Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke
There’s two-word headline for this week’s edition of DisClaimer.
Our survey of new country sounds is topped by our hands-down Disc of the Day winner, whose two words are Chris and Stapleton.
The listening session was festooned with new faces. Staging their column debuts were Triston Marez, Alexander Ludwig, Elvie Shane, Norman North and our DisCovery Award winner, Drew Parker.
CHASE BRYANT / “Upbringing”
Writers: Chase Bryant/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producer: Chase Bryant/Jon Randall; Label: Green Iris
— The track churns and burns with a frothing, rocking energy while his urgent tenor vocal soars above. Excitement rules in this excellent production.
TRACE ADKINS / “Heartbreak Song”
Writers: Greg Crowe/Johnny Garcia/Adam Wood; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Verge Records
— This icon doesn’t know how to be anything but charismatic. This rolling, midtempo tune decries happy-happy, feel-good country songs and points out that sometimes ya just gotta have heartache in your audio diet. Recommended.
WALKER COUNTY / “Bits & Pieces”
Writers: Benjamin Mathis/busbee/Jon Bellion; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Their scampering vocals are a delight. I love how the pinpoint, twin-like harmonies stay perfectly in place no matter how rapid-fire the delivery becomes. The song has a cool, femme attitude, too. I definitely look forward to hearing this on the radio and to hearing more from this talented duo.
CHRIS STAPLETON / “You Should Probably Leave”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Ashley Gorley/Chris DuBois; Producer: Chris Stapleton/Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
— The sensuous soul groove is super compelling, with laid-back guitar, funky organ and deep-blue rhythm section. It goes without saying that his vocal is stunning on this steamy ode to magnetic sexual attraction. He’s a mighty, mighty man.
ELVIE SHANE / “My Boy”
Writers: Elvie Shane/Lee Starr/Nick Columbia/Russell Sutton; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Wheelhouse Records
— Like all great country music, this song is nothing but emotional truth. He feels love and fatherhood for a boy who comes into his life as a stepson. Written with insight. Sung with depth. Millions will relate to this.
ALEXANDER LUDWIG / “Let Me Be Your Whiskey”
Writers: Alexander Ludwig/Mike Dulaney; Producer: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG
— He’s the Hollywood star of Hunger Games, Vikings, Lone Survivor, Bad Boys for Life and more. But don’t hold that against him. He’s also a Real Deal country artist, as this nicely done romantic ballad demonstrates.
TRISTON MAREZ & RONNIE DUNN / “Where the Neon Lies”
Writers: Chris Duboise/Lynn Hutton/Triston Marez; Producer: David Dorn/Alex Torrez; Label: Torrez Music Group
— Triston has a smooth, solidly country delivery that’s beautifully complemented by Ronnie’s spine-tingling honky-tonk vocal burn. The twang guitars and echoey backdrop add to the single’s undeniable oomph. By all means, play it. This youngster been paying his dues in Texas and on Lower Broadway long enough and deserves his time in the spotlight.
NORMAN NORTH / “Plain Jane”
Writers: Norman North; Producer: Norman North/Lex Lipsitz; Label: Venice
— His pleading tenor is country and the backing track is hip-hop. A fascinating fusion by another Black entrant into the format.
GARY LeVOX & MERCYME / “A Little Love”
Writers: Bart Millard/Jordan Mohilowski/Ethan Hulse/Jess Cates; Producer: Jordan Mohilowski/Tedd T./Brown Bannister; Label: Big Machine Records
— The Rascal Flatts front man is issuing his debut CCM collection, One on One. Its single is a collaboration with Christian stars MercyMe and is infused with that group’s pop sensibilities. The mood here is sunny, positive and uplifting.
DREW PARKER / “While You’re Gone”
Writers: Drew Parker/Jameson Rodgers; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— I dig this guy. He has a powerful singing voice, and the production is epic. The song finds him sitting and drinking, knowing that she’s gone and wondering if she’s ever coming back. I’m thinking she’s history, pal, so drink up and go home. Heartache on the hoof.
TEXAS HILL / “Neon Heart”
Writers: James LeBlanc/Ryan Beaver/Mike Walker; Producer: Texas Hill; Label: Queue
— This new trio is comprised of former TV-competition stars Craig Wayne Boyd (The Voice), Casey James (American Idol) and Adam Wakefield (The Voice). They harmonize effectively on the choruses. The thin, unimaginative pop production lets them down.
SHANNON McNALLY & RODNEY CROWELL / “I Ain’t Living Long Like This”
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producer: nShannon McNally; Label: Compass Records
— Shannon’s album is called The Waylon Sessions. Her drawling alto slips just behind the relentless beat to find a groovy pocket on this revival of a 1980 classic. The song’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame writer jumps in for a personality-packed third verse. The track kicks butt. She also has videos of “Black Rose” and “I’ve Always Been Crazy.” This gal has the goods.
Chris LeDoux’s Legacy Celebrated With New Album ‘Wyoming Cowboy – A Collection’
/by Lorie HollabaughIt’s been 50 years since Rodeo World Champion/entertainer Chris LeDoux first formed his own label and released his debut album, the aptly titled Songs Of Rodeo Life. In celebration of that landmark anniversary, Capitol Nashville/UMe and the Chris LeDoux Estate is releasing a new 13-song album on July 2, Wyoming Cowboy – A Collection.
The new collection compiles some of LeDoux’s most-loved songs with a handful of rarities and other studio and live gems. Assembled by LeDoux’s longtime friend/guitar player Mark Sissel, the project will be released digitally as well as on vinyl, marking the first time many of these songs released in the CD era will be available on vinyl. Two rare tracks – “Oklahoma Hospitality,” self-released in 1978 on a UK-only album and never released in the U.S., and “Album Intro,” from an equally long out-of-print 1975 record, will receive their digital debuts.
Serving as both a gift to longtime fans and an introduction to those unfamiliar with LeDoux’s music, which he dubbed a combination of “western soul, sagebrush blues, cowboy folk and rodeo rock ‘n’ roll,” Wyoming Cowboy brings together songs like “County Fair,” “Cadillac Cowboy” and the epic “This Cowboy’s Hat” from Western Underground, (his first major label album on Liberty Records in 1991,) along with “Western Skies,” “Look At You Girl,” “Hooked On An 8-Second Ride” and his top 10 country hit with Garth Brooks, “Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy,” from his 1992 Gold-selling album of the same name.
The album also features LeDoux’s rollicking duet with Charlie Daniels, “Even Cowboys Like A Little Rock And Roll,” from 1993’s Under This Old Hat and originally released in a different incarnation on his 1984 album, Melodies and Memories. It also includes a special posthumous collaboration between LeDoux and his son Ned with the song “We Ain’t Got It All.” Sung and performed by Ned, the song was co-written by him and Mac McAnally using some of LeDoux’s songwriting notes, resulting in a true father-son co-write. The album ends with a live version of fan favorite “Little Long Haired Outlaw” from 1997’s Live, capturing the pyrotechnic-filled, rodeo rock and roll shows he loved to play.
“My dad’s catalog of music is timeless and includes so many great records and I love each one of em,” says Ned LeDoux. “This new collection honors the 50th anniversary of when he first started making music and is a nice snapshot of who he was and the subject matter he loved writing about – cowboys, rodeo life, true love and staying positive.”
LeDoux enjoyed a long recording run following his successful rodeo career, and by the end of the 1980s had self-released 22 albums with sales of more than a quarter of a million copies. That same year, following a name check by rising country star Garth Brooks, in which he sang, “A worn out tape of Chris LeDoux, lonely women and bad booze/Seem to be the only friends I’ve left at all,” in his first hit, “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” LeDoux received recognition and fame well outside the rodeo world. He signed with Liberty Records and in 1991 released Western Underground. LeDoux would release another 18 albums for the labels, with sales of more than six million around the world, before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2005 at just 56 years old.
Cheyenne Frontier Days will celebrate LeDoux’s life and legacy at their 125th annual festival this year, which is dedicated to the legendary entertainer and rodeo world champ. The 10-day event will feature a sold-out, opening night performance by Brooks and Ned LeDoux on July 23. The festivities will kick off with the unveiling of a bronze statue of LeDoux, which will be added to the sculpture collection on Frontier Park to honor his ties to the rodeo and music worlds and his place in Cheyenne Frontier Days history. Designed by artist D. Michael Thomas, who created a similar sculpture of LeDoux for the Chris LeDoux Memorial Park in his hometown Kaycee, Wyoming, the bronze statue depicts LeDoux riding his horse Stormy Weather to the 1976 World Bareback Riding Championship, along with a guitar that sits atop an arrow shaped base representing CFD’s logo.
Grand Ole Opry To Remove Capacity Restrictions May 14
/by LB CantrellThe Grand Ole Opry announced today (May 7) that it will open up to full-capacity for the first time in more than a year, beginning May 14. Its first performance at full capacity will be May 14’s show featuring Opry members Lorrie Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys and more.
The Opry will continue to follow enhanced COVID-19 health and safety protocols throughout the spring, including mandatory masks for all guests and Opry House operations/production staff, per Metro Nashville Health; as well as enhanced cleaning practices.
Among other performances recently announced, Lady A will mark their first Opry show as members with an appearance on Sat., May 15. The group was invited to join the Opry family and officially inducted as part of the show’s Opry’s 95th Anniversary network television special last winter. Among those joining Lady A on the May 15 show are Opry member Morgan and Ryan Hurd, who is scheduled to make his Opry debut.
The Opry’s annual Salute The Troops show, honoring members of the U.S. Military, is scheduled for May 29. The show will feature Lauren Alaina and Opry members Luke Combs and Chris Young, among others. Also scheduled for upcoming spring and summer Opry performances are Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Aaron Lewis, MercyMe, Keb’ Mo’, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carly Pearce, Rhonda Vincent, Mark Wills, and more.
Frank Ray Inks Recording Deal With BBR Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Oscar Chavira (CEO, WKP), Frank Ray, Jon Loba (President, BMG Nashville), Sara Knabe (VP A&R, BBR Music Group)
Bilingual recording artist Frank Ray has signed a record deal with BBR Music Group.
The Texas chart-topper will release his first song for the label, “Streetlights,” on June 11. Inspired by his Mexican heritage, the new track penned by Ray is a hybrid of country and Latin music.
Always passionate about music, Ray spent a decade as a police officer before electing to embark on a journey to pursue music full-time. He made the decision to take the leap after getting the opportunity to open for Keith Urban, performing live for several thousand fans. In the three years since, he has racked up two No. 1 singles and three Top 10 singles on Texas country radio, as well as becoming a staff songwriter at Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution.
“Frank wasn’t an artist pitched through the Nashville machine. I came across him, like many fans, through a new artist playlist—when I heard his vocal and unique musical direction, I immediately needed to know more,” says Sara Knabe, VP A&R BBR Music Group. “What was clear from the jump is that Frank has a defined artistry, a winning work ethic and a fresh perspective, missing from our genre. I am proud to welcome him to our roster of artists.”
“I’m incredibly excited and humbled to join the BBR Music Group family! I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was a kid and I couldn’t be more grateful to have it manifest with a team who’s as diverse and forward thinking as any label I’ve ever seen,” says Ray. “Their collaborative efforts inspire the vision I’ve had for myself in country music! I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
Ray is managed by Oscar Chavira and booked through WME.
Black River Adds Dan Wilson To Publishing Roster
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Attorney Lauren Kilgore, Black River’s Gordon Kerr, Rachael Skvorak, Rebekah Gordon, Dan Wilson, and Katie Barolak
Black River Vice President of Publishing Rebekah Gordon has announced the addition of Dan Wilson to its publishing roster.
After the Black River Publishing team saw Wilson perform at a songwriter round last year, Gordon began noticing his name credited to many of the songs being pitched around town and reached out.
“Dan’s talent, work ethic, and reputation in the writer room are exactly the type of songwriter we love to partner with at Black River,” says Gordon. “We are thrilled with what Dan brings to our diverse roster, and we look forward to great songs and celebrations to come!”
Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, songwriting became a passion once Wilson learned a few chords on his father’s hand-me-down Ovation guitar. Prior to joining the Black River Publishing roster, Wilson has spent the last couple of years working with some of Music Row’s top songwriters and building a name for himself among Nashville’s next hitmakers.
“Every songwriter dreams of finding that champion, those people in your corner, those true believers,” shares Wilson. “The first time I met with Black River I knew I had found that team. I couldn’t be more excited to partner up with Rebekah, Katie, Rachael and the whole team at Black River. This is a dream come true for me and I’m pumped to see what the next chapter holds!”
Wilson joins the Black River Publishing roster alongside Hannah Kerr, Pryor & Lee, Josh Wilson, Anna Vaus, Grammy-winning Josh Kerr and more.
Chris Young, Kane Brown Hit No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryChris Young and Kane Brown earn a No. 1 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for their single, “Famous Friends.” Young co-wrote the song with Cary Barlowe and Corey Crowder. This isn’t the first song the duo has collaborated on; they recorded Brown’s “Setting the Night On Fire” in 2017.
Young marked a major career milestone this year, surpassing the four billion streams mark for his catalog worldwide, which includes eleven No. 1 singles.
In April, Brown received news he had won the ACM Video of the Year Award for “Worldwide Beautiful,” marking his first official ACM award win. Brown is also set to launch his headlining Blessed & Free Tour on October 1.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Dierks Bentley Announces Beers On Me Tour, Hitting The Road This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley has announced the dates for the Beers On Me Tour, which will run through over twenty amphitheaters later this fall.
The cross-country trek with specials guests Riley Green and Parker McCollum kicks off on Aug. 13 at Salt Lake City, Utah’s USANA Amphitheatre, and will hit 22 cities including San Diego, Phoenix, Boston, Indianapolis, Detroit, and more through October 22.
“I wrote a song a few months back with some friends called ‘Beers On Me’ that inspired this year’s tour name,” said Bentley. “It’s a pretty simple recipe for summer… get your friends together, have a round or two and dive into some great country music. That’s exactly what Riley, Parker and I plan on doing out there on the road with our fans. Both these guys are road warriors and great performers that are going to help us get this summer fired up.”
To kick off the upcoming run and to celebrate the announcement, Bentley, Green and McCollum have released a live performance of the Jerry Reed classic “Eastbound & Down.”
Citi is the official pre-sale credit card of the tour and Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, May 11th. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 14 at 10 a.m. local time on dierks.com.
Before his return to the road this summer, Bentley revives his High Times And Hangovers club tour next week with five shows in five nights. Additionally, this summer Bentley has been tapped to headline major festivals including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Windy City Smokeout, Oregon Jamboree, and Watershed.
2021 Beers On Me Tour Dates:
8/13/21 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
8/14/21 Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
8/15/21 Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater
8/20/21 Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre
8/21/21 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
8/22/21 Stateline, NV – Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s***
8/26/21 San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/27/21 Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
8/28/21 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
9/16/21 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
9/17/21 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
9/18/21 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
9/23/21 Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
9/24/21 Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
9/25/21 Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
10/07/21 Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre*
10/08/21 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
10/09/21 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live*
10/15/21 Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center**
10/16/21 Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake**
10/21/21 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
10/22/21 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP*
*Riley Green and TBD
**Mitchel Tennpenny and TBD
***Riley Green Only
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Stapleton, Elvie Shane, Drew Parker
/by Robert K OermannChris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke
There’s two-word headline for this week’s edition of DisClaimer.
Our survey of new country sounds is topped by our hands-down Disc of the Day winner, whose two words are Chris and Stapleton.
The listening session was festooned with new faces. Staging their column debuts were Triston Marez, Alexander Ludwig, Elvie Shane, Norman North and our DisCovery Award winner, Drew Parker.
CHASE BRYANT / “Upbringing”
Writers: Chase Bryant/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producer: Chase Bryant/Jon Randall; Label: Green Iris
— The track churns and burns with a frothing, rocking energy while his urgent tenor vocal soars above. Excitement rules in this excellent production.
TRACE ADKINS / “Heartbreak Song”
Writers: Greg Crowe/Johnny Garcia/Adam Wood; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Verge Records
— This icon doesn’t know how to be anything but charismatic. This rolling, midtempo tune decries happy-happy, feel-good country songs and points out that sometimes ya just gotta have heartache in your audio diet. Recommended.
WALKER COUNTY / “Bits & Pieces”
Writers: Benjamin Mathis/busbee/Jon Bellion; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Their scampering vocals are a delight. I love how the pinpoint, twin-like harmonies stay perfectly in place no matter how rapid-fire the delivery becomes. The song has a cool, femme attitude, too. I definitely look forward to hearing this on the radio and to hearing more from this talented duo.
CHRIS STAPLETON / “You Should Probably Leave”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Ashley Gorley/Chris DuBois; Producer: Chris Stapleton/Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
— The sensuous soul groove is super compelling, with laid-back guitar, funky organ and deep-blue rhythm section. It goes without saying that his vocal is stunning on this steamy ode to magnetic sexual attraction. He’s a mighty, mighty man.
ELVIE SHANE / “My Boy”
Writers: Elvie Shane/Lee Starr/Nick Columbia/Russell Sutton; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Wheelhouse Records
— Like all great country music, this song is nothing but emotional truth. He feels love and fatherhood for a boy who comes into his life as a stepson. Written with insight. Sung with depth. Millions will relate to this.
ALEXANDER LUDWIG / “Let Me Be Your Whiskey”
Writers: Alexander Ludwig/Mike Dulaney; Producer: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG
— He’s the Hollywood star of Hunger Games, Vikings, Lone Survivor, Bad Boys for Life and more. But don’t hold that against him. He’s also a Real Deal country artist, as this nicely done romantic ballad demonstrates.
TRISTON MAREZ & RONNIE DUNN / “Where the Neon Lies”
Writers: Chris Duboise/Lynn Hutton/Triston Marez; Producer: David Dorn/Alex Torrez; Label: Torrez Music Group
— Triston has a smooth, solidly country delivery that’s beautifully complemented by Ronnie’s spine-tingling honky-tonk vocal burn. The twang guitars and echoey backdrop add to the single’s undeniable oomph. By all means, play it. This youngster been paying his dues in Texas and on Lower Broadway long enough and deserves his time in the spotlight.
NORMAN NORTH / “Plain Jane”
Writers: Norman North; Producer: Norman North/Lex Lipsitz; Label: Venice
— His pleading tenor is country and the backing track is hip-hop. A fascinating fusion by another Black entrant into the format.
GARY LeVOX & MERCYME / “A Little Love”
Writers: Bart Millard/Jordan Mohilowski/Ethan Hulse/Jess Cates; Producer: Jordan Mohilowski/Tedd T./Brown Bannister; Label: Big Machine Records
— The Rascal Flatts front man is issuing his debut CCM collection, One on One. Its single is a collaboration with Christian stars MercyMe and is infused with that group’s pop sensibilities. The mood here is sunny, positive and uplifting.
DREW PARKER / “While You’re Gone”
Writers: Drew Parker/Jameson Rodgers; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— I dig this guy. He has a powerful singing voice, and the production is epic. The song finds him sitting and drinking, knowing that she’s gone and wondering if she’s ever coming back. I’m thinking she’s history, pal, so drink up and go home. Heartache on the hoof.
TEXAS HILL / “Neon Heart”
Writers: James LeBlanc/Ryan Beaver/Mike Walker; Producer: Texas Hill; Label: Queue
— This new trio is comprised of former TV-competition stars Craig Wayne Boyd (The Voice), Casey James (American Idol) and Adam Wakefield (The Voice). They harmonize effectively on the choruses. The thin, unimaginative pop production lets them down.
SHANNON McNALLY & RODNEY CROWELL / “I Ain’t Living Long Like This”
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producer: nShannon McNally; Label: Compass Records
— Shannon’s album is called The Waylon Sessions. Her drawling alto slips just behind the relentless beat to find a groovy pocket on this revival of a 1980 classic. The song’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame writer jumps in for a personality-packed third verse. The track kicks butt. She also has videos of “Black Rose” and “I’ve Always Been Crazy.” This gal has the goods.
Keithan Melton Promoted To GM, Mojo Music & Media Nashville [Exclusive]
/by Lorie HollabaughKeithan Melton. Photo: Glenn Sweitzer/Fresh Design
Keithan Melton has been elevated to General Manager of Mojo Music & Media, Nashville. He will report to company Founder/CEO, Mark Fried.
Formerly Senior Creative Director at the company, Melton has spent the last five years at Mojo and was instrumental in signing Neil Medley, who co-wrote Jake Owen’s current hit ‘Made For You,” which reached No. 1 at country radio this week, and Lindsey Ell’s ballad “I Don’t Love You.” Working closely with fellow song plugger Courtney Crist, he helped advance the careers of roster writers Bart Butler, Mike Walker, Joe Clemmons, Brinley Addington, Sarah Allison Turner, and Lalo Guzman.
A veteran of the Nashville publishing community since 2003, Melton previously worked at Magic Mustang and Sea Gayle, with writers like Steve Bogard, Justin Wilson, Dave Turnbull, Lee Thomas Miller and Chris Stapleton, and contributed to the songwriting careers of artists Craig Campbell, Runaway June and Dustin Lynch. He’s pitched numerous hit singles including the chart-toppers Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” Randy Houser’s “We Went,” and Michael Ray’s “Kiss You In The Morning.”
“Keithan is one of the strongest advocates of songs and songwriters I know,” said Fried. “His devotion these past few years to Mojo’s mission of proactive song promotion, next generation royalty management and helping our writers build their brands and legacies has been tireless and has proven he’s ready to lead. I’m looking forward to working with him in keeping our Berry Hill home buzzing with positive energy and non-stop creativity.”
“I couldn’t be more honored that Mark, Alan [Wallis] and Peter [Shane] have trusted me to lead Mojo’s Nashville office,” said Melton. “I look forward to growing this great catalog and continuing the legacy of my predecessors.”
Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Zac Brown Band Among 2021 Summerfest Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughSummerfest has announced the lineup of headliners for its 2021 festival set for Sept. 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18. Held at the new American Family Insurance Amphitheater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, artists Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Zac Brown Band, Gabby Barrett, Dylan Scott, Sheryl Crow, Cam, Jordan Davis, Brett Eldredge, Jimmie Allen, and more are among the lineup.
Also set to perform during the new festival format are Chance the Rapper, Miley Cyrus, Black Pumas, Wilco, Nelly, Rise Against, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Diplo, and many more.
The new venue will also host special Wednesday Kick-Off Concerts, prior to each weekend of Summerfest including performances by the Jonas Brothers, Dave Matthews Band, and others yet to be announced. Ticket holders for the Wednesday Kick-Off Concerts will receive a digital ticket via email for Summerfest 2021, valid for any of the nine days of the festival.
“We could not be more excited to unveil the lineup for Summerfest and introduce a new festival format; more weekends and more headliners, promises to be a big hit among our fans,” said Don Smiley, president and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “From first timers, including Chance the Rapper, Miley Cyrus, and Run the Jewels, to Fest favorites including Dave Matthews Band, T-Pain, Styx, and Chris Stapleton, our lineup continues to be one of the most diverse and unique in the industry.”
Previously purchased tickets for concerts at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater during Summerfest will be honored for the rescheduled date. Refunds will be available from the original point of purchase, 30 days from the announcement of the rescheduled date. Summerfest is committed to providing a safe environment for its fans, vendors, sponsors, and staff. Festival officials are working closely with local civic officials and health professionals to implement health and safety procedures and protocols.
Reservoir Signs Levi Hummon To Worldwide Publishing Deal [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Greg Gallo (Reservoir VP Creative), David Crow (Attorney), John Ozier (Reservoir EVP Creative), Levi Hummon, Fletcher Foster (F2 Entertainment Group), Hayley Corbett (F2 Entertainment Group). Photo: Haley Crow, MusicRow
Reservoir has announced the signing of country singer-songwriter Levi Hummon to a worldwide publishing deal.
Son of songwriter Marcus Hummon and a Nashville native, Hummon grew up surrounded by music greats who had a profound influence on his songwriting. He released his EP Patient in 2018, and has since toured with acts like Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, and Lady A. Last week, he returned to the stage, performing a sold-out show at the Grand Ole Opry alongside a lineup that included Rhett Akins, Doyle Dykes, and more.
Having already amassed over 100 million on-demand streams, Hummon released his latest EP, 36/86 Side B, in April.
“Just as the world is beginning to spin again, I’m so excited to be joining the Reservoir team here in Nashville,” says Hummon. “[EVP of Creative] John Ozier and [VP of Creative] Greg Gallo are incredible champions for so many amazing songwriters and artists and I’m fired up to be a part of that growing roster. We have a big year ahead, full of new music, and this is such an exciting piece of the next chapter.”
Reservoir ‘s EVP of Creative, Ozier adds, “Levi offers such truth in his lyricism, which is the mark of a really compelling singer-songwriter. We are so happy to welcome him to the Reservoir roster and give him the support to continue writing music and sharing it with the world.”
This news comes following the announcement that Reservoir has entered into an agreement with Roth CH II ($ROCC), a special purpose acquisition company, taking the first step toward becoming a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ.