Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Wraps 2025 Event

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Brett Young. Photo: Live In The Vineyard/Will Bucquoy

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, presented by Visit Napa Valley, has wrapped its 2025 event, which brings together music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives,and more from around the nation who specialize in the country format, to celebrate and hear brand-new music by today’s most successful artists and the most popular emerging artists in a stripped-down arrangement.

Pictured (L-R): Kashus Culpepper, Jake Worthington, Owen Riegling and Ashley Cooke. Photo: Live In The Vineyard/Will Bucquoy

This years event featured Jordan Davis, Brett Young, RaeLynn, Katharine McPhee, Max McNown, Ashley Cooke, Roman Alexander, Laci Kaye Booth, Annie Bosko, Gable Bradley, CeCe, Allie Colleen, Canaan Cox, Kashus Culpepper, Adam Doleac, Carter Faith, Ben Gallaher, Lanie Gardner, Bradley Gaskin, Harper Grace, Erin Grand, Braden Hull, James Barker Band, Greylan James, Caroline Jones, Alexandra Kay, Kalsey Kulyk, Timmy McKeever, Morgan Myles, Stella Prince, Owen Riegling, Shane Stevens and Jake Worthington.

This year, LITVGC announced collaborations with EqualizeHer and FEMcountry, two transformative initiatives dedicated to empowering women in the music industry.

The event kicked off on April 22 at Museion Napa private estate. Day two brought together music and memories at the lively Tailgate Event hosted by Louis Martini Winery before the excitement carried over to downtown Napa with the Mainstage Event at Uptown Theatre, where world-class performances lit up the historic venue. The celebration concluded on a high note with a cozy and elegant Send-Off Brunch at The Caves at Shadybrook Estate Winery.

Carter Faith performs during the Music Industry Tasting at Merryvale Vineyards. Photo: Live In The Vineyard/Will Bucquoy

Jordan Davis headlines the Main Stage event at Uptown Theatre. Photo: Live In The Vineyard/Will Bucquoy

Laci Kaye Booth performs with Morgan Evans during the Midday Tailgate at Louis Martini Winery. Photo: Live In The Vineyard/Izzi Valencia

RaeLynn and CeCe pose for a picture backstage at Uptown Theatre. Photo: Live In The Vineyard/Will Bucquoy

Industry Ink: Dan Rogers, Mark Wills, Opry License Plate, Gabrielle Mooney, Melody Place

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Dan Rogers Talks 100 Years Of The Grand Ole Opry On The Kelly Clarkson Show 

Dan Rogers appears on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Photo: Weiss Eubanks

Dan Rogers, Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, will appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show today (April 30) to talk about the just released book, 100 Years of the Grand Ole Opry, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the legendary show. Clarkson featured Rogers in the popular #What I’m Liking segment.

100 Years of Grand Ole Opry, written by Craig Shelburne, commemorates and showcases the remarkable institution’s century-long history through never-before-seen photos and ephemera from years past, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from those who have paced backstage before career-defining performances and those who have come to know the Opry as a second home.

 

Mark Wills Joins Cast of Holiday Film The Best Thing About Christmas

Mark Wills

Mark Wills has joined the cast of the upcoming holiday film, The Best Thing About Christmas, with filming scheduled to start April 28 at The Square Room in downtown Knoxville. In addition to his acting role, Wills will perform the film’s original title track, “The Best Thing About Christmas,” penned by Derek Hinckley, who also stars in the movie as lead character Dylan Hunt, and serves as Executive Producer.

 

Opry Offers TN Residents New Opry 100 Specialty License Plate

The Opry is offering Tennessee residents the opportunity to celebrate the home of country music wherever they go with the purchase of the new Opry License Plate. As part of the continuing celebration of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th year, the specialty plate celebrates the Opry’s 100th year on the air and features its iconic barn backdrop, microphone stand, and wooden circle, considered by many to be the home of country music. A portion of proceeds from each plate will go to the Opry Trust Fund, benefitting members of the country music industry in times of need.

 

Gabrielle Mooney Signs With Adrian James Music Group

Adrian Fuxa, Gabrielle Mooney and Deb Henson

Artist Gabrielle Mooney has signed an exclusive global music publishing, record and management deal with Adrian James Music Group. Mooney’s debut album for Adrian James Records will feature her new single, “If You Do Don’t,” set for release on June 20. In addition to her new music, Mooney shared her inspiring personal story on April 29 in an exclusive interview on Oprah Winfrey’s podcast in an episode about near-death experiences. In the poignant discussion, she opened up about her experience with a brain tumor and her journey following a near-death experience, providing listeners with an intimate look into the challenges she has overcome.

 

Broadway Star Jasmine Amy Rogers Inks Record Deal With Melody Place

Jasmine Amy Rogers. Photo: Nicole Wilson

Boop! The Musical Broadway star Jasmine Amy Rogers has partnered with Nashville-based Melody Place to exclusively release her albums. Rogers’ additional credits include Anita in Jelly’s Last Jam (Pasadena Playhouse), Gretchen Wieners in the National Tour of Mean Girls and Melody Green in The Wanderer (Papermill Playhouse) and Francis in the world premiere of Becoming Nancy (Alliance Theatre). Her TV credits include Evil on Paramount+.

Rogers was a Jimmy Awards finalist and appeared in Cabaret as Sally Bowles at the Manhattan School of Music where she studied Musical Theatre. Melody Place has been working with Grammy-winning producer David Foster on the Boop! The Musical cast album (for which Foster wrote the music), which is slated for release later this spring.

Maddox Batson To Launch ‘I Need A Truck Tour’ This Fall

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Maddox Batson. Photo: Lexi Lovelace

Maddox Batson is set to launch his 29-date headlining “I Need A Truck Tour” this fall, featuring support from Ashley Anne, Ryder Grimes and Kate Greene.

Kicking off Sept. 7 in Richmond, the tour will visit Orlando, Milwaukee, Kansas City and more. It will wrap with a homecoming show on Nov. 2 in Birmingham.

“It’s wild to be 15 and releasing a song about the anticipation of my first truck at the same time I’m announcing a tour – my family is good about reminding me to live in the moment and really take it all in, and I promise you I am,” shares Batson. “The band and I had the best time on the “Road to Indio Tour” and this last weekend at Stagecoach was sick – I was there just one year before as a fan in the crowd for Jelly Roll, so to play a tour that wrapped with a set there was a dream come true. As long as y’all keep showing up, so will we – we have the best fans in the world!”

Tickets will go on sale beginning this Friday (May 2) at 1 p.m. local time.

Batson is set to release the deluxe edition of his EP, First Dance (The After Party), via Prosper Entertainment/Warner Records on Friday (May 2). Along with the headline dates, he is scheduled to join Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind Tour” on select dates this September and October.

“I Need A Truck Tour” Dates:
September 7 – Richmond, Virginia @ The National
September 14 – Oxford, MS @ The Lyric
September 17 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
September 19 – Jacksonville, FL @ Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
September 20 – LaGrange, GA @ Sweetland Amphitheater
September 21 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
September 23 – Columbia, SC @ The Senate
September 24 – Greenville, NC @ State Theatre
September 26 – Greensboro, NC @ Piedmont Hall
September 27 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
September 28 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
September 30 – Lexington, KY @ Manchester Music Hall
October 1 – Knoxville, TN @ The Mill & Mine
October 4 – Fayetteville, AR @ JJ’s Live
October 5 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Tower Theater
October 7 – Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
October 9 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
October 10 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
October 12 – Omaha, NE @ SteelHouse
October 14 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Elevation
October 21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
October 22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl
October 24 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
October 25 – Wallingford, CT @ The Dome at Oakdale
October 26 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
October 28 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
October 29 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
November 1 – Brandon, MS @ City Hall Live
November 2 – Birmingham, AL @ Avondale Brewing Company

Ink Signs With Big Loud Records & Electric Feel Records

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Adéllyn Polomski (SALXCO, Manager), Ink and Seth England (CEO / Partner, Big Loud). Photo: Vinny

Grammy-nominated artist Ink has signed with Big Loud Records and Electric Feel Records with management by Salxco.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany and raised in Atlanta, Ink began her journey as a street performer in and around Atlanta. She counts influences ranging from R&B songwriters like Babyface and Tony Henry and the Southern rock of Creedence Clearwater Revival, to the confessional songwriting of Lauryn Hill and the godmother of rock’n’roll herself, Sister Rosetta Tharpe. As a writer she has co-penned the Cowboy Carter tracks “16 Carriages,” “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “Ameriican Requiem,” as well as the contender for biggest song of the year, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” which is currently in its ninth week at the top of the chart. Ink has also collaborated with other artists including Jlo, Lil Nas X, Kehlani and more.

“Signing with Big Loud and Electric Feel Records feels like the beginning of a new chapter, one where I can truly embrace my sound and the stories I’ve been holding inside,” shares Ink. “It’s surreal, but I know this is where I’m supposed to be. With these labels, I finally feel like my music has found its home. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.”

“Ink isn’t just pushing boundaries — she’s rewriting the map,” Big Loud CEO/Partner Seth England shares. “Her ability to weave country roots with raw energy and cinematic storytelling is something we haven’t seen before. She’s fearless, original and deeply connected to the moment we’re in. We’re proud to welcome her to Big Loud and honored to be part of what she’s building.”

“We are incredibly excited for Electric Feel Records and Big Loud to partner on Ink’s artist project,” adds Electric Feel Founder/CEO Austin Rosen. “Her authenticity, unique sound and fearless storytelling make her an ultimate powerhouse.”

Dierks Bentley To Headline Nashville’s July 4 Celebration

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Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley will headline Nashville’s July 4 celebration, “Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th,” this year.

Bentley will be joined on the Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage by Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon and Grace Bowers. Nashville-based artist Keesha Rainey will perform the National Anthem. Kelly Sutton will emcee the Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage and DJ Dave Aude will provide entertainment between sets.

The downtown event will present one of the country’s largest July 4th fireworks and drone shows synchronized to live music from the Nashville Symphony. This event is free and open to the public.

The Amazon Family Fun Zone at Music City Walk of Fame Park will offer family-friendly activities during the day with a multi-genre lineup of music that includes Walker Montgomery, The Nashville Soul Experience, Alicia Blue, KIRWAN the band and Les Kerr and The Bayou Band, with DJ Rod Youree entertaining between sets.

“Let Freedom Sing!” is partnering with Bentley’s Riser Foundation, which supports charitable organizations with a focus on the needs of children and families, as well as homelessness, literacy, education and hunger. StageWater canned water will be available for purchase at beverage stands and throughout the Let Freedom Sing! event footprint. The company donates a portion of proceeds to support nonprofits that assist those in need within the entertainment industry, such as providing healthcare and hardship grants and supporting independent venues and promoters. Accessibility features will include an ADA platform and ASL interpreter at the Broadway Stage, and new this year the event will add a partnership with KultureCity to provide sensory bags and a sensory room.

“Music City knows how to throw a celebration, and this free July 4th event will again be one of the best in the country,” says Ken Levitan, board chairman of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and co-president of Vector Management. “With an incredible lineup that includes Dierks Bentley, Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon and Grace Bowers, we’re excited to welcome both visitors and locals for a day filled with unforgettable music, family-friendly activities and pride in the red, white and blue. Events like this not only showcase Nashville’s world-class talent but also drive meaningful economic activity for Nashville and its hospitality industry.”

The event has regularly drawn more than 200,000 attendees, and a record-breaking 355,000 in 2024. Last year, “Let Freedom Sing!” generated a record $17.5 million in estimated direct visitor spending.

BMI Launches Seventh Season Of Rooftop On The Row Series

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Thebrosfresh. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI

BMI launched its seventh season of its signature Rooftop On The Row series on Monday night (Apr. 28) with newcomers Thomas Edwards, Colt Graves and Thebrosfresh.

Colt Graves. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI

The invitation-only event offered over three hours of music as hundreds of industry guests took in the Music City skyline from BMI’s Nashville office. DJ Smoke set the tone for the evening as BMI’s Mason Hunter introduced Edwards to the stage, where he performed “Nights I Can Remember,” “Whiskey Bottle Man” and “Friday Night 9-5.” Graves kicked off his set with “Burning House” before going into “Dirt on Me,” “Mug Shot” and his collaboration with Timbaland “Cowboy Capone.” Thebrosfresh closed out the evening with “Consent (It’s Been a While),” “Your Energy” and “She Wants” from their latest EP, Same Leather.

BMI’s Rooftop On The Row series returns May 28 with headliners Lukas Nelson and Kaitlin Butts, followed by Tucker Wetmore and Tanner Adell on Jul. 15. Vincent Mason and Max McNown will take over on Aug. 12, before the final event on Sept. 17 which will serve as the official kickoff to Americanafest, with performers for the final show to be announced soon.

Thomas Edwards. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, BMI’s Claire Dodelin, BMI’s Jackson Kiger, BMI’s Clay Bradley, THEBROSFRESH’s Torrence Thomas, Colt Graves, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Thomas Edwards, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI’s Mason Hunter, THEBROSFRESH’s Thurman Thomas and BMI’s Shannon Sanders. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI

In Pictures: Stagecoach Brings Country Music Industry To California

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Photo: Courtesy of Stagecoach

Stagecoach Festival returned to California this past weekend, drawing crowds from around the world to the sold-out, Goldenvoice-produced event held April 25–27. As always, a large contingent of Nashville artists and teams made the trip west for one of country music’s most iconic weekends.

With a stacked lineup, next-level performances, surprise appearances and genre-blending moments, Stagecoach 2025 delivered on all fronts. From country superstars to unexpected cameos, the festival offered fans unforgettable sets and special collaborations across all three days.

Read the recap of each night here.

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) hosted its 2025 CAA Stagecoach Brunch in Indio, California, in celebration of the 2025 Stagecoach festival. Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Creative Artists Agency

After a 40-minute set at the Palomino stage, Tracy Lawrence snapped a photo with his new distribution team at Stem. (L-R): Stem’s Courtney Daly and Alison Junker, Lawrence and Stem’s Kristin Graziani

Tucker Wetmore performs surprise live set at NYLON Desert Disco Presented by Coach. Photo: Jojo Korsh/BFA.com

Dylan Gossett, one of the latest official brand ambassadors of the leading lifestyle performance brand TravisMathew, cruised through Palm Springs, hitting iconic spots and handing out ice cream + bandanas to celebrate the start of festival weekend.

Thomas Daniel Inks With Big Machine Music

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Pictured (L-R): VDW Music Group’s Marion Van Der Wees, Big Machine Music Sr. Director Timmy Haehl, Thomas Daniel and Big Machine Music’s President Mike Molinar. Photo: Big Machine Music

Multi-genre singer-songwriter Thomas Daniel has signed an exclusive co-publishing agreement with Big Machine Music.

“Mike Molinar and Big Machine Music have an undeniable history of championing songwriters. I’m grateful to join a roster and team that I feel so inspired by,” shares Daniel.

In addition to his own 150 million streams as an artist, Daniel’s songs have been recorded by K-Pop global superstars Enhypen (“One In A Billion”), as well as Lauren Spencer Smith (“Bigger Person”), Alexander Stewart (“When You Love Someone”), Taeyeon (“All For Nothing”) and No. 1 Billboard Japanese band &Team (“Crescent Moon’s Wish”), among others.

“Thomas is as natural of a songwriting talent as I’ve ever had the privilege of signing in my career,” shares Molinar, BMM’s President. “His incredible sense of melody and capacity to capture the full range of human emotion lyrically are just a couple of reasons why we are so proud and excited that he chose us as his publishing partner.”

Chris Young & Dustin Lynch To Headline Inaugural Boots In The Park Tucson Festival

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Chris Young and Dustin Lynch are set to headline the inaugural Boots in the Park Festival in Tucson on Oct. 18 at Rillito Park.

Tucker Wetmore and Avery Anna also join the lineup, with more artists set to be announced. Attendees will be treated to live performances, craft food vendors, full bars, line dancing and immersive art installations, all set in Southern Arizona.

“After the great success of this weekend’s Taco Fest at Rillito Park, we’re excited to bring Boots In The Park to Tucson this fall,” says Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “With Chris Young and Dustin Lynch headlining, we’re looking forward to a day of fantastic live music and entertainment in a great location. We can’t wait to share this experience with country music fans in Tucson.”

Presale for Boots In The Park begins May 8, with general on sale launching May 9. Full lineup details, ticketing options and event info are available here.

Mark Chesnutt Slates ‘Redemption Tour’ Celebrating Life and Sobriety

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Mark Chesnutt. Photo: David “Doc” Abbott

Mark Chesnutt has announced his “2025 Redemption Tour” in celebration of health, recovery and sobriety, and is going public with the disclosure of multiple health scares which almost ended his life.

The nearly 40-date tour will kick off May 3 in Texas and visit Little Rock, Columbus, New Braunfels and many more cities through October.

With 14 No. 1s and more than 12 million albums sold, Chesnutt was one of the ‘90s most known hitmakers. In recent years, he underwent invasive spine surgery, years of alcoholism, rehab and open heart surgery in succession, all of which cost time he intended to spend strengthening his career. Chesnutt’s struggle began in his early 20s when he fractured his spine. He lost the ability to walk and fell down an escalator at the Houston airport.

“My surgery was a major major one,” he says, explaining doctors scraped scar tissue off his nerves and that he now has two titanium rods in his back. “I couldn’t work. I was laid up, didn’t drive, couldn’t walk, couldn’t do anything.”

Even though he returned to touring, he still struggled with balance and frequently fell, then got sick from alcohol and had to go back to the hospital. Doctors gave Chesnutt four blood transfusions that night and told him he probably wouldn’t survive the following two days from bleeding.

Chesnutt took his final drink on November 1, 2023. Five months later, he faced emergency quadruple bypass surgery, the latest hurdle in years of health challenges.

“I’m so happy about my Redemption Tour,” says Chesnutt. “I’m going out with excitement and a renewed energy for all aspects of performing and possibly recording. I love being on stage and seeing and hearing the crowd. I now realize that’s what I love about being in this business. I’m back and doing better than ever. My diet is better. I’m more active, and I feel better than I did in my 30s. I’m excited about the whole process of going on the road. I’m excited every night to go on stage. I have the energy I wish I had throughout the ’90s.”

Tickets for all dates are on sale now.

“Redemption Tour” Dates:
May 3 – Forney, TX – Talia
May 10 – Ocala, FL – Florida Horse Park (Rock The Country)
May 23 – Katy, TX – Mo’s Place
May 24 – Buda, TX – Buck’s Backyard
May 25 – Bandera, TX – 11th Street Cowboy Bar
May 30 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
May 31 – York, PA – York Fairgrounds & Expo Center (Rock The Country)
June 6 – Elizabethtown, KY – Historic State Theater
June 7 – Benton, KY – The Kentucky Opry
June 14 – Hastings, MI – Barry Expo Center (Rock The Country)
June 19 – Lawton, OK – Apache Casino Hotel Event Center
June 20 – Little Rock, AR – Arkansas State Fairgrounds (Rock The Country)
June 21 – Sesser, IL – Sesser City Park
June 26 – Ponaka, AB, Canada – Ponoka Stampede & Exhibition
June 28 – Moose Jaw, SK, Canada – Moose Jaw Event Center
June 29 – Dauphin, MB, Canada – Dauphin’s Countryfest
July 11 – Roanoke Rapids, NC – Weldon Mills Theatre
July 12 – Ashland, KY – Boyd County Fairgrounds (Rock The Country)
July 18 – Eau Claire, WI – Country Jam USA
July 19 – Sioux Falls, SD – WH Lyon Fairground (Rock The Country)
July 25 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater
July 26 – Anderson, SC – Anderson Sport & Entertainment Center (Rock The Country)
Aug 2 – New Braunfels, TX – Whitewater Amphitheater
Aug 8 – Batesville, MS – Batesville Civic Center
Aug 9 – Jeffersonville, IN – RiverStage
Aug 15 – Fruita, CO – James M. Robb, Colorado River State Park
Aug 23 – Canton, GA – Etowah River Park
Sept 6 – Van Alstyne, TX – Downtown Stage
Sept 13 – Temple, TX – MLK Festival Grounds
Sept 27 – Christoval, TX – Cooper’s Bar-B-Q
Oct 22 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Oct 23 – Clarksburg, WV – The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center
Oct 25 – New Philadelphia, OH – Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas