Ray Stevens Announces Final Run Of Performances At CabaRay Showroom

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Ray Stevens. Photo: Angela Talley

Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Stevens has announced his final run of live concerts at his Nashville CabaRay Showroom. The run of shows will start March 16 and continue through December.

Ahead of his formal season of shows, Stevens plans to host a special Valentine’s Day live performance on Feb. 14.

Since opening CabaRay six years ago, he has performed hundreds of concerts at the venue. Now, Stevens says he is ready to slow down a bit, but not quite ready to retire.

“I plan to stop performing regularly at my CabaRay Showroom here in Nashville at the end of 2024, but I’ll be going to work everyday in my recording studio and maybe I’ll do a few, a very few, shows in some old familiar places,” he explains. “I’m definitely slowing down but I haven’t come to a complete stop. Not yet, anyway!”

Ticket are on sale now and can be purchased at raystevenscabaray.com or by calling 615-327-4630. The CabaRay Showroom will continue to hold performances and events following Stevens’ final run.

John Bradley Joins Electric Feel Entertainment As Country A&R

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John Bradley

John Bradley has joined management company Electric Feel Entertainment as Country A&R.

The Nashville native’s career has been fueled by a passion for music, a rich family legacy and an array experiences. Following in the footsteps of his established predecessors Owen, Jerry and Clay Bradley, he continues to elevate the Bradley legacy. He previously served as Eclipse Music Group’s Creative Director, and has secured cuts with artists including Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen and more.

As Electric Feel expands into the Music City market, John will play a key role in discovering and nurturing the next wave of musical talent. The company is home to artists, producers and songwriters that include Post Malone, Louis Bell, Billy Walsh, Omer Fedi, Starboy, Feli Ferano and more.

“We are thrilled to welcome John Bradley to the Electric Feel team. His deep roots in the industry, coupled with his diverse skill set, make him an invaluable addition to our A&R team. We look forward to the innovative contributions and successes we know he will bring to our company,” says Austin Rosen, CEO, Electric Feel Entertainment.

The Black Crowes To Release ‘Happiness Bastards’ In March

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Renowned rock band The Black Crowes will release their first album in 15 years, Happiness Bastards, on March 15 via Silver Arrow Records.

“Happiness Bastards is our love letter to rock n’ roll. Rich and I are always writing and creating music; that has never stopped for us, and it is always where we find harmony together. This record represents that,” says frontman Chris Robinson.

Produced by Grammy winner Jay Joyce, the project is the group’s tenth studio album. The record has been described as both quintessential and fresh rock n’ roll. Along with the announcement of the album, they released the lead single “Wanting and Waiting.”

This year marks The Black Crowes’ 40th year, and they are using the new album to claim 2024 as their own. The 10-track collection will serve as a salute to the band’s past and a celebration of the future. The project also includes a collaboration with country superstar Lainey Wilson.

“This album is a continuation of our story as a band. Our years of experience writing and making music and touring the world are represented in this record, and we were brilliantly guided by one of the best producers in the business, Jay Joyce. I am incredibly proud of what we put together,” states The Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson.

To celebrate the release of the album, the band will embark on tour this spring with dates in North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. Additional details will be released at a later date.

Happiness Bastards Track Listing:

1. “Bedside Manners”
2. “Rats And Clowns”
3. “Cross Your Fingers”
4. “Wanting And Waiting”
5. “Wilted Rose” ft. Lainey Wilson
6. “Dirty Cold Sun”
7. “Bleed It Dry”
8. “Flesh Wound”
9. “Follow The Moon”
10. “Kindred Friend”

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Plots ‘All The Good Times: The Farewell Tour’

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Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Photo: Joshua Britt and Neilson Hubbard F

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will embark on a farewell tour throughout the United States, kicking off on March 21.

The “All The Good Times: The Farewell Tour” marks the band’s last multi-city runs on formal tours, as they say “so long” to the highways and byways they’ve traveled throughout their career. But it isn’t goodbye forever for the legendary group that helmed the multi-artist Will The Circle Be Unbroken series that featured the likes of Mother Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, Levon Helm and dozens more.

The first leg of the tour will visit Bowling Green, Abilene, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Amarillo, Houston and more through July 28. Tickets for most shows can be purchased beginning Jan. 19, and VIP packages are available for a majority of the dates.

“‘All The Good Times’ perfectly describes our career,” says the band. “Playing our music for Dirt Band fans all over the world has been an incredible experience for us. The most important part of that has been the connection to our audience—that beautiful communal give and take is like nothing else. That’s the very spirit we’ll be celebrating as we head into our farewell tour. We’re really looking forward to seeing you folks. Good times will be had by all!”

For nearly six decades, the three-time Grammy-winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has entertained audiences with their musicianship and timeless hits “Mr. Bojangles,” “Fishin’ In The Dark,” “An American Dream” and many more. Their special Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Friends – Fifty Years, Circlin’ Back! for PBS was an Emmy-winning television special. The Dirt Band’s latest album, Dirt Does Dylan was released in 2022.

“All The Good Times: The Farewell Tour” Dates:
March 21 – Bowling Green, KY – SKyPAC – Main Hall
March 22 – Bloomington, IL – Bloomington Center For The Performing Arts
March 23 – Mount Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
March 24 – Marietta, OH – Peoples Bank Theatre
March 28 – Odessa, TX – The Ector Theatre
March 29 – Abilene, TX – Outlaws and Legends Music Festival
March 30 – Houston, TX – Arena Theatre
April 25 – Shreveport, LA – The Strand Theatre
April 28 – Oxford, AL – Oxford Performing Arts Center
May 9 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre
May 10 – Harris, MI – Island Resort & Casino
May 11 – Harris, MI – Island Resort & Casino
May 12 – Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre
May 19 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
June 21 – Mankato, MN – Vetter Stone Amphitheater
June 22 – Cedar Rapids, IA – McGrath Amphitheatre
June 23 – Bayfield, WI – Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua
June 27 – Sioux Falls, SD – Alliance Center
June 28 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino Hotel & Event Center
June 29 – Bismarck, ND – Belle Mehus Auditorium
June 30 – Dauphin, MB, Canada – Dauphin’s Countryfest
July 11 – Mayetta, KS – Prairie Band Casino & Resort – Great Lakes Ballroom
July 12 – Jefferson City, MO – Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater
July 13 – Newkirk, OK – 7 Clans First Council Casino
July 25 – Lubbock, TX – The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences – Helen DeVitt Jones Theater
July 27 – Fort Worth, TX – Bass Performance Hall
July 28 – Amarillo, TX – Globe-News Center For The Performing Arts

CRB Announces 2024 Rusty Walker & Lisa McKay Women In Radio Scholars

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Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced the 2024 Rusty Walker and Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship recipients.

This year’s Rusty Walker Scholarship recipients are Gabe Mercer (KMLE/KKWF, Audacy), Erin Bourne (WJEN-FM 105.3 Cat Country) and Haley Mason (CMG Athens). The Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship has been awarded to Annie Owens (WPAW – 93.1 The Wolf, Audacy) and Emily Harlan (KBAY/ Bay Country 94.5, Alpha Media).

Each recipient will receive a scholarship package, including registration, hotel accommodations and airfare for CRS 2024 as well as recognition during the CRS 2024 week. DMR/Interactive supports both the Rusty Walker and Lisa McKay scholarship programs, honoring the legacies of Walker and McKay, who continue to inspire the future leaders of the radio programming industry.

“This is one of the most satisfying and important parts of our work at CRS,” says John Shomby, CRB Scholarship Committee Chairman. “It’s all introducing new broadcasters to CRS, giving them a chance to network with and learn from some of the best in our business.”

CRS 2024 is set for Feb. 28-March 1 and will feature a schedule filled with educational panels, virtual networking and workshops.

Restless Road Brings The Party To Brooklyn Bowl

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Restless Road. Photo: André Smoke

Rising country act Restless Road, a trio made up of Zach Beeken, Garrett Nichols and Colton Pack, performed at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on Friday night (Jan. 12) on the second stop of their “Last Rodeo Tour.” The sold-out night was filled with feel-good songs, perfect harmonies and fun cover jam sessions.

Opener Erin Kinsey kicked off the night. Strutting onto the stage with her electric guitar, Kinsey opened with her hit “Boys In Boots.” Continuing with her guitar, she went into “Stayed A Summer,” where the singer showed off her guitar skills with an electrifying solo that mesmerized the crowd.

“I feel like tonight’s going to be pretty fun,” Kinsey said before moving into her fun single “Handful.” The singer then paused to tell the crowd the story behind the next song, “Matchmaker,” an unreleased song she had just written. “I wrote it after finding out I have the absolute honor of being [the reason] why two people are in love,” she said. After cheers erupted from the crowd, she clarified, “I have known these two people for a very long time. One of them is one of my very best friends, the other one is my ex-boyfriend.”

After finishing the witty lyrics, Kinsey’s band left the stage for a moment. She then grabbed her acoustic guitar and slowed the night down for a few minutes with “I Got You,” a song she wrote for her sister. After the band rejoined her on stage, Kinsey grabbed her banjo and started strumming the intro of “Different Us.”

As the band started playing the tune to the singer’s breakout single “Just Drive,” the crowd cheered, all ready to sing along. Kinsey moved around the stage and interacted with the fans during the track. As she wrapped up her set, Kinsey thanked the Nashville crowd for coming out early to see her.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Nikki Boon (Neon Coast), Kenley Flynn (Sony Music Publishing), Jess Tomlins (Neon Coast), Julie Sturdivant (CAA), Sam Forbert (CAA), Chris King (KBFM), Dennis Reese (RCA Nashville), Jennifer Way (Sony Music Nashville), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Caryl Atwood (Sony Music Nashville), Martha Earls (Neon Coast); (L-R, front row): Restless Road’s Colton Pack, Garrett Nichols & Zach Beeken. Photo: André Smoke

As blue lights begin to flash, Restless Road’s drummer and bass player took the stage. Voice recordings of “Bar Friends” begin to play in the background, and the excitement of the crowd was palpable as Beeken, Nichols and Pack appeared.

The trio started the night off with “Bar Friends” and “Sundown Somewhere.” After taking in the energy of the crowd, Beeken welcomed everyone. “We are Restless Road and we’ve been looking forward to this moment for a very, very long time,” he said before the trio went into “Leave Them Boots On” and “One Step Ahead.”

Before going into the next song, the lights faded as the trio showcased their harmonies for the first of many times throughout the night. As the opening harmonies rang for “Could’ve Been A Love Song,” the crowd let out a spine-tingling roar. Beeken also showed off his deep range with a solo moment during the track.

After listening to the crowd cheer, Nichols talked about how the band put the show together. “There were a lot of songs we knew we wanted to play. We had a lot of new songs from the new album, but we also had a lot of old songs. There was one song that we knew had to be in this set, because this is the song that really put us on the map. We want to see how many of y’all know it,” he said as the opening chords to “Take Me Home” started. The crowd sang along enthusiastically.

During the song, superstar Kane Brown, whom the trio recorded the song with, made an appearance on stage, thrilling both the band and the crowd.

Continuing to show off their harmonies and vocal abilities, Restless Road sang hit “Go Get Her” and “10 Things” before going into a cover medley that included “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy),” “She’s Country,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart” and “Boondocks.” To keep the party going, the trio sang two more songs off their Last Rodeo album, “Easy For You To Say” and “Tell Me Not To.”

“Nashville, y’all are blowing us away right now,” Pack said between songs. “This last year of our lives has been the most incredible year we could have ever asked for, but the most incredible thing was getting to release our debut album. What was really important to us is that we wanted to create an album that when you listened to it from top to bottom, you left feeling like you knew who Restless Road was a little bit better.” The trio then played the closing track of the album “On My Way,” a song that tells the story of the trio’s 10-year journey so far.

Restless Road. Photo: James Tucker

The lights begin to soften as Nichols walked over to the piano and the trio began to sing “Most Nights.” During the performance, they brought Kinsey back out to the stage to sing along, as they originally recorded the track together. Kinsey and Pack harmonized brilliantly.

After Kinsey left the stage, the band began to prepare for the next part of the set, but before everyone could get ready, Beeken grabbed Pack and the two went over to Nichols’ piano. “I just want to hijack this moment real quick,” Beeken said. “Boys, let’s try what we were doing in the green room earlier.”

The three came together to sing an impromptu cover of “When You Look Me In The Eyes” by the Jonas Brothers and then Rascal Flatts‘ hit “Bless The Broken Road.” The crowd swooned to both tunes, as the spontaneous cover session brought everyone together. “Just call us Restless Flatts from now on,” Pack joked as the trio end the cover session.

The music picked up tempo again and the strobe lights began to go off as the trio went into “Head Over Heels” and “Headlights.” Nichols shared that though the set had included all sorts of songs, such as “breakup songs, life songs and party songs,” the next tune was going to be a love song. As Nichols introduced the song, the crowd began to fill with anticipation as the band started playing a fan-favorite “Growing Old With You.” Audience members were swaying and singing along as the trio took in the moment.

Green and yellow lights flashed as Restless Road took on one more cover, Keith Urban‘s “Somebody Like You.” The trio kept the tempo up with “No Can Do,” where the crowd continued dancing and clapping along to the beat.

“Y’all have just been absolutely incredible,” Nichols exclaimed. “What a way to start off 2024. Whether this is your first time watching us or you’ve been there since the very beginning, it’s been 10 long years to get to this moment.” The opening notes to “Last Rodeo” began to play, and Nichols shared that the tune is the band’s next single at country radio. A thrilled audience sang along to every word as Restless Road ended an unforgettable night in Nashville.

The “Last Rodeo Tour” will continue through April with stops throughout the U.S. and in Europe. Click here to see dates.

Big Loud Launches Severance Records & Signs Flagship Act

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Pictured (L-R): Big Loud Rock/Big Loud Management’s Greg Thompson, Severance Records’ Steve “Stevo” Robertson, Mike Easterlin, Big Loud’s Joey Moi and Seth England. Photo: Brayln Kelly

Big Loud has launched new joint venture Severance Records, a Nashville-based, independent, modern rock label helmed by Co-Presidents Mike Easterlin and Steve “Stevo” Robertson.

Easterlin most recently served as Co-President of Elektra Entertainment after serving as President/GM at two of the company’s cornerstone labels, Fueled By Ramen and Roadrunner Records. His previous career stops also include leadership roles at Island Def Jam and time at Virgin Records. He has fostered the careers of Bailey Zimmerman, Smashing Pumpkins, Lenny Kravitz, Blur, The Killers, Nickelback, Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, Twenty One Pilots, The Band Camino, Paramore, Shinedown, Tones And I, Young The Giant and more for over 25 years.

“Stevo and I could not be more excited to be joining the Big Loud family,” Easterlin shares. “[Big Loud Partners] Seth [England], Joey [Moi], Craig [Wiseman] and [Big Loud Rock/Big Loud Management Partner & President] Greg [Thompson] have been so supportive from the first time we met about building this partnership together. Watching the company that Big Loud has become in the country space only drives Stevo and I to want to make Severance Records the same kind of force in the alternative space. Our goal is to be rooted in Nashville, but global in vision.”

Robertson joins the joint venture after a 25-year tenure with Atlantic Records, last serving as GM/SVP of A&R, Pop/Rock for the label’s Nashville presence. Across his career as an A&R executive with an ear for alternative hits, he signed Shinedown, Paramore, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Knox and A Day To Remember, among other acts, and helped developed talent including Gayle, Collective Soul, Seven Mary Three, Matchbox 20 and more.

“Mike and Stevo have championed some of the most exciting, culture-driving music of the last two decades, so when the opportunity to work with them in this capacity came up, it was an instant ‘yes,'” adds England, CEO/Partner, Big Loud. “We’re grateful to partner with them and build a legacy together with Severance.”

Severance Records recently signed flagship act Dexter and The Moonrocks. The self-proclaimed “sad space cowboys” are piquing the interest of fans with their edgy take on southern rock.

Sixpence None The Richer To Re-Release Album On Curb Records, Signs Management Deal

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Pictured (L-R): Curb’s Jessie Lowe; Curb’s Giovanna Randolph; Curb’s Jeff Tuerff; Curb’s Benson Curb; Dale Baker; Matt Slocum; Justin Cary; Leigh Nash; Deep South Entertainment’s Dave Rose; Curb’s John Nemoy; Curb’s Bryan Stewart; Curb’s Trevor Mathiesen; Curb’s John Chapman; Curb’s Jonathan Mason; Curb’s Diana Wohl

Sixpence None The Richer is celebrating 25 years of their iconic hit, “Kiss Me,” with a vinyl re-release of their original self-titled album on Curb Records. The band has also reunited for the first time in 12 years, signing a management deal with Deep South Entertainment.

“We are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of the iconic Sixpence None The Richer’s ‘Kiss Me.’ The band’s music has stood the test of time and with this re-release, Curb Records is excited to be part of its continuing story,” says Curb Records Chairman Mike Curb.

“We are so excited about this vinyl release of our self-titled album, and even more so, thrilled to be working together again,” shares Sixpence None The Richer’s Leigh Nash. “It feels like yesterday and tomorrow are waltzing—can’t wait to see where we go next.”

“Kiss Me” was originally released in 1999, earning countless television and film placements, including She’s All That and Dawson’s Creek. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for 33 weeks, as well as Billboard’s Top 40 Chart, the Adult Contemporary Chart and Adult Top 40 Chart, deeming the single the sixth most successful in the United States in 1999. “Kiss Me” also achieved Platinum status during its original release.

Since then, Sixpence None The Richer’s “Kiss Me” has continued its iconic reputation, being used in other popular films such as How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and covered and released by Avril Lavigne, while Taylor Swift has shared that it was the first song she learned to play on the guitar. “Kiss Me” is currently certified RIAA Double Platinum, while the self-titled album that holds the track is certified RIAA Platinum.

The band’s follow up hit from the same album, “There She Goes,” was recently RIAA Gold certified. In addition, “Kiss Me” was a hit around the world reaching No. 1 in Australia and Canada as well as RIAA certified Gold or Platinum in multiple territories including the UK and Japan. “Kiss Me” has earned over 290 million streams, while Sixpence None The Richer has earned over 385 million career streams and over 46 million total unique listeners just in the last two years.

Of the band’s new management deal, Deep South Entertainment’s Dave Rose shares, “Witnessing the reunion of Sixpence None The Richer is absolutely thrilling and beautiful. Their music is responsible for shaping the musical landscape across generations and I’m honored to have the opportunity to champion this incredible band as they embark on a new chapter together.”

Jelly Roll, Lady A, More To Perform At iHeartCountry Festival In May

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The iHeartCountry Festival, presented by Capital One, has revealed its 2024 lineup, which includes Jelly Roll, Lady A, Jason Aldean, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, Old Dominion, Riley Green and Walker Hayes.

The festival, now in its 11th year, will be hosted by on-air personality Bobby Bones on May 4 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas and broadcast across iHeartMedia’s country radio stations nationwide.

“We are so excited to bring the iHeartCountry Festival to country music fans again this year at Moody Center in Austin,” says Rod Phillips, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartCountry. “It’s always exciting to watch fans experience performances by so many of the top artists in our format, all on one big iHeart stage.”

Tickets will be available to the general public on Jan. 26 at 12 p.m. CT. Eligible Capital One cardholders get exclusive access to tickets Jan. 23-Jan. 25. For more information, click here.

Additionally, Capital One cardholders can add a Capital One Access Pass to their purchase for a cardholder pre-event featuring a special performance by Old Dominion, complimentary food, beverages and more. Eligible cardholders can also redeem rewards for exclusive ticket packages on the Capital One website.

AIMP Nashville Awards To Take Place In April

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers’ (AIMP) Nashville Chapter will hold the ninth annual AIMP Nashville Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Monday, April 1.

The event starts at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 5:15 p.m.

Bob DiPiero and Craig Wiseman hosted last year’s awards where Morgan Wallen‘s “Wasted On You” took home a win in a new category recognizing the writers and publishers of the Most Streamed Song of the Year. Other categories include Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher Pick of the Year, Song of the Year and Top Independent Music Publishers of the Year.

In order to vote, you must become a member by Wednesday, Jan. 31. For more information, click here.