Tauren Wells is returning to host the 56th Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards for the third consecutive year. The awards are set to take place Oct. 7 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are on sale now. The worldwide broadcast will premiere Oct. 10, exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app.

“Hosting the Dove Awards in 2023 and 2024 was such an incredible experience. I’m so excited to run it back this year when we bring it to Bridgestone Arena. It’s going to be a great night!” says Wells.

The GMA also revealed the itinerary for its annual Music City Fan Experience which includes a new artist showcase featuring the 2025 class of New Artist Of The Year Nominees and Night of Worship, a river cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat including a songwriters showcase and stunning views of Nashville, a hotel stay at the Sheraton Grand Nashville, a ticket to the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

In celebration of the upcoming awards, Dove Awards Rewind: Favorite Moments from Christian Music’s Biggest Night will premiere July 25 on TBN and TBN+.

Harrison Hackett has inked a publishing deal with Story House Collective and Essential Music Publishing.

“We’re excited to welcome Harrison Hackett to Story House,” shares Story House Collective Founder Matthew West. “From the moment I heard his work, it was clear he has a unique talent. Harrison’s authenticity and lyrical strength are exactly what we value here, and I’m confident his future is incredibly bright. I’m looking forward to watching his career soar.”

“I’ve always known, since I was a kid, that music and songwriting are a huge part of what God made me to do,” says Hackett. “The Lord has given me a gift — to tell my story, to help others tell theirs and to use that gift to spread the Gospel of Jesus. God clearly led me to Story House and Essential Music Publishing, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what He does through this partnership.”

The California native moved to Nashville at the age of two and began writing songs by the age of 12. With a passion for faith-based music, Hackett recently wrote a string of songs for Cory Asbury.

Following seven years of experience in artist management, A&R and digital marketing, Kohl Almire has launched a new artist management company called Under Color. His roster includes Kobalt singer-songwriter Maddie Medley and Charlie Holt, former bassist of Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

As one of the few transgender artist managers in the music industry, Almire is passionate about building a home for artists that celebrates identity and protects creative freedom, a unique viewpoint that earned him a spot in the highly competitive 2025 Equal Access cohort, an accelerator program led by mtheory.

“Under Color translates to ‘under belly’ – aka the underbelly of an animal. To me it means practicing the ‘soft side’ of artist management,” Almire explains. “The projects I do best on are the ones where the artist has a strong creative vision and pulls me in to supplement it. It’s about meeting artists where they are, helping them orchestrate dream projects, and finding meaningful ways to connect with their audience.”

“Kohl brings seven years of deep, varied experience in the music industry—and with Under Color, he’s channeling that knowledge into something powerful,” says mtheory’s CEO, Cameo Carlson. “As a trans man and a strategic, creative force, he’s redefining what leadership looks like in Nashville. His perspective isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. mtheory is proud to be part of his journey through the Equal Access program and beyond, and we believe his voice will help shape a more dynamic and forward-thinking future for our entire industry. Under Color reflects the future of artist management: fearless, visionary and unapologetically original.”

Prior to launching his own company, Almire spent over six years at Red Light Management, where he served as a day-to-day manager and helped shape digital campaigns for major artists including Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Brent Cobb, Moon Taxi, Jessy Wilson, Grouplove, 99 Neighbors and Maddie Medley.

Evie Grace Fowler has joined Black River Publishing as Creative Coordinator.

“Evie brings an amazing energy to our creative team,” shares Black River Publishing’s Vice President of Publishing, Rebekah Gordon. “Over the past year, she’s truly proven herself to be a valuable asset during her time as an intern. She’s well connected and deeply involved in the Nashville music community, and her passion and drive make her such a great fit for Black River and our incredibly talented roster of writers.”

A Belmont University alum, Fowler previously interned at Black River Publishing. During her time at Belmont, she served as Co-President of the Belmont University Songwriters Association, and participated in BMI’s 2024 Catalog Cast.

“I am thrilled to officially join the Black River Publishing team and to have the opportunity to champion such an amazing roster of songwriters,” adds Fowler. “Rebekah and Sarah [Hudspeth] have been so kind to take me under their wings, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside them.”

Fowler is already on the job, based in the company’s Nashville office reporting to Gordon. She can be reached at efowler@blackriverent.com.

Old Dominion Hosts Blues Brothers Reunion At Windy City Smokeout

Old Dominion was joined by Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi on-stage at Windy City Smokeout for a special reunion of the cult classic film, The Blues Brothers. Taking the form of their characters Jake and Elwood Blues, the duo sat in with the band for a special performance of “Hotel Key.”

“We got a special little treat for you…” Matthew Ramsey of the band said from the stage. “It’s kind of a big deal… we got some American icons for you…We got legends coming out on the stage…All the way from Calumet City, Illinois… the Bluuuuuuuuuuues Brothers!”

 

Shenandoah Performs On Fox & Friends

Shenandoah performed its iconic No. 1 hit “Two Dozen Roses” on Fox & Friends over the weekend. Originally scheduled to appear earlier in the week, the band’s performance was delayed due to the flooding in Texas.

“We want to thank Emily Compagno and all of our friends at Fox for making this wonderful appearance possible,” explained Marty Raybon, founding member of the band. “Fandango! Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Texas who were affected by the terrible floods. God Bless Texas!”

 

NSAI Hosts FBI Personnel For Cyber Security Briefing

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) recently hosted personnel from the FBI Nashville Field Office for a music industry briefing about cyber security and threats, focusing on both preventive measures and what to do if you are the victim of such attacks.

 

Tiera Kennedy Visits CMHOFM Songwriting Camp

Tiera Kennedy visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s intermediate-to-advanced songwriting camp as a guest artist, where she answered questions about her career and songwriting and performed her song “Found It in You.” Songwriting camp at the museum offers budding songwriters from ages 11 to 18 an opportunity to hone their craft, learn from professionals and meet likeminded peers.

 

Grace Bowers Signs With IMG Models

Grace Bowers, award-winning guitarist, singer/songwriter and bandleader, has signed with IMG Models to secure opportunities in the fashion and beauty space.

Gaining traction during the pandemic, Bowers has performed at the Grammy Awards, CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live and more as well as spent the last year touring with The Red Clay Strays, Gary Clark Jr., Slash, and The Roots. She continues to be represented by WME and managed by Scooter Weintraub, Pam Wertheimer and Pam Adams at W Management.