Sarah Beth Watson Launches Greener Grass Public Relations

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Sarah Beth Watson. Photo: Becca Mitchell

Sarah Beth Watson has launched Greener Grass Public Relations.

“With 15 years of Nashville industry experience, I’ve learned the best stories are the ones that are carefully tended while also evolving to keep up with the times,” she shares. “From previously working in Radio Promotion, Artist Management, and various record labels, my roots have been defined by a passion for the ‘well-watered’ narrative: one that grows with intention, strategy, and authenticity. I’ve worn many hats in this town, giving me a 360-degree perspective on how a thoughtfully cultivated story can truly move the needle.”

Watson has worked across country, pop and beyond, with artists including Megan Moroney, BRELAND, Trace Adkins, Drake White, LOCASH, George Birge, Runaway June, Tyler Braden, Barenaked Ladies, Uncle Kracker and more. She has lead press strategy and execution for major festivals and events including Pilgrimage Music Festival and Country Thunder, as well as spearheading media efforts for standout moments including BRELAND & Friends at the Ryman and multiple Grand Ole Opry debuts for emerging artists. Her prior career stops include Sweet Talk PR, BBR Music Group, Red Light Management and MCA.

Watson can be reached here.

Industry Ink: Gibson Gives, Paul Cauthen, Restless Road, The Kentucky Gentlemen

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Gibson Gives & FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program Raise Over $216,000 For Williamson County Students

Pictured (L-R): Jason Golden, Alex Tinker, Rick McEachern, Nancy McEachern, Erica Krusen, Demetra Kopulos and Mark Kinzer. Photo: Josh Beech

Gibson Gives once again partnered with FirstBank Amphitheater to raise funds to support Williamson County Public Schools and music education initiatives. This year, Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater auctioned a selection of guitars and instruments signed by Alice Cooper, Brantley Gilbert, James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Cody Jinks, Collective Soul, Daughtry, The Doobie Brothers, Halestorm, Judas Priest, Rise Against, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and many more.

The online sale, hosted by Julien’s Auctions on March 5, marked the fifth consecutive auction in this collaboration and brought the five‑year cumulative total to more than $216,000 raised for the Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program.

“We are grateful to Gibson Gives for their generous support of the fine arts programs in Williamson County Schools,” says Mark Kinzer, Director of Fine Arts at Williamson County Schools. “This gift is an investment in creativity, opportunity and the power of music to change lives. We are honored to partner with an organization that believes so strongly in making a meaningful difference.”

 

Paul Cauthen Performs ‘Texas Swagger’ On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

YouTube video

Paul Cauthen took the stage to perform “Texas Swagger” on The Kelly Clarkson Show last Friday (April 3).

Cauthen is celebrating the release of his latest album, Book of Paul, available now via Velvet Rose Records/Thirty Tigers. He will bring his “Tonkin’ ‘N Tejas Tour” to the Ryman Auditorium in September.

 

Restless Road Joins WSM Ahead of Disney’s ‘Main Street Country’ EP Release

Pictured (L-R): Charlie Mattos, Colton Pack, Amber Anderson, Zach Beeken, Garrett Nichols and Kelly Sutton. Photo: Restless Road

Restless Road joined WSM in studio ahead of Disney’s Main Street Country EP release event at the Opry’s Studio A on April 2.

The EP is available now, and also features Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown, Dasha, Maddie & Tae and BRELAND.

 

The Kentucky Gentlemen Honored With HRC’s Trailblazer Of The Year Award

The Kentucky Gentlemen.

The Kentucky Gentlemen were recently honored with the Human Rights Campaign’s Trailblazer of the Year Award.

“In a world full of stones, be a Rhinestone,” the duo, which is composed of twin brothers Derek and Brandon Campbell, share. “We’ve always believed that simply showing up fully as ourselves is powerful. To be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign in this way is incredibly meaningful. This award isn’t just for us, it’s for every person who has ever felt like they didn’t fit the mold. We hope our journey continues to remind people that there is room for all of us.”

They performed their defiant anthem “To Kill Me,” at the ceremony which was recently reimagined in a remix featuring Grammy Award-winning international artist Estelle.

Ray Stevens Suffers Fall, Album Release Remains On Track

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Ray Stevens. Photo: Angela Talley

Ray Stevens is recovering after a fall on March 29 that resulted in a broken neck.

He was briefly hospitalized in the Nashville area and is now recovering at home. Any cards of well wishes can be directed to 5724 River Rd., Nashville, TN 37209.

Stevens’ upcoming album Favorites Old & New remains on schedule to release this Friday (April 10) via Curb Records. The 13-track project features “The Look of Love,” “It Had To Be You,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “I Guess You’ve Never Been in Love With the Moon,” “Moving Out is Easier Than Moving On” and more.

“I had a lot of fun creating this album, Favorites Old & New,” shares Stevens. “It really does contain a few of my favorite old songs as well as favorite new ones penned by some talented writers. I just hope Ray Stevens fans enjoy it as much as Ray Stevens!”

NSAI Celebrates Successful 34th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival

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Sean McConnell, John Eddie and Olivia Wolf perform for a packed room at The Bluebird Cafe (Southbound Tequila Stage). Photo: Jason Davis for Tin Pan South

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival 2026 is in the books, after a successful 34th annual festival featuring hundreds of songwriters in Nashville March 24-28.

With 10 venues, 97 shows and over 300 hours of stories and songs, nearly 12,000 fans experienced unvarnished, intimate performances of current hits, legendary songs, future chart-toppers and anthems that have been cemented in music history. Various last-minute lineup additions and special guest appearances added to the excitement of the 2026 event and audiences were surprised with appearances by writers and artists including Bob DiPiero, Kashus Culpepper, Sam Palladio, Forrest Whitehead, Rivers Rutherford, Jaxson Free, Matthew Perryman Jones, Dave Turnbull, Andy Buckner, Erin Kirby and Kassi Ashton, among others.

Throughout the week, shows featured a wide variety of genres and songs spanning decades. At the Custom House by Guitar Center Stage at the Station Inn, James Otto quieted the audience with a stunning rendition of “In Color” on Tuesday, while Contemporary Christian hitmaker Matthew West performed at Anzie Blue.

On Wednesday the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Stage at the 1865 Club welcomed the Y’all 106.7 show featuring songwriters Chuck Cannon, Billy Dean and James Dean Hicks, while audiences at the Jack Daniel’s Stage at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville enjoyed a show featuring ASCAP writers Pat Alger, Caylee Hammack and Mark Irwin at 6 p.m., and a round featuring NSAI Board Presidenth/hit songwriter Lee Thomas Miller with Sela Campbell, Thomas Edwards, Randy Montana and Randy Rogers, presented by BMI took place at 9 p.m.

Thursday saw shows with five-time CMA Musician of the Year Jenee Fleenor alongside Rob Hatch and Jenny Tolman at the round presented by SESAC on the Tennessee Entertainment Commission Stage at the Analog at Hutton Hotel, while singer-songwriter Sean McConnell joined John Eddie and Olivia Wolf at the Southbound Tequila Stage at The Bluebird.

On Friday and Saturday, the Nashville Scene Stage at Love and Exile featured a performance from Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk,  the Visit Music City Stage at The Cowan hosted the four songwriters behind the hit song “Texas” – Johnny Clawson, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock, and Josh Dorr at 6 p.m., while the 9 p.m. round opened with “Grenade” (recorded by Bruno Mars) performed by Louis York, and simultaneously over at the Beyerdynamic Stage at the Commodore Grille, Lydia Slagle of The Secret Sisters was filling the room up with pure Americana on the round featuring Slagle, Matthew Perryman Jones and Mary Bragg.

Plans are already underway for the festival’s upcoming 35th year celebration March 30-April 3, 2027.

Ella Langley To Headline Stars For Second Harvest

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Ella Langley has been unveiled as the headliner for the annual Stars for Second Harvest, taking place June 2 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Langley recently made history with her crossover hit “Choosin’ Texas,” which is currently sitting atop the Billboard 100. She is set to release her sophomore album Dandelion this Friday (April 10), and will embark on “The Dandelion Tour” this May, making arena and amphitheater stops in St. Louis, Savannah, Oklahoma City and more. Langley will also join Morgan Wallen for select dates on the “Still The Problem Tour” throughout the year, as well as make festival appearances at Stagecoach, Rock The Country, CMA Fest and more.

Langley is the first performer revealed for the ERNEST & Friends lineup. Past guests have included Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley and more. More performers will be unveiled at a later date.

Tickets are available here. Proceeds from the show benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

103.3 Country & 95.5 WSM-FM To Host ‘Country Kickoff Concert’ To CMA Fest Week

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Nashville Country stations 103.3 Country/WKDF-FM and 95.5 WSM-FM have joined forces to present a “Country Kickoff Concert” at Skydeck on Broadway on June 2 that will kick off CMA Fest week.

The lineup for the country-filled rooftop celebration will include Dustin Lynch, Chase Matthew, Vincent Mason and Alexandra Kay. Tickets go on sale Friday (April 10) and are available at 1033country.com or 955wsm.com.

“In the town where all of country music is made, you have to elevate everything you do and that includes a very special show this year on a rooftop,” says Travis Daily, Vice President of Country, Cumulus Media, and Operations Manager, WKDF-FM and WSM-FM. “I would charge your phone before you hit Skydeck on Broadway. This year’s Country Kickoff will be full of moments that are certain to get you likes on your IG!”

“After seeing the incredible energy the crowd brought last year, and feeling the buzz already building in Nashville ahead of CMA Fest, we couldn’t be more excited to roll out an all-new lineup,” says Jennipher Miller, Marketing & Promotions Director, WKDF-FM and WSM-FM. “Our goal is to give our listeners the kind of performances that remind them why they fell in love with country music in the first place. And if we can help them discover a new favorite artist along the way, that’s the magic of Music City.”

Sam Palladio Signs With 3686 Records

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Actor and musician Sam Palladio has inked with 3686 Records, the independent label founded by Levi Hummon and Eric Arjes. Distribution for 3686 Records is done through The Orchard/Sony.

“Sam’s artistry and integrity has always been evident from the earliest of conversations,” says Arjes. “When we started this label, our vision was to create a home that could support an artist of his caliber. His new music jumps out of the speakers and pulls you right into his life.”

“We’re so excited to welcome Sam to the 3686 Records family,” shares Hummon. “His new music blew us away, and we can’t wait to help bring it into the world. This next chapter really showcases his growth as both a writer and an artist.”

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with 3686 Records,” adds Palladio. “I’ve watched the label grow from its early inception into a collective of passionate creatives championing great artists and songwriting. My music has always lived in a left of centre world, and it was important for me to find a home in Nashville that embraces breaking new ground and supporting unique and contemporary artists.”

“My first debut album the perfect summer’s day before we lost the light was a tribute to my late mother Sally and the challenges of navigating a huge personal loss,” he continues. “At its core though, it had a pulse and heartbeat that helped me dance through the sadness of that time. This new chapter of music is still inspired by my British roots and leans heavier into the indie pop world this time. It represents finding more stability, reconnecting with myself, and the joys and challenges of the heart when starting over.”

Based in Nashville for over 10 years now, Palladio is best known for playing Gunnar Scott on the TV show Nashville. While on the show, he collaborated with a plethora of artists and songwriters across Americana, folk, and country. He has also appeared in The Princess Switch, Humans, Episodes, Rebel, One Love and The Couple Next Door.

He released his debut album the perfect summer’s day before we lost the light in 2024, which was produced by Søren Hansen and Dave Sardy. Palladio will release new music in the coming months.

ACM Awards Unveils Next Round Of Performers

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The ACM Awards has unveiled the next round of performers for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards.

Kacey Musgraves will make her ACM Awards performance debut with a new song from her upcoming sixth studio album, Middle of Nowhere. Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town will also each take the stage, joining previously announced performers Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Riley Green.

Tickets for the awards are available now. Previously announced ACM Awards week events include “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” and “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash.”

The 61st ACM Awards are set for Sunday, May 17 MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

CAA Elevates Andrew Dominijanni

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Andrew Dominijanni

CAA has promoted Andrew Dominijanni to Music Agent.

Based in the company’s Nashville office in the Global Touring Division, he will support artists across CAA’s country music roster. He first joined CAA in 2020 as an intern before working in the agency’s mailroom, eventually becoming assistant to Marc Dennis and Chad Kudelka. In 2023, he was upped to Booking Professional, and began his time in CAA Elevate last year. Dominijanni holds a degree in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management from Indiana University.

Noah Bryles and Rachel Green out of the company’s Los Angeles office have also been promoted to Music Agent in the Global Touring Division.

Megan Moroney To Appear In Revlon’s New ‘Be Unforgettable’ Campaign

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Megan Moroney. Photo: Courtesy of Revlon

Megan Moroney has been tapped as part of the new “Revlon Be Unforgettable” campaign.

The multi-Platinum hitmaker is helping usher in a new chapter for the cosmetic company celebrating confidence, glamour and individuality.

“This campaign represents a truth I believe in: beauty is only one part of what makes someone unforgettable,” says Moroney. “There’s power in reminding women they can take up space and lead with confidence, authenticity and strength. Being part of that message means a lot to me.”

“Revlon Be Unforgettable” debuts following the  revitalization of the brand’s PhotoReady Collection. Moroney will appear in a number of campaigns, including creative for this marque collection and the Glimmer franchise.

Moroney will kick off her “The Cloud 9 Tour” in May, celebrating the release of her most recent chart-topping album.