Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
Eight-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney will finally return to the road for his Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour.
After his 2020 tour was forced to pause because of the pandemic, Chesney held out on rescheduling due to concern about who would not be able to attend sold-out stadium shows, last minute changes in protocols and the challenges of mounting stadium-sized concerts week-after-week with shifting local crews.
“When we hit pause on our 2020 tour, I never thought we would go much past the fall, let alone into 2021,” says Chesney. “The idea that it would be three years before I would stand in the end zone of Gillette Stadium, where No Shoes Nation was born, wasn’t something any of us could conceive.
“I still can’t really believe it,” he continues. “But in the middle of all of this, I know it’s true… and I know how much I miss being out there, being in the thick of the most passionate place in the world: No Shoes Nation. Anywhere they plant their flags, bring their passion, their friends and their will to rock, it reminds me that to be in the moment is everything No Shoes Nation is about!”
At long last, the 19-date Here And Now Tour kicks off April 23 in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium and closes with two shows at at New England’s Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 26 and 27. Chesney will hit Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on May 28.
The lineup will be revealed in the coming months, and all current ticket holders remain in the seats they’ve already purchased for Here And Now 2022.
Blue Chair Bay Rum Presents Here And Now 2022 Fueled by Marathon dates:
April 23 – Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.
May 7 – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Mo.
May 14 – American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wis.
May 21 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
May 28 – Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
June 4 – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
June 11 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 18 – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
June 25 – Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
July 2 – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Mo.
July 9 – Bobcat Stadium – Bozeman, Mont.
July 16 – Lumen Field – Seattle, Wash.
July 23 – SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Calif.
July 30 – Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.
August 6 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
August 13 – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
August 20 – Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.
August 26 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
August 27 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley Among 2021 Pollstar Award Winners Of The Decade
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry legend Garth Brooks was recognized as Country Touring Artist of the Decade, while award-winning singer-songwriter Brad Paisley received the Virtually Yours: 2020-21 Touring Artist award, and The Ryman/Grand Ole Opry received the award for From Our Stage to Your Screen: Best Livestreaming Venue. Billy Strings was also honored during the event as Breakthrough Artist of the Pandemic.
Other winners included Beyoncé who was named Pollstar Touring Artist of the Decade, Touring Artist of the Decade honors were also bestowed by genre with winners including Bon Jovi (Rock), Bruno Mars (Hip-Hop/R&B), Lady Gaga (Pop), Jennifer Lopez (Latin), and Kevin Hart (Comedy). Additional venues receiving decade awards included Radio City Music Hall (Theatre), The Forum (Arena), Hollywood Bowl (Amphitheater), and more.
“This year’s Pollstar Awards was conceived to get together and celebrate the beauty and resilience of the live thing, which we have all missed terribly,” says Ray Waddell, president of Media & Conferences for Oak View Group, Pollstar’s parent company. “We salute the winners and nominees of our Decade awards and pandemic-related awards, and especially our Heroes Of Live honorees. Now, let’s get back to churning out ticket sales and presenting epic shows as we look forward to a more traditional Pollstar Awards in February of 2022!”
A full list of Pollstar Award winners can be found here.
Kyle Fishman Decides To Play It Again, Extends Publishing Deal With PIA
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Erin Kidd, Creative Director, PIA Publishing; Ryan Dokke, PIA Music Group CEO; Kyle Fishman; PIA Music Group founder Dallas Davidson
Kyle Fishman has extended his multi-year publishing deal with Play It Again Publishing.
In addition to co-writing Luke Bryan’s recent No. 1, “Down to One,” Fishman is also the co-writer of “Bed On Fire,” the debut pop single for Atlantic Records artist Teddy Swims. Fishman also co-penned Dustin Lynch’s four-week No. 1 “Small Town Boy,” and has cuts by Florida Georgia Line and Cole Swindell, among others. The Sacramento, California native also holds writing credit on recent singles from Mitchell Tenpenny (“Broken Up”) and Granger Smith (“Hate You Like I Love You”).
“Extending our publishing agreement with Kyle was of critical importance to the long-term vision for PIA. With his recent cuts in both country and pop formats, Kyle is on his way to having the biggest year of his career! Every hit-making artist should want dates with Kyle Fishman on their calendar,” says Ryan Dokke, CEO of PIA Music Group.
The PIA Publishing roster also includes songwriters Tommy Cecil, Justin Wilson, and Trea Landon.
Kenny Chesney Announces Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour
/by LB CantrellKenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
Eight-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney will finally return to the road for his Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour.
After his 2020 tour was forced to pause because of the pandemic, Chesney held out on rescheduling due to concern about who would not be able to attend sold-out stadium shows, last minute changes in protocols and the challenges of mounting stadium-sized concerts week-after-week with shifting local crews.
“When we hit pause on our 2020 tour, I never thought we would go much past the fall, let alone into 2021,” says Chesney. “The idea that it would be three years before I would stand in the end zone of Gillette Stadium, where No Shoes Nation was born, wasn’t something any of us could conceive.
“I still can’t really believe it,” he continues. “But in the middle of all of this, I know it’s true… and I know how much I miss being out there, being in the thick of the most passionate place in the world: No Shoes Nation. Anywhere they plant their flags, bring their passion, their friends and their will to rock, it reminds me that to be in the moment is everything No Shoes Nation is about!”
At long last, the 19-date Here And Now Tour kicks off April 23 in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium and closes with two shows at at New England’s Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 26 and 27. Chesney will hit Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on May 28.
The lineup will be revealed in the coming months, and all current ticket holders remain in the seats they’ve already purchased for Here And Now 2022.
Blue Chair Bay Rum Presents Here And Now 2022 Fueled by Marathon dates:
April 23 – Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.
May 7 – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Mo.
May 14 – American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wis.
May 21 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
May 28 – Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
June 4 – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
June 11 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 18 – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
June 25 – Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
July 2 – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Mo.
July 9 – Bobcat Stadium – Bozeman, Mont.
July 16 – Lumen Field – Seattle, Wash.
July 23 – SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Calif.
July 30 – Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.
August 6 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
August 13 – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
August 20 – Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.
August 26 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
August 27 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
Jeff Garrison Signs Publishing Deal With Eclipse Music Group, Being Bob Music
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Kurt Locher, (Founder, Eclipse Music Group); Jamie Bruno, (Creative Manager, Eclipse Music Group); singer songwriter Jeff Garrison; Penny Gattis (General Manager, Eclipse Music Publishing); Bob DiPiero, (Founder, Being Bob Music)
Jeff Garrison has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group, in partnership with Being Bob Music.
Garrison has landed cuts with a variety of artists including Kylie Morgan, The Shires, RaeLynn, Livy Jeanne, Levi Hummon, Kelsey Kulyk, and others. He has also secured numerous sync placements including features on Riverdale, The Hills, So You Think You Can Dance, Modern Family, and a Super Bowl promo, among others. In 2020, Garrison was selected as a spotlight writer for the Association of Independent Music Publishers.
“Kurt [Locher] and I are thrilled to partner with Being Bob Music and welcome Jeff Garrison to the Eclipse Music family,” says General Manager of Eclipse’s publishing division, Penny Gattis. “I have been a huge fan of Jeff’s work for almost ten years now. His production combined with his artistry and heartfelt songwriting make for a special creative force.”
“Working along with Eclipse Music Group is going to make Jeff’s footprint in this community huge,” adds renowned songwriter and Being Bob Music Publishing founder Bob DiPiero. “Jeff is more than a writer/producer. He’s a talented working artist and performer. We at Being Bob Music have always had his back and always will.”
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Garrison moved to Nashville in 2011 to play, perform, and write music. His career jumpstarted when he signed a record deal with Island Records and his song “Shake That” hit number six on the Billboard Dance Chart in 2013. Today, he is collaborating with an array of songwriters and artists and finalizing his forthcoming record, Garrison.
“I’m so excited to be working with Eclipse Music and Bob DiPiero,” Garrison shares. “Bob is an icon, and his mentorship and continued partnership are invaluable to me. I’ve known Penny for many years and am excited to finally be working together. I’m looking forward to lots of fun with this incredible team!”
Round Hill Music Nashville Ups Bob Squance To Senior Director, A&R
/by Lydia FarthingBob Squance
Round Hill Music Nashville has announced the promotion of Bob Squance to Senior Director, A&R.
Squance, a 2011 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, has been with the company since 2014. Prior to joining Round Hill, he held positions at Ten Ten Music Group and Big Yellow Dog Music. In his new role, Squance will work directly with the company’s roster of hit songwriters while also signing and developing new talent.
“Since joining Round Hill, Bob has proven himself to be a valuable team player,” says Round Hill’s Mark Brown. “The move into his new role is well-deserved. I’m pleased to promote Bob and excited to see him continue to grow as a talented music professional.”
Round Hill Music Nashville has celebrated over 50 No. 1 songs since opening its doors in 2014. Its roster of hit songwriters includes Ashley Gorley, Jimmy Robbins, Zach Crowell, 4 Horsemen Music, Katie Pruitt, Eric Arjes, Kyd the Band, Adam Sanders, Derek Austin, Julia Lauren Bullock and Jake Ohlbaum from The Foxies, and Lindsey Lee.
Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Gabby Barrett Among iHeartRadio Music Festival Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughAmong the headliners for this year are Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Billie Eilish, Cheap Trick, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Journey, Khalid, Lil Baby, Maroon 5, Nelly, Weezer, and more who are set to play the main stage. Gabby Barrett, Russell Dickerson, DaBaby, Olivia Rodrigo, The Kid LAROI, Saweetie, All Time Low, 24kGoldn, Yungblud, Tate McRae, Conan Gray, Addison Rae and more will also be performing on the Daytime Stage throughout the weekend.
“This year’s Festival will be historic for many reasons,” says Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “Not only will it be the first time all of these artists are together on the same stage, but also because it’ll be in front of a live audience. We’ve all been waiting for this moment – live music is back, and we’ll be celebrating like never before.”
Each night, the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival will broadcast live via iHeartMedia stations throughout the country across more than 150 markets. The CW Network will broadcast a two-night TV special on Saturday, Oct. 2-3 from 7 p.m.–9 p.m. CST.
Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, June 25 at 1 p.m. CST via AXS.com.
Cody Johnson Returns To The Road With 2021 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Johnson will launch his new tour tomorrow, June 17, at The Country Fest in Lawrence, Ohio. He is set to play more than 40 shows across the country through the end of the year on this run, including two sold-out shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Easton Corbin and Ian Munsick will join Johnson as special guests on many of the dates.
“There are few feelings more amazing than being on stage with my friends in front of all our fans,” shares Johnson. “I can’t tell you how excited the whole gang is to finally be back on the road playing country music for you.”
Johnson recently released his new song “Sad Songs and Waltzes,” a retelling of Willie Nelson’s 1973 classic featuring the legend himself. Johnson released the song with the news of a new, 18-track double album that will be coming later this fall.
Caitlyn Smith Joins CMA Foundation As Newest Artist Ambassador
/by Lorie HollabaughCaitlyn Smith. Photo: Shervin Lainez
Caitlyn Smith has been named CMA Foundations’s newest Artist Ambassador. She announced the news during a CMA Instagram takeover where she discussed the importance of music education, her past CMA Fest experiences, and the key role the festival plays in supporting music programs in schools.
“We are thrilled to have Caitlyn Smith join the CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador collective and use her voice to continue to amplify the power of music to students and music teachers,” says CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns. “Starting in music from an early age, Caitlyn knows firsthand the positive impact music can have on a student’s life. Her passion and support in driving the CMA Foundation’s mission to ensure that all students have equitable access to quality music education across the U.S. is invaluable.”
During her time as a CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador, Smith will create a Songwriting 101 video tutorial, giving viewers an inside look into her songwriting process and sharing songwriting tips and tricks she’s learned throughout her career. The CMA Foundation will also be partnering with Smith and Monument Records during their “Tuesday Night Music Club” at Basement East on July 13. The CMA Foundation writers round will feature Smith with more soon-to-be-announced artists.
“I am so honored to partner with the CMA Foundation as their next Artist Ambassador,” says Smith. “They are doing incredible, life changing work coming alongside school districts across the country to make sure schools have the resources they need to empower the next generation of musicians, songwriters, engineers, producers and beyond. Without music education, I don’t know where I would be in my own life, and I look forward to collaborating all year with all the amazing music educators and students.”
Smith joins the CMA Foundation’s Artist Ambassador collective alongside Jimmie Allen, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae and Ashley McBryde, all who have promoted music education in ways that are personal to them. Since its inception in 2011, the CMA Foundation has been helping improve and sustain music programs throughout the U.S. so all students have equitable opportunity to participate in music education.
Kat & Alex Sign With WME [Exclusive]
/by Lydia FarthingKat & Alex. Photo: Matthew Berinato
WME has signed Sony Music Nashville country-Latin duo Kat & Alex.
The American Idol alumni exploded onto the scene with their debut single “How Many Times” and its accompanying Spanish Version which has quickly earned 10 million streams and broken onto Spotify’s Hot Country and New Boots playlists, as well as popular Latin playlists. Kat & Alex recently released their latest single, the Jordan Reynolds and Robyn Collins-penned “Heartbreak Tour,” as well as a a version of the song that features a Spanish chorus, in homage to their Latin heritage.
Having amassed nearly 20 million streams independently and receiving acclaim from Billboard, CMT, and more, the duo signed to The AMG in 2020 for management and inked a publishing deal with Warner Chappell between sessions with producer Brad Hill.
As they continue writing music, Kat & Alex have generated millions of views on social media through a series of Spanish covers of English songs from the likes of Luke Combs, Dan + Shay and Jason Isbell.
Elevation Studios Plans 26-Acre Campus In Nashville
/by Lydia FarthingRenderings of Elevation Studios
To serve the growing demand for large-scale rehearsal spaces and production facilities, Elevation Studios is planning a campus of sound stages, offices, conference rooms, fabrication workshops, rehearsal studios, and creative spaces right outside the heart of Music City in Fairview, Tennessee.
Eric Elwell, the architect and driving force behind Elevation Studios, says “Artists are earning the majority of their revenue from concert touring. The cadence of these tours has broken away from album release cycles, as many musicians and creators put out new material constantly. Meanwhile, the design, complexity, and expense have dramatically increased.”
He continues, “You need time if you’re going to push the envelope of creativity. If your artist will be flying in a harness 100 feet in the air you need a place to work this out with safety protocols for the artist, their team, and, equally important, their fans… Elevation will be that testing ground. Creative visionaries pushing the boundaries of art and science need a creative sandbox.”
Elevation’s plan is to meet the burgeoning demand for a full-scale, private, geographically optimized production space. With multiple large-scale sound stages and a green campus, Elevation’s proximity to Nashville and its legions of skilled music professionals aims to support the rebirth of live events and the evolution of livestreaming.
“In my 20+ year history of touring with Beyoncé as well as other top entertainment clients, the execution of pre-tour rehearsals was one of the largest challenges we faced due to the limited availability of large-scale facilities,” says Alan K. Floyd, veteran tour manager. “Elevation Studios will provide the scale and needed support, all in a private retreat-like setting. This is a long-overdue solution to the creative needs of hundreds of touring artists.”