Chris Lane Adds Mackenzie Porter To Big, Big Plans Tour Slate

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Chris Lane has added another special guest to his Big, Big Plans Tour, adding rising talent MacKenzie Porter to the coast-to-coast run, which already includes Blanco Brown and ERNEST. The 21-date tour has already sold out in several markets, including Chicago and Sacramento.

The tour kicks off in Philadelphia on Jan. 9 and visits Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix, Houston and more, with a Nashville stop at Marathon Music Works on Jan. 23. Following his headlining tour Lane will join Kane Brown for The Worldwide Beautiful Tour beginning in February, as well as festivals including Florida’s Tortuga Music Festival and Stagecoach in California.

“So far the Big, Big Plans Tour has been everything I could’ve imagined, and I’m continually blown away by the energy of each crowd night after night,” Lane says. “I’m excited to have both Blanco Brown and MacKenzie Porter join me on this new leg along with ERNEST. I want my show to be great from the first song to the last, and I know it will be just that with these incredible artists!”

Big, Big Plans Tour Dates:
Jan. 9 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)
Jan. 10 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Jan. 11 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
Jan. 16 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Clyde Theatre
Jan. 17 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live – SOLD OUT
Jan. 18 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live – SOLD OUT
Jan. 23 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
Jan. 24 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
Jan. 25 – Greenville, SC – Blind Horse Saloon
Jan. 31 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
Feb. 1 – Los Angeles, CA – Belasco Theater
Feb. 5 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
Feb. 6 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
Feb. 7 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades – SOLD OUT
Feb. 8 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Feb. 13 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
Feb. 14 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Feb. 15 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Feb. 20 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues+
Feb. 21 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live+
Feb. 22 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit

+ no MacKenzie Porter

Notes For Education Commits To Multi-Year Investment In Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Music Programs

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Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad, ASCAP VP of Membership; Julie Meirick, Notes For Education Board Member and Co-Founder; Jeff Smith, Director of Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools; Debi Leal, President and Co-Founder, Notes for Education; Erika Wollam Nichols, COO/GM, The Bluebird Cafe. Photo: Ed Rode

Notes for Education, an organization founded by Nashville music professionals and Napa Valley wine industry professionals to support arts education for today’s youth, is celebrating a decade of investing in Metro Nashville Public Schools’ music education programs by providing a 3-year gift with up to $100,000 per year in funding for a total of almost $300,000. The discretionary funding will allow for each teacher to fill immediate needs in their classrooms without spending out of their own pockets. Notes for Education has committed to supporting music education in MNPS by pledging $500 per music teacher each year for the next three years.

Partnered with organizations such as ASCAP, Suntrust Bank and The Bluebird Café, co-founders Julie Meirick and Debi Leal founded Notes for Education when they noticed the similarities between their industries of music business and wine making—often with the creators of the music or the wine being unknown with only the products of their passion receiving recognition. With the intention of highlighting the entire process of collaboration that is required within these industries and with respect to the inherent necessity to reach out to our communities, NOTES was formed to support arts education for today’s youth. Thus, NOTES began organizing events that brought together accomplished songwriters, winemakers, authors and visual artists to raise funds to support arts and literacy programs for the children of our communities. The Board members of NOTES are accomplished professionals in the industries of music, arts and winemaking.

Over 70 hit songwriters have donated their time and talent to NOTES events, including Chris Stapleton, Carly Pearce, Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Eric Paslay and more. Acclaimed vintners who have participated in these events include Gargiulo Vineyards, Silver Oak, Trespass, Knight’s Bridge, Phifer Pavitt, Silver Trident and Mt. Brave.

“When we started Notes for Education over a decade ago, we had a dream that our funds would someday reach every student in the Metro Nashville Public Schools system. Today, it is very humbling and rewarding to see that dream become a reality. We are thrilled to provide this level of ongoing support to students in Music City,” said Leal, president and co-founder of Notes for Education.

“We kept going back to, ‘What do they need in their classrooms?’ And we talked a lot and came up with this program, ‘If Only I Had…‘ for teachers to just dream. ‘What if I had $1,000, what could I do with it?” said Meirick, board member and co-founder of Notes for Education. “We decided that was the thing we should do, just reach out to teachers and say, ‘What do you need in your classrooms?’ It’s about what that teacher uses to teach.

“We can’t do any of this without teachers. Nobody thanks the administration or the school system, they always go back and thank a teacher. When they’re older and they go back and think, ‘What impacted me?’ it’s always a teacher. We can have the best school system, we can spend money, but we can’t do it without [teachers.] This is basically a love letter to Nashville music teachers,” Meirick said.

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Smith, Director of Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools; Nita Smith, I.T. Creswell Middle School; Laura Verdone, Lakeview Elementary; John Womack, Martin Luther King Jr School; Rita Black, Glendale Elementary; Debi Leal, President and Co-Founder, Notes for Education; Kim Marie Folsom, Dan Mills Elementary; Julie Meirick, Notes For Education Board Member and Co-Founder; Erika Wollam Nichols, COO/GM, The Bluebird Cafe; Mike Sistad, Vice President of Membership, ASCAP. Photo: Ed Rode

“ASCAP is proud to have been a partner with Notes for Education since the beginning. We are so grateful for all of the songwriters that have participated in NOTES events, both here in Nashville and in Napa over the past ten years. It feels great to see the money we’ve helped raise used to support music education for so many deserving young students,” said ASCAP Vice President of Membership, Mike Sistad.

“We are grateful to the board and sponsors at Notes for Education for their commitment to investing in the work of every music teacher in Metro Nashville Public Schools through this generous gift,” said Director of Arts for MNPS, Jeff Smith. “Through multi-year support of every music classroom, Notes for Education is helping to ensure the success of every music student and teacher.”

Country Music and Lifestyle Network Circle Details January Launch, 16 Original Programs

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Circle, a new country music and lifestyle television network, will launch Jan. 1, 2020, with 16 original shows.

Circle will be available in 56 markets via Gray Television, as well as in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tampa and Detroit through a separate agreement with CBS Television, ultimately reaching 50% of U.S. television households. The Nashville market will be one of several additional markets and distribution that are in the works, with more announcements to be released. Circle enjoys a partnership with Opry Entertainment Group.

The original programming slate is designed to offer viewers a look into the music and lives of their favorite country performers in a way that has both depth and breadth.

Craig Morgan will host Craig’s World, which will offer insight into his life as both a music artist and a family man, both on the road and at home.

“We feel we are a platform that is by the artist and for the fan. We want to be a platform that facilitates that and connects artists with fans,” Circle Media’s General Manager Drew Reifenberger tells MusicRow. “Craig’s story—his military career, professional music career and outdoor pursuits—just immediately lent itself to offering an amazing experience for a fan. The episodes we’ve done and are planning are just good television. He’s a great guy and has the biggest heart in the world, and the world needs more shows like that. It’s a very collaborative process.”

Phil Vassar, Elizabeth Cook, Natalie Stovall, and bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent will also host programs.

Drew Reifenberger

As previously announced, Circle will feature segments of Grand Ole Opry performances, via the program Opry Live, which will begin in February 2020 as a compilation of new live-recorded Grand Ole Opry performances to be released each week.

“Today’s audience is passionate about authenticity and transparency and the Opry is the most authentic, real thing I’ve been a part of,” Reifenberger says. “So we get to be part of telling that story. One defining moment for country music fans is the live Opry experience, but there are a lot of nights where people can’t be there live and that’s where we get to help bring that to people.

“We think it comes down to really understanding the artist and audience, and that relationship. The fan just wants to get closer to the artists they love. They love experiences, we live in an experience economy, and those experiences also include access to their favorite artist’s stories—stories about their families, stories about their hobbies, their lives. We find the artist wants the same thing—they want that one-to-one relationship with their fans to help build their brand.”

A couple of segments that previously lived as digital features on the Grand Ole Opry’s official site have been expanded as part of Circle’s programming. The Write Stuff features the songwriters behind several of country music’s recent hits, while Opry Debut takes viewers inside artists’ very first performances on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

With the January launch, Circle will also bring older episodes of Hee Haw, which aired from 1971-1993, and 1996-1997, and was led by Buck Owens and Roy Clark.

In addition to artist-focused programming, other shows will be dedicated to delving into some of country music’s most loyal fan bases (Fandom), acoustic songwriter rounds at Nashville’s Bluebird Café (Bluebird Café Sessions), and a look inside the lives of the spouses of some of country music’s most-loved artists (Better Half). Nan Kelley and husband Charlie Kelley will host Authentic America, which explores some of America’s backroads, and rural routes, spotlighting some of America’s lesser-known attractions.

According to Reifenberger, the programming will also include a live morning show.

“We are doing a three-hour live morning show, hosted by Bill Cody. There will be other co-hosts, correspondents involved. That will be a great laboratory to do some fun things. Of course we will do interviews and things, but we hope it will be way more than that, where artists can have regular sessions and bring their interests in. The beauty of live is it lends itself so well to social. Things can start off on-air and pay off in the social sphere.”

Ultimately, Circle aims to be a fun, encouraging experience for both fans and artists.

“The world is a divisive place, and you won’t find that here. There won’t be politics and ‘gotcha interviews,’ that kind of stuff. This is a fun, friendly place where you come to escape all that kind of stuff,” he sums. “We have at least another dozen developments and we are already starting to plot out next summer, so it just gets started on Jan. 1.”

Original programs at launch include:

Opry Live: Beginning in February, Opry Live is a compilation of new live-recorded Grand Ole Opry performances that will be released each week. In the Opry tradition, this show will be a mix of today’s top stars, up-and-comers and all-time greats.

Fandom: The artist-fan relationship is unlike any other. Fandom is a series that explores the impact and intimacy of the artist-fan relationship from the perspective of fans as well as some of country music’s biggest stars, like Eric Church and Zac Brown.

Bluebird Café Sessions: Each year, thousands of fans flock to see artists and songwriters at the world-famous Bluebird Café. The Bluebird Café Sessions is a viewer’s ticket in – without the line! In this series, viewers will enjoy performances and storytelling from one of Nashville’s most iconic venues.

Southern Weekend: Hosted by singer and musician Natalie Stovall, each episode will highlight the best in southern living by visiting all the great attractions of the South including restaurants, museums, unique stores, and music venues. Country music artists will join in along the journey and share some of their favorite places.

Backstage at the Opry: Peek behind-the-scenes of the Grand Ole Opry, alongside artists as they go from rehearsals to the stage – and everything in between.

Craig’s World: Follow Opry member and Army Veteran Craig Morgan at home and on the road as he and his tight-knit family navigate triumphs and challenges while developing businesses, writing hit songs and balancing a country music career.

Authentic America: Hosted by veteran TV host Nan Kelley and her Grammy- nominated husband Charlie Kelley, Authentic America takes viewers on a two-wheeled version of the classic American road trip by way of backroads and rural routes exploring some of the country’s best kept secrets – including lesser known attractions, off-the-beaten path eateries, and most interesting of all, the people who make America one of the most colorful and eclectic nations in the world. Guests include Blake Shelton and Alabama.

Upstream: Join Elizabeth Cook as she invites artist guests to a new fishing location each episode. While the fishing may be good, the real catch is the conversation. Early guests include Cam and Shooter Jennings.

Opry Debut: Enjoy mini follow-documentaries that chronicle the moments and emotions that artists experience leading up to the memorable career milestone every country music artist dreams of achieving – their Grand Ole Opry debut. Debuts include Opry NextStage 2019 picks Tennille Townes, Travis Denning and Riley Green as well as the Opry debut of Ashley McBryde.

The Write Stuff: Viewers get a peek inside the inspiration and creation of some of country music’s greatest songs. Join country music hit makers as they walk step-by-step – from the initial concept to the final chord – and share the key licks and lyrics that brought their stories to life. Episodes feature Little Big Town, Old Crow Medicine Show and Travis Tritt.

Opry Docs: Hosted by contemporary artists like Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels and Amy Grant, Opry Docs is a series of documentaries on country greats like Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, George Jones and Minnie Pearl.

Better Half: Meet the larger-than-life spouses of some of today’s brightest stars and find out what gives them their own star power. Featured spouses include Samantha Busch (wife of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch), Kate Moore (wife of Justin Moore) and Christine Ballard (wife of Frankie Ballard).

Dailey & Vincent: Join Dailey & Vincent – the world-renowned bluegrass, country and gospel duo – as they host and perform in front of a live audience along with some notable friends like Vince Gill and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Stand Up Nashville!: Shot before a live audience at Nashville’s legendary Zanies Comedy Club, each episode of Stand Up Nashville! features a well-known comedian host as well as four up-and-coming comedians. Laugh along with a packed Zanies’ house and the most brilliant comics the South has to offer.

Family Traditions: Follow the next generation of country’s legendary families as they honor their roots while forging their own path. Episodes include Sam Williams (grandson of Hank Williams and son of Hank Williams Jr.) and Ashley Campbell (daughter of Glen Campbell).

Phil Vassar’s Songs from the Cellar: Join country music hit-maker, Phil Vassar, as he welcomes artists, songwriters, entertainers, athletes, and wine enthusiasts into his favorite place to write songs – his wine cellar! Each episode will feature conversation and collaboration along with a shared drink. Simple in concept yet rich in content, Phil’s laid-back style and quick-witted personality brings out the best in his guests as they share entertaining stories about their interesting lives. Guests include Kelsea Ballerini, Charles Esten, Mike Tyson and Hunter Hayes.

Rhythm House Signs Alysa Vanderheym, Promotes Vanna Moua

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Vanna Moua, Alysa Vanderheym

Rhythm House has signed songwriter/producer Alysa Vanderheym to an exclusive publishing deal, and has promoted Vanna Moua from Creative Assistant to Creative Manager.

Belmont University graduate Vanderheym co-wrote Florida Georgia Line’s recent hit “Talk You Out Of It,” and as a Belmont student, received the ASCAP Foundation Songwriters Scholarship.

“We are thrilled to have Alysa as part of our family”, states Roc Nation Executive Vice President, Tamara Conniff. “She’s an extremely talented, multifaceted, multi-genre songwriter/producer and is a trailblazer among women in her field.”

“I am beyond excited to come home to Rhythm House! An hour into our first meeting, four years ago, Jesse Frasure offered me my first publishing deal and he’s been my biggest champion ever since. His guidance as a writer, producer and publisher has been a rare gift. I’m also extremely excited about their partnerships with Roc Nation and Warner Chappell. It is truly a songwriter’s dream to have a team so fearless, dynamic and well-respected across all genres. It doesn’t get much better than this, and I can’t wait to see what we create together,” says Vanderheym.

“Vanna’s enthusiasm, attention to detail and nurturing of our roster has made her a crucial part of the team. We could not do what we do without her,” says VP of Creative, Stevie Frasure. “We are so happy to see her role expand in the Rhythm House family.”

Rhythm House was formed in 2016 as a partnership between Roc Nation and songwriter/producer Frasure, with the help of Warner Chappell’s administration.

FBMM Promotes Two

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Entertainment business management firm FBMM has promoted Michelle Albert to senior account assistant and Elizabeth Beamer to royalty analyst.

“Michelle and Elizabeth have been invaluable additions to our team,” said Jamie Cheek, business manager and owner of FBMM. “We take pride in offering the highest-quality service to our clients, and Michelle and Elizabeth continuously excel. We’re thrilled to recognize their outstanding efforts with these promotions.”

Albert joined FBMM in April 2018 and earned her bachelor’s degree in general accounting from Grantham University in 2017. Beamer joined FBMM in March 2016 and is helping to grow the company’s in-house royalty department; she previously served as a graduate assistant at Belmont University’s Jack C. Massey College of Business. She earned her Master of Accountancy from Belmont.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville Signs William Beckmann

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(L-R): Randy Rogers (Big Blind Management), Jess Rosen (Greenberg Traurig), Ryan Beuschel (WCM), William Beckmann, Radney Foster, Ben Vaughn (WCM)

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with singer-songwriter William Beckmann.

Last year, Beckmann released the album Outskirts of Town, which included the Radney Foster-produced track “Leavin’ Town.” Beckmann grew up in Del Rio, Texas, and crafted a musical catalog that mixes the sounds of traditional country, Americana and Latin, with songs in both English and Spanish.

Next year, he will tour alongside artists including Parker McCollum, Radney Foster, and Randy Rogers Band. Beckmann is managed by Randy Rogers and Robin Schoepf at Big Blind Management and is booked by WME.

Abe Stoklasa Inks Deal With Spirit Music Nashville, 2 Mix Music

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Pictured (L-R): Kara Jackson, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Derek Wells, Sr. Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville and Owner, 2 Mix Music; Katie Flynn, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration, Spirit Music Nashville; Clay Hatton, Administration Assistant, Spirit Music Nashville; Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, Spirit Music Nashville; Abe Stoklasa; Freeman Wizer, Sr. Director of Creative, Spirit Music Nashville; Scott Safford, Attorney, Safford Motley PLC.

Abe Stoklasa has inked a global publishing agreement with Spirit Music Nashville and 2 Mix Music, Spirit’s joint venture with producer Derek Wells.

Stoklasa is a co-writer on the No. 1 hit “Fix” (Chris Lane), the Top 10 hit “Get To You” (Michael Ray), the Grammy-nominated track “The Driver” and “Leaving Nashville” (both recorded as part of Charles Kelley’s solo album). Stoklasa has also had songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Billy Currington, and penned the title track for Lady Antebellum’s recent album Ocean.

“I couldn’t be more excited to start my next chapter with Derek and Frank and the whole Spirit team,” said Abe Stoklasa. “They’re building a serious powerhouse over there and it’s exciting to get to be a part of it. I feel very encouraged by the fact that my publishers actually make music for a living. I hope to channel their wisdom into a really successful partnership for years to come.

“I’ve been a fan of Abe and his artistry for years,” said Wells. “We’ve shared a lot of time making music together in various scenarios and I’m always blown away by him. His talent and commitment to the craft are completely in line with what’s happening at Spirit Music Nashville and I’m so pleased that we’re now able to partner together on a publishing level. I also feel extraordinarily lucky to have him as the first writer on the 2 Mix Music roster so that now, I get to hear his songs before anyone else!”

“Spirit Music Nashville is thrilled to welcome Abe Stoklasa to the team,”said Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “Abe has a unique way of taking ordinary life and turning it into extraordinary songs. We can’t wait to see what Abe, 2 Mix Music and Spirit can do together.”

NSAI Promotes Three, Welcomes New Creative Content Manager

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(L-R): Brittni Talley (Director of Events and Marketing), Brooke Perry (Events and Production Manager), Hannah Garey (Accounting and Fulfillment Assistant), Jaclyn Torrento (Creative Content Manager).

The Nashville Songwriters Association International has promoted Brittni Talley to Director of Events and Marketing, Brooke Perry to Events and Production Manager and Hannah Garey to Accounting and Fulfillment Assistant. Jaclyn Torrento has also joined the team as Creative Content Manager.

As Director of Events and Marketing, Talley’s responsibilities will now incorporate a focus on NSAI’s special events including the Nashville Songwriter Awards and Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. Former Director of Events and Pro Membership, Lindsay Gum, recently exited the company to pursue personal endeavors. Perry’s role will now oversee all NSAI No. 1 Parties and chart monitoring, in addition to managing logistics for many of NSAI’ s events throughout the year, and Garey will now assist Jennifer Turnbow, Senior Director of Operations, and NSAI Director of Development, Katie Arata, for day-to-day accounting and sponsorship fulfillment needs.

Torrento, the most recent addition to the team, is a Nashville native and graduate of Belmont University in 2014. She brings experience from her time with Cromwell Radio Group, home of the Nashville Predators flagship station, 102.5 The Game, as well as an extensive education from Columbia College in Chicago where she obtained her Master of Arts in Journalism.

“While we are sad to have Lindsay leave us, we couldn’t be happier for her and wish her the absolute best,” said Jennifer Turnbow, Senior Director of Operations. “Brittni has been with the organization for over two years now and has a really good grasp on how our events work, so I am excited to work with her in this capacity with the talents she will bring to this role.  Similarly, Brooke’s position is expanding to allow her further integration into our events and I have complete confidence that she will continue to be a valuable member of the team.  The dominos of these promotions also created an opportunity for Hannah to grow at NSAI taking on vital administrative duties that will be essential to the day-to-day operations of the organization.  Jaclyn’s addition rounds everything out and with her education and background, the future is bright for NSAI’s content and marketing endeavors.”

Warner Music Group And Providence Equity Partners Join Forces To Invest In Music Catalogs

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Warner Music Group has teamed with Providence Equity Partners to invest in recorded music and music publishing catalogs via the platform Tempo Music Investments.

The new venture launches with the acquisitions of selected copyrights from songwriters Shane McAnally, Jeff Bhasker, and Ben Rector.

Providence provided most of the equity for Tempo, which launches with $650 million in equity and debt capacity. Warner will handle music publishing administration as well as recorded music distribution.

Tempo will enlist management company Influence Media Partners to explore investment opportunities and drive catalog performance. The female-founded and operated Influence Media Partners is based in New York City and is led by founder/co-managing partner Lylette Pizarro and co-managing partner Lynn Hazan.

“Music has always been the center of influence and culture, and it begins with great songwriters and artists. We are energized, passionate and confident about the opportunity we have to build a world-class platform supporting a creative community I so deeply care about.” Pizarro said.

“My songs are second only to my kids in creating a legacy that I hope will live on long past me. I found a true trusted partner in Influence Media and their long-term vision for my existing catalogue, as well as our collaboration going forward. It is an incredible time for our newfound partnership, and getting to celebrate the highly anticipated Blake Shelton/Gwen Stefani duet is just the beginning.” McAnally added.

“More than ever before, the long-lasting value of music is being recognized outside the music industry. We’ll be devoted stewards of these amazing catalogs created by songwriters and recording artists across the globe, and WMG is very happy to be partnering with Providence in this pioneering venture,” said Stu Bergen, CEO, international and global commercial services, Warner Music Group.

Josh Empson, managing director at Providence, said, “It is a privilege to partner again with Warner Music Group. We are excited about this innovative new relationship, which combines Providence’s investment expertise in media with WMG’s distinctive skill in working with and recognizing top artists and assets in music. We look forward to partnering with WMG and our investment management team to support creators and build a best-in-class portfolio of music assets.”

Ryman Hospitality To Acquire Texas Property, Home To Austin City Limits

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Ryman Hospitality Properties has entered an agreement with Stratus Properties to acquire Block 21, a 37-story, mix-use complex in Austin, Texas that is home to ACL Live at the Moody Theater, the filming location for Austin City Limits. Block 21, a shopping and cultural center of Austin’s 2nd Street District, is also home to the W Austin Hotel, 3TEN at ACL Live, and nearly 53,000 square feet of other Class A commercial space. Ryman Hospitality will purchase Block 21 for $275 million, including assuming nearly $141 million in existing mortgage debt. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020.

Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryman Hospitality Properties, said, “Block 21 is a one-of-a-kind asset anchored by a world-class theater in one of the most vibrant and culturally significant music destinations in the country. We believe ACL Live, along with the entire Block 21 complex, is a natural complement to our portfolio of iconic entertainment and media assets. Through this acquisition, we have the opportunity to build a relationship with the millions of music lovers who visit Austin each year that will allow us to cross-promote our brands to a new, but related customer. We also believe there are significant opportunities to create content that will position Austin and Block 21 as a must-visit destination for country lifestyle consumers through our new TV platform, Circle, which is set to launch in early 2020.”

William H. Armstrong III, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Stratus, said, “Ryman Hospitality Properties is a great company that understands and respects the strong connection that exists between Austin and its music scene. We think Ryman Hospitality Properties’ expertise in both hospitality and live entertainment, plus their demonstrated stewardship of the iconic Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry makes them the ideal company to usher Block 21 and ACL Live into their next decade.”

Reed continued, “The Stratus Properties team has done a remarkable job supporting their vision for Block 21 with high-quality brands and relationships, like Marriott and Austin City Limits. We look forward to building upon the tremendous momentum they have created with Block 21 and to continuing the close relationship between Austin City Limits and ACL Live at the Moody Theater for many years to come. With our team’s expertise in hospitality, media and entertainment, we believe we are in a unique position to, over time, cement the entire Block 21 complex as a music-centric entertainment and lodging hub with ACL Live at its center.”