Gavin Adcock & Hudson Westbrook To Headline 11th Annual Maui Songwriters Festival

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Gavin Adcock & Hudson Westbrook.

The Maui Songwriters Festival is returning for its 11th year to The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Feb. 11-14.

The multi-day experience is presented by Renate Event & Design in partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and in collaboration with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Guests will enjoy both intimate showcases and large-format concerts from artists and songwriters including headliners Gavin Adcock and Hudson Westbrook along with Chris DeStefano, Josiah Queen, Alana Springsteen, Kameron Marlowe, Reid Haughton, Dan Alley, Neil Medley, Lauren LaRue, Sara Bares, Kapali Long, Akoni Palomino, and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific (Pearl Harbor). All events will be hosted by on-air personality Katie Neal.

Exclusive VIP packages, special room rates, and event tickets are available now at mauisongwritersfestival.com. Festival proceeds directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, supporting local youth and families. The festival has donated more than $220,000 to the Maui community over the past three years.

Windy City Smokeout Unveils Full Lineup

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Windy City Smokeout will return to Chicago’s United Center for its 13th year, taking place July 8–12. Ticket information can be found here.

Joining this year’s previously announced headliners will be Scotty McCreery, Ghost Hounds, Noeline Hofmann, Karley Scott Collins, Hudson Westbrook, Vincent Mason, Mackenzie Carpenter, Chandler Walters, Russell Dickerson, Tyler Hubbard, Blake Whiten, ADHD, Warren Zeiders, George Birge, Carter Faith and Tyler Nance.

In addition to the music, guests can also enjoy the “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer,” a bottomless BBQ, beverage options and more.

Allison Veltz Cruz Inks With Reservoir Media [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): John Ozier (EVP of Creative, Reservoir), Beth St. Jean (Senior Creative Manager, Reservoir), Allison Veltz Cruz, Greg Gallo (VP of Creative, Reservoir) and Sarah McDaniels (Creative Coordinator, Reservoir). Photo: Courtesy of Reservoir

Allison Veltz Cruz has inked a publishing deal with Reservoir Media.

Veltz Cruz earned her first country chart-topper with Matt Stell’s double-Platinum “Prayed For You” in 2019, followed by Tenille Arts’ Platinum, No. 1 track, “Somebody Like That.”

Veltz Cruz was named the AIMP Rising Songwriter of the Year in 2020 and has earned additional cuts with Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Lady A, Carly Pearce, George Birge, Maddie & Tae, Drew Baldridge and Lainie Garner, among others.

“This is my dream deal with a dream team and a full circle moment for me. I’ve never been more excited to create,” says Veltz Cruz.

“Allison Veltz Cruz is the best – not just for her incredible talent, but also for the authenticity, heart, and hustle that she brings into every writing room,” adds Greg Gallo, Reservoir Vice President of Creative. “Allison’s ability to craft songs that connect artists to listeners is truly special. Reservoir is excited and honored to partner with Allison on her next set of hits.”

Will Terry Signs With TRACK mgmt

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Pictured (L-R): Drew Magid, Will Terry, Tracker and Kelly Carrazzone. Photo: Courtesy of TRACK mgmt

Will Terry has signed a management deal with TRACK mgmt.

The Rome, Georgia native inked a publishing deal with Prescription Songs and joint development deal with Amigo Records and 7Hills Music last year.

Terry has served as tour support for Tyler Farr, Jon Langston and Chayce Beckham and recently made his Whiskey Jam debut. In 2025, he released singles “Losing You” and “Hell at This Point,” with the latter featured on Spotify’s New Boots, Coming Up Country and Fresh Finds Country playlists.

“From the moment I heard Will Terry, it was clear he brings something genuinely fresh to the landscape,” says manager Drew Magid. “I’m excited to help build a long-term career that reflects his artistry and ambition, and to elevate the strong foundation he’s established since moving to Nashville last year.”

“Your team is everything, Drew and Kelly are two of the most artist-dedicated individuals I’ve worked with,” adds Tracker Johnson, founder of TRACK mgmt. “I’m very excited to see them work together on Will.”

Julianne Cassidy Exits Sweet Talk Publicity

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Julianne Cassidy

Julianne Cassidy, Sr. Director of Publicity, has exited her role at Sweet Talk Publicity. She first joined the company in 2016 as Account Executive.

During her tenure, she led and assisted on artist campaigns spanning established acts to breakout stars including Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Dustin Lynch, Brian Kelley, LOCASH, Gabby Barrett, Charles Esten, Alana Springsteen, Chase Matthew, Ty Myers and Mason Ramsey, as well as high-profile runs like Missy Elliott’s debut headline tour, “OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience” and Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. In addition, she handled day-to-day publicity needs for business accounts such as Big Loud, Songs & Daughters and Jonas Group Entertainment.

Prior roles include Associate Editor at Womanista and Digital Editor/National Content at Journal Broadcast Group.

She is actively pursuing opportunities and can be reached at juliannecassidy.contact@gmail.com.

Julien’s Auctions & MusiCares Team For Charity Relief Auction

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Photo: Courtesy of Julien’s Auctions

Julien’s Auctions and MusiCares have revealed the star-powered lineup for the 2026 MusiCares Charity Relief Auction set for Feb. 1.

The auction will feature unique, one-of-a-kind donated items from benny blanco, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Cher, Jelly Roll, Justin Bieber, Katseye, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Olivia Rodrigo & Robert Smith, Sabrina Carpenter, Tony Bennett,Taylor Swift  and more, along with special items from MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Mariah Carey. Additional highlights include more than 50 personal items donated by Boy George, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Eminem, Foreigner, Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Ringo Starr, Shakira, and Teddy Swims, with even more to be revealed.

Among the items hitting the auction block are a Soundwaves Artwork from the sold-out series created from the audio recording of “Here for it All” signed by Mariah Carey along with the spare hood and trunk lid from her custom-built Pink 1961 Ford Thunderbird, which will be signed by Carey; a Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar autographed by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars; and a rare original large-scale painting by 19-time Grammy Award winner Tony Bennett, the 1995 MusiCares Person of the Year, one of only two large canvases from his collection.

Rounding out the lineup are “The Tortured Poets Department” Epiphone Song Maker Acoustic Guitar signed by Taylor Swift (not played), and a Gibson Jessica signed by Slash, as well as a signed, hardcover edition of 18-time Grammy Award-winning Sir Paul McCartney’s book The Lyrics: 1965 to Present, hand signed and personalized to the winning bidder.

“For 19 years, Julien’s Auctions has been honored to support MusiCares and its vital mission of musicians helping other less fortunate musicians,” says Martin Nolan, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Julien’s Auctions. “Through this enduring partnership, significant funds have been raised to provide critical assistance to members of the music community in times of need. The generosity of this year’s MusiCares’ Person of the Year 2026, Mariah Carey, along with the extraordinary contributions of many other renowned artists, makes a profound impact. A continued reinforcement of the strength, compassion, and solidarity of the global music community.”

“MusiCares is so proud to partner with Julien’s to bring the most extraordinary music memorabilia to music fans around the globe,” says Theresa Wolters, MusiCares Executive Director. “Through the generosity of Mariah Carey and other legendary artists over the years, Julien’s Auctions has raised significant funding, allowing MusiCares to provide the essential care we do.”

The benefit auction takes place live from Santa Monica, California at 1 p.m. CST and online at Juliensauctions.com. Bidding opens today.

Dwight Yoakam To Host Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Benefit Show

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Dwight Yoakam will host the inaugural “Dwight Yoakam & Friends: Rockin’ for the Kids at The Roxy” benefit show taking place during Grammy Awards week in Los Angeles. The one-night-only charity concert is set for Jan. 28 at the Roxy Theatre and will benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

Presented by Yoakam alongside Billy Bob Thornton and McG, the evening will feature a full performance by Yoakam and his band, with special guest appearances by Charley Crockett, Marcus King, Lukas Nelson and additional artists to be announced. Video director and producer McG will emcee the event.

“When you walk the halls of a children’s hospital, it changes you. It puts all of life in a very graphic perspective,” says Yoakam. “As Emily and I were there with our own child, we saw so many families facing battles no one hopes to ever have to endure. And while we were fortunate to not face those challenges, that experience never left us. Rockin’ for the Kids is our way of saying thank you to Dr. Krieger and the entire staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, on behalf of every family who puts their trust in them every single day.”

“On behalf of everyone at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we are thrilled to be partnering with Mr. Yoakam and his wife on what is sure to be a truly special evening,” adds Mark D. Krieger, MD, the hospital’s Surgeon-in-Chief and the Billy and Audrey L. Wilder Chair in Neurosurgery. “We are grateful to Dwight and Emily for their passion and vision in bringing this night to life.”

Tickets are on sale now. For sponsorship opportunites and VIP tickets, contact Matt Semler.

Tim McGraw To Headline 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series Outdoor Game In Tampa

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Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw is set to perform at the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series outdoor game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins on Feb. 1.

The marquee event will be played at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking the first time in League history that an outdoor game will be played in a football stadium in the state of Florida. Live coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN in the U.S., and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada as well as via NHL in ASL (ESPN+ in the U.S. and Sportsnet+ in Canada). McGraw will lead the first intermission presented by Ticketmaster performance.

For the NHL Stadium Series, the NHL will build the regulation-size rink inside a steel-framed, air-conditioned structure to protect it from the elements. Spanning 34 feet high, 125 feet wide and 240 feet long, the state-of-the-art tent will be dismantled before the teams face off outdoors in primetime in Florida. McGraw will perform on a stage alongside the rink. A limited number of tickets to the game are still available via Ticketmaster, with more info available at NHL.com/events.

Zach Kale Signs With Sea Gayle Music

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Zach Kale & Team.

Zach Kale has signed with Sea Gayle Music.

Kale has earned cuts with Ella Langley, Florida Georgia Line, Charlie Puth, Keith Urban, Cole Swindell, NELLY, Nate Smith, Parmalee, Lauren Alaina and many others. The CMA and ACM–nominated, Dove Award–winning songwriter and producer co-wrote Gabby Barrett’s 8x Platinum “I Hope” and 4x Platinum “The Good Ones.”

“We’re proud to welcome proven hitmaker Zach Kale to the Sea Gayle Music family,” says Chris DuBois, President of Sea Gayle Music. “Whether he’s in the writing room or behind the console, Zach brings a rare combination of creative instinct, commercial awareness, and an undeniable ability to make music that truly connects. It’s a privilege to partner with him on his journey and look forward to helping create new opportunities for him and his music.”

“I am truly fired up to be working with the Sea Gayle Music team and I look forward to the opportunities ahead,” adds Kale.

ASCAP Reveals Songwriters Selected For GPS Project Class Of 2026

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Picture (L-R, front row): ASCAP’s Emilia James, Eleanor Bryan, Bailey Taylor, Abigail Mae, ASCAP’S Duane Hobson; (L-R, second row): Anna Kline, Remy Garrison; (L-R, third row): Wes Harris, Jay Speight, Maddie Lenhart, Faith Schueler; (L-R, fourth row): Grace + Max, ASCAP’s Ryan O’Grady, Maggie Youngs; (L-R, fifth row): Phoebe Scott, Jake Arthur, Kevin Monahan; (L-R, back row): Josh David, Cade Walker

ASCAP has revealed the songwriters selected for its 13th annual ASCAP GPS (Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters) Project. New this year is the addition of a Christian music cohort joining the country music participants.

The ASCAP GPS Project Class of 2026 includes Abigail Mae, Anna Kline, Bailey Taylor, Cade Walker, Eleanor Bryan, Faith Schueler, Grace + Max, Jake Arthur, Jay Speight, Josh David, Kevin Monahan, Maddie Lenhart, Maggie Youngs, Phoebe Scott, Remy Garrison and Wes Harris. The class was curated by ASCAP Associate Director of Nashville Membership Duane Hobson and ASCAP Manager of Nashville Membership Emilia James.

The program is led by ASCAP Vice President Mike Sistad and aims to help develop unsigned songwriters. Throughout the year, the songwriters will be paired with publishers who will listen and give feedback on their songs and host development sessions. Participating 2026 publishers include Big Machine Music, Capitol CMG Publishing, Centricity Publishing, Curb | Word Music Publishing, Eclipse Music Group, Empire Publishing, Essential Music Publishing, Integrity Music Publishing, King Pen Music, Kobalt Music Publishing, Liz Rose Music, Reservoir Media, Sony Music Publishing, Spirit Music Nashville, TIM Publishing and Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

ASCAP GPS alumni include Jacob Davis, Hannah Dasher, Caylee Hammack, Joe Ragosta and more.