Country Bay Music Festival Adds New Stage For Rising Artists

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Pictured (L–R): Willie Jones, Emily Ann Roberts, RVSHVD and Orlando Mendez

This year’s Country Bay Music Festival, taking place this weekend (Nov. 9–10) at the Miami Marine Stadium, will feature a brand-new second stage showcasing country’s up-and-comers.

The festival will also embrace a diverse roster of genre-bending acts like Willie Jones and RVSHVD and welcome over 24 performers for its second annual event.

The Demesmin & Dover Rodeo Roundup Stage will debut with performances by both Jones and RVSHVD as well as Eddie and The Getaway, Emily Ann Roberts, Jay Webb, MC4D, Orlando Mendez, Waylon Wyatt, Ryan Charles, Shaylen and DJ Illmanik. While listening to the live music, attendees can take line dancing lessons provided by Miami’s PBR Buckle Bunnies.

As previously announced, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band will headline the event, which will also include performances by Diplo presents Thomas Wesley, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Redferrin, Ryan Montgomery, Chase Matthew, Niko Moon and Gabby Barrett, who will take the Ford Main Stage.

Limited tickets are available. For more information, click here.

First Round Of Performers Revealed For 58th Annual CMA Awards

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The first round of performers have been revealed for the 58th annual CMA Awards.

Returning as host for a fourth straight year, two-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan is set to perform his 31st No. 1 hit, “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.” First-time CMA Awards host, reigning Entertainer of the Year and four-time nominee this year, Lainey Wilson will also take the stage to sing her current single, “4x4xU,” and Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Ashley McBryde will be on hand to deliver a special performance. Among the lineup are first-time nominees Post Malone, who will treat the crowd to “Yours,” a song inspired by his daughter, and Shaboozey, who is set to perform a medley of his multi-Platinum smash “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and new single “Highway.” Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year and five-time nominee Chris Stapleton will also grace the stage for “What Am I Gonna Do.”

Additionally, three-time CMA Award winner Dierks Bentley will be joined by Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes for a rendition of Tom Petty’s “American Girl.” Post Malone and Stapleton will also unite to perform “California Sober,” and two-time CMA Award winner Thomas Rhett will welcome Teddy Swims to the CMA Awards stage, as a mash-up of their hits “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman” and “Lose Control” will mark their first performance together.

The awards ceremony will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 7 p.m.–10 p.m. CT on ABC, and will be available next day on Hulu.

Visionary Media Group & The Pack Shack To Pack Meals For Hurricane Victims

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Visionary Media Group, together with The Pack Shack, a leader in charitable food packing and distribution, will hold a 200,000-meal packing event, “Feed The Funnel,” at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 2 p.m.–7 p.m.

The event, designed for participants ages 12 and up, requires advance registration and is currently accepting donations via its Visionary Impact Fund. For more information, click here.

“I’m honored to stand alongside The Pack Shack and Lipscomb University—and their 400+ student volunteers—plus our artist and staff to pack 200,000 meals for so many who were hard hit by Helene and Milton,” says Dr. Ron Zamber, Founder, Managing Director & Chairman of Visionary Private Equity Group and Visionary Media Group. “We welcome as many people as would like to join us for a high energy and impactful day of community spirit and support at our ‘Feed the Funnel’ party dedicated to providing relief for those affected by recent hurricanes.”

Bret Raymond, CEO of The Pack Shack, says, “In the wake of devastating hurricanes that have impacted countless lives, the Nashville community is coming together to help those in need. This is a chance to actively and practically show support for those who need it most right now. Every meal we pack can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the hurricanes.”

“We are honored to be able to host this event on our campus in partnership with The Pack Shack and Visionary Media Group,” adds Brent Roe-Hall, Dean of Student Life for Spiritual Formation at Lipscomb University. “Serving others is an important way to make a difference and we are pleased to have this opportunity to impact the lives of those who need it most right now.”

RIAA 2024 Music Job & Benefits Report Shows Contributions To Economic Growth

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released a new report, conducted by Secretariat Managing Director Robert Stoner and Director Jéssica Dutra, that reflects data provided by independent labels, performing rights organizations (PROs), independent venues, music museums and other organizations across the nation.

This report uses the latest consolidated data available at this scale and covers periods both before and after the onset of COVID in March of 2020.

According to the data shown, the music industry has contributed $212 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (5.7% annually from 2017–2020) and accounts for 2.5 million jobs. The report’s state-by-state breakdown seeks to provide a closer look at how recorded music is a driving force within the broader ecosystem from venues, festivals, brick-and-mortar stores, digital platforms to artists, songwriters, music schools and more.

Chart Graphic: Courtesy of The U.S. Music Industries Jobs & Benefits: The 2024 Report

The top six states for each of the relevant measures (earnings, employment and value added) consist of California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

In California, music contributed more than $51.4 billion as fans flocked from Coachella to the Troubadour, two of 80,433 notable music establishments, and 416,802 students expanded their talents across the state. Latin, pop and southern rock fuel the Florida scene, which supports 169,706 jobs and adds $9.3 billion to the U.S. GDP. New York generated $24.9 billion in music industry value in 2020, resulting in 1.3 times the rate that music contributes to U.S. GDP and adding 210,878 jobs to the market.

With 114,731 jobs supported and 6,715 royalty recipients, Pennsylvania brings $6.3 billion to U.S. GDP. Home to 74,289 songwriters in Nashville, Memphis and cities in between, music industries hit $7.5 billion and contributed nearly twice as much to Tennessee’s GDP (1.7%) as the national average (0.9%). Beyond Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival, Texas hosts 127,993 songwriters and pumps $26.6 billion into the economy.

To read the full report, click here. For RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier‘s perspective on the findings, click here.

Kevin Jonas Sr. Gets Festive On Debut Christmas EP, Out Friday

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Kevin Jonas Sr. will release his debut Christmas EP, Ready Set Glow — A Holiday Collection, this Friday (Nov. 8) via Red Van Records.

The project features seven tracks, most of which he co-wrote alongside Bob DiPiero, Amy Stroup and the EP’s producer David Kalmusky. Additionally, his wife, Denise Jonas, lends her vocals to select songs.

The collection opens with the title track, a duet from the couple that includes guest vocals from members of Jonas Group Entertainment, Red Van Records and friends. Nick Jonas serves as a co-writer on “Joy to the World (A Christmas Prayer),” which he penned at the age of nine. Another highlight includes the medley “Jesu Bambino/O Holy Night,” recorded with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and arranged by David T. Clydesdale.

“35 years ago, I promised my wife Denise that I would record and release a Christmas record, and now it’s finally coming to life,” shares Jonas Sr. “Ready Set Glow — A Holiday Collection is all about the magic and warmth of the holiday season, shared with family and friends.”

Ready Set Glow — A Holiday Collection Track Listing:
1. “Ready Set Glow (feat. Denise Jonas)”
2. “Jesu Bambino/O Holy Night”
3. “ChrisMess”
4. “Stained Glass Window”
5. “Joy to the World (A Christmas Prayer)”
6. “Wrap me up in Christmas”
7. “ChrisMess – Friends Bonus Version”

CMHOFM Exhibits Artifacts From Nashville Folk & Blues Artist Cortelia Clark

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Cortelia Clark. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Archives

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is featuring several artifacts from blind folk and blues singer Cortelia Clark in a temporary display, “Cortelia Clark’s Everyday Blues.”

Open through September 2025, the exhibit explores the story of the Grammy-winning artist and Nashville figure who performed on the streets of downtown for years.

Clark came to Music City in 1919 at the age of 17 to work in a broom factory, and learned how to play the guitar from another blind man. By the 1960s, he was playing almost daily on 5th Avenue North by a Woolworth store, where he caught the attention of RCA Records producer Felton Jarvis. Jarvis then recorded Clark live, talking and playing on an average day in the city. Later, his 1966 album, Blues on a Street, won the Grammy for Best Folk Recording in March 1967. Not long after, Clark was filling his kerosene heater, which exploded and set his wood-frame house on fire. The explosion left him badly burned and resulted in his untimely death weeks later on Christmas Eve in 1969.

The items on display include Clark’s broken Grammy, which was damaged in the fire, and the Kay 6116 Super-Auditorium model guitar featured on his album cover as well as his Kay 5113 Plains Special guitar.

“Cortelia Clark’s Everyday Blues” is supported by a new video on the museum’s YouTube channel, which includes interviews with Clark’s friend, producer and champion Mike Weesner, Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray and the museum’s Instrument Collection Curator Jack Clutter. The video also features the museum’s Vice President of Creative Warren Denney, who sat down with Weesner.

T.G. Sheppard Celebrates 50-Year Career In Country Music

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T.G. Sheppard

T.G. Sheppard is celebrating his 50-year anniversary as a country artist.

Sheppard’s first No. 1 single, “Devil In The Bottle” was released in October 1974 and quickly climbed the charts, where it remained for 10 weeks. The hit laid the foundation for Sheppard’s career success, marking the first of his 22 No. 1s, which include classics like “Last Cheater’s Waltz,” “I’ll Be Coming Back for More,” “Do You Want to Go to Heaven,” “Party Time,” “Only One You,” “I Loved ‘Em Every One,” “Slow Burn” and more.

“Over 50 years ago, I had no idea the career journey I started would still be going strong today,” shares Sheppard. “It’s been the most incredible and rewarding trip, and I’m happy to say the highs have far outweighed the lows. I still have to pinch myself to make sure this isn’t just a dream. Every day, I thank God and the fans for blessing me with such an amazing life and allowing me to continue doing what I love. I hope you’ll join me on the 50th Anniversary Tour and sing along to many of the 22 No. 1 hits I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve. I am humbled beyond words.”

Sheppard and singer-songwriter/author Kelly Lang recently released their latest duets album, Chemistry: The Duets Collection. The album includes 11 love songs, including classics such as “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” “More Today Than Yesterday” and “It’s Too Late,” along with their recently-released singles “You’re Still The One,” “Addicted to You” and “Because You Loved Me.”

Josh Gicker Launches Living Life Films

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Josh Gicker

Nashville-based creative director Josh Gicker has launched Living Life Films.

Focused on creating visually and emotionally resonant music videos, short-form documentaries and commercials, Gicker has worked with Alan Jackson, Morgan Wallen, Jordan Davis, Gabby Barrett, Lauren Daigle, Universal Music Group (UMG), Warner Music Nashville, Big Loud Records, HCA Healthcare and more.

“I’ve been pursuing a calling on my heart to tell stories since I was just a kid, and it brings me so much joy to know that I’ve been blessed to help and document so many other individuals’ journeys while chasing after that dream,” he shares. “Living Life Films thrives on collaboration, bringing clients’ visions to the screen and engaging audiences through sentimental content.

“I firmly believe that the trick to determining a good video is if the viewer not only wants to show it to a friend, but if they also want to watch it again. So how do we do that together? We think bigger than what is on screen and think about the person who will be watching it. By tugging at the heartstrings and telling a story that inspires.”

For more information, click here.

Ricky Skaggs To Kick Off 2024 Christmas Tour

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Ricky Skaggs. Photo: Courtesy of Skaggs Family Records

Ricky Skaggs has announced his 2024 holiday tour “Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas,” which will kick off Dec. 5 in Tucson.

Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder will hit the tour trail this December with 13 Christmas concerts across the nation in Louisville, Knoxville, Scottsdale and more, wrapping with a Ryman Auditorium show on Dec. 22. Concertgoers can expect to hear the bluegrass tune “Christmas Time’s A Comin,’” along with a rendition of “New Star Shining,” a hit for Skaggs and James Taylor. Beloved classic songs “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls” and “Let it Snow” are also part of the show, along with other special Christmas melodies and seasonal sing-a-longs.

“This is my favorite time of the year,” explains Skaggs. “Not only do we celebrate the birth of the Savior, we also get to play some really fun music. I hope you will come out and see one of our Kentucky Thunder Christmas shows. It’s a joyful time. You’ll love it.”

“Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas” Tour Dates:
Dec. 5 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Theatre
Dec. 6 – Scottsdale, AZ – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 10 – Richmond, KY – EKU Center for the Arts
Dec. 11 – Newport News, VA – Ferguson Center for the Arts
Dec. 12 – Huntington, WV – Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center
Dec. 13 – Wheeling, WV – The Capitol Theatre
Dec. 14 – Jim Thorpe, PA – Penn’s Peak
Dec. 15 – Marietta, OH – Peoples Bank Theatre
Dec. 18 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
Dec. 19 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
Dec. 20 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
Dec. 21 – Germantown, TN – Germantown Performing Arts Center
Dec. 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

Artist Action: Reba McEntire, Easton Corbin, Drake Milligan

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Reba McEntire Talks New Sitcom & The Voice During Multiple Television Appearances

Reba McEntire on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC

Reba McEntire made appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Today and The Kelly Clarkson Show last week to talk about her new sitcom, Happy’s Place, the latest season of The Voice and more.

Happy’s Place premiered earlier this month and garnered 10 million total viewers across NBC and Peacock. The debut marks NBC ‘s top comedy launch yet and improved its time slot by 90% in total viewers.

Easton Corbin Celebrates First Responders Day With Cedar Key Fire Department

Easton Corbin with the Cedar Key Fire Department. Photo: Dusty Barker

Easton Corbin recently met with the Cedar Key Fire Department in Cedar Key, Florida, which was devastated by Hurricane Milton last month.

The invitation was extended to all first responders in the area as well as their families for the event, which took place on Oct. 29, the day after National First Responders Day. The visit included a private acoustic performance by Corbin, a Florida native, and a meet-and-greet.

Drake Milligan Sells Out The Basement East

Drake Milligan headlining The Basement East

Drake Milligan performed for a sold-out crowd at The Basement East in Nashville last week, marking his first headlining show in Music City since 2022.

Milligan has collected over 150 million on-demand global streams, and reached No. 1 on the iTunes all-genre albums and Top Country Albums chart with his debut project, Dallas/Fort Worth. Additionally, his current single, “I Got A Problem,” was recently the most-played song at Australian country radio and hit No. 1 on the Countrytown National Airplay chart.