The Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts at Jacksonville State University officially opened last week in Jacksonville, Alabama with a star-studded sold-out grand opening celebration at the “Live in Concert: Randy Owen and Friends” concert.

Some of the biggest names in country music gathered to honor Jax State alumnus and ALABAMA frontman Owen at the tribute concert, including Teddy Gentry, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Jamey Johnson, Pam Tillis, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Wills, Drake White, The Isaacs and Gordon Mote, all of who were kept secret from Owen ahead of the concert.

Each artist performed songs spanning ALABAMA’s Hall of Fame career while celebrating Owen’s impact on music, philanthropy and Jacksonville State University. The concert marked the official opening celebration of the new state-of-the-art facility, which will host concerts, educational programming, student performances, touring productions, and community events, while also serving as a learning environment for Jax State students pursuing careers in music and the performing arts.

“What took place says everything about what Randy Owen means to Jacksonville State University and to the country music industry,” says Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. “When artists and friends of this caliber come together to honor one person, it speaks to the respect Randy has earned through his career, his character, and the way he has invested in others throughout his life. Randy has never forgotten where he came from, and now future generations of students will have a place that inspires them to dream bigger, create boldly, and share their talents with the world. The impact of this facility and what it will represent will be felt at Jax State for decades to come.”

“My wishes, and my hopes, and my dreams are that someday some kid will come through here, like me, and when they leave here, they have a dream,” adds Owen. “Because if I can make it, anybody can. I’ve been so blessed to be here, and this is one day that I’ll never forget.”

Laci Kaye Booth is set to release Love Ain’t For The Faint Of Heart, her first album for Lost Highway Records, on Sept. 18.

The new single off the project was released today (June 3), “Ethereal Redneck Shit.” The new project is a cinematic ride through diverse sounds, harsh reckonings and serious growth, and was produced by Ben West, who also helmed Booth’s 2024 album The Loneliest Girl In The World, which appeared on the Los Angeles Times’ list of the best albums of the year.

“Luck Of The Draw,” another track from the album, is currently featured in the new NYLON x Colgate Optic White social media campaign.

During CMA Fest this week, Booth will perform at Spotify House on Thursday (June 4), Chevy Riverfront Stage on Friday (June 5), and at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium Platform Stage on Sunday (June 7.) She’ll spend the rest of the summer playing festivals and supporting Ella Langley on select tour dates.

Ashley Gorley Featured In CMHOFM Poets and Prophets Program

This past weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum welcomed Ashley Gorley as part of its Poets and Prophets series, which spotlights songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music. Moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer, the program featured an in-depth conversation with Gorley, along with live performances of several of his songs and a multimedia presentation of photos, film and recordings. The event was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital series, available for streaming on the museum’s website.

Widely regarded as the most commercially successful country songwriter of all time, Gorley has written more than 80 No. 1 hits and has had more than 400 songs recorded by artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Bon Jovi, Luke Bryan, Dan + Shay, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Weezer. Among his chart-topping credits are “I Had Some Help,” “What He Didn’t Do,” “You Should Probably Leave,” “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” “Last Night” and “You Proof.” A Belmont University graduate originally from Danville, Kentucky, Gorley has earned eight Grammy nominations, 10 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honors, the NSAI Songwriter of the Decade award for 2010–2019, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2025. In 2023, he spent multiple weeks atop Billboard’s Hot 100 Songwriters chart as “Last Night” led the all-genre Hot 100 for a record-breaking 16 weeks.

 

Truist To Host 26th Annual Hot Dog Day

Truist will host its 26th annual Hot Dog Day tomorrow (June 3) from 11 a.m – 2 p.m. at 1026 17th Ave S.

The event will feature hot dogs from Daddy’s Dogs, drinks and chips, as well as performances by Somewhere Blue, Taylor Goyette, Ja’Cee, Kelsey Lamb, Adysen Malek, SJ McDonald, Danny Myrick, Bridgette Tatum and Emma Zinck.

 

Jake Owen Wraps The Uwohali Bucket Invitational

Last week, Jake Owen hosted the second annual Uwohali Bucket Invitational, bringing together top bucket players from around the world to compete for the championship title.

This year’s champion was Justin Williams. Other participants included Ben Rector, John Daly, Dylan Marlowe, Scotty Emerick, Yelawolf, Zach Top, Travis Denning, Parks Bonifay and Brian Grubb. Sponsors for the event included Kress Lawn Mowers, Imperial, KOW Steaks, Clubhouse Events, and Daddy’s Dogs.

 

International Country Music Conference Concludes 42nd Annual Meeting

The International Country Music Conference concluded its 42nd annual gathering this past weekend at Belmont University in Nashville. Held May 28–30, the conference brought together scholars, journalists, authors and country music fans from around the world for three days of presentations, discussions, and awards. The Belmont University Curb Music Industry Award for Country Music Book of the Year was presented to HOWDY! The Minnie Pearl Story by Mary Ellen Pethel and Don Cusic, while David B. Ramsey received the Chet Flippo Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism for Ain’t It a Cold, Cold World?: The Collected Stories of Blaze Foley. A special Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to ICMC Co-Founders James Akenson and Mickie Akenson for their longtime dedication to the conference.

Participants traveled from countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and across the United States. This year’s program explored many styles of country music, including Americana, bluegrass, honky tonk, country rock, and western swing. Highlights included a presentation by Lisa Sorrell of Sorrell Custom Boots on boot history and a keynote address by Jamie Kent about how data from the 2024 Greater Nashville Music Census is helping shape policies that support musicians and music venues in Nashville.

 

The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Partners With Shield 616

The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project partnered with Shield 616 to provide advanced ballistic vests to the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department during a special event on May 26. Together, TCDJHP and Shield 616 invested more than $150,000 to provide the body armor and help improve officer safety and readiness.

During the event, Shield 616 Founder Jake shared his experience responding to the active shooter incident at the Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado Springs, highlighting the importance of proper protective gear for first responders. The partnership also supports TCDJHP’s broader mission of helping those who serve. While the organization is widely known for supporting military veterans, it also recognizes the sacrifices made by first responders and continues to support efforts that strengthen and protect local communities.

“We are excited by the response from our community and look forward to expanding this mission to support additional divisions within the Sheriff’s Department, particularly our School Resource Officers who serve throughout Wilson County’s educational system,” says David Corlew, President and Co-Founder of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project. “Ensuring those who protect our children have access to life-saving protective equipment is a responsibility we take seriously. This is a model that communities across the country should consider as they look for ways to better support and protect the men and women who serve on the front lines every day.”

Gibson Garage Nashville is celebrating its fifth anniversary with Garage Fest Week, taking place June 3–5 at 209 10th Avenue South.

On June 3, the Gibson Garage Band will open with performances from Gibson Garage staff members including Connor Christian, Will Auringer, Jordon Andrews, David Kinnick, Jake Slay (Jared Margulies) and Sage King (Patrick Corvo). Later, artists in the Gibson Generation Group Class of 2027, Jayden English, Zach Krys, Sawyer Lee and Russell Watson, will take the Garage stage. Marty Schwartz and his band will also host a free, in-person “Back to Basics” guitar class.

June 4 will feature performances by Bellah Mae, Ian Harrison, Jackson Wendell, Max Alan, Corey Kent, Brendan Walter, Zach John King, Benny G, Kameron Marlowe, Tigirlily Gold, Karley Scott Collins and 80 Acres during a Sony Music Nashville takeover.

On Friday (June 5), the event will wrap with performances from Hadlie Jo, Brandon Wisham, Hannah McFarland, Bre Kennedy, Jonah Kagen and Brittney Spencer.

Throughout the week, fans can also enjoy artist appearances, immersive experiences, exclusive apparel and major Gibson guitar giveaways.

Singer-songwriter, actor, and filmmaker Hunter Hawkins has signed with Jonas Group Entertainment for management and will release music through Red Van Records. They will release his debut single “Here Now” this Friday (June 5). An album is set to follow later this year.

Over the years, Hawkins performed everywhere from small clubs in London and cafés in Paris to the Newport Folk Festival and New York’s Bitter End. They have shared stages and recorded with artists including Bill Champlin, David Foster, Elliot Easton, Richard Marx, and Jeff Marx.

In addition to music, Hawkins has earned recognition in film, including a Best Actor award at the 2025 Long Beach Underground Film Festival. Earlier this year, he was named Emerging Artist of the Year by the Fest Forums Conference in Santa Barbara.

“We’re drawn to artists who bring an original perspective and creative vision, and Hunter absolutely does that,” shares JGE Founder and Chairman Kevin Jonas Sr. “An incredibly gifted storyteller whose talents extend far beyond music, we’re thrilled to welcome Hunter to Jonas Group Entertainment and Red Van Records.”

“There’s an undeniable power in Hunter’s music,” adds JGE President George Kreis. “It has reignited my love for the art form itself and serves as a reminder of how deeply music can stir the soul.”

Produced by Kenny Loggins, the upcoming album marks the first time Loggins has produced music for another artist. Written solely by Hawkins, “Here Now” explores themes of healing, self-discovery, and letting go. The song also appears in Awake: Pinky’s Journey, a companion film written, directed, produced by, and starring Hawkins. Filmed in Santa Barbara County and Los Angeles, the movie expands on the music’s story and themes.

“This song means a lot to me, and has already seen me through many seasons of my life,” shares Hawkins. “I’m excited to share it, to see how it resonates with others. There’s so much growth and healing in the process of releasing what we’ve been working on, especially with it all having stemmed from a vulnerable moment of self-reflection.”

“Hunter Hawkins is a multi-talented singer/songwriter with a beautiful, emotionally expressive voice who has a UNIQUE artistic vision in the tradition of the gifted artists of the 1970s and 80s,” adds Loggins. “As Hunter’s producer, I approached this project with the same respect that I would have brought to producing a Joni Mitchell-level artist.”

The film premieres June 5 at The Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria, California, with a second screening June 9 at The Hidden Jewel Box Theatre in New York City.

Hawkins has also signed with TKO for booking representation.

Hawkins has upcoming performances at Los Angeles’ Troubadour, Bourbon & Beyond, and appearances with Kenny Loggins on July 3 and 4 at Celebrate 250 in St. Louis.