MusiCares, a partner of the Recording Academy, announced that it will distribute a final round of funding for COVID-19 Relief to support the ongoing need. Music professionals who already received assistance from MusiCares COVID-19 Relief are eligible to apply again.

The effort continues the support for music professionals, concluding upon distribution of the $2 million raised during Music on a Mission, to be directly distributed to 2,000 eligible applicants. Since March 2020, MusiCares has distributed more than $25 million directly to more than 34,000 music professionals in need. MusiCares will also continue to provide support through the many services they are known for including medical, dental and hearing programs, mental health and addiction recovery services, preventative clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief, treating each case with integrity and confidentiality.

“The pandemic has been devastating to musicians, tour managers, stage crews, and so many others that are involved in making music happen. We heard from our community that many are experiencing elevated levels of depression, financial insecurity and low levels of confidence that they could pay for basic living expenses during the pandemic,” says Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “It is encouraging to know that music people turned to MusiCares in their time of need and we hope they continue to do so as we reacclimate post-pandemic.”

For anyone in the music community looking for support, please contact MusiCares at musicaresrelief@musicares.org or visit covid-19-relief.recordingacademy.com to apply for a hardship grant.

Pete Fisher

Valiant Wealth Family Office has announced Fisher Entertainment Consulting (FEC) founder Pete Fisher will serve as the company’s Entertainment Industry Advisor. Valiant, a boutique multi-family office and financial and lifestyle management firm, recently opened offices in Franklin, Tennessee.

Fisher, a 33-year music industry veteran, consultant, former CEO of the Academy of Country Music, and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, will provide strategic guidance in a variety of areas including private equity opportunity evaluation. He will oversee the relationship management function of on-boarding clients and participate in all aspects of the company’s entertainment, lifestyle, and legacy management divisions.

In addition to his new role, Fisher will continue to serve his other FEC clients in helping connect businesses, brands, TV, film, and social impact with the Nashville entertainment industry.

“We are excited to have someone with Pete’s experience and reputation for service join our team. It is great to be in business with people who share your values and aspire to make a positive impact on our community and those we serve,” says Doug Vander Weide, CEO of Valiant Wealth Family Office.

Jay Allen. Photo: Stephen Dillon

Verge recording artist Jay Allen will host a songwriters in-the-round event on Sunday, June 20 at Live Oak in Nashville beginning at 6 p.m. CST. All proceeds from Songs to End Alz will benefit The Longest Day and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Included in the night’s lineup are Allen, Matt Ferranti, Kylie Morgan, Sam Derosa, Zach Stone, Tigirlily, After Midtown, Jason Nix, Kyle Jacobs, Meghan Linsey, Scott Stevens, James Otto, and Nate Kenyon. Jay will also be co-hosting with Victoria Adamson, board chair of Young ProfessionALZ Board Alzheimer’s Association; Tennessee Chapter, who lost her grandfather to Alzheimer’s in 2013.

Songs to End Alz is a 21+ event with free admission. Ticketed VIP sections are available for purchase and include benefits throughout the night, such as special drinks from Jack Daniels Distillery who is sponsoring the event.

Allen lost his mother in February of 2019 to early on-set Alzheimer’s at age 54 and has since helped raise over $35 million for the Alzheimer’s Association through his involvement with the Rita Hayworth Gala, Brain Ball, and numerous other events worldwide.

Lucas Hoge is this week’s highest debut on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, with his song “Get Lost” landing at No. 62. He earned 6 new station adds this week and a +89 spins.

“After a long year of crazy, all I could think about was packing up and heading out to get lost anywhere, and that’s exactly what inspired this song,” Hoge said. “I think so many of us are ready to find the next chapter in our lives, and I hope this song can help you find it.”

Hoge’s TV series, Hoge Wild will return for a second season this month. Hoge travels the globe to change the narrative around conservation. The show airs in Canada on Friday nights at 11 p.m. ET and re-airs throughout the week on Sportsman Channel Canada. The series can also be streamed on MOTV.

For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.