Outlaw Music Festival Makes Return To The Road This Summer

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The Outlaw Music Festival Tour is making its return to the road this summer, visiting more than 20 cities across the country.

Country icon Willie Nelson & Family will be performing live and in concert alongside Chris Stapleton, The Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Billy Strings, ZZ Top, Gov’t Mule, Brothers Osborne, Zach Bryan, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Allison Russell, Charley Crockett, Larkin Poe, The War and Treaty, Brittney Spencer, Particle Kid and more.

“The Outlaw Music Festival Tour has always been about family and friends coming together for a great day of music and fun, and with the amazing group of artists joining us, this year promises to be our most special Outlaw Tour to date. I just can’t wait to get back on the road again,” Nelson explains.

Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, March 25, at 10 a.m. local time. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, March 22 until Thursday, March 24. For a full list of dates and performers, click here.

“Our annual Outlaw Music Festival Tour has grown to become this incredible family of artists that deliver must-see performances every night,” adds Keith Wortman, Co-Founder of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour. “We are honored to present these once in a lifetime lineups all over the country.”

The inaugural Outlaw Music Festival made its debut in 2016 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The sold-out show has developed into one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises.

Kip Moore, Raelynn, Jameson Rodgers Among Folds Of Honor Drams ‘N Jams Lineup

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The Fold Of Honor Drams ‘N Jams 2022 event, which will feature Kip Moore, Charles Esten, Jameson Rodgers, Raelynn, and Chris DeStefano, is set to take place on March 24 at the Bell Tower in Nashville.

The special night will feature live music, a whiskey tasting and plated dinner for guests, and an auction. The special guest speaker for the event will be Rocky Sickmann, United States Marine Corps Sergeant and P.O.W., Iranian Hostage Crisis. Tickets and more information can be found here.

The inspiration for Folds Of Honor started during Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled. Since then, Lt Col Rooney has committed his life through the Folds of Honor to provide scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.

Jamey Johnson Invited To Join Opry Family

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Jamey Johnson & Bill Anderson. Photo: Chris Hollo

Jamey Johnson was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry over the weekend.

Opry member Bill Anderson surprised Johnson with the invitation at the close of a writer’s round featuring Anderson, Johnson, and songwriter/producer Buddy Cannon.

Anderson opened the round by reflecting on the many times the trio spent writing together. During the show, they performed songs such as the smash “Give It Away,” which became a No. 1 for George Strait, “Everybody Wants To Be Twenty-One,” and “Cheaper Than A Shrink.”

Buddy Cannon, Bill Anderson, and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Chris Hollo

After their final song Anderson said: “Jamey, you made your Opry debut 17 years ago and you’ve been a frequent guest many times. But Opry management told me to tell you that this is going to be your last guest appearance.”

Johnson quipped, “Well, I’ve been kicked out of a whole lot of places.”

Anderson continued, “The next time you appear on this stage you will be the newest member of our Opry cast and family!”

“I accepted it 20 years ago! I really don’t know what to say except the obvious,” responded Johnson. “I love country music. I would have never moved here if it wasn’t for that; for the Opry keeping it alive and for the fans. I love you. Thank you.”

Johnson wrapped up the set and special moment with a solo performance of his song “In Color.”

An induction date for Johnson will be announced soon.

Adam Sanders Sets Date For Upcoming ‘I Wanna Be Somebody’ EP

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Singer-songwriter Adam Sanders‘ new I Wanna Be Somebody EP is slated to drop on March 25. The project’s title track, written by Sanders, Mitch Rossell and Dave Turnbull, received an early release and is available everywhere now.

The 6-track project sees Sanders as a co-writer on every track. He also penned songs with some of Nashville’s other notable songwriters, including Blake Bollinger, Jordan Rowe, Zach Crowell, Walker Montgomery, and more.

“Last year was a big year for me and my team having released my debut studio album in May of 2021, and was blown away by the support of it,” Sanders shares. “This year we want to build on the album’s success and release music at a more consistent, and faster rate than ever before. I Wanna Be Somebody is the first chapter of music for me in 2022 and I couldn’t be more excited to come out of the gates swinging with this batch of songs.”

I Wanna Be Somebody follows Sanders independently released debut album, What If I’m Right, which has surpassed 30 million streams since its release. He co-wrote all twelve tracks across the record.

Sanders has penned chart-topping hits such as Dustin Lynch’s “Hell Of A Night” and Cole Swindell’s “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey.” He made the move to Nashville in 2009 and has since earned over 150 million streams, more than 70,000 singles sold and landed on Billboard’s Top 40 Country Albums chart. The Florida native is currently signed to a co-publishing deal with Round Hill Music Nashville.

I Wanna Be Somebody Track List:
“I Wanna Be Somebody” (Adam Sanders, Mitch Rossell, Dave Turnbull)
“Good Day to Fly” (Adam Sanders, Blake Bollinger, Jordan Rowe)
“Sellout” (Adam Sanders, Josh Kear, Zach Crowell)
“Not Like Me” (Adam Sanders, Josh Jenkins)
“Beer to There” (Adam Sanders, Blake Bollinger, Walker Montgomery)
“One Ways” (Adam Sanders, Denny White, Robyn Collins)

Emily Hungate To Exit Black River

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Emily Hungate

After more than 11 years with the company, Emily Hungate is leaving her post as VP of Business Operations at Black River Entertainment. She will be pursuing a non-industry job in book publishing, and moving back to her home state of Virginia.

Hungate joined Black River in 2010. She was promoted to her current position in 2016, where she oversaw all aspects of business operations for Black River Records, Black River Christian, Black River Americana, Black River Publishing, and Sound Stage Studios. The Black River roster includes Kelsea Ballerini, Ray Fulcher, Ronnie Milsap, Josiah Siska and MaRynn Taylor.

Prior to joining Black River, Hungate spent time at Sussman & Associates and Dualtone Music Group.

Reach Hungate at ehungate@gmail.com.

Robert Earl Keen Celebrates 41 Years On The Road With Farewell Tour

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Robert Earl Keen. Photo: Melanie Maganias Nashan

As previously announced, Texas songwriter and entertainer Robert Earl Keen will retire from performing later this year, but not before wrapping up his 41-year run with the “2022 Final Tour, I’m Comin’ Home: 41 Years On The Road.”

Throughout the year, Keen will travel all over the country, making stops in Tulsa, Wichita, Tampa, Charleston, Mobile, Atlanta, throughout Texas, and more. He will also make a special visit to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on July 9. All tickets are on sale now.

The beloved singer-songwriter will give his final public performance on Sept. 4 at the John T. Floores Country Store in Helotes, Texas, followed by a fan appreciation party on Sept. 5.

Keen will continue to write music and create, host his Americana Podcast, support young artists, and follow his artistic muse wherever it takes him.

High Valley’s Latest Album ‘Way Back’ Slated For May

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High Valley. Photo: Crystal K. Martel

High Valley is set to release their sixth studio album, Way Back, on May 20. New track, “Somebody Tell That Girl,” is available now and features Christian breakout artist Anne Wilson.

“Somebody Tell That Girl,” was co-written by High Valley frontman Brad Rempel along with Jason Gant and Matt Rogers, and produced by Grammy-winner, Femke.

“I’ve loved Anne Wilson’s voice from the first time I heard it,” shares Rempel. “The message in ‘Somebody Tell That Girl’ is so important, and it makes an even stronger statement with Anne singing it.”

For the new project, the band enlisted the help of their fans on socials to finalize the 13-song track list, which also includes “Country Music, Girls & Trucks,” another collaboration  featuring Granger Smith. Rempel had a hand in writing all 13 tracks, adding to his growing list of credits, which include outside cuts with Trisha Yearwood, Clay Walker, Lathan Warlick, Dan Tyminski, Lindsay Ell, and more.

“Inviting our fans behind the scenes and into the songwriting and demo process was so much fun. We had the Way Back album almost complete and couldn’t decide which of the most recent cowrites should make the cut, so we asked our fans to vote on our socials,” adds Rempel. “I love knowing that this album is a collection of songs I feel very strongly about, with messages I believe need to be heard, and jams that our fans literally chose themselves!”

Way Back Track List:
“Way Back” (Seth Mosley, Ben Stennis, Brad Rempel)
“Run Outta Somedays” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
“Somebody Tell That Girl” (Feat. Anne Wilson) (Jason Gant, Matt Rogers, Brad Rempel)
“Do This Life” (Phil Barton, David Thompson, Brad Rempel)
“World Could Use a Dirt Road” (Claire Douglas, Josh Ronen, Brad Rempel)
“Prayin’ Woman” (Seth Mosley, Allison Veltz, Brad Rempel)
“Country Music, Girls & Trucks” (Feat. Granger Smith) (Micah Wilshire, Jaron Boyer, Brad Rempel)
“Whatever it Takes” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
“All My Lovin” (Blake Bollinger, Phil Barton, Brad Rempel)
“Remember You Now” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
“Be That For You” (Sam Ellis, Dave Sampson, Brad Rempel)
“She Loves” (Sam Bergeson, Jaron Boyer, Brad Rempel)
“Never Not” (Ben West, Matt Willis, Brad Rempel)

Charles Kelley Covers ‘Georgia On My Mind’ In Official ESPN Commercial For The Masters

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Lady A vocalist and songwriter Charles Kelley recorded a cover of Ray Charles‘ all-time classic “Georgia On My Mind” for ESPN’s official commercial for the upcoming Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The seven-time Grammy Award-winner brings an authentic tie-in to the Masters anthem tradition, being an Augusta native.

“Growing up in Augusta I have been going to the Masters for as long as I can remember, so this was a special full-circle moment for me,” says Kelley. “No one can sing this song like Ray Charles, but I hope I did him justice and I can’t wait to get back home and experience the Masters in-person.”

YouTube video

As a co-writer on many chart-topping Lady A hits, including the 9-times Platinum “Need You Now,” Kelley has also penned No. 1 hits by Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Brett Young and Russell Dickerson. Lady A have long been a model of mainstream success, with 11 No. 1 hits, 18 million albums sold, 34 million tracks, five billion digital streams and a global touring footprint. Kelley also earned a Grammy nomination as a solo artist from his debut album’s release, The Driver.

The 2022 Masters begins April 7 and ends on April 10. The legendary tournament can be watched on ESPN and CBS.

IBMA Bluegrass Live Announces Red Hat Amphitheater Lineup

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The Infamous Stringdusters, The Jerry Douglas Band, Sierra Hull and more are among the initial lineup for the IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. The two-day festival will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

The initial lineup of performers at Red Hat for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC will also include Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Balsam Range, Dom Flemons & Shultz’s Dream (with Brian Farrow, Dante’ Pope and Tray Wellington), Della Mae, and Twisted Pine. Additional main stage acts will be announced at a later date.

The live weekend performances will take place at Red Hat Amphitheater and on additional stages in downtown Raleigh. Tickets will go on sale to IBMA members April 5 and to the general public on April 19.

“It is wonderful to be getting back to the music in Raleigh, and we are excited to announce the initial lineup of blockbuster performances for this year’s IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC,” says Pat Morris, executive director of IBMA. “The fan experience will be unmatched at this year’s event and we look forward to an exciting week of reuniting with old friends and hearing great music, from award-winning artists to special collaborations with amazing guests. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements.”

IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC is part of the five-day IBMA World of Bluegrass event, which also includes the IBMA Business Conference, the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcase series and the 33rd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. More information is available at the IBMA World of Bluegrass website.

Eric Paslay Reinvents Some Hits On New Album, Announces New NFT Series

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Eric Paslay is set to release a new album, Even If It Breaks Your Barefoot Friday Night, on April 15. The first three tracks of the record are available everywhere now.

The project features Paslay’s take on his biggest songs as a writer and reimagined versions of some of his biggest hits. More songs will be released on April 1 with the full album available April 15.

Among the tracks on the new album are “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” which was a No. 1, double-Platinum hit for Jake Owen. Additionally, “The Driver” was released in 2016 by Charles Kelley featuring Dierks Bentley and Paslay, and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

Paslay is also set to release his 3-part series of NFT drops. The first one, dropping on March 23, will be 100 NFTs released for $25 each and give owners access to his new digital community. More opportunities will be dropped on April 6 and April 20. 

The Grammy, ACM, and CMA nominated artist will also embark on a 25-date UK Tour with The Shires beginning April 21. For a full list of dates, click here.