Chris Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show” Dates:
BOLD on-sale Friday, February 7 at 10:00am local time
March 11—Corpus Christi, TX—American Bank Center#
March 12—Austin, TX—Frank Erwin Center#
March 14—Arlington, TX—Globe Life Field*
March 20—Biloxi, MS—Mississippi Coast Coliseum+
March 21—Birmingham, AL—Legacy Arena at the BJCC+
April 22—Toledo, OH—Huntington Center+
April 23—Columbus, OH—Schottenstein Center+
April 25—Lexington, KY—A Concert for Kentucky – Kroger Field†
June 4—Albuquerque, NM—Isleta Amphitheater‡
June 5—Phoenix, AZ—Ak-Chin Pavilion‡
June 6—San Bernardino, CA—Glen Helen Amphitheater‡
June 11—Bakersfield, CA—Mechanics Bank Arena°
June 12—Sacramento, CA—Toyota Amphitheatre°
June 13—Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheatre°
June 18—Boise, ID—Ford Idaho Center Arena°
June 19—Portland, OR—Sunlight Supply Amphitheater°
June 20—George, WA—The Gorge Amphitheatre°
June 25—Salt Lake City, UT—USANA Amphitheatre§
June 26—Denver, CO—Pepsi Center§
June 30—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest at American Family Insurance Amphitheater^
July 16—Estero, FL—Hertz Arena##
July 17—Orlando, FL—Amway Center##
July 18—Atlanta, GA—Truist Park**
July 23—Darien Center, NY—Darien Lake Amphitheater##
July 24—Syracuse, NY—St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview##
July 25—Holmdel, NJ—PNC Bank Arts Center##
July 30—Scranton, PA—The Pavilion at Montage Mountain++
July 31—Philadelphia, PA—BB&T Pavilion++
August 1—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center++
August 6—Cuyahoga Falls, OH—Blossom Music Center++
August 7—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion++
August 8—Raleigh, NC—Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek++
August 12—Gilford, NH—Bank NH Pavilion††
August 13—Gilford, NH—Bank NH Pavilion††
August 20—Sioux Falls, SD—Denny Sanford PREMIER Center††
August 29—Chicago, IL—Wrigley Field‡‡
October 1—Knoxville, TN—Thompson-Boling Arena+
October 2—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena+
October 8—State College, PA—Bryce Jordan Center+
October 9—Atlantic City, NJ—Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall+
October 10—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden+
October 15—Columbia, MO—Mizzou Arena+
October 16—Tulsa, OK—BOK Center+ (on-sale February 14)
October 17—Lincoln, NE—Pinnacle Bank Arena+ (on-sale February 14)
October 22—Lubbock, TX—United Supermarket Arena+
October 23—San Antonio, TX—AT&T Center+ (on-sale March 27)
#Jamey Johnson and Yola
*Willie Nelson & Family, Jamey Johnson and Yola
+The Marcus King Band and Yola
†Willie Nelson & Family, Sheryl Crow and Yola
‡Dwight Yoakam and The Dirty Knobs with Mike Campbell
°Margo Price and The Dirty Knobs with Mike Campbell
§Sheryl Crow and The Dirty Knobs with Mike Campbell
^Sheryl Crow
##Sheryl Crow and Kendell Marvel
**Hank Williams Jr., Sheryl Crow and Kendell Marvel
++Elle King and Kendell Marvel
††Elle King and Nikki Lane
‡‡The Highwomen, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and The Dirty Knobs with Mike Campbell
Chris Stapleton To Bring All-American Road Show Back To Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton is bringing his “All-American Road Show” back this Summer and Fall with an extensive new run of shows including stops at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 2, New York’s Madison Square Garden on Oct. 10, and a debut at Chicago’s famed Wrigley Field Aug. 29. The tour will feature a multitude of rotating special guests including Dwight Yoakam, Elle King, Hank Williams Jr., Kendell Marvel, Margo Price, Nikki Lane, Sheryl Crow, The Marcus King Band and Yola, The Highwomen, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and The Dirty Knobs with Mike Campbell.
A special tour stop in April will be “A Concert for Kentucky”—a unique show benefitting Stapleton’s newly-created Outlaw State of Kind Hometown Fund to be held at University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field on April 25. The performance is the first concert ever held at UK’s Kroger Field and will feature very special guests Willie Nelson & Family, Sheryl Crow and Yola. One hundred percent of the concert’s net proceeds will go toward Chris and Morgane Stapleton’s Outlaw State of Kind Hometown Fund. The fund was established in partnership with the Blue Grass Community Foundation and will specifically support local and national organizations directly impacting Kentucky, with initial grant distributions focusing on music and arts education.
Stapleton Fan Club pre-sales will begin next Tuesday, Feb. 4, and public on sale for the newly-announced concerts begin Friday, Feb. 7. Citi is the official presale credit card of the “All-American Road Show” and as such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets through Citi Entertainment beginning Feb. 4-6.
Rusty Gaston Officially Begins Reign At Sony/ATV As Publishing Powerhouse Acquires THiS Music
/by Jessica NicholsonRusty Gaston
Rusty Gaston has officially started in his new role as CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville. MusicRow broke the news that Gaston would be joining the music publishing giant back in July 2019.
Gaston leads all creative and operations for the company’s Nashville division, including the signing of new songwriters and development of strategies to exploit its catalog. He reports to Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
Sony/ATV has also acquired THiS Music, the Nashville-based publishing company Gaston co-founded with Nashville ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame’ inductee Tim Nichols and acclaimed songwriter Connie Harrington. THiS Music’s roster includes Ben Hayslip, two-time ASCAP ‘Songwriter of the Year’ winner and member of The Peach Pickers, as well as Grammy award winning artist Emily Weisband, who has written major pop hits for BTS, Halsey and Camila Cabello, among others.
Platt said, “Rusty is one of music’s most influential executives today, and his success in developing game-changing opportunities for songwriters makes him the perfect leader to step into this important role at Sony/ATV. I’m excited to work alongside Rusty and our Nashville team on nurturing the next generation of music’s hitmakers.”
Gaston added, “It is a tremendous honor to join Jon and the Sony/ATV family. The Sony/ATV Nashville catalog is the undisputed greatest collection of country music on the planet. As a music lover, I am in awe of the legacy of the songs and the songwriters…past, present and future…and I look forward to working with this amazing team and roster.”
Jimmy Dasher Joins APA Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonJimmy Dasher
APA Nashville has added Jimmy Dasher as a music agent; he will focus on booking clubs and theaters in North America’s Western region.
Dasher got his start in music as an artist, recording a few studio albums as well as working as a guitarist and bass player for other touring artists. In 2016, he joined Buddy Lee Attractions as an agent. In 2018, he joined Atomic Music Group, building a roster including artists Doug Stone, Terry McBride and Doug Kershaw.
“As a performer turned agent, Jimmy brings a wealth of experience to his work from both perspectives,” said APA partner and Co-Head of Worldwide Concerts, Steve Lassiter. “I’m very happy to have him join our Nashville team and look forward to working with him.”
“I’m excited to work with the team Steve has established at APA, and look forward to continuing to grow as an agent as I develop new relationships with their artists and buyers. It’s going to make a great home,” said Dasher.
Dasher can be reached at jdasher@apa-agency.com or (615) 297-0100.
Taylor Lamb Appointed Creative Director At RED Creative Group
/by Lorie HollabaughTaylor Lamb
Taylor Lamb has been named Creative Director for Nashville-based RED Creative Group. Lamb’s responsibilities in his new position will include creative publishing and writer management duties, as well as aiding in artist development initiatives.
He previously served as A&R Coordinator at Los Angeles-based indie publisher/record label/management company Position Music.
“Taylor has quickly proven himself to be a major asset for our writers and creative team. We are excited to welcome his talent and strong work ethic to our growing roster,“ said RED Creative Group president Jeremy Stover.
“I’m so excited to be part of such a hardworking team and can’t wait to come alongside our writers and artists to help them continue progressing in their art,” Lamb said.
John Prine Sets Second All The Best Festival For November
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Prine
John Prine will once again welcome several of his musician friends for All The Best, a festival set for November in Punta Cana on Nov. 16-20. The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will lead four days of musical performances and unique collaborations. The festival first launched in 2019.
This year, Oh Boy Records and Sixthman have partnered again and will welcome Bonnie Raitt, John Hiatt, Steve Earle, Iris Dement, Todd Snider, Paul Thorn, The Jerry Douglas Band, Ana Egge, and more.
For tickets, visit allthebestfest.com.
F. Reid Shippen, Chris Stevens Celebrate Grammy Honors
/by Jessica NicholsonF. Reid Shippen, Chris Stevens
Producer/engineer F. Reid Shippen and producer/songwriter Chris Stevens took home Grammy honors on Sunday (Jan. 26), for producing this year’s Best Roots Gospel Album, Gloria Gaynor‘s Testimony. The album was recorded live to analog tape at Nashville’s RCA Studio A.
F. Reid Shippen is managed by Triple 8 Management, while Chris Stevens is published by THiS Music Publishing.
Runaway June To Perform During Nashville’s Symphony Fashion Show
/by Jessica NicholsonBBR Music Group trio Runaway June will be the featured entertainment for the 2020 Symphony Fashion Show, set for April 14 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
This year’s event will highlight the fashions of designer Zang Toi. The Symphony Fashion Show is presented each year via a partnership between the Nashville Symphony and Gus Mayer of Nashville.
“The Symphony Fashion Show has become one of Nashville’s most glamorous and spectacular events, a can’t-miss evening that brings together the best of fashion and music to help support the important work the Nashville Symphony does in our community,” said chairpersons Barbara Burns and Ashley Rosen. “So it is only fitting that the Symphony Fashion Show’s landmark 15th year will showcase this fabulous and fast-rising trio of gifted musicians. Naomi, Hannah, and Jennifer’s gorgeous three-part harmonies are a perfect fit for the warm acoustics of the Schermerhorn, and pairing them with Zang Toi and his dazzling collection ensures that guests are in for a truly electrifying night in April.”
Industry Pics: Luke Bryan Concludes Sixth Annual Crash My Playa
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Lee Brice, Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum), Luke Bryan, Brad Tursi, (Old Dominion), Dustin Lynch, Jonathan Fordin & Dan Berkowitz with CID Presents. Photo: Ethan Helms
Luke Bryan finished his sixth consecutive sold-out Crash My Playa event in Mexico’s Riviera Cancun area over the weekend. Bryan headlined two of the event’s four nights, which also included headliners Jason Aldean and Old Dominion. Others performing throughout the weekend included Dustin Lynch, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Granger Smith, Jordan Davis, Jon Langston, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack, Kendell Marvel and DJ Rock.
Bryan also took advantage of the stunning locale to film a music video that will be released after his new album Born Here, Live Here, Die Here, which drops April 24.
Pictured (L-R): Jason Aldean, Charles Kelley, Luke Bryan. Photo: Ethan Helms
Pictured: Dustin Lynch. Photo: ALIVE Coverage
In Pictures: Warner Music Nashville’s Grammy Gold
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Dan Smyers, Blake Shelton and Shay Mooney attend the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party at Hollywood Athletic Club on January 23, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Warner Music)
Warner Music Nashville celebrated all of its Grammy nominees during a pre-Grammy party at the Hollywood Athletic Club on Thursday, Jan. 23.
WMN duo Dan+Shay went on to win Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Speechless” during the Sunday evening Grammy ceremony, marking back-to-back wins in the category (they took home the same honor the previous year for “Tequila”). The duo’s “Speechless” was also nominated for Best Country Song.
Fellow WMN artist Blake Shelton was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance (“God’s Country”) and performed “Nobody But You,” his latest single featuring Gwen Stefani. Ashley McBryde also scored two nominations, for Best Country Solo Performance (“Girl Goin’ Nowhere”) and Best Country Song (“Girl Goin’ Nowhere”).
Pictured (L-R): Ashley McBryde and Blake Shelton attend the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party at Hollywood Athletic Club on January 23, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Warner Music)
Pictured(L-R): John Esposito, Scott Hendricks, Shay Mooney, Blake Shelton, Max Lousada, Gwen Stefani, Dan Smyers and Ashley McBryde attend the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party at Hollywood Athletic Club on January 23, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for Warner Music)
Industry Pics: ASCAP, Lauren Alaina, Kalie Shorr
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP Celebrates Alabama Music Hall Of Fame Inductees
Pictures (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, Gary Baker, Backstreet Boys’ Kevin Richardson. Photo by Ken Shelton.
ASCAP and Nashville music industry friends traveled to the Muscle Shoals area on Saturday, Jan. 25 to celebrate Alabama Music Hall of Fame 2020 inductee Gary Baker and fellow inductees Mervyn Warren, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, and Elton B. Stephens.
Shoals songwriter Baker was inducted by friends Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys. Baker moved to Muscle Shoals more than 40 years ago to write songs, and his hits include the Grammy-winning “I Swear,” made famous by both John Michael Montgomery and All 4 One, and “I’m Already There,” recorded by Lonestar.
Pictured (L-R): Tower Community Bank’s John Briggs, past Alabama Music Hall of Fame inductees David Briggs and Spooner Oldham, hit songwriter Chris Tompkins, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad.
Lauren Alaina Announces New EP During ‘Today Show’ Visit
TODAY Show host Jenna Bush Hager (Left) and guest host Jerry O’Connell (Right) welcome Lauren Alaina (Center) to set to perform her latest single “Getting Good.” Photo: NBC
Lauren Alaina recently announced her upcoming six-song EP, Getting Good, will be released March 6. She made the announcement during an appearance on NBC’s TODAY Show, where she also performed her single “Getting Good.”
Kalie Shorr Visits WSM/Circle’s Coffee, Country and Cody
Pictured: Shorr, WSM’s Charlie Mattos, WSM’s Bill Cody, WSM’s Jo Smith. Photo: 117 Entertainment
Kalie Shorr visited WSM and Circle’s Coffee, Country and Cody recently to perform two songs off her debut album Open Book and promote her “Too Much to Say” Tour, which visits Nashville’s Exit/In on Friday, Jan. 31.