Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater To Host First-Ever Community Day In June

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Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater is hosting its inaugural Community Day, a free celebration of Nashville’s first responders, on June 13.

The amphitheater is inviting the public to attend the free event from 12:30-5 p.m. The festivities will include a variety of family-friendly interactive experiences, and guests will have the opportunity to explore Metro Nashville Police Department emergency and safety vehicles up close, including a helicopter, marine unit boat, horse-mounted police and K-9 units, as well as fire trucks and ambulances from the Nashville Fire Department.

In addition, the amphitheater will feature multiple experiences on the lawn, including yoga and fitness workshops, a kid zone with activities for children of all ages, as well as several community partner activations and free giveaways. Official venue merchandise and food and beverages will also be available for purchase on-site.

Free live music and community performances will also take place throughout the day on the Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater stage, featuring School of Rock Nashville, the Titans Blue Crew Drumline and recording artist Clayton Q.  

Chris Young To Release Deluxe Edition Of ‘I Didn’t Come Here To Leave’

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Chris Young. Photo: Courtesy Black River Entertainment

Chris Young is releasing an expanded edition of his latest album, I Didn’t Come Here To Leave (Deluxe), on June 12 via Black River Entertainment.

Young recently released the first track from the deluxe version of the album, “One Of Us,” a duet with rising star Shaylen, which juxtaposes two different sides of heartbreak. The expanded collection was co-produced by Young and Andy Sheridan, and also features songs like “Wedding Band,” a one-that-got-away story from a unique perspective, and “If You’re Lucky,” a playful yet haunting duet with Breland about the allure of an irresistible but unpredictable woman.

The release of I Didn’t Come Here To Leave (Deluxe) drops as the title track goes to country radio. The single is already generating a buzz ahead of the June 15 add date, and has been streamed more than 24 million times.

Young is also gearing up for the grand opening of his Midtown Nashville sports bar, aptly named “Famous Friends” after his chart-topping hit.

Landon Wilks Inks With The Neal Agency

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Pictured (L-R): LJ Stoll (Real Big Music Group), David Kaufman (New 11), Dillon Druz (New 11), Landon Wilks, Evan Kantor (TNA); Juliette Edwards (TNA) and Ryan Beuschel (TNA). Photo: Michael Stern

Landon Wilks has inked with The Neal Agency.

Wilks has spent time on the road with Waylon Wyatt. The Mississippi native will release his debut EP Young and Restless tonight, following his recent single “Leave Me Be.”

“Joining the Neal Agency is something I’m really excited about. From their globally recognized artists, to the new up-and-comers, the attention to detail at every level is unmatched,” says Wilks. “That kind of care across the board doesn’t happen everywhere, and it says a lot about who they are. I know they’re going to be a huge factor in my career, especially when it comes to touring.”

“Landon brings a rare level of vulnerability and honesty to his songwriting. From the first listen, it’s clear he’s an artist carving out a lane entirely his own,” shares TNA Agent Juliette Edwards.

“We are so excited to work with Landon. He has a uniquely raw sound, and the grit in his voice lets you know exactly who he is the moment he starts singing,” TNA Agent Evan Kantor adds. “We’re looking forward to helping him share his authentic storytelling with the masses throughout his touring career.”

Little Big Town Unveils ‘It’s A Dying Art’ Due In August

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Little Big Town will release their 12th studio album, It’s A Dying Art, on Aug. 28 via MCA.

Produced by Gena Johnson and the band’s Karen Fairchild, the record features collaborations with Ashley Monroe, Jason Isbell and Kelsea Ballerini. The 13 tracks were written by the band members, Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook, alongside Tofer Brown, Liz Rose, Alysa Vanderheym, Clint Daniels and more.

Earlier this month, the group debuted the first offering from the upcoming album, “Hey There Sunshine” at the 61st ACM Awards. Alongside the album announcement, the band has released “Over and Over,” written by Fairchild, Ashley Ray, Jonnie Simpson and Madi Yanofsky.

It’s A Dying Art Track List:
1. “Intro” (Karen Fairchild, Shelby Lynne, Ashley Monroe)
2. “Sucker For A Sad Song (with Ashley Monroe)” (Karen Fairchild, Shelby Lynne, Ashley Monroe)
3. “The Door (with Jason Isbell)” (Clint Daniels, Ken Hart, Waylon Payne)
4. “Dying Art” (Karen Fairchild, Ashley Ray, Jonnie Simpson, Madi Yanofsky)
5. “Hey There Sunshine” (Hillary Lindsay, Jon Nite, Gordie Sampson)
6. “Over And Over” (Karen Fairchild, Ashley Ray, Jonnie Simpson, Madi Yanofsky)
7. “The Idea” (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Liz Rose)
8. “We Could Have It All” (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Ashley Monroe)
9. “Crickets” (Philip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Brent Cobb, Adam Hood)
10. “Closing Time (with Kelsea Ballerini)” (Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Alysa Vanderheym)
11. “Long Way To Your Heart” (Karen Fairchild, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
12. “It’s Coming Around” (Karen Fairchild, Madi Diaz, Sean McConnell)
13. “Jet Plane” (Jimi Westbrook, Joe Ginsberg, Ashley Ray)

Spotify House Unveils Fresh Finds Rooftop Lineup

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Joining previously-announced main stage artists, Spotify has revealed their line up of emerging country artists set to take over the Fresh Finds Rooftop during CMA Fest 2026.

June 4 will feature Austin Michael, Belle Frantz, Schmitty, Lily Meola, Tyce Delk and Max Alan. On June 5, Gareth, Brooke Lee, Logan Crosby, Mack Geiger, Hudson Macready and MŌRIAH will take the stage. Landon Wilks, Noah James, Abbie Callahan, Blake Proehl, KC Bruner and Will Terry will close out the event on June 6.

The shows will take place each night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Spotify House is free and open to the public.

Chase Rice To Host Surprise Concert & Launch Event For New Partnership

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Chase Rice. Photo: Ben Christensen

Chase Rice will host a pop-up concert at Loser’s Most Wanted Bar & Grill in Nashville tonight (May 28). Admission is free and open to the public. Rhys Rutherford and Hannah McFarland will open the show. He will also release his new song, “Connie Lou,” tomorrow (May 29).

The surprise event is in celebration of Rice’s new partnership with Coors Banquet and Wrangler. The brands and Rice have launched a limited-edition clothing collection featuring “Beer Chords.” The jeans have the actual chords from “Connie Lou” printed on the denim using ink made with Coors Banquet beer.

Combining Wrangler’s classic style with Coors Banquet’s Western roots, the collection includes apparel made for country festival season. Along with the “Beer Chords” jeans, the Coors Banquet and Wrangler Collection includes 32 pieces for men and women, plus co-branded caps. Featured items include the Denim Jersey, Brushpopper Cowboy Cut Work Shirt, Men’s Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Jeans, Women’s Reworked Short, and Women’s Printed Vest and Bailey Flare Jeans.

250 pairs of Beer Chords jeans will be released in two drops of 125 pairs each today (May 28) and June 4 at 12 p.m. CT here.

“Wrangler has been the unofficial uniform of country music for decades, seen on the legends on stage as well as the fans in the front row,” says Holly Wheeler, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Kontoor Brands. “Our partnership with Coors Banquet honors that heritage, blending festival style with rugged functionality. This collection is for those who live for the music and the Western lifestyle, designed to withstand the energy of a summer crowd and the grit of the open range alike.”

“Coors Banquet has always been deeply rooted in the moments and stories that shape country culture,” adds Matt Carpenter, Vice President Marketing, Coors Family of Brands. “This collaboration with Wrangler and Chase Rice brings that spirit to life, turning an authentic personal story into something fans can connect with on a deeper level, from the music itself to the craftsmanship behind the ‘Beer Chords.’”

George Strait & Lainey Wilson Join Alan Jackson’s ‘Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale Concert’

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George Strait and Lainey Wilson are the latest superstars added to the list of artists joining “Alan Jackson‘s Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” concert on June 27 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

Strait and Jackson have teamed up many times, including on the duets “Designated Drinker” and the CMA Award-winning “Murder on Music Row,” a concert album and DVD with the late Jimmy Buffett, and more. After George Jones passed in 2013, the two Country Music Hall of Fame members performed an unforgettable duet of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” at that year’s CMA Awards, and they teamed up again for a medley of Jackson’s “Remember When” and Strait’s “Troubadour” a decade ago as the CMA Awards celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Wilson has a long-standing appreciation for Jackson and his music and was part of the all-star lineup that saluted Jackson when he received the Country Music Association’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 CMA Awards, performing “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” before joining Jackson (and others) on an all-star rendition of “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”

Strait and Jackson will be part of the all-star lineup of artists joining Jackson to celebrate his career and legacy at this last full-length performance of his touring career. Previously announced artists on the lineup of the sold-out show include Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright and Carlisle Wright.

For the thousands of Middle Tennessee fans who were left out when the show sold out, The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University is offering a chance to be part of the moment with a live stream of the concert. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the evening, which will open with a live band performance on the Fisher Center stage before the live stream begins, giving attendees a full-night concert experience with free parking. Tickets are on sale now, and all proceeds of every ticket purchased will go toward launching the Alan Jackson Legacy endowed scholarship at Belmont University, which will support aspiring musicians and artists for generations to come.

“Alan Jackson is one of the most beloved figures in country music history, and his final performance is a once-in-a-generation moment,” says Chaz Corzine, executive director of The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. “We wanted to make sure fans who didn’t get a stadium ticket could still be part of that night — together, live, as it happens.”

Randy Travis Slates Final Dates Of The ‘More Life Tour’

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Randy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor

Randy Travis has announced he’ll launch the final leg of his “More Life Tour” this fall.

Kicking off Aug. 21 in Hiawassee, Georgia, the final dates will include stops in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, New England, Texas and beyond through Nov. 8. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow (May 29) at RandyTravis.com.

After an incredibly successful two-year run touring over 54 cities and 24 states, the “More Life Tour” has reconnected Travis with fans across the country. Although Travis doesn’t perform due to the effects from his stroke in 2013, he does appear on stage with his wife Mary, engaging with fans, interacting with the band, and celebrating the music throughout the show. Joined by his longtime touring band and special guest vocalist James Dupré, the show honors Travis’s four-decade career with performances of his iconic No. 1s, including “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.”

“‘The More Life Tour’ celebrates something so much more than a musical moment in time—it’s a gift to me to spend time with my fans, and my band, as James Dupré perfectly presents the songs that best define my career. We look forward to seeing you all somewhere along the way,” says Travis.

“This tour has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” adds Dupré. “Night after night, it’s been incredible to see how much Randy’s music still means to people. As we head into these final dates, I’m grateful to Randy, Mary, and the fans for letting me be part of something this special.”

“More Life Tour” Dates:
Aug. 21 – Hiawassee, GA – Georgia Mountain Fall Festival – Anderson Music Hall
Aug. 22 – Richmond, KY – The Vine at Chenault Vineyards
Sept. 23 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Sept. 24 – Lansdowne, PA – Lansdowne Theater
Sept. 25 – Westbury, NY – Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
Sept. 26 – York, PA – Pullo Center
Sept. 27 – Albany, NY – The Egg Performing Arts Center
Oct. 1 – New London, CT – Garde Arts Center
Oct. 2 – Keene, NH – Colonial Theatre
Oct. 3 – Plymouth, MA – Plymouth Memorial Hall
Oct. 4 – Northampton, MA – Academy of Music Theatre
Oct. 14 – Austin, TX – The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Oct. 15 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom
Oct. 22 – Lubbock, TX – Buddy Holly Hall
Oct. 23 – Albuquerque, NM – Popejoy Theatre
Oct. 24 – Pueblo, CO – Pueblo Memorial Hall
Nov. 6 – Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall
Nov. 7 – Topeka, KS – Topeka Performing Arts Center
Nov. 8 – Branson, MO – Clay Cooper Theatre

ARC Business Management Appoints Katie West As Managing Director

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Katie West. Photo: Hannah Drake

ARC Business Management has appointed Katie West as Managing Director.

In this role, the Nashville-based executive will lead creator relations and support the company’s continued growth across the entertainment industry.

With more than a decade of experience across finance, operations and client relations, she most recently spent three years in London as Financial Controller for Red Light Management. Prior to that, West co-founded a technology startup focused on helping artists monetize video content and create premium fan engagement experiences. She also held financial operations roles with Bridgestone Americas, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Tri Star Sports & Entertainment, among others.

“Katie’s combination of hands-on financial expertise, international market knowledge, and genuine passion for creators makes her the perfect fit for ARC at exactly the right time,” says Tate Henshaw, Co-Founder of ARC. “We’re excited to grow alongside her as we continue expanding our services and deepening the intentional, client-first approach we’re known for.”

“ARC is one of the few agencies in this space rapidly evolving alongside what creators and the entertainment industry genuinely need – agile advisors who care about both the details and the long-term sustainability of their clients’ careers,” says West. “I’m truly excited to be joining a team that’s building with the same creative and entrepreneurial energy as the roster they serve.”

Gabe Walsh Signs With North Chapel Records

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Gabe Walsh.

Gabe Walsh has signed with North Chapel Records.

The Blue Rapids, Kansas native was recently named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious NSAI Milestone Award. He will release his debut single “Goodyears,” on June 19.

“It’s a dream come true for me to get to work with a legend like Benny Brown and the rest of the staff at North Chapel Music,” says Walsh. “I’ve been busting my tail for 13 years in this town, and this means the world. I’ve never had a plan B, so I’m very grateful and blessed to see the hard work starting to pay off.”

Walsh will appear as part of the Field & Stream-sponsored songwriter event tomorrow (May 29) in celebration of Cracker Barrel 400 weekend at Nashville Superspeedway.