The lineup for 2026 IBMA Bluegrass Live! on Oct. 23-24 in Chattanooga has been revealed and will feature performances from Sierra Ferrell, Leftover Salmon, Larry Sparks and more.

This year’s lineup also includes Michael Cleveland & Friends, Lindsay Lou presents Bluegrass Women, Lonesome River Band, Della Mae, Jason Carter Band, Special Consensus, Randy Steele & High Cold Wind and Barefoot Nellie & Co. 

IBMA members will have the first opportunity to secure VIP Weekend Passes and GA Weekend Passes before tickets open to the public. Tickets open to the general public on July 21.

IBMA Bluegrass Live! brings fans closer to the music than ever before, with performances taking place across The Signal, the Chattanooga Convention Center and Barrelhouse Ballroom for a more intimate, immersive bluegrass experience. Late night performances are also returning this year as Late Night at Barrelhouse, and the series will feature performances by Lonesome River Band and Jason Carter Band at Barrelhouse Ballroom on October 23-24.

“Music Row for MusiCares,” a special evening of songs and stories presented by the Eric Church Band and Corient, is set to take place at Chief’s on Broadway in Nashville on Sunday, Aug. 9.

Eric Church Band members Jeff Hyde and Driver Williams will be joined by songwriters Casey Beathard, Luke Dick, Jonathan Singleton and Dan Isbell for a powerful evening of music, storytelling and giving back.

Public tickets are on sale now here. Ticket proceeds will benefit MusiCares, a nonprofit that provides vital health and human services to members of the music community. Since 2012, the Eric Church Band has helped raise more than $3.5 million through its annual ECB Golf Tournament and Auction. “Music Row for MusiCares” is a continuation of that mission, extending the band’s legacy of philanthropy and deep connection to the songwriting community.

Highway Home, the trio composed of Stanton Langley, Eamon Owen and Conner Sweeny, has signed with WME.

“Whether live or in their recorded music, Highway Home’s distinct trio of lead vocalists harmonizing, authentic songwriting, and genuine connection with audiences makes them a standout,” says WME’s Doug Neff. “We’re thrilled to welcome them to WME and look forward to creating new opportunities as their momentum accelerates.”

The band recently signed to Warner Records following a string of independently released singles including “Missin’ You Goes,” “Ring On Red” and “Look At You.” Highway Home recently made their CMA Fest debut and have shared stages with Luke Combs, Sister Hazel, Sara Evans, Graham Barham and George Birge, among others.

The band has upcoming dates in Kentucky, Ohio, New York and more.

They will continue to be represented by underscore works for management, Shore Fire Media for publicity, Sayles Eagen as their Business Manager and Matt Cottingham as their Attorney.

The Kruse Brothers have signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

“It is rare when you meet artists for the first time and their incredible talent moves you to the point where you know you want to work together, and that’s what happened when we met Chandler and Miles,” shares Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative A&R Tom Luteran. “We couldn’t be more excited to join these amazing brothers for the next chapter of their musical journey.”

The duo, composed of Chandler and Miles Kruse, have amassed over 6.8 million streams on Spotify on their 2025 single, “White on the Ground.” After touring alongside Dylan Gossett and Larry Fleet last year, the duo has upcoming dates in Oregon, Utah, Texas and more. They released their debut album Heartbreak & Honky Tonk earlier this year.

“We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to chase great songs with such a great team at Sony Music Publishing,” the duo says. “We started writing songs together in high school, and it has become one of the most important parts of Kruse Brothers. We can’t wait to get to work!”

“Chandler and Miles have undeniable talent, but their bond as brothers gives them a level of authenticity and musical chemistry that’s impossible to manufacture, making them truly stand out. Their songwriting and musicianship are going to take them to the next level,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville Manager, Creative A&R Emily Carignan.

Randy Travis & Wife Mary Host Trivia Night For CMHOFM’s Troubadour Members

Randy Travis and his wife Mary recently hosted a trivia night for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Troubadour members. Guests were given after-hours access to the museum galleries and participated in special country music-and museum exhibition-focused trivia. During the evening, Troubadour members were among the first to hear Travis’ “Fish On,” an unreleased original recording from the vault, which is out now. The Troubadour membership program engages young professionals in supporting its mission and the museum hosts quarterly networking events for Troubadour members ranging from concerts to exhibit previews.

 

Steve Wariner Makes History As First Artist To Have Artwork Featured On The Opry Barn

Steve Wariner made history during his July 10 performance at the Grand Ole Opry as the first artist ever to have his artwork featured on the iconic Opry barn. Ten individual pieces of Wariner’s art from “The Flip Side: Paintings by Steve Wariner” were featured on the Opry’s barn during the final song of his set, “6120,” his instrumental tribute to Chet Atkins, joined by guest musician, Jimmy Mattingly. A solo exhibit featuring 60 of Wariner’s works in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media, spanning more than 30 years are now showing at Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center near Nashville through July 26.

 

Allie Colleen Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary Performing For Troops At Guantanamo Bay

Allie Colleen recently completed her first military entertainment tour, performing three full-band shows over eight days for U.S. troops stationed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The tour marked a meaningful milestone for her as well as her team, who had the opportunity to bring music, connection and a piece of home to service members, military families and base personnel during the Fourth of July holiday week.

“Getting to perform for the men and women serving our country was one of the greatest honors of my career,” says Colleen. “There is nothing like standing in front of our troops, seeing their faces and realizing that music can give them even a small moment of joy, comfort and home. I will never forget this experience.”

 

Cage The Elephant Inks With Big Loud Rock

Cage The Elephant has signed with Big Loud Rock and has released their new single “Beaches In Tennessee.” “Beaches In Tennessee” arrives after a defining period for Cage The Elephant, who returned from their run as special guests on “Oasis Live ’25” and went straight back into the studio. More than 20 years into their career, the band is still finding new urgency in the creative process and new ways to push the project forward.

“Musically, we always want to reinvent Cage The Elephant,” says Brad Shultz. “We’ve discovered a whole new side to our band, how we look at things, and how we make art. You’re growing constantly as an artist, and I think we’ve tapped into that growth. I do feel like we’re making the best music we’ve ever made. If anything, it’s definitely the most inspired.”