Lainey Wilson
Stagecoach held its last day of sets yesterday (April 26), wrapping up its 2026 festival.
Friday night featured performances from Adrien Nunez, Avery Anna, Bailey Zimmerman, BigxThaPlug, Chase Rice, Counting Crows, Ella Langley, Hannah McFarland, Josh Ross, Julia Cole, Larkin Poe, Lyle Lovett, Marcus King Band, Nate Smith, Neon Union, Noah Cyrus, Noah Rinker, Ole 60, Sam Barber, Taylor Holder, The Red Clay Strays and Wynonna Judd before headliner Cody Johnson took the stage.
Cody Johnson
Highlights from opening night included Johnson bringing out Boyz II Men for “On Bended Knee,” Langley bringing out Theo Vonn for “you look like you love me,” Zimmerman and BigXthaPlug performing “All The Way,” Cyrus bringing out her dad Billy Ray Cyrus for “On Our Way Along,” and King bringing out his wife Briley King for a cover of Little Feat’s “Willin.’”
Day two was led by headliner Lainey Wilson, with additional performances from Benjamin Tod, Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters, Braxton Keith, Bush, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Corey Kent, Gavin Adcock, Elizabeth Nichols, Journey, Kevin Smiley, Lane Pittman, Little Big Town, Michael Marcagi, Redferrin, S.G. Goodman, Something Out West, Teddy Swims, Treaty Oak Revival, Tyler Braden and Willow Avalon.
Through a high winds delay, day two was still packed with highlights including Wilson bringing out Riley Green and Little Big Town. Green’s original full length set was cancelled due to the winds.
Post Malone
The final day was packed with performances from Adam Sanders, Amos Lee, Bayker Blankenship, Brandon Wisham, Brett Young, Brooks & Dunn, Cameron Whitcomb, Eli Young Band, Gabriella Rose, Hootie & the Blowfish, Hudson Westbrook, Ink, Jake Worthington, Kameron Marlowe, Max McNown, Ryan Hurd, The Wallflowers, Third Eye Blind, Ty Myers, Warren Zeiders, Wyatt Flores and Zach John King before culminating in a headline performance by Post Malone.
The final day highlights included Post Malone playing covers of Garth Brooks, Hank Williams Jr., Kenny Chesney and more, and brought out Shaboozey and Keith, and Hootie & Blowfish bringing out Flavor Flav and Chuck D of Public Enemy out for a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” and Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power.”
Alongside the performances, fans also got to see Guy Fieri return to his Smokehouse, hosting cooking demos with Wynonna Judd, Billy Bob Thornton, Bush’s Gavin Rossdale, BigXthaPlug and more. Sydney Sweeney also hosted karaoke, singing duets with Green, Zimmerman, Diplo and Rice.
Bailey Zimmerman
Ella Langley
Riley Green
Little Big Town
Hootie & The Blowfish
Warren Zeiders
HITS HOME Debuts In Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkCris Lacy, Charlene Bryant and Martha Earls. Photo: Dwell House
HITS HOME debuted in Nashville last week with three days of programming at Nashville’s Virgin Hotel. The event hosted over 300 attendees from more than 10 countries.
The three-day experience began with a “Welcome Home Party” on Sunday evening sponsored by genni and Concord. Monday was filled with segments, talks and live music, before concluding Tuesday with a rooftop brunch and self-directed “house visits” across offices in Nashville.
The event hosted conversations with Warner Records Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Neon Coast’s Martha Earls, Riveter Management’s Charlene Bryant, Primary Wave’s Lexi Todd, A2IM’s Ian Harrison and Billboard‘s Kristin Robinson, among others. Throughout the programming, guests enjoyed performances from Nashville-based artists including Kat Luna, dominique., Iris Copperman and Restless Road, as well as Finn Forster from the UK, Muryel from Berlin, Germany, and Beau Shearer from Australia.
“We intentionally blurred the line between conversation and experience – bringing together industry dialogue, live performances, comedy, and moments no one saw coming. The result felt less like a conference and more like a home. The surprises – from day-of programming reveals to flash-mob energy – created a sense of shared discovery you can’t replicate on a run-of-show. And that feeling is the point. It’s exactly why HITS HOME will return to Nashville in 2027,” says Nick Maiale, Founder of HITS HOME & jump.global. “HITS HOME will always be rooted here – we’re proud to continue shining a light on Nashville’s music culture while welcoming voices and perspectives from around the world.”
Kat Luna. Photo: Dwell House
Photo: Dwell House
Iris Copperman. Photo: Dwell House
Photo: Dwell House
Restless Road. Photo: Dwell House
Katrina Balcius and Alex Hannaby. Photo: Dwell House
Old Dominion To Play Two-Night Run At Planet Hollywood
/by Lorie HollabaughOld Dominion. Photo: Dove Shore
Old Dominion has revealed they’ll return to Las Vegas for a two-night engagement at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on September 4-5.
The two-night engagement in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, Messina Touring Group, and Live Nation Las Vegas, “Old Dominion. Hits. Vegas.” will be a hit-driven celebration. The show will spotlight the songs that have defined the band’s rise. Across both nights, the set packed with chart-toppers, fan favorites, and singalong staples.
During last year’s Las Vegas run, Old Dominion brought a packed PH Live to life with a set that blended their Barbara album with a run of career-spanning hits. With expanded production and theatrical touches, the band transformed the venue into a true residency-caliber spectacle featuring moments like full-costumed Vegas showgirls appearing during “Late Great Heartbreak.”
Tickets for the shows will be available for presale beginning April 29. General on-sale will follow on May 1 here.
The band is gearing up to hit the road for select dates this summer across the country including performances at 5 O’Clock Somewhere Festival, Big Valley Jamboree, as well as their own Odie’s Beach Vacation on October 1-3 in Miramar Beach, Florida.
Stagecoach Wraps 2026 Festival
/by Madison HahnenLainey Wilson
Stagecoach held its last day of sets yesterday (April 26), wrapping up its 2026 festival.
Friday night featured performances from Adrien Nunez, Avery Anna, Bailey Zimmerman, BigxThaPlug, Chase Rice, Counting Crows, Ella Langley, Hannah McFarland, Josh Ross, Julia Cole, Larkin Poe, Lyle Lovett, Marcus King Band, Nate Smith, Neon Union, Noah Cyrus, Noah Rinker, Ole 60, Sam Barber, Taylor Holder, The Red Clay Strays and Wynonna Judd before headliner Cody Johnson took the stage.
Cody Johnson
Highlights from opening night included Johnson bringing out Boyz II Men for “On Bended Knee,” Langley bringing out Theo Vonn for “you look like you love me,” Zimmerman and BigXthaPlug performing “All The Way,” Cyrus bringing out her dad Billy Ray Cyrus for “On Our Way Along,” and King bringing out his wife Briley King for a cover of Little Feat’s “Willin.’”
Day two was led by headliner Lainey Wilson, with additional performances from Benjamin Tod, Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters, Braxton Keith, Bush, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Corey Kent, Gavin Adcock, Elizabeth Nichols, Journey, Kevin Smiley, Lane Pittman, Little Big Town, Michael Marcagi, Redferrin, S.G. Goodman, Something Out West, Teddy Swims, Treaty Oak Revival, Tyler Braden and Willow Avalon.
Through a high winds delay, day two was still packed with highlights including Wilson bringing out Riley Green and Little Big Town. Green’s original full length set was cancelled due to the winds.
Post Malone
The final day was packed with performances from Adam Sanders, Amos Lee, Bayker Blankenship, Brandon Wisham, Brett Young, Brooks & Dunn, Cameron Whitcomb, Eli Young Band, Gabriella Rose, Hootie & the Blowfish, Hudson Westbrook, Ink, Jake Worthington, Kameron Marlowe, Max McNown, Ryan Hurd, The Wallflowers, Third Eye Blind, Ty Myers, Warren Zeiders, Wyatt Flores and Zach John King before culminating in a headline performance by Post Malone.
The final day highlights included Post Malone playing covers of Garth Brooks, Hank Williams Jr., Kenny Chesney and more, and brought out Shaboozey and Keith, and Hootie & Blowfish bringing out Flavor Flav and Chuck D of Public Enemy out for a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” and Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power.”
Alongside the performances, fans also got to see Guy Fieri return to his Smokehouse, hosting cooking demos with Wynonna Judd, Billy Bob Thornton, Bush’s Gavin Rossdale, BigXthaPlug and more. Sydney Sweeney also hosted karaoke, singing duets with Green, Zimmerman, Diplo and Rice.
Bailey Zimmerman
Ella Langley
Riley Green
Little Big Town
Hootie & The Blowfish
Warren Zeiders
Neon Union Announce Split
/by Lauryn SinkNeon Union.
Neon Union, the duo composed of Leo Brooks and Andrew Millsaps, are going their separate ways.
The duo shared the news in a social media post last week.
“What a ride we have had! I love Leo, and he will always be my friend and brother. I’m thankful for every chapter in my book of life. Neon Union was a very special chapter in that book,” Millsaps shared.
“Life is a journey, and I’m just grateful for the ride, I’ve learned a lot from Neon Union and had great times,” Brooks added.
Brooks grew up in Miami and has collaborated with artists such as Pitbull, Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, CeeLo Green and John Legend. Meanwhile, Millsaps grew up in North Carolina and has been writing songs since he was 13.
The duo released their debut album, Good Years, last year and has shared stages with HARDY, Scotty McCreery, Keith Urban and Pitbull. They earned an ACM nomination in 2024 for New Duo/Group of the Year.
Jackson Dean Hosts ‘Magnolia Sage’ Album Preview
/by Madison HahnenJackson Dean. Photo: Robby Stevens
Jackson Dean brought together friends, family and industry members Thursday evening (April 23) for a preview of his newly released Magnolia Sage album.
After a mingling hour, Dean took the stage to perform tracks off the new record acoustically, as well as shared the stories behind the songs. Tunes played included “Tennessee Moon,” “Wildfire,” “Hey Mississippi,” “Over And Over,” “Something Easy,” “Blacktop Blues,” “Dust On A Dirt Road,” “Make A Liar” and “Heart On The Range.”
“The album felt like it’s been months away forever, now it’s here,” Dean shared from stage. “Thank you all for showing up this evening to celebrate.”
Jackson Dean & Jake Basden (Blue Highway Records). Photo: Robby Stevens
Jackson Dean. Photo: Robby Stevens
Jake Basden (Blue Highway Records), Luke Dick (Songwriter/Producer), Jackson Dean, Arturo Buenahora, Jr. (Little Louder Music) and TK Kimbrell (TKO Artist Management). Photo: Robby Stevens
Ella Langley Tops MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has taken the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. 14 tracks off her newly released Dandelion album push the singer-songwriter to the top this week, including “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Gotta Quit,” “Last Call For Us,” “Loving Life Again,” “Low Lights,” “Most Good Things Do (Acoustic),” “Somethin’ Simple,” “We Know Us,” and “You & Me Time.”
Joybeth Taylor jumps into the No. 2 spot with Langley’s “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “girl you’re taking home,” “I Gotta Quit,” “Last Call For Us,” “Low Lights,” “Most Good Things Do (Acoustic),” “Somethin’ Simple,” “Speaking Terms,” “We Know Us,” and “You & Me Time,” as well as Corey Kent’s “Empty Words.” Luke Combs moves to No. 3 with “Days Like These,” “Rethink Some Things,” and “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.”
Randy Montana (No. 4) and Blake Pendergrass (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Live Nation Launches Summer Of Live $30 Ticket Promotion
/by Lorie HollabaughLive Nation has launched Summer of Live, a celebration of live music, kicking off with a week of $30 tickets to over 4,000 shows across the U.S. and Canada.
From April 29-May 5, fans can purchase $30 tickets to see their favorite artists on the road in pop, hip-hop, R&B, country, Latin, rock and more this year at venues of all sizes. Participating concerts include Thomas Rhett, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jason Aldean, Empire of the Sun, Riley Green, The Fray, Goo Goo Dolls, James Taylor, Dierks Bentley, Kesha, Train, Luke Bryan, mgk. NE-YO & AKON, Parker McCollum, The Pussycat Dolls, Tim McGraw and many more.
Live Nation All Access members get early access to the $30 ticket offer beginning April 23-28. Membership is free, easy to join, and unlocks exclusive presale opportunities throughout the year, and fans can visit LiveNation.com/SummerofLive to learn more. T-Mobile Early Access will take place on April 28. The general on-sale will begin on April 29 and run through May 5.
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Wraps 2026 Event
/by Lauryn SinkJackson Dean. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country has wrapped its eighth annual event in Napa Valley, California.
The week kicked off with a Welcome Reception presented by Lucchese Bootmaker with performances from Chandler Walters, Lauren Watkins and headliner Jackson Dean. Tuesday’s events continued into the evening with intimate vintner dinners such as a Cakebread Cellars dinner featuring a writer’s round with Watkins and Will Bundy and a Merryvale Vineyards dinner with a stripped-down performance from Tiera Kennedy.
Day two showcased a Texas Music Scene Tailgate with writer’s rounds featuring Wade Bowen, Cody Canada, Sunny Sweeney, The Braun Brothers and Shelby Stone. Held at Frog’s Leap Winery, the event also served as the setting for a live taping of the award-winning Texas Music Scene. Attendees then headed into Downtown Napa for a night of live music with headliner The Marcus King Band, Alex Lambert and Abbie Callahan, taking place at Napa’s Uptown Theatre.
Day three concluded the experience with a Farewell Brunch at Raymond Vineyards with live music from Zach John King and Frankie Ballard.
Lauren Watkins. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Tiera Kennedy. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Abbie Callahan. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Zach John King. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Cody Canada and Shelby Stone. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Frankie Ballard. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Crossroads Music Co-Founder Mickey Gamble Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughMickey Gamble
Crossroads Music Co-Founder and leader Mickey Gamble has passed away.
Under Gamble’s leadership, Crossroads and its associated labels, Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music Company and Organic Records, grew from beginnings as an acclaimed Asheville recording operation (Hear Here! Studios) and a Southern Gospel label (Horizon Music Group) to become one of bluegrass and Southern Gospel music’s preeminent issuers.
With a roster that has ranged from traditional Gospel quartets and bluegrass bands through contemporary masters and innovative new groups, Crossroads reflects Gamble’s vision of a larger musical family, rooted in his beloved western North Carolina home. His tireless advocacy for professionalism, his insistence on sound, honest business practices, relentless drive to be informed about, to understand and adapt to developments in the recording industry, and unbounded enthusiasm for the music being made by Crossroads artists earned him the respect, admiration and affection of those with whom he worked to a degree that is rare in any field.
Gamble was a recipient of the Southern Gospel Music Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 2019.
“My dad loved music – and its makers – more than anyone else I’ve ever encountered,” says Gamble’s daughter Francesca Dooris. “He was a champion of the arts, of many other forms in addition to music, because of each unique human being behind the creation of a piece. The ubiquitous theme from everyone I’ve spoken with during this time is that he saw the distinctive set of characteristics a person had to give to the world, and pushed him or her to trust that part of themselves relentlessly. He believed in the gift that was the essence of a person, even if they couldn’t see it or hadn’t developed it.
“The music community was truly family to my dad, and he loved each of you in a completely one-of-a-kind way,” she continues. “If he could say one thing to everyone now, it would be that the music must go on. Keep writing. Keep creating. Keep being you and making your art, whatever form it takes.”
No arrangements have been announced at this time.
Avery Anna Wins ACM New Female Artist Of The Year
/by Lauryn SinkAvery Anna. Photo: Megan Burch/Courtesy of ACM
Avery Anna has been named this year’s ACM New Female Artist of the Year.
Sam Barber surprised Anna during her performance at Lone Star Smokeout with the news. She was joined on stage by her family and team.
“I’m just so grateful for this, I’m so honored,” she shared from stage. “Thank you guys for rallying for me, supporting me and cheering me on. I thank God every day that I get to do this and that he put this passion on my heart. I’m so grateful for people like you that show up for artists like me and embrace the things that we have to say. Thank you guys so much. This is such an honor.”
Anna released her most recent EP forgive, forget. and embarked on her “Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour” in March. The project followed her 2025 album let go letters, which has garnered over 1 billion global streams to date.
Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM
Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM
Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM