Dan Rogers Receives Susan G. Komen Promise Award At 17th Annual Opry Goes Pink

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Joshua Daniel, Sr Director, Entertainment Engagement and Events and April Douglas, Executive Director for Tennessee with Susan G. Komen® awarded Dan Rogers, Executive Producer and Senior Vice President of the Grand Ole Opry, with the 2025 Promise Award, recognizing his commitment to Komen’s mission to end breast cancer. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry and Susan G. Komen joined forces in the fight against breast cancer at the 17th Annual Opry Goes Pink event last weekend.

Amy Grant flips the switch on the Opry’s signature barn turning it pink for the night. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Amy Grant flipped the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night’s performances, which included Opry members Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Mandy Barnett, The Whites and Riders In The Sky, as well as Sophia Scott. $5 from every ticket sold for the show was donated to Susan G. Komen to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

During the evening, Susan G. Komen surprised Dan Rogers, Executive Producer and Senior Vice President of the Grand Ole Opry, with the 2025 Promise Award, recognizing his commitment to Komen’s mission to end breast cancer.

The Promise Award honors individuals who have gone above and beyond in the fight to help end breast cancer through their philanthropy, advocacy and commitment to reaching those impacted by the disease. Created in honor of the promise made by Susan G. Komen founder Nancy Brinker to end breast cancer forever, the award celebrates extraordinary leadership and impact and has recognized global changemakers including Dolly Parton and Trisha Yearwood.

Cooper Alan Slates 2026 ‘To The Pub Tour’

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Cooper Alan. Photo: Curt Simshauser

Cooper Alan will hit the road on his “To The Pub Tour” next spring, kicking off on April 17 in Dublin. The tour will make stops in Dublin, Belfast, London, Manchester, and more before wrapping in Glasgow. Tickets will go on sale on Friday (Oct. 31).

“This UK Tour has been a long time coming! These cities have been high on my list for years and I’m so pumped we can finally make it over there to party with some of the folks that have supported me the strongest over the years. Some of the best country fans in the world! It’s gonna be a blast,” shares Alan.

Additionally, Alan will make his Ryman Auditorium debut on March 28. Tickets can be found here.

“As a lifelong country music fan, the Ryman has always been a bucket list venue to play,” he says. “This is the kind of stuff you dream of when you move to Nashville. It will be such an honor to be in that building and on a stage that’s been rocked by so many of my heroes. So thankful to my fans that have supported me for years to be able to reach this milestone!”

He is set to release his debut 20-track record, Winston-Salem, on Nov. 7. Split into two sections, the project reflects on family, fatherhood and personal roots, while also featuring rowdy tracks that Alan is known for.

“To The Pub Tour” Dates:
April 17th, 2026 – Dublin, IE – The Academy
April 18th, 2026 – Belfast, NI – Ulster Hall
April 21st, 2026 – London, UK – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
April 24th, 2026 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
April 25th, 2026 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy
April 26th, 2026 – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz
April 28th, 2026 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Galvanizers

Matt Geroux Inks With Position Music

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Pictured (L-R): Chandler Thurston (A&R, Position Music), Chief Zaruk (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), Matt Geroux, Simon Tikhman (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), and Jamie Sudhalter (Head of A&R, The Core)

Award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux has signed a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core.

Geroux has cemented himself in Nashville by combining pop and rock influences into modern country music. Geroux also has a knack for creating melodies, alongside his storytelling, recently notching his first No. 1 hit with Josh Ross’ “Single Again.” Across all his cuts, Geroux has garnered 500 million streams.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Matt to the Position crew in Nashville,” says Chandler Thurston, Position Music A&R. “The combination of his writing/production, along with his hustle, make him one of the town’s most dynamic writers. Big thanks to the team at The Core for their partnership – we’re excited to continue working alongside them as things build.”

“Position instantly felt like family and now having them join forces with my home team at The Core makes this moment even more meaningful,” shares Geroux. “I’m grateful to have champions that believe in my songs as much as I do and excited for what’s to come.”

“We’ve always believed in surrounding ourselves with partners who understand our vision, and the team at Position couldn’t be a better fit for Matt,” add Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, Co-Founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “Their passion and commitment are exactly what he deserves, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.”

Clay Walker’s Band Against MS Gala Set For Nov. 22

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Clay Walker‘s annual Band Against MS Gala is set for Nov. 22 in Houston and will feature a seated dinner, top entertainment, special guests and a live auction at the Thompson Hotel.

Established by The Clay Walker Foundation in 2012, Walker has been dedicated to helping fellow patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), and providing funding for research in hopes of a cure. He was inspired to start the organization in 2003, after his own Relapsing-Remitting M.S. diagnosis in 1996. To date, the organization has raised over $2.6 million for families and M.S. research. Registration for this year’s event is open now.

“Living with MS has taught me a lot about myself and the work that is needed to bring this disease to its knees,” says Walker. “Our foundation is determined to make a difference in people’s lives now, and to protect those who are at risk in the future.“

Walker is currently winding down a very busy year, wrapping up his “Drive Me Smooth” nationwide headlining tour. He’ll make his headlining debut at the Ryman Auditorium on November 9. He is also set to play Randy Travis in the new biopic, Forever and Ever, Amen, currently in development.

Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival Returns In November

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The Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival is returning for its 6th year Nov. 7-9, bringing together over 50 songwriters across multiple venues in The Shoals, Alabama.

The three-day celebration will kick off Nov. 7 and feature performances by Grammy-winning songwriters along with exclusive showcases honoring the legendary Muscle Shoals songwriters that shaped American music. On Friday, Nov. 7, the festival will host a special performance at FAME Recording Studios, featuring The LeBlanc Family, offering fans an intimate experience inside one of the most storied studios in the world.

The “River of Shoals Sound” showcase is set for Nov. 8 at the historic Shoals Theatre, featuring Spooner Oldham, Chris Tompkins, Mark Narmore, Gary Baker, James LeBlanc and Gary Nichols, and features a blend of video and live performances, taking audiences on a journey through time to celebrate the legacy of Shoals songwriters.

Weekend passes start at just $99, and tickets are available now at mssongfest.com.

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum To Offer Free Admission To Vets & Their Families On Veterans Day

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is honoring active-duty and retired armed services members with free admission to the museum on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

As an additional token of thanks to the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present, the museum will also extend free admission for up to three immediate family members. Tickets can be reserved by calling 615-416-2001 or can be obtained at the museum’s box office, and a valid military ID is required to claim tickets. Advanced reservations are recommended.

Between 10 a.m.-noon in the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center, visitors can share appreciation for our military members by creating postcards with Hatch Show Print for active-duty troops. With a wooden stylus and guidance from museum educators, attendees can create a printing plate to use in the museum’s circa-1940s proof press and print their own postcard. Through A Million Thanks, a nonprofit supporting military members, cards will be mailed to those serving overseas.

Active duty and retired armed services members will also receive a 10% discount at the Museum Store and the Hatch Show Print retail store on Nov. 11.

ACM Reveals New Board Of Directors & Officers For 2025-2026

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The Academy of Country Music has unveiled its officer roles and newly-elected Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term. Cris Lacy will serve as Chair, Jeff Krones as President, Becky Gardenhire as Vice-President, Carmen Romano as Treasurer, Gayle Holcomb as Sergeant-at-Arms, Duane Clark as Parliamentarian and Haley Montgomery as Secretary.

“Coming off the milestone 60th ACM Awards, this is a pivotal moment for the Academy as we continue to build a strong legacy while setting our sights firmly on the future,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The Academy’s influence on Country Music is strong, and with the leadership of our dedicated Board, I’m confident that even greater innovation, reach, and impact are possible.”

Each position was elected by ACM members. In addition to the elected Board of Directors, the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Vice-President have appointed directors-at-large. They are elected from each category, and will serve a staggered two-year term.

Academy Of Country Music Board Of Directors 2025-2026:
OFFICERS
Chair of the Board- Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
President- Jeff Krones, CAA
Vice-President- Becky Gardenhire, WME
Treasurer- Carmen Romano​, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms- Gayle Holcomb, WME
Parliamentarian- Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary- Haley Montgomery, Academy of Country Music

AFFILIATED
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Ward Guenther, Whiskey Jam
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Jackie Jones, RIAA
Chris Lisle, CCLD, LLC / Eccho Live

ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER
Dave Cohen
Ashley McBryde
TJ Osborne
Carly Pearce
Derek Wells

DIGITAL MARKETING/ DISTRIBUTION
Cameo Carlson, mTheory
Margaret Hart, Google/YouTube

MANAGER
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Martha Earls, Neon Coast
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment

MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Marcel Pariseau, True Public Relations
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom PR

MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Shannan Hatch, SESAC
BJ Hill, Warner Chappel Music

RADIO
Charlie Cook
Mike Moore, Cumulus Media

RECORD COMPANY
Katie Dean, Leo33
Annie Ortmeier, Triple Tigers
Jennifer Way, EMPIRE Records
Stephanie Wright, MCA

SONGWRITER
Lee Thomas Miller

TALENT AGENT
Meredith Jones, CAA
Curt Motley, UTA

TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER
Bob Durkin, Southern Entertainment
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents

VENUE
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production

VISUAL CONTENT
Chandra LaPlume, Sandbox Entertainment

DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Jake Basden, Sandbox Entertainment
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Amy Bryan-Fosgate
Matt Cottingham, Lewis Brisbois
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Jodi Dawes, Big Machine Label Group
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Emily Falvey, Songwriter/SMACK
Tim Foisset, Spotify
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
JoJamie Hahr, BBR Music Group
Jeremy Holley, Archetype Music | By Design Music
Meghan Kehoe, Sony Music Nashville
Sara Knabe, Big Loud
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
Tom Lord, Red Light Management
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Andy Moats, Pinnacle Bank
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment Group
Rod Phillips, iHeart Media
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Tim Roberts, Audacy
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Scott Scovill, Moo TV
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Randi Tolbert, Q Prime
Storme Warren, The Big 615
Candice Watkins, Capital Music Nashville
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe
Brian Wolf, Maverick

PAST CHAIRS
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Randy Bernard, RWB Management
Duane Clark, FBMM
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Ken Tucker, Wheelhouse Records
Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live

EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Rod Essig, CAA
Mark Hartley
Darin Murphy, CAA
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee

CRS Partners With Radio Vendor Alliance For Three Additional Panels

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Country Radio Seminar has partnered with Radio Vendor Alliance to present “The Radio Station of the Future: CRS Pre-Show Seminars.”

The seminars will take place on March 17 at Omni Hotel. The sessions are included with all full CRS 2026 registrations and one day passes are available.

The first seminar, “That Right Sound,” will explore music programming, artificial intelligence applications, production mastery, and new avenues for music discovery and access. The second session, “On Being Digital – Driving Listener Interactions and New Revenue,” will focus on connecting with audiences across mobile apps, websites, and streaming platforms while unlocking innovative ways to generate digital revenue. The day will conclude with “It’s All About the Money,” an in-depth look at maximizing financial efficiency through smarter partnerships, trade monetization, and streamlined station operations.

Register for CRS 2026 here.

Favorite Records Celebrates First Anniversary

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Nashville-based agency Favorite Records is celebrating its first anniversary. The company offers creative direction, album packaging, tour and merchandise brand development, campaign and promotional videos, pitch decks, motion graphics, social media assets, email marketing and audio advertising.

“The album cover is the brand, concentrated,” says Founder Ashley Kohorst Sieling. “Our job is to make sure every identity holds its shape—from a phone screen to a billboard, a hoodie, a tour poster, or a wrapped semi-truck driving down the highway. We’re beyond grateful to the artists, managers, labels, and teams who have trusted us to help bring their worlds to life.”

Over the past year, the company has worked with Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Johnny Cash, U2, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, The Band Perry, Marty Stuart, Tyler Childers, Muscadine Bloodline, Luke Bower, Braxton Keith, Margo Price, Morgan Wade, Ashley Monroe, Karley Scott Collins, Bella White, The Runarounds, Franni Cash, Kylie Frey, the Academy of Country Music, The Sandbox, Showcase Ventures, SongwritingWith:Soldiers, Quinton Digital, and COLORTEST Merch, among others.

Standout projects include working with the Band Together Texas benefit concert, which raised more than $8.5 million for Central Texas flood relief, creating the new branding for ACM Honors, and designing a 156-page art book for Kelsea Ballerini’s Patterns (Deluxe) album.

Find more information and contact the company here.

Grand Ole Opry To Host ‘Opry NextStage Live’ At Category 10

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The Grand Ole Opry will host its fifth annual “Opry NextStage Live,” on  Dec. 3 at Category 10. Tickets are on sale now.

Hosted by Ashley McBryde, the lineup features members of this year’s NextStage class including Dasha, Kashus Culpepper, Chayce Beckham, Avery Anna, Tigirlily Gold and Kaitlin Butts. Each artist will take the stage for individual performances.

Opry NextStage spotlights emerging country artists through exclusive content, live performances, and Opry appearances. Since its launch in 2019, Opry NextStage has featured Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Ella Langley, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes, Hailey Whitters, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith and Tigirlily Gold, among others. Collectively, NextStage artists have earned 38 No. 1 singles, spending a combined 48 weeks at the top of the country radio airplay charts.