Nashville Symphony To Suspend Remainder Of ’26-27 Season Due To Financial Crisis

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Nashville Symphony

The Nashville Symphony has suspended the remainder of its 2026–27 season and will furlough dozens of employees due to financial woes effective Oct. 18.

The Board of Directors approved the decision as the first step in a plan to put the Symphony on sound financial footing as it faces a current fiscal year operating budget with a $10 million deficit. The move affects 27 full-time staff members and all 77 members of the Nashville Symphony orchestra.

Music Director Leonard Slatkin will lead his final concerts of this season on Oct. 16–17, and several events at Schermerhorn Symphony Center will go on as planned, including the Symphony Ball (Dec. 12), the Symphony Fashion Show (April 27), The Legendary Life of Tom Petty (Oct. 18), No Small Endeavor LIVE (Nov. 22), and holiday concerts with Ricky Skaggs (Dec. 8), Dave Barnes (Dec. 10), and Drew and Ellie Holcomb (Dec. 11). For fans who have tickets to those shows, nothing changes. Weddings and other building rentals will also take place without disruption, and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center remains available for future event bookings.

Those holding tickets to a 2026–27 season concert scheduled after Oct. 18 will receive an email from the Symphony by the end of this week with details on next steps and can elect to keep the ticket value as a credit on their account for a future performance, or convert it to a tax-deductible donation to the Nashville Symphony.

Nashville Symphony President and CEO Mark Cantrell issued an update on the symphony, saying: “Nashville deserves a flourishing orchestra, and I’m confident ours will return stronger than ever. We are working diligently in partnership with our musicians to bring back concerts as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience, your trust, and your love for this music. If you wish to show your support, we invite you to contribute to the future of the Symphony here.”

Will Bundy Inks With Back Blocks Music

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Pictured (L-R): Kirby Mathews (Back Blocks Music), T.D. Ruth (Ritholz Levy Fields LLP), Will Bundy, Rakiyah Marshall (Back Blocks Music) and Elizabeh Cook (Back Blocks Music)

Award-winning songwriter and producer Will Bundy has signed with Back Blocks Music. The deal includes Bundy’s future works, as well as a selection of songs from his catalog, marking Back Block’s first catalog acquisition.

Bundy has become a notable songwriter and producer in the country music community, with more than 300 songs to his name. As a producer, Bundy worked on Ella Langley’s hungover album, which features No. 1 hits “weren’t for the wind” and “you look like you love me.” His work on the project earned him three ACM Awards and two CMA Awards.

As a songwriter, Bundy has earned three No. 1s with Thomas Rhett and Riley Green’s “Half of Me,” John Morgan’s “Friends Like That (featuring Jason Aldean)” and Justin Moore’s “Time’s Ticking.” He has also worked with Keith Urban, Jon Pardi, Parker McCollum, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Lauren Watkins, Larry Fleet, Graham Barham, Chase Matthew, Cole Swindell, McCoy Moore and others.

“I’ve known Rakiyah [Marshall] for a long time and I’ve always admired what all she has accomplished. When it came time to figure out my next move, she was at the top of the list,” shares Bundy. “I’ve since gotten to know the incredible team she’s built and the way they approach developing careers and I’m really excited to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to writing, producing and creating with a team that believes in the long game.”

“Will is the kind of songwriter and producer we built Back Blocks for,” adds Marshall, Founder of Back Blocks Music. “He has an incredible instinct for songs, he understands records from the ground up and he has already built an impressive career by simply following his curiosity and love for making music. I’m thrilled that we now get to be part of what comes next. I know this is just the beginning for Will and we’re excited to help him continue to grow as a writer, producer and creative.”

Bundy’s musical style was shaped by artists such as John Mayer, Keith Urban, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Steve Miller Band, along with the bluegrass music he heard growing up near the Carter Family Fold. He picked up the guitar at 12 and started a lawn care business to help pay for his music. By 15, he was performing locally and recording songs in his parents’ attic while telling his teacher that music could be a career.

At 19, Bundy moved from his family’s cattle farm in Lebanon, Virginia, to Nashville. He spent his mornings mowing lawns, his days writing and his nights playing rounds. As other writers and artists began hearing his demos, they started asking him to record theirs, giving Bundy the opportunity to develop his skills as a producer. He eventually left lawn care behind to pursue music full time as a songwriter and producer.

ECCHO Live Announces Chuck Hull As 2026 Workshop Keynote Speaker

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Chuck Hull. Photo: Enis Demirci

Veteran tour manager, audio engineer, and ECCHO Live Board Member Chuck Hull will be this year’s keynote speaker at the free 15th annual ECCHO Live Workshop Nov. 10 at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville.

Hull will lead a conversation titled EVOLVE, reflecting on the changes that have shaped the live events industry and the lessons learned throughout his more than five-decade career. Hull began his career in audio with Clair Brothers in the early 1970s, embarking on a journey in live music that would span more than five decades. He later spent 20 years as tour manager for Keith Urban before retiring from touring in 2024. Having experienced firsthand the technological, cultural and professional changes that have reshaped the touring industry, he brings a unique perspective to a conversation centered on what it means to evolve, both personally and professionally, over the course of a career.

The sessions will address career development, leadership, health, business and the changing tools of touring. Speakers and moderators for the sessions, along with additional programming details, will be announced over the coming weeks. Live event professionals can now register here. Space is limited, and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Founded in 2011 as Touring Career Workshop, the event began as a single-day gathering created to answer HR-related questions for people working in live touring. Fifteen years later, ECCHO Live supports the industry year-round with resources focused on mental health, financial wellness, career development and building a sustainable life in live events.

Grand Ole Opry & JPMorganChase Form Strategic Multi-Year Partnership

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Photo: Chris Hollo

Opry Entertainment Group LLC and JPMorganChase have formed a multi-year partnership agreement, making the firm the Official Partner of the Grand Ole Opry.

Through the partnership, Chase debit and credit cardholders visiting Opry will enjoy exclusive benefits like early access to tickets, exclusive seat access, savings and offerings at concessions, retail and daytime tours and access to post-show and private events. The company will also serve as a supporting sponsor of the annual Opry Community Day.

Chase will also serve as the Presenting Partner of Opry Encore, a new series of intimate post-show performances held in the Circle Room of the Opry House. Each event will feature a private, one-hour performance and an interactive Q&A session with a featured artist.

“The Grand Ole Opry is more than an iconic music venue. It’s the most famous stage in country music history and a cornerstone of Nashville’s culture and community, known for launching legends and hosting iconic names in all genres of music today,” shares Lauren Carnicelli, Chair of JPMorganChase’s Market Leadership Team in Tennessee and Middle and East Tennessee Market Executive for Commercial Banking. “As our presence in Tennessee continues to grow, we’re proud to deepen our investment through this partnership. From expanding access to banking services to creating local jobs, we’re committed to Nashville and look forward to creating unique experiences for Opry fans.”

“We are proud to partner with JPMorganChase to bring exclusive Grand Ole Opry experiences to its cardholders and create new opportunities for people to visit the Opry,” says Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group. “For more than 100 years, the Opry’s purpose has been to bring artists and fans together and create unforgettable moments through music. We value partners who share our commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences while also making it a priority to give back to the communities we serve. We look forward to working alongside JPMorganChase to bring these shared values to life through this new partnership.”

Kenny Chesney Earns 37th Chart-Topper With ‘Carry On’

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney has earned his 37th No. 1 hit with “Carry On,” topping Country Aircheck/Mediabase Country. The song was penned by Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill and Matt Jenkins.

The track marks Chesney’s 100th charting single and became the first indie and only the third single to close the entire radio panel in its first week. As Chesney’s 62nd Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, it set a second record for the most country Top 10s.

“When they tell me this stuff, it’s a lot to take in,” Chesney says. “It gets harder the more you do this to find songs that stand out from what you’ve done, that say things you want to say – and you think other people will find themselves in, too. That’s really the point: the connection. Like my tours, I want this music to bring people together, to lift them up.”

His newest single, “Remember Me That Way,” is the No. 1 Most Added Song this week, marking the first time Chesney had both distinctions at the same time.

“Carry On” is featured on Chesney’s recently released 21st album, Silver Sands Marina. He celebrated the release of the project last week with a Nashville release show at The Pinnacle.

Chesney will return to stadiums next year on the “Original Vibe Room Tour 2027.” The 19-date run kicks off April 24 for his eighth appearance at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium with stops planned for Arlington, Philadelphia, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte and more.

Kinsley Signs With WME

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Kyle Quigley (Morris Higham Management), Kinsley and Kanan Vitolo (WME). Photo: Courtesy of WME

Kinsley has inked with WME for global representation.

“I’ve been dreaming about getting these songs out into the world and getting to play them live,” shares Kinsley. “Having a team like WME in my corner as we start developing that side of my career is really exciting, and I can’t wait to see what we build together. I’m beyond thankful for their belief in me.”

“We were immediately drawn to Kinsley’s songwriting and the way she connects with people through her music,” adds WME’s Kanan Vitolo. “She has a really clear voice as an artist, and there’s so much room for her to grow. We’re thrilled to be working with her as she brings these songs to audiences for the first time.”

The 22 year-old Nashville-based artist grew up in California, Texas and Tennessee and has always had a passion for writing and poetry. She originally began sharing music online through her “Midnight Sessions” series. Recently signed to MCA, the singer-songwriter released her debut six-song EP, Learn To Live, last Friday (Sept. 25). The project features co-writes with Lauren Hungate, Clara Park, Caitlyn Smith, Josh Kerr and more.

Jelly Roll, Riley Green & Ashley McBryde To Headline Country To Country Festival 2027

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Ashley McBryde, Riley Green and Jelly Roll are set to headline the Country To Country Festival when it returns in March for three days of live music across the United Kingdom.

The Country To Country Festival 2027 will feature a revolving lineup of country music’s biggest stars and exciting newcomers traveling between London, Glasgow and, for the first time, Manchester between March 12-14. The lineup includes Cooper Alan, Midland, Cole Swindell, Jackson Dean, Dasha, Chase Matthew, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Kashus Culpepper, Blake Whiten, Mack Geiger and Laci Kaye Booth.

The CMA Spotlight Stage will now appear in all three cities, marking further expansion of the festival. The C2C and the CMA have announced Late Night Thoughts, Colin Lynch, Chandler Walters, Benny G, Owen Riegling, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Greylan James, Lanie Gardner and Belles will all be performing in London, Manchester and Glasgow. The Country Music Association continues as a key festival partner, while BBC Radio 2 continues as the broadcast partner for the event.

“Bringing the CMA Spotlight Stage to all three cities this year is a wonderful reflection of C2C’s continued growth and the appetite UK fans have for what’s next in Country music,” says Brittany Schaffer, CMA’s Incoming Chief Executive Officer. “This lineup shows just how global our genre has become, with artists from around the world sharing the stage. As a trade association, CMA works year-round, well beyond our awards show and festival, to support the people who power this industry. Part of that work is helping artists build careers beyond the US and supporting our growing community of international industry members, and it’s a joy to see it come to life at C2C.”

“Radio 2 have been broadcast partners with C2C since the festival’s launch in 2013, and it’s been a privilege to have witnessed the festival and country music rocketing in popularity during this period,” adds Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2. “Radio 2’s commitment to such a wide range of specialist music is unrivalled in UK radio, and the station’s Country show continues to be the most popular country music programme in the UK.  We’re very much looking forward to broadcasting from the 2026 event in March, to once again introduce the Radio 2 and BBC Sounds listeners to the best of both new and established country artists.”

C2C has also recently announced a new partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library UK. The partnership will raise funds to provide books for young children across the UK. A donation of £1 for every day ticket, and £2 for every weekend ticket will be added for C2C 2027 with all proceeds going to the Imagination Library UK to provide children with access to a new, age-appropriate book every month through age 5.

Tickets will be available via the C2C 2027 Official Presale, powered by AXS, from Sept. 30, with general on-sale beginning Oct. 2.

Wyatt McCubbin Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Wyatt McCubbin. Photo: Nathaniel Maddux

Wyatt McCubbin has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Jon Pardi’s “Boots Off,” Cody Johnson’s “Horseback” and Riley Green’s “Think As You Drunk” push the singer-songwriter to No. 12 this week.

Ella Langley remains at No. 1 with “Be Her,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Jaded” and “Loving Life Again.” Chase McGill moves to No. 2 with “Carry On,” “Hands Up,” “Last Thing You Need,” “McArthur” and “Water At A Wedding.”

Jordan Schmidt (No. 3), Dolly Parton (No. 4) and Ernest (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

NSAI Hosts Songwriter Awards After Party

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NSAI staff gather at House Of Cards for the Official After Party for the 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. Photo: Jason Davis

Following last week’s ninth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, NSAI continued the celebration with the Official After Party at House of Cards, presented by General Motors and Loeb & Loeb.

The event featured magicians, photobooths, a beverage menu courtesy of Jack Daniel’s which featured cocktails themed as the “10 Drinks I Wish I Drank” and more.

This year’s Nashville Songwriter Awards honored Vince Gill, Paul Williams, Riley Green and Blake Pendergrass, as well as awarded the highly-coveted 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards. See the full list of winners here.

The Nashville Songwriter Awards will return to the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 21, 2027.

Pictured (L-R): Jahan Wang (City National Bank), Diane Pearson (City National Bank), Lyndsie McClure (NSAI), Mandy Morrison (City National Bank) and Kelly Russell (City National Bank). Photo: Savannah Grimm

Photo: Savannah Grimm

Riley Green Slates 2027 ‘That’s Just Me Tour’

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

Riley Green will hit the road next year on the “That’s Just Me Tour.”

The 29-date trek will make stops in Seattle, Chicago, Knoxville, Toronto and more. Muscadine Bloodline, Randy Houser, Jake Worthington and Hannah McFarland will join as support.

Tickets go on sale Friday (Oct. 2) following various pre-sale opportunities this week. More information about tickets can be found here.

The tour comes on the heels of Green’s fourth studio album, That’s Just Me. Green recently earned his seventh No. 1 at country radio, was announced as a 2027 Stagecoach headliner and was crowned NSAI’s 2026 “Artist Songwriter of The Year.” He is nominated at this year’s CMA Awards for Musical Event of the Year for his collaboration “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay.”

“That’s Just Me Tour” Dates:
April 1st, 2027 – Spokane, WA – Numerica Veterans Arena*+•
April 2nd, 2027 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena*+•
April 3rd, 2027 – Eugene, OR – Matthew Knight Arena*+•
April 8th, 2027 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place*+•
April 9th, 2027 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome*+•
April 10th, 2027 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre*+•
April 29th, 2027 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek^+•
April 30th, 2027 – Knoxville, TN – Food City Center^+•
May 1st, 2027 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena^+•
May 6th, 2027 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena^+•
May 7th, 2027 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena^+•
May 8th, 2027 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP^+•
May 20th, 2027 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center^+•
May 21st, 2027 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion^+•
May 22nd, 2027 – Lafayette, LA – CAJUNDOME^+•
June 3rd, 2027 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater*+•
June 4th, 2027 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater*+•
June 10th, 2027 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino*+•
June 11th, 2027 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre*+•
June 18th, 2027 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion*+•
June 25th, 2027 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre*+•
July 15th, 2027 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview*+•
July 16th, 2027 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center*+•
July 22nd, 2027 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion*+•
July 23rd, 2027 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts*+•
July 24th, 2027 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center*+•
July 29th, 2027 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center*+•
July 30th, 2027 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater*+•
July 31st, 2027 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater*+•
*Muscadine Bloodline
^Randy Houser
+Jake Worthington
•Hannah McFarland