Quick Friday news: BBQ with Bucky Covington tomorrow, "5th Grader" update, chart check and more...

Bucky Covington and Rocky Covington began their duet with a smile at the Boone County Fair on Wednesday; thanks to the talented Judy Lang for this excellent shot! Click the image to check out Bucky's concert calendar at his official site.

Here's the official word from Lyric Street about Bucky Covington's Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader appearance:

Lyric Street Recording Artist Bucky Covington is in Los Angeles today to tape an episode of FOX TV's "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" for charity. Bucky will be taking the challenge for The Arthritis Foundation, a non-profit which supports more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions and helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.

"I've been brushing up on my grade school skills to at least outsmart all of the 4th graders ... just in case it turns out I'm NOT smarter than a 5th grader," said Bucky. "But if I bring Jeff Foxworthy an apple maybe I'll get a few extra points," he laughed.

We're looking forward to Bucky's return to the "classroom"--if you've had a chance to check out any of his radio interviews, you know his improv comedy skills will make this a delight! (If you missed our "via Twitter" post last night, click here for a photo of Bucky with CMT's Lance Smith before the taping, courtesy of Lyric Street's Cindy Heath.)


Bucky Covington on stage in Belvidere, Illinois; photo by the very kind Judy Lang. Thanks again!

Meanwhile, back on the charts, Bucky and his new-artist contemporaries are running a very close race to the Top 30 milestone. "I Want My Life Back" is #34 with a bullet on Mediabase, and with a little extra oomph from us on the request lines, the race could get even more exciting over the weekend. Be sure to hit up those "Top X at X" and lunchtime, drivetime, anytime request shows at your local country station...

We'll add a reminder about tomorrow's tasty treat for the ears and the taste buds--the WSLC Star B-Q in Salem/Roanoke VA is just a day away, and with Bucky and Jessica Harp both on the bill, you're bound to leave the party satisfied. Tickets ($12) are available by phone from the Salem Parks & Rec Department--call 375-3057, and bring your appetite for good food and great music.

Finally, it looks like that "Which new album are you most looking forward to?" poll is still running at Country Weekly--feel free to use the write-in spot to put in a good word for Bucky today! (His new album hits your favorite retailer on October 13th, and it's already a hot one, if the live shows are any indication...)

More soon--enjoy your Friday!--Winnie