Kacey Musgraves Opens The Pinnacle With Sold-Out Show

Kacey Musgraves opens The Pinnacle. Photo: Nick LeTellier / Alive Coverage

Kacey Musgraves officially christened new Nashville venue, The Pinnacle, last week on Feb. 27 with a two-hour, sold-out show.

Kacey Musgraves opens The Pinnacle. Photo: Ben Adams / Alive Coverage

Musgraves treated the crowd to a set of her hits including “Dandelion” and “Merry Go ‘Round” from her debut album Same Trailer Different Park, highlights from Golden Hour, Pageant Material and Star-Crossed as well as several fan-favorites from her most recent release Deeper Well. As the dreamy live-moss covered stage came to life, the evening also featured highlights like Musgraves performing “Somebody To Love” for the first time in a decade, as well as an ode to her beloved dog Pepper with “My Bitch.”

At sunset, The Pinnacle was illuminated with a striking Musgraves-inspired 3D mapping projection featuring butterflies, cardinals and more themes from the eight-time Grammy-winner’s music. Every fan was also given a free drink token upon entry and left with a free opening night poster to commemorate the special night.

Opening week for the 4,500 capacity venue continues with shows including Killswitch Engage with openers Kublai Khan TX, Fit for a King and Frozen Soul (Mar. 5), DeadMau5 (Mar. 7), and The Turnpike Troubadours with opener Shelby Stone (Mar. 8).

Riley Green Soars To No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Riley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan

Riley Green has jumped seven spots to No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. Both of his solo-penned “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way” are represented on the chart this week.

Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Park,” “She Hates Me” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Charlie Handsome remains at No. 3 with “Guy For That,” “I Had Some Help,” “I’m The Problem,” “Love Somebody,” “Smile” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Zach Bryan (No. 4) and Taylor Phillips (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.

The Red Clay Strays ‘Get Right’ On New 2025 Tour

The Red Clay Strays have unveiled their upcoming “Get Right 2025 Tour.”

Beginning on July 3 with a three-night homecoming run at The Amphitheater at the Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, the tour will see the breakout band perform from coast to coast. Notable stops include Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, The Salt Shed in Chicago, Moody Amphitheater in Austin, two nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and more.

The Red Clay Strays, composed of Brandon Coleman, Drew Nix, Zach Rishel, Andrew Bishop, John Hall and Sevans Henderson, formed in 2016 in Mobile, AL. Their debut album, Moment of Truth, released in 2022 and featured their hit single “Wondering Why,” which shot the newcomers to the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Chart and top 20 of the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart.

2024 marked a new high for the band, inking with RCA Records and releasing their sophomore album, Made by These Moments, in July. The project, produced by Dave Cobb, sported the group’s signature southern, electric rock and roll sound and helped them earn a win for Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards, their first CMA nomination for Vocal Group of the Year and their first Billboard Music Award win for Top Country Group.

Following performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Saturday Morning and NPR’s Tiny Desk, the group released their first live album, Live At The Ryman, using tracks recorded during their three-night stint at the “Mother Church of Country Music” as part of their sold-out 2024 These Moments Tour.

Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning March 4 at 10 a.m. local through March 6 at 10 p.m. local time, with general on sale kicking off this Friday (March 7) at 10 a.m. local. To purchase tickets, click here.

The Red Clay Strays 2025 “Get Right Tour” Dates:
July 3 – The Amphitheater at the Wharf – Orange Beach, AL
July 4 – The Amphitheater at the Wharf – Orange Beach, AL
July 5 – The Amphitheater at the Wharf – Orange Beach, AL
July 20 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
July 24 – The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
July 26 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR
July 27 – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater – Nampa, ID
July 31 – The Armory – Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 2 – BMO Harris Pavilion – Milwaukee, WI
Aug. 3 – Jacobs Pavilion – Cleveland, OH
Aug. 12 – KEMBA Live! Outdoor – Columbus, OH
Aug. 13 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN
Aug. 15 – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park – Wilmington, NC
Aug. 16 – Red Hat Amphitheater – Raleigh, NC
Aug. 20 – The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – Saint Augustine, FL
Aug. 22 – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater – Charlotte, NC
Aug. 24 – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront – Richmond, VA
Aug. 28 – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater – Bridgeport, CT
Aug. 29 – The Stone Pony Summer Stage – Asbury Park, NJ
Sept. 3 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL
Sept. 7 – Saint Louis Music Park – Maryland Heights, MO
Sept. 11 – Capitol Federal Amphitheater – Andover, KS
Sept. 12 – Ford Amphitheater – Colorado Springs, CO
Sept. 14 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre- Morrison, CO (SOLD OUT)
Sept. 15 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre- Morrison, CO (SOLD OUT)
Sept. 19 – Cable Dahmer Arena – Independence, MO
Sept. 20 – The Astro Amphitheater – La Vista, NE
Sept. 25 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX
Sept. 26 – Cooks Garage – Lubbock, TX
Sept. 28 – Moody Amphitheater – Austin, TX
Oct. 4 – Fox Theatre – Detroit, MI

Musicians On Call Promotes 11 Staff Members

Musicians on Call has elevated 11 staff members throughout the organization.

Katy Epley has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Epley has been with Musicians On Call for 18 years, playing a key role in expanding the organization’s programs to Middle Tennessee in 2007. As COO, she will oversee daily operations, ensuring the Programs Department delivers exceptional services and the Operations Department adheres to strong business practices.

Elizabeth Black has been elevated to Senior Vice President of Operations. In her new role, she will manage the organization’s finance, technology, legal and human resource functions. She has been with the organization for 13 years.

Nicole Rivera has been upped to Vice President of Innovation. Rivera joined the team in 2014 and most recently led the Program Team. As VP of Innovation, she will oversee key projects for the organization, including co-developing the organization’s technology platform and establishing a new structure for remote and part-time employees.

PJ Cowan has been promoted to Director of Programs. He has been with the organization for 10 years, contributing to both the fundraising and program departments. As Director of Programs, he will lead the program team in managing and expanding nationwide initiatives.

Tarah Duarte has been elevated to Director of Corporate Partnerships. Duarte joined the corporate partnerships team in 2019. As Director, she will lead the organization’s collaborations with national brands across various industries, including healthcare, lifestyle and entertainment.

Melinda LaFollette has been upped to Director of PR & Events. Since joining the marketing team in 2018, LaFollette has been responsible for overseeing all media, communications and live events for the organization. In her new role as Director, she will continue to guide the organization’s national public relations strategy and manage all live events.

Alli Prestby has been promoted to Creative Director. She joined as Creative Coordinator in 2022 and has since enhanced the organization’s national brand. As Creative Director, she will lead a team dedicated to continuing her efforts in strengthening and evolving the organization’s brand awareness.

Torianne Valdez has been elevated to Director of Artist Relations. Valdez joined the program team in 2017 and later transitioned to overseeing the organization’s artist relationships. As Director of Artist Relations, she will manage the organization’s national talent strategy, which includes building relationships with celebrity talent and industry teams, as well as recruiting and coordinating celebrity visits and partnership opportunities both locally and nationally.

Audrey Jadwisiak has been upped to Senior Program Manager. Jadwisiak joined the program team in 2022, where she has contributed to the delivery and expansion of programs while enhancing the volunteer experience. As senior program manager, she will oversee the organization’s bedside program across multiple East Coast and Midwest markets.

Lia Okenkova has been promoted to Senior Development Manager. Okenkova took on the role of Grants Coordinator in 2023, managing and executing grant applications and stewardship. As Senior Development Manager, she will continue overseeing the organization’s grant funding while also guiding the strategic direction of the development department.

Sasha Arnkoff has been elevated to Program Manager. Arnkoff joined the staff in 2023 as Executive Assistant, after serving as a MOC Volunteer Musician since 2014. As Program Manager, she will oversee the organization’s West Coast bedside programs.

“The talent and commitment of Musicians On Call’s team is unmatched, and it’s an honor to recognize these hardworking members through their promotions,” shares Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “I am confident that they will continue to take our organization to exciting new levels and will do great things to further our mission of delivering the healing power of music to people who are facing some of the hardest days of their lives.”

Jordan Davis Lands Eighth Chart-Topper With ‘I Ain’t Sayin”

Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis has racked up his eighth No. 1 single on the country radio charts this week with “I Ain’t Sayin.’”

The track marks his fastest rise to No. 1 to date. In addition to the U.S. charts, “I Ain’t Sayin’” topped the U.K. charts for eight weeks, earning the most weeks at No. 1 on the U.K. Country Radio Airplay Charts.

Written by Steve Moakler, who celebrates his first No. 1 with “I Ain’t Sayin,” as well as Travis Wood, Mark Holman and Emily Reid, “I Ain’t Sayin’” offers a glimpse into Davis’ forthcoming new album, the follow-up to his Platinum-selling project Bluebird Days, which featured four consecutive No. 1s.

“I really want to thank country radio, Miranda [McDonald], Damon [Moberly] and the entire MCA Nashville promotion staff for this. I do not take this for granted. There is a lot of incredible music out there and the support y’all have shown me has meant so much,” shares Davis. “This one feels extra special with it being the first single from the new album I’ve been working on, and with it also being Steve’s first number one. Thank you to the writers, thank you to the team, the fans, and just everyone that’s really showed up for me over my career. Truly, thank you.”

Davis was featured as part of last weekend’s Skate for LA Strong Game at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 23, where he performed alongside Snoop Dogg, Steve Carell, Justin Bieber, Will Ferrell and more.

Ashley Gorley, Emily Bear & Abigail Barlow Offer Career Insights At ASCAP 2025 Membership Meeting

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP Foundation Executive Director Nicole George-Middleton, Ashley Gorley, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, Abigail Barlow & Emily Bear. Photo: Ryan Lash for ASCAP

ASCAP held its 2025 Membership Meeting last Thursday (Feb. 27) in Manhattan.

The event began with a performance by songwriter and National Poetry Slam champion IN-Q. Then, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, along with ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews gave the ASCAP State of the Union address. They celebrated the PRO’s 111 years of supporting music creators, highlighted the outstanding achievements of ASCAP members in 2024, and shared the organization’s record-breaking financial success over the past year. In 2024, ASCAP generated $1.835 billion in revenue and distributed $1.696 billion in royalties to its songwriter, composer and publisher members.

“In 2024, ASCAP continued to navigate both the potential and the disruption of AI by staying true to our creator-first, future-forward DNA,” explained Williams. “We advocated for the rights and royalties of human creators while exploring opportunities to innovate for and with our members. Working together is how we take care of our own. As music creators, our community is built on a foundation of compassion, connection and a sense of purpose. That is our bedrock, where we always land, where we always begin.”

“We’re only here because of you— we were founded by you; we’ll continue to exist because of you,” added Matthews. “We’ve been around for 110 years, and will be around another hundred years because of you.”

“Right now, there are 4 million students in the US who lack access to music education in their schools,” noted ASCAP Foundation Executive Director Nicole George-Middleton. “And 1.3 million of these students are in elementary school. That’s why the work we do at The ASCAP Foundation is so critical right now. And why we’ve spent so much of our recent time and energy identifying ways to reach as many of these children as we can.”

The meeting was followed by a panel and Q&A featuring ASCAP songwriters Ashley GorleyEmily Bear and Abigail Barlow. Moderated by ASCAP VP of Marketing and Creative Director Erik Philbrook, the panelists shared their storytelling techniques and offered advice on navigating the industry’s highs and lows. During the discussion, Gorley shared how he got started in songwriting as a Belmont University student, where a teacher introduced him to ASCAP. Bear spoke about the lessons she learned from her mentor, Quincy Jones, particularly his lifelong approach to learning in the music industry. Barlow emphasized the importance of building community and finding allyship within the songwriting world.

Ingrid Andress Returns With National Anthem Performance & New Single

Ingrid Andress has stepped back into the spotlight with a restorative national anthem performance at the Colorado Avalanche game in her home state on Friday night (Feb. 28). Additionally, her new single “Footprints,” released today (March 3) via Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records.

When Andress initially wrote the simple piano ballad for her younger siblings, she never planned to release it to the public. The heartfelt track, both bittersweet and hopeful, moves between honest self-reflection and tender storytelling as Andress shares comforting words to help others navigate tough times.

“This song means so much to me that I didn’t think I’d ever put it out, and now it resonates with me even more than when I wrote it,” shares Andress. “I was the first sibling to venture out on my own and pursue my dreams, and I think it’s my role as an older sister to encourage them to do the same. I want them to learn from my mistakes, and to know that you can mess up and still keep moving forward. It doesn’t feel great to fail, but it can end up making you stronger.”

“Footprints” marks Andress’ first new music since her critically acclaimed 2022 sophomore album Good Person. The release comes after an altering year for Andress, which included a National Anthem performance followed by a stint in rehab. The experience deeply changed her outlook on her career.

“It felt like the Band-Aid had been ripped off and I’d lost the fear of making my lyrics very specific to my experience,” she explains. “Instead of trying to write songs that everyone can hear themselves in, I wanted to get back to being radically honest and really let my voice come through. It’s so much more fulfilling, and I don’t feel like I’m hiding anymore.”

Her return to the spotlight is driven by a newfound confidence, recently inspiring her to take another shot at performing “The Star Spangled Banner” live. Variety praised Andress for “singing it again, and getting it right this time.”

“Footprints” offers a look into what is ahead from Andress, who teamed up with longtime collaborator Sam Ellis to produce the track and Michael Pollack to write it. As she prepares to release her most introspective work to date, Andress hopes to inspire others to embrace moments of thoughtful self-reflection. “I hope my new music encourages people to slow down and carve out time to reconnect with where they began, who they are, and who they want to become,” she adds.

Chase Matthew Hosts Advance Screening Of New MavTV Series ‘Chase’n’

Pictured (L-R): Ken Madson (Ignition), Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN),
Chase Matthew, Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN) and Loyd Potts (Ignition). Photo: David Bradley

Chase Matthew hosted an advance screening of his new six-part MAVTV original docuseries, Chase’n on Feb. 26 at Warner Music Nashville for key industry tastemakers, friends and family.

Chase Matthew makes headline debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Kara Lewis

The first episode of the new series, which blends the grit of Nashville’s music scene with the adrenaline of car culture, will air March 12 exclusively on MAVTV and the MAVTV GO App. Chase’n gives viewers an in-depth look at the Lucas Oil brand ambassador’s relentless pursuit of both musical success and mechanical mastery.

From recording and performing new songs, to getting his hands dirty under the hood of his favorite rides and giving back to the community that raised him, fans can check out each new episode of Chase’n on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET this spring on MAVTV – available via cable providers including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Spectrum, DIRECTV, Verizon, U-verse and more.

The event follows the successful launch of his album Chase, and Matthew’s headline debut at the Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 21. In celebration of delivering his third studio LP, the setlist for the album release show was loaded with songs off the 13-track collection. He also received plaques for brand new RIAA certifications while appearing at SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour earlier in the night.

Matthew is currently bringing this new music to his 2025 “World Tour” which spans the U.S., U.K. and Europe before he joins Keith Urban’s “High And Alive World Tour” this summer, with stops in the U.S. and Australia.

Mark Your Calendar—March 2025

Single/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:

March 3
Dan + Shay/Always Gonna Be/Warner Music Nashville
Ingrid Andress/Footprints/Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records
James Hollingsworth & Molly Lovette/Fixin’ Too/Big Mac Entertainment

March 6
Adam Wright/Yellow Bird/Carnival Recording Co.

March 7
Kelsey Hart/Gone With The Wind/Curb Records
Twinnie/Woah Man/IKAW Records
Megan Barker/Bad Boy
Scotty Hasting/Pro Beer/Black River Entertainment
Fimone/Woman/Ten TwentySix Media
Autumn Nicholas (feat. SistaStrings)/Listening/Moraine Music Group/A&N Records
Ross Flora/Home Bound

March 10
Tucker Wetmore/3,2,1/EMI Records Nashville/Back Blocks Music
Casey Donahew/Green In Colorado/Almost Country Records

March 14
Hayden Coffman/Love & A Heartbreak
Emma Grace Glover/Better Places
Megan Nadin/In Another Life

March 17
Dasha/Not At This Party/Warner Records
Greylan James/Wait Til You Have Kids/Nashville Harbor Records
Craig Campbell/Missing You/Grindstone Recordings
Mary Heather Hickman/Denim On Denim/Moro Bay Music
Caleb Lathrop/Picture This/CAL Production
Skip Ewing/Road Dog
Sara Smiles & The Song Machine/Boots On The Dance Floor
Toby May/Tonight

March 21
Rotundo/Memory Lane
Garrett Bradford/She Loves Horses/H.O.T. Records
Rachel Lipsky/Cowgirl Candy/STEER/Riot South
Bryan Ruby/Growin’ On Me
Bill Nash/Locked In Your Lovin’ Arms/Cloverdale Music

March 24
Hudson Westbrook/House Again/River House Artists
MaRynn Taylor/Same Girl Same/Black River Entertainment
Greg Pratt/One More Time/PGMG Nashville

March 31
Pryor Baird/One Left Behind/Black River Entertainment
Six One Five Collective/Doozies/Six One Five Collective

 

Album/EP Releases:

March 7
Kelsea Ballerini/Patterns (Deluxe)/Black River Entertainment
Caylee Hammack/Bed of Roses/Capitol Records Nashville
Jason Isbell/Foxes In The Snow/Southeastern Records
Tyler Rich/Hello California/ONErpm
Hueston/Huey/Silver Wings Records
Mackenzie Carpenter/Hey Country Queen/The Valory Music Co.
Kat Luna/That Girl/Sony Music Nashville
Angel White/Ghost Of The West: The Album/Wyatt Road Records
Ian Flanigan/The Man My Mama Raised/Reviver Records

March 14
Warren Zeiders/Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal/Warner Records
Carly Pearce/Hummingbird: No Rain, No Flowers/Big Machine Records
Brett Eldredge/Lonestar Lovers/Warm and Cozy Records
Charley Crockett/Lonesome Drifter/Island Records
Ruston Kelly/Dirt Emo, Vol. 2/Rounder Records
The Wilder Blue/Still In The Runnin’
Jordana Bryant/Right Key, Wrong Porch/Starlight Music Productions
Grace Tyler/Everything I Didn’t Say
Onoleigh/First Rodeo

March 21
Tauren Wells/Let The Church Sing
Ryan Hurd/Midwest Rock & Roll/Big Machine Records
Ghost Hounds/Almost Home/Gibson Records
Maddox Batson/First Dance/Prosper Entertainment/Warner Records
Lola Kirke/Trailblazer/One Riot Records

March 28
Alison Krauss & Union Station/Arcadia/Down The Road Records
2 Lane Summer/The Love Songs/Quartz Hill Records
Jason Scott & The High Heat/American Grin/Leo33

 

Industry Events:

March 3
CMA Touring Awards
Song Suffragettes’ 11th Anniversary Celebration

March 20
MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row

March 25-29
Tin Pan South 2025

Jody Williams Songs Promotes Two

Nina Jenkins Fisher and Tenasie Courtright. Photos: Nathan Zucker

Jody Williams Songs (JWS) is ringing in its fifth anniversary by promoting Nina Jenkins Fisher to Vice President/General Manager and Tenasie Courtright to Creative Director.

Fisher has been with JWS since its inception in 2020. Alongside Founder/Owner Jody Williams, she has signed and managed an impressive and varied staff of writers, including developing artists, major label artists, writer producers and pure songwriters. In addition to handling day-to-day operations, Fisher also supports in overseeing the company’s partnership with Warner Chappell Music.

“Thank you to Jody for giving me the space to grow—both creatively and in my understanding of the inner workings of the music publishing industry I love so much,” shares Fisher. “It has been a true joy to help build a company that has been embraced by the writers, publishers and song people in our community.”

“Starting a publishing company from scratch is a daunting task to say the least. But from day one, Nina took the reins of calendar management, pitching songs and attracting writers, all while interacting with the community in meaningful ways,” shares Williams. “We were always an exceptional team because of our different approaches to the business. Never shying away from offering opposing opinions, we have both learned from each other in a very healthy way.

“Simply put, Nina is a leader,” he adds. “She is intentional, smart and has a great ear for talent. This promotion is an acknowledgement of her tremendous contribution to our company and our ‘song forward’ ethos.”

Courtright has elevated through positions as Creative Coordinator and Creative Manager since joining JWS in 2022. With her organizational skills, musical knowledge and positive approach to business, she has found her place in the creative community. She reports to Fisher.

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity and deeply grateful for my team at JWS,” Courtright says. “The mentorship and trust of Jody and Nina have been truly invaluable in my journey. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such an exceptional group of writers, and I’m feeling inspired and excited for what lies ahead.”

“Ten keeps the energy high in the office. She’s ever the optimist and dreams big for our writers,” Fisher imparts. “We’re totally in sync when it comes to our roster, and I’m grateful for it.”

“Tenasie has an instinct for working with songwriters. As an innate communicator, she offers creative ideas and solutions like a seasoned pro. We are lucky to have her,” echoes Williams.

JWS represents songwriters Andy Austin, Ashley McBryde, Driver Williams, Ed Williams, Emily Ann Roberts, Harper O’Neill, Jason Nix, Jeremy Spillman, Natalie Hemby, Peytan Porter and Vince Gill.