Ryan Hurd Preps Platonic Tour With Adam Doleac, Niko Moon

Ryan Hurd will embark on his headlining Platonic Tour, beginning Jan. 30. The tour will feature openers Adam Doleac and Niko Moon on select dates.

Fresh from opening for Old Dominion’s Make It Sweet Tour this fall, Hurd’s full-band show is headed to some of the country’s most respected rooms, including New York’s Gramercy Theatre, Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom, and Athens’ Georgia Theatre.

The Platonic Tour follows the success of Hurd’s latest radio climber, the Gold “To A T,” which has already reached No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown.

Platonic Tour Dates:
Jan. 30 – The Bluestone, Columbus, OH
Jan. 31 – Manchester Music Hall, Lexington, KY
Feb. 6 – Cannery Ballroom, Nashville, TN
Feb. 7 – Minglewood Hall, Memphis, TN
Feb. 21 – 8 Second Saloon, Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 22 – Mercury Ballroom, Louisville, KY
Feb. 28 – Joe’s Sports Bar, Chicago, IL
Feb. 29 – St. Andrews Hall, Detroit, MI
March 5 – Gramercy Theatre, New York, NY
March 6 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
March 7 – Theatre of the Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA
March 13 – The Midland Theater, Kansas City, MO
March 14 – DelMar Hall, St. Louis, MO
March 19 – Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
March 20 – Georgia Theatre, Athens, GA
March 21 – Coyote Joe’s, Charlotte, NC

Luke Bryan’s Sold-Out Crash My Playa 2020 Announces Final Talent Line Up

The final line-up of performers for Luke Bryan‘s sixth consecutive Crash My Playa 2020 was announced today (Nov. 19), including headliner Old Dominion as well as Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Granger Smith, Jordan Davis, Jon Langston, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack, Kendell Marvel and DJ Rock. The sold-out concert in the Riviera Cancun region of Mexico will take place January 22-25, 2020.

As previously announced, Bryan will headline two nightly concerts and Jason Aldean, making his debut at Crash My Playa, will headline one night. Dustin Lynch returns as the only artist who has appeared all six years of the event.

ATLive Partnership With MAC Presents Brings Stellar Line-Up To 90,000 Fans

Photo: courtesy of AMB Sports and Entertainment.

AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) launched its first self-promoted concert series, ATLive this past weekend on November 15 and 17, bringing more than 90,000 fans together in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for two nights.

The impressive two-night line-up included country superstars Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, and Eric Church. Featured artists also included newly crowned Male Vocalist of the Year Luke Combs, four-time CMA and Grammy-nominated Brothers Osborne, as well as other hit makers Sam Hunt, SugarlandJudah & the Lion, and newcomer singer-songwriters Cale Dodds and Caylee Hammack.

The line-up came to AMBSE in partnership with MAC Presents led by industry power house Marcie Allen. ATLive was produced by AMBSE with Messina Group overseeing production of shows.

“Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an unprecedented venue for the city of Atlanta, so it was important to showcase an equally one-of-a-kind lineup of all-star country talent for AMB Sports & Entertainment’s first concert series,” says MAC Presents President Marcie Allen. “Thanks to the incredible artists who performed and the 90k+ devoted fans who attended ATLive. Excited for 2020!”

Pictured: Luke Combs (center) with MAC Presents President Marcie Allen and her NYU Steinhardt class at ATLive on Sunday, November 17, 2019.

“From the beginning, our goal was to create a concert series that would be the must-see event for Atlanta while allowing us the opportunity to give back to our communities and those in need. We are thrilled to say that ATLive exceeded our expectations,” says Tim Zulawski, chief revenue officer, AMB Sports and Entertainment. “It’s important for our organization to provide fans the best possible experience and for our first self-produced music series, we couldn’t be prouder of its success both for us as well as the organizations that will benefit. We look forward to bringing ATLive back for year two in 2020.”

AMBSE, in partnership with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, donated more than $100,000 each to two worthy organizations, the Johnny Mac Soldier’s Fund which honors military service and sacrifice by providing scholarships to veterans and military family members, and the Quest Community Development Organization whose mission is to develop affordable housing and provide needs-based community services for underserved individuals and families.

Matt Stell To Launch First Headlining Tour In January

Matt Stell will begin his first headlining tour in January 2020. Stell’s Everywhere But On Tour launches Jan. 24 at Moonshine Flats in San Diego, California. The 24-date tour will feature support artists Chris Bandi and Ray Fulcher.

Stell’s debut EP, Everywhere But On, released May 24, driven by his Gold-certified, multi-week No. 1 hit “Prayed For You.” The track is the only debut artist single to top the chart in 2019; penned by Stell, Ash Bowers, and Allison Veltz, the track has earned more than 125 million streams.

Matt Stell Everywhere But On Tour Dates:
Jan. 24: San Diego, CA-Moonshine Flats
Jan. 25: San Bernadino, CA-The Brandin’ Iron
Jan. 30: Des Moines, IA-Wooly’s
Jan. 31: Sioux, IA-Anthem at the Hard Rock
Feb. 1: Dubuque, IA-Q Casino**
Feb. 6: Milwaukee, WI-The Rave II**
Feb. 7: Chicago, IL-Joes’s Bar*
Feb. 8: Minneapolis, MN-Wild Greg’s Saloon*
Feb. 13: Louisville, KY-Mercury Ballroom
Feb. 14: Warrendale, PA – Jergels*
Feb. 15: Rootstown, OH -Dusty Armadillo*
Feb. 27: Pensacola, FL-Wild Greg’s Saloon
Feb. 28: Macon, GA-Crazy Bull
Feb. 29: Savannah, GA-Saddle Bags
March 6: Ft. Myers, FL-The Ranch
March 11: New York, NY-Gramercy Theatre
March 12: Salisbury, MD-Blue Ocean Music Hall
March 13: Foxborough, MA-Six String Grill & Stage
March 14: Portland, ME-Aura**
March 18: Grand Rapids, MI-The Intersection
March 19: Ft. Wayne, IN-The Clyde
March 20: Columbus, OH-The Bluestone
March 21: Binghampton, NY-Touch Of Texas
March 28: Biloxi, MS-IP Casino Resort & Spa***

* dates without Chris Bandi, **without Ray Fulcher, ***without Chris Bandi and Ray Fulcher

Louis York Named To iHeartRadio’s “On The Verge” Program

Louis York

Following the release of their full-length debut album American Griots—The Album, Nashville-based duo Louis York has been named to iHeartRadio’s “On The Verge” program, which runs through Dec. 22. As part of the program, “How Will I Feel,” the latest single from the duo, is being played on more than 25 Urban AC iHeartRadio stations in major markets, including Chicago, Detroit, Boston and Philadelphia.

“I’m really looking forward to our listener’s reaction when they finally hear Louis York’s ‘How Will I Feel’ on the radio. I was crazy about the song during the first listen,” stated Doc Wynter, iHeartMedia’s Executive Vice President of Urban / Hip Hop Programming Strategy.

Louis York’s Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly debuted at No. 8 on the iTunes Album chart with the project, which features Nashville poet Caroline Randall Williams on several tracks, and includes “Teach Me A Song,” from country artist/writer Jimmie Allen.

Next up, the group will put on its annual Christmas Time with Louis York & The Shindellas on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Franklin Theater in Franklin, TN. Additional east and west coast dates to be announced soon.

Third Annual “Heal The Music Day” Raises Over $400,000

Music Health Alliance’s third annual “Heal The Music Day” raised over $400,000 to help support the non-profit’s life-saving free services. Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, “Heal The Music Day” helps fund critical support for members of the music community in need.

Dierks BentleyReba McEntire, Lauren Alaina, Gary Allan, Luke Bryan, Rodney Crowell and dozens more songwriters, musicians, performers, artist managers, publishers, business managers, record labels, and trade organizations pledged their support for their fellow musicians and peers in the industry in times of medical crisis during the annual fund drive.

Every dollar donated equals $30 in life-saving healthcare resources. Music Health Alliance’s free services range from access to doctors and hospitals, medicine, health insurance and finding financial assistance during times of illness. Support from “Heal The Music Day” helps to fund Music Health Alliance’s free programs and services in addition to The Ben Eyestone Fund, which assists un-insured or under-insured music industry professionals in Davidson and surrounding counties within Middle Tennessee receive life-saving diagnostics and treatment.

Contributions can still be made to Music Health Alliance and “Heal The Music Day” at MusicHealthAlliance.com/donate-to-heal.

Zach Williams To Continue The Rescue Story Tour In March

Zach Williams

CCM artist Zach Williams will launch the second leg of his headlining The Rescue Story tour on March 5, 2020. The tour will feature openers We The Kingdom and Cain.

The Fall 2019 leg of the tour, which featured Bethel Music’s Josh Baldwin, brought his show to 26,000 fans in 20 U.S. markets, and included sold-out shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Williams’ hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas.

The Grammy-winning artist has earned three Gold-certified singles from the RIAA, including “Chain Breaker,” “Old Church Choir,” and “Fear Is A Liar.” Last week, Williams performed alongside Dolly Parton for a performance of “There Was Jesus,” which is featured on Williams’ album Rescue Story, which released in October.

Tickets for the 2020 The Rescue Story Tour dates go on sale Friday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. CT.

The Rescue Story 2020 Tour Dates:

3/5 Clearwater, FL – Countryside Christian Center
3/6 Lakeland, FL – Victory Church
3/7 Oviedo, FL – Crosslife Church
3/8 Sarasota, FL – Robarts Arena
3/12 Amarillo, TX – The Church At Quail Creek
3/13 Dallas, TX- Cross City First – Euless Campus
3/15 San Antonio, Tx – Oak Hills Church
3/19 Columbus, Oh – Genoa Church
3/20 Green Bay, Wi – Celebration Church
3/21 Milwaukee, Wi – Wisconsin Lutheran College
3/22 Ft. Wayne, In – Grand Wayne Convention Center
3/26 Madison, Ms – First Baptist Church Madison
3/27 Woodstock, Ga – First Baptist Church Of Woodstock
3/28 Johnson City, Tn – Grace Fellowship
4/2 Aiken, Sc – Millbrook Baptist Church
4/3 Durham, Nc – Catch The Fire Church
4/4 Greenville, Sc – Taylors First Baptist Church
4/16 Denver, Co – Foundations Church
4/17 Albuquerque, Nm – Hoffmantown Church
4/19 San Diego, Ca – Calvary Chapel Oceanside
4/23 San Bernardino, Ca – Immanuel Baptist Church
4/24 Visalia, Ca – Visalia First Assembly Of God
4/25 Modesto, Ca – Calvary Chapel Modesto
4/26 San Francisco, Ca – Cornerstone Church – Riordan Campus
4/28 Sacramento, Ca – Arcade Church
4/30 Portland, Or – East Hill Church
5/4 Billings, Mt – Faith E Church
5/5 Casper, Wy – Highland Park Community Church
5/7 St. Peters, Mo – Church On The Rock

Industry Ink: Music For Kids, Stephanie Quayle, Rumble On The Row, WME

650 WSM Hosts Second Annual Music For Kids Event

Photo Credit: Haley Hall

650 AM WSM hosted its second annual “Music for Kids” event on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Studio A in the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The event provided day-long family fun packed with activities designed to make music accessible and fun for youth from all over Middle Tennessee. It offered children ages 5-16 free, age-appropriate music lessons from local professionals and opportunities to engage, learn, and get inspired. Over the course of the day, the station donated over 1000 lessons to young musicians with an overall value of $25,000. Over 300 children and teens were on hand for the free event.

 

Stephanie Quayle Named Brand Ambassador For Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops

Photo Credit: John Shearer

Stephanie Quayle is partnering with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s as an ambassador for the outdoor brands. As an ambassador, Quayle will showcase products, create original content and perform at outdoor and conservation-related events. Quayle, who kicked off the partnership last month with a performance at the outdoor retailers’ Flocktoberfest event in Memphis, also filmed the music video for her latest single Whatcha Drinkin’ ‘Bout” at Big Cypress Lodge inside Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. The clip, which will premiere Nov. 20, also features an exclusive making-of-the-video sneak peek available now on Bass Pro Shops social channels.

 

Rumble On The Row Bouts Announced

The Charley Foundation has revealed its Rumble on the Row” bouts for the 16th annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids gala on Friday, March 6 at Liberty Hall in The Factory at Franklin. Jason Burchard (RootNote, co-founder and CEO) takes on Tom Hall (Merrill Lynch, management advisor); Marc Rucker (Big Loud/Maverick management) goes glove-to-glove with songwriter/artist Joey HydeAddie Saloman (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, director digital strategy & analytics) faces Ania Hammar (Sirius/The Highway, host and producer), and artist/songwriter/producer Bridgette Tatum dukes it out with songwriter Jennifer Denmark (Curb/Word Music Publishing) at the charity event. 

The action-packed evening will feature gourmet dining, live music performances, surprise celebrity guests, an exciting silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and four “Rumble on the Row” amateur boxing matches sanctioned by USA Boxing. All funds raised will provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational, and care groups in the Nashville community.

 

WME Clients Party Post-CMAs

WME clients Morgan Wallen, Ingrid Andress and Cole Swindell attend the agency’s CMA Awards Party after the show on Nov. 13.

Anthem Entertainment Names Noah Dewey As Sr. Director, Creative [Exclusive]

Noah Dewey

Anthem Entertainment has named Noah Dewey as Senior Director of Creative. Noah will report directly to Tim Wipperman, President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville, and work with Anthem’s key songwriters and catalogs in growing their creative activities in Nashville. Prior to Anthem, Noah was the Sr. Creative Director at BMG.

“Noah is the perfect addition to our creative staff. He’ll work alongside our creative head, Tim Hunze, and brings a tremendously valuable skill set to service our writers,” commented Wipperman. “His deep relationships with artists, producers, and record company people are exactly what we want, to become a great home for our writers.”

Industry veteran Noah Dewey grew up on Music Row in Nashville – after elementary school every day, he would head directly to the Tree Publishing Company (SONY/ATV) studio, where his mother worked. Noah got his first official start in the industry as an assistant engineer/ Studio Manager at Warner Brothers Records recording studio “The Loft”. He then worked for Barbara Orbison at Still Working Music before moving to Los Angeles to work with Disney Music Publishing. While at Disney, Noah was instrumental in promoting his writers by casting their songs for High School Musical and The Cheetah Girls. Longing to get back to Nashville and the songwriting community he loved, Noah returned and signed songwriter Matt Ramsey (Old Dominion) to a publishing deal at his new company, Sonic Ark. After three years of work, the relationship paid off with five #1 singles, including cuts from artists such as Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Steve Holy, Craig Morgan, Scotty McCreery and Old Dominion. Noah then joined Magic Mustang Publishing, a division of Broken Bow Records, as Senior Creative Director. While there he helped develop hit writers and cast songs for major artists on the label. When BMG bought Broken Bow Records/Magic Mustang Publishing, Noah was the only one retained from Magic Mustang. In his tenure at Magic Mustang/BMG he garnered over 40 cuts and two #1 singles for the company, while developing and directing the careers of his writers.

Weekly Register: Luke Combs’ New Album Sets Record With No. 1 All-Genre Debut

Luke Combs. Photo: (c) 2019 David Bergman for Sony Records Nashville

Luke Combs debuts at No. 1 on the all-genre album chart, as well as the country albums chart, as his latest album What You See Is What You Get (River House/Columbia Nashville) moves 172K in total consumption in its first week, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Those numbers mark Combs’ first time debuting atop the all-genre albums chart, and the largest streaming week in history for a country album. This marks quite a week for Combs, who earned his first Country Music Association trophy for Male Vocalist of the Year during Wednesday evening’s ceremony.

Combs’ debut album, This One’s For You, is at No. 2 this week on the country albums chart with 21K. Miranda Lambert‘s Wildcard drops from No. 1 last week to No. 3, with 17K. Old Dominion‘s self-titled project is at No. 4 with 15K, as Dan+Shay‘s self-titled album moves 12K this week.

On the On-Demand Country Streaming Songs rankings, Dan+Shay’s collaboration with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours,” continues at No. 1 with 12 million streams this week. Combs’ “Even Though I’m Leaving” has 8.4 million streams this week, to land at No. 2. Old Dominion’s “One Man Band” has 7.2 million streams, landing at No. 3. Combs also has the No. 4 and No. 5 spots, with “Beer Never Broke My Heart” (7 million) and “Better Together” (6.6 million), respectively.