Musicians Corner, Nashville’s free concert series from the Centennial Park Conservancy, returns this fall with a five-week season of live music beginning Aug. 29.

The free concert series kicks off with a three-day Free Fest in partnership with Lightning 100 and presented by Amazon Aug. 29-31. Over Labor Day weekend, Yola, Bre Kennedy, Billy Allen + The Pollies, Lilly Winwood, Kara Frazier, The Record Company, Judy Blank, Benny G , Jacob Perleoni, The Brummies, Jonathan Plevyak, Kashena Sampson and The Magi are all set to perform.

Other artists among the 38 appearing on the Musicians Corner stage this fall are Cedric Burnside, Them Vibes, Lockeland Strings with Amanda Shires, The Band Loula, Esther Rose and Kacy Hill, among others. On Sept. 12, Musicians Corner will partner again with Americanafest for a special concert offering the Nashville community an opportunity to see official Americanafest showcases for free.

“Musicians Corner is the perfect excuse to get outdoors with friends and family, enjoy cooler fall temperatures, and experience free live music in one of the most beautiful spots in the city,” says Justin Branam, Musicians Corner Executive Producer. “We’re excited to return to Centennial Park this fall with five weeks of free live music from both new and established artists across genres. We are especially excited for the return of Free Fest, a three-day music festival happening during Labor Day weekend in partnership with our friends at Lightning 100.”

“Musicians Corner is a live music tradition in Nashville,” adds Dan Buckley, Lightning 100 Program Director. “The opportunity for Lightning 100 to partner again with this beloved concert series is an honor and privilege. At the end of the day it’s events like this that make Nashville one of the best cities on the planet to live in. Free Fest is for everyone and we are proud to put our name on it.”

Writer-producer Jake Mitchell has signed an exclusive songwriting deal with Riser House.

Mitchell is known for his work on songs “One Beer” (HARDY, Lauren Alaina, Devin Dawson), “Some Girls” (Jameson Rodgers), “Unapologetically Country As Hell” (HARDY) and “Beer Don’t” (Morgan Wallen), along with additional releases from artists like Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Kane Brown and Luke Bryan. Mitchell’s catalog of releases currently tops 2.5 billion on-demand streams. Additionally, he recently partnered with Riser House to sign Aaron Armstrong to a publishing agreement.

“I’ve known Jake for a long time, and have loved his writing for just as long,” says SVP of A&R + Publishing at Riser House, Brandon Perdue. “When I found out he was starting to look for his next publishing home, I immediately threw our name in the ring. To have the chance to work with such an incredible talent, who also happens to be an incredible human, is a publisher’s dream. It’s been so incredible to see that the rest of the community loves Jake just as much as we do. My entire team is ready to win, and win big, with Jake.”

“I couldn’t feel more blessed and thankful to have a team that understands me creatively and is aligned with my goals so quickly,” says Mitchell. “I’m ready to show up in this next season with a passion that inspires everyone I’m working with. I’m so excited to be with Brandon and the rest of the team at Riser House!”

Megan Moroney gathered the Nashville music industry on Monday afternoon at her Emo Cowgirl Bar on Westin Nashville’s L27 rooftop to celebrate her most recent No. 1 hit, “Am I Okay?.” Hosted by SESAC, the event honored the artists, songwriters, publishers and industry team members who contributed to the single’s success.

The song, penned by Moroney, Jessie Jo Dillon and Luke Laird, and produced by Kristian Bush, marked the artist’s second No. 1 at radio, following her breakout hit “Tennessee Orange.”

The event was emceed by SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Industry leaders took the microphone to honor each artist, writer and producer including BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Creative Nation/GMR’s Emily Furman, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese and Pinnacle’s David Devaul.

Many of these people spoke of Moroney’s talent, kindness and sharp understanding of her brand. Industry attendees repeatedly highlighted Moroney, Dillon and Laird’s writing dynamic, noting the high level of respect and admiration each one carries for the others.

“I am uniquely here with [Moroney] from the beginning. What this room probably can’t understand is the distance between celebrating right now and how long ago it was that [the team] made this,” Bush shared, referencing his long-standing relationship with Moroney, who interned with him while in college. “I once asked someone for advice on how to become a hit producer. They said it is really simple, just produce hit songs. This was a hit before it got to me.”

“One thing I want to say about Megan is that no matter what gets thrown at her, she holds her head high and is kind,” shared Dillon. “She is such a special human, aside from the music, and I’m so grateful to be your co-writer and your friend.”

Laird, who notched his 25th No. 1 with the song, told the story of discovering Moroney after hearing her sing “Hair Salon” and watching her performance at CMA Fest in 2022, leading him to reach out to ask her to write. “I’m just so grateful. She is always 20 steps ahead of all of us and it is just an honor to be here.”

To close out the celebration, Moroney took the microphone, thanking each member of her team.

“To my songwriters, writing with y’all is so effortless. [Kristian] has produced everything I’ve ever put out and I’m so grateful for you understanding my brain. I have such solid people around me, the producer, the songwriters, my team. I know in every corner I look there are genuine people who want what is best for me. They trust me, and my instincts, and that’s all you can ask for as a songwriter.”

Guinness World Records has revealed that in honor of Dolly Parton Day (Aug. 5), Parton has been named a Guinness World Records Icon.

The superstar has earned 11 Guinness World Records titles, and joins a select group of individuals whose world record achievements have transcended their field and inspired people across the globe, with her timeless hits captivating generations for decades. Dolly was presented with her official Icon certificate by GWR spokeswoman Amanda Marcus at her studios in Nashville.

Among Dolly’s latest Guinness titles are: Most consecutive decades with Top 10 album entries on the Billboard country chart (female) – 7, with Rockstar; Longest span of No.1 hits on the U.S. Top Country Albums chart (female) – 46 years 197 days, with Rockstar; Most decades with a Top 20 hit on the US Hot Country Songs chart – 7, with “Please Please Please”; and Most Top 10 entries on the US Top Country Albums chart (female) – 49, with Rockstar.

“Dolly is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated writers and performers in the history of country music, as reflected in her many Guinness World Records certificates, but her reach and influence extends far beyond the musical world,” says Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief at Guinness World Records, “There are so many projects close to her heart – poverty relief, education, medical research and of course the Imagination Library free-books campaign – and it’s these important, life-changing initiatives that propels Dolly into a different league. She truly is a living legend, and it’s an honour to bestow GWR ICON status upon her.”

Previous Guinness ICONS include double amputee triathlete Billy Monger, Polar explorer Preet Chandi, global superstar Taylor Swift and the tallest and shortest women in the world Rumeysa Gelgi and Jyoti Amge.

Futureshirts has elevated Matt Pih To Partner and President. Additionally, Cody Johnson, Nikki Glaser and Josh Groban have recently joined the company’s roster, which also includes Journey, Riley Green, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce, Foreigner, TobyMac and more.

“Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Matt – an incredible partner, professional and friend, whose dedication and vision have continually inspired me,” says Futureshirts’ Chairman Jon Ekker. “Watching him use his vast knowledge and grow into his new role as Partner and President at Futureshirts is both a proud and exciting moment for me. His leadership, integrity and relentless drive make this next chapter full of promise. I’m excited to see what the future holds and just how far we can go together!”

“Matt has been a driving force in shaping Futureshirts into the company we are today. His leadership, experience and relentless drive to raise the bar make him the perfect Partner and President as we enter our next chapter,” adds Futureshirts’ CEO Corey Neal. “I’m truly grateful to have him by my side and excited for what we’ll accomplish together as we keep building on our mission to make merch easy.”

Since joining Futureshirts in 2019, Pih has spearheaded the company’s strategic shift toward artist services, driving a 165% revenue growth over the past four years. With more than 16 years of diverse experience in the music and live entertainment industry, the Middle Tennessee State University alum has roles from hands-on touring to executive leadership positions with stops at Live Nation Entertainment, Bravado International Group, Manhead and others.

“Since joining Futureshirts, I’ve been committed to building a world-class service that empowers artists and partners to elevate their merchandise strategy across touring, e-commerce and retail,” shares Pih. “What truly sets us apart is our team – every member brings deep experience in merchandise with a true passion for band merch and that love is reflected in our work. I’m honored to step into the role of Partner and President and excited to continue supporting our incredible team, serving our clients and scaling Futureshirts to new heights globally.”