Artist Updates: Craig Morgan, Mark Chesnutt, John Berry, Smithfield

Craig Morgan Plans Free Nashville Concert

Craig Morgan will host a free concert to celebrate the release of his upcoming album, A Whole Lot More To Me, set for release on Black River Entertainment on June 3. Presented by Kidde Fire Safety, LINE-X and NRA Country, the concert will be held Wednesday, June 8 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon, beginning at 6 p.m.

The concert will also feature performances from Lindsay Ell, Adam Sanders, Hailey Whitters, Jillian Cardarelli. Third Day frontman Mac Powell, who duets with Morgan on “Hearts I Leave Behind” on Morgan’s new album, will also appear.

Mark Chesnutt Signs With Row Entertainment

Mark Chesnutt

Mark Chesnutt has signed with a new Nashville-based label, Row Entertainment. He will release the project, Tradition Lives, later this year, marking his first studio release of all-new music since 2008. Row Entertainment is a partnership with Jimmy Ritchey, Kyle Waites, and recording artist Tim Rushlow. Row Entertainment’s offices are located at 2818 Azalea Place in Nashville.

“Without a doubt, Mark is an artist that continues to stand for the best in the format,” Ritchey said. “Everyone here is so excited to be working along with him to bring his music to the masses.”

“Country music is what I’ve always been about, and that’s what I’ll always be,” Chesnutt said. “It’s all I know, and I think people will love the new music as much as I am going to love playing it for them.”

John Berry Announces New Album, Label, Publicist

Left photo (L to R):
Brian Smith, Leadership Artists; Trish Holman, Mansion Entertainment; John Berry; Dewayne Brown, Sony RED; John Mathis, Mansion Entertainment. Right photo, L-R: John Berry; Don Murry Grubbs, Absolute Publicity

John Berry will release his first studio album in three years on June 3. He has signed on with Mansion Entertainment and Sony RED for project distribution as well as Absolute Publicity’s Don Murry Grubbs for public relations representation.

“After my successful Kickstarter effort last fall resulted in the recording of my new album, What I Love The Most, I wanted to partner with a label that would really ‘get it,'” says Berry. “I was very pleased when Mansion Entertainment and Sony RED stepped up and was excited to release it. They are focused and we are all looking forward to its June 3rd release.”

Berry adds, “I had heard of Absolute Publicity and I am friends with many of the acts they represent. So when my manager and label both suggested them I knew it would be the right fit. I am thrilled to work with Don and his team in promoting this album I am so proud of.”

Smithfield Make Grand Ole Opry Debut

Pictured (L-R): J.R. Schumann, SiriusXM; Trey Smith; Jennifer Fiedler; Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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