Kristie Sloan
Kristie Sloan is the Co-Owner of The GreenRoom PR, a Nashville-based public relations firm specializing in music and live events.
With more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, she has helped shape the public narratives of some of country music’s biggest names, including Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Russell Dickerson, Braxton Keith, and Jon Pardi, as well as major events like the Tortuga Music Festival and Healing Appalachia.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
Known for her strategic instincts and deep industry relationships, Sloan has built a reputation for guiding artists and brands through defining moments in their careers.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Springfield, Tennessee, but I was born in a town just outside of Toronto, Canada, to a country music-loving British dad and a German mother.
My dad loved all kinds of country music. He fell in love with the Grand Ole Opry, and when we lived in Canada, he would drive down to Nashville on the weekends to see the Opry.
I’m the youngest of five girls, and when my mom was pregnant with me, they decided to name me Kristie Lee because it sounded like a name you would hear on the Opry.
So you were destined for this life.
I guess so! I can’t sing. I’m not musically talented. My dad passed away a few years ago, but I would joke with him that I made it to the Opry, just not on the stage—on the side of the stage.
How did you start your path?
I knew early on that I wanted to do something in music. Growing up, records were playing or Hee Haw and Austin City Limits were on TV, and we loved it. I started at the University of Tennessee and then transferred to Middle Tennessee State University to be closer to Nashville so I could start finding opportunities and internships.
I called the Ryman’s main phone line one day, and Pam Matthews, who was the General Manager at the time, actually called me back. I told her I was interested in concert promotion, and she invited me to an upcoming Pete Yorn show. That night, I met Ali Harnell and a few other people who worked for Clear Channel Entertainment at the time. They ended up offering me an internship. I started interning and eventually got a job as the receptionist at Starwood Amphitheater.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
Tell me about that job.
A lot of my time was spent fielding phone calls, especially on a show day. It could be a major promoter calling for the General Manager or someone calling to ask what type of lawn chairs they could bring or how early they can tailgate in the parking lot. It was a really incredible experience to learn how to navigate and field all sorts of questions. I was also really curious, so if the phones weren’t ringing, I would ask somebody, “Hey, is there something I can do?” By the end of my time there, I was doing payroll, helping with settlements and all these other things.
How did you transition to PR?
I was still in college when I was working at Starwood, and one of the other employees knew that I was majoring in Public Relations and connected me with Kaleidoscope Media. That was my first publicity/PR job.
It was around the time Bonnaroo was just starting, so we handled the local media and crisis PR for them, which was like being thrown into the deep end and a fast track to a lot of experience. The first artist I worked with was Barbara Mandrell, and she taught me so much. We did a tribute album with her, and she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame while I worked there. After that, I was definitely searching for more opportunities to gain experience in the artist publicity world.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
What happened next?
I had met Mary Hilliard Harrington through the Barbara Mandrell project. Dierks Bentley did a song on the album and she was his publicist at the time, and I just immediately liked her. She called me one day and said, “I’m looking to hire somebody. Do you have any ideas?” I said, “Let me think,” and hung up. Then I called her back and said, “What about me?” [Laughs] She said, “I was hoping you would say that.”
Not too long before that, I had actually been pitching myself to Lady A’s manager to handle their publicity. Honestly, I had no business doing that at the time. He told me they had just hired Mary Hilliard at the GreenRoom, so it worked out in the way it was supposed to.
I joined GreenRoom in 2010, and it was a whirlwind in the best possible way. Mary was always such a great boss. She gave us the freedom to figure things out on our own, but also had our backs when we needed it. I had a lot of catching up and learning to do. Tyne [Parrish] and I started our relationship there, and the whole team was great.
Eventually you and Tyne became owners of GreenRoom.
We didn’t see that coming. It speaks a lot to who Mary is, especially in the way she supports women in business. There are so many different ways she could have gone about that decision, but she decided to sell us the company. I think sometimes it takes somebody else seeing something in you before you realize you can do it yourself, and that’s what Mary has been for me.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
She had taught us how to run our own clients, and we knew how to be publicists. We just had to learn how to handle the business side of things. For the longest time, we were both focused on trying to keep the clients we had. We didn’t want to mess anything up after being handed that kind of trust. Doing it together was so helpful because Tyne and I really balance each other out, and we can bounce things off each other.
What are some of the most impactful things you’ve gotten to do at GreenRoom?
We represented Jason Aldean and the Route 91 festival. That was an incredibly difficult thing to navigate on both the personal and professional side. What will always stay with me is, days later, flying back to Vegas with Jason and visiting patients in the hospital. I will never forget that.
So much of our job is intangible, so it’s really nice when there is a tangible result. When I first started working with him, Russell Dickerson really wanted to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. To see a specific goal happen and to be there for it…that’s the best.
And because of what I told you about my name, I love anytime we have an artist making their Grand Ole Opry debut. It feels personal to me, but I also know how much it means to the artist.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
Who have been your mentors?
Mary Hilliard, Clarence Spalding, Coran Capshaw, Reba—I mean, working with Reba has absolutely made me a better publicist. She’s been doing this for 50 years, and she works harder than a lot of other artists out there. She’s still curious and asks a lot of questions. I really love how she leads with kindness too. She’s someone who is very aware of herself, how she treats others and how she carries herself. I’ve learned a lot from her.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
I don’t remember who told me this, but I tell my employees this all the time: If you don’t know the answer to something, it’s okay. Just say, “I’m not sure, but I’m going to find out.” Don’t try to make up an answer because, if you’re wrong, it’s going to be worse and you lose their trust.
What’s a moment you’ve had that your little kid self would think is so cool?
Garth Brooks saying my name on stage when he won CMA Entertainer of the Year. That was an out-of-body experience because we grew up loving Garth, listening to Garth and going to his shows. My dad once met Garth on an airplane and got him to sign a napkin for me. So it was a full-circle moment to work with him and to be thanked from the stage. Little Kristie Lee would be shocked by that.
Getting to go to things like the Oscars, Grammys, Super Bowl. I think we all get caught up in work and stress. Reba always reminds me to have fun. We’re in the entertainment business. Let’s take a deep breath, remember where we are and remember how cool it is. This is a cool job.
Americana Music Association To Honor Robert Plant With Lifetime Achievement Award
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Americana Music Association
The Americana Music Association will honor legendary singer, songwriter and musical trailblazer Robert Plant with the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards, taking place Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
“Robert Plant’s relationship with Americana music extends far beyond influence—it is one of genuine passion, stewardship and artistic curiosity,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “His willingness to immerse himself in the traditions of blues, folk, country and gospel, while continuing to push their boundaries, has expanded the audience for Americana around the world. Few artists have done more to honor the music’s past while helping shape its future. We are thrilled to recognize his extraordinary contributions with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Since first achieving worldwide acclaim as the lead singer of Led Zeppelin, Plant’s collaborations with Alison Krauss and producer T Bone Burnett on the Grammy Award-winning Raising Sand helped elevate the Americana genre. He continued his exploration of American roots music with his collaborators Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller and others for Band of Joy and again on a second duet album with Krauss, Raise the Roof. More recently, on his record, Saving Grace and its follow up EP Saving Grace: All That Glitters… he joined with singer Suzi Dian and a band of musical compatriots from near his home on the Welsh borders to record songs by Gillian Welch, Memphis Minnie and Blind Willie Johnson, Bob Moseley (Moby Grape), Martha Scanlan, Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk’s Low, Sarah Siskind, and The Low Anthem, among more.
Tickets for the Americana Honors & Awards may be purchased here.
Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde, Chris Stapleton More To Celebrate Honorees At Nashville Songwriter Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughSteve Earle, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton
Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton are among the first set of performers confirmed for the upcoming 9th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards on Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium.
Produced by The Nashville Songwriters Association International with presenting partner City National Bank, the event will feature special performances from over a dozen songwriters, who will perform and celebrate their peers at the celebration. Additional performers for this year’s lineup include Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver, Jacob Davis, Ray Fulcher, Ben Johnson, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Neil Medley, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass, Hunter Phelps, Bobby Pinson, Jeremy Stover, Lydia Vaughan and Jordan Walker.
Performances will center around industry honorees, songs celebrated by peers as ones they “wish they had written,” and writers who have achieved top chart performance throughout the past year. Previously announced honorees are Vince Gill (Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award), Paul Williams (NSAI President’s Keystone Award), Pendergrass (Songwriter of the Year) and Riley Green (Songwriter-Artist of the Year).
The ‘Song of the Year’, ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards, and the ‘Legendary Song’ award honors will be concealed until night-of, revealed through stories and performances from the stage. Tickets for the ceremony will be available for purchase beginning tomorrow (July 17).
IBMA Unveils 2026 Bluegrass Music Awards Nominees
/by Lorie HollabaughThe International Bluegrass Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 2026 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame 2026 inductees, and the recipients of this year’s IBMA Distinguished Achievement Awards.
The honorees were revealed during a special live broadcast from SiriusXM studios in Nashville. The 2026 Entertainer of the Year nominees include Billy Strings, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Sister Sadie, East Nash Grass and The Del McCoury Band. Vocal Group Of The Year nominees include Alison Krauss & Union Station, Authentic Unlimited, Sister Sadie, Blue Highway and Red Camel Collective.
Inductees for the 2026 Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame were also revealed and include Byron Berline, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Barry Lyle Poss and The Lost & Found. Winners of the 2026 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards will be announced at the 37th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards on Oct. 22 at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga.
Nominees for the 2026 IBMA Momentum Awards, which recognize artists and industry professionals in the early stages of their bluegrass careers, and the 2026 IBMA Industry Awards will be announced during the week of July 20. Tickets for the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards and other IBMA World of Bluegrass events are currently on sale.
2026 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Nominees:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Sister Sadie
East Nash Grass
The Del McCoury Band
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Authentic Unlimited
Sister Sadie
Blue Highway
Red Camel Collective
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Billy Strings
The Travelin’ McCourys
East Nash Grass
Appalachian Road Show
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Broken Angels”
Artist: The Grascals and Dolly Parton
Songwriters: Dolly Parton/Jamie Johnson
Producer: Kent Wells
Label: Billy Blue Records
“Can’t Outrun the Blues”
Artist: Trey Hensley
Songwriters: Trey Hensley/Bobby Starnes
Producer: Brent Maher
Label: Pinecastle Records
“New Cluck Old Hen”
Artist: Steve Martin and Alison Brown (Feat. Della Mae)
Arrangement: Steve Martin/Alison Brown
Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West
Label: Compass Records
“Cost of Living”
Artist: Authentic Unlimited
Songwriter: Jerry Cole
Producer: Authentic Unlimited
Label: Edisonic Records
“Finding Your Way Home”
Artist: Red Camel Collective
Songwriters: Heather Berry Mabe/Joseph Scott Patrick
Producer: Red Camel Collective/Stephen Burwell
Label: Pinecastle Records
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Can’t Outrun the Blues
Artist: Trey Hensley
Producer: Brent Maher
Label: Pinecastle Records
All Will Be Well
Artist: Sister Sadie
Producer: Deanie Richardson
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
All God’s Children
Artist: East Nash Grass
Producers: Jake Stargel/East Nash Grass
Label: Mountain Fever Records
Della Jane’s Heart
Artist: Appalachian Road Show
Producer: Appalachian Road Show
Label: Billy Blue Records
Songs That Sing Me
Artist: Becky Buller
Producer: Stephen Mougin
Label: Dark Shadow Recording
GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“I Will Someday”
Artist: NewFound Road
Songwriters: Ronnie Bowman/Garnet Bowman/Chris Stapleton/Morgane Stapleton
Producer: Tim Shelton
Label: Billy Blue Records
“Where the Soul Never Dies”
Artist: Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski
Songwriter: William M. Golden
Producer: C.J. Lewandowski
Label: Turnberry Records
“Some Day”
Artist: Blue Highway
Songwriters: Olive Stockton/Tim Stafford
Producer: Blue Highway/Dan Boner
Label: Rounder Records
“You Don’t Knock”
Artist: Darin & Brooke Aldridge with John Cowan
Songwriters: Cedar Walton/Wesley Westbrooks
Producer: Mark Fain/Darin Aldridge
Label: Billy Blue Records
“Two Old Church Pews”
Artist: Danny Paisley
Songwriters: Mark “Brink” Brinkman/Daryl Mosley
Producer: Greg Cole
Label: Pinecastle Records
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Grandfather’s Clock”
Artist: Bryan Sutton and Sierra Hull
Songwriter: Henry Clay Work arr. Bryan Sutton/Sierra Hull
Producer: Bryan Sutton
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
“Big Daddy Rabbit”
Artist: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (Feat. Nathan Livers)
Songwriter: Nathan Livers
Producer: Michael Cleveland
Label: Yeah, Man Records
“Cacklin’ Hen”
Artist: Deanie Richardson and Kimber Ludiker
Songwriter: Traditional
Producer: Deanie Richardson
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
“Let’s Get Out of Here”
Artist: Steve Martin and Alison Brown
Songwriters: Alison Brown/Steve Martin
Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West
Label: Compass Records
“Tom & Jerry”
Artist: Andy Leftwich
Songwriter: Traditional
Producer: Andy Leftwich
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jaelee Roberts
Mason Via
Carson Peters & Iron Mountain
Vickie Vaughn
Daniel Grindstaff & The Uptown Troubadours
COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Broken Angels”
Artist: The Grascals and Dolly Parton
Songwriters: Dolly Parton/Jamie Johnson
Producer: Kent Wells
Label: Billy Blue Records
“Gentle on My Mind”
Artist: Tony Trischka and Billy Strings
Songwriter: John Hartford
Producer: Tony Trischka/Lawson White
Label: Down the Road Records
“New Cluck Old Hen”
Artist: Steve Martin and Alison Brown (Feat. Della Mae)
Songwriters: Arr. Steve Martin/Alison Brown
Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West
Label: Compass Records
“The Devil Went Down to Deep Gap”
Artist: Bryan Sutton with Billy Strings
Songwriters: Tom Crain/Charlie Daniels/Taz DiGregorio/Fred Edwards/Charlie Hayward/James W. Marshall adapted by Bryan Sutton/Billy Strings
Producer: Bryan Sutton
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
“Just a Holler Over”
Artist: Sister Sadie and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
Songwriters: Robin Macy/Deanie Richardson
Producer: Sister Sadie/C.J. Lewandowski
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dan Tyminski
Russell Moore
Greg Blake
Del McCoury
Trey Hensley
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss
Jaelee Roberts
Heather Berry Mabe
Sierra Hull
AJ Lee
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kristin Scott Benson
Gena Britt
Ron Block
Alison Brown
Tony Trischka
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mike Bub
Vickie Vaughn
Missy Raines
Barry Bales
Alan Bartram
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Michael Cleveland
Jason Carter
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Deanie Richardson
Andy Leftwich
RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Justin Moses
Jerry Douglas
Rob Ickes
Andy Hall
Matt Leadbetter
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Trey Hensley
Billy Strings
Bryan Sutton
Cody Kilby
Molly Tuttle
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Sierra Hull
Ronnie McCoury
Jesse Brock
Sam Bush
Alan Bibey
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Broken Angels”
Artist: The Grascals and Dolly Parton
Videographer: Natalie Simmons
Producer: Olly Rowland
“The Devil Went Down to Deep Gap”
Artist: Bryan Sutton with Billy Strings
Animator: Pat Bradley, SpringShoe Animation
Producer: Josh Serrato
“Ralph’s Banjo Special”
Artist: Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt, & Alison Brown
Videographer: Joseph Spence
Producer: Alison Brown
“New Cluck Old Hen”
Artist: Steve Martin, Alison Brown (Feat. Della Mae)
Videographer: Drew Levin
Producer: Alison Rose Gregory/Scott Roberts
“Let the Circle Be Broken”
Artist: Sister Sadie
Videographer: David Rossow
Producer: Joshua Britt/Neilson Hubbard
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row Hosts Chase Matthew & Drew Baldridge
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Lauren Rearick for BMI
BMI held the latest installment of its Rooftop On The Row series on Tuesday night (July 14), emceed by Mason Hunter.
DJ Smoke warmed up the crowd for Warner Records Nashville artist Chase Matthew, who took the stage with “County Line,” “Holdin’ It Down” and “Love You Again.” The Nashville native closed his set with his current top 15 radio duet “All My Exes” and his debut chart-topper, “Darlin’.”
Drew Baldridge followed, performing “Diesel & Dirt” and “Maker’s Mark” which both are featured on his upcoming album FARM FAITH FAMILY, out Sept. 18th. He captivated the crowd with his top 10 hit “Tough People” and wrapped the evening with his Platinum–certified No. 1 hit “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” which made him the highest-charting independent artist in Billboard Country Airplay history.
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row series continues with Pynk Beard and Bryan Martin on Aug. 18. The final event on Sept. 15 will serve as the official kickoff to AMERICANAFEST, with performers to be announced in the coming weeks.
Photo: Lauren Rearick for BMI
Photo: Lauren Rearick for BMI
Photo: Lauren Rearick for BMI
Photo: Lauren Rearick for BMI
Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Jamey Johnson’s Birthday
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry continued the Summer Of The Century last night to celebrate Opry member Jamey Johnson’s birthday.
The lineup included Opry member Bill Anderson as well as ERNEST, Lee Brice, Tracy Lawrence, Ruby Leigh, Lily Meola and Andy Whatley & Co.
This Saturday, the Opry will celebrate and honor Anderson on his 65th Opry anniversary. Anderson, the longest-serving member, is the first artist in the 100-year history of the Opry to mark 65 years. He was officially inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on July 15, 1961. Find more information about upcoming Opry shows here.
Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
Ashley Cooke Unveils Track List For Self-Titled Sophomore Album
/by Lauryn SinkAshley Cooke has unveiled the track list to her self-titled sophomore album, due Aug. 14 via Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music.
Written as she processed a number of formative life experiences, the album explores the complicated emotions that come with love, personal growth and self-discovery. She will preview the album with two new tracks, “famous to frances” and “johnny ’n june,” on July 24.
Cooke wrote all 15 tracks alongside Liz Rose, Kyle Sturrock, Ashley Gorley, Emily Weisband, Lauren Hungate, Will Weatherly, Joe Fox and more. Produced by Dann Huff, the project features her current radio single “baby blues,” which ranked among the format’s most-added singles on Mediabase after impacting radio on June 22, as well as “excuses” and “the hell you are” from her 2025 release, ace. Pop singer-songwriter JP Saxe joins Cooke on “man behind the glass.”
Matt Leddo
She revealed the tracklist on social media with a custom jean jacket featuring embroidered patches inspired by the album. Each patch is stitched with hidden references to the LP, including gold stars, a glass of wine, silhouettes of California and Florida, a hotel key tag, an acoustic guitar, a journal and pen, the astrological symbol for Gemini and more.
Cooke will launch her new 28-date “baby blues world tour” beginning Sept. 17 in Cleveland, Ohio, with additional dates in Boston, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Sacramento, Fort Worth and more. The tour concludes in February with a stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
ashley cooke Track List:
1. “if i’m being honest” (Ashley Cooke, Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock) ^
2. “high school sweetheart” (Ashley Cooke, Boy Matthews, Cleo Tighe, Lauren Hungate, AFTERHRS) *
3. “baby blues” (Ashley Cooke, Johnny Clawson, Joe Fox, Kyle Sturrock, Seth Ennis)*
4. “famous to frances” (Ashley Cooke, Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock) *
5. “johnny ‘n june” (Ashley Cooke, Lauren Hungate, Emily Weisband, Will Weatherly) *
6. “excuses” (Ashley Cooke, Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock) *
7. “dance around it” (Ashley Cooke, Jacob Durrett, Trevor Rosen, Emily Weisband) #
8. “sleepless in seattle” (Ashley Cooke, Lauren Hungate, Matt Roy, Johnny Clawson) *
9. “man behind the glass (feat. JP Saxe)” (Ashley Cooke, JP Saxe, Emily Weisband, Scott Krueger) + ♡
10. “i’m up and i’m down” (Ashley Cooke, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds, Mark Trussell) *
11. “the hell you are” (Ashley Cooke, Chase McGill, Emily Weisband, Seth Ennis, Joe Fox) *
12. “between the lines” (Ashley Cooke, Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose) *
13. “xs” (Ashley Cooke, Ashley Gorley, Emily Weisband, Will Weatherly) *
14. “when we’re 30” (Ashley Cooke, Will Weatherly, Kyle Sturrock) *
15. “the girl who cried wolf” (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Lauren Hungate, Joe Fox) ~ ♡
Produced by Dann Huff *
Produced by Will Weatherly ^
Produced by Jacob Durrett #
Produced by Joe Fox ~
Produced by Spacecamp +
Produced by Ashley Cooke ♡
The Jack Wharff Band Plots ‘The High Road Tour’
/by Madison HahnenThe Jack Wharff Band. Photo: David Piersaul
The Jack Wharff Band will embark on “The High Road Tour” this fall, kicking off Sept. 12 in Cleveland.
The nine date trek will visit Grand Rapids, Denver, Minneapolis and more before wrapping on Nov. 6 in Houston.
“We still can’t believe we get to do this,” says Wharff. “We’re so thankful for everyone who’s been listening, coming to shows and singing these songs with us. We can’t wait to get back out this fall, see some familiar faces and meet some new ones!”
Artist presale tickets will be available beginning tomorrow (July 16) at 10 a.m. local time. Local presales will begin simultaneously, with all presales ending that evening at 10 p.m. local time. General on-sale tickets will be available starting Friday (July 17) at 10 a.m. local time.
Featuring frontman Jack Wharff, drummer Garrett Howell, bassist Ryan Atchison and guitarist Evan Novoa, the band has built a devoted following with its high-energy live shows and signature blend of authenticity and swagger. Fans can expect a set featuring favorites from the band’s fast-growing catalog, including the new single “Lowlife,” viral hit “Washed” and songs from its latest EP, Strange, which explores the ups and downs of finding yourself in your 20s. Before the tour begins, the band will perform at major festivals including Boots and Hearts Music Festival, Boots on the Bend and Rock the Country, and join Max McNown, Ole 60, Dylan Gossett and The Avett Brothers on select dates.
“The High Road Tour” Dates:
Sat., Sep. 12 | Mahall’s | Cleveland, OH
Thu., Sep. 17 | Rose Music Hall | Columbia, MO
Wed., Oct. 7 | The Stache | Grand Rapids, MI
Wed., Oct. 14 | Globe Hall | Denver, CO
Tue., Oct. 20 | Appleton Beer Factory | Appleton, WI
Wed., Oct. 21 | Fine Line | Minneapolis, MN
Thu., Oct. 22 | The Argo | Milwaukee, WI
Thu., Nov. 5 | Antone’s | Austin, TX
Fri., Nov. 6 | White Oak Music Hall | Houston, TX
The Mavericks 2nd Annual ‘Dance The Night Away’ Set For December
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Mavericks. Photo: Michael Weintrob
The Mavericks’ 2nd annual “Dance The Night Away: A Musical Celebration Honoring Raul Malo” will take place Dec. 4-5 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
The two-night celebration came to fruition last year when a battle with cancer took Mavericks frontman Malo off the road, and the band rallied to fill his final hours on earth with song and celebration. Special guests for the shows, which will serve to celebrate the life, music and legacy of The Mavericks’ fearless leader, will be announced soon.
“I’m so thrilled to be coming back to the Ryman Auditorium again this year to celebrate and honor our dear brother Raul Malo,” says guitarist/vocalist Eddie Perez. “These Mavericks & Friends shows are amongst the most profound and special shows that we do all year and I’m really looking forward to the dates! It’s going to be a big beautiful weekend at the Mother Church!”
“Dance The Night Away” will cap off a year spent celebrating Malo’s legacy with “The Mavericks & Friends,” a nationwide tour combining a unique version of The Mavericks’ past and present lineups with rotating guest vocalists. Featuring Paul Deakin, Robert Reynolds, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden, the tour kicks off this week with guest vocalists James Otto and Emily West and will include stops in Kansas City, Durham, Charleston, Austin, Fort Lauderdale and many more. The ever-evolving live show will showcase the band’s catalog, while saluting Raul Malo’s once-in-a-generation impact and kickstarting a new chapter of The Mavericks’ unfolding story.
Dierks Bentley Plots Fontainebleau Las Vegas Shows During NFR Week
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley is heading to Vegas in December for back-to-
Tickets are available starting with an artist pre-sale beginning today (July 15), with additional pre-sales throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday (July 17).
Bentley is touring on the road this summer with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and Kaitlin Butts, along with up-and-comers Cole Goodwin, Owen Riegling and the Mountain Grass Unit on select dates.
My Music Row Story: The GreenRoom’s Kristie Sloan
/by LB CantrellKristie Sloan
Kristie Sloan is the Co-Owner of The GreenRoom PR, a Nashville-based public relations firm specializing in music and live events.
With more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, she has helped shape the public narratives of some of country music’s biggest names, including Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Russell Dickerson, Braxton Keith, and Jon Pardi, as well as major events like the Tortuga Music Festival and Healing Appalachia.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
Known for her strategic instincts and deep industry relationships, Sloan has built a reputation for guiding artists and brands through defining moments in their careers.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Springfield, Tennessee, but I was born in a town just outside of Toronto, Canada, to a country music-loving British dad and a German mother.
My dad loved all kinds of country music. He fell in love with the Grand Ole Opry, and when we lived in Canada, he would drive down to Nashville on the weekends to see the Opry.
I’m the youngest of five girls, and when my mom was pregnant with me, they decided to name me Kristie Lee because it sounded like a name you would hear on the Opry.
So you were destined for this life.
I guess so! I can’t sing. I’m not musically talented. My dad passed away a few years ago, but I would joke with him that I made it to the Opry, just not on the stage—on the side of the stage.
How did you start your path?
I knew early on that I wanted to do something in music. Growing up, records were playing or Hee Haw and Austin City Limits were on TV, and we loved it. I started at the University of Tennessee and then transferred to Middle Tennessee State University to be closer to Nashville so I could start finding opportunities and internships.
I called the Ryman’s main phone line one day, and Pam Matthews, who was the General Manager at the time, actually called me back. I told her I was interested in concert promotion, and she invited me to an upcoming Pete Yorn show. That night, I met Ali Harnell and a few other people who worked for Clear Channel Entertainment at the time. They ended up offering me an internship. I started interning and eventually got a job as the receptionist at Starwood Amphitheater.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
Tell me about that job.
A lot of my time was spent fielding phone calls, especially on a show day. It could be a major promoter calling for the General Manager or someone calling to ask what type of lawn chairs they could bring or how early they can tailgate in the parking lot. It was a really incredible experience to learn how to navigate and field all sorts of questions. I was also really curious, so if the phones weren’t ringing, I would ask somebody, “Hey, is there something I can do?” By the end of my time there, I was doing payroll, helping with settlements and all these other things.
How did you transition to PR?
I was still in college when I was working at Starwood, and one of the other employees knew that I was majoring in Public Relations and connected me with Kaleidoscope Media. That was my first publicity/PR job.
It was around the time Bonnaroo was just starting, so we handled the local media and crisis PR for them, which was like being thrown into the deep end and a fast track to a lot of experience. The first artist I worked with was Barbara Mandrell, and she taught me so much. We did a tribute album with her, and she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame while I worked there. After that, I was definitely searching for more opportunities to gain experience in the artist publicity world.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
What happened next?
I had met Mary Hilliard Harrington through the Barbara Mandrell project. Dierks Bentley did a song on the album and she was his publicist at the time, and I just immediately liked her. She called me one day and said, “I’m looking to hire somebody. Do you have any ideas?” I said, “Let me think,” and hung up. Then I called her back and said, “What about me?” [Laughs] She said, “I was hoping you would say that.”
Not too long before that, I had actually been pitching myself to Lady A’s manager to handle their publicity. Honestly, I had no business doing that at the time. He told me they had just hired Mary Hilliard at the GreenRoom, so it worked out in the way it was supposed to.
I joined GreenRoom in 2010, and it was a whirlwind in the best possible way. Mary was always such a great boss. She gave us the freedom to figure things out on our own, but also had our backs when we needed it. I had a lot of catching up and learning to do. Tyne [Parrish] and I started our relationship there, and the whole team was great.
Eventually you and Tyne became owners of GreenRoom.
We didn’t see that coming. It speaks a lot to who Mary is, especially in the way she supports women in business. There are so many different ways she could have gone about that decision, but she decided to sell us the company. I think sometimes it takes somebody else seeing something in you before you realize you can do it yourself, and that’s what Mary has been for me.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
She had taught us how to run our own clients, and we knew how to be publicists. We just had to learn how to handle the business side of things. For the longest time, we were both focused on trying to keep the clients we had. We didn’t want to mess anything up after being handed that kind of trust. Doing it together was so helpful because Tyne and I really balance each other out, and we can bounce things off each other.
What are some of the most impactful things you’ve gotten to do at GreenRoom?
We represented Jason Aldean and the Route 91 festival. That was an incredibly difficult thing to navigate on both the personal and professional side. What will always stay with me is, days later, flying back to Vegas with Jason and visiting patients in the hospital. I will never forget that.
So much of our job is intangible, so it’s really nice when there is a tangible result. When I first started working with him, Russell Dickerson really wanted to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. To see a specific goal happen and to be there for it…that’s the best.
And because of what I told you about my name, I love anytime we have an artist making their Grand Ole Opry debut. It feels personal to me, but I also know how much it means to the artist.
Photo: Courtesy of Sloan
Who have been your mentors?
Mary Hilliard, Clarence Spalding, Coran Capshaw, Reba—I mean, working with Reba has absolutely made me a better publicist. She’s been doing this for 50 years, and she works harder than a lot of other artists out there. She’s still curious and asks a lot of questions. I really love how she leads with kindness too. She’s someone who is very aware of herself, how she treats others and how she carries herself. I’ve learned a lot from her.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
I don’t remember who told me this, but I tell my employees this all the time: If you don’t know the answer to something, it’s okay. Just say, “I’m not sure, but I’m going to find out.” Don’t try to make up an answer because, if you’re wrong, it’s going to be worse and you lose their trust.
What’s a moment you’ve had that your little kid self would think is so cool?
Garth Brooks saying my name on stage when he won CMA Entertainer of the Year. That was an out-of-body experience because we grew up loving Garth, listening to Garth and going to his shows. My dad once met Garth on an airplane and got him to sign a napkin for me. So it was a full-circle moment to work with him and to be thanked from the stage. Little Kristie Lee would be shocked by that.
Getting to go to things like the Oscars, Grammys, Super Bowl. I think we all get caught up in work and stress. Reba always reminds me to have fun. We’re in the entertainment business. Let’s take a deep breath, remember where we are and remember how cool it is. This is a cool job.