Sierra Ferrell. Photo: Cora Wagoner
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has wrapped its 25th year, bringing another weekend of music and community to Bristol, Tennessee.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Sierra Ferrell and Old Crow Medicine Show were among the featured acts, joining a mix of established and emerging artists.
“This festival is yours, forever,” said Festival Director, Richard Oakley, to the crowd of fans, volunteers, and team members before Sunday’s closing performance.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Photo: Billie Wheeler
Day one festivities began in the late afternoon with Jim Lauderdale and Donna the Buffalo opening the State Street Stage with a special 25th anniversary jam. It marked Lauderdale’s 14th appearance at the festival. Later, fans gathered at Paramount Bristol for performances from German songwriter and producer Toby Gad and Bristol cellist and composer Dave Eggar. The pair performed songs Gad helped write, including “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “My Immortal,” and “Viva La Vida.” As the evening continued, Los Lobos and St. Paul and The Broken Bones brought a soulful rock sound to the Piedmont Avenue Stage, while Johnny Mullenax closed out the night with an energetic set on the Country Mural Stage.
Day two featured sets from Josh Mitcham and Possum Creek Playboys before a brief rain shower moved through Bristol. While the weather caused a short delay for the outdoor stages, the music continued inside Paramount Bristol with Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time. The festival favorite, inspired by the classic WCYB program, served as the official 25th anniversary celebration and featured Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies, Trousdale and The Band Loula.
Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Billie Wheeler
Once the rain cleared, performances continued across the festival grounds, including sets from Acoustic Syndicate: “The Bristol Reunion,” Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines, Johnson City’s Florencia & The Feeling, and the Del McCoury Band. Ferrell headlined the Cumberland Square Park Stage, returning to the festival after making her debut at the 6th Street Stage in 2021. The night ended with energetic performances from Clay Street Unit and Braxton Keith, who brought their mix of swagger and grit to the 6th Street and Piedmont Avenue Stages.
The final day of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion opened with performances from Virginia West, Logan & McKenna and Erin Lunsford. The Bristol Sessions Super Raffle also announced more than $250,000 in cash and prizes benefiting the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Denitia brought her Texas-rooted mix of soul and country to the 6th Street Stage, while River Shook energized the Piedmont Avenue Stage. The Band Loula drew a crowd at Cumberland Square Park, and Bristol native Aaron Dowdy led Fust through a set of indie rock and Americana at the 6th Street Stage. Maggie Antone had fans singing along with her blend of country, soul, and Southern rock, while Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives brought their cosmic-country sound to Cumberland Square Park.
Old Crow Medicine Show closed the festival with a high-energy set on State Street. The band welcomed Hannah Dasher to the stage for a performance of “Just Someone I Used To Know,” honoring Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner. Old Crow also paid tribute to Jimmie Rodgers during the set, helping launch the Birthplace of Country Music’s year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. The festival ended with “Rocky Top” and “Wagon Wheel” echoing across State Street, bringing Tennessee and Virginia together and closing out another year of music on the state line.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will return Sept. 10-12, 2027.
Dave Eggar and Phil Paconti. Photo: Earl Neikirk
Farm and Fun Time. Photo: Heidi Holloway
Fust. Photo: Grace Carter
Photo: Earl Neikirk
Mitchell Tenpenny & Flo Rida Join Forces For New ‘Whiskey & Whistle Tour’ In February
/by Lorie HollabaughMitchell Tenpenny and Flo Rida are teaming up for their new “Whistle & Whiskey Tour” beginning Feb. 3, with Jay Webb kicking off the party each night.
The first four shows will feature stops in Duluth, Sioux City, Grand Forks, and Rochester, with additional cities to be announced soon. “Whistle & Whiskey” will feature country favorites and some of the biggest party anthems of the past two decades, bringing three distinct sounds together on one stage. Tickets for the new tour go on sale on Friday (Sept. 25).
Flo Rida exploded onto the scene with the 7x Platinum “Low” featuring T-Pain, which spent 10 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has released hits including “RightRound,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” “Good Feeling,” “Wild Ones,” “Whistle” and “My House.” With over 100 million singles sold worldwide, his catalog has become the soundtrack to parties around the world.
Tenpenny has already amassed more than 2.6 billion global streams, and his breakout No. 1 “Drunk Me” has been certified quadruple Platinum. His hit-filled catalog also includes additional No. 1s “Truth About You” and “At The End Of A Bar” with Chris Young. Along with his own successful headlining tours, he has toured with Jason Aldean, Luke Combs and Jordan Davis.
“Whistle & Whiskey Tour” Dates:
Feb. 3 — Duluth, MN — DECC
Feb. 4 — Sioux City, IA — Tyson Events Center
Feb. 6 — Grand Forks, ND — Alerus Center
Feb. 7 — Rochester, MN — Mayo Civic Center
Owen Waidley Inks With SMACKSongs
/by Madison HahnenOwen Waidley has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs.
Inspired by artists including The Rolling Stones, The Lumineers and Joshua Slone, the California native brings real-life experiences into his songwriting. His songs reflect lessons he has learned firsthand, giving them an honest and personal feel. His creativity, work ethic, and natural ability in the writing room quickly caught the attention of SMACK, making him a strong fit for the team.
“The moment I heard Owen’s songs and voice, I was in,” says Jeremy Groves at SMACKSongs. “The more I’ve gotten to know him, see how hard he works, and how he carries himself, the prouder I am for SMACK to be a part of this next chapter of his story. I can’t wait to see what we build together.”
“There’s something special about having a team that feels like family, and not only is SMACK an unbelievable team but it is truly a family that I am deeply proud to be a part of,” adds Waidley.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Celebrates 25th Anniversary
/by Madison HahnenSierra Ferrell. Photo: Cora Wagoner
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has wrapped its 25th year, bringing another weekend of music and community to Bristol, Tennessee.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Sierra Ferrell and Old Crow Medicine Show were among the featured acts, joining a mix of established and emerging artists.
“This festival is yours, forever,” said Festival Director, Richard Oakley, to the crowd of fans, volunteers, and team members before Sunday’s closing performance.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Photo: Billie Wheeler
Day one festivities began in the late afternoon with Jim Lauderdale and Donna the Buffalo opening the State Street Stage with a special 25th anniversary jam. It marked Lauderdale’s 14th appearance at the festival. Later, fans gathered at Paramount Bristol for performances from German songwriter and producer Toby Gad and Bristol cellist and composer Dave Eggar. The pair performed songs Gad helped write, including “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “My Immortal,” and “Viva La Vida.” As the evening continued, Los Lobos and St. Paul and The Broken Bones brought a soulful rock sound to the Piedmont Avenue Stage, while Johnny Mullenax closed out the night with an energetic set on the Country Mural Stage.
Day two featured sets from Josh Mitcham and Possum Creek Playboys before a brief rain shower moved through Bristol. While the weather caused a short delay for the outdoor stages, the music continued inside Paramount Bristol with Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time. The festival favorite, inspired by the classic WCYB program, served as the official 25th anniversary celebration and featured Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies, Trousdale and The Band Loula.
Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Billie Wheeler
Once the rain cleared, performances continued across the festival grounds, including sets from Acoustic Syndicate: “The Bristol Reunion,” Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines, Johnson City’s Florencia & The Feeling, and the Del McCoury Band. Ferrell headlined the Cumberland Square Park Stage, returning to the festival after making her debut at the 6th Street Stage in 2021. The night ended with energetic performances from Clay Street Unit and Braxton Keith, who brought their mix of swagger and grit to the 6th Street and Piedmont Avenue Stages.
The final day of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion opened with performances from Virginia West, Logan & McKenna and Erin Lunsford. The Bristol Sessions Super Raffle also announced more than $250,000 in cash and prizes benefiting the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Denitia brought her Texas-rooted mix of soul and country to the 6th Street Stage, while River Shook energized the Piedmont Avenue Stage. The Band Loula drew a crowd at Cumberland Square Park, and Bristol native Aaron Dowdy led Fust through a set of indie rock and Americana at the 6th Street Stage. Maggie Antone had fans singing along with her blend of country, soul, and Southern rock, while Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives brought their cosmic-country sound to Cumberland Square Park.
Old Crow Medicine Show closed the festival with a high-energy set on State Street. The band welcomed Hannah Dasher to the stage for a performance of “Just Someone I Used To Know,” honoring Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner. Old Crow also paid tribute to Jimmie Rodgers during the set, helping launch the Birthplace of Country Music’s year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. The festival ended with “Rocky Top” and “Wagon Wheel” echoing across State Street, bringing Tennessee and Virginia together and closing out another year of music on the state line.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will return Sept. 10-12, 2027.
Dave Eggar and Phil Paconti. Photo: Earl Neikirk
Farm and Fun Time. Photo: Heidi Holloway
Fust. Photo: Grace Carter
Photo: Earl Neikirk
Matt Dragstrem Enters Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenMatt Dragstrem
Matt Dragstrem has moved into the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Luke Bryan’s “Country And She Knows It” and Greylan James’ “Water At A Wedding” put the songwriter at No. 17 this week.
Ella Langley moves up to No 1 with “Be Her,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Jaded” and “Loving Life Again.” Dolly Parton sits at No. 2 with “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “Son Of Jolene.”
Chase McGill (No. 3), Jordan Schmidt (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.
The Crew To Host 17th Annual CMA Awards Viewing Party Benefiting Musicians on Call
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Markus Koger (Smoking Section Podcast), Nicolette McCann (Red Light Management), Jackson Kiger (Sony Music Publishing) and Cheshire Rigler (Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC). (L-R, front row): Halle Bartlett (One Riot Music), Emily Baldridge (MCA), Leah Binkerd (The MLC), Julia Keefe (Edgehill Music Publishing) and Samantha Sarno (SMACKSongs). Photo: Katie Larson
The Crew, a group of music industry executives, will host its 17th annual CMA Awards viewing party on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. CT at Tin Roof Nashville Downtown.
The benefit brings together industry professionals to support Musicians On Call while celebrating fellow artists, songwriters and colleagues during the 60th Annual CMA Awards broadcast live throughout Tin Roof. Last year, The Crew raised over $24k for Musicians On Call at the viewing party. Organizations interested in purchasing a sponsorship package this year should contact Jackson Kiger or Markus Koger.
“We are so happy to be back again this year to not only celebrate one of country music’s biggest nights, but to raise money for the incredible cause that is Musicians On Call,” shares The Crew. “Thank you so much to all of our amazing sponsors and the Nashville community without whom this night would not be possible.”
For 25 years, Musicians On Call has brought the healing power of music directly to patients, families, and caregivers in healthcare environments through bedside, virtual, and streaming programs. MOC has connected more than one million people across all 50 states with live music.
Round Top Film Festival Debuts New Music Programming In Partnership With Bluebird Cafe & Vinyll Studios
/by Lorie HollabaughShane McAnally. Photo: Robby Klein
Round Top Film Festival in Round Top, Texas is expanding its programming in 2026 with the launch of its first official music programming, presented in partnership with the Bluebird Cafe and Vinyll Studios.
On Nov. 14, festival attendees will experience a special screening of SONGWRITER, an original documentary series created and produced by Vinyll Studios featuring the episode Shane McAnally: “Merry Go Round.” SONGWRITER highlights the writers behind some of the most iconic songs across generations, celebrating the storytellers whose work has shaped the soundtrack of our lives. The featured episode follows McAnally’s journey from his hometown of Mineral Wells, Texas, through his early years as an aspiring artist to his rise as one of the most successful songwriters in country music.
Following the screening, an intimate songwriter round will feature McAnally, Josh Osborne, and an additional songwriter to be announced in the coming weeks. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the festival, bringing together the worlds of film and music through one of Nashville’s most celebrated music institutions.
“I grew up a few hours up the road from Round Top, and I spent most of my twenties trying to get out of small-town Texas,” says McAnally. “Turns out I’ve been writing about it ever since. Getting to bring this film back home – and then sit in a round with Josh and play the songs that came out of all that – is about as full circle as it gets.”
“Here at The Bluebird, we’ve known Shane since he first came to Nashville and played on our Open Mic, so it is an honor to participate in recognizing his talent and career in Round Top this year,” shares Erika Wollam-Nichols, General Manager and COO, The Bluebird Cafe. “We’re excited to join the Round Top Film Festival’s commitment to storytelling through this partnership, alongside a group of songwriters who have called The Bluebird Cafe home.”
“We created SONGWRITER to give audiences a deeper connection to the people and lived experiences behind the songs they already know,” adds Liz Rose, Songwriter, Vice Chairman of Vinyll Studios. “Bringing Shane’s film together with an intimate Bluebird Cafe songwriter round allows the story to move from screen to stage, which is exactly the kind of experience we want Vinyll to create.”
Mae Estes Pays Tribute To Pivotal Artists & Influences On New EP ‘The 90s Called’
/by Lorie HollabaughMae Estes is set to release her new six-song EP The 90s Called, a tip of her hat to the artists and influences who’ve helped shape her sound, on Oct. 16 via Blue Highway Records.
Along with the original title track written by Benjy Davis and Aaron Raitiere, the EP features Shenandoah on “Moon Over Georgia,” and finds Mae taking on the role of the letting-go woman on Brooks & Dunn’s “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind,” as well as turns on K.T. Oslin’s “Do Ya,” Lee Ann Womack’s “The Fool” and a feisty spin on Patty Loveless’ “You Can Feel Bad,” which is out now.
“Patty Loveless is one of the most respected legends in country music,” says Estes. “She represents real deal talent – and the company she keeps reflects that, too. She has a lot of songs I wish I’d written in her catalog, but this one – written by Matraca Berg and Tim Krekel – is one of my very favorites. So much attitude, but she delivers it with a smile on her face.”
Loveless says, “I met Mae one night at the Opry, and she knocked me out. I felt like I’d known her forever, just talking to her. And the way she sings! She has such passion for real (hardcore) country music. You can’t fake that; you just can’t. I remember when I came out, doing ‘If My Heart Had Windows,’ which turned a whole new generation onto George Jones, who was a hero of mine. I feel like Mae’s doing that for me and this song. To see someone so talented and so fresh, you gotta root for them, and I do. I just love her!”
Produced by Paul Sikes and featuring Grammy winner Joe Spivey on fiddle, bluegrassers Trey Hensley and Josh Matheny on acoustic guitar and dobro, plus ‘90s classic Lonnie Wilson on drums, the project is a tribute of sorts for the rising newcomer.
“The 90s Called is made up of songs I wish I’d written and iconic voices that truly changed my life,” Estes says. “I got the confidence to play the women in these songs from all the trailblazers before me, including Patty, Dolly, Loretta, and so many more.”
The 90s Called Track List:
1. “The 90s Called” (Benjy Davis, Aaron Raitiere)
2. “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind” (Ronnie Dunn)
3. “Moon Over Georgia (ft. Shenandoah)” (Mark Narmore)
4. “You Can Feel Bad” (Matraca Berg, Tim Krekel)
5. “The Fool” (Marla Cannon-Goodman, Gene Ellsworth, Charley Stefl)
6. “Do Ya” (K.T. Oslin)
Parker Welling & Lydia Vaughan Launch ‘Women’s Writes’
/by Madison HahnenParker Welling and Lydia Vaughan has launched their new podcast, Women’s Writes.
The podcast gives listeners an inside look at the songwriting process through conversations with artist-songwriters. Each episode explores the stories behind the songs, as well as the friendships and creative partnerships behind them.
Welling and Vaughan’s first guest is Lauren Alaina, with whom they have co-written three songs, including “Household” and “Spin” from her new album, Stages. New episodes arrive Thursdays, with guest episodes every other week featuring artists and songwriters such as Jessi Alexander and Connie Harrington, and Ashley McBryde and Terri Jo Box.
Between guest episodes, Welling hosts shorter solo installments. Each one starts with a story, song, lyric, or question and follows wherever the idea leads, from songwriting and creativity to psychology, history, and other unexpected topics. While the guest episodes focus on conversations with songwriters, the solo episodes explore the connections between ideas, songs, and the people who write them.
“Parker knows how to tell a story and how to listen to a story,” says Vaughan. “She deeply cares about songs and people, and somehow she can connect the dots in someone’s story that they might not have even connected yet themselves.”
The name Women’s Writes was inspired by a writing retreat Welling and Vaughan attended. When a male writer canceled at the last minute, the group became an all-female room. The experience made them realize they had never been part of a girls-only writing trip, inspiring them to create their own female-focused retreat and name it Women’s Writes.
Women’s Writes episodes can be found here.
Taylor Swift Named Inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Recipient
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Swift.
Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. The new honor recognizes music artists whose work as directors has pushed the creative boundaries of music videos and visual storytelling.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the 2026 VMAs will air live from Los Angeles this Sunday (Sept. 27) beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT on CBS, MTV and Paramount+ in the U.S. The ceremony will stream globally on Paramount+ and MTV the following day.
The MTV VMA Artist Director Honors recognizes artists with an influential body of directing work and a distinct creative vision.
Swift is a seven-time Best Director nominee and four-time winner at the VMAs. Her directing credits include “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Opalite,” “The Man,” “cardigan,” “willow,” “All Too Well: The Short Film,” “Anti-Hero,” “Bejeweled,” “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone),” “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault),” “Karma (feat. Ice Spice)” and “Lavender Haze.”
The inaugural honor recognizes her directing career and the growing role artists play in shaping the visual presentation of their music.
Additional performers, presenters and special guests for the VMAs will be revealed later this week.
CCMA Hosts 44th Annual Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughNate Haller & Tenille Townes. Photo: Olga Bondarenko
Cameron Whitcomb was the big winner of the night at this year’s 44th annual CCMA Awards on Sept. 19, taking home Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, while also earning the Ford F-150 Album of the Year award for The Hard Way.
The awards were held at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon for the third time, and showcased a powerhouse line-up of performers and presenters, celebrating the achievements of Canada’s country music community over the last year.
Hosts James Barker Band received the Fans’ Choice award and was named Group or Duo of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, while Meghan Patrick earned her third Female Artist of the Year trophy. Sully Burrows was recognized as Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by FACTOR, with Nate Haller and Tenille Townes taking home Musical Collaboration of the Year for “Backfire.” Thelma & James received Video of the Year for “Parking Lot Prayers,” and Josh Ross celebrated his third consecutive win for Single of the Year for “Hate How You Look.” The 2026 CCMA Awards are streaming now on Crave, and a full list of the awards can be found here.
Thelma & James. Photo: Olga Bondarenko
The 2026 CCMA Music Industry Gala Dinner & Awards also took place on Sept. 18, kicking off the first of two evenings celebrating the best in the Canadian country music community. Hosted by Jackie Rae Greening, the 2026 CCMA Music Industry Gala Dinner & Awards included the 2026 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductions of The Wilkinsons and Ron Kitchener; Brett Kissel and W. Brett Wilson were honored as the 2026 Gary Slaight Humanitarian Award co-recipients, and Natalie Waller was recognized with the 2026 Leonard T. Rambeau International Award.
The gala also featured performances from Dean Brody, Morgan Griffiths, Brett Kissel, Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, and The Wilkinsons. This year marked the inaugural presentation of the International Industry Person of the Year Award, with Big Loud’s Seth England earning the honor. iHeartRadio/PURE Country’s Shannon Ella was named Country Personality(ies) of the Year, and Karen Kosowski made history as the first solo female to win for Record Producer of the Year.
Keyboard Player of the Year went to Amber Bauer, and Thelma & James took home the trophy for Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by the National Music Centre. Michael August, Nate Hall, James Adam Shelley, and Tenille Townes won Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN, and Francophone Artist of the Year presented by Spotify went to Fred Dionne. Record Company of the Year honors went to Big Loud Records, with Music Publishing Company of the Year presented by CMRRA going to Big Loud Publishing.
James Barker Band. Photo: Olga Bondarenko
Sully Burrows. Photo: Olga Bondarenko