The George Jones Entertainment Complex and Museum, located at 128 Second Avenue North, has been acquired by Nashville-based investor group, Possum Holdings, LLC.

The group purchased the building and operating businesses as well as the George Jones Museum memorabilia and a Master License to the George Jones name, image and likeness. They have partnered with Good Time Design CEO Ty Hauter. Hauter and his team will manage operations for the restaurant, bar, event space and museum.

Possum Holdings principals are comprised of investors committed to preserving and promoting the legacy of George Jones, including principal Paul Jankowski. Jankowski is president of New Heartland Group, which focuses on research and insights, brand strategy, content creation, digital marketing and more.

“George Jones is one of the most iconic figures in country music history. Not only did the real estate intrigue us, but expanding the Jones legacy fueled our interest in building a world class brand,” said Jankowski. “We will offer an authentic Nashville experience, focusing on live music and quality food for tourists and locals alike.”

At four stories, the recently renovated 46,000 square-foot space consists of a restaurant/bar, the George Jones museum, an event space and rooftop bar.

“I poured my heart and soul into building a premier destination for George’s fans in a way that he would have loved,” said George Jones’ wife Nancy. “I look forward to continuing to meet George’s fans and am so thankful for all the people who have visited the museum over the last year and a half.”

Work on the new Virgin Hotels Nashville, slated to be built in the Music Row area at the corner of Division Street and 17th Ave. S., will begin in April 2017, according to an update from Virgin Hotels. The Buccini/Pollin Group and BPGS Construction have signed on to develop the property, which is planned to open in Summer 2019.

Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels, commented, “Virgin Hotels is growing at an exciting yet strategic rate, and as we continue expanding it’s crucial we align ourselves with partners that truly understand our vision. The team at Buccini/Pollin Group and BPGS are a prime example of that, and we’re thrilled to bring this hotel to life with them as our partners.”

The new build hotel will feature 260 chambers, multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the brand’s flagship space, The Commons Club, a rooftop lounge with an infinity pool, gym, and 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Nashville joins upcoming Virgin Hotels developments in Dallas, Palm Springs, New York, Silicon Valley and more, with a hotel currently open in Chicago.

Tracy Lawrence Celebrates 11th Annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry

Tracy Lawrence Stands with Titans Cheerleaders at 11th Annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry. Photo: Jon-Paul Bruno

Tracy Lawrence held his 11th annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry Tuesday, Nov. 22 to benefit Nashville Rescue Mission.

Later that evening, Lawrence was joined by Big & Rich, Ben Rue, Jerrod Niemann and Halfway to Hazard for the second annual Tracy Lawrence Mission: Possible Charity Concert at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. During the concert, Lawrence revealed a new homeless fundraising initiative he will be launching in May 2017, the Mission: Possible Golf Tournament and Charity Concert, a partnership with WSM that will benefit Lebanon, Tennessee’s Brooks House and the Nashville Rescue Mission. The Brooks House is a non-denominational, faith-based transitional, non-emergency shelter where women and children receive temporary shelter.

Funds raised by the singer at his annual event have helped provide more than 75,000 meals to those in need, and more than 5,000 turkeys have been fried and donated to the Mission.

Tracy Lawrence (L) Participates in Turkey Frying. Photo: Jon-Paul Bruno

Sam Hunt, Florida Georgia Line Team With Musicians On Call

Musicians On Call is set to launch its first Deck The Halls Campaign, with some help from Florida Georgia Line, DNCE, Sara Evans, Sam Hunt, Trey Songz, Band of Merrymakers and more.

These artists personally designed limited-edition holiday sweaters that are for sale at musiciansoncall.org. Proceeds from the sale of the sweaters will help MOC to continue to deliver the healing power of music to patients across the country. The campaign also feature a holiday gift auction, including signed guitars and memorabilia and VIP experiences from more than 25 artists including Ed Sheeran, Kelly Clarkson, Reba, and more. The auction runs through Dec. 8 at ebay.com.

Vince Gill And More Team For Homeless Charity Benefit Concert

Vince Gill

Vince Gill, Jim Lauderdale, Alan O’Bryant, Tim O’Brien, Valerie Smith and more will gather to help charity Room in The Inn. Sam Jackson will emcee.

The 17th annual Christmas Bluegrass Benefit Concert For The Homeless will take place Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at The Station Inn. A $15 minimum donation at the door is welcome. Attendees are also encouraged to bring items to donate, such as soap, shampoo, new socks, combs, toothbrushes and toothpaste.