Industry Ink: ASCAP, Randy Rogers, Blessing Offor, Rose Parade, More

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ASCAP Hosts Songwriters Round At The Bluebird Cafe

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Kyle Sturrock, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Brianna Nelson, Andrea Vasquez and Joe Clemmons.

ASCAP hosted a songwriters round on Jan. 7 as part of its monthly showcase series at Nashville’s The Bluebird Cafe to support the local songwriting community. ASCAP members Joe Clemmons, Brianna Nelson, Kyle Sturrock and Andrea Vasquez took the stage at the Bluebird Cafe for the recent show to kick off the New Year.

Randy Rogers Family Foundation’s Golf Jam 2026 To Benefit Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation

Pictured (L-R): Kathy Ziebell (CCSCF Staff), Julie Lewin (CCSCF Staff), Clarissa Platt (CCSCF Staff), Phyllis Kyle (CCSCF Board Member), Kris Mira (CCSCF Donor), Daniel Dornier (CCSCF Board Member), Rachel Schaffner (CCSCF Board Member), Chris Smith (CCSCF Executive Director), Jim Collier (CCSCF Board Member), Randy Rogers, Chelsea Rogers (Randy’s wife), Drew Farr (RRFF Board Member), Courtney Bukowski (RRFF Executive Director) and Dr. Taylor Cook (RRFF Board Member)

The Randy Rogers Family Foundation officially announced the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation as the beneficiary of Golf Jam 2026 during a special reveal event held at Spass Haus on the Wurstfest Grounds. Golf Jam 2026 will take place on April 26 bringing together golf, music, and community support for senior-focused programs in Comal County. The Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation plays a vital role in supporting seniors throughout the region, including helping fund programs that provide nutrition, social connection, and essential services for older adults.

“Golf Jam has grown over the years, and it felt right to bring it home,” says Rogers. “New Braunfels is where my family has planted roots, and it’s a community that means a great deal to us. Partnering with the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation allows us to support the people who helped build this community.”

Blessing Offor Is New Voice For ‘TODAY With Jenna & Sheinelle,’ Pens New Theme Song

Blessing Offor

Blessing Offor is kicking off 2026 as the new voice for TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. The new theme song penned by Offor, “We’re Shining,” captures the lively positive energy both Jenna and Sheinelle bring to weekday mornings. “I remember when I got the text from Jenna asking if I’d consider writing and recording the theme song for Jenna & Sheinelle; I was so excited and honored,” recalls Offor. “The joy they embody is easy to capture because it’s so real and genuine. I’m still pinching myself that this is happening!”

On Feb. 14, Offor will embark on his first headline tour in support of his sophomore album Real, The “Heart So Real Tour.” The tour kicks off in Raleigh and includes stops including Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, and Columbus before wrapping in Indianapolis on Feb. 25.

2026 Rose Parade Has Nashville Connections

Teri Nelson Carpenter, Founder & CEO of Reel Muzik Werks, has been the Music Supervisor for the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California for the past four years, and this year she worked with some fellow local musicians – the Franklin High School Band – who were invited to perform at this year’s annual event. This year’s parade theme was “The Magic In Teamwork” and the Franklin High School Band performed a rendition of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” for the crowds.

Kacee Clanton Brings Decades Of Experience To Vocal Coaching Business VPC

Artist, producer, and Broadway singer Kacee Clanton is accepting new clients for her vocal performance coaching business, VPC. Clanton has starred on Broadway, toured extensively as a backing vocalist with top artists, released multiple albums, and written and performed for films, TV, commercials, and video games. She has been teaching for almost two decades at local, collegiate, and professional levels. Previously based out of LA and NYC, she has relocated to the Nashville area and continues work as a private coach and mentor for all ages and levels. She coaches artists and touring singers/musicians to enhance their performance skills and endurance, singers and actors doing stage, film and TV, and prepares students for all types of auditions. More information can be found at VocalPerformanceCoach.com or by emailing kacee@kaceeclanton.com.

Samantha DePrez Rises To Sr. Director/Promotion At Curb Records

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Samantha DePrez.

Samantha DePrez has been promoted to Senior Director of Promotion at Curb Records.

DePrez began her career at Curb Records 17 years ago as an intern, later joining the promotion team full-time as a coordinator after graduating from Ball State University. In 2017, she was promoted to Director of Promotion for the Midwest, immediately playing a key role in the push for Dylan Scott’s first No. 1 single. During her time with the company, DePrez has been responsible for regional artist airplay and for overseeing streaming and social metrics related to fan engagement across the label’s roster.

“Sam has been a constant force at Curb—thoughtful, driven, and always focused on how to best serve the artists and the team. We’re proud of her and excited for what’s ahead,” says RJ Meacham, Curb Senior Vice President of Promotion.

Nashville’s 615 Indie Live Reveals Complete Artist Lineup & Schedule

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615 Indie Live has revealed its complete roster of performers for the 2026 showcases, set to take place across 15 independent Nashville venues on Feb. 7.

The complete event schedule is available on the event app, available for iPhone and Android. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit MVAN, and the festival will donate $2 per ticket to WNXP.

Angie K, A Tribe Of Horsemen, Castle, JJ Niceley, Kanude, Knyghts, Lewis Stubbs Junior, McKinley James, Ron Gallo, Suadi, The Prickly Pair, The Whooligan, Total Wife and Turquoise Gate will join the previously announced lineup of Amelia Day, Anastasia Elliot, Bones Owens, Boy Orbison, Brian Wright, Bryant Taylorr, The Brummies, Campanula, Charles Wigg Walker, Claire Ernst, Christina Vane with Joshua Hedley, Crystal Rose, Daphne, David Cook Quintet feat. Jeff Coffin with Miguel Alvarado, DeeOhGee, DJ Nat Ward, Eddie Angel’s Guitar Party, Family Dog, Genevieve Heyward, Hayden Pattengale, Heavy Quitters, Hector Tellez Jr, Henri Herbert and The Fury, Hogslop String Band, Hussy Fit, Jacob Jezioro & Jordan Perlson, JT Loux, Justin Webb & The Noise, Kenny Sharp, Laney Jones and The Spirits, Lilly Hiatt, Lilly Winwood, Lombardy, Marc Payne Quintet w/ Don Aliquo, Massie 99, The Minks, New Translations, Plainview Vibes’ Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Rob Linton & Josh Cook, Rolling Stone Nashville Now with Noeline Hofmann, Rougarou, The Sewing Club, Simon Mogul, SWEETTALKER, TEN, Texas Chain Store Managers, Thunder and Rain, Venus & the Flytraps and Zandi Hollup.

Participating venues include 3rd and Lindsley, Acme Feed & Seed, Anzie Blue, Cannery Hall, Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, DRKMTTR Collective, Eastside Bowl, Mirror Mirror, Music Makers Stage at Delgado Guitars, Night We Met, Rudy’s Jazz Room, The 5 Spot, The Basement, The East Room and The End.

“Independent venues are the backbone of our scene in the 615 and crucial incubators of our creative community,” says artist Lewis Stubbs Junior. “A festival dedicated to lifting up the stages that lift us up every day isn’t just an honor to be a part of, it’s what Nashville is all about.”

“615 Indie Live is a perfect example of how Nashville’s music culture is woven throughout our city,” shares Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “It supports local artists and independent venues while offering visitors and locals the chance to discover great music in unique neighborhoods and intimate venues that are the heart of our city’s live music legacy.”

“This event goes beyond showcasing the depth of our local talent, it’s a moment to honor the community that keeps our music ecosystem thriving,” adds Chris Cobb, President of the Music Venue Alliance Nashville. “Whether you’re discovering your next favorite artist, stepping into a neighborhood venue for the first time, or just wanting to support the scene you love, Nashville belongs here on February 7th.”

‘Bluegrass Nights At The Ryman’ Unveils 2026 Lineup

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Springer Mountain Farms “Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman” will return to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this summer, beginning June 16 and continuing every Tuesday night through July 21.

Season passes for all six shows are available now, with single-show tickets going on sale Feb. 20.

Among this year’s guests are Dailey & Vincent, Watkins Family Hour, Mason Via, Sam Bush, Sister Sadie, Sierra Hull, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.

All shows are preceded by WSM Radio’s free “Pickin’ on the Plaza” pre-show, featuring live performances from regional bluegrass artists on the Ryman’s PNC Plaza.

2026 Springer Mountain Farms “Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman” Lineup:
June 16 – Dailey & Vincent
June 23 – Watkins Family Hour with Mason Via
June 30 – Sam Bush with Sister Sadie
July 7 – Sierra Hull
July 14 – The Infamous Stringdusters
July 21 – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Rock The Country Returns To Eight U.S. Cities In Celebration Of America’s 250th Anniversary

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Rock The Country will visit eight U.S. cities on the new “Rock The Country Tour,” a multi-city festival experience taking place from May through September.

The two-day events are built around lineups with artists including Kid Rock, Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Creed, Brooks & Dunn, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr., Shinedown, Jon Pardi, Ella Langley, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brantley Gilbert, Treaty Oak Revival, Gavin Adcock, Ludacris, Nelly and more. Each stop will also feature daily throwback happy hour DJ sets and a special host appearance by Chelcie Lynn in select markets.

“It’s this simple. Rock The Country isn’t just a music festival; it’s a movement,” says Kid Rock. “In 2026, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this is a place for hard-working, God-fearing patriots to gather as one and celebrate freedom, music, and the party of the year”.

“Rock The Country was built to honor the communities that don’t always get the spotlight, but show up with heart every single time,” says Nathan Baugh, CEO and Partner of Peachtree Entertainment.

“As we look ahead to 2026 and America’s 250th anniversary, we are raising the bar across the entire tour with bigger lineups, more intentional fan experiences, and meaningful investments in comfort and production,” adds Shane Quick, President of Live Events. “This is not just a tour. It is a celebration of the people, places, and music that define this country.”

New for 2026, Rock The Country is introducing Front Porch festival passes, designed for fans looking for the ultimate all-inclusive weekend. Each Front Porch pass includes seating with elevated sightlines, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and dinner curated by Chef David Bancroft, a dedicated entrance, a weekend parking pass, and additional premium amenities. In addition to Front Porch and VIP offerings, Rock The Country will offer single-day and weekend General Admission tickets, GA+ passes providing closest access to the stage, hotel packages, and camping options. Presale tickets begin Jan. 16 and fans can register for presale access at rockthecountry.com. Public on-sale begins Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. local time, with single day ticket prices starting at $89.99 plus fees or $149.99 plus fees for both days.

Rock The Country Tour 2026 (lineups vary per city):
Bellville, TX – Austin County Fairgrounds – May 1-2
Bloomingdale, GA – Ottawa Farms – May 29-30
Sioux Falls, SD – W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds – June 27-28
Ashland, KY – Boyd County Fairgrounds – July 10-11
Anderson, SC – Anderson Sports & Ent Center – July 25-26
Hastings, MI – Barry Expo Center – August 8-9
Ocala, FL – Florida Horse Park – August 28-29
Hamburg, NY – Erie County Fairgrounds – September 11-12

Julianna Rankin Inks With Big Loud Texas

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Pictured (L-R): Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert, Julianna Rankin, Allie Sisoian (Manager, Red Light Management), Brendon Anthony (VP, Big Loud Texas). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Julianna Rankin has signed with Big Loud Texas.

“I keep saying I wish I owned stock in the word ‘excited’ – it was, without a doubt, my most used word this past year,” shares Rankin. “I can confidently say the road that led me to signing with Big Loud Texas has been nothing short of cosmic. Having the opportunity to work with Miranda [Lambert] and Jon [Randall] is the kind of blessing any artist could ever hope for. They know the ropes and the road, and they prioritize the music – everything starts with a song. I couldn’t feel more grateful and ready to chase this dream with the entire Big Loud family at my side.”

“We are so proud to have Julianna join Big Loud Texas,” adds Lambert. “She is country, she is soul and has one of those voices that you’ve heard your whole life yet never heard quite like hers before… fresh and familiar. I can’t wait for the world to get to know her through her songs because her spirit shines through with every lyric she writes.”

Rankin was first discovered by the label at Aryln Studios’ 40th anniversary party. After the party concluded, Rankin, Lambert, Randall and Jack Ingram stayed up passing guitars and songs around the room.

Hailing from Texas, Rankin grew up listening to classic country and blues. Her influences include Keith Whitley, Bobbie Gentry, Waylon Jennings, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King and James Taylor. After attending Texas A&M, she set out on her musical journey.

To celebrate the signing, Rankin released her new tune “Bad Habits and Good Horses” today (Jan. 14). Written with Garrett Bradford and Jon Decious, the track will be featured on the season finale of Landman.

“Having this song land in Landman is something I’m really proud of,” adds Rankin. “I’m excited that this piece of music found a home that helps tell a story, it’s a sweet reminder of why I write songs in the first place.”

Waylon Wyatt To Embark On ‘Everywhere Under The Sun Tour’

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Waylon Wyatt. Photo: Jake Zaoutis

Waylon Wyatt will hit the road this spring on his headlining “Everywhere Under The Sun Tour.”

Kicking off April 23 in New Braunfels, Texas, the tour will stop in Little Rock, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wilmington, North Carolina and more across its eleven dates.

“Can’t wait to be out on the road with the band again,” says Wyatt. “Headlining just about all the mile markers you can think of and opening for the one and only Sam Barber. Gonna be a good one this year. So much new music I’ve been working on for y’all. Been tryna get an album built up and I’ll definitely be trying some of them out at these shows so make sure y’all get out to one. Or I guess just wait til the album drops. Either way we’re gonna be moving different this year and it’s definitely gonna be a tour to remember!!”

The Hackett, Arkansas native will return to Europe later this year for C2C Festival 2026 with dates in Berlin, Rotterdam, London, Belfast and Glasgow, and headlining dates in Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen. He will also support Sam Barber on select North American dates.

“Everywhere Under The Sun Tour” Dates:
April 23 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall
April 27 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
April 28 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall
May 1 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
May 2 – Urbana, IL – The Canopy Club
May 4 – Detroit, MI – El Club
May 5 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
May 6 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre
May 8 – Charlottesville, VA – The Jefferson Theater
May 9 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
May 10 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm

BMI Names Lee Thomas Miller As 2026 Songwriter Ambassador

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Lee Thomas Miller.

BMI has named Lee Thomas Miller as its 2026 BMI Songwriter Ambassador in Residence for the Nashville Creative office.

Throughout the year, Miller will host his own BMI Acoustic Lounge, lead BMI’s signature round at the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival and perform at BMI’s Key West Songwriters Festival and Annapolis Songwriters Festival. He will serve as a key speaker during exclusive BMI events such as BMI’s Next Big Wave Mixer as well as BMI’s Catalog Cast, where he will converse with Belmont University, MTSU and TSU students during the spring course.

“I signed with BMI in the late ’80s, and they were the first place I went to play terrible songs and demos on cheap cassette tapes. BMI has been one of the few constants through decades of change,” says Miller. “Not only are they a vital part of my own career, but I also have the honor of fighting alongside them for reform and protection in our copyright laws. It is humbling that BMI would ask me to serve in this capacity. It is the kind of program that makes our music community a family.”

“Few people understand the songwriter journey like Lee Thomas Miller, who has navigated this changing industry for three decades,” adds BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville Clay Bradley. “His ability to lead by example and his rooted experience make him the ideal ambassador to help remind songwriters of their worth.”

Miller has earned 13 BMI Awards, both the CMA and an ACM “Song of the Year” award for Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” the CMA “Single of the Year” award for Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This” and three Grammy nominations. He has amassed seven No. 1 hits, 18 Top 20 singles, over 25 million radio spins and over 100 million streams. He has additional cuts with Scotty McCreery, Hailey Whitters, Bryan Martin, Brandon Heath, Parker McCollum, Jason Aldean, Brothers Osborne, Kelsey Hart, Kashus Culpepper and more. In 2015, Miller received the inaugural BMI Champion Award and currently serves as President of NSAI.

ACM & ACM Lifting Lives Reveal New Hires & Promotions

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Pictured (L-R): Elizabeth Hagler, Julie Alcaraz & Brooke Boyd.

The Academy of Country Music and its philanthropic partner, ACM Lifting Lives, have made new hires and promotions across its human resources, accounting and philanthropic departments, elevating one and adding two.

Elizabeth Hagler joins the ACM as Head of Operations, People & Culture. In this role, Hagler will work closely with executive leadership, creative teams and others to support the Academy’s workforce. Previously, the Tullahoma native held her position at Parking Management Company for six years where she expanded the company’s presence on the east coast and oversaw the development of 1,500 employees. She led charitable initiatives including an Angel Tree Partnership, planning events with Make-A-Wish and more.

Julie Alcaraz joins the ACM as a Senior Accountant, Finance & Accounting. Graduating from William Paterson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business and a Master’s Degree from California State University, Los Angeles, she previously worked at Universal Music Group as Senior Manager, International Royalties before moving to Nashville as the NA Royalties Director for Universal Music Publishing. She opened an accounting firm serving small business owners before accepting a position at Concord Music Group as Director of Accounts Receivable. In addition to her role at the ACM, she also serves as Treasurer and Board Member of Beloved Community Co-Op, a small nonprofit homeschool cooperative in Indiana.

Brooke Boyd has been elevated to Coordinator, ACM Lifting Lives. She began her career at the ACM as an intern in 2023 and was quickly promoted to a full-time assistant. In her new role, Boyd will continue contributing to the growth and success of ACM Lifting Lives’ programs and initiatives. She is a Clemson University alumna.

Josh Osborne Featured As Country Music Hall Of Fame’s Next ‘Poets and Prophets’ Honoree

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Award-winning songwriter Josh Osborne will be featured in The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s next installment of its “Poets and Prophets” interview series on Feb. 21.

A Kentucky native, Osborne began writing songs as a teen and moved to Nashville immediately after high school in 1998, signing his first publishing deal shortly thereafter. Osborne honed his craft for more than a decade before hitting his stride in the 2010s and earning his first No. 1 with Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” in 2012. Now one of Nashville’s go-to tunesmiths, he has scored more than 30 additional chart-toppers, including “Drunk Last Night” (Eli Young Band); “Leave the Night On” and “Body Like a Back Road” (Sam Hunt); “One Man Band” (Old Dominion); “Sangria” and “My Eyes” (Blake Shelton) and “Sand in My Boots” (Morgan Wallen).

Osborne has won two Grammys for Best Country Song: in 2014 for “Merry Go ’Round” and in 2025 for “The Architect,” both by Kacey Musgraves and co-written with Musgraves and Shane McAnally. He was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2021 and NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year in 2019. In 2014, Osborne’s name was added to the Country Music Highway (U.S. Route 23), which runs through his home county in Kentucky.

The interview will be moderated by Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer and will be accompanied by photos, film and recordings. After the program, Osborne will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. “Poets and Prophets” is included with museum admission and free to museum members, however seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance.

The museum’s Poets and Prophets series was launched in 2007 and has spotlighted more than 50 songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.