Industry Ink: NSAI, The Opry, SiriusXM, Key West Brunch, More
Lee Thomas Miller Participates In Congressional Roundtable Panel
NSAI President and songwriter Lee Thomas Miller performs
NSAI President and songwriter Lee Thomas Miller was a panelist on a Congressional roundtable on Friday (May 9) in Nashville that focused on music and artificial intelligence and oversight of the U.S. Copyright Office. The roundtable was held by the House Administration Committee Chaired by Bryan Steil (WI) who attended along with Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY).
Savannah Bananas & Party Animals Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
The Savannah Bananas and Party Animals make their Opry debut performing with LoCash. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
The world-famous Savannah Bananas and Party Animals surprised the crowd at the Grand Ole Opry Friday night (May 9). The Bananas were in Nashville for their sold-out game at Nissan Stadium on Saturday night, and several Savannah Bananas and Party Animals players barreled through the front doors of the Opry House and ran down the aisles greeting fans as they made their way to country music’s biggest stage to make their Opry debut performing with LoCash on their hit “I Love This Life.”
Mac McAnally & Kenny Chesney Reflect On Buddy Jimmy Buffett On Special SiriusXM Tribute
Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally
SiriusXM’s Radio Margaritaville and No Shoes Radio collaborated on a moving tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett with a special episode of Songlines & Stories: Reflections on Jimmy Buffett with Mac McAnally and Kenny Chesney. In the exclusive conversation, McAnally and Chesney shared offstage memories, onstage stories and the enduring impact of their friendship with the freewheeling Jimmy Buffett. From insights into songwriting and music to shows and off-the-cuff laughs, this celebration of legacy, love, and laid-back living offers a few surprises during this session of one of Radio Margaritaville’s best loved programs. Listeners can hear the special on-demand here: sxm.app.link/SonglinesStories.
The MLC/NSAI/Bluebird Cafe Host Key West Songwriters Brunch
Pictured (L-R): Jaime Scorby (The Bluebird Cafe), Jill Moody (NSAI), Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI), Lyndsie McClure (NSAI), Jamie Dominguez (The MLC), Ellen Truley (The MLC), Kayla Ott (The MLC) and Erika Wollam Nichols (The Bluebird Cafe)
Songwriters and industry professionals recently gathered in Key West for a special Songwriters Brunch co-hosted by the Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) and The Bluebird Café. The event featured intimate live performances and provided an opportunity for music creators and industry professionals to connect and collaborate.
Syntax Creative Hires Two New Staffers
Brooke Thielen and Amanda Williams
Syntax Creative has hired two new members to its growing team, including Amanda Williams as Director of Communications, and Brooke Thielen as Release Coordinator. Williams joined Syntax in May 2025 and brings a BA in Creative Writing from Gardner-Webb University, along with a decade of experience in communications and marketing strategy. Thielen came on board in April 2025 as Release Coordinator. A graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Music, she has served in A&R, Artist Services, booking and marketing.
“Amanda has that rare mix of being a clear thinker, a creative writer, and someone who actually cares. She’s going to help us sharpen our message without losing our soul,” shares Syntax CEO Timothy Trudeau. “Brooke is the kind of person you want on your team when things get chaotic. She jumps into the mess, finds what matters, and delivers. And she does it all with heart.”
RBR Entertainment Names New Executive Team
Chris Myers
RBR Entertainment has named a new executive team. At the helm is CEO and President Chris Myers, who is now also leading A&R for the label. Donna Roberts, known for her work in production and live entertainment, is helping shape the label’s operational and creative strategies while playing a central role in artist development. Joining her is MJ Brickey, who now serves as Industry Relations Executive. As the Nashville-based label deepens its roots in bluegrass and Americana, former president Billy Droze shifts focus to his solo career while continuing to influence the label’s creative vision.
“This new chapter is about deepening our commitment to the artists we serve,” says Myers. “We’re blending experience with fresh energy, and building something that honors tradition while making space for innovation.”
