The Academy of Country Music will announce nominees for the 56th Academy Of Country Music Awards on Friday, February 26 at 8:30 AM/ET.

Kelsea Ballerini and Brothers Osborne will appear live on CBS This Morning to announce the nominees for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Duo of the Year, Group of the Year and Single of the Year beginning at 8:30 AM ET on the CBS Television Network.

Following that, the remainder of the categories will revealed by ET’s Rachel Smith on ETonline.com. Beginning at 8:45 AM ET, this includes nominees for New Male Artist of the Year, New Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Music Event of the Year.

The ACM Awards official social media accounts will also post updates in real time with all nominees being posted at ACMcountry.com immediately following the morning’s ceremonies.

The 56th ACM Awards will return to Nashville and broadcast live from three iconic country music venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, the historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe on Sunday, April 18 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The show will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+, ViacomCBS’ upcoming global streaming service.

Blackberry Smoke is celebrating their 20th anniversary of making music as a band with a brand new album, You Hear Georgia, due out on May 28 via Thirty Tigers.

In addition to the band members Charlie Starr (vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals) and Brandon Still (keyboards), the new album also features special guests Jamey Johnson on the track “Lonesome For A Livin’” and Warren Haynes on “All Rise Again,” as well as backing vocals from The Black Bettys.

Across the album’s ten new songs Blackberry Smoke continues to embody Georgia’s rich musical legacy as they have for the past two decades, honoring the people, places and sounds of their home state. With the addition of producer Dave Cobb, a fellow Georgian, the new album pays homage to the band’s deep respect for their roots.

Of the title track, lead singer Starr says: “Lyrically, the song is about the South being misunderstood. It’s obviously a rough and tumble world, and there’s a lot of bad people. But there’s a lot of good people too. It started with the idea of how people might have a preconceived opinion of you because of a thick Southern accent, then expanded into the reality of how some people just seem to have such a hard time getting along, thanks to political or religious views, or simply what part of the country you come from.”

You Hear Georgia follows the release of 2018’s Find A Light, which entered at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, and No. 2 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart. Following Find A Light, the band shared three additional projects—a live album and concert film, Homecoming: Live In Atlanta, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Album Sales chart; a six-song acoustic EP, The Southern Ground Sessions; and Live From Capricorn Sound Studios, an EP of six covers that have special ties to the historic studio.

Payton Smith is hosting a free virtual concert for VOLthon to benefit East Tennessee Children’s Hospital on February 27.

During his free performance, Smith will match up to $1,000 in donations and Big Machine Label Group’s Music Has Value will make a $1,000 contribution. To give, simply text ‘Payton’ to 51555 to receive a link to donate. All donations made to VOLthon will stay in the community, benefiting patients receiving care at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

A student-run organization at the University of Tennessee, VOLthon raises money for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Last year, VOLthon raised more than $152,000 for Children’s Hospital, ending the fundraising campaign in February 2020 with a live dance party. This is the first time VOLthon will host their main event virtually, allowing for students to participate while complying with COVID-19 restrictions.

“Raising money for Children’s Hospital means more to me than most people realize,” expresses Payton. “Children’s Hospital of New Orleans saved my younger brother Zachary’s life. His illness led to quadruple amputations and that meant many trips to the Children’s Hospital as a kid. The impact that had helped me understand how much this place saves lives and changes lives. Any opportunity to give, support and highlight what this place means to children and families, I’m all in.”

Smith is releasing his new single, “This Ain’t That Song” on February 26 via Big Machine Records.

The Country Music Association is partnering with the Touring Professionals Alliance to fund the expansion of its kitchen program, which offers chef-driven meals to live music professionals.

Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 24, the Touring Professionals Alliance Kitchen will operate once a week through Wednesday, March 24 in Nashville. Participating restaurants include Audrey, helmed by chef Sean Brock, and Chaatable, helmed by chef Maneet Chauhan.

This is the latest step in CMA’s ongoing Music Industry COVID Support (MICS) initiative. CMA’s $3 million long-term COVID-19 commitment began in early 2020 and has supported Music Health Alliance, Musically Fed, MusiCares, Notes for Notes, Porter’s Call and The Store.

“Live music touring professionals are like family members to us, and we are honored to partner with the Touring Professionals Alliance to contribute to their efforts,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The aid provided through the Touring Professionals Alliance Kitchen goes so much deeper than simply offering meals to industry professionals in need—TPA has created an environment for our friends to come together for a brief moment of relief in what has been an incredibly difficult year.”

For more information on the relief efforts and for specifics on dates and locations for meal distribution, visit TouringProfessionals.com.

Music industry professionals interested in receiving a meal through the program must register in advance.