Winners of the 2017 CMA Touring Awards on Monday at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Back row (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Cheek; Dan Hochhalter; Tom Addison; Jay Williams; Chris Reade; Billy Moore; and Brian O’Connell. Front row (L-R): Kristian Bush, CMA Touring Awards host; Lisaann Dupont; Sally Williams; Randy “Baja” Fletcher; Ebie McFarland; Kris O’Connor; Ed Wannebo; and Jay Cooper. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA [CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE]
The trophies were presented during an event at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, hosted by five-time CMA Awards winner Kristian Bush. The awards also saw the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Randy “Baja” Fletcher.
Greeted by CMA employees and board members, guests happily noshed on hors d’oeuvres while enjoying an open bar. Sitting down for dinner and the awards ceremony, guests dined on southern cuisine including BBQ chicken, mac & cheese pasta, kale salad, and dessert. A house band was positioned on stage giving a fun, cool vibe between awards.
Dierks Bentley (center) makes a surprise appearance during the 2017 CMA Touring Awards Monday in Nashville to congratulate winners of his touring family. (L-R): CMA Touring Awards host Kristian Bush, Tom Addison, Bentley, Dan Hocchalter, and Chris Reade. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
“Honoring excellence throughout the industry is a key tenet of CMA. Our touring members bring music directly to the fans night after night. It is an honor to celebrate the hard work and dedication of these professionals,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
Each award was preceded by a short humorous video relating to that particular category. Some were viral in nature, while others were comical movie clips from popular films such as This Is Spinal Tap and Jerry Maguire.
Kelleigh Bannen, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Adam Craig, Dusty Hill, Jon Langston, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, and Keith Urban recorded personal video messages to congratulate the winners. Former Major League Baseball All-Star Rick Sutcliffe and Miami Marlins Manager Don Mattingly also submitted special videos for Fletcher.
The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Bruce Johnston applaud Ryman Auditorium Vice President and General Manager Sally Williams as she accepts the trophy for CMA Venue of the Year during the 2017 CMA Touring Awards Monday in Nashville. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
Dierks Bentley skipped right past the video option and attended personally to present trophies and offer praise to three winners from his touring family. “These guys represent all of us on the road,” remarked Bentley. “These awards are for the folks that make the wheels go ‘round and I’m so proud of every person that works hard night after night to make it all happen. It’s a tough job, but it’s so much fun and it’s all worth it when you can share your success with great people.”
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Bruce Johnston made an unexpected appearance to celebrate the CMA Venue of the Year, Ryman Auditorium represented by Sally Williams.
Famed country duo and 19-time CMA Awards winners Brooks & Dunn presented Fletcher the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. During his decades-long career on the road, Fletcher served as the duo’s Production Manager for 18 years during the ‘90s and ‘00s. His work has been closely intertwined with the careers of Waylon Jennings, Randy Travis, Keith Urban, and others.
“I want to thank God for this lovely life, this journey I’ve had, coming up this fall 50 years in the music industry,” said Fletcher. “It’s unbelievable to have 50 years and six acts…You just do your job and treat people good. Do your job and have fun. I use a lot of Waylon’s lines. He had the best sticker I think of all time. It says, ‘This is no dress rehearsal. We are professionals and this is the big time.’ If you’ve got your faith, family, friends, memories, and humor, you’ve got it all… I thank everyone that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. It is a true honor to receive this award! Thank you!”
Brooks and Dunn present the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award to Randy “Baja” Fletcher (center) during the 2017 CMA Touring Awards Monday in Nashville. Fletcher served as duo’s Production Manager for 18 years. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by your peers. I can tell you I love what I do and I love the people I get to do it with. Team Chesney, all those folks, they kick ass every day to get this done. I know everybody else does too, but this is my team and I love it!” shouted CMA Production Manager of the Year Ed Wannebo.
“Thank you to CMA and thank you to everybody who gets on and off a bus every week of the year to make our artists look the best they possibly can,” exclaimed Brian O’Connell, CMA Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year.
The celebration made clear why country music tours are among the most popular and prosperous business centers for the industry.
Winners in 15 categories were determined by CMA members in the following categories: Advertising/Public Relations/Media; Affiliated; Artist; Entertainment Services; Marketing/Digital; Musician; Personal Manager; Record Label; Talent Agent; Talent Buyer/Promoter; Touring; and Venue. Ballots were tabulated by the professional services firm Deloitte & Touche, LLP.
The 2016 CMA Touring Awards winners are as follows:
CATEGORY 1 – BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Jamie Cheek – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
CATEGORY 2 – COACH/TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Josh Easter – Kenny Chesney
CATEGORY 3 – FOH (FRONT OF HOUSE) ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Billy Moore – Eric Church
CATEGORY 4 – LIGHTING DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Chris Reade – Dierks Bentley
CATEGORY 5 – MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Kerri Edwards – KP Entertainment
CATEGORY 6 – TOUR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Tom Addison – Dierks Bentley
CATEGORY 7 – MONITOR ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Phil Wilkey – Keith Urban
CATEGORY 8 – PRODUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Ed Wannebo – Kenny Chesney
CATEGORY 9 – PUBLICIST OF THE YEAR
Ebie McFarland – Essential Broadcast Media, LLC
CATEGORY 10 – TALENT AGENT OF THE YEAR
Jay Williams – WME
CATEGORY 11 – TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
CATEGORY 12 – TOUR CATERER OF THE YEAR
Dega Catering
CATEGORY 13 – TOURING MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Dan Hochhalter – Dierks Bentley – Fiddle
CATEGORY 14 – VENUE OF THE YEAR
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn.
CATEGORY 15 – TOUR VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Jay Cooper – Kenny Chesney
Dan + Shay Add 24 Dates to Obsessed Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughDan + Shay have added 24 more dates across the U.S. and Canada on their Obsessed Tour after selling out the first leg of shows in 2016. Bailey Bryan and Jackie Lee will join the duo on the extended tour dates. The tour will hit Atlanta, Chicago, Portland, Vancouver and more on the 24-city trek which kicks off Feb. 9 at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, Illinoios.
DAN + SHAY OBSESSED TOUR DATES
Feb. 9 – Joe’s Live, Rosemont, Ill.*
Feb. 10 – Joe’s on Weed Street, Chicago*
Feb. 11 – Boondocks, Springfield, Ill.*
Feb. 12 – University of Northern Iowa – Gallagher Bluedorn PAC, Cedar Falls, Iowa*
Feb. 17 – The New Daisy Theatre, Memphis, Tenn.*
Feb. 18 – Warehouse Live, Houston*
Feb. 19 – AT&T Center – San Antonio Rodeo, San Antonio
Feb. 21 – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tenn.*
Feb. 24 – Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, Tenn.*
Feb. 25 – Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta*
Mar. 23 – Crystal Ballroom, Portland, Ore.**
Mar. 24 – Showbox SoDo, Seattle**
Mar. 25 – Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC**
Mar. 26 – Knitting Factory Concert House, Spokane, Wash.**
Mar. 28 – Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah**
Mar. 29 – Livewire, Scottsdale, Ariz.**
Apr. 6 – 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids, Mich.**
Apr. 7 – Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, Mich.**
Apr. 9 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, Indianapolis, Ind.**
Apr. 13 – The Fillmore Silver Spring, Silver Spring, Md.**
Apr. 14 – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, N.J.**
Apr. 15 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh**
Apr. 20 – Sokol Auditorium, Omaha, Neb.**
Apr. 21 – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.**
Apr. 22 – Maryville University, Chesterfield, Mo.**
*Denotes special guest Bailey Bryan
**Denotes special guest Jackie Lee
Tour News: Canaan Smith, Sister Hazel, The Marshall Tucker Band, Southern Halo
/by Lorie HollabaughCanaan Smith To Launch Back For More Tour
Canaan Smith
Mercury Nashville artist Canaan Smith will return to the U.K. in March. After performing as part of the just-announced C2C Festival, he will embark on the seven-date Back For More tour, launching March 14 in Glasgow.
Canaan toured the U.K. with the popular British duo The Shires this fall and while there, the Virginia-native fell right into step with country fans across the pond. “Touring with The Shires last year was a blast,” shares Canaan. “We made a bunch of friends and I can’t wait to get back for another round.”
Back For More Tour Dates:
March 14: Glasgow, Scotland; King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
March 15: Birmingham, England; O2 Institute3
March 16: Manchester, England; The Deaf Institute
March 18:Bristol, England; Thekla
March 19: Portsmouth, England; The Wedgewood Rooms
March 20: Brighton, England; Concord 2
March 21: London, England;Bush Hall
Sister Hazel Kicks Off We Got It All Tonight Tour
Sister Hazel is launching their We Got It All Tonight tour kicking off January 26 in Charlotte, NC at Amos Southend. Six of the Southeast shows will benefit the local fire associations for “A Firefighters Concert Event.”
The dates include shows in Knoxville (Jan. 28); Memphis (April 21), and Nashville (April 29). For a full list of tour dates, visit sisterhazelvip.com.
The Marshall Tucker Band Reveals 45th Live In Concert Tour
“We are delighted to hit the road in 2017 to celebrate 45 years of The MarshallTucker Band,” says lead singer Doug Gray. “This year’s tour schedule is going to take us to towns we haven’t played in awhile. It will be great to see so many of our fans and old friends.”
For more information, visit marshalltucker.com.
Southern Halo Travels to UK This Spring
Southern Halo will make their first UK tour with March dates in London, Nottingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle. The tour is supported by Gibson Guitars, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, and Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel, and tickets are available now at southernhalo.net.
March 18: London; The Garage
March 19: Nottingham; Bodega
March 20: Manchester; Gullivers
March 21: Glasgow; Hug & Pint
March 22: Newcastle; Jumpin’ Jacks
Reba, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley Headline London’s C2C Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup for the C2C Festival at the 02 in London March 10-12th has been announced. Brad Paisley, Jennifer Nettles, and Chris Young will kick off the festival Friday, March 10, while Saturday’s lineup includes Reba, Darius Rucker, Hunter Hayes, and Dan + Shay. Zac Brown Band, Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, and Marty Stuart will cap off the weekend’s performances on Sunday at the international festival.
The Yamaha Music Stage will feature performances by Cam and Chase Bryant on Friday, Cassadee Pope, Seth Ennis, and TBC on Saturday, and Lucie Silvas, Jana Kramer, and Drake White and the Big Fire on Sunday.
The C2C festival was created by AEG Europe and SJM Concerts in association with the Country Music Association and first launched in 2013 with headliners Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw.
Tin Pan South Hits 100-Show Mark, Celebrates 25th Anniversary
/by Lorie HollabaughOver 350 songwriters will perform at 10 of Music City’s top venues during the five-day festival.
In past years, noted Nashville music home 3rd & Lindsley hosted one night of Tin Pan South. This year, the venue has a full slate of 10 shows scheduled to entertain attendees. Shows will also be held at the Blue Bar, The Bluebird Cafe, The Country, Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner, Hard Rock Cafe, the Listening Room Cafe, Station Inn and Whiskey Rhythm.
Produced by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and sponsored by Regions Bank for the 10th year, Tin Pan South is the world’s largest all-songwriter festival. Last year, over 350 songwriters performed 92 shows at Nashville’s top music venues.
Tickets go on sale Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. CT at tinpansouth.com. Tickets are $125 for non-NSAI members, $115 for NSAI members.
Sam Hunt To Launch 15 In A 30 Tour In June
/by Jessica NicholsonThe 30-city tour will conclude with a headlining show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on Sept. 22.
Tickets for the 15 In A 30 Tour go on sale Friday, Feb. 3. Live Nation serves as the promoter for the tour.
Along with the new tour, Hunt announced he will release the new single, “Body Like A Back Road,” to country radio on Feb. 1. Since the 2014 release of his debut album Montevallo, Hunt has accumulated over 2.53B streams and has earned an additional 10.5M in RIAA single certifications.
15 In A 30 Tour Dates
June 1: Cleveland; Blossom Music Center
June 2: Indianapolis;Klipsch Music Center
June 15: Toronto, Ontario; Budweiser Stage
June 16: Detroit; DTE Energy Music Theatre
June 17: Pittsburgh; KeyBank Pavilion
June 23: Gilford, N.H.; Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
June 24: Hartford, Conn.; XFINITY Theatre
June 25: Holmdel, N.J.; P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
July 7: St. Louis; Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
July 8: Chicago; Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
July 9: Cincinnati; Riverbend Music Center
July 13: Atlanta; Verizon Amphitheatre
July 14: Tampa, Fla; MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 15: Miami; Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre
July 21: Bangor, Maine; Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
July 22: Boston; Xfinity Center
July 23: Rochester, N.Y.; Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
July 27: Virginia Beach, Va.; Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
July 28: Raleigh, N.C.; Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
July 29: Charlotte, N.C.; PNC Music Pavilion
Aug 10: San Diego; Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Aug 11: San Francisco; Shoreline Amphitheatre
Aug 12: Sacramento, Calif.; Toyota Amphitheater
Aug 15: Los Angeles; Greek Theatre
Aug 19: Phoenix; Ak-Chin Pavilion**
Aug 21: Denver; Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Sept 15: Philadelphia; BB&T Pavilion
Sept 16: Washington, D.C.; Jiffy Lube Live
Sept 22: Nashville, Tenn.; Ascend Amphitheater
Additional Dates To Be Announced
*On Sale Feb. 17
**On Sale Feb. 10
Eric Dodd Signs With MV2 Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (Back row, L-R): Tony Harrell, MV2 Entertainment; Chip Petree, attorney, Ritholz Levy; Kendall Lettow, MV2 Entertainment; Clay Myers, MV2 Entertainment. (Front row, L-R): Jefrrey Gaccione, manager; Eric Dodd, Leslie Roberts, BMI.
Eric Dodd has joined the writers roster at Nashville’s MV2 Entertainment. The Lake Oconee, Georgia, native moved to Nashville in 2014 and was chosen as a CMT Discovery Artist last year with the debut of his video for the party anthem “Outskirts.”
“I am extremely excited to partner with MV2 Entertainment,” said Dodd. “From the first meeting, it was apparent that the team truly believes in me and my songs, and our vision aligns. MV2’s collective experience and commitment to excellence is exactly what I was looking for in a publisher. I am thrilled to join this company and the talented roster of songwriters and artists.
“We are proud to have Eric Dodd join our team at MV2,” said MV2 Entertainment General Manager Tony Harrell. “He is a true entertainer on stage as well as an awesome writer. Eric is a great fit for MV2 and will prove to be a strong addition to our impressive roster.”
CMA Touring Awards Honor Industry Excellence
/by Sherod RobertsonWinners of the 2017 CMA Touring Awards on Monday at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Back row (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Cheek; Dan Hochhalter; Tom Addison; Jay Williams; Chris Reade; Billy Moore; and Brian O’Connell. Front row (L-R): Kristian Bush, CMA Touring Awards host; Lisaann Dupont; Sally Williams; Randy “Baja” Fletcher; Ebie McFarland; Kris O’Connor; Ed Wannebo; and Jay Cooper. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA [CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE]
The trophies were presented during an event at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, hosted by five-time CMA Awards winner Kristian Bush. The awards also saw the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Randy “Baja” Fletcher.
Greeted by CMA employees and board members, guests happily noshed on hors d’oeuvres while enjoying an open bar. Sitting down for dinner and the awards ceremony, guests dined on southern cuisine including BBQ chicken, mac & cheese pasta, kale salad, and dessert. A house band was positioned on stage giving a fun, cool vibe between awards.
Dierks Bentley (center) makes a surprise appearance during the 2017 CMA Touring Awards Monday in Nashville to congratulate winners of his touring family. (L-R): CMA Touring Awards host Kristian Bush, Tom Addison, Bentley, Dan Hocchalter, and Chris Reade. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
“Honoring excellence throughout the industry is a key tenet of CMA. Our touring members bring music directly to the fans night after night. It is an honor to celebrate the hard work and dedication of these professionals,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
Each award was preceded by a short humorous video relating to that particular category. Some were viral in nature, while others were comical movie clips from popular films such as This Is Spinal Tap and Jerry Maguire.
Kelleigh Bannen, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Adam Craig, Dusty Hill, Jon Langston, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, and Keith Urban recorded personal video messages to congratulate the winners. Former Major League Baseball All-Star Rick Sutcliffe and Miami Marlins Manager Don Mattingly also submitted special videos for Fletcher.
The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Bruce Johnston applaud Ryman Auditorium Vice President and General Manager Sally Williams as she accepts the trophy for CMA Venue of the Year during the 2017 CMA Touring Awards Monday in Nashville. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
Dierks Bentley skipped right past the video option and attended personally to present trophies and offer praise to three winners from his touring family. “These guys represent all of us on the road,” remarked Bentley. “These awards are for the folks that make the wheels go ‘round and I’m so proud of every person that works hard night after night to make it all happen. It’s a tough job, but it’s so much fun and it’s all worth it when you can share your success with great people.”
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Bruce Johnston made an unexpected appearance to celebrate the CMA Venue of the Year, Ryman Auditorium represented by Sally Williams.
Famed country duo and 19-time CMA Awards winners Brooks & Dunn presented Fletcher the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. During his decades-long career on the road, Fletcher served as the duo’s Production Manager for 18 years during the ‘90s and ‘00s. His work has been closely intertwined with the careers of Waylon Jennings, Randy Travis, Keith Urban, and others.
“I want to thank God for this lovely life, this journey I’ve had, coming up this fall 50 years in the music industry,” said Fletcher. “It’s unbelievable to have 50 years and six acts…You just do your job and treat people good. Do your job and have fun. I use a lot of Waylon’s lines. He had the best sticker I think of all time. It says, ‘This is no dress rehearsal. We are professionals and this is the big time.’ If you’ve got your faith, family, friends, memories, and humor, you’ve got it all… I thank everyone that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. It is a true honor to receive this award! Thank you!”
Brooks and Dunn present the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award to Randy “Baja” Fletcher (center) during the 2017 CMA Touring Awards Monday in Nashville. Fletcher served as duo’s Production Manager for 18 years. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by your peers. I can tell you I love what I do and I love the people I get to do it with. Team Chesney, all those folks, they kick ass every day to get this done. I know everybody else does too, but this is my team and I love it!” shouted CMA Production Manager of the Year Ed Wannebo.
“Thank you to CMA and thank you to everybody who gets on and off a bus every week of the year to make our artists look the best they possibly can,” exclaimed Brian O’Connell, CMA Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year.
The celebration made clear why country music tours are among the most popular and prosperous business centers for the industry.
Winners in 15 categories were determined by CMA members in the following categories: Advertising/Public Relations/Media; Affiliated; Artist; Entertainment Services; Marketing/Digital; Musician; Personal Manager; Record Label; Talent Agent; Talent Buyer/Promoter; Touring; and Venue. Ballots were tabulated by the professional services firm Deloitte & Touche, LLP.
The 2016 CMA Touring Awards winners are as follows:
CATEGORY 1 – BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Jamie Cheek – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
CATEGORY 2 – COACH/TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Josh Easter – Kenny Chesney
CATEGORY 3 – FOH (FRONT OF HOUSE) ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Billy Moore – Eric Church
CATEGORY 4 – LIGHTING DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Chris Reade – Dierks Bentley
CATEGORY 5 – MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Kerri Edwards – KP Entertainment
CATEGORY 6 – TOUR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Tom Addison – Dierks Bentley
CATEGORY 7 – MONITOR ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Phil Wilkey – Keith Urban
CATEGORY 8 – PRODUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Ed Wannebo – Kenny Chesney
CATEGORY 9 – PUBLICIST OF THE YEAR
Ebie McFarland – Essential Broadcast Media, LLC
CATEGORY 10 – TALENT AGENT OF THE YEAR
Jay Williams – WME
CATEGORY 11 – TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
CATEGORY 12 – TOUR CATERER OF THE YEAR
Dega Catering
CATEGORY 13 – TOURING MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Dan Hochhalter – Dierks Bentley – Fiddle
CATEGORY 14 – VENUE OF THE YEAR
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn.
CATEGORY 15 – TOUR VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Jay Cooper – Kenny Chesney
Skyville Live, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, ‘Bluegrass Underground’ Earn Regional Emmy Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jim Yockey, Todd Jarrell, Steve Schweidel, and Todd Mayo. Photo: Tommy Lawson
Several music-related programs were honored during the Regional Emmy Awards, which were held Jan. 21 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Bluegrass Underground earned several Emmys, in the Entertainment, Technical, Director/Program, Lighting, and Audio categories. The monthly musical event is hosted at Cumberland Caverns, and began airing nationally on PBS in 2011.
Skyville Live won two honors in the Audio and Director/Program categories.
“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the TV Academy,” said Skyville Live creator Wally Wilson. “We will continue to bring nights of can’t-miss moments! Expect more fantastic entertainers to be announced soon.”
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s PBS special, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Friends-Fifty Years, Circlin’ Back! earned a Midsouth Regional Emmy for Special Event Coverage. Produced for PBS by Todd Jarrell, Todd Mayo, Steve Schweidel, and directed by James Yockey, Circlin’ Back ran nationwide in conjunction with a PBS pledge drive in March 2016.
The band’s project was recorded live at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background.
Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan To Headline Fifth Annual Tortuga Music Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan are set to headline the fifth annual, three-day Tortuga Music Festival in 2017.
The festival, which takes place April 7-9 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida will also feature performances from Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, Brett Eldredge, Nelly, Maren Morris, Slightly Stoopid, Old Dominion, Daya, Dustin Lynch, The Quaker City Night Hawks and more.
While Super VIP tickets sold out, VIP ($999) tickets with amenities including a swimming pool, complimentary beer/liquor, and VIP bathrooms are still available. Three-day general admission ($229) passes are also available as well as payment plans and travel packages. This year, fans who purchased general admission tickets will have the opportunity to upgrade daily for guaranteed front stage access to a new area in front of the Main Stage called “The Reef.” Those upgrades are now available.
“We are excited to create a truly unique front row experience for our fans to watch our stellar headliners up-close,” says Huka Entertainment Chairman and CXO A.J. Niland. “The Reef is going to allow fans who don’t opt for our full VIP package to still have a VIP view and easier access to amenities such as bathrooms and bars. We have seen massive demand in our VIP sales and always attempt to break the mold with additional and new types of amenity offerings. The Reef is another way for our fans to get to experience Tortuga like a rockstar.”
In promotion of the main event, the “Tortuga Tailgate Series” will encompass Huka-promoted shows throughout the Southeast with performances from Tortuga artists, including Michael Ray, Drake White & The Big Fire, Kane Brown, and Old Dominion. Prices for the series range on dates from $12-129.
Luke Bryan To Launch Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day Tour With Nashville Show
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan. Photo: Carlos Ruiz
Luke Bryan will launch his 2017 Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day Tour with a show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on May 5 and extend through October.
Bryan announced his upcoming outing via a humorous video (below) that shows the singer doing a little duck hunting—but not the outdoor variety.
Bryan revealed six opening acts for his tour with the retro, 1980s video game Duck Hunt. As Bryan tried to “hunt” ducks emblazoned with the faces of potential opening acts. While his aim misses Cole Swindell and Florida Georgia line, he successfully lands other targets, including Brett Eldredge, Granger Smith, Craig Campbell, Seth Ennis, Adam Craig, and Lauren Alaina.
Eldredge will open all shows, while Alaina, Campbell, Craig, Ennis and Smith will share the opening slot on various dates.
Bryan is still on the final leg of his Kill The Lights Tour, which will begin its final run on March 17.
Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day Tour
5-5 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
5-12 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
5-13 Hartford, CT Xfinity Theatre
5-18 Moline, IL iWireless Center
6-1 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
6-2 Cullman, AL Rock the South*
6-3 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
6-9 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena
6-10 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
6-16 Atlanta, GA Verizon Amphitheatre
6-17 Atlanta, GA Verizon Amphitheatre
6-23 Hershey, PA Hershey Park
6-24 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center
6-25 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
7-1 Dauphin, MB Dauphin’s Countryfest*
7-13 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
7-15 Cleveland, OH Progressive Field
7-16 Holmdel, NJ P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
7-21 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
7-22 Eau Claire, WI Country Jam USA*
7-26 Cheyenne, WY Cheyenne Frontier Days*
7-28 Central Point, OR Country Crossings Music Festival*
7-29 Mountain Home, ID Mountain Home Country Music Festival*
8-5 Detroit Lakes, MN WE Fest*
8-12 Syracuse, NY Lakeview Amphitheater
8-13 Oro-Medonte ON Boots and Hearts Music Festival*
8-17 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amp.
at Virginia Beach
8-18 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
8-19 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park
at Walnut Creek
8-25 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
8-26 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
8-27 Jones Beach, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
9-1 Lexington, KY Red, White & Boom*
9-6 Scranton, PA The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
9-8 Philadelphia, PA Citizens Bank Park
9-9 Pittsburgh, PA KeyBank Pavilion
9-15 Indianapolis, IN Klipsch Music Center
9-16 Chicago, IL Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
9-21 Austin, TX Austin360 Amphitheater
9-22 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
presented by Huntsman
9-23 Dallas, TX Starplex Pavilion
10-12 Concord, CA Concord Pavilion
10-13 Wheatland, CA Toyota Amphitheatre
10-14 Mtn. View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
10-19 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
10-21 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
10-26 Phoenix, AZ AK-Chin Pavilion
10-27 San Diego, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
10-28 San Bernardino, CA Glen Helen Amphitheater
*Festival dates, not Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day Tour