Actor John C. Reilly has been tapped as host of this year’s 2025 Americana Honors & Awards, set for September 10 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Buddy Miller continues his reign as awards band leader with Don Was, The McCrary Sisters, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke and Larry Campbell comprising the 2025 house band.

Nominees for this year’s awards include Artist of the Year contenders Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Joy Oladokun, Billy Strings, and Waxahatchee, along with many more.

The program is the hallmark event of AMERICANAFEST, which returns for its 25th year on Sept. 9-13, 2025. For more than two decades, the prestigious ceremony has celebrated pioneering mainstays and trailblazing newcomers, while featuring unforgettable moments in music history including Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash’s last live performance together, as well as show-stopping appearances by k.d. lang, Van Morrison, Mavis Staples, Bob Weir, Buddy Guy, George Strait, Don Henley, John Prine with Bonnie Raitt, The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Alabama Shakes, Levon Helm, Robert Plant and many more.

Chart-topping songwriter Jimi Bell has renewed his publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Worktape Music.

The news comes as Bell’s co-written “Back Up Plan” (Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs) is climbing the country radio charts. The single follows Bell’s first No. 1, “Last Night Lonely,” recorded by Jon Pardi, as well as other cuts with Post Malone, Riley Green, Dylan Marlowe, Brantley Gilbert, The Castellows and more.

Hailing from Hawkinsville, Georgia, Bell moved to town in 2014 with friends Seth Ennis, Jon Sherwood and Chris Poole—all of whom have found success in the music business. Bell and Sherwood wrote “Back Up Plan” together alongside Tucker Beathard.

“When you’re writing, you’re creating something that lasts,” Bell shares with MusicRow. “You’re building a catalog, you’re handing songs down to your kids. Music is creative, but it’s also lasting—that’s the tradition I love.”

Reflecting on his breakout success, he adds, “It feels like you’ve worked hard to get to this one place, but at the end of the day, it’s not the end goal. Somebody told me, ‘You moved to town to be a hit songwriter, not to write a hit song.’ That stuck with me.”

“From Post Malone to Jon Pardi, Jimi’s lyrical integrity and unique perspective span the modern country music landscape,” says Travis Gordon, Owner/Operator, Worktape Music. “We’re so happy to continue our partnership with our good friends at Warner Chappell as Jimi expands his repertoire as a proven and consistent hitmaker.”

Benji Amaefule and Bryce Sherlow, Managers, A&R, WCM Nashville, add, “We are absolutely thrilled that Jimi is continuing his partnership with us at Warner Chappell alongside Worktape Music. Jimi’s laser focus, compelling storytelling, and unique ability to connect with artists at every stage of their careers make him truly special. His dedication to his craft has clearly paid off, and we’re honored to represent him. Through this partnership, country music fans around the world will continue to enjoy his incredible songs for years to come.”

Bell concludes, “To have Warner Chappell stick with me for the five years when I didn’t have anything going on meant the world. Now that things are happening, it feels good to start seeing a return on their investment. It really is a family, and I’m grateful to have their belief and support behind me — and having Travis Gordon in my corner through Worktape has brought such great energy and direction.”

Cam has announced “The Slow Down Tour” through the U.S., UK and the EU beginning Oct. 20 at New York’s Gramercy Theatre.

The tour will make stops in Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, San Francisco and more through Nov. 17, with a hometown show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Oct. 26 (marking her third time headlining the venue and where she first took the stage as an opener for Harry Styles.) Pre-sales for tour begin today (Aug. 20) with general on-sale starting this Friday (Aug. 22) at Camcountry.com.

“Alright sweet friends, I’m traveling through the U.S. and Europe to bring you this beautiful and raw album along with the hits to dance and cry to,” says Cam. “And as always there will be some belly laughs in between because in my family, we heal by making a punchline out of everything.”

Cam’s new full-length project, All Things Light, arrived in July. She celebrated the album at The Grammy Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater in Los Angeles earlier this month with a special performance and a discussion about her creative process, rising career and more. Album opener “Turns Out That I Am God” was released in June. The album also includes previously released singles “Alchemy,” as well as the recent heavy-hearted “Everblue.” Alongside the album’s release, she also shared two additional James Mackel-directed videos for “Slow Down” and “Hallelujah.”

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Cam’s major-label debut, Untamed, via RCA Records. The album featured the four-times Platinum hit “Burning House,” which earned Cam her first Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance.

“The Slow Down Tour” Dates:
October 20, 2025 – New York, NY – The Gramercy Theatre
October 24, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Studebaker Theater
October 26, 2025 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 28, 2025 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
October 29, 2025 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
November 14, 2025 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club
November 17, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
February 17, 2026 – Glasgow, UK – Old Fruitmarket
February 18, 2026 – Belfast, UK – Limelight 2
February 21, 2026 – Manchester, UK – New Century Hall
February 22, 2026 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute2
February 25, 2026 – London, UK – KOKO
February 27, 2026 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg Oz
February 28, 2026 – Cologne, DE – Bürgerhaus Stollwerck

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Trey Hensley has signed with Pinecastle Records.

He is kicking off this new chapter with the release of the edgy, acoustic “Can’t Outrun The Blues” on Sept. 26 across all digital and streaming platforms. Penned by Hensley and Bobby Starnes, the fiery track serves as the lead single from his upcoming 2026 full-length album, now in the final stages of production.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Trey Hensley to the Pinecastle Records family,” says Pinecastle CEO Ethan Burkhardt. “Trey’s artistry, unmatched guitar talent, and deep respect for the roots of American music make him a perfect fit for our roster. We’re excited to help bring his next chapter of music to fans around the world.”

“I’m so excited to be working with Pinecastle and thrilled to get new music out into the world,” says Hensley. “Upon my first meeting with the Pinecastle team, I knew this would be a great fit. I’ve had the vision for this record for a while now, and I’m so excited for the future!”

Hensley has made a lasting mark across the bluegrass, Americana, folk and roots music worlds, earning the title of 2023 Guitar Player of the Year from the International Bluegrass Music Association. The 2025 IBMA Guitar Player of the Year nominee has built a career as both as a solo artist and as one-half of the award-winning duo with Rob Ickes.

He has collaborated with legends such as Johnny Cash, Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Dolly Parton, Taj Mahal, Tommy Emmanuel, Peter Frampton, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rodney Crowell, Little Feat and more, and Hensley’s signature sound has been featured on the 2023 Ickes & Hensley album Living In A Song, “John Deere Tractor” with Rob Ickes and Molly Tuttle from A Tribute To The Judds (2023), and as part of The Taj Mahal Sextet on the Grammy-winning album, Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa (2024).

A 2023 Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival invitee, Hensley and his impressive guitar skills have received praise from an eclectic group of guitar legends including Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Wariner, Mike Campbell, Tommy Emmanuel, Steve Vai and Joe Bonamassa.

Vince Gill Wraps Ryman Residency

Vince Gill wrapped up his five-night, sold-out residency at the Ryman on Saturday (8/16). Gill will return to the Ryman this winter for his annual “Christmas at the Ryman” residency with Amy Grant.

 

Lainey Wilson Performs for SiriusXM’s Small Stage Series

Lainey Wilson performed live for SiriusXM’s Small Stage Series to a packed room of SiriusXM listeners and fans at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. The exclusive intimate show featured hits “Somewhere Over Laredo” and “Watermelon Moonshine” along with other new songs and familiar hits.

SiriusXM listeners will be able to experience Wilson’s performance on SiriusXM’s The Highway (ch. 56) on Aug. 22 as well as on the SiriusXM app.

 

Jason Aldean Partners With 13-Year-Old Houston Native To Raise $200,000 For Heroes For Children

Before taking to the stage at his Houston stop on the “Full Throttle Tour,” Jason Aldean joined Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, members of the Houston Astros baseball team, and families, staff and children from Texas-based non-profit Heroes for Children for a full day of mini-golf at Puttshack and baseball after being asked by Daniel to help raise money for children fighting cancer in a viral video.

Aldean, in partnership with “Full Throttle Tour” sponsor Patriot Mobile, also presented a surprise check for $200,000 to Heroes for Children.

 

CMHOFM Hosts Concert & Conversation With Jessi Alexander

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a concert and conversation with hit songwriter Jessi Alexander over the weekend.

Alexander wrote Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Luke Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” and Blake Shelton’s “Mine Would Be You,” among other hits. Her songs have also been recorded by Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Midland, Megan Moroney, Eric Paslay, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, Country Music Hall of Fame members Patty Loveless and Reba McEntire and more. Alexander was nominated for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the 2025 Grammy Awards and is currently featured in the museum’s annual exhibition American Currents: State of the Music.

The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital program series.

 

Tyler Childers Partners With Weiss Watch Company To Launch Limited-Edition Watch

Tyler Childers has partnered with the Weiss Watch Company to launch a limited-edition Snipe Hunter Field Watch.

The watch features a case machined from 316L stainless steel, a richly textured deep green dial, beveled sapphire crystals on both the front and back, a hand-stitched leather strap and is packaged in a custom Mossy Oak–branded camouflage pouch stamped in bright orange. The collaboration is named for Childers’ most recent album and is inspired by his Appalachian roots.

 

SOLID To Hold Open House Next Week

SOLID is set to host is open house event next Tuesday (Aug. 26) at New Heights Brewing Company from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.. The event is open to the public and will feature networking opportunities. RSVP for the event here.

Applications for SOLID’s new member class are open until Sept. 28.

 

Bandit Lites Elevates Nino Monserrate & Kris Naylor To Full-Time Lighting Technicians

Bandit Lites has elevated Nino Monserrate and Kris Naylor to Full-Time Lighting Technicians.

In this role, they will oversee the setup, operation, and maintenance of complex lighting systems for concerts, festivals and live events. Their responsibilities include supervising crew members, assisting with warehouse prep, and ensuring all equipment is properly maintained, packed and transported.

“Both show up when they say they will, work hard, and push themselves to be the best,” says Kelly Field, Bandit’s Director of Touring Personnel. “They’ve earned the trust and respect of everyone they’ve worked with, and we couldn’t be happier to bring them on full time.”