Brett Young Brings Heart & Harmony To The Ryman

/by

Brett Young. Photo: Maggie Kaput

Thursday night (Jan. 22) at the historic Ryman Auditorium, Brett Young kicked off his “2.0 Tour,” delivering a performance that balanced tender moments with crowd-ready sing-alongs.

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Opening with “Here Tonight,” Young immediately established a warm tone on a chilly Nashville night. The energy rose as he went into “Used to Missin’ You” and “You Still Got It,” getting the audience ready for the night ahead.

“I’ve gotten to play this stage a lot of times,” shared Young. “I love it here. It’s one of the most special places I’ve ever gotten to perform. But, we’ve never kicked off a tour at the Ryman, and if you guys are like this for the rest of the night, it’s downhill for the rest of the year,” citing the crowd’s energy.

The crowd was fully with him by the time he launched into “Say Less” and “Like I Loved You,” fan favorites that drew spontaneous cheers and a wave of phone lights.

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

The setlist showcased Young’s range with the upbeat twang of “Ticket to LA” and the sultry sway of “Tastes Like You” contrasted beautifully with the raw vulnerability of “Lady” and “Full House.” A special moment came with his cover of Justin Bieber’s “Yukon,” a testament to his ability to bring his own feel to a wide spectrum of material.

Mid-show, Young slowed things down with his current single “Drink with You” and the heart-on-his-sleeve “That Ain’t Yours,” before launching into the mournful “You Didn’t.” However, the night’s emotional high point came during “Dance With You,” when Young invited his daughters, Presley and Rowan, along with his wife, Taylor onstage to dance.

The crowd cheered even louder when Young dipped into “Just in Case,” a nod to Morgan Wallen that flowed seamlessly into his own catalogue. From there, the show maintained its momentum with strong performances of “Not Yet,” 4x Platinum-certified “Mercy,” and “Left Side of Leaving.”

As the night drew to a close, Young delivered “Sleep Without You” with the aching longing that has made it a fan favorite, followed by the big-hearted singalong to the Diamond-certified “In Case You Didn’t Know,” which brought the evening full circle, an ending that left the room humming long after the final chords faded.

The “2.0 Tour” will continue this weekend in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana.

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Hosts Nominee Celebration

/by

Nominees Dallas Wilson and Trannie Anderson. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

The Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter hosted its annual Grammy Nominee Celebration earlier this week at the Loews Nashville Hotel.

Guests at the invitation-only event included nominees from diverse Grammy Award Categories including Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical; Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical; Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical; Best Country Song; Best Bluegrass Album; Best Contemporary Christian Performance/Song; Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals; Best Traditional Blues Album; Best Historical Album; Best Contemporary Blues Album; and Best Music Video.

Guests enjoyed the instrumental jazz sounds of The Birdsong Trio as well as food, drinks and warm conversation with peers and friends.

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, nominee Laura Veltz, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Nominee The SteelDrivers’ Mike Fleming, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, nominees The SteelDrivers’ Richard Bailey, Tammy King, and Brent Truitt. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, Recording Academy Senior Managing Director, National Member Engagement Tera Healy, nominee Margo Price, and Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, nominee Molly Tuttle, nominee Maggie Rose, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, nominee Nathan Dantzler, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Nominees The Isaacs. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

The Red Clay Strays Announce First-Ever Fan Fest In June

/by

The Red Clay Strays. Photo: Macie Coleman

The Red Clay Strays will host their first-ever fan festival, “Fan Fest 2026,” June 24-28 at one of the band’s favorite venues in the country, Abayance Bay Marina in Rexford, Montana.

During the five-night festival, fans will experience a headlining show from The Red Clay Strays, as well as performances by Lukas Nelson and St. Paul & the Broken Bones. The Red Clay Strays will open the weekend on Thursday evening, hosting “Strays with Stories,” featuring intimate performances and stories straight from the band to the fans, and close out the weekend with a headlining performance at the Bay.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale beginning Jan. 28, while the general on-sale starts Jan. 30. Besides the music, fans will be able to purchase limited-edition merch, receive giveaways, and go on breathtaking hikes during the fest. “RCS Fan Fest 2026” will be a family-friendly event, with free admission for kids six and under, and all ticketing information can be found here or in the Red Clay Strays App.

“RCS Fan Fest will be a high-energy celebration dedicated to the fans who keep the music loud and the spirit alive,” says lead singer Brandon Coleman. “These last few years have been incredible, and it’s all because of the fans! We want our closest fans to know how much we appreciate them, so we’ve programmed a week-long extravaganza in the most beautiful part of the country we know and invited our good buddy Lukas Nelson and our Alabama brothers, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, to take it to another level for y’all!”

The band is gearing up this year for performances at Stagecoach, Madison Square Garden and two nights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, among others.

Eric Church Kicks Off 2026 With Tour, IMAX Film & Live Album

/by

Eric Church’s “Free the Machine Tour” resumed in Washington, D.C. last night, Jan. 22, 2026. Photo Credit: Anthony D’Angio

Eric Church has released a reimagined version of his double Platinum, chart-topping hit “Give Me Back My Hometown” that was recorded live At The Pinnacle in Nashville and appears on the upcoming Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) arriving Feb. 13 via MCA.

The new 19-track live album serves as a companion to the IMAX exclusive theatrical release of Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive on Feb. 11 and 14. Church hosted a special screening event for members of his Church Choir in Nashville earlier this week, previewing the limited theater release. The IMAX film showcases Church performing his Grammy-nominated, eighth studio album front-to-back before transitioning into select hits, all reimagined with a six-piece band, four-piece horns, four-piece strings, eight-piece choir and vocalist Joanna Cotten. Filmed across two nights at The Pinnacle in Nashville, the performance comes to life through a unique perspective. A full list of locations for the February showings is available here, with tickets on sale now.

Kicking off another busy year, last night (Jan. 22) Church performed at Washington, D.C.’s The Anthem, launching leg 2 of his “Free the Machine Tour” and setting the stage for the tour’s spring run.

Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive Tracklist:
*denotes songs out now
1. “Hands Of Time (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
2. “Bleed On Paper (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
3. “Johnny (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
4. “Storm In Their Blood (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
5. “Darkest Hour (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
6. “Evangeline (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
7. “Rocket’s White Lincoln (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
8. “Clap Hands (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
9. “Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
10. “Give Me Back My Hometown (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
11. “Homeboy (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
12. “Sinners Like Me (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
13. “Creepin’ (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
14. “Knives Of New Orleans (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
15. “Smoke A Little Smoke (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
16. “The Outsiders (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
17. “Hell Of A View (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
18. “Mistress Named Music (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
19. “Springsteen (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”

Grayson May Receives Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship From NSAI

/by

Grayson May

Up and coming songwriter-artist Grayson May has been awarded NSAI’s 8th annual Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship. The award honors late staff member Todd Givens, who served NSAI for 31 years prior to his passing in 2018. Executive Director Bart Herbison chooses each year’s recipient.

“Grayson May is a talented songwriter whose motto: ‘Country music is a way of life,’ speaks volumes,” says Herbison. “The Louisiana native is an accomplished performer and writer who is making inroads into the Nashville and Music Row community. It is our pleasure to award the 2026 Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship to Grayson. He is someone you root for and his work ethic is unmatched.”

Through the scholarship, he will receive year-round, dedicated support from NSAI’s creative and membership teams to help guide and advance his career goals. May will also receive a free NSAI membership.

May will be honored during the annual NSAI Member Awards, presented by Regions Bank, at 3rd & Lindsley Nashville on March 26 as part of Tin Pan South week.

Paul Cauthen Embraces His ‘Texas Swagger’ On New Album ‘Book Of Paul’

/by

Fiery singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen leans into his rebel streak on his upcoming fifth album, Book of Paul, set for release April 3.

Cauthen is marking the album announcement with the release of the new track “Texas Swagger” today. Filled with a bronc-bucking beat, some dark twang, and an impending sense of danger, the tune was penned by Cauthen with Rob Ragosta and Sam Martinez, who also produced. An accompanying bull-riding video for the track featuring legend JB Mauney is out now as well.

The East Texas native boasts a well-documented distaste for playing by anyone else’s rules, and he fuses classic-country grit and gospel power with a rhinestoned, rock star edge on Book of Paul. Gritty, swampy country comes alive on the project as he pairs his booming baritone with a signature swagger and a true-to-him battle between darkness and light unfolds. Cauthen co-wrote 12 of 13 songs on the new collection and plays bass and drums on select tracks, carving a path of authentic, fearless, proud country. “Texas Swagger” joins two previously released tracks from the upcoming album: the East Texas love story “Bayou By You.” and the hypnotic, outlaw-country romance “Ain’t No Crime.”

“If you look at the Bible, there is no book of Paul,” Cauthen explains. “I just wanted to write something that embodies me, because I’m sick of hearing records catered to what’s hot and what’s working. Me, I’ve always been this country boy, East Texas guy. Roots, rock and roll, Texas gospel. If you look back at all my albums, I’m proud to say I meant everything I’ve said. It’s just being who you are – unapologetically yourself—and that’s every one of my records. I have built my whole career going against the grain, and that’s what this record is. The freaking trials and tribulations of Paul. It’s everything I wanted on an album.”

Cauthen will launch his new “Tonkin’ N Tejas Tour” beginning March 3 in Waco which includes stops in Lubbock, Fort Worth, Austin, Dallas, Helotes and New Braunfels.

Throughout his career Cauthen has collaborated with Margo Price, Orville Peck, Cody Jinks and Lana Del Rey, released favorites like “Cocaine Country Dancing” and his Gold-certified collab with Shaboozey “Last Of My Kind,” and racked up over 434 million global streams.

Book of Paul Track List: 
1. “Book of Paul”
2. “Ain’t No Crime”
3. “Texas Swagger”
4. “Tossin’ Back Time” (feat. Jake Worthington)
5. “Blue Denim & Black Gold”
6. “Breakaway”
7. “Chain Smoking” (feat. Delaney Ramsdell)
8. “Bayou By You”
9. “Dark Horse”
10. “Cigarettes & Billy Graham”
11. “Road Dog”
12. “Texas Gravel Road”
13. “The Voice Inside (Silence)”

Luke Bryan To Kick Off ‘Word On The Street Tour’ In May

/by

Luke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright

Luke Bryan has announced he’ll launch his “Word On The Street Tour” on May 29-30 in Gilford, New Hampshire.

Openers for the tour include Drew Baldridge, Karley Scott Collins, Lanie Gardner, Randall King, Zach John King, Shane Profitt, Raelynn, Lauren Watkins, Jake Worthington and DJ Rock. Bryan will visit Myrtle Beach, Albuquerque, Buffalo, Kansas City and many more cities on the tour, which wraps in August.

Presale for fan club members begins Jan. 27-29, with general tickets going on sale Jan. 30 at lukebryan.com. Citi cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets beginning Jan. 27-29 through the Citi Entertainment program.

Bryan recently ranked in the top 20 of Pollstar’s Artists of the Millennium List based on ticket sales (one of only two country artists on the list), having sold more than 20 million concert tickets in his career.

“Word On The Street Tour” Dates:
May 29 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion
May 30 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion
June 5 — Myrtle Beach, SC — Carolina Country Music Fest+
June 11 — Fort Worth, TX — Dickies Arena
June 12 — Lubbock, TX — United Supermarkets Arena
June 13 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater
June 18 — Wichita, KS — INTRUST Bank Arena
June 19 — Des Moines, IA — Casey’s Center**
June 20 — Winsted, MN — Winstock Country Music Festival+
June 25 — Allentown, PA — PPL Center
June 26 — Buffalo, NY — Taste of Country+
June 27 — Nashville, TN — Alan Jackson: Last Call at Nissan Stadium+
July 9 — Kansas City, MO — Morton Amphitheater*
July 10 — Moline, IL — Vibrant Arena
July 11 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre*
July 23 — Southaven, MS — BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
July 24 — Brandon, MS — Brandon Amphitheater
July 25 — Orange Beach, AL — The Wharf Amphitheater
July 30 — Rapid City, SD — Summit Arena at The Monument
July 31 — Billings, MT — First Interstate Arena at MetraPark
August 6 — Bend, OR — Hayden Homes Amphitheater
August 7 — Airway Heights, WA — BECU Live at Northern Quest
August 8 — Auburn, WA — White River Amphitheatre
August 14 — Mountain View, CA — Shoreline Amphitheatre
August 15 — Long Beach, CA — Long Beach Amphitheater
August 22 — Charlotte, NC — Truliant Amphitheater
August 26 — Canandaigua, NY — Constellation Brands–Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
August 27 — Ottawa, ON — Canadian Tire Centre
August 29 — Saratoga Springs, NY — Saratoga Performing Arts Center*
September 10 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
September 12 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre*
September 26 — East Troy, WI — Alpine Valley Music Theatre

** On sale Feb. 6
* On sale Feb. 13
+ Festival or event show

NEEDTOBREATHE Slate 10th Studio Album ‘The Long Surrender’

/by

NEEDTOBREATHE will release their 10th studio album The Long Surrender on March 27 via MCA.

The project was produced by Dave Cobb and recorded at Cobb’s Savannah studio. The 12 track record features 11 solo writes by frontman Bear Rinehart, as well as a co-pen from John Luke Carter. The album features already released tracks “The Long Surrender,” “Where You Call Home” and “Momma Loves Me,” featuring The Red Clay Strays.

“NEEDTOBREATHE feels vital on this album,” shares Cobb. “They came in with open hearts and gratitude, focused on nothing but the truth. You can feel it in Bear’s voice and in the musicianship throughout the record.”

“In the beginning I didn’t even think I was writing for a record—I was just writing in a therapeutic way, trying to get my head around what I wanted my life to look like going forward,” adds Rinehart. “There’s always been a guardedness as far as how personal I get in the songs, or how overtly I express certain things, but this time I was writing everything down as I was going through it. It felt like the songs were coming from a different place, and where we ended up almost feels like a whole new band.

“This album really clarified that, as an artist, I’ve got to put my convictions in front of anything else,” he continues. “I poured myself into it without trying to shape it for anyone or anything, and that’s what we’re going to keep doing from here on out. It’s definitely a better indicator of where we’re headed than where we’ve ever been, and in a lot of ways it feels it’s our very first record.”

NEEDTOBREATHE will kick off the second leg of “The Barely Elegant Acoustic Tour” on Feb. 4 in Mobile, Alabama. The tour will cities such as Tampa, Louisville, Tulsa, and more before wrapping on March 7 in Fort Worth.

The Long Surrender Tracklist:
1. “The Long Surrender” (William Rinehart)
2. “Say It Now” (William Rinehart)
3. “Highlands” (William Rinehart)
4. “Sing To Me Savannah” (William Rinehart)
5. “Where You Call Home” (William Rinehart)
6. “Strangeness Of It All” (William Rinehart, John Luke Carter)
7. “Take Me Dancing” (William Rinehart)
8. “The Door” (William Rinehart)
9. “Growing Slow” (William Rinehart)
10. “Momma Loves Me” (feat. The Red Clay Strays) (William Rinehart)
11. “Take The Blame” (William Rinehart)
12. “Spread The Ashes” (William Rinehart)

AIMP Nashville Young Professionals Committee Welcomes New Members

/by

Pictured (L-R, back row): Liz Mayo, Raleigh Berschback, Ree Guyer, JD Groover, Bob Squance, Chris Owen, Courtney Kruckeberg and Halle Bartlett. (L-R, front row): Samantha Sarno, Maurna Crosby, Jennifer Hall, Kirby Mathews, Ciara Shortridge, MaryAnn Keen, Melissa Spillman, Haily Harris and Abigail Wate Ayala. Not Pictured: Lily Bunta.

The Nashville chapter of AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers) has welcomed eight new members to its Young Professionals Committee for 2026.

Abigail Wate Ayala (Ace High Music), Bob Squance (Lady Luck Songs, Withrow Street Music), Chris Owen (Cornman Music), Halle Bartlett (One Riot Music), Jennifer Hall (Peermusic), Kirby Mathews (Back Blocks Music), Liz Mayo (The MLC), and Lily Bunta have all joined the Committee.

These new members will help spread the mission of AIMP, educating and informing music publishers about current industry trends and practices via discussions of issues and problems in the publishing industry.

Those interested in becoming an AIMP (Nashville) member can reach out to membership@aimpnashville.com.

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Dolly Parton’s 80th Birthday With Fourth Annual ‘Opry Goes Dolly’ Show

/by

Opry Members Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson Perform During Opry Goes Dolly. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry celebrated Opry member Dolly Parton and her 80th birthday with its fourth annual “Opry Goes Dolly” show at the Opry House last weekend.

The special show highlighted songs from Parton’s iconic 1980s era and other classics from her catalog. Among those appearing were Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, Rhonda Vincent, Mark Wills, Sierra Hull, Elizabeth Nichols and Trannie Anderson, who made her Opry debut. The night concluded with Gill and Wilson joining forces on Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” as well as her iconic “I Will Always Love You.”

In honor of the “Opry Goes Dolly” celebration, the Opry is partnering with Julien’s to give fans the chance to own a piece of country music history and support the Opry Trust Fund. The exclusive online-only auction runs through Feb. 2 and features a one-of-a-kind, Dolly Parton-signed microphone stand with signature rhinestones and butterflies throughout, including an autographed plaque. The mic stand was presented to Parton in 2025 as part of the Opry 100 celebration. The stand is accompanied by a framed photo of her on the night of her Grand Ole Opry induction at the Ryman on Jan. 4, 1969 taken by award-winning Opry staff photographer Les Leverett.

The Opry Trust Fund provides financial assistance in times of intense need, emergency, or catastrophe to individuals who are or have been employed full-time in a facet of the country music industry. Since its inception, the Opry Trust Fund has distributed more than $5.7 million. Five dollars from every ticket sold from the “Opry Goes Dolly” show will be donated to Parton’s Imagination Library, the book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.