615 Indie Live will return on Feb. 7 for its second year to spotlight independent venues and local artists. The event is produced by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp in partnership with Music Venue Alliance Nashville.
There will be 15 venues hosting shows for the event, including 3rd and Lindsley, Acme Feed & Seed, Anzie Blue, Cannery Hall, Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, DRKMTTR Collective, Eastside Bowl, Mirror Mirror, Music Makers Stage at Delgado Guitars, Night We Met, Rudy’s Jazz Room, The 5 Spot, The Basement, The East Room and The End.
Performers across the day will include Amelia Day, Anastasia Elliot, Bones Owens, Boy Orbison, Brian Wright, Bryant Taylorr, Campanula, Charles Wigg Walker, Claire Ernst, Christina Vane with Joshua Hedley, Crystal Rose, Daphne, David Cook Quintet feat. Jeff Coffin w/ Miguel Alvarado, Jacob Jezioro & Jordan Perlson, DeeOhGee, DJ Nat Ward, Eddie Angel’s Guitar Party, Family Dog, Genevieve Heyward, Hayden Pattengale, Heavy Quitters, Hector Tellez Jr, Henri Herbert and The Fury, Hogslop String Band, Hussy Fit, JT Loux, Justin Webb & The Noise, Kenny Sharp, Laney Jones and The Spirits, Lilly Hiatt, Lilly Winwood, Lombardy, Marc Payne Quintet w/ Don Aliquo, Simon Mogul, Rob Linton & Josh Cook, Massie 99, New Translations, Plainview Vibes’ Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Rolling Stone Nashville Now with Noeline Hofmann, Rougarou, SWEETTALKER, TEN, Texas Chain Store Managers, The Brummies, The Minks, The Sewing Club, Thunder and Rain, Venus & the Flytraps and Zandi Hollup. More artists will be announced at a later date.
“Nashville’s independent venues have been critical to our band’s career from day one, so it’s an honor to be a part in celebrating and supporting them,” says Matthew Paige of DeeOhGee. “For bands like us, these spaces are like extensions of our homes; safe spaces to hone our craft, test new material, and connect with our community on any night of the week.”
“Nashville’s full of all kinds of artists, every genre you can imagine, and the level of talent here is something you just can’t find anywhere else,” shares Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Events like 615 Indie Live truly capture the spirit of Music City with independent venues lifting up local talent and our community coming together to celebrate it. We’re proud to help create a day where so many artists can shine, and we hope both visitors and locals discover something new to love about Nashville’s music scene.”
“While this is truly a celebration, it also serves as an important reminder of the vital role these spaces hold in our community, and the pressures mounting against them.” adds Chris Cobb, President of the Music Venue Alliance Nashville, and Co-Producer of the festival. “From skyrocketing operational costs like property tax, rent, and insurance, to shifting local regulations like parking, and a consumer base that is spending less in small venues, current times are extremely challenging. That is why an event like 615 Indie Live has never been more important and needed.”
Event passes are on sale now for $20 and will allow entry to all participating venues. Shows will take place starting at 12 p.m. and go until 2 a.m. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit MVAN and its mission to advocate for Nashville’s independent venues, promoters, and festivals, which also includes the organization’s Emergency Relief Fund. Additionally, the festival will donate $2 per ticket this year to WNXP, to help raise money for the nonprofit radio station who lost its federal funding this year.
Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Earns National Accreditation For Fourth Time
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Music Hall of Fame and Museum archivists process artifacts in the museum’s archives. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has achieved accreditation again from the American Alliance of Museums, which distinguishes museums that achieve their mission and goals and operate according to the museum field’s highest standards and best practices.
This is the The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s fourth consecutive accreditation since gaining the designation in 1987. Only about 500 museums have achieved accreditation four times, and of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, approximately 1,100 are currently accredited—roughly 3% nationwide. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review process every 10 years to maintain this status. The process assesses museums’ work in public trust and accountability, mission and planning, leadership and organizational structure, collections stewardship, education and interpretation, financial stability and facility management. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers.
“Reaccreditation validates our everyday commitment to our mission,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “It confirms that we have an important and unduplicated collection, we use best museum practices to care for these holdings and we make these treasures available to the largest possible audience. Scholarship and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do as we work to preserve the history of country music and teach its cultural importance.”
As one of the most-visited museums in the country, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum welcomed nearly 1.5 million visitors in 2024 and offered more than 2,000 in-person and virtual educational programs. The museum’s collection facilities, including the Frist Library and Archive, house the world’s largest assemblage of country music artifacts and serve as a research hub for understanding the genre’s history and impact. Its galleries present half a dozen rotating exhibits per year as well as a regularly refreshed permanent core exhibition.
Stephen Wilson Jr. Rocks Headline Ryman Debut
/by Madison HahnenStephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Jace Kartye
Stephen Wilson Jr. took the Ryman Auditorium stage for his first of two sold-out shows on Sunday night (Nov. 23) for his Ryman headline debut. In a personal tribute to his late father and his own childhood, the stage was transformed into a makeshift boxing ring with ropes, corner stool, entrance bell and all, which set the tone for a night rooted in memory, grit, and heart.
He opened with “Calico Creek,” easing the crowd into his world of guitar riff and powerhouse vocals.
“This hillbilly’s been dreaming about this day for 20 years,” Wilson said from stage. “My dream’s have officially out dreamt me.”
HARDY & Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Jace Kartye
“Billy” followed, before launching into “Cuckoo,” which had the fans clapping along without hesitation. Wilson then previewed new material with “Preacher’s Kid,” a track from his forthcoming album. After introducing the band, he slid into “Patches” and “Grief Is Only Love,” both magnified by his vocal echoes.
One of the night’s most defining moments came during “The Devil,” performed entirely a cappella. The crowd fell into a hush before joining him for a singalong. “Not Letting Go” closed the first portion of the show, after which the band slipped quietly offstage.
The audience erupted when HARDY emerged as a surprise guest. With just two voices and a pair of guitars, they performed “Father’s Søn.” Wilson then remained alone for a solo acoustic rendition of “I’m a Song,” his father’s favorite, serving as an intimate, tender moment.
The band returned for a high-energy run through of his latest release “Gary,” followed by the nostalgic “Year to Be Young 1994,” as well as an atmospheric cover of Nirvana’s “Something in the Way.” The crowd’s energy swelled through “Holler from the Holler,” sending Wilson offstage to roaring applause.
He returned for a final encore solo, closing the night with a soulful take on Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” As the lights came up, Wilson took in every moment feeling the gratitude by the crowd’s standing ovation, and ended the night by throwing some guitar picks into the crowd.
Photo: Jace Kartye
Stephen Wilson Jr. & HARDY. Photo: Jace Kartye
Lainey Wilson, Riley Green & Creed To Headline Country Thunder Saskatchewan 2026
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson, Riley Green and Creed are set to headline Country Thunder Saskatchewan 2026, which returns for its 43rd year July 9-12.
Other artists set to perform include Cameron Whitcomb, Gavin Adcock, Max McNown, The Dead South, Kalsey Kulyk, Noeline Hofmann, Sasha, Dasha, Sully Burrows, Zach McPhee, Robyn Ottolini, Logan Layman and many more. On top of the talent packed lineup, this year’s event will introduce Buckin’ Thunder, a refreshed bull-riding showcase that brings the thrill of the rodeo to Craven Valley. Fans can purchase tickets at countrythunder.com/sk and take advantage of the $20 payment plan.
“We’re thrilled to bring this level of talent back to Saskatchewan,” says Troy Vollhoffer, CEO, Country Thunder. “Country Thunder is all about creating an unforgettable weekend filled with high-energy performances, memorable moments and the unique atmosphere that only Craven Valley can provide. We’re thrilled to add an additional value to ticket holders with our brand-new bull riding event. We can’t wait to see the fans back in the valley, making the most of every minute.”
Rob Bowman Releases ‘Land Of A Thousand Sessions’
/by John Nix ArledgeSix-time GRAMMY-nominated music scholar Rob Bowman has released Land Of A Thousand Sessions: The Complete Muscle Shoals Story 1951–1985 today (Nov. 25).
In partnership with Malaco Records, Bowman spotlights Muscle Shoals’ nine historic recording studios and how they became a central force in American popular music. The book traces the city’s influence across soul, including work with Aretha Franklin and Etta James, as well as pop and rock through The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Bob Seger, and country music with Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr. and Mac Davis.
Land Of A Thousand Sessions also features extensive research, archival insights and exclusive interviews with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mavis Staples and more.
For more information, click here.
Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate 100th Anniversary With Livestream
/by Madison HahnenThe Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its 100th anniversary of its 1925 inaugural broadcast this Friday (Nov. 28) with a worldwide livestream of two shows.
“It’s truly amazing to me to think that what began as a regional radio broadcast on Nov. 28, 1925 is thriving more today than ever before and that exactly 100 years after that first performance, fans will be able to see and hear the celebration wherever they are around the globe,” says Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “Families will be able to come together this Thanksgiving weekend and celebrate 100 years however they want—by tuning in on WSM or Sirius XM radio or by watching via Opry social media and YouTube. We promise a show that rises to the occasion of having been a century in the making.”
Performers across the two shows that evening will include Bill Anderson, Kathy Mattea, Trace Adkins, Anderson, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Henry Cho, John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Jamey Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Scotty McCreery, Gary Mule Deer, Lorrie Morgan, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, The Whites, Mark Wills and Suzy Bogguss.
The livestream will be available on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Tickets to attend the show in person are also available now.
615 Indie Live Unveils Initial Lineup
/by Madison HahnenThere will be 15 venues hosting shows for the event, including 3rd and Lindsley, Acme Feed & Seed, Anzie Blue, Cannery Hall, Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, DRKMTTR Collective, Eastside Bowl, Mirror Mirror, Music Makers Stage at Delgado Guitars, Night We Met, Rudy’s Jazz Room, The 5 Spot, The Basement, The East Room and The End.
Performers across the day will include Amelia Day, Anastasia Elliot, Bones Owens, Boy Orbison, Brian Wright, Bryant Taylorr, Campanula, Charles Wigg Walker, Claire Ernst, Christina Vane with Joshua Hedley, Crystal Rose, Daphne, David Cook Quintet feat. Jeff Coffin w/ Miguel Alvarado, Jacob Jezioro & Jordan Perlson, DeeOhGee, DJ Nat Ward, Eddie Angel’s Guitar Party, Family Dog, Genevieve Heyward, Hayden Pattengale, Heavy Quitters, Hector Tellez Jr, Henri Herbert and The Fury, Hogslop String Band, Hussy Fit, JT Loux, Justin Webb & The Noise, Kenny Sharp, Laney Jones and The Spirits, Lilly Hiatt, Lilly Winwood, Lombardy, Marc Payne Quintet w/ Don Aliquo, Simon Mogul, Rob Linton & Josh Cook, Massie 99, New Translations, Plainview Vibes’ Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Rolling Stone Nashville Now with Noeline Hofmann, Rougarou, SWEETTALKER, TEN, Texas Chain Store Managers, The Brummies, The Minks, The Sewing Club, Thunder and Rain, Venus & the Flytraps and Zandi Hollup. More artists will be announced at a later date.
“Nashville’s independent venues have been critical to our band’s career from day one, so it’s an honor to be a part in celebrating and supporting them,” says Matthew Paige of DeeOhGee. “For bands like us, these spaces are like extensions of our homes; safe spaces to hone our craft, test new material, and connect with our community on any night of the week.”
“Nashville’s full of all kinds of artists, every genre you can imagine, and the level of talent here is something you just can’t find anywhere else,” shares Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Events like 615 Indie Live truly capture the spirit of Music City with independent venues lifting up local talent and our community coming together to celebrate it. We’re proud to help create a day where so many artists can shine, and we hope both visitors and locals discover something new to love about Nashville’s music scene.”
“While this is truly a celebration, it also serves as an important reminder of the vital role these spaces hold in our community, and the pressures mounting against them.” adds Chris Cobb, President of the Music Venue Alliance Nashville, and Co-Producer of the festival. “From skyrocketing operational costs like property tax, rent, and insurance, to shifting local regulations like parking, and a consumer base that is spending less in small venues, current times are extremely challenging. That is why an event like 615 Indie Live has never been more important and needed.”
Event passes are on sale now for $20 and will allow entry to all participating venues. Shows will take place starting at 12 p.m. and go until 2 a.m. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit MVAN and its mission to advocate for Nashville’s independent venues, promoters, and festivals, which also includes the organization’s Emergency Relief Fund. Additionally, the festival will donate $2 per ticket this year to WNXP, to help raise money for the nonprofit radio station who lost its federal funding this year.
Julien’s Auctions ‘Played, Worn, & Torn’ Wraps In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: (L) Kirk Hammett 1985 Gibson Custom Michael Schenker Flying V; (R) Chappell Roan 2024 “Guts” World Tour Stage-Worn Costume
Julien’s Auctions’ two-day annual “Played, Worn, & Torn” auction recently concluded in Nashville at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, showcasing over 800 pieces of historical musical memorabilia from the biggest names in entertainment.
The final day of the auction included an array of treasures, from stage-played guitars and assorted gear to handwritten lyrics, iconic fashions, artwork, home decor, sports memorabilia and assorted personal artifacts.
Throughout the event, the auction block showcased items from music legends and contemporary superstars including Prince, Michael Jackson, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Adam Clayton, Queen, Johnny Cash, Whitney Houston, Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, Duran Duran and The Ramones, among many other treasures.
Among the auction highlights were Janet Jackson’s 1993-1994 “Janet World Tour” Stage-Worn Ensemble, which earned $28,800 at nearly triple the estimate, and Chappell Roan’s 2024 “Guts World Tour” stage-worn costume, which captured $16,000, shattering estimates.
“Wrapping up Day 2 of ‘Played, Worn, & Torn’ has been nothing short of remarkable,” says Martin Nolan, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Julien’s Auctions. “The excitement surrounding The Kirk Hammett Collection—more than 100 pieces from one of rock’s most iconic guitarists—was unparalleled, and the passion for items tied to artists like Chappell Roan and Janet Jackson shows just how vibrant and far-reaching today’s music culture is. What makes this auction truly special is the incredible group of charities we were able to support, including MusiCares, Teen Cancer America, Gibson Gives, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These past two days have been a tribute to creativity, legacy, and community, and we’re deeply grateful to the fans, collectors, and partners who helped bring it all to life.”
The enthusiasm over the Kirk Hammett Collection drove the collection to a complete sell-out, raising much-needed funds for MusiCares, and several of the additional lots sold benefit philanthropic causes including Gibson Gives, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and Springfield Black Tie, Missouri’s premier LGBTQ+ Gala supporting the local LGBTQIA+ community.
Highlights of the auction’s final day included:
Madonna 1988-1989 “Express Yourself” MTV Video Music “Moonman” Award ($16,000)
Prince 1998 NBA All-Star Game-Worn Custom-Made Ensemble with Photo ($12,800)
Bon Jovi Franck Muller 18k Yellow Gold “Master Banker” Wristwatch, ($7,680)
Amy Winehouse Studio Played Nord Electro 2 Keyboard with Stand ($6,400)
John Mayer Signed PRS Silver Sky Electric Guitar, Black Tee Satin ($6,400)
Sabrina Carpenter “Manchild” Music Video-Worn Peasant Top ($6,400)
Olivia Rodrigo 2021 “Variety” Magazine-Worn Moschino Crochet Set with Magazine ($5,760)
A-ha 1985 “Take On Me” Original Music Video Artwork ($5,120)
Rihanna 2009 “Hard” Music Video-Worn Bryce Aime Dress ($4,480)
Slash Signed and Illustrated Top Hat ($4,480)
Lady Gaga 2017 Worn Yuki for Rembrandt Caftan ($3,200)
Taylor Swift 2008 Used and Signed Drum Stick ($1,920)
Global Songwriters Connection’s Holiday Mixer Set For Dec. 10
/by Lorie HollabaughGlobal Songwriters Connection is hosting its GSC Holiday Mixer on Dec. 10 in Nashville from 4:30-7:00 PM at the CMA Event Room (35 Music Square E #201, Nashville, TN 37203).
During the event GSC will be celebrating SVP & Co-Owner of Hori Global Music Publishing Butch Baker as the Global Songwriters Connection Publisher of the Year, with an award presentation set to take place at 5:30 p.m. There will be also be complimentary beer, wine and food bars, and parking is free.
Carrie Cunningham, new Owner & President of Global Songwriters Connection, welcomes all music industry members to attend, and those attending can enter to win a $250 Industry Pro Gift Card. No RSVP is required, but industry members wanting to attend can email Cunningham at carrie@globalsongwriters.
Industry Ink: Alison Prestwood, Riley Green, Billy Strings, Scotty Hasting, More
/by Madison HahnenAlison Prestwood Featured In CMHOFM Nashville Cats Program
Alison Prestwood & Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum writer-editor Jon Freeman at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
This past weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured Nashville bassist Alison Prestwood in their Nashville Cats Program, providing an in-depth interview with Prestwood moderated by Jon Freeman.
Throughout her time as a bassist, Prestwood has toured with Rodney Crowell, Patty Loveless, Olivia Newton-John and others. Her studio work can also be heard on songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Frankie Ballard, Faith Hill, LoCash, Tim McGraw, Little Richard, Jessica Simpson, Country Music Hall of Fame members Brooks & Dunn and more. Over the past few years, Prestwood has been on the road with Peter Frampton.
Riley Green Hosts Duckman Jam
Pictured (L-R): Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, DU First VP Rex Schulz, Riley Green, DU Senior VP of Corporate Relations Tom Jernigan and AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock
Riley Green recently hosted his second Duckman Jam to kickoff duck season at Simmons Bank Arena in Little Rock. Jamey Johnson, Drake White and Lauren Watkins joined the show as special guests.
Green made a $100,000 donation to Ducks Unlimited through a percentage of ticket sales, combined with contributions from the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and Green’s Buford Bonde Charitable Fund.
“Ducks Unlimited and AGFC are great partners who do so much work for waterfowl, not just in Arkansas, but around the world,” says Green. “I’m always happy to support wetland conservation whenever I can.”
Billy Strings Performs On ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’
Billy Strings performed “Leaning on a Travelin’ Song” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last Thursday (Nov. 20).
Scotty Hasting Earns Emmy Nomination
Scotty Hasting‘s GRATEFUL: The Scotty Hasting Story has earned a 2025 National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Nashville/Midsouth Emmy Award nomination for Military – Short or Long Form Content. The film was produced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and details Hasting’s journey as an Army veteran to now recording artist.
“I have only ever wanted to use my story and my music to help people, to try to inspire people, to show them that they can do so much more than they ever thought possible,” shares Hasting. “I would have never in a million years thought that my story would be nominated for an Emmy. I am beyond excited and blessed and GRATEFUL.”
CMHOFM Celebrates Opening Of Wayne White: LIKE YOU KNOW
Wayne White & Haley Gallery Director Daniel Lonow at the Haley Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Haley Gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of its newest exhibition Wayne White: LIKE YOU KNOW last Thursday (Nov. 20). White is an artist, art director, illustrator and puppeteer from Chattanooga.
The exhibition includes 14 new “word paintings” by White, in addition to sketches and abstracts from his sketchbook. White’s word paintings feature oversized, three-dimensional text imaginatively integrated into vintage landscape reproductions. Throughout his career, White has worked as an illustrator for East Village Eye, New York Times, Raw Magazine and Village Voice, as well as a designer for the hit CBS television show Pee-Wee’s Playhouse. He has also worked on various Billboard and MTV Music Video Awards award winning music videos, including Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight” and Peter Gabriel’s “Big Time.”
Onoleigh To Host OVATION Benefiting Musicians On Call
Onoleigh will host a holiday edition of her OVATION show on Dec. 1 at The Station Inn. This month’s program will benefit Musicians On Call.
The event will feature performances from J.P Burr, Noah Guthrie, Abigail Rose, The Dryes and Peytan Porter. Tickets will be $20 at the door.
“OVATION celebrates original artistry while giving back to the community that raised us. I’m so grateful we get to make music with purpose, especially during the holidays,” shares Onoleigh.
Old Dominion, Riley Green & Keith Urban To Headline Big Valley Jamboree
/by John Nix ArledgeOld Dominion, Riley Green and Keith Urban are set to headline the 34th edition of Big Valley Jamboree, taking place July 20 to Aug. 2 in Camrose, AB. Nate Smith will set the tone for the weekend at Thursday’s Kickoff Party in the Coors Original Saloon.
“As we celebrate the incredible history of Big Valley Jamboree, this lineup feels like the perfect way to honour where we’ve been and where we’re headed,” says Troy Vollhoffer, CEO, Country Thunder. “Keith Urban, Old Dominion and Riley Green each bring something unique to the stage, and together they capture the spirit of what BVJ is all about: great music, great community and memories that last long after the weekend ends.”
Along with the headliners, Big Valley Jamboree will feature performances from Cameron Whitcomb, Noeline Hoffman, Gavin Adcock, Chas Rice, Robyn Ottolini, Sacha, Josh Stumpf, Morgan Klaiber, Travis Dolter, Sully Burrows, The Dead South and Morgan Kaliber, Mark Chesnutt, Billy Dean & Collin Raye and Logan Layman.
All tickets and camping packages are available now at bigvalleyjamboree.com.