CMA Fest Unveils Nissan Stadium Lineup

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CMA Fest has unveiled the first round of performers for the nightly performances at Nissan Stadium.

This year’s performers include Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore and Zach Top. The Band Perry and Stephen Wilson Jr. will take the mid-field stage.

CMA Fest will return to Nashville June 4–7. Additional Nissan Stadium performers, as well as Platform Stage performers, day stage performers, openers and the national anthem performer will be announced in the coming weeks.

Four-night stadium passes are on sale now.

Each nightly show will be filmed for a national television special to air on ABC and Hulu this summer. The special will be executive produced and written by Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter.

SoFi will serve as the festival and broadcast presenting sponsor of CMA Fest.

George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Don Cook & Keith Gattis Inducted Into Texas Songwriters Hall Of Fame

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Pictured (L-R): Parker McCullom, Bubba Strait, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Jamey Johnson, Dean Dillon, Ashley Monroe and Penny Gattis.
Photo: Tyler Conrad

On Saturday evening (Feb. 21), the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association inducted George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Don Cook and Keith Gattis into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The ceremony, emceed by Ronnie Dunn, took place at ACL Live in Austin, Texas with performances from Brooks & Dunn, Jamey Johnson, Parker McCollum, Randy Houser, Natalie Hemby, Ashley Monroe, Dean Dillon, Waylon Payne, Bubba Strait, and more, along with special appearances by inductees Lambert and Strait.

The evening also honored owners and founders of Arlyn Studios, Lisa and Freddy Fletcher, with the Darrell K Royal Texas Music Legend Award.

Gattis was honored with performances of “Reconsider,” “El Cerrito Place” and “I Got A Car.”

Brooks & Dunn, delivered heartfelt renditions of “Brand New Man,” “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” and “That Ain’t No Way to Go” to honor Cook, who has amassed 20 No. 1 hits.

McCollum, Hemby and Monroe took the stage to honor Lambert with renditions of “Famous in a Small Town,” “Bluebird” and “Heart Like Mine.” She took the stage alongside Jack Ingram and Jon Randall for “Tin Man.”

Johnson and Dillon each took the stage for “Kicked Out of Country” and “Drinkin’ Man” respectively. The celebration culminated with a special performance of “Here for a Good Time,” featuring Strait alongside his son Bubba.

George Strait. Photo: Ted Parker

Ronnie Dunn, Don Cook and Kix Brooks. Photo: Ted Parker

Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert and Jack Ingram.

Meeks Carter Signs With Red Street Records

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Pictured (L-R): Red Street GM Alex Valentine, Producer Chuck Butler, Meeks Carter, Jason McArthur, Hannah Carter, Red Street CEO Jay DeMarcus and Mike Craft

Meeks Carter has signed to Red Street Records Christian roster. Carter’s debut single for the label, “Wonder,” is due out March 27.

Hailing from Yakima, Washington and raised in the church, Carter discovered an early passion for music and a natural talent for both songwriting and performing. By 14, he was writing his own songs and felt a calling to use music to reach and encourage others. The Highlands College graduate blends hopeful melodies and faith-filled messages to create music to inspire listeners.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce our signing of the incredibly talented Meeks Carter,” says VP Christian A&R and Publishing Jason McArthur. “The moment I was introduced to Meeks by my dear friend and Red Street writer Chuck Butler, I knew he had something special. From his character to his creative vision to his songwriting, Meeks has what it takes. We’ve got a ton of great new music ahead of us, and I can’t wait for the world to meet Meeks.”

“I’m incredibly grateful and excited to step into this new chapter with Red Street Records,” shares Carter. “Moving to Nashville has been nothing short of a God-dream, and from the very beginning, Red Street has given my family the best welcome and has made this city feel like home. Meeting Jay [DeMarcus], Jason [McArthur], Alex [Valentine], and the team only confirmed this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. This year is going to be something special, and I’m excited to kick it all off with my debut single, ‘Wonder.'”

Sun Label Group Unveils Key Leadership Promotions

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Pictured (L-R): Ben Binner, Laura Pochodylo, Olivia DeMasters, Kayla Chandler and Melissa Miller. Photo: Courtesy of Sun Label Group

Sun Label Group has unveiled a series of key leadership promotions within its commercial, catalog, marketing, streaming and creative divisions.

Ben Binner has been promoted to Senior Director of Commercial Development and Strategy for Sun Label Group, overseeing commercial partnerships and long-term growth initiatives across the label group.

Laura Pochodylo now serves as Director of Strategy and Marketing for Sun Records, leading strategic campaign development and marketing direction for the historic label.

Olivia DeMasters has been promoted to Senior Manager of Catalog Development and Green Hill Strategy, where she will advance catalog performance, lead sync strategy across audiovisual platforms and drive long-term value.

Kayla Chandler has advanced to Senior Manager of Catalog Development, continuing to expand Sun Label Group’s focus on catalog activation and revenue growth.

Melissa Miller now serves as Senior Manager of Operations and Release Planning at Sun Label Group, guiding cross-departmental coordination and ensuring seamless execution of release strategies across the label.

On the creative side, Erin Fligel has been promoted to Content and Design Manager for Sun Label Group, while Tabitha Pugh advances to Graphic Design Manager. Together, they will lead visual storytelling across album packaging, digital assets and brand campaigns.

In streaming and digital leadership, Maggie Hairston has been promoted to Streaming Manager for Gaither Music Group, and Jeremy Maier now serves as Streaming Manager for Green Hill Music, both focused on platform strategy and audience development. Mary Clark Webb steps into the role of Social Media Manager for Green Hill Music, driving fan engagement and digital community growth. Emma Jane Sharp has been promoted to Manager, Social Media & Content Development for Sun Records, where she will lead social strategy and content creation for the historic label.

“These recent promotions are about empowerment — empowering our people, empowering our labels, and strengthening the foundation for the future of Sun Label Group,” says Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group and Gaither Music. “Across every label and every department, we are cultivating leadership, development and opportunity. These team members are critical to driving our collective vision forward, and I’m proud of the investment we are making in their growth and in the growth of our company.”

Audacy Names Zach John King & Stephen Wilson Jr. As LAUNCH Artists

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Zach John King & Stephen Wilson Jr.

Audacy has named Zach John King and Stephen Wilson Jr. as its newest LAUNCH artists.

Audacy LAUNCH is the company’s music discovery program that spotlights emerging artists.

The program will support King’s new track “Get to Drinkin” and Wilson Jr.’s “Gary” through broadcast and digital airplay, on-air artist vignettes, digital editorial and social content.

“Radio has always thrived on the thrill of ‘new,’ and right now, Nashville is delivering in a big way. We are excited to champion Zach John King and Stephen Wilson Jr.’s new hits across our Audacy Country stations,” shares Tim Roberts, Country Format Vice President, Audacy. “Both artists are gaining incredible daily momentum through their tours and songs, and we’re ready to serve as the launch pad for their rising careers.”

“Every new artist needs champions, and we can’t thank our partners at Audacy enough for picking Zach John King as their LAUNCH Artist to get behind,” says Dennis Reese, Senior Vice President, Radio Marketing & Promotion, Sony Music Nashville. “Now let’s ‘Get to Drinkin’!”

“To be an Audacy LAUNCH artist is incredible. I grew up listening to Country music on the radio, and I think anybody who ever wants to make this a career, especially in Country, wants to have their song on the radio,” adds King. “For Audacy to take a shot on me and allow me to be in front of this many people is incredible, and I’m grateful for it.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Audacy for their continued partnership and for investing in Stephen Wilson Jr. through the LAUNCH program,” says Lauren Thomas, Senior Vice President Promotion, Big Loud Records. “He’s truly a one-of-a-kind artist, and we’re ‘Gary’ excited for what’s ahead.”

“Many thanks to Country radio for taking us in. I am ‘Gary’ grateful,” adds Wilson Jr. “Being Audacy’s LAUNCH artist exceeds my dreams, and I can’t thank them enough for helping introduce ‘Gary’ and the story to the world.”

Blake Shelton To Play Private Show At Ole Red Nashville For ‘Spring Blake Sweepstakes’ Contest

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Blake Shelton. Photo: Robby Klein

Blake Shelton is set to play a private concert at Ole Red Nashville on April 29, and fans can enter to win tickets by visiting any Ole Red location nationwide between March 1-31.

Fans can enter the “Spring Blake Sweepstakes” at the Nashville, Gatlinburg, Las Vegas, Orlando and Tishomingo Ole Red locations. To enter, guests can scan the QR code at their table during their visit. Fans can visit as often as they would like, with multiple visits equaling multiple entries and a better chances of winning tickets. Winners of the sweepstakes will be notified by April 17. More information on the “Spring Blake Sweepstakes” can be found at olered.com/spring-blake-2026.

Leading up to the private concert, fans can get into the Spring Blake spirit by purchasing the newly designed Spring Blake Roadside Tees, available in store and online at shop.Opry.com.

Bryan Andrews Signs With WME

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Bryan Andrews. Photo: Claire Schmitt

Bryan Andrews has inked with WME for worldwide representation across all areas.

Hailing from Carrollton, Missouri, Andrews’ sound and songwriting combines traditional country roots with a modern perspective. Over the past few months, Andrews’ has gained a surge in digital engagement.

“I’m truly honored to be part of the WME roster. I’m thankful for the chance to tell my story with a team that shares my belief that history will be told through art,” shares Andrews. “There’s no one else I’d rather tell it with.”

“Bryan has built an undeniable movement, and the growth we are seeing is extraordinary and backed by conviction and connection,” says WME’s Nate Towne.

“We are excited to grow his live business globally and help create the right opportunities as his career enters this next phase,” adds WME’s Carrie Murphy.

“Bryan is one of those rare artists whose live show doesn’t just entertain, it converts,” comments WME’s Abby Wells Baas.

His digital engagement has translated into 1.2 million followers on Instagram and 3.6 million on TikTok. His viral hit “The Older I Get” topped Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales, Digital Song Sales and Emerging Artists charts. His new song “Are We Great Yet?” will release on March 6.

He recently inked a deal with Sony/Disruptor Records, and is managed by Nicholas Mishko of 10 and 8 Management.

Spotify Hosts NYC Release Event For Megan Moroney’s ‘Cloud 9’

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Megan Moroney. Photo: Getty Images for Spotify

Spotify hosted an exclusive event with Megan Moroney to celebrate the release of her new album Cloud 9 at a private venue in New York City last Thursday (Feb. 19) ahead of the Feb. 20 release.

Moroney surprised her top Spotify listeners at the invite-only event with an exclusive album Q&A, followed by the first performances of album tracks including “Wish I Didn’t,” “Medicine,” “Beautiful Things,” “Liars & Tigers & Bears,” “Wedding Dress” and “6 Months Later.”

Moroney is currently amidst her “9 Cities. 9 Days” tour, with upcoming stops in Kentucky, Missouri, Colorado and more. She will embark on her 49-date “The Cloud 9 Tour” on May 29 with stops at major arenas throughout North America, Europe and the UK.

Megan Moroney, Jessie Jo Dillion & Luke Laird. Photo: Getty Images for Spotify

Photo: Getty Images for Spotify

Photo: Getty Images for Spotify

Photo: Getty Images for Spotify

Darius Rucker’s ‘Songs Of Summer Tour’ To Kick Off In June

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Darius Rucker. Photo: Christie Goodwin

Darius Rucker will head out this summer on his 20-city “Songs of Summer Tour,” beginning June 4 in Toledo, Ohio.

Special guests Lauren Alaina, George Birge, Evan Honer, Old Crow Medicine Show, Robert Randolph and Austin Williams will join Rucker on the new tour, which will visit Atlantic City, Boston, Phoenix, Albuquerque, and more through Aug. 1. Tickets go on sale starting this Friday (Feb. 27), with select cities on sale in March. The tour will also offer VIP packages and experiences including premium tickets, exclusive pre-show meet & greet and photo op with Rucker, backstage tour, autographed tour poster and more.

“For me, it’s not summer if we’re not playing music outdoors,” says Rucker. “When I think of the concerts I love attending, it’s the people, the hits and the hot summer air… there’s nothing that compares, so ‘Songs of Summer’ in a lot of ways is my nod to being in that moment together.”

Rucker also recently announced a one-night-only Big Band Gala at Charleston’s Gaillard Center on April 7. Presented by Explore Charleston, the performance offers fans a rare opportunity to experience Rucker in an elevated, intimate concert setting backed by Robert Lewis and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Peter Graves. A portion of proceeds will benefit the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives for Charleston County Schools and the Carolyn G. Rucker Nursing Scholarship at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

“Songs of Summer Tour” Dates:
June 4 | Toledo, Ohio | Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre | George Birge, Austin Williams +
June 5 | Grantville, Pa. | Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course | George Birge, Austin Williams *’
June 6 | Canandaigua, N.Y. | Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center | George Birge, Austin Williams *’
June 11 | Bethel, N.Y. | Bethel Woods Center for the Arts | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 12 | Atlantic City, N.J. | Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena | Austin Williams *
June 13 | Gilford, N.H. | BankNH Pavilion | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 18 | Greensboro, N.C. | White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 19 | Wilmington, N.C. | Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 25 | Grand Rapids, Mich. | Acrisure Amphitheater | Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams +
June 26 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Riverbend Music Center | Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams #
June 27 | Clarkston, Mich. | Pine Knob Music Theatre | Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams +
July 16 | Washington, D.C. | The Theater at MGM National Harbor | Austin Williams *
July 17 | Bridgeport, Conn. | Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater | Robert Randolph, Austin Williams *
July 18 | Boston, Mass. | Leader Bank Pavilion | Robert Randolph, Austin Williams *
July 23 | Phoenix, Ariz. | Arizona Financial Theatre | Old Crow Medicine Show, Austin Williams +
July 24 | Albuquerque, N.M. | First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater | Old Crow Medicine Show, Austin Williams *
July 25 | Morrison, Colo. | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Old Crow Medicine Show, Austin Williams *
July 30 | Rogers, Ark. | Walmart AMP | Evan Honer, Austin Williams *
July 31 | Kansas City, Mo. | Starlight Theatre | Evan Honer, Austin Williams ^
August 1 | Indianapolis, Ind. | Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park | Evan Honer, Austin Williams *
* on sale Feb. 27
+ on sale March 6
# on sale March 13
^ on sale March 20

Brooks & Dunn Extends ‘Neon Moon Tour’ Into 2026

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Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn is extending their “Neon Moon Tour” into 2026, with a series of fall dates kicking off in Evansville, Indiana on Sept. 1.

Select shows will feature support from David Lee Murphy or Tucker Wetmore, along with Willow Avalon, Kaitlin Butts, Caylee Hammack and Angie K. The fall leg of the tour will include stops in Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, Green Bay, Oklahoma City and more, with a Nashville show at Bridgestone Arena set for Sept. 12. Artist presales begin tomorrow (Feb. 25), with general on-sale starting Feb. 27 at brooks-dunn.com. The tour will offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences including premium seats, exclusive access to a backstage tour, invitation to the Neon Lounge, Brooks & Dunn VIP merchandise & more.

Next month, the duo will head out on their first-ever string of UK dates, headlining C2C 2026, with stops in Belfast, Glasgow and London. They’ll return to the U.S. shortly after for Stagecoach before rejoining Morgan Wallen for eight stadium stops this summer on his “Still the Problem Tour 2026.”

2026 “Neon Moon Tour” Dates:
9/10 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center * #
9/11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre * #
9/12 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena * #
9/17 – Toledo, OH – The Huntington Center ^ !
9/18 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum ^ !
9/19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center ^ !
9/24 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre ^ ~
9/25 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater ^ ~
9/26 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center ^ ~
10/1 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center * <
10/2 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater ^ <
10/3 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena ^ <
10/8 – Lafayette, LA – Cajundome * #
10/9 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena * #

* with Tucker Wetmore
^ with David Lee Murphy
# Caylee Hammack
~ Willow Avalon
! Kaitlin Butts
< Angie K