Belmont University Hosts 25th Best Of The Best Showcase

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Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Belmont University hosted its 25th annual Best Of The Best Showcase on April 11.

This year’s performers included Billy Bellino, Ella Gibson, Meghan Curtin, Ella Choi, Naari, Lindsay Liebro, Soupless, Noah Clifton and Carlisle Wright.

The evening opened with a reception honoring the program’s legacy and recognized Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, as the 2026 recipient of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence. Gibson Gives awarded a $5,000 scholarship and guitar to Showcase Council member Bailee Brandon.

This year’s live events partners included CMA, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and Nashville Soccer Club. Each partner selected a Showcase artist to perform at their events.

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

CMA Fest Adds Additional Performers

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CMA Fest has added more performers to its festival lineup, taking place June 4-7 in Nashville.

Emily Ann Roberts, The Jack Wharff Band, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Laci Kaye Booth, Maggie Antone, Scoot Teasley, Vincent Mason, Willow Avalon and Zach John King will all take the Platform Stage inside Nissan Stadium, designed to showcase rising talent.

Clay Walker, Jo Dee Messina, Rhett Akins and Sara Evans have been tapped to open the Nissan Stadium shows on their respective night. Thursday night will kickoff with Caylee Hammack performing the national anthem.

More performers have also been added to the daytime stages. Brandon Lake and CeCe will perform at the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Filmore, Gabriella Rose, and Nappy Roots at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage, MŌRIAH and Love and Theft on the Chevy Vibes Stage, and Omer Netzer and MORGXN on the new Wrangler Remix Stage.

Tickets for the nightly Nissan Stadium shows are available now. The daytime stages are free and open to the public.

Tracy Lawrence Expands ‘No Alibis Tour’ Into Fall With 33 New Dates

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Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Blake Harbison

Tracy Lawrence has added a second leg to his “No Alibis Tour,” with 33 new shows set through the fall.

The tour kicked off last month, and new stops added to the tour include shows in San Antonio, Tucson, Colorado Springs, Green Bay, Shreveport and more through October. An upcoming hometown stop/Nashville show is set for May 3 at the Ryman Auditorium for the third year in a row following back-to-back sellouts. Pre-sale for the new dates is happening now with general on-sale beginning this Friday (April 24), and tickets can be purchased here.

“I’ve felt such an incredible response from fans showing up for the ‘No Alibis Tour’ night after night,” says Lawrence. “The energy has been unreal. It only made sense to keep that momentum going, so we’re adding more dates into the fall and taking this thing even further.”

“No Alibis Tour” Dates:
April 23, 2026 in Duluth, Minn. at Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Symphony Hall*
April 24, 2026 in Prior Lake, Minn. at Mystic Showroom at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
April 25, 2026 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. at Crystal Grand Music Theatre
May 2, 2026 in Marietta, Ohio at Peoples Bank Theatre
May 3, 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. at Ryman Auditorium
May 7, 2026 in Savannah, Ga. at Johnny Mercer Theater*
May 8, 2026 in Dothan, Ala. at Dothan Civic Center*
May 9, 2026 in Brandon, Miss. at Brandon Amphitheater+
May 14, 2026 in Wichita, Kan. at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center Concert Hall*
May 16, 2026 in Pasadena, Texas at Pasadena Strawberry Festival
May 28, 2026 in Spartanburg, S.C. at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium*
May 29, 2026 in Roanoke, Va. at Berglund Performing Arts Center*
May 30, 2026 in Reading, Pa. at Santander Performing Arts Center*
June 5, 2026 in Fayetteville, Ga. at Fayetteville Amphitheater
June 6, 2026 in Orange Beach, Ala. at The Amphitheater at the Wharf+
June 7, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. at Carolina Country Music Festival
June 11, 2026 in Decatur, Ala. at Rock the South*
June 12, 2026 in Corinth, Miss. at Crossroads Arena*
June 19, 2026 in Wildwood, N.J. at Barefoot Country Music Festival
June 20, 2026 in Cumberland, Md. at First Peoples Wing-Off & Music Festival
June 21, 2026 in Webster, Mass. at Indian Ranch Amphitheatre
June 27, 2026 in Bonner Springs, Kan. at Country Stampede
July 5, 2026 in Crystal Beach, Texas at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach
July 10, 2026 in Midland, Texas at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center*
July 11, 2026 in South Padre Island, Texas at South Padre Island Convention Center
July 17, 2026 in Abilene, Texas at Abilene Convention Center Auditorium*
July 18, 2028 in San Antonio, Texas at Freeman Expo Hall
July 24, 2026 in Kearney, Neb. at Buffalo County Fairgrounds
July 25, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colo. at El Pomar Great Hall at Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts*
July 31, 2026 in Harrington, Del. at Delaware State Fairgrounds
Aug. 6, 2026 in Brownstown, Ind. at Rock the Rind Music Festival
Aug. 7, 2026 in Peoria, Ill. at Prairie Home Alliance Theater*
Aug. 8, 2026 in Worthington, Iowa at Worthington Memorial Park
Aug. 13, 2026 in Glen Allen, Va. at Innsbrook After Hours Concert Series
Aug. 14, 2026 in Pikeville, Ky. at Appalachian Wireless Arena*
Aug. 15, 2026 in New Bern, N.C. at Maola
Aug. 23, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall*
Aug. 27, 2026 in Prescott Valley, Ariz. at Findlay Toyota Center
Aug. 28, 2026 in Chandler, Ariz. at The Showroom at Wild Horse Pass
Aug. 29, 2026 in Long Beach, Calif. at Cali Country Cruise
Sept. 4, 2026 in Folsom, Calif. at Stage 1 Theater at Harris Center for the Arts
Sept. 11, 2026 at Shreveport, La. at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium*
Sept. 12, 2026 at Nacogdoches, Texas at Festival Park
Sept. 17, 2026 in Pryor, Okla. at Born & Raised Music Festival
Sept. 24, 2026 in Akron, Ohio at Akron Civic Theatre*
Sept. 25, 2026 in Albany, N.Y. at Palace Theatre*
Sept. 26, 2026 in Rochester, N.Y. at Main Theater at Kodak Center*
Oct. 1, 2026 in Bismarck, N.D. at Bismarck Event Center*
Oct. 2, 2026 in Rapid City, S.D. at The Monument – Fine Arts Theatre*
Oct. 3, 2026 in Sioux City, Iowa at Orpheum Theatre Sioux City*
Oct. 15, 2026 in Erie, Pa. at Liberty Park*
Oct. 16, 2026 in Saginaw, Mich. at Theater at Dow Event Center*
Oct. 22, 2026 in Green Bay, Wis. at EPIC Event Center*
Oct. 23, 2026 in Toledo, Ohio at Stranahan Theater*
Oct. 24, 2026 in Wabash, Ind. at Ford Theater at Honeywell Center*

* presented by Peachtree Entertainment
+ co-headline with Gary Allan

BREAKING: Shania Twain Tapped As 61st ACM Awards Host

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Shania Twain is set to host the 61st ACM Awards, taking place May 17 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This will be Twain’s first time hosting the ACM Awards.

Twain is crowned the top-selling female country-pop artist of all time, and is celebrated around the world for her songwriting, artistry and performances. She is a three time ACM award winner, as well as a five time GRAMMY winner. To date, Twain has sold 100 million albums globally.

“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home.” shares Twain. “It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating Country Music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night.”

“We are honored to welcome global music superstar Shania Twain as our host this year,” adds ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. “We couldn’t imagine a more perfect icon to follow our previous iconic hosts, Dolly, Garth, and Reba, blending one of the most important nights in Country Music with the excitement of Las Vegas . Shania has an impressive history on the ACM Awards stage including her win of the coveted ACM Entertainer of the Year trophy and receiving the ACM Poet’s Award honoring her prolific songwriting career.”

The 61st ACM Awards will stream live on May 17 on Prime Video at 7 p.m. CT. The broadcast will also be available on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, as well as in the Amazon Music app. Throughout the night, performances will be held from Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, and Riley Green, with more to be announced.

ACM will also host a variety of events leading up the the award show, including Whiskey Jam Welcome Party on May 14, “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” on May 15, and “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” on May 16.

On The Row: Blake Whiten Brings Songs & Stories To MusicRow

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Blake Whiten. Photo: Alex Bittan

Warner Records’ Blake Whiten recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share his story and preview a few upcoming releases.

Hailing from Six Mile, a town of less than 800 in South Carolina, Whiten grew up learning how to play guitar from his dad.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell, Blake Whiten, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

He first went viral with his cover of Morgan Wallen’s “I Guess,” amassing 9 million views on TikTok. Building off his loyal fan base from posting covers, he released his first two independent singles “Rollin’ Stone” and “Breakin’ My Heart.” He has amassed nearly 100 million global streams to date and shared stages with Waylon Wyatt, Whiskey Myers and more. Last year, he released his debut EP Six Mile.

Whiten shared his breakthrough track, “Rolling Stone” and his upcoming release, “Bet On That.”

Whiten is currently on tour with Bailey Zimmerman with upcoming stops in Alabama, Tennessee, Washington and more. He will also join Morgan Wallen on select dates this summer.

@musicrowmag MusicRow went Off The Record with @Blake Whiten! #countrymusic #offtherecord #interview #music ♬ Break Me – Blake Whiten

 

Southall Says Welcome To The Family With Latest LP ‘Kinfolk’ Due In May

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Country-rockers Southall are set to release their brand-new album Kinfolk on May 1.

Southall recorded Kinfolk with producer Wes Sharon, and founder, singer, guitarist and band namesake Read Southall shaped the album to be rooted in old school country and revved up with plenty of rock energy. Playing out like the perfect soundtrack to a cross-country road trip, it explores relatable topics like family, legacy, loss and love, all under an Oklahoma sun. They previewed the new project and paved the way for Kinfolk with the buzzing “Freight Train” and the incendiary and infectious “Burning Bridges.”

“When people are ‘kin’ to you, they’re ‘kin’ for life. It’s an ‘all for one and one for all’ mentality,” says Read. “We’re in this together with anybody who listens to us or comes to a show. When we play live, I often say, ‘Don’t take yourself too seriously, and we won’t either.’ We’re Kinfolk after all.”

The band is heading into spring and summer with a busy tour schedule. They first join co-headliners ZZ Top and Dwight Yoakam for a run of dates this spring, before stepping onto even bigger stages this summer on the “Southern Hospitality Tour” alongside The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers, the most expansive tour of their career which includes a stop at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on May 21.

Kinfolk Track List:
1. “Burning Bridges” (Reid Barber)
2. “Southwestern Son” (Read Southall)
3. “House Money” (John Tyler Perry)
4. “Worse Things” (Reid Barber)
5. “Freight Train” (Braxton Curliss, Ryan Wellman)
6. “Kinfolk” (John Tyler Perry)
7. “Second Hand” (Reid Barber)
8. “Pocketknife And Pliers” (Read Southall)
9. “Okie Pokin’ Out” (Reid Barber, Jeremee Knipp, John Tyler Perry)

All songs produced by Wes Sharon

Noted Percussionist/Producer/Songwriter Craig Krampf Passes

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Craig Krampf, who drummed on dozens of Nashville recordings, died on April 16 at age 80.

He was formerly the Secretary/Treasurer of Nashville Local 257 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).

Krampf was a West Coast rock artist who migrated to Music City to become a session musician in the 1990s. He also worked as a record producer, notably on Nashville rocker Ashley Cleveland’s 1991 Big Town and 1993 Bus Named Desire collections for Atlantic and on the 1994 album by the Americana act Disappear Fear for Rounder.

His session credits in Nashville included percussion work on records by Tanya Tucker, Dan Seals, The Remingtons, Townes Van Zandt, Radney Foster, The Sky Kings, Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis, Ty Herndon, LeAnn Rimes, Jack Ingram, The Randy Rogers Band, The Kinleys, Billy Burnette and Burrito Deluxe. He did percussion and production work on Dolly Parton’s 1987 Rainbow album. He was also a mainstay of Alabama’s recording sessions, appearing on the group’s million-selling Southern Star, Pass It On Down, American Pride, Cheap Seats and In Pictures albums in 1989-95.

Over the years, he also logged session credits with such Nashville pop artists as Webb Wilder, Van Stephenson, Steve Cropper, Jason Ringenberg, Jill Sobule, Will Kimbrough, Newsboys, Bonepony, The Features, Essra Mohawk, Josh Leo, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Tom Kimmel and Jonell Mosser.

The Wisconsin native originally rose to prominence in L.A. in 1965-89, working in the studio with Alice Cooper, Cher, Lita Ford, Paul Stanley, Joan Armatrading, Flo & Eddie, Art Garfunkel, Santana and Warren Zevon, among others. Krampf played on hits such as Nick Gilder’s “Hot Child in the City” (1978), “Only the Lonely” by The Motels (1982), and Melissa Etheridge’s “Bring Me Some Water” (1989) from her debut album that he co-produced.

He was particularly noted for his work with Kim Carnes on her 1980s albums Romance Dance, Mistaken Identity, Voyeur, Café Racers, Barking at Airplanes, Light House and View from the House. Krampf can be heard on the Carnes hit singles “Bette Davis Eyes” (1981) and “Crazy in the Night” (1986).

While on the West Coast, he was a member of such rock bands as Silver Condor, Alien Project, The Robbs and Cherokee. The Robbs were signed to Mercury and were the house band on Dick Clark’s 1965-67 ABC-TV series Where the Action Is.

As a songwriter, Krampf’s biggest hit was with Steve Perry’s “Oh Sherrie” (co-written with Perry, Randy Goodrrum, and Bill Cuomo), which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s pop chart in 1984. Krampf also co-wrote Perry’s “Strung Out,” which made it to No. 40. He also co-wrote “I’ll Be Here Where the Heart Is” on the Grammy-winning Flashdance soundtrack album of 1983.

Craig Krampf was the father-in-law of WPLN radio producer and WNXP program director Jason Moon Wilkins. He is married to Krampf’s daughter Carrie. Craig Krampf and his wife Susie, who passed away in 2004, were married for 34 years and have three daughters, Carrie, Courtney and Katie.

Thomas Rhett & Forrest Frank A Part Of Nashville SC’s Visit Music City Summer Kickoff

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Thomas Rhett & Forrest Frank

Nashville Soccer Club has revealed its seven-week 2026 Visit Music City Summer Kickoff at GEODIS Park.

Previously announced concerts with Thomas Rhett and Niall Horan on July 9, and Forrest Frank on June 19 are apart of the series.

The programming series also includes FIFA World Cup viewing parties at GEODIS Park’s Publix Plaza and Centennial Park (including all United States Men’s National Team matches), youth soccer camps, the fourth annual Dash at the Castle 5K and the InterNASHional Night Market hosted by TIRCC and more family friendly events. The final event in the series will see Nashville SC host Atlanta United FC at GEODIS Park on July 17.

“Part of the vision for GEODIS Park has always been to serve as a world-class sports and entertainment venue capable of bringing the Nashville and Middle Tennessee community together outside of match days,” says Nashville SC Chief Business Officer Lindsey Paola. “The FIFA World Cup 2026™ schedule pause affords us a wonderful opportunity to start a new tradition in Nashville with our inaugural 2026 Visit Music City Summer Kickoff, and we look forward to building on this year’s event during future summer seasons.”

“We’re seeing continued strength in our tourism industry, and it’s driven in large part by the very events and concerts that are part of Summer Kickoff,” shares Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Summer Kickoff brings together soccer and great live music in a way that only Music City can. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy from concerts to World Cup watch parties and kid-friendly activities for visitors and our local community.”

“Hometown shows just hit different,” adds Rhett. “Kicking off my tour this summer at GEODIS Park is going to be insane, especially getting to do it with my buddy, Niall. It’s a bucket list moment for sure.”

2026 Visit Music City Summer Kickoff Lineup:
·Nashville SC Soccer Celebration presented by Discount Tire (Free FIFA World Cup 26™ live viewings):
June 12 – USA vs Paraguay (Publix Plaza at GEODIS Park)
June 19 – USA vs Australia (Centennial Park where the city’s Juneteenth615 Festival is also taking place that evening)
June 25 – USA vs Turkey (Publix Plaza at GEODIS Park)
Additional live viewings to be announced at a later date

Concerts:
June 19 – Forrest Frank (Sold Out)
July 9 – Thomas Rhett & Niall Horan (Tickets available here)
Additional concerts TBD

Cultural, Community and Family Events:
June 1-2 & June 4-5 – Youth Soccer Camps
June 13 – The InterNASHional Night Market hosted by TIRRC
June 24 – Nashville SC Season Ticket Member exclusive event
June 28 – Fourth Annual Dash at the Castle 5K Night Run
Additional events TBD

Grand Finale
July 17 – Nashville SC vs Atlanta United FC at GEODIS Park (FIFA World Cup 26™ Final weekend)

Industry Ink: Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Dasha, Amy Grant, More

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Cody Johnson Surprised With New Plaques

Cody Johnson. Photo: David Bradley

Cody Johnson was recently surprised with new plaques from Warner Records Nashville at last week’s listening party for his new album, Bank Of The Trinity.

In total, Johnson has accumulated 69 career certifications including Platinum certifications for Human The Double Album, Ain’t Nothin’ To It and Leather.

 

Lainey Wilson Featured On SiriusXM’s ‘How’s Life’ With John Mayer

John Mayer & Lainey Wilson. Photo: Courtesy of SiriusXM’s “How’s Life”

Lainey Wilson recently sat down for an in-depth interview with John Mayer on SiriusXM’s “How’s Life.”

During the interview, Wilson opened up about her preparation for headlining Stagecoach and shared the advice she received from Melissa Etheridge at the Grammys.

 

Dasha Performs On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

YouTube video

Dasha took the stage on The Kelly Clarkson Show to deliver a performance of “She’s So Gone,” which is featured on Disney’s Main Street Country EP. The episode, which aired on Friday (April 17), showcased the performance recorded in Studio A at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House.

 

Amy Grant Previews First Album In 13 Years

Amy Grant. Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Amy Grant previewed her forthcoming album The Me That Remains last week in New York. The project is set to be released on May 8 via Thirty Tigers.

On April 15, Grant appeared on Live with Kelly & Mark to perform the title track from the new album. Additionally, the GRAMMY Museum hosted “A New York Evening With Amy Grant” in partnership with the Americana Music Foundation.

 

Andreea Gleeson Delivers Keynote Address at MMF-US Nashville Summit

Photo: Randy Schaffer

Andreea Gleeson delivered the keynote address “Own the Fan: Rewriting the Playbook” featuring recording artist Alexandra Kay and manager Beth Keith of Sound Talent Group as part of last week’s Music Managers Forum – US Nashville Summit. The event brought together artist managers, self-managed artists and music industry professionals for a full day of keynote conversations, panels, presentations, and networking at The MLC’s offices.

“Over the last decade, we’ve watched the music industry completely transform,” Gleeson shared during her speech. “The artists who are breaking through today aren’t just reaching audiences, they’re building direct, durable relationships with fans. And what’s interesting is that the playbook for doing that isn’t theoretical – we’re seeing it happen in real time, and I’ve had a front row seat to one of the clearest examples of this in Alexandra Kay’s career.”

 

A3 Merch Appoints Felix Carrasco As SVP Of A&R And New Business

Felix Carrasco.

A3 Merch has appointed Felix Carrasco as SVP of A&R and New Business. In his new role, Carrasco will focus on expanding A3’s global merchandise footprint, enhancing its integrated approach across creative, production, and commerce, and developing new opportunities for artists and brands to connect with audiences.

“Felix brings a rare combination of creative instinct, operational excellence, and deep artist relationships,” says Jon Elliot, co-founder of A3 Merch. “He has been at the center of some of the most impactful merchandise and fan experiences in the industry, and we are excited to have him help shape what’s next for A3.”

“A3 has built something incredibly special, a team that combines creativity, execution, and real partnership with artists,” adds Carrasco. “I’m excited to join at a moment of growth and help push the business forward, building on that foundation to create meaningful, scalable opportunities for our clients.”

Gator Harrison Joins K-LOVE

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Gator Harrison.

Gator Harrison has joined K-LOVE, Inc. as Chief Media Officer on the Ministry Leadership Team. He will officially begin the role on May 11, and will helm the K-LOVE and Air1 radio networks, live events and partnerships. 

Harrison brings 40 years of radio experience to the role. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming for a decade at iHeartMedia. While at iHeart, he led broadcast, streaming, digital, social media and live events. Other roles throughout his career include program director, operations director and on-air personality.

He holds industry awards and recognition from both ACM and CMA. Outside of radio, he established Believers in 2015, a ministry serving and discipling professionals in the music industry.

“I dedicated my life to Jesus in 1995 and prayed that He would allow me to do what I love, where I love, all for His glory,” says Harrison. “Through years of growth and preparation, He has faithfully answered that prayer. I am deeply grateful to iHeartMedia for their support and investment in my journey, and I am honored to join the K-LOVE and Air1 family.

“I’m humbled by this next chapter and thankful that God qualifies the unqualified,” he continues. “I look forward to continuing my life’s work of inspiring others to draw closer to Jesus.”

“We are thrilled to welcome such an outstanding industry expert to our team,” adds Tom Stultz, K-LOVE Chief Executive Officer. “His blend of expertise, coupled with the industry connections and ministry work he so loves, will enhance our mission and further position K-LOVE to inspire people to move closer to Jesus.”