Bobby Karl Works The Room: Nashville’s Musical Diversity Shines For Grammy Block Party

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Pictured (L-R): Nashville Chapter President Trey Fanjoy, Jimmie Allen, Trisha Yearwood, Nashville Chapter Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Courtesy The Recording Academy

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 619

What a lovely way to start the week.

Monday’s revival of the Grammy Block Party (April 29) notched up another victory for Nashville music diversity. Apart from host Jimmie Allen’s acoustic performance of “Best Shot,” the event was notable for its near-absence of country music, Nashville’s most famous genre.

Trisha Yearwood sang the classics of Frank Sinatra. T-Pain offered hip-hop. Gavin DeGraw performed modern pop. Francesca Battistelli did Christian rock. And MAJOR. just about stole the show with his brand of contemporary r&b.

The evening was balmy and mellow as we arrived at the courtyard plaza of War Memorial Auditorium. New Nashville DJ/remix artist Dave Aude was spinning sizzling sounds. And the fabulons were schmoozing mightily.

Jed Hilly, Benita Hill, Dan Hill, Dan Rogers, LB Rogers, Dave Pacula, David Malloy, Dave Brainard, Bil VornDick, Billy Burnette, Eddie Perez, Edie Emery, Chris Farren, Chris Keaton, Jon Loba, John Briggs and Regulus were noshing, imbibing and working the room.

The noshing, by the way, was dandy. The food station featured deviled eggs, hot-chicken sliders with dill pickles, tomato-and-mozzarella skewers, cheesy stuffed potato morsels, pimento cheese toast points with cucumber and tomato slices, roast-beef-and-horseradish sliders and pudding cups.

We were urged to enter War Memorial. Which made this “block party” unusual in that it was staged indoors. The venue’s interior was decorated with large, pale blue, glowing stars as well as multiple strings of golden party lights. There were indirect “up” lights on the classical columns, and the perimeter was bordered with black drapes.

Trisha Yearwood performs. Photo: Courtesy The Recording Academy

Opener DeGraw offered oldies like “Easy” and “Cupid” before favoring the crowd with his tuneful hit “Chariot,” which drew big applause. He performed solo at the piano with just an acoustic guitarist as additional accompaniment.

Yearwood was up next. She was backed by a 10-piece band including strings and horns as she showered us with a swinging set of Sinatra standards. She paused to introduce pianist/bandleader Alan Pasqua. He plays on her Let’s Be Frank collection, which was recorded live in Sinatra’s old stomping grounds at Capitol Records in Hollywood. She sang its love ballad “For the Last Time,” which she co-wrote about and with Garth Brooks, before raising the roof with a breath-taking “Over the Rainbow.” This drew shouts, whistles and cheers.

“I want to say how honored I am to be part of the Grammys,” she said. “So thank you for inviting me tonight.”

DJ Dave Audé entertained the crowd in between the performers by spinning everything from “Old Town Road” to “Islands In the Stream” with club-remix precision.

“My mom named me Major,” said the next act, MAJOR. (Major R. Johnson Finley). “So I made a commitment to honor my name.”

That he did, with a groovy, rhythm-drenched set that showcased his pitch-perfect, mellifluous, octave-leaping voice. His performances included hits “Better With You In It” and “Honest,” plus the soaring, anthemic “Shine Bright” as well as the introduction of his new single titled, I think, “Til the Sun Comes Up.”

“I thank you for this welcome to the Recording Academy,” he said. “I’ve dreamed of moments like this. It’s a dream come true….Nashville, I love you! Together, we can change-over the world.”

Gavin DeGraw performs. Photo: Courtesy The Recording Academy

Allen sang solo with his own guitar accompaniment. Then Battistelli came out rocking. She has seven No. 1 CCM hits and six Dove Awards. Grammy-winning rapper/producer T-Pain (Faheem Rasheed Najm) was the finale. Alas, by the time he performed, the crowd had thinned considerably.

Spotted gabbing and grooving were Frank Liddell, George Flanigen, Chuck Ainlay, Victoria Shaw, Beverly Keel, new Opry hire Audrey McGrady, Pat McMakin, Ben Fowler, Jessica Nicholson, Karen Clark, Mike Wrucke, Martha Moore, Todd Cassetty, Irene Kelley (who has a new bluegrass album), Jenny Tolman (who also has some new country music), Garth Fundis, Terry Hemmings, Clay Myers, Gary Kraen, Steve O’Brien, Earle Simmons, Sherry Bond, Sherod Robertson and Nashville NARAS board prez Trey Fanjoy.

Kudos to the committee who planned this bash, as well as the sponsors who made it possible. Not to mention erstwhile Recording Academy staffers Alicia Warwick, Bri Buchanan, Ashley Ernst, Susan Stewart, Nathan Pyle, Debbie Carroll, Laura Crawford, Courtney White and Lyn Aurelius.

The Grammy Block party has been a mainstay of the Nashville music community’s social calendar since 1999. The event took a year off in 2018. Now it is back, with a merry and melodic vengeance.

Pictured: Chapter ED Alicia Warwick, Gavin DeGraw, Jimmie Allen, Chapter President Trey Fanjoy. Photo: Courtesy The Recording Academy

Trisha Yearwood. Photo Courtesy The Recording Academy

MAJOR. performs. Photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage; Courtesy The Recording Academy

T-Pain performs at the 2019 Grammy Block Party at War Memorial Auditorium on April 29, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage/Courtesy of The Recording Academy

Pictured (L-R): Nashville Chapter Board member Phil Thornton, Alicia Warwick, Claude Kelly, host/performer Jimmie Allen, Susan Stewart and Nashville Chapter Board member Chuck Harmony. Photo: Courtesy The Recording Academy

Pictured: T-Pain, Francesca Battistelli, Gavin DeGraw, Jimmie Allen. Photo: Courtesy The Recording Academy

Twitter Debuts New Slate Of Premium Content

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Twitter debuted an expanded lineup of new live and on-demand premium video programming at the Digital Content NewFronts, offering advertisers new opportunities to connect with audiences throughout the world’s most influential cultural moments. Among the new offerings are a concert and festival series from Live Nation which will feature 10 concerts in 10 weeks. Live Nation will also capture moments from festivals like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and more to share with fans. New collaborations and renewals were announced across news, sports, gaming and entertainment, reflecting the conversations and interests people are passionate about on Twitter.

“When you collaborate with the top publishers in the world, you can develop incredibly innovative ways to elevate premium content and bring new dimensions to the conversations that are already happening on Twitter,” said Twitter Global VP and Head of Content Partnerships Kay Madati. “Together with our partners, we developed this new slate of programming specifically for our audiences, and designed the content to fuel even more robust conversation on Twitter.”

Among the new premium content:

  • Live Nation: This fall, Live Nation is launching a new concert and festival series exclusively on Twitter. The series will feature 10 concerts, in 10 weeks, with 10 world class artists, bringing the power of live to millions of music fans. Live Nation will also capture must-see moments from iconic festivals including Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo Arts & Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival, among others, and share recaps from festival Twitter handles for fans to relive the magic long after the experience ends. These live events and related content give brands the opportunity to meaningfully engage with fans when they’re truly listening.
  • NFL: As part of a multiyear partnership extension with Twitter, the NFL will continue to program a full slate of video highlights, breaking news and analysis, and will also include new live shows anchored around NFL tentpole events. Beginning with Kickoff and running through the NFL Draft, these live shows will be produced specifically for a Twitter audience, providing fans with unique access to some of the biggest events in sports. Additionally, the NFL will deliver more weekly content with new video clip series and content formats such as Q&As, fan polls and Twitter moments to ensure users never miss a minute of the action.
  • The Wall Street Journal: The Wall Street Journal is launching WSJ What’s Now, a new franchise that will bring enterprise reporting, business analysis and markets insights to Twitter in an original video format. From sunrise to primetime, this new franchise will reach an influential audience throughout the day, sharing exclusive stories and expert-level context at the speed of Twitter. As part of WSJ What’s Now, The Wall Street Journal will live stream its premium conferences and events – including the Future of Everything and WSJ Tech D.Live – on Twitter, giving people an unprecedented opportunity to watch news unfold through panels and interviews with industry titans, innovative founders, investors and ambitious minds.
  • Viacom: For the first time ever, the MTV VMA Stan Cam gives fans the power to create their livestream, their way, all on Twitter. Using a series of short-form livestreams on Twitter, MTV will ask fans to decide which audience member they’d like to watch on a live reaction cam or follow backstage and behind-the-scenes during the show’s biggest moments. MTV will also ask Twitter fans to send questions to talent for real-time feedback in-show. Viacom will also be bringing back red carpet coverage of BET, CMT and MTV’s biggest tentpole events.

Kacey Musgraves, The Raconteurs, Lauren Daigle To Play Austin City Limits Music Festival

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The 2019 Austin City Limits Music Festival features a powerhouse lineup this year that includes Guns N’ Roses, Mumford & Sons, Childish Gambino, The Cure, Cardi B (Weekend One), Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, and Robyn (Weekend Two), Kacey Musgraves, The Raconteurs, Gary Clark Jr., Lizzo, Thom Yorke, Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes, James Blake, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Tyler Childers, Third Eye Blind (Weekend Two), Rebelution, GRiZ, RL Grime, Jenny Lewis, BANKS, The Kooks (Weekend One), Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Chris Shiflett and many more. The 18th annual festival takes place Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13 at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.

The diverse bill will also include a wide range of new and established female artists from around the world, including Lizzo, King Princess, Kali Uchis, Rosalía (Spain), Lauren Daigle, Jenny Lewis, BANKS, Sigrid (Norway), Natalia Lafourcade (Mexico), K.Flay, Bea Miller, Joseph, Koffee (Jamaica), The Aces, Cherry Glazerr, Men I Trust (Canada), Monsieur Periné (Colombia), Weyes Blood (Weekend One), Yola (England – Weekend Two), Karol Conka (Brazil – Weekend Two), Delacey (England – Weekend One), and many more.

Austin City Limits Music Festival has a proud tradition of celebrating Texan artists as well. This year’s crop of homegrown talent includes Kacey Musgraves, Gary Clark Jr., Asleep at the Wheel (Weekend One), Black Pistol Fire, Megan Thee Stallion (Weekend Two), Pike and Sutton (Weekend Two), Blackillac (Weekend Two), Night Cap (Weekend One), Otis the Destroyer (Weekend One), Abhi The Nomad (Weekend Two), Jane Ellen Bryant (Weekend Two), Alesia Lani (Weekend One), Kady Rain (Weekend Two), Stone Wheels (Weekend One) and more.

Tickets are available at aclfestival.com.

For KING & COUNTRY Reveal North American Tour Dates For 2019

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for KING & COUNTRY has announced their burn the ships | world tour: North America. The run will feature a new stage and lighting setup, and will hit major markets including Nashville (Ascend Amphitheater), Chicago (Sears Centre Arena), Atlanta (Fox Theatre), San Diego (Viejas Arena), and Houston (Berry Center) with more to follow.

Joel and Luke Smallbone stated, “For the first time since we started the band, we’re going to be able to share the music and the heart behind it in the most inspirational and theatrical way we’ve been able to date. We cannot wait to embark on this voyage with you!”

for KING & COUNTRY released their third studio album, burn the ships, in 2018 and earned their fourth and fifth No. 1 hits with “joy.” and “God Only Knows.” They have sold out 22 shows on their burn the ships | world tour thus far, including the Sydney Opera House in their homeland of Australia, and are currently nominated for three 2019 Billboard Music Awards.

9.26 CURE Insurance Arena Trenton, NJ
9.27 EMU Convocation Center Ypsilanti, MI
9.28 Sears Centre Arena Chicago, IL
9.29 Ascend Amphitheater Nashville, TN
10.03 L.C. Walker Arena Muskegon, MI
10.04 Bankers Life Fieldhouse Indianapolis, IN
10.05 The Family Arena St. Louis, MO
10.06 Verizon Arena Little Rock, AR
10.10 Fox Theatre Atlanta, GA
10.11 Bay Center Pensacola, FL
10.12 Addition Financial Arena Orlando, FL
10.13 Amalie Arena Tampa, FL
10.18 Maverik Center Salt Lake City, UT
10.19 Tingley Coliseum Albuquerque, NM
10.20 Tucson Arena Tucson, AZ
10.22 Reno Events Center Reno, NV
10.24 Viejas Arena San Diego, CA
10.25 Bren Events Center Irvine, CA
10.26 Memorial Auditorium Sacramento, CA
10.27 The Pavilion at Oregon State Fair Salem, OR
11.01 Taco Bell Arena Boise, ID
11.02 Abbotsford Centre Abbotsford, B.C.
11.03 Angel of the Winds Arena Seattle, WA
11.05 Casper Events Center Casper, WY
11.09 Target Center Minneapolis, MN
11.14 State Farm Hidalgo Arena Hidalgo, TX
11.16 Berry Center Houston, TX
11.17 UNO Lakefront Arena New Orleans, LA
11.22 UMBC Event Center Baltimore, MD
11.24 Bon Secours Wellness Arena Greenville, SC

U.S. Music Groups Demonstrate Impact Of Recording Industry In Each State With “50 States Of Music” Project

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In Tennessee, the music industry contributes $4.92 billion to the state GDP, supporting 61,769 music-related jobs, 5,846 music businesses, and 55,066 songwriters. Meanwhile, Illinois supports 57,523 music-related jobs, along with 4,553 music businesses and 43,285 songwriters.

A new interactive website, titled 50 States Of Music, aggregates datapoints to display each state’s music industry contribution to the U.S. GDP, as well as the number of jobs, music businesses, royalty recipients, and songwriters (ASCAP/BMI) supported in each state. The site also lists music festivals and conferences, as well as schools that offer music instruction.

The project is the brainchild of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), ASCAP, BMI, the Recording Industry Association of America, and SoundExchange.

“Music is a uniting force—a beloved cultural asset that speaks to each and every one of us in our lives,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO, RIAA. “We know this, but what is less known is the enormous economic value music provides in hometowns throughout the USA—from the local music store and concert venue to the music festival and hard-working songwriters and musicians in each and every state. Music is America, and America is music. This new site finally paints a proper picture of the U.S. music industry as one that is truly local, growing, and more important than ever. We hope that the entire music business, fans, and policymakers find this a useful resource as we continue our work toward a bright future for U.S. music.”

“Everybody loves music and the influence of American music is in evidence almost anywhere we go in the world,” said Richard Burgess, President and CEO, A2IM.  “So much so that it has been an unofficial cultural ambassador for this country since the invention of the phonograph. Despite the ubiquitous of our music, it is not common knowledge how much creators, labels, and other music industry players contribute to the U.S. and our individual State economies. Finally, we have a site that gathers this information together in a fun and easily digestible way.”

“Songwriters are the lifeblood of the music industry; small businesses who operate in every state across the country making great music and driving American culture,” said Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP. “ASCAP is happy to be a part of this new site that shines a light on the importance of music throughout the USA—from the smallest town to the biggest city—and notes the iconic contributions of songwriters.”

“The power of music is undeniable, both from a cultural and economic standpoint,” said Mike O’Neill, President & CEO, BMI. “Many talented people across the nation are essential to the American music industry, and of course, it all starts with the songwriters and composers who provide the foundation for our business. Bringing this picture to life is the 50 States of Music site, an incredible new resource that highlights music’s cultural and economic impact across the U.S., state by state. BMI is proud to partner with the RIAA and other music organizations on this important project that showcases all that goes into the success of the American music industry.”

“50 States of Music captures the tremendous positive economic impact of our industry—one that extends far beyond music’s creators and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of professionals in communities across the country,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO, SoundExchange. “We are proud to support these creators by providing them with the accurate and timely revenue needed to advance their work.”

Chris Young Celebrates 11th No. 1 Single With “Hangin’ On”

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP songwriter Corey Crowder, BMI songwriter Chris Young and SESAC songwriter Josh Hoge celebrate their No. 1 song, “Hangin’ On.” (Photo: Steve Lowry)

When Chris Young and a throng of industry well-wishers gathered to celebrate his 11th No. 1 single, “Hangin’ On,” in the lobby of BMI’s Nashville office on April 29, the location was especially meaningful for the two-time Grammy-nominated singer.

“I don’t think you guys realize this is the first building I wrote a song in,” Young told the crowd, pointing to a hallway just off the building’s main foyer. “Right down that hallway, I came up with something that might have been pretty terrible at the time but it was my first one.”

Young, a BMI writer, co-wrote “Hangin’ On” with Corey Crowder (ASCAP) and Josh Hoge (SESAC); the trio has proved a winning combination, have co-written some of Young’s most memorable hits including “I’m Coming Over” and “Think Of You.”

“Standing on this stage with both of these guys, Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge, until the day we die, I’ll love y’all,” Young said. “You are my brothers as well as my writing partners. Ups, downs, whatever. If you need me, you call me. I’m so honored to have a song with two guys who are as talented as the both of you.”

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad feted Crowder, while BMI’s MaryAnn Keen celebrated Young and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch honored Hoge.

Publishers celebrating the chart-topper included Liz Rose (Liz Rose Music), Josh Van Valkenburg (Sony/ATV Music Publishing) and Kent Earls (Universal Music Publishing Group). Pinnacle Bank’s David Smith stated the company would be making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on behalf of the songwriters.

Young also thanked Sony Music and RCA Nashville for their support.

“Thank you so very much for believing in this song and getting it out there. People don’t realize how many hours you spend, with me texting you at 8 p.m. going ‘Hey Dennis [Reese], are we down a spin at After Midnite?’ which I probably shouldn’t be texting you about but I do. I’ve been told, ‘It’s really cool that you understand that and it really sucks that you understand that.’ Thank you for fighting for this song and making it a No. 1.”

“Hangin’ On” marks the second single from Young’s 2017 album Losing Sleep and Young’s fifth consecutive chart-topping song.

“I don’t always bring this up a whole lot, but there have been multiple times in my life where I’ve almost died, and you really have to understand that these moments are special. We do this a lot on Music Row, we come and stand in a room, and talk about a song being No. 1,” he said, growing emotional and pausing to compose himself as the crowd clapped.

“You don’t know how many of those moments you’re going to get. There’s no guarantees. This one took a long time to get to, to celebrate this…and there’s probably someone out there right now who’s like, ‘I wish I could step into this building and write a song with somebody and have a song go No. 1 on the charts.’ It’s thanks to you guys that the three of us got the chance to do that.”

(Top Row L-R): RCA Nashville’s Dennis Reese, Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Kent Earls and Fitzgerald Hartley’s Larry Fitzgerald. (Bottom Row L-R): Fitzgerald Hartley’s Bill Simmons, Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose, ASCAP songwriter Corey Crowder, BMI songwriter and RCA Nashville recording artist Chris Young and SESAC songwriter Josh Hoge. (Photo: Steve Lowry)

Eric Paslay Joins Big Machine Music

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Music’s Michelle Attardi, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy’s David Boyer, Milom Horsnell’s Mike Milom, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, WME’s Lane Wilson, Big Machine Music’s Lizzy Gallatin; (L-R, front row): Paslay’s Manager Steve Emley, Eric Paslay, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar

Big Machine Music has signed singer-songwriter Eric Paslay to an exclusive songwriting agreement. Paslay has penned five No. 1 songs to date, including “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), and “Angel Eyes” (Love & Theft), as well as “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) and “Friday Night,” the hit lead single from his debut album. The two-time Grammy nominee officially joins BMM’s roster, which includes Brett Young, Luke Combs, Brandy Clark, Jonathan Singleton, Laura Veltz, Josh Thompson, Jessie Jo Dillon, and more.

“I first met Eric more than a dozen years ago and even back then, the depth, warmth and commerciality of his songs made him special,” commented BMM General Manager Mike Molinar. “Now, with five No.1’s and Grammy nominations under his belt, Eric’s hit sense and ability to move people with his music has only grown. We are excited and honored that he has chosen Big Machine Music as his partner for this next chapter of his career.”

“The Big Machine Music team is tireless, hard-working and fierce when it comes to the songs they love,” shared Paslay. “Mike, Alex, Michelle, Lizzy and their whole roster of writers are badasses.  I’m excited to be joining them.”

Paslay is currently working on new music and is making plans to tour Europe this year.

CMA Fest Lineups For Free Daytime Stages Revealed

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CMA Fest has revealed the lineups for three daytime stages that are free to the public during the four-day festival in June. Chevy Breakout Stage at Walk of Fame Park, Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza and Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage will feature over 110 performances Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9,highlighting fan favorites and rising country stars daily.

Located at Walk of Fame Park, the lineup at the Chevy Breakout Stage will highlight rising artists from 11:10 a.m. – 4:55 p.m. on Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. – 4:55 p.m. Friday through Sunday, including Carlton Anderson, Tenille Arts, Kassi Ashton, Drew Baldridge, Chris Bandi, Kelleigh Bannen, Bailey Bryan, Austin Burke, Dillon Carmichael, Adam Craig, Travis Denning, Cale Dodds, Adam Doleac, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Filmore, HARDY, Jillian Jacqueline, James Barker Band, Austin Jenckes, Brett Kissel, Love and Theft, Tegan Marie, Steve Moakler, Muscadine Bloodline, Brandon Ratcliff, Brandon Ray, Teddy Robb, Noah Schnacky, Dylan Schneider, Seaforth, Smithfield, Matt Stell, Sweet Tea Trio, Tenille Townes, Rachel Wammack, Waterloo Revival, The Wild Feathers and Carter Winter.

Gates for the Chevy Breakout Stage will open to the public at 10:40 a.m. Thursday, June 6 and 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9. In addition, Miranda Lambert will lead MuttNation’s Mutt March on Thursday, June 6 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m..  Starting at Nissan Stadium, the parade of pups will wind its way across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and into Walk of Fame Park, where Storme Warren will interview Lambert in a live broadcast from the Chevy Breakout Stage on SiriusXM’s The Highway.

The Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza entertains fans from 10:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily, with the “BMI Tailgate” performances Thursday, June 6 from 2:45 p.m. – 5:10 p.m., which includes Colin Elmore, House Whiskey, Josh Phillips and Dan Smalley. Additional acts taking the stage include The Adelaides, Jay Allen, Roan Ash, Gabby Barrett, Stephen Carey, Troy Cartwright, Crowder, Kyle Daniel, Jaida Dreyer, Ross Ellis, Everette, Fairground Saints, Ray Fulcher, Noah Guthrie, Adam Hambrick, Levi Hummon, Hunter Brothers, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Lauren Jenkins, Willie Jones, King Calaway, The Last Bandoleros, Leaving Austin, Baylee Littrell, Hayley Orrantia, Drew Parker, Stephanie Quayle, Faren Rachels, Elvie Shane, Kalie Shorr, The Sisterhood Band, The Swon Brothers and Lainey Wilson. Gates for the Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza will open to the public at 9:45 a.m. each day, Thursday through Sunday.

The Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage, located inside the NCVC Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena, will take place daily from 11:00 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.. Thursday’s performances are presented by ASCAP and feature Haley Mae Campbell, Seth Cook, Cross Atlantic, Jobe Fortner, Makayla Lynn, Jill Martin, David Ray, Maggie Renfroe, Joe Robinson and Anna Rose. Friday’s performances are presented by SESAC and feature Blanco Brown, Nora Collins, Spencer Crandall, Erin Enderlin, Aaron Goodvin, Kelly McGrath, Tom O’Connor, Jake Rose, Scott Stevens and Jenny Tolman. Saturday and Sunday’s lineups includes Beoga, Jordan Brooker, Brown & Gray, Shy Carter, Robert Counts, Crawford & Power, Hannah Dasher, Larry Fleet, Kylie Frey, Tony Jackson, Angie Keilhauer, Cory Marks, Jaden Michaels, Emily Ann Roberts, Shane Runion, SixForty1, Tiera, Tyler Reese Tritt, Anna Vaus and The Wandering Hearts.

Additional newly-announced performers at CMA Fest include Billy Currington at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Thursday, Randy Houser at Firestone Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater Presented by BBR Music Group on Thursday, and Pam Tillis on the Budweiser Forever Country Stage on Sunday.
All outdoor daytime stages including the Budweiser Forever Country Stage, Chevy Breakout Stage at Walk of Fame Park, Chevy Riverfront Stage, Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza and Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage are free and open to the public. Additional stage lineups, Xfinity Fan Fair X activities and more will be announced in the coming weeks. All artist lineups are subject to change.

Jason Aldean Adds Texas Rangers Ballpark Show To Ride All Night Tour

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Jason Aldean has added a stop to his 2019 Ride All Night Tour on Friday, Oct. 11 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. Aldean will be the final country act to perform at the venue, and will be joined by Kane Brown, Carly Pearce and Dee Jay Silver.

Citi is the official presale credit card of Aldean’s 2019 Ride All Night Tour and as such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning May 7 at 12 p.m. local time through Citi Entertainment. The general on-sale starts Friday, May 10 via JasonAldean.com and LiveNation.com.

“We’ve shut a few places down in our time, but never a stadium,” laughed Aldean. “But seriously, being the last country concert ever is pretty cool and I know we’ll be sure that it’s an unforgettable night.”

The tour kicks off May 3 with back-to-back dates in Uncasville, CT and makes stops in Albuquerque, Denver, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Boston, Chicago and more before wrapping in Arlington.

2019 RIDE ALL NIGHT TOUR Dates: 
5/03    Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
5/04    Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
5/09    Evansville, IN – The Ford Center
5/10    Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
5/11    Toledo, OH – Huntington Center
5/16    Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
5/17    Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
5/18    Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
6/28    Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest*
7/19    Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
7/20    Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
7/25    Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
7/26    Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
7/27    Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
8/09    Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
8/10    Canandaigua, NY – CMAC Performing Arts Center
8/22    Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
8/23    Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
8/24    St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
9/05    Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
9/06    Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
9/07    Bristow, VA  – Jiffy Lube Live
9/12    Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
9/13    Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park
9/14    Burgettstown, PA – KeyBank Pavilion
9/19    Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
9/20    Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
9/27    Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
9/28    Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre*
9/29    Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre*
10/11   Arlington, TX – Globe Life Park
*Lineup May Vary

Pandora Partners With Ticketmaster To Promote Live Shows

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Pandora has partnered with Ticketmaster to provide live show information to fans on the listening app. Powered by touring data pulled in real-time from Ticketmaster, this new partnership will allow fans to be notified of upcoming show announcements and on-sale ticket alerts based on their location and listener history.

Additionally, Ticketmaster is now integrated in Pandora AMP’s Promote Show tool, which allows artists to create in-stream audio marketing campaigns around specific tour dates.