K-LOVE Fan Awards To Return To Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry In May

Lauren Daigle & Sadie Robertson-Huff. Photo: Josiah Weiss

Grammy winner Lauren Daigle and podcaster, author and speaker Sadie Robertson Huff are set to host the 13th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House on May 24.

The awards show will air exclusively on Trinity Broadcasting Network on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET, with an encore presentation scheduled for June 5.

The 2026 K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend lineup will include a Friday night kickoff concert headlined by Cain, also featuring Leanna Crawford, Colton Dixon and Ben Fuller. The Songwriters Showcase will be hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman, joined by Andrew Ripp, Terrian and Matthew West. On Sunday morning, the worship service will include Josh Baldwin, Pat Barrett and Zahriya Zachary.

Tickets for the 2026 K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend, including travel packages, are on sale now.

Rascal Flatts Wrap ‘Life Is A Highway Tour’

Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts concluded their 2026 “Life Is A Highway Tour” last weekend. Hitting 21 cities with openers Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina, the country music icons played in arenas across the country including Fiserv Forum, Bridgestone Arena, Rupp Arena and more.

“It’s been such a blessing to kick off 2026 back in front of fans. Each show has just been an overwhelming reminder that our music still means so much to so many people over 26 years later,” says Joe Don Rooney. “The guys and I will be riding this high for the rest of the year, we’re so grateful for everyone that took the time to come out to see us!”

The shows included hits such as “Yours If You Want It,” “My Wish,” “Bless the Broken Road,” “I Like the Sound of That,” “What Hurts The Most,” “Summer Nights” and “Life Is a Highway.” Other fan-favorites making the set were “Fast Cars and Freedom,” “Stand,” “Banjo” and more.

Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts

Ella Langley & Jo Dee Messina Pair For ‘The Conversation’ At CRS 2026

Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina will share their respective journeys to success in “The Conversation,” a keynote session at CRS on March 19 at 2:30 p.m.

Designed as a true one-on-one conversation, the session will feature Langley and Messina asking each other questions in a candid, unscripted dialogue.

Langley’s rapid career rise has been marked by major milestones including four CMA Awards, five ACM Awards, and becoming the first female artist in history to simultaneously top the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. Throughout her career, Messina has logged nine No. 1 hits, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys.

Now in its third year, “The Conversation” pairs artists from different career stages for a candid discussion. Previous installments have featured Trisha Yearwood with Lainey Wilson and Eric Church with Jelly Roll.

‘NASHVILLE Encore Tour’ Adds Second Nashville Show In June

“NASHVILLE Encore Tour.” Photo: Jens Fricke

The “NASHVILLE Encore Tour” featuring Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio is headed back to the Ryman Auditorium this summer.

The Jan. 25 concert was postponed due to the Nashville ice storm and has now been rescheduled for June 26, with tickets currently on sale. Due to strong demand, the tour has now added a second night at the Ryman as well on June 27. Tickets for the June 27 performance will go on sale tomorrow (March 6).

The “NASHVILLE Encore Tour” will feature cast members Bowen, Esten, Jackson and Palladio performing fan favorite songs from the TV series along with their original music. The additional Nashville date comes on the heels of a global run for the tour in England, Wales, Scotland, Germany and Switzerland, performing for sellout crowds in numerous cities including Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow, London and Bournemouth.

“The U.K. audiences remain steadfast in their joyful passion at every show, and we were blown away by the incredibly enthusiastic response to our first performances ever in Germany and Switzerland,” says Steve Buchanan, Executive Producer of NASHVILLE and “NASHVILLE Encore Tour” Producer for SteadiBeat Touring. “Every night seemed to top the last. To bring that energy home and play back-to-back nights at the Ryman in June is truly meaningful for all of us. Nashville has always been the heart of this story, and we cannot wait to share these evenings with our hometown crowd.”

Will Terry Signs With The Neal Agency

Pictured (L-R): Ryan Beuschel (TNA, General Manager), Haley Teske (TNA, Agent), Drew Magid (TRACK mgmt), Brian Carothers (TNA, Agent), Will Terry, Tracker (TRACK mgmt), Kelly Carrazzone (TRACK mgmt) and Adi Sharma (TNA, Co-Head & Agent). Photo: Jess Hood

Singer-songwriter Will Terry has inked with The Neal Agency for booking.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to be working with The Neal Agency,” shares Terry. “Brian [Carothers] and Haley [Teske] felt like my people from the first time we met. I can’t wait to get to work with them by my side.”

“Will brings a big vibe to any room he’s in, and an even bigger vibe to the stage,” adds Carothers. “He’s sitting on a mountain of great songs yet to be heard. Haley, the entire TNA team and I are thrilled to be on board and are excited for what’s ahead.”

Throughout his career, Terry has opened for Tyler Farr, Jon Langston and Chayce Beckham at his hometown venue in Rome, Georgia, and recently performed at Whiskey Jam.

His newest single “Hell and This Point” was featured on Spotify’s Coming Up Country and Fresh Finds Country, where he was on the cover of Fresh Finds. Terry is currently working on new music with producer Will Bundy.

He is managed by TRACK mgmt, represented by TNA, and published by RX Songs / 7 Hills Music.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival Unveils 2026 Lineup

Earl Scruggs Music Festival returns to Mill Spring, North Carolina on Sept. 4-6, for its fifth annual Labor Day Weekend celebration at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass and The Del McCoury Band will lead the lineup along with Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart, The Earls of Leicester, artist-in-residence Alison Brown, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Mountain Grass Unit, Lindsay Lou, and many more.

This year, the festival will debut the Louise Scruggs Stage, commemorating the groundbreaking achievements of Scruggs’ wife and manager.

See the full schedule here. Tickets for the festival are available now.

Kylie Morgan & Breland Slate Co‑Headline Tour For Spring

Kylie Morgan and Breland are joining forces this spring for a run of co‑headlining shows across New York and the Carolinas.

The limited‑date tour will kick off April 17 in Jordan, New York and will showcase some collaborative moments and high‑energy performances. The tour will also include stops in Buffalo, Wilmington, Isle Of Palms and Raleigh.

Morgan continues her independent rise with over 500M global streams. She recently released the video for her deeply personal single Like My Own. Since breaking through with his 2019 viral hit My Truck,” Breland has amassed over 1.2 billion streams, and collaborated with Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Lady A, Nelly and more and, written for artists such as Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz, Jacquees, and more.

Kylie Morgan x Breland Tour Dates:
April 17 — Jordan, NY — KEGS Canal
April 18 — Buffalo, NY — Showplace Theater
May 14 — Isle of Palms, SC — The Windjammer
May 15 — Wilmington, NC — Bowstring
May 16 — Raleigh, NC — Bowstring

Aaron Watson To Release ‘Horse Named Texas,’ Due Friday

Aaron Watson will release his new album, Horse Named Texas, on Friday (March 6).

The album features 26 tracks, each co-written by Watson alongside Jenna Paulette, Troy Cartwright, Joe Fox and more. The project was produced by Watson, Nate Coon and Philbilly. The album explores faith, family, grief and more.

“I’m really excited for everyone to hear Horse Named Texas. I’ve poured my heart into this album, and it truly means a lot to me. Hit that pre-save and pre-order and get the instant grat track, ‘Old Houses’,” shares Watson.

Watson is currently amidst his “Horse Named Texas Tour.” Tour dates are available here.

Horse Named Texas Track List:
1. “Hardly Friends Barely Lovers” (Aaron Watson)
2. “Pontiac (So Tell Me Momma)” (Aaron Watson)
3. “Same Here” (Aaron Watson, Lee Starr, Russell Sutton)
4. “Horse Named Texas” (Aaron Watson)
5. “Old Houses” (Aaron Watson, Lukas Klingensmith, Troy Cartwright)
6. “Marry Me” (Aaron Watson)
7. “Hit The Hay Runnin'” (Aaron Watson, Jenna Paulette)
8. “Gone Fishing” (Aaron Watson, Jenna Paulette)
9. “Fool Hearted Fool” (Aaron Watson, Joe Fox, Jake Watson)
10. “Getter Back Song” (Aaron Watson, Dan Alley, Grant Gilbert, Brandon Kinney)
11. “Drinking & Driving (You Crazy)” (Aaron Watson, Chris Ryan)
12. “Wild Ones Like Me” (Aaron Watson)
13. “She Won’t Be Leaving Alone” (Aaron Watson, Jarrod Morris)
14. “Haggard Blues” (Aaron Watson)
15. “Sober Truth” (Aaron Watson, Jake Watson)
16. “My Turn” (Aaron Watson, Trent Tomlinson)
17. “Your Kinda Guy” (Aaron Watson)
18. “These Are The Good Ol’ Days” (Aaron Watson, Lynn Hutton, Cam Newby)
19. “Rumors Running Around” (Aaron Watson, Phil O-Donnell, Ira Dean)
20. “County Road 123” (Aaron Watson, Jake Watson)
21. “Just Like You” (Aaron Watson)
22. “Love Is An Outlaw” (Aaron Watson)
23. “She Always Takes Me Back” (Aaron Watson)
24. “Everything To Lose” (Aaron Watson)
25. “That’s What She Said” (Aaron Watson, Jenna Paulette)
26. “Buy The World A Round” (Aaron Watson, Dan Alley)

Industry Ink: CMHOFM, Brantley Gilbert, We The Kingdom, SARMAR Mgmt

Country Music Hall Of Fame Hosts Program With Photographer Ed Rode

Pictured (L-R): Ed Rode, Don Henry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum writer-editor Angela Stefano Zimmer, Tony Arata, Matraca Berg and Jeff Hanna. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a program last weekend with photographer Ed Rode, who discussed his career and photography with museum writer-editor Angela Stefano Zimmer in the museum’s Ford Theater. Following their conversation, songwriters Tony Arata, Matraca Berg and Don Henry, all of whom Rode has photographed, performed.

Rode’s 2024 book, Songwriter Musician: Behind the Curtain with Nashville’s Iconic Storytellers and Players, features decades of stories captured on camera: playing snooker with John Prine, celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans with Brad Paisley, traversing Tennessee with Ketch Secor and documentarian Ken Burns, and more. The program was offered in support of the museum’s exhibit “Writers, Pickers, and Stars: The Photography of Ed Rode,” which runs through July, and features photos from Rode’s book.

 

Brantley Gilbert & Real American Beer To Launch RAB Zero

Brantley Gilbert has become an investor and equity partner of Real American Beer, and will launch Real American Beer ZERO, the company’s first non-alcoholic beer. Fourteen years sober, Gilbert approached the opportunity with intention and wanted something that reflected how he actually lives. The launch is anchored by a new national partnership with the USO, reinforcing RAB’s commitment to American pride and community. Through the program, RAB will donate $1 per case sold of RAB ZERO to the USO and ongoing donations tied directly to sales, supporting active-duty service members and their families.

 

We The Kingdom Celebrates RIAA Gold Certification For ‘God So Loved’

Pictured (L-R): David Gutekunst (Executive Vice President, Publishing, Capitol Christian Music Group), Garrett Davis (Senior Vice President, A&R), Scott Cash, Ed Cash, Martin Cash, Andrew Bergthold, Kenny Rogers (Senior Vice President, CCMG Label Group), Brad O’Donnell (President, CCMG), Emily Dashiell (Senior Vice President, Marketing & Commercial Partnerships). Photo: Tyler Ervin

We The Kingdom was recently presented with an RIAA Gold plaque at the Capitol Christian Music Group offices recognizing the impact of the group’s breakout hit “God So Loved” from their album Holy Water. “God So Loved” has notched major milestones across radio, streaming, and fan engagement, including a No. 1 radio single on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart. The song has generated over 18 million views across socials, received a Dove Award nomination, and continues to draw more than three million streams per month to date. The plaque presentation capped an afternoon of celebrating the band’s new album, Dear Jesus at CCMG, marking a milestone moment for We The Kingdom as they enter a new season.

 

Sarah Marie Burke Launches SARMAR Management

Sarah Marie Burke

Sarah Marie Burke has launched SARMAR Management. With over two decades of experience in A&R Production, Burke founded SARMAR to deliver reliable, organized Production Management services that support artists and creative teams across both studio and live productions. Through SARMAR, Burke oversees recording projects from pre-production through final delivery, managing schedules, budgets, booking, union coordination, metadata collection, and label communication.

Additionally, she provides live show Production Management, drawing on years of experience producing and advancing shows at venues including the Ryman Auditorium, The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. With the launch of SARMAR, Burke has also partnered with VEVA Sound, a music tech company known for audio verification, archiving, and metadata integrity for sound recordings. Burke will utilize VEVA Collect, VEVA Sound’s secure, cloud-based collaboration and asset management platform built specifically for music production workflows.

Seatfun Ticketing Platform Launches New App

Daniel Mastropietro and Josh Misko. Photo: Sophie Seay

Seatfun, the invite-only, live event service for venues, organizers, and festivals, has officially launched with a new app.

Headquartered in Nashville and Cincinnati, Seatfun was founded in 2025 by Daniel Mastropietro, who is the Chief Executive Officer, and Josh Misko, the Chief Operating Officer, The mobile-first, operator focused and revenue optimized ticketing platform helps give venues, promoters, and festivals the tools and resources to increase revenue, improve marketing, and elevate the customer experience.

Seatfun has officially launched their full app, which allows users to create and manage events, sell tickets with optimized checkout flows, accept Apple Tap to Pay directly on the phone, scan tickets instantly with no extra hardware, build loyalty programs, own their customer data, run SMS marketing, track pixels across TikTok, Snapchat, Meta, and Google, get instant daily payouts, and more. Seatfun also features a marketing suite as well as fraud prevention systems.

The platform was intentionally designed to be invite-only, to protect event quality, protect buyers, and protect venues. In the first six months of operation before officially announcing, Seatfun was adopted by over 100 event organizers of all sizes, and has now raised funding at a multi-million-dollar valuation to continue building the next generation of ticketing focused on transparency, growth, and giving control back to venues and organizers.

“In today’s live events landscape, venues are carrying more pressure than ever. Since COVID, artist fees haven’t gone down, but bar sales and ancillary revenues often have, and that gap falls almost entirely on venues and promoters,” share Mastropietro and Misko. “On top of that, streaming numbers don’t necessarily translate to ticket sales, creating additional risk, yet artist deposits and guarantees from major agencies have continued to climb. Events organizers and ticketing companies should thrive together, or dive together. Seatfun was created by events organizers for events organizers, and one principle will always remain our North Star: put humans first, nurture real connection, and deliver meaningful value. Period. The rest is just technology.”