On Friday, March 20^th, Country music star Kenny Rogers died of natural causes at age 81. In the days following, the on-demand U.S. streams of Rogers 6 decade catalog of songs surged 1687% (according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data). On March 21 and 22, Rogers’ music reached 18 million streams. But it wasn’t just the streaming where we saw an increase in Rogers’ music being played. Album sales went up significantly as well. 15,000 copies were sold and 82,000 digital downloads were sold between March 21 and 23.

Rogers’ singles “The Gambler” and “Islands in the Stream” were two among the many hits that soared in digital downloads and on-demand downloads in the past few days. Many artists also gave their condolences to Rogers such as Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton and Lionel Richie. Rogers once said before he retired, “I’ve been so lucky to have enjoyed such a long career and to have such amazing support from my fans and all who have helped me along the way…” His fans have truly shown that they always have been, and always will be there to support him.

Top 10 Fun Things To Do While In Quarantine

Our county is sheltering in place, which means we’re here to give you things to do that will surely keep you entertained and positive during a time of uncertainty.

1. Find Your Inner Artist
   That’s right! If you have some canvas, brushes, and paint, why don’t you go ahead and make a day out of painting something. You could even follow a Bob Ross video of your liking, maybe even have a friendly competition with someone either in the house with you or via Skype/FaceTime. Don’t have paint? Well, you can always draw with paper and some colored pencils, markers, crayon, pens or pencils. Heck, you don’t even have to stick to painting and drawing, there are tons of arts and crafts out there. Get creative!! Then have an onlilne art show with your friends on social media!
    
2. Forts & Movies 
   Grab as many blankets, sheets, pillows and couch cushions as you can. Find some string lights. Get your laptop, move the television around, or maybe you have a projector. Make some popcorn. Pick a movie or two. Boom, there you go. You build an awesome fort and have a great time watching flicks. 
    
3. Game Time
   If you have any board games or a deck of cards, use them! Get some friendly competition going and enjoy the day playing your favorite games with the people you’ll be stuck with. Hey, you could even make a tournament out of it. If you’re by yourself, try connecting with friends by playing games over the phone or simply find some one player games online. You could even make up your own! 
    
4. Lights, Camera, Action! 
   We all love the home videos we have and the memories they bring. Take this opportunity to create more memories. Film what’s going on each day, make a skit, a music video, a trick shot video, etc. Use your imagination, become your very own director. Start calling yourself Quentin Tarantino (you’re welcome). If you are a high-schooler, enter your video in our talent contest – Sonoma County Stars of Tomorrow.
    
5. Try Something New 
   Do you have an old instrument lying around the house? Have you always wanted to juggle? Well, shoot! It’s as good a time as any to pick up a new skill or hobby now. Go on Google or YouTube and teach yourself how to do something. Maybe it’s a new recipe, how to knit, how to build something, how to play guitar, learning a new language, who knows. The possibilities are endless! 
    
6. Binge Baby, Binge
   Easy. Find a new show that interests you on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ or whatever streaming service you may have and start watching. You could even re-watch a TV series you really enjoy. How about watching trilogy+ movies such as Star Wars, Back to the Future, Matrix, Harry Potter, etc. This is probably the most solid (and most dangerous) plan to help time go by quickly.
    
7. Self-Care
   Set aside a few hours each day to relax and take care of yourself. Wash your face and try some face masks. Draw a long, bubbly bath and get a deep clean. Crest Strip your teeth, wax some areas (that can sometimes be dangerous at home!), or do a mani pedi. If you’re with others get some massages started. You can also take care of yourself by doing some yoga or a quick workout inside. Do whatever you need to feel good and less stressed.
    
8. Master Chef
   It’s time to find out who is the best cook in the house. Designate the competitors and the judges. Agree on an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Then the competition begins. You get great food and some fun competition out of it. Don’t want a competition? Pick something everyone can make together. Like pizzas, build your own nachos and milkshakes! If you’re by yourself, learn some new recipes and cooking tips for your next hot date in three weeks. And yes, you are allowed to eat SEVERAL cookies and cupcakes in one sitting, and even just for dinner.
    
9. Household Olympics 
   I bet the majority of us are sad that there aren’t any sports going on. Luckily, there’s a solution. Create some events based off of the Olympics, the show “Minute To Win It,” or your own creative brain using whatever you have in the house. Make some 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals along with a podium and let the games begin! Don’t forget to play the winner’s anthem during the podium ceremony. 
    
10. Dance Party
    Blast some music and dance it out. There’s always time to dance with friends and family, and now you have even more time to do that. Bust a move until you drop or run out of music. This one is a guaranteed good time with plenty of memories and laughs to come. Since the gyms are closed, this is your chance to break a sweat and stay in shape!
    
    THANKS TO RADIO INTERN ALBERT COITO WHO WROTE MOST OF THIS! LOVE MY INTERNS!

Do you miss jean jackets, mullets and REAL country music? Then we’ve got the band for you…Hot Country Knights is a faux band with a mission to bring back 90’s country music. This band is fronted by country music star Dierks Bentley. The band itself consists of 6 members: Barry Van Ricky, Marty Ray Roburn, Douglas Douglason, Trevor Travis, Monte Montgomery and Terotej Dvoraczekynski. Dierks himself is disguised as “Doug”. The rest of his live touring band mates and their alter egos make up Hot Country Knights. The fun doesn’t stop at the over-the-top 1990’s country attire. This faux band has signed a record deal, released 2 singles and a music video full of nostalgia and have already made their late night TV debut. But here is where it gets exciting; Hot Country Knights recently announced that they are going on tour and will be stopping in the Bay Area, mullets and all.