Live Nation Reveals New 4,400-Capacity Music Venue In Nashville

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The Truth rendering

Live Nation has announced that they are opening a new music venue in Nashville called The Truth. The 4,400 capacity indoor music venue is set to open fall 2026 in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood.

“The legendary songwriter Harlan Howard said all you need for a good country song is three chords and the truth. The Truth is built on that same idea,” says Sally Williams, President of Nashville Music & Business Strategy, Live Nation. “Our goal is to create a space that could only exist here—where raw, honest music meets world-class production, and where fans and artists from across all genres can connect in a way that feels unmistakably Nashville.”

The Truth rendering

Designed by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s in-house design and development group, The Truth will feature a flexible floor plan with three levels of fans close to the stage, accommodating both standing-room and fully seated shows. The venue seeks to reflect Nashville’s creative DNA, from the inclusion of Harlan’s, a whiskey bar honoring the legendary songwriter, to the Vinyl Room, an exclusive two-story listening lounge celebrating the neighborhood’s deep vinyl roots.

As part of its launch, Live Nation is investing in Nashville’s creative community through multi-year commitments to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the W.O. Smith Music School.

“NSAI is excited that Live Nation is recognizing Nashville songwriters as the backbone of our music community,” shares Bart Harbison, Executive Director, NSAI. “From naming their amazing new venue, ‘The Truth,’ derived from legendary songwriter Harlan Howard’s famous saying, to lyric displays and other songwriter recognitions inside the remarkable facility, the space will highlight the important contribution of songwriters to the industry ecosystem. In addition, Live Nation’s generous financial support for NSAI will help us continue the work we do for the songwriting profession. We are very enthusiastic about the possibilities we can employ as we work together.”

The Truth is projected every year to generate $74 million in economic impact, support 430 jobs, and contribute $6 million in state and local tax revenue.

The Truth rendering

“The backbone of Music City is the songwriters that put words to our feelings, stories, and joys. I’m excited that The Truth will be a venue that is dedicated to cultivating and supporting great songwriting,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell says. “When I expressed interest in music at a young age, the W.O. Smith Music School helped cultivate my passion, and allowing more folks to have that opportunity is a great way we ensure all Nashvillians can follow their Music City dreams.”

“Culturally, we see The Truth as a connector,” Williams shares. “Our partnerships with the Nashville Songwriters Association International and the W.O. Smith Music School are about investing in Nashville’s next generation of creators. Together, those programs will create opportunities for mentorship, performance, and inspiration right here in the neighborhood, ensuring that The Truth contributes to the city’s creative pipeline as much as its skyline.

“Long term, our hope is that The Truth becomes an anchor for Wedgewood-Houston, a gathering place where artists, neighbors, and the music industry intersect; where the creative class continues to thrive and where the spirit of Nashville keeps evolving.”

Matt Geroux Inks With Position Music

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Pictured (L-R): Chandler Thurston (A&R, Position Music), Chief Zaruk (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), Matt Geroux, Simon Tikhman (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), and Jamie Sudhalter (Head of A&R, The Core)

Award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux has signed a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core.

Geroux has cemented himself in Nashville by combining pop and rock influences into modern country music. Geroux also has a knack for creating melodies, alongside his storytelling, recently notching his first No. 1 hit with Josh Ross’ “Single Again.” Across all his cuts, Geroux has garnered 500 million streams.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Matt to the Position crew in Nashville,” says Chandler Thurston, Position Music A&R. “The combination of his writing/production, along with his hustle, make him one of the town’s most dynamic writers. Big thanks to the team at The Core for their partnership – we’re excited to continue working alongside them as things build.”

“Position instantly felt like family and now having them join forces with my home team at The Core makes this moment even more meaningful,” shares Geroux. “I’m grateful to have champions that believe in my songs as much as I do and excited for what’s to come.”

“We’ve always believed in surrounding ourselves with partners who understand our vision, and the team at Position couldn’t be a better fit for Matt,” add Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, Co-Founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “Their passion and commitment are exactly what he deserves, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.”

Clay Walker’s Band Against MS Gala Set For Nov. 22

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Clay Walker‘s annual Band Against MS Gala is set for Nov. 22 in Houston and will feature a seated dinner, top entertainment, special guests and a live auction at the Thompson Hotel.

Established by The Clay Walker Foundation in 2012, Walker has been dedicated to helping fellow patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), and providing funding for research in hopes of a cure. He was inspired to start the organization in 2003, after his own Relapsing-Remitting M.S. diagnosis in 1996. To date, the organization has raised over $2.6 million for families and M.S. research. Registration for this year’s event is open now.

“Living with MS has taught me a lot about myself and the work that is needed to bring this disease to its knees,” says Walker. “Our foundation is determined to make a difference in people’s lives now, and to protect those who are at risk in the future.“

Walker is currently winding down a very busy year, wrapping up his “Drive Me Smooth” nationwide headlining tour. He’ll make his headlining debut at the Ryman Auditorium on November 9. He is also set to play Randy Travis in the new biopic, Forever and Ever, Amen, currently in development.

Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival Returns In November

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The Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival is returning for its 6th year Nov. 7-9, bringing together over 50 songwriters across multiple venues in The Shoals, Alabama.

The three-day celebration will kick off Nov. 7 and feature performances by Grammy-winning songwriters along with exclusive showcases honoring the legendary Muscle Shoals songwriters that shaped American music. On Friday, Nov. 7, the festival will host a special performance at FAME Recording Studios, featuring The LeBlanc Family, offering fans an intimate experience inside one of the most storied studios in the world.

The “River of Shoals Sound” showcase is set for Nov. 8 at the historic Shoals Theatre, featuring Spooner Oldham, Chris Tompkins, Mark Narmore, Gary Baker, James LeBlanc and Gary Nichols, and features a blend of video and live performances, taking audiences on a journey through time to celebrate the legacy of Shoals songwriters.

Weekend passes start at just $99, and tickets are available now at mssongfest.com.

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum To Offer Free Admission To Vets & Their Families On Veterans Day

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is honoring active-duty and retired armed services members with free admission to the museum on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

As an additional token of thanks to the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present, the museum will also extend free admission for up to three immediate family members. Tickets can be reserved by calling 615-416-2001 or can be obtained at the museum’s box office, and a valid military ID is required to claim tickets. Advanced reservations are recommended.

Between 10 a.m.-noon in the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center, visitors can share appreciation for our military members by creating postcards with Hatch Show Print for active-duty troops. With a wooden stylus and guidance from museum educators, attendees can create a printing plate to use in the museum’s circa-1940s proof press and print their own postcard. Through A Million Thanks, a nonprofit supporting military members, cards will be mailed to those serving overseas.

Active duty and retired armed services members will also receive a 10% discount at the Museum Store and the Hatch Show Print retail store on Nov. 11.

ACM Reveals New Board Of Directors & Officers For 2025-2026

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The Academy of Country Music has unveiled its officer roles and newly-elected Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term. Cris Lacy will serve as Chair, Jeff Krones as President, Becky Gardenhire as Vice-President, Carmen Romano as Treasurer, Gayle Holcomb as Sergeant-at-Arms, Duane Clark as Parliamentarian and Haley Montgomery as Secretary.

“Coming off the milestone 60th ACM Awards, this is a pivotal moment for the Academy as we continue to build a strong legacy while setting our sights firmly on the future,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The Academy’s influence on Country Music is strong, and with the leadership of our dedicated Board, I’m confident that even greater innovation, reach, and impact are possible.”

Each position was elected by ACM members. In addition to the elected Board of Directors, the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Vice-President have appointed directors-at-large. They are elected from each category, and will serve a staggered two-year term.

Academy Of Country Music Board Of Directors 2025-2026:
OFFICERS
Chair of the Board- Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
President- Jeff Krones, CAA
Vice-President- Becky Gardenhire, WME
Treasurer- Carmen Romano​, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms- Gayle Holcomb, WME
Parliamentarian- Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary- Haley Montgomery, Academy of Country Music

AFFILIATED
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Ward Guenther, Whiskey Jam
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Jackie Jones, RIAA
Chris Lisle, CCLD, LLC / Eccho Live

ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER
Dave Cohen
Ashley McBryde
TJ Osborne
Carly Pearce
Derek Wells

DIGITAL MARKETING/ DISTRIBUTION
Cameo Carlson, mTheory
Margaret Hart, Google/YouTube

MANAGER
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Martha Earls, Neon Coast
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment

MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Marcel Pariseau, True Public Relations
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom PR

MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Shannan Hatch, SESAC
BJ Hill, Warner Chappel Music

RADIO
Charlie Cook
Mike Moore, Cumulus Media

RECORD COMPANY
Katie Dean, Leo33
Annie Ortmeier, Triple Tigers
Jennifer Way, EMPIRE Records
Stephanie Wright, MCA

SONGWRITER
Lee Thomas Miller

TALENT AGENT
Meredith Jones, CAA
Curt Motley, UTA

TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER
Bob Durkin, Southern Entertainment
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents

VENUE
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production

VISUAL CONTENT
Chandra LaPlume, Sandbox Entertainment

DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Jake Basden, Sandbox Entertainment
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Amy Bryan-Fosgate
Matt Cottingham, Lewis Brisbois
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Jodi Dawes, Big Machine Label Group
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Emily Falvey, Songwriter/SMACK
Tim Foisset, Spotify
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
JoJamie Hahr, BBR Music Group
Jeremy Holley, Archetype Music | By Design Music
Meghan Kehoe, Sony Music Nashville
Sara Knabe, Big Loud
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
Tom Lord, Red Light Management
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Andy Moats, Pinnacle Bank
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment Group
Rod Phillips, iHeart Media
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Tim Roberts, Audacy
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Scott Scovill, Moo TV
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Randi Tolbert, Q Prime
Storme Warren, The Big 615
Candice Watkins, Capital Music Nashville
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe
Brian Wolf, Maverick

PAST CHAIRS
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Randy Bernard, RWB Management
Duane Clark, FBMM
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Ken Tucker, Wheelhouse Records
Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live

EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Rod Essig, CAA
Mark Hartley
Darin Murphy, CAA
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee

CRS Partners With Radio Vendor Alliance For Three Additional Panels

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Country Radio Seminar has partnered with Radio Vendor Alliance to present “The Radio Station of the Future: CRS Pre-Show Seminars.”

The seminars will take place on March 17 at Omni Hotel. The sessions are included with all full CRS 2026 registrations and one day passes are available.

The first seminar, “That Right Sound,” will explore music programming, artificial intelligence applications, production mastery, and new avenues for music discovery and access. The second session, “On Being Digital – Driving Listener Interactions and New Revenue,” will focus on connecting with audiences across mobile apps, websites, and streaming platforms while unlocking innovative ways to generate digital revenue. The day will conclude with “It’s All About the Money,” an in-depth look at maximizing financial efficiency through smarter partnerships, trade monetization, and streamlined station operations.

Register for CRS 2026 here.

Favorite Records Celebrates First Anniversary

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Nashville-based agency Favorite Records is celebrating its first anniversary. The company offers creative direction, album packaging, tour and merchandise brand development, campaign and promotional videos, pitch decks, motion graphics, social media assets, email marketing and audio advertising.

“The album cover is the brand, concentrated,” says Founder Ashley Kohorst Sieling. “Our job is to make sure every identity holds its shape—from a phone screen to a billboard, a hoodie, a tour poster, or a wrapped semi-truck driving down the highway. We’re beyond grateful to the artists, managers, labels, and teams who have trusted us to help bring their worlds to life.”

Over the past year, the company has worked with Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Johnny Cash, U2, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, The Band Perry, Marty Stuart, Tyler Childers, Muscadine Bloodline, Luke Bower, Braxton Keith, Margo Price, Morgan Wade, Ashley Monroe, Karley Scott Collins, Bella White, The Runarounds, Franni Cash, Kylie Frey, the Academy of Country Music, The Sandbox, Showcase Ventures, SongwritingWith:Soldiers, Quinton Digital, and COLORTEST Merch, among others.

Standout projects include working with the Band Together Texas benefit concert, which raised more than $8.5 million for Central Texas flood relief, creating the new branding for ACM Honors, and designing a 156-page art book for Kelsea Ballerini’s Patterns (Deluxe) album.

Find more information and contact the company here.

Grand Ole Opry To Host ‘Opry NextStage Live’ At Category 10

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The Grand Ole Opry will host its fifth annual “Opry NextStage Live,” on  Dec. 3 at Category 10. Tickets are on sale now.

Hosted by Ashley McBryde, the lineup features members of this year’s NextStage class including Dasha, Kashus Culpepper, Chayce Beckham, Avery Anna, Tigirlily Gold and Kaitlin Butts. Each artist will take the stage for individual performances.

Opry NextStage spotlights emerging country artists through exclusive content, live performances, and Opry appearances. Since its launch in 2019, Opry NextStage has featured Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Ella Langley, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes, Hailey Whitters, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith and Tigirlily Gold, among others. Collectively, NextStage artists have earned 38 No. 1 singles, spending a combined 48 weeks at the top of the country radio airplay charts.

Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Shaboozey, Gavin Adcock, Michael Ray, More

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Kenny Chesney Appears On ‘CBS Sunday Mornings’

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Danny Clinch

Kenny Chesney recently appeared on CBS Sunday Mornings promoting his new book, Heart Life Music. Filmed in Las Vegas, Nashville and Key West, the profile features cameos from Grace Potter and David Wegmen, capturing moments of Chesney’s life with journalist Lee Cowan.

“When I said yes to Sunday Morning, I know how iconic CBS’ news magazine is, and I wanted to make sure we delivered something that they would be proud of,” says Chesney. “This book tells the story of how a kid just dreaming to dream could swim against the stream, find himself, his heroes, face adversity, bounce back and keep trying to channel what it means to be alive and in love.”

Watch the full feature here.

 

Shaboozey Performs On Amazon Music Live

Shaboozey. Photo: Jesse Lirola

Shaboozey recently took the stage at an Amazon Music Live event.

He opened his set with “Last Of My Kind” before performing “Highway” and “Good News.” He was joined on stage by Kevin Powers for their collaboration “Move On” and also performed his Amazon Music Original track, “Let ‘Em Know.” He closed the show with his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

 

Gavin Adcock Earns Five RIAA Certifications

Pictured (L to R): Saxon Curry (Sticks Management), Nevena Maric (Bell Media), Madelaine Napoleone (Warner Music Canada), Gavin Adcock, Dave Stelling (Warner Music Canada), Ken Boyer (Warner Music Canada), Lisa Grossi (Warner Music Canada)

Gavin Adcock was surprised by the Warner Music Canada team during his recent Canadian headline tour with a plaque certifying his single “A Cigarette” Platinum and the tracks “Deep End,” “Run Your Mouth,” “Four Leaf Clover,” and “Last One to Know” Gold. The Gold certification for “Last One to Know” is the first worldwide plaque for the track.

 

Michael Ray Joins Musicians On Call In Tampa

Photo: Dusty Barker

Musicians On Call (MOC) has launched its bedside music program in Tampa, Florida with weekly visits to the HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital from Volunteer Guides and musicians.

In celebration of the launch, MOC welcomed Michael Ray to perform for staff, patients and guests.

“Bringing the MOC Bedside program to Tampa is especially meaningful because it allows us to connect directly with patients, families, and caregivers in such a personal way,” says Pete Griffin, President and CEO of Musicians On Call. “Michael Ray has been a dedicated MOC supporter for years, visiting HCA Healthcare hospitals across the country and sharing his music with patients and caregivers. Seeing him now perform at the bedside in his home state of Florida is a powerful reminder of our mission in action, made possible through the incredible support of HCA Healthcare.”

“We’re honored to celebrate our community’s love of music through this special partnership with our bedside musicians,” adds Ned Hill, CEO of South Tampa Hospital. “Welcoming a talented native Floridian to help us launch this program is especially meaningful as we highlight the powerful role music plays in healing, not only for our patients, but also for their loved ones and caregivers.”

 

Women’s Music Business Association Accepting New Member Applications

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) is now accepting new member applications for 2026 through Nov. 7.

Applicants must have a full year of work experience in the music industry, including as an artist or musician, along with one recommendation letter. To apply, click here.

 

Canaan Baca Signs With Capitol Christian Music Group/Worship Together

Pictured (L-R): Ashton Prosser, Becca Redl, Emily Dashiel, Patrick Ogilvy, Kenny Rodgers, David Gutekunst, Stephen Brewster (The Harmony Group), Canaan Baca, Steven Cervenka, Garrett Davis, David Sylvester, Candice Watkins, Jessica Marion, Brad O’Donnell, KG Yearwood, Cole Linebarger, Terryl Padilla, Elizabeth Brock

Canaan Baca has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group’s Worship Together label imprint.

“I am so excited to see how God uses these songs to bless the Church! This is gonna be a fun season,” Baca says.

Jessica Marion, VP of Marketing and Song Promotion at CCMG adds, “We are honored to welcome Canaan Baca to the Worship Together imprint. Worship Together exists to serve the creatives who serve the Church and that is exactly where Canaan’s heart aligns.” She adds, “As a gifted and genuine worship leader whose profound songs are already impacting the local church, we believe his songs will shape the sound and heart of the global church for years to come.”

 

LOVE United Makes Ryman Debut

Pictured (L-R): Lexi Mason, Jazlene Dayce, Charlie Fuertsch, Carter Schultz, Kelsey Blackstone.

LOVE United recently made their Ryman debut, opening for Jason Isbell during his residency. The trio, composed of Lexi Mason, Carter Schultz and Jazlene Dayce, were brought together by The L.O.V.E. Academy (Leadership, Opportunity, Vision, Empowerment).

“It’s important to Jason and me to introduce his audience to new discoveries every year. This year, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite youth and camp organizations, including the L.O.V.E. Academy. We know how hard these kids work in their programs, and we’re happy to provide them with this opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Jason Isbell’s manager, Traci Thomas.