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Multi-platinum, award-winning singer/songwriter JO DEE MESSINA continues to have a hugely successful summer playing to big audiences and earning critical raves. This week (on 8/6), record crowds showed up for Jo Dee's show in Urbana, OH at the Champaign Country Fair and the audiences around the country continue to grow. Beyond her hectic touring schedule, which is booked well into the fall, JO DEE is working on new music which will be released as soon as possible.

“The enthusiasm is so contagious,” says JO DEE. “Once we hit the stage, it's high energy. I am truly grateful to all the folks who have attended shows. They've made this an incredible summer."

As she travels across the country with her band, husband Chris (who happens to be her sound engineer) and her two young sons,JO DEE keeps her plate full: she’s a regular contributor to the “Babble Voices” blogs on the acclaimed, hugely-popular parenting site Babble.com and continues her “Backstage With Fumbling Mom” blog on her own website. She discuss her perspective on being a parent, fumbling her way through each day and new challenges as she learns how to balance being a mother of two--to three-year-old Noah and 24-week-old Jonah--and maintaining a career to provide for her family.

She talks about life on the road, including some of her pet peeves, like those people on the plane who have to carry on all of their luggage here.

So listen up, all you bin hogs out there. Know this: it is YOU that makes security move at a snail’s pace. You are the ones that make boarding a plane take forever while you search for space and try to force your gargantuan bag into a that tiny little overhead bin. And then you slow down the process of getting off the plane by trying to move against traffic to get your bag that is in a further back compartment, because the space by you was already filled beyond capacity. Be considerate of other flyers and downsize a bit on your carry-on luggage.

And if you fly Southwest, for God’s sake, check your freaking bags.

She also pokes fun at herself, including a not-so-funny story (with video to prove it!) about young Jonah on a recent “Flight From Hell you can see here.

Well, I’m famous … Not in the way I would want to be. For being a songwriter, musician, award winning singer. NOPE! I’m famous for having “THAT KID ON A PLANE.” I travel for a living. We take buses mostly. But, due to crappy routing, planes are a frequent use of travel this year. The last flight we took home from Salt Lake City was an absolute nightmare. Our 3-year-old was doing fine watching baby Einstein while our six-month-old did OK for the first 45 minute, and then ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. He started crying and would not stop. We tried everything. Giving him a bottle, walking him up and down the isle (meanwhile waking everyone up on the plane). We tried standing him up, burping him, lying him down on his back, on his stomach. NOTHING soothed him. I started to feel the frustration of those around me. I began to sweat profusely. I hate inconveniencing others on a plane. It’s just rude. I wanted to say “Do you think that I LIKE this?” I don’t want to hear the baby cry either. I was hoping to catch a nap after a long hard two week run out west. But, the baby had other plans.

About Jo Dee Messina:
Since breaking onto the music scene in 1996, the multi-platinum and award-winning country singer/songwriter JO DEE MESSINA has scored nine #1 country singles, sold over five million records, received two Grammy nominations and earned various CMA and ACM awards. Her many hits include “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright,” “Stand Beside Me,” “That’s The Way” and “Bring On The Rain” (a duet with Tim McGraw). Her self-titled 1996 debut album was certified Gold by the RIAA and featured the single "Heads Carolina, Tails California." With four huge radio hits, her second album I’m Alright was certified double platinum and she won the CMA's Horizon Award in 1999. She was the first female country artist to score three multiple-week #1 songs from the same album. The follow-up album, Burn, was certified platinum. She also scored an adult contemporary hit with "Bring on the Rain," with McGraw on harmonies. Most recently, she released a trio of EPs titled Unmistakable which featured new material as well as live acoustic versions of her hits. In addition to headlining concerts, she also toured with Vince Gill, George Strait and the Judds on their reunion tour. Her fame also led to television roles on “Touched by an Angel” and “Nash Bridges.”

www.jodeemessina.com
www.amilliondoors.com
www.fumblingmom.com
http://twitter.com/#!/jodeemessina
https://twitter.com/#!/FumblingMom
http://blogs.babble.com/babble-voices/

FEATURED IN PAPER'S "FAMILY" SECTION

 
The Fumbling Mom, the humorous parenting blog of country superstar JO DEE MESSINA, will be featured in The Tennessean, Nashville's most prominent and prestigious newspaper.

The news outlet will feature content from JO DEE’s blog in its "Family" section starting today (Thursday May 24) and periodically going forward. As a result of this ongoing partnership, MESSINA--a mother to three-year-old Noah and 16-week-old Jonah--will provide stories, tips, and more for The Tennessean, becoming a significant contributor to launching the publication’s newly designed “Family” section. It will be in the print publication as well as online here.

About The Fumbling Mom and its success, JO DEE says, "I do the best I can as a mom. Some days are hard, some days are easy.  All days are rewarding. I try to write about things I learn or observe with a humorous approach for my blog. I find it fulfilling, as do my readers.  I am not an expert.  They know that. I am just like them, fumbling my way through motherhood, hoping I don't mess it up."

Since its launch in January 2012, MESSINA's The Fumbling Mom continues to enthrall readers with its heartfelt and hilarious stories and helpful parenting tips. The singer also invites fans into her world with personal photos of her family, bringing the audience along for the ride on the road and at home. Balancing parenting and a successful music career, it's the perfect combination of wisdom from a working mom and shine from a star. Some of her tips include how to set attainable goals, dealing with sleep deprivation, and other ever-important questions as well as healthy recipes for the kids to enjoy. The site is best described as "a humorous look at a working mom who doesn't have all the answers...just some of them."

Just like everything else JO DEE does, The Fumbling Mom is bound to resonate with fans everywhere.

About Jo Dee Messina:
Since breaking onto the music scene in 1996, the multi-platinum and award-winning country singer/songwriter JO DEE MESSINA has scored nine #1 country singles, sold over five million records, received two Grammy nominations and earned various CMA and ACM awards.  Her many hits include “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright,” “Stand Beside Me,” “That’s The Way” and “Bring On The Rain” (a duet with Tim McGraw).  Her self-titled 1996 debut album was certified Gold by the RIAA and featured the single "Heads Carolina, Tails California." With four huge radio hits, her second album I’m Alright was certified double platinum and she won the CMA's Horizon Award in 1999. She was the first female country artist to score three multiple-week #1 songs from the same album. The follow-up album, Burn, was certified platinum. She also scored an adult contemporary hit with "Bring on the Rain," with McGraw on harmonies. Most recently, she released a trio of EPs titled Unmistakable which featured new material as well as live acoustic versions of her hits. In addition to headlining concerts, she also toured with Vince Gill, George Strait and the Judds on their reunion tour. Her fame also led to television roles on “Touched by an Angel” and “Nash Bridges.”

www.jodeemessina.com
www.amilliondoors.com|
www.fumblingmom.com
http://twitter.com/#!/jodeemessina

 Multi-platinum, award-winning country singer/songwriter JO DEE MESSINA will return to Bravo TV’s wildly popular series “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” thisSunday, March 18 (9/8c) where she’ll continue her collaboration with songwriter KANDI BURRUSS. Cameras previously captured the country songstress during a writing session with the Atlanta cast member and former member of the platinum-selling group Xscape, who won a Grammy for her work on the group TLC’s mega-hit “No Scrubs.”

In the new episode, BURRUSS travels to Nashville to record two songs MESSINA and BURRUSS wrote along with LIL’ RONNIE (R. Kelly, Britney Spears, Lupe Fiasco): “I Won’t Give Up On You” and “Money Don’t Grow On Trees.” Here’s a sneak-peek at the episode airing on Sunday: http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/season-4/videos/and-theres-a-hit.

www.jodeemessina.com
www.amilliondoors.com
www.fumblingmom.com
http://twitter.com/#!/jodeemessina

EVENT TO RAISE MONEY FOR NON-PROFIT
HOLY TRINITY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Multi-platinum, award-winning country singer/songwriter JO DEE MESSINA is hosting a “Night Of Nostalgia,” a big band swing and casino night, on Saturday, March 3 at7pm in Nashville. The event--at the Maxwell House Hotel--will raise money for the non-profit Holy Trinity Montessori School. Tickets are $60 and include open bar, light fare and dancing. Patrons will also be treated to a performance from Cliff Notes and MESSINA herself. To reserve your tickets, visit: http://nostalgia2012.eventbrite.com.

Last year, MESSINA launched the “A MILLION DOORS” campaign to help raise $2.3 million for the non-profit school in Nashville, with all funds going directly to the construction of a new schoolhouse.  Check out www.amilliondoors.com.

The Nashville-based philanthropist is working closely with Holy Trinity Montessori school head Kate Riley to build the 6000 square foot school for students up through third grade, and possibly up to fifth, offering them an affordable, hands-on education.  In the Montessori classroom, children are placed in a three-year multi-age grouping (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, etc.). 

The school, founded in 2009, currently has 25 students enrolled, with another 45 on the waiting list.  The new schoolhouse will accommodate up to–-but no more than–-125 children. At Holy Trinity Montessori, the children develop a secure sense of self, independence, deep concentration, pride in their environment and a unique connection to God. The Montessori curriculum offers a comprehensive, developmental early childhood environment with areas focusing on language, mathematics, sensorial, practical life, cultural and religion.

“This isn’t about just a cause I believe in or the latest celebrity charity,” says MESSINA. “I want this campaign to show that even in a time when people feel there is little hope, that there IS hope and dreams still DO come true.  I chose it because we need people from all over to carry us with their support to make this dream come true.”  

www.jodeemessina.com
www.amilliondoors.com
www.fumblingmom.com
http://twitter.com/#!/jodeemessina

Country singer, songwriter and musician JO DEE MESSINA and her husband CHRIS DEFFENBAUGH today (1/11/12) welcomed their second son to the family.  6-pound, 13-ounce Jonah Christopher Deffenbaugh was born at 2:43 PM Central time and joins three-year-old brother Noah.  Jo Dee reported in from a Nashville hospital that everyone is doing wonderfully. “Noah couldn’t wait to hold his little brother.  He’s so good with him.  God has blessed us so much.”

www.jodeemessina.com
http://twitter.com/jodeemessina
www.amilliondoors.com

 Set your DVRs for two major national upcoming JO DEE MESSINA TV appearances.  On Wednesday, June 8 she’ll appear live on NBC-TV’s “The Today Show” as well as FOX-TV’s “Fox & Friends.” She’ll also tape a piece for the nationally-distributed “FOX 411” news segment.

Jo Dee is hitting the TV circuit to discuss efforts to raise money for the Holy Trinity Montessori, a non-profit school in Nashville, TN, as part of her “A Million Doors” campaign.  She will promote the song, Carry Me,”which is being made available via www.amilliondoors.com. She’s also donating proceeds from an upcoming June 25 show in Kansas for the Red Cross’s efforts to help those affected by the recent tornado in Joplin, MO.

For more information, go to:

www.amilliondoors.com

www.jodeemessina.com

 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE SET FOR JUNE 10

Multi-platinum and award-winning country singer/songwriter JO DEE MESSINA will host her 13^th annual fan club party in conjunction with Nashville’s CMA Music Festival being held next week.  On Friday, June 10 she’ll perform at the Riverfront Stage.  The next morning (Saturday, June 11) she’ll host an intimate 9:00AM show for the fans at Nashville’s Belcourt Theatreand will be joined by friend Crystal Bowersox.  Tickets can be purchased here: http://jdmparty-autohome.eventbrite.com/

Jo Dee also made tickets available for Crystal Bowersox’s fans since it’s the “American Idol” runner-up’s first CMA Music Festival. "I wanted her and her fans to experience the excitement of CMA Music Fest, and how you get to spend time with fans, which is something artists cherish.  I can't wait for her to see it all!"  

 www.jodeemessina.com
www.amilliondoors.com

About Jo Dee Messina:
Since breaking onto the music scene in 1996, the multi-platinum and award-winning country singer/songwriter JO DEE MESSINA has scored nine #1 country singles, sold over five million records, received two Grammy nominations and earned various CMA and ACM awards.  Her many hits include “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright,” “Stand Beside Me,” “That’s The Way” and “Bring On The Rain” (a duet with Tim McGraw).  Her self-titled 1996 debut album was certified Gold by the RIAA and featured the single "Heads Carolina, Tails California." With four huge radio hits, her second album I’m Alright was certified double platinum and she won the CMA's Horizon Award in 1999. She was the first female country artist to score three multiple-week #1 songs from the same album. The follow-up album, Burn, was certified platinum. She also scored an adult contemporary hit with "Bring on the Rain," with McGraw on harmonies. In addition to headlining concerts, she also toured with Vince Gill, George Strait and the Judds on their reunion tour. Her fame also led to television roles on “Touched by an Angel” and “Nash Bridges.”  In 2010, she released a trio of “Unmistakable” EPs: LOVE, DRIVE and INSPIRATION.

JO DEE MESSINA

RELEASES NEW SONG ‘CARRY ME’ TO OPEN “A MILLION DOORS”

AND TO SHOW THAT, WITH A LITTLE HELP, DREAMS DO COME TRUE

THE SONG IS BEING OFFERED FOR A DOLLAR DONATION

WITH ALL PROCEEDS  GOING TOWARD THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SCHOOLHOUSE

JO DEE MESSINA believes that dreams can still come true, even amid the specter of daunting world events, and the multi-platinum country singer has launched the “A MILLION DOORS”campaign to help raise $2.3 million for a non-profit school in Nashville, the Holy Trinity Montessori. The multi-platinum and award-winning country singer/songwriter has recorded a new song, the soaring “Carry Me,” which is available for a donation of one dollar at http://amilliondoors.com/.  “Carry Me” will be available through July 15, with all funds going directly to the school for the construction of a new schoolhouse.

“If you contribute one dollar, you can help make a dream come true,” says the Nashville-based JO DEE.  “I tour around the country and spend a great deal of time listening to people’s stories.  Lately it seems that with all the sadness in the news--wars, politics, economy, etc.--people need a little restoration of hope.”

For the release of the inspirational track “Carry Me,” the Nashville-based artist worked closely with her label and the songwriter to help the school:  Curb Records President Mike Curbcontinues his philanthropic tradition by allowing JO DEE to release the song independently, and Christian songwriter Jared Anderson has waived his publishing royalties, allowing all funds raised to go to the Holy Trinity school. JO DEE is also planning to raise funds for the school through a series of live concerts (TBA).

JO DEE and Holy Trinity Montessori school head Kate Riley are looking to raise $2.3 million dollars to build the 6000 square-foot school for students up through third grade, and possibly up to fifth, offering them an affordable, hands-on education.  In the Montessori classroom, children are placed in a three-year multi-age grouping (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, etc.).  To see JO DEE and Katediscuss the school and “A Million Doors,” please check out www.AMillionDoors.com  

The school, founded in 2009, currently has 25 students enrolled, with another 45 on the waiting list.  The new schoolhouse will accommodate up to--but no more than--125 children. At Holy Trinity Montessori, the children develop a secure sense of self, independence, deep concentration, pride in their environment and a unique connection to God. The Montessori curriculum offers a comprehensive, developmental early childhood environment with areas focusing on language, mathematics, sensorial, practical life, cultural and religion.

“This isn’t about just a cause I believe in or the latest celebrity charity,” says JO DEE.  “I want this campaign to show that even in a time when people feel there is little hope, that there IS hope and dreams still DO come true.  I chose it because we need people from all over to carry us with their support to make this dream come true.” 

JO DEE has helped important causes before, including being an ambassador for the Special Olympics, organizing 5K charity runs for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Christmas performances benefitting downtown Nashville’s Harvest Hands Community Development Corporation and, most recently, a speaking engagement benefitting the Red Cross.  Her “Make Something Of It” podcast on USTREAM was also a hit, with over 140,000 fans tuning in to hear stories of inspiration and hope.

http://amilliondoors.com/
http://www.holytrinitymontessori.org/
http://www.jodeemessina.com/

 About Jo Dee Messina:

Since breaking onto the music scene in 1996, the multi-platinum and award-winning country singer/songwriter JO DEE MESSINA has scored nine #1 country singles, sold over five million records, received two Grammy nominations and earned various CMA and ACM awards.  Her many hits include “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright,” “Stand Beside Me,” “That’s The Way” and “Bring On The Rain” (a duet with Tim McGraw).  Her self-titled 1996 debut album was certified Gold by the RIAA and featured the single "Heads Carolina, Tails California." With four huge radio hits, her second album I’m Alright was certified double platinum and she won the CMA's Horizon Award in 1999. She was the first female country artist to score three multiple-week #1 songs from the same album. The follow-up album, Burn, was certified platinum. She also scored an adult contemporary hit with "Bring on the Rain," with McGraw on harmonies. In addition to headlining concerts, she also toured with Vince Gill, George Strait and the Judds on their reunion tour. Her fame also led to television roles on “Touched by an Angel” and “Nash Bridges.”  In 2010, she released a trio of “Unmistakable” EPs: LOVE, DRIVE and INSPIRATION.