Black River Entertainment Elevates Grace Watson

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Grace Watson. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Entertainment has promoted Grace Watson to Vice President, Commercial Partnerships & Digital.

“We hired Grace three years ago and she has been a fantastic addition to BRE.  She is a great leader who has the best relationships with our revenue partners, artist managers and The Orchard. Grace has earned this promotion!” says Black River Entertainment Executive Vice President Rick Froio.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity from Gordon and Rick to step into this role and continue building impactful relationships and sales initiatives for our artists and label across the commercial and digital space,” says Watson.

A Kansas City, Watson moved to Nashville to complete her Music Business and Audio Engineering degree at Belmont University. She joined Black River Entertainment in 2023 and has worked on Kelsea Ballerini’s first No. 1 top country album, PATTERNS, and Mount Pleasant, as well as Chris Young’s first Black River Entertainment album, I Didn’t Come Here To Leave.

Before Black River, Watson worked at Universal Music Group/Capitol CMG, supporting artists such as NF, Lauren Daigle, Amy Grant, Jon Foreman and Chris Tomlin. Over the past 10 years, she has helped drive projects that reached the top of multiple Billboard charts, including the Billboard 200, top 40, country, R&B/hip-hop, Christian and Gospel albums charts.

Watson can be reached here.

Caleb King Inks With RECORDS Nashville/Provident Entertainment

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Caleb King. Photo: J Riley Carson.

Caleb King has signed with RECORDS Nashville and Provident Entertainment.

Inspired by sounds of Cody Johnson, Vince Gill, Larry Fleet and Riley Green, King first gained attention with his debut song “Carpenter Boy,” which earned more than 10 million combined views across social platforms and 3.5 million on-demand streams. King’s music inspired by his small town life and his faith.

The Arkansas-based artist will release his next track “Good Ole Boys” on June 12.

Carson Peters Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Carson Peters, Emily Carignan and Aubrey Landon

Carson Peters has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

The 22 year old was raised in East Tennessee, where he started playing fiddle and singing at just three years old and later became the frontman of Carson Peters and Iron Mountain. After moving to Nashville at 19 to focus on songwriting, Peters has since earned cuts with Braxton Keith, Cole Goodwin and Kenny Whitmire.

In 2025, he released his single “The Mirror.” Peters has performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry many times and has appeared on national television, including performing during Ricky Skaggs’ induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame at the 52nd CMA Awards and competing on NBC’s The Voice in 2021. He currently tours with his band while continuing to build his songwriting career in Nashville.

“I want to thank God for this wonderful opportunity in my career, my wife and my entire family for supporting and encouraging me through the ups and downs of the music industry, as well as Emily Carignan, Aubrey Landon, and the whole team at Sony for believing in me and my songs. Long live country music,” says Peters.

“Carson Peters immediately impressed me with his undeniable talent and work ethic,” shares Carignan, Sony Music Publishing Nashville Manager, Creative A&R. “Watching his early success unfold has been incredibly rewarding, and I know this is only the beginning for him!”

“Getting the chance to work with someone as promising as Carson doesn’t come around often,” adds Landon, Sony Music Publishing Nashville Senior Director, Creative A&R. “He’s so authentic and brings a fresh young perspective to the more classic country sound in his music. We are beyond thrilled to be in his corner!”

Brandon Lake, Anne Wilson, More Honored At 13th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards

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Brandon Lake & Anne Wilson. Photo: Jeremy Poland

Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, MercyMe and more were honored at the 13th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards, held last week at the Grand Ole Opry. The event was hosted by Lauren Daigle and Sadie Robertson Huff.

Lake earned both Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year honors, and Winans took home Female Artist of the Year. MercyMe was named Group of the Year, and emerging artist Emerson Day received the Breakout Single of the Year award.

Huff took home Podcast of the Year and Anne Wilson earned Book Impact. The Sports Impact Award was presented to Coach RAC. House of David received Television/Streaming Impact honors, while I Can Only Imagine 2 earned Film Impact of the Year.

Music honors also included Song of the Year for Jamie MacDonald and Worship Song of the Year for Phil Wickham.

The evening featured performances and appearances from Pat Barrett, CAIN, Leanna Crawford, Lauren Daigle, Hope Darst, Elevation Worship, Ben Fuller, a debut performance from the K-LOVE Kids, MercyMe, Chandler Moore, Katy Nichole, Andrew Ripp, Terrian, Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Zach Williams and Anne Wilson.

Presenters and special guests throughout the evening included Shannon Bream, John Crist, Michael Iskander, Levi Lusko and Jonathan Roumie, along with appearances from Josh Baldwin, Blanca, Caleb & John, Franni Cash, Colton Dixon, Jenn Johnson, Rachael Lampa, Tasha Layton, David Leonard, Patrick Mayberry, Jon Reddick, Kristian Stanfill and Megan Woods.

Owen Riegling & Sacha Among CMAOntario Winners

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Owen Riegling & Sacha. Photo: Grant Martin

Country Music Association of Ontario hosted its 14th annual awards on Sunday (May 31) at Port Credit Memorial Arena.

Owen Riegling came out on top with three trophies, while Sacha, Jessica Sevier and James Baker Band secured two wins each. For the first time in CMAOntario history, there was a tie for Breakthrough Artist of the Year with Tyler Lorette and Sevier sharing the title.

Hosted by multi-CMAOntario, CCMA, and SOCAN Award winner Jason Blaine and Country Nights host Sam McDaid, the CMAOntario Awards Show closed out the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend with performances by Riegling, Sully Burrows, Olivia Mae Graham, Sevier, Elyse Saunders, School House, Lorette, Cory Marks, Les Rats d’Swompe and the CMAOntario house band The Western Swing Authority.

2026 CMAOntario Awards Winners:
SINGLE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Pure Country
Owen Riegling – “Taillight this Town”

ALBUM/EP OF THE YEAR sponsored by Country 106.7
Sacha – Woman in the Mirror

SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR sponsored by In the Country with Dave Woods
Jessica Sevier, Robyn Ottolini, Derek Hoffman – “Good to Drive”

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by IBEW Local 353
Sacha

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by IBEW Local 353
Owen Riegling

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR sponsored by CHAW Country 103
James Barker Band

RECORD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Adam Newcomb – I Ain’t Thinkin’ (Tyler Lorette)

ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR sponsored by The Country Frands
School House

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by C to C Music Insider
Jessica Sevier
Tyler Lorette

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR sponsored by New Country 93.5
Sully Burrows – “Rally Around”

INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR sponsored by Manrkē
Christine Wiley & Christine Stevens, C to C Music Insider

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR sponsored by Cithara Guitars
Ryan Cassar

FRANCOPHONE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Kristine St-Pierre

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET) sponsored by Fielding Estate Winery
CHKX (KX 94.7), Hamilton

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (MEDIUM MARKET) sponsored by Lucknow’s Music in the Fields
CFWC (HOT COUNTRY 93.9), Brantford

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (SMALL MARKET)
CKYY (Country 89), Welland

HOLLY & STEVE KASSAY GENEROUS SPIRIT AWARD
Laurie Tiggelman

COMPASS AWARD
James Barker Band

FANS’ CHOICE sponsored by Visit Mississauga
Owen Riegling

Riley Green Unveils Fall Dates For ‘Cowboy As It Gets Tour’

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

Riley Green has added dates to his “Cowboy As It Gets Tour,” extending the run through the fall.

The new dates include stops in Colorado, Texas, California, Nevada and more. Randy Houser, Kashus Culpepper and Hannah McFarland will return as support. Tickets go on sale June 5, following fan club presale this week.

The new dates follow the announcement of Green’s forthcoming new album, That’s Just Me, due Sept. 18 and most recent release “Think As You Drunk.” He was also recently announced as a coach on the upcoming season of NBC’s The Voice, and will co-host CMA Fest Presented by SoFi on ABC on June 24.

“Cowboy As It Gets Tour” Dates:
September 10th, 2026 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre•^+
September 11th, 2026 – Albuquerque, NM – First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater•^+
September 12th, 2026 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena•^+ (on-sale 6/19)
September 17th, 2026 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater•^
September 18th, 2026 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater•^+
September 19th, 2026 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheater•^+
September 24th, 2026 – Long Beach, CA – F&M Bank Amphitheater (*formally known as the Long Beach Amphitheater)•^+
September 25th, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre•^+
September 26th, 2026 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre•^+
October 1st, 2026 – Austin, TX – Moody Center•^
October 2nd, 2026 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Casino•^
December 6th, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
December 10th, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
•Hannah McFarland
^Randy Houser
+Kashus Culpepper

Chase Rice Toasts New Partnership & Single During Loser’s Pop-Up Performance

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Chase Rice. Photo: John Amis

Chase Rice packed Nashville’s Loser’s Bar & Grill on Thursday night (May 28) for a special pop-up performance celebrating his newly announced partnerships with Coors Banquet and Wrangler, as well as the release of his latest single, “Connie Lou.”

Rice delivered a career-spanning set that blended fan favorites, deep cuts and new music. He opened the evening with “Walk That Easy” before taking a moment to address the crowd.

“Thank you guys for being here,” Rice said from stage. “I know you have a lot of options in Nashville on a Thursday night, so thank you for choosing this one.”

Chase Rice. Photo: John Amis

Rice continued with “Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer” and the Platinum-selling “Ready Set Roll,” drawing enthusiastic singalongs from the crowd. He then shifted into “Haw River” and “Gonna Wanna Tonight,” showcasing the storytelling and authenticity that have defined his recent musical evolution.

The intimate atmosphere took on a communal feel when Rice’s guitarist led the audience through a spirited rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” Rice followed with a cover of Garth Brooks’ “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” paying tribute to one of country music’s most influential artists.

The momentum continued with “Two Tone Trippin'” and “Circa 1943” before Rice introduced “Connie Lou,” the night’s centerpiece and the occasion for the celebration.

Closing out the evening, Rice delivered a trio of fan favorites with “Lonely If You Are,” the multi-Platinum hit “Eyes On You” and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen,” sending the crowd home on a high note.

Cumulus Media’s ‘Your Music Plus’ Series Spotlights Riley Green’s ‘Think As You Drunk’

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The second installment of Cumulus Media’s “Your Music Plus” Series kicks off today highlighting Riley Green’s “Think As You Drunk” in an eight-week campaign on Cumulus country stations across the U.S.

The new single out now on Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment takes country fans dancing into summer with a splash of fun, humor, and a tip of the Stetson to the late great Toby Keith. The “Your Music Plus” feature shares personal insights and stories from Green into the making of “Think As You Drunk,” including writing the song in 20 minutes, his musical influences as a songwriter, and what it means to him to pay tribute to Keith, whose 2005 hit “As Good as I Once Was” is sampled on the single’s outro.

“We’re thrilled to partner with our friends at Nashville Harbor Records and Entertainment to kick off summer with Riley Green’s instant party classic, ‘Think As You Drunk,’” says Greg Frey, VP of Music Partnerships, Cumulus Media.

“Riley Green has been crafting songs for a new record over the past year and now gets to deliver the Song Of The Summer to fans and programmers,” says Ryan Dokke, SVP of Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. “‘Think As You Drunk’ is a perfect nod to a musical icon (Toby Keith) and lands squarely in the pocket of fun, light-hearted humor with an incredibly catchy hook! We are grateful for the continued partnership with our friends at Cumulus and for their selecting ‘Think As You Drunk’ as their next Your Music Plus song!”

“Your Music Plus” highlights new music in a unique way by sharing the thoughts of the biggest stars in different formats in a series of revealing and exclusive vignettes across AC, alternative, CHR, country, hot AC, rock and urban formats. The shows feature artist commentary on the song, with artists presenting different aspects of their song’s personal meaning, the inspiration behind the music, and insights on their life and career.

Carly Pearce Announces Fifth Annual Carly’s Closet Event On June 5

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Carly Pearce. Photo: Luke Rogers

Fans can shop from Carly Pearce‘s personal wardrobe at her upcoming 5th annual charity pop-up “Carly’s Closet” during CMA Fest June 5 at the Music City Center in Nashville.

The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. CT and benefits the CMA Foundation. Admission is free, but those making a purchase will get access to an exclusive signing with Pearce following the event. Carly’s Closet will be cashless, accepting payments made with credit or debit cards.

Pearce is set to help America celebrate its 250th birthday next month performing at the Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on July 4.

Mark Your Calendar—June 2026

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Single/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:

June 1
Riley Green/Think As You Drunk/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Atlus/Hold My Liquor/Stoney Creek Records
Braden Hull/End This Way/Melody Place
Six One Five Collective/No One Ever Talks (About The Nights)/Music City Power Company
John PayCheck & Struggle Jennings/Sons of the Spark

June 3
Laci Kaye Booth/ETHEREAL REDNECK SH*T
Mitchell Broodley (feat. Brittany Ray)/Different’s Where I Wanna Be
Megan Barker/What’s A Summer

June 4
Jonah Cooper/Still Here

June 5
Dan Seals (feat. Katharine McPhee)/The Healing Kind
Dave Wilbert/All Summer Long
Alison Nichols/Dressin’ Down/BBR Music Group
Ashton Butler/One More Won’t Hurt
Trevor Finlay/Shut The Hell Up
Parker Brand/More Cigarettes/Asphalt Music Group

June 8
Stephen Styles/Whiskey And Vinyl/Plow House Records

June 9
James Malcolm Band/Knock on Marble

June 10
T.W./Good Shape

June 12
Craig Campbell/Better By The Sea/Grindstone Recordings/Vydia
Lakelin Lemmings/He Ain’t Coming Back/QHMG/Quartz Hill Records
Omer Netzer/Don’t Ask Me

June 15
Chris Young/Full Throttle/Black River Entertainment/Akando Music
Tori Rose/South Of Southern/Saddle Up Records
D Boone Pittman/Sunshine/Boonetown Records
Andy Ross/Hold My Beer/Buck Shot Records

June 19
Matt Rogers/Heartbreak Town
Gabe Walsh/Goodyears/North Chapel Records
Erin Duvall/Wide Eyed Wonder

June 20
Sarah Williams/I Don’t Give a Damn

June 22
Cole Goodwin/HOWDY/Big Machine/Nashville Harbor
Jonathan Lee/Saturday Night/Pacific Standard Entertainment Group
Jaclyn Kenyon & Justin Love/I Wanna/Cornerstone Entertainment Group

June 23
Jeff Dayton/Circling The Moon

June 26
Wishgarden/Kiss Me Slow
Bella Lam/Bootfirst
River Shook/Country Angel/Blackberry River
Amanda Nelson/Loud Mouth

June 29
Glen Shelton/Live Again/Jordash Records
Kimberly Burke/My Circus/Tidewater Records

 

Album/EP Releases:

June 2
Barrett Baber/Crittenden County

June 5
The Red Clay Strays/Grateful/HBYCO Records/RCA Records
Lee Brice/Sunriser/Curb Records
Sierra Ferrell/Live at Third Man Records/Third Man Records
Brent Cobb/Live a Song, Write a Memory, Vol. 1
Jo Dee Messina/Bridges
Old Crow Medicine Show/Union Made/Hartland Records/Firebird Music
Futurebirds/Far Out Country/Dualtone Records
Caleb Caudle/Heavy Thrill/Handplow Records/Soundly Music/Thirty Tigers
Alexandra King/Across the Pond

June 12
Jon Pardi/CALIFORNIA SUNRISE (10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION)/MCA
Koe Wetzel/The Night Champion/Columbia Records
Keith Urban/Flow State/MCA
Midland/Stages/Blue Highway Records
Chris Young/I Didn’t Come Here To Leave (Deluxe)/Black River Entertainment
Brenn!/AMATEUR AT BEST
Graham Barham/CLUB COUNTRY/Sony Music Nashville
Amelia Day/EGO TRIP
Breakfield/Breakfield/Rounder Records
Kenny Whitmire/Fool In A King Size Bed/MCA
Dailey & Vincent/A Beautiful Life/Pillar Stone Records
Caryn Dixon/Accidental Cowgirl
Arthur Stulien/Heart on the Run
EG Vines/Kaleidoscope Dream
ISMAY/Half Truth/Fossil Records
Mike Richmond/Without An Audience/Strolling Bones Records

June 18
Candace Hastings/Soft Place to Land

June 19
The War and Treaty/The Story of Michael and Tanya/Atlantic Outpost

June 26
Cody Johnson/Banks Of The Trinity/COJO Music/Warner Records Nashville
Willow Avalon/Pink Pocket Pistol/Atlantic Outpost/Assemble Sound
Rodney Crowell/Then Again/New West Records
Cole Goodwin/Howdy/Big Machine Records
Sela Campbell/Lovin’ Made Me Mean/Leo33
Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Wes Golding & Terry Baucom/Boone Creek/Craft Recordings & HighTone Records
Frank Ray/Good For The Soul/BBR/BMG
Ryan Jewel/BARREL FULL OF WHISKEY
The Malpass Brothers/Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics/Gaither Music Group
Big Guy & The Very Large Men/soft hands, hard times
The Steppers/The Lights Are Always On
Abby Nissenbaum/Want to Be Wrong
David G Smith/Hero Street

Industry Events:

June 4-7
CMA Fest

 

Upcoming Nashville Concerts:

Alan Jackson. Photo: David McClister

June 1
Darius & Friends/Ryman Auditorium
Various Artists: Whiskey Jam/Skydeck on Broadway
Terror/The Basement East
Drake Bell/City Winery

June 2
ERNEST & Friends/Ryman Auditorium
Various Artists: Country Kickoff/Skydeck on Broadway
Death Angel/Brooklyn Bowl
Em Beihold/The Basement East

June 3
Khalid/Nashville Municipal Auditorium
The Red Clay Strays/The Pinnacle
Various Artists: Whiskey Jam/Skydeck on Broadway
Ben Chapman/The Basement East
Ella Unruh & Friends/EXIT/IN

June 4
Jill Scott/Ryman Auditorium
Dylan Leblanc/The Basement East
Darrell Scott & The Scott Brothers/City Winery

June 5
Jill Scott/Ryman Auditorium
The Wallflowers/Brooklyn Bowl
Starlito/EXIT/IN

June 6
CHAN/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Sadie Jean/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Excis/EXIT/IN

June 7
Jill Scott/Ryman Auditorium
Dance Gavin Dance/Marathon Music Works
Various Artists: Next on Deck/Skydeck on Broadway
Yebba/Brooklyn Bowl
Blacktop Mojo/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Haute & Freddy/EXIT/IN
Various Artists: MOTHER/Riverside Revival

June 8
Yellowcard/Ascend Amphitheater
The Dreggs/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Jessica Baio/EXIT/IN

June 9
Charlie Puth/Ascend Amphitheater
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso/Ryman Auditorium
Mike Sherm/Brooklyn Bowl
Galleria/The Basement East
Michael Lington & Paul Taylor/City Winery

June 10
The Last Dinner Party/The Pinnacle
Jared James Nichols/The Basement East

June 11
Carín León/Bridgestone Arena
Marc E Bassy/City Winery

June 12
Jamal Roberts/City Winery

June 13
Various Artists: SmashFest/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
615 Muzik Fest/EXIT/IN
John Violinist/City Winery

June 14
Cowboy Junkies/City Winery

June 15
Evanescence/Bridgestone Arena
The Dreggs/Cannery Hall (The Mil)

June 16
Josh Groban/Bridgestone Arena
Dailey & Vincent/Ryman Auditorium
Phantom Planet & Augustana/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Brian Fallon & The Painkillers/The Basement East
Spyro Gyra/City Winery

June 17
Nate Smith/Ryman Auditorium
Ivy Queen/Skydeck on Broadway
The Cab/Brooklyn Bowl
The Blackbyrds/City Winery

June 18
Nate Smith/Ryman Auditorium
The Protomen/Marathon Music Works
Kittie/Brooklyn Bowl
Chris Travis/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Cherry Bomb/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Ana Popovic/City Winery

June 19
5 Seconds of Summer/Bridgestone Arena
Andrew Peterson/Ryman Auditorium
The Protomen/Marathon Music Works
Jinjer/Brooklyn Bowl
Tophouse/EXIT/IN
Dave Hollister/City Winery

June 20
Ed Sheeran/Nissan Stadium
Max Richter/Ryman Auditorium
The Protomen/Marathon Music Works
John Vincent III/The Basement East
Clayton Nile Young/EXIT/IN

June 21
The Human League/Grand Ole Opry House

June 22
Rita Wilson/City Winery

June 23
Watkins Family Hour/Ryman Auditorium
Royal & The Serpent/The Basement East
O-Town/City Winery

June 24
Joe Jackson/Ryman Auditorium
Claude McKnight/City Winery

June 25
The Bellamy Brothers/Ryman Auditorium
Troy Doherty/The Basement East

June 26
Nashville: The Encore Tour/Ryman Auditorium
42 Dugg & Babyface Ray/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Topoppgen/The Basement East
Southcourt/EXIT/IN

June 27
Alan Jackson/Nissan Stadium
Young The Giant/Ascend Amphitheater
Nashville: The Encore Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Flux Pavilion/Skydeck on Broadway
Mark Curry/City Winery

June 28
Sonido Gallo Negro/EXIT/IN
Boney James/City Winery

June 29
Louis Tomlinson/The Pinnacle
dyego/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Nunnabove/City Winery

June 30
Post Malone/Nissan Stadium
Sam Bush/Ryman Auditorium