Lauren Alaina, Craig Morgan, More To Star In New Reality Show ‘Beyond The Edge’

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Lauren Alaina and Craig Morgan have been tapped to participate in CBS’ new reality series, Beyond The Edge. From the producers of Naked and Afraid, Beyond The Edge will feature nine celebrities braving the elements in the jungles of Panama to benefit their chosen charities.

In addition to Alaina and Morgan, the show’s first crop of celebrities also includes Super Bowl MVP Ray Lewis, NBA champion Metta World Peace, supermodel Paulina Porizkova, NFL legend Mike Singletary, actress Jodie Sweetin, and television personalities Colton Underwood and Eboni K. Williams. Showtime sports announcer Mauro Ranallo will host.

For two weeks, the celebrities will attempt to withstand the conditions while living in the Panama jungle. For each day they last and every adventure challenge they win with their team, the celebrities will raise more money for their charities. At the end of the 14 days, the top two earners will go head to head to become the Beyond The Edge champion and take home the most money for their charity.

“Beyond The Edge is the most extreme celebrity format ever attempted,” says executive producer, Greg Goldman. “The day before we started principal photography, all of the producers looked at each other with the sinking feeling that this celebrity cast might see where they were living for up to two weeks—the harsh jungles of Panama—and just bolt. To the contrary, we were amazed by how these icons pushed themselves to their breaking points, showing incredible mental fortitude and physical tenacity. And all for an incredible cause: to raise money for charities that are near and dear to their hearts.”

Beyond The Edge will premiere Wednesday, March 16 (8-9 p.m. CT) on the CBS Television Network. It will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Tanya Tucker Slates ‘Hard Luck Tour’ Beginning In February

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Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Tanya Tucker is returning to the road on her 2022 “Hard Luck Tour,” which kicks off Feb. 13 at the San Antonio Rodeo.

The tour will visit Chattanooga, Tennessee; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Cherokee, North Carolina; and more through Aug. 5 with more dates to be added soon. Tickets are on sale now at TanyaTucker.com.

“So excited to get back out on the road! I’ve had a little bit of Hard Luck lately, but my luck’s changing and I can’t wait to see y’all on our new ‘Hard Luck Tour’ real soon! I love my fans and hope to see y’all this year!” Tucker shares.

Tucker has been busy in recent months collaborating with several guest artists and friends, including “Higher” with Eddie Montgomery, “This Is Our Country” with RuPaul, and “Never Again, Every Time” with Leigh Nash.

“Hard Luck Tour” Dates:

Priscilla Block To Embark On ‘Welcome To The Block Party Tour’

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Mercury Nashville recording artist Priscilla Block has announced her “Welcome To The Block Party Tour,” which kicks off Feb. 10 in Las Vegas.

The run will be Block’s first headlining tour since exploding onto the country scene in 2020 with her massive viral hit, “Just About Over You.” The trek will include shows in Birmingham, Knoxville, Charlotte, Houston, Dallas and more through April 23. For ticket information, click here.

“My first headlining tour… is this real life? I cannot wait for you to hear this album live and for you to experience the Block Party in person,” says Block. “Not long ago, I was quarantining and posting my songs on social media, hoping that the day would come where I could sing songs again in person… and here we are with a whole tour!”

A member of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Class of 2021, Block’s hit “Just About Over You” peaked on both the iTunes Country and All-Genre song charts, and recently reached Top 15 on country radio. “Just About Over You” along with “Wish You Were the Whiskey,” “I Bet You Wanna Know” and more are expected on Block’s upcoming debut album, Welcome To The Block Party.

“Welcome to the Block Party Tour” Dates:
February 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Loser’s Bar at MGM
March 24 – Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
March 25 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks Music Hall
March 26 – Rome, GA – Peaches
March 31 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
April 1 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s
April 2 – Hattiesburg, MS – Brewsky’s
April 7 – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord Music
April 8 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
April 9 – Savannah, GA – District Live
April 14 – Springfield, MO – The Outland Ballroom
April 15 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall
April 16 – Peoria, IL – Crusens
April 21 – Houston, TX – The Rustic
April 22 – San Antonio, TX – The Rustic
April 23 – Dallas, TX – Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ

Are You InCharge? Applications For MusicRow’s 2022 InCharge Print Directory Now Open

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MusicRow is currently accepting applications from candidates for its annual InCharge print issue, the published directory of Nashville’s music industry decision makers. Now in its 35th year, InCharge serves as the April/May issue of MusicRow Magazine and is slated for an April release.

Applications for the 2022 edition of InCharge have closed. All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee to determine the candidates chosen for this year’s InCharge print issue.

For advertising opportunities, please contact Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com.

For questions regarding the directory, please contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.

SOURCE Hall of Fame Inductees Announced For Upcoming In-Person Event

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The 19th Annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards, honoring Women Behind The Music, has been set for Aug. 23 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium.

Following 2021’s virtual awards induction, SOURCE celebrates this year’s return to an in-person event and will honor and induct a select group of women into the SOURCE Hall of Fame.

SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry, and level of community involvement. The inductees are all women who have made a significant impact on the Nashville entertainment industry.

Information on how to purchase tickets, partnerships, and program ads will be released in the coming weeks.

This year’s SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are:
Margie Hunt, Waylon Jennings/Jessi Colter, AWMG Entertainment, CBS Records, Sony Music, Hunt Music Services
Aleene Jackson, Monument Records, Showbud Guitars, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Conway Twitty Enterprises, Tree International, Cowboy Jack Clement Productions
Suzanne Lee, ASCAP
Dottie Oelhfaen, Erv Woolsey Company
Norma Jean Owen, CBS Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records, The Entertainment Group
Betty Sanders,The Pride Music Group, Blake Mevis, The Hyland Company, Chuck Flood & Associates/Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Ima Withers, Chips Moman & Don Crews American Recording Studios, Warner Brothers, RCA Records, Merit Music, BMI

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is the longest running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville, and is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking, and community service initiatives. In 2003, the annual SOURCE Awards were established by founder Kay Smith to honor and pay respect to the Women Behind The Music who helped shape and build upon Nashville’s entertainment industry.

Music Health Alliance Announces New Hire & Promotions

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Pictured (L-R): Laura Flagler Crowell, Shelia Shipley Biddy, Nikki Black

Music Health Alliance has announced an addition to the staff as well as two promotions.

Laura Flagler Crowell has joined MHA as Executive Administrator to CEO Tatum Allsep, while Certified Senior Advisor Shelia Shipley Biddy has been promoted from COO to CFO, and Nikki Black has been elevated from Sr. Director of Advocacy to Vice President Programs & Policy at the non-profit.

Crowell began her career in the Nashville music industry promoting stars including Tim McGraw, Gary Allan, Lee Ann Womack, Rhett Akins, Wynonna and Mark Chesnutt. She spent seven years in radio promotion at Decca Records and Atlantic Records, as well as serving as an executive assistant at rpm management and an assistant at Pro Tours, Inc./Ken Stilts Management. After a number of years in North Carolina and Texas, Crowell returned to Nashville and reunited with some of her old colleagues at Music Health Alliance. Crowell can be reached at laura@musichealthalliance.com, Biddy at shelia@musichealthalliance.com and Black at nikki@musichealthalliance.com.

The powerhouse all-female MHA team will continue to assist more than 17,000 music industry professionals with the entire spectrum of their healthcare needs, ranging from assistance with medical bills or physical and mental health guidance that includes finding doctors or prescription medicine, finding financial grants while recovering from a serious health issue, affordable health insurance, or answers to Medicare questions.

“The last 9 years at MHA have been paved by a team of fierce and compassionate women, and I am thrilled to announce this exciting time of growth and restructuring,” shares Allsep. “These additions will make certain that MHA has the continued capacity to grow and serve our nation’s music industry professionals and their ever-changing healthcare needs for many years to come.“

The 11-person team of advocates has worked tirelessly over the last two years to support the physical and mental health needs of America’s music community during this critical time in our industry, and was recently honored with the 2021 CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award.

Warner Chappell Ups Jessi Vaughn Stevenson To Sr. Director, A&R/Digital

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Jessi Vaughn Stevenson

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted Jessi Vaughn Stevenson to Sr. Director, A&R/Digital.

Stevenson has been with WCM since 2016, having previously served as A&R Strategy Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and most recently, Manager, A&R/Digital. In her former role, she developed new and existing songwriters and worked closely with the global digital team to create new opportunities between Nashville writers and digital partners.

She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University, where she also independently managed successful songwriters in Nashville.

“I’m excited to make this announcement today as Jessi has been with Warner Chappell since day one of her journey on Music Row.” shares Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, WCM Nashville. “Over the years she has developed her own style that is forward-thinking and hyper-focused on what’s best for our songwriters. She is a passionate songwriter fan and invaluable teammate to the entire Warner Chappell family.”

“I’m beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow with this incredible team,” adds Stevenson adds. “Ben, the team at Warner Chappell, and the songwriters inspire me every day, making this company a special place to be. I am dedicated and look forward to developing more innovative strategies for our songwriters that take their careers to new heights.”

Rhett Akins, Victoria Shaw, Luke Laird, More To Play Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley At CRS 2022

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The lineup for “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley” at CRS 2022 has been announced, and will include songwriters Rhett Akins, Kassi Ashton, Barry Dean, Emily Landis, Luke Laird, Victoria Shaw, Allison Veltz, Parker Welling, and more.

The chart-topping songwriters have earned numerous No. 1s, CMA Awards, ACMs, Grammys, and millions in sales. Hosted by Fitz of Country Top 40 with Fitz, the event has become one of Country Radio Seminar’s most anticipated events.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this CRS tradition,” shares Fitz. “Bob Kingsley loved the songwriters and loved giving them a platform to share their art and talent with our industry. I am honored to continue Bob’s commitment to showcasing the songwriter. I can’t wait for you to experience this country music bucket list experience. You get to see the WHO behind the HITS at Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley.”

Additionally, Bob Kingsley’s estate, under the stewardship of his wife Nan, recently partnered with The Bluebird Cafe and NSAI. The special collaboration will be recognized throughout the event.

A financial donation will underwrite the digitization of some historic Bluebird Cafe shows recorded over the years in a variety of mediums. Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas, Kingsley’s home, has partnered with The Bluebird Café, also through a Kingsley Estate endowment, to have their students involved in digitizing the historical shows. Earlier this year, the Kingsley estate donated over 700 full shows and 3,200 interviews with songwriters, artists, and others to the County Music Hall of Fame.

“Everyone who listened to Bob on the radio throughout his career understood that his love for Nashville’s songwriting community ran deep,” states Nan Kingsley. “It was for that reason I was proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and The Bluebird Café in 2021. I am excited to know that the team at Country Radio Seminar will be collaborating with the Bluebird Café, ensuring Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley remains the preeminent event during CRS it has always been.”

CRS will be held Feb. 23-25, and registration is open and available for purchase at CountryRadioSeminar.com. Everyone attending CRS 2022 will be required to provide documentation of full COVID-19 vaccinations or a negative COVID test result obtained within 48-hours of arrival at the event. If attendees cannot provide either, rapid antigen and PCR tests will be available upon arrival and conducted on-site at no cost to attendees.

Dolly Parton To Host ACM Awards

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

Global superstar Dolly Parton will host the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards, it was announced on Thursday (Feb. 3). Parton will be joined by co-hosts that will be announced at later date.

The two-hour show will stream live on Prime Video on Monday, March 7 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST/5 p.m. PST from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The 57th ACM Awards will mark the first time a major award show has been exclusively livestreamed, and will not include commercial breaks.

Nominations for this year’s awards will be announced next week.

“I am so excited to be hosting the ACM Awards on March 7 from Vegas. Watch for us because we’re going to have some fun,” shares Parton.

The beloved entertainer, who earlier this week was announced as a nominee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2022, is also set to release her album Run, Rose, Run on March 4. The album will accompany her original novel Run, Rose, Run, written with James Patterson and releasing March 7.

“We are honored to welcome Dolly Parton back to be the centerpiece of this landmark 57th Academy of Country Music Awards show at Allegiant Stadium. Dolly is the most iconic and multitalented artist of all time, and we are proud that she is a friend and supporter of the Academy, a previous host, and a 13-time Academy of Country Music Award recipient,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “There is no one better than Dolly to represent the ACM Awards brand and country music on a global scale as we move to streaming and show the world that ‘this is how we country’ by delivering one of the most exhilarating and innovative shows in our history to audiences worldwide.”

“Dolly Parton’s status as a beloved and inspirational icon is a testament to her ongoing impact as an artist, philanthropist, and human being,” adds Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “As we bring the Academy of Country Music Awards to our Prime Video customers worldwide for the first time, we are thrilled to showcase the power of Amazon in creating these impactful global entertainment moments with an icon like Dolly as host, as well as must-see performances and collaborations. Amazon is excited to create 360-degree entertainment experiences and engagement with fans that continue beyond the credits rolling in what is sure to be the most fan-centric event of the year.”

The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by MRC Live & Alternative. R.A. Clark is executive producer of the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Whiteside is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

Julia Keefe Joins Edgehill Music Publishing As Head Of A&R

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Julia Keefe

Edgehill Music Publishing has hired Julia Keefe as Head of A&R. She joins the company after serving as Creative Director at Altadena, a publishing, label and artist development company formed by multi-genre hitmaker Busbee.

In addition to leading A&R efforts, Keefe will also strategize new creative projects for Edgehill writers in Nashville and Los Angeles.

A Nashville native and Belmont University alum, Keefe began her professional career at Altadena. Over three years, she rose from intern to creative coordinator to creative director, working in various roles with artists such as Carly Pearce, Ryan Griffin, Lindsey Lomis, Carter Faith, Riley Roth, and more.

Josh Joseph, CEO and Founder of Edgehill Music Publishing, comments: “We are so excited to welcome such an experienced professional to our team. As a Nashville native, Julia demonstrates every day that working within the music industry is her blood. With her extensive professional experience and fresh perspective, Julia has already contributed so much to shape the future of our publishing company.”

“As a family-owned business, Edgehill takes pride in not only hiring the best of the best, but providing our roster with a support system that enables them to grow to their full potential,” adds Edgehill COO and Founder, Tara Joseph. “With her versatile creative background, there is truly no one better than Julia to have by our writers’ side for every step of the way.”

Edgehill recently formed a joint venture with newly-relaunched Boom, led by Joe Fisher, Keith Urban and Shaina Botwin, and signed Erin Kinsey. Keefe will work directly with Boom’s team on Kinsey’s project.

Reach Keefe at julia@edgehillmusicpublishing.com.