Live In The Vineyard Goes Country has unveiled the first round of performers on the lineup for its eighth annual event in Napa Valley on April 21–23.

The private food and wine event presented by Forefront Networks pairs intimate performances from leading and emerging artists with Napa Valley’s revered vintners and world-renowned chefs in a unique luxury environment. The 2026 lineup will feature a headlining set from The Marcus King Band along with performances from The Braun Brothers, Kaitlin Butts, Zach John King, Lauren Watkins, Waylon Wyatt, Will Bundy, Abbie Callahan, Logan Crosby, Tiera Kennedy and McCoy Moore, with more to be announced.

The week begins at the Welcome Reception, presented by Lucchese Bootmaker, where guests are invited into a curated Lucchese experience. The Welcome Reception will be followed by intimate dinner performances set against the backdrop of Napa Valley. Day two introduces a taste of Texas to wine country with a Texas Music Scene Tailgate before the evening transitions to the historic Uptown Theatre for an unforgettable night of live music. The Texas Music Scene Tailgate will also serve as the setting for a live taping of Texas Music Scene, the long-running TV series known for standout performances across the country and Americana landscape. Day three concludes with a Farewell Brunch performance.

Vince Gill has been named the 2026 recipient of the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize and will formally receive the honor on May 6.

Named in honor of the revered visual historian and filmmaker, the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize was created by American Prairie to recognize individuals whose achievements have advanced our collective understanding of America’s heritage and the indomitable spirit of the American people. Nominees for the annual prize consist of visionary artists, authors, educators, filmmakers, historians, and scientists, and candidates are chosen by a National Jury of distinguished leaders who represent communities across the country and share a common appreciation of America’s heritage.

“Vince Gill is most deserving of this prize, and he represents the enduring power of American music to tell us who we are,” says Burns. “Like the prairie itself, his songs are shaped by patience, humility, and a deep respect for the people. I know what it is to be formed by the spirit of a place—how it asks you to listen closely, to honor what came before, and to submit, in the best sense of the word, to something larger than yourself. Vince has done this throughout his life and work, and in doing so, he has given us a truer understanding of our shared American heritage.”

“American Heritage Prize is an incredible honor and what inspiring company to be in,” says Gill about his selection. “The work American Prairie is doing to preserve America’s Great Plains is invaluable, and I’m grateful to be able to contribute to their efforts in any way I can. Over the years I have had the opportunity to collaborate and become good friends with Ken, and that in itself has been a great experience. This new relationship is one I’m very much looking forward to.”

In 2026, American Prairie celebrates 25 years as a 100% donor-funded organization working to connect, conserve, and share Montana’s Northern Great Plains – one of the last remaining temperate grasslands in the world. Grasslands are a vital yet vanishing biome, and they play a huge role in the planet’s health. Across the globe, less than 2% of temperate grasslands have been permanently conserved, making them the least protected biome on Earth.

Past recipients of the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize include David McCullough, Maya Lin, N. Scott Momaday, Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Chin, Kristine McDivitt Tompkins and Sylvia Earle.

Madden Metcalf has inked with MCA and Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer Freddy Wexler.

“Madden has all the things you can’t teach—great instincts, authenticity, charisma, star power,” shares Wexler. “He’s also someone with an infectious sense of gratitude. It makes you want to move a mountain for him. I’m incredibly excited to work with MCA as we help Madden build something real and lasting.”

“Madden has a clear voice and uncommon level of conviction for someone so early in his career,” says Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA. “His music reflects real life, real place, and real identity — and that’s the foundation of what makes an artist stand out. We’re proud to be his label home and help amplify what he’s building.”

First discovered by his manager Olivia Wexler, who helped guide his development alongside Wexler Records, he is slated to release an EP later this year.

In celebration of the signing, Metcalf released a new single, “Like My Hometown,” inspired by upbringing in Panacea, Florida.

“I still can’t believe that a Gulf Coast kid from a small fishing town of about a thousand people gets an opportunity like this,” Metcalf adds. “I’m just incredibly thankful to God, to my family, to my team, and to everyone who’s been with me from the start.”

Lainey Wilson brought together more than 300 industry members, friends and family on Tuesday (Jan. 13) to celebrate her ninth No. 1 single, “Somewhere Over Laredo.” Hosted by ASCAP and BMI, the event honored the artists, songwriters, publishers and industry team members who contributed to the single’s success.

Written by Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson and Andy Albert, and produced by Jay Joyce, the track was inspired by Judy Garland’s “Over The Rainbow,” written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. The track is nominated for “Best Country Song” and “Best Country Solo Performance” at the upcoming 68th annual GRAMMY Awards.

Emceed by BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI’s Clay Bradley, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Riser House’s Brandon Perdue, Concord’s Matt Turner, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s JoJamie Hahr each took the microphone to honor the teams behind the song.

Many spoke of the close creative relationship of “The Heart Wranglers,” which consists of Laniey Wilson, Dallas Wilson and Anderson.

“What you guys are together is so special because you have grown together, you have each other’s backs, you speak life into one another, and your relationship has impacted beyond the three of you as a unit,” Gaston shared.

“There is not a harder working, more appreciative guy in town than Andy Albert. That makes my job easier, and it makes me want to do better for you,” Turner shared, noting that this song marks Albert’s third No. 1 of 2025.

Studio Bank sponsored the event, with Kari Barnhart presenting a special donation in honor of the writers to Wilson’s Heart Like A Truck Fund.

Dallas Wilson shared his gratitude for each co-writer, recounting how each one was integral to his early career, taking writes before he signed a publishing deal.

“Lainey Wilson is the biggest blessing to a songwriter,” he shared. “She props us up, she encourages us, she loves on us in every way. She doesn’t have the capacity but she does it anyway, and its the greatest blessing to be part of this.”

Albert shared that the song began when he and Anderson went to Florida’s Harry Potter World during a trip for Orlando Nashville Nights.

“I can’t believe the seed of a song idea we kicked around waiting in the lines has grown into this, but I guess that’s the magic of Nashville,” he quipped.

Anderson shared that the song marks a full-circle moment for her as the timing of the song has aligned with her pregnancy with her “rainbow baby.”

Lainey Wilson took the microphone to wrap up the celebration, sharing, “As a songwriter, its important for me to be able to step into a pair of shoes I’ve worn before and tell a story from that perspective. … I’m so thankful that I get to write songs with my best buddies, people who know me better than I know myself.”