PD Mac Bruno Receives 2026 Steve Ferguson CRS Scholarship

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Mac Bruno

Mac Bruno, Program Director at KQKI (Morgan, Louisiana), has been honored with the 2026 Steve Ferguson Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Scholarship. Bruno was chosen by a panel of country radio programmers and industry professionals and will receive a paid registration to attend the 2026 Country Radio Seminar, scheduled for March 18–20, 2026, in Nashville.

Bruno’s career with KQKI began in 1996 when he entered the Colgate Country Showdown, placing second in the competition and earning himself a spot as the station’s nighttime on-air personality. Today, nearly three decades later, Bruno continues to hold his nighttime role while also serving as the station’s Program Director. Throughout his career, Bruno has remained dedicated to small-market radio and deeply rooted in the community KQKI serves.

“I’m honored to have been awarded a scholarship to attend the 2026 Country Radio Seminar in Nashville,” says Bruno. “This incredible opportunity will help me learn, grow, and bring even more to the listeners and community I serve every day. I’m grateful for the recognition and excited to represent our area in Music City!”

The Steve Ferguson CRS Scholarship is administered by GrassRoots Promotion and was created in memory of WTHO (Thomson, Georgia) Program Director Steve Ferguson, who passed away in 2018.

Nancy Tunick, Co-Owner and Managing Partner of GrassRoots Promotion, says, “We are pleased to present Mac Bruno with the Steve Ferguson CRS Scholarship in recognition of his commitment to independent artists, his authentic connection to his community, and his collaborative spirit within the radio and record community. These are qualities that truly reflect Steve Ferguson’s enduring legacy.”

Bruno will be formally recognized during the 2026 Country Radio Seminar, with additional details to be announced.

ASCAP Foundation Appoints Patricia Leonard As Executive Director

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Patricia Leonard.

The ASCAP Foundation has appointed Patricia Leonard as Executive Director. She follows Nicole George-Middleton, who was recently promoted to Executive Vice President, Head of Creative Membership at ASCAP.

“For 50 years, The ASCAP Foundation has succeeded by providing recognition and support so that developing music creators of all kinds can flourish,” says Paul Williams, ASCAP Foundation President. “We are elated to have Patricia Leonard take over the Executive Director role and confident that her love of music and her deep background in the arts and philanthropy will enable the Foundation to continue to thrive for years to come.”

“I couldn’t be happier to join an organization with such noteworthy roots in the music community,” adds Leonard. “The Foundation’s history of providing music education and nurturing aspiring songwriters and composers while extending the legacies of some of its most accomplished members is truly special and I look forward to sustaining that mission.”

She was formerly Chief Philanthropy Officer with the Princess Grace Foundation, where she led the planning and execution of charitable events and sponsorship opportunities and created new programs such as the Crown Patrons Society for high-value donors. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Institutional Giving for the Manhattan Theatre Club and as Director of Institutional Relations for the Metropolitan Opera. Leonard serves on the boards of the New York New Music Ensemble and New York Women Composers, and is a founding member of the New York Composers Circle.

ECCHO Live Adds Six New Board Members

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ECCHO Live has expanded its Board of Directors, adding Joe Birdsong (CFO, Premier Global Productions), Joseph Logsdon (Account Rep, 3G Productions), David Schultz (Tour Manager, Parmalee), Aaron Siebert (VP Global Projects, Tait), Marni Wandner (Founder, Future Present) and Taylor Watson (Tour Manager, Hardy).

“ECCHO Live is continuing to expand our reach as we grow our mental health and financial coaching initiatives and beyond,” says Chris Lisle, Founder of ECCHO Live. “These new board members deeply understand the challenges and needs of the live event industry. Their knowledge and passion will help us continue to serve this community in meaningful ways.”

The board expansion follows the recent hiring of a new Program Manager and Director of Marketing.

Riley Green Earns Sixth No. 1

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Riley Green & Ella Langley

Riley Green has landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, Mediabase Country Chart, and Canada Country Radio with “Don’t Mind If I Do (feat. Ella Langley).”

This marks Green’s sixth career chart-topper and his second consecutive self-penned chart-topper this year, following “Worst Way.” With “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do” both reaching No. 1, Green becomes the first country artist to earn back-to-back solo-written No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart since Taylor Swift topped the charts with “Sparks Fly” (2011) and “Ours” (2012).

Green recently released Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), an expanded edition of his 2024 album that adds six new tracks. In 2026, his headlining “Cowboy As It Gets Tour” will take him to cities across the country including Nashville, Cleveland, Saratoga Springs, Salt Lake City, and more, with a lineup of special guests joining him on select dates, including Justin Moore, Drake White, Mackenzie Carpenter, Adam Hood, Hannah McFarland, and Zach John King,

Robert Earl Keen & Flatland Cavalry To Headline Troubadour Festival

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Robert Earl Keen & Flatland Cavalry

Robert Earl Keen and Flatland Cavalry are set to headline Troubadour Festival in Bryan, Texas March 27-29.

The weekend begins March 27 with a free kickoff party at The Palace Theater in Downtown Bryan, featuring performances by American Aquarium and Shelby Stone. The main festival will take place March 28, at Midtown Park with Keen and Flatland Cavalry, plus Waylon Wyatt, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Tyce Delk, Taylor Hunnicutt, The Kruse Brothers, and Julianna Rankin. 

The weekend concludes March 29, with a BBQ Brunch at The Palace Theater featuring an acoustic set from Jason Boland in honor of the 25th anniversary of Jason Boland & The Stragglers. In addition to live music, attendees can explore food from 30 award-winning barbecue restaurants from across Texas.

Tickets go on sale on Friday (Dec. 19) here.

“We can’t wait to bring Troubadour Festival to Midtown Park in Bryan in 2026,” says Chase Colston, festival promoter and Co-Owner of Double Tap Entertainment. “We had three great years at Aggie Park, but we are excited to curate an entire weekend of events in Bryan with our pre-party, festival and Sunday brunch. The barbecue and music lineups are top-notch in all aspects. The overall experience is going to be bigger and better than we’ve had before in Bryan-College Station. We can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

A portion of the proceeds from the Troubadour Festival will benefit Hogs for the Cause, the festival’s official charity partner that provides financial assistance to families across the country with children undergoing treatment for brain cancer. To date, the organization has distributed more than $15 million to families and hospital programs.

Industry Ink: Laura Veltz, ASCAP, Anne Murray

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Laura Veltz Celebrates Two End-of-Year Honors

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, Laura Veltz, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle and Mike Molinar. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Music

Laura Veltz has earned two year-end honors.

Mediabase/Aircheck has named “High Road,” performed by Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph, the Top Country Airplay Song of the Year following its five-week run at No. 1 on Billboard Country Airplay earlier in 2025 and its 3X RIAA Platinum certification.

Additionally, “Blue Strips,” performed by country-pop sensation Jessie Murph, has achieved RIAA Platinum status.

 

ASCAP Hosts GPS Project Live Showcase

Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Bryce Cain, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Dylan Rockoff, Aaron Pollock, Fran Litterski, John Frank. (Front Row, L-R): Jillian Dawn, Daniella Spadini, Maggie Reeves, Bri Fletcher, ASCAP’s Emilia James. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP.

ASCAP recently hosted a showcase featuring songwriters from its 2025 Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters Project including Aaron Pollock, Bri Fletcher, Bryce Cain, Daniella Spadini, Dylan Rockoff, Fran Litterski, Jillian Dawn, John Frank and Maggie Reeves.

The ASCAP GPS Project connects unsigned songwriters with publishers for writing critiques and advice.

 

Special Holiday Screening Of ‘Anne Murray: Full Circle’ Available December 15–30

Anne Murray. Photo: Katyann.

The Anne Murray: Full Circle documentary will be available to stream for free Dec. 15-30. Featuring rare archival footage, personal reflections and conversations with admirers and collaborators, it can be accessed here.

“We’re pleased to share the documentary with you as our holiday gift,” says Murray’s longtime manager Bruce Allen. “The response to Here You Are, along with the heartfelt applause and emotion felt at the sold out Grand Opry House tribute, reminded us how deeply Anne’s music continues to connect with people. This is a small way of saying thank you.”

Tennessee Songwriters Week Sign-Ups Open

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2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase.

The sign-ups for the 2026 Tennessee Songwriters Week are now open. More information is available here.

Songwriters in all genres can sign up to perform in qualifying rounds to compete for a chance to play their original music at one of seven showcases during Tennessee Songwriters Week.

Qualifying rounds begin in late January at more than 60 participating music venues across the state. Songs will be judged by quality and performance.

Select songwriters will advance to perform during Tennessee Songwriters Week, which is slated for Feb. 23-28. The showcase events highlight seven distinct musical regions that have played a major role in the musical development of Tennessee. One finalist from each showcase will be chosen to perform at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March.

Tennessee Songwriters Week Schedule:
Monday, February 23, 2026 – Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge
Monday, February 23, 2026 – The Reserve in Kingsport
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Barrelhouse Ballroom in Chattanooga
Thursday, February 26, 2026 – Franklin Theatre in Franklin
Friday, February 27, 2026 – Temple Theatre in Portland
Saturday, February 28, 2026 – The Bijou in Knoxville

Deluxe Edition Of Tony Joe White’s Lost Album, ‘The Real Thang’ Out Now

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A deluxe edition of the late Tony Joe White’s The Real Thang is out now.

The Real Thang Deluxe Edition includes two new songs, “Fine Country Woman” and “Gringo,” in addition to the 18 tracks from the original album which featured a helping of never-before-heard recordings from that era.

“Fine Country Woman” is an ode to White’s wife, Leann, with White’s guitar sounding more 90s country than any of his previous work.“Gringo” is a rare instrumental written by White and his friend Waylon Jennings. Filled with the iconic Jennings phase-shifted telecaster tone and acoustic lead playing from White, “Gringo” is a prime example of the pair’s musical friendship.

“Nobody really knows the story behind this song, as these two men took it to their graves,” says his son and de facto archivist, Jody White. “Apparently, it was recorded one night while they were just hanging out and buried deep in the archives of the Tony Joe White audio tapes.”

Fans can stream or purchase The Real Thang Deluxe Edition here, and obtain more information or purchase a physical copy of The Real Thang on vinyl or CD at tonyjoewhite.com.

White was a performer and storyteller for five decades, and his catalog offers classics such as “Polk Salad Annie” and “Rainy Night in Georgia.” His songs have been recorded by Ray Charles, Kenny Chesney, Waylon Jennings, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield and Tina Turner.

The Real Thang (Deluxe Edition) Track List:
1. “Goodbye LA”
2. “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Cowboys Grow Up to be Babies”
3. “Cowboy Singer”
4. “It Just Don’t Get It No More”
5. “Redneck Women”
6. “I Came Here to Party”
7. “That’s the Way a Cowboy Rocks n Rolls”
8. “Let’s Trade Heartaches”
9. “She Sits Close to the Driver”
10. “Pour Me Another Memory”
11. “Hangin’ On”
12. “Alligator Stomp”
13. “Swamp Rap”
14. “I Get Off On It”
15. “Grounded”
16. “Even Trolls Love Rock n Roll”
17. “Polk Salad Annie”
18. “Disco Blues”
19. “Fine Country Woman”
20. “Gringo”

Back Blocks Music Elevates One, Adds Two

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Elizabeth Cook, Megan Clemens & Laine Lonero

Back Blocks Music has promoted Elizabeth Cook to Creative Director, and has added Megan Clemens as Director of Digital Marketing and Laine Lonero as Marketing Coordinator.

Cook joined Back Blocks in 2023 as Creative Coordinator while attending Belmont University. As Creative Coordinator, she worked on A&R admin, pitching songs, managing interns, coordinating writers’ calendars and retreats and more. She played a key role in the writing process for Tucker Wetmore’s What Not To, and was recently named to MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Industry Directory. In her new role, she will lead creative development, calendars and catalog management, supporting artists like Ashley Cooke, Tucker Wetmore and Ethan Burdick.

Clemens joins Back Blocks from previously serving as Head of Digital at CSM Management, where she worked with Chris Isaak, Def Leppard, Fleetwood Mac, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Nicks and more. In her new role, she will lead Back Blocks’ digital strategy for the company’s roster of artists and will focus on creating genuine fan relationships, through content.

In her new role, Lonero will oversee a wide range of marketing and digital initiatives, including content creation, website management, scheduling, data analysis and social media management. Lonero was previously an intern for the company in 2024, and recently graduated from Belmont University, where she studied media and entertainment industries and music. She has also held internships at Fort Nash and PEG Music.

“I am thrilled to welcome Megan and Laine to the Back Blocks team, while also celebrating the well-deserved promotion of Elizabeth, whose leadership has been instrumental in the growth for our writers over the past year,” says Founder/CEO Rakiyah Marshall. “Our team is entering a new season of growth and we’re sharpening our focus on long-term artist and songwriter development. Each of these women represent the caliber of leadership, passion and expertise that aligns with Back Blocks’ vision as we look ahead to 2026.”

Cody Jinks Celebrates Re-Release Of ‘Adobe Sessions’ Album With Special Commemorative Editions

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Cody Jinks. Photo: Joshua Black Wilkins

Cody Jinks is celebrating the re-release of his Adobe Sessions album and the project’s 10-year anniversary with a special commemorative edition featuring an array of collectible formats and special packaging.

Each edition showcases premium design details, including a dimensional embossed metallic copper foil stamp, and includes the previously unreleased track “Everything,” recorded during the original Adobe Sessions but never before shared with fans and exclusively released on these physical products only.

The deluxe vinyl release features dual-sided gatefold artwork, while the CD comes in a striking digipack format. With ultra-limited autographed pressings, indie-exclusive colorways, and premium variants, the anniversary collection celebrates a decade of Adobe Sessions while offering something special for both longtime collectors and new listeners alike.

The D2C Limited Edition ($65) features a one-of-a-kind hand-splattered vinyl in a custom color combination, no two copies alike alongside a hand-signed insert by Jinks and deluxe gatefold packaging. The D2C Exclusive Edition ($40) offers a vibrant metallic copper vinyl pressing housed in a reversible dual-cover gatefold. The Independent Retail Exclusive ($40) will be available at participating indie record stores and includes the “Adobe Sunset” translucent swirl vinyl in matching deluxe packaging. Rounding out the collection, the CD Edition ($13) features a reversible dual-cover digipack, delivering an accessible yet premium option for fans and collectors alike.

Jinks has sold over five million tickets to date, and recently wrapped his co-headlining “Same Kind of Crazy Acoustic Tour” with Ward Davis. In 2026, Jinks will play various festivals including Outlaws And Legends Music Fest, Arizona Bike Week, Boots In The Park, Under The Big Sky Festival, and more.