Luke Jensen & Megan McCaffrey Join Lost Highway & Capitol Records Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Luke Jensen, Megan McCaffrey

Lost Highway and Capitol Nashville have added Luke Jensen and Megan McCaffrey to its combined radio team.

Jensen has been appointed Vice President, Promotion and McCaffrey has been named Regional Director, Promotion.

“As the cultural landscape continues to evolve, radio promotion serves as an integral piece to the overall development and advancement of an artist’s career,” says Robert Knotts, Co-Head of Lost Highway alongside Jake Gear. “Luke and Megan are widely respected across the radio community and will make a real difference for our collective artists.”

“It was a no-brainer for us to invest in a best-in-class radio promotion team from the outset given radio’s powerful audience reach,” shares Candice Watkins, President of Capitol Records Nashville. “We’re proud to welcome Luke and Megan and we’re confident in the value they’ll bring to our artists.”

Jensen comes to Lost Highway/CapitolRecords Nashville from Monument Records where he was Vice President of Promotion. Prior to Monument, he served in the radio promotion department of Arista Nashville.

McCaffrey has more than eight years of music industry experience in radio promotion, marketing and brand partnerships with time at Monument Records, Universal Music Group and Live In The Vineyard.

Jensen and McCaffrey will be based in Nashville. Additional radio staff for Lost Highway and Capitol Nashville’s combined team will be announced in the coming months.

Healing Appalachia Unveils Full 2025 Lineup [Exclusive]

Healing Appalachia, the nonprofit festival created by Tyler Childers and his manager to raise money to fight opioid addiction, has unveiled this year’s lineup. The event is slated for Sept. 18- 20 in Kentucky.

Thursday kicks off the weekend with Andy Frasco & The U.N. and Jeremy Short.

Friday will be headlined by Chris Stapleton, Molly Tuttle, The Infamous Stringdusters and Jesse Welles, and will feature Lukas Nelson, Sunny War, Desert Hollow, Corduroy Brown and The Montvales, Jeremy Pinnell and Moose Miller.

Saturday’s headliners include Tyler Childers, Remi Wolf, Blackberry Smoke, American Aquarium, Cole Chaney. Also taking the stage will be Jonas Conner, Hill Country Devil, Brad Goodall, Conrad Moore, Willie T. Taylor and The Carriers, Kindred Valley and Jack Browning.

“At Hope in the Hills we are equal parts humbled and honored at the eclectic mix of talented artists joining us at Healing Appalachia to graciously and joyously share their musical gifts that will bring people together in empathy, in love and in supportive action for one another during National Recovery Month,” says Dave Lavender, President for Hope in the Hills.

The festival, run completely by volunteers in recovery, is the biggest Narcan administration certification site and provides free Narcan to attendees. The money raised funds local clinics, provides housing resources to those in recovery, gives access to music therapy and more.

TAIT Acquires Gallagher Staging and Productions

TAIT has acquired Gallagher Staging and Productions, a custom set fabricator and staging provider with four locations across North America. The company currently offers live concert production, brand experience, placemaking and location-based experience. The acquisition will expand TAIT’s offerings into markets such as outdoor festivals and film and TV.

“We’re excited to bring Gallagher into TAIT to expand and strengthen our live entertainment offerings, creating more opportunity to meet clients where they are, no matter the scale of their productions or geography,” says Brian Levine, Chief Executive – Live & Brand, TAIT. “We will maintain the same products, technology and commitment known from both companies while enhancing Gallagher’s offerings across staging and automation and adding a larger presence in Nashville, Los Angeles and the Bay Area for TAIT.”

“Joining the TAIT and Gallagher teams feels like the natural next step in our company and builds upon the legacy we’ve created in the industry,” Joey Gallagher, CEO, Gallagher Staging and Productions added. “We’re excited to bring our partners and clients new access to renowned automation capabilities and overhead rigging that will expand the possibilities for global productions.”

Kip Moore Extends ‘Solitary Tracks World Tour’ Into Fall

Kip Moore. Photo: PJ Brown

Kip Moore has announced he will continue his “Solitary Tracks World Tour” this fall beginning Oct. 17 in Pueblo, Colorado.  The dates will feature a stacked lineup of supporting acts including McCoy Moore, Leon Macjen and Caylee Hammack.

Moore will visit Cheyenne, Bozeman, Detroit, Cincinnati, Atlanta and more, including a Nashville date at the Ryman on Dec. 18. Fans can purchase tickets to the tour beginning July 11 at kipmoore.net.

“There is truly nothing that comes close to the feeling and connection we feel when we’re with our crowds on our fall tour,” shares Moore. “There’s an element to every show where neither the fans nor us know exactly how the night will play out. We’ve played for three hours on occasion. And, I always wanted to make an attempt at bringing the music into different countries and cultures, but to see what it’s grown into is beyond what I had in my head. I’m also excited for who we have coming out this fall, I take it very seriously in choosing acts to bring out with us and Leon, Caylee and McCoy are all truly special and individual artists.”

The announcement of the new dates comes on the heels of the international leg of Moore’s tour, which included sold-out shows across Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and the U.K. He is currently out on the road this summer as part of the “Billy Currington & Kip Moore: Live In Concert Tour” playing to capacity crowds across the country.

“Solitary Tracks Fall Tour” Official Dates:
10.17 – Pueblo, CO – Pueblo Memorial Hall*^
10.18 – Cheyenne, WY – The Lincoln*^
10.23 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory*^
10.24 – Bozeman, MT – The Elm*^
10.25 – Bozeman, MT – The Elm*^
10.30 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection *^
10.31 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall*^
11.1 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall*^
11.6 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note*
11.7 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion*
11.8 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre*
11.13 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom*
11.14 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom*
11.15 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount*
12.4 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s#
12.5 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues#
12.6 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre#
12.11 – Portland, ME – State Theater*
12.12 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater*
12.13 – Colombus, OH – The Bluestone*
12.18 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman Auditorium*
12.19 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre*
12.20 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal*

*McCoy Moore
*^Leon Majcen
#Caylee Hammack

Chris Young Kicks Off New Chapter With Latest LP ‘I Didn’t Come Here To Leave’

Chris Young is heading into a new chapter of his career with his latest album, I Didn’t Come Here To Leave, due out Oct. 17 via Black River Entertainment.

The album’s release date coincides with another special milestone, Young’s eighth anniversary of his induction as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The product of a two-year journey, I Didn’t Come Here to Leave is Young’s tenth album and first with Black River Entertainment, and features 14 fresh songs and 11 co-writes co-produced by Young alongside Andy Sheridan. Young offered fans a taste of this new chapter with the 2025 single “Til The Last One Dies,” which is rising at country radio and streaming. The title track,“I Didn’t Come Here To Leave,” is out now.

YouTube video

“At this point in my career, I hope someone listens to this album and says ‘Wow, he dug deep,’” Young explains. “The funny thing is, I’m here saying ‘Yeah, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever made,’ and I believe it wholeheartedly. It’s wild to step back and see a really long list of things I’ve gotten to do already … But I didn’t come here to leave.”

Lily Rose Plots ‘I Know What I Want Tour’ For Fall

Lily Rose. Photo: Rachel Deeb

Lily Rose is hitting the road this fall with her “I Know What I Want Tour” kicking off Sept. 11 in Boston.

The 17-date run will visit New York, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Louisville, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Rose’s hometown of Atlanta and more through Nov. 8. Rising artist Scoot Teasley will join as direct support. Presale begins July 10, with general onsale launching July 11 via lilyrosemusic.net.

“I feel so lucky and excited to head out on another headlining tour this year,” shares Rose. “I truly have the best fans in the world, and getting to play some of my favorite cities – plus a few new ones – is going to be incredible. I’m especially pumped to share the new music we’ve been working on. And bringing out Scoot with me is just the cherry on top — he’s insanely talented, and I know my fans are going to love getting to know him and his music.”

The new tour follows a standout summer for Rose, marked by the release of fan-favorite tracks including “End Like This,” “Seein’ Blue,” “Let You Know When I Get There” and the tour’s namesake, “I Know What I Want.”

“I Know What I Want Tour” Dates with Special Guest Scoot Teasley:
Sept. 11, 2025 in Boston, Mass. at Paradise Rock Club
Sept. 12, 2025 in Hampton, N.H. at Wally’s Pub
Sept. 18, 2025 in Anderson, S.C. at Wendell’s Dippin Branch
Sept. 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Ga. at Buckhead Theatre
Sept. 20, 2025 in Huntsville, Ala. at Von Braun Center
Sept. 24, 2025 in New York, N.Y. at Gramercy Theatre
Sept. 25, 2025 in Washington, D.C. at Union Stage
Sept. 26, 2025 in Leesburg, Va. at Tally Ho Theatre
Oct. 2, 2025 in Chattanooga, Tenn. at The Signal
Oct. 3, 2025 in Charlotte, N.C. at Coyote Joe’s
Oct. 4, 2025 in Isle of Palms, S.C. at The Wind Jammer
Oct. 16, 2025 in Columbia, Mo. at The Blue Note
Oct. 17, 2025 in Fayetteville, Ark. at JJ’s Live
Oct. 18, 2025 in St. Louis, Mo. at Old Rock House *
Nov. 6, 2025 in Louisville, Ky. at Mercury Ballroom
Nov. 7, 2025 in Indianapolis, Ind. at 8 Seconds Saloon
Nov. 8, 2025 in Rootstown, Ohio at Dusty Armadillo

* No Scoot Teasley

CMHOFM To Host Interview With Chris Hillman & Dwight Yoakam

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is slated to host an in-depth interview with Chris Hillman and Dwight Yoakam on Aug. 23, led by Erin Osmon.

The interview is offered in support of the museum’s exhibition Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock. The exhibit, which will conclude its nearly three-year run on Sept. 16, traces the L.A.-based communities of visionary singers, songwriters and musicians who, from the 1960s through the 1980s, frequented local nightclubs, embraced country music, created and shaped the musical fusion country-rock.

Hillman, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, began his career playing bluegrass in California-based bands before founding multiple country-rock bands.

Known for his classic country sound, Yoakam has a multiple Gold and Platinum records along with two dozen top 20 country singles.

Tickets for the event are required and available now. 

The Store To Host Second Annual School Store

The Store, a nonprofit free grocery store in Middle Tennessee serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, has announced its second annual School Store, a project aimed at providing school supplies for the families currently utilizing their services. The initiative will collect new high-quality backpacks and stainless-steel water bottles throughout July. It is estimated that 500 children will be served through this program. The children will also receive school supply boxes filled with traditional supplies thanks to a donation from Geodis.

Donations may be dropped off at The Store or the partnering locations between July 7 and July 25. Collection sites include 12 South Taproom, Nashville Zoo, Centennial Midtown, Orange Theory (Brentwood, Downtown, Melrose, Midtown, Nolensville), CMA Building, Rumble Boxing (Gulch), Garage Barre & Bike, Shed Bellemeade, Let it Shine Gymnastics, The Happy Hour, Level Group Ltd. and Title Boxing (Church Street). Additionally, Kroger Bellevue (Hwy 70), Brentwood and Green Hills stores will collect items July 19 and 20.

“Our customers face not only food insecurity, but lack of resources for important things like school supplies,” shared Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, co-founders of The Store. “We continue to be grateful for the generous Nashville community that helps us provide much-needed support for our families as they gear up for a great school year ahead.”

More information on accessing these resources or volunteering time is available here.

ACM Honors Announces Industry & Studio Award Winners, Ceremony To Be Held In August

The Academy of Country Music has announced the winners of the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.

All winners, alongside previously announced Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Lainey Wilson and Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, as well as the Special Award recipients, will be celebrated at the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors on Aug. 20, at The Pinnacle in Nashville. A full list of performers will be announced at a later date.

Tickets will be available to ACM A-List email newsletter subscribers and Academy members through an exclusive pre-sale beginning July 10, before general on-sale begins on July 11, through AXS.

“We are thrilled to bring the Country Music industry’s favorite night, ACM Honors, to The Pinnacle, Nashville’s newest live music venue, next month,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “This is an exciting time for the Academy as we reimagine this special night through new partnerships and a new format that will elevate the show’s impact. We look forward to celebrating our Studio Recording and Industry Award winners, alongside our soon-to-be-announced Special Award Honorees, whose vital contributions make the music we love possible.”

Among the winners of the Industry Awards, first-time winners include The Caverns (Theater of the Year), The Theater at Virgins Hotels (Casino of the Year – Theater) and Aaron Spalding (Promoter of the Year). In addition, Ed Warm takes home his 19th ACM Industry Award, winning two ACM Awards for Club of the Year (Joe’s on Weed St.) and Festival of the Year (Windy City Smokeout).

Among the winners of the Studio Recording Awards, first-time winners include Drew Bollman (Audio Engineer of the Year), Alex Wright (Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year) and Craig Young (Bass Player of the Year). In addition, Dave Cobb wins his seventh ACM Award by winning Producer of the Year (third win in the category), while Brent Mason wins his twelfth Studio Recording Award and first win for Electric Guitar Player of the Year.

Complete List Of Award Winners:

Industry Award Winners:
Casino Of The Year – Theater: The Theater At Virgin Hotels – Las Vegas, Nv
Casino Of The Year – Arena: Harveys Lake Tahoe – Stateline, Nv
Festival Of The Year: Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, Il
Fair/Rodeo Of The Year: Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo – Houston, Tx
Club Of The Year: Joe’s On Weed St. – Chicago, Il
Theater Of The Year: The Caverns – Pelham, Tn
Outdoor Venue Of The Year: Banknh Pavilion – Gilford, Nh
Arena Of The Year: Moody Center – Austin, Tx
Don Romeo Talent Buyer Of The Year: Gil Cunningham – Neste Live
Promoter Of The Year: Aaron Spalding – Live Nation

Studio Recording Award Winners:
Bass Player Of The Year: (Tie) Mark Hill & Craig Young
Drummer Of The Year: Aaron Sterling
Acoustic Guitar Player Of The Year: Tim Galloway
Electric Guitar Player Of The Year: Brent Mason
Piano/Keyboards Player Of The Year: Alex Wright
Specialty Instrument(S) Player Of The Year: Jenee Fleenor
Audio Engineer Of The Year: Drew Bollman
Producer Of The Year: Dave Cobb

Chris LeDoux Days Wraps With ‘The Last Go Round’ After 15-Year Run

Ned LeDoux onstage with the LeDoux grandkids. Photo: Josh Wirth

Chris LeDoux Days, the annual event honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of the Hall of Fame rodeo champion and multi-Platinum-selling legend, just wrapped its “last go round” in LeDoux’s hometown of Kaycee, Wyoming on June 13-14 after 15 years.

This year’s Chris LeDoux Days welcomed over 5,500 fans to Kaycee (population 265) to honor the music and rodeo legend and local hometown’s favorite son. The performers for the final event were Sawyer Brown, Kip Attaway and for the 15th year, Chris’ son Ned LeDoux, who performed his music as well as classics from his dad’s catalog.

Chris LeDoux Days – “The Last Go Round.” Photo: Payton LeDoux

Created in 2010, the annual event celebrated the life and legacy of LeDoux and has hosted a variety of artists over the last 15 years including Cody Johnson, Aaron Watson, Corb Lund, Reckless Kelly, Micky & The Motorcars, The Great Divide, Kyle Park, Chancey Williams and more.

Chris LeDoux Days started as an idea Chris and wife Peggy LeDoux had to create a park with a small piece of land they owned in Kaycee. After LeDoux passed in 2005, Peggy and their kids, Clay, Ned, Will, Cindi and Beau, carried through on the idea of developing the Chris LeDoux Memorial Park for the community to enjoy. Artist and sculptor D. Michael Thomas created a life-size sculpture of Chris during his 1976 World Champion ride on Stormy Weather, and the family had the sculpture placed in the park.

On the day the “Good Ride Cowboy” sculpture was officially unveiled, the family booked bands to come play and had bareback and bronc riding—and thus, Chris LeDoux Days began. From that first event to this year’s “final round,” the LeDoux family have put on this event every year—an annual Father’s Day weekend tradition for 15 years.

Some of the LeDoux family at the final Chris LeDoux Days – “The Last Go Round.” Photo: Payton LeDoux

“We had ‘The Last Go Round’ of Chris LeDoux Days on June 14,” says Peggy. “We’ve had a great run! Starting with the unveiling in 2010 and ending with 15 years. It’s kind of bittersweet to end this event. We’ve met so many good fans that have kept this event going and it’ll be sad not to see them and meet the new ones.” She continues, “Thanks for putting Chris in your memories. Like our daughter Cindi said, Chris ‘wasn’t one to be doted over’ but I think he would be proud and I can just hear him saying, ‘OK Peg go ahead with it.’ If you’ve heard about the Hawk, well he’s here a lot and was flying over the house that week. So I guess he was ok with it. Thanks so much to everyone, and God Bless.”

“Mom sure knows how to throw a party,” says Ned. “What this grew into over the years was amazing. From the size of the crowds to the bands who performed. It’s always been about family and a family run event. It’s a celebration of life for Dad. All the things he accomplished and achieved in only 56 years would take most people maybe three lifetimes. And I’m sure he’d be blushing about the whole deal. But I’d like to think he’s got a big ol’ grin on his face about it all. It’s been a heck of a run. Who knows, maybe we’ll come up with something else later down the road. But for now, we’ll just reflect on the past 15 years of Chris LeDoux Days.”