Jordan Davis Launches Limited-Edition Boot and Apparel Collection With Wolverine
Jordan Davis and Wolverine have partnered to launch a limited-edition collection of boots and apparel. Available at Boot Barn and Work World, the collection features four boots and several apparel items including t-shirts, hoodies, a shirt jacket, hats and more.
“It was important to me to include clothes and boots in the line that were versatile,” shares Davis. “I wanted to have pieces that looked and felt good no matter where I was. The Bronc wedges are one of my favorite pieces in the collection – I can wear them on stage, working at the farm or dropping off my kids at school.”
“This partnership is so authentic to who we are and to who Jordan is, and the resulting product reflects our consumer and their lifestyle,” adds Lauren King, Senior Marketing Director for Wolverine. “We’re proud of the collection’s versatility and the blend of style and performance – something our consumer is constantly seeking. The design process with Jordan was both enjoyable and rewarding knowing his upbringing and lifestyle is so close to theirs.”
SESAC Celebrates Shawn Stockman & Billy Mann
Pictured (L-R): SESAC President & COO Scott Jungmichel, Billy Mann, Shawn Stockman, and Diana Akin Scarfo, SESAC VP, Creative Services & Operations
Tuesday night (Sept. 9), industry friends and family gathered on SESAC’s rooftop to celebrate SESAC affiliates Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and songwriter/producer Billy Mann and their latest collaboration, Chosen Family. They treated guests to an acoustic performance with songs from their recent album, Generation Us.
Shenandoah Visits White House
Shenandoah.
In celebration of Shenandoah’s 40th anniversary, lead singer Marty Raybon and drummer Mike McGuire were invited to Washington D.C. for a special visit to the White House, as well as a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Raybon and McGuire were joined by fellow country stars Darryl Worley and Jesse Keith Whitley for a day of bowling at the White House’s Truman Bowling Alley, a private tour of the West Wing and a private midnight tour of the U.S. Capitol.
“We had a total blast in Washington D.C. bowling at the White House, touring the West Wing, and also getting a guided tour through the Capitol,” says Raybon. “It was a complete honor, and we are thankful to live in the greatest country on earth.”
“The opportunity to do the things that we did in Washington D.C. was a complete blessing,” adds McGuire. “We are so grateful we had the chance to visit the People’s House and the iconic places that make this country great. God Bless America!”
PLA Media Adds Lily Clayton Hansen As Public Relations Specialist
PlA Media has added Lily Clayton Hansen as a public relations specialist.
“Lily’s insight, strategic approach, and verve intrigued me,” says founder and CEO Pamela Lewis. “I am delighted to have her join our team and to learn from her broad and diverse experience.”
“Through the thousands of bios, magazine articles, and memoir projects I have worked on in my career, I have learned how to quickly analyze a subject’s story, trust my instincts, and summarize what I see into words,” explains Hansen. “For PLA Media, I hope to use this talent gleaned from working with corporations, celebrities, and extraordinary but everyday people, to take clients’ narratives to a whole new level.”
GrassRoots Promotion Launches New International Management Division
Grassroots Promotion Strategies has launched GPS Artist Management. The division represents a roster including Hailey Benedict, Aaron Goodvin, Tim and the Glory Boys, The Abrams and Due West. GPS Artist Management will be led by Tera Lee Flaman. Joining her is Jenna Robson and Nancy Tunick.
“This integration creates a single, world-class platform for our artists,” said Tunick. “Under Tera Lee Flaman’s leadership, and with Jenna Robson strengthening our management team, GPS Artist Management combines creative vision with international implementation.”
The Kentucky Headhunters Return to Grand Ole Opry for ‘Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe’
The Kentucky Headhunters will return to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry next week for “Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe.” The Headhunters are set to perform live next Tuesday, Sept. 16 as the Opry salutes the late Bill Monroe, as part of the next “Opry 100 Honors” shows.
“Without a doubt, The Kentucky Headhunters’ version of the bluegrass song ‘Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine,’ written by Bill Monroe and Jake Landers and recorded for our indie album, Pickin’ on Nashville, had a huge bearing on Mercury Records president Harold Shedd signing us to the label after seeing us perform the song and several originals at Douglas Corner,” shares Richard Young, one of the band’s founding members.
In addition to The Kentucky Headhunters, next week’s “Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe” includes performances by Ricky Skaggs, the Del McCoury Band, Carly Pearce, Rhonda Vincent, Riders in the Sky, Wyatt Ellis and The Brothers Comatose.
Bandit Lites Adds Mark Butler as Project Manager
Bandit Lites has added Mark Butler as Project Manager.
“I’m grateful to use my experience to make life on the road easier for the crew,” shares Butler. “What stands out most to me is Bandit’s professionalism and can-do attitude. My mission is simple: make the crew’s job easier and the client’s experience unforgettable.”
Bandit Lites Chair & Founder Michael T. Strickland adds, “Mark’s extensive background in both the technical and leadership aspects of entertainment production makes him an invaluable addition to our team. His experience, combined with his dedication to crew and client success, will strengthen Bandit’s ability to deliver the world-class service our clients expect.”
CMA Foundation Honors Music Teachers Of Excellence At Ceremony In Nashville
/by Lauryn Sink2025 Music Teachers of Excellence. Photo: John Russell/CMA
The Nashville music community gathered on Sept. 10, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center to honor 30 of the nation’s most dedicated music educators at the ninth Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony, hosted by the CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association. The evening brought together artists, students, industry leaders and local supporters to celebrate teachers.
The honorees included five teachers from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across Tennessee and 15 representing schools in 11 states were recognized.
“Music Teachers of Excellence is about more than one night of recognition—it is a testament to the life-changing power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Every student deserves a teacher who believes in them, sparks their creativity, and gives them the confidence to dream bigger than they ever thought possible. This year’s honorees remind us that investing in teachers means investing in stronger communities, brighter futures, and the very heartbeat of our culture.”
The night featured a one-of-a-kind lineup of performers and speakers. Country soul artist Drake White opened the evening, leading into the performance by powerhouse gospel vocalist Nate Bean, a Metro Nashville Public Schools music teacher, performing with 4Given and the Warner Elementary Arts Magnet School Choir, led by former Music Teachers of Excellence Dee Hammonds and Christopher Blackmon. CMA Award-nominated artist Caylee Hammack took the stage, followed by motivational speaker Carlos Whittaker, who shared reflections on purpose, resilience, and the power of music in everyday life. The Cane Ridge High School Rhythmic Ravens Purple Reign Drum Line, led by former Music Teacher of Excellence Johnny Croft, energized the room, and actor/musician Charles Esten recognized all 30 honorees. After offering an intimate look at the impact of educators on creativity and careers, songwriter Nicolle Galyon made way for CMA Award-winning hitmaker Jon Pardi, who closed the night.
“It has been a true honor to celebrate these remarkable teachers,” says Sloane Cavitt Logue, WME Partner & Head of Client Strategy and Music Teachers of Excellence Planning Committee Chair. “The Nashville music community showed up with such generosity, and together we created a night that reflects our shared belief in the power of music education. This celebration is a reminder that our role in supporting these educators doesn’t end with Wednesday night’s event—it’s a commitment we can all carry forward, year-round, to ensure music education continues to thrive.”
Additionally, the CMA Foundation gave $5,000 to each honoree—half to help enhance their music program and half for personal use.
This year’s Music Teachers of Excellence are Justin Antos (Dwight D. Eisenhower High School), Jeremy Bartunek (Greenbrier School), Melissa Gustafson-Hinds (O’Fallon Township High School), Dr. Kathryn Spangler (Mt. Vernon High School), Brandon Dittgen (Milford High School), Hong Le (Ellsworth Hill Elementary School), Matthew Shephard (Meridian Early College High School), Eric Songer (Chaska Middle School West), Erin Althen (West Hill High School), Theresa Iacarino (Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School), Michael Antmann (Freedom High School), Nick Blue (Franklin High School), Chuck Brown (Head Magnet Middle School), Neshawn Calloway (Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts), Reggie Coleman (Rocky Fork Middle School), Jandrea Crum (Chimneyrock Elementary School), Garrett Doo (Smyrna High School), Nicholas Efstathiou (Riverdale High School), Marisa Frank (Explore! Community School) Elaina Gallas (Mill Creek Elementary School), Jason Glashauser (South Clinton Elementary School), Carolyn Hankins (Page Middle School), Elisabeth Lay (Downtown Elementary School), Anna Maria Miller (Hume-Fogg Academic High School), Dave Petrelli (Lockeland Design Center Elementary School), Allison Snyder (Hunters Lane High School), Sara Duce (Greenfield Junior High School), Megan Perdue (Sheldon High School), Ethan Chessin (Camas High School) and Haviland Gilbert (Lincoln Elementary School).
Ink Readies Debut EP Due In October
/by Lauryn SinkInk is set to release her debut EP, BIG BUSKIN’, out October 3 via Big Loud Records/Electric Feel Records. Along with the announcement, Ink has unveiled her newest track “Sweet Tea.”
“I’m super excited about how this project turned out, it’s definitely something special and showcases a lot of different parts of myself,” shares Ink. “Each chapter you’re going to get something new, and each story you’re going to get something true. ‘Sweet Tea’ is one of my favorites off the EP, it feels like a refresh to the palate and I think it’s going to quench y’all’s thirst for real music. So get your cup ready, cause we’re spilling!”
Previous releases “Hoedown” and “Turquoise Cowboy” gave fans a taste of what to expect from the EP. Last month, Ink joined BigXthaPlug for a feature on “24-7” off his new album I Hope You’re Happy. Ink has collaborated with Trae tha Truth and Nipsey Hussle, and earned cuts with Childish Gambino, Justin Bieber, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Nas X, and Jennifer Lopez.
BIG BUSKIN’ Track List:
1. “Inktro” (Atia Boggs, Thomas Walker)
2. “Blink of an Eye” (Atia Boggs, Mason Sacks)
3. “Turquoise Cowboy” (Atia Boggs, Trannie Anderson, Jesse Frasure)
4. “Hoedown” (Atia Boggs, Patrick Krief, Dave Hamlin, Juan Pablo Mendez)
5. “Tony Machine on 42nd” (Atia Boggs, Anthony Krasinski (Tony Machine))
6. “All I Got” (Atia Boggs, Patrick Krief, Javar Rockamore, Thomas Walker)
7. “Inkerlude” (Atia Boggs)
8. “God’s Been Drinkin’” (Atia Boggs, Jeff Garrison, Jackson Nance, Whitney Phillips)
9. “Comin’ Back” (Atia Boggs, Faris “Faroos” Al-Majed, Richard Jonnas Munoz, Nevin Sastry)
10. “Stevie Wonderlude” (Atia Boggs, Stevie Wonder, Usher)
11. “Rich Hikin’” (Atia Boggs, Alysa Vanderheym, Hillary Lindsey)
12. “Sweet Tea” (Atia Boggs, Roderick Glatt III, Gary Smith II, Javar Rockamore, Thomas Walker)
13. “Outro” (Atia Boggs)
Jake Owen Teams With Shooter Jennings For New Album ‘Dreams To Dream’
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen will release his new album Dreams to Dream, produced by Shooter Jennings, on Nov. 7 via Good Company Entertainment. In conjunction with the album announcement, Owen has shared new track “Long Time Lovin’ You,” out now.
When Owen was a boy in Vero Beach, Florida, he used to pick out country tunes by Hank Williams Jr. and Merle Haggard on back porches for his parents, and he channels that kind of easy, familiar comfort throughout Dreams to Dream. The new project features guest appearances by Jamey Johnson on “The Jukebox Knows,” and Savannah Conley on “Them Old Love Songs” and writing credits on the new album include Owen’s longtime friends and songwriters Ben Chapman and Kendell Marvel.
“Sometimes you need to get outside what’s comfortable, what people think you are, or think you should be, and take a risk. It really feels cathartic to be honest about a lot of stuff in my life—how I feel, where I see myself going, and how I see myself going there,” says Owen. “Where I feel most comfortable is grabbing my guitar and singing a song that fits my voice really smoothly. I feel like it’s more honest. I’ve just become a guy that wants to sing songs for people that have also matured with me in my life.”
The project was recorded at Snake Mountain (Sunset Sound Studio 3) in Los Angeles and was mixed by Trina Shoemake and mastered by Pete Lymanm, with additional production by Marvel and additional recording by Dan Ballard in Nashville with assistant engineers Nate Haessly in Los Angeles and Dannon Johnson in Nashville.
Ahead of the album release, Owen will join Darius Rucker for five shows in the UK from Sept. 29-Oct. 5. At the end of October, he’ll team with Dirty Heads for a small run of shows in Florida Oct. 23-26 before wrapping up the year with the annual “Flamingo Weekend, benefiting The Jake Owen Foundation.
Dreams to Dream Track List:
1. “Dreams to Dream” (Jake Owen, Ben Chapman, Kendell Marvel)
2. “Them Old Love Songs” (feat. Savannah Conley) (Donnie Fritts, Troy Seals)
3. “Long Time Lovin’ You” (Will Jones, Kendell Marvel)
4. “Wouldn’t Be Gone” (Troy Jones)
5. “The Jukebox Knows” (feat. Jamey Johnson) (William Beckmann, Jamey Johnson)
6. “Fool Like Me” (Kendell Marvel, Waylon Payne)
7. “Chill of December” (Jake Owen, Kendell Marvel, Channing Wilson)
8. “Middle Age Crazy” (Sonny Throckmorton)
9. “The One I Did it To” (Dean Dillon, Bob DiPiero, Scotty Emerick)
10. “You’d Think” (Chuck Cannon, Scotty Emerick)
11. “Wrinkle In The Road” (Scotty Emerick, Troy Jones, Paul Overstreet)
12. “So Long, LA” (Jake Owen, Kendell Marvel, Matt Pingel, Jimmy Ritchey, Channing Wilson)
13. “Voice Note to Shooter (Once And For All)” (Hank Williams, Jr.)
Jason Aldean Adds ‘Full Throttle’ Dates, Releases New Single
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean. Photo: Matt Paskert
Jason Aldean has extended his “Full Throttle Tour” adding nine dates to the U.S. leg with support from Nate Smith, Lanie Gardner and Dee Jay Silver.
The tour will visit Little Rock, Tupelo, Columbus, Atlantic City and more through Jan. 31, and 2026 will also see Aldean returning to Australia for the first time since headlining there in 2016, as well as his first headlining run in New Zealand.
The tour announcement coincides with the launch of new music from Aldean, who today released “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” the first new single from his upcoming new project. Written by longtime collaborators Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan, “How Far Does A Goodbye Go” is the followup single to the Georgia native’s historic 30th career No. 1 at country radio, “Whiskey Drink.”
Currently on his “Full Throttle Tour,” Aldean recently partnered with 13-year-old Houston native DJ Daniel to raise more than $200,000 for Heroes For Children during his Houston tour stop.
Newly-Announced “Full Throttle Tour” Dates:
1/15/2026 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
1/16/2026 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena
1/17/2026 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
1/22/2026 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
1/23/2026 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
1/24/2026 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
1/29/2026 – University Park, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
1/30/2026 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center
1/31/2026 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Old Dominion Extends ‘How Good Is That – World Tour’
/by Lauryn SinkOld Dominion. Photo: Dove Shore
Old Dominion will kick off a third leg of the “How Good Is That – World Tour” in the spring, bringing the band to Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Dasha and Alexandra Kay will join for select dates across Australia and New Zealand in March, while Phil Vassar and Sacha will join them on an extensive Canadian run in April and May.
“We have had the time of our lives playing the hits and introducing Barbara across America this year,” frontman Matthew Ramsey shares. “Now it’s time to visit our friends abroad again. We can’t wait to get back to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada to connect with the international Odies.”
Old Dominion recently released their 13-song project, Barbara, which the band sees as its most personal album to date. Old Dominion’s fall tour dates will run through October, before the band heads to Las Vegas for “BARBARA. HITS. VEGAS.,” at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Dec. 5 and 6.
Old Dominion 2025/2026 Tour Dates:
September 12 & 13 – Durant, OK // Choctaw Casino*
September 18 – Ontario, CA // Toyota Arena=+
September 19 – Bakersfield, CA // Dignity Health Arena=+
September 20 – Fresno, CA // Save Mart Center at Fresno State=+
September 25 – Kennewick, WA // Toyota Center – Kennewick=+
September 26 – Everett, WA // Angel of the Winds Arena=+
September 27 – Airway Heights, WA // BECU Live at Northern Quest=+
October 19 – Copenhagen, Denmark // Vega
October 20 – Stockholm, Sweden // Cirkus
October 21 – Oslo, Norway // Sentrum Scene
October 23 – Hamburg, Germany // Docks
October 24 – Urecht, Netherlands // Tivolivredenburg
October 25 – Antwerp, Belgium // Trix
October 27 – Belfast, UK // Ulster Hall
October 29 – London, UK // Eventim Apollo
October 30 – Manchester, UK // O2 Apollo
October 31 – Glasgow, UK // SEC Armadillo
November 13 – 15 – Miramar Beach, FL // Odie’s Beach Vacation
March 14 – Perth, WA // Red Hill Auditorium&^
March 17 – Melbourne, VIC // Margaret Court Arena&^
March 18 – Sydney, NSW // ICC Sydney Theatre&^
March 21 – Ipswich, QLD // CMC Rocks QLD
March 24 – Auckland, NZ // Powerstation^
March 26 – Christchurch, NZ // Christchurch Town Hall^
April 23 – Hamilton, ON // TD Coliseum%#
April 24 – Ottawa, ON (Live Nation) // Hard Rock Live%#
April 25 – Quebec City, QC // Le Centre Videotron%#
May 1 – Winnipeg, MB // Canada Life Centre%#
May 2 – Saskatoon, SK // SaskTel Centre%#
May 4 – Kelowna, BC // Prospera Place%#
May 5 – Vancouver, BC // Pacific Coliseum at the PNE%#
May 6 – Victoria, BC // Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre%#
August 29 – Dieppe, NB // YQM Country Fest
= : ERNEST + : Redferrin * : Ty Myers ^ : Alexandra Kay # : Sacha % : Phil Vassar & : Dasha
Morgan Wallen Holds The Top Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen; Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen holds the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his track, “I Got Better.”
The song comes off of Wallen’s recent, fourth studio album I’m The Problem, and was written by Wallen, Michael Hardy, Chase McGill, Blake Pendergrass, Ernest Smith, Charlie Handsome and Joe Reeves.
Wallen closes his 10-city, 19-date “I’m The Problem” stadium tour with his final two stops tonight (Sept. 12) and tomorrow night (Sept. 13) at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, AB. He will be joined by guests Ella Langley and Zach John King.
“I Got Better” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Canadian Country Streams Grow Globally On Spotify Over Past Five Years
/by Madison HahnenSpotify has revealed that Canadian and French-Canadian country music is gaining momentum across streaming around the world.
“Listening patterns on Spotify reveal sustained gains for Canadian country music, and a marked acceleration in French-Canadian country in the past five years,” says Elizabeth Phipps, Artist and Label Partnerships Lead, Spotify Canada. “We’re thrilled that streaming is playing a key role in helping Canadian artists export their music and connect with new fans globally.”
Canadian country streams have increased 64% globally in five years and 35% in Canada, while French-Canadian Country has seen a 280% global increase and a 286% increase in Canada in the last five years.
The highest per-capita streaming for Canadian country was found in Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, while French-Canadian Country was most popular in Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island lead in highest per-capita streaming, with strong support in Ontario and the Northern Territories. Globally, Canadian country pulled the highest growth in Australia, Norway, the U.S., New Zealand and Ireland, while French-Canadian Country saw increases in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway and Sweden.
Canadian Country artists are streamed for the first time by new listeners 387 million times monthly globally, while French-language Canadian artists see 1.25M first-time streams monthly.
“At the heart of Canada’s country music story is discovery – and Quebec is a big part of that. By mixing tradition with a fresh, modern sound, French-Canadian artists aren’t just joining the genre, they’re playing a key role in bolstering its transformation around the world,” continues Phipps. “Their growth domestically and internationally really shows the power of the artists themselves, and it highlights how Spotify can help homegrown talent connect with fans everywhere.”
Industry Ink: Jordan Davis, SESAC, Shenandoah, PLA Media, GrassRoots, More
/by Lauryn SinkJordan Davis Launches Limited-Edition Boot and Apparel Collection With Wolverine
Jordan Davis and Wolverine have partnered to launch a limited-edition collection of boots and apparel. Available at Boot Barn and Work World, the collection features four boots and several apparel items including t-shirts, hoodies, a shirt jacket, hats and more.
“It was important to me to include clothes and boots in the line that were versatile,” shares Davis. “I wanted to have pieces that looked and felt good no matter where I was. The Bronc wedges are one of my favorite pieces in the collection – I can wear them on stage, working at the farm or dropping off my kids at school.”
“This partnership is so authentic to who we are and to who Jordan is, and the resulting product reflects our consumer and their lifestyle,” adds Lauren King, Senior Marketing Director for Wolverine. “We’re proud of the collection’s versatility and the blend of style and performance – something our consumer is constantly seeking. The design process with Jordan was both enjoyable and rewarding knowing his upbringing and lifestyle is so close to theirs.”
SESAC Celebrates Shawn Stockman & Billy Mann
Pictured (L-R): SESAC President & COO Scott Jungmichel, Billy Mann, Shawn Stockman, and Diana Akin Scarfo, SESAC VP, Creative Services & Operations
Tuesday night (Sept. 9), industry friends and family gathered on SESAC’s rooftop to celebrate SESAC affiliates Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and songwriter/producer Billy Mann and their latest collaboration, Chosen Family. They treated guests to an acoustic performance with songs from their recent album, Generation Us.
Shenandoah Visits White House
Shenandoah.
In celebration of Shenandoah’s 40th anniversary, lead singer Marty Raybon and drummer Mike McGuire were invited to Washington D.C. for a special visit to the White House, as well as a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Raybon and McGuire were joined by fellow country stars Darryl Worley and Jesse Keith Whitley for a day of bowling at the White House’s Truman Bowling Alley, a private tour of the West Wing and a private midnight tour of the U.S. Capitol.
“We had a total blast in Washington D.C. bowling at the White House, touring the West Wing, and also getting a guided tour through the Capitol,” says Raybon. “It was a complete honor, and we are thankful to live in the greatest country on earth.”
“The opportunity to do the things that we did in Washington D.C. was a complete blessing,” adds McGuire. “We are so grateful we had the chance to visit the People’s House and the iconic places that make this country great. God Bless America!”
PLA Media Adds Lily Clayton Hansen As Public Relations Specialist
PlA Media has added Lily Clayton Hansen as a public relations specialist.
“Lily’s insight, strategic approach, and verve intrigued me,” says founder and CEO Pamela Lewis. “I am delighted to have her join our team and to learn from her broad and diverse experience.”
“Through the thousands of bios, magazine articles, and memoir projects I have worked on in my career, I have learned how to quickly analyze a subject’s story, trust my instincts, and summarize what I see into words,” explains Hansen. “For PLA Media, I hope to use this talent gleaned from working with corporations, celebrities, and extraordinary but everyday people, to take clients’ narratives to a whole new level.”
GrassRoots Promotion Launches New International Management Division
Grassroots Promotion Strategies has launched GPS Artist Management. The division represents a roster including Hailey Benedict, Aaron Goodvin, Tim and the Glory Boys, The Abrams and Due West. GPS Artist Management will be led by Tera Lee Flaman. Joining her is Jenna Robson and Nancy Tunick.
“This integration creates a single, world-class platform for our artists,” said Tunick. “Under Tera Lee Flaman’s leadership, and with Jenna Robson strengthening our management team, GPS Artist Management combines creative vision with international implementation.”
The Kentucky Headhunters Return to Grand Ole Opry for ‘Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe’
The Kentucky Headhunters will return to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry next week for “Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe.” The Headhunters are set to perform live next Tuesday, Sept. 16 as the Opry salutes the late Bill Monroe, as part of the next “Opry 100 Honors” shows.
“Without a doubt, The Kentucky Headhunters’ version of the bluegrass song ‘Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine,’ written by Bill Monroe and Jake Landers and recorded for our indie album, Pickin’ on Nashville, had a huge bearing on Mercury Records president Harold Shedd signing us to the label after seeing us perform the song and several originals at Douglas Corner,” shares Richard Young, one of the band’s founding members.
In addition to The Kentucky Headhunters, next week’s “Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe” includes performances by Ricky Skaggs, the Del McCoury Band, Carly Pearce, Rhonda Vincent, Riders in the Sky, Wyatt Ellis and The Brothers Comatose.
Bandit Lites Adds Mark Butler as Project Manager
Bandit Lites has added Mark Butler as Project Manager.
“I’m grateful to use my experience to make life on the road easier for the crew,” shares Butler. “What stands out most to me is Bandit’s professionalism and can-do attitude. My mission is simple: make the crew’s job easier and the client’s experience unforgettable.”
Bandit Lites Chair & Founder Michael T. Strickland adds, “Mark’s extensive background in both the technical and leadership aspects of entertainment production makes him an invaluable addition to our team. His experience, combined with his dedication to crew and client success, will strengthen Bandit’s ability to deliver the world-class service our clients expect.”
Tour News: Jon Pardi, Lauren Daigle, Caylee Hammack, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Braden Hull
/by Lauryn SinkJon Pardi Slates 2025 ‘The Christmas Shows’
Jon Pardi.
Jon Pardi will return to the stage with his annual “The Christmas Shows” this December. The set will include Pardi’s hits, holiday classics and fan-favorite tracks from his 2023 Christmas album, Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi.
Pardi will donate ticket proceeds collected throughout the year to local charities in each Christmas Show city he visits via his Starlight Fund, which is dedicated to supporting general youth enrichment, especially in trade, agriculture and construction.
The Christmas Show 2025 Dates:
12/12/2025 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
12/13/2025 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
12/18/2025 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
12/19/2025 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hard Rock Event Center
Lauren Daigle Announces Annual ‘Behold Christmas Tour’ Dates
Lauren Daigle.
Lauren Daigle is set to bring “The Behold Christmas Tour” to select cities this fall. The annual tradition dates back 9 years and features some of Daigle’s seasonal favorites from her best-selling Christmas album, Behold: A Christmas Collection.
This year, she will host four performances in Atlanta, Georgia, Kansas City, Missouri, Lincoln, California and a final show in Los Angeles.
The Behold Christmas Tour 2025:
December 4 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
December 9 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
December 12 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino
December 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Orpheum Theatre
Caylee Hammack To Embark On ‘Bed Of Roses Acoustic Tour’
Caylee Hammack. Photo: Alexa King Stone
Caylee Hammack will hit the road this fall on a five-show solo acoustic run, kicking off at Carol’s Pub in Chicago, Illinois on Nov. 13. The tour will make stops in Davenport, Iowa, Decatur, Georgia and Carrboro, North Carolina before wrapping in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Hammack is also continuing her extracurricular role of radio host, hosting “Prime Country With Caylee Hammack” on Sirius XM on Prime Country (channel 58).
Bed of Roses Acoustic Tour Dates:
11/13 Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
11/14 Davenport, IA – The Raccoon Motel
11/20 Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
11/21 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
11/22 Chattanooga, TN – Songbirds
Braden Hull Joins The Six Pack Coverage Fall Tour
Braden Hull.
Braden Hull will join The Six Pack Coverage college tour this fall for a run of college town dates.
Since signing with Melody Place in spring 2025, Hull has released four singles with all four earning editorial playlist placements. His next single will be released on Sept. 19.
‘The Six Pack Coverage Fall Tour’
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Friday August 22
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Saturday September 6
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Friday September 12
University Of South Florida Saturday – September 13
Ole Miss, University Of Mississippi – Friday September 26
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Friday October Oct 10
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Saturday Oct 11
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Saturday November 1
University Of Kentucky Saturday – November 8
Long Lost Charley Pride Album Tributes Brook Benton
/by Lorie HollabaughA long lost album from Charley Pride, Endlessly: A Tribute To Brook Benton, is set for release Sept. 19. The album’s first single “Thank You Pretty Baby” is out now on all digital platforms.
In 2017, a couple of forgotten reels were found buried deep in a storage room in Pride’s production office in Dallas. After his death, it was confirmed that the multi-track reels contained the long-lost Brook Benton tribute recordings Pride recorded in the ’80s but never released. In 2021 the tapes were carefully transferred to multi-track digital audio files, and will now be released on Music City Records.
Brimming with vintage country, R&B and pop, the retro-sonic homage to singer/songwriter Benton was originally recorded in Dallas during a brief mid-1980s interlude between Pride’s RCA Records and 16th Avenue Records recording contracts. Endlessly features songs from Brook’s initial 1959-1961 flurry of hits including “It’s Just a Matter of Time,” “Endlessly,” “Thank You Pretty Baby,” “So Close,” “So Many Ways” and “Kiddio.”
The new project marks the 94th birthday of Benton, who exploded on the pop music scene in 1959 with “It’s Just a Matter of Time” and notched a string of 30 Top-40 R&B hits, including several major pop crossovers and Top 10 pop duets with Dinah Washington.