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.

YouTube video

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.

New Research Unveils Streaming & Spending Habits Of Americana Fans

The Digital Media Association (DIMA), the trade association representing the world’s leading streaming services, has revealed new research around the streaming and spending habits in the Americana fan genre.

Through the research, it was found that Americana fans spend more than double on music annually than any other genre, with the average fan spending $837 on recorded music, live and merchandise compared to $400 in other genres. It was also revealed that Americana fans spend 24% more time listening than other genre fans. 71% of Americana fans also pay for an on-demand subscription, beating the 44% national average.

“This research underlines the passion of the Americana community and how streaming is deepening that engagement.” says Graham Davies, President and CEO, DIMA. “Americana has grown from a regional scene into a genre with national and international reach. With streaming now representing 69% of recorded music revenues globally, streaming services are powering this growth by connecting artists directly with audiences everywhere. Innovations from streaming services help ensure that Americana creators and rights holders in genres like Americana reach audiences across the country and around the world, and empower fans to discover new music and build deeper, lasting relationships with their favorite artists.”

DIMA’s research also spotlighted the Americana listener demographic, revealing that 76% of Americana music streamers are under 44, and the strongest concentration of U.S. listeners are in the South Central and South Atlantic regions. Additionally, 90% of Americana fans largely stream at home, with an additional 73% consistently listening in their car.

Zach Top & Carson Chamberlain Climb Up MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Zach Top & Carson Chamberlain.

Zach Top and frequent writing collaborator Carson Chamberlain have both landed in the Top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. The two co-wrote Top’s “Good Times & Tan Lines,” “South Of Sanity” and “When You See Me,” all represented on this week’s chart.

Charlie Handsome sits at No. 1 for the 16th consecutive week with “Hell At Night,” “Holy Water,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN” and “What I Want.” Blake Pendergrass remains at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman” and “Wish You Well.”

Chase McGill (No. 3), Morgan Wallen (No. 4) and Riley Green (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Russell Dickerson Nabs Sixth No. 1 Hit

Russell Dickerson has notched his sixth No. 1 single with “Happen To Me.” The track sits in the top spot on both the Country Aircheck/MediaBase and Billboard Country Charts this week.

The tune was co-penned by Dickerson alongside Chase McGill, Chris LaCorte, Jessie Jo Dillon and Robert Hazard. Dickerson also co-produced the track with LaCorte and Josh Kerr.

“Happen To Me” has amassed over 200 million global streams, giving Dickerson his biggest streaming debut to date. The single has received RIAA Platinum certification, and has spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway, Canada and UK Country Radio. It has also continued to jump up the Billboard Hot 100, and has reached the Top 20 on Hot AC and cracked the Top 40 across all genres.

Canadian Country Music Association Reveals CCMA Award Winners

Josh Ross.

The Canadian Country Music Association hosted its 43rd annual CCMA Awards over the weekend.

Madeline Merlo & Tyler Joe Miller perform at the CCMA Awards

Josh Ross took home Entertainer of the Year and rounded out the night with a win for Single of the Year for “Single Again,” while MacKenzie Porter earned the title of Female Artist of the Year. Jade Eagleson claimed Male Artist of the Year, and the James Barker Band took home Group or Duo of the Year. The Fans’ Choice Award went to Cameron Whitcomb, who also captured Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year. Owen Riegling was recognized with Album of the Year for Bruce County (From The Beginning).

2025 CCMA Award Winners:

ARTIST AWARDS

Entertainer of the Year
Josh Ross

Ford F-150® Album of the Year
Bruce County (From The Beginning) – Owen Riegling

Fans’ Choice presented by Bud Light
Cameron Whitcomb

Female Artist of the Year
Mackenzie Porter

Francophone Artist of the Year presented by Spotify
Salebarbes

Group or Duo of the Year
James Barker Band

Musical Collaboration of the Year
Broken Heart Thing – Madeline Merlo feat. Dustin Lynch

Male Artist of the Year
Jade Eagleson

Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock
Cameron Whitcomb

Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by National Music Centre
One More Dollar To Go – Jake Vaadeland

Single of the Year
Single Again – Josh Ross

Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN
Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens – I’m Gonna Love You (Artist: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)

Video of the Year
Single Again – Josh Ross

MUSICIAN AWARDS

Bass Player of the Year
Lisa Dodd
Ben Miller

Drummer of the Year
Rich DaSilva

Fiddle Player of the Year
Tyler Beckett

Guitar Player of the Year presented by PRS Guitars
Chris Bray

Keyboard Player of the Year
Brendan Waters

Specialty Instrument Player of the Year
Tyler Vollrath

Steel Guitar Player of the Year
Matt McKay

RADIO AWARDS

Radio Station of the Year (Large Market)
CFCW (Edmonton, AB)

Radio Station of the Year (Medium or Small Market)
CIGV-FM (Kelowna, BC)

INDUSTRY AWARDS

Booking Agency of the Year
Paquin Entertainment Group

Country Club of the Year
King Eddy (Calgary, AB)

Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year
Boots and Hearts Music Festival (Oro-Medonte, ON)

Country Music Program, Special, or Digital Feature of the Year
Pure Country Top 50 Countdown (iHeartRadio Canada)

Country Personality(ies) of the Year
Jason McCoy (CICX-FM)

Management Company of the Year
The Core Entertainment

Music Publishing Company of the Year presented by CMRRA
Anthem Entertainment Group

Record Company of the Year
Universal Music Canada

Industry Person of the Year
Lindsay Hyslop (BBR Music Group)

Creative Team or Designer of the Year
Design Team: Stephane Lamontagne, JF Galipeau – Album: All Night Longer (Artist: Matt Lang)

Recording Studio of the Year
Revolution Recording (Toronto, ON)

Record Producer(s) of the Year
Joey Moi – Album: Quit!! (Artist: HARDY)

Retailer or Commercial Platform of the Year
SiriusXM Canada

Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year
Denise Ross (Live Nation Entertainment)

Video Director of the Year
Ben Knechtel – Outliving (Artist: The Reklaws), Remind Me Again (Artist: Zach McPhee), Youth (Artist: Sully Burrows)

Innovative Campaign of the Year presented by TD
Outliving (For Mom) EP Launch Campaign (The Reklaws, Starseed Entertainment)