Industry Ink: ‘Music For Mustangs,’ Amanda Nolan, Bandit Lites

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Mustang Heritage Foundation Hosts ‘Music For Mustangs’

Skip Ewing and Horsepower 307 with Clinton Shultz, CEO, Mustang Heritage Foundation. Photo: Courtesy of Mustang Heritage Foundation

The Mustang Heritage Foundation recently hosted “Music For Mustangs” in Nashville at the Texas Troubadour Theater. Headlined by Skip Ewing and Horsepower 307, the fundraising event had the crowd buzzing throughout the night. Additional performers included John Berry, William Lee Golden and the Goldens, Brady Seals, Heath Wright, LEVON, Twitty and Lynn, Ryan Larkins, Stephanie Quayle, Ira Dean, Sarah Beth Terry, Garrett Bradford, Rick Monroe and the Hitmen and Craig Wayne Boyd.

Since its inception in 2001, the Mustang Heritage Foundation has placed over 20,000 mustangs and wild burros into homes and programs. The recently launched their new college scholarship programs which provides scholarships to three students interested in furthering their education and supporting the mission of the foundation in the future.

 

Amanda Nolan Signs With Lula Street Records

Amanda Nolan. Photo: Courtesy of Lula Street Records

Rising Christian singer Amanda Nolan has signed a record deal with Lula Street Records. The Pennsylvania native began her interest in music at 11 years old. Now based in Nashville, Nolan has been breaking into the Christian music scene with her soulful tone and heartfelt lyrics. She has also collaborated with well known songwriters and producers in the industry.

“This is a day I have dreamed of since I was a little girl, and I can’t believe it’s here,” says Nolan. “I am so thankful to God for blessing and trusting me with this opportunity to make music to encourage His people. Thank you to Lula Street Records and my manager Wisdom Moon for believing in me and coming alongside me on this journey!”

Nolan’s manager Moon is also the founder of Lula Street Records.

 

Harrison Reilly & Riley Rowan Join Bandit Lites

Harrison Reilly and Riley Rowan.

Harrison Reilly and Riley Rowan have joined live events company Bandit Lites as Integration Specialists. In their new roles, they will assist project managers in the office, work on site during the installation and programming phases of both architectural and performance systems as well as assist clients with any troubleshooting and further education opportunities.

Reilly spent two summers interning at Bandit Lites under Jake Ticke on various tours and productions. During his senior year, he interned with the Integration team assisting on site at the installation of new venues. He recently graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem with his BFA in Lighting.

Rowan graduated from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music with his BFA in Lighting Design and Technology. He has also spent time as an intern with the company in the Project Management department.

“It’s been great to see these two make the journey with our team from interns to full time staff members,” shares Chris Barbee, Vice President of Integration. “I had the pleasure to work with both during their internships on project sites. Their attitude, dedication and work ethic really solidified our desire to make them full-time members of the team.”

Chase Rice Brings The Farm To The Windy City

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Chase Rice

Chase Rice is opening a Chicago branch of his “Welcome to The Farm” entertainment venue with Jimmy Butler and the Forward Hospitality Group.

Welcome to The Farm in Chicago. Photo: Courtesy of Forward Hospitality Group

The third iteration of his popular Welcome to The Farm venue will feature a new 10,000 square foot space and will bring the brand’s signature live music, drinks and BBQ to downtown at ​​15 W Illinois Street with plans to open in early August. The Chicago venue will also include the brand’s ongoing partnership with Executive Chef Raheem Sealy, whose noted Drinking Pig BBQ will find a home at The Farm.

“It’s been incredible to see the Welcome to The Farm response so far,” shares Rice. “I’m so excited to keep growing this project together with the great team at Forward Hospitality Group. Chicago has always been one of my favorite places to visit and to perform, and summer music festival season seemed like the perfect time to bring Welcome to The Farm to the city.”

The completely renovated Chicago space located in the heart of River North will be anchored by a second floor stage that will host a rotating lineup of live music. The space will have capacity to seat approximately 300 guests and will offer both indoor seating and a retractable rooftop to enjoy during the warmer months. Executive Chef Sealey will bring his smoked ribs, brisket, cornbread, handheld sandwiches, elevated bare fare and sides to the Windy City for the first time. The Farm’s bar menu will also include an assortment of Farm Favorites Cocktails, a massive bourbon and whiskey list, along with new specialty coffee products from Butler’s coffee brand BIGFACE that will be available as well.

The Chicago location will join both the most recent St. Petersburg location and original flagship, which opened in Cleveland in 2021, and was joined by Rice and Forward Hospitality Group’s “I Hate Cowboys” cocktail and bourbon lounge next door earlier this year.

Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate 30th Anniversary Of ‘Forrest Gump’ With Special Show

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The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Paramount Pictures’ beloved classic Forrest Gump on July 28 with a special show.

The evening is set to include performances from the Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Jamey Johnson, Gary LeVox, Scotty McCreery and more, in addition to the Opry debut of Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band, featuring songs from the 12-time Platinum movie soundtrack.

Forrest Gump premiered on July 6, 1994 and became not only a global blockbuster, but a cultural touchstone, winning six Oscars/Academy Awards including Best Picture. The film’s soundtrack is composed of some of the most popular American music of the 20th century, including songs by The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley, among others.

Forrest Gump producer Wendy Finerman and actor Mykelti Williamson, who portrayed the iconic character Bubba, will appear as guest announcers during the show. Prior to the event, the Opry will also host a Forrest Gump-themed Plaza Party with music from the soundtrack, photo ops, giveaways, merchandise and more.

Fans can purchase an exclusive ticket package that includes a show ticket, post-show ticket, commemorative poster and more. Taking place in the Opry House’s Studio A, the post-show event in will feature a Q&A with Finerman, Williamson and Gary Sinise, who portrayed Lt. Dan, as well as photo ops on the famous park bench from numerous scenes in the film.

Package proceeds will benefit the Gary Sinise Foundation. (GSF), which was established in 2011 to support our nation’s veterans, first responders, heroes and defenders. The character of Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump made an enduring connection with veterans and service members, and amplified Sinise’s crusade to support those who have bravely served our country and their families. Five dollars from every ticket sold will also be donated to GSF.

For more information, click here.

Karley Scott Collins Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Karley Scott Collins during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Rachael Black for Grand Ole Opry

Karley Scott Collins stepped into the hallowed circle to make her Grand Ole Opry debut, and her family proud, last Wednesday (June 26).

“I’m from a small town in Florida called Lake City, and it’s probably half empty back home tonight because my entire family is here,” Collins joked from the stage.

Charles Kelley performing with Karley Scott Collins during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Photo: Rachael Black for Grand Ole Opry

Performing songs from her recently-released EP, Write One, she kicked things off with “Heavy Metal,” before welcoming Opry member Charles Kelley of Lady A for their duet “How Do You Do That.”

The career milestone adds to a whirlwind past few months for Collins, as she toured with Willie Nelson and Dwight Yoakam in addition to releasing the new EP featuring Kelley and Keith Urban, who personally extended Collins her Opry debut invitation.

She is also slated to take the Ryman Auditorium stage to open for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and support Nate Smith and Corey Kent on their respective fall tours.

Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit Announce 2024 Ryman Residency

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Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit have announced their annual eight-night residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, taking place in October.

The group has contributed the Mother Church’s legacy with their performances over the past decade, delivering a diverse lineup of opening acts each year. This year, they will be joined by an all-female lineup, consisting of Alice Randall, Garrison Starr, Mary Gauthier, Caitlin and Liz Rose, Matraca Berg, Iris Dement, Gretchen Peters and Kim Richey.

Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.

Weekly Register: Post Malone & Blake Shelton Attain Top Country Songs Debut

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Blake Shelton and Post Malone performing at Spotify House during CMA Fest 2024. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify

Post Malone and Blake Shelton‘s “Pour Me A Drink” attains the top debut on the country streaming songs chart this week, landing at No. 4 with 18 million streams, according to Luminate data.

Based on audio streams, Post Malone and Morgan Wallen‘s “I Had Some Help” maintains its No. 1 status with 33.5 million new streams, adding to 327 million ATD, followed by Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” at No. 2 with 33 million streams, adding to 365 million ATD. Zach Bryan‘s “Pink Skies” stays at No. 3 with 19 million new streams, adding to 127 million ATD, and Wallen and Moneybagg Yo‘s “Whiskey Whiskey” remains at No. 5 with 14 million streams, adding to 30 million ATD.

On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time continues at the top with 73K in total consumption (1.4K album only/93 million song streams). His Dangerous: The Double Album reclaims No. 2 with 43K (363 album only/56 million song streams), while Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going holds No. 3 with 41K (2K album only/46 million song streams). Bryan’s self-titled album returns to No. 4 with 36K (3.1K album only/43 million song streams), as his American Heartbreak rises to No. 5 once again with 32K (1.2K album only/40 million song streams).

Bobby Wood To Be CMHOFM’s Next ‘Nashville Cats’ Honoree

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Keyboardist Bobby Wood will be featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s in-depth interview series, “Nashville Cats,” on Aug. 17 at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater.

Raised on a family farm in Mississippi, Wood moved to Memphis after high school to pursue a music career. His recording of “If I’m a Fool for Loving You” was rising up the charts in 1964 when a car wreck laid him up for months. After recuperating, Wood focused on session work and songwriting and became a pivotal member of legendary studio crew the Memphis Boys, who were responsible for numerous hits recorded at American Sound Studio, including records by Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Wilson Pickett and Dusty Springfield.

After moving to Nashville in 1972, Wood recorded with Garth Brooks, Kris Kristofferson, Kenny Rogers and Tammy Wynette, along with many others. He has played in Brooks’ studio band since the beginning of Brooks’ career.

The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor RJ Smith and will be illustrated with vintage photos, film and recordings. “Nashville Cats” is included with museum admission and free to museum members. However, seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance.

Brennley Brown Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Brennley Brown. Photo: Artisan Imagery

Former The Voice finalist Brennley Brown recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut.

The 22-year-old actually bought her Opry debut dress when she was just 11, and has been working towards the bucket-list goal ever since. At 14, Brown appeared on season 12 of NBC’s The Voice where she became a finalist and the show’s youngest, highest-charting artist to date. Following her run on the show, she began traveling monthly to Nashville to hone her craft and lean into her traditional country roots.

She earned her spot in the live music scene as an opener for Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow, Dwight Yoakam, and others and released her debut EP Story Stays in 2020. After permanently moving to Nashville, Brown signed with Sony/Provident Label Group in 2023.

Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge To Bring ‘Wine On Venus’ In August

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Grace Bowers will independently release her debut album, Wine On Venus, alongside her band, The Hodge Podge, on Aug. 9.

Produced by John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, Wine On Venus seeks to capture the energy of Bowers’ live performances with The Hodge Podge. The project features the artist and Prince Parker on guitar, Joshua Blaylock on the keys, Brandon Combs on drums and Eric Fortaleza on bass in addition to the vocal stylings of Esther Okai-Tetteh.

“I’m so excited to share my first album with the world in August! It’s been a long time coming, and I’m proud of what was created with the incredible Hodge Podge and John Osborne producing,” Bowers says. “We recorded everything live, as it should be, for this sonic journey. I hope you love it as much as I do.”

The nine-track collection includes songwriting collaborations with Ben Chapman, Meg McRee, Maggie Rose and Lucie Silvas. Among the featured tunes are a new version of Sly & The Family Stone’s “Dance to the Music” as well as previously-released single “Tell Me Why U Do That” and the title track, which is available now.

“My nana was 100 years old when she passed away last year. She would always tell me that when she died, she would be drinking wine on Venus,” reflects Bowers. “She was a little eccentric but thought that was just something so cool. When she passed, I wrote a song about it.”

Bowers was recently selected to be U.S. Global Music Ambassador as part of the U.S Department of State and YouTube’s Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, and raised $30,000 for MusiCares and Voices for a Safer Tennessee with her second annual “Grace Bowers & Friends: An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music” benefit.

She is also up for Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2024 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards, and plans to celebrate to her 18th birthday by making her Grand Ole Opry debut on July 30.

Wine On Venus Track Listing:
1. “Won No Teg”
2. “Get On Now”
3. “Tell Me Why U Do That”
4. “Holding Onto Something”
5. “Madame President”
6. “Lucy”
7. “Dance To The Music”
8. “Mookie’s Blues”
9. “Wine On Venus”

Gilles Godard To Be Inducted Into Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame

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Gilles Godard has been named the 2024 Stan Klees Builder inductee for the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame.

A native of Cornwall, Ontario, Godard has over five decades of music industry experience, and currently serves as the President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. He began his career with Anthem (formerly known as ole) as a writer, working his way up through key positions including Chief Creative Officer, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Senior Vice President Publishing.

Throughout his tenure, Godard facilitated acquisitions such as Jody Williams Music, which includes Taylor Swift cuts; the Blacktop Catalog featuring Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton and the Better Angels Catalog, which includes Cody Johnson’s 2022 Grammy-winning No. 1 single “Til You Can’t.” He was also instrumental in signing Jordan Davis and initiating a Timbaland deal that encompassed works by Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, along with the acquisition of catalogs from Paul Cardall, Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub and the Old Gringo catalog, which contains Sam Hunt songs including “Take Your Time,” “House Party” and “Break Up In A Small Town.”

An accomplished writer, publisher, artist and producer, Godard has received two CCMA Awards, two BMI Awards, four SOCAN Awards including an International Songwriter Achievement Award, a Felix Award and multiple JUNO nominations. Over 400 of his songs have been recorded by artists including Terri Clark, Patty Loveless, Anne Murray, Ricky Skaggs, Blackhawk, Tracy Byrd, The Road Hammers and more.

“Inducting Gilles Godard into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame is a tribute to his exceptional achievements, remarkable business acumen, and long-standing career,” says Amy Jeninga, President of CCMA. “His contributions continue to shape and inspire the country music industry as he works to build an enduring legacy and a vibrant future for generations of artists and songwriters.”

“When Amy Jeninga reached out to let me know that I was going to be inducted in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, I felt surprised, very humbled, and truly honored,” shares Godard. “And then I started to think about all the incredible people who paved the way and opened the doors; the teachers, the mentors, the music that inspired me, the writers, the artists, the musicians, every single person who helped me find my way in this incredibly magical world of music. Someone once told me that there are only two types of people who belong in the music industry; the dreamers, and the believers; and I am happy to be a little bit of both. Thank you to the CCMA, I am proud and honored to be inducted in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2024!”

Both Godard and recently-announced 2024 Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame Artist inductee K.D. Lang will be celebrated in an exclusive induction ceremony during Country Music Week 2024, taking place in Edmonton, Alberta over Sept. 11–14.