Kenny Chesney has announced he’s returning to the Sphere in Las Vegas in June 2026 for five dates following his recent string of shows there earlier this year.

The hitmaker will return to the groundbreaking venue June 19, 20, 24, 26 and 27 in 2026 with a batch of fresh ideas for the innovative live experience. He soft-announced news of the new shows from the stage during his final weekend at the 17,600-seat venue known for Sphere Immersive Sound, which includes 167,000 individual speakers that can be specifically dialed in to each section, and immersive visual capabilities that deliver over 264 billion pixels across a 160,000 square foot screen.

“You can’t truly understand until you start playing music with all the people there, feeling that energy and the way the visuals and the songs just consume people,” says Chesney of the decision to return. “The more I watched the fans having this experience I’m sure they couldn’t imagine, the more ideas I had – both to reconfigure some of last year’s songs, and a few songs that seemed like they should get this immersive treatment – and wanted to do. I think there are so many ways for people to play this venue, but I feel pretty sure nobody has had more fun there, brought more joy – or that freewheeling Sandbar experience – than No Shoes Nation.”

Tickets for the new Sphere dates go on sale Oct. 31 at Ticketmaster.com.

Jordan Fletcher has released his new EP, The Rest of the Story, out now via Triple Tigers Records.

Produced by Dave Cobb, the EP takes listeners on a journey through the most defining moments of Fletcher’s life, and includes fan-favorite tracks like “Coke Flavored Icee,” “Lie With You,” “Silver Lining,’ and “Sunshine.” Fletcher co-penned all six tracks, including one solo-write with “Sunshine.” His writing partners on the project included Chris LaCorte, Maggie Rose, Austin Nivarel and more.

“I’ve never kept a journal but if I did, it’d probably look and sound a lot like this project,” says Fletcher. “It’s been a long time coming and I put as much of myself and my life story as I possibly could into this thing. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me write these songs and I can’t thank Dave Cobb enough for bringing them to life. I hope y’all love it because I lived it.”

Fletcher recently wrapped a tour with rock band Rome and will open for the Eli Young Band in November.

The Rest of the Story Track Listing:
1. “Coke Flavored Icee” (Chris LaCorte, Jordan Fletcher, Randy Montana)
2. “Me And The World” (Jordan Fletcher, Maggie Rose)
3. “Silver Lining” (Austin Nivarel, Jordan Fletcher)
4. “Sunshine” (Jordan Fletcher)
5. “Lie With You” (Bobby Pinson, Ian Christian, Jordan Fletcher)
6. “Last Song I Ever Write” (Ben Chapman, Jordan Fletcher, Meg McRee)

The Country Music Association has revealed six promotions and one new hire across multiple departments.

Michael Farris has been elevated to Vice President, Business Strategy and Insights, previously serving as Senior Director, Business Strategy and Insights. In his new role, Farris will spearhead CMA’s strategic growth through data, technology, and company-wide collaboration to enhance processes, innovation, and organizational growth. He will also helm insights, ticketing, and data architecture teams to align revenue efforts through shared planning and resources to drive greater impact for CMA’s mission. Before joining CMA in 2018, Farris led the Strategic Consulting and Research team at The Aspire Group. Farris reports to Emily Evans, Senior Vice President, Business Strategy and Operations.

“Michael made an immediate impact when he joined CMA in 2018 and has exponentially grown the depth and breadth of that impact through his strategic vision, drive for innovation, and cross-functional leadership,” says Evans. “His guidance of our Insights, Ticketing, and Data Architecture teams has driven measurable, meaningful results, and his dexterity to support high priority, cross-functional initiatives beyond his official scope has generated countless improvements across the entire organization. It’s exciting to think about all the opportunities Michael could open for CMA in his new role.”

Kate Watson has been promoted to Senior Director, Industry Relations, previously serving as Director, Industry Relations. Watson oversees CMA’s industry relations and membership strategy, including industry partnerships, community building, talent relations, and workforce development. She also drives membership engagement and events and creates artist and industry experiences at all major CMA events. Prior to joining CMA in 2018, Watson was in the talent buying and live entertainment sector with Klein’s Entertainment. She also was a member of CMA EDU and held an internship at CMA. Watson reports to Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy.

“Kate has grown into an incredible leader within CMA, bringing curiosity, commitment, and a constant drive to pour back into our industry,” shares Kerns. “From strengthening CMA EDU, to guiding our Touring Mentorship and Women’s Leadership Academy initiatives, she continues to find meaningful ways to bolster professional development across the community. She plays a vital role in ensuring our members see themselves reflected in our events, maximizing their participation and making every experience more impactful. I am thrilled to celebrate her promotion and can’t wait to see the ways she will continue shaping the future of our industry.”

Jeff Leet has been upped to Director, Brand Integrity, previously serving as Senior Graphic Designer. Leet is the art director for all CMA branded properties, including the CMA Awards, CMA Fest, CMA Country Christmas, industry awards, and membership, creating a visual identity and holding creative standards across events and initiatives. He leads digital, print, and merchandise design, manages creative vendors and staff, and collaborates with internal teams and television partners to create brand consistency. Leet held previous graphic design roles with All Elite Wrestling, MP&F Strategic Communications and CMT before joining CMA in 2023. Leet reports to Amanda Eckard, Senior Director, Creative and Content.

“Jeff has elevated CMA’s visual identity to new heights, strengthening the brand and presenting a cohesive look across the organization’s properties,” adds Eckard. “He’s the consummate team player, constantly expanding his knowledge and advancing CMA’s overall content strategy. This promotion is so well deserved and ensures the integrity of CMA’s brand will continue to be preserved for years to come.”

Additional company promotions include Lindsey Morrison to Senior Manager, Community Engagement for the CMA Foundation, Richard Xiong to Insights Senior Analyst, and Kennedy Strickler to Communications Project Manager. CMA has also added Mary Spaulding as Content Production Manager.

The third annual Toy Store hosted by The Store, a free-referral based grocery store co-founded by Brad and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, will take place in early December.

The holiday event allows parents currently supported by The Store facing food insecurity to shop for gifts for their children, free of charge and wrapped with love. A number of actors and actresses in town last week for Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas Event” were on hand to help stuff hundreds of stockings to be given out during the Toy Store.

Due to the growing hunger crisis and generous community donations, The Store has been able to serve more than 2,000 families with food this year, an amount double from previous years, and the need for toys and supplies is even greater this year. The Store continues to partner with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to support some of the toys needed for younger children, but thousands of items are still needed to make the event successful.

A donation drive has launched to help, and contributions can be made in three ways: purchasing items from The Toy Wishlist, donating financially at thestore.org or volunteering your time. Toys may also be purchased and dropped off unwrapped at The Store by Nov. 25.

Michael Bryan has exited his position as Global Head/Country Music at Apple Music after five years with the company.

Bryan joined as Head/Apple Music Country in 2020. At Apple, he was promoted to Dir./Editorial Operations & Audio Production in 2022 and Global Head/Country Music last year.

Prior to Apple Music, Bryan served as Talent Agent/Artist Development Lead at CAA for three years. Additionally, he spent time as iHeartRadio/Nashville SVP/Programming and WSIX PD, as well as stops in Orlando, Norfolk and New Orleans.

He shared the news on his LinkedIn, stating in part, “Today is my last day at Apple. Nearly six years. Three roles. Four managers. One extraordinary chapter I’ve chosen to close at its peak.”

Bryan can be reached here.