Tortuga 2026

Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival hosted fans in the Sunshine State for a packed weekend of entertainment from headliners Post Malone, Riley Green and Kenny Chesney.

Post Malone

The 13th annual festival brought over 50 artists to Fort Lauderdale ranging from Dwight Yoakam, Russell Dickerson and Tyler Hubbard to rap and rock favorites like Ice Cube, Afroman and The Fray. On Friday, the Sunset Stage kicked off with performances from Emily Ann Roberts and Flatland Cavalry, who led sing-alongs and even tapped the crowd to cover Kaitlin Butts’ part in “A Life Where We Work Out.” Ice Cube delivered legendary hits like “It Was a Good Day” and “Straight Outta Compton,” and for the first time in Tortuga history, SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour broadcast live from Rock The Ocean’s Conservation Village. The Main Stage opened with Chayce Beckham, Ashley Cooke, Lukas Nelson, and Dwight Yoakam, who ushered in the first sunset with his signature pedal steel-laced honky-tonk sound. Post Malone kept the party going and closed out opening night with hits like “I Had Some Help” and “Rockstar.”

Riley Green

The high energy carried into Saturday, with nearly 20 performances set against the breezy backdrop. Colbie Caillat surprised fans with an intimate pop-up at Conservation Village before heading to the Main Stage, where Graham Barham and Clay Walker also delivered sets. Tyler Hubbard welcomed his wife Hayley and their three kids onstage, later leading the crowd in a sing-along to “Cruise.” On the Sunset Stage, Buffalo Traffic Jam and Brittney Spencer had fans dancing under the Florida sun before Afroman thrilled the crowd with favorites “Crazy Rap (Colt 45 & 2 Zig Zags)” and “Because I Got High,” along with his viral hit “Lemon Pound Cake.” G. Love & Special Sauce followed, and as the sun went down on Day 2, the band’s frontman jumped into the crowd for a rendition of “Hurricane,” along with iconic hits like “How to Save a Life” and a rocking take on The Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl.” Riley Green wrapped the night on the Main Stage with originals like “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do” joined by Colbie Caillat, as well as a string of covers, including “Dixieland Delight,” “In Color,” and a double dose of Toby Keith with “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.”

Kenny Chesney

Wrapping the star-studded weekend, fans at the Sunset Stage were treated to performances from Brandon Wisham, The Wheeland Brothers, Amanda Shires, Josh Ross and Dustin Lynch, who had the audience “Seein’ Red” with “Thinking ‘Bout You.” Over on the Main Stage, festivities kicked off with Greylan James and Uncle Kracker, who lit up the stage with his take on “Neon Moon” and easy-going hits including “Smile.” He was followed by red dirt rockers Shane Smith & The Saints and Russell Dickerson, who brought the energy as the crowd sang along to his viral hit “Happen To Me.” As the sun went down on Tortuga 2026, fans welcomed Kenny Chesney back to the Main Stage for a historic sixth time. Chesney performed sunsoaked favorite “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” and “Summertime” as well as TikTok trending “Out Last Night” then  welcomed Kracker to the stage for “Follow Me” and “Drift Away.” The crowd went wild when Megan Moroney made a surprise appearance as well for three songs, including the duo’s hit “You Had To Be There.”

The festival was just announced as a nominee for “Festival of the Year” at the upcoming 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, further cementing its impact on the live music landscape.

Aubrie Sellers

Aubrie Sellers is set to hit the road this month on her headline tour alongside Jade Jackson.

The run will make stops in Nashville, Austin, Atlanta and more. Tickets are on sale now.

Sellers released her third studio album, Attachment Theory, on March 20 via Casual Records/Carnival Records. The 11-track project explores the psychology of human relationships.

“This record was born out of heartbreak, with the theme of attachment theory running through it in different ways,” says Sellers. “I’ve always been fascinated by psychology, especially people’s personalities and quirks and how they function in relationships.” She continues, “Sonically, this record leans even more into rock than my past albums, but it has a darker, slower cadence. Less outright slashers and more intense rock slow-burners. I’m drawn to sci-fi, horror, and cinematic themes, and you hear that all over this record with the synths, strings, and haunting guitars. Ethan Ballinger, who co-produced and played guitar, and Jeremy Ferguson, our engineer, share those sensibilities with me.”

Tour Dates:
Apr 19 Sun – Louisville, KY – Zanzibar^
Apr 23 Thu – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord Music^
Apr 25 Sat – Nashville, TN – Analog at Hutton Hotel^
Apr 27 Mon – Austin, TX – Saxon Pub^
Apr 28 Tue – Dallas, TX – AM/FM Dallas^
Apr 30 Thu – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar^
Jun 18 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena *
Jun 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre *
Jun 20 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center *
Jun 25 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater *
Jun 26 – Bend, OR – Haden Homes Amphitheater *
Jun 27 – Kent, WA – Accesso Showare Center *

* opening for Parker McCollum
+ with Erin Enderlin
^ with Jade Jackson & Jackson+Sellers

Eric Church. Photo: Robby Klein

Eric Church has sold out all three nights of his upcoming Red Rocks Amphitheatre run within minutes of tickets going on sale for the second consecutive year. This year’s shows will take place July 6, 7, and 8.

This year’s shows will celebrate Church’s 20 years in music. Each night will have a different setlist, as Church has made tradition. Corey Kent will join as support on night one, 49 Winchester on night two, and The Creekers on the final night.

After his three nights at Red Rocks, he will play two nights at Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre. Church is also set to headline Barefoot Country Music Fest, the California Mid-State Fair, Boots on the Bend and more festivals this summer.

Tenasie Courtright & Jonah Gordon. Photo: Gina Di Maio

Jody Williams Songs has elevated Tenasie Courtright to Director, Creative & A&R.

Formerly serving as Creative Director at the company, Courtright took on added duties by performing hands-on A&R for JWS writer-artists Emily Ann Roberts, Ashley McBryde, Harper O’Neill and Peytan Porter.

“When we discovered Tenasie’s natural abilities for A&R we encouraged her in this area and were extremely pleased with the results,” shares Nina Fisher, VP/GM of JWS. “She is a key member of our creative team, and we are lucky to have her.”

Additionally, Jonah Gordon has joined Jody Williams Songs as Manager, Sync & A&R.

Gordon comes to JWS from the sync department of Big Yellow Dog Music, which was recently acquired by Sony Music Publishing.

“Jonah is the right person at the right time to ramp up our sync business and enhance creative services for our writers,” Fisher adds. “He brings a skill set to our company that will help us to evolve and broaden the reach of our songs.”

Reach Courtright here and Gordon here.

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. is currently accepting applications for the CRS 2027 Agenda Committee.

The Agenda Committee plays a vital role in shaping and developing the educational programming for next year’s Country Radio Seminar, set to take place March 17–19, 2027. The CRS 2027 Agenda Committee will be led by Brittani Johnson as Chair, alongside Krista Hayes (BMG/Broken Bow Records) and Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting) as Vice Chairs.

The committee is comprised of volunteers from across all sectors of the country radio, streaming and music industry. Members collaborate to develop compelling panels, discussions and workshops that reflect the evolving landscape of country music and radio.

To be considered, applicants must be available to attend the mandatory in-person planning sessions in Nashville, scheduled for August 3–5, 2026, and must also be available to attend CRS 2027. Committee members will receive complimentary registration for CRS 2027. All travel and lodging expenses remain the individual’s responsibility.

Applications must be submitted by May 1 and can be completed here.