
The Chicks will launch their new “Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour” this fall in celebration of their record-breaking album Taking the Long Way.
Kicking off at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on Sept. 30, The Chicks will visit theaters across the U.S. on the new tour with stops in Chicago, New York City, Nashville, San Antonio, Austin, Seattle and San Francisco, before wrapping with two nights in Hollywood at Dolby Theatre on Nov. 1-2. Tickets will be available starting with an artist pre-sale beginning on June 3, with general on sale beginning June 4 at Thechicks.com/tour.
The “Taking the Long Way Tour” will commemorate two decades of the album that topped the Billboard 200 chart and earned The Chicks five Grammys, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Originally released in 2006, Taking the Long Way showcased The Chicks at their most fearless and vulnerable. Lead single “Not Ready to Make Nice” remains an anthem of artistic freedom and personal autonomy 20 years later. Throughout the new run, the trio will perform the groundbreaking album in its entirety for the first time, before closing each night with fan-favorite hits spanning their award-winning catalog.
The Chicks – “Taking The Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour” Dates:
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
Monday, October 12, 2026 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Nashville, TN – The Truth
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
Sunday, October 18, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
Sunday, October 25, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall
Monday, October 26, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall
Thursday, October 29, 2026 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Friday, October 30, 2026 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Sunday, November 1, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
Monday, November 2, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
Spotify House Unveils Fresh Finds Rooftop Lineup
/by Lauryn SinkJoining previously-announced main stage artists, Spotify has revealed their line up of emerging country artists set to take over the Fresh Finds Rooftop during CMA Fest 2026.
June 4 will feature Austin Michael, Belle Frantz, Schmitty, Lily Meola, Tyce Delk and Max Alan. On June 5, Gareth, Brooke Lee, Logan Crosby, Mack Geiger, Hudson Macready and MŌRIAH will take the stage. Landon Wilks, Noah James, Abbie Callahan, Blake Proehl, KC Bruner and Will Terry will close out the event on June 6.
The shows will take place each night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Spotify House is free and open to the public.
Chase Rice To Host Surprise Concert & Launch Event For New Partnership
/by Madison HahnenChase Rice. Photo: Ben Christensen
Chase Rice will host a pop-up concert at Loser’s Most Wanted Bar & Grill in Nashville tonight (May 28). Admission is free and open to the public. Rhys Rutherford and Hannah McFarland will open the show. He will also release his new song, “Connie Lou,” tomorrow (May 29).
The surprise event is in celebration of Rice’s new partnership with Coors Banquet and Wrangler. The brands and Rice have launched a limited-edition clothing collection featuring “Beer Chords.” The jeans have the actual chords from “Connie Lou” printed on the denim using ink made with Coors Banquet beer.
Combining Wrangler’s classic style with Coors Banquet’s Western roots, the collection includes apparel made for country festival season. Along with the “Beer Chords” jeans, the Coors Banquet and Wrangler Collection includes 32 pieces for men and women, plus co-branded caps. Featured items include the Denim Jersey, Brushpopper Cowboy Cut Work Shirt, Men’s Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Jeans, Women’s Reworked Short, and Women’s Printed Vest and Bailey Flare Jeans.
250 pairs of Beer Chords jeans will be released in two drops of 125 pairs each today (May 28) and June 4 at 12 p.m. CT here.
“Wrangler has been the unofficial uniform of country music for decades, seen on the legends on stage as well as the fans in the front row,” says Holly Wheeler, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Kontoor Brands. “Our partnership with Coors Banquet honors that heritage, blending festival style with rugged functionality. This collection is for those who live for the music and the Western lifestyle, designed to withstand the energy of a summer crowd and the grit of the open range alike.”
“Coors Banquet has always been deeply rooted in the moments and stories that shape country culture,” adds Matt Carpenter, Vice President Marketing, Coors Family of Brands. “This collaboration with Wrangler and Chase Rice brings that spirit to life, turning an authentic personal story into something fans can connect with on a deeper level, from the music itself to the craftsmanship behind the ‘Beer Chords.’”
George Strait & Lainey Wilson Join Alan Jackson’s ‘Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale Concert’
/by Lorie HollabaughGeorge Strait and Lainey Wilson are the latest superstars added to the list of artists joining “Alan Jackson‘s Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” concert on June 27 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Strait and Jackson have teamed up many times, including on the duets “Designated Drinker” and the CMA Award-winning “Murder on Music Row,” a concert album and DVD with the late Jimmy Buffett, and more. After George Jones passed in 2013, the two Country Music Hall of Fame members performed an unforgettable duet of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” at that year’s CMA Awards, and they teamed up again for a medley of Jackson’s “Remember When” and Strait’s “Troubadour” a decade ago as the CMA Awards celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Wilson has a long-standing appreciation for Jackson and his music and was part of the all-star lineup that saluted Jackson when he received the Country Music Association’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 CMA Awards, performing “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” before joining Jackson (and others) on an all-star rendition of “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”
Strait and Jackson will be part of the all-star lineup of artists joining Jackson to celebrate his career and legacy at this last full-length performance of his touring career. Previously announced artists on the lineup of the sold-out show include Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright and Carlisle Wright.
For the thousands of Middle Tennessee fans who were left out when the show sold out, The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University is offering a chance to be part of the moment with a live stream of the concert. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the evening, which will open with a live band performance on the Fisher Center stage before the live stream begins, giving attendees a full-night concert experience with free parking. Tickets are on sale now, and all proceeds of every ticket purchased will go toward launching the Alan Jackson Legacy endowed scholarship at Belmont University, which will support aspiring musicians and artists for generations to come.
“Alan Jackson is one of the most beloved figures in country music history, and his final performance is a once-in-a-generation moment,” says Chaz Corzine, executive director of The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. “We wanted to make sure fans who didn’t get a stadium ticket could still be part of that night — together, live, as it happens.”
Randy Travis Slates Final Dates Of The ‘More Life Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughRandy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor
Randy Travis has announced he’ll launch the final leg of his “More Life Tour” this fall.
Kicking off Aug. 21 in Hiawassee, Georgia, the final dates will include stops in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, New England, Texas and beyond through Nov. 8. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow (May 29) at RandyTravis.com.
After an incredibly successful two-year run touring over 54 cities and 24 states, the “More Life Tour” has reconnected Travis with fans across the country. Although Travis doesn’t perform due to the effects from his stroke in 2013, he does appear on stage with his wife Mary, engaging with fans, interacting with the band, and celebrating the music throughout the show. Joined by his longtime touring band and special guest vocalist James Dupré, the show honors Travis’s four-decade career with performances of his iconic No. 1s, including “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.”
“‘The More Life Tour’ celebrates something so much more than a musical moment in time—it’s a gift to me to spend time with my fans, and my band, as James Dupré perfectly presents the songs that best define my career. We look forward to seeing you all somewhere along the way,” says Travis.
“This tour has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” adds Dupré. “Night after night, it’s been incredible to see how much Randy’s music still means to people. As we head into these final dates, I’m grateful to Randy, Mary, and the fans for letting me be part of something this special.”
“More Life Tour” Dates:
Aug. 21 – Hiawassee, GA – Georgia Mountain Fall Festival – Anderson Music Hall
Aug. 22 – Richmond, KY – The Vine at Chenault Vineyards
Sept. 23 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Sept. 24 – Lansdowne, PA – Lansdowne Theater
Sept. 25 – Westbury, NY – Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
Sept. 26 – York, PA – Pullo Center
Sept. 27 – Albany, NY – The Egg Performing Arts Center
Oct. 1 – New London, CT – Garde Arts Center
Oct. 2 – Keene, NH – Colonial Theatre
Oct. 3 – Plymouth, MA – Plymouth Memorial Hall
Oct. 4 – Northampton, MA – Academy of Music Theatre
Oct. 14 – Austin, TX – The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Oct. 15 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom
Oct. 22 – Lubbock, TX – Buddy Holly Hall
Oct. 23 – Albuquerque, NM – Popejoy Theatre
Oct. 24 – Pueblo, CO – Pueblo Memorial Hall
Nov. 6 – Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall
Nov. 7 – Topeka, KS – Topeka Performing Arts Center
Nov. 8 – Branson, MO – Clay Cooper Theatre
ARC Business Management Appoints Katie West As Managing Director
/by Lauryn SinkKatie West. Photo: Hannah Drake
ARC Business Management has appointed Katie West as Managing Director.
In this role, the Nashville-based executive will lead creator relations and support the company’s continued growth across the entertainment industry.
With more than a decade of experience across finance, operations and client relations, she most recently spent three years in London as Financial Controller for Red Light Management. Prior to that, West co-founded a technology startup focused on helping artists monetize video content and create premium fan engagement experiences. She also held financial operations roles with Bridgestone Americas, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Tri Star Sports & Entertainment, among others.
“Katie’s combination of hands-on financial expertise, international market knowledge, and genuine passion for creators makes her the perfect fit for ARC at exactly the right time,” says Tate Henshaw, Co-Founder of ARC. “We’re excited to grow alongside her as we continue expanding our services and deepening the intentional, client-first approach we’re known for.”
“ARC is one of the few agencies in this space rapidly evolving alongside what creators and the entertainment industry genuinely need – agile advisors who care about both the details and the long-term sustainability of their clients’ careers,” says West. “I’m truly excited to be joining a team that’s building with the same creative and entrepreneurial energy as the roster they serve.”
Gabe Walsh Signs With North Chapel Records
/by Lauryn SinkGabe Walsh.
Gabe Walsh has signed with North Chapel Records.
The Blue Rapids, Kansas native was recently named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious NSAI Milestone Award. He will release his debut single “Goodyears,” on June 19.
“It’s a dream come true for me to get to work with a legend like Benny Brown and the rest of the staff at North Chapel Music,” says Walsh. “I’ve been busting my tail for 13 years in this town, and this means the world. I’ve never had a plan B, so I’m very grateful and blessed to see the hard work starting to pay off.”
Walsh will appear as part of the Field & Stream-sponsored songwriter event tomorrow (May 29) in celebration of Cracker Barrel 400 weekend at Nashville Superspeedway.
JUST IN: MCA Aligns With Brian Wright, Coran Capshaw & ONE4 Records
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Mike Haris, MCA President and CEO, Brian Wright, Managing Partner and Co-Founder ONE4 Records and Coran Capshaw, Co-Founder ONE4 Records. Photo: Evan Harney
MCA has formed a new partnership with ONE4 Records, the Nashville-based label founded by industry veteran Brian Wright and Red Light Management’s Coran Capshaw, which is focused on artist development and long-term career building.
Built to support emerging artists, the partnership shares a focus on artist-first development, songwriting and building lasting careers.
“At MCA, we believe the future of this business belongs to companies that are willing to invest deeply in artists, songwriting, and long-term creative development,” says Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA. “Brian has one of the strongest creative instincts in the business, and alongside Coran and the ONE4 team, we’re creating an environment where artists can develop authentically and sustainably with the support and infrastructure of MCA behind them.”
First beginning his career 25 years ago at Universal Music Group, Wright held the title of Exec. VP of A&R prior to his departure in 2023. In his role, he led A&R initiatives for Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville. Wright’s leadership helped shape some of country music’s biggest albums of the past decade, including the GRAMMY-winning Traveller from Chris Stapleton and Jon Pardi’s California Sunrise. Wright has also worked with artists including Jamey Johnson and George Strait.
“A&R is the driving force behind what we’re building,” shares Wright, ONE4 Managing Partner and Co-Founder. “With the support and resources of the partners invested in this venture, we have the flexibility to follow whatever path best serves the artist and their music.”
“It’s exciting to be a part of a model centered on artist and music development that has a more personal, hands-on approach,” adds Co-Founder Capshaw.
Katherine Godwin will also join Wright and Capshaw as ONE4’s Creative Director.
Named after the mantra “one for all,” ONE4 Records plans to keep growing its creative and operational team, with more announcements expected in the coming months.
The Chicks Announce ‘Taking The Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Chicks will launch their new “Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour” this fall in celebration of their record-breaking album Taking the Long Way.
Kicking off at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on Sept. 30, The Chicks will visit theaters across the U.S. on the new tour with stops in Chicago, New York City, Nashville, San Antonio, Austin, Seattle and San Francisco, before wrapping with two nights in Hollywood at Dolby Theatre on Nov. 1-2. Tickets will be available starting with an artist pre-sale beginning on June 3, with general on sale beginning June 4 at Thechicks.com/tour.
The “Taking the Long Way Tour” will commemorate two decades of the album that topped the Billboard 200 chart and earned The Chicks five Grammys, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Originally released in 2006, Taking the Long Way showcased The Chicks at their most fearless and vulnerable. Lead single “Not Ready to Make Nice” remains an anthem of artistic freedom and personal autonomy 20 years later. Throughout the new run, the trio will perform the groundbreaking album in its entirety for the first time, before closing each night with fan-favorite hits spanning their award-winning catalog.
The Chicks – “Taking The Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour” Dates:
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
Monday, October 12, 2026 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Nashville, TN – The Truth
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
Sunday, October 18, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
Sunday, October 25, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall
Monday, October 26, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall
Thursday, October 29, 2026 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Friday, October 30, 2026 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Sunday, November 1, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
Monday, November 2, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
David Nail Readies ‘Flowers’ Due In August
/by Lauryn SinkDavid Nail will release first full-length project in ten years, Flowers, on Aug. 21.
Nail wrote the 10-track project alongside Anderson East, Lori McKenna, Trent Dabbs and Melissa Fuller.
“I think what makes this album special is that I never intended to make one,” shares Nail. “It started with a song, which then became 3, then 5, and eventually 12, 14. These are 10 of those songs, written over the course of a year and a half. I never once went in thinking about anything other than writing the best song possible, something I’d be excited to play my wife when I got back home. It was unlike any process I’d used in the past, and Anderson’s studio is not only the most inspiring place I’ve ever been creative in, but his laid-back personality was the perfect contrast to my chaotic, anxious, always-in-a-rush way that I’d been known for throughout my career. With the exception of Lori McKenna, I’d never worked with any of the other songwriters or musicians, and their fresh outlook contributed to what I believe is one of the more honest and original things I’ve ever been able to be part of.”
Since exiting his major label deal in 2017, Nail has released five EP projects and many singles.
Nail first shared the announcement last night (May 26) at the Grand Ole Opry. During his performance, MCA EVP/Head of A&R Stephanie Wright surprised him onstage with five new RIAA certifications for “Whatever She’s Got,” now triple Platinum, “Nights on Fire,” “Red Light,” “Let It Rain,” all Certified Platinum, and “Kiss You Tonight,” now Gold.
Flowers Track Listing:
1. “Skyline” (David Nail, Lori McKenna, Anderson East)
2. “The Crown” (David Nail, Anderson East)
3. “Broken In” (David Nail, Trent Dabbs, Anderson East)
4. “Time Ran Out” (David Nail, Anderson East)
5. “Book Of Us” (David Nail, Lori McKenna)
6. “I’ll Break Yours Too” (David Nail, Anderson East)
7. “Fare Thee Well” (David Nail, Anderson East, Trent Dabbs)
8. “She Knows” (David Nail, Anderson East)
9. “I Bought The Flowers” (David Nail, Anderson East, Melissa Fuller)
10. “Riverbank” (feat. Lori McKenna) (David Nail, Lori McKenna, Anderson East)
Charles Kelley Launches New SiriusXM Show
/by Madison HahnenCharles Kelley has launched his new radio show, Y’all Aboard Hosted by Charles Kelley, airing on SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio (ch. 15). The first episode will release today (May 27) at 5 p.m. CT with Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook as his first guests. Upcoming guests will also include Russell Dickerson, Dustin Lynch, Richard Marx, Trisha Yearwood and more.
“‘80s music always hits, but it’s the best time of the year to turn up some Yacht Rock,” shares Kelley. “I’ve been having such a good time kicking back with my friends and vibing out to some of my favorite songs ever released.”
Each week, guests will join Kelley in the studio to share stories and play their favorite Yacht Rock songs. To celebrate the show, Kelley will also join a special episode of SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour live from Nashville on July 24.