First look at Friday: Country Weekly survey continues, a review from Purdue and more...

Rocky Covington (percussion), Bucky Covington and Ducky Medlock (right) enjoy a fun moment on stage in Indianapolis; photo by Buckaholic, who shares more in her beautiful album at Photobucket. Thanks so much!

How does a brand news artist celebrate two consecutive Top Ten singles and his first major country music awards nomination? If he's Bucky Covington, the answer is "by getting on stage and giving his fans a fantastic time!" Bucky, Luke Bryan and headliner Dierks Bentley are set to hit the the Braden Auditorium at Illinois State University in Normal tonight, and the place will be rockin'. If you're looking for a last minute seat, check Ticketmaster; students may be able to buy tickets at the Braden Box Office in the Bone Student Center.

Bucky's second hit, the exuberant "It's Good to Be Us", may have reached the "graceful descent" part of its chart life, but our phone and email requests are still a beautiful thing. The sheer joy of having Bucky on the radio is immense, and sometimes it's just flat-out fun to skip the chart angst and just request for the joy of listening. (This may be corny, but I'll admit it--it still makes me smile when I'm just minding my own business during the day with the radio on, and Bucky's voice unexpectedly comes streaming out of the speakers. Year One of those "twenty or thirty" has been a pleasure!)

Here's a quick look at the rest of today's news:

Rocky Covington and Ducky Medlock at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis; photo by the very generous Buckaholic. Thanks again!

Upcoming shows: Tomorrow, the Throttle Wide Open party happens at the Rockford, Illinois--tickets are available at the MetroCentre site. After that, there's a break (and the CMT Music Awards) before the buses get rolling again. They'll be heading out West next week--stay tuned for updates, and for more summer concert news, too...

On the tube and around the net: How's this for random! MTV.com has an article today about the upcoming American Idol themed McDonald's Happy Meal toys--they seem to think "Country Clay's" big black hat was inspired by Bucky's memorable "Real Good Man" ensemble. (What do you think? Hmmmm...)

The Throttle Wide Open tour got a fairly positive review from the Lafayette Journal and Courier's concert reviewer. It's safe to assume the writer may not be a die-hard country fan, but he had good things to say about all three performers--and this may be the first time that Rocky Covington's percussion skills got a special mention.

Over at The Covington Times , you'll find a classic "Fat Bottomed Girls" post-song shot, an wonderful Bucky Bash image by KathyG and some sweet memories from April '06 and '07. (April always seems to be an eventful time for Bucky and his fans, doesn't it?) Midask9's stunning concert shot of Bucky at the mic and more request and support info await you at It's Good to Be Us . (Have fun at the concert--we can't wait to hear all about it!)


Vote for Bucky: Voting for the 2008 CMT Music Awards ends tonight. That would be tonight as in "just a few hours from now!" Register at CMT and vote now, and send a last minute nudge to all and sundry. (It's safe to say there will be lots of friendly email reminders flying today...)

There are two limited-time surveys that are definitely worth our while, after the big one above is taken care of. Country Weekly's poll is in progress--Bucky's mentioned George Strait as an early and strong influence, and it's sweet to see his Bucky's name in that survey. Voting ends on April 14th, and there's one vote per email address, so be sure to pass it on. The fun is also in progress at the Duke's New Music Playoffs. too--scroll down to vote for Bucky.


Finally, "It's Good to Be Us" is doing very well on the video countdown charts--keep the good times going at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and at CMT's Top 20 Countdown.

Have a fabulous Friday!