Ali Patton has joined PERK PR & Creative Agency as a publicist.

Patton’s prior stops include time at The Nashville Briefing and The 615 House, where she managed social media platforms and curated industry news and updates. Most recently, Patton served as an agent assistant at The Neal Agency, providing administrative support to music agents representing a diverse range of talent.

“This past year for PERK has been a journey – I’m so grateful,” shares Trevor Perkins. “When I met Ali a year ago through various events, I knew that her energy was infectious. Adding her to the team has been one of the best decisions yet. I’m excited to continue to work alongside her and my existing team.”

“I’m excited to join PERK PR and Creative Agency because of its innovative approach and dynamic environment. I’m eager to contribute my skills, learn from a talented team, and help elevate clients’ brands through impactful storytelling,” says Patton.

Big Loud Partner and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Craig Wiseman was honored last week with a Mississippi Country Music Trail Marker in Hattiesburg. The marker, located in Midtown Green Park, commemorates Wiseman’s lasting impact on country music as a part of the Mississippi Country Music Trail which celebrates legendary artists, songwriters, venues and landmarks that have shaped the state’s impact on country music.

In addition to the trail marker, Wiseman was presented with a key to the city, and March 27 was officially proclaimed Craig Wiseman day in Hattiesburg in honor of his achievements. Continuing his legacy of philanthropy, the day also included the dedication of the Midtown Green Bandshell in his honor, made possible through his commitment to giving back to his hometown.

“To be honored like this in the place where it all began—it’s hard to put into words,” shares Wiseman. “Hattiesburg gave me the roots I needed to chase big dreams, and I’ll always carry this city with me. This moment, this marker, this bandshell—it all means the world.”

Lainey Wilson brought members of the music industry out to Mt. Juliet last week to celebrate her seventh and eighth chart-toppers, “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” and “4x4xU,” with a special event at the historic Bradley’s Barn.

Originally established in the mid-1960s by Country Music Hall of Fame member Owen Bradley, the studio was converted from a horse barn into a cutting-edge recording facility. It quickly became a creative haven for legends like Merle Haggard, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, J.J. Cale and more—helping shape the Nashville sound. After a fire destroyed the original barn in 1980, it was rebuilt in 1984 and continued to serve as a creative space for the Bradley family. Today, Owen’s great-grandchildren, John and Lillian Grace Bradley, have updated the space to host events and live music, preserving its legacy for a new generation.

Hosted by BMI and ASCAP, the event welcomed guests to explore country music artifacts. The parking lot was filled with 4×4 trucks in a nod to Wilson’s hit “4x4xU.”

After a special welcome from BMI’s Clay Bradley, the company’s MaryAnn Keen led the program, beginning with a celebration of “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.” Wilson was joined onstage by co-writers Trannie Anderson and Paul Sikes, with tributes from ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Endurance Music Group’s Lauren Funk and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Shelley Hargis.

Sikes shared a personal moment, saying his father had come to town for the celebration. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for his support,” he said. “Lainey is a generational talent. I’m honored to be a small part of that.”

Anderson reflected on her journey during her speech. “I moved to Nashville 10 years ago in June. My dream was to figure out some way to write songs full time,” she said. “Having a couple No. 1s under my belt, with one of my best friends in the entire world, is bigger than I ever dreamed.”

The celebration continued with “4x4xU,” which had earned ACM nominations that very morning for Song of the Year and Visual Media of the Year. Wilson took the stage with co-writer Jon Decious, who gave a shoutout to fellow co-writer Aaron Raitiere. In Raitiere’s absence, Decious presented Wilson and Red Light Management’s Mandelyn Monchick with matching jerseys—designed by Raitiere after they wrote the song—as a symbol of their belief in its success from the beginning.

Joining the celebration were Sony Music Publishing’s Gaston, Reservoir’s John Ozier, One Riot’s Amy Patton and Broken Bow Records’ Lee Adams.

Sponsored by Studio Bank, the event also featured a special donation presentation from Kari Barnhart on behalf of Wilson and her co-writers to support Wilson’s Heart Like A Truck charitable fund, which champions causes that aim to change lives and celebrate resilience.

Decious was also honored with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar to mark his first No. 1 as a BMI songwriter. When he spoke, he thanked his family, team and village, and joked, “I don’t know what goes into making a No. 1 record, but I’m glad y’all know,” drawing laughter from the crowd. “To get to celebrate this song with everyone who is family to me is like a movie. Thank you.”

To close the celebration, Wilson offered heartfelt thanks to her collaborators and supporters.

“I could not have hand picked a better team of people to be in my life,” said the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year. “Y’all are more than just team members. Y’all are family. A lot of people say don’t mix business and pleasure, but that just ain’t how we roll. We just can’t help it, because we fight for each other when it’s family involved.”

Laci Kaye Booth made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (March 29) something she’s aspired to do since she was just a little girl.

Stepping into the famed circle for the first time dressed in vintage Bob Mackie, the Geffen Records artist shared her new single, “Daddy’s Mugshot,” and gave a nod to Patsy Cline with the classic “Crazy.” “Daddy’s Mugshot” is Booth’s first new song since the release of her 2024 debut album, The Loneliest Girl In The World and the Acoustic Sessions.

“Tonight I felt the full weight of a little girl’s dream comin’ true,” says Booth. “It lit a fire in me all over again — the same one that carried me to Nashville in the first place. I’ll never forget the love in that room, and I’m so thankful for every soul who showed up to share it with me.”

Booth will be touring this summer, supporting Megan Moroney on several dates, playing some festivals and rejoining Parker McCollum for select shows on his summer tour.