Little Big Town Plots ‘For The Art Of It Tour’

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Little Big Town. Photo: Becky Fluke

Little Big Town will embark on their new “For The Art Of It Tour” this fall beginning Sept. 24 in St. Petersburg.

The new tour will support their upcoming album It’s A Dying Art, and will include stops in Atlanta, Boston, Orlando, San Antonio, Chicago, Toronto, and more through Nov. 22. Tickets will be available starting with the artist presale beginning tomorrow (June 9), with additional pre-sales running throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale June 12 here.

It’s A Dying Art arrives Aug. 28 via MCA and was co-produced by Gena Johnson and Little Big Town’s own Karen Fairchild. Embracing imperfection, emotion, and lived experience, the album blends intimate storytelling, emotional ballads, and some standout collabs with Ashley Monroe, Jason Isbell and Kelsea Ballerini. The band has offered fans an early glimpse into the project with lead single “Hey There Sunshine” and “Over and Over.”

“For The Art Of It Tour” Dates:
Sept. 24 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater
Sept. 25 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Walt Disney Theater
Sept. 26 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
Oct. 1 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theatre
Oct. 2 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theatre
Oct. 8 – Chattanooga, TN – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
Oct. 9 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Oct. 10 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
Oct. 15 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
Oct. 17 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
Oct. 18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Oct. 22 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Prudential Hall
Oct. 24 – National Harbor, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Oct. 25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Citizens Live at The Wylie
Oct. 29 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
Oct. 30 – Houston, TX – The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Oct. 31 – Dallas, TX – Music Hall at Fair Park
Nov. 5 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome by Rutter Mills
Nov. 6 – Durham, NC – DPAC
Nov. 7 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
Nov. 12 – Akron, OH – Akron Civic Theatre
Nov. 13 – Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium
Nov. 14 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
Nov. 19 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
Nov. 20 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
Nov. 22 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall

VOX Workforce Development Program Helping Connect Students With Opportunities

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Inherit the Music and the National Independent Venue Foundation are helping participants find jobs in touring, talent buying, festivals, and venue operations, seeing measurable career outcomes for young people pursuing careers in live music across Tennessee through the VOX (Venue Operations and eXperience) Workforce Development Program.

Through the VOX program, 26 participants have completed paid internships at 13 independent venues statewide, with 60 percent of Tennessee participants securing job opportunities following the program one year into a two-year workforce development partnership. Nationally, 87 percent of VOX participants have secured employment opportunities as a direct result of the initiative.

Designed to create more accessible pathways into the live music industry, VOX pairs students and emerging professionals from historically underserved communities with hands-on training, mentorship, and paid work experience at independent venues. The initiative is supported through a $33,000 grant match from Inherit the Music, the nonprofit co-founded by philanthropist Alisha Ballard and Grammy-winning rockers Kings of Leon. The funding unlocked a total of $300,000 to support workforce training and paid internships at independent venues across Tennessee.

“Opportunity can be one of the biggest barriers to entry in the music industry,” says Ballard, Co-Founder of Inherit the Music. “What we’re seeing through VOX is the impact that happens when young people are given access, mentorship, and paid experience. Participants aren’t just learning — they’re building sustainable careers.”

VOX participants complete 12-week paid placements earning $20 per hour while receiving digital training, mentorship, and hands-on venue experience. The curriculum includes courses in production safety, accessibility, marketing, fan engagement, and live event operations.

Participating Tennessee venues in 2025 included DRKMTTR, The Basement East, The Caverns, Hi-Tone, and Overton Park Shell. The 2026 cohort expands to venues including 3rd & Lindsley, The East Room, Third Coast Comedy Club, Riverfront Nights, Bar DKDC, and Hernando’s Hideaway. In addition to venue placements, participants gain experience supporting live events and festivals throughout the state. The 2026 cohort will also participate in specialized improv-based training at Third Coast Comedy Club focused on communication and adaptability in live event environments.

CMA Fest Day 4: CMA Fest Wraps 2026 Daytime Stages

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Lauren Alaina performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday June 7, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Natasha Moustache/CMA

CMA Fest 2026 wrapped yesterday (June 7), closing another massive year.

The Chevy Riverfront Stage closed with Brandon Lake, Dan + Shay, Lainey Wilson, CeCe Winans, Lauren Alaina, Tigirlily Gold, Priscilla Block, Waylon Wyatt, Max McNown, Molly Tuttle, Chase Matthew, Marcus King and Mackenzie Carpenter each taking the stage for their own sets.

Over at the Chevy Vibes Stage, fans were treated to performances from Love and Theft, Neal McCoy, Mae Estes, Drake White, Maggie Antone, Ashland Craft, Mark Wills and Frankie Ballard. The Dr. Pepper Amp Stage was taken over by Greylan James, Gabriella Rose, Pam Tillis, Late Night Thoughts, Nappy Roots, Leanna Crawford, Kaylee Rose and Canaan Smith.

Jordan Davis performs onstage during SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour: CMA Fest Edition at Chief’s on Broadway on June 07, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Jenna Davis, Timmy McKeever, Abbey Cone, John Foster, Tyler Nance, Will Moseley, Wesko, Ava Hall and McCoy Moore all lit up the Good Molecules Reverb Stage in front of Bridgestone Arena, while Matt Cooper, Clayton Mullen, Hogslop String Band, Emily Nenni, MORGXN, Kat Luna, Jay Webb, Bottomland and Chancey Williams all sang on the Wrangler Remix Stage.

Inside Fan Fair X, Ashley McBryde was featured as the Artist of the Day on the CMA Close Up Stage, with additional appearances from Maddox Batson, Brandon Lake, Gareth, Owen Riegling, Kaylee Bell, Raelynn and Kylie Frey. The Spotlight Stage featured performances from Something Out West, ERLEND, Dzaki Sukarno, Desiree Dawson, Kelsey Lamb, Jake Hoot, Gloria Anderson, Morgan Griffiths, Shawnee Kish and Blue Ridge Band.

Over at Chief’s SiriusXM’s The Highway hosted its Music Row Happy Hour: CMA Fest Edition. Appearances included Jordan Davis, Josh Ross, Lauren Alaina, Lauren Watkins, Redferrin, Greylan James, Graham Barham, Dylan Marlowe, Tyler Nance, Waylon Wyatt and Max McNown.

The Kentucky Gentlemen hosted and welcomed guests to their annual CMA Fest Weekend Fish Fry at East Iris Studios. Notable attendees included members of Nappy Roots, Pynk Beard, representatives from The Recording Academy, and Chandel Shanklin (Warner Music Group), along with other industry executives, songwriters, media, fans, and creators.

The 54th CMA Fest will take place in Nashville from Thursday, June 10 through Sunday, June 13, 2027.

Mae Estes performs at the Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park on Sunday June 7, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Camden Hall/CMA

Greylan James performs at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park on Sunday June 7, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Kayla Schoen/CMA

Abbey Cone performs at the Good Molecules Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza on Sunday June 7, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Acacia Evans/CMA

Matt Cooper performs at the Wrangler Remix Stage in Fan Alley on Sunday June 7, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Zach Whitmore/CMA

Kylie Frey performs at the CMA Close Up Stage in Fan Fair X on Sunday June 7, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Kayla Schoen/CMA

ERLEND performs at the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage in Fan Fair X on Sunday June 7, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Ruby Johnson/CMA 

Nappy Roots & The Kentucky Gentlemen

CMA Fest Day 3: Country Music Fans Beat The Heat

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Carter Faith. Photo: Natasha Moustache/CMA

Saturday (June 6) brought more fans to downtown Nashville for CMA Fest day three.

The day kicked off at the Chevy Riverfront Stage with Maddox Batson, Nate Smith, Ian Munsick, Drew Baldridge, Josh Ross, Midland, Kaitlin Butts, Carter Faith and Braxton Keith. The Chevy Vibes stage was graced by Hannah McFarland, Sister Hazel, Bellah Mae, Owen Riegling, Caylee Hammack, Lauren Watkins, Adrien Nunez and Dax.

Bryan Andrews. Photo: Addison Hilton/CMA

On the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage, fans were treated to sets from Kolby Cooper, John Morgan, Noeline Hofmann, Billy Dean, Tyler Farr, Travis Denning, Emily Ann Roberts, Blanco Brown and Waka Flocka.

The Good Molecules Stage featured Cassidy Daniels, Belle Frantz, Preston Cooper, Alex Lambert and more.

Inside FanFairX, Emily Ann Roberts and Colton Dawson joined Randy Travis and Mary Travis for “40 Years of Randy Travis: Exploring the Icon’s Legacy and Impact” on the CMA Close Up Stage. Carter Faith and Warren Zeiders joined Katie Neal for “Audacy Presents: Music You Should Know.” Shaboozey sat down with Midland to for a conversation about the behind-the-scenes moments of his career. Leah Blevins, Carlisle Wright, Faith Hopkins, Zoe Jean Fowler and Sacha took the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage.

Sacha. Photo: Ruby Johnson/CMA

Spotify’s final day of programming featured Carter Faith, Charles Wesley Godwin, Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Josh Ross, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Midland, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, The Band Perry and Tyler Braden on the mainstage as well as Landon Wilks, Noah James, Abbie Callahan, Blake Proehl, KC Bruner and Will Terry on the Fresh Finds stage.

“MCA Presents: Live From Sky Deck” hosted “Miranda Lambert’s Crisco Disco Drag Brunch” before live music from Rachael Fahim, Dalton Davis, Jacob Hackworth, Wyatt Flores, Little Big Town and more.

Shelby Raye, Colton Dawson, Leah Blevins, Lily Meola, Steve Ray Ladson and Tenille Arts took the Ryman Auditorium’s plaza stage for BMI’s annual BMI Block Party.

Kane Brown, Shaboozey, Dasha, Austin Snell, Kaitlin Butts, Elizabeth Nichols, Warren Zeiders, Gabriella Rose, Charles Wesley Godwin, Ian Munsick, Chase Matthew, Wyatt Flores and Mackenzie Carpenter stopped by Chief’s on Broadway for SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour: CMA Fest Edition.

CMA Fest continues for the final day in downtown Nashville today (June 7) with performances from Brandon Lake, Lauren Alaina and more.

Lauren Watkins. Photo: Natasha Moustache/CMA

The Last Take: Behind “On My Way to Heaven” video with Tanya Tucker and Dennis Quaid. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Josh Ross. Photo: Josh Brasted/CMA

John Morgan. Photo: Natasha Moustache/CMA

Kane Brown. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Dan + Shay. Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images for Spotify

Leah Blevins performs during the fifth annual Ryman & BMI Block Party at the PNC Plaza on Saturday (6/06). Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI 

Little Big Town performing ay MCA Presents: Live From Skydeck. Photo Credit: Catherine Powell

CMA Fest Day 2: The Party Continues Downtown

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Laci Kaye Booth. Photo: Josh Brasted/CMA

CMA Fest continued yesterday (June 5) in downtown Nashville with more country stars and rising newcomers.

At the Chevy Riverfront Stage, fans gathered for sets from Chayce Beckham, Alana Springsteen, Charles Wesley Godwin, Kameron Marlowe, Dylan Marlowe, Laci Kaye Booth, Tyler Braden, RaeLynn and Dasha.

MaRynn Taylor. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Fans were treated to Shane Profitt, Willie Jones, Mack Geiger, Madeline Merlo, Lanie Gardner, Jade Eagleson, Melanie Dyer and Austin Snell at the Chevy Vibes Stage stage. Cody Lohden, Kevin Powers, Scoot Teasley, Elizabeth Nichols, Atlus, Sophia Scott, Jacob Hackworth, Myles Morgan and MaRynn Taylor lit up the Good Molecules Reverb Stage outside Bridgestone Arena.

Inside FanFairX, Carly Pearce served as Artist of the Day, sitting down with Caylee Hammack to discuss her journey in Nashville. Filmore, Andrea Vasquez, Alyssia Dominguez, Eddie Perez and Tomas Mier took the stage for the Latino Trailblazers in Country panel. Clint Black joined Radio Hall of Fame members Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase to talk about music and his memoir, Killin’ Time: My Life and Music. Kaleb Sanders, The BoykinZ, Hayley Payne, Jarrad Wrigley, Maddie Lenhart, James Maslow, Gabi Sklar and Tyler Rich lit up the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage.

Spotify House at Ole Red powered on with a packed lineup that included Avery Anna, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Diplo, ERNEST, Floriay Georgia Line, Graham Barham, Keith Urban, Ole 60, Tucker Wetmore, Vincent Mason and Wyatt Flores. Florida Georgia Line made a surprise appearance following their reunion at Nissan Stadium on Thursday night (June 4).

Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify

Coey Redd, Mary Kutter, Cody Lohden, Sela Campbell, Shaylen and Colton Bowlin took over the Ryman Auditorium’s plaza stage for BMI’s annual BMI Block Party.

Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Priscilla Block, Something Out West, Stella Lefty and Tucker Wetmore took over the Billboard Country Live stage at Category 10.

Keith Urban, Cody Johnson, Carly Pearce, Wynonna Judd, Blake Shelton, ERNEST, Diplo, Tyler Braden, Brandon Lake, Corey Kent, Braxton Keith, Kameron Marlowe, Noeline Hoffman, Avery Anna, Vincent Mason and Lainie Gardner stopped by SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour: CMA Fest Edition live from Chief’s on Broadway.

Midland and Blue Highway Records took over Friends and Low Places rooftop to celebrate the band’s upcoming album Stages.

Fans packed out Bell Bottoms Up for Big Machine’s CMA Fest Pop-Up with performances from The Band Perry, Greylan James, Caroline Jones, Hunter Flynn and Naomi Carman.

ASCAP took over 6th & Peabody with a full day of live music featuring Jillian Dawn, Kayley Bishop, Mark Taylor, Carlisle Wright, Mary Sarah, Ryan Charles and Lane Smith.

CMA Fest continues downtown through tomorrow (June 7).

Maddie Lenhart. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Angie K. Photo: Natasha Moustache/CMA

Willie Jones. Photo: Addison Hilton/CMA

Vincent Mason. Photo: Acacia Evans/CMA

Carly Pearce. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify

Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Courtesy of Billboard

Midland. Photo: Nick Rau/Blue Highway Records

The crowd packs in the PNC Plaza for Cody Lohden’s set
during the fifth annual Ryman & BMI Block Party on Friday (6/05). Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

Caroline Jones. Photo: Alexa Campbell

Mary Sarah. Photo: Erik Philbrook/ ASCAP

JUST IN: Florida Georgia Line Inks With The Core Entertainment

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Pictured L-R: Chief Zaruk, Tyler Hubbard, Simon Tikhman, Brian Kelley; Photo: Courtesy of The Core Entertainment

Multi-Platinum duo Florida Georgia Line have signed with The Core Entertainment for management. The duo, made up of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, will be represented by The Core Entertainment co-founders and CEOs Simon Tikhman and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk.

The move follows their surprise reunion at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest on Thursday night (June 4). Hubbard and Kelley reunited onstage performing “Round Here” and their breakout hit “Cruise.”

Florida Georgia Line’s catalog of hits that includes “Round Here,” “Stay,” “This Is How We Roll,” “Dirt,” “H.O.L.Y.,” “Simple” and “Long Live.” The duo went on hiatus in 2022, with both Hubbard and Kelley releasing solo music.

In joining The Core Entertainment, Florida Georgia Line joins a roster that includes Dan + Shay, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, Cameron Whitcomb, Nickelback and more.

RIAA Honors Garth Brooks With Artist of a Lifetime

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Ben Krebs

The RIAA recently honored Garth Brooks with the first-ever Artist of a Lifetime award. Brooks is the only artist in history to earn 10 Diamond album certifications.

“They say that gratefulness is the seed of happiness, and I am grateful every single day to have been given this shot,” Brooks shared. “A lot of people get the shot. But Bob Doyle told me early on that getting the shot wasn’t going to be the hard part. The hard part was going to be hanging on to it. I can’t thank God and the people enough for my life and the career I have been so lucky to have.”

He played a medley of his own hits and songs that have inspired his career along the way from James Taylor’s “Carolina In My Mind” and “Fire and Rain” into “The River,” Bob Seger’s “Turn The Page” leading to “The Thunder Rolls.” The showman wrapped his acoustic set with George Strait’s “Amarillo By Morning” into his own classic hit “Friends in Low Places,” which had the room on their feet and singing along.

The event also recognized Disney Music Group President Ken Bunt, and US Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) for their work on music policy such as the NO FAKES Act.

Bunt received the Label Executive of the Year. Reflecting on his career he said, “I’m just thrilled to do what I do and help make human connections. I think that’s the thing that I love most about music, [it] really connects people.”

Pictured (L-R): RIAA SVP Artist & Industry Relations Jackie Jones, Chief Policy Officer Morna Willens, Garth Brooks, RIAA President & COO Michele Ballantyne, RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. Photo: Ben Krebs

Ken Bunt. Photo: Daniel Swartz

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly brought another busy stretch of milestones, promotions, signings and industry celebrations across Music City, highlighted by the Country Music Association’s annual CMA Touring Awards. Click here to see the full edition.

On Tuesday evening (June 2), CMA gathered the touring community at The Pinnacle in Nashville to recognize the professionals who keep country music’s biggest tours running smoothly. Hosted by Keith Urban for the fourth consecutive year, the ceremony honored excellence across 20 categories and celebrated the behind-the-scenes talent that powers the live music industry.

Lainey Wilson‘s “Whirlwind World Tour” team emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, earning six individual awards, including honors for Backline Technician, Stage Manager, Front of House Engineer, Tour Video Director, Monitor Engineer and Tour Manager of the Year. Wilson’s touring team also claimed the night’s top distinction, Crew of the Year.

Several notable industry leaders were also recognized, including Kerri Edwards of KP Entertainment, who was named Manager of the Year; Becky Gardenhire of WME, who received Talent Agent of the Year; and Olivia Hanceri of OH Creative, who earned Publicist of the Year honors. Luke Combs band member Kurt Ozan was recognized as Touring Musician of the Year. The CMA additionally presented legendary agent and manager Jim Halsey with the Lifetime Touring Achievement Award, while CMA CEO Sarah Trahern closed the evening by surprising Urban with the prestigious CMA Founding President’s Award.

Elsewhere across the industry, Black River Entertainment announced the promotion of Grace Watson to Vice President, Commercial Partnerships & Digital. Stem elevated both Alison Junker and Chris Allen to Vice President, Artist & Label Relations, while The Ryan Seacrest Foundation expanded and strengthened its leadership team. Katie Klochany was promoted to Director of Engagement and Creative, Laura Crawford advanced to Director of Entertainment Relations, and Daniel Skirpan joined as Director of Engineering and Innovation. The organization also welcomed Megan Wordsworth as Talent Coordinator and Charlotte Torquato as Program Coordinator.

Industry news included IEBA naming Lauren Tingle as its new Director of Marketing & Communications.

On the representation front, Belles signed with WME for worldwide representation, while Josh Weathers joined the roster at UTA. Carson Peters secured a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, and Caleb King signed with RECORDS Nashville and Provident Entertainment. Meanwhile, Kinsley inked a deal with MCA.

Several artists also celebrated major career moments on iconic stages. Travis Bolt made his Grand Ole Opry debut on May 29. The same evening, DEK of Hearts also made its Grand Ole Opry debut.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen takes the No. 1 spot with “Don’t We.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Jason Scott & The High Heat Slate New Album For September

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Jason Scott & The High Heat will release their new album, Play Boy, on Sept. 18 via Leo33.

Produced by Scott and Taylor Johnson at Lunar Manor in Oklahoma City and Blackwatch Studios in Norman, Oklahoma, the 14-track project was written by Scott, alongside Scott Emeryck, Bob DiPiero, Daniel Tashien, Driver Williams and more. Much of the project’s writing is inspired by Scott’s spiritual background and eventual crisis of faith after growing up in a Pentecostal home and spending years as a preacher in-training.

The band will make their Grand Ole Opry debut on June 11 before heading out on a run opening for Morgan Wallen on his “Still The Problem Tour.” Scott & The High Heat will then play a slew of festivals this Summer, including Bourbon & Beyond, Born & Raised, Peacemaker, FloydFest and The Long Road, among others.

Play Boy Track List
1. “Fast As I Can Crawl” (Jason Scott, Scott Emeryck, Trent Tomlinson)
2. “Shit Show” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson)
3. “Too Good, Too Bad” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson)
4. “Highway Robbery” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson)
5. “Roll Me All The Way” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson)
6. “Willie, Waylon & Waltzes” (Jason Scott, Bob DiPiero, Daniel Tashien)
7. “Goodbye Moon” (Jason Scott)
8. “All This Pain” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson)
9. “What Do You Know About Love” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson)
10. “Cowboy Cold Beer” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson)
11. “When Love Tries To Hurt You” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson, Chad Copelin)
12. “How To Get Away With Murder” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson)
13. “Fastest Fool In Town” (Jason Scott, Driver Williams, Jason Nix)
14. “If Heaven Had A Honky Tonk” (Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson)

Fort Nash Debuts The Fort By Fort Nash Ultimate Country Lifestyle Clubhouse

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Dasha. Photo: Ray Aley

Fort Nash launched The Fort by Fort Nash this week, a five-day, invite-only country lifestyle and culture clubhouse where Nashville’s finest music, food, fashion, creative culture and live storytelling collide.

To kick off Music City’s biggest week, The Fort by Fort Nash’s kickoff party featured performances from Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Mason Ramsey, VAVO and Gareth, with Logan Crosby hosting the festivities. Through digital series, artist interviews, music discovery, and more, Fort Nash has become a voice for all things Southern lifestyle in music and beyond, and the brand is bringing that cultural movement to life with The Fort by Fort Nash, redefining modern country lifestyle for a new generation.

Guests also enjoyed a portrait studio, Yeehaw Caviar, a wellness bar, premium grab bags, catering by Craig’s, and a mechanical bull courtesy of Orinda. Orinda kept the party going with a takeover performance featuring Eric Van Houten, David J, Nic D and Connor Price before SEV took over to end the night with a high-energy DJ set.

Highlights from the night included Josh Ross joining attendees for a celebratory shot ski moment set to his music; Cooke serenading the Cowboy Cannoli’s Caviar Cowboy on stage with her song “baby blues”; Dasha taking a spin on the mechanical bull, and more.

“We are incredibly excited to launch The Fort by Fort Nash,” says Chris Ruediger. “This immersive experience is designed to bring our community together while creating meaningful cultural and digital impact. We know this marks the beginning of a long-standing experience that will continue to grow and evolve for years to come.”

The Fort by Fort Nash will run throughout CMA Fest weekend June 3- 7 and feature special programming that highlights country culture, including rethought Southern food, gamified tailgate challenges, sports‑style podcasts, wellness moments, surprise performances, and creator‑led micro‑moments shared across social platforms. Fort Nash will wrap its week with Faith at The Fort on Sunday, (June 7.) The event will include a live worship service with performances from Ben Fuller, Belle Franz, Jamie MacDonald, Jordan Rowe, Rebecca Brunner, Christian Hohn and Iveth Luna, and alongside prayer led by Cam J and a sermon fromCrosspoint Church College Pastor Nate Farley.

Ashley Cooke. Photo: Ray Aley

Josh Ross

Photo: Ray Aley

Photo: Mandy Smith