Hardy Extends ‘The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour’ Through The Fall

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Hardy. Photo: Ryan Smith.

Hardy has announced a slate of fall shows for his “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour.” The tour, named for Hardy’s second album, will feature Lainey Wilson and Dylan Marlowe as openers and launch in late August.

“I believe I have two of the most authentic, talented acts out there opening for me on this run. I’m honored that Dylan and Lainey are a part of this tour, and I am still in disbelief that I’m announcing my first arena tour,” Hardy shares. “Fans, I will not let you down. This will be the greatest Hardy set you’ve ever seen. See y’all out there.”

“The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour” launched in February, and this new leg marks Hardy’s first run headlining arenas with stops in Nashville, Baton Rouge, and Savannah before the end of the year.

Tickets and VIP Packages for the new “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour” dates will be available on Friday (March 10). Fan pre-sales start tomorrow (March 8) and continues throughout this week.

Inductees Announced For 2023 SOURCE Hall Of Fame Awards

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SOURCE Nashville has announced the 2023 inductees for the SOURCE Hall of Fame.

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, the nonprofit organization is committed to supporting a community of accomplished women in the music industry. The annual SOURCE Awards were established in 2003 by Kay Smith to honor and pay respect to the “Women Behind The Music” who help shape and build upon Nashville’s music industry.

2023 Inductees:
– Marcie Allen (Cellar Door Concerts, William Morris Endeavor (WME), MAD Booking & Events, Creative Artist Agency (CAA), NYU, MAC Presents, AB, MAC Consulting)
– Renee Bell (MCA, RCA/Sony Music Nashville)
– Janice Jackson (ASCAP, Capitol/EMI/Liberty Records, Blendingwell/Sister John Music, Maypop Music Group, Almo/Irving Music, Joe Scaife Productions & Publishing, Copyright Society of the South, Writer’s Den Music Group, MCS Music America, Inc., Peermusic, Travellers Hollow Music)
– Jackie Patillo (Star Song Communications, Integrity Gospel/Integrity Media, Verity Records, Sony Music Entertainment, Gospel Music Association)
– Becky Shanks (United Artists Agency/CBS Songs, Maypop Music, Peermusic)
– Denise Stiff (GreilWorks, Teena Shirts, BareWorks, Summer Lights, Keith Case and Associates, Scared Stiff Music and Sheehan’s Pub Co., Bob Titley Management, DS Management)
– Valerie Summers (William Morris Agency, Inc./WME, Destination Music/Gary Musick Production, Arrington Vineyards)

This class of inductees will be minted at the 20th anniversary of the SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards on Aug. 29. Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, the ceremony will again take place at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium. Ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.

Lineup Announced For CMA Fest’s 50th Anniversary

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Keith Urban, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and more are among the star-studded initial lineup announced for CMA Fest’s upcoming 50th anniversary festival set for June 8-11 in Nashville.

Nissan Stadium will host an array of stars each night, including Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Tim McGraw, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Urban, and Wilson.

“We are so excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of CMA Fest this year!” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “A lot has changed since our early days of Fan Fair, but all these years later, the heart of the festival remains that special connection between the fans and the artists. We are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout the years, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with all of our attendees in June. Stay tuned for much more!”

In addition to the mainstage performances, the special Platform Stage in the center of Nissan Stadium returns this year and will feature Ashley Cooke, Dalton Dover, Megan Moroney, Ian Munsick, Rvshvd, Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen and Hailey Whitters.

The Chevy Riverfront Stage offers a packed lineup for fans each day with artists including Lauren Alaina, Ingrid Andress, Priscilla Block, Tyler Braden, Breland, Jackson Dean, Travis Denning, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Evans, Corey Kent, Maddie & Tae, Kameron Marlowe, Chase Matthew, Drake Milligan, Cooper Alan, Niko Moon, Parmalee, MacKenzie Porter, Jameson Rodgers, Dylan Scott, Elvie Shane, Conner Smith, Nate Smith, Matt Stell, and more.

Hitting the Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park will be A Thousand Horses, Avery Anna, Rodney Atkins, Blanco Brown, Craig Campbell, Mackenzie Carpenter, Callista Clark, Tyler Farr, Love and Theft, Alexander Ludwig, Dylan Marlowe, Chrissy Metz, David Nail, Frank Ray, Seaforth, Shenandoah, Caitlyn Smith, The Frontmen, The Red Clay Strays, Uncle Kracker, Chancey Williams, Rita Wilson, and more.

The Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park will feature performances from Tyler Booth, Dillon Carmichael, Carter Faith, Ryan Griffin, Chapel Hart, Home Free, Kat & Alex, Tiera Kennedy, Brett Kissel, Jerrod Niemann, Catie Offerman, Meghan Patrick, Kimberly Perry, Shane Profitt, Tyler Rich, Dylan Schneider, Canaan Smith, Noah Thompson, Thompson Square, Kasey Tyndall, Georgia Webster, Anne Wilson and more.

The stacked lineup of artists set to take the Maui Jim Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza includes Justin Champagne, Ben Chapman, Kyle Clark, Abbey Cone, Taylor Edwards, Drew Green, Jonathan Hutcherson, Willie Jones, Bryan Martin, Chase McDaniel, Madeline Merlo, Patrick Murphy, Neon Union, Griffen Palmer, Pillbox Patti, Peytan Porter, Brandon Ratcliff, Austin Snell, Tigirlily Gold, Anna Vaus, Lathan Warlick, Lauren Watkins, and Sam Williams, among others.

While a limited number of Four-Night Stadium Passes are currently on sale, fans can access a variety of new ticket options starting today at 10 a.m. CT at CMAfest.com/tickets.

Outdoor daytime stages are free and open to the public, and additional stage lineups—including Ascend Amphitheater, Fan Fair X activities inside Music City Center and more—will be announced in the coming weeks.

CRS Announces Lineup For ‘Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat’

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The lineup for the “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat” showcase at CRS 2023 has been announced. Chris Young will headline the evening with support from Avery Anna, Dalton Dover, Megan Moroney and Dylan Schneider.

Named after Amazon Music’s flagship country playlist Country Heat, the bill reflects the playlist’s mix of chart-topping hits and breaking singles from both established acts and up-and-coming artists.

“We’re thrilled to bring Country Heat back to CRS this year,” shares Amazon Music’s Head of Country Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer. “We’ve curated a lineup leading with superstar, Chris Young, and featuring four stars on the rise who were also selected as 2023 Breakthrough Artists to Watch by our programming team, and we can’t wait for attendees to watch.”

The event will take place on Monday, March 13, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Broadway Performance Hall at the Omni Nashville Hotel and will close out the first day of CRS 2023.

Pip Wynans Joins Crowd Surf As Digital Marketing Manager

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Pip Wynans has joined Crowd Surf as Digital Marketing Manager.

The Nashville-based Wynans received a Masters in Music Business at Berklee College of Music in July 2021 and worked as an Outreach Coordinator at Songfluencer before joining Crowd Surf.

“We are delighted to welcome Pip to our Nashville team! She brings her expertise on social trends, culture and diversity to the table as well as an excitement for marketing on a global scale which will further broaden our clients’ reach and ultimately fanbases,” shares Crowd Surf founders Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver.

Crowd Surf’s Nashville roster of clients includes Anne Wilson, Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, Eli Young Band, Scotty McCreery, Universal Music Nashville, Sony Music Nashville, Capitol Christian Music Group, Jimmie Allen, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, and more.

Kelsea Ballerini Makes ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut

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Kelsea Ballerini on Saturday Night Live. Photo: Will Heath

Kelsea Ballerini capped off the release of her deeply personal Rolling Up the Welcome Mat EP with two performances on Saturday Night Live over the weekend.

Ballerini performed the questioning “Blindsided” at Rockefeller Center’s Studio 8H in front of a backdrop that had a shadow figure meeting her querying self.

“It was such a big moment,” Ballerini explains. “We wanted to add an element that made the song and the performance more. When we talked about what the song was about, all the pieces of doubt and realizing what was going on, the shadow seemed to be the right thing.”

She returned later in the show for the vulnerable “Penthouse” wearing a silky white Valentino gown and standing alone in the curve of a white grand piano.

Rolling Up the Welcome Mat has already racked up over 40 million streams, and Ballerini is set to kick off the second leg of her “Heartfirst Tour” tomorrow in Toronto. She’ll visit cities throughout the Midwest and East Coast, closing out on March 18 in Pittsburgh, before kicking off the third leg of the journey in June.

Zandi Holup Signs With Arthouse Entertainment, Turntable Music & UMPG

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Pictured (L-R): Jim Zumwalt, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Ben Johnson (Turntable Music), Zandi Holup, Kara DioGuardi (Arthouse Entertainment), Missy Roberts (UMPG), Gabrielle Kelly (Arthouse Entertainment), Christian Barker.

Zandi Holup signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Arthouse Entertainment and Turntable Music in partnership with Universal Music Publishing.

Holup is a Pennsylvania transplant who began writing songs at 12 years old before moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2018, where she co-wrote Kylie Morgan’s “If He Wanted To He Would.” Ben Johnson, Founder of Turntable Music, introduced Holup to Kara DioGuardi, Co-CEO and Founder of Arthouse Entertainment.

“Zandi has the rare gift of telling her story in such a moving way that you instantly feel like her truth relates to you, even if you haven’t lived it exactly as she has,” says DioGuardi. “We are so excited to be a part of her launch.”

Johnson says, “Zandi is an incredible talent and person. We are so excited to be partnering with such a special team to work with such a special artist.”

UMPG Nashville’s Vice President of A&R Missy Roberts comments “Zandi’s honest and authentic songwriting coupled with her standout vocal made an immediate impact on me. Getting to be part of her journey alongside Arthouse and Turntable Music is an absolute dream.”

Harper Grace Signs With Curb, Jonas Group, WME

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Founders Legal Entertainment Group’s Aaron Rice, Curb Records’ Ciara Shortridge and WME’s Abby Wells Baas. (L-R, front row) Jonas Group’s Phil Guerini and Harper Grace.

Curb Records has announced the addition of singer-songwriter Harper Grace to their roster. Grace also celebrates signing with Jonas Group Entertainment and WME. Her first original song “Sparkle” is set for release on March 17.

“We are thrilled to welcome Harper Grace to our wonderful roster of artists,” shares Mike Curb, Curb Records Chairman. “Curb has seen great things from her as a songwriter and we are excited to be part of her future as an artist.”

“Can’t put into words how surreal this opportunity is,” Grace adds. “I’m in complete awe that something I’ve dreamt about as a little girl is coming to pass in this moment. I’m forever grateful to be a part of the Curb family, joined by the amazing teams at Jonas Group Entertainment and WME. I thank God for continuing to open doors and opportunities, and I’m looking forward to continuing to share my story and my music.”

This newly-signed recording artist first entered the spotlight at age 11 with her national anthem performance that garnered widespread criticism. Seven years later, the Texas native redeemed herself by returning to the same stadium and delivering a stellar performance of the song. Now residing in Nashville, her forthcoming track “Oh Say Can You See” is an autobiographical dedication to her 11-year-old self.

Grace will also perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a variety of sporting events and conferences across the country, with an upcoming performance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena ahead of SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 9.

19th Annual Ringside: A Fight For Kids & A Win For The Charley Foundation

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Pictured (L-R): Rex Linn, Reba McEntire, Maverick Management’s Marne McLyman and Terri Clark at the 19th annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids at The Factory’s Liberty Hall. Photo: Abigail Volkmann

Friday night’s sold-out 19th annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee was a knockout success for The Charley Foundation and the children’s charities it supports.

The premier charity boxing gala event featured four Rumble on the Row bouts with Nashville music industry and business professionals squaring off in the ring. The crowd was treated to the National Anthem performed by Warner Music Nashville/Buena Vista Records duo Temecula Road, a silent auction and gourmet dining before the evening’s main attraction.

Notable guests for the annual event included Reba McEntire, actor Rex Linn, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Terri Clark and Chris Young, who turned out to support the boxers and the Charley Foundation, which provides assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.

Rumble on the Row bout decisions were as follows:

  • Ryan Hamblin (Co-Owner/Director/Photographer, BrainStem Digital) defeated Will Carnahan (Photographer/Director, Will Call Cinematic, LLC)
  • Emily Vincent (Artist Manager, Torrez Music Group) defeated Evane Stone (Entrepreneur)
  • Tripp King (Account Manager, FBMM) defeated Drew Magid (Artist Manager, Big Loud)
  • Dorothy Young (Huskins-Harris Business Management, Inc.) defeated Marne McLyman (Manager, Maverick Management)

“I couldn’t be prouder of the boxers for their time and commitment,” said The Charley Foundation Founder and Ringside Producer Carolyn Miller. “They all worked so hard to prepare for their bouts and their selfless efforts will directly impact the lives of area children in need.”

In Pictures: Inaugural Rock The Ryman Concert

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Pictured (L-R): Phillip Sweet and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town; President and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Greg Harris; Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

The first-ever “Rock The Ryman” concert took place on March 1 at the historic Ryman Auditorium to celebrate the intersection of rock & roll and country. This event was sponsored by PNC Bank and Gibson Gives.

The evening featured performances by Little Big Town, The War and Treaty, Charlie Worsham, Gavin DeGraw, Maddie & Tae, Caitlyn Smith and The Cadillac Three.

This one-night concert experience honored Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have performed at the Ryman. Maddie & Tae performed “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, Gavin DeGraw sang “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney, Caitlyn Smith did “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, Little Big Town performed “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, and The War and Treaty played “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett.

Proceeds from the event help preserve and celebrate the history of the genre and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the Ryman.

Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty perform onstage for Rock The Ryman Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

Pictured (L-R): Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town perform onstage for Rock The Ryman. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

Pictured (L-R): Tae Kerr and Maddie Font of Maddie & Tae perform onstage for Rock The Ryman. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

Caitlyn Smith performs onstage for Rock The Ryman. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium