
Rascal Flatts
At Klipsch Music Center in Indianapolis, Rascal Flatts reminded fans of their chart-topping track record on Saturday night (Sept. 16) with hit after hit, beginning with the appropriate “Summer Nights,” “I Like The Sound Of That,” and “Banjo.”
The trio has notched 16 No. 1 singles in 16 years, since they released their self-titled debut album in 2000. With their tight-knit harmonies, Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus have become synonymous with heart-tugging ballads and they quickly gave fans what they wanted, via a medley of “Come Wake Me Up,” “Melt,” and “I Won’t Let Go.”
The party-ready hits continued with “Life Is A Highway,” which prove the perfect musical conduit for prank conducted at the hands of their opening acts Chris Lane and Kelsea Ballerini. Band members took the stage dressed in construction crew outfits, with racing flags. Ballerini, rode a red tour car around the stage, before offering a few lines of “Life Is a Highway.”
“For the next 90 minutes we are going to take a break from all the bullshit happening in the world and party our asses off!,” said Jay Demarcus.
The hit parade continued with “Stand,” and Why Wait,” before diving into covers of Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” before swerving into their own signature hit “Bless the Broken Road” and a flawless transition to Journey’s “Open Arms.”
During “Rewind,” the trio took fans back in time a collage of photos from the trio’s childhoods and teenage years (“Don’t laugh,” LeVox quipped), through highlights of the band’s career, including platinum albums, award wins, and celebrity pics.
The pranks continued steadily throughout the show, as crew members began playing cornhole during the Flatts’ “Fast Cars and Freedom.” During a tribute performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” three large screens featured pictures of comedian Dave Chappelle dressed as Prince.
Rascal Flatts sailed through “Love You Out Loud” and “My Wish,” before once again tugging at the heartstrings with “What Hurts The Most.”
The evening ended with “Me and My Gang,” as Chris Lane and Kelsea Ballerini returned to the stage and threw beach balls into the crowd.
“Indiana is like a second home,” LeVox told the crowd.

Kelsea Ballerini
Opening act Kelsea Ballerini worked the stage with the charisma of a headliner, holding the crowd’s attention with a mix of hits, album cuts, and covers.
“I want to sing loud enough that Rascal Flatts hears backstage and gets excited,” she said before launching into her second No. 1 hit, “Dibs.”
She included album cuts “Looking at Stars,” “Sirens,” “XO,” and her current single “Yeah, Boy.”
She pulled a headliner move midway through the set, venturing into the crowd to shake hands and thank fans. The gutsy move easily held the crowd’s attention, before she returned to the stage to introduce a new song, “Moonlight,” presumably to be included on her forthcoming second album for Black River Entertainment.
Some super fans even held a sign celebrating Ballerini’s birthday last week.
In a deft mix of onstage banter and cover songs, Ballerini attempted to endear herself with everyone in the audience who ever suffered through a bad breakup. She began with James Bay’s “Let It Go.”
“One day they wake up and realize you are the best thing that ever happened to them. Then, as you know you have a choice go back to someone who broke your heart or stand up for yourself,” she said. “So if you pick up the phone it’s like…” before transitioning to Justin Bieber’s “Sorry.”
“Then they will probably ask you why it’s too late,” she concluded, launching into “Peter Pan.” “This just became my third No. 1 song and I’m freaking out about it,” she confessed.

Chris Lane. Photo: Lora Olive
The Indiana show was the last night of the tour for opening acts Ballerini and Lane, a night that practically requires pranks, and Ballerini’s show was no exception. During the heartfelt “Peter Pan,” opening act Chris Lane and his crew came onstage dressed in Peter Pan outfits, including one crew member who descended from the ceiling, wearing a fairy costume.
“That was the best thing I’ve ever seen,” exclaimed Ballerini. “That was the tour prank to top all tour pranks,” as she composed herself to finish the song.
“This song completely changed my life and made my dreams come true,” she said before introducing her debut No. 1 single, “Love Me Like You Mean It.” “Thank you for letting me do what I love every day.”
Big Loud Records artist Chris Lane celebrated a gold single during the show, as his No. 1 single “Fix” sold more than 500,000 units.
Lane was presented with a plaque onstage during the show.
“I’m excited to reach this milestone,” shared Lane. “I love seeing people show up and sing along to ‘Fix.’ This means that people are listening and believing in me, I don’t take that for granted.”
Jack Ingram Signs With APA Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): APA’s Jeff Hill, Vector’s Ross Schilling, APA’s Frank Wing, Jack Ingram, APA’s Luke Cahill, Heath Baumhor, Steve Lassiter and Bonnie Sugarman and Vector’s John Ingrassia.
APA has signed Texas country singer-songwriter Jack Ingram, it was announced by APA Nashville VP Frank Wing. The agency will handle Ingram’s domestic and international bookings.
“APA is excited to welcome the incomparable Jack Ingram. Jack embodies all the requisite talents of an amazing classic Americana singer and songwriter. Paired with his rootsy, country, rock tinged background, it’ll be fun working with an artist of his caliber,” said Wing.
Ingram has just released his first album in seven years, the Rounder Records release Midnight Motel, featuring his new single “I’m Drinking Through It.”
Ingram will appear in Nashville this week as a presenter at the 15th annual Americana Music Association Honors & Awards Show on Sept. 21 and to perform at the Mercy Lounge as part of the AmericanaFest on Sept. 23.
Rascal Flatts Brings 16 Years Of Hits To Indianapolis Tour Stop
/by Jessica NicholsonRascal Flatts
At Klipsch Music Center in Indianapolis, Rascal Flatts reminded fans of their chart-topping track record on Saturday night (Sept. 16) with hit after hit, beginning with the appropriate “Summer Nights,” “I Like The Sound Of That,” and “Banjo.”
The trio has notched 16 No. 1 singles in 16 years, since they released their self-titled debut album in 2000. With their tight-knit harmonies, Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus have become synonymous with heart-tugging ballads and they quickly gave fans what they wanted, via a medley of “Come Wake Me Up,” “Melt,” and “I Won’t Let Go.”
The party-ready hits continued with “Life Is A Highway,” which prove the perfect musical conduit for prank conducted at the hands of their opening acts Chris Lane and Kelsea Ballerini. Band members took the stage dressed in construction crew outfits, with racing flags. Ballerini, rode a red tour car around the stage, before offering a few lines of “Life Is a Highway.”
“For the next 90 minutes we are going to take a break from all the bullshit happening in the world and party our asses off!,” said Jay Demarcus.
The hit parade continued with “Stand,” and Why Wait,” before diving into covers of Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” before swerving into their own signature hit “Bless the Broken Road” and a flawless transition to Journey’s “Open Arms.”
During “Rewind,” the trio took fans back in time a collage of photos from the trio’s childhoods and teenage years (“Don’t laugh,” LeVox quipped), through highlights of the band’s career, including platinum albums, award wins, and celebrity pics.
The pranks continued steadily throughout the show, as crew members began playing cornhole during the Flatts’ “Fast Cars and Freedom.” During a tribute performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” three large screens featured pictures of comedian Dave Chappelle dressed as Prince.
Rascal Flatts sailed through “Love You Out Loud” and “My Wish,” before once again tugging at the heartstrings with “What Hurts The Most.”
The evening ended with “Me and My Gang,” as Chris Lane and Kelsea Ballerini returned to the stage and threw beach balls into the crowd.
“Indiana is like a second home,” LeVox told the crowd.
Kelsea Ballerini
Opening act Kelsea Ballerini worked the stage with the charisma of a headliner, holding the crowd’s attention with a mix of hits, album cuts, and covers.
“I want to sing loud enough that Rascal Flatts hears backstage and gets excited,” she said before launching into her second No. 1 hit, “Dibs.”
She included album cuts “Looking at Stars,” “Sirens,” “XO,” and her current single “Yeah, Boy.”
She pulled a headliner move midway through the set, venturing into the crowd to shake hands and thank fans. The gutsy move easily held the crowd’s attention, before she returned to the stage to introduce a new song, “Moonlight,” presumably to be included on her forthcoming second album for Black River Entertainment.
Some super fans even held a sign celebrating Ballerini’s birthday last week.
In a deft mix of onstage banter and cover songs, Ballerini attempted to endear herself with everyone in the audience who ever suffered through a bad breakup. She began with James Bay’s “Let It Go.”
“One day they wake up and realize you are the best thing that ever happened to them. Then, as you know you have a choice go back to someone who broke your heart or stand up for yourself,” she said. “So if you pick up the phone it’s like…” before transitioning to Justin Bieber’s “Sorry.”
“Then they will probably ask you why it’s too late,” she concluded, launching into “Peter Pan.” “This just became my third No. 1 song and I’m freaking out about it,” she confessed.
Chris Lane. Photo: Lora Olive
The Indiana show was the last night of the tour for opening acts Ballerini and Lane, a night that practically requires pranks, and Ballerini’s show was no exception. During the heartfelt “Peter Pan,” opening act Chris Lane and his crew came onstage dressed in Peter Pan outfits, including one crew member who descended from the ceiling, wearing a fairy costume.
“That was the best thing I’ve ever seen,” exclaimed Ballerini. “That was the tour prank to top all tour pranks,” as she composed herself to finish the song.
“This song completely changed my life and made my dreams come true,” she said before introducing her debut No. 1 single, “Love Me Like You Mean It.” “Thank you for letting me do what I love every day.”
Big Loud Records artist Chris Lane celebrated a gold single during the show, as his No. 1 single “Fix” sold more than 500,000 units.
Lane was presented with a plaque onstage during the show.
“I’m excited to reach this milestone,” shared Lane. “I love seeing people show up and sing along to ‘Fix.’ This means that people are listening and believing in me, I don’t take that for granted.”
Pearl Records Hires Lesly Simon As General Manager
/by Craig_ShelburneLesly Simon
Lesly Simon has joined Garth Brooks’ label Pearl Records as General Manager, working alongside Mandy McCormack.
Brooks’ next solo album will be released on Pearl Records this fall, as well as a Christmas duets album with Trisha Yearwood.
“What an honor to be a part of this exciting new chapter for Garth and Pearl Records,” said Simon. “The passion Garth has for Country music, the music he is making and the partnerships he is forging is truly amazing. When I sat down with he and Mandy, heard this incredible music and saw their vision, I knew I had to be a part of this. It’s a dream come true to work side by side with Garth, Trisha, Mandy and the entire team, and I can’t wait for the world to see and hear what’s to come!”
“I’ve known Lesly for years and have seen the leadership, passion and excitement she brings to a project,” said McCormack. “She is one of the best and we are so honored to have her join the team. I’m looking forward to working with her on what I know will be incredibly exciting projects.”
With 20 years of experience in the music industry, Simon has an undeniable track record of success and leadership. For the last 6 years, she served as the Vice President of Promotion for Arista Nashville overseeing radio promotion and marketing for the roster including artists Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Cam and LANco.
She can be reached at leslysimon@pearlrecordsinc.com.
Hayley Orrantia Teams With Bright, Kadish On “Strong, Sweet & Southern”
/by Jessica NicholsonThe track was co-produced by Mark Bright and Kevin Kadish, and penned by Orrantia, Bright and Kadish. “Strong, Sweet and Southern” was released Friday (Sept. 16).
Orrantia was recently a special correspondent for CMT and hosted the Riverfront Stage at CMA Fest in Nashville, where she also performed. In addition, Hayley opened for country star Brad Paisley at his tour stop in Laughlin, Nevada.
Orrantia spoke to MusicRow last year, to discuss her music career and role on The Goldbergs.
LOCASH Begin Live Nation’s “Ones To Watch” Tour This Fall
/by Jessica NicholsonReviver Records duo LOCASH will headline 17 dates this fall and early 2017 as part of Live Nation’s ‘Ones To Watch’ nationwide tour (dates below). Reviver Records recording artist Michael Tyler and BMLG Records newcomer Ryan Follese will also join for select shows.
LOCASH is currently on the road promoting The Fighters, their first full-length album with Reviver Records. Following their RIAA Gold-Certified “I Love This Life,” their current single “I Know Somebody” has already notched 6.6 million streams and sold more than 100,000 units.
LOCASH Ones to Watch Tour Dates
Nov. 17: Mercury Ballroom; Louisville, Ky.*
Nov. 18:Deluxe at Old National; Indianapolis
Jan. 05: Terminal West; Atlanta
Jan. 06: House of Blues; Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Jan. 07: House of Blues; North, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Jan. 11: House of Blues; Houston
Jan. 12: House of Blues; Dallas
Jan. 13: House of Blues; New Orleans
Jan. 28: The Belasco Theater; Los Angeles
Feb. 09: Irving Place; New York
Feb. 10: The Fillmore Charlotte; Charlotte, N.C.
Feb. 11: The Ritz; Raleigh, N.C.
Feb. 15: House of Blues; Cleveland, Ohio**
Feb. 17: Theatre of Living Arts; Philadelphia
March 23: The Cabooze; Minneapolis
March 25: Summit Music Hall; Denver
April 22: Delmar Hall; St. Louis**
*Michael Tyler will not appear on this date
**Ryan Follese will not appear on this date
Charlie Daniels Sets Interview, Performance For CMHoF
/by Craig_ShelburneCharlie Daniels will participate in a special interview and performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Oct. 29. Hosted by museum editor Michael McCall, Daniels will discuss his career and perform a few songs.
The appearance will coincide with a new exhibit, titled Charlie Daniels: Million Mile Reflections, that opens at the museum on Friday (Sept. 23). Running through March 2017, the exhibit will include stagewear, guitars, awards, photos and more from Daniels’ personal collection.
The Oct. 29 program is included with museum admission and free to museum members. After the program Daniels will sign copies of the CD Gather ‘Round: A Charlie Daniels Sampler, available for purchase exclusively from the Museum Store.
Daniels will be formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year.
Artist Updates: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Farewell Angelina, Trisha Yearwood
/by Eric T. ParkerNitty Gritty Dirt Band To Wrap Warner’s 2016 Pickin’ On The Patio Season
Warner Music Nashville’s final Pickin’ On The Patio party for 2016 will conclude with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 6 p.m.
For five decades, the group has influenced multiple generations of audiences and artists along the way. Nearly a dozen of those artists join the group on this year’s Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends – Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years concert album, available as a CD or as a CD/DVD combo, due Sept. 30.
Dreamlined Entertainment Group Adds Member
Farewell Angelina
Farewell Angelina, a group of vocalists, multi-instrumentalists and songwriters have added singer/songwriter/guitarist Lauren Lucas to the band. Before becoming a group, Nicole Witt, Andrea Young and Lisa Torres experienced individual successes by having their songs cut by artists like George Strait, Lee Brice and Rodney Atkins.
Farewell Angelina’s debut self-titled EP, co-produced by Keith Stegall, was released on his new Dreamlined Entertainment label this summer. Promotion and artist development is being handled by Star Farm Nashville, and their current single, the beautiful “If It Ain’t With You,” is impacting this fall.
Trisha Yearwood Launches Signature Fragrance
Trisha Yearwood has announced a new signature fragrance, Trisha Yearwood eau de parfum and body mist, exclusively at Walmart. The collaboration with Inter Parfums USA was announced Sept. 16 on CBS’ The Talk.
Yearwood teamed with Firmenich perfumers Ilias Ermenidis and Pierre Negrin, who have created fragrances for Vera Wang, Tom Ford and Givenchy. The fragrance is said to open with a floral bouquet of honeysuckle, white peach and lily of the valley, with heart notes of jasmine and sweet Tiare flower in addition to blends of woods, musk, amber and vanilla. Yearwood’s lifestyle brand portfolio also includes cookbooks, home accessories, cookware and furniture. Trisha’s Southern Kitchen can be seen Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. ET on the Food Network.
JT Harding Inks Deal With Warner/Chappell Music, THiS Music
/by Jessica NicholsonJT Harding
Warner/Chappell Music and THiS Music have signed Nashville songwriter JT Harding. His writing credits include Dierks Bentley’s latest hit, “Different For Girls,” featuring Elle King.
“Adding JT Harding to our THiS Music team is a dream come true,” said Rusty Gaston, General Manager/Partner, THiS Music. “His energy is electric, his creativity is contagious and his work ethic is second to none. We’re looking forward to getting his new songs on the streets.”
Harding also co-wrote Keith Urban’s “Somewhere In My Car,” Kenny Chesney’s “Somewhere With You,” and “Blake Shelton’s “Sangria.”
Harding first moved from his native South Detroit to Los Angeles to pursue music; there, he worked as Marilyn Manson’s assistant, made a demo tape with prize money he won on the VH1 game show Rock & Roll Jeopardy! and was subsequently signed by EMI and Atlantic Records. After penning his first hit, Uncle Kracker’s single “Smile,” Harding relocated to Nashville and joined the city’s songwriting community.
THiS Music was formed in 2006 by General Manager Gaston and songwriters Tim Nichols and Connie Harrington, and launched in partnership with Warner/Chappell Music.
Jennifer Nettles Plans Christmas Album, Nashville Symphony Show
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Julian Raymond-produced project welcomes Idina Menzel on “Little Drummer Boy,” and Andra Day on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Dolly Parton wrote the track “Circle of Love.”
“I’m such a lover of this season and all of the magical feelings that surround us during the holidays so it will be exciting to share it with fans at our live shows,” Nettles said. “Especially since the birth of my son, who arrived to us in December, I’ve found even more joy Christmas traditions and music. Having both Idina and Andra lend their idyllic voices to some of my favorite songs is the bow on top!”
In celebration, Nettles is also set to perform a Christmas concert with the Nashville Symphony on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. CT.
No stranger to holiday music, Nettles and Sugarland cohort Kristian Bush released the 2009 project Gold and Green. She also guested on Michael W. Smith’s 2014 album The Spirit of Christmas and on Kenny Rogers’ 2015 album Once Again It’s Christmas.
Nettles will also return to television this holiday season to star in the NBC television special Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, the holiday-themed sequel to Coat of Many Colors.
TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS TRACK LIST:
1. “Go Tell It On The Mountain”
2. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” (featuring Andra Day)
3. “Little Drummer Boy” (featuring Idina Menzel)
4. “Celebrate Me Home”
5. “Circle Of Love”
6. “Do You Hear What I Hear”
7. “Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep”
8. “O Holy Night”
9. “Merry Christmas With Love”
10. “The First Noel”
Music City Food + Wine Festival Illuminates Music and Menus
/by Eric T. ParkerHarvest Night finale. Pictured (L-R): Kings of Leon’s Jared Followill, Caleb Followill; Cage The Elephant’s Matt Shultz; alongside Chris Coleman. Photo: Charles Reagan Hackleman
Maturing like a fine wine, the fourth annual Music City Food + Wine Festival has become a must-experience destination for Nashville. Taking place Saturday–Sunday (Sept. 17-18, 2016), afternoon events featured more locally-centered purveyors at the Bicentennial Mall State Park. By contrast, the sold-out Harvest Night evening on Saturday showcased globally-known chefs and music artists in the Walk of Fame Park.
Well-known Nashville band the Long Players backed a slew of talent including Charles Kelley, Lee Ann Womack, Hunter Hayes, Holly Williams and Aaron Lewis, among others.
Grand Taste tasting session cheers. Photo: Cambria Harkey
Pictured (L-R): Editor in Chief of Food & Wine Magazine, Nilou Motamed with Adele’s Nashville/Bajo Sexto restaurateur Jonathan Waxman. Photo: Cambria Harkey
Artists turned to the ’80s for inspiration to create the setlist after guests were had finished grazing throughout the park. Among the tasteful tributes were Williams’ cover of Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer,” Womack’s version of John Waite’s “Missing You,” and an appearance from Men at Work’s Colin Hay, who ‘covered’ his own “Down Under” and “Overkill.”
Holly Williams (R) with husband, musician Chris Coleman (L). Photo: Cambria Harkey
Kelley’s charisma paired well on Wham!’s “Careless Whisper” in addition to a reverb-saturated stab at Dire Straits’ “Money For Nothing.” Hayes electrified guitar rocked a cover of Bruce Hornsby and the Range’s “The Way It Is” before tearing up Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Dot Records artist and STAIND frontman Lewis delivered The Cars’ “Drive” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.”
Charles Kelley. Photo: Cambria Harkey
Caleb Followill of Kings of Leon—the band that produced the festival alongside chef Jonathan Waxman, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn, and Austin-based C3 Presents—took to the stage to cover Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire.” Jessie Baylin, wife of Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill, performed Sade’s “Smooth Operator” and was a guest vocalist for Langhorne Slim‘s cover of the Traveling Wilburys’ “Handle with Care” and the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer.” Nashville-based Cage the Elephants‘ Matt Shultz took aim at The Clash’s “Rock the Casbah” before the finale welcomed all artists for Modern English’s “I Melt With You.”
Gale Mayes and her Gospel Brunch. Photo: Charles Reagan Hackleman
Saturday’s rainy afternoon broke for a blue-sky Gospel Brunch on Sunday presented by phenomenal Gale Mayes and friends. The semi-impromptu annual dance party ensued around the DJ booth to wrap the 2016 event. Among those sampling the sounds and flavors this year were actor Chace Crawford, Taylor Swift, and Caleb Followill’s wife and Victoria Secret Angel Lily Aldridge.
Kings of Leon’s Nathan Followill lends a hand during a chef demo. Photo: Charles Reagan Hackleman
Grand Taste Highlights: Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q alternated between a pulled pork slider and taco. Mangia’s offered hot Italian sausage sandwiches. And local tastes in Williams-Sonoma’s USA Pan tent included Utterly Nashville’s gold leaf macaron and Sweet 16th’s brownies and cookies. For beverages, Ferrari-Carano’s Spirit of Italy red blend and Kenny Chesney’s Blue Chair Bay rum were featured.
Harvest Night Highlights: Ludo Lefebvre served crispy tapioca, parmesan and passion fruit chili. Tony Mantuano presented polenta and sunny side up quail egg, garnished with summer truffle and grana padano. Alternatively, Florida’s 30A chef Scott Plumley offered a fantastic chocolate truffle, in the newly-added and much needed dessert section of Harvest Night.
Chef Nick Pellegrino of Mangia Nashville. Photo: Cambria Harkey
Chef Ludo Lefebvre with his Passion Fruit Tapicoa. Photo: Cambria Harkey
Proper Bagel and brewery selections. Photo: Charles Reagan Hackleman
Grilling at the Martins Bar-B-Que and Friends. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Grilling at the Martins Bar-B-Que and Friends. Photo: Charles Reagan Hackleman