Darius Rucker Headlines Sold-Out July 4th Celebration
Darius Rucker. Photo: Rick Kern, Getty Images for Omni Hotels & Resorts
Darius Rucker headlined the sold-out Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa’s Fireworks on The Fairway July 4th celebration.
Rucker welcomed more than 7,000 guests for a set that included “Wagon Wheel,” “Homegrown Honey” and “Alright,” along with Hootie & the Blowfish classics, such as “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Let Her Cry” and “Hold My Hand.”
The Store Seeks Community Participation For Third Annual School Store
The Store will host the Third Annual School Store in late July at the Coleman Park Community Center in Nashville. The initiative will collect new high-quality backpacks and stainless-steel water bottles throughout the month of July. Donations may be purchased from a wish list and shipped automatically to the store. This year, The Store expects to serve more than 800 children.
“We are thankful for the Nashville community that helps us provide much-needed support of our families facing food insecurity. Our customers also lack resources for important things like school supplies,” shares Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, co-founders of The Store. “Thanks to our generous donors, we love being able to offer this opportunity to gear up for a great school year ahead.”
Combustion Music Celebrates ‘Hate How You Look’
Pictured (Front Row, L-R): Combustion’s Keithan Melton, Jessica Farren, Christian Yancey, Chris McKenna and Chris Sainato. (Back Row, L-R): Combustion’s Chris Farren, Kelly Lyons and Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom. Photo: Courtesy of Combustion Music
Combustion Music celebrated the writers of Josh Ross’ “Hate How You Look,” Combustion’s Nicholas Sainato and Jessica Farren, former Combustion writer Chris McKenna, and Christian Yancey for the recent chart-topper. The track is the first country No. 1 for all four writers.
LOCASH Serves As Grand Marshals For NASCAR Cup Series eero 400
LOCASH. Photo: BIGRED
LOCASH recently served as Grand Marshals for the NASCAR Cup Series eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. This year’s race weekend marked NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway for the first time in several years.
The duo recently teamed up with Parmalee to release “Let The Country Music Play.” LOCASH will take the stage at Country Jam USA in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on July 16, followed by Freedom Fest in Little Falls, Minnesota on July 17.
ELEVATION RHYTHM Celebrates No. 1 Single ‘WASHED’
ELEVATION RHYTHM
ELEVATION RHYTHM recently earned its first chart-topper on both the Billboard and Mediabase charts with “WASHED.” The achievement comes just ahead of the release of their live album on July 17.
Chancey Williams Performs At Mount Rushmore
Chancey Williams. Photo: Kenzie Holmberg
Chancey Williams performed at Mount Rushmore on July 3, ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebration.
“I’ve been fortunate to get to do a lot of really neat things in my life, but this was hands down the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” Williams shared following the performance. “To be playing at Mount Rushmore, surrounded by that kind of history and patriotism and then see Air Force One fly right over us – it’s something I’ll never forget.”
A2IM Reveals 2026-2027 Board Of Directors
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Executive Committee includes Chair Glen Barros, Managing Partner, Exceleration Music; Treasurer Louis Posen, Founder & President, Hopeless Records; and Secretary David Barnes, COO, Rhymesayers Entertainment. Oscar Guitian, CEO, Serving Sounds returns as Advisory Board Member, and industry professionals Sue Lucarelli, President, Epitaph Records and Benson Curb, SVP of Revenue & Marketing, Curb now join the Advisory Board as well.
This year’s newly elected board members are Katie Garcia, Owner & Founder, Bayonet Records, Tony Kiewel, President, Sub Pop, Steve Kline, President & COO, Better Noise Music, and Elliott Peters, Chief Legal Officer, EMPIRE. Returning to the board for this upcoming year are Jason Peterson, Chairman & CEO, GoDigital Media Group, Victor Zaraya, Chief Operating Officer, Concord, Steven Hill, Head of North America & Global Marketing Warp Records and Terry McBride, CEO, Nettwerk Music Group.
“We are honored to welcome an incredibly talented, diverse, and dedicated group of individuals to serve on the 2026-27 Board of Directors for A2IM,” says Ian Harrison, CEO, A2IM. “Their expertise and passion for independent music will be instrumental in shaping the future of our organization and the industry at this critical time. With these new Executive Committee and Advisory Board Members, we are confident in our ability to advocate effectively for the needs and interests of independent artists and record labels.”
Industry Ink: Darius Rucker, The Store, Combustion Music, LOCASH, More
/by Lauryn SinkDarius Rucker Headlines Sold-Out July 4th Celebration
Darius Rucker. Photo: Rick Kern, Getty Images for Omni Hotels & Resorts
Darius Rucker headlined the sold-out Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa’s Fireworks on The Fairway July 4th celebration.
Rucker welcomed more than 7,000 guests for a set that included “Wagon Wheel,” “Homegrown Honey” and “Alright,” along with Hootie & the Blowfish classics, such as “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Let Her Cry” and “Hold My Hand.”
The Store Seeks Community Participation For Third Annual School Store
The Store will host the Third Annual School Store in late July at the Coleman Park Community Center in Nashville. The initiative will collect new high-quality backpacks and stainless-steel water bottles throughout the month of July. Donations may be purchased from a wish list and shipped automatically to the store. This year, The Store expects to serve more than 800 children.
“We are thankful for the Nashville community that helps us provide much-needed support of our families facing food insecurity. Our customers also lack resources for important things like school supplies,” shares Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, co-founders of The Store. “Thanks to our generous donors, we love being able to offer this opportunity to gear up for a great school year ahead.”
Combustion Music Celebrates ‘Hate How You Look’
Pictured (Front Row, L-R): Combustion’s Keithan Melton, Jessica Farren, Christian Yancey, Chris McKenna and Chris Sainato. (Back Row, L-R): Combustion’s Chris Farren, Kelly Lyons and Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom. Photo: Courtesy of Combustion Music
Combustion Music celebrated the writers of Josh Ross’ “Hate How You Look,” Combustion’s Nicholas Sainato and Jessica Farren, former Combustion writer Chris McKenna, and Christian Yancey for the recent chart-topper. The track is the first country No. 1 for all four writers.
LOCASH Serves As Grand Marshals For NASCAR Cup Series eero 400
LOCASH. Photo: BIGRED
LOCASH recently served as Grand Marshals for the NASCAR Cup Series eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. This year’s race weekend marked NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway for the first time in several years.
The duo recently teamed up with Parmalee to release “Let The Country Music Play.” LOCASH will take the stage at Country Jam USA in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on July 16, followed by Freedom Fest in Little Falls, Minnesota on July 17.
ELEVATION RHYTHM Celebrates No. 1 Single ‘WASHED’
ELEVATION RHYTHM
ELEVATION RHYTHM recently earned its first chart-topper on both the Billboard and Mediabase charts with “WASHED.” The achievement comes just ahead of the release of their live album on July 17.
Chancey Williams Performs At Mount Rushmore
Chancey Williams. Photo: Kenzie Holmberg
Chancey Williams performed at Mount Rushmore on July 3, ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebration.
“I’ve been fortunate to get to do a lot of really neat things in my life, but this was hands down the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” Williams shared following the performance. “To be playing at Mount Rushmore, surrounded by that kind of history and patriotism and then see Air Force One fly right over us – it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Midland Plots ‘Stages Tour’ For Fall
/by Lauryn SinkMidland. Photo: Harper Smith
Midland will hit the road this fall for their “Stages Tour.”
The run will include stops in Iowa, South Dakota, Texas and more in between dates opening for Kacey Musgraves, and the band’s co-headlining tour with Clint Black. The co-headling run will kick off Oct. 8 in Charlotte, with additional stops in Indianapolis, Louisville, Lynchburg and more. Tickets for all shows are available here.
The “Stages Tour” is in support of the band’s most recent album, out now via Blue Highway Records. The 10-track project was produced by Trent Willmon and features writing credits from Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols, Seth Ennis, Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin, Josh Osborne and more.
Alongside the album and tour, Midland also recently launched their official fan club app, Midlanderos, in partnership with 237 Global, giving fans a dedicated home base for first access to tickets, members-only discussion boards, exclusive updates and more.
Midland Fall Tour Dates:
9/4: Clear Lake, IA – Surf Ballroom -
9/5: Deadwood, SD – Outlaw Square –
9/9: Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center ^
9/11: Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum ^
9/12: St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center ^
9/17: Brenham, TX – Washington County Fair –
9/18: Helotes, TX – John T. Floore’s Country Store
9/19: Pasadena, TX – Pasadena Livestock & Rodeo
9/25: Mesa, AZ – Mesa Amphitheatre
9/26: Ruiduso, NM – Jack’s Backstage
9/27: Taos, NM – The Mothership
10/3: Hamilton, TX – Pecan Creek Oktoberfest –
10/8 Charlotte, NC — TD Amp Ballantyne*
10/9: Indianapolis, IN — Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park*
10/10: Camdentown, MO — Ozarks Amphitheater*
10/15: Louisville, KY — The Louisville Palace*
10/16: Auburn, AL — Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University*
10/17: Tampa, FL – Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
10/22: Lynchburg, VA — Lynchburg Amphitheater at Riverfront Park*
10/23: Durham, NC — DPAC*
10/24: Glen Allen, VA — After Hours at The Innsbrook Pavilion*
11/13: Hidalgo, TX – Payne Arena –
11/14: Waco, TX – The Backyard –
^ supporting Kacey Musgraves
* with Clint Black
– Stages Tour
Dolly Parton Musical Opening On Broadway This Winter
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton
DOLLY: A True Original Musical, a journey through the life of Dolly Parton, is coming to Broadway this winter.
Preview performances will open Dec. 7 and the show’s opening night will take place on Parton’s birthday, Jan. 19, 2027. The shows will take place at New York’s St. James Theatre.
The show features music by Parton including some of her iconic hits as well as new songs she has written especially for the musical, a book by Parton and two-time Emmy Award winner Maria S. Schlatter, and is directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher.
“My whole life has been a musical,” says Parton. “A grand ole opera really! We have a wonderful director, sets, costumes, choreography, music and all the things you need to make a wonderful, entertaining show! Can’t wait to see you there!”
“During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly,” says Sher. “You mention her name and people light up and share a time that she has inspired them and brought them joy. But despite all of that genuine love, Dolly has never really shared her story before. She’s offered glimpses and peeks, but this musical allows her to reveal the unfiltered story in her own words. As we prepare to come to Broadway, we’re thrilled to show that rhinestones were never her whole story.”
Tickets go on pre-sale starting tomorrow (July 8), with general sale beginning July 10.
Bryan Andrews Plots ‘Taking My Flag Back’ Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughBryan Andrews. Photo: Layna Wells
Bryan Andrews will kickoff his “Taking My Flag Back” tour in November.
The 20 date trek will include support from Lou Ridley. The t0ur will include stops across the country including Boston, Nashville, Denver and more through December, and a portion of proceeds from the upcoming run will benefit a charity to be announced soon.
Tickets go on sale this Friday (July 10) at 10am local time.
Andrews also recently marked America’s 250th anniversary with his new 8-track mixtape project, Independence Day, out now.
Independence Day features two new tracks, “Home of the Chained” and “Backwoods Backwards,” plus recent viral hits “Are We Great Yet?”, “Yeehaw”, “Not See”, and “The Older I Get,” which previously topped Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales, Digital Song Sales, and Emerging Artists charts. A new video for “Backwoods Backwards” also just released.
Before pursuing music full-time, Bryan spent over four years working as a pipe welder, living the blue-collar life that now informs his music. Raised in a musical household, with his band teacher father and his mother who teaches choir, he grew up immersed in music from his early days. His current work brings those two worlds together, channeling his upbringing to create songs grounded in standing up for what’s right. That philosophy has resonated far beyond country music, helping him build an audience of more than 3.8 million TikTok followers and 1.4 million Instagram followers.
“Taking My Flag Back” Tour Dates:
Nov 5 – Washington, DC – Pearl Street Warehouse
Nov 6 – Boston, MA – Cafe 939 at Berklee
Nov 7 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
Nov 8 – Philadelphia, PA – MilkBoy
Nov 11 – Cleveland, OH – Mahall’s 20 Lanes
Nov 12 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache
Nov 13 –Milwaukee, WI – The Rave Bar
Nov 15 – Indianapolis, IN – Turntable
Nov 16 – Nashville, TN – The Basement East
Nov 19 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues – Cambridge Room
Nov 20 – Austin, TX – 3Ten ACL Live
Nov 21 – Houston, TX – House of Blues – Bronze Peacock
Dec 3 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
Dec 5 – Boise, ID – Neurolux
Dec 8 – Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern
Dec 9 – Portland, OR – Polaris Hall
Dec 11 – Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s
Dec 12 – Los Angeles, CA – The Moroccan Lounge
Dec 14 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues – Voodoo Room
Dec 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
Rascal Flatts To Play Colosseum At Caesars Palace Show During National Finals Rodeo
/by Lorie HollabaughRascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts will play a special show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Dec. 5 for one night only during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets July 7-9 through the Citi Entertainment program. Artist fans will have access to a presale beginning July 8, and Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, as well as Live Nation All Access customers will have access to a presale beginning July 9. Tickets will go on sale to the public July 10.
Throughout their storied career, the Grand Ole Opry members have racked up 17 No. 1s, over 23.4 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads, and over 12 billion total lifetime streams, with 4.6 billion streams on Spotify alone, while also selling over 11 million concert tickets. They’ve earned more than 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People’s Choice and more, making them one of the most-awarded country groups of the past two decades.
Lon Helton To Receive 2026 CRB President’s Award
/by Madison HahnenCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has revealed that legendary broadcaster and industry leader Lon Helton will receive the 2026 CRB President’s Award.
The CRB President’s Award honors individuals whose dedication and leadership have helped shape the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) and its mission to support and grow country radio.
“Few people in this industry have given more to country radio than Lon Helton,” shares CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson. “This recognition has never been more earned, or more obvious. Presenting this award to Lon is one of the privileges of my career.”
For more than 50 years, Helton has been one of country radio’s most respected voices as a broadcaster, journalist, mentor and industry leader. His career began in Illinois before taking him to major radio stations in Denver, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since 1984, he has hosted nationally syndicated country radio programs, including Country Countdown USA, which he launched in 1992 and continues to host today. He has also hosted Country Close-Up, Nashville Live, Listen-In, Country Star Tracks, and more than 100 world-premiere album broadcasts.
Helton has also made a lasting impact as a journalist. He became Country Editor at Radio & Records in 1983 and launched Country Aircheck in 2006, which remains a trusted resource for country radio and the music industry.
A longtime supporter of CRS, Helton has helped bring together broadcasters, artists, record labels,and industry leaders while mentoring generations of radio professionals. His dedication to the format has earned him widespread respect throughout the industry.
Helton was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022. He is the most awarded national radio personality in CMA history, earning 13 National Broadcast Personality of the Year honors, along with five ACM National On-Air Personality of the Year awards. His many other honors include the St. Jude Angels Among Us Award, the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award, the CRB Humanitarian Award and CMA’s J. William Denny Award.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Helton has served in leadership roles throughout the country music industry, including as CMA President and Chairman from 1999 to 2002. He has also served on the boards of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the Country Music Foundation, the St. Jude Country Radio Advisory Council and the Country Music Retirement Community.
The 2026 CRB President’s Award will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony on Monday, Aug. 3, at Virgin Hotels Nashville. The event will also honor the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Morgan Wade Inks With Warner Records Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wade & Cris Lacy. Photo: Erika Rock
Morgan Wade has signed with Warner Records Nashville.
Wade first garnered attention in 2021 with her breakthrough debut album, Reckless. The album’s hit single “Wilder Days” reached No. 36 on U.S. country radio. She has since released three albums, Psychopath, Obsessed and The Party Is Over (recovered). Wade recently appeared on Dutton Ranch.
Blending country, rock, and Americana influences, her music explores themes of addiction, mental health, resilience and self-discovery. She will release her next single, “Love’s Insane,” on Friday, which she solo-penned.
BREAKING: Raffaella Braun Named Co-President Of Triple Tigers Records
/by Madison HahnenRaffaella Braun
Raffaella Braun will serve as Co-President of Triple Tigers Records alongside Annie Ortmeier. She will report to George Couri, Founder and Managing Partner.
Previously serving as Vice President of Radio Promotion, Braun will continue leading radio promotion efforts across the entire Triple Tigers roster alongside Ortmeier. With more than 15 years of industry experience, she most recently helped secure the label’s last 13 (of 16 total) No. 1 radio hits for artists including Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson and Ella Langley. Before moving into radio promotion, Braun worked as a booking agent at CAA and as an event producer.
“I knew Raffi as an agent, and her entire time as a promotion executive,” says Couri. “I’ve seen her lead teams, solve problems and think far beyond radio promotion, figuring out ways to connect an artist with a larger audience. She is relentless, focused, and able to navigate difficult situations without ever losing her wonderful attitude. She was my immediate choice upon hearing of Kevin’s stepping aside. I am excited for her to join Annie as the two-headed juggernaut that will lead this team to even more wins.”
“I’m beyond honored for the opportunity to step into this role and continue working with the exceptional team for the good of our incredible artists and their unbounded art,” adds Braun. “Kevin Herring’s contributions are the foundation of Triple Tigers. He has well prepared us for the road ahead, and happy he is still with us for a good while. I am committed to upholding his incredible legacy and building on the strong foundation he created. I cannot wait to see what Annie, George, the team and I can produce and expound upon from here.”
Clark Mims Tedesco Joins Morris Higham Management
/by Lorie HollabaughClark Mims Tedesco. Photo: Courtesy of Tedesco Pictures
Clark Mims Tedesco has joined Morris Higham Management as Vice President, Marketing.
Tedesco joins the company following a 13-year tenure at Warner Records Nashville, where she was instrumental in driving marketing and strategy for MHM flagship client Kenny Chesney. She was pivotal in the success of his 2020 album Here And Now and 2024’s BORN, and beyond her work with Chesney, Tedesco also led campaigns for Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Hudson Westbrook, Ingrid Andress and many others during her time at Warner.
The seasoned professional also previously spent nearly a decade within New York City’s Broadway community. This foundation in high-stakes storytelling informs her current approach: a balance of collaborative spirit and fierce competitiveness aimed at upholding the traditions of the format while aggressively pushing its creative and commercial boundaries. At Morris Higham, Tedesco will lead the development of sophisticated, tailor-made marketing ecosystems for the company’s roster.
“Clark is a strategist who understands the nuance of building authentic, lasting connections between artists and their global audiences,” says Kyle Quigley, General Manager of Morris Higham Management. “Her leadership and relentless drive for innovation make her a vital addition as we continue to evolve at MHM.”
“As long as I’ve been in the music industry, I’ve held deep respect for Morris Higham Management’s ability to set the gold standard for artist representation,” shares Tedesco. “Having worked alongside them on multiple landmark releases, joining this team is a full-circle moment. I am honored to contribute to MHM’s legacy of excellence and look forward to raising the bar for our artists.”