The Red Clay Strays To Headline Bridgestone Arena

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The Red Clay Strays. Photo: Macie Coleman

The Red Clay Strays are set to headline Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 22, 2026. Sierra Ferrell and Brent Cobb will join as support. General ticket sales begin tomorrow (Nov. 21).

The band performed at last night’s CMA Awards, where they took home Vocal Group of the Year. In addition, they will make their Stagecoach debut and headline Madison Square Garden next year.

The band consists of Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar, keys), Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), John Hall (drums) and Sevans Henderson (keys). Formed in Mobile, AL in 2016, the Strays released their debut album, Moment of Truth, in 2022, featuring the breakout single, “Wondering Why.” Last year, the band signed to RCA Records and released their sophomore album, Made by These Moments.

The Red Clay Strays Tour Dates:
2025 Dates
December 4 – The Theater at Virgin Hotels – Las Vegas, NV
December 5 – The Theater at Virgin Hotels – Las Vegas, NV

2026 Dates
April 19 – Two Step Inn – Georgetown, TX
April 24 – Stagecoach – Indio, CA
May 24 – Patriotic Festival – Norfolk, VA
June 13 – Buckeye Country Superfest – Columbus, OH
August 9 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
October 22 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN

Drake White Hosts Second ‘Benefit For The Brain’

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Drake White. Photo: Zack Knudsen

Drake White hosted his second “Benefit For The Brain” on Monday (Nov. 17) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

The sold out show benefited Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee, CreatiVets and the Miracle Hope Foundation. The night featured performances from White, Riley Green, Jon Pardi, Kassi Ashton and surprise guest appearances by Jessi Alexander and Randy Owen of Alabama.

In between performances, guest speakers Richard Casper (CreatiVets), Ed Clay (CPI), Griffin Moore (Paradigm), Beth Touris (Make-A-Wish), Tommy Aceto (Neuroscience & Wellness Initiative) and Rikki Harris (TN Voices) took the stage to share meaningful perspectives on research, advocacy, recovery, mental health support and alternative methods further grounding the night in the purpose of “Benefit For The Brain.”

Notably, the event’s first-ever silent auction completely sold out. Fans placed bids on items such as a Charlie Daniels signed fiddle, an Old Dominion signed guitar, four field box tickets to any Chicago Cubs game, a limited-edition print from local artist Jason DeMeo (Jase), a helmet signed by Tony Pollard, and multiple Nashville Soccer Club packages including signed jerseys from Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, plus tickets and a training session for up to eight kids, among other things.

In 2019, White endured a stroke on stage that later led to a Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) diagnosis which required seven brain surgeries. He developed the benefit show to raise money for three causes including mental wellness for military and veterans, especially PTSD, brain health in children and adolescents and innovative approaches to stroke recovery and neurological treatment. White’s non-profit The inaugural installment sold out the Ryman and raised over $253,000 and this year’s event exceeded that amount.

Riley Green & Jessi Alexander. Photo: Photo: Zack Knudsen

Kassi Ashton. Photo: Zack Knudsen

Randy Owen & Drake White. Photo: Zack Knudsen

Jon Pardi. Photo: Zack Knudsen

BREAKING: 2025 CMA Award Winners Revealed [Full List]

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Country music creators and industry members came together for the 59th annual CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight (Nov. 19).

Lainey Wilson was awarded the night’s big honor of Entertainer of the Year, as well as Female Vocalist of the Year, while Cody Johnson was named Male Vocalist of the Year. The Red Clay Strays scored the win for Vocal Group of the Year, and Brooks & Dunn took home Vocal Duo of the Year. Ella Langley and Riley Green obtained Single of the Year and Song of the Year honors for “you look like you love me,” and Wilson’s Whirlwind won Album of the Year.

The full list of winners is below:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson – WINNER

SINGLE OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
– Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
– Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green – WINNER
– Producer: Will Bundy
– Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
– Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
– Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
– Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson – WINNER
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce

SONG OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
“4x4xU”
– Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?”
– Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie”
– Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
“Texas”
– Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
“you look like you love me” – WINNER
– Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson – WINNER

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson – WINNER
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays – WINNER

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn – WINNER
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley)
– Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
– Producer: Micah Nichols
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Producer: Trent Willmon
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton) – WINNER
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)
– Producer: Kristian Bush

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar – WINNER
Brent Mason – Guitar
Rob McNelley – Guitar
Derek Wells – Guitar

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Director: Dustin Haney
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
– Director: TK McKamy
“Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
– Director: Running Bear
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green – WINNER
– Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Zach Top – WINNER
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson Jr.

Nashville Underplay To Host Charity Concert For Second Harvest

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Nashville Underplay will host a charity concert on Dec. 16 at 6th & Peabody in Nashville, with all proceeds going to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Among the lineup for the show are Old Dominion‘s Matt Ramsey and Brad Tursi, Lily Rose and Kassi Ashton. Nashville Underplay’s Founder Markus Koger will serve as the host of the evening.

“We’re honored to bring together such incredible artists for a cause that impacts so many in our community,” says Koger. “Every ticket purchased helps Second Harvest continue the life-changing work they do daily.”

Tickets are available now.

Chris Willman Receives 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award

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Shaboozey, Chris Willman and Stephen Wilson Jr. at Variety CMA Awards Interview Lounge presented by Duke Cannon at Anzie Blue on November 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Michael Buckner

Variety‘s Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Chris Willman has been honored with the 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award. Willman was surprised with the honor last night (Nov. 18) by Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. at Variety’s CMA Awards Interview Lounge at Anzie Blue.

The award honors the outstanding achievements of print and online journalists, columnists, authors, editors, television writers, producers and bookers, and syndicated radio reporters in country music media. The winner is determined by CMA publicist members.

Willman has been a full-time music journalist for four decades, making him Los Angeles’ longest-standing reporter. During his time at Variety, he has helped create the inaugural Power of Women Nashville live event and special issue, producing stories on Sheryl Crow and Mickey Guyton. Throughout 2024-2025, he has conducted interviews with Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum, among others.

His other career stops include Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, and the Los Angeles Times. Willman is also the author of Rednecks & Bluenecks: The Politics of Country Music, and is a two-time Entertainment Journalist of the Year at the SoCal Journalism Awards (2020, 2025) and was named Print Journalist of the Year at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards last year.

Braxton Keith To Embark On ‘This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued’ Next Year

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Braxton Keith.

Braxton Keith is set to hit the road on his “This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued” in January.

The run will hit over 20 cities, with stops in Colorado, Texas, Alabama and more. Keith will head to Australia for six shows in March before wrapping the tour in South Carolina.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now.

The Warner Records Nashville artist made his Grand Ole Opry debut on October 28th. Keith was surprised on-stage with a plaque to commemorate a career-first Gold certification for his single “Cozy.” The hit track has amassed over 100 million streams worldwide. He released his debut EP, Blue, last year.

2026 “This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued…” Dates:
January 3 — Albuquerque, NM — Dirty Bourbon
January 5-10 — Steamboat Springs, CO — MusicFest
January 15 — Denver, CO — Mission Ballroom
January 16 — Cheyenne, WY — The Lincoln
January 17 — Deadwood, SD — Deadwood Mountain Grand
January 23 — Little Rock, AR — The Hall
January 24 — Terrell, TX — Silver Saloon
January 29 — Tuscaloosa, AL — Two Dimes
January 30 — Starkville, MS — Ricks
February 6 — Baton Rouge, LA — Texas Club
February 7 — Rosenberg, TX — That Mexican OT Day
February 12 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater
February 13 — St. Louis, MO — Hot Country Nights
February 14 — Des Moines, IA — Val Air Ballroom
February 21 — Austin, TX — Stubb’s
March 13 — Melbourne, AUS — Margaret Court Arena
March 14 — Melbourne, AUS — Margaret Court Arena
March 16 — Sydney, AUS — Hordern Pavilion
March 17 — Sydney, AUS — Hordern Pavilion
March 20 — Ipswitch, AUS — CMC Rocks
March 21 — Ipswitch, AUS — CMC Rocks
March 29 — Isle of Palms — Windjammer

The Lucky Classic All-Star Celebrity Softball Game Is A Hit

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Photo: Joanna Morris

The Burger Family Foundation’s The Lucky Classic MLB All-Star and Celebrity Softball Game brought together some of the biggest names in sports and music at First Horizon Park on Nov. 16 for a day of fun, community and giving back.

MLB All-Stars Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Corey Seager and more joined artists like Russell Dickerson, Jordan Davis, Colbie Caillat, Tucker Wetmore and more on the field to raise funds for families of children with Down syndrome and other disabilities.The day was filled with unforgettable moments, beginning with Bryce Harper launching a home run to open the game and continuing as every single honorary player not only got on base, but crossed home plate – each one cheered on and embraced by athletes and artists who showed warmth and enthusiasm.

“Seeing so many of my baseball peers and friends from the Nashville community come together for this cause means the world to me,” says Jake Burger. “This event is about more than just a game – it’s about celebrating inclusion, supporting families, and spreading love to kids who inspire us every day. Having everyone out here, from MLB All-Stars to country artists and celebrities, all playing for something bigger than ourselves, is what makes The Lucky Classic so special.”

The Burger Family Foundation was inspired by the Burger’s daughter, Penelope, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and has turned into a mission to champion inclusion, celebrate abilities, and support families like the Burger’s in meaningful ways. Through direct financial assistance, therapy, community, and the healing power of ranch life, The Burger Family Foundation is building spaces that foster hope, purpose, and belonging. As the only active MLB player with a child with Down Syndrome, Jake kicked off his tenure with the Rangers by changing his jersey number to 21 to represent Trisomy 21 and the extra copy of the 21st chromosome those with Down Syndrome carry.

Musicians On Call & Opry Deliver Healing Power Of Music To Veterans

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Scotty Hasting, an Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient himself, performs for hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. as part of Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Musicians On Call recently teamed with the Grand Ole Opry for a second year in a row to present its Concert For Veterans.

The live music experience brought music directly from the Opry stage to the bedsides of Veterans, showing gratitude for their commitment to the country.

Hosted by Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson, co-hosts of Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast and WSM Radio personalities, from backstage at the Opry, the Concert For Veterans virtual concert features an all-star lineup of performances and special messages from Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Army Veteran and current Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, John Fogerty, Mickey Guyton, Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’, Scotty McCreery, Charles Esten, Veteran Scotty Hasting, Margo Price, Bailey Zimmerman, Shinedown, Michael Ray, Josh Ross, Elizabeth Nichols, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Ruston Kelly, and more.

Aliyah Good performs for hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. during Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Veterans, their families and caregivers at the Murfreesboro VA Community Living Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee enjoyed a special live performance complete with the Opry microphone stand and replica circle by Hasting, Minnie Murphy and Aliyah Good. Following the performance, Murphy and Good visited the bedsides of the veterans. MOC volunteers also spent time performing at veterans’ bedsides throughout the facility.

“Honoring our veterans is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “The patients, caregivers and military families we meet in VA facilities have given so much in service to others, and music allows us to give something meaningful back — a moment of connection, comfort, and gratitude. Thanks to the Grand Ole Opry and our incredible partners and the talented artists who joined us this year, we were able to share the healing power of music with thousands more Veterans across the country and remind them how deeply they are valued.”

The concert is available for veterans nationwide to watch throughout the month of November through the MOC Virtual program.

Minnie Murphy, Aliyah Good and Scotty Hasting performed for and visited the bedsides of hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. as part of Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Minnie Murphy performs for hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. as part of Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Minnie Murphy and Aliyah Good perform at the bedsides of hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. during Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

The Jack Wharff Band To Launch ‘From The Hills To The Holler Tour’ In January

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The Jack Wharff Band. Photo: Alexa Campbell

The Jack Wharff Band will kick off the New Year with their headlining “From The Hills To The Holler Tour,” beginning Jan. 21 in Madison, Wisconsin.

The 13-date trek,  the band’s debut headline run, will visit Minneapolis, Knoxville, Lexington, Birmingham, Oxford, and more, wrapping in Columbus, Ohio on Feb. 21. General tickets are on sale now here.

“It’s unreal to think we’re about to head out on our headline tour,” shares the band. “We’ve been playing shows together for the past two years, and we can’t believe that we get to play these rooms all on our own. We’re going to bring the energy every night – can’t wait to see y’all soon!”

JWB recently wrapped their run as support on select dates of Max McNown’s “Forever Ain’t Long Enough Tour” and Ole 60’s “U.S. Tour 202,” and once their headlining “From The Hills To The Holler Tour” concludes, they’ll hit the road again on select dates of 49 Winchester’s “2026 Spring Tour.”

“From The Hills To The Holler Tour” Dates:
1/21 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
1/22 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
1/23 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
1/24 – Davenport, IA – Raccoon Motel
1/29 – Statesboro, GA – The Blue Room
1/30 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club
2/4 – Lexington, KY – The Burl
2/5 – Birmingham, AL – WORKPLAY Theatre
2/6 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larrys
2/7 – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord
2/19 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
2/20 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Cafe & Music Hall
2/21 – Columbus, OH – Woodlands Tavern

MerleFest Unveils 2026 Lineup

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Pictured (clockwise): Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show, Blackberry Smoke and Charles Wesley Godwin.

MerleFest, taking place April 23-26 at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC, has revealed its initial lineup for the four-day event.

Alison Krauss & Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show, Charles Wesley Godwin and Blackberry Smoke will serve as the event headliners. Additional performers include Molly Tuttle, Ketch Secor, Sam Bush, The Jerry Douglas Band, Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Creekers, Trey Hensley, Sister Sadie, Jake Shimabukuro, Hogslop String Band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Dom Flemons & The Traveling Wildfires, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Melissa Carper, Leon Timbo & The Family Band, DUG, Scythian, Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, The Waybacks, Amelia Day, Andy May, Banknotes, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Joe Smothers, The Knackered Ramblers, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Pete & Joan Wernick, Presley Barker, Roy Book Binder, T. Michael Coleman, Tony Williamson and Wayne Henderson. Additional artists will be announced in December.

MerleFest is designed the pay tribute to North Carolina music legend Doc Watson, as well as uplift rising voices across musical genres. During the festival, Old Crow Medicine Show will host the Saturday Night Late Night Jam. This event is ticketed separately from festival passes, and will include special collaborations.

Also during MerleFest will be the annual Silent Auction, hosted by The WCC Foundation. Online bidding will be permitted with the chance to view items on the event grounds. Proceeds will go towards the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program, empowering students to start strong and achieve their goals.

MerleFest 2026 tickets are available here.