Photo: Deklin Emmons
CabaRay has a new lease on life with the residence of the theatrical presentation “Country Roads USA,” which debuted there over the weekend.
Opened by Ray Stevens in 2018, the state-of-the-art showroom houses the new production on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The dinner theater is one of Nashville’s finest venues and was the location of the PBS TV series Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville. But its future became uncertain following the star’s heart procedure late last year.
“Country Roads USA” is a fast-paced revue tracing the history of country music. The 11-member cast performs 43 song excerpts to tracks recorded by top Music Row session musicians. Fleet costume changes, shifting video projections, rotating stage props and energetic choreography create a flashy environment during the 75-minute show.
The show’s writer/director is Dean Sams of the hit country band Lonestar. He described “Country Music USA” as “the most authentic show you can see in Nashville when it comes to country music.”
During a press preview last week, Sams praised costume designer Renee Layher, choreographer Laurin Floyd Turner and producers Jeanna Kenney and Brian Schafer for bringing the show to life. The projected celebrity photos are drawn from the archive of the late Slick Lawson.
“This is a chronological tale of country music, with some of the biggest names this genre has ever known coming to life before your very eyes and ears,” says Sams. “It’s a high-energy musical and visual experience that takes the audience back in time. There is nothing about this show that my hands, ears, eyes, and heart haven’t been a part of.”
The 11 cast members portray three-dozen iconic country stars, ranging from The Carter Family to the Dixie Chicks. Most songs are delivered in a lickety-split, verse-chorus fashion, but the revue pauses the pace with a tribute to Minnie Pearl’s vintage jokes, a clog-dancing segment and an all-cast gospel medley of “I’ll Fly Away,” “Farther Along,” “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and “Just a Little Talk With Jesus.”
Photo: Deklin Emmons
The hit songs’ arrangements are performed as close to the original records as possible. Among the most effective are Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man,” Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn,” Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy,” The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Brooks & Dunn’s “My Maria” and Martina McBride’s “Independence Day.” Offstage narration introduces each number and provides continuity.
Most of the cast members have extensive Nashville stage experience. Millie Martin, Krista Dudley and Zachariah Malachi are veterans of Lower Broadway’s nightclubs. Dancer Nikki Mele has entertained on the General Jackson showboat. Terin Christopher has been in Nashville for six years and has backed more than a dozen country stars as a dancer. Merissa Milile has been a choreographer/cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans. Belmont University alumnus Sam Mulligan is an indie recording artist, as are Malachi and singer-songwriter Sara Kelly.
The three relative newcomers include Kyle Henry, who plunged into the audience and sang among the dinner tables during his portrayal of Garth Brooks. His entertainment background includes theme parks, cruise ships, and regional theater. George Arbuckle was quite effective as Alan Jackson and in other roles. The Nashville newcomer’s bass-to-tenor vocal range also impressed. In Nashville since 2021, Tom Baker displayed ease with the honky-tonk material of George Strait and other stars.
During Kenny Chesney’s “How Forever Feels,” beach balls were tossed into the crowd. Dancers wheeled desks around the stage during Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” All the cast members assembled on risers for the show finale, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” Songs also included Ray Stevens’ “Everything Is Beautiful” and Lonestar’s “Amazed.”
The “Country Roads USA” production recalls the country show at Opryland during the theme park’s 1972-1997 heyday. It also echoes the long-running “Country Tonite” tourist show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It serves as a fast-paced, entertaining introduction to country music for the uninitiated or a nostalgic, sing-along overview for established fans.
“Country Roads USA” will be staged at CabaRay every weekend. As before, the venue’s sound, lights and sight lines are first rate. CabaRay’s walls are decorated in vintage photos honoring the architects of the Nashville Sound. Six display areas salute producers Chet Atkins, Owen Bradley, Shelby Singleton, Fred Foster, Jerry Kennedy and Billy Sherrill.
The lobby opens at 5:00 p.m. on show nights. Dinner seating on the main floor begins at 5:30 p.m. Show-only seating in the balcony begins at 6:30 p.m. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Shenandoah To Kick Off ’40th Anniversary Tour’ This Weekend
/by Lorie HollabaughShenandoah. Photo: Justin Mayotte
Shenandoah will celebrate four decades as country hitmakers on the “40th Anniversary Tour,” which will kick off tomorrow (March 27) in Wickenburg, Arizona.
The tour will include stops in Fort Worth, West Palm Beach, Tulsa, and more, with a Nashville show set for October 9. Ticket information can be found here. The band has already appeared at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa and headlined the San Antonio Rodeo, and throughout the year will also share the stage with Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams Jr., Old Dominion and more.
“Just to think 40 years,” says lead singer Marty Raybon. “Days of late have been filled with the memories of what this has truly meant to all of us. We have seen some of the best days in a lifetime and some of the hard things that is called life on life. I don’t know that we would change anything. We are grateful for every opportunity we have been given and a fanbase that continues to grow with us, love us and support us through all of it.”
Shenandoah rose to prominence after forming in the mid-80s with a string of No. 1 hits including “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road,” and the Grammy-winning “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart.”
Shenandoah “40th Anniversary Tour” Dates:
Mar 27 – Wickenburg, AZ – Flying E Ranch
Mar 28 – Edna, TX – Red White & Bulls
Apr 3 – West Chester, OH – Lori’s Roadhouse
Apr 11 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick
Apr 12 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick
Apr 17 – Orange Grove, TX – The Post OG
Apr 24 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre
May 15 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama Resort
May 23 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas
June 6 – Gail, TX – Coyote Store
June 19 – Hiawassee, GA – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
June 20 – Patterson, GA – Mossy Pond Lodge
June 26 – Gas City, IN – Performing Arts Center
July 3 – Charles Town, WV – Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
July 11 – Fortuna, CA – Fortuna Rodeo
July 16 – Florence, AL – St. Jude Trail Ride
July 17 – Mount Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
July 24 – Corona, CA – Dos Lagos
July 25 – Fort McDowell, AZ – We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Aug 1 – Gethsemane, KY – The Amp
Aug 22 – Chippewa Falls, WI – Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
Sept 17 – Philadelphia, MS – Ellis Theater
Oct 3 – Marshall, TX – Bear Creek Smokehouse
Oct 9 – Nashville, TN – TBD
Nov 14 – Lufkin, TX – Temple Theater
Nov 21 – Kingman, KS – Kingman Historic Theatre
Dec 4 – Tulsa, OK – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa
Dec 5 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar World Casino & Resort
Red Bull Reveals 2026 Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Competition
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Red Bull
Red Bull is currently accepting submissions for its 2026 Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Competition.
Songwriters can submit their original music now through July 31. The top three finalists will earn a trip to Nashville, with the ultimate winner unveiled live at the next Red Bull Jukebox event. The winner will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles to record at Red Bull Recording Studios, in addition to receiving personalized coaching sessions with BMI.
This year, Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose, Firestarter Music founder Andrea Von Foerster and Whiskey Jam founder and host Ward Guenther will serve as judges.
Last year’s Red Bull Jukebox featured sets from Treaty Oak Revival, Ashley Cooke, Kashus Culpepper and Carter Faith with surprise performances by Colbie Caillat, Kimberly Perry, MOONLIGHT, Maggie Rose and Medium Build.
Clint Black Honored With CRB Career Achievement Award At CRS
/by Lorie HollabaughClint Black was honored with the 2026 CRB Career Achievement Award during Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley at CRS.
Black was surprised with the Career Achievement Award by 2018 recipient Steve Wariner during his Thursday performance. The CRB Career Achievement Award is presented to artists who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of country radio and country music through leadership, engagement, and creativity.
With 22 No. 1s, each of which Black played a role in writing, and more than 20 million albums sold, he has spent over three decades not only entertaining audiences, but also giving back in ways that reflect his enduring commitment to community and philanthropy. Black has received numerous honors from the CMA, the ACM, the Grammys, and American Music Awards, and most recently was recognized with the prestigious BMI Icon Award, celebrating his lasting influence as a songwriter whose work has shaped generations.
“Clint Black’s influence on country radio and the genre as a whole is both profound and enduring,” says RJ Curtis, CRS Executive Director. “From the very beginning, he helped shape a pivotal era in country music, and his commitment to songwriting, artistry, and connection with fans and radio continues to set a standard. We are proud to recognize him with this year’s Career Achievement Award.”
Other past CRB Career Achievement Award recipients include Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, The Judds, and Merle Haggard.
Band As One Nashville Concert For The Cure Raises $850K For The Fight Against Breast Cancer
/by Lorie HollabaughTrisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
The 2nd annual Band As One Nashville Concert for the Cure: Trisha Yearwood & Friends event on March 22 at the Opry House raised $850,000 for the fight against breast cancer.
Yearwood once again brought together an all-star lineup for the event hosted by Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. This year’s concert included performances from Reba McEntire, Charles Kelley, The Band Loula, Ashley McBryde, Lukas Nelson, Rissi Palmer, War & Treaty and Hailey Whitters.
Throughout the night, Yearwood shared memorable onstage moments with fellow artists, including a duet with Lukas Nelson on “Find Yourself,” a performance with Hailey Whitters of “How Far Can It Go?,” and a rendition of “Need You Now” alongside Charles Kelley. McEntire also delivered a stirring performance of “I’m a Survivor,” moving the audience that included many breast cancer survivors. The evening culminated in a finale of Yearwood and McEntire joining voices for Linda Ronstadt’s classic “When Will I Be Loved,” closing the night on a high note of unity and celebration.
“It is always an honor to join forces with Susan G. Komen for this incredible event and to lend my voice to a cause that means so much,” says Yearwood. “I love that this event brings people together – artists, fans, survivors, and the compassionate care teams who stand beside them – to help raise breast cancer awareness and inspire action. We are helping drive real progress and the continued support brings us closer to saving more lives.”
Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Yearwood was also honored during the evening with the Komen Promise Award presented by longtime friend Reba McEntire, in recognition of Yearwood’s unwavering commitment to advancing the fight against breast cancer.
“This concert is always about more than music – it’s about saving lives,” says Joshua Daniel, Senior Director of Entertainment Engagement and Events. “Each year, this concert grows in impact, bringing together incredible artists who are deeply committed to our mission. We are so grateful to every performer who lends their voice and to the community whose support makes this possible. Every dollar raised brings us closer to a world where no one dies from breast cancer.”
To continue raising funds for Komen, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood will auction a special commemorative Band As One Nashville denim jacket, hand-painted by artist Olivia Reckert and autographed by both artists. The auction also features an exclusive collection of signed items, including McEntire’s The Hits on vinyl and her book Not That Fancy, as well as Yearwood’s The Mirror on vinyl and her Trisha’s Kitchen cookbook. Fans can bid and support the cause here.
Charles Kelley & Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Rissi Palmer. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Trisha Yearwood & Hailey Whitters. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
The Band Loula. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Trisha Yearwood & Lukas Nelson. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Tin Pan South Kicks Off With Ashley Cooke, Kelly Archer, Luke Laird, More
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Tin Pan South 2026 hosted its first night on Tuesday (March 24), bringing songwriters together for the staple NSAI event. Ten venues around Nashville are hosting songwriters rounds this year, with two shows taking place at each venue most nights.
Last night’s rounds kicked off with Terri Jo Box, Dan Marshall, RaeLynn and Amy Stroup at Love and Exile, Katie Pruitt, Lawrence Rothman and Daniel Tashian at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Matt Armstrong, AJ Pruis and Matthew West at Anzie Blue, Aaron Barker, Brennley Brown, Lance Carpenter and Larry Gatlin at Station Inn, and Radney Foster, Leslie Satcher and Allen Shamblin at The Bluebird Cafe.
Also hosting opening rounds to the festival was the Commodore Grille with Bernie Chiaravalle, Angus Gill and Emily West, The Cowan with Jim Beavers, Dan Isbell and Paul Sikes, 3rd and Lindsley Nashville with Ethan Burdick, Ashley Cooke and Blake Pendergrass, Analog at Hutton Hotel with Derek Bahr, Luke Laird, Sandra McCracken and Travis Wood, and the 1865 Club with Porter Howell, Paul Jefferson and Sonny LeMaire.
The second rounds of night one featured performances from Kristian Bush, Patrick Davis, Levi Lowry and James Otto at Station Inn, Jon Decious, Rob Ragosta, Emily Reid and Allison Veltz Cruz at The Cowan, Franni Cash, Leanna Crawford, Lloyd Nicks and Jacob Sooter at Analog at Hutton Hotel, Luke Cope, The Dryes, Tiera Kennedy and David Leonard at Commodore Grille, and Monty Powell, Rebekah Powell, Suzannah Powell and Anna Wilson at The Bluebird Cafe.
Also rounding out night one was CARV, Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford at Love and Exile, Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Matt Mulhare and Cole Taylor at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville, Stephanie Bentley, Adrienne Follese and Keith Follese at the 1865 Club, Hudson Macready, Lenny Pey, Callie Prince and Matt Stell at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, and Jason Massey, Matt Rogers and Keesy Timmer at Anzie Blue.
Tin Pan South continues tonight with performances from Summer Overstreet, Caylee Hammack, The Band Loula, Ava Hall and many more. Tickets and schedule details are available here.
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Industry Ink: Brett James, Luke Combs, Corey Kent, Little Jimmy Dickens, Sierra Hull
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Listening Room Honors Brett James With Special Tribute Show
Photo: Courtesy of The Listening Room
Industry friends and family from across the country gathered at The Listening Room on March 23 for a night of music honoring the legendary songwriter Brett James, who tragically passed away on Sept. 18, 2025, at age 57. The evening was hosted by TLR Owner & Founder Chris Blair, and performers paying tribute to their friend at the special show included Chris DeStefano, Rivers Rutherford and Gordie Sampson. All proceeds from the evening were donated to St. Jude in James’s name.
Luke Combs Kicks Off ‘My Kinda Saturday Night Tour’ In Vegas
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Zimmerman and Caryl Atwood, KYGO Denver’s Brian Michel, the label’s Christy Garbinski, KUPL Portland’s Dylan Salisbury, KWBL/KCCY/KXBG PD Jojo Turnbeaugh, Audacy’s ‘Sabrina From Queens’ Sergio, KYGO PD Shawn Patrick, Luke Combs, Westwood One VP/Programming George King, KWNR Las Vegas PD MoJoe Roberts, the label’s Larry Santiago, KPLM Palm Springs PD Kory James, KCYE Las Vegas PD Shawn Stevens, the label’s Taylor Sowers
Luke Combs kicked off his sold-out, record-breaking “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” stop in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium last week with some label family and radio friends on hand for the packed out show.
Corey Kent’s ‘Something’s Gonna Kill Me’ Reaches Platinum Status
Pictured (L-R): Paige Altone (VP, Digital Marketing & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville), Chris Fox (Artist Manager, Triple 8 Management), Ken Robold (President & COO, Sony Music Nashville), Corey Kent, George Couri (CEO/Founder, Triple 8 Management), Caryl Atwood (SVP, Commercial Partnerships, Sony Music Nashville) and Jason McColl (Sr. Director, A&R, Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Matthew Berinato
Corey Kent’s fan-favorite track “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” has been certified Platinum, marking another major achievement in his growing career. The certification adds to an already impressive run for the hitmaker, who surpassed one billion career streams and continues to earn more hardware with a string of hits, including his triple-Platinum No. 1 breakout “Wild As Her” and No. 1 follow-up “This Heart.” Originally released on his 2023 album Blacktop, “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” has resonated deeply with fans and become a staple in Kent’s live show, showcasing his signature rasp of country grit and guitar-driven melodies that define his sound.
“‘Something’s Gonna Kill Me’ going Platinum is so special to me and something that I have to thank the fans for,” says Kent. “This song is a huge part of my world view. Living life fully. Not allowing fear, even the fear of death, to stop you from doing the things that make you feel most alive. It means so much that the message resonated so deeply with fans. Their support made this a platinum record.”
Brad Paisley, Bill Anderson, More Pay Tribute To Little Jimmy Dickens At Opry 100 Honors Show
Opry member Brad Paisley photographed on stage with Little Jimmy’s guitar and red glitter guitar case given to Brad by Jimmy’s wife Mona. Photo: Chris Hollo for The Grand Ole Opry
As part of its ongoing Opry 100 celebration, the Grand Ole Opry continued its “Opry 100 Honors” series on March 21, celebrating the bigger-than-life Opry icon Little Jimmy Dickens. The evening featured Dickens’ longtime friend Brad Paisley, who also celebrated 25 years of Opry membership, along with Opry members Bill Anderson, The Gatlin Brothers and Trace Adkins, who was invited in 2003 by Little Jimmy, famously using a stepladder to ask the 6’6” star to join the Opry family. The evening also included The Oak Ridge Boys, who were officially inducted as Opry members by Little Jimmy in 2011, Julia Cole, and 49 Winchester, along with special guest announcer Pat Sajak.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosts Musician Spotlight With Sierra Hull
Sierra Hull and Museum Senior Writer-Editor Angela Stefano Zimmer at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a Musician Spotlight with Sierra Hull in support of the opening of the museum’s newest “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit. Hull is one of the artists featured in the exhibit, which takes a broad view of the genre over the past year to explore musical developments, artist achievements and notable events, as determined by the museum’s curators and editorial staff. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Hull is a seven-time International Bluegrass Music Association Mandolin Player of the Year award winner, and has collaborated with Brandi Carlile, Béla Fleck, Alison Krauss, Sturgill Simpson, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Rhonda Vincent, Bill Anderson, Dolly Parton and more. In 2025, Gibson released the Sierra Hull F-5 Master Model and the Sierra Hull F-5G mandolins, making Hull the first woman to be honored with a signature Gibson mandolin.
‘Country Roads USA’ Revives CabaRay Showroom
/by Robert K OermannPhoto: Deklin Emmons
CabaRay has a new lease on life with the residence of the theatrical presentation “Country Roads USA,” which debuted there over the weekend.
Opened by Ray Stevens in 2018, the state-of-the-art showroom houses the new production on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The dinner theater is one of Nashville’s finest venues and was the location of the PBS TV series Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville. But its future became uncertain following the star’s heart procedure late last year.
“Country Roads USA” is a fast-paced revue tracing the history of country music. The 11-member cast performs 43 song excerpts to tracks recorded by top Music Row session musicians. Fleet costume changes, shifting video projections, rotating stage props and energetic choreography create a flashy environment during the 75-minute show.
The show’s writer/director is Dean Sams of the hit country band Lonestar. He described “Country Music USA” as “the most authentic show you can see in Nashville when it comes to country music.”
During a press preview last week, Sams praised costume designer Renee Layher, choreographer Laurin Floyd Turner and producers Jeanna Kenney and Brian Schafer for bringing the show to life. The projected celebrity photos are drawn from the archive of the late Slick Lawson.
“This is a chronological tale of country music, with some of the biggest names this genre has ever known coming to life before your very eyes and ears,” says Sams. “It’s a high-energy musical and visual experience that takes the audience back in time. There is nothing about this show that my hands, ears, eyes, and heart haven’t been a part of.”
The 11 cast members portray three-dozen iconic country stars, ranging from The Carter Family to the Dixie Chicks. Most songs are delivered in a lickety-split, verse-chorus fashion, but the revue pauses the pace with a tribute to Minnie Pearl’s vintage jokes, a clog-dancing segment and an all-cast gospel medley of “I’ll Fly Away,” “Farther Along,” “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and “Just a Little Talk With Jesus.”
Photo: Deklin Emmons
The hit songs’ arrangements are performed as close to the original records as possible. Among the most effective are Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man,” Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn,” Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy,” The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Brooks & Dunn’s “My Maria” and Martina McBride’s “Independence Day.” Offstage narration introduces each number and provides continuity.
Most of the cast members have extensive Nashville stage experience. Millie Martin, Krista Dudley and Zachariah Malachi are veterans of Lower Broadway’s nightclubs. Dancer Nikki Mele has entertained on the General Jackson showboat. Terin Christopher has been in Nashville for six years and has backed more than a dozen country stars as a dancer. Merissa Milile has been a choreographer/cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans. Belmont University alumnus Sam Mulligan is an indie recording artist, as are Malachi and singer-songwriter Sara Kelly.
The three relative newcomers include Kyle Henry, who plunged into the audience and sang among the dinner tables during his portrayal of Garth Brooks. His entertainment background includes theme parks, cruise ships, and regional theater. George Arbuckle was quite effective as Alan Jackson and in other roles. The Nashville newcomer’s bass-to-tenor vocal range also impressed. In Nashville since 2021, Tom Baker displayed ease with the honky-tonk material of George Strait and other stars.
During Kenny Chesney’s “How Forever Feels,” beach balls were tossed into the crowd. Dancers wheeled desks around the stage during Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” All the cast members assembled on risers for the show finale, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” Songs also included Ray Stevens’ “Everything Is Beautiful” and Lonestar’s “Amazed.”
The “Country Roads USA” production recalls the country show at Opryland during the theme park’s 1972-1997 heyday. It also echoes the long-running “Country Tonite” tourist show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It serves as a fast-paced, entertaining introduction to country music for the uninitiated or a nostalgic, sing-along overview for established fans.
“Country Roads USA” will be staged at CabaRay every weekend. As before, the venue’s sound, lights and sight lines are first rate. CabaRay’s walls are decorated in vintage photos honoring the architects of the Nashville Sound. Six display areas salute producers Chet Atkins, Owen Bradley, Shelby Singleton, Fred Foster, Jerry Kennedy and Billy Sherrill.
The lobby opens at 5:00 p.m. on show nights. Dinner seating on the main floor begins at 5:30 p.m. Show-only seating in the balcony begins at 6:30 p.m. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
BREAKING: Warner Records Nashville Makes Executive Promotions
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Patrick Sabatini, Kristen Williams and Victoria Mason; (L-R, bottom row): Rohan Kohli, Austin Jenkins and Brooke Hardesty
Warner Records Nashville has made a series of strategic promotions in its executive leadership and creative teams.
Patrick Sabatini has been named Executive Vice President, WRN Operations and Business & Legal Affairs; Kristen Williams has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Radio & Commercial Partnerships; and Victoria Mason was elevated to Executive Vice President, Marketing. All report to Cris Lacy, Chair & President of Warner Records Nashville.
Brooke Hardesty has been upped to Senior Vice President, Digital Marketing, and will be reporting to Mason. Rohan Kohli has been promoted to Senior Vice President, A&R, and Austin Jenkins joins the team as Senior Vice President, A&R from his previous position at MCA and Lucille Records. Both Kohli and Jenkins report to Lacy.
“It’s a privilege to make music with such strong leaders who embody and uphold our core values. We meet artists where they are. We share the belief that our artists are the source of Truth,” says Lacy. “Protecting, igniting, and evangelizing their influence across the global stage is the foundation of everything we do. An unwavering commitment to this ideal has propelled the iconic careers of Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett and Randy Travis, and has inspired the aggressive campaigns driving next-gen superstars like Gavin Adcock, Avery Anna, Chase Matthew, Hudson Westbrook, Bailey Zimmerman, and many more.”
ERNEST Inks Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music
ERNEST has inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
A Grammy, ACM, CMA Award nominee, and two-time Variety Hitmakers honoree, ERNEST has penned 13 No. 1 hits, including his breakout single “Flower Shops” featuring Morgan Wallen and the global hit “I Had Some Help,” cut by Post Malone featuring Wallen. He is set to be honored in April at the CMA Triple Play Awards for the fourth time. ERNEST is the founder of DeVille Records.
“This next chapter with Warner Chappell feels like an extension and expansion of the family,” ERNEST shares. “I always loved working with Austen Adams while he was at Big Loud, and have loved getting to know the team here. Looking forward to everything that’s ahead.”
“Ern is an innovative songwriter and artist who consistently defies genre boundaries to find the heart of a great song,” says Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “Having worked with him for some time, I can truly say he is a generational talent with an undeniable work ethic. Our entire Warner Chappell team is honored to be his long-term partner in this next chapter of his career.”
ERNEST is currently on his Live From The South Tour, which will have stops in Boston, New York, and Houston, among many others. His third full-length album, DEEP BLUE, is set for release this summer.
Domain Capital Group Closes $768 Million In Commitments For Domain Entertainment Fund II
/by Lauryn SinkDomain Capital Group LLC, a private investment management firm, and its subsidiary Domain Capital Advisors LLC, has closed $768 million in equity commitments for its second entertainment fund and its affiliates.
Fund II includes investments with notable partners, such as Paramount Pictures and Sony Music Publishing, and features titles and artists like “Sonic 3,” “Friends,” “The Matrix Trilogy,” Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett.
“We are pleased to announce the successful close of our second entertainment fund,” says Pete Chiappetta, Managing Director of Domain. “The entertainment industry continues to experience dynamic growth driven by an evolving distribution landscape and global demand for content. With this fund, we aim to build a diversified portfolio of high-quality assets that generate cash yield and preserve our investors’ capital under different market conditions.”
The new fund builds on the success of Domain’s first entertainment fund, which closed with more than $700 million in commitments, and a separate $830 million account launched in 2012 that focused on film and television assets. Domain manages entertainment investments for a range of institutional investors, including corporate and public pensions, insurance companies, university endowments, multifamily offices and wealth management firms. To date, Domain has managed total capital commitments of $2.3 billion in entertainment assets.
“We believe in the long-term value of these assets, the growth of the industry aided by this age of digital content and the ease of access created by streaming platforms and faster mobile devices,” Chiappetta adds.