Keith Urban Visits Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital At Vanderbilt
Keith Urban and a patient at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Keith Urban visited patients and their families at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville earlier this week. During the visit Urban spent time in Seacrest Studios answering questions, taking photos, and leading a patient sing-along during an acoustic performance. He also donated guitars to the hospital’s music therapy program. At Monroe Carell, therapists use personalized music interventions to provide emotional support, pain and anxiety management, developmental goals, coping, and overall well-being to children and families.
“We are truly grateful to Keith Urban for sharing his time to visit with children and families inside Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell,” says Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, president of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “Keith is a wonderful friend to our hospital with several visits over the years. His thoughtful and generous gift of guitars to our Music Therapy Program will help us continue using music as added therapy to bring comfort and healing to children during their hospital stay.”
Ashley McBryde Surprised With Gold Plaque For ‘Light On In The Kitchen’
Pictured (L-R): Fount Lynch (SVP Publicity, WRN), Sarah Sholar Rickerman (Manager, Q Prime), Cris Lacy (Chair & President, WRN), Ashley McBryde, Mike Dupree (SVP Creative Director, WRN) and Anna Pittman (VP Marketing, WRN). Photo: David Bradley
Ashley McBryde was surprised at last week’s Redemption Residency shows in Nashville with a plaque celebrating the Gold certification of “Light On In The Kitchen.” Earlier this month, the Warner Records Nashville artist launched the Light On Fund, a new charitable initiative named in reference to “Light On In The Kitchen,” that targets areas including advocacy for the mental health of veterans, rehabilitation resources for the creative community, helping children in the foster care system, championing ASL interpretation at live music events, and much more.
Provident Entertainment Named Billboard’s Top Christian Label for 2025
Provident Entertainment has been named Billboard’s Top Christian Label for the second consecutive year, along with Top Christian Albums Label and Hot Christian Songs Label. In addition to securing the top label honor again, Provident and its artists celebrate a collection of Billboard Year-End accolades across multiple charts, including achievements by Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, and Seph Schlueter, as well as several top-performing songs and albums.
“Being recognized as Billboard’s Top Christian Label for the second year in a row is an incredible milestone,” shares Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “This continued success reflects the passion and dedication of our artists, songwriters, and our entire team. We are honored to create and champion music that brings hope, encouragement, and truth to listeners around the world.
Margo Price Performs For Female Inmates At West Tennessee State Penitentiary
Pictured (L-R): Sean Thompson, Taylor Floreth, Margo Price, Alec Newnam and Logan Ledger
Margo Price and her band performed a concert last week for more than 400 inmates at the Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center within Henning, Tennessee’s West Tennessee State Penitentiary. In partnership with Tennessee Innocence Project, Price was joined by spokesperson/activist Joyce Watkins, who was recently exonerated after spending 27 years in prison for a crime she did not commit, to shine a light on the circumstances surrounding recidivism, justice and mental health in the U.S. prison system.
Following the release of her latest LP, Hard Headed Woman, which is nominated for two awards at the upcoming 2026 Grammys, Price is preparing a new live album and documentary surrounding her trip to the West Tennessee State Penitentiary.
Odyssey Entertainment Group Surpasses $30 Million Sales Milestone In First Four Years
/by Lorie HollabaughPaige Kosinski and Nicole Kasper
Nashville-based Odyssey Entertainment Group, the talent and creator management company led by women, has surpassed $30 million in total talent sales in just four years, positioning the firm as one of the fastest-growing companies in the creator economy.
Founded in 2021 by Nicole Kasper and Paige Kosinski, Odyssey has grown from two founders with a dream to a 21-person, all-women team managing active talent rosters across comedy, food, parenting, health and wellness, business, tech, lifestyle, beauty, finance, fashion, entertainment and home décor. Odyssey represents 65 exclusive creators and supports 250-plus non-exclusive talent, offering services across talent management, PR & events, marketing strategy and special projects. The company’s diverse roster includes creators Becca Bastos, Courtney Michelle, Cass Olive, and The Williams Fam, many of whom have been with Odyssey since the early days.
Odyssey continues to expand through four divisions, Talent Management, PR & Events, Marketing Strategy, and Special Projects, further advancing its mission to redefine creator partnerships with transparency, care, and community at the forefront of every decision. Through its holistic management model, Odyssey has helped creators achieve exponential growth, doubling earnings post-signing and has run more than 5,500 brand campaigns with partners including Walmart, Target, Amazon, Microsoft, CVS and Procter & Gamble.
“Launching Odyssey with Paige has been the most rewarding decision of my career,” says Kasper. “Our boutique, hands-on, people-first approach is what makes Odyssey so special. We lead with heart and integrity, and the results prove that creators thrive when people come before profit.”
“What began as a simple idea over breakfast with Nicole has grown into a company powered by fearless, brilliant women,” adds Kosinski. “Every day, we build legacies, not just careers.”
Meghan Patrick Slates ‘The Golden Child Tour’
/by Madison HahnenMeghan Patrick. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Meghan Patrick has unveiled “The Golden Child Tour,” which will kick off on Feb. 19 in Plain City, Ohio.
The 8-city tour will include stops in Chicago, Louisville, San Diego and more before wrapping up in Highland, California on May 8. Patrick will also make festival appearances at Country In The Park, Boots In The Park, and Hodag Country Festival.
“2025 was one of the best years of my life, filled with unforgettable moments and career milestones. I’m incredibly proud of my team and grateful for all the hard work that led to our 3rd annual domestic violence fundraiser, raising $22,612.06 for the YWCA to help women and families find safety and a fresh start.” shares Patrick. “I wrapped up the year touring Canada opening for Brad Paisley; every show was electric, and singing “Whiskey Lullaby” with Brad each night was a true career highlight I’ll never forget. To top it off, “Golden Child” reached the Top 20 at US Country radio (#19), my first-ever Top 20 in America. I can’t wait to release Golden Child (The Final Chapter) in January, headline my first U.S. tour, and bring the full MFP experience on the road. 2025 will be hard to top, but 2026 is already shaping up to be even better.”
Tickets for “The Golden Child Tour” will go on-sale tomorrow (Dec. 19) at 9 a.m. CST here.
“The Golden Child Tour” Dates:
2/19 – Plain City, OH – The Grainery
2/20 – West Peoria, IL – Crusens
2/21 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon
2/26 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
2/27 – Urbana, IL – The Canopy Club
2/28 – Louisville, KY – PBR
4/18* – Fresno, CA – Boots In The Park
5/7 – San Diego, CA – Moonshine Beach
5/8 – Highland, CA – Tukut Lounge at Yaamava Resort & Casino
5/9* – Sacramento, CA – Country In The Park
5/15* – Albuquerque, NM – Boots In The Park
7/11* – Rhinelander, WI – Hodag Country Festival
*Festival dates
Historic Nashville Holiday-Music Deluge Swamps Reviewer
/by Robert K OermannSeveral people have asked me if there is going to be a DISClaimer review column covering this year’s seasonal records.
The answer is, “No.” The reason is that this year, there are more than 130 new holiday singles and at least 25 Christmas albums. For whatever reason, Nashville’s music makers seem to believe that we need the comfort-and-joy of Yule tunes more than ever in 2025.
This is just anecdotal, but I cannot recall a year when there was such a bonanza of holiday music. Realistically, there are not enough working hours in a day, week or month to listen and write about all of these releases.
I can offer the following guideposts. Of the classic Christmas tunes, “Winter Wonderland” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” were the most recorded by Nashville-associated acts in 2025. Of the new Xmas tunes, the 10 titles that intrigued me most were (1) “Santa Claus Was My Uber Driver,” (2) “Shut Up, Santa,” (3) “Trucker’s Christmas,” (4) “Ugly Sweater,” (5) “Santa Had a Rough Year,” (6) “Socks and Underwear,” (7) “How to Make Gravy,” (8) “I Hate Christmas,” (9) “Christmas In Jail” and (10) “The Wayward Turkey From Albuquerque” (leftover from Thanksgiving).
Among the albums, there is no denying the talent of Brad Paisley. And the golden voices of Trisha Yearwood, Natalie Grant and Mickey Guyton seem to be made for the season. Old Crow Medicine Show deserves a shout-out for creativity. Gabby Barrett gets a nod as the best newcomer to Christmas music making..
Anyhow, in lieu of an exhaustive column, here’s a menu of this year’s selections. Have fun creating your own playlists.
Happy holidays.
VINTAGE HOLIDAY FAVORITES:
JASON ALDEAN- “Christmas In Dixie”
GABBY BARRETT- “Where Are You Christmas”
WILLIAM BECKMANN & CARTER FAITH- “Nothin’ for Christmas”
RICHARD BENNETT & LEONA- “My Favorite Things”
LEWIS BRICE- “Frosty the Snowman”
LUKE BRYAN & ELLA LANGLEY- “Winter Wonderland”
COLBIE CAILLAT & GAVIN DEGRAW- “Let It Snow”
COLORADO COUNTRY- “Let It Snow”
KRISTY COX- “Christmas Without You”
JORDAN DAVIS- “O Come All Ye Faithful”
EXILE- “Winter Wonderland”
CARTER FAITH- “Please Come Home for Christmas”
SIERRA FERRELL- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
FIDDLE EXPRESS- “A Christmas Medley”
SHEA FISHER- “Jingle Bell Rock”
BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES- “The First Noel / Joy to the World” (medley)
LARRY GATLIN & JAIMEE PAUL- “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
HADLEY JO- “Hard Candy Christmas”
HUNTER HAYES- “Run, Run Rudolph”
HOME FREE- “O Come All Ye Faithful”
ALEXANDRA KAY- “Hard Candy Christmas”
TIERRA KENNEDY- “Mary Did You Know”
LADY A- “Winter Wonderland”
LAMONT LANDERS- “This Christmas”
BRENDA LEE- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
KAT LUNA- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Spanglish)”
MARTINA McBRIDE- “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
PARKER McCOLLUM- “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
THE McCRARY SISTERS- “Go Tell It On the Mountain”
REBA McENTIRE- “Run, Run Rudolph”
TORI MARTIN- “Jolly Old St. Nicholas”
ALYSSA MICAELA- “Silent Night (Noche de Paz)”
MORIAH- “Someday at Christmas”
THE KODY NORRIS SHOW- “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW- “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS- “Santa Baby”
FRANK RAY- “Feliz Navidad”
LEANN RIMES- “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
RRINACO- “Angels From the Realms of Glory”
ALLISON RUSSELL- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
SACHA- “Where Are You Christmas”
JD SHELBURNE & CRYSTAL GAYLE- “Silver Bells”
BLAKE SHELTON- “Go Tell It On the Mountain”
SIX ONE FIVE COLLECTIVE- “Little Saint Nick”
SKILLET- “O Come, O Come Emanuel”
MINDY SMITH- “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
THELMA & JAMES- “White Christmas”
JACOB TOLLIVER- “Here Comes Santa Claus”
ZACH TOP- “Blue Christmas”
VALERIE JUNE- “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
BRENNA WHITAKER- “Mary Did You Know”
BRANDON WISHAM- “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”
WARREN ZEIDERS- “How Great Thou Art”
NEW XMAS TUNES:
TRACE ADKINS- “One More Christmas”
DAN ASHLEY- “Let It Ring”
DREW BALDRIDGE- “Best Gift for Christmas”
MEGAN BARKER- “Shut Up, Santa”
GABBY BARRETTT- “Grown Up Christmas”
BIZZ BIGSBY- “What to Get You for Christmas”
LEE BRICE- “Santa Claus Was My Uber Driver”
MITCHELL BROODLEY- “Except for Christmas Day”
TREY CALLOWAY- “Christmas With You”
SCOTTY WRAY CAMPBELL- “Heaven for a Day”
LANCE COWAN- “Starting to Feel Like Christmas”
CHAPARELLE & SIERRA FERRELL- “When It Snows in Texas”
JOHNNY DAN- “Trucker’s Christmas”
DAN + SHAY- “Back to December”
DASHA- “Driving Home for Christmas”
DOCTOR COCONUT- “Silly Merry Christmas”
THE DOOHICKEYS- “Merry, Happy, Whatever”
HANNAH ELLIS & NICK WAYNE- “Christmas at 60 MPH”
MORGAN EVANS- “How to Make Gravy”
JIMMY FALLON & CARTER FAITH- “Ugly Sweater”
LARRY FLEET- “That Spirit of Christmas”
BRADLEY GASKIN- “Here Comes Christmas”
SHEYNA GEE- “Kiss This Christmas”
DEVON GILFILLIAN- “Christmas Is Love”
DANNY GOKEY- “The Moment the Whole World Changed”
HARPER GRACE- “Country Christmas”
MICKEY GUYTON- “Sugar Cookies”
MICKEY GUYTON & DREW BALDRIDGE- “Joy to Your World”
ALEX HALL- “57 Chevy Bel Air”
KELSEY HART- “Santa Had a Rough Year”
WARREN HAYNES- “Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday”
THE HEELS- “Mrs. Claus”
HIGH FIDELITY- “Christmas Time Back Home”
BRADEN HULL- “Hey Son”
HUNTERGIRL- “Christmas Again”
GRACE HUMPHRIES- “For Years”
LINDA IMPERIAL- “Christmas In the Tropics”
SARAH JAROSZ- “Peace”
KEB MO- “Better Every Day”
LIZ KENNEDY- “Snow in San Francisco”
ERICA LANE- “Secret Workshop”
BERNIE LEADON- “HoliDAZE”
LITTLE BIG TOWN- “The Innkeeper”
LOCASH- “Snow Angel”
MICHAEL LUSK- “Another Crazy Christmas at Our House”
SCOTTY McCREERY- “Feel Like the Holidays”
REBA McENTIRE- “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
GARRETT MILES- “Christmas In the South”
ALEX MILLER- “All Wrapped Up in You This Christmas”
DRAKE MILLIGAN- “Cowgirl For Christmas”
MORGXN- “Every Season”
DARYL MOSLEY- “Socks and Underwear”
WILLIE NELSON- “Christmas Love Song”
BRAD PAISLEY- “Counting Down the Days”
RAELYNN- “Let the Holiday Come On In”
LAUREN RISMILLER- “Mistletoe Won’t”
JACQUIIE ROAR- “Christmas Miss Me”
ROD & ROSE- “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
MATT ROGERS- “Margaritas for Christmas”
TORI ROSE- “Hometown Christmas”
STEPHEN ROWE- “It’s That Time of Year”
ASHLEY RYAN- “Mistletoe Missin’ You”
DYLAN SCOTT- “Two Christmas Trees”
JB SOMERS- “I Hate Christmas”
GEORGE STRAIT- “Christmas Cookies”
SUZANNE’S BAND- “Falling, Falling, Falling”
THE FAIRFIELD FOUR & THE NASHVILLE BLUEGRASS BAND- “The Last Month of the Year”
MARYNN TAYLOR- “Mistletoe”
ELLE TOWNLEY- “Perfect Christmas”
RANDY TRAVIS- “Where My Heart Is” (from the vault)
THE TURKEY TROTTERS- “The Wayward Turkey From Albuquerque”
CARRIE UNDERWOOD- “Favorite Time of the Year”
KEITH URBAN- “I’ll Be Your Santa”
GEORGINA WHITE- “It’s Christmas Time Tonight”
LAINEY WILSON- “Peace, Love and Cowboys (Holiday Edition)”
CHRISTOPHER WYZE & THE TELLERS- “Christmas in Jail”
TRISHA YEARWOOD- “Christmas Time Is Here”
TRISHA YEARWOOD & GARTH BROOKS- “Merry Christmas, Valentine”
CHRIS YOUNG- “Christmas Ain’t Christmas”
2025 XMAS ALBUMS & EPs:
GABBY BARRETT- Carols and Candlelight
CHRIS BLUE- Every Day Is Christmas
LUKE BRYAN- Luke Bryan Christmas
CARTER FAITH- A Cherry Valley Holiday
BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES- Jingle All the Way (reissue, with new songs)
JANIE FRICKE- A Cowgirl Country Christmas
GOLD CITY- Hope in a Manger
NATALIE GRANT- Christmas
MICKEY GUYTON- Feels Like Christmas
ALEX HALL- A Very Merry Christmas
HUNTER HAYES- Evergreen Christmas Sessions
DREW & ELLIE HOLCOMB- I’ll Be Home For Christmas
LADY A- On This Winter’s Night Volume 2
LAMONT LANDERS- Lamont Landers Sings the Holidays
LITTLE BIG TOWN- The Christmas Record (reissue)
JESSICA LYNN- A Very Merry Classic Christmas (reissue)
J.D. McPHERSON- SOCKS: A Rock & Roll Christmas (reissue)
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW- OCMS Xmas
BRAD PAISLEY- Snow Globe Town
RAELYNN- Jingle Jangle Rock
LEANN RIMES- Greatest Hits Christmas
T.G. SHAPPARD & KELLY LANG- Tender Tennessee Christmas
CALI TUCKER- Santa Baby
LAINEY WILSON- Peace, Love & Cowboys
TRISHA YEARWOOD- Christmastime
Musicians On Call Announces National Board of Directors Appointments
/by Lorie HollabaughMichael Solomon
Musicians On Call, the nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments, has appointed Michael Solomon, Co-Founder of 10x Management and Musicians On Call, as Chair of its National Board of Directors.
Lee Perlman, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative & Financial Officer of the Greater New York Hospital Association, has also been appointed as Vice Chair, and Deb Reiner, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Affairs for HCA Healthcare, has been named Secretary.
Solomon is an established entrepreneur and businessman and helped found 10x Management and Musicians On Call. He has served as a longtime advocate and supporter of MOC’s mission and brings a wealth of experience in entertainment, business leadership, and philanthropy to his role as Chair.
Perlman is a volunteer and philanthropist who devotes energy to non-profits in healthcare, education, and the arts. He is Chairman of Commonpoint, the Actors Fund Home, International Sports and Music Project, Friends of Evergreen Meadow Academy, Berkshire Theatre Group, and New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (Javits Center). He also serves as Vice Chair of the American Theatre Wing and serves on the Boards of Entertainment Community Fund and UJA Federation of New York.
Reiner oversees HCA Healthcare’s community relations efforts and engages key audiences to support the organization’s strategic agenda and patients-first culture. With more than 25 years at HCA, she has held multiple leadership roles spanning marketing, planning, and service line growth. She currently serves on the boards of the HCA Healthcare Foundation, the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund and United Way of Greater Nashville.
“We’re entering an exciting new era for Musicians On Call under the leadership of this incredible group of professionals,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Michael’s passion for helping others through music is unmatched, and our organization is here today because he, as one of our co-founders, recognized how transformative music can be in a hospital room. With Lee’s extensive knowledge of healthcare and Deb’s expertise in strategic communications and community engagement, we’re equipped to expand our reach, innovate our programs, and deliver the healing power of music to even more patients and caregivers across the country.”
For over 25 years, MOC has used music to promote and complement the healing process through bedside, virtual and digital streaming programs that are available across all 50 states. As the nation’s leading provider of live music in hospitals, Musicians On Call volunteers have performed for more than 1.2 million people in healthcare facilities nationwide.
BMG & TikTok Expand Partnership
/by Lauryn SinkBMG has renewed and expanded its direct music publishing agreement with TikTok. Through the agreement, BMG will gain deeper visibility into music usage and more advanced digital rights management tools.
“BMG truly understands the power of TikTok and the opportunity it creates for songwriters today,” says Tracy Gardner, Global Head of Music Business Development. “They understand the platform, they embrace innovation, and they work with us hand-in-hand to strengthen rights management and unlock meaningful value. This expanded partnership reflects the trust and momentum we’ve built together — and we’re excited to continue driving growth for the songwriters at the heart of music discovery on TikTok.”
“This agreement underscores our focus on building scalable, forward-looking partnerships that elevate the role of songwriting in today’s music economy,” adds Celine Joshua, EVP, Global Marketing and Streaming. “We continue to invest in systems and structures that protect rights, ensure attribution, and add value for creators across the digital landscape.”
Donna Duncan Receives 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award
/by Lorie HollabaughDonna Duncan, veteran talent executive, is surprised with news of her 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award win by Luke Bryan at KP Entertainment offices. Photo: Courtesy of KP Entertainment
Veteran talent executive Donna Duncan is
A seasoned talent executive with nearly two decades of experience shaping some of the most recognizable music and entertainment programming across the Paramount brand portfolio, Duncan spent 19 years at CMT, where she held multiple roles across production, development, talent booking, and franchise expansion. During her tenure, she served as Talent Producer for the CMT Music Awards, CMT Crossroads, and CMT Hot 20 Countdown, and contributed to top Paramount tentpole events, including the MTV VMAs on CBS.
Known for her deep industry relationships, creative instincts, and strategic approach to elevating artist-driven content, Duncan has built a consistent track record of high-profile bookings across television, digital franchises, and integrated marketing initiatives.
The CMA Media Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of print and online journalists, columnists, authors, editors, television writers, producers and bookers, and syndicated radio reporters in the media as they relate to country music. The award is voted on by publicist members of CMA.
Combustion Music’s 13th Annual Hope Town Music Festival Raises $500K For Local Charities
/by Lorie HollabaughCombustion Music Staff, Writers + Festival Participants Celebrate the close of Hope Town Music Festival in Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas. Photo: Courtesy of Combustion Music
Combustion Music’s 13th Annual Hope Town Music Festival returned to Elbow Cay in Abaco, Bahamas December 5-7, raising nearly $500,000 for Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Friends of the Environment, and Every Child Counts.
This year’s lineup included Combustion Founder/President Chris Farren, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Charles Esten, Brett Tyler, Ryan Hurd, Kendell Marvel, Morgan Evans, Laci Kaye Booth, Rivers Rutherford, Rhys Rutherford, Blake Bollinger, Payton Smith, and more across the three-day festival.
Founded by Farren in 2012, Hope Town Music Festival brings Nashville’s best songwriters to the Bahamas for a common cause, and has raised over three million dollars since its inception. Farren has split time between The Bahamas and Nashville for over 20 years, combining and investing in both communities by founding the unique festival.
“Every year I feel like our Christmas season kicks off with this incredible weekend of music, laughter and giving in this very special place,” Farren shares. “Huge thanks to all of my friends, staff and supporters for making this dream of mine truly come to life.”
HARDY & Bert Kreischer To Host ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’
/by Lauryn SinkHARDY & Bert Kreischer.
HARDY and Bert Kreischer will host this year’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, which is set to air Dec. 31 on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+. Additionally, Haley Baylee will correspond from New York City and count down with the East Coast at midnight ET for New York City’s Ball Drop.
“Celebrating New Year’s in Music City is always a blast,” says HARDY. “It’s great to be back playing Nashville’s Big Bash and I’m stoked to co-host this year with one of the funniest dudes I know.”
“You hear people say I’m honored and privileged to be working with a certain group of people but in this case, I am blown away that I’m allowed to work with these people. This lineup is insane,” adds Kreischer. “This event, which I was a very small part of last year, is so much fun. To be working with my buddy HARDY… it feels like I should be paying CBS to do this. I can’t wait. I hope I keep my shirt on, and I promise not to drink until the stroke of midnight, unless you want me to start drinking earlier.”
HARDY will also perform live at Bicentennial Park in Nashville along with previously announced headliners Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman, and special guests CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Additionally, the five-hour special will feature performances by Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Marcus King, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr. from various venues across the city, as well as special appearances by comedian Dusty Slay, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT’s Cassie DiLaura, Sirius XM host Buzz Brainard and UFC champion Kayla Harrison.
Dwight Yoakam and Marcus King will take the stage at Category 10, home of the official New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash watch party, with special guests Cody Alan and Caylee Hammack. The official watch party is free and open to fans 21 and older on a first-come, first-served basis.
Industry Ink: Keith Urban, Ashley McBryde, Provident Entertainment, Margo Price
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban Visits Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital At Vanderbilt
Keith Urban and a patient at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Keith Urban visited patients and their families at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville earlier this week. During the visit Urban spent time in Seacrest Studios answering questions, taking photos, and leading a patient sing-along during an acoustic performance. He also donated guitars to the hospital’s music therapy program. At Monroe Carell, therapists use personalized music interventions to provide emotional support, pain and anxiety management, developmental goals, coping, and overall well-being to children and families.
“We are truly grateful to Keith Urban for sharing his time to visit with children and families inside Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell,” says Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, president of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “Keith is a wonderful friend to our hospital with several visits over the years. His thoughtful and generous gift of guitars to our Music Therapy Program will help us continue using music as added therapy to bring comfort and healing to children during their hospital stay.”
Ashley McBryde Surprised With Gold Plaque For ‘Light On In The Kitchen’
Pictured (L-R): Fount Lynch (SVP Publicity, WRN), Sarah Sholar Rickerman (Manager, Q Prime), Cris Lacy (Chair & President, WRN), Ashley McBryde, Mike Dupree (SVP Creative Director, WRN) and Anna Pittman (VP Marketing, WRN). Photo: David Bradley
Ashley McBryde was surprised at last week’s Redemption Residency shows in Nashville with a plaque celebrating the Gold certification of “Light On In The Kitchen.” Earlier this month, the Warner Records Nashville artist launched the Light On Fund, a new charitable initiative named in reference to “Light On In The Kitchen,” that targets areas including advocacy for the mental health of veterans, rehabilitation resources for the creative community, helping children in the foster care system, championing ASL interpretation at live music events, and much more.
Provident Entertainment Named Billboard’s Top Christian Label for 2025
Provident Entertainment has been named Billboard’s Top Christian Label for the second consecutive year, along with Top Christian Albums Label and Hot Christian Songs Label. In addition to securing the top label honor again, Provident and its artists celebrate a collection of Billboard Year-End accolades across multiple charts, including achievements by Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, and Seph Schlueter, as well as several top-performing songs and albums.
“Being recognized as Billboard’s Top Christian Label for the second year in a row is an incredible milestone,” shares Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “This continued success reflects the passion and dedication of our artists, songwriters, and our entire team. We are honored to create and champion music that brings hope, encouragement, and truth to listeners around the world.
Margo Price Performs For Female Inmates At West Tennessee State Penitentiary
Pictured (L-R): Sean Thompson, Taylor Floreth, Margo Price, Alec Newnam and Logan Ledger
Margo Price and her band performed a concert last week for more than 400 inmates at the Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center within Henning, Tennessee’s West Tennessee State Penitentiary. In partnership with Tennessee Innocence Project, Price was joined by spokesperson/activist Joyce Watkins, who was recently exonerated after spending 27 years in prison for a crime she did not commit, to shine a light on the circumstances surrounding recidivism, justice and mental health in the U.S. prison system.
Following the release of her latest LP, Hard Headed Woman, which is nominated for two awards at the upcoming 2026 Grammys, Price is preparing a new live album and documentary surrounding her trip to the West Tennessee State Penitentiary.
Gatlin Brothers To Celebrate 70th Anniversary At Star-Studded Tribute At Ryman
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Gatlin Brothers. Photo: Brandon Wood
The Gatlin Brothers will receive a special tribute at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Feb. 23 celebrating the group’s 70th anniversary.
The star-studded show will be a history-making milestone for Larry, Steve and Rudy, featuring all original members from 1955 when their musical journey began. Many of the Gatlins greatest hits will be performed during the tribute event by The Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, John Berry, Lorrie Morgan, The Isaacs, Mark Wills, T.G. Sheppard, and more, accompanied by Sixwire as the backing band. The evening will also feature special appearances by Gary Sinise and Nancy Jones.
Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the celebration go on sale this Friday (Dec. 19) via ryman.com and pre-sales begin tomorrow (Dec. 18) (code: GOLD).
“Brother Steve, Brother Rudy, and I are grateful to God for the 70 years we have had making music together,” says Larry. “We are thankful for our millions of fans all over the world and for the good folks in Nashville who helped us make the music. We’re also grateful to the performers and friends who will be participating in our 70th Anniversary Celebration. Keep the faith.”