In Pictures: CRS 2022 Makes Return To Live, In-Person Event

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Country Radio Seminar returned as a live, in-person event in 2022, held Wednesday, Feb. 23 through Friday, Feb. 25.

Some of this year’s event highlights include a full-day Streaming Summit, eighteen panels, six CRS Heads of State sessions, four mentoring breakfasts, three label-sponsored luncheons, and a featured artist interview with Blake Shelton. Additionally, anchor events such as the Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS showcase, Warner Music Nashville’s Luncheon, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, Team UMG at the Ryman, Big Machine Label Group’s Luncheon, New Faces of Country Music Show and Dinner, and the 2nd annual Paddle Royale Ping Pong Tournament also made their return to the programming this year.

CRS 2023 is set for March 13–15, 2023. Registration for next year’s event will open later this year.

CRS Heads of State

Pictured (L-R): Bob Proffitt, Jon Loba, and Lon Helton. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography

The series featured a mix of the industry’s most prominent leaders and highest-profile CEOs, including Caroline Beasley (CEO/Beasley), Ginny Morris (CEO/Hubbard), David Field (Chairman and CEO/Audacy), Bob Proffitt (CEO/Alpha Media), and Bill Wilson (CEO/Townsquare) representing radio. Scott Borchetta (President/CEO, BMLG), Mike Dungan (Chairman/CEO, UMG), John Esposito (Chairman/CEO, WMN), Randy Goodman (Chairman/CEO, Sony), and Jon Loba (President, BMG) represented record labels.

Serving as moderators were Joel Denver (All Access Media Group), Erica Farber (RAB), Lon Helton (Country Aircheck/Country Countdown USA), Sarah Trahern (CEO/CMA), and Mike McVay (McVay Media).

The CRS Heads Of State Series gave attendees a peek into the biggest radio and label companies for daily exclusive, one-on-one conversations.

Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

Pictured (L-R): Rhett Akins, Neil Thrasher, and Victoria Shaw. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography

Hit songwriters, artists, and CRS 2022 attendees came together for Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley.

Hosted by Fitz of Country Top 40 with Fitz, the evening featured songwriters telling their stories and performing some of county music’s biggest hits, including Rhett Akins, Neil Thrasher, Victoria Shaw, and more. The event was sponsored by Country Top 40 with Fitz, Skyview Networks, and First Horizon Bank, and the bar was sponsored by ASCAP.

Big Machine Label Group Luncheon

Pictured (L-R, front row): Lady A’s Charles Kelly, Jimmy Harnen (President and CEO, Big Machine Records), Lady A’s Hillary Scott, Scott Borchetta (President/CEO, BMLG), Carly Pearce, Kurt Johnson (SVP/Townsquare Media & CRB/CRS Board President); (L-R, middle row): George Briner (President/The Valory Music Co.), Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Callista Clark, Riley Green, Clay Hunnicutt (General Manager, Big Machine Records); (L-R, back row): Conner Smith, Tiera Kennedy, Laci Kaye Booth, Jackson Dean.
Photo Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography

Big Machine Label Group showcased eight of its superstars and in-demand newcomers on Friday afternoon (Feb. 25). The showcase included performances from Lady A, Carly Pearce, Riley Green, Callista Clark, Laci Kaye Booth, Jackson Dean, and Tiera Kennedy.

The Artist Interview With Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography

Award-winning country superstar, Blake Shelton, appeared as the featured artist for The Artist Interview, sponsored by BMI. Shelton sat down with Country Aircheck Publisher/CEO and host of Westwood One’s CountryCountdown USA, Lon Helton, and spoke candidly on his career, artistic process, and what’s on the horizon.

New Faces Of Country Music Showcase

Pictured: (L-R) Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jameson Rodgers, Gabby Barrett, and Walker Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography

The CRS 2022 New Faces of Country Music Show closed out the 3-day event, with performances by Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jameson Rodgers, Gabby Barrett, and Walker Hayes.

The show was co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Lydia Farthing
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