Hill Country Reserve has announced the artist lineup and details for its inaugural gathering Nov. 2-4 in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

Designed for a limited audience of 200, the the newest destination experience from Forefront Networks unfolds across Fredericksburg’s historic downtown, scenic Hill Country settings and one of Texas’ most iconic music towns, offering a more intentional way to connect with artists and the region.

The music lineup includes Wade Bowen, The Wilder Blue, Josh Weathers, Julianna Rankin, Alex Lambert, Garrett Mann, Angel White, a special duo with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall, and more. Guests will divide into smaller groups and enjoy tableside dinner performances from a variety of artists including Bri Bagwell, Paul Eason, Zane Williams and Django Walker.

The gathering kicks off with a welcome event at the Albert Hotel, built on the site of the historic Albert Dance Hall, where guests will unwind with vineyard views, chef-crafted dinners, and intimate performances beneath the Texas sky. While guests are enjoying downtown Fredericksburg throughout the three days, they can also shop Lucchese Bootmaker styles in the Albertina House, located adjacent to the Albert Hotel.

The second day expands into the surrounding Hill Country, where additional performances unfold against sweeping landscapes and the natural beauty that defines the region. The experience culminates on the third day with a private visit to Luckenbach, offering guests access to one of Texas’ most storied music outposts. The closing performances will be captured during a live taping of Texas Music Scene. 

With his major label debut album REAL DAMN DEAL, released earlier this year, Braxton Keith has made his mark on the country music landscape.

The project, which was lauded by fans and critics alike, landed Keith on multiple artist-to-watch lists by Amazon Music, Rolling Stone and more. His dynamic talent as a live performer was put on display with his “REAL DAMN DEAL TOUR,” which continues through the fall.

After such a successful year, Keith is gearing up to kick things up a notch with another run in 2027. The “TOLD YOU ONCE TOUR” kicks off in January and spans nearly 40 cities across the country, marking his most extensive tour to date. Rising artists Caden Gillard, Cole Goodwin, Carson Peters, Tyla Rodrigues and Wild Bill & The Bruisers will join as rotating support slots throughout spring.

Keith recently reflected on the past year with MusicRow, and looked towards the future.

MusicRow: You’ve built a pretty distinct identity around traditional country, honky-tonk, and Western swing, but you’re also releasing music in a very different country marketplace. How intentional are you about protecting that identity as your audience and the opportunities around you get bigger?

I only know how to be me and that’s all I’m ever going to try to be. I don’t really feel like I have to protect that identity because it’s genuinely who I am and I don’t know any other way to be.

REAL DAMN DEAL feels like an album that establishes a world around you rather than just introducing a collection of songs. How did you think about what you wanted this first major-label album to say about who you are as an artist?

I wanted my debut album to be country to its core because I am too. It’s important to me to spread the gospel of country music through my original songs and songs from the greats who have come before me. I want people to listen to my record and think “that truly was the real damn deal.”

You wrote 10 of the album’s 15 songs, and a lot of the conversation around the record has focused on your songwriting and storytelling. As your career develops, do you see yourself becoming even more songwriter-driven, or are you interested in finding a balance between your own material and songs written by other people?

I like a healthy balance. I love the process of getting into a writers’ room with some of the best in the business and taking an idea, dream, or story I have and letting them put their spin on it too. I want to be involved in that process because collaboration makes me a stronger songwriter whether it’s in a co-write or on my own.

You’re getting the chance to play very different rooms right now–from your own headlining shows to supporting artists like Lainey Wilson, Tucker Wetmore and Gavin Adcock, plus fairs and festivals. What are you learning from those different audiences? Does that change the way you approach your own live show?

Every time we get the opportunity to open up for acts like Lainey, Gavin, Tucker, etc., we absolutely pay attention and take away lessons from each artist, their unique way of connecting with their fans, and their live performance. I call it going to class. We always take away something valuable from those experiences and constantly strive to make our live show the best it can be.

There’s clearly an appetite right now for artists who are pushing traditional country sounds back into the center of the conversation. Do you think this moment is actually changing the business around that music, or is the audience appetite moving faster than the industry itself?

Everywhere we go, people are showing up to hear real country music, whether that’s honky-tonk, Western swing, or traditional country. The fans have made it clear there’s an appetite for it, and the business usually follows where the fans lead. I’ve always believed there’s a lane for traditional country, though. Country music is a big tent and there’s room for a lot of different styles. If there’s room for all of that, there’s dang sure room for traditional country too. It’s been really cool to see more artists carrying that torch and fans embracing it.

You’ve had a pretty remarkable run of “artists to watch” recognition and critical attention this year. At what point does being an artist people are watching become less interesting than figuring out how to build a sustainable career—and what does that next phase look like to you?

At no point am I not thinking about how to build a sustainable career and release music that is authentic to me and that my fans will love. Of course it feels great to get the accolades and feel like what I’m doing is resonating with people. But at the end of the day, there is no plan B for me. All I ever want to do is evolve and continue to get better and better at my craft and give fans a reason to keep listening to my music and buying tickets to my shows. The next phase looks a lot like the last, work hard, write great songs, play great shows and never stop tonkin’.

—

“TOLD YOU ONCE TOUR” 2027 Dates:
1/14 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore ^
1/15 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live ^
1/16 – Springfield, IL – Boondocks ^
1/21 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre #
1/22 – Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron #
1/23 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre #
1/28 – Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall #
1/29 – Cincinnati, OH – MegaCorp Pavillion #
1/30 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel #
2/4 – Boston, MA – Royale *
2/5 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza *
2/6 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE *
2/11 – Fayetteville, AR – Ozark Music Hall ^
2/12 – Jackson, MS – Dixie National Livestock and Rodeo
2/13 – Baton Rouge, LA – Texas Club ^
2/18 – St. Pete, FL – Jannus Live *
2/19 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live *
2/20 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE *
3/3 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues +
3/4 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues +
3/5 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre +
3/6 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades +
3/10 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom +
3/11 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox +
3/12 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory +
3/14 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory +
3/17 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand at The Complex +
3/18 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom +
3/20 – Hamilton, TX – Santa Teresa Ranch Fest
4/8 – Columbia, SC – The Senate ~
4/9 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz ~
4/10 – Starkville, MS – Rick’s Cafe ~
4/15 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre ~
4/16 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s ~
4/17 – Anderson, SC – Wendell’s ~

^ Caden Gillard
~ Cole Goodwin
* Carson Peters
+ Tyla Rodrigues
# Wild Bill & The Bruisers

Leadership Music in Nashville has begun the search for a new executive director.

Candidates interested in applying should have experience in senior leadership in the music or entertainment industry, nonprofit management, higher education, or a related field, and will have demonstrated success in fundraising and donor cultivation. They will also have experience working effectively with boards, volunteers, and diverse constituencies along with strong financial management and budgeting experience.

The organization is seeking individuals with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, a deep appreciation for leadership development and community building and knowledge of and passion for the entertainment industries.

Resumes and letters of interest should be sent here. A more detailed description of the position and application materials can be found here. Resumes will be accepted through Oct. 13.

Melody Place is expanding its digital team with the addition of Kacey Flory as Head of Digital Marketing and Kayla Smith as Digital Marketing Coordinator.

Flory brings nearly 10 years of industry experience to the role, including more than seven years at Crowd Surf, where she worked her way from Digital Marketing Assistant to Director of Marketing & Management. During her time there, she worked on digital campaigns for artists and clients across pop, country and other genres, including Camila Cabello, New Kids on the Block, Joshua Henry, Atsuko Okatsuka and Jim Gaffigan.

She also worked with major-label clients including Interscope Records, MCA and BBR Music Group. A member of the Academy of Country Music’s Class of 2025, Flory will oversee digital marketing and social media efforts for Melody Place’s artist roster and other entertainment projects.

Smith began building her career in music four years ago by shadowing industry professionals and volunteering at shows, where she gained experience in touring merchandise. She spent three years working as an elementary school teacher while continuing to pursue opportunities in music, working shows during nights, weekends and summers. During that time, she also earned a master’s degree in marketing and analytics. This summer, Smith worked as a digital intern at The Core Entertainment before joining Melody Place.

“Kacey is such a pro, with vast knowledge and incredible instincts for how artists across a multitude of genres can connect with audiences. Kayla is incredibly bright, eager, and creative, and with Kacey leading the team, they make a dream digital duo. The unique perspective each of them brings to their work will continue to propel Melody Place to new heights. We’re so pleased to have them both on board,” says Sandy McGraw, President and GM.