
Zebb Luster and Lynn Oliver-Cline. Photo: Libby Danforth
River House Artists has launched The House, its new management division.
Founded by River House EVP Zebb Luster and River House Artists’ Founder Lynn Oliver-Cline, The House’s roster includes Hudson Westbrook, Austin Snell (in partnership with Sabrina Butera at Collide Talent), Kenny Whitmire, Tyce Delk, and Matt Lang (in partnership with Joelle Proulx and Vickye Morin at Agence Ranch), as well as Christian singer-songwriter Chevas Phillips.
“Launching The House Management is an incredibly exciting moment,” Luster shares. “More than anything, it’s about the artists. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in us, and we continue to be inspired by their talent, work ethic, and vision. Each of them has something truly special, and it’s a privilege to help them build lasting careers. We launched this company out of our passion for artists and our belief that great management requires more than strategy. It requires being fully invested in every detail of an artist’s journey. Our goal is simple: to help exceptional talent reach its full potential while creating a team they’re proud to have in their corner.”
“10 years in, I could not be more proud of what we’ve built at River House Artists. I started my career 32 years ago with Hootie & the Blowfish, and it’s amazing to see all the relationships that have been built along the way and how they have helped make RHA what it is — a truly artist-first music company,” Oliver-Cline shares. “We are there from the time a song is being written, to when it’s being played on a global stage.”
Helmed by Luster, The House’s team also includes Ally Ramirez as Manager for Westbrook and Delk, and Zac Brooks as Manager for Snell and Whitmire. Ramirez joined River House in 2023. Brooks is transitioning to the Day-To-Day Manager role following several years on the road as a Tour Manager for Snell.
“Ally and Zac have been instrumental in shaping the culture of our management team. There’s no one I trust more to be in the trenches with our artists every day,” Luster says. “They bring a high level of care, intention, and attention to detail to everything they do, always putting the artist first. Their ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and execute at a high level is what allows our artists to thrive. This company and the experience we provide our artists would not be the same without them both.”
“I continue to be more and more proud of Zebb and his leadership,” Oliver-Cline continues. “He has learned every channel of this business, and not only has passion and grace for our roster of clients, but comes armed with the knowledge to help them become globally-reaching talent.”
Hudson Westbrook To Launch New Headlining ‘Hits Me Tour’ In September
/by Lorie HollabaughHudson Westbrook. Photo: Libby Danforth
Hudson Westbrook will kick off his fall headline “Hits Me Tour” with back-to-back, sold-out headlining dates at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth Sept. 18-19.
The 24-date run marks Westbrook’s first-ever headlining shows in major markets like Los Angeles (The Novo), Washington D.C. (The Anthem), New York (Terminal 5) and Boston (Roadrunner), among others. Kenny Whitmire and Ethan Burdick will join Westbrook on the new tour.
Tickets go on sale this Friday (July 17) here, with select fan and venue pre-sales happening throughout the week .
Last Friday, Westbrook previewed his next chapter of new music, releasing “Hits Me.” Westbrook has toured around the world already in 2026, supporting Bailey Zimmerman’s just-wrapped “Same Night Different Rodeo Tour” and select dates of Morgan Wallen’s “Still The Problem Stadium Tour.” He also made his debut at festivals like Stagecoach, Windy City Smokeout, Country Concert 2026, CMC Rocks, and more. Westbrook has amassed over 1.5 billion global streams in just under two years of releasing original music.
“Hits Me Tour” Dates:
9/18: Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s
9/19: Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s
9/24: Pasadena, TX – Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo
10/1: El Paso, TX – Cowtown Event Center
10/2: Tempe, AZ – Mullett Arena
10/3: Oceanside, CA – Frontwave Arena
10/8: Modesto, CA – The Fruit Yard Amphitheater
10/9: Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
10/10: Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
10/15: Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center
10/16: Midland, TX – The Horseshoe
10/17: Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Amphitheater
10/28: Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome by Rutter Mills
10/29: Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union LIVE!
10/30: Washington, D.C. – The Anthem
11/5: New York, NY – Terminal 5
11/6: Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
11/7: Boston, MA – Roadrunner
11/12: Huntington, WV – Marshall Health Network Arena
11/13: Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
11/14: Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery
12/3: Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
12/4: Durant, OK – The Grand Theater
12/5: Nacogdoches, TX – Nacogdoches County Expo & Civic Center
Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, More Among K-LOVE Landmarks 2026 Concert Series Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughK-LOVE has announced the lineup for its K-LOVE Landmarks 2026 Concert Series, which will feature performances from Elevation Worship, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans, Jeremy Camp and many more.
The K-LOVE Landmarks Series will transform iconic stages into powerful nights of worship, community and inspiration, and will include stops at some of America’s most recognizable venues, including the Greek Theatre, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Beacon Theatre and Chicago Theatre, spreading the Gospel to almost 30,000 participants along the way.
The series kicks off with a summer evening under the stars at the Greek Theatre tomorrow night (July 15), where worship and praise will fill the California hills. Dates of the additional shows, which will take place in the Denver area, New York and Chicago, include Aug. 4-5, Aug. 13-14, and Aug. 16.
“Whether you’re singing the songs that have shaped your faith or making new memories with the people you love, K-LOVE Landmarks is more than a concert—it’s an experience,” says K-LOVE Chief Media Officer Gator Harrison. “Bringing together legendary artists, unforgettable destinations, and powerful moments of worship that moves you closer to Jesus and creates memories that stay with you long after the music ends.”
K-LOVE Landmarks Dates:
July 15| Los Angeles
August 4-5 | Denver area
August 13-14 | New York City
August 16| Chicago
IBMA Bluegrass Live! Lineup Revealed
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 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.
Ben Gallaher To Release Acoustic Project In August
/by Lauryn SinkBen Gallaher will release his latest studio project, Ben Gallaher: Taylor Gold, on Aug. 7 via QHMG/Stone Country Records.
Produced by Neil Thrasher and Patrick Thrasher, the seven-track project features acoustic re-imaginings of songs from Gallaher’s sophomore album, Time. Gallaher co-wrote three of the tracks alongside Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley, Kelley Lovelace, Josh Thompson and more.
“Acoustic guitar was my first love and it’s what I’ve played the longest. I’ve played Taylor guitars specifically since 2011 and when I held my new Taylor Gold 514 for the first time, it just felt like home,” says Gallaher. “That guitar had a heartbeat in it that wouldn’t let me put it down. It was full of untapped inspiration that I was discovering in real time. The more I played it, the more I wanted to reimagine and strip these songs down to their rawest, most organic form – and to create recordings that reflect how they sound when performed on my Taylor Gold guitar, which is why it became the name of the project.”
Gallaher has upcoming shows in Connecticut and Tennessee.
Ben Gallaher: Taylor Gold Track List:
1. “I’ll Take You (Taylor Gold)” (Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher)
2. “Time (Taylor Gold)” (Ben Gallaher, Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
3. “Still A Few Cowboys Left (Taylor Gold)” (Ben Gallaher, Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
4. “Stomp (Taylor Gold)” (Ben Gallaher, Patrick Thrasher, Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley)
5. “Where Do You Go (Taylor Gold)” (Kelley Lovelace, Josh Thompson, Neil Thrasher)
6. “Betcha Money (Taylor Gold)” (Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher)
7. “Love Is Hard (Taylor Gold)” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
Jonathan Singleton, Luke Dick, More Among Lineup For ‘Music Row For MusiCares’ Benefit
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“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.
Brantley Gilbert Extends ‘Real American Tour’ Through November
/by Lorie HollabaughBrantley Gilbert. Photo: Braden Walker
Brantley Gilbert has extended his headlining “Real American Tour” through November. The tour features support from John Morgan, along with Jay Webb and Atlus on select dates.
Newly announced dates on the tour include stops in Boston, Savannah, Cincinnati, Biloxi and more.
Fan club members in the Gold & Silver tiers can begin purchasing tickets today (July 14). Bronze can begin purchasing tickets tomorrow through July 16, and general tickets go on sale beginning this Friday (July 17) here.
The announcement arrives as Gilbert readies the release of his eighth album Sins Of The Father for July 24. On Father’s Day, Gilbert released two new tracks from the upcoming album: the title track and “Good Ol’ Boys,” which followed lead single “Good Damn,” which is currently climbing the charts, and the deeply personal “F****d Me Up.” The project fuses heartfelt country values with explosive energy and barbed-wire R&B swagger, and Gilbert describes the upcoming album as a deeply personal playlist.
Along with his music Gilbert also launched Real American Beer Zero after becoming an investor and equity partner of Real American Beer. RAB Zero is the company’s first non-alcoholic beer, with $1 per case sold of RAB Zero going to the USO in addition to ongoing donations tied directly to sales supporting active-duty service members and their families.
“Real American Tour” Newly Announced Dates:
Sept. 24 || Leader Bank Pavilion || Boston, MA
Sept. 25 || Mohegan Sun Arena || Uncasville, CT
Sept. 26 || TurningStone Resort Casino || Verona, NY
Oct. 1 || Rose Music Center at The Heights || Huber Heights, OH
Oct. 2 || BMO Center || Rockford, IL
Oct. 3 || Baker-Spain Stampede Chuckwagon Races || Greenfield, MO
Oct. 8 || VyStar Pavilion || Savannah, GA
Oct. 9 || Carolina Crossroads Amphitheatre || Roanoke Rapids, NC
Oct. 10 || City of Buford Fall Concert – Buford Community Center || Buford, GA
Oct. 15 || Covelli Centre || Youngstown, OH
Oct. 16 || PNC Pavilion || Cincinnati, OH
Oct. 17 || Huntington Center || Toledo, OH
Nov. 5 || Atrium Health Amphitheater || Macon, GA
Nov. 6 || Mississippi Coast Coliseum || Biloxi, MS
Nov. 7 || Crossroads Arena || Corinth, MS
Highway Home Signs With WME
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Braeden Rountree (WME), Doug Neff (WME), Jamie Ernst (underscore works), Eamon Owen, Stanton Langley, Conner Sweeny, Charly Salvatore (underscore works) and Kevin Meads (WME). Photo: Sam Vins
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.
River House Artists Launches Management Division
/by Lauryn SinkZebb Luster and Lynn Oliver-Cline. Photo: Libby Danforth
River House Artists has launched The House, its new management division.
Founded by River House EVP Zebb Luster and River House Artists’ Founder Lynn Oliver-Cline, The House’s roster includes Hudson Westbrook, Austin Snell (in partnership with Sabrina Butera at Collide Talent), Kenny Whitmire, Tyce Delk, and Matt Lang (in partnership with Joelle Proulx and Vickye Morin at Agence Ranch), as well as Christian singer-songwriter Chevas Phillips.
“Launching The House Management is an incredibly exciting moment,” Luster shares. “More than anything, it’s about the artists. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in us, and we continue to be inspired by their talent, work ethic, and vision. Each of them has something truly special, and it’s a privilege to help them build lasting careers. We launched this company out of our passion for artists and our belief that great management requires more than strategy. It requires being fully invested in every detail of an artist’s journey. Our goal is simple: to help exceptional talent reach its full potential while creating a team they’re proud to have in their corner.”
“10 years in, I could not be more proud of what we’ve built at River House Artists. I started my career 32 years ago with Hootie & the Blowfish, and it’s amazing to see all the relationships that have been built along the way and how they have helped make RHA what it is — a truly artist-first music company,” Oliver-Cline shares. “We are there from the time a song is being written, to when it’s being played on a global stage.”
Helmed by Luster, The House’s team also includes Ally Ramirez as Manager for Westbrook and Delk, and Zac Brooks as Manager for Snell and Whitmire. Ramirez joined River House in 2023. Brooks is transitioning to the Day-To-Day Manager role following several years on the road as a Tour Manager for Snell.
“Ally and Zac have been instrumental in shaping the culture of our management team. There’s no one I trust more to be in the trenches with our artists every day,” Luster says. “They bring a high level of care, intention, and attention to detail to everything they do, always putting the artist first. Their ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and execute at a high level is what allows our artists to thrive. This company and the experience we provide our artists would not be the same without them both.”
“I continue to be more and more proud of Zebb and his leadership,” Oliver-Cline continues. “He has learned every channel of this business, and not only has passion and grace for our roster of clients, but comes armed with the knowledge to help them become globally-reaching talent.”
Kruse Brothers Sign With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Back Row, L-R): Rusty Gaston (SMP), Tom Luteran (SMP) and Scott Mason (Saddle Up Management). (Front Row, L-R): Dan Couch (Saddle Up Management), Chandler Kruse, Miles Kruse, Emily Carignan (SMP). Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing Nashville
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.
Celebrated Session & Touring Keyboardist Jimmy Nichols Passes
/by Lauryn SinkJimmy Nichols.
Jimmy Nichols, a gifted pianist known for his work with artists including Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Elton John and countless others, has passed away.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Nichols was one of eight children in a close-knit family that shaped his love of music from an early age. Alongside three of his brothers, he spent 24 years touring the country as a member of the Nichols Brothers. Two weeks before his passing, Nichols was inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, his work extended beyond country music into pop, gospel and television.
Nichols is survived by his beloved wife, Tonya, who he spent the last few years caring for through a difficult illness.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sept. 2 at Ray Stevens’ CabaRay Showroom. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the celebration starting at 6:30 p.m.