The Women Of Country Celebrate 10 Years At 3rd & Lindsley
Pictured (back row, L-R) Alli Walker, Jenna Davis, Hailey Verhaalen, Jacquie Roar, Brooke Taylor, Kaylee Rose, Sophia Scott. (front row, L-R): Tezza, Nicole Marchesi, Sarah Morey. Photo: Evan McCaffery.
The Women of Country celebrated its 10-year last week at 3rd & Lindsley.
Hosted by Founder Nicole Marchesi and iHeartRadio’s Brooke Taylor, the evening brought together over 150 fans with a lineup of artists including Alli Walker, Kaylee Rose, Jenna Davis, Sophia Scott, Hailey Verhaalen, Jacquie Roar, Sarah Morey and Tezza.
“What an incredible way to celebrate 10 years of The Women of Country. I’m so grateful for everyone who came out, your support means the world. A decade down, and the best is still ahead!” shares Marchesi.
The War And Treaty Perform On WWE’s Wrestlepalooza
The War And Treaty Perform “God Bless America” on WWE’s Wrestlepalooza.
The War And Treaty recently performed their rendition of “God Bless America” during WWE’s Wrestlepalooza, which aired live on ESPN from Indianapolis.
The night included the return of Brock Lesnar, John Cena’s farewell tour, and the first-ever mixed tag team “couple’s match” between Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch and CM Punk & AJ Lee, marking AJ Lee’s return to WWE.
The performance follows the husband-and-wife duo’s recent CMA nomination for Duo of the Year, their third consecutive nod in the category. Next month, The War And Treaty will be back on the road for a 15-city headlining tour.
Chris Blair Honors Brett James In ‘Stories Behind The Songs’ Podcast Episode
Chris Blair honored Brett James in the most recent Stories Behind The Songs episode.
James tragically died in a private plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday (Sept. 18). With more than 500 songs recorded throughout his career, James celebrated 27 No. 1s, a Grammy win for his mega Carrie Underwood hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010. His songs have been cut by country artists like Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts, to pop stars Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis.
CMHOFM Celebrates Opening Of Earl Newman: Six Decades of Lyrical Compositions Exhibit
Pictured (L-R): Museum CEO Kyle Young, Haley Gallery Director Daniel Lonow, Earl Newman and Director of Hatch Show Print Celene Aubry at the Haley Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently celebrated the opening of Earl Newman: Six Decades of Lyrical Compositions, showcasing the works of the poster printmaker, who is also serving as the 2025 Hatch Show Print Visiting Artist.
The exhibition, which is free and open to the public through Nov. 14, includes vintage silkscreened posters by Newman and new works created in collaboration with Hatch Show Print.
Alex Miller Visits FOX56
Pictured (L-R): Alex Miller and FOX 56 “Live From Chevy Chase” co-hosts Tamara Schneider and Leigh Jordan
Alex Miller brought his new single, “Secondhand Smoke” to Lexington, Kentucky with an in-studio performance on FOX56’s morning show “Live From Chevy Chase.” The song was written by Alan Jackson and Jim McBride.
Gary Brewer Signs with Pinecastle Records
Gary Brewer.
Gary Brewer has signed with Pinecastle Records.
The Kentucky native, along with his band, The Kentucky Ramblers, will release a new studio album in 2026. A lead single will be released later this year.
“I am honored and glad to partner with Pinecastle for the release of my new project,” shares Brewer. “It will feature all new original material I’ve written celebrating my 46th year in the music business. All in rambler fashion!”
“Gary Brewer has spent his life making great music and keeping Bluegrass moving forward while staying true to its roots. He’s someone who has inspired fans and musicians for decades. We’re excited to have him join our label, and can’t wait to share his new music with everyone,” adds Ethan Burkhardt, Pinecastle Records CEO.
Donna Duncan Exits CMT
/by Madison HahnenDonna Duncan
Donna Duncan, Vice President, CMT Music & Talent, has exited her role at the company, due to organizational changes. Her last day on the job will be this Friday (Sept. 26).
Duncan joined CMT in 2006 as Executive Assistant for Program Enterprises & MTV, before being promoted to Coordinator, Series Production & Development where she worked with on-air talent and music programming including CMT on Tour, CMT Film and Rockband.
In 2012, she joined the talent team where she has since worked on booking, music specials and digital franchises, as well as close collaboration with the Integrated Marketing, Ad Sales and Digital teams across all CMT platforms. Duncan also served as Talent Executive for CMT Hot 20 Countdown, Talent Producer for the CMT Music Awards and CMT Crossroads, and has also worked across Paramount events including the recent MTV Video Music Awards.
Duncan graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters of Sports Administration. She is a member of the Television Academy, CMA, ACM and WICT.
Kenny Chesney’s ‘Heart Life Music Tour’ To Visit Chicago, Nashville, Miami
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney. Photo: Danny Clinch
Kenny Chesney has added three more events for his upcoming book tour for Heart Life Music in Chicago, Nashville, and Miami in November.
“Heart Life Music: the Book Tour“ will go to Chicago the day after the book’s release on Nov. 5 for an event at the Copernicus Center. Chesney will then head to Nashville Nov. 6 for two book talks at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater. On Nov. 16 he will headline the Miami Book Fair’s opening weekend.
“I wanted to go to the heart of the country, and Chicago sure represents that for me,” says Chesney. “I wanted to go to the place where all of my music came together, the songwriters and creative community were so generous and encouraging to me. Teaming with Parnassus Books for an event at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, yards from the Turf where I’d played for tips when I arrived, is a dream come true.
“And we were asked to be a headliner for the opening of the Miami Book Fair. I feel like we’re going back to the Super Bowl, which when you read the book, you’ll get the reference. It’s an honor to be part of such a respected and iconic event. And the way I love South Florida – from West Palm Beach’s Coral Sky to the Tortuga Music Festival, Miami and the Keys – this is a whole other homecoming.”
Chesney will be joined for the conversations that explore the story and process by two-time LA Press Club Music Criticism and Entertainment Journalist of the Year and co-author Holly Gleason.
The previously announced Johnson City and Boston events are sold-out. Tickets for Chicago and Nashville will go on-sale this Friday (Sept. 26) at 10 a.m. EST, while Miami will go on-sale on Oct. 13. More information for each event can be found here.
Heart Life Music Tour Dates:
Nov. 1- East Tennessee State University Martin Center for the Arts in the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall- Johnson City, TN
Nov. 2- Back Bay Events Center- Boston, MA
Nov. 5- Copernicus Center- Chicago, IL
Nov. 6- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater- Nashville, TN
Nov. 16- Miami Book Fair- Miami, FL
Alison Prestwood To Be Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum’s Next ‘Nashville Cats’ Honoree
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville bassist Alison Prestwood will be featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s in-depth interview series “Nashville Cats” on Nov. 22 in the museum’s Ford Theater.
Prestwood bought her first bass at 13, and after attending the University of Alabama, where she played in the school’s jazz ensemble, she spent 12 years performing in Atlanta’s live music scene. Upon moving to Nashville in the 1990s, she found touring work with Rodney Crowell, Patty Loveless, Olivia Newton-John and others. She also became an in-demand studio bassist and can be heard on several of Blake Shelton’s early hits, including his chart-topping debut, “Austin,” and his version of “Ol’ Red.”
Prestwood has also recorded with Trace Adkins, Frankie Ballard, Faith Hill, LoCash, Tim McGraw, Little Richard, Jessica Simpson, Brooks & Dunn and more. In recent years, she has served as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Peter Frampton’s touring bassist.
The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and will be illustrated with rare photos, film and recordings. After the program, Prestwood will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.
The “Nashville Cats”series began in 2006 by honoring Don Helms, Harold Bradley and Charlie McCoy. Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, it has showcased stories and songs from 55 musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the studio or on concert tours.
Industry Ink: The Women Of Country, The War And Treaty, ‘Stories Behind The Songs,’ More
/by Lauryn SinkThe Women Of Country Celebrate 10 Years At 3rd & Lindsley
Pictured (back row, L-R) Alli Walker, Jenna Davis, Hailey Verhaalen, Jacquie Roar, Brooke Taylor, Kaylee Rose, Sophia Scott. (front row, L-R): Tezza, Nicole Marchesi, Sarah Morey. Photo: Evan McCaffery.
The Women of Country celebrated its 10-year last week at 3rd & Lindsley.
Hosted by Founder Nicole Marchesi and iHeartRadio’s Brooke Taylor, the evening brought together over 150 fans with a lineup of artists including Alli Walker, Kaylee Rose, Jenna Davis, Sophia Scott, Hailey Verhaalen, Jacquie Roar, Sarah Morey and Tezza.
“What an incredible way to celebrate 10 years of The Women of Country. I’m so grateful for everyone who came out, your support means the world. A decade down, and the best is still ahead!” shares Marchesi.
The War And Treaty Perform On WWE’s Wrestlepalooza
The War And Treaty Perform “God Bless America” on WWE’s Wrestlepalooza.
The War And Treaty recently performed their rendition of “God Bless America” during WWE’s Wrestlepalooza, which aired live on ESPN from Indianapolis.
The night included the return of Brock Lesnar, John Cena’s farewell tour, and the first-ever mixed tag team “couple’s match” between Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch and CM Punk & AJ Lee, marking AJ Lee’s return to WWE.
The performance follows the husband-and-wife duo’s recent CMA nomination for Duo of the Year, their third consecutive nod in the category. Next month, The War And Treaty will be back on the road for a 15-city headlining tour.
Chris Blair Honors Brett James In ‘Stories Behind The Songs’ Podcast Episode
Chris Blair honored Brett James in the most recent Stories Behind The Songs episode.
James tragically died in a private plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday (Sept. 18). With more than 500 songs recorded throughout his career, James celebrated 27 No. 1s, a Grammy win for his mega Carrie Underwood hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010. His songs have been cut by country artists like Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts, to pop stars Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis.
CMHOFM Celebrates Opening Of Earl Newman: Six Decades of Lyrical Compositions Exhibit
Pictured (L-R): Museum CEO Kyle Young, Haley Gallery Director Daniel Lonow, Earl Newman and Director of Hatch Show Print Celene Aubry at the Haley Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently celebrated the opening of Earl Newman: Six Decades of Lyrical Compositions, showcasing the works of the poster printmaker, who is also serving as the 2025 Hatch Show Print Visiting Artist.
The exhibition, which is free and open to the public through Nov. 14, includes vintage silkscreened posters by Newman and new works created in collaboration with Hatch Show Print.
Alex Miller Visits FOX56
Pictured (L-R): Alex Miller and FOX 56 “Live From Chevy Chase” co-hosts Tamara Schneider and Leigh Jordan
Alex Miller brought his new single, “Secondhand Smoke” to Lexington, Kentucky with an in-studio performance on FOX56’s morning show “Live From Chevy Chase.” The song was written by Alan Jackson and Jim McBride.
Gary Brewer Signs with Pinecastle Records
Gary Brewer.
Gary Brewer has signed with Pinecastle Records.
The Kentucky native, along with his band, The Kentucky Ramblers, will release a new studio album in 2026. A lead single will be released later this year.
“I am honored and glad to partner with Pinecastle for the release of my new project,” shares Brewer. “It will feature all new original material I’ve written celebrating my 46th year in the music business. All in rambler fashion!”
“Gary Brewer has spent his life making great music and keeping Bluegrass moving forward while staying true to its roots. He’s someone who has inspired fans and musicians for decades. We’re excited to have him join our label, and can’t wait to share his new music with everyone,” adds Ethan Burkhardt, Pinecastle Records CEO.
Hollywood & Mind To Host Inaugural On Location Event In Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (clockwise): Ashley Gorley, Ashley McBryde, Chase McDaniel and GAYLE
Entertainment industry mental health coalition Hollywood & Mind will host the inaugural Hollywood & Mind On Location event on Oct. 22 at Anzie Blue and The Belcourt Theatre in Nashville. The day long program will feature Ashley Gorley, singer-songwriters Ashley McBryde, Chase McDaniel, Gayle, Maggie Rose, Sam Williams, Stella Prince, Madeline Edwards, Summer Joy and an array of music industry executives.
Among the conversations will be “Visual Storytelling and Mental Health” hosted by YouTube’s Head of Industry and Label Relations, Nashville’s Margaret Hart, featuring McBryde, her manager John Peets, and Warner Music Nashville’s SVP, Creative Director Mike Dupree. Gorley is on deck to host a fireside chat, while McDaniel will lead “Writers Room <> Therapy Session” alongside Rose and Edwards.
“Nashville is the songwriting capital of the world, and our team has been on the ground immersing in the community to better understand both the unique challenges to their wellbeing and various ways they’re using their voices to elevate mental health out in the culture,” says Cathy Applefeld Olson, Founder and CEO of Hollywood & Mind. “The big heart and collaborative nature of this city’s artistic alliance make Nashville the perfect place to debut our ‘On Location’ tour and we’ve created a program whose impact will resonate long after October 22.”
Leslie Fram, Founder and CEO of FEMco, will host a conversation with Williams and Gayle. The Executive Roundtable will include Katie Kerkhover, SVP, A&R, North America, BMG/BBR Music Group, Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Co-Founder and CEO of The CORE Entertainment, Brittany Schaffer, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University, Katrina Gay, Executive Director of NAMI Tennessee and Beth Barcus, Co-Executive Director and Porter at Porter’s Call. The whole day will kick off with a Songwriters Workshop with Joy and Prince, and the event will culminate with a reception at Anzie Blue.
The full schedule and tickets to Hollywood & Mind On Location In Nashville are available here.
Sponsor partners for the event include The NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation, The FRESH Program, UTA Foundation, Anzie Blue, FEMco, Love You Three and happy coffee.
BMG Elevates Matt Vieira To Senior Director Promotion, Western US
/by Lauryn SinkMatt Vieira. Photo: Kevin Grace
BMG has elevated Matt Vieira to Senior Director Promotion, Western US.
While continuing to fulfill the role of Western US promotion for Stoney Creek Records, Viera will also add duties of Western US CHR, Hot AC and AC promotions across all BMG imprints, reporting to SVP, CHR, Hot AC and AC Promotion, BMG Lee Leipsner.
“Matt is a vital part of BMG’s success and so deserving of this promotion,” says Leipsner. “He is versatile, well respected, and has a vast knowledge of music from all genres which makes him ideal for this increased role in CHR, Hot AC and AC. His relationships are second to none and I know Matt will play a key role in our campaigns moving forward. Our company believes in the impact/reach of radio; so, elevating our efforts across multiple formats with Matt is ideal.”
Based in Sacramento, California, Vieira has logged nearly three decades of experience in the industry. He has aided in campaigns for nine No. 1s for Jelly Roll across the country and rock charts and the last four No. 1s for Parmalee. Before BBR Music Group/BMG, Vieira logged more than a decade at CBS Radio in promotions, marketing and music director roles at the organization.
Vieira can be reached here.
The Creekers Ink With Warner Music Nashville & Warner Records
/by Madison HahnenPhoto: Madelyn Ormond
Blugrass-country band The Creekers have signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records.
Formed in Leslie County, Kentucky, The Creekers are a six-piece group, comprised of Tanner Horton (vocals, lead guitar), Allen Hacker (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jagger Bowling (bass, vocals), Ashton Bowling (cajon), Scott Sutton (banjo, vocals) and Anna Blanton (fiddle).
The band released their debut album Pour Me In The Creek last year, followed by their 2025 EP River Rat. Off the EP, their track “Tennessee” reached the top five on Spotify’s Viral 50-USA chart, staying there for multiple weeks over the summer. The Creekers are expected to release more music soon.
Drake White Unveils 2025 ‘Benefit For The Brain’ Lineup
/by Lauryn SinkDrake White.
Drake White has unveiled the lineup for this year’s “Benefit For The Brain.”
Alongside White, Riley Green, Jon Pardi, Kassi Ashton and more special guests to be announced will take the Ryman Auditorium stage on Nov. 17. Tickets are on sale now.
In 2019, White endured a stroke on stage that later led to a Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) diagnosis that required seven brain surgeries. The event raises money for mental wellness for military and veterans, especially PTSD, brain health in children and adolescents and innovative approaches to stroke recovery and neurological treatment. White’s non-profit The Benefit For The Brain will donate and disperse proceeds from the show to select charity organizations. The inaugural installment sold out the Ryman and raised over $253,000.
White will then headline his “Keep It Movin’ Tour” this fall before joining Green’s 2026 Cowboy As It Gets Tour.
Eric Church Extends ‘Free The Machine Tour’ Into 2026 With 24 New Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church. Photo: Robby Klein
Eric Church is expanding his “Free The Machine Tour” into 2026 with 24 new dates, kicking off Jan. 22-23 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
New stops on the tour for 2026 include Toronto, Buffalo, Kansas City, Tulsa, Austin, Birmingham, Charlotte and more through April 11. He will be joined across varying dates by special guests Kashus Culpepper, Caylee Hammack, Ella Langley, Ashley McBryde, Stephen Wilson Jr. and 49 Winchester.
Tickets to all shows are available to the general public beginning Oct. 3. Premium members of the Church Choir will have early access to tickets through the pre-sale beginning Sept. 29. A registration pre-sale via Seated, available to non-premium Church Choir members and the general public, kicks off Sept. 30.
Church’s 2025 run resumes tomorrow in Green Bay with special guests Marcus King Band.
Newly Announced “2026 Free the Machine Tour” Markets, Venues and Special Guests:
Jan. 22 || Washington, D.C. || The Anthem || Caylee Hammack
Jan. 23 || Washington, D.C. || The Anthem || Caylee Hammack
Feb. 5 || Omaha, Neb. || CHI Health Center || Ella Langley
Feb. 6 || Sioux Falls, S.D. || Denny Sanford PREMIER Center || Ella Langley
Feb. 7 || St. Paul, Minn. || Grand Casino Arena || Ella Langley
Feb. 12 || Toronto, ON || Scotiabank Arena || Ella Langley
Feb. 13 || Buffalo, N.Y. || KeyBank Center || Ella Langley
Feb. 14 || Albany, N.Y. || MVP Arena || Ella Langley
Feb. 19 || North Little Rock, Ark. || Simmons Bank Arena || 49 Winchester
Feb. 20 || Kansas City, Mo. || T-Mobile Center || 49 Winchester
Feb. 21 || St. Louis, Mo. || Enterprise Center || 49 Winchester
Feb. 26 || Tulsa, Okla. || BOK Center || Stephen Wilson Jr.
Feb. 27 || Fort Worth, Texas || Dickies Arena || Stephen Wilson Jr.
Feb. 28 || Austin, Texas || Moody Center || Stephen Wilson Jr.
Mar. 5 || Knoxville, Tenn. || Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center || 49 Winchester
Mar. 6 || Greensboro, N.C. || First Horizon Coliseum || 49 Winchester
Mar. 7 || North Charleston, S.C. || North Charleston Coliseum || 49 Winchester
Mar. 19 || Birmingham, Ala. || Legacy Arena at the BJCC || 49 Winchester
Mar. 20 || Atlanta, Ga. || State Farm Arena || 49 Winchester
Mar. 27 || Hollywood, Fla. || Hard Rock Live || Kashus Culpepper
Apr. 3 || Greenville, S.C. || Bon Secours Wellness Arena || Ashley McBryde
Apr. 4 || Charlotte, N.C. || Spectrum Center || Ashley McBryde
Apr. 10 || Jacksonville, Fla. || VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena || Ashley McBryde
Apr. 11 || Tampa, Fla. || Benchmark International Arena || Ashley McBryde
Early Bill Anderson Albums Now Available Digitally For First Time
/by Lorie HollabaughBill Anderson
Bill Anderson fans can now get five of the albums from his catalog on streaming and digital platforms.
Wild Weekend (1968), If It’s All The Same To You with Jan Howard (1970), Always Remember (1971), Ladies Choice (1979), and Nashville Mirrors (1980) are now all available digitally from the legendary singer-songwriter. Anderson’s vast catalog continues to be digitalized after nearly seven decades writing and recording hits.
Earlier this year, the Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member celebrated 64 years as the longest-serving member of the Grand Ole Opry and in April, the Tennessee Songwriters Association International honored Anderson with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In fall of 2024, Anderson was honored with the Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award by the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame.
Anderson’s collaborations with the newer generation of Nashville tunesmiths resulted in hits like “Wish You Were Here,” the Grammy-nominated “Two Teardrops,” Kenny Chesney’s “A Lot Of Things Different,” Vince Gill’s “Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn),” and two CMA Song Of The Year trophies for “Whiskey Lullaby,” with Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and George Strait’s “Give It Away” in 2005 and 2007, respectfully. He continues to write today with recent cuts like Brad Paisley’s “Dying To See Her.”