Taylor Sheridan's latest TV hits continue drawing millions of viewers, but Emmy voters once again passed over the creator and his biggest stars. Continue reading…

It’s official. It’s hard to believe it’s been over two years since the tragic passing of the late, great Toby Keith. As we all know, the Oklahoma native passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62 after a long battle with stomach cancer. Words can hardly describe the lasting impact he’s had on not only the genre itself but all his long-time fans, members of the military and the countless number of lives touched through his philanthropy, namely the Toby Keith Foundation, which benefitted pediatric cancer patients and their families. Tributes to the Big Dog Daddy have basically gone on ever since he passed on. The University of Oklahoma implemented a Toby Keith sing-along at every one of their home football games, and more recently, the U.S. Army chorus used Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” as the song to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Army’s 250th birthday celebration. Recently, the state of Oklahoma renamed a highway in his honor as well. Because of his accomplishments both within and outside the music industry, back in April, the state of Oklahoma decided to proclaim the late artist’s birthday, July 8, as Toby Keith Day in the Sooner State. Upon its declaration, a copy of the proclamation was given to Krystal Keith, the daughter of Toby Keith. She also performed the national anthem to open up the day’s festivities. Governor Kevin Stitt made an announcement during Oklahoma Music and Film Day at the state capitol: “Born on July 8th, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma. He was raised in Moore and was later a resident in Norman, rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful, influential, and recognizable country music artists in American history… He remained deeply connected to his Oklahoma roots and proudly reflected the character, resilience, independence, and patriotism of our state through his music and through his steadfast support of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, including numerous USO tours… I now proclaim July 8, 2026, as Toby Keith Day.” View this post on Instagram Three months later, on what would have been the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer’s 65th birthday, Oklahoma celebrated its first official Toby Keith Day. In turn, his official Instagram account would share the proclamation that was presented to Krystal, which highlights the huge impact he had on the state throughout his life. View this post on Instagram Governor Kevin Stitt would once again praise Keith for his illustrious music career, along with his long history of charity work and patriotism, noting that his legacy will “continue to inspire generations of Oklahomans,” and they will always be grateful for his impact on the Sooner State. “Oklahoma will always remember and celebrate the legacy of Toby Keith. Today, July 8th, we recognize Toby Keith Day in Oklahoma and honor a true Oklahoma icon whose music, patriotism, and generosity touched millions of lives. I was proud to sign a proclamation recognizing this day and celebrating the lasting impact Toby made on our state and our nation. Toby never forgot where he came from. From his Oklahoma roots to stages around the world, he represented our state with pride and carried the values we hold dear everywhere he went. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Oklahomans, and we will always be grateful for the mark he left on the Sooner State and beyond.” A fitting honor to the late legend on what would have been his 65th birthday. Rest in peace, Toby. “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” The post Krystal Keith Receives Proclamation As Oklahoma Celebrates The First Official ‘Toby Keith Day’ first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

The Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, Texas is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and now music fans in the “Lone Star State” are scrambling to find out what exactly that means. Back in 2007, the Whitewater Amphitheater opened on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Across almost two decades, it’s been one of Central Texas’ most popular outdoor music venues. But in a surprising turn of events, news broke just yesterday that the venue had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy: Express News described how the situation unfolded as this: “Whitewater Amphitheater filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday as the popular New Braunfels music venue faced a scheduled foreclosure sale. Kona Coast Venture Ltd., the company that operates the venue, filed the petition at 10:26 a.m. in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in San Antonio. Federal bankruptcy law generally imposes an automatic stay on collection actions, though it was not immediately clear whether the foreclosure sale — scheduled for 10 a.m. — had already occurred.” View this post on Instagram That was definitely unexpected… especially for music fans out there who have already secured their tickets to upcoming shows at the Whitehouse Amphitheater (Randy Rogers Band will play there in just a few days). The Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has caused some panic, but it’s important to know exactly what that filing means. You might remember that Red Lobster did something similar back in 2024, which led to the seafood brand closing down a number of additional locations, yet allowing for them to still stay afloat financially. Obviously, Whitewater Amphitheater doesn’t have the luxury of closing down other locations. But overall, the venue could face a similar fate as it enters into bankruptcy. There’s a good chance that beloved Texas music venue will be able to come out on the other side eventually. Still, when people online hear the phrase “filing for bankruptcy,” they think it’s all she wrote. So, to clear up any confusion, the official Whitewater Amphitheater social media account put out this message. They want fans to know that filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy doesn’t mean the end… it just means going about things a bit differently. But rest assured, everything is still a go at the New Braunfels amphitheater: “Whitewater is open. The music continues. Today, Whitewater Amphitheater began a Chapter 11 restructuring process. For our fans, artists, employees and community, here’s what matters: Every scheduled concert is moving forward, Whitewater remains open for business, and our employees continue serving guests all season. This filing gives us the opportunity to protect one of Texas’ most iconic music venues while we reorganize and position Whitewater for a strong future. Since opening in 2007, Whitewater has welcomed millions of guests and helped make New Braunfels a destination for live music. We’re committed to preserving that legacy. Thank you to our fans, artists, staff, sponsors and community for your continued support. The music isn’t stopping. We’ll see you at the next show.” View this post on Instagram In other words, Whitewater Amphitheater is recognizing they need some assist and plans to reorganize their finances. All fans really want to hear is what that message above just delivered: It’s still open for business, and the venue will still host scheduled concerts coming up like Flatland Cavalry, Dwight Yoakam, Hudson Westbrook, Hardy, and Dylan Gossett and Charles Wesley Godwin.The post Popular Texas Music Venue, Whitewater Amphitheater, Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection first appeared on Whiskey Riff.