Ian Munsick is kicking off 2023 with his “Long Live Cowgirls 2023 Tour.” Ashland Craft will join him on the 15-city trek.

Kicking off at the legendary Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas on Jan. 20, the tour will visit Fort Worth, Knoxville, Indianapolis, Baton Rouge, St. Louis and more before wrapping the first leg in Georgia on March 16.

“We’re hitting a ton of places we’ve never played before this winter/spring,” explains Munsick. “That’s probably what I’m most excited about. There’s nothing in the world quite like the first time you play in a city or town and have no idea what’s gonna happen when you hit that stage. Sharing that first time energy with the crowd is something that only happens once.”

The tour follows the news of Munsick’s sophomore album, slated for release early next year through Warner Music Nashville. He will wrap 2022 with a performance at the National Finals Rodeo for Rodeo Vegas on Dec. 10.

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Return To The ‘CMT Crossroads’ Stage

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss returned to the CMT Crossroads stage on Tuesday night (Nov. 29), celebrating the franchise’s 20th anniversary. The duo currently have three nominations for their album Raise the Roof at the 65th annual Grammy Awards.

 

Tracy Lawrence Donates 60K To Nashville’s Homeless On Giving Tuesday

Tracy Lawrence got in the swing of Giving Tuesday this year by supporting charities committed to ending homelessness across Middle Tennessee. The country artist, through his Mission:Possible organization, hand-delivered $10,000 to charities such as Safe Haven, People Loving Nashville, Shower Up, The Laundry Stop, Brooks House, and Open Table.

“While we were able to reach new records at the Turkey Fry last week, we realize there is a growing need around Middle Tennessee that continues to need our support,” Lawrence explains. “We’re thankful for all our supporters that make it possible for us to lend a hand to multiple organizations.”

Mission:Possible’s goal is to raise support for and awareness of the homeless population in Middle Tennessee and beyond. The organization’s longest-running annual event–the Thanksgiving week Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert–fried a record-breaking 1,200 turkeys and fed over 9,600 of those in need this holiday season. The benefit concert went on to raise another record-breaking $250,000 in support of Nashville Rescue Mission.

 

Riser House Entertainment Taps Ashley Mascroft As Promotions & Label Coordinator

Riser House Entertainment has added Ashley Mascroft as Promotions and Label Coordinator.

Mascroft started in radio in 2007 at WRNX-FM (KIX 100.9) in Springfield, Massachusetts, and became the Promotions Director for WSIX-FM (The Big 98) in 2018, along with taking on promotional duties for WNRQ-FM (105.9 The Rock) in December 2019. Most recently, she spent time away from music as the COO of a Nashville-based apparel brand, Codeword, before rejoining the industry with Riser House.

“Ashley is incredibly competent and intelligent,” says Riser House Entertainment President and Co-Founder Jennifer Johnson. “Throw her a project, and she’ll have it planned out or fully executed that day. She’s already a huge asset, and I am honored to have her on our dynamic team at Riser House.”

“I’m excited to return to the music industry after taking a couple years away,” adds Mascroft. ‘I’m especially thankful to have found my new home with the Riser House team!”

Mascroft can be reached at ashley@riserhouse.com.

 

Carnival Music Brings Out The Stops At Special Gathering

Nashville-based publishing company Carnival Music recently hosted a special gathering in Nashville. Among those in attendance were Dale Dodson, Chris Beavers, Mando Saenz, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Nicole Wyatt, Brent Cobb, Brittany Hamlin, and Emily McMannis.

 

Alexia Wilkins Inks With APA

Arkansas-bred, Nashville-based artist Alexis Wilkins has inked an exclusive booking agreement with APA. On the heels of her top 10 selling single “Stand,” the Saddle Up Records singer will now be represented by APA’s Jeff Hill and his Nashville team for touring, sponsorship, film and TV, and literary endeavors.

“You are who you surround yourself with, and I couldn’t be more excited to work with such a wonderful group of people who understand the vision, support this music, and believe so much in the live show,” shares Wilkins. “Thank you so much Jules [Wortman] & APA, Jeff, Jenn [Hludzik], and the team, for being incredible partners, I’m already so looking forward to what we’ve got in the pipeline. Excited for 2023, touring, and putting out this new era of music. Let’s go play some country music, y’all.”

“We love the drive and talents of Alexis. She is a strong artist, songwriter, and creative,” adds Hill. “When you have a package and a conviction like hers, we cannot go wrong. Looking forward to growing her career. When promoters call wanting an act back after their first booking, we are surely in for a great run.”

Wilkins is managed by industry veteran Jules Wortman of Wortman Works. Ava Evans of Wortman Works handles PR and day-to-day management.

BMG Nashville has promoted Kelsey Worley to Sr. Director of Creative and hired Amy Hendon Scott as Director of Creative.

Worley, who relocated to Nashville from Los Angeles earlier this year, will continue to be responsible for developing and signing both established and rising talent, and working with BMG’s roster of songwriters, which includes Emily Landis, Stephen Wilson Jr., Claire Douglas, Drew Kennedy, Austin Nivarel, and Logan Wall, among others. The Berklee College of Music graduate began her career at Interscope Records as an Executive Assistant to the CEO, John Janick. She was then promoted to the position of A&R Manager for the rosters of Interscope Records, Geffen Records, and Darkroom Records.

“Kelsey is an amazing song person. She knows songwriters. She has a heart for both,” says Chris Oglesby, VP Creative. “Her determination has been on full display since arriving from L.A. Armed with a label and publishing skill set, she has opened up opportunities for our writers and their songs across all genres. In a very short time, she has made herself a part of the Music Row community, and we’re excited to have her on our team.”

As Director of Creative, Scott will also be working with BMG’s songwriter roster as well as developing and signing new and established talent. She brings her wealth of experience in publishing and artist development to BMG from Liv Write Play, with previous stops at Wide Open Music and HoriPro Entertainment Group.

“Amy is a well-respected Music Row veteran,” states Oglesby. “She rounds out our team with experience that adds value to everyone. She brings our BMG family a broader depth and knowledge. She knows writers, and she knows exactly what to do with their songs and calendars.”

Both reporting to Oglesby, Worley can be reached at kelsey.worley@bmg.com and Scott can be reached at amy.scott@bmg.com.

Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Jeffrey Steele and Grammy-winning songwriter, artist, and the voice of Creed, Scott Stapp, will headline Operation Song’s 10th Anniversary Show at The Franklin Theater on Dec. 5.

Echoing past variety shows which entertained troops overseas, the evening will include hit songwriters and veterans performing songs from five eras of service–from WWII to Afghanistan. The audience of civilians, active-duty military, veterans, and Gold Star families will enjoy a social hour, entertainment, and live and silent auctions, including a Bourbon raffle which also can be bid on from home.

Hosted by Sirius XM The Highway’s Storme Warren, the evening marks the organization’s first large-scale fundraiser in Music City with hopes of becoming an annual event. Tickets for the night are on sale now.

“If there was ever a show that demonstrates the healing power of music, this is it. From heartbreaking to humorous to sentimental, these songs, and the stories behind them, hit every note,” shares Operation Song Founder and Grammy-nominated songwriter Bob Regan. “Bringing Nashville’s music and military communities together makes for an incredibly powerful presentation.”

U.S. Navy Desert Storm Veteran & Operation Song’s Board President, Bob Leonard adds, “For service members, discretion is as important as valor, so putting personal, visceral experiences into words can be a challenge. The songwriters we work with are true professionals who help translate veterans’ stories of sacrifice, comradery, and loyalty into compelling, relatable songs.”

Operation Song pairs accomplished songwriters with veterans to help them tell their stories through song. Proceeds from this and other events around the country in 2023 will benefit Operation Song’s year-round work.