COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

KENNY CHESNEY: Ready to Return

 If you've wondered if Kenny Chesney has missed touring this year, the answer is yes and no. He tells Billboard magazine, "I didn't miss going to catering every day at 5 o'clock. I didn't miss hanging out on the bus all day wasting time ... But, I missed that first note every night. I missed the energy of the crowd. That's what you hope you miss, and boy, I missed it." Kenny's 2011 tour dates will include his legendary stadium shows.

 LADY ANTEBELLUM: Country Goes to Town

 Lady Antebellum has been invited by Justin Timberlake to perform at his annual benefit to raise money for Shriners Hospital for Children at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on October 23rd. Also performing at the event are Christina Aguilera, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Salt-N-Pepa, Selena Gomez, T-Pain and FreeSol.

 BUCKY COVINGTON: Head First

 Bucky Covington took a nasty spill in an ATV race against his brother, Rocky. Bucky went head-first over the handlebars, but managed to get back on the vehicle and win the race. The event was taped for an episode of Fisher's ATV World that will air later this year on the Outdoor Channel.

 QUICK SHOTS:

• Eddie Montgomery will celebrate the grand opening of Eddie Montgomery's Steakhouse September 14th in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The evening will include an all-star jam at the restaurant, which promises to showcase live talent regularly. The property will also, eventually, house an amphitheater and hotel.

• Miranda Lambert will release a live performance DVD on October 12th. Revolution: Live by Candlelight also features stories behind the songs.

• The lawsuit filed against Chris Cagle over a 2007 bar fight in Tucson, Arizona has been dismissed.