Blake Shelton Launches Las Vegas Residency

Blake Shelton kicked off his “Blake Shelton: Live in Las Vegas Residency” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on yesterday (Jan. 15), delivering a nearly two-hour performance that included many of his 31 No. 1 singles and current chart-topper “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’.”

 

CMHOFM Hosts Writers Round With Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson & Dallas Wilson

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a songwriter round with The Heart Wranglers, the writing trio consisting of Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson, earlier this week.

The trio has been nominated by the Recording Academy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music for their multi-Platinum co-writes including the singles “Heart Like a Truck,” “Somewhere Over Laredo,” “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” and “Whirlwind.”

The program was offered in support of the museum’s exhibition “Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails,” which runs through June.

 

Bourgeois Guitars Unveils Luke Bryan Signature Series

Bourgeois Guitars has unveiled two guitars created in collaboration with Luke Bryan.

The Luke Bryan Signature Limited Edition guitar is crafted with black walnut from Bryan’s Tennessee farm, with only 30 of these guitars available. The collection also includes the companion model, The Luke Bryan Touchstone Edition, which features a similar look without Flint Rock Farms Black Walnut.

“The Luke Bryan Limited Edition celebrates our shared love of homegrown products, homegrown music, and guitars that feel deeply personal,” says Dana Bourgeois. “These instruments began as trees on Luke’s farm. Now, after a managed harvest, Luke’s walnut will live on in the hands of players around the world.”

 

FlyteVu & Belmont University Unveil Inaugural F.L.O.C.K Internship Class

FlyteVu and Belmont University have unveiled the inaugural F.L.O.C.K internship class, which consists of Kaleb Cruz (Creative Design Intern), Grace Fields (Creative Copywriter Intern), Presley Kane (Accounts Intern), Simon Rice (Public Relations Intern) and Megan Satterthwaite (Talent & Partnerships Intern).

“F.L.O.C.K. is about more than internships — it’s about nurturing a community of bold thinkers, innovators, and culture shapers,” says Laura Hutfless, Co-Founder and CEO at FlyteVu. “Partnering with Belmont University allows us to connect with driven students across various disciplines who are ready to push boundaries and make an impact in the world.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with FlyteVu on F.L.O.C.K.,” adds Brittany Schaffer, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont. “Having worked with FlyteVu firsthand as a client, I know the level of creativity, strategy and excellence they bring to every campaign. That makes this collaboration especially meaningful—our students are learning from the best of the best as they collaborate across disciplines on a live client campaign and pitch directly to brand executives. When our students are trusted to create at that level from day one, they develop the confidence and capabilities that set them apart as creative professionals.”

 

My Furry Valentine! Benefit Show Slated For Feb. 12

Porter Howell, Sonny LeMaire, Mae Estes and Shawn Camp are set to take the stage at “My Furry Valentine Love Songs Saving Lives,” benefitting Pet Community Center.

The show is set for Feb. 12 at the Troubadour. General admission seating is first come, first serve and tickets are available now.

“My Furry Valentine brings together the heart of Nashville’s songwriting community and our shared love for animals,” says Brandon Dyce, CEO of Pet Community Center. “With four incredible songwriters on one stage, this night isn’t just about great music—it’s about giving dogs and cats the chance to live healthier, happier lives through access to veterinary care. So many families love their pets deeply but struggle to afford the care they need, and every ticket sold helps close that gap for pets who need us most.”

 

Jimmy Bowen Launches Season 11 Of Jimmy Bowen & Friends

Jimmy Bowen has launched season 11 of Jimmy Bowen & Friends.

Filmed live at The Troubadour Nashville, this season’s guest artists include Billy Dean, Derryl Perry, Hilljack, James Dupré, Jamie O’Neal, John Conlee, Larry Cordle, Maddye Trew, Rockland Road, Ruby Leigh, T.G. Sheppard and Troy Castellano.

“Hosting Jimmy Bowen & Friends has truly been one of the greatest joys of my career,” Bowen shares. “Every season feels like a new adventure, and I’m grateful for the incredible team that’s stood with me since the beginning. As we step into Season 11, I’m energized by how far the show has come and even more excited for where it’s headed. Our band, our amazing guest artists, and the fans who tune in each week are what make this journey so special. We’re bringing more music, more heart, and more unforgettable moments than ever. I can’t wait for everyone to experience what we’ve created this season.”

 

Brandon Monson Joins Aligned Talent Agency

Brandon Monson, founder and lead member of Presence Music, has joined Aligned Talent Agency as a Booking Agent. The agency represents artists including Ryan Stevenson, Dan Bremnes, 7eventh Time Down and Love & the Outcome, among others.

“Aligned Talent Agency has built something special by putting relationships, integrity, and ministry first. I’m honored to step into this role and come alongside artists, churches, and events in a way that serves everyone well,” says Monson. “Having lived on the road, served in the local church, and worked in the business world, I’m passionate about helping artists find opportunities that truly align with their calling not just their calendar.”

“We’re incredibly excited to be working with Brandon. He and Presence Music have been a fantastic addition to Aligned Talent Agency, and Brandon brings a contagious passion and dedication to everything he does,” adds Tim Robinson, founder of Aligned Talent Agency. “His unique perspective as an artist, pastor, and business professional allows him to serve with both excellence and empathy, and we believe he will be a tremendous advocate for the artists and ministries we represent.”

Norman’s Rare Guitars, the L.A. vintage guitar shop owned by industry legend Norman Harris, has been acquired by TNAG Global, the Nashville-based parent company of Carter Vintage Guitars and Cotten Music Center.

The announcement comes a year after the release of the Norman’s Rare Guitars documentary on Netflix, which highlighted the shop’s future and Harris’ legacy in the music industry. Since acquiring Carter Vintage Guitars in 2022, TNAG Global has maintained the culture, caliber and legacy of the shop and its founders, and increased sales by 233%. With the acquisition of Norman’s Rare Guitars, TNAG Global plans to continue the 50-year legacy built by Harris.

“I’ve always known there would come a time when I needed the right long-term partner to carry Norman’s Rare Guitars forward,” says Harris, founder of Norman’s Rare Guitars. “I couldn’t imagine a better steward for the shop and its legacy than Ben Montague and TNAG Global. The goal has always been to share my love of great guitars with the community, and this partnership allows that community to grow,while protecting everything that makes the shop special. I feel a deep sense of comfort knowing the shop, its history and its values will still be here for future generations of my family and for guitar lovers around the world.”

The TNAG Global acquisition includes the store’s full inventory of more than 1,000 guitars, as well as Harris’ personal and private collection, which spans over 50 years. Norm’s customers will now have the opportunity to consign their guitars with Carter Vintage Guitar’s revered consignment and authentication model, maximizing their profit while reaching an unmatched audience. Through TNAG Global’s proprietary instrument management system, The Exchange, Norman’s Rare Guitars will become accessible to a global audience of buyers, sellers and collectors.

“Norman’s Rare Guitars is the most iconic guitar shop in the world, and we are honored to help extend its story into the future,” says Montague, founder and CEO of TNAG Global. “Our responsibility with this acquisition is simple: Protect what makes the shop special, ensure the business thrives beyond its founder and give Norman the freedom to step back whenever he chooses, knowing the legacy is secure.

“California is one of the most important guitar markets in the world, and we believe there is enormous opportunity to bring a truly dialed-in, trusted consignment model to the West Coast. At TNAG Global, customer obsession is the driving force behind everything we build. We create environments where guitar lovers, collectors and musicians can walk into an iconic store —in Nashville or Los Angeles —and feel taken care of at the highest level, both in person and online.”

Harris will remain actively involved in the business as founding ambassador, continuing to source instruments and welcome visitors to the shop for as long as he wishes. The team at Norman’s Rare Guitars will remain in place, continuing to offer the same expertise, personality and community atmosphere the store has been known for since its founding.

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country has unveiled the first round of performers on the lineup for its eighth annual event in Napa Valley on April 21–23.

The private food and wine event presented by Forefront Networks pairs intimate performances from leading and emerging artists with Napa Valley’s revered vintners and world-renowned chefs in a unique luxury environment. The 2026 lineup will feature a headlining set from The Marcus King Band along with performances from The Braun Brothers, Kaitlin Butts, Zach John King, Lauren Watkins, Waylon Wyatt, Will Bundy, Abbie Callahan, Logan Crosby, Tiera Kennedy and McCoy Moore, with more to be announced.

The week begins at the Welcome Reception, presented by Lucchese Bootmaker, where guests are invited into a curated Lucchese experience. The Welcome Reception will be followed by intimate dinner performances set against the backdrop of Napa Valley. Day two introduces a taste of Texas to wine country with a Texas Music Scene Tailgate before the evening transitions to the historic Uptown Theatre for an unforgettable night of live music. The Texas Music Scene Tailgate will also serve as the setting for a live taping of Texas Music Scene, the long-running TV series known for standout performances across the country and Americana landscape. Day three concludes with a Farewell Brunch performance.

Vince Gill has been named the 2026 recipient of the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize and will formally receive the honor on May 6.

Named in honor of the revered visual historian and filmmaker, the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize was created by American Prairie to recognize individuals whose achievements have advanced our collective understanding of America’s heritage and the indomitable spirit of the American people. Nominees for the annual prize consist of visionary artists, authors, educators, filmmakers, historians, and scientists, and candidates are chosen by a National Jury of distinguished leaders who represent communities across the country and share a common appreciation of America’s heritage.

“Vince Gill is most deserving of this prize, and he represents the enduring power of American music to tell us who we are,” says Burns. “Like the prairie itself, his songs are shaped by patience, humility, and a deep respect for the people. I know what it is to be formed by the spirit of a place—how it asks you to listen closely, to honor what came before, and to submit, in the best sense of the word, to something larger than yourself. Vince has done this throughout his life and work, and in doing so, he has given us a truer understanding of our shared American heritage.”

“American Heritage Prize is an incredible honor and what inspiring company to be in,” says Gill about his selection. “The work American Prairie is doing to preserve America’s Great Plains is invaluable, and I’m grateful to be able to contribute to their efforts in any way I can. Over the years I have had the opportunity to collaborate and become good friends with Ken, and that in itself has been a great experience. This new relationship is one I’m very much looking forward to.”

In 2026, American Prairie celebrates 25 years as a 100% donor-funded organization working to connect, conserve, and share Montana’s Northern Great Plains – one of the last remaining temperate grasslands in the world. Grasslands are a vital yet vanishing biome, and they play a huge role in the planet’s health. Across the globe, less than 2% of temperate grasslands have been permanently conserved, making them the least protected biome on Earth.

Past recipients of the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize include David McCullough, Maya Lin, N. Scott Momaday, Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Chin, Kristine McDivitt Tompkins and Sylvia Earle.