The National Music Publishers’ Association has elected Kenny MacPherson to its Board of Directors. As the Founder and President of Big Deal Music Group, Kenny oversees all operations from their headquarters in Los Angeles including their offices in New York, Nashville and London.

“We are very excited our Board has elected Kenny,” NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said. “I know he is deeply passionate about protecting music creators, and I’m thrilled he will be at the table while we work towards that goal.” Israelite added, “Kenny’s rapid growth of Big Deal is a testament to his skill at finding and shepherding talent. His history as a songwriter advocate and business innovator will be a huge asset to us as we work to improve the music licensing landscape so companies like his can thrive.”

“I am honored to have been elected to serve alongside my peers at the NMPA,” said MacPherson. “The NMPA plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of songwriters and I am thrilled to be able to contribute in any way I can.”

Prior to forming Big Deal Music Group, MacPherson served as President and Senior Executive of Chrysalis Music Division North America, a company he joined in 2001. While at Chrysalis, Kenny and his team signed such acts as Ray LaMontagne, My Morning Jacket, OutKast, St. Vincent, Afghan Whigs, and Dan Wilson. He got his start in publishing in the early 80s, forming Redhead Music Publishing, a venture between Rondor music and Mismanagement, the company that managed Supertramp and other superstars. In 1989, he went to Warner/Chappell, running the company’s New York offices, later moving to the L.A. headquarters. During his 13 years at WCM, MacPherson signed such artists as Radiohead, Underworld, Paul Westerberg, Afghan Whigs, BRMC and the Blue Nile. He began his music career as a concert manager at Glasgow’s Apollo Theatre before becoming Billy Connolly’s tour manager.

Nashville-based Iconic Entertainment Group has announced the addition of Alicia Jones, who will serve as day-to-day manager for Kelsea Ballerini, the rising star whose debut album, The First Time, banked three consecutive No. 1 songs and recently released her sophomore album, Unapologetically. Jones previously managed the day-to-day career of Montgomery Gentry for nearly 10 years.

“I’m so glad to have Alicia on board. Her experience is going to be a huge asset,” says Fletcher Foster, president and CEO, Iconic Entertainment Group. “She is incredibly driven, and her passion for the artists she works with is evident. I know she’ll be an invaluable asset to the team and I’m thrilled to have her on board.”

Jones spent the first 3.5 years of her career at Hi-Fi Fusion, a boutique digital marketing company founded by industry veteran Todd Cassetty. From there, she went on to spend just over three years working with Mike Robertson Management assisting on the careers of Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband, Carolina Rain, Patty Loveless and Wade Hayes. This led to an opportunity with John Dennis to manage the day-to-day careers of Montgomery Gentry for the last 9.5 years. There she helped secure and manage endorsement deals, managed social media, creative, tour marketing and A&R for Montgomery Gentry’s last album, as well as their philanthropic efforts.

Jones is a native of Maple Hill, North Carolina and holds a B.S. in Interior Design from Meredith College.

Luck Reunion has revealed the lineup for its 2018 festival taking place at Willie Nelson‘s ranch in Luck, Texas, on March 15. In partnership with Southwest Airlines and anchored by a headlining set by Willie and his family, Luck Reunion will welcome more than 40 artists from a wide range of genres, including: Particle Kid, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Kurt Vile, Nikki Lane, Waxahatchee, Josh Ritter, Lily Hiatt, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ezra Furman, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and many more.

Luck Reunion and Southwest made an early trip to Luck, Texas, to reveal the 2018 Reunion performers and the Southwest Artist On The Rise To Luck competition finalists. As the cameras rolled, comedian Billy Wayne Davis and 2017’s Artist On The Rise, Devon Gilfillian, took over the Luck World Headquarters to make the big announcement with the help of some special guests. Davis called Josh Hedley to let him know he’d landed the gig and, impressively, managed to get Willie himself on the line. Artists in the running for the On The Rise To Luck competition include: Mt. Joy from Los Angeles, Thomas Csorba from Houston, Marty O’Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra from San Francisco, Kirby Brown from Dallas, and Hugh Masterson from Milwaukee. Fans can vote for their choice at southwest.fm/luck-reunion-2018.