The McCrary Sisters have announced the full lineup for “A McCrary Kind of Christmas,” their 14th annual holiday celebration and benefit concert.
The event will be held on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Riverside Revival in Nashville and will feature performances by The McCrary Sisters, Emmylou Harris, Margo Price, Buddy Miller, Kyla Jade, Etta and Bob Britt, Tammy and Steve Crawford, Travis Logan Unity Choir, BIZZ, Danny and Mabel Flowers, Gayle Mays, Dwight Ross, Wil, Will Barrow, Dave Pomeroy and more.
For over 14 years, The McCrary Sisters have given back to their community by hosting and organizing the annual Christmas concert that benefits the important work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and local families in need who have experienced tragedy, loss and need a helping hand.
Tickets are on sale now here and donations can be made here. The event will also be live streamed by Veeps, a streaming service that allows access to concerts around the world with artists at iconic venues.
“The program, the benefit, is a God-sent show that we’ve been doing for 14 years,” says Regina McCrary. “Around the holidays, people get depressed and lonely. Sometimes they feel like they are by themselves. This is The McCrary Sisters’ way of reassuring people that they’re never alone. We are about helping people and making sure that people know we care and this is our ministry. This is what God has called us to do.”
Ann McCrary continues, “St. Jude, to me, is one of the most spectacular hospitals in the world. Because if you have children, and they become ill, it is bad enough to be concerned about them and praying that they’re gonna be alright. But at St. Jude, you don’t have to worry about the bills. That’s what touches my heart, because the bills will kill you. Without worrying about the condition of your child, those bills will take you down. And not having to worry about a place to stay, or anything like that, that is just wonderful to me.”
“We never know a situation until it knocks at your home, knocks at your own door,” adds Freda McCrary. “It’s an honor to be able to help who we can at this time or any time during the year. We do almost four benefits each year, but this is the greatest of them all.”
Jason Aldean Extends ‘Highway Desperado Tour’ Into 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean has announced he’ll hit the road again in 2024, extending his “Highway Desperado Tour” with 24 new dates beginning in mid-May.
The tour will stop in Savannah, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Virginia Beach and more before wrapping in his hometown of Macon, Georgia on Oct. 5. Special guests Hailey Whitters and Lauren Alaina will join in select cities alongside Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Dee Jay Silver across all dates.
Tickets will be available starting this Friday (Dec. 1), with select markets on sale at a later date. For more information, click here.
Aldean recently released the video for his latest single, “Let Your Boys Be Country,” which features special guest appearances by his young son and daughter. Written by Allison Veltz Cruz, Jaron Boyer and Micah Wilshire, “Let Your Boys Be Country” is from Aldean’s new album Highway Desperado, and highlights the simplicity and innocence of childhood and rural life.
“Highway Desperado Tour” 2024 Dates:
*Not A Live Nation Date
& with Hailey Whitters
^ with Lauren Alaina
May 18 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar World Casino and Resort*
July 11 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview&
July 12 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater& –ON SALE FRI, DEC 15
July 13 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center – ON SALE FRI, DEC 15
July 25 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena^
July 26 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach^
Aug. 1 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater^
Aug. 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion^ –ON SALE FRI, DEC 15
Aug. 3 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain^
Aug. 8 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center^
Aug. 10 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake^
Aug. 16 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort*
Aug. 17 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Aug. 24 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion&
Aug. 25 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion&
Aug. 29 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
Aug. 30 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live&
Sept. 5 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater&
Sept. 6 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater&
Sept. 7 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre&
Sept. 12 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino Resort*
Sept. 20 – Sparks, NV – Nugget Event Center*
Sept. 21 – Laughlin, NV – Laughlin Event Center*
Oct. 5 – Macon, GA – Macon Amphitheater&
Sonos Radio HD Launches New Subscriber-Only Christmas Channel In Partnership With CMA
/by LB CantrellSonos Radio HD has partnered with the Country Music Association to launch a new subscription-only channel, A Very Special Country Christmas.
Launched Friday (Nov. 24), the channel features over 500 songs along with exclusive stories behind holiday hits from some of today’s most beloved country artists. This addition complements Sonos’ Country Christmas channel, available to all customers.
Spotlight artists on A Very Special Country Christmas include Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chrissy Metz, Chris Janson, Elvie Shane, HunterGirl, Ingrid Andress, Jon Pardi, Lady A, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Evans, Shy Carter, Tenille Arts, Zach Williams and more. Along with the channel launch, Sonos Radio will promote the ABC airing of CMA Country Christmas—premiering on Dec. 14—as well as subsequent streaming on Hulu and Disney+ across multiple stations.
Riley Green & Luke Combs Top MusicRow Radio Chart
/by LB CantrellRiley Green and Luke Combs earn the No. 1 spot on the the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Different ‘Round Here.”
Since it was originally released in 2019, the original version of Green’s “Different ‘Round Here” has remained a fan-favorite. Recognizing something special in the song, Green teamed up with Combs to deliver a fresh version to country radio.
Written by Green, Randy Montana and Jonathan Singleton, the collaboration appears on Green’s Ain’t My Last Rodeo album, which released in October.
“Different ‘Round Here” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Operation Song To Hold Second Annual Nashville Showcase In December
/by Lorie HollabaughOperation Song, the nonprofit that pairs veterans with songwriters to help them tell their stories through music, will hold its second annual Nashville Showcase at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 4.
Emceed by Storme Warren, the night will feature heartwarming songs of service, camaraderie and bravery. The veterans whose stories they tell will be joined by country artist and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Hasting and songwriters David Lee, Pete Sallis, Jamie Floyd, Jimmy Thow and Tom McElvain. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.
The audience will also enjoy a social hour with hors d’oeuvres and drinks as well as entertainment and live and silent auctions, including a military-themed Bourbon raffle, which can also be bid on from home.
“After a successful year of incredible events in New York, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, Washington State and Nashville, we have written close to two hundred songs in 2023,” says Mike Byer, Operation Song’s Executive Director and retired Army First Sergeant. “Our December showcase allows us to highlight those songs and honor the veterans and family members who wrote them.”
Last year’s inaugural Nashville show celebrated the 10th anniversary of Operation Song, which was founded in 2012 by Grammy and Dove Award-nominated songwriter Bob Regan. The anniversary show was headlined by Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Jeffrey Steele and Grammy-winning songwriter and artist Scott Stapp.
Proceeds from all Operation Song events benefit their year-round work, which comes at no cost to veterans. The nonprofit has over 1,600 original tracks that can be streamed on BandCamp.
Gene Watson Slates ‘All The Hits & More Tour’ For 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughGene Watson will embark on his “All the Hits & More Tour” in early 2024.
The 26-date tour will kick off Feb. 3 in Rome, Georgia and visit cities in Florida, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, Kentucky and more through Nov. 23. The trek follows Watson’s “Celebration Tour,” which found him celebrating with fans across the country this year on 80 dates for his 80th birthday.
In October, Watson’s birthday festivities were celebrated at the Grand Ole Opry with Rhonda Vincent, The Bellamy Brothers, The Gatlin Brothers and more.
2024 All The Hits & More Tour Dates:
Feb. 3 Rome City Auditorium – Rome, Ga.
Feb. 4 Orange Blossom Opry- Weirsdale, Fla.
Feb. 5 Orange Blossom Opry- Weirsdale, Fla.
Feb. 24 Walhalla Civic Auditorium- Walhalla, S.C.
Feb. 28 Arlington Music Hall- Arlington, Texas
March 1 Round-Up Beer Garden- Borne, Texas
March 2 Post OG- Orange Grove, Texas
March 7- Strawberry Festival- Plant City, Fla.
April 14 Dosey Doe- The Woodlands, Texas
April 20 Conference Center- Manchester, Tenn.
May 3 Little Roy & Lizzy fest- Lincolnton, Ga.
May 4 The Pickin’ Post- Fort Payne, Ala.
May 10 Jette Baker Center- Clintwood, Va.
May 11 Malpass Brothers Festival- Denton, N.C.
June 8 The Farm Jam- Bagdad, Ky.
Aug. 3 Williams Auditorium- Henderson, Tenn.
Aug. 9 Reidsville Showcase Theatre- Reidsville, N.C.
Aug. 10 Liberty Showcase Theatre- Liberty, N.C.
Sept. 1 Coyote Country Store- Gail, Texas
Sept. 28 Mule days Festival- Benson, N.C.
Oct. 11 Mansion Theatre- Branson, Mo.
Oct. 12 Kentucky Opry- Benton, Ky.
Oct. 19 Lincoln Theater- Marion, Va.
Oct. 20 Lincoln Theater- Marion, Va.
Nov. 9 Mansion Theater- Branson, Mo.
Nov. 23 Mansion Theatre- Branson, Mo.
RVSHVD Signs With CAA
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): The Penthouse’s Jonnie Forster, RVSHVD, CAA’s Kara Enos, John Huie and The Penthouse’s Jamie Forster
Singer-songwriter RVSHVD (pronounced Ra-Shad) has signed with CAA.
The Willacoochee, Georgia native was forever changed after he heard “Sweet Thing” by Keith Urban 10 years ago. He then found Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, George Strait, Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn, all of who he credits as ultimate musical influences. Since launching his own career, RVSHVD has played major festivals, including CMA Fest, and he made his Grand Ole Opry debut in September.
“I can be myself in country music, talking about the real things I do and feel without trying to be a persona you need to be successful in hip-hop or other genres,” he says. RVSHVD’s country-infused version of Roddy Ricch’s “Ballin'” went viral on multiple platforms, amassing over 25 million streams and lifting his catalog of songs to over 100 million streams.
“RVSHVD has built one of the most exceptional and excited teams in the industry to support his career,” says Kara Enos, CAA Agent. “He has already exceeded many of our expectations and doesn’t show any sign of stopping.” John Huie, CAA Agent, adds, “RVSHVD is making Charley Pride smile in heaven!”
RVSHVD is managed by Jonnie Forster and Eric Hurt. In a joint statement the two note, “CAA is home and as the saying goes, there’s no place like it. Finding passionate team members are the holy grail. When you find them, hold on tight. John and Kara have seen the growth in RVSVHD and recognize the opportunity is now. We’re confident they’re not going to be waiting around for the phone to ring.”
“It’s funny, when I’m on stage, I usually can’t see most of the audience but I can always make out John Huie standing there watching and smiling. He and Kara see things in me that a lot other people don’t. I’m ready to take the next step in my career with those two and the entire CAA Family,” shares the artist.
Garth Brooks Adds 18 Dates To 2024 Las Vegas Residency
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks has added 18 new dates to his 2024 Las Vegas residency, “Garth Brooks/Plus One,” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace at the request of Caesars Entertainment and Live Nation due to overwhelming fan demand.
No two “Garth Brooks/Plus One” shows will be the same. With varying instrumentation–whether it be one fiddle, percussion and background vocals, or the whole band–and the occasional special guest, Brooks will share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with his audience each and every night.
“My experience working with the family and crew at Caesars and the audiences of the residency has been next level. I couldn’t have picked a better place to play or better people to play for,” says Brooks.
Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Cyber Monday (Nov. 27) for the first nine shows and 10 a.m. CT for the remaining nine shows. Citi is the official card of “Garth Brooks/Plus One,” and Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets now through this Sunday (Nov. 26) through the Citi Entertainment program. Past ticket purchasers and Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program as well as Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will also have access to a presale running today through this Sunday (Nov. 26). For more information, click here.
Garth will return to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Wednesday, Nov. 29 for the final nine “Garth Brooks/Plus One” shows of 2023, wrapping on Saturday, Dec. 16. He is also gearing up for the opening of his brand new bar on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk with a Dive Bar concert on Black Friday (Nov. 24) that will stream exclusively on Amazon.
Mickey Guyton To Host The ‘National Christmas Tree Lighting’ On CBS
/by LB CantrellMickey Guyton will deck the halls this holiday season as host of the National Christmas Tree Lighting. The CBS special will broadcast Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:00 p.m. central, and will be available to stream live on Paramount+.
Guyton, a four-time Grammy nominee, will also perform. The event will also feature musical performances by Darren Criss, Samara Joy, Ledisi, Reneé Rapp, St. Vincent, Joe Walsh and Dionne Warwick, singing holiday classics.
In addition to the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park in Washington, D.C., the beloved American tradition, presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, will include performances by the United States Coast Guard’s Guardians Big Band. This year’s ceremony and official lighting will take place on Thursday, Nov. 30.
First celebrated in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge, the National Christmas Tree Lighting continues to inspire people everywhere to pause to enjoy cherished traditions and memories made with family and friends in national parks during the holiday season. The CBS special offers a unique opportunity for friends and families across the country to tune in and celebrate this holiday tradition from the comfort of their homes.
Chase Rice To Head Up North For ‘Get Western Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughChase Rice is heading to Canada for an 11-date run on his new “Get Western 2024 Tour.” Canadian rising star Owen Riegling joins as direct support across most dates, with singer-songwriter Palmer Anthony joining in Seattle and Vancouver.
Kicking off in Vancouver, the run will visit Canadian cities including Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and more throughout February. Rice will also preface the run with a headlining show in Seattle earlier in the month. Tickets to the dates go on sale Nov. 24, while tickets for Seattle are available to purchase now via ChaseRice.com.
“From radio to live shows, Canada has always been so good to us,” notes Rice. “I had the chance to explore even more of the beautiful country during my time off from touring earlier this summer, and I can’t wait to come back in the new year for these shows with our Canadian fans.”
Emmylou Harris, Margo Price Among Lineup For ‘A McCrary Kind Of Christmas’ Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe McCrary Sisters have announced the full lineup for “A McCrary Kind of Christmas,” their 14th annual holiday celebration and benefit concert.
The event will be held on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Riverside Revival in Nashville and will feature performances by The McCrary Sisters, Emmylou Harris, Margo Price, Buddy Miller, Kyla Jade, Etta and Bob Britt, Tammy and Steve Crawford, Travis Logan Unity Choir, BIZZ, Danny and Mabel Flowers, Gayle Mays, Dwight Ross, Wil, Will Barrow, Dave Pomeroy and more.
For over 14 years, The McCrary Sisters have given back to their community by hosting and organizing the annual Christmas concert that benefits the important work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and local families in need who have experienced tragedy, loss and need a helping hand.
Tickets are on sale now here and donations can be made here. The event will also be live streamed by Veeps, a streaming service that allows access to concerts around the world with artists at iconic venues.
“The program, the benefit, is a God-sent show that we’ve been doing for 14 years,” says Regina McCrary. “Around the holidays, people get depressed and lonely. Sometimes they feel like they are by themselves. This is The McCrary Sisters’ way of reassuring people that they’re never alone. We are about helping people and making sure that people know we care and this is our ministry. This is what God has called us to do.”
Ann McCrary continues, “St. Jude, to me, is one of the most spectacular hospitals in the world. Because if you have children, and they become ill, it is bad enough to be concerned about them and praying that they’re gonna be alright. But at St. Jude, you don’t have to worry about the bills. That’s what touches my heart, because the bills will kill you. Without worrying about the condition of your child, those bills will take you down. And not having to worry about a place to stay, or anything like that, that is just wonderful to me.”
“We never know a situation until it knocks at your home, knocks at your own door,” adds Freda McCrary. “It’s an honor to be able to help who we can at this time or any time during the year. We do almost four benefits each year, but this is the greatest of them all.”