Kevin Costner has kicked off a power-packed week of appearances on network television. The action got underway with an appearance on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Here’s the link in case you missed it.

Other rounds he’ll be making include ABC’s Good Morning America on Thursday, May 24th at 7:00 am (EDT). Plus, Live! with Kelly later that day (check local listings). On Friday, May 25th, he’ll join the hosts of the morning show, FOX & Friends. Air time is at 6:00 am (EDT).

Costner will also stop by for a 2-part episode this week on PBS’ award-winning The Tavis Smiley Show (check local listings). The lineup of television appearances are in celebration of the new History Channel mini-series, Hatfields & McCoys, that he’ll be starring in that’s set to premiere this Memorial Day at 9:00 pm (EDT). It’s the true American story of a legendary family feud—one that spanned for decades and nearly launched a war between Kentucky and West Virginia.

The concept CD inspired by the show, Famous for Killing Each Other, features his country/rock band, Kevin Costner & Modern West. Music from the CD is now available on iTunes and Amazon.com.

Kevin Costner & Modern West are gearing up for the summer portion of this year’s concert tour across the U.S. and Canada. The band’s current single, “The Angels Came Down” ranked among the Top 10 on the Billboard Christian Digital Songs Chart. Its third CD, From Where I Stand, is expected to be released in the U.S. during the summer.

For more information, please visit: www.kevincostnermodernwest.com. To get a sneak peek of Hatfields & McCoys, visit: www.history.com/shows/hatfields-and-mccoys.

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BE SURE TO TUNE IN:

Thursday, May 24th
Good Morning America
7:00 am (EDT)
&
Live! with Kelly
(check local listings)

Friday, May 25th
FOX & Friends
6:00 am (EDT)

The Tavis Smiley Show
(check local listings)
________________________________________

Kevin Costner & Modern West will take center stage with a concert tour that’s scheduled to launch this spring in Lakeland, Florida. Academy Award-winning Costner co-founded the rock/country band after being encouraged by his wife, Christine, to reconnect with his music passion. In 2005, he teamed with songwriter John Coinman and bassist Blair Forward, band mates of their original group, Roving Boy, from the late 80’s. Other members of Modern West include Larry Cobb (drums), Park Chisolm (vocals & guitar), Teddy Morgan (lead guitar & producer). Bobby Yang, Roddy Chong and Luke Bulla will rotate fiddle performances. For the past 6 years, the band has been electrifying audiences across the globe with shows in Europe, Asia, Canada, South America, and the U.S.

When it comes to pursuing music, Costner describes it as a journey taken with a personal and purposeful approach. “I always thought that music could build a stronger, more personal moment with people. It could create an opportunity for genuine exchange much greater than a movie, TV interview or magazine. It would be real, full of mistakes and without apology. But most of all, there would be a chance to have some fun.”

Kevin Costner & Modern West released their first CD, Untold Truths, on Universal Records in 2008. The following year, Turn It On was launched in Europe on Edel Records. The band toured Europe during that period, playing 38 shows in 6 weeks. In 2011, it released From Where I Stand on Edel Records and kicked off another extensive tour.

In the midst of hectic schedules and a steady stream of CDs, Kevin Costner & Modern West have continued with its commitment of giving back and lending a helping hand. Over the years, the group has performed at various benefit events and USO concerts for military troops serving abroad. The band has appeared at premiere music events such as Country Thunder, Stagecoach, Grand Ole Opry and Ottawa Blues Festival, to name a few. It was also featured in an hour-long CMT special. The group plays all original material written by its band members.

The Kevin Costner & Modern West 2012 concert tour is scheduled to launch in March. For show information and additional details, please visit: www.kevincostnermodernwest.com.

Country Girl wants you to be a Tattle Tale! Have you been to a country concert lately? Run into a country artist while out on the town? We want to hear all about your country music news and entertainment. Email me at countrygirl@countrymusictattletale.com

Well I certainly thought Kevin Costner and his band Modern West considered themselves country.  They did the radio tour on country radio stations and they even played at the Grand Ole Opry.  I don’t think it gets more country than that!

In a new interview, Costner tells the interviewer that him and the band are just friends making music. He goes on to say that there’s “a definite Western feel to some of the songs, but I listen to prime country and don’t see a place for us at all there. It’s more adult alternative, I think, but that’s my opinion. Others can call us something else. It’s like an actor who says, ‘I’m a character actor’ and studio chiefs say, ‘No, you’re a leading man.’ ”

Kevin goes on to say that he doesn’t think that there will be another album.  ”I know the guys want to do one worse than I do. I can see it in their eyes. I imagine when we’ve amassed enough material I’ll give in,” Costner says. “I love making music and putting out original offerings. Recording a new album is like opening a bank now.”

Hmmmm, what to think about all that?  I almost want to say “Who Cares?” but that is really a wonky thing to say. 

For as “NOT COUNTRY” as he wants to be Modern West played Stagecoach over the weekend to a VERY welcoming crowd.  What more does this spoiled actor man want?

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