Midland Delves Into Country’s Most Interesting Myths & Legends In New Podcast

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Midland is ready to set the record straight on some of country music’s most curious stories on their new Amazon Music podcast, Set it Straight: Myths and Legends. The trio’s newest project will premiere every Wednesday starting Aug. 25 as they explore country’s tall tales and legends, and separate fact from fiction to uncover the truth behind some of country’s most infamous stories.

The season premiere will feature Garth Brooks as he joins Midland to unpack what really happened at the 1996 Fan Fair during his marathon meet-and-greet. Other upcoming guests that will help the boys dig into other wild country lore include Martina McBride, Darius Rucker, Wynonna Judd. To listen to the series trailer, click here.

“Set It Straight: Myths and Legends is a chance for us to dive into the fascinating folklore and fables in and around country music and gives us an excuse to hang and informally chat with some of our biggest musical and artistic heroes,” says Midland lead vocalist Mark Wystrach.

Bass player and vocalist Cameron Duddy adds, “This is a real-life country Cinderella story: Martina McBride went from selling merch for Garth Brooks to opening for Garth Brooks seemingly overnight. Is it true? We had to talk to the legend herself to find out.”

Midland will also return to the road this fall on the Last Resort Tour which will kick off Oct. 7 in Phoenix with special guest Hailey Whitters.

Cody Johnson Makes Silver Screen Debut With New Documentary

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Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Ben Kline (EVP/General Manager, Warner Music Nashville), Reba McEntire, Cody Johnson, John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Howie Edelman (Manager, Durango Artist Management), Shaun Silva (Director, Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story), Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville), Mike Dupree (VP Creative Director, Warner Music Nashville). Photo: Alan Poizner

CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson made his debut on the silver screen at the Nashville premiere of his autobiographical documentary Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story today (Aug. 10).

Due to popular demand, 25 new cinemas and 30+ showings were added for a total of 239 theaters across the country sharing Johnson’s real-life journey from the dusty rodeo arenas of rural Texas to some of the biggest musical stages in America. With guest appearances by Reba McEntire, Navy Seal Chris Kyle’s widow Taya (Kyle), Houston Ranch’s James Barton, along with Johnson’s wife Brandi (Johnson), his producer Trent Willmon, his pastor Randy Weaver and his high school teachers, Johnson opens up about how his years on the rodeo circuit fortuitously prepared him for his life as a country star.

Every emotion Johnson felt over the past 20 years—whether he was standing in the back of the chute at the rodeo or singing about it in front of 75,000 fans—is captured in the film, with all the highs and lows that come from the dreams you cling to and the dreams you ultimately let go.

Screenings of the film begin this evening in select theaters nationwide through Sunday, Aug. 15. To purchase tickets, click here.

Yola Announces Stand 4 Myself Tour Kicking Off Spring 2022

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Grammy-nominated recording artist Yola will hit the road in early spring on her headlining Stand 4 Myself tour. The upcoming run will take her through venues across the US, including two nights at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, Chicago’s Thalia Hall, Atlanta’s The Eastern, Birmingham’s Saturn and more. Tickets go on sale on Friday, Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. local time.

Yola released her critically acclaimed debut album, Walk Through Fire, in February 2019. Nine months later, she achieved breakout success, hailed as a Black British genre-fluid rising artist, landing four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. Her anthemic new Dan Auerbach-produced album, Stand for Myself, was released July 30. The project traces a musical thread to Yola’s musical inspirations, and declares that it’s only when we stand for ourselves and acknowledge our complexity that we can be truly alive.

“Considering how much fun we’ve had playing Stand For Myself live on these returning summer shows, I cannot wait to get out on the road in February and see all of your beautiful faces as we play songs from this record and more,” Yola shares of the upcoming tour.

The new tour announcement comes after a successful run of performances at Newport Folk and Newport Jazz as well as a knockout performance as she made her Red Rocks debut, co-headlining with Orville Peck. Yola will also join Chris Stapleton on his rescheduled tour, with dates including Madison Square Garden on Oct. 8 and two nights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct 22-23.

As the health and safety of Yola, her band, her crew, and her fans is of the utmost importance, fans should be prepared that that may need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, as well as follow industry, local, or national guidance surrounding the wearing of masks.

Kasey Tyndall Signs With River House Artists, Sony Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Lynn-Oliver Cline, Kasey Tyndall, Zebb Luster, Kayla Adkins

Kasey Tyndall has signed a global publishing deal with River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Hailing from Greenville, NC, Tyndall got her first big break as a singer-songwriter after winning the chance to sing alongside Keith Urban at one of his shows in 2015. Throughout her career, she’s shared the stage with Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Parmalee, Granger Smith, Whiskey Myers, Joe Diffie, Stryper, Jamey Johnson, and many more.

Recently, Tyndall has been recording new music in Nashville, unveiling her newest single, “Middle Man,” on May 21. She is currently on tour with Jamey Johnson and Whiskey Myers with plans to tour with Drake White this fall.

“We have been big fans of Kasey for a couple years now and knew that if the opportunity ever presented itself, we would love to work with her,” says Zebb Luster, vice president & general manager, River House Artists. “Her determination and confidence in who she is as an artist has really grown since moving to Nashville and we are stoked to help her cultivate a long-term career in this business. She is a true entertainer!”

“I am beyond excited to be starting a new chapter in my career and joining the River House family,” shares Tyndall. “Their work ethic is contagious, and I couldn’t be more thankful for their belief in my music!”

Summerfest 2021 Announces Revised COVID-19 Entry Protocols

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Summerfest 2021 has announced that it will be enforcing a vaccination requirement for the upcoming festival taking place Sept. 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18. Under the new policy, patrons must present either a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 72 hours of the event, including the Wednesday Weekend Preview concerts and the Little Big Town and Bodeans concert on Aug. 13 both held at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater

“We collaborated with national health experts and music industry executives and determined this was the best course of action for Summerfest.” says Don Smiley, president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Upon entry at any gate, all attendees will be asked to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or proof of a negative test. An original vaccination card, a printed copy of a valid vaccination card, or negative test will be accepted. Documentation may also be presented in digital form. For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours (3 days) of attending the festival.  To avoid any entry delay, participants are encouraged to obtain a test before coming to the concert.

“Milwaukee World Festival has been a community leader and a tremendous partner in prioritizing the health of festival staff, vendors, performers, and attendees throughout their planning,” shares Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “We are pleased with their proactive decision to implement these additional safety measures and ensure festival-goers can feel comfortable attending this beloved music fest responsibly.”

Per current CDC guidelines, masks will also be recommended for indoor spaces, including the Summerfest Store, First Aid stations, and restrooms. If an individual is unvaccinated, it is recommended that a mask be worn when attending large gatherings.

Summerfest features over 1,000 performances on 12 stages, along with food, beverages, and activities. This year’s lineup includes Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, Megan Thee Stallion, Jonas Brothers,  Luke Bryan, Chance the Rapper, Guns N’ Roses, Dave Chapelle, Wilco, Dave Matthews Band, Diplo, Fitz    and The Tantrums, Bleachers, Dave Chapelle, Black Pumas, Run the Jewels, Pixies, Rise Against, Goo Goo Dolls and many more.

Nelly Releases Second Single Off New Country-Inspired Album, ‘Heartland’

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Nelly

Nelly has teamed up with Blanco Brown and Breland for his upbeat new single, “High Horse,” available everywhere now. “High Horse” marks the second release from the double Diamond-selling, multi-Platinum rapper’s upcoming country-inspired album, Heartland, dropping Aug. 27 via RECORDS/Columbia.

Packed with throwback country twang, the track features Nelly’s iconic rap style and showcases a huge range of vocals, blending funk with honky tonk styles combined from the three diverse artists. Blanco shows his range, bringing the twang and hitting the ultra-high notes while Breland provides his genre-blurring sound and smooth vocals.

“Good music brings all types of people together and this track, ‘High Horse’ is a bangin’ track that merges my style with Blanco and Breland’s styles,” Nelly shares. “When I woke up the next morning after recording it, I thought, ‘Wow we did something really wild last night!’  After a tough year for everyone, I hope ‘High Horse’ brings hip hop fans and country fans together to celebrate us all being together again!”

“High Horse” further sets the stage for Nelly’s upcoming country-influenced album which showcases Nelly’s ability to transcend genres, defy labels, and blend his sound with the true heartbeat of country music. The first single released from Heartland, “Lil Bit,” featuring Florida Georgia Line and was recently certified Platinum.

Nelly has seen crossover success in country, from his collaboration with Tim McGraw in 2004 with “Over and Over,” to his Diamond-certified success on Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise,” Jimmie Allen’s “Good Times Roll,” Kane Brown’s remix of “Cool Again,” and his own remake of Thomas Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man.”

September’s Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Rescheduled To 2022

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Next month’s Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam has been rescheduled to next year, it was announced today (Aug. 10).

Due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases in Bay County, Florida and across the country, festival organizers have moved the festival originally scheduled for Sept. 3-5, 2021 to June 3-5, 2022.

Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion and Brooks & Dunn were scheduled to headline the 9th annual festival, with support from Gary Allan, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery, Tracy Lawrence, and more.

The rescheduling announcement follows the news of updated COVID protocols for several festivals across the nation, including Tennessee’s Bonnaroo, which will now require COVID vaccinations or a negative test for entry.

Fans who have already purchased passes have the option of retaining those passes until next year’s Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam. For those interested, refunds will be made available in seven days. Additional information regarding refunds and transfers can be found at gulfcoastjam.com.

BREAKING: Bonnaroo To Require COVID Vaccine Or Negative Test For Entry

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Bonnaroo 2019. Photo: Charles Reagan Hackleman

Bonnaroo has just announced that they will be enforcing a vaccine requirement ahead of this year’s festival, running Thursday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 5. In order to attend the 2021 festival, patrons must present a full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 72 hours of entering the property.

“Bonnaroo strongly encourages vaccination. The last day to receive the second shot of Moderna or Pfizer, or a single dose of Johnson and Johnson is Thursday, Aug. 19,” festival organizers shared on its website. “Bonnaroo requests that unvaccinated individuals wear a mask at all times while on The Farm.”

Upon arriving on the Bonnaroo farm, patrons will be required to receive a Health Check Wristband at any campground medical tent. These wristbands will allow entry into the festival for the entire duration of the event.

For attendees for forgot to receive a test, lost their vaccination card, or are outside of the 72-hour window, COVID-19 Rapid Anti-gen tests will be available at all Plaza Medical Tents for $40. If you test positive, a second complimentary test will be given for confirmation.

For anyone who tests positive upon arriving at the Bonnaroo farm, they will be notified of their test status, have their festival wristband removed, and will be provided with a pre-printed card with instructions on how to request a refund for their ticket. Additionally, any patrons who test positive before the festival or who are still in the 14-day isolation window will be eligible for a full ticket refund.

Bonnaroo will also require masks in any indoor spaces regardless of vaccination states, including the General Store, Plaza Barns, and all enclosed activations.

Reyna Roberts Signs With Eclipse Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Kurt Locher (Founder, Eclipse Music Group), Denise Stevens (Partner, Loeb & Loeb), Ryan McMahan (Co-founder, Oath Management), Reyna Roberts, Larry Pareigis (Co-founder, Oath Management), Penny Gattis (General Manager, Eclipse Music Publishing), Samuel Roberts, Jamie Bruno (Creative Manager, Eclipse Music Publishing)

Rising country artist Reyna Roberts has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group.

Roberts was born in Alaska into a military family, and grew up in Alabama and California. She moved to Nashville in March 2020 and shortly after released her single “Stompin Grounds,” which was featured during Monday Night Football. She was named as part of the 2021 class of CMT’s Next Women of Country and recently joined Jamey Johnson as a special guest on his summer tour and made her festival debut at Watershed Festival.

Roberts joins Ronnie Bowman, Nick Connors, Sarah Darling, Jeff Garrison, Early James, Jordan James, Eric Masse, Jim McCormick, and Payton Smith on Eclipse Music Group’s publishing roster.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reyna to the Eclipse Music family,” says Penny Gattis, head of Eclipse’ Publishing division.  “It’s been amazing to watch Reyna’s artistic vision come to life through her songwriting, powerhouse vocals and electric live performances. She’s the definition of an entertainer and her dedication to her artistry is inspiring. We are honored to be her publishing home.”

“I am incredibly grateful that Eclipse has welcomed me into their family,” says Roberts. “We share the same vision and dream. Kurt, Penny, and Jamie understand me as an artist and writer. I’m looking forward to us winning together!”

Ben Rector & Lindsay Ell To Perform World Cup Qualifier Pre-Game Concert At Nissan Stadium

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Ben Rector. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitor Corps

Singer-songwriter Ben Rector will headline a free concert outside Nissan Stadium prior to the World Cup Qualifying match between the USA and Canada on Sept. 5. Country artist Lindsay Ell will open the show at 4:15 p.m. with Rector taking the stage at 5:15 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. match. Additionally, Nashville country trio Runaway June will perform the national anthem. The concert is free and open to the public, including those without game tickets.

This will be U.S. Soccer’s first home match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign and serves as a preview with Nashville in contention to serve as a host city for the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. team has had some recent significant wins, beating rival Mexico on Aug. 1 in the Gold Cup, after defeating them on June 6 in the Concacaf National League final, resulting in two trophies for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Ell, who is Canadian, represented Nashville Soccer Club as part of the league’s 25th Season Celebration and helped them unveil their MLS away jersey, called the Nashville Vibe.

“We see this as a dress rehearsal to World Cup 2026, and having live music is essential to showing FIFA how we stand out from other destinations,” says Butch Spyridon, president and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “With Nashville’s deep base of talent, we thought it would be fitting and fun to add a native Canadian with our Nashville headliner to add to the spirit of the game.”

The concert will take place on the South Plaza between Gates 8 and 9 at Nissan Stadium. Gates will open at 3 p.m. alongside U.S. Soccer’s official FanHQ event, a pregame fan activation created to extend the fan experience beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch. The event will include music, games, food and more.

Currently home to Nashville SC, the city has developed a rich history of supporting the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and drawing impressive crowds. The USA began its march to the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup title by playing to a 1-1 draw with Panama in front of 47,622 fans – then a record attendance mark for soccer in the state of Tennessee.