Grand Ole Opry To Kick Off 100th ‘Rhinestone Milestone’ Birthday Month In October

Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry is keeping the Opry 100 celebration party going all four weeks in October with a series of birthday shows, plaza parties, special fan activations, surprises and more.

The Opry’s 100th “Rhinestone Milestone” birthday month kicks off in a huge way throughout the first weekend in October featuring special Opry Birthday Plaza Parties on Oct. 3-5 and a milestone Opry 100 show celebrating 100 years of WSM, radio home of the Opry, on Oct. 5. Additionally, Opry Community Day will be held for all Tennessee residents on Oct. 5.

Performances throughout the month of October include Opry members Patty Loveless, Carrie Underwood, Jamey Johnson, Crystal Gayle, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Scotty McCreery, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, Ricky Skaggs, Dailey & Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, Henry Cho, Bill Anderson, Steve Wariner, Gary Mule Deer, The Isaacs and more.

Unique Rhinestone Milestone” birthday packages include a ticket to a Saturday Opry birthday show and access to the preshow Birthday Tailgate Party held in Studio A, where iconic TV shows like Hee-Haw, Nashville and CMT Crossroads were filmed. The tailgate will feature a live set from Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rhett Akins, a behind- the-scenes tour, birthday cake and an exclusive commemorative poster.

The Opry will welcome Steve Earle (Sept 17) and Kathy Mattea (Oct 11) as the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry family. On Nov. 28, the Opry will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Nov. 28, 1925 inaugural broadcast with an all-star Opry member show, with additional details to come.

ACM & Miranda Lambert Co-Host Wine & Country Experience At Hearst Castle

ACM Board members and former Chairpersons Randy Bernard and Ebie McFarland, Miranda Lambert, and ACM CEO Damon Whiteside gather following ACM Presents Wine & Country at the historic Hearst Castle. Photo: Steve Mekler/ACM

The Academy of Country Music co-hosted its first-ever “ACM Presents Wine & Country,” a one-of-a-kind event on Sept. 13 set against the backdrop of California’s historic Hearst Castle featuring a sold-out intimate concert by Miranda Lambert.

The food and wine-filled benefit raised over $420,000 for a coalition of causes including ACM Lifting Lives, Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center and The Foundation at Hearst Castle, which helps preserve Hearst Castle for future generations.

“We’re so thrilled to have gone back to our California roots to celebrate country music and raise money for important charities in this beautiful, unique setting,” says Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside. “We’re grateful for this collaboration with the Hearst Ranch Winery, the Foundation at Hearst Castle, and the most-awarded artist in the Academy’s 60-year history, Miranda Lambert, benefiting such incredible non-profits: MuttNation Foundation, ACM Lifting Lives, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center, and The Foundation at Hearst Castle – each embodying compassion, creativity, and community.”

Vincent Mason Slates Debut Album, ‘There I Go,’ For November

Vincent Mason will release his debut album, There I Go, on Nov. 7 via Interscope/MCA Nashville/Music Soup. To mark the news, Mason has shared a deeply personal new track, “Days Are Numbered.”

The road-worn anthem captures the relentless grind of chasing a passion, and was written by Mason alongside Chase McDaniel, Jessie Jo Dillon and Geoff Warburton. This album is a true coming-of-age soundtrack with Mason threading together moments of love, loss, and the fleeting joys that make it all worthwhile. Other writers contributing to the project include Devin Dawson, Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird and more.

“I was always a kid who liked to be very still,” recalls Mason. “My favorite question growing up was always ‘When can we go home?’ I’ve really been that way my whole life. Last year I put out a song called “Hell is a Dance Floor” and since then I haven’t really been home at all. The album There I Go is me learning how to live on the road.

“‘Days Are Numbered’ captures the two sides of the album and the tension that lies in between,” he continues. “There’s the kid in me that wants to stay home, and the side of me that can’t get enough of being out on the road playing shows. I thank God every day that I have the life that I do, and I wouldn’t trade it. “There I Go” is the through line that captures all the moments of my life since it changed last year.”

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This fall, Mason will join Jordan Davis on tour across the country, including The Greek in Los Angeles, Radio City Music Hall in New York and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.

There I Go Track List:
1. “There I Go” (Vincent Mason and Jack Hummel)
2. “Little Miss” (Vincent Mason, Chase McDaniel, Ryan Beaver, Jared Keim)
3. “Sink or Swim” (Vincent Mason, Chase McDaniel, Jack Hummel, Devin Dawson)
4. “Damned If I Do” (Vincent Mason, Jacob Hackworth, Lauren Hungate)
5. “Old Flame” (Vincent Mason, Chase McDaniel, Hillary Lindsey)
6. “She Loves” Leaving (Vincent Mason, Geoff Warburton, Chris LaCorte)
7. “Anything Took Everything” (Vincent Mason, Erik Dylan, Jack Rauton)
8. “Sit With It” (Vincent Mason, Chase McDaniel, Randy Montana, Jaxson Free)
9. “Painkiller” (Vincent Mason, Chase McDaniel, Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird)
10. “American Spirit” (Vincent Mason, Abram Dean, Andy Albert, Zach Abend)
11. “Hell Is A Dancefloor” (Vincent Mason, Chase McDaniel)
12. “Wish You Well” (Geoff Warburton, Jessie Jo Dillon, Blake Pendergrass, Chris LaCorte)
13. “Days Are Numbered” (Vincent Mason, Chase McDaniel, Jessie Jo Dillon, Geoff Warburton)
14. “Good Run” (worktape) (Vincent Mason)

Kenny Chesney To Celebrate Book Release With ‘Heart Life Music Tour’

Kenny Chesney.

Kenny Chesney is celebrating the release of his book, Heart Life Music, with two book events and more to be announced soon. Chesney will return to East Tennessee State University on Nov. 1 before heading to Boston on Nov. 2. Chesney will be joined by two-time LA Press Club Music Critic and co-author Holly Gleason for the conversations.

“Having looked at my life in ways I never thought of,” shares Chesney. “I realized: I’ve always loved sports, music and the sea. But the idea I’d chase this dream came together in Johnson City, trying to learn Doc Watson picking from Jack Tottle, playing Quarterbacks and Chuckey’s, and going to Russia with East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass Band. For me, going back to East Tennessee State University where all of this began was the only way to kick this book tour off. Hopefully, someone in the audience who’s wondering about their own dream might find what they need to get serious about whatever it is they’re chasing. Whether the friends I made in the islands long before this journey kicked into gear, Ginny Brophy who welcomed a kid with nothing going on at WKLB, the crazy fun with Grace Potter, sailing and more with Ethel Kennedy around the Nantucket Sound, conversations with the Globe’s Steve Morse or Super Bowls with Robert Kraft and his organization, there’s been something about the people of New England that recognizes the kid from East Tennessee in me. I like to say, ‘They believe me,’ but I think it’s more they know the same grit and passion that’s driven me and my team all these years.

Tickets for both events will go on sale Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. ET.

“Heart Life Music Tour” Dates:

Saturday, November 1
Location: East Tennessee State University Martin Center for the Arts in the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall
Time: 3:00pm
Bookseller: ETSU Bookstore

Sunday, November 2
Location: Back Bay Events Center
Time: 7:00pm
Bookseller: Harvard Book Store

Riley Green To Hit The Road Next Year On ‘Cowboy As It Gets Tour’

Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

Riley Green will hit the road next year on his “Cowboy As It Gets Tour.” Justin Moore, Drake White, Mackenzie Carpenter, Zach John King, Hannah McFarland and Adam Hood will join as support on select dates. The 20-date run will hit Nashville, Alpharetta, Cleveland, Saratoga Springs, Salt Lake City, Hartford and more next summer.

The tour follows the release of his latest project, Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), an expanded edition of his 2024 album featuring six new tracks. Receiving four nods at this year’s CMA Awards, his nominations include Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Musical Event of the Year. He will return to the road this November for the last run of his “Damn Country Music Tour.”

Tickets will be available starting today (Sept. 16) at 12 p.m local time via a fan presale. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale this Friday (Sept. 19) at 10 a.m. local time here.

“Cowboy As It Gets Tour” Dates:
April 16th, 2026 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center#~$
April 17th, 2026 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center#~$ *ON SALE 10/3
April 18th, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena#~$
May 7th, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion#~•
May 8th, 2026 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre#~•
June 18th, 2026 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center#~•
June 19th, 2026 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center#~•
June 20th, 2026 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater#~•
June 25th, 2026 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center#$*
June 26th, 2026 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake#$*
July 16th, 2026 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center#~•
July 23rd, 2026 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre#~•
August 6th, 2026 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater#/•
August 7th, 2026 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center#/•
August 8th, 2026 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live#/•
August 13th, 2026 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion#/•
August 14th, 2026 – Hartford, CT – The XFINITY Theatre#/•
August 15th, 2026 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheatre#/•
August 21st, 2026 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford#$*^
August 22nd, 2026 – Grand Forks, ND – Ralph Engelstad Arena#$*^
#Justin Moore
~Drake White
$Mackenzie Carpenter
•Hannah McFarland
*Adam Hood
/Zach John King
^Not A Live Nation Show

Clay Street Unit Inks With Leo33

Pictured: (L-R, front row): Lucky Man Mgmt’s Josh Nicotra, Leo33’s Ana Shabeer, Leo33’s Meg Goggins, CSU’s Sam Walker, Leo33’s Katie Dean, CSU’s Brendan Lamb, and Madison House’s Harry Woolsey. (L-R, back row): Leo33’s Daniel Lee, Leo33’s Chris Fabiani, Leo33’s Dusty Cantrell, Lucky Man Mgmt’s Andy Mertz, CSU’s Scottie Bolin, CSU’s Brad Larrison, CSU’s Jack Cline and CSU’s Jack Kotarba.

Clay Street Unit has signed a record deal with Leo33.

Formed in Denver, Clay Street Unit combines the country-folk traditions of the Appalachians with the bluegrass spirit of the Rocky Mountains. The band is comprised of mandolinist Scottie Bolin, bassist Jack Kotarba, banjo player Jack Cline, pedal steel guitarist Brad Larrison, drummer Brendan Lamb, and singer/guitarist/band leader Sam Walker.

“We’re honored to be signing with Leo33. Since our first conversation, their team has felt like the perfect home that fully understood the vision behind our music,” shares Clay Street Unit. “As we prepare to release our debut album, we’re confident that their passion and belief in us will help take our career to the next level, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Clay Street Unit to the Leo33 roster,” adds President of Leo33, Katie Dean. “At our core, we’re music fans first, and the band embodies everything we love about great artistry – their songs are honest and relatable, and their live show creates an undeniable connection with audiences. We couldn’t be more excited to stand behind them and help share their artistic vision with the world.”

The band has gained attention globally with their A Mighty Fine Evening EP, and will release new music soon.

On The Row: Dax’s Journey Of Finding His Voice Through Writing

Dax. Photo: Desmond K Ye

Dax recently stopped by the MusicRow offices to share his unconventional story of finding music.

MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen & LB Cantrell, Dax, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson & John Nix Arledge.

The Canadian-born rapper moved to the United States as a child and pursued basketball throughout his college career. Music wasn’t Dax’s first love, basketball was. But during a bus ride with his basketball team, he felt an unexpected urge to write. The poem he created that day ignited a new passion within him, leading him to commit to poetry at 22 years old. As a senior in college, that transitioned into songwriting.

“My songs come from things I’ve been through, things I’m trying to manifest, things I’m trying to avoid or things I’m trying to explain,” he shared.

Dax writes all of his songs alone, tailored to the life he’s lived.

“I just like writing. Some songs take me two days and some songs take me six months. I love to write alone, that’s what helps with my mental health.”

Some of his most recent work is inspired by his journey with alcohol. After his first year of touring, Dax realized that he was unable to go multiple days without drinking, and decided to challenge himself to change. His most recent track, “Man I Used To Be,” was released in August after six months without a drink.

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With more music on the way, Dax will embark on his Lonely Dirt Road Tour this October. The run will travel to Texas, California, New York and more before wrapping in London, Ontario in November.

@musicrowmag MusicRow caught up with @Dax ♬ Lonely Dirt Road – Dax

 

Industry Ink: Vince Gill, Big Loud, Wasserman, SiriusXM, Dr. Don Cusic, More

Vince Gill’s ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’ Certified Double-Platinum

Pitcured (L-R): MCA’s Mike Harris, Larry Fitzgerald (Hey Buddy Entertainment), Katie McCartney (MCA), Vince Gill, Rob Femia (MCA), Jackie Jones (RIAA), and Stephanie Wright (MCA)

Vince Gill’s hit song “Go Rest High On That Mountain” has been RIAA certified double-platinum.

Gill recently released an extended version of the song, which celebrated its 30th anniversary on Aug. 28. In updating the recording, Gill used all the original tracks adding only his vocals for the new verse.

“The last thirty years I’ve always felt like something was missing from this song,” Gill explained recently. “With this new third verse I finally feel like the song is complete.”

 

Big Loud Takes Over Skydeck For AmericanaFest

Thelma & James perform at Big Loud’s Skydeck Takeover

Big Loud took over the Skydeck on Broadway during AmericanaFest with performances from Charles Wesley Godwin, Stephen Wilson Jr., Thelma & James, Zandi Holup and Coleman Jennings.

 

Wasserman Music Hosts Annual AmericanaFest Party

Photo: Jeremy Harris

Wasserman Music hosted its annual AmericanaFest Party on Thursday (Sept. 11) at the Nashville office.

 

SiriusXM Names Noeline Hofmann Top of the Country Champion

Noeline Hofmann.

Noeline Hofmann was recently named SirusXM’s Top of the Country Champion during Country Music Week 2025.

Sully Burrows and Jake Vaadeland were dubbed runners-up. The celebration was followed by a performance from Cameron Whitcomb.

“This competition has been one of the biggest highlights of my career, and I’m so grateful to SiriusXM Canada and the CCMA for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” shares Hofmann. “It’s been a privilege to perform for fans across the country, and what has made this journey even more meaningful is the chance to share it with such incredibly talented fellow artists. SiriusXM Top of the Country has been a wonderful experience, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead.”

 

Dr. Don Cusic Receives Colonel, Aide de Camp Award

Dr. Don Cusic receiving Colonel, Aide de Camp Award

Dr. Don Cusic recently received the Colonel, Aide de Camp Award, the highest award the state of Tennessee offers a civilian for achievements in academia and music. Only given at the request of a member of the Tennessee General Assembly, the award was supported by Representative John Ray Clemmons of District 55.

Cusic is an author, musicologist and record producer known for authoring over 30 books, serving as a special correspondent for Billboard Magazine and more. He currently serves as Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University.

 

Camryn Scharnhorst Launches Cam Collective

Camryn Scharnhorst.

Camryn Scharnhorst has launched her own PR firm, Cam Collective. The roster includes Tyler Farr, Timmy McKeever, Ashley Brooks (signed to Jim Catino’s record label, Droptine Music), Cody Cozz and Colt Ford.

“From each of my previous stops to now, each step prepared me for this moment,” shares Scharnhorst. “I’m so grateful for the mentors and artists who’ve trusted me along the way, and in launching The Cam Collective I want to champion artists with the same heart and hustle that’s been poured into me.”

Scharnhorst can be reached here.

 

Country Thunder Wraps Up Its 2025 Festival Season

Country Thunder has wrapped its 2025 festival season. Collectively, across its festivals in Canada and the United States, Country Thunder generates more than $250,000 annually for non-profit organizations through the donation of tickets, guitars and other valuable items, extending the festival’s positive influence far beyond the stage.

In 2025, Country Thunder contributed $18,000 to local charities. Recycling initiatives generated $5,000 for Carmichael Outreach in Regina following Country Thunder Saskatchewan. Big Valley Jamboree donated $8,000 to the Camrose Animal Shelter, while Country Thunder Calgary directed $5,000 to the Calgary Homeless Shelter. Organizations such as the Kinsmen in Craven, the CRE in Camrose and the Confluence in Calgary host 50/50 draws and onsite fundraising initiatives, generating additional resources for their communities. This year alone, $72,155 was donated directly to the Confluence through ticket sales.

“Our festivals are built on the support of the communities that welcome us each summer,” said Country Thunder CEO, Troy Vollhoffer. “Country Thunder isn’t simply about live music, it’s about making sure our festivals strengthen the communities they touch. Whether through direct donations or the opportunities we create for local groups, we’re proud to play a small role in strengthening the places we call home.”

Christian Industry Ink: TobyMac, House Of Worship, Pat Barrett, Dove Week Event

TobyMac Announces “Hits Deep Tour” Lineup

TobyMac has announced the lineup for his “Hits Deep 2026 Tour,” which will feature Crowder and Jeremy Camp. The tour will cover over 30 dates, and will kick off Feb. 5 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

“‘Hits Deep’ has become a touring tradition that I look forward to every year. What happens on stage is always rich, always passionate and intense,” shares TobyMac. “My prayer is that everyone leaves the show refreshed spiritually, as well as moved by the music. We’ve always described this tour as being deep in hits, as well as hits that hit you deep. This year’s lineup is a little different, with fewer artists, but way more hits. It’s a great triple pack, going beyond my expectations. I can’t wait to perform the songs of Heaven On My Mind live. This is gonna be a night for the books, so come one, come all!”

 

House Of Worship Streaming Event Set For Feb. 1

CeCe Winans, Hillary Scott, Michael W. Smith, Chris Brown (Elevation Worship),= and 21 other artists will be featured in a one-of-a-kind House of Worship event set to stream Feb. 1 in partnership with The Fuel Music and in:ciite® Events. Churches, small groups and more are invited to register at houseofworshipmusic.com/events for the World Vision sponsored event that promises to be an unforgettable night of worship with believers from around the globe.

Executive produced by Michael W. Smith and Dove Award-winning, Australian worship pioneer Darlene Zschech, House Of Worship was recorded and filmed in-the-round at World Wide Stages with all 25 artists together in the same room.

 

Pat Barrett Readies Fourth Album I’ve Got A Fire For October

Pat Barrett will release his fourth album, I’ve Got A Fire (Bowyer & Bow / CCMG) on Oct. 3. Barrett has already begun previewing the project with previous releases: “Praise The Lord Forever” in June and “I’ve Got A Fire” in August, and the just-released “Hard Part Of A Dream.” The title cut, which continues to grow in weekly streams, has resonated with listeners thanks to the song’s heartwarming video that features Barrett’s spunky, endearing father.

Barrett is set to share fresh originals from I’ve Got A Fire throughout the fall and into 2026 as he supports Brandon Lake on his “King of Hearts Tour,” which starts Oct. 2 in Sunrise, Florida, and is scheduled to make 50 stops.

 

Integrity Music Hosts Dove Week Event At Trevecca

Integrity Music will host an event at Trevecca at University Commons during Dove Awards week on Oct. 6 featuring Aaron Williams, Britt Nicole, Warren Peay, and Holly Brand. A portion of proceeds from this event will benefit People Loving Nashville who serve the unhoused community in Nashville. They will have beverages and lite snacks for sale from their coffee shop Paradeisos Coffee Company.

Lighting Director Steve Fallon Passes

Steve Fallon

Longtime lighting director Steve Fallon passed away on Sept. 12.

Fallon got his start doing lights in the 1980’s in Ireland, working with Van Morrison, Swim, and Mary Coughlan, among others. He went on to become a crew member on the Michael Jackson “Bad Tour,” which led him to the U.S. where he had the opportunity to work with Leann Rimes, Reba, Garth Brooks, Andrea Bocelli, INXS, Oasis, Aerosmith, Ringo Starr, Paul Simon and many more. He also worked on the television shows Nashville and 911: Nashville. 

A  Go Fund Me has been set up to help the family with the unexpected financial burden of funeral expenses, with all donations directly supporting his family during this difficult time.