way and we're fortunate to have him."

Covington will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, with Lady Antebellum, in front of the grandstand.

"It's Good to Be Us" is #42 on the Mediabase weighted and Top 500 charts this morning-- bullets on both, though, so take heart--that Top 40 milestone is so close we can taste it. Request "It's Good to Be Us" at your favorite local or streaming country station, and get ready for a new week of "Top X at X" and lunchtime request countdowns in your hometown. Honest positive feedback from a real local listener is always welcome--yes, they really do want to know when they've pleased you. So if hearing Bucky on the air is making you smile, call them up and let them know, y'all. It's a win-win!

We'll wind down for now with a few notes on some continuing fun-- Rocky Covington is still taking questions for his next Q and A on his official site, and the banner contest at Bucky's official MySpace blog is taking votes on your choice for the new "It's Good to Be Us" fan-created promo graphic. And be sure to listen to Bob Kingsley's Top 40 countdown today for Janie's sweet letter singing Bucky's praises! We're looking forward to new photos and recaps from the Hazard and Edenton shows later today and Monday, so stop on back--thanks in advance to all of the kind fans and friends who so generously share the excitement.

More soon--have a beautiful Sunday!

Edited to add a hearty congratulations to our good friend AmaTexMom on the birth of her grandson on the 21st; 7 lb., 12 oz. Brandon James is doing beautifully. All the best to Laura and her family!