Kaitlin Butts, Tyler Childers, Brandi Carlile, More To Participate In Record Store Day

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This year’s Record Store Day is set to take place on April 18. The annual event designed to celebrate brick-and-mortar record stores will bring exclusive releases to various stores around the world.

Billy Strings’ tiny desk, Brandi Carlile‘s Live At Easy Street Records Vol II, Donovan Woods‘ Not A Greatest Hits Vol II, John Prine‘s Found Dogs and BBC Sessions, Kaitlin Butts‘ Yeehaw Sessions, Tyler Childers‘ Live From Dinosaur World, Waylon Jennings & The Waylors‘ The Balladeer meets the Dukes of Hazzard and many more will be included in the promotion.

Each record store is responsible for deciding which titles to include. The event only takes place in-store, but extra inventory may be sold online at a later date. During Record Store Day, each record falls into one of three categories: Exclusives, RSD First, or Small Run/Regional Titles. Each record will only sell between 20,000 and 450 copies across the country.

Find participating stores here.

Find a full list of special releases here.

Steep Canyon Rangers Slates ‘Next Act,’ Due In May

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The Steep Canyon Rangers have released a new track, “Heart’s the Only Compass (feat. Steve Martin),” from their upcoming studio album, Next Act, due out May 22 on Yep Roc Records.

“It’s natural to look back at history, especially our personal history, and feel like things turned out in a way that makes perfect sense,” says songwriter Graham Sharp about the new single. “After hearing some stories of my grandparents’ younger days and seeing people around me learning about their family history through DNA tests, it struck me just how much of a crapshoot it is. When every daily choice seems monumental, it feels good to think that the generations before us didn’t know what they were doing anymore than we do. And the best you can do is follow your heart.”

Recorded by Julian Dreyer and produced by Mike Ashworth and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Next Act represents a return to the band’s bluegrass roots and the music that first shaped them. The album, their 15th studio project, features guest appearances by Martin, Edie Brickell on “Halfway to Reno,” and Celia Woodsmith of Della Mae on “Hard Times.”

Previously released tracks from the project include the title track, which explores reinvention, and “Circling the Drain,” which is inspired in part by Barbara Kingsolver’s novel Demon Copperhead.

In support of Next Act, the band is set to launch a 27-date tour in February which includes a series of dates with Steve Martin & Martin Short, an evening with the Nashville Symphony, and festival appearances including MerleFest, Kerrville Folk Festival, and RockyGrass.

Next Act Track List:
1. “Rumble Strips”
2. “Next Act”
3. “Circling the Drain”
4. “Heart’s the Only Compass (feat. Steve Martin)”
5. “Halfway to Reno (feat Edie Brickell)”
6. “Some Days”
7. “Sugar Lake”
8. “The Kindest Thing”
9. “Hard Times”
10. “Back of Beyond”
11. “Roll of the Dice”
12. “Stubborn Love”
13. “Babylon Stone”
14. “Hard Luck Kid”

Russell Dickerson Plans Nashville Birthday Bash Show At Ascend In May

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Russell Dickerson. Photo: Mick Bodie

Russell Dickerson is celebrating his birthday this year with a hometown blowout, the “Nash-Birthday Bash,” on May 8 at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater.

The hometown celebration promises “cakes, candles, and carnage,” with Dickerson performing alongside a lineup featuring Tyler Hubbard, Adrien Nunez and Kevin Powers. Tickets for the Nash Bash go on sale Feb. 6.

On Friday (Feb. 6), Dickerson will release a stirring new track “The Roses,” an intimate, piano-driven love story penned by Dickerson with Michael Hardy, Chase McGill and Jordan Schmidt that captures the beauty of finding purpose, meaning, and fulfillment through deep connection and commitment. Dickerson’s “Russellmania Tour 2026” is also set to launch April 23 in Raleigh, visiting amphitheaters and venues across the country.

Dolly’s ‘Threads: My Songs in Symphony’ Teams With Nashville Symphony For Summer Series

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Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony will join the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for a multi-week limited series from June 16-July 31 celebrating the Summer of Dolly Parton.

Created and co-produced by Parton, Schirmer Theatrical and Sony Music Publishing, the multimedia symphonic experience features Parton’s songs and stories accompanied by original video content, with Dolly herself appearing on-screen to lead audiences through the visual-musical journey. The 90-minute performance features a cast of guest vocalists and musicians along with new and innovative orchestrations by David Hamilton. The performance includes hits like “Jolene,” “Coat Of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” in addition to Dolly’s personal favorites and more. General on sale for the shows will begin Feb. 6 here.

Downtown Nashville will come alive in tribute to the National treasure this summer, with the city hosting a constellation of Dolly-centered experiences including the opening of Songteller Hotel & Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum and Parton’s exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, in addition to the limited series with the Nashville Symphony.

After a sold-out world premiere with the Nashville Symphony, Threads continues its performances in cities across the country with further stops in eight cities including Portland, Phoenix, Kansas City and more, plus another stop in Nashville before landing there for the exclusive summer engagement.

Industry Ink: Turnpike Troubadours, Dwight Yoakam, Kashus Culpepper, Country Music Cruise

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Turnpike Troubadours Honored With Pandora Billionaire Plaque

Photo: Preston Hoffman

Turnpike Troubadours was honored last week with a Pandora Billionaire plaque, celebrating earning over one billion streams on the platform. VP of Programming at SiriusXM Pandora, Johnny Chiang, surprised the band with the plaque during their sold-out show at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s.

Turnpike Troubadours has amassed more than 2.2 billion streams globally and over 1.7 million equivalent units sold to date. Furthermore, the band was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, appeared in an episode of Yellowstone, and has become a recurring presence in Paramount’s Landman, with eight of their songs featured to date.

 

Dwight Yoakam & Friends Host CHLA Benefit Show

Photo: Brian Bowen Smith

Dwight Yoakam, Charley Crockett, Marcus King, Lukas Nelson, Shooter Jennings and Grace Potter took the Roxy stage in LA last week benefiting the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

Crockett joined for a cover of “Streets of Bakersfield,” Nelson jumped in for “Long White Cadillac” and Willie Nelson’s “Bloody Mary Morning.” Jennings took the stage for “Carmelita” and “Good Time Charlie.” Potter stepped in for Yoakam’s new album track “I Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye (Bang Bang Boom Boom)” and more.

 

Kashus Culpepper Performs On ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

YouTube video

Kashus Culpepper made his late-night television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night (Feb. 3), performing “Man Of His Word.” The appearance celebrates the release of his debut album Act I.

This week Culpepper will headline back-to-back sold-out shows at New York City’s Mercury Lounge before heading to Australia with Wyatt Flores. He’ll continue to headline and support Flores and Eric Church throughout the spring.

 

Country Music Cruise Hosts Songwriter Round With Wynn Varble, Leslie Satcher & Wade Hayes

Wynn Varble, Leslie Satcher & Wade Hayes.

Wynn Varble, Leslie Satcher and Wade Hayes kicked off the sold-out 12th Annual Country Music Cruise with a Songwriter Session on board Holland America’s luxury m/s Eurodam ship. The week-long cruise featured headline performances by Randy Owen, Shenandoah, Patty Loveless, Josh Turner, Neal McCoy and more than 20 additional artists and songwriters.

Artist Applications Now Open For 2026 IBMA Official Showcase

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Photo: Jay Strausser

IBMA Official Showcase Artist has opened applications for this year’s showcase, set for this fall in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Thirty selected acts will be invited to perform as Official Showcase Artists during IBMA Bluegrass Ramble during IBMA World of Bluegrass. Official Showcase Artists typically perform twice throughout the event, which is set for October 20-22, including appearances at the Chattanooga Convention Center and IBMA Bluegrass Ramble venues.

In addition to showcase performances, selected artists will receive IBMA Business Conference registrations, priority access to Gig Fair appointments, complimentary Exhibit Hall booth space, up to three Individual IBMA Memberships and featured promotion through IBMA communications.

Applications must be submitted online by March 1.

DelFest Unveils 2026 Lineup

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DelFest has unveiled its 2026 lineup. The festival is set for May 21 through May 24 at Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland.

This year’s festival will feature The Del McCoury Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Toy Factory Project, Blackberry Smoke, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Punch Brothers, The Infamous Stringdusters, Sierra Hull, Maggie Rose, Sister Sadie, The Mountain Grass Unit, Shadowgrass, The Creekers, The Band Loula, Wood Box Heroes, Colby T Helms & The Virginia Creepers and Joe Craven, among others.

The event will also host DelFest Academy, an intensive four-day learning experience offering instruction for guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass and dobro from bluegrass musicians.

Tickets are available now. Information about camping reservations and additional lineups is available here.

Sarah Allison Turner Extends Deal With Ebach Entertainment & Kobalt Music

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Sarah Allison Turner

Sarah Allison Turner has extended her deal with Ebach Entertainment and Kobalt Music.

The West Virginia native has earned cuts with Tim McGraw, Jordan Davis, Tyler Braden, Priscilla Block, Lauren Alaina, Payton Smith, Britnee Kellogg, Abbie Callahan and others. She has also had her songs featured in Greys Anatomy and Landman.

“Sarah is extremely talented and an incredibly hard worker,” says said Janine Ebach, GM & Owner of Ebach Entertainment. “She has had several notable cuts in our time together and has many big things in pipeline. I’m excited to continue our partnership and look forward to celebrating in the near future.”

“I am thrilled to extend my time with Ebach Entertainment and Kobalt! Janine and Stephanie are two of the hardest-working people I know, and we make a great team! I look forward to seeing what the future holds!” shares Turner.

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Sarah Allison Turner’s rise from songwriter intern to accomplished songwriter,” adds Stephanie Cox, GM & SVP of Creative, Kobalt Nashville. “Her refined craft, artist’s perspective, and relentless work ethic have earned her numerous cuts and standout collaborations. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”

RVA & CRS Partner For ‘Radio Station Of The Future’ Pre-Show Seminar

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The Radio Vendor Alliance will host “The Radio Station of the Future: CRS Pre-Show Seminar,” the RVA’s first-ever seminar event on March 17 in Nashville, immediately preceding Country Radio Seminar 2026.

Mike McVay, who was recently announced as the Senior Strategic Advisor for the Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA), and Tracy Johnson, President of Tracy Johnson Media Group, will serve as moderators for the seminar, which will explore critical topics shaping the future of radio, including emerging technologies, audience engagement strategies, and innovative approaches to content delivery including the role of AI across multiple platforms. Attendees will gain insights to help position their stations for long-term success during the pre-show seminar, which is free with a CRS registration.

“Radio’s future is bright, but it requires adaptation, innovation, and a commitment to serving listeners wherever and however they consume content,” says McVay. “I’m honored to work with the Radio Vendor Alliance and to help facilitate meaningful conversations about where our industry is headed. The ‘CRS Pre-Show Seminar’ will be an opportunity to bring together forward-thinking professionals who are ready to embrace the radio station of the future.

1. “Real Talk About Radio in 2026: Problems, Challenges, The Future”
Moderator: Mike McVay (President, McVay Media)
Panelists: Tracy Johnson (President, Tracy Johnson Media Group), Steve Smith (Country Programming Format Captain, Cox Media)
• Local Local Local: How important is it to connect with your community?
• The evolution of personalities in the age of AI and automation
• Programming for the audience or for Nielsen? There’s a difference. Is it killing your brands?

2. “On Being Digital: Driving Listener Interactions and New Revenue”
Moderator: Mike McVay (President, McVay Media)
Panelists: John Wanzung (CEO, RadioFX), Jackie Parks (President, Envisionwise), Tom Dobrez (President, Cool Radio Streaming)
• Mobile Apps: Learn to connect with your audience by boosting listener interactions and generating more revenue with your app
• Websites/Text/Skills: Enhance your digital presence and engagement
• Streaming – Audio/Video: Dive into the world of multi-platform content delivery
• Selling Digital Products: Unlock new revenue streams in the digital landscape

3. “It’s All About the Money”
Moderator: Tracy Johnson (President, Tracy Johnson Media Group)
Panelists: Scott Murray (President, Big Deals Media), Dennis Green (COO, Sun & Fun Media), Todd Roberts (Senior Business Development Manager, AdCellerant)
• Navigate high-value partnerships: smart e-commerce solutions to monetize trade
• Keep it Organized: Streamline your operations for financial efficiency
• Pay Your Bills: Discover innovative revenue generation strategies through trade

SOLID Unveils 2026 Board Of Directors

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SOLID’s 2026 Board of Directors. Photo: Chrissy Nix

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) has revealed its 2026 Board of Directors.

This year’s Executive Board will be comprised of President Alannah Schwartz (Endurance Music Group), Vice President Nina Teapot Owens (The Teapot Legacy), Secretary Savannah Alday (Wasserman Music) and Treasurer Eunice Hernandez (Studio Bank).

The 2026 SOLID Board of Directors also includes Ambassadorship Chairs TC Courtney (Universal Music Publishing Group) and Kayleigh Allen (BackForty Management); Communications Chairs Grace Foster (Maverick Nashville Management) and Chelsey Voss (Total Assault); Community Outreach Chairs Leigh Ferro (Curb | Word Entertainment) and Allie Nicolini (Peachtree Entertainment); Education Chairs Marisa Righi (The Gary Sinise Foundation) and Tanner Davenport (Front Doors Management);  Music Market Chairs Brian Day (Curb Records), Brendan McManus (Warner Music Group), Sarah McKenzie (Sony Music – Provident Entertainment); Social Chairs Chandel Shanklin (Warner Music Group) and Shana Saunders (The 324 Agency); DEI Chairs Lois Zozobrado (The Playground) and Brandon Flores (Concord).

In addition, this year’s SOLID Alumni Board will be led by President Eric Griffin (FROST LLP). Serving alongside him are board members Austin McBride (Lex Music Group), Jenn DiChiara (Weller Media Agency), Jessica Hamorsky (The USO) and Ryan Cunningham (ONErpm).

“It’s so exciting to recognize that SOLID is heading into its 29th year and the momentum only continues to grow! Our 2026 SOLID Board is excited, innovative, and ready to pick up where we left off last year,” shares Schwartz. “We look forward to expanding our relationships in LA and New York after successful mixers in both cities. I’m grateful that our focus on diversity and inclusivity is a consistent priority in our operations and that we continue to pour back into our community through our SOLID Shares partners. This year we are so excited to begin preparing for our 30th anniversary as well! It’s an incredible honor to lead an organization that has given me so much over the last five years. I’m grateful for this board and excited to get to work!”

SOLID launched 29 years ago to develop a community for music industry professionals to network and brainstorm together, while also providing educational opportunities for entry to mid-level professionals. SOLID hosts several education panels, networking events and philanthropic opportunities throughout the year. In addition, SOLID has implemented programs to mentor hundreds of college students to date, launched the philanthropic initiative SOLID Shares, created a diversity and inclusion task force, as well as raising over $1,000,000 for local charities and accumulating over 500+ hours of volunteer time to the Nashville community.