Live Nation Launches Summer Of Live $30 Ticket Promotion

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Live Nation has launched Summer of Live, a celebration of live music, kicking off with a week of $30 tickets to over 4,000 shows across the U.S. and Canada.

From April 29-May 5, fans can purchase $30 tickets to see their favorite artists on the road in pop, hip-hop, R&B, country, Latin, rock and more this year at venues of all sizes. Participating concerts include Thomas Rhett, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jason Aldean, Empire of the Sun, Riley Green, The Fray, Goo Goo Dolls, James Taylor, Dierks Bentley, Kesha, Train, Luke Bryan, mgk. NE-YO & AKON, Parker McCollum, The Pussycat Dolls, Tim McGraw and many more.

Live Nation All Access members get early access to the $30 ticket offer beginning April 23-28. Membership is free, easy to join, and unlocks exclusive presale opportunities throughout the year, and fans can visit LiveNation.com/SummerofLive to learn more. T-Mobile Early Access will take place on April 28. The general on-sale will begin on April 29 and run through May 5.

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Wraps 2026 Event

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Jackson Dean. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country has wrapped its eighth annual event in Napa Valley, California.

The week kicked off with a Welcome Reception presented by Lucchese Bootmaker with performances from Chandler Walters, Lauren Watkins and headliner Jackson Dean. Tuesday’s events continued into the evening with intimate vintner dinners such as a Cakebread Cellars dinner featuring a writer’s round with Watkins and Will Bundy and a Merryvale Vineyards dinner with a stripped-down performance from Tiera Kennedy.

Day two showcased a Texas Music Scene Tailgate with writer’s rounds featuring Wade Bowen, Cody Canada, Sunny Sweeney, The Braun Brothers and Shelby Stone. Held at Frog’s Leap Winery, the event also served as the setting for a live taping of the award-winning Texas Music Scene. Attendees then headed into Downtown Napa for a night of live music with headliner The Marcus King Band, Alex Lambert and Abbie Callahan, taking place at Napa’s Uptown Theatre.

Day three concluded the experience with a Farewell Brunch at Raymond Vineyards with live music from Zach John King and Frankie Ballard.

Lauren Watkins. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Tiera Kennedy. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Abbie Callahan. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Zach John King. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Cody Canada and Shelby Stone. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Frankie Ballard. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Crossroads Music Co-Founder Mickey Gamble Passes

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Mickey Gamble

Crossroads Music Co-Founder and leader Mickey Gamble has passed away.

Under Gamble’s leadership, Crossroads and its associated labels, Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music Company and Organic Records, grew from beginnings as an acclaimed Asheville recording operation (Hear Here! Studios) and a Southern Gospel label (Horizon Music Group) to become one of bluegrass and Southern Gospel music’s preeminent issuers.

With a roster that has ranged from traditional Gospel quartets and bluegrass bands through contemporary masters and innovative new groups, Crossroads reflects Gamble’s vision of a larger musical family, rooted in his beloved western North Carolina home. His tireless advocacy for professionalism, his insistence on sound, honest business practices, relentless drive to be informed about, to understand and adapt to developments in the recording industry, and unbounded enthusiasm for the music being made by Crossroads artists earned him the respect, admiration and affection of those with whom he worked to a degree that is rare in any field.

Gamble was a recipient of the Southern Gospel Music Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 2019.

“My dad loved music – and its makers – more than anyone else I’ve ever encountered,” says Gamble’s daughter Francesca Dooris. “He was a champion of the arts, of many other forms in addition to music, because of each unique human being behind the creation of a piece. The ubiquitous theme from everyone I’ve spoken with during this time is that he saw the distinctive set of characteristics a person had to give to the world, and pushed him or her to trust that part of themselves relentlessly. He believed in the gift that was the essence of a person, even if they couldn’t see it or hadn’t developed it.

“The music community was truly family to my dad, and he loved each of you in a completely one-of-a-kind way,” she continues. “If he could say one thing to everyone now, it would be that the music must go on. Keep writing. Keep creating. Keep being you and making your art, whatever form it takes.”

No arrangements have been announced at this time.

Avery Anna Wins ACM New Female Artist Of The Year

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Avery Anna. Photo: Megan Burch/Courtesy of ACM

Avery Anna has been named this year’s ACM New Female Artist of the Year.

Sam Barber surprised Anna during her performance at Lone Star Smokeout with the news. She was joined on stage by her family and team.

“I’m just so grateful for this, I’m so honored,” she shared from stage. “Thank you guys for rallying for me, supporting me and cheering me on. I thank God every day that I get to do this and that he put this passion on my heart. I’m so grateful for people like you that show up for artists like me and embrace the things that we have to say. Thank you guys so much. This is such an honor.”

Anna released her most recent EP forgive, forget. and embarked on her “Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour” in March. The project followed her 2025 album let go letters, which has garnered over 1 billion global streams to date.

Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM

Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM

Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM

Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan Rock University Of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium

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Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. Photo: Matt Paskert

Georgia boys Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean headed home for the massive sold-out “Live Between the Hedges” Concert Series on Saturday night (April 25) at the University of Georgia.

The two played to 63,000 fans in Athens at the talent-packed show, which marked a triumphant return for Aldean and Bryan following their first concert at the stadium back in 2013 as part of Aldean’s “Night Train Tour,” which was the venue’s only concert until Saturday night. The show also featured ACM nominee Zach Top, Platinum singer/fellow Georgia native Lauren Alaina, and DJ Rock and Dee Jay Silver, who also performed/appeared.

Fans were also treated throughout the night to surprise guests including Brantley Gilbert, (who co-wrote Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Dirt Road Anthem”), as well as Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, who joined the Georgia natives on stage during the show.

Luke Bryan. Photo: Cooper Smith

Jason Aldean. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Does Entertainment / UGA

Photo: Cooper Smith

RFD-TV To Air ‘Opry Live’ & ‘Circle Sessions’

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Opry Entertainment Group and RFD-TV have partnered to bring two of the Grand Ole Opry’s signature series to RFD-TV.

Opry Live will begin airing Saturday, May 9. The weekly series features live performances from the Grand Ole Opry.

Circle Sessions launches on the network on Friday, May 8. The series features intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments filmed in and around the Opry’s famed circle.

New episodes will be available to stream on RFD+ for one week following their initial broadcast.

“Our audience has always had a deep connection to country music and the stories behind it,” says Raquel Gottsch Koehler, co-owner and Chief Marketing and Creative Officer. “Bringing Opry Live and Circle Sessions to RFD-TV gives viewers direct access to one of the most important stages in music, in a way that feels authentic to both the artists and the audience.”

“In its 100th year, we are focused on making the Opry experience more accessible than ever before by reaching audiences across the country and far beyond our stage,” adds Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group. “The Opry has always connected with fans across platforms on radio, television, streaming, and beyond. Expanding these series to RFD-TV allows us to connect with a passionate and engaged audience that values country music’s history, artistry, and future.”

ACM Partners With Radio Executives For Upcoming 61st ACM Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Steve Mekler, Becca Walls, Damon Whiteside, Sharla McCoy and Haley Montgomery. Photo: Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music is partnering with country radio execs Becca Walls and Sharla McCoy for the upcoming 61st Annual ACM Awards.

Walls, a two-time ACM Award winner, has been tapped to lead ACM Radio Prep, a service that will provide radio, blogs, and other media outlets with soundbites and transcriptions from nominees, performers, presenters, and this year’s host, including exclusive audio, past ACM Awards highlights, nominees discussing their songs, albums, videos, and more. Outlets can sign up here to be notified when new audio is available. Walls will also produce an artist-hosted radio special in advance of the awards.

Industry veteran and Producer McCoy of Sharla McCoy Productions will produce the official ACM Radio Remote which will take place in Las Vegas during the two days leading up to the show. This year’s remote beneficiaries will be ACM Lifting Lives and Fisher House.

“I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful to work alongside the Academy of Country Music in producing the official broadcast for this year’s ACM Awards. For decades, I’ve had the privilege of creating broadcast experiences that unite artists, radio, and the industry in powerful ways,” says McCoy. “This ground-breaking collaboration feels like a full-circle moment—where passion, purpose, and partnership come together to celebrate the very spirit of country music and the people who make it so special.”

“Country radio has long been the backbone of our format, connecting artists and fans in a way that’s personal and powerful. As we approach the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, we’re thrilled that programmers, personalities, and stations have the tools and access to bring the excitement of the awards to their listeners,” says Ken Tucker, Chair of the ACM Radio Task Force.

Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys Team For New LP ‘The Birds Know’

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Jim Lauderdale has released a new bluegrass project with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, The Birds Know, out now.

With The Birds Know, the Americana legend’s 39th album, he wanted to once again pair up with the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys as the band did for 2023’s The Long and Lonesome Letting Go.

“Since I first saw them at MerleFest several years ago, and after we did our first album together, I really wanted us to do a follow-up,” says Lauderdale of his album-mates. “These songs were all written just for this album. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys keep the sound of traditional bluegrass alive, but they really bring it into the present day. I’m so happy with the way this record turned out, and I’m looking forward to performing with them in the coming years. I love working with them so much.”

The album is out now alongside Lauderdale’s recently-released 38th project, Country Super Hits Volume 2, a full-band, honky tonk heavy collection and successor to his 2006 album of a slightly different name. In addition to his album releases, Lauderdale will take the stage today at the long-beloved North Carolina Festival Merlefest. Next month he embarks on a European tour supporting Emmylou Harris.

Rolling Stone Elevates Joseph Hudak

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Joseph Hudak. Photo: Koury Angelo

Joseph Hudak has been upped to Deputy Editor and Head of Country at Rolling Stone. In his new role, he will oversee the magazine’s country music coverage across editorial, digital, social, audio and live platforms, as well as expand Rolling Stone‘s presence in Nashville.

In 2014, he assisted in the launch of Rolling Stone Country. Hudak also hosts, writes, and produces Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast. The debut guest included Margo Price, and since then he has hosted Lainey Wilson, HARDY, Vince Gill, Charley Crockett, Amanda Shires, Carly Pearce, Lukas Nelson, Ne-Yo, Bryan Andrews and more.

“For more than a decade, Rolling Stone Country has been a leader in country music journalism, reporting on America’s most popular genre with both the critical eye and the fan point of view that it deserves,” says Hudak. “With Nashville Now, we’re meeting our audience where they are on their screens and streaming services to deliver in-depth conversations that celebrate the music while also raising important issues. As Deputy Editor, Head of Country, I look forward to working with our writers and contributors to bring country fans the stories and access that have long been a hallmark of Rolling Stone.”

Hudak also hosts The Rolling Stone Writers’ Room and Musicians on Musicians, and has moderated live interviews with artists Kris Kristofferson, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Charley Crockett, Portugal. The Man and Sleater-Kinney.

He has been at Rolling Stone for over a decade. Prior to Rolling Stone, he served as managing editor of Country Weekly and spent 12 years at TV Guide.

Industry Ink: Justin Moore, Ashley McBryde, International Country Music Conference, More

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Justin Moore Raises Over $700K For St. Jude

Photo: Nelson Chenault

Earlier this week, Justin Moore hosted his sixth annual St. Jude Golf Classic in Little Rock, Arkansas, raising a record-breaking $700,000.

Held at the Jack Stephens Center, the two-day event kicked off Sunday (April 19) with a dinner and performance featuring Moore and Brantley Gilbert and a golf tournament on Monday (April 20).

 

Ashley McBryde Performs On ‘Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’

YouTube video

Ashley McBryde performed her chart-climbing country radio single “What If We Don’t” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this week. The track is the lead single from McBryde’s forthcoming fifth studio album, Wild, out May 8 via Warner Records Nashville.

 

International Country Music Conference Marks 42nd Year At Belmont University


The International Country Music Conference (ICMC) will celebrate its 42nd annual gathering this year at Belmont University. The conference is scheduled for May 28 through May 30.

A full schedule and registration information can be found here.

 

Skylar Grey Hosts Album Listening Event At Anzie Blue

Pictured (L-R) Heather Vassar, Skylar Grey and Elliott Taylor. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Anzie Blue/Casual Media Partners

Skylar Grey and Casual Media Partners hosted an exclusive listening event of Grey’s upcoming album, WASTED POTENTIAL, last night at Nashville’s Anzie Blue. The project will be released May 22.

The event brought together attendees including Amy Lee, Eric Holt, Scarlett Burke, Anastasia Brown, Tracy Gershon, Tammy Hurt, Grace Hong, Pynk Beard, Stella Prince, Elliott Taylor, 2’Live Bre, Ian Saint, Marcie Allen and Derek Van Mol.

 

Ethan Calway Receives Inaugural Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship


Ethan Calway has received the inaugural Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship. Urban surprised him with the news via zoom.

The scholarship is designed to support one rising Australian country artist with opportunities to perform, write, record, connect with key Nashville industry figures.

 

Zach McPhee Signs Global Distribution Deal With ADA/Warner Music Canada

Zach McPhee.

Zach McPhee has signed a new global distribution deal with ADA/Warner Music Canada.

“Zach is a compelling talent whose authentic songwriting and impressive momentum have already made an impact on the Canadian country landscape,” shares Eric Wong, President of Warner Music Canada. “We are proud to partner with Zach and the RLive team to build on this success and provide the global distribution and support needed to reach the next level in his career.”