Industry Ink: Chris Janson, Jenna Paulette, Craig Campbell, IBMA

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Chris Janson Celebrates Platinum Nods During Opry Show

Pictured (L-R): Lance Roberts, Chandler Thurston, Noah Dewey, Kelly Janson, Chris Janson, Courtney Crist, Maddie Sanderson, Gracie Glass, Tom Lord. Photo: Josh Daubin

Chris Janson celebrated the upcoming release of his latest album, The Outlaw Side of Me, at the Grand Ole Opry recently, hosting a special livestream for fans which will stream on the free Circle Now app and on the Circle All Access Facebook and YouTube pages this Friday, July 16 at 5 p.m. CT.

Janson ignited the stage, performing new tracks from the latest project, along with some of his biggest hits, and was also presented with four Platinum certifications for “Good Vibes,” “Drunk Girl,” “Fix A Drink” and the quadruple-Platinum “Buy Me A Boat.”

 

Jenna Paulette Partners With Justin Boots

Jenna Paulette. Photo: Courtesy of Justin Boots

Jenna Paulette has signed on as a brand ambassador for cowboy boot brand, Justin Boots. The deal places Paulette alongside Reba McEntire and George Strait as the only entertainers partnered with the brand. For Paulette, the partnership is a dream realized, having worn the boots while growing up and working cattle.

“Justin Boots…gosh I wore Ropers to work in and that’s why I put ‘new Justin Boots’ in my song ‘Country In the Girl.’ I really believe that song helped me find my footing with my audience. This partnership means the world to me, from what Justin does for Rodeo athletes to the way they represent agriculture and support the future of it. It’s an honor to get to further the heart of their brand together. I can’t wait to see what we do,” Paulette shares.

 

Craig Campbell’s Celebrity Cornhole Challenge Benefit Raises $27K

Attendees at Craig Campbell’s 9th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & Concert

Craig Campbell kicked off CMA Fest with his 9th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge on June 6. When the last bag was tossed, over $27,000 had been raised for the Kenny Campbell Foundation. Campbell defeated his longtime rival Jerrod Niemann, who has played in all nine tournaments, to claim the 2023 trophy.

This year’s event was held at the Yee Haw Brewing and Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery at 6th & Peabody in Nashville. The Kenny Campbell Foundation was founded by Campbell to honor his father who lost his battle with colorectal cancer at age 36. The organization raises money for research hospitals and doctors that focus on finding a cure and preventative measures for colorectal cancer. Fans placed bids to compete on teams alongside Campbell, Niemann, Charles Esten, Lucas Hoge, Hannah Dasher, Mitch Rossell and more, and a free concert followed the tournament.

 

Ethan Charles Returns To IBMA Staff

Ethan Charles

The International Bluegrass Music Association is welcoming back Ethan Charles, who resumed his previous role as Events Director on June 5. The Pennsylvania native and 2019 Belmont University graduate began working in the IBMA office as an intern in 2017, before working in a part-time capacity from 2018-2019. Charles joined the staff full-time as Operations Specialist in 2019, supporting the switch to virtual and hybrid event structures the following two years. He became Events Director in August 2022, a position he held through October. Now back on board, Charles is eager to continue working to serve the bluegrass community.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the team at IBMA. Creating an elevated event experience for our community is my highest priority, while also placing a strong emphasis on promoting environmental sustainability and fostering inclusiveness within our genre,” Charles says. “We have one of the strongest staffs I’ve seen in my time with the organization and we are poised to propel the association and the World of Bluegrass event to a new level.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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