Grammy-winning country artist Keith Urban will head to Las Vegas to play 10 shows on the strip’s newest luxury resort and casino, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. “Keith Urban’s HIGH in Vegas” will run in October 2024 and February 2025.

The exclusive performances will feature tracks from his upcoming album releasing this fall, including singles “Messed Up As Me,” “Straight Line” and his newest collaboration with Lainey Wilson “Go Home W U.” Attendees will also hear Urban’s classic hit such as “Somewhere In My Car,” “Somebody Like You,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” “Wasted Time” and more.

Tickets to all 10 shows will go on sale this Friday (May 10) at 10 a.m. PST.

“Keith Urban’s HIGH in Vegas” Dates:
October 4
October 5
October 9
October 11
October 12
February 14
February 15
February 19
February 21
February 22

GMA Board members, GMA Foundation, GMA staff and artists in attendance with GMA President Jackie Patillo, Governor Bill Lee and Mayor Freddie O’Connell. Photo: Adam Sanner

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) hosted a celebration to kick off the construction of the new Christian & Gospel Music Museum at The Dove Center last week.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell made special remarks, and award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Jekalyn Carr performed live during the event to show their support for the historic moment.

Located at 400 Commerce Street in downtown Nashville, the museum is set to open in the fall of 2025. Just steps away from the famous Ryman Auditorium, the 11,000 square foot space will feature state-of-the-art interactive displays that aim to recognize today’s artists while looking for tomorrow’s leaders in addition to preserving the legacies of Christian and gospel music trailblazers.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to break ground on the new home for Christian and gospel music right in the heart of Music City,” said Jackie Patillo, GMA President. “The opportunity to be a beacon of light here in Nashville and offer a place to fulfill our mission to expose, promote, and celebrate the gospel is a big step forward.”

George Strait on stage in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, May 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Photo: Michele Wedel

George Strait revealed to the crowd during his show at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night (May 4) that he is going to be releasing a brand new album, Cowboys and Dreamers, later this year.

Strait previewed some of the new material for the sold-out crowd of 51,132, including a song called “Three Drinks Behind.” Tour-mate Chris Stapleton joined the Texan mid-stride on “Pancho and Lefty,” staying onstage for “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing,” an album cut he penned for Strait’s Love Is Everything. The two then revealed their first-ever collaboration, “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame,” to be featured on Strait’s forthcoming album.

In another poignant moment in the show, Retired Lt. General Leroy Sisco introduced Retired US Army Private Issac Boshi on stage and presented a new home to the hero, noting it was his 113th home presentation with Strait via Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program. 

Saturday was Strait’s first show back after devastating losses to his touring family including his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, Ace in the Hole band member Gene Elders and tour manager, Tom Foote. Strait took the opportunity to acknowledge their absence throughout the evening. “The last couple of months have been a tough time… music makes it all better. Thank you for coming out—we’ve had a great time tonight. This one is for Erv, and Gene and Tom,” he said before concluding the 32-song set with a six-song encore.

Pictured (L-R): Halie Hampton Mosley (W&H), Allie Petko (W&H), Derek Austin, Benji Amaefule (WCM) and Ben Vaughn (WCM). Photo: Courtesy of WCM

Singer-songwriter Derek Austin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) and a management deal with Why&How.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Ben [Vaughn], Benji [Amaefule], and the entire Warner Chappell family. It means the world that the Warner Chappell team believes in me and sees the vision for my music,” Austin shares. “Bruce [Kalmick], Halie [Hampton Mosley], Allie Petko, and the Why&How team have been incredible guides throughout this process. I can’t wait to see where it all goes from here.”

Hailing from Minnesota, Austin ran a dairy operation with his brothers before moving to Washington State for college, which is where he learned to play guitar and started writing songs. After graduation, he spent time in Alaska as an Air Traffic Controller before moving to Nashville to pursue music.

Austin released the five-track EP Barstools in 2021, followed by the single “The Bullet” with Ashley Cooke, which has amassed nearly one million views on YouTube and over two million streams on Spotify. Last year, he also released the songs “Beer Back,” “Stoned” and “Summer Was You.”

“Derek is an incredible talent who demonstrates not only immense potential, but true work ethic and a dedication to his craft,” shares Hampton Mosley, COO, Why&How. “He’s already laid an impressive foundation through his songwriting, and we look forward to partnering with Ben, Benji, and the entire Warner Chappell team to take Derek’s career into this next chapter.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Derek to the Warner Chappell family,” adds Amaefule, Manager, A&R, WCM Nashville. “His unique background and storytelling shines through in his songs that are equal parts anthemic and compelling. We’re excited to get to work and showcase his star power in the ever-expanding landscape of our format.”